BirdCast
74 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago -BirdCast is a podcast recorded entirely in a live bird aviary or bird environment. The Birdman Dad team strive to bring you new and interesting bird-related content regularly to improve your own aviaries and bird keeping skills set. Birdman Dad has a small YouTube following if you like videos. Co-host Kiah is keen to hear from any interested listeners to join BirdCast -email [email protected].
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Episodes
Come visit Bird Paradise Singapore!
June 19, 2023 04:00 - 8 minutes - 6.17 MBA special treat for our loyal BirdCast listeners - a special episode for your enjoyment and education! For decades Jurong Bird Park in Singapore held the mantle of the biggest and most impressive bird collection available for viewing and exhibition to the general public. Jurong Bird Park had the biggest man made waterfall located inside a massive walk in avairy - 30 m tall - and the aviary was lush and planted out in all types of plants and flowers. The bird collection was astounding and at...
Quarantine in your aviaries and the end of the year with Birdman Dad
November 25, 2022 10:00 - 12 minutes - 8.65 MBFor the final episode for 2022 Birdman Dad is having a chat about what he suggests when you receive new birds into his aviaries and what he does regarding quarantine. We wish all our listeners a very safe and merry festive season and a very Happy 2023. Hope to have you all back listening again in 2023. If you miss our chats be sure to go back and listen again to the many other episodes. Best wishes. The BirdCast team
The artful glossie black cockatoo
November 12, 2022 08:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBYou may (or may not) be aware but there are no glossie black cockatoo homelands in Western Australia AND there are no glossies on public display either. So what do West Aussies do when they want to see a glossie?? Well a group of youth we found out in a suburb of Perth have created an art exhibition all about them! It's quite amazing, and humans from all over Australia have chipped in to make this a fabulous experience - from donating their pet glossies feathers so West Australians can fee...
Aviary building with Birdman Dad
October 30, 2022 10:00 - 9 minutes - 6.27 MBBuilding aviairies or remodelling existing aviaries can be as much as a hobby as the birds that end up in them. Birdman dad has been building and remodelling aviaries either for himself or helping out other bird keepers with their aviaries for as long as he can remember. This time he is building some holding aviaries for young birds - both parrots and finches. Also this episode the Aviculture Society of South Australia has kindly donated one of their books - "Is it Safe? The birdkeepers'...
A little bit extra (avian nutrition)
October 13, 2022 16:00 - 7 minutes - 5.13 MBIt's spring and your avairy kept birds need to have a varied diet to keep healthy and support their babies. Listen in for some hints and tips on products that can be helpful in keeping your birds in top health.
Creating neutral territory for aviary birds
September 29, 2022 16:00 - 7 minutes - 5.17 MBSome aviary birds need extra attention when it comes to new introductions - especially several species of finches. Today Birdman Dad is going to share with you, amongst some other ideas, how you can create a finch introduction space. BirdCast also has on offer to one listener the South Australian Aviculture Society's booklet - "Is it Safe? The birdkeepers pictorial guide to safe and poisionous plants" - obviously being published in South Australia this is about the plants in Australia - but...
Bird Hospital
September 15, 2022 16:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MBThere are a few essentials you need to have when you have pet birds, one of those is a confinement/hospital/hot box - a small, warm space a pet bird can go when they are unwell. Today's episode discusses these boxes and some suggestions on what to do when a sick bird has left the box. Hope it helps someone (and their pet bird) out.
Nest box troubles and unwell birds
September 01, 2022 16:00 - 10 minutes - 6.92 MBMany years ago an old farmer shared with me his realities of having livestock; he reassured me that even though it was saddening (and at times devastating emotionally and to lineage genetics) that if you are involved with living things, then innately you will be involved with deceased living things. I regularly remember his words as I move in and around aviculture. Today Birdman Dad shares some suggestions about how to avoid aviary tragedy as well as some suggestions on how to manage birds ...
A grass parrot coloured like a rainbow - the beautiful scarlet chested parrot.
August 18, 2022 16:00 - 13 minutes - 9.55 MBThe scarlet chested parrot would have to be one of the most colourful small parrots of Australia; a little parrot ,hat like the budgie , has found itself living in the most unusual places throughout the world. What was once a common bird seen in and around the Swan Valley of Western Australia is now only seen naturally in the more remote, desert areas on the very fringes of human occupation. So cherished were the scarlet chested parrots ,they were shipped all over the globe, long before na...
Birding Garden - wild birds making the best of what aviculturists have on offer.
August 04, 2022 16:00 - 10 minutes - 7.56 MBBirdman Dad is back this week - talking about what he is up to with his pet birds but also the little gems of wild bird life he gets to glimpse and be part of because he keeps pet birds. And he is learning all the time! As well as chatting about some recent aviary bird experiences concerning his finches and scarlet chested parrots.
Bird gardening - plants that are great for your birds
July 14, 2022 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBThere is great nutrition, enrichment and usefulness is all sorts of plants for aviary, companion, rescue and zoo living birds - in fact so many plants are so good for every bird's health and general wellbeing. But sadly many bird owners are unsure of, or unaware, of the plant treasure trove in their very own gardens. Many bird owners are unsure which plants are "safe" and which ones are going to make their birds sick. So hopefully today's episode can help you out! While Birdman Dad is away ...
Necessity is the mother of invention... even if it takes a while
June 30, 2022 16:00 - 12 minutes - 8.33 MBSome items in Birdman Dad's aviaries have been in need of a change for some time and this winter it has happened - a bit like the automatic watering system in the summer - it just takes a while to get things sorted, especially during the past few years of material and tradesmen shortages. A long standing issue of bird breakfasts getting wet when it's raining has finally been solved. And both Birdman Dad and the birds are happy with the solution! Don't forget to enter our competition and b...
Snap shot of making a glass change
June 16, 2022 16:00 - 2 minutes - 1.68 MBIn response to listener requests today BirdCast is presenting a very brief review of what people can do to help birds with regards to their existing glass windows and glass pool fencing. This is a real snap shot of what you can do - just remember in windows whatever you"do" has to be on the outside of the window - and everything must cover the entire glass space and be no more than 5cm apart. Any art pen markings or the paracord must be 3.5mm thick. There are photos of all these options on...
Solid Air - how to save millions of wild birds in Australia
June 02, 2022 16:00 - 26 minutes - 18.6 MB"We are their only, hope, and I am confident we will make our windows safe for birds because it is the right thing to do." Dr Daniel Klem Jnr, 2021. This is the third episode concerning the very large conservation issue of wild bird deaths because of clear glass/plastic used as glass - the glass we have in windows, sliding doors and pool fencing. This episode is all about what we are doing in Australia, how much an issue it is in Australia and what products are available today for purchas...
Solid Air - how to save millions of wild birds Pt2
May 19, 2022 16:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBAs stunning and useful our glass windows, doors and pool fencing is; it conceals a dark secret - annually it is killing millions of our beautiful, free flying wild birds.. and that's a conservative estimate. Help be part of effective change to this simple to solve environmental problem. Become part of the critical mass of bird admirers that demand effective change to our glass users - builders, architects and government departments who control the use of glass in all our buildings. Join our ...
Solid Air - how to save billions of wild birds Pt1
May 05, 2022 16:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBToday's episode (Part1) is a plea to humans of our world to change what they are doing for the sake - and lives - of all wild birds. And everyone can take part - with somewhat reasonable ease - to alter their own solid air and literally save billions of our beautiful, wild birds. For as "noice" as clear sheet glass (or the plastic alternative is) - you know the glass we use in windows, pool fencing, exhibit barracades, building frontages - reflective glass included - this material is lethal...
Helping keep your aviary birds happy and healthy
April 21, 2022 16:00 - 11 minutes - 7.67 MBYour pets need regular care to maintain their health. BirdMan Dad explains how he keeps his scarlet chested parrots (Neophema splendida) happy and healthy. Hopefully one of his suggestions will help you and your own avairy birds. If you have anytopics you would like to hear about please contact BirdMan Dad: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Birdman-Dad-1678314232464220 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1892441777643619 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birdman_dad/?show_story_unavailabl...
Limiting rust in metal aviaries
March 25, 2022 10:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBToday's episode is in response to a listener question.... "How do I stop my outdoor metal aviairy rusting?" Hope the episode gives this listener, and anyone else with a metal aviary, some ideas on how to limit rust occuring or how to deal with it if it actually happens. All relevant photos will be placed on Birdman Dad's Facebook pages, instagram and reddit. BirdCast wishes all the listeners a safe and peaceful Easter break 2022 - BirdCast is taking a break and will be back the Friday af...
Out of Step - when your aviaries just aren't suiting your birds anymore.
March 10, 2022 16:00 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MBEven the best aviaries in the world can become outdated (in product options) and no longer servicing appropriately the birds kept within them. New advancements in available products are always on the go and sometimes the species of bird you have selected to keep do not suit the actual aviaries you have in your backyard. This is often a problem faced by birdkeepers on all scales from zoos to the backyard. So what can you do if this is the situation in your bird life? Of course you can alway...
Let's go
February 26, 2022 07:00 - 10 minutes - 7.1 MB** How can we express our shock at the events of Thursday 24th February 2022? Birdcast has a loyal group of listeners from Ukraine and our thoughts are with them, their families and their avian family (as well as other innocent animals) during this darkest time in their lives. Out of respect to these people we have delayed our podcast launch. A small gesture we know but one we could actually do in recognition of the tradgedy. We hope for peace to return to Ukraine and surrounding countrie...
Back in the aviary
February 10, 2022 16:00 - 9 minutes - 6.46 MBBirdCast has come back to visit the naretha aviaries but not to talk about naretha bluebonnet parrots instead the cleaning of the aviaries and some hints and tips on nest box and general aviary management. If you keep aviary birds yourself you will know how important it is to manage your bird's living space on a daily basis so as to keep your birds happy and healthy. Hope that some of the suggestions offered up will help you in your bird keeping journey. All the items/aviary points mentioned...
Birding in the Great Western Woodlands
January 27, 2022 16:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBYou don't even need to leave Australian shores to find natural wonders that exist nowhere else on planet Earth. The Great Western Woodlands of south western Australia is a place of temperate forest that exists no where else and it is massive in size. Within the woodlands exists flora and fauna unique to this forest and on a camping trip many years ago Birdman Dad was lucky enough to spot not only a family group of black backed Inland Western Rosellas - said to be a racial variant of Platycer...
Feeling the heat
January 13, 2022 16:00 - 7 minutes - 5.15 MBWow summer has sure burst into Western Australia this season. The Christmas week was unbelievably hot and there's been a few more days since and no doubt many more to come. All birds no matter where they live in this part of WA will be feeling it, including any outdoor aviary kept birds. Please put out cool, fresh water regulalrly in suitable access containers for our precious wildlife! Cool, clean water is quite literally a lifesaver on these hot days. And try out some of these ideas to k...
Cooking up a bird cake
December 30, 2021 16:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBJoin BirdCast as they cook up a festive treat for their parrots and finches; this cake is a favourite choice and enjoyed by all the feathered friends who are lucky enough to receive it! Let BirdCast know if you have your own favourite avian receipe! Happy New Year 2022 to all the BirdCast listeners and we are hoping you have a safe and happy holiday. Remember to go and check out our instagram or Reddit accounts to see the photos! Insta: Birdman_dad Reddit: u/birdmandad
Famous for all the wrong reasons
December 17, 2021 05:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBWelcome back to BirdCast after our covid19 break! We launch off today with a Citizen Science Project.. the hunt for the black throated finch (Poephila cincta) (southern subspecies).. in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland. Poephila cincta became famous back a few years ago over the planned (now approved) coal mining operations in the Galilee Basin in Queensland. The Galilee basin holds rich coal deposits, has multiple mining areas owned by various companies/organisation some...
Silent Hearts - a pathway to restoration for antbed parrots
November 11, 2021 16:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MB"To survive today, other animals must endure global warming, pollution, and fewer habitats. More tragically, they must endure the silence of human hearts>" Anthony Douglas Williams Part 2 Hear what the Artemis Nature Fund is doing to preserve the last stronghold of the wild golden shouldered parrot. Want to see it for yourself? Check out the videos at: https://artemis.org.au/ Donations to the preservation efforts for the golden shouldred parrots aka antbed parrots at Artemis Station can ...
Silent Hearts - a pathway to extinction for antbed parrots
November 04, 2021 16:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MB"To survive today, other animals must endure global warming, pollution, and fewer habitats. More tragically, they must endure the silence of human hearts". Anthony Douglas Williams Australia is well known for their history of flora and fauna extinctions, and it seems to be a national trajectory from the lowest level of government to the highest; we keep "developing" land at unsustainable rates and all the "little" developments accumumulate into a mega sized snowball. We have so many "recov...
Ruffling feathers - our home is a black cockatoo nursery
October 21, 2021 16:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MBWhen Larry and Barbara retired to the south of Western Australia they " thought" their days of research and development were behind them - that was until some large and noisy neighbours decided to drop in for a drink. Since arriving at their home in Nullaki, Western Australia; the 3 species of black cockatoos - which are all endangered - The Carnaby cockatoo/ngolyenok, Baudin's cockatoo/ngolak and the Forest retailed cockatoo/karrak - have made such an impression on Barbara and Larry that...
Step One: Aviary engagement
October 07, 2021 16:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBThe future life of all avicultural societies, clubs and organisations will be determined by the ability of the hobby overall to engage and recruit the younger generation. We are forever hearing in the media that Gen X,Y,Z... are engaged with their smart phones and social media platforms and not much else; so if that is the case; how can aviculturists today inspire and encourage younger people to put down their phones and engage in a real live bird in an aviary rather than a insta video? Bern...
From humble budgie beginnings to the Fitzroy Sulphur crested cockatoo
September 23, 2021 16:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBCockatoos are indelibly linked to the Australian outback, often through popular image culture, and this popular photography subject has indeed proven in recent times that cockatoos reside not only in the bush, but are also moving into many of Australia's bigger cities and towns (check out Cockatoo Wingtag - Big City Birds). As these big white cockatoos become part of Australia's urban landscape, the average Aussie is misled into thinking that all theses big white cockatoos are all the same a...
Egg binding - suggestions on what to do and how to prevent
September 09, 2021 16:00 - 8 minutes - 6.17 MBEgg binding is a problem that can be encountered with any female bird - from chickens, to budgies, to aviary finches. There are several suggested methods on how to treat this issue and of course prevention is always better than any cure. Birdman Dad offers up his suggestions on what to look for if you suspect one of your birds may be egg bound, and some suggestions on what you can do to help the bird. Prevention of course is always the best and Birdman Dad also discusses what you can do to ...
Yarning finches
August 26, 2021 16:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBFinch keeping is a worldwide hobby. Come listen to the yarns of finchkeeper Ray as he shares his finches stories, finch suggestions and hints and tips for other finch keepers. The items Ray mentions that he uses: Grit Ray is currently using for his finches: FitGrit https://www.naturallyforbirds.com.au/naturally-for-birds-information-update8 Ray also uses Polly's Grit Ray also spoke about "milk seed" - this is grass seeds that have been grown and then harvested semi-ripe and then placed ...
Is this " bird safe"?
August 12, 2021 16:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBDespite this being the age of Google and instant information via smart phones, bird owners are still regularly "caught out" when making purchases for their feathered friends that are quite simply " not bird safe". In fact most retail stores (both brick and mortar and online) still in 2021 sell a plethora of "bird" items that are in reality nothing more that a bird injury (or worse) waiting to happen. So what items are not in fact "bird safe"? Why are "unsafe" items still being sold in Austr...
Helpful bird and aviary tools
July 29, 2021 16:00 - 9 minutes - 6.79 MBApart from the usual, obvious bird accessories and utensils - like bowls, water dishes etc - Birdman Dad chats about the "other" helpful tools that, through his experience, he believes are "must haves" for any bird keeper/owner/guardian. Hope you find something useful for your own birds in this list! If you have any other suggestions to add onto the list please let BirdCast know! insta: birdman_dad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1892441777643619/ Facebook: (Community): https...
Parrot Guardian
July 15, 2021 16:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBA proverb from the Indians of North America says – “To understand the man, you must first walk a mile in his moccasin.”. Today’s episode invites you to walk in the moccasin of Chadi, the founder of the most embattled parrot rescue in the world. Text can not give due justice to the depth of this challenge so will type no more and leave it to the podcast. Parrot Rescue Lebanon details: You Tube movie created by a “friend” of PRL: https://youtu.be/4o3xQExHpwg PRL – fund donations: (l...
Planting out an aviary of Eden
July 01, 2021 16:00 - 12 minutes - 8.54 MBThe relationship between birds and plants can never be underestimated. The habitat created by plants for all birds provides them with valuable nutrients and minerals that can never be fully replicated in any man made foods. For aviary kept birds planted aviaries provide valuable nutritional benefits as well as much needed enrichment and safe zone protection that every captive bird is undoubtedly going to receive benefit from, creating a happier and healthier bird. Birdman Dad offers up vario...
Rescheduled podcast - back on 2nd July 2021 - apologies!
June 25, 2021 02:00 - 50 seconds - 631 KBDue to some scheduling and technical issues we sadly can not bring you a new BirdCast today. Please go back in the library and listen to your favourites - and if you are in the southern hemisphere below the tropics - last fortnight's episode on keeping birds warm would be a good one to re-listen to! BE back next Friday. Thanks for listening!
Chill factor: outdoor aviary warm up hints and tips.
June 10, 2021 16:00 - 10 minutes - 7.1 MBIn general Australia is known for it's hot and sunny weather but this week there has been snow events and very cold weather for much of the country. Birdman Dad shares with us some of his hints and tips to warm up your aviaries in the winter months and provides some useful winter suggestions for the birds in your care. The rodent control Birdman Dad speaks about are the first generation ones and also Racumin (which is Coumatetralyl). A new one he is also trialing is the "NATURALS: Ratsak" w...
Little Beaks Aviary Tour and the dowel battle.
May 27, 2021 16:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MBLittle Beaks is a rescue/rehoming bird sanctuary that focuses on small parrots/parakeets - budgies, cockatiels, doves, canaries and finches. Sadly (like most bird rescue/rehomers) Little Beaks is in high demand :( Partly due to the unethical breeding behaviours of a select group of small parrot owners and partly to the continued human lack of knowledge concerning living with a small parrot - especially when it comes to caring for and sharing your life with a single budgie/cockatiel/canary l...
On a wing and a prayer - saving Sunrise Beach's glossies
May 13, 2021 16:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBAll over Australia land is being developed at an astonishing rate - that in itself is not surprising as we are a country in a national building mode - but what is shocking, and disappointing, is that in 2021 we, the trophy holders for most mammal extinctions, want to extend our extinction rates into other species, and continue to utterly destroy vital habitat, especially large trees, in our efforts to build human homes and facilities. Councils, Cities and Shires will approve these developmen...
Balancing Act - hints for keeping birds on a limited income
April 29, 2021 16:00 - 24 minutes - 16.5 MBDomesticated birds, like all pets humans share their homes and lives with, have a financial cost attached to them which has to be met by their human owner. Just like the average dog, cat or horse, pet birds need to be fed, housed, watered and given veterinarian attention as required. All these essential care items cost money and it is the bird/s owner/s who have to provide the required funds. All this is a given and is a point that should be carefully considered when first deciding if you ...
Birding in paradise.
April 15, 2021 16:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBSometimes we forget how very precious and unique our own backyards are, and that we don't need to travel thousands of miles to be some place that exists nowhere else on the planet. For today's guest the Perth Hills is that very fabulous and special place. And it was this appreciation of knowing the Perth Hills was the special land at the end of the yellow brick road, that led this young woman to write and publish her very own bird watching guide of the special birds endemic to her own patc...
Come Chat with Bruno Mars
April 01, 2021 16:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MBThe human fascination with birds and keeping them in their homes has been part of human existence for 1000's of years. The surviving frescoes and mosaics of ancient civilisations such as Pompeii shows the prominence of birds in people's homes. Chinese historians suggest that birdkeeping became an established social event during the time of Qing (1644-1912) when the nobles of the Qing dynasty and the court eunuchs kept birds in their homes to fill in time, giving them something to do. So the...
"Pet Shop" is not a dirty word!
March 18, 2021 16:00 - 6 minutes - 4.69 MBAlthough many people are quick to condemn the pet shop trade - pet shops offer a valuable contribution to aviculture overall. Firstly they provide a great visual presence to the general public, in that they show a variety of birds and also place these birds within the realm of more widely accepted domestic pets such as cats and dogs - how often have we all heard people say "set them free" - when in reality these birds are domesticated; just like a cat or a dog - and if they are set free they...
Sharing the wealth of experience - aviary design and construction
February 25, 2021 16:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MBToday's episode epitomises the core philosophy behind the very creation of BirdCast - the sharing of information between bird keepers and owners. We are very grateful for today's guest who was willing to share the knowledge he has accumulated over many, many years in the keeping of finches. Our guest,Les, who lives in a tropical area of Queensland, Australia explains to the BirdCast team the aviary finch keeping issues particular to the climate in which he lives, as well as his own aviary de...
A chance encounter with the endangered Painted cockatoo
February 18, 2021 16:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MBHow does a nature loving, non-birdkeeping young Aussie guy with no background in aviculture become a leading authority on the captive breeding of one of Australia's most endangered large birds? Today's episode is truly an amazing story! A "by chance" encounter with a pair of painted black cockatoos (South Eastern red tailed black cockatoo aka Calyptorhynchus banksii graptogyne) in a bird store back in the 1990's, set in motion a lifetime of learning and dedicated caring of this stunning red ...
What seeding grass is that? and is it any good for my birds?
February 11, 2021 16:00 - 8 minutes - 6.02 MBPretty much all birds enjoy semi-ripened grass seeds - from the biggest macaw to the tiniest finch. There are many grasses that grow naturally in our gardens, balcony pots and verges - but what exactly are they and how good are they for a bird? If these are some questions you ask yourself then today's episode is for you! Bird Keeping in Australia has created a great booklet on this exact topic and today Birdman Dad is discussing the book and how it can be of help to you; and your birds. Bi...
Photographing your birds with hints and tips from a professional photographer!
February 04, 2021 16:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MBBirdman Dad thought that today's guest might be of great interest to the listeners as he is discussing some great, simple hints and tips to help you take better photos of your own birds. We all like to keep and share great pics of our own birds! Today we are speaking with Chris Tate, a well known West Australian nature photographer. Chris has recently published a book called - "West Australian Birds & Wildflowers - Tips to capture them on your camera, phone or device". In the book Chris has...
Bird Water
January 28, 2021 16:00 - 7 minutes - 5.21 MBWater. It is essential for life - if you think about it our planet should be called "Water" not Earth! All birds need water, aviary birds included. Fresh, cool, clean water can never be underestimated. Water is a known medium that bacteria and other illness causing pathogens can breed in and transmit quickly to your birds, so you want to keep your aviary water sources fresh and clean. Birdman Dad shares with you how he provides water to his birds, both as in what he puts the water into, clea...
Aviary visit - come meet the Naretha Bluebonnet Parrot of Australia
January 21, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 43.6 MBThis episode the BirdCast team is taking an aviary visit to see for themselves the beautiful and unique Naretha Bluebonnet parrot ( Northiella narethae) aka the "Narrie". The naretha has been a bird of concern for many years and is currently listed as Near Threatened in the Australian state of South Australia and Fauna Priority 4 in Western Australia - which indicates fauna which is rare, near threatened and other species in need of monitoring. How the naretha bluebonnet came to be in tod...