On our latest show (#977 March 17): Another Audubon group changes its name; we listen to Fish Crows from Florida; we feature the largest shorebird in North America; and Mike O’Connor weighs in about birds perching on wires.
Hear it here.

Gentoo Penguins in the Falklands

Photographer Shawn Carey sent us some stunning photos from his recent trip to the Falkland Islands. Here’s a great one of Gentoo Penguins. See more of his work at MigrationProductions.com. (3/14)

Peter Kaestner breaks record for 10,000th milestone sighting

Depending on the taxonomic authority, scientists generally agree that there are roughly 11,000 bird species in the world. Fewer than 60 people have ever seen 8,000; fewer than 20 have surpassed 9,000. (3/11)

Sacred Kingfisher

Here's a photo of the Sacred Kingfisher that was featured in Kimberlie Moutoux's Audio Postcard from New Zealand that aired on our March 3rd show (#975). Great photo, Kimberlie! Love the wing color and that beady little eye. (3/7)

Loons rescued as more birds attempt to winter in Lakes Region

It’s been a weird winter, with mild and rainy weather confounding people who try to organize traditional winter activities. It turns out that the warmer winters have also led to changes in the behaviors of at least one animal: loons. (3/5)

A Facebook post from Sesame Street’s Big Bird

We have to admit that he has a point. (3/12)

Spectacular hummingbirds

For this week's webcam, we bring you the hummingbird feeders at Sachatamia Lodge in Ecuador (Central time). We saw five hummers perched and sipping when we checked mid-afternoon. The Youtube page lists fifteen species at these feeders. See how many you can spot! (3/13)

Northern Pintail close-up

Photographer Maia Kennedy sent us some lovely photos of Northern Pintails that she took at Mystic Lake Valley in Medford, Massachusetts. Click below for her website, where you’ll find more wonderful photos. (3/6)

What’s this “Patreon” Ray keeps talking about?

Patreon is a website that helps people give regular financial support to creators they value. While it's possible to join the Talkin’ Birds Patreon for free, we give special "thank you" gifts to paid subscribers. Depending on the level you choose, you might get access to behind-the-scenes photos and videos; signed copies of Ray's show notes; or even a personal video greeting from Ray. Curious? (3/4)

Barred Owl nest in Wake Forest, North Carolina

When we tuned in to this nest cam mid-morning Eastern time, we saw an adult sitting on eggs. Nothing beats seeing that face and those gorgeous markings up close. (2/28)

 

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Bird vocalizations provided by The Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology 
Website photography by Shawn Carey/Migration Productions.