BBC - The Secret Life of Birds (2011) [ReUp]

Take flight into an enchanting world! Travelling from wild coastlines to urban habitats, this fascinating natural history series from the BBC explores the behaviour of birds, revealing all aspects of their lives, from surviving harsh winters and avoiding predators to living alongside us in towns and cities.
Host and wildlife expert Iolo Williams discovers how birds have adapted to changing landscapes, studying their ability to fly and how their unique design, colour and camouflage enables them to live in many habitats, as well as uncovering their courtship and nesting rituals and finding out how and why they communicate. Offering a visual treat of stunning landscapes and captivating wildlife behaviour, The Secret Life of Birds provides perfect family entertainment – educating and enthralling in equal measure.


Contents:

Episode 1: Dawn Chorus

This film examines the early morning activities of birds. Featured is the "secret life of bird calls." Studied is the Welsh natural habitat in which the birds live, the effort to identify the birds through their sounds and calls, and bird calls to both mate and "mark their territory." Though most birds call for mates, the woodpecker drums. Also highlighted: the challenges faced by birds nesting in urban areas, birds living in areas without many suitable perches, warning calls, Raven and Grouse calls, and communication in large groups.




Episode 2: Feathering the Nest

This episode highlights the varied mating rituals and family life of birds. Examined is the mating season physical changes of species, mating song, and mating displays of flight for species with poor song and little color. Also studied is the physical mating process, nest construction and location - including cliff nesting - the unending search for food, and feeding young.




Episode 3: Living on the Edge

The chicks have hatched, and all seems well, until disaster - many types of disaster - often strikes. This film examines the threat of predators to newly-hatched chicks, how birds prevent their young from being eaten by predators, and how they defend themselves against the elements. Also: the effect of mild conditions fooling birds into mating at the wrong time of year, the benefits of springtime in Wales and the challenges of harsh winter conditions, feeding in both clear and inclement weather, the role of personal hygiene in survival, and autumn and wintertime migration.




Episode 4: Living with Us

This film focuses on the life of birds as it is influenced by the presence of man. Examined is the necessary adaptation to co-exist side-by-side with people and other animals and birds' ability to take advantage of man's structures and materials, particularly discarded materials. Featured is the life of urban birds, the brilliant displays available to bird watchers thanks to a familiarity between the species, the replacement of cliffs by manmade structures as nesting spots, and feeding from human trash.




Episode 5: Designed For a Welsh Life

The final feature examines how species have adapted to Wales, regardless of natural design. Studied is the purpose and usage of the beak, various types and uses of feet, taking advantage of the natural geography and resources available, the unique Jay which uses color and song as both an attractant and a repellant, a bird's natural camouflage, and varied uses for flight.