Weekend Birder

Celebrate the joy of birdwatching together.This episode is a special collection of listener stories, curious questions, and bird recordings from the Weekend Birder community. Thank you to Alexa, Kerrie Robertson, Tom Raw, Meg Dow, Jia Yin, Pete Brothwell, Anelie Joy, Jeff Smith, Christoph Devoil, and Roger MacKertich for your contributions — and to Andrew Skeoch for his dawn chorus recording of budgerigars.

Listen to the world around you. This episode is about learning from birds, deep listening and why the Australian dawn chorus is so unique.Andrew Skeoch is a professional wildlife sound recordist, acoustic ecologist and author of ‘Deep Listening to Nature'. Over the last 30 years, he has documenting the sounds of environments around the planet, and through his label 'Listening Earth', published over one hundred recordings allowing listeners to immerse themselves in wild soundscapes from around the world. His recordings have been heard in documentaries, installations and feature films such as Peter Gabriel's soundtrack to 'Rabbit Proof Fence'. He has given presentations to audiences ranging from local community and naturalist groups to university students. He's appeared at festivals such as WOMADelaide's Planet Talks, written for The Conversation, and presented radio features, keynote addresses and a TEDx talk. He is the president of the Australian Wildlife Sound Recoding Group, and on the board of the Australian Forum for Acoustic Ecology.Links:* Andrew's website - andrewskeoch.com* Listening Earth website - listeningearth.com* Andrew on Instagram - @andrewskeoch_author* Listening Earth on Instagram - @listening_earth* All recordings were gifted and licensed from Andrew Skeoch* Subscribe to the Monthly Letter - weekendbirder.com/monthlyletter* Be part of Episode 117 - weekendbirder.com* Subscribe to the Monthly Letter - weekendbirder.com/monthly-letterWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder* YouTube - @WeekendBirder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Take a trip to the Australian outback. This episode is about the unique birds that call Broken Hill home and the passion of a farmer who cares for wildlife and the planet.Dr Anika Molesworth is an Agriculture and Environmental scientist who works on climate smart farming across Australia and the Asia Pacific. With a passion for rural communities and healthy ecosystems, she is committed to help create sustainable and vibrant rural landscapes now and for the future. Anika established Climate Wise Agriculture to focus on supercharging green initiatives, and is a founding Director of Farmers for Climate Action – a national network of nearly 8,000 Australian farmers undertaking climate change action. She has presented the TEDx talks Farmers are Key to a Better Future and Repairing the Broken Food System. Anika is the author of her book, Our Sunburnt Country, which won the Royal Societies of Australia and New Zealand Writer's Award for Outstanding Writing on Social Change, and is currently working on an illustrated children's picture book.Links:* Weekend Birder Meet-ups - weekendbirder.com/meet-ups* Subscribe to the Monthly Letter - weekendbirder.com/monthly-letter* Anika's website - anikamolesworth.com* Anika on Facebook - @anikamolesworthdr* Anika on Instagram - @anikamolesworth* Anika on X - @AnikaMolesworth* Anika on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/anika-molesworth-phd-93519187/* Curtin University Zebra Finch research - curtin.edu.au/news/media-release/zebra-finches-survive-australian-heatwaves-by-predicting-high-temperatures/* Emu recording was by Marc Anderson and licensed from www.wildambience.comWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder* YouTube - @WeekendBirder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Look at Australian birds with new eyes. This episode is about the adventures of an English birdwatcher and podcaster, the power of the human connection and where to go birding in the UK.Suzy Buttress has loved watching birds ever since she was a child, likely inspired by hand-feeding pigeons in Trafalgar Square. Her passion for birds and the desire to share birding stories with others led to the creation of both The Casual Birder Podcast and her monthly virtual bird club. The connections made within the community that has built up around the show has created friendships and extended her appreciation of the birds around us.Links:* Suzy's website - casualbirder.com* Suzy on Facebook - @CasualBirderPod* Suzy on Instagram - @casualbirderpodcast* Suzy on BlueSky - @casualbirderpod* Weekend Birder Google Map - weekendbirder.com/travel* Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo recording was by Marc Anderson and licensed from www.wildambience.comWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder* YouTube - @WeekendBirder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get to know birds of prey on a whole new level. This episode answers listener questions about things like bird parenting, food and morphs.Stephen Debus has 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:* Sign Birdlife's SGARs poison petition - actforbirds.org/ratpoison* Raptors of Northern NSW on Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/653339721737939/* BirdLife Australia Raptor Group - ausraptorgroup.org* Birds of prey recordings were recorded by Marc Anderson and licensed from www.wildambience.comStephen'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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the joys of birdwatching with limited mobility. This episode is about two birders who make birding accessible, including for those in a wheelchair, and the wonderful nature discoveries they've made along the way.Ian Kitchen has always been interested in nature, ever since he was a boy in England. When he was little, he was allowed to borrow books from the adult section in the library because they had much more information on animals and insects than the children's books. Ian, who now uses a wheelchair to get around, has spent his retirement documenting the diverse plant and animal life found in Churchill National Park. Together, he and his partner Julie Sims are encouraging others to join them as they traverse some of the park's gentler tracks, looking for different flora and fauna.Links:* Ian and Julie on Facebook - @thegreenwheelers* Wheelchair Nature Scoot bookings - eventbrite.com.au/e/wheelchair-nature-scoot-tickets-824748674487* Walks Victoria website - victoriawalks.org.au* Weekend Birder Google Map - weekendbirder.com/travelWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder* YouTube - @WeekendBirder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn how to record video footage of birds. This episode is about a passionate ornithologist, conservationist and film-maker who has some great advice about creating bird videos.Scot works for Birdlife Australia and is the coordinator of the Lockyer-Toowoomba Birds on Farms Project. He is also the convenor of the Birdlife Darling Downs local branch and runs the social media channel Bird Bites. He has a BA in Anthropology, and a Grad Dip in Ornithology. He's been into birds for over 50 years, ever since he first saw a flock of Red-collared Lorikeets when he was five years old in Darwin. Scot has also done a lot of film making and is currently working on a three-part documentary about Australian birds.Links:* Scot's website - birdbites.com.au* Scot on Facebook - @birdbites* Scot on Instagram - @birdbitesaus* Scot on YouTube - @birdbites* Scot's video camera is a Pansonic HC-V180 - panasonic.com/mea/en/consumer/cameras-camcorders/camcorders/hc-v180.html* Scot also likes the Nikon Coolpix P1000 camera - nikon.com.au/digital-camera-coolpix-p-1100* Weekend Birder Google Map and other travel destinations - weekendbirder.com/travel* Paradise Riflebird recording is by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.comWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder* YouTube - @WeekendBirder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Try a different form of birdwatching. This episode is about slowing down to learn about local birds and a special place to go birding in Texas.Maggie Galbraith is an amateur naturalist who started focusing more on birds in her early 30s. Since then, she has been trying to educate herself as much as she can. Maggie loves photography. She also adores native bees and enjoys the challenge of macro photography.Links:* Maggie on Instagram - @maggies_lens* Weekend Birder Google Map - weekendbirder.com/travel* Australian Bird ID how-tos - weekendbirder.com/bird-id* Weekend Birder Hobart Meet-up 2025 - weekendbirder.com/meet-ups/hobart-2025* White-winged Fairywren recording is by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.comWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder* YouTube - @WeekendBirder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Try a different form of birdwatching. This episode is about slowing down to learn about local birds and a special place to go birding in Texas.Joan E. Strassmann loves to watch local, common birds as they live their lives. She is Rebstock Professor of Biology at Washington University in St. Louis where she teaches behavioral ecology and works hard to inspire students. The Slow Food movement inspired her to write ‘Slow Birding' to encourage a thoughtful approach to observing life outside.Links:* Joan's website - slowbirding.wordpress.com* Joan's academic blog - sociobiology.wordpress.com/* Joan on Instagram - @joanstrassmann* Joan on Twitter/X - @JoanStrassmann* Merlin Bird ID - merlin.allaboutbirds.org* Weekend Birder Monthly Letter - weekendbirder.com/monthly-letter* Weekend Birder Hobart Meet-up 2025 - weekendbirder.com/meet-ups/hobart-2025Weekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder* YouTube - @WeekendBirder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adventure to Australia's southern island. This episode is about the joy of being a birdwatching tour guide, the fun of pelagics and the wilds of Tasmania.Ramit Singal has been interested in natural history ever since he was a kid. He is passionate about citizen science and enabling people to observe and love nature. Ramit also works as a nature tour guide in Tasmania. This allows him to share his love of birds and animals, as well as the places they live in, with others.Links:* Hobart Meet-up 2025 - weekendbirder.com/meet-ups/hobart-2025* Ramit's website - ramitsingal.com* Ramit's entries on xeno-canto - xeno-canto.org/contributor/FPDBIILGCX* Ramit on Instagram - @ramitsingal* The Most Perfect Thing: Inside (and Outside) a Bird's Egg is a book by Tim Birkhead - nokomis.com.au/product/new-books/birds/perfect-thing-inside-outside-birds-egg/* Birding Pal - birdingpal.orgWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder* YouTube - @WeekendBirder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover how farmers are making a difference for birds. This episode is about Birdlife Australia's Birds on Farms project and the positive impact it is having on birds, habitats and the people involved.Shannon Creaney is an ecologist based in Victoria, Australia, specialising in the conservation of native birds and threatened species. As the coordinator of BirdLife Australia's Birds on Farms Victorian Monitoring Project, she works to help birds thrive in rural landscapes. When she's not immersed in her work, Shannon is an avid traveler, always seeking out new places and ecosystems to explore. With a deep commitment to advancing biodiversity conservation, she strives to inspire communities to connect with and care for their local wildlife.Links:* Birds on Farms website - birdlife.org.au/programs/birds-on-farms/* Shannon on Instagram - @shannon.creaney* BirdLife Australia on Facebook - @BirdlifeAustralia* BirdLife Australia on Instagram - @BirdlifeOz* BirdLife Australia on Twitter/X - @BirdlifeOz* Aboriginal Peoples and Birds in Australia by Philip Clarke - publish.csiro.au/book/8065/* Weekend Birder Swift Parrot t-shirt - weekendbirder.com/store/p/weekend-birder-swift-parrot-shirt-728hr* Recording of the Regent Honeyeater was by Ross Crates (XC661747) - xeno-canto.org/species/Anthochaera-phrygiaWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder* YouTube - @WeekendBirder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get advice about how to help children learn about the birds around them. This episode is about how anyone can become a birdwatcher.Jason Rodgers combines cartooning, musicianship, and performance to introduce kids to birdwatching. He's the illustrator/author of "Did You Spot It? Noticing Birds Around Australia", a colourful kids book enjoyed by many little birdwatchers. Jason loves spending time with family and friends, spotting amazing birds in the Toowoomba Region.Links:* Subcribe to the Monthly Letter - weekendbirder.com/monthly-letter* Jason's website - didyouspotit.weebly.com* Jason on Facebook - @DidYouSpotIt* Jason on Instagram - @did_you_spot_it* The Big Year (film) - wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Year* Laughing Kookaburra recording by Marc Anderson licenced from wildambience.comWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder* YouTube - @WeekendBirder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journey back to the 1800s to hear about the life of Elizabeth Gould. This cross-over episode is about illustrations of science, colonialism, feminism and the natural beauty of birds.Clare Presser, host of Paperback Perfumes podcast, loves storytelling and engaging her community. She merges literature and perfumery to evoke memories and new experiences. Each of her podcast episode unveils a new blend of scent and stories. Clare is also a nature-lover and fascinated by experiences that involve all of the senses.Links:* Paperback Perfumes website - paperbackperfumes.com* Paperback Perfumes on Instagram - @paperbackperfumes* Melissa Ashley's website - melissaashley.com.au* The Bird Man's wife on goodreads - goodreads.com/book/show/30634833-the-birdman-s-wife* Zoologist - zoologistperfumes.com* Liminus (Tasmania) - liminus.com.au* Darwin - Fueguia 1833 - parfumo.com/Perfumes/Fueguia_1833/darwin-perfumeWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder* YouTube - @WeekendBirder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Look at Australian birds from a different perspective. This episode is about finding community, birdwatching while kayaking and a close encounter with a White-bellied Sea-eagle.Marian Blake is a casual birder with a lifelong passion for animals and nature. She's spent half her career working with animals and have always had an interest in learning more about native birds (but never actively pursued the hobby). When Marian moved to Bendigo in Victoria, she was working from home and didn't know many people. She reached out on one of the local birding Facebook pages and asked if anyone would take her birding. And the rest is history.Links:* Weekend Birder Google Map and other travel destinations - weekendbirder.com/travel* Women Birder's Australia Facebook group - facebook.com/groups/womenbirdersaustralia/* White-bellied Sea-eagle recording by Marc Anderson licenced from wildambience.comWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder* YouTube - @WeekendBirder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn all about one of Australia's charasmatic cockatoos. This episode is a deep-dive into the world of the Gang-gang Cockatoo and the people that love it with all of their heart.Dr. Holly Parsons is all about the birds that live where people live. As BirdLife Australia's Manager of Priority Sites, she oversees programs that aim to protect key habitats, including those in urban areas where her passion lies. Holly leads initiatives that connect people with urban birdlife through citizen science, education, and habitat restoration, and with a passion for turning curiosity into action, she hopes to inspire others to create spaces where birds and people can thrive together.Giovanna (Gee) Hounsell is a retired teacher, amateur bird photographer and passionate conservationist. She has 3 sons and 3 amazing grandchildren. Gee wants her grandchildren to grow up enjoying the incredible beauty and biodiversity of the natural spaces on the NSW South Coast where she lives. She and a colleague have spent over a thousand hours observing a local group of Gang-gangs since late January 2024.Links:* Birdlife Australia - Gang-gang Cockatoo Recovery - birdlife.org.au/projects/gang-gang-cockatoo-recovery/* Birdlife Australia - Urban Birds - birdlife.org.au/programs/urban-birds/* Birds in Schools - birdlife.org.au/projects/birds-in-schools/* Holly on Instagram - @backyardbirdo* Birds in Backyards on Instagram - @birdsinbackyards* Birds in Backyards on Facebook - facebook.com/groups/BirdsinBackyards/* Birds in Backyards website - birdsinbackyards.net* Gang-gang Cockatoo recording by Marc Anderson licenced from wildambience.comWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder* YouTube - @WeekendBirder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover how to create bird-friendly gardens in urban areas. This episode explores the challenges urban birds face, from habitat loss to Noisy Miners, and offers practical tips for supporting them in our own backyards.Jacinta Humphrey is an Urban Ecologist and Postdoctoral Researcher with the ICON Science group at RMIT University. Her work explores Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design and aims to find opportunities to create and enhance habitat for birds in residential neighbourhoods, urban parks, schoolyards and private gardens. She also monitors the Birrarung Trial Floating Wetlands, a series of artificial habitat islands installed in the Yarra River-Birrarung, on behalf of The University of Melbourne. When she's not thinking about birds, Jacinta spends her time swimming, running, and playing with her two (indoor only) cats.Links:* Jacinta on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/jacinta-humphrey-urban-ecologist/* Jacinta Instagram - @jacintahumphrey/* Jacinta on Twitter/X - x.com/HumphreyJE_* Jacinta's Birds in the Burbs summary brochure - doi.org/10.26181/25485955* Living with Wildlife by Tanya Loos - tanyaloos.com/living-with-wildlife/* The Secret Lives of Our Urban Birds hosted by Ann Jones on ABC iView - iview.abc.net.au/show/secret-lives-of-our-urban-birds* Noisy Miner recording by Marc Anderson licenced from wildambience.comWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder* YouTube - @WeekendBirder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hear a musician reflect on how birds affect life and music. This episode is about the deep connection between nature and music, and how birds provide us with a sense of place.If anyone can silence a room, it's South Africa-born and Melbourne-based musician Ruby Gill. Ruby's arresting lyricism and deadpan wit have already garnered them millions of streams, awards and radio play from Triple J and every major metro station in Australia, to BBC6Music and KCRW over the pond. Known to bring even the most stoic to tears with profound reflections on society and self-awareness, Ruby's “melancholic lyrical wizardry” has earned the reputation of unmissable, with accolades such as as Sunday Times' Breaking Act (UK), Emerging Artist of the Year at Port Fairy Folk Festival, nominations for The Australian Music Prize (Mercury equivalent) and Best Folk Work at the Music Victoria Awards, and high praise from NME, CLASH, The Independent and more. Consistent reviews echo Triple J's Zan Rowe, “excuse me while I scrape myself off the floor.” Available on YouTube, your podcast app or listen below.Links:Ruby's new album Some Kind of Control is out March 28 2025.* Ruby's website - https://rubygill.me/* Ruby on Facebook - @rubygillmusic* Ruby on Instagram - @rubymarygill* Ruby on Twitter/X - @rubymarygill* Ruby on YouTube - youtube.com/user/rubymarygill* Bird Song by Cosmo Sheldrake - cosmosheldrake.com/music/birdsong* Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron and Wine - youtube.com/watch?v=RGVmhrfQqzg* Blue Jay recording by Dan Lane (XC215532) - xeno-canto.org* African Paradise Flycatcher recording by Tony Archer (XC603822) - xeno-canto.org* Hadada Ibis recording by Tony Archer (XC686712) - xeno-canto.orgWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder* YouTube - @WeekendBirder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the incredible aerial acrobatics of Australia's speedy little birds. This episode is about Sydney Park, and the world of Australian swallows and martins. Lorne Johnson is a high school teacher and poet living in Newtown, Sydney. He began birding way back in 1986. He has travelled all over Australia searching for birds. He is an avid urban birder who has now seen 112 species at Sydney Park (roughly one eighth of the country's entire species). He hopes to one day see a Princess Parrot. Links:* Lorne on Instagram - @lornejohnson23* Lorne recommends you read One Midsummer's Day by Mark CockerWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder* YouTube - @WeekendBirder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deep-dive into the language of birdwatching. Our 100th episode is about birding slang, amusing anecdotes and the impact of language on our connection to birds and each other.Dr Cesar Puechmarin is a wildlife veternarian, award-winning wildlife photographer and the host of Death by Birding podcast. Dr Kylie Soanes is a scientist who collaborates with councils, community groups, engineers and architects to make real change for wildlife in urban environments. 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. Stephanie Chambers is the co-founder of Sydney Bird Club and artist at Outer Island. What a stellar bunch of humans!Links:* How to speak birdwatching slang - weekendbirder.com/how-to-guides/how-to-speak-birding-slang* Cesar's website - cesaronsafari.com* Kylie's website - kyliesoanes.com* Sean on Instagram - @sean.dooley.birdman* Birdlife Australia's website - birdlife.org.au* Aussie Bird Count - aussiebirdcount.org.au* Steph's Outer Island website - outerisland.com.au* Steph's Sydney Bird Club website - sydneybirdclub.comWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder* YouTube - @WeekendBirder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fall in love with Australia's two largest (and flightless) birds. This episode explores what makes these big birds so special, from their impressive size and strength to the important job they play in the Australian landscape.Luca is an 12-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 is now on YouTube - @WeekendBirder* Weekend Birder is now on TikTok - @weekend.birder* Subscribe to the Monthly Letter - weekendbirder.com/monthly-letter* Recordings by Marc Anderson licenced from wildambience.comWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder* TikTok - @weekend.birder* YouTube - @WeekendBirder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get to know one of Australia's most endearing birds. This episode is about the re-introduction of the Bush Stone-curlew on to Millowl (Phillip Island) and the sewing of tiny bird backpacks.Paula Wasiak began her wildlife research journey in 2007 and spent over 15 years covered in penguin poop and elbow deep in burrows, while she coordinated and conducted field data collection for the Phillip Island Nature Parks. She is currently undertaking a PhD through the Australian National University, reintroducing the locally extinct Bush Stone-curlew back onto Millowl, Phillip Island. 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/* The Littlest Penguin by Jedda Robaard - penguin.com.au/books/the-littlest-penguin-9781761341830* Phillip Island Nature Parks Bush Stone-curlew re-introduction- penguins.org.au/conservation/education/nature-notes/bush-stone-curlew/* Penguin Foundation website and socials - penguinfoundation.org.au* Bush-stone Curlews before dawn recording by Ken George (XC857992) - xeno-canto.org* Bush-stone Curlews in flight recording by Marc Anderson licenced from wildambience.comWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a live recording of Local Big Year Celebration 2024. This episode features the stories of birdwatchers who participated in Local Big Year 2024 and the delights that come from paying attention to neighbourhood birds.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 still likes to go birding at Oxley Creek Common in Brisbane.Jo Bangles is a graphic designer, bird noticer, eco worrier (yes, worry-er), and occasional adventurer. She lives on the Surf Coast, very close to a small wetland she affectionately calls The Swamp. Her Local Big Year area started at the Swamp but quickly expanded to include the streets she walks down to get there. Her spark bird was a hummingbird she encountered on a deserted beach in Mexico over 20 years ago. It was a truly magical encounter!Sophie Walker is bird enthusiast, and self reported “very average birder”, who uses birding as an excuse to get outside in the fresh air and spend time in nature. She works as a registered nurse in an intensive care unit, and so self care and hobbies like birding are a great way for her to wind down and reset her body clock after shift work. You can catch Sophie distracted by birds almost anywhere she goes and regardless of how “common” the bird might be, she likes them all!Links:* Weekend Birder on YouTube - youtube.com/@WeekendBirder* How to do a Local Big Year guide - weekendbirder.com/how-to-guides/how-to-do-a-local-big-year* Hugh Possingham on Instagram - @hugepossum/* Jo Bangles on Instagram - @mojoxposed* Sophie Walker on Instagram - @sophiealice08* Bassian Thrush recording by Marc Anderson licenced from wildambience.comWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Drive one hour south of Sydney for a walk and some birdwatching. This episode is about the joys of a local patch and listening out for the Rockwarbler.Kylie Savidge has been a keen bird noticer since childhood when her mother would often point out birds of interest. In later years, she became more interested in noticing the birds of her community - Wollondilly Shire in SSW Sydney. Joining Birdlife and social media birding groups has expanded Kylie's knowledge and interest in a wider diversity of Australia's birdlife. Raptors and robins have a special place in her heart and she trusts that continuing her bird noticing will expand her list of favourite birds.Links:* Weekend Birder Google Map - weekendbirder.com/places* Cape Barren Goose recording by Ian Woxvold (XC603281) - xeno-canto.org* Rock Warbler recording by Greg McLachlan (XC380577) - xeno-canto.org* Black-faced Monarch recording by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.comWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover how ecosystems are healing after the Black Summer fires. This episode is about protecting and restoring nature on private land, the recovery of local owls and the Black-faced Monarch.As Conservation Programs Manager for the East Gippsland branch of Trust for Nature, Ben Willliams' work revolves around helping private land owners protect their habitat, forever. He conducts many bird surveys on covenanted land across a range of landscapes, from Saltmarsh to the Alps as well as measuring a multitude of habitat throughout the region, assessing quality of forests post the 2019-20 bushfires. Ben's father used to keep a wide variety of birds (mostly Parrots) in the 80s and my love for birds and other wild things stemmed from there. Ben now spends his weekends looking for, and photographing the many of the hidden wonders that call East Gippsland home.Links:* Trust for Nature website - trustfornature.org.au* Trust for Nature on Facebook - @TrustforNatureVictoria* Trust for Nature on Instagram - @trustfornature* Ben on Instagram - @wild_east_gippsland* Episode 70 - Birding in East Gippsland with Luca - weekendbirder.com/episodes/70-birding-in-east-gippsland-with-luca* Black-faced Monarch recording by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.comWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adventure around Mount Annan with an experienced photographer. This episode is about the joys of visiting a garden regularly and the Little Grass Bird.Glenn Smith is an accomplished wildlife photographer. For the last 48 years, with the last 18 years getting more serious, Glenn has specialised in flora, fauna and fungi. Glenn spends most of his time photographing in the Australian Botanic Gardens, Mount Annan (Southwest of Sydney). He is a big advocate of ethical birding and his photos are captured using ethical techniques. Glenn often gives talks at photography clubs and bird observers clubs, and he also teaches photography workshops. Come rain, hail or shine, you'll find him most Saturdays under his leather hat throughout the 416 hectares of the Gardens.Links:* Glenn's website - glennsmithphotography.com.au* Glenn on Facebook - @GlennSmithPhotographyWorkshops* Glenn on Instagram - @glennrsmith66* Glenn on Threads - @Threadsglennrsmith66* Australian Gardens Mount Annan website - botanicgardens.org.au/australian-botanic-garden-mount-annan* Weekend Birder Google Map - weekendbirder.com/places* Little Grassbird recordings by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.comWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet the creators of a board game about Australia's birds. This episode is about a lively game of sabotage, strategy and luck… and the Dusky Woodswallow.Chris Bury is an artist working out of Hobart nipaluna and Corey Graham works in hospitality on the Freycinet Peninsula of Tasmania lutruwita. They along with friends Leigh Ellis, Julia Stone and Thomas Friend have developed A Game Called Birds, a board game that features Australian birds with a focus on Tasmanian species. They hope the game will bring people together and stir up conversation about Australian birds and some of their dangers.Links:* Website - agamecalledbirds.com.au* Facebook - @agamecalledbirds* Instagram - @agamecalledbirds* TikTok - @agamecalledbirds* Dusky Woodswallow recording by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.com* Weekend Birder Google Map - weekendbirder.com/places* Weekend Birder merch - weekendbirder.com/storeWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Uncover the surprising truths about bird mimicry and vocal learning. This episode is about the hidden talents of Australian birds.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.** New WONDER t-shirt out now - weekendbirder.com/storeLinks:* Vicky on Twitter - @avianbehaviour* Vicky on Instagram - @avianbehaviour* Vicky at the Animal Ecology Lab - animalecologylab.org/victoria-austin.htmlSubmit your bird mimic recordings:* Gregory Andrews magpie mimic recording via 7news - 7news.com.au/news/nsw/magpie-filmed-mimicking-fire-truck-siren-as-bushfires-ravage-nsw-and-victoria-c-629563* Merlin Sound ID - merlin.allaboutbirds.org/sound-id/* BIrdNet app - https://birdnet.cornell.edu/* iNaturalist app - inaturalist.org/posts/6315-recording-bird-calls* Xeno-canto website - xeno-canto.orgVicky's recommendations:* A First Book of Australian Backyard Bird Songs by Fred Van Gessel - au.newhollandpublishers.com/authors/fred-van-gessel.html* Where the Lyrebird Lives by Vicky Conley and Max Hamilton - windyhollowbooks.com.au/products/where-the-lyrebird-lives* Busy Beaks by Sarah Allen - sarahallen.com.au/shop/busy-beaks* Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker - illustrated.com.au/product/bowerbirdblues/13* Google Scholar - scholar.google.com.auWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover a unique pocket of Western Australia. This episode is about living in regional Australia, Red-winged Fairywrens and birdwatching with an ADHD brain.Lucy is a bird fanatic living in Margaret River, Western Australia. As a novice birdwatcher, she has enjoyed this very podcast to broaden her knowledge, and feel connected to the birding community around Australia. Lucy loves all birds of all sizes, and has recently started photographing them to share her experiences, as well as try to remember the amazing bird moments she has. Having been diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Lucy has been using birdwatching as a way to calm her mind and to help build a regular routine. Lucy, her wife, and her family walk with appreciation and respect on Wadandi Boodja.Links:* Weekend Birder merch - weekendbirder.com/store* Weekend Birder map of places to visit - weekendbirder.com/places* Lucy on Instagram - @birdsoftanahmarah* Tanah Marah website - tanahmarah.com.au* Tanah Marah on Instagram - @tanahmara* Tanah Marah on Facebook - @tanahmarahmargaretriver* Red-winged Fairywren recording by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.comWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get a gentle understanding of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). This episode is about the current situation with avian influenza (bird flu), the impact on wild birds and the steps being taken to protect them.Dr. Michelle Wille is a senior research fellow at the Centre for Pathogen Genomics, University of Melbourne, and has an honorary appointment at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza. Her research is primarily focussed on the ecology and evolution of avian influenza viruses, and she has contributed to Australia's preparedness for HPAI and response to the domestic H7 outbreaks in Victoria. Beyond influenza, Dr. Wille is also interested in other viruses found in wild birds such as coronaviruses, and more recently, understanding the entire virus communities found in wild birds, including viruses never described before.Links:* Michelle's website - michellewille.com* Michelle on Twitter/X - @duckswabber* Michelle's Avian Influenza resources - michellewille.com/avian-influenza-resources/* Biodiversity Council's webinar - biodiversitycouncil.org.au/news/insights-from-our-bird-flu-webinar* Wildlife Health Australia website - wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Incidents/Incident-Information/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-information* Advice for people who encounter sick or dead wild birds - wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Portals/0/Incidents/WHA_Avian_Influenza_Wild_Bird_Disease_Notification_General.pdf* Advice for bird banders, wildlife rangers and researchers - wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Portals/0/Incidents/HPAI_Advice_for_bird_banders_wildlife_rangers_and_researchers.pdf* Advice for veterinarians and other animal health professionals - wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Portals/0/Incidents/HPAI_Advice_for_veterinarians_and_animal_health_professionals.pdfWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enter the world of one of Australia's iconic city and rainforest birds. This episode is about the fascinating mating, nesting and hatching behaviour of the Australian Brush-turkey, and what you can do to help it thrive in your neighbourhood.Dr Ann Göth was born in Austria and began birdwatching at an early age. Her career as an ecologist started with a conservation project for an endangered megapode in Tonga and later led her to Australia. There, she worked as a lecturer at Macquarie University and served as a Threatened Species Officer for the NSW government. Currently, she shares her passion for nature and science as a high school teacher in Sydney. For her PhD and in the years following, she focused on the Australian Brush-turkey, particularly its chicks' behavior and development. Recently, she has published three books: one about Brush-turkeys, a travel memoir of her adventures in Tonga, and an illustrated picture book featuring a Brush-turkey. In 2008, she co-authored the book ‘Mound-builders' with Professor Darryl Jones.Links:* Ann's website - anngothauthor.com* Ann on Facebook - @anngoth* Ann on Instagram - @anngothauthor* Ann on TikTok - @ann.gth* Ann on Twitter/X - @anngothauthor* Australian Brush-turkey recording by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.com* Subscribe to the Monthly Letter - weekendbirder.com/monthly-letterWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catch up with Cezary and Leo as they head for home. This episode is about two friends and who are riding their bikes around Australia to raise money and see as many birds as possible.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 two schools in Timor Leste.Links:* How to donate to Spend it Well (mention Weekend Birder) - spenditwell.com/6730-2/* Two Birders Two Bikes on Instagram - @twobirderstwobikes* Cezary and Leo's eBird profile - https://ebird.org/profile/MTA2NzU5NQ/AU* Weekend Birder map of places to visit - weekendbirder.com/places* Noisy Scrubbird recording by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.com* Black Grasswrens recording by Nigel Jackett (XC324921) - xeno-canto.org/species/Amytornis-housei* Princess Parrots recording by Nigel Jackett (XC94034) - xeno-canto.org/species/Polytelis-alexandraeWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn about bird evolution from an ecologist and best-selling author. This episode is about where songbirds originated from, Australia's ‘woodpecker' and other fun birds, and the simple joys of being out in the bush.Tim Low is a biologist and best-selling author of seven books, four of which have won prizes. His most popular book, ‘Where Song Began', won best general non fiction at the Australian Book Industry Awards. And ‘Feral Future' inspired the formation of the Invasive Species Council, a conservation group that campaigns for better policies on introduced species. This year, Tim was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to conservation and environmental awareness. Links:* Subscribe to the Monthly Letter - weekendbirder.com/monthly-letter* Tim's website - timlow.com* Tim's books - timlow.com/books/* Tim on Twitter/X - @timlow5* Brown Thornbill recording by Ramit Singal (XC571148) - xeno-canto.org* Chestnut-crowned Babbler recordings by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.comWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet two participants of a sport especially for birdwatchers. This episode is about competitive birdwatching, the magic of the Hunter region of NSW and how birds can bring us together.Mick Roderick is a Twitchathon tragic. In 2023, he notched up his 25th consecutive Twitchathon – all of them in the main race. To maintain this, he twice flew back from year-long overseas backpacking trips to partake in those years' Twitchathons, as well as being ‘close to home' when his first child's due-date was nearing. Mick works at BirdLife Australia and is the current Regent Honeyeater Recovery Coordinator, as well as being the current Vice President of the Hunter Bird Observers Club. Mick's other passion is seabirds and he has been running pelagic birding trips since 2010. In between, he has birded on 6 continents as a ‘backpacking birder' and knows full well how heavy field guides can get inside a backpack (especially South American ones!).Bastian Fox Phelan is a writer of memoir and environmental essays from Mulubinba Newcastle, Australia. Bastian writes about bodies, binaries, place, and environment. Bastian's debut memoir, How to Be Between, was published by Giramondo in 2022. She is a PhD candidate in Creative Nonfiction at the University of Newcastle, writing an eco-memoir about exploring local ecologies. Bastian participated in the Twitchathon the same year that she discovered the joys of birdwatching and has been hooked ever since.Links:* BIGNET Twitchathon (ACT & NSW) website - twitchathon.com.au* BIGNET Twitchathon (ACT & NSW) on Instagram - instagram.com/twitchathon.nswact/* BIGNET Twitchathon (ACT & NSW) on Facebook - facebook.com/groups/451411113051359/* Landcare Victoria Twitchathon website - chuffed.org/project/landcare-victoria-twitchathon-2024* Hunters Observers Club website - hboc.org.au* Hunter Observers Club on Instagram - @hunterbirders* Hunter Observers Club on Facebook - @hunterbirding* Awakbakal Language Program - seasons.awabakallanguage.org.au/calendarWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get to know some of Australia's overlooked birds. This episode is about the many species of pigeons and doves that are native to Australia, a bunch of rare parrots and the delights of the 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:* Aussie Bird Count - aussiebirdcount.org.au* Sean's Pigeons vs Doves video - birdlife.org.au/news/what-bird-is-that-pigeons-vs-doves* Sean's Crested Pigeons vs. Topnknot Pigeons video - birdlife.org.au/news/what-bird-is-that-crested-pigeons-vs-topknot-pigeons/* Weekend Birder Google Map - maps.app.goo.gl/idqxtcxUDmUkDi1Y7* Spinifex Pigeon recording by Christopher Watson (XC642946) - xenocanto.org* Sean on Twitter - @Twitchathon* Sean on Instagram - @sean.dooley.birdman* BirdLife Australia on Facebook - @BirdlifeAustralia* BirdLife Australia on Instagram - @BirdlifeOz* BirdLife Australia on Twitter - @BirdlifeOzWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover how to take your nature experiences to new heights. This episode is about the difference between awe and wonder, and how each emotion can positively impact your daily life.Karen Jones is a passionate and award-winning environmental educator. She blends three decades of national park ranger and local government sustainability experiences to reveal the scientific evidence behind one of the most craved human experiences - awe.Links:* Karen's website - tribalfrog.com.au* Japanese Woodpecker recording by Peter Boesman (XC285938 ) - xeno-canto.orgWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Weekend Birder is back for Season 3! Here's a sneak peak of what's coming up.If you like birds, you've come to the right place. Weekend Birder celebrates the stories and smarts of everyday people and their unique connections to birds. Independently produced and featuring short engaging episodes, the podcast equips listeners with the knowledge and skills they need to identify birds, understand their behaviours, and enjoy spending time outside.Kirsty Costa, a bird lover and educator, created Weekend Birder podcast in 2022 to help people discover the benefits of birdwatching. Inspired by her own love of nature, Kirsty aims to make birding accessible and enjoyable for everyone.Let's connect:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hear birdwatching stories from around Australia. This episode is about the joys of connecting with neighbourhood birds and the challenge of doing a Local Big Year.Local Big Year is a challenge to identify as many birds species as possible within a local geographical area in one year. Many thanks to the following Local Big Year community members for contributing to this episode - Coreena Veith, Jeremy Ringma, Jo Bangles, Kate Crock, Kylie Savidge, Marian Blake and Sophie Walker.>> Get your Weekend Birder t-shirt at weekendbirder.com/storeLinks:* Local Big Year website - weekendbirder.com/local-big-year* Coreena's website - www.shutterbugwalkabouts.com.au* Coreena on Instagram - @cviethphoto* Jeremy on Instagram - @jeremy_ringma* Kate on Instagram - @packupandflyaway* Kylie on Instagram - @kylie_savidge_psychic* Liz on Instagram - @yarrapenguin* Marian on Instagram - @mariankp* Sophie on Instagram - @sophiealice08Weekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn how to record bird song and use technology to identify them. This episode is about bird call ID apps, sound recording equipment and research into how baby birds learn while they are in their egg.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.>> Subscribe to the Monthly Letter - weekendbirder.com/monthly-letterLinks:* Vicky on Twitter - @avianbehaviour* Vicky on Instagram - @avianbehaviour* Vicky at the Animal Ecology Lab - animalecologylab.org/victoria-austin.html* Flinders University - flinders.edu.au/college-science-engineering/who-we-are/ecology-evolution-environment* Lyrebird Lab - lyrebirdlab.org* Superb Lyrebird recording by Nick Talbot (XC340211) - xeno-canto.org* Superb Fairywren recording by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.comSound recording apps:* Merlin Bird ID app – merlin.allaboutbirds.org * BirdNet app - birdnet.cornell.edu* xeno-canto (bird sound recordings) - https://xeno-canto.orgWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.comWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/AUWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/idqxtcxUDmUkDi1Y7Weekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.orgWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.orgWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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-letterWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.auWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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-tosWeekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/idqxtcxUDmUkDi1Y7Weekend Birder online:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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-letterLet's connect:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/idqxtcxUDmUkDi1Y7Let's connect:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.comLet's connect:* Website - weekendbirder.com* Instagram - @weekend.birder* Facebook - @weekend.birder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.