http://odeo.com/channels/30557-BirdNote-Podcast-RSS-Feed no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed en-us 40 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 Natural http://odeo.com/episodes/25446192-When-Birds-Ruled-the-Earth A bird known as Titanis walleri made its home in Florida just a few million years ago. Titanis, as its name suggests, was titanic indeed—a flightless predator, ten feet tall, with a massive hooked bill. Titanis and other birds related to it belong to a group some paleontologists call the “terror birds.” They were dominant land predators in South America for tens of millions of years. For more about Titanis walleri, visit the Hall of Florida Fossils. A bird known as Titanis walleri made its home in Florida just a few million years ago. Titanis, as its name suggests, was titanic indeed—a flightless predator, ten feet tall, with a massive hooked bill. Titanis and other birds related to it belong to a group some paleontologists call the “terror birds.” They were dominant land predators in South America for tens of millions of years. For more about Titanis walleri, visit the Hall of Florida Fossils. A bird known as Titanis walleri made its home in Florida just a few million years ago. Titanis, as its name suggests, was titanic indeed—a flightless predator, ten feet tall, with a massive hooked bill. Titanis and other birds related to it belong to a group some paleontologists call the “terror birds.” They were dominant land predators in South America for tens of millions of years. For more about Titanis walleri, visit the Hall of Florida Fossils. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-13,25446192 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25441499-Tom-Pincelli-The-Birding-Priest Father Tom Pincelli is a Catholic priest known to many as "Father Bird." He's a birder and conservationist in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Southern Texas. One of his favorite birds is this Green Jay. The Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival starts today. Can't make it to Texas? There may be a festival near you. Find out at BirdWatchersDigest.com. Father Tom Pincelli is a Catholic priest known to many as "Father Bird." He's a birder and conservationist in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Southern Texas. One of his favorite birds is this Green Jay. The Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival starts today. Can't make it to Texas? There may be a festival near you. Find out at BirdWatchersDigest.com. Father Tom Pincelli is a Catholic priest known to many as "Father Bird." He's a birder and conservationist in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Southern Texas. One of his favorite birds is this Green Jay. The Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival starts today. Can't make it to Texas? There may be a festival near you. Find out at BirdWatchersDigest.com. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-12,25441499 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25436679-More-Eyes-and-Ears A family of dapper Black-capped Chickadees call as they hang upside down, pecking at alder seeds. A wren skulks and buzzes through the underbrush. A petite Downy Woodpecker whinnies near-by. Mixed-species flocks may include a dozen species and more than fifty individuals. More ears and eyes mean better detection of predators. To find your local Audubon chapter and learn more about birds, begin here. A family of dapper Black-capped Chickadees call as they hang upside down, pecking at alder seeds. A wren skulks and buzzes through the underbrush. A petite Downy Woodpecker whinnies near-by. Mixed-species flocks may include a dozen species and more than fifty individuals. More ears and eyes mean better detection of predators. To find your local Audubon chapter and learn more about birds, begin here. A family of dapper Black-capped Chickadees call as they hang upside down, pecking at alder seeds. A wren skulks and buzzes through the underbrush. A petite Downy Woodpecker whinnies near-by. Mixed-species flocks may include a dozen species and more than fifty individuals. More ears and eyes mean better detection of predators. To find your local Audubon chapter and learn more about birds, begin here. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-11,25436679 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25431246-Goldeneyes-and-Whistling-Wings On a still winter afternoon, you may hear Common Goldeneyes flying low across the water. Whistlers, their wings sibilant, make the sound - as Ernest Hemingway wrote - of ripping silk. Common Goldeneyes nest in cavities, in northern boreal forests. Learn more at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Order your Birds of BirdNote  2010 calendar today! On a still winter afternoon, you may hear Common Goldeneyes flying low across the water. Whistlers, their wings sibilant, make the sound - as Ernest Hemingway wrote - of ripping silk. Common Goldeneyes nest in cavities, in northern boreal forests. Learn more at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Order your Birds of BirdNote  2010 calendar today! On a still winter afternoon, you may hear Common Goldeneyes flying low across the water. Whistlers, their wings sibilant, make the sound - as Ernest Hemingway wrote - of ripping silk. Common Goldeneyes nest in cavities, in northern boreal forests. Learn more at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Order your Birds of BirdNote  2010 calendar today! tag:odeo.com,2009-11-10,25431246 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25425667-Common-Redpoll The tiny Common Redpoll, one of the smallest members of the finch family, weighs only as much as four pennies, yet it survives the cold and darkness of winter in the far North. Most birds depart in autumn to warmer climes. But redpolls feed on birch and alder seeds that are available throughout the winter, no matter how deep the snow. This little bird typically eats 40% of its body weight in seeds every day to keep itself alive. Redpolls are survivors. Here's a video! The tiny Common Redpoll, one of the smallest members of the finch family, weighs only as much as four pennies, yet it survives the cold and darkness of winter in the far North. Most birds depart in autumn to warmer climes. But redpolls feed on birch and alder seeds that are available throughout the winter, no matter how deep the snow. This little bird typically eats 40% of its body weight in seeds every day to keep itself alive. Redpolls are survivors. Here's a video! The tiny Common Redpoll, one of the smallest members of the finch family, weighs only as much as four pennies, yet it survives the cold and darkness of winter in the far North. Most birds depart in autumn to warmer climes. But redpolls feed on birch and alder seeds that are available throughout the winter, no matter how deep the snow. This little bird typically eats 40% of its body weight in seeds every day to keep itself alive. Redpolls are survivors. Here's a video! tag:odeo.com,2009-11-09,25425667 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25421275-Birds-Carry-Plants-to-Hawaii Three-quarters of Hawaii’s native flowering plants probably come from seeds that hitched rides with birds. The bird-borne seeds that sprouted in Hawaii evolved into more than a thousand new species. The most likely seed-carriers were undoubtedly strong fliers, such as plovers or tropicbirds — like this Red-tailed Tropicbird — which travel thousands of miles across the Pacific. (Enlarge the photo, to see the bird's red tail.) Three-quarters of Hawaii’s native flowering plants probably come from seeds that hitched rides with birds. The bird-borne seeds that sprouted in Hawaii evolved into more than a thousand new species. The most likely seed-carriers were undoubtedly strong fliers, such as plovers or tropicbirds — like this Red-tailed Tropicbird — which travel thousands of miles across the Pacific. (Enlarge the photo, to see the bird's red tail.) Three-quarters of Hawaii’s native flowering plants probably come from seeds that hitched rides with birds. The bird-borne seeds that sprouted in Hawaii evolved into more than a thousand new species. The most likely seed-carriers were undoubtedly strong fliers, such as plovers or tropicbirds — like this Red-tailed Tropicbird — which travel thousands of miles across the Pacific. (Enlarge the photo, to see the bird's red tail.) tag:odeo.com,2009-11-08,25421275 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25417364-How-the-Steller-s-Jay-Got-Its-Crest The Makahs tell a story about how the bird we know as the Steller’s Jay — the bird the Makahs call Kwish-kwishee— got its crest. The mink, Kwahtie, tried to shoot his mother, the jay, with an arrow but missed. Her crest is ruffled to this day. Learn more about the Steller’s Jay at BirdWeb.org. Order your Birds of Birdnote 2010 calendar today! The Makahs tell a story about how the bird we know as the Steller’s Jay — the bird the Makahs call Kwish-kwishee— got its crest. The mink, Kwahtie, tried to shoot his mother, the jay, with an arrow but missed. Her crest is ruffled to this day. Learn more about the Steller’s Jay at BirdWeb.org. Order your Birds of Birdnote 2010 calendar today! The Makahs tell a story about how the bird we know as the Steller’s Jay — the bird the Makahs call Kwish-kwishee— got its crest. The mink, Kwahtie, tried to shoot his mother, the jay, with an arrow but missed. Her crest is ruffled to this day. Learn more about the Steller’s Jay at BirdWeb.org. Order your Birds of Birdnote 2010 calendar today! tag:odeo.com,2009-11-07,25417364 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25411903-Bird-Feeders-and-Whaling-Ships In the opening lines of Moby Dick, the narrator, Ishmael, confesses to “a damp, drizzly November in my soul.” One sure way to brighten November’s damp and drizzly mood is to welcome birds into your yard with birdfeeders. Hang suet in a wire cage to attract a Northern Flicker like this one. Just add water, and you’re all set. Learn how to invite birds to your yard at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Sign up for the BirdNote podcast! In the opening lines of Moby Dick, the narrator, Ishmael, confesses to “a damp, drizzly November in my soul.” One sure way to brighten November’s damp and drizzly mood is to welcome birds into your yard with birdfeeders. Hang suet in a wire cage to attract a Northern Flicker like this one. Just add water, and you’re all set. Learn how to invite birds to your yard at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Sign up for the BirdNote podcast! In the opening lines of Moby Dick, the narrator, Ishmael, confesses to “a damp, drizzly November in my soul.” One sure way to brighten November’s damp and drizzly mood is to welcome birds into your yard with birdfeeders. Hang suet in a wire cage to attract a Northern Flicker like this one. Just add water, and you’re all set. Learn how to invite birds to your yard at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Sign up for the BirdNote podcast! tag:odeo.com,2009-11-06,25411903 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25405778-Birds-and-Dinosaurs What is the connection between the blood-curdling roar of a Tyrannosaurus rex and the gentle song of a robin? A recent bonanza of fossils has intensified debate over how contemporary birds are linked to the extinct dinosaurs. The evidence and theories are complex. Many experts now believe that today’s birds are the surviving dinosaurs, a radical departure from the long-held view that both sprang from much earlier reptilian ancestors. Anchiornis huxleyi is the latest. Learn more at The Daily Mail. What is the connection between the blood-curdling roar of a Tyrannosaurus rex and the gentle song of a robin? A recent bonanza of fossils has intensified debate over how contemporary birds are linked to the extinct dinosaurs. The evidence and theories are complex. Many experts now believe that today’s birds are the surviving dinosaurs, a radical departure from the long-held view that both sprang from much earlier reptilian ancestors. Anchiornis huxleyi is the latest. Learn more at The Daily Mail. What is the connection between the blood-curdling roar of a Tyrannosaurus rex and the gentle song of a robin? A recent bonanza of fossils has intensified debate over how contemporary birds are linked to the extinct dinosaurs. The evidence and theories are complex. Many experts now believe that today’s birds are the surviving dinosaurs, a radical departure from the long-held view that both sprang from much earlier reptilian ancestors. Anchiornis huxleyi is the latest. Learn more at The Daily Mail. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-05,25405778 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25392395-Former-Abundance On a November day in the late 1960s, flying in a light plane along the Mississippi River, the eminent waterfowl biologist Frank Bellrose came upon a raft of 450,000 Lesser Scaups that stretched for miles. Protection, restoration, and enhancement of habitats used during all seasons are under way to enable the population of ducks—like these Lesser Scaups—to rebound.  Learn more about the State of the Birds at Audubon.org. On a November day in the late 1960s, flying in a light plane along the Mississippi River, the eminent waterfowl biologist Frank Bellrose came upon a raft of 450,000 Lesser Scaups that stretched for miles. Protection, restoration, and enhancement of habitats used during all seasons are under way to enable the population of ducks—like these Lesser Scaups—to rebound.  Learn more about the State of the Birds at Audubon.org. On a November day in the late 1960s, flying in a light plane along the Mississippi River, the eminent waterfowl biologist Frank Bellrose came upon a raft of 450,000 Lesser Scaups that stretched for miles. Protection, restoration, and enhancement of habitats used during all seasons are under way to enable the population of ducks—like these Lesser Scaups—to rebound.  Learn more about the State of the Birds at Audubon.org. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-04,25392395 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25392396-Bald-Eagles-Hunt-in-Tandem A Bald Eagle dives suddenly toward the water, huge wings canted, talons outstretched. A merganser floating on the bay is its intended prey, but the duck dives before the eagle can strike. But a second eagle swoops down. After five minutes of repeated passes, one of the eagles plucks the merganser from the water, and the eagles share the results of their cooperative hunting. To see more photos of eagles, visit PaulBannick.com. A Bald Eagle dives suddenly toward the water, huge wings canted, talons outstretched. A merganser floating on the bay is its intended prey, but the duck dives before the eagle can strike. But a second eagle swoops down. After five minutes of repeated passes, one of the eagles plucks the merganser from the water, and the eagles share the results of their cooperative hunting. To see more photos of eagles, visit PaulBannick.com. A Bald Eagle dives suddenly toward the water, huge wings canted, talons outstretched. A merganser floating on the bay is its intended prey, but the duck dives before the eagle can strike. But a second eagle swoops down. After five minutes of repeated passes, one of the eagles plucks the merganser from the water, and the eagles share the results of their cooperative hunting. To see more photos of eagles, visit PaulBannick.com. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-03,25392396 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25392400-American-Wigeon The American Wigeon is a grazer. Its bill is narrow, with a pointed tip like that of a goose. When feeding on water plants, a wigeon grabs a leaf and rips it off with its strong bill, rather than using the straining apparatus typical of dabbling ducks. Take a field trip with your local Audubon and see if you can spot a wigeon. Start here. Buy your 2010 Birds of BirdNote calendar today! The American Wigeon is a grazer. Its bill is narrow, with a pointed tip like that of a goose. When feeding on water plants, a wigeon grabs a leaf and rips it off with its strong bill, rather than using the straining apparatus typical of dabbling ducks. Take a field trip with your local Audubon and see if you can spot a wigeon. Start here. Buy your 2010 Birds of BirdNote calendar today! The American Wigeon is a grazer. Its bill is narrow, with a pointed tip like that of a goose. When feeding on water plants, a wigeon grabs a leaf and rips it off with its strong bill, rather than using the straining apparatus typical of dabbling ducks. Take a field trip with your local Audubon and see if you can spot a wigeon. Start here. Buy your 2010 Birds of BirdNote calendar today! tag:odeo.com,2009-11-02,25392400 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25392403-The-Lowly-Starling Much maligned as a pest and cursed by many as an “invasive species,” the European Starling has had many fans, too. Eugene Schieffelin introduced about 50 pairs into the United States in the 1890s. And Rachel Carson noted that the starling carries “more than 100 loads of destructive insects per day to his screaming offspring.'' No less a figure than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart kept a pet starling and wrote a poem about it when it died. Read the poem. Much maligned as a pest and cursed by many as an “invasive species,” the European Starling has had many fans, too. Eugene Schieffelin introduced about 50 pairs into the United States in the 1890s. And Rachel Carson noted that the starling carries “more than 100 loads of destructive insects per day to his screaming offspring.'' No less a figure than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart kept a pet starling and wrote a poem about it when it died. Read the poem. Much maligned as a pest and cursed by many as an “invasive species,” the European Starling has had many fans, too. Eugene Schieffelin introduced about 50 pairs into the United States in the 1890s. And Rachel Carson noted that the starling carries “more than 100 loads of destructive insects per day to his screaming offspring.'' No less a figure than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart kept a pet starling and wrote a poem about it when it died. Read the poem. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-01,25392403 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25392404-Bats-Fear-or-Appreciation Bats.... creatures to regard with superstition and fear? On summer evenings, bats put on an aerial display while eating hundreds of mosquitoes. Kent Woodruff of the US Fish and Wildlife Service spearheaded a project to save Townsend’s Big-eared bats. They preserved an old cabin that the bats had used as a nursery. Then they built an almost identical -- but permanent -- structure nearby, and the bats moved in! Learn more in a BirdNote story. Happy Halloween! Bats.... creatures to regard with superstition and fear? On summer evenings, bats put on an aerial display while eating hundreds of mosquitoes. Kent Woodruff of the US Fish and Wildlife Service spearheaded a project to save Townsend’s Big-eared bats. They preserved an old cabin that the bats had used as a nursery. Then they built an almost identical -- but permanent -- structure nearby, and the bats moved in! Learn more in a BirdNote story. Happy Halloween! Bats.... creatures to regard with superstition and fear? On summer evenings, bats put on an aerial display while eating hundreds of mosquitoes. Kent Woodruff of the US Fish and Wildlife Service spearheaded a project to save Townsend’s Big-eared bats. They preserved an old cabin that the bats had used as a nursery. Then they built an almost identical -- but permanent -- structure nearby, and the bats moved in! Learn more in a BirdNote story. Happy Halloween! tag:odeo.com,2009-11-01,25392404 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:01:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25392406-Bats-Fear-or-Appreciation Bats.... creatures to regard with superstition and fear? On summer evenings, bats put on an aerial display while eating hundreds of mosquitoes. Kent Woodruff of the US Fish and Wildlife Service spearheaded a project to save Townsend’s Big-eared bats. They preserved an old cabin that the bats had used as a nursery. Then they built an almost identical -- but permanent -- structure nearby, and the bats moved in! Learn more in a BirdNote story. Happy Halloween! Bats.... creatures to regard with superstition and fear? On summer evenings, bats put on an aerial display while eating hundreds of mosquitoes. Kent Woodruff of the US Fish and Wildlife Service spearheaded a project to save Townsend’s Big-eared bats. They preserved an old cabin that the bats had used as a nursery. Then they built an almost identical -- but permanent -- structure nearby, and the bats moved in! Learn more in a BirdNote story. Happy Halloween! Bats.... creatures to regard with superstition and fear? On summer evenings, bats put on an aerial display while eating hundreds of mosquitoes. Kent Woodruff of the US Fish and Wildlife Service spearheaded a project to save Townsend’s Big-eared bats. They preserved an old cabin that the bats had used as a nursery. Then they built an almost identical -- but permanent -- structure nearby, and the bats moved in! Learn more in a BirdNote story. Happy Halloween! tag:odeo.com,2009-10-31,25392406 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:01:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25392407-The-Amazing-Head-turning-Owl An owl’s seeming ability to rotate its head in a complete circle is downright eerie. An owl’s apparent head rotation is part illusion, part structural design. Because its eyes are fixed in their sockets, it must rotate its neck to look around. It can actually rotate its head about 270 degrees—a marvelous anatomical feat. Learn more about this Eastern Screech-Owl at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Would you like to become a BirdNote benefactor? Start here. An owl’s seeming ability to rotate its head in a complete circle is downright eerie. An owl’s apparent head rotation is part illusion, part structural design. Because its eyes are fixed in their sockets, it must rotate its neck to look around. It can actually rotate its head about 270 degrees—a marvelous anatomical feat. Learn more about this Eastern Screech-Owl at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Would you like to become a BirdNote benefactor? Start here. An owl’s seeming ability to rotate its head in a complete circle is downright eerie. An owl’s apparent head rotation is part illusion, part structural design. Because its eyes are fixed in their sockets, it must rotate its neck to look around. It can actually rotate its head about 270 degrees—a marvelous anatomical feat. Learn more about this Eastern Screech-Owl at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Would you like to become a BirdNote benefactor? Start here. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-30,25392407 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25392409-Rufous-collared-Sparrow-Tico-Tico The song Tico-Tico no Fubá, like Carmen Miranda, came to us from Brazil. Believe it or not, the song is about a bird. The Portuguese lyrics tell the story of the tico-tico, a local name for the Rufous-collared Sparrow. Like so many birds, tico-tico was named for its song. In the song, the bird keeps coming back to the singer’s yard to dine on her cornmeal, piled in a backyard granary. Tico-tico loves her cornmeal. Learn more at FireflyForest.net. The song Tico-Tico no Fubá, like Carmen Miranda, came to us from Brazil. Believe it or not, the song is about a bird. The Portuguese lyrics tell the story of the tico-tico, a local name for the Rufous-collared Sparrow. Like so many birds, tico-tico was named for its song. In the song, the bird keeps coming back to the singer’s yard to dine on her cornmeal, piled in a backyard granary. Tico-tico loves her cornmeal. Learn more at FireflyForest.net. The song Tico-Tico no Fubá, like Carmen Miranda, came to us from Brazil. Believe it or not, the song is about a bird. The Portuguese lyrics tell the story of the tico-tico, a local name for the Rufous-collared Sparrow. Like so many birds, tico-tico was named for its song. In the song, the bird keeps coming back to the singer’s yard to dine on her cornmeal, piled in a backyard granary. Tico-tico loves her cornmeal. Learn more at FireflyForest.net. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-29,25392409 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:01:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25392410-Responsible-Birdfeeding A clean feeder is a life-and-death matter to some birds. Pine Siskins  are especially prone to salmonellosis, a bacterial disease. To protect the birds at your feeder, clean it at least once a week, more often if necessary. Rake the ground underneath, too. Learn more about feeding backyard birds at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. To receive photos of the birds featured in the week to come, sign up for Weekly Preview. A clean feeder is a life-and-death matter to some birds. Pine Siskins  are especially prone to salmonellosis, a bacterial disease. To protect the birds at your feeder, clean it at least once a week, more often if necessary. Rake the ground underneath, too. Learn more about feeding backyard birds at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. To receive photos of the birds featured in the week to come, sign up for Weekly Preview. A clean feeder is a life-and-death matter to some birds. Pine Siskins  are especially prone to salmonellosis, a bacterial disease. To protect the birds at your feeder, clean it at least once a week, more often if necessary. Rake the ground underneath, too. Learn more about feeding backyard birds at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. To receive photos of the birds featured in the week to come, sign up for Weekly Preview. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-28,25392410 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25392412-Why-the-Crow-Is-Black Out of the 810 species of North American birds, only two are completely black: the American Crow and the Common Raven. Here’s a story that explains why the crow is black, according to Native American tradition. When Crow came into the world, he wore all the colors of the rainbow, but the other animals and birds were black. To look more like them, Crow shook himself until all the colors flew out and landed on all the other birds and animals. The only color left on Crow was black, and he has stayed black to this day. Sign up for the BirdNote podcast! Out of the 810 species of North American birds, only two are completely black: the American Crow and the Common Raven. Here’s a story that explains why the crow is black, according to Native American tradition. When Crow came into the world, he wore all the colors of the rainbow, but the other animals and birds were black. To look more like them, Crow shook himself until all the colors flew out and landed on all the other birds and animals. The only color left on Crow was black, and he has stayed black to this day. Sign up for the BirdNote podcast! Out of the 810 species of North American birds, only two are completely black: the American Crow and the Common Raven. Here’s a story that explains why the crow is black, according to Native American tradition. When Crow came into the world, he wore all the colors of the rainbow, but the other animals and birds were black. To look more like them, Crow shook himself until all the colors flew out and landed on all the other birds and animals. The only color left on Crow was black, and he has stayed black to this day. Sign up for the BirdNote podcast! tag:odeo.com,2009-10-27,25392412 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25377383-Shift-Change-Swallows-to-Bats As darkness grows, bats—like this western long-eared bat—replace swallows in the business of catching flying insects. The night shift has come on duty. Both swallows and bats consume vast quantities of insects. Both are critical components of healthy environments. But the way they fly is strikingly different. Learn more at AnimalDiversityWeb. Learn about native plants that attract bats at BatConservation.org. Thanks to Michael Durham of OregonWild for this composite photo. (Click Enlarge under photo) As darkness grows, bats—like this western long-eared bat—replace swallows in the business of catching flying insects. The night shift has come on duty. Both swallows and bats consume vast quantities of insects. Both are critical components of healthy environments. But the way they fly is strikingly different. Learn more at AnimalDiversityWeb. Learn about native plants that attract bats at BatConservation.org. Thanks to Michael Durham of OregonWild for this composite photo. (Click Enlarge under photo) As darkness grows, bats—like this western long-eared bat—replace swallows in the business of catching flying insects. The night shift has come on duty. Both swallows and bats consume vast quantities of insects. Both are critical components of healthy environments. But the way they fly is strikingly different. Learn more at AnimalDiversityWeb. Learn about native plants that attract bats at BatConservation.org. Thanks to Michael Durham of OregonWild for this composite photo. (Click Enlarge under photo) tag:odeo.com,2009-10-26,25377383 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25369662-Paul-Bannick-Owls-and-Woodpeckers Photographer and naturalist Paul Bannick, whose photos appear frequently on this website, has spent a lot of time observing woodpeckers and owls, including this Great Horned Owl. Paul notes: “Woodpeckers are called ‘keystone’ species…a species which alters its habitat to the benefit of other species...” Visit PaulBannick.com to see more of Paul's photos. Learn more about his book, The Owl and the Woodpecker: Encounters with North America’s Iconic Birds. Photographer and naturalist Paul Bannick, whose photos appear frequently on this website, has spent a lot of time observing woodpeckers and owls, including this Great Horned Owl. Paul notes: “Woodpeckers are called ‘keystone’ species…a species which alters its habitat to the benefit of other species...” Visit PaulBannick.com to see more of Paul's photos. Learn more about his book, The Owl and the Woodpecker: Encounters with North America’s Iconic Birds. Photographer and naturalist Paul Bannick, whose photos appear frequently on this website, has spent a lot of time observing woodpeckers and owls, including this Great Horned Owl. Paul notes: “Woodpeckers are called ‘keystone’ species…a species which alters its habitat to the benefit of other species...” Visit PaulBannick.com to see more of Paul's photos. Learn more about his book, The Owl and the Woodpecker: Encounters with North America’s Iconic Birds. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-25,25369662 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25364234-Birders-and-their-Special-Places Some birders specialize in a particular species. Others are drawn to a special place. Michael Hobbs took note when a Lazuli Bunting (like this one) turned up at Marymoor Park, an unusual sighting for Western Washington. Connie Sidles knows when to expect the American Pipit at the Union Bay Natural Area. BirdNote celebrates those who keep watch over such special places—and share their knowledge with others. To learn more about special birding places in Washington, visit BirdWeb. Some birders specialize in a particular species. Others are drawn to a special place. Michael Hobbs took note when a Lazuli Bunting (like this one) turned up at Marymoor Park, an unusual sighting for Western Washington. Connie Sidles knows when to expect the American Pipit at the Union Bay Natural Area. BirdNote celebrates those who keep watch over such special places—and share their knowledge with others. To learn more about special birding places in Washington, visit BirdWeb. Some birders specialize in a particular species. Others are drawn to a special place. Michael Hobbs took note when a Lazuli Bunting (like this one) turned up at Marymoor Park, an unusual sighting for Western Washington. Connie Sidles knows when to expect the American Pipit at the Union Bay Natural Area. BirdNote celebrates those who keep watch over such special places—and share their knowledge with others. To learn more about special birding places in Washington, visit BirdWeb. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-24,25364234 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25357489-Tropical-Wake-up-Call If you lived along the forest’s edge in Central Americ a, every morning might begin with a cacophony of rhythmic guffaws, whistles, screeches, and screams. Plain Chachalacas and Great Kiskadees —like this one—join in the chorus. View a series of photos of the Plain Chachalaca taken by Texan Greg Lavaty. Travel near and far with Audubon — Find out how. Or find your local Audubon chapter and sign up for a field trip. If you lived along the forest’s edge in Central Americ a, every morning might begin with a cacophony of rhythmic guffaws, whistles, screeches, and screams. Plain Chachalacas and Great Kiskadees —like this one—join in the chorus. View a series of photos of the Plain Chachalaca taken by Texan Greg Lavaty. Travel near and far with Audubon — Find out how. Or find your local Audubon chapter and sign up for a field trip. If you lived along the forest’s edge in Central Americ a, every morning might begin with a cacophony of rhythmic guffaws, whistles, screeches, and screams. Plain Chachalacas and Great Kiskadees —like this one—join in the chorus. View a series of photos of the Plain Chachalaca taken by Texan Greg Lavaty. Travel near and far with Audubon — Find out how. Or find your local Audubon chapter and sign up for a field trip. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-23,25357489 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25347896-Cove-Island-Wildlife-Sanctuary For decades, Cove Island in Stamford, Connecticut, on the shore of Long Island Sound, was a dumping ground for construction debris. Today, it’s Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary, an oasis for birds (like this Bonaparte’s Gull) and other wildlife, as well as for humans. Thanks go to Mike Moccio and Patrick Dugan, committed individuals who made a difference. Visit your local Audubon chapter or other environmental advocacy organization, and find out what you can do. Good luck — and thanks! For decades, Cove Island in Stamford, Connecticut, on the shore of Long Island Sound, was a dumping ground for construction debris. Today, it’s Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary, an oasis for birds (like this Bonaparte’s Gull) and other wildlife, as well as for humans. Thanks go to Mike Moccio and Patrick Dugan, committed individuals who made a difference. Visit your local Audubon chapter or other environmental advocacy organization, and find out what you can do. Good luck — and thanks! For decades, Cove Island in Stamford, Connecticut, on the shore of Long Island Sound, was a dumping ground for construction debris. Today, it’s Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary, an oasis for birds (like this Bonaparte’s Gull) and other wildlife, as well as for humans. Thanks go to Mike Moccio and Patrick Dugan, committed individuals who made a difference. Visit your local Audubon chapter or other environmental advocacy organization, and find out what you can do. Good luck — and thanks! tag:odeo.com,2009-10-22,25347896 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25323208-Bird-s-Eye-View-II Some birds, like this Red-tailed Hawk, possess amazingly highly developed eyesight. Just what makes birds’ eyes so special, their eyesight so remarkable? It has to do with the muscles that give them an astonishing ability to focus and to change focus. Birds have muscles that carry out both jobs, plus other muscles that change the shape of the cornea, too. And birds have exceptionally large eyes located on the sides of their heads, so they have a bird’s eye view of almost all of their surroundings, almost all the time. Learn more at StanfordBirds. Some birds, like this Red-tailed Hawk, possess amazingly highly developed eyesight. Just what makes birds’ eyes so special, their eyesight so remarkable? It has to do with the muscles that give them an astonishing ability to focus and to change focus. Birds have muscles that carry out both jobs, plus other muscles that change the shape of the cornea, too. And birds have exceptionally large eyes located on the sides of their heads, so they have a bird’s eye view of almost all of their surroundings, almost all the time. Learn more at StanfordBirds. Some birds, like this Red-tailed Hawk, possess amazingly highly developed eyesight. Just what makes birds’ eyes so special, their eyesight so remarkable? It has to do with the muscles that give them an astonishing ability to focus and to change focus. Birds have muscles that carry out both jobs, plus other muscles that change the shape of the cornea, too. And birds have exceptionally large eyes located on the sides of their heads, so they have a bird’s eye view of almost all of their surroundings, almost all the time. Learn more at StanfordBirds. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-21,25323208 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25317111-Swallows-and-Mud-A-Myth The swallows that make mud nests in spring and catch flying insects all summer are now far south in Mexico, and Central and South America. It’s only as recently as the end of the nineteenth century that ornithologists agreed that swallows, including this Cliff Swallow, migrate. Many formerly believed that swallows and swifts spent the winter hibernating in mud, awakening each spring to dart through the skies again. For more about these small, sleek fliers, visit Cornell's AllAboutBirds. The swallows that make mud nests in spring and catch flying insects all summer are now far south in Mexico, and Central and South America. It’s only as recently as the end of the nineteenth century that ornithologists agreed that swallows, including this Cliff Swallow, migrate. Many formerly believed that swallows and swifts spent the winter hibernating in mud, awakening each spring to dart through the skies again. For more about these small, sleek fliers, visit Cornell's AllAboutBirds. The swallows that make mud nests in spring and catch flying insects all summer are now far south in Mexico, and Central and South America. It’s only as recently as the end of the nineteenth century that ornithologists agreed that swallows, including this Cliff Swallow, migrate. Many formerly believed that swallows and swifts spent the winter hibernating in mud, awakening each spring to dart through the skies again. For more about these small, sleek fliers, visit Cornell's AllAboutBirds. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-20,25317111 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25311677-Raven-and-Wolves Researcher Bernd Heinrich writes: “Ravens associate with any animals that kill large game – polar bears, grizzlies, wolves, coyotes, killer whales, and humans.” These birds travel with caribou on their migration, and scavenge remains after wolves have made their kills. The bill of the Common Raven can’t cut into a carcass, so a large carnivore must tear through the tough hide first. Learn more about ravens and wolves at Wolf.org. Researcher Bernd Heinrich writes: “Ravens associate with any animals that kill large game – polar bears, grizzlies, wolves, coyotes, killer whales, and humans.” These birds travel with caribou on their migration, and scavenge remains after wolves have made their kills. The bill of the Common Raven can’t cut into a carcass, so a large carnivore must tear through the tough hide first. Learn more about ravens and wolves at Wolf.org. Researcher Bernd Heinrich writes: “Ravens associate with any animals that kill large game – polar bears, grizzlies, wolves, coyotes, killer whales, and humans.” These birds travel with caribou on their migration, and scavenge remains after wolves have made their kills. The bill of the Common Raven can’t cut into a carcass, so a large carnivore must tear through the tough hide first. Learn more about ravens and wolves at Wolf.org. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-19,25311677 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25306629-The-Little-Red-Spot-on-a-Gull-s-Bill In the mid-20th Century, Dutch scientist Niko Tinbergen studied nesting Herring Gulls. He noticed that newly hatched chicks were fed by their parents only after they pecked at the adults’ bills. Tinbergen devised experiments that varied the shape and coloration of the adult’s bill. It became clear that the red spot on the adult gull’s bill was a crucial visual cue in a chick’s demands to be fed, and thus its survival. Learn more about Tinbergen’s research. In the mid-20th Century, Dutch scientist Niko Tinbergen studied nesting Herring Gulls. He noticed that newly hatched chicks were fed by their parents only after they pecked at the adults’ bills. Tinbergen devised experiments that varied the shape and coloration of the adult’s bill. It became clear that the red spot on the adult gull’s bill was a crucial visual cue in a chick’s demands to be fed, and thus its survival. Learn more about Tinbergen’s research. In the mid-20th Century, Dutch scientist Niko Tinbergen studied nesting Herring Gulls. He noticed that newly hatched chicks were fed by their parents only after they pecked at the adults’ bills. Tinbergen devised experiments that varied the shape and coloration of the adult’s bill. It became clear that the red spot on the adult gull’s bill was a crucial visual cue in a chick’s demands to be fed, and thus its survival. Learn more about Tinbergen’s research. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-18,25306629 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25301923-Clark-s-Nutcracker-Nature-s-Arborist High in the Cascade Mountains, near tree-line, a Clark’s Nutcracker buries a cache of whitebark pine seeds. This will be nearly its sole source of food until the next summer. But some of those cached seeds will germinate, spawning a small grove of pines. Whitebark pines are one of more than 20 species of pines worldwide that rely almost exclusively on birds like nutcrackers to renew their forests. Become a BirdNote benefactor and help keep us on the air and online — begin here! High in the Cascade Mountains, near tree-line, a Clark’s Nutcracker buries a cache of whitebark pine seeds. This will be nearly its sole source of food until the next summer. But some of those cached seeds will germinate, spawning a small grove of pines. Whitebark pines are one of more than 20 species of pines worldwide that rely almost exclusively on birds like nutcrackers to renew their forests. Become a BirdNote benefactor and help keep us on the air and online — begin here! High in the Cascade Mountains, near tree-line, a Clark’s Nutcracker buries a cache of whitebark pine seeds. This will be nearly its sole source of food until the next summer. But some of those cached seeds will germinate, spawning a small grove of pines. Whitebark pines are one of more than 20 species of pines worldwide that rely almost exclusively on birds like nutcrackers to renew their forests. Become a BirdNote benefactor and help keep us on the air and online — begin here! tag:odeo.com,2009-10-17,25301923 Sat, 17 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25295285-When-Starlings-Cheat When Hank Williams wrote Your Cheatin’ Heart, birds probably weren’t on his mind. But researchers have found evidence of what we might call “infidelity” in birds. Scientists in east Africa learned that female Superb Starlings often seem to have “cheatin’” on their minds. Superb Starlings live in cooperative social groups, where subordinate, non-paired males help raise the chicks of established pairs. Females will “cheat”—or mate with subordinate males—when the females need help raising chicks, thus increasing the survival rates of those chicks. Learn more. When Hank Williams wrote Your Cheatin’ Heart, birds probably weren’t on his mind. But researchers have found evidence of what we might call “infidelity” in birds. Scientists in east Africa learned that female Superb Starlings often seem to have “cheatin’” on their minds. Superb Starlings live in cooperative social groups, where subordinate, non-paired males help raise the chicks of established pairs. Females will “cheat”—or mate with subordinate males—when the females need help raising chicks, thus increasing the survival rates of those chicks. Learn more. When Hank Williams wrote Your Cheatin’ Heart, birds probably weren’t on his mind. But researchers have found evidence of what we might call “infidelity” in birds. Scientists in east Africa learned that female Superb Starlings often seem to have “cheatin’” on their minds. Superb Starlings live in cooperative social groups, where subordinate, non-paired males help raise the chicks of established pairs. Females will “cheat”—or mate with subordinate males—when the females need help raising chicks, thus increasing the survival rates of those chicks. Learn more. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-16,25295285 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25290441-HawkWatch-Chelan-Ridge You're at 5000 feet in the Cascade Mountains. Overhead, a Red-tailed Hawk catches an updraft. The Chelan Ridge Raptor Migration site is the best location in Washington State to see migrating raptors. The U.S. Forest Service and HawkWatch International are partners in a large network of North American raptor migration sites. In September and October, biologists and volunteers count hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures that soar nearby. Learn more. You're at 5000 feet in the Cascade Mountains. Overhead, a Red-tailed Hawk catches an updraft. The Chelan Ridge Raptor Migration site is the best location in Washington State to see migrating raptors. The U.S. Forest Service and HawkWatch International are partners in a large network of North American raptor migration sites. In September and October, biologists and volunteers count hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures that soar nearby. Learn more. You're at 5000 feet in the Cascade Mountains. Overhead, a Red-tailed Hawk catches an updraft. The Chelan Ridge Raptor Migration site is the best location in Washington State to see migrating raptors. The U.S. Forest Service and HawkWatch International are partners in a large network of North American raptor migration sites. In September and October, biologists and volunteers count hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures that soar nearby. Learn more. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-15,25290441 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25290442-Veracruz-River-of-Raptors In Veracruz, Mexico, the flow of migrating raptors includes birds from all over eastern North America. The town of Cardel lies on the flat coastal lowlands of the Gulf of Mexico. Each fall, biologists and volunteers gather there on the roof of the five-story Bienvenido Hotel, where they count five and a half million migrating raptors. When the birds are teeming overhead, the mechanical counters tick constantly. Learn more about the river of raptors in Veracruz. In Veracruz, Mexico, the flow of migrating raptors includes birds from all over eastern North America. The town of Cardel lies on the flat coastal lowlands of the Gulf of Mexico. Each fall, biologists and volunteers gather there on the roof of the five-story Bienvenido Hotel, where they count five and a half million migrating raptors. When the birds are teeming overhead, the mechanical counters tick constantly. Learn more about the river of raptors in Veracruz. In Veracruz, Mexico, the flow of migrating raptors includes birds from all over eastern North America. The town of Cardel lies on the flat coastal lowlands of the Gulf of Mexico. Each fall, biologists and volunteers gather there on the roof of the five-story Bienvenido Hotel, where they count five and a half million migrating raptors. When the birds are teeming overhead, the mechanical counters tick constantly. Learn more about the river of raptors in Veracruz. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-15,25290442 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:01:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25284597-Sentinel-Birds The Killdeer is a sentinel bird, one especially alert to predators. They can see you - or a fox - from a long distance. They keep out of harm’s way while warning all the other Killdeers in the area of your presence. Black-necked Stilts and American Avocets also sound alarm calls. Loud, distracting, and very communicative, sentinel birds inform everyone in the area that a predator is present. And they tell the predator that it has been seen and it might just be time to find a quieter neighborhood. The Killdeer is a sentinel bird, one especially alert to predators. They can see you - or a fox - from a long distance. They keep out of harm’s way while warning all the other Killdeers in the area of your presence. Black-necked Stilts and American Avocets also sound alarm calls. Loud, distracting, and very communicative, sentinel birds inform everyone in the area that a predator is present. And they tell the predator that it has been seen and it might just be time to find a quieter neighborhood. The Killdeer is a sentinel bird, one especially alert to predators. They can see you - or a fox - from a long distance. They keep out of harm’s way while warning all the other Killdeers in the area of your presence. Black-necked Stilts and American Avocets also sound alarm calls. Loud, distracting, and very communicative, sentinel birds inform everyone in the area that a predator is present. And they tell the predator that it has been seen and it might just be time to find a quieter neighborhood. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-14,25284597 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25279372-Geese-in-V-formation Among the most evocative sounds of early autumn are the voices of migratory geese, flying overhead in V-formation. Most likely, each successive bird in a "V" takes advantage of the slipstream created by the one in front of it, which passes added lift to the one behind. For more about geese and ducks, visit Cornell's AllAboutBirds. To find your local Audubon chapter and go on a field trip, begin here. Among the most evocative sounds of early autumn are the voices of migratory geese, flying overhead in V-formation. Most likely, each successive bird in a "V" takes advantage of the slipstream created by the one in front of it, which passes added lift to the one behind. For more about geese and ducks, visit Cornell's AllAboutBirds. To find your local Audubon chapter and go on a field trip, begin here. Among the most evocative sounds of early autumn are the voices of migratory geese, flying overhead in V-formation. Most likely, each successive bird in a "V" takes advantage of the slipstream created by the one in front of it, which passes added lift to the one behind. For more about geese and ducks, visit Cornell's AllAboutBirds. To find your local Audubon chapter and go on a field trip, begin here. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-13,25279372 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25273982-Columbus-s-Birds As Christopher Columbus neared land in 1492, clues in the form of birds gave him hope that landfall was not far off. From his journal: Sept. 14: The crew of the Niña stated that they had seen [a type of tern] which never goes farther than twenty-five leagues from the land. … Sept. 30: Four tropic birds came to the ship, a clear sign of land, for so many birds of one sort together show that they are not straying about, having lost themselves. It was probably an ancestor of this Sandwich Tern that Columbus saw before he made landfall in the Bahamas on October 12, 1492. As Christopher Columbus neared land in 1492, clues in the form of birds gave him hope that landfall was not far off. From his journal: Sept. 14: The crew of the Niña stated that they had seen [a type of tern] which never goes farther than twenty-five leagues from the land. … Sept. 30: Four tropic birds came to the ship, a clear sign of land, for so many birds of one sort together show that they are not straying about, having lost themselves. It was probably an ancestor of this Sandwich Tern that Columbus saw before he made landfall in the Bahamas on October 12, 1492. As Christopher Columbus neared land in 1492, clues in the form of birds gave him hope that landfall was not far off. From his journal: Sept. 14: The crew of the Niña stated that they had seen [a type of tern] which never goes farther than twenty-five leagues from the land. … Sept. 30: Four tropic birds came to the ship, a clear sign of land, for so many birds of one sort together show that they are not straying about, having lost themselves. It was probably an ancestor of this Sandwich Tern that Columbus saw before he made landfall in the Bahamas on October 12, 1492. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-12,25273982 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25268962-How-Shorebirds-Find-Their-Way Shorebirds such as these Pacific Golden-Plovers have a built-in map and a built-in compass. Many night-flying migrants use star patterns to orient themselves, and the fact that the sun always sets in the west makes it a compass point for a bird about to take off on a night flight.  Perhaps the most amazing thing is birds’ ability to use variations in the Earth’s magnetic field to mark their approximate position. Learn more at Tufts.edu. Sign up for Weekly Preview, and receive email with photos of birds to be featured in the week ahead. Shorebirds such as these Pacific Golden-Plovers have a built-in map and a built-in compass. Many night-flying migrants use star patterns to orient themselves, and the fact that the sun always sets in the west makes it a compass point for a bird about to take off on a night flight.  Perhaps the most amazing thing is birds’ ability to use variations in the Earth’s magnetic field to mark their approximate position. Learn more at Tufts.edu. Sign up for Weekly Preview, and receive email with photos of birds to be featured in the week ahead. Shorebirds such as these Pacific Golden-Plovers have a built-in map and a built-in compass. Many night-flying migrants use star patterns to orient themselves, and the fact that the sun always sets in the west makes it a compass point for a bird about to take off on a night flight.  Perhaps the most amazing thing is birds’ ability to use variations in the Earth’s magnetic field to mark their approximate position. Learn more at Tufts.edu. Sign up for Weekly Preview, and receive email with photos of birds to be featured in the week ahead. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-11,25268962 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25264971-October-Migrants-Look-Who-s-Back In the October sunlight, a Golden-crowned Sparrow sings plaintively from a hedgerow. Soon a Fox Sparrow chimes in. Both nested in Alaska last summer, but will spend the winter farther south. The Snow Geese are moving, too. A massive movement of birds takes place in the fall. The exodus of summer visitors to the tropics has given way to a surge from the north. And predators can’t be far behind. Learn more about migration from the Smithsonian. In the October sunlight, a Golden-crowned Sparrow sings plaintively from a hedgerow. Soon a Fox Sparrow chimes in. Both nested in Alaska last summer, but will spend the winter farther south. The Snow Geese are moving, too. A massive movement of birds takes place in the fall. The exodus of summer visitors to the tropics has given way to a surge from the north. And predators can’t be far behind. Learn more about migration from the Smithsonian. In the October sunlight, a Golden-crowned Sparrow sings plaintively from a hedgerow. Soon a Fox Sparrow chimes in. Both nested in Alaska last summer, but will spend the winter farther south. The Snow Geese are moving, too. A massive movement of birds takes place in the fall. The exodus of summer visitors to the tropics has given way to a surge from the north. And predators can’t be far behind. Learn more about migration from the Smithsonian. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-10,25264971 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25259970-The-Folklore-of-Owls Thanks to Harry Potter, the owl is flying high. But throughout history, the owl has received mixed reviews. The Greeks believed an owl flying over a battlefield foretold victory, while in other cultures, owls were considered omens of death, prophets of doom. Listen to the story again, and you'll hear four different owls. The owls heard in this story, in order, are the Barred Owl, Barn Owl, Long-eared Owl, and Great Horned Owl. To learn more about owls, visit Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Thanks to Harry Potter, the owl is flying high. But throughout history, the owl has received mixed reviews. The Greeks believed an owl flying over a battlefield foretold victory, while in other cultures, owls were considered omens of death, prophets of doom. Listen to the story again, and you'll hear four different owls. The owls heard in this story, in order, are the Barred Owl, Barn Owl, Long-eared Owl, and Great Horned Owl. To learn more about owls, visit Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Thanks to Harry Potter, the owl is flying high. But throughout history, the owl has received mixed reviews. The Greeks believed an owl flying over a battlefield foretold victory, while in other cultures, owls were considered omens of death, prophets of doom. Listen to the story again, and you'll hear four different owls. The owls heard in this story, in order, are the Barred Owl, Barn Owl, Long-eared Owl, and Great Horned Owl. To learn more about owls, visit Cornell's AllAboutBirds. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-09,25259970 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25254335-Chorus-Line-in-the-Sky A flock of small shorebirds (like these Western Sandpipers) twists and turns, glittering in the sky. When threatened by a falcon, these birds take to the air, flying so close together that it’s hard for a predator to capture one. A bird at one edge turns toward the middle, and a wave sweeps across the entire flock in less than a second. Listen to BirdNote day or night — sign up for the podcast! A flock of small shorebirds (like these Western Sandpipers) twists and turns, glittering in the sky. When threatened by a falcon, these birds take to the air, flying so close together that it’s hard for a predator to capture one. A bird at one edge turns toward the middle, and a wave sweeps across the entire flock in less than a second. Listen to BirdNote day or night — sign up for the podcast! A flock of small shorebirds (like these Western Sandpipers) twists and turns, glittering in the sky. When threatened by a falcon, these birds take to the air, flying so close together that it’s hard for a predator to capture one. A bird at one edge turns toward the middle, and a wave sweeps across the entire flock in less than a second. Listen to BirdNote day or night — sign up for the podcast! tag:odeo.com,2009-10-08,25254335 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25248595-Is-It-the-Same-Robin Early October brings American Robins to feed on tree fruit and berries. Are the robins you see now the same robins that you saw in your garden last summer? Some robins do remain year ‘round. Others spend only the winter, having nested farther north. John James Audubon may have been the first to band birds, in order to learn more about migration. Learn more about banding birds from the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. Early October brings American Robins to feed on tree fruit and berries. Are the robins you see now the same robins that you saw in your garden last summer? Some robins do remain year ‘round. Others spend only the winter, having nested farther north. John James Audubon may have been the first to band birds, in order to learn more about migration. Learn more about banding birds from the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. Early October brings American Robins to feed on tree fruit and berries. Are the robins you see now the same robins that you saw in your garden last summer? Some robins do remain year ‘round. Others spend only the winter, having nested farther north. John James Audubon may have been the first to band birds, in order to learn more about migration. Learn more about banding birds from the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-07,25248595 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25242516-Ducks-Head-South In early fall, you’ll see male ducks - like these Mallards - looking very different from when they flew north last spring. The beautiful drakes seem to be gone. But the males are here - sort of “under cover.” In mid-summer, they molted into nondescript, dull plumage known as eclipse plumage. But the eclipse is waning. By November, most of the drakes’ vivid colors will return, just in time for the flash of the courtship season. Want to receive stunning photos each week of the birds we’ll feature in the week ahead? Sign up for  Weekly Preview! In early fall, you’ll see male ducks - like these Mallards - looking very different from when they flew north last spring. The beautiful drakes seem to be gone. But the males are here - sort of “under cover.” In mid-summer, they molted into nondescript, dull plumage known as eclipse plumage. But the eclipse is waning. By November, most of the drakes’ vivid colors will return, just in time for the flash of the courtship season. Want to receive stunning photos each week of the birds we’ll feature in the week ahead? Sign up for  Weekly Preview! In early fall, you’ll see male ducks - like these Mallards - looking very different from when they flew north last spring. The beautiful drakes seem to be gone. But the males are here - sort of “under cover.” In mid-summer, they molted into nondescript, dull plumage known as eclipse plumage. But the eclipse is waning. By November, most of the drakes’ vivid colors will return, just in time for the flash of the courtship season. Want to receive stunning photos each week of the birds we’ll feature in the week ahead? Sign up for  Weekly Preview! tag:odeo.com,2009-10-06,25242516 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25236465-Birds-and-Berries Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Our little mountain-ash is all alive with [birds.] A dozen robins on it at once ... plucking the berries... A robin will swallow half a dozen berries, at least, in rapid succession..." If you, too, enjoy watching birds eat berries, then consider planting trees and shrubs that produce berries, to attract birds (like this Cedar Waxwing)  to your garden. Learn more about “Gardening for Life”—Click here. Take the healthy yard pledge. Click here. Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Our little mountain-ash is all alive with [birds.] A dozen robins on it at once ... plucking the berries... A robin will swallow half a dozen berries, at least, in rapid succession..." If you, too, enjoy watching birds eat berries, then consider planting trees and shrubs that produce berries, to attract birds (like this Cedar Waxwing)  to your garden. Learn more about “Gardening for Life”—Click here. Take the healthy yard pledge. Click here. Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Our little mountain-ash is all alive with [birds.] A dozen robins on it at once ... plucking the berries... A robin will swallow half a dozen berries, at least, in rapid succession..." If you, too, enjoy watching birds eat berries, then consider planting trees and shrubs that produce berries, to attract birds (like this Cedar Waxwing)  to your garden. Learn more about “Gardening for Life”—Click here. Take the healthy yard pledge. Click here. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-05,25236465 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25231394-White-browed-Coucal This White-browed Coucal —also known as Burchell’s Coucal—is common in many parts of Africa. “Streaky and sneaky” best describes these birds, because you’ll be lucky if you see one. Dew from their dense habitat often dampens their feathers. Then, they hop to the top of a bush and spread their wings and tail to dry in the morning sun. Sign up for Weekly Preview, and receive email with photos of birds to be featured in the week ahead. This White-browed Coucal —also known as Burchell’s Coucal—is common in many parts of Africa. “Streaky and sneaky” best describes these birds, because you’ll be lucky if you see one. Dew from their dense habitat often dampens their feathers. Then, they hop to the top of a bush and spread their wings and tail to dry in the morning sun. Sign up for Weekly Preview, and receive email with photos of birds to be featured in the week ahead. This White-browed Coucal —also known as Burchell’s Coucal—is common in many parts of Africa. “Streaky and sneaky” best describes these birds, because you’ll be lucky if you see one. Dew from their dense habitat often dampens their feathers. Then, they hop to the top of a bush and spread their wings and tail to dry in the morning sun. Sign up for Weekly Preview, and receive email with photos of birds to be featured in the week ahead. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-04,25231394 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25231395-HawkWatch-Chelan-Ridge You're at 5000 feet in the Cascade Mountains. Overhead, a Red-tailed Hawk catches an updraft. The Chelan Ridge Raptor Migration site is the best location in Washington State to see migrating raptors. The U.S. Forest Service and HawkWatch International are partners in a large network of North American raptor migration sites. In September and October, biologists and volunteers count hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures that soar nearby. Learn more. You're at 5000 feet in the Cascade Mountains. Overhead, a Red-tailed Hawk catches an updraft. The Chelan Ridge Raptor Migration site is the best location in Washington State to see migrating raptors. The U.S. Forest Service and HawkWatch International are partners in a large network of North American raptor migration sites. In September and October, biologists and volunteers count hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures that soar nearby. Learn more. You're at 5000 feet in the Cascade Mountains. Overhead, a Red-tailed Hawk catches an updraft. The Chelan Ridge Raptor Migration site is the best location in Washington State to see migrating raptors. The U.S. Forest Service and HawkWatch International are partners in a large network of North American raptor migration sites. In September and October, biologists and volunteers count hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures that soar nearby. Learn more. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-04,25231395 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 01:01:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25227508-Ridgefield-BirdFest Cackling Geese - like this one - flock together for the winter at sites like Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, in southern Washington. But there’s still more excitement to be had at Ridgefield. On October 10 and 11, there's a BirdFest and Bluegrass Festival. In addition to music, the festival offers artwork and guided kayak and walking tours. Keep an eye out for hawks and herons, otter and beaver – and fiddles and mandolins, too! Learn more at ridgefieldfriends.org. Cackling Geese - like this one - flock together for the winter at sites like Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, in southern Washington. But there’s still more excitement to be had at Ridgefield. On October 10 and 11, there's a BirdFest and Bluegrass Festival. In addition to music, the festival offers artwork and guided kayak and walking tours. Keep an eye out for hawks and herons, otter and beaver – and fiddles and mandolins, too! Learn more at ridgefieldfriends.org. Cackling Geese - like this one - flock together for the winter at sites like Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, in southern Washington. But there’s still more excitement to be had at Ridgefield. On October 10 and 11, there's a BirdFest and Bluegrass Festival. In addition to music, the festival offers artwork and guided kayak and walking tours. Keep an eye out for hawks and herons, otter and beaver – and fiddles and mandolins, too! Learn more at ridgefieldfriends.org. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-03,25227508 Sat, 03 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25222485-Chipping-Sparrows The begging calls of male baby Chipping Sparrows mix into what is known as “subsong,” a sort of infant babbling. And, very quickly, subsong begins to change to imitations of adult songs. Next spring, when the young male returns for its first breeding season, it will settle in near an older male. Soon it drops all but one of the precursor songs – the one most like the older male’s song – and in a few days nearly matches its neighbor note for note. More at the Public Library of Science. The begging calls of male baby Chipping Sparrows mix into what is known as “subsong,” a sort of infant babbling. And, very quickly, subsong begins to change to imitations of adult songs. Next spring, when the young male returns for its first breeding season, it will settle in near an older male. Soon it drops all but one of the precursor songs – the one most like the older male’s song – and in a few days nearly matches its neighbor note for note. More at the Public Library of Science. The begging calls of male baby Chipping Sparrows mix into what is known as “subsong,” a sort of infant babbling. And, very quickly, subsong begins to change to imitations of adult songs. Next spring, when the young male returns for its first breeding season, it will settle in near an older male. Soon it drops all but one of the precursor songs – the one most like the older male’s song – and in a few days nearly matches its neighbor note for note. More at the Public Library of Science. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-02,25222485 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25216710-Wade-Troutman-and-the-Sharp-tailed-Grouse Eastern Washington wheat farmer, Wade Troutman (left), actively manages his farm to protect habitat for the Sharp-tailed Grouse. Jeff Weissman (right) buys Wade's wheat for his bakery in Seattle. Learn more about IRIS, Initiative for Rural Innovation and Stewardship. Gathering Our Voice helps communities develop innovative responses to change. Seattle listeners are invited to see Wade Troutman’s organic wheat being made into bread at the Great Harvest Bread Company on Sunday, October 1. Learn more. Eastern Washington wheat farmer, Wade Troutman (left), actively manages his farm to protect habitat for the Sharp-tailed Grouse. Jeff Weissman (right) buys Wade's wheat for his bakery in Seattle. Learn more about IRIS, Initiative for Rural Innovation and Stewardship. Gathering Our Voice helps communities develop innovative responses to change. Seattle listeners are invited to see Wade Troutman’s organic wheat being made into bread at the Great Harvest Bread Company on Sunday, October 1. Learn more. Eastern Washington wheat farmer, Wade Troutman (left), actively manages his farm to protect habitat for the Sharp-tailed Grouse. Jeff Weissman (right) buys Wade's wheat for his bakery in Seattle. Learn more about IRIS, Initiative for Rural Innovation and Stewardship. Gathering Our Voice helps communities develop innovative responses to change. Seattle listeners are invited to see Wade Troutman’s organic wheat being made into bread at the Great Harvest Bread Company on Sunday, October 1. Learn more. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-01,25216710 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25216711-South-Polar-Skua South Polar Skuas glide just off the Pacific Coast each fall. Skuas are prone to piracy, stealing fish from gulls and terns by chasing them down. These birds are also fierce predators on their Antarctic nesting grounds, raiding penguin colonies, eating eggs and young chicks alike. The word “skua” dates back to Old Norse. The skua’s annual appearance in the fall is part of an immense, annual clockwise migration, north from Antarctica to Japan, and then back south along the edge of North America. Learn more at BirdWeb. South Polar Skuas glide just off the Pacific Coast each fall. Skuas are prone to piracy, stealing fish from gulls and terns by chasing them down. These birds are also fierce predators on their Antarctic nesting grounds, raiding penguin colonies, eating eggs and young chicks alike. The word “skua” dates back to Old Norse. The skua’s annual appearance in the fall is part of an immense, annual clockwise migration, north from Antarctica to Japan, and then back south along the edge of North America. Learn more at BirdWeb. South Polar Skuas glide just off the Pacific Coast each fall. Skuas are prone to piracy, stealing fish from gulls and terns by chasing them down. These birds are also fierce predators on their Antarctic nesting grounds, raiding penguin colonies, eating eggs and young chicks alike. The word “skua” dates back to Old Norse. The skua’s annual appearance in the fall is part of an immense, annual clockwise migration, north from Antarctica to Japan, and then back south along the edge of North America. Learn more at BirdWeb. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-01,25216711 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25210398-Tracking-Peregrine-Falcons In September, a streamlined Peregrine Falcon calls as it wings its way south from its Arctic nesting grounds. The pale gray falcon will spend the winter in Chile. On its back, it wears a miniature satellite transmitter, attached there by members of the Falcon Research Group. In 2006, Bud Anderson and others of the FRG initiated the Southern Cross Peregrine Project. Their goal: track the migration of the tundra race of Peregrine Falcon, the most highly migratory of all Peregrines. Learn more about the Falcon Research Project. In September, a streamlined Peregrine Falcon calls as it wings its way south from its Arctic nesting grounds. The pale gray falcon will spend the winter in Chile. On its back, it wears a miniature satellite transmitter, attached there by members of the Falcon Research Group. In 2006, Bud Anderson and others of the FRG initiated the Southern Cross Peregrine Project. Their goal: track the migration of the tundra race of Peregrine Falcon, the most highly migratory of all Peregrines. Learn more about the Falcon Research Project. In September, a streamlined Peregrine Falcon calls as it wings its way south from its Arctic nesting grounds. The pale gray falcon will spend the winter in Chile. On its back, it wears a miniature satellite transmitter, attached there by members of the Falcon Research Group. In 2006, Bud Anderson and others of the FRG initiated the Southern Cross Peregrine Project. Their goal: track the migration of the tundra race of Peregrine Falcon, the most highly migratory of all Peregrines. Learn more about the Falcon Research Project. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-30,25210398 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://odeo.com/episodes/25204585-Banding-Hummingbirds Dan Harville has banded more than 6,000 hummingbirds! He affixes a tiny aluminum ring bearing a unique number around the lower part of the bird’s left leg. That number will provide vital information to any bander who recaptures it. From the work of the banders, we know that Rufous Hummingbirds, like this one, return to the same sites year after year, some after flying more than 2,500 miles to Mexico and back. If you see a hummingbird wearing a band – or any other bird, for that matter - report it at ReportBand.gov. Dan Harville has banded more than 6,000 hummingbirds! He affixes a tiny aluminum ring bearing a unique number around the lower part of the bird’s left leg. That number will provide vital information to any bander who recaptures it. From the work of the banders, we know that Rufous Hummingbirds, like this one, return to the same sites year after year, some after flying more than 2,500 miles to Mexico and back. If you see a hummingbird wearing a band – or any other bird, for that matter - report it at ReportBand.gov. Dan Harville has banded more than 6,000 hummingbirds! He affixes a tiny aluminum ring bearing a unique number around the lower part of the bird’s left leg. That number will provide vital information to any bander who recaptures it. From the work of the banders, we know that Rufous Hummingbirds, like this one, return to the same sites year after year, some after flying more than 2,500 miles to Mexico and back. If you see a hummingbird wearing a band – or any other bird, for that matter - report it at ReportBand.gov. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-29,25204585 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 01:02:00 -0700 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed