10/16/2026
SLOW THE FLOCK DOWN!!!
WHY?
Birds of prey—such as hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons—are heavy-bodied birds built for gliding and diving rather than instant, vertical takeoffs. When they are feeding on roadside carrion, hunting in ditches, or perched on low fence posts, their initial departure requires significant time and runway.
Why Raptors Need Extra Space
Body Mass & Wing Mechanics: Unlike smaller songbirds that can spring into the air almost instantly, large raptors need several wingbeats to lift their weight and gain altitude.
Ground Takeoffs: Taking off from flat ground is physically demanding. A hawk or eagle starting at road level must fly low across the lane before gaining height, often placing it directly in the path of oncoming vehicles.
Focus on Prey: When actively feeding or locking onto potential prey, raptors experience single-target focus, drastically reducing their awareness of fast-approaching traffic until the last second.
Gorge Restraint: A raptor that has just fed is substantially heavier, making its flight response even slower than usual.
What Drivers Can Do
Scan the Shoulders and Ditches: Look ahead for wildlife near road edges, particularly near open fields, tree lines, or roadkill.
Reduce Speed Early: As soon as you spot a raptor on or near the road, ease off the accelerator to give both yourself and the bird extra reaction time.
Give Space: Shift over within your lane (or into an adjacent lane if safe to do so) to extend the buffer distance between your vehicle and the bird.
Avoid Sudden Honking: High-decibel blasts can panic the bird, causing it to flush directly into traffic rather than away from the road.
