WILD AMERICA: WOODPECKERS: NATURE'S HAMMERHEADS

Cinemavixion Review

This documentary, "WILD AMERICA: WOODPECKERS: NATURE'S HAMMERHEADS," from 1985, offers an engaging look into the lives of woodpeckers. Narrated by Marty Stouffer, the film delves into the fascinating adaptations of these birds, highlighting their powerful beaks and reinforced skulls, essential tools for drilling into trees for food and shelter. The description touches upon the historical reverence for woodpeckers, even linking them to ancient beliefs about rain deities, and contrasts this with their modern perception, perhaps even evoking the popular cartoon character Woody Woodpecker. The film acknowledges the diverse family of woodpeckers, including flickers and sapsuckers, and the varying classifications of species. It emphasizes that woodpeckers are often heard before they are seen, their presence announced by characteristic drumming sounds, and when spotted, they are frequently a fleeting sight. The documentary invites viewers to explore the unique arboreal lifestyle of these avian 'hammerheads'.