Raptors and other large birds utilize the updrafts created by hot air masses to gain altitude while conserving energy. Similar to the way sailboats can tack into the wind, birds are able to maneuver within a rising column of air, called “dynamic soaring”. There’s some debate about how birds find thermals but once one is found, other birds take notice and join the ride. This thermal had ravens, turkey vultures, red-shouldered hawks, red-tailed hawks and a young golden eagle. A delicate balance of amicable shared endeavor and testy little jostlings for space.
