Passion & innovation in bird feeder design - with Finches Friend #129
The Casual Birder Podcast
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...
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Casual birding in Panama City #128
The Casual Birder Podcast
John and Suzy share their first experiences with the stunning birds of Panama City, and we hear from Edwin, their professional guide, who took them birding in the Metropolitan Nature Park. Links Past Episode Support the show The Casual Birder Podcast 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
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Slow birding: the practice of mindful observation with Bridget Butler #127
The Casual Birder Podcast
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 00:01:12 Past...
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Collaborative leadership in conservation - Beccy Speight & Patricia Zurita #126
The Casual Birder Podcast
Beccy Speight (Chief Executive of the RSPB) and Patricia Zurita (former CEO of BirdLife International and now Chief Strategy Officer of Conservation International) join Suzy to share their insight on changing perceptions and overcoming challenges as women in the conservation community. And we hear how each would spend a fantasy birding day. Recorded at Global Birdfair 2023 Timestamps & Links: 00:00:00 Opening The October Big Day takes place this year on October 14th and The Casual Birder Podcast will again be entering a team. We will also be supporting BirdLife International. Help us...
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Focus on Birders: Chiara Talia #125
The Casual Birder Podcast
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 00:01:09 Past Episode ...
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Focus on Birders: Mel Shepherd-Wells #124
The Casual Birder Podcast
Long-time birder, Mel Shepherd-Wells, joins Suzy in a delightful chat about his birding adventures, and shares some top tips applicable to all birders. Links: Support the Show - The Casual Birder Podcast 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
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Global Birdfair 2023 #123
The Casual Birder Podcast
A mini episode about the wonderful time that was had at Global BirdFair 2023, where Suzy spent time with other wildlife podcasters, interviewed amazing guests and met people passionate about the natural world. There is also news on what to expect in upcoming episodes of The Casual Birder Podcast. Links Links to wildlife podcasts mentioned Other links Support the Show - The Casual Birder Podcast 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....
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Suzy in Portugal & Global Big Day News #122
The Casual Birder Podcast
Suzy shares some of her bird experiences while on vacation in Portugal, and tells how you can join our team for the Global Big Day - an important and exciting event in the birding calendar! On the Global Big Day people around the world will go birding and then upload their checklists to eBird. In this way, not only are they enjoying our wonderful bird life, but they are providing important data via community science to widen knowledge around bird populations during migration time. Suzy explains how you can be join the Casual Birder Podcast Team for the event! Stay listening for a short...
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Trip Report: RSPB Nagshead with Anneke #121
The Casual Birder Podcast
On a pre-birthday outing, Anneke (from the show's FaceBook group) joins Suzy and her husband John for a day’s birding at RSPB Nagshead in Gloucestershire. The woods are alive with birds singing, engaging in courtship displays, and building nests. Anneke and Suzy share their bird encounters from the day, and some surprising mammal ones too! Links:
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Spring is here! #120
The Casual Birder Podcast
Suzy is back! In this episode, she shares her recent birding experiences and encounters with fellow enthusiasts, and the excitement of watching nesting Blue Tits, characterful Rooks and some unexpected Grey Wagtails. Suzy also announces the launch of the Casual Birder Bird Club, and invites listeners to join the show's team for the Global Big Day birding event on 13th May 2023. Links mentioned in the show: Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction Suzy introduces the episode and shares the changes she's noticed as the breeding season ramps up. She also requests listeners to sign a petition...
info_outlineSuzy is back!
In this episode, she shares her recent birding experiences and encounters with fellow enthusiasts, and the excitement of watching nesting Blue Tits, characterful Rooks and some unexpected Grey Wagtails.
Suzy also announces the launch of the Casual Birder Bird Club, and invites listeners to join the show's team for the Global Big Day birding event on 13th May 2023.
Links mentioned in the show:
- Sign the Swift petition here
- The Casual Birder Bird Club - sign up!
- Visit The Casual Birder Podcast clothing store
- Facebook group link
- The Bearded Tit Podcast
- Join our Team for the Global Big Day
- Support the show - Buy me a virtual coffee on Ko-Fi.com
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
Suzy introduces the episode and shares the changes she's noticed as the breeding season ramps up. She also requests listeners to sign a petition created by Hannah Bourne Taylor to help increase the number of suitable nesting sites for the Swift birds in the UK.
00:02:51 Dawn Chorus and Springtime
Dawn Chorus and Springtime, Suzy shares the beautiful sound of the Dawn Chorus she recorded and talks about the changes she has noticed in the garden as the weather gets better. She also discusses her plans for the podcast for the coming months.
00:06:16 Casual Birder Bird Club
Suzy talks about the monthly virtual Casual Birder Bird Club she launched and how listeners can join. She also mentions her plans to invite specialists to give talks on bird identification and other related topics.
The Casual Birder Bird Club - sign up!
00:08:24 Shoutouts to members of the birding community
Suzy thanks the members of the show's Facebook group for their support and mentions Karin for taking over moderating duties. She also gives shoutouts to birders she met while out and about over the last couple of months and talks about the birds she saw.
Visit The Casual Birder Podcast clothing store where embroidered hats, shirts and sweatshirts featuring The Casual Birder Podcast artwork are now available to buy.
Join the show's Facebook group: Facebook group link
00:22:53 Nest Box Season
Suzy shares her excitement about the nesting season in her garden and how a Blue Tit has returned to her garage nest box. She also talks about another Blue Tit checking out their Camera nest box.
00:24:19 Rooks are full of character
Suzy talks about how her garden makeover has affected Rooksy the Rook's visits to her house. She describes how Rooksie now parades on their patio until someone notices it and gives it treats. We are introduced to Rooksy's mate Billy, and the behaviour of Patches demonstrates how each bird has their own character.
00:27:50 Advert for The Bearded Tit Podcast
00:28:16 Hampshire Ornithological Society Members Day - report
Suzy recently joined the Hampshire Ornithological Society and on 1st April attended a Members Day, which had talks given by various bird experts.
00:31:51 Global Big Day 13th May 2023
Suzy invites listeners to join the Casual Birder Podcast team for the upcoming Global Big Day on May 13th. The team will be raising funds for Birdlife International.
Join our Team for the Global Big Day
00:34:16 Wrap and Close
Support the Show - Buy me a virtual coffee on Ko-Fi.com
The Casual Birder Podcast https://casualbirder.com/
Don't miss an episode - follow the show!
Thank you 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