Bird WaysConstant Wonder • Season 2022, Episode 490
May 26, 2020 • 51m
The Bird Way
Guest: Jennifer Ackerman, author, "The Genius of Birds" and "The Bird Way: A New Look at How Birds Talk, Work, Play, Parent, and Think"
Birds play with abandon, but they also relay very specific messages about dangers. Some are doting parents, but others make their new chicks work hard just to see the light of day. Their chicks are the toughest on the planet. No helicopter parenting here.
Parrot Intelligence
Guest: Irene Pepperberg, Research Associate and Lecturer, Harvard University
African grey parrots are as intelligent as a five-year-old child. Just check out these hilarious stories about Alex, Dr. Pepperberg’s world famous parrot. He even apologizes, but just to get what he wants.
Raptors Keep Jersey Gulls in Line
Guest: Erik Swanson, Master Falconer, East Coast Falcons; Animal Control Officer and Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator
Patrolling raptors may be the solution to the Jersey shore’s seagull problem.
Good to Know - Bird Words
Take a minute to think about just how many bird-related words and phrases you know. "Hoodwinked," "wrapped around your finger," and "fed up," all come from falconry.