BBC News Online: Sci/Tech

Where eagles fly

It has been made possible by a 12-year-old golden eagle called Kintyre.

The bird has been trained for a BBC documentary to carry a camera and a transmitter as it soars over the Alps.

The result is some of the most remarkable wildlife footage ever taken.

The project is the brainchild of wildlife producer John Downer, renowned for his innovative film techniques.

"The idea was that we would use them to take the viewer into the eagle's world and I think there's nothing more exciting, more thrilling than to be sitting on the back of an eagle to do that," he said.

He adapted a lightweight video camera, attached it to a tiny transmitter, and strapped it to Kintyre's back.

The camera was specially designed so that most of the weight was underneath him, a situation he would have been used to as it is where eagles normally carry their prey.

Mr Downer's next project is to fit the camera to a bird which flies in a flock so it can film the others.

Kintyre had extensive training before he went on location.

Internet Links

The eagle picture gallery
InterBirdnet
RSPB Images

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