Wild birds can pose a serious risk to aircraft. Meet the man and his feathered friends helping protect the fighter jets in NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission.
Synopsis
Wild birds on air bases pose a big risk to aircraft. If they fly into an engine in what is known as a ‘bird strike’, an aircraft could be severely damaged. For that reason air bases need to be kept clear of wild birds. At Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania -- home to fighter jets that fly NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission -- Polish falconer Michał Bień along with his falcons and hawks, is the man who keeps the wild birds away.
Learn about Michał and find out what it is about his birds that make them perfect for the job.
Footage includes various shots of Michał Bień flying his falcons and hawks to keep the air base clear of wild birds.
Transcript
This is the international version of an edited video. Please refer to the master or master with subtitles versions for the full transcript.
Music
Falcon Free Flight by Bachelet
Usage rights
This media asset is free for editorial broadcast, print, online and radio use. It is restricted for use for other purposes.
