Traveling from wild coastlines to urban habitats, this fascinating BBC natural history series follows host and wildlife expert Iolo Williams as he explores the behavior of birds. Join Williams as he investigates how and why birds communicate, the breeding and nesting behavior of birds, the survival challenges that birds encounter, as well as an in-depth study revealing birds' ability to fly, the intricate design of their beaks and how their color and camouflage enables them to live in many different habitats. This ground breaking series reveals every aspect of their lives from surviving harsh winters to avoiding deadly predators.
Episode 1: Dawn Chorus
Duration: 00:30:22
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
Duration: 00:30:17
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
Duration: 00:30:26
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
Duration: 00:30:20
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
Duration: 00:30:37
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.
