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(BIRDS CHIRPING)
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NARRATOR: Animals have taken
to the air
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in ways we can only dream of.
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in ways we can only dream of.
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(BUZZING)
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And conquered the skies...
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And conquered the skies...
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..with determination and courage,
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they've dared to defy gravity...
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they've dared to defy gravity...
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..opening up a whole new world
of opportunity...
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..and danger.
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(MUSIC SWELLS)
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(CHIRPING)
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Whether it's to find food...
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..forge new paths...
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..or secure the next generation...
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..every flying creature
hopes to gain the advantage
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..every flying creature
hopes to gain the advantage
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by reaching skyward.
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From the novices,
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From the novices,
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who must learn to soar...
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..to the Aeronauts without wings...
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..and the masters,
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who've taken aviation
to the very limit
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who've taken aviation
to the very limit
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and perfected the art of flying.
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Meet the remarkable animals
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with the ultimate super power.
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The ice-capped peaks of
the southern Andes mountains.
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A vast, imposing landscape.
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A vast, imposing landscape.
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Towering above
the grasslands of Patagonia.
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This wild place
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This wild place
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is home to the world's heaviest
soaring bird...
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..the Andean condor.
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Weighing up to 15kg,
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Weighing up to 15kg,
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these birds have overcome
one of the greatest challenges...
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..to defy gravity
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and lift their heavy bodies into air.
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and lift their heavy bodies into air.
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They keep themselves aloft
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with an enormous 3m wingspan.
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with an enormous 3m wingspan.
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But there's another vital ingredient
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they need to stay airborne...
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they need to stay airborne...
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..wind.
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Here in Patagonia
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it never stops blowing.
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But harnessing its energy
has to be learnt.
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But harnessing its energy
has to be learnt.
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At six months old,
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this young male
is almost as big as an adult.
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But he's only just started
to use his wings.
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Staying close to his mum...
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Staying close to his mum...
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..he lacks confidence.
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He's still just a chick
on the inside.
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To become independent
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To become independent
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he must learn to launch from height.
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And to do that, she's brought him
to this special place.
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And to do that, she's brought him
to this special place.
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On the windward slopes
of the Andes...
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..over a thousand metres high...
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..this citadel acts as
a condor flight school.
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..this citadel acts as
a condor flight school.
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Its young students
practise their gliding
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by riding the updraughts that rise
off these spires and buttresses.
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by riding the updraughts that rise
off these spires and buttresses.
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But this territory is disputed.
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(EAGLE SQUAWKS)
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A black-chested buzzard eagle.
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She's fiercely aggressive towards
anything invading her airspace...
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She's fiercely aggressive towards
anything invading her airspace...
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..and is keeping a stern eye
on the colony.
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It's day one of his training,
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and the apprehensive young male
prepares to make his first launch.
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and the apprehensive young male
prepares to make his first launch.
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Over a 400m drop.
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Instinct takes over.
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If he doesn't hold himself stable
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he could easily crash
to the ground.
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(EAGLE SQUAWKS)
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The eagle seizes an opportunity
to show who's boss...
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The eagle seizes an opportunity
to show who's boss...
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(SQUAWKING)
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..by ambushing an adult.
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..by ambushing an adult.
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The young male has seen the attack.
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He decides
it's a lot safer beside Mum.
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Flight school must continue
without him.
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The adults lead the students
out towards the plains.
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Here they demonstrate
how to use thermals -
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the columns of hot air
that rise off the land.
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the columns of hot air
that rise off the land.
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The students learn to feel
the updraughts
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The students learn to feel
the updraughts
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with their sensitive wingtips...
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..and make precise adjustments
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to circle and climb.
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Using thermals as elevators,
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condors can glide without flapping
for almost 200 km.
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condors can glide without flapping
for almost 200 km.
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Giving them a far-ranging view
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as they effortlessly travel
in search of food.
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as they effortlessly travel
in search of food.
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Back at the citadel,
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Back at the citadel,
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the youngster's mother
is restless.
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These are vital lessons
her son cannot miss.
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He'll have to run the gauntlet.
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(SQUAWKS)
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(CHIRPS)
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He's held his nerve.
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And with new-found confidence,
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And with new-found confidence,
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he begins to soar.
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(UPLIFTING MUSIC)
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If he's lucky,
he'll pass the next five decades
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gliding across this landscape.
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gliding across this landscape.
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For some creatures,
the benefits of catching air
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last just a fraction
of their lifetime.
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last just a fraction
of their lifetime.
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It's a summer's evening
on a river in Hungary.
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It's a summer's evening
on a river in Hungary.
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All is calm.
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But that peace
is about to be broken...
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..by an extraordinary annual event.
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A long-tailed mayfly
breaks the surface.
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(MAYFLIES BUZZ)
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Casting off his larval skin,
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he exposes brand-new wings.
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he exposes brand-new wings.
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Covered in tiny hairs,
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they're water resistant
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and strong...
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..and designed to lift
his body off the surface...
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..because he must!
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..because he must!
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Now an adult,
he has just a few hours
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to find a mate and reproduce
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to find a mate and reproduce
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before he dies.
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00:11:51,080 --> 00:11:52,000
From the moment he gets airborne
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From the moment he gets airborne
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the clock starts ticking.
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More males emerge.
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More males emerge.
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For three years
they've lived aquatic lives,
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feeding on the riverbed,
building up their energy reserves.
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feeding on the riverbed,
building up their energy reserves.
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Now, having no mouth to feed,
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Now, having no mouth to feed,
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they can only fuel their flight
for as long as these fat stores last.
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Each male now does something
only mayflies can do...
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..he goes through
a second transformation.
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Shedding the waterproof layer,
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his delicate new wings
are smoother and lighter...
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his delicate new wings
are smoother and lighter...
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..and fit for
a very specific purpose...
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..fast and agile flight.
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Thousands of males scour the river
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Thousands of males scour the river
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as females begin to emerge.
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Skimming the water with
their long filaments,
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they try to intercept them the
moment they reach the surface.
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they try to intercept them the
moment they reach the surface.
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In the race to mate,
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it might just give them a head start.
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As soon as she appears,
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each female is surrounded,
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each female is surrounded,
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as males rush to fertilise her eggs.
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At the height of the hatch
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there are millions on the wing.
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But all too soon,
the males' time is up.
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Reserves spent...
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..their bodies litter the surface.
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..their bodies litter the surface.
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But for the females,
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there's one final journey.
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Now that they've mated,
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they follow the light
reflected off the river
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and fly upstream,
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and fly upstream,
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for several kilometres.
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Then, they, too, drop to the surface,
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releasing eggs into the current,
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releasing eggs into the current,
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where they're carried back
to the place their parents emerged.
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Their brief adult lives are over.
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By taking to the wing in this
extraordinary mass emergence,
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the mayflies have achieved
their life's purpose...
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00:15:52,000 --> 00:15:55,080
the mayflies have achieved
their life's purpose...
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..ensuring the future
of the next generation.
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..ensuring the future
of the next generation.
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00:16:10,240 --> 00:16:14,520
When it comes to flight,
wings are the ultimate asset.
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00:16:17,080 --> 00:16:20,000
But not all animals that fly
have wings.
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00:16:22,480 --> 00:16:24,000
Some creatures have found
other ways to catch air.
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00:16:24,000 --> 00:16:26,240
Some creatures have found
other ways to catch air.
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00:16:29,600 --> 00:16:32,000
And they've come up with special
adaptations to get airborne.
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00:16:32,000 --> 00:16:33,560
And they've come up with special
adaptations to get airborne.
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00:16:42,600 --> 00:16:46,280
Hokkaido -
Japan's most northerly island.
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00:16:48,800 --> 00:16:51,400
Winters here are long and cold.
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With temperatures dropping below
minus 30 degrees Celsius...
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00:16:56,000 --> 00:16:56,960
With temperatures dropping below
minus 30 degrees Celsius...
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00:16:59,040 --> 00:17:02,760
..it takes remarkable resilience
for any animal to survive.
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00:17:08,040 --> 00:17:09,840
A Siberian squirrel.
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00:17:12,120 --> 00:17:15,200
She's small enough to fit
in the palm of your hand.
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00:17:18,760 --> 00:17:20,000
And one of the few creatures
to stay the winter,
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00:17:20,000 --> 00:17:21,680
And one of the few creatures
to stay the winter,
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00:17:21,720 --> 00:17:24,600
cooped up in her tree den for warmth.
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00:17:28,680 --> 00:17:32,080
Today she's come out early,
driven by hunger.
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00:17:38,720 --> 00:17:41,160
Finding food at this time of year
is hard,
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00:17:41,200 --> 00:17:44,000
but this spritely squirrel
knows what to do.
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00:17:44,000 --> 00:17:45,120
but this spritely squirrel
knows what to do.
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00:17:46,880 --> 00:17:48,840
She can't cross the ground, though.
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00:17:49,720 --> 00:17:52,000
Sinking in snow almost 2m deep,
she'd never survive.
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00:17:52,000 --> 00:17:54,280
Sinking in snow almost 2m deep,
she'd never survive.
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00:18:00,320 --> 00:18:02,040
She starts to climb...
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00:18:03,000 --> 00:18:05,600
..up to a height of 30m.
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00:18:14,560 --> 00:18:16,000
For she's not just any squirrel...
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00:18:16,000 --> 00:18:16,800
For she's not just any squirrel...
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00:18:20,480 --> 00:18:22,560
..she's a flying squirrel!
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00:18:23,600 --> 00:18:24,000
(UPLIFTING MUSIC)
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00:18:24,000 --> 00:18:26,000
(UPLIFTING MUSIC)
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00:18:32,480 --> 00:18:34,120
Spreading her limbs,
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00:18:34,160 --> 00:18:37,880
she reveals a furry membrane
between her wrists and ankles.
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00:18:44,000 --> 00:18:47,160
This transforms her body
into a wingsuit,
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00:18:47,200 --> 00:18:48,000
so she catches the air...
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00:18:48,000 --> 00:18:49,640
so she catches the air...
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00:18:49,680 --> 00:18:51,280
and glides.
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00:18:56,240 --> 00:18:59,480
Covering up to 50m
in a single leap,
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00:18:59,520 --> 00:19:04,000
it allows her to travel quickly
and conserve her energy.
241
00:19:04,000 --> 00:19:04,040
it allows her to travel quickly
and conserve her energy.
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00:19:11,080 --> 00:19:12,000
Her aerial acrobatics
have attracted some attention.
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00:19:12,000 --> 00:19:14,560
Her aerial acrobatics
have attracted some attention.
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00:19:17,440 --> 00:19:20,000
A male. Intrigued,
he decides to take a closer look.
245
00:19:20,000 --> 00:19:22,280
A male. Intrigued,
he decides to take a closer look.
246
00:19:36,240 --> 00:19:38,800
And while she usually
prefers solitude...
247
00:19:40,600 --> 00:19:43,440
..right now,
she's keen to make friends.
248
00:19:50,280 --> 00:19:51,920
(SQUIRRELS CHITTER)
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00:19:59,280 --> 00:20:00,000
She's happy to share her food -
250
00:20:00,000 --> 00:20:01,480
She's happy to share her food -
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00:20:01,520 --> 00:20:04,600
the tiny new buds
at the tips of the branches.
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00:20:16,800 --> 00:20:19,080
Then, with her belly full,
253
00:20:19,120 --> 00:20:20,960
she leads him back to her den.
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00:20:23,800 --> 00:20:24,000
As well as flying,
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00:20:24,000 --> 00:20:25,200
As well as flying,
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00:20:25,240 --> 00:20:27,880
Siberian squirrels
have another strategy
257
00:20:27,920 --> 00:20:30,600
for surviving
these harsh conditions.
258
00:20:32,520 --> 00:20:34,720
Giving him one final check...
259
00:20:38,520 --> 00:20:40,000
..she invites him in.
260
00:20:40,000 --> 00:20:40,040
..she invites him in.
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00:20:51,480 --> 00:20:53,240
In the shelter of her den...
262
00:20:54,360 --> 00:20:55,920
..they cuddle up for warmth...
263
00:20:57,240 --> 00:21:00,360
..braving winter's chill together.
264
00:21:09,920 --> 00:21:12,000
To stay airborne longer,
and travel farther,
265
00:21:12,000 --> 00:21:12,840
To stay airborne longer,
and travel farther,
266
00:21:12,880 --> 00:21:16,720
another creature has come up with
something even more ingenious.
267
00:21:17,920 --> 00:21:19,960
It hitches a lift for free!
268
00:21:21,640 --> 00:21:23,400
(COW MOOS)
269
00:21:28,200 --> 00:21:30,320
A female cupboard spider.
270
00:21:33,200 --> 00:21:35,040
Smaller than a thumbnail,
271
00:21:35,080 --> 00:21:36,000
she's mother to one of the largest
families on this English farm.
272
00:21:36,000 --> 00:21:38,800
she's mother to one of the largest
families on this English farm.
273
00:21:42,840 --> 00:21:44,000
But after a month of
guarding her precious egg sac...
274
00:21:44,000 --> 00:21:45,840
But after a month of
guarding her precious egg sac...
275
00:21:47,160 --> 00:21:49,280
..her parenting duties are over.
276
00:21:53,880 --> 00:21:57,920
Left on their own are hundreds
of tiny spiderlings.
277
00:22:05,000 --> 00:22:08,000
And today, after weeks of living
in such cramped conditions...
278
00:22:08,000 --> 00:22:09,160
And today, after weeks of living
in such cramped conditions...
279
00:22:11,800 --> 00:22:14,040
..it's time for them to break free.
280
00:22:24,280 --> 00:22:27,440
Despite starting life
as one big family,
281
00:22:27,480 --> 00:22:29,840
there's no sibling loyalty.
282
00:22:34,280 --> 00:22:36,440
These spiders are solitary.
283
00:22:36,480 --> 00:22:38,680
They can even be cannibals.
284
00:22:40,400 --> 00:22:42,760
So it's unwise to hang around.
285
00:22:46,200 --> 00:22:48,000
Compelled by a genetic wanderlust,
286
00:22:48,000 --> 00:22:48,640
Compelled by a genetic wanderlust,
287
00:22:48,680 --> 00:22:52,000
they all set off
in different directions.
288
00:22:57,960 --> 00:23:01,880
This tiny spiderling -
smaller than a grain of rice -
289
00:23:01,920 --> 00:23:03,720
is searching for something.
290
00:23:13,240 --> 00:23:15,800
But this blade of grass won't do.
291
00:23:22,520 --> 00:23:26,200
He's looking for a high point
to serve as a platform...
292
00:23:34,080 --> 00:23:36,000
..because he's about to put his life
on the line.
293
00:23:36,000 --> 00:23:37,280
..because he's about to put his life
on the line.
294
00:23:41,080 --> 00:23:43,720
Starting by anchoring himself
to the edge...
295
00:23:51,120 --> 00:23:52,000
..he stands on tiptoe
296
00:23:52,000 --> 00:23:52,560
..he stands on tiptoe
297
00:23:52,600 --> 00:23:55,520
and shoots strands of silk
into the air.
298
00:24:03,280 --> 00:24:07,200
Each one is a thousand times
thinner than a human hair.
299
00:24:10,960 --> 00:24:15,120
After sending out up to 60 threads,
he waits.
300
00:24:23,200 --> 00:24:24,000
With his special spider sense
301
00:24:24,000 --> 00:24:25,400
With his special spider sense
302
00:24:25,440 --> 00:24:29,680
he uses the hairs on his legs to
detect the flow of air around him.
303
00:24:36,400 --> 00:24:39,080
And when it's no more
than a gentle breeze...
304
00:24:40,440 --> 00:24:42,080
..he cuts his anchor.
305
00:24:47,760 --> 00:24:48,000
He's created his own balloon.
306
00:24:48,000 --> 00:24:50,400
He's created his own balloon.
307
00:24:57,720 --> 00:25:01,800
These spiders can ride the wind
for thousands of kilometres...
308
00:25:04,000 --> 00:25:09,000
..successfully dispersing
themselves all around the planet.
309
00:25:11,600 --> 00:25:12,000
But while he can
catch the breeze...
310
00:25:12,000 --> 00:25:13,880
But while he can
catch the breeze...
311
00:25:15,240 --> 00:25:18,680
..the spiderling is also
at its mercy.
312
00:25:21,680 --> 00:25:25,040
When the wind drops,
so does he.
313
00:25:30,960 --> 00:25:33,640
With no control over his direction
314
00:25:33,680 --> 00:25:36,000
a water landing could be perilous.
315
00:25:36,000 --> 00:25:36,560
a water landing could be perilous.
316
00:25:41,920 --> 00:25:44,000
But he's so light
he doesn't even break the surface.
317
00:25:44,000 --> 00:25:45,360
But he's so light
he doesn't even break the surface.
318
00:25:52,560 --> 00:25:54,760
For this tiny trailblazer,
319
00:25:54,800 --> 00:25:57,600
his silken journey has paid off...
320
00:25:58,480 --> 00:26:00,000
..and with it, he's found a whole new
territory to call home.
321
00:26:00,000 --> 00:26:03,200
..and with it, he's found a whole new
territory to call home.
322
00:26:14,400 --> 00:26:16,000
When it comes to catching air
323
00:26:16,000 --> 00:26:16,320
When it comes to catching air
324
00:26:16,360 --> 00:26:20,920
having no limbs is no barrier
to conquering the skies.
325
00:26:24,000 --> 00:26:26,800
High in the canopy
of a Southeast Asian jungle...
326
00:26:28,800 --> 00:26:32,000
..the paradise tree snake
is totally at ease...
327
00:26:32,000 --> 00:26:32,960
..the paradise tree snake
is totally at ease...
328
00:26:34,560 --> 00:26:36,280
..in his treetop home.
329
00:26:41,000 --> 00:26:42,800
Here, there's more sunlight...
330
00:26:44,000 --> 00:26:46,200
..giving him the energy
to move around.
331
00:26:50,000 --> 00:26:52,640
But food can be scattered
far and wide.
332
00:26:58,320 --> 00:27:00,760
To hunt for prey in
a neighbouring tree...
333
00:27:01,680 --> 00:27:03,400
..it's far too much effort.
334
00:27:04,360 --> 00:27:06,200
Climbing all the way down...
335
00:27:07,320 --> 00:27:09,280
..only to climb back up again.
336
00:27:12,160 --> 00:27:15,840
So this snake has found a clever way
to cover the distance.
337
00:27:20,080 --> 00:27:21,760
He begins to climb.
338
00:27:26,640 --> 00:27:28,000
To bridge the small gaps
between branches...
339
00:27:28,000 --> 00:27:29,360
To bridge the small gaps
between branches...
340
00:27:30,840 --> 00:27:32,640
..he stretches out his body...
341
00:27:34,680 --> 00:27:36,000
..making it go rigid.
342
00:27:36,000 --> 00:27:36,560
..making it go rigid.
343
00:27:52,440 --> 00:27:55,600
But reaching a gap
that's too wide to cross...
344
00:27:56,680 --> 00:27:59,040
..requires something
more ingenious.
345
00:28:07,160 --> 00:28:08,000
He pinpoints his landing...
346
00:28:08,000 --> 00:28:08,840
He pinpoints his landing...
347
00:28:12,040 --> 00:28:15,000
..then, with a powerful thrust
from his tail...
348
00:28:16,200 --> 00:28:17,640
..it's lift off!
349
00:28:22,480 --> 00:28:24,000
Spreading out his ribcage...
350
00:28:24,000 --> 00:28:24,400
Spreading out his ribcage...
351
00:28:26,960 --> 00:28:29,240
..he flattens his body
like a ribbon...
352
00:28:30,280 --> 00:28:32,000
..increasing air resistance...
353
00:28:32,000 --> 00:28:32,120
..increasing air resistance...
354
00:28:33,480 --> 00:28:35,280
..and slowing his descent.
355
00:28:41,640 --> 00:28:44,880
Then he contorts his body
to maintain stability...
356
00:28:46,920 --> 00:28:48,000
..and glides.
357
00:28:48,000 --> 00:28:48,080
..and glides.
358
00:28:55,040 --> 00:28:56,000
(UPLIFTING MUSIC)
359
00:28:56,000 --> 00:28:57,320
(UPLIFTING MUSIC)
360
00:29:16,640 --> 00:29:19,200
His destination has been well judged.
361
00:29:23,200 --> 00:29:24,920
A Draco lizard.
362
00:29:28,120 --> 00:29:31,160
But his approach
hasn't gone unnoticed.
363
00:29:34,200 --> 00:29:36,000
(QUIRKY MUSIC)
364
00:29:36,000 --> 00:29:36,920
(QUIRKY MUSIC)
365
00:29:50,520 --> 00:29:52,000
This snake isn't the only one with
an impressive arsenal of tricks.
366
00:29:52,000 --> 00:29:55,040
This snake isn't the only one with
an impressive arsenal of tricks.
367
00:30:01,720 --> 00:30:05,440
Here, even lizards can fly!
368
00:30:19,320 --> 00:30:22,800
In the game of one upmanship
between predator and prey,...
369
00:30:23,480 --> 00:30:24,000
..this time,
the snake's been outplayed.
370
00:30:24,000 --> 00:30:26,480
..this time,
the snake's been outplayed.
371
00:30:30,840 --> 00:30:32,000
Taking to the air without
wings isn't easy...
372
00:30:32,000 --> 00:30:33,880
Taking to the air without
wings isn't easy...
373
00:30:34,880 --> 00:30:37,440
..but in a world of
extreme landscapes
374
00:30:37,480 --> 00:30:40,000
one creature has evolved
the perfect launch mechanism.
375
00:30:40,000 --> 00:30:41,200
one creature has evolved
the perfect launch mechanism.
376
00:30:45,680 --> 00:30:48,000
Deep within the forest
of western Madagascar...
377
00:30:48,000 --> 00:30:48,440
Deep within the forest
of western Madagascar...
378
00:30:51,520 --> 00:30:53,880
.lives a shy and secretive lemur.
379
00:30:58,680 --> 00:31:00,440
Decken's sifaka.
380
00:31:00,480 --> 00:31:02,800
(LEMUR VOCALISES)
381
00:31:06,920 --> 00:31:10,560
It's the end of the dry season,
when food is scarce.
382
00:31:15,880 --> 00:31:18,240
This small family have spent
all morning
383
00:31:18,280 --> 00:31:20,000
searching for fruit and leaves.
384
00:31:20,000 --> 00:31:20,560
searching for fruit and leaves.
385
00:31:24,040 --> 00:31:25,840
In the hottest part of the day
386
00:31:25,880 --> 00:31:27,920
they take time off to rest.
387
00:31:33,680 --> 00:31:36,000
While their youngster
practises his climbing skills.
388
00:31:36,000 --> 00:31:37,040
While their youngster
practises his climbing skills.
389
00:31:41,480 --> 00:31:44,000
But today they've got company.
390
00:31:44,000 --> 00:31:44,080
But today they've got company.
391
00:31:48,080 --> 00:31:49,440
Brown lemurs.
392
00:31:52,080 --> 00:31:54,800
A whole new troop of hungry mouths.
393
00:31:56,960 --> 00:31:59,040
With their voracious appetites
394
00:31:59,080 --> 00:32:00,000
they'll strip these trees bare
in no time.
395
00:32:00,000 --> 00:32:01,480
they'll strip these trees bare
in no time.
396
00:32:05,440 --> 00:32:07,240
Having a youngster to feed,
397
00:32:07,280 --> 00:32:08,000
the sifakas have no other option.
398
00:32:08,000 --> 00:32:09,680
the sifakas have no other option.
399
00:32:10,880 --> 00:32:13,280
They must look for food elsewhere.
400
00:32:16,960 --> 00:32:19,600
The matriarch knows
of a special place.
401
00:32:24,960 --> 00:32:27,840
But the journey to reach it
will be treacherous.
402
00:32:28,800 --> 00:32:30,400
(DRAMATIC MUSIC)
403
00:32:32,440 --> 00:32:36,040
They must enter the Grand Tsingy.
404
00:32:39,760 --> 00:32:40,000
The world's largest stone forest.
405
00:32:40,000 --> 00:32:42,480
The world's largest stone forest.
406
00:32:46,560 --> 00:32:48,000
More than 1,500 square kilometres
407
00:32:48,000 --> 00:32:49,880
More than 1,500 square kilometres
408
00:32:49,920 --> 00:32:53,280
of razor-sharp limestone pinnacles.
409
00:32:54,600 --> 00:32:56,000
Carved out by rainfall
over millions of years.
410
00:32:56,000 --> 00:32:58,400
Carved out by rainfall
over millions of years.
411
00:33:03,480 --> 00:33:04,000
In the deep ravines
there's moisture...
412
00:33:04,000 --> 00:33:06,240
In the deep ravines
there's moisture...
413
00:33:07,120 --> 00:33:10,240
..allowing hidden pockets of forest
to grow.
414
00:33:14,880 --> 00:33:18,960
The matriarch leads her small family
into this perilous labyrinth.
415
00:33:24,320 --> 00:33:26,240
The brown lemurs follow
416
00:33:26,280 --> 00:33:28,000
carefully picking their way
over the needlelike spires.
417
00:33:28,000 --> 00:33:30,160
carefully picking their way
over the needlelike spires.
418
00:33:35,240 --> 00:33:36,000
But the sifakas possess
an extraordinary skill
419
00:33:36,000 --> 00:33:38,000
But the sifakas possess
an extraordinary skill
420
00:33:38,040 --> 00:33:40,160
to cross this hazardous terrain.
421
00:33:46,320 --> 00:33:49,320
They're true airborne leapers!
422
00:33:58,440 --> 00:34:00,000
Hind legs, packed with muscle...
423
00:34:00,000 --> 00:34:01,280
Hind legs, packed with muscle...
424
00:34:02,520 --> 00:34:04,600
..act like coiled springs...
425
00:34:09,280 --> 00:34:12,280
..launching them over 10m chasms.
426
00:34:20,200 --> 00:34:23,000
Soft pads on their hands and feet
427
00:34:23,040 --> 00:34:24,000
cushion their landing
on jagged rocks.
428
00:34:24,000 --> 00:34:25,600
cushion their landing
on jagged rocks.
429
00:34:52,480 --> 00:34:56,000
These limestone shards
stand more than 100m tall.
430
00:34:56,000 --> 00:34:57,120
These limestone shards
stand more than 100m tall.
431
00:34:59,920 --> 00:35:03,080
One small slip could be fatal.
432
00:35:06,920 --> 00:35:09,640
With shorter, less muscular legs,
433
00:35:09,680 --> 00:35:12,000
the brown lemurs can't compete.
434
00:35:12,000 --> 00:35:12,080
the brown lemurs can't compete.
435
00:35:22,600 --> 00:35:25,040
Under the matriarch's careful eye
436
00:35:25,080 --> 00:35:27,960
the youngster is guided
across the pinnacles.
437
00:35:43,960 --> 00:35:44,000
Safely through, she's led
her family to their reward -
438
00:35:44,000 --> 00:35:48,080
Safely through, she's led
her family to their reward -
439
00:35:48,120 --> 00:35:51,760
the fresh, juicy leaves
they need to sustain them.
440
00:35:56,320 --> 00:35:59,680
It's just one of many
pockets of trees here,
441
00:35:59,720 --> 00:36:00,000
but thanks to their aerial dexterity,
442
00:36:00,000 --> 00:36:02,560
but thanks to their aerial dexterity,
443
00:36:02,600 --> 00:36:06,760
these lemurs will have them
all to themselves.
444
00:36:16,360 --> 00:36:19,280
When animals leap they may catch air,
445
00:36:19,320 --> 00:36:22,480
but gravity soon brings them
back to Earth.
446
00:36:25,920 --> 00:36:28,520
To defy this gravitational pull
447
00:36:28,560 --> 00:36:31,040
creatures must power their flight.
448
00:36:33,840 --> 00:36:36,320
And that requires wings.
449
00:36:37,920 --> 00:36:39,720
Over millions of years
450
00:36:39,760 --> 00:36:40,000
some have perfected their
technique...
451
00:36:40,000 --> 00:36:42,080
some have perfected their
technique...
452
00:36:44,160 --> 00:36:46,440
..using power and agility
453
00:36:46,480 --> 00:36:48,000
to push the laws of physics
454
00:36:48,000 --> 00:36:48,640
to push the laws of physics
455
00:36:48,680 --> 00:36:50,280
to the very edge.
456
00:36:53,560 --> 00:36:55,720
But when it comes to speed,
457
00:36:55,760 --> 00:36:56,000
there's only one master.
458
00:36:56,000 --> 00:36:57,920
there's only one master.
459
00:37:00,000 --> 00:37:01,880
The peregrine falcon.
460
00:37:03,400 --> 00:37:04,000
(FALCON SQUAWKS)
461
00:37:04,000 --> 00:37:06,080
(FALCON SQUAWKS)
462
00:37:11,320 --> 00:37:12,000
the fastest animal on Earth.
463
00:37:12,000 --> 00:37:13,960
the fastest animal on Earth.
464
00:37:18,800 --> 00:37:20,000
It's late summer
in Canada's Bay of Fundy.
465
00:37:20,000 --> 00:37:21,800
It's late summer
in Canada's Bay of Fundy.
466
00:37:24,760 --> 00:37:26,520
For the past few months
467
00:37:26,560 --> 00:37:28,000
this female has been busy,
feeding her growing youngster.
468
00:37:28,000 --> 00:37:29,800
this female has been busy,
feeding her growing youngster.
469
00:37:33,360 --> 00:37:35,120
Now ten weeks old,
470
00:37:35,160 --> 00:37:36,000
he's got just a short window
to practise his hunting skills,
471
00:37:36,000 --> 00:37:38,880
he's got just a short window
to practise his hunting skills,
472
00:37:38,920 --> 00:37:41,520
before leaving to fend for himself.
473
00:37:44,400 --> 00:37:46,880
In this wide, open bay
474
00:37:46,920 --> 00:37:48,840
finding prey isn't easy.
475
00:37:51,200 --> 00:37:52,000
But that's about to change.
476
00:37:52,000 --> 00:37:53,000
But that's about to change.
477
00:37:55,520 --> 00:37:59,480
Twice a day, the receding tide
exposes vast mudflats.
478
00:38:02,120 --> 00:38:04,040
Beneath the surface,
they're packed
479
00:38:04,080 --> 00:38:06,520
with billions of tiny crustaceans.
480
00:38:10,440 --> 00:38:14,000
At this time of year,
they're an irresistible draw
481
00:38:14,040 --> 00:38:15,960
for a very small visitor.
482
00:38:16,000 --> 00:38:17,800
(BIRD CHIRPS)
483
00:38:19,720 --> 00:38:21,120
The sandpiper.
484
00:38:28,120 --> 00:38:30,080
(SANDPIPERS CHIRP)
485
00:38:31,160 --> 00:38:32,000
Every summer, hundreds of thousands
of these tiny waders arrive.
486
00:38:32,000 --> 00:38:35,640
Every summer, hundreds of thousands
of these tiny waders arrive.
487
00:38:38,760 --> 00:38:40,000
They're on a huge migration south,
488
00:38:40,000 --> 00:38:41,120
They're on a huge migration south,
489
00:38:41,160 --> 00:38:43,600
from their breeding grounds
in the Arctic,
490
00:38:43,640 --> 00:38:47,080
to where they spend the winter,
in South America.
491
00:38:49,440 --> 00:38:51,240
And for just a few weeks,
492
00:38:51,280 --> 00:38:55,880
the bay makes the perfect pit-stop
to top up their fat stores.
493
00:39:00,400 --> 00:39:02,920
Their arrival
is keenly anticipated.
494
00:39:06,360 --> 00:39:11,240
As the tide turns, the sea drives
the sandpipers off the mud.
495
00:39:12,600 --> 00:39:14,480
(SANDPIPERS CHIRP)
496
00:39:14,520 --> 00:39:16,160
(WAVES ROAR)
497
00:39:25,560 --> 00:39:28,000
Huge flocks settle on shore
to wait for the waters to retreat.
498
00:39:28,000 --> 00:39:29,560
Huge flocks settle on shore
to wait for the waters to retreat.
499
00:39:38,800 --> 00:39:40,640
While her youngster looks on...
500
00:39:41,880 --> 00:39:44,000
..it's time for a masterclass
in hunting.
501
00:39:44,000 --> 00:39:44,640
..it's time for a masterclass
in hunting.
502
00:39:45,960 --> 00:39:48,200
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)
503
00:39:51,200 --> 00:39:52,000
The female sneaks up low and fast.
504
00:39:52,000 --> 00:39:54,080
The female sneaks up low and fast.
505
00:39:58,680 --> 00:40:00,000
(SANDPIPERS CHIRP FRANTICALLY)
506
00:40:00,000 --> 00:40:01,160
(SANDPIPERS CHIRP FRANTICALLY)
507
00:40:10,760 --> 00:40:13,040
Then, gaining altitude...
508
00:40:18,440 --> 00:40:22,320
..she uses gravity to convert
that height into speed.
509
00:40:25,440 --> 00:40:28,920
Diving as fast as 300km per hour
510
00:40:28,960 --> 00:40:31,920
she tucks her wings in tight
to accelerate.
511
00:41:00,800 --> 00:41:02,560
Selecting a target...
512
00:41:06,240 --> 00:41:09,080
..she takes the sharpest of turns
to follow it...
513
00:41:20,920 --> 00:41:22,800
..and makes her catch.
514
00:41:29,920 --> 00:41:32,680
Now, it's her youngster's turn.
515
00:41:55,440 --> 00:41:58,320
While he doesn't yet have his
mother's high-speed skills,
516
00:41:58,360 --> 00:42:00,000
his quick thinking singles
out an exhausted straggler...
517
00:42:00,000 --> 00:42:02,280
his quick thinking singles
out an exhausted straggler...
518
00:42:03,360 --> 00:42:05,280
(SANDPIPERS CHIRPING)
519
00:42:08,960 --> 00:42:11,040
..forcing it down to the rocks.
520
00:42:18,320 --> 00:42:21,520
It's not the most elegant hunt
for a peregrine,
521
00:42:21,560 --> 00:42:23,760
but it shows initiative.
522
00:42:25,880 --> 00:42:27,800
And over the next few weeks,
523
00:42:27,840 --> 00:42:29,400
with his mother to guide him,
524
00:42:29,440 --> 00:42:32,000
he'll become just like her -
525
00:42:32,000 --> 00:42:32,120
he'll become just like her -
526
00:42:32,160 --> 00:42:35,440
a highly specialised master
of speed.
527
00:42:50,800 --> 00:42:52,880
Of all the aerial athletes,
528
00:42:52,920 --> 00:42:56,000
nothing comes close to
the real Olympic gymnasts
529
00:42:56,000 --> 00:42:56,320
nothing comes close to
the real Olympic gymnasts
530
00:42:56,360 --> 00:42:57,920
of the avian world...
531
00:42:59,240 --> 00:43:02,160
..one of which lives here,
in Costa Rica.
532
00:43:13,400 --> 00:43:17,440
The spectacular cloud forests
of the Talamanca mountains.
533
00:43:25,000 --> 00:43:28,000
Rising in places to over 3,500m...
534
00:43:28,000 --> 00:43:28,960
Rising in places to over 3,500m...
535
00:43:30,040 --> 00:43:34,800
..their lush vegetation is a welcome
sight for one tiny traveller.
536
00:43:44,560 --> 00:43:46,680
(HUMMINGBIRD CHIRPS)
537
00:43:47,720 --> 00:43:50,000
A fiery-throated hummingbird.
538
00:43:53,800 --> 00:43:56,000
It's the start of the rainy season,
539
00:43:56,040 --> 00:43:58,280
when there's a fresh flush of growth
540
00:43:58,320 --> 00:44:00,000
and she's come up to these cool
mountain forests to look for food.
541
00:44:00,000 --> 00:44:01,840
and she's come up to these cool
mountain forests to look for food.
542
00:44:20,040 --> 00:44:22,920
She's one of the most stunning
of all birds,
543
00:44:22,960 --> 00:44:24,000
with every shade of the rainbow on
her iridescent throat and chest.
544
00:44:24,000 --> 00:44:27,040
with every shade of the rainbow on
her iridescent throat and chest.
545
00:44:28,200 --> 00:44:30,560
She's also one of the busiest.
546
00:44:32,840 --> 00:44:34,280
To power her wings
547
00:44:34,320 --> 00:44:38,160
she has to sip nectar
up to 2,000 times a day.
548
00:44:40,840 --> 00:44:42,720
Just two hours without food
549
00:44:42,760 --> 00:44:45,120
and she'll be on the brink
of starvation.
550
00:44:47,040 --> 00:44:48,000
So, in this new patch of forest
551
00:44:48,000 --> 00:44:49,120
So, in this new patch of forest
552
00:44:49,160 --> 00:44:51,120
she must find the flowers quickly
553
00:44:51,160 --> 00:44:53,280
and learn the shortest routes
between them.
554
00:44:59,720 --> 00:45:03,480
And in doing this,
she's extraordinarily acrobatic.
555
00:45:16,040 --> 00:45:19,520
Like all hummingbirds,
she can fly straight up...
556
00:45:20,760 --> 00:45:22,200
..even backwards.
557
00:45:22,920 --> 00:45:25,160
They're the only bird to do so.
558
00:45:27,640 --> 00:45:28,000
This versatility is down to the
remarkable way she uses her wings.
559
00:45:28,000 --> 00:45:32,000
This versatility is down to the
remarkable way she uses her wings.
560
00:45:37,080 --> 00:45:38,880
A special shoulder joint
561
00:45:38,920 --> 00:45:42,080
allows her to rotate
her wings in a figure of eight.
562
00:45:48,400 --> 00:45:50,280
Rather than flap them
563
00:45:50,320 --> 00:45:51,880
she twists them.
564
00:46:00,920 --> 00:46:04,360
And by beating her wings
up to 30 times a second
565
00:46:04,400 --> 00:46:05,880
she can hover...
566
00:46:08,000 --> 00:46:11,920
..holding herself steady when
feeding, with remarkable precision.
567
00:46:19,720 --> 00:46:22,160
Having sipped from each bloom here,
568
00:46:22,200 --> 00:46:24,000
her search for food continues.
569
00:46:24,000 --> 00:46:24,640
her search for food continues.
570
00:46:41,760 --> 00:46:43,280
(HUMMINGBIRD CHIRPS)
571
00:46:50,400 --> 00:46:53,400
But this sweet nectar
is in high demand...
572
00:46:56,120 --> 00:46:58,920
..and this patch of forest is taken.
573
00:47:05,880 --> 00:47:08,920
Another fiery-throated hummingbird.
574
00:47:09,800 --> 00:47:12,000
He wants all the flowers to himself
575
00:47:12,040 --> 00:47:14,680
and he's prepared to fight her off.
576
00:47:19,080 --> 00:47:20,000
(CHIRPING AGGRESSIVELY)
577
00:47:20,000 --> 00:47:20,560
(CHIRPING AGGRESSIVELY)
578
00:47:24,400 --> 00:47:26,960
But she's determined
to stand her ground.
579
00:47:37,600 --> 00:47:39,840
In their attempts to overpower
each other,
580
00:47:39,880 --> 00:47:42,480
they use all their acrobatic skills.
581
00:47:54,080 --> 00:47:56,120
Her opponent gains the advantage.
582
00:48:03,640 --> 00:48:06,560
Using his wings now as weapons
583
00:48:06,600 --> 00:48:08,000
he tries to disorientate her.
584
00:48:08,000 --> 00:48:08,600
he tries to disorientate her.
585
00:48:11,840 --> 00:48:13,960
But she's not giving up.
586
00:48:21,440 --> 00:48:24,000
And finally, she sees him off.
587
00:48:24,000 --> 00:48:24,040
And finally, she sees him off.
588
00:48:36,120 --> 00:48:37,680
She claims her patch...
589
00:48:44,600 --> 00:48:46,360
..and takes her reward.
590
00:49:14,960 --> 00:49:19,400
Animals all over the world have risen
to an extraordinary challenge.
591
00:49:21,640 --> 00:49:23,560
And defied gravity.
592
00:49:25,680 --> 00:49:28,000
With ingenuity and determination...
593
00:49:28,000 --> 00:49:28,400
With ingenuity and determination...
594
00:49:29,560 --> 00:49:31,360
..they've taken the fight,
595
00:49:31,400 --> 00:49:33,440
to survive and thrive,
596
00:49:33,480 --> 00:49:35,360
to a whole new level...
597
00:49:38,720 --> 00:49:40,600
..earning their place
598
00:49:40,640 --> 00:49:43,120
as rulers of the skies.
599
00:49:53,040 --> 00:49:55,880
To film the heaviest soaring bird
in the world
600
00:49:55,920 --> 00:49:59,720
the Airborne team undertake
a three-day journey from the UK
601
00:49:59,760 --> 00:50:00,000
to a remote part of Patagonia,
in Chile.
602
00:50:00,000 --> 00:50:03,360
to a remote part of Patagonia,
in Chile.
603
00:50:07,440 --> 00:50:08,000
The location - a protected site
over 1,000m high
604
00:50:08,000 --> 00:50:11,640
The location - a protected site
over 1,000m high
605
00:50:11,680 --> 00:50:13,280
in the Andean foothills -
606
00:50:13,320 --> 00:50:15,320
is not for the faint hearted.
607
00:50:18,040 --> 00:50:19,960
But these precipitous cliffs
608
00:50:20,000 --> 00:50:22,240
are perfect for condors.
609
00:50:23,280 --> 00:50:24,000
Wow. What an amazing place.
610
00:50:24,000 --> 00:50:25,560
Wow. What an amazing place.
611
00:50:26,440 --> 00:50:28,720
It's difficult to get to,
but my goodness.
612
00:50:31,120 --> 00:50:32,000
I've never seen so many condors.
613
00:50:32,000 --> 00:50:33,000
I've never seen so many condors.
614
00:50:38,560 --> 00:50:40,000
There's one about to come overhead.
615
00:50:40,000 --> 00:50:40,360
There's one about to come overhead.
616
00:50:42,200 --> 00:50:43,840
Look at that.
617
00:50:43,880 --> 00:50:46,800
(CHUCKLES) They're amazing.
618
00:50:48,720 --> 00:50:51,040
With condors soaring all around them
619
00:50:51,080 --> 00:50:53,080
the team are eager to start filming.
620
00:50:55,080 --> 00:50:56,000
To capture their behaviour
621
00:50:56,000 --> 00:50:57,120
To capture their behaviour
622
00:50:57,160 --> 00:50:59,320
wildlife cameraman James Aldred
623
00:50:59,360 --> 00:51:02,240
is going to have to take his life in
his hands.
624
00:51:07,800 --> 00:51:10,680
I'm gonna take a couple of these
slings as well, actually.
625
00:51:15,960 --> 00:51:18,120
As a professional rope technician
626
00:51:18,160 --> 00:51:20,000
he's qualified to assess exactly
where it's safe
627
00:51:20,000 --> 00:51:20,920
he's qualified to assess exactly
where it's safe
628
00:51:20,960 --> 00:51:23,080
to get a clear view of the condors.
629
00:51:25,960 --> 00:51:28,000
But even he can find
these heights scary.
630
00:51:28,000 --> 00:51:28,920
But even he can find
these heights scary.
631
00:51:29,920 --> 00:51:32,080
So if I haven't been up high
for a while
632
00:51:32,120 --> 00:51:35,120
I definitely feel a little bit weird
looking over the edge.
633
00:51:36,640 --> 00:51:38,600
Having chosen his spot,
634
00:51:38,640 --> 00:51:40,560
he sets up his safety ropes.
635
00:51:51,640 --> 00:51:52,000
It's incredibly dramatic.
636
00:51:52,000 --> 00:51:53,400
It's incredibly dramatic.
637
00:51:54,560 --> 00:51:57,760
You know, if I was gonna imagine
where condors would hang out
638
00:51:57,800 --> 00:51:58,960
this is pretty much it.
639
00:51:59,000 --> 00:52:00,000
I mean, it wouldn't look out of
place to see a dragon
640
00:52:00,000 --> 00:52:01,240
I mean, it wouldn't look out of
place to see a dragon
641
00:52:01,280 --> 00:52:03,200
perched on top of some
of these ridges.
642
00:52:03,240 --> 00:52:06,520
It's a hell of a spot. I love it
here. Absolutely love it.
643
00:52:08,160 --> 00:52:09,680
For the next few weeks
644
00:52:09,720 --> 00:52:11,400
the team set up before dawn...
645
00:52:12,880 --> 00:52:16,000
..hoping to catch the condor's first
flight of the day.
646
00:52:29,160 --> 00:52:32,000
Local drone operator,
Cristobal Santamaria,
647
00:52:32,000 --> 00:52:32,520
Local drone operator,
Cristobal Santamaria,
648
00:52:32,560 --> 00:52:35,880
has been tasked with capturing close,
immersive shots
649
00:52:35,920 --> 00:52:37,520
of these birds in flight.
650
00:52:38,920 --> 00:52:40,000
CRISTOBAL: Woo-hoo! We have condors.
651
00:52:40,000 --> 00:52:41,480
CRISTOBAL: Woo-hoo! We have condors.
652
00:52:47,320 --> 00:52:48,000
But here in Patagonia,
there's a saying:
653
00:52:48,000 --> 00:52:50,000
But here in Patagonia,
there's a saying:
654
00:52:50,040 --> 00:52:52,200
four seasons in a day.
655
00:52:52,240 --> 00:52:53,960
As soon as the sun's up
656
00:52:54,000 --> 00:52:55,640
the wind picks up, too.
657
00:52:57,240 --> 00:52:59,360
Now, the wind is too strong.
658
00:53:00,400 --> 00:53:02,920
He makes the call to bring
back the drone.
659
00:53:05,480 --> 00:53:07,640
(WIND HOWLING)
Oh, hold on.
660
00:53:09,000 --> 00:53:10,240
Can you work it?
661
00:53:25,000 --> 00:53:26,320
(EXHALES)
662
00:53:27,480 --> 00:53:28,000
With the drone back on terra firma...
663
00:53:28,000 --> 00:53:29,800
With the drone back on terra firma...
664
00:53:31,040 --> 00:53:33,440
..down in a more sheltered
roost site,
665
00:53:33,480 --> 00:53:36,000
James is capturing some
extraordinary behaviour.
666
00:53:36,000 --> 00:53:36,440
James is capturing some
extraordinary behaviour.
667
00:53:39,640 --> 00:53:41,960
A black-chested buzzard eagle
668
00:53:42,000 --> 00:53:43,400
defending her territory.
669
00:53:45,160 --> 00:53:48,040
I was filming it in slow-mo,
five times slowed down.
670
00:53:48,080 --> 00:53:50,400
When it happens in real life
it's bang!
671
00:53:54,080 --> 00:53:55,880
Oh, my goodness!
672
00:53:55,920 --> 00:53:58,320
Absolutely amazing! (CHUCKLES)
673
00:54:00,640 --> 00:54:04,680
Rarely witnessed, this aggressive
behaviour towards condors
674
00:54:04,720 --> 00:54:06,840
has never been broadcast before.
675
00:54:09,200 --> 00:54:12,280
After three weeks, the team have
achieved what they came for...
676
00:54:13,160 --> 00:54:15,920
..and will be sad to leave
this thriving colony.
677
00:54:16,520 --> 00:54:18,920
RENE: So, yes, the numbers
are healthy here.
678
00:54:18,960 --> 00:54:22,080
It doesn't mean that the animal
is healthy as a population
679
00:54:22,120 --> 00:54:24,000
in general. It's struggling
in other places.
680
00:54:24,000 --> 00:54:25,040
in general. It's struggling
in other places.
681
00:54:26,240 --> 00:54:29,400
And we are very lucky to see
condors, as we can see them here.
682
00:54:29,440 --> 00:54:31,560
This is not something normal
or common.
683
00:54:31,600 --> 00:54:32,000
Even us, being from Chile,
this is not something
684
00:54:32,000 --> 00:54:34,640
Even us, being from Chile,
this is not something
685
00:54:34,680 --> 00:54:36,400
that you get to see every day.
686
00:54:39,600 --> 00:54:40,000
They'll take away a deeper respect
687
00:54:40,000 --> 00:54:42,160
They'll take away a deeper respect
688
00:54:42,200 --> 00:54:44,360
for these remarkable birds.
689
00:54:46,040 --> 00:54:48,000
Subtitles by Sky Access Services
www.skyaccessibility.sky
690
00:54:48,000 --> 00:54:49,480
Subtitles by Sky Access Services
www.skyaccessibility.sky
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