Laura Erickson's For the Birds

Latest Episodes:

The Brown Creeper Who Went to School Mar 25, 2026

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One of Laura's most memorable experiences happened when she was teaching in Madison, Wisconsin, and a Brown Creeper spent time in her classroom. (This was reworked from April 21, 2020.)

Brown Creepers Mar 24, 2026

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One of Laura's favorite early spring migrants should be turning up any day now. (Much of the content is redone from April 17, 2020)

The costs of AI and the "Cloud" (Revised and updated) Mar 20, 2026

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If we can't find out how much energy and water are consumed by various AI and large database programs, how can we make good decisions about using them? IMPORTANT: I've Updated this program based on new information. This is the new, accurate version.

Our Growing Reliance on Big Data Mar 18, 2026

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A great many things we do, including listening to this radio program or podcast, involve Big Data.

Of Baseball, Curling, and Boreal Owls Mar 17, 2026

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There must be a connection, right?

The Green Green Grass of Golf Mar 11, 2026

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Laura used to be more wowed by the beauty of golf courses than by real wilderness.

The Green Green Grass of Home Mar 10, 2026

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What looks beautiful and natural to untrained eyes can have a very dark side.

Monofilament Feb 26, 2026

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Fishing line is still a clear and present danger for birds.

"Set of Years" Feb 25, 2026

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In George Clooney's 2025 movie, *Jay Kelly*, his movie star character says, reviewing his life, "All my memories are movies." It turns out just about all Laura's memories are birds.

Bucephala!! Feb 18, 2026

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I don't know if Alexander the Great paid attention to ducks, but three cool diving ducks share their name with his horse.