The Casual Birder Podcast
Suzy shares the joy of watching wild birds, from her garden visitors in southern England to birds seen internationally. Learn how to identify species, notice their behaviours, and recognize songs and calls. Join Suzy for recorded bird outings, interviews with experts and enthusiasts, and stories from birders around the world. Suzy says: “Birding is a great pastime. It can be done with others or alone. You don't need expensive equipment, your eyes or ears are enough. And best of all, the Casual Birder can do as much or as little birding as suits them. It's perfect for fitting into our busy schedules.” Find Suzy on Twitter @CasualBirderPod
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Passion & innovation in bird feeder design - with Finches Friend #129
01/10/2024
Passion & innovation in bird feeder design - with Finches Friend #129
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 00:01:27 Introduction 00:03:34 Conversation with Dick and Andrew Woods from Finches Friend Past episode with Finches Friend Get 5% off the price of any Finches Friend product - valid until the end of January 2024 Use the code CASBIR5PC Visit the 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: 00:31:29 Wrap and Close 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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Casual birding in Panama City #128
09/20/2023
Casual birding in Panama City #128
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
09/05/2023
Slow birding: the practice of mindful observation with Bridget Butler #127
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 Episode 00:01:59 Introduction 00:03:21 Conversation with Bridget Butler begins 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 00:54:03 Wrap and Close 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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Collaborative leadership in conservation - Beccy Speight & Patricia Zurita #126
08/30/2023
Collaborative leadership in conservation - Beccy Speight & Patricia Zurita #126
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 reach our fundraising target! 00:01:12 Past Episode 00:01:30 Introduction 00:02:32 Conversation with Beccy and Patricia begins 00:03:13 Patricia Zurita introduces BirdLife International and her path to joining the organisation. 00:05:26 Beccy Speight introduces the work of the RSPB and her background in conservation. 00:07:49 Beccy shares two birding memories that inspired her 00:09:00 Engaging with communities 00:09:40 Patricia shares the International perspective 00:11:48 Beccy speaks of the power of documentaries like Wild Isles to raise awareness 00:14:22 Overcoming Challenges and Changing Perceptions 00:17:06 The Importance of Collaboration and Diversity in Leadership 00:20:00 A fantasy birding day: where would you go, what you see? 00:20:15 Patricia - New Hummingbird species in Ecuador 00:20:45 Beccy - Shetland soundscapes 00:22:00 Suzy’s Birding 00:22:02 In search of a Nightjar 00:25:31 Stone-Curlew 00:27:38 Mis-identifying a Common Tern 00:28:18 Support the Show 00:28:46 Keep in touch 00:29:10 Wrap and Close 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 The Casual Birder Podcast
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Focus on Birders: Chiara Talia #125
08/08/2023
Focus on Birders: Chiara Talia #125
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 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 00:30:25 Birding in Australia 00:41:22 How Chiara shares knowledge and joy via Instagram 00:46:02 Find Chiara online 00:47:11 Suzy’s Shout-outs 00:51:04 Your birding stories 00:54:04 Support the Show 00:54:22 Wrap and Close 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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Focus on Birders: Mel Shepherd-Wells #124
07/28/2023
Focus on Birders: Mel Shepherd-Wells #124
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
07/24/2023
Global Birdfair 2023 #123
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. Check out their website at
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Suzy in Portugal & Global Big Day News #122
05/05/2023
Suzy in Portugal & Global Big Day News #122
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 recording of a Nightingale, Blackbird, Collared Dove and European Goldfinch. Links Join the Casual Birder Podcast Team for the Global Big Day 2023. Sign up here: Please donate to our Just Giving page for BirdLife International - and share the link with your friends:
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Trip Report: RSPB Nagshead with Anneke #121
04/21/2023
Trip Report: RSPB Nagshead with Anneke #121
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
04/07/2023
Spring is here! #120
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 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. 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. where embroidered hats, shirts and sweatshirts featuring The Casual Birder Podcast artwork are now available to buy. Join the show's Facebook group: 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 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. 00:34:16 Wrap and Close Support the Show - The Casual Birder Podcast 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
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Food, Feet and Faeces: the key to keeping our garden birds healthy #119
11/10/2022
Food, Feet and Faeces: the key to keeping our garden birds healthy #119
Finches Friend founder Dick Woods and wildlife presenter Martin Hughes-Games join Suzy to talk about the unintended consequences of feeding garden birds that can affect their health. Dick showcases a revolutionary easy-clean feeder that he designed to reduce the transmission of disease among birds visiting feeders. He says the key is to keep birds' feet and faeces out of their food. Timestamps & Links: 00:00:00 Announcements Big news! Embroidered hats, shirts and sweatshirts featuring The Casual Birder Podcast artwork are now available to buy. 00:00:48 Last Episode 00:01:04 Casual Birder Weekly newsletter 00:01:31 Introduction to the episode 00:04:37 Interview with Dick Woods and Martin Hughes-Games 00:47:10 Wrap-up A Wild Life: My Adventures Around the World Filming Wildlife by Martin Hughes-Games Garden Wildlife Health 00:48:06 Wrap and Close Support the Show - 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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A weekend of waders at the Hampshire coast #118
09/24/2022
A weekend of waders at the Hampshire coast #118
Following a weekend spent at the Hampshire Coast at the end of August, join me and my birding partner & husband, John, as we review the waders and other birds that we saw. I also talk about the BTO course on wader ID that I took, and we hear from past guest Natasha about the benefits she has found using the Merlin Bird ID app. And there are shout-outs to all the wonderful birders who have shared sightings with me over the past few weeks. Timestamps & Links: 00:00:00 Pre-roll & announcements 00:01:18 Last Episode 00:01:39 Suzy and John review their wader weekend Part 1 00:19:22 Casual Birder Weekly 00:19:46 Suzy and John review their wader weekend Part 2 00:28:16 BTO wader ID course and Yearlist so far Sign up to the BTO e-Newsletter Suzy compares her year list with 00:31:17 Keep in touch 00:35:49 Suzy's recent birding and Shout-outs 00:45:37 Support the Show 00:46:05 Wrap and Close The Casual Birder Podcast website Don't miss an episode - follow the show! 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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Birding in Lithuania with Boris Belchev #117
08/31/2022
Birding in Lithuania with Boris Belchev #117
Wildlife photographer and tour leader Boris Belchev tells up about birding in Lithuania, a small Baltic country with 403 species. Recorded at #globalbirdfair. Timestamps & Links:
00:00:00 Podcast intro 00:00:37 Last Episode 00:00:51 Support the Show 00:01:22 Chat with Boris Belchev 00:13:56 Suzy update 00:14:42 Casual Birder Weekly is back! 00:15:18 Global Bird Weekend Oct 7-9, 2022 00:16:06 Keep in Touch 00:16:22 Wrap and Close Website: Don't miss an episode - follow the show! 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
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An afternoon birding in Hampshire #116
08/23/2022
An afternoon birding in Hampshire #116
Join me and John, my birding partner and husband, as we review the birds seen during a July afternoon at Martin Down and Blashford Lakes, in Hampshire, UK. Timestamps & Links: 00:00:00 Pre-roll & announcements 00:01:29 Last Episode 00:02:12 Support the Show 00:02:45 Suzy and John review an afternoon of birding Part 1 00:11:29 The Casual Birder Weekly newsletter is back! 00:12:07 Suzy and John review an afternoon of birding Part 2 00:20:12 Rob and Alison share a trip report from Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, in Lincolnshire 00:24:20 Wrap and Close The Casual Birder Podcast 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
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Sussex Sara at Global Birdfair #115
08/15/2022
Sussex Sara at Global Birdfair #115
Sara Humphrey, also known as Sussex Sara on social media, shares her passion for wildlife photography, low-carbon birding, and educating others in responsible wildlife watching. Recorded at Global Birdfair. Timestamps & Links:
00:00:00 Theme song 00:00:36 Last Episode 00:00:47 Support the Show 00:01:20 Introduction to Sussex Sara 00:02:08 Chat with Sussex Sara 00:11:44 00:11:59 Wrap and Close Website: Don't miss an episode - follow the show! 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.
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Hannah Bourne-Taylor at Global Birdfair #114
08/08/2022
Hannah Bourne-Taylor at Global Birdfair #114
In this episode, recorded at Global Birdfair, author of Fledgling, Hannah Bourne-Taylor, shares her extraordinary experience of raising a young finch that had been abandoned by its flock, and which made its home in her hair! Timestamps & Links: 00:00:00 Pre-roll and Theme song 00:00:50 Last Episode - Stephen Moss at Global Birdfair 00:01:02 Support the Show 00:01:20 Introduction to chat 00:02:00 Chat with Hannah Bourne-Taylor 00:13:10 Wrap and Close Don't miss an episode - follow the show! 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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Stephen Moss at Global BirdFair #113
08/01/2022
Stephen Moss at Global BirdFair #113
Join me as I chat with author and broadcaster Stephen Moss at the 2022 Global BirdFair. Timestamps & Links: 00:00:00 Opening and Theme song 00:00:43 Last Episode - Casual Birding on a Shetland Beach 00:00:52 Introduction to chat 00:02:17 Chat with Stephen Moss 00:12:51 Comments on Global BirdFair 00:14:26 Support the Show 00:14:43 Shout out to the people I met at Global BirdFair 00:16:41 Podcast Recommendation: 00:17:04 Keep in Touch 00:17:10 Wrap and Close Website: 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
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Casual Birding on a Shetland Beach #112
07/14/2022
Casual Birding on a Shetland Beach #112
In this episode, join Shetland resident Natasha and me as we sit at a quiet bay watching the birds that happen by. 00:00:00 Pre-roll and Theme song 00:01:17 Opening & Announcements Last Episode - Bird Chat with The Edinburgh Birdwatcher 00:01:31 Sitting at Lingness with Natasha 00:16:32 Avian influenza If you come across dead or ill birds, do not touch them. Please report them as soon as possible to the DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77. 00:17:40 Nestbox News I am an affiliate of Garden Nature so when you use my link to buy their products, I'll get a small percentage of the proceeds at no extra expense to you. And listeners to The Casual Birder Podcast can get 10% off their order by using the voucher code CBP10. 00:18:55 Friendly birders I have met 00:21:13 Support the Show 00:22:03 What have you seen? 00:22:15 Wrap and Close Don't miss an episode - follow the show! 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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Bird Chat with The Edinburgh Birdwatcher #111
04/27/2022
Bird Chat with The Edinburgh Birdwatcher #111
Euan, The Edinburgh Birdwatcher, is celebrating 20 years of birding. He tells Suzy about his birding style and what birdwatching means to him. Also, there’s big news from the Blue Tits that Suzy is watching via remote camera and, in Last Call, listen to a glorious, uninterrupted 5 minutes of dawn chorus birdsong from the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. Timestamps & Links 00:00:00 Pre-roll and intro music 00:00:56 Opening & Announcements Last Episode - Springtime Birding Global Big Day On 14th May The Casual Birder Podcast Team will be taking part in the Global Big Day on 14th May 2022 . I would love you to join us! We will all be birding in our own locations, and sharing our checklists to the team account giving us a combined total of species for the team. You do not have to be an expert to take part, and you can bird from your back garden if you wish. There will be exclusive team events in the run-up to the Big Day so sign up now! Podchaser’s #Reviews4Good During April, Podchaser runs #Reviews4Good - donating 25 cents for every podcast review, and doubling it when the podcaster posts a reply. This year’s charity is World Central Kitchen, which provides meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. 00:02:58 Euan, The Edinburgh Birdwatcher, Part 1 00:14:15 Podcast Promo - The Wild Podcast 00:15:12 Euan, The Edinburgh Birdwatcher, Part 2 00:23:28 Support the Show 00:24:22 Euan, The Edinburgh Birdwatcher, Part 3 00:37:08 Suzy’s birding notes Suzy has been visiting the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire and spent a lovely day birding with listener Anneke. 00:41:12 Nestbox News The Blue Tits have been busy: 11 eggs being incubated in one box, and a nest finally being built in the other 00:44:28 What have you seen? 00:46:06 Wrap and Close 00:46:50 Last Call Last Call is an uninterrupted recording of bird song and sounds from a specific location, that gives you a flavour of what it was like to be there. This episode, Last Call is provided by John Buttress, recorded in the Forest of Dean on 16th April 2022 at 6:00am In the layers of sound you can hear: Great Tit, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Nuthatch, Blue Tit, the high-pitched call of a Goldcrest, Wren, Blackcap, Stock Dove, a Pheasant calling and flapping its wings in display and a great Spotted Woodpecker drumming Don't miss an episode - follow the show! 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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Springtime Birding #110
04/15/2022
Springtime Birding #110
Spring has arrived! Find out what we saw during our group Spring Equinox birding, and there's big news from our nestbox cam. Also, hear how you can join our team for the Global Big Day! More information and the episode transcript can be found at Time codes and Links 00:00:00 Opening 00:01:00 Introduction 00:03:49 Spring Equinox birding 00:12:08 Group birding event and reports 00:21:58 Global Big Day 00:23:20 Nestbox News 00:26:40 Garden Nature Offer Use offer code CBP10 to get 10% off your purchase As an affiliate of Garden Nature, The Casual Birder Podcast receives a small percentage of the proceeds at no extra expense to you when you use my link to buy their products 00:27:41 Your bird sightings 00:31:25 Support the Show 00:32:17 Top 5 Birds 00:34:55 Reviews 4 Good 00:35:49 Keep in touch 00:35:58 Wrap and Close 00:36:23 Last call - Eider, Isle of Rum, Scotland Don't miss an episode - follow the show! 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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Birding in Belize - Trip report #109
03/07/2022
Birding in Belize - Trip report #109
Kate Shaw, from shares a delightful trip report about the birds she saw on a recent vacation to Belize. It was a family vacation rather than a pure birding trip, but she still managed to squeeze in a day's birding with a guide. In addition, Kate took note of the birds around her while at the beach or while walking to the next village. And Suzy shows how Kate used the key bird identification tools to narrow down the species she was seeing in Belize. Timestamps & Links: 00:00:00 Opening 00:01:15 Introduction 00:03:06 Kate Shaw - trip report Do listen to Kate's show: Strange Animals Podcast. It's a weekly science-based podcast about strange animals: living, extinct, and imaginary! Where Kate stayed in Belize: 00:22:23 Tools for identifying birds 00:24:53 Keep in touch - and share your trip reports 00:25:10 Support the Show 00:39:04 Wrap and Close Website: Don't miss an episode - follow the show! 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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Birding in 2022 #108
02/22/2022
Birding in 2022 #108
Looking ahead to birding in 2022. Suzy wants to see more species this year than in 2021. She has plans! Suzy has been out and about already this year. She tells us about the reserves and locations she has visited, and the birds seen there. Plus, we hear from listeners what birds they've been seeing. Timestamps & Links: 00:00:00 Opening 00:01:00 Introduction 00:01:32 My birding plans for 2022 00:05:34 Support the Show 00:06:34 My Year list so far 00:18:18 Tell others about the show 00:20:07 My birding notes 00:23:05 Your plans for 2022 00:26:01 I gave a talk! 00:27:01 Your bird sightings 00:33:47 Audience survey 00:34:24 Upcoming events in the birding calendar 00:38:41 Keep in touch 00:39:04 Wrap and Close The Casual Birder Podcast Credits: Show artwork - Randy Braun Theme music - Short Sleeved Shirt by The Drones Check out their
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Great Backyard Bird Count #107
02/19/2022
Great Backyard Bird Count #107
A short episode to alert you to two events currently on: the Great Backyard Bird Count, and National Nextbox Week. Due to delays in my episode production, the next episode will be too late to tell you about these two events. The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) 18-21 Feb 2022 What started as a way to collect data on birds visiting backyards in North America, is now a global event that provides data helping researchers learn about bird populations. Anyone can take part - just watch birds for 15 minutes or more and submit your checklist to the eBird or Merlin mobile apps or the eBird website. Visit for more information. And follow along with the event on the where you can filter sightings and recent checklists by region on a page tailored to the Great Backyard Bird Count. National Nestbox Week 14-21 Feb 2022 Organised by the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) the event encourages people to put up nest boxes to help breeding birds, needed because many natural sites are disappearing. It’s also a great way to feel connected with nature, when you see birds raising their young nearby. Find out more at The Casual Birder Podcast Credits: Show artwork - Randy Braun Theme music - Short Sleeved Shirt by The Drones Check out their
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Best birding moments of 2021 #106
01/27/2022
Best birding moments of 2021 #106
It’s become a custom at the end of each year to review the bird species we’ve seen and recall the wonderful birding moments that we’ve had. In this episode I look back at the birds I saw in 2021 and share my favourite birding memories. Listeners also tell us about their stand out birding moments from the year. Timestamps & Links: 00:00:00 Opening 00:00:51 Past episode 00:01:22 Audience Survey 00:02:30 My Birding Year - Overview 00:08:46 Share the show on social media 00:09:32 My birding year by month Suzy’s tour leader in Scotland: 00:34:23 Support the show 00:35:32 Your sightings 00:44:14 Events in 2022 00:45:43 Wrap and Close Thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show. The theme music is Short Sleeved Shirt by The Drones. Check out their website at The Casual Birder Podcast Don't miss an episode - follow the show!
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Garden Birding at Pagham Harbour, UK #105
12/28/2021
Garden Birding at Pagham Harbour, UK #105
Join Suzy for a morning's birding in a country garden at Pagham Harbour, West Sussex. Suzy also tells us about her recent birding trips, a Magpie and Squirrel encounter in her garden, and we hear trip reports from listeners in California and the UK. Timestamps and Links: 00:00:00 Opening 00:00:46 Past episode 00:01:09 Suzy’s recent birding trips Suzy’s tour leader in Scotland: 00:07:00 Support the show 00:07:23 Magpie and Squirrel encounter 00:14:06 Your sightings 00:17:41 Garden birding at Pagham Harbour 00:37:19 Suzy appears on other podcasts 00:40:00 Wrap and Close Thanks to Randy Braun for designing the artwork for the show. The theme music is Short Sleeved Shirt by The Drones. Check out their website at The Casual Birder Podcast Don't miss an episode - follow the show!
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Birding with Keiron Lee Vine on the Isle of Wight #104
09/20/2021
Birding with Keiron Lee Vine on the Isle of Wight #104
In October 2020, I took a vacation on the Isle of Wight. While there, I was delighted to meet up with local birder (and past guest) Keiron Lee Vine. Keiron took me to his local patch: Haddon’s Pits. We spent a lovely morning birding, getting spectacular views of a Kestrel and seeing large flocks of finches flying over. Timestamps & Links: 00:00:00 Opening 00:00:50 Global Bird Weekend The Casual Birder Podcast has entered a team for the Global Bird Weekend (on 8-10 October 2021) and I'd love you to join us. There will be exclusive virtual events for members of the Casual Birder Podcast Team Casual Birder Podcast Team sign-up: Global Birding site: 00:03:31 Birding with Keiron At Haddon’s Pits, Isle of Wight Keiron’s past episode: 00:13:23 Fundraising for Birdlife international JustGiving page for Team donations: Past episode on Global Bird Weekend: 00:14:25 Wrap & Close I'm grateful 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 Don't miss an episode - follow the show! The Casual Birder Podcast Website
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Global Bird Weekend. Join our team #103
09/04/2021
Global Bird Weekend. Join our team #103
The Global Bird Weekend is coming up on October 8th - 10th 2021. The Casual Birder Podcast has entered a team and I'd love you to join us. In this mini-episode, I'll tell you more about the event and how you can be part of our team, wherever you are in the world. Timestamps & Links: 00:00:00 Opening 00:00:50 Global Bird Weekend Join our team for the Global Birding Weekend on October 8-10. There will be exclusive virtual events for members of the Casual Birder Podcast Team. Casual Birder Podcast Team sign-up: Global Birding site: 00:03:03 Fundraising for Birdlife international JustGiving page for Team donations: Past episode on Global Bird Weekend: 00:03:55 Wrap & Close 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 Don't miss an episode - follow the show! The Casual Birder Podcast Website
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Summer Birding Moments #102
08/31/2021
Summer Birding Moments #102
In episode #102, hear about my lovely Robin encounter, listeners share their summer birding moments and find out how to join our team for the Global Bird Weekend in October. Timestamps & Links: 00:00:00 Opening 00:00:51 Introduction In case you missed it, last episode I spoke with Mike Drew, biodiversity advisor, licensed bird ringer and Nightingale population recorder. Mike told me about the incredible journeys that Nightingales make and how advances in technology have helped us understand the challenges they face in both their wintering and breeding locations. 00:01:41 Suzy’s summer moments A trusting Robin gets its own supply of mealworms, and we hear the amazing call of a Nightjar 00:08:18 Your sightings We hear from Karin, Andrew, Nish, Gemma, Matthew, Marylee, and Christopher 00:20:04 Global Bird Weekend Join our team for the Global Birding Weekend on October 8-10. There will be exclusive virtual events for members of the Casual Birder Podcast Team. 00:22:27 Please support the show Buy me a virtual coffee or two and help me create episode transcriptions. Transcriptions are an important aide to accessibility for some listeners, and require several hours of work. Your help will allow me to pay for their production. 00:24:10 Last Call Description Paul Fenwick shares a morning soundscape from Mount Totumas Cloud Forest Reserve, Panama on the morning of 7th June 2021. It includes Rufous-browed Peppershrike and Clay-colored Thrush, and Mantled Howler Monkeys! See Paul’s eBird list from this morning here: 00:25:43 Wrap & Close 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 Don't miss an episode - follow the show! 00:26:08 Last Call Paul Fenwick shares 4 minutes of the morning soundscape from Mount Totumas Cloud Forest Reserve, Panama, 7th June 2021.
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#101 Focus on Birds: The Nightingale. A Conversation with Mike Drew
07/13/2021
#101 Focus on Birds: The Nightingale. A Conversation with Mike Drew
Mike Drew is a biodiversity advisor for Anglian Water and a licensed bird ringer. He has monitored and managed Nightingale nesting sites in the East of England for over a decade. Mike shares his observations of this iconic bird and tells us about the research which helped inform habitat action plans produced by the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology). This interview was originally live-streamed on May 20, 2021. The video recording can be found . A special thanks to Nick Clayton for permission to use his photograph for the episode artwork. TImestamps: 00:00:00 Opening 00:00:59 Promo: / 00:01:54 Conversation with Mike Drew 00:42:35 Support the Show 00:43:16 Wrap and Close The Casual Birder Podcast 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
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#100: Celebration!
05/27/2021
#100: Celebration!
Join Suzy and guests Stephanie Seymour and Marylee Stephenson for a celebration of reaching the podcast's 100 episode milestone. We also hear from past guests and friends of the show. Timestamps & Links: 00:00:00 Opening 0:00:57 Past episode 00:01:35 Casual Birder Weekly 00:01:57 Introduction 00:02:37 Congratulation messages Part 1 Guest on Episode 55 - My Norfolk Garden Birds Guest on Episode 47 - Regent’s Park bird walk Friend of the Show Friend of the Show Keiron Lee Vine Guest on Episode 68 Isle of Wight bird walk Friend of the Show 00:06:40 Suzy's overview 00:09:30 Congratulation messages Part 2 Friend of the Show Guest on Episode 53 - London Wetlands Centre Bird walk Dom Patmore - Friend of the Show Karin Parker - Friend of the Show - Friend of the Show Guest on Episode 69 - There Are Birds 00:14:32 Conversation with my Guests Part 1 Stephanie Seymour - Marylee Stephenson - On the Jog 00:33:19 Congratulation messages Part 3 Friend of the Show Friend of the Show Guest on Episode 14 Jays Friend of the Show Friend of the Show Guest on Episode 98 - A Conversation with Faraaz Abdool Guest on Episode 89 (Australian Birds - An Offbeat View with Evo Terra) Guest on Episode 87 - Connecting with Nature 00:40:15 Conversation with my Guests Part 2 00:48:38 Congratulation messages Part 4 Friends of the Show Friend of the Show Jeremy Schwartz Guest on Episode 20 - Wigeon & Teal Guest on Episode 60 - Backyard Birding Game Sarah Cooper Guest on Episode 52 - Bird Walk in Prospect Park Paul Fenwick - Friend of the Show 00:54:34 Conversation with my Guests Part 3 01:06:52 Congratulation messages Part 5 Anneke - Friend of the Show Christopher Outlaw - Friend of the Show 01:09:11 Support the show 01:09:33 Keep in Touch 01:09:46 Thanks 01:09:58 Wrap and Close The Casual Birder Podcast 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
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