We are mesmerized by the sight of birds in flight and this has sparked Mankind’s quest to fly. How did birds gain such fluid movement? How do they become air-born, stay aloft, and land safely? What adaptations allow birds to specialize in speed, hovering and slow flight? How did the ingredients for flight evolve, allowing theropod dinosaurs to take wing? Is it true that dinosaurs are with us still?

Tom Reider is retired from the aircraft flight simulation industry. He flew as a commercial pilot and learned aerodynamics during his U.S. Navy flight training. Tom has always been intrigued with flight on a personal level. Growing up a few miles from Hawk Mountain, he spent many happy hours upon the rocks with his binoculars. Later, he sketched, painted and sculpted birds to be used as training aids and as a form of art. He now substitute teaches at local high schools. Join Tom as he explores bird flight using pictures, models, charts, sculptures, feathers and bones. His presentation will include slow motion scenes and special effects from the BBC video The Mastery of Flight with David Attenborough.

This meeting is in the BEES Classroom