FISHERONS BY FREDDY MOYANO / REVIEWED BY ADVA REICHMAN
Directed by Freddy Moyano Reviewed by Adva Reichman
Fisherons are unique animals that reside around water, and play a key part in our echo system and community survival. As the world changes and global warming comes into play, these birds fight to adapt and sustain their habitat and way of life
In his documentary film, Freddy Moyano takes us into their lives and daily activities. Introducing their strengths and weakness, mating habits, feeding routines, migration and so on.Through gorgeous footage and witty narration, we discover the beauty around us and learn to appreciate nature.
We first learn about the Cormorants and Seagulls and see the harmony in their fishing cooperation. We then move on to The Great Egrets who are kings of the pond and feed on fish, frogs, snakes and crayfish. Territory disputes are not foreign to the Great Egrets, but food is their top priority, and they plan on winning. At times, they share the space with geese who feed on roots, stems, seeds, leaves, berries etc.
The Great Blue Heronare taller and heavier than a Great Egret, but smaller than a Sandhill Crane. They tend to stand motionless as they watch their prey and wait for the right time to go after their catch. They hunt alone, and their excellent skills prove themselves as they can consume a pound of fish a day. These birds are considered to be the largest of the North American Herons and pride themselves with having long legs and a thick bill. Their signature look includes a wide black stripe over their eye.
Moyano continuesand moves on to the Turkey vultures whospend their time in North America and the Caribbean. Despite their intimidating appearance, the Turkey vultures do no kill their prey, but prefer scavenging through already dead animals. From a far they can be mistaken for an eagle or a hawk, but their tale and feet shape give them away.
Moyano uses gorgeous footage that supports his explanations, and insert interesting amusing facts such as that the Sandhill Craneswere the ones to inspire the aircraft industry due to the way they take off and land. These beautiful birds enjoy gathering in groups and are extremely loyal. While some eat, others watch their backs, and in todays’ world that is a necessity since unfortunately many are hunted by people. The Sandhill Cranes mate for life and can spend up to 20 years with their partner.
Red Tailed Hawks feed on rodents such as Muskrats, which are aquatic rodents about half the size of beavers. This hawk will wait until the perfect moment and then launch. Able to reach 120 mph in his launch speed, and 40 mph flying speed, his pray doesn’t have much chance. Catching his victim from behind, he stands and suffocates it until he wins.
The Muskrats spends most of their days eating and building their habitat. Those intelligent beings can cross different ponds until they find what they need, learning to hide from their mighty predators.
Towards the end we learn the American Coots. These experienced divers live in communities but fight over food and territory.Unfortunately, global warming has affected their migration cycle, so they can still be spotted in the Midwest during December, until they finally leave again towards a warmer destination.
Their flight is not as elegant as that of the Bullheaded ducks who are the most skillful at taking off. The ducks received their name due to their buffalo shape head resemblance. The Bullheaded Ducks will sometimes be seen with the Golden eye as both are excellent divers.
This documentary contains more tales and fun facts that make the viewing an enjoyable experience.The creator clearly cares for the animals and his knowledge of them is both impressive and captivating. The picturesque shots and the information given create an important piece. This film is a love song to nature and a fierce reminder to appreciate the animals around us.
