Sudhir Vyas

Delhi and its neighbourhoods, with its variety of habitats and landscapes, is remarkable for the wealth and diversity of its avifauna. It is a true haven for bird lovers, home to an astonishing array of over 470 captivating bird species. Get ready for an enchanting adventure with Sudhir Vyas's delightful book, "The Birds of the Delhi Area," which is the ultimate guide to unlocking the secrets of these feathered wonders! This book has been edited by Anita Mani under Indian Pitta- India's first imprint dedicated to birds. With over 50 years of bird watching experience, Sudhir Vyas, a former career diplomat, possesses an intimate understanding of Delhi's avian inhabitants. His expertise shines through numerous articles and studies on ornithology in the Delhi area.  An invaluable resource for the rapidly growing community of bird watchers in Delhi and beyond, it explores the diverse avifauna of the region.  Accompanying Vyas's words are the breathtaking photographs of by a number of bird photographers, including by Amit Sharma, a passionate wildlife and bird photographer, whose images comprise the bulk of the pictures that illustrate the book and bring the birds and their varied habitats to life.

Delhi and its neighbourhoods, with its variety of habitats and landscapes, is remarkable for the wealth and diversity of its avifauna. It is a true haven for bird lovers, home to an astonishing array of over 470 captivating bird species. Get ready for an enchanting adventure with Sudhir Vyas's delightful book, "The Birds of the Delhi Area," which is the ultimate guide to unlocking the secrets of these feathered wonders! This book has been edited by Anita Mani under Indian Pitta- India's first imprint dedicated to birds. With over 50 years of bird watching experience, Sudhir Vyas, a former career diplomat, possesses an intimate understanding of Delhi's avian inhabitants. His expertise shines through numerous articles and studies on ornithology in the Delhi area.  An invaluable resource for the rapidly growing community of bird watchers in Delhi and beyond, it explores the diverse avifauna of the region.  Accompanying Vyas's words are the breathtaking photographs of by a number of bird photographers, including by Amit Sharma, a passionate wildlife and bird photographer, whose images comprise the bulk of the pictures that illustrate the book and bring the birds and their varied habitats to life.

Episode 68: Delhi birds with Sudhir Vyas

This is the first of three episodes about the bird life in Costa Rica. This one focuses on the three-wattled bell-bird and the episode is set in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.   Listen to the bellbird on Youtube here.  Meet One Of The Loudest Birds In The World (Three-wattled Bellbird)   Thanks to these photographers for their images https://unsplash.com/@zmachacek https://unsplash.com/@feiffert   Thanks to Michael Brooks for this video of the bird calling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js9rqJZ_a-8&amp;list=PPSV   Featured image from Wikimedia Commons    Procnias_tricarunculata_-Costa_Rica_-male-8.jpg: Ryan Kozie  

This is the first of three episodes about the bird life in Costa Rica. This one focuses on the <a href="https://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/journals/pca/pca_035.pdf#page=85" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">three-wattled bell-bird</a> and the episode is set in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monteverde_Cloud_Forest_Reserve" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve</a>. Listen to the bellbird on Youtube here. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZrUL7oB-pc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Meet One Of The Loudest Birds In The World (Three-wattled Bellbird)</a> Thanks to these photographers for their images <a href="https://unsplash.com/@zmachacek" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://unsplash.com/@zmachacek</a> <a href="https://unsplash.com/@feiffert" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://unsplash.com/@feiffert</a> Thanks to Michael Brooks for this video of the bird calling <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js9rqJZ_a-8&amp;list=PPSV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js9rqJZ_a-8&amp;list=PPSV</a> Featured image from Wikimedia Commons <ul> <li> <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Procnias_tricarunculata_-Costa_Rica_-male-8.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Procnias_tricarunculata_-Costa_Rica_-male-8.jpg</a>: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/11669957@N06" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ryan Kozie</a> </li> </ul>

Episode 67: The three-wattled bell-bird, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Aasheesh Pittie

About Aasheesh Pittie’s book of essays, The Living Air. If you’re looking for new ways to engage with birds and birdwatching, Aasheesh Pittie’s book of essays, The Living Air is a great place to start. This book will not only make you want to get out and observe your city and surroundings in a whole new light, but it will also offer a fresh perspective into what birdwatching is and the many ways you can benefit from it. Informative yet a joy to read, The Living Air is an excellent introduction to the transformative pleasures of birdwatching. The Indian Pitta Books is India’s first dedicated book imprint for bird lovers, conservationists and policy makers.     Bio Aasheesh Pittie is the editor of the ornithological journal Indian BIRDS. He has been the engine behind books such as Birds in Books: Three Hundred Years of South Asian Ornithology (2010), and The Written Bird: Birds in Books 2 (2022). Aasheesh has also compiled a searchable bibliographic database of over 35,000 works on South Asian ornithology (southasiaornith.in).  Questions:   For those who haven’t read it, what are the themes in your book   Your book begins with the Jerdon’s Courser and the Great Indian Bustard.  You are lucky to have seen them.  Can you describe this?    Your book encourages absorption in bird watching.  Were you always this way? What was your evolution as a bird watcher?   I loved your chapter, “My kind of birding.”  That paragraph about the art of becoming invisible….”  Please describe your kind of birding, your thoughts on cultivation of patience and its rewards. What are the rewards? And how can you cultivate this mindset.     Dabchicks. How can they absorb you for hours? How can you teach this.  ‘Disappearing Dabchicks’. It describes his visit to a local pond, where Aasheesh became entranced by these gloriously ball-like waterbirds and before he knew it, the ‘sun was balanced on the horizon … the disporting Dabchicks had engrossed me for three hours’.   In your chapter on the bouquet of Benishaan, you write that “the character of a place, its ambience, takes on the sheen of the temporal moods and perceptions of the observer.” Please elaborate.  The context is that many of the places you describe are in South India, but since our audience is global, wanted some takeaways for them as well.  So if you live in a particular place, be in Northern Europe or South America, how can you approach birding in the Aasheesh Pittie way.   Tell us about your methodical and elaborate list process- now available on ebird.  But please describe how you kept notes and the value of those notes?   What was your writing process for this book? And how do you know so many specific but unusual words? “but remaining with it through the quiddity of its habitat…”   What is your birding routine?   What issues absorb you these days?   What are your favourite species of birds?  

About Aasheesh Pittie’s book of essays, The Living Air. If you’re looking for new ways to engage with birds and birdwatching, Aasheesh Pittie’s book of essays, The Living Air is a great place to start. This book will not only make you want to get out and observe your city and surroundings in a whole new light, but it will also offer a fresh perspective into what birdwatching is and the many ways you can benefit from it. Informative yet a joy to read, The Living Air is an excellent introduction to the transformative pleasures of birdwatching. The Indian Pitta Books is India’s first dedicated book imprint for bird lovers, conservationists and policy makers.   Bio Aasheesh Pittie is the editor of the ornithological journal Indian BIRDS. He has been the engine behind books such as Birds in Books: Three Hundred Years of South Asian Ornithology (2010), and The Written Bird: Birds in Books 2 (2022). Aasheesh has also compiled a searchable bibliographic database of over 35,000 works on South Asian ornithology (<a href="http://southasiaornith.in/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">southasiaornith.in</a>).  Questions: <ol> <li> For those who haven’t read it, what are the themes in your book </li> <li> Your book begins with the Jerdon’s Courser and the Great Indian Bustard.  You are lucky to have seen them.  Can you describe this?  </li> <li> Your book encourages absorption in bird watching.  Were you always this way? What was your evolution as a bird watcher? </li> <li> I loved your chapter, “My kind of birding.”  That paragraph about the art of becoming invisible….”  Please describe your kind of birding, your thoughts on cultivation of patience and its rewards. What are the rewards? And how can you cultivate this mindset. </li> <li>   Dabchicks. How can they absorb you for hours? How can you teach this.  ‘Disappearing Dabchicks’. It describes his visit to a local pond, where Aasheesh became entranced by these gloriously ball-like waterbirds and before he knew it, the ‘sun was balanced on the horizon … the disporting Dabchicks had engrossed me for three hours’. </li> <li> In your chapter on the bouquet of Benishaan, you write that “the character of a place, its ambience, takes on the sheen of the temporal moods and perceptions of the observer.” Please elaborate.  The context is that many of the places you describe are in South India, but since our audience is global, wanted some takeaways for them as well.  So if you live in a particular place, be in Northern Europe or South America, how can you approach birding in the Aasheesh Pittie way. </li> <li> Tell us about your methodical and elaborate list process- now available on ebird.  But please describe how you kept notes and the value of those notes? </li> <li> What was your writing process for this book? And how do you know so many specific but unusual words? “but remaining with it through the quiddity of its habitat…” </li> <li> What is your birding routine? </li> <li> What issues absorb you these days? </li> <li> What are your favourite species of birds? </li> </ol>

Episode 66: Pleasures of birdwatching with Aasheesh Pittie

In Episode 35, Dr. Gopi Sundar paints a hopeful picture of cranes and waterbirds coexisting with humans. In this episode we delve into these amazing bird species. Both storks and cranes are wading birds.  They dwell in similar habitats and look similar.  They have long legs and a long, curving neck. However, these birds belong to separate orders and families and aren’t closely related to each other at all. In this episode we look at cranes and storks. Featured Image: Syed Ahmad from Unsplash.

In Episode 35, Dr. Gopi Sundar paints a hopeful picture of cranes and waterbirds coexisting with humans. In this episode we delve into these amazing bird species. Both storks and cranes are wading birds.  They dwell in similar habitats and look similar.  They have long legs and a long, curving neck. However, these birds belong to separate orders and families and aren’t closely related to each other at all. In this episode we look at cranes and storks. Featured Image: Syed Ahmad from Unsplash.

Episode 65: Amazing bird species: Sarus cranes and storks

Rebecca Heisman

In this episode, we are talking about how we know what we know about bird migration.  Our guest, Rebecca Heisman describes herself on her website, as a “bird writer for hire.” Her first book, flight path has the following subtitle: How a Passionate and Quirky Group of Pioneering Scientists Solved the Mystery of Bird Migration. This episode is as much about people as it is about birds.  

In this episode, we are talking about how we know what we know about bird migration.  Our guest, <a href="https://twitter.com/r_heisman?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rebecca Heisman</a> describes herself on her <a href="https://rebeccaheisman.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a>, as a “bird writer for hire.” Her first book, flight path has the following subtitle: How a Passionate and Quirky Group of Pioneering Scientists Solved the Mystery of Bird Migration. This episode is as much about people as it is about birds.

Episode 64: Flight paths: about bird migration with Rebecca Heisman

Esha Munshi

This episode is about the wonder of feathers.  Salim Ali said that birds were “feathered bipeds.” This episode explores how feathers are marvellously adaptive to suit birds and species.  Our guest is Esha Munshi who co-founded the Feather Library, a digital project documenting feathers. Esha read a quote from  this book on feathers. Episode artwork: David Clode/Unsplash   From the Feather Library website A feather lying on the ground could have belonged to any number of species of birds. The type of feather, the colour, the pattern, the markings all tell a story on how to try and identify the owner. Our founding member (Esha Munshi) came up with an idea that if we could compare the feather to an existing database it would help narrow down the options and even help pinpoint the species of the bird. But no such database is in existence for Indian bird species. In Gujarat alone we have more than 500 bird species. Trying to identify a bird based on just the feather seemed like a daunting task. So it was decided that we would try to record and document as many species as we can. It started with collecting feather samples from Road kills and photographing the feathers. All feathers were counted, measured and photographed. Species details were noted down along with the location. Our co-founding member (Sherwin Everett) works at an avian hospital in Ahmedabad. The hospital receives around 1500-2000 birds per month, mostly being pigeons, kites and crows along with a fewer other common and some rare species. A number of the birds succumb to their injuries and stress, after which their bodies are discarded to the local corporation for disposal. This was a colossal pool of data just going to waste, literally. This is the first website for documenting, identification and study of Indian Birds’ flight feathers in India and one of its kind in the World. A website by the name of www.featherlibrary.com has been setup as the database for the documented feathers. It is open for all and with easy access to feather plates, data regarding the species, wingspan, number of feathers, various other measurements and location of the bird. This will be useful for ornithologists, Forest department staff,  researchers, seasoned bird watchers and even creating an interest in budding birders. The main aim is to have all of this data under one roof. Our long term goal is to expand and gradually cover all of India. 

This episode is about the wonder of feathers.  Salim Ali said that birds were “feathered bipeds.” This episode explores how feathers are marvellously adaptive to suit birds and species.  Our guest is Esha Munshi who co-founded the <a href="https://featherlibrary.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Feather Library</a>, a digital project documenting feathers. Esha read a quote from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feathers:_The_Evolution_of_a_Natural_Miracle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this</a> book on feathers. Episode artwork: David Clode/Unsplash From the Feather Library website A feather lying on the ground could have belonged to any number of species of birds. The type of feather, the colour, the pattern, the markings all tell a story on how to try and identify the owner. Our founding member (Esha Munshi) came up with an idea that if we could compare the feather to an existing database it would help narrow down the options and even help pinpoint the species of the bird. But no such database is in existence for Indian bird species. In Gujarat alone we have more than 500 bird species. Trying to identify a bird based on just the feather seemed like a daunting task. So it was decided that we would try to record and document as many species as we can. It started with collecting feather samples from Road kills and photographing the feathers. All feathers were counted, measured and photographed. Species details were noted down along with the location. Our co-founding member (Sherwin Everett) works at an avian hospital in Ahmedabad. The hospital receives around 1500-2000 birds per month, mostly being pigeons, kites and crows along with a fewer other common and some rare species. A number of the birds succumb to their injuries and stress, after which their bodies are discarded to the local corporation for disposal. This was a colossal pool of data just going to waste, literally. This is the first website for documenting, identification and study of Indian Birds’ flight feathers in India and one of its kind in the World. A website by the name of <a href="http://www.featherlibrary.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.featherlibrary.com</a> has been setup as the database for the documented feathers. It is open for all and with easy access to feather plates, data regarding the species, wingspan, number of feathers, various other measurements and location of the bird. This will be useful for ornithologists, Forest department staff,  researchers, seasoned bird watchers and even creating an interest in budding birders. The main aim is to have all of this data under one roof. Our long term goal is to expand and gradually cover all of India.

Episode 63: The Feather Library project with Esha Munshi

Ambassador Jacques Pitteloud

Photographing birds across continents. In this episode, we interview His Excellency Jacques Pitteloud who happens to be the Swiss Ambassador to the United States.  Based in Washington, Ambassador Pitteloud is also a birdwatcher and bird photographer.  In 2021, Ambassador Pitteloud’s photograph of a rare painted bunting that appeared in Maryland landed in the Washington Post prompting lots of excitement in the birding world. Later, the Washingtonian ran an article about him, titled, “The Guy Who Got That Photo of a Rare Painted Bunting? He’s the Swiss Ambassador!” He posts his birding photos on his Facebook page. On that page, he posts nothing personal or political. Here he talks about how he developed this passion for birds and some of his favourite regions and birds.   Episode highlights 12:45: his views on the “big year of birding.” 13:45: his view on the different species of bird watchers. 15:00: he talks about two anecdotes in Africa– Kenya.  About finding the blue-headed beeeater and the Mackinder’s Eagle Owl. 18:00 mountain passes where you can see raptor migrations. He talks about Chicago’s Magic Hedge in the middle of the city where migratory birds especially warblers (thousands of them) congregate in early May before crossing the Great Lakes.   19:30 about the Connecticut warbler and warbler identification. 21:15 the apps that he uses to identify birds. 22:00 Is there a link between birding and diplomacy? “Birding is the new golfing.” 24:15: what photographic equipment does he use.  He uses Canon. 600mm F4 lens.  Camera is D90.  With 500mm lenses he shoots handheld. With the 600mm he uses a tripod. 26:00 his favourite birds.  Raptors.  How they move differently.   27:15 about his Indian Facebook friends.  

Photographing birds across continents. In this episode, we interview His Excellency Jacques Pitteloud who happens to be the <a href="https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/usa/en/home/representations/embassy-washington/welcome.html" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Swiss Ambassador to the United States</a>.  Based in Washington, Ambassador Pitteloud is also a birdwatcher and bird photographer.  In 2021, Ambassador Pitteloud’s photograph of a rare painted bunting that appeared in Maryland landed in the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/01/03/painted-bunting-great-falls-bird-watchers/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Washington Post</a> prompting lots of excitement in the birding world. Later, the Washingtonian ran an article about him, titled, <a href="https://www.washingtonian.com/2021/01/04/painted-bunting-swiss-ambassador-birder-jacques-pitteloud/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">“The Guy Who Got That Photo of a Rare Painted Bunting? He’s the Swiss Ambassador!”</a> He posts his birding photos on his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jacques.pitteloud.7" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page. On that page, he posts nothing personal or political. Here he talks about how he developed this passion for birds and some of his favourite regions and birds.   Episode highlights 12:45: his views on the “big year of birding.” 13:45: his view on the different species of bird watchers. 15:00: he talks about two anecdotes in Africa– Kenya.  About finding the blue-headed beeeater and the Mackinder’s Eagle Owl. 18:00 mountain passes where you can see raptor migrations. He talks about Chicago’s Magic Hedge in the middle of the city where migratory birds especially warblers (thousands of them) congregate in early May before crossing the Great Lakes.   19:30 about the Connecticut warbler and warbler identification. 21:15 the apps that he uses to identify birds. 22:00 Is there a link between birding and diplomacy? “Birding is the new golfing.” 24:15: what photographic equipment does he use.  He uses Canon. 600mm F4 lens.  Camera is D90.  With 500mm lenses he shoots handheld. With the 600mm he uses a tripod. 26:00 his favourite birds.  Raptors.  How they move differently.   27:15 about his Indian Facebook friends.

Episode 62: Bird diplomacy with Ambassador Jacques Pitteloud

In this episode, we highlight conservation experiments that are interesting and have worked. We have chosen three experiments from previous episodes. Our hope is that you will go back and listen or watch sections of these episodes because they are worth your time. The first conservation plan that worked comes from Episode 50 where we interviewed Professor Yossi Leshem of Israel. He is a bird migration specialist and worked with the Israeli armed forces to help prevent bird and aircraft collisions. The way he did this was by mapping the migration routes of large birds, such as pelicans, storks, and raptors. The fact is that 1 billion birds migrate through Israel each year.  Go to 1:30 to listen to about ten minutes of this fascinating episode to see how the Israeli defense forces prevents bird and aircraft collisions. The second episode that we highlight is Episode 14 where we interviewed Chris Wood, who is in charge of the ebird program at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Chris talks about how the Nature Conservancy (an NGO) adopted an ingenious programme in which the rented the rice fields from the farmers who populate the Central Valley of California in order to make their fields available for migrating birds. Go to 42:42 to listen to about ten minutes of this fascinating episode. The third episode that we highlight is Episode 13 where we interviewed Sy Montgomery about how California condors were saved from extinction. This was done through a political action plan where the use of lead bullets was banned and copper bullets were used in their place. Go to 9:00 to listen to about ten minutes of this fascinating episode. And lastly, we asked you to go back to watch Episode 29 where millions of migrating Amur falcons are saved through a magnificent community conservation effort Featured Image: Julia Craice/Unsplash

In this episode, we highlight conservation experiments that are interesting and have worked. We have chosen three experiments from previous episodes. Our hope is that you will go back and listen or watch sections of these episodes because they are worth your time. The first conservation plan that worked comes from Episode 50 where we interviewed Professor Yossi Leshem of Israel. He is a bird migration specialist and worked with the Israeli armed forces to help prevent bird and aircraft collisions. The way he did this was by mapping the migration routes of large birds, such as pelicans, storks, and raptors. The fact is that 1 billion birds migrate through Israel each year.  Go to 1:30 to listen to about ten minutes of this fascinating episode to see how the Israeli defense forces prevents bird and aircraft collisions. The second episode that we highlight is Episode 14 where we interviewed Chris Wood, who is in charge of the ebird program at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Chris talks about how the Nature Conservancy (an NGO) adopted an ingenious programme in which the rented the rice fields from the farmers who populate the Central Valley of California in order to make their fields available for migrating birds. Go to 42:42 to listen to about ten minutes of this fascinating episode. The third episode that we highlight is Episode 13 where we interviewed Sy Montgomery about how California condors were saved from extinction. This was done through a political action plan where the use of lead bullets was banned and copper bullets were used in their place. Go to 9:00 to listen to about ten minutes of this fascinating episode. And lastly, we asked you to go back to watch Episode 29 where millions of migrating Amur falcons are saved through a magnificent community conservation effort Featured Image: Julia Craice/Unsplash

Episode 61: Bird conservation: experiments that work

Anders Gyllenhaal

Beverly and Anders Gyllenhaal are veteran journalists and birdwatchers. They ran newsrooms, assigned features and wrote books.  They publish a website called FlyingLessons.US: What We’re Learning from the Birds,’’ and are here with us to speak about their new book, “A Wing and a Prayer: the race to save our vanishing birds. Questions:   What is the thesis of your book   Your book begins with a sparrow and a woodpecker.  Tell us about that.   One third of the birds have disappeared from North America. Shocking statistics.  Discussion   The bald eagles resurgence in North America.  Do you think this has to do with size and resonance as the nation’s symbol?   Scrub jays symbolise the balance between human development and endemic birds.  How does this play out?   Using sound to protect a storied species: california spotted owl.   Cerulean warblers in Ecuador. Talk about the Choco Corridor and multiple countries that need to work together   Hawaii is the extinction capital of the world.  Why? And How can this change?   The red cockaded woodpecker and the US military. Coexisting with birds   Outline some case studies of getting this done.   Making a case for birds.    

Beverly and Anders Gyllenhaal are veteran journalists and birdwatchers. They ran newsrooms, assigned features and wrote books.  They publish a website called <a href="https://flyinglessons.us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FlyingLessons.US</a>: What We’re Learning from the Birds,’’ and are here with us to speak about their new book, “A Wing and a Prayer: the race to save our vanishing birds. Questions: <ol> <li> What is the thesis of your book </li> <li> Your book begins with a sparrow and a woodpecker.  Tell us about that. </li> <li> One third of the birds have disappeared from North America. Shocking statistics.  Discussion </li> <li> The bald eagles resurgence in North America.  Do you think this has to do with size and resonance as the nation’s symbol? </li> <li> Scrub jays symbolise the balance between human development and endemic birds.  How does this play out? </li> <li> Using sound to protect a storied species: california spotted owl. </li> <li> Cerulean warblers in Ecuador. Talk about the Choco Corridor and multiple countries that need to work together </li> <li> Hawaii is the extinction capital of the world.  Why? And How can this change? </li> <li> The red cockaded woodpecker and the US military. Coexisting with birds </li> <li> Outline some case studies of getting this done. </li> <li> Making a case for birds.   </li> </ol>

Episode 60: The race to save our vanishing birds with Beverly and Anders Gyllenhaal

Noah Strycker

In this episode, we talk to Noah Strycker. Noah is the Associate Editor for Birding Magazine and author of several popular books about birds. He set a world record in 2015 by finding more than 6,000 species of birds in one calendar year. 6,042 species to be precise. Noah has made more than 70 expeditions to Antarctica and the high Arctic, literally spreading the joy of birds from pole to pole. In this episode, we talk about the countries he has visited, the species that he has seen, what he learned from his big year of birding, the equipment he carries and how to replicate this exercise should you want to. You can connect with Noah via his website: https://noahstrycker.com/

In this episode, we talk to Noah Strycker. Noah is the Associate Editor for Birding Magazine and author of several popular books about birds. He set a world record in 2015 by finding more than 6,000 species of birds in one calendar year. 6,042 species to be precise. Noah has made more than 70 expeditions to Antarctica and the high Arctic, literally spreading the joy of birds from pole to pole. In this episode, we talk about the countries he has visited, the species that he has seen, what he learned from his big year of birding, the equipment he carries and how to replicate this exercise should you want to. You can connect with Noah via his website: <a href="https://noahstrycker.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://noahstrycker.com/</a>

Episode 59: The big year of birding with Noah Strycker

Welcome to the Bird Podcast — hosted by Shoba Narayan. This podcast will focus largely on birds, specifically on Indian birds with occasional global forays.India is home to some 1200 bird species, amongst the highest in the world. This podcast showcases and highlights our feathered friendsWe will talk to naturalists and birders about common and special birds such as the Greater Coucal, Himalayan Quail, Nilgiri Flycatcher, the Malabar Trogon, the Great Indian Bustard, and other amazing species.We will highlight issues both old and new.  About India’s vanishing forests and wetlands and how it impacts birds.  About breeding areas of migratory birds and how they are hunted en route. We will speak to the men and women who successfully saved the Amur Falcon from being massacred in Nagaland. And we will do individual podcasts on bird species of India.Welcome to the Bird Podcast.  Come fly away with us.

This episode is set in Hadinaru Kere, a lake outside Mysore in India.  In the winter, the lake attracts a number of migratory birds.  Some 85 species have been recorded in March 2023.  This episode talks about the black-tailed godwit.

This episode is set in Hadinaru Kere, a lake outside Mysore in India.  In the winter, the lake attracts a number of migratory birds.  Some 85 species have been recorded in March 2023.  This episode talks about the black-tailed godwit.

Episode 58: Where bar headed geese and black tailed godwits visit in the winter.

Tim Low

A conversation with the author of “Where Song Began.” In this episode, we talk to author Tim Low, whose book, “Where Song Began” has been credited with turning the map upside down in terms of ornithology’s Northern hemisphere bias.  Tim proves that the world’s cleverest birds originated in Australia.  Tim Low is an award winning author, biologist, consultant and speaker.  You can read more about him at his website, Timlow.com In this episode, Tim Low discusses Australian birds and what makes them unique. 

A conversation with the author of “Where Song Began.” In this episode, we talk to author Tim Low, whose book, “Where Song Began” has been credited with turning the map upside down in terms of ornithology’s Northern hemisphere bias.  Tim proves that the world’s cleverest birds originated in Australia.  Tim Low is an award winning author, biologist, consultant and speaker.  You can read more about him at his website, <a href="https://www.timlow.com/where-song-began/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Timlow.com</a> In this episode, Tim Low discusses Australian birds and what makes them unique.

Episode 57: Australia and birdsong with author Tim Low

In episode 28, we spoke to Dr. Samira Agnihotri about bird song and how the Solega tribals interacted so closely with the forest around them. This episode is about a recent visit to the BR Hills.  It talks about how humans and wildlife can live together in the forest.  Listen andWatch how the Solega tribals live and worship a Magnolia champaka tree or a Sampige tree as part of their culture.

In episode 28, we spoke to Dr. Samira Agnihotri about bird song and how the Solega tribals interacted so closely with the forest around them. This episode is about a recent visit to the BR Hills.  It talks about how humans and wildlife can live together in the forest.  Listen andWatch how the Solega tribals live and worship a Magnolia champaka tree or a Sampige tree as part of their culture.

Episode 56: BR Hills in Karnataka: a recent visit

This episode is about demoiselle cranes congregating in a village in India. Last month, on a trip to Rajasthan, I visited the village of Kheechan.  To get here, you have to fly to Jodhpur and drive two hours North.  The thing about this place is that every winter, some 20,000 Demoiselle cranes congregate here because they are fed morning and night with grains or jowar.  In this episode we explore the Demoiselle cranes that  migrate to a Jain village in Western Rajasthan.  These are the  smallest cranes among the  15 species of cranes in the world.  What’s interesting is the  attachment that they have with the villagers of Kheechan.  Here, they have a daily routine.  Read about how a community feeds the cranes  here.  And read about sacred spaces called orans  here. From  here: “Demoiselle cranes have to take one of the toughest migrations in the world. In late August through September, they gather in flocks of up to 400 individuals and prepare for their flight to their winter range. During their migratory flight south, demoiselles fly like all cranes, with their head and neck straight forward and their feet and legs straight behind, reaching altitudes of 16, 000 – 26, 000 m. Along their arduous journey they have to cross the Himalayan mountains to get to their over-wintering grounds in India. Many die from fatigue, hunger and predation from golden eagles. Simpler, lower routes are possible, such as crossing the range via the Khyber Pass. However, their presently preferred route has been hard-wired by countless cycles of migration. At their wintering grounds, demoiselles have been observed flocking with common cranes, their combined totals reaching up to 20, 000 individuals. Demoiselles maintain separate social groups within the larger flock. In March and April, they begin their long spring journey back to their northern nesting grounds. They are part of Indian lore and legend.  The crane  formation was part of the Mahabharata.  Valmiki  composed the Ramayana when he saw a hunter kill cranes that were occupied in a mating dance.

This episode is about demoiselle cranes congregating in a village in India. Last month, on a trip to Rajasthan, I visited the village of Kheechan.  To get here, you have to fly to Jodhpur and drive two hours North.  The thing about this place is that every winter, some 20,000 Demoiselle cranes congregate here because they are fed morning and night with grains or jowar.  In this episode we explore the Demoiselle cranes that <a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/coverage/craning-glory-demoiselle-cranes-find-sanctuary-in-rajasthan-village-12722" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> migrate</a> to a Jain village in Western Rajasthan.  These are the <a href="https://roundglasssustain.com/species/demoiselle-cranes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> smallest</a> cranes among the <a href="http://www.wildfowl-photography.co.uk/identification/identcrane.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> 15</a> species of cranes in the world.  What’s interesting is the <a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/coverage/craning-glory-demoiselle-cranes-find-sanctuary-in-rajasthan-village-12722" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> attachment</a> that they have with the villagers of Kheechan.  Here, they have a <a href="https://www.orientalbirdclub.org/demoiselle-cranes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">daily routine</a>.  Read about how a community feeds the cranes <a href="https://www.thebetterindia.com/4946/tbi-travel-the-bird-man-of-kheechan/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here</a>.  And read about sacred spaces called orans <a href="https://www.iccaconsortium.org/index.php/2021/02/27/orans-rajasthan-india/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here</a>. From <a href="https://www.thainationalparks.com/species/demoiselle-crane" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here</a>: “Demoiselle cranes have to take one of the toughest migrations in the world. In late August through September, they gather in flocks of up to 400 individuals and prepare for their flight to their winter range. During their migratory flight south, demoiselles fly like all cranes, with their head and neck straight forward and their feet and legs straight behind, reaching altitudes of 16, 000 – 26, 000 m. Along their arduous journey they have to cross the Himalayan mountains to get to their over-wintering grounds in India. Many die from fatigue, hunger and predation from golden eagles. Simpler, lower routes are possible, such as crossing the range via the Khyber Pass. However, their presently preferred route has been hard-wired by countless cycles of migration. At their wintering grounds, demoiselles have been observed flocking with common cranes, their combined totals reaching up to 20, 000 individuals. Demoiselles maintain separate social groups within the larger flock. In March and April, they begin their long spring journey back to their northern nesting grounds. They are part of Indian lore and legend.  The crane <a href="http://mahabharata-research.com/military%20academy/vyuhas%20-%20the%20strategic%20formations.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> formation</a> was part of the Mahabharata.  Valmiki <a href="https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-sep-14-bk-31973-story.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> composed</a> the Ramayana when he saw a hunter kill cranes that were occupied in a mating dance.

Episode 55: Demoiselle Cranes in India

Our first  episode was about the Great Indian Bustard. The logo of the Bird Podcast is the Great Indian Bustard or GIB as it is called.   Salim Ali wanted this bird to be India’s national bird for three reasons: it is indigenous to India, it is a large and charismatic bird, and it deserves protection because its numbers were dwindling, even in the 1950s when Ali made his plea. Instead the peacock won out.  Then, as now, the fate of the bustard hangs in balance.  Will we save the bustard?  The biggest problem for bustards: the powerlines that criss-cross the desert landscape.  Locals hate them because they are ugly.  Bustards cannot see them because their frontal vision is poor.  In October 2022,  yet another bustard was killed because it flew into a power transmission line, prompting wildlife organizations such as the Bombay Natural History Society or BNHS to once again petition the government to lay these lines  underground.   In 2017, when we interviewed forest officials in Desert National Park, there were 150 birds.  Today too, there are 150 birds.  So while the numbers haven’t risen, they haven’t dropped either. There are 128 in Rajasthan’s desert regions, less than 10 in Gujarat and Maharashtra, and 16 chicks being raised in Sudashri incubation centre in Rajasthan. The Rajasthan government has launched a  project to save the bustard. Bird Podcast sincerely hopes that this will be successful.

Our first <a href="https://birdpodcast.com/2017/05/03/great-indian-bustard-can-it-be-saved-from-the-brink-of-extinction/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> episode</a> was about the Great Indian Bustard. The logo of the Bird Podcast is the Great Indian Bustard or GIB as it is called.  <a href="http://corbettfoundation.org/articles/2015/12/02/sagacious-salim-ali/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Salim Ali</a> wanted this bird to be India’s national bird for three reasons: it is indigenous to India, it is a large and charismatic bird, and it deserves protection because its numbers were dwindling, even in the 1950s when Ali made his plea. Instead the peacock won out.  Then, as now, the fate of the bustard hangs in balance.  Will we save the bustard?  The biggest problem for bustards: the powerlines that criss-cross the desert landscape.  Locals hate them because they are ugly.  Bustards cannot see them because their frontal vision is poor.  In October 2022, <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/one-more-great-indian-bustard-dies-at-jaisalmer-after-being-hit-by-a-power-transmission-line-1154532.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> yet another</a> bustard was killed because it flew into a power transmission line, prompting wildlife organizations such as the Bombay Natural History Society or BNHS to once again petition the government to lay these lines <a href="https://twitter.com/bnhsindia/status/1513381549492047874?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> underground</a>.   In 2017, when we interviewed forest officials in Desert National Park, there were 150 birds.  Today too, there are 150 birds.  So while the numbers haven’t risen, they haven’t dropped either. There are 128 in Rajasthan’s desert regions, less than 10 in Gujarat and Maharashtra, and 16 chicks being raised in Sudashri incubation centre in Rajasthan. The Rajasthan government has launched a <a href="https://forest.rajasthan.gov.in/content/raj/forest/en/footernav/department-wings/project-great-indian-bustard.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> project</a> to save the bustard. Bird Podcast sincerely hopes that this will be successful.

Episode 54: The Great Indian Bustard: Update

This episode gives a glimpse into the birds of Australia, told through the eyes of Franck Masna, an aboriginal elder who tells us the story of how birds got their colours and also through the eyes of Michael Simmons who runs Tweed Escapes to show tourists the sights and sounds of the Tweed River in Australia. This video is about the Tweed Valley, New South Wales, about an hour by flight from Sydney.   When people think of Australian birds, they commonly think of emus, parrots and maybe the Southern Cassowary.  But the country-continent 850 species of birds, 45% of them not found anywhere else.  Some spectacular species include the giant Southern Cassowary where fathers incubate the eggs, the tawny frogmouth- a master of disguise, the barking owl, the rainbow lorikeet, the superb and the splendid fairy-wren, which are beautiful blue birds, the laughing kookaburra which is the basis of a song that we learned as children even here in India, and a whole variety of parrots.  In fact, early Dutch explorers called this land Terra Psitticora or Land  of the parrots.   Did you know that pretty much all songbirds and 60% of all bird species originated in Australia.  In fact, Australian scientists often talk about how much of a "Northern Hemisphere" bias ornithology has.  In future episodes, we hope to interview experts from Australia but for now, here is a teaser episode in which I interview two folks from the Tweed River.

This episode gives a glimpse into the birds of Australia, told through the eyes of Franck Masna, an aboriginal elder who tells us the story of how birds got their colours and also through the eyes of Michael Simmons who runs Tweed Escapes to show tourists the sights and sounds of the Tweed River in Australia. This video is about the Tweed Valley, New South Wales, about an hour by flight from Sydney.   When people think of Australian birds, they commonly think of emus, parrots and maybe the Southern Cassowary.  But the country-continent 850 species of birds, 45% of them not found anywhere else.  Some spectacular species include the giant Southern Cassowary where fathers incubate the eggs, the tawny frogmouth- a master of disguise, the barking owl, the rainbow lorikeet, the superb and the splendid fairy-wren, which are beautiful blue birds, the laughing kookaburra which is the basis of a song that we learned as children even here in India, and a whole variety of parrots.  In fact, early Dutch explorers called this land Terra Psitticora or Land  of the parrots.   Did you know that pretty much all songbirds and 60% of all bird species originated in Australia.  In fact, Australian scientists often talk about how much of a "Northern Hemisphere" bias ornithology has.  In future episodes, we hope to interview experts from Australia but for now, here is a teaser episode in which I interview two folks from the Tweed River.

Episode 53: Birds of Australia: Stories and Species

This is a story about a wood stork called Flinthead.  He lived with his partner in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Florida.  The wood stork couple depended on the wetlands in Florida for not just their survival but also to bring up their babies.  This is a post-episode trailer of Episode 5 where I interviewed Dr. Jerry Jackson. Even though the audio isn’t perfect, Episode 5 is worth listening to because he covers so much ground. Ecology, wood storks, wetlands, anhingas, and much more. Here I focus on one aspect of that episode: wood storks

This is a story about a wood stork called Flinthead.  He lived with his partner in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Florida.  The wood stork couple depended on the wetlands in Florida for not just their survival but also to bring up their babies.  This is a post-episode trailer of Episode 5 where I interviewed Dr. Jerry Jackson. Even though the audio isn’t perfect, Episode 5 is worth listening to because he covers so much ground. Ecology, wood storks, wetlands, anhingas, and much more. Here I focus on one aspect of that episode: wood storks

Episode 52: Amazing bird species: Wood Storks

This episode is about wetlands.  This is a post-episode trailer of Episode 5 where I interviewed Dr. Jerry Jackson. Even though the audio isn’t perfect, Episode 5 is worth listening to because he covers so much ground. Ecology, wood storks, wetlands, anhingas, and much more. Here I focus on one aspect of that episode: wetlands What is the feeling that you get when I say these words? Swamps, marshes, bogs, mangroves, flood plains.  If you didn’t wince, good for you.  Humans seem fundamentally averse to wetland because we think of them as a breeding ground for insects– which they are.  But they are also the most diverse ecosystem there is. And for this reason, they are supremely important. There are three things every wetland needs: hydric soil, which is the scientific term for soil that is submerged in water for long periods of time.  Which results in oxygen-less soil in the upper part, which in turn causes a particular type of plant species called hydrophytes to grow.  These aquatic plants like water lilies and sedges create their own unique ecosystem– called wetlands. In Episode 5, Dr. Jerry Jackson has a simple term for wetlands.  Wetlands are wet land.  They are not ponds, or lakes.  They are lands that get submerged in water.  Wetlands are huge in ecology.  In fact, we have a particular organization called Ramsar that focuses on important wetlands all over the world.   Wetlands occur everywhere except in one continent.  Guess which one? I’ll give you a hint.  Which is the continent where nothing can stay wet?  Where is the biggest wetland? All this and more in this episode.

This episode is about wetlands.  This is a post-episode trailer of Episode 5 where I interviewed Dr. Jerry Jackson. Even though the audio isn’t perfect, Episode 5 is worth listening to because he covers so much ground. Ecology, wood storks, wetlands, anhingas, and much more. Here I focus on one aspect of that episode: wetlands What is the feeling that you get when I say these words? Swamps, marshes, bogs, mangroves, flood plains.  If you didn’t wince, good for you.  Humans seem fundamentally averse to wetland because we think of them as a breeding ground for insects– which they are.  But they are also the most diverse ecosystem there is. And for this reason, they are supremely important. There are three things every wetland needs: hydric soil, which is the scientific term for soil that is submerged in water for long periods of time.  Which results in oxygen-less soil in the upper part, which in turn causes a particular type of plant species called hydrophytes to grow.  These aquatic plants like water lilies and sedges create their own unique ecosystem– called wetlands. In Episode 5, Dr. Jerry Jackson has a simple term for wetlands.  Wetlands are wet land.  They are not ponds, or lakes.  They are lands that get submerged in water.  Wetlands are huge in ecology.  In fact, we have a particular organization called Ramsar that focuses on important wetlands all over the world.   Wetlands occur everywhere except in one continent.  Guess which one? I’ll give you a hint.  Which is the continent where nothing can stay wet?  Where is the biggest wetland? All this and more in this episode.

Episode 51: The importance of wetlands: Post episode trailer

Yossi Leshem

In this episode, we have Professor Yossi Leshem from Israel joining us to discuss several things: tracking migratory storks with GPS, working with barn owls as pest control agents, regional cooperation, reducing aircraft collisions, and working with defense forces.  Dr. Leshem has won countless awards and is Professor Emeritus at the School of Zoology at Tel Aviv University and is the founder of the International Center for the Study of Bird Migration. 

In this episode, we have Professor Yossi Leshem from Israel joining us to discuss several things: tracking migratory storks with GPS, working with barn owls as pest control agents, regional cooperation, reducing aircraft collisions, and working with defense forces.  Dr. Leshem has won countless awards and is Professor Emeritus at the School of Zoology at Tel Aviv University and is the founder of the International Center for the Study of Bird Migration.

Episode 50: How Israel tackles bird conservation with Professor Yossi Leshem.

Scott Weidensaul

Post Episode Trailers are short episodes in which I highlight an earlier episode that is worth watching. This episode is about Episode 12 of The Bird Podcast in which author and migration expert, Scott Weidensaul talks about the amazing feats that birds do in order to migrate.

Post Episode Trailers are short episodes in which I highlight an earlier episode that is worth watching. This episode is about Episode 12 of The Bird Podcast in which author and migration expert, Scott Weidensaul talks about the amazing feats that birds do in order to migrate.

Episode 49: Bird Migration with Scott Weidensaul: Post Episode Trailer 1

Welcome to the Bird Podcast — hosted by Shoba Narayan. This podcast will focus largely on birds, specifically on Indian birds with occasional global forays. India is home to some 1200 bird species, amongst the highest in the world. This podcast showcases and highlights our feathered friends We will talk to naturalists and birders about common and special birds such as the Greater Coucal, Himalayan Quail, Nilgiri Flycatcher, the Malabar Trogon, the Great Indian Bustard, and other amazing species. We will highlight issues both old and new. About India’s vanishing forests and wetlands and how it impacts birds. About breeding areas of migratory birds and how they are hunted en route. We will speak to the men and women who successfully saved the Amur Falcon from being massacred in Nagaland. And we will do individual podcasts on bird species of India. Welcome to the Bird Podcast. Come fly away with us.

Bird Podcast with Shoba Narayan

Shashank Dalvi

Click here to download Shashank Dalvi's Big Year of Birding all over India.

<a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/birdpodcast/Shashank.mp3" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to download</a> Shashank Dalvi's Big Year of Birding all over India.

Shashank Dalvi's "Big Year of Birding" across India

Jairam Ramesh

Click here to download A few years ago, I cold-emailed Jairam Ramesh, then minister of rural development, with one question: how could urban individuals contribute to rural India? He called me from Gumla, Jharkand. “Do you know where Gumla is?” he asked. Sheepishly, I said No. After some small talk—his mother lives in Bangalore— I asked how the average urban citizen could help rural India, should they desire to. What were his top five priorities?   Ramesh laughed and said that his top priorities such as land reform, rural infrastructure and employment were not things the average citizen could contribute to. “Those initiatives are for well meaning bankrupt governments, not for well meaning rich individuals like (your readers),” he said. “The bulk of investments in rural areas will have to come from government. To expect the private sector to make these huge investments is unrealistic.”   Since then, Ramesh moved on to become a charismatic Minister of Environment and Forests.   Born in Chikkamagalur, Jairam Ramesh is both a man of the forest and a man of the world. As a politician, minister, administrator and author, he has written and spoken about many topics. His most recent book, Indira Gandhi: a life in nature, is a portrait of a prime minister who happened to have a deep love of and empathy for the wild.   In this freewheeling talk, Jairam Ramesh discusses his term as Minister and talks about this land, our land--that is home to the elephant, the great indian bustard and the tiger.

<a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/birdpodcast/bird_podcast_jairam_ramesh.mp3" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to download</a> A few years ago, I cold-emailed Jairam Ramesh, then minister of rural development, with one question: how could urban individuals contribute to rural India? He called me from Gumla, Jharkand. “Do you know where Gumla is?” he asked. Sheepishly, I said No. After some small talk—his mother lives in Bangalore— I asked how the average urban citizen could help rural India, should they desire to. What were his top five priorities? Ramesh laughed and said that his top priorities such as land reform, rural infrastructure and employment were not things the average citizen could contribute to. “Those initiatives are for well meaning bankrupt governments, not for well meaning rich individuals like (your readers),” he said. “The bulk of investments in rural areas will have to come from government. To expect the private sector to make these huge investments is unrealistic.” Since then, Ramesh moved on to become a charismatic Minister of Environment and Forests. Born in Chikkamagalur, Jairam Ramesh is both a man of the forest and a man of the world. As a politician, minister, administrator and author, he has written and spoken about many topics. His most recent book, Indira Gandhi: a life in nature, is a portrait of a prime minister who happened to have a deep love of and empathy for the wild. In this freewheeling talk, Jairam Ramesh discusses his term as Minister and talks about this land, our land--that is home to the elephant, the great indian bustard and the tiger.

A Conversation with Jairam Ramesh

Jennifer Ackerman

Click here to download  Jennifer Ackerman has been writing about science and nature for 30 years. Her most recent book, The Genius of Birds (Penguin Press, April 2016), explores the intelligence of birds.    Her previous books include Ah-Choo! The Uncommon Life of Your Common Cold(Twelve Press, 2010), Sex Sleep Eat Drink Dream: A Day in the Life of Your Body(Houghton Mifflin, 2007), Chance in the House of Fate: A Natural History of Heredity(Houghton Mifflin 2001), and Notes from the Shore (Viking Penguin, 1995). A contributor to Scientific American, National Geographic Magazine, The New York Times, and many other publications, Jennifer is the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, including an NEA Literature Fellowship in Nonfiction, a Bunting Institute Fellowship, and a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Her articles and essays have been included in several anthologies, among them, Best American Science Writing, The Nature Reader, Best Nature Writing, Flights of Imagination: Extraordinary Writings About Birds, and The Penguin Book of the Ocean. Jennifer’s work aims to explain and interpret science for a lay audience and to explore the riddle of humanity’s place in the natural world, blending scientific knowledge with imaginative vision. Learn more about Jennifer Ackerman by visiting her website.

<a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/birdpodcast/jennifer_ackerman.mp3" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to download</a> Jennifer Ackerman has been writing about science and nature for 30 years. Her most recent book, The Genius of Birds (Penguin Press, April 2016), explores the intelligence of birds.   Her previous books include Ah-Choo! The Uncommon Life of Your Common Cold(Twelve Press, 2010), Sex Sleep Eat Drink Dream: A Day in the Life of Your Body(Houghton Mifflin, 2007), Chance in the House of Fate: A Natural History of Heredity(Houghton Mifflin 2001), and Notes from the Shore (Viking Penguin, 1995). A contributor to Scientific American, National Geographic Magazine, The New York Times, and many other publications, Jennifer is the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, including an NEA Literature Fellowship in Nonfiction, a Bunting Institute Fellowship, and a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Her articles and essays have been included in several anthologies, among them, Best American Science Writing, The Nature Reader, Best Nature Writing, Flights of Imagination: Extraordinary Writings About Birds, and The Penguin Book of the Ocean. Jennifer’s work aims to explain and interpret science for a lay audience and to explore the riddle of humanity’s place in the natural world, blending scientific knowledge with imaginative vision. <a href="http://www.jenniferackermanauthor.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Learn more about Jennifer Ackerman by visiting her website</a>.

Interview with Jennifer Ackerman

Jerry Jackson

Click here to download    Dr. Jerry Jackson is a legend in ornithology, for his life-long fascination with the Ivory-billed Woodpecker.  I met him on a windy even in Lakes Park, Fort Myers for a chat about the birds of Southwest Florida. Interview with Dr. Jerome Jackson, a noted ornithologist based in Florida.  And we are talking about Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary near Naples, Florida.  Located in the heart of the Everglades ecosystem of Southwest Florida, Corkscrew swamp is home to raptors, barred owls, songbirds—there were a ton of Northern Cardinals and Carolina Wrens when I visited in April.   And then there are waders—Spoonbills, Egrets, Herons, and most iconically, the Wood Stork.  Corkscrew is famous for that.  The website corkscrew.audobon.org has a list of all the birds along with some informational nuggets. Wetlands are different from other water bodies (lakes or rivers) and land forms in two ways.  Their water level should not exceed six meters according to the Ramsar Convention and the type of aquatic plants as Dr. Jackson said.  Wetlands need to have standing water for long enough to nourish aquatic plants.  The Ramsar site at ramsar.org lists wetlands in a variety of neat ways: you can see how many each country has.  The US has 36 and India has 26. Listen to the episode where Dr. Jackson gives fascinating and humorous descriptions of wetlands, biodiversity, and adaptations of Anhingas, Loggerhead Shrikes, Swallow-tailed Kites and Woodpeckers. Dr. Jackson is the author of the book, In Search of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, found here.

<a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/birdpodcast/Jerry_Jackson.mp3" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to download</a> Dr. Jerry Jackson is a legend in ornithology, for his life-long fascination with the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. I met him on a windy even in Lakes Park, Fort Myers for a chat about the birds of Southwest Florida. Interview with Dr. Jerome Jackson, a noted ornithologist based in Florida.  And we are talking about Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary near Naples, Florida.  Located in the heart of the Everglades ecosystem of Southwest Florida, Corkscrew swamp is home to raptors, barred owls, songbirds—there were a ton of Northern Cardinals and Carolina Wrens when I visited in April.   And then there are waders—Spoonbills, Egrets, Herons, and most iconically, the Wood Stork.  Corkscrew is famous for that.  The website <a href="http://corkscrew.audobon.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">corkscrew.audobon.org</a> has a list of all the birds along with some informational nuggets. Wetlands are different from other water bodies (lakes or rivers) and land forms in two ways.  Their water level should not exceed six meters according to the Ramsar Convention and the type of aquatic plants as Dr. Jackson said.  Wetlands need to have standing water for long enough to nourish aquatic plants.  The Ramsar site at <a href="http://ramsar.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">ramsar.org</a> lists wetlands in a variety of neat ways: you can see how many each country has.  The US has 36 and India has 26. Listen to the episode where Dr. Jackson gives fascinating and humorous descriptions of wetlands, biodiversity, and adaptations of Anhingas, Loggerhead Shrikes, Swallow-tailed Kites and Woodpeckers. Dr. Jackson is the author of the book, In Search of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, <a href="http://amzn.to/2rmBPO9" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">found here</a>.

Interview with Dr. Jerry Jackson

The Keoladeo Ghana National Park is arguably India's most famous national park for birds.  This episode offers you a bird's eye view of the park.

The Keoladeo Ghana National Park is arguably India's most famous national park for birds.  This episode offers you a bird's eye view of the park.

Destination Bharatpur

The best podcast episodes on non-current politics. Covering topics such as universal basic income, democracy, poverty & justice and more. For anyone interested in learning more about politics that affect that world, not just now, but in the longer term. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Non-Current Politics Podcasts

The best podcast episodes on global issues affecting everyone. Covering topics such as the #metoo movement, climate change, the impact of technology and some of the biggest global issues facing us right now. For anyone interested in learning more about the world, and some of the issues we're facing, pick an episode below and start listening! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!