NOVA Season 9 Episode 13 A Field Guide to Roger Tory Peterson

A Field Guide to Roger Tory Peterson is the thirteenth episode of the ninth season of NOVA. This episode celebrates the life of Roger Tory Peterson, a renowned naturalist and illustrator who revolutionized the field of birdwatching, and whose field guides have become essential for nature enthusiasts worldwide.

The episode takes us through the early life of Peterson, where he first discovered his love for birds and began to sketch and paint them. We see how Peterson's passion for birdwatching led him to create a new method of identifying birds based on their field marks, rather than just their plumage or song. Peterson's innovative approach was a game-changer, and it quickly earned him a reputation as the best birdwatcher of his time.

The episode features interviews with several birding experts, who explain how Peterson's field guides have transformed the field of birdwatching. They discuss how Peterson's guides revolutionized the way birdwatchers identify species, and how they have inspired countless nature enthusiasts to take up birding and explore the natural world.

We also get a glimpse into Peterson's personal life, including his love for the outdoors and his deep ties to his home state of Massachusetts. We see how Peterson spent much of his life exploring and documenting the natural world, and how his passion for conservation and education inspired him to create the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, which still serves as a major center for research and education in the field of ornithology.

Throughout the episode, we are treated to stunning footage of birds in their natural habitats, as well as beautiful illustrations and paintings by Peterson himself. We also get a sense of the many challenges Peterson faced in his career, including dealing with criticism from traditional birdwatching communities and navigating the rapidly changing field of science.

Overall, A Field Guide to Roger Tory Peterson is a fascinating look at the life and legacy of one of the most influential naturalists of the 20th century. Through interviews, historical footage, and stunning visuals, the episode tells the story of how Peterson's passion for birds and the natural world led him to transform the way we think about and interact with nature. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in birdwatching, conservation, or the history of science.