BIRD HUGGER: Recent Episodes

Catherine Greenleaf

Love gardening and birds and want to help Mother Nature? Join host Catherine Greenleaf, former gardening columnist for the Boston Herald Sunday Magazine and a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for discussions about organic gardening and restoring native habitat to help the birds and other wildlife in your backyard. Catherine Greenleaf talks about the natural history of birds and interviews the leading experts about how to turn your backyard into a native oasis for birds and pollinators.

View Details

She's back! Heather McCargo, founder of Wild Seed Project in Portland, Maine, is back on BIRD HUGGER to answer your most pressing questions about growing native plants, shrubs and trees. On today's show, we discuss what natives to grow in shady areas. Go to Wild Seed Project at: https://wildseedproject.net/. Go to Native Seed Center at Turkey Hill Farm in Cape Elizabeth, Maine at: https://tinyurl.com/mt5xupvb. Go to Polly Hill Arboretum on Martha's Vineyard at: https://www.pollyhillarboretum.org/. Some natives discussed on today's show: Violets, Serviceberry, Shadberry, Spicebush, Viburnum, Redbud, Pagoda Dogwood, Witch Hazel, American Chestnut, Ohio Buckeye, Red Buckeye, Tulip Tree. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

Today we speak with Dave Goulson, a biologist specializing in the ecology of bees and one of the world's greatest experts on the bumblebee. We talk about his new book, Silent Earth, and how each of us can help prevent a worldwide insect apocalypse. Books by Dave Goulson: Silent Earth: Averting The Insect Apocalypse; The Garden Jungle; A Sting In The Tale; A Buzz In The Meadow; Gardening For Bumblebees; Bumblebees: Behavior, Ecology and Conservation; and Bee Quest. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

Today we speak with ornithologist Rebecca Heisman, author of the fascinating new book, Flight Paths. We discuss the theories ancient scientists held about bird migration and how modern-day scientists track bird flight today. Go to Merlin Bird App at: tps://tinyurl.com/5368xypj. Go to ebird app at: ebird.org. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

Today we speak with Lynne Parshall, avid native gardener and the project manager of the Utility Club in the town of Lyme in the Upper Valley region of New Hampshire. She tells us about the joys and challenges of organizing and creating a community pollinator garden for the town. Go to Pollinator Pathways at: https://www.pollinator-pathway.org. How to create a community pollinator garden at: https://tinyurl.com/3sw4ahmf. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

IT'S NATIONAL POLLINATOR WEEK! AND WE'VE GOT A SPECIAL SHOW TO CELEBRATE. Today we talk with pollinator ecologist Alicia Houk of Thetford, Vermont. Alicia is founder and director of Wild Garden Alliance in Thetford, Vermont, an organization dedicated to reversing wildlife declines by planting natives. She believes native plants should be affordable to all Americans. In today's show, Alicia explains the economic roadblocks facing your average citizen who wants to garden native and she tell us how to get around those roadblocks. For more information about Alicia and her work, go to: wildgardenalliance.org. For her blog site go to: awildgraden.com. For 30 X 30 America The Beautiful project go to: https://www.doi.gov/priorities/america-the-beautiful. For Xerces Society Native Plant List go to: https://tinyurl.com/ycktchw3. For National Wildlife Federation's Native Plant Finder go to: https://www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder/. Plants mentioned on this show: Virginia Mountain Mint at https://tinyurl.com/2s4ba24f. Slender Mountain Mint at https://tinyurl.com/28u7vf3t. Ohio Spiderwort at https://tinyurl.com/yc5xbmud. Sweet Joe Pye Weed at https://tinyurl.com/bdh8ck28. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

On today's show, we speak with Marge Gibson, founder and executive director of Raptor Education Group Inc. (REGI) in Antigo, Wisconsin, about the recent loon fallout in Wisconsin. Dozens of loons dropped out of the sky when an ice event caused their wings to freeze. Is this event some type of anomaly or is it a common phenomenon? Could this type of event be worsening due to climate change? We hear Marge talk about her research into the possible reasons why it's occurring. Go to Raptor Education Group, Inc. at: https://www.raptoreducationgroup.org/. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we talk with Uli Lorimer, horticulture director at the Native Plant Trust and author of the new book, The Northeast Native Plant Primer: 235 Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden. We talk about why natives are so important for birds and other wildlife. Uli will also walk us through the various successions of plants that occur once you turn your lawn into a meadow as well as some recommendations of native annuals to plant. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

Did you know the Nighthawk is not a hawk and is not a nocturnal bird? Confusing, right? In today's episode we have Phil Brown from the Harris Center for Conservation to explain the biology and behavior of this elusive and mysterious bird. We will also talk about the Harris Center's brand new Nighthawk Monitoring program. For more information on Project Nighthawk go to https://tinyurl.com/27n8cvs4. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we talk with Derek Gow, author of the brand-new book, Birds, Beasts and Bedlam: Turning My Farm Into An Ark For Lost Species. Derek is a farmer turned revolutionary rewilder and he tells us about his adventures, sometimes controversial, of re-establishing wildlife species, like the White Stork, in England. For more information on this book and his other book: Bringing Back The Beaver go to https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/bringing-back-the-beaver-pb/. For more on Aldo Leopold go to https://www.aldoleopold.org. See more on Gabe Brown at http://brownsranch.us. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

Spooky! Scary! Happy Halloween! Pull up a chair in front of the fire and grab a cup of hot cider. We've got a frighteningly good show for you, including a few tales that may send shivers up your spine! Hear the legend of Crom Dubh. Also click on this link to hear the sad and creepy call of the Ghost Bird or Common Potoo: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/491293971. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we talk with Dr. Rebecca McCabe, an avian biologist from Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania, about the migration of the Broad-Winged Hawk. Dr. McCabe works with Dr. Laurie Goodrich, the founder of the Broad-Winged Hawk Project. We will also get an update on Hugger, the hawk we are sponsoring with a location transmitter for their research. For more info go to hawkmountain.org and hawkcount.org. You can also track Hugger's progress by going to the Broad-Winged Hawk Project page on Facebook. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we speak with avian biologist Danielle D'Auria, who works at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for the State of Maine. Danielle will tell us all about the Heron Observatory Network of Maine and what information she is discovering that will help protect Great Blue herons and their rookeries. To help the state of Maine protect birds, please go to www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/support-wildlife/birder-band.html. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we talk about the long, slow death of the American lawn and how more and more Americans are embracing the planting of natives in their front yards. We also discuss how to spot trouble in your garden caused by erratic weather due to climate change -- and what you can do about it. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we speak with Brad Lancaster, award-winning author of the book, Rainwater Harvesting. With drought affecting many regions of the U.S., Brad offers multiple ways to harvest and use rainwater from your property, keeping trees healthy and birds happy (www.harvestingrainwater.com). Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we talk with Matthew Shepherd from the Xerces Society about the organization's wonderful book, 100 Plants To Feed The Bees: Provide A Healthy Habitat To Help Bees Thrive. Plants discussed on this show: Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis); False Indigo or Lead Plant (Amorpha); Steeplebush or Meadowsweet (Spirea); and Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium). Go to the Be Safe Nursery Plants Campaign on the Xerces website: https://xerces.org/pesticides/bee-safe-nursery-plants. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we talk with avian biologist Tiffany Grade from the Loon Preservation Committee about the mysterious deaths of loons on Squam Lake in New Hampshire and what may be causing them. To learn more about the Loon Preservation Committee in Moultonborough, New Hampshire go to loon.org. For further information about fish consumption limits on Squam Lakes go to: https://www4.des.state.nh.us/nh-pfas-investigation/wp-content/uploads/Squam-Lake-PFAS-HHRA-2020.pdf. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we talk with Anna Fialkoff, Ecological Programs Manager at Wild Seed Project.org. Anna has co-authored a guide with founder Heather McCargo called Native Groundcovers For Northeast Landscapes and it is chockful of useful information about native groundcovers, especially for coverage in problem areas in the garden. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we discuss bird shamanism and bird divination and the mystical and spiritual connection all of us can develop with birds with Evan Pritchard, a Native American elder and author of the very popular book, Bird Medicine. This show is dedicated to my beloved mother-in-law, Connie Greenleaf, who passed in November. A true bird enthusiast, she loved Evan Pritchard's workshops and attended three of them at the Open Center in New York City. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we talk about getting started as a beginner birdwatcher with expert birder and naturalist Stan Tekiela. For more information about Stan's books, nature tours and wildlife photography go to www.naturesmart.com. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we discuss how to safely help turtles cross the roads during egg-laying season with turtle expert Pam Meier. Pam has been rescuing and rehabilitating injured wild turtles for over 20 years and runs a rehabilitation center called The Turtle's Back in Madison, Connecticut. Please remember that Snapping turtles can snap! First rule: Be safe! There is no need to pick up a snapping turtle when helping them across the road. Instead, gently coax the turtle into a plastic storage container with a spade or shovel and then carry her across the road in the direction she was headed. Other methods: place the turtle on a rubber car mat, plastic tarp or large piece of flat cardboard and drag her across to the other side of the road. Never drag a Snapper backwards by the tail as it can rupture her spine. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

Where do most birds nest? In trees, of course! Spring brings the lovely sound of chirping birds but it can also bring the loud whir of chainsaws. In today's episode, we discuss how to negotiate with utility companies that appear overly aggressive in their tree removal and trimming practices with Diane Hoffman of Hamden Alliance For Trees (HAT), an organization in Connecticut that has been very successful in protecting the trees in their town. How to protect your neighborhood's trees: 1) Form a group to protect trees and seek like-minded members in your town; 2) Urge your town to form a Tree Commission with members that are average citizens; 3) Ask your town to hire a part-time or full-time arborist who also serves as a consultant in Tree Commission matters; 4) Investigate the idea of creating a town ordinance that oversees the work of utility companies; 5) Organize petitions to save trees in dispute; 6) Plant street trees on your front lawn and away from the hellstrip; 7) Urge your town planners to bury utility lines; 8) Report utility companies to government officials for using intimidation tactics like referring customer complaints to the "Escalation Department"; 9) Request to see permits when questioning tree cutting or removal work; 10) Carefully document all discussions with utility company personnel; 11) Be willing to testify at legislative hearings. See Connecticut PURA (Public Utility Regulatory Authority) tree laws at https://tinyurl.com/2p8phm39. See Hamden, CT Tree Ordinance: https://tinyurl.com/2w8ezywz. Also on tap: how to remove invasive English Ivy and the consequences of poaching native flowers from the wild. Go to plantconservationalliance.org. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com.

View Details

In today's episode, we discuss how to handle the territorial aggression of songbirds around your home. We also get the latest updates on the avian flu situation from New Hampshire State Veterinarian Dr. Stephen Crawford and Daniel Bergeron, Chief of the Wildlife Division at the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department. To report sick or dead wild birds in New Hampshire call New Hampshire Fish & Game Dispatch at (603) 271-3361. To report sick or dead domesticated ducks or chickens call (603) 271-2404. And finally, we will hear about the natural history of the Evening Grosbeak, one of the most beautiful birds in the finch family. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC. Bird call courtesy of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

View Details

Today, we speak with Vicki Hird, author of the marvelous new book, Rebugging The Planet. We talk about the things all of us can do to stop the decline of insects, the most important food source for birds. We also talk about the new buzz phrase "soft landing" and what it means. In addition, we discuss how to tell when a bird needs rescuing and how to help a bird that is trapped inside a building. Visit Vicki Hird's blog at www.rebuggingtheplanet.org. Order her book at www.chelseagreen.com. Some things you can do to help insects: 1) encourage insects to roost in your gardens by planting native; 2) take your children or grandchildren on a bug treasure hunt; 3) rebug green spaces like schools, parking lots, parks and lawns; and 4) eat local and stop supporting monoculture farming practices. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we are joined by the Penguin Lady, Dyan deNapoli. Dyan is a world-renowned penguin expert, TED and National Geographic speaker, and award-winning author. We talk about her delightful new children's book, All About Penguins. On today's show we also discuss how to safely feed fruits to birds and the benefits of the native shrub, Serviceberry, to birds and pollinators. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

Spring migration has begun and we have highly-renowned ornithologist Dr. Daniel Klem, Jr. with us to talk about his brand-new book on preventing bird window strikes, Solid Air -- Invisible Killer: Saving Billions Of Birds From Windows. He tells us about his top three deterrents for preventing bird window strikes. His book can be ordered at tinyurl.com/56r49w93 or go to: danielklemjr.org. Did you know that 44% of all bird collisions with glass occur at your average home? For more info go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gJmBLFnAa4 and www.youtube.com/watch?v=69LiMbvuU3g. For window deterrents go to collidescape.org; featherfriendly.com; birdsavers.com; and walkerglass.com/products/bird-friendly-glass-solution. We also discuss safe nesting materials for birds as well as surviving that first trip to the garden center. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we talk about the inestimable value of milkweed. Milkweed nectar sustains not just Monarchs, but many species of pollinating insects. The struggle of Monarchs to survive depends on the survival of milkweed and foretells the future for many, if not all, pollinating insects. Scientists claim 1.8 billion milkweed plants must be planted in the U.S. in order to stabilize pollinating insect populations, including the Monarch. And, of course, a decline in insects means a decline in birds, since insects are a bird's main food source. For detailed instructions on how to plant milkweed seeds, go to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower website at https://tinyurl.com/h8r86jvx. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we speak with Brett Thelen from the Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock, New Hampshire. Brett is the Harris Center's Science Director and the team leader for Big Nights, in which groups of volunteers go out into the streets on rainy evenings to scoop up salamanders and frogs and carry them to the other side of the road. Salamanders are an important food source for birds. Find out how you can help at: harriscenter.org. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we speak with Dr. Laurie Goodrich from Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania about her research into the behavior and biology of the Broadwing Hawk. We also discuss our role in her research this year. (hawkmountain.org) Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC. Bird call courtesy of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

View Details

Asian Jumping Worms go after the roots of native plants and the leaf litter in forests, altering soil composition and directly impacting the survival of birds. In today's episode, we speak with Dr. Gale Ridge from the State of Connecticut's Agricultural Experiment Station about all of the latest information available on Asian Jumping Worms and what can be done about them. (Fact Sheet on Asian Jumping Worms from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station: https://tinyurl.com/yk8dkuzu) (Also, see article from New Hampshire University Extension Service: In The Spotlight: Invasive Jumping Worms https://tinyurl.com/2p8skfxu); (Report recommended by Dr. Ridge: The Second Wave Of Earthworm Invasions in North America: Biology, Environmental Impacts, Management and Control of Invasive Jumping Worms by Biological Invasives, lead author Dr. Chih-Han Chang at https://tinyurl.com/4pzapnaa). Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we talk to Becky Brewer from Prairie Moon Nursery in Minnesota about the many benefits of bare-root natives and how to plant them. (prairiemoon.com) Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC. Bird calls courtesy of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

View Details

In today's episode, we speak with Catherine Quayle from Wild Bird Fund, the only emergency rescue and rehabilitation center for injured birds in New York City. Hear about Wild Bird Fund's new campaign to prevent mass bird collisions with glass windows, particularly in Lower Manhattan. (wildbirdfund.org); (Bird Migration Forecasts In Real Time: birdcast.info); (American Bird Conservancy's Window Remediation Database: https://tinyurl.com/mrytfse6); (New York City Audubon's Window Collision Advocate Templates: https://tinyurl.com/mtceyubh); (Jim Cubie's Guide To Preventing Bird Collisions With Glass: https://tinyurl.com/2p9byhz8). We also discuss how to re-wild your yard with hedgerows. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we have a Mystery Bird. Can you identify that bird call? We'll also be discussing snow drought and its serious implications for the environment, including the birds. We'll also be talking about what you can do to prevent it. Also, fascinating new information about spiders, a vital food source for birds. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC. Bird calls courtesy of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

View Details

In today's episode, we discuss several types of native shrubs and ground covers that offer berries to birds and other wildlife in the winter. We also talk about what we know up to this point about Asian Jumping Worms (www.tinyurl.com/29tz95rx) and the problems posed by commercially raised and released butterflies. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

Happy Holidays! Wishing all of you a very merry holiday season and a joyous and happy New Year! Welcome to our special holiday edition of BIRD HUGGER. In today's episode, we'll be looking back over the last year at some of the topics we tackled on the show along with recommendations for some nature books for young people. And finally we will talk with Lisa Doseff, author of the wonderful award-winning children's book, Grandma Lisa's Humming, Buzzing, Chirping Garden. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we'll be talking with Benjamin Vogt, author of the thought-provoking book, A New Garden Ethic: Cultivating Defiant Compassion For An Uncertain Future (New Society Publishers), about how to lessen the major ecological castastrophe headed our way with the Sixth Mass Extinction. (www.monarchgard.com); (A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold at www.aldoleopold.org); (environmental grief at www.tinyurl.com/4ertbsbt). Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we'll be talking about a native shrub nobody likes -- the much-disparaged, but extremely beneficial, Sumac. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we speak with Kate Brandes, author of the book, Native Plants For The Small Yard. We'll be discussing design ideas for planting native plants in small spaces. You can download a free version of the book by going to the Lehigh Gap Nature Center website at www.lgnc.org. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

Spooky! Scary! Join us for a special Halloween episode of Bird Hugger. Learn how to make organic pumpkin seed pesto and how to keep birds safe from outdoor Halloween decorations. Then join us for a conversation with David Crawford, co-founder and executive director of AnimalHelpNow.org, an organization that is working hard to find injured animals the help they need. Resource: www.danielklemjr.org (Dr. Daniel Klem, Jr., author of the new book Solid Air: Invisible Killer -- Saving Billions of Birds From Windows). Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we speak with renowned nature writer and photographer John Shewey (author of the new book, The Hummingbird Handbook) about the fall migration of hummingbirds. His information might surprise you. Check out his website at: www.birdingoregon.com. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we talk with noted biologist Heather Holm about her brand-new, multiple award-winning book, Wasps: Their Biology, Diversity and Role as Beneficial Insects and Pollinators of Native Plants. We will discuss the biology and behavior of the wasp, and just how incredibly beneficial this insect really is in the native flower garden. Links: www.pollinatorsnativeplants.com and www.pollinationpress.com. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

What could be more important for birds than clean water to drink? In today's episode, we speak with aquatic biologist Angela Shambaugh about how to prevent toxic Cyanobacteria blooms in lakes and ponds. Links: North American Lake Management Society resources for cyanobacteria: www.nalms.org/inlandhabs/#resources; Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) cyanobacteria guidance: www.hcb-1.itrcweb.org (Visual Guide is in Appendix A Lakeshore protection and restoration); Vermont's Lakewise Program: www.dec.vermont.gov/watershed/lakes-ponds/lakeshores-lake-wise; Maine's Lake Smart Program: www.lakes.me/lakesmart; and New Hampshire's Lake Smart Program: www.nhlakes.org/lakesmart. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we have a Mystery bird. Can you identify that bird call? Also, we bid farewell to a wonderful summer season of planting native flowers and enjoying the birds in our backyards. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC. Bird calls courtesy of Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

View Details

In today's episode, we talk with author Marta McDowell about her book, Emily Dickinson's Gardening Life: The Plants And Places That Inspired The Iconic Poet. We discuss the plants the poet planted in her gardens at the family homestead in Amherst, Massachusetts in the mid-1800s and the parallels between her poetry, gardening and spiritual life. (martamcdowell.com). Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we speak with Anna Fialkoff from Wild Seed Project about the organization's brand-new 64-page full-color booklet, Native Trees For Northeast Landscapes. (wildseedproject.net) Don’t miss their native plant and tree sale. Members: 8/25 to 8/31. Non-members: 9/1 to 9/9. Buy online and pick up in person. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we speak with Dave Govatski, retired forester, about how to identify old growth forests and how to protect them. (oldgrowthforestnetwork.net) (newildernesstrust.org) (naturegroupie.org). (treeequityscore.org). Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC. Bird calls courtesy of the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

View Details

In today's episode, we speak with Jen Ainsworth, executive director of the Wild Ones organization, headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin. Wild Ones is dedicated to educating gardeners about native gardening. We talk about how you can join a chapter of Wild Ones or start your own chapter and what educational activities are available for members (wildones.org). Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we speak with journalist and historian Jim Rousmaniere. Jim is the author of the book, Water Connections: What Fresh Water Means To Us And What We Mean To Water, published by Bauhan Publishing (www.waterconnections.net). We talk about the importance of preserving wetlands as well as how to protect rivers. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we speak with renowned garden designer and researcher Marie Chieppo. She is the author of a new report, sponsored by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, detailing the ecological damage caused by the manufacture and use of non-recyclable plastic pots and trays in the U.S. gardening industry and what can be done about it. Read the report here: www.apld.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/APLD-Plastic-Pots-White-Paper.pdf. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we speak with horticultural therapist and gardening author Fiann O'Nuallain from Dublin, Ireland, about his new book, Seeds of Mindfulness: 101 Moments In The Garden, and how being in the present moment enhances our gardening experience. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we speak with Felder Rushing, award-winning gardener from Mississippi and author of the new book, Maverick Gardeners. We talk about celebrating diversity among gardeners and how gardening is often the vital link that turns neighbors into good friends. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode, we speak with award-winning author Dr. Douglas Tallamy about his brand-new book The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology Of Our Most Essential Native Trees. Link: homegrownnationalpark.org. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC/Bird calls courtesy of Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

View Details

In today's episode, we discuss several native shrubs to grow to benefit birds with author Mariette Nowak. She is the author of the book, Birdscaping In The Midwest: A Guide To Gardening With Native Plants (University of Wisconsin Press). Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

The Monarch Butterfly was recently turned down by federal officials for protection by the Endangered Species Act. In this episode, we talk with Angie Babbit, communications director of MonarchWatch.org, about how this decision may actually help the Monarchs. Note: This interview was conducted shortly before the total number of Monarchs overwintering in Mexico was released to the public. Visit their link at: monarchwatch.org/blog. See population numbers for the last several years at: monarchwatch.org/blog/2021/02/25/monarch-population-status-45/. To order milkweed plants, go to monarchwatch.org and click on Milkweed Market. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Joelle Gehring, a biologist with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Office who specializes in preventing bird collisions with communications towers. Dr. Gehring has worked tirelessly over the last 20 years to reduce the hazards of communications towers to migrating songbirds. Link: www.fws.gov. Type "communication tower" in the search engine. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC/Bird calls courtesy of Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

View Details

In this special episode, we continue our talk with award-winning journalist Judith D. Schwartz, author of the new book The Reindeer Chronicles, about the growing problem of desertification on the planet and how it can be stopped, and even reversed. This is Part Two of a two-part series. Links: www.judithdschwartz.com and www.chelseagreen.com. We also talk about being an "early bird" when it comes to acquiring needed gardening supplies. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In this special episode, we talk with award-winning science journalist Judith D. Schwartz, author of the new book The Reindeer Chronicles, about the growing problem of desertification on the planet and how it can be stopped, and even reversed. Links: www.judithdschwartz.com and www.chelseagreen.com. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In this episode, we talk with Ginny Stibolt, award-winning author of the book, Climate-Wise Landscaping: Practical Actions For A Sustainable Future, about restoring native habitat in the backyard. Ginny has written five books about native and sustainable gardening in Florida, with a sixth book coming out very soon. You can order her books at her blog: greengardeningmatters.blogspot.com. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In this episode, we talk with wildlife rehabilitator Dr. Benjamin Kilham about the process of raising orphaned black bear cubs and returning them to the wild. For more information, go to: kilhambearcenter.org. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC/Bird calls courtesy of Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

View Details

In this special episode, we speak with biologist and bee expert, Heather Holm, about how to help bumblebees flourish and thrive in the native flower garden. Link for Heather Holm: www.pollinatorsnativeplants.com. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC/Bird calls courtesy of Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

View Details

Happy Holidays! Wishing all of you a very merry holiday season and a joyous and happy New Year! In today's episode we take a look back over the last year in our Year In Review segment. We also interview Laura Lukens, Monitoring Coordinator for Monarch Joint Venture of St. Paul, Minnesota, about the status of Monarch butterflies in the U.S. and what her organization is doing to help. Web link for Monarch Joint Venture: MonarchJointVenture.org and video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNLJq_SZIng. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In this special episode we talk with Dan Jaffe Wilder, author of the book Native Plants for New England Gardens, about growing native plants, how to kill your lawn, growing an edible garden, and about Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary, where he now works as head propagator. Website links from the show: Dan Jaffe Wilder (dantjaffe.com); Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary (norcrosswildlife.org); Ecological Landscape Alliance (ecolandscaping.org); Grow Native Massachusetts (grownativemass.org); and The New England Wildflower Society/Garden in the Woods, now known as The Native Plant Trust (nativeplanttrust.org). Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

Happy Thanksgiving! On today's show: The natural history of the Bald Eagle. Also: Planting native thickets in your yard to protect birds from predators, and how catios are keeping both birds and cats safe. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice monthly discussions on restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC/Bird calls courtesy of Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com.

View Details

Get ready! It's almost time to start planting native seeds! In today's episode we learn about the most effective method for propagating native seeds outdoors during winter in an interview with Heather McCargo, founder and executive director of Wild Seed Project in Portland, Maine. Take the Rewilding Pledge! Go to Wild Seed Project at www.wildseedproject.net. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice monthly discussions about restoring native habitat to help the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

Spooky! Scary! Happy Halloween! Celebrate Halloween with us as we tell a scary story about the Baobhan Sith of the Scottish Highlands and learn how to make a pumpkin bird feeder. Also in this episode: an interview with Dr. Christine Sheppard from the American Bird Conservancy about how to make your glass windows safe for birds; a discussion about why it's so important to leave the leaves; and a talk about the International Dark-Sky Association's efforts to keep the nighttime skies dark to benefit wildlife. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions on restoring native habitat to help the birds in your backyard. Bird calls courtesy of Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Thank you to the National Audubon Society for instructions on making a pumpkin bird feeder. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.

View Details

In today's episode we discuss the natural history of the Belted Kingfisher, as well as how to help birds during fall migration, along with a discussion about planting native trees to save the planet. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC/Bird calls courtesy of Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

View Details

In today's episode we talk about the natural history of the Great Blue Heron; more plants and trees to add to your Monarch Migration Waystation; and how improved investigative techniques in Wildlife Forensics are resulting in the capture of more criminals. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice monthly discussions on restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC/Bird calls courtesy of Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

View Details

Today's episode is dedicated to the Loon, including important news about loon populations in Massachusetts and an interview with Sheridan Brown, one of New England's leading conservation attorneys, about the dangers of lead sinkers and jigs to loons and the new Lead Tackle Buy-Back Program in New Hampshire. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice monthly discussions on restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC/Bird calls courtesy of Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

View Details

In today's episode: the natural history of the insect-loving Grackle; a conversation about the national One Third For The Birds campaign. Also: an interview with Jane Sorensen, owner of Northeast Pollinator Plants in Fairfax, Vermont. Jane will talk about how to get started as a native gardener. Also: how introduced, naturalized, and invasive non-native plants impact the lives of birds. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC/Bird calls courtesy of Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

View Details

In today's episode: the natural history of the American Robin; issues to consider when switching to native plants; and how to rescue an injured bird. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice monthly discussions on restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard.(PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC/Bird calls courtesy of Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

View Details

In today's episode: the natural history of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird; how to help turtles cross the road safely during egg-laying season; how to build a Monarch butterfly migration waystation; lightning safety for birders; the developmental stages of baby birds; and the native plants Catherine Greenleaf is growing in her garden. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice monthly discussions on restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard.(PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC/Bird calls courtesy of Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

View Details

In today's episode: the natural history of the much-maligned Blue Jay; how brush piles help protect birds; buying native plants at the garden center; planting cup-shaped flowers to benefit bees; helping bumblebees in trouble; dangers at bird feeders; and preventing birds from flying into windows. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice monthly discussions on restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard.(PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC/Bird calls courtesy of Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

View Details

In today's episode: the natural history of the Pileated Woodpecker; how to assess your backyard for wildlife; how to deal with the challenges of native gardening; safety considerations regarding suet; how to make your own hummingbird nectar; helping salamanders; and some tips on how to rescue trapped hummingbirds. Join host Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice monthly discussions on restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard.(PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC/Bird calls courtesy of Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.