Ep 8. The Burger Hole

In When Nature Calls with Helen Mirren season 1 episode 8, titled The Burger Hole, viewers are taken on a wild journey through the beauty and diversity of nature, all while learning about the fascinating behaviors and survival tactics of various species.

The episode begins with Mirren introducing the viewer to a group of grizzly bears in the remote wilderness of Alaska. The bears, she explains, are preparing for the long winter months ahead by gorging on as much food as they can find. Viewers are treated to stunning footage of the bears fishing for salmon in a nearby river, then excitedly chowing down on their catch. Mirren notes that the bears must eat up to 90 pounds of food a day to build up enough fat reserves to survive the winter.

Next, the show takes a turn into the world of underground creatures as Mirren explores the intricate burrows of prairie dogs. The camera follows these tiny animals as they dart in and out of their complex tunnel systems, playing, grooming, and barking to communicate with one another. Mirren explains that prairie dogs are incredibly social animals, with complex social hierarchies and even a language that humans are only just beginning to understand.

From the grassy plains of the prairie, the show transitions to the bustling streets of a major city as we learn about the urban adaptation of one of nature's most successful survivors - the pigeon. Pigeons may be derided as dirty and annoying, but as Mirren explains, they are astonishingly intelligent and adaptable animals with a long history of living alongside humans. The episode takes us through the streets and rooftops of a major city, showing us how pigeons navigate and thrive in a man-made environment.

We then travel to the remote Australian outback to meet one of nature's most unusual and fascinating creatures - the kangaroo. Viewers are treated to stunning footage of kangaroos hopping and bounding across the rugged landscape, their powerful legs propelling them forward at astonishing speeds. Mirren explains how kangaroos have adapted to life in a harsh, arid environment, using their keen senses and powerful muscles to survive in a land full of predators and scarce resources.

Finally, the episode takes us to a deserted stretch of beach, where we meet a group of baby sea turtles hatching from their eggs and struggling towards the ocean. Mirren narrates as we watch the tiny turtles make their perilous journey across the sand and into the water, marveling at their resilience and determination in the face of danger.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning footage of some of nature's most awe-inspiring creatures, in environments both familiar and exotic. Whether exploring the underground habitats of prairie dogs or watching grizzly bears catch salmon in a remote Alaskan river, When Nature Calls with Helen Mirren reminds us of the incredible diversity and beauty of the natural world, and encourages us to continue learning about and protecting the creatures we share the planet with.