Earthflight (BBC One)

With this fascinating nature documentary, the BBC appear to be going all out to show that they can continue the popularity of documentaries that capture the publics heart. Narrated by the velvety smooth voice of David Tennant we are taken on a journey across the continents via the routes of our feathery friends. Each week the journeys and habits of bird species are laid bare in spectacular splendor.

My only slight predicament is that, while watching a nature documentary such as this I generally like to hear the dulcet tones of Sir David Attenborough. I have the utmost respect for David Tennant and he is high up on the list of people I would like to read me a bedtime story (and that is literal, not a euphemism) due to his soft lilting voice and anyone who knows me can testify to my deep rooted Doctor Who ‘The Tennant Years’ obsession but I just find Sir David Attenborough more authoritative in nature when it comes to nature, so to speak. I am unsure as to David Tennant’s knowledge of the natural world and for all I know he may have a series of degrees in natural history but for me, in a ‘who would you go to with this nature question?’ contest, I’m afraid I would be figuratively wagging my tail as I trotted towards Sir David.

In fact, due to the fact that Sir David Attenborough may decide to retire one day, I hope that somewhere he is recording every word in the dictionary in different ways into a special database so that we can forever pepper nature documentaries with his inimitable style.

Regardless of this small foible of mine, Earthflight is truly stunning and the struggle and tricks of many birds are explored. Some of the footage appears to be filmed with tiny cameras attached to the birds giving a birds-eye view. I was filled with wonderment at the journey of geese flying thousands of miles through difficult terrain, resting sometimes only to be caught out by weather, in order to breed and continue their line.

Feeding habits of the birds is revealed, such as eagles opportunistically munching on the leftovers of brown bears salmon meals, showing just how industrious and innovative birds truly are.

All in all, another nature documentary from the BBC that should add to their reputation of providing quality viewing.