Nephew Thomas, Radio Daredevil - Birding, part 2
May 2, 2003

Listen (How to Listen)

Dale Connelly: Radio daredevil Nephew Thomas is patiently standing off to the side of the stage here at the Sheldon Theater ... covered in birdseed from neck to foot, he's here as bait to draw some exotic avians into the hall. Getting any bites, Mr. Thomas?

Jim Ed Poole: I think I am getting a nibble. Can you hear it?

(sfx: tiny seed chewing sound, under throughout)

DC: Yes! I do hear something. What is it?

JEP: I don't dare move my head for fear I'll frighten the creature. Maybe Robin can see it.

DC: With Mr. Thomas is young Robin Finch, representing the Birding community. Robin?

Beth Gilleland: I believe the animal is a filthy old squirrel.

DC: At least it's a local squirrel. Isn't it?

BG: He's not from the cities, that's for sure, cause most of the ones I see up there are ... flat.

JEP: Thank goodness I don't have a problem with squirrels.

BG: I'm a little worried he's going to go up your pants leg.

JEP: I don't think there's any danger of that. I'm wearing my Kevlar boxer shorts for extra protection. Plus, it's not even nut collecting season.

DC: But so far no birds. Although there have been reports, of some Northern Spotted Nuthatch in the area. Wouldn't it be great to see one ?

BG: Oh, man. What a thrill.

DC: So if one of them comes ... what exactly does it look like?

BG: (she doesn't know) Uh ... when one flies past, it's a kind of a feathery blurry thingy, with a pointy beaky protrusion in the ...uh ... facial area.

DC: OK. So ... keep an eye out.

BG: But don't let it poke an eye out, as we say. Fine line there.

JEP: Ugh! Please! Birds poking out my eyes. Ugh! That's my worst fear.

DC: But that doesn't really happen, does it?

BG: All I know is that birders always have their binoculars ready to put up in front of their faces, and it's not always so they can see things far away. It might be, y'know ... self defense.

DC: Well, I'm sure Robin will keep a sharp eye out ...

JEP: Ugh! Don't say sharp and eye out!

DC: Sorry.

BG: Man! Picky!

JEP: Picky!

DC: Radio Daredevil Nephew Thomas, facing his fears this morning in Red Wing.

JEP: Wing! Where?

DC: We'll check back with him later.