October 12th is World Migratory Bird Day, a global campaign that aims to raise awareness of migratory birds and the need for international cooperation to conserve them. This year's theme for the campaign is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds,” underscoring the importance of invertebrates to migratory birds. Xerces is also, for the first time, an official partner in World Migratory Bird Day, so we are focusing this episode on the intersection between birds and bugs.

To talk about this incredibly important relationship we are joined by Chris Elphick, Professor in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut, where he is also affiliated with the university’s Center of Biological Risk. Chris is a conservation biologist, an applied ecologist, or an ornithologist, depending on his mood (his words, not mine). His research interests span behavioral, population, community, and landscape ecology.

Thank you for listening! For more information go to xerces.org/bugbanter.

Join us for part two of our exciting conversation on spiders with Sebastian Echeverri, Communications Specialist in Science & Digital Media for the Xerces Society.

Sebastian completed his PhD, studying why and how paradise jumping spiders get their audience's attention when pulling off their fanciest dance moves. He has also written a field guide for spiders and has a collection of pet arachnids.

Thank you for listening! For more information go to xerces.org/bugbanter.

Spiders. There is a lot that people don't know about these interesting creatures. What makes them unique and what role do they play in our environment?

Joining us today to talk about spiders, is Sebastian Echeverri, Communications Specialist in Science & Digital Media for the Xerces Society. Sebastian completed his PhD, studying why and how paradise jumping spiders get their audience's attention when pulling off their fanciest dance moves. He has also written a field guide for spiders and has a collection of pet arachnids.

Thank you for listening! For more information go to xerces.org/bugbanter.