Podcasts about tropical biology

Is it really possible that these trees walk around the rainforest like the Ents in Lord of the Rings?I forgot to mention that there won't be an episode next week. Here's your one-week notice that I'll be on vacation next Friday. ✈️Music by James Milor from PixabayInformation provided by:Stilt-Root Walking by an Iriateoid Palm in the Peruvian Amazon by John H. Bodley and Foley C. Benson (1980). Biotropica, 12(1), pg. 67-71. https://doi.org/10.2307/2387775https://www.sciencealert.com/a-persistent-rumor-suggests-this-tree-can-walk-around-but-is-it-trueThe function of stilt roots in the growth strategy of Socratea exorrhiza (Arecaceae) at two neotropical sites by Gregory R. Goldsmith and Rakan A. Zahawi (2007). International Journal of Tropical Biology and Conservation, 55(3). https://doi.org/10.15517/rbt.v55i3-4.5955 [Abstract]https://www.treeres.com/the-walking-tree-phenomenon-unraveling-the-secrets-of-socratea-exorrhiza/https://www.natureandculture.org/directory/walking-palm-trees/https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socratea_exorrhizaThe epiphyte vegetation of the palm Socratea exorrhiza: Correlations with tree size, tree age and bryophyte cover by Gerhard Zotz and Birgit Vollrath (2003). Journal of Tropical Ecology, 19, pg. 81-90. DOI: 10.1017/S0266467403003092Tropical Plants of Costa Rica by Willow Zuchowski (2007)

Dr. John Kress is a Distinguished Scientist and Curator of Botany at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. John's research involves exploring the natural world and all the organisms that make up the natural world. Since graduate school, he has been exploring different areas, particularly tropical areas, to determine what grows there now, what grew there in the past, and how the plants and animals there interact. Not only does John enjoy investigating the natural world at work, he also enjoys spending his free time outside exploring nature. John often goes on walks or hikes with his wife and dog to see nature in action. In addition, John is an avid gardener. Among the plants he cultivates in his own yard are some of the ginger and banana plants that he studies. John received his B.A. in biology from Harvard University and his Ph.D. in botany from Duke University. John formerly served as the Interim Undersecretary for Science for the Smithsonian Institution, Executive Director of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation, and Director of the Consortium for Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet, which is one of the four grand challenges of the Smithsonian Institution's strategic plan. He is also Chairman of the Board of the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) and an Affiliate Faculty member at George Mason University. He has previously served as an Adjunct Professor at George Washington University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Among John's awards and honors are receipt of the Parker-Gentry Award for Biodiversity and Conservation from the Field Museum of Natural History, the Lifetime Achievement Award from Heliconia Society International, and the Edward O. Wilson Biodiversity Technology Pioneer Award for Co-Development of Leafsnap – the First Mobile App for Plant Identification. John is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and an honorary Fellow of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation. In this interview, he discusses his experiences in life and science.

The Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC) recently held its 59th Meeting, with the aim to explore and illustrate the options and opportunities for balancing science, conservation and society around the world of tropical biodiversity. Environment writer and co-founder of environmental journalism portal Macaranga, Law Yao Hua, was in Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, for the meetings, and joins us to share more about what went down last week, some exciting advances in tropical biology research, and how the declaration has called for practical solutions for a climate-resilient future.Image Credit: MacarangaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the second episode in the ultimate Battle of the Beaks!! We're featuring six of the worlds most unique and specially adapted bird beaks over two episodes. Only one will be crowned the winner! VOTE HERE for your favorite beak.  If you think we missed a reeeally cool beak, let us know! Leave a review, or comment on our socials. Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.Learn more about bird conservation programs in Africa.  BirdLife South Africa and Nature Kenya are great starting points.  Hookpod! A new and innovative tool to help Albatross and the fishing industry get along. Listen to a previous episode featuring Sarah and the Laysan Albatross for so much more!  See photos of these epic beaks: African Openbill, Laysan Albatross, White-tipped Sicklebill.  Andrés' said it best! Bird Friendly coffee will help the White-tipped Sicklebill and many other birds. Order from Birds and Beans today! 10% of your purchase supports this podcast when you use our link.  John Kinghorn represents the mighty African Openbill. John is a qualified terrestrial and National bird guide through the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA). He has formed part of three historic bird race teams (2017-2019) to have participated in the globally acclaimed Champions of the Flyway bird race for conservation, raising a combined amount of over R250,000 over two years for the respective BirdLife International partners involved.  Dr. Sarah Gutowsky is bringing Laysan Albatross facts. Sarah is a Research Adjunct and Instructor in Biology at Dalhousie University and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Acadia University.  All of her research projects have found a way to tackle conservation issues threatening birds all over the planet, on land or at sea.  Her current research focus is on studying the drivers of regional trends in Common eiders on the east coast, supported through the Mitacs Accelerate Program in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada.Andrés Jiménez thinks White-tipped Sicklebills are the clear winners. He is a close friend of the podcast! You'll recognize his voice from earlier episodes. He is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University.  Follow him at @andresjimo Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Program for Birds Canada.

We are beyond thrilled to have received a Nature Inspiration Award from the Canadian Museum of Nature. Andrea and Andres take a moment to react to the positive news. Thank you to everyone who has been listening and supporting the podcast, and of course a big thank you to everyone taking action for birds! Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. Follow him at @andresjimo

The Marbled Murrelet keeps researchers on their toes. Their nests are tucked away in the mossy upper branches of old growth forests...the last place we'd ever expect to find a seabird! David joins us from British Columbia to shed some light on these fascinating birds; where you might spot one, the challenges they face, and how to help.Get some Bird Friendly Certified Coffee to keep you warm and toasty this fall! 10% of your purchase from Birds and Beans goes towards supporting this podcast and bird conservation in Canada when you use this link.     Dr. David Bradley has spent a lifetime studying and appreciating birds; from Tree Swallows in Canada, to Kokako's in New Zealand, and everything in between. Currently, David is the British Columbia Director for Birds Canada. He is focusing on an invasive mammalian predator study in Haida Gwaii, and a Long-billed Curlew migration tracking study in the Kootenay Mountains.   Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. Follow him at @andresjimoThis project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change is supported by funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. The views expressed herein are solely those of Birds Canada.

Bicknell's Thrush field work sounds like a dream job for those who love extreme, dense forest conditions. Bears, moose, getting thwacked in the face with branches...utter bliss for the diehard biologists!   For most people though, those conditions are less than ideal. This makes learning about the Bicknell's Thrush quite challenging. How do we track the population of such an elusive bird species? How do we protect it, when many people don't even know it's there? Amy-Lee shares with us the joy of studying this drab but loveable bird in the forests of the Maritimes provinces. Dive deeper into Bicknell's Thrush and the joys of field work here. Amy-Lee mentioned that even simple actions like drinking Bird Friendly Certified Coffee can help this species. Get yours here!  10% of your purchase from Birds and Beans goes towards supporting this podcast and bird conservation in Canada when you use the link.  Dr. Amy-Lee Kouwenberg coordinates the High Elevation Landbird Program, and the Atlantic Nocturnal Owl Survey for Birds Canada.  She works closely with forestry managers and regulators in northern New Brunswick and the Cape Breton Highland, to protect bird habitat in the industrial forest. Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. Follow him at @andresjimoThis project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change is supported by funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. The views expressed herein are solely those of Birds Canada.

The sound of Leach's Storm-Petrels returning to their burrows under the cover of darkness is what you might expect to hear in a fairy tale. Like elves giggling in the distance. Laura Tranquilla of Birds Canada, joins us to share what it's like to work with one of Canada's smallest and most mysterious seabirds. Leach's Storm-Petrels breed in colonies along Canada's Atlantic coast, but spends much of the daylight hours far out at sea. Like many shorebird species, their population is in decline, but the exact cause can be hard to pin point. We explore the complex challenges of protecting a species that we know little about. Visit CPAWS to get involved with Puffin and Petrel Patrol in Newfoundland. Laura has also written fantastic blogs on this species; learn about her annual trips to Baccalieu Island, read about the nitty gritty's of Storm-Petrel research, and dive into some of the best research papers. Thirsty? Get some Bird Friendly Certified Coffee! 10% of your purchase from Birds and Beans goes towards supporting this podcast and bird conservation in Canada when you use this link.    Dr. Laura McFarlane Tranquilla has devoted over 20 years to bird ecology, physiology, tracking, and conservation on the east and west coats of Canada. Currently, she is the Atlantic Director for Birds Canada, and works to build science-based collaborative partnerships and guide conservation programs for seabirds, owls, marsh birds, forest birds, and many more.  Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. Follow him at @andresjimoThis project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change is supported by funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. The views expressed herein are solely those of Birds Canada.

Falling in love with chonky floofs, and how to help them! From navigating crowds of people to avoiding cow footprints on beaches, Piping Plovers have no shortage of challenges.  Andrea chats with plover researchers from Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia about these challenges and more, and how the conservation approaches can be radically different across Canada.   Learn more about Piping Plovers near you, and potential volunteer opportunities. Mentioned in the episode are Birds Canada, Nature Saskatchewan, Alberta Conservation Association, but there are many more organizations doing good work for Piping Plovers! Don't forget Bird Friendly Certified Coffee! 10% of your purchase from Birds and Beans goes towards supporting this podcast and bird conservation in Canada when you use this link.    Janet Ng, Ph.D., is a species at risk biologist who has worked on a variety of species and landscapes around Canada. Her work is focused on wildlife-habitat relationships and how human development, climate change, and their combined effects can potentially impact species at risk. To hear more from Janet, check out her Ferruginous Hawk episode! Laura Bartlett is the Nova Scotia Programs Coordinator for Birds Canada, and leads the Nova Scotia Piping Plover Conservation Program. She has a B.A. in Environmental Sustainability and Sociology, and a Master's of Resource and Environmental Management from Dalhousie University, which focused on wildlife conservation and pro-environmental behaviour change. Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. Follow him at @andresjimoThis project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change is supported by funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. The views expressed herein are solely those of Birds Canada.

The Wake-up Call is a special series where we'll be learning about Canada's most threatened, and at-risk bird species. Experts working with each species will help us fall in love with these often elusive birds; we'll learn about the greatest threats, and how we can help.  This first episode in the series provides background information to help us understand how species are protected in Canada. Later episodes will feature deep dives into species such as Piping Plover, Bicknell's Thrush, Leach's Storm-Petrel, and many more.We love hearing from you! Let us know what you think of this new series by emailing podcast@birdscanada.org, and please remember to subscribe, rate and review. Pete Davidson considers himself a long-distant migrant. He originates from the UK but has lived and worked in Asia, Africa and Canada over the years. He is currently the Senior Director of Conservation Strategy at Birds Canada, and is a member of the Committee of the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.   Jody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the Director of Community Engagement at Birds Canada and has written numerous articles on birds, birding and connecting with nature. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @JodyAllair.Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. Follow him at @andresjimoThis project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change is supported by funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. The views expressed herein are solely those of Birds Canada.

When we visited Long Point Bird Observatory for the previous episode we could not get enough of Stu Mackenzie's bird banding stories, and incredible level of knowledge! So here are some more tidbits from Stu.  Don't forget to check out the full length episode to experience the awe of life at a banding station! Remember to report bands! Stu MacKenzie is responsible for the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, Long Point Bird Observatory, Thunder Cape Bird Observatory, and aspects of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network.Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. Follow him at @andresjimo

Bird observatories are an essential starting place for young biologists, but also for members of the public; to watch, to learn, and to fall in love with birds in a more intimate and up-close setting. Long Point Bird Observatory is where it all begins for many of us. It is the founding program of Birds Canada, ultimately leading to everything we do today.  We urge you to visit a bird observatory near you, but for now, please join Andrea and Andres, as they field trip to Long Point Bird Observatory and learn all about banding and the special impact that bird observatories have for young biologists and the species that migrate through. Special thank you to the volunteers and staff who shared their stories, expertise, and passion for birds with us. You'll find information about the birds they are seeing and banding on the Sightings Board. Bonus: which species can you identify singing in the background? Stu MacKenzie is responsible for the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, Long Point Bird Observatory, Thunder Cape Bird Observatory, and aspects of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network.Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Manager and you can follow him at @andresjimoHave a burning question? Many people might have the same question, we would love to answer it.Please send us your voice memo with any bird question to -> podcast@birdscanada.orgAlternatively, call  519-586-3531, extension 128 and leave a voice mail!

Welcome to our Podcast #1,305! We appreciate your listening and hope you find the time to go through the 100's of episodes that we have recorded already. They're short, so listen to a few every day! I promise you will learn all you need to know about one of the happiest countries on the planet! Here's some links that will get you started in learning more about Costa Rica! Check out our NEW COSTA RICA LOVE STORIES! There's ONE THING BETTER than falling in love. . falling in love in COSTA RICA! Here's the link: https://www.costaricagoodnewsreport.com/lovestories.html So many GOOD-NEWS stories coming out of Costa Rica. We'd love to share them with all of you! Way over 100 stories ready right now. Learn all about one if the Happiest Countries on the Planet. . Costa Rica! Here's a link: https://vocal.media/authors/skip-licht Become a "COSTA RICA PURA VIDA" Brand Ambassador & Share the LIFESTYLE with EVERYONE! Here's the link: https://www.costaricagoodnewsreport.com/brandambassador.html Here's a link to the US Embassy here in Costa Rica: https://cr.usembassy.gov/ For more information on acquiring your legal status here in Costa Rica, visit our website at: https://www.costaricaimmigrationandmovingexperts.com Apostilling Your Documents is a Very Integral Part of the Residency Process. Click through on this link for more information: https://www.apostillewilliamedwardlicht.com Our email address is costaricagoodnews@gmail.com We'd love to hear from you! Our short stories / blog postings are located at our Costa Rica Good News Report website. Lots of stories about the life here in paradise! We think you'll really enjoy these: https://www.costaricagoodnewsreport.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/costa-rica-pura-vida/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/costa-rica-pura-vida/support

Spring is here! And so are the birds!  Andrea quizzes Jody Allair on his best spring birding tips. They chat about favorite spring bird songs, how to brush up on ID skills, where to meet local birders ...and so much more!Want access to BirdWatch Canada magazine? Subscribe here.  Out of coffee? Want to slurp on a cup that supports both bird conservation and this podcast?! Grab some certified bird-friendly coffee for The Warblers now => at Birds and Beans.Jody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the Director of Community Engagement at Birds Canada and has written numerous articles on birds, birding and connecting with nature. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @JodyAllair.Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo 

Our producer, Jody Allair, never stopped loving dinosaurs. He is always telling us about how birds are actually just dinosaurs. Is he right?In this episode, we hear from Dr. François Therrien at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta. We learn about the evolution of birds, and their similarities with theropod dinosaurs. This episode goes out to everyone who never stopped loving dinosaurs!By studying the palaeoecology of extinct animals, François Therrien aims to determine how animals behaved when they were alive, and what the world they lived in looked like. For the palaeoecology of extinct animals, François uses two different approaches. The shapes of animals' bones help him determine the behaviours of extinct animals (e.g., how they hunted, walked, laid their eggs). He also studies the features and chemical composition of ancient soils (called paleosols) to reconstruct the environments and climatic conditions the animals lived in. Jody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the Director of Community Engagement at Birds Canada and has written numerous articles on birds, birding and connecting with nature. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @JodyAllair.Out of Christmas coffee? Want to help create more positive news stories for birds? grab some certified bird-friendly coffee for The Warblers now => at Birds and Beans.Please remember we would love to hear from you, let us know what you think about the podcast here or which topics you will love -> podcast@birdscanada.orgAndrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo Have a burning question? Many people might have the same question, we would love to answer it.Please send us your voice memo with any bird question to -> podcast@birdscanada.orgAlternatively, call 519-586-3531, extension 128 and leave a voice mail!

A lot happened for birds in 2021, for example,  Andrés found the Razorbills... Now, seriously, In this minisode, we cover some of the good news stories that we didn't have a chance to touch on in our last episode, such as the strengthening of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and significant funding for Indigenous stewardship programs in Canada.Jody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the producer of the Warblers Podcast and the Director of Community Engagement at Birds Canada and has written numerous articles on birds, birding and connecting with nature. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @JodyAllair.Out of Christmas coffee? Want to help create more positive news stories for birds? grab some certified bird-friendly coffee for The Warblers now => at Birds and Beans. The Great Backyard Bird Count runs from February 18-21, 2022. Register or learn more here: https://www.birdcount.org/More about the Bird Names for Birds movement.Please remember we would love to hear from you, let us know what you think about the podcast here or which topics you will love -> podcast@birdscanada.orgAndrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo Have a burning question? Many people might have the same question, we would love to answer it.Please send us your voice memo with any bird question to -> podcast@birdscanada.orgAlternatively, call 519-586-3531, extension 128 and leave a voice mail!

We sat down with our friends, Yousif and Mike, expecting to chat about the past year in birding—but we couldn't settle on one topic!  In this episode, we marvel over rare bird sightings, like the Steller's Sea Eagle that visited multiple Canadian provinces this year. We dig into what it means to be a “birder”, and how the birding community has changed for the better in recent years. And we chat about how bird populations have fluctuated in our lifetimes, and how the influx of new birders and technology like eBird helps us track those changes. This is an episode with a little bit of everything—we hope you enjoy it. Ready to get your bird-friendly coffee? Visit www.birdsandbeans.ca/warblers - using this link will automatically apply the code. You can also use the code "Warblers" when you check out. The code helps us measure the positive impact of the podcast on bird-friendly coffee sales. Please note this option is only valid for purchases in Canada.Or visit www.drinkbirdfriendly.com to find the right option for you. Mike Burrell grew up in a nature-loving family outside of Waterloo, Ontario and inherited his love of birds from his Dad. He has participated in almost every bird citizen science project he can and currently acts as the Ontario coordinator for eBird Canada. In addition, he acts as the secretary and archivist for the Ontario Bird Records Committee, the Ontario regional editor for the Christmas Bird Count program, several committees for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas-3 and is a member of the Bird Specialist Subcommittee of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Mike, with his brother, Ken, also co-authored the book, Best Places to Bird in Ontario. Follow at @mike_va_burrell Yousif Attia grew up watching birds and exploring the wilds of central and southern Alberta since he and his family immigrated there when he was four years old. He was drawn to the concept of volunteering for citizen science programs in his early teens when he would tag along on Christmas Bird Counts. Although he has lived in several places across the country, he is now settled on the Fraser Estuary on the West Coast of BC. Yousif has worn many hats over the years at Birds Canada, including work on species-at-risk in southern Ontario, field surveys in the boreal including the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas-2, and managed the Long Point Bird Observatory where he eventually became a North American Banding Council certified trainer. Yousif is now part of a team at Birds Canada that coordinates the Christmas Bird Count and eBird in Canada, and another that develops content on the website.  Follow on @ysattia or @biophyliaAndrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a MastersHave a burning question? Many people might have the same question, we would love to answer it.Please send us your voice memo with any bird question to -> podcast@birdscanada.orgAlternatively, call 519-586-3531, extension 128 and leave a voice mail!

Wondering what you can do to help birds? Drink (the right) coffee! Specifically, bird-friendly certified coffee. Bird-Friendly coffee is great for birds and people, yet many bird lovers haven't made the switch. Kirstin Hill from the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Centre joins us to talk about why it's important to buy bird-friendly CERTIFIED coffee. Spoiler Alert! Canadians drink copious amounts of coffee and by switching to a certified alternative we can have a massive impact on the birds we see flying outside our windows, going to their South American grounds. If you haven't listened to part 1 of our Holiday series special, be sure to listen to Ana Gonzalez-Prieto about what coffee plantations mean for birds. Ready to get your bird-friendly coffee? Visit www.birdsandbeans.ca/warblers - using this link will automatically apply the code. You can also use the code "Warblers" when you check out. The code helps us measure the positive impact of the podcast on bird-friendly coffee sales. Please note this option is only valid for purchases in Canada. Or visit www.drinkbirdfriendly.com to find the right option for you. Kirsten Hill: Kirstin Hill is the incoming Program Manager for Smithsonian Bird Friendly coffee. She is a conservationist at heart and an educator by training, with over a decade of experience working to engage audiences in the protection of wildlife and wild places. A native of Philadelphia, PA, Kirstin now resides in the Metro Vancouver area where she is working to increase the sale and support of Bird Friendly coffee not just for Vancouverites, but for coffee drinkers across Canada and around the world.Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimoFriendly Day by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100223  Artist: http://incompetech.com/ 

When it comes to coffee and birds there's a surprising amount we can learn. Many of our beloved migrant birds spend their winters in southern climes. In coffee plantations in fact. Shade-grown, organic, fair-trade, and bird-friendly coffee – what's up with all the certifications? What difference does it make if my coffee is certified bird-friendly?Dr. Ana Gonzalez grew up among the coffee plantations of Colombia and is now living in Canada. Ana tells us about her work and the important role coffee plays in the lives of many bird species that are in trouble. And the role we can play in helping them.Research and conservation actions by Ana and collaborators have been supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada, Selva, Birds Canada, University of Saskatchewan, Nature Canada, Selva and other local partners.Ready to get your bird-friendly coffee? Visit www.birdsandbeans.ca/warblers - using this link will automatically apply the code. You can also use the code "Warblers" when you check out. The code helps us measure the positive impact of the podcast on bird-friendly coffee sales. Please note this option is only valid for purchases in Canada.  Dr. Ana González-Prieto  is an avian conservation ecologist. She integrates behavioural and demographic field data with tracking techniques; providing foundational scientific information needed to support international and local conservation strategies for Neotropical migrants of conservation concern. Ana's work has been recognized recently through receipt of several awards including the BioOne Ambassador Award and the James G. Cooper Early Professional Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society. She obtained her PhD and MSc degree from the University of Saskatchewan, and has held postdoctoral fellowships at Simon Fraser University (Mitacs), the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Research Center, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.  Her research experience spans from her natal Colombia to North America during the full annual cycle of migratory birds. Ana has lived in 6 different provinces from Quebec to British Columbia but has now settled in White Rock BC, where she currently works for the Science and Technology Branch of ECCC.  Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimoFriendly Day by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100223  Artist: http://incompetech.com/ 

There are 58 bird species living in Canadian oceans, 95% of them are in trouble worldwide, furthermore, we don't really understand how 62% of Canadian seabirds are doing due to unknown population trends.  In this episode, you will discover the Seabirds you did not know you love, the reasons for their decrease and what you can do to help them with your everyday choices. Dr. Sarah Gutowsky will take us on a discovery journey that starts with the career path of a talented, unconventional, and inspiring biologist to the conservation and threats facing the enigmatic seabirds that defined her journey. Please send us your voice memo with any bird question to -> podcast@birdscanada.orgAlternatively, call  519-586-3531, extension 128 and leave a voice mail!Continue your journey by reading the very short seabird section of the State of Canada's Birds Report 2019 to find out reasons for their decline and ways to help these bird species.Dr. Sarah Gutowsky is a Research Adjunct and Instructor in Biology at Dalhousie University and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Acadia University. She has been working in the field of Ornithology for 15 years, studying an array of species and ecosystems. From albatrosses and murrelets in the North Pacific to woodcocks and gulls in Nova Scotia, penguins in the sub-Antarctic to seabirds in the Arctic, all of her research projects have found a way to tackle conservation issues threatening birds all over the planet, on land or at sea. If she had to pick a specialty, she might say studying the movements of seabirds in their marine environment. She loves to share her passion for birds, and finds all sorts of ways to do so, including teaching in the academic and public realms but also guiding tourists in the Polar Regions. Her current research focus is on studying the drivers of regional trends in Common eiders on the east coast, supported through the Mitacs Accelerate Program in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada. Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo Beginner Seabirder Reading List*: Eye of the Albatross - Carl Safina (also try Song for the Blue Ocean by the same author)The Seabird's Cry: The Lives and Loves of the Planet's Great Ocean Voyagers - Adam NicolsonFar from Land: The Mysterious Lives of Seabirds - Michael BrookeGreat Auk Islands: A Field Biologist in the Arctic - Tim BirkheadThe Puffin - Mike Harris and Sarah WanlessThe Herring Gull's World: A Study of the Social Behaviour of Birds - Niko TinbergenThe Island - R.M. LockleySeabirds Beyond the Mountain Crest - Richard J. CuthbertRat Island: Predators in Paradise and the World's Greatest Wildlife Rescue - William StolzenburgHoly Mōlī: Albatross and Other Ancestors - Hob Osterlund * list based on recommendations from Sarah and her international network of seabird biologist peers

Bneshiinyik is how Anishinaabe people know birds. On this episode that marks National Truth and Reconciliation Day, we talk with Joseph Pitawanakwat a young knowledge keeper in search of medicine, names and stories. He talks about how birds are named in Ojibwe and some of the teachings and gifts they share with us. What you will discover in this episode is that language is a key to the knowledge of an organism and how it fulfills its duties and functions on the land.  This knowledge brings you to a good life on the land.Please remember we would love to hear from you, let us know what you think about the podcast here or which topics you will love -> podcast@birdscanada.org Joseph Pitawanakwat is an Ojibwe knowledge keeper for ancestral knowledge of plants, medicine and language. He is from Wiikwemikoong First Nation on Manitoulin Island and he is the founder and director of Creator's Garden, an Indigenous outdoor, and now online, education-based business focused on plant identification, beyond-sustainable harvesting, and teaching every one of their linguistic, historical, cultural, edible, ecological and medicinal significance through experiences. He has delivered presentations and intensive programming to over 100 first nations communities, 20 Universities and 12 colleges, and dozens of various institutions throughout Canada, the United States and beyond. He is uniquely blending and reinforcing that Indigenous knowledge with an array of western sciences.  @creators.garden on Instagram and Twitter. Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo Special thank you to Rob Porter from Songbirding podcast for the amazing recording of the Northern Watertursh (Parkesia noveboracensis) and to Jeff Dyck recorder of the American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) uploaded to the fantastic open sound library www.xeno-canto.org 

It's a dream come true – there's finally an app for identifying bird sounds. In the next episode of The Warblers podcast, we'll explore the Merlin Bird ID app's new Sound ID feature and how artificial intelligence is redefining birding. We talk with Drew Weber and Jody Allair and go deep into the implications and opportunities that this technology will bring for birds, and new as well as experienced birders.  Drew Weber coordinates the Merlin project at the Cornell Lab, as well as some web development for eBird and Macaulay Library. He enjoys expanding Merlin Bird ID to include new regions and new features to help users identify birds, whether it's their first bird or their life list is over 5,000. He has been birding since he was a kid and loves anything with birding and technology, he combines these two things every day. @drewweber on Twitter.Jody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the Director of Community Engagement at Birds Canada and has written numerous articles on birds, birding and connecting with nature. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @JodyAllair.Please remember we would love to hear from you, let us know what you think about the podcast here or which topics you will love -> podcast@birdscanada.orgDownload Merlin Bird ID App here - > https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/download/Learn all about AI powered Sound ID here  Learn how to record and submit your bird recordings to the Macaulay Library.Smartphone recording tips. Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo 

It often feels like we've been engaged in a battle with our lawns; we cut, mow, trim, drown and poison them to achieve that lush poster green look. We believe that yards, birds and landowners will find more happiness with a naturalized space. This paradigm shift will provide an opportunity for enjoyment, reflection and conservation - rather than work and sterile spaces. Many North American bird species are in decline due to habitat loss and degradation, among other global threats. In this episode, Natasha Barlow and Kevin Kavanagh teach you how to do things differently.Natasha Barlow is a biologist living in Ontario and is Birds Canada's Boreal Conservation Project Specialist. She, Gregor Beck, and Kevin Kavanagh, were the creative team behind the creation of www.birdgardens.ca, a web-based tool that will help you help birds by making it easy for you to design and plant a great garden for birds. Connect with her on Twitter and Instagram @nlynnbarlow and @natashalbarlowKevin Kavanagh is a Ecologist and Master Gardener with 40 years of experience in conservation supporting the expansion of protected areas, he is the gardening brains behind www.birdgardens.ca - connect with him on Twitter @scgardensStart gardening for birds, now with Birds Canada => www.birdgardens.ca Wild Birds Unlimited is a proud supporter of this initiative.Please remember we would love to hear from you, let us know what you think about the podcast here or which topics you will love -> podcast@birdscanada.org                      Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo (edited) 

We speak with Julian Victor, a wildlife Filmmaker from Toronto who has worked on projects for National Geographic, as well as with legendary wildlife filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert. He was one of the presenters for the first-ever Black Birders Week in 2020 and currently creates nature segments for Breakfast Television, one of Canada's most popular TV shows. We explore how he got to be a rising wildlife filmmaking star and the risks of presenting pristine images of nature and birds; highlighting the importance of letting humans creep into bird images and documentaries.Julian Victor is a wildlife Filmmaker from Toronto. He currently works for Canada's top morning show Breakfast Television. He is always on the lookout for diverse conservation stories to raise awareness of our natural world and its inhabitants and how to preserve them. Follow him: @jv_wild https://www.julianvictor.com/ See his work: https://vimeo.com/518875283Check out The Toronto Bird Celebration 2021 Urban Bird Photography 101 workshop with Ankur KhuranaReview Birds Canada's blog on ethical photography, TIPS FOR GREAT PHOTOS THAT DO GOOD FOR BIRDS by the young BC photographer Liron Gerstman Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada.  Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo

The iconic Canadian snowbird. Find out surprising facts about our beautiful Common Loons (Gavia immer) and how they are faring in Canada. We speak with Kathy Jones and Kristin Bianchini to explore the fascinating and fragile world of the Common Loon and the role volunteer scientists play in our understanding of their complex lives. Join the Canadian Lake Loon Survey visiting: www.birdscanada.org/loonMore on Loons: https://www.birdscanada.org/fantastic-loons-and-where-to-find-them/Kathy Jones (link to full bio: Our Staff | Birds Canada | Oiseaux Canada): Kathy is the Coordinator of Birds Canada's Canadian Lakes Loon Survey, the Volunteer Manager for Ontario Programs and is based out of Port Rowan, ON.Kristin Bianchini: Kristin Bianchini has a Ph.D. in Toxicology from the University of Saskatchewan. For the past two years, Kristin worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher with Birds Canada, where she completed the research on Common Loons.Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada.  Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo

"Challenging" - learn more about this understatement in the world of Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) research with Janet Ng. In our inaugural episode, we explore many angles of this exciting conservation work from the up and down fortunes of this species to the personal toll on an intrepid researcher. Janet Ng, Ph.D., is a species at risk biologist who has worked on a variety of species and landscapes around Canada. Her work is focused on wildlife-habitat relationships and how human development, climate change, and their combined effects can potentially impact species at risk.Janet is on Twitter: @janetngbio and LinkdIn.BirdWatch Canada article:  A hawk-eyed look at a Threatened prairie predator by Janet Ng Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada.  Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo

In this episode we cover: #1. Climate change, aguadas and herpetofaunal community structure in Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Campeche, Mexico Authors: Barão-Nóbrega, J.A.L., Lopez-Cen, A., Sima-Panti, D., Acton, C., Slater, K. Conference: 54th Annual Meeting of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation Year: 2017 Full Paper: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330880860_Climate_change_aguadas_and_herpetofaunal_community_structure_in_Calakmul_biosphere_reserve_Campeche_Mexico #2. Report on the Monitoring of Green Sea Turtles and Sea Grasses in Akumal Bay, Mexico Authors: Dr. Brigitta Ine Van Tussenbroek (UNAM), Dr. Kathy Slater (Operation Wallacea), Joseph Stevens (Operation Wallacea) Year: 2018 Full Paper (Spanish): https://cdn.yello.link/opwall/files/2020/01/2018-Informe-de-Monitoreo-de-Tortugas-Verdes-y-Pastos-Marinos-en-la-Bahia-de-Akumal.pdf

Antananarivo. Der Name von Madagaskars Hauptstadt ist ein echter Zungenbrecher. Gleichzeitig weckt er aber auch reichlich Neugier, ein Land zu entdecken, über das man nicht viel weiß. Pia Parolin hat sich aufgemacht in die Heimat der Lemuren und Baobabs. Der Anlass war die Jahrestagung der "Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation" (ATBC). Im Anschluss an das Treffen in Madagaskars Hauptstadt Antananarivo nutzte Pia die Gelegenheit, den Rest des Landes zu erkunden. In diesem Interview berichtet die Biologin und leidenschaftlich Fotografin von ihren Begegnungen mit herzlichen Madagassen, putzigen Lemuren und bizarren Baobabs. Über Pia Parolin In Italien geboren und aufgewachsen, studierte Pia Parolin Biologie in Deutschland und im brasilianischen Amazonasgebiet. Neben ihrer Leidenschaft für die Tropenökologie, spielte die Fotografie seit frühester Kindheit eine große Rolle in ihrem Leben. Anfangs nutzte sie die Kamera, um auf ihren Reisen besondere private Momente festzuhalten. Mittlerweile hat sich Pia aber zu einer renommierten Künstlerin entwickelt. Begonnen hat dieser neue Weg 2017 mit ihrer ersten Serie „Promenade Moments“. Auf der Promenade des Anglais in Nizza ein machte sie Fotos von Passanten, die sie in der Bewegungsunschärfe festhielt. Charakteristisch für dieses Projekt, das international große Beachtung fand, sind zudem die üppigen Farben. Pia lebt seit 2005 an der französischen Riviera. Dort veranstaltet sie auch regelmäßig Workshops, für die sie internationale Fotografen wie u.a. Ugo Cei, Martin U Waltz, Ralph Velasco einlädt. Ich war im Oktober 2019 erstmals zu Gast. Vom 28. bis 30. August 2020 ist ein weiterer Termin geplant – diesmal gemeinsam mit den "PHOTOLOGEN" Thomas B. Jones und Falk Frassa. Das Thema lautet: "Wahrnehmung, Interpretation und Interaktion". Wenn du Interesse hast, an diesem Workshop teilzunehmen, dann melde dich bitte bei mir unter: info(@)gatesieben.de Weitere Informationen unter: https://gatesieben.de/madagaskar/

Dr. Kaberi Kar Gupta is a Research Affiliate at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the Founding Director of the Urban Slender Loris Project.  While completing her PhD in anthropology (from Arizona State University) studying sexual behavior in non-human primates, and in subsequent conservation work in India and the US, she conducted extensive field research in remote locations including spending a year at a tiger reserve in Southern India with a young daughter in tow.  Drawing on her field experience and conversations with colleagues, she co-organized one of the first workshops on sexual harassment in field ecology during the 2001 meeting of the Association for Tropical Biology.  She remains engaged in addressing issues of various forms of harassment in academia and non-academic settings especially in fields related to nature conservation .  As an interdisciplinary scholar, her current work focuses on issues of nature education, environmental equity, and community based conservation in India and the US.  She recently received the Paul Shin aware for unsung heroes of science education and communication from the Coalition for the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS).  

Dr. John Kress is a Distinguished Scientist and Curator of Botany at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. Not only does John enjoy investigating the natural world at work, he also enjoys spending his free time outside exploring nature. John often goes on walks or hikes with his wife and dog to see nature in action. In addition, John is an avid gardener. Among the plants he cultivates in his own yard are some of the ginger and banana plants that he studies. John’s research involves exploring the natural world and all the organisms that make up the natural world. Since graduate school, he has been exploring different areas, particularly tropical areas, to determine what grows there now, what grew there in the past, and how the plants and animals there interact. John received his B.A. in biology from Harvard University and his Ph.D. in botany from Duke University. John formerly served as the Interim Undersecretary for Science for the Smithsonian Institution, Executive Director of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation, and Director of the Consortium for Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet, which is one of the four grand challenges of the Smithsonian Institution’s strategic plan. He is also Chairman of the Board of the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) and an Affiliate Faculty member at George Mason University. He has previously served as an Adjunct Professor at George Washington University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Among John’s awards and honors are receipt of the Parker-Gentry Award for Biodiversity and Conservation from the Field Museum of Natural History, the Lifetime Achievement Award from Heliconia Society International, and the Edward O. Wilson Biodiversity Technology Pioneer Award for Co-Development of Leafsnap - the First Mobile App for Plant Identification. John is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and an honorary Fellow of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation. He joined us in this interview to discuss his experiences in life and science.

When they began their studies at UC Santa Barbara in the 1980s, Greg Massa and Raquel Krach would never have imagined themselves where they are today: growing organic crops on a family farm outside of Chico. But a tropical biology program in Costa Rica sparked an appreciation of the role of ecology in agriculture and kindled a love – for farming and for each other – that set a new trajectory for their lives. Series: "Going Places: UC Education Abroad" [Agriculture] [Education] [Show ID: 24593]

When they began their studies at UC Santa Barbara in the 1980s, Greg Massa and Raquel Krach would never have imagined themselves where they are today: growing organic crops on a family farm outside of Chico. But a tropical biology program in Costa Rica sparked an appreciation of the role of ecology in agriculture and kindled a love – for farming and for each other – that set a new trajectory for their lives. Series: "Going Places: UC Education Abroad" [Agriculture] [Education] [Show ID: 24593]

When they began their studies at UC Santa Barbara in the 1980s, Greg Massa and Raquel Krach would never have imagined themselves where they are today: growing organic crops on a family farm outside of Chico. But a tropical biology program in Costa Rica sparked an appreciation of the role of ecology in agriculture and kindled a love – for farming and for each other – that set a new trajectory for their lives. Series: "Going Places: UC Education Abroad" [Agriculture] [Education] [Show ID: 24593]

When they began their studies at UC Santa Barbara in the 1980s, Greg Massa and Raquel Krach would never have imagined themselves where they are today: growing organic crops on a family farm outside of Chico. But a tropical biology program in Costa Rica sparked an appreciation of the role of ecology in agriculture and kindled a love – for farming and for each other – that set a new trajectory for their lives. Series: "Going Places: UC Education Abroad" [Agriculture] [Education] [Show ID: 24593]