POPULARITY
In all animals, mating is a deal. But few creatures behave as if sex is a simple, even mutually beneficial, transaction. Many more treat it with reverence, suspicion, angst, and violence. Matt Ridley revisits Darwin's revelatory theory of mate choice through the close study of the peculiar rituals of birds, and considers how this mating process complicates our own view of human evolution. Ridley also explores the scientific research into the evolution of bright colors, exotic ornaments, and elaborate displays in birds around the world. Charles Darwin thought the purpose of such displays was to “charm” females. Though Darwin's theory was initially dismissed and buried for decades, recent scientific research has proven him newly right—there is a powerful evolutionary force quite distinct from natural selection: mate choice. In Birds, Sex and Beauty, Ridley reopens the history of Darwin's vexed theory, laying bare a century of disagreement about an idea so powerful, so weird, and so wonderful, we may have yet to fully understand its implications. Matt Ridley is the bestselling author of The Rational Optimist and Viral: The Search for the Origin of COVID-19 (with Alina Chan). His books have sold over a million copies. Ridley served in the House of Lords from 2013 to 2021 and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, the Academy of Medical Sciences, and an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His latest book is Birds, Sex and Beauty: The Extraordinary Implications of Charles Darwin's Strangest Idea.
Basic midwest feeder bird or mysterious exotic tundra sparrow? Actually, both! Harris's Sparrows, one of the most enigmatic North American sparrows, are about to travel well out of reach into the remote frigid north, so let's gossip about them before they're gone. Only a handful of studies have been done with this species, and to this day we lack pretty basic Breeding Bird Survey information about their populations. Primary Sources: Norment, C. J., S. A. MacDougall-Shackleton, D. J. Watt, P. Pyle, and M. A. Patten (2020). Harris's Sparrow(Zonotrichia querula ), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (P. G. Rodewald, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.harspa.01 Contact Website Facebook Twitter info@grasslandgroupies.org
Episode Notes What does the American South and the Tallgrass Prairie have in common? Their grasslands support an elusive little grassland specialist that the old timey ornithologists roast way too hard: the Henslow's Sparrow. In this episode we explore the beloved longleaf pine savannas of the southern US, and ask why a little grassland sparrow who hates trees chooses to spend its winters among the longleaf pines. Photos and more are at our site. Primary Sources: Harrington, Tim; Miller, Karl; Parks, Noreen. 2013. Restoring a disappearing ecosystem: the longleaf pine savanna. Science Findings 152. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 6 p. Herkert, J. R., P. D. Vickery, and D. E. Kroodsma (2020). Henslow's Sparrow (Centronyx henslowii), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (P. G. Rodewald, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.henspa.01 Contact Website Facebook Twitter info@grasslandgroupies.org This podcast is powered by Pinecast.
Humans have been fascinated with birdlife since the first cave drawings 12,000 years ago. In Birds and Us, Tim Birkhead explores how birds have captured our imaginations and inspired both art and science. He looks back to the mummified ibises of Ancient Egypt and the Victorian obsessions with egg collecting, to today's bustling guillemot colonies on the Faroe Islands and the fight to save endangered species. Around 1820 John James Audubon declared his intention to paint every bird species in North America. The result was the hugely ambitious Birds of America featuring 435 life-size, hand-coloured prints. The National Museum of Scotland is currently exhibiting several of his original unbound prints, and the curator Mark Glancy tells the story of this controversial figure who shot thousands of birds in his pursuit of the perfect pose and specimen, but also had a unique eye for their beauty. Alison Richard has spent five decades investigating one of the most extraordinarily diverse places on earth – Madagascar. She recreates the island of the past with its towering flightless Elephant birds and giant tortoises. Her latest book, The Sloth Lemur's Song captures the magic and mystery of Madagascar today, but also serves as a warning at what could lie ahead for its unique wildlife. Producer: Katy Hickman Image Credit: Detail from a print depicting Carolina Pigeons or Turtle Doves from Birds of America by John James Audubon © National Museums Scotland.jpg
Content Warning: talk of dead things (not graphic). Old World Vultures have a different set of tricks in order to survive including eating fruit, bones, and garbage. We talk Bearded Vultures, Eurasian Griffons, and more in this part two of our vulture special. http://savebellbowlprairie.org - save this Illinois prairie by Nov. 1st! Included is more information on the prairie itself as well as easy actions to take in the next two weeks. Please share to bring awareness before it's too late! Thanks for listening! Liked this episode? Why not share with a friend? Primary Sources: Be sure to check out photos and more at our site! Eurasian Griffons at a feeding station (video). Barcell, M., Benítez, J. R., Solera, F., Román, B., & Donázar, J. A. (2015). Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) Uses Stone-Throwing to Break into a Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) Egg. Journal of Raptor Research, 49(4), 521–522. https://doi.org/10.3356/rapt-49-04-521-522.1 Margalida, A., Schulze-Hagen, K., Wetterauer, B., Domhan, C., Oliva-Vidal, P., & Wink, M. (2020). What do minerals in the feces of Bearded Vultures reveal about their dietary habits? Science of The Total Environment, 138836. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138836 Negro, J. J., Grande, J. M., Tella, J. L., Garrido, J., Hornero, D., Donázar, J. A., … Barcell, M. (2002). An unusual source of essential carotenoids. Nature, 416(6883), 807–808. https://doi.org/10.1038/416807a Winkler, D. W., S. M. Billerman, and I.J. Lovette (2020). Hawks, Eagles, and Kites (Accipitridae), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (S. M. Billerman, B. K. Keeney, P. G. Rodewald, and T. S. Schulenberg, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.accipi1.01 (edited) Contact Website Facebook Twitter info@grasslandgroupies.org
Content Warning: talk of corpses and the eating of them. Vultures are nasty birds which cleanse the landscape of death and disease. In this part of our first ever two part episode we learn about the New World vultures from North and South America and how they fit into their landscapes and interact with each other. Next time: Old World vultures! Thanks for listening to our weekly exploration of why grasslands are the best biome. We'll see you next week for part two! Primary Sources: Be sure to check out photos and more at our site! Zepeda Mendoza, M. L., Roggenbuck, M., Manzano Vargas, K., Hansen, L. H., Brunak, S., Gilbert, M. T. P., & Sicheritz-Pontén, T. (2018). Protective role of the vulture facial skin and gut microbiomes aid adaptation to scavenging. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 60(1). doi:10.1186/s13028-018-0415-3 Winkler, D. W., S. M. Billerman, and I.J. Lovette (2020). New World Vultures (Cathartidae), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (S. M. Billerman, B. K. Keeney, P. G. Rodewald, and T. S. Schulenberg, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. Contact Website Facebook Twitter info@grasslandgroupies.org
A raptor like no other crosses 20,000km across hemispheres every year, chasing summer and bugs and grasslands through the Americas. The Swainson's Hawk is a spectacle, and we're grateful to have them fighting on our side in the looming grasshopper apocalypse. Thanks for listening to our weekly exploration of why grasslands are the best biome. We'll see you next time! Primary Sources: Bechard, M. J., C. S. Houston, J. H. Sarasola, and A. S. England (2020). Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (A. F. Poole, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.swahaw.01 Bird Names for Birds; William Swainson Contact Website Facebook Twitter info@grasslandgroupies.org
In Birds of Prey, Harley Quinn is fresh off her breakup from the Joker, and ends up forming her own butt-kicking girl gang. The best part about it? Thanks to costume designer Erin Benach (Neon Demon, Drive, A Star is Born), every character in the film is sporting some serious style. Make yourself a Harley Quinn breakfast sandwich and let us know which BoP looks you would #AddToCart. (Note: This episode was recorded before shelter in place.) SHOW NOTES Costume designer Erin Benach’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinbenach/?hl=en Billie Valentine BoP jewelry collection: https://billievalentine.com/collections/birds-of-prey Lauren Nakao Winn’s epic BoP Twitter thread: https://twitter.com/LaurenNakaoWinn/status/1229612186189914113 Rachel Burke: fashion designer who works primarily with tinsel https://www.instagram.com/imakestagram/?hl=en Interview with Erin Benach on THR: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/birds-prey-costume-designer-erin-benach-dressing-margot-robbie-as-harley-quinn-1276618 Where to Shop article from Syfy: https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/where-to-shop-harley-quinns-birds-of-prey-closet Harley’s vagina jacket from Discount Universe: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8PNYtxhRvc/?utm_source=ig_embed The Alexia Hentsch star bodysuit: https://shop.alexiahentsch.com/products/fluo-stars
In BIRDs very first information event podcast Mel Brooke, Patient and Public Engagement Programme Director, talks to Dr Sarah Tansley about Myositis including the different sub-types of Myositis, symptoms, diagnosis, medications and management of the condition. Dr Tansley is an Academic Clinical Lecturer in Rheumatology with a special interest in Myositis research and part of the team of experts at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Bath. Did you know you can access all our information podcasts direct from BIRDs website? Simply visit www.birdbath.org.uk/podcasts and scroll down the page to find the one you are looking for. As mentioned in the podcast, here are a few links to help you find more information: www.nhs.uk/conditions/myositis/ www.myositis.org.uk www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/myositis/ We'd love to have your feedback as we further develop our podcasts - please complete this quick e-survey via Myositis Feedback Please note: All content for BIRDs PPE podcasts are created for information purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider with any questions you may have about your medical condition. Reliance on any information provided by BIRD or any of the expert podcast guests is solely at your own risk. If you would like more information or have any questions you can get in touch via admin@birdbath.org.uk The Patient and Public Engagement Programme is supported by a hands-off sponsorship from Eli Lilly and Company Limited who have no involvement in the development or running of the programme.
In this months episode, Alex and Simona talk about all things birds. Find out more about identifying avian remains, how we can use birds to reconstruct past environments and how humans have lived alongside them for millennia. Links Cohen, A. and Serjeantson, D. (1986) "A Manual for the Identification of Bird Bones from Archaeological Sites". Archetype Books. Serjeantson, D. (2010) "17 Ravens and crows in Iron Age Britain: the Danebury Corvids Reconsidered". In "Birds in Archaeology: Proceedings of the 6th Meeting of the ICAZ Bird Working Group in Groningen". Barkhuis. Gaskell, J. (2000) "Who Killed the Great Auk?". Oxford University Press. Lawrence, D. (2006) "Neolithic Mortuary Practice in Orkney". Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 136. pp. 47-60. Luff, M. (1984) Animal Remains in Archaeology Shire Archaeology https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-50603415 Contact Alex FitzpatrickTwitter: @archaeologyfitz Simona FalangaTwitter: @CrazyBoneLady Music "Coconut - (dyalla remix)" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2UiKoouqaY Affiliates Wildnote TeePublic Timeular
In this months episode, Alex and Simona talk about all things birds. Find out more about identifying avian remains, how we can use birds to reconstruct past environments and how humans have lived alongside them for millennia. Links Cohen, A. and Serjeantson, D. (1986) "A Manual for the Identification of Bird Bones from Archaeological Sites". Archetype Books. Serjeantson, D. (2010) "17 Ravens and crows in Iron Age Britain: the Danebury Corvids Reconsidered". In "Birds in Archaeology: Proceedings of the 6th Meeting of the ICAZ Bird Working Group in Groningen". Barkhuis. Gaskell, J. (2000) "Who Killed the Great Auk?". Oxford University Press. Lawrence, D. (2006) "Neolithic Mortuary Practice in Orkney". Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 136. pp. 47-60. Luff, M. (1984) Animal Remains in Archaeology Shire Archaeology https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-50603415 Contact Alex FitzpatrickTwitter: @archaeologyfitz Simona FalangaTwitter: @CrazyBoneLady Music "Coconut - (dyalla remix)" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2UiKoouqaY Affiliates Wildnote TeePublic Timeular
In Birds of Prey, covered this week, Harley Quinn announces her emancipation from one 'Mr. J'. Christina is ready to do the same from our two Mr. J's, as Jeff and Jim make her suffer through the 1981 Disney oddity 'Condorman'. Did we hate it? Do birds fly? #tmiconfessional #tmipodcast #tmimovies #birdsofprey #harleyquinn #margotrobbie #maryelizabethwinstead #huntress #condorman #michaelcrawford #christinahenry
XYZ - from the forthcoming album by @birdsofprey. Vocals by Camille Altay. If emptiness is heaviness is Godliness, Birds of Prey's third full-length LP is an immaculate conception from on high. The record luxuriates in the spaces between. What's left out says as much as what made it in. Deep, droning, and dub wise, “Vanishing Point” cascades in elegance. Its reference points call towards the sample manipulation of American tape music and the downward gaze of amniotic British bass music. It charts its own path nonetheless, building its own space for drifting off to. Unlike many peers operating in similar realms, Birds of Prey are a proper band, a foursome: Grant Aaron, Clay Wilson, Eric Holmes, and Camille Altay. Each are artists in their own right with a distinct practice. In Birds of Prey, their collaborations in studio take on a greater shape, whittled and edited into cosmic formlessness. Although borne of improvisation, you may never know that in the listening. "Vanishing Point" is a tight, coherent work, the sound of a cadre of talented musicians locked in flow. Rippling tones become glacial melodies. Cavernous drums emerge barely from the ether. Rhythms interlock, interpolate. Patterns repeat and dissolve whence they came. There is untold potency in simplicity, and Birds of Prey make it known. Releases June 14, 2019 All songs written and produced by Birds of Prey Mixed by Oliver Chapoy at Ohm Sweet Ohm, NY Mastered by Rafael Anton Irisarri at Black Knoll Studios, NY Photography by Candace Price Design by Gabriel Benzur Words by Chris Zaldua Worldwide Distribution: wordandsound → what people play
Vanishing Point -- Title track from the forthcoming album by @birdsofprey If emptiness is heaviness is Godliness, Birds of Prey's third full-length LP is an immaculate conception from on high. The record luxuriates in the spaces between. What's left out says as much as what made it in. Deep, droning, and dub wise, “Vanishing Point” cascades in elegance. Its reference points call towards the sample manipulation of American tape music and the downward gaze of amniotic British bass music. It charts its own path nonetheless, building its own space for drifting off to. Unlike many peers operating in similar realms, Birds of Prey are a proper band, a foursome: Grant Aaron, Clay Wilson, Eric Holmes, and Camille Altay. Each are artists in their own right with a distinct practice. In Birds of Prey, their collaborations in studio take on a greater shape, whittled and edited into cosmic formlessness. Although borne of improvisation, you may never know that in the listening. "Vanishing Point" is a tight, coherent work, the sound of a cadre of talented musicians locked in flow. Rippling tones become glacial melodies. Cavernous drums emerge barely from the ether. Rhythms interlock, interpolate. Patterns repeat and dissolve whence they came. There is untold potency in simplicity, and Birds of Prey make it known. Releases June 14, 2019 All songs written and produced by Birds of Prey Mixed by Oliver Chapoy at Ohm Sweet Ohm, NY Mastered by Rafael Anton Irisarri at Black Knoll Studios, NY Photography by Candace Price Design by Gabriel Benzur Words by Chris Zaldua Worldwide Distribution: wordandsound → what people play
Everyone has left us - even the Green Ranger - for this week's episode of Ranger Danger! We're so alone! In Birds of a Feather: Learn! The meaning of the phrase "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush"! Wonder! At the emails we received! And Michael's associated psychological damage! Confuse! What exactly is a Cardiotron, and why is it a robot? Quote! "There's a limited audience for a Power Rangers podcast, but there's an even more limited audience for a Power Rangers podcast that starts talking about The West Wing." Business! Mat and I have an idea so good that we almost cut it out of the podcast. Fear! The Electric Hug of the Hatchasaurus! AND MUCH MORE!!!
Everyone has left us - even the Green Ranger - for this week's episode of Ranger Danger! We're so alone! In Birds of a Feather: Learn! The meaning of the phrase "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush"! Wonder! At the emails we received! And Michael's associated psychological damage! Confuse! What exactly is a Cardiotron, and why is it a robot? Quote! "There's a limited audience for a Power Rangers podcast, but there's an even more limited audience for a Power Rangers podcast that starts talking about The West Wing." Business! Mat and I have an idea so good that we almost cut it out of the podcast. Fear! The Electric Hug of the Hatchasaurus! AND MUCH MORE!!!