Bird Facts (Bird Facts)
Explore every episode of Bird Facts
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05 Dec 2022 | Peregrine Falcon | 00:14:41 | |
In this episode Kristen and Maeve discuss the Peregrine Falcon, an elegant bird of prey found around the world. Famous for its flight speed, peregrine falcons engage in spectacular dives - reaching speeds up to 200mph/320kmh! Some say it is the fastest bird in the world. Come learn with us about how this bird establishes such an amazing feat. Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Peregrine_Falcon/overview https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/peregrine-falcon https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/indiana/stories-in-indiana/peregrine-falcons/#:~:text=DDT%20poisoning%20was%20especially%20harmful,and%20fish%20contaminated%20with%20DDT. https://www.peregrinefund.org/ Additional Resources: Watch a peregrine falcon dive after prey: Great informational video from the Smithsonian: Ride on the back of a falcon Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 04 Sep 2023 | Big Bird - With Special Guest Sarah | 00:25:47 | |
In this special episode we celebrate our 1 year anniversary covering everyone's favorite bird, Big Bird, from the kid's television program Sesame Street. Kristen and Maeve are joined by special guest Sarah (she/they) who is on Maeve's other podcast, Mystics and Mulder. Kristen tells Sarah and Maeve all there is to know about Big Bird's species, bigus canarius, as well as fun facts about Big Bird and a little about the history of Sesame Street. They also learn about Carol Spinney, who provided the voice of Big Bird as well as the puppetry for most of the history of Sesame Street. All photos that Kristen showed Sarah and Maeve will be available on our Instagram account, which is linked below. If you are interested in connecting with Sarah, follow them on medi.okra. Please also check out Mystics and Mulder, a fantastic podcast that Sarah and Maeve do together that addresses the link between faith and popular culture. Kristen has even been on one episode! You can find Mystics and Mulder on many streaming services. Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: -Borgenicht, David. (1998). Sesame Street Unpaved: Scripts, Stories, Secrets, and Songs. Children's Television Workshop. -Davis, Michael. (2008). Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street. Penguin Books. -Itzkoff, D. (2018, October 17). Original Big Bird, Caroll Spinney, Leaves ‘Sesame Street’ After Nearly 50 Years. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/17/arts/television/sesame-street-big-bird.html -LaMattina, D., & Walker, C. N. (Directors). (2014). I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story [film]. Tribeca Film. -Muppet Wiki. (n.d.) Big Bird. Fandom. https://muppet.fandom.com/wiki/Big_Bird -Sesame Street Unpaved -Throughline. (2022, August 3). Getting to Sesame Street [audio podcast episode]. In Throughline. npr. https://www.npr.org/2023/07/31/1191069674/getting-to-sesame-street-2022 Additional Resources: -Big Bird deals with Mr. Hooper's death https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxlj4Tk83xQ -Big Bird on SNL, Weekend Update https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dv3tLVxng0 Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 03 Jan 2023 | Double-crested Cormorant | 00:15:52 | |
Come on a journey with us as Kristen tells Maeve about the double-crested cormorant, who hangs out with the American white pelican, which we discussed in our last episode. Like other cormorants, the double-crested is a diving bird that zooms underwater for fish. This one has “striking aquamarine eyes that sparkle like jewels.” Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Double-crested_Cormorant/overview https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/double-crested-cormorant Additional Resources: Double crested cormorant drying its feathers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H_JVWLfl1U A different species of cormorant swimming underwater Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 26 Sep 2022 | Iceland Gull | 00:14:46 | |
In this podcast, Kristen tells Maeve facts about a bird a week. This week, we're covering a subspecies with questionable behavior--the Iceland gull! Escape into nature with us and away from your daily life--and learn a thing or two along the way.
Shownotes:
Research for today’s episode came from the following sources:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Iceland_Gull/id
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/iceland-gull
https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Gull#:~:text=There%20are%20about%2050%20species,venturing%20far%20out%20to%20sea.
Additional references for listeners:
https://www.audubon.org/news/this-new-guide-finally-simplifies-gull-ids
https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691156941/gulls-simplified
Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod
Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com
Thanks for listening, and happy birding!
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| 03 Apr 2023 | Birds in the News - April 3, 2023 | 00:17:25 | |
*FYI* Maeve and Kristen each have unusually busy schedules this month so we are taking a few weeks off publishing. See you in two weeks for our episode on the Great Blue Heron! Research for today’s episode came from the following sources:
Additional Resources: Learn more about the Snail Kite: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Snail_Kite/id Check out the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam: https://dickpritchettrealestate.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod
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| 27 Mar 2023 | Resplendent Quetzal | 00:19:22 | |
Come learn with us about the Resplendent Quetzal, an exceptionally beautiful bird native to Central America. This bird loves fruit and lives in a special type of rainforest known as a cloud forest. Males of this species grow a 3 foot long tail feather during the mating season to entice birds. Kristen goes a little into the mythology around the quetzal bird, who was revered by the Aztecs. In the show notes you can link to a video that shows how clapping outside certain Aztec temples brings back the sound of the quetzal. Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: https://abcbirds.org/bird/resplendent-quetzal/ https://ebird.org/species/resque1 https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/resplendent-quetzal https://www.britannica.com/science/cloud-forest-ecology Carrasco, David (ed.). “Feathered Serpent.” The Oxford Encyclopedia of Mesoamerican Cultures, 2001. eISBN: 9780195188431 Additional Resources: Sounds of the Mayan Temple - Like the Quetzal Bird https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTKCk9iLqRc How to pronounce Quetzalcoatl https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAc4CXJZXgk Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 13 Mar 2023 | Northern Shrike | 00:15:31 | |
** content warning ** This episode features some graphic depictions of bird vs. prey interactions, so if you listen with little ones you may wish to check out the episode on your own first to feel it out. Maeve tells Kristen all about the Northern Shrike, whose common name of 'butcher bird' is well deserved. This large songbird is entirely carnivorous, and has some fascinating adaptions that allow it to catch prey close to its own size. Our hosts also discuss other interesting facts, like what this bird has in common with baseball or football players and how this episode was inspired by a Hoozier song. Tune in next week for our first ever Birds in the News segment. We can't wait to share that with you! Also, take a minute to check out Maeve's other podcast, Mystics and Mulder, a podcast "at the intersection of pop culture and faith." Their latest episode is about Hoozier, and Maeve mentions in today's other episode. Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Shrike/overview Additional Resources: Shrike - by Hoozier https://youtu.be/DOBHyBPPSow Northern Shrike calling from a tree https://youtu.be/8RmRivUbvAE Differentiating between the Northern and Loggerhead Shrikes https://youtu.be/t5l7GPs4ePE Blog about the tomial tooth - https://kaylafisk.com/2022/02/25/bird-anatomy-tomial-tooth/ https://www.audubon.org/news/what-do-baseball-players-and-shrikes-have-common *Trigger warning - animal corpses* https://www.audubon.org/news/shrikes-have-absolutely-brutal-way-killing-large-prey Shrike impaling prey behavior - so metal! https://youtu.be/kE6y-v7m-JY Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 24 Apr 2023 | Great Blue Heron | 00:18:15 | |
Great Blue Heron Requested by one of our listeners, Griff, the Great Blue Heron is found in North America, Central America, northern South America, and the Galapagos Islands. This bird has an almost 6 foot wingspan and can be found near freshwater or saltwater. Outside of mating season they are solitary, often standing statuesque in water looking for prey - which they often catch after a sudden strike. Their unique neck vertebrae allow for a shockingly quick jab into the water. FYI we may have an irregular posting schedule for a month or so as we are lining up very exciting guests. In our next episode, Maeve will turn the tables and tell Kristen about the Piping Plover. Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Blue_Heron/id https://www.audubon.org/birds-of-america/great-blue-heron https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/great-blue-heron Additional Resources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/how-do-i-keep-herons-from-eating-the-fish-in-my-pond/# Video of a Great Blue Heron catching fish https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/435241 Telling egrets and Herons apart https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/how-to-identify-white-herons-excerpt-from-better-birding-book/ Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 25 Sep 2023 | The Common Raven | 00:15:35 | |
Come learn with us about the Common Raven, a large all-black bird that is found in many different habitats throughout the Northern Hemisphere. These birds are known for their curiosity and intelligence, and feature prominently in folklore and mythology around the world. Kristen also tells Maeve a little about how to tell crows apart from ravens, and see some of the links below for more information. In our next episode we are joined by special guest Dr. Eric Mortensen, John A. Von Weissenfluh Professor of Religious Studies at Guilford College, who tells Kristen and Maeve about raven languages and augury. Let us know what else you might like to learn about ravens! Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Raven/overview https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/common-raven https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/whats-on/the-ravens/#gs.4ko193 https://www.audubon.org/news/how-tell-raven-crow Additional Resources: Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven, read by James Earl Jones. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcqPQXqQXzI Ravens hopping https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyKoVREALec Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 07 Aug 2023 | Extraordinary Birder, Episodes 1-3 | 00:32:30 | |
In our latest episode, and the funniest one to date, Maeve tells Kristen about the first three episodes of Extraordinary Birder, a new show hosted by the intrepid birder, Christian Cooper! The show is available for your streaming pleasure on Hulu and Disney. Cooper travels to Puerto Rico, New Nork City, and Hawaii, encountering numerous bird species and other exciting adventures along the way. Come learn with Kristen about some very unique birds, environmental issues, and so much more about the wondrous world of birding!!
Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 22 Nov 2022 | Painting Birds with Denise Penizzotto | 00:19:27 | |
This week Kristen and Maeve chat with Denise Penizotto, a master's student studying the sacred arts at Harvard Divinity School. Denise tells us about the spiritually fulfilling practice of painting birds, including what makes birds excellent subjects for art such as plumage and folklore. We each also share which bird we would be if we could choose. You can find Denise's art on her website, http://www.denisepenizzotto.com/, and connect with her on Instagram @denisepenizzotto. Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: Denise! Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 08 May 2023 | Piping Plover | 00:18:13 | |
In this special episode, we change things around a bit as Maeve tells Kristen about the Piping Plover, reading from a book she recently got on a birding outing. Piping Plovers are attractive, little gray shorebirds that live along the shores in the Northeast United States as well as some alkali wetlands in the Great Plains and Great Lakes areas. The eat crustaceans and other animals that live on shores or in wetlands. Since they lay their eggs directly on the sand, they are at great risk of being trodden on and disturbed by humans and pets. Maeve tells us what we can do to keep this species in a healthy population size. In our next episode, we have a special guest that will talk to us about the Aztec Empire and their relationship to birds. Since it will be a follow up to and directly related to our episode about the Resplendent Quetzal from March 27, we recommending giving that a review. As always check our Instagram for photos related to each episode. It’s migration season! Keep a lookout for birds passing through your area and feel free to write in about what you are seeing and/or hearing. Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Piping_Plover/overview https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/endangered-threatened-species/essential-wildlife-habitat/pplt-nests.html https://maineaudubon.org/projects/plovers-terns/ Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 29 May 2023 | Bonus Episode - the Aztecs, Birds, and Quetzalcoatl - With Joe Rosales | 00:23:29 | |
Join Kristen and Maeve for a special bonus episode. If you have not listened to our episode on the Resplendent Quetzal bird from March 27, be sure to check it out. That bird had a special relationship with the Aztecs, and we did not have enough time in our main episode to go into detail on all of the history and mythology. In this episode, our hosts are joined by Joe Rosales, studying at Harvard Divinity School for a Master of Theological Studies degree in comparative theology with a special focus on Christianity and the Aztec religion. After he gave a presentation in one of Kristen's classes on Quetzalcoatl, Kristen invited him to share what he has learned about the Resplendent Quetzal bird as well as other interesting things about the fascinating Aztec Empire. We learn all about human sacrifice, polytheism, discuss why birds make excellent symbols for charismatic leaders, the similarities between Queztlecoatl and Jesus, and so much more. Kristen also tells Joe the Bird Facts origin story. Catch us next week for a regular episode about Forster's Tern. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, he wants to hear from you! Please send bird facts a note via Gmail (contact info below) and we will forward it along to him. Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding!
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| 19 Sep 2022 | Brown-Headed Cowbird | 00:19:12 | |
In this podcast, Kristen tells Maeve facts about a bird a week. This week, we're covering a brood parasite with a heart of gold--the cowbird, a bird widely known for laying its eggs in the nests of other birds! Escape into nature with us and away from your daily life--and learn a thing or two along the way.
Shownotes:
Research for today’s episode came from the following sources:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brown-headed_Cowbird/overview
https://nestwatch.org/learn/general-bird-nest-info/brown-headed-cowbirds/
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/if-brown-headed-cowbirds-are-reared-by-other-species-how-do-they-know-they-are-cowbirds-when-they-grow-up/
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/brown-headed-cowbird
Additional references for listeners:
https://nestwatch.org/learn/general-bird-nest-info/brown-headed-cowbirds/
https://www.audubon.org/news/is-it-okay-remove-cowbird-eggs-host-nests
Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod
Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com
Thanks for listening, and happy birding!
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| 09 Sep 2022 | Gray Catbird | 00:17:04 | |
In this podcast, Kristen tells Maeve facts about a bird a week. This week, we’re covering a small bird with a big personality—the gray catbird! Escape into nature with us and away from your daily life–and learn a thing or two along the way.
Show notes:
Research for today’s episode came from the following sources:
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/gray-catbird
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Gray_Catbird/overview
Additional references for listeners:
https://www.audubon.org/news/10-fun-facts-about-gray-catbird
YouTube video featuring an ornithologist describing the Gray Catbird mimicking other birds:
https://youtu.be/KRgvpjcSNcM
Catbird vs. bluejay:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vptbsv53XgQ
Catbird vs. cardinal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3v4UGlJj_Y
Lead With Nature catbird episode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amC8wY7Q7Fc
Gray Catbird's Epic Bird Bath:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VedK_C-irtY
Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod
Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com
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| 03 Oct 2022 | Barn Owl | 00:21:18 | |
In this podcast, Kristen *usually* tells Maeve facts about a bird a week. This week, join Kristen and Maeve with a special guest this week as they discuss the ghostly Barn Owl, a beautiful bird with impressive adaptations that allow it to hunt in total darkness and fly without making a sound. Escape into nature and away from your daily life--and learn a thing or two along the way. Shownotes: Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barn_Owl/overview https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/barn-owl https://www.newpathonline.com/free-curriculum-resources/flip_chart/Life_Science_-_Middle_School_Grage_6_The_Barn_Owl/6/8,9,10,11/664 Videos about owl senses: BBC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SI73-Ka51E NatGEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpBCzzzX6zA Additional references for listeners: https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/birds/barn-owl/ https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/learn-to-identify-the-distinctive-calls-of-owls/ https://www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-facts/ https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/owl-power/11628/ https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/moonlight-white-barn-owls/ https://www.barnowltrust.org.uk/owl-facts-for-kids/barn-owl-hearing/ Videos about owl flight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9HVhqXI8PY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_FEaFgJyfA https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/moonlight-white-barn-owls/ Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 21 Aug 2023 | Extraordinary Birder, Episodes 4-6 | 00:25:33 | |
Join our hosts as Maeve tells Kristen about the most recent three episodes of Extraordinary Birder, a new show hosted by the intrepid birder, Christian Cooper! The show is available for your streaming pleasure on Hulu and Disney. Cooper travels to Palm Springs, Washington D.C., and Alabama, encountering numerous bird species and other exciting adventures along the way. Come learn with Kristen about some very unique birds and so much more about the wondrous world of birding!! Join us for our next episode where will learn about Big Bird.
Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 30 Jan 2023 | Black-Capped Chickadee With Caleb | 00:25:29 | |
Join Kristen, Maeve, and special guest Caleb as they discuss the iconic and charismatic Black-Capped Chickadee. Caleb brings all the fun and all the facts about this bird, who is famous for its distinctively 'cute' look, charming personality, and beautiful calls. Learn and laugh with us as we discuss all things chickadee, including how their calls mimic some of the qualities of human language. You won't want to miss this episode and Caleb's personal riveting and drama-filled chickadee stories. Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-capped_Chickadee/overview https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-capped_Chickadee/overview http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Parus_atricapillus/#8a933601863e971c08bae7e0aa70e42e https://www.sialis.org/chickadee.htm Stokes, D., & Stokes, L. Q. (2013). The New Stokes Field Guide to Birds: Eastern Region. Little, Brown and Company. Additional Resources: Bird clothes: https://www.birdcollective.com/ Video chickadee hammering open a seed to get the nutrients inside. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExN8cPx08VU Various chickadee calls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Lfc8pea7xs How to tell a black-capped Chickadee from a Carolina Chickadee https://feederwatch.org/learn/tricky-bird-ids/black-capped-chickadee-and-carolina-chickadee/ How to Build a nest box for the black-capped Chickadee https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/birds/black-capped-chickadee/ More about bird alarm calls https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/look-out-the-backyard-bird-alarm-call-network/# Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 07 Nov 2022 | Chickens! With Kristen W. | 00:31:14 | |
Join Kristen and Maeve with special guest Kristen W. for a special long episode all about chickens! Curious what that little red thing is by your yolk, whether store bought white eggs are actually bleached, or where the term ‘pecking order’ comes from, or what chicken bridesmaids look like? Interested in raising chickens yourself? Come along with us on our bird journey where Kristen W. answers all your pressing chicken-related questions. Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: Kristen W! Additional Resources: Egg song sounds came from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47l396ZWWRo Check out our Instagram account for photos of chicken bridesmaids and Kristen W. (in her chicken costume) posing with Kristen M. (not in a chicken costume) for Halloween 2018. Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 10 Jul 2023 | American Woodcock | 00:17:09 | |
In this episode Kristen tells Maeve about the American Woodcock, a request sent in by one of our dear listeners. This is a cute, plump shorebird with short legs and short neck. They prefer deciduous or mixed woods with much young growth and moist soil, such as thickets along streams. These birds have a cool adaption with their bill that allows them to sense invertebrates moving in the soil and grab onto them while they are still underground. Our hosts’ favorite thing about this bird is a strange as-of-yet scientifically unexplained ‘dancing’ behavior. Links to the videos Kristen shows in the show notes below. Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Woodcock/overview https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/american-woodcock https://www.audubon.org/news/10-fun-facts-about-american-woodcock#:~:text=In%20an%20extraordinary%20feat%20of,have%20longer%20bills%20than%20males. Additional Resources: Videos of courtship displays: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hx-iRZPts6E “Dancing” videos that Kristen Showed Maeve: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF3-LvmHM4E https://www.tiktok.com/@kmkamp20/video/7242838441162018090?_op=1&_r=1&_t=8dgST1TGibK Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 20 Mar 2023 | Birds in the News - March 20, 2023 | 00:16:59 | |
Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56189600 https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/25/science/split-sex-gynandromorph.html https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/fossils-of-a-340-pound-giant-penguin-found-in-new-zealand-180981611/ https://www.npr.org/2023/02/08/1155458695/woodpeckers-700-pounds-acorns-in-wall-home https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/owl-escapes-from-zoo-becomes-a-new-york-celebrity-180981619/#:~:text=BirdCentralPark%20via%20Twitter-,A%20Eurasian%20eagle%2Dowl%20named%20Flaco%20has%20been%20on%20the,has%20so%20far%20evaded%20capture. https://www.npr.org/2023/03/09/1162024728/giant-eggshells-madagascar-elephant-birds-science-research Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding!
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| 17 Oct 2023 | Announcement | 00:01:22 | |
Hello, Birders! Unfortunately, we’ve run into some technical issues editing our latest episode on raven mythologies with Dr. Eric Mortenson. This mean we’ll be releasing it later than we had planned. We think you’ll love this content, and we’re sorry you can’t hear it sooner. For now, happy birding.
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| 29 May 2023 | Forster's Tern | 00:16:09 | |
It's migration season here at Bird Facts, and so in this episode, Kristen tells Maeve about Forster's Tern, a species of tern that was migrating through where Kristen was recently visiting in Wisconsin. This is a small, attractive bird known for its neat fish-diving habits, and for nesting in saltwater, freshwater, and brackish marshes. They winter along various places (mostly but not exclusively coastline), migrate through all of the United States other than the Northeast, and summer in marshes in the Great Plains and Great Lakes areas. In our next episode, Kristen will tell Maeve about all the research she did for her final paper on the use of birds as tropes in horror films for her class Birds, Religion, and Mythology. Birds appear in many ways in horror films, so this episode will have a follow up bonus episode with a special guest. You will not want to miss it! Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Forsters_Tern/overview Migration map: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Forsters_Tern/maps-range Additional Resources: Courtship displays: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Qry1CXgPV4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM92g1FJ0Zg Videos of terns diving: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oSYcRHtu7Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cxpeEJOyh8 Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 10 Oct 2022 | Birding 101 | 00:17:46 | |
In this podcast, Kristen *usually* tells Maeve facts about a bird a week. Join Kristen and Maeve as we explore a slightly different topic: how to start bird watching! Escape into nature with us and away from your daily life--and learn a thing or two along the way. Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: https://www.audubon.org/birding/how-to-start-birding Bird Watching 101: https://ny.audubon.org/news/bird-watching-101-guide-beginners Code of birding ethics: https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics/ Birding safety tips: https://www.audubon.org/news/safety-tips-better-birding Audubon Guide to Binoculars: https://www.audubon.org/gear/binocular-guide Birding Field Guides: https://www.audubon.org/news/what-bird-guide-best-you Waterproof birding journal: https://www.riteintherain.com/no-195-birders-journal Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 14 Feb 2023 | Rock Ptarmigan | 00:11:52 | |
Research for today’s episode came from the following sources:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rock_Ptarmigan/overview
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/rock-ptarmigan
https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=rockptarmigan.main
Additional Resources:
Ptarmigan video that Maeve sent to Kristen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y1ItZDV3gc
First-hand account of the hilarious ptarmigan call https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec-E3YdAR1U
Video of a male rock ptarmigan in winter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ltuc0DEoE1Y
Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod
Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com
Twitter: @birdfactspod
Thanks for listening, and happy birding!
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| 18 Jan 2023 | Northern Cardinal | 00:16:49 | |
Kristen tells Maeve all about the strikingly beautiful Northern Cardinal, a small songbird native to North America. The males of this species are a deep crimson all year round and mating pairs can stay together for years at a time. Learn along with us as Maeve finds out the origin of the name cardinal for this bird and hear Kristen do an impression of the cardinal's call when her microphone was not picking up the real bird call. You won't want to miss this episode! Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Cardinal/overview https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Cardinal/overview Additional Resources: Live bird feeder in the UK sometimes has cardinals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtGUTs_HgcE Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 19 Dec 2022 | American White Pelican | 00:14:42 | |
The American White Pelican is a large, graceful bird that forages for fish in shallow bodies of water. Kristen and Maeve talk about how beautiful the pelican is in flight, clear up a common misconception about their famous pouch, and discuss how pelican populations have been affected by climate change. This bird is also friends with the double-crested cormorant, which you can catch in our next episode! Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_White_Pelican/id https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/american-white-pelican https://www.wpr.org/study-american-white-pelican-continues-expand-across-great-lakes-region Additional Resources: A video of American White Pelicans timed to classical music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzTpOL9KpQA American White Pelicans “looking for love” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msNM72-pH_c A Go-Pro on an American White Pelican - watch it fish! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwI9omOWH9k Pelican scenes from Finding Nemo Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 23 Oct 2023 | Raven Languages and Augury with Dr. Eric Mortensen | 00:38:56 | |
Come join our hosts as they speak with special guest Dr. Eric D. Mortensen, professor of religious studies at Guilford College. Eric tells Kristen and Maeve about his experiences working with ravens and studying their languages and use in augury in Tibet. Here is list a of the materials that Eric recommended to listeners: Bernd Heinrich has several books that include or are about ravens
John M. Marzluff, In the Company of Crows and Ravens
Candace Savage, Bird Brains
Kimberley Christine Patton, Religion of the Gods
Thank you listeners for your patience around our technical issue and the late release of this episode. Join us next time for a discussion about bird rescue organizations in Wisconsin.
Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 18 Dec 2023 | Eastern Screech Owl | 00:17:05 | |
In this episode Kristen surprises Maeve with an episode about Maeve's favorite bird, the Eastern Screech Owl. They learned so many interesting facts about this cute, tiny, and effective predatory bird. The Eastern Screech Owl is native to the eastern portion of the United States, nests in holes in trees, and is so well camouflaged that you may have seen one and did not even know! We will be taking a break for some of winter and will return sometime in the spring. In the meantime, please continue to write in with your stories and requests. We love you all! Eastern Screech Owl Come learn with us about the Common Raven. Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Screech-Owl/lifehistory https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/eastern-screech-owl https://www.hawkmountain.org/raptors/eastern-screech-owl Additional Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi5ry3AZje8 Video from Auburn University Raptor Center - get up close with two individuals one of each color Eastern Screech owls hanging out in trees https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snmhUoTSsP0 Fast Facts about Eastern Screech Owls - Brookfield Zoo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDBwVJloiRU Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 27 Feb 2023 | Laughing Kookaburra | 00:16:55 | |
In this exciting episode Kristen tells Maeve about the Laughing Kookaburra, a request sent in by our listener Eoin. Famous for it's breathtaking "laughing call," this bird is the only member of the kingfisher family that does not eat fish. The Laughing Kookaburra is endemic to Australia, maintains multi-generational family units, and is super cute to boot. Our hosts also discuss how this bird's iconic call has been used and misused by Hollywood, and they also include two musical representations of the Laughing Kookaburra. Starting two weeks from now, we will transition back to our weekly episode release schedule, and every other episode will be a segment about birds in the news. Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2005/12/blockbuster-movies-turn-lab-ornithology-blockbuster-sounds https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/laughing-kookaburra https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/laughing-kookaburra/ Additional Resources: Video of a kookaburra calling from the Brookfield Zoo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jW7A2glZbk Meet Taco, a laughing Kookaburra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lZt-JLhsg4 Kookaburra song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2VitpGRalw Opening scene to Raider’s of the Lost Ark https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWLjtvbGuoo If you liked Brandon's Kookaburra song, you can check out some of his other music at https://www.youtube.com/@CSPAN4archives Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 13 Nov 2023 | Wisconsin Bird Rescue with Janet | 00:26:11 | |
Join Kristen and Maeve as they speak with Janet Macklin, one of our listeners located in Wisconsin. Janet is involved with some local bird rescues in the area and tells our hosts about her experiences helping rescue birds in need of help. She also provides some tips such as what to do if you spot a bird in distress, and what sort of fishing tackle is best for bird safety. Note that Janet is not speaking as a representative of any of the organizations she mentions, and opinions stated do not necessarily reflect the opinions of those organizations. Do not handle any wild animals without training and authorization from a reputable organization. Additional Resources: These are the Wisconsin organizations that Janet mentions in the episode: REGI - Raptor Education Group, Inc. https://www.raptoreducationgroup.org/ Wisconsin Loon Rescue https://www.facebook.com/groups/942848699396690/ Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 31 Oct 2022 | Scarlet Tanager | 00:13:23 | |
In this podcast, Kristen tells Maeve facts about a bird a week. Come learn about this brightly-colored bird who can catch bugs mid-air! Escape into nature with us and away from your daily life--and learn a thing or two along the way. | |||
| 26 Jun 2023 | Birds in Horror Films Part 1 - Birds Used as Portents of Death | 00:31:56 | |
** content warning ** This episode is about birds in horror films, so we do discuss dead birds, and describe the deaths of birds as well as cats. Our discussion is not graphic in our minds, but we trust that you can make the best decision for yourself whether to listen or to expose to younger ears. Join Kristen and Maeve as they discuss a paper that Kristen wrote for a class last semester. The paper was titled “The Use of Birds as Tropes for Portents of Death in Horror Films.” The title says it all, but our hosts discuss three specific horror tropes that inform the audience when the horror begins in a film. They also discuss why birds are used for these tropes, referencing mythology and folklore. Birds are used in horror films in many other ways as well, so we are planning a follow up episode with a special guest. Please note that our release schedule will probably be a little bit off this semester after all, as Kristen and Maeve are both deeply involved in academic and/or professional endeavors that are more time consuming than expected. Happy birding! ____________________________________________________________ Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: -Bude, Tekla. “What is a Trope? Definition and Examples.” School of Writing, Literature, and Film. Oregon State University, Accessed April 24, 2023. https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/wlf/what-trope-definition-and-examples -Fahy, Thomas. “Introduction.” In The Philosophy of Horror, edited by Thomas Fahy, 1-13. Lexington: The University Press of Kentucky, 2010. -Feher-Elston, Catherine. Ravensong: A Natural History of Ravens and Crows. New York: Penguin Books, Ltd., 1991. -Nickel, Philip J. “Horror and the Idea of Everyday Life: On Skeptical Threats in Psycho and The Birds.” In The Philosophy of Horror, edited by Thomas Fahy, 15-41. Lexington: The University Press of Kentucky, 2010 -Moreman, Christopher M. “On the Relationship between Birds and Spirits of the Dead.” Society & Animals 22, no. 5 (2014): 481-502. DOI: 10.1163/15685306-12341328 __________________________________ Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Twitter: @birdfactspod Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 17 Oct 2022 | Pine Warbler | 00:16:11 | |
In this podcast, Kristen tells Maeve facts about a bird a week. Join us as we chat about the beautiful and evasive pine warbler, a little bird with a big song in its heart. Check out this episode to learn about an impromptu bird funeral and what Topanga Lawrence has to do with pine warblers. Escape into nature and away from your daily life--and learn a thing or two along the way. Shownotes: Research for today’s episode came from the following sources: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/pine-warbler https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Warbler/id https://www.audubon.org/news/ask-kenn-what-exactly-warbler Additional Resources: https://www.audubon.org/news/two-fantastic-warblers-anyone-can-find https://www.audubon.org/news/how-tell-apart-sound-alike-warblers Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com Thanks for listening, and happy birding! | |||
| 24 Oct 2022 | Satin Bowerbird | 00:13:35 | |
*Note: The audio for this episode is lower than usual. Turn up the volume and mind the intro/interlude/outro!* In this podcast, Kristen tells Maeve facts about a bird a week. Come with us this week to the forests of Australia to learn about the Satin Bowerbird. The male of this species decorates his bower, a structure made of twigs and grasses) with blue objects to entice females. You don’t want to miss his tail-feather shaking mating display! Escape into nature with us and away from your daily life--and learn a thing or two along the way.
Research for today’s episode came from the following sources:
https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/satin-bowerbird/
https://birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/satin-bowerbird
Additional Resources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U89tw093s_Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EN9k6LEulg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYy5mysCVyM
Follow us on Instagram: @birdfactspod
Email us: birdfactspod@gmail.com
Thanks for listening, and happy birding!
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