Set in the Vineyards of Marlborough, this film highlights the hopeless war between winegrower and the guzzling hoards of pest birds. Guns, scarecrows and even disco balls have all failed to make an impact on the masses of greedy starlings. In desperation, winegrowers have turned on the bird’s home, stripping every tree from the planes and leaving a barren landscape denuded of everything but vines. Another choice remains but it’s not without its controversy. World renowned Falconer, Dr Nick Fox is offering a new solution to the Winemakers plight in the form of a novel conservation and crop protection endeavor. The Falcons for Grapes Project is an effort to re-introduce the rare New Zealand Falcon back onto the Marlborough Planes, in the hopes that this adept, swift and magnificent predator will strike against the pest bird problem and swoop in to be the wine-makers’ hero. However, Starlings are not the only birds up for grabs on Marlborough’s menu. Local pigeon and chicken fanciers are certain that falcons will stray off the vineyards to find easier targets not to mention a more comfortable place to live. Fledging Expectations documents the pioneering journey of the first two falcons of the project. Follow the two infants from their high country homestead to their new home in the vineyards; striving to adapt as a skeptical community watches on. Can the falcons be the hero? Or will the lure of a plump chicken be enough to destroy the project and all its aspirations?