An Original DUCKumentary (Nature Series). DVD. 60 min. Prod. by Thirteen. Dist. by PBS Dist. 2012. ISBN 978-1-60883-810-3. $19.99.
Gr 6 Up–Many colorful and fascinating examples of the over 120 species of ducks are presented via fantastic photography in this production. Paul Giamatti narrates in a friendly, unobtrusive way, sharing
many facts while keeping a loose narrative of a Wood duck family. Throughout are breathtaking visuals, not only of unusual ducks with iridescent plumage, but remarkable underwater shots of ducks diving for clams in the Arctic, baby ducklings jumping from a nest high up in trees several feet to the ground when their wings aren’t yet formed, and more. There’s much to be learned about the two different kinds of flight, nesting, and common predators. Fascinating tidbits are also presented, such as the fact that ducks were one of the first creatures to return from land to the sea, there is a waxy gland that ducks use to groom their feathers that make them waterproof, and some ducks have a special circulation in their legs and webbed feet to preserve their high body temperature while in icy water. The only minor drawback is that not every species is identified during the program—but at the end, instead of listing a cast, the producers show photos of the ducks and identify them. This winning production features everything a strong educational program should have—lots of information, riveting footage, and articulate narration.–C. A. Fehmel,St. LouisCounty Library,MO