0:00:06 > 0:00:09Earthflight took us on an extraordinary journey
0:00:09 > 0:00:11into the birds' world.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14It took four years to make,
0:00:14 > 0:00:17filmed over 100 species,
0:00:17 > 0:00:20and covered 40 different countries in six continents.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23To capture a bird's-eye view,
0:00:23 > 0:00:27the team employed the latest state-of-the-art techniques.
0:00:27 > 0:00:32On the way, they witnessed behaviour that had never been seen before...
0:00:34 > 0:00:38..and looked anew at some of the greatest wildlife events on earth.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42But at its heart, the series depended
0:00:42 > 0:00:46on some extraordinary relationships between people and birds.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53With their help, we flew on wings across the world.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10It's Spring, and here in Central France
0:01:10 > 0:01:13an extraordinary story is about to unfold.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Avid bird-enthusiast Christian Moullec
0:01:17 > 0:01:21is about to raise his very own flock of geese.
0:01:21 > 0:01:22THEY SPEAK FRENCH
0:01:29 > 0:01:31Ga-ga-ga-ga.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33Ga-ga-ga-ga-ga-ga-ga.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43For the first two years of their life,
0:01:43 > 0:01:46these chicks will think of him as mother.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51They'll trust and follow him above all others.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53It's a process known as imprinting,
0:01:53 > 0:01:57and it's something that many birds do from the moment they're born.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04A few hours later, the hatchlings are already following
0:02:04 > 0:02:07their oversized mother goose wherever he goes.
0:02:07 > 0:02:08Allez, allez, allez.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11HORN HONKING
0:02:11 > 0:02:13Ga-ga-ga-ga.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15Ga-ga-ga-ga-ga.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Christian's ultimate goal is to film these chicks
0:02:24 > 0:02:29retracing the great journeys of wild birds from his microlight.
0:02:29 > 0:02:34It's a huge commitment that will continue long after the filming is over.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38And it will take months of tender care and devotion
0:02:38 > 0:02:41before he and his new bird family take to the air.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57But Christian is just one of countless professionals
0:02:57 > 0:03:01and cameramen who devoted their skills to the Earthflight series.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06In the heart of the Amazon, the series enlisted the help
0:03:06 > 0:03:09of another remarkable group of people who have
0:03:09 > 0:03:12a similar relationship with macaws.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15They have the power to call the birds out of the wild.
0:03:18 > 0:03:23Felix and Bon Bon are two rangers in a reserve in deepest Peru.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25WHISTLING
0:03:25 > 0:03:29Nearly a year ago, as part of a conservation programme,
0:03:29 > 0:03:33they hand-reared a group of scarlet macaws.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38But they've long since been released into the wild...
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Will they still come to Bon Bon's call?
0:03:41 > 0:03:45WHISTLING
0:03:47 > 0:03:49There's a lot invested in the plan -
0:03:49 > 0:03:52a special microlight has been shipped from France
0:03:52 > 0:03:54to film the birds from the air.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58While the ground crew tries to call the birds down,
0:03:58 > 0:04:00the microlight films elsewhere along the river.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06Suddenly, it spots four macaws heading over the treetops.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16The birds are flying purposefully along the river
0:04:16 > 0:04:19as if they have a destination in mind.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25Then many more join the party.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30From the air, it's clear that they are heading towards trees
0:04:30 > 0:04:32that have just come into fruit.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54The news is passed on to the local team,
0:04:54 > 0:04:57who head off to where the birds are gathering.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02WHISTLING
0:05:14 > 0:05:18The hand-reared birds might be somewhere in the flock,
0:05:18 > 0:05:20but no matter how hard Bon Bon and Felix try,
0:05:20 > 0:05:24none of the birds show any interest in coming down.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29WHISTLING
0:05:34 > 0:05:39The plan is for the birds to fly alongside the boat,
0:05:39 > 0:05:42but this is starting to look like a distant dream.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50Back in France, Christian is spending all his time with his young goslings.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53It's important that they trust him completely.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59Pet dog Loovy is introduced to these new family members.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09He's seen it all before and will make sure they never come to harm.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28While Christian is raising a flock of geese,
0:06:28 > 0:06:32his colleague, Cedric, is mum to some baby cranes.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38GENTLE BURRING
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Just like any devoted mother, he coos to them
0:06:41 > 0:06:43and teaches them what is food.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53Allez, allez, allez, allez...
0:06:53 > 0:06:56And at the farm pond, Christian's daughter, Lisa,
0:06:56 > 0:06:59has her hands full with yet more new babies.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17The parasol isn't just for shade -
0:07:17 > 0:07:20it's a portable substitute for a microlight wing.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25Lisa wants them to learn they are safe in its shadow.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36But to fully prepare them for flying with a microlight,
0:07:36 > 0:07:39something has to shatter the rural peace.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43LOUD ENGINE
0:07:45 > 0:07:48A chainsaw mimics the noise of the microlight's engine.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50But, with Lisa on hand,
0:07:50 > 0:07:54the chicks soon learn the sound is nothing to be afraid of.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02HORN HONKS AS ENGINE REVS
0:08:02 > 0:08:04Allez, allez, allez, allez.
0:08:04 > 0:08:10Meanwhile, Christian introduces another batch of chicks to the real microlight,
0:08:10 > 0:08:14or rather a parasol attached to the real microlight.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20For the goslings, the engine's quite a surprise,
0:08:20 > 0:08:24but the reassuring figure of Christian confirms
0:08:24 > 0:08:26there is nothing to be scared of.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33Their next task is to follow the microlight
0:08:33 > 0:08:37with Christian offering encouragement.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43HORN HONKING OVER ENGINE
0:08:50 > 0:08:51These are just baby steps -
0:08:51 > 0:08:56they have many challenges ahead before their mission is accomplished.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10But Christian isn't alone in hand-rearing geese.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13Along the Mississippi in North America,
0:09:13 > 0:09:17a flock of snow geese are at a later stage of training.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Cameraman Neil Rettig is their foster mother.
0:09:22 > 0:09:23Like Christian's birds,
0:09:23 > 0:09:27they follow Neil and his wife, Laura, wherever they go,
0:09:27 > 0:09:30but this is the first time they have been flown.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34They will help retrace the flight paths of wild birds
0:09:34 > 0:09:37that Neil has filmed across America.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43The geese are so keen to be with Neil and his team
0:09:43 > 0:09:46they're flying too close for filming -
0:09:46 > 0:09:49or at least too close to film without the boat being in shot.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00But these training sessions help the birds develop their flight muscles -
0:10:00 > 0:10:03vital for the ambitious plans that lie ahead.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10As well as learning to make long, sustained flights,
0:10:10 > 0:10:13they must also perfect formation flying.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16HORNS HONKING
0:10:19 > 0:10:23A Mississippi steamer is a handy prop to practise on.
0:10:27 > 0:10:33The aim is to get the birds, steamboat and camera boat to line up perfectly -
0:10:33 > 0:10:35but the birds are all over the place.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40"OK, yeah, go. I would go now."
0:10:40 > 0:10:43They try one last time.
0:10:45 > 0:10:46With a bit of encouragement,
0:10:46 > 0:10:49the geese start to line up alongside the boat.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56They just have to stay like that for a little bit longer....
0:11:06 > 0:11:09And there it is - perfect formation flying.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- Well done, guys.- Good, guys.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18It has taken seven months to get the geese to this point,
0:11:18 > 0:11:22but Neil has far more ambitious plans for his foster children.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Next stop is New York City.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34Back in Peru, Bon Bon and Felix
0:11:34 > 0:11:38are having no success luring the macaws down to the boat.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48With so much fruit around, the birds just aren't hungry.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56WHISTLING
0:11:57 > 0:12:01But then, suddenly, two birds veer away from the flock,
0:12:01 > 0:12:03fluttering down to the boat.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06It seems the bond's still there.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14Felix can still offer something they can't get in the wild -
0:12:14 > 0:12:16a good scratch.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25He reaches the parts that beaks fail to reach.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Even after six months living with wild flocks
0:12:31 > 0:12:34the birds won't miss this chance of a tickle.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51But will these be the only macaws to respond to the call?
0:12:53 > 0:12:56WHISTLING
0:13:05 > 0:13:08It seems someone else remembers his old friends.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21Then another.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32All four share some tidbits for old time's sake.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36The birds may be onboard, but for the plan to work
0:13:36 > 0:13:40Bon Bon must persuade them to fly alongside the boat.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44Cameraman Richard Cook is ready and waiting.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54The macaws fly with the boat exactly as planned.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06Richard finally gets his chance to capture some arresting images.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36Got some nice stuff.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38There's a lovely shot,
0:14:38 > 0:14:41the macaw coming up the side of the boat here,
0:14:41 > 0:14:44and on this side, so we're looking down on her.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Worked quite well.
0:14:52 > 0:14:57The visit provides just a few magical seconds of footage.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00It took four weeks in total
0:15:00 > 0:15:04to capture all the close flying shots seen in the film.
0:15:29 > 0:15:30New York City,
0:15:30 > 0:15:34and, for the snow geese, their big day has finally arrived.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38The plan is to fly past the famous Manhattan skyline
0:15:38 > 0:15:42retracing the flight path taken by thousands of wild snow geese.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51For adoptive parents Neil and Laura it's a big moment.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55The birds have never been flown this far from home.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01The geese are now seasoned aeronauts,
0:16:01 > 0:16:04so they don't need much encouragement to get airborne.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21By now the birds have formation flying down to a fine art.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31Even the New York coastguard
0:16:31 > 0:16:34comes to investigate the astonishing sight.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47Come on, guys!
0:16:47 > 0:16:49Come on, babies!
0:16:49 > 0:16:52HORN HONKING
0:16:52 > 0:16:54Success.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58But there is an even more ambitious plan for one of the birds.
0:16:58 > 0:16:59Amazing.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07He has been trained to carry a tiny HD camera.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14He joins the rest of the flock
0:17:14 > 0:17:18and captures a viewpoint that has never been seen before.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33He has such control he lands back on the boat
0:17:33 > 0:17:36as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45The rest of the flock keep in formation
0:17:45 > 0:17:50but, as their confidence grows, their natural desire to explore kicks in.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52HORN HONKING
0:17:52 > 0:17:54They're heading off into town.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Can you still see them?
0:17:58 > 0:18:02The only contact Neil and Laura have is a signal from a transmitter
0:18:02 > 0:18:05attached to one of the birds.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07- I think they're still flying.- OK.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14Wild birds make similar exploratory flights away from their parents,
0:18:14 > 0:18:17but human parents are at a distinct disadvantage -
0:18:17 > 0:18:20they can't fly after them.
0:18:21 > 0:18:26Neil and Laura now have a real challenge on their hands.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35Back in France, Christian's geese are now three weeks old.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39Allez, allez, allez!
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Ga-ga-ga-ga-ga-ga...
0:18:45 > 0:18:49It's time for Christian to teach the birds some of the skills
0:18:49 > 0:18:53a mother goose passes on to her own offspring.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59First, he must make them feel comfortable
0:18:59 > 0:19:02in the largest expanse of water they've ever seen.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12But they must also learn to be aware of danger.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14Christian keeps looking up,
0:19:14 > 0:19:16teaching the birds to watch for predators overhead.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19Allez...allez...
0:19:19 > 0:19:24He also shows them that they must kick hard to strengthen their legs.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46Even this improvised water pistol isn't for fun -
0:19:46 > 0:19:50wetting the birds encourages them to preen and produce oil
0:19:50 > 0:19:52to waterproof their plumage.
0:19:55 > 0:19:56Allez, allez, allez...
0:19:57 > 0:20:00These early bonding sessions are vital
0:20:00 > 0:20:04if the birds are to grow up with all the natural skills they need.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11Back in New York, the signal from the goose's transmitter
0:20:11 > 0:20:13has taken Neil to the streets of Brooklyn.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20But the buildings are confusing and bouncing the signals.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23It's turning into a real wild goose chase.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25- Anything?- Nothing.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30Yeah, go, go!
0:20:30 > 0:20:31- You've got a signal?- Yeah.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34But suddenly, a breakthrough.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38OK, let me out right here.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41Go straight ahead and there's a park.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43Let me come with you, Neil.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49They shouldn't be too far away.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54I think it's unbelievable, they might be up here in this park.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- Let's just pray that the transmitter hasn't been taken.- Yeah.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- I think they're in this park up here.- OK.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09We're going to get caught jaywalking.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- I see them.- Where? - I see them, straight ahead.- Really?
0:21:25 > 0:21:27What are you doing here?
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Hey, guys.
0:21:29 > 0:21:30Wee-wee-wee-wee.
0:21:30 > 0:21:31Good boy!
0:21:33 > 0:21:36Just like wild birds, they simply headed
0:21:36 > 0:21:39for the best grazing they could find.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Good boy.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45Now Neil just has to wait for backup to arrive.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47We got them, we got them.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51Obviously we don't have them, but we're with them in a little park.
0:21:51 > 0:21:52Yeah, we've got them.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55They're in that same park we saw from the road.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00So we need to regroup and get the kennels...
0:22:00 > 0:22:05Although many birds went AWOL over the course of the series,
0:22:05 > 0:22:08all were ultimately reunited with their owners.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12But knowing this doesn't make it any easier
0:22:12 > 0:22:16when you lose the birds you've spent so long nurturing.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25It's a relief for Neil and Laura -
0:22:25 > 0:22:29they are as attached to the geese as the geese are to them.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34- Well done.- Oh, my gosh! - Thank goodness.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40We are going to run out of miracles!
0:22:43 > 0:22:48To fly amongst birds, Earthflight used a huge variety of techniques.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01In South Africa, a paraglider soars among flocks of wild vultures.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14He uses the same updrafts and thermals as the birds,
0:23:14 > 0:23:17making it the perfect way to film in their midst.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28The paragliders are piloted by biologists,
0:23:28 > 0:23:30who use them as part of their work.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36It was this kind of cooperation with experts in the field
0:23:36 > 0:23:40that made much of the filming possible.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53But there is yet another way to get even closer to vultures.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59This is the latest spy in the flock.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05Model maker Malcolm Beard spent hundreds of hours
0:24:05 > 0:24:10designing and building this perfect full-scale replica of a vulture.
0:24:10 > 0:24:15Vulturecam even has a moving tail, just like the real thing.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19It also carries a pan and tilt camera,
0:24:19 > 0:24:22allowing 360 degree filming.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37Fortunately, the vultures are fascinated by this new, strange bird
0:24:37 > 0:24:40that can soar with them in the thermals.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45The pictures are sent back to ground,
0:24:45 > 0:24:49allowing producer Rob Pilley to control and adjust the camera.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05But, despite the success, the team fear they might never
0:25:05 > 0:25:08get their radio-controlled vulture back in one piece.
0:25:14 > 0:25:20Unlike a real vulture, Vulturecam needs a smooth path to land on.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26And it doesn't get rougher than a rocky mountain top.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34To make matters worse, the cliff face creates strong updrafts.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39But, with the camera's memory card full,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42they can't put off landing any longer.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54It could have been far worse.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58That's what you call nose-dive, jeez.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00Look, you've actually scratched the granite!
0:26:00 > 0:26:04But Earthflight needed to get even deeper into the vultures' world.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10This is a world first -
0:26:10 > 0:26:14a camera-carrying vulture trained to fly from a microlight.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21Vultures usually need perfect weather conditions to get airborne,
0:26:21 > 0:26:25but this pampered bird can let an aircraft do the hard work...
0:26:27 > 0:26:31..taking off when she reaches the correct altitude.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56Her normal routine is at this airfield not far from Geneva,
0:26:56 > 0:27:00but it's time for her to attempt something far more ambitious.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06Her next flight will be in amongst her wild cousins in Africa.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13HORN HONKING
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Back in France, the young geese are preparing
0:27:16 > 0:27:18for their first flight.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21They are happily following the microlight,
0:27:21 > 0:27:23but will they fly with it?
0:27:27 > 0:27:31On a nearby airfield, the moment of truth finally arrives.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49The birds are certainly enthusiastic,
0:27:49 > 0:27:54but they aren't sure what's expected and most fall at the first hurdle.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56Only two birds have got the idea.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04But even this limited success is short-lived.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10The microlight lands without its out-riders.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20These first flights are always the most stressful.
0:28:21 > 0:28:26Then, relief - the flock is reunited.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36Christian knows he must try again as quickly as possible.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41This time, the two leading birds encourage the others into the air.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52But there's always one that doesn't quite get it.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00Up above, things are starting to gel.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07They could hardly fly any closer.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17This is what six months of training has been about -
0:29:17 > 0:29:20flying and filming as part of the flock.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31A perfect test flight, but soon the real challenges will begin -
0:29:31 > 0:29:35flying the route of their wild counterparts.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45As the vulture crew assemble in Kenya,
0:29:45 > 0:29:49the camera-bird takes it all in her stride.
0:29:49 > 0:29:54Like a pet dog she follows her owner, Yohann, wherever he goes.
0:30:13 > 0:30:18The eventual aim is to fly high over many other African locations.
0:30:23 > 0:30:28It may be a different plane, but the vulture knows the routine.
0:30:29 > 0:30:34She always sets off from around 1,500 feet up.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39For her safety,
0:30:39 > 0:30:43the engines of the plane are stopped just before she flies.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55This is her first taste of African skies,
0:30:55 > 0:30:57and she's clearly enjoying the view.
0:31:07 > 0:31:12The onboard camera reveals the bird is turning in a thermal,
0:31:12 > 0:31:14soaring upwards.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22It's an exhilarating moment for the vulture team.
0:31:24 > 0:31:29But the thermals are far stronger here than in Europe.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31Time to call her back down.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38But the strong winds are taking the vulture away -
0:31:38 > 0:31:41she's heading to the peak of a very high hill.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25The launch plane touches down to join in the search.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29SPEAKS INTO THE RADIO IN FRENCH
0:32:31 > 0:32:35Johan and team are going to need all the help they can get
0:32:35 > 0:32:37to find their missing bird.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45Across the world, in the wilds of Alaska,
0:32:45 > 0:32:48another contingent of the Earthflight team
0:32:48 > 0:32:50are going on a bear hunt.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58Leading the group is bear expert Derek Stonorov,
0:32:58 > 0:33:03a man who knows everything there is about working in grizzly bear country.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08Following behind is field producer Matt Gordon.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12They are here to film eagles stealing fish from the bears,
0:33:12 > 0:33:15but right now it's the bears that are focusing the mind.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19Hey, bear. Hey, bear.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21CLAPPING
0:33:21 > 0:33:23Hey, bear, hey, bear...
0:33:23 > 0:33:27For safety, the drill is to follow the trails made by bears,
0:33:27 > 0:33:32and make a lot of noise so you don't surprise any hiding in the bushes.
0:33:32 > 0:33:37Grizzly bears are the most aggressive and dangerous animals in North America.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39No-one can take any chances.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44But the crew knows that to film the bears' interactions with eagles
0:33:44 > 0:33:47they will have to get closer than usual.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53The bears are gathering for a salmon run.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57But they're still waiting for all of the fish to arrive.
0:33:58 > 0:34:03The bears turn up early, anxious to bag the best fishing spots.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06It's a chance for the bears to get used to people.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13And for the people to get used to the bears.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19Pretty cool, man.
0:34:21 > 0:34:27As a zoologist, Matt is more aware of the dangers than anyone.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30When working close to bears, it's important to understand
0:34:30 > 0:34:34their body language and act in a calm and non-threatening manner.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48That was close!
0:34:50 > 0:34:53The plan is to film from a large crane,
0:34:53 > 0:34:56so the bears need to become used to its movements,
0:34:56 > 0:35:00as well as the presence of the team.
0:35:00 > 0:35:06It's all going to plan, but not a single eagle has been seen,
0:35:06 > 0:35:09and without them there is no story.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11The bears are poised and ready,
0:35:11 > 0:35:15and the salmon are gathering at the mouth of the river.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24Then, as if on cue, the first eagle arrives.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27That's one eagle.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30There is an eagle, see it?
0:35:30 > 0:35:31Then another.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39As so often occurs, the birds know exactly
0:35:39 > 0:35:43when nature's greatest events are set to happen.
0:35:44 > 0:35:48It's action stations - the salmon run has started.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54The team have to work quickly, but, thankfully,
0:35:54 > 0:35:58the bears are more interested in the salmon than the crew.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10And the eagles do exactly what was expected,
0:36:10 > 0:36:15stealing great hunks of fat salmon from under the noses of the bears.
0:36:33 > 0:36:38Back in Africa, the lost vulture is concerning the ground crew.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46A spotter plane goes up to see if it can locate where she's landed.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55The onboard pictures show that she is safe and well...
0:36:57 > 0:36:59..but where?
0:37:01 > 0:37:04There is no shortage of willing helpers.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06RADIO: 'I try to see it.'
0:37:06 > 0:37:11'I think it's the other guys have gone off down and up again,
0:37:11 > 0:37:13'so I'll get them to stop...'
0:37:13 > 0:37:16The ground crew head to the distant hills.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19No, we can't see anything, because there are many trees
0:37:19 > 0:37:23and she lands somewhere up there but now we have to find her.
0:37:23 > 0:37:29It is difficult because there is no tracks to find her.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32Look at the plane.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36- You see?- No, no, no.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46The plane's right above us so hopefully it's not too far.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49Thank you, Willie.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02The plane circles the spot.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09She's just there, on the top of a mountain, now we have to climb.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11But it's not going to be easy.
0:38:12 > 0:38:17All onboard cameras are designed so the bird can remove them,
0:38:17 > 0:38:19but it's clear from the relayed signal
0:38:19 > 0:38:22that the vulture hasn't a care in the world.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28The same can't be said for Yohann and the team.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58She hears the approaching voices.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09Some sharp-eyed local children are first at the scene.
0:39:14 > 0:39:15Crazy bird!
0:39:20 > 0:39:24But it's Yohann that the vulture has been waiting for.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26Great.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30Well done. Well done.
0:39:30 > 0:39:31Amazing.
0:39:33 > 0:39:38A moment for the whole team to reflect on the hard-earned success.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40But this was just the beginning.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43The vulture captured a bird's-eye view
0:39:43 > 0:39:47in many different locations after this.
0:39:47 > 0:39:51- Can't believe how high that bird is. - She's very stable.- Incredibly.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53Oh, it's amazing.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55Now you really are flying with the birds.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59You're really up in the sky with it, thermalling like a vulture does.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02She really is behaving like a wild vulture.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06- Good climb.- Well done, you. That's awesome.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10Back in Europe, Christian's team have set their sights
0:40:10 > 0:40:12on the next big challenge -
0:40:12 > 0:40:14a flight over Edinburgh in Scotland,
0:40:14 > 0:40:18following the tracks of thousands of migrating barnacle geese.
0:40:23 > 0:40:27It's time to see whether all the hard work will pay off.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30But it's not going to be easy -
0:40:30 > 0:40:33permissions have been difficult to obtain,
0:40:33 > 0:40:36and they have been given a narrow window of only an hour
0:40:36 > 0:40:37to get the shot.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45All other air traffic
0:40:45 > 0:40:49has had to be diverted around Edinburgh for the flight.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52The birds seem eager to stretch their wings.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01Air traffic control give the signal,
0:41:01 > 0:41:04and the geese emerge with a spring in their step.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29It's a good start - all the training is paying off.
0:41:29 > 0:41:33But their designated take-off site was five miles from the city.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48To succeed, the birds need to be fit enough
0:41:48 > 0:41:50to keep up with the microlight all the way.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03The birds must maintain a tight formation -
0:42:03 > 0:42:06if any get lost, the shoot will have to be abandoned.
0:42:20 > 0:42:2410 minutes of flying takes them over Arthur's seat -
0:42:24 > 0:42:26the famous hill overlooking the city.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29They now power onwards towards the heart of Edinburgh.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36In case of engine failure, Christian must maintain good altitude -
0:42:36 > 0:42:38he must always be able to glide to safety.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48The geese perform to perfection -
0:42:48 > 0:42:52by now, flying with a microlight comes naturally to them.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58They even take on the classic formation of a migrating flock,
0:42:58 > 0:42:59with Christian at the helm.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02Just like wild geese, their mother shows them the way.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19Finally, they've got what they came for -
0:43:19 > 0:43:24the view that wild flocks see as they fly over Scotland's capital.
0:43:40 > 0:43:42It's a success,
0:43:42 > 0:43:45but Christian has even greater ambitions for his birds.
0:43:55 > 0:43:57Back in Africa, at Kenya's Lake Bogoria,
0:44:01 > 0:44:04flamingos are the next challenge for the Earthflight team.
0:44:04 > 0:44:07Wild flamingos are one of the most nervous birds in the world.
0:44:11 > 0:44:15To film among the masses requires a variety of spycams.
0:44:16 > 0:44:21Producer Philip Dalton buries a remote camera
0:44:21 > 0:44:24in the steaming hot mud at a favourite drinking spot.
0:44:27 > 0:44:29It captures intimate images like these.
0:44:41 > 0:44:43He also deploys another camera,
0:44:43 > 0:44:46disguised by its own mini-flock of flamingos.
0:45:00 > 0:45:01But to capture shots
0:45:01 > 0:45:06of these notoriously skittish birds from the air needs stealth tactics.
0:45:12 > 0:45:15This futuristic drone is the team's secret weapon.
0:45:22 > 0:45:25Its tiny rotor blades allow an almost silent approach,
0:45:25 > 0:45:29and its alien shape is nothing like any predator they've seen.
0:45:36 > 0:45:40The drone hardly ruffles a feather as it captures a view
0:45:40 > 0:45:43of the greatest gathering of flamingos seen for 20 years.
0:46:02 > 0:46:06Then, at the flick of a switch, it returns to base.
0:46:16 > 0:46:18But this was just part of a much bigger sequence
0:46:18 > 0:46:20shot at Lake Bogoria -
0:46:20 > 0:46:24one that took a hundred filming days to complete.
0:46:29 > 0:46:32The beautiful dance of the flamingos
0:46:32 > 0:46:34only happens when conditions are perfect.
0:47:01 > 0:47:04To capture extraordinary behaviour always takes time.
0:47:04 > 0:47:08In Bogoria, baboons have turned killers.
0:47:42 > 0:47:45Behaviour like this takes countless days to capture.
0:47:49 > 0:47:53Patience is also of the essence when dealing with red tape.
0:47:54 > 0:47:58London is the most overcrowded airspace in the world,
0:47:58 > 0:48:01and for two years, the production team sought permission
0:48:01 > 0:48:05for Christian's birds to fly over it.
0:48:05 > 0:48:08It finally came in the last summer of filming.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11The venue is London City Airport.
0:48:12 > 0:48:13But there's a catch -
0:48:13 > 0:48:16the birds can only fly if they become part of the airshow
0:48:16 > 0:48:18that is closing the airport for the day.
0:48:23 > 0:48:28Like the other participants, the birds must perform on cue.
0:48:28 > 0:48:32For a display pilot this goes with the territory,
0:48:32 > 0:48:36but Christian's birds need perfect wind conditions -
0:48:36 > 0:48:37it's not going to be easy.
0:48:38 > 0:48:41The microlight is assembled in double-quick time,
0:48:41 > 0:48:44while the display goes on around them.
0:48:45 > 0:48:47THEY SPEAK FRENCH
0:49:01 > 0:49:02HORN HONKS
0:49:05 > 0:49:08But the team have some concerns -
0:49:08 > 0:49:10the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the stunt planes
0:49:10 > 0:49:12may disturb the birds.
0:49:12 > 0:49:18- With the buildings... There is turbulence, over there...- OK.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21I will try to climb.
0:49:24 > 0:49:26And Christian has other worries.
0:49:26 > 0:49:29Geese moult their feathers at this time of year,
0:49:29 > 0:49:32so he thinks only a few of them are able to fly strongly enough
0:49:32 > 0:49:36in these weather conditions, and their flying speed is limited.
0:49:36 > 0:49:37The birds don't want to climb.
0:49:37 > 0:49:40He is particularly worried by turbulence from hot air
0:49:40 > 0:49:43rising from the sun-baked runway.
0:49:43 > 0:49:45So, to make it easier for them,
0:49:45 > 0:49:48Christian is now using a slower- flying, single-seat microlight.
0:49:52 > 0:49:54Everyone's aware that if the geese don't fly on cue,
0:49:54 > 0:49:56there will be no second chance.
0:50:03 > 0:50:06I have to wait, and this plane will land.
0:50:08 > 0:50:10- RADIO:- Ready.
0:50:13 > 0:50:17As the allocated time slot arrives, the geese take up position.
0:50:21 > 0:50:23Now it's the moment of truth.
0:50:39 > 0:50:43HORN HONKS
0:50:49 > 0:50:52Christian is using a special lightweight camera,
0:50:52 > 0:50:55but flying and filming at the same time is never going to be easy.
0:51:03 > 0:51:05Despite all of the distractions,
0:51:05 > 0:51:10the bond between Christian and his birds is as strong as ever.
0:51:20 > 0:51:23They hold a nice tight formation.
0:51:26 > 0:51:29But he has to juggle everything to achieve what he came for.
0:51:31 > 0:51:36His amazing affinity with his birds is paying off once more.
0:51:58 > 0:52:03For Christian and his geese, it's mission accomplished.
0:52:08 > 0:52:12But one more big challenge still faces the team,
0:52:12 > 0:52:15one that will take huge resources and military planning.
0:52:18 > 0:52:20Istanbul is the gateway into Europe
0:52:20 > 0:52:23for many birds migrating from Africa and Asia.
0:52:24 > 0:52:26The team is interested in one bird
0:52:26 > 0:52:31that arrives here in the hundreds of thousands - the famous white stork.
0:52:33 > 0:52:37To spot the approaching birds, a network of ornithologists
0:52:37 > 0:52:42are stationed at different points along the migration route.
0:52:43 > 0:52:48Even so, the bird's arrival is spontaneous and unpredictable.
0:52:49 > 0:52:53And strong winds can push them high out of sight.
0:52:56 > 0:52:59After a week of false alarms, the storks suddenly appear.
0:52:59 > 0:53:04..to the front one, which is now thermalling a bit.
0:53:04 > 0:53:09Then others join them, heading right for the city.
0:53:09 > 0:53:11HE SPEAKS TURKISH
0:53:11 > 0:53:15The filming teams have been waiting for this moment.
0:53:16 > 0:53:19A microlight is first to be scrambled.
0:53:21 > 0:53:24Then a helicopter with a stabilised camera mount.
0:53:30 > 0:53:33The helicopter has been cleared to fly over the city...
0:53:40 > 0:53:45..while the microlight shadows the flocks through the city outskirts.
0:54:02 > 0:54:06Then a spotter sees an unexpected sight -
0:54:06 > 0:54:09thousands of storks in trouble way out to sea.
0:54:13 > 0:54:16The helicopter crew capture the moment the storks reach safety.
0:54:23 > 0:54:27The Princes Islands, seven miles from the mainland.
0:54:28 > 0:54:30Thermals rising from the rocks
0:54:30 > 0:54:33gives them the boost they need to make it to the mainland.
0:54:41 > 0:54:45In Istanbul, the ground teams are waiting.
0:54:58 > 0:55:01One crew are even on the minarets of the famous Hagia Sophia.
0:55:02 > 0:55:05They capture another view of this great invasion.
0:55:16 > 0:55:20The stork's story was an epic Earthflight tale of endurance,
0:55:20 > 0:55:23and it became a fitting start to the programme on Europe.
0:55:30 > 0:55:32Telling the story of the birds' great journeys
0:55:32 > 0:55:34across the world's continents
0:55:34 > 0:55:37was a project that involved hundreds of dedicated people.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41Helped by new technology and new filming techniques,
0:55:41 > 0:55:44the birds' lives were captured as never before.
0:55:59 > 0:56:00But at every stage,
0:56:00 > 0:56:04the story was guided by the behaviour of wild birds
0:56:04 > 0:56:06who had an incredible tale to tell.
0:56:14 > 0:56:18They took the film crews to sights never seen before...
0:56:32 > 0:56:36..and retold familiar stories from a whole new perspective.
0:56:43 > 0:56:46They continually surprised with their ingenuity...
0:56:53 > 0:56:55..their intelligence...
0:57:02 > 0:57:04..and their devotion.
0:57:13 > 0:57:15They showed us their challenges...
0:57:26 > 0:57:28..and their triumphs.
0:57:40 > 0:57:42We shared in their dramas...
0:57:48 > 0:57:51..and their greatest successes.
0:57:57 > 0:58:01Wherever they took us, they showed us the world with fresh eyes.
0:58:09 > 0:58:11Earthflight was their story -
0:58:11 > 0:58:14and it continually surprised the team that helped tell it.
0:58:16 > 0:58:19Our view of birds will never be the same again.
0:58:32 > 0:58:34Subtitles by Red Bee Media
0:58:34 > 0:58:36E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk