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 [email protected]

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