WILD MURRAMARANG - episode 2

Rays of the early sun penetrate the cloud layer, when life begins to stir again in the Murramarang National Park. With the arrival of summer many young birds have left their nest, still very much in need of support from their parents. Flowers in full bloom form a desired snack for honeyeaters among protein-rich food varieties. The lake in the park's centre is the nutrient source for waterbirds. Fledglings in their nests are looked after by caring parents until the day of their independence. With all requirements for a good life at hand, they surely must live in paradise. But the abundance of everything doesn't last forever. Several months of drought and bushfires, with a short supply of water, costs many of the park's animals their lives. Parts of the forest and bushland become victims of the fires. But wether it's heath, forest, or marshland, mother nature is back at work in full recovery mode. From the start of winter, increasing whale numbers can be seen travelling north from their home in Antarctica, to spend the winter with their calves in liveable conditions on the Australian Barrier Reef and islands beyond.