About First Flight

Reviews

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
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)
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
I really felt like I was becoming part of her family

“Just received and watched your beautifully created DVD. What a smart and loving story to connect all hearts and minds to the wonder, power and fragility of life. The narration and videography are excellent. When I was watching the DVD and being drawn into Honey’s story, I really felt like I was becoming part of her family. Afterwards I felt that age-old peace and oneness of realizing the universal reality that we really are one with each other and all living things. Plus, the “Making Of” extra with Noriko and Don is a great piece and almost as fascinating as the mother hummingbird’s story itself. It will be at the top of our gift buying list for a long time. Thank you and congratulations on an amazing creative achievement!”

— Vince Fiorello
New Jersey
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

“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.