Would have thought an eagle’s wing is just so good at aerodynamics that, as long as there’s some wind, it’ll make a takeoff from the ground. Might be wrong – an enclosed garden would present problems. You don’t surprise me with the kites. They really are the wood pigeon of birds of prey, i.e. a bit dim. Many times in the Fens, have come round a corner to find 2 or 3 of them tucking in to roadkill in centre of road. Kestrels and crows have learned to remove dinner from carriageway.
Love the videos. Great engineering. Would like to see them done in Meccano with, say, steam power?