|
Hi!
Has any study been done regarding the S.T.Swifts.
Since seeing these birds a couple of days ago a number of puzzling questions
have arisen which I would appreciate answers if there is any
available.
The reason for their fantastic speed as
it would seem to be a bit of overkill, unlike a raptor for instance, or is
this to enable them, (A) to travel vast distances in search of
food (B) keep pace with the storm front (C) are they feeding when zooming
around at the speed of sound or is this just searching for food.? (D)If they are
feeding, is it only small midge like prey? as any larger would surely do
harm at the speed they fly or do they have a protective throat
membrane?. (E) are these birds feeding only when they are in the
fluttering and swooping mode enabling them to take larger
prey.
Taking into account the large compact
body accompanied by the huge wings, is this the ariel version of
the oceanic albatross ?,(which is rarely seen flying
along just off-shore) the swifts normally feeding in the jet
streams at high altitude and seldom at low level, unless conditions are suitable
such as in storm fronts and such, making them easier to be
spotted.
Cheers
Bob Rusk.
P.S. Could it be that evolution has turned the full
cycle with a bit of miniaturisation here and a bit of expansion there thus
making it entirely possible that Penquins can and indeed do
fly!
| 