Best Birds Podcasts (2024)

1
Unlikely Places to Go Birding 1:45

1h ago1:45

1:45

Birding is often best in the least likely places. At sewage treatment plants, watch for ducks and gulls - and raptors keeping watch over them all. Another place might be your local landfill or dump. The Brownsville, Texas dump was, for years, the only place in the US you could find this Tamaulipas Crow. For a more sedate birding adventure, visit a …

1
Claire Wahmanholm: You Can Always Hear the Highway 3:12

8h ago3:12

3:12

Poet Claire Wahmanholm's work focuses on nature and the environment. As she was walking around a nature preserve north of Chicago, Claire was listening for birds but realized there was something else she was hearing: the ever-present hum of a nearby highway. “When you're trying deliberately to hear something else you really notice it,” she says. Th…

1
Ep. 573 – Help! A Mallard is Nesting in My Flowers!! What Should I Do? 51:07

1d ago51:07

51:07

Spring is a time for waterfowl nesting, and it’s also a time when our feathered friends venture into our neighborhoods and back yards looking for a safe place to lay eggs and raise their brood. On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher and guest host Dr. Jerad Henson are joined by Tim Jasinski of the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center to share expert advi…

1
08-17: This Month in Birding - April 2024 56:15

1d ago56:15

56:15

It's the April edition of This Month in Birding, with a panel as bold and timeless as the new eBird font. We welcome Frank Izaguirre, Ryan Mandelbaum, and Jordan Rutter to talk Birds Aren't Real, seabird spies, dream birds, and much more! Links to articles discussed in this episode: A Fake Conspiracy Theorist’s Second Act Wild bird gestures “after …

1
Cactus Wren Nest Orientation 1:32

1d ago1:32

1:32

Cactus Wrens, which may nest several times between March and September, carefully orient their nests in tune with the season. These bulky twig structures have a side entrance that curves toward the inner chamber. When building a nest for the hot months, the wren faces the opening to receive the afternoon breeze. By contrast, a Cactus Wren building …

1
Green-winged Teal by the Millions 1:45

2d ago1:45

1:45

Green-winged Teal are North America's smallest dabbling duck, at just over a foot long and weighing less than a pound. The male has a cinnamon brown head with a band of green behind the eye. Both males and females have a green bar on the wing that gleams like an emerald when the sun strikes it. During courtship, up to 25 males may court a single fe…

1
Ep. 572 – How to Become a Better Duck Caller 1:07:56

3d ago1:07:56

1:07:56

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Kelley Powers and Brook Richard with Higdon Outdoors, MOMarsh, and Power Calls to break the ice on how to become a better duck caller. This step-by-step instruction is designed to help you improve your calling techniques this off season. Richard and Powers offer a simple approach to improvement and they provide real…

1
Great Tinamou, Eerie Voice in the Jungle 1:36

3d ago1:36

1:36

The eerie sound of the Great Tinamou can be heard in the lowland jungle throughout much of Central and South America. Secretive — and almost impossible to see — Great Tinamous call early and late in the day. And their voices carry a long distance. More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign…

1
Hawai‘i as a Model for Conservation 1:45

4d ago1:45

1:45

With invasive species and climate change, Hawai‘i has experienced so much loss and extinction since Western colonists arrived. But Sam ‘Ohu Gon, the Senior Scientist and Cultural Advisor for the Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i, is native Hawaiian, and he has done a lot of work connecting Hawaiian culture and tradition to conservation ecology. He hope…

1
#982 April 21, 2024 30:00

5d ago30:00

30:00

On our latest show: The warblers that use nest boxes; the Biggest Week in American Birding; highlighting Earth Day; and a groovy member of the cuckoo family.By Ray Brown's Talkin' Birds

1
How Cliff Swallows Build a Nest 1:43

5d ago1:43

1:43

When Cliff Swallows arrive on the breeding grounds in North America, the dirty work begins. The swallows scoop up mud in their beaks and carefully build a gourd-shaped nest with a tapered opening. They add a lining of dry grass to keep eggs warm. It takes days of work and a thousand mouthfuls of mud to finish a single nest—and it’s just one part of…

1
Creating Bird Habitat at Home 1:45

6d ago1:45

1:45

One of the biggest threats to birds is the decline in biodiversity due to habitat loss — and the traditional, manicured lawn isn’t helping. Growing native plants in your yard allows you to protect birds at home, says ecologist Douglas Tallamy, who co-founded an organization called Homegrown National Park® to help people transform their lawns into h…

1
The Secret to Singing Like a Cardinal 1:45

7d ago1:45

1:45

Northern Cardinals have vocal abilities that surpass even the most accomplished human singers. When cardinals sing, they sweep their voices from the high to low end of their ranges many times in just seconds. The secret is in the clever way cardinals use their two-sided vocal organ, called the syrinx. By dividing their vocal range between the two s…

1
Ep. 571 – Derek Wolfe: The Intersection of Sports and Hunting 46:04

8d ago46:04

46:04

On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, former NFL player and Super Bowl champion, Derek Wolf, shares his background growing up in Northeast Ohio and his introduction to the outdoors through hunting. Despite the challenges, Derek's stepdad introduced him to hunting and football, shaping his passion for both activities. Tune in to hear more …

1
08-16: Take it or Leave It - Seawatching, Records Committees, and Owls 54:16

8d ago54:16

54:16

Birders are full of strong opinions, some serious and some silly. In this new feature, we invite friends on to discuss the spiciest bird takes we can find to determine whether we Take it or Leave it. George Armistead and Amy Davis join host Nate Swick to talk about spark birds, seawatching, records committees, and whether we should shre the locatio…

1
Recognizing a Stranded Loon 1:45

8d ago1:45

1:45

Loons are built for life in the water – so much so that their legs don’t work well on land. During migration, loons sometimes mistake wet pavement for the reflective surface of deep water and try to land there, then become unable to take flight again. If you see a stranded loon on a road or parking lot, calling a wildlife rehabilitator can help sta…

1
Here come the chickens! 5:05

8d ago5:05

5:05

If chickens found their way to Hawaii on their own, things would have worked out okay for everyone. Unfortunately, they brought humans along, too.

1
Aplomado Falcon 1:41

9d ago1:41

1:41

Aplomado Falcons were once widespread residents of the American Southwest, but by the 1950s, they'd disappeared entirely from the region. Loss of habitat, loss of prey, and pesticides all played a role. But in the 1980s, a group called The Peregrine Fund began breeding captive Aplomado Falcons. Over the next 25 years, 1,500 fledglings were set free…

1
The Sapsucker–Hummingbird Connection 5:51

9d ago5:51

5:51

During spring migration, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds usually arrive a couple of weeks after Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers do, for a very good reason.

1
Ep. 570 – What is a Duck Hunting Property Manager Doing this Time of Year? Find Out 31:40

10d ago31:40

31:40

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Rusty Creasey, manager of the Coca Cola Woods in Arkansas, for a discussion about the off season. First, the two discuss the highs and lows of the 2023-2024 season and Creasey provides information on a few oddities he saw throughout the duck season. With water off the property, Creasey is preparing to clean up boat …

1
Lee Ann Roripaugh: String of Beads 8:47

10d ago8:47

8:47

When writer Lee Ann Roripaugh visited the annual staging grounds of Sandhill Cranes in Nebraska, she was in awe of the birds. During their spring migration, hundreds of thousands of cranes roost on sandbars in the Platte River. The sound and sight of these birds is breathtaking; Lee Ann captures it beautifully in her poem “:: #sandhillcranes #strin…

1
Hawaii before chickens and humans arrived 5:47

10d ago5:47

5:47

Millions of years ago, Hawaii was off to a rocky start.

1
Why a Gorget Glitters 1:45

11d ago1:45

1:45

A hummingbird's brilliant throat feathers are called a "gorget," a term applied in past centuries to the metallic swatch protecting the throat of a knight-in-armor. Light waves reflect and refract off the throat feathers, creating color in the manner of sun glinting off a film of oil on water. The gorget of this Rufous Hummingbird is stunning! More…

1
#981 April 14, 2024 30:00

12d ago30:00

30:00

On our latest show: renowned birdsong expert Don Kroodsma and his new book that comes alive with song. Plus, nest box advice from backyard bird expert Mike O’Connor; and an Eastern Bluebird-themed Audio Postcard.By Ray Brown's Talkin' Birds

1
How Birds Survived the Asteroid 1:36

13d ago1:36

1:36

The asteroid that struck the Yucatán 66 million years ago wreaked worldwide ecological damage, spelling the end for most dinosaurs and destroying the world’s forests. Yet a few bird-like dinosaur groups made it through. Scientists believe that these groups were all ground-dwellers. Though some species could fly, a life on the ground would have been…

1
White-tailed Hawks on the Texas Coastal Plain 1:38

14d ago1:38

1:38

The White-tailed Hawk thrives in the grassy plains of the Texas Coastal Plain, where many tropical species reach the northern limit of their ranges. White-tailed Hawks often hunt by kiting: hovering like a kite in the breeze with the wings held in a “V” above the body, dropping suddenly on their prey. When a grass fire breaks out, they hunt small a…

1
Spark Bird: John Kessler and the Music of Birds 1:45

15d ago1:45

1:45

John Kessler served as BirdNote’s senior producer for over 18 years. But before BirdNote existed, he was recording the sounds of Seattle for public radio station KPLU, now called KNKX. After capturing many of Seattle’s well-known spots on tape, he broadened his scope by connecting with local birders to find the best places to hear birds around town…

1
Ep. 569 – Wisconsin Decoys with Collector John Fandrey 1:11:30

15d ago1:11:30

1:11:30

On this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke interviews John Fandrey, a Wisconsin decoy collector. John shares his introduction to the outdoors as a child, following his father’s passion for duck hunting. John and Katie discuss the many types of decoys in Wisconsin and how the carvers’ styles change throughout the state. Stay tu…

1
08-15: Martin Migration Madness with Kevin Fraser 29:17

15d ago29:17

29:17

Spring is finally on its way and with it, the promise of returning migratory birds to the United States and Canada. Among the first to arrive every year, and beloved among birders and non-birders alike, is North America’s largest swallow, the Purple Martin. With their chatty and gregarious nature martins have inspired so many people, one of whom is…

1
Burrowing Belted Kingfisher 1:45

16d ago1:45

1:45

The Belted Kingfisher dashes through the air, warning intruders with its rapid-fire, rattling call. In spring, the best places to see Belted Kingfishers are along sandy banks – they are busy digging burrows, where they will nest. The holes typically reach three to six feet into the bank, but some nesting holes can extend 15 feet. More info and tran…

101
Chickens, Part 1.5: Kin of Chickens 5:54

16d ago5:54

5:54

The rules of counting non-native birds are not always consistent.

1
The Avian Digestive System 33:34

16d ago33:34

33:34

This episode—which is Number 94— is all about the Avian Digestive System. That’s right, kids, we’re looking at bird guts today! If you’ve ever wondered what happens to a fish swallowed by a kingfisher or what happened to that piece of bacon swiped off your lunch plate by a cheeky Ring-billed Gull... Well, you're about to find out. I’ll do my best t…

1
Aviary: Bird Echolocation to the Rescue 1:45

17d ago1:45

1:45

In this episode featuring Aviary — the shapeshifting bird superhero — the surprising abilities of birds come in handy when a student gets lost exploring a cave with his class. Aviary remembers an amazing bird called the Himalayan Swiftlet that’s able to echolocate like a bat, and enlists this species’ superpower to save the day. More info and trans…

101
Chickens, Part I: Domestication 5:38

17d ago5:38

5:38

The most abundant bird on the planet, feeding billions of humans every day, is the chicken. Laura talks about how they became domesticated and some genetic differences between domestic birds and their wild ancestor, the Red Junglefowl. The recording used in this program is of a wild Red Junglefowl in India, recorded and contributed to Xeno-Canto by…

1
Ep. 568 – Discussion Topics for Duck Hunters this Spring 38:31

17d ago38:31

38:31

Host Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher sit down and discuss the hot topics of discussion for duck and goose hunters this spring. It may be turkey season, but avid duck and goose hunters still want to talk about waterfowl. Brasher provides an in-depth overview of avian flu, Season in Review document, habitat conditions, and a few other bits of mus…

101
Birds Dress for Spring 1:38

18d ago1:38

1:38

It's spring! And for many birds, a time to look their best to attract a new mate. This American Goldfinch has recently molted. Its old, worn-down feathers have fallen out, and new ones have grown in. When goldfinches molt in the fall, they lose these brightly colored feathers. Their winter camouflage helps them blend in with the drab background of …

101
Lyrebirds Shift the Earth 1:45

19d ago1:45

1:45

Beavers are well known as ecosystem engineers in North America. In Australia, lyrebirds play a big role in shaping their environment when they use their toes to dig in the ground for food. A single lyrebird can shift 11 dump truck loads of soil and leaves — each year! That’s thought to be more than any other digging animal. Lyrebirds are best known…

1
Solar Eclipse! 5:57

19d ago5:57

5:57

Laura remembers a wonderful eclipse from three decades ago.

1
#980 April 7, 2024 30:00

19d ago30:00

30:00

On our latest show: Birding and Plirding (and Plishing) in South Carolina; Audio Postcards from California and Mississippi; and was there really a roadrunner on Cape Cod?By Ray Brown's Talkin' Birds

101
House Wren – Little Brown Dynamo 1:41

20d ago1:41

1:41

House Wrens dart from perch to perch and sing almost nonstop. They’re one of the most thoroughly studied songbird species. House Wrens nest in cavities, including backyard nest boxes. Most migrate south in late summer. The male House Wren sometimes builds multiple nests, allowing his mate to choose her favorite and put her finishing touches on it. …

151
Mockingbirds Mimic Frogs 1:42

21d ago1:42

1:42

The avian world is full of mimicry artists, but Northern Mockingbirds take it to a new level. Not only can they imitate other birds, they can mimic frogs and toads! Their performances are so convincing it’s hard to tell frog from bird. It’s still unknown how this benefits mockingbirds, but scientists think that the females might find it attractive.…

151
High Island, Texas 1:45

22d ago1:45

1:45

Each spring, millions of songbirds migrate north from the tropics to nest in North America. It takes 15 hours on average to cross the roughly 500 miles of the Gulf of Mexico. If wind or rain slows the crossing, the birds are worn out and famished when they reach land. What will they find on gaining the coast? Along the upper Gulf Coast of Texas, ma…

151
Trip Guilt and Guilt Trips 5:19

22d ago5:19

5:19

Is using energy always the same as squandering it?

1
Ep. 567 – Light Goose Conservation Order Wrap Up 22:32

22d ago22:32

22:32

Host Chris Jennings is joined by Jay Anglin, Great Lakes Region Migration Editor for ducks.org to talk about the pace of the light goose migration in 2024. Anglin brings insight into the spring migration across the Mississippi and Central Flyways and offers information he has gathered throughout the entire season. Late January’s mild temperatures s…

1
08-14: Random Birds, Special Edition, with Ted Floyd & John Lowry 53:00

22d ago53:00

53:00

John Lowry steps from the production booth into the host's seat this time around to join Birding magazine editor Ted Floyd in a special Random Birds featuring John's home state of Michigan and Ted's old home of Nevada. They discuss a smorgasbord of avian trivia from the big middle of the ABA Area. Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify…

151
Poetry Month: Susan Nguyen 7:34

23d ago7:34

7:34

For National Poetry Month, we’re sharing contemporary writers’ work about birds. Poet Susan Nguyen got a hummingbird feeder from her neighbor in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. She began taking an interest in the hummingbirds that visited, giving them names and learning the surprising way they use their tongues to drink nectar. The way birds defy e…

151
A Hawk That Hunts in Packs 1:45

24d ago1:45

1:45

Most raptors are solitary birds, but Harris’s Hawks of the southwestern U.S. live and hunt in groups of two to six. After spotting a prey animal, the hawks swoop in from various directions to catch the confused creature. If they miss and their prey takes cover, some of the birds try to flush it out while others lie in ambush. Their teamwork may hel…

151
Redpolls! 5:26

24d ago5:26

5:26

Along with Duluth's spring blizzard came redpolls! (In the background throughout, the sound is a recording of the redpolls at Laura's feeder made this past Saturday, March 30.)

151
Ep. 566 – Why are Scientists Banding Scaup, Canvasbacks, and Redheads on Pool 19? 1:07:19

24d ago1:07:19

1:07:19

Lesser scaup are one of several duck species in North America that have experienced long-term population declines, and despite decades of research, the exact cause of this decline remains unclear. Because of its profound importance as a spring stopover site for migrating scaup and other divers, Pool 19 on the Mississippi River has played a crucial …

151
Two Wings and a Tail 1:37

25d ago1:37

1:37

The Wilson's Snipe lives in marshes and muddy areas, where it probes for worms and other squirmy delights. But when spring comes, it takes to the air. The male Wilson's Snipe circles high above in a series of roller-coaster arcs, each descent marked by a loud and distinctive sound. This winnowing sound comes from its wings and a couple of tail feat…

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