Will's Birdbrain

There are approximately 50 billion birds in the world. There are approximately 8.2 billion humans on earth. That is about 6 birds for every person. With that kind of ratio it isn’t hard to see how there are a lot of different birds that are common birds for people around the world. The Will’s Birdbrain Podcast is dedicated to uplifting the amazing lives of average every day birds, such as the navi...

Have you ever been to a National Wildlife Refuge? Do you know the difference between a National Wildlife Refuge and a National Park? If not, this is the episode for you! Will is joined by Gaby from America's Wildlife Refuges , a nonprofit charged with advocating for and maintaining America's National Wildlife Refuge system. This is no small task - there are over 500 refuges in the countr...

"Yank-yank-yank!" That means your birdfeeder is empty in nuthatch! In this episode Will introduces you to the nutty brains of two very familiar sights in the United States - the red-breasted nuthatch and the white-breasted nuthatch! These common birdfeeder birds are known for their acrobatic movements and penchant for hanging upside down. Tune in for some amazing facts about the lives of...

Ready for a trip to the Cedar Waxwing Museum? You'll learn an "ear-full" in this episode all about the little silken heroes! Cedar waxwings are a bird that is a familiar sight during the darkest, loneliest time of the year due to their penchant for short migrations. These birds are incredibly social and tend to have a little too much fun at bird parties. Have you ever seen a flock g...

Do you know someone you wish cared about birds like you do? Have you ever wondered how to appropriately share rare bird locations? If so, this is the episode  for you! Doug Hitchcox, a Naturalist with the goal of “getting the most people to see the most birds” joins Will for an engaging discussion about the state of "birding." Doug works towards his goal in his professional life, with ov...

Attention loyal listeners! Will is going on his annual summer podcasting break! Don't worry, the second half of season three will be here as soon as you can say "the ivory-billed woodpecker is gone forever." In the meantime, here is a bonus episode all about Will's favorite bird and birding moments. Some of the stories just may surprise you! Want to share your own favorite bird...

Attention intrepid birder! Uncle Sam wants YOU to learn about the bald eagle! Join Will as he describes the adventurous, independent, free lives of the bald eagles of the USA. From building gigantic villas of nests, to exploring the nation for years before settling down, bald eagles are much more than your average bird. Also explored are the roots of bald eagle symbolism in American culture. Why i...

Want to take a hike with Will's Birdbrain? If the answer is yes, you are in luck! This episode was recorded live on a hike in Westbrook, Maine! Try listening to this relaxing journey when you are unwinding after a long day, try and picture the unique creatures discussed and heard, and imagine the strange plants described... If you enjoy this more "freeform" type of episode be sure t...

This episode is sweet as nectar because it is all about the ruby-throated hummingbird! Hummingbirds are tiny creatures that have captured the hearts and minds of humans for centuries. They live fast and often die young, making sure to pack in a ton of adventure and excitement while they are around. What can hummingbirds teach us about the way we live our lives? In this episode Will also explores A...

Let's be real, we've all had the dream of being a veterinarian at one point or another. Most of us may have had that dream during childhood, but veterinarian technician Morgan held fast and is living that dream! Morgan joins Will to talk about her journey to becoming a vet tech, share stories from her adventures in the world of conservation, and discuss the role of pets in our lives. Thi...

A long time ago in a park far way... dozens of European starlings were released, forever changing the avian landscape of North America! Tune in to episode one of season three of the Will's Birdbrain Podcast, Starling Wars to learn how European starlings came to reside in the United States, what impacts they have on the locals, and maybe even a reason or two to appreciate these often villainiz...

Ready to discover the amazing world of your own backyard? Keep listening to the Will's Birdbrain Podcast to discover how! Be sure to check out the Will's Birdbrain Instagram account for complementary episode photos and videos, plus many other awesome bird photos/stories! --> Will's Birdbrain Instagram Page <-- Got a favorite bird you'd like to hear discussed on the Podcas...

Ready to wind down after a great day of birding? Here's Will's Birdbrain Bedtime Stories Vol. 1 to help you fall asleep and dream about birds! Inside you'll find the following tales: The Nightingale (1:08) The Alkonost and the Siren (19:00) The Story of the Bluebird (26:25) Thank you very much for a wonderful season 2! Please accept this Christmas gift to you. Season two was certain...

Knock knock - who's there? - season - season who? - no, season two finale!   Season two has been quite the journey! From learning about migratory butterbutts, to vibin' out to the chill beats of Stressers, every episode has been a fantastic conversation with knowledgeable guests, but at times they got a little heavy. Talking about hard sciences and social issues can be equal parts reward...

Are you afraid of the dark? How about ghosts or zombies? If these spooky terrors don’t send a shiver down your spine tune into this chilling Will’s Birdbrain episode to discover something truly terrifying – the possibility of extinction!  In true classic horror movie fashion, this is a drive-in double feature episode showcasing two birds of the day and a very special guest, uncle Jared, host of Gh...

Ornithology. Herpetology. Mammalogy. When you hear these words what do you think of? You’re probably aware of the meaning behind the suffix “ology,” meaning “the study of,” which may make you think these words solely refer to rigorous scientific study, test tubes and all. What if I told you an ology such as ornithology, the study of birds, doesn’t have to be so alien.  Joining Will is Meg, a socio...

Owls are possibly the most mysterious of all birds. They have captivated the minds of man for thousands of years, resulting in countless myths and legends about their peculiar behavior. Perhaps the most mysterious of all owls is also the most common owl and the most widespread landbird in the world, the barn owl! Join Will and Leslie, a budding birder, as they discuss why you should give a "h...

Did you know? Will’s Birdbrain not only celebrates the common birds you may see every day but the common people you see everyday as well! Over the course of the podcast my guests and I have highlighted specific ways you can live and breathe birding simply by existing. From making movies featuring birds to studying them professionally, everyone can use their experience to uplift the voice of the vo...

The content of this bonus episode was described as "my manifesto." I believe birding is for everyone- not just black folk, not just white folk, or able bodied people, or otherwise.  I was prompted to write this episode after attending a birding event in Maine as the only young person of color, an oh so familiar experience for me. This episode not only describes the challenges non-white,...

Hello Birdbrains! Season two has been so fun! We've learned about science, compared hobbies, and even gone on an adventure in Montana! Let's take a moment to appreciate the journey thus far and look back on some highlights from the first half of season two. Kayta, our very own WBB beginner birder, has graduated to intermediate birder between seasons and has returned to share her thoughts...

Have you ever been overwhelmed by traveling? The streets are confusing, people speak a different language than you, your usual creature comforts are gone. In the midst of travel stress there's always one thing that is sure to bring comfort- the sight of a familiar bird, such as the bird of the week, the yellow-rumped warbler! This episode Will joins Shane Sater of the Wild With Nature podcast...

Making music is in our bones. From  the ancient bone flutes of the first human settlements to advanced electronic melodies crafted in megacities, people have always found a way to create music.  Birds are much the same, especially the ultimate representation of springtime and singing, the American robin! Will is joined by Ben, the musical mastermind behind Stressers , a vibey electronic dance musi...

House sparrows are one of the most common birds in the world. They are found on six of seven continents, from the densest urban landscapes to the most remote of islands. What makes them so common? Their Do-It-Yourself lifestyles! This episode Will throws on his handmedown toolbelt and talks shop with Luke, a master of DIY craftsmanship. Luke discusses the value in building your own items, and what...

You may have heard about pigeons serving in World War II, but did you hear Will's Birdbrain is now on Patreon?  Patreon is a premium subscription platform that allows people to support the independent artists they love. For as little as $5.00 a month you can help Will's Birdbrain continue spreading the wonder of common birds to the masses.  What can you expect from the WBB Patreon? At an...

It's a bird... it's a plane... how the heck do either stay up in the sky like that?! Episode one of season two focused on birds using their legs to survive and thrive. This time around we've digging into the science behind birds greatest skill- flight! The brilliant Billy Valentine joins Will bringing with him years of experience working for one of the world's premier airplane...