birds

Taking A Country Trip In Spring

John Weeks — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:17:21 +0000

John Weeks goes on a spring time journey. He takes us on a tour to the country side and examines wildlife in his favorite areas.

Evening Pond Watch

John Weeks — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:25:00 +0000

Weeks recounts a walk along Rice Pond and the interlacing of the sounds coming from various species of waterfowl. He also provides information regarding the colorful ensembles sported by different types of birds that were seen on the hike.

Outside Influences

John Weeks — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000

John Weeks discusses the influence of the moon on bird migration and reproduction. He explains how day length have been demonstrated to trigger reproductive cycles and stimulate hormone production.

Dedications and Spectacles in Nature

John Weeks — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:00:00 +0000

John Weeks talks about the parallel between the operation of a wild thing and the function of a computer chip. Weeks makes the point that in both cases, a lot of what happens may be the result of stored messages or directives, as in the case of bird migration.

Mallard Duck, Waterfowl Commoner

John Weeks — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Weeks discusses watching wetland wildlife as a younger man and his growing interest in waterfowl. He talks in depth about the mallard and the interbreeding between the mallard and the black duck.

Mysteries of Sight, Sound and Other Senses

John Weeks — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:00:00 +0000

From birds using celestial navigation, to salmon using chemical sensors to "smell" their way home, John Weeks discusses the migration phenomenon of various species. Weeks notes that many migration patterns hold mysteries that are still unexplained.

Sounds That Are Fading Away

John Weeks — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 12:25:00 +0000

John Weeks recounts the delicate choral movements that can be heard when listening to, what he calls, a "symphony" of bird sounds. He urges us to seek out the dawn and dusk choruses while they still ring out, before they fade away forever.

The Screech Owl: A Bird That Insists On It's Rights

John Weeks — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 18:50:12 +0000

John Weeks discusses the appearance of young Screech Owls. Normally hatching in early June, by Independence Day these fuzzy small owls begin venturing out of the nest. Weeks explains the interesting (and often aggressive) life style of the Screech Owl and how to get a better view of these monogamous creatures.

Originally aired July 10, 1987.

On Hayfields... Past, Present and Future

John Weeks — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 18:38:44 +0000

John Weeks reflects on how hayfields have changed since his youth on the family farm. While the technology of haying has evolved dramatically, hayfields still serve as a home for a wide variety of wildlife.

Originally aired on June 17, 1988.

Powerline Bird Watching

John Weeks — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 18:51:48 +0000

John Weeks explains that keeping an eye out for birds while driving can be both relaxing and informative. The power lines bordering highways provide an abundance of opportunities to sight beautiful birds. Bird watching in the car can be a good way to observe local nature without trekking through rough terrain.

Strange Ways to Cope In The Nesting Season

John Weeks — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:04:28 +0000

John Weeks discusses the many unusual ways birds construct makeshift nests in the spring. Weeks shares stories of birds using "wildlife ad-libbing" to survive in inhospitable weather.

Singing American woodcocks announce spring in the north country

Joanna Richards — Sat, 19 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000

Every spring, a state Department of Environmental Conservation biologist drives along north country highways at dawn or dusk, stopping every so often to pull over and listen to the nature sounds.

She's listening for the distinctive “peent” of the singing American woodcock, a brown speckled bird a little larger than a songbird with a long, narrow beak for pulling earthworms out of the newly thawed ground.

Sight and Sounds of Spring

John Weeks — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:47:33 +0000

John Weeks talks about the new blooming flowers and plants of spring and how to fully enjoy the start of the new season.

Originally aired on April 21st, 1989.

Crows and Great Horned Owls

John Weeks — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:41:12 +0000

John Weeks talks about his experience with crows and great horned owls one day in the woods and the unique birds' reactions to each other's appearances.

Originally aired on April 25th, 1987.

Birth and Protecting the Young

John Weeks — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:35:05 +0000

John Weeks talks about what usually happens during the first week after birth in the season of spring. Some birds tend to leave their young for a short time and some never leave their side. Weeks talks about being careful with baby nestlings and mammals and to leave them alone because their adult protectors could get angry.

Viewing East Coast Wildlife - Part 2

John Weeks — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:58:22 +0000

John Weeks talks about some of the National Wildlife refugees along the East Coast in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. Weeks shares his experiences of the sprouting spring life he discovered on his voyage and the different types of birds he viewed in places such as Bombay Hook in Delaware.

Originally aired on April 18th, 1987

100 Miles Of Spring

Marlena Montero — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:31:58 +0000

John Weeks talks about animal preparations for Spring and how they react to Oswego's different weather daily. He also discusses birds' arrival in spring g from his own experiences, including the Woodcock.

Originally aired on April 3rd, 1987.

A Look at the Birds... Roadside

John Weeks — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:32:09 +0000

John Weeks tells all about winter birds and the many that are often found on roadsides. Different type of winter birds go unnoticed, Weeks discusses the numerous type of birds spotted all over the country through the cold season.

Originally aired March 6th, 1987.

Spring Time Birds

John Weeks — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:24:11 +0000

John Weeks talks about a range of birds from robins to bluebirds and how they're appearance and singing gives us hint that spring is just around the corner.

Originally aired March 7th, 1986.