Spring is almost here, and you know what that means! New feathered visitors will be arriving soon. Do you have the right foods and features to bring in the most variety of these spectacular spring species? Don't worry, John and Brian are here to tell you about some of the easiest and best ways to get your yard ready so you and your birds can enjoy each other's company all season long. 

What really happens at the feeder? Brian sits down with award-winning wildlife photographers and filmmakers Tim & Russell Laman to talk about Backyard Birds Revealed, a WBU-sponsored video series that captures common backyard birds in super slow motion, extreme close-ups, and unorthodox camera angles to uncover the details of backyard birds we wouldn’t otherwise see.

In this episode, Brian is joined by Holly Merker, co-author of Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul and co-host of The Mindful Birding Podcast. Listen to this encore performance as they discuss amazing foods that help the birds, and you, survive and thrive this winter. Plus, there is a challenge for you. Did you accomplish it? If you haven't yet, will you accept the challenge? 

In this episode, Brian explores how to make bird feeding and bird watching a cherished holiday tradition with bestselling author and nature advocate, Amy Tan. Amy shares her insights and the benefits on how to slow down, watch birds with intention, and live deeply in nature.  

Will irrupting birds visit your backyard this winter? Who is already on the move and who can you expect to see? Join Brian and special guest Matt Young from the Finch Research Network as they talk all about the Winter Finch Forecast with tips on getting your feeders ready for these irregular winter visitors. 

What does the number '1 billion' have to do with birds, fall migration, and your backyard? Sadly, up to a billion birds die each year from window collisions, but there’s good news. Join Brian and special guest Olivia Carvalho from Birds Canada as they share simple, science-backed ways to protect migrating birds while enjoying them at your feeders and in your yard. 

Squirrels – do you love them or loathe them? If you have trees nearby, chances are you have squirrels. In this encore episode, John and Brian take a different look at our furry friends. Whether you deter them or feed them, we all have opinions on the infamous backyard critters. Plus, we have all the deterring and feeding options!  

John Schaust returns to critique Brian’s yard (a call-back to ep 50). Does he practice what he preaches? Plus, we catch up with our retired co-host on owl banding, adventures, and how we can all help the birds with high-protein foods for the end of nesting season and peak molting season.

How many goldfinch species can be attracted to your yard? Brian is joined by two WBU store owners (Dripping Springs, TX & Ventura, CA) to talk goldfinches and their differences: seasonality, attracting, nesting, molting, mimicry, and more.

Being seasonally savvy in summer means fewer feeders can be ok, but the key is foundational feeding. Brian explains the benefits of a foundational feeder and food in summer and how it helps Dad (bird dads & people dads).