The Bird Emergency
Birds are rapidly disappearing from all around us. Habitat reduction, climate change, pesticides, invasive pests and many more factors are causing the reduction in the numbers of all species, and more species face the increased threat of extinction. The species and the people fighting to understand the reasons for the reductions in bird populations will be highlighted, along with research and practical efforts to arrest the decline. Meet the people at the coalface and learn about their projects, and about them.
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086 Tongan Megapode with Ann Goth
05/22/2023
086 Tongan Megapode with Ann Goth
Ann Göth spent some of her formative years as a scientist studying one of the most curious birds on the planet, the Tongan Megapode, that uses the heat of the volcanoes of the isolated islands of Tonga, in the Pacific Ocean, to incubate their eggs, rather than build a mound like their close relatives. Learn about this astounding bird, and the adventues Ann had as a budding ecologist! Ann has collected her experiences with the Tongan Megapode, and turned them into a book, that has been recently published. You can check out the of Ann's book . The book is available as ebook and paperback from all major retailers, including Amazon, Dymocks, Wheelers, Barnes & Noble, Bookdepository and the publisher, Austin Macauley. . To find the best deals in your country, google the ISBN 9781035809516. You can find all of Ann's research at If you want to see interviews before they make into into the podcast feed, check out the YouTube channel, where the interviews are usually posted first, or check out the live chats on several platforms at . Streaming live to Youtube, Facebook Live, Twitch and Twitter. Follow The Bird Emergency on or and , because, you know, Elon. You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - You can now also for some extra special access. If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at
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085 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Update with Michelle Wille
03/30/2023
085 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Update with Michelle Wille
You have probably seen the devastating reports about the infestations of avian influenza sweeping parts of the world, affecting nesting colonies of seabirds, migratory birds and domesticated birds? I invited Dr Michelle Wille back to the show to talk about the current situation with bird flu. Follow Michelle on . Follow The Bird Emergency on or and , because, you know, Elon. You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - You can now also for some extra special access. If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at If you want to see interviews before they make into into the podcast feed, check out the YouTube channel, where the interviews are usually posted first, or check out the live chats on several platforms at . Streaming live to Youtube, Facebook Live, Twitch and Twitter.
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084 Milly Formby - Wing Threads Flight Around Australia for Shorebirds Update
03/22/2023
084 Milly Formby - Wing Threads Flight Around Australia for Shorebirds Update
Almost exactly a year ago, Milly Formby told me about the planning and the extraordinary fundraising campaign that had enabled her to embark on a flight around the continent of Australia, in a microlight aircraft that she built herself (with some great mates assisting), as part of a mission to raise awareness of the extraordinary migrations undertaken each year by shorebirds, flying from the arctic regions, to Australia, and back! MIlly is now about half way through the journey, and has been visiting schools to let the students and teachers know about these amazing birds, and share the knowledge about how and where these birds spend their time in Australia. MIlly joined me to give an update about the Wing Threads project, the highs and lows, and what she has lerned along the way with . MIlly has a current . Follow The Bird Emergency on or and we are beginning on , because, you know, Elon. You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - You can now also , for some extra special access. If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at If you want to see interviews before they make into into the podcast feed, , where the interviews are usually posted first, or check out the live chats on several platforms at . Streaming live to , , and .
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Bonus - Achieving DeGrowth with Martin Tye
01/24/2023
Bonus - Achieving DeGrowth with Martin Tye
Have you heard the term "DeGrowth" being thrown around in recent years? Have you wondered what it really means, and can it be achieved in a modern society? Hear Martin Tye explain to Grant what it means, and how a modern, industrialised society might move towards a sustainable existence. Follow The Bird Emergency on or and we are beginning on , because, you know, Elon. You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at If you want to see interviews before they make into into the podcast feed, , where the interviews are usually posted first.
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Bonus - Art in Conservation - Brenton See and Sally Edmonds
01/20/2023
Bonus - Art in Conservation - Brenton See and Sally Edmonds
How does art influence attitudes to nature, and how can it help to create positive outcomes in conservation? These two artists who put nature and wildlife at the centre of their art, and birds feature prominently. Meet Brenton See and Sally Edmonds, prominent artists based in Perth in Western Australia. See the artwork mentioned in this episode, and get all the links at Follow The Bird Emergency on or and we are beginning on , because, you know, Elon. You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at If you want to see interviews before they make into into the podcast feed, , where the interviews are usually posted first.
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Bonus - The toll of feral cats on Australian wildlife with Judy Dunlop
01/19/2023
Bonus - The toll of feral cats on Australian wildlife with Judy Dunlop
Predation by feral cats is one of the biggest threats to the unique wildlife of Australia. is working to reduce the threat. Feral cats are a major threat to wildlife in Australia, with their predation causing declines in many native species. These non-native predators were introduced to the continent by European settlers and have since spread widely to almost all of the continent, causing significant damage to the delicate ecosystem. Feral cats prey on a wide range of animals, including small mammals, reptiles, and birds. They are particularly dangerous to ground-dwelling birds, such as the endangered Malleefowl, as well as small marsupials, such as the Bilby, but no animal is safe from this voraceous predator. The impact of feral cats on Australia's wildlife is significant, with estimates suggesting that they kill several millions of native animals each year. This is not only devastating for individual species, but also for the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem. The predation pressure from feral cats can lead to declines in population numbers, which can ultimately lead to local extinction. Conservation efforts, such as trap-neuter-return programs, are being implemented in an effort to control the population and mitigate the impact of feral cats on wildlife. However, it is essential that such efforts are continued and expanded in order to protect Australia's unique and fragile wildlife. Grant spoke with ecologist, Judy Dunlop, from the WA Feral Cat Working Group, about the group, the scale of the threat posed by feral cats, and the Group's upcoming symposium. Check out the , or go straight to the . Follow Follow The Bird Emergency on or and we are beginning on , because, you know, Elon. You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at If you want to see interviews before they make into into the podcast feed, , where the interviews are usually posted first.
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Bonus - Monday with Grant - Gregory Andrews
01/16/2023
Bonus - Monday with Grant - Gregory Andrews
Gregory Andrews is a D’harawal man and was Australia’s first-appointed Threatened Species Commissioner. He owns and manages Wombat Ridge Nature Reserve near Goulburn in NSW and is an Associate Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra’s Institute for Applied Ecology. Grant spoke with Gregory about his project at Wombat Ridge, where he has placed a covenant over land he owns with his wife, and is managing for wildlife, in a way that uses time honoured and tested methods employed by the First Australians, for thousands of years. Gregory also shared how he is creating a garden for wildlife in the heart of Australia's capital city, Canberra, and of course, some of his thoughts on his time as the first Threatened Species Commissioner of Australia is included. Follow Gregory on account Keep up with all the developments and Wombat Ridge and . Follow The Bird Emergency on or and we are beginning on , because, you know, Elon. You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at If you want to see interviews before they make into into the podcast feed, , where the interviews are usually posted first.
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083 Designing and running a crowdfunded reseach project with Matt Herring
12/25/2022
083 Designing and running a crowdfunded reseach project with Matt Herring
Giving you a special Christmas present, and celebrating the work Dr. Matt Herring and the team behind the , Dr. Matt Herring and I talk about Matt's back story, the need for the project, and we recognise and celebrate the research team, and the fabulous Bird Nerds who have donated to make the project a reality. BIrd Nerds are the best nerds, without a doubt! Thank you all, and Good onya! I have one wish for the season - please head over to I will be doing much more there in 2023, in addition to continuing with the podcast, as usual. Follow The Bird Emergency on or and we are beginning on , because, you know, Elon. You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at If you want to see interviews before they make into into the podcast feed, , where the interviews are usually posted first.
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Bonus - Monday with Holly - The Urban Powerful Owls of Brisbane
12/21/2022
Bonus - Monday with Holly - The Urban Powerful Owls of Brisbane
Maybe you have seen the great photos that Dr. Nick and Lucy have been posting on Twitter and other social media of the Powerful Owls they have come to know in Brisbane? They discuss these #Powls with Dr. Holly Parsons, Manager of Birdlife Australia's Urban Birds program and Birds In Backyards, and Grant. Get to know how these impressive, nocturnal raptors are thriving in the inner suburbs of one of Australia's largest cities. If you want to see The Bird Emergency interviews as they happen, bookmark Follow The Bird Emergency on or and we are beginning on , because, you know, Elon. You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at If you want to see interviews before they make into into the podcast feed, , where the interviews are usually posted first.
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082 - The Critically Endangered birds of SW Western Australia wth Sarah Comer
12/14/2022
082 - The Critically Endangered birds of SW Western Australia wth Sarah Comer
Managing isoloated populations is difficult, more so when bushfire places and entire population in peril. Sarah Comer explains how the Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is managing Western Ground Parrot, Noisy Scrub-birds, Western Bristlebird and Western Whipbird. If you want to see The Bird Emergency interviews as they happen, bookmark Follow The Bird Emergency on or and we are beginning on , because, you know, Elon. You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at If you want to see interviews before they make into into the podcast feed, , where the interviews are usually posted first.
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Monday with Holly - Painted Snipe and Matt Herring
12/07/2022
Monday with Holly - Painted Snipe and Matt Herring
Here is the audio of the recent live stream, in the Monday with Holly regular Monday spot, where Dr. Matt Herring talked about his current crowdfunding campaign, to raise about $70,000 dollars to attempt to track about a dozen of one of the least known, and rarest birds in Australia, the Australian Painted Snipe. Please make a contribution to the campaign - If you would like to check out the Bitterns In Rice project, just visit Thanks to Leo and Patrick, two terrific photographers and friends of birds, who have shared their photos on Flickr. Go and visit their respective pages; Leo - Patrick - Visit the site for some inspiration for making your backyard great for birds. If you want to see The Bird Emergency interviews as they happen, bookmark Follow The Bird Emergency on or and we are beginning on , because, you know, Elon. You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at If you want to see interviews before they make into into the podcast feed, , where the interviews are usually posted first.
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081 - The Plains-wanderer with Saskia Gerhardy
12/04/2022
081 - The Plains-wanderer with Saskia Gerhardy
A year or so back I spoke with Dan Nugent about one of Australia's strangest and rarest birds, the Plains-wanderer, and the work that Dan was doing monitoring the birds in the grasslands of Victoria and New South Wales. (If you haven't heard that episode already, ) In this episode we will hear about current work monitoring a western population of the Plains-wanderer that occurs in the state of South Australia, with Saskia Gerhardy, from the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, at the University of Adelaide. Saskia's work has been conducted alongside a project with Bush Heritage Australia, at Boolcoomatta Reserve, a property managed by this important conservation organisation. Bioacoustics are one of the major tools employed to monitor the very cryptic, nocturnal Plains-wanderer. Here is a recent article from the , about the work that is happening at Boolcoomatta and the Plains-wanderer. If you want to follow the project with Saskia, and get updates, . (@saskiagerhardy) If you want to see The Bird Emergency interviews as they happen, bookmark Follow The Bird Emergency on or and we are beginning on , because, you know, Elon. You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at If you want to see interviews before they make into into the podcast feed, , where the interviews are usually posted first.
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Bonus - Gang-gang Cockatoos and the NZ Bird Of The Year
11/07/2022
Bonus - Gang-gang Cockatoos and the NZ Bird Of The Year
Here is a bonus for you - audio of the live stream where Grant spoke with Dr. Michael Mulvaney about the (recently listed as Endangered) Gang-gang Cockatoo, and community efforts, by the in Canberra to assist it, as well as some interesting observations that have been collected via Citizen Science projects. Grant and Michael were joined by Ellen Rykers, award winning science writer, from in Aotearoa New Zealand about the (which was announced on that morning!) Find out which species won the title, and a little more about it, and the work does in New Zealand. There is also a nice association between Ellen and the Gang-gang Cockatoo. or . Follow . If you want to see The Bird Emergency interviews as they happen, bookmark Follow The Bird Emergency on or and we are beginning on , because, you know, Elon. You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at If you want to see interviews before they make into into the podcast feed, , where the interviews are usually posted first.
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080 - The Helmeted Honeyeater with Ainsley Power-Walters
10/26/2022
080 - The Helmeted Honeyeater with Ainsley Power-Walters
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079 Using Soundscapes for Habitat Restoration with Dr. David Watson
10/04/2022
079 Using Soundscapes for Habitat Restoration with Dr. David Watson
Dr. David Watson, is an ornithologist, and Professor in Ecology in the school of , in Albury in regional, New South Wales, Australia. David and post-Doc researcher, Elizabeth Znidersic have recently released a paper where they present a new approach for the resoration of habitat on the broad scale, acoustic restoration, where broadcasting soundscapes can entice animals to recolonise areas that have been disturbed, or suffered major impacts from events such as bushfires. David shares his thoughts in this episode. You can (open access) Check out , and catch his fabulous reviews of his local birds, that he calls #AwesomeBirds.. . Bit of a rock star! Follow The Bird Emergency on or You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at If you want to see interviews before they make into into the podcast feed, , where the interviews are usually posted first.
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Bonus - The new Weekend Birder podcast with Kirsty Costa
10/01/2022
Bonus - The new Weekend Birder podcast with Kirsty Costa
There is a new birder/birdwatching podcast on the scene, it's produced in Melbourne as well, and I am really excited that it's another avenue for people to discover the joy of getting to know birds, and to become a certified Bird Nerd! I spoke with the host and producer of the show, Kirsty Costa, recently, and I am pleased to be able to introduce Kirsty to you in this bonus episode. will let Kirsty's words describe her show, and her; "Birdwatching is for everyone. Anyone of any age can go birdwatching, no matter where they live. Weekend Birder is a podcast that shares the knowledge and skills of the Aussie birdwatching community. Discover how to identify birds, fun facts, where to go birdwatching and how to use equipment. Episodes are short so that you can get out there and try out your new skills and knowledge." "Kirsty Costa is a teacher, science communicator and conservationist. During the week, Kirsty leads education for a science-based conservation organisation. On the weekends, you will find her hanging out in nature with her friends and family. After a lifetime of loving wild birds, Kirsty started calling herself a “birder” in 2020. As part of her commitment to education and science, she interviews other birders so that everyone can enjoy birdwatching together." I encourage you to visit , and find the best way for you to listen. Check out Follow Follow The Bird Emergency on or You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at
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078 The Ghost Bird with Neil Hamilton
09/28/2022
078 The Ghost Bird with Neil Hamilton
For almost 30 years, ornithologist, Neil Hamilton has been caring for, working with and studying birds, and many of Australia's unique animals. Beginning as teenager at Tooronga Zoo, Neil has gone on to senior keeper positions at Perth Zoo, and moved on to practical conservation work and research with the WA government. Neil has devoted much of his time in recent years studying the elusive Ghost Bird of the Australian Outback, the Night Parrot, listed as Critically Endangered by the , with perhaps as few as 200 mature individuals existing out there in the dry spinifex plains of the Western Australian desert. In this episode, Neil talks about his career working to understand and protect birds, and organising teams of to seek out the Night Parrot on regular survey trips. to keep up to date with what he and the team are up to. Follow The Bird Emergency on or You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here -
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Red-rumped Parrot Citizen Science "Rumpuary" with Rob Ashworth
09/22/2022
Red-rumped Parrot Citizen Science "Rumpuary" with Rob Ashworth
This bonus episode is the audio from the live stream recently conducted with Robert Ashworth, A Masters student at Melbourne University. Robert is running a Citizen Science project about known nesting sites and hollows used by the Australian grass-parrot, the Red-rumped Parrot (Psephotus haematonotus). Robert is looking for you to report any instance you know of Red-rumps using a hollow for nesting, no matter when you witnessed it! To get involved with , follow this easy link - Contact Robert on social media; You can find the full live stream video of this episode at Remember to - it helps out a lot! Follow The Bird Emergency on Twitter or Instagram You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues?
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Fotography Friday with Nicolas Rakotopare and Sandy Horne
08/12/2022
Fotography Friday with Nicolas Rakotopare and Sandy Horne
Here is the Fotography Friday conversation that Grant and Nicolas Rakotopare had with Sandy Horne, recounting her introduction to photography, and bird photography in particular. The photographs discussed are and also check out . Follow @SandyHorne61 Don't forget to have a look at Nico's pics... You can find some really And still Follow The Bird Emergency on or You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at
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Selecting plants to use in a bird-friendly garden
08/07/2022
Selecting plants to use in a bird-friendly garden
Another Bonus episode - the audio of a live stream where Grant Williams and Dr. Holly Parsons suggest some plants they like to use in a bird and wildlife-friendly garden, and give some design tips. Grant draws upon his knowledge as a horticulturist to suggest an approach to structure, and to suggest a few plants from each category that he suggests using stratification as a major design principle - thinking like a bird! Holly draws upon her experince with the Birds In Backyards program to add more useful species suggestions. If you are designing or improving a bird-friendly garden, listening to this episode will be time well spent. You can find the video of this episode at Follow The Bird Emergency on or You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at Image credit - MainlandQuokka, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
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077 Aotearoa Southern Dotterel
07/30/2022
077 Aotearoa Southern Dotterel
What do you think is the rarest bird in New Zealand? Perhaps, you immediately think of the ? But the title probably belongs to a seabird, or a little-known shorebird, the Southern Dotterel (or the ) (Chadrius obscurus), which has been described as a distinct species and listed as such on the IUCN Red LIst. It is listed as Critically Endangered and the population trend is indicated as Decreasing. Last assessed in 2017, the IUCN estimates that the population is between 60 and 80 individuals, which is limited to one population, which occurs (fortunately) within the boundaries of the Rakiura National Park, on Rakiura (or Stewart Island), off the southern tip of the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. Alasdair Burns spoke with Grant, from Stewart Island (Rakiura) about the Southern Dotterel, and recounted his work previously with the species, and explained why the specialisation of the species, and it's limited range makes it extremely vulnearable, especially to feral predators, such as cats, rats, mice and possums. See the grim . Check out https://www.predatorfreerakiura.org.nz/contact-us/ And they are https://m.facebook.com/100852492507299/ There is a lot of Southern Dotterel info from https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/nz-dotterel-tuturiwhatu/ Vote for (Voting begins in October - so set yourself a reminder!); https://instagram.com/southern_dotterel_boty See the full show notes at Follow The Bird Emergency on or You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at
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076 The Adrift Lab - Plastic Pollution and the Flesh-footed Shearwaters of Lord Howe Island
07/20/2022
076 The Adrift Lab - Plastic Pollution and the Flesh-footed Shearwaters of Lord Howe Island
This episode is a little different than our usual "regular" episode, in that is the audio of the video live stream, and a number of images and videos are referenced in the recording. Because the subject matter is so shocking, and really should be a wake up call for many people (listen for the distressing stats of how many chicks are found to have ingested plastic in the colony of Flesh-footed Shearwaters on Lord Howe Island). is on of the co-leads of , based at the University of Tasmania. Jenn has been studying the same colony of Flesh-footed Shearwaters on Lord Howe Island for almost two decades. There is continuous data for this entire, except for one breeding season, when fieldwork was not conducted due to pandemic restrictions. Joining Dr. Lavers in this discussion are two PhD candidates, and and Honours student, . Each of these students have a different focus in their respective projects, but I am sure each with turn out to be significant when it comes to how the wider community deals with the ubiquitous issue of plastic pollution. It is important that you watch the video we discuss in the episode. You can see it here Here are the links for this episode (not Adrift Lab!) Follow The Bird Emergency on or You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at
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Fotography Friday with Nicolas Rakotopare (Reboot)
07/15/2022
Fotography Friday with Nicolas Rakotopare (Reboot)
Fotography Friday has been given a bit of an overhaul, and will be an irregular regular bonus in The Bird Emergency feed. The reboot episode features Nicolas Rakotopare, who is based in the northern Australian state of Queensland. His work focuses on documenting science and nature, bringing stories of science, conservation and nature to a general audience through all the channels available today. Nicolas has a degree in Ecology and Conservation Biology and grew up in Madagascar. He has been based in Australia for over a decade and was the science communication and media specialist for the (before it ceased to be!) and also works on other projects for NGOs, magazines, research institutions as well as eco-tourism content creation. Here is some of the gear that Nicolas usually carries in the field; Canon EOS 1DX2 CANON EF 24-70 F/4 CANON 16-35 F/4 CANON 300 F/2.8 extenders. Lot's more in-depth discussion about gear and the advantage that Nicolas has in gaining work, due to his science background. If you want to see the conversation between Grant and Nicolas, You can find some really And still To catch the next Fotography Friday, featuring Nicolas and Sandy Horne (and all future Fotography Friday conversations)
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075 Bird Conservation Policy and (much more) with Hugh Possingham
07/11/2022
075 Bird Conservation Policy and (much more) with Hugh Possingham
Professor Hugh Possingham is widely know in Australia, as the Chief Scientist in the State of Queensland, but also as a champion of birds, and for his work assisting to develop conservation stragegy and plans utilising his skills as a mathematician, combined with his training as an ecologist to devise conservation initiatives that integrate spatial planning and economic factors. He has co-authored more than 650 peer-reviewed papers, with more than 30 in the world’s top two scientific journals Science and Nature, and is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science in. In 2016, Hugh was elected a Foreign Associate of the US National Academy of Sciences. Alongside his official duties, Hugh is a confirmed (massive) Bird Nerd, and an originator of Bird-A-Minute. It was my pleasure to spend some time talking birds and conservation policy with Hugh. Read his full bio . Follow The Bird Emergency on or You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at
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Corvus urbanis - Are urban birds evolving into new species? with Darryl Jones
07/10/2022
Corvus urbanis - Are urban birds evolving into new species? with Darryl Jones
Continuing with our regular theme exploring the interactions between birds in urban settings, and the humans that have created and live in them, Grant spoke with ecologist and author, Emeritus Professor Darryl Jones, of the and the at Griffith University about the idea some some species are adapting their behaviours to thrive in the built environment, perhaps on the road to becoming new species. You can read Darryl's Griffith University academic profile You can follow Darryl on these social media platforms; Follow The Bird Emergency on or You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at
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Monday with Holly - Wild Birds: To Feed or Not To Feed?
07/02/2022
Monday with Holly - Wild Birds: To Feed or Not To Feed?
Should we be feeding our local wild birds? Dr. Holly Parsons, Manager of the Urban Birds program at Birdlife Australia, Dr. Johanne Martens and Prof. David Phalen from the University of Sydney, discuss this issue with Grant, who has been feeding his local birds in the park. Where did they end up on this disputed topic? If you are interested in this issue, be sure to batch Grant talking to Darryl Jones, who wrote which you can find at Follow The Bird Emergency on or You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at
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074 Whimbrels in Iceland with Camilo Carneiro
06/29/2022
074 Whimbrels in Iceland with Camilo Carneiro
Camilo Carniero is a biologist and ecologist and postdoc researcher at the South Iceland Research Centre, after completing a PhD in Biology and Ecology of Global Change; University of Aveiro. His masters thesis was the "Breeding parameters, diet and growth of the Red Heron (Ardea purpurea) in Salreu, Aveiro" and his PhD thesis was about whimbrels in Iceland, titled "Bridging from the arctic to the tropics: implications of long-distance migration to individual fitness." I spoke with Camilo about his long-term observations of the Whimbrels in Iceland, and what it was like to work in a location that many people wish they could visit. Keep up with his latest posts - Follow The Bird Emergency on or You can support the show by making a contribution by buying Grant a coffee here - If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at
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073 Migratory Birds of the Middle East with Yoav Perlman
06/24/2022
073 Migratory Birds of the Middle East with Yoav Perlman
Yoav Perlman is based in a region of the world that is not often the first thought when bird nerds begin thinking about destinations to sate our birdwatching desires, but the Middle East is a great destination. It is on an avian highway, and the movement between Africa and Europe and Asia is comparable to the annual migrations between the American land masses. Yoav is into birding, photography, ringing, sound recording, twitching, and dipping. In this episode her shares his experiences with Grant about the birds he see and studies in Israel and the Middle East in general. If you want to check out more of Yoav's interests, work and travels, have a look at And follow his socials - , and . Follow The Bird Emergency on or If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at
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Monday with Holly - Urban Biodiversity with Jacinta Humphrey
06/21/2022
Monday with Holly - Urban Biodiversity with Jacinta Humphrey
The term "biodiversity" is thrown around and inserted into conversations all the time. But when one person says biodiversity, is the full meaning of the term conveyed to anybody listening? Dr. Holly Parsons from Birdlife Australia (Birds In Backyards) is joined by Jacinta Humphrey, a PhD candidate at LaTrobe University in Melbourne. Her research focuses on the impacts of urban development on birds at the landscape scale. Holly and Jacinta kick around a lot of the issues that are picked up in any discussion about biodiversity in an urban setting with Grant. Did we reach any consensus? BTW Sign the petition - it's urgent, and it pertains to the Blue-billed Ducks that we referenced in the show. You can watch the unedited conversation for the show, and see the upcoming interviews live at Subscribe to on Follow The Bird Emergency on or If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at And if you want to support what Grant is doing with the show, why not ? (It's currently a flat soy with no sweeteners.)
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072 Captive Breeding at Zoos SA with Chad Crittle
06/06/2022
072 Captive Breeding at Zoos SA with Chad Crittle
What is it like to be involved in a breeding program and managing part of an insurance population of an endangered species that is under human care? How important are the birds that you see in free-flight displays at zoos and sanctuaries around the world? How do the birds in those shows get selected, and is it a good purpose for those birds to be put to? If you have ever wondered about any of those issues, you will enjoy hearing Chad Crittle, Senior Keeper of Birds and Free Flight at Adelaide Zoo, who supervises a wonderful team of animal professionals, delivering care for 1000 individual birds from over 100 species, talk about these issues. Adelaide Zoo is part of Zoos SA, a private foundation, which also includes Monarto Zoo, and Zoos SA participates in the captive breeding and management programs for the Regent Honeyeater, Orange-bellied Parrot, Plains-wanderer and Malleefowl. As well as supported research with animals in human care for species such as Little Penguins, Australian Sea Lions, New Zealand Fur Seals, Swift Parrots, Regent Honeyeaters, Regent Parrots, Palm Pockatoo and many others. His main passion is sharing the stories of wildlife with people who visit the Zoos SA sites, as well as directly contribute to vitally important conservation work both on site at the zoos and in the wider community. SInce 2009, Chad has presented over 3500 large scale animal shows, highlighting the work of good zoos in the conservation space and highlighting species to the thousands of visitors good zoos receive each year. Chad has also worked directly on several conservation programs including captive breeding of the critically endangered Western Swamp Tortoise, Swift Parrots, Orange-bellied Parrots and Regent Honeyeaters. You can watch the unedited conversation with Chad, many of the past conversations, and see the upcoming interviews live at Subscribe to on Follow The Bird Emergency on or If you enjoy the show, how about share with your friends or colleagues? Or you can review us at And if you want to support what Grant is doing with the show, why not ? (It's currently a flat soy with no sweeteners.)
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