Ep 11. Birds of America- John James Audubon

In this episode of A Taste of History, host Walter Staib delves into the life and work of John James Audubon, the French-American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. Audubon is best known for his extensive collection of bird paintings, which he compiled into his famous book, Birds of America.

Staib begins the episode by visiting the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, which was Audubon's home from 1803 to 1806. Here, he learns about Audubon's early life and how his love for nature and birds influenced his artwork.

Next, Staib travels to the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, where he gets a closer look at Audubon's paintings and learns about the painstaking process he went through to create them. Audubon's attention to detail and his desire to depict the birds in their natural habitats set him apart from other artists of his time.

As always, food plays a central role in A Taste of History, and in this episode, Staib prepares a meal based on Audubon's travels through America. He makes a fried chicken recipe that Audubon may have enjoyed on his journeys, as well as a vegetable dish featuring ingredients that Audubon may have encountered in his explorations.

Throughout the episode, Staib interviews experts in the field of ornithology and natural history, who provide fascinating insight into Audubon's life and work. He also visits the Audubon Museum at Mill Grove, which contains original artwork and personal items from Audubon's life.

By the end of the episode, viewers will have a deeper appreciation for John James Audubon's contributions to our knowledge and understanding of birds and the natural world. Staib's exploration of Audubon's life and artwork is both informative and entertaining, and his cooking segments add a delicious dimension to the show.