Hugger is on her way back north! On today's show we get the long-awaited news on Hugger's northward migration. We are joined by Broad-Winged Hawk expert Dr. Laurie Goodrich from Hawk Mountain Sanctuary for all of the details. We will also discuss how to help injured birds and talk about some new native plant sources in New England. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions a...
Apr 27, 2023•19 min•Season 4Ep. 76
Your average American moves to a new home 4-5 times over the course of a lifetime. So what happens if you have native plants you want to take with you to your new home? Today, we speak with horticulturalist and native design expert Marie Chieppo about how to safely remove and relocate native plants. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wild birds, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat a...
Apr 13, 2023•24 min•Season 4Ep. 75
Each year the Florida Keys Hawk Watch bird counters stand on the observation deck at the campground at Curry Hammock State Park (Marathon) in the Florida Keys to count the number of migrating raptors. We speak with counter Mariah Hryniewich about what those numbers are telling us. Florida Keys Hawk Watch at https://floridakeyshawkwatch.com; Avian Research and Conservation Institute at https://www.arcinst.org; Hawk Watch International at https://hawkwatch.org; Hawk Migration Association of North ...
Mar 30, 2023•20 min•Season 4Ep. 74
The Florida Everglades was once six million acres of pristine wilderness. Today, it has been literally cut in half to three million acres and has been logged, burned, drained, developed and sequestered into sloughs and canals -- all of which are having monumental impacts on the birds and other wildlife that call the Everglades their home. We speak with two special guests today, Keely Weyker and Cesar Becerra, about the importance of the Florida Everglades -- and the measures being taken to resto...
Mar 16, 2023•37 min•Season 4Ep. 73
Today we have an exclusive interview with Nadeem Shehzad, one of the two brothers featured in the captivating Academy Award-nominated documentary, All That Breathes. This touching film shows the work of two young men attempting to help injured wild birds in New Delhi, India, particularly the Black Kite. As Nadeem says in the interview, "the animals are just trying to live their lives" despite toxic air pollution stemming from human overpopulation and the dangers of competitive kite flying. Film ...
Mar 09, 2023•16 min•Season 4Ep. 72
Did you know there is an International Osprey Foundation headquartered on Sanibel Island in Florida? Today, we speak with Kathryn Brintnall, president of the foundation, about ongoing efforts to protect the Osprey. We also discuss the effects of Hurricane Ian on Osprey populations. Go to the International Osprey Foundation at www.ospreys.com; go to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) at https://sccf.org/; go to the J.N. Ding Darling National Refuge website at https://www.fws.gov/r...
Mar 02, 2023•27 min•Season 4Ep. 71
Did you know the Florida Scrub Jay is a hoarder? A hoarder of acorns from the Scrub Oak tree, that is! On today's show, we talk with Jacqui Sulek, an expert with Florida Audubon on the endemic Florida Scrub Jay. We talk about the challenges facing this extremely intelligent bird and its endangered habitat. For more information, go to: Florida Scrub Jay at https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/florida-scrub-jay; Audubon Florida at https://fl.audubon.org/; Archbold Biological Station at https://...
Feb 16, 2023•26 min•Season 4Ep. 70
Did you know Burrowing Owls raise their young in underground tunnels? In today's episode, we talk about the fascinating Burrowing Owl with Brittany Piersma, a field biologist with the Audubon of the Western Everglades. Brittany is conducting important research of the Burrowing Owl on Marco Island in Florida. She also helps to run the Owl Watch Program, Seabird Stewardship Program and the Gopher Tortoise Program. Go to the Owl Watch Program at https://www.audubonwe.org/about-1-1. Learn more about...
Feb 02, 2023•28 min•Season 4Ep. 69
Did you know 1,000 people move to Florida every single day? Join us for a talk with Ginny Stibolt, author of the wonderful new book, Adventures Of A Transplanted Gardener, as she tells us all about the delights and challenges of native gardening for birds and butterflies in the Sunshine State. This book is essential if you are planning to retire in Florida or if you are a Snowbird with a winter home in Florida. Florida Native Plant Society: www.fnps.org. Native plants mentioned in this episode: ...
Jan 19, 2023•28 min•Season 4Ep. 68
Join us for the BIRD HUGGER Year-End Wrap Up! We are also speaking with Kim Eierman, author of the fantastic new book, The Pollinator Victory Garden. Find out more about Kim at her website: www.ecobeneficial.com. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Some larval host plants for moths: native black cherry tree; willows (including pussy willow); raspberries; carolina rose; and spirea. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds, for ...
Jan 05, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 67
Join us for some good cheer on the BIRD HUGGER Holiday Special! Author Marta McDowell is our guest as we discuss her book about The Secret Garden, the delightful children's tale written by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Happy Holidays to all! For more info on Unearthing The Secret Garden: The Plants and Places That Inspired Frances Hodgson Burnett by Marta McDowell, go to workman.com. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating i...
Dec 15, 2022•28 min•Season 3Ep. 66
In today's episode, we talk with Uli Lorimer, horticulture director at the Native Plant Trust and author of the new book, The Northeast Native Plant Primer: 235 Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden. We talk about why natives are so important for birds and other wildlife. Uli will also walk us through the various successions of plants that occur once you turn your lawn into a meadow as well as some recommendations of native annuals to plant. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilit...
Dec 01, 2022•26 min•Season 3Ep. 65
Did you know the Nighthawk is not a hawk and is not a nocturnal bird? Confusing, right? In today's episode we have Phil Brown from the Harris Center for Conservation Education to explain the biology and behavior of this elusive and mysterious bird. We will also talk about the Harris Center's brand new Nighthawk Monitoring program. For more information on Project Nighthawk go to https://tinyurl.com/27n8cvs4. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience ...
Nov 17, 2022•29 min•Season 3Ep. 64
In today's episode, we talk with Derek Gow, author of the brand-new book, Birds, Beasts and Bedlam: Turning My Farm Into An Ark For Lost Species. Derek is a farmer turned revolutionary rewilder and he tells us about his adventures, sometimes controversial, of re-establishing wildlife species, like the White Stork, in England. For more information on this book and his other book: Bringing Back The Beaver go to https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/bringing-back-the-beaver-pb/. For more on Aldo Leo...
Nov 03, 2022•26 min•Season 3Ep. 63
Spooky! Scary! Happy Halloween! Pull up a chair in front of the fire and grab a cup of hot cider. We've got a frighteningly good show for you, including a few tales that may send shivers up your spine! Hear the legend of Crom Dubh. Also click on this link to hear the sad and creepy call of the Ghost Bird or Common Potoo: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/491293971. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlif...
Oct 20, 2022•24 min•Season 3Ep. 62
In today's episode, we talk with Dr. Rebecca McCabe, an avian biologist from Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania, about the migration of the Broad-Winged Hawk. Dr. McCabe works with Dr. Laurie Goodrich, the founder of the Broad-Winged Hawk Project. We will also get an update on Hugger, the hawk we are sponsoring with a location transmitter for their research. For more info go to hawkmountain.org and hawkcount.org. You can also track Hugger's progress by going to the Broad-Winged Hawk Project...
Oct 06, 2022•25 min•Season 3Ep. 61
In today's episode, we speak with avian biologist Danielle D'Auria, who works at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for the State of Maine. Danielle will tell us all about the Heron Observation Network of Maine and what information she is discovering that will help protect Great Blue herons and their rookeries. To help the state of Maine protect birds, please go to www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/support-wildlife/birder-band.html. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildl...
Sep 22, 2022•27 min•Season 3Ep. 60
In today's episode, we talk about the long, slow death of the American lawn and how more and more Americans are embracing the planting of natives in their front yards. We also discuss how to spot trouble in your garden caused by erratic weather due to climate change -- and what you can do about it. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and ...
Sep 08, 2022•15 min•Season 3Ep. 59
In today's episode, we speak with Brad Lancaster, award-winning author of the book, Rainwater Harvesting. With drought affecting many regions of the U.S., Brad offers multiple ways to harvest and use rainwater to water your gardens, keep trees healthy and birds happy (www.harvestingrainwater.com). Also check out his other website (neighborhoodforesters.org). Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for ...
Aug 25, 2022•31 min•Season 3Ep. 58
In today's episode, we talk with Matthew Shepherd from the Xerces Society about the organization's wonderful book, 100 Plants To Feed The Bees: Provide A Healthy Habitat To Help Bees Thrive. Plants discussed on this show: Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis); False Indigo or Lead Plant (Amorpha); Steeplebush or Meadowsweet (Spirea); and Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium). Go to the Bee Safe Nursery Plants Campaign on the Xerces website: https://xerces.org/pesticides/bee-safe-nursery-plants. Join Ca...
Aug 11, 2022•32 min•Season 3Ep. 57
In today's episode, we talk with avian biologist Tiffany Grade from the Loon Preservation Committee about the mysterious deaths of loons on Squam Lake in New Hampshire and what may be causing them. To learn more about the Loon Preservation Committee in Moultonborough, New Hampshire go to loon.org. For further information about fish consumption limits on Squam Lake go to: https://www4.des.state.nh.us/nh-pfas-investigation/wp-content/uploads/Squam-Lake-PFAS-HHRA-2020.pdf. Join Catherine Greenleaf,...
Jul 28, 2022•33 min•Season 3Ep. 56
In today's episode, we talk with Anna Fialkoff, Ecological Programs Manager at Wild Seed Project.org. Anna has co-authored a guide with founder Heather McCargo called Native Groundcovers For Northeast Landscapes and it is chockful of useful information about native groundcovers, especially for coverage in problem areas in the garden. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions...
Jul 14, 2022•33 min•Season 3Ep. 55
In today's episode, we discuss bird shamanism and bird divination and the mystical and spiritual connection all of us can develop with birds with Evan Pritchard, a Native American elder and author of the very popular book, Bird Medicine. This show is dedicated to my beloved mother-in-law, Connie Greenleaf, who passed in November. A true bird enthusiast, she loved Evan Pritchard's workshops and attended three of them at the Open Center in New York City. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildl...
Jun 30, 2022•37 min•Season 3Ep. 54
In today's episode, we discuss how to safely help turtles cross the roads during egg-laying season with turtle expert Pam Meier. Pam has been rescuing and rehabilitating injured wild turtles for over 20 years and runs a rehabilitation center called The Turtle's Back in Madison, Connecticut (www.theturtlesback.org). Please remember that Snapping turtles can snap! First rule: Be safe! There is no need to pick up a snapping turtle when helping them across the road. Instead, gently coax the turtle i...
Jun 02, 2022•42 min•Season 3Ep. 53
Where do most birds nest? In trees, of course! Spring brings the lovely sound of chirping birds but it can also bring the loud whir of chainsaws. In today's episode, we discuss how to negotiate with utility companies that appear overly aggressive in their tree removal and trimming practices with Diane Hoffman of Hamden Alliance For Trees (HAT), an organization in Connecticut that has been very successful in protecting the trees in their town. How to protect your neighborhood's trees: 1) Form a g...
May 19, 2022•37 min•Season 3Ep. 52
In today's episode, we discuss how to handle the territorial aggression of songbirds around your home. We also get the latest updates on the avian flu situation from New Hampshire State Veterinarian Dr. Stephen Crawford and Daniel Bergeron, Chief of the Wildlife Division at the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department. To report sick or dead wild birds in New Hampshire call New Hampshire Fish & Game Dispatch at (603) 271-3361. To report sick or dead domesticated ducks or chickens call (603) ...
May 05, 2022•23 min•Season 3Ep. 51
Today, we speak with Vicki Hird, author of the marvelous new book, Rebugging The Planet. We talk about the things all of us can do to stop the decline of insects, the most important food source for birds. We also talk about the new buzz phrase "soft landing" and what it means. In addition, we discuss how to tell when a bird needs rescuing and how to help a bird that is trapped inside a building. Visit Vicki Hird's blog at www.rebuggingtheplanet.org. Order her book at www.chelseagreen.com. Some t...
Apr 21, 2022•30 min•Season 3Ep. 50
In today's episode, we are joined by the Penguin Lady, Dyan deNapoli. Dyan is a world-renowned penguin expert, TED and National Geographic speaker, and award-winning author. We talk about her delightful new children's book, All About Penguins. On today's show we also discuss how to safely feed fruits to birds and the benefits of the native shrub, Serviceberry, to birds and pollinators. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilit...
Apr 07, 2022•31 min•Season 3Ep. 49
Spring migration has begun and we have highly-renowned ornithologist Dr. Daniel Klem, Jr. with us to talk about his brand-new book on preventing bird window strikes, Solid Air -- Invisible Killer: Saving Billions Of Birds From Windows. He tells us about his top three deterrents for preventing bird window strikes. His book can be ordered at tinyurl.com/56r49w93 or go to: danielklemjr.org. Did you know that 44% of all bird collisions with glass occur at your average home? For more info go to: www....
Mar 24, 2022•39 min•Season 3Ep. 48
In today's episode, we talk about the inestimable value of milkweed. Milkweed nectar sustains not just Monarchs, but many species of pollinating insects. The struggle of Monarchs to survive depends on the survival of milkweed and foretells the future for many, if not all, pollinating insects. Scientists claim 1.8 billion milkweed plants must be planted in the U.S. in order to stabilize pollinating insect populations, including the Monarch. And, of course, a decline in insects means a decline in ...
Mar 10, 2022•14 min•Season 3Ep. 47
