Birding from the forest floor only gets you a small view of what's going on in the canopy. Forest towers are a great way to see more of the birdlife up and down the trees with hawks and swifts up in the sky, foraging flocks mid-canopy, and woodcreepers below the crown. Maira, Alen, and Hannah also chat about their experience on an all-women birding…

Did you know that the Amazon Rainforest is home to one-third of all species on earth? It has incredible birds, bugs, mammals, plant-life, and more! Listen in as we tell you about exploring Novo Airão and Rio Negro. Show notes Buy me a Coffee Birding is the world Brazil October Big Day 2024 trip report for gobirdingteam Flock To Marion Again IC4WB R…

Birding in Brazil has been on our schedule for more than a year... and it's finally here! Our first stop: Presidente Figueiredo. Located in the state of Amazonas, Presidente Figueiredo is known as the Land of Waterfalls due to its abundance of water, jungle, caves, waterfalls (over 100!), and geological sites. Ecotourism is growing in this area for…

Finishing up our last few days in Costa Rica, we spent a day at the beautiful Hotel Quelitales (including an incredible lunch) and then headed west for some backcountry road birding. Relying on eBird hotspots, we found a few interesting spots, including an overgrown adventure park. Main Story Begins at: 5:30 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Birding is th…

We had a free day when we first arrived to Costa Rica. So we scoped out a cool botanical garden, a coffee farm that works towards being bird-friendly, and an amazing hotel with birding gardens! FYI we talk a lot about the logistics of our first-time in Costa Rica on our own with cars and driving. Main Story Begins at: 10:35 Show notes Buy me a Coff…

Most birders know that Costa Rica is the place to go. So many birds in a diversity of habitats - you could spend your whole life exploring it! We spent several days at the world-renowned Rancho Naturalista and were lucky to see so many beautiful birds and places. Main Story Begins at: 6:50 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Birding is the World Brazil Floc…

Adam Cayton-Holland is known for his stand-up comedy (most recent special Wallpaper can be found on Amazon Prime); his sitcom, Those Who Can't; or tragi-comedy book, Tragedy Plus Time. But did you know that he is also a birder? Listen in as he tells about how he going into comedy and birding, the celebrity birding scene, and how birding has impacte…

Central Oregon has so much to offer! Woodpeckers, empids, and owls - galore! The Dean Hale Woodpecker Festival takes place at the end of May and highlights some of the great birding spots in the area. We lead a few trips as part of the festival, drank good beers, and did a bit of birding on our own. Main Story Begins at: 11:32 Show notes: Buy me a …

We explored a variety of quality levels of the Sagebrush Steppe ecosystem in central Oregon to see how conservationists are working towards improving areas for Greater Sage-Grouse. Stu, a retired physician and passionate botanist, showed us what to look for in quality habitat and what the conservation work being done. Main Story Begins at: 6:50 Sho…

In advance of our repositioning cruise, we had a few days to bird around LA. We've been there a few times before to bird, so we were searching for new spots and new birds. That drew us to Chino Hills State Park which is a great place for wildflowers, hiking, and Black-chinned Sparrows. Before jumping on the cruise, we had some time to spend at El D…

I know what you are thinking: "another cruise, really?!?" Hear us out - this one is birdy. Spring repositioning cruises along the west coast of the US offer a good chance at seeing some of the pelagic species that are tough otherwise. Listen in for our trip on the Sapphire Princess in search of petrels. Main Story Begins at: 12:05 Show notes Buy me…

Going to see Island Scrub-Jays was always a dream of ours. They are an isolated species and even considered one of the rarest in the United States. So, we took a day boat trip to Santa Cruz Island in hopes of seeing at least one! Main Story Begins at: 7:23 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Birding is the world Brazil Global Big Day Results Santa Cruz Isla…

There are many ways to enjoy birding and sometimes it's fun to be a little bit competitive, especially when it helps with conservation. We were excited to return to the Great Texas Birding Classic after skipping out in the last few years. This time we gave a Sunrise to Noon in South Texas a try. Main Story Begins at: 10:20 Show notes Buy me a Coffe…

Spring is a magical time of year when migratory species are heading towards their breeding grounds. The Spring Chirp is scheduled for a great time in which you get to see a lot of the resident species of the Rio Grande Valley, migrants moving through, and much more! Main Story Begins at: 11:56 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Spring Chirp Birding is the …

Wildflowers are blooming! While we might not have gotten to experience a superbloom, there is still a lot to see. We stopped by Cottonwood Canyon State Park (Oregon) and Dog Mountain (Washington) to see what flowers were out. Main Story Begins at: 12:10 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Spring Chirp Birding is the world Brazil eBird Global Big Day Wildflo…

There are so many variables to pelagic birding trips with weather, sea conditions, fish movement patterns, and more! So sometimes it is a surprise what you happen upon. The San Diego Bird Festival offers pelagic trips and we were lucky enough to get on one. Main Story Begins at: 13:40 Show notes Buy me a Coffee San Diego Bird Festival Spring Chirp …

Jeff Bouton is a dedicated and expert digiscoper. In 2023, he accidentally did a digiscoping Big Year amounting over 1,000 species caught on camera using his iPhone and Kowa spotting scope. Listen in to hear all about digiscoping, Jeff's digiscoping tips and what he learned doing a big year. Main Story Begins at: 12:30 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Di…

San Diego has so much to offer - good restaurants and bars, beaches, outdoor recreation... and birds! We've been to San Diego many times, so we were on the lookout for some new places to explore for drinks and birds. Main Story Begins at: 9:40 *Dial-a-Birder Hotline: Call 503-741-9306 to ask a question or tell us what's going on in your area! Your …

Going on a cruise? It can be hard to get some birding in! But we believe in trying to bird wherever you can - so we did! Our cruise took us to Princess Cay, Puerto Rico, and Grand Turk and we were able to see some great birds while checking out the other sites. Main Story Begins at: 8:25 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Birding is the World Brazil trip S…

Back in Florida - at least for a day! Before going on a "company retreat/family wedding" cruise, we had a day to bird the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area. Good food, sunny skies, and cherished birds! Luckily for us, there was a free walk with Tropical Audubon Society at Frog Pond WMA/Lucky Hammock, a great hotspot just outside of the Everglades National…

In the second half of our West Africa trip, we spent it birding in various spots along the River Gambie. West Africa may not be as high on your bucket list, but it is definitely has unique spots, wonderful residents and visitors, and of course, amazing birds. Main Story Begins at: 8:20 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Birding is the world Brazil Spring C…

Sax-Zim Bog in Minnesota is a fascinating birding spot that is great for winter exploration. But be aware, it is COLD and takes a bit of effort to find those birds. Sparky, executive director of Friends of Sax-Zim Bog, joined us to discuss the bog and how to bird there. *Bird Nerd Giveaway details: Like the Hannah and Erik Go Birding Instagram page…

Why do birders visit Senegal? Is it for the warm climate, good food, or plethora of easily viewable, interesting birds? Yes, yes, and yes! Listen in for trees of Scissor-tailed Kites, cool lodges, and some travel tips. Main Story Begins at: 10:50 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Birding is the World Brazil trip Spring Chirp San Diego Bird Festival Birda …

We love birding and work to connect folks with birds, so it's always great to connect with others who have that goal in mind too! Birda is a fun, free app where you can learn about birds, report your postings, and connect with other birders. Main Story Begins at: 14:35 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Birding is the World Brazil trip Spring Chirp Rio Gra…

The Rio Grande Valley is an incredible place to see birds and the festival is a great time to see them! This year we visited a new spot, saw a new bird, and had an amazing time at the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival. Main Story Begins at: 12:34 Birdfy by Netvue giveaway details: Like the Hannah and Erik Go Birding Facebook page Like the Birdfy b…

*NOTE* We briefly discuss the recent news regarding the elimination of eponyms in bird names. We want to remind all our listeners that we are not experts on this topic and this is a complex issue. We do feel very strongly that all birders should always feel and be included in the birding community and that as a community, we should strive to increa…

We spent our last few days in Oaxaca birding a few different areas, seeing Monte Alban, and exploring with a Free Walking Tour. Oaxaca has a lot to offer with birds, good food, things to see, and places to explore! *CORRECTION: We incorrectly mentioned that Wilson’s Warbler is a west coast bird. They occur throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico at d…

Oaxaca is a hotspot for food, history, culture, and... birds! In this episode, we really dive into the food, mezcal, and logistics of Oaxaca, as well as our first day of birding. The state of Oaxaca boasts the biggest bird count out of any in Mexico. There are lots of habitats to explore and endemic species to see. Main Story Begins at: 11:23 Show …

We got to visit one of our local festivals this time! The Wings over Willapa, hosted by the Friends of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, celebrates the people, art, and birds of the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge which is an important stopover spot for many migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. Main Story Begins at: 9:15 Show notes Buy me a Coffee …

Going out on a pelagic boat trip is always an exciting experience. Fresh air, the salt spray, and the unknown of what birds you might find! We went on a pelagic out of Garibaldi, Oregon that had lots of unexpected surprises. Main Story Begins at: 9:32 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Wings over Willapa Birding is the World Brazil trip Spring Chirp Rio Gr…

While at Global BirdFair, Mark Pearson from Yorkshire Coast Nature joined us to talk about his suggestions for birding throughout the UK, best seasons to go, and what to know! Bird Nerd Giveaway: One randomly selected entry will win Window Collison Tape courtesy of Feather Friendly. Send us your entry by September 19 to qualify. To enter, send us: …

Global BirdFair is the UK's (and maybe the world's?) biggest birding event each year. Vendors, optics companies, artists, and many more flock to Oakham, UK to enjoy spending time with other birders and seeing what's new in birding. It's amazing to see 12,500+ birders, 280+ vendors all together because of birds. Main Story Begins at: 8:45 Show notes…

While at Global BirdFair, we learned about Common Swifts and the threats they face. Hannah Bourne-Taylor is a passionate conservationist that has been working throughout the UK and beyond to protect cavity nesting species, like Common Swifts. Main Story Begins at: 10:05 Show notes Cougar in Cannon Beach Global Bird Fair Wings over Willapa Birding i…

Scotland is just magnificent with rolling hills, rugged coasts, and plethora of birds! We explored just a snippet of this beautiful country - but definitely have to get back for more. Main Story Begins at: 6:55 Show notes Global Bird Fair Wings over Willapa Birding is the World Brazil trip Spring Chirp Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival Scottish Se…

Did you know that July is the slowest eBird month? So, this summer the New York Times and Cornell Lab of Ornithology have come together to spread the word about birding, encourage folks to eBird new locations, and challenge themselves. Check it out! Main Story Begins at: 11:45 Show notes American Robin Status and Trends New York Times Birding AOS d…

Interested in adding a bit more wildlife in your life? Consider adding some food, water, cover, and places to raise young for wildlife at your home, business, or other landscapes! Thank you to Mary Phillips for joining us to tell us what we can do to make an impact. Main Story Begins at: 9:35 Show notes NWF Certification NWF Native Plant Finder NWF…

The Global Big Day is one of our favorite events each year. Birders join together across the globe on a single day to census birds! It's great for science, education, and just great fun. Main Story Begins at: 7:35 Show notes eBird Global Big Day eBird Global Big Day update Global Bird Fair Wings over Willapa Birding is the World Brazil trip Spring …

Hannah and Erik stick closer to home in search of a long wanted bird, the Sooty Grouse. They explore some local logging roads and a few hotspots they've never birded before! Main Story Begins at: 13:05 Show notes Give us a call and leave a voicemail about your Global Big Day at +1 (503) 468-6901. Global Big Day eBird Global Big Day Global Bird Fair…

It may not be a particularly birdy trip, but seeing Petra and Wadi Rum is truly an incredible experience! Thank you to Kowa Sporting Optics for your support! Main Story Begins at: 9:00 Show notes Give us a call and leave a voicemail telling us about your Global Big Day at +1 (503) 468-6901. (We tried WhatsApp and that didn't work - so just call the…

After months of talking about it, the big day is finally here! The Champions of the Flyway competition may be a long day - but is fun trip around Israel to see so many cool birds. Main Story Begins at: 13:20 Show notes Champions of the Flyway Women in Steppe COTF team page Kowascopers COTF team page Hannah’s Blog about the Red-Breasted Goose Global…

After a long journey, we made it to Israel for the Champions of the Flyway. But first - scouting for the big day! We visited a few new sites, saw some great birds, and even tried something new. Main Story Begins at: 15:25 Show notes Champions of the Flyway Women in Steppe COTF team page Kowascopers COTF team page Hannah’s Blog about the Red-Breaste…

Rebecca Heisman joined us at the San Diego Bird Festival to talk about her recently released book: Flight Paths, a book about the study of bird migration and the scientists and methods behind it all. Main Story Begins at: 12:13 Show notes Galveston Featherfest Birdiest Week in America Flight Paths by Rebecca Heisman An Unusual Bloom is Happening in…

First off - we apologize for going overboard on restaurants and food...but San Diego has SO MANY GREAT OPTIONS! Anyways, we had a great time at the San Diego Bird Festival, as always, but this year the weather decided to give us a challenge. Main Story Begins at: 11:30 Show notes AOS 2023 proposals San Diego Bird Festival Galveston Featherfest Bird…

Tammah Watts, licensed therapist and birder, just released her first book: Keep Looking Up. It's all about the healing power of birding and a fantastic read! She joined us for a live podcast recording at the San Diego Bird Festival. As it was our first go at recording live at an exhibit hall, please forgive any fluctuations in volume and excessive …

BirdCast uses weather surveillance radar to learn more about bird migration. It's an amazing interdisciplinary program that helps unveil mysteries in the birding world and relates what is learned to the benefit of birders. Main Story Begins at: 9:22 Show notes San Diego Bird Fest Galveston Featherfest Birdiest week in America Champions of the Flywa…

The Skagit Valley in northwestern Washington is an important site for wintering waterfowl. And even though they occur in large populations - it can still a while to find! *Erik mentions the latest eBird update information and had to find the details regarding how species are differentiated here: eBird Support page Main Story Begins at: 10:00 Show n…

Jason Hall is the founder of the In Color Birding Club, a new(ish) non-profit that strives to make the birding experience a positive one for BIPOC folks and their allies. Main Story Begins at: 8:05 Show notes San Diego Bird Fest Galveston Featherfest Birdiest week in America Champions of the Flyway In Color Birding Club In Color Birding Club on Fac…

Wrapping up our trip to Florida with reporting on spots that you all suggested! It took us up to Tallahassee in search of a few rarities and to some beloved sites. PS. Intro is a little long as we discussed a recent review. Main Story Begins at: 18:45 Show notes North Shore Birding Festival San Diego Bird Fest Galveston Featherfest Birdiest Festiva…

One of the main reasons to go to Florida was for the North Shore Birding Festival just north of Orlando! We saw so many cool birds and went to interesting places. Can't wait to go back! Main Story Begins at: 11:00 Show notes North Shore Birding Festival San Diego Bird Fest Galveston Featherfest Birdiest Week in America Slow Birding by Joan E. Stras…

We asked about your favorite spots to bird in Florida - and you all answered! We traveled throughout Florida to spots mentioned by listeners and we see so many great birds, beautiful places, and enjoy great beer. Main Story Begins at: 13:45 Show notes North Short Birding Festival San Diego Bird Fest Galveston Featherfest Birdiest week in America Ch…