The Great Flight TV series

When thousands of flocks of waterfowl migrants gather at the Korgalzhyn Lakes, the region transforms not only into a gigantic bird resort but also into the most luxurious all-inclusive buffet. Naturally, such an event is unmissable for those at the very top of the avian food chain. Following the flocks of waterfowl, the birds of prey emerge on the path of the great migration. In autumn, the region's skies become an arena for veritable aerial combat, where speed, acuity, and precision are decisive. Who are they—lightning-fast, fearless, those who strike terror into all who can fly? Ghostly shadows above the earth. The absolute pinnacle of evolution among avian raptors, the true master of the airspace and the fastest living creature on the planet—the Peregrine Falcon. This small, yet incredibly compact and muscular bird belongs to the falcon family. Wow fact: During a typical hunt, the peregrine falcon flies quickly, but doesn't break any speed records. Its "speed" magic comes when it strikes from above, from a lofty height. Having spotted and targeted its prey, the falcon folds its wings and dives like a stone. In such a steep dive, the peregrine falcon reaches speeds exceeding 350 km/h. At such speeds, a single strike from its clawed feet literally decapitates its prey. Birds perched and resting on lakes simply don't stand a chance if a peregrine falcon has targeted them. To withstand such colossal forces, evolution has carefully crafted its body, transforming the predator into the perfect biomechanical fighter. At such extreme speeds, the airflow would simply rip apart the falcon's lungs. Therefore, the peregrine falcon has special bony tubercles inside its nostrils. These redirect airflow to the side, allowing the bird to breathe freely during its frantic dive. (Incidentally, engineers copied this principle when creating the first jet aircraft.) Falcons have a third eyelid (nictitating membrane), which protects the cornea from drying out and dust at high speeds, acting like a windshield on a motorcycle. Peregrine falcons can be found everywhere except Antarctica. In the fall, they accompany migrating birds, flying thousands of kilometers in their wake. Peregrine falcons are monogamous and mate for life. They are incredibly loyal to their nesting sites, which can be used by dozens of generations, for hundreds of years. In recent decades, peregrine falcons have made a remarkable evolutionary shift—they have begun actively colonizing large cities. High-rise buildings and skyscrapers resemble familiar cliffs, and the abundance of urban pigeons provides an endless food supply. Today, peregrine falcons nest in high-rises in Moscow and on skyscrapers in New York and Chicago, serving as the primary natural regulators of urban bird populations. Majestic masters of the steppe expanses. If the peregrine falcon is a swift fighter, then the steppe eagle and white-tailed eagle are heavy bombers. In autumn, eagles often soar over the steppe expanses and bodies of water. Their enormous wingspan (up to two meters!) is mesmerizing. They don't chase swift ducks; their target is wounded and weakened birds and animals. Eagles act as wildlife caretakers, maintaining the perfect balance in the ecosystem. Very often in the region, near the shores of lakes, one can encounter the enormous white-tailed eagle. The white-tailed eagle is one of the largest avian raptors on our continent. This majestic hunter belongs to the Accipitridae family and plays a vital role in the ecosystem of water bodies, hunting fish and waterfowl. The wingspan of an adult eagle can reach 2.5 meters, and it can weigh up to 7 kilograms. Females are noticeably larger and heavier than males. The bird's snow-white tail doesn't appear immediately. Young eagles are completely brown, and only at 5-6 years of age (at sexual maturity) does their tail become pure white. White-tailed eagles are monogamous. They form permanent pairs and can use the same nest for decades, constantly adding to it. As a result, their "houses" can weigh up to a ton and reach several meters in diameter. The eagle spies its prey from a height or from a dry branch near the water. Upon spotting a large fish, it swoops down and snatches it from the surface with its powerful claws, but, unlike the osprey, it never dives completely. In the wild, these predators live for about 20–25 years, but in nature reserves or zoos they can live up to 40 years or more. A mild October gives way to a cool November. The first real frosts freeze over lakes and rivers. The last flocks of birds, driven by the icy wind and the cries of predators, fly further and further south. The sky becomes empty, and the lakes slowly fall asleep under a translucent blanket. It seems that this is where the story ends and it's time for our column to hibernate until spring? No way! When harsh winter storms blanket the steppe and temperatures drop well below minus 20, the region opens its doors to new guests. Those who sincerely consider our harsh winter mild and comfortable flock here, into the ringing, frosty silence. In the next episode: White Silence and Its Inhabitants. Who are they—the polar ghosts of the Kazakh winter? How do you survive in the steppe at -30°C? Why do polar predators fly to us? What birds sing their serenades in the middle of the snowy steppe desert? Stay with Aleboo, it's going to be wicked hot here in winter!