How Birds Fly, The Science and Art of Avian Flight.

The first new book of the year is a gem, and every birder will appreciate, enjoy, and marvel at the wealth of information and remarkable photographs and illustrations provided in How Birds Fly, The Science and Art of Avian Flight. Bird flight is one of the primary activities that attract us to birds, yet its intricacies remain shrouded in mystery for most people. Peter Cavanagh, a dedicated birder, bird photographer, pilot, and expert in the fields of biomechanics and anatomy, has dedicated a decade to crafting this remarkable book, and through inspiring photography and conversational text, Peter unveils the complexities of bird flight, making it accessible and understandable to birders, and anyone.

You will discover the mechanics behind how birds fly, explore the evolution of flight, and the roles of bones, muscles, and feathers; along with the crucial functions of the wings, wingtips, and tail. From takeoff to landing, soaring to diving, and hunting to hovering, you will learn unprecedented insights into avian movements.

Chapters featured in this book include, but are not limited to: The evolution of bird flight, the anatomy of birds for flight, the aerodynamics of bird flight, takeoff and landing, gliding and soaring, flapping flight, in-flight maneuvers, migration, flight specialists (including hummingbirds, silent owls, swifts), and more.

How Birds Fly is also a celebration of the artistry of bird flight, and you can uncover the stories of flight pioneers like Leonardo da Vinci and the Wright brothers, and how engineers still draw inspiration from birds for cutting-edge aircraft design. With this book, you can savor each chapter independently, enjoying stunning photographs and enlightening illustrations as you read. In the “From the Lab” sections, you will be introduced to research studies to get insight into how ornithologists have studied aspects of bird flight.

Peter Cavanagh’s interest in the photography and study of bird flight evolved from his study of flight aerodynamics for his aircraft pilot qualifications; his professional training in anatomy, biomechanics, and high-speed photography; and his love of nature and the outdoors. Let Peter Cavanagh’s expertise and passion for flight enhance your appreciation for the world of birds through the pages of How Birds Fly, The Science and Art of Avian Flight. To learn more about this exciting new publication from Firefly Books, see firefly books