A Sparrow Back from the Brink with Andrew Walker
February 18, 2021
One of the most underrated bird stories of the last few years, has been the rapid decline of the resident Florida subspecies of Grasshopper Sparrow. In 2017, that population reached a record low of 75 wild birds, and many thought it would fade into extinction much like Dusky Seaside Sparrow before it. But a working group of biologists and conservationists led by the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida have stopped that decline. The foundation’s president Andrew Walker joins Nate Swick to talk about how they did it.
Also, congrats to the hummingbird heroes of the polar vortex, and some thoughts on “seen anything good?”.
Thanks to Field Guides for sponsoring this episode. Check out their new video series, Out Birding with Field Guides.
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The American Birding Podcast brings together staff and friends of the American Birding Association as we talk about birds, birding, travel and conservation in North America and beyond.
Join host Nate Swick every other Thursday for news and happenings, recent rarities, guests from around the birding world, and features of interest to every birder.
I enjoyed the episode, as always. Thanks in particular for talking about, “See anything good?” It’s definitely a weird and transactional-sounding greeting to a newbie. The other options you put out there sound much more like conversation starters.
Being a native Floridian, it’s always great to hear a podcast about our state. Anything to put the spotlight on protection of our state’s unique animals and ecosystems. Our state is truly at the mercy of developers and our short sighted legislators who put money before preservation of the environment. Part of the reason we have so many tourists come to our state is to see and experience our unique wildlife and wild areas.
My beloved husband who you may know is a blind birder who birds by ear and is an active member of ABA and Volunteers when we can love the stories, pod casts every month you can count on something new awesome and exciting.
Happy Birding
From Florida
XOXOX