This Spotlight Bird episode is about the Northern Flicker, another bird whose pigmentation depends on what type of carotenoids it eats. Still confusing to you? Once you finish listening to this episode, for more on carotenoids, check out our episode last week on House Finches.

This beautiful photograph by Christian Hagenlocher of a Northern Flicker was taken at Union Bay Natural Area, a great place to go birding. 

https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/236262771

We are pleased to announce that Christian Hagenlocher will appear on an episode soon!

In the podcast's longest episode so far, Leo illuminates House Finches, this week's Spotlight Bird.

Sources:

This is the last Midweek Update!

We will still continue to have a Spotlight Bird episode on its regular schedule, including this weekend.

If you have any suggestions for the new series to replace Midweek Updates (first episode date TBD), please contact [email protected].

In this Spotlight Bird episode, Leo talks about the Killdeer.

https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/483312

In this Midweek Update (MU), Leo focused in specifically on the Bohemian Waxwing. Research was by Brian and his sources were allaboutbirds.org and Wikipedia.

Rare Bird Alert

Remember to download Merlin by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology!

Sources:

King County Rare Bird Alert

Thanks to Brian for helping out on this episode.

In this installment of the Spotlight Bird series, Leo talks about the Bewick's Wren. Including many bird calls from the Bewick's Wren, he explains how to identify a Bewick's Wren in the wild.

Happy new year! This week, Leo discussed these rare bird sightings:

Learn more about Greater White-Fronted Geese here.

King County Rare Bird Alert

This week, Leo and Denali illuminate the Steller's Jay. What does it look like? What is the etymology of its scientific name? And why does it have no seat on the security council? 2 out of 3 of these questions will be answered in this installment of Spotlight Bird.

Corvid haiku by Denali:

They scream very loud

Excellent coordination

Ear-Shatteringly

Steller’s Jay haiku by Leo:

Black-blue bird on tree

Hidden behind pine needles

Squawks incessantly