01x09 - The Word on the Bird

[bunniefuu]

♪ Our family loves to look for weather ♪

♪ There's so much we want to know ♪

♪ Weather Hunters All: That's us, Weather Hunters!

Lily: Let's go!

♪ We love discovering together ♪

Lily: What is rain?

Lily: Why does it snow?

♪ Weather Hunters

♪ Around the world, around the corner ♪

♪ our adventure's just begun

♪ Could be cloudy, could be sunny ♪

Al: Hey, kids! The forecast calls for fun!

♪ Whatever the weather, we're in it together ♪

All: Weather Hunters!

"The Word on the Bird"

Corky: I hope the birds like thi new bird seed.

We haven't been getting as many visitors.

Now that falls here. Lily: I noticed that too.

We had so many more

birds in the summer and different kinds too.

[barking]

Benny: Someone thinks it smells good.

[barking]

Sorry Cummi.

This is for our bird friends.

You have your own food.

[whimpers]

[bird sounds]

Lily: Whoa!

Look at how they all move together.

Like they're

dancing in the sky.

Benny: I wonder where they're going.

Corky: They're flying south for the winter.

Lily: But I wonder why they're going.

Corky: All that flying must make them hungry.

I hope they stop here for a snack.

At least if the birds visit us, they'll have clean water.

Benny: And a whole lot of birdseed.

[wings flapping]

Benny: We have the first bird

visitor for today.

[gasp]

Something's wrong.

I hope it's not hurt.

Lily: I don't know, Corky.

It looks like it might be tired from all that flying.

Corky: Oh, no!

It doesn't look like you can fly.

We have to help it.

Lily: Let's ask mom.

She'll know what to do.

Corky: Mom, there's a bird in our yard

that looks very tired and can't fly!

Dot: Really?

Corky: We're worried that it's hurt.

Lily: We want to help, but we don't know what to do.

Dot: Let's see what's going on.

It can walk.

That's a good sign.

Corky: But it can't fly.

Can we rescue it?

Benny: It can be a friend for Cumi.

Who maybe we could take it to

Cumi's vet.

Dot: Corky...

I know how much you want to help animals, but

it's important that we don't interfere with the wild ones.

And we should never touch wild animals,

Even Cumi?

Dot: Cumulus is a pet, Benny.

He's different.

Lily: Don't worry, Cumi.

You're family. [barks]

Corky: The bird is so cute, though.

It's leaving!

It must be so sad because he got separated

from the other birds.

Lily: The bird was flying south with its flock,

but then it got tired and landed in our yard.

Why do birds fly south every winter?

Where do they go?

Dot: They were migrating.

Benny: Migrating? Dot: Yes, Benny.

Some birds migrate by flying south for the winter.

That means they spend some of the year

in a warmer climate where there's more food.

Lily: So the birds migrate when it's cold outside?

Hmmm. That's interesting.

Hi, everyone.

The hunters have a surprise guest who's visiting our yard.

This poor

little bird is too weak to migrate with its flock.

Will it recover in time to fly south for the winter?

Stay tuned as we follow our feathered friend

on its journey to recovery.

Dot: Corky, your story has everything!

Drama, suspense.

Al: And a very cute bird.

Lily: I wonder how birds know to south right before winter.

Al: That's a good question, Lily.

Benny: Maybe they're going on a family trip.

Lily: There's something about cold weather

that makes them leave.

I'm going to find out more and report on it.

Al: Great.

You can gather weather data on your tracking tablet

so we can figure out the connection

between the birds and cold weather.

Because when you do a report, you just can't wing it.

[laughing]

Benny: Good one, Dad.

Corky: The bird's still here.

And I think it's looking for something.

Lily: The bird must be hungry from all the flying it was doing

I think it's looking for something to eat.

Benny: The birds used to eat berries in our yard all summer.

But now the berries are all gone.

Lily: Some plants stop growing fruits or flowers

when it gets cold.

Corky: If the bird can't find food,

it's never going to get strong enough to fly south.

I don't think it likes our bird seed

Lily: Maybe we should find out what kind of bird it is.

Then we'll know what it likes to eat.

Let's do some research.

Lily: Mom and dad said

there was a book about birds in here.

Hey, this must be it.

Corky: It's not a snowy plover.

Lily: It's not blue like a blue jay.

Benny: Hey. That looks like the picture

I drew of the bird in our backyard.

Corky: That's it.

It's called a Baltimore Oriole.

Lily: They fly south for the winter

all the way to Central America.

It must need a lot of food before

it makes such a long trip.

Even if it stops for snacks along the way.

Lily: Orioles don't like seeds.

That's why you won't eat the birdseed.

Corky: It says Orioles eat fruit like oranges.

So do I!

Corky: Grape jelly?

It eats everything I like.

And worms.

Benny: Almost everything.

[laughing]

Corky: Mom got us some oranges to make juice in the morning.

I'll donate mine to the bird.

Al: Breakfast is served!

Come and get it.

Corky: Let's see if it really likes orange slices.

Lily: I guess birds eat healthy too.

Their parents don't even have to tell them to do it.

[laughing]

Corky: Oh, it still can't fly.

Al: Wait a minute.

Hang on.

Elevator going down.

No guest of the Hunter's leave hungry

Lily: Look, the oriole

ate some oranges.

But I wonder where it went.

Corky: Corky here!

Here with today's weather cast.

Or should I say feather cast?

Our bird had a light breakfast,

but it didn't stick around.

Is it still recovering?

Or has it flown the coop?

Hopefully it's not in trouble.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Lily: Wait, I hear something.

I guess the bird and Benny aren't

the only ones who like oranges.

Corky: Okay, that squirrel's kind of cute,

but if it eats all the food,

the bird will never be strong enough to fly.

We have to come up with a way

to keep the squirrel away from the feeder.

In case the bird comes back.

Lily: This fence should keep

the squirrel away from the feeder

so the bird won't have to share its food.

Corky: Great idea.

My research said that birds need to eat

even more to stay warm when it gets cold.

So this is one time that it's not great to share.

Lily: Hmhm.

It's °F.

I'll record it on my tracker tablet

so we can tell when the temperature

is getting close to freezing.

Corky: The bird better leave before then

because it will be hard for it to find food.

Hey, that's not for you.

Lily: Yeah, that's for the bird.

Benny: Not again!

Lily: Sorry, Corky.

We'll have to come up with a better plan.

Corky: Or the bird is in serious trouble!

I'm worried the bird won't have enough to eat.

And the squirrel is making it worse.

The temperature has definitely been dropping this week.

It's been getting a few degrees colder every day.

It's °F right now.

The bird has to start flying before it hits

degrees in all its food freezes.

Dot: Corky, you're doing all you can to help the bird

by feeding it.

It still has some time to fly south.

Corky: But it's still not strong enough to fly.

So maybe we can try some other food.

Lily:Our research showed that Orioles also like grape jelly.

AL: Let's give it a choice.

Birds are a lot like you kids.

They like some foods more than others.

Corky: Now we just have to hope the weather doesn't get too cold

Benny: Do they make winter clothes for birds?

I hope the bird

likes this yummy grape jelly.

We found this in Great Grandpa's workshop.

The opening is too small for the squirrel.

Corky: Nice work, Benny and Lily

Ooh, the squirrels coming.

Let's hide and see what it does.

Corky: He's heading right for the birdhouse.

I hope the cover will keep him out.

Sorry, squirrel.

That jelly's not for you.

Our plan worked.

The bird food is still there.

Corky Hunter here with the word on the bird.

The oriole is having jelly for breakfast.

Will that be enough for it to escape

the unforgiving winter freeze?

It's the moment of truth.

And we have liftoff.

Good try.

Maybe tomorrow, will be the big day.

You want to get a drink?

I can't live with a birdbath,

but I'll leave some water out for you.

Corky: Welcome to the word on the bird.

It's been three days since the bird landed in our yard.

We hope it will feel strong enough to migrate soon.

Stay tuned, because we'll be here when it does.

I've been keeping track of how long the days are.

Daylight hours are getting shorter

by three minutes every day.

The temperature is down to °F.

I read that birds know

it's time to migrate when there's less daylight.

I know it wants to fly.

Look at our bird go.

It's stronger than ever.

I know our loyal viewers will be cheering the bird on.

Lily: The good news is that the bird has lot more to eat,

since its feeder is % squirrel proof.

Okay, maybe not %.

We've got to find another way to feed the bird before

the temperature gets too cold.

And if we can't protect the birds food,

there's no way it'll fly south in time.

The squirrel thinks the feeder's for him.

What if the squirrel had its own feeder?

Then we'll also be helping the squirrel get more food

for the winter.

Great idea Lily.

Lily: Milk carton.

Benny: Got it.

Lily: Craft sticks.

Benny: Here you go.

Nuts!

Benny: Are you hungry?

Lily: It's for the squirrel.

I read that they love nuts.

The squirrel sh**ting peas

are tastier than the grape jelly.

It's almost finished, Benny.

I bet you can make it look even nicer.

Benny: I sure can.

Just need the crayons.

Lily: Got it.

Benny: The glue stick.

Lily: Here you go.

Benny: And some googly eyes.

Lily: Coming up.

Ta da!

Lily: We now have a squirrel feeder.

Al: Fantastic!

Dot: I think we should hang it up before

it becomes a cumulus feeder.

Corky: And far away from the bird feeder.

Al: I know just the place.

They're a restaurant with a view.

Corky: I think we've got someone's attention.

Al: Come and get it. Grand opening!

All you can eat.

Squirrel buffet.

Dot: I would say Benny

and Lily's project is a success.

Al: And we have another returning visitor.

It can fly!

Though not for thousands of miles yet.

Dot: Yet!

Corky: Here's an exclusive word on the bird update.

Will the jelly be enough fuel for the long flight?

Or will freezing temperatures put our friend in danger?

Lily: I can answer the last one.

We're down to degrees.

The bird should leave before it gets below °F.

Corky: I just don't know if it'll be strong enough

to fly south before it gets even colder.

If it can't leave, it could be in trouble.

Lily: It's definitely getting colder.

Maybe it's time to check the wind conditions.

Al: Well, I've got some

good news and some bad news.

Corky: I love good news.

The wind is coming in from the north.

That'll give

all the migrating birds some help when they fly south.

Lily: A tailwind for their tail feathers.

Al: But the bad news is those same winds from the north

bring colder air.

It's possible the temperature will drop below °F.

If the bird doesn't

migrate soon,

it's going to be too cold for it to stay here.

Maybe I can make you both some hot cocoa to cheer you up.

Lily: Thanks, dad.

That helps a little bit.

I really love your hot cocoa.

I know the bird needs something it really loves.

So it eats more.

Lily: I don't think they like cocoa.

Corky: Wait.

I remembered the bird

book said that Orioles also like nectar.

Al: Unfortunately, Corky, there aren't any plants with flowers

where you can get nectar.

It's easy to make just sugar and water.

I'll help you refill the bird feeder.

Do you girls still want the cocoa?

Corky/Lily: Of course!

lily: Our hummingbird feeder really came in handy.

Corky: The oriole already drank

all the nectar I put in this morning.

Let's give it some more.

Corky: Welcome new word on the bird, viewers.

Just in time to see our high flying bird make it to a tree.

Was it the nectar or all

you're good wishes.

Come on, let's see

if the bird is strong enough to make it to the bird bath.

Lily: You got this!

Corky: And the Oreo has landed!

Benny: Hooray!

Lily: The bird strong enough to fly to the bird bath now.

But it's almost cold enough to freeze the bird bath.

Corky: If all the water freezes,

the bird won't have anything to drink.

I'll leave out some water

so it's not thirsty before its trip.

That nectar must be delicious.

Look how much puffier the bird looks.

Al: That bird sure has a healthy appetite.

Corky: Over the last day or two

It's been emptying the feeder as fast as I can

fill it up.

Why is it suddenly so hungry?

Actually, that's a good sign.

Birds stock up on food before they migrate.

So maybe the bird is getting ready to go.

Al: If it can give up having Corky Hunter

as its personal chef.

Corky: [laughing]

Corky: Orioles love nectar

almost as much as squirrels love nuts.

Lily: Look, it's

another flock going south.

Corky: Now's your chance.

It would be a lot tougher to fly all that way by yourself.

Al: Fly little one, fly!

Dot: You got this.

Corky: It's not flying as fast as the rest of the birds.

I don't know if you can keep up during such a long trip.

My anemometer

says the wind is blowing at mph.

That should give the bird a push.

Corky: Can we follow the bird in the vansformer

to make sure he gets there safe.

Lily: Road trip!

Benny: Sky trip.

Al: We have to hurry to catch up

♪ music ♪

Corky: Mom! Follow that bird!

Al: Full speed ahead.

Dot: Roger that.

We can't get too close.

We don't want to interfere with the flock

and put them in any danger.

Lily: They all move at the same time.

That's pretty amazing.

Corky: I think they're flying even faster.

I hope our bird can keep up.

We've been traveling for a few hours,

and the oriole is still having

trouble keeping up with the flock.

But it's hanging in there.

But flying takes a lot of energy,

[yawn]

Benny: I'm tired.

And I'm not even flapping my wings.

Corky: It was doing so well.

What's happening?

No, you can't take a break!

It's definitely below freezing down there.

Dot: Keep going.

You can do it.

Al: You just need a second wind.

In addition to the tail wind.

Lily/Benny: Yay!

Corky: You've come too far to quit.

In this special edition of The Word on the bird.

Our little oriole is racing to keep up with the flock.

It's catching up.

Corky: The little bird is coming from

behind to catch up to the flock.

It's come so far and it's not giving up.

Al: Whoo hoo! Way to go! Yes!

Al: Bingo! Corky: Yeah!

Al: You've earned your wings!

Well, looks like this story has a flappy ending.

Get it? Flappy. Happy.

[laughing]

♪ music ♪

♪ music ♪

♪ music ♪

Dot: I think

the jelly and nectar gave it the energy it needed.

Al: That little bird has come a long way.

Literally.

Corky: Our bird has finally made to its winter home.

There's a ton of food and water,

and it doesn't have to worry

about being left behind in the cold.

Lily: It's °F.

That's way warmer than it was at home here.

They can eat plenty of fruit

and eat nectar from real flowers.

Benny: The bird has a lot of friends here.

Corky: I hope it comes back to visit us in the spring.

Dot: Maybe the birds have the right idea.

We need to plan a tropical vacation this winter.

Al: You bet we do. Corky: Count me in.

Lily: I'm in!

Benny: Oh, yeah!

Corky: After following the bird as it migrated south,

I can report that this story had a happy ending.

It was reunited with its flock where it had warm weather,

It was reunited with its flock where it had warm weather,

lots of food, and all of its friends.

Stay tuned to see when it returns in the spring.

Now, a word from Lily Hunter.

Lily: I wondered why some birds like the oriole, migrated south

right before winter.

It turns out birds can sense when their days get shorter

and when the temperature gets colder.

The birds that leave for the winter

need to store energy

by eating lots of food so they can make the long flight.

If they stay,

they won't have enough food to survive the cold weather.

That's why they leave to migrate.

Corky: This is Corky Hunter.

Lily: And Lily Hunter.

And this has been the word on the bird.

Remember, whatever the weather.

Both: We're in it together

Corky: Even with the birds.

Lily: Corky

I think we have a new fan.