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In reply to the discussion: Owl in full flap descending on camera [View all]A HERETIC I AM
(24,368 posts)55. When those feathers fall or flap forward...
it is the wing basically 'spilling' lift. Since the bird can not control those individual feathers (that I am aware of, with Owls, anyway) they are free to lay as the airflow demands. When they flopped forward, that was a rush of higher pressure air flowing forward, helping to stall the wing.
The other thing I found fascinating is he appeared to be "side slipping" or perhaps just creating a slip, with his right wing higher and rearward to his left wing.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slip_%28aerodynamic%29
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The best part is the subtle correction before the second to last flap of the wings. n/t
cherokeeprogressive
Jun 2012
#5
Marie Marie, here is the youtube version for those who have trouble getting other formats to work:
freshwest
Jun 2012
#16
You're welcome. I'm the one has trouble getting links at other sites to work, so I search YT.
freshwest
Jun 2012
#19
That's beautiful. I wonder why he was flying towards the camera? And I love the way his claws flexed
sabrina 1
Jun 2012
#21
Holy damn- when those tightly-closed talons open up it's a terminal sight. nt
Poll_Blind
Jun 2012
#41