Page 61 - Design in Nature

Flawless Flight Machines: Birds 59

Since the waters warm up much later than the land, warm air currents
are not formed over the seas, which is why birds that migrate over long
distances do not choose to travel over water. Storks and other wild birds

migrating from Europe to Africa choose to travel either over the Balkans and
the Bosphorus, or over the Iberian Peninsula over the Gibraltar.
The albatross, gannets, seagulls and other sea birds, on the other hand,
use the air currents that are created by high waves. These birds take
advantage of the uplift of air directed upwards on the tips of waves. While

soaring on the air currents, the albatross frequently turns and heads into the
wind and swiftly rises higher. After ascending 30-45
feet (10-15 metres) into the air, it changes direction
again and continues soaring. The bird gains energy