http://www.odeo.com/channels/30557-BirdNote-Podcast-RSS-Feed no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed en-us 40 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:02:00 -0800 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:02:00 -0800 Natural http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25535878-Why-Robin-Has-a-Red-Breast According to the Suquamish story, many years ago, South Wind blew hot and long. The animals banded together and found the source of the wind—a fortress atop a rocky mountain. At night, the animals crept into the fortress and vanquished the men who protected the South Wind. Afterward, the animals all danced around the fire. All except Robin, who refused to join the dance. He sat quietly, staring into the fire, and stayed there for so long that his breast turned red. And the robin has had a red breast to this day. Learn more about the American Robin. According to the Suquamish story, many years ago, South Wind blew hot and long. The animals banded together and found the source of the wind—a fortress atop a rocky mountain. At night, the animals crept into the fortress and vanquished the men who protected the South Wind. Afterward, the animals all danced around the fire. All except Robin, who refused to join the dance. He sat quietly, staring into the fire, and stayed there for so long that his breast turned red. And the robin has had a red breast to this day. Learn more about the American Robin. According to the Suquamish story, many years ago, South Wind blew hot and long. The animals banded together and found the source of the wind—a fortress atop a rocky mountain. At night, the animals crept into the fortress and vanquished the men who protected the South Wind. Afterward, the animals all danced around the fire. All except Robin, who refused to join the dance. He sat quietly, staring into the fire, and stayed there for so long that his breast turned red. And the robin has had a red breast to this day. Learn more about the American Robin. tag:odeo.com,2009-12-14,25535878 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25531019-Truly-Rare-Sounds BirdNote works with The Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds  to enrich your appreciation of the birds around us. Housed at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York, The Macaulay Library maintains the largest collection of bird sounds in the world: 160,000! The digital recordings in the library cover 2/3 of the world’s bird species. Some are extremely rare and perhaps extinct - like this Bachman’s Warbler, a former resident of the southeastern United States that hasn’t been seen since 1988. BirdNote works with The Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds  to enrich your appreciation of the birds around us. Housed at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York, The Macaulay Library maintains the largest collection of bird sounds in the world: 160,000! The digital recordings in the library cover 2/3 of the world’s bird species. Some are extremely rare and perhaps extinct - like this Bachman’s Warbler, a former resident of the southeastern United States that hasn’t been seen since 1988. BirdNote works with The Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds  to enrich your appreciation of the birds around us. Housed at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York, The Macaulay Library maintains the largest collection of bird sounds in the world: 160,000! The digital recordings in the library cover 2/3 of the world’s bird species. Some are extremely rare and perhaps extinct - like this Bachman’s Warbler, a former resident of the southeastern United States that hasn’t been seen since 1988. tag:odeo.com,2009-12-13,25531019 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25527908-Western-Grebes-in-Trouble One of the most elegant of water-birds, the Western Grebe once wintered on Washington’s Puget Sound by the thousands. But since the 1980s, the wintering population of Western Grebes has plummeted, in some areas by ninety-five percent! See a photo of their courtship dance. Watch a video of a grebe diving under water. To find your local Audubon and get involved in conservation causes, begin here. One of the most elegant of water-birds, the Western Grebe once wintered on Washington’s Puget Sound by the thousands. But since the 1980s, the wintering population of Western Grebes has plummeted, in some areas by ninety-five percent! See a photo of their courtship dance. Watch a video of a grebe diving under water. To find your local Audubon and get involved in conservation causes, begin here. One of the most elegant of water-birds, the Western Grebe once wintered on Washington’s Puget Sound by the thousands. But since the 1980s, the wintering population of Western Grebes has plummeted, in some areas by ninety-five percent! See a photo of their courtship dance. Watch a video of a grebe diving under water. To find your local Audubon and get involved in conservation causes, begin here. tag:odeo.com,2009-12-12,25527908 Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25523752-Jay-and-Martin Just for a LARK, MARTIN and JAY decided to have a SWALLOW. MARTIN’s car, a FALCON, was low on PETREL, so he said, “Let's DUCK into a local tavern—TERN here.” They had to show IDs at the door, to prove they weren’t TANAGERS. MARTIN and JAY met some cute GULLS - PHOEBE, a RAVEN-haired CHICK, and another named ROBIN... You can receive stunning photos of the birds we’ll feature in the week ahead. Sign up here for the Weekly Preview. Just for a LARK, MARTIN and JAY decided to have a SWALLOW. MARTIN’s car, a FALCON, was low on PETREL, so he said, “Let's DUCK into a local tavern—TERN here.” They had to show IDs at the door, to prove they weren’t TANAGERS. MARTIN and JAY met some cute GULLS - PHOEBE, a RAVEN-haired CHICK, and another named ROBIN... You can receive stunning photos of the birds we’ll feature in the week ahead. Sign up here for the Weekly Preview. Just for a LARK, MARTIN and JAY decided to have a SWALLOW. MARTIN’s car, a FALCON, was low on PETREL, so he said, “Let's DUCK into a local tavern—TERN here.” They had to show IDs at the door, to prove they weren’t TANAGERS. MARTIN and JAY met some cute GULLS - PHOEBE, a RAVEN-haired CHICK, and another named ROBIN... You can receive stunning photos of the birds we’ll feature in the week ahead. Sign up here for the Weekly Preview. tag:odeo.com,2009-12-11,25523752 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25518850-Christmas-Bird-Count-Join-In During late December, birders go out counting every bird that hops, swims, flies, or soars into view, as they have for more than 100 years. Audubon chapters across the United States and elsewhere sponsor the Christmas Bird Count, or CBC. Learn about the history of the Christmas Bird Count. Join the count -- in Alaska... Connecticut... Detroit...Texas... Washington State ... California... New Mexico... Visit Audubon.org to find a CBC near you! During late December, birders go out counting every bird that hops, swims, flies, or soars into view, as they have for more than 100 years. Audubon chapters across the United States and elsewhere sponsor the Christmas Bird Count, or CBC. Learn about the history of the Christmas Bird Count. Join the count -- in Alaska... Connecticut... Detroit...Texas... Washington State ... California... New Mexico... Visit Audubon.org to find a CBC near you! During late December, birders go out counting every bird that hops, swims, flies, or soars into view, as they have for more than 100 years. Audubon chapters across the United States and elsewhere sponsor the Christmas Bird Count, or CBC. Learn about the history of the Christmas Bird Count. Join the count -- in Alaska... Connecticut... Detroit...Texas... Washington State ... California... New Mexico... Visit Audubon.org to find a CBC near you! tag:odeo.com,2009-12-10,25518850 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25514185-Birds-of-Paradise It’s morning on the island of New Guinea, and the lowland forests erupt with the crowing calls of Birds of Paradise. Male Raggiana Birds of Paradise perform elaborate displays to attract females, sometimes even hanging upside-down with their wings pointing upward. Forty-three species of Birds of Paradise are found on or near New Guinea. There’s a world of birds out there. To find your local Audubon and go on a field trip, start here. Bring birds inside with the 2010 Birds of BirdNote Calendar! It’s morning on the island of New Guinea, and the lowland forests erupt with the crowing calls of Birds of Paradise. Male Raggiana Birds of Paradise perform elaborate displays to attract females, sometimes even hanging upside-down with their wings pointing upward. Forty-three species of Birds of Paradise are found on or near New Guinea. There’s a world of birds out there. To find your local Audubon and go on a field trip, start here. Bring birds inside with the 2010 Birds of BirdNote Calendar! It’s morning on the island of New Guinea, and the lowland forests erupt with the crowing calls of Birds of Paradise. Male Raggiana Birds of Paradise perform elaborate displays to attract females, sometimes even hanging upside-down with their wings pointing upward. Forty-three species of Birds of Paradise are found on or near New Guinea. There’s a world of birds out there. To find your local Audubon and go on a field trip, start here. Bring birds inside with the 2010 Birds of BirdNote Calendar! tag:odeo.com,2009-12-09,25514185 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25508862-Carrier-Pigeons-Go-to-War In World War I, carrier pigeons were crucial in relaying messages from the front to positions behind the lines. The most renowned was Cher Ami - or Dear Friend - flown by the U.S. Army Signal Corps during the Battle of Verdun in France. The message Cher Ami carried on October 4, 1918 was vital in saving hundreds of American soldiers of the now famed “Lost Battalion” of the 77th Infantry. Learn more about Cher Ami. If you would like to make a gift to BirdNote, begin here. In World War I, carrier pigeons were crucial in relaying messages from the front to positions behind the lines. The most renowned was Cher Ami - or Dear Friend - flown by the U.S. Army Signal Corps during the Battle of Verdun in France. The message Cher Ami carried on October 4, 1918 was vital in saving hundreds of American soldiers of the now famed “Lost Battalion” of the 77th Infantry. Learn more about Cher Ami. If you would like to make a gift to BirdNote, begin here. In World War I, carrier pigeons were crucial in relaying messages from the front to positions behind the lines. The most renowned was Cher Ami - or Dear Friend - flown by the U.S. Army Signal Corps during the Battle of Verdun in France. The message Cher Ami carried on October 4, 1918 was vital in saving hundreds of American soldiers of the now famed “Lost Battalion” of the 77th Infantry. Learn more about Cher Ami. If you would like to make a gift to BirdNote, begin here. tag:odeo.com,2009-12-08,25508862 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25504000-Buffleheads-in-Winter Buffleheads have returned for the winter, down from the boreal forests of the north where they breed. These birds are monogamous and often return to the same wintering area. Buffleheads breed on small lakes and ponds in the boreal forest. In winter, the Bufflehead is most often found in coastal areas, in shallow bays and inlets. Learn more about the Bufflehead at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Watch a video of Buffleheads -- two males and one female. Buffleheads have returned for the winter, down from the boreal forests of the north where they breed. These birds are monogamous and often return to the same wintering area. Buffleheads breed on small lakes and ponds in the boreal forest. In winter, the Bufflehead is most often found in coastal areas, in shallow bays and inlets. Learn more about the Bufflehead at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Watch a video of Buffleheads -- two males and one female. Buffleheads have returned for the winter, down from the boreal forests of the north where they breed. These birds are monogamous and often return to the same wintering area. Buffleheads breed on small lakes and ponds in the boreal forest. In winter, the Bufflehead is most often found in coastal areas, in shallow bays and inlets. Learn more about the Bufflehead at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Watch a video of Buffleheads -- two males and one female. tag:odeo.com,2009-12-07,25504000 Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25499872-Song-of-the-Kauai-O-o The sweet, bell-like tones of the Kauai O’o were heard for the last time nearly 20 years ago. The native birds of the Hawaiian Islands, like birds of many island groups, have been hard hit by changes wrought by humans. At least 90% of the bird species driven to extinction in recorded history have been island-dwellers. Learn more about the Kauai O’o from the American Museum of Natural History. The Macaulay Library has several recordings of the O'o. (Search for Kauai Oo.) The sweet, bell-like tones of the Kauai O’o were heard for the last time nearly 20 years ago. The native birds of the Hawaiian Islands, like birds of many island groups, have been hard hit by changes wrought by humans. At least 90% of the bird species driven to extinction in recorded history have been island-dwellers. Learn more about the Kauai O’o from the American Museum of Natural History. The Macaulay Library has several recordings of the O'o. (Search for Kauai Oo.) The sweet, bell-like tones of the Kauai O’o were heard for the last time nearly 20 years ago. The native birds of the Hawaiian Islands, like birds of many island groups, have been hard hit by changes wrought by humans. At least 90% of the bird species driven to extinction in recorded history have been island-dwellers. Learn more about the Kauai O’o from the American Museum of Natural History. The Macaulay Library has several recordings of the O'o. (Search for Kauai Oo.) tag:odeo.com,2009-12-06,25499872 Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25496116-Wilson-s-Warbler-II-Wintering-in-Belize In early September, the tiny Wilson’s Warbler began its long migration to the Central American country of Belize, where it winters. Navigating by the stars, this ¼-ounce bird made a series of night flights spanning more than 2500 miles. This warbler returns to the same coffee plantation each year. Taller trees that shade the coffee are a winter home for many migrants from North America. By buying shade-grown coffee, you can help migratory birds, including the Wilson’s Warbler. If you would like to make a gift to BirdNote, begin here. In early September, the tiny Wilson’s Warbler began its long migration to the Central American country of Belize, where it winters. Navigating by the stars, this ¼-ounce bird made a series of night flights spanning more than 2500 miles. This warbler returns to the same coffee plantation each year. Taller trees that shade the coffee are a winter home for many migrants from North America. By buying shade-grown coffee, you can help migratory birds, including the Wilson’s Warbler. If you would like to make a gift to BirdNote, begin here. In early September, the tiny Wilson’s Warbler began its long migration to the Central American country of Belize, where it winters. Navigating by the stars, this ¼-ounce bird made a series of night flights spanning more than 2500 miles. This warbler returns to the same coffee plantation each year. Taller trees that shade the coffee are a winter home for many migrants from North America. By buying shade-grown coffee, you can help migratory birds, including the Wilson’s Warbler. If you would like to make a gift to BirdNote, begin here. tag:odeo.com,2009-12-05,25496116 Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25491277-Encounter-with-a-Cassowary In a tropical woodland in eastern Australia, you glimpse a Southern Cassowary, a huge flightless bird that must rate as the most prehistoric looking of all birds. Cassowaries are capable of making remarkable sounds, including the lowest known bird call in the world, barely audible to the human ear! Learn more about the Southern Cassowary. For more about the sound, visit NatlGeo.com. See a photo of a cassowary and chick. In a tropical woodland in eastern Australia, you glimpse a Southern Cassowary, a huge flightless bird that must rate as the most prehistoric looking of all birds. Cassowaries are capable of making remarkable sounds, including the lowest known bird call in the world, barely audible to the human ear! Learn more about the Southern Cassowary. For more about the sound, visit NatlGeo.com. See a photo of a cassowary and chick. In a tropical woodland in eastern Australia, you glimpse a Southern Cassowary, a huge flightless bird that must rate as the most prehistoric looking of all birds. Cassowaries are capable of making remarkable sounds, including the lowest known bird call in the world, barely audible to the human ear! Learn more about the Southern Cassowary. For more about the sound, visit NatlGeo.com. See a photo of a cassowary and chick. tag:odeo.com,2009-12-04,25491277 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25485417-Following-the-Honeyguide The Greater Honeyguide’s demanding call is not aimed at a member of its own species. Instead, the bird guides people in search of honey through the forest, directly to bee hives. The bird flies to a colony of bees living in a hollow tree. The human follower exposes the hive with an ax and takes much of the honeycomb. Then the honeyguide moves in to feast on bee larvae and beeswax. If you would like to make a gift to BirdNote, begin here. The Greater Honeyguide’s demanding call is not aimed at a member of its own species. Instead, the bird guides people in search of honey through the forest, directly to bee hives. The bird flies to a colony of bees living in a hollow tree. The human follower exposes the hive with an ax and takes much of the honeycomb. Then the honeyguide moves in to feast on bee larvae and beeswax. If you would like to make a gift to BirdNote, begin here. The Greater Honeyguide’s demanding call is not aimed at a member of its own species. Instead, the bird guides people in search of honey through the forest, directly to bee hives. The bird flies to a colony of bees living in a hollow tree. The human follower exposes the hive with an ax and takes much of the honeycomb. Then the honeyguide moves in to feast on bee larvae and beeswax. If you would like to make a gift to BirdNote, begin here. tag:odeo.com,2009-12-03,25485417 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25479636-Birds-on-a-Cold-Night As December days shorten, birds spend the long, cold nights in a protected place, sheltered from rain and safe from nighttime predators. Small forest birds, such as nuthatches and creepers, may spend the night huddled together in tree cavities. On cold winter nights, birds fluff up their feathers for insulation, hunker down over their legs and feet, and turn their heads around to poke their beaks under their shoulder feathers. Usher in 2010 with the Birds of BirdNote Calendar. As December days shorten, birds spend the long, cold nights in a protected place, sheltered from rain and safe from nighttime predators. Small forest birds, such as nuthatches and creepers, may spend the night huddled together in tree cavities. On cold winter nights, birds fluff up their feathers for insulation, hunker down over their legs and feet, and turn their heads around to poke their beaks under their shoulder feathers. Usher in 2010 with the Birds of BirdNote Calendar. As December days shorten, birds spend the long, cold nights in a protected place, sheltered from rain and safe from nighttime predators. Small forest birds, such as nuthatches and creepers, may spend the night huddled together in tree cavities. On cold winter nights, birds fluff up their feathers for insulation, hunker down over their legs and feet, and turn their heads around to poke their beaks under their shoulder feathers. Usher in 2010 with the Birds of BirdNote Calendar. tag:odeo.com,2009-12-02,25479636 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25467443-Geese-in-V-formation-We-Correct-an-Error In a recent episode, when we described the V-formation of large migrating birds, we made a mistake in calling it “slipstreaming”. An astute listener pointed out that each bird behind the leader is actually taking advantage of the updraft of a corkscrew of air coming off the wingtips of the bird in front. This corkscrew of air is called a tip vortex. Learn more about Canada Geese at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. In a recent episode, when we described the V-formation of large migrating birds, we made a mistake in calling it “slipstreaming”. An astute listener pointed out that each bird behind the leader is actually taking advantage of the updraft of a corkscrew of air coming off the wingtips of the bird in front. This corkscrew of air is called a tip vortex. Learn more about Canada Geese at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. In a recent episode, when we described the V-formation of large migrating birds, we made a mistake in calling it “slipstreaming”. An astute listener pointed out that each bird behind the leader is actually taking advantage of the updraft of a corkscrew of air coming off the wingtips of the bird in front. This corkscrew of air is called a tip vortex. Learn more about Canada Geese at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. tag:odeo.com,2009-12-01,25467443 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25485418-Geese-in-V-formation-We-Correct-an-Error In a recent episode, when we described the V-formation of large migrating birds, we made a mistake in calling it “slipstreaming”. An astute listener pointed out that each bird behind the leader is actually taking advantage of the updraft of a corkscrew of air coming off the wingtips of the bird in front. This corkscrew of air is called a tip vortex. Learn more about Canada Geese at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. In a recent episode, when we described the V-formation of large migrating birds, we made a mistake in calling it “slipstreaming”. An astute listener pointed out that each bird behind the leader is actually taking advantage of the updraft of a corkscrew of air coming off the wingtips of the bird in front. This corkscrew of air is called a tip vortex. Learn more about Canada Geese at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. In a recent episode, when we described the V-formation of large migrating birds, we made a mistake in calling it “slipstreaming”. An astute listener pointed out that each bird behind the leader is actually taking advantage of the updraft of a corkscrew of air coming off the wingtips of the bird in front. This corkscrew of air is called a tip vortex. Learn more about Canada Geese at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. tag:odeo.com,2009-12-01,25485418 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25467446-Crows-and-Chips Crows didn’t get where they are today by being shy or slow. They take advantage of whatever food they find, where and when they find it. Listener Jerry Campbell told his story of one crow making off with three chips. Catch a video of another clever crow in Japan. Sign up for the BirdNote podcast, and listen to BirdNote any time, night or day. Crows didn’t get where they are today by being shy or slow. They take advantage of whatever food they find, where and when they find it. Listener Jerry Campbell told his story of one crow making off with three chips. Catch a video of another clever crow in Japan. Sign up for the BirdNote podcast, and listen to BirdNote any time, night or day. Crows didn’t get where they are today by being shy or slow. They take advantage of whatever food they find, where and when they find it. Listener Jerry Campbell told his story of one crow making off with three chips. Catch a video of another clever crow in Japan. Sign up for the BirdNote podcast, and listen to BirdNote any time, night or day. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-30,25467446 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25467447-Hawaiian-Honeycreepers DNA tells us the Hawaiian honeycreepers’ closest relatives are birds like our backyard House Finches and goldfinches. Millions of years ago, such finches reached Hawaii, where they evolved into one of the most diversified sets of birds on earth, particularly when it comes to the shape of their bills. The Hawaiian honeycreepers include this scarlet I’iwi, whose long, slender, curved bill probes deep into blossoms. Learn more from the Smithsonian. DNA tells us the Hawaiian honeycreepers’ closest relatives are birds like our backyard House Finches and goldfinches. Millions of years ago, such finches reached Hawaii, where they evolved into one of the most diversified sets of birds on earth, particularly when it comes to the shape of their bills. The Hawaiian honeycreepers include this scarlet I’iwi, whose long, slender, curved bill probes deep into blossoms. Learn more from the Smithsonian. DNA tells us the Hawaiian honeycreepers’ closest relatives are birds like our backyard House Finches and goldfinches. Millions of years ago, such finches reached Hawaii, where they evolved into one of the most diversified sets of birds on earth, particularly when it comes to the shape of their bills. The Hawaiian honeycreepers include this scarlet I’iwi, whose long, slender, curved bill probes deep into blossoms. Learn more from the Smithsonian. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-29,25467447 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25467448-Northern-Shrike-Butcherbird The Northern Shrike breeds in the tundra and taiga of the north, but migrates south into the lower 48 for the winter. It has a pleasing and rhythmical song, which it sings even in winter. But its song belies a rather bloodthirsty feeding habit. The shrike impales its prey on sharp thorns or barbed wire, where it can pull it apart and consume it. To learn more about this songbird-raptor, visit Cornell's  AllAboutBirds. The Northern Shrike breeds in the tundra and taiga of the north, but migrates south into the lower 48 for the winter. It has a pleasing and rhythmical song, which it sings even in winter. But its song belies a rather bloodthirsty feeding habit. The shrike impales its prey on sharp thorns or barbed wire, where it can pull it apart and consume it. To learn more about this songbird-raptor, visit Cornell's  AllAboutBirds. The Northern Shrike breeds in the tundra and taiga of the north, but migrates south into the lower 48 for the winter. It has a pleasing and rhythmical song, which it sings even in winter. But its song belies a rather bloodthirsty feeding habit. The shrike impales its prey on sharp thorns or barbed wire, where it can pull it apart and consume it. To learn more about this songbird-raptor, visit Cornell's  AllAboutBirds. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-28,25467448 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25467451-Giblets-and-Gizzards On Thanksgiving Day, if you passed the gravy and giblets, you held in your hands the turkey’s heart, liver, and gizzard. What is a gizzard? A bird’s stomach is divided into two parts. The first part is a lot like our stomach. But the second part is the gizzard. Birds that eat seeds have a gizzard with tough, thick, muscular walls. Such birds swallow grit, like sand or gravel, which travels to the gizzard, where it helps grind up the seeds. Sign up for the BirdNote Weekly Preview. On Thanksgiving Day, if you passed the gravy and giblets, you held in your hands the turkey’s heart, liver, and gizzard. What is a gizzard? A bird’s stomach is divided into two parts. The first part is a lot like our stomach. But the second part is the gizzard. Birds that eat seeds have a gizzard with tough, thick, muscular walls. Such birds swallow grit, like sand or gravel, which travels to the gizzard, where it helps grind up the seeds. Sign up for the BirdNote Weekly Preview. On Thanksgiving Day, if you passed the gravy and giblets, you held in your hands the turkey’s heart, liver, and gizzard. What is a gizzard? A bird’s stomach is divided into two parts. The first part is a lot like our stomach. But the second part is the gizzard. Birds that eat seeds have a gizzard with tough, thick, muscular walls. Such birds swallow grit, like sand or gravel, which travels to the gizzard, where it helps grind up the seeds. Sign up for the BirdNote Weekly Preview. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-27,25467451 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25467452-Audubon-s-Wild-Turkey In the early 1800s, John James Audubon wrote: “The great size and beauty of the Wild Turkey, its value as a delicate and highly prized article of food… render it one of the most interesting of the birds indigenous to the United States of America.” Read Audubon's description of how Wild Turkeys, which walk more than they fly, cross a river. Happy Thanksgiving from the BirdNote team! In the early 1800s, John James Audubon wrote: “The great size and beauty of the Wild Turkey, its value as a delicate and highly prized article of food… render it one of the most interesting of the birds indigenous to the United States of America.” Read Audubon's description of how Wild Turkeys, which walk more than they fly, cross a river. Happy Thanksgiving from the BirdNote team! In the early 1800s, John James Audubon wrote: “The great size and beauty of the Wild Turkey, its value as a delicate and highly prized article of food… render it one of the most interesting of the birds indigenous to the United States of America.” Read Audubon's description of how Wild Turkeys, which walk more than they fly, cross a river. Happy Thanksgiving from the BirdNote team! tag:odeo.com,2009-11-26,25467452 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25467453-Eco-birding Hiring a local guide when you visit an exotic destination can be a win-win-win situation. You receive the services of a local expert — and might get to see this Green Violet-ear Hummingbird. The guide has employment. And the birds thrive, because those communities have an economic incentive to protect the birds and their habitats. Sign up for the Weekly Preview, and get photos of the birds featured in the coming week. Hiring a local guide when you visit an exotic destination can be a win-win-win situation. You receive the services of a local expert — and might get to see this Green Violet-ear Hummingbird. The guide has employment. And the birds thrive, because those communities have an economic incentive to protect the birds and their habitats. Sign up for the Weekly Preview, and get photos of the birds featured in the coming week. Hiring a local guide when you visit an exotic destination can be a win-win-win situation. You receive the services of a local expert — and might get to see this Green Violet-ear Hummingbird. The guide has employment. And the birds thrive, because those communities have an economic incentive to protect the birds and their habitats. Sign up for the Weekly Preview, and get photos of the birds featured in the coming week. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-25,25467453 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:01:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25467454-The-Eagle-Eye The eye of an eagle is one of the most sensitive of any animal, and may weigh more than the eagle’s brain. The secret to the exceptional vision lies in its retina. The density of rods and cones within a raptor’s eye may be five times that of a human’s. As the Golden Eagle rides hot-air thermals high into the air, it can spot even the slightest movement of its favorite prey, a rabbit, over a mile away. Learn more about this far-seeing raptor at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. The eye of an eagle is one of the most sensitive of any animal, and may weigh more than the eagle’s brain. The secret to the exceptional vision lies in its retina. The density of rods and cones within a raptor’s eye may be five times that of a human’s. As the Golden Eagle rides hot-air thermals high into the air, it can spot even the slightest movement of its favorite prey, a rabbit, over a mile away. Learn more about this far-seeing raptor at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. The eye of an eagle is one of the most sensitive of any animal, and may weigh more than the eagle’s brain. The secret to the exceptional vision lies in its retina. The density of rods and cones within a raptor’s eye may be five times that of a human’s. As the Golden Eagle rides hot-air thermals high into the air, it can spot even the slightest movement of its favorite prey, a rabbit, over a mile away. Learn more about this far-seeing raptor at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-24,25467454 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25467456-Bufflehead-Return This month, the Bufflehead returns from the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska to winter in our waters. Its nicknames include little black-and-white duck, bumblebee duck, buffalo-headed duck, butterball, and spirit duck. Buffleheads have elaborate courtship displays that they perform throughout the year, except during the post-breeding molt and in the early fall. If you'd like to  make a gift to BirdNote, begin here. This month, the Bufflehead returns from the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska to winter in our waters. Its nicknames include little black-and-white duck, bumblebee duck, buffalo-headed duck, butterball, and spirit duck. Buffleheads have elaborate courtship displays that they perform throughout the year, except during the post-breeding molt and in the early fall. If you'd like to  make a gift to BirdNote, begin here. This month, the Bufflehead returns from the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska to winter in our waters. Its nicknames include little black-and-white duck, bumblebee duck, buffalo-headed duck, butterball, and spirit duck. Buffleheads have elaborate courtship displays that they perform throughout the year, except during the post-breeding molt and in the early fall. If you'd like to  make a gift to BirdNote, begin here. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-23,25467456 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25467457-The-Royal-Ravens The Tower of London has a long and notorious history of murderous political intrigue, dungeons, and famous beheadings. And for more than 300 years, the tower has also been home to a set of royally maintained ravens. Since the time of Charles II, at least six ravens  have — by royal decree — made their home in the tower. They are given ample food, comfy quarters, and private burials in the moat near Traitor’s Gate. Learn more at Historic-UK. The Tower of London has a long and notorious history of murderous political intrigue, dungeons, and famous beheadings. And for more than 300 years, the tower has also been home to a set of royally maintained ravens. Since the time of Charles II, at least six ravens  have — by royal decree — made their home in the tower. They are given ample food, comfy quarters, and private burials in the moat near Traitor’s Gate. Learn more at Historic-UK. The Tower of London has a long and notorious history of murderous political intrigue, dungeons, and famous beheadings. And for more than 300 years, the tower has also been home to a set of royally maintained ravens. Since the time of Charles II, at least six ravens  have — by royal decree — made their home in the tower. They are given ample food, comfy quarters, and private burials in the moat near Traitor’s Gate. Learn more at Historic-UK. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-22,25467457 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25467458-Basalt-as-Shelter As the winter sun sinks over the Coulee Lakes, hundreds of Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches suddenly appear, an undulating cloud that swarms into the upper levels of the basalt cliffs. The finches nest high in the mountains in summer, and roam the countryside in large flocks in winter. Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches roost for the night in a colony of abandoned swallow nests on basalt cliffs. Watch a video of a Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch foraging. As the winter sun sinks over the Coulee Lakes, hundreds of Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches suddenly appear, an undulating cloud that swarms into the upper levels of the basalt cliffs. The finches nest high in the mountains in summer, and roam the countryside in large flocks in winter. Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches roost for the night in a colony of abandoned swallow nests on basalt cliffs. Watch a video of a Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch foraging. As the winter sun sinks over the Coulee Lakes, hundreds of Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches suddenly appear, an undulating cloud that swarms into the upper levels of the basalt cliffs. The finches nest high in the mountains in summer, and roam the countryside in large flocks in winter. Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches roost for the night in a colony of abandoned swallow nests on basalt cliffs. Watch a video of a Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch foraging. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-21,25467458 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25467459-Hunters-Names-for-Ducks Hunters have nicknames for waterfowl, which capture the distinctive sound and sight of these birds, such as “Spoonbill” for this Northern Shoveler. And why is the Northern Pintail called a “Sprig"? WNPR listener David, in Belchertown, MA, tells us that the answer can be found in Gurdon Trumbull's 1888 Names and Portraits of Birds Which Interest Our Hunters, p. 38. Trumbull says that sprig is short for sprig-tail.  In this case "sprig" means twig, as in a decorative sprig of holly or a sprig of thyme added to a soup. Hunters have nicknames for waterfowl, which capture the distinctive sound and sight of these birds, such as “Spoonbill” for this Northern Shoveler. And why is the Northern Pintail called a “Sprig"? WNPR listener David, in Belchertown, MA, tells us that the answer can be found in Gurdon Trumbull's 1888 Names and Portraits of Birds Which Interest Our Hunters, p. 38. Trumbull says that sprig is short for sprig-tail.  In this case "sprig" means twig, as in a decorative sprig of holly or a sprig of thyme added to a soup. Hunters have nicknames for waterfowl, which capture the distinctive sound and sight of these birds, such as “Spoonbill” for this Northern Shoveler. And why is the Northern Pintail called a “Sprig"? WNPR listener David, in Belchertown, MA, tells us that the answer can be found in Gurdon Trumbull's 1888 Names and Portraits of Birds Which Interest Our Hunters, p. 38. Trumbull says that sprig is short for sprig-tail.  In this case "sprig" means twig, as in a decorative sprig of holly or a sprig of thyme added to a soup. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-20,25467459 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25467460-The-Return-of-the-Snowbird Although you may see Dark-eyed Juncos in the summer, come fall many more - those that have been nesting in the mountains or farther north - arrive to spend the winter. These juncos often visit birdfeeders for winter feasting. Dark-eyed Juncos forage on the ground. The flash of white tail-feathers when one is alarmed alerts other members of the flock, and is also part of the courtship display. Order your Birds of BirdNote calendar today! Although you may see Dark-eyed Juncos in the summer, come fall many more - those that have been nesting in the mountains or farther north - arrive to spend the winter. These juncos often visit birdfeeders for winter feasting. Dark-eyed Juncos forage on the ground. The flash of white tail-feathers when one is alarmed alerts other members of the flock, and is also part of the courtship display. Order your Birds of BirdNote calendar today! Although you may see Dark-eyed Juncos in the summer, come fall many more - those that have been nesting in the mountains or farther north - arrive to spend the winter. These juncos often visit birdfeeders for winter feasting. Dark-eyed Juncos forage on the ground. The flash of white tail-feathers when one is alarmed alerts other members of the flock, and is also part of the courtship display. Order your Birds of BirdNote calendar today! tag:odeo.com,2009-11-19,25467460 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25467471-Scaup-Disappear Twenty-five years ago, there were twice as many scaup in North America as there are today. Starting in 1986, non-native zebra mussels spread rapidly throughout the Great Lakes. And scaup love to eat them. However, zebra mussels and other shellfish accumulate contaminants, including selenium, from refineries and farm fields. And selenium is toxic to wildlife in any more than minute concentrations. Scaups (like this Lesser Scaup) that have high levels of selenium may not be able to reproduce. Learn more. Twenty-five years ago, there were twice as many scaup in North America as there are today. Starting in 1986, non-native zebra mussels spread rapidly throughout the Great Lakes. And scaup love to eat them. However, zebra mussels and other shellfish accumulate contaminants, including selenium, from refineries and farm fields. And selenium is toxic to wildlife in any more than minute concentrations. Scaups (like this Lesser Scaup) that have high levels of selenium may not be able to reproduce. Learn more. Twenty-five years ago, there were twice as many scaup in North America as there are today. Starting in 1986, non-native zebra mussels spread rapidly throughout the Great Lakes. And scaup love to eat them. However, zebra mussels and other shellfish accumulate contaminants, including selenium, from refineries and farm fields. And selenium is toxic to wildlife in any more than minute concentrations. Scaups (like this Lesser Scaup) that have high levels of selenium may not be able to reproduce. Learn more. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-18,25467471 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25467474-Project-FeederWatch Project FeederWatch, sponsored by Cornell and National Audubon, is a window on the birds of winter. Through Project FeederWatch, scientists are able to track the movements of birds - including this Pine Siskin  - and understand trends in population and distribution. Participate by counting birds at your own feeder. The count starts in November and lasts through the winter. There is a small fee to participate.  Register today. Project FeederWatch, sponsored by Cornell and National Audubon, is a window on the birds of winter. Through Project FeederWatch, scientists are able to track the movements of birds - including this Pine Siskin  - and understand trends in population and distribution. Participate by counting birds at your own feeder. The count starts in November and lasts through the winter. There is a small fee to participate.  Register today. Project FeederWatch, sponsored by Cornell and National Audubon, is a window on the birds of winter. Through Project FeederWatch, scientists are able to track the movements of birds - including this Pine Siskin  - and understand trends in population and distribution. Participate by counting birds at your own feeder. The count starts in November and lasts through the winter. There is a small fee to participate.  Register today. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-17,25467474 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25467478-Fancy-Ducks Take a walk around a lake in late November, and you’ll find male ducks in their most brilliant breeding colors. These ducks have lost their nondescript late-summer feathers, known as “eclipse plumage.” Male dabbling ducks - like this Green-winged Teal - look their finest in late fall and winter, the season of courtship and pair-bonding. Learn more about ducks at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Order your Birds of BirdNote calendar today! Take a walk around a lake in late November, and you’ll find male ducks in their most brilliant breeding colors. These ducks have lost their nondescript late-summer feathers, known as “eclipse plumage.” Male dabbling ducks - like this Green-winged Teal - look their finest in late fall and winter, the season of courtship and pair-bonding. Learn more about ducks at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Order your Birds of BirdNote calendar today! Take a walk around a lake in late November, and you’ll find male ducks in their most brilliant breeding colors. These ducks have lost their nondescript late-summer feathers, known as “eclipse plumage.” Male dabbling ducks - like this Green-winged Teal - look their finest in late fall and winter, the season of courtship and pair-bonding. Learn more about ducks at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Order your Birds of BirdNote calendar today! tag:odeo.com,2009-11-16,25467478 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25467484-The-Music-of-Black-Scoters Black Scoters are sea ducks that spend the winter on saltwater bays. They are large, strong ducks and buoyant swimmers with a habit of cocking their tails upward. Black Scoters nest each summer on freshwater tundra ponds. Each fall, they can be found on bays all across the Northern Hemisphere. An unmistakable clue to their presence? – their mysterious, musical wail. Learn more at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Buy your 2010 Birds of BirdNote calendar today! Black Scoters are sea ducks that spend the winter on saltwater bays. They are large, strong ducks and buoyant swimmers with a habit of cocking their tails upward. Black Scoters nest each summer on freshwater tundra ponds. Each fall, they can be found on bays all across the Northern Hemisphere. An unmistakable clue to their presence? – their mysterious, musical wail. Learn more at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Buy your 2010 Birds of BirdNote calendar today! Black Scoters are sea ducks that spend the winter on saltwater bays. They are large, strong ducks and buoyant swimmers with a habit of cocking their tails upward. Black Scoters nest each summer on freshwater tundra ponds. Each fall, they can be found on bays all across the Northern Hemisphere. An unmistakable clue to their presence? – their mysterious, musical wail. Learn more at Cornell's AllAboutBirds. Buy your 2010 Birds of BirdNote calendar today! tag:odeo.com,2009-11-15,25467484 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25467487-The-Douglas-Squirrel The Douglas squirrel is a pint-sized, chestnut-red native resident of forests west of the Cascade rim. They waste no time in telling you—and other squirrels—you’re in their territory, particularly if you’re near their central larder of conifer cones. Named for Scottish explorer and botanist, David Douglas, the Douglas squirrel sounds a bit like a bird sending out an alarm. Watch a video of a Douglas squirrel chattering. Order your Birds of BirdNote calendar today! The Douglas squirrel is a pint-sized, chestnut-red native resident of forests west of the Cascade rim. They waste no time in telling you—and other squirrels—you’re in their territory, particularly if you’re near their central larder of conifer cones. Named for Scottish explorer and botanist, David Douglas, the Douglas squirrel sounds a bit like a bird sending out an alarm. Watch a video of a Douglas squirrel chattering. Order your Birds of BirdNote calendar today! The Douglas squirrel is a pint-sized, chestnut-red native resident of forests west of the Cascade rim. They waste no time in telling you—and other squirrels—you’re in their territory, particularly if you’re near their central larder of conifer cones. Named for Scottish explorer and botanist, David Douglas, the Douglas squirrel sounds a bit like a bird sending out an alarm. Watch a video of a Douglas squirrel chattering. Order your Birds of BirdNote calendar today! tag:odeo.com,2009-11-14,25467487 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:02:00 -0800 no BirdNote Podcast RSS Feed http://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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