The flight patterns of birds is a fascinating thing to study, but a hard one to visualize, as their soaring and swooping doesnโ€™t leave a trail, the way a jet does.

However,ย Barcelona-based photographerย Xavi Bouย has come up with a way to picture a birdโ€™s flight, and the resulting images are quite astounding.

Using frame-by-frame layered video stills, Bouโ€™s images showcase flight patterns that range from jagged stripes to complex, chaotic swirls.  

Indeed, though he didnโ€™t know quite what the resulting images would look like, he was stunned by the way the flights came to life. 

National Geographic has a great article on the subject, and an entire issue dedicated to birds. 

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bird paths visualized // moss and fogBird flights become like zippers across the sky.

bird paths visualized // moss and fogSome of the paths look like sea serpents.

bird paths visualized // moss and fogOthers, like this huge group of starlings, appear like mythical swarms.

bird paths visualized // moss and fog
He has named his series โ€˜Ornitografรญasโ€™, and they showcase the beauty and complexity of flight.

bird paths visualized // moss and fog
Flocks of seagulls create complex patterns off of the ocean surface.

bird paths visualized // moss and fog

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bird paths visualized // moss and fog
An arctic tern creates an unusual shape as it takes flight.

bird paths visualized // moss and fog

bird paths visualized // moss and fogA group of corn buntings seem to erupt out of the ground.

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bird paths visualized // moss and fog

bird paths visualized // moss and fog
A beautifully ornate pattern made up of a flock ofย Northern lapwings.

bird paths visualized // moss and fog

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bird paths visualized // moss and fog
Yellow-legged gulls and white storks in flight.

bird paths visualized // moss and fog


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9 Comments

  1. Sunda Lovett

    Godโ€™s creation is truly magnanimous!!

  2. Dave Aube

    These would be perfect for wall sized murals.

  3. Constance Crovo Snyder

    So magnificently beautiful! Saving this forever and thank you for sharing.

  4. William Martin

    Nature never ceases to amaze!

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