Backyard bird watching

[justplugit]

OK I'm stumped, what white bird about the size of a pigeon can
fly 60-65 MPH flying down the highway drafting trucks and cars
weaving in and out of traffic flying between 5-20 ft high for a minimum
of 3 miles then turn and fly west with the traffic as the highway divided????
If my wife and I didn't see it with our own eyes today I would never believe it.

[Raven]

thats a toughy ....but a pergrin falcon comes to mind...
based on the speed ...but scientists have determined that highways do indeed have signifgant usage as land marks used by many species to navigate with.... owls work the highways and some of the smaller ones are white colored and are incredible fliers
. there had to be some kind of pattern to the flying like dipping
~~~~ ------u----- .........'`` and that is a big clue.

[Sweetwater]

Originally Posted by justplugit

OK I'm stumped, what white bird about the size of a pigeon can
fly 60-65 MPH flying down the highway drafting trucks and cars
weaving in and out of traffic flying between 5-20 ft high for a minimum
of 3 miles then turn and fly west with the traffic as the highway divided????
If my wife and I didn't see it with our own eyes today I would never believe it.

Maybe a white dove? Some people have white doves released at weddings and such. They can fly 50-60 mph. The "home" like homing pigeons.

[justplugit]

Rav,it was dipping and flying between cars like a riceburner
cutting in and out of traffic but not the shape of an owl.

SW, you may be right about the dove as it was white and
pigeon shape. Didn't know they could fly that fast.

He looked like he was having fun.
Nature is an amazing thing!

[FishermanTim]

When they are being chased by a raptor, they can really hit the after-burners.
I second the "highway-association" reference as the birds can/will use (vehicle) drafts to their advantage.

[FishermanTim]

Speaking of raptors, the Decorah eagles appear to have left the nest.
There were 2 in the nest yesterday afternoon, and this morning, now there is only one.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to see the actual flights, but they've been testing their wings all last week.

[Raven]

float above my sanctuary daily
of course there's the occasional crow
or two hassling them with the dive bom b
routine... but they simply out maneuver them

[PRBuzz]

Originally Posted by FishermanTim

Speaking of raptors, the Decorah eagles appear to have left the nest.
There were 2 in the nest yesterday afternoon, and this morning, now there is only one.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to see the actual flights, but they've been testing their wings all last week.

Last I checked on them was a week or so ago and they looked ready to go soon. Glad to hear the nest is nearly empty, good luck, Live Long and Prosper to the new eaglets!

[basswipe]

I got a nest right outside my bedroom window and the chick(s) does nothing but chirp from 4am on and I can't take it anymore.

Anybody ever move a nest?Is it advisable to do so?I certainly don't want to harm the bird(s) but someting needs to be done.

[PRBuzz]

Originally Posted by FishermanTim

Speaking of raptors, the Decorah eagles appear to have left the nest.
There were 2 in the nest yesterday afternoon, and this morning, now there is only one.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to see the actual flights, but they've been testing their wings all last week.

Don't think they have actually left the "nest" just expanded their range to the branches of the tree. This morning 2 young'uns and the adult were the focus of activity. Did not see the 3rd but the camera did not show the nest, the youngest may still hang out there.

[Notfishinenuf]

Finally, After having a Purple Martin house up at the house in RI for over 20 years, we have a pair nesting in the house. They are cool to watch. they put on some awesome displays when feeding. They really put on a show. I will bring my camera with me the next time I am up there and post some pics.

Vic