The Bird in My Backyard

The Bird in My Backyard is a 2024 Canadian short documentary film, written and directed by Ryan Wilkes.^[1] The film profiles Eric Pittman, a retired helicopter pilot who passionately observes and films hummingbirds in his backyard.^[2]

The Bird in My Backyard
Directed by	Ryan Wilkes
Produced by	Ryan Wilkes
Starring	Eric Pittman
Cinematography	Ryan Wilkes
Edited by	Ryan Wilkes
Music by	Jonathan Kawchuk
Production company	Trochilus Films
Distributed by	CBC Gem
Release date	December 26, 2024 (2024-12-26) (YouTube)
Running time	20 minutes
Country	Canada
Language	English

Wilkes independently released the film on YouTube in December 2024, with it subsequently being picked up for distribution on CBC Gem.^[1]

The film received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Short Documentary at the 13th Canadian Screen Awards in 2025.^[3]