The Casual Birder Podcast

Suzy speaks with Mary Colwell, founder of Curlew Action, who describes her fascination with Curlews, and the need for urgent conservation to reverse their population decline in the UK. Advocating an approach that engages with policymakers, farmers, and field workers, Mary emphasizes the need for landscape management and public engagement to support Curlew conservation. This interview was recorded in front of an audience at Global BirdFair. Thanks to Curlew Action for the beautiful Curlew recording used in this episode, to Charlie Bingham for scheduling and organisational help at Global BirdFair and to Oscar Henderson for recording and producing the shows. Links Curlew Action Global BirdFair Casual Birder Community Away from the noise of other social media platforms, our community is a supportive and encouraging space for sharing your birding stories and connecting with others. Start your free trial here Casual Birder Community Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me Support the show If you would like to help support the show's production, by buying a virtual coffee here Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes The Casual Birder Podcast https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! Credits My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website

Dale Forbes shares his passion for nature, how he is inspired by soundscapes, and his fascination with how habitats define the birds found there. He also tells us how he would spend his fantasy birding day. Dale is the Head of Marketing Strategy & Insight at Swarovski Optik, is a member of BirdLife International's Advisory Board, and is the regional coordinator for eBird in Austria. The interview was recorded at Global Birdfair. Links Dale's recordings on soundcloud https://m.soundcloud.com/capepolly Dale's book: Habitats of Europe: A Field Guide for Birders, Naturalists, and Ecologists. More about Swarovski and its wildlife interests https://www.swarovskioptik.com/int/en/birding/about-us/sustainability-at-swarovski-optik/nature-and-species-conservation Casual Birder Community Start your free trial here Casual Birder Community The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month. If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Find out more here: The Casual Birder Bird Club Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website Support the show If you would like to help support the show's production, buy a virtual coffee here Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes The Casual Birder Podcast https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

Amy Squire is a passionate young birder and conservationist who has grown up exploring the wild spaces of Hampshire. With a childhood spent outdoors, Amy quickly became fascinated by all aspects of nature, but birds really captured her imagination. Amy combines her interest in field observation with artistic pursuits, often sketching the birds she encounters. Her curiosity and love for wildlife have led her to get involved in conservation efforts, such as participating in important bird surveys. Amy's dedication isn't just about spotting new species; she genuinely cares about sharing the mental health benefits of being in nature and helping others find their place in the birding community. Amy opens up about the challenges young birders face, especially when people underestimate their knowledge. But she's all about turning that around, creating connections, and inspiring others through her school conservation club. Amy brings a fresh perspective on what it's like to be a young birder today, facing challenges but always finding inspiration in the natural world. If you're curious about bird ringing, surveys, or dreaming of a career in wildlife conservation, this chat has it all. Amy's passion is infectious, and her stories remind us why every little bit of effort counts in protecting the amazing birds around us. Links Amy's presentation at the Hampshire Ornithological Society's Members' Day 2025 https://youtu.be/ExMy1eAIouU See all of the presentations here: https://www.hos.org.uk/welcome-to-the-hos-website/walks-events/reports/members-day-2025/ The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month. If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Find out more here: The Casual Birder Bird Club Casual Birder Community Away from the noise of other social media platforms, our community is a supportive and encouraging space for sharing your birding stories and connecting with others. Start your free trial here Casual Birder Community Share your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website Support the show If you would like to help support the show's production, by buying a virtual coffee here Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes The Casual Birder Podcast https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

The celebrated naturalist and professional filmmaker, Simon King, recounts how he turned his childhood interest in wildlife into a successful career. Whilst he has travelled the world to bring us film of incredible wildlife encounters, Simon stresses the importance of local conservation efforts in protecting habitats and species. He emphasises the value of maintaining a childlike curiosity about the natural world, the role of media and education in fostering an interest in wildlife, and how connecting with nature is crucial if people are to notice changes in the natural world and act to prevent further decline. Simon also tells how his long experience allows him to interpret bird behavior and vocalizations, adding depth to his observations and enhancing his connection with the avian world. Whether you're a seasoned birder or simply curious about the natural world, Simon's insights and experiences will inspire you to look at the wildlife around you with fresh eyes and renewed appreciation. Recorded live at Global BirdFair. Links The Wildlife Community website is: https://thewildlifecommunity.co.uk Global BirdFair - get your tickets now: https://globalbirdfair.org/ The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month. If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Find out more here: The Casual Birder Bird Club Casual Birder Community Start your free trial here Casual Birder Community Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website Support the show If you would like to help support the show's production, by buying a virtual coffee here Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes The Casual Birder Podcast https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

In this month's birding catch-up, Suzy chats with her husband John about the birds they saw in February. After a slower start to the year thanks to a holiday abroad, they were keen to get back out birding and boost their 2025 bird list. The conversation delves into the sites they visited, their top birding moments, and their respective bird counts for the month, which adds a lighthearted competitive aspect to their birdwatching activities. Their shared passion for birdwatching and dedication to documenting their bird sightings is evident throughout the conversation, as they share the joy of spotting different species in diverse locations. This episode is also available to watch on YouTube, with added photos and videos of the birds seen. Links YouTube Click here to watch the episode, which includes photos and videos The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month. If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Find out more here: The Casual Birder Bird Club Casual Birder Community Start your free trial here Casual Birder Community Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website Support the show If you would like to help support the show's production, by buying a virtual coffee here Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes The Casual Birder Podcast https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

For International Women's Day 2025 we hear from women birders from around the world. They share the motivations behind their birding passion and provide insights into the impact of birdwatching on personal well-being. Participants: Emily, Nish, Sarah, Colette, Charlie - UK Kristina - Germany Kate, Kirsty - Australia Chiara - Italy Steph - USA Links Chiara - photographer. Read the results of her survey ' The Hidden Obstacles for Women in Wildlife Photography here Kate - photographer Charlie has written a book entitled 'The Life Affirming Magic of Birds' - available soon Kirsty - the Weekend Birder Podcast Steph has recorded an album called 'There are Birds'. She also appeared on episode 69 Sarah is an author. She has not written about birds … yet! Casual Birder Community Find out more about the new Casual Birder Community The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month. If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Find out more here: The Casual Birder Bird Club Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website Support the show If you would like to help support the show's production, by buying a virtual coffee here Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes The Casual Birder Podcast https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

Faraaz Abdool is a published wildlife photographer, writer, and international tour guide. Hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, Faraaz's deep connection to nature led him to shift from a career in engineering to focus on wildlife and habitat preservation. His book 'Casual Birding in Trinidad and Tobago' not only showcases the region's bird species through his stunning photography but also provides valuable insights into their behavior and habitats. Through his work, Faraaz aims to evoke a sense of purity and connection to the natural world, encouraging others to embrace a mindful and observant approach to nature. Recorded live at Global Birdfair 2024 Links You can listen to Suzy's previous conversation with Faraaz in Episode 98 Faraaz Abdool Website Check out Faraaz's photos on Instagram Faraaz's book: Casual Birding in Trinidad and Tobago Find out more about Faraaz Casual Birder Community Find out more about the new Casual Birder Community The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month. If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Find out more here: The Casual Birder Bird Club Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website Support the show If you would like to help support the show's production, by buying a virtual coffee here Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes The Casual Birder Podcast https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

Host Suzy speaks with Sandra Morocho (Birdwatchers of Quijos Valley, Ecuador) and Michaela Leeb (Swarovski-Optik). Sandra lives in the cloud forest on the eastern slopes of the Andes in Ecuador. In 2014 she won a pair of binoculars in the Digiscoper of the Year competition run by Swarovski-Optik. Using the binoculars stoked Sandra's enthusiasm for sharing views of the local birds with her friends. From there, Sandra's engagement with the wider community led to an initiative with local leaders to promote eco-tourism alongside conservation efforts in the cloud forest in the Quijos Valley. Michaela tells us of the part Swarovski-Optik plays in supporting conservation efforts around the world. We also hear how Sandra and Michaela would spend a fantasy birding day. Recorded live at Global Birdfair 2024 Links The 12 podcasts that presented live shows at Global BirdFair - take a listen! Find out more about Birdwatchers of the Quijos Valley on Facebook Or email them at quijosvalley.birdwatching@hotmail.com Find out more about sustainability projects at Swarovski Optik Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month. Sometimes we feature guest speakers, but most months a group of us get together to talk about the birds we've seen, share birding moments that have brought us joy, and ask questions or get help from the community. If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Sign up here: The Casual Birder Bird Club Support the show If you would like to help support the show's production buy a virtual coffee here Keep in the Loop Sign up here for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes The Casual Birder Podcast https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! My thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

Ecologist, writer, and wildlife presenter Mike Dilger is a familiar face from his appearances on popular shows such as BBC's The One Show and Springwatch. With a lifelong passion for plants, insects, and birds, Mike has dedicated his career to studying and understanding wildlife. His extensive fieldwork has taken him around the world. As a respected wildlife communicator, Mike shares his knowledge through wildlife filmmaking, writing, and public speaking engagements. In addition, his expertise and genuine love for nature make him a perfect guide for specialist wildlife vacations where he enables others to learn about the natural world. Mike reminisces with Suzy about the birds they have seen together, what excites him about the natural world, and how he came to write his latest book "1000 Shades of Green". He also shares how he would spend a fantasy birding day. Recorded at Global Birdfair 2023 Links: Mike Dilger's website Global BirdFair information and tickets: Global BirdFair website Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories - contact me on the casualbirder.com website The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month. Sometimes we feature guest speakers, but most months a group of us get together to talk about the birds we've seen, share birding moments that have brought us joy, and ask questions or get help from the community. If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Sign up here: The Casual Birder Bird Club Read more about the club here: Club FAQs Support the show If you would like to help support the show's production, you can add to the show's tip jar by buying me a virtual coffee here Thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

Dick and Andrew Woods, who operate the family business behind Finches Friend bird feeders, prioritise the health of garden birds in the design of their products. A passionate designer, Dick set out to revolutionise bird feeding practices by confronting the disease and contamination risks that exist wherever we feed our garden birds. Not only do their feeders separate the food from contact with birds feet, they also encourage us to maintain good feeder hygiene by providing easy clean solutions through their innovative feeder design. In this episode, Dick and Andrew, tell me about their latest product: the cleaner peanut feeder. Timestamps & Links 00:00:00 Opening 00:01:14 Past Episode Past episode: #128 Casual Birding in Panama City 00:01:27 Introduction 00:03:34 Conversation with Dick and Andrew Woods from Finches Friend Past episode with Finches Friend #119 Food, Feet and Faeces: the key to keeping our garden birds healthy Get 5% off the price of any Finches Friend product - valid until the end of January 2024 Use the code CASBIR5PC Visit the Finches Friend website 00:30:49 The Casual Birder Bird Club The Casual Birder Bird Club is an online bird club that meets every month. Sometimes it features guest speakers, but most months a group of us get together to talk about the birds we've seen, share birding moments that have brought us joy, and ask questions or get help from the community. If meeting up with a group of friendly people from around the world to talk about the birds you've seen sounds like something you'd like to do, you'd be very welcome to join us. Sign up here: The Casual Birder Bird Club 00:31:29 Wrap and Close The Casual Birder Podcast https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! Thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

Bridget Butler, also known as the Bird Diva, did not originally have a passion for birds. But seeing an Indigo Bunting one morning sparked her birding interest. Finding support and encouragement in the Vermont birding community Bridget developed an interest in slow birding. Bridget encourages the observation of birds as a holistic, mindful practice rather than a race to spot the most species. She now teaches the practice of slow birding, encouraging others to embrace a slower, more contemplative approach. Timestamps & Links: 00:00:00 Opening Sign up to our Team for the October Big Day 00:01:12 Past Episode Past episode: Beccy Speight and Patricia Zurita 00:01:59 Introduction 00:03:21 Conversation with Bridget Butler begins Bird Diva website Intro to Slow Birding Get 25% off the cost of the course with the code CASUALBIRDER25. 00:21:26 Promo for The Wilder Skies Podcast 00:22:01 More about Slow Birding 00:53:20 Keep in touch and support the show Tell me about your birding Buy me a virtual coffee on Ko-Fi.com The Casual Birder Bird Club - sign up Fundraiser for BirdLife International 00:54:03 Wrap and Close The Casual Birder Podcast https://casualbirder.com/ Thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show. The theme music is Short Sleeved Shirt by The Drones. Thanks to them for letting me use it. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net

Chiara Talia's gorgeous photographs, along with her tips on how to improve at both birding and bird photography, make her Instagram account a must for everyone's feed. In this episode, Chiara tells Suzy how a walk in the park, and a chance encounter with a European Robin, led to a passion for bird photography and a pathway to healing at a time when she was struggling with her mental health. We also hear about her experiences using a floating bird hide in Slovenia, and her search for the Southern Cassowary in Australia. Timestamps & Links 00:00:09 Opening The Casual Birder Bird Club - sign up 00:01:09 Past Episode Past episode: Mel Shepherd-Wells 00:01:25 Introduction 00:02:40 Interview with Chiara Talia begins 00:05:15 The moment that changed everything 00:07:06 European Robin and Chiara's pathway to healing 00:10:22 Learning about birds is fundamental to bird photography 00:14:02 Chiara's process for managing photo files 00:19:44 Canon Young Talent 2021 and increasing confidence 00:23:10 Floating Hide photography in Slovenia 00:29:35 Promo for The Wildlife Community Podcast The Wildlife Community Podcast 00:30:25 Birding in Australia 00:41:22 How Chiara shares knowledge and joy via Instagram 00:46:02 Find Chiara online Chiara on Instagram Chiara's website 00:47:11 Suzy's Shout-outs 00:51:04 Your birding stories Tell me about your birding 00:54:04 Support the Show Buy me a virtual coffee on Ko-Fi.com 00:54:22 Wrap and Close The Casual Birder Podcast https://casualbirder.com/ Don't miss an episode - follow the show! Thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show and to The Drones for the theme music Short Sleeved Shirt. Check out their website at www.dronesmusic.net