A Wild Year On Earth

BBC America: The start of the year is a time of extremes across Earth. From the realm of the Polar Bear the Arctic winds plunge the Northern Hemisphere into winter. While in the tropics, animals and humans have a different response to the season.

BBC America: The longer days trigger dramatic events across the natural world. In March, a wave of blooming Cherry Blossoms unfolds across Japan signalling the arrival of Spring. The season for new life spurs many creatures to find a mate.

BBC America: May is a time of seasonal gear shifting and powerful forces of nature. In the heart of North America tornadoes tear across the plains as wild mustang herds gather. The end of the Dry in Southern Africa claims victims amongst the elephant herds.

BBC America: Summertime triggers some of the planet's great seasonal migration events: including thousands of Sock Eye Salmon reach the end of their journey to spawn in rivers attracting Brown Bears in a feeding frenzy.

BBC America: In September, seasonal swings activate change across the natural world. The heat rises in Africa as the dry season deepens. The coming of early rains encourages new life in the Kalahari. The September Equinox marks autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.

BBC America: We come full circle on this wild year on Earth. Monarch butterflies converge in Mexico. In Africa the rains return and are welcomed by Masked Weaver Birds. The lunar cycle and warm waters off Australia trigger the Great Barrier Reef's coral spawning.