About this falcon from a balloon thing... I saw the TV report on this stunt, and the voice-over guy really made me laugh when he pointed out that "Lady" the falcon was traveling faster than a cheater on her way down after the Tandem with the lure. I hate to argue with the guy, but I'm sure a cheater thrown out of a balloon at 10,000 AGL would be going just as fast (but maybe not such a pretty landing!)...
I'll be back when I have something useful to contribute...