Bird Calls
Ornithologist Cliff Shackelford takes your calls and questions about our avian world. Contact Cliff at redriverradiomail@gmail.com
Future episodes:
March 10, 2026 at 6 p.m.
April 14, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Birding Resources
Do winter storms kill birds? Presentation to the Travis Audubon Society
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIaqByMqwWA
Birdsong for the Curious Naturalist: Your Guide to Listening by Donald Kroodsma
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department's Wildscaping page
Federal Bird-Safe Buildings Act
Credit Texas Parks & Wildlife Department / Texas Parks & Wildlife Department/Used by Permission
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Texas Parks & Wildlife Department/Used by Permission
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Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 6 p.m. On this episode of Bird Calls, Cliff revisits some popular conservation tips from previous episodes and discuss ways we all can help birds and other wildlife. Cliff will also profile the peculiar American Woodcock. Questions will be taken at 1-800-552-8502.
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Tue., Mar. 10, 2026, at 6 p.m. On this episode of Bird Calls, Cliff Shackelford is joined by Ben Jones, Vice President of Conservation and Education at the Houston Zoo. Jones talks about his involvement in the Lights Out Campaign in our urban centers and the Lincoln’s Sparrow is profiled.
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Join us Tuesday, February 10, 6 p.m. for the next episode of Bird Calls. Our guest will be Dr. Sid Gauthreaux, an expert on bird migration and a pioneer in the use of radar technology for detecting migrating birds. I’ll also profile the Rusty Blackbird. Questions will be taken at 1-800-552-8502.
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Join us Tuesday for the next episode of Bird Calls. We will discuss myths and folklore found in the bird world, plus we'll take your calls live on the air. Cliff will also profile the Blue-headed Vireo. Questions will be taken at 1-800-552-8502.
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Join us Tuesday December 9th at 6 PM for the next episode of Bird Calls. Our guest will be Richard Gibbons with the National Audubon Society. With an organization as deeply-rooted as Audubon, there will be plenty to discuss. Cliff will also profile the Sedge Wren. That’s Bird Calls on December 9th at 6 PM on Red River Radio.
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This week on Bird Calls, our guest is Dean Smith with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, based in Washington DC, and we will discuss several conservation funding programs designed to protect wetlands and the birds associated with them across North America. Cliff also profiles a species of waterfowl, the American Wigeon.
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Join us Tuesday for the next episode of Bird Calls. Listeners will be encouraged to call-in with their questions about birds. Our guest will be Jennifer Bristol, an accomplished author of books on birdwatching. Cliff will profile the broad-winged Hawk.
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Hi, this is Cliff Shackelford. Join us Tuesday September 9th at 6 PM for the next episode of Bird Calls. Listeners will be encouraged to call-in with their fall migration questions about birds. I’ll also have Julie Shackelford guest plus will profile the Least Sandpiper. That’s Bird Calls on September 9th at 6 PM here on Red River Radio.
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Tuesday August 12, 2025, at 6 p.m. On this episode, Dr. Sara Wyckoff, wildlife veterinarian with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in Austin, joins host Cliff Shackelford to discuss avian flu. Cliff profiles the Yellow-breasted Chat.
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Join us Tuesday July 8th, 2025 at 6 PM for the next episode of Bird Calls. Our guest, Dr. Erik Johnson, is based in Louisiana and works for Audubon Delta, a regional office of the National Audubon Society. He’s an expert on feathers and molt in birds. Cliff will also be profiling the Swallow-tailed Kite.