Wayne Klockner has been birding for more than 60 years — from his spark bird, a humble Dark-eyed Junco in New Jersey, to chasing the holy grail of raptors, the Harpy Eagle, deep in Panama’s Darién jungle. In this episode, Wayne joins Scott to share stories from a lifetime in conservation:

• Growing up birding alone in the farm fields of New Jersey
• A 38-year career with The Nature Conservancy, from Maryland to Indonesia
• Up-close encounters with Komodo dragons, leopards in Kenya, and seabirds in New Zealand
• His ongoing quest for nemesis birds like the Yellow Rail and Boreal Owl
• Why the American Birding Association still matters — and where it’s heading next

From backyard feeders to global adventures, Wayne’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, conservation, and community.

Whether you’re chasing lifers or just love a good bird story, this one will keep you soaring.