Return of the Birds

37 Episodes

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Trailer: Return of the Birds

2019-04-0603:04

Return of the Birds combines a 19th Century nature study with 21st century audio of the birdsongs described in the charming narrative. In short, Return of the Birds is the serialized audiobook podcast of Wake-Robin by renowned naturalist and essayist, John Burroughs. Wake-Robin is 148-year-old nature study of various birds’ spring migrations, summer residencies and fall departures. First published in 1871, Burroughs’s attention to detail and playful characterizations turns these birds into little individuals with personalities and emotions. Burroughs wrote: “And what is a bird without its song? It seems to me I do not know a bird till I’ve heard its voice.” And it’s exactly the way he describes their songs that captured me - I was curious to compare what he wrote with what the songs truly sounded like. Working with the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Return of the Birds weaves dozens of field recordings into the narration to take these many parts and make something new, unexpected. Perhaps even something Burroughs might not have thought would ever be possible - pairing his observations with the sounds of songs he describes. But why now? The original book highlights the give and take between humans and nature. Long before we could interpret our impact on the earth, Burroughs wrote about the critical relationship between people and the land. Then as now, birds are free. Free from borders or boundaries, yet are a key indicator of the health of our environment. While protections are unwound, uncertainty grows and the din of discontent drowns out reason, debate and discourse. Some days can feel a little empty. Burroughs and his birds help buoy the spirit, and rise above the long, slow evaporation of hope and melting optimism. Our goal is to help people recognize and value what we have, so we all can work harder not to lose it. With support from the WDS Foundation, you can listen to Return of the Birds for free. And if you know someone who likes birds, likes to be outside, who might enjoy the podcast, please tell them about Return of the Birds. It would help our little show take flight. We hope you join us. Till next time. Chirp away.

Episode 1: Introduction

2019-04-1417:26

Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Winter Wren Eastern Bluebird American Robin Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at gutenberg.org or archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Winter Wren Eastern Bluebird American Robin

Episode 2: Welcome Back Flycatchers, Woodpeckers & Thrushes

2019-04-2121:03

Episode includes robin's ramshackle nest and the under appreciated socialis, or song sparrow. Affection for the northern flicker. Click here to listen to Episode 1. Credits & Links: Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology American Robin Bluebird Phoebe bird Kingbird Northern Flicker 1 Northern Flicker 2 Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch Eastern Meadowlark Northern Bobwhite Ruffed Grouse Barn Swallow Greater Prairie Chicken Great Horned Owl Barred Owl Barn Owl Red Rooster Chipping Sparrow Snow Bunting Brown-headed Cowbird Downy Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Song Sparrow Baltimore Oriole Wood Thrush Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at gutenberg.org or archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. American Robin

Episode 3: Welcome Back Cuckoos, Warblers & Thrushes

2019-04-2833:02

Click here to listen to Episode 1. Click here to listen to Episode 2. Credits & Links: Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Yellow billed Cuckoo Bobolink Black-billed Cuckoo Wood Thrush 1 Wood Thrush 2 Field Sparrow Vesper Sparrow American Tree Sparrow White-eyed Vireo Winter Wren Hooded Warbler Worm-eating Warbler Northern Waterthrush Great Crested Flycatcher Blue-winged Warbler Northern Mockingbird Hermit Thrush Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at gutenberg.org or archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Yellow-billed Cuckoo Bobolink Black-billed Cuckoo Wood Thrush Field Sparrow Vesper Sparrow Tree Sparrow White-eyed Vireo

Episode 4: Veery, Grey Catbird and a Snake Encounter

2019-05-0513:58

The princely disposition of the wood thrush, the cool notes of the veery, the pretense of the gray catbird and a black snake picks the wrong spot to relax. Click here to listen to Episode 1. Click here to listen to Episode 2. Click here to listen to Episode 3. Credits & Links: Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Wood Thrush Veery Vesper Sparrow Gray Catbird Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at gutenberg.org or archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Wood Thrush Vesper Sparrow Veery Grey Catbird

Episode 5: Scarlet Tanager and the End of the Season

2019-05-1912:37

The scarlet tanager and the birds of summer. Observations of the hawk and the end of the season. Click here to listen to Episode 1. Click here to listen to Episode 2. Click here to listen to Episode 3. Credits & Links: Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Scarlet Tanager Field Sparrow Great Crested Flycatcher Barn Swallow Chipping Sparrow Vesper Swallow American Robin Yellow-billed Cuckoo White-eyed Vireo Bobolink Hermit Thrush Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at gutenberg.org or archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.

Episode 6: Into the Hemlocks

2019-06-0122:30

"And what is a bird without its song? It seems to me I do not know a bird till I’ve heard its voice." John Burroughs's second essay, Into the Hemlocks featuring the red-eyed vireo, the winter wren and veery. Thoughts on taking specimens for study, Blackburnian warbler and the blue yellow-backed warbler, now known as the Northern Parula. Click here to listen to Episode 1. Click here to listen to Episode 2. Click here to listen to Episode 3. Click here to listen to Episode 4. Click here to listen to Episode 5. Credits & Links: Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Red-eyed Vireo Warbling Vireo Bobolink Vesper Sparrow Eastern Bluebird Gray Catbird White-eyed Vireo Hermit Thrush American Robin Snow Bunting Winter Wren Veery Blackburnian Warbler Northern Parula Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at gutenberg.org or archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the co

Episode 7: Reverence for the Hermit Thrush, but None for the Pewee

2019-06-1617:28

The heavenly Hermit Thrush. Commentary about the cowardly Eastern Kingbird. The Wood Pewee's plainness. Praise for the Ovenbird Click here to listen to Episode 1. Click here to listen to Episode 2. Click here to listen to Episode 3. Click here to listen to Episode 4. Click here to listen to Episode 5. Click here to listen to Episode 6. Credits & Links: Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Hermit Thrush Eastern Wood-Pewee Eastern Kingbird Eastern Phoebe Ovenbird Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at gutenberg.org or archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Hermit Thrush Eastern Wood-Pewee Eastern Kingbird Eastern Phoebe Ovenbird

Episode 8: Partridge Drumming, the Cowbirds’ deception, and so many Warblers in the Barkpeelings

2019-07-1427:04

Completing a late afternoon stroll in the Barkpeelings. Lounging on a moss sofa, listening to the chorus. Observations on the Cowbirds' egg-depositing-deception and dereliction of parenting duty. Credits & Links: Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:Ruby-throated HummingbirdHermit ThrushRose-breasted GrosbeakScarlet TanagerPurple FinchCanada WarblerCowbirdRuffed GrouseCommon YellowthroatMourning WarblerChestnut-sided WarblerBlack-throated Blue WarblerBlack-throated Green WarblerBlue-headed VireoBlack-and-white WarblerIntro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on GrassOutro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.

Episode 9: August in the Adirondacks, Deer Hunting at Night

2019-08-1126:01

Credits & Links: Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Purple Finch Pine Siskin Vesper Sparrow White-throated Sparrow American Robin White-breasted Nuthatch Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Purple Finch Pine Siskin Vesper Sparrow White-throated Sparrow American Robin White-breasted Nuthatch

Episode 10: Hiking to the Upper Ironworks and Indian Pass, Taking the Pulse of Mother Nature

2019-08-1819:51

Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Black-capped Chickadee Cedar Waxwing Ruby-throated Hummingbird Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Black-capped Chickadee Cedar Waxwing Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Episode 11: Birds’ Nests and the Lengths Parent Birds Go to Keeping the Place Clean

2019-09-0831:25

Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Cedar Waxwing Red-headed Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker American Robin Black-capped Chickadee Indigo Bunting Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Cedar Waxwing Red-headed Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker American Robin Black-capped Chickadee Indigo Bunting

Episode 12: Snowbird nests, Grosbeak nests, Hummingbird nests, and the Baltimore Oriole builds the best nest of all

2019-09-2231:15

Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Blue Grosbeak Black-and-White Warbler Blue-headed Vireo Mourning Warbler Red-tailed Hawk Baltimore Oriole Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Blue Grosbeak Black-and-white Warbler Blue-headed Vireo Mourning Warbler Red-tailed Hawk Baltimore Oriole Red-eyed Vireo Ruby-throated Hummingbird Blue-Grey Gnatcatcher Eastern Wood Peewee

Episode 13: Spring in the Capitol, the Sylvian Chorus, Bluebirds, Robins, Snowbirds, Meadowlarks, Sparrows and Crows

2019-09-2234:49

Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.

Episode 14: Strolling through Rock Creek and Piney Branch, Wilderness beyond the Capitol with the Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, Yellow-breasted Chat and Cardinal

2019-10-2022:40

Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Wood Thrush Veery Kentucky Warbler Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Northern Water Thrush Yellow-breasted Chat Cardinal Grosbeak Red-headed Woodpecker Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Wood Thrush Veery Kentucky Warbler Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Northern Water Thrush Yellow-breasted Chat Cardinal Grosbeak Red-headed Woodpecker

Episode 15: The Bluebird

2019-11-1021:05

Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Eastern Bluebird European Robin Western Bluebird House Wren Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Eastern Bluebird European Robin Western Bluebird House Wren

Episode 16: An Invitation

2019-12-1526:59

Burroughs invites you to become a birder, describing the thrill of seeing the natural world around you through a new lens. Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Wood Duck Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Red-eyed Viero White-eyed Viero Eastern Wood Pewee American Robin Wood Thrush Hermit Thrush Song Sparrow Vesper Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Purple Finch Winter Wren Ruby-crowned Kinglet Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.

Episode 17: In praise of John Audubon, with a couple backhanded compliments and a correction

2019-12-2925:50

John Burroughs praises Audubon's life's work, yet questions some of Audubon's assertions about comparisons between the Louisiana Waterthrush's song and the European Nightingale's, the Bobolink's and the Blue Grosbeak's. Burroughs appreciates the volume of Audubon's catalog, and offers two of his own to add to the collection. Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Louisiana Waterthrush Nightingale Blue Grosbeak Bobolink Ovenbird Gray-cheeked Thrush Northern Waterthrush American Pipit Eastern Meadowlark Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.

Episode 18: Epilogue – 149 Years Later

2020-01-1216:51

Second Edition Trailer

2020-03-0703:20

It’s the best time of the year. The parade begins. As Winter retreats Spring leans in. The birds are returning. And so is our show. Return of the birds is the serialized audiobook podcast of the nature study, Wake Robin, by John Burroughs. It’s the best story about birds I’ve ever read out loud. The podcast combines Burroughs’s anticipation and delight that the birds bring to the changing seasons with field recordings of the bird songs he so accurately describes woven into the narration. First published in 1871, Return of the Birds is a podcast 149 years in the making. Come join the gentleman rambler on the shady trails of the Catskills, the Adirondacks and the fields and farms around the nation’s Capitol. Return of the Birds is 18-episodes. You can binge the first edition now or enjoy the weekly episodes of this new, second edition as they’re released.

Introduction: Presenting Live Birds and not just Stuffed and Labeled Specimens

2020-03-0819:29

Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Winter Wren Eastern Bluebird American Robin Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Winter Wren Eastern Bluebird American Robin

Welcoming the Birds of March, April and May

2020-03-2221:15

Credits & Links: Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology American Robin Bluebird Phoebe bird Kingbird Northern Flicker 1 Northern Flicker 2 Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch Eastern Meadowlark Northern Bobwhite Ruffed Grouse Barn Swallow Greater Prairie Chicken Great Horned Owl Barred Owl Barn Owl Red Rooster Chipping Sparrow Snow Bunting Brown-headed Cowbird Downy Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Song Sparrow Baltimore Oriole Wood Thrush Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at gutenberg.org or archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. American Robin Eastern Phoebe Eastern Kingbird Northern Flicker Tuffed Titmouse

Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos, White-eyed Vireos, and a Side-by-Side Comparison of the Hermit Thrush and Wood Thrush Bird Songs

2020-03-2933:01

Naturalist John Burroughs quotes 'To the Cuckoo’ by William Wordsworth. He considers in detail the White-eyed Vireo’s skilled mimicry in her mid-summer song and how it may rival the mockingbird’s own ability. Burroughs shares observations on how elevation might impact and effect the distribution of species in the Town of Highlands, New York. And concludes with a comparison of the vocal quality and musicianship between the hermit and the wood thrushes. Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at gutenberg.org or archive.org.

John Burroughs Shares His Admiration for the Aristocratic Wood Thrush, Praise for the Soulful Veery, Some Criticism for the Catbird, and an Encounter with a Black Snake

2020-04-0514:27

Naturalist and gentleman rambler John Burroughs was born 183 years ago on April 3, 1837. We’re grateful to carry on his work. Continuing where we left off in episode 3, we pick up in the first chapter of his book Wake-Robin. John Burroughs focuses on the thrushes. He details the grace and ease of the Wood Thrush. The Veery’s simple, descending flute-like tone adds to the twilight symphony. But Burroughs has some terse criticism for the Catbird and its song. But he turns to empathy for a Catbird family, when its nest is terrorized by a black snake and loses a fledgling to its grasp. In the end, Burroughs avenges the Catbird family. Credits & Links: Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Wood Thrush Veery Vesper Sparrow Gray Catbird Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.

The Scarlet Tanager and the Dog Days of August, and, Finally, the Silent End of the Season

2020-04-1213:24

Reaching the end of Chapter 1 in John Burroughs's classic nature study, Wake-Robin, the gentleman rambler describes the birds of July, the Scarlet Tanager, compares the Peewee’s hunting prowess and efficiency on the wing to the Chipping Sparrow's, or Socialis's, fumbling pursuit of a month. The marvel and spectacle when the pigeon hawk, now known as a Merlin, unflinchingly chases a goldfinch. Concluding with the late season silence and August’s departures. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Credits & Links: Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Scarlet Tanager Field Sparrow Great Crested Flycatcher Barn Swallow Chipping Sparrow Vesper Swallow American Robin Yellow-billed Cuckoo White-eyed Vireo Bobolink Hermit Thrush Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org.

In the Hemlocks, a Guided Tour of a Primitive, Undisturbed Forest and the Avifauna Living There

2020-04-1922:37

The start of Wake-Robin, chapter 2, In the Hemlocks. Author and gentleman rambler, John Burroughs, begins a guided tour in the hemlocks. Years before, townsfolk, tanners, and lumbermen attempted in vain to tame and exploit the grove. But nature proved uncooperative and the effort abandoned. By his account, the spirit and energy of the wilderness repaired and rejuvenated the injuries and offer refuge to all. We meet the Red-eyed Vireo and hear his contented song. For Burroughs, the Bobolink’s song expresses hilarity; the Sparrow’s, faith; the Bluebird’s, love; the Catbird’s, pride, White-eyed Vireo, self-consciousness; the Hermit Thrush's, spiritual solemnity: the Robin’s, a military tone. In-depth reviews of the Snowbird and Winter Wren’s song and demeanor, the Veery’s mellow expression, the unfortunately named Blackburnian Warbler and the Northern Parula. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Credits & Links: Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Red-eyed Vireo Warbling Vireo Bobolink Vesper Sparrow Eastern Bluebird Gray Catbird White-eyed Vireo Hermit Thrush American Robin Snow Bunting Winter Wren Veery Blackburnian Warbler Northern Parula Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org.

Reverence for the Hermit Thrush, Disdain for the Kingbird and Pewee, and Banter with the Ovenbird

2020-04-2619:06

Nineteenth-century naturalist and essayist, John Burroughs gives a detailed account of the Hermit Thrush’s song. For him, it is the finest sound in nature; the peace and deep solemn joy only the finest souls may know. Commentary about the cowardly Eastern Kingbird. The Wood Pewee’s plainness. Praise for the Ovenbird and the Louisiana Waterthrush.The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:Hermit ThrushEastern Wood-PeweeEastern KingbirdEastern PhoebeVeeryWood ThrushOvenbirdLouisiana WaterthrushIntro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on GrassOutro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org.

The Forenoon Chorus of Finches, Thrushes and Warblers

2020-05-0327:38

This episode concludes the second chapter of Wake-Robin, by John Burroughs. Lounging on a couch of moss in the shady woods, the gentleman rambler and naturalist allows his attention to wander from species to species. He points out the the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and the song of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Scarlet Tanager. He marvels at the Purple Linnet's song and chooses it to be the finest songster of the finches.By a brook, Burroughs finds a cowbird nestling crowding out the resident Canada Warbler hatchlings, and decides to intervene on behalf of the Warblers. Moving on, he details the partridge's drumming. He arrives at a reclaimed road and finds a pair of Mourning Warblers and their cousins, the Chestnut-sided Warbler. Leaving the Barkpeelings, Burroughs finds the Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-and-White Warbler and Blue-headed Vireo mingling in the hemlock, beech and birch.The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:Ruby-throated HummingbirdHermit ThrushRose-breasted GrosbeakScarlet TanagerPurple FinchCanada WarblerCowbirdRuffed GrouseCommon YellowthroatMourning WarblerChestnut-sided WarblerBlack-throated Blue WarblerBlack-throated Green WarblerBlue-headed VireoBlack-and-white Warbler Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org.

The Adirondacks

2020-05-1026:19

The start of chapter three of Wake-Robin by naturalist, John Burroughs. Burroughs and a group of fishing companions depart for the Boreas Reach near Lake Placid, New York. Burroughs demonstrates his skill as a trout fisherman, earning the respect of their guide.Hunting at night on an open lake, the starlight reflected in the center gave the dark timberline at the water’s edge a belt of utter blackness, a portal between the real and the imaginary, the land of shadows and specters.The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:Purple FinchPine SiskinVesper SparrowWhite-throated SparrowAmerican RobinWhite-breasted NuthatchIntro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on GrassOutro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org.

The Lower and Upper Ironworks and the Abandoned Town, Tahawus

2020-05-1722:15

The second half of the third Chapter, the Adirondacks. Continuing with a timeless bit of bird therapy, Burroughs wakes from a nap in the woods to find himself under scrutiny of the wood birds. Visiting Lake Sanford, fishing in Nate’s Pond and a 12 mile hike to the Lower Ironworks with views of Mount Mercy, Mount Macinyre and Mount Golden, the monarchs of the Adirondacks. Exploring the Upper Ironworks town of Tahawus, and nearby Henderson Lake.The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:Black-capped ChickadeeCedar WaxwingRuby-throated HummingbirdPine SiskinVesper SparrowBlackbirdSolitary SandpiperIntro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on GrassOutro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.

Birds’ Nests, Part 1

2020-05-2431:15

Beginning Chapter 4 of Wake-Robin, by naturalist John Burroughs. A detailed look at the nesting habits of Red-headed Woodpeckers, Yellow-bellied Woodpeckers, Pine Siskins, Cedar Waxwings, Robins and Indigo Buntings. Burroughs marvels at the dirty jobs parent birds must endure to keep their nests clean for their young. Any parent who has changed a dirty diaper can relate. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Cedar Waxwing Red-headed Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker American Robin Black-capped Chickadee Indigo Bunting Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.

Birds’ Nests, Part 2

2020-05-3130:35

The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org. Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Blue Grosbeak Black-and-White Warbler Blue-headed Vireo Mourning Warbler Red-tailed Hawk Baltimore Oriole

Spring in the Capitol

2020-06-0734:47

Rock Creek, Piney Branch, and Wilderness beyond the Capitol

2020-06-2122:49

The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on GrassOutro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:Wood ThrushVeeryKentucky WarblerBlue-grey GnatcatcherNorthern Water ThrushYellow-breasted ChatCardinal GrosbeakRed-headed Woodpecker

Bluebird

2020-06-2821:10

Chapter 7 of Wake-Robin, by naturalist John Burroughs. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org. Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Eastern Bluebird European Robin Western Bluebird House Wren

The Invitation

2020-07-0526:52

The final chapter of John Burrough's book, Wake-Robin. Burroughs invites you to become a birder, describing the thrill of seeing the natural world around you through a new lens. The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org. Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Wood Duck Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Red-eyed Viero White-eyed Viero Eastern Wood Pewee American Robin Wood Thrush Hermit Thrush Song Sparrow Vesper Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Purple Finch Winter Wren Ruby-crowned Kinglet

An Invitation, Part 2

2020-07-1926:00

The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors. Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org. Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Louisiana Waterthrush Nightingale Blue Grosbeak Bobolink Ovenbird Gray-cheeked Thrush Northern Waterthrush American Pipit Eastern Meadowlark

#box-pro-ellipsis-174383567478029{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}Return of the Birds

Return of the Birds