We are talking all about birds on this week's Good Growing podcast. We chat with Dr. Michael Ward on the plight of birds. Are the declining populations dire? Why are Midwestern migrating birds being found in shark stomachs in the Gulf of Mexico? Dr. Ward tells what is being done across the borders, in Illinois agricultural lands, and how we can help in our backyards. Plus, Citizen Science opportunities anyone can do. Dr. Ward is a senior ornithologist at Illinois Natural History Survey and associate professor at the University of Illinois. He recently won the distinguished Runge Faculty Distinguished Achievement Award.

Dr. Ward also answers listener questions:

What to do about barn swallows nesting above a patio?

Can you feed birds people food like stale bread and crackers?

What can be done to stop birds from hitting the window?

Should we feed birds all year?

How do we attract more than just sparrows to our feeders?

Should we clean our birdfeeders?