BY: Connie M. Thompson, Barbeau Birder If you have been to the movies at all in the last decade, you probably know that raptor is short for velociraptor - a ferocious pack-hunting dinosaur from the Jurassic Park films. Of course in the birding world a raptor is something much different. I have referred now and then to a "raptor's world" or spoken from a "raptor's point of view." Simply, a raptor is a bird of prey. It is only one of many types of species of birds but it is a large family which includes hawks, owls, falcons and eagles - all of which "prey" on other animals or birds for their daily sustenance. Raptor hunting techniques are varied and ornithologists are still discovering more every decade. The six main hunting techniques are as follows: 1) HOVERING - This requires that the raptor be able to hold position in mid-air over the ground (anywhere from a foot to 30 foot up), hovering in place with rapid, short wingbeats. Rough-legged hawks, osprey and kestrils are experts at this technique and there are fewer more spectacular sights than an osprey suddenly plunging into the hard waters' surface from a position where its been hovering over the water. 2) COURSING - This technique does not look like hunting, but it is an effective tactic. The raptor flies at a low altitude, over grassy or tall weedy areas, slowly flapping or at other times just merely gliding along. Northern harriers excel at this and few fields are exempt from their steely gaze and their graceful searching, soaring flight a few feet above the weed tops. 3) STOOPING - This technique is particularly well-known, as it has been featured many times on nature channels and in other wildlife feature programs on the television. It involves a raptor entering into a steep, spectacular dive from a high altitude to explode in a flurry of talons and feathers onto its chosen prey. The peregrine falcon has established a reputation for incredible dives and has been clocked on radar at well over 120 miles per hour! Generally the raptor is so high in the air that its intended prey is totally unaware of its presence. By the time the prey has become suspicious, it's usually too late. A local observer at the Soo Locks has mentioned gyrfalcons hunting pigeons and gulls in this manner from the International Bridge and the accompanying railroad bridge. 4) KITING - This technique is a form of hunting from a flat, rhythmic flight. The raptor does not appear to be hunting until it suddenly spies a movement below it. A quick twist of a wing feather or the tail produces a sudden turn and the prey is pounced upon in an instant. Eagles use a form of kiting when searching for fish in the water below them. 5) PERCHING - This is a common hunting technique and one that is quite effective. As its name implies, the raptor is usually "perched" and sits and waits for its prey to show itself. Of course, in the meantime the raptor is constantly listening and watching all the while that it is waiting. Many observers have seen kestrils perched on utility lines waiting for a sign of a mouse or vole, or a red-tail hawk sitting on the bare limbs of a tree watching the surrounding fields. Owls are the true masters of this technique, as many of them hunt in total darkness as well. They use their overlarge eyes and supremely excellent hearing to compensate for the lack of light while they are "perched" waiting for a sign of movement in the surrounding area. 6) FLYCATCHING - This hunting technique involves grabbing insects in mid-air with the feet. Kites are famous for this method, although other raptors are also known to use it. Many raptors will use a combination of these techniques to hunt with and vary their methods due to weather or other circumstances. There have been times when raptors have been persecuted for their "evil" hunting ways and many birders are appalled at their seeming viciousness and ruthlessness. In reality, raptors face incredible odds in their hunt for survival and, especially in young birds that are just learning, their number one cause of death is starvation. The peregrine falcon that I mentioned earlier is one of the more successful hunters as it will generally get its prey one time out of every three strikes. Raptors are not cruel by nature or especially vicious - instead they use their bills, talons and stealth effectively, just as nature has evolved them to do. And, I must hasten to add, they play a huge role in keeping down the number of mice, rats, voles, moles and other "undesirables," which is not something I consider to be a bad thing. All text copyright of Connie Thompson December 2002 To report any bird sightings or anecdotes, please call me evenings at 906-635-5336 or write to: 14488 S. Ridge Rd., Dafter, MI 49724