The never-before-seen bird's eye view of the world as flocks migrate across the continents in pioneering documentary

A breathtaking new documentary gives viewers the chance to see a bird's perspective of the world for the very first time.
Winged Planet took four years to make due to the painstaking preparation, using the latest in camera techniques and specialized training of flocks.
The two-hour show offers an aerial view of America, Africa and Europe as spycams ride alongside, and at times on the backs of eagles, cranes, pelicans and snow geese.
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Soaring: Winged Planet took four years to make and required the birds being specially trained to use cameras. This footage is captured over Africa

New perspective: The view from onboard an eagle flying over Lake Bogoria in Kenya with flamingos on the water

Winging it: The crew filmed across continents to capture the birds perfectly in mid-flight

The documentary crew used light aircraft alongside the birds after the creatures had become familiar with them to give this unique three-dimensional perspective.
Director John Downer told the Today show: 'They are the most amazing creatures....they are far more intelligent than we imagine. They are able to traverse a continent as we would like to see it, from the air.'

 

He added: 'The birds' world are interconnected across several continents...they give us a view we've never seen before.'
Winged Planet is on the Discovery Channel on Saturday, October 6 at 8pm.

Formation: Barnacle geese flying over Edinburgh in Scotland

Breathtaking birds: Common cranes soar over Chateau Chenonceau in the Loire Valley, France

Unseen world: Barnacle geese fly in formation over Tantallon Castle on the east coast of Scotland