Shooting at a bird - how to be sure to hit a flying and sitting target. highest flying birds

Flying like a bird is the dream of every person. Of course, we have aircraft capable of making this dream a reality. A commercial flight can take place at an altitude of 9,000 - 12,500 meters. But some birds can also easily reach such great heights in flight. Below is a list of the 10 highest flying birds in the world.

10. Andean Condor - 4,600 meters

The Andean Condor is a large predator that lives in the highlands and grassy plains of South America. These are large flying birds weighing up to 15 kg. Andean condors have the largest wingspan in the world, reaching up to 3.2 meters. They love to glide in the wind and each bird of this species can reach a height of 4,600 meters. The Andean condor is also a symbol of power, freedom and health. It is the national bird of Bolivia, Colombia, Chile and Ecuador. Unfortunately, the majestic Andean condors are considered an endangered species. Andean condors mainly feed on carrion. They have excellent eyesight and can spot prey by hovering high in the sky. A sharp hooked beak and powerful claws allow them to easily separate meat from bones.

9. White stork - 4,900 meters

The white stork is a popular wading bird known for its long neck, sometimes reaching 13.7 meters. They live in warm regions of Europe and Western and Central Asia. White storks have a wingspan of 2.3 meters and beautiful white plumage. White storks are migratory birds with strong wings. They winter in tropical Africa. Storks migrate in large flocks of up to 1,000 individuals. White storks can reach a maximum height of 4,900 meters.

8. Godwit - 6,100 meters

The godwit is a migratory bird with strong wings, it migrates over long distances. They breed primarily in Alaska and Siberia, and winter in Australia and New Zealand. Cocktails are also known for their ability to make the longest non-stop flights, and hold the record among land birds worldwide. During their epic journey from Alaska to the south, the godwit flies about 11,000 kilometers without rest. These amazing birds fly such a long distance in just 7-8 days. The maximum height reached by godwit is 6,100 meters. The most amazing feature of the godwit is their ability to perform long-distance migrations without rest. They have a length of 4 to 5 meters and a maximum wingspan of 9.5 meters. Compared to other birds, godwit consumes very little energy. They experience less air resistance due to the streamlined body shape.

7. Mallard - 6,400 meters

The mallard is a migratory wild duck found in North America and Europe. Mallards are distinguished by a shimmery green head plumage and a bright yellow beak. Before the beginning of winter, mallards migrate to the south, where it is warm. These ducks usually fly at an altitude of 300 - 1,300 meters, but a case is known when they rose to a height of up to 6,400 meters.

6. Bearded Vulture - 7,400 meters

The bearded vulture is a large bird of prey that lives in the mountainous regions of Southern Europe. Bearded vultures can reach 1.2 meters in height and weigh an average of 5-7 kg. They have a wingspan of 2.5 - 2.7 meters. Large, strong wings allow bearded vultures to soar high above the mountains. They are capable of flying at an altitude of 7,400 meters. Bearded vultures are also known as "bone eaters" as they completely eat the carcass of their prey. They eat small bones whole, and break large ones into small pieces, throwing them from a height onto stones. The acid in the stomach of these birds allows them to easily digest bones.

5. Alpine jackdaw - 7,500 meters

The Alpine Jackdaw is a medium-sized mountain bird that lives in the highlands of Southern Europe and Central Asia. It is also known as the white-billed jackdaw. The alpine jackdaw builds nests at an altitude of approximately 6,500 meters, it is perfectly adapted to survive at such an altitude. Alpine jackdaw has amazing flying abilities, it easily maneuvers between the peaks of the Himalayan mountains. This alpine bird can reach a maximum height of 7,500 meters, and in the winter season it is able to rise even higher.

4. Whooper swan - 8,300 meters

The whooper swan is a large migratory bird, so named because of the sounds it makes. It lives in swampy areas, tundra, lakes and ponds of the South of Eurasia. This bird is distinguished by its long neck and yellow-black beak. In winter, whooper swans migrate to Denmark, Germany and the UK. During migration, they form large flocks, consisting of thousands of individuals. They fly in a school at an altitude of 2,400 meters during their journey to their wintering grounds, but can reach a maximum altitude of 8,300 meters above sea level.

3. Mountain goose - 8,850 meters

The mountain goose is a migratory bird that is capable of reaching a height of 8,850 meters, which is higher than Mount Everest. The mountain goose is native to Central Asia. It is well adapted to fly over the Himalayan peaks where the air pressure is very low. These birds have a larger lung capacity than other geese. Mountain geese are distinguished by the presence of two dark stripes around the head. They live in high mountain lakes throughout Central Asia. They migrate south for the winter and can travel 1,000 miles in one day.

2. Gray crane - 10,050 meters

The gray crane is the second largest flying bird in the world. He is famous for flying over the Himalayas at an altitude of 10,050 meters. The Common Crane, also called the Eurasian Crane, lives in the northern regions of Europe and Asia. The medium-sized bird has a wingspan of 1.8 - 2.4 meters. It winters in North Africa.

1. Ruppel's griffon vulture - 11,300 meters

Ruppel's griffon vulture is the highest flying bird known. This bird can fly at an altitude of 11,300 meters. At this altitude, the oxygen content is very low, but the Griffon Vulture contains a special type of hemoglobin, which makes oxygen consumption more efficient. Ruppel's griffon vulture belongs to the vulture family. They reach 1 meter in length and weigh approximately 7-9 kg. The wingspan of this vulture is 2.3 - 2.5 meters. They can fly at 22 miles per hour and stay in the air for hours. Griffon vultures feed on carrion and have sharp eyesight, noticing prey from a great height.

The largest wingspan...marked by wandering albatross (Diomedea exulas). On September 18, 1965, a very old male with a wingspan of 3.63 m was caught by the crew of the US Navy Antarctic research vessel Eltanin in the Tasman Sea.

Airspeed
French researchers used a radio beacon to determine the range and speed of a flight albatross (Diomedea). It turned out that in 33 days the bird covered a distance of 15,200 km. The average flight speed was 56.1 km per hour, and the maximum - 81.2 km per hour.

The longest-winged birds

1. Wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) - 363 cm
2. Tristan albatross (Diomedea dabbenena) - 350
3. Amsterdam albatross (Diomedea amsterdamensis) - 340
4. Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) - 320
5. African marabou (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) - 320
6. Curly Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) - 320
7. Southern royal albatross (Diomedea epomophora) - 320
8. Kumai (Gyps himalayensis) - 310
9. Pink Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) - 310
10. Black vulture (Aegypius monachus) - 310
11. Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) - 308
12. Northern royal albatross (Diomedea sanfordi) - 305
13. American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) - 300
14. Antipodes albatross (Diomedea antipodensis) - 300
15. African eared vulture (Torgos tracheliotus) - 300
16. Indian marabou (Leptoptilus dubius) - 300 ???
17. Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) - 300
18. California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) - 295
19. Pink-backed pelican (Pelecanus rufescens) - 290
20. Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) - 280
21. Brazilian yabiru (Jabiru mycteria) - 280
22. Indian crane (Grus antigone) - 280
23. Bustard kori (Ardeotis kori) - 275
24. Whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus) - 275
25. Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) - 275
26. Saddle-billed yabiru (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis) - 275

flight of the white goose

Male albatrosses are capable of circumnavigating the globe

… covering a distance of 14,000 miles in just 46 days. On Bird Island in South Georgia, where the grey-headed albatross breeds, several birds were caught with special geolocator devices attached to their legs. With their help, scientists found that from the coast of South Georgia, the birds went to the southeast Indian Ocean, where tuna is being caught. More than half of the individuals then undertook a curious round-the-world trip - the fastest did it in just 46 days. Scientists were surprised to find that albatrosses fly so far and stay in the open sea for so long. 12 birds flew around the world, and three albatrosses - twice.

pectoral muscles

The pectoral muscles used to lower the wings are the largest in flying birds. So, their weight pigeon (Columba) makes up 20% of the total weight of the bird. Musculature is essential to locomotion both in the air and on land. The muscles of the chest, raising and lowering the wing, reach great development. In birds that have lost the ability to fly, the muscles of the hind limbs are well developed (ostriches, chickens, geese).

Upon appearing on the high seas

... different birds sailors determine the distance to the coast. For example, auks (Cepphus) and little auks (Plotus) are no further than 15 miles from the coast, common tern (Sterna hirundo) – 20 miles brown fulmar (Fulmarus)- 30 miles, and arctic tern can be found 100 miles from the coast. By the way, it is the Arctic tern that makes the longest migrations (of all nomadic animals), moving from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back.

Bird flight altitude

… is different. So, mallard duck collided with an aircraft over Nevada at an altitude of 6,900 m, and in September 1973 African vulture collided with a civilian aircraft over the African Republic of Côte d'Ivoire at an altitude of 12,150 m. November 29, 1973 over Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, vulture (Gyps ruepellii) collided with a passenger plane at an altitude of 11,277 m. The feathers left from the bird were enough for the American Museum of Natural History to be able to firmly determine the type of bird.

December 9, 1967 around 30 whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) were seen at an altitude slightly above 8230 m. They were flying from Iceland to spend the winter in Loch Foyle, on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The aircraft's pilot spotted them over the Outer Hebrides and their altitude was confirmed by radar.

The ability to stay in the air for a long time

Black swift (Apus apus) can stay in the air for 2-4 years. During all this time, he sleeps, drinks, eats and even mates on the fly. A fledgling swift flies probably 500,000 km before landing for the first time.

The fastest flyer

Observations confirm that peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) capable of reaching a maximum speed of up to 200 km / h when he throws himself like a stone from a great height, protecting his territory or hunting birds in the air.

At high altitude, at an aircraft speed of 700 km per hour, a bird the size of a goose hits 3 times harder than a projectile from a 30-mm gun in a collision.

Airspeed (km/h)peregrine falcon flies at a speed of 60 km / h, when catching prey in the "peak" it develops a speed of 270-300 km / h. Another sprinter is black swift, whose normal speed is 120-180 km / h. Other birds follow them with a significant margin: rock dove - 73 km/h, field thrush - 70 km/h, crossbill - 60 km/h, common kestrel - 60 km/h, common jackdaw - 60 km/h, black thrush - 53 km / h, chaffinch - 50 km / h, the same speed for siskin, common teal, gray crane, black-headed gull, common mallard. The gray crow reaches a speed of 43 km / h, the white stork - 41 km / h, the sparrow - 39 km / h.

The bird that flaps its wings the most

Horned hummingbird (Heliactin cornuta), living in the tropics of South America, flaps its wings at a frequency of 90 beats per second. The fastest flapping wings ... hummingbirds. Hummingbirds from the family Trochilidae in the experiment flapped their wings for 50 minutes.

Wings move in a figure of eight
When flying, birds flap their wings up and down. Their movement is rather forward and backward, resembling a figure eight, if you look at the bird from the side.

Capable of flying backwards
hummingbird is the only bird that can fly backwards.

The longest flight

Common tern (Sterna hirundo) left her nest on a lake shore in Finland about 15 August 1996 and was caught on 24 January 1997 near lakes in Gippsland, pc. Victoria, Australia. She flew 25,750 km.

Main migration routes
From the European part of Russia, 201 species of birds fly to Africa for the winter, 14 - to tropical Asia, 1 - to North America. From the Asian part of Russia, 26 species are sent to Australia, 16 to North America, 5 to South America, and 95 to Africa. Arctic tern - the only one that flies to the shores of Antarctica, while overcoming 13-15 thousand km.

Flyways
Many birds have short journeys. Mountain species descend lower until they find enough food, spruce crossbills fly to the nearest area with a good harvest of cones. However, some birds migrate great distances. The longest flight path Arctic tern: every year it flies from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back, covering at least 40,000 km both ways.

Fly underwater

Cleaners are able to "fly" under water.

Longest migration

... relative to the body weight of a bird in a long red hummingbird (English name Long Rufous Humingbird) Selasphorus rufus. A bird 10 cm long flies the way from Alaska to Mexico and back - 10,000 km.

An internal magnetic compass helps birds navigate

Different breeds of birds use different ways of orienting themselves, the researchers added. It can be the magnetic field of the Earth, and the Sun, and stars, and polarized light. Drozdov placed them in cages with a strong magnetic field directed across the Earth's magnetic field. When the thrushes were released at night, they flew west instead of north and traveled in the wrong direction for several hundred kilometers. The bird's compass has really gone astray. However, a day later, the birds turned north again, having recalibrated their magnetic compass. Scientists suggest that the birds were guided by the sunset: either in the direction of the Sun, or in the orientation of polarized light (birds can distinguish it). It turned out that some of the birds can make adjustments to the orientation system using alternative "keys".

Birds can follow changes in the magnetic field

The smallest particles of magnetite were found in the tissues of the beak of carrier pigeons, elongated along the nerve fibers. Hence the assumption arose that when crossing the lines of force of the magnetic field, these particles act on the yet undiscovered nerve receptors that transmit these signals to the brain. No one could say exactly how this interaction occurs, but many experts believed that the key to unraveling the miraculous ability of birds to find their way during thousands of kilometers of flights had already been found.

Flying following freeways

Pigeons very often fly, not being guided by the Sun, as previously believed, but simply following familiar freeways, often making large loops after the highway where it would be possible to fly in a straight line. Scientists have found that pigeons use their own navigation system, following familiar roads and turning at the right intersections. Apparently, it is easier for birds to fly in this pattern than to find their way home in any other way.

Pigeons use human tracks

pigeons very often they fly without focusing on the Sun, as previously believed, but simply following familiar freeways, often making large loops after the highway where they could fly in a straight line. They use their own navigation system, following familiar roads and turning at the right intersections. It is easier for birds to fly in this pattern than to find their way home in any other way.

Carrier pigeon made transatlantic flight
A carrier pigeon named Billy mistakenly made a transatlantic flight from northern France to New York. At first, its owner hoped that the bird would land in England. But somewhere over the English Channel, the pigeon lost its course and flew 5.5 thousand km in the wrong direction. On the way, a hawk attacked Billy, the traveler fell into a storm more than once - but everything ended well. According to ornithologists, this is a unique case.

First pigeon mail
Pigeon mail was first used in 44 during the siege of the city of Murino by the Roman commander Decimus Brutus.

Lose the ability to fly

During molting, some birds lose their ability to fly. For example, ducks at the same time, they almost cannot fly for 20-35 days, swans- almost 1.5 months.

How do birds prepare for flight?
Before migration, the bird eats a lot, accumulating weight and storing energy in the form of subcutaneous fat. Gradually, she comes into a state of "migratory anxiety." In spring, it is stimulated by lengthening of daylight hours, which activates the gonads (sex glands), changing the work of the pituitary gland. In autumn, the bird reaches the same state as the length of the day shortens, which causes inhibition of the function of the gonads. In order for an individual ready to migrate to set off, it needs a special external stimulus, such as a change in the weather. This stimulus is provided by the movement of a warm atmospheric front in spring and a cold one in autumn.

Flights take place at night

During migration, most birds fly at night, when they are less threatened by winged predators, and spend the day feeding. Both single-species and mixed flocks, family groups and single individuals travel. On the road, birds are usually in no hurry, spending several days, or even a week, in a favorable place.

Migration speed

…depends on the species. A flock of waders can accelerate up to 176 km/h. Stonestone flies 3,700 km south, making an average of 920 km per day. Radar measurements of airspeed have shown that for most small birds on calm days it ranges from 21 to 46 km/h; larger birds, such as ducks, hawks, falcons, waders, and swifts, fly faster. The flight is characterized by a constant, but not the maximum speed for the species. Since it takes more energy to overcome a headwind, birds tend to wait it out.

Distance record

With simultaneous fasting belongs golden plover (Pluvialis), which without landing crosses the section of the Pacific Ocean between Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands, equal to 3,500 km, at an average speed of 50 km per hour.

The last kilometers of the bird fly faster
In spring, species migrate north as if according to a schedule, reaching certain points at the same time from year to year. Extending non-stop flight segments as they approach the target, they cover the last few hundred kilometers at a much higher speed.

Migration Height

As radar measurements show, the altitude at which the flight is made varies so much that it is impossible to speak of any normal or average values here. However, nocturnal migrants are known to fly higher than daytime migrants. Among migratory birds recorded over the Cape Cod Peninsula (USA, Massachusetts) and the nearest ocean area, 90% stayed at an altitude of less than 1500 m.

Sleep on the go
Storks (Ciconia) during flights, they can periodically fall asleep on the fly for 10-15 minutes.

Able to see a hare

Eagles have the best eyesight of all living creatures. They are able to see a hare from a height of 3 km.

Fly above the clouds

Night migrants tend to fly higher in overcast conditions as they tend to fly above the clouds rather than below and through them. However, if the cloud cover extends to high altitudes at night, birds may fly under it as well. In doing so, they are attracted to tall, illuminated buildings and lighthouses, sometimes leading to deadly encounters. According to radar measurements, birds rarely rise above 3000 m. However, some migrants reach amazing heights. In September, over the south-eastern part of England, birds were noted flying at around approx. 6300 m. Radar tracking and observation of silhouettes crossing the disk of the moon showed that nocturnal migrants, as a rule, do not "attach" to the landscape in any way. Birds flying during the day tend to follow long north-south landmarks—mountain ranges, river valleys, and long peninsulas.

sea swallows

Wilson's storm-petrel (Oceanites oceanicus)- one of the most avid travelers among birds. She nests on the subantarctic islands, but she can be found very far from her native Antarctic - off the coast of India, Australia, South America, off Newfoundland, in the Bay of Biscay and in the Red Sea. Storm petrels fly quickly over the waves, with sharp turns and maneuvers, reminiscent of swifts or swallows. Therefore, in many areas, locals call these birds sea swallows. Birds spend most of their time in the air, occasionally landing on the water, but not diving.

Nomadic birds become sedentary

On November 12, the folk calendar celebrates "Sinichkin's Holiday" - the day when "winter birds" traditionally appear in the Urals: tits, goldfinches, bullfinches, jays, tap dances and waxwings. However, this year bullfinches have already been spotted in Berezniki. According to Verkhnekamsk News Agency, experts note that in recent years, "winter birds", such as bullfinches and tits, wandering from region to region, depending on weather conditions and the availability of food supply, have become sedentary.

Petrel flew 8 million kilometers

The petrel, caught on a small island north of Wales, is possibly the oldest bird in the world. An individual of the species Puffinus puffinus was first caught and ringed by ornithologists in May 1957, when she was 4 to 6 years old. And here the bird was caught again.

Until recently, the American albatross was considered the oldest ringed bird, whose age was estimated at 50 years. But the petrel's estimated age (52) makes it a new contender for the record.
Experts from the British Foundation for Ornithology claim that the bird has flown at least 8 million kilometers in its long life. Exactly this distance must be overcome to circumnavigate the globe 200 times. During migrations for wintering to South America and back, the bird covered about 800 thousand kilometers, the rest of the distance is frequent flights to the sea for food and back.

They walk better than they fly

Toporok is the second largest species in the island ecosystem of the Sea of Okhotsk and a relatively large species (650-880 g). Carrying out "commercial reconnaissance" and delivering food to the chick to the colony, puffins make flights several tens of kilometers long. They walk better than they fly, and every takeoff is an event for them that requires preparation. Ledges of rocks or coastal steeps are the most convenient for taking off, where generations of puffins have trodden paths and from where they fall, gaining the speed necessary for flight.

Feathers

How many feathers
At the bird robin Erithacus rubecula(her second name robin) almost 3,000 feathers.

Feathers grow unevenly
... from depressions arranged in rows - feather pouches grouped in wide stripes, pterylia, which are separated by bare skin areas, apteria. The latter are imperceptible, since they are covered with feathers from adjacent pterylae overlying them. Only in a few birds do feathers grow evenly throughout the body; usually flightless species such as penguins.

The longest feathers

... at a pheasant from English. name Phoenix Fowl. The upper tail feathers grow for 6 years and reach a length of 10.6 m. This pheasant has been bred in Japan for decorative purposes since the middle of the 17th century. Its ancestor is considered to be the bank rooster (Latin name Gallus gallus).

Among wild birds, the longest feathers

Regarding the length of the body, these are the tail feathers of a male bird of paradise from Eng. name Ribbon-tailed Bird of Paradise (Latin name Asptrapia mayeri), which lives in the montane rainforests of New Guinea.

Among wild birds, the longest feathers relative to body length are the tail feathers of the male striped-tailed bird of paradise from Eng. name Ribbon-tailed Bird of Paradise (Latin name Asptrapia mayeri), which lives in the montane rainforests of New Guinea.

Too many or too few feathers

The largest number of feathers that grows on one bird is 25,216 feathers of the tundra swan (English name Tundra Swan) Cygnus columbianus. Interestingly, 80 percent of the feathers grew on the head of a swan.

The smallest number of feathers is 940 feathers of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris. However, if you read the number of feathers relative to body weight, this hummingbird will leave most birds behind. Its length is only 9 cm.

Fluffy feathers

In some species, such as grouse and pheasant, a small side feather similar in structure departs from the lower part of their shaft. It is very fluffy and improves thermal insulation.

Color is not from nature, but from nutrition

In fact, Phoeniconaias flamingos are not naturally pink. They get their color from their food - small green algae that turn pink when they are digested.

The color pattern helps to find a sexual partner during the breeding season.

Usually brighter and more contrasting colors are characteristic of males, who use them during courtship displays.

Peacock beauty secret
beauty of feathers peacock Pavo cristatus provides a reflective color effect. Each peacock feather has a central stem with many teeth on each side. And each tooth, in turn, consists of layers of a two-dimensional crystalline structure made of twigs of melanin bound by a protein called keratin. The number of twigs and the spacing between the twigs controls the reflection of the light, which produces different colors. For peacocks, these are green, golden yellow, brown and bright blue.

Down and down feathers

protect the body of chicks, and in adult birds it improves thermal insulation. Threadlike feathers perceive vibrations. It is believed that these are sensors of external forces that are involved in the stimulation of the muscles that control large feathers. The bristles are very similar to filamentous feathers, but stiffer. They stick out in many birds near the corners of the mouth and probably serve for touch, like the vibrissae of mammals.

powder fluff,

... located in special areas - powdered - under the main plumage of herons and bitterns, or scattered throughout the body of pigeons, parrots and many other species. These feathers grow continuously and crumble at the top into a fine powder. It is water-repellent and probably, together with the secretion of the oil gland, protects the contour feathers from wetting.
The flight feathers of owls have fluffed edges, which makes the flight almost silent and allows you to quietly approach the prey.

Juvenile plumage

In most birds, juvenile plumage is replaced directly by adults, but some species have two or three more intermediate appearances. For example, a bald eagle only at the age of seven acquires a typical adult appearance with a pure white head and tail.

Shooting at different types of flying birds is practically the same in technique. But if we take into account that the birds differ among themselves in speed, in their height and flight path, then we can highlight some important nuances regarding shooting at various types of game. This also applies to the running animal.

Duck Shooting

Duck hunting is considered the most massive. In swamps, lakes, river bays, you can meet thousands of hunters waiting for morning or evening duck dawns. In this case, shooting is carried out from one place where the hunter is sitting in a barrel, boat, hut. It is worth remembering that it is much more convenient to shoot while standing. Therefore, disguise yourself so that the hut, when you are standing, only reaches your chest in height and does not interfere with 360-degree shooting.

If you are shooting at dawn, or on the fly, then you can hunt for oncoming, hijacking, lateral and semi-hijacking birds. There is an opinion that it is best to beat the bird under the feather, in half-hijack, then the feather cover produces less resistance in front of the shot. However, in August, when the duck is still young and has a weak cover, you have the opportunity to get into the most lethal places - the head and neck.

A young duck can easily be killed with a seven. If you went hunting in the late period, then you need to increase the fraction number.

Get the duck as close to you as possible, cover it with the trunk and start walking forward, and then press the trigger. If you suddenly missed, you should turn around and beat under the duck. Such a shot is called a hijack shot.

For a side shot, you should use the direction from right to left or from left to right. Remember that during a shot on the left, the body is untwisted, and during a shot on the right, on the contrary, twisting.

In case of picking up a side duck, point the trunks directly at it and start overtaking until there is a gap. Clearance depends on the range of the target, as well as the speed of the bird. It is known that in comparison with gray or mallard ducks, diving breeds have a much higher speed of summer. There are legends about the incredible speed of the teal. The essence of overtaking shooting is that the gun moves faster than a bird flies. But remember that you should not throw the trunks forward with a jerk. Otherwise, the gun may stop and miss as a result.

If you are shooting at a duck that is about to land, it is best to point the barrel at the landing bird. Fire a shot, moving away from her in a downward motion.

After lifting, this small circle usually makes 3 turns. After that, his flight becomes straight, at which point it is much easier to shoot at him. Shooting snipes that have just risen from under their feet is the only option.

From under spaniels, pointing dogs are also shot at partridges, quails, marsh hens and corncrakes. A shot at such birds is easy, because their flight is slow and straightforward. Do not get excited, you only need to catch the game on the fly, then release it to a certain distance and, moving forward, pull the trigger. Also watch the dog: some rush after a bird that has taken off and can catch it. Partridges are flocking birds. Usually, when you hear a dog, the whole herd flies out. But do not be tempted, do not shoot at the heap. Be sure to aim for a specific bird.

Shooting wild pigeons

Vityuten has the same flight speed as a flying mallard. Shooting pigeons in a flyby technique is similar to shooting ducks. However, it is worth paying attention to one point. If the pigeon hears a shot or notices a sharp movement of the hunter, he can change the direction of his flight at the same second. The wood pigeon is able to turn 90 degrees in place. Also, vityutnyam are characterized by anti-aircraft maneuvers, zigzag movements in the air with a sharp dive down, and this knocks down aiming and the line of leashes.

Compared to the turtle doves, they are smaller, they are faster, but less careful. You need to shoot at them confidently, quickly, do not throw the gun forward.

Shooting at the capercaillie on the current, as well as from under the husky

In these cases, it is necessary to shoot at the bird while it is sitting. This is where lessons learned from shooting shot at a target that doesn't move come in handy. Most importantly, don't shoot at long range. It is much more profitable to hit under the feather, from behind, because on the wings of the capercaillie it is quite dense. However, in the case of shooting under the feather, there is a risk of damaging the tail of the rooster, which is very beautiful. Then you will not get a full-fledged scarecrow.

When you aim at a black grouse or capercaillie on the current, you need to take the middle of the carcass of the scythe on the fly, regardless of the position of the bird. In this case, the probability of damage to the lyre is very small.

To practice your flying shot, try crow hunting. During such a hunt, you can work out any distance, as well as lead, and at the same time not worry about a miss. Crows do not fly very fast, so the hunter can take the leash without haste, then overtake the predator, set the best lead and fire a shot.

There is even such a hunting saying: "For one killed crow, God writes off one sin."

Video: Aiming, anticipation, duck shooting. Duck hunting.

Video about hunting for ducks from the approach, the selection of wounded animals

Duck preemption video

The goose is a common bird. It can be found both in the household and in the wild. Delicious meat, healthy eggs, fluff made it popular in breeding and hunting. This genus has its own characteristics, which will be interesting to get acquainted with.

The goose is the most famous bird, they live in nature and at home.

Who is this feathered representative - a bird or an animal? A question, the answer to which will be ambiguous. If we consider the scientific classification, these individuals are included in the animal kingdom, they belong to the class of birds of the anseriform order. Therefore, both variants of their designation are considered correct.

Almost all over the world, where there are unfrozen reservoirs, geese can be found. These are very common representatives of different breeds, adapted to their habitat. They exist in the wild or in the household.

Appearance

All breeds have a common external similarity, which makes it possible to determine this genus. Most are large, but there are small species, such as rossa.

Distinctive external features are:

the beak is straight, but it can be curved or concave. Most often it is orange, sometimes pink, black;
the body is oval, the wings fit snugly to the sides;
wide chest;
the neck is elongated, but not much. In fattening breeds shorter;
paws are webbed, red, sometimes dark in color;
the body is covered with feathers and down, combinations of white, gray, black and brown shades are possible;
the female differs from the male in smaller size and the absence of a growth on the beak.

Anatomical structure

Despite the fact that there are many varieties, the anatomy of birds is the same. Let us present some characteristic features of their internal structure.

seven cervical vertebrae;
developed wide chest;
movable vertebrae in the tail area, seven in number;
the skull consists of the facial and brain regions, the mandible and mandible;
the bones are hollow and light, which makes it possible to float freely on the water.

Geese have a developed wide chest and strong muscles.

developed unevenly;
diaphragm is absent;
flying muscles are stronger;
only the jaw muscles function on the face.

no glands;
most of the vessels are concentrated on the paws;
feather covering, subdivided into integumentary, downy, steering;
a skin membrane under the wing helps with flight.

Digestion and excretion:

on the sides of the beak there are spiked teeth designed to pluck grass;
the mouth and pharynx are combined, called the oropharynx;
next comes the esophagus;
the stomach is two-chambered - first glandular, then muscular;
the small intestine consists of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum;
the large intestine is small, ends in a cloaca, feces and urine come out from there.

the nasal cavity has a simplified structure;
in the region of the trachea is the singing larynx;
the lungs are small, not divided into lobes;
allocate six types of bronchi;
air capillaries are actively involved in the process of gas exchange.

Mating and life of geese occurs with only one partner

Reproduction:

males have no scrotum, genitals in the abdominal cavity;
the male member is about three centimeters, during intercourse it appears from the cloaca;
in a goose, eggs are formed in the ovary;
the uterus is dense;
a fully cooked egg exits through the cloaca.

Lifespan

The average life expectancy of geese is considered to be reaching the age of twenty. In fact, the limiting threshold depends on the origin, endurance, habitat. In the world there were long-livers and even champions who managed to stretch for about seventy years. At home, with proper care, birds can live longer due to the artificial improvement of the species. For example, the Vladimir breed has a large build with a wide bone, and in the first year it gives a lot of eggs. All this speaks of its quality and health, which allows its representatives to cross the thirty-year milestone.

How much does it weigh?

To find out exactly how much a goose weighs, you need to consider a specific breed. In the wild, birds rarely gain a lot of weight, although large specimens are found. In nature, the mass of geese can range from two to seven kilograms.

Domestic individuals are subject to constant fattening, an adult gander has an average weight of eight to ten kilograms. It grows intensively, monthly increasing the mass several times. By six months it can reach six kilograms, then growth slows down.

Lifestyle

In the wild, anseriformes are considered strong, not tolerating any competition. They can attack neighboring nests, destroying and attacking their inhabitants.

Birds live near water bodies overgrown with shrubs and reeds, or in swampy areas. There are mountain species, they are terrestrial.

All life passes with only one partner. Nests are made by geese, covered with a thick layer of down. In them, the females incubate eggs and take care of the offspring, and the males are engaged in protecting the home from strangers.

They feed mainly on plants, pinching them in meadows and pastures. They love cereals, cereals, which are mined in sown fields or farm plots.

Geese sleep at noon and at night. After the flock returns to the reservoir, they drink water and move to an open, flat shore, where they settle down. They sleep on their belly with their heads under their wings.

chicks

On average, the female lays no more than six eggs, after 28 days the chicks hatch.

If you think about the name of a goose cub, then it is more correct to use a goose. Although you can find folk interpretations of a goose or a gander.

Under the mother's wing, the babies dry out and get stronger, then the family leaves the nest. On the second day of life, the mother takes the cubs to the water. The swimming reflex is developed from birth. Adults teach the chicks to search and get food on their own.

Before the flight, the family chooses hidden places. The younger generation is learning to fly, and the parents are experiencing a molt of flight feathers. By wintering, individuals gather in a large flock and go to warmer climes.

flights

By their nature, anseriformes are migratory birds, but only wild representatives managed to preserve this function. Domestic birds do not need nomadism, as they have all the conditions for existence, and a large weight simply does not allow them to take off.

After spending the summer on water bodies and raising offspring, free geese go to the southern countries for wintering. During the flight, the flock forms a wedge or line. Despite the fact that they practically do not soar during a sedentary lifestyle, during a trip to warmer climes, the flight height can reach 8000 meters. Among the flying mountain representatives gain the maximum height - 10,000 meters.

The flight altitude of geese reaches from 8000-10000 meters

If you track how fast the flock flies, then on average it is 75 km / h, periodically increasing to 90 km / h.

home breeding

Waterfowl are domesticated because of juicy goose meat, soft fluff, fat and eggs. Usually they are allowed for meat two weeks after fattening, when the weight already exceeds four kilograms.

When breeding, there are no particular difficulties. They are unpretentious in food, tolerate cold temperatures well, can freely graze in the pasture, walk in a flock and know their owner.

These representatives are considered long-livers, they can live for about twenty years, but it is unprofitable to grow up to such an age.

The human factor plays a major role in their life expectancy. Care and care are a guarantee of a healthy and long existence of birds.

if the purpose of breeding is to produce offspring, then it is more reliable to initially acquire several pairs of males and females;
the hen is able to hatch eggs on her own, or you can put them in an incubator;
you will need a lot of food, as domestic individuals are voracious. They prefer fresh grass, silage, clover, nettle, cereals, herbs, special feeds. In winter, hay, dried leaves, acorns are well suited;
do not forget to give water. It should be freely available in a significant amount;
in the summer a corral is built from a net and sticks, in the winter a closed insulated structure will be needed. The size of the future enclosure is calculated - a square meter per gander;
the breed is chosen depending on the purpose of breeding (eggs or meat), climatic data, conditions of detention;
to maintain good health, pets must be additionally supplied with vitamin preparations.

There should always be water near the geese and in large volumes.

There are some unusual and interesting facts about geese. Let's take a look at some of the most common.

Foie gras is considered a national French dish; large fatty liver is used for cooking. Special farms are being created where the forced fattening of the Anseriformes takes place by introducing a large amount of food through a tube. Activity is also limited as much as possible.
Due to irrational human activity, some species are on the verge of extinction. For example, the mute swan and the common eider are listed in the Red Book.
It is believed that if the gander stands on one leg, then frosts are approaching. Actually it is not. This phenomenon is typical for all waterfowl. As soon as the paws descend into the water, a swimming reflex occurs. Therefore, standing in this way, the animal has the opportunity to rest.
Many are interested in why anseriformes have red paws. This is explained by the proximity to the skin of a large number of blood vessels that provide warmth to the legs. The statement is controversial, since there is also a dark color.
This genus is considered monogamous. After the death of a partner, it is difficult for birds to form a new pair. In the natural environment, this is almost impossible, many individuals prefer to remain alone.
Birds can communicate using different sounds. There were ten of them in total.

Summary

Summing up, we can conclude: this bird is very useful, and in the household is simply irreplaceable. For profitable breeding, it is worth buying a few ganders and geese. They are aggressive towards strangers, but obey the owner. If you provide basic care, then a good return in the form of quality products is guaranteed.

goose shooting excites many hunters, because often it is not even possible to get into this bird. Everyone is interested in learning about what lead should be taken when shooting a goose, at what distance it is best to shoot it, what cartridges to use.

The goose is a very strong bird and it can be difficult to get it from the first shot, so you need to remember a few rules.

The fact is that the goose gives the impression of a bird that flies slowly, but in fact the flight speed is 17-20 m / s.

This is due to the physiological parameters of the goose, which allow him to make fewer wing flaps than a duck.

Goose Shooting Lead

goose shooting always provides for some lead, but not everyone knows what it should actually be.

Here you need to know the flight speed of the goose, the distance to the bird, the physiological data of the shooter himself, the presence of wind, the weapon from which the shooting is carried out. All these parameters are very important in order to hit the game at the right moment, but there are still some basic rules.

If the distance to the goose is 35 meters, then you need to lead 2 goose hulls. With a distance to the bird of 50 meters, a lead of 4 hulls would be most suitable. With long distances, you should not particularly work with them, since they will be prohibitive for shooting.

Shooting goose in flight

The decision to shoot at the geese should be made at the moment when their paws are visible. It is believed that at this moment the distance to the birds is the most optimal for shooting.

You need to aim at a specific goose that flies not at the beginning and not at the end of the flock, but somewhere in the center. It is absolutely useless to shoot at a flock without aiming a burst.

You need to aim at the head or neck, where there is the least plumage, but this does not work every time, so the shooting position may change.

If the goose goes straight at you, then it is better to skip it and shoot after it under the feather.

The presence of wounded animals during or in another country is always the place to be. If this happened, then you need to immediately go in search of him, remembering the vector of his fall.

It happens that a wounded goose flies more than 100 meters and falls, so after the shots it is necessary to monitor their flight.

Wounded geese behave differently: some hide, others can take off from cover, so the gun must be loaded and ready to fire at any moment.

With the onset of darkness, the search for wounded animals must be stopped and resumed the next day.

Remember all the rules and tips for goose shooting, and most importantly, use them for hunting.