PRODUCTION. WONDER OF SONG
of few British species that sing during the winter months. “It’s also a rare example of northern hemisphere species in which both male and female sing,” says Birkhead. “Females sing almost exclusively in winter.” Birkhead says catching a robin singing and then exhaling its cold breath was a primary goal for the series. “I remember an iconic shot of a wren doing the same thing in [Attenborough series] The Life of Birds around 25 years ago,” he says. “David said he wanted us to recreate
AND YOUR BIRD CAN SING The documentary focuses on seven creatures with some of the most remarkable songs in the animal kingdom array of wildlife and birds – they’ve got nightingales, storks and cuckoos.” Another key filming location was Penn Wood, in the heart of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It was there that Woodcock filmed other breeds of bird, such as skylarks, robins and grey tits. Shooting took place during spring and winter – and for good reason, too, Woodcock says. “Spring is the best time to film birds singing because that’s when they’re getting ready to lay eggs and start mating,” he adds. “In winter, I was going for icy breath shots. That involved getting up at ridiculous times in the morning, walking around with my tripod, camera and long lens.” Woodcock also filmed at the wetlands of RSPB Otmoor Reserve, where he looked for turtle doves and warblers. ROCKIN’ ROBIN Robin aficionados will know this already, but for those who don’t, the bird is one
“In winter, I was going for icy breath shots. That involved getting up at ridiculous times, walking around with my tripod, camera and long lens”
SPINNING WAX Sir David listens to an assortment of top tunes from the natural world on-set for Attenborough’s Wonder of Song
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