Have you ever wondered how a kite flies? Well, let me tell you!

The lifting force of all kites is produced by deflecting the air downward, the resulting change in momentum producing an upward force. The reason for this is that the air traveling over the top of the curved surface of the kite is going faster than the air passing underneath. Fast-moving air creates less pressure; this means there is more pressure underneath the kite, and this helps to force it upwards.

Think of the kite as a sail boat, catching the air. The air tries to push the kite along like the sail boat. But the string the flyer holds keeps the kite tethered. Since the kite cannot go with the wind flow and the kite is tilted so that the air is deflected downward, the kite has no where to go but up.

Both the lift-to-drag ratio and the stability of the kite are functions of the length of cable. The more cable released, the more drag created.

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This site is maintained by Jen © 1997 - 2000 http://www.skratch-pad.com/kites/fly.html

A kite consists of these basic parts:

DIAMOND KITE
Materials:

markers, paint or crayons to decorate you kite.
1. Make a cross with the two sticks, with the shorter stick placed horizontally across the longer stick. Make sure that both sides of the cross piece is equal in width.

2. Tie the two sticks together with the string in such a way as to make sure that they are at right angles to each other. A good way to ensure that the joint is strong to put a dab of glue to stick it in place.

3. Cut a notch at each end of both sticks. Make it deep enough for the type of string you are using to fit in to. Cut a piece of string long enough to stretch all around the kite frame. Make a loop in the top notch and fasten it by wrapping the string around the stick. Stretch the string through the notch at one end of the cross-piece, and make another loop at the bottom. Stretch the string through the notch at one end of the loop at the bottom. Stretch the string through the notch at the other end of the cross-piece. Finish by wrapping the string a few times around the top of the stick and cutting off what you don’t need. This string frame must be taut, but not so tight as to warp the sticks.

4. Lay the sail material flat and place the stick frame face down on top. Cut around it, leaving about 2-3cm for a margin. Fold these edges over the string frame and tape or glue it down so that the material is tight.

5. Cut a piece of string about 122 cm long. and tie one end to the loop at the other end of the string to the loop at the bottom. Tie another small loop in the string just above the intersection of the two cross pieces. This will be the kite’s bridle, the string to which the flying line is attached.

6. Make a tail by tying a small ribbon roughly every 10cm along the length of string. Attach the tail to the loop at the bottom of the kite.

7. Decorate!

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Tips:

Kites are different each time you make one, so slight adjustments might need to be made for each kite.

This site is maintained by Jen © 1997 - 2000 http://www.skratch-pad.com/kites/fly.html

I don’t usually trek far to go birding. My trips are generally local. However, I teamed up with a birding partner from the past to do just that. My partner on this trip was someone with whom I birded in the last century (mid-eighties). So, when I got the email inviting me and others to join him on an all day birding trip, I couldn’t refuse. Thus began the rearranging of schedules and ordinary demands to accommodate this adventure which would begin 100 miles from home before dawn.

We were up before our alarms, anticipation driving us. The early routine of coffee and making sandwiches for later in the day went like clockwork. Gear packed the night before was rechecked one more time. We noted that each had different, and better, binoculars since last we birded. We had both opted for the newer roof prism technology. Even my partner’s new scope was carefully stowed in the van we knew we would use it on the coast.

The objectives for the day were to find Swallow-tailed Kites near Liberty, Texas; Purple Gallinules at Anahuac; Magnificent Frigatebirds near Galveston. In the burgeoning light of dawn we left College Station headed for Dayton and Liberty. My partner had checked with fellow birders on Texbirds to see if anyone had recently sighted the kites. An email confirmed we had a good chance.

We arrived at Liberty shortly after 8:00 and parked on the frontage road near the bridge over the Trinity River to begin our watch for the kites. Local Law Enforcement checked us out to see what we were about. Having determined we had legitimate purpose, they left us to our search. Two and a half hours later we did get to sight three very agile and graceful kites as they hunted insects and lizards from the top of the trees. During those in between hours we also were treated to numerous Anhingas, Common and Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Double Crested Cormorants, Eurasian Collard Dove and a Belted Kingfisher. For thirty minutes we enjoyed the kites and their acrobatics.

Turning south we traced our way to Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. We did not meet any of our other objectives this day. However, we delighted in the viewing of many Common Moorhens and their fluffy little chicks, Green Herons, and Marsh Wrens. We noted the “floating log” had eyes.

We made it to High Island and stopped to take a look at the rookery of herons and Roseated Spoonbills. We noted another floating log with eyes. From High Island it was on to Boliver Flats where we sighted Royal, Caspian and Sandwich Terns, Marbled Godwits, a Long-billed Curlew, Brown Pelicans, and Reddish Egrets. One of the Reddish Egrets engaged in a spirited dance for which they are known.

Our next objective of Galveston and the frigates was thwarted by a flat tire and a very long line waiting for the ferries. Tired, hot and thirsty we headed toward our base. Returning to College Station that evening, thirteen hours later, we had traveled over 400 miles and seen 52 species of birds. I marvel at the mileage because I remember my history lessons in which I learned those brave pioneers who crossed our continent headed for Oregon or California in their wagons would often travel only eight to fourteen miles a day. But I, like Mr. Frost, still had miles to go before I slept. I was still far from home.

There may be some who might count the day unsuccessful, for we had only accomplished one of our objectives. Yet, birding and fishing have in common that we do not always meet the objectives. Casting our lures into the water does not always net us a fish. Casting our binoculars over the field does not always result in a sighting. However, when we do hook the fish or sight the bird, what a rush it is. ‘Tis a lesson for life, even those of us who believe in goals and objectives should take to heart in living our days not just for the mechanics of met objectives, but for the unexpected in between. We had a grand day, filled with stories new and old. We caught up with each others lives and families. We had joked and done our share of “do you remember when?” We had shared in the hunt for some special birds and been impressed by their majesty. We had shared in a pastime which has sustained us, and many others, these many years.

Roy Smallwood is the owner of Kingbirdfeeders.com. Roy began this enterprise after a 26 year career as a teacher of science. His love and enjoyment of the outdoors and birding in particular is the impetus for the company. He is an active member of the Central Texas Audubon Society. He encourages everyone to participate and enjoy birding whether in the backyard or in the field. Visit http://www.kingbirdfeeders.com for , binoculars and spotting scopes and happy birding!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roy_Smallwood

Aerial Photography is the art of taking photos from the sky. Aerial Videography likewise, is the art of taking video from the sky. Both have their uses and are most commonly used for such things like Real Estate and home showcasing, Construction and Developer use. Advertising for large landscapes such as golf courses and wineries, Art and more.

The beauty of aerial photography and aerial videography is that it comes from a perspective that most individuals don′t commonly see the world, from the sky. Aerial Photography and Videography is great for aerial surveying on specific grounds and for looking at the world in different perspectives.

There are four main types of aerial photography and aerial videography:

1. Balloon Aerial Photography and video - This method uses large balloons in conjunction with mounted cameras. This method is neighbor friendly and quiet, however much more time consuming and much less accuracy than other methods. Balloon photography is also good for low-altitude aerial photography

2. Kite Aerial Photography and Video - Like the names suggests, kite arial photography uses kites and cameras to photography pictures from the sky. Like Balloon aerial photography, this method is quiet and neighbor friendly, but may lack in accuracy.

3. Helicopter Manned Aerial Photography - This method uses manned helicopters for taking photos. This method is laser accurate and produces the best photos from larger distance. This method isn′t good however, for low-altitude photography, is much more expensive and very loud. If you are a real estate agent, this probably wouldn′t be a first choice.

4. RC Unmanned Helicopter Aerial Photography - This method uses unmanned remote controlled helicopters to take aerial shots. This method is great for low altitude aerial photography and is as cost-effective as it is quiet. Unmanned RC Helicopter Aerial Photography is extremely accurate and has the ability to take great shots of landscapes, real estate, business properties and survey sites. It is also much more affordable than manned, full-sized helicopters. RC Helicopter aerial photography, is probably the most versatile form of aerial photography and aerial videography available.

Finding a great aerial photographer and videographer takes some work. It is important to do your research and as well as it is important to know the different kinds of aerial photography. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each type can help you determine which type of Aerial photography and aerial videography is right for you. Also consider the terrain in which you need photographs of or if you need low-altitude shots or if you are in a neighborhood that requires a quiet atmosphere.

For a Great Aerial Photography and Aerial Videography Company visit Northwest Aero Pix. They are an unmanned aerial photography company based in Portland Oregon providing a Nationwide service. Visit them today at http://www.nw-aero-pix.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_Killian

Ever flown a kite or taken a photograph? Well, that’s most of us isn’t it! No wonder aerial kite photography holds such a fascination for so many people. More correctly, it’s known as Kite Aerial Photography, or KAP, which is less of a mouthful.

Some have theorized that it’s part of our human nature to want to see things from the air. Consider the fact that aerial views of cities and landscapes were sketched or painted long before any flying machine was invented!

The hobby of aerial kite photography got started in earnest around the mid 1980s. However, the very first examples of such photos date back to not long after photography itself was invented. In 2007, KAP is more popular than ever. The subject matter varies widely, but buildings and landscapes are particularly popular.

Digital cameras are widely used in aerial kite photography. In fact, their use in KAP has pretty much stayed in step with their acceptance by the general public. Initially, the cheaper cameras just couldn’t take a decent picture compared to a 35mm film camera. As we all know, that is not the case now! Some digitals are very small and light, which is an advantage for doing KAP.

At the cheapest end of the scale, disposable cameras combined with ice triggers and balsa wood cradles enable small, cheap kites to be used. On the other hand, this approach allows bigger kites to take pictures in very gentle breezes which wouldn’t allow heavier gear to stay airborne.

Some enthusiasts are after quality at any cost. Hence, they spend many hundreds of dollars on high-end cameras, radio-control gear and special equipment to suspend it aloft with a minimum of movement. The R/C gear allows the camera to be panned around to get the best shots, and the shutter clicked on command.

Some Aerial Kite Photography Highlights

Here’s just 3 of the more notable activities of these photo-artistic kite fliers:

A quite famous aerial photograph was taken from a kite in 1906, documenting the San Francisco earthquake. A KAP enthusiast named Scott Haefner did a re-shoot of this striking picture, close to its 100th anniversary.

A small group of experts known as Team Drachen made good use of some grant money by using KAP to document whale behavior. This took place at San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja, in Mexico.

In November, 2002 a 360-degree panorama of the San Andreas Fault was created from KAP images.

The Equipment

You’ve probably gathered by now that this hobby requires a kite, a flying line, and a camera. It might come as a surprise to learn that the camera is usually suspended from the flying line, not the kite itself.

Although other types can and are used, flow-form kites are very popular in kite photography. With no spars and therefore no assembly required, you can just turn up somewhere and get your camera in the air immediately. These kites are convenient to transport as well, since they roll up into a small bag. Another advantage is that they are tolerant of quite strong winds.

Interestingly, zoom lenses are of little use in kite photography. In fact, people often try to cram more scenery into the field of view by using wide-angle lenses, even fish-eye lenses. Another popular technique is photo-stitching, where a number of images are combined into one super-wide panorama.

Accessories

A piece of gear commonly used by serious KAPers is the Picavet, an arrangement of lines and pulleys. Yes, it was invented by a Frenchman, in the early 20th century. However, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that it was re-discovered and put to widespread use in KAP. It’s purpose is to provide a stable and self-leveling platform for the camera, while suspended from the flying line. Some aerial photography enthusiasts add other devices such as vanes and porous sheets to reduce the movement and give even more opportunity for getting good pictures.

Finally, it’s handy to know what the average wind strength is. With a little device called an anemometer or wind speed meter you can decide what kite and camera rig to put up. In stronger winds, it can help you decide whether to attempt flying at all. Kites and cameras can get lost when the flying line snaps!

Tim Parish and his family are rediscovering the joys of kite flying. They blog their kiting fun on their My-Best-Kite.com website, and also research the kiting world. This site will introduce you to many kinds of kites and kite flying activities, including Aerial Kite Photography of course!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Parish