Ep 40. Bohemia - A Year in the Wetlands

Bohemia is an enchanting place. Its wetlands are home to a variety of wildlife like beavers, otters, and storks. The nation’s treasures also include beautiful landscapes and natural habitats. ORF Universum Documentaries’ forty season 1 episode takes the viewer on an enthralling journey through Bohemia’s wetlands. The show is named ‘Bohemia – A Year in the Wetlands’.

The episode begins with a view of the stunning wetlands in Bohemia. The main river, the Elbe flows through the Bohemian Basin and its tributaries have formed innumerable wetlands and swamps, making Bohemia home to various species. Filmed over four seasons, this documentary captures the beauty and ecological importance of this region.

The hosts of the show introduce the viewer to some of the wildlife that can be spotted in this area. The first species they encounter is a beaver, which has become an emblem of the wetland ecosystem. The hosts explain how beavers have returned to these wetlands due to a conservation project, and how their presence has impacted the habitat.

The documentary also follows a family of otters that reside in the wetlands. The family consists of a mother and three young ones. The camera-man captures some priceless moments of the young ones play-fishing and learning survival skills from their mother. The host highlights the importance of these wetlands in the survival and growth of otter populations in the region.

Storks also feature in the episode. The wetlands provide a home for storks in the form of breeding grounds and nesting sites. The host explains how storks travel long distances every year, and how Bohemia serves as an important pit-stop for them.

Apart from the wildlife, the show explores the different habitats that have evolved in the region. The grasslands and the forests adjacent to the wetlands provide a home for different species. The show captures the changing mood of the wetlands in different seasons and the awe-inspiring beauty of the landscape.

One of the highlights of the episode is the migration of cranes. The wetlands in Bohemia serve as a resting place for thousands of migrating birds every year. The hosts explain how cranes take advantage of the thermals created by the local geography and how the wetlands provide a much-needed source of food and water for them.

While the wetlands are a stunning example of nature’s beauty, the episode also captures the human element of the region. The wetlands provide a livelihood for the locals, and they form an integral part of the lives and culture of the people in the area. The hosts meet a local fisherman who has been fishing in the wetlands for generations. He explains how the fish thrive in this ecosystem and why it is important to maintain the balance between humans and wildlife.

The episode concludes with a beautiful timelapse of the Bohemian Basin, showing the beauty and magnitude of the Wetlands. The host reminds us that preserving these wetlands is crucial for the survival of various species including humans and urges viewers to appreciate and protect the wetlands.

In conclusion, the ORF Universum Documentaries’ season 1 episode 40 is an educational and fascinating overview of Bohemia's Wetlands. The show captures the beauty and ecological importance of the region. The episode shows how the wetlands have an important role to play in the survival of different species, and the local culture.