Egg collection reveals much about bird history

Egg collection
The vast egg collection of Ralph Handsaker, an Iowa farmer, is the starting point for Carrol Henderson's account of oology, or egg collecting, and its role in the origins of modern birdwatching and bird conservation in North America.
Photo courtesy of Carrol Henderson

A new book from a Minnesota-based wildlife specialist tells the story of bird history and conservation in North America. It's called "Oology and Ralph's Talking Eggs."

The author is Carrol Henderson, who works for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Henderson writes in the book about new discoveries that have come from researching a collection of about 4,000 bird eggs gathered by an Iowa farmer named Ralph Handsaker.

MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with author Carrol Henderson.

Dear reader,

Your voice matters. And we want to hear it.

Will you help shape the future of Minnesota Public Radio by taking our short Listener Survey?

It only takes a few minutes, and your input helps us serve you better—whether it’s news, culture, or the conversations that matter most to Minnesotans.

Volume Button
Volume
Now Listening To Livestream
MPR News logo
On Air
BBC World Service