1 00:00:00,140 --> 00:00:02,460 (light music) (birds chirping) 2 00:00:02,460 --> 00:00:04,510 It's a sight few get to see. 3 00:00:07,473 --> 00:00:09,440 (water splashing) 4 00:00:09,440 --> 00:00:11,833 This is Greece. 5 00:00:11,833 --> 00:00:14,140 (wind whistling) 6 00:00:14,140 --> 00:00:18,344 From Mount Olympus, to the pelican lakes. 7 00:00:18,344 --> 00:00:19,990 (pelicans squawking) 8 00:00:19,990 --> 00:00:24,320 A kingdom inhabited by the big, 9 00:00:24,320 --> 00:00:29,320 the small, and the pushy. (bug crunching) 10 00:00:30,550 --> 00:00:31,649 (air whooshing) (bird squawking) 11 00:00:31,649 --> 00:00:35,790 (dramatic electronic music) 12 00:00:35,790 --> 00:00:40,339 Untouched nature at the heart of Europe. 13 00:00:40,339 --> 00:00:43,089 (dramatic music) 14 00:00:50,288 --> 00:00:53,621 (light dramatic music) 15 00:00:55,490 --> 00:00:57,920 Mountains make up more than three quarters 16 00:00:57,920 --> 00:00:59,133 of the Greek mainland. 17 00:01:00,070 --> 00:01:03,940 These peaks reach a height of nearly 3,000 meters, 18 00:01:03,940 --> 00:01:06,213 where temperatures drop to minus 20. 19 00:01:09,998 --> 00:01:12,748 (birds chirping) 20 00:01:15,810 --> 00:01:20,560 Down in the valley, one place never completely freezes, 21 00:01:20,560 --> 00:01:24,723 Lake Kerkini. (pelicans squawking) 22 00:01:26,540 --> 00:01:29,410 This is where pelicans come for the winter. 23 00:01:29,410 --> 00:01:32,422 There's plenty of prey to last them through to the spring. 24 00:01:32,422 --> 00:01:35,255 (water splashing) 25 00:01:37,900 --> 00:01:41,163 A pelican needs at least a kilo of fish a day. 26 00:01:48,540 --> 00:01:51,700 That takes cooperation with the cormorants. 27 00:01:51,700 --> 00:01:54,840 They dive and pelicans scoop the frightened fish 28 00:01:54,840 --> 00:01:56,480 into their punches. 29 00:01:56,480 --> 00:02:00,303 The cormorants snap up the fleeing survivors. 30 00:02:00,303 --> 00:02:03,136 (birds squawking) 31 00:02:08,360 --> 00:02:09,813 Gulls fly above. 32 00:02:14,170 --> 00:02:18,513 Waiting for the right moment to swoop for the pickings. 33 00:02:19,798 --> 00:02:22,631 (water splashing) 34 00:02:26,200 --> 00:02:27,350 There's plenty for all. 35 00:02:28,427 --> 00:02:31,510 (pelicans squawking) 36 00:02:35,090 --> 00:02:36,740 But why not take your neighbor's? 37 00:02:39,900 --> 00:02:41,633 It may not be that easy. 38 00:02:42,957 --> 00:02:46,340 (water splashing) 39 00:02:46,340 --> 00:02:49,423 (pelicans squawking) 40 00:03:02,780 --> 00:03:05,833 And then find a perfect spot to dry off, 41 00:03:06,900 --> 00:03:08,513 and celebrate in the sun. 42 00:03:11,099 --> 00:03:13,932 (pelican honking) 43 00:03:17,760 --> 00:03:20,470 Dalmatian pelicans have hairy heads. 44 00:03:20,470 --> 00:03:21,983 That's how you recognize them. 45 00:03:27,030 --> 00:03:29,730 But they keep the rest of their feathers perfectly groomed 46 00:03:29,730 --> 00:03:33,303 and oiled for the twin tasks of swimming and flying. 47 00:03:34,408 --> 00:03:37,241 (birds squawking) 48 00:03:43,740 --> 00:03:44,853 A pelican leaves. 49 00:03:45,790 --> 00:03:47,423 Winter is over. 50 00:03:48,346 --> 00:03:50,530 (water splashing) 51 00:03:50,530 --> 00:03:52,683 Within days, all have departed. 52 00:03:53,997 --> 00:03:56,747 (wings flapping) 53 00:03:58,610 --> 00:04:01,573 Heavy birds need their three meter wingspan. 54 00:04:05,930 --> 00:04:08,310 They'll fly 200 kilometers westwards 55 00:04:08,310 --> 00:04:11,467 to higher breeding grounds now free of ice. 56 00:04:12,475 --> 00:04:15,808 (light dramatic music) 57 00:04:18,150 --> 00:04:19,740 Beneath them the rivers flow, 58 00:04:19,740 --> 00:04:22,003 bringing snow melts to the valleys. 59 00:04:23,043 --> 00:04:26,210 (waterfall trickling) 60 00:04:30,300 --> 00:04:33,930 They fly over the forests of the Pindus Mountains, 61 00:04:33,930 --> 00:04:36,365 a last refuge for brown bears. 62 00:04:36,365 --> 00:04:41,365 (bears growling) (birds chirping) 63 00:04:41,640 --> 00:04:42,920 After their hibernation, 64 00:04:42,920 --> 00:04:45,743 a female and her cubs are on the lookout for food. 65 00:04:49,300 --> 00:04:52,473 The cubs keep eye contact, so as not to be left behind. 66 00:04:54,764 --> 00:04:57,514 (birds chirping) 67 00:05:01,050 --> 00:05:03,263 Their mother keeps an eye on them too. 68 00:05:07,462 --> 00:05:10,582 (bear cub groaning) 69 00:05:10,582 --> 00:05:12,170 (bear sniffing) 70 00:05:12,170 --> 00:05:15,973 Constantly testing for food or for the scent of others. 71 00:05:18,740 --> 00:05:20,760 Tree climbing isn't just a game. 72 00:05:20,760 --> 00:05:22,913 It can save a young bear's life. 73 00:05:24,752 --> 00:05:26,930 (bear cub growling) 74 00:05:26,930 --> 00:05:29,593 Fully grown bears can't climb trees. 75 00:05:36,281 --> 00:05:37,799 (birds chirping) 76 00:05:37,799 --> 00:05:39,044 (shrubs rustling) 77 00:05:39,044 --> 00:05:40,730 (bear growling) (ominous music) 78 00:05:40,730 --> 00:05:43,050 There's danger in the air. 79 00:05:43,050 --> 00:05:45,053 An adult male is nearby. 80 00:05:54,090 --> 00:05:58,060 If this bear encounters the family, the cubs are in danger. 81 00:05:58,060 --> 00:05:59,043 He could kill them. 82 00:06:00,368 --> 00:06:02,951 (bear panting) 83 00:06:10,270 --> 00:06:12,493 The cubs hide deep in the woods. 84 00:06:14,246 --> 00:06:16,500 (woodpecker tapping) 85 00:06:16,500 --> 00:06:18,763 The female is the last to leave. 86 00:06:19,840 --> 00:06:23,066 She surrenders the clearing to the intruder. 87 00:06:23,066 --> 00:06:25,649 (bear panting) 88 00:06:26,563 --> 00:06:31,563 (water trickling) (gentle music) 89 00:06:39,330 --> 00:06:42,450 A grass snake emerged from hibernation 90 00:06:42,450 --> 00:06:44,679 takes its first drink in many months. 91 00:06:44,679 --> 00:06:47,810 (soft harp music) 92 00:06:47,810 --> 00:06:51,140 It seeks its prey on land and in the water. 93 00:06:51,140 --> 00:06:53,973 (water trickling) 94 00:07:00,720 --> 00:07:02,430 Alternating heat and cold 95 00:07:02,430 --> 00:07:04,653 helps regulate its body temperature. 96 00:07:09,448 --> 00:07:12,130 (light music) 97 00:07:12,130 --> 00:07:14,673 Humans have to build bridges here, 98 00:07:18,880 --> 00:07:21,943 where water cuts its own way through the limestone. 99 00:07:31,470 --> 00:07:33,743 The flight of the pelicans is nearly over. 100 00:07:38,370 --> 00:07:42,543 The reed beds of Lake Prespa are an ideal breeding site. 101 00:07:45,520 --> 00:07:49,680 By March, 1,500 pairs, the world's largest colony, 102 00:07:49,680 --> 00:07:51,380 have arrived to raise their young. 103 00:07:57,520 --> 00:08:00,933 First, it's time to repair or build their nests. 104 00:08:08,580 --> 00:08:13,580 It's the reeds they come for, and sometimes struggle with. 105 00:08:13,767 --> 00:08:16,267 (light music) 106 00:08:23,347 --> 00:08:26,180 (water splashing) 107 00:08:35,360 --> 00:08:38,093 The nesting island gets bigger and bigger, 108 00:08:39,060 --> 00:08:40,443 but it's always full. 109 00:08:42,171 --> 00:08:45,004 (birds squawking) 110 00:08:46,680 --> 00:08:50,893 The female adds the last touches for her precious eggs. 111 00:08:52,764 --> 00:08:55,514 (wings flapping) 112 00:08:57,030 --> 00:08:58,603 It's a tight fit in the colony. 113 00:09:05,110 --> 00:09:08,443 Males and females together settle down to wait. 114 00:09:10,020 --> 00:09:12,460 It'll be at least 30 days before the chicks 115 00:09:12,460 --> 00:09:16,113 are ready to hatch. (birds squawking) 116 00:09:21,040 --> 00:09:23,623 (gentle music) 117 00:09:25,470 --> 00:09:29,003 100 kilometers to the south is the Vikos Gorge. 118 00:09:31,320 --> 00:09:34,360 Very narrow and up to 1,000 meters deep, 119 00:09:34,360 --> 00:09:36,967 it's one of the deepest gorges in the world. 120 00:09:43,690 --> 00:09:47,860 Embedded in its steep sides is a tree, 121 00:09:47,860 --> 00:09:52,860 at once familiar and very rare; the horse chestnut. 122 00:09:54,740 --> 00:09:58,090 The ice age killed this tree throughout Europe. 123 00:09:58,090 --> 00:10:00,620 It's survived only here. 124 00:10:00,620 --> 00:10:04,930 Humans brought it back to decorate parks and gardens. 125 00:10:04,930 --> 00:10:07,813 These are the last wild examples. 126 00:10:08,773 --> 00:10:13,773 (light dramatic music) (birds chirping) 127 00:10:20,213 --> 00:10:23,213 The call of a western rock nuthatch. 128 00:10:30,720 --> 00:10:33,934 A male is calling for a female. 129 00:10:33,934 --> 00:10:36,684 (birds chirping) 130 00:10:37,730 --> 00:10:40,029 But she's too busy digging for food. 131 00:10:40,029 --> 00:10:45,029 (beak tapping) (light playful music) 132 00:10:50,580 --> 00:10:53,713 So he returns to some vertical hunting. 133 00:10:54,750 --> 00:10:58,787 The tastiest morsels are in damp crevices or under stones. 134 00:11:09,428 --> 00:11:13,511 And when he finds something, he brings it to her. 135 00:11:15,680 --> 00:11:17,623 First, she rejects the gift. 136 00:11:21,480 --> 00:11:23,003 And then, she relents. 137 00:11:27,310 --> 00:11:30,783 They built clay nests in hollows in the cliff face, 138 00:11:31,840 --> 00:11:34,023 architectural masterpieces. 139 00:11:39,560 --> 00:11:41,963 The opening is perfectly engineered. 140 00:11:48,190 --> 00:11:52,453 So that squeezing in expels a little unwanted dust. 141 00:11:54,460 --> 00:11:57,216 Now it's time for a little spring cleaning. 142 00:11:57,216 --> 00:12:01,216 (light playful music continues) 143 00:12:06,420 --> 00:12:08,913 In between shifts, there's a chance to hunt. 144 00:12:12,010 --> 00:12:15,883 The fire bug's bright pattern signals that it's inedible. 145 00:12:17,120 --> 00:12:20,953 So it strolls across the rock without a care in the world. 146 00:12:25,120 --> 00:12:28,880 Big mistake, the nuthatch gets the bug, 147 00:12:28,880 --> 00:12:30,053 but he doesn't eat it. 148 00:12:34,690 --> 00:12:35,773 He builds with it. 149 00:12:40,330 --> 00:12:42,630 Mashed up, it'll harden to fill holes 150 00:12:42,630 --> 00:12:43,823 and cracks in the nest. 151 00:12:49,290 --> 00:12:52,233 Protein and chitin combine to a perfect cement. 152 00:12:57,484 --> 00:13:00,151 (beaks tapping) 153 00:13:20,280 --> 00:13:22,553 Female and male work as a team. 154 00:13:26,490 --> 00:13:29,613 Every now and then, time for a quick snack. 155 00:13:34,600 --> 00:13:37,743 This work will continue for generations. 156 00:13:40,204 --> 00:13:42,430 (light music) 157 00:13:42,430 --> 00:13:45,723 Central Greece has another world famous rock scape. 158 00:13:50,240 --> 00:13:52,333 Meteora's sandstone cliffs. 159 00:13:56,800 --> 00:13:58,750 They raise the Meteora monasteries 160 00:13:58,750 --> 00:14:02,030 up to 300 meters into the sky. 161 00:14:02,030 --> 00:14:03,770 The monasteries were built from the 11th 162 00:14:03,770 --> 00:14:08,463 to the 16th centuries by monks seeking peace and security. 163 00:14:12,090 --> 00:14:16,225 An Egyptian vulture strolls at the foot of the cliffs. 164 00:14:16,225 --> 00:14:18,808 (light music) 165 00:14:24,430 --> 00:14:26,603 It's attracted by the remains of a sheep. 166 00:14:34,330 --> 00:14:38,750 But it came here to breed in a niche in the rock wall. 167 00:14:39,970 --> 00:14:42,213 It needs peace and security too. 168 00:14:47,190 --> 00:14:49,663 There used to be 50 breeding pairs here. 169 00:14:55,580 --> 00:14:57,993 This is the last breeding couple. 170 00:15:00,750 --> 00:15:03,963 There's one other male here, but he has no partner. 171 00:15:13,330 --> 00:15:15,740 Sighting a passing herd of goats, 172 00:15:15,740 --> 00:15:17,627 the male in the nest sets out. 173 00:15:25,132 --> 00:15:26,940 (goats baaing) 174 00:15:26,940 --> 00:15:30,473 Down below the goats are busy remodeling the landscape. 175 00:15:34,590 --> 00:15:39,531 They'll eat everything and dispose of what they don't need. 176 00:15:39,531 --> 00:15:42,680 (goat droppings thudding) 177 00:15:42,680 --> 00:15:46,403 In this harsh landscape, dung is an essential resource. 178 00:15:48,166 --> 00:15:50,290 (wind whistling) 179 00:15:50,290 --> 00:15:52,653 It's in demand from different quarters, 180 00:15:53,590 --> 00:15:54,893 for different reasons. 181 00:15:58,970 --> 00:15:59,930 Food, yes. 182 00:15:59,930 --> 00:16:02,880 But goat dung contains carotenoid, 183 00:16:02,880 --> 00:16:05,733 the substance that makes vultures' faces orange. 184 00:16:14,660 --> 00:16:18,523 And an orange face is more attractive to females. 185 00:16:19,360 --> 00:16:21,793 From feces to faces. 186 00:16:23,700 --> 00:16:25,943 And there's another winged poo predator. 187 00:16:26,810 --> 00:16:30,487 Someone else needs the poo just as urgently. 188 00:16:30,487 --> 00:16:32,980 (beetle buzzing) 189 00:16:32,980 --> 00:16:34,193 A dung beetle. 190 00:16:38,600 --> 00:16:40,563 Distance is no object. 191 00:16:43,460 --> 00:16:45,768 Work starts straight away. 192 00:16:45,768 --> 00:16:48,351 (goats baaing) 193 00:16:51,970 --> 00:16:54,843 First, get to the warm, soft interior. 194 00:16:59,070 --> 00:17:01,290 Then, sculpt it into a ball. 195 00:17:10,520 --> 00:17:15,520 When another beetle comes along, fight for your spot. 196 00:17:20,140 --> 00:17:23,057 (beetles rustling) 197 00:17:27,860 --> 00:17:30,003 Trouble is, more are coming. 198 00:17:40,740 --> 00:17:42,563 A fast worker leaves. 199 00:17:50,470 --> 00:17:51,633 Peace again. 200 00:17:52,722 --> 00:17:55,389 (ominous music) 201 00:18:10,383 --> 00:18:13,993 Head down, he wheelbarrows backwards. 202 00:18:16,260 --> 00:18:18,093 Scoffing at obstacles. 203 00:18:20,230 --> 00:18:23,730 (ominous music continues) 204 00:18:39,570 --> 00:18:40,803 A living Sisyphus. 205 00:18:48,430 --> 00:18:50,113 Sometimes he rolls the ball. 206 00:18:51,340 --> 00:18:54,190 Sometimes the ball rolls him. 207 00:18:54,190 --> 00:18:57,690 (ominous music continues) 208 00:19:03,034 --> 00:19:05,511 But he's not unobserved. 209 00:19:05,511 --> 00:19:07,980 (suspenseful music) 210 00:19:07,980 --> 00:19:11,700 A sheltopusik, a legless reptile, 211 00:19:11,700 --> 00:19:14,613 at one and a half meters, Europe's longest lizard. 212 00:19:16,973 --> 00:19:20,083 A dung beetle would make a welcome snack. 213 00:19:25,218 --> 00:19:30,218 (bird cawing) (light flute music) 214 00:19:30,360 --> 00:19:32,963 This is a European roller. 215 00:19:38,010 --> 00:19:39,793 It's an insect eater too. 216 00:19:45,130 --> 00:19:48,240 The dung beetle has found the perfect place for its stash; 217 00:19:48,240 --> 00:19:52,038 to eat it, store it, and lay eggs in it. 218 00:19:52,038 --> 00:19:55,371 (light dramatic music) 219 00:20:04,680 --> 00:20:06,542 Just time for one last trip. 220 00:20:06,542 --> 00:20:11,010 (dramatic electronic music) 221 00:20:11,010 --> 00:20:14,943 To the roller's nesting hole in a clay cob wall. 222 00:20:16,582 --> 00:20:19,915 (light dramatic music) 223 00:20:22,360 --> 00:20:24,500 Pleasantly cool in summer, 224 00:20:24,500 --> 00:20:27,563 the clay wall offers perfect breeding conditions. 225 00:20:28,655 --> 00:20:31,488 (birds squawking) 226 00:20:33,980 --> 00:20:35,940 Generations of birds have hammered 227 00:20:35,940 --> 00:20:38,103 and scooped out homes here. 228 00:20:38,103 --> 00:20:40,853 (birds chirping) 229 00:20:46,010 --> 00:20:49,723 Including other insect hunters like these bee eaters. 230 00:20:58,000 --> 00:20:59,850 And they won't say no to a butterfly. 231 00:21:08,500 --> 00:21:12,193 For these acrobats, and midair transfer is nothing. 232 00:21:16,330 --> 00:21:18,360 There's a clear pecking order here. 233 00:21:20,480 --> 00:21:22,923 The top notch is reserved for the little owls, 234 00:21:23,770 --> 00:21:26,854 clever enough to claim the best view. 235 00:21:26,854 --> 00:21:29,521 (ominous music) 236 00:21:35,530 --> 00:21:37,593 They keep themselves to themselves. 237 00:21:40,580 --> 00:21:42,800 Beneath them, are the jackdaws; 238 00:21:42,800 --> 00:21:45,463 sociable birds that like having neighbors. 239 00:21:45,463 --> 00:21:48,130 (playful music) 240 00:21:50,550 --> 00:21:52,183 They're playful and clever. 241 00:21:55,270 --> 00:21:57,963 For them, the whole wall is a playground. 242 00:22:09,830 --> 00:22:12,923 They enjoy exploring in groups. 243 00:22:18,360 --> 00:22:20,853 One destination is the vultures' nest. 244 00:22:24,880 --> 00:22:27,980 The female sitting on her eggs has no choice 245 00:22:27,980 --> 00:22:29,210 but to tolerate them. 246 00:22:35,680 --> 00:22:38,110 Meanwhile, the solitary male vulture 247 00:22:38,110 --> 00:22:40,473 has also entered the pair's territory. 248 00:22:41,670 --> 00:22:45,417 The expectant father immediately attacks his rival. 249 00:22:45,417 --> 00:22:50,417 (dramatic music) (vultures squawking) 250 00:22:57,160 --> 00:22:58,810 The interloper stands his ground. 251 00:23:10,597 --> 00:23:14,760 But the father has defended his nest and his brood 252 00:23:14,760 --> 00:23:16,140 for one more year. 253 00:23:21,817 --> 00:23:24,400 (gentle music) 254 00:23:37,180 --> 00:23:38,550 Beneath the monasteries, 255 00:23:38,550 --> 00:23:41,203 there lives an alien looking creature. 256 00:23:42,190 --> 00:23:45,650 The Empusa is a kind of praying mantis, 257 00:23:45,650 --> 00:23:47,873 perfectly adapted to its surrounding. 258 00:23:49,033 --> 00:23:51,616 (gentle music) 259 00:23:57,080 --> 00:24:00,970 It keeps its weapons, it's spiked forelegs, 260 00:24:00,970 --> 00:24:02,617 in perfect condition. 261 00:24:03,810 --> 00:24:06,963 The Empusa only eats flying insects. 262 00:24:10,500 --> 00:24:13,113 A bee's sting holds no fear for it. 263 00:24:20,130 --> 00:24:23,653 And it starts to munch from the opposite head end. 264 00:24:26,016 --> 00:24:29,016 (light eerie music) 265 00:24:31,040 --> 00:24:33,800 A bush cricket rocks back and forth, 266 00:24:33,800 --> 00:24:35,423 imitating the wind in the grass. 267 00:24:46,150 --> 00:24:48,650 The Empusa prepares its weapons. 268 00:24:49,855 --> 00:24:52,522 (bugs chirping) 269 00:25:01,493 --> 00:25:05,840 But with a one-armed grab, (suspenseful music) 270 00:25:05,840 --> 00:25:07,483 the hunter becomes the hunted. 271 00:25:14,431 --> 00:25:17,098 (bug crunching) 272 00:25:20,549 --> 00:25:23,296 The sheltopusik is still searching for prey. 273 00:25:23,296 --> 00:25:26,379 (suspenseful music) 274 00:25:34,320 --> 00:25:36,003 As the cricket rocks on. 275 00:25:46,810 --> 00:25:49,230 This is the cricket's threat posture; 276 00:25:49,230 --> 00:25:51,843 spiked arms raised, ready to attack. 277 00:25:58,720 --> 00:26:01,598 But scale is against it. 278 00:26:01,598 --> 00:26:04,598 (suspenseful music) 279 00:26:06,712 --> 00:26:10,380 (cricket crunching) 280 00:26:10,380 --> 00:26:12,513 It could have fought off a smaller enemy. 281 00:26:13,646 --> 00:26:16,396 (dramatic music) 282 00:26:23,781 --> 00:26:26,614 (uplifting music) 283 00:26:35,660 --> 00:26:39,193 This is a landscape fit for the gods. 284 00:26:41,590 --> 00:26:45,887 The peak of Mount Olympus, the Throne of Zeus. 285 00:26:45,887 --> 00:26:48,720 (uplifting music) 286 00:26:53,210 --> 00:26:56,010 It's formed of layers of rock forced upwards 287 00:26:56,010 --> 00:26:58,083 over the last 60 million years. 288 00:27:06,180 --> 00:27:09,293 Here, almost 3,000 meters above sea level, 289 00:27:10,290 --> 00:27:13,590 they say the sun only shines when the gods descend 290 00:27:13,590 --> 00:27:15,013 to the mortal world. 291 00:27:19,970 --> 00:27:21,637 Or when they return. 292 00:27:24,870 --> 00:27:27,870 Attracting masses of clouds and damp air, 293 00:27:27,870 --> 00:27:30,763 Olympus is usually shrouded in vapor and fog. 294 00:27:47,890 --> 00:27:51,560 On a plateau 500 meters down the mountainside, 295 00:27:51,560 --> 00:27:54,850 enough fresh grass and wild herbs grow 296 00:27:54,850 --> 00:27:57,516 to feed the rare Balkan chamois. 297 00:27:57,516 --> 00:28:00,610 (light music) 298 00:28:00,610 --> 00:28:03,893 All they will need to survive the burning Greek summer. 299 00:28:09,460 --> 00:28:12,100 Just 200 of this rare sub species 300 00:28:12,100 --> 00:28:14,316 live in Olympus National Park. 301 00:28:14,316 --> 00:28:17,233 (chamois grunting) 302 00:28:19,600 --> 00:28:22,193 The young cavort happily in the meadows. 303 00:28:23,187 --> 00:28:25,937 (grass rustling) 304 00:28:31,550 --> 00:28:35,900 What looked like fun is also training for life on the steep, 305 00:28:35,900 --> 00:28:37,943 rocky slopes of Mount Olympus. 306 00:28:46,200 --> 00:28:48,950 (wind whistling) 307 00:28:54,520 --> 00:28:57,160 In the Pindus Mountains, two bear cubs emerge 308 00:28:57,160 --> 00:29:00,823 from the edge of the woods, attracted by the lush meadows. 309 00:29:03,310 --> 00:29:06,170 Cubs rarely appear on their own like this. 310 00:29:06,170 --> 00:29:07,850 If something has happened to their mother, 311 00:29:07,850 --> 00:29:09,253 their outlook is bleak. 312 00:29:11,750 --> 00:29:14,810 The two great dangers they face are human beings 313 00:29:14,810 --> 00:29:16,143 and adult male bears. 314 00:29:22,603 --> 00:29:25,186 (bees buzzing) 315 00:29:27,833 --> 00:29:30,583 (birds chirping) 316 00:29:32,699 --> 00:29:35,700 That's a new sound to a young bear, 317 00:29:35,700 --> 00:29:38,353 a corn bunting loudly claiming its territory. 318 00:29:45,850 --> 00:29:47,423 No danger from that quarter. 319 00:29:54,980 --> 00:29:57,283 But every bit of experience helps. 320 00:30:02,630 --> 00:30:05,123 A red fox has spotted the two of them. 321 00:30:08,410 --> 00:30:10,553 The bears have picked up the fox's scent. 322 00:30:15,540 --> 00:30:18,570 Now they are less sure, better to leave the meadow 323 00:30:18,570 --> 00:30:20,143 to the unknown interloper. 324 00:30:23,821 --> 00:30:26,330 (light jazz music) 325 00:30:26,330 --> 00:30:29,550 Just like the bears, the Hermann's tortoise 326 00:30:29,550 --> 00:30:31,783 likes fresh, juicy greenery. 327 00:30:39,620 --> 00:30:40,650 For most of the year, 328 00:30:40,650 --> 00:30:42,983 tortoises are very laid back creatures. 329 00:30:44,920 --> 00:30:46,993 But now, there's something in the air. 330 00:30:50,430 --> 00:30:53,383 The male has picked up the scent of a female. 331 00:30:54,465 --> 00:30:57,465 (swanky jazz music) 332 00:31:03,910 --> 00:31:05,143 It's mating time. 333 00:31:08,460 --> 00:31:11,533 Not easy for the smaller male to keep up with the female. 334 00:31:14,770 --> 00:31:18,183 And if she lowers her shell, that means no. 335 00:31:28,185 --> 00:31:29,768 He doesn't give up. 336 00:31:32,530 --> 00:31:34,810 The underside of his shell, the plastron, 337 00:31:34,810 --> 00:31:37,733 is concave to stop him sliding off. 338 00:31:40,560 --> 00:31:44,031 His calls stimulate the female. 339 00:31:44,031 --> 00:31:47,490 (tortoise squeaking) 340 00:31:47,490 --> 00:31:51,114 The faster and higher he squeaks, the better. 341 00:31:51,114 --> 00:31:54,197 (tortoise squeaking) 342 00:32:03,650 --> 00:32:07,183 When she's had enough, she simply moves on. 343 00:32:08,712 --> 00:32:11,712 (swanky jazz music) 344 00:32:19,403 --> 00:32:22,540 (birds chirping) (light music) 345 00:32:22,540 --> 00:32:24,373 Early morning on Kerkini Lake. 346 00:32:25,790 --> 00:32:27,340 As soon as the sun appears, 347 00:32:27,340 --> 00:32:29,360 the cormorants leave for the hunt. 348 00:32:31,042 --> 00:32:33,792 (wings flapping) 349 00:32:35,391 --> 00:32:38,224 (water splashing) 350 00:32:46,020 --> 00:32:47,950 Back in the breeding grounds, 351 00:32:47,950 --> 00:32:50,693 many species build their nests close together. 352 00:32:59,580 --> 00:33:02,358 Families await the hunters' return. 353 00:33:02,358 --> 00:33:05,191 (birds squawking) 354 00:33:08,150 --> 00:33:11,220 If the male cormorant doesn't come back from the hunt, 355 00:33:11,220 --> 00:33:13,620 it means certain death for the young. 356 00:33:13,620 --> 00:33:16,210 The female must stay on the nest, 357 00:33:16,210 --> 00:33:17,610 shielding them from the sun. 358 00:33:30,120 --> 00:33:34,339 Even from this high vantage point, there's no sign of him. 359 00:33:34,339 --> 00:33:37,339 (light eerie music) 360 00:33:41,441 --> 00:33:44,274 (birds squawking) 361 00:33:45,140 --> 00:33:48,210 The cormorants are still gathered in their hunting flock, 362 00:33:48,210 --> 00:33:51,082 forcing the shoals of fish ahead of them. 363 00:33:51,082 --> 00:33:56,082 (birds squawking) (water splashing) 364 00:34:04,660 --> 00:34:06,487 It was a good days hunting, 365 00:34:06,487 --> 00:34:08,631 and the young can have their share. 366 00:34:08,631 --> 00:34:11,214 (light music) 367 00:34:17,016 --> 00:34:19,970 On Prespa Lake, the young dalmatian pelicans 368 00:34:19,970 --> 00:34:21,983 are well on the way to adulthood. 369 00:34:24,200 --> 00:34:26,860 Still their parents have to look after them. 370 00:34:33,590 --> 00:34:35,720 They can't hunt on their own yet. 371 00:34:39,600 --> 00:34:41,903 And even swimming can be a challenge. 372 00:34:50,700 --> 00:34:53,690 Among the tousle-headed dalmatian pelicans, 373 00:34:53,690 --> 00:34:56,153 and great white pelican drifts past. 374 00:34:57,210 --> 00:34:58,910 They share the same nesting areas. 375 00:34:59,837 --> 00:35:02,420 (light music) 376 00:35:12,100 --> 00:35:16,003 These great white pelican chicks are just two weeks old. 377 00:35:19,460 --> 00:35:21,600 When the parental bill nears, 378 00:35:21,600 --> 00:35:24,173 an infant beak gapes expectantly. 379 00:35:29,190 --> 00:35:32,333 A semicircle of white pelicans gather to fish. 380 00:35:33,670 --> 00:35:36,250 They forced the prey before them, 381 00:35:36,250 --> 00:35:37,953 and scoop them into their bills. 382 00:35:46,550 --> 00:35:49,603 They transport them to the nest in their stomachs. 383 00:35:52,720 --> 00:35:56,203 And then, regurgitate them for their chicks. 384 00:36:04,780 --> 00:36:06,530 On the shore of Lake Kerkini, 385 00:36:06,530 --> 00:36:09,150 little egrets hunt on their own; 386 00:36:09,150 --> 00:36:12,383 using their long, thin legs to dislodge prey from the mud. 387 00:36:13,922 --> 00:36:16,755 (birds squawking) 388 00:36:27,050 --> 00:36:30,333 A young egret stimulates its mother to bring up its meal. 389 00:36:35,770 --> 00:36:38,513 But its sibling grabs it and swallows the lot. 390 00:36:44,390 --> 00:36:48,618 In the communal nesting area, overcrowding can cause crises. 391 00:36:48,618 --> 00:36:50,300 (dramatic music) 392 00:36:50,300 --> 00:36:53,433 The spoonbill nest is the scene of a serious squabble. 393 00:36:58,690 --> 00:37:02,683 A glossy ibis has designs on their nest and he's well armed. 394 00:37:03,540 --> 00:37:06,373 (dramatic music) 395 00:37:14,380 --> 00:37:17,303 Normal family life is disrupted. 396 00:37:29,860 --> 00:37:31,973 The ibis stages a sit-in. 397 00:37:33,338 --> 00:37:38,338 (birds squawking) (dramatic music) 398 00:37:42,029 --> 00:37:43,362 Violence flairs. 399 00:37:45,100 --> 00:37:49,722 The ibis the female spoonbill away, exposing the chicks. 400 00:37:49,722 --> 00:37:52,805 (suspenseful music) 401 00:37:59,430 --> 00:38:01,750 The spoonbill chicks stretch their necks far out 402 00:38:01,750 --> 00:38:04,013 of the nest to protect their heads. 403 00:38:09,150 --> 00:38:14,150 (birds chirping) (dramatic music) 404 00:38:19,360 --> 00:38:22,590 The chicks are defenseless and could be badly injured. 405 00:38:26,380 --> 00:38:29,653 The ibis doesn't let up until it's won. 406 00:38:36,737 --> 00:38:39,820 (suspenseful music) 407 00:38:49,800 --> 00:38:52,073 This is how you collect nest material. 408 00:38:54,610 --> 00:38:57,203 But the spoonbill father prefers a shortcut. 409 00:39:04,390 --> 00:39:07,803 The male and female build a new nest for their young. 410 00:39:08,948 --> 00:39:11,531 (bright music) 411 00:39:31,260 --> 00:39:34,113 Before long they're together in their new home. 412 00:39:43,778 --> 00:39:46,361 (light music) 413 00:39:50,060 --> 00:39:53,503 The tortoise is looking for a place to lay her eggs. 414 00:39:57,050 --> 00:39:58,493 Somewhere she can dig. 415 00:39:59,340 --> 00:40:00,713 Somewhere out of the sun. 416 00:40:13,600 --> 00:40:16,280 Her back legs scrape and shovel, 417 00:40:16,280 --> 00:40:18,543 making a hole where the eggs will be warm, 418 00:40:19,470 --> 00:40:20,543 but not too warm. 419 00:40:23,075 --> 00:40:25,658 (gentle music) 420 00:40:28,640 --> 00:40:30,873 Every now and then she has a rest. 421 00:40:38,800 --> 00:40:42,023 Then she lays three to six hard-shelled eggs. 422 00:40:42,900 --> 00:40:45,563 The eggs are about the size of table tennis balls. 423 00:40:49,190 --> 00:40:51,653 They'll hatch in two to three months. 424 00:40:53,767 --> 00:40:56,350 (gentle music) 425 00:40:58,670 --> 00:41:01,430 In the dense forests of the Pindus Mountains, 426 00:41:01,430 --> 00:41:04,353 the mating season of the brown bears is beginning. 427 00:41:07,770 --> 00:41:10,690 For a whole year, males and females have had nothing 428 00:41:10,690 --> 00:41:11,840 to do with one another. 429 00:41:12,800 --> 00:41:17,093 In June, males start to seek out receptive females. 430 00:41:20,900 --> 00:41:23,883 Once he's found her, he won't leave her side. 431 00:41:24,730 --> 00:41:29,063 He plays it cool, just staying there feeding beside her. 432 00:41:29,063 --> 00:41:31,646 (gentle music) 433 00:41:40,550 --> 00:41:43,780 But he's always alert for possible arrivals 434 00:41:43,780 --> 00:41:45,003 he'll have to repel. 435 00:41:47,770 --> 00:41:49,790 There's little foreplay. 436 00:41:49,790 --> 00:41:52,200 And if they do mate, the male will not be there 437 00:41:52,200 --> 00:41:54,130 to raise his offspring. 438 00:41:54,130 --> 00:41:55,863 The mother does that alone. 439 00:42:12,150 --> 00:42:14,540 Greece's last umbrella pine forest 440 00:42:14,540 --> 00:42:17,633 is in the Peloponnese in the southwest of the country. 441 00:42:19,260 --> 00:42:22,030 Once this forest covered a vast area, 442 00:42:22,030 --> 00:42:24,723 now it's just a few square kilometers. 443 00:42:26,380 --> 00:42:30,302 The forest harbors at dark secret. 444 00:42:30,302 --> 00:42:32,969 (ominous music) 445 00:42:42,760 --> 00:42:45,610 This mole cricket is alive, 446 00:42:45,610 --> 00:42:48,523 impaled on a thorn by a woodchat shrike. 447 00:42:50,210 --> 00:42:53,700 No bigger than a sparrow, the shrike has a hooked beak, 448 00:42:53,700 --> 00:42:55,073 like a bird of prey. 449 00:43:01,460 --> 00:43:04,393 It dismembers its still wriggling victim. 450 00:43:06,060 --> 00:43:08,943 That makes it easier to eat. 451 00:43:08,943 --> 00:43:12,276 (light dramatic music) 452 00:43:27,780 --> 00:43:30,060 When there's more than enough to eat, 453 00:43:30,060 --> 00:43:32,303 the shrike lays in supplies. 454 00:43:37,780 --> 00:43:42,303 These killing fields are a sign of a healthy ecosystem. 455 00:43:45,080 --> 00:43:47,873 Some of the prey serves as wedding gifts. 456 00:43:50,330 --> 00:43:52,893 Soon, they'll start building their nest. 457 00:44:09,550 --> 00:44:14,172 Dusk in the pine forest. (crickets chirping) 458 00:44:14,172 --> 00:44:17,172 (light eerie music) 459 00:44:34,157 --> 00:44:37,093 A Syrian spadefoot toad awakes. 460 00:44:46,870 --> 00:44:50,003 It waited out the daylight hours underground. 461 00:44:51,280 --> 00:44:55,753 In the glow of the full moon, it sets out to hunt. 462 00:44:57,454 --> 00:45:00,675 (light music) 463 00:45:00,675 --> 00:45:03,508 (leaves rustling) 464 00:45:12,530 --> 00:45:16,503 Frogs and toads don't just use their eyes to see; 465 00:45:17,620 --> 00:45:19,520 with no muscles for swallowing, 466 00:45:19,520 --> 00:45:23,033 they use their eyes to push food into their stomachs. 467 00:45:27,580 --> 00:45:32,570 Before daybreak, the spadefoot digs its way back underground 468 00:45:33,880 --> 00:45:37,993 to avoid both dehydration and its enemies. 469 00:45:50,300 --> 00:45:55,013 At the same moment, a baby tortoise emerges from its shell. 470 00:45:56,013 --> 00:45:58,596 (gentle music) 471 00:46:07,310 --> 00:46:09,540 It's alone from day one, 472 00:46:09,540 --> 00:46:12,415 constantly coping with new situations. 473 00:46:12,415 --> 00:46:14,998 (gentle music) 474 00:46:28,610 --> 00:46:30,313 It's never seen an ant before, 475 00:46:31,210 --> 00:46:33,263 but that's just a minor irritation. 476 00:46:37,450 --> 00:46:41,400 But then it meets a real monster. 477 00:46:41,400 --> 00:46:43,870 This Hermann's tortoise is 70 years old 478 00:46:43,870 --> 00:46:45,863 and weighs one and a half kilos. 479 00:46:47,260 --> 00:46:49,510 The little one will need a while to catch up. 480 00:46:54,410 --> 00:46:55,963 So, it had better start eating. 481 00:46:57,850 --> 00:46:59,920 Even that has to be learned. 482 00:46:59,920 --> 00:47:04,287 It isn't so easy getting a grip on smooth leaves. 483 00:47:04,287 --> 00:47:06,870 (gentle music) 484 00:47:14,759 --> 00:47:18,926 Finally, it's done it, the first meal of its life. 485 00:47:22,810 --> 00:47:27,810 (wind whistling) (light eerie music) 486 00:47:29,756 --> 00:47:32,506 (birds chirping) 487 00:47:34,367 --> 00:47:39,367 Autumn, Greece's oldest forest is in Rhodope Mountains, 488 00:47:40,830 --> 00:47:42,980 close to the northern border with Bulgaria. 489 00:47:48,440 --> 00:47:50,653 This forest has been spared the ax. 490 00:47:56,170 --> 00:47:57,140 On the cliff sides, 491 00:47:57,140 --> 00:47:59,787 the Balkan chamois are preparing for winter. 492 00:48:03,070 --> 00:48:04,873 They're building up fat reserves. 493 00:48:10,240 --> 00:48:12,643 They already have their warm winter coats. 494 00:48:16,930 --> 00:48:20,750 The kids that were born in spring are mostly weaned, 495 00:48:20,750 --> 00:48:23,943 but a few still want the security of their mother's milk. 496 00:48:35,150 --> 00:48:38,160 Chamois are real mountain specialists, 497 00:48:38,160 --> 00:48:40,520 their heart and their lungs are well-developed 498 00:48:40,520 --> 00:48:41,973 for high altitude living. 499 00:48:43,202 --> 00:48:45,785 (light music) 500 00:48:51,350 --> 00:48:54,100 They can run at 50 kilometers an hour 501 00:48:54,100 --> 00:48:56,283 in the most extreme rock scapes. 502 00:49:05,080 --> 00:49:07,053 The power of the sun is gone. 503 00:49:08,060 --> 00:49:10,046 Winter takes over. 504 00:49:10,046 --> 00:49:13,379 (light dramatic music) 505 00:49:25,251 --> 00:49:29,834 The Pindus Mountains can have up to two meters of snow. 506 00:49:33,710 --> 00:49:36,490 The pelicans leave Prespa Lake. 507 00:49:36,490 --> 00:49:38,003 It'll soon freeze over. 508 00:49:39,180 --> 00:49:42,283 They'll return to their winter quarters on Kerkini Lake. 509 00:49:46,230 --> 00:49:49,443 Vikos Canyon is icy, cold and quiet. 510 00:49:50,620 --> 00:49:53,339 Even the rock nuthatch has stopped singing. 511 00:49:53,339 --> 00:49:56,672 (light dramatic music) 512 00:50:06,290 --> 00:50:08,583 The bear cub sees his first snow. 513 00:50:16,940 --> 00:50:20,330 The female and her young consumed the last acorns, 514 00:50:20,330 --> 00:50:22,920 beechnuts and chestnuts. 515 00:50:22,920 --> 00:50:25,992 They'll need their fat reserves in the long winter. 516 00:50:25,992 --> 00:50:28,659 (bear growling) 517 00:50:38,610 --> 00:50:41,263 Soon, their hibernation will begin, 518 00:50:42,990 --> 00:50:47,425 in their cave deep in the wilderness of the Vikos Canyon. 519 00:50:47,425 --> 00:50:50,758 {\an8}(light dramatic music)