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“Thank you for bringing science and community together in a joyful radio show.”
— Colleen, East Walpole, Massachusetts
On our latest show (#1,083 Mar. 29): The Wild Seed Project’s Emily Baisden as our Gardening for Birds Month special guest; a tiny owl from the deep Southwest; and Mike O’Connor’s thoughts about cage feeders. Hear it here.
The Providence Peregrines
Each spring, we get to watch Peregrine Falcons lay their eggs and raise their young on the top of the "Superman Building" in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. The Audubon Society of Rhode Island hosts and maintains the nesting box and live stream camera system. Two eggs have already been laid this year, so keep watching for updates. This cam is in Eastern time. (3/25)
Evidence that some birds are stubborn appears in the form of color preferences
Here's the article our Debbie Blicher mentioned to Ray during his visit to the Talkin' Birds Science Corner on our show #1,082 (Mar. 22). This is the one about Zebra Finches succumbing -- or not succumbing -- to peer pressure when they choose the color for their nests. (3/23)
Count “nurdles” on May 2nd
It's time to get a team together for the International Plastic Pellet Count, coming Saturday, May 2nd. An estimated 10 trillion plastic pellets enter our oceans each year and are mistaken for food by fish and birds. At the International Plastic Pellet Count, volunteers search for plastic pellets in riverbanks, lakeshores and beaches and record what they find. Pellet counts take as little as 10 minutes and make a big impact. Why not register today? (3/16)
From chirps to ‘hellos’: Why some birds talk like people
Brains, bonds, and a strange voice box help some birds mimic our speech. Here’s how and why they bother. (3/10)
How many birds can you find in this bird watching simulator?
No “warbler neck,” foul weather, or foggy binoculars here — just a peaceful game to play when you can’t get outdoors. We did notice a few errors in the appearance of some of the birds, but we still found it relaxing — even mesmerizing — to play. (3/27)
Birds are getting hooked on cigarettes
…according to recent studies — but not in the way we think. And no, the use of cigarette butts in nesting material doesn't mean we should all start smoking. (3/24)
Vermont Center for Ecostudies
Whether you own 1,000 acres or a pot on a balcony, you’re an expert birder or a beginner butterflyer, you’re growing vegetables in the valley or hiking in the mountains, the Vermont Center for Ecostudies has tips and education to help you contribute to wildlife conservation in the Northeast and beyond. (3/17)
Bird watching may build better brains, study says
Expert birdwatchers had structural changes in their brains that may help prevent cognitive decline. (3/3)
Our sponsors and partners:
Bird vocalizations provided by The Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Website photography by Shawn Carey/Migration Productions.