TV - Why Birds Sing

[Jodie]

It's on BBC4 (Freeview #9) now and it's charming - a little like one of those old schools'
music programmes looking at the vocal output of birds.

"Part of Bird Week. David Rothenberg asks scientists and ornithologists whether birds
just sing for pleasure. Featuring contributions from musicians including Jarvis Cocker
and Peter Gabriel."

I just started watching it but it's on until 12.40. Basically the science / music of birdsong.

 

[Galemys]

Hi Jodie,

he has a very interesting book and website about birdsong as well see this thread:
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19837&highlight=birdsong

Tom

 

[C_Claycomb]

My grandmother always liked to tell me how she loved listening to the little birds singing their hearts out, she might even have said something about praising the Lord, since she was Southern Baptist.

I always enjoyed seeing her reaction when I pointed out that bird song was nothing of the sort and that it was all about sex and violence!

 

[Jodie]

The programme's being repeated on Tuesday 3 July 7.40pm-9pm and again at
12.05am-1.25am on BBC4 if anyone missed it.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/documentaries/features/birds-sing.shtml

The bits where they were slagging off scientists obviously irritated me (it was
only a tiny part but I noticed it ) but the bulk of the programme was one of those
late-night TV joys that you happen across by luck when channel surfing. Quite
loopy.

They showed that footage of the Lyre Bird - unbelievable, I was straight onto
YouTube!

He's got mostly favourable reviews for his book but a few don't like it:
http://www.amazon.com/Why-Birds-Sing-Journey-Mystery/dp/0465071368

Sex and violence That's more or less the conclusion they came up with,
but the question underpinning the programme is why is it so beautiful to humans?

 

[Galemys]

The programme's being repeated on Tuesday 3 July 7.40pm-9pm and again at
12.05am-1.25am on BBC4 if anyone missed it.

Then I still can't see it overhere in Holland