Mason sits down with Dr. Robert “Birding Bob” DeCandido, a lifelong birder and scientist who has spent decades studying birds and helping others discover them. Mason first met Dr. Bob on one of his bird walks in Central Park. In Part 1 of their conversation, Dr. Bob shares how he became fascinated with birds, how birding became part of his life, and why discovering a new bird can feel a little like finding treasure.

From growing up in New York City to a lifetime of watching, studying, and sharing birds with others, this episode is all about where a love of birds can take you.

🌿 Black Bird Joy

A young birder's journey exploring birds, nature, and the people who inspire us to look closer.

🌐 Website:
 https://blackbirdjoy.com

📸 Instagram:
 @blackbirdjoyofficial

🎙️ Follow the podcast so you never miss a new adventure, field note, or interview.

Birds. Nature. Community. Joy.

Did you know that birds can have personalities? Or that scientists have been studying some birds for decades?

In this first full episode of Black Bird Joy, Mason sits down with Dr. Maren Vitousek, an ornithologist and researcher who studies Tree Swallows.

Together they talk about:

•  🐦 How Dr. Maren became interested in birds 
•  🪺 What makes Tree Swallows so special 
•  👀 How scientists recognize individual birds year after year 
•  🌎 The challenges birds face in the wild 
•  💙 Whether birds really have personalities 
•  🔬 What it's like to spend your life studying birds 
•  🌿 Advice for young birders who want to explore nature 

Whether you're a lifelong birder or just beginning to notice the birds around you, this conversation is full of curiosity, discovery, and inspiration.

Thanks for joining us!

Birds. Nature. Community. Joy.

🌿 Black Bird Joy

A young birder's journey exploring birds, nature, and the people who inspire us to look closer.

🌐 Website:
 https://blackbirdjoy.com

📸 Instagram:
 @blackbirdjoyofficial

🎙️ Follow the podcast so you never miss a new adventure, field note, or interview.

Birds. Nature. Community. Joy.

Welcome to Black Bird Joy: Conversations in Nature!

Hi! I'm Mason, an 8-year-old birder who loves exploring the natural world.

Every day, I'm outside looking for birds, asking questions, and learning something new. On this podcast, I'll share my birding adventures and talk with ornithologists, photographers, conservationists, educators, and other people who love birds as much as I do.

Whether you're an experienced birder, just getting started, or simply enjoy spending time outside, I'm glad you're here.

Thanks for joining me on this adventure.

Birds. Nature. Community. Joy.

🌿 Learn more at blackbirdjoy.com
📸 Follow along on Instagram: @blackbirdjoyofficial

 🎉 The first full episode premieres on September 9, 2026! Follow now so you don't miss it. 

🌿 Black Bird Joy

A young birder's journey exploring birds, nature, and the people who inspire us to look closer.

🌐 Website:
 https://blackbirdjoy.com

📸 Instagram:
 @blackbirdjoyofficial

🎙️ Follow the podcast so you never miss a new adventure, field note, or interview.

Birds. Nature. Community. Joy.