Birdland
A wetland restoration project and migratory bird habitat in the backyard of Greg O’Rourke and Mary-Ann Mikolic
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Long-time sweethearts Greg O’Rourke and Mary-Ann Mikolic have dedicated almost a quarter of a century to creating a wetland reserve right in the yard of their property in Wainfleet, with the sole intention of creating a home for birds on the migratory paths that cut right over their home. The result – a 60-acre-large habitat they’ve fondly called ‘Birdland’ – home to a rich diversity of fauna and flora, including wildlife like beavers, snakes, and an extensive variety of birds. With their age quickly catching up to them, they are forced to confront the reality that they may need to give up their lives’ work in order to afford retirement.
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The Flora |
The Area |
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Behind the Scenes
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The Team
Khairul Hafizh Said - DirectorHi my name's Hafizh and I live for two things - kicking around the woods and basking in sunlight. I had first heard about Birdland from Rowan; that his parents lived on a wetland restoration project that they had built of their own accord - it completely blew my mind. When I finally saw it earlier this year it was greater than my wildest imagination - I knew we had to make a film about it.
Renee Jasinskas - Production Sound Mixer I'm the production sound mixer for Birdland and I'm so excited to be on the project! In my free time I love to hike, camp, and generally spend time outdoors when I can. What I think is special about Birdland is the people behind it. Its incredible that a couple with a love for nature has recovered and preserved such an important piece of land. I myself am a huge lover of nature and birds in particular so this documentary really resonates with me! Can't wait to see what this talented team brings to the screen.
Ethan Shea - Transmedia ProducerI'm Ethan, and I am incredibly excited to be the Transmedia Producer for Birdland. I was drawn to this story right away due to the passion that Mary-Ann and Greg hold for their property. I find it moving to hold something so dear to your heart, and I'm excited to bring my all to show this well crafted story off to you all.
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Nathalie Cocq - ProducerHi my name is Nathalie, I’m the producer for Birdland and I’m super excited to be working on this project! What drew me to Birdland was both the talented people behind the film and the unique and wonderful people the documentary is about. Greg and Mary-Ann have lived rich lives creating something magical in their backyard with lots of hard work, love, and dedication, and I am looking forward to sharing a glimpse into that beauty with this film.
Joshua Munro - Picture EditorHello, My name is Josh and I'm the editor for Birdland. What stands out to me about Birdland is how deeply significant this land is to Greg and Mary, who have turned it into a sanctuary to protect endangered plants and birds that are migrating. Their commitment to preservation adds a powerful layer to this story, making it extremely inspiring. I’m genuinely excited to work on this documentary. It reminds me of the National Geographic documentaries that I loved as a kid, and it carries a poetic voice that will be both engaging and fulfilling to shape in the editing process.
Raynell Manabat - Assistant TransmediaI'm Raynell, and I love filmmaking and birds. I think Birdland is special because it's a sanctuary for a handful of species of birds. I wanted to work on this project because I love the outdoors and animals. Also, the crew, great great talented people to work with and always happy to work with them.
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Andrew Lea - Director of PhotographyHi, I'm Andrew Lea. I helped shoot this documentary alongside the help of many talented and supportive crew members. I wanted to work on Birdland because I felt it was a unique environmental story taking place close to home that was important to tell. The story is special to me because I have a personal connection to Rowan, and it's been incredibly inspiring to see the amount of time, energy and passion his family has put into the land.
Isabel Cordero - Assistant Sound EditorHi there, I'm Isabel! I'm a sound design student, and my specialties are post-sound and Foley! I'm very driven to work as hard as I can as well as provide nothing but the best when it comes to my work! This idea spoke to me because I love the outdoors! As someone who has grown up going camping every year since I can remember, the wilderness will always have a special place in my heart. I find I'm most at peace when I'm outside, going on a hike or going to the beach, and when I found out that this documentary was about like-minded people like me, I knew this was something I wanted to sign up for.
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