Category: Birds

Critical Mast: Acorn Woodpeckers and Oak Masting with Dr. Walt Koenig

October 23, 2025

Acorn woodpeckers are a curious, complex species steeped in intriguing behaviors. Dr. Walt Koenig’s decades of research reveal cooperative breeding, unique acorn storage practices, and mysterious masting phenomena. As nature’s jester, they thrive in large familial groups, showcasing dynamics that will leave any nature lover spellbound. … More Critical Mast: Acorn Woodpeckers and Oak Masting with Dr. Walt Koenig

#108: Acorn Woodpeckers and Oak Masting with Dr. Walt Koenig

January 13, 2025

Acorn woodpeckers are a curious, complex species steeped in intriguing behaviors. Dr. Walt Koenig’s decades of research reveal cooperative breeding, unique acorn storage practices, and mysterious masting phenomena. As nature’s jester, they thrive in large familial groups, showcasing dynamics that will leave any nature lover spellbound. … More #108: Acorn Woodpeckers and Oak Masting with Dr. Walt Koenig

#102: Sophie Osborn – From the Brink: Reintroducing Endangered Birds

September 2, 2024

Join Sophie Osborn as she unveils the triumphant yet harrowing journeys of the peregrine falcon, Hawaiian crow, and California condor. Discover the shocking threats they face (and how they are surprising threats to us, too), from lead poisoning to deadly pesticides, and how their survival stories could spell hope for us all. … More #102: Sophie Osborn – From the Brink: Reintroducing Endangered Birds

#87: California Condors with Tiana Williams-Claussen (Golden State Naturalist Crossover!)

January 1, 2024

California Condors are amazing (and used to live in much of western North America). But they are critically endangered despite being keystone species, culturally and in our ecosystems. Tiana Williams-Claussen, who is the director of the Yurok Tribe’s wildlife department, tells us all about their condor reintroduction program and condors in general in this special crossover episode with Golden State Naturalist. … More #87: California Condors with Tiana Williams-Claussen (Golden State Naturalist Crossover!)

#69: Behind the Scenes of Bird Banding with Dr. Katie LaBarbera of the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory

April 24, 2023

Have you ever wondered how bird banding works? How the birds are captured, safely handled, and released? And why is it done at all?

Common Yellowthroat, photo courtesy Katie LaBarbera

Thanks to Dr. Katie LaBarbera, Science Director for the Land Bird Program at SFBBO, we have you covered. … More #69: Behind the Scenes of Bird Banding with Dr. Katie LaBarbera of the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory

#67: Ancient Birds and Modern Migrations – Sandhill and Whooping Cranes with Bethany Ostrom

March 27, 2023

Wildlife biologist Bethany Ostrom from the Crane Trust delves into the captivating world of Sandhill and Whooping Cranes in Nebraska. These majestic birds, some of the oldest modern birds, migrate en masse through Nebraska, fascinating millions. Ostrom covers crane migration, habitats, conservation efforts, the spectacle of their presence, and more. … More #67: Ancient Birds and Modern Migrations – Sandhill and Whooping Cranes with Bethany Ostrom

#57: Allen Fish – Raptor Migration from Hawk Hill

November 7, 2022

Summary There are probably few better ways to learn about raptors, raptor behavior and migration, and identification than a hawk count! My guest today, Allen Fish, Director of the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, tells us all about their hawk count and banding operation, as well as some of the fascinating projects and partners that connect … More #57: Allen Fish – Raptor Migration from Hawk Hill

#55: Denise Lewis – Raptors of the Raptor Woodland Refuge

September 26, 2022

Summary My guest today is Denise Lewis, Director of Programs and resident raptor expert at Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue, Nebraska. Today Denise gives me a tour of the Raptor Woodland Refuge, which is an incredible public facility at the forest. Just envision this – a densely wooded hillside with an elevated boardwalk. But every 10 … More #55: Denise Lewis – Raptors of the Raptor Woodland Refuge