Paul Smiths, NY, Apr 19, 2012 — Martha Foley and Dr. Curt Stager discuss the varieties and habits of American robins. There are half a dozen different kinds, including albinos. How do they arrive so early in the spring? Sometimes it's because they never leave.  Go to full article

Paul Smiths, NY, Jul 07, 2011 — Where do all the seagulls come from? Martha Foley talks with Dr. Curt Stager about the population boom of seagulls in the last few decades, particularly ring-billed gulls found in the northeastern United States and the Great Lakes region.  Go to full article

Dec 20, 2007 — What can we learn from a single feather about a bird or about the purpose of that feather? Martha Foley and Dr. Curt Stager talk about these unique and remarkable natural structures.  Go to full article

Jun 14, 2006 — As wind farm projects face public scrutiny from Cape Vincent to Clinton, one big concern is the windmills' effects on birds. If you look at the Audubon New York's position on wind farms, you'll see a caveat. The group of bird protectors says it supports wind power in New York...if the turbines are properly sited, away from sensitive habitat and migratory fly-ways. So the question is: who decides if a windmill's in a safe place for birds? Turns out each local town board does. New York is a "home rule" state. Through a complex review process, state environmental officials and a host of other agencies weigh in, but the ultimate decision rests in local hands. David Sommerstein spoke with Steve Tomasick last month at the Sustainable Energy Fair in Canton. Tomasick handles all of New York's wind farm proposals for the Department of Environmental Conservation. He says even the DEC has a hard time making a call.  Go to full article

Apr 05, 2006 — Authorities are offering a $2500 reward for information leading to identification of the person who shot a bald eagle in Rossie. Officials with the US Fish and Wildlife Service say the eagle was found recently in a field. The eagle was seen alive in the same area several times in November and may have been shot in December before being covered by snowfall. The eagle's decomposed carcass was taken to the state's Wildlife Pathology Laboratory outside Albany, where experts were able to determine that the bird had been shot. It's against state and federal law to kill, injure or harassing bald eagles and other threatened and endangered wildlife. Gerry Smith is an ornithologist in Lewis County. He told Gregory Warner that its not just bird-lovers who are outraged.  Go to full article

Mar 15, 2006 — Kim Crowner manages TNT Tackle, a bait and ammo shop in Edwards. She told Gregory Warner that her two parakeets play an important role in the shopping experience...  Go to full article

Sep 06, 2005 — Two Clarkson University professors are trying to determine what causes a potentially fatal disease in birds and fish. Earlier this month, two dead seagulls in Cape Vincent tested positive for Type E Botulism. It was the first time the disease was identified on the St. Lawrence River. Botulism can harm humans who eat birds or fish poisoned with the toxin. David Sommerstein spoke with Tom Langen, a biology professor at Clarkson. He and colleague Michael Twiss are testing dead birds and fish on the St. Lawrence. Type E Botulism first showed up in the Great Lakes in 1998. Langen's hypothesis is that it's tied to invasive species like the round goby and zebra and quagga mussels.  Go to full article

Jul 16, 2003 — David Sommerstein talks with Nina Schoch, program coordinator for the Adirondack Cooperative Loon Program's 3rd annual loon census. You can participate by calling 518-891-8836 or clicking on the link below.  Go to full article

Nov 23, 2000 — If you've ever had a bird feeder in your yard, perhaps you've had the chance to admire blue jays hungrily munching away. Martha Foley and Dr. Curt Stager talk about the habits of this year-round resident of the North Country.  Go to full article