This documentary follows various migratory bird species on their long journeys from their summer homes to the equator and back, covering thousands of miles and navigating by the stars. These arduous treks are crucial for survival, seeking hospitable climates and food sources. Birds face numerous challenges, including crossing oceans and evading predators, illness, and injury. Although migrations are undertaken as a community, birds disperse into family units once they reach their destinations, and every continent is affected by these migrations, hosting migratory bird species at least part of the year.
Cinematography
Cameramen literally learned to fly beside birds. Unhinged dedication.
Sound
Wingbeats as percussion. Nature composed this score herself.
Production
Four years, 40 countries, zero CGI. They raised birds to trust cameras.
Director
Jacques Perrin
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The crew used ultralight aircraft, hot air balloons, and remote-controlled gliders to achieve those impossible shots. Several cameramen got pooped on mid-flight.
This film helped popularize the 'fly on the wall' nature doc approach later perfected by Planet Earth, though Perrin's team was literally flying WITH the wall.
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