The Bird Joy Podcast

In this episode of the Bird Joy Podcast, Dexter and Jason are joined by Tarik Shahzad, a Chicago-based birder who made history in 2024 by recording 294 bird species in Cook County, setting a new county record during what's now known as the Tarik Big Year. Tarik shares how growing up in Chicago as a birder of Pakistani and Bosnian descent shaped his relationship with nature, identity, and belonging in outdoor spaces. The conversation explores what makes Chicago birding so special from neighborhood green spaces to the unpredictable magic of Lake Michigan and how birding has transformed the way Tarik experiences the city every day. The episode dives deep into Great Lakes birding, including gull identification, open-water scanning, and the joy of "gull frolics," as well as the perspective-shifting moment of discovering a Short-tailed Shearwater, a Pacific seabird never before recorded in Illinois. Tarik also reflects on balancing joy and pressure during a Big Year, and how the experience deepened his understanding of conservation through his work in environmental policy with The Nature Conservancy. The conversation wraps with a look ahead at what's next for Tarik and a classic Bird Joy lightning round touching on Lake Michigan migration, gulls, and warblers. Whether you bird the Great Lakes or your local park, this episode is a reminder that wonder is always waiting when you slow down and look closely.

In this episode of the Bird Joy Podcast, Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall sit down with photographer Angela Ledyard for a robust conversation about creativity, presence, and belonging in nature. Angela shares how photography became a lifelong relationship rooted in curiosity and care, beginning with watching her grandparents document everyday life in Cleveland. She reflects on learning the craft across film, studio work, photojournalism, wildlife photography, and her perspective as an FAA-certified drone pilot. Throughout the episode, Angela speaks candidly about showing up as a Black woman in outdoor spaces, finding calm and awareness through wildlife photography, and how birds, nature, and image-making continue to shape her sense of joy and healing. This episode is about claiming space, trusting your eye, and honoring photography as both a creative practice and a way of being present in the world. Topics include: * Early creative roots and learning to see differently * Building confidence through technical skill * Navigating nature spaces as a Black woman * Patience, presence, and wildlife photography * Birds that inspire joy and curiosity * Nature, healing, and creative renewal * Seeing the world from above through drone photography Listen in for a thoughtful, grounding conversation that reminds us that joy, creativity, and care belong to all of us. BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin [https://www.bipocbirdingclub.org/] In Color Birding Club [https://www.incolorbirding.org/]

Season 3 of the Bird Joy Podcast comes to a powerful close with hosts Dexter and Jason revisiting the highlights, laughter, and love that made this season unforgettable. From deep conversations on legacy and identity to global birding adventures, this episode is a celebration of nature, joy, and the people who make the outdoors a more inclusive space. Plus, a sneak peek of what's coming in Season 4! 💬 Final Words from Your Hosts: "Birding has changed our lives, and the folks we met this season are proof that birds can connect us all." – Dexter Patterson "We started this podcast to spread joy and share our stories—and it's clear the community is only growing stronger." – Jason Hall 📣 Stay Connected: @thebirdjoypod on Instagram ✅ Please subscribe, share, and leave a review wherever you listen to the podcast. It helps us grow and reach a wider audience. 📩 Got a guest or story idea? Send it our way on socials! 🫶🏾 Never stop spreading Bird Joy wherever you fly. Season 4 drops late Fall! Let's Go! BIPOC Birding Club [https://bipocbirdingclub.org/] In Color Birding Club [https://incolorbirding.org/]

In this globe-spanning episode, we sit down with legendary birder George Armistead. This man has guided trips on all seven continents and made it his mission to craft wild and meaningful birding adventures. We discuss the roots of his passion, the power of group travel, the behind-the-scenes magic of The Life List podcast, and how birding culture is evolving globally. Whether you're a backyard birder or a global chaser, this episode will leave you ready to pack your bins and hit the trail. Guest Links * 🐦 Hillstar Nature [https://hillstarnature.com/] – Explore guided birding adventures across the globe * 🎧 The Life List: A Birding Podcast [https://lifelistpodcast.com/] – Smart, funny, and deeply birdy conversations * 📚 Better Birding [https://www.amazon.com/Better-Birding-Tools-Concepts-Field/dp/0691129665] & ABA Field Guide to Birds of Pennsylvania [https://www.amazon.com/American-Birding-Association-Field-Pennsylvania/dp/1935622528] – By George Armistead Birding Club Shout-outs BIPOC Birding Club [https://bipocbirdingclub.org/] In Color Birding Club [https://incolorbirding.org/]

In this joyful and thought-provoking episode, Dexter and Jason sit down with Danielle Belleny, a wildlife biologist, birder, storyteller, and co-founder of Black Birders Week. Danielle is known for her ability to blend ecology, joy, and cultural reflection, and she encourages us to see nature in often-overlooked places, particularly cemeteries. Her celebrated works include *This Is a Book for People Who Love Birds* and *A Junior Birder's Handbook*, and she is also behind the growing #CemeteryBirdersClub movement. Danielle's efforts are expanding how people connect with birds, life, and even death. Episode Resources: * This Is a Book for People Who Love Birds [https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/danielle-belleny/this-is-a-book-for-people-who-love-birds/9780762475971/?lens=running-press] * A Junior Birder's Handbook: A Kid's Guide to Birdwatching [https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/danielle-belleny/the-junior-birders-handbook/9780762480784/] Connect with Danielle: Stay connected with Danielle's latest projects, writing, and birding adventures: Instagram: @bellzisbirding [https://www.instagram.com/bellzisbirding?igsh=N25wY2kxaXUzeDh4]#CemeteryBirdersClub Website: https://dbelleny.carrd.co/ The Bird Joy Podcast is hosted by Dexter Patterson [https://www.instagram.com/wiscobirder] and Jason Hall [https://www.instagram.com/thebirdingbeardsman] Connect with the Pod: Instagram: Bird Joy Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/thebirdjoypod/] Birding Club Websites: BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin [https://www.bipocbirdingclub.org/] In Color Birding Club [https://www.incolorbirding.org/]

In this special on-the-road episode, Dexter and Jason visit the Soaring Eagles of Chase STEMM Academy [https://chasestemmacademy.tps.org/] in Toledo, Ohio, for an inspiring conversation with 6th and 7th-grade student ambassadors. Just steps from Manhattan Marsh, these young scholars are exploring nature, STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine), and their big dreams. Shout-out to Vonda Hogle for helping bring this recording to life! Another big shoutout to the folks at The Biggest Week in Birding [https://www.biggestweekinamericanbirding.com/] for connecting us with this incredible school. Episode Highlights 1. Welcome – Dexter & Jason share their journeys in science, birding, and the power of outdoor learning. 2. Birding at the Marsh – Students reflect on nature sightings and the magic of having a marsh next to their school. 3. STEMM Spotlights – Student ambassadors talk favorite subjects, proud projects, and future careers in STEMM fields. 4. Flip the Mic – Students ask the hosts about birding, STEMM careers, and staying curious. 5. Final Takeaways – A call to keep exploring—in the classroom, in nature, and beyond. Key Themes * Nature as a living classroom * Birding as a gateway to science * Empowering the next generation of STEMM leaders * Joy, curiosity, and connection in education 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts. And don't forget: keep asking questions, keep exploring, and keep spreading that Bird Joy. Let's go! BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin [https://www.bipocbirdingclub.org/] In Color Birding [https://www.incolorbirding.org/]

We're celebrating Black Birders Week with a very special guest: Corina Newsome — wildlife biologist, conservation scientist, and one of the original co-organizers of the first Black Birders Week in 2020. In this inspiring episode, Corina joins Dexter and Jason to talk about her journey from zookeeper to passionate advocate for environmental justice, and how she's helping reshape who feels welcome in the outdoors. Corina reflects on the moment she fell in love with wildlife, the movement-building behind Black Birders Week (founded by Black AF in STEM [https://www.blackafinstem.com/]), and how becoming a mother is deepening her connection to nature. This episode is full of heart, humor, and real talk—from favorite birding snacks and awe-filled moments to the ongoing work of creating inclusive spaces in science and nature. It's a celebration of joy, justice, and unapologetic presence in wild places. 💚 Follow Corina Newsome Instagram: @hood_naturalist [https://www.instagram.com/hood_naturalist] LinkedIn: Corina Newsome [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corina-n-466432a8/] Website: www.corinanewsome.com [https://www.corinanewsome.com/] 🌍 Learn More & Get Involved BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin: bipocbirdingclub.org [https://bipocbirdingclub.org/] In Color Birding Club: incolorbirding.org [https://incolorbirding.org/] 🎧 Subscribe to Bird Joy wherever you listen to podcasts and follow @thebirdjoypod [https://www.instagram.com/thebirdjoypod] for more episodes celebrating birds, community, and belonging.

In this inspiring episode of The Bird Joy Podcast, Jason and Dexter sit down with Shane Alden Edwards, better known online as The Wild Dryad [https://www.instagram.com/the_wild_dryad?igsh=MWJvZGthemhqcmU4]. A self-taught illustrator and botanist, Shane has captured the hearts of over half a million nature lovers through his vibrant educational content centered on plants, ecology, and outdoor learning. From early creative roots in aquaponics and drawing, to leading community workshops in partnership with The Conservation Foundation and The Field Museum of Natural History, Shane shares how art and education can work together to nurture a deeper relationship with the natural world. We talk about the joy of native plants, the importance of experiential learning, and how community and creativity can foster healing for both people and the planet. Topics Covered: * Shane's journey into botany through art and aquaponics * How acting and improv shape his unique teaching style * Building inclusive, community-centered environmental education * The importance of native plants for birds, biodiversity, and ecosystems * Memorable experiences studying ecology in North America and Southeast Asia * What it's like to grow an online community of over 500,000 nature lovers * Tips for beginners who want to start exploring plants and botany * Hopes for the future of conservation, education, and environmental justice * Finding joy through connection with plants and nature bipocbirdingclub.org [https://www.bipocbirdingclub.org/] incolorbirding.org [https://www.incolorbirding.org/]