If you pay attention to what’s going on in your own backyard, ornithologist Viviana Ruiz Gutierrez says the birds among us have been putting on a great show.

Gutierrez explains migration, mating dances, nesting, and shares tips on how to be hospitable to the birds in your neighborhood.

Email the show at shortwave@npr.org.

This episode was produced by Brit Hanson, fact-checked by Yowei Shaw and edited by Deborah Goerge.

Short Wave Podcast

It’s science for everyone, using a lot of creativity and a little humor. Join host Maddie Sofia for science on a different wavelength.