Following the resounding critical and public success of its inaugural run, the acclaimed digital series Wild Birds Revealed has officially returned for a highly anticipated second season. Brought to audiences through a continued partnership between the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and primary sponsor OM System, the new season once again highlights the breathtaking artistry of renowned father-and-son wildlife photography duo Tim and Russell Laman.
Designed to bridge the gap between scientific observation and visual storytelling, the series transports viewers across diverse North American landscapes—from the sun-drenched coasts of Southern California to the lush wetlands of Florida. Utilizing cutting-edge OM System camera gear and long-lens setups, the Lamans capture the intricate, hyper-fast behaviors of regional bird species in mesmerizing detail, offering viewers a front-row seat to the hidden dramas of the avian world.
Main Facts at a Glance
The Collaboration: Season 2 of Wild Birds Revealed is a collaborative venture between the world-renowned Cornell Lab of Ornithology and imaging giant OM System (OM Digital Solutions Corporation).
The Talent: The series stars the acclaimed father-and-son wildlife photography and filmmaking team, Tim and Russell Laman.
Featured Equipment: The production heavily utilizes OM System camera bodies and specialized lenses to capture ultra-high-definition, high-frame-rate slow-motion footage of wild birds.
Current Availability: The first episode of Season 2, which focuses on the iridescent Anna’s and Costa’s hummingbirds of Southern California, is available to stream now.
Episode Rollout: Three additional episodes are slated for release in the coming weeks, keeping exact species identities under wraps to maximize viewer anticipation.
Chronology of the Project: From Season 1 to the New Frontier
The journey of Wild Birds Revealed began as an ambitious effort to marry the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s deep scientific expertise with world-class wildlife cinematography. The first season established a high benchmark for the platform, focusing on three iconic and beloved avian species across its three foundational episodes: Tree Swallows, Ospreys, and Atlantic Puffins. These initial installments struck a chord with birdwatchers, conservationists, and photography enthusiasts alike, proving that digital storytelling could effectively foster a deeper appreciation for ordinary and extraordinary birds alike.
Building on that momentum, planning for Season 2 commenced shortly after the wrap-up of the first chapter. Tim and Russell Laman packed their gear bags and ventured westward and southward, targeting regions rich in avian biodiversity.
The premier episode of the new season drops viewers directly into the chaparral and suburban gardens of Southern California. Here, the Lamans trained their lenses on two iconic jewel-toned species: the vibrant pink Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) and the striking purple-headed Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae). Utilizing advanced slow-motion video capabilities, the photographers dissected the physics of hummingbird flight, revealing the complex, figure-eight wing mechanics that allow these creatures to suspend themselves motionless in mid-air, reverse direction instantly, and accelerate at gravitational forces that would challenge human pilots.
While the remaining three episodes of Season 2 have not yet been fully detailed by the production team, the creators promise a diverse roster of North American birds that will challenge preconceived notions of common backyard species.
Supporting Data and Technical Mastery
Capturing the split-second actions of birds requires a rare combination of fieldcraft, patience, and state-of-the-art technological support. Hummingbirds, for instance, beat their wings anywhere from 50 to 80 times per second, rendering traditional photography techniques virtually useless without high-speed burst modes, lightning-fast autofocus tracking, and specialized lighting setups.
Throughout Wild Birds Revealed, the Laman duo relies on OM System’s micro four-thirds ecosystem. The equipment’s native crop factor provides an exceptional reach advantage for long-lens wildlife photography, allowing photographers to maintain a respectful distance from nesting or foraging birds while still achieving tight, macro-like close-ups of iridescent plumage and delicate bill structures.
Furthermore, the brand’s advanced computational photography features—such as Pro Capture mode, which begins recording images to buffer memory before the shutter button is fully depressed—allow shooters to successfully freeze moments that occur faster than human reaction times.
For aspiring photographers inspired by the series, the ecosystem of learning extends beyond the screen. OM System has actively partnered with educational initiatives, pointing enthusiasts toward comprehensive resources like PetaPixel’s Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Bird Photography. Authored with insights from veteran wildlife photographer and OM System Ambassador Ben Knoot—who boasts over two decades of field experience—the guide distills professional techniques regarding field ethics, exposure triangles, and behavioral anticipation into actionable lessons suitable for photographers shooting on any equipment brand.
Official Responses and Industry Perspectives
The convergence of cutting-edge optical engineering, rigorous ornithology, and artistic vision has generated enthusiastic commentary from all key stakeholders involved in the production of Wild Birds Revealed.
Eiji Shirota, head of the OM System Business Unit at OM Digital Solutions Corporation, emphasized the cultural and environmental values driving the corporate sponsorship:
"We are truly honored to continue our collaboration with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for a second year," stated Shirota. "We are delighted that, through this series, we can share the hidden lives of wild birds, the wonders of nature, and the joy of birdwatching with an even wider audience. It is also a great source of pride for us that OM System camera systems were used to capture some of the remarkable moments in the lives of wild birds featured in the series. We hope the series will deepen people’s understanding and appreciation of nature and inspire new encounters with the natural world and moments of wonder."
Echoing these sentiments, Christian Camerota, senior director of Integrated Marketing and Communications at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, highlighted the emotional and educational core of the project:
"The best storytelling can help people see even familiar birds in a completely new way," remarked Camerota. "By combining singular imagery with the wonder of discovery, Wild Birds Revealed has been designed to help deepen people’s love and understanding of birds and inspire them to help protect our natural world."
Tim Laman, speaking on behalf of the father-and-son field team, shared his excitement over the material captured for the sophomore season:
"This year, we are featuring some diverse and spectacular North American birds that most everyone is probably familiar with — but be prepared to be amazed," Laman noted. "From hummingbirds and more, we have filmed some bird behaviors that may surprise you. You don’t want to miss Season 2 of Wild Birds Revealed!"
Implications for Conservation and the Future of Birdwatching
Beyond its aesthetic and technical merits, Wild Birds Revealed serves an urgent conservation purpose. In an era marked by shifting climates, habitat loss, and declining global bird populations—as extensively documented by scientific research out of the Cornell Lab—reconnecting the public with local wildlife is a crucial first step toward environmental stewardship.
By focusing initially on birds that many North Americans encounter daily—such as Tree Swallows, Ospreys, and now Anna’s and Costa’s hummingbirds—the series breaks down the psychological barrier that conservation is something that only happens in remote, exotic locales. When viewers realize that complex, miraculous biological engineering is occurring right outside their kitchen windows or in local parks, they are significantly more likely to support local conservation policies, plant native vegetation, avoid harmful pesticides, and take up citizen-science monitoring initiatives like eBird.
As Season 2 rolls out its remaining episodes over the coming weeks, audiences are invited to reexamine their relationship with the natural environment. Whether viewed as an inspiring masterclass in wildlife photography, a technical showcase of modern mirrorless camera systems, or an intimate window into avian ecology, Wild Birds Revealed proves that the natural world still holds an infinite capacity to surprise, delight, and inspire protection.
The first episode of Season 2 of Wild Birds Revealed is available to stream now via the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and OM System digital channels. All three episodes of Season 1 remain accessible on-demand for viewers looking to catch up on the adventures of Tim and Russell Laman.
Lina Hope 
Reynand Wu 
Suro Senen 