The Casual Birder Podcast

Join me as I recount my recent birding adventure in Wiltshire and Hampshire. From impressive Great Bustards to the elusive Common Quail and the unexpected Grey Partridges, our weekend was filled with unforgettable moments. We share the excitement, challenges, and pure joy of birding in the beautiful landscapes of Wiltshire and Hampshire. Links Great Bustard Group: https://greatbustard.org/ Langford Lakes: Information sheet Martin Down: https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryside/finder/martindown Blashford Lakes: https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/blashford-lakes-nature-reserve Graham Snelgar: Instagram page eBird trip report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/404742   The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month.  If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Find out more here: The Casual Birder Bird Club   Casual Birder Community Away from the noise of other social media platforms, our community is a supportive and encouraging space for sharing your birding stories and connecting with others. Start your free trial here Casual Birder Community   Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website   Support the show If you would like to help support the show’s production, by buying a virtual coffee here    Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes   The Casual Birder Podcast   https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

Amy Squire is a passionate young birder and conservationist who has grown up exploring the wild spaces of Hampshire. With a childhood spent outdoors, Amy quickly became fascinated by all aspects of nature, but birds really captured her imagination. Amy combines her interest in field observation with artistic pursuits, often sketching the birds she encounters. Her curiosity and love for wildlife have led her to get involved in conservation efforts, such as participating in important bird surveys. Amy’s dedication isn’t just about spotting new species; she genuinely cares about sharing the mental health benefits of being in nature and helping others find their place in the birding community. Amy opens up about the challenges young birders face, especially when people underestimate their knowledge. But she’s all about turning that around, creating connections, and inspiring others through her school conservation club. Amy brings a fresh perspective on what it’s like to be a young birder today, facing challenges but always finding inspiration in the natural world. If you’re curious about bird ringing, surveys, or dreaming of a career in wildlife conservation, this chat has it all. Amy’s passion is infectious, and her stories remind us why every little bit of effort counts in protecting the amazing birds around us. Links Amy’s presentation at the Hampshire Ornithological Society’s Members’ Day 2025 https://youtu.be/ExMy1eAIouU See all of the presentations here: https://www.hos.org.uk/welcome-to-the-hos-website/walks-events/reports/members-day-2025/   The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month.  If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Find out more here: The Casual Birder Bird Club   Casual Birder Community Away from the noise of other social media platforms, our community is a supportive and encouraging space for sharing your birding stories and connecting with others. Start your free trial here Casual Birder Community   Share your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website   Support the show If you would like to help support the show’s production, by buying a virtual coffee here    Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes   The Casual Birder Podcast   https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

Global BirdFair has wrapped up for another year, and Suzy shares her experiences of this incredible festival of nature. The inspiring talks, interactive events, and vibrant community atmosphere made this year's event truly unforgettable (despite the searing heat)! To capture the essence of the event, Suzy spoke with several attendees about their time at BirdFair and asked about a recent wildlife experience that brought them joy: Charlie Bingham shared a frustrating yet beautiful sunset birding attempt Chris Bell recounted a thrilling Wallcreeper sighting in Romania Naomi Davis discussed their work monitoring Pied Flycatchers Kelly Keegan finally spotted an elusive Blackcap Tom Morath described a magical Barn Owl encounter Stephen Moss reminisced about an extraordinary butterfly-filled day Sarah Humphrey shared her joy of witnessing a full Nightingale breeding cycle Jack Perks found beauty in a newly emerged dragonfly Whether you're a seasoned birder or simply curious about the natural world, the Global Bird Fair offers something for everyone. Join us as we relive the highlights and look forward to next year's gathering of passionate nature enthusiasts. Links BirdLife international https://www.birdlife.org/donate/   Charlie Bingham - https://linktr.ee/charliebingham Chris Bell - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbellbirding/ and https://birding-experience.com/en/home/ Naomi Davis - @NaturNaomi on Insta, BlueSky, Twitter and Tiktok https://www.instagram.com/naturnaomi/ Kelly Keegan - https://www.instagram.com/bird.brain.pod/ Tom Morath - https://www.hawk-conservancy.org/podcast/ Stephen Moss - https://www.stephenmoss.tv/ Sara Humphrey - https://www.instagram.com/sussex_sara Jack Perks - The Bearded Tit's Podcast https://beardedtit.podbean.com/ Global BirdFair https://globalbirdfair.org/   Casual Birder Community Start your free trial here Casual Birder Community   The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month.  If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Find out more here: The Casual Birder Bird Club   Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website   Support the show If you would like to help support the show’s production, by buying a virtual coffee here    Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes   The Casual Birder Podcast   https://casualbirder.com/   Don't miss an episode - follow the show! My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

The celebrated naturalist and professional filmmaker, Simon King, recounts how he turned his childhood interest in wildlife into a successful career. Whilst he has travelled the world to bring us film of incredible wildlife encounters, Simon stresses the importance of local conservation efforts in protecting habitats and species. He emphasises the value of maintaining a childlike curiosity about the natural world, the role of media and education in fostering an interest in wildlife, and how connecting with nature is crucial if people are to notice changes in the natural world and act to prevent further decline. Simon also tells how his long experience allows him to interpret bird behavior and vocalizations, adding depth to his observations and enhancing his connection with the avian world. Whether you're a seasoned birder or simply curious about the natural world, Simon's insights and experiences will inspire you to look at the wildlife around you with fresh eyes and renewed appreciation. Recorded live at Global BirdFair.   Links The Wildlife Community website is: https://thewildlifecommunity.co.uk Global BirdFair - get your tickets now: https://globalbirdfair.org/   The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month.  If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Find out more here: The Casual Birder Bird Club Casual Birder Community Start your free trial here Casual Birder Community Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website Support the show If you would like to help support the show’s production, by buying a virtual coffee here  Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes The Casual Birder Podcast   https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

Suzy is joined by Dr Ed Pullen, a former family doctor turned keen birder and podcast host. During a trip to the Everglades with his late wife Kay, Ed found himself fascinated by the birds they saw.  That trip led to a lifelong love of birding. Ed shares his evolving approach to birding, which now emphasizes experiences over bird listing, and how his genuine interest in connecting with fellow birders led to the creation of his podcast. Links The Bird Banter Podcast https://birdbanter.com/ Suzy’s episode on The Bird Banter Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-bird-banter-podcast-192-with-suzy-buttress/id1450449001?i=1000712244457   Global BirdFair - get your tickets now: https://globalbirdfair.org/   The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month.  If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Find out more here: The Casual Birder Bird Club   Casual Birder Community Start your free trial here Casual Birder Community   Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website   Support the show If you would like to help support the show’s production, by buying a virtual coffee here    Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes   The Casual Birder Podcast   https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

In this month's birding catch-up, Suzy chats with her husband John about the birds they saw in February. After a slower start to the year thanks to a holiday abroad, they were keen to get back out birding and boost their 2025 bird list. The conversation delves into the sites they visited, their top birding moments, and their respective bird counts for the month, which adds a lighthearted competitive aspect to their birdwatching activities. Their shared passion for birdwatching and dedication to documenting their bird sightings is evident throughout the conversation, as they share the joy of spotting different species in diverse locations.  This episode is also available to watch on YouTube, with added photos and videos of the birds seen. Links YouTube Click here to watch the episode, which includes photos and videos   The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month.  If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Find out more here: The Casual Birder Bird Club   Casual Birder Community Start your free trial here Casual Birder Community   Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website   Support the show If you would like to help support the show’s production, by buying a virtual coffee here    Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes   The Casual Birder Podcast   https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net  

Conservationist and bird guide Rob Williams shares the wonder of birding in Peru. From the coastal deserts to the Amazon Basin, Rob highlights the diverse habitats that are home to over 1800 bird species.  Rob also shares how he would spend a fantasy birding day. Recorded live at Global BirdFair 2024. Links PromPeru’s birding website is: https://birdwatching.peru.travel/en Rockjumper - https://www.rockjumperbirding.com/ Global BirdFair https://globalbirdfair.org/   Casual Birder Community The Casual Birder Podcast has a new online community away from the noise of other social media platforms. It has become a lovely space to share our bird experiences, get tips on all aspects of birding, and engage with other supportive members who are excited to hear our stories.   Start your 7-day free trial here Casual Birder Community   The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month.  If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Find out more here: The Casual Birder Bird Club   Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website   Support the show If you would like to help support the show’s production, by buying a virtual coffee here    Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes   The Casual Birder Podcast   https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

For International Women’s Day 2025 we hear from women birders from around the world. They share the motivations behind their birding passion and provide insights into the impact of birdwatching on personal well-being. Participants: Emily, Nish, Sarah, Colette, Charlie - UK Kristina - Germany Kate, Kirsty - Australia Chiara - Italy Steph - USA   Links Chiara - photographer. Read the results of her survey ‘ The Hidden Obstacles for Women in Wildlife Photography here Kate - photographer Charlie has written a book entitled 'The Life Affirming Magic of Birds' - available soon Kirsty - the Weekend Birder Podcast Steph has recorded an album called 'There are Birds'. She also appeared on episode 69 Sarah is an author. She has not written about birds … yet!   Casual Birder Community Find out more about the new Casual Birder Community   The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month.  If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Find out more here: The Casual Birder Bird Club   Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website   Support the show If you would like to help support the show’s production, by buying a virtual coffee here    Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes   The Casual Birder Podcast   https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show!   My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net 

Suzy takes a late afternoon walk with conservationist and author Ajay Tegala at Wicken Fen nature reserve in Cambridgeshire.   As they sit in a hide waiting to see Marsh and Hen Harriers coming in to roost, Ajay shares the captivating diversity of wildlife he encounters in his work, and the management techniques that preserve this internationally important fenland.   Recorded in January 2024 Episode 136 Links Ajay's website Wetland Diaries The Unique Life of a Ranger Casual Birder Community Start your free trial here Casual Birder Community   The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month.  If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Find out more here: The Casual Birder Bird Club   Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website   Support the show If you would like to help support the show’s production, by buying a virtual coffee here    Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes   The Casual Birder Podcast   https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show!   My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

Faraaz Abdool is a published wildlife photographer, writer, and international tour guide. Hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, Faraaz's deep connection to nature led him to shift from a career in engineering to focus on wildlife and habitat preservation. His book 'Casual Birding in Trinidad and Tobago' not only showcases the region's bird species through his stunning photography but also provides valuable insights into their behavior and habitats. Through his work, Faraaz aims to evoke a sense of purity and connection to the natural world, encouraging others to embrace a mindful and observant approach to nature.   Recorded live at Global Birdfair 2024 Links You can listen to Suzy's previous conversation with Faraaz in Episode 98 Faraaz Abdool Website Check out Faraaz's photos on Instagram Faraaz's book: Casual Birding in Trinidad and Tobago Find out more about Faraaz   Casual Birder Community Find out more about the new Casual Birder Community   The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month.  If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Find out more here: The Casual Birder Bird Club   Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website   Support the show If you would like to help support the show’s production, by buying a virtual coffee here    Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes   The Casual Birder Podcast   https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show!   My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

Episode Notes Suzy reviews her birding experiences from January 2025, starting with the final week of an epic vacation to Australia! Back in the UK Suzy joined a local RSPB outing and went to the New Forest with the Ladybirder sub-group of the Hampshire Ornithlogical Society (HOS). While in the New Forest Suzy spoke with HOS Chair Keith Betton about his early birding experiences and the success of HOS initiatives to increase the engagement of young people and women birders in the group. Also: news about a new Casual Birder Community! Links Bird lists Take a look at the eBird checklists Suzy made from the locations mentioned: Bruny Island, Tasmania Chook Dam, Tasmania Mount Field National Park, Tasmania Eastrop Park, Basingstoke, Hampshire   Casual Birder Community Find out more about the new Casual Birder Community   Books mentioned in the interview with Keith Betton: Where to Watch Birds in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight: 5th Edition Behind the Binoculars: Interviews with acclaimed birdwatchers Behind More Binoculars: Interviews with acclaimed birdwatchers   Podcast buddies mentioned: Hannah - Women Birders Happy Hour Kirsty - Weekend Birder Harry - Podcast Junkies Lance Anderson's GoFundMe   The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month.  If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Find out more here: The Casual Birder Bird Club   Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website   Support the show If you would like to help support the show’s production, by buying a virtual coffee here    Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes   The Casual Birder Podcast   https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net  

Host Suzy speaks with Sandra Morocho (Birdwatchers of Quijos Valley, Ecuador) and Michaela Leeb (Swarovski-Optik). Sandra lives in the cloud forest on the eastern slopes of the Andes in Ecuador. In 2014 she won a pair of binoculars in the Digiscoper of the Year competition run by Swarovski-Optik. Using the binoculars stoked Sandra’s enthusiasm for sharing views of the local birds with her friends. From there, Sandra’s engagement with the wider community led to an initiative with local leaders to promote eco-tourism alongside conservation efforts in the cloud forest in the Quijos Valley. Michaela tells us of the part Swarovski-Optik plays in supporting conservation efforts around the world. We also hear how Sandra and Michaela would spend a fantasy birding day. Recorded live at Global Birdfair 2024 Links The 12 podcasts that presented live shows at Global BirdFair - take a listen! Find out more about Birdwatchers of the Quijos Valley on Facebook Or email them at quijosvalley.birdwatching@hotmail.com Find out more about sustainability projects at Swarovski Optik Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month.  Sometimes we feature guest speakers, but most months a group of us get together to talk about the birds we've seen, share birding moments that have brought us joy, and ask questions or get help from the community. If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Sign up here: The Casual Birder Bird Club Support the show If you would like to help support the show’s production buy a virtual coffee here  Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes   The Casual Birder Podcast   https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

Naturalist, author and broadcaster Stephen Moss joins Suzy in a wide-ranging conversation covering the importance of supporting younger members of the wildlife community, recovery from serious illness and the challenges of making individual efforts to mitigate the biodiversity crisis. Recorded live at Global Birdfair 2023   Links: Global BirdFair information and tickets: Global BirdFair website Link to my last episode with Stephen: Stephen Moss at Global BirdFair 2022 Your bird stories Tell me about your bird sightings - contact me on the casualbirder.com website The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month.  Sometimes we feature guest speakers, but most months a group of us get together to talk about the birds we've seen, share birding moments that have brought us joy, and ask questions or get help from the community. If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Sign up here: The Casual Birder Bird Club Read more about the club here: Club FAQs Support the show If you would like to help support the show’s production, you can add to the show’s tip jar by buying me a virtual coffee here  Thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

Ecologist, writer, and wildlife presenter Mike Dilger is a familiar face from his appearances on popular shows such as BBC's The One Show and Springwatch. With a lifelong passion for plants, insects, and birds, Mike has dedicated his career to studying and understanding wildlife. His extensive fieldwork has taken him around the world. As a respected wildlife communicator, Mike shares his knowledge through wildlife filmmaking, writing, and public speaking engagements. In addition, his expertise and genuine love for nature make him a perfect guide for specialist wildlife vacations where he enables others to learn about the natural world. Mike reminisces with Suzy about the birds they have seen together, what excites him about the natural world, and how he came to write his latest book “1000 Shades of Green”. He also shares how he would spend a fantasy birding day. Recorded at Global Birdfair 2023 Links: Mike Dilger's website Global BirdFair information and tickets: Global BirdFair website   Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month.  Sometimes we feature guest speakers, but most months a group of us get together to talk about the birds we've seen, share birding moments that have brought us joy, and ask questions or get help from the community. If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Sign up here: The Casual Birder Bird Club Read more about the club here: Club FAQs Support the show If you would like to help support the show’s production, you can add to the show’s tip jar by buying me a virtual coffee here  Thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net  

Alan Davis and Ruth Miller are passionate birders. In 2008 they gave up their jobs and sold everything to embark on an epic year-long quest to see and hear as many bird species as possible. After many adventures, on a journey taking them around the world, their final total was an amazing 4341 species, achieving a world record for the most species seen in one year. They wrote about their adventures in their book The Biggest Twitch. They now run a bird-watching tour company providing guided tours (with cake) in their home country of Wales and worldwide. Ruth and Alan talk about sharing their love of birds with others, and how each would spend a fantasy birding day. Recorded live at Global Birdfair 2023   Links: Alan and Ruth's tour company: Birdwatchingtrips website Global BirdFair information and tickets: Global BirdFair website   Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month.  Sometimes we feature guest speakers, but most months a group of us get together to talk about the birds we've seen, share birding moments that have brought us joy, and ask questions or get help from the community. If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Sign up here: The Casual Birder Bird Club Support the show If you would like to help support the show’s production, you can add to the show’s tip jar by buying me a virtual coffee here  My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

Dick and Andrew Woods, who operate the family business behind Finches Friend bird feeders, prioritise the health of garden birds in the design of their products. A passionate designer, Dick set out to revolutionise bird feeding practices by confronting the disease and contamination risks that exist wherever we feed our garden birds. Not only do their feeders separate the food from contact with birds feet, they also encourage us to maintain good feeder hygiene by providing easy clean solutions through their innovative feeder design. In this episode, Dick and Andrew, tell me about their latest product: the cleaner peanut feeder. Timestamps & Links 00:00:00  Opening 00:01:14  Past Episode Past episode: #128 Casual Birding in Panama City  00:01:27 Introduction 00:03:34 Conversation with Dick and Andrew Woods from Finches Friend Past episode with Finches Friend #119 Food, Feet and Faeces: the key to keeping our garden birds healthy Get 5% off the price of any Finches Friend product - valid until the end of January 2024 Use the code CASBIR5PC Visit the Finches Friend website 00:30:49 The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month.  Sometimes it features guest speakers, but most months a group of us get together to talk about the birds we've seen, share birding moments that have brought us joy, and ask questions or get help from the community. If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Sign up here: The Casual Birder Bird Club 00:31:29 Wrap and Close The Casual Birder Podcast   https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! Thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

John and Suzy share their first experiences with the stunning birds of Panama City, and we hear from Edwin, their professional guide, who took them birding in the Metropolitan Nature Park. Links Sign up to our Team for the October Big Day Fundraiser for BirdLife International    Past Episode Past episode: Slow birding with Bridget Butler   Support the show Tell me about your birding Buy me a virtual coffee on Ko-Fi.com The Casual Birder Bird Club - sign up   The Casual Birder Podcast   https://casualbirder.com/ Thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show. The theme music is Short Sleeved Shirt by The Drones. Thanks to them for letting me use it. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

Bridget Butler, also known as the Bird Diva, did not originally have a passion for birds.  But seeing an Indigo Bunting one morning sparked her birding interest.  Finding support and encouragement in the Vermont birding community Bridget developed an interest in slow birding. Bridget encourages the observation of birds as a holistic, mindful practice rather than a race to spot the most species.  She now teaches the practice of slow birding, encouraging others to embrace a slower, more contemplative approach. Timestamps & Links: 00:00:00  Opening Sign up to our Team for the October Big Day 00:01:12  Past Episode Past episode: Beccy Speight and Patricia Zurita 00:01:59 Introduction 00:03:21 Conversation with Bridget Butler begins Bird Diva website Intro to Slow Birding Get 25% off the cost of the course with the code CASUALBIRDER25. 00:21:26 Promo for The Wilder Skies Podcast 00:22:01 More about Slow Birding 00:53:20 Keep in touch and support the show Tell me about your birding Buy me a virtual coffee on Ko-Fi.com The Casual Birder Bird Club - sign up Fundraiser for BirdLife International 00:54:03 Wrap and Close   The Casual Birder Podcast   https://casualbirder.com/ Thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show. The theme music is Short Sleeved Shirt by The Drones. Thanks to them for letting me use it. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

Beccy Speight (Chief Executive of the RSPB) and Patricia Zurita (former CEO of BirdLife International and now Chief Strategy Officer of Conservation International) join Suzy to share their insight on changing perceptions and overcoming challenges as women in the conservation community. And we hear how each would spend a fantasy birding day. Recorded at Global Birdfair 2023 Timestamps & Links: 00:00:00  Opening The October Big Day takes place this year on October 14th and The Casual Birder Podcast will again be entering a team. We will also be supporting BirdLife International. Help us reach our fundraising target! Just Giving link 00:01:12  Past Episode Past episode: Focus on Birders: Chiara Talia 00:01:30 Introduction 00:02:32 Conversation with Beccy and Patricia begins 00:03:13 Patricia Zurita introduces BirdLife International and her path to joining the organisation. 00:05:26 Beccy Speight introduces the work of the RSPB and her background in conservation. 00:07:49 Beccy shares two birding memories that inspired her 00:09:00 Engaging with communities  00:09:40 Patricia shares the International perspective 00:11:48 Beccy speaks of the power of documentaries like Wild Isles to raise awareness 00:14:22 Overcoming Challenges and Changing Perceptions 00:17:06 The Importance of Collaboration and Diversity in Leadership 00:20:00 A fantasy birding day: where would you go, what you see? 00:20:15 Patricia - New Hummingbird species in Ecuador    00:20:45 Beccy - Shetland soundscapes BirdLife International RSPB 00:22:00 Suzy’s Birding 00:22:02 In search of a Nightjar 00:25:31 Stone-Curlew 00:27:38 Mis-identifying a Common Tern 00:28:18 Support the Show Contribute to the show's tip jar 00:28:46 Keep in touch Tell me about your birding The Casual Birder Bird Club - sign up 00:29:10 Wrap and Close Thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show. The theme music is Short Sleeved Shirt by The Drones. Thanks to them for letting me use it. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net The Casual Birder Podcast   https://casualbirder.com/

Chiara Talia's gorgeous photographs, along with her tips on how to improve at both birding and bird photography, make her Instagram account a must for everyone's feed. In this episode, Chiara tells Suzy how a walk in the park, and a chance encounter with a European Robin, led to a passion for bird photography and a pathway to healing at a time when she was struggling with her mental health. We also hear about her experiences using a floating bird hide in Slovenia, and her search for the Southern Cassowary in Australia. Timestamps & Links 00:00:09  Opening The Casual Birder Bird Club - sign up 00:01:09  Past Episode Past episode: Mel Shepherd-Wells 00:01:25 Introduction 00:02:40 Interview with Chiara Talia begins 00:05:15 The moment that changed everything 00:07:06 European Robin and Chiara’s pathway to healing  00:10:22 Learning about birds is fundamental to bird photography 00:14:02 Chiara’s process for managing photo files 00:19:44 Canon Young Talent 2021 and increasing confidence 00:23:10 Floating Hide photography in Slovenia 00:29:35 Promo for The Wildlife Community Podcast The Wildlife Community Podcast 00:30:25 Birding in Australia 00:41:22 How Chiara shares knowledge and joy via Instagram 00:46:02 Find Chiara online Chiara on Instagram Chiara's website 00:47:11 Suzy’s Shout-outs 00:51:04 Your birding stories Tell me about your birding 00:54:04 Support the Show Buy me a virtual coffee on Ko-Fi.com 00:54:22 Wrap and Close   The Casual Birder Podcast   https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! Thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net