Ep 2. The Great Salmon Run

The second episode of Nature's Great Events season 1 is titled "The Great Salmon Run," and it follows the journey of the sockeye salmon as they make their way up the Fraser River in British Columbia, Canada. This mass migration of salmon occurs annually and is crucial for the survival of not only the salmon but also the predators and ecosystem surrounding the river.

The episode begins by showing the beginning of the salmon's journey as they start to swim upstream from the ocean, where they have spent the last four years feeding and growing. As they swim, they navigate through obstacles such as rapids and waterfalls, completing an incredible feat of endurance and determination.

As they enter the Fraser River, the salmon are greeted by a population of hungry grizzly bears, who wait patiently on the riverbanks for the salmon to swim right into their grasp. The bears are captured in their natural habitat, and viewers gain an intimate look at how they hunt and catch the salmon to feed themselves and their cubs.

The next part of the journey brings the salmon to the spawning grounds, where they will lay their eggs and eventually die. The banks of the river are lined with thousands of salmon, who are fighting for their place to lay their eggs. This part of the journey is arguably the most difficult, as the salmon must trek through shallow waters, rocks, and other obstacles to reach their final destination.

Throughout the episode, viewers also get a glimpse at the larger ecosystem surrounding the Fraser River and how the salmon run impacts the entire food chain. For example, bald eagles are shown feeding on the salmon carcasses, while gulls and crows eat the scraps and leftovers.

The camera work in this episode is breathtaking, as viewers are taken underwater to see the salmon's journey from their perspective and are also given stunning aerial shots of the surrounding landscape. The narration provides detailed explanations of the science behind this natural event, including the salmon's incredible sense of smell and the way that the female salmon bury their eggs in the riverbed.

Overall, "The Great Salmon Run" is a fascinating and visually stunning look at one of nature's most incredible events. Whether you're a nature lover, a fishing enthusiast, or simply looking for an interesting documentary to watch, this episode of Nature's Great Events is definitely worth checking out.