Television Press

TELEVISION COVERAGE:

Stephen Emlen's research work has been featured in six television specials.

6. `Why Sex?', one of five episodes in the highly successful PBS documentary, "Evolution" (shown on PBS first in October, 2001). The program features an interview with Dr. Emlen on infidelity in birds and its implications for mate choice. The program also includes footage of his research on sex role-reversed birds known as jacanas, and a discussion of how sexual selection shapes the division of labor between mother and father in the caring of young.
5. `On a Wing and a Prayer', a documentary dealing with the population declines of neo-tropical migrant birds. Produced by Kurtis Productions for the New Explorers Series on PBS (first shown in the Autumn of 1996). Features interviews with Dr. Emlen on the perils faced by birds during migration.
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`Continuing the Line' one of thirteen episodes in Sir. David Attenborough's highly successful "Trials of Life" series produced by the BBC. The series captured the excitement of research in animal behavior. In this episode, Dr. Emlen's research is highlighted through footage and text describing sex-role reversal and female infanticide of young in Wattled Jacanas. (First shown in 1993).
3. `The Bee Team', a 30 minute special dealing with Dr. Emlen's research on altruism and helping among White-fronted Bee-eaters. Dr. Emlen co-wrote the text, and all footage was taken at his research site in Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya. Produced by Alistair Fottergill and filmed by Simon King for the BBC Natural History Unit. First shown on the "Wildlife on One" program in Britain in 1987, and show on the `Nature' series on PBS in the US in 1988. This film won the `Outstanding Professional Film Award' from the Animal Behavior Society in 1990. It was also featured in a cover article about bee-eater society in the magazine, BBC Wildlife (March 1988).
2. `Why Birds Sing', a one-hour documentary dealing with the structure and function of bird song. Highlighted Dr. Emlen's early work in which he experimentally altered recordings of bird songs and then played them back to resident birds. Includes footage of Emlen performing experiments in the field. Produced by WNET for the NOVA Series on PBS. First shown in 1984.
1. 'Bird Brain', a one-hour documentary dealing with how migratory birds and homing pigeons find their way during their long journeys. Featured Dr. Emlen's experimental work testing bird orientation under the artificial skies of planetaria. Produced by WBGH for the NOVA Series on PBS. First shown in the early 1970s.