About this episode
This episode explores the grim task of counting dead birds in New York City and the efforts to prevent bird collisions with glass buildings.
Every December, tens of thousands of volunteers look to the skies for an international census of wild birds. But during migration season, a much smaller squad of New York City volunteers take on a more sobering experience: counting dead birds that have collided with glass buildings and fallen back to Earth. In this episode, we find out what kind of people volunteer for this grisly job, visit the New York City rehab center that takes in injured pigeons, and find out how to stop glass from killing an estimated one billion birds nationwide every year. This episode was first produced and published in the spring of 2024. Featuring Melissa Breyer, Linda LaBella, Gitanjali Bhattacharjee, Katherine Chen, and Tristan Higginbotham. Produced by Taylor Quimby. For a transcript and full list of credits, go to outsideinradio.org. SUPPORT Outside/In is made possible with listener support. Click here to become a sustaining member of Outside/In. Subscribe to our newsletter (it’s free!). Follow Outside/In on Instagram or join our private discussion group on Facebook. LINKS Want to see the migration forecast? Check out Birdcast. Want to be a citizen scientist and report dead birds? Check out dBird…
People in this episode
Host: Taylor Quimby
Guests: Melissa Breyer, Linda LaBella, Gitanjali Bhattacharjee, Katherine Chen, Tristan Higginbotham
Topics covered
- bird migration
- volunteering
- wildlife conservation
- urban ecology
Keywords
- citizen science
- bird conservation
- New York City
- rehabilitation
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Birdcast, dBird, Sad Birding, Project Safe Flight
Books & works: The Dead Bird Rabbit Hole, Birdcast, dBird, Sad Birding
Places: New York City, Earth
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