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Band & Choir Pandemic Adjustments | Kansas' Disappearing Birds

Segment 1, beginning at 3:56: Middle and high school fine arts programs are grappling with coronavirus risk and safety.

Social distancing, mask protocols, and programming changes are all being implemented to accommodate the safety of band and choir students this fall. “There is a certain amount of responsibility you have regardless of what the climate is," choir director Brian Hartman said.


Segment 2, beginning at 33:58: The U.S. has lost 3 billion birds since the 1970s. Kansas has seen the decline of key species.

Birders and farmers have for years reported seeing fewer and fewer birds, but what's to blame for the decrease? Climate change, wind turbines and outdoor cats all play a part. Longtime bird watcher Chuck Otte said Kansas' state bird, the western meadowlark, isn't migrating to new places — "they're just disappearing."

Copyright 2021 KCUR 89.3. To see more, visit KCUR 89.3.

Steve Kraske is an associate teaching professor of journalism at UMKC, a political columnist for The Kansas City Star and has hosted "Up to Date" since 2002. He worked as the full-time political correspondent for The Star from 1994-2013 covering national, state and local campaigns. He also has covered the statehouses in Topeka and Jefferson City.
Luke X. Martin is an assistant producer for KCUR's Up To Date.
Chris Young