NATURE: Magic of the Snowy Owl DVD

Comments about PBS NATURE: Magic of the Snowy Owl DVD:

Nature of PBS continues to produce cutting edge wildlife documentaries with this latest installment, "Magic of the Snowy Owl".

What is particularly amazing about this production is that the videographers documented some hitherto unknown aspects of snowy owl biology. Particularly notable among these is the mother owl trying to give special attention to the smallest chick when she realizes it is developing too slowly relative to its four siblings (all of whom hatched at an earlier date and are hence larger). Note that in many bird species the last-to-hatch is often neglected by the parents and simply starves to death.

In addition, when there is a need to seek a better rearing habitat for the owlets, the mother starts to lead the flightless, downy covered chicks across the tundra so that they can be nearer to the sea and the better resources there. The ambitious trek requires, as one of numerous obstacles, that the chicks cross a creek. This and other such events makes for high nature drama that keep the viewer on the edge of her/his seat, hoping all the while that events will turn out well (if you must know before watching this documentary, rest assured that most of it does end well for the snowy owls).

"Magic of the Snowy Owl" is equal in quality to the Nature PBS 2011 documentary about South America's harpy eagle (which, if you haven't seen it, you owe it to yourself to experience). The camera work, often capturing the bright yellow eyes of the snowy owls in head-on shots as they fly, is nothing short of superb.

Do not miss this exceptional Nature PBS documentary. Indeed, I give it my highest recommendation.