You didn't much like
Raptorize and were hoping for something about real raptors (not F-22 fighters), therefore I am pleased to give you the goods on
Birds of Prey. Raptors are
birds that hunt (or scavenge) for meat, not plant life, and share several
physical traits (although they can vary in size from
miniature (pygmy) owls to
Andean condors).
Eagles and
hawks (
accipitridae), among the
largest birds of prey in the United States),
falcons (
falconidae),
condors,
harriers,
kites,
ospreys (
pandionidae),
owls (
tytonidae and
strigidae),
secretary birds (
sagittariidae) and
vultures (
cathartidae) are all raptors; all have hooked beaks,
fantastic visual
acuity and
sharp talons. The word raptor comes from the Latin
rapere (to seize),
apt description of their
hunting style. Raptor
breeders abound, as do raptor associations (quite a list at the
Global Raptor Information Network).
Rescue and
rehabilitation organizations
nurse injured raptors back to health; you can
Adopt-a-Bird, and even donate regularly to help the birds via your very own
Raptor Center Credit Card. Failing that, you can always
help others
learn more about
conservation of these
magnificent and
beautiful creatures. And if you are super keen, you can attend the
Winter Raptor Fest 2011.
[more inside]
posted by bwg
on Dec 14, 2010 -
22 comments
Open air sports stadiums often have issues with
birds,
insects, and other wildlife. Common preventative measures include
ultrasonic devices and bird
netting. But Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - one of the venues for the 2010 World Cup - has taken an all-natural approach. It is working with the Urban Raptor Project to install
raptors, bats, and owls to
patrol the stadium for various pests, while a
trained peregrine falcon chases away crows. This is not a new technique -
Millennium Stadium in Wales has long used a
Harris Hawk for bird control. But according to the NMB stadium manager, it "is the only stadium with a programme like this in place as a pest deterrent".
posted by gemmy
on May 31, 2010 -
12 comments
The RAPTOR Mark III - "The RAPTOR Mark III is the fastest and most versatile security vehicle in the world. It mounts a devastating choice of firepower as well as a comprehensive assortment of non-lethal weapons, all interchangeable and deployed through a retractable top."
You in the Hummer 2! Hold on a second...
via William Gibson's blog
posted by GriffX
on Jun 13, 2003 -
24 comments
The F-22 Raptor is the next generation fighter for the United States. At nearly 97 million each, it will be deployed in 2004.This
site gives a remarkably detailed report regarding its design and function. Including such gems as "first-look, first-shot, first-kill capability" and " Humans are good differentiators, but they are poor integrators."
posted by JohnR
on Dec 19, 2002 -
53 comments