King of the Meadows

Nature & Wildlife 3 x 43' 2022 - 2024 4K

This captivating series follows the incredible journey of the godwit, a once-shy wader evolving into a meadow bird. In Episode 1, we track their epic migration from Africa to the Netherlands, where they face numerous dangers along the way. Episode 2 dives into the breeding season, as drought-stricken farmers and vulnerable chicks struggle to survive the harsh conditions. In Episode 3, rain brings hope, but predators and farming practices continue to threaten the godwits’ future. As their survival hangs in the balance, this story highlights the delicate connection between nature and agriculture.

In the first episode, the godwit is introduced as a bird species and as a storyteller. Back in ancient times, the 'primordial godwit' lived in the moorlands. How has the godwit lived in the past, and when has it developed into a meadow bird? The life of godwits in the peatlands of Estonia tells the story of their transition from shy waders into meadow birds. The journey of these birds is followed from Senegal, in Africa, to its breeding area in the Netherlands, via Portugal, Spain and France, where all kinds of dangers lurk. Upon their arrival in the Netherlands, the godwits, just like the dairy farmers Pete and Wim, prepare for the breeding season. 

In episode two, the breeding season of the godwits is in full swing in the Netherlands. There is courtship, mating, fighting and laying eggs. The prolonged drought is playing tricks on the farmer and the birds. Other meadows bird species, like the lapwing, severely suffer from the dry, cold spring. While Farmer Wim can already bring his cows outside, there’s hardly enough grass for farmer Pete's cows. His grass is not growing well due to the drought and the feeding of geese. When the godwit chicks are born, the godwit parents become full-time babysitters. However, farmer Wim decides to mow when there are very young chicks in his meadows...

In episode three, after a long period of drought, it finally starts raining. Good news for farmers and meadow birds. A period of bliss begins with many insects for the chicks. Iceland is home to a growing population of godwits that benefit from the reclamation of the peatlands into pastures. There, the history of the godwit in Northwestern Europe repeats itself. The godwit chicks are now very vulnerable when farmer Pete starts mowing, and the marsh harrier is hungry. Therefore, the survival and future of the godwit in Northwestern Europe is very uncertain.

Episodes:

- The Journey
- Birth
- Survival

 

Add to My List