
This time on The Birding Today Podcast, I am joined by Mona Loofs-Samorzewski to go in-depth on joy of birding, how to define a birder, the seasonality of birds, differences in northern vs. southern hemisphere birding, and what drives us to be birders in evolutionary terms. We also discuss the 'collecting gene', eBird reviewing, and birding with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Other topics in this episode include group vs. solo birding, the environmental impact of birding, what makes a good birder, and listing.For business/sponsorship enquiries or listener shout-outs • [email protected] THE SHOW ON PATREON : https://www.patreon.com/birdingtodaySUPPORT THE SHOW ON BUZZSPROUT : https://www.buzzsprout.com/1867886/supportFollow the show on all podcast streaming platforms!SPOTIFY • https://open.spotify.com/show/7go2PV18XD5oYpMYrzMUAR?si=e7dad39a4e6a435cAPPLE PODCASTS • https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-birding-today-podcast/id1589560789Season 5, Episode 3#birding #ebird #australia This episode is part of The Birding Today Podcast series. Please consider subscribing to support and share my work! If you'd like to get in touch or have a question about the show, you can write to [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you!00:00 Introduction04:34 What is it about birding that brings you joy?06:02 The seasonality of birds07:51 What sparked your interest in birds?12:00 Birding with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome16:50 Is birding inclusive to people with disabilities?18:22 Competitivity in birding19:42 Listing21:58 How to define a birder23:53 Camera vs. binoculars26:20 Being an eBird reviewer31:30 Birding in Tasmania35:10 What makes a good birder?45:57 The 'collecting gene'50:44 What drives us to be birders in evolutionary terms?54:21 Group vs. solo birding, and the environmental impact of birding58:31 Birding during lockdown and local patches01:01:49 Bird surveys, citizen science, and the Tasmanian Twitchathon01:07:58 What's your favourite bird?01:09:48 Feeding birds and providing water01:15:47 What's your dream bird?01:16:45 Birding overseas and more eBird discussion01:19:32 Balancing work/life/family with birding01:23:01 Mona's dream destination, and discussion about birding gear01:29:09 ConclusionFollow Me!Instagram • https://www.instagram.com/birdingtodayTwitter • https://twitter.com/Birding_TodayYouTube • https://www.youtube.com/c/BirdingTodayFacebook • https://www.facebook.com/TheBirdingTodayPodcastVideo editing Software • Blender 2.92.0 (Windows 11)Recorded on ZOOM on 25th June 2023Thank you for listening!Support the show
Sep 7, 2023
1 hr 29 min

In this episode, I am joined by Ramit Singal to delve into the depths of audio recording! We discuss the sounds birds make (both vocal and non-vocal), how recording bird sounds can shed light on many aspects of birds' lives, and how to start recording bird sounds as a beginner. We also discuss birds' different 'dialects', using sound to discern between similar-looking species, and the best habitat types to record bird sounds in. Additionally, we touch on the differences between birding in Australian and India, the playfulness of birds, pelagics and much more!For business/sponsorship enquiries or listener shout-outs • [email protected] THE SHOW ON PATREON : https://www.patreon.com/birdingtodaySUPPORT THE SHOW ON BUZZSPROUT : https://www.buzzsprout.com/1867886/supportFollow the show on all podcast streaming platforms!SPOTIFY • https://open.spotify.com/show/7go2PV18XD5oYpMYrzMUAR?si=e7dad39a4e6a435cAPPLE PODCASTS • https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-birding-today-podcast/id1589560789Season 5, Episode 2#birding #soundrecording #audio This episode is part of The Birding Today Podcast series. Please consider subscribing to support and share my work! If you'd like to get in touch or have a question about the show, you can write to [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you!00:00 Introduction05:18 What aspect of birding brings you the most joy?08:22 How birds generate empathy in us and birds' playfulness12:15 What sparked your interest in birds?16:12 Differences in birding between Australia and India21:11 Group vs. solo birding23:52 Tasmanian birding26:54 Pelagics30:45 Recording bird sounds01:11:43 What other groups of animals do you record sounds of?01:15:25 Using sounds in ornithology research01:17:08 Different bird 'dialects'01:20:38 Similar-looking species01:22:33 Best habitat types to record sounds in01:25:58 Ramit's tips for beginner sound recordists01:29:07 Bird monitoring and public engagement01:41:04 What's your favourite bird?01:44:41 What's your dream bird?01:46:02 What's your dream birding destination?01:50:22 ConclusionFollow Me!Instagram • https://www.instagram.com/birdingtodayTwitter • https://twitter.com/Birding_TodayYouTube • https://www.youtube.com/c/BirdingTodayFacebook • https://www.facebook.com/TheBirdingTodayPodcastVideo editing Software • Blender 2.92.0 (Windows 11)Recorded on ZOOM on 25th June 2023Thank you for listening!Support the show
Jul 31, 2023
1 hr 52 min

Welcome back to a brand new season of The Birding Today Podcast! I am joined by James Bennett to discuss fan-favourite topics of the show, including what makes a good birder, eBird, pelagics, the eternal binoculars vs. camera question, and of course what brings us joy in birding. We also touch on LGAs, group vs. solo birding, and James' interest in native orchids and frogs. In addition, James speaks about his work as a professional singer-songwriter and musician, and how this overlaps with his passion for birding.For business/sponsorship enquiries or listener shout-outs • [email protected] THE SHOW ON PATREON : https://www.patreon.com/birdingtodaySUPPORT THE SHOW ON BUZZSPROUT : https://www.buzzsprout.com/1867886/supportFollow the show on all podcast streaming platforms!SPOTIFY • https://open.spotify.com/show/7go2PV18XD5oYpMYrzMUAR?si=e7dad39a4e6a435cAPPLE PODCASTS • https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-birding-today-podcast/id1589560789Season 5, Episode 1#birding #listing #photographyThis episode is part of The Birding Today Podcast series. Please consider leaving a positive review wherever you listen to the show, in order to support my work! If you want to take it a step further, you can also join the Official Birding Today Patreon community! If you'd like to get in touch or have a question about the show, you can write to [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you!Follow Me!Instagram • https://www.instagram.com/birdingtodayTwitter • https://twitter.com/Birding_TodayYouTube • https://www.youtube.com/c/BirdingTodayFacebook • https://www.facebook.com/TheBirdingTodayPodcastSupport the show
Jul 3, 2023
1 hr 25 min

In this final episode of Season 4, I am joined by Adrian Walsh! We discuss the psychological drive we all have as birders, birding on the Cairns Esplanade, comparing UK and Australian birding, and we ponder at length the camera vs. binoculars question. We also go very in-depth on what makes a good birder, Adrian's discovery of the Nordmann's Greenshank (and more recently, the Ruff at Dunne Rd Swamp), and balancing birding time with work & family. Thank you Adrian!For business/sponsorship enquiries or listener shout-outs • [email protected] THE SHOW ON PATREON : https://www.patreon.com/birdingtodayFollow the show on all podcast streaming platforms!SPOTIFY • https://open.spotify.com/show/7go2PV18XD5oYpMYrzMUAR?si=e7dad39a4e6a435cAPPLE PODCASTS • https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-birding-today-podcast/id1589560789Season 4, Episode 11#birding #waders #photography This episode is part of The Birding Today Podcast series. Please consider leaving a positive review wherever you listen to the show, in order to support my work! If you want to take it a step further, you can also join the Official Birding Today Patreon community! If you'd like to get in touch or have a question about the show, you can write to [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you!Follow Me!Instagram • https://www.instagram.com/birdingtodayTwitter • https://twitter.com/Birding_TodayYouTube • https://www.youtube.com/c/BirdingTodayFacebook • https://www.facebook.com/TheBirdingTodayPodcastSupport the show
Nov 28, 2022
3 hr 9 min

In this episode, I sit down with John Young to discuss his life as a naturalist, wildlife videographer and photographer, and ecological consultant. Topics we touch on include John's early naturalist days, butterflies, playback, the beauty of vast and remote places, and the differences between a naturalist and a birder. Of course, we also go in-depth into John's rediscovery of the Night Parrot and more generally talk about the effects of having an obsession for the natural world. Thank you John!For business/sponsorship enquiries or listener shout-outs • [email protected] THE SHOW ON PATREON : https://www.patreon.com/birdingtodayFollow the show on all podcast streaming platforms!SPOTIFY • https://open.spotify.com/show/7go2PV18XD5oYpMYrzMUAR?si=e7dad39a4e6a435cAPPLE PODCASTS • https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-birding-today-podcast/id1589560789Season 4, Episode 10#birding #nightparrot #naturalist This episode is part of The Birding Today Podcast series. Please consider leaving a positive review wherever you listen to the show, in order to support my work! If you want to take it a step further, you can also join the Official Birding Today Patreon community! If you'd like to get in touch or have a question about the show, you can write to [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you!Follow Me!Instagram • https://www.instagram.com/birdingtodayTwitter • https://twitter.com/Birding_TodayYouTube • https://www.youtube.com/c/BirdingTodayFacebook • https://www.facebook.com/TheBirdingTodayPodcastSupport the show
Nov 16, 2022
1 hr 24 min

Welcome to the second edition of the Mailbag series, where I read out listener emails and respond to them! This time, listeners write in to tell me all about their favourite birds. I also announce the winner of the Treeswift Wildlife & Nature Giveaway, where one lucky listener wins a free customised birdwatching tour!For business/sponsorship enquiries or listener shout-outs • [email protected] THE SHOW ON PATREON : https://www.patreon.com/birdingtodayFollow the show on all podcast streaming platforms!SPOTIFY • https://open.spotify.com/show/7go2PV18XD5oYpMYrzMUAR?si=e7dad39a4e6a435cAPPLE PODCASTS • https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-birding-today-podcast/id1589560789#giveaway #treeswift #mailbag This video is part of The Birding Today Podcast series. Please consider subscribing to support and share my work! If you'd like to get in touch or have a question about the show, you can write to [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you!Follow Me!Instagram • https://www.instagram.com/birdingtodayTwitter • https://twitter.com/Birding_TodayYouTube • https://www.youtube.com/c/BirdingTodayFacebook • https://www.facebook.com/TheBirdingTodayPodcastSupport the show
Nov 10, 2022
31 min

I am joined today by Peter Vaughan, who is currently undertaking a PhD in seabird conservation ecology. We discuss the beauty and mystery of seabirds, and how we can most effectively protect them. Other topics we touch on include the travelling aspect of birding, Peter's tips for new birders, and the potentially intrusive nature of technology in birding. And, of course, we also address the show's central themes of what makes a good birder, the joy of birding, and group vs. solo birding! Thank you for your time, Peter!For business/sponsorship enquiries or listener shout-outs • [email protected] THE SHOW ON PATREON : https://www.patreon.com/birdingtodayFollow the show on all podcast streaming platforms!SPOTIFY • https://open.spotify.com/show/7go2PV18XD5oYpMYrzMUAR?si=e7dad39a4e6a435cAPPLE PODCASTS • https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-birding-today-podcast/id1589560789Season 4, Episode 9#birding #seabirds #conservation This episode is part of The Birding Today Podcast series. Please consider leaving a positive review wherever you listen to the show, in order to support my work! If you want to take it a step further, you can also join the Official Birding Today Patreon community! If you'd like to get in touch or have a question about the show, you can write to [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you!Follow Me!Instagram • https://www.instagram.com/birdingtodayTwitter • https://twitter.com/Birding_TodayYouTube • https://www.youtube.com/c/BirdingTodayFacebook • https://www.facebook.com/TheBirdingTodayPodcastSupport the show
Nov 3, 2022
1 hr 6 min

In this week's episode, Nick Leseberg joins me on the show to discuss Australia's rarest species of birds! Specifically, we talk about the mythical Night Parrot and its history, ecology, and current status, as well as Nick's PhD and his active role in the Night Parrot's conservation. We also touch on the concept of rarity (why are some species rare and others aren't?), nurturing the passion for birds in the next generation, and how to manage the social dynamics of guiding a group. Of course, we also address the show's central questions like what makes a good birder, what brings joy in birding, and eBird. Thank you for your time, Nick!Contact Nick Leseberg • [email protected] (deadline 29th October 2022) • To enter the draw to win a custom birdwatching tour with Treeswift Wildlife & Nature, follow the steps below!1. Like 'The Birding Today Podcast' Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheBirdingTodayPodcast2. Like 'Treeswift Wildlife & Nature' Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TreeswiftWildlifeNature3. Send an email to [email protected] and let me know what your favourite bird is and why.For business/sponsorship enquiries or listener shout-outs • [email protected] THE SHOW ON PATREON : https://www.patreon.com/birdingtodayFollow the show on all podcast streaming platforms!SPOTIFY • https://open.spotify.com/show/7go2PV18XD5oYpMYrzMUAR?si=e7dad39a4e6a435cAPPLE PODCASTS • https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-birding-today-podcast/id1589560789Season 4, Episode 8#birding #nightparrot #conservation This episode is part of The Birding Today Podcast series. Please consider leaving a positive review wherever you listen to the show, in order to support my work! If you want to take it a step further, you can also join the Official Birding Today Patreon community! If you'd like to get in touch or have a question about the show, you can write to [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you!Follow Me!Instagram • https://www.instagram.com/birdingtodayTwitter • https://twitter.com/Birding_TodayYouTube • https://www.youtube.com/c/BirdingTodayFacebook • https://www.facebook.com/TheBirdingTodayPodcastSupport the show
Oct 27, 2022
1 hr 28 min

Today, I am joined by Paul Brooks to discuss Eaglehawk Neck Pelagics and Tasmanian birding! Our conversation also touches on what makes Tasmania unique as a birding destination, the best place for birding in Tasmania, Paul's role as an eBird reviewer, and his experience birding in Canada. Thank you for coming on the show, Paul!GIVEAWAY (deadline 29th October 2022) • To enter the draw to win a custom birdwatching tour with Treeswift Wildlife & Nature, follow the steps below!1. Like 'The Birding Today Podcast' Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheBirdingTodayPodcast2. Like 'Treeswift Wildlife & Nature' Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TreeswiftWildlifeNature3. Send an email to [email protected] and let me know what your favourite bird is and why.For business/sponsorship enquiries or listener shout-outs • [email protected] THE SHOW ON PATREON : https://www.patreon.com/birdingtodayFollow the show wherever you get your podcasts!Season 4, Episode 7#birding #tasmania #eaglehawkneck This episode is part of The Birding Today Podcast series. Please consider leaving a positive review wherever you listen to the show, in order to support my work! If you want to take it a step further, you can also join the Official Birding Today Patreon community! If you'd like to get in touch or have a question about the show, you can write to [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you!Follow Me!Instagram • https://www.instagram.com/birdingtodayTwitter • https://twitter.com/Birding_TodayYouTube • https://www.youtube.com/c/BirdingTodayFacebook • https://www.facebook.com/TheBirdingTodayPodcastSupport the show
Oct 20, 2022
40 min

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Micha Jackson, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Queensland who focuses on waterbird ecology and wetland conservation, especially of coastal migratory shorebirds. We discuss how conserving birds and their habitats bring people together, and the international networks that are created and maintained through conservation. In addition, we touch on eBird, the Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Micha's research, translating birding to art and music, and more.GIVEAWAY (deadline 29th October 2022) • To enter the draw to win a custom birdwatching tour with Treeswift Wildlife & Nature, follow the steps below!1. Like 'The Birding Today Podcast' Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheBirdingTodayPodcast2. Like 'Treeswift Wildlife & Nature' Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TreeswiftWildlifeNature3. Send an email to [email protected] and let me know what your favourite bird is and why.For business/sponsorship enquiries or listener shout-outs • [email protected] THE SHOW ON PATREON : https://www.patreon.com/birdingtodayFollow the show wherever you get your podcasts!Season 4, Episode 6#birding #shorebirds #conservation This episode is part of The Birding Today Podcast series. Please consider leaving a positive review wherever you listen to the show, in order to support my work! If you want to take it a step further, you can also join the Official Birding Today Patreon community! If you'd like to get in touch or have a question about the show, you can write to [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you!Follow Me!Instagram • https://www.instagram.com/birdingtodayTwitter • https://twitter.com/Birding_TodayYouTube • https://www.youtube.com/c/BirdingTodayFacebook • https://www.facebook.com/TheBirdingTodayPodcastSupport the show
Oct 13, 2022
1 hr
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