Geoff Wisner's A Year of Birds is a work of art as well as a work of literature. With 150 watercolors and field sketches by renowned bird artist Barry Van Dusen and a foreword by celebrated naturalist Peter Alden, the author of numerous Audubon Field Guides, Henry David Thoreau's writings on birds are showcased in a way never seen before. Unlike pr…

I know what you are thinking: "another cruise, really?!?" Hear us out - this one is birdy. Spring repositioning cruises along the west coast of the US offer a good chance at seeing some of the pelagic species that are tough otherwise. Listen in for our trip on the Sapphire Princess in search of petrels. Main Story Begins at: 12:05 Show notes Buy me…

Going to see Island Scrub-Jays was always a dream of ours. They are an isolated species and even considered one of the rarest in the United States. So, we took a day boat trip to Santa Cruz Island in hopes of seeing at least one! Main Story Begins at: 7:23 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Birding is the world Brazil Global Big Day Results Santa Cruz Isla…

Sarah T. Dubb's, Birding with Benefits, published by Gallery Books is a romance novel about a divorcée who embarks on her “year of yes” and crosses paths with a shy and sensitive birdwatcher who changes her life. Newly divorced, almost-empty-nester Celeste is finally seeking adventure and putting herself first, clichés be damned. So when a friend a…

There are many ways to enjoy birding and sometimes it's fun to be a little bit competitive, especially when it helps with conservation. We were excited to return to the Great Texas Birding Classic after skipping out in the last few years. This time we gave a Sunrise to Noon in South Texas a try. Main Story Begins at: 10:20 Show notes Buy me a Coffe…

Spring is a magical time of year when migratory species are heading towards their breeding grounds. The Spring Chirp is scheduled for a great time in which you get to see a lot of the resident species of the Rio Grande Valley, migrants moving through, and much more! Main Story Begins at: 11:56 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Spring Chirp Birding is the …

Jeff Ollerton's Birds and Flowers explores the relationships between plants and birds which first emerged at least 50 million years ago and over time have influenced the evolution of both groups. This groundbreaking book is the first to deal with pollinating birds in all their diversity, involving almost 1,390 avian species interacting with tens of…

Wildflowers are blooming! While we might not have gotten to experience a superbloom, there is still a lot to see. We stopped by Cottonwood Canyon State Park (Oregon) and Dog Mountain (Washington) to see what flowers were out. Main Story Begins at: 12:10 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Spring Chirp Birding is the world Brazil eBird Global Big Day Wildflo…

There are so many variables to pelagic birding trips with weather, sea conditions, fish movement patterns, and more! So sometimes it is a surprise what you happen upon. The San Diego Bird Festival offers pelagic trips and we were lucky enough to get on one. Main Story Begins at: 13:40 Show notes Buy me a Coffee San Diego Bird Festival Spring Chirp …

Gretchen Newberry's The Nighthawk Evening focuses on the bird itself—its complex conservation status and cultural significance—and the larger, often hidden world of nocturnal animals. Along the way, she gives readers insight into the daily life of a scientist, especially one who works primarily at night. The Nighthawk’s Evening uses one scientist a…

Jeff Bouton is a dedicated and expert digiscoper. In 2023, he accidentally did a digiscoping Big Year amounting over 1,000 species caught on camera using his iPhone and Kowa spotting scope. Listen in to hear all about digiscoping, Jeff's digiscoping tips and what he learned doing a big year. Main Story Begins at: 12:30 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Di…

San Diego has so much to offer - good restaurants and bars, beaches, outdoor recreation... and birds! We've been to San Diego many times, so we were on the lookout for some new places to explore for drinks and birds. Main Story Begins at: 9:40 *Dial-a-Birder Hotline: Call 503-741-9306 to ask a question or tell us what's going on in your area! Your …

Jordan Spalding's Black-throated Blue Warbler looks into the life of a female black-throated blue warbler throughout a single breeding season, from migration to migration. It is an exploration of the natural environment and a celebration of the tenacity of life. As well as delving into where the natural sciences meet the natural world and the impac…

Going on a cruise? It can be hard to get some birding in! But we believe in trying to bird wherever you can - so we did! Our cruise took us to Princess Cay, Puerto Rico, and Grand Turk and we were able to see some great birds while checking out the other sites. Main Story Begins at: 8:25 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Birding is the World Brazil trip S…

Back in Florida - at least for a day! Before going on a "company retreat/family wedding" cruise, we had a day to bird the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area. Good food, sunny skies, and cherished birds! Luckily for us, there was a free walk with Tropical Audubon Society at Frog Pond WMA/Lucky Hammock, a great hotspot just outside of the Everglades National…

Susan Myers, The Bird Name Book, is an alphabetical reference book on the origins and meanings of common group bird names, from “accentor” to “zeledonia.” A cornucopia of engaging facts and anecdotes, this superbly researched compendium presents a wealth of incisive entries alongside stunning photos by the author and beautiful historic prints and w…

In the second half of our West Africa trip, we spent it birding in various spots along the River Gambie. West Africa may not be as high on your bucket list, but it is definitely has unique spots, wonderful residents and visitors, and of course, amazing birds. Main Story Begins at: 8:20 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Birding is the world Brazil Spring C…

Sax-Zim Bog in Minnesota is a fascinating birding spot that is great for winter exploration. But be aware, it is COLD and takes a bit of effort to find those birds. Sparky, executive director of Friends of Sax-Zim Bog, joined us to discuss the bog and how to bird there. *Bird Nerd Giveaway details: Like the Hannah and Erik Go Birding Instagram page…

Trish O'Kane's Birding to Change the World details the astonishing science of bird life, from migration and parenting to the territorial defense strategies that influenced her own activism. A warm and compelling weave of science and social engagement, this is the story of an improbably band of bird lovers who saved their park. And it is a blueprint…

Why do birders visit Senegal? Is it for the warm climate, good food, or plethora of easily viewable, interesting birds? Yes, yes, and yes! Listen in for trees of Scissor-tailed Kites, cool lodges, and some travel tips. Main Story Begins at: 10:50 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Birding is the World Brazil trip Spring Chirp San Diego Bird Festival Birda …

We love birding and work to connect folks with birds, so it's always great to connect with others who have that goal in mind too! Birda is a fun, free app where you can learn about birds, report your postings, and connect with other birders. Main Story Begins at: 14:35 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Birding is the World Brazil trip Spring Chirp Rio Gra…

Cameron Cox's Terns of North America: A Photographic Guide published by Princeton University Press, is the essential identification guide to the terns, noddies, and skimmers of North America. Covering every species and featuring hundreds of high-quality color images, this book is the ideal companion for anyone interested in this charismatic but som…

The Rio Grande Valley is an incredible place to see birds and the festival is a great time to see them! This year we visited a new spot, saw a new bird, and had an amazing time at the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival. Main Story Begins at: 12:34 Birdfy by Netvue giveaway details: Like the Hannah and Erik Go Birding Facebook page Like the Birdfy b…

*NOTE* We briefly discuss the recent news regarding the elimination of eponyms in bird names. We want to remind all our listeners that we are not experts on this topic and this is a complex issue. We do feel very strongly that all birders should always feel and be included in the birding community and that as a community, we should strive to increa…

Find More Birds by Heather Wolf is a gorgeously photographed trove of 111 ingenious tips for seeing more birds wherever you are—from crowd favorites (hummingbirds, owls, eagles) to species you’ve never spotted before. Support the Show.By Hannah Buschert

We spent our last few days in Oaxaca birding a few different areas, seeing Monte Alban, and exploring with a Free Walking Tour. Oaxaca has a lot to offer with birds, good food, things to see, and places to explore! *CORRECTION: We incorrectly mentioned that Wilson’s Warbler is a west coast bird. They occur throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico at d…

Oaxaca is a hotspot for food, history, culture, and... birds! In this episode, we really dive into the food, mezcal, and logistics of Oaxaca, as well as our first day of birding. The state of Oaxaca boasts the biggest bird count out of any in Mexico. There are lots of habitats to explore and endemic species to see. Main Story Begins at: 11:23 Show …

Yellowstone's Birds: Diversity and Abundance in the World's First National Park, edited by Douglas W. Smith, Lauren E. Walker, and Katherine E. Duffy, explores a beloved national treasure: Yellowstone National Park. Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is the oldest and arguably the most famous national park in North America, attracting m…

We got to visit one of our local festivals this time! The Wings over Willapa, hosted by the Friends of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, celebrates the people, art, and birds of the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge which is an important stopover spot for many migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. Main Story Begins at: 9:15 Show notes Buy me a Coffee …

Going out on a pelagic boat trip is always an exciting experience. Fresh air, the salt spray, and the unknown of what birds you might find! We went on a pelagic out of Garibaldi, Oregon that had lots of unexpected surprises. Main Story Begins at: 9:32 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Wings over Willapa Birding is the World Brazil trip Spring Chirp Rio Gr…

Finding W. H. Hudson by Conor Mark Jameson came about due to an imposing, life-size oil painting dominates the main meeting room at the RSPB’s base in the heart of England: ‘the man above the fireplace’ – always present, rarely mentioned. Curious about the person in the portrait, the author began a quest to rediscover William Henry Hudson (1841–192…

While at Global BirdFair, Mark Pearson from Yorkshire Coast Nature joined us to talk about his suggestions for birding throughout the UK, best seasons to go, and what to know! Bird Nerd Giveaway: One randomly selected entry will win Window Collison Tape courtesy of Feather Friendly. Send us your entry by September 19 to qualify. To enter, send us: …

Global BirdFair is the UK's (and maybe the world's?) biggest birding event each year. Vendors, optics companies, artists, and many more flock to Oakham, UK to enjoy spending time with other birders and seeing what's new in birding. It's amazing to see 12,500+ birders, 280+ vendors all together because of birds. Main Story Begins at: 8:45 Show notes…

Curlew Moon by Mary Colwell is the chronicles of her impressive journey, weaving a wonderfully told story of the experiences on her walk, interspersed with the natural history of this most impressive of birds that has fascinated us for millennia. Colwell started walking in the early spring when birds were first arriving on their breeding grounds in…

While at Global BirdFair, we learned about Common Swifts and the threats they face. Hannah Bourne-Taylor is a passionate conservationist that has been working throughout the UK and beyond to protect cavity nesting species, like Common Swifts. Main Story Begins at: 10:05 Show notes Cougar in Cannon Beach Global Bird Fair Wings over Willapa Birding i…

Scotland is just magnificent with rolling hills, rugged coasts, and plethora of birds! We explored just a snippet of this beautiful country - but definitely have to get back for more. Main Story Begins at: 6:55 Show notes Global Bird Fair Wings over Willapa Birding is the World Brazil trip Spring Chirp Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival Scottish Se…

Woman, Watching: Louise de Kiriline Lawrence and the Songbirds of Pimisi Bay by Merilyn Simonds is a remarkable biography of an extraordinary woman — a Swedish aristocrat who survived the Russian Revolution to become an internationally renowned naturalist, one of the first to track the mid-century decline of songbirds. Read my GoodReads review here…

Did you know that July is the slowest eBird month? So, this summer the New York Times and Cornell Lab of Ornithology have come together to spread the word about birding, encourage folks to eBird new locations, and challenge themselves. Check it out! Main Story Begins at: 11:45 Show notes American Robin Status and Trends New York Times Birding AOS d…

Interested in adding a bit more wildlife in your life? Consider adding some food, water, cover, and places to raise young for wildlife at your home, business, or other landscapes! Thank you to Mary Phillips for joining us to tell us what we can do to make an impact. Main Story Begins at: 9:35 Show notes NWF Certification NWF Native Plant Finder NWF…

101 Curious Tales of East African Birds offers bite-size stories about fascinating birds featuring cutting-edge research. And is packed with stunning photographs of East African birds, both iconic and little known. Read my GoodReads review here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61728879 Support the Show.…

The Global Big Day is one of our favorite events each year. Birders join together across the globe on a single day to census birds! It's great for science, education, and just great fun. Main Story Begins at: 7:35 Show notes eBird Global Big Day eBird Global Big Day update Global Bird Fair Wings over Willapa Birding is the World Brazil trip Spring …

Hannah and Erik stick closer to home in search of a long wanted bird, the Sooty Grouse. They explore some local logging roads and a few hotspots they've never birded before! Main Story Begins at: 13:05 Show notes Give us a call and leave a voicemail about your Global Big Day at +1 (503) 468-6901. Global Big Day eBird Global Big Day Global Bird Fair…

Field Guide to North American Flycatchers: Empidonax and Pewees is the first guide from Cin-Ty Lee, illustrated by Andrew Birch that covers a difficult group of birds for beginners through expert birders. Read my GoodReads review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5403080039 Support the Show.…

It may not be a particularly birdy trip, but seeing Petra and Wadi Rum is truly an incredible experience! Thank you to Kowa Sporting Optics for your support! Main Story Begins at: 9:00 Show notes Give us a call and leave a voicemail telling us about your Global Big Day at +1 (503) 468-6901. (We tried WhatsApp and that didn't work - so just call the…

After months of talking about it, the big day is finally here! The Champions of the Flyway competition may be a long day - but is fun trip around Israel to see so many cool birds. Main Story Begins at: 13:20 Show notes Champions of the Flyway Women in Steppe COTF team page Kowascopers COTF team page Hannah’s Blog about the Red-Breasted Goose Global…

Julia's first book, Field Notes from an Unintentional Birder, is a Canadian bestseller published by Douglas & McIntyre in 2020. Check out Julia's website for more! Read my GoodReads review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5500906054 Support the Show.By Hannah Buschert

After a long journey, we made it to Israel for the Champions of the Flyway. But first - scouting for the big day! We visited a few new sites, saw some great birds, and even tried something new. Main Story Begins at: 15:25 Show notes Champions of the Flyway Women in Steppe COTF team page Kowascopers COTF team page Hannah’s Blog about the Red-Breaste…

Rebecca Heisman joined us at the San Diego Bird Festival to talk about her recently released book: Flight Paths, a book about the study of bird migration and the scientists and methods behind it all. Main Story Begins at: 12:13 Show notes Galveston Featherfest Birdiest Week in America Flight Paths by Rebecca Heisman An Unusual Bloom is Happening in…

Jen Bristol's new book, Cemetery Birding, is an unexpected guide to birding some amazing spots that don't get visited too often. Check out this link for more! Support the Show.By Hannah Buschert

Welcome to the Bird Nerd Book Club! Hannah, from Hannah and Erik Go Birding, is bringing you a brand new podcast all about the fascinating bird-related books. Check out each episode to hear from an author about their books. Check out the Bird Nerd Book Club each month. And connect with me here on Twitter or via email hannahanderikgobirding@gmail.co…