Ep 1. To Fly or Not to Fly

Life of Birds is a BBC documentary series, which aims to educate and explore the diverse life of birds on our planet. In season 1 episode 1, titled To Fly or Not to Fly, we are introduced to the most fundamental question that most birds face: whether or not to fly.

The episode begins by shedding light on the mechanics of bird flight. Through high-speed cameras and detailed dissections, we witness the anatomy of a bird and how its body is suited to fly. Viewers are taken on a journey to explore the different strategies birds use to fly, including the unique flapping patterns of the hummingbird and the extraordinary aerodynamics of the albatross. We also learn that the feather structure and attachment to the bird's body and wings play an important role in attaining flight.

To delve deeper into the intricacies of bird flight, David Attenborough introduces us to some of the rarest and most unique birds. The episode features the bowerbirds, which have evolved unique strategies of attracting a mate. The males create elaborate bowers adorned with intricate designs and colors. Additionally, the males perform elaborate dances to woo a female mate. Other birds, such as the penguins, have evolved to fly underwater. The series showcases their unique flapping techniques that allow them to cut through the water with ease, to catch prey and avoid predators.

The episode also highlights the shortcomings of not flying, particularly for birds that reside on land. The series features the kiwi, a bird that evolved on the ground. Due to its ill-suited body structure, the kiwi is unable to fly. Instead, it has adapted to its environment and evolved strong legs and powerful claws to navigate the rugged terrain. However, due to its inability to fly, it is also extremely vulnerable to predators.

Attenborough does not shy away from the darker side of bird evolution. The series features the flightless Dodo bird, which had adapted to life on the island of Mauritius. The bird was unable to fly, but it did not need to, as it had no natural predators on the island. However, with the arrival of humans on the island, the bird became an easy target and was hunted to extinction in just a few decades.

Birds have also evolved intriguingly different ways to glide rather than fly. One example is provided by the Indian Pitohui that, although it is a passerine songbird, is able to glide safely down from tree canopy to ground. By contrast, the draco lizard evolved skin flaps along a flap of muscle between each rib that allows it to glide through treetops.

Overall, To Fly or Not to Fly is an informative and visually stunning episode that highlights the diversity of bird life and the ways in which they have evolved to navigate their environments. The episode is sure to inspire both experts and those new to bird-watching, and is a must-watch for animal-lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.