Two Oxford University zoologists have been flying with the birds at over 12,000 feet to find out the secrets of our feathered friends.

Dr Tim Guilford and Dr Adrian Thomas used paragliders to fly up and observe Griffon vultures and black eagles in Spain and South Africa.

The aim of the research was to look at the structure of their wings and to discover more about the way birds navigate from one thermal air current to the next.

They achieved this by filming the birds and collecting data.

Dr Thomas, of Lineacre College, said: "The best flight I had was in the Karoo Desert in South Africa. I was 12,500ft up and was joined by two black eagles who were only two or three feet away from me. Flying with them was absolutely fantastic."

Dr Guilford, of Merton College, agreed: "When you get up there, there is an incredible sense of awe."

The intrepid scientists were using the very latest X-Act paraglider design, supplied to them by Active Edge. This allowed them to climb with the birds but they were unable to fly with them.

"They are just too fast," explained Dr Guilford. Both doctors are experienced paragliders, especially Dr Thomas who is the Thames Valley Cross Country Paragliding Champion.

But, despite their experience, they encountered problems trying to film the birds, collate data and navigate the paragliders all at the same time. As a result they will repeat the exercise, this time flying in tandem.

Dr Thomas said: "It proved to be quite difficult to take down data solo. In tandem, one person can concentrate on flying and the other can concentrate on filming and take down the data at the same time."

While clocking up flying time, the airborne academics found some birds better fun to fly with than others.

"The African ones are better at flying than the Spanish birds. The African ones were on a mission, they were checking you out," said Dr Thomas.

It was not all fun, however, they were out there to work and achieved what they set out to.

"I think we kept our aims modest. We found two excellent sites to fly from and we got the footage we needed for studying wing instability so we are happy with that," said Dr Thomas.

The pair will be returning to South African in the autumn although Dr Guilford will be going to Spain to study Griffon vultures this Easter.

Story date: Saturday 27 February

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