Podcasts about American Bird Conservancy

Foresters are pretty good at stand-level silviculture. But what if we want to make changes to forest vegetation at a much larger scale? Silviculture at scale to impact landscape-level change is much trickier, whether that's aiming for a target age-class distribution or meeting the broad habitat needs of birds. Where do we even begin?  In walks the concept of Dynamic Forest Restoration Blocks, or the strategy of breaking up the landscape into manageable and biologically meaningful units where we can focus on specific forest management objectives. Join us on this episode as we talk with pioneers of this concept, Jeff Larkin, professor in the Department of Biology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Forest Bird Advisor with the American Bird Conservancy, and Dan Heggenstaller, North Central Regional Forester with the Pennsylvania Game Commission.Send us a text To earn CEU/CFE credits, learn more, or interact with SilviCast, visit the uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

You know how sometimes you look outside, see a bird, and think, “Oh, hey! A cardinal! A blue jay! A robin!“ Happens all the time. Now imagine what your life would be like if you traveled the world as part of a lifelong quest to become the first person to see 10,000 bird species. Get to know Peter Kaestner. He shares the surprising story of how he came excruciatingly close to missing that once-in-a-lifetime shot. And find out why he believes there are a million ways to be a birder. This episode originally aired August 23, 2024. Resources: eBird online database of bird observations, a project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology IOC World Bird List, an open-access resource maintained by the International Ornithological Committee Merlin bird ID app by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a free global bird guide with photos, sounds, and maps Suggested episodes: Wings, pouches, and snouts: The world of uncommon emotional support animals We, The Dog GUEST: Peter Kaestner: First person to catalog 10,000 bird species, discoverer of the Cundinamarca antpitta, is an ambassador for the American Bird Conservancy, and leads tours with Rockjumper Birding Adventures Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summary: Are Screamers in need of conservation? Join Kiersten to find out!   For my hearing impaired followers, a complete transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean   Show Notes: Screamers: https://animaldiversity.org Data Zone by Bird Life: https://datazone.birdlife.org IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org American Bird Conservancy: https://abcbirds.org/bird/southern-screamer/ Asociacion Armonia: https://armoniabolivia.org Music written and performed by Katherine Camp   Transcript (Piano music plays) Kiersten - This is Ten Things I Like About…a ten minute, ten episode podcast about unknown or misunderstood wildlife. (Piano music stops) Welcome to Ten Things I Like About… I'm Kiersten, your host, and this is a podcast about misunderstood or unknown creatures in nature. Some we'll find right out side our doors and some are continents away but all are fascinating.  This podcast will focus ten, ten minute episodes on different animals and their amazing characteristics. Please join me on this extraordinary journey, you won't regret it. This is the final episode of Screamers and we'll be talking about conservation. Like everything else with Screamers this episode will have a few twists. The tenth thing I like about Screamers is conservation. Each species has a story of it's own, so we'll take them one by one. Let's start off with the Southern Screamer. Southern Screamer, Chauna torquata, also known as the Crested Screamer is found from the eastern half of Bolivia south into Argentina as far as Buenos Ares Province and east through Paraguay into south western Brazil and Uruguay. The conservation status of the Southern Screamer is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources as Least Concern. This means that Southern Screamer population numbers are steady or increasing. Their population trend is listed as stable with adult individuals estimated between 66,700 to 667,000 individuals. The last time this species was assessed was in 2024. This species of Screamer is impacted by habitat loss. As wild lands are drained and deforested to create more land for cattle ranching and farming, Southern Screamers lose vital habitat, but a 27,000 acre reserve created in 2008 by Asociacion Armonia to protect the Blue-throated Macaw had the added bonus of offering protected habitat to the Southern Screamer. Barba Azul Nature Reserve protects 250 species of birds and is an important stop over for migratory shorebirds.  If you are interested in seeing the Southern Screamer at the reserve you can book a conservation birding trip through American Bird Conservancy. All fees support the reserve and American Bird Conservancy's mission for protecting wild spaces for birds. Now there are other things keeping the Southern Screamer protected, this is the twist for this species, ranchers and farmers actually like having Southern Screamer nearby as they are excellent guard birds and raise the alarm when any predators come near. Sometimes people sneak a young Screamer away from the parents and keep them on their property for exactly that reason.  Southern Screamers have also been seen eating invasive plants species, such as white clover, which means they are helping their own conservation efforts.  The Northern Screamer, Chauna chavaria, also known as the Black-necked Screamer is in a similar situation as the Southern Screamer. This Screamer is found across northern Columbia from the Atrato River and Magdalena River valleys east into the Lake Maracaibo area of Venezuela. They are also under pressure from habitat destruction for ranching and agricultural use. As of the latest surveys in 2023, the Northern Screamer is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Their population is stable with 60,000 to 130,000 mature adults. Locally, in Columbia and Venezuela, they are listed as Vulnerable. Conservation efforts in these countries include educational campaigns bringing awareness to Northern Screamers and their importance in the local environment. Several preserves have also been established to help protect the wetland areas that these birds rely upon. Other threats to the Northern Screamer include egg collection by humans for use as food and collection of young for the local pet trade.  The last species of Screamer, the Horned Screamer, Anhima cornuta, is found in the Amazonian regions of Venezuela, to the eastern llanos of Columbia, to eastern Bolivia and south-central Brazil. Their latest assessment by the IUCN was in July of 2024 and they are currently listed as Least Concern with a stable mature adult population estimated between 16,700 to 66,700. There are not many conservation efforts in the region specifically aimed at the Horned Screamer, but there are established conservation sites throughout their range to prevent more wetlands from being drained for ranching needs.  The subcutaneous air sacs found in all three species of Screamer keep these birds from being on the menu internationally, but locally some people do hunt them for food. It is probably an acquired taste and you need to know how to prepare the meat just right to make it palatable.  It is nice to report on species that are still thriving in our ever changing world and I am glad to know that local conservation effort exists for all three species on Screamers. Thank you so much for joining me for another series of Ten Things I Like About… I learned a lot about the Screamer as I wrote this series and I hope you learned a lot by listening. My tenth favorite thing about Screamers is conservation. If you're enjoying this podcast please recommend me to friends and family and take a moment to give me a rating on whatever platform your listening. It will help me reach more listeners and give the animals I talk about an even better chance at change.  I will be taking a bit of a break at the beginning of summer, so join me again in July for a brand new series on an unknown or misunderstood creature.       (Piano Music plays)  This has been an episode of Ten Things I like About with Kiersten and Company. Original music written and performed by Katherine Camp, piano extraordinaire.

How is a pesticide that targets insects harming backyard birds? Hardy Kern, Director of Government Relations, Pesticides and Birds Campaign at American Bird Conservancy, joins us to talk about the link that has been established between neonicotinoids and a decline in backyard birds across the country. He also gives us some tips on what we can do to avoid neonicotinoids to help the birds.  

Birds are immensely complex creatures, and scientists discover fascinating facts about them every day. Mysterious behaviors such as migration are only recently being solved — and Rebecca Heisman is eager to share this research with the world. Rebecca is a science writer based in Walla Walla, Washington with a deep passion for birds. She has worked with organizations such as the Audubon Society, the American Bird Conservancy, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Wilson Ornithological Society, and the American Ornithological Society.  In March 2023, Rebecca released Flight Paths: How a Passionate and Quirky Group of Pioneering Scientists Solved the Mystery of Bird Migration, and she joins us today to discuss the remarkable story of how we know what we know about bird migration. Click play to find out: The many mysteries of bird migration that have been solved.  The tracking devices used to trace bird migration patterns.  The details needed to effectively concentrate conservation efforts. Why certain bird populations are declining. To learn more about Rebecca and purchase her book, click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Upgrade Your Wallet Game with Ekster!  Get the sleek, smart wallet you deserve—and save while you're at it! Use coupon code FINDINGGENIUS at checkout or shop now with this exclusive link: ekster.com?sca_ref=4822922.DtoeXHFUmQ5  Smarter, slimmer, better. Don't miss out!

In this episode, we feature Mr. Ken Gee, a conservation delivery specialist for the Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture, who brings decades of experience working with landowners in Oklahoma and the Great Plains, offering his extensive knowledge in land and wildlife management. Before joining the American Bird Conservancy, Ken spent 31 years with the Noble Foundation, where he managed the Noble Foundation Wildlife Unit for 25 years and conducted various research projects, including a notable deer diet study in collaboration with Texas Tech University. Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://www.blazingrazinwildthings.com/classes

Today we speak with Carole Turek, world-renowned hummingbird expert. She tells us about her travels all over the world to photograph and film all 371 species of hummingbird on the planet! She also discusses her projects with the American Bird Conservancy and her extremely popular YouTube site, The Hummingbird Spot, which contains live streams of hatching hummingbird babies. Hummingbird species mentioned on this show: Allen's; Anna's; Costa's; Rufous; Calliope; Broad-billed; Lucifer; Rivoli's; Blue-Throated Mountain Gem; and the Santa Marta Sabrewing. To see more information go to her website at hummingbirdspot.com. To see Carole's YouTube page go to https://tinyurl.com/4y59jw2w. For the Sedona Hummingbird Festival go to: sedonahummingbirdfestival.com. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

Each year, around one billion birds die from collisions with buildings in the United States—an alarming but preventable crisis driven by modern glass architecture. In this episode of People Places Planet, host Dara Albrecht is joined by Viveca Morris of Yale Law School, Dan Piselli of FXCollaborative Architects, and Christine Sheppard of the American Bird Conservancy to explore the scope of the problem and the innovative solutions taking flight. The conversation highlights how science, design, and public policy are coming together to reduce bird-building collisions, with a focus on local laws in cities like New York and San Francisco that are driving industry change. The episode also touches on practical considerations (including challenges) in implementing these policies and the creative ways architects and policymakers are working to make buildings safer for birds—without compromising aesthetics or functionality. Listeners will gain insight into how legal frameworks, community action, and industry innovation are transforming the built environment to better protect wildlife. ★ Support this podcast ★

Today we speak with Grant Sizemore from the American Bird Conservancy about the continuing problem of outdoor cats attacking and killing birds. Grant works to educate people about the dangers that outdoor cats pose to birds, mammals and humans. He shares some ways to keep both birds and cats safe from harm. For more information, go to abcbirds.org/cats. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

Amy Tan is an American author best known for her novel The Joy Luck Club (1989) as well as other novels, short story collections, children's books, and a memoir. Tan is the recipient of the National Humanities Medal, among other awards, and her writing has been praised for its bravery in exploring both the personal struggles and triumphs of immigrant families. In this episode of Nature Revisited, Tan discusses her latest work The Backyard Bird Chronicles. What initially began as a way to find respite from the country's increasing social division, hostility and misinformation, the act of observing and drawing the birds in her backyard became something greater - a meaningful way to connect with nature, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired. The Backyard Bird Chronicles: https://www.bookpassage.com/book/9780593536131 Amy's website: https://amytan.net/ American Bird Conservancy: https://abcbirds.org/ Listen to Nature Revisited on your favorite podcast apps or at https://noordenproductions.com Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/bdz4s9d7 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/5n7yx28t Podlink: https://pod.link/1456657951 Support Nature Revisited https://noordenproductions.com/support Nature Revisited is produced by Stefan van Norden and Charles Geoghegan. We welcome your comments, questions and suggestions - contact us at https://noordenproductions.com/contact

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.orgMore 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.

Some 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.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.

Avian flu, better known as bird flu, has been in news headlines all summer of 2024. Still, many questions remain for the general public. What is it? What's causing it? How is it spreading? And how serious should we be taking this public health matter? Our co-hosts Purbita Saha and Deja Perkins sit with leading scientists, Director of Molecular Biology Dr. Andy Ramey from the USGS Alaska Science Center, and molecular virologist at Tufts University, Dr. Wendy Puryear. Tune in. Share with a friend. And don't fret, our only goal is to leave you like an owl– very sharp, very wise.To learn more about our guests and their work or to view this episode's transcript and other resources, visit BirdNote.org.Want more Bring Birds Back? Subscribe to our show and follow us on Instagram! For more about BirdNote, sign up for our weekly newsletter. And for ad-free listening and other perks, sign up for BirdNote+ here.BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.Bring Birds Back Season 6 is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the American Bird Conservancy.

Is the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker really extinct? In today's episode, we talk with John Mittermeier, the director of the Lost Birds Program at the American Bird Conservancy. John travels the world seeking to confirm the existence or extinction of rare bird species. For more info go to searchforlostbirds.org or go to abcbirds.org. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC. Bird calls courtesy of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Since 1976, Project Feederwatch has been through many changes and iterations. But what has remained is the dedication to collecting data that undeniably improves bird science. In this episode, host Deja Perkins speaks with Emma Greig, U.S. Project Lead for Feederwatch, about what this data has uncovered over the years. Deja also speaks with wildlife researcher Ashley Dayer, and gets into the specifics about all the great things bird feeding does for you – and despite some criticisms, great things it does for the birds, too!To learn more about our guests and their work or to view this episode's transcript and other resources, visit BirdNote.org.Want more Bring Birds Back? Subscribe to our show and follow us on Instagram! For more about BirdNote, sign up for our weekly newsletter. And for ad-free listening and other perks, sign up for BirdNote+ here.BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.Bring Birds Back Season 6 is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the American Bird Conservancy.

Today our guest is Sea McKeon, the Marine Program Director with the American Bird Conservancy. Sea is a biodiversity scientist, an evolutionary ecologist, a marine biologist, and a natural historian. In this episode, he tells us about the incredible value of seabird poop! Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

In 2023, over 120 contributors published a study in the scientific journal,  Ornithological Applications, about a long history of exclusion Latin American and Caribbean scientists have faced. In the world of ornithology, the Global North is king – but only because they've made it that way. Host, Purbita Saha, speaks with two of the study's leading researchers, Dr. Ernesto Ruelas Inzunza and Dr. Kristina Cockle, about the ways research from the Global South has been undermined, and how regional bias, racial discrimination, and socioeconomic differences have played a role. They discuss how this lack of acknowledgment is harming conservation efforts for birds and – teach us a thing or two about our feathered friends over in the Tropics! To learn more about our guests and their work or to view this episode's transcript and other resources, visit BirdNote.org.Want more Bring Birds Back? Subscribe to our show and follow us on Instagram! For more about BirdNote, sign up for our weekly newsletter. And for ad-free listening and other perks, sign up for BirdNote+ here.BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.Bring Birds Back Season 6 is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the American Bird Conservancy.

On October 5, 2023, thousands of migrating songbirds died after crashing into the McCormick Place Convention Center in downtown Chicago and surrounding buildings. Co-host Deja Perkins will speak with Douglas Stotz, a conservation ecologist at the Chicago-based Field Museum about that deadly night. She'll also talk with Chicago Bird Alliance's Judy Pollock about what has transpired in the months since. And co-host Purbita Saha takes us to New York's Jacob Javits Convention Center, once known for frequent window strikes but now is a safe haven for all birds – migrating and local.To learn more about our guests and their work or to view this episode's transcript and other resources, visit BirdNote.org.Want more Bring Birds Back? Subscribe to our show and follow us on Instagram! For more about BirdNote, sign up for our weekly newsletter. And for ad-free listening and other perks, sign up for BirdNote+ here.BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.Bring Birds Back Season 6 is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the American Bird Conservancy.

Historically, birding spaces aren't known to show diverse faces, races and even genders. But for the Chicago BIPOC Birders group, co-founder Daniela Herrera proves that what has always been isn't always right. In this episode, Herrera shares with our host Deja Perkins why spaces for Black and brown birders are important to have for both safety and community-building. The group's dynamic and inclusive approach to birding, as well as their grassroots-based structure is not only impressive but inspiring. To learn more about our guests and their work or to view this episode's transcript and other resources, visit BirdNote.org.Want more Bring Birds Back? Subscribe to our show and follow us on Instagram! For more about BirdNote, sign up for our weekly newsletter. And for ad-free listening and other perks, sign up for BirdNote+ here.BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.Bring Birds Back Season 6 is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the American Bird Conservancy.

You know how sometimes you look outside, see a bird, and think, “Oh, hey! A cardinal! A blue jay! A robin!“ Happens all the time. Now imagine what your life would be like if you traveled the world as part of a lifelong quest to become the first person to see 10,000 bird species. Get to know Peter Kaestner. He shares the surprising story of how he came excruciatingly close to missing that once-in-a-lifetime shot. And find out why he believes there are a million ways to be a birder. Resources: eBird online database of bird observations, a project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology IOC World Bird List, an open-access resource maintained by the International Ornithological Committee Merlin bird ID app by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a free global bird guide with photos, sounds, and maps Suggested episodes: Wings, pouches, and snouts: The world of uncommon emotional support animals We, The Dog GUEST:  Peter Kaestner: First person to catalog 10,000 bird species, discoverer of the Cundinamarca antpitta, is an ambassador for the American Bird Conservancy, and leads tours with Rockjumper Birding Adventures Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much do you know about the lives of female birds? And could you identify, say, a male Scarlet Tanager from a female? This episode's host and co-founder of the Galbatross Project, Purbita Saha, is here to explain why studying female birds is important. Joining her, ornithologist Joanna Wu details how the often overlooked and understudied female birds are crucial to bird conservation efforts. And wildlife ecologist, Michael Chamberlain, shares his vast knowledge about turkeys – a species whose survival was greatly impacted by a significant increase in research about turkey hens. To learn more about our guests and their work or to view this episode's transcript and other resources, visit BirdNote.org.Want more Bring Birds Back? Subscribe to our show and follow us on Instagram! For more about BirdNote, sign up for our weekly newsletter. And for ad-free listening and other perks, sign up for BirdNote+ here.BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.Bring Birds Back Season 6 is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the American Bird Conservancy.

Join us every other Wednesday for a new episode of Bring Birds Back! Meet this season's co-hosts Deja Perkins and Purbita Saha, and learn about a wide range of topics from community activism in BIPOC birding spaces to regional and socioeconomic biases in the field of ornithology. From the landmark Chicago building contributing to a billion bird strikes a year to the ongoing bird flu pandemic – we have a lot to talk about. Subscribe now so you won't miss it!  Want more Bring Birds Back? Follow us on Instagram! For more about BirdNote, sign up for our weekly newsletter. And for ad-free listening and other perks, sign up for BirdNote+ here.BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.Bring Birds Back Season 6 is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the American Bird Conservancy.

Some birds are famous for being extinct, like the Dodo and the passenger pigeon.But how do we prevent species from reaching that point? One of the starting points is to try and track down the birds that are “lost to science.” These are birds that have not been documented in over a decade, but just might still be out there, if we look for them.A new study analyzed data, images, and recordings from platforms that crowdsource observations from all over the world to identify birds “lost to science.” In total, the project, called The Search for Lost Birds identified 126 such species.SciFri producer Kathleen Davis is joined by Dr. John Mittermeier, director of the Search for Lost Birds at the American Bird Conservancy to talk more about the findings of this research and what it's like to track down a “lost” bird.Transcripts for each segment will be available after the show airs on sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.

The Stuph File Program Featuring magnet fishing enthusiasts, James Kane & Barbie Agostini; Dr. Christine Sheppard from American Bird Conservancy; & Stuart Nulman with Book Banter Download James Kane & Barbie Agostini are a couple who go magnet fishing.  They recently hauled a safe out of the water that had plenty of loot in it. Dr. Christine Sheppard is the director of the Glass Collisions Program at the American Bird Conservancy and talks about the danger to birds that windows are and what you can do about it. Stuart Nulman with another edition of Book Banter. This week's reviewed title is The Teacher by Freida McFadden (Poisoned Pen Press, $26.99). You can also read Stuart's reviews in The Montreal Times. This week's guest slate is presented by Financial Advisor and Certified Executor Advisor, David Edey, author of Executor Help: How to Settle an Estate Pick an Executor and Avoid Family Fights.

I suspect every gardener has for years now, over and again, heard the warnings about the most widely used pesticides in the US, neonicotinoids – or neonics for short.  In 2013 the American Bird Conservancy issued a report, warning of... Read More ›

I suspect every gardener has for years now, over and again, heard the warnings about the most widely used pesticides in the US, neonicotinoids – or neonics for short.  In 2013 the American Bird Conservancy issued a report, warning of... Read More ›

My guest is E. Hardy Kern lll, The Director of Government relations pesticides and Birds Campaign for the American Bird Conservancy. Hardy will address “Neonics” Neonicotinoids, the New DDT pesticide and it's threat to birds. The American Bird Conservancy is a non-profit membership organization with the mission of conserving wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. Its focus is on threats to birds in the Western Hemisphere – threats which include overuse of pesticides, urban sprawl, habitat destruction, and invasive species.

Today we are joined by Catherine Quayle of the Wild Bird Fund, Christine Sheppard from the American Bird Conservancy and New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal to discuss the phenomenon that was Flaco the Owl. We discuss this bird's celebrity status and how Flaco's death could have been prevented. State Senator Hoylman-Signal offers legislative solutions to glass windows, which kill one billion birds every year in the U.S. Did you know that 44% of all bird collisions with glass occur at your average home? For more info go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gJmBLFnAa4 and www.youtube.com/watch?v=69LiMbvuU3g. For window deterrents go to collidescape.org; featherfriendly.com; birdsavers.com; and walkerglass.com/products/bird-friendly-glass-solution. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

This episode, the Bird Spotlight is on the Cedar Waxwing. This bird loves fruit!

According to data collected by the website eBird and curated by the American Bird Conservancy, there are at least 488 species of our feathered friends in Virginia. Every edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement, including this February 20, 2024 edition, is fueled by observations of the activities of winged creatures who are unaware of the existence of journalism. I'm Sean Tubbs, and perhaps there's grant funding available to attempt translations to penetrate an untapped market? On today's show:* Work could start this summer on new infrastructure at The Square in Crozet* A project to create a safety plan for area roads in the region goes before the Greene and Nelson Boards of Supervisors* Charlottesville City Council has another discussion about the FY25 budget and learns more about a process driven by their priorities to retain staff and implement collective bargaining This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Today we speak with Hardy Kern from the American Bird Conservancy about the latest scientific findings (2023) regarding insecticides, like neonicotinoids, and their impacts on birds. We also talk about what you can do to protect birds from deadly insecticides. For more information, go to: abcbirds.org/2023neonicsreport. For more information on imidacloprid go to: http://tinyurl.com/43vtuu4w. For more information at thiamethoxan go to: http://tinyurl.com/45ec89uz. For more information on clothianidin go to: http://tinyurl.com/pkfj53b9. For further information from the American Bird Conservancy, contact Hardy Kern directly at his email: ehardykern@abcbirds.org. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

On our latest show: A San Diego Avian Audio Postcard; a favorite 2023 interview with the American Bird Conservancy's Hardy Kern; and backyard bird expert Mike O'Connor with a thumbs up about watching and feeding birds in the city.

Summary: 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 Christy A. Morrissey. Science, Vol 365, Issue 6458, pp. 1177-1180. “Take Flight From Lawn Pesticides: Tips for Organic, Bird-Friendly Gardening,” by Hardy Kern, April 12, 2022. https://abcbirds.org   DIY Pesticides: Lawn Love, https://lawnlove.com Natural Lawn Care Products: Jonathan Green, https://www.jonathangreen.com For more information on rodenticides and birds please listen to our episode titled: Rodenticides: A Deadly Decision   Transcript: Kiersten: Intro – Pesticides and birds do not mix. They have a long and devastating history ever since humans have begun using synthetic chemicals. In this episode we're going to look at some of that history, current issues, and what we can do to help in our own backyard.   Cheryl: As Kiersten likes to do, we're starting off with the definition of a pesticide.  A pesticide is anything that kills off something that humans have decided is a pest. They can be classified into insecticides that kill insects, rodenticides that kill rodents, herbicides that kill unwanted weeds, and fungicides that kill fungus. Every kind of pesticide affects birds. Usually in a detrimental way.  Since the 1940s, since the use of synthetic pesticides became more widely used, bird populations have continuously declined. Today around 1 billion pounds of pesticides are sprayed into the environment just in the United States.   Kiersten: Let's take a look at what brought our attention to the fact that pesticides that we were using in the environment were killing off birds. Some of you may have heard of or read the book Silent Spring. Written by Rachel Carson this book brought attention to what pesticides such as organochlorines were doing to our environment. It focused on a specific pesticide known as DDT. It was used to kill off insects on crops and it was very effective. What we didn't initially know was the long-lasting devastation that these chemicals could cause in the environment.             All chemicals break down and when DDT breaks down it leaves behind DDE. DDE wreaked havoc on the lives of birds. Organochlorides are extremely persistent. They remain active for a long time and they are fat soluble which means they can accumulate in the fatty cells of organisms that are exposed to them and accumulate over time. I'm sure you see where I'm going with this. Birds that ingested insects sprayed with DDT didn't just poop out the chemicals, they absorbed them into their system. Then when those birds were eaten by predators, the chemical was passed on to them. This is a process called biomagnification and with each step the contaminants become more concentrated.             All birds were greatly impacted, but raptors were affected most of all because they were consistently eating contaminated food. DDT impacted their entire lifecycle. They died from ingesting the chemical, it was also passed onto the embryos in eggs causing them to never develop, but the most heart-wrenching side effect was the leaching of calcium from eggs shells. Birds were laying eggs with shells so thin that when females sat on the eggs to incubated them, they were crushing their own young.             Because of DDT many species of birds were pushed to the brink of extinction, and we did learn our lesson. Organochlorides have been banned from use in the United States, but other pesticides have taken their place.   Cheryl: The effects of DDT were recognized almost sixty years ago, but today birds are facing threats from another pesticide. Chemicals known as “neonics” are now causing just as many problems as DDT. Neonics are a pesticide used mainly in the farming industry. It is sprayed extensively on crops. It is also used as a coating on seeds so that when the plant grows it will incorporate the neonic throughout the entire plant. It's great for the plant but it has presented more hurdles for our birds.             The neonics are especially devastating to our migrating songbirds. A research paper published in 2019 has shown that migrating birds that eat seeds covered in neonics lose wait drastically and delay their migration travels. In the study, white-crowned sparrows were monitored with radio telemetry. Researchers found that birds that ate seeds covered in neonics lost 6% of their body weight in six hours and delayed their migration by 3 and ½ days. This is a significant amount of time to delay causing them to miss out on finding mates and territories which can mean they do not breed for the year.             Neonics affect the nervous system of animals that ingest the chemicals. These chemicals are also contributing to the decline of honey bees. The bees lose their ability to navigate back to their hives and eventually starve to death. Neonics may also be harming us. These pesticides are designed to remain in the plant for the entirety of their lives which means the produce from those plants also have neonics in them. Studies are currently on going about how these pesticides affect humans.   Kiersten: Okay! What can we do to help? We can start by looking in our own backyards. If you are a gardener or you have friends or family that garden, you typically take pride in how lovely it looks. As you should! But there are a few small things we can do to help curb the reach of these chemicals. Here are some tips from the American Bird Conservancy on how to garden responsibly: Avoid using neonicotinoids, glyphosate, and carbaryl pesticides. Avoid anything that says it is a systemic pesticide. Weed by hand Use DIY pesticides. A mixture of diluted white vinegar, salt, and dish soap is a great way to rid your yard of weeds without using synthetic chemicals. According to Lawn Love, you can make a large supply for continued use by combining a gallon of vinegar with a cup of salt and one tablespoon of dish soap. Put this in a spray bottle fro easy use and store in your garage. You can prevent weeds by sprinkling corn gluten around established plants. You can get rid of weeds near the pavement by pouring boiling water on them. Do be careful of splash back. Use organic insecticides that use essential oils to combat insects. Check out a company called Jonathan Green for some great options. And our absolute favorite method. Plant native plants. These plants already know how to combat insects and are best suited for the area in which you live, and attract native birds by offering them what they need to survive.   Cheryl: Another way to help is let local, state, and federal agencies know that you are not okay with these chemicals being sprayed on our farmlands. The EPA and FDA have the power to ban the use of these neonics. Other countries have done so, and so can the United States. With all the political craziness going on around us, we often forget that we have a voice. But don't forget we do have a voice and we can make a difference with votes and petitions.   Kiersten: Thanks everyone for listening and helping our backyard songbirds. Cheryl and I do have an announcement. This is the first episode of our last ten episodes. We will be ending The Feathered Desert. I think I can speak for both of us by saying we've have a wonderful time writing and producing this podcast. We've learned a lot and we hope you've learned a lot, as well.  Stick with us for our final episodes though!   

Flamingoes in Wisconsin? Yes! In late August, Hurricane Idalia pushed dozens of Pink Flamingoes northward, with some landing in Virginia and even Wisconsin! Today we speak with Threatened Species specialist Dan Lebbin from the American Bird Conservancy about how the Flamingoes are doing and how things may go once the freezing cold weather arrives. For more information on the American Bird Conservancy, go to: https://www.abcbirds.org. To track the movement of the wayward Flamingoes go to: https://ebird.org. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

On our latest show: We learn about the plight of Hawaiian birds with the American Bird Conservancy's Luka Zavas; we get schooled by Mike O'Connor about birds that sing in fall and winter; and we feature a bird that's scary to hear, and scary to see.

On our latest show: We listen to birds from Alaska and Alabama, we meet the “Grasshopper Hawk,” and we learn what neonics are doing to birds from the American Bird Conservancy's Hardy Kern.

Hey There Nature Nerds! This week Jen talks all things owls, starting with the infamous staircase and owl theory! Keep an eye on the skies and enjoy! Organization to Support: Owl Research Institute htps://www.owlresearchinstitute.org/ The owl research institute is a small non-profit based out of Montana. They conduct long-term research on owls, their prey species, and their relationship to the habitat in which they live. They use these data to help maintain viable populations. Additionally, they collaborate on strategic projects; educate the public about owls; and provide research data to land management agencies and conservation partners. Also check out the American Bird Conservancy page. Links: htps://www.vulture.com/2018/06/the-staircase-neflix-owl-theory explained.html htps://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/famous-murders/michael peterson/ htps://www.audubon.org/news/was-owl-real-culprit-peterson-murder mystery htps://www.audubon.org/news/no-barred-owls-are-not-trying-kill-you htps://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2015/12/22/return owlcapone-two-atacks-reported/77760094/ htps://www.npr.org/2022/11/02/1133260919/an-owl-twice-atacked-a washington-woman-a-biologist-says-its-becoming-more-comm htps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/owl-atack-killarney-provincial park-1.6786893 htps://www.worldatlas.com/articles/10-fascinating-facts-about-owls-not many-people-know.html htps://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/what-are-owl-pellets/ htps://abcbirds.org/birds/ htps://facts.net/owl-facts/

It's This Month in Birding for August 2023, our monthly round table discussion featuring voices from around the birding world. This month, we welcome back our friends Jody Allair of Birds Canada, Jordan Rutter of the American Bird Conservancy, and Brodie Cass Talbott of Portland Audubon to talk about American Kestrels, Canada Jay siblings, 50 years of Project Puffin and more.  Links to topics discussed in this episode: The Mystery of the Vanishing Kestrels: What's Happening to This Flashy Falcon? Sibling Rivalry Pays Off for Canada Jays, U of G Research Finds 50 years of Project Puffin Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!    

SpaceX and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are seeking to dismiss a lawsuit initiated by five environmental and Indigenous groups challenging the approval of the space company's Starship rocket program. The FAA and SpaceX contend that the plaintiffs do not possess the legal standing required to present their case, according to court documents filed on Friday. The lawsuit, initiated on May 1 by the Center for Biological Diversity, the American Bird Conservancy, the SurfRider Foundation, Save Rio Grande Valley, and the Carrizo-Comecrudo Nation of Texas, claims the FAA acted inappropriately by not conducting a thorough environmental study on the probable impacts of SpaceX activities. They argue the FAA should have ascertained the potential consequences before permitting SpaceX to launch from its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas.

SpaceX and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are seeking to dismiss a lawsuit initiated by five environmental and Indigenous groups challenging the approval of the space company's Starship rocket program. The FAA and SpaceX contend that the plaintiffs do not possess the legal standing required to present their case, according to court documents filed on Friday. The lawsuit, initiated on May 1 by the Center for Biological Diversity, the American Bird Conservancy, the SurfRider Foundation, Save Rio Grande Valley, and the Carrizo-Comecrudo Nation of Texas, claims the FAA acted inappropriately by not conducting a thorough environmental study on the probable impacts of SpaceX activities. They argue the FAA should have ascertained the potential consequences before permitting SpaceX to launch from its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas.

Jane Alexander is an actress, writer, and conservationist. She chaired the National Endowment for the Art from 1993-1997. A Tony Award winner and member of the Theatre Hall of Fame, Alexander has performed in more than a hundred plays. Her long film career includes four Academy Award nominations, for The Great White Hope, All The President's Men, Kramer vs. Kramer, and Testament. She has been honored with two Emmys, for Playing for Time and Warm Springs. Alexander was a Trustee of the Wildlife Conservation Society, a board member of the American Bird Conservancy, the American Birding Association, and a Commissioner of New York State Parks. She sits on the board of the National Audubon Society, the Global Advisory Group of Bird Life International, and the Conservation Council of Panthera. In 2012 the Indianapolis Prize inaugurated the Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador Award, with Alexander as its first recipient.· www.creativeprocess.info

Jane Alexander is an actress, writer, and conservationist. She chaired the National Endowment for the Art from 1993-1997. A Tony Award winner and member of the Theatre Hall of Fame, Alexander has performed in more than a hundred plays. Her long film career includes four Academy Award nominations, for The Great White Hope, All The President's Men, Kramer vs. Kramer, and Testament. She has been honored with two Emmys, for Playing for Time and Warm Springs. Alexander was a Trustee of the Wildlife Conservation Society, a board member of the American Bird Conservancy, the American Birding Association, and a Commissioner of New York State Parks. She sits on the board of the National Audubon Society, the Global Advisory Group of Bird Life International, and the Conservation Council of Panthera. In 2012 the Indianapolis Prize inaugurated the Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador Award, with Alexander as its first recipient.· www.creativeprocess.info

Jane Alexander is an actress, writer, and conservationist. She chaired the National Endowment for the Art from 1993-1997. A Tony Award winner and member of the Theatre Hall of Fame, Alexander has performed in more than a hundred plays. Her long film career includes four Academy Award nominations, for The Great White Hope, All The President's Men, Kramer vs. Kramer, and Testament. She has been honored with two Emmys, for Playing for Time and Warm Springs. Alexander was a Trustee of the Wildlife Conservation Society, a board member of the American Bird Conservancy, the American Birding Association, and a Commissioner of New York State Parks. She sits on the board of the National Audubon Society, the Global Advisory Group of Bird Life International, and the Conservation Council of Panthera. In 2012 the Indianapolis Prize inaugurated the Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador Award, with Alexander as its first recipient.· www.creativeprocess.info

Jane Alexander is an actress, writer, and conservationist. She chaired the National Endowment for the Art from 1993-1997. A Tony Award winner and member of the Theatre Hall of Fame, Alexander has performed in more than a hundred plays. Her long film career includes four Academy Award nominations, for The Great White Hope, All The President's Men, Kramer vs. Kramer, and Testament. She has been honored with two Emmys, for Playing for Time and Warm Springs. Alexander was a Trustee of the Wildlife Conservation Society, a board member of the American Bird Conservancy, the American Birding Association, and a Commissioner of New York State Parks. She sits on the board of the National Audubon Society, the Global Advisory Group of Bird Life International, and the Conservation Council of Panthera. In 2012 the Indianapolis Prize inaugurated the Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador Award, with Alexander as its first recipient.· www.creativeprocess.info

Jane Alexander is an actress, writer, and conservationist. She chaired the National Endowment for the Art from 1993-1997. A Tony Award winner and member of the Theatre Hall of Fame, Alexander has performed in more than a hundred plays. Her long film career includes four Academy Award nominations, for The Great White Hope, All The President's Men, Kramer vs. Kramer, and Testament. She has been honored with two Emmys, for Playing for Time and Warm Springs. Alexander was a Trustee of the Wildlife Conservation Society, a board member of the American Bird Conservancy, the American Birding Association, and a Commissioner of New York State Parks. She sits on the board of the National Audubon Society, the Global Advisory Group of Bird Life International, and the Conservation Council of Panthera. In 2012 the Indianapolis Prize inaugurated the Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador Award, with Alexander as its first recipient.· www.creativeprocess.info

Jane Alexander is an actress, writer, and conservationist. She chaired the National Endowment for the Art from 1993-1997. A Tony Award winner and member of the Theatre Hall of Fame, Alexander has performed in more than a hundred plays. Her long film career includes four Academy Award nominations, for The Great White Hope, All The President's Men, Kramer vs. Kramer, and Testament. She has been honored with two Emmys, for Playing for Time and Warm Springs. Alexander was a Trustee of the Wildlife Conservation Society, a board member of the American Bird Conservancy, the American Birding Association, and a Commissioner of New York State Parks. She sits on the board of the National Audubon Society, the Global Advisory Group of Bird Life International, and the Conservation Council of Panthera. In 2012 the Indianapolis Prize inaugurated the Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador Award, with Alexander as its first recipient.· www.creativeprocess.info

Birds are immensely complex creatures, and scientists discover fascinating facts about them every day. Mysterious behaviors such as migration are only recently being solved — and Rebecca Heisman is eager to share this research with the world.  Rebecca is a science writer based in Walla Walla, Washington with a deep passion for birds. She has worked with organizations such as the Audubon Society, the American Bird Conservancy, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Wilson Ornithological Society, and the American Ornithological Society.  In March 2023, Rebecca released Flight Paths: How a Passionate and Quirky Group of Pioneering Scientists Solved the Mystery of Bird Migration, and she joins us today to discuss the remarkable story of how we know what we know about bird migration. Click play to find out: The many mysteries of bird migration that have been solved.  The tracking devices used to trace bird migration patterns.  The details needed to effectively concentrate conservation efforts. Why certain bird populations are declining. To learn more about Rebecca and purchase her book, click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

A new lawsuit filed by the Center for Biological Diversity, Save RGV, the American Bird Conservancy and a tribal alliance alleges the FAA failed “to fully analyze and mitigate the environmental harms resulting from the SpaceX Starship/Super Heavy launch program at Boca Chica.”

Considering joining us for our flagship hunting camp, the Mountain Grouse Camp in MT? Listen in as Sabrina, our Pacific West Coordinator and first time grouse camp attendee, and Teri, a future camp mentor and two time attendee, break down the experiences and learnings from our 2022 grouse camp. If you are wondering about the dove statistic mentioned in the podcast, we looked it up. It is from a 2011 study stating that in the US, hunters harvest 14.5 million doves. It is estimated that between 8.8 and 15 million doves die annually from lead poisoning. You can find this article on the American Bird Conservancy website titled “Dove Hunters Asked to Consider… Nontoxic Shot…”. To watch the video of this episode, head over to the HerUpland Community Network.   ---- This Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt "The #1 GPS Hunting App"  Boss Shot Shells "Superior-grade, American-made, Copper-plated Shot Shells" Syren USA "Shotguns for Women. No More Compromises" ---- HerUpland Community Network Instagram Facebook YouTube HerUpland Website  

The shallow waters and wide mudflats of the Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary northeast of Galveston, Texas, are alive with thousands of gulls, terns, and shorebirds. American Avocets are often among the most abundant birds, with 5,000 or more here most winters. The avocets have sensitive bills that curve upward. As they wade, they sweep their heads back and forth and snap up the tiny crustaceans that touch their bills. This tactile feeding method is unique among the birds here. The Bolivar Peninsula is famous for its big flocks of water birds and concentrations of migrating songbirds. Both National Audubon and American Bird Conservancy have designated it an Important Bird Area, or IBA. 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.