Up, up, and away
Why do birds fly upwards when escaping from confinement?
The clearest answer is that gaining height is an instinctive response to danger from predators. Most threats originate from ground level, though there are exceptions. For example, the sparrowhawk ambushes weaker, smaller birds on the ground, when they are feeding, or when they are flying.
Flying up increases the chance of creating distance between predator and prey.
Small birds flap their wings rapidly to push air down against the ground or their perch, and that creates lift. Larger birds drop down from cliff tops or tree perches, then flap their wings to maintain height. Some, like swans and geese run along the water surface to gather speed then take off, often into the wind.
Thats very interesting, I like to watch all the different flight patterns of birds, the way some swoop and dip but others seem to fly straight.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
Some flights seem quite erratic, while others are smooth and look purposeful - each adapted to specific needs, no doubt. 🦅
DeleteSometimes, watching the larger birds lumbering along for take-off, I hold my breath until they eventually manage to lift off.
ReplyDeleteIt seems amazing that they ever take flight!
DeletePlus the higher you go the further you can see.
ReplyDelete. . . to get a bird's-eye view!
DeleteLot's of geese flying above in his season, honking all the way, but I have never thought about flying upward.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing geese - it's such a wild sound.
DeleteI have seen larger birds go after smaller ones several times, and it is interesting to see the twists and turns they take to try and evade the predator.
ReplyDeleteThey are amazingly acrobatic.
DeleteThat’s very interesting. What I have noticed since I have started taking notice of such things, is that when a larger bird is passing through their territory, especially during nesting season, a dozen smaller birds give chase to that larger bird, surrounding it, chirping madly, until it passes through. The last time it was a Great Blue Heron. It’s been a long time since I saw that behavior however.
ReplyDeleteIt is extraordinary how protective and aggressive they can be.
DeleteI never thought about it, but it all makes sense. Interesting post
ReplyDeleteWho'd be a bird?
DeleteI wish that ducks had gotten the memo. If they stayed on the ground the shooters would not have a chance.
ReplyDeleteWe would be overrun with ducks!
DeleteIf we had wings, we'd probably do the same... ;)
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be lovely to be able to fly?
DeleteSwans and geese also get 'wing in ground' effect flying low over water, less energy required and that allows them to gather speed.
ReplyDeleteThey are extraordinary birds.
DeleteYears ago in our old house a tiny hummingbird came into the garage as the overhead door was open. So difficult to help it, but finally we did. Trying to put the big door down and it trying to go higher into the rafters!
ReplyDeleteIt must be very confusing for them as they fly up seeking the heavens.
DeleteInteresting. I love to see the seagulls and a hawk or 2 drifting on currents. They really seem to be enjoying their flight. We'll maybe not the Hawks. They're too busy searching for prey.
ReplyDeleteIt looks so relaxing - I'm sure it's not for them.
DeleteIf a bird is on the ground it can obviously only fly up.
ReplyDeleteTrue.
DeleteYeah, that does make sense.
ReplyDelete😊
DeleteI was hoping you'd' explore this. I've started to watch for this now.
ReplyDeleteIt's always interesting watching birds.
DeleteSo much about birds fascinates me.
ReplyDeleteLikewise.
DeleteThere's something good/pleasing about seeing a bird in flight ...
ReplyDeleteI especially enjoy watching them make use of the thermals.
All the best Jan
It's instinctive and quite wonderful.
DeleteAll the birds I knew simply ran to the Ladies to powder their noses and I never saw them again.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been something you said . . .
Deletereleased an owl one time and he/she wet straight up.
ReplyDeleteOwls are wonderful.
DeleteVery logical and intuitive when one thinks about it.
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
DeleteI read your title and thought YOU were up and away on a nice holiday before winter sets in. I have never wondered about the birds immediately going so high when released from anywhere. Now of course I am wondering why and maybe it is so they can see a larger area from up high and get their bearings, see where to go and which way is home perhaps.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds so romantic, but must be a hard and trying life.
DeleteI love watching birds fly. It always amazes me how owls and hawks can fly through the woods and not hit a tree!
ReplyDeleteTheir awareness of their surroundings is amazing.
DeletePretty sure that's also why we jump scare.
ReplyDeleteSomeone pops out and screams, "BOO!" and what do we do? We jump 8 feet into the air (slight exaggeration) and try to fly away.
Yes! It's not called 'fight or flight' for nothing.
DeleteUpward lies safety for most birds in most circumstances. Obviously there are exceptions.
ReplyDelete😊🦅
DeleteLike River, reading your headline I thought you were going to tell us about a trip you have planned.
ReplyDeleteIt might be nice for a change.
DeleteThat's very interesting. I suppose height would provide more safety in most cases. I never considered the fact that different birds have different methods for taking flight
ReplyDeleteI wonder how they cope in strong winds.
DeleteWe are seeing this happening a good bit lately. Some neighborhood cats have appeared in the pasture beside us and they are having a great time chasing after the crows that are after the pecans on our pecan trees. The birds always seem to make it up up up..
ReplyDeleteIt's good that the cats are protecting your crop.
DeleteI never thought about why they fly up! Makes sense though!
ReplyDeleteNature is well-designed.
DeleteVery interesting. Something I never thought about before.
ReplyDelete. . . the wonders of the world . . .
DeleteIt makes sense, unless they've accidentally become trapped inside!
ReplyDeleteWho'd be a bird?
ReplyDeleteWe caught sight of a blue heron by the river. Amazing when he flew off - CJ
ReplyDeleteThey always amuse me, with their heads tucked in.
ReplyDeleteRecently we flew at 39,000 feet above hurricane clouds, and I was shocked to see a seagull. It was something I will never forget.
ReplyDeleteAstonishing.
DeleteFascinating! It is amazing how instinct and the need to survive shape the way birds behave.
ReplyDeleteHumans should learn to live more by instinct . . .
DeleteSometimes I do wish I had wings ... xxx
ReplyDeleteI used to dream I could fly and was quite convinced that I could.
DeleteBirds are still a wonder of our universe.
ReplyDeleteLiving dinosaurs.
DeleteVery interesting, thank you.
ReplyDelete