24 October 2023
On 18 October whereas Jim McCollum was taking photographs of the Hays bald eagles a raven confirmed up and commenced to harass the new male eagle, nicknamed “V.”
10/18 – The brand new fella went for a fly about and bought jumped by a Raven. The Raven chased him all around the sky. This man must work on his preventing abilities.
Jim’s photographs had been shared to the 40 Acres a.ok.a. Hays Woods Lovers Fb group the place Dave Dutzik remembered a narrative about crows that piqued my curiosity.
Somewhat tidbit I learn not too long ago. Crows will lite on eagles backs and peck at their necks. The eagles don’t battle again simply soar greater and better till for lack of oxygen the crow passes out and falls off the eagles again. I’m unsure in regards to the validity nevertheless it’s a superb story!
Is it a real story? Let’s look into it.
At what altitude does lack of oxygen have an effect on birds?
Birds are the champions of excessive altitude and might breed and train (fly) at altitudes that kill people. Some species are so nicely tailored to excessive altitude that they fly as excessive as a jet, over the Himalayas the place people die with out supplemental oxygen.
Migrating birds within the Caribbean(*) are largely noticed round 10,000 toes, though some are discovered half and a few twice that top. Typically long-distance migrants appear to begin out at about 5,000 toes after which progressively climb to round 20,000 toes.
(*) Migrating birds within the Caribbean = warblers!
Is lack of oxygen the rationale why the crow leaves the eagle? No. The crow leaves as a result of the eagle is not a menace or as a result of the crow is drained.
How excessive can a crow, a raven and a bald eagle fly?
So the higher query is: How excessive can a raven fly? Can a bald eagle observe him?
For extra data see Excessive-altitude champions: birds that dwell and migrate at altitude and this classic article.
(photographs by Jim McCollum)
