Best Beginner Birdwatching Podcasts (2025)

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99: Marcel Rochon Interview: The Healing Power of Nature and Birding 1:17:37

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1d ago1:17:37

1:17:37

We’re joined by a fan of the show who reached out with a heartfelt letter that really moved us. Our guest, Marcel, is a passionate birder with a story that is truly touching. From being a world-class athlete to navigating the challenges of a severe brain injury, he found healing and meaning in nature and birding. We’ll start by sharing the touching…

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Nature, Healing, and Finding Joy Through Community and Education with Nicole Jackson 56:49

4d ago56:49

56:49

In this episode, Dexter and Jason are joined by Nicole Jackson, environmental educator, urban birder, nature photographer, and co-organizer of Black Birders Week. Nicole shares her journey into environmental education, the healing power of nature, and her passion for making outdoor spaces more inclusive. From grassroots work in Ohio to national ini…

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98: Peter Kaestner Interview - Seeing 10,000 Bird Species In The Wild! 1:34:04

8d ago1:34:04

1:34:04

This week, we have a truly special guest—Peter Kaestner, the first person in history to see over 10,000 bird species in the wild. It’s a mind-blowing achievement. Peter took us on an unforgettable journey through his life as a birder, and how his career as a diplomat allowed him to travel the globe. He shared incredible stories—like birding in Colo…

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On-Site with the Soaring Eagles: STEMM, Marshes & Bird Joy in Toledo 45:18

11d ago45:18

45:18

In this special on-the-road episode, Dexter and Jason visit the Soaring Eagles of Chase STEMM Academy in Toledo, Ohio, for an inspiring conversation with 6th and 7th-grade student ambassadors. Just steps from Manhattan Marsh, these young scholars are exploring nature, STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine), and their big dream…

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97: Orange-tufted Spiderhunter 35:10

15d ago35:10

35:10

We’ve got a fun one for you this week as we get ready for a very special guest: Peter Kaestner—the first person to see 10,000 bird species in the wild. We speak to him next week. To prep for that epic conversation, we're taking a closer look at the bird that earned him that milestone: the Orange-tufted Spiderhunter. Spoiler alert—Amanda was not imp…

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Nature, Healing, and Representation with Dudley Edmondson 54:12

18d ago54:12

54:12

In this inspiring episode of the Bird Joy Podcast, hosts Dexter and Jason sit down with renowned photographer, author, filmmaker, and speaker Dudley Edmondson. With a career spanning over 30 years, Dudley has captured nature's wild beauty and redefined who belongs in those wild spaces. From the Arctic Circle to inner-city green spaces, Dudley's wor…

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96: Black-capped Chickadee - Cute Bird with a Mighty Brain 58:01

22d ago58:01

58:01

In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive deep into the fascinating world of the Black-capped Chickadee—one of North America's most beloved birds. Discover the secrets behind the chickadee's distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call, its remarkable memory, and how this tiny bird survives harsh winters with clever food-storing habits…

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Joy, Justice & Birding with Corina Newsome 57:07

25d ago57:07

57:07

We’re celebrating Black Birders Week with a very special guest: Corina Newsome — wildlife biologist, conservation scientist, and one of the original co-organizers of the first Black Birders Week in 2020. In this inspiring episode, Corina joins Dexter and Jason to talk about her journey from zookeeper to passionate advocate for environmental justice…

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118 Season Finale - with the Weekend Birder Community 21:08

28d ago21:08

21:08

Celebrate the joy of birdwatching together. This episode is a special collection of listener stories, curious questions, and bird recordings from the Weekend Birder community. Thank you to Alexa, Kerrie Robertson, Tom Raw, Meg Dow, Jia Yin, Pete Brothwell, Anelie Joy, Jeff Smith, Christoph Devoil, and Roger MacKertich for your contributions — and t…

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95: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Revisited 35:45

29d ago35:45

35:45

In this episode of Birds of a Feather Podcast, we revisit one of our favorite past episodes all about the ruby-throated hummingbird—a truly fascinating and fast-flying species known for its shimmering feathers and incredible migration. Join hosts John Bates and Shannon Hackett, along with RJ Pole and Amanda Marquart, as we dive back into the world …

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The Joy of Vultures with Kojo Baidoo 48:33

1M ago48:33

48:33

In this episode, Dexter and Jason sit down with Kojo Baidoo — a 23-year-old birder, Princeton graduate, and self-proclaimed vulture enthusiast — to explore how one young conservationist is flipping the script on one of the most misunderstood birds in the skies. Kojo shares how his birding journey began in Maryland and took flight during his time st…

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117 Dawn Chorus - with Andrew 30:13

1M ago30:13

30:13

Listen to the world around you. This episode is about learning from birds, deep listening and why the Australian dawn chorus is so unique. Andrew Skeoch is a professional wildlife sound recordist, acoustic ecologist and author of ‘Deep Listening to Nature’. Over the last 30 years, he has documenting the sounds of environments around the planet, and…

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94: Blackpoll Warbler Revisited - Epic Migration and More About Warblers 40:53

1M ago40:53

40:53

This week, we're revisiting a listener favorite all about Blackpoll Warblers—tiny birds with an absolutely epic migration. Whether you're new to warblers or already a seasoned birder, this episode is packed with fascinating facts and fresh insights. John and Shannon dive into what makes the Blackpoll Warbler’s journey so mind-blowing, and John give…

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The Art of Nature with Shane Alden 50:49

1M ago50:49

50:49

In this inspiring episode of The Bird Joy Podcast, Jason and Dexter sit down with Shane Alden Edwards, better known online as The Wild Dryad. A self-taught illustrator and botanist, Shane has captured the hearts of over half a million nature lovers through his vibrant educational content centered on plants, ecology, and outdoor learning. From early…

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116 Broken Hill - with Anika 24:09

1M ago24:09

24:09

Take a trip to the Australian outback. This episode is about the unique birds that call Broken Hill home and the passion of a farmer who cares for wildlife and the planet. Dr Anika Molesworth is an Agriculture and Environmental scientist who works on climate smart farming across Australia and the Asia Pacific. With a passion for rural communities a…

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93: Great Potoo, we also talk Prothonotary Warbler and Answer A Question on Robin's Eggs 51:48

1M ago51:48

51:48

This week, we dive into the weird and wonderful world of the Great Potoo—a mysterious nocturnal bird with haunting eyes and an even stranger call. Ever wondered why robin eggs are blue? We’ve got the answer! Plus, we spotlight one of North America’s most stunning songbirds: the Prothonotary Warbler, known for its brilliant yellow plumage and swampy…

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Riding on the Wings of Joy with Dr. J. Drew Lanham 1:05:16

2M ago1:05:16

1:05:16

The second episode of The Bird Joy Podcast features hosts Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall in conversation with their "dream guest," Dr. J. Drew Lanham, a distinguished wildlife ecologist, professor, poet, and author. The episode delves into Dr. Lanham's deep connections to nature, starting with his childhood on The Home Place and the influence of h…

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115 Casual Birding - with Suzy 29:08

2M ago29:08

29:08

Look at Australian birds with new eyes. This episode is about the adventures of an English birdwatcher and podcaster, the power of the human connection and where to go birding in the UK. Suzy Buttress has loved watching birds ever since she was a child, likely inspired by hand-feeding pigeons in Trafalgar Square. Her passion for birds and the desir…

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92: Wood Ducks: Nesting Behavior, Baby Ducklings & a Surprise Owl Sighting 1:03:39

2M ago1:03:39

1:03:39

In this nature-packed episode, we dive into the fascinating world of Wood Ducks—one of the most beautiful and iconic duck species in North America. Learn about their striking plumage, unique nesting habits, and the incredible moment when day-old ducklings leap from tree cavities to join their mother on the ground. We also share a recent encounter w…

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91: How NSF Budget Cuts Are Threatening U.S. Science – A Deep Dive with Ornithologists 31:18

2M ago31:18

31:18

In this timely and urgent episode, we explore the devastating impact of recent budget cuts and defunding of the National Science Foundation (NSF) on the U.S. scientific community. Originally planning to discuss Wood Ducks, our conversation quickly shifted to the broader crisis facing science in America today. Join married ornithologists John and Sh…

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Welcome Back! 55:03

2M ago55:03

55:03

We're back! In the Season 3 premiere of Bird Joy, your favorite birding buddies reunite to catch up, share what’s new, and get pumped for the peak of spring migration. From exciting bird sightings to major personal milestones—including Dexter’s new book and In Color Birding Club’s website launch—this episode sets the tone for an inspiring and vibra…

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114 Bird of Prey Q&A - with Steve 18:05

2M ago18:05

18:05

Get to know birds of prey on a whole new level. This episode answers listener questions about things like bird parenting, food and morphs. Stephen Debus has been interested in birds, and especially raptors, since childhood. He’s had a long association with the University of New England (Armidale, NSW) as a research fellow and honorary research asso…

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90: American Dipper - Bird that Walks Under Water 48:40

2M ago48:40

48:40

This week we are talking about one of the coolest birds in North America: The American Dipper. This is a smaller nondescript bird that has learned and adapted how find food in some of the roughest river water imaginable. It can fly through waterfalls, withstand rushing currents, and to the eye just looks like a little gray songbird. John and Shanno…

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113 Birdwatching for All - with Ian and Julie 23:12

2M ago23:12

23:12

Discover the joys of birdwatching with limited mobility. This episode is about two birders who make birding accessible, including for those in a wheelchair, and the wonderful nature discoveries they've made along the way. Ian Kitchen has always been interested in nature, ever since he was a boy in England. When he was little, he was allowed to borr…

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112 Bird Videos - with Scot 27:18

2M ago27:18

27:18

Learn how to record video footage of birds. This episode is about a passionate ornithologist, conservationist and film-maker who has some great advice about creating bird videos. Scot works for Birdlife Australia and is the coordinator of the Lockyer-Toowoomba Birds on Farms Project. He is also the convenor of the Birdlife Darling Downs local branc…

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89: Red-Ruffed Fruitcrow 46:07

2M ago46:07

46:07

If you listened to our series on the Feather Thief, or read the book, you are familiar with the Red-ruffed fruitcrow. It was also called the Indian crow in the book. We wanted to follow up the series to talk more in depth about one of the birds that was mentioned so much, and it was pretty fascinating to learn more about this bird that actually has…

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88: Spotted Towhee - Bright Red Eyes! 33:23

2M ago33:23

33:23

This week we talk about the Spotted Towhee. RJ and Amanda saw them on their trip to Sedona, and thought it would be a fun bird to learn more about. Hosted by John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart. Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to [email protected] Make sure to follow us…

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111 Fairywren Quest - with Maggie 20:50

3M ago20:50

20:50

Try a different form of birdwatching. This episode is about slowing down to learn about local birds and a special place to go birding in Texas. Maggie Galbraith is an amateur naturalist who started focusing more on birds in her early 30s. Since then, she has been trying to educate herself as much as she can. Maggie loves photography. She also adore…

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87: Gambel's Quail - Sedona, topknots, and who was Gambel? 56:56

3M ago56:56

56:56

In this exciting episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive into the fascinating world of the Gambel's Quail – a stunning bird spotted by RJ and Amanda during their recent trip to Sedona, Arizona. With John’s Arizona roots, this bird-focused adventure made for the perfect topic, and trust us, it’s one you won’t want to miss! But that's no…

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110 Slow Birding - with Joan 16:45

3M ago16:45

16:45

Try a different form of birdwatching. This episode is about slowing down to learn about local birds and a special place to go birding in Texas. Joan E. Strassmann loves to watch local, common birds as they live their lives. She is Rebstock Professor of Biology at Washington University in St. Louis where she teaches behavioral ecology and works hard…

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86: Hoatzin Revisited with Jacob Drucker - You've Seen It On 'The Americas' on NBC 24:01

3M ago24:01

24:01

In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive deep into the world of the Hoatzin, one of the most unique and mysterious birds on the planet! With claws on their wings as chicks, these fascinating creatures might even offer a glimpse into the distant past of dinosaurs. Join our expert panel, including John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ P…

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109 Tasmania - with Ramit 21:13

3M ago21:13

21:13

Adventure to Australia’s southern island. This episode is about the joy of being a birdwatching tour guide, the fun of pelagics and the wilds of Tasmania. Ramit Singal has been interested in natural history ever since he was a kid. He is passionate about citizen science and enabling people to observe and love nature. Ramit also works as a nature to…

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85: Purple Martins Revisited - Migrating to the U.S. to live in man-made structures 25:01

3M ago25:01

25:01

In this exciting episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, hosts John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart dive into the fascinating world of the Purple Martin. Learn how these remarkable birds depend on man-made structures for nesting, particularly in the Eastern U.S., and why they’re so unique. In the second half, we tackle a m…

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108 Birds on Farms - with Shannon 18:02

3M ago18:02

18:02

Discover how farmers are making a difference for birds. This episode is about Birdlife Australia's Birds on Farms project and the positive impact it is having on birds, habitats and the people involved. Shannon Creaney is an ecologist based in Victoria, Australia, specialising in the conservation of native birds and threatened species. As the coord…

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84: Mourning Dove 27:48

3M ago27:48

27:48

If you've listened to our other episodes, you know Shannon's stance on Mourning Doves. See if we can convince her otherwise in our episode on Mourning Doves. Hosted by John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart. Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to [email protected] Make sure to…

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107 Did You Spot It - with Jason 16:04

3M ago16:04

16:04

Get advice about how to help children learn about the birds around them. This episode is about how anyone can become a birdwatcher. Jason Rodgers combines cartooning, musicianship, and performance to introduce kids to birdwatching. He's the illustrator/author of "Did You Spot It? Noticing Birds Around Australia", a colourful kids book enjoyed by ma…

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83: Harlequin Duck - Fascinating Waterfowl with Stunning Plumage 32:38

4M ago32:38

32:38

Harlequin Ducks are a captivating species of small, compact waterfowl known for their distinctive appearance. These beautiful ducks feature a large, rounded head, a small bill, and a steep forehead. Their striking plumage showcases a stunning slate blue color, accented with white stripes and chestnut sides. The head is especially eye-catching with …

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106 Ornithology - Paperback Perfumes crossover 1:06:48

4M ago1:06:48

1:06:48

Journey back to the 1800s to hear about the life of Elizabeth Gould. This cross-over episode is about illustrations of science, colonialism, feminism and the natural beauty of birds. Clare Presser, host of Paperback Perfumes podcast, loves storytelling and engaging her community. She merges literature and perfumery to evoke memories and new experie…

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82: Kirk Wallace Johnson Interview - The Feather Thief - The Shocking True-Crime Tale of a Museum Heist & Rare Bird Feathers 1:22:36

4M ago1:22:36

1:22:36

In today’s thrilling episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of true crime with Kirk Wallace Johnson, bestselling author of The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century. Join us as Kirk unravels the extraordinary story of a bizarre heist at The Natural History Museum in Tring, where a daring thief stol…

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105 Birding in a Kayak - with Marian 18:43

4M ago18:43

18:43

Look at Australian birds from a different perspective. This episode is about finding community, birdwatching while kayaking and a close encounter with a White-bellied Sea-eagle. Marian Blake is a casual birder with a lifelong passion for animals and nature. She’s spent half her career working with animals and have always had an interest in learning…

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81: The Feather Thief Part 6: Obsession, A Possible Accomplice, Final Thoughts 35:27

4M ago35:27

35:27

This week we close out with our final thoughts on the Feather Thief, as well as talk about the importance of museums and their collections. It’s our last episode before we talk to the author Kirk Wallace Johnson, so get ready for next week. This week we talk a little bit about obsession in general, and how it is human nature to become obsessed, whe…

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104 Gang-gang Cockatoos - with Holly and Gee 39:57

4M ago39:57

39:57

Learn all about one of Australia’s charasmatic cockatoos. This episode is a deep-dive into the world of the Gang-gang Cockatoo and the people that love it with all of their heart. Dr. Holly Parsons is all about the birds that live where people live. As BirdLife Australia’s Manager of Priority Sites, she oversees programs that aim to protect key hab…

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80: The Feather Thief Part 5: The Crime, The Importance of Museum Collections, also a discussion on Canada and also precious metals 50:05

4M ago50:05

50:05

Welcome back to Part 5 of our exploration of the book The Feather Thief. We discuss the horrific act that’s still causing ripples in the world of museums. We’ll also take a closer look at the role museum collections play in science—a subject misunderstood by some fly-tiers in the book. We also talk about how museum specimens drive scientific progre…

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103 Thriving in the City - with Jacinta 23:40

4M ago23:40

23:40

Discover how to create bird-friendly gardens in urban areas. This episode explores the challenges urban birds face, from habitat loss to Noisy Miners, and offers practical tips for supporting them in our own backyards. Jacinta Humphrey is an Urban Ecologist and Postdoctoral Researcher with the ICON Science group at RMIT University. Her work explore…

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79: The Feather Thief Part 4: The Argus Pheasant and Jason Weckstein Joins Us Again!! 37:07

4M ago37:07

37:07

Our adventure through the pages of the book The Feather Thief continues! We’re thrilled to have Jason Weckstein join us again. Jason is an enthusiastic fly fisherman and fly-tier, and also an amazing ornithologist. He joined us last week, and is back with even more laughs, stories, and an extraordinary depth of insight into the quirky worlds of bot…

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102 Birds and Music - with Ruby 22:42

5M ago22:42

22:42

Hear a musician reflect on how birds affect life and music. This episode is about the deep connection between nature and music, and how birds provide us with a sense of place. If anyone can silence a room, it’s South Africa-born and Melbourne-based musician Ruby Gill. Ruby’s arresting lyricism and deadpan wit have already garnered them millions of …

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78: The Feather Thief Part 3: Fly-tying with guest Jason Weckstein 45:25

5M ago45:25

45:25

We are doing a mini-series on The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson. This week we have a very special guest, Jason Weckstein, join us for a conversation about the intricacies of fly-tying. Jason is not only an avid fly fisherman and fly tier but also a passionate ornithologist. Jason is an Associate Curator of Ornithology at the Academy of Natu…

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101 Swallows and Martins - with Lorne 21:14

5M ago21:14

21:14

Discover the incredible aerial acrobatics of Australia's speedy little birds. This episode is about Sydney Park, and the world of Australian swallows and martins. Lorne Johnson is a high school teacher and poet living in Newtown, Sydney. He began birding way back in 1986. He has travelled all over Australia searching for birds. He is an avid urban …

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77: The Feather Thief Part 2: Walter Rothschild, Feather Fever, and the start of the Audubon Society 33:36

5M ago33:36

33:36

Part two of our Feather Thief mini-series! This week we cover chapters on Walter Rothschild’s infamous museum, the fashion madness known as "feather fever," which drove people to decimate millions of rare and exotic birds. Then we’ll explore the aftermath—how a group of determined women, appalled by the devastation, sparked a movement to protect bi…

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100 Birdwatching Slang with Cesar, Kylie, Sean and Steph 58:18

5M ago58:18

58:18

Deep-dive into the language of birdwatching. Our 100th episode is about birding slang, amusing anecdotes and the impact of language on our connection to birds and each other. Dr Cesar Puechmarin is a wildlife veternarian, award-winning wildlife photographer and the host of Death by Birding podcast. Dr Kylie Soanes is a scientist who collaborates wi…