Gulf Crossing: Story of Spring

Original documentary about the annual migration of billions of songbirds across the Gulf of Mexico and into North America. Features HD footage of hundreds of colorful songbirds.
GULF CROSSING: STORY OF SPRING
In the spring hundreds of bird species move from the tropics into North America. As they make their way they eventually face the great barrier of the Gulf of Mexico. This arm of the Atlantic ocean is more than 900 miles wide, and more than 600 miles across from north to south.
While some birds skirt the edge of the water, the overwhelming majority-more than 200 species, and hundreds of millions of individuals-cross the unbroken plain of the gulf in a single flight of 20 or more hours.
Gulf Crossing is a record of trans-gulf migration on America’s southern coast: the expectation of arrival, the surprise each day of what birds appear, and the habitats they are found in. The experience is expanded by a scientific perspective on the phenomenon of migration, describing it's geographic shape, the coastal habitats birds rely on, physiological cycles in birds, and the effect of weather patterns on bird flight.
Bird migration along the Gulf coast is one of the most exciting and powerful natural experiences you can have. Millions of birds from hundreds of species are passing overhead each day, and you never know what’s going to show up. But despite the hundreds of nature documentaries that are made each year, the story of trans-gulf migration has never really been told before.
Gulf Crossing is an attempt to document this remarkable and moving natural phenomenon. The six episodes provide a comprehensive exploration of the Gulf crossing, from Spring to Fall, covering migration along the Upper Texas Coast, the arrival and breeding of birds in the north, and Fall migration in north Florida.
I hope this documentary will increase awareness and appreciation of America's immense but vanishing natural heritage.
Gulf Crossing is free to use in any classroom or group setting. For more info on use, see the Creative Commons License. If you are interested in downloading the file to show to groups, please contact me.
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
Note: In the documentary it is implied that many migrants depart from the northern Yucatan. Actually, I'm not sure about the science here, so this might be wrong. It may be that most take flight further south and fly over the Yucatan without stopping, so 700-900 miles.

[@Beachwood-km4hp]

I get hummingbirds at my property here in south central Florida. They lay-over here from around the second week of October until Thanksgiving Day. I’ve been told that there are barges and other large boats in the Gulf of Mexico that put out feeders for them to recharge and rest. What a great thing to do. Thank You so much for this video. You have answered several questions I have had for years. I lived in the Rochester, NY area for 23 years and my wife and I had 7 bird feeders out under the maple tree all year round. I see several of the birds we fed here in your video.

[@stratobunny]

You're welcome! Glad you like it.

[@pandap4ntz]

What a fabulous documentary, this deserves far more views, I wish more people cared about the plight of our birds. Presence of healthy bird populations correlates with a healthy ecosystem. When will we stop putting our selfish human material "needs" over the importance of preserving biodiversity? It behooves all humans to protect our fellow creatures.

[@d.s.p.jayathunga1295]

I love birds.Thank you for including the names of the birds.

[@owellafehr5191]

Great documentary; I'm particularly amazed by how so many birds opt for crossing the Gulf rather than going along the coast, and how (relatively) quickly they do so - I'd have thought it would take weeks. I saw this recommended on Reddit and passed on the recommendation to an online friend of mine who was curious about bird documentaries.

[@frednorman1]

Yes, astonishing that. It only takes a couple of days to get down to South America. And also sting they can fly for so many hours or days.

[@nagadad9088]

Love of nature is a sign of love to God our creator. I love your filming of animals and birds.

[@ClaudiaMiddendorf13]

One of the best documentaries on migration I've seen. Thorough, great video, and so interesting! I've heard the first songbird here in Rhode Island and with the great weather coming this week, I eagerly anticipate more arriving soon! Thanks for a great story Childs and team!

[@mortenddhansen]

This is by far the most complete film about bird migration that I have ever seen (and I've seen quite a lot!). The radar images, the weather charts, the immense number of species filmed..... it's just perfect!

[@stratobunny]

Thank you!

[@abrafrito868]

Agree, this is an amazing documentary. It's very informative and inspires my curiosity. Another good film is "Return of the Hoopoe". Just search it in youtube it's about an endangered European bird species that migrates to and from Africa, very inspirational. Thank you so much for this beautiful film, loved it

[@almlopez731]

... where are the birds, the billions of migratory birds?

[@Wynnmurrah]

Truth of o9og

[@shubhashismishra2694]

Really dear❤ I agree with u sir 🙏

[@DianeKime-vs7tq]

Thanks!

[@GuamSam]

This is hands down one of the best documentaries about birds I have ever seen. And by far the best about bird migration. I rarely comment on KZbin but this jewel deserves a thumbs up and a comment. Absolute must-see. Thanks so much and keep up the great work!

[@stratobunny]

You're welcome!

[@chhunhonghoun9917]

Thanks for the DILIGENT work as good nature's OBSERVATER like you. It helps alot to the people who are depressed and any person with mantal problem.your best shows productions like natural medicine given by God. 🐦🐣 🕊️🐥🦅🐝🏝️🎋bless you and keep you be their 💓 lovely friend for ever.Their songs describe the beautiful freedom of their life ❤️😊 given by GOD.

[@joanczapalay1126]

This is a beautiful learning experience. Thank you!

[@shubhashismishra2694]

Really dear❤ I felt so . nice meeting with u am subhashos Mishra from India and a tourist guide on mangrove forest and crocodile .I subscribed ur Chanel .upload video and am going upload many beautiful video s in my KZbin Chanel beauties on earth .

[@goognamgoognw6637]

This is an astounding perspective on nature and birds from a human perspective. I watched it twice in a row and will more. This documentary is as true and pragmatic as nature itself. This is about birds and earth their habitat, it's not about making a video, it not about using nature as a product to entertain people, this is for nature and for us. It's time to change our laws fondations herited from the XIX century industrial revolution that assumed an infinite supply of nature and an infinite earth to provide it and write new laws that reflect the true cost of buldozing trees and to start charging these costs to corporations. Our earth is not in infinite supply, habitats are not in infinite supplies. Let's not let a minority of rich individuals dictate the preservation of laws that ignore the true cost of habitat destruction for their gains. Globalism and a finance system build on an infinite supply of currency backed by nothing means the enslavement of the masses and the destruction of nature for the benefit of a global superclass of oligarchs. Governements are dead, or puppets behind the wheel. Pulling the strings are oligarchs and banksters who own the rotten mainstream medias. Nothing more can be expected from zombies governments serving globalist oligarchs and finaniciers. The masses of people must regain control of their destiny. Educating people and understanding the situation we are in is the first step to correct it.

[@stratobunny]

Thank you for your comment. I'm glad you like the story.

[@erichhitchcock3368]

Well put.

[@erichhitchcock3368]

The musician Morrissey had a great narrative about it, saying we don't need any of these "leaders," as they are about hate and use their power to excercise that hate.

[@goognamgoognw6637]

@@erichhitchcock3368 That is a great way to describe it. Problem is that "we don't need" is passive. These people grab and clutch to power, then increase their power and corrupt laws removing them never goes smoothly according to past history.

[@aviaryparagraph3783]

I love the science behind the migratory behavior revealed with such intensity. Very impressive stuff.

[@stratobunny]

Thanks!

[@rggast]

You'd think there would be a lot of great documentaries about birds, especially for birders and bird lovers. Sadly there's just isn't. This however, this is a gem. Displaying the names along with the detailed narrative of North American migration- the actual where and when's. Beautiful shots of many species. Great documentary.

[@stratobunny]

Thanks!

[@MreViewer]

Excellent documentary, thanks for posting

[@shubhashismishra2694]

Hello

[@klharndt]

This is a great film, thanks for making it available!

[@jaycegray43]

This came on in the middle of the night and had my cat TRIPPING lmao

[@patriciashavelin6235]

Fantastic video to watch over & over again. So pleasurable. Thank you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣

[@Prwrm]

First of all, thank you for this marvelous documentary. I don't have words to praise how valuable and well done is this film. It should be seen by every nature lover, ornithological entity and bird watcher, at least in the Western Hemisphere. I live in the Caribbean, specifically in Puerto Rico, and we have the privilege to have many of the species shown in your film during the fall and until spring. It was fascinating to see many of those migratory birds with their spectacular plumage and hearing their lovely songs. Looking forward to visit one or more of the fabulous places identified int he documentary, to have the opportunity of watching those perfectly beautiful birds foraging in those habitats. Thanks again to you and to all that gave you support that allowed you to produce this documentary.

[@stratobunny]

William Rios Maldonado thank you for your kind words. All the best to you and your family this holiday.

[@shubhashismishra2694]

Dear ❤ I liked ur brilliant sweet expression nice meeting with u .am subhashis Mishra from India , a tourist guide on mangrove forest and crocodile in India🙏

[@jimmy89858307]

Thank you for sharing!

[@majabugarski386]

Beautiful

[@OneMyracle]

That was really a treat. Loved it!

[@Nagravri]

Thanks for sharing

[@seanconnery1277]

18.3.2023.Very good and best.Thank you.

[@anythingspossible.]

If only life could be as calm as this man's voice, and the soft whistles of the birds.how is it that animals can get along but we can't! They have no currency "money" to fight over.

[@dorisjeffers1044]

Amazing Thank You!!!

[@ZosiaZawistowska]

Wonderful! Thanks for including the names of all the birds. Very helpful.

[@shubhashismishra2694]

Yes I subscribed ur Chanel dear ❤ . upload video . am from India and am a tourist guide on mangrove forest and crocodile . am going to upload many beautiful video s. In my Chanel beauties on earth . nice meeting .🙏

[@Kmacnm]

That was terrific! Thanks for posting this great piece!

[@YawehthedragondogofEL]

very well done, thanks for posting.

[@elizabethcanales7170]

*Outstanding* presentation! Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@ashakuldip1657]

Thanks for uploading. Love it!

[@68mockingbird]

What a wonderful film! Shows years of study and much effort must have been made to get so many fine photos of these song birds. Such a professional, amazing job of explaining the story of migration in understandable terms with the up-to-date radar maps, maps, weather currents, illustrations combined with seeing so many wonderful species. It is a fine training film, testing our quickness to key in on the identifying features. And the dramatic music adds to the charm. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

[@marionolsen415]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video! Thanks for posting.

[@stratobunny]

marion olsen You're welcome!

[@frednorman1]

What an outstanding video! I learned so much thank you for posting it

[@RenzoColameoIrlanda]

I Love birds !!! Thanks; Mr. Jackson !!! Greetings & The Best of Luck & Life from Ireland !!! Renzo *

[@stratobunny]

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@christopherscottb]

Thanks very much for this. Your film didn't pander by being cutesy or overly dramatic or trying to be super-cool. You were respectful to your target audience and let the phenomenon speak for itself. Extremely informative and filled in a number of big blank spots I had in my knowledge of the subject. Very well done, and thanks again. (I live near Chicago, and there's a place in town on Lake Michigan known as The Magic Hedge in a park called Montrose Point that attracts a truly astonishing concentration of migrants, and which is most famous for its warblers.)

[@stratobunny]

Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I'm glad you like it.

[@robertceliberti7175]

Nature is amazing! In late April I saw a hummingbird. It was a metallic green. I was surprised.

[@user-sr2er6do4u]

Very nice documentary. Thank you.

[@kacperwierzchos6411]

Excellent film!!

[@patriciahill9586]

I loved this video. Very informative and great videography.

[@robertrogers7775]

Wow! Awesome and so informative.

[@tovawald7735]

What a beautiful video. So many different kinds of birds. The accompanying explamation makes the video more significant. Thank you.

[@frednorman1]

What an outstanding video! I learned so much! Thank you

[@natasnatas9581]

awesome doco.love the knowledge shared.thank you

[@Grace-pp3dw]

Shalom .Thank you. Watching from Australia. 73 Praise the Lord 37

[@pozee1111]

watched this video about 10 times already. also shared it with my birder friends.

[@stratobunny]

wow!

[@kantaarya1544]

Thanks awesome job! Amazing job! Enjoyed tremendously

[@treeoflifecf]

What a great presentation thank you

[@sunchuchowdary3754]

Beautifully done. Thank you for all the hard work you did. Magnificent work.

[@phildonahue4888]

Great job, thank you for your efforts.

[@dianelloyd6040]

Marvelous..fascinating..perfect voice narration..appropriate comical comments..

[@mysunnybird]

Beautiful documentary.......... Thank You. Gorgeous scenery and music !!!

[@madmanmadman7623]

Very good documentry. I like it .

[@jbean530]

It’s amazing. Such hard workers. It’s amazing how they navigate. God is wonderful with His creation.

[@orianafisher3960]

What a superb documentary, thank you kindly, I've learned so much! Now everytime I gaze at my bird feeders, I will think back to the knowledge you've provided here to appreciate these glorious creatures 🥰💕

[@unaisinaiobasali9519]

Wow. Thank you for beautiful video. From fiji island god bless

[@gufrankhan6435]

I love birds thanks

[@PaintedTurtle001]

superb documentary! really enjoyed it! :D

[@jordyburthon3674]

Beautiful animalitos

[@robertdooley4109]

This shows what a miracle nature truly is. Thank you so much.

[@emergencylowmaneuvering7350]

Birds are the real pilots. We are just imitators with machines to fly.

[@davidseals352]

Excellent job. You answered many questions I had about crossing the gulf.

[@thebirdbros6519]

simply amazing

[@amandeepsingh5129]

So beautiful birds and great views

[@kathys9999]

What a jewel of a documentary!

[@dumoulin11]

Absolutely top notch documentary.

[@PTuffduty]

wonderful documentary. I live on the north Florida Gulf coast and have sent this to my sister who lives in Australia 🇦🇺. thank you!

[@TristanMirasol]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@stratobunny]

You're welcome!

[@janealexander5597]

Oh that was marvelous! Words can’t explain just how amazing Gods creatures are. Thank you, I learned so much and appreciate all your work. 😊

[@miraajan3652]

I lake it this is lovely video'

[@asha9508]

I love birds, thank you for tish video.

[@kimshawley2434]

Absolutely beautiful documentary. I’m an avid birder. Have seen all birds except wimbrel and prothonotary and cape may. Never looses its thrill

[@stratobunny]

Cape Mays are tough but if you're in the Midwest or Northeast, right now (mid-May) is the time to look for them.

[@jerrymapp2529]

Thank you

[@Mr.lamusa]

Love your video too much! Thank you!

[@michaelfunk5951]

This surely was educational and so very enjoyable to learn many of the migration intricacies. I thoroughly enjoyed your hard work doing this. Thank you for sharing.

[@shubhashismishra2694]

Hello am from India .

[@tomhoornstra9533]

Most beautiful and informative birding video online, especially on warblers. All you need to know to track and identify them. Bravo!

[@froellig3970]

That was fun.Nice job!

[@smitha_s_m]

Thank you!

[@normanbrown9225]

I can't thank you all for this Documentry saw it months ago loved it always Animals and birds are our first teachers on the planet

[@repetemyname842]

Love the birds, thanks for the great vid!

[@billbaxter3800]

Wow! Learned a lot. Grateful to live in south Mississippi where I can see many of these birds in mt yard ever April and October- November.

[@weatherlicious]

What a great docu!!! Watched from Boston!!

[@Terrymic1]

Beautiful.

[@samuelbb6527]

Ed,

[@samuelbb6527]

...

[@ienbienphungt4518]

Awesome Film !

[@ajansson3361]

Wonderfull, wonderful. Thankyou from the Netherlands. I am a birder for 50 years and in Europe there is a decline. So sad to see

[@randyb5579]

Thank you. Amazing video - lots of great info, and pics.

[@stratobunny]

You're welcome!

[@ricardolima6282]

Fantastic! Thank you so much!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@danilomejia3097]

Maravilloso documental.wow gracias.

[@chipm915]

What a wonderful film! Thank you for bringing it to us!

[@stratobunny]

I'm glad you like it.

[@lesliehilesgardener6959]

I thank the people dedicating their fantastic shared information on a favorite subject

[@susannola3]

WOW! THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO.

[@margaretarross1712]

Excellent film. Good job.

[@MikeGrant865]

Fantastic !

[@antigraceful]

This was such a treat! Very exciting to see lots of places I know. Mt Auburn Cemetery is right down the street from me! I've always been reluctant to go into a cemetery to watch birds. It feels disrespectful. But, really excited to see the 4000 footers in New Hampshire! We are hiking Mt. Washington in two weeks! I will keep my eye open for Magnolia, Blackburnian and Black throated blue warblers! (I have no need to keep an eye open for black throated green. He's everywhere.)

[@stratobunny]

antigraceful Hundreds (thousands?) of people bird watch at Mt. Auburn in May. Most birds are less visible and more quiet in August so it may be tough to find some of them. Good luck.

[@ericwood4501]

I love this video! I use it for my Ornithology class at Cal State LA -- even though it is focused on eastern migration, the lessons in this video are fantastic. My students love it.

[@stratobunny]

I'm so pleased to hear that!

[@shubhashismishra2694]

Ohh great dear ❤

[@carollangford8619]

This is wonderful. So full of beauty and information.

[@dianaholvik2554]

Fabulous video. Love all the footage of birds and that the birds are al identified. Thank you for this taste of spring during my Canadian winter.

[@leonasilka7349]

Amazing job thankyou

[@CharismaticPlanet3822]

Lovely Birding Video. I really love the birds.

[@stratobunny]

Thanks!

[@Chris_Wolfgram]

WoW ! 🙂 So I just finished a 4200 mile round trip, which took me to South Padre Island, Texas in late April, and the only storm of the entire migration, hit on the second day of my 3 1/2 days there, causing a moderate fallout. I got great photos of most of the birds in this documentary. Perfect timing 🙂 Two weeks later, my excitement still hasn't warn off. And this video has me totally fired back up again. I had been looking for a video which totally explains the Neo Tropical migration. And this one totally does 👍 I have saved the link so I can forward it to several fellow birders, and so I can watch it again, maybe a few more times 🙂

[@randyjsing]

Awesome. Thank you.

[@hkmp5s]

Outstanding! 👏👏👏