The Pigeon Photographer

Before there were GoPros and drones, there were pigeons lugging around cameras. Who knew?

https://www.newyorker.​com …ographed-earth-from-above

(I think you'll be able to view the article for free.)

Interesting article, with some very interesting images. I did have to chuckle at the authors apparent ignorance of pigeons. They are far from pedestrian! The pigeon is actually up there with the speedier of the birds, and what is more they are also very maneuverable with it.

If as legend has it Reginald J Mitchell took inspiration for the wing shape of his ultimate fighter aircraft design from studying birds, he most certainly used the pigeon as his inspiration, not seagulls as the legend has it. That famous elliptical wing shape of the Spitfire is much much closer to the pigeon than to any of the gull species. Gulls have long high aspect ratio wings that are excellent for gliding and soaring, while the pigeon has quite short wings that are quite elliptical and very suited to high speed, high maneuverability flight.

Alan