Introduction

For bird enthusiasts, finding reliable and interesting sources of information about our feathered friends can be a challenge. The world of podcasting has opened up vast opportunities to explore birding in new, in-depth, and accessible ways. Below, we’ll delve into the top 10 birding podcasts, showcasing why each of these podcasts is worth tuning into.

American Birding Podcast

Host: Nate Swick
Frequency: Every other week
Duration: 30-40 minutes

This podcast delivers interviews with notable birders or scientists, engaging conservation stories, and a wealth of bird-related knowledge. Swick’s easy-going style and deep knowledge make this podcast a must-listen for bird lovers.

Birdchick Podcast

Host: Sharon Stiteler (Birdchick) and Non-Birding Bill
Frequency: Generally every other week
Duration: About 60 minutes

The Birdchick Podcast provides listeners with surprising discussions about the intersection of avian life and pop culture. Hosted by Sharon Stiteler and Non-Birding Bill, the pair’s vibrant discussions and engaging content make this podcast a fan favorite.

BirdNote

Frequency: Daily
Duration: 2 minutes

BirdNote delivers daily sound-rich stories about birds and the challenges they face. These brief snippets are the perfect daily dose of birding content, fitting into even the busiest of schedules.

Bird Podcast with Shoba Narayan

Host: Shoba Narayan
Frequency: Every other week
Duration: About 60 minutes

Shoba Narayan’s Bird Podcast offers listeners interviews with Indian birders and American scientists, discussions on conservation, and travel-heavy segments. It’s an engaging blend of local and global birding perspectives.

Field Guides

Hosts: Bill and Steve (last names undisclosed)
Frequency: Monthly
Duration: About 60 minutes

This podcast offers the narration of nature documentaries and the thrill of searching for bird species in the wild. It’s perfect for armchair birders looking for an adventurous listen.

Grumpy Old Birder

Host: Brit Bo Beolens (FatBirder)
Frequency: Monthly
Duration: 5 minutes

For a more humorous take, tune into the Grumpy Old Birder. With rant-y, rambly anecdotes about birds, birding, and other nature topics, it offers a light-hearted perspective on birding life.

Laura Erickson’s For The Birds

Host: Laura Erickson
Frequency: Weekly
Duration: 5 minutes

This podcast brings stories about birds from Minnesota and around the country. Erickson’s personal experiences and heartfelt storytelling make this show a delightful listen.

Ray Brown’s Talkin’ Birds

Host: Ray Brown
Frequency: Weekly
Duration: 30 minutes

Ray Brown’s Talkin’ Birds offers a lighthearted mix of adventures and information related to birds. It’s a great blend of entertainment and education for bird enthusiasts of all levels.

This Birding Life

Host: Bill Thompson III
Frequency: Monthly
Duration: 30 to 60 minutes

This podcast serves up news and conversations with famous birders and scientists. Thompson’s skilled interviewing style and the podcast’s interesting guests make this a standout choice for birding news and conversation.

Poultry Slam

Frequency: Every Thanksgiving
Duration: 60 minutes

An annual holiday series from “This American Life,” Poultry Slam features stories about fowl, providing a unique and festive addition to the birding podcast landscape.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a newbie just spreading your wings in this exciting hobby, these podcasts offer a wealth of knowledge, stories, and insights about the world of birds. Happy listening!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is a birding podcast?

A1: A birding podcast is a digital audio or video file series where the host discusses various topics related to birding. These could include bird species, birding techniques, personal birding experiences, interviews with birding experts, and more. Listeners can subscribe to these podcasts and listen to them at their convenience.

Q2: How often are new episodes released?

A2: The frequency of new episodes varies from podcast to podcast. Some podcasts release new episodes daily, others weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Make sure to check the podcast description for the schedule.

Q3: How can I listen to these podcasts?

A3: You can listen to these podcasts on various platforms, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and the podcast’s official website. Most of them are free to listen to, but some might require a subscription.

Q4: What can I learn from birding podcasts?

A4: Birding podcasts offer a wealth of knowledge for both novice and experienced birders. You can learn about different bird species, their behavior, habitats, and more. In addition, these podcasts often feature interviews with experts in the field, providing insightful knowledge and experiences. Some podcasts also focus on the cultural aspects of birding, conservation efforts, and the latest news in the birding community.

Q5: Are these podcasts suitable for beginners?

A5: Absolutely! Many of these podcasts cater to birders of all levels of experience. Whether you’re just starting or have been birding for years, these podcasts offer something for everyone.

Conclusion

Listening to birding podcasts is an excellent way to expand your knowledge and appreciation of the avian world. Whether you’re looking for detailed scientific discussions, fascinating interviews with experts, or light-hearted banter about all things birding, there’s a podcast out there for you.