Laura Erickson's For the Birds

Circular Firing Squad: Windows v. Habitat Part I May 29, 2023

It took mainstream conservation biologists decades to notice how dangerous collisions with windows are for birds.

Dee Dee Nana and Walter's first official Bird Walk May 26, 2023

On May 25, Laura took her grandson on a long bird walk, but they saw a lot more than birds.

Spring Update: Too Much Windy May 24, 2023

The exceptionally high wind on so many days this spring is hard on birds.

700: A Memorable Achievement—I Hope! May 23, 2023

What was the 700th bird on Laura's continental US life list? (Photo of Smooth-billed Ani is from Panama in 2019.)

Snail Kite May 15, 2023

A splendid bird that was on the original Endangered Species List is now doing well by making the best of a bad situation.

Lesser Prairie-Chicken May 12, 2023

In the past 3 weeks, the U.S. House Natural Resource Committee and the U.S. Senate both voted to rescind Endangered Species protections from the imperiled Lesser Prairie-Chicken, a slap in the face to the scientists and managers charged with safeguarding our natural resources, and to all Americans who love this splendid all-American bird, found nowhere on the planet except in the United States, vanishing before our eyes.

Gray-headed Swamphen May 04, 2023

An unexpected four-day trip to Kissimmee, Florida, gave Laura a lifer!

A Chickadee in Florida May 03, 2023

Traveling to Florida raised several ethical issues for Laura.

When Numbers Get Serious May 02, 2023

Laura talks about the listing and numerical elements of her birding life.

Record-breaking Snow and Climate Change Apr 21, 2023

Yesterday's ice storm in Duluth was harsher on birds than it was on us. (This program mentions the loon fallout happening right now. To report a downed loon, call REGI at 715-623-4015 or Loon Rescue at 715-966-5415.)

Spring Update Apr 20, 2023

What's happening at the western tip of Lake Superior right now?

Avian Influenza Update Apr 19, 2023

Bird flu is far from over. If we are feeding backyard birds, we need to be paying attention to them.

Yellow-rumped Warblers Apr 18, 2023

Yellow-rumped Warblers return well before other warblers because they literally have intestinal fortitude.

First Robin of Spring Apr 11, 2023

Robins appeal to our eyes and ears, and also to our hearts and souls.

April Is the Cruelest Month Apr 10, 2023

April is cruelest for lonely souls who may not discern all the pairings and romantic songs and surging new life all around. Perhaps we must feel a part of nature, rather than bitter onlookers, to take joy in the reawakening of song and romance and nesting and new life. (This program was recast from a 2004 "For the Birds" program for which the audio is lost.)

Spring Reunions Apr 06, 2023

Mother Nature loves to play tricks on us on April Fool's Day, but sometimes it's worth braving the weather, whether we're swans or humans.

Baker's Blue Jay Podcast (for April Fools Day) Apr 01, 2023

Jim Baker, from Baker's Blue Jay Barn, "Up the Shore a Ways," has an exciting announcement! (Stations can play this on Friday if they want.)

BB, My Special Pileated Woodpecker Mar 30, 2023

Laura's been keeping track of a banded Pileated Woodpecker since November 2021, and now he seems to have found love.

Heartbreak on Peabody Street Mar 29, 2023

Laura found herself with a hurt Hairy Woodpecker last week, which reminded her of her old rehab days and why she no longer does this every day.

Looking for Spring in All the Wrong Places Mar 27, 2023

It's the sixth snowiest winter on record in Duluth, and Laura is hungry for spring.

Flaco the Eagle Owl: To Count or Not to Count? Mar 20, 2023

Last month, a Eurasian Eagle-Owl escaped from the Central Park Zoo in New York City and, despite many efforts to capture him, seems to be doing fine on his own so far. David McArthur, one of Laura's podcast listeners in New York, wonders if he can count this bird on his life list? The Eurasian Eagle-Owl recording used in this program was made in France by Dominique Guillerme, XC780278 via xeno-canto.org. And the photo of Flaco is from Wikipedia, taken by Rhododendrites.

Eurasian Tree Sparrow! Mar 14, 2023

This year, some plucky little Eurasian Tree Sparrows, far from their species' established range, have been wintering in Superior, Wisconsin. Laura and Erik Bruhnke spent Saturday morning looking for them.

Enhance Your Nest Boxes with Bark! Mar 13, 2023

Just in time for spring, Laura's friend, wildlife biologist, and all-around good person Jerry Wayne Davis has a great suggestion for improving our nest boxes--add bark to the front to give birds a more secure and comfortable perch.

Spring Update Mar 09, 2023

It may not look like it yet, but spring has sprung.

Chickadee Day Mar 08, 2023

Most birders do not keep track of the date on which they saw the first bird on their life list, but that doesn't matter.

Together and Apart Feb 24, 2023

Family vacations can be fun for everyone, as long as we remember that every one of us enjoys different things.

Earning Trust in the Age of Climate Change Feb 20, 2023

Birds and grandchildren learn to trust us to do the right thing.

Birding Basics: Binoculars Feb 16, 2023

Laura talks about things to consider when buying new binoculars

Superb Owl Sunday 2023 Feb 14, 2023

Laura went out with her husband Russ Sunday in hopes of seeing an owl on Superb Owl Sunday.

Birds Specializing on Conifers Feb 10, 2023

Some birds depend on conifers for very specific reasons.

100 Plants to Feed the Birds: Conifers Feb 08, 2023

Today Laura talks about the importance of conifers—both trees and shrubs—in backyard habitat, for providing food and shelter both.

Slow Birding Feb 02, 2023

A birder named Bridget Butler has been teaching wonderful workshops and online classes about "Slow Birding"—connecting with the birds we see rather than rushing and listing. She did not write the new book titled *Slow Birding*, a new book by Joan E. Strassmann, which would better have been titled *Detailed Descriptions of Some Ornithological Research Projects on Some Familiar Birds*. Many of the tagged species are not mentioned in the podcast but are discussed in the blogpost.

Dawn Comes to Peabody Street Jan 31, 2023

As night transitions into morning, Laura likes watching the birds show up in her yard, one by one.

What to do BEFORE improving backyard habitat: Windows Jan 27, 2023

Cats and glass windows each kill about a BILLION birds every year in the United States. Before inviting birds to your yard, consider making your windows bird safe.

What to do BEFORE improving backyard habitat: Cats Jan 25, 2023

As important as quality backyard habitat is, we must first make sure we're not luring birds to their deaths. Cats and windows each kill about a BILLION birds in the United States every year. Laura talks about outdoor cats today.

Mourning Doves! Jan 24, 2023

Most Mourning Doves leave northern Minnesota in winter, but listener Kelli Alseth wrote to Laura about one visiting her Proctor feeder this winter. Doves are very vulnerable to cold, but a few stick it out up here. Kelli is doing everything right to ensure that her bird has as good a chance of surviving as possible

A Million Ways to Bird Jan 20, 2023

After growing irritated with the birdwatchers who smugly criticize the way *other* birdwatchers watch birds, Laura talks about the many ways people can enjoy birds, hoping every individual can find their own individual path.

Two More Ways to Eat a Sunflower Seed Jan 13, 2023

Blue Jays and chickadees have two different ways to eat a sunflower seed.

How to Eat a Sunflower Seed If You're a Dove or a Finch Jan 12, 2023

There are at least four ways that birds eat sunflower seeds. Today Laura explains two of them.

Stranger in a Strange Land: Adapting to a Novel Environment Jan 10, 2023

Seeing videos of a rescued baby beaver building a dam out of plush toys and Christmas decorations last week reminded Laura of when she was a rehabber, and how wild birds adapted to an unnatural environment. Virtually all of the transcripts of "For the Birds" programs are available on my blog, usually with photos. I didn't take a lot of pictures back when I was rehabbing in the 80s and 90s--film and getting it developed were expensive! But for this program I did post photos of my little daughter holding this particular Sora. Listeners may enjoy seeing them.

First Pileated of 2023 Jan 06, 2023

For the first time ever, Laura didn't wonder what her first bird of the new year would be--she was thinking about which individual Pileated Woodpecker she'd see first in 2023.

American Birding Association's Bird of the Year for 2023: Belted Kingfisher! Jan 04, 2023

The Belted Kingfisher has been selected as the 2023 Bird of the Year by the American Birding Association, stirring up lots of memories for Laura.

100 Plants to Feed the Birds Dec 30, 2022

Laura talks about her brand new book.

2022 Duluth Christmas Bird Count, Part 2 Dec 29, 2022

This year's Duluth Christmas Bird Count was a little low on both species and total numbers, but as always, Laura got to see and photograph some wonderful birds.

2022 Duluth Christmas Bird Count results, Part 1 Dec 28, 2022

Laura did her annual trek on Saturday, December 17.

She's Back! Dec 14, 2022

Wisdom, the oldest wild bird in the known universe, returned to Midway Island again!

A Belated Thank You to Randal Robinson Dec 13, 2022

One of Laura's college Shakespeare classes made a huge difference in her life.

Why Shakespeare has been so important to me Dec 07, 2022

Laura explains why she has taken more Shakespeare courses than most non-English majors.

Make the Belted Kingfisher the official mascot of the University of Illinois Nov 30, 2022

Laura attended the University of Illinois from 1969-1971, when their mascot was the offensive and stereotypical "Chief Illiniwek." Due to pressure from students, alumni, staff, and the community, the U. of I. got rid of that mascot in 2008, but haven't replaced it with anything. A wonderful student, and now alumnus, named Spencer Halsey spearheaded a campaign to name a real-life blue-and-orange local bird, the Belted Kingfisher, the new official mascot. This is a splendid idea that deserves support.

The Chickadee deserves a place in Guinness World Records Nov 29, 2022

It takes verifiable documentation for anyone, bird or human, to make the grade in *Guinness World Records*. But based on the standard for the entry "lowest temperature endured by a bird," the Black-capped Chickadee is definitely a contender.

Record-breakers, from turkeys to godwits Nov 24, 2022

Laura's been spending a lot of time perusing the *Guinness Book of World Records* this week.

Godwits! Nov 22, 2022

Laura talks about the four godwit species in the world.

In My Prime Nov 15, 2022

Laura's 71st birthday, as usual, has her thinking about birds.

Phainopepla: A Bird as Unique as Its Name. Nov 09, 2022

A bird with a cool name is unique in other ways, too.

Phainopepla: Which way did she go? Nov 08, 2022

Minnesota's first record of a Phainopepla stuck around the McQuade boat landing from October 29 through November 1. Where is she now? No one will ever know.

The New Kid on the Block Nov 04, 2022

A new Pileated Woodpecker spent some time in Laura's yard making her wonder how Pileateds figure out bird feeders.

What's the Name of That Song? Nov 02, 2022

New apps can identify songs for us, whether those songs were produced by a person or a bird. (The program opens with a Sesame Street recording of "What's the Name of That Song?" and uses the "Li'l Darlin'" tract from the album *The Atomic Mr. Basie*.

When Rarity Begets Rarity Oct 31, 2022

When birders gather to see one rare bird, they often spot another one.

Birds in Art, Part 3: When Birds and Humans Intersect Oct 25, 2022

Laura's favorite thing about the Woodson Art Museum's annual "Birds in Art" exhibit is how each artist has a unique spin on the theme.

Birds in Art, Part 2: The 2022 Exhibit at the Woodson Art Museum Oct 24, 2022

Laura talks about her visit last month to the Leigh Yawkkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau to see the 2022 Birds in Art exhibit.

Birds in Art, Part I: A little history Oct 21, 2022

Laura's annual sojourn to the Woodson Art Museum in Wausau to see this year's Birds in Art exhibit got her thinking about the history of bird art.

The Value of Certified Coffee Oct 18, 2022

Laura's quiet morning routine would be far less satisfying if the coffee she drank had robbed tropical birds of habitat or hurt the people growing and harvesting it.

Joy in the Morning Oct 17, 2022

Starting the day with a cup of coffee while watching chickadees, Blue Jays, and a Pileated Woodpecker just inches away--what could be better? (Any time I mention a photo or video, it appears on that program's blog post. Today's shows video of the Pileated bobbing her head.)

When Numbers Get Serious Oct 14, 2022

Blue Jays broke a record this month--over 60,000 of them migrated over Hawk Ridge in Duluth. What does this mean? And what the heck does it have to do with baseball?

Saw-whet Owl! Oct 07, 2022

This week, a little saw-whet owl turned up behind Laura's backyard.

October! Oct 03, 2022

Saturday morning was a splendid start to the month, at least on Laura's corner of Peabody Street.

Hit By Pitch Sep 27, 2022

Baseball players sometimes get hit by pitches--nowadays no one more than Laura's favorite player of all, Anthony Rizzo. But those players have a much greater survival rate than the hapless dove who got beaned by a baseball. (The accompanying blog post has a LOT more information than I could fit into the podcast.)

Dee Dee Nana Sep 23, 2022

Laura's grandson Walter has a brand new name for her.

Hawk Ridge: Fifty Years and Counting! Sep 22, 2022

This is the fiftieth anniversary of Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve in Duluth. People will be celebrating this weekend.

Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Part 2 Sep 21, 2022

Stony Point was filled with happy birders on Saturday morning.

Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Part 1 Sep 20, 2022

It's hard to get anything accomplished when an extremely rare Fork-tailed Flycatcher appears.

September Hummingbirds Sep 19, 2022

Laura thinks the old rule about bringing hummingbird feeders in by Labor Day is ridiculous. She'll be leaving hers out until at least the end of November. She was still seeing a hummingbird on September 18.

Moosey and Puffy Sep 06, 2022

Two of the greatest highlights of Laura's Alaska trip were Horned and Tufted Puffins. Puffins are popular enough that Alaska gift shops sold lots of them--but not one that Laura could find was one of these two native Alaskan species--they were all Atlantic Puffins!

Anything Can Happen Sep 02, 2022

The time around Labor Day Weekend is what Laura thinks of as the "Anything Can Happen" time of year. (The recording at start and finish is of a Semipalmated Plover, from the Macaulay Library of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The Cedar Waxwing recording was made my Lang Elliott.)

If you build it, will they come? Aug 29, 2022

How do we encourage declining birds to start using newly-restored habitat? Daniel Wanschura's "Points North" podcast for Interlochen Public Radio about Dustin Brewer's Michigan rail study can be read or heard at the IPR website [here.](https://www.interlochenpublicradio.org/show/points-north/2022-08-19/thin-as-a-rail)

Puffins, Part 3: How to see them Aug 19, 2022

Where to go to see the three species of puffins.

Puffins, Part 2 Aug 18, 2022

The features that make puffins so distinctive are also what allow them to live their oceanic lives.

Puffins! A little history Aug 17, 2022

How did puffins get their scientific and vernacular names?

August's Tiny Treasures Aug 15, 2022

Laura is entranced by two tiny beings this month: hummingbirds and her grandson Walter.

Alaska, Part 11B: The End Aug 09, 2022

Was falling down hard while photographing a bird worth it?

Alaska, Part 11A: Winding Down Aug 08, 2022

After the big boat trip to Kenai Fjords National Park, there was still a bit of birding to do.

Alaska, Part 10B: Kenai Fjords National Park Aug 05, 2022

The birds Laura saw on her Alaska boat trip into Kenai Fjords National Park were even more thrilling than the humpback whales.

Alaska, Part 10: Dessert!! The sweetest day of the trip, starting with humpback whales Aug 04, 2022

The boat trip into Kenai Fjords National Park was the most beautiful and exciting part of Laura's Alaska adventure. The first part of the morning wasn't even spent with birds, but rather, a splendid mammal.

Alaska, Part 9: Birding Our Way to Seward Aug 01, 2022

The Kenai Peninsula was a great place for memorable birding for Laura.

Alaska, Part 8: Denali Jul 27, 2022

Laura managed to see the peak of Denali on two days, first from an airplane and then close to the ground. Denali's wildlife is just as spectacular as the mountain itself.

Alaska, Part 7: Birding in Anchorage Jul 19, 2022

Laura spent 6 of her 14 nights in Alaska in Anchorage. It's a huge city by Alaska standards, but the birding was excellent.

Acorn Woodpecker in Minnesota! Jul 12, 2022

An amazing bird, at least 1,200 miles from its normal range, turned up at Russell Stewart's house in Carlton County last week.

Alaska, Part 6: Birding the Nome-Taylor or Kougarok Road Jul 11, 2022

The last day of Laura's trip to Nome was spent searching for a most wanted bird, the Bristle-thighed Curlew.

Alaska, Part 5: A Diversion--the Bristle-thighed Curlew Jul 08, 2022

Laura talks about one of her most wanted birds in Alaka, a most unique species.

Alaska, Part 4: Birding the Nome-Council Road Jul 07, 2022

Most of the lifers Laura saw in Nome were along the Nome-Council Road.

Alaska, Part 3: Birding the Nome-Teller Road Jul 06, 2022

Laura birded along the Nome-Teller Road on the afternoon of June 12 and all day on June 13.

Alaska, Part 2: Nome! Jul 05, 2022

Laura gives an overview of the four days she spent in Nome. The bird recording used in the program, from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is of the White Wagtail.

Independence Day 2022 Jul 04, 2022

Some of the fundamental freedoms Americans celebrate today are in jeopardy.

Alaska, Part 1: The tour begins in Anchorage Jun 28, 2022

Laura and Russ spent some time birding on their own in Anchorage before joining their group for a Nome adventure.

Preparing for a Trip! Jun 13, 2022

When you hear this, Laura should be in Nome, Alaska.

Bird Recordings and the Merlin App Jun 10, 2022

Laura's found a great new way to identify bird songs too high for her to hear.

Three Book Reviews Jun 07, 2022

Laura reviews the all new online version of *Wisconsin's Favorite Bird Haunts*, National Geographic's *Complete Birds of North America*, and Sharon Stiteler's *North American Bird Watching for Beginners*.

Sweetness in Hard Times Jun 06, 2022

Desperate times call for desperate measures, some of them sweeter than others.

Monty and Rose (2017–2022) Jun 03, 2022

Chicago's most famous avian residents, the Piping Plovers that nested in the dunes at Montrose Beach, are gone.

Tennessee Warblers May 30, 2022

Until just this week, Laura's been taking a dainty little warbler for granted.

Walter's Beautiful Neighborhood May 27, 2022

Laura's little grandson is growing up in a world of birds and flowers and smiling people.

My Most Colorful Spring and an Adorable Little Despot May 26, 2022

This spring may be unusually cold, but that's led to an exceptionally colorful few weeks on Peabody Street.(The recording at the start and end of this program is a Cape May Warbler, whose song is so high frequency that it's out of the hearing range of a lot of people.)

Serendipity and the Patagonia Picnic Table Effect, Part 3 May 25, 2022

Last week, Laura found yet another rare bird in her yard less than 24 hours after she saw the first one.

Serendipity and the Patagonia Picnic Table Effect, Part 2 May 24, 2022

Tuesday just got better and better.

Serendipity and the Patagonia Picnic Table Effect, Part I May 23, 2022

Tuesday, May 17, is a day Laura will long remember.

Celebrating Individuals May 17, 2022

There's something uniquely special about individual wild birds that we recognize personally. Sometimes the bonds we forge with these can last a long time.

St. Louis County Eurasian Tree Sparrow May 16, 2022

This week Laura saw a bird that belongs in an entirely different St. Louis County.

Homemade Books and Picture Cards for Small Children May 13, 2022

Laura is making picture cards to teach her little grandson about birds and other animals.

Catching the Start of the Dawn Chorus May 11, 2022

How early do you have to get up to hear the very beginning of the dawn chorus? Earlier than you might think.

Recognizing Sparrows, Part 2: Unstreaked Sparrows May 09, 2022

Laura, back from her close encounter with Covid, finishes her sparrow identification series.

Recognizing Sparrows, Part 1: Juncos and Sparrows with Streaked Breasts Apr 29, 2022

The end of April and beginning of May are when sparrows descend upon the Northland in big numbers. Identifying these little brown jobs isn't as daunting as it might seem.

Joy in the Backyard Apr 27, 2022

When Laura photographed a male and female Pileated Woodpecker feeding together in her suet feeder, she realized just how happy she is.

Bird Flu and Other Feeder Issues Apr 22, 2022

Laura brings us up to date on the conflicting recommendations from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Cornell Cooperative Extension with regard to bird flu and keeping bird feeders going. She also talks about some birds dying at feeders not from diseases but from the bird feeder itself.

Spring Symphony Apr 19, 2022

What spring birdsong is Laura happiest to hear?

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Apr 18, 2022

Laura's researched as much as she can about this year's outbreak of a dangerous variant of bird flu. She wrote a lot about it on her blog at blog.lauraerickson.com

Conversation with Scott Weidensaul about A Warbler's Journey, Part 2 Apr 15, 2022

Laura asked Scott Weidensaul about the people he features in his new children's picture book, *A Warbler's Journey*, and also more about Yellow Warblers and their treacherous migration.

Conversation with Scott Weidensaul about A Warbler's Journey, Part I Apr 14, 2022

Laura had a long conversation with Scott Weidensaul earlier this month. Here is Part 1 of their conversation about Scott's new book, *A Warbler's Journey.*

Book Review: A Warbler's Journey by Scott Weidensaul, illustrated by Nancy Lane Apr 13, 2022

One of Laura's favorite writers, Scott Weidensaul, has written a children's picture book that Laura loves.

Children's Bird Book Week, Part 2 Apr 12, 2022

Laura talks about some more old and more recent children's picture books about birds—both favorites and some not. Note: Laura pronounces the name of the main character in *The Trumpet of the Swan*, Louis, as *loo' iss*. E.B. White pronounced it *loo' ey*, but he said he named the character for Louis Armstrong. Although many people called Armstrong "Louie," he was very clear that he wanted people to pronounce his name "Louis." He even emphasized that whenever he sang "Hello, Dolly!" E.B. White was a wonderful writer whom Laura admires greatly, but on this she's deferring to Satchmo.

Children's Bird Book Week Apr 11, 2022

This week I'll be talking about some old and some new picture books about birds, for small children, starting with some old classics.

Our Far-Flung Correspondents: Patricia on Australian Magpies Apr 05, 2022

My friend Patricia sent me some fun information about the magpies she grew up with in Australia.

Sounds of Early Spring Apr 04, 2022

Lots of birds are making their presence known now. Except the chickadees heard near the end, all the sounds heard in this program were recorded out Laura's home office window.

Bluolingo: The first Blue Jay translation app Apr 01, 2022

Laura interviews Jim Baker from Baker's Blue Jay Barn about his newest product, Bluolingo, which translates both of the two different sounds coming from a Blue Jay's voice box.

Australian Magpies: Outsmarting Researchers Mar 31, 2022

One of the smartest birds on the planet is making it very difficult for scientists to research its movements.

Transition from Winter to Spring Mar 29, 2022

This in-between period where winter slowly melts into spring is Laura's favorite time of year. At least, right now.

Fifty Years! Mar 24, 2022

Laura just marked her 50th wedding anniversary,. Sticking it out this long involves luck more than anything..

Alaska Trip Preparation, Part III: Anticipation! Mar 16, 2022

The best thing about preparing for any trip is anticipating all the possibilities.

Alaska Trip Preparation, Part II: Getting into Shape for a Grueling Hike Mar 15, 2022

When they head to Nome, Alaska, this June, Russ and Laura will be taking a grueling hike to see the Bristle-thighed Curlew. How is Laura preparing for that?

Alaska Trip Preparation, Part I: Reducing and Mitigating My Carbon Footprint Mar 14, 2022

In preparing for a trip to Alaska in June, Laura's been doing some research to make sure she's mitigating the energy involved in her travel. (The bird song in the background is the Varied Thrush, a song Laura should hear in Alaska.)

Hand-Feeding, Part II Mar 11, 2022

Mark Roser created a system called "Interactive Bird Feeding" that Laura wholeheartedly endorses. But as winter comes to an end, she adds one concern that we need to be aware of.

Hand-Feeding, Part I Mar 09, 2022

Hand-feeding birds, and just having them close enough to make eye contact, sparks love for them, which comes with responsibility.

Chickadee Day 2022: The Best of Times Mar 08, 2022

Chickadee Day 2022 started out poorly for Laura, but things suddenly improved.

Chickadee Day 2022: The Worst of Times Mar 07, 2022

Laura always celebrates March 2, the anniversary of seeing her first chickadee. This year was a little rockier than usual.

Little Walter the Chickadee Feb 23, 2022

All chickadees may be cute, but one in particular reminds Laura of her baby grandson.

Redpolls, Part 2 Feb 22, 2022

Backyard redpolls are wonderful to see this winter in the Northland. Nicole Ottjes sent Laura an amazing video of redpolls crowding into her hand for seeds.

Redpolls, Part 1 Feb 21, 2022

Laura talks about the little birds visiting northland feeders in big numbers this winter.

Winter Bird Song, Part II Feb 17, 2022

Studies of northern European birds singing on their sub-Saharan wintering grounds suggest that the reason for singing so far from mate and territory is simple—they're practicing.

Winter Bird Song, Part I Feb 16, 2022

Even on frigid mornings, chickadees and cardinals are singing away right now. They won't make spring come any faster, but are still warming our hearts.

Auggie's Bogwalk Feb 08, 2022

A beautiful little boardwalk in the Sax-Zim Bog was created as a memorial to Augustus James Feth, with little owl carvings, gifts for anyone who walks the trail to the end, carved by Auggie's great grandfather.

It's All Good Feb 07, 2022

Even when you don't see the one bird you set as your goal, a day spent birding is all good.

February Bluebird!! Feb 04, 2022

On Groundhog Day, Laura got a brief but satisfying look at an Eastern Bluebird visiting a Duluth feeder.

February! Feb 02, 2022

Dawn is noticeably earlier each day now, as Laura is noticing while feeder watching in the morning twilight.

Feeding Birds, Part V: Water Jan 28, 2022

Water is the stuff of life, even in winter.

Feeding Birds, Part IV: Mealworms Jan 27, 2022

This time Laura looks at the value of feeding mealworms to birds and things to consider in deciding whether to buy live or dried mealworms, or both, as Laura does.

Feeding Birds, Part III: Peanuts and Peanut Butter Jan 26, 2022

Laura talks about the benefits of feeding birds peanuts and peanut butter, and also important considerations to make this safe for the birds.

Bird Feeding, Part II: Suet Jan 25, 2022

Besides bird seed, the thing most people give birds at feeding stations is suet.

Bird Feeding, Part I: Bird Seed Jan 24, 2022

All week Laura will be talking about the best choices for what we offer at our bird feeding stations.

White-breasted Nuthatch Jan 21, 2022

Listeners wrote in asking about White-breasted Nuthatches.

Boreal Chickadee Jan 20, 2022

The Black-capped Chickadee may be Laura's favorite bird, but the Boreal Chickadee isn't too far behind.

Red-bellied Woodpecker Jan 18, 2022

Every day, a female Red-bellied Woodpecker is visiting Peabody Street. Seeing one in Duluth used to be a rare event. Laura is just as thrilled now that it's much more commonplace.

Ivory Gull in Duluth: 2022 Jan 17, 2022

An Ivory Gull turned up in Duluth on January 3. Laura tried, but didn't succeed, in finding it.

Our Far-Flung Correspondents: Listener Questions Jan 12, 2022

Laura answers questions about Canada Jays (also called Gray Jays) and Pine Grosbeaks, and about how birds get water in winter.

Pine Grosbeak Jan 10, 2022

2022 appears to be a good year for seeing Pine Grosbeaks, reminding Laura of why she loves this beautiful bird.

New Years Brrrrrrding! Jan 03, 2022

Laura spent the first two days of 2022 looking for birds at home and the bog.

Top Bird of 2021: Black-capped Chickadee Dec 31, 2021

Despite some stiff competition, Laura had some pretty compelling reasons to name her Top Bird of 2021 the Black-capped Chickadee. This program includes the first public performance of "The Chickadee Song," a very short song Laura wrote for her baby grandson.

Final Four—My Top Birds of 2021: Evening Grosbeak Dec 30, 2021

This was a banner year for Evening Grosbeaks in many places, including Laura's yard.

Final Four: My Top Birds of 2021: Rufous Hummingbird Dec 29, 2021

A plucky little hummingbird filled Laura's heart with joy this November and even into December, making her Final Four top birds of the year.

Final Four—My Top Birds of 2021: Pileated Woodpecker Dec 28, 2021

One of the best birds of 2021 in Laura's yard were her Pileated Woodpeckers.

Birding from Home, 2021 Dec 27, 2021

Most of Laura's best birds of 2021 were seen right in her own backyard or nearby.

Road Trips 2021 Dec 24, 2021

Laura made two socially-distanced road trips in 2021, and saw lots of birds.

Rat Poisons: They're Even Worse Than We Thought Dec 23, 2021

An article by Chris Sweeney in the current *Audubon* magazine documents just how dangerous rat poison is, and how easy it is for regular consumers to buy it via the internet.

Rats! Part 1: A Growing Problem Dec 22, 2021

Why are rat populations mushrooming?

Wisdom of the Ages Dec 21, 2021

Laura was relieved to learn last week that Wisdom the Laysan Albatross, the oldest wild bird known to science, had returned once again to Midway Island.

Everyday Birds on Peabody Street Dec 14, 2021

Even without a Rufous Hummingbird, there's interesting birdlife on Peabody Street.

Redpolls! Dec 09, 2021

Taxonomists from the University of Colorado, Boulder, have just released a paper in *Nature Communications* asserting, with lots of data verifying their claim, that Hoary, Lesser, and Common Redpolls all belong to just one species.

Fare thee well, little hummingbird Dec 06, 2021

The Rufous Hummingbird visiting Peabody Street since before Halloween disappeared late Saturday. Laura thinks she took advantage of a perfect window to skip town before the snowstorm.

Microclimates: KUMD version Nov 30, 2021

What do hummingbirds and little dogs have in common? Laura also bids farewell to Lisa Johnson, who is leaving KUMD after 30 years.

Microclimates Nov 30, 2021

Laura's been thinking about how little dogs and hummingbirds are alike.

Black Friday Adventure! Nov 29, 2021

Laura doesn't usually go shopping on Black Friday, but this year she drove up to Two Harbors to buy something not available anywhere else.

Poop List! Nov 23, 2021

Since the 1970s, Laura has been keeping various lists of birds. Today she talks about the most unsavory list of all.

Hummingbird Sunday Nov 22, 2021

Yesterday the weather was frightful—frigid and windy—but the Rufous Hummingbird continued at Laura's feeders. (You may recognize the opening music from Laura's beloved TV program, *Pushing Daisies*. The bird sound featured at the very end is the very hummingbird featured in today's program.)

Hummingbird Identification (ID Part 2) Nov 19, 2021

Without capturing Laura's vagrant hummingbird, how are birders sure it's a Rufous Hummingbird rather than the almost identical Allen's Hummingbird? (The linked blog post has lots of photos which listeners might be interested in.)

Identification Nov 18, 2021

Laura doesn't usually talk about bird identification, but sometimes it's important to focus on who's who. UPDATE: The hummingbird was back this morning.

Pileated Woodpecker Nov 16, 2021

The American Birding Association Bird of the Year for 2021, the Pileated Woodpecker, is one of Laura's favorites. Right now she's been seeing a male with a USGS band on his right leg. It's taking time to read the 9-digit number.

Hummingbird Update Nov 15, 2021

Laura's neighborhood got 3 inches of snow on Saturday. How did the Rufous Hummingbird hanging out in her neighborhood fare? (Monday morning update: She made it through the cold night last night!)

November Hummingbird! Nov 12, 2021

Laura got to enjoy something very special for her birthday--a Rufous Hummingbird at a feeder on her own front porch!

Top Ten Reasons Seventy Is a Good Number Nov 11, 2021

Laura works Belted Kingfishers and her first warblers into this year's Top Ten birthday list.

Last Day in My Sixties Nov 10, 2021

Tomorrow, Laura turns 70, making her look back on the last decade.

EXTRA: Birds in the News— Live Interview at KUMD with Lisa Johnson Nov 06, 2021

This aired live on November 5 and was very fun to do. Lisa has been one of the very best interviewers I've dealt with in my long career, and I've been interviewed on a lot of local, state, and national radio and television news programs. Lisa always does her homework, so her questions are always intelligent and informed (seriously—very few people in media have her knowledge about nature and environmental issues), and her quick wit is SO fun to engage with! Here we talk about the Audubon Naturalist Society dropping "Audubon" from its name, the California Condor's so-called "virgin births" announced last week, and New Zealand announcing a tiny little mammal as its Bird of the Year.

Book Review: A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching Nov 05, 2021

Laura concludes National Pigeon Week by talking to Rosemary Mosco about pigeons used in wartime.

Book Review: A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching, Part 4 Nov 04, 2021

Rosemary Mosco explains why pigeons have never been raised as prolifically in captivity as chickens, how cool their neck's circulatory system is, what B.F. Skinner really thought about pigeons, and how Charles Darwin was totally smitten by them.

Book Review: A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching Part 3 Nov 03, 2021

Today Rosemary Mosco explains how we know the Neanderthals domesticated pigeons, and ways people have used pigeons over the ages.

Book Review: A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching, Part 2 Nov 02, 2021

Today Rosemary Mosco tells Laura why pigeons are doves, why they're dinosaurs, and why they're puppies.

Book Review: A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching, Part I Nov 01, 2021

Laura decided to make this National Pigeon Week to celebrate Rosemary Mosco's new book, *A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching: Getting to Know the World's Most Misunderstood Bird*. She interviewed Rosemary Mosco this summer. Today's program recounts parts of the conversation explaining why Mosco loves pigeons so much.

1991 Halloween Blizzard Reminiscences Oct 29, 2021

Laura remembers the famous Halloween snow storm 30 years ago.

Pandemic Birding Oct 28, 2021

Yesterday, Ethan Freedman wrote an op-ed for *Slate* magazine about how the pandemic made him lose interest in birding. Laura hopes he at least keeps an interest in protecting the environment that we and birds share.

Sharing a Sense of Wonder with Walter Oct 05, 2021

Laura talks about the delight she takes in watching her little grandson looking at birds.

Migration Update Sep 29, 2021

This is a banner year for Blue Jays in Duluth. Laura's concerned about how other species are doing.

Camera Fun with Pileated Woodpeckers Sep 28, 2021

Laura talks about some of her exciting experiences photographing Pileated Woodpeckers. All the photos she mentions are on [today's Blog post](https://blog.lauraerickson.com/2021/09/camera-fun-with-pileated-woodpeckers.html).

Hot, Peppery Bird Food Sep 20, 2021

Laura's window feeder entices a couple of squirrels more than she wanted, but she found an effective, if expensive, solution.

Acorn Woodpeckers, Part 2 Sep 03, 2021

We humans aren't the only species into violent spectator sports.

Acorn Woodpeckers, Part I Sep 02, 2021

Laura talks about a bird with a fascinating mating system.

Interesting Hummingbird Research Aug 31, 2021

Research about a tropical hummingbird, the White-necked Jacobin, is making scientists pay attention to the advantages females with brighter plumage have, at least in super aggressive species.

Misidentifying Rarities Aug 24, 2021

It's important to look through our hummingbirds just in case there's an outlier species. But sometimes we're going to misidentify them, as Laura understands firsthand.

Outlier Hummingbirds Aug 23, 2021

Although just about every hummingbird in the East is a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, outliers do occasionally appear.

Tiny Miracles Aug 18, 2021

Hummingbirds are flooding through north country right now.

Dogged Birding after the Dog Days Aug 16, 2021

Why do some birds think it's autumn?

Murky Vision Aug 05, 2021

Laura is dismayed by the murky air and what it says about our shortsightedness.

Of Nighthawks and Kind People Jul 22, 2021

A guy named Dan helped restore Laura's faith in people, right when she needed it.

Climate Change Jul 19, 2021

Baby humans and birds are vulnerable to particulates in the atmosphere this summer thanks to the smoke of forest fires in Canada and the American West.

Winter Wren Jul 15, 2021

Laura had a lovely time with a Winter Wren at Rib Mountain State Park in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Chukar! Jul 14, 2021

Laura just saw a Chukar, the national bird of Iraq and Pakistan, in her own neighborhood!

Acadian Flycatchers at Rib Mountain State Park in Wisconsin Jul 12, 2021

Laura just discovered a lovely spot at Rib Mounta Wausau, Wisconsin, where Acadian Flycatchers nest. Unfortunately, development for a private ski club is putting this population, the furthest north in Wisconsin, in jeopardy.

Hot July Birding: Golden-cheeked Warbler at Balcones Canyonlands NWR Jul 02, 2021

It takes a combination of luck and stupidity to see a Golden-cheeked Warbler in late July when the temperature is over 110ºF.

Hot July Birding: Colima Warbler in Big Bend Jul 01, 2021

Some of Laura's best birds during her Big Year in 2013 were seen thanks to luck rather than good planning.

The Lost Weekend Jun 29, 2021

In 1976, Laura learned a valuable lesson about the importance of saying no and being adaptable when birding with others.

How Baby Woodpeckers Learn Jun 28, 2021

One of Laura's friends asks how woodpeckers know to bash their faces into trees to get food.

Technology to Help Citizen Scientists Jun 24, 2021

Birds, and flying squirrels, are having troubles due to warming temperatures and other environmental issues. Citizen science is an important tool that can help us minimize the damage. Laura talks about some technology that will help us individuals contribute our own data to help.

Cuckoos! Jun 23, 2021

Laura talks about cuckoos, far and near.

Fantastic News on the Bird Front Jun 22, 2021

There's great news this year for Piping Plovers!

Horrible News on the Bird Front Jun 21, 2021

Today and tomorrow, Laura is talking about birds in the news. Today she covers the bad news.

Out with the Old, and In with the New Jun 18, 2021

Laura's baby chickadees may have fledged, but the cavity they built in her cherry tree has attracted a new bird.

Connecticut Warbler Jun 15, 2021

Last week, Laura spent 45 minutes watching and recording a Connecticut Warbler in the Sax-Zim Bog.

Dickcissel Jun 11, 2021

Dickcissels are usually not found in northern Wisconsin or Minnesota, but this year is an exception.

A Visit to Port Wing Jun 09, 2021

Laura and her little dog Pip took a pleasant trip to Port wing yesterday.

Fledging! Jun 08, 2021

The baby chickadees in Laura's cherry tree fledged on Friday.

The Catbird's Seat Jun 01, 2021

Sunday, a Gray Catbird reminded Laura why it belongs on her Top Ten List of Favorite Birds. Throughout the program, you can hear the catbird that was singing on Sunday throughout today's program.

Chickadee Worries May 31, 2021

Laura spends a lot of time worrying about her nesting chickadees. She can't help it.

Pesticides: Just say no! May 28, 2021

The chickadees nesting in Laura's backyard depend on plenty of insects to raise their young, raising Laura's awareness of how important caterpillars are right when people are turning to pesticides to eradicate insects. In the Washington, D.C. area where cicadas have been emerging, birds are being found dead and dying from something neurological that is causing them to go blind. We don't know what the cause is, but it quite possibly is the pesticides people are using to eradicate the cicadas.

The Last of the Evening Grosbeaks? May 26, 2021

Laura's large flock of Evening Grosbeaks made the front page of the Duluth News-Tribune and instantly went on their way.

Wood Thrush! May 25, 2021

Laura just added a new bird to her yard list, and she's very happy.

Red-headed Woodpecker! May 24, 2021

Last week Laura saw an exciting bird--one she hasn't seen in her yard in over a decade.

Thar Be Baby Chickadees!! May 17, 2021

Laura discovered something exciting on Saturday.

Spring Update May 14, 2021

Evening Grosbeaks and nesting chickadees are keeping Laura happy despite this slow spring migration. The bird recordings today, made by Laura, are of her Evening Grosbeaks and the male chickadee nesting in her cherry tree.

The Price of Getting Older May 13, 2021

Getting older comes with a few sensory losses.

Our Far-Flung Correspondents: Pam's Chickadees May 12, 2021

Blog reader Pam writes about an exciting encounter with chickadees in trouble, with a happy ending.

Song Sparrows! May 11, 2021

This program, dedicated to nine-year-old Aleda, is celebrates what Laura calls Song Sparrow Day.

What IS a Warbler? May 10, 2021

How are warblers different from other songbirds?

Celebrity Watch: Monty and Rose May 07, 2021

With help from her friend Susan Szeszol, Laura brings us up to date on the famous Monty and Rose, the first Piping Plovers to successfully nest in Chicago since 1955.

Gee Whiz, RIP May 06, 2021

A 38-year-old Whooping Crane named Gee Whiz had an important role in the history of the International Crane Foundation and in saving his species. He died earlier this year.

Chickadee Nesting Update May 05, 2021

What are Laura's nesting chickadees up to?

Evening Grosbeaks! May 04, 2021

Laura is enjoying more Evening Grosbeaks than she's seen since the 1980s.

The Miracles of May May 03, 2021

A flood of migrating birds are returning. To enjoy them without hurting them, Laura offers a few feeder tips.

Saw-whet Owls and Chickadees Apr 30, 2021

If the FCC knew what chickadees were really saying, they might not allow anyone to play their recordings on the air.

Chickadees and Trust Apr 28, 2021

Laura asks if any listeners have had chickadees approach them asking for help.

Evening Grosbeaks! Apr 27, 2021

Laura looked out the window on Sunday to see a dozen Evening Grosbeaks.

Nesting Chickadees Enter Stage 3! Apr 26, 2021

Laura's chickadees are now building the nest inside their cavity.

Earth Day 2021 Apr 22, 2021

Earth Day is about activism, both collective and individual.

Investing in the Future Apr 21, 2021

When it comes to saving for the future, Blue Jays are way smarter than we humans.

Our Not-So-Far-Flung Correspondents: Letter from Aleda Apr 20, 2021

Laura heard from a most interesting radio listener last week.

Spring Update Apr 19, 2021

Day by day and week by week, birds are coming and going on Peabody Street.

Hygiene and Hand-feeding Birds Apr 16, 2021

Does Laura follow CDC guidelines about feeding birds?

Two projects for helping birds Apr 15, 2021

Listeners told Laura about two projects, one in the Gulf of Mexico and one in Minnesota, that involve birds, where we may make a difference.

Handfeeding birds Apr 14, 2021

One of Laura's listeners, Mark Roser, wrote about a Tufted Titmouse he feeds by hand, and a blog reader tells about the fun she's getting from one particular chickadee at her home office window feeder. They ask for advice about hand-feeding.

April Update Apr 13, 2021

What birds are arriving on Peabody Street?

Chickadee nest! (Or at least a cavity) Apr 12, 2021

Chickadees may be nesting in Laura's old cherry tree. Time will tell.

Salmonella outbreak Apr 06, 2021

A salmonella outbreak related to bird feeding has made the New York Times.

Robins!! Apr 05, 2021

Laura's first robin of spring finally arrived and started singing this weekend!

Florida's Dark Side Mar 24, 2021

Protections for fragile populations of Florida's unique wildlife never seem to be enacted until it's too late.

Florida the Magnificent Mar 23, 2021

Of mainland America's 49 states, Florida is unique in the number of plants and animals found nowhere else in the country, and Laura is in love with a great many of its wonderful birds.

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