Eagle-eye record attempt set to take flight from Burj Khalifa

A tiny camera on the back of a rare white-tailed eagle is to record the bird taking off from the top of the world's tallest building, in a world-record attempt.

On March 14th, 'Victor the Eagle' will fly from the top of Burj Khalifa in attempts to set a new world record. Courtesy Freedom Conservation.

DUBAI // Conservationists will try to set a world record by filming an eagle's flight from the top of the Burj Khalifa on Saturday and draw attention to the plight of the endangered bird of prey.
The group Freedom Conservation hopes the weather and free will of rare white-tailed eagle Darshan will be kind to the record attempt, from 829.8 metres. If successful, it will be the highest recorded bird flight from a man-made structure.
Darshan has been trained by falconer Jacques-Olivier Travers from a breeding facility in Thonon, France. The bird will be equipped with the world's smallest action camera, made by Sony.
"The main concern was the weight of the camera," said Mr Travers. "We did not want to restrict the eagle's ability to fly in any way.
"I am not a magician, but if the conditions are right, I would like to see the bird go into a dive. It will reach a speed of up to 200 kilometres per hour, so it will be spectacular."
Conservationist Ronald Menzel has been working on the project with Mr Travers since December.
"Dubai will be the perfect backdrop to help raise awareness of endangered animals, not just birds of prey but all species threatened with extinction," he said.
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