Birding for Beginners in a Changing World

Curiosity Weekly

Warner Bros. Discovery

Self-improvement, Science, Astronomy, Education

4.6 • 935 Ratings

🗓️ 7 May 2025

⏱️ 34 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Birdwatching has taken off as a hobby in recent years, and for good reason! Birds are vital members of our planet’s ecosystems and are major bioindicators when it comes to understanding how climate change is affecting different environments. Joining host Dr. Samantha Yammine today are two passionate birders who use science to understand bird behavior and how we can better support our friends in the sky. Corina Newsome is a wildlife biologist and one of the co-founders of Black Birders Week. She speaks on the importance of birding as it relates to accessibility and environmental justice. Then, senior producer Teresa Carey is joined by Miyoko Chu from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to discuss window collisions and what birds can tell us about the climate. Finally, Sam reads a question from a listener and explains the sociological phenomenon of collective effervescence.

Link to Show Notes HERE

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Birds might not be the first thing that come to mind on Mother's Day, but hear me out.
0:06.0	Some of the most devoted, resourceful, and awe-inspiring moms in the animal kingdom, they're birds.
0:12.0	They build intricate nests. They fly thousands of miles to raise their young.
0:17.0	They fiercely protect their chicks. Birdmothers really go all out.
0:24.7	So this Mother's Day episode brings two sharp voices into the mix,
0:27.7	each with a different take on the wonder of birds.
0:30.5	Karina Newsom is a biologist and birder,
0:32.4	and she shares which grew her to birding and how it can open doors for everyone.
0:35.6	And Curiosity's senior producer Teresa Kerry talks with Miyoko
0:38.9	Chu from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology about the great migration happening right now. Plus,
0:45.9	what's at stake as birds make their way across continents? So whether you're a long-time
0:51.2	birder or just love to see the flutter outside your window or their
0:54.6	beautiful singing.
0:56.0	Wait, I don't know what bird that is.
0:58.1	So let's find out.
0:59.5	I'm Dr. Samantha Amin and this is Curiosity Weekly from Discovery.
1:04.9	And speaking of flocking, collective effervescence.
1:09.8	This isn't bird related, but it's that amazing phenomenon when a
1:13.3	crowd comes together and suddenly everyone feels deeply connected and part of something bigger than
1:18.8	themselves. So, birds of a feather. We must stick together. I don't know the words.
1:34.8	If you've ever paused to admire a Robin pulling a worm from the ground or been startled by the flash of color from a beautiful cardinal flying by, you've already had a taste of
1:40.5	the joys of birding.
	...

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