Winnie Kyamujara

Nestled in the Central Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, is one of the most biodiverse nations on the continent, all the more impressive given its small size. With nearly 700 species of birds and an impressive diversity of large mammals, including Mountain Gorillas, Rwanda is increasingly a popular destination for nature tourists, including the ABA, which is heading there this winter. Winnie Kyamujara is a nature guide with the Ususambi Crane Preserve and she introduces us to this amazing county.  Also, Ontario birder and creator of the Winter Finch Report, Ron Pittaway, has passed away. We also celebrate incredible bird brains.  Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

Nestled in the Central Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, is one of the most biodiverse nations on the continent, all the more impressive given its small size. With nearly 700 species of birds and an impressive diversity of large mammals, including Mountain Gorillas, Rwanda is increasingly a popular destination for nature tourists, <a href="https://www.aba.org/rwanda-birding-tour-2023/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">including the ABA, which is heading there this winter</a>. Winnie Kyamujara is a nature guide with the Ususambi Crane Preserve and she introduces us to this amazing county.  Also, Ontario birder and creator of the Winter Finch Report, Ron Pittaway, has passed away. <a href="https://www.sciencealert.com/bird-brains-can-sense-magnetic-fields-with-the-flick-of-a-switch" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">We also celebrate incredible bird brains</a>.  Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/66zR2yB4AyXb4kRs90QBdo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

07-32: Birding Rwanda with Winnie Kyamujara

Tom Johnson

The birding community is collectively mourning the recent loss of Cape May birder Tom Johnson. Tom was a world-renowned birder and a prodigious contributor to the ABA's media, with insightful articles, phenomenal photography, and occasional appearances on the American Birding Podcast. We've collected a few of his appearances here on the podcast and offer them in remembrance of his incredible influence on all of us with his amazing skill, his generous spirit, and his good humor. We at the ABA, along with his many friends in the birding world and beyond, will miss him very much. If you have a Tom Johnson memory you'd like to share, please consider recording it on the voice recording app on your phone and send it to podcast@aba.org. We'd love to collect them. Subscribe to the podcast at  Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

The birding community is collectively mourning the recent loss of Cape May birder Tom Johnson. Tom was a world-renowned birder and a prodigious contributor to the ABA's media, with insightful articles, phenomenal photography, and occasional appearances on the American Birding Podcast. We've collected a few of his appearances here on the podcast and offer them in remembrance of his incredible influence on all of us with his amazing skill, his generous spirit, and his good humor. We at the ABA, along with his many friends in the birding world and beyond, will miss him very much. If you have a Tom Johnson memory you'd like to share, please consider recording it on the voice recording app on your phone and send it to <a href="mailto:podcast@aba.org">podcast@aba.org</a><a href="mailto:podcast@aba.org/">.</a> We'd love to collect them. Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/66zR2yB4AyXb4kRs90QBdo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

07-31: Remembering Tom Johnson

Welcome to the end of the July, the turn of the year as we heard into the second half of 2023. It’s also time, once again, for This Month in Birding, our monthly panel discussion about bird news and birds in the news. We're excited to welcome a panel of Stephanie Bielke, Tim Healy and Purbita Saha to talk rare birds at private residences, hummingbirds and alcohol, the most metal bird nests, and more! Links to articles discussed in this episode: Badgers and birds may be teaming up to steal honey Do hummingbirds drink alcohol? More often than you think  Human-made materials in nests can bring both risks and benefit for birds Extinct warbler's genome sequenced from museum specimens Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

Welcome to the end of the July, the turn of the year as we heard into the second half of 2023. It’s also time, once again, for This Month in Birding, our monthly panel discussion about bird news and birds in the news. We're excited to welcome a panel of <a href="https://twitter.com/4letterbird" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stephanie Bielke</a>, <a href="https://nemesisbird.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Healy</a> and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/authors/purbita-saha/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Purbita Saha</a> to talk rare birds at private residences, hummingbirds and alcohol, the most metal bird nests, and more! Links to articles discussed in this episode: <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/badgers-bird-honey-africa/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Badgers and birds may be teaming up to steal honey</a> <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/06/230622142345.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Do hummingbirds drink alcohol? More often than you think</a> <a href="https://www.naturalis.nl/en/about-us/media/press-releases/rebellious-birds-make-nests-out-of-anti-bird-pins" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Human-made materials in nests can bring both risks and benefit for birds</a> <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/06/230623161208.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Extinct warbler's genome sequenced from museum specimens</a> Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/66zR2yB4AyXb4kRs90QBdo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

07-30: This Month in Birding - July 2023

Alyssa Bardy

Humans have loved birds for as long as there have been humans. And while many of us in the birding world stay a birder for similar reasons, every birder, bird-watcher or bird enthusiasts has their own path to this world, to this interest, and it is one that frequently leads to a greater appreciation of love of the natural world more generally. Alyssa Bardy has a unique take on that journey. Her’s is a story of indigenous reconnection and revitalization though birds, nature-study, and photography.  Also, what do Canadian wildfires mean for the birds that breed there? Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

Humans have loved birds for as long as there have been humans. And while many of us in the birding world stay a birder for similar reasons, every birder, bird-watcher or bird enthusiasts has their own path to this world, to this interest, and it is one that frequently leads to a greater appreciation of love of the natural world more generally. <a href="https://alyssabardyphotography.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Alyssa Bardy has a unique take on that journey</a>. Her’s is a story of indigenous reconnection and revitalization though birds, nature-study, and photography.  Also, what do <a href="https://www.audubon.org/news/how-do-wildfires-canadas-boreal-forest-affect-birds-across-continent" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Canadian wildfires mean for the birds that breed there?</a> Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/66zR2yB4AyXb4kRs90QBdo" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

07-29: Indigenous Reconnection through Birds with Alyssa Bardy

Alvaro Jaramillo

The connections between weather and birds seem both obvious and arcane to many birders. This is especially true in this time of global warming, when weather seems particularly wonky. This summer the globe is experiencing El Niño, a warm phase in the Pacific that causes all sorts of strange things. But what does that mean for birds? To help answer that complicated question, we welcome our friend Alvaro Jaramillo, one of the hosts of the Life List podcast, a pelagic operator with Alvaro’s Adventures, and the author of many bird books. Plus, the AOS changes are out and we welcome back Western Flycatcher.  Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

The connections between weather and birds seem both obvious and arcane to many birders. This is especially true in this time of global warming, when weather seems particularly wonky. This summer the globe is experiencing El Niño, a warm phase in the Pacific that causes all sorts of strange things. But what does that mean for birds? To help answer that complicated question, we welcome our friend Alvaro Jaramillo, one of the hosts of the <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-list-a-birding-podcast/id1578168978" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Life List podcast</a>, a pelagic operator with <a href="https://www.alvarosadventures.com/pelagic-dates-2023.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Alvaro’s Adventures</a>, and the author of many bird books. Plus, the AOS changes are out and <a href="https://www.aba.org/aos-checklist-supplement-redux-v-2023/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">we welcome back Western Flycatcher</a>.  Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/66zR2yB4AyXb4kRs90QBdo" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

07-28: El Niño and Birds with Alvaro Jaramillo

Lang Elliott

It is an inevitability that as a birder ages, they lose the ability to hear some birds, particularly those with high pitched songs and calls. It is a struggle that nature recordist Lang Elliot has dealt with for decades, but he offers, with the help of modern technology, a solution of sorts called Hear Birds Again. Lang has also written an article introducing this new product in the July 2023 issue of Birding magazine.  Also, does Merlin really help in a Breeding Bird Survey? FInally we have data! Sort of.  Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

It is an inevitability that as a birder ages, they lose the ability to hear some birds, particularly those with high pitched songs and calls. It is a struggle that nature recordist Lang Elliot has dealt with for decades, but he offers, with the help of modern technology, a solution of sorts called <a href="https://hearbirdsagain.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hear Birds Again.</a> Lang has also written an article introducing this new product in the July 2023 issue of Birding magazine.  Also, does Merlin really help in a Breeding Bird Survey? FInally we have data! Sort of.  Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/66zR2yB4AyXb4kRs90QBdo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

07-27: Hear Birds Again with Lang Elliott

It’s the end of June and that means it’s time for This Month in Birding, where we round up a panel of interesting and thoughtful birding friends to round up the latest birding news from around the ABA Area and beyond. Here in the northern hemisphere, June has the longest days of the year, and we might just have the longest episode of the podcast with the sort of items we have to discuss today. We welcome Gabriel Foley, Sean Milnes, and Mo Stych of the newly resurrected Bird Sh*t podcast to talk about bird names, bird songs, and bird theft.   Links to topics discussed in this episode: Bird names as critical communication infrastructure in the contexts of history, language, and culture. When birds sing the same pitch they avoid singing at the same time Atmospheric pressure predicts probability of departure for migratory songbirds  Hiding Seeds? It Depends on Who’s Watching Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

It’s the end of June and that means it’s time for This Month in Birding, where we round up a panel of interesting and thoughtful birding friends to round up the latest birding news from around the ABA Area and beyond. Here in the northern hemisphere, June has the longest days of the year, and we might just have the longest episode of the podcast with the sort of items we have to discuss today. We welcome <a href="https://twitter.com/birdnirdfoley" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Gabriel Foley</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SeanMilnes" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sean Milnes</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/mstych" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mo Stych</a> of the newly resurrected <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bird-sh-t-podcast/id1463828705" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Bird Sh*t podcast</a> to talk about bird names, bird songs, and bird theft.  Links to topics discussed in this episode: <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371020981_Bird_names_as_critical_communication_infrastructure_in_the_contexts_of_history_language_and_culture" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Bird names as critical communication infrastructure in the contexts of history, language, and culture.</a> <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ibi.13192" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">When birds sing the same pitch they avoid singing at the same time</a> <a href="https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/night-flight-tracking-data-reveal-when-and-why-songbirds-begin-their-massive" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Atmospheric pressure predicts probability of departure for migratory songbirds</a> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/animal-minds/202305/hiding-seeds-it-depends-on-whos-watching" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Hiding Seeds? It Depends on Who’s Watching</a> Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/66zR2yB4AyXb4kRs90QBdo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

07-26: This Month in Birding - June 2023

Ted Floyd

Birding magazine editor and all-around bird-knower Ted Floyd is back for another bout of Random Birds. He joins host Nate Swick, a big bird list, and a random number generator to create podcast magic. This session includes a smorgasbord of birds, with gulls, warblers, and finches all making an appearance. Also, Nate reports on the latest ABA Community Weekend in California’s Bay Area. Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

Birding magazine editor and all-around bird-knower Ted Floyd is back for another bout of Random Birds. He joins host Nate Swick, a big bird list, and a random number generator to create podcast magic. This session includes a smorgasbord of birds, with gulls, warblers, and finches all making an appearance. Also, Nate reports on the latest ABA Community Weekend in California’s Bay Area. Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iibz7obgdgnpmgtsea4uuffbvri" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Google Podcasts</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

07-25: Random Birds, Vol. 7, with Ted Floyd

Jennifer Ackerman

Birders and bird enthusiasts are so fortunate that science writer Jennifer Ackerman so frequently turns her mind to birds. This year, she follows the critically acclaimed The Genius of Birds and The Bird Way with the new  What an Owl Knows: The New Science of the World’s Most Enigmatic Birds. Owls have amazed and mystified humans for as long as there have been humans, and new research undertaken by passionate individuals has revealed new insights into these alluring, nocturnal birds.   Also,  the story of a tagged Ferruginous Hawk in Ontario, Michigan, and beyond has capitvated birders.  Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

Birders and bird enthusiasts are so fortunate that science writer Jennifer Ackerman so frequently turns her mind to birds. This year, she follows the critically acclaimed The Genius of Birds and The Bird Way with the new <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/673192/what-an-owl-knows-by-jennifer-ackerman/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> What an Owl Knows: The New Science of the World’s Most Enigmatic Birds</a>. Owls have amazed and mystified humans for as long as there have been humans, and new research undertaken by passionate individuals has revealed new insights into these alluring, nocturnal birds.   Also, <a href="https://www.birdscanada.org/fho23?fbclid=IwAR2psCPagBdChDxf5nKfW5wydX-F0XBqTm0PTkEtwpV_e1UXyS3nuKtiumk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> the story of a tagged Ferruginous Hawk in Ontario, Michigan, and beyond</a> has capitvated birders.  Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iibz7obgdgnpmgtsea4uuffbvri" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Google Podcasts</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

07-24: What an Owl Knows with Jennifer Ackerman

Nick Block

It’s split and lump season again, and that means that we turn to our friend Nick Block, professor of Biology at Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts. He's the person we talk to when it comes to predicting the decisions of the  American Ornithological Society’s North America Classification Committee. It's another busy slate for this summer including a possible Western Flycatcher lump, splits to Northern Goshawk and Hepatic Tanager and more.   Also Black Birders Week wraps up another great year. And don't forget to sign up for our ABA Community Weekend in San Francisco, California, next weekend! Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

It’s split and lump season again, and that means that we turn to our friend Nick Block, professor of Biology at Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts. He's the person we talk to when it comes to predicting the decisions of the <a href="https://americanornithology.org/about/committees/nacc/current-prior-proposals/2023-proposals/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> American Ornithological Society’s North America Classification Committee</a>. It's another busy slate for this summer including a possible Western Flycatcher lump, splits to Northern Goshawk and Hepatic Tanager and more.  Also <a href="https://www.blackafinstem.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Black Birders Week</a> wraps up another great year. And don't forget to sign up for our <a href="https://www.aba.org/aba-community-weekend-in-san-francisco/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ABA Community Weekend in San Francisco, California</a>, next weekend! Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iibz7obgdgnpmgtsea4uuffbvri" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Google Podcasts</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

07-23: 2023 Splits and Lumps with Nick Block

The American Birding Podcast brings together staff and friends of the American Birding Association as we talk about birds, birding, travel and conservation in North America and beyond. Join host Nate Swick every Thursday for news and happenings, recent rarities, guests from around the birding world, and features of interest to every birder.

Good interviews, good info. Good jokes. ....ok jokes........maybe.

Good Host

Everything birding from rare bird alert highlights to entertaining big year birding stories!

My go to birding podcast!

The American Birding Podcast

2016 was an exceptional year for ABA Area Big Year birders, with four individuals all breaking the record in one year! Nate Swick talks with all four - Christian Hagenlocher, Laura Keene, Olaf Danielson, and John Weigel - about their experiences and insights in a jam-packed episode.  Nate also has a conversation with previous record-holder Neil Hayward, whose book, Lost Among the Birds, was published in 2016.  Thanks to Naturalist Journeys for sponsoring this episode!

2016 was an exceptional year for ABA Area Big Year birders, with four individuals all breaking the record in one year! Nate Swick talks with all four - Christian Hagenlocher, Laura Keene, Olaf Danielson, and John Weigel - about their experiences and insights in a jam-packed episode.  Nate also has a conversation with previous record-holder Neil Hayward, whose book, Lost Among the Birds, was published in 2016. Thanks to <a href="http://www.naturalistjourneys.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Naturalist Journeys</a> for sponsoring this episode!

01-02: The Big Big Year Episode

Greg Neise

Days are short, weather is at or near its coldest, and it's easy to just suspend birding for a few months and wait for Spring. But that would be missing out on some truly great birding experiences, including Christmas Counts, which many birders consider to be a highlight of their year. We are currently in the middle of the CBC season host Nate Swick welcomes two birders who are no strangers to winter weather conditions, ABA Web Developer Greg Neise, of Chicago, Illinois, and Birding editor Ted Floyd of Boulder Colorado, to talk winter birding, Christmas Bird Counts, and more.   Thanks to everyone who made this year a great one. If you enjoy what we do here, please consider making a donation to the ABA's Year-End Appeal, or joining the ABA. Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

Days are short, weather is at or near its coldest, and it's easy to just suspend birding for a few months and wait for Spring. But that would be missing out on some truly great birding experiences, including Christmas Counts, which many birders consider to be a highlight of their year. We are currently in the middle of the CBC season host Nate Swick welcomes two birders who are no strangers to winter weather conditions, ABA Web Developer Greg Neise, of Chicago, Illinois, and Birding editor Ted Floyd of Boulder Colorado, to talk winter birding, Christmas Bird Counts, and more.  Thanks to everyone who made this year a great one. If you enjoy what we do here, please consider making a donation to the <a href="http://aba.org/give" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ABA's Year-End Appeal</a>, or <a href="http://aba.org/join" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">joining the ABA</a>. Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iibz7obgdgnpmgtsea4uuffbvri" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Google Play</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

02-26: Winter Birding Basics with Ted Floyd & Greg Neise

Sophie Webb

Welcome Ruddy Turnstone, 2017 ABA Bird of the Year! Nate Swick has a conversation with scientist, author, and 2017 BOY artist Sophie Webb (www.sophiewebb.com) whose image of Ruddy Turnstones will be featured on the cover of the February 2017 issue of Birding magazine. We discuss turnstones, art, and what she looks for in her role as a Young Birder of the Year judge. We also want to hear your Ruddy Turnstone stories! One of the wonderful things about this bird is that you can find them when you're birding just about anywhere in the world, as Nate Swick recently discovered. He shares the story.  Share your Ruddy Turnstone stories with us! We'd love to hear them!

Welcome Ruddy Turnstone, 2017 ABA Bird of the Year! Nate Swick has a conversation with scientist, author, and 2017 BOY artist <a href="http://www.sophiewebb.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sophie Webb</a> (<a href="http://www.sophiewebb.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sophiewebb.com</a>) whose image of Ruddy Turnstones will be featured on the cover of the February 2017 issue of Birding magazine. We discuss turnstones, art, and what she looks for in her role as a Young Birder of the Year judge. We also want to hear your Ruddy Turnstone stories! One of the wonderful things about this bird is that you can find them when you're birding just about anywhere in the world, as Nate Swick recently discovered. He shares the story. Share your Ruddy Turnstone stories with us! We'd love to hear them!

01-01: 2017 ABA Bird of the Year Artist Sophie Webb

Jerry Liguori

Hawk-watchers are easily the most established sub-groups within th birding community, and the hawk-watching community in North America is close-knit and passionate. One of its undisputed authorities is Jerry Liguori of Salt Lake City, Utah, the author of Hawks at a Distance and Hawks from Every Angle and the co-author of many more. He is the 2017 recipient of the ABA’s Robert Ridgway Award for publications in field ornithology and his articles have appeared many times in ABA’s Birding magazine. Jerry joins host Nate Swick to talk about the magic of watching hawks, his diagnosis with ALS, and what birders need to know about hawk-watching.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, Land, Sea, and Sky. Since 1940, the optics experts at Land Sea &amp; Sky to purchase just the right pair of binoculars for their birding adventures. This shop has hundreds of binoculars and spotting scopes in stock, an industry-leading 90 day return policy, and experienced staff to lend you a helping hand. You can help us out by participating on our listener demographic survey here. Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

Hawk-watchers are easily the most established sub-groups within th birding community, and the hawk-watching community in North America is close-knit and passionate. One of its undisputed authorities is Jerry Liguori of Salt Lake City, Utah, the author of Hawks at a Distance and Hawks from Every Angle and the co-author of many more. He is the 2017 recipient of the ABA’s Robert Ridgway Award for publications in field ornithology and his articles have appeared many times in ABA’s Birding magazine. Jerry joins host Nate Swick to talk about the magic of watching hawks, his diagnosis with ALS, and what birders need to know about hawk-watching.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, <a href="https://www.landseaskyco.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Land, Sea, and Sky.</a> Since 1940, the optics experts at Land Sea &amp; Sky to purchase just the right pair of binoculars for their birding adventures. This shop has hundreds of binoculars and spotting scopes in stock, an industry-leading 90 day return policy, and experienced staff to lend you a helping hand. You can help us out by participating on our <a href="https://survey.libsyn.com/birding" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">listener demographic survey here</a>. Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iibz7obgdgnpmgtsea4uuffbvri" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Google Play</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

02-14: A Life in Raptors with Jerry Liguori

Keith Barnes

Birders in North America are increasingly keen to combine the somewhat separate skills of birding and photography, but around the rest of the world birding is pretty much synonymous with photography to the point where sometimes you don’t even carry binoculars. It seems strange to us, but it’s the way things are to birder and photographer Keith Barnes, who joins host Nate Swick to talk about how birders use cameras, tips for would-be photographers, and the way birding culture differs in east Asia. Keith is one of the founders of the bird tour company Tropical Birding, a South African expat now living in Taiwan, and he is the architect of the ABA’s Birding with a Camera Tour of Thailand early next year. Also, is a great list schism on the horizon? And listeners write in with tips for new birders that they wish they knew when they were getting started. Thanks to our episode sponsor, Land, Sea, and Sky. Since 1940, the optics experts at Land Sea &amp; Sky to purchase just the right pair of binoculars for their birding adventures. This shop has hundreds of binoculars and spotting scopes in stock, an industry-leading 90 day return policy, and experienced staff to lend you a helping hand. You can help us out by participating on our listener demographic survey here. Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

Birders in North America are increasingly keen to combine the somewhat separate skills of birding and photography, but around the rest of the world birding is pretty much synonymous with photography to the point where sometimes you don’t even carry binoculars. It seems strange to us, but it’s the way things are to birder and photographer Keith Barnes, who joins host Nate Swick to talk about how birders use cameras, tips for would-be photographers, and the way birding culture differs in east Asia. Keith is one of the founders of the bird tour company <a href="http://www.tropicalbirding.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Tropical Birding</a>, a South African expat now living in Taiwan, and he is the architect of the ABA’s <a href="https://www.aba.org/thailand-birding-with-a-camera-tour/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Birding with a Camera Tour of Thailand</a> early next year. Also, is a great list schism on the horizon? And listeners write in with tips for new birders that they wish they knew when they were getting started. Thanks to our episode sponsor, <a href="https://www.landseaskyco.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Land, Sea, and Sky.</a> Since 1940, the optics experts at Land Sea &amp; Sky to purchase just the right pair of binoculars for their birding adventures. This shop has hundreds of binoculars and spotting scopes in stock, an industry-leading 90 day return policy, and experienced staff to lend you a helping hand. You can help us out by participating on our <a href="https://survey.libsyn.com/birding" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">listener demographic survey here</a>. Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iibz7obgdgnpmgtsea4uuffbvri" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Google Play</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

02-18: Photography as Birding with Keith Barnes

Jen Brumfield

Urban Birding

Few birders in North American have taken on the mantle of urban birding like Cleveland native Jen Brumfield. Her Cuyahoga County Big Years are the stuff of legend, not only for their high totals but for the passion she throws into birding her hometown and getting others excited about the birdlife and birding opportunities there. Guest host and Chicago native Greg Neise who has his own long history birding in urban areas, steps in for Nate Swick to talk to Jen about her Big Years, her favorite local patches, and what she loves about birding in the city.  Birding editor Ted Floyd shares a commentary about his favorite urban bird. Interested in joining the ABA in a trip to Thailand with Tropical Birding in 2019? Get more information here! You can help us out by participating on our listener demographic survey here. Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

Few birders in North American have taken on the mantle of urban birding like Cleveland native Jen Brumfield. Her Cuyahoga County Big Years are the stuff of legend, not only for their high totals but for the passion she throws into birding her hometown and getting others excited about the birdlife and birding opportunities there. Guest host and Chicago native Greg Neise who has his own long history birding in urban areas, steps in for Nate Swick to talk to Jen about her Big Years, her favorite local patches, and what she loves about birding in the city. Birding editor Ted Floyd shares a commentary about his favorite urban bird. Interested in joining the ABA in a trip to Thailand with Tropical Birding in 2019? <a href="http://www.tropicalbirding.com/asia-tours/thailand-birding-with-a-camera-aba/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Get more information here</a>! You can help us out by participating on our <a href="https://survey.libsyn.com/birding" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">listener demographic survey here</a>. Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iibz7obgdgnpmgtsea4uuffbvri" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Google Play</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

02-07: Tales of Urban Birding with Jen Brumfield

Have you ever had to describe birding to a friend or family member who just doesn't get it? What analogies do you use? Is birding like a religion? A sport? An obsession? Guest host Greg Neise brings Birding editor Ted Floyd and young birder liaison Jennie Duberstein to bear on the issue in a rollicking discussion that tries to figure it out. Regular host Nate Swick in Cuba this week so no Rare Bird Focus, but stay turned for it the next time around. Thanks to our episode sponsor Rockjumper Birding Tours, proudly offering quality birding adventures, expertly guided by passionate and experienced professional tour leaders. Their 300 scheduled tours annually explore the world’s prime birding areas, including Colombia with the ABA next summer. You can help us out by participating on our listener demographic survey here. Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

Have you ever had to describe birding to a friend or family member who just doesn't get it? What analogies do you use? Is birding like a religion? A sport? An obsession? Guest host Greg Neise brings Birding editor Ted Floyd and young birder liaison Jennie Duberstein to bear on the issue in a rollicking discussion that tries to figure it out. Regular host Nate Swick in Cuba this week so no Rare Bird Focus, but stay turned for it the next time around. Thanks to our episode sponsor <a href="https://www.rockjumperbirding.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Rockjumper Birding Tours</a>, proudly offering quality birding adventures, expertly guided by passionate and experienced professional tour leaders. Their 300 scheduled tours annually explore the world’s prime birding areas, including <a href="https://www.aba.org/aba-rockjumper-colombia-safari/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Colombia with the ABA next summer</a>. You can help us out by participating on our <a href="https://survey.libsyn.com/birding" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">listener demographic survey here</a>. Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iibz7obgdgnpmgtsea4uuffbvri" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Google Play</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

02-19: What is Birding Like?

It's natural for birding parents to want to share their passion with their children. Birding with kids often brings additional complications, but also additional pleasures, and opportunities to appreciate birding in different and delightful ways. Both Birding magazine editor Ted Floyd and host Nate Swick are veterans of birding with children, with a few decades of experience between them, and they lay out the struggles and strategies of taking kids into the field for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, mentors, or anyone else who wants to introduce birding to the young people in their lives. Also, what happens when birders teach a weatherman about Doppler Radar. Interested in joining the ABA in Thailand next year? Get more information here! You can help us out by participating on our listener demographic survey here. Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

It's natural for birding parents to want to share their passion with their children. Birding with kids often brings additional complications, but also additional pleasures, and opportunities to appreciate birding in different and delightful ways. Both Birding magazine editor Ted Floyd and host Nate Swick are veterans of birding with children, with a few decades of experience between them, and they lay out the struggles and strategies of taking kids into the field for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, mentors, or anyone else who wants to introduce birding to the young people in their lives. Also, what happens when birders teach a weatherman about Doppler Radar. Interested in joining the ABA in Thailand next year? <a href="https://www.aba.org/thailand-birding-with-a-camera-tour/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Get more information here!</a> You can help us out by participating on our <a href="https://survey.libsyn.com/birding" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">listener demographic survey here</a>. Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iibz7obgdgnpmgtsea4uuffbvri" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Google Play</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

02-10: Birding Without Tears- Stories and Secrets of Birding With Kids

Kaeli Swift

Dr. Kaeli Swift knows crows. And she's watched them do some pretty extraordinary things. In fact all corvids-the family that includes crows, jays, magpies, and others-have a well deserved reputation for intelligence and fascinating social behaviors. Dr. Swift's research has provided insights into how crows interact with us, with their dead, and with each other. She joins host Nate Swick from Denali National Park where she is working with Canada Jays to talk about corvid culture and cognition.  Also, Fantasy Birding makes the big time! Sort of. And some thoughts on the passing of a giant of modern birding.  Thanks to the Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival for their support of the American Birding Podcast.

Dr. Kaeli Swift knows crows. And she's watched them do some pretty extraordinary things. In fact all corvids-the family that includes crows, jays, magpies, and others-have a well deserved reputation for intelligence and fascinating social behaviors. <a href="https://corvidresearch.blog" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Swift's research</a> has provided insights into how crows interact with us, with their dead, and with each other. She joins host Nate Swick from Denali National Park where she is working with Canada Jays to talk about corvid culture and cognition.  Also, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/03/23/706042840/bluff-the-listener" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Fantasy Birding makes the big time</a>! Sort of. And some thoughts on the <a href="http://blog.aba.org/2019/03/a-dozen-things-you-can-do-to-celebrate-bill-thompson-iii.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">passing of a giant of modern birding</a>.  Thanks to the <a href="http://www.shorebirdfestival.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival</a> for their support of the American Birding Podcast.

03-07: On Crow Culture with Kaeli Swift

The ABA's 50th Anniversary roadshow rolls on, this time to the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival for another LIVE show. Our special bird-themed game show features guest appearances from Birds of North America's Jason Ward and Birding magazine editor and podcast stalwart Ted Floyd. Listen in for fun birdy games, Rio Grande Valley anagrams, real or fake bird mnemonics and an Eagles themed parody song quiz. We had a ton of fun and you will too! Thanks to Turismo de Lisboa for sponsoring this episode.

The ABA's 50th Anniversary roadshow rolls on, this time to the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival for another LIVE show. Our special bird-themed game show features guest appearances from Birds of North America's Jason Ward and Birding magazine editor and podcast stalwart Ted Floyd. Listen in for fun birdy games, Rio Grande Valley anagrams, real or fake bird mnemonics and an Eagles themed parody song quiz. We had a ton of fun and you will too! Thanks to <a href="http://www.visitlisboa.com/en" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Turismo de Lisboa</a> for sponsoring this episode.

03-24: LIVE from the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival

The February 2019 issue of Birding magazine is noteworthy not only for being the Bird of the Year issue, or for launching the 50th Anniversary of the ABA, but for another, less obvious, reason. February 2019 is the 100th issue of Birding for which Ted Floyd has been editor-in-chief. The 16 years that Ted has been in charge of the ABA's flagship publication have seen a lot of changes, not just in the way that the ABA has reached its members and the birding community, but for birding itself. Ted joins host Nate Swick to talk about how birding has changed over the years, and how Birding has changed along with it.  Plus, an update on the border wall and a Dark-billed Cuckoo in Florida.  Come join the ABA in Colombia this summer!

The February 2019 issue of Birding magazine is noteworthy not only for being the Bird of the Year issue, or for launching the 50th Anniversary of the ABA, but for another, less obvious, reason. February 2019 is the 100th issue of Birding for which Ted Floyd has been editor-in-chief. The 16 years that Ted has been in charge of the ABA's flagship publication have seen a lot of changes, not just in the way that the ABA has reached its members and the birding community, but for birding itself. Ted joins host Nate Swick to talk about how birding has changed over the years, and how Birding has changed along with it.  Plus, an update on the border wall and a Dark-billed Cuckoo in Florida.  <a href="https://www.aba.org/aba-colombia-safari/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Come join the ABA in Colombia this summer!</a>

03-04: Birding at 100 (Issues) with Ted Floyd

Another year, another trip around the world of bird taxonomy courtesy of the American Ornithological Society’s classification committee. That group of bird scientists informs the field guides and lists we birders use every day and they are once again making those decisions presently. As we have before, we lean again on Dr. Nick Block, professor of Biology at Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts and Secretary of the ABA’s Recording Standards and Ethics Committee, He joins host Nate Swick to help break down some of 2018’s taxonomy proposals up for consideration by the AOS.  You can help us out by participating on our listener demographic survey here. Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

Another year, another trip around the world of bird taxonomy courtesy of the American Ornithological Society’s classification committee. That group of bird scientists informs the field guides and lists we birders use every day and they are once again making those decisions presently. As we have before, we lean again on Dr. Nick Block, professor of Biology at Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts and Secretary of the ABA’s Recording Standards and Ethics Committee, He joins host Nate Swick to help break down some of 2018’s taxonomy proposals up for consideration by the AOS.  You can help us out by participating on our <a href="https://survey.libsyn.com/birding" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">listener demographic survey here</a>. Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iibz7obgdgnpmgtsea4uuffbvri" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Google Play</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

02-12: 2018 Splits and Lumps with Nick Block

Donna Schulman

As is our tradition, the end of the year means it’s time for a look back at the best bird books published this year. Once again, 10,000 Birds book reviewer Donna Schulman joins me to talk about our favorites. Donna and I each share our Top 5, including field guides, family specific guides, and narratives from well-known authors and publishers. Thanks to Zeiss Sports Optics for sponsoring this episode! Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!  Donna's Top 5  1) Oceanic Birds of the World - Steve Howell &amp; Kirk Zufelt  2) Peterson Reference Guide to Sparrows of North America - Rick Wright 3) Mastering Bird Photography: The Art, Craft, &amp; Technique of Photographing Birds and Their Behavior - Marie Read 4) Urban Ornithology: 150 Years of Birds in New York City - P.A. Buckley, et al 5) Ruby's Birds - Mya Thompson (author) &amp; Claudia Dávila (illustrator)   Nate's Top 5   1)  Oceanic Birds of the World  - Steve Howell &amp; Kirk Zufelt 2) Peterson Reference Guide to Sparrows of North America - Rick Wright 3) A Season on the Wind: Inside the World of Spring Migration  - Kenn Kaufman 4) Peterson Field Guide to Bird Sounds of Western North America - Nathan Pieplow 5) ABA Field Guide to Birds of Wisconsin - Chuck Hagner

As is our tradition, the end of the year means it’s time for a look back at the best bird books published this year. Once again, <a href="http://www.10000birds.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">10,000 Birds</a> book reviewer Donna Schulman joins me to talk about our favorites. Donna and I each share our Top 5, including field guides, family specific guides, and narratives from well-known authors and publishers. Thanks to <a href="https://www.zeiss.com/sports-optics/en_us/nature/home.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Zeiss Sports Optics</a> for sponsoring this episode! Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iibz7obgdgnpmgtsea4uuffbvri" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Google Play</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it! Donna's Top 5 1) <a href="https://amzn.to/38xvEx9" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Oceanic Birds of the World</a> - Steve Howell &amp; Kirk Zufelt 2) <a href="https://amzn.to/36pXcCR" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Peterson Reference Guide to Sparrows of North America</a> - Rick Wright 3) <a href="https://amzn.to/2PByKHZ" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Mastering Bird Photography: The Art, Craft, &amp; Technique of Photographing Birds and Their Behavior</a> - Marie Read 4) <a href="https://amzn.to/2rrmvpv" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Urban Ornithology: 150 Years of Birds in New York City</a> - P.A. Buckley, et al 5) <a href="https://amzn.to/36o8h7B" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ruby's Birds</a> - Mya Thompson (author) &amp; Claudia Dávila (illustrator)   Nate's Top 5   1) <a href="https://amzn.to/38xvEx9" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Oceanic Birds of the World</a> - Steve Howell &amp; Kirk Zufelt 2) <a href="https://amzn.to/36pXcCR" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Peterson Reference Guide to Sparrows of North America</a> - Rick Wright 3) <a href="https://amzn.to/2RJuc5a" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">A Season on the Wind: Inside the World of Spring Migration</a>  - Kenn Kaufman 4) <a href="https://amzn.to/348gACU" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Peterson Field Guide to Bird Sounds of Western North America</a> - Nathan Pieplow 5) <a href="https://amzn.to/2RET65T" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">ABA Field Guide to Birds of Wisconsin</a> - Chuck Hagner

03-25: Best Bird Books of 2019 with Donna Schulman

Bryony Angell

When Birding editor Ted Floyd and host Nate Swick did their first Birding Without Tears episode a few weeks ago they were called to the carpet by the fact that we were only telling half of the story. Ted and Nate are both birding dads and our experiences are similar but not exactly like, those of birding moms, and there's no better time to revisit this topic than during our Nesting Season Appeal anyway! To help tell the rest of the story, Nate is joined by Seattle-based writer Bryony Angell, who draws on her experience as a birding mom and her past as a birding kid to offer insight into a topic that many birders deal with at some point--"how do I get my kids to go birding and all of us have a good experience?"  Also, birding in the news! Recent articles in the New York Times and Outside Magazine cast birding in a positive light. A listener asks for advice for a new birder. Can we help him out! Send us tips you wish you knew when you started at The ABA Blog, on Twitter or Facebook.    Thanks to episode sponsor, the Partnership for International Birding, combining 200 scheduled tours to destinations around the world with unmatched support for local bird conservation. You can help us out by participating on our listener demographic survey here. Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

When Birding editor Ted Floyd and host Nate Swick did their first Birding Without Tears episode a few weeks ago they were called to the carpet by the fact that we were only telling half of the story. Ted and Nate are both birding dads and our experiences are similar but not exactly like, those of birding moms, and there's no better time to revisit this topic than during our Nesting Season Appeal anyway! To help tell the rest of the story, Nate is joined by Seattle-based writer <a href="http://www.bryonyangell.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bryony Angell</a>, who draws on her experience as a birding mom and her past as a birding kid to offer insight into a topic that many birders deal with at some point--"how do I get my kids to go birding and all of us have a good experience?" Also, birding in the news! Recent articles in the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/23/style/birds-are-cool.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">New York Times</a> and <a href="https://www.outsideonline.com/2326281/beginners-guide-dating-birder" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Outside Magazine</a> cast birding in a positive light. A listener asks for advice for a new birder. Can we help him out! Send us tips you wish you knew when you started at <a href="https://wp.me/p4fXID-65O" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The ABA Blog</a>, on <a href="https://twitter.com/ABA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ABAbirds/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.  Thanks to episode sponsor, the <a href="http://www.pibird.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Partnership for International Birding</a>, combining 200 scheduled tours to destinations around the world with unmatched support for local bird conservation. You can help us out by participating on our <a href="https://survey.libsyn.com/birding" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">listener demographic survey here</a>. Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iibz7obgdgnpmgtsea4uuffbvri" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Google Play</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

02-15: Birding Without Tears 2: Birding & Kids with Bryony Angell

Tiffany Kersten

The Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas is one of the most special places in the ABA Area­ for birders and naturalists, hosting some exceptional species and some iconic birding locations. It’s why so many birders have watched the politics around the proposed construction of a border wall in the Valley so closely and why we, along with many other stakeholders, have mobilized to protect those places. One of those on the forefront has been Tiffany Kersten, a biologist, educator, and board member of Friends of the Wildlife Corridor. Her article "Walling Off Wildlife" was published last year in the Birder’s Guide to Conservation and Community. She joins host Nate Swick to talk about birding around a border wall, and the current state of affairs in South Texas.  Resources that Tiffany mentions in the interview include the No Border Wall Facebook page and and  Valley Green Space Resistance Kit.  Also, a eulogy for a Great Black Hawk.  The song by Troy R. Bennett that plays at the end can be found here.  Come join the ABA in Colombia this summer!

The Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas is one of the most special places in the ABA Area­ for birders and naturalists, hosting some exceptional species and some iconic birding locations. It’s why so many birders have watched the politics around the proposed construction of a border wall in the Valley so closely and why we, along with many other stakeholders, have mobilized to protect those places. One of those on the forefront has been Tiffany Kersten, a biologist, educator, and board member of Friends of the Wildlife Corridor. Her article "<a href="http://bg.aba.org/i/1014455-aug-2018/27?m4=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Walling Off Wildlife</a>" was published last year in the Birder’s Guide to Conservation and Community. She joins host Nate Swick to talk about birding around a border wall, and the current state of affairs in South Texas.  Resources that Tiffany mentions in the interview include the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/noborderwall/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">No Border Wall</a> Facebook page and and <a href="https://valleygreenspace.wordpress.com/2019/01/08/border-wall-resistance-kit/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Valley Green Space Resistance Kit</a>.  Also, a eulogy for a Great Black Hawk. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bdnmaineportland/videos/763840560682180/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The song by Troy R. Bennett that plays at the end can be found here</a>.  <a href="https://www.aba.org/aba-colombia-safari/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Come join the ABA in Colombia this summer!</a>

03-03: Birding and the Border Wall with Tiffany Kersten

Nick Lund

Birds are everywhere. They are in your movies and TV shows, on your sports team logos, even in your Google Street View. There is no shortage of ways that your interest in birds can manifest itself beyond time in the field. Maybe no one knows that better than Nick Lund. Nick is The Birdist on his own blog of that name and on social media, a frequent contributor to National Audubon and Ray Brown’s Talking Birds and works in outreach with Maine Audubon. He joins me to talk about birds in non-bird places, what he calls “Birds at Large”.   Also, I have enough correspondence to do a mailbag! And I talk a little about the new AOS Taxonomy proposals, which you can learn more about here.  Thanks to Land Sea and Sky for sponsoring this episode! Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

Birds are everywhere. They are in your movies and TV shows, on your sports team logos, even in your Google Street View. There is no shortage of ways that your interest in birds can manifest itself beyond time in the field. Maybe no one knows that better than Nick Lund. Nick is <a href="http://www.thebirdist.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Birdist</a> on his own blog of that name and on social media, a frequent contributor to National Audubon and Ray Brown’s Talking Birds and works in outreach with Maine Audubon. He joins me to talk about birds in non-bird places, what he calls “Birds at Large”.  Also, I have enough correspondence to do a mailbag! And I talk a little about the new AOS Taxonomy proposals, which you can learn more about here.  Thanks to <a href="https://www.landseaskyco.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Land Sea and Sky</a> for sponsoring this episode! Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iibz7obgdgnpmgtsea4uuffbvri" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Google Play</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

02-25: Birds at Large with Nick Lund

Kenn Kaufman

Kenn Kaufman is one of America's best known birders, and he has done just about everything a person can do in the birding world. He's a guide, an artist, an incredibly skilled birder, and an author of several books, the latest of which is called A Season on the Wind: Inside the World of Spring Migration.  Kenn's new book is a love letter to northwest Ohio, a compelling story about the phenomenon of migration, and a call for action to protect these extraordinary birds and these important places. He joins Nate Swick to talk about the book and all things spring.   Also, why you should be leading bird walks (seriously), dipping tales from Florida, and a big podcast event at the Biggest Week!  Interested in our West Virginia Adult Birder Camp? Get more information here!  Thanks to  Zeiss Sports Optics for sponsoring this episode and their continuing support of the ABA's Young Birder Programs. 

Kenn Kaufman is one of America's best known birders, and he has done just about everything a person can do in the birding world. He's a guide, an artist, an incredibly skilled birder, and an author of several books, the latest of which is called A Season on the Wind: Inside the World of Spring Migration. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Season-Wind-Inside-Spring-Migration/dp/1328566420/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Kenn's new book</a> is a love letter to northwest Ohio, a compelling story about the phenomenon of migration, and a call for action to protect these extraordinary birds and these important places. He joins Nate Swick to talk about the book and all things spring.  Also, why you should be leading bird walks (seriously), dipping tales from Florida, and a big podcast event at the Biggest Week! Interested in our West Virginia Adult Birder Camp? <a href="https://www.aba.org/west-virginia-adult-bird-camp/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Get more information here</a>! Thanks to <a href="https://www.zeiss.com/sports-optics/en_de/home.html?vaURL=www.zeiss.com/sports-optics" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Zeiss Sports Optics</a> for sponsoring this episode and their continuing support of the ABA's Young Birder Programs.

03-09: A Season on the Wind with Kenn Kaufman

David La Puma

Few birders would dispute that Cape May, New Jersey, is among the continent’s most storied birding locations, both in terms of birding spectacle and influence on North American birding culture. It feels like Cape May Bird Observatory, New Jersey Audubon’s center for bird research and education, has always been at the center of it all. CMBO has been doing research and outreach about birds and especially bird migration since 1975, and Dr. David La Puma is the current director. He and the New Jersey Audubon crew are hosting the Cape May Fall Festival later this month and he joins host Nate Swick to talk about that, as well as fallouts, next-generation bird research, and what it's like to be the steward of all that history.  Also, Nate shares some thoughts on his recent trip to Cuba, thinks about the USFWS's recently released Outdoor Recreation Survey, and catches up on all the rare bird news for the last 4 weeks.  Come join us at the Lower Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival this November! Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

Few birders would dispute that Cape May, New Jersey, is among the continent’s most storied birding locations, both in terms of birding spectacle and influence on North American birding culture. It feels like Cape May Bird Observatory, New Jersey Audubon’s center for bird research and education, has always been at the center of it all. CMBO has been doing research and outreach about birds and especially bird migration since 1975, and Dr. David La Puma is the current director. He and the New Jersey Audubon crew are hosting the Cape May Fall Festival later this month and he joins host Nate Swick to talk about that, as well as fallouts, next-generation bird research, and what it's like to be the steward of all that history.  Also, Nate shares some thoughts on his recent trip to Cuba, thinks about the USFWS's recently released <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/birds-put-billions-into-u-s-economy-latest-u-s-fish-and-wildlife-report/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Outdoor Recreation Survey</a>, and catches up on all the rare bird news for the last 4 weeks.  Come join us at the <a href="https://www.rgvbf.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Lower Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival</a> this November! Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iibz7obgdgnpmgtsea4uuffbvri" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Google Play</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

02-20: Fall at Cape May with David La Puma

Otilia Portilla Padua

Many birders throughout the ABA Area have been paying attention to the ongoing situation in South Texas with regard to the construction of the border wall. So many of our favorite birding sites have been under threat, and the situation has been alternately sad and triumphant and frustrating. Filmmaker Otilia Portillo Padua offers her insight into the often fraught affair with Birders, a short documentary recently released on the streaming platform Netflix. She joins me from Mexico City to talk about the film and her journey from Texas to Veracruz through the eyes of birds and the people who love them.  Also, exciting news about a hummingbird oasis in Arizona and thoughts about the recent Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival. 

Many birders throughout the ABA Area have been paying attention to the ongoing situation in South Texas with regard to the construction of the border wall. So many of our favorite birding sites have been under threat, and the situation has been alternately sad and triumphant and frustrating. Filmmaker Otilia Portillo Padua offers her insight into the often fraught affair with <a href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/80244682" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Birders</a>, a short documentary recently released on the streaming platform Netflix. She joins me from Mexico City to talk about the film and her journey from Texas to Veracruz through the eyes of birds and the people who love them.  Also, exciting news about a hummingbird oasis in Arizona and thoughts about the recent Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival.

03-23: Documenting Birders on the Border with Otilia Portilla Padua

Rosemary Mosco

If you’re a naturalist or a nature lover on social media chances are you have come across Bird &amp; Moon, an exceptionally fun series of webcomics filled with colorful and endearing and accurate nature themes. Bird &amp; Moon is the creation of New England-based artist and writer Rosemary Mosco. Her new book, Birding is my Favorite Video Game, is a collection of many of her most viral creations and a lot more. Rosemary joins host Nate Swick to talk birds, video games, science communication, and the fun of gross-out science.  Also, a watershed moment in the history of birds in media, and the yanny-laurel theory of bird mnemonics. You can help us out by participating on our listener demographic survey here. Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

If you’re a naturalist or a nature lover on social media chances are you have come across <a href="http://www.birdandmoon.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Bird &amp; Moon</a>, an exceptionally fun series of webcomics filled with colorful and endearing and accurate nature themes. Bird &amp; Moon is the creation of New England-based artist and writer Rosemary Mosco. Her new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Birding-My-Favorite-Video-Game/dp/1449489125/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Birding is my Favorite Video Gam</a>e, is a collection of many of her most viral creations and a lot more. Rosemary joins host Nate Swick to talk birds, video games, science communication, and the fun of gross-out science.  Also, a watershed moment in the history of birds in media, and the yanny-laurel theory of bird mnemonics. You can help us out by participating on our <a href="https://survey.libsyn.com/birding" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">listener demographic survey here</a>. Subscribe to the podcast at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/american-birding-podcast/id1186824033?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-birding-association/american-birding-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iibz7obgdgnpmgtsea4uuffbvri" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Google Play</a>, and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!

02-11: Birding is My Favorite Video Game with Rosemary Mosco

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