Earthflight

[Lee Hurrell]

Is anyone else enjoying this series?

It's not often I sit in front of the TV awestruck but this programme is remarkable. With cameras attached to birds the in-flight shots and view of the surroundings of migrating birds are simply astounding.

They are basing each week around one continent and its' birdlife and showing the trials each species face and predators they encounter. Episode 4 (of 6) was on last night and last week's (episode 3) focussed on Europe. It contained the finest sequence of wildlife film making I have ever seen - slow motion footage of Swallows taking feathers for nest building from mid air. (There are no attached cameras to the Swallows). The sequence starts around 30.40 and if you pause at 31.23 exactly, it was this frame that completely took my breath away.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0 ... ht_Europe/

Last night's episode was based in South America and there is lovely footage of a lot of Pierids and Swallowtails mud puddling and taking minerals from a pool in the jungle. Be warned though, some meet a grisly end due to a Sun Bittern. The butterflies start at 23.26.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0 ... h_America/

Apparently the last episode will be a making of.

Lee

[David M]

I've been watching it too and have found it extremely interesting. There was an article in the paper a few days ago - apparently the Barnacle Geese shown flying over the Thames belong to a French guy who raised them from chicks. This fellow flies his microlight and the geese all follow him!!

Those scarlet macaws were stunning, as was the harpy eagle which was on the prowl for them. The whole series has been highly watchable and I'm looking forward to what's left.

[Mark Colvin]

Hi Lee,

I've certainly been watching and what a great series with fabulous photography it is.

I paused at 31.23 exactly (as recommended) ... WOW!

Unless I'm greatly mistaken and I don't think I am, the mud puddling 'swallowtails' are actually the beautiful Green-banded Urania (Urania leilus), a moth of the family Uraniidae. Another in this family, the fabulous Sunset moth (Urania ripheus) is commonly found in parts of South-eastern Africa and Madagascar.

Good hunting.

Kind regards. Mark

[Lee Hurrell]

Wow indeed!

You're quite right, Mark. I remember seeing set specimens of both of those species as a kid and the last time I saw one, (again, set and framed), was in an antique shop window in Fulham a few weeks ago. They certainly are beautiful.

Best wishes,

Lee

[Dave McCormick]

With many nature programmes, its normally only David Attenborough nature documenteries or a very few others that I end up liking, but this series is amazing. Loved how they showed the perspective of being in with the flock as it flies or the things like the Condor cam. Also when I saw the hummingbirds, the quality, you could see the shine on their wings, was awesome.

Liked the footage of the swallows too and despite not being a bird, loved the Jaguar footage. Looking forward to tonights episode.

Unless I'm greatly mistaken and I don't think I am, the mud puddling 'swallowtails' are actually the beautiful Green-banded Urania (Urania leilus), a moth of the family Uraniidae. Another in this family, the fabulous Sunset moth (Urania ripheus) is commonly found in parts of South-eastern Africa and Madagascar.

Your right about the green-banded urania, fab group of moths, I have only seen the "Lyssa zampa" sunset moth, which is less colourful light brown and white, but no less interesting in size and appearance.

[David M]

I watched episode 5 tonight and again it was superb. The images of several thousand budgies flocking to a water hole was awe-inspiring, as was the footage of Japanese Cranes standing aside for foxes and several species of eagle to poach fish thrown by locals in reverence to the cranes.

Amazing to think that in some instances human behaviour has led to a seemingly permanent change in the migratory instincts of some bird species.

[Lee Hurrell]

Hi David,

Yes, another excellent episode. I'm looking forward to next week's 'making of'.

Cheers

Lee