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Windy Days are Perfect for Kiting!


Published: 07.01.2020

Some birds are able to manage their position in the air by moving their feathers in relation to the air currents. Rather than let the wind simply blow them around, they ride the wind and use it to carry them where they want to be—sometimes even staying stationary. They can make all of these maneuvers without flapping! Being able to take advantage of the air’s movements without flapping helps the birds conserve energy.

 

 

Up there like this, they’re covering ground looking for food and interacting with others yet NOT wearing themselves out with flapping. A clever use of the wind! Simple changes in feather position turn the bird (yes—birds can control individual feathers!). Watch these two ospreys KITE, and also look for their characteristic silhouette that will help you identify them when they soar over Lake Martin. A crook held in the wing gives them a gentle “M” shape that will distinguish them from eagles or hawks even if you’re observing from a distance.

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