Life List: A Birding Podcast

Birdy. Proudly nerdy. Detailed. Not-so-subtly obsessive. Delve into all things birding and birding culture with George Armistead, Alvaro Jaramillo, and Mollee Brown. Join us for light-hearted conversations on birds, conservation, travel, and more.

Defending Ecuador’s rarest species: Jocotoco’s on-the-ground efforts

Jocotoco Conservation works in the field throughout Ecuador and the Galapagos to conserve birds, wildlife, and habitats. Today, George is digging into their efforts and goals. Learn more about Jocotoco Conservation here. Topics in this episode include:Discovery of the Jocotoco Antpitta: Jocotoco Conservation's origin storySaving Spectacled Bears: Jocotoco's efforts to protect spectacled bear habitats in EcuadorGalapagos Tortoise Conservation: On-the-ground work preserving Galapagos torto...

11-05
55:28

Your guide to Life List episodes and highlights

Welcome to our 100th episode! We're celebrating by chatting about some listener favorites - and ours! - as well as all that's changed in the birding world since we started Life List. Thanks for being a part of our podcast family!Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com. Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast! Want to know more about us? Check out George's company, ...

10-28
59:36

Gull mysteries with Amar Ayyash

This week, we're not just talking about Amar's highly anticipated book, The Gull Guide—we're chatting about the discoveries and controversies that led to what we currently know about gulls, the unknowns that still exist, and how to fall in love with these mysteries birds along the way. Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com. Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast...

10-21
01:07:57

Fall birding highlights (so far!)

Alright, we're back! George and Alvaro talk about unusual sightings and behaviors they've seen so far this fall along with takeaways from afar from the AOS conference.If you haven't already, be sure to read The trials of John P. McCown by Steve Hampton. Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com. Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast! Want to know more about us? Che...

10-15
01:00:30

Comparing thermal scopes, Hurricane Helene effects, and the beauty in the unknowns on pelagics

We're continuing conversations with our listeners on the air as we share updates from our home fronts. We have lots of links to share this week!Check out Ed Yong's account of his recent pelagic experience with Alvaro's Adventures in his newsletterWhile you're at it, make sure to read An Immense World by Ed YongWe get tons of questions about thermal scopes. This article by one of our listeners, Jonathan Ley, is a thorough comparison of brands and models. Here's a fresh Certificate of Appr...

10-01
01:05:21

Brazil's legendary lands and lesser-known gems

George is just back from the Pantanal, and today, we're chatting about that. But first...The oldest photo in eBird? Looks like it's this (now extinct) Laughing Owl!And check out this illustration of the species on Birds of the World (sign-in required). George has two trip reports from Brazil. Check out Safari Brazil: The Pantanal and Brazil's Atlantic Forest: Itatiaia National Park. And peep the Spotted Bamboowren while you're at it! Get more Life list by subscribing to our new...

09-24
01:05:42

We're answering your birdy questions!

We're back with a listener question episode! We mention Project Phoenix—check out the details here. Subscribe to our newsletter and send us your questions below ⬇️⬇️Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com. Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast! Want to know more about us? Check out George's company, Hillstar Nature; Alvaro's company, Alvaro's Adventures, and...

09-17
01:08:11

Deep dives and Easter eggs in the new Stokes finch guide

This week, we're joined by Lillian Stokes and Matt Young to share in the laughs, research, and stories behind their jam-packed new book, The Stokes Guide to Finches of the United States and Canada. Learn more and preorder it here before the book is published on September 17!Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com. Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast! Want to kn...

09-11
01:06:56

Conflict in chasing rare birds & what it feels like to be on pelagics

We're three busy birders this week with tales ranging from the backyard to the wonders of the deep oceans. Grab a drink and enjoy this classic Life List chat with us—tangents and all.Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com. Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast! Want to know more about us? Check out George's company, Hillstar Nature; Alvaro's company, Alvaro's Adventu...

09-02
01:08:42

Wacky tales and unique habitats with Phil Chaon

Phil's been there, done that, and has the stories to prove it. This week we chat about his recent oceanic expeditions and upcoming book.Have a taste of western Australia and the Lesser Sundas via Phil's recent eBird trip reportGet notifications for Habitats of North America, coming out this winterOrder Habitats of the World: A Field Guide for Birders, Naturalists, and EcologistsGet more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share ...

08-26
01:00:12

Ornithological careers and accompanying global adventures with Holly Garrod and Billi Krochuk

Holly and Billi have spanned continents in their incredible career feats. Today, we're chatting about the challenges and adventures that they've had along the way.Meet Holly via Birds Caribbean and InstagramMeet Billi via Biodiversity Research Institute and InstagramCheck out the beautiful Black Bee-eater that we talk about in the episodeAnd yes, The Birding Co-op has announced its 2025 tour schedule! Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus c...

08-19
01:09:09

How Alvaro's bar chat led to a new species of storm-petrel

Here's a story with some drama, discovery, and mysteries yet unsolved! Hear all about the background of discovering the Andean Storm-Petrel (Oceanites barrosi), straight from the source! Here's the paper that was published: Resolving the conflictive phylogenetic relationships of Oceanites (Oceanitidae: Procellariiformes) with the description of a new speciesGet more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at l...

08-12
01:09:26

Decreasing the pressure and increasing the joy in birding with Jason Hall and Dexter Patterson

Jason and Dexter bring all the joy this week!Check out Jason and Dexter on InstagramLearn about the In Color Birding Club...And the BIPOC Birding Club of WisconsinDon't forget to listen to the Bird Joy PodcastP.S. Jason is co-leading a Hillstar Nature tour in Puerto Rico in 2025!Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com. Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast! Want to kn...

08-05
01:05:57

Behind the scenes of professional bird guiding and podcasting with Ken Behrens

This is a beers-after-hours-type conversation with Ken Behrens: author, bird and nature guide, and co-host of Naturally Adventurous Podcast. We chat about the ups and downs of summertime birding, travel, and food Ken misses from his old home in Madagascar.Please let us know: What do you think about the American Birding Association's Listing Areas and Regions? And you can learn more about Ken's tours, books, and media on his website. Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and...

07-31
59:39

Expression of genes, extreme lifespans in animals, and birding the Galapagos Islands

This episode is classic Life List—full of facts and stories from our homes and the field. Check out this 79-year-old box turtle monitored in PA!Get digestible highlights of the AOS supplement in ABA's Checklist Redux 2024. Want more tiger sharks? Tooth and Claw podcast has a fascinating tiger shark episode. Read the paper: Oceanic seabirds chase tropical cyclonesGet more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share y...

07-22
01:10:54

Behind the scenes of Alaskan birding tours

A trip to Alaska in the summer for rare and vagrant birds is exhilarating...and a logistical feat! George and Alvaro recap their June Alaskan travels from their point of view as guides and share the magic they found along the way.Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com. Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast! Want to know more about us? Check out George's company, Hill...

07-15
01:08:42

Intersections of science, art, and passion in birding with Melissa Hafting

Melissa does it all, and today, we're chatting about it! Check out Melissa's links:Dare to Bird by Melissa HaftingMelissa's blogBC Rare Bird AlertBC Young BirdersRare Bird Alert documentary Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com. Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast! Want to know more about us? Check out George's company, Hillstar Nature; Alvaro's company,...

07-08
56:20

It’s taxonomy season! Previewing splits and lumps

We're back to catch up on news in the birding world and our latest stories. Here are a few links we reference in this episode: Diving into Cockney Rhyming Slang is totally worth your timeHere's a beautiful tribute from Birds Caribbean about Orlando GarridoKeep an eye on our socials for links to taxonomy updates as we get them!Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com. Thanks ...

07-01
01:08:14

Tribute to Tom Johnson, a remarkable bird expert and human

In our season finale, we pay tribute to Tom Johnson, a distinguished bird expert and an exceptional human being, who passed away unexpectedly in 2023. Tom was a guiding light in the birding community, known for his profound knowledge, infectious enthusiasm, and unwavering dedication to bird conservation and science. This episode features an interview with Tom, recorded shortly before his passing.Listen to the American Birding Association's podcast tribute to Tom here. Learn more about To...

06-03
01:21:58

Patterns in Vagrant Birds, Hummingbird Splits, and Tractors

We've got lots to chit-chat about this week—birds, butterflies, land, and more!We talk about Harvesters—learn about these butterflies here and their diets here. Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com. Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast! Want to know more about us? Check out George's company, Hillstar Nature; Alvaro's company, Alvaro's Adventures, and Mol...

05-28
01:02:16

Mike Ambrose

Fantastic birding podcast. Hosts are knowledgeable and comfortable and the content is a great mix of birding experiences and sharing scientific knowledge. Looking forward to more!

07-28 Reply

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