Birding in South America with David Ascanio 1 2008
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP (2447)
Produced by Ferraro Nature Films, Inc.
Director n/a
DVD, color, 30 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Birds, Bird Watching, Environmental Studies, Natural History, Ornithology, South American Studies
Date Entered: 12/17/2009
Reviewed by Christopher Hollister, University at Buffalo LibrariesBirding in South America with David Ascanio 1 is the first half of a two-DVD set, and it is part of the Inside Nature of South America series. The video guides viewers on a bird watching tour through a diverse geographic area of southeastern Venezuela that includes the Orinoco River Basin, Sierra de Lima, and Hato Piñero—a region often referred to as a “Mecca for birders.” Leading the tour is David Ascanio, who is a renowned expert on the birds of Central and South America and the Caribbean.
The video is presented in three chapters; however, the focus of each one is unclear. As well, the titles on the product cover do not match the titles on the DVD itself, which can be confusing to the viewer. Still, one need not be a birder or even a nature enthusiast to enjoy the unique, colorful, and sometimes bizarre avifauna of the region. As well, viewers should enjoy the dramatic, verdant landscapes of the Guiana Highlands, particularly the region’s famous tepuis, or tabletop mountains.
David Ascanio’s expertise, especially in the area of bird vocalizations, helps to inform the first two parts of the video. Dozens of endemic bird species are shown, including contingas, toucans, and trogons. The white bellbird is featured for its unique, mechanical call; so too is the scarlet-horned manakin for the male’s distinctive mating display. Ascanio is not present in part three of the video, which is a montage of bird species and other wildlife found on the private Hato Piñero nature preserve. The reviewer recommends this title for public and school media library collections.