Your top five films of 2023
As the 2023 comes to a close, let's recap and celebrate what you loved to watch most. From feature-length favourites, to new wildlife stories that captured your imagination for the first time, below are the top five films that racked up the most viewing hours this year. If you haven't watched them yet, you should!
Number 5: Barn owl dad so devoted as chicks hatch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUp73iBiPeA. 2.6m views in 2023
At number five is the story of a loving barn owl dad. Finn's devotion to his partner Gylfie and their chicks made him a star on my YouTube channel. This is film focuses on the way he attended to their every need and will melt your heart.
Number 4: Full story of kestrel couples first year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kQb-badp1s 2.8m views in 2023 | 8.2m views since published. Number four is an old favourite. First published in 2022, this story about a fractious kestrel couple has racked up 8.2m views in total - and 2.8m this year alone! Watch it to get a unique insight into the lives of kestrels.
Number 3: Kingfisher chicks hatch and dad eager to feed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnxhH9fgrgY 4.1m views in 2023
Number 3 features a fussy new kingfisher dad and offers a rare glimpse into the secret lives of this colourful species. At just 2 minutes long, this short clip is worth your time.
Number 2: Kestrel dad raises chicks alone after mum disappears
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nOIdXCZK6Q 5.3 m views in 2023The story of single kestrel dad Mr Kes first captured hearts on the channel in 2022. By the time the full length story was released this May, this courageous kestrel already had a sizeable following. Watch it for some surprising insights into falcon behaviour.
Number 1: Wild tawny owls adopt 6 orphaned owlets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG0y9swWgm4 7.5m views in 2023
For die-hard fans of the channel, number one will come as no surprise. Clips following the adoption story of tawny owls Luna and Bomber were hugely popular in 2022 and the release of this full story in January 2023 was eagerly awaited. For a 50 minute film about tawny owls it has clocked up a remarkable 7.5m views. If you haven't see it yet, what are you waiting for?