Hartford, CT, Apr 14, 2011 — After a farmer found an injured Golden eagle in New York this winter, wildlife veterinarians in Massachusetts treated the bird. And a biologist outfitted it with a GPS tracking device before releasing it in Connecticut. The goal is to map its migration north to Canada. The data is designed to help site wind turbines in places that are safe for these birds. WNPR's Nancy Cohen reports from a windswept hilltop where Golden eagle was released into the wild.  Go to full article

Westport, NY, Apr 07, 2011 — There were flurries of snow in parts of the North Country yesterday, but there were also some unambiguous signs of spring.

Highs today in some parts of the region are expected to top 50 degrees under sunny skies. Brian Mann set off on a ramble to check out the changing season and sent this audio postcard.  Go to full article

Paul Smiths, NY, Apr 07, 2011 — Dr. Curt Stager describes the differences between two variations of the white-throated sparrow - the white-striped form and the tan-striped form. Though the birds are from the same species and are complementary in some ways, their looks and behaviors are very different. Martha Foley asks: which is more competent?  Go to full article

Feb 18, 2011 — Birders in the Northeast expect to see fewer robins and more redpolls as thousands of citizen scientists across North America get out their tally sheets for the 14th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, sponsored by Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Pat Leonard, of the Cornell Lab, helps coordinate the annual weekend count. She says the survey, which began this morning and continues through Presidents' Day, gives a snapshot of bird populations and migration trends. Leonard says the event typically records millions of observations.  Go to full article

Paul Smiths, NY, Jan 20, 2011 — The barred owl is often heard but seldom seen. Dr. Curt Stager and Martha Foley discuss the habits of this nocturnal hunter, and Curt demonstrates his own highly-regarded version of its distinctive call.  Go to full article

Long Lake, NY, Dec 28, 2010 — The National Audubon Society's annual Christmas Bird Count is underway and continues through next week. The annual bird census relies on volunteer bird watchers who head out with binoculars, bird guides and even mobile apps to scan trees and fields, and report on every bird they see. Todd Moe spoke with longtime birder Joan Collins, in Long Lake, who says this is the 111th annual Christmas Bird Count.  Go to full article

Paul Smiths, NY, Nov 11, 2010 — While most color in nature is the result of pigments that reflect a particular wavelength of light, others colors are created by physical structures that scattter and interfere with light. Martha Foley and Curt Stager talk about one of nature's flashier displays--irridescent bird feathers.  Go to full article

Paul Smiths, NY, Oct 14, 2010 — The ubiquitous bird of cities and towns was designed for a different environment. The pigeon's distinctive style of flight is adapted for maneuverability in tight places--near vertical takeoffs and quick changes of direction. This adaptation to cliff and mountainside environments serves them well among our urban cliff dwellings. Curt Stager and Martha Foley discuss.  Go to full article

Paul Smiths, NY, Oct 07, 2010 — Pigeons and doves, both domestic and feral, are the same species. Today's urban environment mimics their original favored habitat, seaside cliffs in Europe and Asia. Martha Foley and Curt Stager discuss this commonest bird companion in densely settled areas.  Go to full article

Paul Smiths, NY, Sep 23, 2010 — One of nature's most beautiful singers is the hermit thrush. The opposite of "good children," they are often heard but seldom seen. Martha Foley and Curt Stager talk about this elusive insectivore of northern forests.  Go to full article