Will's Birdbrain

Welcome to Season Two of the Will's Birdbrain Podcast! This season we're mixing up the formula, and taking a little bit of a deeper dive into what makes the hobby of birding unique. But don't fret! Common birds are still at the forefront of every discussion.  Will is joined by Jocelyn, an ultra-runner and advocate the hobby of running in every form. Together they attempt to keep pac...

Will's Birdbrain makes his Spring migration home with season two!  This season on Will's Birdbrain you'll be introduced to an all new cast of common birds who are much more than meets the eye! Joining the flock and these overlooked icons are some awesome new guests, providing unique perspectives on the bird of the day and birding as a hobby!  We're hitting the ground running on...

Gobble gobble welcome to the bird cabal! This bonus episode Will explores the history of Thanksgiving in the United States, and of course talks turkey. What are you thankful for this season? Be sure to check out the Will's Birdbrain Instagram account for complementary episode photos and videos, plus many other awesome bird photos/stories! This is my primary form of communication and updates!...

Welcome to the season one finale of Will's Birdbrain! This episode Will is joined by a multitude of amazing members of the birding community, from artists to beginner birders alike! The theme is "birds of a feather flock together," we truly embody this adage. Plus, we're joined by the bird that started it all, red-winged blackbirds! Making this show has been a delight! I'v...

Imagine, if you will, a world of unease. A realm in which the land, sea, and most importantly sky, offer ceaseless horror. Where psychological and bodily harm lie just outside your window. This place is not for the faint of heart, and the permanent residence for those living ornithophobia, the fear of birds. Proceed with caution as we travel to the outskirts of this world, your next stop... the Bi...

Will interviews one of the world's leading experts on the Common Loon, Dr. James D. Paruk. Together they discuss what it is that humans find so fascinating about loons, from their mournful wail to striking plumage. This conversation is flecked with awesome facts and unbelievable stories from Jim's adventures in the world of the loon.  If you love loons too, check out Jim's book, Loo...

Everyone is an artist, what inspires you? Will and Maleah explore how black-capped chickadees are some of the most inspirational little birds when it comes to art. From their intricate vocalizations to surprising control over bodily functions, there's much more than meets the eye with chickadees.  The myth this week is U`tlûñ'ta, the Spear-finger, from the Cherokee people. What can this...

Join Will and Sarah for a candid conversation about a truly unsung hero of not just the bird world but the whole world - the turkey vulture! The duo meet at the Maine Maritime Museum to discuss the importance of the turkey vulture, what makes them great family birds, and what they can teach US about enriching our communities.  The myth this week is The Blind Vulture, from the Hitopadesha originati...

Will and Savannah don their best deerstalker hats and dive into the true crime world with an investigation of one of the most notorious birds in the world - the Canada Goose. The duo examines real life cases of "bird crime," and what it means to be a bad bird. Can this lawless troublemaker be redeemed?!  The myth this week is The Goose Wife, an Inuit tale. The legend follows Itajung, as...

Will and Kayta buckle up for a whirlwind roadtrip to Louisiana to see peli-culiar brown pelicans! Along the way they discuss how brown pelicans were critically endangered because of human carelessness when it came to pollution. What does it mean to advocate for conservation, and why are brown pelicans such an important example of the dangers of neglecting the environment? Along the way they also d...

Will and Olivia discuss what makes mallards magical! Mallards are birds that can easily be found in cities and towns. They act as gateways to nature, animals and birding! The duo talks about the role urban birding has on the hobby - you don't always need to go on big adventures far away when birding! Olivia brings her experience as an "urban birder" to the episode, sharing many stor...

Birding is a hobby you continue to refine and develop over time. With Birding 101 Will offers some of his favorite tips and tricks for birding! This episode is best listened to after the episode What is Birding? Where to find birds, how to identify them, and more is discussed! Let's go to class! Be sure to check out the Will's Birdbrain Instagram account for complementary episode photos...

Will and Paul discuss when birds will start to live their lives right... gulls just want to have fun! Gulls' carefree personalities have lead people over the centuries to bestow heavenly attributes to these common birds. From messengers of God to tokens of luck, gulls have been viewed as good omens. Paul brings his museum and curatorial experience to ponder the value of bird art, and how gull...

Will and Josh discuss crows' spooky representation in film, and why these birds are more than dark omens. Discover how crows have used their intelligence to their advantage over the centuries, and have complex social lives! The featured myth is the legend of How the Crow Became Black! Be sure to check out the Will's Birdbrain Instagram account for complementary episode photos and videos,...

Will and Kayta explain where pigeons come from, and how they've interacted with people over the past 5000 years. They also discuss a few wild facts about pigeons and their ties to the military! Don't miss this week's myth- the Legend of the Pigeons of Krakow!  Be sure to check out the Will's Birdbrain Instagram account for complementary episode photos and videos, plus many othe...

Will introduces the audience to his favorite hobby, birding! The episode includes exploring what birding is, how to get started, and some tips on enjoying your time in nature. Will recalls his experience beginning birding with personal stories, and encourages folks to find their own footing in the bird world.  Support the show

Will welcomes you to Will's Birdbrain by introducing himself to you! Learn about the bird that started it all for him, and why he wants other people to make special connections with birds. This introduction will also give you a taste of what to expect moving forward. Thanks for being here!  Support the show