BirdNote Daily

Crane Hawks of Central and South America and African Harrier-Hawks both have legs that bend forward and backward. Each bird’s wonderfully peculiar leg adaptation is completely original — it evolved all on its own — even though the end result is the same. It's a fascinating example of a phenomenon called convergent evolution.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lily-Arison Rene de Roland, Madagascar program director for the Peregrine Fund, is passionate about conserving the critically endangered Madagascar fish-eagle. He discusses the unique challenges these raptors face, relying on dwindling wetlands that are also vital for local fishing communities. Through community-centered conservation efforts, he highlights how sustainable practices can support both fishers and the fish-eagles. Lily's work exemplifies the importance of balancing human needs with wildlife protection for a healthier ecosystem.

Deja Perkins, an ecologist and conservation advocate, joins to discuss the elusive Common Potoo. These remarkable birds excel at camouflage, blending seamlessly into their surroundings while perched. Their haunting dawn and dusk calls have earned them the nickname 'Poor-me-one' in Trinidad and Tobago. The conversation highlights their nocturnal hunting habits, which involve catching insects in mid-air. Perkins also teases exciting topics for the upcoming Bring Birds Back mini-series, promising more birding adventures ahead!

Gyrfalcons are circumpolar, nesting in the far north of Asia, North America, and Europe, including Iceland and Greenland. They evolved as a distinct species in the Pleistocene Era, around 100,000 years ago. Their large size and warm feathering gave them an edge for nesting high in the Arctic. Gyrfalcons reuse the same nesting site year after year, and some nests have been occupied for 2,500 years!More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this engaging conversation, artist Jane Kim discusses her monumental Wall of Birds mural at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. She describes creating 270 life-sized portraits showcasing both living and extinct bird species. Jane shares insights on using vibrant colors for visibility and the challenges of capturing fine details on such a grand scale. She reflects on how the mural connects viewers to global bird diversity and serves as a scientific snapshot, inviting a deeper appreciation for our avian companions.

Vibrant life fills the early morning air in Costa Rica. Hear the Great Kiskadee’s distinct call and watch gray-capped flycatchers expertly snag insects mid-flight. The white ibises glide gracefully at the water's edge, while black-hooded antshrikes add a melodic touch deep in the thickets. As the heat rises, chestnut-mandibled toucans move lazily between trees. As evening falls, the sounds shift from chirping cicadas to a symphonic chorus of marine toads, creating a magical auditory experience.

Trisha Mukherjee, a talented writer and yoga teacher, dives into the fascinating ties between bird-inspired yoga poses and Hindu mythology. She reveals how poses like Pigeon and Crow are more than just exercise; they connect to ancient narratives and rituals. Discover the myth of Garuda stopping cosmic chaos and the role of crows in ancestor rituals. Mukherjee encourages listeners to channel bird energy, enhancing their practice with a deeper spiritual connection. This enlightening conversation bridges the physical and mystical worlds beautifully!

Urban ornithologist Murry Burgess, also a children's author, shares her journey of combining art and science in her book, Sparrow Loves Birds. She discusses the importance of representation, emphasizing her aim to feature a Black girl to inspire children of diverse backgrounds to connect with nature. Murry introduces us to Sparrow, a curious five-year-old who meets various neighborhood birds like mockingbirds and cardinals. The book includes a handy field guide to help young readers venture outdoors and start their own birdwatching adventures.

Ray Young Bear, a member of the Meskwaki Nation, is a talented writer and musician who crafts poetry in both English and his native Meskwaki. In this engaging discussion, he shares the inspiration behind a song he composed for his grandson, Ozzy, celebrating the joy of watching robins hunt for earthworms. Ray's unique blend of cultural heritage and love for nature highlights the beauty of birdwatching, and he reflects on how music can connect generations. His contribution to a larger project for birds also draws attention to the harmony between art and conservation.

Discover how birds use their tail movements to communicate and survive! Flicking and flaring tails serve as alerts to flockmates and predators alike. Juncos even utilize a clever white-tail flash to distract hawks during attacks. Observing these tail behaviors reveals a rich language in the avian world, enhancing our understanding beyond their songs. Tune in to explore these fascinating signals in the wild!