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I get fly-bys from bald eagles in the traffic pattern at an airport I frequent. Even from the cockpit they look enormous. Definitely don’t want one of those mon
by danaliv 6y ago
I get fly-bys from bald eagles in the traffic pattern at an airport I frequent. Even from the cockpit they look enormous. Definitely don’t want one of those monsters to wind up on a leading edge.
Incidentally it’s interesting how many raptors seem to like hanging around in airport traffic patterns. I realize there’s a bit of a selection bias here, but I do work at similar altitudes away from airports and sightings aren’t nearly as common out in the field. I like to think they’re reminding the metal birds who’s boss.
- bengale 6y agoI used to have an office that overlooked an airport (in the UK), and I used to watch the birds of prey taking rabbits off the grass surrounding the runways. Seemed to be a lot of them on there, I guess since its a fairly big area where they don't get disturbed.
- danaliv 6y agoI've wondered if it's something like that—a wide open space where the prey is easier to see.
- soperj 6y agoLikely to do with hot tarmac making it easier to catch a upward current.
- danaliv 6y agoFunny thing is I never see them (or any other raptors) thermaling over pavement, not even factoring in a thermal getting skewed by wind.