Back in September 2004, I reviewed what has remained my favorite instructional birding video of all time, Watching Warblers by filmmakers Michael Male and Judy Fieth. This extravaganza of eastern North American wood-warblers included a preview of its sequel, Watching Warblers WEST. Unfortunately, Male and Fieth hadn’t concluded production of that video in 2004. It wasn’t ready in 2005 either. Every year, I’ve checked in to see whether Watching Warblers WEST was completed and every year, the response has been the same… until now. I am pleased to announce that the definitive video guide to wood-warblers west of the Mississippi is ready for your viewing pleasure!
Watching Warblers WEST features 24 warbler species from the western United States and Canada. This video, narrated by both filmmakers, offers incredible views of males of every species in full breeding plumage and song along with fascinating footage of the behaviors of adults and juveniles. Along with crippling footage of every bird comes crystal clear audio and cutting-edge range maps. Have no doubt, this video pulls out every stop to prepare you for that magical day when you too might encounter a Red-faced or Golden-cheeked Warbler in real life. Heck, they even threw in Olive Warbler, which isn’t even a proper wood-warbler!
Male and Fieth have adopted new technology for their features and the improvements make this video is their highest quality work yet. Consequently, the birds are just gorgeous, as is the magnificent and varied scenery. One feels a strong sense of each species’ specific habitat as this work transports viewers on a virtual journey through many of the American West’s most wild spaces.
Watching Warblers WEST comes across, in every aspect, as a labor of love by two artists who have found a way to fully fuse their mutual love of birds and filmmaking. If you enjoy watching warblers yourself (and if you’re a birder who spends any time in the Americas, this means you), you’ll love this work. As a matter of fact, you’ll probably love all of the videos in this series, dedicated to watching eastern American wood-warblers, sparrows, and waders respectively. I recommend these videos highly and genuinely look forward to whatever videos Michael Male and Judy Fieth release next. Order your copies at birdfilms.com.
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