An exception is made when flying close to the ground, as in an approach to a landing.

I flew towards them close to the ground to see what had happened.

Males fly close to the ground when searching for females.

"I also think it would be fun to fly close to the land."

It screamed in distress, and the parents flew close to my head.

"And they fly close to the ground where there are a lot of obstructions."

He saw now that several were flying perilously close to the surface of the water.

The enemy can also fall into the water or be eaten by the fish while flying close to the water's surface.

The other birds who fly close to the ground are jealous.

Did you think flying close to the star would hide your tracks?