Migration cover art

Migration

Migration

By: Podra Network
Listen for free

About this listen

 The greatest journeys on Earth — the science, the spectacle and the mystery of animal migration.Copyright Podra Network
Episodes
  • From Pole to Pole: The Arctic Tern's Ultimate Migration

    From Pole to Pole: The Arctic Tern's Ultimate Migration
    Apr 30 2026
    Join host David Hale as he explores the incredible journey of the Arctic tern, the world's ultimate migrant. Discover how these small seabirds travel over 44,000 miles annually from Arctic to Antarctic, experiencing more daylight than any other creature on Earth. Learn about their sophisticated navigation systems, the evolutionary adaptations that make their pole-to-pole journey possible, and how modern tracking technology has revealed new secrets about their migration routes. This episode examines the challenges Arctic terns face during their epic journey, from navigating storms to finding food across vast oceans, and discusses how climate change is affecting their ancient migration patterns. We explore the conservation implications of protecting a species that connects polar ecosystems and crosses dozens of international boundaries twice each year. Perfect for bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone fascinated by animal migration, this episode reveals how Arctic terns have mastered the art of living in perpetual summer while highlighting the interconnected nature of our global ecosystem.
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Wings of Orange Fire: The Monarch Butterfly's Impossible Journey

    Wings of Orange Fire: The Monarch Butterfly's Impossible Journey
    Apr 23 2026
    Join host David Hale as he explores the extraordinary migration of monarch butterflies in this captivating episode of Migration. Discover how these delicate insects, weighing less than a paperclip, undertake one of nature's most remarkable journeys spanning up to 5,000 miles across North America.

    Learn about the multi-generational migration cycle where it takes three to four generations to complete the northward journey, while a single super-generation makes the entire southward trek to specific overwintering sites in Mexico and California. We explore the fascinating science behind monarch navigation, including their use of solar positioning and circadian rhythms to maintain course.

    The episode delves into the cultural significance of monarchs in Mexican traditions, particularly their connection to Day of the Dead celebrations, and examines the critical relationship between monarchs and milkweed plants. We also discuss current conservation challenges facing monarch populations due to habitat loss and agricultural changes.

    From the mountain forests of central Mexico where millions cluster together, to the coastal groves of California, this episode reveals the intricate timing and survival strategies that make the monarch migration possible. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, science lovers, and anyone fascinated by animal behavior and conservation.

    Keywords: monarch butterfly migration, animal migration, butterfly conservation, milkweed, pollinator corridors, monarch overwintering, butterfly navigation, North American wildlife
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • Rivers of Thunder: Following the Wildebeest Across the Serengeti

    Rivers of Thunder: Following the Wildebeest Across the Serengeti
    Apr 16 2026
    Join host David Hale as he explores the Great Migration of wildebeest across East Africa's Serengeti ecosystem. This episode follows nearly two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles on their annual 1,800-mile circular journey between Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve. Discover the dramatic river crossings at Grumeti and Mara Rivers, the remarkable calving season in the southern plains, and the ancient instincts that guide these animals along pathways used for over a million years. Learn about the ecological factors driving this spectacular migration, from volcanic soil nutrients to seasonal rainfall patterns. The episode examines how wildebeest navigate using environmental cues, the challenges of river crossings, and the circular nature of their year-round journey. From January calving season producing 400,000 babies to the famous Mara River crossings between July and September, this natural phenomenon represents one of Earth's greatest wildlife spectacles. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, travel planners, and anyone fascinated by animal behavior and African ecosystems. Discover why this ancient migration continues despite modern challenges and what it reveals about survival instincts in the animal kingdom.
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.