Claim OwnershipWill's Birdbrain
Subscribed: 10Played: 122
Subscribe
© 2025 Will's Birdbrain
Description
There are billions of birds flying around the world, let's get a know some of them! Episodes will feature one bird, highlighting their history and role in the modern world, as well as a myth or legend centered around that bird from around the world. Hosted by birdnerd Will, featuring guests from the birding community.
42 Episodes
Reverse
There are approximately 50 billion birds in the world. There are approximately 8.2 billion humans on earth. That is about 6 birds for every person. With that kind of ratio it isn’t hard to see how there are a lot of different birds that are common birds for people around the world. The Will’s Birdbrain Podcast is dedicated to uplifting the amazing lives of average every day birds, such as the navigationally gifted rock dove, or the wickedly clever American crow. But there is something Will di...
Have you ever been to a National Wildlife Refuge? Do you know the difference between a National Wildlife Refuge and a National Park? If not, this is the episode for you! Will is joined by Gaby from America's Wildlife Refuges, a nonprofit charged with advocating for and maintaining America's National Wildlife Refuge system. This is no small task - there are over 500 refuges in the country! Together they will share stories about visits to National Wildlife Refuges and try and teach you all abou...
"Yank-yank-yank!" That means your birdfeeder is empty in nuthatch! In this episode Will introduces you to the nutty brains of two very familiar sights in the United States - the red-breasted nuthatch and the white-breasted nuthatch! These common birdfeeder birds are known for their acrobatic movements and penchant for hanging upside down. Tune in for some amazing facts about the lives of nuthatches, and tips for identifying them in your backyard! Also explored is the curious history of bird f...
Ready for a trip to the Cedar Waxwing Museum? You'll learn an "ear-full" in this episode all about the little silken heroes! Cedar waxwings are a bird that is a familiar sight during the darkest, loneliest time of the year due to their penchant for short migrations. These birds are incredibly social and tend to have a little too much fun at bird parties. Have you ever seen a flock gorging themselves on berries? In this episode Will explores the complex social habits of cedar waxwings and de...
Do you know someone you wish cared about birds like you do? Have you ever wondered how to appropriately share rare bird locations? If so, this is the episode for you! Doug Hitchcox, a Naturalist with the goal of “getting the most people to see the most birds” joins Will for an engaging discussion about the state of "birding." Doug works towards his goal in his professional life, with over a decade of experience as a professional Naturalist working for conversation-based organizations, a...
Attention loyal listeners! Will is going on his annual summer podcasting break! Don't worry, the second half of season three will be here as soon as you can say "the ivory-billed woodpecker is gone forever." In the meantime, here is a bonus episode all about Will's favorite bird and birding moments. Some of the stories just may surprise you! Want to share your own favorite birding moment? Head on over to the WBB Instagram account! There is a video posted asking all to comment their favorite ...
Attention intrepid birder! Uncle Sam wants YOU to learn about the bald eagle! Join Will as he describes the adventurous, independent, free lives of the bald eagles of the USA. From building gigantic villas of nests, to exploring the nation for years before settling down, bald eagles are much more than your average bird. Also explored are the roots of bald eagle symbolism in American culture. Why is the bald eagle the USA's national bird? Were any other birds considered? What about the nativ...
Want to take a hike with Will's Birdbrain? If the answer is yes, you are in luck! This episode was recorded live on a hike in Westbrook, Maine! Try listening to this relaxing journey when you are unwinding after a long day, try and picture the unique creatures discussed and heard, and imagine the strange plants described... If you enjoy this more "freeform" type of episode be sure to check out the WBB Patreon page! There are exclusive episodes posted there that are similar to this one! This...
This episode is sweet as nectar because it is all about the ruby-throated hummingbird! Hummingbirds are tiny creatures that have captured the hearts and minds of humans for centuries. They live fast and often die young, making sure to pack in a ton of adventure and excitement while they are around. What can hummingbirds teach us about the way we live our lives? In this episode Will also explores Aztec lore regarding Huītzilōpōchtli, the sun god that often appeared to the native Mexicans as ...
Let's be real, we've all had the dream of being a veterinarian at one point or another. Most of us may have had that dream during childhood, but veterinarian technician Morgan held fast and is living that dream! Morgan joins Will to talk about her journey to becoming a vet tech, share stories from her adventures in the world of conservation, and discuss the role of pets in our lives. This is the first episode of Flock Talk, episodes that are exclusively interviews and conversations with peo...
1Knock knock - who's there? - season - season who? - no, season two finale! Season two has been quite the journey! From learning about migratory butterbutts, to vibin' out to the chill beats of Stressers, every episode has been a fantastic conversation with knowledgeable guests, but at times they got a little heavy. Talking about hard sciences and social issues can be equal parts rewarding and draining. Because of that, sending off season two is a fun-filled light hearted episod...
Are you afraid of the dark? How about ghosts or zombies? If these spooky terrors don’t send a shiver down your spine tune into this chilling Will’s Birdbrain episode to discover something truly terrifying – the possibility of extinction! In true classic horror movie fashion, this is a drive-in double feature episode showcasing two birds of the day and a very special guest, uncle Jared, host of Ghostlore of Hawaii: Paranormal Paradise! The Ghostlore of Hawaii is a paranormal-themed podc...
Ornithology. Herpetology. Mammalogy. When you hear these words what do you think of? You’re probably aware of the meaning behind the suffix “ology,” meaning “the study of,” which may make you think these words solely refer to rigorous scientific study, test tubes and all. What if I told you an ology such as ornithology, the study of birds, doesn’t have to be so alien. Joining Will is Meg, a socioecological researcher and scientist whose work has taken her far and wide exploring the con...
Owls are possibly the most mysterious of all birds. They have captivated the minds of man for thousands of years, resulting in countless myths and legends about their peculiar behavior. Perhaps the most mysterious of all owls is also the most common owl and the most widespread landbird in the world, the barn owl! Join Will and Leslie, a budding birder, as they discuss why you should give a "hoot" about the barn owl. These curious critters are deadly killing machines, but that doesn't mean th...
Did you know? Will’s Birdbrain not only celebrates the common birds you may see every day but the common people you see everyday as well! Over the course of the podcast my guests and I have highlighted specific ways you can live and breathe birding simply by existing. From making movies featuring birds to studying them professionally, everyone can use their experience to uplift the voice of the voiceless. This sentiment can be applied to the supplemental theme of Will’s Birdbrain as well- bir...
The content of this bonus episode was described as "my manifesto." I believe birding is for everyone- not just black folk, not just white folk, or able bodied people, or otherwise. I was prompted to write this episode after attending a birding event in Maine as the only young person of color, an oh so familiar experience for me. This episode not only describes the challenges non-white, non-retiree birders face, but how we together can make birding more accessible and inclusive. With t...
Hello Birdbrains! Season two has been so fun! We've learned about science, compared hobbies, and even gone on an adventure in Montana! Let's take a moment to appreciate the journey thus far and look back on some highlights from the first half of season two. Kayta, our very own WBB beginner birder, has graduated to intermediate birder between seasons and has returned to share her thoughts on the first half of season two. This is a special bonus episode- it was recorded outside in the park ...
Have you ever been overwhelmed by traveling? The streets are confusing, people speak a different language than you, your usual creature comforts are gone. In the midst of travel stress there's always one thing that is sure to bring comfort- the sight of a familiar bird, such as the bird of the week, the yellow-rumped warbler! This episode Will joins Shane Sater of the Wild With Nature podcast as he recollects a storied encounter with yellow-rumped warblers in Helena, Montana. These birds ar...
Making music is in our bones. From the ancient bone flutes of the first human settlements to advanced electronic melodies crafted in megacities, people have always found a way to create music. Birds are much the same, especially the ultimate representation of springtime and singing, the American robin! Will is joined by Ben, the musical mastermind behind Stressers, a vibey electronic dance music act. Together the pair release the album of the century, Round Robin Singalong! The ...
House sparrows are one of the most common birds in the world. They are found on six of seven continents, from the densest urban landscapes to the most remote of islands. What makes them so common? Their Do-It-Yourself lifestyles! This episode Will throws on his handmedown toolbelt and talks shop with Luke, a master of DIY craftsmanship. Luke discusses the value in building your own items, and what it takes to make a house a home. Together we explore how house sparrows are not so different fro...
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States