Laura Erickson's For the Birds

Latest Episodes:

Saw-whet Owl Banding, Part 2 Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

After saw-whet owls molt out of their baby feathers in summer, it's impossible to look at any Northern Saw-whet Owl and know what sex it is or how old it is unless it's in the hand and we're armed with measuring tools and a black light.

Saw-whet Owl Banding, Part 1 Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

Laura got to spend Saturday night watching saw-whet owls get banded at Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory.

How Do Nocturnal Migrants Avoid Collisions? Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

Birds flying at night must avoid collisions with obstructions as they take off and land, and with one another as they cruise along. How do they do it?

The One That Got Away, and the One That Didn't (Just Barely) Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

Park Point's been a happenin' place this week! A couple of extremely rare vagrants were there for days or at least hours, but Laura wasn't as lucky as she wished.

Nocturnal Migration: Navigation Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

How can birds find their way in the dark? The answer is nuanced, so today's program is condensed from the much longer blogpost.

Nocturnal Migration: Why? Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

Why do birds with poor night vision migrate at nighttime?

Sixty Years Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

Laura got a crush on the boy in front of her in homeroom sixty years ago this week!

Summer of the Flickers Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

Thirty-one years ago, Laura and her family had some very memorable experiences with two baby flickers.

Why do birds migrate? Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

How can some birds survive a Minnesota winter while others must leave?

Armchair Lifers Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

When the American Ornithological Society's Committee on Classification and Nomenclature announces their annual changes to the official Checklist, birders take notice!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Laura Erickson’s For the Birds

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected