Deep Dive: Earthflight (2013)
Film Lens

Earthflight is a British nature documentary that presents the world from the perspective of birds in flight across six continents. The series, created by John Downer and narrated by David Tennant, consists of six 60-minute episodes that showcase various natural spectacles through a bird's-eye view. The first episode premiered on BBC One on 29 December 2011, and the series was later aired in the US as Winged Planet by the Discovery Channel in October 2012.
The documentary employs innovative filming techniques, including the use of ultralight planes and helicopter drones to capture footage of birds in their natural habitats. Some birds were imprinted on humans to facilitate filming, while others had tiny cameras strapped to their backs. This approach allows viewers to experience the beauty and dynamics of nature from a unique vantage point.
Why Watch
- •See birds flying over six continents
- •Follow the filming of birds with tiny cameras
- •Meet David Tennant as the narrator
Did You Know
•The first episode aired on BBC One on 29 December 2011.
•A two-hour version called Winged Planet aired on Discovery Channel in October 2012.
•The entire series aired on PBS starting in September 2013.
•A two-disc DVD was released in the UK on 26 March 2012.
Perfect For
Birdwatching enthusiastsNature documentary fansWildlife photography