Will's Birdbrain

Attention loyal listeners! Will is going on his annual summer podcasting break! Don't worry, the second half of season three will be here as soon as you can say "the ivory-billed woodpecker is gone forever." In the meantime, here is a bonus episode all about Will's favorite bird and birding moments. Some of the stories just may surprise you!

Want to share your own favorite birding moment? Head on over to the WBB Instagram account! There is a video posted asking all to comment their favorite bird experiences. Comments will be shared on the WBB Insta so everyone can share in the joy. Let's hear your favorite moments!

Be sure to check out the Will's Birdbrain Instagram account for complementary episode photos and videos, plus many other awesome bird photos/stories!
--> Will's Birdbrain Instagram Page <--

Got a favorite bird you'd like to hear discussed on the Podcast? Shoot Will an email and let him know what you'd like to hear, share a birding story, or just say what's up! Email inquiries - [email protected]

Will's Birdbrain has merch! Consider grabbing a sticker or two of your favorite common bird! Proceeds will go straight into funding more episodes and spreading the joy of birding! New season two merch coming soon!
--> Will's Birdbrain Shop <--

Love the show? Consider supporting me on Patreon! Your support and interest is extremely helpful and encouraging! The goal of the Podcast is to share the love of birds, so be sure to share with your friends and family too. Together let's show some love to these common critters that so often get overlooked. I cannot do it without you.
Click the link to sign up: WBB Patreon

Huge shout out to Kayta, Catherine, Josh, Shane, Margi,  Karene, and Ricardo for being Patrons and keeping the common critters in mind!

Support the show

Attention intrepid birder! Uncle Sam wants YOU to learn about the bald eagle! Join Will as he describes the adventurous, independent, free lives of the bald eagles of the USA. From building gigantic villas of nests, to exploring the nation for years before settling down, bald eagles are much more than your average bird.

Also explored are the roots of bald eagle symbolism in American culture. Why is the bald eagle the USA's national bird? Were any other birds considered? What about the native people of the Americas, did they revere eagles at all? You bet! Also shared is a story from the Lenni Lenape tribe about acknowledging good opportunities when they come to you.

Make sure you do your patriotic duty and fly on into this episode of the Will's Birdbrain Podcast! While you're at it, please consider leaving a rating or review. It greatly supports the show, and provides encouragement to keep producing episodes!

Be sure to check out the Will's Birdbrain Instagram account for complementary episode photos and videos, plus many other awesome bird photos/stories!
--> Will's Birdbrain Instagram Page <--

Got a favorite bird you'd like to hear discussed on the Podcast? Shoot Will an email and let him know what you'd like to hear, share a birding story, or just say what's up! Email inquiries - [email protected]

Will's Birdbrain has merch! Consider grabbing a sticker or two of your favorite common bird! Proceeds will go straight into funding more episodes and spreading the joy of birding! New season two merch coming soon!
--> Will's Birdbrain Shop <--

Love the show? Consider supporting me on Patreon! Your support and interest is extremely helpful and encouraging! The goal of the Podcast is to share the love of birds, so be sure to share with your friends and family too. Together let's show some love to these common critters that so often get overlooked. I cannot do it without you.
Click the link to sign up: WBB Patreon

Huge shout out to Kayta, Catherine, Josh, Shane, Margi,  Karene, and Ricardo for being Patrons and keeping the common critters in mind!

Store inspired by: https://www.nativeamericanembassy.net/www.lenni-lenape.com/www/html/LenapeArchives/LenapeSet-01/wareagle.html

Support the show

Want to take a hike with Will's Birdbrain? If the answer is yes, you are in luck! This episode was recorded live on a hike in Westbrook, Maine! Try listening to this relaxing journey when you are unwinding after a long day, try and picture the unique creatures discussed and heard, and imagine the strange plants described... If you enjoy this more "freeform" type of episode be sure to check out the WBB Patreon page! There are exclusive episodes posted there that are similar to this one!

This episode Will is joined by relief printmaker Lia, AKA Portmantoad Prints. Lia's work seeks out the silliness in nature and attempts to confuse the limits between plants, animals, and people. Will and Lia discuss how humans have used art as a means of connecting to nature for thousands of years, and the value of creating art today- for money or for the love of it! 

Grab a cozy hot beverage, turn down the lights, and imagine you are in a misty forest in southern Maine. You are walking with Will's Birdbrain and his curious guest as they explore the intersections between humanity, nature, and art... oh an bonus points if you can identify all the birds heard in the background by ear! You've been warned, there is a catbird in there at one point!

Lia's Webpage: Portmantoad Prints
Lia's Instgram: portmantoad.prints

Be sure to check out the Will's Birdbrain Instagram account for complementary episode photos and videos, plus many other awesome bird photos/stories!
--> Will's Birdbrain Instagram Page <--

Got a favorite bird you'd like to hear discussed on the Podcast? Shoot Will an email and let him know what you'd like to hear, share a birding story, or just say what's up! Email inquiries - [email protected]

Will's Birdbrain has merch! Consider grabbing a sticker or two of your favorite common bird! Proceeds will go straight into funding more episodes and spreading the joy of birding! New season two merch coming soon!
--> Will's Birdbrain Shop <--

Love the show? Consider supporting me on Patreon! Your support and interest is extremely helpful and encouraging! The goal of the Podcast is to share the love of birds, so be sure to share with your friends and family too. Together let's show some love to these common critters that so often get overlooked. I cannot do it without you.
Click the link to sign up: WBB Patreon

Huge shout out to Kayta, Catherine, Josh, Shane, Margi,  Karene, and Ricardo for being Patrons and keeping the common critters in mind!

Support the show

This episode is sweet as nectar because it is all about the ruby-throated hummingbird! Hummingbirds are tiny creatures that have captured the hearts and minds of humans for centuries. They live fast and often die young, making sure to pack in a ton of adventure and excitement while they are around. What can hummingbirds teach us about the way we live our lives?

In this episode Will also explores Aztec lore regarding Huītzilōpōchtli, the sun god that often appeared to the native Mexicans as a hummingbird. Who knew such a fierce god would take such a humble form! What other surprises may await in this episode? 

Be sure to check out the Will's Birdbrain Instagram account for complementary episode photos and videos, plus many other awesome bird photos/stories!
--> Will's Birdbrain Instagram Page <--

Got a favorite bird you'd like to hear discussed on the Podcast? Shoot Will an email and let him know what you'd like to hear, share a birding story, or just say what's up! Email inquiries - [email protected]

Will's Birdbrain has merch! Consider grabbing a sticker or two of your favorite common bird! Proceeds will go straight into funding more episodes and spreading the joy of birding! New season two merch coming soon!
--> Will's Birdbrain Shop <--

Love the show? Consider supporting me on Patreon! Your support and interest is extremely helpful and encouraging! The goal of the Podcast is to share the love of birds, so be sure to share with your friends and family too. Together let's show some love to these common critters that so often get overlooked. I cannot do it without you.
Click the link to sign up: WBB Patreon

Huge shout out to Kayta, Catherine, Josh, Shane, Margi,  Karene, and Ricardo for being Patrons and keeping the common critters in mind!

Support the show

Let's be real, we've all had the dream of being a veterinarian at one point or another. Most of us may have had that dream during childhood, but veterinarian technician Morgan held fast and is living that dream! Morgan joins Will to talk about her journey to becoming a vet tech, share stories from her adventures in the world of conservation, and discuss the role of pets in our lives.

This is the first episode of Flock Talk, episodes that are exclusively interviews and conversations with people associated with the world of birding!

Be sure to check out the Will's Birdbrain Instagram account for complementary episode photos and videos, plus many other awesome bird photos/stories!
--> Will's Birdbrain Instagram Page <--

Got a favorite bird you'd like to hear discussed on the Podcast? Shoot Will an email and let him know what you'd like to hear, share a birding story, or just say what's up! Email inquiries - [email protected]

Will's Birdbrain has merch! Consider grabbing a sticker or two of your favorite common bird! Proceeds will go straight into funding more episodes and spreading the joy of birding! New season two merch coming soon!
--> Will's Birdbrain Shop <--

Love the show? Consider supporting me on Patreon! Your support and interest is extremely helpful and encouraging! The goal of the Podcast is to share the love of birds, so be sure to share with your friends and family too. Together let's show some love to these common critters that so often get overlooked. I cannot do it without you.
Click the link to sign up: WBB Patreon

Huge shout out to Kayta, Catherine, Josh, Shane, Margi,  Karene, and Ricardo for being Patrons and keeping the common critters in mind!

Support the show

A long time ago in a park far way... dozens of European starlings were released, forever changing the avian landscape of North America! Tune in to episode one of season three of the Will's Birdbrain Podcast, Starling Wars to learn how European starlings came to reside in the United States, what impacts they have on the locals, and maybe even a reason or two to appreciate these often villainized birds. May the forest be with you, birders! 

Welcome to season three of the Will's Birdbrain Podcast! This season we’ll be discovering the ways birds influence not only human culture, but the natural world as well, and exploring the amazing hidden wonders right under our noses. This season episodes will be separated into themes - "birds" and "birding." The "birds" episodes will be like this one, solo narration with sound effects and music. The "birding" episodes will be conversations between Will and guests from the birding world focusing on how birds influence our way of life. These elements of the WBB Podcast were split up so neither overshadows the other!

Thank you for listening, and of course, keep looking up!

Be sure to check out the Will's Birdbrain Instagram account for complementary episode photos and videos, plus many other awesome bird photos/stories!
--> Will's Birdbrain Instagram Page <--

Got a favorite bird you'd like to hear discussed on the Podcast? Shoot Will an email and let him know what you'd like to hear, share a birding story, or just say what's up! Email inquiries - [email protected]

Will's Birdbrain has merch! Consider grabbing a sticker or two of your favorite common bird! Proceeds will go straight into funding more episodes and spreading the joy of birding! New season two merch coming soon!
--> Will's Birdbrain Shop <--

Love the show? Consider supporting me on Patreon! Your support and interest is extremely helpful and encouraging! The goal of the Podcast is to share the love of birds, so be sure to share with your friends and family too. Together let's show some love to these common critters that so often get overlooked. I cannot do it without you.
Click the link to sign up: WBB Patreon

Huge shout out to Kayta, Catherine, Josh, Shane, Margi,  Karene, and Ricardo for being Patrons and keeping the common critters in mind!

Support the Show.

Support the show

Ready to wind down after a great day of birding? Here's Will's Birdbrain Bedtime Stories Vol. 1 to help you fall asleep and dream about birds!

Inside you'll find the following tales:

The Nightingale (1:08)
The Alkonost and the Siren (19:00)
The Story of the Bluebird (26:25)

Thank you very much for a wonderful season 2! Please accept this Christmas gift to you. Season two was certainly more focused on the conversation portion of the discussion, but I do love telling you stories. I tried to select a fun variety for this collection, they're a bit sad, a lot hopeful, a little creepy. Let me know which is your favorite, and if you'd like a volume 2! See you next year!

Be sure to check out the Will's Birdbrain Instagram account for complementary episode photos and videos, plus many other awesome bird photos/stories!
--> Will's Birdbrain Instagram Page <--

Got a favorite bird you'd like to hear discussed on the Podcast? Shoot Will an email and let him know what you'd like to hear, share a birding story, or just say what's up! Email inquiries - [email protected]

Will's Birdbrain has merch! Consider grabbing a sticker or two of your favorite common bird! Proceeds will go straight into funding more episodes and spreading the joy of birding! New season two merch coming soon!
--> Will's Birdbrain Shop <--

Love the show? Consider supporting me on Patreon! Your support and interest is extremely helpful and encouraging! The goal of the Podcast is to share the love of birds, so be sure to share with your friends and family too. Together let's show some love to these common critters that so often get overlooked. I cannot do it without you.
Click the link to sign up: WBB Patreon

Huge shout out to Kayta, Catherine, Josh, Shane, Margi,  Karene, and Ricardo for being Patrons and keeping the common critters in mind!

Support the show

Knock knock - who's there? - season - season who? - no, season two finale!
 
Season two has been quite the journey! From learning about migratory butterbutts, to vibin' out to the chill beats of Stressers, every episode has been a fantastic conversation with knowledgeable guests, but at times they got a little heavy. Talking about hard sciences and social issues can be equal parts rewarding and draining. Because of that, sending  off season two is a fun-filled light hearted episode full of jokes and stories!

Fan-favorite guest Kayta joins Will for a goofy conversation about the adorable downy woodpecker! Downy woodpeckers are friendly, fascinating common birds. Where do they live? What do they eat? How do you identify them when they look so similar to other species? Kayta and Will address all of this and more between some pretty silly bird jokes.

Some of the jokes shared in this episode were sent in from WBB Instagram followers! Their handles are:
@birds_of_bean
@missus.blunt
@danature.pnw
@birder_ks

The Story of the Maple Tree
 
Be sure to check out the Will's Birdbrain Instagram account for complementary episode photos and videos, plus many other awesome bird photos/stories!
--> Will's Birdbrain Instagram Page <--

Got a favorite bird you'd like to hear discussed on the Podcast? Shoot Will an email and let him know what you'd like to hear, share a birding story, or just say what's up! Email inquiries - [email protected]

Will's Birdbrain has merch! Consider grabbing a sticker or two of your favorite common bird! Proceeds will go straight into funding more episodes and spreading the joy of birding! New season two merch coming soon!
--> Will's Birdbrain Shop <--

Love the show? Consider supporting me on Patreon! Your support and interest is extremely helpful and encouraging! The goal of the Podcast is to share the love of birds, so be sure to share with your friends and family too. Together let's show some love to these common critters that so often get overlooked. I cannot do it without you.
Click the link to sign up: WBB Patreon

Huge shout out to Kayta, Catherine, Josh, Shane, Margi,  Karene, and Ricardo for being Patrons and keeping the common critters in mind!

Support the show

Are you afraid of the dark? How about ghosts or zombies? If these spooky terrors don’t send a shiver down your spine tune into this chilling Will’s Birdbrain episode to discover something truly terrifying – the possibility of extinction! 

In true classic horror movie fashion, this is a drive-in double feature episode showcasing two birds of the day and a very special guest, uncle Jared, host of Ghostlore of Hawaii: Paranormal Paradise! The Ghostlore of Hawaii is a paranormal-themed podcast covering Hawaii's ghost stories, folklore, ancient mythology, and true crime. First, Will and Jared learn about the Nene, Hawaii’s state bird. The nene was once abundant on the islands of Hawaii before disaster struck… Next up the common myna swoops in to share the spotlight, bringing with it a trail of destruction. Both birds call Hawaii home today but can they learn to coexist? 

Will and Jared then compare the history of these resident birds to the people of Hawaii, yesterday and today. How has the culture of Hawaii changed over the years? What shocking threats loom over the heads of residents? To close us out Jared shares a terrifying story from his show, Ghostlore of Hawaii, which can be found wherever you get your podcasts (trigger warning: self-harm). 

Happy Halloweeeeeen!!

 

Want to support these two independent podcasters? Consider joining the Ghostlore of Hawaii’s Patreon for bonus episodes, supplemental show updates, and more! 

https://www.patreon.com/ghostloreofhawaii

Ghostlore: https://www.ghostloreofhawaii.com/

Be sure to check out the Will's Birdbrain Instagram account for complementary episode photos and videos, plus many other awesome bird photos/stories! https://www.instagram.com/wills_birdbrain/?hl=en

Got a favorite bird you'd like to hear discussed on the Podcast? Shoot Will an email and let him know what you'd like to hear, share a birding story, or just say what's up! Email inquiries - [email protected]

Will's Birdbrain has merch! Consider grabbing a sticker or two of your favorite common bird! Proceeds will go straight into funding more episodes and spreading the joy of birding!
Shop - https://www.etsy.com/shop/WillsBirdbrain?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1361667746

Love the show, consider supporting me on Patreon! Your support and interest is extremely helpful and encouraging! The goal of the Podcast is to share the love of birds, so be sure to share with your friends and family too. Together let's show some love to these common critters that so often get overlooked. I cannot do it without you.
Click the link to sign up: https://www.patreon.com/willsbirdbrain

Huge shout out to Kayta, Catherine, Josh, Shane, Margi, and Karene for being Patrons and keeping the common critters in mind!

Support the show