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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 (#1,061 Oct. 26): an Audio Postcard from Mississippi, avian observations from Minnesota, and some birds-and-baseball connections. Hear it here.
Students making a difference
This is the way it's done! Graduate students, undergraduates, and other volunteers have been monitoring bird strikes on campus at the University of Illinois for years. Now, armed with data, they're advocating for bird-friendly architecture in order to reduce the number of bird deaths. (10/28)
Plastics for kids?
Polyester is a type of plastic that's made from fossil fuels combined with chemical additives, some of which may be toxic to humans. Polyester clothing also contributes to the growing microplastics pollution crisis. Help encourage three major manufacturers to commit to reducing the use of polyester and other synthetic fibers in their products. (10/30)
Long-term California study finds surprising link between birds and wildfires
New research investigated 42 bird species in Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. (10/20)
Conservation Salute: Ford
A Talkin' Birds Conservation Salute goes to Ford Motor Company for becoming the Founding Sponsor of the Bird City Michigan initiative.
The Bird City Initiative supports communities in adopting bird-friendly practices. Ford's financial reach will help educate people and help birds thrive all over Michigan. (10/14)
Join up and help out
Project Feederwatch begins Saturday, November 1 for residents of the US and Canada. Here's all you need to know to get started. This long-running community science project provides a detailed picture of weekly changes in bird distribution -- telling us where birds ARE as well as where they ARE NOT. A great starter project if you’re looking for one. (10/28)
Oklahoma backyard feeder cam
When we tuned in to this tray feeder cam, we were immediately treated to close-ups of Black-capped Chickadees and Northern Cardinals. We could discern fine details on their faces and feet.!This cam does have sound, but we found it pretty quiet, which makes it a great cam to keep in the background while you're working. (10/29)
Norman Bird Sanctuary’s Harvest Fair
Thank you so much to Talkin' Birds Ambassador Candy Powell for hosting our Talkin' Birds table at the Norman Bird Sanctuary's recent Annual Harvest Fair in Middletown, Rhode Island.
Want to host a table for us at an event near you? Click below to let us know.
Artificial light has essentially lengthened birds' day
On our show #1,059 (Oct. 12), Ray visited the Talkin' Birds Science Corner to discuss the effects of light pollution on daytime bird activity. Read more about this research here. What do you think? Is this lengthened day be good or bad for birds? (10/14)
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Bird vocalizations provided by The Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Website photography by Shawn Carey/Migration Productions.