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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 (#1,089 May 10): Mike O’Connor’s advice on keeping your hummers healthy; Tasha Messer on mentoring young birders; and a Plirding (Picking Up Litter While Birding) audio postcard from the Sunshine State. Hear it here.
Plastic in the produce section
This astounding report shows how much plastic is used by American grocery chains selling produce. Be sure to read the (quick, short) executive summary before diving into the numbers: You'll need the background. In addition to some startling statistics, this report suggests actions we consumers can take. (5/14)
Toucan TV
Live from Heredia, Costa Rica! Toucan Rescue Ranch is home to toucans rescued from such stressors as the illegal pet trade, traffic accidents, and deforestation. They are most active during the day, so we in North America are fortunate that this cam is in Central time. (5/13)
Cycle of a bird band
A Blue-winged Teal banded in Louisiana becomes part of the North American Bird Banding Program, which tracks millions of records to guide waterfowl research and conservation. This brief narrative describes the use of a bird band from when it's put on to the end of the bird's life, so we can see why bird banding matters. (5/7)
Peregrine Falcon nest cam
This nest box is on a cliff face near La Crescent, Minnesota, overlooking the Mississippi River. There are eyases (chicks) in the best! Trust us: You really don’t want to be any closer to eyases than this without protective gear. This cam is in Central time. (5/6)
A duck on Mount Everest?
You'd better believe it. This beautiful story illustrates the resilience of birds and the compassion of which we humans are capable. (5/14)
How nest designs protect eggs and baby birds
Bird nests are not permanent year-round homes: They’re structures that temporarily hold eggs and baby birds until they can survive on their own. This article from Cornell Lab’s Bird Academy is a wonderful primer on all you need to know about nests. (5/5)
The plastic pot conundrum
According to the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), 95% to 98% of plastic plant pots end up in landfills. And yet 81% of global consumers want environmental solutions. Here’s why this is happening and what you can do about it. (5/5)
All about nestboxes
Ray spoke with our man Mike O'Connor about keeping predators out of nestboxes. There's LOTS of information on this website about buying, building, managing, and repairing nestboxes, so s have a look around. (4/21)
Our sponsors and partners:
Bird vocalizations provided by The Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Website photography by Shawn Carey/Migration Productions.