Mark Catesby came to Williamsburg in 1712 for a visit with his sister. Thoroughly fascinated by the fauna and flora of the New World, he extended his stay for seven years, during which time he wrote and illustrated his two-volume natural history of the birds, animals, plants, reptiles and fish he had observed and sketched.

The film successfully interweaves magnificent wild­life shots with the re-enacted story of Catesby's extended field trip. His association with many of the notable personalities of Williamsburg is described, as are the costumes and fine furnishings of the colonial period.

Blue Ribbon Award, American Festival; Chris Statuette, Colombus Festival.