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The Royal Pigeons Jun 13, 2026

Show notes

Despite their modern reputation, pigeons were once beloved by royalty. Akbar the Great, ruler of the Mughal Empire in the 16th Century, kept over 20,000 pigeons. Owning pigeons in parts of Europe was a privilege restricted to the nobility. Pigeon ownership became a flashpoint during the French Revolution, when commoners finally gained the right to raise pigeons. Learn more in Rosemary Mosco’s book, A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.

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Juan Fernandez Firecrown Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

The Juan Fernandez Firecrown is a critically endangered hummingbird that is only found on Robinson Crusoe Island, near Chile. Measuring more than 4 inches long from beak to tail, the firecrown is hefty for a hummingbird. To conserve energy while feeding, the birds often hang upside down on flowers rather than hovering in place! As they feed, the hummingbirds transport pollen between forest flowers. Deforestation and invasive species have driven this bird close to extinction, but conservation organizations are actively working to save it and restore its natural habitat.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.

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Legislating is for the Birds Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

In American democracy, elected officials work for the people. That means you can be a voice for birds by reaching out to your representatives at every level of government. On the Bring Birds Back podcast, Hardy Kern explains how the American Bird Conservancy is taking legislative action for birds. Listen to the full episode in season 8 of Bring Birds Back.

Support for BirdNote is provided by Sarah Merner and Craig McKibben from Seattle, Washington, and generous listeners around the world.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.

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Olive-sided Flycatcher Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

What a comfort it would be if every bird song were as easy to recognize — and remember — as that of this Olive-sided Flycatcher. Some people think it sounds like "quick-THREE-beers" or "what PEEVES you." Do you drink coffee? Then you can help Olive-sided Flycatchers, when you choose to drink shade-grown coffee. It encourages coffee growers to keep the trees that migratory songbirds need to survive on their wintering grounds.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.

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Sagebrush Sparrow Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

A chill wind ruffles the feathers of a male Sagebrush Sparrow (formerly known as the Sage Sparrow), as he sings atop a tall sagebrush. It is late February, a few miles from the Columbia River in Central Washington. Sagebrush Sparrows are arriving north from wintering in the Southwestern deserts. Unlike most songbirds, male and female Sagebrush Sparrows often arrive on their nesting grounds already paired.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.

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The Link Between Whales, Seabirds, and a Tiny Fish Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

In shallow waters off the coast of Massachusetts, ocean predators come from far and wide to hunt. Humpback whales join Great Shearwaters and many other seabirds in pursuing sand lance, a tiny fish that these top predators rely on for sustenance. But sand lance are vulnerable to climate change — putting the rest of the ecosystem, including seabirds, at risk.

This episode is dedicated to Bob Goodale, whose lifelong love for birds and nature continues to inspire.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.

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Spider Silk — Duct Tape for Bird Nests Jun 07, 2026

Show notes

The spider’s web is an intricate piece of precision engineering. Made from large proteins, it’s sticky, stretchy, and tough. So it’s no surprise that many small birds — including this Anna’s Hummingbird — make a point of collecting strands of spider silk to use in nest construction. Spider silk not only acts as a glue, holding the nest together, but it’s flexible enough to accommodate the growing bodies of nestlings. And it’s resilient enough to withstand the bustle of raising those hungry babies.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.

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Baby Birds — Leave Them Alone Jun 06, 2026

Show notes

Just because a young bird appears to be alone – whether on the ground or squawking loudly from a bush or tree – doesn't necessarily mean it is sick or injured. In June, young birds, including this juvenile Northern Flicker, are leaving their nests. And most likely, a parent is near-by and will soon return. What can you do to help? Keep your cats indoors - especially during the birds' breeding season. And leave the birds alone. If you do find a sick or injured bird, visit the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association or Animal Help Now.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.

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Cover Open Pipes To Protect Birds Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

Open, vertical pipes are commonly used to build fences, anchor gates, and post signs. Inquisitive birds often inspect these cavities in their search for food and nest sites. But without enough room to turn around or spread his wings in the smooth pipe, the little bird will be trapped — and eventually die. It’s why conservationists call them death pipes.

Conservation groups like the Tucson Bird Alliance recommend covering any open pipe 1 inch in diameter or wider. You can use store-bought caps or make your own by plugging the hole with cardboard and back-filling the opening with cement mix. Find more information about protecting birds from death pipes here.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.

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American Kestrel Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

The American Kestrel is the smallest, most numerous, and most widespread North American falcon. This bird is built for speed, its long pointed wings often bent back at the tip. While hunting, kestrels hover above an open field. These days, the lack of suitable nesting cavities, which limits American Kestrel populations in some areas, has lead to public interest in installing wooden nest boxes.

Support for BirdNote is provided by Jim and Birte Falconer from Seattle, Washington, and generous listeners around the world.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.

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