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“Thank you for bringing science and community together in a joyful radio show.”
— Colleen, East Walpole, Massachusetts
On our latest show (#1,021 Jan. 19) We meet the “Chick Chick” from way up north; we learn what plastic pellets are doing to our oceans; and we get Mike’s advice for your backyard suet plans.
Hear it here.
California wildfire smoke linked to changes in bird activity and health
In this article from last July, UCLA researchers analyzed two decades of data from the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory to examine how fine particulate matter affects bird populations. They found that short-term exposure to wildfire smoke leads to decreased bird activity, while long-term exposure resulted in increased bird activity. The study also found that birds repeatedly exposed exhibited a decrease in body mass, potentially harming their ability to survive and reproduce. (1/14)
Plirding in North Central Florida
Here's Jacqui Sulek from Four Rivers Audubon with monofilament she removed while plirding (picking up litter while birding) with group members at Alligator Lake Park on January 4. Monofilament is extremely dangerous for birds and other wildlife. We're glad Jacqui found this. (1/18)
LSU researchers create low-cost method to recycle plastic
We need a low-cost way to recycle plastics domestically. It'd be great if it could accommodate plastics that are a little dirty, and if it made them easy to re-use. A research team at Louisiana State University has developed a method that just might grant all our wishes. (1/6)
Illinois Bird Feeder Live Stream
This feeder cam in Schaumberg, Illinois is perfectly equipped for winter. Platforms, dishes, a peanut feeder, a suet cage....We can learn a lot about how to feed birds from this setup. This feeder cam is in Central time. (1/8)
North Texas feeder cam
This well-stocked feeder cam near Van Alstyne, Texas (Central time) has a really long species list, including White-winged Doves and Carolina Chickadees. We tuned in during the golden light of dusk and saw a gang of Pine Siskins! (1/15)
Learn to fight back against plastic pollution
Many of our listeners care deeply about the issue of plastic pollution and its catastrophic effects on our planet and its inhabitants. If you’d like to learn more about the issue and ways to fight back, Ray highly recommends this online course from the advocacy group Beyond Plastics, offered by Bennington College. He took it last year and won’t stop talking about it no matter how much we ask him to. It’s seven Wednesday evenings starting in mid-February. (1/16)
“The Wren’s Cheer” newsletter
This spectacular photo of a Cedar Waxwing is one of many treats you can find in the January newsletter from Four Rivers Audubon of North Central Florida. Read on for uplifting news, and connections to books and events. A great way to start 2025. (1/2)
We are now on Bluesky social media
We've just signed up for a new social media platform: Bluesky. Our handle is @talkinbirdsradio.bsky.social.
You can also find us — as always — on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Just click the corresponding buttons above, under the photo of the puffin.
We're happy to see you any place you follow us! (12/5)
Our sponsors and partners:
Bird vocalizations provided by The Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Website photography by Shawn Carey/Migration Productions.