We often hear from listeners that BirdNote has changed the way they see and interact with the world around them. It's had that impact for those of us who help make the show, too. There’s so much life and song and joy out there, waiting for you to just listen for it. BirdNote is an invitation to nature’s concert. Listener support makes this possible. Just go to BirdNote.org and make a gift today.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. 

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BirdNote shows are made to be accessible for people of all ages, because we want to reach as many folks as we can with the joy of birds. Listeners who donate make our work possible.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. 

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BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.

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A female Wood Thrush will carefully choose each piece of nest-building materials because her eggs will depend on it for warmth and protection. But even the best-made nest couldn’t exist without the support of a sturdy shrub or tree. Much like a bird’s nest, BirdNote depends on having a solid foundation on which to build.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. 

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We hear from lots of people about how much they learn from listening to BirdNote. In this episode, Kim Bradmon and her son Ben share their stories.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. 

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BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.

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As part of our fundraising week, we’re sharing a clip from our podcast, Bring Birds Back. Because of listener support, we’re able to take our time and make long-form episodes that dig a little deeper.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. 

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The Purple Martin is the largest swallow that nests in the US and Canada. During fall, Purple Martins from western North America migrate to a distinct wintering area in southeastern Brazil — a travel distance of more than 5,000 miles! Scientists believe that Purple Martins started out as a South American swallow species. Over time, they evolved a seasonal migration to North America because the longer days of summer sunlight provided extra hunting and feeding opportunities during nesting season.

Listen to this episode in Spanish here.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. 

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Imagine a pigeon the size of a Turkey Vulture or a Canada Goose! Meet the crowned-pigeon. Four species inhabit the large, equatorial island of New Guinea and a few smaller islands. Crowned-pigeons are forest birds and fruit-eaters, with iridescent purple chests and spectacular, tall, lacy crests.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. 

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To figure out the source of a hummingbird’s hum, scientists built a special rig to measure air pressure, twelve high-speed cameras, and over 2,000 microphones to observe hummingbirds fluttering in place at an artificial flower. The researchers found that the hum derives from the difference in air pressure between the top and bottom of the wings, which alternates forty times a second as the hummingbird flaps. The rapidly shifting air pressure produces a harmonic set of sounds, from low to high, creating that iconic, musical hum.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. 

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Some migratory songbirds such as European Robins have special light-sensitive proteins called cryptochromes in their eyes. New research suggests how the cryptochromes could alter their behavior in the presence of magnetic fields, giving birds a visual cue for north and south. Other birds can navigate with the help of a mineral called magnetite in their beaks.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. 

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For many, birding is about more than just a love and appreciation for birds – it also helps build community. But finding a birding group in a community where the primary language is not your own can be near impossible.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. 

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BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.

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