1 00:00:04,066 --> 00:00:05,600 (dramatic music playing) 2 00:00:05,633 --> 00:00:07,700 NARRATOR: The peregrine falcon-- 3 00:00:07,733 --> 00:00:09,666 the world's fastest animal. 4 00:00:13,933 --> 00:00:17,233 TOM FRENCH: Falcons in general have evolved to be fast 5 00:00:17,266 --> 00:00:20,166 and peregrine falcons have evolved to the extreme. 6 00:00:20,200 --> 00:00:23,100 ♪ 7 00:00:23,133 --> 00:00:25,833 NARRATOR: Living on the edge of what is physically possible, 8 00:00:25,866 --> 00:00:28,766 they seem to challenge the very forces of nature. 9 00:00:28,800 --> 00:00:33,733 ♪ 10 00:00:33,766 --> 00:00:37,000 They can reach speeds three times faster than a cheetah... 11 00:00:39,566 --> 00:00:41,433 Withstand forces of gravity, 12 00:00:41,466 --> 00:00:43,666 twice that of fighter pilots... 13 00:00:49,133 --> 00:00:53,233 And will fearlessly attack prey double their size. 14 00:00:57,166 --> 00:01:00,666 To understand their supernatural abilities, 15 00:01:00,700 --> 00:01:04,000 we're going to see the world 16 00:01:04,033 --> 00:01:07,466 through the eyes of this young peregrine. 17 00:01:07,500 --> 00:01:09,733 He's going to be a little pocket rocket I think. 18 00:01:09,766 --> 00:01:12,166 NARRATOR: And his unusual family. 19 00:01:12,200 --> 00:01:13,600 Go, go, go, go! Hey. 20 00:01:13,633 --> 00:01:15,433 NARRATOR: We'll learn what it takes 21 00:01:15,466 --> 00:01:17,300 to become an elite high-speed hunter. 22 00:01:23,800 --> 00:01:26,133 And by following a young family of peregrines 23 00:01:26,166 --> 00:01:28,033 in downtown Chicago... 24 00:01:26,166 --> 00:01:28,033 (squawks) 25 00:01:29,333 --> 00:01:32,633 Some of the world's leading scientists... 26 00:01:32,666 --> 00:01:34,133 He's absolutely locked on. 27 00:01:34,166 --> 00:01:35,733 The pupils wide open. 28 00:01:37,566 --> 00:01:38,733 MAN: Woo-hoo! 29 00:01:41,533 --> 00:01:47,133 NARRATOR: We'll reveal the secrets of the world's fastest animal. 30 00:01:47,166 --> 00:01:49,466 Right now, on "NOVA." 31 00:01:50,533 --> 00:01:55,366 ♪ 32 00:01:55,400 --> 00:01:58,866 Major funding for "NOVA" is provided by the following: 33 00:02:09,933 --> 00:02:12,333 NARRATOR: At over 100 miles per hour, 34 00:02:12,366 --> 00:02:15,900 peregrines can launch a high-speed attack. 35 00:02:15,933 --> 00:02:17,900 (squawks) 36 00:02:17,933 --> 00:02:20,100 They are one of the deadliest predators on the planet. 37 00:02:23,300 --> 00:02:26,100 Like their cousins, the hawks and owls, 38 00:02:26,133 --> 00:02:27,133 they have sharp talons 39 00:02:27,166 --> 00:02:28,933 and keen eyesight. 40 00:02:31,100 --> 00:02:33,233 But what makes them lethal 41 00:02:33,266 --> 00:02:37,033 is their ability to do something most other birds of prey cannot. 42 00:02:37,066 --> 00:02:42,233 ♪ 43 00:02:42,266 --> 00:02:45,266 They climb to great heights... 44 00:02:45,300 --> 00:02:46,400 and dive. 45 00:02:47,766 --> 00:02:49,466 By folding their wings 46 00:02:49,500 --> 00:02:52,700 they can reach speeds around 200 miles per hour... 47 00:02:53,800 --> 00:02:57,566 to intercept and kill their fast-moving prey 48 00:02:57,600 --> 00:02:59,666 in mid-flight. 49 00:02:59,700 --> 00:03:03,966 ♪ 50 00:03:04,000 --> 00:03:07,900 It's a skill so remarkable it must be seen to be believed. 51 00:03:18,900 --> 00:03:21,000 Their hunting prowess has made them 52 00:03:21,033 --> 00:03:23,866 one of the most widespread predators on Earth. 53 00:03:26,166 --> 00:03:28,200 ♪ 54 00:03:28,233 --> 00:03:32,233 They live on every continent, except Antarctica... 55 00:03:32,266 --> 00:03:36,966 ♪ 56 00:03:37,000 --> 00:03:39,300 from coastal cliffs... 57 00:03:41,066 --> 00:03:45,266 to arctic tundra. 58 00:03:45,300 --> 00:03:48,533 Peregrine falcons are almost unique 59 00:03:48,566 --> 00:03:50,133 in being virtually world-wide. 60 00:03:50,166 --> 00:03:53,733 The birds from the farthest north in the Arctic, 61 00:03:53,766 --> 00:03:57,233 migrate the farthest south, all the way down to South America. 62 00:03:57,266 --> 00:04:00,600 Birds at our latitude in the central United States 63 00:04:00,633 --> 00:04:02,900 often don't migrate at all, they're sedentary. 64 00:04:02,933 --> 00:04:06,600 But they're all recognizable as peregrine falcons. 65 00:04:08,900 --> 00:04:12,966 NARRATOR: Peregrines have adapted to almost every habitat. 66 00:04:13,000 --> 00:04:15,866 So what is the secret of their success? 67 00:04:17,600 --> 00:04:20,033 To find out, we need to go back... 68 00:04:21,366 --> 00:04:24,666 When all the potential of this high-speed flyer 69 00:04:24,700 --> 00:04:28,600 is held within one tiny egg. 70 00:04:28,633 --> 00:04:32,633 ♪ 71 00:04:32,666 --> 00:04:35,266 In the waiting room of a captive breeding facility, 72 00:04:35,300 --> 00:04:40,666 a rather unusual parent is patiently awaiting an arrival. 73 00:04:40,700 --> 00:04:43,566 ♪ 74 00:04:43,600 --> 00:04:46,300 It's captive breeding that's rescued peregrine falcons 75 00:04:46,333 --> 00:04:48,633 from the brink of extinction. 76 00:04:56,233 --> 00:05:00,366 You're taking a long time, aren't you? 77 00:05:00,400 --> 00:05:02,800 Are you going to come out and say hello? 78 00:05:04,600 --> 00:05:08,933 ♪ 79 00:05:08,966 --> 00:05:12,300 NARRATOR: Lloyd Buck grew up with a passion for birds. 80 00:05:14,700 --> 00:05:16,033 (Rose whistles) 81 00:05:16,066 --> 00:05:17,633 Good boy, clever boy. 82 00:05:17,666 --> 00:05:20,666 NARRATOR: Now, he and his wife Rose have a very special family 83 00:05:20,700 --> 00:05:22,366 of all types of birds-- 84 00:05:22,400 --> 00:05:24,600 including Arnie, 85 00:05:24,633 --> 00:05:26,866 Lily, 86 00:05:26,900 --> 00:05:28,966 and Moses, 87 00:05:29,000 --> 00:05:31,166 a four-year-old peregrine falcon. 88 00:05:33,666 --> 00:05:37,366 Lloyd and Rose love and care for all of them. 89 00:05:37,400 --> 00:05:39,033 ROSE: Good boys. 90 00:05:39,066 --> 00:05:41,400 NARRATOR: With their feathered charges, 91 00:05:41,433 --> 00:05:42,866 like these two barn owl chicks, 92 00:05:42,900 --> 00:05:45,600 they educate children about the importance 93 00:05:45,633 --> 00:05:47,600 of protecting birds in the wild. 94 00:05:47,633 --> 00:05:51,200 (Rose whooping) 95 00:05:51,233 --> 00:05:53,566 They also train them to star in films. 96 00:05:53,600 --> 00:05:57,500 ♪ 97 00:06:00,300 --> 00:06:04,466 But it's the peregrines that Lloyd most loves to train. 98 00:06:04,500 --> 00:06:06,800 ♪ 99 00:06:06,833 --> 00:06:10,566 As he puts his four-year-old peregrine Moses to the test-- 100 00:06:10,600 --> 00:06:12,266 he'll reveal what makes peregrines 101 00:06:12,300 --> 00:06:15,200 such effective, high-speed predators. 102 00:06:17,700 --> 00:06:18,933 LLOYD: They're my ultimate bird, 103 00:06:18,966 --> 00:06:22,233 I've loved peregrines since I was a young boy. 104 00:06:22,266 --> 00:06:25,000 As much as you fly them and as much as you get 105 00:06:25,033 --> 00:06:26,433 that bond with them 106 00:06:26,466 --> 00:06:29,333 there's always that little bit of wildness still there. 107 00:06:33,733 --> 00:06:38,300 NARRATOR: And now, there will be a new addition to their family. 108 00:06:38,333 --> 00:06:43,066 This egg is from a captive pair of peregrines. 109 00:06:43,100 --> 00:06:45,033 The chick inside begins to cut a perfect line, 110 00:06:45,066 --> 00:06:49,600 using a tiny bump on its beak, known as an egg tooth. 111 00:06:49,633 --> 00:06:54,000 (squeaking) 112 00:06:54,033 --> 00:06:55,333 Finally! 113 00:06:55,366 --> 00:06:56,900 (chuckles) 114 00:06:56,933 --> 00:06:59,133 60 hours of waiting. 115 00:06:59,166 --> 00:07:04,466 No sleep and all of a sudden they've just gone crazy. 116 00:07:04,500 --> 00:07:05,966 (chuckles) 117 00:07:06,000 --> 00:07:09,266 It's amazing to see. 118 00:07:09,300 --> 00:07:11,200 Wow, look at that! 119 00:07:11,233 --> 00:07:12,233 (chuckles) 120 00:07:12,266 --> 00:07:14,433 He's nearly out. 121 00:07:14,466 --> 00:07:18,366 ♪ 122 00:07:18,400 --> 00:07:22,400 And to think that this little chick, 123 00:07:22,433 --> 00:07:27,566 in about 45 days' time, will be fully grown 124 00:07:27,600 --> 00:07:30,033 and have everything it needs 125 00:07:30,066 --> 00:07:33,166 to be the fastest animal on the planet. 126 00:07:33,200 --> 00:07:36,733 NARRATOR: Over the next few months, with Lloyd's expert guidance, 127 00:07:36,766 --> 00:07:39,433 the tiny chick will learn to master every skill 128 00:07:39,466 --> 00:07:45,000 needed to fly and hunt like a wild peregrine. 129 00:07:46,700 --> 00:07:51,066 (seagulls squawking) 130 00:07:51,100 --> 00:07:54,000 In the wild, peregrine parents have just 12 weeks 131 00:07:54,033 --> 00:07:56,133 to teach their chicks everything they need 132 00:07:56,166 --> 00:07:58,900 to be a high speed predator. 133 00:08:01,200 --> 00:08:03,233 In traditional coastal habitats 134 00:08:03,266 --> 00:08:06,666 peregrines raise their young on cliff ledges 135 00:08:06,700 --> 00:08:07,966 in nests called eyries. 136 00:08:08,000 --> 00:08:11,133 (squawking) 137 00:08:11,166 --> 00:08:15,300 Here there is ample prey to feed the family, 138 00:08:15,333 --> 00:08:18,500 and room for juveniles to chase and learn to hunt. 139 00:08:23,300 --> 00:08:25,566 But, these adaptable birds have recently moved 140 00:08:25,600 --> 00:08:29,600 into a whole new world... 141 00:08:33,299 --> 00:08:34,433 ours. 142 00:08:35,433 --> 00:08:39,766 ♪ 143 00:08:50,833 --> 00:08:53,166 One city provides a perfect window 144 00:08:53,200 --> 00:08:56,033 into their high-speed lives. 145 00:08:56,066 --> 00:08:59,833 (siren blaring) 146 00:09:00,933 --> 00:09:02,633 (falcon squawking) 147 00:09:02,666 --> 00:09:05,333 Chicago, 148 00:09:05,366 --> 00:09:08,933 home to 2.7 million people... 149 00:09:08,966 --> 00:09:13,733 and more than 20 pairs of peregrine falcons. 150 00:09:13,766 --> 00:09:18,666 (train clattering on tracks) 151 00:09:18,700 --> 00:09:23,333 This metropolis may not seem like a wildlife haven, 152 00:09:23,366 --> 00:09:25,066 but unlike many other animals, 153 00:09:25,100 --> 00:09:28,333 peregrines are thriving in cities. 154 00:09:28,366 --> 00:09:30,866 FRENCH: Peregrine falcons only need two things to really prosper. 155 00:09:30,900 --> 00:09:33,266 One is high spots to nest, 156 00:09:33,300 --> 00:09:36,400 and so ledges on skyscrapers and bridges provide 157 00:09:36,433 --> 00:09:40,733 ample nesting sites and flying birds as a food source. 158 00:09:40,766 --> 00:09:43,900 And cities have a wealth of birds-- 159 00:09:43,933 --> 00:09:47,133 feral pigeons and starlings and house sparrows. 160 00:09:47,166 --> 00:09:49,833 So cities are wonderful places for peregrines to be. 161 00:09:51,200 --> 00:09:54,233 NARRATOR: And here in Chicago, as many as six nests 162 00:09:54,266 --> 00:09:58,233 can be found in one square mile of downtown real estate. 163 00:09:58,266 --> 00:10:01,366 (falcon squawking) 164 00:10:01,400 --> 00:10:02,833 It's now early May. 165 00:10:02,866 --> 00:10:05,800 In the window box of this 28th floor apartment, 166 00:10:05,833 --> 00:10:09,200 a female peregrine has three hungry mouths to feed. 167 00:10:09,233 --> 00:10:12,966 (squawking) 168 00:10:13,000 --> 00:10:15,533 She makes a sharp call to encourage them 169 00:10:15,566 --> 00:10:16,866 to open their beaks wide. 170 00:10:19,866 --> 00:10:23,966 (squawking) 171 00:10:25,366 --> 00:10:28,033 Her partner soon joins her on the balcony. 172 00:10:28,066 --> 00:10:29,966 (squawking) 173 00:10:30,000 --> 00:10:33,733 This family is called the Perrys. 174 00:10:33,766 --> 00:10:35,733 For the last three years, 175 00:10:35,766 --> 00:10:38,100 they've made their home on this balcony, 176 00:10:38,133 --> 00:10:41,933 watched by the man who lives here, Dacey Arashiba. 177 00:10:44,033 --> 00:10:46,833 This rare situation provides an incredible opportunity 178 00:10:46,866 --> 00:10:50,900 to see what it takes for wild peregrines to grow up in a city. 179 00:10:53,733 --> 00:10:55,366 At just a few days old, 180 00:10:55,400 --> 00:10:57,500 the chicks need regular brooding. 181 00:10:59,933 --> 00:11:02,800 FRENCH: When the chicks first hatch, they're completely helpless, 182 00:11:02,833 --> 00:11:04,733 they can't even keep themselves warm. 183 00:11:04,766 --> 00:11:07,266 So the female treats them as if they're still eggs. 184 00:11:07,300 --> 00:11:09,266 She sits on them, broods them, 185 00:11:09,300 --> 00:11:12,633 she does that for the first two or three days. 186 00:11:14,200 --> 00:11:16,266 NARRATOR: While the female tends the chicks, 187 00:11:16,300 --> 00:11:20,400 the male has his work cut out, hunting their next meal. 188 00:11:20,433 --> 00:11:24,966 But city living has some surprising advantages. 189 00:11:25,000 --> 00:11:28,133 As the sun beats down on Chicago's buildings, 190 00:11:28,166 --> 00:11:32,300 it generates rising thermals of hot air... 191 00:11:32,333 --> 00:11:38,166 ♪ 192 00:11:38,200 --> 00:11:43,666 Helping him to lift off and soar almost effortlessly. 193 00:11:44,233 --> 00:11:47,466 ♪ 194 00:11:59,333 --> 00:12:02,033 Chicago's waterfront location also attracts 195 00:12:02,066 --> 00:12:06,066 an abundance of migrating birds-- potential prey. 196 00:12:09,766 --> 00:12:12,866 Peregrines normally hunt during the day, 197 00:12:12,900 --> 00:12:17,600 but street lighting means 24-hour hunting... 198 00:12:17,633 --> 00:12:19,433 ♪ 199 00:12:19,466 --> 00:12:23,800 Much needed help when feeding a growing family. 200 00:12:23,833 --> 00:12:28,333 ♪ 201 00:12:34,166 --> 00:12:36,500 (squawking) 202 00:12:36,533 --> 00:12:38,066 Now, at seven days old, 203 00:12:38,100 --> 00:12:40,900 the chicks have already fully opened their eyes. 204 00:12:40,933 --> 00:12:45,066 (squawking) 205 00:12:45,100 --> 00:12:48,800 Peregrines rely on their vision to spot and track their prey 206 00:12:48,833 --> 00:12:51,400 at incredibly high speeds. 207 00:12:51,433 --> 00:12:55,766 This sense is critical for their survival. 208 00:12:55,800 --> 00:12:58,500 But just how good is peregrine eyesight? 209 00:12:58,533 --> 00:13:01,000 ♪ 210 00:13:01,033 --> 00:13:03,566 To find out, Lloyd's headed to the Lake District 211 00:13:03,600 --> 00:13:05,966 in northern England, with Moses-- 212 00:13:06,000 --> 00:13:10,466 a peregrine he's raised over the past four years. 213 00:13:10,500 --> 00:13:14,033 He's wearing a falconry hood, to keep him calm. 214 00:13:14,066 --> 00:13:16,933 ♪ 215 00:13:19,200 --> 00:13:20,466 Lloyd's enlisted the help 216 00:13:20,500 --> 00:13:23,433 of avian sensory expert Graham Martin. 217 00:13:26,666 --> 00:13:29,833 They will test how far Moses can see down the valley. 218 00:13:32,966 --> 00:13:35,900 First, they fit him with a GPS telemetry device 219 00:13:35,933 --> 00:13:38,566 which tracks the exact distance he's flying. 220 00:13:41,033 --> 00:13:44,233 Moses is trained to fly towards a bright yellow lure 221 00:13:44,266 --> 00:13:47,466 which Lloyd throws and catches. 222 00:13:49,633 --> 00:13:52,366 For the first run Lloyd positions himself 223 00:13:52,400 --> 00:13:58,000 one kilometer, or .6 miles, away. 224 00:13:58,033 --> 00:13:59,266 Okay, Graham, hood is off. 225 00:13:59,300 --> 00:14:00,633 Hood is off. 226 00:14:00,666 --> 00:14:03,833 NARRATOR: He throws the lure straight up in the air, 227 00:14:03,866 --> 00:14:06,166 trying to catch Moses' eye. 228 00:14:07,133 --> 00:14:08,733 Gone, off, gone, gone, gone. 229 00:14:08,766 --> 00:14:10,100 MARTIN (via walkie-talkie): 200 meters. 230 00:14:10,133 --> 00:14:11,800 MARTIN: Very straight track to you, 231 00:14:11,833 --> 00:14:13,533 400 meters. 232 00:14:13,566 --> 00:14:16,466 NARRATOR: On the GPS, the straight track shows 233 00:14:16,500 --> 00:14:18,433 he's locked onto his target. 234 00:14:18,466 --> 00:14:20,166 MARTIN (via walkie-talkie): 500 meters. 235 00:14:20,200 --> 00:14:22,600 MARTIN: Crossing the stream now. 236 00:14:22,633 --> 00:14:23,933 800 meters. 237 00:14:23,966 --> 00:14:26,900 NARRATOR: Which is more than can be said for Lloyd. 238 00:14:26,933 --> 00:14:28,266 Where is he? 239 00:14:28,300 --> 00:14:29,666 MARTIN (via walkie-talkie): Just crossing over the river. 240 00:14:29,700 --> 00:14:31,400 Ha, there he is, here he is! 241 00:14:31,433 --> 00:14:32,366 Hey, hey hey hey. 242 00:14:32,400 --> 00:14:36,733 Hey! 243 00:14:36,766 --> 00:14:38,733 LLOYD (via walkie-talkie): I've got him, I've got him. 244 00:14:40,033 --> 00:14:43,533 I had no idea where you were my boy till that last second. 245 00:14:43,566 --> 00:14:48,866 NARRATOR: Spotting the lure at .6 miles seems easy enough for Moses. 246 00:14:50,133 --> 00:14:53,500 But how will he fare when Lloyd doubles the distance? 247 00:14:53,533 --> 00:14:55,233 Now. 248 00:14:53,533 --> 00:14:55,233 Hood is off. Hood is off. 249 00:14:58,200 --> 00:15:00,533 NARRATOR: Even at 1.2 miles... 250 00:15:00,566 --> 00:15:02,200 Come on, Mo. Come on. 251 00:15:02,233 --> 00:15:03,700 NARRATOR: Moses heads straight for his target. 252 00:15:03,733 --> 00:15:06,166 MARTIN (via walkie-talkie): 1.6 kilometers. 253 00:15:06,200 --> 00:15:07,600 1.9 kilometers. 254 00:15:07,633 --> 00:15:09,033 Oh, here he is, here he is. 255 00:15:11,000 --> 00:15:12,466 MARTIN (via walkie-talkie): Two kilometers. 256 00:15:12,500 --> 00:15:14,333 Good lad. 257 00:15:12,500 --> 00:15:14,333 MARTIN (via walkie-talkie): Bird must be with you. 258 00:15:14,366 --> 00:15:15,733 Brilliant. 259 00:15:15,766 --> 00:15:17,466 (chuckling): Look at that, it's actually brilliant. 260 00:15:17,500 --> 00:15:19,833 Well what do you think, I think we can just go for broke. 261 00:15:19,866 --> 00:15:21,200 Do you want to try the three? 262 00:15:21,233 --> 00:15:22,666 I think that would be a real push 263 00:15:22,700 --> 00:15:25,433 but we ought to try if he's so easily done 2K. 264 00:15:25,466 --> 00:15:27,633 So yeah, let's try 3K. 265 00:15:30,800 --> 00:15:32,533 LLOYD: Three kilometers, 266 00:15:32,566 --> 00:15:33,900 1.8 miles. 267 00:15:33,933 --> 00:15:37,800 So Graham's on that track in the very far distance. 268 00:15:37,833 --> 00:15:39,833 It is amazing though, it's such a small thing 269 00:15:39,866 --> 00:15:41,733 really for him to see at that distance. 270 00:15:43,233 --> 00:15:47,300 NARRATOR: Peregrine eyesight is twice as sharp as a hawk's. 271 00:15:47,333 --> 00:15:49,266 But spotting a lure this far away 272 00:15:49,300 --> 00:15:52,566 is an incredible challenge-- no one is sure Moses can do it. 273 00:15:52,600 --> 00:15:53,933 Hood's off, hood is off. 274 00:15:56,366 --> 00:15:59,966 MARTIN (via walkie-talkie): Still looking down the valley, still looking for you. 275 00:16:00,000 --> 00:16:01,500 Still looking... and he's off, he's off. 276 00:16:01,533 --> 00:16:03,833 Keeping quite high. 277 00:16:03,866 --> 00:16:05,733 Moving back towards us. 278 00:16:07,533 --> 00:16:08,766 Coming right overhead now. 279 00:16:08,800 --> 00:16:10,100 Just gone overhead. 280 00:16:10,133 --> 00:16:12,933 NARRATOR: Moses appears to be struggling-- 281 00:16:12,966 --> 00:16:14,800 he circles to try and pick out the target. 282 00:16:14,833 --> 00:16:15,933 MARTIN (via walkie-talkie): Moving towards you. 283 00:16:15,966 --> 00:16:18,433 Come on my boy, come on. 284 00:16:18,466 --> 00:16:19,566 Moving away from us now. 285 00:16:19,600 --> 00:16:21,933 NARRATOR: And he locks on. 286 00:16:21,966 --> 00:16:24,166 MARTIN: Definitely picked up a straight line now. 287 00:16:26,500 --> 00:16:28,366 1.4... 288 00:16:28,400 --> 00:16:30,000 MARTIN (via walkie-talkie): 1.8. 289 00:16:30,033 --> 00:16:31,000 Come on! 290 00:16:31,033 --> 00:16:33,100 Just going directly away from us. 291 00:16:33,133 --> 00:16:36,133 MARTIN (via walkie-talkie): 2.8 kilometers, must be very close to you now. 292 00:16:36,166 --> 00:16:37,300 Come on. 293 00:16:37,333 --> 00:16:39,933 MARTIN (via walkie-talkie): 2.9 kilometers. 294 00:16:39,966 --> 00:16:41,100 What a boy! 295 00:16:41,133 --> 00:16:42,866 You top man! 296 00:16:42,900 --> 00:16:44,600 He's on the lure, he's on the lure, 297 00:16:44,633 --> 00:16:45,733 so he's done it. 298 00:16:45,766 --> 00:16:47,966 (laughs) 299 00:16:48,000 --> 00:16:49,533 You are a mean machine! 300 00:16:49,566 --> 00:16:50,600 Come on. 301 00:16:50,633 --> 00:16:52,500 LLOYD (via walkie-talkie): Amazing, Graham. 302 00:16:52,533 --> 00:16:54,100 I'm quite impressed with him to be honest. 303 00:16:54,133 --> 00:16:55,000 Brilliant. 304 00:16:55,033 --> 00:16:56,066 Well done. Excellent. 305 00:16:56,100 --> 00:16:57,533 Whoo! 306 00:16:57,566 --> 00:17:00,666 NARRATOR: Incredibly, the GPS telemetry device shows Moses 307 00:17:00,700 --> 00:17:03,200 spotted the lure from almost two miles away. 308 00:17:03,233 --> 00:17:04,566 Good boy. 309 00:17:04,599 --> 00:17:05,800 Well done, young man. 310 00:17:05,833 --> 00:17:08,066 NARRATOR: So exactly how is he able to do it? 311 00:17:14,166 --> 00:17:16,966 Peregrines have large eyes 312 00:17:17,000 --> 00:17:19,733 taking up at least 50% of their skull. 313 00:17:23,500 --> 00:17:26,433 For us, it's only 5%. 314 00:17:26,466 --> 00:17:32,166 ♪ 315 00:17:32,200 --> 00:17:34,733 The optics of the eye project an image of the world 316 00:17:34,766 --> 00:17:37,533 onto the retina-- shown here in red. 317 00:17:42,900 --> 00:17:44,333 The most important part of the retina 318 00:17:44,366 --> 00:17:47,233 is called the fovea. 319 00:17:47,266 --> 00:17:51,233 It's responsible for seeing objects in fine detail. 320 00:17:51,266 --> 00:17:55,066 It's where light-sensitive cells called cones 321 00:17:55,100 --> 00:17:58,166 are most concentrated. 322 00:17:58,200 --> 00:18:02,733 But the peregrine has two foveas on the retina of each eye 323 00:18:02,766 --> 00:18:05,266 allowing it to see more of the world in detail. 324 00:18:06,700 --> 00:18:10,933 The first is for spotting close objects. 325 00:18:10,966 --> 00:18:12,933 Here, the peregrine looks through both eyes, 326 00:18:12,966 --> 00:18:15,033 using binocular vision. 327 00:18:17,733 --> 00:18:21,066 The second is for spotting things far away. 328 00:18:22,066 --> 00:18:24,133 Now, the peregrine looks sideways, 329 00:18:24,166 --> 00:18:25,966 through one eye at a time. 330 00:18:26,000 --> 00:18:31,433 ♪ 331 00:18:31,466 --> 00:18:35,000 So to spot a target almost two miles away... 332 00:18:35,033 --> 00:18:38,033 Moses turns his head 333 00:18:38,066 --> 00:18:41,833 as if staring through a telescope. 334 00:18:41,866 --> 00:18:47,166 ♪ 335 00:18:47,200 --> 00:18:51,233 As he closes in, he switches to binocular vision 336 00:18:51,266 --> 00:18:53,700 which gives very accurate information 337 00:18:53,733 --> 00:18:56,700 on the location of his fast-moving target. 338 00:19:02,466 --> 00:19:05,100 This superior eyesight gives peregrines 339 00:19:05,133 --> 00:19:06,766 a big hunting advantage. 340 00:19:07,800 --> 00:19:08,966 Any of the species 341 00:19:09,000 --> 00:19:11,066 that you care to think of that he preys upon, 342 00:19:11,100 --> 00:19:13,933 his vision is so much better. 343 00:19:13,966 --> 00:19:15,200 For something like a pigeon, 344 00:19:15,233 --> 00:19:17,200 he's four times better in his acuity. 345 00:19:17,233 --> 00:19:21,033 NARRATOR: This means a peregrine can spot its prey, 346 00:19:21,066 --> 00:19:22,766 and gather speed for an attack, 347 00:19:22,800 --> 00:19:25,833 long before its prey knows it's coming. 348 00:19:25,866 --> 00:19:29,900 So at three kilometers, say, he can see the prey, 349 00:19:29,933 --> 00:19:31,400 but the pigeon wouldn't see him 350 00:19:31,433 --> 00:19:33,533 until he was only three quarters of a kilometer away. 351 00:19:33,566 --> 00:19:35,900 The vision difference translates 352 00:19:35,933 --> 00:19:38,100 into a really important time difference 353 00:19:38,133 --> 00:19:39,566 when you're actually hunting prey. 354 00:19:41,500 --> 00:19:43,633 NARRATOR: This is a crucial advantage, 355 00:19:43,666 --> 00:19:48,433 especially when it comes to feeding a growing family. 356 00:19:48,466 --> 00:19:52,600 The Perry family certainly is growing-- and fast. 357 00:19:52,633 --> 00:19:56,766 ♪ 358 00:19:56,800 --> 00:20:00,833 (squawking) 359 00:20:00,866 --> 00:20:04,800 ♪ 360 00:20:04,833 --> 00:20:06,866 The Chicago chicks are now five weeks old 361 00:20:06,900 --> 00:20:10,600 and about 30 times heavier than when they hatched. 362 00:20:12,233 --> 00:20:13,566 They've been ringed, 363 00:20:13,600 --> 00:20:18,300 sexed, and named by The Chicago Peregrine Program. 364 00:20:22,066 --> 00:20:24,366 This is Tyler, 365 00:20:24,400 --> 00:20:26,600 his sister, Commodore, 366 00:20:26,633 --> 00:20:28,600 and brother, Fred. 367 00:20:34,666 --> 00:20:37,766 (squawking) 368 00:20:37,800 --> 00:20:40,000 Each will be monitored 369 00:20:40,033 --> 00:20:42,400 as part of North America's population of peregrines, 370 00:20:42,433 --> 00:20:45,766 which was nearly wiped out in the 20th century 371 00:20:45,800 --> 00:20:49,300 due to the insecticide DDT. 372 00:20:50,733 --> 00:20:52,066 FRENCH: We didn't realize at the time 373 00:20:52,100 --> 00:20:56,233 that it accumulated through the food chain. 374 00:20:56,266 --> 00:20:59,200 And for peregrine falcons, the primary effect it had, 375 00:20:59,233 --> 00:21:04,133 was to cause the female to lay thin-shelled eggs. 376 00:21:04,166 --> 00:21:06,033 So they'd break. 377 00:21:06,066 --> 00:21:08,766 It didn't take very long before populations 378 00:21:08,800 --> 00:21:12,133 of the most affected birds began to crash. 379 00:21:15,000 --> 00:21:17,466 NARRATOR: In 1972, DDT was banned, 380 00:21:17,500 --> 00:21:19,266 and soon after captive peregrines 381 00:21:19,300 --> 00:21:22,500 were bred and released into the wild. 382 00:21:22,533 --> 00:21:26,533 FRENCH: Peregrine falcons have responded dramatically 383 00:21:26,566 --> 00:21:28,066 to conservation efforts. 384 00:21:28,100 --> 00:21:30,600 Their numbers have rebounded completely. 385 00:21:31,666 --> 00:21:32,966 NARRATOR: So much so 386 00:21:33,000 --> 00:21:35,066 that peregrines are now thriving 387 00:21:35,100 --> 00:21:38,833 in diverse environments, even in our homes. 388 00:21:42,633 --> 00:21:45,166 (engine running, stops) 389 00:21:47,366 --> 00:21:50,100 Today the newest member of Lloyd's family has come home. 390 00:21:51,966 --> 00:21:54,400 It's been 12 weeks since Lloyd watched him hatch. 391 00:21:54,433 --> 00:21:56,133 Good boy. 392 00:21:56,166 --> 00:21:57,933 NARRATOR: He's now fully grown. 393 00:22:02,966 --> 00:22:03,966 Hello. 394 00:22:04,000 --> 00:22:05,500 Hello. 395 00:22:05,533 --> 00:22:06,566 You all right? 396 00:22:06,600 --> 00:22:08,100 Oh, he's lovely. 397 00:22:08,133 --> 00:22:09,600 He is, isn't he? 398 00:22:09,633 --> 00:22:11,000 He is, he's a real sweetie. 399 00:22:11,033 --> 00:22:12,166 Yeah. 400 00:22:13,766 --> 00:22:16,500 NARRATOR: Lloyd's called him Rudi. 401 00:22:16,533 --> 00:22:18,100 There he is, little Rudi. 402 00:22:18,133 --> 00:22:20,166 ROSE: I don't think we've ever had 403 00:22:20,200 --> 00:22:23,000 a falcon so calm so quickly. 404 00:22:23,033 --> 00:22:25,100 ♪ 405 00:22:25,133 --> 00:22:27,000 NARRATOR: Over the next few months, 406 00:22:27,033 --> 00:22:30,966 Lloyd will teach him the skills a young peregrine needs. 407 00:22:31,000 --> 00:22:34,166 But first, it's critical that Lloyd earns his trust. 408 00:22:36,800 --> 00:22:39,433 He must sit quietly and avoid eye contact. 409 00:22:49,400 --> 00:22:52,800 This helps Rudi relax and he tucks in to his first meal. 410 00:22:56,200 --> 00:22:59,533 It's an important step, as now, training can begin. 411 00:23:01,300 --> 00:23:04,200 Using the traditional art of falconry, 412 00:23:04,233 --> 00:23:06,733 Lloyd will teach Rudi to hunt a yellow lure. 413 00:23:10,166 --> 00:23:11,833 ♪ 414 00:23:11,866 --> 00:23:15,133 He starts with a line attached to Rudi's foot for safety. 415 00:23:16,733 --> 00:23:18,833 First, a small hop. 416 00:23:18,866 --> 00:23:22,366 That was brilliant, he's a good boy. 417 00:23:22,400 --> 00:23:24,000 So he's just building that bond, 418 00:23:24,033 --> 00:23:27,466 and now I've got this lure, and it's a good game. 419 00:23:28,800 --> 00:23:30,900 NARRATOR: Then a little further... 420 00:23:30,933 --> 00:23:32,633 Rudi! 421 00:23:32,666 --> 00:23:33,633 Rudi! 422 00:23:33,666 --> 00:23:41,100 ♪ 423 00:23:41,133 --> 00:23:42,700 You didn't brake Rudi, 424 00:23:42,733 --> 00:23:43,733 that's what your tail's for. 425 00:23:43,766 --> 00:23:45,200 Rudi! 426 00:23:45,233 --> 00:23:46,233 Hey! 427 00:23:46,266 --> 00:23:47,833 NARRATOR: And with no string attached. 428 00:23:49,566 --> 00:23:50,700 (chuckling): Good boy. 429 00:23:52,800 --> 00:23:54,866 So that's his first free flight today. 430 00:23:54,900 --> 00:23:55,900 He's shortcut 431 00:23:55,933 --> 00:23:57,966 the whole process by about four days, 432 00:23:58,000 --> 00:23:59,433 because he's progressed at his own speed, 433 00:23:59,466 --> 00:24:02,000 which is what you want. 434 00:24:02,033 --> 00:24:03,666 Rudi! 435 00:24:03,700 --> 00:24:05,533 NARRATOR: Finally, he needs to catch it in the air. 436 00:24:05,566 --> 00:24:07,400 Hey-ah! 437 00:24:07,433 --> 00:24:08,966 Good lad, here. 438 00:24:09,000 --> 00:24:10,900 Here. 439 00:24:10,933 --> 00:24:14,666 ♪ 440 00:24:14,700 --> 00:24:16,700 Ooh, nearly. 441 00:24:16,733 --> 00:24:22,233 ♪ 442 00:24:22,266 --> 00:24:23,833 Ooh, good boy. 443 00:24:25,200 --> 00:24:26,800 Good lad! 444 00:24:26,833 --> 00:24:30,700 NARRATOR: In less than a week, Rudi has learned the goal of the game. 445 00:24:32,866 --> 00:24:35,366 He responds to the lure as if it is prey 446 00:24:35,400 --> 00:24:39,166 and understands he needs to catch it in the air. 447 00:24:43,100 --> 00:24:47,400 Luckily, juvenile peregrines have a secret to help them 448 00:24:47,433 --> 00:24:49,433 hone their hunting skills. 449 00:24:51,933 --> 00:24:54,033 Of course this year he's in his juvenile plumage year. 450 00:24:54,066 --> 00:24:56,233 So his tail's a bit longer, 451 00:24:56,266 --> 00:24:58,300 his primaries are little, 452 00:24:58,333 --> 00:25:01,233 and they're slightly softer feathered 453 00:25:01,266 --> 00:25:02,300 in their juvenile year, 454 00:25:02,333 --> 00:25:04,233 to allow them room for error it's thought, 455 00:25:04,266 --> 00:25:07,133 so they can hone and learn their hunting skills. 456 00:25:07,166 --> 00:25:10,200 Next year, that tail will get a little bit shorter 457 00:25:10,233 --> 00:25:13,866 and the feathers will come stiffer and harder. 458 00:25:13,900 --> 00:25:16,333 This sleeker plumage is thought to help adult peregrines 459 00:25:16,366 --> 00:25:17,766 to fly faster. 460 00:25:17,800 --> 00:25:22,200 But fewer than half of peregrines make it to adulthood. 461 00:25:22,233 --> 00:25:26,066 Learning to catch food at high speeds isn't easy. 462 00:25:26,100 --> 00:25:27,333 You couldn't get a better example, really, 463 00:25:27,366 --> 00:25:29,666 of survival of the fittest than with these guys. 464 00:25:29,700 --> 00:25:32,233 They've got to be at the top of their game all the time. 465 00:25:32,266 --> 00:25:34,933 Once their parents stop feeding them and they're fledged, 466 00:25:34,966 --> 00:25:37,466 they're on their own, literally. 467 00:25:40,000 --> 00:25:41,600 NARRATOR: Back in Chicago, 468 00:25:41,633 --> 00:25:44,966 it's just seven weeks until the chicks go it alone. 469 00:25:45,000 --> 00:25:49,533 And they need up to 11 meals a day to sate growing appetites. 470 00:25:51,333 --> 00:25:54,466 Luckily, their parents are expert hunters... 471 00:25:57,300 --> 00:26:01,300 And the city provides abundant prey. 472 00:26:03,133 --> 00:26:05,566 ♪ 473 00:26:05,600 --> 00:26:10,500 A city diet can consist of over a hundred different species, 474 00:26:10,533 --> 00:26:14,700 many not even found in less developed environments. 475 00:26:14,733 --> 00:26:16,966 ♪ 476 00:26:17,000 --> 00:26:18,733 And their favorite? 477 00:26:19,666 --> 00:26:22,333 (wings flapping) 478 00:26:22,366 --> 00:26:24,866 Pigeons. 479 00:26:24,900 --> 00:26:27,866 But they can be a challenge to catch. 480 00:26:27,900 --> 00:26:31,666 ♪ 481 00:26:31,700 --> 00:26:35,300 In a straight chase, a pigeon can reach 50 miles per hour 482 00:26:35,333 --> 00:26:39,900 and weave and dive among city buildings for cover. 483 00:26:39,933 --> 00:26:43,033 ♪ 484 00:26:54,200 --> 00:26:56,233 But even between the buildings, 485 00:26:56,266 --> 00:27:01,000 peregrines can execute a perfect strike at lightning speeds. 486 00:27:01,033 --> 00:27:02,766 Just like this. 487 00:27:08,100 --> 00:27:10,666 So how do peregrines catch their prey? 488 00:27:18,400 --> 00:27:21,733 Lloyd and avian expert Graham want to find out more. 489 00:27:23,733 --> 00:27:26,766 But first they need to simulate a hunt. 490 00:27:26,800 --> 00:27:30,266 ♪ 491 00:27:30,300 --> 00:27:32,966 Meet the prey drone, 492 00:27:33,000 --> 00:27:36,366 designed by gadget guru Chris Watts. 493 00:27:40,600 --> 00:27:41,800 (drone buzzing) 494 00:27:45,400 --> 00:27:48,166 It's capable of performing aerial maneuvers 495 00:27:48,200 --> 00:27:50,533 that mimic bird flight. 496 00:27:50,566 --> 00:27:54,133 ♪ 497 00:27:54,166 --> 00:27:57,766 And with safety guards and an onboard camera, 498 00:27:57,800 --> 00:28:01,833 it's the perfect device to film a peregrine in hot pursuit. 499 00:28:01,866 --> 00:28:07,000 ♪ 500 00:28:10,566 --> 00:28:11,866 For the battle arena, 501 00:28:11,900 --> 00:28:15,666 a secluded valley in the U.K.'s Lake District. 502 00:28:16,866 --> 00:28:17,933 So are you set? 503 00:28:17,966 --> 00:28:19,933 I'm all set, yeah. 504 00:28:17,966 --> 00:28:19,933 Okay. 505 00:28:19,966 --> 00:28:21,133 Okay, going up now? 506 00:28:21,166 --> 00:28:22,300 Yeah, yeah. 507 00:28:21,166 --> 00:28:22,300 You happy? 508 00:28:22,333 --> 00:28:23,766 Yeah. 509 00:28:23,800 --> 00:28:26,166 NARRATOR: It's the prey drone. 510 00:28:26,200 --> 00:28:27,433 MARTIN: Get your position. 511 00:28:27,466 --> 00:28:29,533 NARRATOR: Against Moses, 512 00:28:29,566 --> 00:28:31,000 Lloyd's four-year-old peregrine. 513 00:28:31,033 --> 00:28:32,900 Let's go. 514 00:28:32,933 --> 00:28:35,200 LLOYD: Go, go, go, go! 515 00:28:35,233 --> 00:28:36,500 Go, my boy. 516 00:28:36,533 --> 00:28:37,766 MARTIN (on radio): Bird's gone, bird's gone. 517 00:28:37,800 --> 00:28:40,233 WATTS: Wow, look at that, straight after it. 518 00:28:40,266 --> 00:28:42,233 Not yet, stay as you are, stay are you are, stay as you are. 519 00:28:42,266 --> 00:28:44,466 Climb, climb, climb, climb, climb, climb! 520 00:28:44,500 --> 00:28:48,166 ♪ 521 00:28:48,200 --> 00:28:49,233 WATTS: Okay. 522 00:28:49,266 --> 00:28:50,633 Shall I come back down? 523 00:28:50,666 --> 00:28:54,033 LLOYD: No, no, hold your height, hold your height. 524 00:28:54,066 --> 00:28:55,400 Hold it there, hold it there. 525 00:28:57,933 --> 00:28:59,366 Dive, dive, dive, dive, dive! 526 00:28:59,400 --> 00:29:02,233 ♪ 527 00:29:02,266 --> 00:29:06,300 NARRATOR: No matter what the prey drone tries, 528 00:29:06,333 --> 00:29:08,133 the result is the same. 529 00:29:10,433 --> 00:29:11,400 LLOYD: Got it! 530 00:29:11,433 --> 00:29:12,666 WATT: Oh, yeah, I felt that. 531 00:29:12,700 --> 00:29:14,766 NARRATOR: Every time. 532 00:29:14,800 --> 00:29:16,333 LLOYD: That's it, I think he got it then. 533 00:29:16,366 --> 00:29:17,166 Just like that. 534 00:29:17,200 --> 00:29:19,366 See that? 535 00:29:19,400 --> 00:29:23,900 NARRATOR: So how does Moses pull off a perfect strike? 536 00:29:23,933 --> 00:29:28,500 His long, pointed wings offer little drag, 537 00:29:28,533 --> 00:29:33,733 allowing him to fly faster, helping him to close in. 538 00:29:33,766 --> 00:29:38,900 But he rarely chases directly after the drone. 539 00:29:41,066 --> 00:29:46,700 Instead he aims his attack ahead of the drone's current position. 540 00:29:46,733 --> 00:29:51,866 ♪ 541 00:29:51,900 --> 00:29:55,400 Recent research suggests that in order to intercept his target, 542 00:29:55,433 --> 00:29:57,733 as Moses approaches the drone, 543 00:29:57,766 --> 00:29:58,833 he reacts to its movements 544 00:29:58,866 --> 00:30:02,066 to keep it in his line of sight. 545 00:30:05,566 --> 00:30:07,133 He can then close in 546 00:30:07,166 --> 00:30:10,233 to intercept the flight path of his quarry. 547 00:30:19,866 --> 00:30:21,700 But what about the strike? 548 00:30:21,733 --> 00:30:26,333 The drone camera provides a rare and unique view of this moment. 549 00:30:26,366 --> 00:30:28,833 Right, Let's have a look. 550 00:30:26,366 --> 00:30:28,833 Here we go. 551 00:30:28,866 --> 00:30:30,666 Just so you know, this is, this is real time, 552 00:30:30,700 --> 00:30:33,100 this is how quickly it actually happens. 553 00:30:33,133 --> 00:30:34,166 LLOYD: Wow. 554 00:30:34,200 --> 00:30:34,900 Whoa! 555 00:30:34,933 --> 00:30:36,266 That's so fast. 556 00:30:36,300 --> 00:30:37,866 Wow, real time is very fast. 557 00:30:37,900 --> 00:30:39,633 We'll need to see that much, much slower 558 00:30:39,666 --> 00:30:41,066 to understand what's going on. 559 00:30:41,100 --> 00:30:43,333 We should be able to just go through frame by frame and... 560 00:30:43,366 --> 00:30:45,500 LLOYD: There he is, there he is. 561 00:30:45,533 --> 00:30:48,466 MARTIN: Look at that, he's still absolutely stable. 562 00:30:48,500 --> 00:30:50,200 The pupils wide open, absolutely 563 00:30:50,233 --> 00:30:52,600 he's absolutely locked on, feet well spread, talons spread. 564 00:30:52,633 --> 00:30:56,300 LLOYD: There then, look. 565 00:30:58,866 --> 00:31:01,700 NARRATOR: The strike took just one fifth of a second. 566 00:31:01,733 --> 00:31:06,533 But the final component of a perfect catch 567 00:31:06,566 --> 00:31:09,900 is a set of deadly tools. 568 00:31:12,266 --> 00:31:15,533 Their feet have callous-like pads for extra grip 569 00:31:15,566 --> 00:31:20,866 and talons to lock onto their prey. 570 00:31:20,900 --> 00:31:23,300 Like other raptors, 571 00:31:23,333 --> 00:31:27,166 their long toes work as a ratchet mechanism. 572 00:31:27,200 --> 00:31:29,100 Once their feet grip their prey, 573 00:31:29,133 --> 00:31:31,800 they don't need to clench their muscles to hang on. 574 00:31:34,233 --> 00:31:36,666 But it's the powerful beak that makes the kill. 575 00:31:36,700 --> 00:31:40,333 A horn-like bump called a tomial tooth 576 00:31:40,366 --> 00:31:44,833 is used to dislocate the prey's neck. 577 00:31:44,866 --> 00:31:48,233 ♪ 578 00:31:51,933 --> 00:31:56,100 These deadly tools and an elite targeting system combine 579 00:31:56,133 --> 00:31:58,466 above the Chicago skyline... 580 00:32:02,166 --> 00:32:06,200 to produce a perfectly timed strike. 581 00:32:25,233 --> 00:32:29,300 This is an essential skill for all young peregrines to master. 582 00:32:36,633 --> 00:32:39,600 But first, they need to learn to fly. 583 00:32:42,233 --> 00:32:46,500 And in a city, this can be treacherous. 584 00:32:46,533 --> 00:32:48,600 ♪ 585 00:32:48,633 --> 00:32:51,733 FRENCH: That very first year after leaving the nest 586 00:32:51,766 --> 00:32:54,133 is the most dangerous year for them. 587 00:32:55,533 --> 00:32:59,266 And the greatest cause is hitting stationary objects. 588 00:32:59,300 --> 00:33:01,666 (horn honking) 589 00:33:01,700 --> 00:33:02,766 As young birds, 590 00:33:02,800 --> 00:33:05,400 they know how to pour on the steam, 591 00:33:05,433 --> 00:33:08,033 but they often don't know how to stop or maneuver, 592 00:33:08,066 --> 00:33:09,300 and they hit things. 593 00:33:11,266 --> 00:33:15,233 NARRATOR: The nest is down to two. 594 00:33:15,266 --> 00:33:20,633 ♪ 595 00:33:20,666 --> 00:33:22,833 Tyler has made his way onto the ledge above. 596 00:33:24,833 --> 00:33:28,833 (squawking) 597 00:33:32,700 --> 00:33:35,966 His siblings seem more cautious. 598 00:33:36,000 --> 00:33:40,133 But their parents are trying to entice them away from the nest 599 00:33:40,166 --> 00:33:43,300 by carrying their next meal out of their reach. 600 00:33:47,500 --> 00:33:49,666 If the chicks want food, 601 00:33:49,700 --> 00:33:52,133 they'll need to take a leap of faith. 602 00:33:52,166 --> 00:33:53,466 ♪ 603 00:34:04,266 --> 00:34:09,133 Tyler tries for the roof of an adjacent building, 604 00:34:09,166 --> 00:34:11,033 but landing is tricky. 605 00:34:16,366 --> 00:34:19,100 Luckily, a balcony saves the day. 606 00:34:20,866 --> 00:34:24,500 And soon, his courage is rewarded 607 00:34:24,533 --> 00:34:26,400 with a meal from his parent. 608 00:34:30,699 --> 00:34:33,266 ♪ 609 00:34:33,300 --> 00:34:34,466 A few days later, 610 00:34:34,500 --> 00:34:38,333 Tyler greets his sister Commodore. 611 00:34:41,900 --> 00:34:44,900 Finally, Fred joins his siblings. 612 00:34:46,833 --> 00:34:49,033 ♪ 613 00:34:49,066 --> 00:34:51,633 The trio are unlikely to return to their birthplace 614 00:34:51,666 --> 00:34:53,633 on the balcony again. 615 00:34:55,933 --> 00:34:57,766 Now that they are fully grown, 616 00:34:57,800 --> 00:35:00,566 the typical size difference between genders is clear. 617 00:35:00,600 --> 00:35:04,133 Like all female peregrines, 618 00:35:04,166 --> 00:35:06,233 Commodore is roughly a third bigger 619 00:35:06,266 --> 00:35:08,266 than her brothers. 620 00:35:08,300 --> 00:35:10,100 This difference in size 621 00:35:10,133 --> 00:35:13,200 is thought to allow a peregrine pair more variety 622 00:35:13,233 --> 00:35:15,833 in the prey that they are able to hunt. 623 00:35:15,866 --> 00:35:18,066 For the fledglings, 624 00:35:18,100 --> 00:35:22,500 the first few days are full of challenges. 625 00:35:22,533 --> 00:35:25,566 They have difficulty adapting to Chicago's famous wind... 626 00:35:27,666 --> 00:35:30,633 ♪ 627 00:35:37,400 --> 00:35:38,733 Navigating obstacles.... 628 00:35:38,766 --> 00:35:43,000 ♪ 629 00:35:47,800 --> 00:35:51,233 And they simply don't know which areas to avoid altogether. 630 00:35:51,266 --> 00:35:52,900 ♪ 631 00:36:01,633 --> 00:36:03,933 Thankfully, their parents are still providing food, 632 00:36:03,966 --> 00:36:06,866 although not for long. 633 00:36:11,600 --> 00:36:14,233 ♪ 634 00:36:14,266 --> 00:36:18,100 Time for a more advanced lesson-- 635 00:36:18,133 --> 00:36:20,433 the food pass. 636 00:36:20,466 --> 00:36:24,266 Adults share kills this way. 637 00:36:24,300 --> 00:36:28,433 ♪ 638 00:36:34,400 --> 00:36:36,066 No luck this time. 639 00:36:36,100 --> 00:36:40,233 ♪ 640 00:36:44,900 --> 00:36:47,766 So the mother arrives to show how it's done. 641 00:36:56,166 --> 00:36:59,700 In the wild, the food pass is instinctual, 642 00:36:59,733 --> 00:37:03,400 but they practice it with their parents' encouragement. 643 00:37:03,433 --> 00:37:06,866 (squawking) 644 00:37:06,900 --> 00:37:09,966 Lloyd and Rose take the place of parents 645 00:37:10,000 --> 00:37:13,066 to train five-month old Rudi how to do it. 646 00:37:16,133 --> 00:37:20,633 Since Lloyd can't fly, he's using a car. 647 00:37:20,666 --> 00:37:23,400 LLOYD (on radio): Rose, there's a bit of rain coming in soon, 648 00:37:23,433 --> 00:37:25,233 so let's head back to base. 649 00:37:25,266 --> 00:37:29,166 NARRATOR: It can cruise along at 25 miles an hour, 650 00:37:29,200 --> 00:37:32,666 slow enough as to not tire out young Rudi. 651 00:37:36,100 --> 00:37:40,633 And its open top allows Lloyd to safely pass Rudi the lure. 652 00:37:41,666 --> 00:37:44,233 Slower, slower, hold it there, hold it there. 653 00:37:44,266 --> 00:37:45,333 Quicker, quicker, quicker. 654 00:37:45,366 --> 00:37:47,900 (gear grinding) 655 00:37:45,366 --> 00:37:47,900 ROSE: Oh, come on. 656 00:37:47,933 --> 00:37:49,233 There he is, here he is. 657 00:37:49,266 --> 00:37:50,600 Ooh. 658 00:37:49,266 --> 00:37:50,600 Woo-hoo! 659 00:37:50,633 --> 00:37:51,733 Hey! 660 00:37:51,766 --> 00:37:53,633 LLOYD: Incoming. 661 00:37:53,666 --> 00:37:54,966 We're nearly at the end. 662 00:37:55,000 --> 00:37:56,133 Yeah. 663 00:37:56,166 --> 00:37:57,733 Ooh. 664 00:37:57,766 --> 00:37:58,966 Have to stop. 665 00:37:59,000 --> 00:38:00,633 Yeah, stop. 666 00:38:00,666 --> 00:38:02,633 Rudi, hey! 667 00:38:02,666 --> 00:38:04,366 NARRATOR: Even after several tries, 668 00:38:04,400 --> 00:38:06,300 Rudi doesn't manage to catch the lure. 669 00:38:06,333 --> 00:38:08,366 ...stop, Rudi. 670 00:38:08,400 --> 00:38:10,066 He's going down. 671 00:38:08,400 --> 00:38:10,066 Yeah. 672 00:38:10,100 --> 00:38:11,433 Yeah, he's down. 673 00:38:10,100 --> 00:38:11,433 Good lad. 674 00:38:11,466 --> 00:38:12,866 On there. 675 00:38:12,900 --> 00:38:14,200 Rudi. 676 00:38:14,233 --> 00:38:15,700 There's a good boy. 677 00:38:15,733 --> 00:38:17,733 NARRATOR: Time for round two. 678 00:38:17,766 --> 00:38:19,833 Okay, go. 679 00:38:19,866 --> 00:38:21,166 Here he goes. 680 00:38:21,200 --> 00:38:22,400 Go, go, go, go, go, go. 681 00:38:22,433 --> 00:38:23,766 Quicker, quicker, quicker, quicker. 682 00:38:23,800 --> 00:38:25,233 Quicker, quicker. 683 00:38:25,266 --> 00:38:26,566 Faster, faster. 684 00:38:26,600 --> 00:38:28,300 Hey, hey! 685 00:38:28,333 --> 00:38:29,733 Incoming, slower. 686 00:38:29,766 --> 00:38:30,800 Slower. 687 00:38:30,833 --> 00:38:32,466 Now speed up Rose, yeah, go for it, 688 00:38:32,500 --> 00:38:34,766 go for it, go for it! 689 00:38:34,800 --> 00:38:36,566 Faster, faster, faster, flat out, 690 00:38:36,600 --> 00:38:38,500 flat out, flat out, flat out, hey. 691 00:38:38,533 --> 00:38:39,900 Slower. 692 00:38:39,933 --> 00:38:41,000 Incoming. 693 00:38:41,033 --> 00:38:43,433 Hey, hey, incoming. 694 00:38:43,466 --> 00:38:44,733 And slower, 695 00:38:44,766 --> 00:38:47,300 not yet, okay. 696 00:38:47,333 --> 00:38:49,633 That's it, yeah quicker, quicker, quicker, 697 00:38:49,666 --> 00:38:51,700 go, go, go, go, go, go! 698 00:38:51,733 --> 00:38:52,866 Go, go, go, go! 699 00:38:52,900 --> 00:38:54,533 Hey, hey, hey, slower, slower. 700 00:38:54,566 --> 00:38:56,833 Ready, ready, ready, he's yours. 701 00:38:56,866 --> 00:38:57,933 Whoo! 702 00:38:57,966 --> 00:38:59,233 (chuckling): Good lad. 703 00:38:59,266 --> 00:39:00,566 NARRATOR: Finally, a perfect strike. 704 00:39:00,600 --> 00:39:03,966 Good boy. 705 00:39:04,000 --> 00:39:05,700 Ah, that was brilliant. 706 00:39:04,000 --> 00:39:05,700 There he goes. 707 00:39:05,733 --> 00:39:09,733 NARRATOR: Rudi has learned to chase down and catch a target-- 708 00:39:09,766 --> 00:39:12,233 in a simulated food pass. 709 00:39:20,500 --> 00:39:22,233 In Chicago, 710 00:39:22,266 --> 00:39:27,500 the eight-week-old fledglings have become proficient flyers. 711 00:39:29,900 --> 00:39:31,966 They spend hours chasing each other. 712 00:39:35,133 --> 00:39:36,900 What looks like play 713 00:39:36,933 --> 00:39:40,000 is also essential to hone their hunting skills. 714 00:39:42,333 --> 00:39:48,033 ♪ 715 00:40:07,366 --> 00:40:10,800 But a poorly timed practice can turn perilous in an instant. 716 00:40:12,566 --> 00:40:15,166 When a fledgling tries to grab live prey... 717 00:40:19,866 --> 00:40:25,533 it fails and pulls out, 718 00:40:25,566 --> 00:40:28,966 leaving its diligent parent to pick up the dropped food. 719 00:40:33,533 --> 00:40:36,733 This is unusual behavior for an urban peregrine. 720 00:40:38,600 --> 00:40:41,200 They rarely venture close to the ground, 721 00:40:41,233 --> 00:40:43,866 as the city streets are too dangerous. 722 00:40:54,900 --> 00:40:57,366 (cars honking) 723 00:40:57,400 --> 00:41:01,300 The peregrine parent manages to fly away unscathed. 724 00:41:01,333 --> 00:41:03,766 (squawking) 725 00:41:05,866 --> 00:41:08,600 But there is still one final skill 726 00:41:08,633 --> 00:41:13,233 for the fledglings to master before they reach independence-- 727 00:41:13,266 --> 00:41:18,100 perhaps the hardest and most perilous of them of all. 728 00:41:18,133 --> 00:41:23,033 It is the peregrine's greatest hunting strategy 729 00:41:23,066 --> 00:41:27,466 and the key to being the fastest animal in the world. 730 00:41:27,500 --> 00:41:31,066 ♪ 731 00:41:31,100 --> 00:41:34,633 FRENCH: In flat flight, 732 00:41:34,666 --> 00:41:37,033 a feral pigeon is an even match for a peregrine falcon, 733 00:41:37,066 --> 00:41:38,200 and it can often get away. 734 00:41:38,233 --> 00:41:41,366 So a peregrine has to have another strategy. 735 00:41:45,133 --> 00:41:46,433 It builds altitude, 736 00:41:46,466 --> 00:41:48,900 gets the thermals to help it get up into the air. 737 00:41:48,933 --> 00:41:51,666 ♪ 738 00:42:01,066 --> 00:42:05,433 And then when it sees a prey item flying by, 739 00:42:05,466 --> 00:42:10,300 it folds its wings, and it starts to plummet. 740 00:42:13,366 --> 00:42:16,400 It is evolved to be the fastest animal on the planet 741 00:42:16,433 --> 00:42:19,200 when it is in a steep dive or a stoop. 742 00:42:19,233 --> 00:42:22,300 ♪ 743 00:42:22,333 --> 00:42:25,833 NARRATOR: In the stoop, peregrines reach speeds 744 00:42:25,866 --> 00:42:28,666 of around 200 miles an hour, 745 00:42:28,700 --> 00:42:32,466 to catch even the fastest birds. 746 00:42:37,566 --> 00:42:42,033 The stoop is their most iconic aerial maneuver. 747 00:42:42,066 --> 00:42:44,800 But how do they dive so fast? 748 00:42:47,300 --> 00:42:51,566 ♪ 749 00:42:55,766 --> 00:42:57,100 To find out, 750 00:42:57,133 --> 00:42:59,533 Lloyd's brought his four-year-old peregrine, Moses, 751 00:42:59,566 --> 00:43:02,933 to one of the highest cliffs in Britain. 752 00:43:04,800 --> 00:43:09,400 ♪ 753 00:43:11,966 --> 00:43:16,466 Fleetwith Pike stands a staggering 2,126 feet 754 00:43:16,500 --> 00:43:17,966 above the valley floor. 755 00:43:18,000 --> 00:43:23,266 ♪ 756 00:43:34,200 --> 00:43:36,600 And to entice Moses down? 757 00:43:38,700 --> 00:43:40,466 The drone is back. 758 00:43:46,400 --> 00:43:49,500 At the bottom is aerodynamic scientist Christoph Bruecker, 759 00:43:49,533 --> 00:43:53,333 recording Moses' speed using GPS telemetry. 760 00:43:53,366 --> 00:43:54,733 LLOYD: Come on, Mo. 761 00:43:54,766 --> 00:43:56,933 This is it, my boy. 762 00:43:56,966 --> 00:44:01,100 (drone humming) 763 00:44:01,133 --> 00:44:02,933 He's looking. 764 00:44:02,966 --> 00:44:04,233 (on radio): He's looking. 765 00:44:04,266 --> 00:44:05,700 Keep moving it around, Chris. 766 00:44:05,733 --> 00:44:07,366 He like... he's gone, he's gone, he's gone, 767 00:44:07,400 --> 00:44:09,366 full stoop, full stoop. 768 00:44:09,400 --> 00:44:10,733 (exclaims) 769 00:44:13,133 --> 00:44:14,566 LLOYD (on radio): There he goes. 770 00:44:14,600 --> 00:44:17,366 Holy smoly. 771 00:44:17,400 --> 00:44:20,333 No, it's already at 150 kilometers per hour. 772 00:44:20,366 --> 00:44:21,633 (chuckling happily) 773 00:44:21,666 --> 00:44:25,800 ♪ 774 00:44:32,866 --> 00:44:33,966 BRUECKER: Wow! 775 00:44:34,000 --> 00:44:36,466 Wow, great. 776 00:44:36,500 --> 00:44:39,300 (exclaiming) 777 00:44:39,333 --> 00:44:40,400 LLOYD (on radio): Hi, Christoph. 778 00:44:40,433 --> 00:44:41,633 He looked pretty good from up here, 779 00:44:41,666 --> 00:44:42,866 he went off like a little rocket. 780 00:44:42,900 --> 00:44:44,200 What, what kind of speed did we get? 781 00:44:44,233 --> 00:44:46,866 So the maximum speed what we get 782 00:44:46,900 --> 00:44:50,033 (on radio): was 170 kilometers per hour. 783 00:44:50,066 --> 00:44:53,666 LLOYD (chuckling on radio): Well done, superb. 784 00:44:53,700 --> 00:44:58,266 ♪ 785 00:44:58,300 --> 00:45:01,400 NARRATOR: Moses reached over a hundred miles an hour 786 00:45:01,433 --> 00:45:02,966 in just two seconds. 787 00:45:04,933 --> 00:45:09,766 Although this is a relatively leisurely pace for a peregrine. 788 00:45:11,866 --> 00:45:14,566 They will only go as fast as they need to. 789 00:45:17,533 --> 00:45:20,166 But watching peregrines stoop like this 790 00:45:20,200 --> 00:45:22,866 has helped Christoph to understand 791 00:45:22,900 --> 00:45:26,500 how peregrines reach top speeds. 792 00:45:26,533 --> 00:45:28,333 (lights clicking on) 793 00:45:30,433 --> 00:45:31,766 In the laboratory, 794 00:45:31,800 --> 00:45:36,700 he and his team have created exact replicas of peregrines 795 00:45:36,733 --> 00:45:38,533 and placed them in wind tunnels. 796 00:45:42,066 --> 00:45:45,133 These experiments are revealing how a specific body position, 797 00:45:45,166 --> 00:45:48,133 called the cupped wing, 798 00:45:48,166 --> 00:45:50,633 might help peregrines reach high speeds. 799 00:45:50,666 --> 00:45:54,800 ♪ 800 00:45:56,633 --> 00:45:58,533 In this streamlined shape, 801 00:45:58,566 --> 00:46:03,266 drag is reduced and air is directed under the wings 802 00:46:03,300 --> 00:46:05,566 through a narrow channel. 803 00:46:05,600 --> 00:46:09,900 When air is squeezed into a gap, it flows faster, 804 00:46:09,933 --> 00:46:12,166 helping to increase the peregrine's speed. 805 00:46:15,333 --> 00:46:18,966 This is the Venturi effect. 806 00:46:21,600 --> 00:46:24,300 Formula 1 cars use the same principle 807 00:46:24,333 --> 00:46:28,100 to increase grip and go faster. 808 00:46:28,133 --> 00:46:31,966 Research suggests that by using the Venturi effect, 809 00:46:32,000 --> 00:46:36,600 the peregrine can reach speeds up to 150 miles an hour. 810 00:46:39,066 --> 00:46:40,766 To increase its speed further, 811 00:46:40,800 --> 00:46:44,233 it's thought the bird wraps its wings around its body 812 00:46:44,266 --> 00:46:49,133 and effectively goes into free fall-- 813 00:46:49,166 --> 00:46:51,466 a rare, high-risk maneuver, 814 00:46:51,500 --> 00:46:55,333 as no wings means no control. 815 00:46:55,366 --> 00:46:58,400 Any error could result in a fatal crash. 816 00:46:58,433 --> 00:47:02,333 ♪ 817 00:47:07,066 --> 00:47:09,433 Maneuvering at such high speeds 818 00:47:09,466 --> 00:47:12,800 exerts huge pressures on the body. 819 00:47:12,833 --> 00:47:14,933 So what protects the bird? 820 00:47:19,033 --> 00:47:22,600 A membrane covers their eyes during the stoop, 821 00:47:22,633 --> 00:47:24,466 just like a pair of built-in goggles. 822 00:47:29,400 --> 00:47:30,466 Nasal cones are thought 823 00:47:30,500 --> 00:47:32,033 to slow airflow, 824 00:47:32,066 --> 00:47:36,266 helping the peregrine to breathe. 825 00:47:41,466 --> 00:47:44,366 And with strong bones and a stiff tail, 826 00:47:44,400 --> 00:47:48,266 they can withstand forces up to 18G 827 00:47:48,300 --> 00:47:49,533 in a high-speed turn-- 828 00:47:49,566 --> 00:47:54,300 twice that of fighter pilots. 829 00:47:57,200 --> 00:48:00,833 This means a stooping peregrine can pull out of a dive 830 00:48:00,866 --> 00:48:02,866 and still maintain high speeds. 831 00:48:02,900 --> 00:48:06,800 This is key to catching their prey. 832 00:48:11,133 --> 00:48:13,466 Flying at the very limits of their ability 833 00:48:13,500 --> 00:48:18,700 requires extraordinary control, skill, and experience, 834 00:48:18,733 --> 00:48:20,800 and it's a lot to learn for any young bird. 835 00:48:25,800 --> 00:48:27,600 Lloyd has brought six-month-old Rudi 836 00:48:27,633 --> 00:48:30,933 to a hilltop in Somerset to teach him this final lesson. 837 00:48:34,800 --> 00:48:35,866 Hey. 838 00:48:35,900 --> 00:48:36,933 Hey-ya. 839 00:48:36,966 --> 00:48:38,900 NARRATOR: Strong winds generate updrafts, 840 00:48:38,933 --> 00:48:43,100 which should encourage him to gain height and speed. 841 00:48:43,133 --> 00:48:45,666 Will Rudi master the stoop? 842 00:48:48,666 --> 00:48:49,733 Hey, hey. 843 00:48:49,766 --> 00:48:53,800 NARRATOR: He makes a few false starts... 844 00:48:53,833 --> 00:48:55,633 but instinct kicks in. 845 00:48:59,433 --> 00:49:02,866 Hey. 846 00:49:02,900 --> 00:49:05,966 NARRATOR: Rudi performs his first-ever stoop. 847 00:49:09,500 --> 00:49:13,466 ♪ 848 00:49:26,633 --> 00:49:31,766 For all peregrines, wild or human-raised, 849 00:49:31,800 --> 00:49:34,500 the formula for high-speed diving 850 00:49:34,533 --> 00:49:38,766 is written in their genes. 851 00:49:38,800 --> 00:49:41,200 ♪ 852 00:49:52,833 --> 00:49:54,366 LLOYD: It's perfect conditions today. 853 00:49:54,400 --> 00:49:57,100 Really good updraft up through this gully here behind us 854 00:49:57,133 --> 00:49:58,233 and up onto the hill. 855 00:49:58,266 --> 00:49:59,900 He's absolutely, really loving it. 856 00:49:59,933 --> 00:50:04,433 ♪ 857 00:50:09,833 --> 00:50:11,666 And he's fit and strong now, 858 00:50:11,700 --> 00:50:13,633 he's looking nice and strong and fit on the wing, 859 00:50:13,666 --> 00:50:15,466 he can sustain that speed, 860 00:50:15,500 --> 00:50:17,800 he can tolerate all that pressure on his muscles 861 00:50:17,833 --> 00:50:19,500 and just keep it going. 862 00:50:21,133 --> 00:50:24,633 NARRATOR: Rudi has mastered the major skills a peregrine needs 863 00:50:24,666 --> 00:50:27,166 to be a high-speed hunter. 864 00:50:33,400 --> 00:50:36,266 In Chicago, the fledglings have also now learned everything 865 00:50:36,300 --> 00:50:40,066 needed for an independent life. 866 00:50:40,100 --> 00:50:45,166 And city living will give them the best chance possible 867 00:50:45,200 --> 00:50:47,433 since urban peregrines have a higher chance 868 00:50:47,466 --> 00:50:49,533 of making it through their first year 869 00:50:49,566 --> 00:50:51,933 than their country cousins. 870 00:50:51,966 --> 00:50:56,633 But it's now up to them to go it alone when the time comes. 871 00:50:57,933 --> 00:50:59,400 And when they do, 872 00:50:59,433 --> 00:51:01,433 they'll rely on those special skills 873 00:51:01,466 --> 00:51:04,433 that set peregrines apart. 874 00:51:04,466 --> 00:51:09,033 ♪ 875 00:51:09,066 --> 00:51:10,433 Oh, come on, come on. 876 00:51:10,466 --> 00:51:13,833 NARRATOR: Peregrines are able to spot distant prey. 877 00:51:15,900 --> 00:51:18,133 MARTIN: Any of the species that he preys upon, 878 00:51:18,166 --> 00:51:20,100 his vision is so much better. 879 00:51:20,133 --> 00:51:25,233 NARRATOR: They can calculate and time a perfect catch. 880 00:51:27,733 --> 00:51:29,533 MARTIN: Literally in no time at all 881 00:51:29,566 --> 00:51:31,166 those talons suddenly going bang! 882 00:51:31,200 --> 00:51:33,066 ♪ 883 00:51:33,100 --> 00:51:36,266 NARRATOR: And drop out of the sky 884 00:51:36,300 --> 00:51:39,500 to reach world-record speeds. 885 00:51:39,533 --> 00:51:40,766 FRENCH: Peregrine falcons may be 886 00:51:40,800 --> 00:51:43,333 one of the most specialized bird of prey, 887 00:51:43,366 --> 00:51:45,066 'cause they're the fastest of all of them. 888 00:51:46,633 --> 00:51:49,400 They are absolutely spectacular. 889 00:51:51,166 --> 00:51:56,400 NARRATOR: The peregrine falcon is one of the most successful predators 890 00:51:56,433 --> 00:51:58,000 and, without a doubt, 891 00:51:58,033 --> 00:52:01,966 the world's fastest animal. 892 00:52:02,800 --> 00:52:07,900 ♪ 893 00:52:15,466 --> 00:52:17,033 Major funding for "NOVA" 894 00:52:17,066 --> 00:52:19,200 is provided by the following: 895 00:52:35,500 --> 00:52:38,833 To order this "NOVA" program on DVD, 896 00:52:38,866 --> 00:52:42,833 visit ShopPBS or call 1-800-PLAY-PBS. 897 00:52:42,866 --> 00:52:47,533 This program is also available on Amazon Prime Video. 898 00:52:47,566 --> 00:52:48,600 ♪