Weekend Birder - SoundSage

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Search for birds in Western Australia’s coastal heaths, wetlands, arid regions and tropical north. This episode is about the best places to go birdwatching Western Australia and some of the unique birds you might find there.

Jeremy Ringma is a Shorebird Project Coordinator at BirdLife Australia. His work involves collecting shorebird survey data in order to assess population trends and support conservation efforts. He also runs workshops to help the community become citizen scientists. Jeremy grew up in Brisbane, where he completed his undergraduate studies and PhD on Australian predator threatened mammals. He started ‘birding’ properly in his early twenties after being interested in wildlife as a kid.

Links:

Jeremy on Instagram - @jeremy_ringma
Weekend Birder Google Map - maps.app.goo.gl/idqxtcxUDmUkDi1Y7
BirdLife WA website - birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-wa/
BirdLife WA on Facebook - @birdlifewa
BirdLife WA on Instagram - @birdlifewa
Eastern Yellow Wagtail recording by Geoff Carey (XC729999) - xeno-canto.org
Shark Bay Scrubwren recording by Matthias Feuersenger (XC107871) - xeno-canto.org
Noisy Scrub-bird and Western Gerygone recordings by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.com

Weekend Birder online:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Adventure around Australia with two passionate birders on a gap year. This episode is about the highs and lows of riding a pushbike 15,000km around Australia to see as many birds as possible in one year.

Leo Norman and Cezary Carmichael are on the road, on two wheels, on a grand adventure. The plan is to spend their gap year riding the country and enjoying birdwatching along the way. They are combining their efforts to document the unique cultural and ecological importance of birds in Australia whilst helping to build a school in Timor Leste.

Imagine if every Weekend Birder listener donated $10 to Cezary and Leo’s fundraising effort? That’s over $50,000!

Let’s do this - spenditwell.com/6730-2/

Other links:

Two Birders Two Bikes on Instagram - @twobirderstwobikes
eBird profile - https://ebird.org/profile/MTA2NzU5NQ/AU

Weekend Birder online:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Learn about a bird that’s a little bit different from the rest. This episode is about a quirky and lovable migratory shorebird, and a scientist’s quest to grow our knowledge about its physiology and behaviour.

Birgita Hansen has strong research interest in understanding the ecological response of birds to modification of their habitat, which has included studies into migratory shorebirds, riparian restoration in agricultural landscapes and waterbird monitoring at local and continental scales. She is a long-term member of the volunteer-run Victorian Wader Study Group and an executive committee member of the Australasian Wader Studies Group. She is leading a national citizen science research program called The Latham’s Snipe Project.

Links:

Latham’s Snipe Project - lathamssnipeproject.wordpress.com
Australian Painted Snipe Tracking - paintedsnipe.com.au
Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation (CeRDI) at Federation University - cerdi.edu.au
Painted Snipe recording was by Peter Boesmen - xeno-canto.org
Introduction to Shorebirds with Jeremy - weekendbirder.com/episodes/51-introduction-to-shorebirds-with-jeremy
Victorian Bird Walks with Damian (includes the Painted Snipe) - weekendbirder.com/episodes/76-bird-walks-with-damian
Weekend Birder Google Map - maps.app.goo.gl/idqxtcxUDmUkDi1Y7

Weekend Birder online:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Share in the delight of unexpected birding experiences. This episode is about the joys of photography, why birds bathe, foot quivering and the Regent Honeyeater.

McKinley Moens is an 18 year-old nature photographer and ornithologist-in-the-making, based in the Blue Mountains of NSW. She has had a camera in her hand since she was three years old and has been pursuing her dream of becoming an ornithologist since she was 7. McKinley has been banding birds since she was 12 and is now an A-Class Bird Bander. Her photographic achievements thus far include being a 6-time finalist in the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition (including being awarded 2023 Junior Runner-up) and also a 5-time finalist in the BirdLife Australia Photography Awards.

Links:

Photos and video featured in this episode - weekendbirder.com/episodes/78-unexpected-moments-with-mckinley
McKinley’s website - mckinleymoens.photography
McKinley on Facebook - @mckinleymoensphotography
McKinley on Instagram - @mckinleymoensphotography
Regent Honeyeater Project - regenthoneyeater.org.au
Regent Honeyeater recordings were by Ross Crates - xeno-canto.org

Weekend Birder online:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Meet a small bird with a big personality. This episode is about the Plains-wanderer, a unique and one-of-a-kind Australian bird that is capturing the hearts of the community.

Chris Hartnett is a Threatened Species Program Coordinator at Zoos Victoria. Working closely with a range of conservation partners, Chris has led the strategic planning and implementation for Zoos Victoria’s Detection Dogs program since 2016, and Plains-wanderer program since 2018. Her strengths lie in communication, planning, and overcoming the many logistical challenges encountered in the effort to bring species back from the brink of extinction.

Links:

Zoos Victoria Plains-wanderer videos on YouTube - youtube.com/@ZoosVictoria
Zoos Victoria website - zoo.org.au
Zoos Victoria on Facebook - @zoosvictoria
Zoos Victoria on Instagram - @zoosvictoria
Zoos Victoria on TikTok - @zoosvictoria
Zoos Victoria on Threads - @zoosvictoria
Zoos Victoria on Twitter/X - @ZoosVictoria
Plains-wanderer recording was by Frank Lambert (XC366840) - xeno-canto.org

Weekend Birder online:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Discover the joys of birdwatching walks around Victoria and beyond. This episode is about birding in the Castlemaine and Orbost areas, a great place to visit in France and the Australian Painted Snipe.

Damian Kelly has been a birder since he was young, exploring the Fitzroy Gardens in Melbourne. In more recent times, he has written two birding guides - Castlemaine Bird Walks and Victorian Bird Walks - with the aim of encouraging others to get out and about with birds. Damian is currently working on a guide to birding along rail trails and a bird walks book for the Daylesford/Hepburn area.

Links:

Damian's website - castlemainebirds.com
Damian on Facebook - @damian.kelly.35
Damian on Instagram - @damiankkelly
Castlemaine Bird Walks by Damian Kelly (book) - bridgetfarmerprintmaker.com/products/book-castlemaine-bird-walks-by-damian-kelly
Victorian Bird Walks by Damian Kelly (book) - bridgetfarmerprintmaker.com/products/book-victorian-bird-walks-by-damian-kelly
Australian Painted Snipe Tracking website - paintedsnipe.com.au
Weekend Birder Google Map - maps.app.goo.gl/idqxtcxUDmUkDi1Y7
Weekend Birder Monthly Letter - weekendbirder.com/monthly-letter

Weekend Birder online:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Join Kirsty and her nephew Edward as they explore the world of Australia's kites. This episode is about the joys of seeing and hearing the Whistling Kite, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite and Square-tailed Kite.

Edward is 10 years old and has grown up exploring nature. When he's not playing basketball, cricket or footy, he's hanging out in his backyard, the parkland over his back fence areas and in the bush around his holiday house in north-east Victoria. Edward especially loves watching and listening to Gang Gang Cockatoos. He is interested in Australian birds and likes researching endangered birds. Edward loves the sounds of nature and being outside makes him happy.

Links:

Birds in Backyards - Whistling Kite - birdsinbackyards.net/species/Haliastur-sphenurus
Birds in Backyards - Black Kite - birdsinbackyards.net/species/Milvus-migrans
Birds in Backyards - Brahminy Kite - birdsinbackyards.net/species/Haliastur-indus
Birds in Backyards - Square-tailed Kite - birdsinbackyards.net/species/Lophoictinia-isura
Bird recordings by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.com

Weekend Birder online:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Get to know one of Australia’s most charming robins. This episode is about the behaviours, calls, habitats and genetics of the Eastern Robin. It’s time to get sciencey!

Lana Austin has been working as a professional ornithologist around the world for many years. To name a few, she has been lucky enough to work with macaws in Peru, Toucans in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and Razorbills on the Isles of Scilly (UK). But in 2019 she decided to return to study to attempt to answer one of life’s biggest questions – are mitonuclear incompatibilities an under-appreciated cause of outbreeding depression? You’ve been wondering yourself, right?! In her free time, Lana moonlights as the President of Earthcare St Kilda, enjoys taking her cats for walks, and doing multi-day hikes.

Links:

Eastern Yellow Robin Project - https://sites.google.com/monash.edu/eyr
Monash University’s Wildlife Genetic Management Group - https://sites.google.com/monash.edu/wildlifegeneticmanagement/home
Weekend Birder Google Map - maps.app.goo.gl/idqxtcxUDmUkDi1Y7
Shout out to our friends at Earthcare St Kilda - earthcarestkilda.org.au

Weekend Birder online:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Deep-dive into the world of one of Australia’s charismatic birds of prey. This episode is all about the Eastern Osprey, and how a childhood of field trips and wildlife photography has led to a life-long love of birdwatching and citizen science.

Pip Grant-Taylor is a retired TV Journalist Producer who concentrates largely on birds and wildlife photography. She has studied and photographed birds since she was a teenager. Pip’s absolute favourite bird is the Eastern Osprey. She is currently trying to identify the locations of as many Ospreys in the Moreton Bay area (including Sunshine and Gold Coast) as well as upper NSW. When Pip has time, she also likes to pick up the coloured pencils or paints and commit birds to paper.

Links:

Pip’s website - pipwrote.wixsite.com/pipspixels
Pip on Facebook - @pipgt
Pip on Instagram - @pipgt
Pip’s photos on Flickr - flickr.com/photos/pipg-t/
Ospreys in Australia on Facebook - @OspreysinAustralia
Ospreys in Australia on Instagram - @ospreysinaustralia
Ospreys in Australia photos in Flickr - flickr.com/photos/ospreysinaustralia/
Osprey Watch (USA) - osprey-watch.org/about/ospreywatch-program/
Osprey World Nest Data - app.osprey-watch.org/dashboard/
Weekend Birder Google Map - maps.app.goo.gl/idqxtcxUDmUkDi1Y7
eBird Hot Spots Map - ebird.org/hotspots
Birdwatching How-to guides - weekendbirder.com/how-tos

Weekend Birder online:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Discover how patience and understanding light can create stunning wildlife photographs. This episode is about a photographer’s journey from a childhood in the Australian outback to a career capturing the beauty of birds.

Shelley Pearson is an award-winning wildlife photographer who immerses herself in the natural environment, patiently waiting for the right opportunity to photograph a captivating image. She believes it's all about utilising the light, different angles and perspectives to create photos that evoke emotion and tell a story. Shelley teaches and shares her passion through workshops, presentations, and trips. She is passionate about the ‘Wooleen Outback Experience’ trips she hosts with David and Frances Pollock at Wooleen Station in Western Australia.

Links:

Shelley’s website - shelleypearsonphotography.com
Shelley on Facebook - @shelleypearsonphotography
Shelley on Instagram - @shelley_pearson_
Shelley on YouTube - @shelleypearson
Weekend Birder Google Map - maps.app.goo.gl/idqxtcxUDmUkDi1Y7

Weekend Birder online:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Answering your questions about bird bodies and behaviours. This episode is about bird feathers, eyelids and legs, and their funny little traits that are similar to humans.

Dr Gráinne Cleary’s primary area of interest is helping to educate and work with the public to gain the best conservation outcomes for our urban wildlife. She is particularly interested in how we interact with the birds that visit our gardens, and this has been the focus of her last two books. As Australia becomes more urbanised, gardens are becoming an important sanctuary for our birds especially in terms of water, food and shelter. Gráinne is passionate about engaging with community about the birds that visit their gardens and the relationship that are formed.

Links:

Gráinne’s website - grainnecleary.com
Backyard Birds book - allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Dr-Grainne-Cleary-Your-Backyard-Birds-9781760297350
Why Do Birds Do That? book - allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Dr-Grainne-Cleary-9781761067235/
Subscribe to the Monthly Letter - weekendbirder.com/monthly-letter

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Meet an 11-year old birdwatcher who has a love for Eastern Victoria. This episode is about a unique part of Australia, birding wishlists and the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher.

Luca is an 11-year old nature lover and birder who lives in Naarm (Melbourne) and feels most at home in nature. His fondness and respect for wildlife was first inspired by Sir David Attenborough’s programs. Luca’s fascination for birds began through art at the age of 7, when he started drawing birds and devouring bird identification books. This ignited a passion for birdwatching and bird photography. For Luca, drawing and photographing birds continue to be central in getting to know Australian birds and those living in other parts of the world. Luca carries his passion for birding where ever he goes, whether he is camping, hiking, surfing or on a road trip. He loves sharing his knowledge of birds with others as much as he enjoys learning from birders he meets on his nature adventures.

Links:

Weekend Birder Google Map - maps.app.goo.gl/idqxtcxUDmUkDi1Y7

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Look at Australia's birds through the eyes of an artist. This episode is about kingfishers, kookaburras and painting birds on huge grain silos.

Geoffrey Carran has dedicated the past decade to painting explorations of Australia’s diverse bird population. Geoffrey uses his public murals to highlight endangered bird species that can be found in the artwork's locations. Using these murals and the public's interest in street and public art to raise awareness and start conversations about people's connections, memories and stories about their relationship with Australia’s birdlife and its importance. Geoffrey's paintings, murals and prints can be found in a diverse array of locations, from three massive silos as part of the Australian Silo Art Trail in the West Wimmera to murals in New York, Istanbul and London.

Links:

Geoffrey's website - geoffreycarran.com.au
Geoffrey's projects, including silo art - geoffreycarran.com.au/blogs/projects
Geoffrey on Facebook - @geoffreycarranartist
Geoffrey on Instagram - @geoffreycarran
Geoffrey on YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCYBNjbe0AV3rhmQM2FMEqQQ
Bird recordings by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.com

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Gain new insights into birds, traditional knowledge and ecology. This episode is about the health of Country, life in the Otways and the Fan-tailed Cuckoo.

Dr Jack Pascoe is a Yuin man living on Gadabanut Country. He studied predator ecology, fire, wildlife and botany. He has led a program of applied ecological research in the Otway region for over a decade. Jack recently crossed the line to become some sort of pseudo scientist, academic and activist. He works at the University of Melbourne and is a chief councillor on the Biodiversity Council.

Links:

Jack on Twitter/X - @JackHPascoe
Jack's research and articles - findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/861920-jack-pascoe
Biodiversity Council - biodiversitycouncil.org.au
Conservation Ecology Centre - conservationecologycentre.org
Bird recording by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.com

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Explore the intricate world of bird feathers. This episode is about feather colour and structure, and the nesting habits of waterfowl.

Freia Noss is a lifelong birder and bushwalker, living and working on Dharug and Gundungurra land in the Blue Mountains. During the week she works on re-vegetation projects on rural properties in Australia. In her free time, she enjoys making artworks of the beautiful native Australian flora and fauna she encounters. Freia has degrees in both art theory and environmental science, and studied conservation biology in the Peruvian Amazon, with a focus on bird and butterfly biodiversity. Her art practice has become an important a way for her to re-connect with the environment after a long day in the office.

Links:

Freia on Instagram - @wollemiwatercolours
Freia on Facebook - @wollemiwatercolours
Freia on TikTok - @wollemiwatercolours
Blue Mountain Bird Observers - bmbo.org.au
Weekend Birder Google Map - maps.app.goo.gl/9wQj2i6nsekRp2bH8

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Discover the delights of one of Australia’s most popular birds. This episode is all about the Swift Parrot, the 2023 Australian Bird of the Year.

Beau Meney has always been fascinated by wildlife and wild places, but his affinity with birds started at the age of ten when he first laid eyes on an enormous Wedge-tailed Eagle nest. Passionate about ecology and conservation, Beau later completed undergraduate studies and an Honours degree where he investigated egg predation among open-cup nesting woodland birds within fragmented Box-Ironbark forests. Now as NSW Woodland Bird Project Coordinator at BirdLife Australia, Beau works to conserve some of Australia’s most threatened birds, including one species very close to his heart – the Swift Parrot.

Links:

Join the campaign for stronger nature laws - birdlife.org.au/campaign/nature-laws/
Participate in the Swift Parrot Search - birdlife.org.au/swift-parrot
Report an incidental Swift Parrot sighting using Birdata (under ‘General Birdata Survey’) - birdata.birdlife.org.au/record-survey#tab=program

or email swiftparrot@birdlife.org.au

Report a Regent Honeyeater sighting (as soon as you see one) - birdlife.org.au/what-to-do-if-you-see-a-regent-honeyeater/
Beau on Instagram - @naturepriority_au
BirdLife Australia on Instagram - @BirdlifeOz
BirdLife Australia on Facebook - @BirdlifeAustralia
BirdLife Australia on Twitter - @BirdlifeOz
Swift Parrot recording by Ramit Singal (XC502302) - https://xeno-canto.org/502302
Swift Parrot recording by Vicki Powys (XC30641) - https://xeno-canto.org/30641

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Enjoy the simple pleasures of watching birds through an apartment window. This episode is about Black-faced Cuckooshrikes, pardalotes and the joys of birdwatching at home.

Christine Parrott works in a non-birding career and appreciates birds on the side, although many times she wishes it was the other way around! As an adult birdwatching convert, she is still full of enthusiasm for all birds, even the common ones. During the first Victorian COVID lockdown she used all the extra bird observation time to turn appreciation into a side hustle, producing illustrations of local birds.

Links:

Christine’s website - redbubble.com/shop/ap/155663307
Christine on Instagram - @pforparrot
Bird recordings are by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.com

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Take a walk along Australia's stunning coastline to meet the birds that call the beach their home. This episode is about curlews, plovers, gulls, terns and oystercatchers.

Bridget Farmer is originally from Northern Ireland. She initially visited Australia to friends but fell in love with the country (and a certain Australian man) and stayed longer than expected. She lives in country Victoria with her husband, two young sons, a whole flock of chickens and a studio rabbit. Bridget is a printmaker and her work celebrates Australia’s birdlife and her chooks. She has written and illustrated three children’s books… and there are more on the way.

Links:

Bridget's website - bridgetfarmerprintmaker.com
Bridget on Facebook - @bridgetfarmerprintmaker
Bridget on Instagram - @bridgetfarmerprintmaker
Bridget on TikTok - @bridgetfarmerprintmaker
BirdLife Australia - Gluepot Reserve - gluepot.org
Eastern Curlew recording is by Nigel Jacket (XC233203) - xeno-canto.org

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Get inspired by the projects that are helping urban birds to thrive. This episode is about designing new bird habitats, an unexpected cassowary in your kitchen and the joy of seeing a Purple-crowned Lorikeet in a KFC car park.

Dr. Kylie Soanes is a scientist on a mission to save nature in our cities and towns. Her research brings together the fields of urban ecology and biodiversity conservation to ask ‘How can we make cities better places for wildlife?’ A leading expert in her field, she collaborates with councils, community groups, engineers and architects to make real change for wildlife in urban environments. Her projects often explore novel approaches to nature conservation, include building rope bridges to help gliding possums cross roads, 3D-printing nesting hollows for powerful owls, and adding floating wetlands to busy city rivers.

Links:

Kylie’s website - kyliesoanes.com
Kylie on Instagram - @drkyliesoanes
Kylie on TikTok - @drkyliesoanes
Kylie on Twitter/X - @kyliesoanes
Floating wetlands project - melbourne.vic.gov.au/building-and-development/shaping-the-city/city-projects/Pages/birrarung-trial-floating-wetlands.aspx
Powerful Owl project - sustainablecampus.unimelb.edu.au/biodiversity/powerful-owl-nest
Purple-crowned Lorikeet recording is by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.com

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Embark on a journey to northern Australia with Paralympian Richard Cordukes. This episode is about the Western Bowerbird, Gouldian Finch and birdwatching in a wheelchair.

Richard Cordukes is a distinguished Paralympic athlete and advocate renowned for his unwavering commitment to inclusion. Despite becoming a quadriplegic in 1976, Richard swiftly immersed himself in wheelchair sports and representing New South Wales at the National Wheelchair Games just a year later. His illustrious athletic career saw him break records and secure silver and bronze medals at the 1988 Seoul Paralympics. Richard's tireless advocacy for accessibility and equality earned him accolades such as the Life Membership of Wheelchair Sports NSW in 2011 and Australian Sports Medal in 2000. And, for over 30 years, Richard has also been a birdwatcher.

Links:

Richard Cordukes entry on Wikipedia - wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Cordukes
ABC short film featuring Richard - youtu.be/EZ7pwsotxBM?si=ywhbhCkAQogDqetK
Western Bowerbird recording is by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.com

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Gain a new appreciation for the Australian White Ibis, the Little Corella and the Long-billed Corella. This episode is about the birds that live around us in our cities and towns.

Dr John Martin is a senior ecologist in the Wildlife Services branch of Ecosure, an author, and a science communicator. Through inspiring community appreciation of and connection with nature, John aims to enhance the prospects for co-existence between wildlife and humans. John joined Ecosure in 2023, he has previously worked at Taronga Conservation Society and the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney where he researched wildlife ecology, including flying-foxes.

Links:

Big City Birds website - spotteron.com/bigcitybirds/info
Big City Birds on Facebook - @cockatoowingtags
Big City Birds on Instagram - @bigcitybirds
Big City Birds on Twitter/X - @bigcitybirds
John on Instagram - @wingtags
John on Twitter/X - @wingtags
How to Identify Corellas - weekendbirder.com/how-to-guides/how-to-identify-corellas
Bird recordings are by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.com
Red Parka store - redparka.com.au

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Adventure to an island in southern Australia that is home to rare birds. This episode is about the Bruny Island Bird Festival, the Forty-spotted Pardalote and the Swift Parrot.

Ella Roles grew up camping and bird watching with her dad, and didn't realise how much she was absorbing. When she studied outdoor education at Latrobe University, she started to realise that she could turn guiding and birdwatching into a career! Ella has taken people on walks and hikes all across Victoria and Tasmania, and has worked predominantly as a hiking guide in Freycinet National Park in Tasmania. She loves to hike, mountain bike, slackline and climb - activities that are in environments where she gets to see lots of birds! Ella is the Festival Coordinator for the 2024 Bruny Island Bird Festival and wants to tell you all about it.

Links:

Bruny Island Bird Festival website - brunybirdfestival.org
Bruny Island Bird Festival on Facebook - @brunybirdfestival
Bruny Island Bird Festival on Instagram - @brunybirdfestival
Bruny Island Bird Festival on Twitter/X - @birdbruny
Forty-spotted Pardalote recording is by Pieter de Groot Boersma on xeno-canto website - xeno-canto.org/species/Pardalotus-quadragintus
Swift Parrot recording is by Ramit Singal on xeno-canto website - xeno-canto.org/species/Lathamus-discolor

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Meet a teenager birdwatcher who loves conservation and photography. This episode is about connecting with birds during childhood, youth leadership and Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos.

Luke Eaton has always had a passion for animals. His love of birds started when he was very young and when he was three years old he would spend hours with his family researching the birds he saw. From a young age, Luke has also contributed to conservation campaigns for endangered Victorian birds such as the Orange Bellied Parrot and the Plains-wanderer. If he had to narrow it down, his favourite bird would be the Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo. He considers it a birdwatching highlight to have seen one in the wild.

Links:

Luke on Instagram - @l.eaton.photo
Book - Know Your Birds by Louise Egerton - goodreads.com/book/show/105538598-know-your-birds
Birdwatching Events - weekendbirder.com/events
Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo recording is by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.com

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

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Learn how to identify a range of Australian thornbills. This episode is about those tricky Little Brown Birds that live in our gardens, parks and local reserves, and also contains a refresher on how to use binoculars.

Ricki Coughlan is a bird guide and nature educator with a particular interest in the behaviour and ecology of the Acanthizids - “Little Brown Birds”. She runs courses and workshops for birders and nature lovers and facilitates the occasional citizen science project, including the Boat Harbour Shorebird Study Group. She is also author of the book 'Little Brown Birds in the Sydney Region'. Ricki studied Ornithology at Charles Sturt University, has been a Warden at BirdLife Australia Broome Bird Observatory and an avian consultant for a number of NSW Coastal Councils.

Links:

Aussie Wild (Ricki's website) - https://aussiewild.com.au
Ricki's book - Little Brown Birds of the Sydney Region - aussiewild.com.au/little-brown-birds-of-the-sydney-region/
Ricki on Facebook - www.facebook.com/ricki.coughlan
Ricki on Instagram - @aussie_wild_australian_birding
Ricki on Twitter - @RickiCoughlan
Guardian Australia - Birdwatching Changes the Way You Look at the World by Georgia Angus - theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/jan/07/birdwatching-changes-the-way-you-look-at-the-world-it-truly-is-the-gateway-drug-to-environmental-awareness
Bird call recordings are by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.com

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

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Discover some Darwin birdwatching hot spots and a local community campaign to protect shorebirds. This episode is about where to go birding in the Top End, Red Knot seabirds and the Lee Point campaign.

Dr Amanda Lilleyman loves the Top End environment and the Territory lifestyle. She came to Darwin from the Central Coast of NSW to study migratory shorebirds. Amanda established the BirdLife Top End branch in Darwin in 2018 (along with a team of enthusiastic birders) and then kicked off the Our Top End Birds campaign, where the community voted the Bush Stone-curlew as the top bird of the Top End. Amanda supports ongoing shorebird monitoring and protection in Darwin, and runs community events such as the inaugural Darwin-Garramilla Shorebird Festival.

Links:

Amanda on Instagram - @drbird_amandalilleyman
Amanda on TikTok - @drbird_amandalilleyman
Amanda on Twitter/X - @dr_lilleyman
Darwin-Garramilla Shorebird Festival - shorebirdfestival.com.au
Places to Birdwatch in Australia - weekendbirder.com/places
Weekend Birder Local Big Year 2024 - weekendbirder.com/local-big-year-2024
White-lined Honeyeater recording by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.com
Red Knot recording by Mats Olsen (XC5917422) - xeno-canto.org

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

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Get the lowdown on the world’s smallest penguin. This episode is about the interesting world of the Little Penguins that live on Phillip Island.

Paula Wasiak has worked at the Phillip Island Nature Parks since 2009. Primarily, she coordinates and conducts field data collection, supporting projects aimed at future-proofing penguin survival and unlocking the mysteries of the oceans. She also works with other seabirds when the needs arise. Paula completed her Bachelor of Science Honours looking at the role of calcium in the reproductive biology of Little Penguins. Named a Superstar of STEM in 2023/24, Paula loves sharing her knowledge with different audiences, from community groups to students, and occasionally on the radio and telly.

Links:

Paula on Instagram - @paula_wasiak
Paula on TikTok - @paul.penguin
Paula on Threads - @paula_wasiak
Paula on Twitter/X - @paulawasiak
Paula’s Superstars of STEM profile - scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/profile/paula-wasiak/
Phillip Island Nature Parks website and socials - penguins.org.au
Penguin Foundation website and socials - penguinfoundation.org.au
Fire-retardant native plants used to protect Phillip Island’s Little Penguins - abc.net.au/news/2023-12-19/little-penguins-phillip-island-bushfire-heat-stress-conservation/103227806
Little Penguin recording by Rob van Bemmelen (XC198156) - xeno-canto.org
Short-tailed Shearwater recording by Nick Talbot (XC177452) - xeno-canto.org

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

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Get to know the host of Death by Birding and his love of Australian owls. This episode is about the Rufous Owl, the Southern Boobook and the joys of sharing birdwatching with others.

Cesar Puechmarin is a veterinary student and wildlife nurse from Mount Glorious in Queensland. He is an award winning wildlife photographer, specialising in 35mm film. His photography has been praised by Sir David Attenborough and has been printed in publications such as Australian Geographic Magazine. Cesar is also the founder of Blue Shroom Studios, a nature filmmaking and scicomm group. Credits include ‘Owls on the Line’ (a short film about the plight to save the Powerful Owl, which screened at festivals internationally), and the YouTube series ‘Pobblebonks and Kundagungans’ (about Australia's frogs). Cesar’s television appearances include Animal Planet's ‘Snake Boss’ and the WildBear production ‘Wildlife ER’. In more recent times, he has started the unconventional bird-watching podcast ‘Death by Birding’.

Links:

Death by Birding on Instagram - @death_by_birding
Death by Birding on TikTok - @death_by_birding
Death by Birding website - www.deathbybirding.com
Cesar’s website and photos - cesaronsafari.com
Cesar on Instagram - @cesar_on_safari
Recordings of the Rufous Owl and Southern Boobook Owl are by Marc Anderson and licensed from www.wildambience.com

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

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Adventure to new birding spots in the nation’s capital. This episode is about where to go birdwatching in Canberra and the delights of the Superb Parrot.

Olivia Congdon is an amateur bird photographer and nature lover. She works as a science writer for a leading Australian university. She grew up in country New South Wales, lived in Tasmania while studying zoology and journalism, but now calls Canberra home. Canberra is known as the Bush Capital and is a haven for a great range of birdlife.

Links:

Olivia on Instagram - @burgeoning.birder
Olivia on Twitter/X - @liv_congdon
Science at Australian National University - www.science.anu.edu.au
Canberra Ornithologists Group - canberrabirds.org.au
Places to Birdwatch in Australia (including Canberra) - weekendbirder.com/places/
Superb Parrot recording is by Greg McLachlan (XC317999) - xeno-canto.org

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

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Learn how to identify common Australian birds of prey. This episode is a general introduction to falcons, hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and osprey.

Stephen Debus been interested in birds, and especially raptors, since childhood. He’s had a long association with the University of New England (Armidale, NSW) as a research fellow and honorary research associate on various woodland birds. Stephen is also an ecological consultant, doing fauna surveys and assessments for government and industry. Since 2017 he has been working for NSW Local Land Services, surveying and monitoring the nests of threatened raptors on the NSW Northern Tablelands. Stephen has written numerous field guides on raptors and monographs on the eagles and falcons.

Links:

Raptors of Northern NSW on Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/653339721737939/
BirdLife Australia Raptor Group - ausraptorgroup.org
Whistling Kite recording was recorded by Marc Anderson and licensed from www.wildambience.com

Stephen's books:

Birds of Prey Australia - publish.csiro.au/book/7863
Australian Birds of Prey in Flight - publish.csiro.au/book/7792
Australian Falcons - publish.csiro.au/book/8058
Australasian Eagles and Eagle-like Birds - publish.csiro.au/book/7664

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

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Celebrate the community effort that is preventing a little parrot from going extinct. This episode is about the Orange-bellied Parrot and contains stories that will give you hope about the future of birds.

Dr Jenny Gray is the Chief Executive Officer of Zoos Victoria, charged with the operation of the Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, Kyabram Fauna Park and Werribee Open Range Zoo. Over the last decade Zoos Victoria has transformed into a Zoo Based Conservation Organisation, committed to fighting extinction and creating a future rich in wildlife. Jenny has a wide range of public and private sector experience having worked in transportation, airlines and banking, before moving into the zoo industry in South Africa, then Australia. She is the Deputy Chancellor at Victoria University and serves on the Board of the Biodiversity Council.

Links:

Zoos Victoria Orange-bellied Parrot videos on YouTube - youtube.com/@ZoosVictoria
Zoos Victoria website - zoo.org.au
Zoos Victoria on Facebook - @zoosvictoria
Zoos Victoria on Instagram - @zoosvictoria
Zoos Victoria on TikTok - @zoosvictoria
Zoos Victoria on Threads - @zoosvictoria
Zoos Victoria on Twitter/X - @ZoosVictoria
Crested Bellbird recording was recorded by Marc Anderson and licensed from www.wildambience.com

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

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Marvel at the diverse range of shorebirds that hang out in Australia each year. This episode is about watching and identifying shorebirds, including sandpipers and the Bar-tailed Godwit.

Sign up to the Monthly Letter to win monthly giveaways - weekendbirder.com/monthly-letter

Links:

BirdLife Australia - Migratory Shorebirds - birdlife.org.au/programs/migratory-shorebirds/
BirdLife Australia - Migratory Shorebird Identification Booklet - www.birdsaustralia.com.au/documents/Shorebird_ID_Booklet_V3
BirdLife WA website - birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-wa/
BirdLife WA on Facebook - @birdlifewa
BirdLife WA on Instagram - @birdlifewa
Bar-tailed Godwit recording by Seth Bueadrealt (XC836475) - xeno-canto.org
Bar-tailed Godwit recording by Nigel Jackett (XC) - xeno-canto.org

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

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Be delighted by some of the world’s most charismatic birds. This episode is about birds that have fun personalities and have a large impact on their environment, like the Victoria’s Riflebird, Paleated Woodpecker and Burrowing Owl.

Georgia Angus is an author and illustrator based in Naarm/Melbourne, living and working on the lands of the Wurundjeri people. Her first book '100 Australian Birds' was published in 2021. This book offers an introduction to birdwatching through illustrations, ecological information and anecdotal notes. Georgia wrote her book based on her own experiences as a budding birdwatcher, helping other beginners in their journey to learn more about some of Australia’s unique animals. Since then, she’s published a beginner’s guide to insects, and this year has come out with a third book called ‘Birds with Personality’.

Links:

Georgia’s website - www.georgiaangus.com.au
Georgia on Instagram - @georgia_angus
Victoria’s Riflebird recording by Marc Anderson (XC816157) - xeno-canto.org and licenced from www.wildambience.com
Pileated Woodpecker recording by Jim Berry (XC723795) - xeno-canto.org
Burrowing Owl recording by Manuel Grosselet (XC535647) - xeno-canto.org

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

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Meet the author of Australia’s first complete beginners' field guide to urban birds. This episode is about the birds found in cities and towns (including the Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike), birdwatching in Kuala Lumpur and Wallace’s Line.

Darryl Jones is a writer, speaker, researcher and mentor. Professor Emeritus in ecology from Griffith University. He has more than 30-years experience in urban ecology, with a particular interest in the way people interact with birds. His major scientific research has been on bird feeding, summarised in two popular science books: The Birds at My Table (2018) and Feeding the Birds at Your Table (2019). His latest book ‘Getting to Know the Birds in Your Neighbourhood’ opens the door to understanding the habits and behaviours of your suburb’s feathered locals.

Links:

Darryl’s website and books - darryljonesnature.com
Darryl on Facebook - @Thebirdsatmytable
Darryl on Instagram - @thebirdsatmytable
Darryl on Twitter/X - @MagpiejonesD
The Conversation - Wild bird feeding surged worldwide during lockdowns - https://bit.ly/wildbirdfeeding
The Guardian - Australians are always told ‘don’t feed the birds’ - https://bit.ly/feedbirdsproperly
Friends of Bukit Kiara (reserve in Kuala Lumpur) - fobk.org
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike call was recorded by Marc Anderson and licensed from www.wildambience.com

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

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Learn how to identify Australia’s huge variety of robins. This episode is about red and pink-coloured robins, noisy robins, rare robins and birdwatching on the Limestone Coast.

Hugh Possingham is currently the co-chief councillor of The Biodiversity Council and Vice-President of BirdLife Australia. He has devoted his life to stopping habitat loss around the world. He completed a PhD in Mathematics and Ecology at Oxford University in the UK and this led to a career in universities in the USA and Australia. He has mainly worked as a university professor and is currently at the University of Queensland. He also served two years at Chief Scientist of Queensland and four years as Chief Scientist of the Nature Conservancy. Hugh has over 1000 peer-reviewed scientific publications and his list of achievements goes on and on. Amongst all of this, he likes to go birding at Oxley Creek Common in Brisbane.

Links:

Hugh on Twitter/X - @hugepossum
Hugh on Instagram - @hugepossum
Hugh on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/hugh-possingham-75b7b713/
Hugh on Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Possingham
Hugh's research on Google Scholar - scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&user=uJIoXbYAAAAJ
Biodiversity Council - biodiversitycouncil.org.au
BirdLife Australia - birdlife.org.au
Rose Robin recording by Geoffrey Monchaux (XC510778) - xeno-canto.org
Southern Scrub Robin recording is by Greg McLachlan (XC336504) - xeno-canto.org

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

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Delight in the joy of birdwatching at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. This episode is about mindful birding, the Nankeen Night Heron and other birds you might see in the heart of Melbourne.

Watching David Attenborough at aged seven, Liz Hackett thinks that it was inevitable that she would grow up loving nature. From volunteering, to working for a conservation not-for-profit and to becoming a birder in her late thirties, it’s been a wonderful journey for Liz. She dedicates her Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens bird walks to her darling husband Paul, who she lost in 2019. As a birding tour guide, he shared his passion and knowledge of birds with Liz. And, in return, she is passing on that love and knowledge to others.

Links:

Friends of Royal Botanic Gardens website - rbgfriendsmelbourne.org
Friends of Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne on Facebook - @friendsrbgmelb
Friends of Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne on Instagram - @friendsroyalbotanicgardensmelb
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria website - www.rbg.vic.gov.au
eBird list for Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne - ebird.org/hotspot/L919153
Australasian Darter call was recorded by Marc Anderson and licensed from www.wildambience.com
Mindful Birding Network website - themindfulbirdingnetwork.com
Liz and Kirsty's BirdLife Australia article - Mindful Birding: a bird a day - birdlife.org.au/news/mindful-birding/
Research - Birdsongs alleviate anxiety and paranoia in healthy participants - www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-20841-0

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

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Laugh along with comedian Geraldine Hickey and she explores the funny side of birdwatching. This episode is about powerful birdwatching moments and keeping a secret about Orange-bellied Parrots.

Geraldine Hickey is a talented Australian comedian, winner of the Melbourne Comedy Festival Award for Most Outstanding Show 2021. She is also known for radio appearances and her podcast special ‘Things Are Going Well’ on the ABC. Geraldine has appeared on TV shows like ‘The Project’, ‘Tonightly with Tom Ballard’, ‘Have You Been Paying Attention?’, ‘Hughesy We Have a Problem’ and ‘Thank God You’re Here’. Geraldine also stars as Dr Stephanie Huddleston in the TV show ‘Metro Sexual’. She is also keen bird photographer and publishes a calendar each year.

Links:

Geraldine on Facebook - @geraldinehickeycomedian
Geraldine on Instagram - @geraldinehickey
Geraldine on Twitter/X - @geraldinehickey
Geraldine's newsletter - https://arep.co/m/geraldine-hickey
Geraldine's bird calendar - https://geraldinehickey.bigcartel.com/
BirdLife Australia's Aussie Bird Count - aussiebirdcount.org.au

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

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Explore the relationship between birds and trees. And how awesome Rainbow Bee-eaters are. This episode is about how birds and trees rely on each other, the Rainbow Bee-eater and what’s happening in Sydney.

Stephanie Chambers and their partner Amy Ranck founded Sydney Bird Club to help people discover the magical world of Australian birds. With a Sydney-centric focus, they take casual birdwatchers through the steps to become full blown twitchers, with plenty of stops along the way for a pint. Their design business, Outer Island, inspires people to think about and appreciate the planet while simultaneously transporting them out of their everyday environment.

Links:

Outer Island website - outerisland.com.au
Outer Island on Facebook - @outerislandgoods
Outer Island on Instagram - @outer.island
Sydney Bird Club website - sydneybirdclub.com
Sydney Bird Club on Facebook - @sydneybirdclub
Sydney Bird Club on Instagram - @sydneybirdclub
Bird Week exhibition website - birdweekaustralia.com
Bird Week exhibition on Facebook - @BirdWeekExhibition
Bird Week exhibition on Instagram - @birdweekaustralia
Rainbow- Bee-eater call was recorded by Marc Anderson and licensed from www.wildambience.com

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

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Delve into the weird and wonderful world of Australian cuckoos. This episode is about the talents of the Horsfield’s Bronze Cuckoo and how it tricks other birds into raising its babies.

Cassandra Taylor is a PhD candidate at the Australian National University, where she studies behavioural ecology and evolution. Her study system focuses on evolutionary defences hosts evolve in response to brood parasitism, particularly around nests and nest building. Outside of her studies she enjoys birdwatching, reading and hiking.

Claire Taylor is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne. Her research focuses broadly on how mother birds invest in their offspring, particularly in their eggs and nests. She loves spending time at her field site in Canberra watching superb fairy-wrens go about their everyday lives and trying to uncover the secrets about their breeding and interactions with their brood parasites, the Horsfield’s Bronze Cuckoo.

Links:

Claire’s website - clairejtaylor.com
Claire on Twitter/X - @clairejtaylor
What the Duck podcast - Become the Cuckoo - abc.net.au/listen/programs/what-the-duck/becomethecuckoo/13954908
Fan-tailed Cuckoo recording by Ramit Singal (XC501658) - xeno-canto.org/species/Cacomantis-flabelliformis
Horsfield’s Bronze Cuckoo recording by Marc Anderson (XC336260) - xeno-canto.org/species/Chrysococcyx-basalis
Marc Anderson's recording was licensed from wildambience.com

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

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Discover the link between birdwatching and mental health. This episode is about what happens in your brain when you birdwatch, and the science of mindfulness.

Dr Luke Smith is a clinical neuropsychologist who has a passion for mindfulness. He works privately within the community and has provided mindfulness training for a range of organisations. Luke is also employed as a mindfulness consultant and educator at Monash University with the Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies. He has grown up with a love of the Australian bush, an environment in which he finds mindfulness is naturally cultivated.

Links:

Luke's website - smithneuropsychology.com
Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies - website - monash.edu/consciousness-contemplative-studies
Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies - Twitter/X - @Monash_M3CS
Kings College research - Smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment reveals mental health benefits of birdlife - nature.com/articles/s41598-022-20207-6

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

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Weekend Birder is back for Season 2! Here’s a preview of what’s to come.

In this Australian podcast, you will hear stories and advice from birdwatchers of all experience levels. Explore a range of topics, from identifying birds to finding good birdwatching spots. Available on your podcast app.

Kirsty Costa is a teacher, science communicator and conservationist. During the week, she leads strategy for a science-based conservation organisation. On the weekends, you will find her hanging out in nature with her friends and family. Kirsty believes that birdwatching is for everyone - anyone of any age and ability can go birdwatching, no matter where they live.

Let's connect:

Website - weekendbirder.com
Instagram - @weekend.birder
Facebook - @weekend.birder

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Be inspired by good news stories from WWF-Australia. This episode is about Grey Fantails and how people are working together as part of bird conservation.

Darren Grover is the Head of Healthy Land and Seascapes at WWF-Australia. He is an ecologist by trade and has nearly 20 years' experience in species conservation, environmental impact assessment, land management, and policy development. Darren and his team work with universities, government, other organisations, community and First Nations people to improve the conservation status of animals like the Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo, Gouldian Finch and Shy Albatatross. Darren is most at home in the bush and he's an avid birdwatcher and bushwalker.

Links:

Episode transcript - weekendbirder.com/episodes/42-good-news-stories-with-darren
Darren on Twitter - @DarrenGroverWWF
WWF-Australia - website - wwf.org.au
WWF-Australia - Artificial Nests Aim to Increase Shy Albatross Breeding Success - wwf.org.au/news/2017/artificial-nests-aim-to-increase-shy-albatross-breeding-success/
WWF-Australia - Gouldian Finch - https://wwf.org.au/what-we-do/species/gouldian-finch/
WWF-Australia - Hope for the Glossy Black Cockatoo - wwf.org.au/blogs/hope-for-the-glossy-black-cockatoo/

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Listen out for the melodious calls of Australia's common honeyeaters. This episode is about the Eastern Spinebill, New Holland Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, White-plumed Honeyeater, Red Wattlebird, Little Wattlebird and Brown Honeyeater.

Birdwatching isn’t just about watching, it’s about listening too. Tune Your Ear episodes are designed to help you get to know bird calls. You will hear guest insights and recordings from birds around Australia.

Links:

Episode transcript - www.weekendbirder.com/episodes/41-tune-your-ear-honeyeaters
Eastern Spinebill recording by Ramit Singal (XC567413) - xeno-canto.org/species/Acanthorhynchus-tenuirostris
Eastern Spinebill recording by Marc Anderson (XC340221) - xeno-canto.org/species/Phylidonyris-novaehollandiae
New Holland Honeyeater recording by Marc Anderson (XC172248) - xeno-canto.org/species/Phylidonyris-novaehollandiae
Noisy Miner Honeyeater recording by David Vander Pluym (XC387136) - xeno-canto.org/species/Manorina-melanocephala
Yellow-faced Honeyeater recording by Greg McLachlan (XC361497) - xeno-canto.org/species/Caligavis-chrysops
White-plumed Honeyeater recording by Henk Krajenbrink (XC241047) - xeno-canto.org/species/Ptilotula-penicillata
Red Wattlebird recording by Catherine Clover (XC505693) - xeno-canto.org/species/Anthochaera-carunculata
Little Wattlebird recording by Jeremy Hegge (XC168208) - xeno-canto.org/species/Anthochaera-chrysoptera
Brown Honeyeater recording by Colin Trainor (XC131086) - xeno-canto.org/species/Lichmera-indistincta
Marc Anderson's recordings were licensed from wildambience.com

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Get to know the peculiar sounds of some of Australia's wetland birds. This episode is about the Buff-banded Rail, Chestnut Rail, Lewin's Rail, Australian Spotted Crake, Baillon's Crake, Red-necked Crake, Spotless Crake and White-browed Crake.

Links:

Episode transcript - www.weekendbirder.com/episodes/40-tune-your-ear-rails-and-crakes
Buff-banded Rail recording by Greg McLachlan (XC442303) - xeno-canto.org/species/Hypotaenidia-philippensis
Buff-banded Rail recording by Richard Boon (XC512703) - xeno-canto.org/species/Hypotaenidia-philippensis
Chestnut Rail recording by Bram Demeulemeester (XC410635) - xeno-canto.org/species/Eulabeornis-castaneoventris
Lewin's Rail recording by Ramit Singal (XC495636) - xeno-canto.org/species/Lewinia-pectoralis
Australian Spotted Crake recording by Richard Boon (XC783360) - xeno-canto.org/species/Porzana-fluminea
Baillon's Crake by Dan Lane (XC466563) - xeno-canto.org/species/Zapornia-pusilla
Red-necked Crake recording by Phil Gregory (XC346424) - xeno-canto.org/species/Rallina-tricolor
Spotless Crake recording by John Graff (XC166674) - xeno-canto.org/species/Zapornia-tabuensis
Spotless Crake recording by Nigel Jackett (XC127745) - xeno-canto.org/species/Zapornia-tabuensis
White-browed Crake recording by Marc Anderson (XC733560) - xeno-canto.org/species/Poliolimnas-cinereus
Marc Anderson's recordings were licensed from wildambience.com

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Become familiar with the calls of Australia's nine whistlers. This episode is about the Gilbert's Whistler, Golden Whistler, Grey Whistler, Mangrove Golden Whistler, Olive Whistler, Red-Lored Whistler, Rufous Whistler, Western Whistler and White-breasted Whistler.

Links:

Episode transcript - weekendbirder.com/episodes/38-tune-your-ear-lorikeets
Gilbert's Whistler recording by Marc Anderson (XC689149) - xeno-canto.org/species/Pachycephala-inornata
Golden Whistler recording by Craig Robertson (XC766524) - xeno-canto.org/species/Pachycephala-pectoralis
Grey Whistler recording by Phil Gregory (XC208148) - xeno-canto.org/species/Pachycephala-simplex
Mangrove Golden Whistler recording by Todd Mark (XC246713) - xeno-canto.org/species/Pachycephala-melanura
Olive Whistler recording by Marc Anderson (XC201322) - xeno-canto.org/species/Pachycephala-olivacea
Rufuous Whistler recording by Khristos Nizamis (XC593350) - xeno-canto.org/species/Pachycephala-rufiventris
Red-lored Whistler recording by Niels Poul Dreyer (XC40769) - xeno-canto.org/species/Pachycephala-rufogularis
Western Whistler recording by Marc Anderson (XC382793) - xeno-canto.org/species/Pachycephala-fuliginosa
White-breasted Whistler recording by Nigel Jackett (XC239864) - xeno-canto.org/species/Pachycephala-lanioides
Marc Anderson's recordings were licensed from wildambience.com
Book - Where Song Began by Tim Low - timlow.com/where-song-began

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Listen to the calls of Australia's seven lorikeets. This episode is about the Little Lorikeet, Musk Lorikeet, Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Red-collared Lorikeet, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet and the Varied Lorikeet (phew).

Links:

Episode transcript - weekendbirder.com/episodes/38-tune-your-ear-lorikeets
Little Lorikeet recording by Greg McLachlan (XC372859) - xeno-canto.org/species/Parvipsitta-pusilla
Musk Lorikeet recording by Marc Anderson was licensed from wildambience.com
Purple-crowned Lorikeet recording by Marc Anderson was licensed from wildambience.com
Red-collared Lorikeet recording by Tobias Sheppard (XC507827) - xeno-canto.org/species/Trichoglossus-rubritorquis
Scaly-breasted Lorikeet recording by Henk Krajenbrink (XC170701) - xeno-canto.org/species/Trichoglossus-chlorolepidotus
Varied Lorikeet recording by Phil Gregory (XC287809) - xeno-canto.org/species/Psitteuteles-versicolor
Episode 27 - Red-tailed Black Cockatoos with Richard - weekendbirder.com/episodes/28-red-tailed-black-cockatoos-with-richard
Episode 8 - Aussie Bird Count with Sean - weekendbirder.com/episodes/08-aussie-bird-count-with-sean

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Learn the calls of four different types of pardalotes. This episode is about the Forty-spotted Pardalote, Red-browed Pardalote, Striated Pardalote and Spotted Pardalote.

Links:

Episode transcript - weekendbirder.com/episodes/37-tune-your-ear-pardalotes
Episode 20 - Songbirds with Nicholas - weekendbirder.com/episodes/20-songbirds-with-nicholas
Episode 26 - Bushbirds with Bridget - weekendbirder.com/episodes/26-bush-birds-with-bridget
Forty-spotted Pardalote recording by Barry Edmonston (XC794625) - xeno-canto.org/species/Pardalotus-quadragintus
Red-browed Pardalote recording by Eddy Smith (XC744046) - xeno-canto.org/species/Pardalotus-rubricatus
Striated Pardalote recording by Eddy Smith (XC750215) - xeno-canto.org/species/Pardalotus-striatus
Striated Pardalote recording by Marc Anderson was licensed from www.wildambience.com
Birds in Backyards - Top 40 Bird Songs - birdsinbackyards.net/birds/featured/Top-40-Bird-Songs

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Hear the story of a man who challenged himself to photograph 600 birds in one year. This episode is about adventuring around Australia, endemic and vagrant birds, and how to plan your own Big Year.

Charuka Abhayawickrama had a successful career in IT over 25 years. On his 45th birthday, he walked away from all his businesses and discovered a love of wildlife photography. When the pandemic hit, Charuka turned his attention to birds and in 2022 ended up doing an accidental Big Year. He ended up breaking the Australian record for number of birds photographed in one year. And he almost beat the Australian birdwatching Big Year record, seeing 773 bird species in total. Charuka is now a patron of many wildlife conservation projects that are close to his heart, both in Australia and Asia.

Links:

Episode transcript - www.weekendbirder.com/episodes/36-accidental-big-year-with-charuka
Charuka on Facebook - @charuka.abhayawickrama
Charuka on Instagram - @charuka.photography
Charuka on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/charuka-abhayawickrama-3443611/
Charuka's Big Year website - australianbigyear.com
Charuka's photography website - charuka.com
Australian Geographic interview with Charuka - www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/wildlife/2023/02/charukas-big-year/

Recording of the White-throated Grasswren was shared by Joshua Bergmark on xeno-canto.org (XC577277)

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Create a safe haven for birds in your area. This episode is about how to attract birds to your garden, balcony or nature strip.

Tom Hunt is an ecologist on the Wild Deserts project, with work focusing on birds, plants, habitat restoration and wildlife conservation. Growing up surrounded by bushland and birds in the Adelaide Hills, Tom has been a keen nature lover for as long as he can remember. The career he’s made out of that passion that has taken him to every corner of Australia to work on conservation projects. He also tries to sneak in as much extra birdwatching as he can both at home and in the field.

Links:

Episode transcript - weekendbirder.com/episodes/35-bird-friendly-gardens-with-tom
Tom on Twitter - @moth_nut
Tom on Instagram - @moth_nut
Wild Deserts Project - nsw.edu.au/research/ecosystem/our-research/wild-deserts
ABC interview with Tom - How to Attract Native Birds to Your Garden - abc.net.au/everyday/how-to-attract-native-birds-to-your-backyard/100005282
Birdlife Australia - Birds in Backyards - Gardening for Birds - birdsinbackyards.net/Your-Garden-How-make-it-safe-haven-birds/Gardening-Birds
Birdlife Australia - Birds in Backyards - Nest Box Plans - birdsinbackyards.net/Nest-Box-Plans
Darryl Jones books about feeding birds - unsw.press/authors/darryl-jones/
Safe Cats Safe Wildlife - safecat.org.au

Recording of Noisy Miners was shared by Marc Anderson on xeno-canto.org (XC269670)

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Grow your knowledge about Australia’s two largest waterbirds. This episode is about Brolgas, Sarus Cranes and the Crane Count held each year in the Atherton Tablelands.

Edward Bell has worked and volunteered across a wide variety of conservation projects, including surveying parrots in the Caribbean and assisting in microbat research on three continents. His interest in birds developed with his arrival in Australia in 2019. He is the coordinator for the Crane Count on behalf of Birdlife Northern Queensland, which has been monitoring Sarus Crane numbers with citizen scientists for over twenty years. He is also currently studying a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Ecology at James Cook University in Cairns.

Links:

Episode transcript - www.weekendbirder.com/episodes/34-brolgas-and-sarus-cranes-with-ed
BirdLife Northern Queensland - Crane Count - www.birdlifenq.org/crane-project
BirdLife Northern Queensland on Facebook - @BirdLifeNQ
Australian Crane Network - Introducing Australian and New Guinea Cranes - www.ozcranes.net/species/

Recordings of Brolgas and Sarus Cranes were shared by Marc Anderson and Andrew Spencer via xeno-canto.org

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Use technology to record the birds you see and find new places to visit. This episode is about using eBird, Merlin and a wetlands in Mount Barker (near Adelaide).

Lareen Newman has been observing birds since she was 10 years old, starting with the birds in her childhood garden in England. In the mid-1980s she participated in some of England’s first Big Garden Birdwatch sessions, writing down what she saw on a paper checklist that got posted to a collection centre. Lareen has been a ‘bird noticer’ in Australia for over 30 years. She takes her binoculars and birdbook on local walks and holidays, and her birdwatching has been taken to a new level since she discovered eBird.

Links:

Episode transcript - www.weekendbirder.com/episodes/33-ebird-and-merlin-with-lareen
eBird website - ebird.org
eBird Mobile app - ebird.org/about/ebird-mobile/
Merlin Bird ID app - merlin.allaboutbirds.org
Morecombe’s Birds of Australia app - www.mydigitalearth.com/apps/info/ea3592b7-5d59-492f-b652-3568c7a37f47
Pizzey and Knight Birds of Australia app - www.gibbonmm.com.au/tour/PKBA_Android.aspx
Birds SA website - birdssa.asn.au
Birds SA on Facebook - www.facebook.com/1899SAOA/
Women Birders Australia on Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/womenbirdersaustralia/
Lareen’s business website - www.tappingintoserenity.com

Recording of Plumed Whistling Ducks was uploaded by Nigel Jackett on xeno-canto.org

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Discover how an award-winning bird photographer maintains her ethical approach.

This episode is about ethical bird photography and the Mallee Emu-wren.

Kim Wormald is an ethical wildlife photographer with a deep love of, and respect, for nature. Kim’s images have received national and international awards, including Gold Medals and a coveted FIAP Blue Badge. She was a finalist for three consecutive years in Australian Geographic National Photographer of the Year and listed in the International Who’s Who of Nature Photographers. Kim loves knowing that her framed prints bring joy to fellow nature-lovers , and that her images are widely used for conservation purposes.

Links:

Kim’s website - www.lirralirra.com
Kim on Facebook - @KimWormaldLirralirra/
BirdLife Australia - Mallee Emu-wren - https://birdlife.org.au/bird-profiles/mallee-emu-wren/

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Learn how to identify the five Australian ravens and crows.

This episode is about the ravens and crows that call Australia home as well as an update on last year’s Aussie Bird Count.

Sean Dooley is the National Public Affairs Manager for BirdLife Australia, author of The Big Twitch, and former holder of the Australian Big Year twitching record. For many years, Sean and his team have been working tirelessly to ensure that birds are protected and loved by Australians. That's why he is affectionately known as 'the Birdman' and we reckon he’s a national treasure.

Links:

Sean’s Ravens and Crows video - www.facebook.com/watch/?v=389278423289946
Sean’s article about Ravens and Crows in Australian Birdlife magazine (March 2012) - www.calameo.com/read/0041078958b2f7e992bd6
Birds in Backyards - Australian Raven - www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Corvus-coronoides
Birds in Backyards - Forest Raven - www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Corvus-tasmanicus
Birds in Backyards - Little Raven - www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Corvus-mellori
Birds in Backyards - Little Crow - www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Corvus-bennetti
Birds in Backyards - Torresian Crow - www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Corvus-orru
Sean on Twitter - @Twitchathon
BirdLife Australia on Facebook - @BirdlifeAustralia
BirdLife Australia on Instagram - @BirdlifeOz
BirdLife Australia on Twitter - @BirdlifeOz
Tracking Australian Painted-snipe on Twitter - @TrackingAPSnipe
Tracking Australian Painted-snipe on Facebook - www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087380940581
Bird calls were recorded by Marc Anderson and shared on the Xeno Canto website.

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Hear about how the birds along the Merri Creek change with the seasons.

This episode is about the Australasian Pipit, Eurasian Skylark and other birds that live along the Merri Merri (Merri Creek).

Ann McGregor started birding as a child at her family’s weekender in the Dandenong Ranges. She still enjoys watching long-term favourites such as the Eastern Spinebill and Golden Whistler, but also spends time birding around Australia and overseas, always on the lookout for unfamiliar species. Ann has co-ordinated the Friends of Merri Creek bird surveys since they began in 2008 and is here to share her experience with you.

Links:

Friends of Merri Creek website - www.friendsofmerricreek.org.au/
Friends of Merri Creek on Facebook - @FriendsofMerriCreek
Friends of Merri Creek on Instagram - @friendsofmerricreek
BirdLife Australia - Australasian Pipit - www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Anthus-novaeseelandiae
BirdLife Australia website - Eurasian Skylark - www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Alauda-arvensis

Bird call recordings in this episode were shared by Marc Anderson on the Xeno-canto website - xeno-canto.org

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Learn about the unique birds found in farmland and waterways.

This episode is about bitterns, snipes, rails, crakes and other sneaky Australian waterbirds.

Matt Herring has been captivated by threatened and cryptic waterbirds for 25 years. His research on brolgas began in the late 1990s and he quickly realised the importance of farmers as wetland custodians. This has guided his studies ever since and soon he’ll work on his 1000th farm in the Murray-Darling Basin. Over the past decade, he has led the Bitterns in Rice Project, completing his PhD and developing incentive programs that marry food production and conservation through the co-management of water. Matt is also tackling conservation of the endangered and near-mythical Australian Painted-snipe.

Links:

Episode transcript - www.weekendbirder.com
Matt’s website - www.murraywildlife.com.au
Bitterns in Rice website - www.bitternsinrice.com.au
Matt on Twitter - @Matt_HerringOz
Tracking Australian Painted-snipe on Twitter - @TrackingAPSnipe
Tracking Australian Painted-snipe on Facebook - www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087380940581
Bitterns in Rice Project on Facebook - www.facebook.com/bitternsinriceproject
Xeno-canto website - xeno-canto.org

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Find out about a beautiful and endangered cockatoo.

This episode is about cockatoos and how scientists and community are working together to protect the South-eastern Red-tailed Black-cockatoo.

Richard Hill is a conservation biologist who works on threatened birds and mammals. He shifted to Casterton with his family to study the region's endangered Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, and he's never looked back. Richard’s work involves understanding and mitigating key threats to the south-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo and Brolga, as well as working on a number of threatened small and medium-sized mammals.

Links:

Episode transcript - www.weekendbirder.com
Red-tailed Black-cockatoo Recovery Project - www.redtail.com.au
South eastern Red tailed Black Cockatoo Recovery Project on Facebook - @SERTBCRecoveryProject
SWIFFT - Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo - www.swifft.net.au/cb_pages/sp_red-tailed_black-cockatoo

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Marvel at the architecture and artistry of bird nests.

This episode is about bird nests, art and how to establish a birdbath in your garden.

Zora Verona is an emerging and interdisciplinary artist who explores the complexity of bird’s nests through sculpture. Her work intersects visual art, environmental philosophy, avian science and natural history. What drives Zora to document, create and communicate is her legacy as well as the trajectory of loss of habitat, ecosystems and species. Her art awakens people’s understanding that every bird species is worthy of our wonder, awe and our protection.

Links:

Episode transcript - www.weekendbirder.com
Zora’s website - https://zoraverona.com.au/
Zora on Facebook - @zora.verona
Zora on Instagram - @zoraverona
ABC Australia - Are birds artists? - www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-05/the-question-whether-animals-are-artists-inspires-exhibition/8162870
The Conversation - Plastic found in lining UK seabird nests on a worrying scale - https://theconversation.com/plastic-found-lining-uk-seabird-nests-on-a-worrying-scale-142118

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Become a ‘bird noticer’ and watch the bush birds around you.

This episode is about watching bush birds like the White-browed Scrubwren, White-winged Chough and Spotted Pardalote.

Bridget Farmer is originally from Northern Ireland. She initially visited Australia to friends but fell in love with the country (and a certain Australian man) and stayed longer than expected. She lives in country Victoria with her husband, two young sons, a whole flock of chickens and a studio rabbit. Bridget is a printmaker and her work celebrates Australia’s birdlife and her chooks. She has written and illustrated two children’s books… and there are more on the way.

Links:

Bridget’s website - https://bridgetfarmerprintmaker.com/
Bridget on Facebook - @bridgetfarmerprintmaker
Bridget on Instagram - @bridgetfarmerprintmaker
Bridget on TikTok - @bridgetfarmerprintmaker
Deception by helpers in cooperatively breeding white-winged choughs and its experimental manipulation – https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s002650050386

Recordings of birds in this episode were shared by Frank Lambert and Marc Anderson on the xeno-canto website.

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Discover a corner of Brisbane that is home to the Mistletoe Bird.

This episode is about the Oxley Creek Common in Brisbane, how Mistletoe Birds like to wipe their bottoms and the importance of listening to bird calls.

Hugh Possingham has devoted his life to stopping habitat loss around the world. He completed a PhD in Mathematics and Ecology at Oxford University in the UK and this led to a career in universities in the USA and Australia. He has mainly worked as a university professor and is currently at the University of Queensland. He also served two years at Chief Scientist of Queensland and four years as Chief Scientist of the Nature Conservancy. Hugh has over 1000 peer-reviewed scientific publications and his list of achievements goes on and on. Amongst all of this, he still likes to go birding at Oxley Creek Common in Brisbane.

Links:

Hugh’s research - scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&user=uJIoXbYAAAAJ
Hugh on Twitter - @HugePossum
Hugh on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/hugh-possingham-75b7b713/
Hugh’s Wikipedia page - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Possingham
Friends of Oxley Creek Common - www.friendsofoxleycreekcommon.org/
Oxley Creek Common eBird entries - ebird.org/hotspot/L967148
Xeno-canto website - xeno-canto.org

Recordings of bird calls in this episode were shared by Marc Anderson on xeno-canto.

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Celebrate the birds and environments around you.

Jacinta Humphrey is a PhD Student with the Research Centre for Future Landscapes at La Trobe University. Her research focuses on the impacts of urban development on the birds that share our suburbs. Jacinta is passionate about creating and maintaining habitat for wildlife in our cities, and hopes that her work will contribute to a greener, more biodiverse future.

Links:

Episode transcript - www.weekendbirder.com/episodes/24-urban-birds-and-optimism-with-jacinta
Jacinta's research - scholars.latrobe.edu.au/j2humphrey
Jacinta on Twitter - @HumphreyJE_
Jacinta on Instagram - @jacintahumphrey
Jacinta on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacinta-humphrey-phdcandidate/
Aussie Bird Count app - https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/resources/
Banyule City Council - Banyule Flats Reserve - www.banyule.vic.gov.au/Events-activities/Parks-and-reserves/Banyule-Flats-Reserve

Recording of an Eastern Spinebill was shared by Marc Anderson on the xeto-canto.org website.

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Look at birds through the lens of a camera.

Coreena Vieth is a professional nature-based tour guide and talented wildlife photographer. For the past 15 years, she has extended her love of birdwatching into a love of bird photography. Coreena runs Shutterbug Walkabouts with her husband, a company that offers enriching photography and travel experiences in Tasmania. She shares her knowledge and skills so that other people can also capture awe-inspiring photos.

Links:

Episode transcript - www.weekendbirder.com/episodes/23-bird-photography-with-coreena
Coreena's website (Shutterbug Walkabouts) - www.shutterbugwalkabouts.com.au
Shutterbug Walkabouts on Facebook - @shutterbugwalkabouts
Coreena on Instagram - @cviethphoto
Shutterbug Walkabouts on Instagram - @shutterbugwalkabouts
Crap Bird Photography Facebook group - www.facebook.com/groups/1516554791932973/1932973/
BirdLife Australia - BirdLife Photography - https://birdlifephotography.org.au/

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Identify common Australian waterbirds.

A photo of a Blue Banded Bee that Kathie Thomas took in Spring 2009 led her on a path of discovery. She’s learnt lots of things since that day and can now name almost every bird in the region she lives in, and identify it by its call too. Apart from improving her skills in photography she’s learnt so much more about the environment in which she lives, exploring it constantly. She walks and drives to many places simply for the pleasure of photography and gets excited when she discovers a ‘new’ bird or something she’s not seen before.

Links:

Kathie’s website - dandenong-ranges-photography.com.au
Kathie’s books - dandenong-ranges-photography.com.au/wordsonbirds2
Kathie’s Birdslands Reserve posters - dandenong-ranges-photography.com.au/birdsland-bird-posters/
Kathie on Instagram - @dandenong_ranges_photos
Birds of Australia Facebook group - www.facebook.com/groups/birdsofaustralia
Women Birders Australia Facebook group - www.facebook.com/groups/905341489849373
iNaturalist - www.inaturalist.org

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Be a good mate to wild birds and other birdwatchers.

Golo Maurer has been involved in ecological research and conservation for about 20 years. He has enjoyed a broad career in ornithological research and has contributed to scientific and conservation projects on six continents. He has also taught at the University of Birmingham and at Charles Sturt University. As BirdLife Australia’s Citizen Science Program Leader, Golo supports volunteers and the broader community to become more involved in bird conservation projects.

Links:

Ethical Birdwatching Guidelines poster - www.networkbirdlife.org/home/birdlife-australias-ethical-birdwatching-guidelines-updated-and-ready-for-summer
Golo’s research - www.researchgate.net/profile/Golo-Maurer-2
Birddata - https://birdata.birdlife.org.au/
BirdLife Australia on Facebook - @BirdlifeAustralia
BirdLife Australia on Instagram - @BirdlifeOz
BirdLife Australia on Twitter - @BirdlifeOz

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Discover the songs of Australian birds.

Nicholas Bishop has worked in the zoo world for 20+ years, specialising in birds and animal behaviour. He has combined his background as an actor/singer with academic pursuits in performance arts, applied ornithology and wildlife management. As the Animal Behaviour and Creative Programs Manager at Zoos South Australia, Nicholas supports the animal training and storytelling programs at Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park. These programs focus on positive, innovative and engaging approaches to connecting people with nature and saving species from extinction.

Links:

Nicholas on Facebook - @nicholas.j.bishop1
Zoos South Australia - www.zoossa.com.au
Birds in Backyards Top 40 Bird Songs - www.birdsinbackyards.net/birds/featured/Top-40-Bird-Songs
Where Song Began - wheresongbegan.com
Songs of Disappearance - songsofdisappearance.com

Recordings of the Grey Butcherbird and Grey Strikethrush were uploaded by Nick Talbot on Xeno-canto - https://xeno-canto.org/

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Explore an Australian river and the birds that live there.

John Forrester joined the Werribee River Association after moving to Werribee in the 1980s. He was appointed as the Werribee Riverkeeper in 2013 and his role is speak up for the river using action, advocacy and education. One of John’s responsibilities is to conduct bird surveys where revegetation has been undertaken in order to see if bird numbers have increased.

Charlotte Williamson grew up in a small farming community, surrounded by woodlands and wildlife, and with many pets. This love of nature has stayed with her, and she has been fortunate to move into a career that involves working in the great outdoors. Charlotte has been teaching environmental education programs for fifteen years and is the Werribee River Association’s Education Manager.

Links:

Werribee River Association website - www.werribeeriver.org.au
Werribee River Association on Facebook - @werribeeriverkeeper
Werribee River Association on Instagram - @werribee_river_association
One Earth - Australasia’s Realms (Bioregions) - www.oneearth.org/realms/australasia
Australian Government - Australia’s Bioregions - www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/land/nrs/science/ibra
Museums Victoria - National Field Guide apps - museumsvictoria.com.au/apps/national-field-guide-apps/

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Get tips for talking about birdwatching with other people.

Jen Martin worked as a field ecologist before founding the University of Melbourne's 'Science Communication Teaching Program', which teaches scientists across all disciplines to be engaging and effective communicators. She also practises what she preaches: she’s been talking about science weekly on 3RRR radio for 18 years, hosts podcasts (including Let’s Talk SciComm), MCs events, teaches as part of the Homeward Bound Faculty, writes for a variety of publications, was named the 2019 Unsung Hero of Australian Science Communication. Jen’s first popular science book, ‘Why am I like this? The science behind your weirdest thoughts and habits’ was published in 2022.

Links:

Jen's linktr.ee (links to social media accounts and projects) - https://linktr.ee/scidocmartin
Jen's blog - https://blogs.unimelb.edu.au/science-communication/#tab1428
Let's Talk SciComm podcast - https://blogs.unimelb.edu.au/science-communication/blog-posts/podcast/
Field Guide to the Birds of Australia by Graeme Pizzey and Frank Knight - www.harpercollins.com.au/9780732291938/the-field-guide-to-the-birds-of-australia-9th-edition/
Pizzey and Knight's 'Birds of Australia' app - www.gibbonmm.com.au/Portal.aspx

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Find out why female birds often look different to males.

Dr Vicky Austin is interested in bird behaviour and how birds interact with each other and their environment. She is particularly fascinated by the vocalisations of female birds. Vicky’s PhD at Western Sydney University focused on the vocalisations of female Superb Lyrebirds (such as mimicry) and how females use these sounds to protect themselves and their chicks. Vicky reckons that vocalisations of female birds are just as spectacular as males and she’s here to share what she knows.

Links:

Vicky on Twitter - @avianbehaviour
Animal Ecology Lab - www.animalecologylab.org/victoria-austin.html
Lyrebird Lab - www.lyrebirdlab.org
xeno-canto (bird sound recordings) - https://xeno-canto.org
Macaulay Library - www.macaulaylibrary.org

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Learn about one of Australia's iconic bird species.

Dr Alex Maisey has spent his life with lyrebirds. He started his volunteering life as a child with the Sherbrooke Lyrebird Study Group, a group he now leads as an adult. Alex has a long commitment to local forest restoration and conservation. He is a postdoctoral researcher in ecology at La Trobe University and his PhD research topic was the ecosystem engineering role of lyrebirds in Victoria’s central highlands. He has also undertaken research about the impact of Australia's Black Summer on lyrebirds and the value of 'natural capital' (e.g. soil, water, animals, plants and fungi) on farms across Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales.

Links:

Sherbrooke Lyrebird Study Group on Facebook - @SherbrookeLyrebirdStudyGroup
Alex on Twitter - @alexmaisey
Alex's research with La Trobe University - https://scholars.latrobe.edu.au/amaisey
Alex's articles on The Conservation website - https://theconversation.com/profiles/alex-maisey-1115735/articles
Birdlife Australia - Superb Lyrebird - https://birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/superb-lyrebird

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Embrace your inner 'bird nerd' with the host of Bird Emergency.

Grant Williams is the host of the Bird Emergency podcast. All his life he has been intensely interested in the birds around him. Studying horticulture and accounting seemed a perfect entre to the world of podcasting. His podcast and live streams feature researchers, conservationists and other bird-loving advocates. Grant gets to meet some of the heroes of bird conservation, while having fun learning about some of the most vulnerable threatened bird in the world. He continues to be an advocate for the birds under pressure from habitat reduction, pollution, pesticides, poaching, trafficking, smuggling and the loss of biodiversity due to climate change.

Links:

Bird Emergency podcast - thebirdemergency.com/podcast
Bird Emergency live streams - thebirdemergency.com/live
Grant on Twitter - @birdemergency
Grant on Masotodon - @birdemergency
Book - The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds - buy at your favourite local bookstore or via Google
Book - Compact Australian Bird Guide - www.publish.csiro.au/book/7916/z
App - Morcombe's Birds of Australia - Apple or Android

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Journey with honeyeaters as they move around Australia.

Carol Probets’ 25-year career as a birding guide began in 1994 when she decided to turn her passion into a job teaching beginners birdwatching classes. Since then she has introduced hundreds of people to birdwatching and guided countless Australian and international birders around the Blue Mountains, Capertee Valley and throughout NSW. Now semi-retired, she works freelance doing bird surveys and still can’t believe her luck getting paid to go birding. Carol is also a past President and current Vice-President of Blue Mountains Bird Observers and co-ordinates the annual honeyeater migration counts. Apart from birds, she is interested in all aspects of natural history and loves bushwalking, photography and good coffee.

Links:

Carol on Twitter - @carolprobets
Carol’s blog - Lyreades - https://lyreades.wordpress.com/
Blue Mountains Bird Observers - https://bmbo.org.au/
Birdlife Australia - Yellow-faced Honeyeater - www.birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/yellow-faced-honeyeater

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Get to know some of Australia’s beach-nesting shorebirds.

Dr Kristal Kostaglou is a birdwatcher and environmental scientist. She is passionate about filling knowledge gaps to improve the conservation of Australian animals and their habitats. Kristal completed her Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) at Deakin University. She then went on to complete an Honours and PhD in the novel phenomenon of shorebird embryonic vocalisations… or in other words, chicks calling from within the egg before they hatch.

Links:

Kristal on Twitter - @_Kristal_K
Kristal on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/kristal-kostoglou
ABC News - Bar-tailed godwit flies 13,500km from Alaska to Tasmania - www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-27/bar-tailed-godwit-breaking-world-record-longest-nonstop-flight/10158374801583748
Birdlife Australia - Shorebirds Resources - https://birdlife.org.au/projects/shorebirds/counter-resources
Museums Victoria - National Field Guide apps - https://museumsvictoria.com.au/apps/national-field-guide-apps/

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Enjoy birdwatching in a wetlands environment.

Peter Murphy was born and bred on the Mornington Peninsula. While he always had a love of animals and nature, his passion for birdwatching is quite new. Peter has a special affection for Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands. He is here to share his knowledge about birdwatching in this part of the world and how volunteering can help you level up your skills.

Links:

Friends of Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands website - www.edithvale-seaford-wetlands.org
Friends of Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands on Facebook - @edithvaleseafordwetlands
Birdlife Australia - Branches and Special Interest Groups - https://birdlife.org.au/who-we-are/branches-and-locations

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Explore Sydney through birdwatching and art.

Sydney Bird Club was founded by Stephanie Chambers and Amy Ranck to help people discover the magical world of Australian birds. With a Sydney-centric focus, they take casual bird-watchers through the steps to become full blown twitchers, with plenty of stops along the way for a pint. Tune in to hear them talk about Centennial Parklands, the Channel-billed Cuckoo, and how art and science and connected.

Links:

Sydney Bird Club website - www.sydneybirdclub.com/
Sydney Bird Club on Facebook - @sydneybirdclub
Sydney Bird Club on Instagram - @sydenybirdclub
Outer Island - www.outerisland.com.au
ABC What the Duck podcast - Become the Cuckoo - www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/what-the-duck/becomethecuckoo/13954908
Birdlife Australia - Channel-billed Cuckoo - www.birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/channel-billed-cuckoo
Birdlife Australia - White-faced Heron - www.birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/white-faced-heron

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Learn about Australia’s largest owl.

Nick Bradsworth is a PhD Candidate in Urban Ecology at Deakin University. His research has focussed on addressing a major scientific knowledge gap - the movement pathways and habitat available to the Powerful Owl. The Powerful Owl is Australia’s largest owl, with a wingspan of up to 1.4m. Nick is here to share his knowledge about this incredible bird and to how ensure that it can thrive in the wild.

Links:

Nick’s research and photography - https://linktr.ee/nick.bradsworth
Nick on Twitter - @bradsey
Nick’s GPS movement videos on Twitter - https://twitter.com/bradsey/status/1288698333347885058
Birdlife Australia - Powerful Owl Project - https://birdlife.org.au/projects/urban-birds/powerful-owl-project-pow
Birdlife Australia - Nockturnal Birds Booklet - https://birdlife.org.au/documents/Nocturnal_birds_reduced.pdf

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Discover the secrets of one of Australia's most loved birds.

Dr Marian Weaving worked in the community sector for 20+ years. Entering her 40s, she decided to change tracks and follow her passion for the natural world. A Diploma in Natural Resource Management changed her life. This led to an Environmental Science degree... and then Honours... and a PhD on Tawny Frogmouths. She went on to teach at Monash University and share her love of nature with her students. Marian has loved every part of her birding journey, even the difficult bits. She has recently moved to New Zealand, where she plans on continuing her committment to conservation.

Links:

Episode transcript - www.weekendbirder.com
Marian's research - www.researchgate.net/profile/M-Weaving

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Use the Aussie Bird Count to practice your skills.

Links:

Episode transcript - www.weekendbirder.com
Aussie Bird Backyard Count - https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/
Sean on Twitter - @Twitchathon
Birdlife Australia on Facebook - @BirdlifeAustralia
Birdlife Australia on Instagram - @BirdlifeOz
Birdlife Australia on Twitter - @BirdlifeOz
The Big Twitch by Sean Dooley - www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Sean-Dooley-Big-Twitch-9781741145281
Cooking with Baz by Sean Dooley - www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Sean-Dooley-Cooking-with-Baz-9781741752731

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Identify little brown birds using 'bird topography'.

Ricki Coughlan is a bird guide and nature educator with a particular interest in the behaviour and ecology of the Acanthizids - “Little Brown Birds”. She runs courses and workshops for birders and nature lovers and facilitates the occasional citizen science project, including the Boat Harbour Shorebird Study Group. Ricki studied Ornithology at Charles Sturt University, has been a Warden at BirdLife Australia Broome Bird Observatory and an avian consultant for a number of NSW Coastal Councils.

Links:

Episode transcript - www.weekendbirder.com
Aussie Wild (Ricki's website) - https://aussiewild.com.au
Ricki on Facebook - www.facebook.com/ricki.coughlan
Ricki on Instagram - @aussie_wild_australian_birding
Ricki on Twitter - @RickiCoughlan

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Understand and appreciate the magpies that live around you.

Mandy Ridley is an Avian Ecologist and Associate Professor of the School of Biological Sciences at The University of Western Australia. Mandy's research on birds began at Cambridge University in the UK, where she completed her PhD on the evolution of birds' cooperative breeding behaviours. This research involved living in the Kalahari Desert for for at least six months of the year... for ten years! She even raised her first son there. In 2012, Mandy moved to Perth and began studying Western Australian Magpies. In total, Mandy has been conducting avian research for over 24 years and she still loves it!

Links:

Episode transcript - www.weekendbirder.com
Babbler Research (Mandy's website) - www.babbler-research.com
Mandy on Twitter - @mandy_ridley

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Learn how to use a pair of binoculars to zoom in on the birds around you.

Anthony Over's childhood love of wildlife led to an Environmental Management degree. In his spare time, he is an active member of the Canberra Ornithologists Group. Anthony has been running their 'Birdwatching for Beginners' trips since 2006 and gets enormous satisfaction from teaching others. So he is the right person for the job to teach us how to choose and use binoculars (one of birdwatching's greatest tools).

Links:

Episode transcript - www.weekendbirder.com
Canberra Ornithologists Group - www.canberrabirds.org.au
Eclectic Antics (Anthony's website) - https://eclecticantics.com/2021/01/29/birdwatching-for-beginners/

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Find out about the Superb Fairywrens that live in Royal Park.

Dr Holly Kirk is an urban ecologist working in the Interdisciplinary Conservation Science Group at RMIT University. Holly’s research investigates how animals move around their environment and how we can use this knowledge to improve things for both people and nature in cities. She works on several projects that aim to make sure nature is being remembered when we design urban places. Holly loves spending time in nature, and is never happier than when helping other people find things to be excited about in their local parks, gardens or yards.

Links:

Episode transcript - www.weekendbirder.com
Superb City Wrens - www.superbcitywrens.com
Holly on Facebook - @holly.kirk
Holly on Twitter - @HollyKirk
Holly on Instagram - @ilex06
Holly on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/holly-kirk-498443190/
ICON Science - www.icon-science.org

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Meet the author of 101 Australian Birds.

Links:

Episode transcript - www.weekendbirder.com
100 Australian Birds by Georgia Angus - www.hardiegrant.com/au/publishing/bookfinder/book/100-australian-birds-by-georgia-angus/9781741177220
Georgia on Instagram - @georgia_angus

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Hear about the Peregrine Falcons that live Melbourne’s CBD.

As a wildlife ecologist Dr Victor Hurley has conducted studies on a wide range of animals in many different environments. Victor is a Fire Ecologist and a Planning Officer in Emergency Incident Management Teams for Forest Fire Management Victoria. He is a founding member of the Victorian Peregrine Falcon Project and one of the caretakers of the Peregrine Falcons that live at 367 Collins Street in the centre of Melbourne.

Links:

Episode transcript - www.weekendbirder.com
367 Collins Falcon Watchers Facebook group - @367collinsfalcons
Birdlife Australia - Victorian Peregrine Falcon Project - https://birdlife.org.au/locations/barg/vpp

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Start to notice the birds around you.

Merrilyn Smith has always loved nature and been curious about the world around her. After her career as a teacher and health educator was complete, she discovered her love of birdwatching after listening to the birds in her garden. Her adventures have taken her around the world and she now volunteers in a range of conservation groups, including being a 'friend' of her local bushland reserve.

Links:

Episode transcript - www.weekendbirder.com
Wombalano Park - www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Explore/Parks-and-playgrounds/Parks-and-Facilities/Wombolano-Park
Victorian Wader Study Group - www.vwsg.org.au
Field Naturalists Club of Victoria - www.fncv.org.au

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Learn about birdwatching through stories and advice.

Weekend Birder is an Aussie podcast hosted by Kirsty Costa. This trailer gives you a preview of what is to come. Visit www.weekendbirder.com to find out more.

Weekend Birder: Recent Episodes

Kirsty Costa