Winged Migration

The film opens in Europe as winter fades into spring. The riverside comes alive with various birds, including European robins, cuckoos, and kingfishers, bringing a sense of renewal and vibrancy to the scene.

A flock of Greylag geese arrives but is startled into flight by a curious child. In a dramatic moment, one goose gets caught in a net, creating a tense scene before the child frees it, allowing it to reunite with its flock as night descends.

The story shifts to the Common crane visiting a nearby farm, where it is startled by an elderly lady. Meanwhile, White storks take to rooftops for breeding, showcasing the diversity of bird life in the region.

The film captures the beautiful sight of Barnacle geese gliding across coastlines. Simultaneously, whooper swans are spotted majestically flying toward Japan, illustrating the vast migration routes of these birds.

In Japan, a group of Japanese cranes perform an exquisite mating ritual, showcasing their graceful movements as part of their courtship. Concurrently, Bar-headed geese race against an avalanche in the Himalayas, highlighting the dangers faced during migration.

The perspective shifts to North America, where a Bald eagle perches above the Grand Canyon. It observes a flock of Canada geese heading north, setting the stage for a series of dramatic events.

As the Canada geese pause for a break, chaos erupts when a herd of wild horses spooks them. This leads to the frantic scene of a lost goose, illustrating the unpredictability of nature.

The film highlights the charming courtship of Clark's grebe, showcasing their synchronized movements and the delicate nature of their bond. Subsequently, American white pelicans arrive, adding to the lively avian activity.

As summer peaks in the Arctic, Common eiders dive into the water while Puffins skillfully evade Great skuas. The scene captures the essence of this vibrant ecosystem, alive with activity as various birds raise their young.

As autumn approaches, Barnacle geese embark on their return journey, facing tumultuous weather. They land on a navy vessel for safety, demonstrating the challenges of their migration.

The Canada and Snow geese navigate through towering redwoods as winter sets in, confronting hunters who threaten their survival. This perilous journey highlights the struggles faced by migrating birds.

Various wading birds gather along coastlines for sustenance, and Great white pelicans form large groups in vast wetlands. Their interactions exemplify the rich biodiversity existing in these environments.

The narrative transitions to the Amazon rainforest, where vibrant Macaws navigate through daily downpours. Among them, a Hyacinth macaw escapes captivity, signifying resilience amidst adversity.

In the Antarctic Ocean, Rockhopper penguins and Black-browed albatross return yearly to breed on the Falkland Islands. The encounter with predators highlights the challenges faced during the breeding season.

As the narrative concludes, the riverside awakens in Europe once more. The Eurasian robin and the same child observe the flock of Greylag geese, including the lone survivor, tying back to the beginning of the film.