Flying with the Birds by Yossi Leshem & Ofer Bahat

Flying with the Birds by Yossi Leshem and Ofer Bahat is an extraordinary illustrated study of bird migration, combining ornithological research, aviation technology and spectacular wildlife photography. Published in 2009 by Yedioth Ahronoth and Chemed Books, this impressive 272-page hardcover explores the remarkable phenomenon of bird migration over Israel and the pioneering scientific programme developed to protect both migrating birds and military aircraft.

Israel occupies one of the world’s most important bird migration corridors, with millions of birds passing through the region during their annual journeys between Europe, Asia and Africa. The authors examine this extraordinary natural spectacle and the challenges presented when large concentrations of migrating birds encounter military and civilian aircraft.

Flying with the Birds documents an innovative research programme undertaken through cooperation between the Israeli Air Force, Tel Aviv University, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel and government research organisations. Using ground observers, radar installations, light aircraft, motorised gliders and unmanned aircraft, researchers developed methods for tracking bird movements and reducing potentially catastrophic bird strikes.

Particularly fascinating is the relationship between ornithology and aviation safety. Flying with the Birds explains how scientific understanding of migration routes, weather patterns, flight behaviour and seasonal movements contributed to a substantial reduction in collisions between birds and Israeli military aircraft.

The publication features hundreds of exceptional colour photographs, including remarkable aerial images captured while flying alongside migrating birds. These magnificent illustrations reveal the beauty and complexity of avian migration from perspectives rarely experienced by birdwatchers or wildlife photographers.

Flying with the Birds received the prestigious Yitzhak Sadeh Prize for military writing in 1994, an unusual distinction for a publication dealing with a biological subject.

This fascinating volume appeals to ornithologists, birdwatchers, aviation enthusiasts, military aviation historians and collectors of specialist natural history literature. Its unusual combination of wildlife photography, scientific discovery and aviation history makes it an excellent addition to any collection of illustrated bird books or aviation reference works.

Condition – Near Fine

Near fine 2009 hardcover with photographic illustrated boards in a near fine dust jacket. A pressure crease is present at the top of the spine on the illustrated boards. Otherwise a very well-preserved copy.