Best Weekend Birder Podcasts (2025)

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125 Observe, Learn and Protect - with Spencer 23:01

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3h ago23:01

23:01

Teenage conservationist Spencer Hitchen chats with Kirsty in Melbourne’s Royal Park about birdwatching, Glossy Black-cockatoos and how young people can create change with hope, optimism and community. 🎧 All links here: https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/125-observe-learn-and-protect 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder 🦆 More at…

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Ep. 59 - Rebuilding the Frontier: Inside Fort Wayne's Old Fort w/ Harrison Snyder 1:01:47

1d ago1:01:47

1:01:47

Send us a text Strap on your boots and step back in time with us as we explore one of Fort Wayne’s most iconic historic landmarks: The Old Fort. In this episode, historian, reenactor and storyteller Harrison Snyder guides us on a captivating journey through the fort’s rich past—sharing tales of the men and women who lived, worked, and defended this…

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Ep. 58 - Geodes and Birds: Travy J's and Brads Wild Travels 1:19:24

6h ago1:19:24

1:19:24

Send us a text In this episode of Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, Brad and Travy take their love for the outdoors on two very different adventures. Brad heads deep into the heart of Texas, chasing the calls of rare and beautiful birds across open prairies and quiet wetlands. From early morning songbirds to the dusty trails under a big southern sky, …

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124 Parrot Evolution - with Tim 24:40

7d ago24:40

24:40

Scientist and author Tim Low unpacks how parrots evolved in Australia, why cockatoos fill the 'woodpecker' niche, and the wild truth about carnivorous parrots. 🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/124-parrot-evolution 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder 🦆 More at - https://www.weekendbirder.com 🎵 Recordings by…

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Ep. 57 - Manistee River Loop: Tips, Tales, and Trail Insights 1:29:43

4d ago1:29:43

1:29:43

Send us a text Join us as we recap our backpacking trip on the Manistee River Loop! We share trail tips, gear advice, and stories from the journey. Whether you’re planning your own hike or just love the outdoors, this episode has it all. Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @bustedpretty.bsky.social Join us: bustedpretty.com Listen to us …

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123 Every Bird in the World - with Cob 17:18

14d ago17:18

17:18

Birding with Cob shares how a Tawny Frogmouth sparked his passion, the global adventures that followed, and why birdwatching has become a worldwide community of curiosity and connection. 🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/123-every-bird-in-the-world 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder 🦆 More at - https://www…

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Ep. 56 - From Stream to Field: Dinnes McGill on the Future of Hunting and Fishing 1:10:20

21d ago1:10:20

1:10:20

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with lifelong outdoorsman Dinnes McGill to explore where his deep passion for hunting and fishing began. Dinnes shares early memories that shaped his respect for the land and the wildlife that call it home, and opens up about his concerns for the future of our lakes, streams, and forests. From the quiet l…

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122 Pardalotes and Parrots - with Cat 37:25

24d ago37:25

37:25

Australia’s 2025 Top Tour Guide, Cat Davidson, shares the magic of Inala on Bruny Island - home to Forty-spotted Pardalotes, Swift Parrots and Tasmania’s other incredible birdlife. 🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/122-pardalotes-and-parrots 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder 🦆 More at - https://www.weeken…

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Ep. 55 - Round Two: The Great National Parks Trivia Throwdown! 45:52

16d ago45:52

45:52

Send us a text Think you know your National Parks? Think again. We're back with another round of National Parks Trivia, and this time we’re diving deep into the weird, wild, and wonderfully obscure corners of America’s most beloved landscapes. Expect laughs, light competition, and maybe a few moments where we all collectively question our education…

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121 Bird Bird Bird - with Rove 21:56

29d ago21:56

21:56

Comedian Rove McManus shares his lifelong love of birds, from backyard Galahs to hummingbirds, and how birdwatching brings awe, laughter and connection. 🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/121-bird-bird-bird 🎵 Recording by Marc Anderson - licenced from https://www.wildambience.com 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend…

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Encore: Tawny Frogmouths - with Marian 18:40

1M ago18:40

18:40

Discover the secrets of the Tawny Frogmouth, one of Australia’s most loved birds. Dr Marian Weaving shares their fascinating features, quirky behaviours and how we can help them thrive in the wild. 🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/09-tawny-frogmouths-with-marian 👑Tawny Frogmouth Named 2025 Bird of the Year - https://www.theg…

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Ep. 54 - Load It Right: Backpack Packing 101 1:21:58

1M ago1:21:58

1:21:58

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we’re getting into packing your pack from the top lid to the hip belt. What goes where, why it matters, and how to keep your gear balanced, dry, and easy to grab when you need it most. We’ll break down how to layer your load — heavy gear in the middle, quick grabs on top, sleep stuff on the…

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120 This Bird - with Astred and Holly 28:06

1M ago28:06

28:06

This joyful chat with award-winning illustrator Astred Hicks and BirdLife Australia’s Dr Holly Parsons is about noticing everyday urban birds, playful ways to watch with kids and the surprising travels of the tiny Silvereye. 🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/119-birds-that-connect-us 🎵 Recording by Marc Anderson - licenced fr…

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Ep. 53 - Sharing the Path: The Art of Being "Trail Kind" 54:17

1M ago54:17

54:17

Send us a text This week we dive into the unwritten rules of the trail — from right-of-way and passing, to respecting nature and fellow hikers. We call it the art of being Trail Kind. Whether you’re a weekend wanderer or a thru-hiker, tune in for tips, laughs, and stories about what makes the trail experience better for everyone. Email us at: buste…

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Birds that Connect Us - with Amanda 28:08

2M ago28:08

28:08

Join nature guide Amanda Lamont in Broken Hill and Mungo National Park as we marvel at pink cockatoos and explore how birdwatching connects us to place, people and ourselves. 🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/119-birds-that-connect-us 🎵 Recording by Marc Anderson - licenced from https://www.wildambience.com 📸 Instagram - http…

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Season 4 Trailer 2:02

1M ago2:02

2:02

Get a taste of what’s to come in Season 4. Our curiosity will lead us to science, community and the surprising ways birds shape our world. 🎵 Laughing Kookaburra recording by Marc Anderson - licenced from https://www.wildambience.com 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder 🦆 More at - https://www.weekendbirder.com Bird illustration: S…

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Ep. 52 - Roots in the City: A Man Named Birch and the Detroit Arboretum 1:37:55

2M ago1:37:55

1:37:55

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees & Pretty Trees, we sit down with Andrew “Birch” Kemp — co-founder and co-director of the Detroit Arboretum. From planting roots in the city to growing a living legacy, Birch shares how trees are shaping the future of Detroit and why green spaces matter more than ever. Tune in for stories of community, conser…

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Ep. 51 - Hygiene On Trail 46:46

2M ago46:46

46:46

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees we’re tackling the unglamorous—but absolutely essential—side of life on the trail: hygiene! From washing up in the wild, to brushing those teeth under the stars, and yes… even the fine art of pooping outdoors. Join us as we break down the tips, tricks, and laughs that keep you clean, fresh, …

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Ep. 50 - Season 5 Finale! 56:05

2M ago56:05

56:05

Send us a text Season 5 was a milestone filled with incredible conversations and unforgettable moments. We sat down with inspiring guests like Trevor Edmonson, Whitney Yoerger, and Augie, who each brought unique perspectives and stories to share. Listeners joined us for quirky game nights that kept things lighthearted and fun, while the ever-entert…

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Ep. 49 - Volunteering for the Wild with Alyssa Augustyniak! 1:20:22

2M ago1:20:22

1:20:22

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we chat with Alyssa, a boots-on-the-ground conservationist turning mud, sweat, and data into real change. From fieldwork to community action, hear how hands-on volunteering and data collecting keep our wild spaces thriving. Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @bustedpretty.bsky.s…

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Ep. 48 - Quirky Truths & Twisted Lies with Paddy 51:02

2M ago51:02

51:02

Send us a text Get ready for game night, Paddy-style! With his quirky twist, he takes the helm for Two Truths and a Lie. Expect laughs, surprises, and a dash of unexpected knowledge. Come hang out, play along, and see if you can spot the lie! Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @bustedpretty.bsky.social Join us: bustedpretty.com Listen t…

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Ep. 47 - The Bird is the Word w/ Indiana Audubon Society's Whitney Yoerger! 1:32:11

3M ago1:32:11

1:32:11

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we’re spreading our wings with bird conservationist Whitney Yoerger from the Indiana Audubon Society! From the importance of land conservation to creating accessible birding spaces, Whitney shares her passion for protecting habitats and connecting people to the world of birds. We also dive …

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Ep. 46 - International Backpacking w/ Bradley Grear 1:18:27

3M ago1:18:27

1:18:27

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we sit down with Brad to swap stories and dive into the do’s and don’ts of international travel. From smart tips to hilarious mishaps, this episode is packed with advice and laughs for anyone itching to explore the world! Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @bustedpretty.bsky.soc…

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Ep. 45 - Safety First, Adventure Always 58:24

3M ago58:24

58:24

Send us a text Before you hit the trail, make sure your pack is ready for anything. In this episode, we break down the essential safety gear every backpacker should carry—from first aid kits and navigation tools to emergency shelters and water filtration. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend trip or a multi-day trek into the wild, we share tips…

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Ep. 44 - Wilderness Trivia: Can You Survive? 58:24

4M ago58:24

58:24

Send us a text Think you could survive in the wild? This week on the pod, we put our skills—and sanity—to the test with our very own version of Survival Trivia! It’s funny, it’s informational, and occasionally, it gets downright weird. From bizarre animal facts to “what-would-you-do” scenarios, tune in to laugh, learn, and question everything you t…

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Ep. 43 - Bringing Back The Prairie: With The Nature Conservancy's Trevor Edmonson! 1:38:10

4M ago1:38:10

1:38:10

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we sit down with The Nature Conservancy's very own Trevor Edmonson, to explore the wild and wonderful world of Kankakee Sands! From managing a thriving bison herd to restoring 8,400 acres of prairie once lost to the plow, Trevor shares the triumphs and trials of bringing biodiversity back t…

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Ep. 42 - From River to Rocks: Au Sable Adventures & Charlevoix Finds! 1:06:20

4M ago1:06:20

1:06:20

Send us a text Join Brad and Paddy as they relive their epic 125 mile thru-paddle of Michigan’s legendary Au Sable River—"ponds", rain, and riverside camping included! Meanwhile, Travy J discovers absolute rock hounding heaven on the shores of Lake Michigan and strikes rock gold with a rare Petosky stone find! Plus, the News Panther prowls in with …

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Ep. 41 - Top 3 Pieces of Gear (Not Core 3) 1:12:11

4M ago1:12:11

1:12:11

Send us a text This week, Paddy, Travy, and Brad break down their Top 3 Favorite Pieces of Gear, that aren’t the Core Three. From trusty trail hacks to underrated essentials, these are the items we never leave behind. Lightweight, weird, or just plain awesome, we're giving them the love they deserve. Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @…

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Ep. 40 - Season Four Wrap Up! 1:07:52

4M ago1:07:52

1:07:52

Send us a text We’ve hiked the miles, seen the birds, swapped the gear, and now it’s time to look back on everything Season 4! In this special recap episode, Paddy, Travy, and Brad gather around the mic to reflect on the wildest stories, best guests, and favorite moments from the trail. From muddy misadventures to deep conversations under the canop…

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Ep. 39 - The Birdman Cometh....Againeth! 1:34:41

4M ago1:34:41

1:34:41

Send us a text The Busted Knees and Pretty Trees crew is back at it and guess who’s joining the flock? That’s right, The Birdman himself, Chad Fitzpatrick is back in the nest! This week, Travy, Paddy, and Brad spread their wings with Chad to chat all things spring migration, dive into the ethics of birding, explore the meditative magic of the sit s…

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Ep. 38 - We Talkin Electronics... on the Trail! 1:08:55

5M ago1:08:55

1:08:55

Send us a text This week, Paddy, Brad, and Travy crack open the gear bag and focus on the tech that tags along—electronic gear on trail. Power banks, headlamps, GPS gadgets, and the devices we love (or love to hate) when the wilderness gets wired! Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @bustedpretty.bsky.social Join us: bustedpretty.com Lis…

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Ep. 37 - National Parks Trivia w/ Mr. Corey Gaudette! 1:03:07

5M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees & Pretty Trees, the guys welcome the one and only Mr. Corey Gaudette for a fun, funny, and slightly chaotic round of National Parks Trivia. Who’s got the park smarts and who totally blows it? You’ll have to listen to find out. Plus, the News Panther is back with a couple of wild stories you definitely don’t …

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Ep. 36 - John Chapman: The Myth And The Legend 1:03:20

5M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, Travy J. peels back the legend of Johnny Appleseed, or should we say John Chapman? Was he really just a barefoot wanderer planting apple trees? Or is there more fruit to the story? Join us as we dig into the myths, the man and the mysticism behind one of America's strangest folk heroes. Ema…

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Ep. 35 - Backpacking Gear Accessories! 1:04:15

5M ago1:04:15

1:04:15

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, Paddy, Travy, and Brad dive deep into all things backpacking gear accessories! From the lightest packs to the weirdest gadgets you never knew you needed, the guys break it all down with their usual banter, honest takes, and trail-tested wisdom! Email us at: [email protected] Follow us:…

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Ep. 34 - We Took a Trip! 1:04:59

6M ago1:04:59

1:04:59

Send us a text Join Paddy, Travy, and Brad as they dive into their latest adventures—from the birding bonanza at the Biggest Week in American Birding in Ohio to the unforgettable chaos and camaraderie of Trail Days 2025 in Virginia. Birds, trails, laughs, and stories you don’t want to miss. Hit play and come along for the ride! Email us at: bustedp…

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118 Season Finale - with the Weekend Birder Community 21:08

6M ago21:08

21:08

It’s the Season 3 finale of the Weekend Birder podcast. Hear Australian bird stories, questions, and recordings from listeners in this joyful community celebration. 🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/118-season-finale 🎵 Recording by Marc Anderson - licenced from https://www.wildambience.com 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.…

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Ep. 33 - The Gang Does Trivia! 1:21:05

6M ago1:21:05

1:21:05

Send us a text Gather ‘round the campfire and join us deep in the woods for another hilarious game of Trivia! The questions are as wild as the trails we wander, and the laughter echoes through the trees. Whether you're on a hike or just dreaming of one, this episode brings the wilderness right to your ears! Email us at: [email protected] Follo…

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117 Dawn Chorus - with Andrew 30:13

6M ago30:13

30:13

Discover the magic of the Australian dawn chorus in this conversation with sound recordist Andrew Skeoch. Explore how bird calls can teach us about listening, ecology, and connection to place. 🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/117-dawn-chorus-with-andrew 🎵 Recordings by Andrew Skeoch - https://www.andrewskeoch.com 📸 Instagram…

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Ep. 32 - Let's Talk America's National Parks! 1:08:28

6M ago1:08:28

1:08:28

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, the tables are turned! Paddy and Travy J hijack the News Panther for a chaotic romp through two headlines, while Brad trades the mic for a ranger hat and dives deep into the history behind America’s national parks. Role reversal, ridiculous banter, and real nature nerdiness, all in one epis…

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116 Broken Hill - with Anika 24:09

6M ago24:09

24:09

Head to Broken Hill with Dr Anika Molesworth to meet the birds of the outback and discover how farming and conservation can work together in Australia’s arid landscapes. 🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/116-broken-hill-with-anika 🎵 Emu recording by Marc Anderson - licenced from https://www.wildambience.com 📸 Instagram - http…

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115 Casual Birding - with Suzy 29:08

7M ago29:08

29:08

Look at Australian birds with new eyes. In this episode, English birdwatcher and podcaster Suzy Buttress shares her birding adventures, her love for connecting with people through birds, and her favourite places to go birding in the UK. 🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/115-casual-birding-with-suzy 🎵 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo …

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Ep. 31 - Gear Talk.... Clothing Accessories! 1:00:16

7M ago1:00:16

1:00:16

Send us a text You’re listening to Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, the podcast where we dive into the gear that keeps you ready for the trail. From hats that shield, to sunglasses that protect, to fanny packs that carry your essentials, we cover the accessories that make every adventure smoother. Stay tuned, stay equipped and keep on sauntering! Ema…

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Ep. 30 - Season 3 Recap! 1:14:54

7M ago1:14:54

1:14:54

Send us a text Join us as we wrap up a wild and wonderful Season 3! From cool bird sightings to jaw-dropping news panther updates, and unforgettable guests—this recap has it all. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or just tuning in, this episode is your perfect guide through the highs, laughs, and muddy boots of the season. Don’t miss it! E…

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114 Bird of Prey Q&A - with Steve 18:05

7M ago18:05

18:05

Raptor expert Stephen Debus answers listener questions about birds of prey in Australia - from eagles and falcons to parenting, prey and plumage. A must-listen for bird nerds and curious nature lovers. 🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/114-bird-of-prey-qa-with-steve 🎵 Bird of prey recordings by Marc Anderson - licenced from h…

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Ep. 29 - A Game Of Would You Rather, Anyone? 1:01:31

7M ago1:01:31

1:01:31

Send us a text This week, Travy J turns up the heat with a rousing—but always friendly—game of Would You Rather? Get ready for wild scenarios, tough choices, and plenty of laughs. Tune in, play along, and see where you stand when things get weird! Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @bustedpretty.bsky.social Join us: bustedpretty.com Lis…

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113 Birdwatching for All - with Ian and Julie 23:12

7M ago23:12

23:12

Discover how Ian and Julie, two passionate birders, are making birdwatching more accessible for people in wheelchairs and nature lovers of all abilities. 🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/113-birdwatching-for-all-with-ian-and-julie 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder 🦆 More at - https://www.weekendbirder.co…

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Ep. 28 - And Now, Some Backcountry News! 1:13:37

7M ago1:13:37

1:13:37

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, Travy, Brad, and Paddy each bring a wild, weird, or downright unbelievable news story straight from the backcountry. From the rebirth of the dire wolf to the circuit court ruling on public lands border crossings— you won't believe what is going on out there! Email us at: bustedpretty@gmail.…

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112 Bird Videos - with Scot 27:18

7M ago27:18

27:18

Discover how to film birds in the wild with conservationist and videographer Scot from Bird Bites. Learn which cameras he recommends, what makes a good bird video, and how storytelling can help protect birds. 🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/112-bird-videos-with-scot 🎵 Paradise Riflebird recording by Marc Anderson - licenced…

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Ep. 27 - What's On Top: Let's Talk Layers! 1:06:03

7M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

Send us a text The new episode of the Busted Knees and Pretty Trees is live! This week we’re talking layers — the base, the middle, and the outer. Puffies, fleeces, sun hoodies and all the stuff that keeps you cozy (or not) in the backcountry. Tune in for gear talk, trail thoughts, and our takes on what’s worth carrying when every ounce counts. Ema…

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111 Fairywren Quest - with Maggie 20:50

8M ago20:50

20:50

Discover how Maggie Galbraith's quiet approach to birdwatching led a nation-wide quest to see all of Australia’s fairywrens, and an unforgettable moment with the White-winged Fairywren. 🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/111-fairywren-quest-with-maggie 🎵 White-winged Fairywren recording by Marc Anderson - licenced from https:/…