Weekend Edition Sunday

"I mean, this is sort of a dramatic bag," says Dave Willard. "It feels like a block of ice, and what it is is a block of dead thrushes."

Willard is an ornithologist at Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History, which houses one of the world's largest collections of bird specimens. It's where many of the migratory birds that die mid-journey are taken to be preserved. The frozen thrushes — along with several hundred other dead songbirds — were picked up and stuffed into bags outside the small Minnesota town of Baudette.

Though many people consider themselves collectors — whether it's postcards or books or stamps — there are few collections that rival the acquisitions of Claribel and Etta Cone. The Cone sisters, natives of Baltimore, were collectors of some of the greatest and most innovative art of their time. During the late 19th century and early 20th century, they acquired 3,000 pieces, including the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of works by Henri Matisse.

Singer James Torme, son of the legendary entertainer Mel Torme, just released his new album, Love for Sale. The record covers classic jazz and pop songs from artists such as Michael Jackson and Cole Porter. Torme tells Weekend Edition Sunday guest host Susan Stamberg that he wanted to put a new spin on some old classics.

Last week, listeners responded to a story on the declining population of northern spotted owls because barred owls are taking over their territory. Plus, plenty of listeners raised a glass to our story about cocktail culture. Guest host Jacki Lyden shares E-mails and Web comments from listeners.

The classically-trained British actor Michael York has had a dazzling film, stage and television career, from Shakespeare to Austin Powers to The Simpsons. Guest host Jacki Lyden speaks with York about his long and distinguished acting career.