Discover Eyecatchers, a curated collection of show-stopping and surprising video clips capturing the wonders of the natural world. Each clip is accompanied by the fascinating story from behind the lens. Whether you’re seeking standout clips for television or online content, or simply looking for inspiration and ideas, this selection of 10 standout clips is your go-to destination!
1. Fox Tale
LONDON, UK:
Over the years, Matthew Maran has spent countless hours with Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), but he regards this as one of the most wonderful moments he’s ever captured. The footage was shot on an allotment in the bustling heart of London, showcasing the Red fox’s remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in an urban environment.
The vixen had recently given birth, and although her cubs had left the den and were exploring their territory above ground, they were still reliant on their mother for food and protection. The clip shows the cubs jostling for a position to feed from their mother.
“The cubs were nervous so the biggest problem was getting close,” says Maran. “I positioned myself behind an apple tree and used it as a natural hide.” From this position, he was able to watch the foxes undisturbed, witnessing this intimate behaviour. “The playful way in which one of the cubs rolls over its mother encapsulates the ‘joy of spring’,” he says.
2. “Dancing” Sifakas
MADAGASCAR:
The Verreaux’s Sifaka has a unique and comical way of moving and is often referred to as the “dancing” Sifaka. “They have so many different ways of dancing; it’s hilarious,” says Rouse.
Unfortunately, this species is critically endangered. Andy has captured the Sifakas iconic characteristic to show people that they are special, “If they make you smile, then you are more likely to care and want to conserve them.”.
3. Mobile Refreshment
MINDO LOMA BIRD LODGE, ECUADOR:
In the Ecuadorian Andes, at high altitudes, plant diversity is extremely high. Plants flower all year round in the mild and humid climate, creating perfect habitat for hummingbirds. In this clip, shot by Morley Read at an elevation of 1,400 meters, a Violet-tailed sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis) hovers beneath a Cavendishia flower to drink nectar.
“I set up two cameras pointed at likely-looking flowers at the edge of the cloud forest and let them record, pausing only to change batteries and download the memory cards,” says Read. “Using a wide-angle lens, the camera was placed close to the flowers, giving a good depth of field.” Over the course of several days, Morley obtained many interesting shots of the hummingbirds drinking nectar.
4. Tip of the Tongue
MAROMIZAHA, MADAGASCAR:
In 2019, Matthew Roseveare embarked on a research expedition to Madagascar, spending six weeks in the midst of the island’s rainforests. “Living out of a small tent and tracking through thick jungle every day made for a physically challenging experience,” recalls Roseveare. Despite the physical challenges, Roseveare remained focused and was able to capture this endemic Parson’s chameleon (Calumma parsonii) hunting. With its 360-degree vision and a tongue twice the size of its body, this species is a formidable hunter of fast-moving insects.
“It was fascinating to see this female catching prey,” says Roseveare. “While filming this behaviour, it was incredibly sad to learn of the threats the unique flora and fauna of Madagascar face through deforestation. The preservation of protected areas like the Maromizaha forest, where this clip was taken, is vital for the survival of Parson’s chameleon and all other vulnerable wildlife on the island.”
5. Undersea Snowstorm
CORAL COAST, VITI LEVU, FIJI:
Almost 150 coral species make up the genus Acropora, commonly seen on reefs around the world. Although each species in this genus is different, they share an annual spawning event, “a unique and truly one-of-a-kind natural spectacle,” says Tom Vierus. During a certain time of the year and almost exactly to the minute, similar coral species release gametes (packages filled with eggs and sperm) into the water column to produce the next generation of coral larvae.
Shooting spawning coral is not an easy feat; Tom had to work in complete darkness and under the water, in uncontrolled conditions, at depths of 2-4 meters. To overcome these challenges, Tom got into the water before dark and mounted his camera on a tripod that was weighted to the seabed.
After finding an aesthetically pleasing coral, he waited patiently as the light disappeared. “In total synchronicity, some species started spawning all around us, filling the water with millions of gametes. It was almost like a snowstorm underwater and a truly unforgettable experience.”
Tom spent considerable time planning for this event, but his results made it all worthwhile. He says the knowledge that the corals’ spawn will grow into new reefs is a magical feeling.
6. Swimming with Sharks
OSLOB, CEBU ISLAND, PHILIPPINES:
A year before the COVID-19 pandemic, David Weiller went to Oslob to take aerial shots of Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus). On arrival, he was shocked to see crowds of tourists (mostly non-swimmers) surrounding juvenile Whale sharks, only 50 metres from the shore.
“I was told by locals that there were at least a thousand tourists per day, waiting in line at the jetty (from 6:00 am until noon) for their turn to snap close-range photos and selfies of the baby Whale sharks,” says Weiller. David notes that, in his video, some tourists try to swim closer, sometimes resulting in contact with the animal. This is forbidden and can be detrimental to the health of the shark.
David didn’t swim there; he only stayed a couple of nights and documented it with his drone before quickly leaving, questioning the long-term effects of the swimmers’ behaviour.
7. Rodent Rumble
GREATER MANCHESTER, UK:
The House mouse (Mus musculus) originated in Asia and spread across Europe during the Bronze Age, closely associated with humans. Nowadays, they are more prevalent in farm buildings and gardens than in our homes.
Terry Whittaker used a remote camera to capture the hidden life of the House mouse, an animal we rarely see. This footage shows a mouse adopting a defensive posture in reaction to a more dominant and aggressive individual.
“The problem I had was that the mice were shy,” says Whittaker. Although he used a remote camera to try and minimise disturbance, the camera’s motion sensor would also turn on the lights, causing the mice to scatter. Whittaker quickly fixed this issue by providing a constant light source which the mice became accustomed to.
8. The Most Beautiful
AUSTRALIA:
The male Superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae) is universally acknowledged as one of the world’s most skilled songbirds and mimics. It displays on its earth mound, hidden by the understory, and when a female draws near, the male entices her with his amazing tail display. So showy is the display that it has been described by Sir David Attenborough as “the most elaborate, the most complex, and the most beautiful.”
After many years of recording the male display, David Gallan finally captured footage of courtship behaviour on the display mound. “A camera with a motion sensor was used, so as not to intrude on the lyrebird’s staging ground. Once the right distance and height were set, only a weekly visit was needed to change memory cards. The only challenge,” adds Gallan, “was to locate the active display mounds as they can change from year to year.”
“The literature often states that relatively little is known of the lyrebird’s habits,” notes Gallan. This surprised him and motivated him to explore the life of one of the world’s great songbirds. “I am amazed that they are not attacked more often by predators, being poor fliers and creatures of habit that draw attention to themselves. It’s important to recognise the uniqueness of this species, appreciate their display and vocal talents, and the important role that they play in the environment.”
9. Coral Cuisine
CORNWALL, UK:
The Scoly coral (Scolymia sp.) is very attractive; its intense blue and vibrant orange colours make it one of the most popular and sought after species in the aquarium industry.
Jacob Guy faced a number of challenges before he was able to successfully capture the coral feeding. “Shooting into a tank, I had to work out a way to limit reflections on the glass [and] find a solution for lighting the coral,” he says.
Jacob had a strong desire to use underwater strobes as they had the power to light the coral. However, he discovered that the battery would run out before he could capture the animal feeding. After a lot of trial and error, he found that portable studio lighting worked best.
By capturing the movement of the coral, Guy hopes it “highlights how coral is alive and not just a rock, like most people tend to think.” He aims to draw greater attention to our oceans’ beauty and get more people connected with life under the sea.
10. Sand Art
WET TROPICS WORLD HERITAGE AREA, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA:
The behaviour of the Sand bubbler crab (Dotillidae) is fascinating. This timelapse taken by Juergen Freund shows its characteristic behaviour of feeding on sand and transforming it into intricate balls, leaving behind a piece of art during low tide.
With rhythmic and purposeful moves, the crabs gather moist sand, shaping it into perfect spheres using their mouths. Sand bubbler crabs filter feed on microorganisms, bacteria, algae, and organic matter that are found in the sand. Using their specialised mouthparts, they filter out the organic matter from the sand, sucking out the nutrient-rich “soup” before discarding the ball. Their feeding behaviour helps aerate the sand and contributes to the overall health of the beach ecosystem.
To capture this footage, Freund positioned his camera at ground level, mirroring a crab’s perspective. “Enduring the intense heat of the day, my wife shielded me from the sun with a white blanket. Remaining perfectly still was crucial, as the crabs were easily spooked and would retreat to their burrows when disturbed,” says Freund.
Freund’s patience was key, as this allowed the crabs to become accustomed to his presence. “Despite the challenges, especially with lots of people walking the beach in Daintree, a popular tourist destination, I felt extremely satisfied capturing this mesmerising crab behaviour in film.”
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