The visual fixation of raptors on their intended prey in Scott Ray's
report usually serves them well. But it clearly puts at risk birds like
the unfortunate Red-tailed Hawk that collided with the truck while
pursuing a meal. Highways with high speed traffic are an environmental
alteration like fields planted with non-native grasses that support
grazing, that surviving wildlife must adapt to. Another ubiquitous
anthropogenic alteration to the rural landscape are wire fences that
everywhere subdivide the formerly open spaces and snag fast low-flying
raptors, particularly Prairie Falcons, that fail to see them while hunting.

Paul Webster
Seattle
paul.webster at attbi.com