Random Nature

Today’s bonus episode dives into a surprising HOA vs. sunflowers showdown. We hear how one homeowner’s pollinator‐friendly blooms were slashed by the HOA president—despite no laws banning them— and how kids’ bikes in driveways even earned a stern warning. From hummingbirds drawn to those very sunflowers to the broader fight for pollinator gardens amid climate change, we unpack why neighborhood rul...

In this episode of Random Nature, host Christy Hyman welcomes writer and scholar Maia Butler to trace the landscapes that shaped her life and her work. Maia opens by locating her roots on Coast Salish land in Olympia, Washington, before moving through her childhood in south- central Alaska on Denaʼina Athabascan lands. She describes early memories of Homer on the Aleutian Chain; making mud pies, d...

In this bonus episode, Christy is on her usual 45-minute walk to her favorite village coffee house when a car goes airborne right in front of her and disappears into a ravine— the motorist, his dog and all. She reflects on the cascade of fears that hit her in those few seconds, the divine and ancestral protection she feels carried her through, and what the whole terrifying experience revealed abou...

What does it mean to grow up saved—and then spend your career studying how race, religion, and power have always been tangled together in the west? Christy sits down with Ed J. Blum, historian of Ideas, to find out. From his evangelical upbringing in suburban New Jersey to his landmark scholarship on W.E.B. Du Bois, Ed traces the through-line between personal faith and intellectual obsession. He a...

In this episode, Christy checks in with a spring update from the Finger Lakes region of New York, where she'll be based full-time after permanently wrapping up a professional affiliation in North Carolina. She covers the famously unforgiving Tompkins County frost calendar—last freeze as late as May 30—and what that means for her raised garden bed at the Cottages, where she's planning a s...

March 11, 2026. My son's  20th Birthday. A turning that took place in Heaven.

Common Grackle Operated a Soda Dispenser in Howard University Cafeteria. You read that right. In this episode of Random Nature, Christy challenges conventional wisdom about avian behavior. What happens when birds don't follow the rulebook? From American Robins defying dietary expectations to the surprising intelligence of the much-maligned Common Grackle, I explore how birds adapt to changing...

On this special MLK Day episode, I explore how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s fight for justice connects directly to today’s climate crisis. From his support of sanitation workers to the roots of the environmental justice movement, I trace how King’s vision of equality and dignity for all inspires climate scientists, activists, and communities on the front lines. Join me as I examine the links betwe...

 In this bonus episode of Random Nature,  Christy shares heartfelt reflections on the significance of the day, not only as a time for gratitude but also as a momentous occasion marking the release of their trade book, set for November 27, 2025, by Bloomsbury. With a focus on the current economic challenges facing many listeners, Christy emphasizes that there’s no pressure to purchase the book; ins...

Hey everyone! It’s been a minute, and I just wanted to check in with you all. I’m still hanging in there, staying prayed up and meditated up amidst the tough times in my home country. A big shoutout to all the ADVOCATES holding the line—let’s keep that hope alive! I wanted to give you some updates. First off, I’m working on a new episode that should be out this summer. I know it’s been a while, bu...

Welcome back to Random Nature, the podcast where Christy the birder/academic explores the enchanting and often surprising connections between humanity and the natural world. Today  she engages in a lively discussions with a fascinating guests,  This week she talks to Eric K., a journalist based in the D.C. area. We mention: Canada Geese Urban foxes campus food delivery robots.

In this poignant episode, Christy reflects on the heavy emotions surrounding her new year, a time that marks not just a fresh start but also deep sorrow for those who mourn the loss of a child. With an emphasis on Sufi philosophy, Christy navigates the concept of death as a reunion with the divine, offering solace amidst the heartache of losing her younger child Ricky, a vibrant spirit whose brief...

Welcome back to another episode of the Random Nature Podcast! In this bonus episode titled "Things Keep Breaking, Part Two," host Christy Hyman shares a humorous and relatable tale from her adventures in bird photography. After enjoying some successful shots of various birds at Myers Point in Lansing, New York, Christy faces a frustrating technical challenge when her camera malfunctions...

In this whimsical episode, we follow Christy on a light-hearted adventure at her local birdwatching hotspot. Amidst the serene sounds of nature, Christy encounters an unexpected twist when she suspects a clever crow has stolen her car keys. With her binoculars on hand and her phone ready for backup, she grapples with the hilarious idea of a feathered thief making off with her belongings. As she na...

In this bonus episode, Christy shares her recent experiences with a malfunctioning car battery and the impact it had on her birding adventures. She discusses how her battery seemed to drain quickly, prompting a visit from AAA. After initially being told the battery was fine, it soon became clear that it wasn't, leading to a replacement right at her location. With her car issues resolved, Chri...

In this episode of Random Nature we explore the captivating worlds of destination birding and backyard birding.  I shout out several other cool podcasts: Lifelist Hannah and Erik go Birding Bird Banter Science of Birds BirdJoy Podcast We highlight incredible locations such as the Pantanal in Brazil, home to over 650 bird species, and Hokkaido in Japan, known for its diverse ecosystems that attract...

In this episode, we dive into a strange journey. One where birds help humans find their cars in a city packed with parking decks.

 In this episode I discuss updates about birds and travel as well as provide details on my upcoming book, The Cultural Heritage Resilience of the Great Dismal Swamp: Exploring the Cultural Heritage Resilience of the Great Dismal Swamp** In this episode, we delve into the cultural resilience of the Great Dismal Swamp, highlighting the powerful stories of local residents who have preserved their tra...

On a Heaven child’s birthday, we know that the object is to celebrate that they were born. This is a very coherent form of commemoration.  I love my son as much as the day I birthed him, as much as they day of funeral, and I love him still as a Spirit child in Heaven.✨ Celebrating You Today ✨  Today marks the birthday of my precious son, and while you may not be here with us, your spirit shines...

Today we explore the fascinating world of ecology and conservation! We have a special guest who has dedicated their life to studying bird ecology. With a wealth of knowledge about avian habitats, behaviors, and conservation strategies, Fred Beaudry will share insights that illuminate the critical role birds play in our lives. Together, we'll dive into their experiences and explore how we can...

This episode introduces us to my friend and collaborator Jim Anderson, PhD. Anderson recounts his experiences growing up on a dairy farm in rural Wisconsin, emphasizing activities like cow-milking, fishing, hunting, and trapping muskrats. He reflects on the harsh realities of life and death in nature(content warning), shaped by childhood adventures and a strong connection to wildlife, ultimately l...

How to bird on the conservative Jersey Shore without losing your mind. 

Birds I saw in TX!

In today's episode, we talk to historian of the African Diaspora, Oscar de la Torre! Our conversation spans the globe!

In this episode, I give you updates on what I have been up to and provide a few random nature moments I experienced, with bonus tidbits on a few of my friends' most random nature moments.