As a pilot and a falconer I have often wondered what it would be like to see what my hawk sees while in flight. A friend of mine sent this link this morning…sometimes you do get what you ask for! The two birds featured in this video are the Peregrine Falcon and the Goshawk.
The Falco peregrinus or Peregrine Falcon is the fastest bird on record. It achieves speed of 175 miles per hour and more while in a stoop, or a wing-tucked dive. These remarkable falcons were given Endangered Species status following their near extinction from the pesticide DDT and following a successful rehabilitation effort were removed from the list in 1999. Much to the excitement of falconers in the USA, the DNR allowed the wild-capture of a small number of Peregrine faclons for use in falconry just this year.
The Accipiter gentilis or Goshawk, is the largest member of the genus Accipiter. Despite its relative size, the Northern Goshawk exhibits unbelievable aerial prowess. The Goshawk can be very persistent in pursuing its prey, sometimes chasing for up to 60 minutes! It’s no wonder that Attila the Hun, Emperor of the Huns from 434-453 AD, had a Goshawk painted on his helmet (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attila_the_Hun).
Enough history, check this video out. Warning: the flights you are about to witness put any aircraft that we technologically-advanced human beings have ever produced to shame:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-_RHRAzUHM&feature=player_embedded
[…] Here’s the link: https://hawkheaven.wordpress.com/2010/03/09/peregrine-falcon-goshawk-masters-of-the-air/ […]
A “10 G” turn???!!! That’s amazing.
I remember riding with an A-Star Helicopter Pilot in Alaska and asking, “what can this thing really do?” (It was just the Pilot and myself so we had a bit more freedom to explore) With that he made a big bank turn and I simply passed out. When I came “back to life” he was naturally laughing – that was “1 G” he said. “1 G” that’s all? I cried,…..”how much can you handle?” Turns out, the average pilot can maintain senses at around “3 G’s”. If this is true, or even if we double it, say “6 G’s”…..that doesn’t even come close to “10 G’s”. And that’s just one indicator of the prowess of a Peregrine – WOW!
Simply beautiful creatures!
Wow!! That’s incredible! Thanks for sharing.
that was great
will pass it on
thanks
The flight through the woodlands was amazing. thanks
Gregg- My ebook “The man who saw too many goshawks” is available at http://www.smashwords.com. The best- Nelson Briefer- Anacortes, WA. http://www.goshawkspugetsound.blogspot.com.