Best Birds Podcasts (2024)

1
Buff-breasted Sandpiper 1:39

1h ago1:39

1:39

A male Buff-breasted Sandpiper courts a female on their breeding grounds far north of the Arctic Circle. He raises his wings, flashing their silvery-white undersides, as he sings his clicking serenade. These birds spend much of the year on grasslands in Argentina, migrating to the Arctic in late spring. In the lower 48, September is a good time to …

1
Migration and Fat 1:41

33m ago1:41

1:41

If long migratory flights are amazing, what goes on inside a bird’s body during those flights seems absolutely astonishing. To store fat, birds may eat three times as much and forage over many more hours than normal, as they prepare for long-distance travel. Blackpoll Warblers double their weight in the lead-up to migration. Wilson’s Phalaropes may…

1
The Crafty Carolina Wren 1:45

1h ago1:45

1:45

Though half the size of a robin, the Carolina Wren has a powerful singing voice that seems to come from a much bigger bird. Many people remember their song with the phrase, “teakettle-teakettle-teakettle!” When these secretive birds venture into the open, look for their cocked tail, bright white eyebrows, tan breasts, and golden-brown backs. One re…

1
Ep. 603 – Importing Dogs and Ducks From Canada – What You Need to Know! 34:01

1h ago34:01

34:01

Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Dr. Jerad Henson and DU conservation communications coordinator, Nathan Ratchford, to provide the latest update on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention new rules for bringing dogs into the U.S. Also discussed is the status of USDA APHIS guidelines for importing harvested game birds from Canada. Spoiler Alert--…

1
08-32: Birding Book Club - Bird Books for the Bird Continent 56:55

1h ago56:55

56:55

Birders and books are inseparable. And so from time to time we like to welcome some auspicious bird book enthusiasts for we call the Birding Book Club. This time around a panel consisting of Birding magazine editor Frank Izaguirre and 10,000 Birds book reviewer Donna Schulman tackle the most bird rich continent, which ironically seems to the most b…

1
Protecting Endangered Birds from Maui’s Wildfires 5:22

1h ago5:22

5:22

The Maui Bird Conservation Center helps care for Hawai‘i’s critically endangered bird species, some of which have gone extinct in the wild. Jennifer Pribble, the center’s Wildlife Care Supervisor, lives onsite. A year ago, several wildfires broke out on Maui island in Hawai‘i, killing over a hundred people. The first fire likely began in the forest…

1
Birds Off a Feather 5:23

9h ago5:23

5:23

Laura gets a big kick out of her backyard birds who molt in August. Before they can again be as beautiful as possible, they must go through an Ugly Duckling stage. Fortunately, they don't have access to mirrors.

1
A Giant Parrot of New Zealand 1:45

1h ago1:45

1:45

New Zealand was once home to a massive parrot that stood three feet tall, about hip-high to most adult humans. It’s estimated that the bird weighed around fifteen pounds, and it probably didn’t fly. But it didn’t need to, because there were no land predators at that time — between 16- and 19-million-years ago! More info and transcript at BirdNote.o…

1
Ep. 602 – How to Avoid Opening Day Blunders 29:27

1h ago29:27

29:27

Host Chris Jennings is joined by John Pollmann, freelance contributor to Ducks Unlimited magazine and ducks.org, to talk about the excitement of opening day of waterfowl season and ways to avoid making simple mistakes. As opening day continues to creep closer, there are several tactics many duck and goose hunters don’t take into account, leaving th…

1
Migrations: Watching Seabirds Summer at the Lake 1:38

1d ago1:38

1:38

Many oceanic species like grebes, loons, pelicans, and gulls migrate far inland to raise their young near freshwater lakes. Ring-billed Gulls, for example, breed throughout the northern U.S. Forster’s Terns can be found catching fish in the upper Midwest in the summer. In northern Canada, you may even catch a glimpse of a Surf Scoter as it dives be…

1
The bear necessities and other close encounters of the mammalian kind 4:42

1d ago4:42

4:42

Two mammals made a visit to Laura's yard on Sunday night.

1
Bringing Birding Adventures to Broward County 1:45

38m ago1:45

1:45

While Sierra Taliaferro was working as a Naturalist in Broward County, Florida, in 2021, she collaborated with Broward County Library to help enhance the public’s knowledge about birding. More people became interested in birding as a safe outdoor activity during the pandemic. Sierra and others designed birding backpacks with field guides and binocu…

1
Crafting Invincible Environmental Protections, Part 4: The Empire Strikes Back 5:07

35m ago5:07

5:07

In "Star Wars," even as the Rebel Alliance celebrated defeating the Galactic Empire, Darth Vader and the Emperor were plotting their revenge. In the 1970s, even as environmentalists celebrated, dark forces were plotting how to gut the EPA and destroy the legislation protecting air, water, and wildlife.…

1
##997 Aug. 4, 2024 30:00

2h ago30:00

30:00

On our latest show: A new plan to save species from extinction; The “Hot Rock” sparrow; and hummingbird feeding fact and fiction.By Ray Brown's Talkin' Birds

1
An Amazing World of Owls 1:45

2d ago1:45

1:45

Owls are magnificent animals that share our cities with us, and live in some of the most extreme environments on Earth. They range in size from huge, like the Blakiston’s Fish-Owl of Eastern Asia, to the songbird-sized Elf Owl, weighing less than half a deck of cards. Owls play key roles in their ecosystems and even help control pests such as non-n…

1
Pigeon Flocks Follow the Leader 1:36

4d ago1:36

1:36

The flocking movements of homing pigeons are governed by a pecking order. Higher-ranked birds have more influence over how the flock moves. Leading birds change directions first, and followers swiftly copy the leader's movements. And birds at the front of the flock tend to make the navigational decisions. In other words, the pigeons follow the lead…

1
For Shorebirds, Summer Ends Early 1:38

2h ago1:38

1:38

We often think of birds migrating south in the fall. But many species kick off their big trips surprisingly early in the year. Shorebirds nesting in the Arctic tundra are an extreme example. Birds like the American Golden-Plover have a small window of time to build a nest, find a mate, and lay eggs in the short Arctic growing season. Golden-plovers…

1
Ep. 601 – duckDNA is Back for Year 2 and More July Updates 36:01

9h ago36:01

36:01

After overwhelming response, duckDNA has officially returned for year 2! On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher and Dr. Jerad Henson share this exciting news and what you need to know about the upcoming season. Also discussed are the forthcoming release of the breeding population survey, what it might mean for harvest regulations, the latest on Avian In…

1
08-31: On Crow Culture with Kaeli Swift 32:24

7d ago32:24

32:24

Dr. Kaeli Swift knows crows. And she’s watched them do some pretty extraordinary things. In fact all corvids-the family that includes crows, jays, magpies, and others-have a well deserved reputation for intelligence and fascinating social behaviors. Dr. Swift’s research has provided insights into how crows interact with us, with their dead, and wit…

1
Gannets and Dolphins 1:45

19m ago1:45

1:45

Northern Gannets, fish-eating seabirds, dive headfirst into the ocean at speeds of up to 60 miles an hour, pursuing their prey. Sometimes, they get help. Dolphins herd fish into dense, frantic concentrations near the surface, while gannets take advantage and plunge into the shoals from aloft. Scientists call this a multi-species feeding association…

1
The Evolution of Feathers 40:32

31m ago40:32

40:32

This is Episode 101. Today, we trace the origins of feathers back millions of years, exploring how they evolved from simple filaments to the complex structures we see in modern birds. We delve into the discovery of feathered dinosaurs like Archaeopteryx and the numerous fossil finds in northeastern China during the 1990s. These discoveries revealed…

1
Precision Flight in Flocks: How Does It Work? 1:41

1h ago1:41

1:41

A flock of shorebirds flying wingtip to wingtip seems to act like a single organism, rolling and twisting in exquisite patterns. Flocks like these use a combination of two organizational patterns. One is a “cluster”: lots of birds flying together in a loose, three-dimensional cloud. The second is a basic V-formation, where smaller groups of birds w…

1
Ep. 600 – Keeping Your Dog Safe in the Heat: Expert Advice from Wildrose Kennels 27:45

27m ago27:45

27:45

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Mike Stewart, owner of Wildrose Kennels to discuss retriever training during the peak of summer heat. The conversation leads to a discussion on summer training for dogs, touching on different locations and the importance of adjusting training routines based on weather conditioning. Stewart brings to light several tr…

1
Birds in Art Through the Ages 1:45

2h ago1:45

1:45

Birds were one of the earliest subjects for human artists. A cave painting in France over 30,000 years old shows the unmistakable outline of an owl. Paintings on Ancient Egyptian palaces and tombs feature birds with intricately detailed flight feathers, colors, and postures, allowing researchers to identify the species thousands of years later. Mor…

1
In the Catbird's Seat: A momentary diversion from more important matters 5:21

1d ago5:21

5:21

Laura has fallen in love with one particular catbird in her yard. Naturally, she's worried about it.

1
Having Your Tail Scared Off 1:34

11d ago1:34

1:34

When a hawk is about to capture a songbird, the songbird has one last trick: a fright molt. It’s when a bird loses feathers due to sudden stress. This usually involves feathers near the tail or rump, where they’re most likely to be attacked as they flee. It can be a saving grace when the bird is about to be caught — similar to a lizard dropping its…

1
Crafting Invincible Environmental Protections, Part 3: A New Hope 5:28

1d ago5:28

5:28

Three months after the first Earth Day, Richard Nixon proposed charging the new Environmental Protection Agency with setting goals and standards regarding pesticides, clean air, and clean water, and it was soon given regulatory authority. Laura was as relieved and joyful as Princess Leia at the end of the first Star Wars movie.…

1
##996 July 28, 2024 30:00

4d ago30:00

30:00

On our latest show: a salute to the mighty kingbirds; how hummingbirds avoid collisions; and good news and bad news as we wrap up Plastic-free July.By Ray Brown's Talkin' Birds

1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: Little Bird with a Big Story 1:45

3h ago1:45

1:45

The slim, 4½-inch Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is found over much of the East and Midwest and in parts of the West, too. It actively searches trees and bushes for small bugs to eat, often hovering briefly and flaring a long black-and-white tail. More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for B…

1
The binoculars that inspired a community in Ecuador #133 22:46

2d ago22:46

22:46

Host Suzy speaks with Sandra Morocho (Birdwatchers of Quijos Valley, Ecuador) and Michaela Leeb (Swarovski-Optik). Sandra lives in the cloud forest on the eastern slopes of the Andes in Ecuador. In 2014 she won a pair of binoculars in the Digiscoper of the Year competition run by Swarovski-Optik. Using the binoculars stoked Sandra’s enthusiasm for …

1
To Mob or Not to Mob 1:36

1h ago1:36

1:36

When a bird of prey flies over, a flock of crows may dive-bomb the predator and give it a noisy escort out of town. An Eastern Kingbird, like this one, will clamp its feet onto the back of a hawk to send it packing. How do they know which birds to chase off and which to ignore? By genetic wiring, or instinct, but also learning. By watching their pa…

1
Which Bird Has the Most Feathers 1:42

4m ago1:42

1:42

In general, the bigger the bird, the higher the number of feathers. Someone counted the feathers on a Tundra Swan and came up with 25,216. At least 80% were on the swan’s neck. Penguins, on the other hand, have lots of small feathers all over their bodies. The largest species is the Emperor Penguin, and one project counted around 80,000 feathers on…

1
Ep. 599 – Decoy Collecting and Duck Hunting Stories with Joe and Donna Tonelli PART 2 of 2 51:06

23m ago51:06

51:06

PART 2: On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke sits down with Joe and Donna Tonelli, avid hunters, collectors, and historians. Joe shares his early introduction to hunting through family traditions, while Donna's expertise in writing about decoys and ducks adds depth to their shared passion. Tune in to hear about their jou…

1
08-30: This Month in Birding - July 2024 57:08

38m ago57:08

57:08

It's This Month in Birding for July 2024 with Stephanie Beilke, Martha Harbison, and Mikko Jimenez the aeroecologist! The panel discusses recent bird news including AOS splits and lumps, bird intelligence, and bird regalia, but that's hardly all. Join us for another great conversation about birds, science, and, for some reason, the Insane Clown Pos…

1
Bridging Hawaiian Culture and Conservation 4:41

1h ago4:41

4:41

Sam ‘Ohu Gon is the Senior Scientist and Cultural Advisor for the Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i. He's something of a rare combination: academically trained in conservation biology as well as traditionally trained in Hawaiian chant and ceremony. Sam's work tries to bridge traditional Hawaiian knowledge with conservation to ensure the remaining speci…

1
Black-necked Stilt – The Bird with Outrageous Legs 1:41

18h ago1:41

1:41

Visit a shallow wetland in summer, and you might see this slender, black-and-white shorebird with outrageous red legs. The Black-necked Stilt uses its long legs for wading as it feeds on tiny insects and crustaceans on the surface of the water. Stilts are sensitive to drought, which has increased with global climate change. But they readily move to…

1
Crafting Invincible Environmental Protections, Part 2: Pollution—A Way of Life 5:42

12m ago5:42

5:42

Everyday life for most Americans in the 1950s and 60s involved a mind-boggling array of toxic chemicals.

1
Ep. 598 – Decoy Collecting and Duck Hunting Stories with Joe and Donna Tonelli PART 1 of 2 47:18

14d ago47:18

47:18

PART 1: On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke sits down with Joe and Donna Tonelli, avid hunters, collectors, and historians. Joe shares his early introduction to hunting through family traditions, while Donna's expertise in writing about decoys and ducks adds depth to their shared passion. Tune in to hear about their jou…

1
Taking the Bus for Birds 1:45

1d ago1:45

1:45

By carrying more people in a single vehicle, mass transit can use less energy than cars. Taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can help the hundreds of bird species put at risk by climate change. Not to mention, you can do a little birding on the commute – on the way to the bus or train stop, and on the ride itself. More info and transcri…

1
Black-crowned Night-Heron 1:43

4d ago1:43

1:43

Black-crowned Night-Herons feed primarily on fish, but they will consume everything from earthworms to clams to eggs of nesting birds and refuse at landfills! Because they are high on the food chain, found throughout much of the world, and nest in colonies, Black-crowned Night-Herons can tell us a lot about the health of our environment. More info …

1
When a Stranger Knocks (A momentary diversion from more important matters) 5:29

1h ago5:29

5:29

Laura takes a momentary break from an important environmental issue to reminisce about a tragicomedy in the 1990s.

1
#995 July 21, 2024 30:00

2h ago30:00

30:00

On today’s show: Avian Audio Postcards from New York and California; a summer birding essay from Minnesota; and special Plastic-free July guest, Dana Ripper from the Missouri River Bird Observatory and BeyondPlastics.org.By Ray Brown's Talkin' Birds

1
Shorebirds Aren't Always on the Shore 1:41

14d ago1:41

1:41

Shorebirds' lives take them to many places other than the shore. Most of the shorebirds we see along our coasts migrate to the Arctic in summer. Here, many nest on the tundra, some along rushing streams, and others on rocky mountainsides. Long-billed Curlews winter on the Florida, Gulf, and Pacific coasts. But this one was seen in a field near Cres…

1
Australia's Rainforest Birds 1:45

41m ago1:45

1:45

The rainforests of Eastern and Northeastern Australia harbor many species of birds found almost nowhere else. This Eastern Whipbird — which is more often heard than seen — hangs out in the dense understory. Easier to lay eyes on is the large, pigeon-like Wompoo Fruit-Dove. Feathered in a stunning combination of green, purple, and yellow, this bird …

1
Emily Raboteau and Harlem's Gray Hawk Mural 1:41

14d ago1:41

1:41

Over the last few years, writer Emily Raboteau has been going out and photographing a series of bird murals found throughout New York City commissioned by the National Audubon Society. One day, she came across an artist finishing up a Gray Hawk mural in west Harlem. The artist explained that she had chosen to paint that species because the gray fea…

1
Ep. 597 – Calling Ducks with a Whistle 38:10

21d ago38:10

38:10

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Beau Brooks, digital marketing specialist for Higdon Outdoors, to talk about the highly popular whistle. Brooks specializes in calling ducks with a whistle. He explains his best practices calling teal, wood ducks, wigeon, pintails, and mallards. Listeners are sure to pick up a handful of helpful tips as Brooks detai…

1
08-29: Dare to Bird with Melissa Hafting 33:53

33m ago33:53

33:53

The incredibly diverse and unbelievably photogenic landscape of British Columbia is on display in photographer and birder Melissa Hafting's new book, Dare to Bird, and with it, the birds that make this part of the continent so special and inspire Hafting’s effort to spread the joy of birding and photography around the province, across Canada, and b…

1
100th Episode Celebration! 29:44

15m ago29:44

29:44

Welcome to the 100th episode of The Science of Birds Podcast! I'm thrilled to celebrate this milestone with you. In this special episode, I reflect on the journey of creating this podcast, sharing some insights and gratitude for all of you, my listeners. I also highlight three of my favorite bird species: the vibrant Green Jay, the Torrent Duck, an…

1
A Cardinal That's Half Male, Half Female 1:42

15d ago1:42

1:42

In Texas, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, people have reported seeing Northern Cardinals that are red on one side and brown on the other, indicating that a bird is half male and half female. This anomaly occurs in other species of birds, as well, not just cardinals. Insects, too! Scientists call these bilateral gynandromorphs. More info and transcript…