Though birding seems like a whimsical hobby, birders can be surprisingly competitive. Bridget Butler seeks to bring mindfulness, peace, and gentle attention into the world of birds and birding. Her slow birding guiding practice, Bird Diva, brings people out into nature for focused time communing with the birds and one another. “I just wanted to sto…

Ben Lowe is the executive director for A Roche, a Christian organization dedicated to the practice of creation care. Part of its mission is to help people rejoice in the beauty, diversity, and complexity of the natural world, and (get this!) commit to delighting in and treasuring God’s good creation. Delighting in creation. What a wonderful, import…

Author of Falling for the Birds of Rwanda and the soon to be released Following the Birds of Rwanda, Will Wilson didn’t start out as a birder. From age 18 until his early 40s, he served in the British military. How did he make the change from military life to a contemplative birding practice in the cities and wilds of Rwanda? Therein lies the tale.…

New York Times bestselling author Leigh Ann Henion believes we can learn a lot when the lights go out. From lightning bugs to salamanders, owls to bats, a whole world opens up after dark. Join us as we talk about our shared human need for darkness and why certain things flourish in less-seen times and places. Plus, check out Leigh Ann’s beautiful b…

Mark Robertson teaches high school English in San Juan Capistrano, California, a city also known as the spiritual home of the famous cliff swallows. It is from this perch (ha! see what we did there?) that he delves into the world of birds, birding photography, and all things literature. Friends, I enjoyed my conversation with Mark so very much. His…

Author, speaker, and professor of communication Quentin Schultze grew up in rough circumstances. The child of an alcoholic father who died young and a schizophrenic mother, one of the few things he found solace and connection in was studying robins with his mother. Decades later, he birds with his wife Barbara in the woods of Western Michigan and b…

Trauma therapist , birder, and author of My Summer with Ospreys, Pamela Lowell believes that hope is a great motivator. From her decades of work with people dealing with immense suffering, she’s found that nature can be an incredible balm. But when her enjoyment of birds in the marsh behind her home was drowned out by the sound of chainsaws, it tur…

Lore Ferguson Wilbert shares with us about her new book The Understory: An Invitation to Rootedness and Resilience from the Forest Floor. Together we talk grief, hope, the birds of the understory, and how sometimes it is when it seems that all hope is lost that God shows up. Links from Lore's show: Lore's book - The Understory Lore on Substack Lore…

Together we walk through Trish O'Kane's beautiful new book, Birding to Change the World, including the New Orleans disaster story that first led her into birding. Join us for this episode of The Thing with Feathers as Trish, author and senior lecturer in environmental justice at the University of Vermont, illuminates ways we might make a difference…

Trauma-informed Certified Grief Educator Mandy Capehart knows a thing or two about sorrow. Her first deep dive into grief came with the surprising and rapid decline of her mother in 2016. From there, she began learning all she could about how we grieve and what might help us heal. Links from Mandy's show: Restorative Grief (Mandy's website) The Res…

Julie Zickefoose is one of those birding writers I’ve admired from afar for a long time. When I first got into birds during that miserable pandemic, her book, “Saving Jemima” was one of the first bird-related titles I picked up at our library. I was captivated. Who knew little birds could have such big personalities? Who knew how much creativity an…

Gardening is for the birds! But wait... can gardening actually be FOR the birds? Today we're joined by Jenn McGuinness, author of Bird-Friendly Gardening, to learn all about creating beautiful outdoor spaces that can bless our feathered friends. Links from Jenn's show: Jenn's blog Jenn (Frau Zinnie) on Instagram Jenn (Frau Zinnie) on Facebook Birdi…

Director of Conservation for the Audubon Upper Mississippi River, Dale Gentry believes there are lots of reasons to be hopeful. From new initiatives caring for the forests lining the Mississippi to bird-friendly grass-fed beef, join us as we learn more about what the Audubon is doing to care for creation. Plus: we spend some time renaming the birds…

Avian biologist Emma Rhodes joins us to talk about all things migration, the joy of bird-banding, why American Redstarts are the perfect Halloween bird, and how to manage a huge group of volunteers. Links from Emma's show: Banding Coalition of the Americas Emma on Twitter Emma on Facebook Banding Coalition on Facebook Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠M…

Author, editor, and vulture aficionado Josina Guess joins us this week to talk vultures, sisterhood, and how pressing into the natural world can ground our hearts, minds, and souls. Links from Josina's show: Josina's website Vultures (Josina's essay in Image Journal) Vulture Sister Song Sojourners Magazine Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird I…

Founder of Ornitheology, pastor Kevin Burrell believes God has written reminders of his love and care all over the cosmos. From the call of a chickadee to the Scriptural reminders not to fear, this episode is a tour of beauty, goodness, and birds. Links from Kevin's show: Ornitheology Kevin on Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters…

Bestselling author Amy Tan gives us a tour of her new book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles and describes why, even when we're sitting at home, birds can help us feel free. Links from Amy's show: The Backyard Bird Chronicles Amy's website Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Fea…

Presbyterian pastor Roy Howard is spending his retirement with and for the birds. From Peregrin Falcons to the birds of Ecuador to Gerard Manley Hopkins, Roy takes us on a delightful birding journey. Links from Roy's show: Gerard Manley Hopkins poem Mary Oliver poem Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

SUNY Oswego Assistant Professor and Provost Dan Baldassarre brings us his wisdom on bird banding, the joy of teaching undergrads, Harpy Eagles, and which birds are the most badass. Links from Dan's show: ⁠Dan's faculty profile Dan on Twitter Harpy Eagle Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The …

Madison resident Mary Gemignani spends her free time with Sandhill Cranes. Today we learn all about these leggy, gentle giants from a photographer who sees them through a lens of love. Links from Mary's show: Mary on Twitter International Crane Foundation Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Th…

Ted Floyd has edited Birding Magazine for decades. He holds the longest consecutive birding streak in eBird and believes in the revitalizing power of getting out into nature daily. Plus: learn why Bushtits are so dang cool. Links from Ted's show: How to Know the Birds Birding Magazine The ABA Podcast Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

Daryl Ellis joins Courtney to chat about her new book, Looking Up: A Birder's Guide to Hope Through Grief. Plus: hear chapter one and get a 20% code for the book! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe…

Birding royalty Kenn Kaufman joins us to talk about drawing birds, the joy of being a beginner, and his new book The Birds That Audubon Missed. Links from Kenn's show: The Birds That Audubon Missed Kenn on Facebook Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twi…

Author of over 30 children's books, Glenys Nellist believes in making space for children (and adults!) to live in wonder. We talk about her brand-new book Song of the Seasons, the differences between American Robins and their British cousins, and the comfort of mystery. Plus: an original song about hope by Ephram Wilkoff. Links from Glenys's show: …

Essayist and storyteller Shemaiah Gonzalez brings us to her backyard in the Pacific Northwest for all the Starling/Blue Jay drama. Plus, the hope of literature, the joys and struggles of parenthood, and where to find a Trumpeter Swan. Links from Shemaiah's show Shemaiah on X Shemaiah's Undaunted Joy Substack Shemaiah on Facebook Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠…

Courtney talks to the Cape May Bird Observatory’s Program Coordinator, naturalist Adehl Schwaderer, about why counting birds is important, how to tell one raptor from another, why the Cape May Birding Festival is so rad (it really is!), and why vultures are the most elegant birds. Links from Adehl's show Cape May Spring Bird Festival Cape May Bird …

Professional photographer Stu McClay Smith guides us through how to snap that perfect shot, what equipment we need to get started, and why cats (of all things!) are bringing him hope. Links from Stu's show Stu on X/Twitter Stu on Instagram Stu's Photography Website Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thin…

Join us as we learn how much we can learn from backyard birds. Today on the show, Emma Greig joins us from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to talk all things Project FeederWatch. From the average number of backyard bird species (you'll be surprised!) to signing up for a free hawk poster, this informative episode is not to be missed. Links from Emma'…

Orange County, California birder Kristen Johnson serves as a shepherd/pastor at an EFCA church in Fullerton. From southern California hotspots to birding as grief work to caring for singles in the church, this is a conversation not to be missed. Links from Kristen's show Connect with Kristen Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠…

Public health professional Andrew Walsh writes on the intersections between faith and science. Join us for a conversation ranging from West Nile virus to the multiverse. Links from Andrew's show: Science Corner: Improper Names (Emerging Scholars Blog) Andrew's book: Faith Across the Multiverse Links birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e…

Professional podcaster Justin Gerhardt joins us to chat about other ways to identify birds, the joy of curiosity, and why the stories of the Old Testament keep him coming back. Links from Justin's show: Holy Ghost Stories Podcast Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠…

How can birds help us through the painful pieces of life? Roger Hutchison, author, illustrator, and speaker, serves at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston, and came to us for a vibrant conversation about mental health, spirituality, birds, and hope. Links from Roger's show: The Art of Calm Sparrow's Prayer Roger's Website Roger on Instagram…

Sarah L. Sanderson is the author of The Place We Make: Breaking the Legacy of Legalized Hate. We talk birding in Cameroon, the glory of bald eagles, and what it means to face down hard histories and work for justice. Links from Sarah's show: Sarah's book: The Place We Make Sarah on Twitter Sarah on Facebook Sarah's Website Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merli…

Courtney's husband Daryl comes back to update us on his birding progress, chat about all things natural theology, and brings us the joy of a black-billed magpie. Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Facebook⁠⁠⁠ The Thing With Feathers is produced by…

Anita Peebles believes that wonder and curiosity are holy practices, that studying the ecology of a community can be a fascinating practice, and that chickadees can be messengers. Join us on this episode of The Thing With Feathers as we learn from this birding Baptist pastor. Links from Anita's show: New Directions for Holy Questions (Anita's book)…

Poet Jody Collins has a way with words and a love for birds! Hear a few verses from her new book, "Mining the Bright Birds," and the story of our favorite fan mail yet on The Thing With Feathers. Links from Jody's show: Jody's website & book Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitte…

Carol Pope Gordon is a Midwesterner with an eye for capturing the whimsical world of birds. From goofy puffins to soaring osprey, she takes us on a journey into the world of birding photography. Links from Carol's show: Carol on Twitter Carol on Bluesky The famous puffin photo Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing Wi…

Tigers! Tragopans! Tea! Birder and photographer Mohit Mehta reminds us of how birds help us to be present in the moment as he shares the beauties of the birds of India. Links from Mohit's show: Mohit on Twitter Mohit's blog Birding links: ⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠e-Bird⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TTWF on Instagram⁠⁠⁠…

Laura Fabrycky is a theologian and birder interested in finding (and learning from!) the forgotten things. From female birds to female saints, we dive deep into the many intersections between the avian world and the world of faith. Links from Laura's show: Laura's website Laura's book (Keys to Bonhoeffer's Haus) Laura's article, The Birds and the B…

Ecologist Anuj Ghimire has PhD in Zoology with a focus on house sparrows. During his relatively short time in North Dakota he's seen over 500 owls. On today's episode of The Thing With Feathers, Anuj guides us through winter birding, the birds of the Dakotas and Minnesota, and the birds of Nepal. Links from Anuj's show: ⁠⁠Anuj on Twitter⁠ Anuj at N…

Author of Saints of Feather and Fang, Caryn Rivadeneira is a bird of prey aficionado who believes God plants reminders of grace and justice all around. Links from Caryn's show: Saints of Feather & Fang (Broadleaf Books) Caryn on Twitter Caryn on Facebook Caryn on Instagram Birding links: ⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠ ⁠e-Bird⁠ Follow The Thing With Feathers: ⁠TT…

NYT bestselling author Margaret Renkl takes us through her new book, The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year, why "we are not despairing creatures," her views on faith, where she's finding hope, and that story about the mouse in the pantry. Links from Margaret's show: The Comfort of Crows (Spiel & Grau) NYT Columns Margaret on Twitter Margaret on Ins…

BYU professor Steve Peck reminds us that faith and science need not be enemies. From discovering birding later in life to the delight of curiosity to his book, Evolving Faith: Wanderings of a Mormon Biologist, Steve is a wise and winsome guest. Links from Steve's show: ⁠Evolving Faith The Dance of the Blue Manakin Free Birding & Ecology Resources ⁠…

Join teacher and nature journal guide Heather Lefebvre as we delve deep into a surprising spiritual practice. Plus: bald eagles, eastern bluebirds, and reconnecting to the inner child. Links from Heather's show: The Nature Journaler Website Free Birding & Ecology Resources ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iNaturalist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ …

Birding guide Tiffany Kersten shares her harrowing story and how it started her on a mission to help birders create more safety in the field. Links from Tiffany's show: She's Birdie Alarms (And use code TIFF15 for 15% off!) ⁠Nature Ninja Birding Tours Meet the Birding Guide on a Mission (Audubon Magazine) Free Birding & Ecology Resources ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mer…

Join birding guide Eugenio Garcia on a learning journey about the amazing birding biodiversity of his homeland, what makes a good guide, and the adventure of jungle birding. Links from Eugenio's show: Journey South: Eugenio's Guiding Service Email Eugenio Free Birding & Ecology Resources ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merlin Bird ID⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-Bird⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iNat…

Courtney talks to Rebecca Heisman about her brilliant new book, Flight Paths, including all things migration: from the history of its human discovery, to what we have yet to learn, to the fun science behind bird backpacks and feather isotopes. Links from Rebecca's show: Flight Paths Book Rebecca's Website Rebecca on Twitter Rebecca on Instagram Fre…

Author of nearly a dozen nonfiction children's books, Annette Whipple has a knack for drawing people of all ages into wonder. On today's episode, Annette shares her love of owls, tips and tricks to connect with young readers, and how curiosity can be a powerful path toward hope. Links from Annette's show: Annette's books Annette on Twitter Annette …

Courtney chats with Dave Conrad, director of the Wild Program at the University of Iowa and pastor of Genesis Church about bird-banding, the hawk that got away, and why leaning into the natural world can have profound consequences for our faith. Links from Dave's show: Dave Conrads at UI Wild Hawk banding at the UI Raptor Program Free Birding & Eco…

In his 19-years of life, Jodhan Fine has served as an eBird regional reviewer for New Mexico, a co-compiler of NM's NAB regional reports, an author for ABA journals and Western Birds, and a Central New Mexico Audubon Society board member. This Occidental College student is passionate about all things birds and birding! Jodhan and I talk all things …