During flight birds must move efficiently through an environment which is constantly changing, an environment which is also in motion. Radar networks and global tracking systems have created fantastic opportunities to study bird movement 24/7, over land and sea and across continents. By integrating measurements, models and expertise across a range of disciplines we study how birds respond to their environment and explore potential short and long term consequences of their flight behaviour. I show examples or how our knowledge is applied to reduce human-wildlife conflicts, to engage the public and foster fascination for science and the natural world around us.