In this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally talk with Lyanda Lynn Haupt, a writer known for exploring the connections between people and the natural world. The conversation follows Haupt’s path into bird watching, beginning in her childhood in the Pacific Northwest and shaped by her parents’ casual interest in birds. She recalls memorable encounters with species like the Northern Spotted Owl and how those moments influenced her work.

Lyanda Lynn Haupt also talks about her experience living with a Starling, named Carmen, which inspired her book Mozart’s Starling. The discussion touches on how time in nature supports personal well-being and how storytelling plays a key role in birding. Haupt’s latest book, Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit, is highlighted for its thoughtful blend of science, spirituality, and everyday connection to nature. This episode offers heartfelt stories, reflections on birds, and ideas about how we relate to the natural world.

(Photo credit: Tom Furtwangler)

🗓️ Join Lyanda Lynn Haupt for a special talk hosted by the Western New York Land Conservancy on June 4 – more info & RSVP here

🌐 Learn more about Lyanda Lynn Haupt and her work at her website: lyandalynnhaupt.com

📸 Follow her on Instagram for nature moments, bird musings, and writing life: @lyandahaupt

📚 Explore all of her books in one place: Books

Lyanda Lynn Haupt's books mentioned in this episode, in order of appearance:

🐦 Crow Planet: Essential Wisdom from the Urban Wilderness – A thoughtful exploration of how we relate to wildlife in cityscapes. 📖 Find it on Amazon

🎼 Mozart’s Starling – Inspired by her time living with a starling, this book offers surprising insight into language, music, and interspecies connection. 🐤 Find it on Amazon

🌱 Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit – A beautifully woven reflection on how nature, science, and spirit connect in our everyday lives. 🛒 Order or learn more on her home page here.

In this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally talk with Aaron Haiman about his lifelong passion for birding, sparked by a childhood experience with a mounted White-Tailed Kite.

Aaron shares his unique journey from becoming a young birder to his current role at the Wildlife Conservation Board in California. The conversation explores the importance of mentorship in birding, the barriers young birders face, and the joy of contributing to bird conservation.

Aaron also discusses his science communication work through his blog, YouTube channel, and recent book aimed at the 'bird curious' community, along with his ongoing efforts to make birding more inclusive and welcoming.

We’re excited to share all the ways you can follow and connect with Aaron, the voice behind A Birding Naturalist. Explore his world of birds, nature, and thoughtful storytelling here:

📘 Check out Aaron’s book, Birds of the California Delta – A beautifully illustrated guide that showcases the remarkable birdlife of California’s Delta region. Perfect for birders, naturalists, and the bird-curious alike, this book offers insights into the species that call the Delta home and the importance of conserving this vital ecosystem.

🎥 YouTube – Watch Aaron’s videos at @ABirdingNaturalist for birding adventures, tips, and nature stories.

✏️ Blog – Read his reflections and detailed posts on the blog: ABirdingNaturalist

📸 Instagram – Follow for stunning bird photography and behind-the-scenes looks: @abirdingnaturalist

🌐 BlueSky – Join Aaron’s conversations at abirdingnaturalist.bsky.social.

🧵 Threads – Catch his latest thoughts and updates: threads.com/@abirdingnaturalist.

In this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally interview Dr. George Divoky, an ornithologist with a Ph.D. in Zoology. He shares his Spark Bird story, recounting how a sighting of a Slate-colored Junco in his childhood ignited his passion for birding.

He discusses his extensive research on Black Guillemot and the challenges posed by climate change. Dr. Divoky also shares his personal experiences of solitude and connection with nature during his fieldwork in remote locations.

The episode touches on the emotional impact of climate change on long-term research and the importance of community support for scientific endeavors. Additionally, Dr. Divoky's correspondence with Roger Tory Peterson highlights the ongoing conversation about inclusivity in birding.

❄️ Friends of Cooper Island – Learn more about Dr. George Divoky's decades of research on Arctic seabirds and climate change: https://cooperisland.org

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to the Spark Bird Podcast

00:49 Meet Dr. George Divoky

01:46 Dr. Divoky's Spark Bird Story

06:12 From High School to a Career in Ornithology

08:16 Discovering the Black Guillemots

11:36 Life and Work in Remote Locations

18:18 Impact of Climate Change on the Colony

26:38 Connecting with the Community and Inclusivity

31:38 Supporting the Friends of Cooper Island

34:33 Conclusion and Acknowledgements