Part 1: A rich variety of fascinating bird species, exotic landscapes, interesting culture and a wonderful climate make the small West African country of The Gambia a popular winter-sun birding destination.
After seven weeks of travelling and filming in the country, naturalist Malcolm Rymer documents the bird-life and the diverse species-rich habitats in a trilogy of birding travelogues.
This, the first film -'Sorties around the Smiling Coast' serves as an introduction to The Gambia's bird-life, examining the varied habitats and wildlife found around the main coastal tourist centre.
The companion films – “Forays Further Afield” and Upriver Odyssey” continue the adventures deeper into the country.
Part 2: Having introduced many of the commoner, familiar species found around the tourist centre in the first film 'Sorties around the Smiling Coast', this second film considers different habitats and associated bird species found a little further afield, but still within easy reach of the coastal hotels.
We visit Kotu, Camaloo Corner and the Bund Rd. Study the birdlife of Abuko and Tanji Reserves. Discover the rich diversity around Lamin and Mandina Ba ricefields. Examine woodland wildlife of Brufut and Marakissa.
The final film, an 'Upriver Odyssey' continues the adventure upcountry, travelling in search of species which have eluded our list in the coastal region.
Part 3: An 'Upriver Odyssey' concludes the trilogy of birding adventures in the West African country of The Gambia. In this travelogue, naturalist Malcolm Rymer ventures upriver as far as Basse, exploring the many bird-rich habitats around Tendaba. Georgetown, The North Bank and the Upper River Division.
Join Malcolm and colleagues in search of the region's special birds - fascinating raptors, beautiful bee-eaters, enigmatic Egyptian plovers, African pygmy geese and dozens of other noteworthy species.
The two companion films 'Sorties around the Smiling Coast' and 'Forays Further Afield' study the birdlife of the Western River Division.
Combined Total Running Time: 295 minutes
