The Real Birding Podcast

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will tackle one of the most controversial conservation decisions in recent memory: the planned killing of over 500,000 barred owls in an effort to save the critically threatened Northern Spotted Owl.With tensions running high between ecological ethics and urgent conservation needs, we weigh the pros and cons of this drastic measure. We take a deep dive into the natural history of both the barred and northern spotted owls, exploring how one species’ expansion across the continent has brought it into direct conflict with another’s survival.Whether you’re a birder, conservationist, or simply someone who cares about the natural world, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Thanks to Dr. David Wiens for his research and presentation which we used to research much of this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Y-ZmtPiJE

This week on The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will chat with conservation biologist Joe Kaplan—the man behind Michigan’s most famous common loon pair, a duo that’s been breeding in the Upper Peninsula for over 25 years. Joe shares the inside story of these beloved birds and reflects on a life dedicated to conservation, from loon monitoring to youthful adventures as a stowaway birder in the far Pacific. It's an episode full of laughter, insight, and a deep love for wild places and the creatures that call them home.

Big changes are coming to the birding world: every bird in North America named after a person is getting a new name. In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, we dig into the historic decision to retire eponymous bird names—and why it matters. Join us as we explore the reasoning behind the shift, reflect on some of the most iconic names being phased out, and, most importantly, propose our own fresh, fitting names for the species we know and love. From warblers to woodpeckers, we’re giving birds names that actually say something about who they are, not who discovered them. It’s part taxonomy, part creativity, and all about honoring the birds themselves.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Will sits down with Caleb to dive into his unforgettable birding trip to Thailand. From navigating the chaotic roads and unpredictable jungle trails to spotting some of the most bizarre and spectacular bird species on Earth, Caleb shares what it's really like to bird in one of Southeast Asia’s biodiversity hotspots.

We talk logistics—how to plan a birding trip to Thailand, what to expect on the ground, and why it’s both exhilarating and a little bit terrifying. Then we get into the birds: strange Old World families you just don’t see in the Americas, surreal encounters in tropical rainforests, and some true highlight species that made the trip unforgettable.

Whether you're dreaming of your own international birding adventure or just love hearing about rare and weird birds, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and the real talk you’ve come to expect.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, hosts Will and Caleb dive deep into one of the most urgent issues facing wildlife today: the alarming crash in bird populations. From the invisible threat of window collisions to the impact of feral cats and habitat loss, birds are facing pressure on all fronts — but there’s still hope.We break down the science, the statistics, and the stories behind the decline, and most importantly, we equip you with the knowledge and tools to talk about it. Whether you're a lifelong birder or just someone who cares about animals and the environment, this episode will help you understand what’s happening — and what we can all do to help.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will go beyond the basics and dive into their top three favorite birding styles. Birding isn’t always a casual stroll through the woods—it's a world of adventure, strategy, and sometimes, a bit of chaos. From the peaceful rhythm of birding by bicycle to the adrenaline-pumping intensity of 24-hour birding competitions, the guys share the methods that keep them hooked on this incredible hobby. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just curious about different ways to spot your next lifer, this episode will give you a fresh look at how diverse and exciting birding can be.

Welcome back to The Real Birding Podcast! In this episode, Will and Caleb break down the Top 5 Birding Identification Mistakes that trip up even experienced birders. From confusing a Bald Eagle with a Golden Eagle to the classic House Finch vs. Purple Finch dilemma, we’re covering the look-alike species that can make birding a real challenge.🦅 Learn the key field marks🔍 Hear real-world tips from seasoned birders📸 Improve your ID game and avoid common pitfallsWhether you're just getting started or fine-tuning your skills, this episode is packed with useful insights to help you get it right every time.🎧 Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!📢 Leave a comment with your most frustrating ID mistake!

Will & Caleb Reunite + The Brown Pelican in MichiganFor the very first time, Will and Caleb sit down in person to record a special episode of the Real Birding Podcast! 🚨 This one’s full of laughs, chaos, and some truly unbelievable birding stories.In this episode, we each share our wild encounters with the mega-rare Brown Pelican spotted in Michigan—a species that's way off course. We dive into what it took to track it down, the timing, the luck, and how sometimes birding really does feel like pulling a slot machine. 🎰We also talk about the unpredictable nature of chasing rarities, the thrill of the find, and how chaos is often just part of the magic.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!

This week on the Real Birding Podcast, we’re diving deep into a birding mystery you won’t want to miss. Caleb and Will uncover a shocking discovery—a species previously unknown in the eastern U.S. that has likely been visiting us every spring but went undetected... until now.We also explore modern birding detective work, including how researchers finally solved the mystery of where Black Swifts go in winter, plus we share our latest sightings and stories from the peak of spring migration. Warblers, flycatchers, and surprises galore!

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Will and Caleb sit down with the remarkable Meg Heft—falconer, ornithologist, birder, poultry judge, and PhD candidate—who truly does it all when it comes to birds.Meg walks us through the wild world of falconry, from how she traps and trains hawks to hunt small game (which she and the bird both eat!), to the deep bond that forms between raptor and human. We dive into her academic work as a PhD candidate at Trent University, exploring how her research is helping us better understand bird behavior and ecology. And just when you thought birds couldn’t get any more fascinating, she gives us an inside look at the unexpected and surprisingly intense world of poultry judging.Whether you're a backyard birder, a science buff, or just here for the hawks—this episode has wings.