Best Chris Jaeger Podcasts (2025)

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Birds Of The Tropical Andes With Michael J. Parr

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5d ago

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Today we speak with Michael J. Parr, the president of the American Bird Conservancy, about his new book, Birds of the Tropical Andes. Together with co-author and photographer Owen Deutsch, Michael writes about the incredible biodiversity of the Andes and gives us some great trips for traveling to South America to watch birds. Join Catherine Greenle…

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BIRD HUGGER CLASSIC: The Evolution of Bird Song with David George Haskell

19d ago

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Today we speak with evolutionary biologist David George Haskell about how birds developed their songs. 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 …

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How Noise Affects Humans and Wildlife With Chris Berdik

1M ago

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Join us today as we speak with award-winning science journalist Chris Berdik. Chris has written a new book, Clamor: How Noise Took Over the World -- and How We Can Take It Back. We will be talking about how noise impacts humans and wildlife, especially birds, and what each of us can do to mitigate noise in our environment. Join Catherine Greenleaf,…

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Saving Our Soils With Louis De Jaeger

2M ago

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Today we speak with Louie De Jaeger, author of Save Our Soils: How Regenerative Food And Farming Will Save Your Health And The Planet, an important book about how the health of our soil affects every aspect of our lives and our futures. We talk about what led to this problem and how to fix it. For further information about the book go to: louisdj.c…

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The Grass Isn't Greener With Danae Wolfe

2M ago

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Today we speak with author Danae Wolfe about her brand-new book, Grass Isn't Greener. Danae is an award-winning nature educator who founded the organization Chasing Bugs. For more info on her work and her book go to www.chasingbugs.com. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitat…

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Fighting Drought With Martha Retallick

3M ago

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Join us today as we speak with documentary photographer, gardener and bird enthusiast Martha Retallick, author of the new book, Water Harvesting 101. We talk about the basics of getting started in harvesting the rainwater in your yard. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitati…

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Tracking Swallow-tailed Kites With Gina Kent

3M ago

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Gina Kent is back on the show to continue our discussion about the magnificent Swallow-Tailed Kite! Gina is a senior scientist with the Avian Research and Conservation Institute out of Gainesville, Florida. Gina tells us about the Swallow-Tailed Kite's many challenges during migration along with the effects of Hurricane of Ian and Milton on the spe…

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Unsolved Wildlife Crimes Report With Megan Stolen 30:37

3M ago30:37

30:37

Today we are joined by wildlife forensic scientist Megan Stolen. Megan tells us about some of her most interesting investigations into wildlife cruelty and also gives us an update on the pelicans who were deliberately injured in Brevard County, Florida. To find out more about Blue World Research Insititute (BWRI) go to: https://bwri.org. To make do…

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Planting Natives For Resilience With Marie Chieppo 28:15

4M ago28:15

28:15

Today we speak with award-winning native garden designer Marie Chieppo about how to reduce your lawn in order to introduce more native plants as well as creating a soft landing for insects under trees. Order Marie's new book, Guidelines for Cape-Friendly Landscapes, at: ecoplantplans.com. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator…

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Rescuing Wild Turtles With Pam Meier 33:50

4M ago33:50

33:50

We are joined today by Pam Meier, director of The Turtle's Back in Maine, a wild turtle rescue and rehabilitation center. We talk about what to do if you find a turtle in the road. We also discuss the problem of turtle poaching and how you can help prevent it. Go to her website at: theturtlesback.org. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife …

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Saving and Growing Native Seeds With Alexis Doshas 25:05

5M ago25:05

25:05

Today we speak with Alexis Doshas, the Nursery Manager for the Native Plant Trust, based in Whately, Massachusetts. Alexis and her team plant 50,000 to 60,000 native seeds each year! Some native plants mentioned in this show: Pennsylvania sedge; Carex Appalachia; Tiarella cordifolia; wild strawberry; oak trees; linden (basswood) trees; goldenrod (s…

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Your First Vegetable Garden With Maria Rodale 24:46

5M ago24:46

24:46

Ready to join the self-sustainability revolution? Today we have Maria Rodale from the legendary Rodale organic gardening family to talk to us about starting your first vegetable garden and a whole lot more! Check out her substack at substack.com. Find her latest book, The Love Alphabet Book, written by her alias Mrs. Peanuckle, at your local bookst…

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The Flight Of The Hummingbird With Carole Turek 25:49

6M ago25:49

25:49

Today we speak with Carole Turek, world-renowned hummingbird expert. She tells us about her travels to photograph and film all 371 species of hummingbird on the planet! She also discusses her projects with the American Bird Conservancy and her extremely popular YouTube site, The Hummingbird Spot, which contains live streams of hatching hummingbird …

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Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains With Bethany Brookshire 26:31

6M ago26:31

26:31

Today we speak with Bethany Brookshire, author of the new book Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains. We discuss why certain animals are labeled as "pests" and how we can learn to live with all animals. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice…

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Cats vs. Birds With Grant Sizemore 27:51

7M ago27:51

27:51

Today we speak with Grant Sizemore from the American Bird Conservancy about the continuing problem of outdoor cats attacking and killing birds. Grant works to educate people about the dangers that outdoor cats pose to birds, mammals and humans. He shares some ways to keep both birds and cats safe from harm. For more information, go to abcbirds.org/…

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Bad Naturalist With Paula Whyman 27:43

7M ago27:43

27:43

Today's guest is Paula Whyman, author of the wonderful new book, Bad Naturalist. Paula takes us on an adventure as she describes how she transformed 200 acres of disconnected pastureland in Virginia into a thriving meadow filled with native trees and plants for wildlife. For link to Isabella Tree's book, The Book of Wilding: A Practical Guide to Re…

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BIRD HUGGER CLASSIC: 100 Plants To Feed The Bees With The Xerces Society 31:26

8M ago31:26

31:26

Now is the time to get out your catalogs and order those native plants! 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 …

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BIRD HUGGER CLASSIC: Planting Native Seeds Outdoors With Heather McCargo 54:44

8M ago54:44

54:44

Get ready! It's 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 of Wild Seed Project in Portland, Maine. Take the Rewilding Pledge! Go to Wild Seed Project at www.wildseedproject.net. Join host Catherine…

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Season's Greetings! ENCORE PRESENTATION: The Secret Garden With Marta MacDowell 28:19

9M ago28:19

28:19

Join us for some good cheer on the BIRD HUGGER Holiday Special! Author Marta McDowell is our guest as we discuss her book about The Secret Garden, the delightful children's tale written by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Happy Holidays to all! For more info on Unearthing The Secret Garden: The Plants and Places That Inspired Frances Hodgson Burnett by Mar…

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Protecting The Integrity Of Water With Declan McCabe 28:54

9M ago28:54

28:54

Today's guest, aquatic biologist Declan McCabe, is urging us to protect water bodies like ponds and streams and the creatures that live in them. His new book, Turning Stones: Discovering The Life Of Water, is a collection of 54 nature essays that provide a look at the astounding diversity of life that depends on water. He examines a range of life f…

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Making Bird Calls With Dan Gardoqui 28:23

10M ago28:23

28:23

Can you mimic bird calls? Today our guest is Dan Gardoqui, founder of Lead With Nature, an organization dedicated to teaching people about all things nature. Dan, who was instrumental in creating the best-selling book, What the Robin Knows, is an expert bird mimic and nature educator who is urging all of us to spend time in the wild observing and l…

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ENCORE PRESENTATION: Northeast Native Plant Primer With Uli Lorimer 26:09

10M ago26:09

26:09

Today we talk with Uli Lorimer, author of the new book, The Northeast Native Plant Primer: 235 Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden. Uli is the horticulture director at the Native Plant Trust. We talk about why natives are so important for birds and other wildlife. He will also walk us through the various successions of plants that occur once you tu…

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The Search For Lost Birds With John Mittermeier 26:07

11M ago26:07

26:07

Is the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker really extinct? In today's episode, we talk with John Mittermeier, the director of the Lost Birds Program at the American Bird Conservancy. John travels the world seeking to confirm the existence or extinction of rare bird species. For more info go to searchforlostbirds.org or go to abcbirds.org. Join Catherine Greenl…

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The Straight Poop On Seabirds With Sea McKeon 24:07

11M ago24:07

24:07

Today our guest is Sea McKeon, the Marine Program Director with the American Bird Conservancy. Sea is a biodiversity scientist, an evolutionary ecologist, a marine biologist, and a natural historian. In this episode, he tells us about the incredible value of seabird poop! Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of…

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Creating A Native Garden At Your Workplace With Nancy Farwell 30:21

11M ago30:21

30:21

In today's episode, we talk with Nancy Farwell, avid native gardener and marketing and advertising sales coordinator for Northern Woodlands magazine. Nancy approached the director of Northern Woodlands about creating a native garden in the front yard of the magazine's headquarters. We talk about the process of converting a workplace lawn to a nativ…

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From Wasteland To Wonder With Basil Camu 31:06

12M ago31:06

31:06

Today we speak with Basil Camu, author of the wonderful new book, From Wasteland To Wonder: Easy Ways We Can Help Heal Earth In The Sub/Urban Landscape. According to Basil, the way we currently landscape our urban and suburban landscapes is harming natural ecosystems. His book shows us easy techniques for bringing the beauty and functionality of na…

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New Research Findings On Broad-Winged Hawks With Dr. Laurie Goodrich 23:12

1y ago23:12

23:12

In today's episode, we talk with Dr. Laurie Goodrich from Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania about the latest findings of her satellite telemetry research into the Broad-Winged Hawk. Also included: An exciting update on HUGGER, the Broad-Winged Hawk we are sponsoring! Dr. Goodrich launched the collaborative Pennsylvania Farmland Raptor and The…

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Slow Birding With Joan Strassmann 22:15

1y ago22:15

22:15

Today we speak with evolutionary biologist Joan Strassmann from St. Louis, Missouri about her brand-new book, The Slow Birding Journal. She explains why there's no need to fly to Panama to watch birds. You can enjoy bird watching in your own backyard by following some fun and easy-to-learn techniques. See The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan at …

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ENCORE PRESENTATION: The Benefits Of Bare-Root Plantings With Becky Brewer 18:35

1y ago18:35

18:35

ENCORE PRESENTATION: In today's episode, we talk with Becky Brewer from Prairie Moon Nursery in Minnesota about the many benefits of bare-root natives and how to plant them. Are you tired of finding Asian Jumping Worms in your soil? Tired of dealing with how to recycle plastic plant pots that can't be recycled? Bare-root plantings is the way to go!…

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So You Want To Become A Wildlife Rehabilitator With Kai Williams 23:50

1y ago23:50

23:50

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife? Today we have as our guest Kai Williams, executive director of the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, an organization serving wildlife rehabilitators worldwide with educational training and networking. For more information, go to www.theiwrc.org. O…

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How Over-Consumption Intensifies Climate Change with Hannah Evans 24:40

1y ago24:40

24:40

Today our guest is Hannah Evans from Population Connection, a non-profit organization that promotes awareness about the impact of human population numbers on climate change and the Earth's resources. Hannah works to cultivate partnerships between Population Connection and international NGOs. Before joining Population Connection’s staff, Hannah work…

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Making Your Yard A Quiet Oasis For Birds With Arline Bronzaft 26:58

1y ago26:58

26:58

Today our guest is Dr. Arline Bronzaft, an environmental psychologist from Quiet Communities who specializes in the effects of sound on animals like birds and people. She tells us about ways to make your yard a quiet oasis for birds and other critters. For more information, go to www.quietcommunities.org. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildl…

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Unsolved Wildlife Crimes Report With Megan Stolen 29:56

1y ago29:56

29:56

Today we have as our guest Megan Stolen, a forensic wildlife scientist from Blue World Research Institute in Florida. Megan was recently called in to evaluate a rash of unusual and suspicious pelican injuries and deaths in Brevard County. The case led to an investigation by state authorities. To make donations to the Florida Wildlife Hospital of Pa…

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ENCORE PRESENTATION: The Nature Of Oaks Wth Doug Tallamy 41:46

1+ y ago41:46

41:46

ENCORE PRESENTATION: In today's episode, we speak with award-winning author Dr. Doug Tallamy about his new book The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology Of Our Most Essential Native Trees. The native Oak tree is a keystone species and provides sustenance for hundreds of species of birds, butterflies and other creatures. Hear Doug explain the best way t…

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How Your Yard Influences Drought and Flood Cycles With Judith Schwartz 25:26

1+ y ago25:26

25:26

Today our guest is Judith Schwartz, award-winning author of the incredible book, Water In Plain Sight: Hope For A Thirsty World. Judith explains to us how trapping, slowing down and absorbing water on your property contributes to healthy small-water systems and helps decrease out-of-control flood and drought cycles in your region. To read more abou…

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Rescuing Animals During A Disaster With Dave Crawford 29:20

1+ y ago29:20

29:20

Today's guest is Dave Crawford, creator of the marvelous new pet rescue app phar.org, as well as the wildlife rescue app animalhelpnow.org. Dave also tells us about the devastating wildfire that destroyed his home and his neighborhood during the Marshall Fire of 2021 and how he is rebuilding his lfe. Go to phar.org and/or animalhelpnow.org. For inf…

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The Graceful Swallow-Tailed Kite With Gina Kent 25:39

1+ y ago25:39

25:39

Today our guest is Gina Kent, senior scientist with the Avian Research and Conservation Institute out of Gainesville, Florida. Gina tells us all about the Swallow-Tailed Kite. For more info on the Avian Research and Conservation Institute, go to ARCInst.org. For the ARCI Eyes On Kite program, go to: https://www.arcinst.org/eyes-on-kites. For more i…

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Flaco The Owl: The Experts Weigh In 34:29

1+ y ago34:29

34:29

Today we are joined by Catherine Quayle of the Wild Bird Fund, Christine Sheppard from the American Bird Conservancy and New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal to discuss the phenomenon that was Flaco the Owl. We discuss this bird's celebrity status and how Flaco's death could have been prevented. State Senator Hoylman-Signal offers legislative …

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The Flight Of The Kestrel With Phil Brown 31:26

1+ y ago31:26

31:26

Today's guest is Phil Brown, Bird Conservation Director with the Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock, New Hampshire. Phil tells us all about a new program the Harris Center is spearheading to help boost Kestrel numbers in New Hampshire. For more information go to: harriscenter.org. For more information on the American Kestrel Partne…

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Water Harvesting For Your Yard And Gardens With Martha Retallick 25:56

1+ y ago25:56

25:56

Today's guest is Tuscon, Arizona resident, gardener and photographer Martha Retallick. Martha has written a wonderful new book called City Nature. In the book she chronicles how she tackled the challenge of harvesting rainwater for her house and gardens -- and created an oasis for birds. For more info, go to her website at: westernskycommunications…

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Hatching And Renesting Osprey Chicks With Stephanie Ellis 33:17

1+ y ago33:17

33:17

Today we speak with avian rehabilitator Stephanie Ellis about her experiences hatching, raising and renesting orphaned Osprey chicks. Stephanie is the Executive Director of WildCare in Eastham, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. For more information, go to wildlifecarecapecod.org. Send your donations to: Wild Care Cape Cod, 10 Smith Lane, Eastham, MA 02642…

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Wisdom of Elders S2 E13 27:50

1+ y ago27:50

27:50

Leon Fernandes has a conversation which 'changed his life'. His guest Greg, has wisdom in bucket-loads. They discuss the difficulties of coming-out as a gay man, in decades past, and run-ins with suicide. Coming out as a gay man was often a journey marked by profound trauma and societal rejection. The weight of societal stigma and fear of persecuti…

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Shattered Dreams: Miscarriage & Mental Health S2 E12 27:50

1+ y ago27:50

27:50

Chris Jaeger talks with his cousin Jess about miscarriage. She tells her heartbreaking story of pregnancy loss. Miscarriage can inflict profound emotional wounds, often leading to a complex array of mental health challenges. Grief, guilt, and deep sadness may engulf individuals and couples, triggering feelings of inadequacy and despair. Anxiety and…

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Insecticides And Their Impact On Birds With Hardy Kern 30:55

1+ y ago30:55

30:55

Today we speak with Hardy Kern from the American Bird Conservancy about the latest scientific findings (2023) regarding insecticides, like neonicotinoids, and their impacts on birds. We also talk about what you can do to protect birds from deadly insecticides. For more information, go to: abcbirds.org/2023neonicsreport. For more information on imid…

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Paramedics - On the Front Line - S2 E11, Part 2 27:50

1+ y ago27:50

27:50

Chris Jaeger continues his conversation with paramedic Jason Kirkaldy. A front line paramedic, Jason experiences trauma daily. He speaks about the unique mental health challenges faced by first responders. IAMF! is supported by the Mental Health Commission of NSW. Content warning - Interviews include explicit language and feature topics such as dep…

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Paramedics - On the Front Line S2 E10 Part 1 27:50

1+ y ago27:50

27:50

By Leon Fernandes, Hannah Achelles and Chris Jaeger

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War on Emotional Suppression S2 E9 27:50

1+ y ago27:50

27:50

After 10 years in the mental health sector supporting patients, and being a patient himself, Max Simensen believes there is a better way to approach treatment. Max speaks up against emotional suppression and discusses how people with mental health issues find a need to perform 'unwellness’ in order to access the treatment they need. Over the last t…

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Prepping The Yard For Natives With Kathy Connolly 36:11

1+ y ago36:11

36:11

In today's episode, we speak with renowned ecological landscape designer and gardening consultant Kathy Connolly about the best way to prepare your site and soil for a native garden. Plants mentioned in the show: Carolina Rhodedendron; low-growing Juniper; Northern Sea Oats; Big Bluestem; Little Bluestem; Switchgrass; Prairie Dropseed. Go to: The M…

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Queer, Young & Muslim S2 E8 27:50

1+ y ago27:50

27:50

What happens to young people when religious dogma clashes with sexual identity? In many cultures, living outside of sexual norms can evoke guilt, shame and rejection. But, Mohammad Awad who runs the award-winning Muslim Peers Project, which supports young Muslims, says that religious identity and queer identity are not mutually exclusive - they can…

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Saving Birds After An Oil Spill With Tri-State Rescue 31:02

1+ y ago31:02

31:02

Daniel Wilson joins us today from Tri-State Bird Rescue in Delaware to discuss the amazing process of rescuing and rehabilitating birds contaminated by oil spills. For more information go to www.tristatebird.org. Go to GOWRS or Global Oiled Wildlife Response Service at http://tinyurl.com/yfxjkr22. Go to Sea Alarm at https://www.sea-alarm.org/catego…