Birds 101 with Alison Kondler: Bird Calls, Birding Tips, Bird Feeders, Myths, and More
Release Date: 12/16/2024
Graduating Army Ranger School and Thru-Hiking After 30+ Years in the Military with Jay "Meat Grinder" France (BPR #303)
Backpacker Radio
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Atheltic, we are joined by Jay “Meat Grinder” France. Meat Grinder is a thru-hiker, author, and 31-year veteran of the Air Force, having completed 10 deployments and graduated from Army Ranger School in the process. Jay details his military background, including some key similarities and differences relative to thru-hiking, how he used vlogging as a way to stay in touch with his sons on trail, and the hilarious blood nipple origin story of his trail name. Meat Grinder also recently served as a volunteer...
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Hiking with a Tote Bag, Ultramarathons in a Roundabout, and Creative Trail Shenanigans with Tate "Pyro" Dobson (BPR #302)
Backpacker Radio
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Tate Dobson, known on trail as Pyro. Tate is a certified wildcard. It’s not just that he’s hiked the PCT, AT, Long Trail, and Te Araroa, but how he’s done it, including hiking the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail spending $1,000 (alongside Quadzilla), hiking long stretches with carrying a Jansport pack, another stretch using tote bag, hiking the R2R2R eating only Motts Fruit snacks and the 100-Mile Wilderness consuming only maple syrup and a jar of peanut butter. He’s run a pair of...
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The Camino de Costa Rica with Maytal "Carrot Top" Agasi (BPR #301)
Backpacker Radio
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we’re joined by Maytal Agasi, known on trail as Carrot Top. In this episode, we learn how a road trip in a mid-size SUV with her two brothers sparked Carrot Top’s entry into the world of thru-hiking. She shares how she benefitted massively from both solo and group thru-hikes. We chat about her time on the JMT, Colorado Trail, and PCT, and we take a deeper dive into her most recent trek on the Camino de Costa Rica, covering standout cultural elements, landscape highlights, the incredibly...
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Mike Clelland 2.0: Owls, UFOs, Alien Encounters, Hypnosis, and More (BPR #300)
Backpacker Radio
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by author, backpacker, and our resident alien expert, Mike Clelland. We made an honest attempt to discuss ultralight backpacking during this one, and although we do touch on the subject some, the bulk of this conversation is dedicated to owls, aliens, and all things paranormal activity. Mike has become the preeminent expert of the interplay between owls and UFO citings, which may not sound like a thing, however Mike has accrued a lifetime of stories from folks who have experiences that say that...
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A 3,600 Mile Triathlon, International Kidnapping, and A Truck-Pulling Marathon with Justin True (BPR #299)
Backpacker Radio
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Justin True. Justin's story is truly remarkable. From growing up in a home with intense physical and emotional abuse, to becoming a professional MMA fighter, to pulling a 1.5 vehicle for a full-marathon, to completing a 24hr Hero Crossfit WODathon, to being kidnapped in Egypt and deported for being accused of spying for the government, getting attacked by a shark, and most recently completing the "True Triathlon" a country wide endurance feat, including a 50-mile swim, 3,000-mile bike ride, and a 600-mile run. Given...
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Budget Backpacking Gear: Saving Money on Tents, Backpacks, Clothing for Thru-Hiking (BPR #298)
Backpacker Radio
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we’re joined by former guest, Trek writer, and certified gear nerd Alex “GPS” Brown. The focus of this one is how to save money on your backpacking kit. We break this one down category by category, sharing the best ways to cut costs, pinpointing which items aren’t worth pinching pennies on, offering specific product shoutouts, and discussing overall strategies to ensure more of your hiking budget goes toward your hike. Whether you're on a shoestring budget or just looking to save a few...
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Triple Crowning in Three Years, Ultralight Tips, and Cold Soaking with Austen McDaniel (BPR #297)
Backpacker Radio
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Austen McDaniel, known on trail as PI. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve been reading it off at the end of every episode for years, as Austen is one of our Chuck Norris Award-winning Patreon supporters. But in addition to being a longtime patron, Austen is also one hell of a backpacker, having completed the Triple Crown in three consecutive years. He approached his first thru-hike as prepared as anyone we’ve ever talked to, hitting the Appalachian Trail with a...
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10+ International Hikes and a Continuous Yo-Yo of the AT and Long Trail with Curtis Himstedt (BPR #296)
Backpacker Radio
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Curtis Himstedt, known on trail as Easily Forgotten. Easily Forgotten’s backpacking resume is bananas. A partial list of his adventures includes the Annapurna Circuit, Pembrokeshire Coastal Path in Wales, the GR10, Tour du Mont Blanc, Yorkshire Dales High Way, South Downs Way, and Cotswold Way in England, the Triple Crown in the U.S., the Tahoe Rim Trail, and a continuous yo-yo of the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail between 2023-2024. Curtis takes us through these treks,...
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8 Tips for 2025 Appalachian Trail Hikers (BPR #295)
Backpacker Radio
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek and brought to you by LMNT, Chaunce and Badger are serving up tips for this year’s class of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers. We’re covering everything from social dynamics and budgeting to mental prep, diet, why you should document your hike, some listener submission tips, and much more. We also give a rundown of advice from previous episodes in case you want to dig even deeper into getting ready for the Appalachian Trail. Whether you’re hitting the AT this year, planning for a future trek, or know someone who is, this episode...
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Dog Mushing, 20+ Years in the Navy, and the Triple Crown with Ben "Ginger Ballz" Vaughan (BPR #294)
Backpacker Radio
In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek and brought to you by Topo Athletic, we’re joined by Ben Vaugh, known on trail as Ginger Ballz. Ben is a Navy veteran, accomplished thru-hiker, and currently works as a dog musher, a topic Chaunce and Badger had way too much fun diving into. Ginger Ballz takes us through his transition from the military to thru-hiking, why he recommends it to fellow service members, and the parallels between the two. He shares stories from his hikes of the Triple Crown trails, the Hayduke, Superior Hiking Trail, and Long Trail. We also get a...
info_outlineIn today’s episode of Backpacker Radio, presented by The Trek, we’re joined by Alison Kondler, an Audubon Master Birder—or as we like to call it, a certified bird guru. Alison wows us with her eerily accurate bird calls and shares her immense birding knowledge. We chat about the rarest birds you can spot in Colorado, the best apps for bird identification, why the American Ornithological Society (AOS) is renaming North American birds that are named after people, how to squirrel-proof your bird feeder, tips for turning your yard into a borderline bird sanctuary, and she finally settles the debate on whether birds are in fact government drones. If you’re a bird lover—or even bird curious—this episode is for you.
We wrap the show with a lively debate about whether thru-hiking belongs in the Olympics, the triple crown of underrated wildlife, a former guest obliterating the Arizona Trail FKT, and a generous dose of shameless self-promotion.
Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.
Holiday Book Bundle: Get Badger & Chaunce’s signed book package here.
Sierra Club Outings: Use code “BACKPACKER” for $100 off at outings.sierraclub.org.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
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Interview with Alison Kondler
Time stamps & Questions
00:03:30 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and apply to be a 2025 blogger OR vlogger!
00:11:14 - Introducing Alison
00:11:50 - What is an Audubon Master Birder?
00:13:45 - What does someone do with this certification?
00:15:10 - Was your family very into birds?
00:16:07 - When did you first interact with birds?
00:17:10 - What’s the outcome of interacting with birds?
00:20:30 - How long did it take you for your calls to be indistinguishable from birds?
00:22:20 - Can you make other animal sounds?
00:25:19 - What are the most common birds you’ll hear in Colorado?
00:27:45 - What are the rarest birds you’ll hear in Colorado?
00:29:40 - Discussion about the common ages of birders
00:30:37 - What’s your take on the movie The Big Ear?
00:31:50 - How do you prove that you’ve seen all the birds you claim?
00:32:57 - What Colorado birds would people travel from out of state to see?
00:33:50 - What’s your take on pet birds?
00:34:17 - Which birds are the asshole birds?
00:35:44 - What’s the easiest bird call to teach to others?
00:37:40 - How do you pick the right bird feeder for your yard?
00:39:35 - On a scale of 1 to 10, where do you stand on squirrels?
00:41:45 - What is the prettiest bird call?
00:43:20 - Bird call trivia
00:45:35 - How do you get rid of woodpeckers on your house?
00:47:40 - What’s your view on crows?
00:49:30 - Are you familiar with bird folklore?
00:51:05 - Bird call trivia round 2
00:53:05 - Why is the American Ornithological Society changing the names of many birds?
00:57:55 - What’s some hot gossip in the bird world?
00:59:20 - What makes a good area to go birding?
01:00:45 - What are some fun facts about ducks?
01:02:10 - Fuck Marry Kill: Ducks, geese, swans
01:03:50 - Aside from Colorado, where else do you love to watch birds?
01:05:00 - What’s your best bird story?
01:07:00 - Discussion about rescuing birds
01:08:55 - What’s the best birding app?
01:10:30 - Are there any endangered birds in Colorado?
01:11:50 - Are there any organizations dedicated to preserving birds?
01:12:48 - Do you think there’s more to owls than meets the eye?
01:13:40 - Do you think birds might be drones?
01:15:10 - What makes the best bird ecosystem in your backyard?
01:16:47 - Discussion about European starlings
01:19:16 - What bird product is a total scam?
01:21:45 - Any good tips for hummingbird feeders?
01:23:58 - If you could pick one bird to fill the world with, which one would you pick?
01:24:20 - Do you have a strong stance on wind turbines?
01:25:30 - How can people minimize harm to birds in their yard?
01:26:30 - Tell us about your social media following
01:27:53 - What are the best flowers for hummingbirds?
01:29:20 - What are the most common questions you get on social media?
01:31:01 - Kumo Question: What is the strangest dream you’ve ever had?
01:32:32 - What upcoming events are you hosting?
Segments
Trek Propaganda
- Nick Fowler Decimates Fastest Known Time on the Arizona Trail by Katie Jackson
- The Backpacker and Hiker Gift Guide: Under $50 by the Editors
QOTD: Should thru-hiking be an Olympic sport?
Triple Crown of underrated wildlife
Mail Bag (Wade’s Adventures)
5 Star Review
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A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Ben Love, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Derek Koch, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Liz Seger, Mud Tom, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger’ Fawns
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