Vladimir Putin's publicity stunts are the stuff of legend - from diving for relics, to wilderness survival expeditions.

For his latest stunt, Russia's alpha-male president has taken to the skies to help orphaned young birds migrate for the winter.

Aided by a pilot, Putin clambered into a powered hang-glider and took to the skies, teaching the birds to follow his lead using scent and other incentives.

These young birds were being introduced to flying in formation after being raised in captivity, an essential skill for them to successfully migrate.