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
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
I’m seriously impressed

“I just watched it, and WOW! I’ve seen ’em all, and this video gets my highest recommendation. Noriko and Don did the near-impossible, and I’m seriously impressed.”

— Lanny Chambers
St. Louis, MO
hummingbirds.net
by far the best images of hummingbirds drinking nectar

“The images you obtained are Spectacular. These are by far the best images of hummingbirds drinking nectar ever shown. Even stepping away from my biased perspective, I think the segment is really inspiring and conveys unseen magic capturing the essence of the tongue dancing within the nectar. The milonga was a great musical choice, impeccable taste.”

—Dr. Alejandro Rico
Guevara of the University of Connecticut’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Astonishing In Its Beauty And Intimacy

“Your dvd is astonishing in its beauty and intimacy. Because the book is so remarkable, I often give it as a gift. Now to see these characters come to life is a rare thing. The music is just right, and so well done. Wonderful for children or adults, the story inspires anyone who sees it to be more observant of what is around us. Congratulations on this fine accomplishment.

— Linda Valle, Baltimore
Teacher

“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.