The Bird Joy Podcast

Bird Joy Podcast Season 4 Finale: Reflecting on Growth, Community, and Bird JoyIn this special Season 4 finale of the Bird Joy Podcast, hosts Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall reflect on a season full of meaningful conversations, powerful stories, and a growing global community connected through birds and nature.Season 4 has been about more than birding—it’s been about connection, creativity, and belonging. Through conversations with photographers, scientists, artists, conservationists, and community leaders, Bird Joy continues to highlight the many ways people engage with and find meaning in the natural world.This season also brought major milestones. Episode 50 featured Divya Anantharaman, blending science and art in unforgettable ways, and shortly after, the podcast surpassed 50,000 downloads following the episode with Christopher Joe. Now at Episode 54, Bird Joy continues to grow in both reach and impact.Dexter and Jason also share a behind-the-scenes look at how the show comes together each week, emphasizing the teamwork and intention that power the podcast.The episode revisits standout guests like Angela Ledyard, Jody Allair, Tarik Shahzad, Liz Lopez, Casey Girard, Sam DeJarnett, Vikas Bhatia, Trentön Schulz-Franco, Sharon Dorsey, and Rosemary Mosco—each bringing unique perspectives on storytelling, representation, and the joy of birding.Across the season, key themes emerge: belonging in nature, the power of storytelling, creativity in science communication, and community-building through shared curiosity.Looking ahead, the hosts begin dreaming about Season 5 and invite listeners to help shape what’s next. As always, this episode is a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey.Here’s to spring migration, new lifers, and the joy of paying attention.Until next time—keep chasing that Bird Joy.BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding 

This week on the Bird Joy Podcast, Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall sit down with science writer, naturalist, and illustrator Rosemary Mosco, the creative mind behind the beloved comic Bird and Moon. Known for blending humor, art, and ecology, Rosemary has built a unique space where birders, scientists, and curious nature lovers can laugh while learning about the natural world.Rosemary is the author of The Birding Dictionary, named one of the Best Books of the Year by the American Birding Association. The pocket-sized guide celebrates birding language with witty definitions and playful illustrations that capture the quirks of birding culture. Her writing and illustrations have appeared in National Audubon Society publications and The New York Times, and she has written science books for readers of all ages on topics ranging from butterflies to the solar system.In this episode, Dexter and Jason explore how drawing and observation shaped Rosemary’s path into science communication, and why comics are such a powerful tool for making complex ideas accessible. They discuss the culture and inside jokes of birding, the inspiration behind The Birding Dictionary, and how humor (see BloodCheep) can help people sit with the uncertainty and wonder that often come with science.The conversation also reflects on belonging in nature spaces, the role of creativity in learning, and how curiosity — whether through a sketchbook, a comic panel, or a pair of binoculars — can change the way we notice the world around us.From birding slang to creative science storytelling, this episode celebrates the joy of paying attention and the many ways art can invite people deeper into nature.If you enjoy conversations about creativity, curiosity, and the culture of birding, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding

On this episode of the Bird Joy Podcast, Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall sit down with Sharon Dorsey, an urban naturalist, wildlife biologist, educator, and founder of SharInNature, to discuss birding, outreach, and the power of building an ecological identity.Sharon’s work centers on helping people notice and connect with the ecosystems that surround them, especially in cities and everyday spaces. Through birding, research, education, and storytelling, she encourages people to see themselves as part of nature rather than separate from it.In this conversation, Sharon shares her journey into wildlife biology and fieldwork, her experiences studying wetlands and shorebirds, and how her scientific background informs the way she teaches others to observe the natural world. She also discusses her writing, including her book Shorebirds: A Compare and Contrast Book and her contribution to Been Outside: Adventures of Black Women, Nonbinary, and Gender Nonconforming People in Nature.The episode also explores Sharon’s work through SharInNature, her approach to community outreach, and how representation, storytelling, and everyday observation can help people build deeper relationships with ecosystems around them.Whether you’re a longtime birder or just starting to notice the wildlife in your neighborhood, this conversation offers inspiration and practical ways to reconnect with the natural world right outside your door.BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding 

This week on the Bird Joy Podcast, Dexter and Jason sit down with Christopher Joe, a farmer, conservationist, birder, and founder of Connecting with Birds and Nature Tours in Alabama.Chris is a native of Greensboro, Alabama, and the steward of Joe Farm, a 200-acre Black Angus cattle farm in Newbern that has been in his family since the mid-1800s. A graduate of Alabama A&M University with a degree in Agribusiness Management, Chris now serves as a District Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. His life’s work sits at the intersection of land stewardship, conservation, and community.In a region where Black land ownership has faced generations of intimidation and loss, Chris understands just how sacred land can be. Through birding tours hosted on his family’s private property, he has created a rare and powerful space. A space where people from all walks of life can gather, feel safe, and experience nature through joy and connection.Joe Farm has become especially known for the breathtaking arrival of Swallow-tailed Kites each year during hay cutting season — a spectacle that draws birders from across the region and opens deeper conversations about access, representation, and belonging in the outdoors.In this episode, we explore Chris’s childhood roots on the farm, the responsibility of carrying generational legacy, and the challenges of building an ecotourism business in Alabama. We talk about what it means to often be the only Black person in conservation spaces, how the national conversation around race and birding has evolved, and how hosting Christian Cooper and National Geographic on his property shaped his journey.At its core, this conversation is about more than birds. It’s about legacy. It’s about ownership. It’s about community. And it’s about what becomes possible when people experience nature together.Plus, stay tuned for a joyful lightning round where Chris shares his favorite bird to photograph, the sound in nature he loves most, and what “Bird Joy” truly means to him.You can learn more about Christopher Joe and book a tour at Birds and Nature Tours.Remember — Bird Joy is for everyone, even YOU.BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club

What happens when fashion, natural history, conservation, and art collide?In this episode of Bird Joy, we’re joined by New York City’s premier licensed professional taxidermist, Divya Anantharaman, an award-winning artist whose work spans museums, galleries, fashion houses, and natural history institutions. Divya specializes in birds, small mammals, and anatomic anomalies, blending scientific precision with emotional storytelling and symbolic design. Check out her work here.Divya’s path wasn’t linear. She left the corporate fashion world to pursue her love of natural history, becoming the resident taxidermist at the Morbid Anatomy Museum and building a global following for her taxidermy, skeletal, and entomology displays, as well as jewelry and wearable art rooted in wonder.Divya shares insights from her feature in the documentary Rearranging Skin, her book Stuffed Animals: A Modern Guide to Taxidermy, and her collaborations with institutions, artists, and conservation groups like NYC Bird Alliance and NYC Plover Project.At its heart, this conversation explores the human-animal relationship, conservation, legacy, memory, and what becomes possible when science becomes art.If you’ve ever felt the pull of curiosity toward feathers, form, history, or preservation, this episode is for you.Science. Style. Wonder. And a whole lot of Bird Joy! BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club  

In this episode, we sit down with Trentön Schulz-Franco, founder of the Special Bird Service Society in Canada. SBS is an outdoor community rooted in Victoria and Vancouver that is redefining what belonging in nature can look like. Special Bird Service centers Black, Indigenous, and other people of colour, as well as 2SLGBTQIA+ folks, creating intentional spaces where people feel safe, seen, and genuinely welcome outdoors.Our conversation explores the difference between access and belonging, the personal journey that led Trentön to build SBS, and the responsibility outdoor leaders carry when guiding people on colonized land. We talk about healing, joy, storytelling, and the power of community-led spaces to transform our experience of nature. Trentön shares affirming moments from SBS gatherings, the challenges of growth, and what it takes to protect a community’s soul while expanding its reach.This episode is a reminder that birding and outdoor culture can be places of care, accountability, and connection when community comes first. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to build a space where people truly belong, this conversation is for you.BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club 

Today we’re joined by Vikas Bhatia (Vikas Wildlife) — wildlife filmmaker, photographer, and composer whose work blends sound and image into immersive stories from the Amazon to the Arctic.We talk about what it means to make the environment a main character, how his background playing in bands shaped his editing rhythm, and the creative leap of composing original music for his wildlife films. Vikas shares field stories from extreme habitats, the patience required to capture animal behavior, and how he balances brand collaborations with his artistic voice.We also dig into gear, risk, creative burnout, and advice for emerging storytellers trying to find their lane in a noisy, algorithm-driven world.This episode is about storytelling as craft, adventure as discipline, and creating art that honors wild places.BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club 

In this episode of the Bird Joy Podcast, we’re joined by Sam DeJarnett, creator and host of the Always Be Birdin’ Podcast, for a powerful conversation about joy, resistance, and collective liberation through birding. Sam shares her journey into birding through wildlife rehabilitation and her experiences with exclusion in traditional birding spaces. These experiences pushed her to build something new rather than walk away.We explore how birding can serve as protest and community care, how dominant narratives in conservation have excluded Black and Brown birders, and what becomes possible when knowledge is shared horizontally rather than through gatekeeping. Sam also unpacks her mycelium metaphor for community, offering a vision of birding spaces as interconnected networks where supporting one another strengthens the whole.This episode centers on birding as joy, birding as resistance, and birding as a tool for imagining more inclusive, liberatory futures, all wrapped up in a fun and thoughtful Bird Joy Lightning Round that captures Sam’s philosophy and heart.BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club

In this episode of the Bird Joy Podcast, we’re joined by Casey Girard, an autistic artist, illustrator, naturalist, educator, and birder based in Asheville, North Carolina, whose work lives at the intersection of art, birds, science, and community care. Casey shares how art and birding became sources of refuge, how early experiences in illustration and education shaped their visual storytelling, and why representation through projects like their Black Birders illustrations matters so deeply.We explore how neurodivergence influences creative practice and sensory connection to nature, the role of art in supporting mental health, and how birds can offer grounding and hope during difficult times. Casey also reflects on their recent collaboration with the Feminist Bird Club of Asheville, which raised over $11,500 for BeLoved Asheville after Hurricane Helene, an inspiring example of art as mutual aid.This heartfelt conversation centers art as refuge, birds as teachers, and the power of creativity and community in moments of challenge and care, capped off with a fun, art-focused Bird Joy Lightning Round.BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club

In this episode of the Bird Joy Podcast, we’re joined by Liz Lopez, also known as @browngirlbiologist, for a wide-ranging conversation about field biology, curiosity, and belonging in science and outdoor spaces. Liz shares her journey into biology, how identity and mentorship shaped her path, and what it really means to work as a biological monitor protecting threatened species across California.We dive into her love of snakes and how education can transform fear into understanding, explore the realities of monitoring, compliance, and conservation work, and discuss how moving between ecosystems, from land to sea, sharpens observation and adaptability. Liz also reflects on the importance of communication, teamwork, and empathy in field science, and her connection to Latino Outdoors as a source of community and representation.The episode wraps with a fun Bird Joy Lightning Round that highlights Liz’s curiosity, humor, and deep respect for the natural world.BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club

In this episode of the Bird Joy Podcast, Dexter and Jason are joined by Tarik Shahzad, a Chicago-based birder who made history in 2024 by recording 294 bird species in Cook County, setting a new county record during what’s now known as the Tarik Big Year.Tarik shares how growing up in Chicago as a birder of Pakistani and Bosnian descent shaped his relationship with nature, identity, and belonging in outdoor spaces. The conversation explores what makes Chicago birding so special from neighborhood green spaces to the unpredictable magic of Lake Michigan and how birding has transformed the way Tarik experiences the city every day.The episode dives deep into Great Lakes birding, including gull identification, open-water scanning, and the joy of “gull frolics,” as well as the perspective-shifting moment of discovering a Short-tailed Shearwater, a Pacific seabird never before recorded in Illinois. Tarik also reflects on balancing joy and pressure during a Big Year, and how the experience deepened his understanding of conservation through his work in environmental policy with The Nature Conservancy.The conversation wraps with a look ahead at what’s next for Tarik and a classic Bird Joy lightning round touching on Lake Michigan migration, gulls, and warblers.Whether you bird the Great Lakes or your local park, this episode is a reminder that wonder is always waiting when you slow down and look closely.

Today on the Bird Joy Podcast, we welcome Jody Allair—an avid birder, naturalist, and communicator who has been living a full-on bird life for decades and still brings curiosity, joy, and humanity to everything he does. Jody began birding and banding as a teen at Long Point Bird Observatory and now serves as Director of Communications at Birds Canada, where he leads media efforts, co-edits BirdWatch Canada magazine, produces the Warblers Podcast, and helps coordinate eBird Canada.In this episode, we explore Jody’s origin story and how early banding experiences shaped his conservation ethic. We talk about finding joy while doing serious bird work, from bald eagles to nocturnal owls, and why storytelling across radio, podcasts, TV, and print is so powerful for connecting people to birds. Jody also dives into springtime warbler madness, offers advice for turning warbler confusion into joy, and reflects on the role of community science in building belonging. Plus, stories from birding tours, a playful lightning round, and reflections on what still brings him bird joy after 20+ years.BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club

In this episode of the Bird Joy Podcast, Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall sit down with photographer Angela Ledyard for a robust conversation about creativity, presence, and belonging in nature.Angela shares how photography became a lifelong relationship rooted in curiosity and care, beginning with watching her grandparents document everyday life in Cleveland. She reflects on learning the craft across film, studio work, photojournalism, wildlife photography, and her perspective as an FAA-certified drone pilot. Throughout the episode, Angela speaks candidly about showing up as a Black woman in outdoor spaces, finding calm and awareness through wildlife photography, and how birds, nature, and image-making continue to shape her sense of joy and healing.This episode is about claiming space, trusting your eye, and honoring photography as both a creative practice and a way of being present in the world.Topics include: Early creative roots and learning to see differently Building confidence through technical skill Navigating nature spaces as a Black woman Patience, presence, and wildlife photography Birds that inspire joy and curiosity Nature, healing, and creative renewal Seeing the world from above through drone photographyListen in for a thoughtful, grounding conversation that reminds us that joy, creativity, and care belong to all of us.BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club 

Season 4 opens with Dexter and Jason celebrating their return to the Bird Joy Podcast and reconnecting with the Bird Nerd community. They reflect on how much they missed recording together, hearing from listeners, and sharing the energy of building a birding community.The hosts catch up on fall birding highlights, from the simple joy of being back in the field to meaningful milestones like Dexter’s book launch. Dexter shares how powerful it was to hear readers’ stories—especially those inspired to slow down, notice birds, and bird with their families.Fall migration and “weird duck season” take center stage with standout sightings including Harlequin Ducks, scoters, loons, tundra swans, and more. Jason and Dexter also reflect on fall outings with the In Color Birding Club, emphasizing the joy and purpose found in community-led birding.The conversation shifts to winter birding, backyard activity after snowfall, and simple tips for staying warm and patient in cold weather. They also preview the Christmas Bird Count, sharing why it remains one of their favorite community birding traditions.The episode closes with reflections on first-time birders, hopes for Season 4, and gratitude for the Bird Nerd community, ending with excitement for the season ahead!BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club

Season 3 of the Bird Joy Podcast comes to a powerful close with hosts Dexter and Jason revisiting the highlights, laughter, and love that made this season unforgettable. From deep conversations on legacy and identity to global birding adventures, this episode is a celebration of nature, joy, and the people who make the outdoors a more inclusive space. Plus, a sneak peek of what’s coming in Season 4!💬 Final Words from Your Hosts:“Birding has changed our lives, and the folks we met this season are proof that birds can connect us all.” – Dexter Patterson“We started this podcast to spread joy and share our stories—and it’s clear the community is only growing stronger.” – Jason Hall📣 Stay Connected: @thebirdjoypod on Instagram ✅ Please subscribe, share, and leave a review wherever you listen to the podcast. It helps us grow and reach a wider audience.  📩 Got a guest or story idea? Send it our way on socials!🫶🏾 Never stop spreading Bird Joy wherever you fly. Season 4 drops late Fall! Let’s Go! BIPOC Birding ClubIn Color Birding Club

In this powerful season finale of Bird Joy, Dexter and Jason sit down with their brother and longtime collaborator, Christopher Kilgour, a transformative leader in the outdoor community. Chris is the founder of Color in the Outdoors, steward of Piece of Mind Acres, and co-founder of the Underground Hiking Collective.From growing up near Tenney Park with ducks and his mom to becoming a fierce advocate for equity and healing in nature, Chris shares his journey with vulnerability, wisdom, and joy. He discusses building outdoor programs that welcome everyone, launching CITO, mentoring the next generation, and being featured in Dudley Edmondson's "People the Planet Needs Now."This episode is full of heart, laughter, and hard-earned insights about what it truly means to belong in the Outdoors.Connect with Chris Kilgour: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cjkilgourConnect with Color in the Outdoors:🌈 Website: Color in the Outdoors 📸 Instagram: @colorintheoutdoorsSubscribe & Follow Us:📲 Apple | Spotify | Google | Stitcher – Bird Joy PodcastInstagram: @thebirdjoypod💬 Shout-outs🐦 BIPOC Birding Club🎨 In Color Birding Club

In this globe-spanning episode, we sit down with legendary birder George Armistead. This man has guided trips on all seven continents and made it his mission to craft wild and meaningful birding adventures. We discuss the roots of his passion, the power of group travel, the behind-the-scenes magic of The Life List podcast, and how birding culture is evolving globally. Whether you’re a backyard birder or a global chaser, this episode will leave you ready to pack your bins and hit the trail.Guest Links 🐦 Hillstar Nature – Explore guided birding adventures across the globe 🎧 The Life List: A Birding Podcast – Smart, funny, and deeply birdy conversations 📚 Better Birding & ABA Field Guide to Birds of Pennsylvania – By George ArmisteadBirding Club Shout-outsBIPOC Birding ClubIn Color Birding Club

In this episode of the Bird Joy Podcast, hosts Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall sit down with Dr. Miyoko Chu, Senior Director of Communications at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Dr. Chu is a powerhouse at the intersection of science, storytelling, and technology, known for her pioneering work on the Merlin Bird ID app and her beautiful, bird-inspired books.We explore her journey into ornithology, the global success of Merlin, and the exciting future of bird conservation—powered by data, digital tools, and deeper inclusion. From spark birds to AI innovations, this episode is packed with inspiration for birders of every level.Links & Resources:🔗 Cornell Lab of Ornithology📲 Download Merlin Bird ID📖 Songbird Journeys | Birdscapes | America’s Favorite BirdsIn Color Birding ClubBIPOC Birding Club👍 Follow, subscribe, and share the Bird Joy Podcast🐦 Spread the joy—tag us in your favorite birding moments📬 Email us your bird questions and shoutouts

In this joyful and thought-provoking episode, Dexter and Jason sit down with Danielle Belleny, a wildlife biologist, birder, storyteller, and co-founder of Black Birders Week. Danielle is known for her ability to blend ecology, joy, and cultural reflection, and she encourages us to see nature in often-overlooked places, particularly cemeteries.Her celebrated works include *This Is a Book for People Who Love Birds* and *A Junior Birder’s Handbook*, and she is also behind the growing #CemeteryBirdersClub movement. Danielle’s efforts are expanding how people connect with birds, life, and even death.Episode Resources: This Is a Book for People Who Love Birds A Junior Birder’s Handbook: A Kid’s Guide to BirdwatchingConnect with Danielle:Stay connected with Danielle’s latest projects, writing, and birding adventures:Instagram: @bellzisbirding#CemeteryBirdersClubWebsite: https://dbelleny.carrd.co/The Bird Joy Podcast is hosted by Dexter Patterson and Jason HallConnect with the Pod:Instagram: Bird Joy Podcast Birding Club Websites:BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club

In this episode, Dexter and Jason are joined by Nicole Jackson, environmental educator, urban birder, nature photographer, and co-organizer of Black Birders Week. Nicole shares her journey into environmental education, the healing power of nature, and her passion for making outdoor spaces more inclusive. From grassroots work in Ohio to national initiatives like Let’s Go Outside! with Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Nicole’s story is a powerful reminder that nature belongs to everyone.The conversation explores her community-based projects, creative work on an upcoming documentary, and wraps with a fun rapid-fire round that offers a glimpse into what brings her Bird Joy.Highlights: How Nicole’s love of nature began in Cleveland Healing from trauma through nature  The evolution of Black Birders Week and Black in National Parks Week Making environmental education accessible through Let’s Go Outside! Her upcoming youth-focused birding documentary Favorite birds, memories, and books from the rapid-fire Q&AResources & Links: Nicole Jackson – Instagram  Let’s Go Outside! – Cornell Lab of Ornithology Black Birders Week – BlackAFinSTEM Black in National Parks Week – #BlackInNationalParksWeek BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding ClubThank you for listening!Subscribe, rate, and review the Bird Joy Podcast. Follow us on social media for new episodes and bonus content.

In this special on-the-road episode, Dexter and Jason visit the Soaring Eagles of Chase STEMM Academy in Toledo, Ohio, for an inspiring conversation with 6th and 7th-grade student ambassadors. Just steps from Manhattan Marsh, these young scholars are exploring nature, STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine), and their big dreams. Shout-out to Vonda Hogle for helping bring this recording to life! Another big shoutout to the folks at The Biggest Week in Birding for connecting us with this incredible school. Episode Highlights Welcome – Dexter & Jason share their journeys in science, birding, and the power of outdoor learning. Birding at the Marsh – Students reflect on nature sightings and the magic of having a marsh next to their school. STEMM Spotlights – Student ambassadors talk favorite subjects, proud projects, and future careers in STEMM fields. Flip the Mic – Students ask the hosts about birding, STEMM careers, and staying curious. Final Takeaways – A call to keep exploring—in the classroom, in nature, and beyond.Key Themes Nature as a living classroom Birding as a gateway to science Empowering the next generation of STEMM leaders Joy, curiosity, and connection in education🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget: keep asking questions, keep exploring, and keep spreading that Bird Joy. Let’s go!BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding

In this inspiring episode of the Bird Joy Podcast, hosts Dexter and Jason sit down with renowned photographer, author, filmmaker, and speaker Dudley Edmondson. With a career spanning over 30 years, Dudley has captured nature's wild beauty and redefined who belongs in those wild spaces. From the Arctic Circle to inner-city green spaces, Dudley's work weaves together storytelling, healing, and representation in the outdoors.He shares insights from his groundbreaking book Black & Brown Faces in America's Wild Places and his latest project, People the Planet Needs Now, which features 25 BIPOC scientists and activists shaping the future of climate justice. Tune in for a moving conversation on legacy, leadership, and the joy of birds and wild places.Resources & Mentions: 📚 Black & Brown Faces in America's Wild Places by Dudley Edmondson 📖 People the Planet Needs Now 🎥 PBS: America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston 🖼️ Minnesota Marine Art Museum – Northern WatersConnect with Dudley Edmondson: Website: www.dudleyedmondson.com Instagram: @dudleyedmondsonBIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin: bipocbirdingclub.orgIn Color Birding Club: incolorbirding.org

We’re celebrating Black Birders Week with a very special guest: Corina Newsome — wildlife biologist, conservation scientist, and one of the original co-organizers of the first Black Birders Week in 2020. In this inspiring episode, Corina joins Dexter and Jason to talk about her journey from zookeeper to passionate advocate for environmental justice, and how she’s helping reshape who feels welcome in the outdoors.Corina reflects on the moment she fell in love with wildlife, the movement-building behind Black Birders Week (founded by Black AF in STEM), and how becoming a mother is deepening her connection to nature. This episode is full of heart, humor, and real talk—from favorite birding snacks and awe-filled moments to the ongoing work of creating inclusive spaces in science and nature. It’s a celebration of joy, justice, and unapologetic presence in wild places.💚 Follow Corina NewsomeInstagram: @hood_naturalistLinkedIn: Corina NewsomeWebsite: www.corinanewsome.com🌍 Learn More & Get InvolvedBIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin: bipocbirdingclub.orgIn Color Birding Club: incolorbirding.org🎧 Subscribe to Bird Joy wherever you listen to podcasts and follow @thebirdjoypod for more episodes celebrating birds, community, and belonging.

In this episode, Dexter and Jason sit down with Kojo Baidoo — a 23-year-old birder, Princeton graduate, and self-proclaimed vulture enthusiast — to explore how one young conservationist is flipping the script on one of the most misunderstood birds in the skies.Kojo shares how his birding journey began in Maryland and took flight during his time studying Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Princeton. He opens up about his experiences navigating the birding world as a young Black birder, the mentors who shaped him, and how he’s using social media to educate and inspire. From viral reels to fieldwork with The Nature Conservancy, Kojo’s mission is clear: even the “ugly” birds deserve joy.The conversation also touches on Kojo’s recent trip to witness the Sandhill Crane migration, his current work as a Hubbard Fellow, and advice for aspiring birders who feel like outsiders in the outdoor space. Kojo’s blend of humor, heart, and scientific insight makes this episode a powerful reminder that birding can be a tool for joy, community, and change.📲 Follow KojoInstagram: @kojobirderLearn more about Black Vultures here💬 Stay ConnectedSubscribe, rate, and review Bird Joy wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on social @thebirdjoypod for more feathered joy and behind-the-scenes content!BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding 

In this inspiring episode of The Bird Joy Podcast, Jason and Dexter sit down with Shane Alden Edwards, better known online as The Wild Dryad. A self-taught illustrator and botanist, Shane has captured the hearts of over half a million nature lovers through his vibrant educational content centered on plants, ecology, and outdoor learning.From early creative roots in aquaponics and drawing, to leading community workshops in partnership with The Conservation Foundation and The Field Museum of Natural History, Shane shares how art and education can work together to nurture a deeper relationship with the natural world.We talk about the joy of native plants, the importance of experiential learning, and how community and creativity can foster healing for both people and the planet.Topics Covered: Shane’s journey into botany through art and aquaponics How acting and improv shape his unique teaching style Building inclusive, community-centered environmental education The importance of native plants for birds, biodiversity, and ecosystems Memorable experiences studying ecology in North America and Southeast Asia What it’s like to grow an online community of over 500,000 nature lovers Tips for beginners who want to start exploring plants and botany Hopes for the future of conservation, education, and environmental justice Finding joy through connection with plants and naturebipocbirdingclub.orgincolorbirding.org

The second episode of The Bird Joy Podcast features hosts Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall in conversation with their "dream guest," Dr. J. Drew Lanham, a distinguished wildlife ecologist, professor, poet, and author. The episode delves into Dr. Lanham's deep connections to nature, starting with his childhood on The Home Place and the influence of his grandmother.The discussion explores themes of land, identity, and belonging for Black individuals in landscapes with a history of slavery, referencing Dr. Lanham's book The Home Place. It also discusses the realities of "Birding While Black," including the experience of being watched and the question of safety, while also touching on the progress and necessary changes brought about by initiatives like Black Birders Week.A significant portion of the conversation centers on the concept of "Joy as Justice," the title of Dr. Lanham's latest poetry collection. They explore why joy is central to his work and its meaning as a form of resistance. They also discuss navigating grief alongside the wonder of nature.The hosts and Dr. Lanham touch upon the power of storytelling in conservation, blending science with poetry, and the impact of his writing, referencing his BirdNote episode "For Lindsay." The episode concludes with a discussion on legacy, advice for young Black and Brown nature enthusiasts, and Dr. Lanham's hopes for the future of birding and the outdoors.The hosts thanked Dr. Lanham and provided information on where listeners can find his work before signing off. They also shouted out relevant organizations and called listeners to action.bipocbirdingclub.orgincolorbirding.org

We're back! In the Season 3 premiere of Bird Joy, your favorite birding buddies reunite to catch up, share what’s new, and get pumped for the peak of spring migration. From exciting bird sightings to major personal milestones—including Dexter’s new book and In Color Birding Club’s website launch—this episode sets the tone for an inspiring and vibrant new season.In This Episode: A warm welcome back to the Bird Joy community Early spring sightings and birding energy Community-driven birding updates and new collaborations Behind-the-scenes of Dexter’s book journey Launch of a new inclusive birding platform What’s ahead this season—special guests, stories, and inspirationSubscribe, share, and follow us on socials to stay in the loop this season. Got a cool spring birding moment? Tag us—we’d love to see it!Let’s go! Season 3 is officially in flight. 

Season 2 of the Bird Joy Podcast was an unforgettable journey! This season, we celebrated diverse voices and explored themes like birding, mentorship, science communication, healing, community, and breaking barriers in STEAM fields. From pioneers like Emmy-award winner and best-selling author Christian Cooper to next-generation leaders like Isaiah Scott, our guests inspired us with their passion and wisdom.Dexter reflects on the personal growth and healing sparked by powerful conversations with guests like Tammah Watts and Melissa Hafting. At the same time, Jason hilariously compares a male Northern Cardinal to Adele (yes, that happened!).As we gear up for Season 3, we invite YOU, our listeners, to join the show by sharing your Bird Joy stories. Plus, get a sneak peek at exciting future guests and how we’re working to grow the podcast, reach more people, and fairly compensate our amazing guests.Connect With Us and Our GuestsFollow us on Instagram @thebirdjoypod and check out our incredible Season 2 guests: Christian Cooper – @christiancooperbirder Isaiah Scott – @ikesbirdinghikes Jordan Rowley – @brighteyedbirding Mariah Hryniewich – @mariaheve13 Luis Eduardo Gles – @phonescoper Amar Ayyash  Lauren Pharr – @ldpharr Dr. Murry Burges – @murryloub Field Inclusive – @fieldinclusive Indigo Goodson-Fields – @indigoindaflow Tammah Watts – @tammahwatts Calvin Feagans – @biotainframe Alex Troutman – @n8ture_al Melissa Hafting – @bcbirdergirlLooking Ahead to Season 3 Audience Involvement: We want to hear from you! Record a short voice memo sharing your favorite birding moments, reflections on the podcast, or what Bird Joy means to you. Please email us at [email protected]:  A big shoutout to Field Inclusive (it’s Field Inclusive Week!) Jasmine Banks of Operation Fresh Start, Christopher Kilgour of Color in the Outdoors, Outdoor Auntie. Support the Podcast: Help us grow by subscribing, sharing, and leaving a review. Interested in partnering with us? Reach out to support or sponsor the podcast and help us scale while fairly compensating our guests.Closing NoteWe’re so proud to showcase the diversity and beauty of the birding community. To all our Bird Nerd homies, thank you for making Season 2 unforgettable. We’ll see you in Season 3—we outside all 2025!

In the final guest appearance of Season 2, Dexter and Jason sit down with British Columbia's own Melissa Hafting to explore how birding can provide profound healing and hope. Melissa reflects on her experiences as a Black woman birding in British Columbia and discusses her remarkable new book, Dare to Bird: Exploring the Joy and Healing Power of Birds. She shares how her parents nurtured her love for birds early on and how that foundational support motivates her to mentor the next generation of birders in her community and beyond through the BC Young Birders Program she founded in 2014.Melissa is a trailblazer in the birding community, breaking barriers, championing diversity, and leading with grace and determination.The conversation also touches on Melissa's favorite birding spots in BC, including the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary and Boundary Bay. She talks about her role as an eBird reviewer and showcases her breathtaking bird photography.Melissa Hafting is a shining example of how Black women significantly contribute to birding and beyond.Connect with Melissa:📸 Follow Melissa: @bcbirdergirl  🌐 Visit her website: Dare to BirdWe also want to thank the Special Bird Service, another Canadian organization dedicated to making nature more accessible. Through birding, they aim to remove barriers and challenge stereotypes about the outdoors.Connect with Us:🐦 Dexter: @WiscoBirder  🐦 Jason: @TheBirdingBeardsman🌐 More episodes & resources: Bird Joy Podcast🎙️ Are you ready for some Bird Joy? Let's Go!

In this uplifting episode, Dexter and Jason are joined by Alex Troutman, known as the “Best Smile in Birding,” to explore the many ways to find joy in the great outdoors. Whether it’s birding, fishing, hunting, or camping, Alex inspires us to live life with a wildlife mirror, reflecting the beauty of the natural world.Alex shares his incredible research journey highlights, including studying Karner Blue Butterflies in Wisconsin, sea turtles in Texas, and bats in Malaysia.The conversation includes Bird Joy Podcast shoutouts to Hunters of Color, Black Duck Revival, and the homie Mahdi Woodard, the Atlanta Birdman.Don’t miss Alex’s thoughts on his upcoming merch and the hosts’ shared dream of birding in South America to spot the iconic Harpy Eagle. Want to help them get there? Holler at your bird-loving crew!Connect with Us:Follow Alex Troutman: @N8ture_AlDexter: @WiscoBirderJason: @TheBirdingBeardsman🌐 More episodes & resources: Bird Joy Podcast🎙️ Are you ready for some Bird Joy? Let’s Go!

Dexter and Jason welcome Calvin Feagans, an environmental scientist, educator, and talented nature photographer, to the Bird Joy Podcast this week! Calvin shares how his passion for urban ecology and biodiversity drives his creative work, from the educational EnviroBytes to urban ecology report cards. He also discusses the challenges and joys of turning data into storytelling tools, mapping bird migration patterns, and reclaiming old industrial spaces for conservation efforts.Throughout the conversation, the homies touch on themes like environmental stewardship, advocating for nature in urban spaces, and navigating the highs and lows of social media advocacy (including a few words on those inevitable trolls). They even reflect nostalgically (and humorously) on their shared love-hate relationship with R programming!Get ready for an inspiring, educational, and joy-filled conversation that will leave you seeing urban green spaces—and the role you can play in preserving them—in a new light.Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club

Get comfortable. Take a seat. Gather around friends for a warm and meaningful conversation with the famed author, mindful birder, licensed marriage and family therapist, California Audubon board member, and accessible birding advocate Tammah Watts! In this episode we discuss her approaches to birding as it pertains to her own healing and connection with our community, including incredible encounters with Red-shouldered Hawks and Mourning Doves to aid in the healing. We cover some experiences we’ve all had in nature, some with each other. We look into her book, “Keep Looking Up: Your Guide to the Powerful Healing of Birdwatching,” and even explore some pages together. You will be delighted to participate in a prompt read live by Tammah, where we embody a crane looking at still water for some self-reflection. We also talk about some birding adventures with the SoCal Bird Nerd crew (of which Jason is an honorary member), where they look for Cactus Wrens and Say’s Phoebe. We also get some great advice from Tammah on how to approach our birding in ways that help us cope with life in a sometimes very challenging world.This is a space we gather to fill up each other’s cups with that everlasting Bird Joy! Join us!Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club

The vibe is SOOOO right this week with our homie Indigo Goodson-Fields. Indigo comes to hang with us from Brooklyn, NYC, where she is a birder, poet, bird guide, writer, educator, and bird model (with Bird Collective). We spend some time talking about how she curates her community in ways that enrich her own mental health as well as the community around her. This includes leading “Birding, Poetry, and Power” outings through Field Meridians as well as those more quiet and reflecting moments in Prospect Park or the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. We break down what it means to find your space and your community in nature, especially in the most well-known city on the planet. Indigo brings us inside the life of a new mother, navigating the caregiving responsibilities while still trying to find time to fill up one's cup in nature. This can be through the reflections on the intertwined lives of Eastern Bluebird and Brown-headed Cowbird mothers or the arrival of a special Yellow-breasted Chat in her local patch.Join us this week as we find that unique Bird Joy with Indigo, and give her a follow if you want to get to one of her upcoming outings in 2025!Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club

We have some excellence for ya’ll on this episode! Our two guests today are Dr. Murry Burgess and Lauren D. Pharr, the founders of Field Inclusive Inc. In this episode, we get into the need for an organization like Field Inclusive when it comes to helping marginalized field researchers, including those who are out in our forests, swamps, ponds, oceans, and deserts studying birds! This covers everything from field training to safety training and even equitable financial compensation. You can learn more about this in the upcoming Field Inclusive Week 2025.Additionally, we cover some of the research that has impacted birds across the spectrum. From the key research by Lauren on the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, which was recently delisted from endangered to threatened by USFWS to the key research by Dr. Burgess on light pollution on the lives of songbirds. We do not forget to discuss the colorful and magical book Sparrow Loves Birds, authored by Dr. Burgess and illustrated by Tamisha Anthony. We discuss the impetus for the books and why it’s such a comprehensive onramp for kids to explore their communities.Join us this week for incredible joy and inspiration with these two heroes of ornithology.Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Please share this with a friend and help us spread a little Bird Joy. BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club

It’s finally here! The long-awaited Gull Joy episode. This week, Dexter and Jason converse with one of North America's most well-known gull experts, Amar Ayyash. We sit down with Amar and discuss how he went from making French fry-infused eye contact with gulls as a kid to being the author of a sensational new gull text, “The Gull Guide: North America.” We dive into how to find joy in the pursuit of gulling. This includes visiting Cape May to see an Ivory Gull, hanging in landfills, and enjoying a nice Gull Frolic every winter. Amar makes it clear that gulling can be for everyone. He shares his experiences with beginners and advanced birders alike. You can feel the gull joy emanating from every moment of this episode. If you are looking for a fun and inclusive discussion on how to get started, look no further. Be sure to check out the North American Gulls Facebook page and anythinglarus.com for the community you seek!Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club

On this week's episode, Dexter and Jason sit down with two fun and amazing folks, Luis Gles and Mariah Hryniewich of Woodstars Nature Tours. Mariah and Luis speak to us from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas about manning the Florida Keys Hawkwatch and experiencing the greatest Peregrine Falcon migrations on record. The Hawkwatch also boasts incredible numbers of Swallow-tailed and Mississippi Kites, Bahama Swallows, and tons of warbler flight. If that extreme heat, humidity, and mosquitoes weren’t enough, Luis and Mariah now spend the spring and summer months in the Bering Sea on St. Paul Island, AK, leading bird tours and doing surveys. You never know what can show up on the island. This year, they got folks on a Smew and a Garganey, Song Thrush, and Little Bunting.  They discuss biting on the island and how it differs from the Hawkwatch.You will hear about more different bird species in this episode than in any other episode. Have those Google fingers ready to explore and enjoy!!Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club

Dexter and Jason sit down with Jordan Rowley on this week's episode. Jordan is a PhD student at Utah State University, where he focuses on the social science surrounding birders and birdwatchers. It’s like birding… but of people! The research is fascinating as it breaks down some of the demographics of birders and where they fall on different social scales. We research and discuss why things would break down that way. Dexter and Jason get a crash course on multi-species justice. We also discuss adventures and misadventures surrounding McGillivray's Warblers and Mountain Bluebirds. We get into the fantastic YouTube channel Bright Eyed Birding and discuss how it helps create a welcoming and inclusive community. Jordan puts us onto what he sees as the opportunity for a better birding community in his area and has us dreaming about Pink Robins and Montezuma Quail!Join us this week as we have a convo with Jordan and spread some of that Bird Joy!!Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club

Extraordinary episode ahead! This week, we speak with Isaiah “Ike” Scott, a senior at Cornell University, specifically focusing on studying ornithology at the Cornell Lab or Ornithology. Ike talks to us about what it’s like to study birds and how we followed this particular path in his education, including his teaching under Dr. Irby Lovett. Ike is also a bird artist and can express some beautiful aspects of his birding. Check it out at Ikes Bird Art. We touch on what it’s like to be a student birder seeing his first Golden Eagle and how those experiences play a role in developing as a practical science communicator. It’s essential to get more folks from various communities involved in birding. That comes through in Ike’s social media, educational pursuits, and advice to other budding Black science communicators! We journey to the future, Snoop Dogg album in hand, and figure out where Ike is going!Join us as we spend some time sharing the always welcome Bird Joy!!Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club

Join Dexter and Jason on this fantastic episode where we welcome our FIRST-ever guest on the podcast! In this episode, we are so excited to chat with best-selling author Christian Cooper about all things birding and bird joy! We cover experiences from his books, “Better Living Through Birding, Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World.”, and his amazing Emmy-winning TV show, Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper. How does Christian find his “bird joy”? How does he feel about the movement of many new Black and brown birders in the community to create new space? We get into all things the experience of being a birder today, some of our grounding experiences with each other on Little St. Simon’s island in Georgia, how we contextualize our own birding journeys, blushing from unsolicited compliments from folks in rainbow unicorn shirts, and even the decision by the AOS to change all eponymous bird names. Christian gave a fantastic talk at the formerly San Diego Audubon (now San Diego Bird Alliance), which covered all 12 points of opposition to #BirdNamesForBirds. We also are so honored to discuss Christian’s new book, “The Urban Owls, How Flaco and Friends Made the City Their Home” which releases on Feb 18th.Take a listen and enjoy this special conversation with Christian Cooper!Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club

We are back!!! It’s been too long homies. We have missed you!On this episode, Jason and Dexter get back in the saddle and catch up on what’s been going on in the bird world. This includes visiting the International Crane Foundation with the homies to see birds like the endangered Whooping Crane and the incredibly beautiful Blue Crane. It also included doing some conservation work with Bird Safe Philly and advocating for bird safe windows/glass. Most notably however is the discussion on how homies in Philly and Madison got to witness this seasons SWIFTNADO action! So much joy and wonder watching Chimney Swifts go “nite-nite” for the evening while preparing to migrate south for the winter.Dexter and Jason wrap up by discussing some upcoming trips with their bird clubs and the migrants they are still looking forward to this fall including Golden Eagles and sparrows. They discuss their excitement on the number of guests for next season including a special guest for Episode 2!Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club

Wow. We started in “Fake Spring” and took you through birding etiquette, safety, diversity/inclusion, and budgeting. We are here in mid-summer, excited to celebrate the bird joy we created and shared! We look forward to continuing that and bringing you new and fresh voices from around the birding world. We are all “nerding out” through our bird joy, and it’s so beautiful. Sometimes, we focus so much on the technical aspects of birding that we miss sharing the joy involved in the process. Although Dexter and Jason love talking birds and bird joy, they only provide two perspectives. There are so many other voices we’d like to highlight and hear from along this journey. We want to discuss fun things like best bird songs, fall migration (crazy fall warbler ID)  winter birding (weird duck season), and GULLS! Are there other pathways to bird joy that we have not discussed yet? Our host, Jason, is diving into field journaling and bird sketching. Can we interpret nature like our homie and creator of our podcast representations, Casey Girard? Can we get good at nature photography like our homie Anwar Abdul-Qawi?  We are taking a break to get the next season going, but we aren’t going anywhere! We will continue to share items on our Instagram profile. Be good and bird safely!Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club

Join Dexter and Jason in this jam-packed episode, where they emphasize the crucial role of planning in ensuring a safe and enjoyable birding trip. The homies delve into the basics of safety, including the essential steps to plan your visit to a birding area.Are you aware of what you need to safely get there, bird, and safely get home to those folks who love you the most? This includes making sure you have things like food and water if you need it for a longer trip, accessible and safe parking or public transport; clothes are safe and comfortable for the conditions you will be in; sunscreen, gloves, hats, and other items to ensure your physical self is well taken care of. Additionally, the homies dive deep into safety in numbers and ensure that you let folks know where you are going. There are natural (large carnivores, dangerous plants, venomous reptiles) and human dangers (social or political groups that do not accept those different from them) in some areas, and we must ensure we are aware of those. There are several examples throughout history of folks being harmed in the outdoors simply due to who they are. Feel free to use technology (e.g., Find my iPhone or other similar apps) to share your location with others if you can.In a separate episode, they covered birding ethics and inclusive birding. The homies return to some of those themes when it comes to ensuring we are aware of how we impact the safety of others on the trail. For example, how men… or bears… approach women on the trail, ensuring we are not overstepping bounds and only presenting safe and equitable spaces. There is also consideration given to how some of these points of safety may change depending on a disability that someone may be challenged with at any point and how we should consider those when going out in groups.As heavy as this episode is with tips and advice, the homies keep it fun and uplifting at all times. As usual, there are many laughs along the way. There are some lesser talked about topics like common birding injuries and how to take care of yourself during your bird outing. In the end, they want you to be safe on the bird trail, no matter who you are.Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club

What is conservation in birding? How can you contribute to bird conservation locally? Join Dexter and Jason as they explore how to find bird joy while contributing to conservation. You don’t need to be a tenured PhD in Ornithology to contribute to conservation locally. There are several local opportunities to participate, such as those offered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.Seek and join the conversations in your local municipalities, counties, and communities. Those likely lead to laws that impact habitat and access to green space.  It’s a good way to stay engaged. Other initiatives like Homegrown National Park give you the pathway to contributing habitat for birds, bugs, plants, and other types of wildlife.Whether it’s American Kestrel Banding, Monarch Butterfly plantings, Bluebird Box Monitoring, or monitoring the homies coming to your patch feeders, there are multitudes of opportunities out there to get involved.Who knows where this might lead you? You could end up learning why Large Billed Terns are showing up in Florida or contributing data to Brown Booby migration patterns. You may even get lucky enough to count gulls in a trash dump one winter.You don’t need to do it all. Stay within your means and understand that every little bit matters.Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club

This episode is dedicated to all of our listeners and supporters. Dexter and Jason recap an amazing spring, including Black Birders Week 2024! They get in and out of our amazing bird moments, which include finding a Blackburnian warbler in Central Park with Indigo-Goodson Fields and Emmy winner Christian Cooper. This included a trip to Queens to find Piping Plovers with the NYC Plover Project, culminating in a Black Excellence in Birding Gala! Dexter describes what it was like to bird in Madison with the founder of Black in NPS Week, Ms. Nicole Jackson! They cover key moments like Dexter's amazing spring getting onto his first American Avocets and the long-awaited nemesis bird, the Cerulean Warbler! It is incredibly evident that birding is for EVERYONE in this episode… including babies in diapers! Rounding out with stories of the homies hanging with Golden Eagles and Peregrine Falcons from the Hoo’s Woods Raptor Center. Heading into Juneteenth, they discuss their week and summer plans. Overall, this episode is meant to BE A CELEBRATION OF THIS COMMUNITY. Thank our listeners for their journey thus far. The community is growing because of you all!! Please continue spreading Bird Joy where you can, and keep listening! Huge shoutout to Black AF In Stem for another great year!#Birding #BirdJoy #TheBirdJoyPod #Joy #Community #Smile #BirdsBe sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club

Join Dexter and Jason as they delve into the mental health benefits of birding. Even when you have to wake up at 4 am to see Greater Prairie Chickens in freezing cold weather, there is still an immense health benefit. Those moments when you can commune with and observe nature provide joy, anxiety reduction, stress reduction, happiness, and perspective. Sometimes we forget that birding presents challenges through adventure and pursuit of birds. The payoff for finally seeing the bird is a rush of endorphins. Additionally, the journey to the bird is just as valuable as seeing the bird.We are inspired by mindful birders like Tammah Watts (author of Keep Looking Up: Your Guide to the Powerful Healing of Birdwatching). Do you check your mental state before and after you bird? Did you know that birding can be used to deal with grief? Do you ever feel like you’ve gotten physical exercise while birding? Do you feel better when you help other birders see birds?Humans are social beings, and we built ways of interpreting the world through nature. We evolved within it, so it’s not surprising that nature directly connects to our mental health. Our brain was wired to pay attention to it. Watching birds survive also affects how we move forward in life. The struggle to provide for our families isn’t limited to humans; birds do the same. It’s important to try and connect with that. Like the small but powerful Blackpoll Warbler who travels thousands of miles and blesses us with its song for a few moments on its journey, we can take inspiration from its success.Don’t shortchange the community connections and the support systems developed with those friendships. Those connections are also important for maintaining your mental health. This includes the proper use of your social media outlets. Have you adjusted your social media algorithms to show you bird joy and a positive bird community? One day, you never know, you may end up birding with your favorite homies and looking at Roseate Spoonbills!Get out there and find some Bird Joy!Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Bird Joy Podcast. This week, Dexter and Jason delve into birding as a family, sharing insights, tips, and heartwarming stories on how birding can bring families closer together and foster a love for nature.The episode kicks off with tips for parents on introducing children to birding. It focuses on age-appropriate bird identification techniques and engaging activities that make birding fun for kids (like learning the pneumonic for the Eastern Towhee or finding non-birding joys of the space). It also highlights family-friendly activities like nature walks and DIY bird feeder projects, which are both enjoyable and educational.They discuss the significant educational value of birding for children, including developing observation skills, learning about biodiversity, and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship. One fun way to do this is by introducing apps like Merlin and Seek. It's not just a fun activity; it's a learning journey for your little ones that feels more like Pokémon Go! Inclusivity is emphasized, with advice on making birding accessible for all family members, regardless of age or experience. Practical tips for planning family birding outings include recommended spots, essential gear, and safety precautions. Your spouse may see a Schalow’s Turaco before you do, or your mom may spot a Snowy Owl in a parking lot in August!!The hosts highlight the importance of connecting with nature as a family and the benefits of spending quality time outdoors. They also discuss opportunities for families to engage with local birding communities, join family-friendly events, and share their experiences.Join Dexter and Jason as they inspire families to start their birding journeys together. Take advantage of the tips, stories, and resources to make birding a joyful family activity. Happy birding!Listen, Share, Subscribe, Leave a Review, and help us spread a little Bird Joy!  Thanks for listening, homies.Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypd and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club

In this week's unique episode of The Bird Joy Podcast, Dexter and Jason, both avid birdwatchers and budget-conscious individuals, delve into the world of birdwatching on a budget. They share their tips on budget-friendly birding equipment, including affordable binoculars, field guides, and bird feeders. The hosts also provide creative DIY projects, such as homemade bird feeders and baths. They highlight the benefits of shopping at second-hand stores or online marketplaces for discounted equipment.Dexter and Jason also discuss free or low-cost birding activities and events. They share information about local birding clubs and groups that offer free outings and bird walks. Additionally, they suggest visiting public parks, nature reserves, and wildlife refuges that provide free access for birdwatching.The episode explores creative ways to enjoy birding without a hefty price tag. Dexter and Jason emphasize the benefits of backyard birding. Lastly, they encourage listeners to participate in citizen science projects, often requiring minimal or no cost.Remember to subscribe to The Bird Joy Podcast, a platform that celebrates diversity in birdwatching, to stay updated on future episodes. Please leave a rating and review—your feedback helps us improve and reach more bird enthusiasts. Share the podcast with your fellow birders to spread the joy of birdwatching. Follow us on social media @birdjoypod for more birding tips and updates, and join our inclusive community at the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin and In Color Birding Club to connect with other bird lovers.We hope you enjoy this episode. Happy birding!

In this week’s episode, join Dexter and Jason as they discuss some key birding ethics that one needs to know and consider when finding bird joy. Everything from dogs and pets off leash while trying to experience Eastern Meadowlarks to the use of lasers to help folks get on birds, the attempt (and sometimes failure) to see birds like the Eastern Towhee, and the controversial practice of playing bird calls to lure birds in (why would you do this for Short-eared Owls?). Key attention is given to how we treat each other as an extension of our birding activity while out on the trail. It is no surprise that the experience of Black and brown folks in the outdoors provides a key nuance to this discussion (as indicated by Drew Lanham’s 9 Rules for the Black Birdwatcher). Of course there is also some bird joy, even if it’s found in the macabre practices of the “little bitty murderers” the Northern and Loggerhead Shrikes.Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypd and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club

In this week's episode, join Dexter and Jason as they dive into why having a diverse birding community is essential. They discuss some of their experiences and growth since the inaugural Black Birders Week, like finding a connection to Dr. Drew Lanham's book, “The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature.” This episode is about our journey and passion to create a more diverse birding community and why that should mirror the diversity we see in birds like the cool Ruff. We also spotlight some fantastic birding groups, like the Special Bird Service, Chicago BIPOC Birders, BIPOC Birders of Michigan, The Oxnard Birders Club, and the Urban Bird Collective. We look to empower all of us to take action to ensure our communities remain engaged with the natural world (through birding or otherwise). Let’s go find that joy together!

In this week's episode, join Dexter and Jason as they cover the ins and outs of how to get started in your own birding journey. The guys cover building community in your local patch, choosing the right pair of binoculars for you, the most helpful bird guide and identification tools for your area, and most importantly, how to find that #BirdJoy in the process. Join them as they share in the joys of building a diverse birding community by accepting folks as they are.  Are you excited to get started on your own celestial birding experiences? Don’t miss fun recaps of generating good birding juju and even our favorite ungovernable groundhogs LOL.Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypd and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinIn Color Birding Club