Dr. Maren Vitousek: The Secret Lives of Tree Swallows | Black Bird Joy

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Did you know that birds can have personalities? Or that scientists have been studying some birds for decades?

In this first full episode of Black Bird Joy, Mason sits down with Dr. Maren Vitousek, an ornithologist and researcher who studies Tree Swallows.

Together they talk about:

🐦 How Dr. Maren became interested in birds
🪺 What makes Tree Swallows so special
👀 How scientists recognize individual birds year after year
🌎 The challenges birds face in the wild
💙 Whether birds really have personalities
🔬 What it's like to spend your life studying birds
🌿 Advice for young birders who want to explore nature

Whether you're a lifelong birder or just beginning to notice the birds around you, this conversation is full of curiosity, discovery, and inspiration.

Thanks for joining us!

Birds. Nature. Community. Joy.

🌿 Black Bird Joy

A young birder's journey exploring birds, nature, and the people who inspire us to look closer.

🌐 Website:
https://blackbirdjoy.com

📸 Instagram:
@blackbirdjoyofficial

🎙️ Follow the podcast so you never miss a new adventure, field note, or interview.

Birds. Nature. Community. Joy.

Welcome to Black Bird Joy

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Black Bird Joy: Conversations in Nature!

Hi! I'm Mason, an 8-year-old birder who loves exploring the natural world.

Every day, I'm outside looking for birds, asking questions, and learning something new. On this podcast, I'll share my birding adventures and talk with ornithologists, photographers, conservationists, educators, and other people who love birds as much as I do.

Whether you're an experienced birder, just getting started, or simply enjoy spending time outside, I'm glad you're here.

Thanks for joining me on this adventure.