Die Rückkehr des Wiedehopfs (The return of the Hoopoe)
Florian Berger, Stefan Polasek AUSTRIA, 2012 50‘
Across Europe Hoopoes are struggling. But amidst the orchards and vineyards of the Wagram region near Vienna they are thriving. This documentary shows how the small bird with the spectacular crown feathers made a comeback in the heart of Europe and how it's dealing with its neighbors: Stone martens, Foxes and Green lizards.
The name derives from the cry produced by the male to defend its own territory, which is not unlike a 'hoop-hoop-hoop' sound. If ignored, violent chasing and fighting follow, which can even cause the blinding of one of the adversaries.
One man learnt to imitate such cry to perfection, thus becoming known as ‘Hoopoe-Whisperer’: Manfred Eckenfellner. Thanks to his passion the hoopoe has found its way back to a very special region. Behind this apparent miracle is an incredible story of science and commitment.
In Ancient Egypt the hoopoe was sacred; in Persia it was the symbol of vitue; in the Bible a forbidden food. In Europe it was considered a thief, in Scandinavia a forebearer of war and in Estonia a death omen. In the Wagram region it is simply one of the countless species that found new niches. Kestrels use the castel tower to breed and bee-eaters live in the same layers of loess vintners grow their grapes on.