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These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated: 1 00:00:00,402 --> 00:00:03,660 (dramatic music) 2 00:00:06,215 --> 00:00:08,572 Somewhere high up in the north, 3 00:00:08,572 --> 00:00:11,846 in the vast and barren terrains of the tundra 4 00:00:11,846 --> 00:00:14,826 lives a very mysterious animal. 5 00:00:14,826 --> 00:00:17,752 Often symbolic of wisdom, 6 00:00:17,752 --> 00:00:21,795 historically revered as a medium between the worlds. 7 00:00:23,678 --> 00:00:26,132 (dramatic music) 8 00:00:26,132 --> 00:00:28,319 The snowy owl. 9 00:00:28,319 --> 00:00:30,805 Best known by fans of Harry Potter. 10 00:00:31,515 --> 00:00:33,366 (dramatic music) 11 00:00:33,366 --> 00:00:36,157 In some years it undertakes the long journey 12 00:00:36,157 --> 00:00:39,556 westwards to Europe, sometimes to Germany. 13 00:00:39,556 --> 00:00:40,539 (birds chirping) 14 00:00:40,539 --> 00:00:43,534 Why does it exert itself to such extremes? 15 00:00:43,534 --> 00:00:47,030 (dramatic music) 16 00:00:58,630 --> 00:01:02,299 Lemmings and snowy owls are entwined. 17 00:01:02,299 --> 00:01:05,574 Their relationship exists over thousands of years. 18 00:01:05,574 --> 00:01:09,503 Most, for the lemming, end with it's death. 19 00:01:10,487 --> 00:01:13,047 For the owl it is essential. 20 00:01:13,047 --> 00:01:16,684 (chicks peeping) 21 00:01:16,684 --> 00:01:19,585 The prey is not for the hunter. 22 00:01:19,585 --> 00:01:21,452 His mate is waiting, 23 00:01:21,452 --> 00:01:24,161 the pair have four offspring to rear. 24 00:01:24,161 --> 00:01:27,803 (chicks peeping) 25 00:01:30,902 --> 00:01:33,824 The father has to leave again straight away, 26 00:01:33,824 --> 00:01:37,142 the mother stays to feed the three week old chicks. 27 00:01:37,142 --> 00:01:38,911 They have to gain weight quickly because 28 00:01:38,911 --> 00:01:41,898 autumn will begin in three months time. 29 00:01:41,898 --> 00:01:45,438 (chicks peeping) 30 00:01:47,545 --> 00:01:49,348 In the land of the snowy owl 31 00:01:49,348 --> 00:01:52,014 the sun won't set for many weeks, 32 00:01:52,014 --> 00:01:54,435 and thus, quite untypically for owls, 33 00:01:54,435 --> 00:01:56,622 it hunts in the daylight, 34 00:01:56,622 --> 00:01:59,359 it's eyes are accustomed to it, 35 00:01:59,359 --> 00:02:01,663 nothing escapes it's attention. 36 00:02:01,663 --> 00:02:05,038 (birds chirping) 37 00:02:06,090 --> 00:02:09,891 Watching and waiting, that is it's strategy. 38 00:02:09,891 --> 00:02:10,926 (duck quacking) 39 00:02:10,926 --> 00:02:12,996 But not for water fowls, 40 00:02:12,996 --> 00:02:15,751 they're not so well suited for the chicks. 41 00:02:15,751 --> 00:02:18,898 The owl is waiting for the lemming above all else. 42 00:02:18,898 --> 00:02:21,910 (chicks chirping) 43 00:02:24,760 --> 00:02:27,522 It's taking too long for the female, 44 00:02:27,522 --> 00:02:30,733 the cicks need at least four rodents per day. 45 00:02:30,733 --> 00:02:32,898 Not a problem in good lemming years 46 00:02:32,898 --> 00:02:35,385 when the male can provide one after the other. 47 00:02:35,385 --> 00:02:37,698 (wings flapping) 48 00:02:37,698 --> 00:02:40,678 (chicks chirping) 49 00:02:40,678 --> 00:02:44,489 Then the owls can manage to raise up to eleven offspring. 50 00:02:46,021 --> 00:02:47,500 (chicks chirping) 51 00:02:47,500 --> 00:02:50,401 But right now there are few to be found, 52 00:02:50,401 --> 00:02:52,907 that's why the family is so small. 53 00:02:52,907 --> 00:02:56,813 When food is in short supply, owls lay fewer eggs. 54 00:02:56,813 --> 00:02:58,498 But nevertheless, it is still 55 00:02:58,498 --> 00:03:00,718 not enough for the little ones. 56 00:03:02,782 --> 00:03:04,713 (gentle music) 57 00:03:04,713 --> 00:03:06,259 Around every four years 58 00:03:06,259 --> 00:03:09,118 there is an explosion in the lemming numbers. 59 00:03:09,118 --> 00:03:12,211 At least that's how it's been until now. 60 00:03:13,551 --> 00:03:17,853 But now such a boon time for lemmings is long over-due. 61 00:03:17,853 --> 00:03:21,391 What is it that has disrupted this cycle? 62 00:03:21,391 --> 00:03:23,840 (chick chirping) 63 00:03:23,840 --> 00:03:25,952 If there is too little food, 64 00:03:25,952 --> 00:03:28,779 it is the last born, and therefore the smallest, 65 00:03:28,779 --> 00:03:31,688 that will pay the price in it's development. 66 00:03:31,688 --> 00:03:33,916 It's chances to compete for it's share against 67 00:03:33,916 --> 00:03:37,376 the larger chicks will be evermore remote. 68 00:03:38,875 --> 00:03:40,838 (gentle music) 69 00:03:40,838 --> 00:03:42,652 The male is out for increasingly prolonged 70 00:03:42,652 --> 00:03:45,681 amounts of time to find prey. 71 00:03:48,261 --> 00:03:51,536 It's vital that the mother manages to protect her young 72 00:03:51,536 --> 00:03:54,038 against the icy winds. 73 00:03:54,038 --> 00:03:55,948 (dramatic music) 74 00:03:57,198 --> 00:04:00,117 In a short time the temperature will drop 75 00:04:00,117 --> 00:04:02,047 to near freezing point. 76 00:04:03,597 --> 00:04:05,575 (splashing) 77 00:04:05,575 --> 00:04:09,266 The mother deepens the hollow of the nest for protection 78 00:04:09,266 --> 00:04:12,726 while the father searches in vain for lemmings. 79 00:04:15,122 --> 00:04:16,807 (owl screeching) 80 00:04:16,807 --> 00:04:19,527 The family is starving. 81 00:04:19,527 --> 00:04:20,698 (dramatic music) 82 00:04:20,698 --> 00:04:23,183 (wings flapping) 83 00:04:23,183 --> 00:04:26,420 (owl screaming) 84 00:04:27,450 --> 00:04:29,177 It's as if the lemmings have been 85 00:04:29,177 --> 00:04:32,235 swallowed up by the ground. 86 00:04:32,235 --> 00:04:33,674 The mother has nothing more 87 00:04:33,674 --> 00:04:36,362 to offer the pleas of her nestling. 88 00:04:36,362 --> 00:04:39,893 (dramatic music) 89 00:04:41,123 --> 00:04:43,815 She seems to have run out of ideas 90 00:04:43,815 --> 00:04:46,780 as to how to help her dying chick. 91 00:04:46,780 --> 00:04:49,857 (somber music) 92 00:04:59,494 --> 00:05:03,553 The adults can deal with far lower temperatures. 93 00:05:06,278 --> 00:05:07,388 (chicks chirping) 94 00:05:07,388 --> 00:05:11,249 But for the smallest, in these circumstances, 95 00:05:11,249 --> 00:05:14,485 there is no chance. 96 00:05:16,260 --> 00:05:17,969 (dramatic music) 97 00:05:17,969 --> 00:05:20,539 The male has no time to lose, 98 00:05:20,539 --> 00:05:22,150 he has to make sure, at least, 99 00:05:22,150 --> 00:05:24,710 that the other chicks survive. 100 00:05:26,796 --> 00:05:27,927 (somber music) 101 00:05:27,927 --> 00:05:31,531 The owl will feed the dead chick to the other chicks. 102 00:05:31,531 --> 00:05:34,720 Every form of nutrition is imperative 103 00:05:34,720 --> 00:05:38,437 as long as the male continues to have problems. 104 00:05:40,993 --> 00:05:44,580 (chicks chirping) 105 00:05:45,682 --> 00:05:48,796 The fortune of the family is uncertain. 106 00:05:48,796 --> 00:05:50,535 One thing is for certain though, 107 00:05:50,535 --> 00:05:52,998 an increase in lemming numbers this summer 108 00:05:52,998 --> 00:05:55,196 has not materialized. 109 00:05:55,196 --> 00:05:57,941 (gentle music) 110 00:05:59,537 --> 00:06:01,062 The chicks have to manage to achieve 111 00:06:01,062 --> 00:06:05,421 a weight of at least two kilos within the next three weeks. 112 00:06:05,421 --> 00:06:08,966 If not, they will not survive the winter. 113 00:06:10,082 --> 00:06:13,042 (dramatic music) 114 00:06:18,402 --> 00:06:21,553 (chick chirping) 115 00:06:24,044 --> 00:06:27,504 The fog hardly clears at all. 116 00:06:29,164 --> 00:06:30,956 All ready in the middle of August, 117 00:06:30,956 --> 00:06:32,249 it is autumn. 118 00:06:32,249 --> 00:06:33,419 (geese honking) 119 00:06:33,419 --> 00:06:36,342 The geese begin their escape to the south. 120 00:06:37,500 --> 00:06:41,681 Snowy owls however, are not migratory birds. 121 00:06:41,681 --> 00:06:44,614 They remain where they are. 122 00:06:44,614 --> 00:06:46,502 (geese honking) 123 00:06:46,502 --> 00:06:49,472 (dramatic music) 124 00:06:55,600 --> 00:06:57,210 A little later, 125 00:06:57,210 --> 00:07:00,071 and the tundra is covered with snow. 126 00:07:00,071 --> 00:07:02,525 Much earlier than expected. 127 00:07:02,525 --> 00:07:05,614 (dramatic music) 128 00:07:05,614 --> 00:07:08,854 (wind howling) 129 00:07:08,854 --> 00:07:11,109 The landscape is in the grip of temperatures 130 00:07:11,109 --> 00:07:14,987 that sink to -40 degrees Celsius. 131 00:07:14,987 --> 00:07:18,986 It is only they who can adapt that will survive. 132 00:07:18,986 --> 00:07:21,927 Even the feet, velvety soles, 133 00:07:21,927 --> 00:07:25,095 are covered with feathers, as is the beak. 134 00:07:25,095 --> 00:07:26,823 (wind howling) 135 00:07:26,823 --> 00:07:29,290 It's the same with the Arctic fox. 136 00:07:29,290 --> 00:07:30,719 White as camouflage, 137 00:07:30,719 --> 00:07:32,543 and warmly covered with fur 138 00:07:32,543 --> 00:07:34,495 even under the paws. 139 00:07:34,495 --> 00:07:36,895 (wind blowing) 140 00:07:36,895 --> 00:07:39,508 Owls and foxes share a similar fate, 141 00:07:39,508 --> 00:07:41,993 in that they both hunt lemmings. 142 00:07:41,993 --> 00:07:44,148 And for both of them it is now essential 143 00:07:44,148 --> 00:07:47,454 that they find some as the temperature sinks. 144 00:07:47,454 --> 00:07:49,787 (snow crunching) 145 00:07:51,755 --> 00:07:54,986 The owl now has a difficult decision. 146 00:07:54,986 --> 00:07:57,152 Should it try to bear it out here 147 00:07:57,152 --> 00:07:59,711 and continue searching like the fox? 148 00:07:59,711 --> 00:08:02,400 (wind blowing) 149 00:08:03,434 --> 00:08:06,120 Or is the snow too deep and hard? 150 00:08:06,120 --> 00:08:09,972 And it will be under threat of diminishing fat reserves. 151 00:08:12,196 --> 00:08:14,639 The fox has no choice in the matter, 152 00:08:14,639 --> 00:08:17,081 (gentle music) 153 00:08:17,081 --> 00:08:19,966 but the snowy owl does. 154 00:08:22,862 --> 00:08:25,594 It doesn't always migrate like other birds, 155 00:08:25,594 --> 00:08:29,474 but will travel if the conditions are too extreme. 156 00:08:29,474 --> 00:08:32,765 (gentle music) 157 00:08:33,977 --> 00:08:36,781 It leaves the Siberian desert of ice behind, 158 00:08:36,781 --> 00:08:39,122 and travels westwards. 159 00:08:39,924 --> 00:08:42,025 (gentle music) 160 00:08:42,025 --> 00:08:45,021 Traveling at up to 85 kilometers per hour, 161 00:08:45,021 --> 00:08:48,574 it can cover large areas of Russia. 162 00:08:48,574 --> 00:08:51,725 (gentle music) 163 00:08:53,715 --> 00:08:57,534 Ahead lay the fells of North Scandinavia, 164 00:08:57,534 --> 00:09:02,408 2,500 kilometers away from it's breeding grounds. 165 00:09:03,561 --> 00:09:06,350 (gentle music) 166 00:09:08,373 --> 00:09:10,793 Here the wind clears the tops of the mountains, 167 00:09:10,793 --> 00:09:15,176 increasing the owl's chances of finding some lemmings. 168 00:09:15,176 --> 00:09:18,026 (gentle music) 169 00:09:22,136 --> 00:09:26,488 The open terrain is an invitation to rest. 170 00:09:26,488 --> 00:09:30,408 The owl needs the clear view for it's hunting. 171 00:09:31,785 --> 00:09:33,729 (gentle music) 172 00:09:33,729 --> 00:09:36,993 The strangers presence doesn't go unnoticed. 173 00:09:40,135 --> 00:09:41,401 (grunting) 174 00:09:41,401 --> 00:09:44,187 However, the reindeers soon return their attentions 175 00:09:44,187 --> 00:09:48,359 to the arduous process of uncovering moss and linchen. 176 00:09:49,061 --> 00:09:50,104 (grunting) 177 00:09:50,104 --> 00:09:51,448 (pawing snow) 178 00:09:51,448 --> 00:09:54,599 The secret as to why they don't suffer from hypothermia 179 00:09:54,599 --> 00:09:57,412 lies with their large snouts. 180 00:09:57,412 --> 00:10:00,601 The icy air warms up through the long nasal passage, 181 00:10:00,601 --> 00:10:03,631 and the heat is retained when they breath out. 182 00:10:03,631 --> 00:10:06,275 (grunting) 183 00:10:06,275 --> 00:10:09,827 Their wide hooves act like snowshoes 184 00:10:09,827 --> 00:10:11,844 and prevent the animal from sinking 185 00:10:11,844 --> 00:10:14,242 too deeply into the snow. 186 00:10:14,242 --> 00:10:16,467 (grunting) 187 00:10:16,467 --> 00:10:17,950 (playful music) 188 00:10:17,950 --> 00:10:20,243 But the true master of walking on snow 189 00:10:20,243 --> 00:10:23,070 is the Alpine Rabbit. 190 00:10:23,070 --> 00:10:25,245 With it's white fur and smaller ears, 191 00:10:25,245 --> 00:10:28,776 it's perfectly suited to the sub-polar environment. 192 00:10:28,776 --> 00:10:31,869 (playful music) 193 00:10:31,869 --> 00:10:34,183 This elegant snowshoe sprinter would be 194 00:10:34,183 --> 00:10:36,156 the perfect catch for the owl, 195 00:10:36,156 --> 00:10:39,269 if only it wasn't so very quick. 196 00:10:40,439 --> 00:10:42,486 What else is on offer? 197 00:10:44,932 --> 00:10:46,308 (playful music) 198 00:10:46,308 --> 00:10:48,312 Snow grouse! 199 00:10:50,302 --> 00:10:51,400 They've spent the night 200 00:10:51,400 --> 00:10:53,992 in a well-insulated snow chamber, 201 00:10:53,992 --> 00:10:56,275 a bit like an igloo. 202 00:10:56,275 --> 00:10:58,129 (playful music) 203 00:10:59,363 --> 00:11:02,253 But hunger has forced them to leave their cover together, 204 00:11:02,253 --> 00:11:05,973 many eyes are their best protection to survive. 205 00:11:05,973 --> 00:11:08,437 (playful music) 206 00:11:08,437 --> 00:11:11,748 The owl observes them attentively. 207 00:11:12,724 --> 00:11:15,562 However, it's attentions don't go unnoticed. 208 00:11:17,332 --> 00:11:19,997 (bird calling) 209 00:11:19,997 --> 00:11:23,479 (wings flapping) 210 00:11:29,180 --> 00:11:30,566 No luck again. 211 00:11:30,566 --> 00:11:32,505 (owl screaming) 212 00:11:32,505 --> 00:11:35,534 (playful music) 213 00:11:35,534 --> 00:11:38,094 Finally a mountain lemming! 214 00:11:38,094 --> 00:11:39,476 A little more be-speckled 215 00:11:39,476 --> 00:11:41,705 than it's brown cousin in Siberia, 216 00:11:41,705 --> 00:11:43,608 but just as delicious! 217 00:11:43,608 --> 00:11:45,475 (rustling) 218 00:11:45,475 --> 00:11:47,704 It's collecting grasses and linchen 219 00:11:47,704 --> 00:11:50,189 to stock up it's pantry under the snow. 220 00:11:50,189 --> 00:11:53,293 That's where is spends most of it's time in the winter, 221 00:11:53,293 --> 00:11:56,428 well protected and hard to find. 222 00:11:56,428 --> 00:11:59,441 (rustling) 223 00:12:01,282 --> 00:12:03,980 The snowy owl must use it's chance. 224 00:12:03,980 --> 00:12:07,094 (rustling) 225 00:12:07,094 --> 00:12:10,086 (owl screaming) 226 00:12:13,100 --> 00:12:16,189 The lemming is watchful. 227 00:12:16,189 --> 00:12:19,218 Walking on it's snowshoes, it stalks the lemming, 228 00:12:19,218 --> 00:12:23,223 trusting in it's camouflage and the element of surprise. 229 00:12:23,223 --> 00:12:27,451 However, it's cover has been blown. 230 00:12:28,600 --> 00:12:29,819 (dramatic music) 231 00:12:29,819 --> 00:12:32,240 The lemming is confoundedly fast! 232 00:12:32,240 --> 00:12:35,174 (playful music) 233 00:12:38,294 --> 00:12:40,524 (owl screaming) 234 00:12:46,284 --> 00:12:49,767 Another attempt is for now out of the question. 235 00:12:49,767 --> 00:12:52,497 (gentle music) 236 00:12:52,497 --> 00:12:54,630 (wind blowing) 237 00:12:54,630 --> 00:12:57,963 Heavy snowfall impedes the visibility. 238 00:13:00,859 --> 00:13:02,651 (grunting) 239 00:13:02,651 --> 00:13:05,862 This is the beginning of a very hard time 240 00:13:05,862 --> 00:13:09,637 even for the reindeer, who are so well used to the cold. 241 00:13:09,637 --> 00:13:12,833 (dramatic music) 242 00:13:12,833 --> 00:13:16,054 They only have the chance to remain and starve, 243 00:13:16,054 --> 00:13:18,390 or to make the energy sapping journey 244 00:13:18,390 --> 00:13:21,259 through the deep snow to search out new pastures 245 00:13:21,259 --> 00:13:25,032 for their meagre diet. 246 00:13:25,650 --> 00:13:29,671 The lemming has absolutely no problem with the snow. 247 00:13:29,671 --> 00:13:32,807 Quite the opposite, it's an ally. 248 00:13:34,296 --> 00:13:36,941 Foraging, stocking up, eating, 249 00:13:36,941 --> 00:13:41,101 raising it's young up to six times throughout the winter. 250 00:13:41,101 --> 00:13:44,130 It manages all that buried under the snow, 251 00:13:44,130 --> 00:13:46,608 and rarely ventures out. 252 00:13:46,608 --> 00:13:48,880 If there's a new covering of snow, 253 00:13:48,880 --> 00:13:51,771 it offers the perfect protection 254 00:13:51,771 --> 00:13:54,757 against the cold and enemies. 255 00:13:56,651 --> 00:13:58,667 For the owl it's a trajedy, 256 00:13:58,667 --> 00:14:01,878 because it makes the rodents much harder to find. 257 00:14:01,878 --> 00:14:04,882 It's only in those places where the wind blows a clearing 258 00:14:04,882 --> 00:14:06,429 that it has a chance. 259 00:14:06,429 --> 00:14:09,330 (owl screaming) 260 00:14:09,330 --> 00:14:12,700 (wings flapping) 261 00:14:12,700 --> 00:14:15,798 (gentle music) 262 00:14:19,921 --> 00:14:21,905 The first attempt, 263 00:14:21,905 --> 00:14:25,805 the rodent hidden in it's labyrinth has a clear advantage. 264 00:14:25,805 --> 00:14:27,874 (clicking) 265 00:14:27,874 --> 00:14:31,490 (suspenseful music) 266 00:14:31,490 --> 00:14:34,300 (clicking) 267 00:14:35,826 --> 00:14:36,766 (squeaking) 268 00:14:36,766 --> 00:14:40,062 And it's no stranger to protecting himself. 269 00:14:40,062 --> 00:14:42,355 Deep snow hunting, it seems, 270 00:14:42,355 --> 00:14:44,222 is not for the owl. 271 00:14:44,222 --> 00:14:45,832 (reindeer running) 272 00:14:45,832 --> 00:14:48,510 The reindeer leave the inhospitable terrain. 273 00:14:48,510 --> 00:14:51,027 (gentle music) 274 00:14:51,027 --> 00:14:54,458 The snowy owl is also forced to move on. 275 00:14:54,458 --> 00:14:57,401 Indeed, the perennial aviator will cover 276 00:14:57,401 --> 00:14:59,737 the circumference of the pole throughout the winter 277 00:14:59,737 --> 00:15:02,137 in search of nourishment. 278 00:15:02,137 --> 00:15:03,961 If it doesn't meet with success, 279 00:15:03,961 --> 00:15:07,086 the journey will be very risky. 280 00:15:07,086 --> 00:15:10,738 (gentle music) 281 00:15:12,194 --> 00:15:14,019 Will it's undernourished energy reserves 282 00:15:14,019 --> 00:15:16,195 last long enough to reach the south 283 00:15:16,195 --> 00:15:18,243 where it can hunt again? 284 00:15:18,243 --> 00:15:21,234 (gentle music) 285 00:15:22,840 --> 00:15:26,569 The energy-sapping flight is grueling. 286 00:15:26,569 --> 00:15:30,451 A short catch in-between could be much needed, 287 00:15:30,451 --> 00:15:34,206 but here also, the snow is far too deep. 288 00:15:34,206 --> 00:15:37,700 (wings flapping) 289 00:15:37,700 --> 00:15:39,769 The great grey owl shows how to 290 00:15:39,769 --> 00:15:41,924 be a good deep snow hunter. 291 00:15:41,924 --> 00:15:43,915 (owl hooting) 292 00:15:43,915 --> 00:15:46,220 It seeks out the mice from above 293 00:15:46,220 --> 00:15:48,637 and makes it's approach silently gliding, 294 00:15:48,637 --> 00:15:51,889 before plunging the last meters with the full force, 295 00:15:51,889 --> 00:15:54,742 landing deep in the snow. 296 00:15:55,729 --> 00:15:58,129 Although only around two kilos in weight, 297 00:15:58,129 --> 00:16:01,073 in manages to pin-pointedly capture it's prey 298 00:16:01,073 --> 00:16:04,309 up to 40 centimeters under the snow. 299 00:16:05,723 --> 00:16:09,200 The competition lurks in the background. 300 00:16:09,200 --> 00:16:10,885 The supply of mice is small, 301 00:16:10,885 --> 00:16:12,859 but the hunger is big. 302 00:16:12,859 --> 00:16:16,005 Every little bit counts in the winter. 303 00:16:16,005 --> 00:16:18,807 (wings flapping) 304 00:16:18,807 --> 00:16:22,519 The hunter has already swallowed his well-earned rewards, 305 00:16:22,519 --> 00:16:26,153 but it takes a while for his competition to notice. 306 00:16:26,153 --> 00:16:28,686 (owl screaming) 307 00:16:33,598 --> 00:16:36,030 With such tough competition around, 308 00:16:36,030 --> 00:16:39,729 the snowy owl has no chance. 309 00:16:39,729 --> 00:16:43,543 (dramatic music) 310 00:16:43,543 --> 00:16:47,524 It has to leave the Tiger's Forests behind, 311 00:16:47,524 --> 00:16:50,692 it can't hunt between trees. 312 00:16:50,692 --> 00:16:54,595 Open spaces with a milder climate are the aim, 313 00:16:54,595 --> 00:16:59,595 but it's destination is still as yet a long journey away. 314 00:16:59,671 --> 00:17:03,312 (dramatic music) 315 00:17:14,827 --> 00:17:17,547 After a further 500 kilometers, 316 00:17:17,547 --> 00:17:21,674 it has still not crossed the undesirable coniferous forest. 317 00:17:21,674 --> 00:17:23,744 Exhausted, it stops for a rest. 318 00:17:23,744 --> 00:17:26,751 (wolf howling) 319 00:17:26,751 --> 00:17:28,362 As dusk approaches, 320 00:17:28,362 --> 00:17:30,964 the Forest of the Trolls is suddenly awake. 321 00:17:30,964 --> 00:17:32,404 (birds chirping) 322 00:17:32,404 --> 00:17:34,410 Millions of bramblings are heading south 323 00:17:34,410 --> 00:17:37,493 and are looking for a place to rest for the night. 324 00:17:38,298 --> 00:17:40,248 (wolves howling) 325 00:17:40,248 --> 00:17:42,814 (birds chirping) 326 00:17:45,034 --> 00:17:47,848 (owl hooting) 327 00:17:47,848 --> 00:17:50,702 (owl screaming) 328 00:17:50,702 --> 00:17:55,139 A very real spirit of the forest makes an entrance. 329 00:17:55,139 --> 00:17:58,488 The snowy owl must heed him attentively, 330 00:17:58,488 --> 00:18:01,187 he could be very dangerous. 331 00:18:01,187 --> 00:18:02,687 A wolverine. 332 00:18:02,687 --> 00:18:05,609 (sniffing) 333 00:18:06,769 --> 00:18:11,138 This Geraint Martin can cover up to 45 kilometers in a night 334 00:18:11,138 --> 00:18:14,390 in it's relentless search for food. 335 00:18:16,743 --> 00:18:20,210 In the winter it'll eat anything it can find. 336 00:18:20,210 --> 00:18:22,447 (suspenseful music) 337 00:18:22,447 --> 00:18:26,106 Nothing escapes it's highy tuned sense of smell. 338 00:18:28,277 --> 00:18:31,520 A leftover carcass distracts it's attentions. 339 00:18:31,520 --> 00:18:34,009 (chomping) 340 00:18:36,693 --> 00:18:40,668 However, it's attentions don't go unnoticed. 341 00:18:40,668 --> 00:18:43,725 (low growling) 342 00:18:43,725 --> 00:18:46,759 (suspenseful music) 343 00:18:50,978 --> 00:18:53,889 The lynx is not impressed when it discovers 344 00:18:53,889 --> 00:18:57,260 someone hunting on it's terrain. 345 00:19:00,550 --> 00:19:02,844 The wolverine thinks better of it, 346 00:19:02,844 --> 00:19:04,828 and ambles on. 347 00:19:04,828 --> 00:19:08,277 (low growling) 348 00:19:10,011 --> 00:19:12,433 The lynx is already full, 349 00:19:12,433 --> 00:19:14,161 and is looking for a quiet brunch 350 00:19:14,161 --> 00:19:17,397 to settle down for the night. 351 00:19:18,747 --> 00:19:21,705 (rustling) 352 00:19:22,512 --> 00:19:24,763 (low growling) 353 00:19:24,763 --> 00:19:26,736 (owl hooting) 354 00:19:26,736 --> 00:19:28,289 (rustling) 355 00:19:28,289 --> 00:19:30,017 Taken. 356 00:19:30,017 --> 00:19:32,374 The lynx decides not to trouble itself 357 00:19:32,374 --> 00:19:35,526 with an argumentative owl. 358 00:19:38,187 --> 00:19:41,571 Long and cold hours lay ahead of the owl. 359 00:19:43,151 --> 00:19:46,359 (gentle music) 360 00:19:47,979 --> 00:19:52,314 It's a night as if made for myths and fairy tales, 361 00:19:55,861 --> 00:19:57,354 where the Northern Lights dance 362 00:19:57,354 --> 00:20:00,906 like fluorescent ghosts in the night sky. 363 00:20:00,906 --> 00:20:04,388 (gentle music) 364 00:20:07,754 --> 00:20:10,836 Perhaps the myths about the ambassadors to the other side 365 00:20:10,836 --> 00:20:13,904 stem from such nights as this. 366 00:20:13,904 --> 00:20:17,232 They are the stuff of J.K. Rowling's creation, 367 00:20:17,232 --> 00:20:21,503 Hedwig, the messenger owl in Harry Potter's magical world. 368 00:20:28,406 --> 00:20:30,112 A little more factually seen, 369 00:20:30,112 --> 00:20:33,217 they are a result of a natural phenomenon. 370 00:20:33,217 --> 00:20:35,531 The solo winds, highly charged particles 371 00:20:35,531 --> 00:20:38,262 collide with the earth's atmosphere, 372 00:20:38,262 --> 00:20:42,752 triggering the atoms into this majestic play of light. 373 00:20:42,752 --> 00:20:46,437 (subdued music) 374 00:20:55,797 --> 00:20:57,685 As the sun rises 375 00:20:57,685 --> 00:21:02,154 this intriguing spectacle is total absorbed by the daylight. 376 00:21:02,154 --> 00:21:04,501 (birds cooing) 377 00:21:04,501 --> 00:21:06,784 (wings flapping) 378 00:21:06,784 --> 00:21:09,440 The starting gun for the black grouse 379 00:21:09,440 --> 00:21:12,085 who come to the same place year after year 380 00:21:12,085 --> 00:21:14,826 to perform their commutal courtship rituals. 381 00:21:14,826 --> 00:21:18,548 (birds cooing) 382 00:21:18,548 --> 00:21:20,262 (bird cawing) 383 00:21:20,262 --> 00:21:24,283 Every male occupies his own small personal territory, 384 00:21:24,283 --> 00:21:27,355 and sets out to impress the competition. 385 00:21:27,355 --> 00:21:29,179 Not only acoustically, 386 00:21:29,179 --> 00:21:32,091 but dramatically as well. 387 00:21:32,091 --> 00:21:34,975 (bird cawing) 388 00:21:35,802 --> 00:21:37,700 The red wattles above the eyes 389 00:21:37,700 --> 00:21:40,442 swell up for the annual occasion. 390 00:21:40,442 --> 00:21:42,676 (bird cooing) 391 00:21:42,676 --> 00:21:44,346 The oldest and the highest ranking 392 00:21:44,346 --> 00:21:47,648 occupy the center of the courting arena. 393 00:21:47,648 --> 00:21:50,213 (bird cooing) 394 00:21:56,117 --> 00:21:57,621 A younger member of the group 395 00:21:57,621 --> 00:22:00,287 is staking his challenge to the helm, 396 00:22:00,287 --> 00:22:01,930 a duel is called. 397 00:22:01,930 --> 00:22:04,223 (wings flapping) 398 00:22:04,223 --> 00:22:05,866 (bird cawing) 399 00:22:05,866 --> 00:22:07,124 Like two swordsmen, 400 00:22:07,124 --> 00:22:10,399 the birds set at each other with their powerful beaks. 401 00:22:10,399 --> 00:22:12,842 (dramatic music) 402 00:22:12,842 --> 00:22:16,711 They attempt to hit each other on the red wattles. 403 00:22:16,711 --> 00:22:19,255 (bird cawing) 404 00:22:19,255 --> 00:22:21,455 (dramatic music) 405 00:22:21,455 --> 00:22:23,595 A direct hit! 406 00:22:23,595 --> 00:22:27,348 The younger has managed to grab hold of the older. 407 00:22:27,348 --> 00:22:30,767 (dramatic music) 408 00:22:33,056 --> 00:22:34,622 For this, it will have to endure 409 00:22:34,622 --> 00:22:38,142 some powerful retaliatory swipes with the wings. 410 00:22:38,142 --> 00:22:42,509 (birds fighting) 411 00:22:45,288 --> 00:22:49,619 With this duel, both young and old can be dis-plumed. 412 00:22:49,619 --> 00:22:51,571 It will only be the winner 413 00:22:51,571 --> 00:22:54,333 who is allowed to mate with the females. 414 00:22:54,333 --> 00:22:56,351 (birds cooing) 415 00:22:56,351 --> 00:22:57,449 (wings flapping) 416 00:22:57,449 --> 00:23:00,616 It seems grouse won't be on the menu for breakfast. 417 00:23:00,616 --> 00:23:03,917 (gentle music) 418 00:23:08,786 --> 00:23:13,074 It forces the owl to continue it's journey southwards 419 00:23:13,074 --> 00:23:16,712 and to leave the Scandinavian Tiger behind. 420 00:23:16,712 --> 00:23:20,487 It has to finally get to suitable hunting grounds. 421 00:23:20,487 --> 00:23:22,802 (gentle music) 422 00:23:22,802 --> 00:23:25,749 By and by, deciduous trees such as birch, 423 00:23:25,749 --> 00:23:27,903 are mixed into the pallet of the forest, 424 00:23:27,903 --> 00:23:31,029 and the days grow longer and warmer. 425 00:23:31,029 --> 00:23:34,126 (gentle music) 426 00:23:40,862 --> 00:23:42,750 After another ten days flight, 427 00:23:42,750 --> 00:23:45,331 it finally reaches the North Sea 428 00:23:45,331 --> 00:23:48,474 on the south cast of Scandinavia. 429 00:23:48,474 --> 00:23:50,936 However, instead of finding a large stretch 430 00:23:50,936 --> 00:23:53,699 of open water with resting seabirds beneath, 431 00:23:53,699 --> 00:23:57,378 there is nothing else but an icy desert. 432 00:23:57,378 --> 00:23:59,566 This year the arctic temperatures have even 433 00:23:59,566 --> 00:24:03,148 gripped the expanses moderate climes. 434 00:24:03,148 --> 00:24:05,602 Across Denmark, land of the Vikings, 435 00:24:05,602 --> 00:24:08,471 the picture remains the same. 436 00:24:08,471 --> 00:24:11,757 5,000 kilometers now lay behind it. 437 00:24:11,757 --> 00:24:14,253 (gentle music) 438 00:24:14,253 --> 00:24:16,968 It's only as it reaches the open sea around 439 00:24:16,968 --> 00:24:18,512 the German North Sea Islands, 440 00:24:18,512 --> 00:24:20,157 that things look better. 441 00:24:20,157 --> 00:24:21,064 (birds chirping) 442 00:24:21,064 --> 00:24:24,587 In between the tidal waves swim schools of flounders 443 00:24:24,587 --> 00:24:27,596 without the protection of ice. 444 00:24:27,596 --> 00:24:29,926 Has it finally reached it's goal? 445 00:24:29,926 --> 00:24:32,571 (birds chirping) 446 00:24:32,571 --> 00:24:36,813 (gentle music) 447 00:24:39,495 --> 00:24:43,411 A young snowy owl has arrived two weeks earlier. 448 00:24:43,411 --> 00:24:45,895 Although less experienced, the younger birds 449 00:24:45,895 --> 00:24:49,758 intuitively set off for the journey earlier. 450 00:24:49,758 --> 00:24:51,458 (birds chirping) 451 00:24:51,458 --> 00:24:52,893 (water flowing) 452 00:24:52,893 --> 00:24:55,569 It's found a fully set table 453 00:24:55,569 --> 00:24:58,715 on Germany's North Sea Coast. 454 00:24:58,715 --> 00:25:02,374 Sea birds as far as the eye can see. 455 00:25:02,374 --> 00:25:05,354 (birds quacking) 456 00:25:10,332 --> 00:25:12,630 (splashing) 457 00:25:14,758 --> 00:25:17,894 From mallards to sheldricks, 458 00:25:17,894 --> 00:25:21,222 all fighting for a place as the evening sets in 459 00:25:21,222 --> 00:25:25,280 on the interior fresh water lakes behind the coast. 460 00:25:25,280 --> 00:25:27,883 Here they're best protected overnight 461 00:25:27,883 --> 00:25:32,461 against such nocturnal predators like the marten or the fox. 462 00:25:32,461 --> 00:25:35,944 (birds quacking) 463 00:25:35,944 --> 00:25:38,568 By the next morning most of them have survived 464 00:25:38,568 --> 00:25:41,618 the uncomfortable cold of the night. 465 00:25:41,618 --> 00:25:45,511 And in ice cold water with bare feet at that! 466 00:25:45,511 --> 00:25:47,549 (birds quacking) 467 00:25:47,549 --> 00:25:50,492 How do those water birds manage not to freeze? 468 00:25:50,492 --> 00:25:54,486 (playful music) 469 00:25:56,648 --> 00:25:58,502 Astonishingly enough, 470 00:25:58,502 --> 00:26:02,054 they actually lose very little heat on the ice. 471 00:26:02,054 --> 00:26:04,476 They're equipped with a perfect 472 00:26:04,476 --> 00:26:07,314 heat exchange system in their legs. 473 00:26:07,314 --> 00:26:10,663 (birds quacking) 474 00:26:10,663 --> 00:26:13,063 Warm blood flows downwards, 475 00:26:13,063 --> 00:26:15,117 and the cold bood upwards. 476 00:26:15,117 --> 00:26:17,410 (playful music) 477 00:26:17,410 --> 00:26:19,436 At an abundantly flowing bottleneck, 478 00:26:19,436 --> 00:26:21,654 the warm blood exchanges with the cold blood 479 00:26:21,654 --> 00:26:24,802 which travels back into the body. 480 00:26:24,802 --> 00:26:28,865 Saving energy by keeping ones feet cold, in principle. 481 00:26:28,865 --> 00:26:31,850 (birds chirping) 482 00:26:31,850 --> 00:26:35,204 (playful orchestral music) 483 00:26:37,867 --> 00:26:40,544 Without such an ingenious heat recovery system, 484 00:26:40,544 --> 00:26:42,357 the smaller birds, above all else, 485 00:26:42,357 --> 00:26:44,229 would quickly freeze. 486 00:26:46,217 --> 00:26:48,756 But despite this impressive wonder of nature, 487 00:26:48,756 --> 00:26:51,134 the birds are constantly under pressure 488 00:26:51,134 --> 00:26:54,200 throughout the winter not to starve. 489 00:26:56,009 --> 00:26:59,240 The grey heron normally hunts fish. 490 00:26:59,240 --> 00:27:03,289 However, when the waters are frozen a plan B is needed. 491 00:27:04,157 --> 00:27:07,156 It keeps it's eyes on the sheldricks, 492 00:27:07,156 --> 00:27:09,885 fish hunter like itself. 493 00:27:10,975 --> 00:27:12,504 (birds quacking) 494 00:27:12,504 --> 00:27:16,270 Perhaps it can wrangle something out of them. 495 00:27:18,140 --> 00:27:21,069 The smew comes from far away, 496 00:27:21,069 --> 00:27:23,480 from Siberia like the snowy owl, 497 00:27:23,480 --> 00:27:26,281 which is watching on as ever. 498 00:27:26,281 --> 00:27:29,267 (splashing) 499 00:27:30,807 --> 00:27:32,663 (birds chirping) 500 00:27:32,663 --> 00:27:34,935 The owl waits. 501 00:27:34,935 --> 00:27:39,020 Perhaps one of the many birds won't be paying attention. 502 00:27:39,020 --> 00:27:42,202 (gentle music) 503 00:27:42,923 --> 00:27:46,480 (birds quacking) 504 00:27:48,448 --> 00:27:50,912 This solitary duck, perhaps. 505 00:27:50,912 --> 00:27:53,733 (wings flapping) 506 00:27:57,088 --> 00:28:01,025 The lemming hunter transforms into a bird hunter. 507 00:28:01,025 --> 00:28:03,968 The tactic remains the same, 508 00:28:03,968 --> 00:28:07,720 it'll take what is easiest to overpower. 509 00:28:07,720 --> 00:28:10,840 But hunting birds is not such an easy undertaking. 510 00:28:10,840 --> 00:28:12,760 (birds quacking) 511 00:28:12,760 --> 00:28:14,631 What makes it even more difficult 512 00:28:14,631 --> 00:28:18,136 is that the birds warn each other. 513 00:28:18,136 --> 00:28:22,205 The snowy owl has to stay hungry for now. 514 00:28:23,075 --> 00:28:25,784 (birds chirping) 515 00:28:25,784 --> 00:28:28,871 (feet sliding on ice) 516 00:28:36,905 --> 00:28:38,365 (splashing) 517 00:28:38,365 --> 00:28:42,820 A sheldrake is having a bit more luck with it's catch. 518 00:28:43,995 --> 00:28:45,805 (splashing) 519 00:28:45,805 --> 00:28:48,124 However, that is only short-lived. 520 00:28:48,124 --> 00:28:52,199 Here, thievery is the order of the day. 521 00:28:52,199 --> 00:28:55,495 Thieves abound everywhere. 522 00:28:56,642 --> 00:28:59,626 No movement escapes attention. 523 00:28:59,626 --> 00:29:02,724 (wings flapping) 524 00:29:04,852 --> 00:29:08,362 Or be it, when two are having a dispute, 525 00:29:08,362 --> 00:29:11,497 the third one reaps the benefits. 526 00:29:11,497 --> 00:29:15,566 (dramatic music) 527 00:29:17,182 --> 00:29:20,376 (birds calling) 528 00:29:22,014 --> 00:29:25,122 But the herons haven't given up yet, 529 00:29:25,122 --> 00:29:28,663 the gull doesn't even get a chance to swallow. 530 00:29:28,663 --> 00:29:32,478 (birds calling) 531 00:29:32,478 --> 00:29:34,429 So much commotion, 532 00:29:34,429 --> 00:29:36,947 all over one fish. 533 00:29:36,947 --> 00:29:41,103 Nothing illustrates the necessity of the birds more. 534 00:29:41,103 --> 00:29:43,577 (dramatic music) 535 00:29:43,577 --> 00:29:46,873 (birds calling) 536 00:29:46,873 --> 00:29:49,653 It's not absolutely the strongest that perseveres here, 537 00:29:49,653 --> 00:29:53,052 but more they with the most cunning. 538 00:29:54,592 --> 00:29:58,900 The clever gull swallows the fish straight away. 539 00:29:58,900 --> 00:30:01,977 (birds calling) 540 00:30:02,900 --> 00:30:04,991 Should the waters freeze completely, 541 00:30:04,991 --> 00:30:08,616 it will come down to a basic fight for survival. 542 00:30:08,616 --> 00:30:12,798 A fight has flared up over the last fish among the herons. 543 00:30:14,348 --> 00:30:17,325 (birds fighting) 544 00:30:19,069 --> 00:30:21,629 (suspenseful music) 545 00:30:21,629 --> 00:30:23,496 No rule is barred 546 00:30:23,496 --> 00:30:27,112 in the birds efforts to stop the other swallowing. 547 00:30:27,112 --> 00:30:32,012 They who run out of steam to struggle will die. 548 00:30:32,776 --> 00:30:34,204 During the harder winters 549 00:30:34,204 --> 00:30:38,002 around 50% of the herons will starve. 550 00:30:38,002 --> 00:30:42,210 (dramatic music) 551 00:30:42,210 --> 00:30:46,503 Only the most resourceful of them will survive. 552 00:30:46,503 --> 00:30:49,654 (birds chirping) 553 00:30:51,014 --> 00:30:55,125 (gentle music) 554 00:30:59,643 --> 00:31:03,212 (wind blowing) 555 00:31:03,212 --> 00:31:05,900 Some animals decide not to trouble themselves 556 00:31:05,900 --> 00:31:09,798 at all with the hardships of winter. 557 00:31:11,020 --> 00:31:13,249 Hidden away in the hollow of a tree, 558 00:31:13,249 --> 00:31:15,521 a garden dormouse takes it's leave 559 00:31:15,521 --> 00:31:18,757 of the inconveniently cold season. 560 00:31:20,118 --> 00:31:23,915 It's body temperature has sunk to just above freezing, 561 00:31:23,915 --> 00:31:27,936 and it's metabolism has reduced itself to a minimum. 562 00:31:27,936 --> 00:31:31,445 It's heart beats only slightly per minute. 563 00:31:31,445 --> 00:31:34,432 (gentle music) 564 00:31:34,432 --> 00:31:37,034 A whole range of animals disappear from the picture 565 00:31:37,034 --> 00:31:39,701 altogether during the winter months, 566 00:31:39,701 --> 00:31:41,403 and emaciate themselves 567 00:31:41,403 --> 00:31:44,974 from their fat reserves while sleeping. 568 00:31:46,174 --> 00:31:48,093 Tree hollows are mostly favored by 569 00:31:48,093 --> 00:31:51,507 the household and the edible dormice. 570 00:31:51,507 --> 00:31:53,618 The hedgehog, on the other hand, 571 00:31:53,618 --> 00:31:57,857 likes to bury itself under dried out foliage and grass. 572 00:31:57,857 --> 00:32:00,681 Hunters like the snowy owl have no chance 573 00:32:00,681 --> 00:32:03,746 to find them in their hideaways. 574 00:32:03,746 --> 00:32:07,610 Many other animals simply have to bear it out. 575 00:32:07,610 --> 00:32:10,799 With it's bushes filled with berries and it's apple trees, 576 00:32:10,799 --> 00:32:12,911 the coastal region in the North of Germany 577 00:32:12,911 --> 00:32:16,367 serves as a gigantic fridge for the birds. 578 00:32:16,367 --> 00:32:17,871 (gentle music) 579 00:32:17,871 --> 00:32:19,898 Fieldfares and the common blackbirds 580 00:32:19,898 --> 00:32:23,844 absolutely love the rich frozen fare. 581 00:32:23,844 --> 00:32:26,297 (rustling) 582 00:32:26,297 --> 00:32:29,284 Apples contain large amounts of sweet fructose 583 00:32:29,284 --> 00:32:31,971 and are good sources of energy. 584 00:32:31,971 --> 00:32:36,360 Every apple harvested could be a life-saver. 585 00:32:39,299 --> 00:32:41,816 Even the newcomers arriving from the Tiger 586 00:32:41,816 --> 00:32:43,905 enjoy the benefits of the fruit. 587 00:32:43,905 --> 00:32:44,841 (wings flapping) 588 00:32:44,841 --> 00:32:46,633 The waxwings are not the only guests 589 00:32:46,633 --> 00:32:49,620 who have made the arduous journey from the North. 590 00:32:50,736 --> 00:32:54,191 The older snowy owl arrives on the scene. 591 00:32:54,191 --> 00:32:56,890 (wings flapping) 592 00:32:56,890 --> 00:33:00,975 Famished after a flight of nearly 5,000 kilometers, 593 00:33:00,975 --> 00:33:04,666 it is in urgent need of nutrition. 594 00:33:08,074 --> 00:33:12,134 Bu the partridges are all too aware. 595 00:33:12,134 --> 00:33:14,384 (owl clucking) 596 00:33:14,384 --> 00:33:17,610 (wings flapping) 597 00:33:21,232 --> 00:33:24,890 But finally there is a hope for the owl again. 598 00:33:24,890 --> 00:33:26,864 On the relatively open plains, 599 00:33:26,864 --> 00:33:29,317 chances are much better for hunting. 600 00:33:29,317 --> 00:33:32,980 (gentle music) 601 00:33:37,838 --> 00:33:41,598 (snow falling) 602 00:33:44,271 --> 00:33:45,796 A hundred years ago, 603 00:33:45,796 --> 00:33:47,854 the snowy owl's numbers were much larger 604 00:33:47,854 --> 00:33:49,752 in the central Europe. 605 00:33:49,752 --> 00:33:52,840 Today, it is extremely rare. 606 00:33:53,512 --> 00:33:55,560 (gentle music) 607 00:33:55,560 --> 00:33:58,451 Some even come as stowaways. 608 00:33:58,451 --> 00:34:01,064 During a storm in 2014, 609 00:34:01,064 --> 00:34:05,298 five American owls found shelter on a ship bound for Europe. 610 00:34:05,298 --> 00:34:07,549 From board they flew over the Netherlands, 611 00:34:07,549 --> 00:34:09,809 and back home again, 612 00:34:09,809 --> 00:34:12,828 a modern winter's fairy tale. 613 00:34:12,828 --> 00:34:16,694 (gentle music) 614 00:34:17,556 --> 00:34:20,811 (rustling) 615 00:34:23,324 --> 00:34:24,828 Such a comfortable journey 616 00:34:24,828 --> 00:34:27,003 wasn't had by this owl. 617 00:34:27,003 --> 00:34:30,193 Added to that it now faces competition, 618 00:34:30,193 --> 00:34:31,325 Fox 619 00:34:33,145 --> 00:34:35,309 and ermine. 620 00:34:37,299 --> 00:34:41,337 (playful music) 621 00:34:41,337 --> 00:34:44,792 All are chasing the same thing, 622 00:34:44,792 --> 00:34:46,457 the mouse. 623 00:34:47,777 --> 00:34:50,902 The ermine looks as if it could have a plan. 624 00:34:52,262 --> 00:34:54,915 (playful music) 625 00:34:54,915 --> 00:34:56,349 What could be the reason 626 00:34:56,349 --> 00:34:58,930 for this sprightly little romp? 627 00:34:58,930 --> 00:35:01,959 (playful music) 628 00:35:01,959 --> 00:35:05,440 The fox is taking it's time. 629 00:35:07,356 --> 00:35:12,028 It's monitering for slight sounds beneath the snow. 630 00:35:14,268 --> 00:35:16,267 (crunching snow) 631 00:35:18,683 --> 00:35:21,766 The performance was not without it's merit. 632 00:35:21,766 --> 00:35:23,899 The ermine aims to shock the mouse 633 00:35:23,899 --> 00:35:27,216 andn try to scare it out of it's safe haven. 634 00:35:31,766 --> 00:35:35,231 (playful music) 635 00:35:36,762 --> 00:35:38,821 And it works! 636 00:35:42,390 --> 00:35:44,636 (rustling) 637 00:35:44,636 --> 00:35:47,949 The victory is short-lived, 638 00:35:47,949 --> 00:35:50,738 try again. 639 00:35:54,473 --> 00:35:57,035 Very fortunate for the patient guest. 640 00:35:57,035 --> 00:36:00,071 (chewing) 641 00:36:00,071 --> 00:36:01,176 (digging) 642 00:36:01,176 --> 00:36:03,373 Ermines and foxes hunt mice 643 00:36:03,373 --> 00:36:06,275 as their primary source of prey. 644 00:36:06,275 --> 00:36:09,436 They are dependant on it for their numbers. 645 00:36:11,130 --> 00:36:15,591 (dramatic music) 646 00:36:20,012 --> 00:36:23,425 As ever, the snowy owl watches on. 647 00:36:23,425 --> 00:36:27,109 (playful music) 648 00:36:33,173 --> 00:36:36,942 The ermine has to keep a close eye on the owl. 649 00:36:37,888 --> 00:36:40,064 Sometimes owls can't just resist 650 00:36:40,064 --> 00:36:42,656 their kleptomaniac urges. 651 00:36:45,947 --> 00:36:48,863 A younger snowy owl enters the scene. 652 00:36:48,863 --> 00:36:51,601 The feathers of the young and the females 653 00:36:51,601 --> 00:36:54,097 are covered with brown speckles. 654 00:36:56,257 --> 00:36:59,245 Perhaps it's one of her own chicks. 655 00:37:04,893 --> 00:37:07,186 (playful music) 656 00:37:07,186 --> 00:37:10,185 The ermine has had enough for the day. 657 00:37:11,641 --> 00:37:14,579 End of the show! 658 00:37:17,497 --> 00:37:21,401 (gentle music) 659 00:37:21,401 --> 00:37:23,555 (birds honking) 660 00:37:23,555 --> 00:37:27,513 Not all are such rare guests as the snowy owl, though. 661 00:37:27,513 --> 00:37:31,218 (gentle music) 662 00:37:33,283 --> 00:37:35,757 Whooper swans rest in their thousands 663 00:37:35,757 --> 00:37:37,999 in the North of Germany before undertaking 664 00:37:37,999 --> 00:37:41,817 their return journey to the Siberian Tiger. 665 00:37:41,817 --> 00:37:45,746 (gentle music) 666 00:37:49,369 --> 00:37:52,936 (water splashing) 667 00:37:55,384 --> 00:37:58,485 (wings flapping) 668 00:37:58,485 --> 00:38:02,367 Throughout February the suns rays increase, 669 00:38:02,367 --> 00:38:06,900 and the spirit of departure reverberates across the lake. 670 00:38:06,900 --> 00:38:10,174 (swans honking) 671 00:38:10,174 --> 00:38:13,007 (water splashing) 672 00:38:13,007 --> 00:38:17,412 Getting eleven kilos off the surface is a job in itself. 673 00:38:17,412 --> 00:38:21,075 (gentle music) 674 00:38:29,080 --> 00:38:30,624 For the young snowy owl 675 00:38:30,624 --> 00:38:34,447 their departure is the signal to return. 676 00:38:36,927 --> 00:38:39,807 It takes the route along the Baltic coast. 677 00:38:39,807 --> 00:38:43,694 (gentle music) 678 00:38:55,998 --> 00:38:59,166 It's following the route of the other birds. 679 00:38:59,166 --> 00:39:03,213 (birds calling) 680 00:39:05,811 --> 00:39:07,357 The best hunting chances 681 00:39:07,357 --> 00:39:10,842 are wherever they choose to take a break. 682 00:39:10,842 --> 00:39:13,849 (birds calling) 683 00:39:13,849 --> 00:39:17,598 (gentle music) 684 00:39:24,985 --> 00:39:28,340 Finally comes the fall. 685 00:39:28,340 --> 00:39:32,670 Without snow and ice, everything is much easier. 686 00:39:32,670 --> 00:39:36,547 (gentle music) 687 00:39:38,782 --> 00:39:42,110 Hunting strategies suddenly change. 688 00:39:42,110 --> 00:39:45,143 (water splashing) 689 00:39:46,536 --> 00:39:50,377 This time the owl wants the ducks to see it, 690 00:39:53,262 --> 00:39:55,694 and it glides directly towards them, 691 00:39:55,694 --> 00:39:57,781 forcing them to dive. 692 00:39:57,781 --> 00:39:59,475 (ducks quacking) 693 00:39:59,475 --> 00:40:01,287 (splashing) 694 00:40:02,968 --> 00:40:05,666 It hovers above with patience. 695 00:40:05,666 --> 00:40:08,679 (ducks quacking) 696 00:40:11,330 --> 00:40:14,513 (birds honking) 697 00:40:17,548 --> 00:40:21,047 The first to come up for air dies. 698 00:40:21,047 --> 00:40:23,318 Today it is catered for. 699 00:40:23,318 --> 00:40:26,310 (wings flapping) 700 00:40:31,179 --> 00:40:33,216 Around 50,000 barnacle geese 701 00:40:33,216 --> 00:40:36,656 now set off for their Arctic breeding grounds. 702 00:40:40,778 --> 00:40:45,256 The snowy owl also has to endure this last grueling stage, 703 00:40:45,256 --> 00:40:50,256 over 4,000 kilometers, passing by the Arctic Circle. 704 00:40:51,573 --> 00:40:53,866 (birds calling) 705 00:40:53,866 --> 00:40:56,105 An unusually hard Northern winter 706 00:40:56,105 --> 00:40:58,495 has led the owl to Europe. 707 00:40:58,495 --> 00:41:01,663 However, such years will become less common. 708 00:41:01,663 --> 00:41:04,692 (gentle music) 709 00:41:04,692 --> 00:41:08,533 Who knows if it'll find it's way to these shores again? 710 00:41:08,533 --> 00:41:13,092 Climate change will also have an effect on it's life. 711 00:41:14,406 --> 00:41:18,203 The cyclical lemming outbreak in many regions of the tundra 712 00:41:18,203 --> 00:41:21,452 has dropped drastically over the last 20 years. 713 00:41:21,452 --> 00:41:24,438 (birds chirping) 714 00:41:25,648 --> 00:41:30,274 A possible reason is the rise in temperature in the Arctic. 715 00:41:30,274 --> 00:41:35,169 At present, it is around one degree centigrade per decade, 716 00:41:35,169 --> 00:41:39,101 the winter's become shorter and more clement. 717 00:41:39,101 --> 00:41:42,849 (dramatic music) 718 00:41:45,565 --> 00:41:48,265 As a result, the lemmings lose their deep 719 00:41:48,272 --> 00:41:52,206 and protective layer of snow early in the year. 720 00:41:52,206 --> 00:41:55,054 The large scale outbreak of the last generations 721 00:41:55,054 --> 00:41:58,370 has been dramatically reduced. 722 00:41:58,370 --> 00:42:01,165 (water flowing) 723 00:42:01,165 --> 00:42:03,075 The gradual floor of the Arctic 724 00:42:03,075 --> 00:42:04,930 will have pronounced effects on many 725 00:42:04,930 --> 00:42:07,857 of the specialized inhabitants of the Arctic. 726 00:42:07,857 --> 00:42:11,184 And yet, the exact ecological consequences 727 00:42:11,184 --> 00:42:14,012 remain largely unknown. 728 00:42:15,937 --> 00:42:19,287 The snowy owl has returned 729 00:42:19,287 --> 00:42:22,636 just in time for the Arctic spring. 730 00:42:22,636 --> 00:42:25,036 (birds chirping) 731 00:42:25,036 --> 00:42:28,592 (gentle music) 732 00:42:35,136 --> 00:42:36,930 (bird singing) 733 00:42:36,930 --> 00:42:38,597 The Lapland Longspur 734 00:42:38,597 --> 00:42:41,009 is at the height of it's mating season. 735 00:42:41,009 --> 00:42:44,045 (birds chirping) 736 00:42:44,568 --> 00:42:46,954 When the cotton grass' heads are formed, 737 00:42:46,954 --> 00:42:49,662 the first half of the six week Arctic summer 738 00:42:49,662 --> 00:42:51,082 has already passed. 739 00:42:51,082 --> 00:42:53,602 (gentle music) 740 00:42:53,602 --> 00:42:57,355 The birds have to hurry in rearing their new offspring. 741 00:42:57,355 --> 00:43:00,610 (gentle music) 742 00:43:03,869 --> 00:43:06,664 The growing season, to the advantage of many chicks, 743 00:43:06,664 --> 00:43:09,501 will increase due to climate change. 744 00:43:09,501 --> 00:43:12,878 (birds chirping) 745 00:43:12,878 --> 00:43:15,214 Even the geese which feed on grass 746 00:43:15,214 --> 00:43:17,347 will be a benificiary. 747 00:43:17,347 --> 00:43:19,933 (gentle music) 748 00:43:19,933 --> 00:43:21,969 (chicks chirping) 749 00:43:21,969 --> 00:43:23,832 The snowy owls have yet again 750 00:43:23,832 --> 00:43:26,742 a small family this year. 751 00:43:28,002 --> 00:43:29,978 Now, as before, 752 00:43:29,978 --> 00:43:33,007 they're dependent on their supply of lemmings. 753 00:43:33,007 --> 00:43:34,351 How the diminishing numbers 754 00:43:34,351 --> 00:43:36,398 will have an effect over the long term, 755 00:43:36,398 --> 00:43:38,147 remains to be seen. 756 00:43:38,147 --> 00:43:40,996 (chicks chirping) 757 00:43:42,520 --> 00:43:43,949 On the other hand, 758 00:43:43,949 --> 00:43:46,872 perhaps they won't be forced to fly so far south 759 00:43:46,872 --> 00:43:50,018 as a result of the milder Arctic winter. 760 00:43:50,018 --> 00:43:53,159 (gentle music) 761 00:43:56,093 --> 00:44:00,247 One thing remains clear for the snowy owls, 762 00:44:00,247 --> 00:44:02,807 to survive in the magical world of the winter, 763 00:44:02,807 --> 00:44:05,431 one needs particular qualities: 764 00:44:05,431 --> 00:44:08,535 intelligence, a sense of adventure, 765 00:44:08,535 --> 00:44:11,660 and immense powers of endurance. 766 00:44:11,660 --> 00:44:15,163 (dramatic music) 53930

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