Dr. Russell Greenberg of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center explains why drinking shade-grown coffee is so important. Also today, we learn about an owl that flies like a crow, and we present a Let's Ask Mike segment that we call "Like the Downy of a Thistle."
#199: January 25, 2009
We learn about a beautiful bird whose diet ranges from fish and crustaceans to carrion from polar bear kills. Also today, our Let's Ask Mike segment helps a listener deal with suet-stealing starlings.
#198: January 18, 2009
We learn about a bird that's not as quiet as his name would suggest; and Mike O'Connor answers a question about putting lavender fronds...in your birdbath.
#197: January 11, 2009
Intrepid birder Doug Chickering describes his amazing bird-a-day feat and waxes poetic about his favorite sightings of 2008.
#196: January 4, 2009
The strange legend of the Barnacle Goose, our poem entitled "Shooting Clouds," and in our Let's Ask Mike segment, the score is Barred Owl 1, American Crow 0.
#195: December 28, 2008
We learn about a sea mouse and an evening singer, and get some tips on keeping your tabby away from your troglodytes.
#194: December 21, 2008
We discover how the voyages of Captain Cook led to the naming of a tern; we hear a bird that sounds like a cow; and Mike O'Connor helps a listener who's craving crossbills.
#193: December 14, 2008
We hear about the Bush Administration's plans to remove protections for endangered species. Also, we head for the tropics to meet our Featured Feathered Friend, and Mike O'Connor sounds off on the perils of using mixed seed.
#192: December 7, 2008
No ducks please, we’re British! And Mike O'Connor explains how hummingbirds can survive cold weather.
#191: November 30, 2008
We hear about a falcon from the north, a Bluebird from the west, and a handsome fellow who wears a necklace.
#190: November 23, 2008
We learn about a misnamed warbler; we ALMOST stump our listeners in the Mystery Bird Contest; and Mike O'Connor explains what to do if your finches diss your thistle.
#189: November 16, 2008
Mass Audubon's John Galluzzo joins us as co-host; we learn some fascinating facts about the Wilson's Snipe; and we hear about what might be the start of a big winter finch invasion.
#188: November 9, 2008
We hear one man's idea of the world's sexiest birds; we nearly stump our listeners in the Mystery Bird Contest; and in our Let's Ask Mike segment, the topic is "Drill, Baby, Drill."
#187: November 2, 2008
An Indian legend tells how a certain duck came to have red eyes; Mike O'Connor opines about a crow/raptor standoff; and we learn about another bird/dinosaur connection in a visit to our Science Corner.
#186: October 26, 2008
A mad scientist helps us create a Featured Feathered Friend; Mike O'Connor warns us about the dangers of empty bird feeders; and our new contributor Doug Chickering waxes poetic about...cormorants.
#185: October 19, 2008
Raptor expert Shawn Carey joins us live from the top of Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania. Plus, Mike O'Connor tackles the topic of feather felony, and a weed seed-eating songbird challenges callers in our Mystery Bird Contest.
#184: October 12, 2008
An infamous old TV commercial helps us introduce a Featured Feathered Friend; Mike O'Connor helps a listener save money while heating her birdbath; and we're giving away a beautiful prize in our email contest.
#183: October 5, 2008
Award-winning author and naturalist Scott Weidensaul talks about the new "Birds & Beans" initiative. Also, the theme from Rawhide helps us re-introduce a Featured Feathered Friend, and Mike O'Connor tells a listener how gorging House Sparrows retain their slender shapes.
#182: September 28, 2008
A familiar-sounding Mystery Bird fools a number of callers; we hear the lament of the House Finch; and Mike O'Connor tackles a legal question about collecting birds' nests.
#181: September 21, 2008
We hear some predictions about which northern finches may visit the lower 48 this winter; we feature a bird that looks a lot better than it sounds; and Mike O'Connor explains why pigeons walk so weirdly.