The Feel Good Birder Podcast

The Feel Good Birder Podcast

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The Feel Good Birder Podcast episodes

  • 50 Species in 4 hours.

    In this episode of the Feel Good Birder podcast, hosts Jimmy and Jeff discuss the inspiring story of Samuel Henderson, an 11-year-old boy with autism and Tourette's who has gained recognition for his ability to mimic over 50 bird calls. They also share their recent birding adventure at Patuxet National Wildlife Refuge, where they successfully identified 51 bird species, highlighting the joys and challenges of birdwatching. In this episode, Jimmy and Jeff discuss their recent birdwatching experience, focusing on the challenges and goals they set for themselves. They explore the idea of engaging their audience with photography challenges and the importance of making birding accessible to everyone. The conversation also touches on the art of bird photography, the excitement of spring migration, and the expansion of their podcast to include video content on YouTube.

    Feel Good Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znNnFQYAM_w

     

    34 min
  • Feel Good Birder Podcast. Busy Winter, We're Back!

    In this episode of the Feel Good Birder Podcast, hosts Jimmy and Jeff discuss a fascinating story about birds of paradise using biofluorescence to attract mates. They share their experiences from recent trips, highlighting the lifers they spotted and the joy of bird photography. The conversation also touches on the excitement of birding during migration season and reflections on the gear used for capturing these moments in nature. In this engaging conversation, Jeff and Jimmy delve into their shared passion for birding and photography, recounting their recent adventures in the field. They discuss the joy of capturing bird images, the thrill of spotting rare species, and the importance of patience and persistence in birdwatching. The duo also shares anecdotes about unique encounters with wildlife, including owls and woodpeckers, and tease upcoming birding events and plans for the future.

    Source for Feel Good Story: https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/birds-of-paradise-use-biofluorescence-to-attract-mates

     

     

    38 min
  • Wine, Warblers, Willets, or Whatever.

    In this episode of the Birds and Beer Podcast, hosts Jimmy and Angela discuss their favorite birding destinations, sharing personal experiences and insights about local hotspots in South Carolina and Maryland. They explore various bird species encountered during their adventures, including the prothonotary warbler, cerulean warbler, and summer tanager. The conversation highlights the joy of birdwatching, the significance of different habitats, and the excitement of discovering new species. They also touch on future birding plans and collaborations, emphasizing the community aspect of birding. In this engaging conversation, Jimmy and BerdNird explore their backyard birding experiences, share favorite local birding spots, and discuss the wonders of national wildlife refuges. They dream about future birding destinations, including Colombia and Okinawa, while also reflecting on the joys and challenges of birdwatching. The episode wraps up with a call for listeners to share their own birding stories and experiences.

    58 min
  • Flight From Extinction.

    In this episode of Feel Good Birder, hosts Jimmy and Jeff discuss two significant conservation victories: the reintroduction of the Hawaiian crow, also known as the Alala, and the rediscovery of the Australian night parrot. They explore the challenges faced by these species, the importance of habitat restoration, and the role of citizen science in birding. The conversation highlights the bittersweet nature of bird conservation, particularly in Hawaii, while also celebrating the hope brought by successful conservation efforts. In this engaging conversation, Jeff and Jimmy explore their personal experiences and insights in birding, discussing favorite species, the thrill of spotting lifers, and the evolution of birding practices from traditional methods to modern tools like eBird. They share stories from recent birding trips, the excitement of group tours, and the importance of enjoying the moment over capturing the perfect photograph. The discussion highlights the camaraderie among birders and the joy of connecting with nature.

    50 min
  • Birds, Beer, and Bourbon.

    In this episode of the Birds and Beer Podcast, hosts Jimmy Rosebrock and Matthew Ross reconnect after a long break, discussing their technical difficulties, favorite beverages, and the connection between birds and their drinks. They share personal birding experiences, the excitement of a recent live podcast recording, and set ambitious goals for 2025, including travel and birding adventures. The conversation flows naturally, highlighting their passion for birding and the community they engage with. In this conversation, Jimmy and Matthew delve into various aspects of birding, including the technology used for recording their discussions, the behavior of birds, personal anecdotes about their experiences with birds, and the significance of bird-related gifts. They explore the dynamics of bird companionship, the impact of birds of prey, and share insights on the cultural relevance of birds in their lives. The conversation is rich with humor and personal stories, making it an engaging listen for bird enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. In this episode, Jimmy and Matthew explore various themes related to birds, particularly focusing on New Zealand's unique avifauna and the Bird of the Year competition. They discuss the significance of birds in culture, conservation efforts, and personal experiences with birding. The conversation also touches on the differences in birding culture between New Zealand and the United States, highlighting state pride and the potential for a Bird of the Year initiative in Maryland. The episode concludes with reflections on their shared interests and appreciation for birds.

    1 hr 13 min
  • TFGB, A Black Friday Special. An Interview with the "Berd Nird" Angela Schumpert.

    In this episode, hosts James Rosebrock and Jeff Smith welcome Angela Schumpert, who shares her passion for birding. The conversation flows seamlessly from casual beer talk to the profound connections people form with birds, including the "spark birds" that first ignited their interest in birdwatching.

    Angela discusses her favorite birding spots and the unique experiences they offer, while the hosts dive into their own memorable birding encounters and the importance of supporting national wildlife refuges. They swap humorous anecdotes about their birding adventures, the quirks of photography gear, and their loyalty to camera brands.

    The discussion also touches on the evolution of photography, highlighting Kodak and Fuji, the joy of backyard birding, the thrill of documenting sightings, and rare bird encounters like the Cerulean Warbler. The trio shares laughs over military anecdotes, including wild parties during typhoons at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.

    The episode wraps up with plans for future birding adventures and light-hearted banter about college football and personal experiences, leaving listeners entertained and inspired.

    1 hr 15 min
  • Condors, missing hummingbirds, and everything in between.

    In this episode of the Feel Good Birder podcast, hosts James Rosebrock and Jeff Smith celebrate the remarkable recovery of the California condor, discussing the role of zoos in conservation efforts. They share personal birding adventures, including a quest for a rare hummingbird, and reflect on the community aspect of birdwatching. The conversation highlights the importance of taking risks in birding and the joy of connecting with fellow enthusiasts. In this episode, Jeff and Jimmy share their backyard birding experiences, highlighting exciting sightings and the joy of maintaining bird lists. They also discuss a heartwarming story of rescuing a budgie and the importance of community engagement in bird conservation. The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming episodes and a call to action for listeners to participate in citizen science.

    48 min
  • Birds and Beer Episode 2: Backyard Birding in the US and NZ

    In this episode of Birds and Beer, hosts James Rosebrock and Matthew Ross dive into their shared passion for birding and craft beer. They discuss their beverage choices, the joy of podcasting, and conduct a comparative study of backyard bird counts from New Zealand and the United States. The conversation explores common bird species, the impact of invasive species, and unique adaptations in avian life, all while enjoying a cold beer and sharing personal anecdotes. In this engaging conversation, Matthew Ross and James Rosebrock delve into the fascinating world of birds. They explore the differences between bird species in America and New Zealand, discuss the surprising fact that not all birds can see ultraviolet light, and share personal experiences from their backyard birding adventures.

    1 hr 19 min
  • S2E1 Hot Limpkin Summer/Attack Of The Sparrows

    In the first episode of Season Two of the Feel Good Birder podcast, hosts Jimmy Rosebrock and Jeff Smith discuss the exciting recovery of Limpkins, their unexpected expansion across the United States, and their recent birding adventures at Antietam. They delve into the challenges of sparrow identification and share their encounters with various woodpecker species, emphasizing the importance of citizen science in tracking bird populations.

    47 min
  • EP:7 Season One Finale
    In this engaging conversation, James Rosebrock and Jeff Smith explore their shared passion for birding, discussing personal journeys into the hobby, the unique story of Pesto the Penguin, and their recent birding adventures. They delve into the art of bird photography, the excitement of spotting lifers, and the beauty found in common birds. The conversation also touches on rare sightings in DC, highlighting the dynamic nature of birdwatching and its impact on conservation. In this episode, James Rosebrock and Jeff Smith discuss their recent birding adventures, focusing on personal challenges, unexpected encounters, and the pursuit of perfect photography. They share experiences from Black Hill Regional Park, including spotting a common loon and reflecting on the joy of birding despite the challenges faced during their trips. Takeaways
    • Birding can be a lifelong passion that evolves over time.
    • Pesto the Penguin serves as a unique ambassador for his species.
    • Captivity can provide opportunities for animals that may struggle in the wild.
    • Birding outings can lead to unexpected discoveries and lifers.
    • Photography enhances the birding experience, but should not overshadow it.
    • Finding beauty in common birds is essential for birders.
    • Birding in urban areas can yield rare sightings.
    • Conservation efforts can be supported through public interest in unique animals.
    • Sharing experiences with fellow birders enriches the hobby.
    • Resetting expectations can lead to a more fulfilling birding experience. Birding is about setting personal challenges.
    • Unexpected encounters can lead to memorable experiences.
    • Photography in birding requires patience and skill.
    • Every birding trip has its unique vibe and challenges.
    • The joy of birding comes from the experiences, not just the photos.
    • Sharing experiences enhances the joy of birding.
    • It's important to adapt expectations based on conditions.
    • Birding can be a social activity that fosters connections.
    • The thrill of spotting a rare bird is unmatched.
    • Reflecting on past trips can enhance future birding adventures.
    52 min

About The Feel Good Birder Podcast

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A podcast dedicated to sharing awesome information and feel good stories about birding. Tune in for bi-weekly episodes exploring all things birds!