Life List: A Birding Podcast
93 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 118 ratingsBirdy. Proudly nerdy. Detailed. Not-so-subtly obsessive. Delve into all things birding and birding culture with George Armistead, Alvaro Jaramillo, and Mollee Brown. Join us for light-hearted conversations on birds, conservation, travel, and more.
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Episodes
We're answering birdy questions from our listeners!
September 19, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 50.9 MBThis week, we're answering questions from you, our dear listeners! Hear travel and birding tips and if the American Woodcock is indeed the best bird. Plus, join us in Colombia in February! » Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com. Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast!
What leads to bird species lumps and splits? A lively discussion on checklist updates
September 05, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 49.8 MBThis is what our podcast is about, folks: George and Alvaro take a deep dive into the American Ornithological Society's most recent supplement to the North and Middle American Checklist to discuss all the good, the bad, and what goes into the decision process. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com Plus, we have a lot coming up! Learn more about these upcoming trips: Life List in Colombia The Birding Co-op in Costa Rica Alvaro’s Adventures in Bolivia Hillsta...
Birding Arizona, South Africa, and Colombia
August 23, 2022 20:00 - 58 minutes - 40.4 MBWe've all been on the road...er, plane, boat, and trail! Hear about our team's recent birding adventures across three continents. We talk about a lot of birds in this episode: Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Elf Owl Spectacled Petrel Ocellated Tapaculo Various Antpittas And honorable mention: pangolin! Plus, we have a lot coming up! Learn more about these upcoming trips: Life List in Colombia The Birding Co-op in Costa Rica Alvaro’s Adventures in Bolivia Hillstar Nature in Ma...
How backyard birding becomes an obsession with Julie Zickefoose
August 08, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 44.9 MBRenowned naturalist, artist, and author Julie Zickefoose joins us in this episode to talk about the joys of birding her patch, the new BWD magazine, and dogs + skunks 101. All the links: Subscribe to BWD magazine Check out Julie's blog Level up your bird bath Big news: We're headed to Colombia in February! Sign up for the Coffee Triangle & The Colombia Birdfair Tour on our site. And while you're at it, look at our shiny new website! Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodc...
Monarchs demystified and how birding helps the brain
July 25, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 45.9 MBDid you hear that Monarch Butterflies have recently become listed as endangered? Get the scoop from monarch scientists on how their population is changing, and while we're at it, how about some Ivory-billed Woodpecker updates, too? Plus hear the latest that proves how birding helps our memories! Deep Dive: Opposing global change drivers counterbalance trends in breeding North American monarch butterflies Big news: We're headed to Colombia in February! Sign up for the Coffee Triangle & The ...
Splitting hares in Alaska and more summer birding travel
July 11, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 44.1 MBGeorge and Alvaro catch up on their summer travels and deep dive Alaska’s birds and mammals. We get hungry at the end, and you may, too. Send your topic ideas to [email protected] PS. Watch out for shell people! *send your letters to George* Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com. Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast!
The evolution of birding in Colombia with Diego Calderon
June 27, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 55.1 MBThis episode we're joined by Diego Calderon, biologist and co-host of The Birders Show, to discuss all things birds and birding in Colombia and beyond! Topics discussed: Species discovery including the Antioquia Wren, ground rollers, ornithology and recreational birding in the Neotropics, birding with FARC, vagrancy and rare bird chasing, and the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival Send your topic ideas to [email protected] Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joinin...
Deep Diving Vagrant Birds with Marshall Iliff
June 06, 2022 22:00 - 1 hour - 61.7 MBMarshall Iliff joins us for this interview episode where we discuss big days, vagrancies, and more!
Deep Diving Vagrant Birds with Marshall Iliff
June 06, 2022 22:00 - 1 hour - 61.7 MBMarshall Iliff joins us for this interview episode where we discuss big days, vagrancies, and more! Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com. Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast!
Spring Migration: Canada vs. US and East vs. West
May 21, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 44.4 MBCovid hit the pod, but didn't keep us down for long. We're back to catch up on spring migration, The Biggest Week in Birding Festival, west coast pelagic research, and a curious towhee behavior. Species mentioned: Arctic terns, various warblers, Eastern Towhee Check out: BirdCast Birding Your Best Life Kowa Scopes Send your topic ideas to [email protected] Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share you...
Was the Ivory-billed Woodpecker actually rediscovered?
April 26, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 46.5 MBIt's all over the news, but is there concrete evidence that the Ivory-billed Woodpecker still exists in the United States? George and Alvaro discuss these magnificent woodpeckers along with updates from Alvaro's tour in Cuba. Locations mentioned: Cuba Book recommendation: Vagrancy in Birds by Alexander Lees and James Gilroy Upcoming tours: New Jersey Deep Water Pelagic with Hillstar Nature South Africa Birds and Wine with Alvaro's Adventures Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@...
Was the Ivory-billed Woodpecker actually rediscovered?
April 26, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 46.5 MBIt's all over the news, but is there concrete evidence that the Ivory-billed Woodpecker still exists in the United States? George and Alvaro discuss these magnificent woodpeckers along with updates from Alvaro's tour in Cuba. Locations mentioned: Cuba Book recommendation: Vagrancy in Birds by Alexander Lees and James Gilroy Upcoming tours: New Jersey Deep Water Pelagic with Hillstar Nature South Africa Birds and Wine with Alvaro's Adventures Send your topic ideas to lifelistpodcast@...
From Snow Leopards to Volcano Views
April 11, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 45 MBGeorge recounts his adventures in India, Mollee talks about visiting El Salvador, and Alvaro gets a rare bird in his yard while we're recording! Locations mentioned: India, El Salvador, Costa Rica Movie recommendation: 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible Send your topic ideas to [email protected] Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com. Thanks to Kowa Optics for spon...
Ep 20: From Snow Leopards to Volcano Views
April 11, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 45 MBGeorge recounts his adventures in India, Mollee talks about visiting El Salvador, and Alvaro gets a rare bird in his yard while we're recording! Locations mentioned: India, El Salvador, Costa Rica Movie recommendation: 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible Send your topic ideas to [email protected]
What travel is like in 5 Central and South American countries right now
March 28, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 46.2 MBWhile George is away in India, Alvaro and Mollee are off on adventures of their own! Highlight bird species: Northern Mockingbird, various New World warblers, Black Swift, Broad-winged Hawk Locations mentioned: Chile, Argentina, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Cuba Don’t miss out: on the Broad-winged Hawk Project and Moonlight drives nocturnal vertical flight dynamics in black swifts by Anders Hedenström, Robert A. Sparks, Gabriel Norevik, Colin Woolley, Greg J. Levandoski, and Susanne Åkesson...
Ep 19: What travel is like in 5 Central and South American countries right now
March 28, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 46.2 MBWhile George is away in India, Alvaro and Mollee are off on adventures of their own! Highlight bird species: Northern Mockingbird, various New World warblers, Black Swift, Broad-winged Hawk Locations mentioned: Chile, Argentina, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Cuba Don’t miss out: on the Broad-winged Hawk Project and Moonlight drives nocturnal vertical flight dynamics in black swifts by Anders Hedenström, Robert A. Sparks, Gabriel Norevik, Colin Woolley, Greg J. Levandoski, and Susanne Åkesson...
What travel is like in 5 Central and South American countries right now
March 28, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 46.2 MBWhile George is away in India, Alvaro and Mollee are off on adventures of their own! Highlight bird species: Northern Mockingbird, various New World warblers, Black Swift, Broad-winged Hawk Locations mentioned: Chile, Argentina, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Cuba Don’t miss out: on the Broad-winged Hawk Project and Moonlight drives nocturnal vertical flight dynamics in black swifts by Anders Hedenström, Robert A. Sparks, Gabriel Norevik, Colin Woolley, Greg J. Levandoski, and Susanne Åkesson...
Discovering a new bird species: Interview with Dan Lane
March 14, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 58.5 MBEpisode 18 is a special one: our first interview with ornithologist, guide, and artist Dan Lane! Ever wondered what it's like to discover a new bird species...and what to do after discovering it? You won't want to miss this interview where Dan recounts the epic 20-year journey in the discovery of the Inti Tanager. Cool links: Learn more about Dan on his website Send your topic ideas to [email protected] Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon...
Bird Mysteries!
February 28, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBWe start by, what else? comparing pelagic updates from the east and west coasts with a few European bird names thrown in. Did we watch the Super Bowl? Superb owl? Tune in to find out. Measure Alvaro's junk food identification skills before we dive into some *drumroll* bird mysteries our hosts have experienced! Species mentioned: Egyptian Plover; Vermilion Flycatcher; Brujo Flycatcher; and you know, various alcids and gulls and raptors Cool links: Check out this awesome drone footage of H...
Ep 17: Bird Mysteries!
February 28, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBWe start by, what else? comparing pelagic updates from the east and west coasts with a few European bird names thrown in. Did we watch the Super Bowl? Superb owl? Tune in to find out. Measure Alvaro's junk food identification skills before we dive into some *drumroll* bird mysteries our hosts have experienced! Species mentioned: Egyptian Plover; Vermilion Flycatcher; Brujo Flycatcher; and you know, various alcids and gulls and raptors Cool links: Check out this awesome drone footage of H...
Ep 16: Play dead, see condors
February 14, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 46 MB“In any other scenario, this would be a wickedly, inappropriate, ridiculous idea… but we’re birders.” Thus begins many a birding tale, eh? In this case, we're talking condors. George and Alvaro dive into what makes a rare bird special, subspecies specifics, wild versus released or escaped birds, and more. Highlight bird species: Condors; Steller's Sea Eagle and other Steller species; Tundra Swan; Southern Lapwing; and various other subspecies Highlight locations: Middle Creek WMA, PA; Ha...
Play dead, see condors
February 14, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 46 MB“In any other scenario, this would be a wickedly, inappropriate, ridiculous idea… but we’re birders.” Thus begins many a birding tale, eh? In this case, we're talking condors. George and Alvaro dive into what makes a rare bird special, subspecies specifics, wild versus released or escaped birds, and more. Highlight bird species: Condors; Steller's Sea Eagle and other Steller species; Tundra Swan; Southern Lapwing; and various other subspecies Highlight locations: Middle Creek WMA, PA; Ha...
Travel Ep: Uganda! A deep dive on our adventure
January 31, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 49.9 MBTalk about an epic birding adventure! George and Mollee recount their recent travels in Uganda. We deep dive into the things we didn’t expect and what we still can’t stop thinking about. Highlight bird species: Shoebill; a variety of weavers; African Finfoot; Rock Pratincole; plus many mammals Special thanks: To Hannah and Erik of Hannah and Erik Go Birding podcast and Peter Burke of Alvaro's Adventures for their guest appearances Don’t miss out: Frontiers in Ornithology Symposium; Afric...
Travel: Uganda! A deep dive on our adventure
January 31, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 49.9 MBTalk about an epic birding adventure! George and Mollee recount their recent travels in Uganda. We deep dive into the things we didn’t expect and what we still can’t stop thinking about. Highlight bird species: Shoebill; a variety of weavers; African Finfoot; Rock Pratincole; plus many mammals Special thanks: To Hannah and Erik of Hannah and Erik Go Birding podcast and Peter Burke of Alvaro's Adventures for their guest appearances Don’t miss out: Frontiers in Ornithology Symposium; Afric...
The ecological findings of yard listing
January 17, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 42.8 MBFind out what we almost named Life List and a deep dive into the cultural implications of the question: “Have you seen the eagle?” Then, here’s to a new yard list for George! The guys also discuss elitism in birding... did Ontario Field Ornithologists come up with a solution to the age-old birder paradigm of sharing rare bird sightings? Learn how Goosanders in Europe have the same plumage pattern but a totally different structural shape than Common Mergansers. Warning: We also discuss an un...
Ep 14: The ecological findings of yard listing
January 17, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 42.8 MBFind out what we almost named Life List and a deep dive into the cultural implications of the question: “Have you seen the eagle?” Then, here’s to a new yard list for George! The guys also discuss elitism in birding... did Ontario Field Ornithologists come up with a solution to the age-old birder paradigm of sharing rare bird sightings? Learn how Goosanders in Europe have the same plumage pattern but a totally different structural shape than Common Mergansers. Warning: We also discuss an un...
Lotta duck talk today
January 03, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 42.2 MBWe kick off 2022 with winter duck updates in the form of some mallard-esque species, including Black, Mottled, and Mexican Ducks. We chat about Saw-whets and other owls, plus how the public interacts with them. Plus, have you heard about the collaboration of leading conservation organizations to support expeditions to re-find 10 lost bird species? Leonardo DeCaprio has. We also pay homage to the leaders in the field and fine human beings we lost over the past few weeks. Highlight bird spe...
Ep 13: Lotta Duck Talk Today
January 03, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 42.2 MBWe kick off 2022 with winter duck updates in the form of some mallard-esque species, including Black, Mottled, and Mexican Ducks. We chat about Saw-whets and other owls, plus how the public interacts with them. Plus, have you heard about the collaboration of leading conservation organizations to support expeditions to re-find 10 lost bird species? Leonardo DeCaprio has. We also pay homage to the leaders in the field and fine human beings we lost over the past few weeks. Highlight bird spe...
Ep 12: You Better Love Whales and Owls
December 22, 2021 20:00 - 59 minutes - 41.2 MBWe catch up on Christmas Bird Counts, some Swifty talk, landfill birding, and how with experience, identification becomes recognition, just like finding a good friend in a crowded room. George also recounts the American Birding Association's Bird of the Year Reveal Party — welcome, year of the Burrowing Owl! — and more on owls, including vocal evidence to separate the burrowing owl into species and how owls decorate their nests. And a Steller’s Ja-- no wait, Eagle! continues to make dramatic...
You better love whales and owls
December 22, 2021 20:00 - 59 minutes - 41.2 MBWe catch up on Christmas Bird Counts, some Swifty talk, landfill birding, and how with experience, identification becomes recognition, just like finding a good friend in a crowded room. George also recounts the American Birding Association's Bird of the Year Reveal Party — welcome, year of the Burrowing Owl! — and more on owls, including vocal evidence to separate the burrowing owl into species and how owls decorate their nests. And a Steller’s Ja-- no wait, Eagle! continues to make dramatic...
Ep 11: Turkeys in a Landfill
November 27, 2021 15:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MBThe guys start with chatting birding updates and well-documented views of beers among birders. Then they dive in: they’re at risk of overdoing their interest in gulls, but they just don’t care. One cool thing about gulls is that it’s often relatively easy to get great looks at them — the challenge is in learning from what you’re seeing! Needless to say, the pod is ready for gull season to kick off. And what else comes around with gull season? Christmas Bird Count season, of course! They also...
Turkeys in a landfill
November 27, 2021 15:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MBThe guys start with chatting birding updates and well-documented views of beers among birders. Then they dive in: they’re at risk of overdoing their interest in gulls, but they just don’t care. One cool thing about gulls is that it’s often relatively easy to get great looks at them — the challenge is in learning from what you’re seeing! Needless to say, the pod is ready for gull season to kick off. And what else comes around with gull season? Christmas Bird Count season, of course! They also...
Turkeys in a landfill
November 27, 2021 15:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MBThe guys start with chatting birding updates and well-documented views of beers among birders. Then they dive in: they’re at risk of overdoing their interest in gulls, but they just don’t care. One cool thing about gulls is that it’s often relatively easy to get great looks at them — the challenge is in learning from what you’re seeing! Needless to say, the pod is ready for gull season to kick off. And what else comes around with gull season? Christmas Bird Count season, of course! They also...
Ep 10: That's called naked birding!
November 08, 2021 22:00 - 1 hour - 44.4 MBYou're in for a great story this week! Alvaro gives us an update on his journey through hearing loss and regaining it through a cochlear implant. But before that, we chat about late fall birding, Elaenia IDs, and more about ear birding. Highlight bird species: Various Elaenias, including Small-billed and White-crested Locations mentioned: Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, west coast pelagics Don’t miss out: on Birdability Send your topic ideas to [email protected] Get more Life list ...
Ep 9: A glass-half-full Bobolink
October 25, 2021 23:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBThis week, the guys talk George’s wedding and house search (Do you think they made an eBird checklist? The answer may surprise you!); the Naturally Adventurous podcast; Black Rails and their close relatives; how genetics and appearances can differ; Kirtland’s Warblers seen throughout fall migration, plus notes on their evolution; the Cape May Fall Festival; and chasing Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers. Highlight bird species: Black Rail and close relatives, Kirtland’s Warbler; Sulphur-bellied Fl...
Ep 8: It's Good to Have Pants
October 04, 2021 17:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MBPelagic updates, how to prepare for a birding trip, and more. Join us! Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com. Thanks to Kowa Optics for sponsoring our podcast!
Ep 7: Alvaro's Adventure in Spain
September 09, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 41.8 MBThe guys catch up on Hurricane Ida and how an interest in natural history can lead to an interest in observing weather-related phenomenons before diving into the good stuff: updates from Alvaro's ongoing Spanish Adventure. Oh, and pelagics. There's always pelagics. Topics covered include: The worst flooding in nearly 150 years in parts of the eastern United States, how storms and flooding affect birds, lots of updates on birding and migration in Spain, and musing on travel during Covid. H...
Ep 6: The increasingly golden era of birding and ornithology
August 23, 2021 20:00 - 56 minutes - 38.9 MBDo you know the state bird of Utah, and how it came to be? How old are the oldest hummingbirds on record? Which gulls are of the cherry-picking variety? Get answers to these questions and so much more in this episode of Life List. Topics covered include: Seasonal changes in birding; American Ornithological Society (AOS) updates, including a focus on genomics and inverted genes; why the western raptor that George spotted in New Jersey didn’t make the rare bird alerts; record-breaking gull...
Ep 5: A Moonbird for the Moon People
August 09, 2021 16:00 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MBIn this episode, we chat about updates on cicadas and west-coast pelagics, Olympian-quality birds, the fear of owls (and fear of showing people owls), and more birdy stuff. Send us your questions for our next episode, where you can Ask Us Anything! Topics covered include: Cicadas and their affinity with prime numbers; bird and mammal reports from Farallon Islands pelagic trips; the underdogs of the Bird Olympics (we couldn’t resist); bird names for sports teams; an introduction to bird and...
Ep 4: Mosquito Birth Control
July 17, 2021 18:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MBGeorge, Mollee and Alvaro chat together for the first time on Life List. Mollee introduces herself, and the amazing rooftop tent! Alvaro mentions his first June trip to the Farallon Islands, CA. George “cancels” on Subaru at the Philly flower show. But the main discussion is about the Aloha State. Mollee gives us her impression as a first-time birder to Hawaii. George impresses us with his fish knowledge. And we all discuss how Hawaii is amazing, and also a conservation emergency zone. Some ...
Ep 3: And from the guy who wrote the book, no less
July 02, 2021 20:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MBGeorge and Al discuss their local birding endeavors, flightless birds, and Al is almost stumped on naming the two North American birds that undergo two full molts in a year. Hear a killer Virginia Rail/Three Stooges impression and the real reason we named our podcast Life List. Plus, are you a restauranteur? George is revealing his brilliant idea, for free, right here, just for you. Topics covered include: Volcanic effects on birds in the Caribbean, a population-versus-species mindset for ...
Ep 2: Doh! I am gone [Insert Orange-Breasted Falcon]
June 16, 2021 19:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MBFind out what makes George shriek like a small child and learn all about the Ridiculously Resilient Ridge as we discuss some of our first travel plans since the pandemic started. Also hear a teaser for Alvaro’s talk, Birding Fast and Slow, that deep dives into how our brains translate bird identification as our confidence as birders grows. PS - We have cited proof that watching birds bring people more happiness than money! Topics covered include: Alvaro on the RRR, George’s recent trip to C...
Ep 1: Welcome to the Pod!
June 02, 2021 20:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBJumping off, Alvaro & George get Life List going by sharing their birding origins and dipping lightly into the vagaries of gulls and gull people, as well as why birding itself is such a great pastime. Alvaro recalls meeting Batman, his days (or daze?) in “peanut butter & jelly production” and how he used to think golf was weird, while George reveals his plans to announce a new “anti- sesquipedalian society.” Topics covered include: The Pribilof Islands, Kim K & Kanye’s separation, Philly pr...