Nature: Attenborough’s Wonder of Song

Wednesday, May 3 at 8 p.m. on WETA PBS & WETA Metro; stream on the PBS App

In the BBC film Attenborough’s Wonder of Song, iconic British naturalist Sir David Attenborough chooses seven of the most remarkable animal songs found in nature around the world and explores the significance of these songs in the lives of their species. Each one — from the song of the largest lemur to the song of the humpback whale to the song of the lyrebird — was recorded in his lifetime. But will they soon be heard no more? Contrary to Charles Darwin’s theory of sexual selection, a new generation of scientists has discovered that animal song is not just the preserve of males. Females sing too. But there are also fears that we do not have much longer to hear them, because as humankind gets noisier, the rest of the planet is falling silent. Joyous, surprising and poignant, this story of pioneering research and insight is a chorus of wonder — and a wake-up call.

Whales and Volcanos on NOVA

Wednesdays, May 3 & 10 at 9 p.m. on WETA PBS & WETA Metro; stream on the PBS App

This month on science series NOVA, learn about how North Atlantic Right Whales are among the planet’s most critically endangered large ocean mammals. With fewer than 350 remaining as of 2023, they could be extinct within 20 years. But teams of marine biologists and whale rescuers are determined to help save the species. In Saving the Right Whale (May 3), follow these specialists’ efforts and get a glimpse into the lives of the giants of the sea and their prospects for survival. Also this month, Hidden Volcano Abyss (May 10) spotlights one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in recorded history: a January 2022 blast that rocked the Pacific islands of Tonga, sending shockwaves around the world. Experience the power of the eruption, and join scientists as they investigate what caused the blast, how it spurred a devastating tsunami, and whether or not another eruption could be imminent.

Wild Scandinavia

Wednesdays, May 10, 17 & 24 at 8 p.m. on WETA PBS & WETA Metro; stream on the PBS App

The visually dazzling new natural history miniseries Wild Scandinavia offers an immersive experience in three iconic Scandinavian landscapes: the region’s beautiful coastlines; magical seasonal forests; and volcanic and arctic extremes. Exploring these habitats and their wild denizens, the series’ three episodes present wildlife stories that reveal the resilient spirit of Scandinavia, where myth and modernity co-exist. Norse Gods Odin and Thor, reindeer herders, and more are all woven into the story of an icy natural world.

Life on the Edge (May 10) explores Scandinavia’s wild and unpredictable coast, a place of haunting beauty and dangerous extremes. This journey begins around the Swedish Baltic Sea, which includes iconic fjords — home to eagles, otters, orcas and more. Heartlands (May 17) visits the quiet world of the Scandinavian forest, spotlighting wolves and lynx — and osprey and reindeer through changing seasons. Fire and Ice (May 24) illuminates Scandinavia’s northern extremes, shaped by fire and ice; there, Muskoxen, polar bears and arctic foxes must navigate their world under the midnight sun.