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BirdCare Aotearoa is a wild, native bird hospital that works to rehabilitate sick and injured birds back into the wild. For their upcoming event: ‘Bird Heros,' a part of EcoFest 2025 on the 6th of April, the workshop will look at the best practices on rescuing wild native birds, and will include a tour of their bird hospital, which is not usually open to the public. For this week's Green Desk, Producer Leilani spoke to the Hospital Manager at BirdCare Aotearoa, Pooja Dorle, about the rehabilitation processes of birds within their hospital ahead of their next workshop. Fellow Green Desk Producer Liam, and News and Editorial Director Joel, went to the previous workshop over the weekend, and spoke to the Chair of the organisation, Kevin Furgeson, and volunteer Marina, and had a tour of their facilities. Thanks EcoFest! BirdCare Aotearoa also has a fundraiser running to shed light on seabirds affected by street lights and brightly lit buildings across the city, affecting their migration patterns and causing birds, such as the protected Petrels, Shearwaters, and Prions, to fall and injure themselves. To support their clinical rehabilitation practices, you can support their campaign on givealittle.
BirdCare Aotearoa is a wild, native bird hospital that works to rehabilitate sick and injured birds back into the wild. For their upcoming event: ‘Bird Heros,' a part of EcoFest 2025 on the 6th of April, the workshop will look at the best practices on rescuing wild native birds, and will include a tour of their bird hospital, which is not usually open to the public. For this week's Green Desk, Producer Leilani spoke to the Hospital Manager at BirdCare Aotearoa, Pooja Dorle, about the rehabilitation processes of birds within their hospital ahead of their next workshop. Fellow Green Desk Producer Liam, and News and Editorial Director Joel, went to the previous workshop over the weekend, and spoke to the Chair of the organisation, Kevin Furgeson, and volunteer Marina, and had a tour of their facilities. Thanks EcoFest! BirdCare Aotearoa also has a fundraiser running to shed light on seabirds affected by street lights and brightly lit buildings across the city, affecting their migration patterns and causing birds, such as the protected Petrels, Shearwaters, and Prions, to fall and injure themselves. To support their clinical rehabilitation practices, you can support their campaign on givealittle.
Storm Ashley impacted a great many people across Ireland, but did you know that it also had a remarkable impact on seabirds? Great Shearwaters were seen in unprecedented numbers off the Kerry coast as they took shelter from the storm in Tralee Bay.
By Selva Ozelli It is Plastic Free July. The campaign originated in Australia to draw attention to the global problem of plastic waste, resulting in the world's first Plastic Treaty that is still being negotiated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastics Pollution. "The treaty presents a crucial opportunity to tackle plastic pollution from a fresh perspective and adopt innovative problem-solving methods. We are hopeful that the treaty will introduce novel solutions and align policies that have proven effective" explained Betsy Bowers, Executive Director of the Global EPS Sustainability Alliance (GESA). The Impact of Plastic Waste on Nature Plastic pollution is causing serious problems for animals, nature, and people's health. Drawing attention to this are several environmental artists with physical and digital art shows around the world. These artists during the fall will also be part of Climate Week NY's Pink and Blue Art Show held at Howland Cultural Center Beacon, NY from Aug 10 to Sep 29, 2024. 1. UN Ocean Decade Tides of Change Waves of Hope Art Show at Art on the Ave NYC at Fulton Center New York City - April 1 to July 6, 2024 Internationally acclaimed photographers Ian Hutton from the Lord Howe Island Australia, Zinnia Gutowski from the Philippines/US, and Alfons Rodriguez from Spain and award winning oil painters Selva Ozelli from the US Semine Hazar, Fatma Kadir and Ihan Sayin from Turkiye draw attention to the impact of plastic pollution on sea slugs, water birds and whales with their work on exhibit to the public at Fulton Center New York. Waves & Tides According to a study by Alexander L. Bond , Ian Hutton and Jennifer L. Lavers plastic production and pollution of the environment is rising rapidly and outpacing current mitigation measures. The temporal changes in the amount and composition of plastic in boluses from Flesh-footed Shearwaters during 2002-2020 showed a generally decreasing pattern from 2002 to 2015 and increasing again to 2020 which suggests shearwater boluses to be a low-effort, high-statistical power monitoring tool for quantifying progress against environmental policies in Australia. How plastic litter is killing wildlife on Lord Howe Island by Ian Hutton and Jennifer L. Lavers: 1. Healing Hudson Art Show by Selva Ozelli for the Putnam History Museum Coldspring, NY June 8 to Sep 30, 2024 Artist Selva Ozelli with her Healing Hudson Art Show for Putnam History Museum draws attention to the impact of plastic pollution on sea/harbor animals who live in the Hudson River and often eat microplastics which contains toxic chemicals, that can increase the chance of disease and affect reproduction. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries marine plastic debris also entangles at least 260 marine species, including marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds so if you see a sea animal strangled in plastic let NOAA Fisheries know. Healing Hudson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt5Mju8H1wM&t=26s Healing Hudson - Darter Fish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6IA0Td_kHw 1. Eco Water Pollution Art Show by photographer Mene Liondos, Greece April 1 to Dec 31, 2024 Photographer Mene Liondos from Greece with his art show Eco Water Pollution is focused on plastic pollution in the Ocean: 1. Moody Blue Crabs Art Show by Selva Ozelli for the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum June 8 to Dec 31, 2024 Artist Selva Ozelli with her art show Moody Blue Crabs Art Show for the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum draws attention to the impact on microplastic pollution on Blue Crabs (Callinectes sapidus) which are susceptible to this pollution because they feed in sediment where dense plastics accumulate. According to a study by Ashley Velzis, Sarah Davis, Andrew Davies, & Coleen Suckling of the University of Rhode Island the majority of microfibers and the foreign microplastics are concentrated in the claws of the crabs. Since Blue Crab claw m...
Have you been to Phillip Island Nature Parks in Australia? It's home to the largest little penguin population - better known as fairy penguins - globally. They're the smallest penguin species in the world. But today's focus is on another seabird - short-tailed shearwaters that use Phillip Island as their breeding grounds! From this week, four-month old fledglings are starting their migration and the Phillip Island Nature Parks is calling for individuals and businesses on the island to switch off their lights at night. Short-tailed shearwaters are mid-sized migratory birds that travel from the Southern to Northern Hemisphere each year, migrating from Australia towards Japan, then across to the Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea to the north of Alaska. They manage this massive 16,000km journey in under four weeks, all before returning to the shores of Phillip Island (Millowl). Among the most vulnerable are seabirds, with shearwaters facing the greatest risk. In a series of studies by Phillip Island Nature Parks exploring the negative effect of artificial lights on shearwaters, light pollution is now at the forefront of negative factors disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems. On this episode of Climate Connections, Dr Duncan Sutherland, Senior Scientist, Phillip Island Nature Parks why the night lights are so detrimental to the short-tailed shearwaters during migration season, conservation efforts under the "Dark Sky So Shearwaters Fly" campaign and how you can do your part. Feature produced and edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg) Voiced by: Audrey Siek Photo/Sound credits: Phillip Island Nature Parks Music credits: pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Upon my odyssey for wisdom, destiny cast me ashore on the isle of Little Tobago, a haven where avian secrets awaited, concealed within the artistry of bird banding. Here, amidst the tranquil embrace of nature's symphony, my passion for recording the melodic tales of the wild began to unfold. Little Tobago, a minuscule jewel adrift off Tobago's northeastern shores, a realm within the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. A realm of seclusion, where the only passage is by sea, where human comforts relent, surrendering to the unspoiled canvas of the night sky, adorned by the celestial dance of the Milky Way. This sacred isle cradles a dry forest, a sanctuary for seabirds—Red-billed Tropicbirds, Audubon's Shearwaters, Brown Boobies, Brown Noddies, Sooty and Bridled Terns—all gracing the island as custodians of the heavens. White-tailed Tropicbirds, a rare sight nesting among the rocks, weaving their tales into the tapestry of this mystical land. Stepping ashore, one is transported to a Jurassic kingdom. The dry forest, a verdant abode for diverse songbirds and near-passerines, like the Trinidad Mot-Mot wielding anvils to conquer beetle shells, while shearwaters echo their cackling calls in the distance. The saga unfolds as the Tropicbirds, pelagic wanderers of the azure expanse, commence their aerial ballet. At 2:30 pm, a celestial rendezvous at the cliff's edge, where winds sculpt destiny. In elegant circles, they harness the invisible currents, orchestrating a grand descent into the embrace of shrubs below. Yet, should the first dance falter, a daring plunge off the cliff, a daring encore to perfect their art. Enter the Frigatebird, the ocean's marauder, soaring through the mid-air theater. Aware that Tropicbirds, satiated after a day of feasting, carry the ocean's bounty, these aerial pirates seize their opportunity. Mid-flight, a violent shake coerces regurgitation, and the Frigatebirds seize the harvest in a daring mid-air ballet. As the clock ticks towards 4 pm, the winds subside, and the avian performers retire to their roosts, leaving but a fleeting window to capture their symphony. In this ephemeral dance, the Red-billed Tropicbirds emerge as the maestros, rendering their enchanting melodies, making them the most bewitching notes I have ever endeavored to record. Recorded by Giselle Ragoonanan Little Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago
Marine Biologist Brendon Dunphy explains why the Hauraki Gulf is seeing increasing numbers of stressed shearwaters and albatrosses. He says the food chain for titi, or sooty shearwaters - also known as muttonbirds - , is being affected by rising water temperatures. Dr Dunphy says some Hauraki Gulf birds are showing some worrying symptoms which relate to the rapidly warming planet.
Join Matt Testoni and Olly Dove as they delve into the world of the Short Tailed Shearwater. Olly has worked with these birds on islands in Tasmania and shares her first hand knowledge of what its like being a sea bird researcher. From making sure you have a shearwater nest and not a penguin nest to to the hazards of seabird research, Olly is a wealth of shearwater knowledge!Check out Olly's podcast, That's What I Call Sciencehttps://thatsscience.org/and her adventures on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ols_dove/Check out Dan Musil (our theme composer)https://danmusilmusic.com/orhttps://www.facebook.com/dan.musil.musicCheck out Matt Testoni's photography on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/matt_testoni_photography/or athttps://www.mtunderwatermedia.comVisit the Seacreatures Podcast buy me a coffee to support the showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattTestoniVisit the Seacreatures Podcast Patreon to support our showhttps://www.patreon.com/seacreaturespodcastand our Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/seacreatures_podcast/ Support the show
In today's episode we read the chapter 10 – A Wedding After All, in which James and Farfalla marry, but things don't go quite as planned...This week's podcast partner is The Grim Cities: https://anchor.fm/thegrimcitiesThis episode features the song The Wedding Dress originally composed by Cannelle for Fantôme Friday #11 in Season 1. This version has been remixed and remastered by Pink Flamingo Music Productions: youtube.com/channel/UCqt6NSbXlXVl3Ofp8jeV4IQThe Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriThe Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbellAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicOfficial Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/storeThe Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.FULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 11 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri. In last week's episode, James Carnifex came back into Farfalla's life and the two fell in love.In today's episode we read the chapter 10 – A Wedding After All, in which James and Farfalla marry, but things don't go quite as planned...Today's podcast partner is The Grim Cities. I discovered this podcast by accident, and I'm so glad I did! The Grim Cities covers paranormal stories from the Twin Cities area and beyond, often covering stories even I, who has lived in the Twin Cities for years, hadn't heard of. Even if you're not familiar with the area, the podcast is absolutely worthwhile with great research and entertaining delivery. Just check the show notes for a link.Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.March 22nd, 1929Today is my wedding day. I never thought I would write those words. After Marius disappeared, the thought of falling in love again or being in a relationship seemed so foreign to me. Impossible. I had accepted the reality of living out my life on my own, quietly, shunned by everyone in town. But life is funny sometimes, it weaves joy and sadness in and out like the creek that flows into Pine River. The day James Carnifex came back into town was the happiest day I'd had in a long time. The following day we went for a picnic by the fountain in Brighthaven. I made us some sandwiches and James bought some pastries from Tourtereaux's Bakery downstairs before we left. We talked and laughed, and I felt freer and happier than I had in years. We saw one another the following day, too. Then he had to travel for business, but upon his return he came to me. We've spent nearly every waking moment together ever since. I relish the company. I had unknowingly swallowed my loneliness down so deeply I had all but forgotten about it, but the moment he left on that trip it came roaring back up from the depths of my being and I realized I don't want to be lonely. I don't want to be alone.I spend as much time with James as possible, and it's lovely, but I've surprised myself in that the thing that has brought me the greatest joy, the greatest pleasure, is the look of shock (and, dare I say, horror?) on the faces of every single person in Pocket who turned on me when the silence fell on Meadow Lane. Every person who blamed me, pushed me to the fringes of their community, treated me as a lesser person, as something to be shunned and feared and loathed. Every person who crossed the street when they saw me coming their way, or who pretended I wasn't there when waiting in line at the store or the post office. I am finding great pleasure in shocking them, perhaps even angering them. Those who don't think I deserve happiness. I have gone out about town with James again and again, relishing their wide eyed, open mouthed disbelief that someone would be kind to me, perhaps even love me. So, naturally, when James asked me to marry him, I said yes.~~~~~~“I will,” says Farfalla, her voice echoing in the vast, mostly empty room. She looks up at James and smiles.“Then, it is my honour to pronounce you husband and wife,” says the officiant, sealing their fates together with a clasp of his hands. With a swish of his robes, he fades to the back of the room, leaving James and Farfalla officially married. They turn to face the hall where Mr. and Mrs. Shearwater, Paloma, Isadora Finch, Isadora's husband Eric and their daughter Sarah are sitting, immediately causing everyone to hop to their feet and clap with joy. James takes Farfalla's hand and leads her down the aisle to the door, her sleek white lace dress trailing to the floor. It had been Mrs. Shearwater's wedding dress originally, and Paloma helped alter it to give it a more modern fit. Farfalla's hair is covered with a long veil, the top of which is attached to a simple tiara that Isadora gifted her when she found out about Farfalla's engagement. In her hands Farfalla holds a bouquet of dried hydrangeas, having been unable to come by any live flowers so early in the year.The group walks out onto the stone steps of the hall facing the Brighthaven Town Square. “Everyone, line up, Eric will take a photo!” says Isadora with excitement. James, Farfalla and Farfalla's family line up on the stone steps as Isadora's husband sets up his camera. “Isadora, you must be in the photo as well!” shouts Farfalla, gesturing for Isadora to join them on the steps. Isadora grabs Sarah and sets the toddler on her hip as she joins the group. A fortuitous break in the clouds sends delicate rays of sunshine down on the happy couple just as Eric takes their photograph. Farfalla smiles. Everything is going to be just fine.“Is everyone ready to go?” asks James. The group nods in unison. Their joyful chatter carries over the town square as they walk to their cars.“Great! We'll meet you at the diner!” shouts Farfalla over her shoulder as she gets into the car. James closes the door gently behind her then runs around the front of the car to the driver's seat. They take a moment to catch their breath.“Can you believe it?” he asks.“It feels surreal, doesn't it?” says Farfalla, feeling a childlike giddiness rising in her. She and James had been friends for many years prior to the Carnifex family leaving Pocket, but she never imagined for a moment that she would one day be his wife. Then again, she never imagined that her first love, her true love, would suddenly disappear, and that she would be forced to move away from Meadow Lane, and that the people of Pocket, the town she had lived in her entire life, would turn against her.“Is everything alright, Falla?” asks James, noting the crease in her brow.Farfalla shakes her head, ridding herself of the negative thoughts. She reminds herself that today is her wedding day, and she refuses to let anything ruin it. “Yes, everything is great,” she says, taking a hold of his hand. James smiles at her, gives her hand a gentle squeeze, then starts the car and pulls away from the curb. They turn onto the main road and head back towards Pocket. James parks the car on Main Street, just outside Bunting's General Store, across from The Early Bird diner.“And now, Mrs. Carnifex, we celebrate!” he says playfully as he grabs Farfalla's hand and helps her out of the car. Farfalla stands up and grins at James before planting a kiss on his cheek, then they scurry across the street to meet the Shearwaters and Isadora in front of the early bird.“Eric has gone home with Sarah so we can enjoy our lunch,” says Isadora. “Shall we?” she asks, gesturing toward the door.Farfalla takes the lead and walks up the short walkway to the restaurant entrance. Just as she is reaching for the door handle Mrs. Kestrel turns the key in the lock. Farfalla stands on the opposite side of the door, a look of confusion on her face. She knocks gently and says, “Mrs. Kestrel, we're here for lunch to celebrate my wedding.”Mrs. Kestrel's eyes narrow and her sharp voice cuts through the glass, “We're closing due to unforeseen circumstances,” she says. With that, she turns the “open” sign to “closed” and walks away.Farfalla stands in front of the door, shellshocked. At that precise moment, a thick cloud blows in, covering the sun and sending heavy rain drops pouring from the sky. Farfalla looks up, grateful for the rain that will camouflage her tears. She laughs then, a harsh, bitter sound that sends shivers down Isadora's spine. “Come on, Farfalla, let's leave,” says Mr. Shearwater, grabbing her by the elbow. James stands on Farfalla's other side, ready to catch her should she stumble.“We'll have lunch tomorrow, I'll prepare your favourite dishes and we'll bring them over to your new house,” says Mrs. Shearwater in the most comforting tone she can muster.“Chin up, Falla,” says Paloma, giving her sister a hug, “this was just back luck, it'll be all blue skies from here on out!”Farfalla imagines what a mess she must look like. The bottom of her dress is quickly getting covered in mud, just like when she was a child wading into Mirror Pond. Her veil is soaked and clinging to the sides of her face, and she can feel eye makeup running down her cheeks in black streaks. The people of Pocket have accused her of being a witch for years, and today she looks the part. Farfalla lets out another bitter laugh, then turns to look at the people standing around her. The only five people in the world who treat her with kindness, love, respect. The only people who speak to her, touch her, love her. She notes how their clothes are getting soaked and their wet hair is sticking to their faces as they stay out in the rain trying to comfort her. She should be feeling love for them, gratitude. But the only emotion running through her body at this very moment is rage.Thank you so much for listening. Join me next week for Chapter 11 – Elisabeth, in which we meet James and Farfalla's daughter, Magpie's Great-Grandmother, Elisabeth.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they are both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work by subscribing to Patreon or Ko-Fi, where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! You can also find The Skylark Bell exclusive merch on my website, www.theskylarkbell.com. Just check the show notes for all necessary links. Once again, thank you for listening – I'm Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Two and a half years after joining the TWICS family, it's finally time for Olly Dove to tell us about her own work in STEMM!As a PhD candidate at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Olly researches the diving behaviour of two seabirds living here in Tasmania: little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters. Join Kate as she asks Olly all about her adventures in zoology and scicomm!Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys)Co-Host: Olly Dove (@littledove440)Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)Media & Promotion: Anna Abela (@annoabela)
Alison White's intense psychological thriller set over twenty four hours on a remote island wildlife reserve. The island reserve, home to hundreds of thousands of breeding Manx shearwater birds that are hunted at night-time by predatory black-backed gulls, is managed by warden Wilf who lives there with his partner Ruth and young daughter Lily. Ruth arrived on the island three years previously, escaping from traumatic events in her past. But Ruth holds a secret and unbeknown to her, someone is coming, someone who has the power to rip her new life apart. As the threat and danger intensifies, distressing memories surface and Ruth is forced to take drastic action to protect herself and the people she loves. The drama features field recordings made on Skomer Island, including the night-time arrival of Manx shearwaters, and uses 3D binaural audio; please listen on headphones for a more immersive experience. RUTH.....Rosalie Craig WILF.....William Ash SETH.....Rupert Hill LILY.....Lily Mitic Written by Alison White Sound design by Steve Brooke Directed by Nadia Molinari A BBC Audio Drama North Production With special thanks to the wardens of Skomer Island and the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. BBC Action Line Support: Domestic abuse: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3FQFSnx6SZWsQn3TJYYlFNy/information-and-support-domestic-abuse Sexual violence: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/22VVM5LPrf3pjYdKqctmMXn/information-and-support-sexual-abuse-and-violence Stalking: www.stalkinghelpline.org Bereavement: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4MmhHDSbdDmTpVJhBs2v4Py/information-and-support-bereavement
Edin Whitehead inherited a love of birds from her father and became captivated by the majesty of seabirds on a trip to the Subantarctic Islands. Now a PhD student at the University of Auckland, she is trying to figure out how best to help the birds of the Hauraki Gulf, who are facing many threats, including warming waters.
In today's episode we read Wingspan Chapter 27, Mirror Pond - in which Lucas experiences the terrible winter of 1925 and Marius Corbeau's mysterious fate, first hand.Brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriMelissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveriAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicMerch: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/storeThis week's Boopod Network podcast partner is Spilling The Crime: https://linktr.ee/spillingthecrimeFULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 27 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri. In our previous episode, Magpie and Julien get engaged during a holiday celebration with the Sarcelles at Carnifex House.In today's episode we read Chapter 27 – Mirror Pond - in which Lucas experiences the terrible winter of 1925 first hand.Be sure to listen through to the end of this episode for a preview of a podcast I quite enjoy called Spilling the Crime. Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.The terrible winter of 1925 has arrived. Shortly after the New Year's celebrations, weeks of frigid temperatures and relentless snow falls started taking their toll. Lucas remembers reading about it in Charlotte's letters and in the books and newspapers at the library, but never in his wildest dreams did he think he'd be living it. He is there when Charlotte and Edward pack up their house. He helps Edward and James carry their belongings to the attic. It takes the strength of all three of them to haul the silver-framed mirror that had once been the centerpiece of the dining room up two flights of stairs. He is there when Cerise disappears, leaving Charlotte devastated. He watches as she tearfully tucks the photo of James and Cerise into the lid of the trunk, the photo that he had once held in his hand, the photo that his younger self would find 90 years from now. Once everything is safely tucked away, he helps them wall off the staircase and build the closet in what would eventually become Magpie's room. He helps them pack their cart and watches with a heavy heart as they disappear down the road, travelling toward a future that is uncertain for them, but for which he already knows the outcome.Lucas hears about a man's tragic passing in a fire at a nearby farm, and his heart aches. He remembers reading about the incident while he and Magpie were doing research at the library, he remembers sitting in the man's abandoned barn with Magpie, the ruins of the farmhouse just a few yards away. But back then he didn't know the man, he had no connection to him. Things are different now. The man's name was Earl. He was a lovely, very hard-working man who was proud of his family. He was a wonderful father to his children, teaching them, entertaining them, caring for them. He and Lucas had worked side by side rebuilding the bunting's shed after the wind blew it down. History records events, it records people's accomplishments, but it doesn't record who people are, who they were, not in the most meaningful way. Articles about the tragedy didn't say “He carried his daughter up on his shoulders so she could reach to brightest, shiniest apple in the tree,” Lucas thinks sadly.With the Carnifex family gone, the Shearwaters have invited Lucas to stay with them at Meadow Lane. He and Farfalla announced their engagement over the holidays, to everyone's delight. It was the happiest Lucas had been in a long time, until the cold and snow removed all joy from the town of Pocket. The apple trees in the orchard were chopped down for firewood as the residents of Pocket became more and more desperate to stay warm. One of the last trees standing is the large oak that stands in front of Meadow Lane. Farfalla had desperately begged her father to preserve it, arguing that birds and animals were nesting in it and she couldn't bear the thought of chopping it down. Finally, Lucas had offered to go out to find more wood and Mr. Shearwater had relented.Lucas has spent the last few days riding through the fields with Cormorant, searching for any kind of tree the Shearwaters can use for firewood. They have been using what little reserves they have left sparingly, but the pile of wood is dwindling, with no sign of the bitter cold letting up. His first few excursions had been somewhat successful, he'd found some saplings that would tide them over for a few days. Today he has traveled farther than any other outing, but a blizzard blows in as he is making his way home, drastically reducing visibility. Lucas squints his eyes against the howling wind and nudges Cormorant in the general direction of Meadow Lane. They slowly plough through mounds of snow, the wind never relinquishing its hold on the air. Lucas can feel thoughts of Marius' untimely end creeping into his mind but pushes them away, he needs to focus on getting home to Farfalla. Suddenly, Lucas sees a flash of colour up ahead. He squints, leaning forward in the saddle to get a better look. He sees a girl sitting on a large rock. “Magpie?!” he says, his words carried away on the wind. Lucas reaches up to try and pull his scarf from his face so he can see better, but a gust of wind blows it out of his hand and onto Cormorant's face. The huge animal rears up in fear, throwing Lucas off its back. Lucas lands with a thud, the frozen ground instantly knocking the wind out of him. He can hear the sound of Cormorant galloping away, and takes a moment to catch his breath and think about what to do next. He thinks about the stories he and Magpie heard about Marius, how he disappeared in a snowstorm by Mirror Pond. If he is at Mirror Pond, then he isn't all that far away from Meadow Lane! If he can get up, he just might make it. Lucas turns onto his stomach and lifts himself up on all fours then waits a moment to make sure his arms and legs are unhurt. Suddenly, his hands slip out from under him, brushing away the snow on the surface of the pond and sending Lucas' face crashing against the ice. Out of nowhere he hears a man's voice. Lucas strains to make out the words. He senses movement nearby and rolls over onto his back to get a better view. An older man is leaning over him, a pleading look on his face. “Take me with you!” he says, “Please, you have to take me with you.” Lucas sees his bright white snowy surroundings fade to black as he loses consciousness. The man springs into action, groaning as he picks Lucas up off the ground and carries him as best he can toward the house at Meadow Lane. He finally reaches the front yard and leans Lucas up against the trunk of the oak tree on the front lawn. “I'm going to get help, I'll be right back,” says the man to a still unconscious Lucas, before racing toward the Starling farm across the road. A few moments later Lucas can feel himself slowly coming around. He keeps his eyes closed and wraps his arms around himself to fend off the bitter cold. On the wind he can hear the tinkling of a bell, he recognizes the sound of the Skylark Bell. “I must be near Meadow Lane!” he thinks, his eyes popping open. The world before him is washed in white. He can feel the trunk of the oak tree behind him and realizes the house is only a few yards behind. He props himself up against the tree and turns around. In the upstairs window of the house, he can see Farfalla dancing in front of her vanity mirror, her mouth moving like she is singing. He strains to hear, a very faint tune carrying on the wind, a tune that sounds vaguely familiar. Something about it sends a chill down Lucas' spine, a chill far worse than the burning cold of the blizzard. Lucas closes his eyes, and the singing gradually gets louder. He has no doubt about where he has heard it before. That surreal voice singing that mystical tune. He first heard it in the forest near Carnifex house, an ocean and a century away. Lucas feels dizzy and disoriented, and the sensation of his body and mind separating, floating away on the sound waves.The old man makes his way back to the oak tree. “I don't understand,” he says in shock, realizing that Lucas is gone. “He was right here!”The old man looks devastated as his shoulders slump in resignation. He knows Marius never made it back to Meadow Lane, he read about it years ago.Thank you so much for listening. Join me next week for Wingspan chapter 28, All That Could Have Been, where Lucas once again finds himself transported, this time back to Carnifex House, but his feeling of relief is short lived.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they're both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work through a donation via my podcast provider or by subscribing to my Patreon page. There you will get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, writing, and I have some fun snail mail gifts for Patreon subscribers coming in the near future!! Check the show notes for links.Before I go, I'd like to share this reel for a podcast I quite enjoy called Spilling the Crime. Listen to this true crime podcast with hilarious and lively hosts. If you enjoy a good laugh with your dose of the unexplained and mysterious be sure to listen to Spilling the Crime.Once again, thank you for listening. I am Melissa Oliveri, creator and host of The Skylark Bell podcast. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations
This episode is a little different than our usual "regular" episode, in that is the audio of the video live stream, and a number of images and videos are referenced in the recording. Because the subject matter is so shocking, and really should be a wake up call for many people (listen for the distressing stats of how many chicks are found to have ingested plastic in the colony of Flesh-footed Shearwaters on Lord Howe Island). Dr. Jennifer Lavers is on of the co-leads of The Adrift Lab, based at the University of Tasmania. Jenn has been studying the same colony of Flesh-footed Shearwaters on Lord Howe Island for almost two decades. There is continuous data for this entire, except for one breeding season, when fieldwork was not conducted due to pandemic restrictions. Joining Dr. Lavers in this discussion are two PhD candidates, Lill Stewart and Alix de Jersey and Honours student, Nina Jones. Each of these students have a different focus in their respective projects, but I am sure each with turn out to be significant when it comes to how the wider community deals with the ubiquitous issue of plastic pollution. It is important that you watch the video we discuss in the episode. You can see it here thebirdemergency.com/adrift Here are the links for this episode The Adrift Lab Dr. Jenn Lavers Lill Stewart Alix de Jersey Nina Jones Dr. Alex Bond Dr. Alex Evans (not Adrift Lab!) Follow The Bird Emergency on Twitter @birdemergency or Instagram @thebirdemergency You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/birdemergency If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? https://followthepodcast.com/birdemergency Or you can review us at https://lovethepodcast.com/birdemergency
In today's episode we read Chapter 24 – The Lark and Bell Artist's Retreat - in which Mrs. Phaeton gives Magpie a tour of the house at Meadow Lane, which she has converted into an artist's retreat and art galleryBrought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriMelissa on Instagram: @the.mop.podMelissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveriAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicThis week's Boopod Network podcast partner is Haunted or Hoax: https://linktr.ee/HauntedorHoaxFULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 24 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri. In our previous episode, Lucas spent an evening with the Shearwaters at Meadow Lane to celebrate Farfalla's birthday where he offered her The Skylark Bell as a gift.In today's episode we read Chapter 24 – The Lark and Bell Artist's Retreat - in which Mrs. Phaeton gives Magpie a tour of the house at Meadow Lane, which she has converted into an artist's retreat and art galleryBe sure to listen through to the end of the episode for a preview of a podcast I quite enjoy called Haunted or Hoax.Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.Magpie and her mother spend most of the morning reminiscing, looking at old photo albums, and telling stories over coffee and biscuits on the front porch. At lunchtime they make their way to the Farmer's Market and purchase the necessities for tonight's dinner at Meadow Lane. They prepare a fragrant cauliflower curry with homemade naan bread, and some key lime pie for dessert. “It'll be just like old times, a real dinner date, with a couple of special guests,” says Mrs. Phaeton, scraping the last of the sauce from the pan into a container before securely replacing its lid.“I'm excited to meet them, and very excited to see all the changes you've made to Meadow Lane!” replies Magpie, licking some excess whipped cream off her finger.“That pie looks divine! I can't wait to dig in,” smiles her mom. “Okay, let's go!” she says, clapping her hands together.They walk across the road to Meadow Lane. Magpie feels slightly apprehensive, even though she and Lucas spent a lot of time at the house before moving to Scotland, her first thought is always the warning Lucas whispered to her that very first day. “I wouldn't go there if I were you…”“A penny for your thoughts,” says her mom, watching her with a sideways glance as they walk up the lane.“I was just thinking about how time has changed this house, this land, even… me. I used to feel so differently about this place, it was desolate and scary and sad. Now the orchard is growing and bearing fruit, the house is all fixed up. I'm just happy to see Meadow Lane filled with light and music and art,” she says, giving her mom a smile.As they approach the front of the house Magpie sees a beautiful hand-painted sign that reads “The Lark & Bell Artist's Retreat”. Beneath the sign, a tall slim man dressed all in black sits next to a bright-eyed woman, her wild hair piled on top of her head looking like it could spill out of its confines at any moment. The man greets them with a polite nod as the woman next to him stands up, a brilliant smile on her face.“Magpie, I'd like you to meet our guests, Mr. and Mrs. Barnaby.”“Please, call me Mandalina,” says the woman, her voice hypnotically inviting, as she stretches her hand over the railing, “and this is my husband, Rowan.”“It's lovely to meet you both,” says Magpie, shaking her hand and nodding back at the man who in turn cracks a warm smile. Magpie suddenly feels happier and more carefree than she has since her arrival in Pocket.“Rowan is an author, and Mandalina is a musician,” says Mrs. Phaeton, as they make their way up the steps. She turns to the couple, “My daughter Magpie is visiting from overseas, she's very excited to see the changes made to the house since she left a few years ago,” she explains.“Well, I don't know what it was like before, but it's a beautiful, and very inspiring place now!” says Mandalina, her hands waving expressively, “and Daniella is an exceptional host,” she adds, smiling at Mrs. Phaeton.Magpie steps into the house, and it takes her breath away. She has a flashback of walking through the main floor the day she came looking for the Skylark Bell, at the time it was gray, broken, and completely silent. Now the walls have been painted a soft blue, each one decorated with various pieces of art and photographs. The kitchen is a bright open space, with modern appliances, and cupboards painted a soft yellow. Magpie notices her mother has kept the original dining room table, where a multitude of candles burn brightly as soft music plays from the stereo in the living room. Magpie walks quietly across the room to the fireplace and looks at her face in the mirror hanging above the mantel. She remembers looking into this very mirror that first day. She had said something out loud; the sound being swallowed by the oppressive, inexplicable silence. She remembers thinking, “this is how ghosts must feel”. Magpie shudders at the memory and leans in to take a closer look at her reflection. She suddenly feels the familiar tingle of a vision coming to her. “Not now,” she whispers to herself, squeezing her eyes shut. When she opens her eyes again, she is confronted with a very different reality in the reflection of the room behind her. She sees the house at Meadow Lane as it was when she first entered it, and she sees herself, timidly walking through the door and taking a few steps into the house. She watches as her younger self feels clumsily for a non-existent light switch, then walks through the main floor, crouching down to look at the broken dishes in the cabinet in the dining room, then walking toward the fireplace. As her younger self steps to the mirror, they find themselves face to face. Magpie stands there, frozen, staring into the eyes of her younger self. The girl in the mirror says “Well, I guess it's time to head upstairs!” then gets a strange look on her face as she realizes her words have made no sound. “Magpie, did you say something about going upstairs?” Mrs. Phaeton's voice cuts through the vision, startling Magpie. She turns to look at her mother, then turns back to the mirror, but the image of her younger self is gone. How did her mother hear an echo of her voice from several years ago?“Um, yes, do you mind if I take a look at what you've done upstairs?” she asks, grateful for a reason to step away from the mirror.“Of course not, let's go up!” says her mom, walking up the stairway. “Rowan and Mandalina are staying in the primary bedroom, but we can go in the other two.”“Actually, I just want to take a look at Farfalla's old room,” says Magpie, walking toward the door at the end of the hall. She sees the swallow is still carved into the door and smiles, “I'm glad you kept this mom, it belongs here.” Mrs. Phaeton wraps her arm around Magpie's shoulders. Magpie leans her head against her mom, feeling the warmth and love emanating from her. She takes a deep breath and opens the door. Inside, the room is bright. A four-poster bed takes up most of the space, sheer white fabric draped across the top. A new rug is laid out over the secret floorboard under which Magpie had found the Skylark Bell. The only original items in the room are the small vanity still sitting in the corner and, of course, the bell, still hanging on its ornate hook in the window. Magpie smiles, watching as it swings gently in the breeze, the lark steadfastly clutching a blackberry in its beak. Magpie feels a sense of peace she hasn't felt since Lucas disappeared. “Everything is perfect,” she says, turning toward her mother, and they head back downstairs for dinner.“This was absolutely delicious, how very kind of you to cook for us,” says Rowan Barnaby, setting his knife and fork together politely on his empty plate. Magpie is charmed by his wild hair and proper English accent. “Your name sounds familiar, I think I read one of your books a few years ago, on the train through Scotland,” says Magpie conversationally, placing a slice of pie on each of their plates. “It was the one about the boy and the ocean, I quite enjoyed it!”“Oh, be careful about complimenting him too much, his ego won't fit through the door and we'll never be able to leave,” laughs Mandalina.“Well, that wouldn't be such a terrible thing,” replies her husband, the twinkle in his eye indicating he and his wife engage in this type of banter regularly.“Well, I, for one, wouldn't mind one bit if you two stayed here forever!” says Mrs. Phaeton.“If we didn't have our son to go home to, we might consider it,” replies Mandalina, warmly.They wrap up dinner and take the dishes to the kitchen. Magpie starts pulling up her sleeves in preparation for dishwashing, but Mandalina lays a gentle hand on her arm to stop her. “We have a system in place,” says Rowan, coming between Magpie and the sink full of dirty dishes, “Danielle does the cooking, and we do the washing up.” “We should be going anyway, I want to show Magpie the gallery before it gets too dark,” says Mrs. Phaeton. They say their goodbyes to the Barnabys and step out the back door. “I expanded the shed that was back here, and turned it into a gallery for local artists,” she says, pointing at the shed, now painted a dusky turquoise with a quaint sign that reads “Gallery in the Meadow” next to the door. “We can come back in the morning and I'll show you inside,” she adds, as she and Magpie slowly make their way back toward the front of the house.Magpie breathes in the cool evening air. As the wind picks up, she hears the sound of the Skylark Bell drifting down from Farfalla's bedroom window. Its hypnotic ring wraps around her, covering her like a blanket, and Magpie closes her eyes, giving in to its magic. The wind fades, taking the sound of the bell with it, and the spell is broken. Magpie shudders as Lucas' first words to her suddenly echo in her mind, “I wouldn't go there if I were you…”Thank you so much for listening. Join me next week for Wingspan chapter 25, A Fete and a Feather, where Lucas joins Farfalla for a memorable celebration at Meadow Lane.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts, they help give the podcast visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. You can also support my work by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! Just check the show notes for links to Patreon, my website, and social media accounts.Before I go, I'd like to share this reel for a podcast I quite enjoy called Haunted or Hoax. Listen to this paranormal investigation podcast that travels around the United States. If you enjoy the haunted atmosphere of The Skylark Bell you'll want to check them out.Once again, thank you for listening. I'm Melissa Oliveri, creator of The Skylark Bell Podcast.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations
In today's episode we read Chapter 23 – The Birthday Bell - in which Lucas visits the Shearwaters at Meadow Lane to celebrate Farfalla's birthday, and a mysterious presence attempts to issue a dire warning.Brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriMelissa on Instagram: @the.mop.podMelissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveriAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicThis week's Boopod Network podcast partner is Generally Spooky: https://linktr.ee/generallyspookyFULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 23 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri. In our previous episode, Magpie returned to Pocket to attend the memorial service for Luca's grandmother, Gemma.In today's episode we read Chapter 23 – The Birthday Bell - in which Lucas visits the Shearwaters at Meadow Lane to celebrate Farfalla's birthday.Be sure to listen through to the end of the episode for a special preview of a podcast I quite enjoy called Generally Spooky.Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.Lucas has been spending a lot of time at the Shearwater house on Meadow Lane. Mr. Shearwater has agreed to let Lucas use the shed behind the house as his workshop, and he finds himself there nearly every day working on various projects. Between jobs, he has been busy carving a skylark to which he will attach the bell that traveled with him from the future. He plans on giving it to Farfalla for her upcoming birthday.Finally, the big day is arrives. The Shearwaters have spared no expense to celebrate Farfalla's 18 trips around the sun. Meadow Lane is decorated with swaths of fabric and large bows, candles in every window, fresh wildflowers in vases throughout the house. Lucas walks nervously up to the door, holding on tightly to the Skylark Bell, carefully packaged in a box with a blue satin ribbon that Charlotte found for him in her sewing box. Scarlett the cat had quite enjoyed toying with the end of the ribbon, leaving it a little frayed at the ends.“Marius! Welcome!” says Mrs. Shearwater, opening the door for him. He smiles and walks nervously into the room, which is filled to the brim with the smell of homemade cake.“Marius, I'm so happy you're here!” says Farfalla, waltzing into the room, her blue dress flowing down to the floor, making her look almost ghost-like. Lucas is frozen to the floor, awed by her beauty. He comes to his senses and smiles at her.“This is for you,” he says, holding the box out for her to take. Farfalla grabs it giddily and sets it on a table with a small handful of packages, each wrapped with brightly coloured ribbons.“Shall we eat? Dinner is just about ready,” says Mrs. Phaeton. Farfalla grabs Lucas' hand and pulls him toward the dining room table.“Mama has made all my favourites! It's going to be absolutely delicious! Then after dinner there will be dancing, Papa even got a new record for the victrola! He bought it when he was in the city a few months ago and kept it hidden so he could surprise me, isn't it wonderful?!” she gushes, pure joy on her face. Lucas nods, a little overwhelmed, but her energy is contagious, and he begins to feel excited too.They sit down to an amazing dinner with fresh tomatoes, green beans and other vegetables from the garden, warm homemade bread, a plate with a selection of fresh cheese from the market. Finally, it's time for the crowning jewel, the birthday cake. Mrs. Shearwater comes in from the kitchen, carefully holding the cake on a platter with both hands. The white frosting of the cake is glowing, reflecting the light of the multitude of candles on its top. The platter that it sits on is decorated with wildflowers from the garden. Mrs. Shearwater sets the cake in front of Farfalla, who closes her eyes briefly before taking a deep breath and blowing all the candles out with one sweep. Everyone around the table claps.“Happy birthday, Farfalla!” shouts Paloma, her cheeks rosy with excitement.Farfalla sits quietly, soaking in the moment, a grateful smile on her face.“Alright dear daughter, you do the honours!” says Mr. Shearwater, handing Farfalla a knife to cut and serve the cake.“Mrs. Shearwater, this cake is incredible!” says Lucas, digging into his piece. The cake has a different texture than the bakery cakes he'd grown used to in his own time, it is more crumbly, but far more flavourful.“Thank you, Marius, that's very kind,” she replies, “it was my mother's recipe.”“Is it time for gifts yet?” asks Paloma, unable to restrain herself any longer. “Oh Farfalla, please open mine first! Please!”Farfalla smiles and nods at her. Paloma races to the table where the packages are waiting patiently, and selects one wrapped with a yellow ribbon. Farfalla slowly unties the ribbon and unwraps the gift. Inside she finds a hand-knitted shawl made of soft blue wool. “Oh Paloma, it's beautiful!” she says, her voice filled with awe.“I chose the colour to match your eyes,” says Paloma, happy that her gift has pleased her older sister.Mr. and Mrs. Shearwater each hand Farfalla a package next. One contains a silver locket on a long chain, and the other a painting of Meadow Lane that Mr. Shearwater commissioned from one of the artists in the neighbouring town. At last, it is time for Farfalla to open Lucas' gift.“This is from me,” he says shyly, handing the box to Farfalla. She slowly unties the ribbon, savouring every moment. Finally, the box is free of its restraints, and she gingerly lifts off the lid. She peels back a layer of tissue paper and lets out a gasp.“Marius!” she says, holding a hand up to her mouth. She looks up at Lucas, her eyes full of emotion. “Did you make this?” she asks.“I carved the skylark, and the bell came with me from Europe. I had been waiting to find the right person to give it to,” he says, never breaking eye contact with Farfalla.“What a wonderful gift,” says Mrs. Shearwater, “Farfalla, you could hang it up in your bedroom window, that way you'll see it every day,” she says, turning from Lucas to her daughter.“Yes, that sounds perfect!” says Farfalla, still in awe of the Skylark's craftsmanship.“Let's not get ahead of ourselves, the night is young!” says Mr. Shearwater, “Now, we dance!” With that, he walks over to the victrola and puts on a record. They push the table and chairs against the wall to make more space. The next hour is spent spinning one another around, elbows locked, changing partners at regular intervals, laughing at missteps, and stopping to rest and grab a drink. Finally, the festivities come to an end, and it is time for Lucas to head home.“Thank you for the marvelous gift,” says Farfalla, walking him down the lane, “This has been the most wonderful birthday. I will never forget this as long as I live,” she adds, stopping at the edge of the road and turning to face him.“I will never forget it either,” says Lucas. He and Farfalla are standing very close, and he feels a warmth spread from his heart to the tips of his fingers and toes. “Goodnight, Farfalla,” he finally whispers before heading home.Farfalla walks back up the lane like she is walking on a cloud and lets herself back into the house. “I installed a hook in your window for you, it's ready and waiting for the bell,” says her father, smiling. Farfalla throws herself into his arms and thanks him, then she grabs the box with the bell and runs up the stairs to her room. She lays the box on her bed and carefully lifts the bell out. She holds it up, admiring the artistry. The Skylark has its head turned toward its back; a blackberry clutched in its beak. An ornate vine twists through its wings and between its feet then down to the loop where the small silver bell is attached. In the fading light of day and the weak light of her lantern Farfalla can't quite make out the details on the bell itself. She feels it with her finger and comes to the conclusion that it is engraved with a swirl of birds spiraling around it, and perhaps a few words, but she can't read them in the low light.Farfalla lifts the bell through her window and hangs it on the decorative hook her father installed just moments ago. The bell swings back and forth in the breeze, its sweet sound filling the room. Farfalla lays on her bed and closes her eyes, soaking in the crystalline sound.Unbeknownst to Farfalla, in the mirror of the small vanity in the corner of her room a mist begins to form. Slowly, through the fog, a woman's face takes shape. She is frowning, a look of concern in her eyes, and her mouth appears to be moving, like she is shouting something, but no sound comes out. Farfalla remains on her bed, eyes closed, peacefully oblivious to the woman's desperate attempt at some kind of warning...Thank you so much for listening. Join me next week for Wingspan chapter 24, The Lark and Bell Artist's Retreat, where Mrs. Phaeton gives Magpie a tour of the house at Meadow Lane, which she has converted into an artist's retreat and art gallery.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they're both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work through a donation via your podcast provider or by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, writing, recipes, and more! Checks the show notes for links to Patreon, my website, and social media accounts.Before I go, I'd like to share this reel for a podcast I quite enjoy called Generally Spooky. Listen to tales from Scotland's history, legends, and stories. If you're enjoying the supernatural side of The Skylark Bell, and share a love of Scotland with our characters, be sure to listen to General Spooky. Once again, thank you for listening – I'm Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations
In today's episode we read Chapter 22 – Goodbye Gemma - in which Magpie flies back to Pocket to visit her mother and attend a memorial for someone very special, and begins to come to an unbelievable conclusion regarding Lucas' disappearance.Brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriMelissa on Instagram: @the.mop.podMelissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveriAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicThis week's Boopod Network podcast partner is The Nightcap: https://linktr.ee/thenightcappodcast FULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 22 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri. In our previous episode, Magpie and Julien Sarcelle spent some time together, and Lucas met Farfalla Shearwater at last.In today's episode we read Chapter 22 – Goodbye Gemma - in which Magpie flies back to Pocket to visit her mother and attend a memorial for someone very special.Be sure to stay tuned at the end of the episode for a preview of a podcast I quite enjoy called The Nightcap.Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.Magpie sits up in bed and looks around at the walls of her old room, it feels like she's traveled back in time. The room strangely feels both foreign and familiar. This is Magpie's first time back in Pocket since she and Lucas set off for Carnifex House 3 years ago. It is a bittersweet return. Lucas' Grandmother, Gemma, has passed away, and Magpie has flown in to pay her respects. The smell of pancakes rouses Magpie from her bed. She throws on a bathrobe and slippers and heads downstairs to the kitchen. “Good morning, sweet bird!” says Mrs. Phaeton.“Hi mom, this smells amazing! What are you making?” asks Magpie, suppressing a yawn as she takes a seat on one of the stools at the kitchen island.“I made blackberry chocolate chip pancakes, Gemma's specialty,” says her mom, a nostalgic and sad smile on her face. Magpie presses her lips together, feeling the lump in her throat.“It's so sad she died never knowing what happened to Lucas. I feel so guilty,” says Magpie, her voice cracking with emotion.“Oh honey, I agree it's incredibly tragic, but it's not your fault. You've done everything you can, and she never stopped being grateful that Lucas had you in his life. She always held hope that he would someday return, and I do too,” says her mom, coming around the counter to give her a warm, comforting hug.They eat their breakfast, catching up on local gossip, then Magpie heads back upstairs to get ready for the service. She digs her shoes out of her suitcase, then opens the door to her closet to grab her dress. She sees the opening at the back of the closet that leads to the attic, and the memory of her and Lucas climbing up those stairs seizes her heart like a clenched fist. Tears instantly spring up in her eyes, but she blinks them back decisively. This trip is going to be difficult, there will be many hard moments to come, she will have to work hard to keep it together.“Ready to go?” asks her mom gently as Magpie is coming down the stairs. Magpie nods and they head out to the car. The memorial service is being held on the front lawn of the library in downtown Pocket. As they pull up, Magpie realizes that every resident of Pocket seems to be in attendance, as well as some people she doesn't recognize who have probably come from the neighbouring town of Brighthaven, where Gemma volunteered at a nursing home for several years. They sit and listen as person after person steps up to share their memories of Gemma. Magpie ponders stepping up as well, but she just doesn't feel like she can do it without breaking down, so she sits quietly and listens to everyone else's stories. As the service is coming to an end, Mr. Swift claps his hands and uses his booming voice to inform the crowd that refreshments are available inside the school for those who want to keep sharing their memories of Gemma. “Would you like to go?” asks Mrs. Phaeton. “I suppose I should. I don't know what to expect though. Do you think people blame me, for Lucas' disappearance?” she asks, a small tremor in her voice.“Oh love, of course not! All this time I've only ever heard people sympathize. When I run into people in town, they always ask how you are doing, and ask me to pass along their best wishes. You have nothing to be afraid of,” replies Mrs. Phaeton in a soothing tone.With that they make their way to the school cafeteria, where an unending spread of homemade baked goods and sandwiches covers several of the long tables. Everyone in town has come together to honour Grandma Gemma's memory, and Magpie feels a warmth in her heart. She stops to chat with Mr. Bunting from the General Store, then Mr. and Mrs. Tuffeto stop by to shake her hand and ask about life in Scotland. Across the room Magpie spots the old waitress from the diner, who musters up the friendliest nod she can. Magpie is tremendously relieved by the kindness being shown to her by everyone in town.“With all the socializing, I didn't get a chance to eat! What do you say we grab some lunch at The Early Bird?” asks Mrs. Phaeton.“Perfect,” replies Magpie, turning her face to the sun as she and her mom start walking down the main road toward the restaurant. Magpie soaks in the sights and, more importantly, the sounds of Pocket. She recalls that fateful day when the silence started spreading from Meadow Lane toward the town. The day she entered the house on Meadow Lane to find and ring the Skylark Bell. She lets her mind drift for a while, lost in a swirl of memories. Magpie is startled out of her reverie by the sound of the bell above the door as she and her mom walk into the diner. They sit in the booth at the way back of the dining room, the same one Farfalla was sitting in the last time Magpie saw her.“First, blackberry chocolate chip pancakes, now blackberry waffles and sweet orange tea!” giggles Magpie, “That's what I call indulging!” She and her mom enjoy a genuine laugh. It feels good to be together again. Mrs. Phaeton visited Magpie in the weeks following Lucas' disappearance, but the past year and half has been a whirlwind as she worked at converting the house at Meadow Lane into an artist's retreat and gallery.“What became of Farfalla's house?” asks Magpie, suddenly remembering the small house around the corner from Tuffeto's Bakery.“Oh, the loveliest young family moved in, the Jacanas. They have two little girls and one boy, just the sweetest kids you'll ever meet,” answers her mom, “they have taken over making blackberry jam and selling it at the market, and Mr. Jacana also builds birdhouses and other wooden decorations, he's very talented!” They finish their food and Mrs. Phaeton settles up with the waitress before they start walking back to the old farmhouse.“Tomorrow I'll show you around Meadow Lane, you won't believe how different it looks after all the renovations! I've got an author and a musician staying there right now, it's a lot of fun sitting and chatting with them in the evenings when I bring dinner over,” says Mrs. Phaeton. “But for now, I think it's time to go to Gemma's house. In her will she stated you could choose any belongings you like, then the house will be sold, and the proceeds sent to the nursing home in Brighthaven.”Magpie gets a solemn look on her face. Her mom had explained the arrangement to her over the phone before she left Carnifex House, but she had pushed any thoughts of going through Gemma's house… Lucas' house… to the back of her mind. Now she and her mother find themselves at the bottom of the driveway next to the mailbox with the name Starling printed on it. Magpie stretches out her hand and runs her fingers over the letters. This is the exact spot where she first met Lucas all those years ago. She bites her lip, fighting the lump rising in her throat and the tears threatening to spill over her eyelids. Her mom, sensing the sadness emanating from her, grabs her hand and gives it a gentle squeeze before guiding her up to the front door and into the house.They take their time going from room to room, starting with the second-floor bedrooms. Magpie collects a few things from Lucas' old room; his high school diploma, the rubber boots he always wore on their excursions. She notices a small stuffed bear sitting on the bed. “You look like you're waiting for Lucas to return,” she says, picking it up gently, “aren't we all…” she sighs, holding the bear tightly to her chest before putting it into her bag of keepsakes. In Gemma's room she chooses a beautiful pastel silk scarf that she remembers Gemma wearing at their high school graduation. On the main floor she walks through the living room, not feeling a particular attachment to anything, but a book on the bookshelf catches her eye. She places her finger at the top of the spine and pulls it out. It is a brown, leather-bound book, admittedly very old, with “The Skye Lark Bell” written on it in gold letters. Magpie gasps, remembering an old dream she had of a woman at Meadow Lane reading this book to her children. She pushes the book back onto the shelf, not wanted to bring something home with her that causes such chills down her spine.“Almost done?” asks Mrs. Phaeton, walking in from the dining room.“Just about, I just wanted to walk through the kitchen, maybe hang on to that pancake griddle,” says Magpie with a wink.“Sounds good, I'll wait for you outside. Take your time,” says her mom, giving her a kiss on the cheek before walking out the front door.Magpie walks into the kitchen, running her hand along the counter where Lucas had slid a plate of pancakes toward her the very first time she came to his house. It takes her a few tries, but she finally finds the cupboard that houses the pancake griddle and carefully slips it out.“Alright, that's it I guess,” she says out loud, her words echoing around the empty room.Magpie is just about to leave when she remembers the collection of old photographs on the kitchen wall, where a photo of Marius Corbeau once stopped her in her tracks. It was just after she'd had a vision of Marius falling off his horse at Mirror Pond during a snowstorm. Magpie looks at the photo now, leaning in more closely and taking her time. The horse, the man … If Lucas was just a few years older than the last time she saw him, his hair a little longer, if he was about the age he would be now… A shudder runs through Magpie as something dawns on her: Marius doesn't just look like Lucas, they could practically be the same person.Thank you so much for listening. Join me next week for Wingspan chapter 23, The Birthday Bell, where Lucas visits the Shearwaters at Meadow Lane to celebrate Farfalla's birthday.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts, they help give the podcast visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. You can also support my work by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! Just check the show notes for links to Patreon, my website, and social media accounts.Before I go, I'd like to share this reel for a podcast I quite enjoy called The Nightcap. Listen to tales of the unusual, and unexplained. If you enjoy the strange atmosphere of The Skylark Bell you'll want to check them out.Once again, thank you for listening – I'm Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of this - The Skylark Bell Podcast. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations
Dark Sky ConversationsS03E09 Shearwaters You know, when you get to talk to people who are really passionate about what they're doing? Well, that's what comes across in this interview that I did with Dr. Duncan Sutherland and Jessica McKelson at the Phillip Island Nature Park, where we talk about shearwaters and this huge migration that happens in about April, May every year. And the campaign that they ran, which was dark skies, sheer waters fly and incorporated the local community, a lot of great minds and a lot of hard effort just to make sure that these fabulous birds took off, took flight, and made their way all the way to the Northern Hemisphere in one single swoop. Enjoy.Email Marnie: - marnie@darkskytraveller.com.au Marnie Ogg talks with some of the brightest minds about light pollution and ways to protect our night skies.For more details, visit the Dark Sky website: https://www.darkskytraveller.com.au/podcastTo learn more about the Shearwater Migration Campaign visit https://penguins.org.au/discover/wildlife-conservation/ Subscribe, rate and review at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and all good podcast apps.Stream on demand from https://www.bitesz.com/show/dark-sky-conversations/ For more podcasts visit our HQ at https://bitesz.com #shearwaters #migration #phillipisland #shearwaterresearch #darkskies #darkskiesaus
In today's episode we read Chapter 20 – Moonlight - in which Magpie and Lucas live parallel lives across time and spaceBrought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriMelissa on Instagram: @the.mop.podMelissa on Twitter: @melissaoliveriAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicThis week's Boopod Network podcast partner is Shittin' Bricks: https://shittin-bricks.captivate.fm/FULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Episode 20 of The Skylark Bell, Wingspan. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri. In our previous episode, Lucas came to the realisation that he had somehow travelled back to 1920s Pocket, and was living with Charlotte and Edward Carnifex and their son James.In today's episode we read Chapter 20 – Moonlight - in which Magpie and Lucas live parallel lives across time and spaceNow, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.A year has gone by. An entire year alone in Scotland without Lucas. They hadn't found any sign of anyone, let alone a large horse, entering the forest in the days following Lucas' disappearance. The first few months, Magpie spent a tremendous amount of time and energy trying to put the pieces together, trying to figure out what happened and where Lucas had gone. It just didn't seem possible to her that he would just… vanish! But after endless weeks with not even the smallest clue as to his or Cormorant's whereabouts, Magpie was confronted with the sad reality that he probably wasn't coming back. Though deep inside a part of her still held out hope, she pushed herself to move on. Her mother came to stay with her for a while, but she needed to get back to Pocket to take care of their house and continue her work. For Magpie, some days are easier than others, today is one of the others. It seems everywhere she turns something reminds her of Lucas and their time in Pocket. She hears the meow of a barn cat and thinks of Scarlet, she makes blackberry pancakes with chocolate chips from his Grandma Gemma's recipe. Now, she sits by the small window at the top of the stairs looking out at the sky, watching the moon rise against the fading blue sky… Suddenly she hears a knock at the door downstairs…~~~~~~Thousands of miles and several decades away, Lucas is sitting in his bedroom window at the farmhouse, the bedroom that would eventually become Magpie's room, looking up at the very same moon and thinking of Magpie, remembering all the times they would walk home by moonlight from their adventures exploring the area, having forgotten, once again, to keep an eye on the clock. He wonders what she has been up to the past year, what conclusion she came to regarding his disappearance. He's quite certain the truth has not occurred to her, no one would believe that he time travelled nearly 100 years and a whole continent in one step… with a horse no less!Lucas has spent the year working alongside Edward Carnifex, learning carpentry. He's surprised by how much he enjoys it and how naturally it comes to him. He has now taken to repairing furniture and coming up with his own creations to sell at the farmer's market. He has taken on all sorts of projects from signs for local shops, to whittling animals as party favours. He has grown quite comfortable with his existence as Marius Corbeau in 1923. Things were more challenging and awkward at first, he knew most of the buildings in the small town, but none of the people, and they grew suspicious of him, a stranger, knowing so much about their town. But over the past several months he has been able to win them over, and word of his carpentry talents has spread, ensuring he is perpetually busy with work.One of the special orders he recently received came from none other than Mr. Nathaniel Shearwater. He asked Lucas to build a decorative box for his daughter Farfalla's birthday. Explaining that she loves birds, he asked Lucas to engrave the box with a feather. Lucas spent weeks building the box, and it is a stunning work of art, complete with a lock and feather-shaped key that he found at Bunting's General Store. Mr. Shearwater picked up the box earlier in the day and was so impressed he invited Lucas over for dinner tonight. Lucas is somewhat apprehensive… the last time he saw Farfalla she was over 100 years old! He hasn't met her yet in this time, until yesterday she and her sister Paloma had been away at boarding school. Lucas is deep in thought when a knock on the bedroom door startles him out of his reverie…~~~~~~The door creaks loudly as Magpie opens it, “Oh hi Julien, come on in!” she says, smiling warmly. Julien Sarcelle has returned from Paris to take over the caretaking at Carnifex House. Manon and Alfred have agreed to stay on for a few weeks to get him settled into his new role, then they will retire to the south of France. Magpie and Julien have been spending a lot of time together recently as he learns the ropes, and Magpie has invited him for a late dinner. “I'm a little intimidated,” she begins “I've heard Paris has some amazing food… hopefully you won't be disappointed!” she says to him.Julien laughs “I'm sure whatever you make will be wonderful,” he says warmly, taking off his cardigan and draping it over the back of a rocking chair. Though summer has just begun, there is still a chill in the Scottish sea air.“Okay well, I have put together some North American delicacies for you… are you ready?” she asks, a twinkle in her eye. Julien nods at her with anticipation. “Tonight, we are having…. Drumroll please….” At this Julien starts tapping his hands against his legs in a rapid drumroll. “… Mac and Cheese, Corn Dogs, some Cherry Cola to drink and to top it all off, homemade Apple Pie! Oh, but to keep you at ease, there will be ‘French' Fries,” she says, laughing. Julien is silent, staring at her. “What are these things? Are these foods? I cannot eat a dog!” He says, a horrified look on his face. Magpie starts blushing, “Oh no, they're not made with dogs, in fact these are veggie dogs there isn't any kind of meat in them at all, it…” Julien's raucous laughter cuts her off mid-sentence. He was just fooling with her! She gives him a push and smiles as she heads to the kitchen to grab their plates.~~~~~~Back in Pocket, Lucas turns to see Charlotte standing in the doorway. “You asked me to let you know when it was time to go,” she says, smiling at him.“Thank you,” he replies, swallowing the lump in his throat so she won't know how nervous he is. He heads downstairs, puts on his riding boots, and says goodbye to Charlotte and Edward before heading out the door. Lucas has been so busy today he neglected to take Cormorant out for a ride, so he has decided to take the long way over to the Shearwaters and give the horse a chance to stretch its legs. ““Hey Marius!” he hears upon entering the barn. It's Gordon Starling, nearly as tall as Lucas now. They've spent some time together over the past year. Lucas sees a lot of himself in Gordon, or perhaps it is the other way around… regardless, they both have a deep love of adventure and exploration. Gordon was a tremendous asset in helping Lucas navigate his new surroundings. Though he knew the town, there were still some stark differences, and Gordon was only too happy to bring Lucas up to speed. “I heard you were taking Cormorant out tonight; I've got him all saddled up for you!” he says. Considering Gordon is Lucas' Great-Great-Grandfather, Lucas thinks it's funny that Gordon looks up to him, almost like a big brother.“Thank you so much, Gordon! I appreciate it!” he says, walking over to Cormorant's stall. “Hello old friend,” he whispers to the horse. He feels a special bond with the animal, it is the only connection he has to his old reality. He leads Cormorant outside and hops into the saddle. Horseback riding has become second nature to him since living in this time where cars are a commodity mostly reserved for the wealthy. Lucas and Cormorant race through the fields behind the Starling and Carnifex farms, then cross the street to the rock quarry and Mirror Pond before heading toward the apple orchard behind Meadow Lane.Thank you so much for listening. Join me next week for Wingspan chapter 21, Moving Forward Looking Back, where Magpie and Lucas come to terms with their respective situations.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts, they help give the podcast visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. You can also support my work by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! Just check the show notes for links to Patreon, my website, and social media accounts.Before I go, I'd like to share this reel for a podcast I quite enjoy called Shittin' Bricks. Kate and Dominic are fantastic hosts who take a deep look at things that bring people fear. If you enjoy the supernatural atmosphere of The Skylark Bell you'll want to check them out.Again, thank you so much for listening. I'm Melissa Oliveri and this is The Skylark Bell podcast.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/donations
Last week, we heard a mountain of exciting fieldwork stories from Olly and her fantastic team of volunteers: Madi McLatchie, Javed Riaz, Benjamin Viola, Sophia Volzke, and Jas Allnutt. The team are camping out on Wedge Island in southeast Tasmania as part of a large seabird project, and have taken a break from getting bitten by seabirds to tell us about their time out there.For Part 2 of the double bill, join the team as they continue to take you on a trip through the glorious and gross life of field biology!Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@littledove440)Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Mibu Fischer (@miburose), Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Venturing out from the usual recording room, Olly is camping on the uninhabited Wedge Island in order to research the behaviour of two seabirds: little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters. To help her are five fantastic volunteers: Madi McLatchie, Javed Riaz, Benjamin Viola, Sophia Volzke, and Jas Allnutt. For Part 1 in a double bill, join Olly and her volunteers as they take you through some of the highs and lows of field biology. It's not a glamorous life, but it sure is an exciting one. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@littledove440)Production: Olly Dove (@littledove440)Media & Promotion: Kate Johnson (@KatePlantPhys), Mibu Fischer (@miburose), Olly Dove (@littledove440)
Lillian Stewart is a PhD Candidate currently focusing on waste management and marine plastics on remote islands. Harrison Talarico is very soon to complete his honours project using bioacoustics to monitor the phenology of short-tailed shearwaters.Both Lillian and Harrison are members of the Adrift Lab team, (at the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania) a dedicated group of researchers studying all things adrift in the ocean.In this episode we discuss:• Lillian and Harrison's respective backgrounds and forays into the science world• The importance of science communication and translating science into practice for the general public• Acknowledging eco-grief and the impact on climate and environmental scientists and science students• Lillian's recent time on Lord Howe Island, and her new project work looking into plastic waste management• Harrison's honours project, studying the phenology of Tasmanian Shearwaters, and his current passion project; attempting to build a call recogniser to automatically detect shearwater vocalisations• The high percentage of anthropogenic debris ingestion in urban gull populations and why this shines a spotlight on our current waste management practices• Research findings highlighting birds as transporters of waste into marine and aquatic environments• The need for industrial and personal change in order to address our plastic waste problem• The importance of local and Indigenous knowledge in environmental science and stewardship• Future plans and goals for both Lillian and Harrison, and the benefits of working with Adrift Lab as a studentTo view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.
"By the time a bar-tailed godwits dies, it would have flown to the moon and most of the way back," says ornithologist and author Scott Weidensaul. A bar-tailed godwit flies 18,000 miles a year. By the time it dies, it will have flown closer to 500,000 miles. In this episode, Scott talks about the magnificent migrations of birds-- the songs they sing while in flight and how they undergo binge-eating before they take off on their epic journeys. Comparing a migratory bird to an elite athlete insults the bird, he says. Arctic terns, for instance, sometimes travels a staggering 57,000 miles a year, he says. Scott celebrates the natural world—particularly birds and bird migration—in his research, his writing and his public speaking. Weidensaul spearheads a number of major research projects focusing on bird migration. His latest book is “The World on the Wing: the global Odyssey of migratory birds.” He has written more than 30 books on natural history, including Living on the Wind: Across the Hemisphere with Migratory Birds, a Pulitzer Prize finalist; The Ghost with Trembling Wings, about the search for species that may or may not be extinct; Mountains of the Heart: A Natural History of the Appalachians; Of a Feather: A Brief History of American Birding; The First Frontier: The Forgotten History of Struggle, Savagery and Endurance in Early America; andthe Peterson Reference Guide to Owls. Listen to Weidensaul's latest interview on NPR's "Fresh Air." (And here is a previous "Fresh Air" appearance with Terry Gross.) Weidensaul lectures widely on wildlife and environmental topics, and is an active field researcher, specializing in the study of migration in owls, hummingbirds and passerines. A native of the Appalachians of eastern Pennsylvania, he now lives in New Hampshire. Scott Weidensaul leads tours to such exotic destinations as Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, Alaska, the Amazon and other exciting locales - check out the details here. Summary of the episode 3:00 Migrating after dark. Look up at the night sky for “literally billions of birds aloft in the night sky.” 8:00 Yellow Sea’s mudflats. In China. How central it is in migration. 13:00 How shorebirds make epic migrations. About the bar-tailed godwit that spends 11 days in continuous powered flight, crossing the widest part of the Pacific Ocean-- 11,000 kilometres in one great leap. 14:00 Hyperphagia. Binge feeding. What these birds do before migration? They fly to the moon and back. 16:00 How migration and breeding change the body organs of the birds. 17:00 Scott imitates the song of the arctic song of the redknot. 19:00 About arctic terns, about the size of a dove flies 47,000 miles a year. Oh wait, it is 57,000 miles a year. 22:00 Scott reads a section from his book. 26:00 The specific things birds change about themselves. They change speed, endurance, memory, blood chemistry, metabolism, and much more. “Comparing a bird to a human athelete insults the bird.” 27:30 A little semipalmated sandpiper, weighing 50 gms. Take off from the Northeastern coast of North America and fly to the Northeastern coast of South America with no food, water or rest. That’s like running 126 marathons continuously. 30:00 European swifts and how they sleep. Uni-hemisphere sleeping. They sleep with one part of their brain for a few seconds a day. About owls. 32:00 Bar-headed geese and their one long nonstop flight. Climbing from 3200-feet an hour to 7200-feet an hour. 38:00 Conservation efforts to help bird migration. 42:00 About Amur Falcons in Nagaland 44:00 About Snowy owls and owls in general. Nest boxes in Israel. 50:00 Regional wintering areas. The connections between forests and the Swainson’s Thrush. 52:00 Migratory connectivity. 54:00 Final words. Birds fan out from Alaska to cover three-quarters of the earth’s surface.
Every year more than a million short-tailed shearwaters, or mutton birds, make the immense 16,000 kilometre trip from the northern hemisphere to breed off the Victorian coast.
During late summer, these Sooty Shearwaters will join a vast migration, when millions of seabirds fly over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Jaegers that nested on the Arctic tundra are flying south to tropical oceans. Arctic Terns and skuas make an epic journey to Antarctic waters. Shearwaters in
Awww the ocean. Cool sea breezes, the sticky salt spray, and oodles of birds. Hannah and Erik went on another pelagic - this time out of Westport, WA - to see what is out there. Not only did they have a phenomenal time with the crew, they were also able to see 4 lifers!Show notesWestport SeabirdsVirtual Southeast Arizona Birding FestivalLOGE Hotels websiteeBird hotspotPelagic List 1Pelagic List 2Pelagic List 3 (Grays Canyon)Pelagic List 4Pelagic List 5Intro Bird Call: Pink-Footed Shearwaters, July 2020 Offshore Grays Harbor, WashingtonOutro Bird Call: Pink-Footed Shearwaters, July 2020 Offshore Grays Harbor, WashingtonConnect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding Twitter: @WeGoBirding Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com
Hannah and Erik joined Oregon Pelagic Tours for a trip out to see Albatross, Petrels, and Shearwaters! Listen in to learn more about pelagics, how to find one, and what to think about if you want to go on a pelagic birding trip. They saw some incredible birds and marine mammals too...check it out!Be warned -- Erik tends to get a bit seasick and we discuss it a bit. Keep this in mind if you get a bit squeamish!eBird Checklists:Day Before Trip at South JettyTrip list Yaquina BayPelagic list 0-5 miles offshorePelagic list 5-22 miles offshoreChum spot #1Between chum spotsChum spot #2Headed back in 30-5 miles offshoreHeaded back in 5-0 miles offshoreBack into Yaquina BayShow NotesOregon Pelagic ToursBirdist Rule #55: Go On A PelagicRogue BreweriesOregon Zoo Condor ProgramOregon Zoo Condor News
On our latest show: Shearwaters tell the tale of ocean environmental health; Everglades birds make a comeback; the Great Black Hawk is memorialized in bronze; and Mike offers tips on attracting and feeding orioles.
The first ground visit to the Hutton's shearwater breeding colony since the November 2017 Kaikōura earthquake shows damage not as bad as feared.
The first ground visit to the Hutton's shearwater breeding colony since the November 2017 Kaikōura earthquake shows damage not as bad as feared.
Currently the Newell Shearwater is one of four endangered seabirds on Kauai. Nesting in the most remote mountains and ridges of Kauai, Newell’s Shearwaters are pelagic sea birds, spending most of their lives at sea, flying over land only during total darkness. Similarly, armed with only their inborn navigational skills, young fledglings will fly out to sea for the first time ever in total darkness, using the stars and moon to find their way to the sea. Unfortunately, human development, with all of its artificial lighting, has caused these young fledgling birds to be confused as they fly out to sea for their first time. As a result, Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands (PMRF), has become increasingly involved in conservation efforts to assist in preserving the Newell Shearwater population. These efforts include a “Dark Skies Program,” in which all non-mission critical lights are turned off, or shielded, during the time of the year young fledglings take to the sea. PMRF has also implemented another new strategy this year to complement the dark skies program — radar ornithology. PMRF uses the radar at night to determine the flight passage of Newell’s Shearwaters overhead through radar. By using these specialized radars, researchers are able to determine not only the number of birds flying overhead, but also the direction they are going. Scientists conclude without intervention, their populations are sure to continue to decrease.
The first half of the show highlights the Pathstar program, a program that SF doctor Nancy Iverson started to help the native american Lakota tribe in Pine Ridge South Dakota, where participants come to San Francisco and complete a transformative swim in SF Bay from Alcatraz to shore, amongst several other educative activities. The 2nd half of the show I talk with Josh Adams, seabird ecologist with the Western Ecological Research Center, USGS. Josh talks about the incredible lifestyle of Sooty Shearwaters, their natural history and hotspots in the CA Current for them.
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