In this special crossover episode, The Spark Bird Podcast's Jenn Lodi-Smith teams up with Bill Michalek of The Field Guides Podcast for a walk through Buffalo’s historic Forest Lawn Cemetery. As they explore the grounds, Jenn and Bill reflect on their spark birds, discuss bird migration and conservation. The episode also features Spark Bird stories from a variety of voices from the Feminist Bird Club of Buffalo in Forest Lawn Cemetery, showcasing the power of community in birding.

Resources & Links from This Episode

🔗 Listen to more nature adventures with Bill and Steve on The Field Guides Podcast YouTube channel.

🌼 Plan your next birding experience at the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage.

🌳 Learn more about Buffalo’s historic parks and Forest Lawn with the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy.

🚫🐱 Lights Out! Cats In! is a campaign focused on bird-safe practices like keeping cats indoors and turning off lights at night during migration. Check it out here.

📖 Want a deeper dive into bird-safe, compassionate cat management strategies? Read this piece in Conservation Biology here.

🦜 Meet the Western New York Young Birder Club, uplifting the voices and skills of young birders across the region.

📍 Seen a bird strike a window? Report it on dBird to help researchers make cities safer for birds.

🌍 Visualize global data on bird-window collisions with the Global Bird Collision Mapper.

🧭 Explore how the birding community is becoming more inclusive and accessible at Birdability

Show notes by Kayla Gajewski

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.