Florida Bird Pod

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Forys, a dedicated professor at Eckerd College, to explore her fascinating research on a variety of Florida's imperiled species. We delve into her unique experiences studying marsh rabbits in the Florida Keys and hear some thrilling stories about her run-ins with rattlesnakes. Dr. Forys's work has been instrumental in maintaining the biodiversity of Florida, and she shares her insights and the importance of conserving these delicate ecosystems. For questions, comments, or content suggestions please contact us at info@floridabirdpod.com-Follow us on instagram @floridabirdpod-Join the Florida Bird Pod Facebook group -Follow Captain Wes on instagram @snook_jam_outdoors-Follow Ted @beast.bird.media

Send us a Text Message.Jim Mcginity has worked for decades to contribute to the science in understanding Florida birds and the issues they face. As an educator at Learning Gate Community School and Florida Young Birders club, Jim is shaping the newest generation of environmental stewards. Jim is the founder of Florida Avian Conservation and their banding programs have helped to gain valuable insight to Florida's famed feathered fauna. Visit the links below for more information:Florida Avian Conservation:https://floridaavianconservation.wordpress.com/Learning Gate Community School:https://learninggate.org/Florida Young Birders Club:https://floridayoungbirders.org/For questions, comments, or content suggestions please contact us at info@floridabirdpod.com-Follow us on instagram @floridabirdpod-Join the Florida Bird Pod Facebook group -Follow Captain Wes on instagram @snook_jam_outdoors-Follow Ted @beast.bird.media

Send us a Text Message.To open Season 2 we sit down with Ron Smith. Ron has been a positive force in Florida birding for decades and all of us have benefitted from his knowledge and meticulous record keeping. Ron shares some of his most memorable experiences birding in Florida, researching his books, and goes over some of the highlight species our county has hosted over the years.For questions, comments, or content suggestions please contact us at info@floridabirdpod.com-Follow us on instagram @floridabirdpod-Join the Florida Bird Pod Facebook group -Follow Captain Wes on instagram @snook_jam_outdoors-Follow Ted @beast.bird.media

Ted and Wes sit down with St Pete Audubon President Holley Short who is also the Shorebird Project Manager for Florida Audubon where they monitor nesting sites and coordinate volunteer stewards to help protect our at risk shorebird populations. Holly is a graduate of University of Florida, and life long lover of wildlife, and an avid birder. Volunteer opportunities are available for those wanting to become a shorebird steward by contacting Holley at Holley.short@audubon.orgFor questions, comments, or content suggestions please contact us at info@floridabirdpod.com-Follow us on instagram @floridabirdpod-Join the Florida Bird Pod Facebook group -Follow Captain Wes on instagram @snook_jam_outdoors-Follow Ted @beast.bird.media

In Episode 7 Ted and Wes discuss Florida birding during the peak of Spring migration. We discuss the abundance an diversity of warblers and the mega rare Piratic Flycatcher that blessed us this month. We also discuss trends in density over the month of may and Ted whines about missing the Yellow-breasted Chat that hung out for nearly a week. We also include some tips and tricks for birding with children in tow as well as some thoughts on birding with a spouse or others that might not be as enthusiastic about standing under a tree looking up for hours on end. We as always bring you the best of Florida birding for the month, some laughs, and a solid rum endorsement. Enjoy!For questions, comments, or content suggestions please contact us at info@floridabirdpod.com-Follow us on instagram @floridabirdpod-Join the Florida Bird Pod Facebook group -Follow Captain Wes on instagram @snook_jam_outdoors-Follow Ted @beast.bird.media

In this episode Ted and Wes get the incredible opportunity to chat with Bob Branham. Bob has been a fishing guide in South Florida and the Florida Keys for over 40 years specializing in targeting Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit. Bob tells us about the early days in Biscayne Bay and about being inspired by his encounters with wildlife but especially raptors. We discuss some of Bob's favorite photography equipment and he gives great recommendations for beginning photographers. Bob also has worked with the conservation organization Bonefish Tarpon Trust to better understand these fisheries in decline and improve them for future generations.  Bob also talks about how birding in the Everglades has changed over the years and some of his favorite birds to target. Bob now works as a birding and photography guide in the Everglades. Check out Bob's incredible photography at www.bobbranham.comFor questions, comments, or content suggestions please contact us at info@floridabirdpod.comFlow us on instagram @floridabirdpodJoin the Florida Bird Pod Facebook group Follow Captain Wes and Ted on instagram @snook_jam_outdoors and Ted @beast.bird.media

Ted and Wes sit down with a bottle of Florida Black Coral Rum and discuss some of Wes's adventures chasing snakes and his near miss of being a victim of crocodile attack. Ted swims with sharks on purpose and goes nose to nose with a large Great Hammerhead. For our listeners who are new or experienced alike, Ted discusses the 5 things he wished he knew as a new birder. The list includes patience, training your ear, good binoculars, learn wildlife and birder etiquette, and the incredible birding community. Wes continues to nail his monthly predictions with Great Crested Flycatcher and gives us an idea of what to expect in March.stealtiespirits.com   for Florida Black Coral Rumtractoptics.com   for binocularsvortex optics.com   for binocularsemerald charters.com    Shark diving charter in Jupiter FloridaFor questions, comments, or content suggestions please contact us at info@floridabirdpod.comFlow us on instagram @floridabirdpodJoin the Florida Bird Pod Facebook group Follow Captain Wes and Ted on instagram @snook_jam_outdoors and Ted @beast.bird.media

Ted and Wes talk with Eric Plage who is an Ebird moderator, environmental scientist at Tampa Bay Watch, and one of Florida's top birders. Eric tells us a little about growing up birding Cape May, provides some valuable tips and tricks for using Ebird, and tells us about some of the important work going on at Tampa Bay Watch that is ensuring the health of our estuary. Eric also discusses use of the Merlin Bird ID app and some of his birding goals spanning the state of Florida.For questions, comments, or content suggestions please contact us at info@floridabirdpod.comFlow us on instagram @floridabirdpodJoin the Florida Bird Pod Facebook group Follow Captain Wes and Ted on instagram @snook_jam_outdoors and Ted @beast.bird.media

Ted and Wes discuss what they have been doing and seeing in February in Florida birding. Wes recalls discovering a county rare bird while birding in Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Ted talks about his morning birding at Ft Desoto enjoying a relaxing time watching Snowy Plovers and Reddish Egrets feed close by.  He also previews a trip he has planned to visit Acadia national park in Maine and his hopes to see Atlantic Puffin and well as many other new sea birds and shore birds. We also discuss persisting American Flamingos. Yes and Wes also discuss proper nesting bird etiquette.For questions, comments, or content suggestions please contact us at info@floridabirdpod.comFlow us on instagram @floridabirdpodJoin the Florida Bird Pod Facebook group Follow Captain Wes and Ted on instagram @snook_jam_outdoors and Ted @beast.bird.media

Ted and Wes talk to top Florida birder David Goodwin. David is a 2 time president of the Florida Ornithological Society, top birder in Florida, and top 100 birder in the United States. He recalls numerous stories of the early days, the rare birds found and the missed, and talks about his work with the Crested Caracaras here in Florida. Dave has over 55 years of experience birding and after retiring as a teacher has continued to pass his vast knowledge and experience down to the younger generations through his work at the park where it all started, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve.For questions, comments, or content suggestions please contact us at info@floridabirdpod.comFlow us on instagram @floridabirdpodJoin the Florida Bird Pod Facebook group Follow Captain Wes and Ted on instagram @snook_jam_outdoors and Ted @beast.bird.media

Ted and Wes take a walk down memory lane and discuss their educational and professional backgrounds as well as how they got into birding. They go on to discuss the unique qualities of Florida set it up to be a prime location for such incredible biodiversity. Ted and Wes swap stories on recent chase successes and failures and then preview the upcoming months activities and bird movement.For questions, comments, or content suggestions please contact us at tedeversoll@gmail.comJoin the Florida Bird Pod Facebook group to keep up to date on new episodes, share birding photos and stories, and get info on events both virtual and in-person.Follow Captain Wes and Ted on instagram @snook_jam_outdoors and @beast.bird.media

Here we introduce you to the Florida Bird Pod. We are a birding podcast based in beautiful Pinellas County Florida that new birders and experienced birders alike will find entertaining and a valuable source of information. Each episode we will be exploring topics in wildlife conservation, events of interest in Florida birding, and highlighting the incredible diversity of Florida birds and wildlife. Our diverse list of guests include researchers, educators, as well as some of the top birders in the state. Settle in with your hosts to listen, learn, and laugh as we bird Florida together.For questions, comments, or content suggestions please contact us at tedeversoll@gmail.comJoin the Florida Bird Pod Facebook group to keep up to date on new episodes, share birding photos and stories, and get info on events both virtual and in-person.Follow Captain Wes and Ted on instagram @snook_jam_outdoors and @beast.bird.media