Life List: A Birding Podcast

What bird conservation successes can teach us with Scott Weidensaul

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

As is the case with many beautiful things in this world, some of the biggest successes in conservation result from the toughest challenges that birds and wildlife face. Pulitzer-prize finalist Scott Weidensaul is with us today to share stories he's gathered from near and far to share a message of hope for conservation.

Get more Life List by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com.

Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast! Want to know more about us? Check out George's company, Hillstar Nature; Alvaro's company, Alvaro's Adventures, and Mollee's company, Nighthawk Agency, to see more about what we're up to.

Interpreting migration data, cataloging our backyards, and El Niño predictions

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Mollee, Alvaro, and George are catching up in a classic hangout episode. Join us in conversations about why we call this podcast Life List, the birds and other wildlife in our home patches, and a preview of what might come from El Niño in future months now that it's officially been declared.

How we became bird guides: Alex Harper interviews George, Mollee, and Alvaro

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

This week, we’re turning the tables. Instead of interviewing a guest, Alex Harper takes over hosting duties and puts the Life List Podcast hosts in the hot seats to chat about how they became professional birding guides, what they do and don't like about their profession, and what their jobs are like.

P.S. Thanks to our friends of the pod in this episode's cover photo - Jeff, Angela, and Surya!

Our biggest spring migration birding surprises

Sat, 23 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Birds - crabs - fish - mammals...oh my! Spring birding gets us out there and finding all sorts of things. Alvaro, Mollee, and George are catching up on stories from their time in the field and their backyards throughout May.

The expanding science of avian perception with Ed Yong

Mon, 11 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400

If you've read anything by Ed Yong, you know that he tackles the challenge of explaining some of the most difficult-to-grasp concepts in the animal world in ways that humans can (nearly) imagine. In this episode, we're chatting with Ed — Pulitzer Prize–winning science writer and bestselling author — about migration, animal senses, and seeing the world differently through nature.

Birding the Eastern Himalayas, a backyard Long-eared Owl, and safari adventures with Jason Hall

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0400

Jason Hall is back on the podcast to talk about mid-April spring migration, backyard adventures, and time on the other side of the world in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, India.

An evolutionary biology perspective on pair bonding - in birds and humans - with Bryony Angell and Wenfei Tong

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Another classic Life List episode: a recipe of biological and ecological facts, rabbit holes, and a healthy dose of talk about life! Bryony Angell wrote The Migratory Suitor for a recent issue of BWD magazine, and she joined us along with Wenfei Tong, an evolutionary biologist, to discuss how pair bonding in birds could relate to that in humans. This is a fun one!

Helpful links:

Read The Migratory Suitor here as a free PDF download
Wenfei's main book that we referenced throughout the episode is Bird Love: The Family Life of Birds
More about Bryony and her work on her website
More about Wenfei and her work on her website

One correction for this episode: It's prolactin that is involved in crop milk let down, not oxytocin 🙂

Middle East birding, missiles, and Mollee's long way home

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Mollee sat down with Alvaro to recount her visit to the UAE that was cut short when the US/Iran war broke out. From here, she talks about the journey to get out of the Middle East that ended up involving travel to three countries, closed airspace and canceled flights, a missed birding tour, and experiences missiles being intercepted overhead...plus exploration of dramatic wadis, the pyramids, and Ramadan across three unique cultures.

Tour mishaps, life bird tales, and combining concerts and birding with Bonner Black

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0400

Bonner Black is back! If you need a little quality hang with your birding friends, we've got you covered.

A few links:

Check out all of Bonner's music and more on her website
Plus, don't miss Beasts of Birdin on YouTube
And thanks to Lars Lachmann via Xeno-Canto for the Great Bustard recording!

Ship-assisted birds, South American travel, and watching winter shift

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0500

George and Alvaro are chatting about recent birds in their backyards, ABA rarities, sparrow speciation, recent South American travels, and more!

At the end of this episode, Alvaro cites a new paper about genetic expression with wheatears as the example species. Start here to dive into this research: https://www.the-scientist.com/variation-at-a-single-gene-controls-songbird-plumage-73606

Why visible migration matters: migration counts and seawatch tales with Allison Vilag

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Allison has worked coast to (Great Lakes) coast for years, and today, we're chatting about tales from the field and lessons learned from endless days of visible migration experiences.

Come for the high counts...stay for the simple joys of watching the world go by!

Winter birding, subsistence hunting, and a backyard bird feeding debate

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0500

New this episode: Check out our chapters in Apple Podcasts to preview our conversation!

The gang's all here to chat about winter birding, from backyard feeders to chilly pelagics, plus the consumption of atypical food sources (to us Americans, at least), great places for your first Neotropical birding trip, and a sweet tooth distraction.

Come for the look back on recently extinct birds...stay for the cold- and warm-weather travel inspo!

Blending science, art, and humor to celebrate nature with Rosemary Mosco

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500

We are delighted to be joined by Rosemary Mosco, acclaimed science writer and naturalist, to chat about obscure bird facts, a love of pigeons, and yes, whale poop.

Check out all of Rosemary's comics, books, workshops, talks, and everything she's up to on her website.

Come for the science-driven whimsy...stay for the joy we can all gleam from nature.

Our favorite birding experiences of 2025

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0500

It's our first-ever year end special! We recount our favorite birds, moments, wildlife, and even sounds of the year. And we get a little sidetracked with other tidbits, as we do. Because this is Life List!

From George, Alvaro, and Mollee: Thanks for being here and listening along with us. We're so happy to continue producing this podcast and sharing our love of birds with all of you. Happy New Year!

How birds shape our lives and landscapes with Stephen Moss

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 20:00:00 -0500

This episode, we're joined by Stephen Moss, who shares his delightful insights into why birds around the world and in our backyards are equally important to us.

Check out Stephen's website here and all of his books here.

Come for the spark birds (and to hear it's okay if you don't remember every bird on your life list!)…stay for the reminder of why birds matter everywhere.

Hawkwatch experiences and birding parallel landscapes with Joshua Covill

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500

This episode, we’re joined by Joshua Covill: birding guide, hawkwatcher, and all-around mountain wanderer. Josh is sharing stories from Montana's Jewel Basin and beyond, plus a conversation about parallel ecosystems around the world.

Come for the dreams of Mongolia's vastness…stay for the feeling of watching migration from the top of the world!

Bird taxonomy season! Deep-diving splits, lumps, and our life lists

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0500

We're birders, talking about birding! George, Alvaro, and Mollee pulled up their personalized taxonomy updates from eBird (get an overview, all the data, and your personalized report) to chat about their life list updates and what else has changed around the globe.

Come for the nuts and bolts, stay for the taxonomic camaraderie!

Inside eBird: The world’s biggest birding project with Brian Sullivan

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0400

This episode, we’re joined by Brian Sullivan—birder, photographer, and co-leader of one of the most transformative projects in the birding world: eBird. From the earliest red-tailed hawk obsessions to building a global platform used by millions, Brian shares stories that bridge fieldwork, data, and wonder.

Highlights include:

How eBird grew from a niche experiment to a cornerstone of global ornithology
Red-tailed hawks, pelagics, and what it means to really know a species
The evolution of Birds of the World and where bird data is headed next
Balancing tech, fieldwork, and the joy of birdwatching

Come for the redtails and migration maps…stay for the big-picture vision that’s shaping the future of birding.

Almost arrested: Birding in Qatar and South African springtime adventures

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 15:00:00 -0400

Alvaro has some juicy stories from the field: did he finally succeed in finding a Saunder's tern, or did a run-in with the law in Qatar foil his attempts yet again?

Topics with George and Alvaro include:

Birding on a layover in Qatar
The most accessible birding locations in the Middle East
A South African springtime tour recap
The adrenaline of safari birding
Rocky Mountain oysters and other questionable culinary field experiments
Late-summer birding notes, migration updates, and trip recaps

Come for Alvaro's verdict...stay for the tales of wild places!

P.S. If you've made it this far in the show notes - thanks! - and from Mollee, sorry that this one is out a few days late!

Traveling as a birder and musician with Bonner Black

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400

We’re joined by Bonner Black: Nashville-based singer-songwriter, birder, and all-around force of nature.

Highlights of our chat include:

Growing up birding in Tennessee and carrying that love on the road as a touring musician
The parallels between birding, music, and life on the road
How songwriting and birding both demand patience, attention, and a little obsession
The ways nature sneaks into Bonner's lyrics

Come for behind-the-scenes tales of a professional music artist…stay for shared love of birding!

Birding with us: our backyard birdwatching conversations

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400

One of our favorite things to hear from guests is that it's like you're birding with us during our conversations. This time, you actually can!

We're each recording from our backyards, during some mid-afternoon, mid-September birdwatching. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to join us on a birdwalk, now's your chance!

LISTERS: Inside the extreme birdwatching documentary with Owen and Quentin Reiser

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0400

We’re talking with Quentin and Owen, the filmmakers and brothers behind Listers: the indie documentary that’s both absurd and profound, and probably the funniest thing ever made about birding.

Highlights of our chat include:

How a family field guide, a bong, and a road trip turned into a continent-spanning big year
The van life: Cracker Barrel parking lots, Michelin-star minivan meals
Filming birds and birders like never before
The birding culture: from playback ethics to all-nighters to chase birds
What it’s like to make the birding movie everyone’s talking about

Come for the NyQuil-fueled ivory-billed woodpecker quest…stay for the most joyful, profane, and heartfelt celebration of birding we didn’t know we needed!

Links:

Watch Listers, free on YouTube
Buy the book: Field Guide of All the Birds We Found One Year in the United States by Quentin Reiser and Owen Reiser

Late summer birding: movements, migration, and surprises

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 18:00:00 -0400

The biggest surprise of all might be that George is learning to love summertime at home. We are chatting about birds and critters in our patches and recent travels, plus about books, media, and pizza.

By the way, you can learn more about Frontiers in Ornithology at https://frontiersinornithology.com/.

Come for the sightings that surprised us lately...stay for a slice of August birding joy!

Finding rare Alaskan birds and more wildlife encounters with Alex Harper and Phil Chaon

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 19:00:00 -0400

How to find rare birds with Jen Brumfield

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 19:00:00 -0400

This episode is a blast—and full of stuff you'll want to remember! George and Alvaro interview the legendary birder of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, and beyond: Jen Brumfield. They dive into all it takes to be a rarity-finding machine, and then put their advice through a detailed walkthrough of jaeger identification. We always say it...this hour passed by too quickly.

Come for the gales and gulls… stay for the unabashed joy of birding!

Bird chases, misses, and surprises...and what birders can't let go of

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0400

This is what we do, folks! George and Alvaro are sharing the stories from the field and their yards, discussing scientific and hobbyist news in the birding world, and sharing travel tales. And karaoke dos and don'ts. And a skunk saga that seems to have included. Hang out with us for a spell!

Svalbard dreams and birds you wait a lifetime for

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 22:00:00 -0400

We're all here—Mollee, George, and Alvaro—to catch up on birding and nature stories from home and Alvaro's adventures spanning oceans...and two Great White Norths! Yup, with our usual dose of wildlife weirdness, too.

Highlights include:

An incredible polar bear sighting alongside Ivory Gulls and (cue Alvaro's scream) Ross's Gulls
Birding in Svalbard, Norway, and Finland
Pelagic reports from the Farallon Islands
Skunks, tomato juice, and what actually helps when your dog gets sprayed
Yard list joys and surprises—from mulberries to Least Bitterns
Plus, read about Cory's Least Bittern here

Come for the booby stakeouts and skunk drama…stay for the midnight sun, polar silence, and birding in life’s liminal spaces.

AviList: the new Global Avian Checklist and its effects on bird taxonomy with Marshall Iliff and Frank Rheindt

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 17:00:00 -0400

You like splits and lumps? Thinking about the intricacies of global taxonomy? Oh boy, are you in for a treat!

George and Alvaro sat down with Marshall Iliff and Frank Rheindt, two members of the AviList Core Team, to take a deep dive into what’s just been released: AviList, the Global Avian Checklist!

Learn how the process got started, what’s happened in the years it’s been in the making, and how decisions were made bird-by-bird. Plus, hear how the four existing global checklists—including IOC, eBird/Clements, and Birdlife—will align with Avilist (spoiler alert: it’s a global merge!).

We're exploring the importance of collaboration among various taxonomic committees, the challenges of aligning different naming conventions, and the significance of evidence in making taxonomic decisions.

AviList has just officially launched, and you can learn all about it at avilist.org.

Come for this special interview that takes an intricate look at the world’s bird taxonomy…stay for the splits!

Global conservation and the Birdfair that started a movement with Tim Appleton

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 21:00:00 -0400

This episode, we're catching up with Tim Appleton: co-founder of Global Birdfair and lifelong conservationist...and who possibly has the UK's best yard list.

Highlights of our chat include:

How one idea became the world’s largest nature tourism and bird conservation gathering—and what makes it unique
125 species and counting from Tim's Rutland cottage overlooking a reservoir he helped design
How Tim helped reintroduce breeding ospreys to England
The goals of Global Birding and Global Bird Weekends
Conservation results from Borneo to the Falklands, murals to migration corridors, and saving seabirds from longlines

Links:

Come for the whiskey tent stories… stay for the message of passion-driven conservation!

Deep-diving wild India: backyard leopards & a king-cobra's hiss with Surya Ramachandran

Sat, 17 May 2025 13:00:00 -0400

We caught up with our friend Surya Ramachandran: Indian naturalist, author, big-cat tracker, and awesome guy.

Highlights of our chat include:

Home patch leopards: Surya’s Nilgiri backyard hosts a multigenerational family of both black and rosetted leopards that he's watched closely for years
Snow-leopard obsession: why eight straight winters in Ladakh still haven’t dulled the thrill of the ghost of the Himalayas
King-cobra lore: nest-building serpents, roadside rescues, and the eerie pressure-cooker hiss they can emit
Himalayan lowland magic: the diversity of Assam’s Kaziranga–Manas–Nameri circuit—and why March should be peak time for Bengal floricans, Finn’s weavers, and maybe even tiger...
Life List tour: details on the 2026 Life List Assam Safari, with optional Taj Mahal/Bharatpur pre-trip and Kanha tiger post-extension
Field-guide series update: Surya’s next book covers India’s deserts, salt pans, and forests of Western India

Come for the leopard cubs and king-cobra growls...stay for the tips on getting to see the best of India's birds and animals!

Weird science and birding through life changes

Sat, 03 May 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Our travels have recently taken us across Costa Rica, Cuba, Argentina, Chile, and Tanzania — so it's high time for a catch-up! In this episode, George, Alvaro, and Mollee swap stories from the field, from color-changing marlins to Galápagos rail rediscoveries to grizzly bear rewilding efforts.

We also talk about how birds pick up dozens of local names (hello, timberdoodle!) and how birding stays with you even during major life changes. Yep, one of us is making an international move.

Come for the octopus escapes and marlin flash mobs, stay for a conversation about how birding threads through every part of life.

Birding travels, timberdoodles, connecting through nature in prison

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Our travels have recently spanned Costa Rica, Cuba, Argentina, Chile, and Tanzania, so it's high time for a catch-up! We swap favorite moments from the field, talk birds with many names (hello, timberdoodles), and updates from our homes, too.

Geographic clues to hybridization and the evolution of birding field guides

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400

George and Alvaro have an evening chat about the evolution of field guides with notable quirks in a few editions, Alvaro discusses how he used location-based evidence to theorize about gull hybridization, and more.

Bird conservation on the Chatham Islands and beyond with Mike Bell

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0400

George and Alvaro took some time during their Subantarctic Islands cruise to chat with Mike Bell, ornithologist for the Chatham Islands Landscape Restoration Trust. Make sure to check out their website for more information on all the conservation work they're doing!

Birding the world versus major sporting events

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0400

We're catching up on our tales around the world and wondering...how close does birding get to a major sporting event? Join us in our usual banter.

The book that Alvaro thinks of is called Owls of the Eastern Ice: A Quest to Find and Save the World's Largest Owl
Have you seen a Nocturnal Curassow?

The heart of seabird diversity: Subantarctic Islands

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Welcome to our first episode covering our recent Subantarctic Islands cruise out of New Zealand. We're diving into the islands we visited, including Albatross Island and Pyramid Rock, and all about our travels on this world-class adventure.

Check out the whole trip report here.

Birding Asia X3: India, Thailand, and Japan

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Hey there, we're back! Listen to us catching up on our recent travels throughout Asia in India, Thailand, and Japan. Are you tempted to join us in India next year?

Declaring a species extinct and sampling the world's coolest birding events

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 22:00:00 -0500

It's our final episode...but only for this season, don't worry 😉

We're chatting about birding festivals near and far, the multinational process of declaring a species extinct, and (literal) nightmares about birding tours.

Don't miss out on:

Alvaro's upcoming tours
Hillstar's newest tours and pelagics
Tours and articles on Nighthawk
All the great content on the Ladera Sur website

And with that, we're off on our winter break from podcasting! Follow Life List on Facebook and Instagram, sign up for our newsletter, and we'll see you here in 2025.

Defending Ecuador’s rarest species: Jocotoco’s on-the-ground efforts

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 20:00:00 -0500

Jocotoco Conservation works in the field throughout Ecuador and the Galapagos to conserve birds, wildlife, and habitats. Today, George is digging into their efforts and goals.

Learn more about Jocotoco Conservation here.

Topics in this episode include:

Discovery of the Jocotoco Antpitta: Jocotoco Conservation's origin story
Saving Spectacled Bears: Jocotoco's efforts to protect spectacled bear habitats in Ecuador
Galapagos Tortoise Conservation: On-the-ground work preserving Galapagos tortoise populations
Reintroducing Native Finches: Programs to reintroduce and support finches in Galapagos and mainland Ecuador
Protecting the Chocó Region: Unique bird species and conservation efforts in Ecuador’s Chocó forest
Rare Paramos Wildlife: High-altitude paramos habitat and its rare bird species
Amazon Rainforest Restoration: Forest restoration to support diverse Amazonian birdlife
Species of Concern: Spotlight on Ecuador’s rare and endangered bird species protected by Jocotoco
Key Conservation Sites: Jocotoco's critical reserves, from the Andes to coastal dry forests

Your guide to Life List episodes and highlights

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 15:00:00 -0400

Welcome to our 100th episode! We're celebrating by chatting about some listener favorites - and ours! - as well as all that's changed in the birding world since we started Life List.

Thanks for being a part of our podcast family!

Gull mysteries with Amar Ayyash

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0400

This week, we're not just talking about Amar's highly anticipated book, The Gull Guide—we're chatting about the discoveries and controversies that led to what we currently know about gulls, the unknowns that still exist, and how to fall in love with these mysteries birds along the way.

Fall birding highlights (so far!)

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Alright, we're back! George and Alvaro talk about unusual sightings and behaviors they've seen so far this fall along with takeaways from afar from the AOS conference.

If you haven't already, be sure to read The trials of John P. McCown by Steve Hampton.

Comparing thermal scopes, Hurricane Helene effects, and the beauty in the unknowns on pelagics

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 21:00:00 -0400

We're continuing conversations with our listeners on the air as we share updates from our home fronts. We have lots of links to share this week!

Check out Ed Yong's account of his recent pelagic experience with Alvaro's Adventures in his newsletter
While you're at it, make sure to read An Immense World by Ed Yong
We get tons of questions about thermal scopes. This article by one of our listeners, Jonathan Ley, is a thorough comparison of brands and models.
Here's a fresh Certificate of Appreciation from the USGS to George for reporting a banded Ruddy Turnstone—on a birding trip with Mollee eight years ago!
If you know a conservation or community science organization that wants to get the word out to birders, Nighthawk is partnering with the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival to display their information for free at the event. Details and sign up here.

And don't forget to share your favorite guests with us! We'd love to hear from you.

Our hearts go out to all affected by Hurricane Helene.

Brazil's legendary lands and lesser-known gems

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 20:00:00 -0400

George is just back from the Pantanal, and today, we're chatting about that. But first...

The oldest photo in eBird? Looks like it's this (now extinct) Laughing Owl!
And check out this illustration of the species on Birds of the World (sign-in required).
George has two trip reports from Brazil. Check out Safari Brazil: The Pantanal and Brazil's Atlantic Forest: Itatiaia National Park.
And peep the Spotted Bamboowren while you're at it!

We're answering your birdy questions!

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 22:00:00 -0400

We're back with a listener question episode!

We mention Project Phoenix—check out the details here.
Subscribe to our newsletter and send us your questions below ⬇️⬇️

Deep dives and Easter eggs in the new Stokes finch guide

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 17:00:00 -0400

This week, we're joined by Lillian Stokes and Matt Young to share in the laughs, research, and stories behind their jam-packed new book, The Stokes Guide to Finches of the United States and Canada. Learn more and preorder it here before the book is published on September 17!

Conflict in chasing rare birds & what it feels like to be on pelagics

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0400

We're three busy birders this week with tales ranging from the backyard to the wonders of the deep oceans. Grab a drink and enjoy this classic Life List chat with us—tangents and all.

Wacky tales and unique habitats with Phil Chaon

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Phil's been there, done that, and has the stories to prove it. This week we chat about his recent oceanic expeditions and upcoming book.

Have a taste of western Australia and the Lesser Sundas via Phil's recent eBird trip report
Get notifications for Habitats of North America, coming out this winter
Order Habitats of the World: A Field Guide for Birders, Naturalists, and Ecologists

Ornithological careers and accompanying global adventures with Holly Garrod and Billi Krochuk

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Holly and Billi have spanned continents in their incredible career feats. Today, we're chatting about the challenges and adventures that they've had along the way.

Meet Holly via Birds Caribbean and Instagram
Meet Billi via Biodiversity Research Institute and Instagram
Check out the beautiful Black Bee-eater that we talk about in the episode
And yes, The Birding Co-op has announced its 2025 tour schedule!

How Alvaro's bar chat led to a new species of storm-petrel

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Here's a story with some drama, discovery, and mysteries yet unsolved! Hear all about the background of discovering the Andean Storm-Petrel (Oceanites barrosi), straight from the source! Here's the paper that was published: Resolving the conflictive phylogenetic relationships of Oceanites (Oceanitidae: Procellariiformes) with the description of a new species

Decreasing the pressure and increasing the joy in birding with Jason Hall and Dexter Patterson

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0400

Jason and Dexter bring all the joy this week!

Check out Jason and Dexter on Instagram
Learn about the In Color Birding Club...
And the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin
Don't forget to listen to the Bird Joy Podcast

P.S. Jason is co-leading a Hillstar Nature tour in Puerto Rico in 2025!

Behind the scenes of professional bird guiding and podcasting with Ken Behrens

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 18:00:00 -0400

This is a beers-after-hours-type conversation with Ken Behrens: author, bird and nature guide, and co-host of Naturally Adventurous Podcast. We chat about the ups and downs of summertime birding, travel, and food Ken misses from his old home in Madagascar.

Please let us know: What do you think about the American Birding Association's Listing Areas and Regions?

And you can learn more about Ken's tours, books, and media on his website.

Expression of genes, extreme lifespans in animals, and birding the Galapagos Islands

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0400

This episode is classic Life List—full of facts and stories from our homes and the field.

Check out this 79-year-old box turtle monitored in PA!
Get digestible highlights of the AOS supplement in ABA's Checklist Redux 2024.
Want more tiger sharks? Tooth and Claw podcast has a fascinating tiger shark episode.
Read the paper: Oceanic seabirds chase tropical cyclones

Behind the scenes of Alaskan birding tours

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400

A trip to Alaska in the summer for rare and vagrant birds is exhilarating...and a logistical feat! George and Alvaro recap their June Alaskan travels from their point of view as guides and share the magic they found along the way.

Intersections of science, art, and passion in birding with Melissa Hafting

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0400

Melissa does it all, and today, we're chatting about it! Check out Melissa's links:

It’s taxonomy season! Previewing splits and lumps

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 14:00:00 -0400

We're back to catch up on news in the birding world and our latest stories. Here are a few links we reference in this episode:

Diving into Cockney Rhyming Slang is totally worth your time
Here's a beautiful tribute from Birds Caribbean about Orlando Garrido

Keep an eye on our socials for links to taxonomy updates as we get them!

Tribute to Tom Johnson, a remarkable bird expert and human

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0400

In our season finale, we pay tribute to Tom Johnson, a distinguished bird expert and an exceptional human being, who passed away unexpectedly in 2023. Tom was a guiding light in the birding community, known for his profound knowledge, infectious enthusiasm, and unwavering dedication to bird conservation and science. This episode features an interview with Tom, recorded shortly before his passing.

Listen to the American Birding Association's podcast tribute to Tom here.
Learn more about Tom's impact on the birding community here and here in these two remembrance articles.
Imagine yourself birding with Tom with this multimedia trip report he created about his 2023 Field Guides tour to Nome, Alaska.

And with that, folks, we're closing out for a short summer break. Thanks for listening to Life List and we'll be back in July with season five!

Patterns in Vagrant Birds, Hummingbird Splits, and Tractors

Tue, 28 May 2024 18:00:00 -0400

We've got lots to chit-chat about this week—birds, butterflies, land, and more!

We talk about Harvesters—learn about these butterflies here and their diets here.

A deep dive on oceanic birds and wildlife with Kate Sutherland

Tue, 21 May 2024 11:00:00 -0400

Kate is a marine biologist and pelagic expert who has stories and facts to fill a whole voyage. Join us as we delve into the mesmerizing world of pelagic birds and wildlife, uncovering the secrets of the high seas!

Check out Seabirding Pelagics with Kate when you're ready for an offshore adventure.

What it's like to go birding in Cuba

Mon, 13 May 2024 20:00:00 -0400

A few weeks ago we sat down to chat about Cuba, earthquakes, and eclipses. We always stay busy!

We mention birding in Bhutan; if you want to know more about what it's like, check out this episode from season two.

Why we can’t put down Kenn Kaufman’s newest book

Mon, 06 May 2024 13:00:00 -0400

The Birds and Audubon Missed comes out this week. Listen as George and Alvaro reminisce and muse the worlds of ornithology and birding with Kenn—perhaps as you enjoy spring migration in your neck of the woods!

Birding the Darien Gap with Adam Walleyn

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Adam has birded the places people dream of all around the world, and recently returned from his most recent adventures in the primary forests of the Darien Gap. We're chatting birds, mammals, herps, and more!

Travelogue: Scouting Mammals and Birds in Northern India

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

George is sharing a behind-the-scenes look at his scouting trip in northern India from January 2024. Want to hear the rest of the story? Check us out on Patreon!

Let's Discuss ABA Checklist and Avian Tree of Life Updates

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 15:00:00 -0400

There's been some exciting news in the birding world, and we have thoughts — and some inside scoop! Today, we're talking about ABA Checklist updates and major discoveries in bird evaluation and taxonomy.

Understanding red crossbill types and other finches with Matt Young

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400

The finch guru is with us today! We're talking speciation, food source specialization, mimicry, and more. Yep, this episode is meaty.

George joins the American Birding Association Board of Directors!

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0400

We're chit-chatting about ABA, natural disasters on birding tours, and other news from our backyards.

Early Spring Birding: Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Cuba

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 23:00:00 -0400

In North America, winter lingers up north while migration and breeding season rev up in the south. Today, we're chatting about recent stories from the field and a few from the archives.

Check out lekking Sharp-tailed Grouse here.

Check out Cuba: An American History here.

Birding Down Under: The Spectacular Subantarctic Islands

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

We want you to hear just how cool and fascinating the Subantarctic Islands islands are.

Join us there in December? [Learn more here.]

Expression of supergenes in birds

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Alvaro is here today with a deep dive on supergenes and their phenotypic expressions in birds.

Harpy Eagles and Backyard Companions with Holly Merker

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0500

A plea from your producer: Any tips on dealing with paper wasps?! But really, I've got it under control, I think...

Holly returns to the podcast this week as we catch up on Neotropic birding and more.

Read about Mollee's full Harpy Eagle experience here.

What's coming up on Life List

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 16:00:00 -0500

Lumps, Splits, and Stringers

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Hey, hey. The American Ornithological Society has announced the 2024 proposals affecting taxonomy and species. Here's what we think about them!

And have you heard about the drama around an individual seeing 10,000 bird species for the first time? Congrats, Peter Kaestner!

The ups and downs of birding in India

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 20:00:00 -0500

We have lots to share this time!

Subscribe to our shiny newsletter
Find us on Patreon
Check out these least bittern x-rays

And visit our tour websites to join us in the field!

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast!

Conquering ticks (the icky ones) and tales from Uganda

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 18:00:00 -0500

George interviews friends Andrea and Josh about gorillas, tick-borne diseases and prevention, and bird and wildlife photography.

More from Andrea and Josh:

About the American Lyme Disease Foundation
The Unbiased Science Podcast
Check out Josh's photography

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast!

Birdy questions answered: Communicating about rare birds

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0500

We're chatting about New Year birding, winter sea watching and pelagics, and the evolution of communication platforms for birders.

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast!

Patterns in winter vagrant birds and Christmas Bird Counts

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0500

We're back for season four, and we have lots to catch up on! Join us as we chat about recent travels, Christmas Bird Counts, and other exciting winter birding.

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast!

Behind the scenes of working at Cape May Bird Observatory

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0500

George is bringing you a set of interviews with part of the fall crew at Cape May Bird Observatory. Enjoy these glimpses into life at the counting sites with Martina Nordstrand, Gautam Apte, and Aidan Place!

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast!

Changing bird names: Deep diving the AOS decision process with Alvaro

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 12:00:00 -0500

Have you heard the news? We get the inside scoop on the American Ornithological Society's decision to change all English bird names currently named after people within its geographic jurisdiction.

We reference the AOS's decision and documentation and Reflections of a Native birder: The one Indian killer bird name I really have trouble with by Stephen Carr Hampton in this episode.

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast!

Fall Birding and Changing Names

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 15:00:00 -0400

We recorded this episode just before the American Ornithological Society announced plans to change bird species named after people, but it was already on our minds. Join us as we discuss fall birding on both sides of the US, bird club name changes, pawpaw trees, and more.

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast!

The weirdest things we've seen while birding

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 18:00:00 -0400

Our gang catches up on early fall birding and herping before sharing some of our stories from the field about crazy non-bird sightings that have left us wondering...AKA, s**t birders see.

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast!

Embracing birding's mental health benefits with Holly Merker

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 23:00:00 -0400

Are birds magical? We explore that question, hawk watches, and the joys of being an eBird reviewer with Holly Merker.

Learn about the Frontiers and Ornithology Symposium here!

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast!

The art of finding birds virtually with Greg Neise

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:00:00 -0400

Greg Neise joins us this week to chat about all things virtual and Fantasy Birding!

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast!

European and urban birding with David Lindo

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

David Lindo, the Urban Birder himself, joins us to talk about his love of birding and how the U.S. birding culture compares to Europe's.

Learn more about urban birding on David's website.

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

The things that happen while doing bird research

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0400

This is a meaty one! George and Alvaro chat about the causes of high fall migration counts, caged birds, snapping turtles, cardinals, South American birding, and so much more.

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Level up your bird photography with Glenn Bartley

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Glenn joins us to talk all things bird photography—including tips on what to do before and after you get the shot!

Helpful links

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Herps, Gulls, and Flamingos

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Flamingos or flamingoes? Either way, they're around. We catch up on some great rare birds and other excursions.

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Birding in the Southwest, Empidonax flycatcher identification, and pizza toppings

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 17:00:00 -0400

We catch up on our late summer birding adventures, a range of birding resources, and pineapple on pizza.

Helpful links:

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Happiness by way of birds and a bicycle with Dorian Anderson

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 19:00:00 -0400

Dorian Anderson joins us to chat about photography, tales from the road, and how a unique big year helped him find himself.

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Is El Niño the cause of these pelagic sightings?

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 19:00:00 -0400

George and Alvaro catch up on good band names, rare birds found while not primarily birding, and the possible causes of some interesting wildlife sightings on the West Coast.

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Hawkwatches, rare birds, and karaoke with Jeff Bouton

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 01:00:00 -0400

We're starting this episode with a brief tribute to our friend, Tom Johnson, who unexpectedly passed in July 2023.

Then we catch up with our pal Jeff Bouton of Kowa Optics, sharing stories old and new.

Check out all of Kowa's great products at https://www.kowaoptic.com/.

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

The best birds are vultures, obviously! Chat with Katie Fallon

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 18:00:00 -0400

George and Mollee chat with Katie about some of the greatest birds there are: vultures! Plus Cerulean Warblers, wildlife rehabilitation, state-level elections, and more.

Catch Katie and her projects:

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Take a deep dive on golden eagles with Trish Miller

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 17:00:00 -0400

There's so much to uncover about golden eagles, and Trish Miller is on it! Hear about the data that's being collected and what it's revealing about these magnificent raptors. And Alvaro wants to know…in what could be one of the biggest misidentifications of all time, are you team caracara or team golden eagle?

Learn more about Conservation Science Global and Cellular Tracking Technologies.

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Species lumps and splits: Discussing AOS checklist updates

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 15:00:00 -0400

The AOS checklist updates are out, and we're here for it! Catch up on what species were split, lumped, and what proposals did not get accepted.

Book recommendation: Check out American Serengeti: The Last Big Animals of the Great Plains

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Can you prove extinction? And stories from recent birding travels

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 17:00:00 -0400

We're back for season three! George and Alvaro catch up on birding near home, recent trips across the prairies and Rockies of the U.S. and the Galapagos Islands, and our upcoming Spectacular Subantarctic Islands tour. Plus, we just can't let the Ivory-billed Woodpecker news go...

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

The joys of birding in Bhutan

Tue, 16 May 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Plus Florida and spring birding fun. It’s a classic chat from the Life List trio.

Consider a donation to In Color Birding Club and check out Frontiers in Ornithology!

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Lesser-known birding spots in the world's birdiest country with Chris Bell

Mon, 01 May 2023 11:00:00 -0400

We're wrapping up our series of podcasts from Colombia with an interview with Chris Bell, co-host of The Birders Show and avid country lister in Colombia. After chatting about some of Colombia's most famous birding hotspots, Chris chats about pelagics, the trapezoid-shaped slice of the Amazon in the southeast corner, and across the border in Venezuela. Plus, get some new book recommendations!

Check out our friends at The Birders Show!

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Birding and big cats in Tanzania, Bhutan preview, and Caribbean vagrants

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 15:00:00 -0400

The episode title says it all in our classic catch-up episode style. Plus, George and Alvaro shoot the breeze with spring migration in their neighborhoods, some love for parrots around the world and a discussion on a certain vagrant spoonbill in Florida.

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Jennifer Ackerman on owl intelligence, her writing process, and spirit birds

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 18:00:00 -0400

Our series of episodes recorded in Colombia continues! We interviewed Jennifer Ackerman, renowned author of The Genius of Birds and The Bird Way, on her upcoming book and more. Thanks to Chris Bell of the Birders Show for joining us as well!

Check out our friends:

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Nate Swick and Chris Bell with us in Colombia!

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0400

We're so excited to share this special episode we recorded during the Colombia Birdfair with Nate Swick of the American Birding Podcast and Chris Bell of The Birders Show. Get a taste of Cali in this episode!

Check out our friends:

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Escapees on eBird and in Central Park...oh my

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0500

We're worked up. We're stirring the pot. Catch up with the Life List crew!

Species mentioned: Northern Bobwhite, Eurasian Eagle-Owl

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Species or subspecies? Plus birders we hope to meet and new places to go in 2023

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 13:00:00 -0500

We're catching up with this episode—recorded in early January—on new year resolutions, new and old places we plan to visit, and recap our recent travels.

Highlight bird species: House Wren, Gundlach's Hawk

Locations mentioned: Japan; Cozumel, Mexico; Costa Rica; Colombia

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

The secret sauce of Antarctic birding cruises: South Georgia

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Is there such thing as too many penguins? Find out as we wrap up our Antarctica tales in this episode we recorded in early December—hence the World Cup and holiday references! Hear Alvaro's zodiac debacle. Plus we chat about local birding, a dovekie "invasion," and a Cozumel birding preview.

Send us: Your bird poop stories. Plus, what should we name George’s beer?

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Phenomenal birding in Antarctica

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0500

George and Alvaro discuss what life is like aboard a ship in Antarctica, polar plunges, krill, and the world's biggest iceberg, plus spectacular birding all along the way. But the real question is: Can a ship full of birders find Emperor Penguins?

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

What birding the Falkland Islands is like

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 13:00:00 -0500

Hey, we're back! George and Alvaro recorded a few episodes while on an epic Antarctic adventure, and this is the first of these installments. They chat about birding in Tierra del Fuego, exploring Argentinean culture and food, what it's like on their ship, and Falkland Island adventures.

One spot left to join George and Mollee in Colombia in February!

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Does that bird count on your life list?

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0500

We chat about fishers, Phillies, and debate life list nuances. Let us know who you agree with!

One spot left to join George and Mollee in Colombia in February!

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

What's it like birding throughout Colombia?

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0400

George and Mollee chat about one of our favorite countries and deep-dive questions about our February Life List: Colombia tour.

Join George and Mollee in Colombia in February!

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Extraordinary birding experiences

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Skua! Kirtland's Warbler! Hear some recent extraordinary tales from the field from George and Alvaro.

Plus, join George and Mollee in Colombia or Alvaro in Japan in February!

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Storm birding: A science and an art

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 08:00:00 -0400

George and Alvaro give the lowdown on storm birding in this episode. They also chat about some unidentifiable birds and the subjectivity of determining genera.

If you follow George on social media, you’ll know that this episode was recorded before he had an incredible fall find in Cape May. Stay tuned for the next episode!

Plus, join us in Colombia in February! »

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

We're answering birdy questions from our listeners!

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0400

This week, we're answering questions from you, our dear listeners! Hear travel and birding tips and if the American Woodcock is indeed the best bird.

Plus, join us in Colombia in February! »

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

What leads to bird species lumps and splits? A lively discussion on checklist updates

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0400

This is what our podcast is about, folks: George and Alvaro take a deep dive into the American Ornithological Society's most recent supplement to the North and Middle American Checklist to discuss all the good, the bad, and what goes into the decision process.

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

Plus, we have a lot coming up! Learn more about these upcoming trips:

Birding Arizona, South Africa, and Colombia

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 16:00:00 -0400

We've all been on the road...er, plane, boat, and trail! Hear about our team's recent birding adventures across three continents.

We talk about a lot of birds in this episode:

Plus, we have a lot coming up! Learn more about these upcoming trips:

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com

How backyard birding becomes an obsession with Julie Zickefoose

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Renowned naturalist, artist, and author Julie Zickefoose joins us in this episode to talk about the joys of birding her patch, the new BWD magazine, and dogs + skunks 101.

All the links:

Subscribe to BWD magazine
Check out Julie's blog
Level up your bird bath

Big news: We're headed to Colombia in February! Sign up for the Coffee Triangle & The Colombia Birdfair Tour on our site. And while you're at it, look at our shiny new website!

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com.

Monarchs demystified and how birding helps the brain

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 19:00:00 -0400

Did you hear that Monarch Butterflies have recently become listed as endangered? Get the scoop from monarch scientists on how their population is changing, and while we're at it, how about some Ivory-billed Woodpecker updates, too? Plus hear the latest that proves how birding helps our memories!

Deep Dive: Opposing global change drivers counterbalance trends in breeding North American monarch butterflies

Big news: We're headed to Colombia in February! Sign up for the Coffee Triangle & The Colombia Birdfair Tour on our site. And while you're at it, look at our shiny new website!

Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com.

Splitting hares in Alaska and more summer birding travel

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 11:00:00 -0400

George and Alvaro catch up on their summer travels and deep dive Alaska’s birds and mammals.

We get hungry at the end, and you may, too.

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com

PS. Watch out for shell people! *send your letters to George*

The evolution of birding in Colombia with Diego Calderon

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 14:00:00 -0400

This episode we're joined by Diego Calderon, biologist and co-host of The Birders Show, to discuss all things birds and birding in Colombia and beyond!

Topics discussed: Species discovery including the Antioquia Wren, ground rollers, ornithology and recreational birding in the Neotropics, birding with FARC, vagrancy and rare bird chasing, and the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com

Deep Diving Vagrant Birds with Marshall Iliff

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 18:00:00 -0400

Marshall Iliff joins us for this interview episode where we discuss big days, vagrancies, and more!

Spring Migration: Canada vs. US and East vs. West

Sat, 21 May 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Covid hit the pod, but didn't keep us down for long. We're back to catch up on spring migration, The Biggest Week in Birding Festival, west coast pelagic research, and a curious towhee behavior.

Species mentioned: Arctic terns, various warblers, Eastern Towhee

Check out:

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com

Was the Ivory-billed Woodpecker actually rediscovered?

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0400

It's all over the news, but is there concrete evidence that the Ivory-billed Woodpecker still exists in the United States? George and Alvaro discuss these magnificent woodpeckers along with updates from Alvaro's tour in Cuba.

Locations mentioned: Cuba

Book recommendation: Vagrancy in Birds by Alexander Lees and James Gilroy

Upcoming tours:

New Jersey Deep Water Pelagic with Hillstar Nature
South Africa Birds and Wine with Alvaro's Adventures

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com

From Snow Leopards to Volcano Views

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 17:00:00 -0400

George recounts his adventures in India, Mollee talks about visiting El Salvador, and Alvaro gets a rare bird in his yard while we're recording!

Locations mentioned: India, El Salvador, Costa Rica

Movie recommendation: 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com

What travel is like in 5 Central and South American countries right now

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0400

While George is away in India, Alvaro and Mollee are off on adventures of their own!

Highlight bird species: Northern Mockingbird, various New World warblers, Black Swift, Broad-winged Hawk

Locations mentioned: Chile, Argentina, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Cuba

Don’t miss out: on the Broad-winged Hawk Project and Moonlight drives nocturnal vertical flight dynamics in black swifts by Anders Hedenström, Robert A. Sparks, Gabriel Norevik, Colin Woolley, Greg J. Levandoski, and Susanne Åkesson.

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com

Discovering a new bird species: Interview with Dan Lane

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 15:00:00 -0400

Episode 18 is a special one: our first interview with ornithologist, guide, and artist Dan Lane!

Ever wondered what it's like to discover a new bird species...and what to do after discovering it? You won't want to miss this interview where Dan recounts the epic 20-year journey in the discovery of the Inti Tanager.

Cool links: Learn more about Dan on his website

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com

Bird Mysteries!

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0500

We start by, what else? comparing pelagic updates from the east and west coasts with a few European bird names thrown in. Did we watch the Super Bowl? Superb owl? Tune in to find out. Measure Alvaro's junk food identification skills before we dive into some *drumroll* bird mysteries our hosts have experienced!

Species mentioned: Egyptian Plover; Vermilion Flycatcher; Brujo Flycatcher; and you know, various alcids and gulls and raptors

Cool links:

Check out this awesome drone footage of Hillstar Nature’s recent pelagic
And see a sample trip report on eBird

P.S. Pardon the interruption from a very cute and well-meaning golden retriever.

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com

Play dead, see condors

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0500

“In any other scenario, this would be a wickedly, inappropriate, ridiculous idea… but we’re birders.”

Thus begins many a birding tale, eh? In this case, we're talking condors. George and Alvaro dive into what makes a rare bird special, subspecies specifics, wild versus released or escaped birds, and more.

Highlight bird species: Condors; Steller's Sea Eagle and other Steller species; Tundra Swan; Southern Lapwing; and various other subspecies

Highlight locations: Middle Creek WMA, PA; Hawaii; Cuba; Thailand; Colombia

Don’t miss out: Birding Your Best Life and Hillstar Nature

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com

Travel: Uganda! A deep dive on our adventure

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0500

Talk about an epic birding adventure! George and Mollee recount their recent travels in Uganda. We deep dive into the things we didn’t expect and what we still can’t stop thinking about.

Highlight bird species: Shoebill; a variety of weavers; African Finfoot; Rock Pratincole; plus many mammals

Special thanks: To Hannah and Erik of Hannah and Erik Go Birding podcast and Peter Burke of Alvaro's Adventures for their guest appearances

Don’t miss out: Frontiers in Ornithology Symposium; African Birding Expo; Bird Uganda Safaris; International Women Birder's Conference

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com

The ecological findings of yard listing

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0500

Find out what we almost named Life List and a deep dive into the cultural implications of the question: “Have you seen the eagle?” Then, here’s to a new yard list for George! The guys also discuss elitism in birding... did Ontario Field Ornithologists come up with a solution to the age-old birder paradigm of sharing rare bird sightings? Learn how Goosanders in Europe have the same plumage pattern but a totally different structural shape than Common Mergansers.

Warning: We also discuss an unfortunately tasty group of rodents in South America including Shakira the pet Capybara…

Highlight bird species: A tale of three eagles species! (of course, there’s a nuance there); Goosander (Common Merganser, definite split, we say!), Pigeon Guillemot (snowi subspecies), Burrowing Owl, Rock Wren, Golden-winged Warbler, Cattle Tyrants

And hey! When you’re tired of birds, find some squirrels! After all, they’re mostly diurnal, vocal, and just waiting to have ID codes cracked. Squirrel tours, anyone?

Don’t miss out: Ontario Field Ornithologists, Squirrels of the West, and Birding Your Best Life

PSA: Give money to conservation and the local bars. Details in the ep.

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com

Lotta duck talk today

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 15:00:00 -0500

We kick off 2022 with winter duck updates in the form of some mallard-esque species, including Black, Mottled, and Mexican Ducks. We chat about Saw-whets and other owls, plus how the public interacts with them. Plus, have you heard about the collaboration of leading conservation organizations to support expeditions to re-find 10 lost bird species? Leonardo DeCaprio has. We also pay homage to the leaders in the field and fine human beings we lost over the past few weeks.

Highlight bird species: Various ducks; Dovekie; Great Skua; Saw-whet Owls

Locations mentioned: Cuba, New Jersey coast

Don’t miss out: on Hillstar Nature's upcoming tours

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com

You better love whales and owls

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 15:00:00 -0500

We catch up on Christmas Bird Counts, some Swifty talk, landfill birding, and how with experience, identification becomes recognition, just like finding a good friend in a crowded room. George also recounts the American Birding Association's Bird of the Year Reveal Party — welcome, year of the Burrowing Owl! — and more on owls, including vocal evidence to separate the burrowing owl into species and how owls decorate their nests. And a Steller’s Ja-- no wait, Eagle! continues to make dramatic appearances around the continent, spurring George and Al to recount their experiences with these massive eagles in Japan. Plus, we offer a few last-minute Christmas gift ideas, including gifts for kids who are interested in birding.

Highlight bird species: A few accipiters and falcons; Steller's Sea Eagles; and of course, Burrowing Owls!

Locations mentioned: Hokkaido, Japan; Philly; various Christmas Bird Count locations

Don’t miss out: on ABA's field guides to California and Pennsylvania

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com

Turkeys in a landfill

Sat, 27 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0500

The guys start with chatting birding updates and well-documented views of beers among birders. Then they dive in: they’re at risk of overdoing their interest in gulls, but they just don’t care. One cool thing about gulls is that it’s often relatively easy to get great looks at them — the challenge is in learning from what you’re seeing! Needless to say, the pod is ready for gull season to kick off. And what else comes around with gull season? Christmas Bird Count season, of course! They also chat about national birds, ABA’s Bird of the Year unveiling, the mysterious Fuegian Snipe, and how Tierra del Fuego got its name.

Highlight bird species: Common Raven; a variety of winter gulls, including Vaga Herring gulls; and the incredibly unique and mysterious Fuegian Snipe!

Locations mentioned: Wrap up of the year’s Half Moon Bay, CA pelagics; Jersey Shore

Don’t miss out: on Alvaro’s workshops; check out the vast database of webinars on the Los Angeles Birders website; and ABA’s Bird of the Year Reveal Party

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com

Ep 10: That's called naked birding!

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 17:00:00 -0500

You're in for a great story this week! Alvaro gives us an update on his journey through hearing loss and regaining it through a cochlear implant. But before that, we chat about late fall birding, Elaenia IDs, and more about ear birding.

Highlight bird species: Various Elaenias, including Small-billed and White-crested

Locations mentioned: Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, west coast pelagics

Don’t miss out: on Birdability

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Ep 9: A glass-half-full Bobolink

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 19:00:00 -0400

This week, the guys talk George’s wedding and house search (Do you think they made an eBird checklist? The answer may surprise you!); the Naturally Adventurous podcast; Black Rails and their close relatives; how genetics and appearances can differ; Kirtland’s Warblers seen throughout fall migration, plus notes on their evolution; the Cape May Fall Festival; and chasing Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers.

Highlight bird species: Black Rail and close relatives, Kirtland’s Warbler; Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher

Locations mentioned: Western Kansas, the Jack Pine region of Michigan and beyond; Cape May

Don’t miss out: on the Naturally Adventurous podcast and Alvaro’s upcoming workshops

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com

Ep 8: It's Good to Have Pants

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 13:00:00 -0400

Pelagic updates, how to prepare for a birding trip, and more. Join us!

Ep 7: Alvaro's Adventure in Spain

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0400

The guys catch up on Hurricane Ida and how an interest in natural history can lead to an interest in observing weather-related phenomenons before diving into the good stuff: updates from Alvaro's ongoing Spanish Adventure. Oh, and pelagics. There's always pelagics.

Topics covered include: The worst flooding in nearly 150 years in parts of the eastern United States, how storms and flooding affect birds, lots of updates on birding and migration in Spain, and musing on travel during Covid.

Highlight bird species: Honey buzzards, various raptors, storks, and more European migrants; Bridled and Sooty Terns

Locations mentioned: Philadelphia, various locations in Spain, offshore in North Carolina

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com

Ep 6: The increasingly golden era of birding and ornithology

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 16:00:00 -0400

Do you know the state bird of Utah, and how it came to be? How old are the oldest hummingbirds on record? Which gulls are of the cherry-picking variety? Get answers to these questions and so much more in this episode of Life List.

Topics covered include: Seasonal changes in birding; American Ornithological Society (AOS) updates, including a focus on genomics and inverted genes; why the western raptor that George spotted in New Jersey didn’t make the rare bird alerts; record-breaking gull lifespans and old birds including (you guessed it) albatrosses and storm-petrels, with a shoutout to good ol’ opossums.

Highlight bird species: Roseate Spoonbills; game birds for purchase; redpolls (how many redpoll species? you tell us); California Gulls; Laysan Albatross and other seabirds; shoutouts to elderly hummingbirds; moonwalking manakins.

Locations mentioned: Niagara Falls, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, the ocean

Links:

American Ornithological Society (AOS)

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Ep 5: A Moonbird for the Moon People

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we chat about updates on cicadas and west-coast pelagics, Olympian-quality birds, the fear of owls (and fear of showing people owls), and more birdy stuff. Send us your questions for our next episode, where you can Ask Us Anything!

Topics covered include: Cicadas and their affinity with prime numbers; bird and mammal reports from Farallon Islands pelagic trips; the underdogs of the Bird Olympics (we couldn’t resist); bird names for sports teams; an introduction to bird and dog breed comparisons; oclophobia (which appears to be a fear of owls); and hey, you guys are really listening!

Highlight bird species: Golden eagles and a full Olympian lineup, including a plethora of notable seabirds; Red Knots, with emphasis on Rufa Red Knots; Flammulated and other hard-to-find owls.

Locations mentioned: Local spots around Alvaro in Half Moon Bay, CA, and George in Philadelphia, PA; Farallon Islands; and you know, here and there.

Links:

The Little Red Knot That Could

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Ep 4: Mosquito Birth Control

Sat, 17 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -0400

George, Mollee and Alvaro chat together for the first time on Life List. Mollee introduces herself, and the amazing rooftop tent! Alvaro mentions his first June trip to the Farallon Islands, CA. George “cancels” on Subaru at the Philly flower show. But the main discussion is about the Aloha State. Mollee gives us her impression as a first-time birder to Hawaii. George impresses us with his fish knowledge. And we all discuss how Hawaii is amazing, and also a conservation emergency zone. Some native species have become quite rare in just a decade! Climate change is causing the “mosquito line” to move up in elevation, carrying avian malaria with it. We discuss GMO mosquitos and perhaps mosquito birth control through technology! Hawaii has its conservation success stories, especially when considering the native seabirds. Mollee also had her lifer pelagic in Hawaii. We chat about pelagics in Hawaii vs North Carolina, vs California. Shorts on a pelagic, vs freezing cold on a pelagic. And can you pull off the “Jaques Cousteau look?”

Topics covered include: Pop-up tents, Philly flower show, Hawaii bird conservation, Hawaii sea birding, Mollee’s first pelagic, the Atlantic’s first Wedge-tailed Shearwater, and pelagic birding in general.

Highlight bird species: I’iwi, ‘Akeke’e, ‘Akikiki, ʻAkiapōlāʻau, Chickens, Moas, Hawaiian Petrel, Bulwer’s Petrel, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, South Polar Skua, Black-capped Petrel, Newell’s Shearwater.

Locations mentioned: West Virginia, Farallon Islands (CA), Big Island, Kauai, Hatteras pelagic birding

Links:

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com

Ep 3: And from the guy who wrote the book, no less

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 16:00:00 -0400

George and Al discuss their local birding endeavors, flightless birds, and Al is almost stumped on naming the two North American birds that undergo two full molts in a year. Hear a killer Virginia Rail/Three Stooges impression and the real reason we named our podcast Life List. Plus, are you a restauranteur? George is revealing his brilliant idea, for free, right here, just for you.

Topics covered include: Volcanic effects on birds in the Caribbean, a population-versus-species mindset for conservation, a philosophical deep-dive on bird listing, and breakfast foods from around the world

Highlight bird species: Orange-crowned Warbler, Mangrove Cuckoos, various Antillean specialties, including the Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawk

Locations mentioned: Various locations in the West Indies

Links:

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com

Ep 2: Doh! I am gone [Insert Orange-Breasted Falcon]

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 15:00:00 -0400

Find out what makes George shriek like a small child and learn all about the Ridiculously Resilient Ridge as we discuss some of our first travel plans since the pandemic started. Also hear a teaser for Alvaro’s talk, Birding Fast and Slow, that deep dives into how our brains translate bird identification as our confidence as birders grows. PS - We have cited proof that watching birds bring people more happiness than money!

Topics covered include: Alvaro on the RRR, George’s recent trip to Colombia, “snake-aphobia," and Mollee and Mandy’s upcoming tour to Hawaii.

Highlight bird species: Common Raven, Goldfinch, Bogota Rail, Apolinar’s Wren, Orange-breasted Falcon, Roadside Hawk, Blue-gray Noddy, and Oregon’s first-ever Blue-footed Booby

Locations mentioned: Hawaii, and the Llanos, the Amazon & the tepuis of Colombia, Canada, and Oregon

Links:

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com

Ep 1: Welcome to the Pod!

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 16:00:00 -0400

Jumping off, Alvaro & George get Life List going by sharing their birding origins and dipping lightly into the vagaries of gulls and gull people, as well as why birding itself is such a great pastime. Alvaro recalls meeting Batman, his days (or daze?) in “peanut butter & jelly production” and how he used to think golf was weird, while George reveals his plans to announce a new “anti- sesquipedalian society.”

Topics covered include: The Pribilof Islands, Kim K & Kanye’s separation, Philly pride, backyard birds, how birding is rewarding, views on subspecies, and birding’s burgeoning popularity.

Highlight bird species: “Vega” Gull, redpolls, Whooping Crane, Pacific Loon, Smith’s Longspur, Northern Fulmar, Brown-headed Nuthatch, and others

Locations mentioned: Alaska, Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand, Philadelphia, and the Bay Area

Links:

Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@gmail.com