Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
Science & Ideas
About
A podcast from Wild Birds Unlimited about feeding the birds and enjoying nature right in your own backyard. Relax, enjoy the birds, and stay Nature Centered.
Episodes
- (Encore) Hummingbirds: It's All About Moms!
This episode features John and Brian discussing hummingbird mothers, noting their resilience and champion qualities, particularly in the context of Mother's Day.
- (Encore) Habitat: Can You Really Make a Difference
Nature Centered discusses the importance of backyard habitats for local wildlife, highlighting new research that shows individuals can make a significant impact. The episode also touches on the potential for de-extinction.
- (Encore) Spectacular Spring Species
John and Brian discuss preparing yards for spring migratory birds by incorporating appropriate foods and features to attract a diverse range of species.
- Backyard Birds Revealed
Brian speaks with wildlife photographers Tim and Russell Laman about their video series, Backyard Birds Revealed. The series uses advanced filming techniques like slow-motion and extreme close-ups to show details of common backyard birds.
- Winter SuperBlend. A Winter Lifeline.
This episode features guest Holly Merker discussing beneficial winter foods for birds and human well-being, referencing her book Ornitherapy and podcast.
- Invitation to Traditions
In this episode, Brian explores how to make bird feeding and bird watching a cherished holiday tradition with bestselling author and nature advocate, Amy Tan. Amy shares her insights and the benefits on how to slow down, watch birds with i…
- What's the Word on Winter Finches
Will irrupting birds visit your backyard this winter? Who is already on the move and who can you expect to see? Join Brian and special guest Matt Young from the Finch Research Network as they talk all about the Winter Finch Forecast with t…
- Window to the World: Keeping Birds Safe
What does the number '1 billion' have to do with birds, fall migration, and your backyard? Sadly, up to a billion birds die each year from window collisions, but there’s good news. Join Brian and special guest Olivia Carvalho from Birds Ca…
- Squirrels: Love 'em or Loathe 'em
Squirrels – do you love them or loathe them? If you have trees nearby, chances are you have squirrels. In this encore episode, John and Brian take a different look at our furry friends. Whether you deter them or feed them, we all have opin…
- Practicing What We Preach
John Schaust returns to critique Brian’s yard (a call-back to ep 50). Does he practice what he preaches? Plus, we catch up with our retired co-host on owl banding, adventures, and how we can all help the birds with high-protein foods for t…
- Golden Guide to Goldfinches
How many goldfinch species can be attracted to your yard? Brian is joined by two WBU store owners (Dripping Springs, TX & Ventura, CA) to talk goldfinches and their differences: seasonality, attracting, nesting, molting, mimicry, and more.
- Seasonally Savvy Summer
Being seasonally savvy in summer means fewer feeders can be ok, but the key is foundational feeding. Brian explains the benefits of a foundational feeder and food in summer and how it helps Dad (bird dads & people dads).
- Simple Steps to Saving the Song Birds
Have you heard song birds are in trouble? As stewards of our own space, we’ve never been more empowered to make a difference to help save the song birds. Brian shares some simple steps you can implement to make a difference, no matter wher…
- Native Plant Program & Perks
Does it matter where you source your native plants? It turns out—yes, it does. Brian is joined by Mary Phillips, Head of Habitat/Native Plant Impact & Certifications for the National Wildlife Federation, to explain why. They dig into nativ…
- The More the Merrier
How many bird species visit your yard? Brian shares that now is the perfect time to prepare to attract more bird species to your yard and how it will enhance your enjoyment of the hobby and your well-being.
- GBBC & Bird ID
Brian is joined by special guest, Becca Rodomsky-Bish, leader of the Great Backyard Bird Count at Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Together, they explore how you can have fun while making a difference for birds. Tune in for expert bird identifi…
- Winter Survival Tips for You & Your Birds
Brian is joined by special guest Holly Merker, co-author of Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul and co-host of The Mindful Birding Podcast. Listen in to learn how birds benefit our wellbeing and how we can help the birds thrive duri…
- Apropos Apps & Recommended Reading
John and Brian share some of their favorite apps and recommended reading for birders and backyard hobbyists that are great for you and for gift-giving. Plus, a salute to John's last episode as a podcast host.
- Participate & Connect with Nature
Brian is joined by guests Emma Greig and Olivia Carvahlo to talk about how easy it is to participate with PFW and connect more deeply with nature. Emma, Project Leader for Project FeederWatch in the US, and Olivia, Community Engagement Spe…
- Hot Pepper. A Hot Topic.
John and Brian discuss hot pepper foods, the science and the biology behind why it works for the birds and keeps the critters at bay. Plus, a special announcement at the end that you don’t want to miss.
- Why We Love Insects!
John & Brian discuss why insects are important for the birds and how to cultivate more insects in your yard. They also explain the connection between insects and the 7 Simple Actions to help Save the Song Birds.
- Where Are the Birds?
John & Brian address challenging questions like: What happens when bird activity slows down? Where did the birds go and why? What can you do to get them back?
- Why Kids Love Bird Feeding
John & Brian are joined by two very special guests, kids who love bird feeding, Xander and Rhain. Prepare to be inspired by their passion and love for birds and bird feeding. They also share their tips for helping more kids get into the ho…
- Habitat for Birds & Pollinators!
Join John & Brian as they offer resources to help you find native plants to increase the birds and pollinators in your space - whether you have a yard, patio or balcony; to include container gardening.
- Feed the Birds, Feel Better
John and Brian are joined by a special guest, Holly Merker. She is an author, podcast host, birding guide, and nature-based wellness provider. They discuss how watching and feeding birds creates a sense of wonder and community, a sense of…
- Environmental Benefits of Bird Feeding
John and Brian discuss how feeding and watching birds naturally promotes conservation, ultimately benefiting the environment. This includes making environmentally conscious choices with bird feeding products, installing native plants, and…
- Keeping Birds Safe in Your Yard
John and Brian talk about preparing for springtime bird activity in our yards and how to keep the birds safe and ensure they thrive.
- Count the Birds. Make a Difference.
John and Brian are joined by the project leader for GBBC, Becca Rodomsky-Bish. They discuss how watching the birds and sharing what you see will benefit the birds for conservation and how it will benefit your well-being.
- It’s OK to Feed the Birds
Join John and Brian as they discuss some studies about the pros (and cons) of bird feeding. It really is ok to feed the birds! Listen to this weeks episode to find out why.
- Bird Gifts & Gift Birds
Join John and Brian as they discuss how birds truly are gifts and how you can share the joy of birds with others long after the gift-giving season.
- Feasting with Feathered Friends
John and Brian discuss how you can show your thanks for birds this season in your yard and in your coffee cup.
- Treats for Birds. No Tricks.
John and Brian discuss tricks of the trade to bring in the birds as well as treats that are highly attractive to birds and bring the joy of the hobby for you.
- Basics of Transition
What are the basic transitions birds are going through right now and how can your habitat help? Join John and Brian as they discuss the transitions and the foods you can offer to help birds.
- Critter Solutions
Join John and Brian as they discuss summer critter solutions like outwitting ornery squirrels, techniques to take the “nuisance” out of nuisance birds and insights to defeat insects at nectar feeders.
- Wonderful Woodpeckers
John & Brian share how woodpeckers are like diamonds: tough and wondrous; adapted to live in and on trees (and cacti). Learn how to attract these precious birds throughout summer.
- Joy of Summer Birds
Join John & Brian as they share what you’re missing without feeding in summer. How to attract new birds, help a new generation of birds, help mom and dad, and find joy in knowing that the food we provide can make a significant difference i…
- Bugs = Birds
It really can be sweet of you to offer Mom bugs for Mother’s Day. John & Brian discuss how offering bugs directly and indirectly will bring in more bird activity, making Mom even happier to see all the birds she loves and knowing she is he…
- Hooray for Hummingbirds
Do you want to attract one of the most sought-after feeder birds? Hummingbirds bring joy, color and life to any yard, patio or balcony. John and Brian talk tips and fun facts about a fan favorite.
- Bluebirds: Your Backyard Buddies
John and Brian discuss how bluebirds delight us with their beautiful song, “color” and wonderful demeanor. Plus, expert tips on attracting them to your yard and inviting them to raise a family.
- Birds Bring the World Together: February 17-20, 2023
Learn how you contribute to world-wide conservation efforts just by sharing your backyard birds during the GBBC, February 17-20, 2023. Special guest Becca Rodomsky-Bish, Project Leader for GBBC, joins John & Brian to tell us all about this…
- Fatten Up Your Birds
There is a reason you don’t see birds at the gym trying to lose that holiday weight. They want fat! Learn how birds use fat and other strategies to survive long, cold winter nights.
- Holiday Traditions Old & New
What holiday traditions do you have that highlight or help the birds? John & Brian discuss tried & true winter bird food changes, a century-old bird watching tradition as well as offering up some new traditions to consider that share the j…
- Looking Out for Fabulous Finches
Who’s ready to see fabulous finches in their yard this season? Join John and Brian as they discuss when you might expect to see finches and how to attract them to your yard.
- Birds: A Cornucopia of Joy
Where do you find your joy? How far do you have to travel to enjoy birds and nature? John & Brian discuss how you can reap the abundant benefits of nature at home and how you can thank the birds.
- How to Become a Backyard Scientist
Being a backyard scientist is as easy as watching the birds and sharing what you see. Emma Greig, The Project Leader for Project FeederWatch, tells us just how simple and incredibly helpful it can be! Join tens of thousands already partici…
- The Changing Cast of Characters
The cast of birds are changing with the seasons. Brian & John share how you can enjoy this change by offering the birds’ favorite feeder and foods.
- Save Birds? Plant Trees!
Can you really save birds and increase your health by planting trees? What about the secret to successfully planting a tree in your yard? We met with Pete Smith from the Arbor Day Foundation to answer these questions and more.
- Sharing Survival Strategies
Where have all your birds gone? Why isn’t your food being eaten? It’s all about the cache. That’s right, caching is taking place as birds start to prepare for winter; among other survival strategies. How can you help? What neat activities…
- Pursuing Purple Martins
John and Brian discuss how to attract Purple Martins to your yard, how to be a good landlord for them, and how to help martins even if you don’t provide housing for them. They also dispel some myths about these amazing aerialists.
- Water. More Important than Ever.
John and Brian welcome back special guest David Mizejewski, Naturalist for the National Wildlife Federation, to discuss the importance of water to birds and wildlife plus the simplicity of what that looks like whatever the size of your “ya…