In this episode, we dive into the heated topic of unleashed dogs in nature areas. When birding, I often run into people who seem nice and friendly, yet  their dogs are unleashed in the fields where it’s prohibited. I want to tell them about grassland birds disturbed by their dog without making them feel hurt or angry, but haven’t figured out how. This has led me to wonder whether we can just have a conversation, not a confrontation.

To tackle this, Beakuency welcomes Heidi Bock, the vice president of conservation at Columbia Land Conservancy. The Columbia Land Conservancy is a non-profit land trust that works with the community to conserve the farmland, forest, and wildlife habitats of Columbia County. Heidi shares examples of wildlife that people can help thrive by leashing their dogs, including ground nesting bird Bobolinks.  She also discussesCLC’s signages and educational programs designed to encourage learning and compassion for wildlife and people we meet on the trails.

Bird-inspired music of this month: Bobolink-tunes by Sara Lula MacClellan, a professional whistler from the 1920s, and Australian guitarist Tim Cunningham. Also Osprey and Bittern by Scottish folk musician Bert Jansch.

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"Beakuency" invites the local community to be inspired by the joy, beauty, and wisdom bird enthusiasts find in the nature of our neighborhoods. Every episode features an interview with local bird people, plus a freeform mix of sound made by birds and humans inspired by birds. Hosted by Mayuko Fujino. Playlists and photos for the previous shows: https://beakuency.tumblr.com.