‘Earthflight’ Recap: ‘Europe’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the third episode of ‘Earthflight’.
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For the most part, it is extremely rare to see a documentary offer a sequel/follow-up story and there is good reason for that. Because often times, these stories tend to focus on a supremely specific part of our world, and the animals that live there, simply don’t venture to any other part of the globe. So, in order to follow up on these majestic creatures, the documentary film crew has to make the long journey back to that particular environment, in order to check in on those animals and that’s just not always feasible. But believe it or not, it is quite possible to see a documentary offer up a follow up story, provided of course the animal in question can easily move from location to location, as is the case with Earthflight, since it just so happens to focus upon birds.
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Which allowed for ‘Europe’ to follow up on some of the birds that we met in ‘Africa’, since that episode ended with several types of birds making their way to the aforementioned Europe to breed and keep their species rolling. Which plunged the audience in the middle of some tough moments for the birds that opted to take a sea borne route, north. Since they struggled with finding thermals to propel them high into the sky. But thankfully, some islands along the way gave them what they needed to finish the journey and it wasn’t long before we were in Europe with these birds and well, their arrival led to some fascinating educational moments. Because it really seemed as though a heavily populated area wouldn’t offer birds much in the way of comfortable travel, since thermals would likely disappear over a city.

Because mankind has transformed the landscape into something unrecognizable to birds, to the point where old feeding grounds are no longer a good stopping point for them, because they no longer exist. But as it turns out, the reflective roofs and heat we produce, allows for birds to use manmade thermals to propel them across our cities and landscapes to their respective destinations. Yet while it was incredible to learn how nature adapts, what truly made this segment of the story so incredibly fascinating, was how it managed to remind us that life is thriving all around us while we go about our carefully structured day. A fact that reminds us to take a moment and step away from our email and look up at the skies once in a while, because we might just see some of the magnificent sights that played out in this documentary.

But while it was quite lovely to see this documentary sneak in a little reminder to appreciate the world that surrounds us, what truly made this particular chapter worth our while, was the beauty it showcased at the end of these long journeys. For eventually, each of these various species of birds found their way to their breeding grounds and brought forth a new cycle of life. Something that brought about a sense of familiarity and comfort for some of the birds in question. For we also came to learn that some of these fine feathered fowl, have permanent nests in these locations, the kind that have been in their respective families for generations and after a little maintenance, they help to raise a new family and that is quite stunning for certain. Because in a way, it helps to remind us that life on this world, shares a lot of common traits since mankind’s ‘nests’ are often around for generations as well. 

In the end however, this really was quite the breathtaking chapter in this already incredible saga. Simply because it really just took the time to show us the wonder of life. For every waking moment we spent with these birds revolved around their need to procreate and keep their wonderful species going and it was heartwarming to see that some of these birds have mates for life and that they always find their way to one another, regardless of the odds. If anything, it just helps to reinforce the fact that we are a part of something quite special and that there is beauty to be found everywhere in this world, if we just take a moment to look. And now that this chapter has come to a close, it would seem we are off to South America to see what kinds of trials and tribulations and wonders, accompany the birds that populate one beautiful continent. Until next time.

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