Since 1900, avid birders from around the country have
jotted down sightings, and taken photographs of early winter birds in their area. It’s called the Annual Christmas Bird Count,
and here in Vermont, birders group
together to compile data. We talk with
Bridget Butler from Audubon Vermont
about which species we’re likely to catch a glimpse of during a Vermont
winter.
Willem Lange
Then, we go behind the scenes of one of VPR’s favorite
holiday traditions-author and long-time VPR commentator Willem
Lange reading his story about old farmer Favor Johnson delivering Christmas
presents throughout his village. We talk
with Lange about how he came up with the memorable character.
Year in Review
And, as part of VPR’s Year in Review series, we explore the
top cultural stories of the year. Steve
Delaney looks at the cultural conflicts over decriminalizing marijuana, and
legalizing gay marriage…and then remembers town meeting day, and the premiere
of The Simpsons movie.