Orange-and-black wings fill the sky as NOVA charts one of nature's most remarkable phenomena: the epic migration of monarch butterflies across North America. To capture a butterfly's point of view, NOVA’s filmmakers used a helicopter, ultralight, and hot-air balloon for aerial views along the transcontinental route. This wondrous annual migration, which scientists are just beginning to fathom, is an endangered phenomenon that could dwindle to insignificance if the giant firs that the butterflies cling to during the winter disappear.
Cinematography
Ultralight and balloon shots make butterflies look mythical.
Production
Helicopter chasing insects — overkill in the best way.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Monarchs use a circadian clock and sun compass — they literally keep time better than most humans.
This 2009 doc helped spark mainstream awareness of monarch decline before it became a biodiversity crisis headline.
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