We have a fair sized pond in the garden with up to 50 mallard there at one time.
Watching them land is awesome,they approach at around 40 mph then just drop in almost vertically if neccessaary, and you can see the wing feathers moving just like flaps and it's a fantastic sight if there is a strong wind blowing.
Also watching hawks hover with the primary feathers extended like fingers,and swifts changing direction like jet fighters.
Sometimes barn owls glide through the garden without a sound due to their very soft ,downy and pliable feathers.
Swans will not land in small water areas because they know they won't get enough take-off run.
Pheasants can take off almost vertically despite their size.
Makes me feel just a bit inadequate!
Lister
