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

Dale Forbes - Drawing inspiration from the natural world 11/15/2025

Great Bustards, Grey Partridge and Quail, Oh My! 09/01/2025

Focus on Birders: Amy Squire 07/27/2025

Focus on Birders: Amy Squire 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 See all of the presentations here: 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: 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 Share your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories Support the show If you would like to help support the show’s production, by buying Keep in the Loop Sign up for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes The Casual Birder Podcast 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 /episode/index/show/casualbirderpod/id/37569490

Global BirdFair 2025 07/18/2025

Global BirdFair 2025 Global BirdFair has wrapped up for another year, and Suzy shares her experiences of this incredible festival of nature. The inspiring talks, interactive events, and vibrant community atmosphere made this year's event truly unforgettable (despite the searing heat)! To capture the essence of the event, Suzy spoke with several attendees about their time at BirdFair and asked about a recent wildlife experience that brought them joy: Charlie Bingham shared a frustrating yet beautiful sunset birding attempt Chris Bell recounted a thrilling Wallcreeper sighting in Romania Naomi Davis discussed their work monitoring Pied Flycatchers Kelly Keegan finally spotted an elusive Blackcap Tom Morath described a magical Barn Owl encounter Stephen Moss reminisced about an extraordinary butterfly-filled day Sarah Humphrey shared her joy of witnessing a full Nightingale breeding cycle Jack Perks found beauty in a newly emerged dragonfly Whether you're a seasoned birder or simply curious about the natural world, the Global Bird Fair offers something for everyone. Join us as we relive the highlights and look forward to next year's gathering of passionate nature enthusiasts. Links BirdLife international Charlie Bingham - Chris Bell - and Naomi Davis - @NaturNaomi on Insta, BlueSky, Twitter and Tiktok Kelly Keegan - Tom Morath - Stephen Moss - Sara Humphrey - Jack Perks - The Bearded Tit's Podcast Global BirdFair Casual Birder Community Start your free trial here 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: Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories Support the show If you would like to help support the show’s production, by buying Keep in the Loop Sign up for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes The Casual Birder Podcast 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 /episode/index/show/casualbirderpod/id/37454385

Simon King: A lifelong love of nature 07/04/2025

Simon King: A lifelong love of nature 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: Global BirdFair - get your tickets now: 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: Casual Birder Community Start your free trial here Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories Support the show If you would like to help support the show’s production, by buying Keep in the Loop Sign up for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes The Casual Birder Podcast 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 /episode/index/show/casualbirderpod/id/37282975

Dr Ed Pullen - The Bird Banter Podcast 06/11/2025

Birding Diary - February 2025 03/21/2025

Birding in Peru - Rob Williams 03/10/2025

Celebrating Women Birders 03/08/2025

In search of Hen Harriers at Wicken Fen - with Ajay Tegala 02/28/2025

Sharing the beauty of Nature - Faraaz Abdool 02/17/2025

Birding diary - January 2025 02/10/2025

The binoculars that inspired a community in Ecuador #133 07/27/2024

The binoculars that inspired a community in Ecuador #133 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 - take a listen! Find out more about Birdwatchers of the Quijos Valley on Or email them at Find out more about sustainability projects Your bird stories Tell me about your bird stories 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: Support the show If you would like to help support the show’s production buy Keep in the Loop Sign up for email notifications of news, blogs and episodes The Casual Birder Podcast 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 /episode/index/show/casualbirderpod/id/32315087

The power of finding your community - Stephen Moss 07/08/2024

A passion for wildlife - Mike Dilger 06/28/2024

Aren't birds brilliant? Alan Davies and Ruth Miller 06/20/2024

Passion & innovation in bird feeder design - with Finches Friend #129 01/10/2024

Casual birding in Panama City #128 09/20/2023

Slow birding: the practice of mindful observation with Bridget Butler #127 09/05/2023

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 /episode/index/show/casualbirderpod/id/27885798

Focus on Birders: Chiara Talia #125 08/08/2023

Focus on Birders: Mel Shepherd-Wells #124 07/28/2023

Global Birdfair 2023 #123 07/24/2023

Suzy in Portugal & Global Big Day News #122 05/05/2023

Trip Report: RSPB Nagshead with Anneke #121 04/21/2023

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 /episode/index/show/casualbirderpod/id/26465694

Food, Feet and Faeces: the key to keeping our garden birds healthy #119 11/10/2022

A weekend of waders at the Hampshire coast #118 09/24/2022

Birding in Lithuania with Boris Belchev #117 08/31/2022

An afternoon birding in Hampshire #116 08/23/2022

The Casual Birder Podcast

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