The Bird Joy Podcast

In this episode of the Bird Joy Podcast, Dexter and Jason are joined by Tarik Shahzad, a Chicago-based birder who made history in 2024 by recording 294 bird species in Cook County, setting a new county record during what’s now known as the Tarik Big Year.

Tarik shares how growing up in Chicago as a birder of Pakistani and Bosnian descent shaped his relationship with nature, identity, and belonging in outdoor spaces. The conversation explores what makes Chicago birding so special from neighborhood green spaces to the unpredictable magic of Lake Michigan and how birding has transformed the way Tarik experiences the city every day.

The episode dives deep into Great Lakes birding, including gull identification, open-water scanning, and the joy of “gull frolics,” as well as the perspective-shifting moment of discovering a Short-tailed Shearwater, a Pacific seabird never before recorded in Illinois. Tarik also reflects on balancing joy and pressure during a Big Year, and how the experience deepened his understanding of conservation through his work in environmental policy with The Nature Conservancy.

The conversation wraps with a look ahead at what’s next for Tarik and a classic Bird Joy lightning round touching on Lake Michigan migration, gulls, and warblers.

Whether you bird the Great Lakes or your local park, this episode is a reminder that wonder is always waiting when you slow down and look closely.

Today on the Bird Joy Podcast, we welcome Jody Allair—an avid birder, naturalist, and communicator who has been living a full-on bird life for decades and still brings curiosity, joy, and humanity to everything he does. Jody began birding and banding as a teen at Long Point Bird Observatory and now serves as Director of Communications at Birds Canada, where he leads media efforts, co-edits BirdWatch Canada magazine, produces the Warblers Podcast, and helps coordinate eBird Canada.

In this episode, we explore Jody’s origin story and how early banding experiences shaped his conservation ethic. We talk about finding joy while doing serious bird work, from bald eagles to nocturnal owls, and why storytelling across radio, podcasts, TV, and print is so powerful for connecting people to birds. Jody also dives into springtime warbler madness, offers advice for turning warbler confusion into joy, and reflects on the role of community science in building belonging. Plus, stories from birding tours, a playful lightning round, and reflections on what still brings him bird joy after 20+ years.

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin 

In Color Birding Club

In this episode of the Bird Joy Podcast, Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall sit down with photographer Angela Ledyard for a robust conversation about creativity, presence, and belonging in nature.

Angela shares how photography became a lifelong relationship rooted in curiosity and care, beginning with watching her grandparents document everyday life in Cleveland. She reflects on learning the craft across film, studio work, photojournalism, wildlife photography, and her perspective as an FAA-certified drone pilot. Throughout the episode, Angela speaks candidly about showing up as a Black woman in outdoor spaces, finding calm and awareness through wildlife photography, and how birds, nature, and image-making continue to shape her sense of joy and healing.

This episode is about claiming space, trusting your eye, and honoring photography as both a creative practice and a way of being present in the world.

Topics include:

• Early creative roots and learning to see differently
• Building confidence through technical skill
• Navigating nature spaces as a Black woman
• Patience, presence, and wildlife photography
• Birds that inspire joy and curiosity
• Nature, healing, and creative renewal
• Seeing the world from above through drone photography

Listen in for a thoughtful, grounding conversation that reminds us that joy, creativity, and care belong to all of us.

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin 

In Color Birding Club 

Season 4 opens with Dexter and Jason celebrating their return to the Bird Joy Podcast and reconnecting with the Bird Nerd community. They reflect on how much they missed recording together, hearing from listeners, and sharing the energy of building a birding community.

The hosts catch up on fall birding highlights, from the simple joy of being back in the field to meaningful milestones like Dexter’s book launch. Dexter shares how powerful it was to hear readers’ stories—especially those inspired to slow down, notice birds, and bird with their families.

Fall migration and “weird duck season” take center stage with standout sightings including Harlequin Ducks, scoters, loons, tundra swans, and more. Jason and Dexter also reflect on fall outings with the In Color Birding Club, emphasizing the joy and purpose found in community-led birding.

The conversation shifts to winter birding, backyard activity after snowfall, and simple tips for staying warm and patient in cold weather. They also preview the Christmas Bird Count, sharing why it remains one of their favorite community birding traditions.

The episode closes with reflections on first-time birders, hopes for Season 4, and gratitude for the Bird Nerd community, ending with excitement for the season ahead!

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin

In Color Birding Club

Season 3 of the Bird Joy Podcast comes to a powerful close with hosts Dexter and Jason revisiting the highlights, laughter, and love that made this season unforgettable. From deep conversations on legacy and identity to global birding adventures, this episode is a celebration of nature, joy, and the people who make the outdoors a more inclusive space. Plus, a sneak peek of what’s coming in Season 4!

“Birding has changed our lives, and the folks we met this season are proof that birds can connect us all.” – Dexter Patterson

“We started this podcast to spread joy and share our stories—and it’s clear the community is only growing stronger.” – Jason Hall

✅ Please subscribe, share, and leave a review wherever you listen to the podcast. It helps us grow and reach a wider audience.  

📩 Got a guest or story idea? Send it our way on socials!

🫶🏾 Never stop spreading Bird Joy wherever you fly. Season 4 drops late Fall! Let’s Go! 

BIPOC Birding Club

In Color Birding Club

In this powerful season finale of Bird Joy, Dexter and Jason sit down with their brother and longtime collaborator, Christopher Kilgour, a transformative leader in the outdoor community. Chris is the founder of Color in the Outdoors, steward of Piece of Mind Acres, and co-founder of the Underground Hiking Collective.

From growing up near Tenney Park with ducks and his mom to becoming a fierce advocate for equity and healing in nature, Chris shares his journey with vulnerability, wisdom, and joy. He discusses building outdoor programs that welcome everyone, launching CITO, mentoring the next generation, and being featured in Dudley Edmondson's "People the Planet Needs Now."

This episode is full of heart, laughter, and hard-earned insights about what it truly means to belong in the Outdoors.

Connect with Chris Kilgour: 

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cjkilgour

🌈 Website: Color in the Outdoors 

📸 Instagram: @colorintheoutdoors

Subscribe & Follow Us:

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Instagram: @thebirdjoypod

🐦 BIPOC Birding Club

🎨 In Color Birding Club

In this globe-spanning episode, we sit down with legendary birder George Armistead. This man has guided trips on all seven continents and made it his mission to craft wild and meaningful birding adventures. We discuss the roots of his passion, the power of group travel, the behind-the-scenes magic of The Life List podcast, and how birding culture is evolving globally. 

Whether you’re a backyard birder or a global chaser, this episode will leave you ready to pack your bins and hit the trail.

Guest Links

• 🐦 Hillstar Nature – Explore guided birding adventures across the globe
• 🎧 The Life List: A Birding Podcast – Smart, funny, and deeply birdy conversations
• 📚 Better Birding & ABA Field Guide to Birds of Pennsylvania – By George Armistead

BIPOC Birding Club

In Color Birding Club

In this episode of the Bird Joy Podcast, hosts Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall sit down with Dr. Miyoko Chu, Senior Director of Communications at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Dr. Chu is a powerhouse at the intersection of science, storytelling, and technology, known for her pioneering work on the Merlin Bird ID app and her beautiful, bird-inspired books.

We explore her journey into ornithology, the global success of Merlin, and the exciting future of bird conservation—powered by data, digital tools, and deeper inclusion. From spark birds to AI innovations, this episode is packed with inspiration for birders of every level.

🔗 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

📲 Download Merlin Bird ID

📖 Songbird Journeys | Birdscapes | America’s Favorite Birds

In Color Birding Club

BIPOC Birding Club

👍 Follow, subscribe, and share the Bird Joy Podcast

🐦 Spread the joy—tag us in your favorite birding moments

📬 Email us your bird questions and shoutouts

In this joyful and thought-provoking episode, Dexter and Jason sit down with Danielle Belleny, a wildlife biologist, birder, storyteller, and co-founder of Black Birders Week. Danielle is known for her ability to blend ecology, joy, and cultural reflection, and she encourages us to see nature in often-overlooked places, particularly cemeteries.

Her celebrated works include *This Is a Book for People Who Love Birds* and *A Junior Birder’s Handbook*, and she is also behind the growing #CemeteryBirdersClub movement. Danielle’s efforts are expanding how people connect with birds, life, and even death.

Episode Resources:

• This Is a Book for People Who Love Birds
• A Junior Birder’s Handbook: A Kid’s Guide to Birdwatching

Connect with Danielle:

Stay connected with Danielle’s latest projects, writing, and birding adventures:

Instagram: @bellzisbirding
#CemeteryBirdersClub

Website: https://dbelleny.carrd.co/

The Bird Joy Podcast is hosted by Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall

Connect with the Pod:

Instagram: Bird Joy Podcast 

Birding Club Websites:

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin

In Color Birding Club

In this episode, Dexter and Jason are joined by Nicole Jackson, environmental educator, urban birder, nature photographer, and co-organizer of Black Birders Week. Nicole shares her journey into environmental education, the healing power of nature, and her passion for making outdoor spaces more inclusive. From grassroots work in Ohio to national initiatives like Let’s Go Outside! with Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Nicole’s story is a powerful reminder that nature belongs to everyone.

The conversation explores her community-based projects, creative work on an upcoming documentary, and wraps with a fun rapid-fire round that offers a glimpse into what brings her Bird Joy.

Highlights:

• How Nicole’s love of nature began in Cleveland
• Healing from trauma through nature 
• The evolution of Black Birders Week and Black in National Parks Week
• Making environmental education accessible through Let’s Go Outside!
• Her upcoming youth-focused birding documentary
• Favorite birds, memories, and books from the rapid-fire Q&A

Resources & Links:

• Nicole Jackson – Instagram 
• Let’s Go Outside! – Cornell Lab of Ornithology
• Black Birders Week – BlackAFinSTEM
• Black in National Parks Week – #BlackInNationalParksWeek
• BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin
• In Color Birding Club

Thank you for listening!
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