Podcasts about Birdwatching

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN Sydnie Wells, Tim Wells, and Nathan Hogg of Dive Bomb Industries join hosts Matt Harrison and Jimbo Robinson live from DUX 2025. From swapping stories about memorable past hunts to sharing their excitement for upcoming seasons, the crew dives into the passion, projects, and plans shaping the year ahead. It's a laid-back, fun conversation straight from the show floor at DUX.Join us this year at DUX 2026!!Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN Great gear gets people in the door. Community keeps them coming back.In this episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson and co-host David Schuessler sit down with Dennis Zuck and Carter Oliver of Chêne Gear to discuss the company's growth, its people-first philosophy, and how Chêne has become one of the most recognizable brands in waterfowl hunting.What started as a mission to build a better wader has grown into something much larger. Dennis and Carter share the story behind Chêne's rise, the importance of customer service, and why relationships remain at the center of everything they do. The conversation also includes major announcements about new products debuting exclusively at DUX, the continued evolution of ChêneFest, and the growing partnership between Chêne and Ducks Unlimited.Topics CoveredHow Chêne Gear got startedThe philosophy behind building better hunting gearWhy customer service remains a company priorityNew products launching for the first time at DUXThe growth and impact of ChêneFestChêne's partnership with Ducks UnlimitedExpanding the brand beyond waterfowl gearBuilding community in the modern hunting industryListen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

In episode 2095, Jack and Miles are joined by comedian and producer of the monthly Facial Recognition Comedy show, Pallavi Gunalan, to discuss… Taco Bell’s Foot Traffic Is Down Following Diarrhea News, Flock Cameras, AI Is Even Ruining Birdwatching Now and more! Trump Admin Denies Colluding With Taylor Farms Over Cyclospora: ‘FAKE NEWS’ It Was Shoes On, No Boarding Pass Or ID. But Airport Security Forever Changed On 9/11 Taco Bell sees drop in foot traffic amid cyclosporiasis outbreak Not just Taco Bell: Parasite outbreak tied to lettuce dents restaurant traffic It's not just Taco Bell. Taylor Farms supplies lettuce to many US brands Whole Foods Offering Steep Discount on Taylor Farms Shredded Iceberg Lettuce Police say Flock cameras help solve crimes, but critics call them an invasion of privacy The Comforting Resurgence of ‘Grandma Hobbies’ The Screen-Free Hobbies Everyone’s Talking About — From Needlepoint to Birdwatching Here’s Why Everyone You Know Is Suddenly Into Bird-Watching (and Why You Should Be Too) Why birdwatching has become a favourite pastime for Gen Z ‘It brings you closer to the natural world’: the rise of the Merlin birdsong identifying app The Sound of Merlin: Like Shazam, but for Birds Identify birds in photos with Merlin Bird ID I Went Birding With the World’s First AI-Powered Binoculars AI-altered images on birdwatching forums putting research at risk Can AI Ruin Something as Innocent as Birdwatching? LISTEN: Carry Me feat. Seun Kuti & Aziza Jaye by Nubiyan TwistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN Learn how a speaker built for the outdoors became one of the most recognizable brands in hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.Recorded live at Ducks Unlimited's 89th National Convention, Jimbo Robinson sits down with Turtlebox CEO Russell Laeding and newly inducted Ducks Unlimited President Dr. Rex Schulz for a conversation about entrepreneurship, conservation, outdoor culture, and the future of both organizations.Russell shares the unlikely origin story of Turtlebox, which started when four friends built a rugged speaker in a garage for use on the Texas coast. The discussion explores how the company grew into a nationally recognized outdoor brand while staying rooted in community, relationships, and active outdoor lifestyles. Along the way, the group discusses golf, duck hunting, youth sports, conservation, mentorship, and why the best outdoor memories are often about people rather than the hunt itself.Topics Covered:How Turtlebox was started by four friends in a garageWhy outdoor experiences drive the company's missionThe connection between conservation and outdoor recreationHow growing up around Ducks Unlimited shaped Russell's lifeDr. Rex Schulz's vision as Ducks Unlimited's 48th PresidentThe importance of mentorship and the next generationListen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Many young Brits are buying binoculars in hopes of encountering one of nature's most physically and audibly beautiful creatures - birds. You might think of birdwatching as an old-fashioned pastime most often enjoyed by the generations before you, but surveys conducted by the RSPB show a 47% increase in participation overall, with an even higher 1,088% surge by Gen Zers. So why do so many young people want to flock to the park to watch birds?许多英国年轻人购买双筒望远镜，希望能邂逅自然界中最美丽、最美丽的生物之一——鸟类。 您可能认为观鸟是您的前几代人最常享受的一种老式消遣，但 RSPB 进行的调查显示，观鸟总体参与度增加了 47%，其中 Z 世代的参与度增幅甚至更高，高达 1,088%。 那么为什么这么多年轻人愿意涌入公园观鸟呢？A group leader at RSPB Bristol highlighted how many students have joined his outings. He mentioned that some who join have 'never been out in their local nature spaces' and 'want to explore'. He added that the diversity of species you can find is impressive 'considering it's so urban' around the city. There is also the rise of a desire to disconnect from technology and go outside, or as Gen Z would call it touch grass, to help with mental health. Research from the University of Surrey has looked at how bird sounds restore attention and even alleviate stress.布里斯托尔皇家鸟类保护协会的一位小组负责人强调了有多少学生参加了他的郊游活动。 他提到，一些加入的人“从未去过当地的自然空间”并且“想要探索”。 他补充说，“考虑到城市周围是如此城市化”，你可以发现的物种多样性令人印象深刻。 人们越来越渴望摆脱科技的束缚，到户外去，或者正如 Z 世代所说的“接触草地”，以帮助心理健康。 萨里大学的研究探讨了鸟叫声如何恢复注意力，甚至缓解压力。Ironically, when interviewed by BBC Bristol, individuals mentioned how phones and social media have actually helped encourage the hype of this hobby. There are now a variety of apps in which you can record a birdsong and have it instantly identified. People also use social media to share knowledge and location for birds. A phenomenon known as 'bioblitzing', a combination of bio and blitzing, has emerged. This is when a walker documents as many birds and other species of animals as they can within a limited amount of time. It has been said to create a safe space in which birdwatchers can get into friendly competitions over who can spot the most! Furthermore, a buzz around the birdwatching hashtag has cultivated humour around turning 30 and entering your 'birdwatching era'.具有讽刺意味的是，在接受 BBC 布里斯托尔采访时，人们提到手机和社交媒体实际上有助于鼓励这种爱好的炒作。 现在有多种应用程序可以让您录制鸟鸣声并立即识别。 人们还使用社交媒体分享鸟类的知识和位置。 一种被称为“生物闪电战”的现象已经出现，它是生物和闪电战的结合。 这是指步行者在有限的时间内记录尽可能多的鸟类和其他动物种类。 据说，它创造了一个安全的空间，观鸟者可以在其中进行友好的竞赛，看看谁能发现最多！ 此外，围绕观鸟主题标签的热潮在 30 岁左右进入“观鸟时代”培养了幽默感。Whether it's the chance to reconnect with nature, improve mental wellbeing, or join a growing online community, birdwatching is no longer seen as a hobby reserved for older generations. Young people are embracing it in record numbers, using both technology and the outdoors to discover the wildlife on their doorstep. From identifying birdsongs with apps to competing in bioblitzing challenges, a modern twist has transformed the pastime into something fresh and accessible. It seems that for Gen Z and young millennials alike, birdwatching has become a hoot.无论是重新接触大自然、改善心理健康还是加入不断发展的在线社区的机会，观鸟不再被视为老一辈人的爱好。 越来越多的年轻人热衷于利用科技和户外活动来探索家门口的野生动物。 从使用应用程序识别鸟鸣声到参加生物闪电战挑战，现代的转变已将这种消遣变成了新鲜且易于理解的东西。 对于 Z 世代和年轻的千禧一代来说，观鸟似乎已经成为一种热门话题。

Canada's wildfire smoke is drifting into the US, and the Americans are NOT happy about it. Speaking of the US, what's going on with Donald Trump's speech last night? Is anything he said about voter fraud actually true? A certain hobby is becoming massively popular amongst young people: Bird watching! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN The best hunting gear starts with real hunters solving real problems.In this episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson and co-host David Schuessler sit down with Brooke Richard of Higdon Outdoors to talk decoys, motion, product development, and what's driving innovation in modern waterfowl hunting.The conversation explores Higdon's history, from the original motion decoys that helped define the brand to the newest products making their debut at DUX. Brooke shares how feedback from hunters influences every stage of development and why the company continues to push improvements in realism, durability, and usability.Whether you're a gear enthusiast, serious waterfowler, or simply curious about what goes into designing products hunters rely on every season, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most recognized names in waterfowl hunting.Topics CoveredThe story behind Higdon Outdoors and its evolutionWhy motion remains one of the biggest innovations in decoyingNew product launches debuting at DUXHow hunter feedback shapes product developmentFavorite waterfowl destinations across North AmericaMentorship, calling culture, and the next generation of huntersListen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN Discover how preserving hunting stories can support firefighter health and cancer prevention.Host Wade Shoemaker talks with Gray Schneider, founder of Season of Stories, a traveling journal project inspired by the loss of his brother-in-law, firefighter Wade Cannon, to occupational cancer.What began as a way to preserve outdoor memories and family stories has grown into a fundraising and awareness effort focused on helping firefighters gain access to life-saving cancer screenings. Along the way, the project has become a unique collection of hunting stories, personal reflections, and outdoor traditions written by hunters from across North America.In this episode:How Season of Stories was inspired by a firefighter's fight against cancerWhy handwritten journals still matter in a digital worldThe connection between storytelling, hunting traditions, and legacyHow the project funds cancer screenings for firefightersThe journey of a traveling journal through the hunting communityPlans to expand beyond waterfowl into other outdoor pursuitsListen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're taking a closer look at one of North America's most energetic and recognizable backyard birds: the Carolina Wren.This episode was inspired by listener Rebekah, who wrote to us asking if we could convince her to appreciate Carolina Wrens a little more. Like many birders, she noticed just how loud these tiny birds can be around your house—and wondered what makes them so special. Challenge accepted!Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to explore everything that makes the Carolina Wren such a remarkable species. We discuss Carolina Wren behavior, bird songs and calls, habitat, nesting, bird identification, migration, and the fascinating adaptations that have helped these charismatic songbirds thrive across much of the eastern United States.Along the way, we explain why Carolina Wrens seem so much louder than their size would suggest, what makes their personalities so memorable, and why they've become favorites among backyard birdwatchers. We also touch on the recent surge of interest in wrens, as these tiny birds continue to capture the attention of birders and nature lovers alike.Whether you're a lifelong birder, just getting started with birdwatching, or simply curious about the birds visiting your backyard, this episode is packed with fascinating bird science, ornithology, bird behavior, and fun facts that may just change the way you think about Carolina Wrens.If you love birding, birdwatching, backyard birds, songbirds, bird identification, bird behavior, ornithology, wildlife science, and nature podcasts, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN What happens when a hunting brand focuses on people first?In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast, host Wade Shoemaker sits down with Dennis Zuck, CEO of Chêne Gear, and Grayson Morris, Chêne's Community Marketing Manager, for a conversation about community, innovation, conservation, and the future of waterfowl hunting.The discussion begins with Chêne's growth within the hunting industry and how the company has blended heritage-inspired design with modern technology to create products that resonate with hunters. But as Dennis explains, the company's true mission extends beyond gear—it's about creating a place where people feel connected, welcomed, and valued.Along the way, the group shares hunting stories from Arkansas and Montana, discusses memorable product-testing experiences, and reflects on the realities of duck hunting in different regions of the country. They also reveal some of their favorite pieces of Chêne gear and provide a glimpse into upcoming product development and future innovations.The conversation also explores leadership within the hunting industry, the importance of collaboration over competition, and how brands can help create a more welcoming culture for future generations of hunters. From conservation commitments to community events and public-land stewardship, the guests emphasize that healthy hunting traditions require more than great gear—they require intentional investment in people.This episode offers an honest look at what it means to build a brand around relationships, service, and conservation while helping shape the future of the outdoors.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

We had an extra day while in South Texas for Spring Chirp, so on a whim we went to chase some birds!  Up to the Texas Hill Country and then over to Corpus Christi to look for a couple of new species and check out other migrant hotspots.  Adventure begins at: 7:30 Show notes Naturalist Journeys Go Birding with Hannah and Erik, Deadline August 14 Tufted Puffin Walks eBird Big Day; GoBirdingTeam Rio Grande Valley Bird FestivalBirding The BorderBalcones Canyonlands NWRMenger HoteleBird Trip ReportBirds/Animals mentioned Black-capped VireoGolden-Cheeked WarblerCattle TyrantIntro Bird Call: Black-capped Vireo (Recorded Texas, April 2026) Outro Bird Call: Golden-cheeked Warbler (Recorded Texas, April 2026) Support the showConnect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @ErikgoesbirdingFacebook: @HannahandErikGoBirdingEmail us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.comVenmo: @hannahanderikgobirdingGet a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN Great hunts depend on great gear — and the details behind that gear matter more than most people realize.In this episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson and co‑host Logan Nevins sit down with Zach Scheidegger and Joe Schroeder of ALPS Outdoors to talk product innovation, design challenges, and what it takes to build gear for serious hunters.The conversation dives into ALPS' evolution from mountaineering equipment into a full outdoor brand with thousands of products spanning hunting, camping, and beyond. From layout blinds to blind bags to unexpected hits like their collapsible fire pit, Zach and Joe share how ideas move from concept to finished product — often through years of testing and refinement.A major focus is their partnership with Ducks Unlimited, including the growing line of DU‑branded gear and how those products help connect customers with conservation. The discussion also highlights the importance of direct feedback from hunters, with events like DUX giving the ALPS team valuable insight into how their gear is used in real-world conditions.This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how modern waterfowl gear is built — and why thoughtful design makes all the difference when it matters most.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we explore one of North America's most secretive and fascinating birds: the Black-billed Cuckoo.Often heard more than seen, Black-billed Cuckoos are mysterious forest birds known for their elusive behavior, unique adaptations, and surprising diet. In this episode, we dive into what makes this species so unusual, from its preference for hairy caterpillars that many other birds avoid to its remarkable migration and nesting behaviors.Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to discuss Black-billed Cuckoo behavior, bird identification, migration, habitat, evolution, bird vocalizations, and why these birds remain one of North America's most intriguing songbirds.We also explore the fascinating role Black-billed Cuckoos play in forest ecosystems, how they compare to other cuckoo species around the world, and why even experienced birders consider spotting one a special experience.Whether you're a lifelong birder, just getting into birdwatching, or simply curious about the hidden lives of birds, this episode is packed with fascinating bird science, ornithology, wildlife conservation, and unforgettable bird facts.If you love birding, birdwatching, cuckoos, bird behavior, bird migration, songbirds, ornithology, wildlife science, and nature podcasts, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Tagsblack billed cuckoo, black-billed cuckoo, cuckoo bird, birding, birdwatching, bird behavior, bird migration, bird identification, north american birds, songbirds, ornithology, wildlife podcast, bird podcast, bird facts, migration birds, forest birds, nature podcast, wildlife science, bird vocalizations, backyard birdingHere are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

Hey everyone, this is Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited. I wanted to just take a moment to wish each and every one of you a safe and meaningful 4th of July, our Independence Day. Today, as we celebrate the birth of our nation, we're reminded of the freedoms that we cherish and the responsibility that we all share to protect the natural resources that make this country so special. At Ducks Unlimited, our mission has always been rooted in conservation, stewardship, and service to something larger than ourselves. And none of that's possible without you, our dedicated volunteers, our generous supporters, and our passionate listeners. You're the reason we're able to restore wetlands, preserve critical habitats, and ensure that future generations will experience the same wild places and rich traditions that we hold dear. So on this Independence Day, we want to say thank you. Thank you for standing by us. Thank you for believing in our mission. And thank you for being part of the DU family. From all of us here at Ducks Unlimited, happy 4th of July. And may your day be filled with good company, great memories, and time outdoors. God bless you, and God bless America.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN What will the 2026 duck season look like? It all starts on the prairies.In this annual Ducks Unlimited tradition, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Dr. Scott Stephens and Dr. Steve Adair to break down current habitat conditions across the Prairie Pothole Region and make early predictions for the breeding population survey.The conversation highlights a familiar but important theme: variability. While parts of the Canadian prairies have benefited from recent precipitation, other regions — particularly across portions of the U.S. prairies — remain dry. The group discusses how timing of moisture plays a critical role in duck production, noting that late-season rainfall may improve brood survival but won't necessarily influence where birds settle to nest. They also revisit last year's conditions, including below-average pond counts and moderate production, which could translate into slightly lower breeding populations this spring. The episode concludes with their annual “prognostications” for pond counts and duck numbers and a reminder that the prairie landscape continues to drive waterfowl success across North America.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN The Texas Gulf Coast is one of the most important — and most dynamic — waterfowl landscapes in North America.In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Taylor Abshire, Ducks Unlimited Regional Biologist, to explore how wetlands along the Texas coast support waterfowl across the entire annual cycle — from early fall migration to late spring departure.The conversation highlights the unique nature of this region, where birds like blue‑winged teal may begin arriving as early as August and still be present well into May. That extended timeline creates both opportunities and challenges for wetland managers trying to balance habitat for migrating birds, wintering waterfowl, and resident species like mottled ducks.Throughout the episode, a central theme emerges: successful conservation on the Texas coast depends on working lands and the people who manage them. From water timing and vegetation management to infrastructure and long-term habitat design, landowners play a critical role in maintaining the wetlands that waterfowl depend on.This episode offers a comprehensive look at how science, partnerships, and on-the-ground management come together to sustain one of the continent's most important waterfowl regions.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN Behind every great hunt is a great dog — and behind that dog is the right nutrition.In this episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson and co‑host David Schuessler sit down with Karl Gunzer of Purina Pro Plan, the presenting sponsor of the DUX Waterfowl Show and a long‑time partner of Ducks Unlimited.The conversation highlights the role of high-performance dog nutrition in hunting success and why Purina has invested so heavily in the waterfowl community. Karl shares how Pro Plan approaches dog food through science, research, and performance — and how that differs from trends driven purely by marketing.They also discuss how nutrition impacts everything from stamina and recovery to long-term health, and why feeding a premium diet can make a measurable difference in working dogs. Beyond performance, the episode explores Purina's broader commitment to conservation, including support for habitat work and sustainability initiatives that directly benefit waterfowl and hunters.The discussion also looks ahead to DUX, where Purina's interactive presence has become a centerpiece of the show — bringing dog owners closer to the science, training, and real-world experience that define a great hunting companion.At its core, this episode is about the connection between hunters, dogs, and conservation — and the role nutrition plays in keeping that tradition strong.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

This episode, we're stepping back to the golden age of natural history podcasting by resurrecting the format of the classic show Wild Ideas: The Podcast. Joining us on the trail is one of the OG hosts: the man himself, Gordon Maupin. It's a 3-way team-up where each of us brings a heavy-hitting seasonal mystery to the table.First, Steve unravels the rule-breaking world of the Ambystoma polyploid salamander complex, where unisexual lineages are mixing up DNA from different species and blurring the lines of what makes a species a species. Then, Gordon shrinks things down to look at the world of duckweed ecology, a group that includes the smallest flowering plants in the world. Finally, Bill turns our eyes to the skies over the marsh to pull back the curtain on dragonfly migration, looking into the recent science that shows some dragonfly species are multi-generational continental travelers (as well as badass predators).Come listen in as Gordon and the guys answer the question, “What's going on outside?” (Wild Ideas fans, that's for you)This episode was reecorded at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama, NY on May 13, 2026.Episode LinksCheck out the Iroquois National Wildlife Refige and their Bald Eagle Cam.Here's the New York Times article about 7 Podcasts About the Joys of Bird Watching that includes a mention of our show.Episode NotesGetting The Great Egret's Latin Name RightDuring a quick aside this episode, Gordon spotted a Great Egret and Steve tried to recall its scientific name, tentatively going with Erodea alba. He wasn't entirely wrong! The correct name is Ardea alba.While alba means "white," Ardea is Latin for "heron." It also ties back to the ancient myth by everyone's favorite Roman poet Ovid, who wrote about a bird rising directly from the ashes of the burned city of Ardea. What's the Deal With Axolotls?We wondered if the axolotl is in the same genus as the Jefferson and blue spotted salamander (Ambystoma) and yes they are!Species: A. mexicanum (Axolotl) Unlike most members of Ambystomatidae—which typically metamorphose into terrestrial adults—the axolotl exhibits a trait called neoteny (or paedomorphosis). This is where an organism retains juvenile or larval traits into adulthood. Axolotls retains its aquatic, larval features (like its signature feathery external gills) into adulthood and spends its entire life in the water Bill's Hard Claim on ID'ing Jefferson Salamanders Bill said there is no way we could tell if it was a Jefferson salamander: is that true? Bill was basically right if we're talking about visually confirming a female-looking salamander in a blue-spotted/Jefferson overlap zone. Many unisexual individuals cannot be confidently identified by sight, and genetic testing is the clean answer. But during the breeding season, a male with a swollen cloaca is not part of the all-female unisexual lineage, so that can help narrow things down. So, a male in breeding condition can sometimes be identified much more confidently than a female/unisexual-looking animal, but you need to have serious knowledge about species location, morphology, and breeding-season characteristics. The Jefferson Complex vs. the Bigger Unisexual Salamander SituationDuring the episode, Bill had a “wait, what are we even talking about?” moment while Steve was explaining the huge all-female/unisexual Ambystoma salamander lineage.Steve was talking about the big-picture version: a bizarre evolutionary group that can involve genomes from several mole salamander species, including Blue-spotted, Jefferson, Small-mouthed, Streamside, and Tiger Salamanders.Bill, though, was thinking what we hear more about in the Northeast and Great Lakes region: the “Jefferson complex,” or the Blue-spotted/Jefferson Salamander mess. Around here, that usually means you can't usually ID a Jefferson Salamanders or a Blue-spotted Salamander down to species because the sally in front of you may belong to the all-female, polyploid lineage that can't be confidently sorted out just by looking at them.So Bill's question was basically: “Hold on. Is this identification nightmare only a Jefferson/Blue-spotted thing, or does it happen with the other species too?”And the answer is: yep. It can happen with the others too.The narrower Jefferson complex usually refers to the Blue-spotted/Jefferson part of the story, especially in places where those are the main overlapping species. But when scientists zoom out and include the other players (Small-mouthed, Streamside, and Eastern Tiger Salamanders) they usually refer to the whole thing as the unisexual Ambystoma lineage.So the practical field takeaway is this: in places where these species overlap, a female-looking Ambystoma salamander may be impossible to identify with confidence by appearance alone. Even experts may only be making an educated guess unless they use genetic testing. Measuring red blood cell size can help estimate ploidy (basically, whether the animal has extra chromosome sets) but DNA testing is the real way to know which genomes are actually in there. Is Duckweed the Smallest Flowering Plant? Yes, but specifically a microscopic type of it. The world's smallest flowering plants belong to the genus Wolffia - Often referred to as "rootless duckweed" or "watermeal," they are the tiniest members of the duckweed family (Lemnaceae) Individual Wolffia plants are usually less than 1 mm long, roughly the size of a pinhead or cornmeal, and the flowers are correspondingly microscopic.Unlike standard duckweed (Lemna), Wolffia plants do not have roots and appear simply as tiny floating green spheres or oval seeds.The plant produces the world's smallest flower, which forms in a tiny depression on the plant's top surface.Because they are so small and have highly efficient asexual budding, they can easily cover a pond in dense mats before you ever notice an individual plant. Can be found across temperate and tropical regions of North, Central, and South America Correction: Ed Yong's An Immense World (UV, not Infrared)During the episode, Bill mentioned Ed Yong's phenomenal book, An Immense World, and noted that researchers are increasingly discovering how many animals can see in the infrared spectrum. His memory slipped slightly on this one! Yong actually discusses the growing scientific realization that many animals see in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum, not infrared. (Though as you'll see below, dragonflies do have a few tricks up their sleeves on the other end of the spectrum). Gordon's Question: Infrared Vision & Dragonfly MatingBill's misremembering of what was in An Immense World was prompted by Gordon asking a fantastic question during the recording: Can dragonflies see in the infrared spectrum, and if they can, are they using it to navigate during migration?First, a quick clarification: when most of us hear “infrared,” we immediately picture thermal imaging — animals glowing in the dark, Predator vision, that whole thing. That is not what we're talking about here. Dragonflies do not appear to see heat signatures.What they may be able to see is near-infrared — light just beyond the deepest red wavelengths visible to humans. Near-infrared is not heat vision. It is more like an invisible extension of red.According to a recent study published in January 2026 by researchers in Osaka, Japan, some dragonfly species have visual pigments that are sensitive to extremely long red wavelengths, possibly reaching into the near-infrared edge of the spectrum. That alone is pretty wild. But the discovery also highlights a striking example of parallel evolution between insects and primates. Millions of years ago, the ancestors of humans and other primates evolved molecular changes that helped produce red-sensitive vision. This new research suggests that some dragonflies may have independently evolved a similar molecular tuning mechanism for detecting red light. However, while primate red vision operates within the visible spectrum, some dragonflies appear to have pushed that sensitivity even farther, toward the boundary between deep red and near-infrared.So what are they doing with this ability? Probably not navigating migration, at least as far as we know.The better-supported idea is that this long-wavelength vision helps dragonflies identify mates quickly in flight. Male and female dragonflies can reflect red and near-infrared light differently, especially against green vegetation. So for an animal making split-second decisions while zipping around at high speed, that extra visual contrast could be a big deal. So to answer Gordon's question, dragonflies may be seeing farther into the red/near-infrared edge of the spectrum than we can, but based on what researchers currently know, they're probably using that ability for rapid sex recognition, not long-distance navigation. It's more of a high-speed dragonfly dating filter than infrared GPS.The Missing Piece: Visual Cues and "Leading Lines" in MigrationOne big element Bill neglected to mention in covering how dragonfies navigate during migration is the VISUAL piece – that they also use what they're seeing! That is a crucial piece of the puzzle. Dragonflies are also extremely visual animals. Those huge compound eyes are not just for decoration. So, what they're seeing is likely a key piece in their migration toolbox. Migrating dragonflies are often observed moving along major landscape features: coastlines, mountain ridges, river valleys, and other long, continuous edges. Biologists sometimes refer to these kinds of features as leading lines, because they can help guide or funnel migrating animals across the landscape.That doesn't mean a dragonfly is looking down and thinking, “Ah yes, the Susquehanna River. I'll take this south.” But these landscape features can still matter in several ways.Coastlines can keep migrants from drifting too far over open water, which is risky for an insect that eventually needs to land, rest, and feed.Mountain ridges and long hillsides can create useful air currents and updrafts, allowing dragonflies to ride favorable winds and conserve energy.River corridors can provide both a visual pathway and good stopover habitat, with water, vegetation, and plenty of small flying insects to eat when they need to refuel.The overall migration story for dragonflies probably isn't “dragonflies have one magic compass.” It's more like they are combining a bunch of cues at once: the visual structure of the landscape below them, as well as the elements covered during the episode. Steve's Questions: Resident vs. Migratory Green Darners & The Thermal Genetic SwitchDuring the episode, Steve asked two really good questions about Common Green Darners: if some are migratory and some are resident, how do they know which group to mate with? And could temperature be the thing that nudges a young darner down one path or the other?The first answer is surprisingly simple: they probably don't know, and they probably don't care.For a long time, researchers assumed these groups were reproductively isolated, believing residents emerged and died before the migratory cohort reached adulthood, but modern research has overturned this idea. According to a comprehensive review by Michael L. May and John H. Matthews, adult flight periods absolutely overlap in mid-summer, and genetic testing reveals zero genetic differentiation between the groups. The entire continental population belongs to a single, randomly mating gene pool. So when a Common Green Darner is ready to mate, it is probably not checking whether the other darner is from the “resident” or “migratory” team. It is just mating with another mature Common Green Darner in the same airspace. Very romantic. Very dragonfly.Steve's second question gets at something even more interesting: what makes one generation migrate while another stays put?This is where temperature, day length, and seasonal timing seem to matter a lot. A Green Darner nymph developing in warm water during long summer days may be pushed toward faster development. That can produce adults that emerge, feed heavily, build up energy reserves, and migrate south in late summer or fall.But if nymphs are developing as temperatures drop and days get shorter, their development can slow down. Instead of rushing to become adults, they may overwinter as aquatic nymphs and emerge the following year. Those individuals can then become part of the resident breeding population in northern ponds.So Steve's instinct was basically right: environmental conditions appear to play a huge role in shaping whether a darner develops quickly and migrates, or slows down and overwinters.The only thing to be careful about is the phrase “genetic switch.” There probably are changes in gene expression involved. Temperature and day length can absolutely affect how insects develop, but in Common Green Darners, we should probably think of it less as a single switch being flipped and more as a whole developmental pathway being shaped by the environment.The short version: migratory and resident Green Darners are not separate species or rival dragonfly factions. They appear to be part of one big, mixed population whose life cycle can play out in different ways depending on timing, temperature, and local conditions.Sponsors and Ways to Support UsThank you to Always Wandering Art (Website and Etsy Shop) for providing the artwork for many of our episodes.Support us on Patreon.Works CitedHallworth, M. T., Marra, P. P., McFarland, K. P., Zahendra, S., & Studds, C. E. (2018). Tracking dragons: stable isotopes reveal the annual cycle of a long-distance migratory insect. Biology Letters, 14(12), 20180741. doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2018.0741.Hu, G., Lim, K. S., Horvitz, N., Clark, S. J., Reynolds, D. R., Sapir, N., & Chapman, J. W. (2016). Mass seasonal bioflows of high-flying insect migrants. Science, 354(6319), 1584–1587. doi: 10.1126/science.aah4379.Knight, S. M., Pitman, G. M., Flockhart, D. T. T., & Norris, D. R. (2019). Radio-tracking reveals how wind and temperature influence the pace of daytime insect migration. Biology Letters, 15(6), 20190327. doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2019.0327.Lancaster, L. T., Dudaniec, R. Y., Chauhan, P., Wellenreuther, M., Svensson, E. I., & Hansson, B. (2016). Gene expression under thermal stress varies across a geographic range expansion front. Molecular Ecology, 25(5), 1141–1156. doi: 10.1111/mec.13548.May, M. L. (2013). A critical overview of progress in studies of migration of dragonflies (Odonata: Anisoptera), with emphasis on North America. Journal of Insect Conservation, 17(1), 1–15.May, M. L., & Matthews, J. H. (2008). Migration in Odonata: a case study of Anax junius. In A. Córdoba-Aguilar (Ed.), Dragonflies and Damselflies: Model Organisms for Ecological and Evolutionary Research (pp. 63–77). Oxford University Press.Sato, R., Terakita, A., & Koyanagi, M. (2026). Dragonfly red opsins share a common tuning mechanism with mammalian red opsins and further enhancement of near-infrared sensitivity. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences.Trottier, R. (1971). Effect of Temperature on the Life-Cycle of Anax junius (Odonata: Aeshnidae) in Canada. The Canadian Entomologist, 103(12), 1671–1683.Wikelski, M., Moskowitz, D., Adelman, J. S., Cochran, J., Wilcove, D. S., & May, M. L. (2006). Simple rules guide dragonfly migration. Biology Letters, 2(3), 325–329.Yong, E. (2022). An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us. Random House.

On Tuesday's show: Could the Corpus Christi water crisis have been averted if Texans were a little more realistic about climate change? We learn how the state may have underestimated the increasing size and scope of droughts.Also this hour: We consider Houston's role in international business and culture and whether that is changing lately.Then, we revisit a conversation from last year with Bryan Burrough, author of The Gunfighters, about the role Texas played in the rise of Old West legends.And we go bird watching in the Bayou City.

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Lost in the Fog: Ari's Quest for the Rare Bird Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2026-06-30-22-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: הבוקר התחיל בערפל כבד בביצה הערפילית.En: The morning began with a heavy fog in the bitza ha'arfilit.He: ארי, ליאורה ונועם עמדו ליד האוטובוס של בית הספר, מוכנים לטיול סוף השנה.En: Ari, Liora, and Noam stood by the school bus, ready for the end-of-year trip.He: ארי, תלמיד שקט ואוהב טבע, חיפש הזדמנות להתחבר עם חבריו לכיתה.En: Ari, a quiet student who loves nature, was looking for an opportunity to connect with his classmates.He: הביצה הייתה מלאה בעצים גבוהים, צפרדעים מקרקרות וחרקים מזמזמים.En: The swamp was filled with tall trees, croaking frogs, and buzzing insects.He: השמש של הקיץ יצרה חום ולחות, והערפל ריחף מעל המים הכהים.En: The summer sun created heat and humidity, and the fog hovered above the dark waters.He: ארי שמע שמועה על ציפור נדירה שחיה באזור, ותכנן למצוא אותה כדי להרשים את חבריו, חובבי הציפורים.En: Ari had heard a rumor about a rare bird that lived in the area, and he planned to find it to impress his bird-loving friends.He: כשהם התקדמו בתוך הביצה, רוב התלמידים רצו לשחק ולצלול למים, אבל ארי הייתה תכנית אחרת.En: As they progressed through the swamp, most of the students wanted to play and dive into the water, but Ari had a different plan.He: הוא הבין שאת הציפור ניתן למצוא רק בחלקים העמוקים והקשים יותר של הביצה.En: He understood that the bird could only be found in the deeper, more challenging parts of the swamp.He: ארי החליט להתרחק קצת מהקבוצה ולחפש בעצמו.En: Ari decided to stray a bit from the group and search on his own.He: כשהלך, מרגיש קצת עצבני, הארה צצה בלב שלו: הוא מוכרח להוכיח לעצמו שהוא מסוגל למצוא את הציפור.En: As he walked, feeling a bit nervous, an illumination came to his heart: he had to prove to himself that he was capable of finding the bird.He: עברו דקות רבות, ארי עמד בין עצים גדולים, בתחושה של ספק עצמי.En: Many minutes passed, and Ari stood among the large trees, with a feeling of self-doubt.He: איך יוכל למצוא את דרכו חזרה?En: How could he find his way back?He: ואז, לפתע, ראה את הציפור הנדירה.En: Then, suddenly, he saw the rare bird.He: היא הייתה יפהפייה, נוצותיה צבעוניות ונוצצות באור השמש השוקעת.En: It was beautiful, its feathers colorful and shimmering in the setting sun.He: אך כשהרים את המצלמה לצלם, שם לב שהוא לגמרי אבוד, והערפל החל להתעבות סביבו.En: But as he raised his camera to take a picture, he realized he was completely lost, and the fog began to thicken around him.He: אבל ארי לא נכנע.En: But Ari didn't give up.He: הוא נזכר בדרך שבה בא, מצא סימנים מעצים מוכרים, ועשה דרכו לאחור.En: He remembered the way he had come, found familiar signs from the trees, and made his way back.He: כשהגיע בחזרה אל חבריו, הראה לו את התמונה המטושטשת של הציפור.En: When he returned to his friends, he showed them the blurred picture of the bird.He: כולם הסתכלו בהפתעה ובעניין.En: Everyone looked in surprise and interest.He: ליאורה ונועם החלו לשאול על החוויה, והם התרשמו מאוד מכישרונו של ארי.En: Liora and Noam began to ask about the experience, and they were very impressed by Ari's talent.He: ארי הרגיש שסופסוף נמצא מקום בקבוצה.En: Ari felt that he had finally found his place in the group.He: הוא הבין שאפשר לשתף את אהבתו לטבע ולהיות חלק מעולם החברים והציפורים.En: He realized he could share his love of nature and be part of the world of friends and birds.He: בסופו של יום, ארי חזר הביתה מלא גאווה ושמחה בלב.En: By the end of the day, Ari returned home full of pride and joy in his heart.He: הוא למד שלמרות החששות והקושי, הוא יכול להשתלב עם אחרים וליצור קשרים דרך האהבות שלו.En: He learned that despite the fears and difficulties, he could integrate with others and create connections through his passions.He: הטיול הזה היה הזדמנות לשינוי ולפתיחת דף חדש בחייו.En: This trip was an opportunity for change and the opening of a new chapter in his life. Vocabulary Words:fog: ערפלswamp: ביצהrumor: שמועהrare: נדירהimpress: להרשיםhumidity: לחותcroaking: מקרקרותbuzzing: מזמזמיםhovered: ריחףopportunity: הזדמנותstray: להתרחקillumination: הארהself-doubt: ספק עצמיshimmering: נוצצותthicken: להתעבותprove: להוכיחfeathers: נוצותblurred: מטושטשתpride: גאווהchallenges: הקשיםintegrate: להשתלבemerged: צצהcapture: לצלםcapable: מסוגלtalent: כישרונוimpressed: התרשמוcreate: ליצורconnections: קשריםchapter: דףpassions: אהבותBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

JOIN US AT THE 2026 DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO! July 31 - August 2 at the RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER in Memphis, TN What makes a great waterfowl shotgun — and how has that standard evolved?Recorded live from Ducks Unlimited's National Convention, host Jimbo Robinson is joined by Jeremy Smith and guests from Benelli USA, including Vice President of Sales Lee Colquitt and Channel Sales Manager Jeff Serner.The conversation explores Benelli's long-standing role in the waterfowl community and the brand's continued investment in innovation, performance, and durability. From the iconic Super Black Eagle platform to new advancements like Advanced Impact (AI) technology, the group dives into how modern shotgun design is changing the way hunters shoot — from improved pattern performance to increased effective range and cleaner kills.They also discuss the importance of fit and customization, including the often-overlooked role of shim kits in improving accuracy, as well as what truly separates a good shotgun from a great one in demanding waterfowl conditions.Beyond the technical side, the episode highlights the relationship between Benelli and Ducks Unlimited — particularly how firearms programs support conservation through fundraising efforts and events across the country.Whether you're upgrading your gun, learning more about shotgun performance, or just passionate about waterfowling, this episode offers both practical insights and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most respected brands in the industry.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Dr. Steven Platt is a Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Herpetologist for Southeast Asia. Steve is a crocodile and turtle biologist who studies these animals in the field and in captivity. Many species of crocodiles and turtles are endangered, and Steve is dedicated to better understanding and conserving them. When he's not working, Steve spends his time reading, going for walks outside, birdwatching, and hunting. He also used to raise chickens as a hobby. Birdwatching is a particular passion, and he aspires to one day see an ivory-billed woodpecker in the wild. He received his BSc in Forestry and Wildlife Management from Louisiana State University, his MSc in Biology from Southeastern Louisiana University, and his PhD in Zoology from Clemson University. Afterwards, Steve worked for WCS from 1996 - 2001. In 2001, Steve transitioned to working in academia. He served on the faculty at Oglala Lakota College in South Dakota for about five years, followed by five years as a faculty member at Sul Ross State University in Texas. In 2011, he accepted his current position and returned to WCS. In this interview, Steve shares more about his life and his work in research and conservation.

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're joined by zoologist and science communicator Christian Flores (better known as @crikeyitschristian) for a deep dive into one of the greatest conservation success stories in modern history: the California Condor.Once soaring alongside mammoths, saber-toothed cats, giant ground sloths, and other Ice Age megafauna, California Condors have survived for tens of thousands of years—only to come perilously close to extinction in the 1980s. In this episode, we explore how one of North America's most iconic birds was saved through one of the most ambitious wildlife recovery programs ever attempted.Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole alongside Christian to discuss California Condor biology, evolution, scavenger ecology, conservation science, captive breeding, reintroduction programs, lead poisoning, and why these magnificent birds remain one of the greatest symbols of wildlife recovery.We also dive into the Condor's incredible evolutionary history, what North America looked like when they shared the landscape with mammoths and saber-toothed cats, and how scientists and conservationists are working to ensure their future.Whether you're a birder, wildlife enthusiast, conservation supporter, or simply fascinated by incredible animal comeback stories, this episode is packed with bird science, natural history, evolution, and inspiring conservation success.If you love birding, birdwatching, endangered species, wildlife conservation, evolution, ornithology, paleontology, rewilding, and fascinating bird facts, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Follow our guest Christian Flores for more wildlife content and science communication:Instagram: @crikeyitschristianHere are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Journey Beyond Fear: Capturing the Amazon's Hidden Gems Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-06-29-22-34-02-it Story Transcript:It: Nel cuore della foresta amazzonica, il sole filtrava tra le foglie verdi, creando giochi di luce e ombra.En: In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the sun filtered through the green leaves, creating games of light and shadow.It: Giovanni camminava piano, con la sua macchina fotografica pronta.En: Giovanni walked slowly, with his camera ready.It: Era inverno nell'emisfero sud, un periodo secco perfetto per avvistare uccelli rari.En: It was winter in the southern hemisphere, a perfect dry season for spotting rare birds.It: Giovanni cercava un uccello speciale, uno che nessuno dei suoi amici aveva mai fotografato.En: Giovanni was searching for a special bird, one that none of his friends had ever photographed.It: Giovanni era un fotografo dilettante, innamorato della natura.En: Giovanni was an amateur photographer, in love with nature.It: Compariva spesso nei suoi sogni questo viaggio, ma ora che si trovava lì, nel mezzo di una natura incredibile, si sentiva piccolo e incerto.En: This journey often appeared in his dreams, but now that he found himself there, in the midst of incredible nature, he felt small and uncertain.It: La foresta era un mondo diverso, vivo e pulsante.En: The forest was a different world, alive and pulsating.It: Gli alberi erano imponenti, i suoni assordanti.En: The trees were towering, the sounds deafening.It: Ma lui aveva un obiettivo: fotografare l'uccello raro.En: But he had a goal: to photograph the rare bird.It: Lucia, la guida del tour, aveva spiegato la via.En: Lucia, the tour guide, had explained the way.It: "Non allontanatevi dal sentiero," aveva avvertito.En: "Do not stray from the path," she warned.It: Ma Giovanni sapeva che l'uccello non sarebbe apparso sulle strade battute.En: But Giovanni knew that the bird would not appear on the beaten paths.It: Doveva prendere una decisione.En: He had to make a decision.It: Marco, un compagno di viaggio esperto, gli disse: "Segui il tuo istinto, ma fai attenzione."En: Marco, an experienced travel companion, told him, "Follow your instinct, but be careful."It: Giovanni decise di avventurarsi più profondamente nella giungla.En: Giovanni decided to venture deeper into the jungle.It: Ogni passo era una sfida.En: Every step was a challenge.It: Il terreno bagnato, i rami bassi.En: The wet ground, the low branches.It: La sua mente era un turbine di dubbi.En: His mind was a whirlwind of doubts.It: "E se mi perdo?"En: "What if I get lost?"It: pensava, mentre il cuore batteva forte.En: he thought, as his heart beat fast.It: All'improvviso, tra i rami e il fogliame, Giovanni vide un lampo di piume colorate.En: Suddenly, among the branches and foliage, Giovanni saw a flash of colorful feathers.It: Era l'uccello!En: It was the bird!It: Il respiro si fermò per un istante.En: His breath stopped for a moment.It: Con movimenti lenti e misurati, alzò la macchina fotografica.En: With slow and measured movements, he raised the camera.It: Clic.En: Click.It: Era un istante perfetto.En: It was a perfect moment.It: L'uccello non volò via, e Giovanni catturò una serie di scatti.En: The bird didn't fly away, and Giovanni captured a series of shots.It: Quando finalmente tornò al gruppo, Lucia e Marco lo accolsero con sorrisi.En: When he finally returned to the group, Lucia and Marco greeted him with smiles.It: "Ce l'hai fatta!"En: "You did it!"It: disse Lucia.En: said Lucia.It: Giovanni annuì, stanco ma felice.En: Giovanni nodded, tired but happy.It: Aveva vinto le sue paure e trovato il suo tesoro.En: He had overcome his fears and found his treasure.It: Alla fine del tour, mentre il sole tramontava tra gli alberi, Giovanni si sedette, guardando le foto sullo schermo.En: At the end of the tour, as the sun set among the trees, Giovanni sat, looking at the photos on the screen.It: Ogni immagine era una vittoria, non solo contro la foresta, ma anche contro i suoi dubbi.En: Each image was a victory, not only against the forest but also against his doubts.It: Aveva scoperto qualcosa di nuovo: la sua forza interiore.En: He had discovered something new: his inner strength.It: Quando il gruppo tornò alla civiltà, Giovanni portò con sé non solo delle foto, ma una rinnovata fiducia.En: When the group returned to civilization, Giovanni brought with him not only photos but a renewed confidence.It: Aveva imparato l'importanza di rischiare e di avventurarsi oltre la paura.En: He had learned the importance of taking risks and venturing beyond fear.It: E per questo, la foresta lo aveva premiato.En: And for this, the forest had rewarded him. Vocabulary Words:the heart: il cuorethe rainforest: la foresta pluvialeto filter: filtrarethe leaves: le foglieto create: crearethe shadow: l'ombrathe camera: la macchina fotograficathe hemisphere: l'emisferoto spot: avvistarethe bird: l'uccellothe photographer: il fotografoamateur: dilettanteto appear: comparireto dream: sognarethe forest: la forestathe tree: l'alberodeafening: assordantethe goal: l'obiettivothe path: il sentierothe decision: la decisioneto venture: avventurarsithe jungle: la giunglathe ground: il terrenothe branch: il ramothe whirlwind: il turbinethe doubt: il dubbiothe foliage: il fogliamethe feather: la piumabreath: il respiroto greet: accogliere

Fluent Fiction - Korean: Capturing the Elusive: Jiho's Amazon Adventure Unveiled Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ko/episode/2026-06-29-22-34-02-ko Story Transcript:Ko: 지호는 남반구의 겨울, 따뜻하고 습한 아마존 열대우림에 있었다.En: Jiho was in the warm and humid Amazon rainforest during the winter of the Southern Hemisphere.Ko: 푸른 하늘 아래, 초록빛으로 가득 찬 숲속을 걸으면서 지호는 마음이 설렜다.En: As he walked through the forest filled with green under the blue sky, Jiho's heart fluttered.Ko: 그는 자연과 야생동물 사진 찍기를 좋아했다.En: He loved taking photos of nature and wildlife.Ko: 이번에는 보기 힘든 희귀한 새를 찍고 싶었다.En: This time, he wanted to capture a rare bird that was hard to find.Ko: 지호의 친구인 민지와 서준도 함께였다.En: His friends Minji and Sejun were with him as well.Ko: 그들은 가이드의 설명을 들으며 숲을 탐험했다.En: They explored the forest while listening to the guide's explanation.Ko: 숲은 나무가 빽빽하게 우거져 있었고, 새들의 노랫소리가 공기를 채웠다.En: The forest was densely packed with trees, and the songs of birds filled the air.Ko: 모든 것이 새롭고 흥미로웠다.En: Everything was new and exciting.Ko: 하지만 지호는 생각보다 압박을 느꼈다.En: However, Jiho felt more pressured than he expected.Ko: 제한된 시간 내에 새를 찾고 사진을 찍어야 했다.En: He had to find the bird and take photos within a limited time.Ko: 걷던 중, 지호는 갑자기 무리에서 조금 떨어지기로 결심했다.En: While walking, Jiho suddenly decided to step away from the group a bit.Ko: 새를 찾으려면 자신만의 길을 가봐야 할 것 같았다.En: He felt that he needed to follow his own path to find the bird.Ko: 그는 숲길에서 벗어나 조심스레 나아갔다.En: He carefully deviated from the forest path and moved forward.Ko: 마음속에는 기대와 걱정이 함께했다.En: His heart was filled with both anticipation and worry.Ko: 지호는 주변을 살피며 나아가다가 드디어 새의 둥지를 발견했다.En: As Jiho surveyed his surroundings, he finally discovered a bird's nest.Ko: 그의 심장은 쿵쿵 뛰었다.En: His heart was pounding.Ko: 그러나 급하게 사진을 찍으려다 그는 미끄러져 카메라를 떨어뜨리고 말았다.En: But in the rush to take a photo, he slipped and dropped his camera.Ko: 순간, 꿈이 물거품이 되는 것만 같았다.En: In that moment, it felt as if his dream was crumbling.Ko: 하지만 지호는 포기하지 않았다.En: However, Jiho did not give up.Ko: 그는 카메라를 주워 사진을 확인했다.En: He picked up the camera and checked the photos.Ko: 다행히도, 원하는 순간이 그대로 담겨 있었다.En: Fortunately, the moment he wanted to capture was perfectly intact.Ko: 사진이 매우 잘 나왔다. 새의 아름다움과 순간의 생생함을 완벽히 포착한 사진이었다.En: The photo came out very well, capturing the bird's beauty and the vividness of the moment perfectly.Ko: 막상 미소가 떠오르는 순간에 무리가 그를 찾았다.En: Just as a smile crept onto his face, the group found him.Ko: 지호는 안전하게 친구들 곁으로 돌아갔다.En: Jiho safely returned to his friends.Ko: 그들은 지호의 사진을 보고 박수를 쳤다.En: They applauded upon seeing Jiho's photo.Ko: 지호는 자신감을 얻었다.En: Jiho gained confidence.Ko: 자신의 능력을 믿고, 때로는 위험을 감수해야 좋은 결과를 얻을 수 있음을 깨달았다.En: He realized that by believing in his abilities and occasionally taking risks, he could achieve good results.Ko: 아마존의 깊은 숲속, 지호는 평생 잊지 못할 경험을 했다.En: Deep in the Amazon rainforest, Jiho had an experience he would never forget.Ko: 그는 이제 더 큰 도전을 두려워하지 않았다.En: He was no longer afraid of greater challenges.Ko: 자신만의 길을 걸어가는 것이 중요하다는 것을 깨달았다.En: He realized the importance of walking his own path. Vocabulary Words:humid: 습한fluttered: 설렜다capture: 찍고rare: 희귀한dense: 빽빽한pressure: 압박limited: 제한된explored: 탐험했다anticipation: 기대deviated: 벗어났다surveyed: 살피며nest: 둥지pounding: 쿵쿵 뛰었다slipped: 미끄러졌다crumbling: 물거품이intact: 그대로vividness: 생생함applauded: 박수를 쳤다risks: 위험challenges: 도전explained: 설명path: 길moment: 순간confidence: 자신감dream: 꿈experience: 경험forget: 잊지forest: 숲beauty: 아름다움carefully: 조심스레

The Ducks Unlimited Podcast is adding a new voice — and a new perspective.In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher and co‑host Dr. Jerad Henson introduce Wade Shoemaker, the newest member of the DU Podcast team. Wade brings a fresh, field‑driven perspective rooted in years of experience as a passionate, everyday duck hunter.Growing up in North Louisiana, Wade's journey into waterfowling didn't begin with perfect hunts or polished knowledge — it started like it does for many hunters: borrowed gear, cold mornings, and figuring things out along the way. That path, along with a strong appreciation for community and relationships, shaped his approach to hunting and storytelling.Throughout the conversation, Wade shares how his love for waterfowl expanded from local hunts to traveling across multiple flyways, experiencing different regions, techniques, and cultures. From flooded timber to prairie hunts and coastal marshes, those experiences have given him a broad perspective he now brings to the podcast.The addition of Wade represents a shift toward blending perspectives — combining on-the-ground hunting experience with Ducks Unlimited's science, conservation, and policy expertise. His role will help connect everyday hunters with deeper insights while keeping the conversation grounded in real-world experiences.This episode sets the stage for what's ahead: more stories, more perspectives, and a new connection between the people who hunt and the science and conservation that support it.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Luke Null is BACK and the boys make history with the first-ever podcast jersey retirement ceremony. Will wants to get into bird watching, Liam got kicked out of a beer festival, and Luke shares questions from the podcast's reddit page. SHOP OUR NEWEST MERCH COLLECTION: https://almostfriday.shop/collections/afpod FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS: https://www.flowcode.com/page/almostfridaypod SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: DOWNLOAD THE BETMGM APP AND USE BONUS CODE “AFPOD” AND YOU WILL GET UP TO A $1500 FIRST BET OFFER ON YOUR FIRST WAGER! https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/betmgm-sports-betting-casino/id6446248500 HEAD TO https://HIMS.COM/FRIDAY FOR PERSONALIZED HAIR LOSS TREATMENT OPTIONS! Don't sleep on [@ultrapouches]. New customers get 15% Off with code AFPOD at takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Head to https://www.squarespace.com/FRIDAY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FRIDAY. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (01:39) - A Special Surprise For Luke (13:46) - Wait, Seriously? (28:32) - Reddit Questions From the Bugs (41:53) - Theme Parks (48:16) - Getting Kicked Out (56:12) - Current Novels (1:06:00) - 7 Second Delay (1:15:20) - Birdwatching (1:27:00) - Characters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hottest hobby for this summer might be birding, whether you're watching, listening to, drawing, or simply appreciating our feathered friends. Kristen Englenz and Liz Clayton Fuller, the team behind Nashville's new Feminist Bird Club chapter, join Marie Cecile Anderson to share their favorite spots and why they say we should all put our phones down and look up. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 24th episode: Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Catching Beauty: Giovanni's Daring Desert Photo Quest Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-06-24-07-38-20-it Story Transcript:It: Il sole si stava alzando lentamente sopra le dune dorate del Sahara, inondando la sabbia di un caldo abbraccio luminoso.En: The sun was slowly rising above the golden dunes of the Sahara, flooding the sand with a warm, luminous embrace.It: Giovanni, un fotografo naturalista di trentacinque anni, si era svegliato presto.En: Giovanni, a thirty-five-year-old nature photographer, had woken up early.It: Aveva un obiettivo chiaro in mente: fotografare una rara specie di uccelli migratori che passava dal deserto in questo periodo dell'anno.En: He had a clear goal in mind: to photograph a rare species of migratory birds that passed through the desert at this time of year.It: Con la sua macchina fotografica al collo, Giovanni si incamminò verso le profondità del deserto.En: With his camera around his neck, Giovanni set out toward the depths of the desert.It: L'aria era già calda, e il silenzio del deserto era infranto solo dal vento che sibilava tra le dune.En: The air was already warm, and the silence of the desert was broken only by the wind whistling through the dunes.It: Sentiva l'emozione crescere dentro di sé; la possibilità di catturare un'immagine unica lo spingeva avanti.En: He felt excitement growing inside him; the possibility of capturing a unique image drove him forward.It: Tuttavia, le condizioni erano difficili.En: However, the conditions were difficult.It: Il calore era opprimente e la sabbia sembrava infinita.En: The heat was oppressive, and the sand seemed endless.It: Le provviste di Giovanni erano limitate: solo un po' d'acqua e qualche snack.En: Giovanni's supplies were limited: just a bit of water and some snacks.It: Doveva agire rapidamente.En: He needed to act quickly.It: Mentre camminava, il suo sguardo scrutava il cielo, cercando segni di vita.En: As he walked, his gaze scanned the sky, searching for signs of life.It: Finalmente, all'orizzonte, individuò movimento.En: Finally, on the horizon, he spotted movement.It: Un gruppo di piccoli punti neri si avvicinava, volteggiando con grazia sopra le dune.En: A group of small black dots was approaching, gracefully soaring above the dunes.It: Era la sua occasione.En: This was his chance.It: Giovanni si preparò, regolò il suo obiettivo, e attese pazientemente.En: Giovanni prepared, adjusted his lens, and waited patiently.It: All'improvviso, una nuvola di sabbia si sollevò.En: Suddenly, a cloud of sand rose.It: Il vento si era alzato, portando con sé una tempesta di sabbia improvvisa.En: The wind had picked up, bringing with it a sudden sandstorm.It: Giovanni doveva prendere una decisione difficile: salvare l'equipaggiamento o mettersi in salvo.En: Giovanni had to make a tough decision: save his equipment or find shelter.It: Sentiva la sabbia graffiargli la pelle.En: He felt the sand scratching his skin.It: Doveva trovare riparo.En: He needed to find refuge.It: Trovò una piccola depressione tra due dune e ci si accovacciò, coprendo la macchina fotografica con il suo corpo.En: He found a small depression between two dunes and crouched down there, covering his camera with his body.It: La tempesta ululava intorno a lui, ma Giovanni restò calmo.En: The storm howled around him, but Giovanni remained calm.It: Passarono minuti che sembravano ore, ma finalmente la sabbia cominciò a posarsi, il vento a calmarsi.En: Minutes passed that seemed like hours, but finally, the sand began to settle, and the wind calmed.It: Quando il cielo si schiarì, davanti ai suoi occhi si presentò uno spettacolo incredibile.En: When the sky cleared, an incredible spectacle appeared before his eyes.It: Gli uccelli erano ancora lì, posati sulle dune, silenziosi e maestosi contro un cielo che sfumava dai colori del tramonto.En: The birds were still there, perched on the dunes, silent and majestic against a sky that shaded into the colors of the sunset.It: Giovanni scattò.En: Giovanni clicked.It: La macchina catturò l'immagine che aveva tanto desiderato: gli uccelli in un'affascinante silhouette contro il cielo drammatico appena schiarito dalla tempesta.En: The camera captured the image he had so desired: the birds in a fascinating silhouette against the dramatic sky just cleared by the storm.It: Giovanni si sedette, rilassandosi per la prima volta da quando era partito.En: Giovanni sat down, relaxing for the first time since he had set out.It: La tempesta aveva raffreddato l'aria e una sensazione di pace lo avvolse.En: The storm had cooled the air, and a sense of peace enveloped him.It: Aveva superato l'ostacolo più difficile, e la sensazione di avercela fatta da solo lo colmava di fiducia.En: He had overcome the toughest obstacle, and the sense of achieving it on his own filled him with confidence.It: Realizzò che il viaggio era stato quanto il risultato che cercava.En: He realized that the journey was as important as the result he was seeking.It: La pazienza e la resistenza lo avevano premiato in modi che non avrebbe potuto immaginare.En: Patience and resilience had rewarded him in ways he couldn't have imagined.It: Il Sahara, con il suo imponente splendore, insegnò a Giovanni che alle volte la vera ricompensa sta nel viaggio stesso, e non solo nella destinazione raggiunta.En: The Sahara, with its majestic splendor, taught Giovanni that sometimes the true reward lies in the journey itself, not just in the destination reached. Vocabulary Words:the embrace: l'abbracciothe species: la speciethe goal: l'obiettivothe depths: le profonditàthe excitement: l'emozionethe sandstorm: la tempesta di sabbiathe decision: la decisionethe shelter: il riparothe depression: la depressionethe supplies: le provvistethe lens: l'obiettivothe silhouette: la silhouettethe resilience: la resistenzathe reward: la ricompensato flood: inondareto whistle: sibilareto soar: volteggiareto perch: posarsimajestic: maestosoto overcome: superarethe horizon: l'orizzonteoppressive: opprimentethe journey: il viaggioluminous: luminosounique: unicoincredible: incredibilesudden: improvvisothe spectacle: lo spettacolothe dune: la dunathe splendor: lo splendore

Great outdoor gear doesn't just perform — it tells a story.In this episode of the DUX Series, host Jimbo Robinson is joined by co‑host David Schuessler and guest Radcliffe Menge, founder and CEO of Tom Beckbe, a brand built on heritage materials, modern design, and a deep connection to the outdoor lifestyle.Recorded ahead of the upcoming DUX Waterfowl Show, this conversation explores how Tom Beckbe grew from a single custom waxed jacket into a full-scale outdoor apparel brand. Radcliffe shares how the company has stayed intentionally focused — blending traditional materials like waxed cotton with updated fit and function to serve today's hunter while honoring the past.The discussion also dives into what makes waxed cotton unique, why durability and longevity matter more than ever, and how classic outdoor gear continues to resonate with both hunters and a broader audience drawn to authenticity.Along the way, they talk about the rapid growth of the DUX show, the success of the Ducks Unlimited collaboration line, and what's coming next — including new gear and the return of the now-iconic “cabin” booth experience.At its core, this episode is about craftsmanship, patience, and building something meant to last — both in product and in brand.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

We're officially back with a brand-new episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together!After a short break, the full crew returns to catch up on birding adventures, international travel, spring migration, and some exciting personal updates. Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole for a wide-ranging conversation that takes us from Australia and New Zealand all the way back to Chicago.John shares stories from his recent travels across three countries, including incredible birding experiences in Australia and New Zealand. We discuss some of the remarkable birds he encountered, what makes birding in those regions so unique, and the unforgettable wildlife, habitats, and birding adventures he experienced along the way.We also get an inspiring update from Shannon on her cochlear implant journey. Shannon shares some of the latest progress in her hearing restoration, how cochlear implant technology continues to change her daily life, and what it's been like rediscovering sounds as both a scientist and lifelong birder. For anyone interested in hearing loss, audiology, cochlear implants, accessibility, or birding with hearing challenges, this is a fascinating and personal conversation.Back home, RJ and Amanda share highlights from spring migration in Chicago, including some of the exciting birds they encountered during one of the best times of year for birdwatching in North America.We also answer a listener mailbag question about Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Golden-crowned Kinglets, leading to a discussion about bird identification, sexual dimorphism, crown patches, and why males and females can sometimes look so different. If you've ever wondered how to tell these tiny songbirds apart or why some birds display dramatic differences between the sexes, you'll enjoy this fascinating bird science conversation.If you love birding, birdwatching, Australia birds, New Zealand birds, kinglets, bird migration, wildlife travel, ornithology, cochlear implants, hearing restoration, bird behavior, and fascinating bird stories from around the world, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

Our guy Zach Dermer of The Comfort Guys has been Birdwatching along with every other baseball fan in the area as the Baltimore Orioles continue to disappoint on the field as they play late into the night on the West Coast. When will Gunnar Henderson burn as hot as your HVAC unit on a summer scorcher? Time to pitch in some orange therapy for all of us... The post Zach Dermer of The Comfort Guys joins Nestor to talk about the heat on Orioles and cooling of summer Ravens news first appeared on Baltimore Positive WNST.

Decoy carving lives at the intersection of hunting, history, and personal expression.In this episode, host Katie Burke sits down with Josh Brewer, decoy carver, at the North American Decoy Collectors Association show — a unique gathering where hotel rooms turn into galleries, workshops, and meeting spaces for collectors and artists alike.The conversation explores what it means to make decoys today: balancing tradition with innovation, function with form, and personal creativity with the expectations of collectors. Josh shares how his work has evolved, why simplifying design can be harder than adding detail, and how spending time around real birds continues to shape his craft.They also dig into the process behind building full decoy rigs, the importance of movement and realism on the water, and why carving remains deeply rooted in experience rather than just technique.Along the way, Josh reflects on learning as an artist, raising kids in the craft, and why passing along knowledge matters just as much as producing great work.This episode offers an authentic look at the mindset behind modern decoy carving — and why it remains one of the most meaningful connections between hunters and waterfowl.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

In this episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast, the hosts share their recent experiences in wildlife photography, including a successful youth camp, encounters with various species, and highlights from the Photo-X event. They discuss their adventures on Antelope Island, capturing stunning images of birds and bison, and the success of their photography workshop.Chapters02:55 Excitement for Upcoming Youth Camp05:58 Recent Wildlife Encounters and Photography Adventures08:50 Photo-X Event Overview and Experiences11:59 Exploring Antelope Island: First Impressions14:45 Birdwatching and Wildlife Photography Highlights18:07 Bison Herd Observations and Workshop Preparations21:00 Workshop Day: Capturing Wildlife in Action23:58 Silhouette Photography and Workshop Success35:54 Capturing the Perfect Silhouette36:54 The Thrill of Wildlife Photography Tours37:36 Gear and Equipment for Photography38:45 The Challenges of Outdoor Photography40:03 Experiencing the Photo X Event42:01 Exploring Camera Gear and Lenses44:30 Engaging Presentations and Networking46:49 Bird Photography and Editing Techniques48:41 The Joy of Sharing Knowledge50:41 Conservation Through Photography52:36 The Power of Connection in Photography54:22 Adventures in the Mountains57:35 The Experience of Antelope Island01:01:03 Capturing Bison Calves01:04:09 Reflections on the Photo X ExperienceThanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.LINKSPictureline.com - https://www.pictureline.comCanon USA - https://www.usa.canon.com

Recorded at the Ducks Unlimited National Convention in Tampa, this episode brings together leaders from conservation and the outdoor industry to discuss where things are headed.Bob Spoerl, DU's new Chairman of the Board, and Ken Eubanks, CEO of Rather Outdoors, join host Jimbo Robinson to talk about leadership transitions, conservation milestones, and the challenges facing hunting and fishing today. The conversation explores how outdoor participation is changing, why younger generations are harder to engage, and what it takes to build the next wave of hunters, anglers, and conservationists.From technology and innovation to storytelling and mentorship, this episode offers a candid look at what the future may hold — and what needs to happen to protect it.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're revisiting one of the most extraordinary birds we've ever covered—and the official winner of our 2026 Bird of the Year tournament: the Club-winged Manakin.While we're getting ready to return with brand-new episodes next week, we couldn't resist taking another look at the bird that captured the hearts of our listeners and earned the title of 2026 Bird of the Year. Native to the cloud forests of South America, the Club-winged Manakin is famous for producing one of the strangest sounds in the bird world—not with its voice, but with its wings.Through an incredible evolutionary adaptation, male Club-winged Manakins create a high-pitched mechanical sound during courtship displays by rubbing specialized wing feathers together at astonishing speeds. The result sounds more like an insect, a machine, or a science-fiction sound effect than a bird, making it one of the most unique bird behaviors ever discovered.In this episode, Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to discuss Club-winged Manakin behavior, bird evolution, courtship displays, bird sounds, animal communication, and the remarkable adaptations that helped this species earn the title of Bird of the Year.The journey to the championship was a fun one. Students from LSU joined in voting throughout our Bird of the Year tournament, with results revealed across multiple episodes. In the end, the Club-winged Manakin emerged as the champion, defeating a field of incredible birds to claim the crown.If you love birding, birdwatching, weird birds, bird behavior, bird evolution, tropical birds, ornithology, wildlife science, and fascinating bird facts, this is an episode you won't want to miss!Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

Dr. Jim Dubovsky, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service central flyway representative, rejoins the DU Podcast to provide nostalgic reflection as he share insights on the role of sex-specific duck regulations, how they were formulated under the point system, and what determined if a bird was worth 10, 15, or 35 points. Despite being conceptually sound, the point system was withdrawn in 1994, largely due to challenges with the practicality of its implementation and enforcement.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Today's hunters don't just rely on skill — they rely on the tools that get them there.In this episode of the DUX Series, host David Schuessler is joined by co‑host Logan Nevins and guest Seth Dortch of Rough Country, one of the fastest‑growing vehicle accessory brands in the outdoor space.From truck lifts and bed systems to fully outfitted UTV builds, Seth shares how Rough Country has evolved from a suspension company into a full‑scale outdoor lifestyle brand — and how that evolution parallels the way modern hunters access, transport, and experience the outdoors.In this episode, listeners will hear about:Seth Dortch's background growing up in West Tennessee and DU banquetsThe early partnership between Rough Country and Ducks UnlimitedHow Rough Country grew from a small suspension company to a major manufacturerThe role of aftermarket accessories in hunting and outdoor lifestylesWhy modern hunters rely on UTVs and fully customized vehiclesThe rise of UTV accessories and how the category exploded in the last decadeHow Rough Country designs products specifically for hunters and outdoorsmenBed caps, cargo systems, and the “full system” approach to gearThe complexity of fitting products across vehicle makes and modelsHow innovation and competition drive better gear for consumerAmerican manufacturing and the impact on local communitiesWhat Rough Country is bringing to the DUX show in MemphisThis episode highlights how gear and mobility have become essential parts of the modern hunting experience — and how brands like Rough Country are helping drive that evolution.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Thanks For Listening - Say Something Nice about someone or something good going on in your life - Click the little mic on the iHeartRadio App and send us a talkback messageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

California's Central Valley is one of the most important — and most intensively managed — waterfowl landscapes in North America.In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Matt Kaminski, Ducks Unlimited Regional Biologist, and Dr. Dan Smith, DU Waterfowl Scientist, for a deep dive into habitat conditions, conservation challenges, and the future of wetlands in the Pacific Flyway.From highly engineered water systems to changing land use and declining snowpack, the conversation highlights how water management decisions shape waterfowl populations across the entire annual cycle — from breeding to migration and wintering.In this episode, listeners will hear about:Current breeding habitat conditions in the Central ValleyThe role of snowpack and water supply in wetland availabilityWhy California remains critical for wintering AND breeding ducksDeclines in mallard production and possible causesChanges in agriculture, especially rice, and impacts on ducksThe importance of watergrass as a key food resourceHighly engineered water systems and wetland infrastructureSeasonal vs. semi‑permanent wetlands explainedThe concept of “reverse cycle wetlands” and brood habitatWhy summer water is critical — but difficult and expensive to maintainDU and partner programs incentivizing habitat for breeding waterfowlThis episode provides an inside look at one of the most complex conservation landscapes in North America — and how Ducks Unlimited is working with partners to keep it productive for waterfowl.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're revisiting one of our favorite interviews with legendary birder Peter Kaestner—the first person in history to see more than 10,000 bird species in the wild.While John continues his birding adventures in New Zealand and Australia, we thought it was the perfect time to revisit this incredible conversation. Peter recently came up on the podcast when Shannon recognized one of his recordings of a Rwenzori Turaco, reminding us just how remarkable his birding journey has been.Peter is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished birders in the world. Over decades of global travel, he has observed more bird species than anyone else in history, visiting remote corners of the planet in pursuit of rare birds, endemic species, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to talk with Peter about world birding, bird identification, rare birds, international birding travel, conservation, and the adventures that come with a lifetime spent exploring the natural world.From incredible sightings and close calls to lessons learned from thousands of birding expeditions, Peter shares fascinating stories, hard-earned wisdom, and a passion for birds that is impossible not to appreciate.If you love birding, birdwatching, rare birds, wildlife travel, ornithology, bird conservation, bird identification, and extraordinary birding stories from around the world, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

For the inaugural episode of Conspiracy Corner, Pigweed and Crowhill investigate the claim that birds are actually government surveillance drones. The theory is completely fake—and that's the point.Created as a parody of conspiracy culture, Birds Aren't Real became a social experiment that exposed how easily movements can gain momentum and how quickly people can mistake satire for sincerity. Along the way, the hosts discuss fake whistleblowers, media reactions, group identity, persecution narratives, and the enduring appeal of hidden truths. Plus, they settle an important question: Have you ever seen a baby pigeon?

Mathematics was once a required practice in the duck blind, courtesy of the point system of the 70s and 80s. Dr. Jim Dubovsky, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service central flyway representative, joins Dr. Mike Brasher for a trip down memory lane to discuss the origination, objectives, implementation, and critiques of the old point system, a once common regulatory alternative for duck harvest. Although liked and enjoyed by managers and hunters alike, it wasn't without its challenges. Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Behind every vintage shell box, calendar, or advertisement is a story — not just about products, but about the history and culture of hunting itself.In this episode, host Katie Burke is joined by Lee Schulz, a long‑time collector of sporting art and hunting-related advertising, live from the North American Decoy Collectors Show. From hotel rooms turned antique shops to decades of collecting rare pieces, this conversation explores a side of the waterfowl world many hunters overlook — the art and artifacts that helped define it.Lee shares how collecting evolved over the last 40 years, the artists behind iconic advertising, and why these pieces still resonate with hunters today.In this episode, listeners will hear about:What sporting art and advertising collectibles areHow Lee got started collecting shell boxes and antique advertisingThe role of hunting culture in shaping early American advertisingWhy companies like Winchester and Remington relied on fine artistsLegendary artists like Philip Goodwin, Lynn Bogue Hunt, and Frank BensonThe connection between early advertising art and duck stamp artistsHow artwork was designed to sell products and tell storiesWhy nostalgia and outdoor heritage are driving renewed interestThis episode offers a fascinating look at the intersection of art, history, and hunting — and why preserving these pieces matters for future generations.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Rice fields aren't just agricultural landscapes — they're one of the most important waterfowl habitats in North America.In this episode, host Dr. Jerad Henson is joined by Dr. Ryan Askren of Five Oaks Ag Research & Education Center and Patrick Dill, Ducks Unlimited's Manager of Agricultural Programs in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV), to break down the science, management, and real‑world decisions behind rice agriculture and waterfowl habitat.From energy-rich food resources to water management and farming practices, the group explains why rice fields have become a cornerstone of wintering habitat — and what's at risk as modern agriculture continues to evolve.In this episode, listeners will hear about:The history of rice agriculture and its connection to waterfowlWhy rice fields function as “surrogate wetlands” in the MAVDuck Energy Days explained and why they matterThe massive difference between harvested vs. unharvested rice fieldsHow modern harvesting techniques affect food availabilityResidue management (burning, rolling, disking) and its impact on ducksWhy water depth (2–8 inches) is critical for feeding waterfowlThe importance of invertebrates and diverse food sources in rice fieldsHow infrastructure (levees, impoundments) helps hold water on the landscapeThe role of geese, weather, and timing in food depletionWhy early flooding and late-season water retention matterHow pressure, disturbance, and refuge areas affect duck behaviorThe realities of farming decisions: input costs, markets, and water scarcityEmerging trends in rice production (row rice, AWD irrigation, ratoon crops)Habitat loss risks when rice acres shift to other cropsPractical tips for managing rice fields specifically for waterfowlThis episode connects agriculture and conservation in a way that shows how farm-level decisions directly influence continental duck populations.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

In this concluding episode about the implementation of Adaptive Harvest Management, Dr. Jim Nichols and Dr. Mike Brasher discuss the importance of population data, band returns, and harvest estimates in AHM mechanics. This episode wraps up with a reflection on 25 years of liberal regulations, the legacy and influence of AHM beyond waterfowl management, where it ranks in the history of waterfowl management, and thoughts on why it has withstood the test of time.SPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Waterfowl science is entering a new era — and Ducks Unlimited is right in the middle of it.In this episode, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by co‑host Dr. Jerad Henson and guest Dr. Patrick Donnelly, Research Scientist with Ducks Unlimited's Western Region, for a deep dive into how emerging technologies are transforming the way we understand ducks, wetlands, and flyways.Patrick brings decades of experience from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, joint ventures, and academia, and now applies cutting‑edge tools like AI, cloud computing, GPS telemetry, remote sensing, and environmental DNA to answer some of the most important conservation questions at continental scales.In this episode, listeners will hear about:Patrick Donnelly's journey from the Fish & Wildlife Service to Ducks UnlimitedMovement ecology and why scale matters for migratory birdsHow GPS transmitters revolutionized waterfowl researchUsing satellite imagery to map wetlands across 40+ years“Functional wetland loss” and why water matters as much as land protectionThe role of snowpack, hydrology, and climate in western wetlandsDisease risk, botulism, and crowding during molting periodsLinking bird movements, habitat conditions, and timeThe Western Mallard Project and tracking 800 birds across the Pacific FlywaySentinel and Landsat satellites explained in plain languageCloud computing and why conservation can now run at scaleUsing citizen‑science data (eBird) alongside satellite dataNew applications of environmental DNA (yes — duck poop)How AI helps identify patterns humans can't seeTraining the next generation of conservation scientistsWhy this moment feels like a “second revolution” in waterfowl scienceThis episode pulls back the curtain on how Ducks Unlimited is using modern science to maximize conservation return on investment, ensuring that every dollar delivers the greatest benefit for waterfowl now and into the future.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

Past Editor-in-Chief of Hunting and Fishing Collectibles Magazine, Stan Van Etten, joins host, Katie Burke, to chat about the magazine's 20-year run. The duo reminisces about some of the magazine's great articles over years of its publication. Stan discusses what led him to start the publication of the magazine, as well as his reason for retiring it.Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

S&P Global's flash Purchasing Managers' Index for May reflects “a tale of two economies.” Input costs increased across industries this month, and while manufacturers could keep up, the services sector faced softening demand. Also in this episode: Birdwatching brings tourist dollars to Northwest Ohio, an independent performance venue in Iowa gets creative to keep the lights on, and we discuss the week's economic headlines. Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

S&P Global's flash Purchasing Managers' Index for May reflects “a tale of two economies.” Input costs increased across industries this month, and while manufacturers could keep up, the services sector faced softening demand. Also in this episode: Birdwatching brings tourist dollars to Northwest Ohio, an independent performance venue in Iowa gets creative to keep the lights on, and we discuss the week's economic headlines. Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.