Today I have been mostly playing with the YouTube API
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Given the advances in technology, I think it's inevitable that we're going to see more and more butterfly-related videos being produced by the membership. To keep one step ahead, I've come to the conclusion that the best option for hosting videos on this website is to integrate with YouTube, which is pretty much a de-facto standard for video storage these days (just as I've integrated with Google Maps for the mapping capability).
I've taken a very first stab at this - and have trawled YouTube for relevant butterfly-related videos and linked to them from UKB. You'll find links on each species page, and I've also created a Species-specific Video gallery here for you to pass the while:
http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species_videos.php
I have to say, the standard is relatively-poor when compared with stills or professionally-produced videos (and watch this space for reviews of a couple of DVDs coming out this year!). But I'm sure this will change. In many cases, the chosen background music is dreadful! But there are some classics that I've come across. It was good to rediscover Matthew Oates' trip to Collard Hill to see Large Blue, and Andy Barker at Magdalen Hill Down look at his Chalkhill Blues! I've also found some Grayling courtship video (amazing piece!) and the behaviour of a Scarce Swallowtail larva that I tried to explain to someone once, but couldn't quite articulate the jerky movement it makes when it crawls! You'll find all of these - and more!
Anyway, as ever, I'd appreciate any feedback you have. In particular, I've not reviewed every single video, so would appreciate any comments on videos that should be removed, or if you come across a video that should be included. I'll build an interface for videos to be suggested by members and moderators to select or reject, in due course. In the meantime, either reply to this thread or send me an email. Have fun!
Cheers,
- Pete