About First Flight

Reviews

the finest hummingbird DVD

“One of the finest hummingbird DVD’s ever created. You don’t simply watch it. you experience it.”

— Dr. H. Ross Hawkins
Founder of the Hummingbird Society
NSTA Recommends

((( Review ))) National Science Teachers Association Recommends— Sep 8, 2009
by Judy Kraus, Science Teacher
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
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
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

“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.