Reviews

AFF Review: ‘Bluebirds of Antietam’ features Alexandria resident

By Missy Schrott | mschrott@alextimes.com

“Bluebirds of Antietam” is a beautifully filmed short documentary that has special significance for Alexandria. The documentary is about how Alexandria resident Mark Raabe and his late wife, Jean Raabe, spent decades working to save the Eastern Bluebird population.

After spotting a bluebird outside of their home near the Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, Maryland in the 1970s, the couple began to build cedar boxes to give the bluebirds a place to make nests and lay eggs. For years, the Raabes monitored the boxes, protecting eggs and young fledglings and clearing out birds that hadn’t survived. Since 1979, the Raabes’ efforts have led to the fledging of more than 10,000 bluebirds and the development of one of the oldest continually monitored bluebird trails in the United States.

The documentary shares the Raabes’ tale and details the continuing efforts to save the bluebirds in Antietam. The film, directed by Conrad Weaver, is composed of interviews with Raabe and others involved in the conservation efforts and set to a backdrop of pleasant bird songs and stunning imagery of bluebirds.

Excellent filming, editing and narration. Highly recommended for those looking for a short, educational piece that shows how even seemingly small efforts can make a big difference.

Originally published: https://alextimes.com/2020/11/aff-review-bluebirds-of-antietam

Birders will love this film!

Having lived by Antietam for thirty years, I’ve seen the care that volunteers put into the Bluebird project. Because of their work, visitors and locals get to watch these beautiful little birds flit and twitter over the green fields. Stefanie Boss has made a lovely film that teaches by delight. She captures the warmth and enthusiasm of the volunteers. She shows how they monitor, clean, repair, and replace wooden nest boxes that blue birds rely on. Her photos of the birds are stunning. Soaring overhead or brooding eggs, the bluebirds seem to welcome and thank their volunteers. – William H.

We now have a special reason for walking the Battlefield

We live close to the Battlefield and have walked it many times. Your film does a great job of bringing it all to life. We will now pay special attention to the Bluebirds and their nests. – Jack E.

A beautifully done nature film that’s both informative and entertaining for all ages.

This is a highly entertaining & informative film about the positive impact that a couple of private citizens can have on a beautiful species of birds just by dedicating a bit of their time to fulfilling a need. It’s a beautiful filmed, well told story of how a retired couple saw the dual potential of a national battlefield and, with the cooperation of The Park Service and a little effort, installed rustic bluebird houses throughout Antietam Battlefield bringing new life and beauty to the park for its visitors. I highly recommend it.  – John D.

Beautiful birding documentary!

A classic example of a “sword beaten into a plowshare”. Beautiful filming by ConJo Studios on a National US battlefield. Birders and Reenactors need this documentary! – Tom R.