Shows
The Feathered Desert PodcastMore Bird PodcastsSummary: This is The Feathered Desert’s final episode and Kiersten and Cheryl are talking about their recommendations for future listening.
For our hearing-impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
List of podcasts discussed:
BirdNote Daliy
Threatened
The Science of Birds
Songbirding
The American Birding Podcast
The Warblers
Bring Back Birds
Ten Things I Like About…
All of these can be found on all ma...2024-02-1311 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastArizona’s Feathered Winter Visitors: FinchesSummary: Finches visit Arizona in the winter. Join Cheryl and Kiersten to find out which finches may visit us in winter.
For our hearing-impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
“Arizona’s Winter Finches,” by Charles Babbitt The Cactus Wren-Dition Winter 2023
Transcript
Cheryl-Intro
Some finch species are highly prone to irruptions-which are occasions when large numbers of birds take flight and regularly move hundreds of miles beyond their normal winter ranges in response to foo...2024-02-0610 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastWhat’s in a NameSummary: Bird names are changing in 2024. Join Kiersten and Cheryl as they talk about a controversial decision made about bird names.
For our hearing-impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
“American Ornithological Society Will Change the English Names of Bird Species Named After People,” AOS Leadrership, https://americanornithology.org
“These American birds and dozens more will be renamed, to remove human monikers,” by Nell Greenfield-Boyce. NPR Morning Edition, November 1, 2023.
https://www.npr.org
Transc...2024-01-3008 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastMOTUS: Serving Arizona BirdsSummary: Now that you know what MOTUS is and what it does, let’s talk about how is helps Arizona birds. Join Cheryl and Kiersten to find out how MOTUS is helping some Arizona birds.
For our hearing-impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
“Desert Deliverance”, by Margo Rosenbaum, Audubon Magazine Fall 2023, pg 18-19
“Home Away From Home”, by Daniel Grossman, Audubon Magazine Fall 2022, pg 30-35
“The Mysterious Decline of the American Kestrel,” by Jillian Mock, Audubon Magazine Spring...2024-01-2316 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastMotus: Putting Arizona on the MapSummary: What is MOTUS? It’s the next step in bird migration science. Join Cheryl and Kiersten to find out how this is putting the Phoenix Valley on the map!
For our hearing-impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
MOTUS: https://motus.org
“What is MOTUS?” by Rebecca Stephenson. Desert Rivers Audubon Magazine, Winter 2023.
As of the recording of this podcast, we have not been able to find a link with volunteer information for MOTUS but the article...2024-01-1512 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastFemale Bird DaySummary: How often do you look for female birds? Join Kiersten and Cheryl as they talk about Female Bird Day and why it’s important.
For our hearing-impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
Kenn Kaufman Article: https://www.audubon.org/news.i-became-better-birder-when-i-stopped-focusing-males
Female Bird Day Blog: https://femalebirdday.wordpress.com
Transcript
Kiersten: Intro: This episode is about Female Bird Day. In 2024 Female Bird Day will be May 25-27. We going to talk...2024-01-0814 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastFlick This!Summary: Why do birds flick their tails? Join Kiersten and Cheryl as they talk about some of the reasons birds may flick their tails.
For our hearing-impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
“Why Do Birds Flick Their Tails?” Bird Note, June 13, 2023
“Why Do Phoebes Pump Their Tails?” David Sibley, https://sibleyguides.com
“Tail Movements in Birds – Current Evidence and New Concepts,” by Christoph Randler. Ornithological Science 15: 1-14 (2016).
Transcript
Kiersten: Welcome...2023-12-1809 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastOne Hatchling, A Vaccine, and Hope for the FutureSummary: Join Cheryl and Kiersten for a true story of love and struggle in the time of the bird flu.
For our hearing-impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
“Special Delivery,” by Zoe Grueskin, Audubon Magazine Fall 2023, pages 20-27
Transcript:
Cheryl Intro:
The Arizona’s flock of southwest condors is about 115 birds. These birds roost and roam from the Grand Canyon to Zion National Park. Each bird has a number and most have GPS or a radio tracker so that...2023-11-2814 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastBirds, Pesticides, and Flowering GardensSummary: Birds and pesticides do not mix! Join Kiersten and Cheryl as they talk about the history of birds and pesticides, the current status of birds and pesticides, and discuss what we can do in our own backyards.
For our hearing-impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
“Huge decline in songbirds linked to common insecticide.” National Geographic, https://www.nationalgeographic.com
“A neonicotinoid insecticide reduces fueling and delays migration in songbirds,” by Margaret L. Eng, Bridget J. M. Stutchbury, and Christ...2023-11-2112 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastBetter Birdhouses for our Backyard FriendsSummary: Another way to attract birds to your backyard is to provide nesting possibilities. Join Kiersten and Cheryl as they talk about what kinds of nest boxes you can provide for your backyard birds.
For our hearing-impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
Birdhouse Features: Features of a Good Birdhouse: https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/features-of-a-good-birdhouse
Find the birds near you and the best house for them: Right Bird, Right House: https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/right-bird-right-house/
Nes...2023-08-2819 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastIt’s Hot! Extreme Heat and Our BirdsSummary: It is hot, hot, hot! How do birds deal with the increasing heat we’re currently experiencing? Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they talk about how birds keep cool in the summer heat.
For our hearing-impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
www.audubon.org/news/how-to-help-birds-beat-the-heat/
www.audubon.org/news/the-many-ways-birds-beat-the-heat/
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201112144038.htm
www.birdlife.org/news/2023/08/02/what-ongoing-heatwaves-could-mean-for -bird-populations/
www.audubon.org/news/when-it-gets-too-hot-phoenixs-lovebirds-turn-air-conditioning/
Trans...2023-08-2118 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastAvoiders, Adapters, and ExploitersSummary: There are three categories of birds that can be found in the wild. Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they discuss the research of wildlife scientist John Marzluff and how it pertains to the birds in our backyards.
For our hearing-impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
Welcome to Subirdia: Sharing Our Neighborhoods with Wrens, Robins, Woodpeckers, and Other Wildlife, by John Marzluff.
Transcript
Cheryl Intro:
Ever wonder who moves into the neighborh...2023-08-1408 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastBiomimicry: Humans Learning from BirdsSummary: In this episode Kiersten and Cheryl talk about how birds have influenced us to create some amazingly cool technology.
For our hearing-impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
“The Amazing Secrets of Woodpecker Tongues,” by Rebecca Heisman, June 10, 2021. American Bird Conservancy. https://abcbirds.org
“Geese Inspire New Airbus Formation Flying Technology,” by Kathleen Bangs, December 2, 2021. https://airlinegeeks.com
“How the wings of owls and hummingbirds inspire drones, wind turbines and technology,” by Ilias Berberi, Carleton University, The Conversati...2023-08-0818 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastBird Eye ColorSummary: Have you ever noticed how many different eye colors birds have? Join Kiersten and Cheryl as they delve into this understudied topic.
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
“Bird Eye Color” A Rainbow of Variation, a Spectrum of Explanations,” by Eamon C. Corbett, Robb T. Brumfield, Brant C. Faircloth. https://ecoevorxiv.org/repository/object/3682/download/7316
“Bird Eyes Come In an Amazing Array of Colors – but Why is a Mystery,” by Meghan Bartels; Audubon February 2023. www.audubon.or...2023-07-3121 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastUnusual EatsSummary: “You eat like a bird!” We’re sure you’ve heard this before and may have even said it, but if you knew what we know, you’d probably never say it again! Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they talk about some of the strange things birds eat!
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
“Cassowaries: Crucial to Rainforest Ecology,” The University of Waikato, https:blog.waikato.ac.nz/bioblog/2009/12/cassowaries-crucial-to-rainfor/
www.allaboutbirds.org
American Bird...2023-07-2409 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastWindow Collisions: A Preventable DeathJuly is Window Strike Awareness month, so we thought we'd repost this episode from 2021 about how we can prevent window strike deaths.
Summary:Window strikes are scary for us and can be deadly for birds. Cheryl and Kiersten shed some light on why it happens and how we can prevent it.
Show Notes: https://abcbirds.org
www.thezoologicalworld.com/how-birds-see/
www.featherfriendly.com
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
2023-07-1716 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastBirding by Ear in the Southwest Part 5Summary: Learning to bird by ear is an important part of becoming an expert birder. Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they discuss four more southwest birds and play their songs and calls.
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
iBird Ultimate app
Song provided by Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, House Finch recorded by Ryan O’Donnell, House Sparrow recorded by Pat Goltz, Phainopepla recorded by Paul Suchanek, Pyrruhuloxia recorded by James McNamara, and S...2023-07-1019 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastBirds and MemorySummary: How well can birds remember? Join Cheryl and Kiersten for a short discussion on bird memory. It’s an episode you won’t forget!
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
https://allaboutbirds.org/brain-power-wins-over-brawn-when-male-hermit-humingbirds
https://audubon.org/magazine/march-april-2016/meet-bird-brainiacs-american-crow
https://learnbirdwatching.com/do-birds-have-a-good-memory
https://theconversation.com/inner-gps-of-bird-brains-may-be-better-than-that-of humans-32648
Our email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
Transcr...2023-07-0315 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastThe Three Herons of ArizonaSummary: Our desert areas of Arizona are home to three full time herons. Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they talk about these three fascinating birds and tell you where you can see them.
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
www.allaboutbirds.org
Personal observations and experiences.
Transcript
Cheryl: Intro
Arizona is known for its’s dry heat, and desert landscapes but, this state has waterways natural, and man...2023-06-2616 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastFather’s Day Best Bird DadsSummary: Join Cheryl and Kiersten as we celebrate Father's Day by talking about some of the best bird dads!
Show Notes:
Emperor Penguins - earthsky.org
Cassowary - https://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2004/12/02/2580070.htm
Emu - https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/emu-parenthood
Ostrich - https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/animals/birds/ostrich-facts/
Rhea - https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Rhea_americana/
https://www.audubon.org/news/five-fathers-day-lessons-really-great-bird-dads
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, ple...2023-06-2021 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastTaste In BirdsSummary: How come birds always spit out that nasty tasting caterpillar? Do they have a sense of taste? Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they answer this question!
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
“Chapter 13: Taste in Birds,” by Shira L. Chelend Shoval, Zehava Uni, and Colin G. Scanes, Sturkie’s Avian Physiology (7th Edition) 2022, pg205-222.
Our email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
Transcript
...2023-06-1217 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastThrashersSummary: The Southwest has 1,2,3,4 or more thrashers! Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they talk about the four thrashers found most commonly in Arizona.
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
www.allaboutbirds.org
Our email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
Transcript
Cheryl: Intro
Arizona sits in the middle of thrasher territory. Our corner of the southwest has four different thrashers that call...2023-06-0512 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastBeginner Birding TipsSummary: Is birding as a hobby something you’d like to begin but are a bit intimidated by all the things you need to learn? Join Cheryl and Kiersten for some beginner birding tips that will make it easy to get started.
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
Our email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
Beginner Birding Tips
Kiersten - Intro: Cheryl and I always get people...2023-05-2910 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastTroubleshooting: Doves, Pigeons, and GracklesWe know the white-wing doves are back in town and not everyone is happy about it! If you're having some high blood pressure moments at your feeder, listen to this classic episode for a few tips to deal with these unwanted visitors.
Summary: Doves driving you crazy? Pigeons eating you out of house and home? Grackles taking over your backyard? Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they reveal ways to outsmart these pesky visitors.
Show Notes:
dentification: www.allaboutbirds.org
Pigeon guards, feeders, and seed: Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa https://mesa.wbu.c...2023-05-1550 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastWake Up With the BirdsLooking for a unique way to help your feathered friends? Check out this classic episode to find out how your breakfast can help birds.
Summary:Cheryl and Kiersten talk about bird-friendly breakfast items! Yes, just drinking a cup of coffee or tea and eating pancakes with maple syrup can help save the future of our songbirds. Listen as our co-hosts tell you all about bird-friendly coffee, eco-friendly tea, and bird-friendly maple syrup.
Show Notes: Bird-friendly coffee links: https://nationalzoo.edu/migratory-birds/about-bird-friendly-coffee
https://nationalzoo.edu/migratory-birds/about-bird-friendly-coffee-online
https://www.google.com/a...2023-05-0921 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastSplish Splash...Arizona Birds and WaterThe Heat is on its way. Listen to this classic episode to find out how you can help your backyard birds survive the heat of a desert summer.
Summary: Cheryl and Kiersten dive into complicated topic of water in Arizona. Find out where Arizona’s water comes from, how important it is to our birds, and learn how we can do our part to conserve water for all our futures.
Show Notes:
A big Thank You to Rob Clarkson, wildlife biologist, for answering some questions about water conservation in Arizona.
Also a...2023-05-0120 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastHow to Keep your Feeder from Becoming a Disease DepotIt's always a great time for a clean feeder! Listen to this classic episode to find out how to keep your backyard birds healthy.
Summary:Disease is a part of nature but we can help keep our feeding areas healthy for our feathered friends. Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they discuss the types of diseases we can see at our feeders and how to keep our backyard birds healthy when visiting our feeders.
Show Notes:
https://www.birdwatching-bliss.com/bird-diseases.html
https://feederwatch.org/learn/sick-birds-and-diseases/
https://www.massaudubon...2023-04-2417 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastLet’s Not Pick Up the Baby BirdFledging season is here once again, so we've reposted a favorite episode about this time of year. Take a listen and enjoy!
Summary: It’s fledging season! Cheryl and Kiersten talk about the Do’s and Don’ts of what to do when we see a fledging bird out of their nest. Join them to find out how to identify a fledgling vs. a hatchling and how we can best help our backyard songbirds.
Show Notes:
PDF of Wild Bird Rehabbers in Phoenix Area: https://azwildlife.org/resources/Documents/Wildlife%20Rehab%20Contact%20List.pdf
...2023-04-1726 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastWrens of the Southwest: A Boisterous ClanSummary: Wrens are some of the most charismatic families of songbirds! Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they introduce you to some found in the Southwest.
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
www.allaboutbirds.org
“Western Chatterboxes” by Ken Keffer, Birds and Blooms Magazine pg 26-32.
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birds www.naturescapes.com
Our email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
2023-04-1114 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastSpring Migration in the SouthwestSummary: Spring migration in the Southwest is a wonderful time to get out there with your binoculars and see some fly-through visitors as a special treat. Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they highlight a few birds that visit the southwest only during spring migration.
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birds www.naturescapes.com
Our email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
...2023-04-0411 minThe Feathered Desert Podcast50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species ActSummary: 2023 is the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act! Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they explain what this act is and how it has helped our feathered friends over the last fifty years.
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
https://www.fws.gov
https://epa.gov
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov
https://www.biologicaldiversity.org
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birds www.naturescapes.com
Our...2023-03-2718 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastThe Sonoran Gold Star Hotel: Saguaro CactusSummary: Have you ever stopped to really look at a Saguaro cactus? Do you know how many birds use this great plant as a hotel, water source, and food source? Join Cheryl and Kiersten to find out!
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
https://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm
https://www.npa.gov/sagu/learn/nature/birds.htm
The Arizona Republic Sunday, March 12, 2023
"Why saguaro is so important to...2023-03-2008 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastNesting EtiquetteSince nesting season is upon us again, we thought we'd repost a favorite about how we should behave around our backyard friend's nests. Enjoy!
Summary: It's Nesting Season again! Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they talk about some of the different types of nests our desert birds make and how we can help them be successful this year.
Show Notes:
Nest Box Sizes: www.nestwatch.org
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gm...2023-03-1316 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastGround Feeding: Yah or Nah?Summary: Ground feeding can be quite controversial. Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they tackle this topic talking about the good and bad, and giving s few tips on doing it responsibly.
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
Seed Block Recipe:
Bird Seed Block Recipe
Ingredients Tools
5 cups birdseed Large mixing bowl
½ cup Bark Butter (optional)* Whisk or Fork
1 cup warm water Spoon
2 packets unflavored gelatin Mold-muffin tin
No sugar added dried fruit (optional)
Directions
Arrange dried fruit in tin in desired pattern. (optional...2023-02-2710 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastPlant Spotlight Review for SpringSummary: When we started our podcast, we always did a native plant spotlight at the end of each episode. We’ve compiled some of our favorites here so you can get those natives planted and attracting birds and butterflies to your yard!
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Plant Sale Info: https://btarboretum.org
www.gardenia.net/plant/calliadras-california-baja-fairy-duster
Hummingbird Plants of the Southwest by Marcy Scott
Background bird...2023-02-2021 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastCreative Expression in Birds of the SouthwestSummary: Birds are innovative but are they creative? Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they discuss some birds of the Southwest through the eyes of an artist, and you can decide whether you think they are creative as well as innovative!
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
www.interesting-facts.com/bald-eagle-facts/
www.pbs.org/nova/article/what-birdsong-can-teach-us-about-creativity
https://zuckermanninstitute.columbia.edu/how-birds-learn-sig-annd-waht-reveals-about-human-communication
www.allaboutbirds.org
https://www.bushheritage.org.au/sp...2023-01-3015 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastTube Feeders vs Cylinder FeedersSummary: There are so many types of bird feeders on the market and you may be asking which one is best! Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they discuss the differences, pros, and cons of tube feeders and cylinder feeders.
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
Tube and Cylinder Feeders: www.wbu.com/mesa
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birds www.naturescapes.com
Our email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: the...2023-01-2308 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastRewilding ArizonaSummary: What happens after a wildfire burns through our desert? Volunteers help restore it! Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they discuss some great volunteer programs helping the Arizona desert rewild itself.
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
www.naturalrestorations.org/lower-salt-river-restoration-2022
https://www.friendsofthetontonationalforest.org/projects
https://www.knau.org/knau-and-arizona-news/2021-11-12/national-forest-nears-end-of-seed-planting-project-to-defend-against-parasitic-mistletoe
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birds www.naturescapes.com
Our em...2023-01-0216 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastWhat’s That Bird?: Gila WoodpeckerSummary:A three-minute podcast from the hosts of The Feathered Desert about individual bird species found in the desert Southwest
Show Notes:
Bird song provided by Kiersten Gibizov
www.allaboutbirds.org
2022-12-2902 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastListener Questions 2022Summary: In this episode we tackle some listener questions at the end of 2022.
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
Liberty Wildlife: https://libertywildlife.org
Wild at Heart: https://wildatheartraptors.org
Parrots as pets: https://naturalencounters.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/companion-parrots-final.pdf
https://avalonaviary.com/is-a-parrot-right-for-you.aspx
High Quality Bird Food: www.wbu.com/mesa
New Podcast: tenthingsilikeabout.podbean.com; or search Apple podcast and Spotify for Ten...2022-12-2618 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastCalifornia Condor: Giants of the SkySummary: Have you ever wondered what the largest bird in North America is? If you live in AZ, CA, UT, or Baja you might have seen it, the California Condor. Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they take you on a flight with this majestic bird.
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes: Ornithology by Frank B. Gill
Birds of The World: The visual guide to more than 800 species, covering the entire range of bird families by Colin Harrison an...2022-12-2017 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastBird IrruptionsSummary: Have you ever thought where did that bird come from? Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they talk about irruptions in birds which could explain why you are seeing an unfamiliar bird in your yard.
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruby-crowned-kinglet/overview
www.birdsandbloom.com/birding/birding-basics/irrutions-forecast
www.donnallog.com/winter-bird-migration-and-irruptions
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birds www.naturescapes.com
Our emai...2022-12-1308 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastFamily Corvidae: Episode Four: JaysSummary: In this final episode of Family Corvidae join Cheryl and Kiersten as they talk about what makes jays so interesting and learn about the five different jays found in Arizona.
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
Ornithology by Frank B. Gill
Https://corvidresearch.blog/catergory/jay-behavior/
Transcript
Host Voice: Welcome to The Feathered Desert a podcast all about desert bird feeding in the Southwest region of the U...2022-12-0519 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastCanada Goose – Frequent Flyer in ArizonaSummary: Ever wonder about those Canada Geese that hang out in Arizona all year long? Join Cheryl and Kiersten to find out some pretty amazing things about these waterfowl!
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
www.Allaboutbirds/guide/Canada_Goose
www.birdnote.org
Our email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
Transcript
Host Voice: Welcome to The Feathered Desert a pod...2022-11-2811 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastOwls of Arizona: Silent Hunters of the Night Sky: Part 2Summary: Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they continue their discussion of the owls found in Arizona.
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
www.avibirds.com/owls-of-arizona/
www.a-z-animals.com/blog/true-owls-vs-barn-owls-what-are-the-diffrences/
Owling: Enter the World of the Mysterious Birds of the Night, by Mark Wilson
Liberty Wildlife:
(480)998-5550
2600 E Elmwood St. Phoenix, AZ 85040
https://Libertywildlife.org
Background bird...2022-11-2124 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastWhat’s That Bird?: Northern CardinalSummary:A three-minute podcast from the hosts of The Feathered Desert about individual bird species found in the desert Southwest
Show Notes:
Bird song provided by Kiersten Gibizov
www.allaboutbirds.org
2022-11-1702 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastTool Use in BirdsSummary: Did you know that birds use tools? They do! Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they discuss all the ways bird use tools.
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean.
Show Notes:
https://pigeon.psy.tufts.edu/
https://www.birdwatchingdaily.com/news/science/various-ways-that-birds-around-the-world-use-tools/
“Bait-fishing by Birds: A Fascinating Example of Tool Use” by William E. Davis and Julie Zickefoose - https://sora.unm.edu/
https://web.stanford.edu/group/stanfordbirds/text/essays/Tool_Using.h...2022-11-1417 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastBird LawsSummary: Laws protecting birds can be confusing but Cheryl and Kiersten take a moment to make it all clear. Join your Feathered Desert co-hosts as they talk federal, state, and city laws that protect our birds.
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes.
Show Notes:
https://www.fws.gov/law/migratory-bird-treaty-act-1918
https://www.audubon.org/news/migratory-bird-treaty-act
https://www.fws.gov/media/list-birds-protected-migratory-bird-treaty-act-2020
https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/archive/wildlifelegalstatus.html
ht...2022-11-0716 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastOwls of Arizona: Silent Hunters of the Night Sky: Part 1Summary: Did you know that Arizona is home to 13 different species of owls? Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they talk about these amazing feathered residents.
For our hearing impaired listeners, a transcript of this podcast follows the show notes.
Show Notes:
www.avibirds.com/owls-of-arizona/
www.a-z-animals.com/blog/true-owls-vs-barn-owls-what-are-the-diffrences/
Owling: Enter the World of the Mysterious Birds of the Night, by Mark Wilson
Liberty Wildlife:
(480)998-5550
2600 E Elmwood St. Phoenix, AZ 85040
https://Libertywildlife.org
...2022-10-3123 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastArizona Regions: Northern Arizona including Grand Canyon National Park, Flagstaff, and SedonaSummary: Arizona has so many beautiful regions with various bird species. Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they venture into Northern Arizona and talk about what birds you can see and the best times of year to visit!
Show Notes:
Cheryl's personal experience
www.nationalparks.org/explore/parks/grand-canyon-national-park
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birds www.naturescapes.com
Our email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
2022-10-2413 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastGardening for WildlifeIt's the beginning of Fall planting season so we thought we'd revisit one of last seasons episodes about building a bird friendly garden! We'll be back next week with a brand new episode.
Summary: Creating a wildlife habitat is easier than you think. Wild Birds Unlimited and National Wildlife Federation are pairing up to promote neighborhood wildlife habitats. Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they walk you through the five simple steps to help you help our feathered friends.
Show Notes:
NWF Native Plant finder nwf.org/nativeplantfinder
Certify your yard as a...2022-10-0322 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastFamily Corvidae Part Three: CrowsSummary: Join Cheryl and Kiersten for part three of their fascinating series on corvids. This episode discusses the crow. Did you know that they give gifts, play, and can solve puzzles?
Show Notes:
Fascinating reading:
Gifts of the Crow by John Marzluff and Tony Angell
In the Company of Crows and Ravens by John Marzluff and Tony Angell
Crow Planet by Lyanda Lynn Haunt
https://vivadifferences.com/differnce-between-crows-and-ravens
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, please reach out wi...2022-07-1120 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastSummer Reading for BirdersSummary: Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they highlight some of the WBU Mesa store's best bird books. There is something for all ages and stages of birders!
Show Notes:
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa https://mesa.wbu.com
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their products.
2022-06-2822 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastQuestions Asked. Answers Found.Summary: Sometimes during our podcasts we ask questions that we don't know the answers to and sometimes listeners ask us questions we don't know the answers to. Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they answer some of these questions. The answers might surprise you. They sure surprised us!
Show Notes:
Speed and Feathers - https://www.thayerbirding.com/how-do-birds-fly/
How Birds Learn: https://www.hhmi.org/news/birds-brains-show-how
Cowbirds: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/if-brown=headed-cowbirds-are-reared-by-other-species-how-do-they-know-they-are-cowbirds-when-they-grow-up
Doves: https://libertywildlife.org/pub;ications/blog/
Ruddy Duck: https://w...2022-06-1314 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastFamily Corvidae: Magpies and NutcrackersSummary: Join Cheryl and Kiersten for the second installment of Family Corvidae. This episode talks about the amazing Black-billed Magpie and the Clark's Nutcracker. You'll be amazed!
Show Notes:
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their products.
2022-06-0623 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastArizona Regions: Birds of the White MountainsSummary: Arizona has a variety of regions and each has its own specific birds. Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they talk about the White Mountain area of Arizona and describe the kinds of birds you can see there.
Show Notes:
www.whitemountainaudubon.org
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their products.
2022-05-2313 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastCoots are CuteSummary: What's that strange dark bird with the white bill floating around in the pod? Is is a duck? Is it a water chicken? No! It's a Coot! Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they tell you all about the American Coot.
Show Notes:
https://owlcation.com/stem/the-American-Coot-Interesting-Facys-and-Information
www.allaboutbirds.org/american-coot/life-history
www.skyenimals.com/animal_index.cgi?animal-coot
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
2022-05-1613 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastConservation Dogs - A Bird’s BFFSummary: We all know dogs are super smellers and now they're being put to work to save birds! Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they discuss new bird conservation efforts using dogs!
Show Notes:
www.islandconservation.org/conservation-dogs-birds-best-friend
https://slate.comtechnology/2021/10/detection-dogs-conservation-endangered-species-science.html
Audubon Magazine Fall 2021: "The New Bird Dogs" by Annie Roth; pigs 26-29
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
We are no longer spo...2022-05-1013 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastBird Feeding Myths Part 2Summary:Birds aren’t visiting my feeder; I should move it, right? Hummingbird house are all the rage right now, they’ll use those, right? Old food is no problem for wild birds, right? Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they tell you the truth about these bird feeding myths.
Show Notes:
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly...2022-04-2615 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastEarth Day 2022: Good News ConservationSummary:There is so much sad conservation news out there that Cheryl and Kiersten wanted to talk about some great projects that are making a difference to our local birds. Join them as they discuss three local Phoenix Valley projects that are a great way to celebrate Earth Day.
Show Notes:
https://wildatheartraptors.org/rescue
https://cisa.asu.edu/owls
https://www.pinalcentral.com/arizona_news/asu-builds-habitat-to-monitor-burrowing-owls-who-need-relocating/article
https://verderiver.org
https://www.srpnet.com/environment/wildlife-protection.aspx
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.c...2022-04-1914 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastConservation Ranching: Bird-Friendly BeefSummary:Cheryl and Kiersten delve into the fascinating subject of bird-friendly beef through conservation ranching. Sound boring? It’s totally not! Give this podcast a listen.
Show Notes:
https://www.audubon.org/news/audubon-certified-bird-friendly-seal-gets-bird-friendlier
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their products.
2022-04-1221 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastRodenticide: Deadly DecisionSummary:Having rat problems? Rodenticide can be a deadly decision for our backyard birds. Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they discuss ways to avoid rats while being mindful of our raptors and other wildlife.
Show Notes:
www.raptorsarethesolution.org
www.azwildlifesupport.org
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their products.
2022-03-2919 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastGroundbreaking Women of Ornithology Part 2Summary:Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they shine a light on some amazing women breaking barriers in ornithology and discovering amazing new bird behaviors.
Show Notes:
References:
The Bird Wayby Jennifer Ackerman
Karan Odom:
https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms4379.pdf?origin=ppub
https://americanornithology.org/2019-early-professional-award-winners-karan-odom-kyle-horton-david-toews/
https://femalebirdsong.org
Jessica McLachlan:
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/aug/02/birds-learn-another-language-by-eavesdropping-on-n/
https://www.anu.edu.au/news/all-news/honeyeaters-send-lightning-fast-warning-signals
Mary Caswell Stoddard:
https://www.marycstoddard.com
2022-03-2118 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastWaterfowl of the Phoenix ValleySummary: Did you know we have waterfowl year round in our desert valley? Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they talk about some of our year round residents, some winter visitors, and some summer visitors. Find out what they look like, where you can see them, and how to responsibly feed them.
Show Notes:
iBird Ultimate: Ultimate Guide to Birds App
Ornithologyby Frank B. Gill
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
...2022-03-1526 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastWhat’s That Bird?: Curved-bill ThrasherSummary:A three-minute podcast from the hosts of The Feathered Desert about individual bird species found in the desert Southwest.
Show Notes:Bird song provided by Kiersten Gibizov
www.allaboutbirds.org
Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa https://mesa.wbu.com
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
2022-03-1102 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastBird feeding in your RV and CampsiteSummary:Do you like campig? Have you ever wondered if you can offer bird food at a campsite? Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they provide some Dos and Don’ts of bird feeding in your RV and camp site in Arizona.
Show Notes:
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their products.
2022-03-0814 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastFeathersSummary:Feathers are one of the features that separate birds from other creatures. Join Cheryl and Kiersten to learn about these amazing structures that help birds be birds.
Show Notes:
Ornithologyby Frank B. Gill
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their products.
2022-02-2825 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastOverwintering: How do birds survive cold weather?Summary: Birds have two main ways of dealing with cold weather. Join Cheryl and Kiersten to find out how birds survive during the cold winter weather and what we can do to help them.
Show Notes:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/how-do-birds-survive-the-winter
https://www.audubon.org/how-do-birds-cope-cold-winter
https://www.aznps.com/blog/landscape-plants
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
We are no longer sponsored by...2022-02-2115 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastBirds in Love: The Courtship Displays of Desert BirdsSummary:Love is in the air! Join Cheryl and Kiersten on this Valentine’s Day as they talk about the courtship displays of some of our favorite desert birds.
Show Notes:
Costa’s Hummingbird Courtship Video: https://www.audubon.org/news/watch-male-costas-hummingbird-puts-one-wild-mating-display
Courtship Information:
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/mourning-dove
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/cactus_wren/lifehistory
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/how-do-birds-fall-in-love-a-look-at-courtship-displays/
https://abcbirds.org/cactus-wren/
https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/birds/western_burrowing_owl/natural_history.html
http...2022-02-1519 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastFeeder PlacementSummary:Where should I put my bird feeder? Do I need to worry about how far from a window it hangs? Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they answer these questions and more about where to place your bird feeders.
Show Notes:
The Joy of Bird Feeding by Jim Carpenter
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we hig...2022-02-0817 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastSafflower: The Underappreciated BirdseedSummary:What is safflower? Who eats it? and How do I feed it? Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they tell you all about this under used but wonderful seed.
Show Notes:
https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/carthamus_tinctorius.html
https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/safflower.html
To see a great shot of safflower flowers just search ‘safflower’ and chose images and plant will come up.
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, please reach out with commen...2022-01-3114 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastGilbert Water Ranch Riparian PreserveSummary: The Gilbert Riparian Preserve in Gilbert, AZ is an oasis for birds and people in the center of the Phoenix Valley. Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they talk about this wonderful birding area and amazing water recycling development.
Show Notes:
Naturalist information came out of Desert Rivers Magazine Fall 2022 Issue: A New Naturalist Arrives at Gilbert Riparian Preserveby Liz Farguhar.
https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/riparian-persrve-at-the-water-ranch
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@g...2022-01-2409 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastBirding by Ear in the SouthwestSummary: Have you ever wondered who is singing in your backyard? This series of The Feathered Desert can help you become an excellent audial birder. Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they play bird songs and calls in conjunction with discussing some of our desert birds. This is an interactive podcast so have your bird ID guide ready!
Show Notes:
References - The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America by David Allen Sibley
iBird Ultimate: Ultimate Guide to Birds App
Bird Song for Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Gila Woodpecker, a...2022-01-1714 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastThe First Professor of Ornithology: Arthur Augustus AllenSummary: Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they talk about Arthur Augustus Allen, the first professor of ornithology and the designer of Sapsucker Woods. Dr. Allen was instrumental in developing Cornell University’s ornithology program as we know it today and he has a local connection to our Arizona community!
Show Notes:
Dr. Allen Information: Interview with Ingrid Dye, Dr. Allen’s great-niece
Sapsucker Woods: Cornell University’s Exciting New Sanctuary by Arthur A. Allen
https://www.nytimes.com>1964/01/18/archive/dr-arthurallen-ornithologist-78-founder-of-laboratory-at-cornell-in.html
Cornell Bird cameras: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/2022-01-1016 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastFamily Corvidae: Episode 1: Common RavenSummary:Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they take a peek inside the lives of one of our largest songbirds, ravens. This is the first of a four part series about Family Corvidae, a group of birds that have been boggling the minds of humans for generations.
Show Notes:
Further Raven Reading: Ravens in Winterby Bernd Heinrich
Mind of the Ravenby Bernd Heinrich
In the Company of Crows and Ravensby John Marzluff and Tony Angell
Dog Days Raven Nightsby John Marzluff and Collen Marzluff
Raven Sounds video: https://w...2022-01-0324 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastCats and Birds: A Conservation DisasterSummary: We love our birds and we love our cats but these two animals do not mix. Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they talk about the impact of feral cat populations and outdoor domestic cats on our songbirds. Learn about ways that we can all live together successfully.
Show Notes:
www.abcbirds.org
https://bestfriends.org
https://www.tabbyplace.org
https://savethecatsaz.org
https://azfriends.org
https://www.jacksongalaxy.com/blog/- blog about catios, walking a cat on a leash , and indoor cat play2021-12-2839 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastConservation TechnologySummary:Technology is entwined in our daily lives. Cheryl and Kiersten have discovered some of the ways that scientists are utilizing technology to make strides in conservation. Join them as they tell you about some of the technology that is helping save our wildlife!
Show Notes:
https://www.ducks.org/conservation-goes-high-tech
https://news.mongabay.com/2018/01/10-top-conservation-tech-innovations-from-2017/
https://qz.com/1630392/conservation-scientists-are-using-cutting-edge-tech-to-save-the-kakapo/
https://birdcast.info/news/a-primer-for-using-weather-surveillance-radar-to-study-bird-migration/
https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-a-geographic-information-system-gis
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: t...2021-12-1427 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastThe Northern Cardinal, its first cousin, and a non-related look alikeSummary: Is that red and brown bird a cardinal? What about the 'Black Cardinal’? Join Cheryl and Kiersten to learn about the cardinal, the pyrrhuloxia, and the phainopepla.
Show Notes:
www.allaboutbirds.org
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birdswww.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their products.
2021-12-0618 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastBird Feeding Myths, Part 1Summary: Cheryl and Kiersten discuss some bird feeding myths that have spread misinformation for decades. Can I stop feeding birds once I’ve started and is white sugar really the best stuff for hummingbirds? Join The Feathered Desert to find out the answers!
Show Notes:
Background bird song: Naturescapes Backyard Birds www.naturescapes.com
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their products.
2021-11-2209 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastBird Feeding: Harmful or Helpful?Summary:The question of whether supplemental bird feeding is harmful or helpful has been a hot topic for years. Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they talk Pros and Cons so our listeners can make an educated decision about this hobby.
Show Notes:
Grieg, Emma,Living Bird, Winter 2017, Vol. 36, Issue 1, Do bird feeders help or hurt birds?
https://www.audubon.org/news/to-feed-or-not-feed
Becker, Daniel; Steicker, Daniel; Attizer, Sonia. Linking anthropogenic resources to wildlife-pathogen dynamics: a review and meta-analysis: Ecology Letters, Vol 8, Issue 5. https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.12428
Additional Podcasts on t...2021-11-1510 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastCitizen Scientists: One Person Can Make a DifferenceSummary:Have you ever wanted to do something more than just enjoy watching the birds in your backyard? Cheryl and Kiersten talk about what kinds of Citizen Scientist projects are out there for dedicated bird feeders and watchers that want to do more with their information. Listen and find out what you can sign up for and how it helps our birds!
Show Notes:
https://www.audubon.org
https://ebird.org
https://www.birds.cornell.edu
https://feederwatch.org
Snail Mail address: Project Feeder Watch
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
2021-11-0823 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastHawk Migration: Backyard Bird HuntersSummary:Songbirds are not the only ones who migrate. Hawks will be coming back to your yard this winter so join Cheryl and Kiersten as they talk hawks. Learn about what makes them special and how to deal with them at your backyard feeders.
Show Notes:
Fall Hawk Migration begins the end of September into beginning of October
https://allaboutbirds.org/guide
https://www.birdnote.org
https://libertywildlife.org
PDF of Wild Bird Rehabbers in Phoenix Area: https://azwildlife.org/resources/Documents/Wildlife%20Rehab%20Contact%20List.pdf2021-09-2822 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastSeasonally SavvySummary: Changing Seasons means changing needs for our feathered friends. Join Kiersten and Cheryl as they talk about what being seasonally savvy means and how we can help our backyard birds’ year be a successful one.
Show Notes:
The Joy of Bird Feeding by Jim Carpenter
Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa www.wbu.com/mesa
Our New email address, please reach out with comments, questions, or suggestions: thefeathereddesert@gmail.com
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their prod...2021-09-2108 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastEggs: A Perfect Support System for LifeSummary: Have you ever wondered why birds lay eggs? Or how chicks survive in an egg? Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they crack into the mystery of the egg. You’ll learn why birds lay eggs, why they are colored, and how the chick can survive until hatching.
Show Notes:
Bird Egg ID: https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/attracting-birds/bird-nesting/identify-bird-eggs/
The Book of Eggs: A Life-Size Guide to the Eggs of Six Hundred of the World’s Bird Species by Mark E. Hauber (Serious Egg Enthusiasts only! Seriously big book!)
PBS N...2021-09-0615 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastDesert Pollinators Part 4: Nighttime Nectar DrinkersSummary: Cheryl and Kiersten shine a light on nighttime pollination activity. The Lesser long-nosed bat is an important desert pollinator that is amazing! Join us as we tell you all about these busy nocturnal pollinators.
Show Notes: Arizona Highways Wildlife Guide: 125 of Arizona’s Native Speciesby Brooke Bessesen was referenced
PBS Nature S39 Ep13 The Bat Man of Mexico: https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/about-bat-man-mexico/25220/
Photo: https://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/lesser%20long%20nose%20bat.php
Bat Myths and truths: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/nature/article/bat-myths-busted
Our...2021-08-3012 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastWoodpeckers…love ‘em or hate ‘emSummary:What’s that tapping? It’s a woodpecker! Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they discuss the fabulous world of woodpeckers. Learn about what makes them so fascinating and how to identify our local Valley residents.
Show Notes:
Woodpecker facts: https://birdfeederhub.com/facts-about-woodpeckers
Woodpecker nest box link (The Northern Flicker Size works for our locals as well): https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/birds/northern-flicker/
Link on how to prevent invasive European Starlings: https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/managing-house-sparrows-and-european-starlings/
Ornithologyby Frank B. Gill was also referenced
Woodpecker antic...2021-08-2325 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastDesert Pollinator Part 3: Mighty MothsSummary:Cheryl and Kiersten regale us with fascinating facts about the often forgotten moth. They are great nighttime pollinators! Join our cohosts to discover the amazing world of moths.
Show Notes:
Hawk Moth Link: www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/hawk_moths.shtml
Yucca Moth Link: www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Yucca-Moths
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their products.
2021-08-1523 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastDesert Pollinators Part 2: Fluttering ButterfliesDesert Pollinators Part 2: Fluttering Butterflies
Summary: In part two of their desert pollinator series, Cheryl and Kiersten talk about butterflies. Join them as they discuss the life cycle of the butterfly, look at a few local residents, and tell you what plants will bring them to you.
Show Notes:
* Note on Chickadee caterpillar usage. The 6,000 to 9,000 count of caterpillars is per clutch, which includes 4 to 5 chicks, not per chick.
*The Butterfly Bush (Summer Lilac or Orange Eye) Buddleja davidii is native to China and is the plant you want to avoid when...2021-07-2738 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastWhere Have All The Birdies Gone?Where Have All The Birdies Gone?
Summary: Cheryl and Kiersten shine a light on the seasonal disappearance of birds from our feeders. If you haven’t seen your hummers or finches lately, don’t worry they will be back!
Show Notes:
Lovebirds and the Heat article: www.audubon.org/news/when-it-gets-too-hot-phoenixs-lovebirds-turn-air-conditioning
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their products.
2021-07-1911 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastDesert Pollinators Part 1: It’s All About The BuzzDesert Pollinators Part 1: It’s All About The Buzz
Summary:Cheryl and Kiersten tackle the fascinating world of desert pollinators! In this first of several episodes focusing on our local desert pollinators, Cheryl and Kiersten talk about our native bees. You’ll learn how to identify a honey bee versus a native bee, discover the many natives that call the Sonoran Desert home, and find out why you’ll want to attract them to your yard.
Show Notes:
Article about native bees and AZ farmers
www.pinalcentral.com/farm_and_ranch/native...2021-07-0522 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastSpecifically Southwest: Towhee and VerdinSummary: Some birds are only found in the desert Southwest. This episode highlights the Verdin and Abert’s Towhee! Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they shed light on these special southwestern birds.
Show Notes: Towhee and Verdin Identification: www.allaboutbirds.org
Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa https://mesa.wbu.com
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their products.
2021-06-2221 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastMade to Run: Roadrunners and QuailSummary: Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they talk about roadrunners and Gambel’s quail. These iconic desert birds are tricky to attract to your backyard. In this episode, you’ll learn some fun facts and few tips that might help you see these desert beauties.
Show Notes: Gambel’s Quail by Lynn Hassler Kaufman was referenced
Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa https://mesa.wbu.com
Roadrunner and Quail Identification: www.allaboutbirds.org
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their products...2021-06-1527 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastOrange Feathers in the DesertSummary:Cheryl and Kiersten delve into a few migratory visitors. Warblers and Orioles are some brightly colored birds that visit the valley during migration. Learn all about who to look for and how to attract them to your yard!
Show Notes:Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa https://mesa.wbu.com
Warbler and Oriole Information: www.audubon.org
Warbler and Oriole Identification: www.allaboutbirds.org
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their products.
2021-06-0731 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastTroubleshooting: Hummingbird FeedersSummary:Haven’t seen any hummers at your feeder lately? Woodpeckers on your hummingbird feeder scaring off your hummers? Ants and bees invading your hummer feeder? Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they give you pointers on how to deal with these problems!
Show Notes:
Proper nectar recipe for homemade nectar: 4 parts water and 1 part sugar (use only white granular sugar)
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their products.
2021-05-2524 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastBring on the SuetSummary: What exactly is suet? Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they tell you all about it in this episode of The Feathered Desert. Learn what suet is, what it does for the birds, and when to feed it out.
Show Notes:The book The Joy of Bird Feedingby Jim Carpenter was heavily referenced.
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their products.
2021-05-1125 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastSeeds, Seeds, SeedsSummary: In this episode, Cheryl and Kiersten delve into the fascinating subject of seeds! They take a close look at the different kinds of seeds found in the bird feeding hobby and tell you what to look for in a great seed blend.
Show Notes:The book The Joy of Bird Feedingby Jim Carpenter was heavily referenced.
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their products.
2021-05-0427 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastDesert HummingbirdsSummary: Cheryl and Kiersten talk about some of the hummingbirds that live year round in the desert SW, as well as some migratory visitors. You’ll also learn about how to attract them to your yard so you can enjoy these ‘flighted gems’ of the desert.
Show Notes:
Hummingbird photos and Identification help: www.allaboutbirds.org
Hummingbird feeders and nectar: Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa https://mesa.wbu.com
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their products.
2021-04-0826 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastGround Breaking Women of OrnithologySummary: To celebrate Women’s History month, Cheryl and Kiersten dug into some forgotten history to highlight a few outstanding female pioneers that shaped the path of ornithology.
Show Notes:
Rural Hours by Susan Fenimore-Cooper: https://www.fenimoreartmuseum,org/product/rural-hours
Harriet Hemenway and Mina Hill: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/how-two-women-end-deadly-feather-trade
Barbara DeWolfe: https://doi.org/10.1525/auk.2010.127.1.235
Carina Motta, Minerva Rivera, and Evelyn Bobadilla: https://www.audubon.org/magazine/winter-2019
https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13041
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unl...2021-04-0313 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastGold Feathers in the DesertSummary: Did you know there are three species of goldfinches in the SW? Join Cheryl and Kiersten as they discuss the different species and find out how you can attract these bright, lively birds to your own backyard!
Show Notes:
Goldfinch Identification: www.allaboutbirds.org
Finch feeders and Nyjer: Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa https://mesa.wbu.com
We are no longer sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa but through personal experience we highly recommend their products.
2021-04-0335 minThe Feathered Desert PodcastParrots in the DesertSummary: There really are parrots in the desert SW! How did they get here and are they native? Learn about the rosy-face lovebird, monk parakeet, and thick-billed parrot. Cheryl and Kiersten also discuss how you can attract these chatty residents to your backyard.
Show Notes:
Thank you to Kyle Waites for all the amazing information he shared with us about the Thick-billed Parrot!
Status of Rosy-Faced Lovebirds in Phoenix, Arizona: www.azfo.org/journal/rosy-facedlovebird2011.html;
Rosy-faced Lovebird: www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/rosy-faced-lovebird
Lovebird feeders and s...2021-04-0322 min