The Thing with Feathers: birds and hope with Courtney Ellis

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Stories, experts, and special guests on how birds help us keep looking up.

Courtney Ellis


    • May 19, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 44m AVG DURATION
    • 96 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Thing with Feathers: birds and hope with Courtney Ellis is a podcast that brings together the beauty of birds and the power of hope. Courtney is a delightful host whose love for birds shines through in every episode. From her infectious enthusiasm to her genuine passion, she creates a welcoming atmosphere that draws listeners in. The intro music sets the perfect tone, whimsical and uplifting, preparing you for the joy that awaits.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Courtney's ability to spark curiosity and deepen our connection with nature. Through her stories and interviews with guests, she reminds us to pay attention to the birds around us and find solace in their presence. Her guests share unique experiences and insights, making each episode a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration.

    Another great aspect of The Thing with Feathers is its ability to bring people together. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher or someone who has never paid much attention to birds before, this podcast welcomes everyone into its community. It's a reminder that nature is accessible to all, regardless of experience or expertise.

    One possible downside to this podcast could be its niche topic. If you're not particularly interested in birds or nature, it may be harder to connect with the content. However, even for those who are not bird enthusiasts, there is still value in listening to Courtney's conversations about hope and spirituality.

    In conclusion, The Thing with Feathers: birds and hope with Courtney Ellis is a delightful podcast that brightens your day. With its infectious enthusiasm for birds, it inspires listeners to pay attention to the world around them and find hope in unexpected places. Courtney's charm as a host and the diverse range of guests make this podcast a must-listen for anyone looking for a feel-good show filled with lovely stories about lovely things.



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    Latest episodes from The Thing with Feathers: birds and hope with Courtney Ellis

    96: Refugia Faith with Deb Rienstra

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 40:30


    Deb Rienstra is a professor of English at Calvin University. Her beautiful book, Refugia Faith, takes us deep into both an aching planet and the goodness of God. Friends, I couldn't put this one down.From despair to preparation, alienation to kinship, and indifference to attention, Deb's masterful weaving of theology, literature, ecology, and a love for creation makes this book sing.Join us for a conversation about birds and hope, about how the church calendar can help remind us of our creatureliness before God, and about the ways both lament and gratitude can tether us to one another. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    95: Unpacking Church Camp

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 39:10


    One of our greatest tools in understanding ourselves and the world is the concept of both/and. When we can hold two ideas or feelings in tension, we discover whole worlds of understanding and goodness.Author, speaker, and Episcopal-priest-in-training Cara Meredith has been fascinated with this concept for years. After dabbling in some essays about it, she landed on a both/and topic that really spoke to her soul: church camp.Today we celebrate her new book, Church Camp: Bad Skits, Cry Night, and How White Evangelicalism Betrayed a Generation, hot off the presses from Broadleaf. We talk about the good, the bad, the ugly, and how we might all be a little bit more faithful to the both/and in our lives.Plus: a little detour about penguins. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    94: The Whole Easter Story (Jo Swinney)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 37:06


    Jo Swinney is the Director of Communication for A Rocha International, a global Christian nature conservation charity. She's also the author of several books, including The Whole Easter Story: Why the Cross is Good News for All Creation. On this Easter Monday she joined me to talk about the power of hope in helping us steward our planet well.“Love is what generates the desire to care,” she told me. It all comes down to love.Join us for a hopeful Easter episode about loving this beautiful planet, signs of hope springing up all around, and the good, creative work of conservation from elephants to coral. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    93: Looking Up's Audiobook Launch!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 38:00


    Dan Van Voorhis is a professional podcaster with a PhD in Church History. His podcast, The Christian History Almanac offers daily 5-minute episodes all about the work of God in the world over the centuries. It's one of my favorites.Dan is also a friend, congregant, and the best interviewer I know. He graciously agreed to come on The Thing with Feathers and interview me about the launch of the audiobook for Looking Up that comes out today (yayyyyyyy!) on the one-year anniversary of the paperback's launch.Come join us as we chat about the ins and outs of audiobook recording, the joys and surprises at the ways Looking Up has made its way into the world, the birds of spring, and the special additions that come with the audio version of this book. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    92: The Breeding Birds of Minnesota

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 47:42


    Lee Pfannmuller and Jerry Niemi know a thing or two about birds. With over one hundred years(!) of birding experience between them, they have spent their lives doing fieldwork related to conservation and ecology throughout the state of Minnesota and beyond.Today we celebrate the publication of their new, beautiful book The Breeding Birds of Minnesota. We talk about everything from bird surveys to caring for creation to wrangling volunteers. Find out the most frequently seen bird in Minnesota (the answer surprised me!), the most difficult places to perform bird surveys, and a great story about one place you should never drive a Prius.Join us for this special, encouraging episode all about the beautiful birds of one of our most fantastic and ecologically fragile states. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    91: Creation and Conservation with Peter Harris

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 48:45


    Peter Harris co-founded A Rocha, a Christian nonprofit dedicated to conservation back in 1983. Together he and his wife Miranda built an organization that helped churches and Christians across the world work together to care for creation. Their vision was to build a global family of conservation organizations working together to live out God's calling to care for creation ​and equip others to do likewise.Today, A Rocha exists in more than 20 countries, from Portugal to the United States to India to Kenya. It continues to bring together those interested in conservation with people of faith, offering practical ways people can work to steward the good gift of creation God has given.Friends, I could have spoken with Peter for days upon days. He is a wealth of wisdom, humility, and kindness, and I learned so much from our hour together. I'm so excited to share today's episode with you - our discussion ranges from practical tips for conservation to the British evangelist John Stott's love for birds to coping with grief to and loss to the hollowness of consumerism to how gosh-darned wonderful the avian world is.“People are looking to understand,” said Peter. I'll also never forget our initial email exchange where I, a little star-struck by a guest who has done so much good in the world, told Peter I was looking forward to learning from him.“We will learn from each other, Courtney,” he said.Check out Peter's beautiful book from the 1990s, Under the Bright Wings, about the faith-filled founding of A Rocha, too.Enjoy this gift of a podcast, perfect for thinking more about the beauty of God's creation and how we might better care for it. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    90: Seeing God after Losing Faith (Liz Charlotte Grant)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 46:21


    Liz Charlotte Grant's new book, Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis after Losing Faith in the Bible is a wild and wondrous read. And rightly so—anyone who's spent any time in Genesis knows that it's a delightfully odd and messy book.Join us on this episode about hope, backyard chickens, and the surprising ways God sometimes shows up even when we feel we've lost our faith.You may want to check out Liz's fabulous Substack, The Empathy List, which has won Webby awards for its writing, as well as her haunting article on one of the saints of the evangelical church, Elisabeth Elliot. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    89: Hope in Chronic Illness (Duane Bidwell)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 44:02


    Duane Bidwell is the author, most recently, of the new book After the Worst Day Ever: What Sick Kids Know About Sustaining Hope in Chronic Illness, with Beacon Press. He's a professor, a chaplain, and an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He also loves a raven, but we'll get to that.Today's episode is all about hope. Where we might find it, what we can learn from kids who have it—often against all odds—and how may serve as agents of hope to one another.We also dabble a little in birds, don't you worry.Whether you're feeling hopeful or hopeless, this is an episode not to be missed, my friends. And don't forget to check out Duane's beautiful book. You can find it anywhere books are sold. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    88: Winter Birding with Janet Hill

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 49:45


    Janet Hill first appeared on The Thing With Feathers back in 2023. I'd followed her wonderful photography for years and grown to appreciate her invitational style, and our conversation cheered and heartened me.I couldn't think of a better person to come on the show to talk all things winter birding than Janet. From Saskatoon to Newfoundland, from California gulls to Black-billed Magpies, join us for a conversation about listening, the benefits of keeping records, and why Janet believes in the importance of getting outside every single day, even in sub-zero weather.Plus: an update on Mary the Blue Jay.Follow Janet over on BlueSky to see more of her beautiful work. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    87: Simon Stuart on Conservation and Hope

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 54:56


    Simon Stuart is the senior advisor to conservation at A Rocha. Until April of 2023, he served as Executive Director of A Rocha International. Simon has been instrumental in the species conservation movement around the world, including winning a Blue Planet Prize for his work with the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species.Really, I could go on. Simon is a gracious, brilliant guy with a biography longer than my arm. (He spent his gap year with Jane Goodall! He was almost kidnapped twice!) But I'm going to let him tell you his story of conservation and hope in his own words.Two things really stuck out to me about my conversation with Simon. First, his perspective that good, healthy change begins with “cultivating the love of what God has made.” With so much hopeless and despair around everything from the loss of biodiversity to climate change, it can be easy to descend into despair. But he reminded me that all good work begins and ends and has its roots in love.Secondly, I've always wondered what it would be like to discover a new species. Simon has that story to share as well.Buckle up for an adventure of an episode that takes us from Bath, England to Tanzania to India and back again. You won't want to miss this one. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    86: Roger Hutchison on New Year's Resolutions... for Birds

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 50:02


    Roger Hutchison is an author, illustrator, and Christian educator in the Episcopal Church. He's a two-time guest on our podcast, and we couldn't think of a better fit for our end-of-year episode. Together we talk resolutions, words of the year, and what resolutions birds would make, if they made them.Plus, we take a look at his just-about-to-be-released book, The Gift of Baptism. This beautiful children's picture book took my breath away with its soulful writing and gorgeous illustrations by Claire Westwood.Join us as we talk about finding hope even when *gestures broadly at everything.* Roger shares a bobcat story, how children are bearers and bringers of hope, and what sparrow-centric project he's working on next. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    85: A Closer Look with Susanne Swing Thompson

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 44:01


    Susanne Swing Thompson is the author of A Closer Look: The Neighborhood and the creative mind behind Wren Photos. Susanne is a big believer in the power and whimsy that can happen when we look more closely at our own backyards, streets, and local parks.While birding can take us far afield - and this is fun! - when we tune into the birds, wildlife, and flora right on our own front steps, we can begin to find magic right where we are.“I find myself wondering, ‘What is happening at home?'” said Susanne.Join us for this episode as we look more closely at our own neighborhoods and encourage you to do the same. If you'd like to subscribe to Susanne's newsletter (I do; it's lovely!), you may do so here. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    84: Ornithography with Jessica Roux

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 42:49


    Nashville-based author and illustrator Jessica Roux takes her inspiration from the natural world, folklore, and world religions. In her beautiful book, Ornithography: An Illustrated Guide to Bird Lore, Jessica takes us on a journey into the mythology of different species of birds. Each avian description is partnered with a beautiful hand-drawn illustration, making this book great for anyone in need of a little more whimsy and beauty. (And isn't that all of us?)Join us for this episode of The Thing with Feathers as we talk about illustration, inspiration, and our mutual love of Flannery O'Connor. Plus: how to appreciate and celebrate the gift of birds, a gentle solution for outdoor cats, and what Jessica's working on next.To see more of Jessica's beautiful illustrations, check out her work on Instagram. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    83: British Birding with Mark Winter

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 45:29


    Mark Winter is a birding guide at Even Sparrows. He's also a lay theologian from the U.K. who comes to us with stories of St. Cuthbert, discovering awe, and his take on why Jesus never mentions eagles in the Bible.Join us for a visit to this pastoral and wind-swept land as we talk about Mark's book, Look at the Birds of the Air, encounters with birds in Scripture, and why “just getting out there” is some of the best birding advice for newbies. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    82: A Bird Diva?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 49:44


    Though birding seems like a whimsical hobby, birders can be surprisingly competitive. Bridget Butler seeks to bring mindfulness, peace, and gentle attention into the world of birds and birding.Her slow birding guiding practice, Bird Diva, brings people out into nature for focused time communing with the birds and one another.“I just wanted to stop and slow down and watch what the birds were doing,” said Butler. “And there weren't that many bird outings that were doing that… I wanted more!” Her love for studying bird behavior took her into the world of slow birding, a world she invites us into today.Join us for this special episode of The Thing with Feathers as we learn from Bridget how to slow down, be present, and accept the gifts nature gives to us day by day. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    81: Creation Care with Ben Lowe

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 39:38


    Ben Lowe is the executive director for A Roche, a Christian organization dedicated to the practice of creation care. Part of its mission is to help people rejoice in the beauty, diversity, and complexity of the natural world, and (get this!) commit to delighting in and treasuring God's good creation.Delighting in creation. What a wonderful, important, energizing idea. So often we encounter news headlines about climate change that are steeped in terror or cynicism. The world is ending, they say, and we are to blame. Lowe believes there is another way to approach conservation: one that is rooted in God's call to steward the earth and the ultimate hope of the Gospel.It's that and his organization's grassroots efforts with communities and churches to make ecosystems healthier one, small step at a time that made this interview so rich.“It's easier to despair when you're not involved on the ground,” he told me. “Just getting your hands dirty is a great antidote to despair.”Don't miss this special episode of The Thing with Feathers as we dive deep on what it means to work together to restore right relationships with creation—including our neighbors.And don't forget to check out the work Ben and A Rocha are doing, both within the US and around the world. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    80: Will Wilson Captures the Birds of Rwanda

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 43:56


    Author of Falling for the Birds of Rwanda and the soon to be released Following the Birds of Rwanda, Will Wilson didn't start out as a birder. From age 18 until his early 40s, he served in the British military.How did he make the change from military life to a contemplative birding practice in the cities and wilds of Rwanda? Therein lies the tale.Will Wilson is a generous photographer based in Kigali, sharing his photos far and wide on social media. Looking through his eyes on Twitter and Instagram has been a great gift.If you've never been to Rwanda—or even if you have!—join us for this very special international episode as Will helps us explore weavers and bee-eaters and beautiful birds of all kinds. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    79: Night Magic with Leigh Ann Henion

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2024 41:11


    New York Times bestselling author Leigh Ann Henion believes we can learn a lot when the lights go out. From lightning bugs to salamanders, owls to bats, a whole world opens up after dark.Join us as we talk about our shared human need for darkness and why certain things flourish in less-seen times and places.Plus, check out Leigh Ann's beautiful book, Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark, which releases with Algonquin tomorrow and can be found everywhere books are sold. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    78: Bearing Witness to Creation (Mark Robertson)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 44:33


    Mark Robertson teaches high school English in San Juan Capistrano, California, a city also known as the spiritual home of the famous cliff swallows. It is from this perch (ha! see what we did there?) that he delves into the world of birds, birding photography, and all things literature.Friends, I enjoyed my conversation with Mark so very much. His answers to my questions wove together theology, poetry, Scripture, and a deep love and appreciation for all things avian.From Makoto Fujimura to NT Wright, from Murder on the Orient Express to bearing witness, this is an episode not to be missed.You may also wish to follow Mark on Instagram or Twitter to see his fabulous bird photos and the whimsical creations of short videos set to music. My kids eat them up. So do I. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    77: Birding Toward Hope (Quentin Schultze)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 41:23


    Author, speaker, and professor of communication Quentin Schultze grew up in rough circumstances. The child of an alcoholic father who died young and a schizophrenic mother, one of the few things he found solace and connection in was studying robins with his mother.Decades later, he birds with his wife Barbara in the woods of Western Michigan and beyond. From Sandhill Cranes to Black-capped Chickadees, join us on a journey through the hope of birding in a world riddled with grief.You can follow more of Quentin's writings and musings over on his website: www.quentinschultze.com. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    76: A Summer with Ospreys (Pamela Lowell)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 40:02


    Trauma therapist , birder, and author of My Summer with Ospreys, Pamela Lowell believes that hope is a great motivator.From her decades of work with people dealing with immense suffering, she's found that nature can be an incredible balm.But when her enjoyment of birds in the marsh behind her home was drowned out by the sound of chainsaws, it turned out that her sanctuary was being clear cut. 100 acres torn down… for a parking lot.Thus began Pamela's foray into activism, birding, and seeking care for the Ospreys who now found themselves at great risk.“Nature can also break your heart,” she said.Join us for this special episode all about Ospreys, but also about hope, transformation, and what a few determined people can do to help save one little corner of the world.Birding links:The Merlin Bird ID AppeBirdiNaturalistThe Thing with Feathers is hosted and produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes bi-weekly on Mondays. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    75: The Wonder of the Forest Floor (Lore Ferguson Wilbert)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 43:15


    Lore Ferguson Wilbert shares with us about her new book The Understory: An Invitation to Rootedness and Resilience from the Forest Floor. Together we talk grief, hope, the birds of the understory, and how sometimes it is when it seems that all hope is lost that God shows up.Links from Lore's show:Lore's book - The UnderstoryLore on SubstackLore's websiteLore on Twitter (we refuse to call it X)Lore on FacebookLore on InstagramThe Thing with Feathers is hosted and produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every other Monday.Enjoying the show? Take a moment and rate, review, or share with a friend. And don't forget to subscribe! Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    74: Birding to Change the World with Trish O'Kane

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2024 44:04


    Together we walk through Trish O'Kane's beautiful new book, Birding to Change the World, including the New Orleans disaster story that first led her into birding.Join us for this episode of The Thing with Feathers as Trish, author and senior lecturer in environmental justice at the University of Vermont, illuminates ways we might make a difference for the birds, our neighbors, and ourselves right where we are.From the local marsh to ill-fated fireworks, from Madison, Wisconsin to rural Vermont, making a positive ecological impact is often easier—and more important—than we imagine.Trish was such a wise, kind guest. Our conversation inspired me to look at my own community with new eyes, new hope, and new gratitude.You can find Birding to Change the World anywhere books are sold.Birding links:The Merlin Bird ID AppeBirdiNaturalistThe Thing with Feathers is hosted and produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes bi-weekly on Mondays. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    73: Grief Comes for Us All (Mandy Capehart)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 38:21


    Trauma-informed Certified Grief Educator Mandy Capehart knows a thing or two about sorrow. Her first deep dive into grief came with the surprising and rapid decline of her mother in 2016. From there, she began learning all she could about how we grieve and what might help us heal.Links from Mandy's show:Restorative Grief (Mandy's website)The Restorative Grief PodcastMandy on TwitterMandy on InstagramMandy on FacebookBirding links:The Merlin Bird ID AppeBirdiNaturalistThe Thing with Feathers is hosted and produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes bi-weekly on Mondays.Subscribe on Substack. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    72: Julie Zickefoose on Raising Blue Jays, Rehabbing Nestlings, and the Joy of Wild Things

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2024 39:53


    Julie Zickefoose is one of those birding writers I've admired from afar for a long time. When I first got into birds during that miserable pandemic, her book, “Saving Jemima” was one of the first bird-related titles I picked up at our library.I was captivated. Who knew little birds could have such big personalities? Who knew how much creativity and courage it would take to rehab a single bird?You can check out Julie's books, illustrations, and more at her website, too. Or follow her on Instagram or Facebook.As a reminder, The Thing with Feathers podcast comes out bi-weekly on Mondays. If you love the show, I'd be honored if you'd share it with a friend and give it a review, too! Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    Gardening for the Birds with Jenn McGuinness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 34:05


    Gardening is for the birds!But wait... can gardening actually be FOR the birds? Today we're joined by Jenn McGuinness, author of Bird-Friendly Gardening, to learn all about creating beautiful outdoor spaces that can bless our feathered friends.Links from Jenn's show:Jenn's blogJenn (Frau Zinnie) on InstagramJenn (Frau Zinnie) on FacebookBirding links:The Merlin Bird ID AppeBirdiNaturalistThe Thing with Feathers is hosted and produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes bi-weekly on Mondays. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

    70: Fire Ecology, Bird-Friendly Beef, and Woodpeckers (Dale Gentry)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2024 51:25


    Director of Conservation for the Audubon Upper Mississippi River, Dale Gentry believes there are lots of reasons to be hopeful. From new initiatives caring for the forests lining the Mississippi to bird-friendly grass-fed beef, join us as we learn more about what the Audubon is doing to care for creation. Plus: we spend some time renaming the birds. Links from Dale's show: Dale's Audubon page Conservation Ranching Upper Mississippi River Program Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every-other Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    69: The Magic of Migration (Emma Rhodes)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2024 42:40


    Avian biologist Emma Rhodes joins us to talk about all things migration, the joy of bird-banding, why American Redstarts are the perfect Halloween bird, and how to manage a huge group of volunteers. Links from Emma's show: Banding Coalition of the Americas Emma on Twitter Emma on Facebook Banding Coalition on Facebook Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    68: Vulture Apologetics (Josina Guess)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 37:26


    Author, editor, and vulture aficionado Josina Guess joins us this week to talk vultures, sisterhood, and how pressing into the natural world can ground our hearts, minds, and souls. Links from Josina's show: Josina's website Vultures (Josina's essay in Image Journal) Vulture Sister Song Sojourners Magazine Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    67: Ornithology? Theology? How about Ornitheology! (Kevin Burrell)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 41:54


    Founder of Ornitheology, pastor Kevin Burrell believes God has written reminders of his love and care all over the cosmos. From the call of a chickadee to the Scriptural reminders not to fear, this episode is a tour of beauty, goodness, and birds. Links from Kevin's show: Ornitheology Kevin on Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    66: Amy Tan's Backyard Bird Chronicles

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 31:34


    Bestselling author Amy Tan gives us a tour of her new book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles and describes why, even when we're sitting at home, birds can help us feel free. Links from Amy's show: The Backyard Bird Chronicles Amy's website Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    65: Paying Attention, Being Astonished (Roy Howard)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2024 39:09


    Presbyterian pastor Roy Howard is spending his retirement with and for the birds. From Peregrin Falcons to the birds of Ecuador to Gerard Manley Hopkins, Roy takes us on a delightful birding journey. Links from Roy's show: Gerard Manley Hopkins poem Mary Oliver poem Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    64: What Birds are the Most Metal? (Dan Baldassarre)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 56:29


    SUNY Oswego Assistant Professor and Provost Dan Baldassarre brings us his wisdom on bird banding, the joy of teaching undergrads, Harpy Eagles, and which birds are the most badass. Links from Dan's show: ⁠Dan's faculty profile Dan on Twitter Harpy Eagle Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    63: The Wonder of Sandhill Cranes (Mary Gemignani)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 40:41


    Madison resident Mary Gemignani spends her free time with Sandhill Cranes. Today we learn all about these leggy, gentle giants from a photographer who sees them through a lens of love. Links from Mary's show: Mary on Twitter International Crane Foundation Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    62: Ted Floyd on Bushtits, eBird, and Birding Magazine

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 44:49


    Ted Floyd has edited Birding Magazine for decades. He holds the longest consecutive birding streak in eBird and believes in the revitalizing power of getting out into nature daily. Plus: learn why Bushtits are so dang cool. Links from Ted's show: How to Know the Birds Birding Magazine The ABA Podcast Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    61: Courtney's New Bird Book - Looking Up (with Daryl Ellis)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 31:51


    Daryl Ellis joins Courtney to chat about her new book, Looking Up: A Birder's Guide to Hope Through Grief. Plus: hear chapter one and get a 20% code for the book! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    60: Kenn Kaufman on the Birds Audubon Missed

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 45:43


    Birding royalty Kenn Kaufman joins us to talk about drawing birds, the joy of being a beginner, and his new book The Birds That Audubon Missed. Links from Kenn's show: The Birds That Audubon Missed Kenn on Facebook Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    59: Hope in the Mystery, Children's Books, and Robin Red-Breast (Glenys Nellist)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 49:12


    Author of over 30 children's books, Glenys Nellist believes in making space for children (and adults!) to live in wonder. We talk about her brand-new book Song of the Seasons, the differences between American Robins and their British cousins, and the comfort of mystery. Plus: an original song about hope by Ephram Wilkoff. Links from Glenys's show: Glenys's books Glenys on Instagram Glenys on Facebook Ephram's original song, "Hope is a Long Story" Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    58: Delight, Parenting, and Bald Eagles (Shemaiah Gonzalez)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 46:19


    Essayist and storyteller Shemaiah Gonzalez brings us to her backyard in the Pacific Northwest for all the Starling/Blue Jay drama. Plus, the hope of literature, the joys and struggles of parenthood, and where to find a Trumpeter Swan. Links from Shemaiah's show Shemaiah on X Shemaiah's Undaunted Joy Substack Shemaiah on Facebook Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    57: Raptor ID, Bird Counts, and Cape May (Adehl Schwaderer)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 46:44


    Courtney talks to the Cape May Bird Observatory's Program Coordinator, naturalist Adehl Schwaderer, about why counting birds is important, how to tell one raptor from another, why the Cape May Birding Festival is so rad (it really is!), and why vultures are the most elegant birds. Links from Adehl's show Cape May Spring Bird Festival Cape May Bird Observatory Trektellen (international bird counts) Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    56: Photography, Cardinals, and Cats (Stu McClay Smith)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 41:17


    Professional photographer Stu McClay Smith guides us through how to snap that perfect shot, what equipment we need to get started, and why cats (of all things!) are bringing him hope. Links from Stu's show Stu on X/Twitter Stu on Instagram Stu's Photography Website Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    55: Project FeederWatch with Emma Greig

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2024 30:16


    Join us as we learn how much we can learn from backyard birds. Today on the show, Emma Greig joins us from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to talk all things Project FeederWatch. From the average number of backyard bird species (you'll be surprised!) to signing up for a free hawk poster, this informative episode is not to be missed. Links from Emma's show: Project FeederWatch Cornell Lab of Ornithology More about Emma Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    54: Birding for Introverts (Kristen Johnson)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2024 44:26


    Orange County, California birder Kristen Johnson serves as a shepherd/pastor at an EFCA church in Fullerton. From southern California hotspots to birding as grief work to caring for singles in the church, this is a conversation not to be missed. Links from Kristen's show Connect with Kristen Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    53: Renaming the birds with Andrew Walsh

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2024 41:15


    Public health professional Andrew Walsh writes on the intersections between faith and science. Join us for a conversation ranging from West Nile virus to the multiverse. Links from Andrew's show: Science Corner: Improper Names (Emerging Scholars Blog) Andrew's book: Faith Across the Multiverse Links birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    52: Colorblind birding with Justin Gerhardt

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2024 43:43


    Professional podcaster Justin Gerhardt joins us to chat about other ways to identify birds, the joy of curiosity, and why the stories of the Old Testament keep him coming back. Links from Justin's show: Holy Ghost Stories Podcast Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    51: Sparrows, Prayer, and the Art of Calm (Roger Hutchison)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2024 49:45


    How can birds help us through the painful pieces of life? Roger Hutchison, author, illustrator, and speaker, serves at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston, and came to us for a vibrant conversation about mental health, spirituality, birds, and hope. Links from Roger's show: The Art of Calm Sparrow's Prayer Roger's Website Roger on Instagram Roger on Facebook Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    50: Bald Eagles, Working for Justice, and Facing Hard Histories (Sarah L. Sanderson)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 44:58


    Sarah L. Sanderson is the author of The Place We Make: Breaking the Legacy of Legalized Hate. We talk birding in Cameroon, the glory of bald eagles, and what it means to face down hard histories and work for justice. Links from Sarah's show: Sarah's book: The Place We Make Sarah on Twitter Sarah on Facebook Sarah's Website Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    49: Daryl Ellis is Now a Birder?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2023 40:58


    Courtney's husband Daryl comes back to update us on his birding progress, chat about all things natural theology, and brings us the joy of a black-billed magpie. Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    48: The Ministry of Noticing (Anita Peebles)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2023 42:53


    Anita Peebles believes that wonder and curiosity are holy practices, that studying the ecology of a community can be a fascinating practice, and that chickadees can be messengers. Join us on this episode of The Thing With Feathers as we learn from this birding Baptist pastor. Links from Anita's show: New Directions for Holy Questions (Anita's book) Anita's website Birding links: ⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠ ⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    47: Mining the Bright Birds with Jody Collins

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2023 39:47


    Poet Jody Collins has a way with words and a love for birds! Hear a few verses from her new book, "Mining the Bright Birds," and the story of our favorite fan mail yet on The Thing With Feathers. Links from Jody's show: Jody's website & book Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

    46: Puff-puff-puffins with Photographer Carol Pope Gordon

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2023 33:11


    Carol Pope Gordon is a Midwesterner with an eye for capturing the whimsical world of birds. From goofy puffins to soaring osprey, she takes us on a journey into the world of birding photography. Links from Carol's show: Carol on Twitter Carol on Bluesky The famous puffin photo Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message

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