One year later

For the April 20th show (downlaod podcast here), we took a look at current perspectives on the oil spill in the Gulf that occurred one year ago this day. The theme that floats to the top is that although the spill did not result in the level of catastrophe we feared, we cannot truly understand its economic and ecological impacts after just one year. This story is far from over. Check out this video to hear from John Fitzpatrick, the director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, to learn more.

In the news...

• Unknown illnesses affect LA oil spill crews
• Oil spill also mean air pollution
• The Nature Conservancy works to restore the Delta and Gulf

Roseate Spoonbill

We heard from critters affected by the oil spill such as the Brown Pelican. Roseate Spoonbill, Northern Gannet, Gulf Coast Toad, and Bottlenose Dolphin.

Some great music was featured as well, such as Johnny Cash, The Band, Emmy Lou Harris & Willie Nelson, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Tab Benoit, The Standells, and more!

Move on out!

And we're back! After a month break, NYSK returned with the April 13th show, which featured animal migration (download podcast here). Migration is more than just traveling to new destination; it also requires a return to the original location. Scientists believe that many animals migrate in order to follow resources and reduce competition, particularly during the breeding season when parents need food and shelter for their offspring. Depending on the species, different animals use various tools to get from A to B. Such tools include magnetic cues, a star compass, and physical landmarks. For more information on animal migration, listen to the podcast!


The news in nature had some wild stories:

• Germ-free brains in toads
• A reserve created for the 'Asian Unicorn'
• M. barkeri eats acid and makes landfills a nicer place to live

For the sound quiz, we heard from some migratory birds that make their way through Arkansas about this time of year. They included the Veery, Blackburnian Warbler (pictured right), and Tennessee Warbler.

Some great music was also featured, with tracks from the likes of Robert Johnson, Neko Case, The Breeders, Islands, and more!