Why are bluebirds blue? Unlike many other bird colors, blue is not a pigment but a color produced by the structure of the feathers. Narration by Michael Stein. Photo: Tom Grey.

BIRDNOTE: Mar.26, 2015--Why are Bluebirds blue?

Preston Pittman won his first turkey-calling contest when he was only 16, and he makes the sounds with his mouth. Sadler McGraw uses the "friction" technique. He pulls a "striker" - almost like a screwdriver - across a crystal surface. It sounds for all the world like a Wild Turkey, and it won him the world championship in 2009. Narration by Michael Stein. Photo: Joanne Kamo.

BIRDNOTE: Apr.10, 2015--Turkey-Calling:Real or Unreal?

Springtime in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in southeastern California. Cacti and wildflowers glisten with raindrops, and birds begin to sing. A House Finch, a Bewick's Wren, a Cactus Wren, a Mourning Dove, and this Costa's Hummingbird all add their sounds.
The soundscapes featured in today's show were recorded by Gordon Hempton and provided courtesy of QuietPlanet.com. Narration by Michael Stein. Photo: James Prudente.

BIRDNOTE: Apr.6, 2015--Spring Rain refreshes a Desert

Hummingbirds such as this Buff-tailed Sicklebill specialize in nectar feeding. But other species of birds, less specialized to nectar, also visit flowers for a taste of the sweet stuff. Narration by Michael Stein. Photo; Christopher C.Witt

BIRDNOTE: Apr.17, 2015--Not just Any Nectar will do!

As an old tale goes, after the eagle was chosen for national emblem, Benjamin Franklin questioned the choice...Michael Stein has the full story, with all the trimmings. Photos by Daniella Theoret and Laura L. Whitehouse.

BirdNote - July 2016 (WEB)

BIRDNOTE: July 4, 2016: National Symbol--Turkey vs. Eagle

Throughout history, the Japanese have viewed the crane as a symbol of good fortune, fidelity, and honor. In this tale, Michael Stein reminds us that when you make a promise--you'd best keep it. Photo by Paul Bannick.

BirdNote - February 2016 (WEB)

BIRDNOTE: Feb.7, 2016:  The Crane Wife

Michael Stein narrates this tale of the dawn chorus: that time when, just before sunrise, birds begin to sing. One by one, then all together, their voices join to greet the new day. But which bird sings first? The timing of when a bird joins the chorus seems to depend on how well it can see in low light.

BirdNote - May 2019 (WEB)

Birdnote: Which Species of Bird Sings First in the Morning? May 9, 2019.

“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”... Well, it’s a very old saying, and it’s gone through some changes over the years. In each era, the pragmatic wisdom is clear: Hold on to the sure thing rather than taking a gamble on something better. The saying even lent its name to a town in Pennsylvania!

BirdNote - December 2019 (WEB)

Birdnote: "A Bird in the Hand", read by Michael Stein.

A GRUESOME tale for Halloween 2020! Vampire Ground-Finches menace their victims in broad daylight, stabbing holes in their flesh, then devouring the blood. During the dry season, when their usual diet of seeds can be scarce, they turn to large seabirds, like boobies...

BirdNote - October 2020 (WEB)

Birdnote: "The Vampire Finch", read by Michael Stein.

In winter, the Cerulean Warbler forages in tree-tops of the Andes Mountains. In May, at the other end of a 2,500-mile migration, the very same bird sings from the tree-tops in the Appalachian Mountains. The Cerulean Warbler is one of the most threatened birds in the US. American Bird Conservancy is working to save this bird and its two homes. ABC presents a roadmap for conserving birds in the Americas in their book, The American Bird Conservancy Guide to Bird Conservation.

Choosing shade-grown coffee can help save the Cerulean Warbler.

BirdNote - January 2020 (WEB)

Birdnote: "Cerulean Warblers" read by Michael Stein.

"BirdNote" Narrator/ Voiceover artist based in Seattle.

Michael Stein 5

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