About First Flight

Reviews

Truly Magical Footage

“Fascinating, informative and beautifully filmed. As an ornithologist I was delighted to observe the hatching sequence in such detail; truly magical footage. First Flight is a film all ornithologists, students and backyard birders should experience.”

— John Klicka, Ph. D.
Curator of Birds at the Marjorie Barrick Museum
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Bird and nature fans will be entranced

“This enchanting nature documentary follows the dedicated efforts of a tiny black-chinned hummingbird (nicknamed “Honey” by filmmakers Don Carroll and Noriko Carroll) to lay, incubate, and hatch two tiny raisin-sized eggs and raise the fledgling chicks. The film begins with remarkable nest-building close-ups; the soft fiber bird home rests on the Carroll’s porch clothesline in Las Vegas. Inventive 360-degree macro shots follow the progress, including egg development, incubation, hatching, feedings, nest defense (including chasing away the Carrolls’ cat), and first flight. Honey’s protective and attentive mothering is enlivened through Noriko Carroll’s informative and humorous narration and rich musical soundtrack. This entertaining film includes a bonus making-of feature. Bird and nature fans will be entranced.”

— Carol Holzberg
Booklist (American Library Association)
NSTA Recommends

((( Review ))) National Science Teachers Association Recommends— Sep 8, 2009
by Judy Kraus, Science Teacher
we are welcomed in to witness rare footage

“With brilliant artistry and clarity, Don and Noriko Carroll have captured the essence of one female Black-chinned hummingbird’s journey from nest building until the magical moment of flight. Through this documentary, we are welcomed in to witness rare footage of egg laying, hatching and the solitary care of two chicks by their mother, Honey. The music chosen to accompany each scene is beautifully choreographed and compelling. The movie evolves like a sacred dance, one in which all should participate.”

— Janiece Ward
El Paso, TX
I’ve never seen anything like this!

“I ordered your DVD, “First Flight: A Mother Hummingbird’s Story” a few months ago. Although I’ve read several excellent books on hummingbirds, I’ve never seen anything like this wonderful DVD. There’s just nothing like seeing the close-ups of Honey working on her nest, sitting on her eggs and taking care of little Ray and Zen. I was very taken with her loving care and attention to them. Honey’s antics with the cat added a nice bit of humor to the film! I think it’s wonderful that she comes back each year, and I do believe it’s Honey. Noriko’s voice has a wonderful calming tone for narration which I enjoyed listening to. I’m coming back now for the book. Thank you so much for this wonderful gift of a real glimpse of one of God’s smallest miracles. I’ve looked at “my” hummingbirds in a different way this summer.”

— Carol Richards
Knoxville, TN

“Sometimes, the smallest thing can change your life…”

One of nature’s smallest birds, a Black-chinned Hummingbird, built her nest on a backyard clothesline in Las Vegas, NV. The clothesline belonged to a team of documentary filmmakers, Noriko and Don Carroll, authors of the highly acclaimed book, First Flight: A Mother Hummingbird’s Story.

This enchanting and remarkably detailed nature film reveals the tireless efforts of the mother, who the Carrolls call Honey. As she furbishes her tiny nest with delicate spider webs and soft plant fibers to prepare for arrival of her eggs, the Carrolls record her every move.

Stunning close-up photography brings you into the nest as the hatchlings emerge from their shells. As small as two plump little raisins, the chicks are named Ray and Zen. A dedicated mom, Honey courageously fights off predators, nurturing and feeding her helpless chicks as they begin to grow into beautiful young hummingbirds.

First Flight A Mother Hummingbird's Story Trailer

Award Winning Film!

The Carroll team spent three years documenting Honey’s life on HD video for this remarkable production. Informative narration by the authors and an inspiring sound track by the critically acclaimed musicians: Suzanne Teng, Jeff Wahl, Justin Bianco, Richard Savino, Mutandina help round out this story that is both educational and delightfully entertaining. First Flight is appropriate for all ages.

Secrets of the Hummingbird's Tongue Trailer

People’s Choice Award Imagine Science Film Festival

High-speed footage reveals the most detailed close up image of a hummingbird’s tongue while shipping nectar. This extraordinary shot movie is included in the First Flight DVD.