The Science Of Birds podcast

#Ivan Phillipsen #Birdwatching #Natural History #Environment #Biology #Science #Natural Sciences #Birds #Lifestyle #Animals and Pets

28:24

In our second installment of the Small Business Starter Kit series - we’re tackling a topic that’s sometimes tricky, sometimes confusing, but ever-present: taxes. Hosts Austin and Jannese have an insightful conversation with entrepreneur Isabella Rosal who started 7th Sky Ventures , an exporter and distributor of craft spirits, beer, and wine. Having lived and worked in two different countries and started a company in a heavily-regulated field, Isabella is no stranger to navigating the paperwork-laden and jargon-infused maze of properly understanding taxes for a newly formed small business. Join us as she shares her story and provides valuable insight into how to tackle your business’ taxes - so they don’t tackle you. Learn more about how QuickBooks can help you grow your business: QuickBooks.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

The Science of Birds

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The Science of Birds is a lighthearted exploration of bird biology. It's a fun resource for any birder or naturalist who wants to learn more about ornithology. Impress your birding friends at cocktail parties with all of your new bird knowledge! Hosted by Ivan Phillipsen, a passionate naturalist with a PhD in Zoology.

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The Science of Birds

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113 επεισόδια

#Ivan Phillipsen #Birdwatching #Natural History #Environment #Biology #Science #Natural Sciences #Birds #Lifestyle #Animals and Pets

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The Science of Birds

1
Traditional Field Guides vs. Mobile Apps: A Birder's Dilemma 47:00

πριν 1 day47:00

47:00

In this episode—which is number 113—host Ivan Phillipsen explores the fascinating crossroads of tradition and technology in the world of birding. With a mix of personal anecdotes and professional insights, he dives into the enduring charm of printed bird field guides and the meteoric rise of mobile birding apps. Whether you’re a seasoned birder with a weathered Sibley guide or a tech-savvy explorer armed with Merlin, this episode will resonate with your bird-loving heart. Ivan takes listeners on a thoughtful tour of how both tools have evolved over time—from the early days of illustrated field books to the AI-powered, globe-spanning apps of today. Each format is examined through multiple lenses: usability, identification features, natural history information, and emotional value. As the episode unfolds, listeners are invited to weigh in on this modern dilemma: pages or pixels? The conversation raises important questions about the future of birdwatching tools and what they mean for the next generation of birders. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show…

The Science of Birds

1
From the Field: Patagonia 1:04:23

πριν 8 μέρες1:04:23

1:04:23

In this "From the Field" episode, which is number 112, host Ivan Phillipsen shares his recent experiences birding in Patagonia while leading a two-week tour through this remote and breathtaking region. Speaking from Puerto Varas, Chile, he provides an immersive account of the landscapes, birdlife, and unique ecology of Patagonia, spanning both Argentina and Chile. Ivan explores the geography of the region, highlighting the towering Andes, vast Patagonian Steppe, and dramatic glacial fjords. He also dives into the region’s ecological dynamics, including the stark contrast between the lush Magellanic subpolar forests and the arid steppe, shaped by the relentless Patagonian winds. Ivan recounts the group’s birding adventures, from the southernmost city of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego National Park to the legendary Beagle Channel, where they encountered Magellanic and Gentoo Penguins. Throughout the journey, the group pursued an ambitious goal—spotting all eight bird species with “Magellanic” in their name. Ivan also highlights memorable moments, such as an unforgettable sighting of a Snowy Sheathbill, a leucistic (partially albino) Scale-throated Earthcreeper, and a massive Andean Condor scavenging scene on the Patagonian Steppe. Ivan reflects on why this wild and remote region captivates him, from its evolutionary history and glacial landscapes to its unique yet sparse biodiversity. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show…

The Science of Birds

1
Crossbills 49:38

πριν 5 weeks49:38

49:38

In this episode, which is number 111, Ivan Phillipsen explores the fascinating world of crossbills, a unique group of finches with an extraordinary beak adaptation. These birds, found across North America, Europe, and Asia, use their specialized crossed bills to extract seeds from conifer cones—a skill few other birds possess. Ivan discusses the six recognized crossbill species, their distinct feeding strategies, and how their beaks evolved for this specialized diet. The episode highlights the complex classification of crossbills, particularly the Red Crossbill, which has multiple "call types" that may represent different evolutionary paths. Ivan explains how these birds are nomadic, moving vast distances in search of conifer seed crops, and how some species, like the Cassia Crossbill, have adapted to specific tree species. The episode also covers the recent debate in the ornithological community about whether certain crossbill populations should be considered full species. Additionally, Ivan discusses how crossbills’ courtship behavior, nesting habits, and vocalizations vary among species. Links of Interest Crossbills of North America: Species and Red Crossbill Call Types White-winged Crossbill feeding [ VIDEO ] ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show…

The Science of Birds

1
Cooperative Breeding in Birds 58:55

πριν 7 weeks58:55

58:55

In this episode—which is number 110—Ivan explores the fascinating world of cooperative breeding in birds, a system in which multiple adults help raise young in a group setting. He begins with an intriguing story from the Kalahari Desert, where Southern Pied-Babblers resort to “chicknapping” during droughts to bolster their flock size. Ivan then broadens the discussion, examining the global distribution of cooperative breeding among bird species and the evolutionary mechanisms that drive this behavior. He introduces key scientific concepts, such as inclusive fitness and kin selection, to explain why some birds delay their own reproduction to assist relatives. Additionally, he covers various hypotheses, from ecological constraints to life history strategies, that influence the evolution of this breeding system. Featured examples of cooperative breeders in the episode include the Florida Scrub-Jay, Acorn Woodpecker, and Superb Fairywren, each of which showcases the complexity and diversity of this strategy in different environments. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show…

The Science of Birds

1
From the Field: Birding Nepal and Bhutan 1:00:00

πριν 10 weeks1:00:00

1:00:00

The final installment of "From the Field" episodes from Ivan's 2.5-month journey through Asia. In this episode he describes his experiences in the Himalayan countries of Nepal and Bhutan. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show

The Science of Birds

1
From the Field: Birding in China 51:12

πριν 12 weeks51:12

51:12

Ivan shares his birding experiences and impressions from an amazing 3-week adventure through the provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan in China. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show

The Science of Birds

1
From the Field: Birds and Birding in Vietnam and Cambodia 51:35

πριν 16 weeks51:35

51:35

Recorded in a hotel room in China, Ivan shares his recent birding and travel experiences in the countries of Vietnam and Cambodia. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show

The Science of Birds

1
From the Field: How My Life Became All About Birds 31:54

πριν 18 weeks31:54

31:54

From a hotel in Vietnam, Ivan tells the tale of how he created a career centered on birds and birding. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show

The Science of Birds

1
Mergansers 58:55

πριν 22 weeks58:55

58:55

This is Episode 105. It’s all about a small group of birds called mergansers. These are diving ducks known for their skill at catching fish. They have long, slender bills with serrated edges, earning them the nickname "sawbills." Maybe you’re familiar with these birds. Maybe you’re already a big fan. Or maybe you didn’t know they existed until just now. Either way, our goal today is to learn a lot more about Common Mergansers and their close relatives. There are five species that we call mergansers. And there’s another species in this group that’s called the Smew. The Smew is sort of an honorary merganser. The six species we’re looking at today are divided among 3 genera. Of all the ducks in the world, mergansers are the species that depend the most on fish. So not surprisingly, they’re excellent divers and swimmers. Links of Interest Merganser Duckling Swimming at High Speed [VIDEO] Red-breasted Merganser Courtship Display [VIDEO] Hooded Merganser Courtship Display [VIDEO] Hooded Merganser Chicks Jumping Out of Nest [VIDEO] Red-breasted and Common Mergansers herding fish [VIDEO] ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show…

The Science of Birds

1
Bird Habitat: Rocky Shores and Sandy Beaches 47:10

πριν 25 weeks47:10

47:10

This episode—which is Number 104—is all about rocky shores and sandy beaches as bird habitat. These environments offer birds very different resources and challenges. We explore the geology behind these habitats—how high-energy waves shape rocky cliffs and headlands, while the deposition of sediment builds up sandy beaches. Alongside this, we discuss the dynamic interaction between birds and their coastal homes, and how species like gulls, shorebirds, and seabirds have adapted to thrive in these unique settings. The episode highlights the incredible diversity of bird species found along coastlines worldwide. From puffins nesting on rocky sea cliffs to plovers skittering across sandy beaches, coastal birds have developed specialized feeding and breeding behaviors to survive in their often harsh environments. We also examine how tides and wave energy shape the coastal ecosystem and offer rich feeding opportunities for birds during migration and in their non-breeding seasons. Finally, we touch on the many challenges coastal birds face from human activity—habitat destruction, disturbance, pollution, and climate change—all of which threaten these delicate ecosystems. But amidst the challenges, coastal environments remain awe-inspiring places for birdwatching, providing opportunities to witness some of the most dramatic bird spectacles on Earth. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show…

The Science of Birds

1
New World and African Parrots 1:00:00

πριν 28 weeks1:00:00

1:00:00

In this episode—which is Number 103—we enter the fascinating world of parrots, focusing on species in the family Psittacidae, which includes New World parrots and some African species. We look at key parrot traits like their zygodactyl feet, strong beaks, plumage, and vocalizations. We'll also learn about the remarkable intelligence and social behaviors of parrots, their diversity, and their evolutionary history, tracing their origins back to Gondwana and their eventual spread to South America and Africa. Finally, we look at what psittacid parrots eat and how they breed. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show…

The Science of Birds

1
The Common Kingfisher 50:09

πριν 31 weeks50:09

50:09

In this episode—which is Number 102—we dive into the fascinating world of the Common Kingfisher ( Alcedo atthis ), a small but mighty bird known for its striking blue and orange plumage and remarkable fish-hunting skills. We'll look at this species' behavior, from its iconic plunges into water to catch prey, to how it breeds, including courtship rituals, nest-building, and the challenges of raising chicks. Learn about the kingfisher's diet and foraging strategies, including how it deals with challenges like refraction at the water’s surface to accurately target its prey. Additionally, I touch on the habitat and global distribution of the Common Kingfisher. This episode offers a fun exploration of one of the most beloved birds in Eurasia. Tune in to learn more about the "Prince of Piscivory." Links of Interest Kingfisher Diving in Slow Motion [VIDEO] Kingfisher Coughing up a Pellet [VIDEO] Two male kingfishers fighting [VIDEO] Kingfisher family in the nest cavity [VIDEO] ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show…

The Science of Birds

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The Evolution of Feathers 39:26

πριν 33 weeks39:26

39:26

This is Episode 101. Today, we trace the origins of feathers back millions of years, exploring how they evolved from simple filaments to the complex structures we see in modern birds. We delve into the discovery of feathered dinosaurs like Archaeopteryx and the numerous fossil finds in northeastern China during the 1990s. These discoveries revealed that many non-avian dinosaurs sported feathers of various types and complexities, indicating that feathers were not unique to birds but were a common feature among many dinosaur lineages. The evolutionary journey of feathers showcases their initial roles in insulation, display, and possibly tactile sensation, long before they were adapted for flight. Join me as we walk through the Five-Stage Model of feather evolution, which parallels feather development in modern birds. This episode is a deep dive into the intricate and mesmerizing story of how feathers came to be. ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show…

The Science of Birds

1
100th Episode Celebration! 28:38

πριν 35 weeks28:38

28:38

Welcome to the 100th episode of The Science of Birds Podcast! I'm thrilled to celebrate this milestone with you. In this special episode, I reflect on the journey of creating this podcast, sharing some insights and gratitude for all of you, my listeners. I also highlight three of my favorite bird species: the vibrant Green Jay, the Torrent Duck, and Egyptian Vulture. Looking ahead, I'm excited to share my plans for the future of The Science of Birds. Thank you for being part of this journey, and here's to many more episodes to come! ~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~ Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website Support the show…

The Science of Birds

1
Cormorants and Shags 1:03:31

πριν 38 weeks1:03:31