Stunned Skydiver Records Amazing Video of a Bird Landing on Him Mid-Dive!

Written by Kirstin Harrington
Updated: August 30, 2023
© Jon_Clark/Shutterstock.com
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Key Points

  • Although it’s hard to tell from the footage, someone appears to be skydiving or paragliding when a bird flies to them from behind.
  • It’s not clear what type of bird it is, but if you look closely when the bird lands, you can spot a bracelet around the animal’s leg.
  • This could mean the bird is trained to land on people during these excursions.

Reddit is a website that is full of incredible content. You can find forums on just about any hobbies or interests you may have. If you’re like the rest of the world and have a love for wild animal encounters, you have to see this video! 

Although it’s hard to tell from the footage, someone appears to be skydiving or paragliding. Either way, this thrillseeker is enjoying their time when a bird flies to them from behind! The person puts out their hand and without hesitation, the bird steps on! 

There is some debate in the comments on what type of bird this is. Some say a white-headed vulture, while others say a Cali Condor. If it is a vulture or another type of Carrion, it wouldn’t be the first time one has gone viral for landing on a paraglider. 

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If you look closely when the bird lands, you can spot a bracelet around the animal’s leg. Organizations use these bracelets for tracking and conservation. With that being said, this could mean the bird is trained to land on people during a paragliding or skydiving excursion.

How High Do Vultures Fly?

Believe it or not, vultures are one of the highest-soaring birds in the world! The Griffon Vulture can fly up to 37,000 feet! How do these birds fly so high? They mostly control it via soaring, which involves using heat thermals to get to that elevation.  

Ruppell's griffon vulture (Gyps rueppellii) flying in the blue sky.
Griffon Vultures can fly up to 37,000 feet!

©Cinematographer/Shutterstock.com

This is an extremely energy-efficient method of reaching and maintaining that height. Certain species are well equipped to get sufficient energy from even the most rarified air at that height because they have very effective cardiovascular systems.

What Does it Mean if a Bird Lands on You?

California condor flying against a cloudless blue sky
California condors are one of the fastest animals in California.

©Brian A Wolf/Shutterstock.com

Although the particular bird in this video may be trained to land on people, for many individuals it holds spiritual significance. The bird might perceive you as a solid and secure resting location, which is the primary practical explanation. 

Maybe you’re lying on the grass or sitting still on a bench in the park. Spiritually speaking, if a bird lands on you, it can be an indication of luck in the future. When a bird lands on your hand, you should take caution and maintain your balance. 

The fact that the bird chose to land on your hand suggests that they have faith in you despite the possibility of risk. As a result, you must have faith in your skills and abilities. No matter what it means, the footage below will truly leave you in awe! 

Check Out the Incredible Video! 


The Featured Image

Its eight-to-nine-foot wingspan is just one of the many impressive facts about a griffon vulture.
Its eight-to-nine-foot wingspan is just one of the many impressive facts about a griffon vulture.
© Jon_Clark/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

When she's not busy playing with her several guinea pigs or her cat Finlay Kirstin is writing articles to help other pet owners. She's also a REALTOR® in the Twin Cities and is passionate about social justice. There's nothing that beats a rainy day with a warm cup of tea and Frank Sinatra on vinyl for this millennial.

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