New NHPTV Documentary to Explore Songbird Migration from New England to Costa Rica

(DURHAM, April 27, 2010) – Nearly half of New Hampshire’s breeding bird species are in decline, many of them migratory birds that winter in Central and South America. In SILENCE OF THE SONGBIRDS, a new documentary premiering in 2011, New Hampshire Public Television will explore the impact migratory songbird populations have on communities and other wildlife along their migration route, as well as how land development, water supplies and climate influence their existence.Traveling from New Hampshire’s White Mountains, into the urban jungle of Boston, south to Virginia and then to the birds’ final destination in Costa Rica, the documentary will follow the birds’ migratory path, look at their habitat and show how human activity may be negatively affecting the health of songbird populations. To inspire a new generation of birding enthusiasts, SILENCE OF THE SONGBIRDS will celebrate New England’s songbirds, their connections and impact on the communities of North and Central America.Willem Lange, the intrepid host of NHPTV’s popular, award-winning WINDOWS TO THE WILD outdoor series, will host the one-hour high-definition (HD) program, which will also be available in Spanish. In addition, NHPTV will offer interactive educational and engagement opportunities for students and educators, as well as a robust website about migratory birds and songbirds.SILENCE OF THE SONGBIRDS is funded by a grant from the Butler Foundation, which previously funded NHPTV’s WINDOWS TO THE WILD special, JOURNEY OF THE BROAD-WINGED HAWK. That documentary was nominated for a Boston/New England Emmy award for environmental programming and photography, and has been distributed to PBS stations across the country. www.nhptv.org/hawk

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