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Attenborough's Show Fumbles Caterpillar Count
15 May
Summary
- A BBC nature series incorrectly stated chicks need 20,000 caterpillars.
- The actual requirement for blue tit chicks is 2,000 caterpillars.
- The error was corrected by the BBC on their website and in the episode.
A factual error in Sir David Attenborough's five-part series, 'Secret Garden,' has prompted a correction from the BBC. The series, which documents wildlife in UK gardens, premiered on April 5 and is available on BBC iPlayer. The error occurred during the second episode's narration.
The BBC issued a statement acknowledging that the voiceover incorrectly claimed blue tit chicks require 20,000 caterpillars to fledge. This figure was corrected to 2,000, as each chick needs approximately 100 caterpillars daily for about 20 days.
The corrected information aligns with guidance from the British Trust for Ornithology. The BBC has since added a clarification strap to the beginning of the episode and apologized for the mistake. The exact number of complaints is not specified, but the acknowledgement indicates viewer concern.
The episode in question was filmed in Bristol and highlighted a blue tit family's urban struggles. It also featured other wildlife, including foxes, hedgehogs, frogs, and insects. The producer emphasized Attenborough's role in promoting wildlife gardening, noting his influence and credibility.
