Returning the Wild

The kingfisher is often associated with rivers, but this story takes place in a different setting. The Scheldt-Rhine Canal provides passage for 70,000 cargo ships every year. The kingfishers are so successful that they now inhabit small creeks near one of the busiest canals in the world. "Kingfisher" shows these dazzling birds conquering the challenges of such an unusual environment.

In the past, beavers were hunted to extinction in Europe. However, around 25 years ago, they were reintroduced to revitalize wetlands across the continent. Now the population is growing and these builders are redesigning the wetlands again, increasing diversity and providing habitat for other species. In "Beavers," a story unfolds in which one of the families raises no less than four babies.

Extensive grass fields in airports like Schiphol attract mice that, in turn, draw kestrels. When they present danger to air traffic, the kestrels are trapped, ringed and released far away from aircraft flight paths. This episode showcases the secret life of a pair of kestrels with stunning photography and touching stories.