EXCLUSIVE: Now THAT'S a bird's-eye view! Camera attached to a sea eagle launched from the London Eye captures amazing footage of the capital

  • Video camera was attached to a sea eagle that took off from the London Eye - the results are amazing
  • The bird was released from the landmark at the crack of dawn by professional eagle handler Chris O'Donnell 
  • It then soared over the capital and captured breathtaking footage as the city awoke beneath it 

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If you want a bird's-eye view of London there's no substitute for fitting a camera to an actual bird, as this incredible footage shows.

A video camera was attached to a white tailed sea eagle that took off from the very top of the London Eye - and the results are spectacular.

The huge bird was released from the landmark at the crack of dawn by professional eagle handler Chris O'Donnell. It then soared over the capital and captured breathtaking footage as the city awoke beneath it.

If you want a bird's-eye view of London, there's no substitute for fitting a camera to an actual bird

If you want a bird's-eye view of London, there's no substitute for fitting a camera to an actual bird

A video camera was attached to a white tailed sea eagle that took off from the very top of the London Eye - and the results are spectacular

A video camera was attached to a white tailed sea eagle that took off from the very top of the London Eye - and the results are spectacular

A unique view: How the soaring eagle saw the Houses of Parliament and the Thames as the sun came up

A unique view: How the soaring eagle saw the Houses of Parliament and the Thames as the sun came up

The footage begins with Chris and the eagle climbing on board one of the capsules.

They are then seen riding to the apex of the attraction.

Once at the top a ladder is lowered and they climb onto the roof.

Then the eagle takes off and collects views of London as you've never seen it before.

Chris O'Donnell, Professional Eagle Handler, said: 'An Eagle has remarkable vision, allowing them to see far and wide from impressive heights.

'Being given the opportunity to experience the city from an eagle's eye view, we have captured a perspective of London we wouldn't typically see.

Chris O'Donnell, Professional Eagle Handler, said: 'Being given the opportunity to experience the city from an eagle's eye view, we have captured a perspective of London we wouldn't typically see'

Chris O'Donnell, Professional Eagle Handler, said: 'Being given the opportunity to experience the city from an eagle's eye view, we have captured a perspective of London we wouldn't typically see'

The footage begins with Chris and the eagle climbing on board one of the London Eye capsules
They are then seen riding to the apex of the attraction

The footage begins with Chris and the eagle climbing on board one of the London Eye capsules. They are then seen riding to the apex of the attraction

Once Chris and the eagle reach the top of the attraction, a ladder is lowered down and they climb outside

Once Chris and the eagle reach the top of the attraction, a ladder is lowered down and they climb outside

In beak condition: The eagle wastes no time in capturing jaw-dropping footage

In beak condition: The eagle wastes no time in capturing jaw-dropping footage

 The London Eye offers a dynamic view of London - but the eagle cam offers something extra

 The London Eye offers a dynamic view of London - but the eagle cam offers something extra

Talon show: The eagle soars above the capital with the camera just visible on its back

Talon show: The eagle soars above the capital with the camera just visible on its back

'Observing the London skyline from above while feeling like you're also part of it – that's something special.'

Sunny Jouhal, General Manager at the Coca-Cola London Eye, said: 'The London Eye is famous for offering the most dynamic views of London, being both a part of and overlooking the skyline.

'However, we wanted to take it one step further; the Eagle Cam provides a completely new perspective of the city brought to life in a visually unique way.' 

This image reveals the full size of the eagle - it is the UK's largest bird of prey

This image reveals the full size of the eagle - it is the UK's largest bird of prey

The eye life: Chris explained that the eagle can see far and wide from impressive heights

The eye life: Chris explained that the eagle can see far and wide from impressive heights

Sunny Jouhal, General Manager at the Coca-Cola London Eye, said: 'The London Eye is famous for offering the most dynamic views of London, being both a part of and overlooking the skyline'

Sunny Jouhal, General Manager at the Coca-Cola London Eye, said: 'The London Eye is famous for offering the most dynamic views of London, being both a part of and overlooking the skyline'

The adventure certainly didn't ruffle the eagle's feathers. Here it is before the ascent

The adventure certainly didn't ruffle the eagle's feathers. Here it is before the ascent

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