Like that of any creature, the life of the Welsh bird is a difficult one. Life is a game of survival, not one of luxury and easy living. Birds must work from
dawn and straight on through to dusk, be they searching for food and water for self-sustainment or nourishment for their young, in search of a
potential mate and trying to one-up competitors, on the hunt for a potential nesting site, on the lookout for nesting materials, grooming to ensure
proper flight capabilities, avoiding predators, beating the harsh elements, or fighting over man's rubbish. No, this is not an easy existence. A bird's
entire life, it would seem, revolves around survival and the preservation of the species. Whereas a man may be called "lazy" if eating and reproducing
and staying in shelter were the goals of his life, it's the only way of life a bird knows, a natural state that's far more complex, dangerous, and wondrous
than the man who merely glimpses birds and catches a note of song might ever imagine. Lifelong bird watcher Lilo Williams hosts this exceptional look
into the private life of Wales' avian inhabitants, and their secret lives just might surprise even the viewer who presumes to know everything about
birds.
Trying to remain a secret.
Secret Life of Birds is a fun, easy, enlightening, and very well put-together Documentary that offers a fantastic overview of the cyclical life of
birds. Beginning with mating rituals and moving on through nest construction, raising young, and survival, the film captures with detail but through
an easy-to-grasp presentation the way the Welsh bird population survives and attempts to thrive. The film is constructed of gorgeous photography,
well above the typical lower-grade point-and-shoot material fans might associate with the lower-priced Mill Creek-released Documentaries. No, this is
anything
but a basic effort. Secret Life of Birds captivates, and two-and-one-half hours of bird education is a lot more fun and fascinating than it
sounds. The feature moves briskly, sometimes even leaving audiences wanting more, whether more beautiful shots of colorful birds in nature; more
of the lush Welsh landscape; or more of host Milo, who's one of the most knowledgeable, passionate, friendly, "everyman" hosts a nature
Documentary has ever seen. Secret Life of Birds is never too technical, even as it covers a wide variety of species, geography, and science.
Though centered around the relatively tiny nation of Wales, the feature offers a wide, healthy assortment of birds that will dazzle audiences with
their beauty and song while also serving the greater purpose of education, and more importantly, education made fun.
The following five films comprise Secret Life of Birds:
Dawn Chorus (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.
Feathering the Nest (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.
Living on the Edge (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.
Living with Us (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.
Designed For a Welsh Life (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.
Secret Life of Birds represents probably the best-looking Mill Creek release to date, Documentary or otherwise. This image offers wonderful
clarity, excellent stability, and a general crispness and level of definition that does the material proud. Fine detail is nearly exacting; though
ultra-zoomed shots can be a little noisy, general photography appears crisp and perfectly defined. Viewers will enjoy the pinpoint detail which reveals not
only bird fur and feathers, but the Welsh natural and urban landscapes. Slow-motion shots reveal in great detail bird beaks and feet. Even at distance --
overhead views of terrain or merely distant leaves, grasses, and structures -- the image remains crisp, sharp, and handsomely defined. Colors are
exquisite and just as true and refined as the transfer's details. There's literally a rainbow of hues to enjoy, whether the diverse colorings on various
species of birds or the lush Welsh green backdrops. Though slight banding does mar skies, the image is largely free of such unwanted defects. All in all,
this is a very high quality transfer that serves the material wonderfully.
Secret Life of Birds flutters onto Blu-ray with but a Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtrack. This is a very basic presentation of simple material. Bird
sounds come through clearly and distinctly, perhaps not with the accuracy of a summer's morning or evening but certainly with the clarity necessary to
separate the sounds and identify the species through song. General ambience seeps into the presentation in the form of blowing winds or distant bird
song. There's a fair drenching sensation when rain soaks the Welsh landscape in one segment. Lilo's narration plays easily and clearly, though
occasional wind noise and the crunching sounds of his windbreaker sometimes get in the way. That's about all she wrote for this one. It's simple yet
effective, and most listeners should be satisfied with the results.
Secret Life of Birds is an amazing; must-see; and now on Blu-ray must-own Documentary that's fit for the entire family, a treasure for
birdwatchers and naturalists, and an informative little slice of real life for curious audiences. It's beautifully crafted, home to wonderful photography, and
hosted by one of the best in the business. Mill Creek's Blu-ray release of Secret Life of Birds sadly features no bonus content, but the quality
technical presentation and the wonderful feature make this a highly recommended release.
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