The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)
Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org.
Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

     Louisiana Waterthrush
     Nightingale
     Blue Grosbeak
     Bobolink
     Ovenbird
     Gray-cheeked Thrush
     Northern Waterthrush
     American Pipit
     Eastern Meadowlark

An Invitation, Part 2

The final chapter of John Burrough's book, Wake-Robin. Burroughs invites you to become a birder, describing the thrill of seeing the natural world around you through a new lens.

The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.

Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass

Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)

Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.

Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

 	Wood Duck
 	Yellow-rumped Warbler
 	Black-throated Green Warbler
 	Red-eyed Viero
 	White-eyed Viero
 	Eastern Wood Pewee
 	American Robin
 	Wood Thrush
 	Hermit Thrush
 	Song Sparrow
 	Vesper Sparrow
 	Savannah Sparrow
 	Purple Finch
 	Winter Wren
 	Ruby-crowned Kinglet

The Invitation

Chapter 7 of Wake-Robin, by naturalist John Burroughs.

The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.

Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass

Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)

Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org.

Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

 	Eastern Bluebird
 	European Robin
 	Western Bluebird
 	House Wren

Bluebird

The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on GrassOutro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:Wood ThrushVeeryKentucky WarblerBlue-grey GnatcatcherNorthern Water ThrushYellow-breasted ChatCardinal GrosbeakRed-headed Woodpecker

Rock Creek, Piney Branch, and Wilderness beyond the Capitol

Spring in the Capitol

The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.



Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass

Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)

Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.

Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

 	Blue Grosbeak
 	Black-and-White Warbler
 	Blue-headed Vireo
 	Mourning Warbler
 	Red-tailed Hawk
 	Baltimore Oriole

Birds’ Nests, Part 2

Beginning Chapter 4 of Wake-Robin, by naturalist John Burroughs. A detailed look at the nesting habits of Red-headed Woodpeckers, Yellow-bellied Woodpeckers, Pine Siskins, Cedar Waxwings, Robins and  Indigo Buntings. Burroughs marvels at the dirty jobs parent birds must endure to keep their nests clean for their young. Any parent who has changed a dirty diaper can relate.

The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.



Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

 	Cedar Waxwing
 	Red-headed Woodpecker
 	Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
 	American Robin
 	Black-capped Chickadee
 	Indigo Bunting

Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass

Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)

Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.

Birds’ Nests, Part 1

The second half of the third Chapter, the Adirondacks. Continuing with a timeless bit of bird therapy, Burroughs wakes from a nap in the woods to find himself under scrutiny of the wood birds. Visiting Lake Sanford, fishing in Nate’s Pond and a 12 mile hike to the Lower Ironworks with views of Mount Mercy, Mount Macinyre and Mount Golden, the monarchs of the Adirondacks. Exploring the Upper Ironworks town of Tahawus, and nearby Henderson Lake.The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:Black-capped ChickadeeCedar WaxwingRuby-throated HummingbirdPine SiskinVesper SparrowBlackbirdSolitary SandpiperIntro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on GrassOutro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.

The Lower and Upper Ironworks and the Abandoned Town, Tahawus

The start of chapter three of Wake-Robin by naturalist, John Burroughs. Burroughs and a group of fishing companions depart for the Boreas Reach near Lake Placid, New York. Burroughs demonstrates his skill as a trout fisherman, earning the respect of their guide.Hunting at night on an open lake, the starlight reflected in the center gave the dark timberline at the water’s edge a belt of utter blackness, a portal between the real and the imaginary, the land of shadows  and specters.The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:Purple FinchPine SiskinVesper SparrowWhite-throated SparrowAmerican RobinWhite-breasted NuthatchIntro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on GrassOutro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org.

The Adirondacks

This episode concludes the second chapter of Wake-Robin, by John Burroughs. Lounging on a couch of moss in the shady woods, the gentleman rambler and naturalist allows his attention to wander from species to species. He points out the the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and the song of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Scarlet Tanager. He marvels at the Purple Linnet's song and chooses it to be the finest songster of the finches.By a brook, Burroughs finds a cowbird nestling crowding out the resident Canada Warbler hatchlings, and decides to intervene on behalf of the Warblers. Moving on, he details the partridge's drumming. He arrives at a reclaimed road and finds a pair of Mourning Warblers and their cousins, the Chestnut-sided Warbler. Leaving the Barkpeelings, Burroughs finds the Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-and-White Warbler and Blue-headed Vireo mingling in the hemlock, beech and birch.The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.		
					
		Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:Ruby-throated HummingbirdHermit ThrushRose-breasted GrosbeakScarlet TanagerPurple FinchCanada WarblerCowbirdRuffed GrouseCommon YellowthroatMourning WarblerChestnut-sided WarblerBlack-throated Blue WarblerBlack-throated Green WarblerBlue-headed VireoBlack-and-white Warbler
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)


Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org.

The Forenoon Chorus of Finches, Thrushes and Warblers

Nineteenth-century naturalist and essayist, John Burroughs gives a detailed account of the Hermit Thrush’s song. For him, it is the finest sound in nature; the peace and deep solemn joy only the finest souls may know. Commentary about the cowardly Eastern Kingbird. The Wood Pewee’s plainness. Praise for the Ovenbird and the Louisiana Waterthrush.The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.		
					
		Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:Hermit ThrushEastern Wood-PeweeEastern KingbirdEastern PhoebeVeeryWood ThrushOvenbirdLouisiana WaterthrushIntro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on GrassOutro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org.

Reverence for the Hermit Thrush, Disdain for the Kingbird and Pewee, and Banter with the Ovenbird

The start of Wake-Robin, chapter 2, In the Hemlocks. Author and gentleman rambler, John Burroughs, begins a guided tour in the hemlocks. Years before, townsfolk, tanners, and lumbermen attempted in vain to tame and exploit the grove. But nature proved uncooperative and the effort abandoned. By his account, the spirit and energy of the wilderness repaired and rejuvenated the injuries and offer refuge to all. We meet the Red-eyed Vireo and hear his contented song. For Burroughs, the Bobolink’s song expresses hilarity; the Sparrow’s, faith; the Bluebird’s, love; the Catbird’s, pride, White-eyed Vireo, self-consciousness; the Hermit Thrush's, spiritual solemnity: the Robin’s, a military tone.
In-depth reviews of the Snowbird and Winter Wren’s song and demeanor, the Veery’s mellow expression, the unfortunately named Blackburnian Warbler and the Northern Parula.
The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.
					
Credits & Links:


Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Red-eyed Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Bobolink
Vesper Sparrow
Eastern Bluebird
Gray Catbird
White-eyed Vireo
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Snow Bunting
Winter Wren 
Veery
Blackburnian Warbler
Northern Parula
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass


Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)


Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org.

In the Hemlocks, a Guided Tour of a Primitive,  Undisturbed Forest and the Avifauna Living There

Reaching the end of Chapter 1 in John Burroughs's classic nature study, Wake-Robin, the gentleman rambler describes the birds of July, the Scarlet Tanager, compares the Peewee’s hunting prowess and efficiency on the wing to the Chipping Sparrow's, or Socialis's, fumbling pursuit of a month. The marvel and spectacle when the pigeon hawk, now known as a Merlin, unflinchingly chases a goldfinch. Concluding with the late season silence and August’s departures.
The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.		
			

		
		Credits & Links:


Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

Scarlet Tanager
Field Sparrow
Great Crested Flycatcher
Barn Swallow
Chipping Sparrow
Vesper Swallow
American Robin
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
White-eyed Vireo
Bobolink
Hermit Thrush

Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass


Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)


Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org.

The Scarlet Tanager and the Dog Days of August, and, Finally, the Silent End of the Season

Naturalist and gentleman rambler John Burroughs was born 183 years ago on April 3, 1837. We’re grateful to carry on his work. Continuing where we left off in episode 3, we pick up in the first chapter of his book Wake-Robin. John Burroughs focuses on the thrushes. He details the grace and ease of the Wood Thrush. The Veery’s simple, descending flute-like tone adds to the twilight symphony. But Burroughs has some terse criticism for the Catbird and its song. But he turns to empathy for a Catbird family, when its nest is terrorized by a black snake and loses a fledgling to its grasp. In the end, Burroughs avenges the Catbird family.		
			
		Credits & Links:


Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Wood Thrush
Veery
Vesper Sparrow
Gray Catbird
Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass


Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)


Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org.
The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.

John Burroughs Shares His Admiration for the Aristocratic Wood Thrush, Praise for the Soulful Veery, Some Criticism for the Catbird, and an Encounter with a Black Snake

Naturalist John Burroughs quotes 'To the Cuckoo’ by William Wordsworth. He considers in detail the White-eyed Vireo’s skilled mimicry in her mid-summer song and how it may rival the mockingbird’s own ability. Burroughs shares observations on how elevation might impact and effect the distribution of species in the Town of Highlands, New York.  And concludes with a comparison of the vocal quality and musicianship between the hermit and the wood thrushes.



Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass

Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)

Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at gutenberg.org or archive.org.

Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos, White-eyed Vireos, and a Side-by-Side Comparison of the Hermit Thrush and Wood Thrush Bird Songs

Credits & Links:
Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

 	
American Robin 
 	
Bluebird
 	
Phoebe bird
 	
Kingbird
 	
Northern Flicker 1
 	
Northern Flicker 2
 	
Tufted Titmouse
 	
White-breasted Nuthatch
 	
Eastern Meadowlark
 	
Northern Bobwhite
 	
Ruffed Grouse
 	
Barn Swallow
 	
Greater Prairie Chicken
 	
Great Horned Owl
 	
Barred Owl
 	
Barn Owl
 	
Red Rooster
 	
Chipping Sparrow
 	
Snow Bunting
 	
Brown-headed Cowbird
 	
Downy Woodpecker 1
 	
Downy Woodpecker 2
 	
Song Sparrow
 	
Baltimore Oriole
 	
Wood Thrush

Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass
Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)
Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at gutenberg.org or archive.org.
The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.
American Robin

Eastern Phoebe

Eastern Kingbird

Northern Flicker

Tuffed Titmouse

Welcoming the Birds of March, April and May

Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

 	Winter Wren
 	Eastern Bluebird
 	American Robin

Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass



Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)



Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at archive.org.

The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.
Winter Wren

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Introduction: Presenting Live Birds and not just Stuffed and Labeled Specimens

It’s the best time of the year. The parade begins. As Winter retreats Spring leans in. The birds are returning. And so is our show. 

Return of the birds is the serialized audiobook podcast of the nature study, Wake Robin, by John Burroughs. It’s the best story about birds I’ve ever read out loud.

The podcast combines Burroughs’s anticipation and delight that the birds bring to the changing seasons with field recordings of the bird songs he so accurately describes woven into the narration.

First published in 1871, Return of the Birds is a podcast 149 years in the making.

Come join the gentleman rambler on the shady trails of the Catskills, the Adirondacks and the fields and farms around the nation’s Capitol. 

Return of the Birds is 18-episodes. You can binge the first edition now or enjoy the weekly episodes of this new, second edition as they’re released. 

Second Edition Trailer

Episode 18: Epilogue – 149 Years Later

John Burroughs praises Audubon's life's work, yet questions some of Audubon's assertions about comparisons between the Louisiana Waterthrush's song and the European Nightingale's, the Bobolink's and the Blue Grosbeak's. Burroughs appreciates the volume of Audubon's catalog, and offers two of his own to add to the collection.

Click the links below for details about the bird vocalizations used in this episode from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

 	Louisiana Waterthrush
 	Nightingale
 	Blue Grosbeak
 	Bobolink
 	Ovenbird
 	Gray-cheeked Thrush
 	Northern Waterthrush
 	American Pipit
 	Eastern Meadowlark

Intro music: Kai Engel Walking Barefoot on Grass

Outro music: The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: United States National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner)

Download Wake-Robin by John Burroughs in e-reader format at or archive.org.

The Creative Commons and public domain contains a wealth of images, music and more. The images used in these show notes link back to the contributors.

Return of the Birds

Return of the Birds

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