About First Flight

Reviews

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
First Flight DVD is wonderful

“Your First Flight DVD is wonderful, particularly as you included the details of the complications of making it. In Dutchess county NY we only have ruby-throated hummers that migrate here and stay from May through September. I only see them at the feeders and flowering bushes, our land is wooded enough I’ve never seen a hint of a nest. Your DVD fills in the many holes in my experience. Thank you.”

— Susan North
Millerton, NY
will bring joy to the entire family

“In just a few magical moments, Honey, and a short while later, Ray and Zen captured my heart. You don’t need to be an ornithologist or even a bird-watcher to enjoy this film. This unique and inspiring sequence of rare images will bring joy to the entire family who watch it. In fact, it is a truly a film about the importance of motherhood and family… from a very beautiful perspective.”

— Gary W. Hall, M.D.
Vice President United States Olympians
Absolutely Enchanting!

“It is absolutely enchanting!!! The photography is unbelievably good. I can’t wait to send it to my brother for his birthday! Thanks for filming “First Flight” – it will thrill many many people.”

— Dodie Wilcox
Randolph, NH
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)

“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.