By Samantha Engstrom, Louisville Audubon Society volunteer
Need something to listen to while traveling to your next birding destination—whether that’s here in Kentucky or farther afield? Here are four recommendations that will make your journey a little birdier.
American Birding Podcast
- From the website: “The American Birding Podcast brings together staff and friends of the American Birding Association as we talk about birds, birding, travel and conservation in North America and beyond. Join host Nate Swick every Thursday for news and happenings, recent rarities, guests from around the birding world, and features of interest to every birder.”
- Side note: Each episode begins with a Rare Bird Focus for the week.
- When: Every Thursday
- Episode recommendation: 10-03 Wildest Vagrants of 2025 with Tim Healy & Alex Lamoreaux
- Episode summary: This recent episode uses superlatives to categorize rarities for the ABA area in 2025. “Most Unexpected Vagrant of 2025,” “How is this bird still here?” and “Most Overdue Vagrant.”
The Science of Birds
- From the website: “The Science of Birds is a lighthearted exploration of bird biology. It’s a fun resource for any birder or naturalist who wants to learn more about ornithology. Impress your birding friends at cocktail parties with all of your new bird knowledge! Hosted by Ivan Phillipsen, a professional birding guide and passionate naturalist with a PhD in Zoology.”
- Side note: The companion website includes citations and interesting links to go with each episode.
- When: bi-weekly
- Episode recommendation: 15 Simple (and Several Complicated) Ways You Can Help Birds
- Episode summary: This episode covers 15 ways anyone can help birds.
BirdNote
- From the website: “Escape the grind and immerse yourself in the natural world. Follow BirdNote Daily for daily two-minute stories about birds, the environment, and more.”
- Side note: “BirdNote, the Book” is also available and makes a great gift.
- When: bi-weekly
- Episode recommendation: Migrations: BirdCast
- Episode summary: This episode gives a quick explanation of one of the Cornell Lab’s best resources BirdCast. BirdCast is a daily forecast of expected birds in your chosen area (state or county) that is available during migration periods. BirdCast is available from March 1 to June 15 for spring migration, and August 1 to November 15 for fall.
From the Woods Today
- From the website: “From the Woods Today is a weekly internet show co-hosted by Reneé Williams and Billy Thomas with UK Forestry and Natural Resources Extension.”
- Side note: While not a 100% bird-focused podcast, there are regular episodes called “Wings of Kentucky” that cover—you guessed it—birds of Kentucky.
- When: every Wednesday
- Episode recommendation: Owls of the Bluegrass
- Episode summary: A dive into owls found in Kentucky.
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