Best Birds Podcasts (2025)

1
Apr. 27, 2025 30:00

14m ago30:00

30:00

On our latest show: a Tri-colored audio postcard from San Diego; a revisit to a Birds of Hawaii project; and Mike’s answer to a question about the feisty House Wren.By Ray Brown's Talkin' Birds

1
Soaring with Redtails 1:40

2h ago1:40

1:40

A Red-tailed Hawk soars on broad, rounded wings, the epitome of effortless flight. Without flapping, it traces a leisurely, rising circle. The hawk is riding a thermal, a column of warm rising air generated near the earth's surface by heat from the sun. The Red-tail periodically circles to stay within the thermal. Riding thermals is an energy-effic…

1
RELOADED EP95 | Off Season Shotgunning w/ Phil Bourjaily Part 1 22:52

2h ago22:52

22:52

Phil Bourjaily, DU Magazine's shotgunning columnist, joins host Chris Jennings to discuss what waterfowlers should do in the off-season to prepare for the coming season. Bourjaily provides great detail on 10 tactics hunters can use to improve their shotgunning. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback: [email protected]…

1
Burrowing Owls: Howdy Birds 1:34

4m ago1:34

1:34

A Burrowing Owl is about as big as a can of beans on stilts. Between the long legs, bright yellow eyes, and signature bobbing salute, these little birds are comical members of the western ecosystem. Cowboys riding Western rangelands have a nickname for these little owls. They call them “howdy birds” for the way they bob up and down in front of thei…

1
A Lost Hummingbird is Found Again 1:45

4m ago1:45

1:45

The Santa Marta Sabrewing is a hummingbird species so rare, they’ve only been documented twice in recent years. Native to the mountains of Colombia, they were officially described in 1946. No one reported another sighting until 2010. They became a “lost” species, eluding every attempt to find them. Then in 2022, Yurgen Vega was studying the birds o…

1
Earth Day 2025 6:43

1h ago6:43

6:43

Laura reflects on this year's Earth Day compared to the first Earth Day in 1970.

1
09-17: Wild NYC with Ryan Mandelbaum 33:52

1h ago33:52

33:52

Regular listeners to this podcast certainly know science writer Ryan Mandelbaum from their regular appearances on This Month in Birding. Those listeners who enjoy Ryan's wit and passion for wildlife will no doubt be exited to learn that Ryan has a new book, Wild NYC, a guidebook to nature observation in the United State’s largest city. While birds …

1
A Kettle of Vultures 1:42

39m ago1:42

1:42

In the daytime, hot air rises as the sun heats the ground. The rising column of air is called a thermal, and it’s the perfect way for a Turkey Vulture to hitch a ride. Like an elevator to the skies, the thermal gently wafts the vultures upward. They move in a slowly ascending spiral around the thermal, rarely flapping and instead coasting on the br…

1
Raising the World’s Deadliest Bird 1:40

1d ago1:40

1:40

You might think the first bird species that humans raised in captivity would be a relatively small one, like a chicken. But evidence suggests that people in New Guinea reared the cassowary, often called the world’s deadliest bird, as much as 18,000 years ago, long before the domestication of chickens. The remains of cassowary eggs and bones at arch…

1
How to Find Birds 1:10:45

10h ago1:10:45

1:10:45

In this episode—which is number 115—Ivan Phillipsen guides listeners through the art and science of finding birds—a skill that even seasoned birders are always refining. While birds are everywhere, intentionally locating them in nature can be surprisingly difficult. Ivan breaks down bird-finding as a multi-scale strategy, starting from intercontine…

1
Ep. 672 - Prairie Predictions - What are We Hearing and Seeing? 34:59

5d ago34:59

34:59

It's springtime, which means ducks are migrating north to their breeding grounds and hunters are wondering what they'll encounter when they get there. Dr. Scott Stephens joins Dr. Mike Brasher for an update on breeding habitat conditions across the prairies, boreal forest, and Alaska, including prognostications of what he expects to hear once the s…

1
Poetry in the Parks 3:16

1d ago3:16

3:16

For her signature project You Are Here, U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón sought to connect people and nature through poetry. In addition to curating a book of poems by the same name, Limón also partnered with Shauna Potocky at the National Park Service to design poetry installations at seven sites across the country. More info and transcript at BirdNot…

1
Through a Glass, Darkly 5:35

1d ago5:35

5:35

Laura talks about taking photos through window glass.

1
Great-tailed Grackle 1:41

2d ago1:41

1:41

Great-tailed Grackles live up to their name. The glossy black males trail their long, V-shaped tails behind them as they fly, almost like a plane towing a banner ad. And while not quite as flashy, the brown-feathered females have impressively long tails, too. Also known as the Mexican Grackle, this species lives in all sorts of habitats from the no…

1
#1,034 Apr. 20, 2025 30:00

3d ago30:00

30:00

On our latest show: Making our National Parks more beautiful with TrashBlitz ‘25. 5 Gyres’ Nick Kemble explains. Plus, we meet the Goldilocks bird; and Mike O’Connor talks about a favorite topic: egg shells.By Ray Brown's Talkin' Birds

1
The Legendary Phoenix 1:45

3d ago1:45

1:45

The ancient Greeks and Egyptians described a mythical bird called the Phoenix, a magnificent creature that was a symbol of renewal and rebirth. According to legend, each Phoenix lived for 500 years, and only one Phoenix lived at a time. Just before its time was up, the Phoenix built a nest and set itself on fire. Then, a new Phoenix would rise from…

1
RELOADED EP90 | Ducks Nesting In Your Backyard? Learn What To Do 31:16

4d ago31:16

31:16

So, you found yourself with a mallard or Canada goose nesting in your flowerpot. Why is this happening, what should you know, and what are your options? Join the DU Podcast as hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher share their answers to these questions and more, when discussing urban nesting waterfowl. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send f…

1
Recycle Your Eggshells to Help Nesting Birds 1:45

4d ago1:45

1:45

Female birds need to eat calcium to have enough of the mineral to lay their eggs. But it can be hard to find enough of it to eat in nature. We can help our backyard birds by offering them some extra calcium in bird feeders and by recycling our used egg shells. More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly new…

1
Kinglet Fireworks 1:42

5d ago1:42

1:42

Most of the time, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet is neither ruby nor regal. A tiny songbird washed in faded olive-green, the male shows a hint of crimson atop of his head — hardly a ruby crown. But don’t forsake the kinglet for flashier birds. When courting a female or dueling with another male, the kinglet exposes those ruby feathers, and his crown glows …

1
09-16: Birds, Wildfires, and Smoke with Olivia Sanderfoot 37:01

6d ago37:01

37:01

A warmer and drier world means, unfortunately, a world in which wildfire becomes a greater risk. We know, all too well, the risk these fires pose to wild places, but there is surprisingly little we know about the risk to wildlife. That is the work of Dr. Olivia Sanderfoot, a researcher at UCLA looking at the impacts of wildfire smoke on wild birds …

1
Ep. 671 - UFOs, Skinwalkers, and Bigfoot—The Scariest Hunting Stories Ever Told! 1:09:15

10d ago1:09:15

1:09:15

Paranormal Podcast icons Kyle Philson and Cam Hale from Expanded Perspectives join DU Podcast host Matt Harrison for a follow-up to their wildly popular episode that racked up millions of views. This time, they dive deeper into why eerie, unexplained moments in the outdoors captivate us—and how storytelling turns those chills into connections. This…

1
Brewer's Sparrow, Sageland Singer 1:41

6d ago1:41

1:41

One of the most musical and complex bird songs in the U.S. is that of the Brewer's Sparrow. It's a veritable aria, ringing forth from the sagebrush of Eastern Washington's Columbia Basin. Shrub-steppe is disappearing from the interior west as it is cleared for irrigated crops. The quintessential drylands bird, the Brewer's Sparrow can survive for a…

1
Guyana! 5:56

6d ago5:56

5:56

Laura is headed to South America next month, and is studying up.

1
Pablo Neruda’s Celebrated Birds 1:45

7d ago1:45

1:45

Pablo Neruda is considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. Though the Chilean poet is best known for his writings about love, birds were also close to his heart. He composed more than 20 poetic profiles of birds native to Chile including hummingbirds and albatrosses. More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subsc…

1
The Dry Tortugas! 6:51

7d ago6:51

6:51

Laura leaves next Friday for a birding tour of Florida's Dry Tortugas.

1
What’s a Field of Grass to a Bird? 1:41

8d ago1:41

1:41

Although a field of grass might not seem like valuable habitat at first, many birds have adapted to nest in grassland habitats and nowhere else. In North America, birds such as the Bobolink seek out grasslands to raise their young, deftly hiding their nests within the dense vegetation. Very few grasslands and savannas have been protected compared t…

1
Birding with a Camera 5:28

8d ago5:28

5:28

Laura was ready with her camera to capture an exciting interaction between a Common Merganser and a northern pike.

1
From Bobwhite Coveys to Pairs 1:37

9d ago1:37

1:37

Throughout winter, Northern Bobwhites gather in groups called coveys to search for food during the day and share warmth at night. These small quail arrange themselves in a circle, with their tails in the center and heads outward, huddled up like a wreath of plump birds to survive frost and snow. But as spring arrives, the coveys disband and bobwhit…

1
#1,033 Apr. 13, 2025 30:00

10d ago30:00

30:00

On our latest show: An audio postcard from the Colombian Andes; a visit with “Seabird Sue”; Mike O’Connor’s Tale of Two Warblers; and the return of The Real James Bond.By Ray Brown's Talkin' Birds

1
The Eagle Eye 1:45

10d ago1:45

1:45

Ever heard the term “eagle eye?” An eagle’s vision is incredibly sharp, and its eyes can weigh more than its brain. The secret to the bird’s exceptional vision is the density of visual cells – the rods and cones – of its retina. More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ t…

1
RELOADED EP52 | Do Ducks & Geese Mate For Life? 22:59

11d ago22:59

22:59

Hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss waterfowl mating systems and how behavior changes related to mating and courtship directly impact hunting as the season progresses. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback: [email protected] Ducks Unlimited Inc.

1
Nest Building 1:35

11d ago1:35

1:35

Want to try building a nest? Consider this... an average American Robin weighs less than three ounces. An average person weighs 170 pounds, or 1,000 times as much as a robin. A robin's nest, made of grass and mud, weighs about seven ounces, so yours will weigh 450 pounds. You'll need to collect about 350 strands of grass, each about four feet long.…

1
Music to Our Ears 1:35

12d ago1:35

1:35

One of Jessica Rugh Frantz’s favorite things about being the director of development at BirdNote is getting to hear from listeners about how much they love our programs. Listener support is what makes this show possible. Just like how we love our backyard birds and take steps to help them thrive, we hope you’ll do the same for BirdNote by making a …

1
Ep. 670 - How to Break into the Outdoor Industry 36:49

13d ago36:49

36:49

In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Matt Harrison welcomes Doug Larson, co-host of DUTV. The conversation dives into Doug's journey in the outdoor industry, highlighting his early experiences and how he transitioned into the world of duck hunting. Doug shares insights into his background in marketing and writing, including his insp…

1
09-15: Looking Up with Courtney Ellis 35:29

13d ago35:29

35:29

A deeply felt love of birds is something that can wind its way into all aspects of our lives. It is a journey that writer and pastor Courtney Ellis weaves into her most recent book, Looking Up: A Birder’s Guide to Hope Through Grief, published last year and now available in audiobook. She is also the host of The Thing with Feathers podcast, availab…

1
Hearing From BirdNote Listeners 1:45

13d ago1:45

1:45

We know for many listeners, BirdNote is part of your everyday routine. But don’t take our word for it. Let Michael and Mary Ann tell you what BirdNote means to them. More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofi…

1
Emerging from a Numerical Haze 7:33

13d ago7:33

7:33

Laura claims she's done thinking about the number of birds on her many bird lists.

1
Support the Things You Love 1:45

14d ago1:45

1:45

At BirdNote, we believe that the more that people learn about birds, the more likely they are to take steps to protect them. Listeners like you have supported BirdNote for 20 years. Support our Spring Fund Drive with a donation of any amount to help us create informative, inspiring stories for years to come. More info and transcript at BirdNote.org…

1
BirdNoir: The Mystery of Public Media Funding 1:52

15d ago1:52

1:52

In this episode of BirdNoir, the Private Eye gets a call from his pal Roy asking to know how BirdNote stays on the air. His wife says the show is funded by listener donations, but Roy can’t believe it. Roy even made a bet that he’d make a donation himself if her story were true. The private eye gives him an answer that has Roy grabbing his pocket b…

1
Woodcocks! 5:45

15d ago5:45

5:45

Woodcocks are back in the Northland, much to Laura's delight.

1
Short and Sweet! 1:45

16d ago1:45

1:45

We know you’ve got a busy schedule, which is why our team at BirdNote produces fun, sound-rich episodes about the natural world in less than two minutes each day. For 20 years, BirdNote has shared the joy and wonder of birds with millions of people. Help us continue this work with a donation of any amount. More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. …

1
The Osprey 55:54

18d ago55:54

55:54

In this episode—which is Number 114—host Ivan Phillipsen dives into the world of the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)—a bird that’s all about fish. With a global distribution and a singular place in the avian family tree, the Osprey is both biologically unique and instantly recognizable. Ivan explores this raptor’s physical traits, from its distinctive w…

1
#1,032 Apr. 6, 2025 30:00

17d ago30:00

30:00

On our latest show: an audio postcard from the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies; a guest from Colorado talking about an insecticide threat to birds and bees; and Mike O'Connor's advice on keeping your seed dry.By Ray Brown's Talkin' Birds

1
Adopt a Tree to Save the Birds 1:42

17d ago1:42

1:42

Many birds depend on caterpillars often found on trees lining city sidewalks. But few insects spend their whole lives on the tree: the next stage is in the leaves and soil under the tree. In cities, that habitat is often compacted and leafless. By adopting a tree and creating a “soft landing” for caterpillars, anyone can help keep birds supplied wi…

1
RELOADED EP33 | Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois Shares His Best Day in the Duck Blind 9:51

18d ago9:51

9:51

Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois rejoins host Chris Jennings on the show to discuss his best day duck hunting. Bourgeois describes a day in the south Louisiana marshes, the birds, and the meal shared after the hunt. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast Send feedback: [email protected] Ducks Unlimited Inc.

1
How Much Birds Sing 1:45

18d ago1:45

1:45

A typical songbird belts out its song between 1,000 and 2,500 times per day. Even though most bird songs last only a few seconds, that's a lot of warbling! A Yellowhammer, a European bunting, may sing over 3,000 times a day. But the Yellowhammer doesn't even come close to the North American record-holder, this Red-eyed Vireo. One such vireo deliver…

1
Poet Holly J. Hughes Honors the Birds We've Lost 11:19

19d ago11:19

11:19

Poet Holly J. Hughes’ book Passings is a collection of poems about 15 species of birds that we have lost, or presume to be extinct. For National Poetry Month, Hughes shares the inspiration behind her work and three poems: Passenger Pigeon, Northern Curlew, and Ivory-Billed Woodpecker. More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Su…

1
Ep. 669 - 3 Pintails: New Harvest Regulations for the 2025–26 Season 1:01:40

24d ago1:01:40

1:01:40

For the first time in decades, American duck hunters will have the opportunity to legally harvest three pintails during the 2025–26 season due to a new interim pintail harvest strategy that was approved in 2024. On this episode, Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by state migratory bird managers Brandon Reishus (Oregon) and Mike Szymanski (North Dakota) to…

1
09-14: Weird Winged Warblers with Nick Block & Matt Hale 48:22

20d ago48:22

48:22

Migrating warblers are heading back to our backyards and patches, and included among that wonderful diversity come the weirdo “winged” warblers, Golden and Blue, whose intermixed genetics have long been fascinating and confusing. We welcome Nick Block, professor of biology at Stonehill College in Massachusetts, as well as Matt Hale, professor of bi…

1
The Cool, Rugged Life of a Snow Bunting 1:45

20d ago1:45

1:45

The Arctic is still wintry when male Snow Buntings return to nesting areas in April. There's a big benefit to arriving early enough to claim a prime nest cavity in a rock face or under boulders, where it will be safer from predators. Nesting in chilly rock cavities means extra care must be taken to keep eggs and nestlings warm. That’s why, unlike m…

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