Puffing Chests & Building Nests

Puffing Chests & Building Nests

From Get Birding by Peanut & Crumb

March 5, 2026 · 33 min · Season 4 · Episode 4

About this episode

The episode explores bird courtship behaviors and practical advice on nestboxes as breeding season begins.

Spring’s on the turn, and the birds are getting busy. From the surprisingly wild love life of the dunnock to bowing and puffed-up chests on city balconies — we explore what courtship really looks like in the bird world.  We’ll also get practical about nestboxes — where to put them, who they’re for, and how even a balcony can help the next generation fledge. With expert advice from the RSPB, we look at the small changes that can make a real difference as breeding season begins. Sean will be joined by ornithologist and environmentalist Dr Mya-Rose Craig with guests including  Lucy Lapwing on her coastal patch, City Girl in Nature in South East London, comedian Toussaint Douglass making the case for our feathered city-dwelling friends, and Jason Singh on the unmistakable rhythm of the wood pigeon. Produced by Hana Walker-Brown . The Executive Producer is Jane Gerber. This is a Get Birding Production.  The RSPB Guide to Nestboxes  Toussaint Douglass: Accessible Pigeon Material runs from Thu 26 – Sat 28 Mar 26 at the Soho Theatre, London.  “Love Is A Toad: Exploring our relationship with nature” by Lucy Lapwing is available for pre-order now. The podcast is…

People in this episode

Host: Sean

Guests: Dr Mya-Rose Craig, Lucy Lapwing, City Girl in Nature, Toussaint Douglass, Jason Singh

Topics covered

  • bird courtship
  • nestboxes
  • spring bird behavior
  • urban wildlife
  • ornithology
  • environmentalism

Keywords

  • bird courtship
  • nestboxes
  • urban birds
  • spring
  • ornithology
  • RSPB
  • environmentalism
  • nature
  • wildlife

Sponsors

Forest Holidays

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: RSPB

Books & works: Love Is A Toad: Exploring our relationship with nature

Places: Soho Theatre, London

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