Laura Erickson's For the Birds

More about counting

Taxonomic rules are the scientific ones affecting birders' life lists. The American Birding Association abides by those, but also imposes some additional rules on countin

Life lists have their ups and downs

During "Taxonomy Time," bird lists fluctuate depending on what taxonomists have been up to.

Schrödinger’s Birds, Part 2

Laura talks about the still controversial question about whether Ivory-billed Woodpeckers are extinct or not. The recordings used are the Ivory-billed Woodpecker recordin

Schrödinger’s Birds, Part 1

Dead or alive? When critically endangered species are on the verge of extinction, there's a murky period between certainty that a species exists and certainty that it doe

So what DID we see in Florida?

When Laura was in Florida this month, it was a family trip, not a birding one, but she saw plenty of birds.

Florida: The Exotic, the Tragic, and the Flamboyant

Laura spent last week in Florida celebrating one son's birthday. In this program, she talks about some notable birds she did not see.

Ginormous Bird Migration Day

Laura reminisces about the largest migration day she ever witnessed.

The Cutest Queue of All

In a world of chaos and randomness, chickadees create order and fairness.

September!

September is securely in first place (in an 8-way tie), as Laura's favorite month. What makes it so special?

About that banded female bird...

Laura got a lot of information about that banded female Pileated Woodpecker visiting her yard this week, along with photos!

When Humor Doesn't Land

Some things are no laughing matter. A reader of Laura Erickson's blog, which serves as a transcript to this radio program/podcast, took legitimate offense at the post tit

Surprising Discovery about My Female Banded Pileated Woodpecker

The band on the Pileated Woodpecker who just showed up in Laura's yard is at least 15 or 20 years old, but that doesn't mean the woodpecker is!

Detaining Migrants in Duluth--Avian Version

The licensed government agents detaining avian migrants deal with them much more kindly than do those detaining human beings. (This one may make some listeners angry.)

Texas, Part 2: Whooping Cranes and More!

Russ wanted to make absolutely certain that Laura saw Whooping Cranes on their trip to Texas. Sure enough!

Discovering Texas with Russ

Laura went on her first planned birding trip, the itinerary including the best birding hotspots of the area, in 1978,

Turning my universe right-side up.

Childhood dreams sometimes do come true.

Piping Plovers nesting at Wisconsin Point!

This summer, for the first time in almost half a century, a pair of Piping Plovers nested along Wisconsin Point in Superior. This was both parents' first nesting attempt

Botflies

True botflies don't bother birds in Canada or the northern states, but that doesn't mean Laura hasn't been thinking about them lately.

Blowflies and other external parasites

Why should you clean out your bird house after the baby birds leave?

Savoring and Wondering

Taking time to savor a wild creature can be very rewarding.