BIRD HUGGER

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 an...

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 w...

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 P...

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....

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 wit...

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 att...

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 ne...

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 suc...

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 D...

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. V...

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 Cather...

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 k...

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...

In today's episode, we speak with Brett Thelen from the Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock, New Hampshire. Brett is the Harris Center's Science Director and the team leader for Big Nights, in which groups of volunteers go out into the streets on rainy evenings to scoop up salamanders and frogs and carry them to the other side of the road. Salamanders are an important food source f...

In today's episode, we speak with Dr. Laurie Goodrich from Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania about her research into the behavior and biology of the Broadwing Hawk. We also discuss our role in her research this year. (hawkmountain.org) Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discu...

Asian Jumping Worms go after the roots of native plants and the leaf litter in forests, altering soil composition and directly impacting the survival of birds. In today's episode, we speak with Dr. Gale Ridge from the State of Connecticut's Agricultural Experiment Station about all of the latest information available on Asian Jumping Worms and what can be done about them. (Fact Sheet on Asian Jump...

In today's episode, we talk to Becky Brewer from Prairie Moon Nursery in Minnesota about the many benefits of bare-root natives and how to plant them. (prairiemoon.com) 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 helping the birds in your backy...

In today's episode, we speak with Catherine Quayle from Wild Bird Fund, the only emergency rescue and rehabilitation center for injured birds in New York City. Hear about Wild Bird Fund's new campaign to prevent mass bird collisions with glass windows, particularly in Lower Manhattan. (wildbirdfund.org); (Bird Migration Forecasts In Real Time: birdcast.info); (American Bird Conservancy's Window Re...

In today's episode, we have a Mystery Bird. Can you identify that bird call? We'll also be discussing snow drought and its serious implications for the environment, including the birds. We'll also be talking about what you can do to prevent it. Also, fascinating new information about spiders, a vital food source for birds. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years...

In today's episode, we discuss several types of native shrubs and ground covers that offer berries to birds and other wildlife in the winter. We also talk about what we know up to this point about Asian Jumping Worms (www.tinyurl.com/29tz95rx) and the problems posed by commercially raised and released butterflies. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experi...

Happy Holidays! Wishing all of you a very merry holiday season and a joyous and happy New Year! Welcome to our special holiday edition of BIRD HUGGER. In today's episode, we'll be looking back over the last year at some of the topics we tackled on the show along with recommendations for some nature books for young people. And finally we will talk with Lisa Doseff, author of the wonderful award-win...

In today's episode, we'll be talking with Benjamin Vogt, author of the thought-provoking book, A New Garden Ethic: Cultivating Defiant Compassion For An Uncertain Future (New Society Publishers), about how to lessen the major ecological castastrophe headed our way with the Sixth Mass Extinction. (www.monarchgard.com); (A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold at www.aldoleopold.org); (environmental g...

In today's episode, we'll be talking about a native shrub nobody likes -- the much-disparaged, but extremely beneficial, Sumac. 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 helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and...

In today's episode, we speak with Kate Brandes, author of the book, Native Plants For The Small Yard. We'll be discussing design ideas for planting native plants in small spaces. You can download a free version of the book by going to the Lehigh Gap Nature Center website at www.lgnc.org. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilit...

Spooky! Scary! Join us for a special Halloween episode of Bird Hugger. Learn how to make organic pumpkin seed pesto and how to keep birds safe from outdoor Halloween decorations. Then join us for a conversation with David Crawford, co-founder and executive director of AnimalHelpNow.org, an organization that is working hard to find injured animals the help they need. Resource: www.danielklemjr.org...