Return of the Hoopoe

Across Europe Hoopoes are struggling. But amidst the orchards and vineyards of the Wagram region near Vienna they are thriving. This documentary shows how the small bird with the spectacular crown feathers made a comeback in the heart of Europe and how it is dealing with its neighbours: Aesculapian snakes, foxes and green lizards. But it is also the story about one man's dream that came true: Manfred Eckenfellner is known as the 'Hoopoe-Whisperer' and due to his passion the birds found their way back to the Wagram region. Even cultural landscapes like the Wagram offer countless opportunities for wild animals to find new niches. Kestrels use castle towers to breed and bee-eaters live in the same layers of loess vintners grow their grapes on. (official distributor synopsis)