Winged Migration follows the annual flight of different flocks of birds migrating to their nesting grounds in the Arctic regions. It took four years to collect the footage of their migration, and our perspective is a birds-eye view, as the film was shot mainly from ultra-light aircraft flying neck and neck with the birds.I was impressed by the landscapes, which cover every continent. Many species of birds were featured, and I particularly enjoyed seeing a single American bald eagle in its beauty and strength. It is no wonder this majestic bird is sacred to the Native Americans, and that it was chosen as our nation’s symbol.
As these birds flew to the same nesting grounds they have for millions of years, I found myself transported to another place on earth where birds are the dominant life force. We rarely see a human being in this film and I didn’t miss us! The birds have their own rituals, attachments, and struggles for life and death, seemingly separate from humans.
But we know we humans affect the survival of these complex creatures and their unique society, and every oil spill (and there have been many since the Exxon Valdez) threatens the species very existence (this comment is mine; the film has little to no narration and allows the viewer to make their own conclusions from what is witnessed).
I hope you watch this film for the beauty inherent in the bird’s flight, or to learn about another species that I for one, could learn more about. It left me with yet one more reason why the Arctic regions need to remain free of oilrigs and development. I’d love to hear your comments about the film once you see it.
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