Birding Australia, Tropical North Queensland – Down Under
Available direct from the filmmaker at:
http://www.wildlifevideos.net/birding_australia_downunder1.html &
http://www.wildlifevideos.net/birding_australia_downunder2.html
Birding Australia, Tropical North Queensland – Down Under 1 “….of figgies, firetails & fairy wrens….” | Runtime: 120 min, aspect ratio: 16:9, PAL DVD | region ALL | Sep 2013 |
Publisher’s View: Australia hosts some 780 kinds of birds, with the diverse habitats of tropical North Queensland alone numbering an astonishing 450+ species. In this account – Down Under 1 – the first of a pair of two hour DVDs, wildlife film-makers Ann & Malcolm Rymer spend a month getting to know the birds & wildlife of this relatively compact, bird-rich region, documenting a cross-section of common, everyday birds, as well as local endemics & more difficult to find species. ”….figgies, firetails & fairy wrens….” highlights the birdlife of various productive habitats in the Cairns area, featuring the Botanical Gardens, Centenary Lake, the shorebirds of Cairns Esplanade, Cattana Wetlands etc. Moving a little further North we bird the picturesque Daintree region, taking a couple of birding trips on the Daintree river & explore the tropical rainforests which clothe the coastal belt. Both DVDs are designed to appeal to first-time as well as experienced, seasoned birders to North Queensland featuring scores of interesting & sought-after birds, landscapes & associated wildlife.
Buy this DVD from www.nhbs.com
Birding Australia, Tropical North Queensland – Down Under 2 “….Cranes, Currawongs & dreams of Cassowaries….” | Runtime: 120 min, aspect ratio: 16:9, PAL DVD | region ALL | Sep 2013 | #208930
by Malcolm Rymer
Publisher’s View: Australia hosts some 780 kinds of birds, with the diverse habitats of tropical North Queensland alone numbering an astonishing 450+ species. In this account – Down Under 2 – the second of a pair of two hour DVDs, wildlife film-makers Ann & Malcolm Rymer spend a month getting to know the birds & wildlife of this relatively compact, bird-rich region, documenting a cross-section of common, everyday birds, as well as local endemics & more difficult to find species. ”….Cranes, Currawongs & Dreams of Cassowaries….” highlights the birdlife of differing habitats around coastal Port Douglas & the higher, drier regions just inland from the coastal belt. We move base, allowing us to explore the forests, agricultural pasture lands & wetlands of the picturesque Atherton Tablelands. Here dozens of new, exciting species are added to our trip list – king parrots, scarlet rosellas, golden bowerbird, Victoria’s riflebird, cranes, honeyeaters, catbirds & many of the local endemic species. Our final adventure finds us birding Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef, coming to terms with impressive breeding colonies of seabirds. Then, with a hot tip of a male cassowary escorting three well grown chicks, the stage is set for a resounding top-listing finale. The DVDs are designed to appeal to first-time as well as experienced, seasoned birders to North Queensland featuring scores of interesting & sought – after birds.Buy this DVD from www.nhbs.comFatbirder View: These two videos are a mix of documentary and ‘where to find’ guide filmed over a three week or so period. Well filmed, and full of information they are an ideal introduction to the birds and the area. I would certainly recommend them to any birder who is lucky enough to be planning a visit to Australia in general and northern Queensland in particular.
As in the past my one reservation is the delivery of the albeit very informed and informative commentary. Malcolm does at times give a more fluid and less ‘sing song’ monologue. However, at times he does slip into the odd delivery reminiscent of a bored teacher. The most irritating feature being the odd distribution of pauses. Often a comma is replaced with an elongated pause that confuses the listener. Just when you think a statement has been made you realize it was half the sentence and when you get the rest the meaning can change utterly. Nevertheless, and notwithstanding the odd… ….delivery, I pronounce the these two long films are a must for your video library.
Fatbirder