Flight Routes For Migratory Birds (IMAGE) Max-Planck-Gesellschaft Caption Based on the global weather data from the past 21 years, researchers have developed a model that allows them to calculate the optimal migration routes of migratory birds. It shows that the shortest flight time is not necessarily the result of the shortest route. The model also takes into account spatial and temporal changes in wind conditions. Credit <a target="_blank"href="http://www.bioinfo.mpg.de/flyways">Nasa/ Blue Marble</a> Usage Restrictions Use of images is limited to editorial coverage of scientific topics relating to the activities of the Max Planck Society. Any kind of commercial use (including, in particular, the exploitation of images by means of sale or incorporation in image databases or image catalogues) as well as any promotional use/use for merchandise purposes, disclosure to third parties or granting of related rights to third parties is expressly not permitted. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.