Shows
Bring Birds BackHunting Is for the Birds (Too)Duck hunting may sound like a forbidden sport for most bird lovers but did you know that some of the most dedicated bird conservationists - in the world - are also devout hunters? In this episode of Bring Birds Back, our host Deja Perkins speaks with Jerad Henson from Ducks Unlimited– one of the largest and longest running waterfowl and wetlands conservation organizations in the world. Jerad talks us through the complex history of hunters as conservationists in the Americas and the incredible impact of the organization from past to present. The oft-times controversial sport is much more than ju...
2025-12-1741 min
Bring Birds BackChicago’s Windy City Bird LabChicago has been in the spotlight quite a lot as of late, but one of its most remarkable attributes can be seen in the night sky: nocturnal bird migration. In this episode, our host Deja Perkins speaks with J’orge Garcia of the Windy City Bird Lab about how he’s integrating technology and birders to build stronger community ties. In collaboration with several local organizations and projects, J’orge and his supporters are creating new spaces for social growth while implementing tried and true methods for conservation. Learn more about one of the quickest growing city-wide initiatives and how yo...
2025-12-1042 min
Bring Birds BackAttack on the Endangered Species Act In this season 8 premiere, host Deja Perkins returns with legislative strategist from the American Bird Conservancy, Hardy Kern. Hardy shares the history of the Endangered Species Act, how the legendary law is being challenged by the current administration, and what we’re due to lose should these proposals pass. Then, he talks specifics about the plight of the Lesser Prairie Chicken– and why they need our help today. Tune in right now!Want more Bring Birds Back? Follow us on your favorite podcast app and on Instagram @BringBirdsBack! To learn more about Hardy, how you can he...
2025-12-0342 min
BirdNote DailyYellow Warblers in a Changing WorldIn spring and summer, Yellow Warblers sing from treetops to stream sides. While their beauty and songs commonly light up our most vibrant months, they face imminent challenges. Yellow Warbler populations have adapted genetically to their local climates. That makes them vulnerable to environmental shifts, which could cause the species to lose much of its breeding range in the U.S. by 2080.A special thank you to artist Heidi Stavrevski for designing our 20th Anniversary Logo, which beautifully captures two decades of BirdNote Storytelling.¡Escuche este episodio en español!More info and tr...
2025-11-2101 min
BirdNote DailyAmerican Bittern: Thunder-PumperAmerican Bitterns nest in marshes across the northern half of the United States and throughout much of Canada, and they winter along both US coasts south into Central America. But in some places, bitterns are in serious trouble. Much of the extensive, shallow marshland they once bred in has been drained or degraded by chemicals and silt.BirdNote is supported by the Lenore Hanauer Foundation of Seattle.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks.
2025-10-2901 min
BirdNote DailyQuirky Words for Patterned BirdsDescriptive names can be a great help when you’re getting to know a new bird. Some species have common names that put their plumage pattern front and center – like the Five-striped Sparrow. If you encounter a bird described as flammulated, lineated, banded, or barred, keep an eye out for their namesake stripes and streaks!BirdNote is grateful to the many contributions of Dr. Gordon Orians, and for his ongoing support of the show.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to g...
2025-10-2401 min
BirdNote DailyHudsonian GodwitHudsonian Godwits are tough birds to find, and they were once thought extinct due to overhunting. After nesting at sites scattered in the High Arctic, they migrate south on a route that takes them over the ocean from Canada to South America. In spring, they head north through the Great Plains. Populations are estimated to be in the tens of thousands today, but like many arctic nesters, they are a threatened species.This episode is brought to you in memory of longtime BirdNote fan and supporter, Philip Stoller, and with thanks to his family for their support.
2025-10-2001 min
BirdNote DailyAn Ever-Growing Library of Bird SoundsMost of the bird sounds you hear on BirdNote come from the Macaulay Library, a vast collection of over one million bird calls and songs curated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The library relies on both professional field recordists and dedicated volunteers to capture the sounds of birds all over the world.Support for BirdNote is provided by Marjorie and Ed Ringness from Seattle, Washington — and generous listeners around the world. More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad...
2025-09-2601 min
BirdNote DailyA Lost Hummingbird is Found AgainThe Santa Marta Sabrewing is a hummingbird species so rare, they’ve only been documented twice in recent years. Native to the mountains of Colombia, they were officially described in 1946. No one reported another sighting until 2010. They became a “lost” species, eluding every attempt to find them. Then in 2022, Yurgen Vega was studying the birds of a mountain range called the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. He snapped a photo of an unusual, large hummingbird – and the sabrewing was lost no more.BirdNote is grateful to former board member and photographer extraordinaire Owen Deutsch and his wife Rona Tal...
2025-09-1801 min
BirdNote DailyBicknell's ThrushThe Bicknell’s Thrush is known for scarcity… and promiscuity. Unlike most songbirds, the female thrush establishes a territory and then mates with males that happen by. She then lays eggs that have been fertilized by multiple different males. Many of those males will stick around and help feed the young, even if they are not their own. Each year, these little songbirds make the long journey from the Caribbean Islands to the forests of the northeastern coasts of North America.Support for BirdNote is provided by Sarah Merner and Craig McKibben from Seattle, Washington — and generous listen...
2025-09-1601 min
BirdNote DailyThe Delightfully Odd Magellanic PloverThe Magellanic Plover is known for being a bit of an oddball. These shorebirds have a round body like a dove and even feed their young with milk produced in a part of their digestive system called the crop — a rare trait they share with doves. But genetic data revealed that Magellanic Plovers are neither plovers nor doves — they’re the only species in the family Pluvianellidae. Genetically speaking, they’re one of a kind.This episode is dedicated to Kit Ellis, of Gig Harbor, Washington, with thanks for her generous support of BirdNote.More info and...
2025-09-1501 min
BirdNote DailyThere's a BirdNote for that!Do you have a question about birds? BirdNote’s Content Director Jonese Franklin says that when people bring her bird queries, she often finds the answer in a BirdNote Daily episode. Over the last 20 years, BirdNote has produced more than 2,400 episodes covering tons of topics – and there are still more stories to tell! BirdNote is an independent nonprofit that relies on the generosity of its listeners. Your support allows us to continue to make informative and immersive shows that hopefully inspire folks to fall in love with birds.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want...
2025-09-1201 min
BirdNote DailyHelping BirdNote Continue Its JourneyWhen you provide places for migratory birds to rest and refuel, you’re helping them complete their long journeys and reach their destination safely. In a similar way, BirdNote also relies on your generosity. As an independent nonprofit, we depend on support from listeners like you to keep us going. This week, we’re asking you to make a donation of any amount to help us continue sharing the joy and wonder of birds with people everywhere.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for Bird...
2025-09-1101 min
BirdNote DailyBird Books with BirdNoteFor many of us nature nerds, books and birds go hand in hand. That’s why BirdNote brings you conversations with award-winning writers about how birds inspire their work. This week, we are asking you to support the show so that we can keep providing daily stories about birds – and the books they’ve inspired – to your local station for free.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift make...
2025-09-1001 min
BirdNote DailyBirdNote Helps You Get to Know Your NeighborhoodWhether you know your neighborhood inside-out or you just moved and are getting to know the area, BirdNote adds another dimension to how you understand the place you live — by understanding the birds. Our hope is that by spreading knowledge about birds, BirdNote is helping you become more connected to your local ecosystems. A gift of any amount helps us continue to accomplish this goal.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a n...
2025-09-0901 min
BirdNote DailyThe Multiplier EffectThis summer, the U.S. Congress revoked more than $1 billion in previously allocated funding for public media. Because BirdNote provides its shows to stations for free, a gift to BirdNote has a multiplier effect: It helps produce a show you love and it helps provide free programming for the local public radio station you love.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.
2025-09-0801 min
BirdNote DailyLong-billed Curlews Whistle from the SkyLong-billed Curlews are the largest shorebirds in North America. In his courtship display, the male Long-billed Curlew flies a series of arcs across the sky, calling as he goes. Outside of the breeding season, they roost and forage in mixed flocks. When the flock is disturbed, the curlews’ loud flight calls sound the alarm that a potential predator is near.This episode is brought to you in loving memory of former BirdNote Board member Tom Darden, with thanks to his family for their support.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more Bi...
2025-08-2601 min
BirdNote DailyDavid Sibley – Sketching and Painting ImpressionsDavid Sibley’s paintings connect millions of people with the lives of birds. His talent in observing and portraying birds culminated in The Sibley Guide to Birds. Sibley describes how he learned to sketch and illustrate birds such as this Townsend’s Warbler: "I spent years in the field, just traveling and birding and sketching," he says. “The drawing was so important to me, that there was never any question in my mind of continuing to paint the birds. It’s how I study the birds." Watch David Sibley sketch a Townsend's Warbler in the BirdNote studio!Support...
2025-08-2401 min
BirdNote DailyThe Royal RavensThe 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.Support for BirdNote is provided by Charlie and Carrie Kahle and generous listeners around the world.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.
2025-08-2001 min
BirdNote DailyHow Writer Amy Tan Helps Backyard BirdsWriter Amy Tan’s work is known all over the world. And thanks to her latest best-seller, The Backyard Bird Chronicles, she’s now also known for her deep love of birds. Tan not only spends time interacting with birds, she also comes up with creative ways to help them.This episode was produced as part of BirdNote’s From Love to Action Campaign, an effort to inspire one million people to take action to help birds by 2027. To learn more and to tell us how you’re helping birds, visit this link.More info and tran...
2025-06-3001 min
BirdNote DailyNorthern Parula Sings From on HighThe Northern Parula is a tiny bird with a big personality. These colorful warblers spend their days in search of tasty insects high up in the forest canopy of woodlands in North America. To get a good look, first try listening for their unmistakable vocal feats!This episode is sponsored by Gary and Liz Kennedy Ketcheson, who are grateful to BirdNote for introducing us to wonderful stories about birds from around the world, like the beautiful Northern Parula.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter...
2025-06-0601 min
BirdNote DailyOrchard Orioles Band TogetherOrchard orioles are social birds that build their nests in large trees among streambanks and wetlands. The males have chestnut-colored breasts and black backs and wings, while females and immature birds are mostly yellow. After the males fly south in late July and early August, the young birds and females stay behind to forage for late summer berries. Protecting streamside habitats helps these colorful birds, along with a whole suite of other species that depend on clean water and lots of shrubby habitat.Support for BirdNote is provided by Sarah Merner and Craig McKibben from Seattle, Washington...
2025-05-1901 min
BirdNote DailyMusic to Our EarsOne of Jessica Rugh Frantz’s favorite things about being the director of development at BirdNote is getting to hear from listeners about how much they love our programs. Listener support is what makes this show possible. Just like how we love our backyard birds and take steps to help them thrive, we hope you’ll do the same for BirdNote by making a donation today.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a n...
2025-04-1101 min
BirdNote DailyHearing From BirdNote ListenersWe know for many listeners, BirdNote is part of your everyday routine. But don’t take our word for it. Let Michael and Mary Ann tell you what BirdNote means to them.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.
2025-04-1001 min
BirdNote DailySupport the Things You LoveAt BirdNote, we believe that the more that people learn about birds, the more likely they are to take steps to protect them. Listeners like you have supported BirdNote for 20 years. Support our Spring Fund Drive with a donation of any amount to help us create informative, inspiring stories for years to come.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.
2025-04-0901 min
BirdNote DailyBirdNoir: The Mystery of Public Media FundingIn this episode of BirdNoir, the Private Eye gets a call from his pal Roy asking to know how BirdNote stays on the air. His wife says the show is funded by listener donations, but Roy can’t believe it. Roy even made a bet that he’d make a donation himself if her story were true. The private eye gives him an answer that has Roy grabbing his pocket book.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other...
2025-04-0801 min
BirdNote DailyShort and Sweet!We know you’ve got a busy schedule, which is why our team at BirdNote produces fun, sound-rich episodes about the natural world in less than two minutes each day. For 20 years, BirdNote has shared the joy and wonder of birds with millions of people. Help us continue this work with a donation of any amount.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.
2025-04-0701 min
BirdNote DailySecret Messages in Birdsong?Birds convey many types of messages through their songs and calls, but some may have ulterior motives. It may seem a bit foolish, but when BirdNote’s senior producer Mark Bramhill listened to familiar birdsongs in reverse, he heard…More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.
2025-04-0101 min
BirdNote DailyHealing Trauma with Animals at the Kyiv ZooShortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, zookeepers at the Kyiv Zoo shared audio recordings from the animal enclosures with BirdNote. The Zoo staff maintained care for the animals even as they slept in bomb shelters. Two and a half years later, Zoo Program Manager Olga Baratynska shares new audio of animals at the zoo and a report on their animal therapy program, called “The Good Phasmatidae,” which has treated nearly 200,000 people, including children, displaced people, and members of the military.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to ou...
2025-03-0301 min
BirdNote DailyBirdNote Celebrates 20 yearsTwenty years ago today, the first BirdNote Daily episode aired on the radio in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. Since then, through sound-rich stories, we’ve explored the lives of countless birds – and inspired action to protect birds around the world. Join us in celebrating 20 years of stories. Now and forever, this is BirdNote.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible. ...
2025-02-2102 min
BirdNote DailyGreat Egrets Are Lovely and LethalStanding over three-feet tall, Great Egrets have elegant white feathers and long slender necks. During the breeding season, both males and females grow long frilly feathers called aigrettes. Great Egrets were nearly hunted to extinction for their luxurious plumes in the late 1800s, until conservationists banded together to outlaw their killing.This episode is dedicated to Adrienne Ottenberg and Bob Hartman, with love from BirdNote supporter Jane Curley.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other p...
2025-02-1901 min
BirdNote DailyHow Writer Amy Tan Fell in Love with BirdsAmy Tan is a world-renowned writer of fiction and non-fiction. She’s best-known for her 1989 novel, The Joy Luck Club, which was later adapted into a movie. Her latest book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles, is a collection of essays and illustrations she made about the birds in her own backyard. In this episode of BirdNote Daily, Tan shares why she started nature journaling and talks about her deep love of birds. More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and othe...
2025-01-0101 min
BirdNote Daily'Carol of the Birds' with Nancy RumbelTo celebrate the season, Nancy Rumbel, who composed and played the BirdNote theme music, performs "Carol of the Birds." This version was arranged by Nancy herself, with the accompaniment of Pine Siskins, Black-capped Chickadees, a Red-winged Blackbird, Song Sparrow, House Finch, American Goldfinch, and Mourning Dove. Nancy plays the ocarina, oboe, bell, and harmonium. You can visit her website at nancyrumbel.com. Happy Holidays from all of us at BirdNote!More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other p...
2024-12-2501 min
BirdNote DailyDo Birds Become Dependent on Bird Feeders?You may have heard that feeding birds makes them dependent on humans for food, but it’s just not true. Even if you see your local birds ravenously eating at your feeder, those same birds are also finding wild sources of food from elsewhere at other times of the day. That being said, a humble bird feeder during a winter cold snap could really help out our feathered friends during a tough time.BirdNote is supported by American Bird Conservancy, dedicated to conserving wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. Learn more at abcbirds.org...
2024-12-1601 min
BirdNote DailyCity OwlsSome owls, like Barred Owls and Great Horned Owls, live in the city. As hunters, they find a lot to eat in the city — like rats or squirrels! Both favor urban parks, cemeteries, and botanical gardens — places with big trees — and both roost during the day. The Great Horned Owl, like this one, might appear like an enormous housecat sitting upright. The Barred Owl often perches down low, where it’s easy to spot.BirdNote is supported by American Bird Conservancy, dedicated to conserving wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. Learn more at abcbirds.org.Mor...
2024-11-2201 min
BirdNote DailySympathy for the GrackleMany people become birders by way of backyard feeders, including BirdNote’s Content Director Jonese Franklin. And while she loves to watch Northern Cardinals and Blue Jays pay a visit for some seed, she’s also enchanted by species that some folks would call “nuisance birds,” especially the Common Grackle. Witnessing the teamwork and dedication these birds display when building their nest is an extraordinary sight to behold – and a reminder that even underappreciated birds deserve our sympathies.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNot...
2024-11-1801 min
BirdNote DailyChanging How You Hear the WorldWe often hear from listeners that BirdNote has changed the way they see and interact with the world around them. It's had that impact for those of us who help make the show, too. There’s so much life and song and joy out there, waiting for you to just listen for it. BirdNote is an invitation to nature’s concert. Listener support makes this possible. Just go to BirdNote.org and make a gift today.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to ge...
2024-10-1101 min
BirdNote DailyInvesting in Our Listeners' Learning JourneysBirdNote shows are made to be accessible for people of all ages, because we want to reach as many folks as we can with the joy of birds. Listeners who donate make our work possible.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.
2024-10-1001 min
BirdNote DailySupporting the NestA female Wood Thrush will carefully choose each piece of nest-building materials because her eggs will depend on it for warmth and protection. But even the best-made nest couldn’t exist without the support of a sturdy shrub or tree. Much like a bird’s nest, BirdNote depends on having a solid foundation on which to build.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possib...
2024-10-0901 min
BirdNote DailyBirdNote Helps Kids Learn Their BirdsWe hear from lots of people about how much they learn from listening to BirdNote. In this episode, Kim Bradmon and her son Ben share their stories.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.
2024-10-0801 min
BirdNote DailyLearning More About Birds by Sketching ThemMany people take an interest in birds as they get older. But others start very early, like one young BirdNote listener named Ben Bradmon. He has been learning how to identify birds by their calls. His favorite is the Tufted Titmouse. He has also begun deepening his knowledge of birds by sketching them, letting him focus on details of the birds’ appearance and their habitats.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a no...
2024-08-2301 min
BirdNote DailyWhat's Inside a Woodpecker's Nest Hole?Many woodpeckers chisel out deep cavities in tree trunks in order to lay their eggs and raise their brood. The cavities hollowed out by the birds vary in size, depending on the species of woodpecker. The chamber of a tiny Downy Woodpecker descends about a foot from the opening, while the Pileated Woodpecker may chip out a chamber two feet deep. Both are beyond the reach of a pesky raccoon.Most North American woodpeckers carve a new nest cavity each spring.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to o...
2024-07-1101 min
BirdNote DailyDawn in the MarshIt's dawn in a western marsh in mid-summer, and man! Those birds are singin'! The males of more than a dozen species are staking out their territories and attracting mates. One of the noisiest of all is the Red-winged Blackbird. He sings not to attract just one mate, but to gather a whole harem! Drop us a line and let us know what you think of BirdNote.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. Bi...
2024-06-2401 min
BirdNote DailyIntroducing Black Birders Week 2024In this episode, Nicole Jackson and Emma Brittain announce the fifth year of Black Birders Week, a week-long celebration with events and activities that highlight the achievements and contributions of Black birders, amplify their experiences in nature, and raise awareness about the importance of diversity in birding and conservation. Stay tuned to BirdNote Daily for a week of shows produced by Black Birders Week organizers and learn how to participate in the week’s events.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get...
2024-05-2601 min
BirdNote DailyHelping BirdNote Continue Its JourneyWhen you provide places for migratory birds to rest and refuel, you’re helping them complete their long journeys and reach their destination safely. In a similar way, BirdNote also relies on your generosity. As an independent nonprofit, we depend on support from listeners like you to keep us going. This week, we’re asking you to make a donation of any amount to help us continue sharing the joy and wonder of birds with people everywhere.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdN...
2024-05-1001 min
BirdNote DailyKeeping Our Eyes on the DetailsEvery BirdNote episode starts with a solid grounding in research. When we play a bird sound for you, first we make sure you're hearing the right species. But not just that — we bear in mind the distinction between songs and calls, and we make sure the recording comes from an appropriate location. By making a donation of any amount to BirdNote, you’re helping advance the public's understanding of science and conservation for some of Earth’s most marvelous creatures.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up...
2024-05-0901 min
BirdNote DailyWhere Do Our Stories Come From?BirdNote shows begin in many ways: a great listener question, witnessing a cool bird behavior, or a new scientific discovery. But there’s one common theme: curiosity. BirdNote begins with enthusiasm to learn more. In this episode, BirdNote’s managing producer Conor Gearin shares how one show idea came from seeing a Great Blue Heron far from water. By donating to BirdNote, you’re supporting the storytelling and bird facts you depend on, bringing more of the sound-rich stories you love.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newslet...
2024-05-0801 min
BirdNote DailyBirdNote Helps You Get to Know Your NeighborhoodWhether you know your neighborhood inside-out or you just moved and are getting to know the area, BirdNote adds another dimension to how you understand the place you live — by understanding the birds. Our hope is that by spreading knowledge about birds, BirdNote is helping you become more connected to your local ecosystems. A gift of any amount right now helps us continue to accomplish this goal.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. Bird...
2024-05-0701 min
BirdNote DailySharing BirdNote with the Next GenerationWhen a new generation of birds hatches, they copy the songs they hear from nearby adults. A young bird’s first attempts aren’t perfect. But like any young musician, they improve with practice. Here at BirdNote, we’ve heard from many listeners who say they enjoy listening to the show with children or grandchildren. Educators use our shows in classrooms as a teaching tool. Help support BirdNote’s mission to inspire the next generation of bird-lovers by making a donation now.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly ne...
2024-05-0601 min
BirdNote DailySpark Bird: John Kessler and the Music of BirdsJohn Kessler served as BirdNote’s senior producer for over 18 years. But before BirdNote existed, he was recording the sounds of Seattle for public radio station KPLU, now called KNKX. After capturing many of Seattle’s well-known spots on tape, he broadened his scope by connecting with local birders to find the best places to hear birds around town. Shortly after, BirdNote's founder, Chris Petersen, sought out John's musical ear to help create a sound-rich show highlighting the joy of birds.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsl...
2024-04-1201 min
BirdNote DailyAn April Fool's Birdsong QuizIn this April Fool’s Day quiz from BirdNote, we play the sounds of three birds — only one of which is real. See if you can tell which one, and let us know here!More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.
2024-04-0101 min
BirdNote DailyKeeping Cats IndoorsOutdoor cats are one of the biggest threats to birds, killing over a billion a year in North America. And indoor-outdoor cats live much shorter lives than indoor-only cats. So keeping a cat indoors helps protect birds. And there are plenty of ways to make the “great indoors” more exciting for your cat. In this episode, BirdNote producer Mark Bramhill shares his experience with his cat, Pigeon, who enjoys a ‘catio’ — cat-patio — and walks on a leash.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to...
2024-01-1101 min
Bring Birds BackBring Birds Back Season 5A special season of Bring Birds Back launches January 17th! Join our four guest hosts every Wednesday as they tackle a wide range of stories dedicated to habitat loss, pollution and climate change - and, of course, how it all affects our beloved birds. In support of BirdNote’s From Love to Action campaign, we hope this season inspires you to do something - big and small - to better ourselves, our beloved birds and the world we all reside in. Subscribe now to receive weekly updates this season!For more information about the From Love to Ac...
2024-01-1002 min
BirdNote DailyOne Million People Taking Action for BirdsClimate change, habitat destruction, and invasive species have taken a toll on bird populations. It’s a difficult reality to face — but it’s not the end of the story. There are many things people can do to protect birds. Some actions may start small, like planting a native wildflower or taking a trip without a car. But when you combine the efforts of many people working to help birds, the effects are multiplied. BirdNote is launching a three-year campaign to inspire a million people to take action to help birds.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.
2024-01-0801 min
BirdNote DailyThe Love of Birds is ContagiousWhen BirdNote’s Executive Director Nick Bayard joined BirdNote, he knew it would involve sharing the joy and wonder of birds with our listeners, but he didn’t expect it to inspire his kids to become avid birders. Now, his children Piper and Keaton are the ones asking to go on bird walks! In this show, Piper and Keaton share their favorite birds. More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your ta...
2023-11-1701 min
BirdNote DailyBirdNote’s Chirpy Cheerful Theme SongListeners are always curious about the origin of BirdNote's theme song. In this show, learn how Grammy-Award winning artist Nancy Rumbel and the BirdNote team created the theme. BirdNote is an independent nonprofit funded by our audience, and this week we’re asking for your support, at BirdNote.org.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.
2023-11-1601 min
BirdNote DailyLet the Birds do the TalkingBirdNote is an independent nonprofit organization, and this week, we’re asking you to support BirdNote with a donation at birdnote.org. But today, rather than tell you all the great things about BirdNote, we’re going to let our feathered friends do the talking. In this show, enjoy a minute of uninterrupted birdsong. Please support BirdNote with a tax-deductible donation today — every gift helps us produce the stories you love and share them with your amazing local radio station.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly n...
2023-11-1501 min
BirdNote DailyBehind the ScenesIt takes a lot to bring you the rich sounds of birds yodeling, cooing, and screeching to you each day. It's a meticulous process of researching, writing, fact-checking, editing, recording and sound design. That’s all done by our in-house production team! BirdNote is a non-profit organization - and this week, we’re asking for your help. Your donations ensure that every word, every sound, every minute is as stunning as the next.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free liste...
2023-11-1401 min
BirdNote DailyJoin the FlockSongbirds in winter flocks benefit from having other birds nearby. They can recognize warning signals from other species and follow them to sources of food. We think of BirdNote’s audience as our flock, and we’re much stronger together than as individuals. But every single member of the flock counts, and every action is important. Support from our listeners is what keeps BirdNote in the air and on the air. BirdNote is an independent nonprofit organization that relies on support from listeners like you. This week, we are asking you to keep us flying strong by making a dona...
2023-11-1301 min
BirdNote DailyStrange SoundsWhat an amazing array of sounds birds have to offer! The call of a male Yellow Rail sounds like someone tapping two small stones together. And Turkey Vultures hissing at one another over a carcass sound like a snarling lion. The duet between the male and female Barred Owls seen here is especially raucous. BirdNote gets most of its sounds from The Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. Bi...
2023-10-2201 min
BirdNote DailyClair de LoonAugust 22 is the birthday of renowned French composer, Claude Debussy. Born in 1862, Debussy is known for his impressionistic sonic portraits, like La Mer, about the sea. But one of his best known works is an earlier piano piece, Clair de Lune. The song is quiet and haunting. Which got us thinking: what if we paired it with the most haunting birdsong — the song of loons? Enjoy Clair de Loon. Created for BirdNote by Breakmaster Cylinder.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for Bird...
2023-08-1901 min
BirdNote DailyChanging How You Hear the WorldWe often hear from listeners that BirdNote has changed the way they see and interact with the world around them. It's had that impact for those of us who help make the show, too. There’s so much life and song and joy out there, waiting for you to just listen for it. BirdNote is an invitation to nature’s concert. Listener support makes this possible. Just go to BirdNote.org and make a gift today.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to ge...
2023-06-0901 min
BirdNote DailyBehind the ScenesIt takes a lot to bring you the rich sounds of birds yodeling, cooing, and screeching to you each day. It's a meticulous process of researching, writing, fact-checking, editing, recording and sound design. That’s all done by our in-house production team! BirdNote is a non-profit organization - and this week, we’re asking for your help. Your donations – at BirdNote.org – ensure that every word, every sound, every minute is as stunning as the next.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad...
2023-06-0701 min
BirdNote DailyBirdnote’s Chirpy Cheerful Theme SongListeners are always curious about the origin of BirdNote's theme song. In this show, learn how Grammy-Award winning artist Nancy Rumbel and the BirdNote team created the theme. BirdNote is an independent nonprofit funded by our audience, and this week we’re asking for your support, at BirdNote.org.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.
2023-06-0501 min
Bring Birds BackThe Bird Journey Continues!Tenijah got hooked on birding at the start of the pandemic, and during the last season of Bring Birds Back she learned a lot about our feathered friends. This season, she’s ready to learn and share more simple ways to help birds — while discovering new birding skills from experts. After going birding with her mom and not seeing much, Tenijah wants to know how to better find and identify birds around her. Conor Gearin, managing producer of BirdNote Daily, joins Tenijah to teach her how to identify who you’re seeing outside and why they’re there.More i...
2022-05-1820 min
BirdNote PresentsAn Update on BirdNote PresentsHey BirdNote Presents listeners! A quick update on this podcast feed:Sound Escapes now has its own podcast feed!BirdNote Presents is mostly an archive — to hear the latest stories from BirdNote on our other podcasts:BirdNote DailyBring Birds BackThreatenedThanks for listening to our stories! 🦜🐓🦢🦩🕊🦚🦉🦅🦆
2021-11-1801 min
Sound EscapesOur Solar-Powered JukeboxIn the season finale of Sound Escapes, acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton takes us on a whirlwind tour of nearly every habitat on the planet. From tropical forests to deserts to wetlands, you'll hear what the Earth truly is: music spinning in an otherwise silent space. Thank you for joining us on this sonic journey. We hope each episode brought you a sense of peace during these troubled times, and that you have tapped into your natural ability to listen deeply.And now, let’s listen to the music of the Earth. Connec...
2021-11-171h 03Sound EscapesMark Twain's Limpid Brook“By modern standards, Mark Twain was really a switched-on listener,” says our Sound Escapes host, Gordon Hempton. “He brilliantly used sound in the crafting of his novels. Birds would sing at the right time of day and in the right situations. He would use thunderstorms to mark the locations of Jim and Huck's journey down the Mississippi.” In this episode of Sound Escapes, we’ll explore what made Mark Twain such an astute listener. Gordon was particularly inspired by a passage in Twain’s autobiography, in which he describes "a limpid brook" on his Uncle Quarles’ farm near the town of...
2021-11-1725 minSound EscapesSong of the PaddleAfter a long winter in northern Minnesota, everything seems to awaken at once. From the songs of migratory birds to the croaks of frogs and toads, we can witness a wonderful rejuvenation.In this episode of Sound Escapes, paddle a canoe through Voyageurs National Park alongside Gordon Hempton, the Sound Tracker. We'll hear the hauntingly beautiful duet of a pair of Common Loons — and learn why Gordon refers to cold water lakes as “magic amphitheaters.” ID the birds in this episode: Song of the Paddle Bird List Connect with BirdNote on Fa...
2021-11-1727 minSound EscapesThe Poetics of SpaceThis week’s episode of Sound Escapes takes us to Pipestone Canyon in Eastern Washington, where you can hear a ridgetop wind come from a mile away. Here, you can not only listen to coyotes in the distance, but also how the coyote waves as it passes through the canyon: a form of dimensional information that Gordon Hempton calls, “The poetics of space.” ID the birds in this episode: The Poetics of Space Bird List Connect with BirdNote on Facebook, Instagram and TwitterSign up to receive BirdNote's weekly newsletterBirdN...
2021-11-1729 minSound EscapesKalahari SunriseIn this week’s episode of Sound Escapes, experience dawn in the Kalahari Desert as the sun rises over the sandy savannah of southern Africa. It’s nearly level at this part of the Kalahari Desert. The trees are widely spaced. There’s almost no available water. You cannot see very far — the heat itself ripples the horizon. "It's a place that's hard for me to imagine any animal being at home," says Gordon Hempton. "But of course they certainly sound like they are." ID the birds in this episode: Kalahari Sunrise Bird List ...
2021-11-1725 minSound EscapesJohn Muir's Yosemite“Water makes every sound imaginable and occupies every frequency audible to the human ear and certainly spans the dynamic range from the faintest sound to near distortion,” says Gordon Hempton, the Sound Tracker.The writings of John Muir can guide our ears, as we listen to the water music: “The deep bass tones of the fall, the clashing ringing spray an infinite variety of small, low tones of the current gliding past the side of the Boulder Island and glinting against a thousand smaller stones down the Ferny channel.”In this episode of Sound Escapes, walk in...
2021-11-1728 minSound EscapesAmazon AwakeningsThe world's first wilderness quiet park was certified at Ecuador's Zabalo River in 2019.In this episode of Sound Escapes, you'll hear sounds recorded by Gordon Hempton, the Sound Tracker, at Zabalo River Wilderness Quiet Park — deep inside the Amazon.Gordon calls this place a living Eden. "And when we listen there, we listen for miles. Not city blocks. We listen for miles." ID the birds in this episode: Amazon Awakenings Bird List Connect with BirdNote on Facebook, Instagram and TwitterSign up to receive BirdNote's weekly newsletter
2021-11-1729 minSound EscapesSongs of Spring"Olympic National Park has taught me that it's possible to not only love a place, but love a place deeply at first listen," says Gordon Hempton. "And spring is when Olympic is at its most musical."Delight in the sounds of Pacific Chorus Frogs, the Varied Thrush, grouse, and many more. ID the birds in this episode: Songs of Spring Bird List Connect with BirdNote on Facebook, Instagram and TwitterSign up to receive BirdNote's weekly newsletterBirdNote is an independent nonprofit media production company. Your do...
2021-11-1731 minSound EscapesNightfall on the ZabaloToday we’re visiting the Zabalo River in Ecuador. It’s a completely undisturbed ecosystem, where all the creatures we hear are all native to the land, and have coexisted and continued to evolve together for thousands of years. No animal is stepping on the communications of another animal. No two birds sound alike. View this episode's Bird List Connect with BirdNote on Facebook, Instagram and TwitterSign up to receive BirdNote's weekly newsletterBirdNote is an independent nonprofit media production company. Your dollars make it possible to create so...
2021-11-1729 minSound EscapesCold Lake AmphitheaterA great place to listen to insects — and birds — is a remote mountain lake in the spring. The surrounding mountians and properties of the cold water make these lakes some of nature's great concert halls. Gordon Hempton, an acoustic ecologist and sonic guide for the this series, recorded the sounds of this lake in Washington’s Methow Valley. The air is so clear of noise you’ll actually be able to hear the tiny splashes of lake trout gobbling up insects from just below the surface. Now let's sit back, relax, and listen the natural concert. View thi...
2021-11-1725 minSound EscapesRiot of MusicThe young Samuel Langhorne Clemens - later known as Mark Twain - signed on to train as a pilot on a Mississippi riverboat when he was just 22. He quickly discovered that if he volunteered for the early morning shift, he could experience one of the most incredible musical shows there is. View this episode's Bird List Connect with BirdNote on Facebook, Instagram and TwitterSign up to receive BirdNote's weekly newsletterBirdNote is an independent nonprofit media production company. Your dollars make it possible to create sound-rich shows t...
2021-11-1726 minSound EscapesLand Between the LakesLand Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is a massive inland peninsula, bordered by sections of the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers that were permanently flooded as a part of FDR’s New Deal.Humans changed this landscape, but now birds have claimed it - and they are flourishing. View this episode's Bird List Connect with BirdNote on Facebook, Instagram and TwitterSign up to receive BirdNote's weekly newsletterBirdNote is an independent nonprofit media production company. Your dollars make it possible to create sound-rich shows that conn...
2021-11-1726 minSound EscapesThe Auditory HorizonToday we head to Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan, just a few miles north of the Canada/US border. We'll hear a prairie dawn chorus — complete with coyotes. Today he’s taking us to Saskatchewan’s Grasslands National Park, just a few miles north of the Canada/US border. As you’re listening, close your eyes and envision how all of these voices fit together — how each one is settled into just the right place on the spectrum. View this episode's Bird List Connect with BirdNote on Facebook, Instagram and TwitterSign up to...
2021-11-1725 minSound EscapesThe Song of the Big IslandTake a carbon-free journey to Hawaii in the second episode of Sound Escapes. The Song of the Big Island takes us from the waves on the beach to deep within the Hawaiian rainforest. View this episode's Bird ListBirdNote is an independent nonprofit media production company. Your dollars make it possible to create sound-rich shows that connect you to the joys of birds and nature. Support BirdNote’s conservation mission, and get more of the content you love, by subscribing to BirdNote+ at https://birdnote.supercast.tech or make a one-time gift at...
2021-11-1729 minSound EscapesRelearn the Art of ListeningGordon Hempton has spent his life recording the sounds of the natural world, from the rainforest of Hawai’i to the vast dry prairies of North America.Then, one morning, he woke up to silence.Ever since his first sudden encounter with hearing loss, Gordon has made it his mission to share the art oftruly listening. He believes that in our noisy, busy world we’ve forgotten how to hear. With Sound Escapes, we teach you how to listen with new ears. Connect with BirdNote on Facebook, Instagram and TwitterSign up t...
2021-11-1727 min
ThreatenedPlantation EcologyIn the final episode of this season Host Ari Daniel tours the marsh at the Nemours Wildlife Foundation with Dr. Drew Lanham, cultural and conservation ornithologist at Clemson University. They bring us a story of time travel. Of touching a place through old hands and seeing it through new eyes. Of honoring a people for the incredible work they did— and sharing how that work continues today, and is reflected in the birds that call this place home. Related Resources:ACE Basin - The Nature ConservancyLow Country Legacy - National GeographicNemours Wildlife FoundationAfrican Passages, Lowcountry Adaptations - L...
2021-08-3128 min
ThreatenedBlock Island, Bird CentralEvery spring, millions of birds travel the Atlantic Flyway, one of four major North-South routes for migratory birds in the Americas. Along the way, they need to stop for food, water, and rest— and Block Island, Rhode Island, provides. In this episode, producer Ben James takes us to this special place where we meet master bird bander Kim Gaffett. She is the latest in a long line of women citizen scientists whose work on Block Island has instilled a powerful culture of bird study and conservation, stretching back over a hundred years.Related Resources:50 Years of...
2021-08-2430 min
ThreatenedVultures in ZimbabweZimbabwe is home to six species of vultures, five of which are critically endangered and at risk of extinction. At Victoria Falls, researchers and wildlife rehabilitators are working to increase populations, and advocates in the cities of Bulawayo and Harare educate farmers and traditional healers on the importance of these birds to healthy ecosystems. Producer ish Mafundikwa takes us on a road trip around the country to explore the issues affecting these often misunderstood and maligned birds.Related Resources:BirdLife ZimbabweVulture Conservation - Victoria Falls Wildlife TrustSaving Africa’s Vultures - Bi...
2021-08-1725 min
ThreatenedPuffins: Cute to CatalystAt Bempton Cliffs, on the Yorkshire Coast on the east side of the UK, about 3,000 charismatic little seabirds nest. The puffin is a sparkbird for producer Paul Drury-Bradey and many others that come to see them in the summer months. But these awkward flyers with colorful bills can spark more than just an interest in birds and birding. Conservationists hope they can also spark interest in addressing climate change, reducing and cleaning up plastic waste, and other human-caused challenges that threaten their existence. Related Resources:Video - A Day in the Life of RSPB Bempton C...
2021-08-1022 min
ThreatenedOspreys and Environmental RestorationButte, Montana, used to be home to some of the most productive copper mines in the country. About a quarter of the world’s supply came from the area and it’s now the site of a massive effort to restore the degraded ecosystem. But, the local birds aren’t just victims of the pollution; they can actually tell us if things are getting better as all the pollution gets cleaned up. Birds here offer portraits of what’s happening on a larger ecosystem scale—especially Ospreys, which are at the top of the food chain and depend on waterways...
2021-08-0328 minBring Birds BackHow Can Native Plants Help Birds?Host Tenijah Hamilton joins volunteers from Georgia Audubon and Trees Atlanta who are planting wildflowers and grasses along an urban rail trail, where she learns how native plants can provide food and shelter for birds within cities. She talks to ecologist Desiree Narango about why birds depend on plants, and how we can transform our backyards and shared green spaces to serve the needs of both people and birds.Related Resources:Check out the Native Plant FinderFind native plants in your region with AudubonResearch native plants in your area with Audubon's Native...
2021-07-2827 min
ThreatenedSwallow-tailed Kites in the Black BeltIn the Black Belt region of Alabama, we go on a birding tour and learn about the Swallow-tailed Kite. The Swallow-tailed Kite’s range in this region decreased rapidly over the past one hundred years, primarily due to habitat loss from agriculture, urban development, and logging. Now protected by the State of Alabama, we visit a family farm where the kites are frequently seen and learn how the ensuing curiosity about the birds has brought new opportunities. Producer Jay Avery brings us this story of a threatened bird, an historically excluded human community, and how they are helping each oth...
2021-07-2722 min
ThreatenedRed-Cockaded Woodpeckers and The Endangered Species ActGeorgia’s longleaf pine forests are home to many endangered species, including the Red-cockaded Woodpecker. This resilient and unusual little bird is making a comeback from the brink of extinction thanks to an unexpected partner and recovery efforts set in motion by the Endangered Species Act. But complicated rule changes and bureaucracy have put the protected status, and in turn the birds themselves, in jeopardy. This story comes to us from Producer Claire Reynolds.Learn about the Fort Benning Military Installation on Audubon.orgCheck out the Red-cockaded Woodpecker on All About BirdsSee what USF...
2021-07-2028 minBring Birds BackFor Birds to Win, Do Cats Have to Lose? – Part 2The second of this two-part segment pulls apart the issues with cats and birds. Host Tenijah Hamilton gets an overview of how outdoor cats affect bird populations, why it’s such a controversial issue, and what’s to be done about it. She discusses this with producer Mark Bramhill and guests including Karen Krauss, and Joe Liebezeit.BirdNote is an independent nonprofit media production company. Your dollars make it possible to create sound-rich shows that connect you to the joys of birds and nature. Support BirdNote’s conservation mission, and get more of the content you love, by sub...
2021-07-1428 min
ThreatenedThe Siberian Crane: From Taiwan to TundraIn the first episode of this new season of Threatened, we go on a life-changing journey with Sunny Tseng, a PhD student at the University of Northern British Columbia and a researcher at the Endemic Species Research Institute in Taiwan, where she’s based. The story starts in 2014 with a Siberian Crane that got blown off course, ending up in Taiwan. It’s a bird that usually migrates from the Siberian tundra — an ecosystem that’s currently undergoing a dramatic transformation as our climate changes — to southeast China. The appearance of a Siberian Crane in Taiwan was unexpected, and it set off...
2021-07-1325 minBring Birds BackFor Birds to Win, Do Cats Have to Lose? – Part 1The first of this two-part episode pulls apart the issues with cats and birds. Producer Mark Bramhill gives Tenijah an overview of how outdoor cats affect bird populations, why it’s such a controversial issue, and what’s to be done about it. Guests including “The Cat Daddy,” Jackson Galaxy, and Dr. Peter Marra.BirdNote is an independent nonprofit media production company. Your dollars make it possible to create sound-rich shows that connect you to the joys of birds and nature. Support BirdNote’s conservation mission, and get more of the content you love, by subscribing to BirdNote+ a...
2021-06-3031 minBring Birds BackCan We Make Our Cities Safer For Birds?Tenijah talks with NYC Audubon Senior Conservation Biologist Kaitlyn Parkins and Seattle Audubon Urban Conservation Manager Joshua Morris to break down the challenge that glass in our built environment poses to birds, how a local solution is becoming a national policy, and what you can do to support it.If you find a dead or injured bird, you can make an important contribution to bird mortality research by filing a report on dBirdLearn about how you can support the Bird-Safe Buildings ActVisit NYC AudubonExplore products that help make your home friendlier for birdsListen to "In the Clear: The...
2021-06-1628 minBring Birds BackWho Is Birding For?In the second installment of Bring Birds Back, host Tenijah Hamilton and Sheridan Alford, co-founder of Black Birders Week, talk about how to celebrate Black people who love birds. Then they get out into the wilds of Georgia in search of, you guessed it, birds.Check out the #ForTheBirds Birding Playlist!Stream the official Sheridan Alford × BirdNote birding playlist on Apple Music and Spotify.Visit BlackAFinSTEM's official schedule for Black Birders Week BirdNote is an independent nonprofit media production company. Your dollars make it possible to create the sound-rich shows...
2021-06-0223 minBring Birds BackHow Do We Know that Birds are in Trouble?In the inaugural episode of Bring Birds Back, host Tenijah Hamilton gets to know biostatistician Dr. Adam C. Smith, coauthor of the study that found we’ve lost 3 billion birds in North America in the last fifty years, and helps us wrap our heads around that gigantic number. The good news? There are lots of ways to help.Bring Birds Back is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.Resources:Get involved in the Audubon Christmas Bird CountFind your local Audubon SocietyGet connected with eBirdDownload the Merlin birding appLearn more about the Breeding Bird Su...
2021-05-1924 min
ThreatenedProtecting Biodiversity in the Boreal ForestIn the season finale we visit Thaidene Nëné, a huge swath of land in the Boreal Forest, and learn how the Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation and the Canadian government came together to protect an area that’s vital for birds, indigenous people, and the health of the entire planet.The Boreal Forest is one of the most important bird habitats in the Western Hemisphere. Billions of birds nest and hatch their eggs here. It is also the ancestral home of the Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation, who’ve spent decades trying to preserve the land on their...
2020-12-1530 min
ThreatenedWatching Over Western SandpipersWe visit the Fraser Estuary, where fresh water meets the salty Pacific Ocean in British Columbia, Canada. Scientists are confirming what locals and birders have long known -- these mudflats are a unique and important pitstop for Western Sandpipers during their epic migration. The Pacific Flyway is a migratory route for at least a billion birds. For many, like the Western Sandpiper, it’s an epic journey twice a year. Each spring they fly from wintering grounds in South America all the way to the Arctic where they breed in the summer. They then fly back down in...
2020-12-0830 min
ThreatenedCurlews, Sparrows, and the Ecological TrapIn Idaho, native grasslands were once a rich mosaic of plant life that supported a diverse cohort of birds. But as European settlers moved west, they converted those rich grasslands into farms. Today, very little native grassland habitat remains in the Intermountain West. In this episode of Threatened, producer Monica Gokey takes us on a quest to search for Long-billed Curlews, find a patch of restored habitat containing a bounty of grassland birds, and speak with the people working to protect and expand what’s left of this unique habitat.There's more to the story!Check ou...
2020-12-0131 min
ThreatenedA Riot of Nesting SeabirdsIn the series premier, we head to a summer home for seabirds — a place where kittiwakes, murres, auklets, and puffins gather by the thousands. Gerrit Vyn, a conservation media producer, describes the scene as "a cauldron of raucous bird sound." Scientists and Aleut locals share how the birds are faring in a changing climate, and we explore importance of seabirds in island traditions.Full transcript available at BirdNote.org. Additional Resources: Get involved in seabird conservationLearn more about the Aleut people in AlaskaCheck out the Seabird Youth NetworkVisit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife RefugeGet to kn...
2020-11-2426 min
BirdNote PresentsIntroducing BirdNote PresentsHey Sound Escapes listeners! Just a heads up that this is now the feed for BirdNote Presents, the home for all longform and special podcast projects from BirdNote. We've got lots of great stuff coming, including a story about Rachel Carson and a kind of thrush, a series on cats and birds, and another season of Sound Escapes. If you're subscribed to this feed, you don't need to do anything — new episodes will download automatically. We can't wait for you to hear what we've been working on. Thanks for listening, and stay tuned!
2019-11-1401 min