Meeting Abstract
Perching, or landing on a specific object, is performed very frequently by flying birds. Perching is a risky flight manoeuvre as errors could lead to death or severe injury in the event of an uncontrolled collision. Two main challenges arise during perching; sufficient aerodynamic braking prior to contact, and accurate flight guidance to the target. The mechanics of perching flight were studied from a perching Steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis) to understand morphing wing kinematics during rapid-pitch up and stall, and quantify the high dissipation of energy during aerodynamic braking. Data was taken from reconstructed points tracked using photogrammetric techniques (Carruthers et al., 2010) across the wings, tail, and body. Novel techniques using motion capture with Harris Hawks (Parabuteo unicinctus) could provide greater insight into wing morphing during flight manoeuvres, and provide valuable insight for bio-inspired flapping UAVs. The flight control of perching flight was investigated using wild passerines (Parus major) recorded during perching flight to a fixed and moving perch. Flight trajectory variability and feedback during flight control were investigated to understand how sensory feedback is used during targeted flight in a variable and changing environment.
