Mark Cocker

One Midsummer’s Day: Swifts and the Story of Life on Earth

Swift migrations span continents and their twelve-week stopover, when they pause to breed in European rooftops, is the very definition of summer. They may nest in our homes but much about their lives passes over our heads. No birds are more wreathed in mystery. Compelled by swifts throughout his fifty years as a naturalist, Mark sets out to capture their essence. These birds without borders are a perfect metaphor to express the unity of the living planet. But they also illuminate how no creature, least of all ourselves, can truly be said to be alive in isolation.

This event is sponsored by the Buxton Civic Association.