The Warblers by Birds Canada
The Warblers is an award-winning podcast from Birds Canada that explores the world of birds and bird conservation. Hosted by Andrea Gress, each episode features lively conversations with expert guests, uncovering fun facts and practical tips for bird enthusiasts. The show has earned recognition, including the 2022 Nature Inspiration Award and a nomination for Outstanding Science Series at the 2025 Canadian Podcast Awards. Listeners are encouraged to share their comments, bird questions, or episode ideas via email.
Episodes
The Wake-up Call: Evening Grosbeak
The Warblers go birding! Join Andrea Gress and Jody Allair as they search for the Evening Grosbeak. While searching the woods, they chat about how to use eBird to find a specific species, discuss nerdy fun facts about Evening Grosbeaks, and encounter a variety of forest loving birds - from Western Tanagers to Pacific Wrens. Jody also shares why Birds Canada picked the Evening Grosbeak as the 2026
Do field guides still matter? The latest guide to the birds of Alberta
With apps like Merlin and eBird, do field guides even matter anymore? David Scott and Gavin McKinnon share why they developed a brand new book: A Field Guide to the Birds of Alberta. Backed by their love of birds, this episode is full of birding adventure stories from the boreal forest to the Rockies to the prairies, along with interesting insights about writing a field guide - a massive undertaki
The Wake-up Call: Louisiana Waterthrush and Acadian Flycatcher
The Louisiana Waterthrush or "Eastern Forest Dipper" exudes quiet and calm, much like the forests it's found in. Meanwhile, the Acadian Flycatcher screams "PIZZA" as it bursts from a branch to snag a bite (of insect!). Both birds are charming in their own ways, but both face a worrying threat: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, an invasive species that has made it's way into Can
The Secrets of Bird Nests with Mark Peck
Bird nests literally come in all shapes and sizes: burrowed into a sand bank, tucked into grass, underground, high up, stretchy, sturdy, flimsy. Even the chicks are radically different, with some leaping out of trees at a day old, and others clinging to the nest for weeks. Each species has their own unique nesting strategy - Mark Peck helps us explore how and why they work. He also shares tips on
Kinglets: flashy crests and stretchy nests
Overlooked and underappreciated - kinglets are one of Canada’s toughest little birds! Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets are both fascinating and unique in their own ways. One stays with us all winter long, which is impressive for a bird smaller than a chickadee. And the other lays up to 12 eggs in a stretchy nest! Join us for an exploration of both species: identification tips, bird songs,
Birds and Cats
With close to 9 million domestic cats in Canada, and a third of them regularly roaming outdoors, we know that birds are heavily impacted by cats. In fact, cats are considered the number one threat to birds in Canada.Our guests, Julia Kilgour and Jonathan Chu, help us explore this fascinating and complex issue. From the science – predation numbers, the most vulnerable bird species, and how we study
Marsh Bird Madness
Some of Canada's weirdest and most wonderful birds can be found in marshes! But which ones have the marshiest adaptations?...is it the Thunder Pumper?Gwendolyn Clark helps us explore the fascinating lives of the American Bittern, Sora, and Nelson's Sparrow. From extra long toes, to crossed-eyes, and some of the strangest sounds birds can make - we are excited for you to meet these specie
Shorebird Conservation in James Bay, "Just you and the birds"
James Bay is an essential stopover site for thousands of migrating shorebirds - Hudsonian and Marbled Godwits, Whimbrels, Red Knots, and more. But this once reliable habitat is threatened. Back in August, Cléa Frapin of Birds Canada, headed to a shorebird camp in James Bay to see it for herself. She spoke with Indigenous Elders, wildlife biologists and locals, to better understand the threats that
Do birds have feelings? Experts answer your questions
It's back! We've called upon guests from across Canada to help answer your birdiest questions! Do the Northern Lights impact migratory birds? How do Surf Scoters digest whole clams? What does the "cheeseburger" song of the chickadee really mean? We answer these questions, and many more! A special thanks everyone who sent in questions, and to our experts guests who have so wonde
Toronto: a city of Blue Jays and Birders
Canada's largest city attracts a surprising diversity of bird species - and peeping at them from along the shores of Lake Ontario: countless birders. Among these birders, you'll find Jean Iron, Mark Peck and Nancy Barrett - three of Toronto's well known faces in the birding community. They share their favourite birding stories, explain the science behind why Toronto is a hotspot for
Superhero Senses - of birds!
Discover the unique ways that birds understand the world through their senses! Some birds have bendy beaks, some swivel their eyes, and others sense magnetic fields. Andrew Iwaniuk is an expert on bird brains, and he helps us explore specialized bird senses and how their brains work! Send us your bird questions! We'll answer them in our end of year episode. Email podcast@birdscanada.orgSend B
Trick or Tweet: Ghostly sounds, murders, and bloodsucking birds
In the spirit of spooky season, we bring you an eerie episode filled with spine-tingling bird facts. We debate the most haunting bird sounds, learn about blood sucking birds, corvid funerals, toxic species, and more. Plus you'll get some inspiration for a bird-themed Halloween costume! Natasha has shared some links with additional facts:Crow funerals with Kaeli Swift Vampire Finches from BBC
Exploring Blackbirds with Experts Peter Burke and Alvaro Jaramillo
Think you know blackbirds? This episode will change the way you see them. Andrea Gress and co-host Jody Allair discuss the underrated beauty and behaviour of blackbirds with experts Peter Burke and Alvaro Jaramillo. They highlight the diverse species within the Icteridae family, including Red-winged Blackbirds, Meadowlarks, and Orioles. They explore population trends, cultural perceptions, and the
Biking for Birds: athletics to inspire bird conservation
Migration is one of the most remarkable phenomena in the animal kingdom. What if the human body made the same trip?Athletes Timm Döbert and Leanna Carriere join us to discuss their up-coming expedition, “Wings of Survival”, where they’ll bike from Alaska to Patagonia, following the route of the Whimbrel. This duo is using athletics to draw attention to nature and conservation. They tell us about t
Up in the clouds with Black Swifts
Black Swifts are also playfully known as Cloud Swifts, a suitable nickname for one of Canada's most impressive and mysterious birds. Join us above the clouds with researcher and mountain enthusiast, Rémi Torrenta, as he shares Black Swift season updates. He describes meeting Black Swifts at the top of a mountain, shares mind boggling facts about the species, and uplifting stories from a succe
The Wake-up Call: Chestnut-collared Longspur
The Chestnut-collared Longspur is an icon of the Prairies – an aerial acrobatist, singing and dancing in the sky. Jody Allair shares his love for this longspur, helping us understand why this charming species should be on everyone’s life list. As he describes his road trip to seek out the Chestnut-collared Longspur earlier this spring, Jody offers helpful advice on how to find a rare bird – this
Bird Photography: tips and tricks from Liron Gertsman
Taking good photos of birds isn't just about the gear - knowing bird behaviours and habitats is equally as important. Professional wildlife photographer, Liron Gertsman, joins us to offer helpful pointers for folks looking to take their bird photography to the next level. He also shares the stories behind some of his most iconic photos, important notes on how to practice ethical bird photogra
The Wake-up Call: Long-billed Curlew
Join us on a road trip to Skookumchuck Prairie to seek out the Long-billed Curlew. Our editor Kris Cu takes the reigns, leading us through the grassy valleys of Southeastern British Columbia. Kris is joined by David Bradley of Birds Canada, and Dianne Cooper, the caretaker of the Skookumchuck Prairie Key Biodiversity Area. Through their eyes, we learn about the Long-billed Curlew - threats, challe
Revisiting Chewie the Piping Plover, and Queerness in Nature
While working with Piping Plovers in June of 2022, Andrea Gress and the rest of the plover team, observed a same-sex pairing between two well known plovers. It was a first for the species. But was it really? In today's episode, Andrea shares a brief history of how queerness in nature was viewed by the scientific community, and how these perspectives have evolved. To explore this further, we a
Is the White-throated Sparrow Canada's most interesting bird?
Discover the fascinating world of the White-throated Sparrow: birds with two colour morphs, a unique mating system, and songs that spread like the latest Taylor Swift release. Professors Ken Otter and Scott Ramsay reveal the surprising complexity behind these seemingly ordinary birds.When you order from birdsandbeans.ca/warblers Birds and Beans donates to this podcast, plus you support bird-friend
Exploring Bird Sounds with Dan Mennill
In this episode we get answers to some of our biggest questions about bird songs, calls, and non-vocal sounds. Learn how thrushes make that haunting flute-like sound, listen to the duetting phenomenon of tropical songbirds, and explore how some birds learn their songs while others don’t. Dive into the complex world of avian communication – and so much more!Help the iconic Wood Thrush and so many m
The birds are back: spring behaviours explained
The birds are back! From raptors doing trust falls, to grebes running across water - birds are displaying their finest selves all across Canada!In this episode, Kyle Horner breaks down the common, the weird, and the obscure bird behaviours that you should be looking for this spring. We also get interesting insights into the "mess" that is the Canada Goose. And Kyle shares what he conside
Point Counts and Missing Pots: The Adventures of Bird Atlassing
The Breeding Bird Atlas is the ultimate province-wide bird survey. In this episode, Atlas coordinators from Newfoundland, Ontario, and Saskatchewan share how and why Atlassing is a key part of bird conservation. We hear their biggest challenges, favourite stories from the field, and why you should be a part of it all. From boast worthy birds, to blackflies - the Breeding Bird Atlas is a project dr
So cute, so deadly: Northern Saw-whet Owl
By size, shape and style, you might mistake this owl for a cuddly toy, but it's actually a deadly predator. In today's episode we chat about the Northern Saw-whet Owl - their adaptations, how to identify them by sound, how banding operations are helping to track their populations, and how you could get involved! Happy Superb Owl day! #superbowlProtect habitat while sipping on a cup of bi
Did a chickadee steal my hotdog? Experts answer your questions
As a special treat we've rounded up some of your most curious bird related questions and answered them in this episode (or tried to!). Why do some birds have red eyes? Can owls hybridize? Can birds smell? And of course, we'll try to solve the hotdog mystery. Help us keep doing what we do best by donating today. Or another great way to help... Order some bird-friendly coffee for your coz
The Wake-up Call: Eastern Whip-poor-will
Some call them goatsuckers, others may think of them as dragons in the night sky...but we know them lovingly as the Eastern Whip-poor-will. We're joined by three researchers who are exploring the habitats, food sources, and migratory ranges of the Eastern Whip-poor-will. We learn all kinds of spooky facts about this elusive species, and gain insights into their threats and challenges. Plus w
Winter is better with Project FeederWatch
As we get deeper into the fall months, we're joined by Olivia Carvalho to chat about an underappreciated pastime... winter birding! With Olivia coordinating Project FeederWatch in Canada, she has great insights on how to help birds through the coldest months, winter adaptations, birds you might expect to see at your feeder, and more!What birds are at your feeder? Let us know by joining Projec
Canada's bird populations: the good, the bad, the uplifting
How are Canada's birds doing? Recently released, The State of Canada's Birds brings us valuable insights into the health of our favourite species. Some have recovered wonderfully, like waterfowl and birds of prey, yet others are struggling and need urgent attention. Catherine Jardine of Birds Canada and Marie-Anne Hudson with Environment and Climate Change Canada join us - after spending
Quebec's river of warblers
An incredible migratory phenomenon occurs along the St. Lawrence River in Quebec. Thankfully, the Tadoussac Bird Observatory is located in just the right place to observe and study this mass movement of warblers and other songbirds.Alexandre Terrigeol joins us during peak migration to share more about this phenomenon and about the other work occurring at the bird observatory, including bird bandin
Vultures: Sentinels of the Skies
With their heads buried in a carcass, vultures may seem like gross, unwanted creatures. But we have to disagree! Vultures have fascinating adaptations that make them essential parts of a healthy ecosystem. John Kinghorn joins us from South Africa to share his unabashed love for vultures, help us understand why their populations are plummeting, and what we can do to help. Learn more about the man
Grasslands, Birds, and Beef
Grassland ecosystems and birds are increasingly under threat as agricultural operations expand to meet growing food demands. Yet, agriculture itself can be the solution! Through personal anecdotes and a deep appreciation for the unique wildlife of the Canadian prairies, Ian Cook highlights the importance of grasslands and the need to find collaborative approaches that support farmers and producers
The Wake-up Call: Olive-sided Flycatcher
"Quick, three beers!" Jody Allair joins us to propose that the Olive-sided Flycatcher is one of Canada's best boreal birds. Will you agree? While they do breed in the boreal forest, the cosmopolitan Olive-sided Flycatcher can be seen right across Canada during migration. Join us to learn more about their charming song and hunting habits, so that you can spot this bird the next time
Getting to know Swifts and Swallows
This bonus episode is all about getting to know swifts and swallows, those speedy aerial acrobats that make summer skies so lively. Rielle Hoeg joins us to help shed some light on these two groups of birds. You'll get pointers on how to tell them apart, and which species are present across Canada. We also learn about their population status and a cool new project in Atlantic Canada aiming to
Warblin' about Warblers
Around 37 warbler species nest in Canada each summer. But how much do you really know about them? Long overdue, this episode is all about warblers! We explore the quirkiest behaviours, the best warbler songs, marvel over fun facts, and hear tips on where to find warblers no matter where you are in Canada. If you've ever wondered what that quick flash of bright yellow in the tree is...this epi
A Writer's Guide to Conserving Grasslands
Trevor Herriot grew up exploring the aspen parkland and grasslands of southern Saskatchewan, deeply connected to the natural world around him. His passion for the prairies led him to become one of Canada’s most vocal proponents for the protection of grassland birds through his writing.With a recently released first novel, The Economy of Sparrows, and several award winning non-fictions books under
NatureCounts: Helping Birds with Your Data
Do you track bird sightings on eBird? Or have you participated in a citizen science project that helps to monitor bird populations, like Project FeederWatch or the Christmas Bird Count? In this episode we learn what happens after the binoculars are put away. Whether reporting a single American Goldfinch at your feeder, or the efforts of a really successful Big Day, your observations create a real
The Wake-up Call: Roseate Tern
The Roseate Tern is a dapper looking seabird that spends much of its breeding season far away from humans....yet most of the threats it faces are human related. Julie McKnight joins us to explore the challenges and joys of protecting and monitoring this threatened species.Share Roseate Tern sightings and photos using eBird, you'll make Julie very happy! And if you're lucky enough to see
The Superb Snowy Owl
To celebrate Superb Owl weekend (or the big football game for some folks), we decided to throw you an episode about one of our star players, the Snowy Owl!We all love owls! Please take a moment to learn more about safely observing and photographing owls. Join the Great Backyard Bird Count. It takes as little as 15 minutes to make a difference and you can participate from anywhere in the world! The
The healing power of nature and birds
January is a tough time of year, but birds can help! We guarantee *good feels* by the end of this episode. We're joined by Dr. Melissa Lem who directs Canada's nature prescription program. She helps us explore the science behind why nature makes us feel good. Also joining the podcast, is Melissa Hafting, a powerhouse birder from British Columbia who shares her personal experience of usi
How do birds survive the extremes of winter?!
Brrrr! A polar vortex is chilling western Canada while the east is being battered by snowy winter storms! Yet, we can still see birds out the window...how do they do it?In this bonus episode you'll learn how tough birds really are, plus get some tips to help the winter birds near you!Join Project FeederWatch today! It's the perfect winter activity. Plus your data contributes to bird con
A Year for the Birds: 2023 highlights from across Canada
From British Columbia to Newfoundland, and everywhere in between...join Yousif Attia, Jared Clarke, and Andrea Gress, as they discuss some of the biggest birding news from 2023. Learn about how Red Crossbills might be more mysterious than you realize, hear their takes on Bird Names for Birds, and marvel over some of the best rare bird sightings of the year. Follow Jared's birding adventures o
The Wake-up Call: Black Swift
Join Black Swift researchers on a journey through the forest to find one of the most elusive species in Canada....will they succeed? As Black Swift populations decline, the crews at Birds Canada strive to understand the whole picture, and find ways that we can all help these aerial insectivores. In this episode you'll learn all about Black Swifts, and also glimpse into the lives of wildlife r
The Wake-up Call: Burrowing Owl
Burrowing Owls...those weird little owls that nest underground, and scowl disapprovingly at us with their bright yellow eyes. This episode is for them! We've invited Graham Dixon-MacCallum from the Wilder Institute to share quirky facts about this captivating species, help us understand why they're threatened, and learn more about a few of the conservation tools being used to help.As pro
Indigenous-led Conservation Protects Bird Habitats
We can learn a lot about conservation by looking to Indigenous leadership. In this episode, we head to Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick to learn about how Indigenous-led conservation may be exactly what the birds need.Our guests, Gordon Grey from Bilijk First Nation, Jamie Gorman from Neqotkuk First Nation, and Kelsey Butler of Birds Canada, offer exceptional insights into Indigenous Protected a
Sharing Anishinaabe Bird Names through Tourism
You might remember Joe Pitawanakwat from a previous episode, Bneshiinyik, where he shared knowledge about how birds are named in the Anishinaabe language. Since we last spoke with him, Joe has been working on many projects to continue expanding and sharing Indigenous Knowledge. In this episode, we tag along with him for one of those projects. Join us for a birding adventure on Manitoulin Island!
Every egg counts; an extraordinary conservation story
With only 150 individuals in the Great Lakes region, every single egg matters. In 2023, the Piping Plover conservation effort went to great lengths, as Ontario eggs were raised and released from captive rearing in Michigan, for the very first time. Sydney Shephard joins us to share the juicy details about this effort, the chaos of a Piping Plover field season, and good news from the Great Lakes re
The Power of Representation in Birding
This episode features two groups that are working to improve representation in the outdoors. They're creating welcoming spaces for Indigenous, Black and/or Racialized people, and the 2SLGBTQ+ community to have outdoor and nature based experiences, often centralized around the thing that we all love....birds!Learn more about FREED, or support their great work with a donation. Head to Special B
The Wake-up Call: Whooping Crane
The Whooping Crane population plummeted to a mere 15 birds in the 1900s, but thanks to intensive conservation efforts we now have over 500 individuals in the wild.... but Whooping Crane populations are not in the clear. John and Mark explain what conservation efforts currently look like, and the challenges they anticipate for the species in the coming years. Bird-friendly coffee is an easy way to
Battle of the Beaks: the winner is....
This epic battle featured 6 beaks from around the world; Loggerhead Shrike, Wrybill, African Openbill, Atlantic Puffin, Laysan Albatross and White-tipped Sicklebill...but wait! If you haven't listened to the first two episodes of the "Battle of the Beaks", you absolutely must listen to those before learning who the winner is in this minisode. Huge thank you to each of our wonderful
The Wake-up Call: Red Knot
On this episode Andrea and Amie MacDonald nerd out about shorebirds! Amie shares the joys of researching Red Knots in James Bay in northern Ontario, and helps us explore the threats these long distance migrants face across their full range. Did someone say...horseshoe crabs?!Bird-friendly coffee is an easy way to help birds every morning! Birds and Beans donates 10% of your purchase to this podcas
Battle of the Beaks: Part 2
This is the second episode in the ultimate Battle of the Beaks!! We're featuring six of the worlds most unique and specially adapted bird beaks over two episodes. Only one will be crowned the winner! VOTE HERE for your favorite beak. If you think we missed a reeeally cool beak, let us know! Leave a review, or comment on our socials. Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.Learn more about
Battle of the Beaks: Part 1
Six beaks enter the ring, only one will be crowned the ultimate BEST BEAK! In this special two part episode, we explore some of the weirdest, and most fascinating bird beaks, with experts from around the world. Voting will open after the second episode is released, and YOU will decide which beak is the best!Learn more about the good work that Wildlife Preservation Canada is doing for Loggerhead S
Spring birding, "go find some ducks!"
Join us for a morning of spring birding in Calgary! We get some birding pointers from from the team as they seek out Common Goldeneyes, Lesser Scaups, Wood Ducks, and welcome back many of our summer songbird friends, like the classic American Robin. Check out the full list of their sightings on eBird. Inspired to get a new pair of binoculars or scope for your spring birding adventure? Check out t
The Wake-up Call: Chimney Swift
Have you noticed little cigars in the sky? Perhaps they torpedo into a chimney in your neighbourhood? ....no, those aren't strange escaped creatures from Alice in Wonderland, they are Chimney Swifts! In this episode we learn more about these captivating birds who many of us can call our neighbours. We explore their steep population decline, and learn how each of us can play a role in the spec
Bird Gaming for Conservation
In this episode, Andrea speaks with Adam Dhalla - a 17-year-old birder, designer of the game Find the Birds, and recipient of the ABA's Young Birder of the Year award. Adam's passion is the intersection of nature and technology. Adam describes becoming interested in birds and bird conservation as an 11-year-old. He quickly realized that birds are in trouble and that there weren't ma
The Art of Birding with Paul Riss
“One day a black-capped chickadee landed on my hand and a birding monster was born.” Paul has been an active birder for decades and he has dedicated himself to changing how the hobby is perceived, what people picture when they think of birders, and how to connect more people to birds through art and gaming.In 2011, Paul cut his hair into a mohawk and embarked on the Punk Rock Big Year then tattoo
What's so great about the Great Backyard Bird Count?
Season 3 of the Warblers Podcast launches today with an episode about the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). Andrea connects with experts from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon Society, and our own Kerrie Wilcox, who all work together to organize the GBBC in Canada and the US. They talk program history, the evolution of birding and technology, and the importance of having engaging entry-level
Did the birds win at COP15?
Patrick Nadeau returns for a follow-up chat about his time at COP15; the Convention on Biological Diversity. He highlights some of the key outcomes and what they mean for biodiversity in Canada and the world as a whole. Tune in for some feel good vibes and what to watch for in 2023. The Warblers is brought to you by Birds Canada a non-profit, charitable organization. Please make a donation today t
'Tis the season for the Christmas Bird Count
This isn't your typical holiday tradition, but it might become your favourite! The Christmas Bird Count runs from December 14th to January 5th each year. It is a long-running program that helps researchers get a grasp on how the bird populations are faring across the western hemisphere. Yousif Attia joins the podcast to help us understand the significance of the CBC for both the participant
What COP15 means for birds
You are soon to hear a lot of buzz about COP15, as the Convention on Biological Diversity kicks off in Montreal. These big conventions can get a little confusing. What are the outcomes? Does it make a difference for the planet? For the birds? We think this one does! We're very excited that it's happening here in Canada, where we can ALL be a part of it. President & CEO of Birds Canad
Birding with Neil Pasricha
What do you do when you get a chance to go birding with one of your favorite authors?? Go birding...but also, record a podcast! Jody Allair catches up with Neil Pasricha near Edmonton, AB, for some fall birding. They chat about birding culture, the value of getting into nature, and geek out about some of their favourite bird sightings. Please consider supporting the podcast you love and bird conse
Inspired by YOU!
We are beyond thrilled to have received a Nature Inspiration Award from the Canadian Museum of Nature. Andrea and Andres take a moment to react to the positive news. Thank you to everyone who has been listening and supporting the podcast, and of course a big thank you to everyone taking action for birds! Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivo
The Wake-up Call: Marbled Murrelet
The Marbled Murrelet keeps researchers on their toes. Their nests are tucked away in the mossy upper branches of old growth forests...the last place we'd ever expect to find a seabird! David joins us from British Columbia to shed some light on these fascinating birds; where you might spot one, the challenges they face, and how to help.Get some Bird Friendly Certified Coffee to keep you warm a
Key Biodiversity Areas - Canada's Critical Places for Nature
Key Biodiversity Areas or KBAs are sites that are important for the survival of a species or ecosystem. Canada is a global leader in identifying KBAs which will play a critical role in our efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss before it’s too late. As part of the KBA Canada Secretariat, together with our partners and volunteers, Birds Canada is identifying the most precious places in Canad
The Wake-up Call: Bicknell's Thrush
Bicknell's Thrush field work sounds like a dream job for those who love extreme, dense forest conditions. Bears, moose, getting thwacked in the face with branches...utter bliss for the diehard biologists! For most people though, those conditions are less than ideal. This makes learning about the Bicknell's Thrush quite challenging. How do we track the population of such an elusive bird
Minisode: An update on Chewie the Piping Plover
Chewie is a Piping Plover that brings much drama with her everywhere she goes, and we love her for it! Find out what she got up to since she was featured in the June minisode "Piping Plovers- A Love Story". If you have not listened to that episode, go back and check it out BEFORE listening to this one! Learn more about band combos, and report a banded Piping Plover here. Reporting bands
The Wake-up Call: Leach's Storm-Petrel
The sound of Leach's Storm-Petrels returning to their burrows under the cover of darkness is what you might expect to hear in a fairy tale. Like elves giggling in the distance. Laura Tranquilla of Birds Canada, joins us to share what it's like to work with one of Canada's smallest and most mysterious seabirds. Leach's Storm-Petrels breed in colonies along Canada's Atlantic
The Wake-up Call: Piping Plover
Falling in love with chonky floofs, and how to help them! From navigating crowds of people to avoiding cow footprints on beaches, Piping Plovers have no shortage of challenges. Andrea chats with plover researchers from Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia about these challenges and more, and how the conservation approaches can be radically different across Canada. Learn more about Piping Plovers near y
Minisode: Piping Plovers - A Love Story
In this minisode Andrea shares a glimpse into the world of Piping Plovers and the struggles they face through a fascinating tale about 'Chewie', a very determined Piping Plover female. The story provides an introduction to these birds and leaves listeners wanting to know more. Fortunately we'll be learning more in our next episode! Stay tuned.What happened to Chewie? Check out of fo
The Wake-up Call: conserving Canada's most threatened bird species
The Wake-up Call is a special series where we'll be learning about Canada's most threatened, and at-risk bird species. Experts working with each species will help us fall in love with these often elusive birds; we'll learn about the greatest threats, and how we can help. This first episode in the series provides background information to help us understand how species are protected
Minisode: More awesome band recovery stories from Stu Mackenzie and the importance of bird safety
When we visited Long Point Bird Observatory for the previous episode we could not get enough of Stu Mackenzie's bird banding stories, and incredible level of knowledge! So here are some more tidbits from Stu. Don't forget to check out the full length episode to experience the awe of life at a banding station! Remember to report bands! Stu MacKenzie is responsible for the Motus Wildlife
A bird banding day at Long Point Bird Observatory
Bird observatories are an essential starting place for young biologists, but also for members of the public; to watch, to learn, and to fall in love with birds in a more intimate and up-close setting. Long Point Bird Observatory is where it all begins for many of us. It is the founding program of Birds Canada, ultimately leading to everything we do today. We urge you to visit a bird observatory n
Minisode: Getting Ready for Spring Migration
Spring is here! And so are the birds! Andrea quizzes Jody Allair on his best spring birding tips. They chat about favorite spring bird songs, how to brush up on ID skills, where to meet local birders ...and so much more!Want access to BirdWatch Canada magazine? Subscribe here. Out of coffee? Want to slurp on a cup that supports both bird conservation and this podcast?! Grab some certified bird-f
The Bird Friendly City
Spring approaches and the birds are rapidly migrating back to their summer homes. They are taking up residence across Canada, preparing to nest in our backyards, local parks, and even in industrial areas. We love seeing and hearing them return for the summer. With three-quarters of Canada’s population residing in urban areas, and many of our favourite bird species sharing those spaces with us…how
Minisode: did Jurassic Park get it wrong?
Did you have an obsession with dinosaurs as a kid? Yep, us too!In this minisode, we’re chatting more with Dr. Francois Therrien from the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller about the bird dinosaur connection, and a favourite classic movie….Jurassic Park. Out of coffee? Want to slurp on a cup that supports both bird conservation and this podcast?! Grab some certified bird-friendly coffee for The War
Dino Watching: Are Birds Dinosaurs?
Our producer, Jody Allair, never stopped loving dinosaurs. He is always telling us about how birds are actually just dinosaurs. Is he right?In this episode, we hear from Dr. François Therrien at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta. We learn about the evolution of birds, and their similarities with theropod dinosaurs. This episode goes out to everyone who never stopped loving dinosaurs!
The Year in Birds Minisode: Positive News Stories of 2021
A lot happened for birds in 2021, for example, Andrés found the Razorbills... Now, seriously, In this minisode, we cover some of the good news stories that we didn’t have a chance to touch on in our last episode, such as the strengthening of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and significant funding for Indigenous stewardship programs in Canada.Jody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys
The Year in Birds: Canadian bird and birding highlights from 2021
We sat down with our friends, Yousif and Mike, expecting to chat about the past year in birding—but we couldn’t settle on one topic! In this episode, we marvel over rare bird sightings, like the Steller’s Sea Eagle that visited multiple Canadian provinces this year. We dig into what it means to be a “birder”, and how the birding community has changed for the better in recent years. And we chat ab
Drinking what we love: the case for a bird-friendly coffee revolution
Wondering what you can do to help birds? Drink (the right) coffee! Specifically, bird-friendly certified coffee. Bird-Friendly coffee is great for birds and people, yet many bird lovers haven’t made the switch. Kirstin Hill from the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Centre joins us to talk about why it’s important to buy bird-friendly CERTIFIED coffee. Spoiler Alert! Canadians drink copious amounts of co
Drinking what we love: the link between birds and coffee
When it comes to coffee and birds there’s a surprising amount we can learn. Many of our beloved migrant birds spend their winters in southern climes. In coffee plantations in fact. Shade-grown, organic, fair-trade, and bird-friendly coffee – what’s up with all the certifications? What difference does it make if my coffee is certified bird-friendly?Dr. Ana Gonzalez grew up among the coffee plantati
