Will's Birdbrain
Will's Birdbrain
Will Valentine
There are billions of birds flying around the world, let's get a know some of them! Episodes will feature one bird, highlighting their history and role in the modern world, as well as a myth or legend centered around that bird from around the world. Hosted by birdnerd Will, featuring guests from the birding community.
Will's Birdbrain Abroad
There are approximately 50 billion birds in the world. There are approximately 8.2 billion humans on earth. That is about 6 birds for every person. With that kind of ratio it isn’t hard to see how there are a lot of different birds that are common birds for people around the world. The Will’s Birdbrain Podcast is dedicated to uplifting the amazing lives of average every day birds, such as the navigationally gifted rock dove, or the wickedly clever American crow. But there is something Will di...
Apr 13, 2025
1 hr 11 min
Flock Talk: America's Wildlife Refuges
Have you ever been to a National Wildlife Refuge? Do you know the difference between a National Wildlife Refuge and a National Park? If not, this is the episode for you! Will is joined by Gaby from America's Wildlife Refuges, a nonprofit charged with advocating for and maintaining America's National Wildlife Refuge system. This is no small task - there are over 500 refuges in the country! Together they will share stories about visits to National Wildlife Refuges and try and teach you all abou...
Mar 16, 2025
33 min
Nutty Nuthatches
"Yank-yank-yank!" That means your birdfeeder is empty in nuthatch! In this episode Will introduces you to the nutty brains of two very familiar sights in the United States - the red-breasted nuthatch and the white-breasted nuthatch! These common birdfeeder birds are known for their acrobatic movements and penchant for hanging upside down. Tune in for some amazing facts about the lives of nuthatches, and tips for identifying them in your backyard! Also explored is the curious history of bird f...
Feb 2, 2025
25 min
The Cedar Waxwing Museum
Ready for a trip to the Cedar Waxwing Museum? You'll learn an "ear-full" in this episode all about the little silken heroes! Cedar waxwings are a bird that is a familiar sight during the darkest, loneliest time of the year due to their penchant for short migrations. These birds are incredibly social and tend to have a little too much fun at bird parties. Have you ever seen a flock gorging themselves on berries? In this episode Will explores the complex social habits of cedar waxwings and de...
Dec 15, 2024
28 min
Flock Talk: Naturalist Doug
Do you know someone you wish cared about birds like you do? Have you ever wondered how to appropriately share rare bird locations? If so, this is the episode for you! Doug Hitchcox, a Naturalist with the goal of “getting the most people to see the most birds” joins Will for an engaging discussion about the state of "birding." Doug works towards his goal in his professional life, with over a decade of experience as a professional Naturalist working for conversation-based organizations, a...
Nov 28, 2024
1 hr 4 min
Favorite Birding Moments - Season Three Intermission
Attention loyal listeners! Will is going on his annual summer podcasting break! Don't worry, the second half of season three will be here as soon as you can say "the ivory-billed woodpecker is gone forever." In the meantime, here is a bonus episode all about Will's favorite bird and birding moments. Some of the stories just may surprise you!Want to share your own favorite birding moment? Head on over to the WBB Instagram account! There is a video posted asking all to comment their favorite bi...
Jul 28, 2024
15 min
Liberty and Justice for All Bald Eagles
Attention intrepid birder! Uncle Sam wants YOU to learn about the bald eagle! Join Will as he describes the adventurous, independent, free lives of the bald eagles of the USA. From building gigantic villas of nests, to exploring the nation for years before settling down, bald eagles are much more than your average bird. Also explored are the roots of bald eagle symbolism in American culture. Why is the bald eagle the USA's national bird? Were any other birds considered? What about the native ...
Jul 14, 2024
28 min
Flock Talk: Relief Printmaker Lia
Want to take a hike with Will's Birdbrain? If the answer is yes, you are in luck! This episode was recorded live on a hike in Westbrook, Maine! Try listening to this relaxing journey when you are unwinding after a long day, try and picture the unique creatures discussed and heard, and imagine the strange plants described... If you enjoy this more "freeform" type of episode be sure to check out the WBB Patreon page! There are exclusive episodes posted there that are similar to this one! This e...
Jun 30, 2024
53 min
Humming Along With the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
This episode is sweet as nectar because it is all about the ruby-throated hummingbird! Hummingbirds are tiny creatures that have captured the hearts and minds of humans for centuries. They live fast and often die young, making sure to pack in a ton of adventure and excitement while they are around. What can hummingbirds teach us about the way we live our lives? In this episode Will also explores Aztec lore regarding Huītzilōpōchtli, the sun god that often appeared to the native Mexicans as a ...
Jun 19, 2024
24 min
Flock Talk: Vet Tech Morgan
Let's be real, we've all had the dream of being a veterinarian at one point or another. Most of us may have had that dream during childhood, but veterinarian technician Morgan held fast and is living that dream! Morgan joins Will to talk about her journey to becoming a vet tech, share stories from her adventures in the world of conservation, and discuss the role of pets in our lives. This is the first episode of Flock Talk, episodes that are exclusively interviews and conversations with peopl...
Jun 2, 2024
56 min
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