The Warblers by Birds Canada

Point Counts and Missing Pots: The Adventures of Bird Atlassing Mar 03, 2025

The Breeding Bird Atlas is the ultimate province-wide bird survey. In this episode, Atlas coordinators from Newfoundland, Ontario, and Saskatchewan share how and why Atlassing is a key part of bird conservation. We hear their biggest challenges, favourite stories from the field, and why you should be a part of it all. From boast worthy birds, to blackflies - the Breeding Bird Atlas is a project driven by a love for birds and for Canada's most far to reach places.

It's not too late to join an Atlas!

Newfoundland: nf.birdatlas.ca
Ontario: birdsontario.org

Pull out the camping pot, boil some water, and brew some bird-friendly coffee! Birds and Beans will donate to this podcast when you use the code "warblers" at checkout.

Catherine Dale had an early career job studying Tree Swallows which sparked her love for birds, animal behaviour, and spending time in the field. She began working with Birds Canada in 2019 as the Coordinator of the Newfoundland Breeding Bird Atlas, and has spent the past six years learning about the amazing province she now calls home. She also coordinates the NL Nocturnal Owl Survey and the newly launched Short-eared Owl Survey.

Kaelyn Bumelis spent her undergraduate summers studying aerial insectivores, which inspired her to pursue a Master of Science in Biology at Western University, where she focused on niche segregation among sympatric Barn, Cliff, and Tree swallows. Today, Kaelyn serves as the Project Manager for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, a role that allows her to blend her love of birding and conservation with her enthusiasm for connecting and exchanging knowledge with others.

LeeAnn Latremouille is originally from Montreal, but fell in love with the prairies and has called Saskatoon home for the last 10 years. In addition to coordinating the Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas, she also runs the Saskatchewan Nocturnal Owl Survey, delivers the MarshWatch educational program, and has recently taken on a role with our Grassland Bird Conservation Team as the coordinator for the Integrated Monitoring of Bird Conservation Regions effort in Prairie Canada.

Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan, and then as the Ontario Piping Plover Coordinator. Years of sharing her love of plovers with beach goers has turned into a full time communications role with Birds Canada.

So cute, so deadly: Northern Saw-whet Owl Feb 03, 2025

By size, shape and style, you might mistake this owl for a cuddly toy, but it's actually a deadly predator. In today's episode we chat about the Northern Saw-whet Owl - their adaptations, how to identify them by sound, how banding operations are helping to track their populations, and how you could get involved!
Happy Superb Owl day! #superbowl
Protect habitat while sipping on a cup of bird-friendly coffee! Birds and Beans will even donate to this podcast when you use the code "warblers" at checkout.
Join the Nocturnal Owl Survey, or keep an eye out for owl banding at a banding station near you. Follow Long Point Bird Observatory on FB or IG @longpointbirds
Kyle Cameron got hooked on birds from a young age and turned it into a career! He currently works as the Ontario Projects Biologist for Birds Canada, where he provides contributions to numerous projects including education programming, the Motus wildlife tracking system, and the Long Point Bird Observatory.
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan, and then as the Ontario Piping Plover Coordinator. Years of sharing her love of plovers with beach goers has turned into a full time communications role with Birds Canada.

Did a chickadee steal my hotdog? Experts answer your questions Dec 16, 2024

As a special treat we've rounded up some of your most curious bird related questions and answered them in this episode (or tried to!).
Why do some birds have red eyes? Can owls hybridize? Can birds smell? And of course, we'll try to solve the hotdog mystery.
Help us keep doing what we do best by donating today. Or another great way to help...
Order some bird-friendly coffee for your cozy holiday season, and when you use the code "warblers", Birds and Beans will donate to this podcast.
Check out Winter is better with Project FeederWatch for more information about bird feeding, or How do birds survive the extremes of winter?! for some mind blowing winter bird facts!
Some of you asked where to find ornithology jobs. We recommend checking the Birds Canada site if you'd like to work with us! Or check out Work Cabin for jobs in the larger conservation community.
Others asked for audio and birdsong resources for North America. Try:

Merlin Bird ID: field guide app with sounds
Sibley Birds: field guide app with sounds
Larkwire: quiz app to learn bird sounds
xeno-canto: online database of sounds

Lindsay Lalach is currently working towards her Masters of Science in Biology at Simon Fraser University, her research is focused on the winter movement and foraging ecology of Brandt's Cormorants in the Salish Sea.
David Toews is an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at Penn State University. He did his undergrad at Acadia University in NS, and MSc and PhD at UBC. He also serves as the “population genetics expert” for the Birds Specialist Subcommittee of COSEWIC. He has studied avian evolution since 2005, and has been focused on speciation and hybridization in warblers.

Doug Tozer is the Director of Waterbirds and Wetlands with Birds Canada. Hisacademic and professional career has focused on developing workable conservation solutions for birds, and raising awareness of the importance of these animals; through programs such as the Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program, Canadian Lakes Loon Survey, and Long Point Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Program.

Jody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the Director of Communications at Birds Canada and has written numerous articles on birds, birding and connecting with nature. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @JodyAllair.
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan, and then as the Ontario Piping Plover Coordinator. Years of sharing her love of plovers with beach goers has turned into a full time communications role with Birds Canada.

The Wake-up Call: Eastern Whip-poor-will Nov 25, 2024

Some call them goatsuckers, others may think of them as dragons in the night sky...but we know them lovingly as the Eastern Whip-poor-will.
We're joined by three researchers who are exploring the habitats, food sources, and migratory ranges of the Eastern Whip-poor-will. We learn all kinds of spooky facts about this elusive species, and gain insights into their threats and challenges. Plus we get to take a behind the scenes look at how research is done for this species at risk.
Help us keep doing what we do best by donating today. Thank you!
Natasha shared many great ways to help the Eastern Whip-poor-will and aerial insectivores, here are some of our favorites:

And if you'd like to keep learning, check out the State of Canada's Birds, get some quick facts, or dive into some research that was mentioned in the episode!

Help birds and bugs today by ordering some bird-friendly coffee. When you use the code 'warblers' at check out, Birds and Beans makes a donation to this podcast.
Victoria Pepe is a first-year master’s student at the University of Waterloo, working under the supervision of Dr. Liam McGuire. She is researching the home range dynamics and nest site selection of Eastern Whip-poor-wills. Victoria hopes to help bridge the knowledge gaps for this species with her research, helping to inform landowners on how they can help support Whip-poor-will populations and entice this iconic bird to use their properties.

Lauren Weeks is completing her master's in the McGuire Lab at the University of Waterloo. Her main topics of interest are avian migration and diet composition. Passionate about the outdoors, Lauren loves hiking while looking for cool birds and bugs. She hopes her research will contribute to conservation efforts to support species at risk.

Natasha Barlow grew up near Point Pelee National Park in southern Ontario, and didn't fully appreciate the area until she had already moved away. Thankfully, she realized the error in her ways, and after completing her masters assessing the efficacy of restoration and conservation strategies on protecting sagebrush songbirds, she now coordinates various field-based research projects, runs citizen science programs, and advocates for change for aerial insectivores in Ontario as a Projects Biologist with Birds Canada.
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan, and then as the Ontario Piping Plover Coordinator. Years of sharing her love of plovers with beach goers has turned into a full time communications role with Birds Canada.

Winter is better with Project FeederWatch Nov 04, 2024

As we get deeper into the fall months, we're joined by Olivia Carvalho to chat about an underappreciated pastime... winter birding!
With Olivia coordinating Project FeederWatch in Canada, she has great insights on how to help birds through the coldest months, winter adaptations, birds you might expect to see at your feeder, and more!
What birds are at your feeder? Let us know by joining Project FeederWatch!
Remember, you don't need to have a feeder to be part of the fun!
Stay warm this winter with a cup of Bird Friendly coffee from Birds and Beans. Use the code "Warblers" to support this podcast. Grab a bag today!
Olivia Carvalho is the Community Engagement Specialist for Birds Canada. She oversees the coordination of Project FeederWatch, Great Backyard Bird Count, and Gardening for Birds in Canada. Her role connects her with thousands of birders (and birds!) across the country, and she believes birding is for everyone.
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan, and then as the Ontario Piping Plover Coordinator. Years of sharing her love of plovers with beach goers has turned into a full time communications role with Birds Canada.

Canada's bird populations: the good, the bad, the uplifting Oct 15, 2024

How are Canada's birds doing? Recently released, The State of Canada's Birds brings us valuable insights into the health of our favourite species. Some have recovered wonderfully, like waterfowl and birds of prey, yet others are struggling and need urgent attention.
Catherine Jardine of Birds Canada and Marie-Anne Hudson with Environment and Climate Change Canada join us - after spending 4 years of their lives digging into this data - to share the biggest news on Canada's birds.
Explore the report and share what you learn. Together, we can have a positive impact on Canada's birds.
Marie-Anne Hudson has a BSc from McGill University in Applied Zoology and a PhD from McGill University in Wildlife Biology, which she got while also working as an environmental consultant and bird bander. With over a decade of experience, in 2023 she became the Unit Head of the Science Coordination and Reporting Unit with Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Catherine Jardine is the Associate Director of Data Science and Technology at Birds Canada. Her work focuses on supporting hundreds of research and monitoring projects investigating the ecology, distribution and population dynamics of all bird species through two main platforms; NatureCounts (naturecounts.ca) and the Motus Wildlife Tracking System (motus.org).
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan, and then as the Ontario Piping Plover Coordinator. Years of sharing her love of plovers with beach goers has turned into a full time communications role with Birds Canada.

Quebec's river of warblers Sep 23, 2024

An incredible migratory phenomenon occurs along the St. Lawrence River in Quebec. Thankfully, the Tadoussac Bird Observatory is located in just the right place to observe and study this mass movement of warblers and other songbirds.
Alexandre Terrigeol joins us during peak migration to share more about this phenomenon and about the other work occurring at the bird observatory, including bird banding research, educational workshops, and an annual birding festival!
Learn more about the Tadoussac Bird Observatory (or Observatoire d'oiseaux de Tadoussac). Support bird observatories through the Birds Canada Birdathon.
Pick up a bag of Bird Friendly coffee from Birds and Beans; supporting everyone from the boreal birds in this episode, to the coffee farmers themselves. Use the code "Warblers" to support this podcast!
Alexandre Terrigeol is a biologist and director of the Tadoussac Bird Observatory. A relative newcomer to the world of ornithology, he uses both his work and his free time to share his passion for biodiversity, particularly birds. As much as possible, he wants to contribute to research through participatory science tools, photography and sound recordings.
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan, and then as the Ontario Piping Plover Coordinator. Years of sharing her love of plovers with beach goers has turned into a full time communications role with Birds Canada.

Vultures: Sentinels of the Skies Aug 26, 2024

With their heads buried in a carcass, vultures may seem like gross, unwanted creatures. But we have to disagree! Vultures have fascinating adaptations that make them essential parts of a healthy ecosystem. John Kinghorn joins us from South Africa to share his unabashed love for vultures, help us understand why their populations are plummeting, and what we can do to help.
Learn more about the many projects BirdLife South Africa is leading and collaborating on to help vultures. And celebrate International Vulture Awareness Day on September 7th by sharing this podcast!
This was a listener suggested episode. Leave us reviews, comments on social media, or send an email with your episode suggestions!
Bird-friendly certified coffee is an easy way to support habitat conservation (and this podcast!). Birds and Beans will donate 10% of proceeds to Birds Canada when you check out with the code "Warblers", or use this link.
John Kinghorn undertook a southern African Birding Big Year at age 19, and became the sixth person to record more than 800 bird species in the region in one calendar year, also setting a record for the youngest person achieve this milestone. His deep-rooted passion for conservation shines through in everything that he does. With a career spanning 11 years as a professional specialist bird guide, John acquired an LLB [law] degree and completed his articles of clerkship as a Candidate Attorney. John is currently spearheading BirdLife South Africa’s world renown Community Bird Guide Programme, empowering communities, and continuing to enhance South Africa’s status as leaders in avitourism through key stakeholder engagement.

Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan, and then as the Ontario Piping Plover Coordinator. Years of sharing her love of plovers with beach goers has turned into a full time communications role with Birds Canada.

Grasslands, Birds, and Beef Jul 29, 2024

Grassland ecosystems and birds are increasingly under threat as agricultural operations expand to meet growing food demands. Yet, agriculture itself can be the solution!
Through personal anecdotes and a deep appreciation for the unique wildlife of the Canadian prairies, Ian Cook highlights the importance of grasslands and the need to find collaborative approaches that support farmers and producers, as well as the birds we all love.
Learn more about the Bird-friendliness Index here.
It takes a team. Ian wanted to shout out to the following groups for supporting this work: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Manitoba Habitat Conservancy, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation, South of the Divide Conservation Action Program Inc., Nature Conservancy of Canada, and Fish and Wildlife Development Fund.
Another way to support habitat protection is by drinking Bird Friendly coffee! Purchase through this link, or type "Warblers" into the coupon code box, and Birds and Beans will donate 10% of the purchase price to Birds Canada. Thank you!
Ian Cook is the Grassland Conservation Manager at Birds Canada. Ian grew up on a mixed farm in western Manitoba, developing a deep connection with the natural world, which inspired him to pursue a career that bridges agriculture and conservation. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba and is a Professional Agrologist and Certified Crop Advisor. Through his work, Ian strives to find mutually beneficial solutions for wildlife, the environment, farmers, ranchers, and society at large, and create working landscapes full of birdsong and bursting with life.

Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan, and then as the Ontario Piping Plover Coordinator. Years of sharing her love of plovers with beach goers has turned into a full time communications role with Birds Canada.

The Wake-up Call: Olive-sided Flycatcher Jun 24, 2024

"Quick, three beers!" Jody Allair joins us to propose that the Olive-sided Flycatcher is one of Canada's best boreal birds. Will you agree?
While they do breed in the boreal forest, the cosmopolitan Olive-sided Flycatcher can be seen right across Canada during migration. Join us to learn more about their charming song and hunting habits, so that you can spot this bird the next time it perches on a tree top near you. And as usual, learn how you can help this threatened species and others like it.
Pick up your very own Olive-sided Flycatcher t-shirt here. All proceeds support bird conservation in Canada. Yay, merch!!
And continue to learn more about Birds Canada's 2024 Avian Ambassador.
Pick up some Bird Friendly coffee to support habitat protection! Purchase through this link, or type "Warblers" into the coupon code box, and Birds and Beans will donate 10% of the purchase price to Birds Canada. Thank you!
Jody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the Director of Community Engagement at Birds Canada and has written numerous articles on birds, birding and connecting with nature. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @JodyAllair.
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan, and then as the Ontario Piping Plover Coordinator. Years of sharing her love of plovers with beach goers has turned into a full time communications role with Birds Canada.

Getting to know Swifts and Swallows Jun 10, 2024

This bonus episode is all about getting to know swifts and swallows, those speedy aerial acrobats that make summer skies so lively.
Rielle Hoeg joins us to help shed some light on these two groups of birds. You'll get pointers on how to tell them apart, and which species are present across Canada. We also learn about their population status and a cool new project in Atlantic Canada aiming to protect Bank Swallow habitats.
Learn more about how you can help Aerial Insectivores across Canada. And check out this incredible story about Chimney Swifts...in a barn.
Rielle Hoeg grew up in rural Nova Scotia, playing in the woods and developing an appreciation for all the wonderful critters, plants and fungi around her. During her undergraduate and Master’s degrees at Acadia University, she had opportunities to work with shorebirds, aerial insectivores, and her spark bird: the Leach’s Storm-petrel! At Birds Canada, Rielle splits her time amongst Chimney Swifts, Piping Plovers, shorebirds, and Leach’s Storm-petrels, and is grateful to work with so many passionate, inspiring people (colleagues and volunteers alike!).

Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan, and then as the Ontario Piping Plover Coordinator. Years of sharing her love of plovers with beach goers has turned into a full time communications role with Birds Canada.

Warblin' about Warblers May 21, 2024

Around 37 warbler species nest in Canada each summer. But how much do you really know about them?
Long overdue, this episode is all about warblers! We explore the quirkiest behaviours, the best warbler songs, marvel over fun facts, and hear tips on where to find warblers no matter where you are in Canada. If you've ever wondered what that quick flash of bright yellow in the tree is...this episode is for you.
Help warbler species and help The Warblers Podcast at the same time! Order Bird Friendly Certified Coffee from Birds and Beans. They'll donate 10% of the proceeds to Birds Canada when you check out with the code "Warblers", or use this link.
Brendan Boyd has been working with birds in some way or another for most of his life. Growing up in Toronto, he spent his free time exploring green spaces across the city and volunteering at the Toronto Bird Observatory. While birds started off as a hobby, they have now turned into a career. Before joining Birds Canada as the Ontario Forest Birds Program Coordinator, Brendan completed his PhD, which examined how the size of forests that adult Wood Thrushes choose to nest in, affects their long-term survival.

Alex Isreal is an aspiring naturalist, wildlife biologist, and an all-around nature enthusiast. Alex’s interest in birds began during her undergraduate degree, and she continued to pursue this interest into her Master’s degree where she studied nesting behaviour in Wood Thrushes. Although Alex is currently working as a bat researcher, her first love and introduction to wildlife biology will always be birds.
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan, and then as the Ontario Piping Plover Coordinator. Years of sharing her love of plovers with beach goers has turned into a full time communications role with Birds Canada.

A Writer's Guide to Conserving Grasslands Apr 29, 2024

Trevor Herriot grew up exploring the aspen parkland and grasslands of southern Saskatchewan, deeply connected to the natural world around him. His passion for the prairies led him to become one of Canada’s most vocal proponents for the protection of grassland birds through his writing.
With a recently released first novel, The Economy of Sparrows, and several award winning non-fictions books under his belt, we were keen to sit down with Trevor to learn more about what drives his grassland focused writing, and explore the threats and issues that are top of mind for many across the prairies.
Help bird habitats today, simply by sipping on a cup of Birds and Beans coffee! When you purchase through this link, or type "Warblers" into the coupon code box, Birds and Beans will even donate 10% of the purchase price to Birds Canada. Thank you!
Recommended reading from this episode:
The Economy of Sparrows - Trevor Herriot
Grass, Sky, Song - Trevor Herriot
Hours and the Birds - R. D. Symons
The Wind Birds - Peter Matthiessen
The Singing Life of Birds - Donald Kroodsma
The Spell of the Sensuous - David Abram
Arctic Dreams - Barry Lopez
Braiding Sweetgrass - Robin Wall Kimmerer
The Unsettling of America - Wendell Berry
Or anything written by Scott Weidensaul or Aldo Leopold
If you’ve got another book that listeners would love, please leave your recommendation in a review!
Trevor Herriot is a naturalist, grassland conservationist, and the author of several award-winning books, including Grass, Sky, Song and the national bestseller River in a Dry Land, both of which were short-listed for the Governor General’s Award for Nonfiction. He is a recipient of the Kloppenburg Award for Literary Merit and the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. He and his wife Karen live in Regina, and spend much of their time on a piece of Aspen Parkland prairie east of the city. His latest work, The Economy of Sparrows is his eighth book, but first novel.
Jody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the Director of Community Engagement at Birds Canada and has written numerous articles on birds, birding and connecting with nature. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @JodyAllair.
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan, and then as the Ontario Piping Plover Coordinator. Years of sharing her love of plovers with beach goers has turned into a full time communications role with Birds Canada.

NatureCounts: Helping Birds with Your Data Mar 25, 2024

Do you track bird sightings on eBird? Or have you participated in a citizen science project that helps to monitor bird populations, like Project FeederWatch or the Christmas Bird Count?
In this episode we learn what happens after the binoculars are put away. Whether reporting a single American Goldfinch at your feeder, or the efforts of a really successful Big Day, your observations create a real impact in bird conservation actions across Canada!
Catherine Jardine joins us to explain how your findings feed into NatureCounts, a massive database that helps to track bird populations and leads to informed conservation actions.
Catherine Jardine is the Associate Director of Data Science and Technology at Birds Canada. Her work focuses on supporting hundreds of research and monitoring projects investigating the ecology, distribution and population dynamics of all bird species through two main platforms; NatureCounts (naturecounts.ca) and the Motus Wildlife Tracking System (motus.org).
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Program for Birds Canada.

The Wake-up Call: Roseate Tern Feb 26, 2024

The Roseate Tern is a dapper looking seabird that spends much of its breeding season far away from humans....yet most of the threats it faces are human related. Julie McKnight joins us to explore the challenges and joys of protecting and monitoring this threatened species.
Share Roseate Tern sightings and photos using eBird, you'll make Julie very happy! And if you're lucky enough to see a banded tern, report that sighting here.
If you're fascinated by some of the finer details of Roseate Tern conservation in Nova Scotia, check out the Tern Reports by Ted D'Eon, an extremely passionate friend of the terns!
Julie McKnight is a Species at Risk Recovery Biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment and Climate Change Canada. Based in Halifax, NS, she works with species experts to develop recovery programs for a range of Species at Risk, primarily in Atlantic Canada. She co-chairs the Canadian Roseate Tern Recovery Team and can’t wait to welcome the terns back to Canada this May.
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Program for Birds Canada.
This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change is supported by funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. The views expressed herein are solely those of Birds Canada.

The Superb Snowy Owl Feb 09, 2024

To celebrate Superb Owl weekend (or the big football game for some folks), we decided to throw you an episode about one of our star players, the Snowy Owl!
We all love owls! Please take a moment to learn more about safely observing and photographing owls.
Join the Great Backyard Bird Count. It takes as little as 15 minutes to make a difference and you can participate from anywhere in the world!
The Nocturnal Owl Survey will be looking for helpers from February through April. And the Christmas Bird Count would love your help in December and January.
Andrew Coughlan is a biologist with a wide range of experience working with birds. Born in England, Andrew has lived in Québec since 1996. Before becoming the Director of Quebec for Birds Canada, he worked for 10 years as a research officer at Laval University. Before that, in England, he worked for the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and the Zoological Society of London.
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Program for Birds Canada.

The healing power of nature and birds Jan 29, 2024

January is a tough time of year, but birds can help! We guarantee *good feels* by the end of this episode.
We're joined by Dr. Melissa Lem who directs Canada's nature prescription program. She helps us explore the science behind why nature makes us feel good. Also joining the podcast, is Melissa Hafting, a powerhouse birder from British Columbia who shares her personal experience of using birding to benefit her health and also to create community through forming the BC Young Birders Program.
This episode contains lots of bird songs, and will inspire you to head into the great outdoors!
Can't wait to read Melissa Hafting's book? Pre-order Dare to Bird: Exploring the Joy and Healing Power of Birds from Rocky Mountain Books, Amazon, or Indigo.
Get a prescription for nature with PaRX.
Dr. Melissa Lem is a Vancouver family physician who also works in rural and northern communities within Canada. Director of PaRx, Canada’s national nature prescription program powered by the BC Parks Foundation, and President of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, she is an internationally recognized leader in the field of nature and health. As a widely published writer, climate change panelist on CBC Radio's Early Edition, in-house medical columnist for CBC TV Vancouver, and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia, one of her major priorities is knowledge translation. Follow her on IG @drmelissalem or X @melissa_lem
Melissa Hafting is an ecologist that is passionate about bird conservation. She runs the B.C. Rare Bird Alert website. She also founded the British Columbia Young Birders Program, which aims to bring youth of different backgrounds together for fun excursions in the natural world. She loves mentoring youth and making birding more inclusive and accessible to all especially to those in the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Follow her on IG @bcbirdergirl or through her blog.

Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Program for Birds Canada.

How do birds survive the extremes of winter?! Jan 12, 2024

Brrrr! A polar vortex is chilling western Canada while the east is being battered by snowy winter storms! Yet, we can still see birds out the window...how do they do it?
In this bonus episode you'll learn how tough birds really are, plus get some tips to help the winter birds near you!
Join Project FeederWatch today! It's the perfect winter activity. Plus your data contributes to bird conservation.
Keep those feeders clean! Get some easy, helpful tips here.
Jody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the Director of Community Engagement at Birds Canada, a producer of this podcast, and has written numerous articles on birds, birding and connecting with nature. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @JodyAllair.
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Program for Birds Canada.

A Year for the Birds: 2023 highlights from across Canada Dec 18, 2023

From British Columbia to Newfoundland, and everywhere in between...join Yousif Attia, Jared Clarke, and Andrea Gress, as they discuss some of the biggest birding news from 2023. Learn about how Red Crossbills might be more mysterious than you realize, hear their takes on Bird Names for Birds, and marvel over some of the best rare bird sightings of the year.
Follow Jared's birding adventures on Instagram, or hop on one of his tours through Bird•The•Rock!
Support the podcast! Your gift helps keep the podcast running, and supports bird conservation!
Jared Clarke grew up on the northeast coast of Newfoundland and was introduced to the outdoors at a very young age, mostly by his grandfathers. He discovered birds & birding while working for a local conservation group and never looked back. Despite his “official” training as a health researcher (Ph.D. Medicine), his love of nature and sharing it with others increasingly led him astray. He currently runs a small bird and nature tour business, called Bird•The•Rock, and routinely leads trips at home and abroad for various tour companies.

Yousif Attia grew up chasing birds and exploring the wilds of central and southern Alberta since he and his family immigrated to Edmonton when he was four years old. After moving around the country, he is now settled on the Fraser Estuary on the West Coast of BC. Yousif has worn many hats at Birds Canada, including work on species-at-risk in southern Ontario, field surveys in the boreal including the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas-2, and overseeing the Long Point Bird Observatory where he became a North American Banding Council certified trainer. Yousif is now part of a team at Birds Canada that leads the Christmas Bird Count and eBird in Canada, and he manages the Birds Canada website and media library. Follow Yousif at @biophylia

Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Program for Birds Canada.

The Wake-up Call: Black Swift Nov 21, 2023

Join Black Swift researchers on a journey through the forest to find one of the most elusive species in Canada....will they succeed?
As Black Swift populations decline, the crews at Birds Canada strive to understand the whole picture, and find ways that we can all help these aerial insectivores. In this episode you'll learn all about Black Swifts, and also glimpse into the lives of wildlife researchers.
To continue learning, and see incredible footage of Black Swifts, check out our short video, Of Waterfalls and Wings - Surveying for the Mysterious Black Swift.
In 2022 the team recorded the first instance of a Black Swift colony with multiple active nests in coastal B.C. Read more about that exciting finding here!
Rémi Torrenta has always had a passion for wildlife and birds. He obtained a MSc in Ecology in the south of France, and then a PhD at Université de Moncton, NB. After 8 years of work experience with forest birds in eastern Canada, he has been the BC Projects Coordinator for Birds Canada since 2021. Remi delivers Citizen Science programs, as well as various Species at Risk research and monitoring projects, and outreach and education programs in western Canada.
Lindsay Lalach grew up in the Southern Interior of BC and developed a deep appreciation of biodiversity and wildlife. She completed a degree in environmental studies and geography from the University of Victoria and is passionate about Species at Risk. Lindsay is currently completing her Masters degree at Simon Fraser University.
Eve Kenny was the Conservation Area Interpreter for Birds Canada during the summer of 2023, and has been lucky enough to have spent time birding in New Zealand, Ireland, and Japan! She was thrilled to be a part of the Black Swift surveying efforts, and encourages everyone to learn more about this remarkable bird.
Kris Cu grew up in the bustling city of Manila, Philippines and often watched the Pied Fantails forage around the neighbour’s garden. Upon moving to Canada, he completed a Biological Sciences degree from Simon Fraser University and has embarked on numerous science communication roles. Currently, he supports the Birds Canada team through photography, videography, social media, outreach and connecting minority communities to birds and the natural world.
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Program for Birds Canada.

The Wake-up Call: Burrowing Owl Oct 23, 2023

Burrowing Owls...those weird little owls that nest underground, and scowl disapprovingly at us with their bright yellow eyes. This episode is for them! We've invited Graham Dixon-MacCallum from the Wilder Institute to share quirky facts about this captivating species, help us understand why they're threatened, and learn more about a few of the conservation tools being used to help.
As promised, here are some pointers for photographing owls without causing them harm.
Check out these many great organizations working to help Burrowing Owls in Canada!

Manitoba Burrowing Owl Recovery Program
Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Center in Moose Jaw
Operation Burrowing Owl ran by Nature Saskatchewan
Grasslands National Park and Parks Canada
Operation Grassland Community in Alberta
Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of BC

Graham Dixon-MacCallum leads the burrowing owl project at the Wilder Institute. His job requires coordinating with the federal and provincial governments, local ranchers, soldiers, graduate students, and multiple departments across the Wilder Institute. Aside from his work with burrowing owls, Graham has also studied anti-predator behavior in the conservation breeding population of Vancouver Island marmots at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Graham has worked on a wide variety of species across Canada, and in Costa Rica, Peru, and Gabon.
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Program for Birds Canada.
This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change is supported by funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. The views expressed herein are solely those of Birds Canada.

Indigenous-led Conservation Protects Bird Habitats Sep 26, 2023

We can learn a lot about conservation by looking to Indigenous leadership. In this episode, we head to Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick to learn about how Indigenous-led conservation may be exactly what the birds need.
Our guests, Gordon Grey from Bilijk First Nation, Jamie Gorman from Neqotkuk First Nation, and Kelsey Butler of Birds Canada, offer exceptional insights into Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA), and get us motivated and excited about a future where IPCAs are a key tool for protecting natural areas and critical habitats.
Learn more or get in touch with Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick.
If you're curious about Bicknell's Thrush, you can get that episode here.

Gordon Grey is the Impact Assessment Manager for Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick (WNNB). He is a community member of Bilijk (the Wolastoqey community at Kingslcear) who works primarily with an environment first approach to assessing the multitude of projects within the Wolastoqey territory for adverse impacts to Aboriginal and Treaty Rights. He leads the Environment and Culture team for the WNNB, whose role includes cultural surveys, Indigenous monitoring and Indigenous Land and Resource and Use Studies (ILRUs). He has Western Science degree in Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Science from UBC, with mixed lineage but includes his Grandfather Wilfred Charles "Wimpy" Solomon , a renown medicine man and bastian for the Wolastoqey culture, he strives towards understanding for proponents and government officials through his two-eyed seeing approach.
Jamie Gorman is a resource development consultation coordinator - Neqotkuk /Tobique First Nation - I have the honour of working with a passionate and determined team focused on protecting Wolastoqey rights. Interest in language reclamation and oral histories - old trees and running rivers.
Kelsey Butler supports the management and delivery of all Atlantic programs for Birds Canada. She credits her father for helping her become an amateur (but enthusiastic) birder while growing up in New Brunswick. Kelsey has a Master’s in Environmental Management from the University of New Brunswick, and has been working in the environmental non-profit sector ever since. Most recently she worked for the Wolastoqey Nation as their Conservation Lead and Consultation Manager.

Andrea Gress (she/her) studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers

Sharing Anishinaabe Bird Names through Tourism Sep 12, 2023

You might remember Joe Pitawanakwat from a previous episode, Bneshiinyik, where he shared knowledge about how birds are named in the Anishinaabe language. Since we last spoke with him, Joe has been working on many projects to continue expanding and sharing Indigenous Knowledge. In this episode, we tag along with him for one of those projects. Join us for a birding adventure on Manitoulin Island!
Wikwemikong Tours offers an array of Indigenous Tourism experiences in the Manitoulin Island and Killarney Region. Their year-round services specialize in cultural tours and land-based learning experiences. Check them out!
Get a copy of Joe's Anishinaabe bird name pamphlet here.
Joseph Pitawanakwat is an Ojibwe knowledge keeper for ancestral knowledge of plants, medicine and language. He is from Wiikwemikoong First Nation on Manitoulin Island and he is the founder and director of Creator’s Garden, an Indigenous outdoor, and now online, education-based business focused on plant identification, beyond-sustainable harvesting, and teaching every one of their linguistic, historical, cultural, edible, ecological and medicinal significance through experiences. He is uniquely blending and reinforcing that Indigenous knowledge with an array of western sciences. @creators.garden on Instagram and Twitter.
Mandaago Osawamick and Jack Rivers are cultural tour guides for Wikwemikong Tours.

Andrea Gress (she/her) studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers

Every egg counts; an extraordinary conservation story Aug 29, 2023

With only 150 individuals in the Great Lakes region, every single egg matters. In 2023, the Piping Plover conservation effort went to great lengths, as Ontario eggs were raised and released from captive rearing in Michigan, for the very first time. Sydney Shephard joins us to share the juicy details about this effort, the chaos of a Piping Plover field season, and good news from the Great Lakes region.
Birds and Beans delivers bird-friendly certified coffee across Canada, and donates 10% of your purchase to this podcast and bird conservation in Canada when you use this link. Plus, it's yummy.
As we get updates on this story (did the captive reared fledglings survive?!), we will share them on our socials @ontarioplovers
Sydney Shepherd firmly believes that by bridging science with outreach and education, we can foster communities of stewards and tackle environmental goals together. She is grateful to work with Birds Canada on the Ontario Piping Plover program and see the synergy between scientific research and community action every day.
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers

The Power of Representation in Birding Jul 24, 2023

This episode features two groups that are working to improve representation in the outdoors. They're creating welcoming spaces for Indigenous, Black and/or Racialized people, and the 2SLGBTQ+ community to have outdoor and nature based experiences, often centralized around the thing that we all love....birds!
Learn more about FREED, or support their great work with a donation. Head to Special Bird Service to get involved, and follow the link in their website for donations.
Bird-friendly coffee is an easy way to help birds every morning! Birds and Beans donates 10% of your purchase to this podcast and bird conservation in Canada when you use this link.
Other groups mentioned in the episode: Diversity of Nature, BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library, Green Career Center, Feminist Bird Club, Vancouver Queer Birders, Colour the Trails, Takeover Skateboarding, Incluskivity, BIPOC Bloc, and Wild & Climb.

Aranya Iyer is the co-founder and co-director of FREED (Field Research in Ecology and Evolution Diversified), which is an BIPOC-led organization for BIPOC undergraduates to increase access to fieldwork and green careers. She also works at WWF-Canada for conservation research and is a host for Animalogic, a popular science Youtube channel. Her interests are centered on how humans interact with non-human kin and the social dimensions of conservation.
Trenton Schulz-Franco is a non-practicing lawyer, photographer, writer, violist, ecologist and cricketer. Originally from WSANEC Territory in what’s colonially known as Victoria, BC, Trenton has lived between the west coast and the UK whilst attending university and playing cricket for the past 10 years. A first generation “Canadian”, Grandson of Dorothy Boyd and Jaya Mary Reddy, Trenton is of South Indian, German, and Anglo-Saxon heritage. He enjoys spending time with his dog Hugo, his partner Drew and their families when he’s not traveling, birding or playing cricket.
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers

The Wake-up Call: Whooping Crane Jun 28, 2023

The Whooping Crane population plummeted to a mere 15 birds in the 1900s, but thanks to intensive conservation efforts we now have over 500 individuals in the wild.... but Whooping Crane populations are not in the clear. John and Mark explain what conservation efforts currently look like, and the challenges they anticipate for the species in the coming years.
Bird-friendly coffee is an easy way to help birds every morning! Birds and Beans donates 10% of your purchase to this podcast and bird conservation in Canada when you use this link.
John Conkin is a Wildlife Biologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) where he contributes to science, monitoring and recovery planning for species at risk. John has worked on CWS’s whooping crane program since 2012 with responsibilities related to long-term monitoring on the breeding grounds and during migration. John currently represents CWS on the International Whooping Crane Recovery Team. He lives in Saskatoon with his wife, Katherine, and son, Emmett.

Mark Bidwell is a Research Ecologist with the Wildlife and Landscape Science division of Environment and Climate Change Canada, where he conducts research on the ecology and health of whooping cranes and the landscapes they rely on during breeding and migration. Mark’s research involves fieldwork in Saskatchewan and at Wood Buffalo National Park, which is Canada’s largest park and the world’s largest fully protected forested area. Mark is currently lives in St. John’s but will return to his home base of Saskatoon with his wife and two sons this summer.
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Program for Birds Canada.
This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change is supported by funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. The views expressed herein are solely those of Birds Canada.

Battle of the Beaks: the winner is.... Jun 21, 2023

This epic battle featured 6 beaks from around the world; Loggerhead Shrike, Wrybill, African Openbill, Atlantic Puffin, Laysan Albatross and White-tipped Sicklebill...but wait! If you haven't listened to the first two episodes of the "Battle of the Beaks", you absolutely must listen to those before learning who the winner is in this minisode.
Huge thank you to each of our wonderful guests, and big thank you to everyone who voted!
Kris Cu grew up in the bustling city of Manila, Philippines and often watched the Pied Fantails forage around the neighbour’s garden. Upon moving to Canada, he completed a Biological Sciences degree from Simon Fraser University and has embarked on numerous science communication roles. Currently, he supports the Birds Canada team through photography, videography, social media, outreach and connecting minority communities to birds and the natural world.
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Program for Birds Canada.

The Wake-up Call: Red Knot May 30, 2023

On this episode Andrea and Amie MacDonald nerd out about shorebirds! Amie shares the joys of researching Red Knots in James Bay in northern Ontario, and helps us explore the threats these long distance migrants face across their full range. Did someone say...horseshoe crabs?!
Bird-friendly coffee is an easy way to help birds every morning! Birds and Beans donates 10% of your purchase to this podcast and bird conservation in Canada when you use this link.
Dive deeper with Amie's book recommendations, The Narrow Edge and Moonbird! Amie also shared this immmpressssive flight path of a Red Knot that was tracked using Motus.
Amie MacDonald is working to expand the Motus Wildlife Tracking System in Western Canada. Prior to joining Birds Canada, she studied Red Knots on the James Bay coast for her Masters degree. She has also spent several years working as a field technician, primarily with shorebirds in the Bay of Fundy and James Bay, but also with seabirds, passerines, and small mammals on various projects.
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change is supported by funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. The views expressed herein are solely those of Birds Canada.

Battle of the Beaks: Part 2 May 03, 2023

This is the second episode in the ultimate Battle of the Beaks!! We're featuring six of the worlds most unique and specially adapted bird beaks over two episodes. Only one will be crowned the winner!
VOTE HERE for your favorite beak.
If you think we missed a reeeally cool beak, let us know! Leave a review, or comment on our socials. Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Learn more about bird conservation programs in Africa. BirdLife South Africa and Nature Kenya are great starting points.
Hookpod! A new and innovative tool to help Albatross and the fishing industry get along. Listen to a previous episode featuring Sarah and the Laysan Albatross for so much more!
See photos of these epic beaks: African Openbill, Laysan Albatross, White-tipped Sicklebill.
Andrés' said it best! Bird Friendly coffee will help the White-tipped Sicklebill and many other birds. Order from Birds and Beans today! 10% of your purchase supports this podcast when you use our link.
John Kinghorn represents the mighty African Openbill. John is a qualified terrestrial and National bird guide through the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA). He has formed part of three historic bird race teams (2017-2019) to have participated in the globally acclaimed Champions of the Flyway bird race for conservation, raising a combined amount of over R250,000 over two years for the respective BirdLife International partners involved.
Dr. Sarah Gutowsky is bringing Laysan Albatross facts. Sarah is a Research Adjunct and Instructor in Biology at Dalhousie University and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Acadia University. All of her research projects have found a way to tackle conservation issues threatening birds all over the planet, on land or at sea. Her current research focus is on studying the drivers of regional trends in Common eiders on the east coast, supported through the Mitacs Accelerate Program in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Andrés Jiménez thinks White-tipped Sicklebills are the clear winners. He is a close friend of the podcast! You'll recognize his voice from earlier episodes. He is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. Follow him at @andresjimo
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Program for Birds Canada.

Battle of the Beaks: Part 1 Apr 25, 2023

Six beaks enter the ring, only one will be crowned the ultimate BEST BEAK!
In this special two part episode, we explore some of the weirdest, and most fascinating bird beaks, with experts from around the world. Voting will open after the second episode is released, and YOU will decide which beak is the best!
Learn more about the good work that Wildlife Preservation Canada is doing for Loggerhead Shrike and many other species.
Get involved with Puffin Patrol in Newfoundland through CPAWS, and learn more about the incredible Puffling Patrol efforts in Iceland.
See photos of these epic beaks: Loggerhead Shrike, Wrybill, Atlantic Puffin.
Bird-friendly coffee is an easy way to help birds every morning! Birds and Beans donates 10% of your purchase to this podcast and bird conservation in Canada when you use this link.
Hazel Wheeler (they/them) has worked with Loggerhead Shrikes for a decade, and is their biggest fan. Hazel is the Conservation Programs Director at Wildlife Preservation Canada. They have been bitten by shrikes more times than they care to remember, but they have never bitten back.
Russell Cannings represents the underappreciated Wrybill. Russ grew up in the birdy Okanagan Valley, British Columbia where his nature-loving family left him no choice but to become obsessed with the great outdoors. A university exchange to New Zealand in 2008 would prove formative for his birding (and future nuptials!) and he now calls it home. He has swapped biology fieldwork for teaching history but he still gets out as much as possible in his local "patch".
Katja Kochvar thinks you need to love Atlantic Puffins as much as she does. Katja fell in love with biological field research in the deciduous forests of her home state, Pennsylvania. Now, she is studying Atlantic puffin visual communication as a Master's Student at Memorial University of Newfoundland. In the Fall, she will be starting a PhD at Princeton University in the pursuit of more exciting research on avian colouration! Stay tuned for updates on her research at @gotcha__katja
Andrea Gress (she/her) secretly thinks Piping Plovers are better than all the other birds...studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers

Spring birding, "go find some ducks!" Apr 11, 2023

Join us for a morning of spring birding in Calgary! We get some birding pointers from from the team as they seek out Common Goldeneyes, Lesser Scaups, Wood Ducks, and welcome back many of our summer songbird friends, like the classic American Robin. Check out the full list of their sightings on eBird.
Inspired to get a new pair of binoculars or scope for your spring birding adventure? Check out the range of great products by Kowa. If it's crystal clear, it's Kowa.
Jody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the Director of Community Engagement at Birds Canada and has written numerous articles on birds, birding and connecting with nature. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @JodyAllair.
Amanda Bichel is the Key Biodiversity Areas Coordinator at Birds Canada. She loves working with enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to monitor KBAs for priority species, carrying out conservation activities, organizing events, and increasing awareness of the program.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers

The Wake-up Call: Chimney Swift Mar 27, 2023

Have you noticed little cigars in the sky? Perhaps they torpedo into a chimney in your neighbourhood? ....no, those aren't strange escaped creatures from Alice in Wonderland, they are Chimney Swifts!
In this episode we learn more about these captivating birds who many of us can call our neighbours. We explore their steep population decline, and learn how each of us can play a role in the species recovery.
Get involved! Join SwiftWatch today!
Do you have a chimney that swifts might be using? Check out this quick guide to become the best neighbor the birds could have! And learn more about the Chimney Swift Chimney Restoration Fund.
See intimate footage of a Chimney Swift nest in a barn and of the wonderous 'Swiftnado'.
Read Natasha's recommendation "A Roadmap to Rescuing Aerial Insectivores" and learn more about how to help this declining group of birds.
Don't forget to grab some Bird Friendly Certified Coffee! 10% of your purchase from Birds and Beans goes towards supporting this podcast and bird conservation in Canada when you use this link.
Véronique Connolly studied the habitat preferences of Bicknell's Thrush in southern Quebec as part of her Master's degree at McGill University. Over the last 20 years, she has held numerous positions working with bird ecology and conservation for organizations such as the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and the Canadian Wildlife Service. Now she coordinates the Chimney Swift Chimney Restoration Fund with Birds Canada.
Graham Sorenson became hooked on bird research while studied Leach's Storm Petrels in New Brunswick as part of his undergraduate studies. He worked with numerous species, including Canada Jays, Common Loons, Savannah Sparrows, and Island Scrub-Jays, before pursuing a Master's degree on Thick-billed Murres. He worked for Birds Canada in BC, before relocating to New Brunswick to coordinate the Aerial Insectivore Conservation Program.
Natasha Barlow grew up near Point Pelee National Park in southern Ontario, and didn't fully appreciate the area until she had already moved away. Thankfully, she realized the error in her ways (kidding), and was able to work with many species, including Common Terns, Black Terns, and forest passerines in Ontario, Yellow-breasted Chats in BC, and Swainson's Warbler in Jamaica, before pursuing a master's degree in northeastern Wyoming. Her extensive background has been particularly helpful in her role as a Projects Biologist in Ontario for Birds Canada, primarily focusing on aerial insectivores and grassland birds.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program fo

Bird Gaming for Conservation Mar 14, 2023

In this episode, Andrea speaks with Adam Dhalla - a 17-year-old birder, designer of the game Find the Birds, and recipient of the ABA's Young Birder of the Year award. Adam's passion is the intersection of nature and technology.
Adam describes becoming interested in birds and bird conservation as an 11-year-old. He quickly realized that birds are in trouble and that there weren't many people his age engaged in birding and bird conservation. As a gamer himself, he decided to create Find the Birds, a game that would teach kids like him about birds and conservation issues with the eventual goal of putting the game down and going out into the field. Adam talks about the journey of finding mentors, pitching Find the Birds, and eventually launching it in 2021.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers

The Art of Birding with Paul Riss Feb 21, 2023

“One day a black-capped chickadee landed on my hand and a birding monster was born.”

Paul has been an active birder for decades and he has dedicated himself to changing how the hobby is perceived, what people picture when they think of birders, and how to connect more people to birds through art and gaming.
In 2011, Paul cut his hair into a mohawk and embarked on the Punk Rock Big Year then tattooed the latin name for each of the species he spotted on his body. He caught people’s attention and changed how we think of birders. And he hasn’t stopped! Paul is an artist who has contributed t-shirt artwork to the ABA, Kaua’i Forest Recovery Project Birds Not Rats, and our Birds Canada Birdathon.
Paul was also featured in the CBC documentary Rare Bird Alert where he journeyed across North America and explored how the climate crisis is affecting birds, from the viewpoint of birders. More recently, he helped create the game BRDR BATL and illustrated portraits for over 400 birds!
Check out this fun conversation that covers a lot of ground!
Paul Riss Creative, Punk, Birder, Father of twins. And sometimes a good husband.
Jody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the Director of Community Engagement at Birds Canada and has written numerous articles on birds, birding, and connecting with nature. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @JodyAllair.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Additional Mentions:
Kenn Kaufman’s Kingbird Highway – order it from your favourite local bookstore!
PRBY Art is where you can buy some cool bird shirts and merch designed by Paul

What's so great about the Great Backyard Bird Count? Jan 24, 2023

Season 3 of the Warblers Podcast launches today with an episode about the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). Andrea connects with experts from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon Society, and our own Kerrie Wilcox, who all work together to organize the GBBC in Canada and the US. They talk program history, the evolution of birding and technology, and the importance of having engaging entry-level bird monitoring opportunities for people.
Spoilers...you don't need a backyard to get involved. Join the Great Backyard Bird Count.
The Warblers is brought to you by Birds Canada a non-profit, charitable organization. Please make a donation today to support the podcast and bird conservation work in Canada.
Kerrie Wilcox manages the Great Backyard Bird Count in Canada and Project FeederWatch, a program that turns people’s bird feeding hobby into research for conservation. She loves feeling the enthusiasm and commitment of the volunteers and seeing how much we've learned from their contributions.
Becca Rodomsky-Bish is the project leader for the Great Backyard Bird Count with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Becca also works as the project leader for Nest Quest Go!, a crowd-sourced project where citizen scientists help transcribe historic nest records.
Kathy Dale is the Director of Science Technology and Community Science Team Lead at the National Audubon Society. She leads the delivery of programs such as the Great Backyard Bird Count and the Christmas Bird Count.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers

Did the birds win at COP15? Dec 21, 2022

Patrick Nadeau returns for a follow-up chat about his time at COP15; the Convention on Biological Diversity. He highlights some of the key outcomes and what they mean for biodiversity in Canada and the world as a whole. Tune in for some feel good vibes and what to watch for in 2023.
The Warblers is brought to you by Birds Canada a non-profit, charitable organization. Please make a donation today to support the podcast and bird conservation work in Canada.
Patrick Nadeau is a biologist by training, with over a decade of experience in leadership roles in the environment sector. He is now the President & CEO of Birds Canada, always striving to protect the beauty and diversity of life on Earth.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers

'Tis the season for the Christmas Bird Count Dec 12, 2022

This isn't your typical holiday tradition, but it might become your favourite! The Christmas Bird Count runs from December 14th to January 5th each year. It is a long-running program that helps researchers get a grasp on how the bird populations are faring across the western hemisphere. Yousif Attia joins the podcast to help us understand the significance of the CBC for both the participants and the birds. Plus he shares tips for how you too, can turn this into a winter tradition. No eggnog required!
Join a CBC with Birds Canada, or if you're tuning in from outside of Canada, visit Audubon for locations near you.
Please consider supporting the podcast you love and bird conservation in Canada with a donation today. The Warblers is brought to you by Birds Canada a non-profit, charitable organization.
Yousif Attia grew up watching birds and exploring the wilds of central and southern Alberta since he and his family immigrated there when he was four years old, he is now settled on the Fraser Estuary on the West Coast of BC. Yousif has worn many hats over the years at Birds Canada, including work on species-at-risk in southern Ontario, field surveys in the boreal including the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas-2, and managed the Long Point Bird Observatory where he eventually became a North American Banding Council certified trainer. Yousif is now part of a team at Birds Canada that coordinates the Christmas Bird Count and eBird in Canada, and another that develops content on the website. Follow on @ysattia or @biophylia

Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers

What COP15 means for birds Dec 02, 2022

You are soon to hear a lot of buzz about COP15, as the Convention on Biological Diversity kicks off in Montreal. These big conventions can get a little confusing. What are the outcomes? Does it make a difference for the planet? For the birds?
We think this one does! We're very excited that it's happening here in Canada, where we can ALL be a part of it. President & CEO of Birds Canada joins the podcast for a quick chat about what we can expect from COP15 and why it matters.
Please consider supporting the podcast you love and bird conservation in Canada with a donation today. The Warblers is brought to you by Birds Canada a non-profit, charitable organization.
Patrick Nadeau is a biologist by training, with over a decade of experience in leadership roles in the environment sector. He is now the President & CEO of Birds Canada, always striving to protect the beauty and diversity of life on Earth.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers

Birding with Neil Pasricha Nov 22, 2022

What do you do when you get a chance to go birding with one of your favorite authors?? Go birding...but also, record a podcast!
Jody Allair catches up with Neil Pasricha near Edmonton, AB, for some fall birding. They chat about birding culture, the value of getting into nature, and geek out about some of their favourite bird sightings.
Please consider supporting the podcast you love and bird conservation in Canada with a donation today. The Warblers is brought to you by Birds Canada a non-profit, charitable organization.
Don't forget to grab some Bird Friendly Certified Coffee! Christmas is coming! 10% of your purchase from Birds and Beans goes towards supporting this podcast and bird conservation in Canada when you use this link.
Neil Pasricha is the New York Times bestselling author of seven books which have sold over 2,000,000 copies, including The Book of Awesome and The Happiness Equation. Neil gives over 50 talks per year, hosts an award-winning podcast, and relaxes by birding around his home in Toronto.
Jody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the Director of Community Engagement at Birds Canada and has written numerous articles on birds, birding, and connecting with nature. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @JodyAllair.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers

Inspired by YOU! Nov 14, 2022

We are beyond thrilled to have received a Nature Inspiration Award from the Canadian Museum of Nature. Andrea and Andres take a moment to react to the positive news.
Thank you to everyone who has been listening and supporting the podcast, and of course a big thank you to everyone taking action for birds!
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. Follow him at @andresjimo

The Wake-up Call: Marbled Murrelet Oct 25, 2022

The Marbled Murrelet keeps researchers on their toes. Their nests are tucked away in the mossy upper branches of old growth forests...the last place we'd ever expect to find a seabird! David joins us from British Columbia to shed some light on these fascinating birds; where you might spot one, the challenges they face, and how to help.
Get some Bird Friendly Certified Coffee to keep you warm and toasty this fall! 10% of your purchase from Birds and Beans goes towards supporting this podcast and bird conservation in Canada when you use this link.
Dr. David Bradley has spent a lifetime studying and appreciating birds; from Tree Swallows in Canada, to Kokako's in New Zealand, and everything in between. Currently, David is the British Columbia Director for Birds Canada. He is focusing on an invasive mammalian predator study in Haida Gwaii, and a Long-billed Curlew migration tracking study in the Kootenay Mountains.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. Follow him at @andresjimo
This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change is supported by funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. The views expressed herein are solely those of Birds Canada.

Key Biodiversity Areas - Canada's Critical Places for Nature Sep 27, 2022

Key Biodiversity Areas or KBAs are sites that are important for the survival of a species or ecosystem.
Canada is a global leader in identifying KBAs which will play a critical role in our efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss before it’s too late. As part of the KBA Canada Secretariat, together with our partners and volunteers, Birds Canada is identifying the most precious places in Canada.
The KBA program has the potential to be a game-changer for safeguarding threatened biodiversity, as it is now possible to focus conservation efforts where it matters the most. Currently, there are 1056 critical sites under review, which will cover about 10% of Canada!
Acronyms in this episode:
KBA = Key Biodiversity Area
IBA = Important Bird and Biodiversity Area
IUCN = International Union for Conservation of Nature
WCS = Wildlife Conservation Society Canada
EBAR Maps = Ecosystem-based Automated Range Maps
NGO = Non-governmental Organization
Looking for ways to help bird conservation? Get some Bird Friendly Certified Coffee! 10% of your purchase from Birds and Beans goes towards supporting this podcast and bird conservation in Canada when you use this link.

Andrew Couturier is the Senior Director of Landscape Science and Conservation at Birds Canada. He is celebrating 25 years with the organization. He is proud to have pioneered work on mapping the distribution, abundance, and migratory connections of birds that is featured regularly in scientific papers, books, popular publications, websites, and field guides.
Amanda Bichel is the Key Biodiversity Areas Coordinator at Birds Canada. She loves working with enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to monitor KBAs for priority species, carrying out conservation activities, organizing events, and increasing awareness of the program.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Have a burning question? Many people might have the same question, we would love to answer it.
Please send us your voice memo with any bird question to -> podcast@birdscanada.org
Alternatively, call 519-586-3531, extension 128, and leave a voice mail!

The Wake-up Call: Bicknell's Thrush Aug 22, 2022

Bicknell's Thrush field work sounds like a dream job for those who love extreme, dense forest conditions. Bears, moose, getting thwacked in the face with branches...utter bliss for the diehard biologists!
For most people though, those conditions are less than ideal. This makes learning about the Bicknell's Thrush quite challenging. How do we track the population of such an elusive bird species? How do we protect it, when many people don't even know it's there?
Amy-Lee shares with us the joy of studying this drab but loveable bird in the forests of the Maritimes provinces.
Dive deeper into Bicknell's Thrush and the joys of field work here.
Amy-Lee mentioned that even simple actions like drinking Bird Friendly Certified Coffee can help this species. Get yours here! 10% of your purchase from Birds and Beans goes towards supporting this podcast and bird conservation in Canada when you use the link.
Dr. Amy-Lee Kouwenberg coordinates the High Elevation Landbird Program, and the Atlantic Nocturnal Owl Survey for Birds Canada. She works closely with forestry managers and regulators in northern New Brunswick and the Cape Breton Highland, to protect bird habitat in the industrial forest.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. Follow him at @andresjimo
This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change is supported by funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. The views expressed herein are solely those of Birds Canada.

Minisode: An update on Chewie the Piping Plover Aug 16, 2022

Chewie is a Piping Plover that brings much drama with her everywhere she goes, and we love her for it! Find out what she got up to since she was featured in the June minisode "Piping Plovers- A Love Story". If you have not listened to that episode, go back and check it out BEFORE listening to this one!
Learn more about band combos, and report a banded Piping Plover here. Reporting bands helps researchers track the population and leads to improved conservation for the species.
To learn more about plovers or volunteer for Piping Plover programs in Ontario or Atlantic Canada visit Birds Canada.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers

The Wake-up Call: Leach's Storm-Petrel Jul 18, 2022

The sound of Leach's Storm-Petrels returning to their burrows under the cover of darkness is what you might expect to hear in a fairy tale. Like elves giggling in the distance.
Laura Tranquilla of Birds Canada, joins us to share what it's like to work with one of Canada's smallest and most mysterious seabirds. Leach's Storm-Petrels breed in colonies along Canada's Atlantic coast, but spends much of the daylight hours far out at sea. Like many shorebird species, their population is in decline, but the exact cause can be hard to pin point. We explore the complex challenges of protecting a species that we know little about.
Visit CPAWS to get involved with Puffin and Petrel Patrol in Newfoundland.
Laura has also written fantastic blogs on this species; learn about her annual trips to Baccalieu Island, read about the nitty gritty's of Storm-Petrel research, and dive into some of the best research papers.
Thirsty? Get some Bird Friendly Certified Coffee! 10% of your purchase from Birds and Beans goes towards supporting this podcast and bird conservation in Canada when you use this link.
Dr. Laura McFarlane Tranquilla has devoted over 20 years to bird ecology, physiology, tracking, and conservation on the east and west coats of Canada. Currently, she is the Atlantic Director for Birds Canada, and works to build science-based collaborative partnerships and guide conservation programs for seabirds, owls, marsh birds, forest birds, and many more.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. Follow him at @andresjimo
This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change is supported by funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. The views expressed herein are solely those of Birds Canada.

The Wake-up Call: Piping Plover Jun 20, 2022

Falling in love with chonky floofs, and how to help them! From navigating crowds of people to avoiding cow footprints on beaches, Piping Plovers have no shortage of challenges. Andrea chats with plover researchers from Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia about these challenges and more, and how the conservation approaches can be radically different across Canada.
Learn more about Piping Plovers near you, and potential volunteer opportunities. Mentioned in the episode are Birds Canada, Nature Saskatchewan, Alberta Conservation Association, but there are many more organizations doing good work for Piping Plovers!
Don't forget Bird Friendly Certified Coffee! 10% of your purchase from Birds and Beans goes towards supporting this podcast and bird conservation in Canada when you use this link.
Janet Ng, Ph.D., is a species at risk biologist who has worked on a variety of species and landscapes around Canada. Her work is focused on wildlife-habitat relationships and how human development, climate change, and their combined effects can potentially impact species at risk. To hear more from Janet, check out her Ferruginous Hawk episode!
Laura Bartlett is the Nova Scotia Programs Coordinator for Birds Canada, and leads the Nova Scotia Piping Plover Conservation Program. She has a B.A. in Environmental Sustainability and Sociology, and a Master’s of Resource and Environmental Management from Dalhousie University, which focused on wildlife conservation and pro-environmental behaviour change.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. Follow him at @andresjimo
This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change is supported by funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. The views expressed herein are solely those of Birds Canada.

Minisode: Piping Plovers - A Love Story Jun 09, 2022

In this minisode Andrea shares a glimpse into the world of Piping Plovers and the struggles they face through a fascinating tale about 'Chewie', a very determined Piping Plover female. The story provides an introduction to these birds and leaves listeners wanting to know more. Fortunately we'll be learning more in our next episode! Stay tuned.
What happened to Chewie? Check out of follow-up episode to hear how her summer went.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers

The Wake-up Call: conserving Canada's most threatened bird species May 26, 2022

The Wake-up Call is a special series where we'll be learning about Canada's most threatened, and at-risk bird species. Experts working with each species will help us fall in love with these often elusive birds; we'll learn about the greatest threats, and how we can help.
This first episode in the series provides background information to help us understand how species are protected in Canada. Later episodes will feature deep dives into species such as Piping Plover, Bicknell's Thrush, Leach's Storm-Petrel, and many more.
We love hearing from you! Let us know what you think of this new series by emailing podcast@birdscanada.org, and please remember to subscribe, rate and review.
Pete Davidson considers himself a long-distant migrant. He originates from the UK but has lived and worked in Asia, Africa and Canada over the years. He is currently the Senior Director of Conservation Strategy at Birds Canada, and is a member of the Committee of the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.
Jody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the Director of Community Engagement at Birds Canada and has written numerous articles on birds, birding and connecting with nature. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @JodyAllair.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. Follow him at @andresjimo
This project is supported by funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. The views expressed herein are solely those of Birds Canada.

Minisode: More awesome band recovery stories from Stu Mackenzie and the importance of bird safety May 18, 2022

When we visited Long Point Bird Observatory for the previous episode we could not get enough of Stu Mackenzie's bird banding stories, and incredible level of knowledge! So here are some more tidbits from Stu. Don't forget to check out the full length episode to experience the awe of life at a banding station!
Remember to report bands!
Stu MacKenzie is responsible for the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, Long Point Bird Observatory, Thunder Cape Bird Observatory, and aspects of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. Follow him at @andresjimo

A bird banding day at Long Point Bird Observatory Apr 29, 2022

Bird observatories are an essential starting place for young biologists, but also for members of the public; to watch, to learn, and to fall in love with birds in a more intimate and up-close setting.
Long Point Bird Observatory is where it all begins for many of us. It is the founding program of Birds Canada, ultimately leading to everything we do today. We urge you to visit a bird observatory near you, but for now, please join Andrea and Andres, as they field trip to Long Point Bird Observatory and learn all about banding and the special impact that bird observatories have for young biologists and the species that migrate through.
Special thank you to the volunteers and staff who shared their stories, expertise, and passion for birds with us. You’ll find information about the birds they are seeing and banding on the Sightings Board.
Bonus: which species can you identify singing in the background?
Don't forget to grab some Bird Friendly Certified Coffee! 10% of your purchase from Birds and Beans goes towards supporting this podcast and bird conservation in Canada when you use this link.
Stu MacKenzie is responsible for the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, Long Point Bird Observatory, Thunder Cape Bird Observatory, and aspects of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Manager and you can follow him at @andresjimo
Have a burning question? Many people might have the same question, we would love to answer it.
Please send us your voice memo with any bird question to -> podcast@birdscanada.org
Alternatively, call 519-586-3531, extension 128 and leave a voice mail!

Minisode: Getting Ready for Spring Migration Apr 07, 2022

Spring is here! And so are the birds!
Andrea quizzes Jody Allair on his best spring birding tips. They chat about favorite spring bird songs, how to brush up on ID skills, where to meet local birders ...and so much more!
Want access to BirdWatch Canada magazine? Subscribe here.
Out of coffee? Want to slurp on a cup that supports both bird conservation and this podcast?! Grab some certified bird-friendly coffee for The Warblers now => at Birds and Beans.
Jody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the Director of Community Engagement at Birds Canada and has written numerous articles on birds, birding and connecting with nature. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @JodyAllair.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Manager and you can follow him at @andresjimo

The Bird Friendly City Mar 21, 2022

Spring approaches and the birds are rapidly migrating back to their summer homes. They are taking up residence across Canada, preparing to nest in our backyards, local parks, and even in industrial areas. We love seeing and hearing them return for the summer. With three-quarters of Canada’s population residing in urban areas, and many of our favourite bird species sharing those spaces with us…how do we make sure our urban environments are safe places for birds?
We chat with Tim Beatley, author of The Bird-Friendly City, and long-time advocate for developing urban areas that co-exist with nature and emphasize high biodiversity. Following Tim, Sara Jordan-McLachlan joins us from Calgary to discuss how she and other volunteers are working to make the city more Bird Friendly, and how you can strive for the same in your hometown.
Timothy Beatley is Professor of Sustainable Communities, in the Department of Urban and Environmental Planning, School of Architecture at the University of Virginia, where he has taught for the last twenty-five years. Much of Beatley’s work focuses on the subject of sustainable communities, and creative strategies by which cities and towns can fundamentally reduce their ecological footprints, while at the same time becoming more livable and equitable places. Beatley believes that sustainable and resilient cities represent our best hope for addressing today’s environmental challenges.
Sara Jordan-McLachlan is a Calgarian member of the Bird-Friendly Calgary Team as a community member with a BSc in Zoology and an MSc in Environmental Practice. She is a volunteer member of the Calgary Migratory Species Response Team, a group that works to identify and mitigate window strikes in downtown Calgary and a member of the City's biodiversity Advisory Committee. She is also the current coordinator for Calgary Captured, a long-term remote camera study in the city focused on wildlife movement and habitat connectivity. You can reach her at birdfriendlycalgary@gmail.com or me personally at sara.n.jordan@hotmail.com.
Find out more about Biophilic cities here.
Find out more about Nature Canada's Bird-Friendly City certification here
Thanks for filling out the survey mentioned in this episode. It's now closed, we will bring you a summary of the results in a future episode.
Ready to get your bird-friendly coffee? Visit www.birdsandbeans.ca/warblers - using this link will automatically apply the code. You can also use the code "Warblers" when you check out. The code helps us measure the positive impact of the podcast on bird-friendly coffee sales. Please note this option is only valid for purchases in Canada.
Or visit www.drinkbirdfriendly.com to find the right option for you.

Minisode: did Jurassic Park get it wrong? Mar 10, 2022

Did you have an obsession with dinosaurs as a kid? Yep, us too!
In this minisode, we’re chatting more with Dr. Francois Therrien from the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller about the bird dinosaur connection, and a favourite classic movie….Jurassic Park.
Out of coffee? Want to slurp on a cup that supports both bird conservation and this podcast?! Grab some certified bird-friendly coffee for The Warblers now => at Birds and Beans.

By studying the palaeoecology of extinct animals, François Therrien aims to determine how animals behaved when they were alive, and what the world they lived in looked like. For the palaeoecology of extinct animals, François uses two different approaches. The shapes of animals’ bones help him determine the behaviours of extinct animals (e.g., how they hunted, walked, laid their eggs). He also studies the features and chemical composition of ancient soils (called paleosols) to reconstruct the environments and climatic conditions the animals lived in.
Jody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the Director of Community Engagement at Birds Canada and has written numerous articles on birds, birding and connecting with nature. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @JodyAllair.

Dino Watching: Are Birds Dinosaurs? Feb 23, 2022

Our producer, Jody Allair, never stopped loving dinosaurs. He is always telling us about how birds are actually just dinosaurs. Is he right?
In this episode, we hear from Dr. François Therrien at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta. We learn about the evolution of birds, and their similarities with theropod dinosaurs. This episode goes out to everyone who never stopped loving dinosaurs!
By studying the palaeoecology of extinct animals, François Therrien aims to determine how animals behaved when they were alive, and what the world they lived in looked like. For the palaeoecology of extinct animals, François uses two different approaches. The shapes of animals’ bones help him determine the behaviours of extinct animals (e.g., how they hunted, walked, laid their eggs). He also studies the features and chemical composition of ancient soils (called paleosols) to reconstruct the environments and climatic conditions the animals lived in.
Jody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the Director of Community Engagement at Birds Canada and has written numerous articles on birds, birding and connecting with nature. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @JodyAllair.
Out of Christmas coffee? Want to help create more positive news stories for birds? grab some certified bird-friendly coffee for The Warblers now => at Birds and Beans.
Please remember we would love to hear from you, let us know what you think about the podcast here or which topics you will love -> podcast@birdscanada.org
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Manager and you can follow him at @andresjimo

The Year in Birds Minisode: Positive News Stories of 2021 Feb 09, 2022

A lot happened for birds in 2021, for example, Andrés found the Razorbills... Now, seriously, In this minisode, we cover some of the good news stories that we didn’t have a chance to touch on in our last episode, such as the strengthening of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and significant funding for Indigenous stewardship programs in Canada.
Jody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the producer of the Warblers Podcast and the Director of Community Engagement at Birds Canada and has written numerous articles on birds, birding and connecting with nature. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @JodyAllair.
Out of Christmas coffee? Want to help create more positive news stories for birds? grab some certified bird-friendly coffee for The Warblers now => at Birds and Beans.
The Great Backyard Bird Count runs from February 18-21, 2022. Register or learn more here: https://www.birdcount.org/
More about the Bird Names for Birds movement.
Please remember we would love to hear from you, let us know what you think about the podcast here or which topics you will love -> podcast@birdscanada.org
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Manager and you can follow him at @andresjimo

The Year in Birds: Canadian bird and birding highlights from 2021 Jan 25, 2022

We sat down with our friends, Yousif and Mike, expecting to chat about the past year in birding—but we couldn’t settle on one topic!

In this episode, we marvel over rare bird sightings, like the Steller’s Sea Eagle that visited multiple Canadian provinces this year. We dig into what it means to be a “birder”, and how the birding community has changed for the better in recent years. And we chat about how bird populations have fluctuated in our lifetimes, and how the influx of new birders and technology like eBird helps us track those changes.

This is an episode with a little bit of everything—we hope you enjoy it.

Ready to get your bird-friendly coffee? Visit www.birdsandbeans.ca/warblers - using this link will automatically apply the code. You can also use the code "Warblers" when you check out. The code helps us measure the positive impact of the podcast on bird-friendly coffee sales. Please note this option is only valid for purchases in Canada.
Or visit www.drinkbirdfriendly.com to find the right option for you.
Mike Burrell grew up in a nature-loving family outside of Waterloo, Ontario and inherited his love of birds from his Dad. He has participated in almost every bird citizen science project he can and currently acts as the Ontario coordinator for eBird Canada. In addition, he acts as the secretary and archivist for the Ontario Bird Records Committee, the Ontario regional editor for the Christmas Bird Count program, several committees for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas-3 and is a member of the Bird Specialist Subcommittee of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Mike, with his brother, Ken, also co-authored the book, Best Places to Bird in Ontario. Follow at @mike_va_burrell
Yousif Attia grew up watching birds and exploring the wilds of central and southern Alberta since he and his family immigrated there when he was four years old. He was drawn to the concept of volunteering for citizen science programs in his early teens when he would tag along on Christmas Bird Counts. Although he has lived in several places across the country, he is now settled on the Fraser Estuary on the West Coast of BC. Yousif has worn many hats over the years at Birds Canada, including work on species-at-risk in southern Ontario, field surveys in the boreal including the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas-2, and managed the Long Point Bird Observatory where he eventually became a North American Banding Council certified trainer. Yousif is now part of a team at Birds Canada that coordinates the Christmas Bird Count and eBird in Canada, and another that develops content on the website. Follow on @ysattia or @biophylia

Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo
Friendly Day by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/<

Drinking what we love: the case for a bird-friendly coffee revolution Dec 10, 2021

Wondering what you can do to help birds? Drink (the right) coffee! Specifically, bird-friendly certified coffee. Bird-Friendly coffee is great for birds and people, yet many bird lovers haven’t made the switch. Kirstin Hill from the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Centre joins us to talk about why it’s important to buy bird-friendly CERTIFIED coffee. Spoiler Alert! Canadians drink copious amounts of coffee and by switching to a certified alternative we can have a massive impact on the birds we see flying outside our windows, going to their South American grounds. If you haven't listened to part 1 of our Holiday series special, be sure to listen to Ana Gonzalez-Prieto about what coffee plantations mean for birds.
Ready to get your bird-friendly coffee? Visit www.birdsandbeans.ca/warblers - using this link will automatically apply the code. You can also use the code "Warblers" when you check out. The code helps us measure the positive impact of the podcast on bird-friendly coffee sales. Please note this option is only valid for purchases in Canada.
Or visit www.drinkbirdfriendly.com to find the right option for you.

Kirsten Hill: Kirstin Hill is the incoming Program Manager for Smithsonian Bird Friendly coffee. She is a conservationist at heart and an educator by training, with over a decade of experience working to engage audiences in the protection of wildlife and wild places. A native of Philadelphia, PA, Kirstin now resides in the Metro Vancouver area where she is working to increase the sale and support of Bird Friendly coffee not just for Vancouverites, but for coffee drinkers across Canada and around the world.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo
Friendly Day by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100223

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Drinking what we love: the link between birds and coffee Dec 07, 2021

When it comes to coffee and birds there’s a surprising amount we can learn. Many of our beloved migrant birds spend their winters in southern climes. In coffee plantations in fact. Shade-grown, organic, fair-trade, and bird-friendly coffee – what’s up with all the certifications? What difference does it make if my coffee is certified bird-friendly?
Dr. Ana Gonzalez grew up among the coffee plantations of Colombia and is now living in Canada. Ana tells us about her work and the important role coffee plays in the lives of many bird species that are in trouble. And the role we can play in helping them.
Research and conservation actions by Ana and collaborators have been supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada, Selva, Birds Canada, University of Saskatchewan, Nature Canada, Selva and other local partners.
Ready to get your bird-friendly coffee? Visit www.birdsandbeans.ca/warblers - using this link will automatically apply the code. You can also use the code "Warblers" when you check out. The code helps us measure the positive impact of the podcast on bird-friendly coffee sales. Please note this option is only valid for purchases in Canada.
Find out more about the importance of making the switch.
Dr. Ana González-Prieto is an avian conservation ecologist. She integrates behavioural and demographic field data with tracking techniques; providing foundational scientific information needed to support international and local conservation strategies for Neotropical migrants of conservation concern. Ana’s work has been recognized recently through receipt of several awards including the BioOne Ambassador Award and the James G. Cooper Early Professional Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society. She obtained her PhD and MSc degree from the University of Saskatchewan, and has held postdoctoral fellowships at Simon Fraser University (Mitacs), the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Research Center, and Environment and Climate Change Canada. Her research experience spans from her natal Colombia to North America during the full annual cycle of migratory birds. Ana has lived in 6 different provinces from Quebec to British Columbia but has now settled in White Rock BC, where she currently works for the Science and Technology Branch of ECCC.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo
Friendly Day by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100223

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Feeding Birds the Right Way Nov 23, 2021

Should we feed birds? When and why? These are some of the questions we explore with Kerrie Wilcox, Birds Canada’s bird feeding expert. With decades of experience leading Project FeederWatch, Kerrie explains the value of observing the birds in your yard and what the data tells us about bird population trends. And what watching ‘our’ birds contributes to our own well-being.
We’ll also talk to experts to answer some of the amazing questions listeners submitted. Together, we learn why some birds change colour, why birds have different flight styles, different types of nests and what is the most diverse family of birds.
Kerrie Wilcox manages Project FeederWatch in Canada, a program that turns people’s bird feeding hobby into research for conservation. Participants feed birds in their backyards and send counts of those birds to us online. She loves feeling the enthusiasm and commitment of the volunteers. We have learned so much about the winter distributions and movements of birds in North America through Project FeederWatch.
Make sure to join Project Feeder Watch by visiting: https://www.birdscanada.org/you-can-help/project-feederwatch/
Stu MacKenzie is responsible for the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, Long Point Bird Observatory, Thunder Cape Bird Observatory, and aspects of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network.
Catherine Dale is a Ph.D. in bird migration patterns in Western Bluebirds breeding in British Columbia, and leads the Breeding Bird Atlas in Newfoundland!
Santiago Claramut is Associate Curator of Birds at the Royal Ontario Museum. He is also a cross-appointed Assistant Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto
Want to treat your windows to save birds? Visit Feather Friendly and get the DIY tape. Use the code, BirdsCanada, and Feather Friendly will make a donation to Birds Canada.
We thank Rob Porter from Songbirding Podcast for sharing bird recordings, check out his podcast!

Minisode: The Epic Annual Migration of the Sabine's Gull Nov 08, 2021

Dr. Sarah Gutowsky shares her recent findings on the migratory route of Sabine’s Gulls. This incredible species migrates 15,000 km from the high Arctic to Perú, and makes a brief but essential stopover along the coast of Vancouver Island in the Juan de Fuca Strait. Sarah helps us explore, not only the methodologies and insights from this research but also how she hopes the research may be used to inspire positive conservation actions.
Shortly after our talk with Sarah, a shipping disaster occurred in the Juan de Fuca Strait. We imagine the environmental impacts will be ongoing for many years. As we follow that news story closely, it’s hard not to think about the Sabine’s Gull and other species that may be impacted.
You can learn more about that disaster here: As container ship smoulders off B.C. coast, environmental concerns remain

The seabirds you did not know you love Oct 25, 2021

There are 58 bird species living in Canadian oceans, 95% of them are in trouble worldwide, furthermore, we don't really understand how 62% of Canadian seabirds are doing due to unknown population trends. In this episode, you will discover the Seabirds you did not know you love, the reasons for their decrease and what you can do to help them with your everyday choices. Dr. Sarah Gutowsky will take us on a discovery journey that starts with the career path of a talented, unconventional, and inspiring biologist to the conservation and threats facing the enigmatic seabirds that defined her journey.
Please send us your voice memo with any bird question to -> podcast@birdscanada.org
Alternatively, call 519-586-3531, extension 128 and leave a voice mail!
Continue your journey by reading the very short seabird section of the State of Canada’s Birds Report 2019 to find out reasons for their decline and ways to help these bird species.

Dr. Sarah Gutowsky is a Research Adjunct and Instructor in Biology at Dalhousie University and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Acadia University. She has been working in the field of Ornithology for 15 years, studying an array of species and ecosystems. From albatrosses and murrelets in the North Pacific to woodcocks and gulls in Nova Scotia, penguins in the sub-Antarctic to seabirds in the Arctic, all of her research projects have found a way to tackle conservation issues threatening birds all over the planet, on land or at sea. If she had to pick a specialty, she might say studying the movements of seabirds in their marine environment. She loves to share her passion for birds, and finds all sorts of ways to do so, including teaching in the academic and public realms but also guiding tourists in the Polar Regions. Her current research focus is on studying the drivers of regional trends in Common eiders on the east coast, supported through the Mitacs Accelerate Program in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo
Beginner Seabirder Reading List*:

Eye of the Albatross - Carl Safina (also try Song for the Blue Ocean by the same author)
The Seabird's Cry: The Lives and Loves of the Planet's Great Ocean Voyagers - Adam Nicolson
Far from Land: The Mysterious Lives of Seabirds - Michael Brooke
Great Auk Islands: A Field Biologist in the Arctic - Tim Birkhead
The Puffin - Mike Harris and Sarah Wanless
The Herring Gull's World: A Study of the Social Behaviour of Birds - Niko Tinbergen
The Island - R.M. Lockley
Seabirds Beyond the Mountain Crest - Richard J. Cuthbert
Rat Island: Predators in Paradise and the World's Greatest Wildlife Rescue - William Stolzenburg
Holy Mōlī: Albatross and Other Ancestors - Hob Osterlund

* list based on recommendations from Sarah and her international network of seabird biologist peers

&

Minisode: Migizi Oct 14, 2021

Knowledge keeper Alan Colley from the Wolf Clan brings us one of the stories of Migizi. This is the Anishinabemowin name for the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). The story was produced and recorded by Shadowland Theatre for the Milliken Mills High School Earth Day Celebration in 2020. Check out the poems, songs and works of arts prepared by students for this Celebration here: https://www.mmhsbirds.com/ - You will love them!
Watch Alan telling the story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6nYi3k3hxs

Alan Colley is an Anishinaabe knowledge keeper located in Canada's most diverse city, Toronto. He provides teachings that inform the connections between Aboriginal culture and the environmental understanding provided by nature. His mission is to promote a sustainable relationship with Toronto, Turtle Island (North America) and Mother Earth for generations to come.

Shadowland is a professional theatre company founded nearly 40 years ago. the company animates a multitude of spaces in urban and rural communities using puppetry, masks, stilt-walking, live music and other spectacles. Shadowland's community-engaged practices celebrate local stories with a strong environmental focus.
Get in touch! We would love to hear from you, let us know what you think about the podcast here or which topics you will love and if you have bird-related burning questions, send us a voice message here -> podcast@birdscanada.org
Want to learn more about indigenous bird names? Listen to Episode 6 Bneshiinyik now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1784269/9243503
Bald Eagle recording credits to: Peter Ward and Ken Hall who uploaded their recording to www.xeno-canto.org

Bneshiinyik Sep 29, 2021

Bneshiinyik is how Anishinaabe people know birds. On this episode that marks National Truth and Reconciliation Day, we talk with Joseph Pitawanakwat a young knowledge keeper in search of medicine, names and stories. He talks about how birds are named in Ojibwe and some of the teachings and gifts they share with us. What you will discover in this episode is that language is a key to the knowledge of an organism and how it fulfills its duties and functions on the land. This knowledge brings you to a good life on the land.
Please remember we would love to hear from you, let us know what you think about the podcast here or which topics you will love -> podcast@birdscanada.org
Joseph Pitawanakwat is an Ojibwe knowledge keeper for ancestral knowledge of plants, medicine and language. He is from Wiikwemikoong First Nation on Manitoulin Island and he is the founder and director of Creator’s Garden, an Indigenous outdoor, and now online, education-based business focused on plant identification, beyond-sustainable harvesting, and teaching every one of their linguistic, historical, cultural, edible, ecological and medicinal significance through experiences. He has delivered presentations and intensive programming to over 100 first nations communities, 20 Universities and 12 colleges, and dozens of various institutions throughout Canada, the United States and beyond. He is uniquely blending and reinforcing that Indigenous knowledge with an array of western sciences. @creators.garden on Instagram and Twitter.

Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo
Special thank you to Rob Porter from Songbirding podcast for the amazing recording of the Northern Watertursh (Parkesia noveboracensis) and to Jeff Dyck recorder of the American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) uploaded to the fantastic open sound library www.xeno-canto.org

Minisode: Using Merlin Sound ID for Pros Sep 09, 2021

Whether you are testing the Merlin Sound ID app or have mastered the app, got a new recorded, shotgun mic for your phone and have annoyed all your family asking them to be quiet while you record... you might have some burning questions. Like, is sound ID enough to report a bird? Can I get better at recording? What do I do if Merlin gets a bird wrong? In this Minisode, we explore these scenarios and more!
Please remember we would love to hear from you, let us know what you think about the podcast here or which topics you will love -> podcast@birdscanada.org
Listen to the full episode here:
Drew Weber coordinates the Merlin project at the Cornell Lab, as well as some web development for eBird and Macaulay Library. He enjoys expanding Merlin Bird ID to include new regions and new features to help users identify birds, whether it's their first bird or their life list is over 5,000. He has been birding since he was a kid and loves anything with birding and technology, he combines these two things every day. @drewweber on Twitter.
Download Merlin Bird ID App here - > https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/download/
Learn all about AI-powered Sound ID here
Learn how to record and submit your bird recordings to the Macaulay Library.
Smartphone recording tips.

Who’s singing? AI powered bird sound identification at your fingertips, free. Aug 26, 2021

It's a dream come true – there's finally an app for identifying bird sounds. In the next episode of The Warblers podcast, we’ll explore the Merlin Bird ID app’s new Sound ID feature and how artificial intelligence is redefining birding. We talk with Drew Weber and Jody Allair and go deep into the implications and opportunities that this technology will bring for birds, and new as well as experienced birders.
Drew Weber coordinates the Merlin project at the Cornell Lab, as well as some web development for eBird and Macaulay Library. He enjoys expanding Merlin Bird ID to include new regions and new features to help users identify birds, whether it's their first bird or their life list is over 5,000. He has been birding since he was a kid and loves anything with birding and technology, he combines these two things every day. @drewweber on Twitter.
Jody Allair is an avid birder and naturalist who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the natural world. He is the Director of Community Engagement at Birds Canada and has written numerous articles on birds, birding and connecting with nature. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @JodyAllair.
Please remember we would love to hear from you, let us know what you think about the podcast here or which topics you will love -> podcast@birdscanada.org
Download Merlin Bird ID App here - > https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/download/
Learn all about AI powered Sound ID here
Learn how to record and submit your bird recordings to the Macaulay Library.
Smartphone recording tips.

Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo

Minisode: Tips for Attracting Birds to YOUR Garden - wherever you are in Canada Aug 18, 2021

We talked to Natasha Barlow a couple of weeks ago about Bird Gardens. she provided bonus information to help you attract specific species, birds you might not know you wanted or could attract to your garden. If you haven't had a chance, check out the full episode.
Full episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1784269/8970575
Please remember we would love to hear from you, let us know what you think about the podcast here or which topics you will love -> podcast@birdscanada.org
Natasha Barlow is a biologist living in Ontario and is Birds Canada's Boreal Conservation Project Specialist. She, Gregor Beck, and Kevin Kavanagh, were the creative team behind the creation of www.birdgardens.ca, a web-based tool that will help you help birds by making it easy for you to design and plant a great garden for birds. Connect with her on Twitter and Instagram @nlynnbarlow and @natashalbarlow

ANYONE can garden for birds. We tell you how. Aug 04, 2021

It often feels like we've been engaged in a battle with our lawns; we cut, mow, trim, drown and poison them to achieve that lush poster green look. We believe that yards, birds and landowners will find more happiness with a naturalized space. This paradigm shift will provide an opportunity for enjoyment, reflection and conservation - rather than work and sterile spaces. Many North American bird species are in decline due to habitat loss and degradation, among other global threats. In this episode, Natasha Barlow and Kevin Kavanagh teach you how to do things differently.
Natasha Barlow is a biologist living in Ontario and is Birds Canada's Boreal Conservation Project Specialist. She, Gregor Beck, and Kevin Kavanagh, were the creative team behind the creation of www.birdgardens.ca, a web-based tool that will help you help birds by making it easy for you to design and plant a great garden for birds. Connect with her on Twitter and Instagram @nlynnbarlow and @natashalbarlow
Kevin Kavanagh is a Ecologist and Master Gardener with 40 years of experience in conservation supporting the expansion of protected areas, he is the gardening brains behind www.birdgardens.ca - connect with him on Twitter @scgardens
Start gardening for birds, now with Birds Canada => www.birdgardens.ca
Wild Birds Unlimited is a proud supporter of this initiative.
Please remember we would love to hear from you, let us know what you think about the podcast here or which topics you will love -> podcast@birdscanada.org
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo (edited)

The case for including humans in the frame Jul 07, 2021

We speak with Julian Victor, a wildlife Filmmaker from Toronto who has worked on projects for National Geographic, as well as with legendary wildlife filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert. He was one of the presenters for the first-ever Black Birders Week in 2020 and currently creates nature segments for Breakfast Television, one of Canada’s most popular TV shows. We explore how he got to be a rising wildlife filmmaking star and the risks of presenting pristine images of nature and birds; highlighting the importance of letting humans creep into bird images and documentaries.
Julian Victor is a wildlife Filmmaker from Toronto. He currently works for Canada’s top morning show Breakfast Television. He is always on the lookout for diverse conservation stories to raise awareness of our natural world and its inhabitants and how to preserve them. Follow him: @jv_wild
https://www.julianvictor.com/
See his work: https://vimeo.com/518875283
Check out The Toronto Bird Celebration 2021 Urban Bird Photography 101 workshop with Ankur Khurana
Review Birds Canada’s blog on ethical photography, TIPS FOR GREAT PHOTOS THAT DO GOOD FOR BIRDS by the young BC photographer Liron Gerstman

Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo

Monitoring an icon - the story of the Common Loon in Canada Jul 07, 2021

The iconic Canadian snowbird. Find out surprising facts about our beautiful Common Loons (Gavia immer) and how they are faring in Canada. We speak with Kathy Jones and Kristin Bianchini to explore the fascinating and fragile world of the Common Loon and the role volunteer scientists play in our understanding of their complex lives.
Join the Canadian Lake Loon Survey visiting: www.birdscanada.org/loon
More on Loons: https://www.birdscanada.org/fantastic-loons-and-where-to-find-them/
Kathy Jones (link to full bio: Our Staff | Birds Canada | Oiseaux Canada): Kathy is the Coordinator of Birds Canada’s Canadian Lakes Loon Survey, the Volunteer Manager for Ontario Programs and is based out of Port Rowan, ON.

Kristin Bianchini: Kristin Bianchini has a Ph.D. in Toxicology from the University of Saskatchewan. For the past two years, Kristin worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher with Birds Canada, where she completed the research on Common Loons.
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo

Lessons from Ferruginous Hawk research on the prairies Jul 07, 2021

"Challenging" - learn more about this understatement in the world of Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) research with Janet Ng. In our inaugural episode, we explore many angles of this exciting conservation work from the up and down fortunes of this species to the personal toll on an intrepid researcher.
Janet Ng, Ph.D., is a species at risk biologist who has worked on a variety of species and landscapes around Canada. Her work is focused on wildlife-habitat relationships and how human development, climate change, and their combined effects can potentially impact species at risk.
Janet is on Twitter: @janetngbio and LinkdIn.
BirdWatch Canada article: A hawk-eyed look at a Threatened prairie predator by Janet Ng
Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioplovers
Andrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Coordinator and you can follow him at @andresjimo

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