Shows
Return of the BirdsAn Invitation, Part 2The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)
Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org.
Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Louisiana...
2020-07-1926 min
Return of the BirdsThe InvitationThe final chapter of John Burrough's book, Wake-Robin. Burroughs invites you to become a birder, describing the thrill of seeing the natural world around you through a new lens.
The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)
Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.
Click the links below for deta...
2020-07-0526 min
Return of the BirdsBluebirdChapter 7 of Wake-Robin, by naturalist John Burroughs. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United […]
2020-06-2821 min
Return of the BirdsBluebirdChapter 7 of Wake-Robin, by naturalist John Burroughs.
The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)
Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org.
Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Eastern Bluebird
European Robin
...
2020-06-2821 min
Return of the BirdsRock Creek, Piney Branch, and Wilderness beyond the CapitolThe Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in […]
2020-06-2122 min
Return of the BirdsRock Creek, Piney Branch, and Wilderness beyond the CapitolThe Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on GrassOutro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:Wo...
2020-06-2122 min
2020-06-0734 min
2020-06-0734 min
Return of the BirdsBirds’ Nests, Part 2The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.
2020-06-0130 min
Return of the BirdsBirds' Nests, Part 2The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)
Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.
Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Blue Grosbeak
Black-and-White Warbler
Blue-headed Vireo
Mourning Warbler
Red-tailed Hawk
Ba...
2020-05-3130 min
Return of the BirdsBirds’ Nests, Part 1Beginning Chapter 4 of Wake-Robin, by naturalist John Burroughs. A detailed look at the nesting habits of Red-headed Woodpeckers, Yellow-bellied Woodpeckers, Pine Siskins, Cedar Waxwings, Robins and Indigo Buntings. Burroughs marvels at the dirty jobs parent birds must endure to keep their nests clean for their young. Any parent who has changed a dirty diaper […]
2020-05-2531 min
Return of the BirdsBirds' Nests, Part 1Beginning Chapter 4 of Wake-Robin, by naturalist John Burroughs. A detailed look at the nesting habits of Red-headed Woodpeckers, Yellow-bellied Woodpeckers, Pine Siskins, Cedar Waxwings, Robins and Indigo Buntings. Burroughs marvels at the dirty jobs parent birds must endure to keep their nests clean for their young. Any parent who has changed a dirty diaper can relate.
The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.
Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library a...
2020-05-2431 min
Return of the BirdsThe Lower and Upper Ironworks and the Abandoned Town, TahawusThe second half of the third Chapter, the Adirondacks. Continuing with a timeless bit of bird therapy, Burroughs wakes from a nap in the woods to find himself under scrutiny of the wood birds. Visiting Lake Sanford, fishing in Nate’s Pond and a 12 mile hike to the Lower Ironworks with views of Mount Mercy, […]
2020-05-1722 min
Return of the BirdsThe Lower and Upper Ironworks and the bandoned Town, TahawusThe second half of the third Chapter, the Adirondacks. Continuing with a timeless bit of bird therapy, Burroughs wakes from a nap in the woods to find himself under scrutiny of the wood birds. Visiting Lake Sanford, fishing in Nate’s Pond and a 12 mile hike to the Lower Ironworks with views of Mount Mercy, Mount Macinyre and Mount Golden, the monarchs of the Adirondacks. Exploring the Upper Ironworks town of Tahawus, and nearby Henderson Lake.The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes li...
2020-05-1722 min
Return of the BirdsThe AdirondacksThe start of chapter three of Wake-Robin by naturalist, John Burroughs. Burroughs and a group of fishing companions depart for the Boreas Reach near Lake Placid, New York. Burroughs demonstrates his skill as a trout fisherman, earning the respect of their guide. Hunting at night on an open lake, the starlight reflected in the center […]
2020-05-1126 minReturn of the BirdsThe AdirondacksThe start of chapter three of Wake-Robin by naturalist, John Burroughs. Burroughs and a group of fishing companions depart for the Boreas Reach near Lake Placid, New York. Burroughs demonstrates his skill as a trout fisherman, earning the respect of their guide.Hunting at night on an open lake, the starlight reflected in the center gave the dark timberline at the water’s edge a belt of utter blackness, a portal between the real and the imaginary, the land of shadows and specters.The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and...
2020-05-1026 min
Return of the BirdsThe Forenoon Chorus of Finches, Thrushes and WarblersThis episode concludes the second chapter of Wake-Robin, by John Burroughs. Lounging on a couch of moss in the shady woods, the gentleman rambler and naturalist allows his attention to wander from species to species. He points out the the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and the song of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Scarlet Tanager. He marvels at […]
2020-05-0327 min
Return of the BirdsThe Forenoon Chorus of Finches, Thrushes and WarblersThis episode concludes the second chapter of Wake-Robin, by John Burroughs. Lounging on a couch of moss in the shady woods, the gentleman rambler and naturalist allows his attention to wander from species to species. He points out the the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and the song of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Scarlet Tanager. He marvels at the Purple Linnet's song and chooses it to be the finest songster of the finches.By a brook, Burroughs finds a cowbird nestling crowding out the resident Canada Warbler hatchlings, and decides to intervene on behalf of the Warblers. Moving on, he...
2020-05-0327 min
Return of the BirdsReverence for the Hermit Thrush, Disdain for the Kingbird and Pewee, and Banter with the OvenbirdNineteenth-century naturalist and essayist, John Burroughs gives a detailed account of the Hermit Thrush’s song. For him, it is the finest sound in nature; the peace and deep solemn joy only the finest souls may know. Strolling the undomesticated wilderness, greeted by the Wood Pewee and Eastern Kingbird. Documenting the curiosity and confidence of the Ovenbird.
2020-04-2719 min
Return of the BirdsReverence for the Hermit Thrush, Disdain for the Kingbird and Pewee, and Banter with the OvenbirdNineteenth-century naturalist and essayist, John Burroughs gives a detailed account of the Hermit Thrush’s song. For him, it is the finest sound in nature; the peace and deep solemn joy only the finest souls may know. Commentary about the cowardly Eastern Kingbird. The Wood Pewee’s plainness. Praise for the Ovenbird and the Louisiana Waterthrush.The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.
Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this epis...
2020-04-2619 min
Return of the BirdsIn the Hemlocks, a Guided Tour of a Primitive, Undisturbed Forest and the Avifauna Living ThereThe start of chapter 2, In the Hemlocks. Author and gentleman rambler, John Burroughs, begins guided tour in the hemlocks. Years before, townsfolk, tanners, and lumbermen attempted in vain to tame and exploit the grove. But nature proved uncooperative and the effort abandoned. By his account, the spirit and energy of the wilderness repaired and […]
2020-04-2022 min
Return of the BirdsIn the Hemlocks, a Guided Tour of a Primitive, Undisturbed Forest and the Avifauna Living ThereThe start of Wake-Robin, chapter 2, In the Hemlocks. Author and gentleman rambler, John Burroughs, begins a guided tour in the hemlocks. Years before, townsfolk, tanners, and lumbermen attempted in vain to tame and exploit the grove. But nature proved uncooperative and the effort abandoned. By his account, the spirit and energy of the wilderness repaired and rejuvenated the injuries and offer refuge to all. We meet the Red-eyed Vireo and hear his contented song. For Burroughs, the Bobolink’s song expresses hilarity; the Sparrow’s, faith; the Bluebird’s, love; the Catbird’s, pride, White-eyed Vireo, self-consciousness; the Hermit Thrush's...
2020-04-1922 min
Return of the BirdsThe Scarlet Tanager and the Dog Days of August, and, Finally, the Silent End of the SeasonThe Scarlet Tanager and the Dog Days of August, the Peewee’s Prowess on the Wing Comically Contrasted with the Chipping Sparrow’s, the Uncanny Agility of the Merlin, the Red-Shouldered Hawk’s Death-defying Speed and Dizzying Ascents, and, Finally, the Silent End of the Season
2020-04-1313 min
Return of the BirdsThe Scarlet Tanager and the Dog Days of August, and, Finally, the Silent End of the SeasonReaching the end of Chapter 1 in John Burroughs's classic nature study, Wake-Robin, the gentleman rambler describes the birds of July, the Scarlet Tanager, compares the Peewee’s hunting prowess and efficiency on the wing to the Chipping Sparrow's, or Socialis's, fumbling pursuit of a month. The marvel and spectacle when the pigeon hawk, now known as a Merlin, unflinchingly chases a goldfinch. Concluding with the late season silence and August’s departures.
The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contri...
2020-04-1213 min
Return of the BirdsJohn Burroughs Shares His Admiration for the Aristocratic Wood Thrush, Praise for the Soulful Veery, Some Criticism for the Catbird, and an Encounter with a Black SnakeNaturalist and gentleman rambler John Burroughs was born 183 years ago on April 3, 1837. We’re grateful to carry on his work. Continuing where we left off in episode 3, we pick up in the first chapter of his book Wake-Robin. John Burroughs focuses on the thrushes. He details the grace and ease of the Wood Thrush. The Veery’s simple, descending flute-like tone adds to the twilight symphony. But Burroughs has some terse criticism for the Catbird and its song. But he turns to empathy for a Catbird family, when its nest is terrorized by a black snake and loses a fledg...
2020-04-0514 min
Return of the BirdsYellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos, White-eyed Vireos, and a Side-by-Side Comparison of the Hermit Thrush and Wood Thrush Bird SongsNaturalist John Burroughs quotes ‘To the Cuckoo’ by William Wordsworth. He considers in detail the White-eyed Vireo’s skilled mimicry in her mid-summer song and how it may rival the mockingbird’s own ability. Burroughs shares observations on how elevation might impact and effect the distribution of species in the Town of Highlands, New York. And concludes […]
2020-03-3033 min
Return of the BirdsYellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos, White-eyed Vireos, and a Side-by-Side Comparison of the Hermit Thrush and Wood Thrush Bird SongsNaturalist John Burroughs quotes 'To the Cuckoo’ by William Wordsworth. He considers in detail the White-eyed Vireo’s skilled mimicry in her mid-summer song and how it may rival the mockingbird’s own ability. Burroughs shares observations on how elevation might impact and effect the distribution of species in the Town of Highlands, New York. And concludes with a comparison of the vocal quality and musicianship between the hermit and the wood thrushes.
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)
D...
2020-03-2933 min
Return of the BirdsWelcoming the Birds of March, April and MayCredits & Links: Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology American Robin Bluebird Phoebe bird Kingbird Northern Flicker 1 Northern Flicker 2 Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch Eastern Meadowlark Northern Bobwhite Ruffed Grouse Barn Swallow Greater Prairie Chicken Great Horned Owl […]
2020-03-2321 min
Return of the BirdsWelcome Back Flycatchers, Woodpeckers & ThrushesCredits & Links:
Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
American Robin
Bluebird
Phoebe bird
Kingbird
Northern Flicker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Eastern Meadowlark
Northern Bobwhite
Ruffed Grouse
Barn Swallow
Greater Prairie Chicken
Great Horned Owl
Barred Owl
Barn Owl
Red Rooster
Chipping Sparrow
Snow Bunting
Brown-headed Cowbird
Downy Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Song Sparrow
Baltimore Oriole
Wood Thrush
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States Nation...
2020-03-2221 min
Return of the BirdsIntroduction: Presenting Live Birds and not just Stuffed and Labeled SpecimensThe Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Winter Wren Eastern Bluebird American […]
2020-03-0819 min
Return of the BirdsIntroduction: Presenting Live Birds and not just Stuffed and Labeled SpecimensClick the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Winter Wren
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)
Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org.
The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.
Winter Wren
Ea...
2020-03-0819 minReturn of the BirdsSecond Edition TrailerIt’s the best time of the year. The parade begins. As Winter retreats Spring leans in. The birds are returning. And so is our show. Return of the birds is the serialized audiobook podcast of the nature study, Wake Robin, by John Burroughs. It’s the best story about birds I’ve ever read out loud. The […]
2020-03-0703 min
Return of the BirdsSecond Edition TrailerIt’s the best time of the year. The parade begins. As Winter retreats Spring leans in. The birds are returning. And so is our show.
Return of the birds is the serialized audiobook podcast of the nature study, Wake Robin, by John Burroughs. It’s the best story about birds I’ve ever read out loud.
The podcast combines Burroughs’s anticipation and delight that the birds bring to the changing seasons with field recordings of the bird songs he so accurately describes woven into the narration.
First published in 1871, Return of the Birds is a podcast 149 years in the makin...
2020-03-0703 min
Return of the BirdsEpisode 18: Epilogue – 149 Years LaterIntro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link […]
2020-01-1316 min
2020-01-1216 min
Return of the BirdsEpisode 17: In praise of John Audubon, with a couple backhanded compliments and a correctionJohn Burroughs praises Audubon’s life’s work, yet questions some of Audubon’s assertions about comparisons between the Louisiana Waterthrush’s song and the European Nightingale’s, the Bobolink’s and the Blue Grosbeak’s. Burroughs appreciates the volume of Audubon’s catalog, and offers two of his own to add to the collection. Click the links below for details about the […]
2019-12-2925 min
Return of the BirdsIn praise of John Audubon, with a couple backhanded compliments and a correctionJohn Burroughs praises Audubon's life's work, yet questions some of Audubon's assertions about comparisons between the Louisiana Waterthrush's song and the European Nightingale's, the Bobolink's and the Blue Grosbeak's. Burroughs appreciates the volume of Audubon's catalog, and offers two of his own to add to the collection.
Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Louisiana Waterthrush
Nightingale
Blue Grosbeak
Bobolink
Ovenbird
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Northern Waterthrush
American Pipit
Eastern Meadowlark
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army O...
2019-12-2925 min
Return of the BirdsEpisode 16: An InvitationBurroughs invites you to become a birder, describing the thrill of seeing the natural world around you through a new lens. Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Wood Duck Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Red-eyed Viero White-eyed Viero […]
2019-12-1626 min
Return of the BirdsAn InvitationBurroughs invites you to become a birder, describing the thrill of seeing the natural world around you through a new lens.
Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Wood Duck
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Red-eyed Viero
White-eyed Viero
Eastern Wood Pewee
American Robin
Wood Thrush
Hermit Thrush
Song Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Purple Finch
Winter Wren
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National An...
2019-12-1526 minReturn of the BirdsEpisode 15: The BluebirdClick the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Eastern Bluebird European Robin Western Bluebird House Wren Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star […]
2019-11-1021 minReturn of the BirdsThe BluebirdClick the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Eastern Bluebird
European Robin
Western Bluebird
House Wren
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)
Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.
The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.
Eastern Bl...
2019-11-1021 min
Return of the BirdsStrolling through Rock Creek and Piney Branch, Wilderness beyond the Capitol with the Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, Yellow-breasted Chat and CardinalClick the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Wood Thrush
Veery
Kentucky Warbler
Blue-grey Gnatcatcher
Northern Water Thrush
Yellow-breasted Chat
Cardinal Grosbeak
Red-headed Woodpecker
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)
Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.
The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show no...
2019-10-2022 min
Return of the BirdsEpisode 14: Strolling through Rock Creek and Piney Branch, Wilderness beyond the Capitol with the Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, Yellow-breasted Chat and CardinalClick the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Wood ThrushVeeryKentucky WarblerBlue-grey GnatcatcherNorthern Water ThrushYellow-breasted ChatCardinal GrosbeakRed-headed Woodpecker Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The […]
2019-10-1122 min
Return of the BirdsEpisode 13: Spring in the Capitol, the Sylvian Chorus, Bluebirds, Robins, Snowbirds, Meadowlarks, Sparrows and CrowsClick the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs […]
2019-09-2234 minReturn of the BirdsEpisode 12: Snowbird nests, Grosbeak nests, Hummingbird nests, and the Baltimore Oriole builds the best nest of allClick the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Blue Grosbeak Black-and-White Warbler Blue-headed Vireo Mourning Warbler Red-tailed Hawk Baltimore Oriole Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: […]
2019-09-2231 min
Return of the BirdsSnowbird nests, Grosbeak nests, Hummingbird nests, and the Baltimore Oriole builds the best nest of allClick the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Blue Grosbeak
Black-and-White Warbler
Blue-headed Vireo
Mourning Warbler
Red-tailed Hawk
Baltimore Oriole
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)
Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.
The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to th...
2019-09-2231 min
Return of the BirdsSpring in the Capitol, the Sylvian Chorus, Bluebirds, Robins, Snowbirds, Meadowlarks, Sparrows and CrowsClick the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)
Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.
The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.
2019-09-2234 min
Return of the BirdsEpisode 11: Birds’ Nests and the Lengths Parent Birds Go to Keeping the Place CleanClick the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Cedar Waxwing Red-headed Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker American Robin Black-capped Chickadee Indigo Bunting Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: […]
2019-09-1231 minReturn of the BirdsEpisode 10: Hiking to the Upper Ironworks and Indian Pass, Taking the Pulse of Mother NatureClick the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Black-capped Chickadee Cedar Waxwing Ruby-throated Hummingbird Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star […]
2019-09-1219 min
Return of the BirdsEpisode 9: August in the Adirondacks, Deer Hunting at NightClick the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Purple Finch Pine Siskin Vesper Sparrow White-throated Sparrow American Robin White-breasted Nuthatch Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: […]
2019-09-1126 min
Return of the BirdsBirds' Nests and the Lengths Parent Birds Go to Keeping the Place CleanClick the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Cedar Waxwing
Red-headed Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
American Robin
Black-capped Chickadee
Indigo Bunting
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)
Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.
The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to th...
2019-09-0831 minReturn of the BirdsEpisode 10: Hiking to the Upper Ironworks and Indian Pass, Taking the Pulse of Mother NatureClick the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Black-capped Chickadee
Cedar Waxwing
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)
Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.
The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.
Black-capped Chickadee
2019-08-1819 min
Return of the BirdsAugust in the Adirondacks, Deer Hunting at NightCredits & Links:
Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
Vesper Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
American Robin
White-breasted Nuthatch
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)
Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.
The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show note...
2019-08-1126 min
Return of the BirdsEpisode 8: Partridge Drumming, the Cowbirds’ deception, and so many Warblers in the BarkpeelingsCredits & Links: Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Hermit Thrush Rose-breasted Grosbeak Scarlet Tanager Purple Finch Canada Warbler Cowbird Ruffed Grouse Common Yellowthroat Mourning Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Blue-headed […]
2019-07-1400 min
Return of the BirdsPartridge Drumming, the Cowbirds’ deception, and so many Warblers in the BarkpeelingsCompleting a late afternoon stroll in the Barkpeelings. Lounging on a moss sofa, listening to the chorus. Observations on the Cowbirds' egg-depositing-deception and dereliction of parenting duty.
Credits & Links:
Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:Ruby-throated HummingbirdHermit ThrushRose-breasted GrosbeakScarlet TanagerPurple FinchCanada WarblerCowbirdRuffed GrouseCommon YellowthroatMourning WarblerChestnut-sided WarblerBlack-throated Blue WarblerBlack-throated Green WarblerBlue-headed VireoBlack-and-white WarblerIntro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on GrassOutro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United S...
2019-07-1427 minReturn of the BirdsEpisode 7: Reverence for the Hermit Thrush, but None for the PeweeThe heavenly Hermit Thrush. Commentary about the cowardly Eastern Kingbird. The Wood Pewee’s plainness. Praise for the OvenbirdClick here to listen to Episode 1.Click here to listen to Episode 2.Click here to listen to Episode 3.Click here to liste
2019-06-1700 minReturn of the BirdsReverence for the Hermit Thrush, but None for the PeweeThe heavenly Hermit Thrush. Commentary about the cowardly Eastern Kingbird. The Wood Pewee's plainness. Praise for the Ovenbird
Click here to listen to Episode 1.
Click here to listen to Episode 2.
Click here to listen to Episode 3.
Click here to listen to Episode 4.
Click here to listen to Episode 5.
Click here to listen to Episode 6.
Credits & Links:
Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Hermit Thrush
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Kingbird
Eastern Phoebe
Ovenbird
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro...
2019-06-1617 min
Return of the BirdsEpisode 6: Into the Hemlocks“And what is a bird without its song? It seems to me I do not know a bird till I’ve heard its voice.” John Burroughs’s second essay, Into the Hemlocks featuring the red-eyed vireo, the winter wren and veery. Thought
2019-06-0200 min
Return of the BirdsInto the Hemlocks"And what is a bird without its song? It seems to me I do not know a bird till I’ve heard its voice."
John Burroughs's second essay, Into the Hemlocks featuring the red-eyed vireo, the winter wren and veery. Thoughts on taking specimens for study, Blackburnian warbler and the blue yellow-backed warbler, now known as the Northern Parula.
Click here to listen to Episode 1.
Click here to listen to Episode 2.
Click here to listen to Episode 3.
Click here to listen to Episode 4.
Click here to listen to Episode 5.
Credits & Links:
Click the links below for details about the bi...
2019-06-0122 min
Return of the BirdsEpisode 5: Scarlet Tanager and the End of the SeasonThe scarlet tanager and the birds of summer. Observations of the hawk and the end of the season. Click here to listen to Episode 1. Click here to listen to Episode 2. Click here to listen to Episode 3. Credits & Links: Click the links below fo
2019-05-2000 min
Return of the BirdsScarlet Tanager and the End of the SeasonThe scarlet tanager and the birds of summer. Observations of the hawk and the end of the season.
Click here to listen to Episode 1.
Click here to listen to Episode 2.
Click here to listen to Episode 3.
Credits & Links:
Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Scarlet Tanager
Field Sparrow
Great Crested Flycatcher
Barn Swallow
Chipping Sparrow
Vesper Swallow
American Robin
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
White-eyed Vireo
Bobolink
Hermit Thrush
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Ol...
2019-05-1912 min
Return of the BirdsEpisode 4: Veery, Grey Catbird and a Snake EncounterThe princely disposition of the wood thrush, the cool notes of the veery, the pretense of the gray catbird and a black snake picks the wrong spot to relax. Click here to listen to Episode 1. Click here to listen to Episode 2. Click here to listen t
2019-05-1300 min
Return of the BirdsVeery, Grey Catbird and a Snake EncounterThe princely disposition of the wood thrush, the cool notes of the veery, the pretense of the gray catbird and a black snake picks the wrong spot to relax.
Click here to listen to Episode 1.
Click here to listen to Episode 2.
Click here to listen to Episode 3.
Credits & Links:
Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Wood Thrush
Veery
Vesper Sparrow
Gray Catbird
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Dr...
2019-05-0513 min
Return of the BirdsEpisode 3: Welcome Back Cuckoos, Warblers & ThrushesClick here to listen to Episode 1. Click here to listen to Episode 2. Credits & Links: Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Yellow billed Cuck
2019-04-2800 min
Return of the BirdsWelcome Back Cuckoos, Warblers & ThrushesClick here to listen to Episode 1.
Click here to listen to Episode 2.
Credits & Links:
Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Yellow billed Cuckoo
Bobolink
Black-billed Cuckoo
Wood Thrush 1
Wood Thrush 2
Field Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
American Tree Sparrow
White-eyed Vireo
Winter Wren
Hooded Warbler
Worm-eating Warbler
Northern Waterthrush
Great Crested Flycatcher
Blue-winged Warbler
Northern Mockingbird
Hermit Thrush
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The...
2019-04-2833 min
Return of the BirdsEpisode 2: Welcome Back Flycatchers, Woodpeckers & ThrushesBurroughs describes robins ramshackle nest, the under appreciated socialis, or song sparrow, and his affection for the northern flicker.
2019-04-2100 min
Return of the BirdsWelcome Back Flycatchers, Woodpeckers & ThrushesEpisode includes robin's ramshackle nest and the under appreciated socialis, or song sparrow. Affection for the northern flicker.
Click here to listen to Episode 1.
Credits & Links:
Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
American Robin
Bluebird
Phoebe bird
Kingbird
Northern Flicker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Eastern Meadowlark
Northern Bobwhite
Ruffed Grouse
Barn Swallow
Greater Prairie Chicken
Great Horned Owl
Barred Owl
Barn Owl
Red Rooster
Chipping Sparrow
Snow Bunting
Brown-headed Cowbird
Dow...
2019-04-2121 min
Return of the BirdsEpisode 1: IntroductionClick the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:Winter WrenEastern BluebirdAmerican RobinIntro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on GrassOutro music: The Unit
2019-04-1400 min
Return of the BirdsIntroductionClick the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Winter Wren
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)
Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at gutenberg.org or archive.org.
The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these s...
2019-04-1417 minReturn of the BirdsTrailer: Return of the BirdsReturn of the Birds combines a 19th Century nature study with 21st century audio of the birdsongs described in the charming narrative.
In short, Return of the Birds is the serialized audiobook podcast of Wake-Robin by renowned naturalist and essayist, John Burroughs.
Wake-Robin is 148-year-old nature study of various birds’ spring migrations, summer residencies and fall departures.
First published in 1871, Burroughs’s attention to detail and playful characterizations turns these birds into little individuals with personalities and emotions.
Burroughs wrote: “And what is a bird without its song? It seems to me I do no...
2019-04-0603 min