Sorry, just was reminding of this convo by some poetry and wanted to circle back. Was winter hiking inspired by Goete, or just your own shall we say "habitude", for that peak would seem easier with feathers for warmth, and wings for ascent? (if Lämmergeier can carry away whole lambs, do Roßtrappe make off with whole horses?)
Just for those who do not know, despite the meaning of its German name, a Lämmergeier cannot carry away whole lambs.
Unlike an eagle, it has weak feet. While it never carries away animals, when hungry it can make chamois or even sheep fall to their death, if it surprises them near the edge of a mountain cliff, by beating them with its powerful wings.
While its German name is very misleading and in the past it has actually been a reason for unjust persecution, its ancient Latin name was perfectly suitable for it: "ossifraga", which means "break-bones". The Lämmergeier feeds almost only on the bones that remain after other scavengers eat the meat, by letting them fall from great heights on stones, to be broken.
