The Bird Joy Podcast 5z2p6r

We’re celebrating Black Birders Week with a very special guest: Corina Newsome — wildlife biologist, conservation scientist, and one of the original co-organizers of the first Black Birders Week in 2020. In this inspiring episode, Corina s Dexter and Jason to talk about her journey from zookeeper to ionate advocate for environmental justice, and how she’s helping reshape who feels welcome in the outdoors. Corina reflects on the moment she fell in love with wildlife, the movement-building behind Black Birders Week (founded by Black AF in STEM), and how becoming a mother is deepening her connection to nature. This episode is full of heart, humor, and real talk—from favorite birding snacks and awe-filled moments to the ongoing work of creating inclusive spaces in science and nature. It’s a celebration of joy, justice, and unapologetic presence in wild places. 💚 Follow Corina NewsomeInstagram: @hood_naturalist LinkedIn: Corina Newsome Website: www.corinanewsome.com 🌍 Learn More & Get InvolvedBIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin: bipocbirdingclub.org In Color Birding Club: incolorbirding.org 🎧 Subscribe to Bird Joy wherever you listen to podcasts and follow @thebirdjoypod for more episodes celebrating birds, community, and belonging.

In this episode, Dexter and Jason sit down with Kojo Baidoo — a 23-year-old birder, Princeton graduate, and self-proclaimed vulture enthusiast — to explore how one young conservationist is flipping the script on one of the most misunderstood birds in the skies. Kojo shares how his birding journey began in Maryland and took flight during his time studying Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Princeton. He opens up about his experiences navigating the birding world as a young Black birder, the mentors who shaped him, and how he’s using social media to educate and inspire. From viral reels to fieldwork with The Nature Conservancy, Kojo’s mission is clear: even the “ugly” birds deserve joy. The conversation also touches on Kojo’s recent trip to witness the Sandhill Crane migration, his current work as a Hubbard Fellow, and advice for aspiring birders who feel like outsiders in the outdoor space. Kojo’s blend of humor, heart, and scientific insight makes this episode a powerful reminder that birding can be a tool for joy, community, and change. 📲 Follow Kojo Instagram: @kojobirder Learn more about Black Vultures here 💬 Stay Connected Subscribe, rate, and review Bird Joy wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on social @thebirdjoypod for more feathered joy and behind-the-scenes content! BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin  In Color Birding 

In this inspiring episode of The Bird Joy Podcast, Jason and Dexter sit down with Shane Alden Edwards, better known online as The Wild Dryad. A self-taught illustrator and botanist, Shane has captured the hearts of over half a million nature lovers through his vibrant educational content centered on plants, ecology, and outdoor learning. From early creative roots in aquaponics and drawing, to leading community workshops in partnership with The Conservation Foundation and The Field Museum of Natural History, Shane shares how art and education can work together to nurture a deeper relationship with the natural world. We talk about the joy of native plants, the importance of experiential learning, and how community and creativity can foster healing for both people and the planet. Topics Covered: Shane’s journey into botany through art and aquaponics How acting and improv shape his unique teaching style Building inclusive, community-centered environmental education The importance of native plants for birds, biodiversity, and ecosystems Memorable experiences studying ecology in North America and Southeast Asia What it’s like to grow an online community of over 500,000 nature lovers Tips for beginners who want to start exploring plants and botany Hopes for the future of conservation, education, and environmental justice Finding joy through connection with plants and nature bipocbirdingclub.org incolorbirding.org

The second episode of The Bird Joy Podcast features hosts Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall in conversation with their "dream guest," Dr. J. Drew Lanham, a distinguished wildlife ecologist, professor, poet, and author. The episode delves into Dr. Lanham's deep connections to nature, starting with his childhood on The Home Place and the influence of his grandmother. The discussion explores themes of land, identity, and belonging for Black individuals in landscapes with a history of slavery, referencing Dr. Lanham's book The Home Place. It also discusses the realities of "Birding While Black," including the experience of being watched and the question of safety, while also touching on the progress and necessary changes brought about by initiatives like Black Birders Week. A significant portion of the conversation centers on the concept of "Joy as Justice," the title of Dr. Lanham's latest poetry collection. They explore why joy is central to his work and its meaning as a form of resistance. They also discuss navigating grief alongside the wonder of nature. The hosts and Dr. Lanham touch upon the power of storytelling in conservation, blending science with poetry, and the impact of his writing, referencing his BirdNote episode "For Lindsay." The episode concludes with a discussion on legacy, advice for young Black and Brown nature enthusiasts, and Dr. Lanham's hopes for the future of birding and the outdoors. The hosts thanked Dr. Lanham and provided information on where listeners can find his work before g off. They also shouted out relevant organizations and called listeners to action. bipocbirdingclub.org incolorbirding.org

We're back! In the Season 3 premiere of Bird Joy, your favorite birding buddies reunite to catch up, share what’s new, and get pumped for the peak of spring migration. From exciting bird sightings to major personal milestones—including Dexter’s new book and In Color Birding Club’s website launch—this episode sets the tone for an inspiring and vibrant new season. In This Episode: A warm welcome back to the Bird Joy community Early spring sightings and birding energy Community-driven birding updates and new collaborations Behind-the-scenes of Dexter’s book journey Launch of a new inclusive birding platform What’s ahead this season—special guests, stories, and inspiration Subscribe, share, and follow us on socials to stay in the loop this season. Got a cool spring birding moment? Tag us—we’d love to see it! Let’s go! Season 3 is officially in flight. 

Season 2 of the Bird Joy Podcast was an unforgettable journey! This season, we celebrated diverse voices and explored themes like birding, mentorship, science communication, healing, community, and breaking barriers in STEAM fields. From pioneers like Emmy-award winner and best-selling author Christian Cooper to next-generation leaders like Isaiah Scott, our guests inspired us with their ion and wisdom. Dexter reflects on the personal growth and healing sparked by powerful conversations with guests like Tammah Watts and Melissa Hafting. At the same time, Jason hilariously compares a male Northern Cardinal to Adele (yes, that happened!). As we gear up for Season 3, we invite YOU, our listeners, to the show by sharing your Bird Joy stories. Plus, get a sneak peek at exciting future guests and how we’re working to grow the podcast, reach more people, and fairly compensate our amazing guests. Connect With Us and Our Guests Follow us on Instagram @thebirdjoypod and check out our incredible Season 2 guests: Christian Cooper – @christiancooperbirder Isaiah Scott – @ikesbirdinghikes Jordan Rowley – @brighteyedbirding Mariah Hryniewich – @mariaheve13 Luis Eduardo Gles – @phonescoper Amar Ayyash  Lauren Pharr – @ldpharr Dr. Murry Burges – @murryloub Field Inclusive – @fieldinclusive Indigo Goodson-Fields – @indigoindaflow Tammah Watts – @tammahwatts Calvin Feagans – @biotainframe Alex Troutman – @n8ture_al Melissa Hafting – @bcbirdergirl Looking Ahead to Season 3 Audience Involvement: We want to hear from you! Record a short voice memo sharing your favorite birding moments, reflections on the podcast, or what Bird Joy means to you. Please email us at [email protected] Shoutouts:  A big shoutout to Field Inclusive (it’s Field Inclusive Week!) Jasmine Banks of Operation Fresh Start, Christopher Kilgour of Color in the Outdoors, Outdoor Auntie. the Podcast: Help us grow by subscribing, sharing, and leaving a review. Interested in partnering with us? Reach out to or sponsor the podcast and help us scale while fairly compensating our guests. Closing Note We’re so proud to showcase the diversity and beauty of the birding community. To all our Bird Nerd homies, thank you for making Season 2 unforgettable. We’ll see you in Season 3—we outside all 2025!

In the final guest appearance of Season 2, Dexter and Jason sit down with British Columbia's own Melissa Hafting to explore how birding can provide profound healing and hope. Melissa reflects on her experiences as a Black woman birding in British Columbia and discusses her remarkable new book, Dare to Bird: Exploring the Joy and Healing Power of Birds. She shares how her parents nurtured her love for birds early on and how that foundational motivates her to mentor the next generation of birders in her community and beyond through the BC Young Birders Program she founded in 2014. Melissa is a trailblazer in the birding community, breaking barriers, championing diversity, and leading with grace and determination. The conversation also touches on Melissa's favorite birding spots in BC, including the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary and Boundary Bay. She talks about her role as an eBird reviewer and showcases her breathtaking bird photography. Melissa Hafting is a shining example of how Black women significantly contribute to birding and beyond. Connect with Melissa: 📸 Follow Melissa: @bcbirdergirl   🌐 Visit her website: Dare to Bird We also want to thank the Special Bird Service, another Canadian organization dedicated to making nature more accessible. Through birding, they aim to remove barriers and challenge stereotypes about the outdoors. Connect with Us: 🐦 Dexter: @WiscoBirder   🐦 Jason: @TheBirdingBeardsman 🌐 More episodes & resources: Bird Joy Podcast 🎙️ Are you ready for some Bird Joy? Let's Go!

In this uplifting episode, Dexter and Jason are ed by Alex Troutman, known as the “Best Smile in Birding,” to explore the many ways to find joy in the great outdoors. Whether it’s birding, fishing, hunting, or camping, Alex inspires us to live life with a wildlife mirror, reflecting the beauty of the natural world. Alex shares his incredible research journey highlights, including studying Karner Blue Butterflies in Wisconsin, sea turtles in Texas, and bats in Malaysia. The conversation includes Bird Joy Podcast shoutouts to Hunters of Color, Black Duck Revival, and the homie Mahdi Woodard, the Atlanta Birdman. Don’t miss Alex’s thoughts on his merch and the hosts’ shared dream of birding in South America to spot the iconic Harpy Eagle. Want to help them get there? Holler at your bird-loving crew! Connect with Us: Follow Alex Troutman: @N8ture_Al Dexter: @WiscoBirder Jason: @TheBirdingBeardsman 🌐 More episodes & resources: Bird Joy Podcast 🎙️ Are you ready for some Bird Joy? Let’s Go!

Dexter and Jason welcome Calvin Feagans, an environmental scientist, educator, and talented nature photographer, to the Bird Joy Podcast this week! Calvin shares how his ion for urban ecology and biodiversity drives his creative work, from the educational EnviroBytes to urban ecology report cards. He also discusses the challenges and joys of turning data into storytelling tools, mapping bird migration patterns, and reclaiming old industrial spaces for conservation efforts. Throughout the conversation, the homies touch on themes like environmental stewardship, advocating for nature in urban spaces, and navigating the highs and lows of social media advocacy (including a few words on those inevitable trolls). They even reflect nostalgically (and humorously) on their shared love-hate relationship with R programming! Get ready for an inspiring, educational, and joy-filled conversation that will leave you seeing urban green spaces—and the role you can play in preserving them—in a new light. Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club

Get comfortable. Take a seat. Gather around friends for a warm and meaningful conversation with the famed author, mindful birder, licensed marriage and family therapist, California Audubon board member, and accessible birding advocate Tammah Watts! In this episode we discuss her approaches to birding as it pertains to her own healing and connection with our community, including incredible encounters with Red-shouldered Hawks and Mourning Doves to aid in the healing. We cover some experiences we’ve all had in nature, some with each other. We look into her book, “Keep Looking Up: Your Guide to the Powerful Healing of Birdwatching,” and even explore some pages together. You will be delighted to participate in a prompt read live by Tammah, where we embody a crane looking at still water for some self-reflection. We also talk about some birding adventures with the SoCal Bird Nerd crew (of which Jason is an honorary member), where they look for Cactus Wrens and Say’s Phoebe. We also get some great advice from Tammah on how to approach our birding in ways that help us cope with life in a sometimes very challenging world. This is a space we gather to fill up each other’s cups with that everlasting Bird Joy! us! Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club

The vibe is SOOOO right this week with our homie Indigo Goodson-Fields. Indigo comes to hang with us from Brooklyn, NYC, where she is a birder, poet, bird guide, writer, educator, and bird model (with Bird Collective). We spend some time talking about how she curates her community in ways that enrich her own mental health as well as the community around her. This includes leading “Birding, Poetry, and Power” outings through Field Meridians as well as those more quiet and reflecting moments in Prospect Park or the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. We break down what it means to find your space and your community in nature, especially in the most well-known city on the planet. Indigo brings us inside the life of a new mother, navigating the caregiving responsibilities while still trying to find time to fill up one's cup in nature. This can be through the reflections on the intertwined lives of Eastern Bluebird and Brown-headed Cowbird mothers or the arrival of a special Yellow-breasted Chat in her local patch. us this week as we find that unique Bird Joy with Indigo, and give her a follow if you want to get to one of her outings in 2025! Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club

We have some excellence for ya’ll on this episode! Our two guests today are Dr. Murry Burgess and Lauren D. Pharr, the founders of Field Inclusive Inc. In this episode, we get into the need for an organization like Field Inclusive when it comes to helping marginalized field researchers, including those who are out in our forests, swamps, ponds, oceans, and deserts studying birds! This covers everything from field training to safety training and even equitable financial compensation. You can learn more about this in the Field Inclusive Week 2025. Additionally, we cover some of the research that has impacted birds across the spectrum. From the key research by Lauren on the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, which was recently delisted from endangered to threatened by USFWS to the key research by Dr. Burgess on light pollution on the lives of songbirds. We do not forget to discuss the colorful and magical book Sparrow Loves Birds, authored by Dr. Burgess and illustrated by Tamisha Anthony. We discuss the impetus for the books and why it’s such a comprehensive onramp for kids to explore their communities. us this week for incredible joy and inspiration with these two heroes of ornithology. Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Please share this with a friend and help us spread a little Bird Joy.  BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club

It’s finally here! The long-awaited Gull Joy episode. This week, Dexter and Jason converse with one of North America's most well-known gull experts, Amar Ayyash. We sit down with Amar and discuss how he went from making French fry-infused eye with gulls as a kid to being the author of a sensational new gull text, “The Gull Guide: North America.” We dive into how to find joy in the pursuit of gulling. This includes visiting Cape May to see an Ivory Gull, hanging in landfills, and enjoying a nice Gull Frolic every winter. Amar makes it clear that gulling can be for everyone. He shares his experiences with beginners and advanced birders alike. You can feel the gull joy emanating from every moment of this episode. If you are looking for a fun and inclusive discussion on how to get started, look no further. Be sure to check out the North American Gulls Facebook page and anythinglarus.com for the community you seek! Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club

On this week's episode, Dexter and Jason sit down with two fun and amazing folks, Luis Gles and Mariah Hryniewich of Woodstars Nature Tours. Mariah and Luis speak to us from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas about manning the Florida Keys Hawkwatch and experiencing the greatest Peregrine Falcon migrations on record. The Hawkwatch also boasts incredible numbers of Swallow-tailed and Mississippi Kites, Bahama Swallows, and tons of warbler flight. If that extreme heat, humidity, and mosquitoes weren’t enough, Luis and Mariah now spend the spring and summer months in the Bering Sea on St. Paul Island, AK, leading bird tours and doing surveys. You never know what can show up on the island. This year, they got folks on a Smew and a Garganey, Song Thrush, and Little Bunting.  They discuss biting on the island and how it differs from the Hawkwatch. You will hear about more different bird species in this episode than in any other episode. Have those Google fingers ready to explore and enjoy!! Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club

Dexter and Jason sit down with Jordan Rowley on this week's episode. Jordan is a PhD student at Utah State University, where he focuses on the social science surrounding birders and birdwatchers. It’s like birding… but of people! The research is fascinating as it breaks down some of the demographics of birders and where they fall on different social scales. We research and discuss why things would break down that way. Dexter and Jason get a crash course on multi-species justice. We also discuss adventures and misadventures surrounding McGillivray's Warblers and Mountain Bluebirds. We get into the fantastic YouTube channel Bright Eyed Birding and discuss how it helps create a welcoming and inclusive community. Jordan puts us onto what he sees as the opportunity for a better birding community in his area and has us dreaming about Pink Robins and Montezuma Quail! us this week as we have a convo with Jordan and spread some of that Bird Joy!! Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club

Extraordinary episode ahead! This week, we speak with Isaiah “Ike” Scott, a senior at Cornell University, specifically focusing on studying ornithology at the Cornell Lab or Ornithology. Ike talks to us about what it’s like to study birds and how we followed this particular path in his education, including his teaching under Dr. Irby Lovett. Ike is also a bird artist and can express some beautiful aspects of his birding. Check it out at Ikes Bird Art. We touch on what it’s like to be a student birder seeing his first Golden Eagle and how those experiences play a role in developing as a practical science communicator. It’s essential to get more folks from various communities involved in birding. That comes through in Ike’s social media, educational pursuits, and advice to other budding Black science communicators! We journey to the future, Snoop Dogg album in hand, and figure out where Ike is going! us as we spend some time sharing the always welcome Bird Joy!! Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club

Dexter and Jason on this fantastic episode where we welcome our FIRST-ever guest on the podcast! In this episode, we are so excited to chat with best-selling author Christian Cooper about all things birding and bird joy! We cover experiences from his books, “Better Living Through Birding, Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World.”, and his amazing Emmy-winning TV show, Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper. How does Christian find his “bird joy”? How does he feel about the movement of many new Black and brown birders in the community to create new space? We get into all things the experience of being a birder today, some of our grounding experiences with each other on Little St. Simon’s island in Georgia, how we contextualize our own birding journeys, blushing from unsolicited compliments from folks in rainbow unicorn shirts, and even the decision by the AOS to change all eponymous bird names. Christian gave a fantastic talk at the formerly San Diego Audubon (now San Diego Bird Alliance), which covered all 12 points of opposition to #BirdNamesForBirds. We also are so honored to discuss Christian’s new book, “The Urban Owls, How Flaco and Friends Made the City Their Home” which releases on Feb 18th. Take a listen and enjoy this special conversation with Christian Cooper! Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club

We are back!!! It’s been too long homies. We have missed you! On this episode, Jason and Dexter get back in the saddle and catch up on what’s been going on in the bird world. This includes visiting the International Crane Foundation with the homies to see birds like the endangered Whooping Crane and the incredibly beautiful Blue Crane. It also included doing some conservation work with Bird Safe Philly and advocating for bird safe windows/glass. Most notably however is the discussion on how homies in Philly and Madison got to witness this seasons SWIFTNADO action! So much joy and wonder watching Chimney Swifts go “nite-nite” for the evening while preparing to migrate south for the winter. Dexter and Jason wrap up by discussing some trips with their bird clubs and the migrants they are still looking forward to this fall including Golden Eagles and sparrows. They discuss their excitement on the number of guests for next season including a special guest for Episode 2! Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club

Wow. We started in “Fake Spring” and took you through birding etiquette, safety, diversity/inclusion, and budgeting. We are here in mid-summer, excited to celebrate the bird joy we created and shared! We look forward to continuing that and bringing you new and fresh voices from around the birding world. We are all “nerding out” through our bird joy, and it’s so beautiful. Sometimes, we focus so much on the technical aspects of birding that we miss sharing the joy involved in the process. Although Dexter and Jason love talking birds and bird joy, they only provide two perspectives. There are so many other voices we’d like to highlight and hear from along this journey. We want to discuss fun things like best bird songs, fall migration (crazy fall warbler ID)  winter birding (weird duck season), and GULLS! Are there other pathways to bird joy that we have not discussed yet? Our host, Jason, is diving into field journaling and bird sketching. Can we interpret nature like our homie and creator of our podcast representations, Casey Girard? Can we get good at nature photography like our homie Anwar Abdul-Qawi?  We are taking a break to get the next season going, but we aren’t going anywhere! We will continue to share items on our Instagram profile. Be good and bird safely! Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club

Dexter and Jason in this jam-packed episode, where they emphasize the crucial role of planning in ensuring a safe and enjoyable birding trip. The homies delve into the basics of safety, including the essential steps to plan your visit to a birding area. Are you aware of what you need to safely get there, bird, and safely get home to those folks who love you the most? This includes making sure you have things like food and water if you need it for a longer trip, accessible and safe parking or public transport; clothes are safe and comfortable for the conditions you will be in; sunscreen, gloves, hats, and other items to ensure your physical self is well taken care of. Additionally, the homies dive deep into safety in numbers and ensure that you let folks know where you are going. There are natural (large carnivores, dangerous plants, venomous reptiles) and human dangers (social or political groups that do not accept those different from them) in some areas, and we must ensure we are aware of those. There are several examples throughout history of folks being harmed in the outdoors simply due to who they are. Feel free to use technology (e.g., Find my iPhone or other similar apps) to share your location with others if you can. In a separate episode, they covered birding ethics and inclusive birding. The homies return to some of those themes when it comes to ensuring we are aware of how we impact the safety of others on the trail. For example, how men… or bears… approach women on the trail, ensuring we are not overstepping bounds and only presenting safe and equitable spaces. There is also consideration given to how some of these points of safety may change depending on a disability that someone may be challenged with at any point and how we should consider those when going out in groups. As heavy as this episode is with tips and advice, the homies keep it fun and uplifting at all times. As usual, there are many laughs along the way. There are some lesser talked about topics like common birding injuries and how to take care of yourself during your bird outing. In the end, they want you to be safe on the bird trail, no matter who you are. Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin In Color Birding Club