Break out your binoculars and fill up the bird bath. Spring is here and the birds are singing. For years songbird populations seemed to be plummeting, but now some researchers say things are looking up. Next time on To the Best of Our Knowledge, should songbirds be whistling a happy tune? Also, two of the rarest crane species find refuge in Korea's demilitarized zone. And measuring the intelligence of a brainy bird -- the raven.
Ornithologist Scott Robinson tells Judith Strasser that some American songbirds are making a comeback, while other species are singing the blues. Robinson is with the Illinois Natural History Survey and the University of Illinois. Also, George Archibald, President of the International Crane Foundation, tells Steve Paulson about two crane species who have created a nature preserve for themselves inside the Korean DMZ (demilitarized zone.)SEGMENT 2:
Bernd Heinrich teaches biology at the University of Vermont. He tells Steve Paulson that ravens are pretty brainy birds and describes some of his highly non- glamorous field work experiments.SEGMENT 3:
Kenn Kaufmann is one of North America's leading ornithologists. Birds have been his life-long obsession. He tells Jim Fleming about his year compiling a record- breaking list of species sighted. His book is "Kingbird Highway: The Story of a Natural Obsession That Got a Little Out of Hand." Also, Bill Thompson tells Jim Fleming about the rage for bird gardening that is taking over backyards all over the country. Thompson is the editor of Bird Watchers Digest and the author of "Bird Watching for Dummies."Cassette copies are available at 1-800-747-7444. Ask for program number 98-04-05-B.
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