The Spark Bird Podcast

In this episode of The Spark Bird podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Marcia OBara, a retired registered nurse and avid birder. Marcia shares her inspiring journey of birding in all 50 states and recounts her Spark Bird moment in 1984 that ignited her passion for birding. Despite living with a severe lung disease, Marcia continues to lead accessible birding trips for the Tucson Audubon Society and other organizations. She discusses how the practice has evolved from field guides to apps, and why accessibility in birding matters now more than ever.

A photo by Freya McGregor. Taken in Tuscaloosa AL. Pictured are Freya, Marcia and Patrick Oaks (Freya's husband)

Resources & Links from This Episode

🕊️ Tucson Bird Alliance – Learn more about Marcia's work with this organization and their commitment to accessible birding in Arizona: Visit Website

♿ Access Birding – A fantastic resource focused on making birding accessible for all: Explore Access Birding

🗺️ Birdability Map – Discover birding locations with accessibility features near you: View the Map

📚 Birds of the World – An extensive online resource from the Cornell Lab for bird research and identification: Explore Here

🛫 WINGS Birding Tours – Join expert-led birding tours around the world: Learn More

🌍 Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT) – A global birding travel company offering inclusive and educational nature experiences: Visit VENT

🐦 Merlin Bird ID – Identify birds by photo, sound, or description with this powerful app from the Cornell Lab: Download Merlin

📱 eBird Mobile – Log your bird sightings and contribute to global bird science: Get the App

Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally talk with Pam Lowell, a social worker, watercolor artist, and author. Pam shares her Spark Bird story, describing how sightings of a Quetzal and an Osprey ignited her passion for birding and transformed her life.

Pam highlights her volunteer work with Mass Audubon, her book My Summer with Ospreys: A Therapist's Journey Towards Hope, Community, and Healing Our Planet, and the importance of environmental advocacy.

Resources & Links from This Episode

Pam Lowell's Work & Socials:

📖 My Summer with Ospreys: A Therapist's Journey Towards Hope, Community, and Healing Our Planet – Read more here

🌍 Pam Lowell's Website – Visit here

📸 Follow Pam on Instagram – @palwrites

Wild America & RTPI Book Discussion:

📅 Join RTPI for an exciting discussion of Wild America and the books it inspired, led by RTPI Scholar-in-Residence Jenn Lodi-Smith. This four-part program is part of RTPI's exhibition, Art that Matters to the Planet: Wild America, celebrating the 70th anniversary of this environmental classic.

🔗 Learn more & register here

Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this episode of The Spark Bird podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome artist and healthcare professional Tina Mullen. Tina shares her Spark Bird story about how the Sandhill Crane ignited her passion for birds. She discusses her work in the Arts and Medicine program at the University of Florida and the importance of integrating creativity into healthcare settings to promote health and well-being. The conversation explores Tina's art projects, including her series on bird species decline inspired by a poignant letter to Roger Tory Peterson.

Resources & Links from This Episode

Tina Mullen & Her Work 🎨 Explore Tina Mullen's art: Tina Mullen's Website

📸 Follow Tina on Instagram: @teenmullen

🎭 Learn about the Center for Arts in Medicine at UF: UF Center for Arts in Medicine

🖼️ See Tina's exhibition Bellwether: The Art of Tina Mullen at RTPI: RTPI Exhibition

Conservation & Environmental Writing 🌙 Lights Out! Cats In! – Protect birds by learning about this initiative: Learn More

📖 Return to Wild America by Scott Weidensaul: Explore the Book

🦜 Ten Birds That Changed the World by Stephen Moss: Get the Book

🌱 The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer: Find the Book

Poetry & Journalism 📰 Harry Stevens (The Washington Post): Read More

📝 Joy is the Justice We Give Ourselves by J. Drew Lanham: Hub City Press | Read the Poem

✍️ Ada Limón's Poetry: Poetry Foundation

Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome naturalist and author John Muir Laws, also known as Jack. They dive into Jack's Spark Bird story, discussing how a childhood birding experience with his father ignited his lifelong passion for birds and nature. Jack shares insights on how journaling can enhance observation and attention, his transition from environmental education to creating field guides, and inciting the international nature journaling movement.

🎨 John Muir Laws' Website – Explore his art, field guides, and educational resources: Visit here.

📚 The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada – A must-have guide for nature lovers: Get it here.

🔍 Updated Version: The Laws Field Guide to Sierra Birds – A fresh take on birding in the Sierra Nevada: Check it out.

🌎 Wild Wonder Foundation – A nonprofit inspiring curiosity and connection to nature through art: Discover more.

📱 Get eBird Mobile – Record your bird sightings and contribute to science with eBird Mobile.

🌿 Audubon Canyon Ranch – Dedicated to protecting nature through research and education: Learn more.

📖 Golden Guides – Classic, easy-to-use nature guides: Browse the collection.

Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Scott Weidensaul, Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of over 30 books on natural history. Scott shares his lifelong passion for Raptors, recounting his influential visit to Hawk Mountain and his extensive work in bird migration research.

He discusses the significance of technology in modern birding and conservation, highlighting initiatives like Project SNOWstorm and the Northeast Motus Collaboration. The episode also explores the historical impact of Roger Tory Peterson on the birding community and the enduring legacy of Hog Island Audubon Camp.

Resources & Links from This Episode

🧭 Discover Project SNOWstorm & The Northeast Motus Collaboration– Learn how researchers are tracking snowy owls and other migratory birds in real time!

🔎 Explore Scott Weidensaul's Work – Check out his latest projects, books, and conservation efforts at Scott Weidensaul's website.

🪶 Dive into the History of Birding – Read Of a Feather: A Brief History of American Birding, Scott Weidensaul's fascinating look at the evolution of birdwatching.

🏕️ Experience Hog Island Audubon Camp – A legendary destination for birders, conservationists, and nature lovers.

🐦 Cornell Lab's Merlin – Identify birds with ease using the Merlin Bird ID app.

📱 Get eBird Mobile – Record your bird sightings and contribute to science with eBird Mobile.

🌿 Western New York Young Birder Club – Join a community of passionate young birders at WNY Young Birder Club.

🌙 Lights Out! Cats In! – Support bird conservation efforts by learning more about this important initiative here.

Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this episode of The Spark Bird podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Cat Fribley, Executive Director at Birdability. Cat shares her Spark Bird story, recounting how a college friend's introduction to birding provided emotional balance during a hard period of her life. She discusses Birdability's mission to make birding accessible for people with disabilities and health challenges. Cat also shares Birdability's various programs, including the Birdability Map and the new Blind Birders Birdathon, highlighting the organization's achievements in democratizing birding for all.

🗺️ Explore the Birdability Map – Discover birding locations with accessibility information near you: View the map.

🌿 Birdability Captains Conservation Corps – Learn about the initiative Cat mentions and how it supports inclusive birding: Read more here.

🦜 Learn More About Birdability – Advocating for accessible and inclusive birding for all: Visit Birdability.org.

Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally talk with Sara Morris, the Executive Director of Shoals Marine Lab and President of the American Ornithological Society. Sara shares her Spark Bird story of how a family Christmas tradition and a borrowed bird field guide ignited her passion for birding and ornithology at age seven. They also discuss the link between birding and ornithology, the significance of field guides, and the necessity for ongoing bird conservation efforts.

🌊 Shoals Marine Lab – A leading institution for hands-on marine science education and research. Learn more here.

📖 Scott Weidensaul's Of a Feather: A Brief History of American Birding– Dive into the history of birding with this fascinating book: Read more.

🧭 Explore with eBird – Track your bird sightings and contribute to global bird research with eBird.

Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally interview Kayla Fisk, a lifelong birder and artist from central New York. Kayla shares her Spark Bird story, recalling how a unique encounter with a Chuck-will's-widow during her childhood ignited her deeper fascination with birds and birding communities. Kayla also discusses how her art is inspired by birds, the mindfulness it brings, and the process of integrating birding into her artistic practice.

Resources & Links from This Episode

📸 Follow Kayla on Instagram – See her latest birding adventures at @kaylafiskbirds.

🌐 Visit Kayla's Website – Explore her work, projects, and photography at kaylafisk.com.

🪶 Discover the Cornell Lab of Ornithology – Learn more about birds, research, and conservation at birds.cornell.edu.

Show notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Arthur Pearson, CEO of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute (RTPI). Arthur shares his spark bird story, recounting how a Kingfisher ignited his passion for birding.

They discuss the history and mission of RTPI, the revolutionary impact of field guides by Roger Tory Peterson, and the importance of naming in connecting with nature. Arthur discusses RTPI's efforts to honor Peterson's legacy through art and conservation, and the institute's role in fostering the next generation of nature advocates.

🎨 Experience Aaron's Mural at RTPI – See his stunning artwork in the RTPI flythrough video Watch here.

📖 Discover the Legacy of James Fisher – Learn more about the renowned naturalist and ornithologist on his Wikipedia page.

🎬 Explore The Big Year – A fun and inspiring film about birdwatching adventures. Check it out on IMDb.

🌿 Visit RTPI – Dive into conservation, education, and art at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute.

🎙️ Tune Into The Field Guides Podcast – Explore nature and wildlife science with The Field Guides Podcast.

🪶 Western New York Young Birders Club (WNYYBC) – Learn more about WNYYBC on the RTPI website and visit their official site: WNYYBC Website.

🐦 Chautauqua Warren Birding Association – The birding group Arthur gave a shout-out to! Connect with their community and events here.

🌍 American Birding Association (ABA) – Explore birding resources, events, and conservation efforts with the ABA here.

Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In the inaugural episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally, share personal narratives about how they developed their passion for birds.

The podcast is a part of The Spark Bird Project, a community science initiative that collects and disseminates stories of people's enthusiasm for birds while gaining ecological insights into birders themselves.

Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski