Portrait of an Estuary

'Portrait of an Estuary' is a set of DVDs running just over 4 hours, which show the birdlife along the English side of the Severn Estuary, through four seasonal films. These programmes reveal the ever-changing nature of the wildlife in this important and fascinating area.

These films show how thousands of waders and ducks depend on the mud flats for food, virtually all through the year. How many seabirds rely on the estuary to rest and recover after being storm-blown by Atlantic gales, and also as a migration route to their breeding grounds. How the salt marshes, reed beds, hedgerows and nearby freshwater pools are as important to thousands of songbirds, not only on migration, but also as wintering grounds and breeding areas.

Also featured are some of the mammals, insects and plants, which can be found along the estuaries margins.

The films mainly concentrate on the birds, of which118 species are featured, many of which can be commonly seen along the estuary, depending on the season, and, also some of the less common visitors and rarities which have occurred during the five years it has taken to make these programmes.

During that time there have been many memorable moments, particularly of behaviour never filmed before, such as: the feeding action of the Jack Snipe, the march of the Whimbrel, the dancing Meadow Pipits and crouching Green Sandpiper.

The DVDs are narrated by Barry Paine, a well-known writer, broadcaster and actor whose voice will be very familiar from many television and radio programmes, including those for the BBC Natural History Unit.

He has written, narrated and produced many films in the BBC 2 wildlife series, The World About Us and The Natural World.

He is currently President of the Rainforest Club and Vice-President of the Avon Wildlife Trust.

The 4 disc set retails at £19.95 plus £1.75 p&p.

If you want more info or to order a copy, call or e-mail me on 01275 840394,
nigel@naturalfx.org

Nigel Tucker.