Will's Birdbrain

Will's Birdbrain

By Will ValentineScienceNature
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Will's Birdbrain episodes

  • Yellow-Rumped Wanderers
    Have you ever been overwhelmed by traveling? The streets are confusing, people speak a different language than you, your usual creature comforts are gone. In the midst of travel stress there's always one thing that is sure to bring comfort- the sight of a familiar bird, such as the bird of the week, the yellow-rumped warbler!

    This episode Will joins Shane Sater of the Wild With Nature podcast as he recollects a storied encounter with yellow-rumped warblers in Helena, Montana. These birds are quite well traveled, with migrations spanning across North America. During their travels butterbutts encounter all sorts of perilous challenges, but also find sweet rewards along the way. Together the pair explore how these tiny birds aren't so different from us and find ways to empathize with their journeys.

    Check out Shane's show as well, and his nature blog here: https://wildwithnature.com/

    From Shane: "Welcome to Wild With Nature (previously What’s Going On Out There?), a community-funded storytelling project exploring wonder, connection, and meaning through the natural world around us.

    ¡Haz clic aquí para seguir en español!

    The stories of nature are both incredibly particular to place and also universal.

    The amazing migrations of yellow warblers and monarch butterflies, for example, can connect us with people and landscapes thousands of miles away—and with the intricate ecologies of our own neighborhoods."

    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

    Don't forget to keep up with the common critters!

    Support the show

    1 hr 19 min
  • Round Robin Singalong
    Making music is in our bones. From  the ancient bone flutes of the first human settlements to advanced electronic melodies crafted in megacities, people have always found a way to create music.  Birds are much the same, especially the ultimate representation of springtime and singing, the American robin! Will is joined by Ben, the musical mastermind behind Stressers, a vibey electronic dance music act.

    Together the pair release the album of the century, Round Robin Singalong! The musical creative process is the topic of this episode, exploring how and why humans create song. This theme is then compared the the American robin as we discuss how robins hand their song down generation after generation, why they sing, and other cool facts to convince you to love these common critters! Throughout the episode enjoy the lovely sound of Stressers between segments.

    Like what you hear? Check out Stressers at https://stressers.bandcamp.com/album/oysterville

    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

    Don't forget to keep up with the common critters!

    Support the show

    1 hr 7 min
  • Fixer Upper House Sparrow
    House sparrows are one of the most common birds in the world. They are found on six of seven continents, from the densest urban landscapes to the most remote of islands. What makes them so common? Their Do-It-Yourself lifestyles! This episode Will throws on his handmedown toolbelt and talks shop with Luke, a master of DIY craftsmanship. Luke discusses the value in building your own items, and what it takes to make a house a home. Together we explore how house sparrows are not so different from people, repurposing vacated nests into homes like we do with rental properties, and even acquiring roommates to cut on the cost of living!  

    House sparrows are divisive birds. They're an invasive species throughout the planet and have aided in the downfall of countless native species by consuming their food or driving them out of their natural habitat. However, I believe it is important to acknowledge these are lifeforms themselves worth respecting. They got to every corner of the earth by joining humans on their colonial journey, so who is really to blame? This episode acknowledges house sparrow's destructive nature, but asks you, dear listener, to consider some empathy for them as birds and creatures that deserve to live. 

    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! Click the link to sign up: https://www.patreon.com/willsbirdbrain

    Your support and interest is extremely helpful and encouraging! If you liked the show, please consider dropping a rating to show your support. Got suggestions for improvement, those could be added to a review! 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. 

    Don't forget to keep up with the common critters!

    Support the show

    1 hr 7 min
  • Patreon Announcement

    You may have heard about pigeons serving in World War II, but did you hear Will's Birdbrain is now on Patreon? 

    Patreon is a premium subscription platform that allows people to support the independent artists they love. For as little as $5.00 a month you can help Will's Birdbrain continue spreading the wonder of common birds to the masses. 

    What can you expect from the WBB Patreon? At any level of subscription you get access to the Patreon feed. The feed has bonus WBB content from every angle- photography, podcast information, bonus episodes, and other cool things related to birding! You may also subscribe for higher tiers giving you access to even cooler stuff, like merch sent directly to you every month, custom bird art, and even a guest spot on the show!

    However, the most important part of Patreon for me is the intimacy. I want to get to know my audience. I want to hear about the common birds you see, what you think of the podcast, and make a more personal connection with you all as encouragement to keep going. I'll be doing livestreams, posting polls, and constantly asking for your thoughts on things. Head over now to check out the existing polls to get an idea for the type of content being posted. 

    It's easy to join Patreon. Click the link below for direct access to my platform. You will be able to sign up on your phone or computer painlessly and access all content from whatever device you use. Content like did I mention, entire bonus exclusive podcast episodes! See you there!

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/willsbirdbrain

    PS- tiny note about the owl facts... some of them can move their heads slightly more less around, and move their eyes a little more than others... still pretty dramatic though!

    Support the show

    5 min
  • Red-Tailed Hawk Tawk
    It's a bird... it's a plane... how the heck do either stay up in the sky like that?! Episode one of season two focused on birds using their legs to survive and thrive. This time around we've digging into the science behind birds greatest skill- flight! The brilliant Billy Valentine joins Will bringing with him years of experience working for one of the world's premier airplane manufacturers and insight into the physics behind the mystery of flying.  The episode is centered around a master of the skies, the red-tailed hawk, a hawk I'm willing to bet you have seen floating over the interstate. Tune in to learn how these birds have grown to dominate their domain and teach us as people how to harness flight for ourselves. 

    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

    Your support and interest is extremely helpful and encouraging! If you liked the show, please consider dropping a rating to show your support. Got suggestions for improvement, those could be added to a review! 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. 

    Love the show, consider supporting me on Patreon! Click the link to sign up: https://www.patreon.com/willsbirdbrain

    Remember, always be birding!

    Support the show

    1 hr 29 min
  • Roadrunner Run-Down
    Welcome to Season Two of the Will's Birdbrain Podcast! This season we're mixing up the formula, and taking a little bit of a deeper dive into what makes the hobby of birding unique. But don't fret! Common birds are still at the forefront of every discussion. 

    Will is joined by Jocelyn, an ultra-runner and advocate the hobby of running in every form. Together they attempt to keep pace with the speedy bird of the day, the greater roadrunner! Where can these cuckoos be found, what their day to day is like, and some wild western fun facts! They also connect the hobby of birding to that of running, and explore why both hobbies deserve to be appreciated. Who knows, maybe they even find areas the two overlap! 

    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

    Your support and interest is extremely helpful and encouraging! If you liked the show, please consider dropping a rating to show your support. Got suggestions for improvement, those could be added to a review! 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. 

    Love the show, consider supporting me on Patreon! Click the link to sign up: https://www.patreon.com/willsbirdbrain

    Remember, always be birding!

    Support the show

    48 min
  • Season Two Trailer

    Will's Birdbrain makes his Spring migration home with season two! 

    This season on Will's Birdbrain you'll be introduced to an all new cast of common birds who are much more than meets the eye! Joining the flock and these overlooked icons are some awesome new guests, providing unique perspectives on the bird of the day and birding as a hobby! 

    We're hitting the ground running on May 14th with an episode about a bird you southwesterns might be familiar with. 

    For more information relating to upcoming episodes, bird photos and facts, and short form video, check out the Will's Birdbrain Instagram account @WillsBirdbrain. Don't forget to say hi and let me know what bird you'd like to learn about too!
    https://www.instagram.com/wills_birdbrain/?hl=en

    You may also reach out via email at [email protected]!

    Thank you for the support, and see you this Spring!

    Support the show

    2 min
  • Thanksgiving Special: Talkin' Turkey

    Gobble gobble welcome to the bird cabal! This bonus episode Will explores the history of Thanksgiving in the United States, and of course talks turkey. What are you thankful for this season?

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

    Thank you Ontario Wildlife Photography for sponsoring this episode! To learn more about today's sponsor, check out the following websites: greenravenphotography.com & canadianimages.net 

    Want to support the show? Check out my shop for cute podcast related products! All proceeds go straight to funding the show.
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/WillsBirdbrain?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1332834800 

    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] 

    Your support and interest is extremely helpful and encouraging! If you liked the show, please consider dropping a rating to show your support. Got suggestions for improvement, those could be added to a review! 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.

    Love the show, consider supporting me on Patreon! Click the link to sign up: https://www.patreon.com/willsbirdbrain

    Remember, always be birding!

    Support the show

    20 min
  • Red-Winged Blackbirds of a Feather
    Welcome to the season one finale of Will's Birdbrain! This episode Will is joined by a multitude of amazing members of the birding community, from artists to beginner birders alike! The theme is "birds of a feather flock together," we truly embody this adage. Plus, we're joined by the bird that started it all, red-winged blackbirds! Making this show has been a delight! I've learned so much,  my passion has only grown. 

    Thank you so much for joining the flock! And don't fret, Will hasn't completely flown South for the winter... stayed tuned for special bonus episodes before season two takes flight. 

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

    Thank you Ontario Wildlife Photography for sponsoring this episode! To learn more about today's sponsor, check out the following websites: 
    greenravenphotography.com & canadianimages.net 

    Want to support the show? Check out my shop for cute podcast related products! All proceeds go straight to funding the show.
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/WillsBirdbrain?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1332834800

    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]

    Your support and interest is extremely helpful and encouraging! If you liked the show, please consider dropping a rating to show your support. Got suggestions for improvement, those could be added to a review! I'd like to hear it all. 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. 

    Love the show, consider supporting me on Patreon! Click the link to sign up: https://www.patreon.com/willsbirdbrain

    Remember, always be birding!

    Support the show

    1 hr 13 min
  • Halloween Special

    Imagine, if you will, a world of unease. A realm in which the land, sea, and most importantly sky, offer ceaseless horror. Where psychological and bodily harm lie just outside your window. This place is not for the faint of heart, and the permanent residence for those living ornithophobia, the fear of birds. Proceed with caution as we travel to the outskirts of this world, your next stop... the Birdbrain Zone.

    Join Will as he uncovers a host of ghoulish bird facts sure to ruffle your feathers, from small but terrifying, to colossal monsters. The night ends with a spooky story, written by Will, which reminds us when we take from nature, nature takes from us.

    Be sure to check out the Will's Birdbrain Instagram account for complementary episode photos and videos, plus many other awesome bird photos/stories! There is currently a GIVEAWAY going on on Instagram as well, active until November 4th 2022! Get your free entries in before it's too late! https://www.instagram.com/wills_birdbrain/?hl=en 

    Thank you Ontario Wildlife Photography for sponsoring this episode! To learn more about today's sponsor, check out the following websites:
    greenravenphotography.com & canadianimages.net

    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] 

    Your support and interest is extremely helpful and encouraging! If you liked the show, please consider dropping a rating to show your support. Got suggestions for improvement, those could be added to a review! 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.

    Love the show, consider supporting me on Patreon! Click the link to sign up: https://www.patreon.com/willsbirdbrain

    Remember, always be spooky, birdbrains!

    Support the show

    31 min

About Will's Birdbrain

From the publisher's feed

There are billions of birds flying around the world, let's get a know some of them! Episodes will feature one bird, highlighting their history and role in the modern world, as well as a myth or legend…