Feed the Birds, Feel Better

FromNature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited

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Feed the Birds, Feel Better

FromNature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited

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Length:

36 minutes

Released:

May 2, 2024

Format:

Podcast episode

Description

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 connection with people, and can change the direction of your life. Plus, a special callout for the Mindful Birding podcast episode 13.

Released:

May 2, 2024

Format:

Podcast episode

Titles in the series (85)

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.

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Nesting Part 2: You'll learn how you can invite nesting bird families into your yard by providing the right kind of nesting boxes. Hosted by John Schaust and Brian Cunningham. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
25 min listen
Bluebirds: The Charming Deceiver: Learn all about bluebirds from Wild Birds Unlimited naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
25 min listen
Pollinators: Monarchs and Mason Bees: This episode is all about pollinators. John and Brian are discussing monarch butterflies and mason bees. These critters are so important to your backyard; they don’t just help your plants, but the birds as well. What’s bugging you? We hope it’s not the p... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
29 min listen
Welcome Winter Wanderers: In this episode, John and Brian discuss the Winter Finch Irruption and the finches that are making their way through North America. You'll learn all about what they look like, sound like, and how you can attract them to your yard. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
28 min listen
Orioles: Orange is the New Blast: Wild Birds Unlimited naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham talk about Orioles. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
25 min listen
Backyard Birding: Highlights & Hiccups: In this episode, John and Brian discuss their birding highs and lows of 2020. You’ll hear about woodpeckers, bluebirds, warblers, and more. Thanks for listening and have a happy new year everyone! by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
23 min listen
The Secret Love Life of Birds: Join John and Brian as they reveal the secret love life of birds, just in time for Valentine’s Day. They’ll share a few tidbits about birds and their lives together. You may start to look at the birds in your yard a little differently after this. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
25 min listen
Hummingbirds: A Beast of a Bird: Wild Birds Unlimited naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham talk about hummingbirds. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
26 min listen
Customer Stories: Feeding the birds isn't just about insect control, flower pollination or weed control. The simple act of feeding the birds expands far past the environmental benefits. Our customers share the most wonderful stories with us and we'd like to share them wit... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
22 min listen
Frequently Asked Questions: Wild Birds Unlimited’s Olivia McFadden joins naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham to get the answers to common questions from our audience about backyard bird feeding. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
24 min listen
Birds and Holiday Traditions: Some countries have a beautiful tradition of encouraging kindness to birds during the holidays. One such belief is that if you spread birdseed outside your doorstep on Christmas morning, you will have good luck in the coming year. Listen as John and Bria... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
17 min listen
The Owls Among Us: Do you know what makes an owl especially adapted to hunting at night? And how can you identify various owls just by hearing their calls? Learn these and other fun facts about one of the bird world's most fascinating species. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
30 min listen
Woodpeckers: Nature's Original Tree Huggers: Wild Birds Unlimited naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham talk about Woodpeckers. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
30 min listen
Create a Bird-Friendly Habitat: Wild Birds Unlimited naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham talk about the elements of a bird-friendly habitat. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
26 min listen
The Goldfinches of Summer: Learn all about goldfinches from Wild Birds Unlimited naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham. They share tips for how to improve your chances of attracting goldfinches by offering their favorite foods and by creating a favorable habitat. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
27 min listen
Gen B is for the Birds: In this episode, John and Brian are talking all about baby birds! With summer here and birds bouncing around your yard, can you tell which ones are babies? You'll learn what to do if you find a baby bird that's fallen out of its nest. They also discuss w... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
25 min listen
Frequently Asked Questions: Wild Birds Unlimited's Olivia McFadden tries to stump naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham with questions from our audience about backyard bird feeding. Learn why you may be seeing bald birds at your feeders this time of year, why the goldfinche... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
26 min listen
The Wonders of H2-OH!: It’s a wonderful thing for birds to have water, both in the summer and winter. In this episode, John and Brian are sharing some fun facts that you won’t hear anywhere else when it comes to birds and water. For example, did you know that birds and dogs de... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
30 min listen
Look Whooo's Back (WBU Owl Cam): Join John and Brian as they introduce you to one of the coolest ways to experience the lives of a Barred Owl family. You’ll find out why so many people across the world are tuning in to watch this live owl nest cam. They also have a very special guest th... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
22 min listen
Winging it Thru Winter: Have you ever wondered how birds survive the cold weather? In this episode, John and Brian share how birds make it through the colder months and what you can do to help them. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
28 min listen
Seven Simple Actions to Save the Song Birds: In this episode, John and Brian break down the seven simple actions that you can take to help save the song birds. They also discuss a little bird feeding history, what has changed and where it’s going. Finally, we take some time to celebrate WBU’s 40th ... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
26 min listen
Nesting Neighbors: In this episode, John and Brian will open your eyes to a whole new perspective of what it’s like to be a baby bird or the bird parents raising a family. You will learn what to do and what not to do to help bring the next generation of birds to life in y... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
31 min listen
Hummingbirds & Orioles - A Really Sweet Deal!: It’s springtime, there’s a lot happening in our backyards. It doesn’t get much better than when you see that first hummingbird show up! In this episode, John and Brian will break down the different hummingbird and oriole species. They’ll also answer some... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
28 min listen
Prepare Your Yard for Winter: Winter is coming! In this episode, John and Brian discuss how you can make your yard bird friendly and what you can do to help the birds prepare for the upcoming colder months. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
27 min listen
Migration Magic: With birds flying hundreds or thousands of miles every year, migration truly is magical. Find out how the birds prepare and make their journey across North America. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
27 min listen
The Birds We Love to Hate: We have the right to be choosy on birds we like and don’t like. When you feed the birds, you take what comes along with it. In this episode, John and Brian have information for you on how to deal with nuisance birds. They will help you bring the joy back... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
33 min listen
Talking Birds with the BirdTalk Guys: How can conservation bring you more joy and solace? We have two very special guests, Scott and David Menough to help explain just that. Scott and David host the Denver based radio show, BirdTalk. They are joining forces with John and Brian in this episod... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
33 min listen
Spectacular Spring Species: Spring is here, and you know what that means! New feathered visitors will be arriving soon. Do you have the right foods and features to bring in the most variety of these spectacular spring species? Don't worry, John and Brian are here to tell you about ... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
25 min listen
The Joy of Bird Feeding: Join John and Brian for this bonus episode with a special guest, Jim Carpenter. As the Founder and CEO of Wild Birds Unlimited, Jim has learned a lot over the past 40 years and has some great information to share about the hobby of backyard bird feeding.... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
36 min listen
The Best of Nature Centered: John and Brian are taking some much-needed time off this week. We didn’t want to leave you without an episode, so you get to hear from our producer, Evan—the guy behind the scenes that makes everything happen. Evan is sharing reviews, highlighting key ep... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
15 min listen

More Episodes from Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited

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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 participati... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
27 min listen
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. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
33 min listen
Count the Birds. Make a Difference.: John and Brian are joined by the project leader for GBBC, Becca Rodomski-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. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
31 min listen
It’s OK to Feed the Birds: Join John and Brian as they discuss some studies about the pros (and cons) of bird feeding. Is it really ok to feed the birds? Listen to this weeks episode to find out why it absolutely is OK! by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
27 min listen
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. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
20 min listen
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. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
19 min listen
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. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
28 min listen
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. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
29 min listen
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. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
27 min listen
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. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
21 min listen
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 in how well ... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
28 min listen
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 helping them ... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
28 min listen
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. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
30 min listen
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.  by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
26 min listen
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 amazing, w... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
33 min listen
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. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
27 min listen
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 joy of birds... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
27 min listen
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. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
26 min listen
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. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
28 min listen
How to be 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 it can be and how incredibly helpful! Join tens of thousands already participating. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
25 min listen
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. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
24 min listen
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. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
36 min listen
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 might you spy? ... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
33 min listen
Pursing 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. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
28 min listen
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 “yard.” by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
33 min listen
Bird Feeding Then & Now: With decades of experience John & Brian discuss bird feeding from its humble beginnings almost a century ago, the amazing value that has been added to the hobby for both people and birds, as well as what the future holds. Could bird feeding vending machi... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
32 min listen
Don’t Stop Now! Perks of Summer Feeding.: Some people choose to not feed in the summer, but what are they missing? A whole lot it turns out. John and Brian make a case for helping your birds by providing key supplemental nutrition, as well as attracting more birds and seeing behaviors you’d othe... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
28 min listen
World’s Smartest Birds?: John and Brian bring fun and amazing examples of why crows and ravens are arguably the world's smartest birds. They discuss studies from some folks who have studied them for decades and introduce one whose fulltime job is taking care of one family group ... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
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Birding by Ear: Getting Started: Do you know bird calls? John and Brian bet you know more than you realize. In this episode they bring the energy and expert tips to inspire anyone to take bird watching and listening to the next level. by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
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A Note About Bird Song: In the episode, John and Brian share about bird dads and their vocal secrets to success. They discuss why bird dads sing, what they are saying and how they learned their song. Plus, how did noise pollution and the quiet of the pandemic affect singing bir... by Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
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Feed the Birds, Feel Better

Feed the Birds, Feel Better

Description

Titles in the series (85)

More Episodes from Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited

Related podcast episodes