Wader 2 said....
"I have a pair of pigeons outside my office using a dense bush as a nesting site for the second year running. They have actually created a runway but like Gibraltar the winds on approach are variable.
A landing usually includes a steep 40 degree approach with starboard wing fold just beofre touchdown. Aerodynamic and arrested braking is achieved with the left wing fully spread and engaging on the branches to the left.
They then back up slightly, complete wing fold, and then taxi into the hangar "
Aviate adds...
My office door plus bird seed device. Squirrels are not welcome.
Pigeon Flight path, red and arrival at a red X. Wind change - blue.
Pigeon tumble spot - green
Well my pigeons like to nick the small birds seed [if they can] by approaching as per the pic but the other day the winds were swirly and just as one pigeon made his approach, the wind swirled and he was suddenly downwind and he swivelled into wind and tried the big two wing airbrake/harrier megaflap but stalled in an untidy tumbling heap. A second later he made a brilliant recovery and sped off as if nothing had happened. But I saw it, just didn't have a camera to hand.