Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited
89 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago -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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Episodes
Keeping Birds Safe in Your Yard
March 07, 2024 16:25 - 32 minutes - 44.9 MBJohn 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.
February 08, 2024 16:13 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MBJohn 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
January 11, 2024 16:10 - 26 minutes - 37.1 MBJoin 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
December 14, 2023 14:53 - 19 minutes - 27 MBJoin 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
November 02, 2023 14:06 - 19 minutes - 26.8 MBJohn 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.
October 06, 2023 13:27 - 27 minutes - 64.1 MBJohn 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
September 07, 2023 15:19 - 28 minutes - 39.5 MBWhat 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
August 10, 2023 14:34 - 27 minutes - 37.8 MBJoin 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
July 13, 2023 13:56 - 20 minutes - 37.7 MBJohn & 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
June 01, 2023 15:01 - 28 minutes - 52.2 MBJoin 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 birds survive and thrive.
Bugs = Birds
May 04, 2023 13:21 - 28 minutes - 51.5 MBIt 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 to raise their families.
Hooray for Hummingbirds
April 06, 2023 14:09 - 30 minutes - 55.6 MBDo 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
March 09, 2023 13:12 - 26 minutes - 48.4 MBJohn 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
February 09, 2023 15:41 - 32 minutes - 74.7 MBLearn 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, world-wide program. Plus hear a few tips along the way.
Fatten Up Your Birds
January 12, 2023 15:05 - 27 minutes - 62 MBThere 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
December 08, 2022 16:15 - 27 minutes - 24.9 MBWhat 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 with others.
Looking Out for Fabulous Finches
November 17, 2022 14:36 - 26 minutes - 48.5 MBWho’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
November 03, 2022 15:10 - 28 minutes - 51.6 MBWhere 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
October 20, 2022 14:24 - 25 minutes - 46 MBBeing 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 participating.
The Changing Cast of Characters
October 06, 2022 13:59 - 24 minutes - 44.4 MBThe 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!
September 22, 2022 15:21 - 35 minutes - 65.7 MBCan 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
September 08, 2022 15:11 - 32 minutes - 59.7 MBWhere 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? John and Brian are here to tell you.
Pursuing Purple Martins
August 25, 2022 12:56 - 28 minutes - 51.4 MBJohn 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.
Pursing Purple Martins
August 25, 2022 12:56 - 28 minutes - 51.4 MBJohn 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.
August 11, 2022 14:55 - 33 minutes - 60.7 MBJohn 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.”
Bird Feeding Then & Now
July 28, 2022 15:16 - 32 minutes - 58.9 MBWith 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 machines be just around the corner? Plus, a surprise visit from a Red-headed Woodpecker that steals the show.
Don’t Stop Now! Perks of Summer Feeding.
July 14, 2022 12:45 - 28 minutes - 52.1 MBSome 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 otherwise miss.
World’s Smartest Birds?
June 30, 2022 15:43 - 34 minutes - 63.9 MBJohn 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 of ravens.
Birding by Ear: Getting Started
June 16, 2022 13:28 - 35 minutes - 65.1 MBDo 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.
A Note About Bird Song
June 02, 2022 15:50 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MBIn 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 birds?
Episode #54: A Gathering of the Flock - WBU Store Owner Stories
May 19, 2022 15:16 - 38 minutes - 70 MBIn this episode, John & Brian recorded live from the Wild Birds Unlimited annual conference where our store owners gathered for their annual migration to refresh, learn and find new treasures. You’ll hear some fun as well as heart-warming store owner stories. Who knows? Maybe one of them is from your neck of woods (or backyard).
A Gathering of the Flock - WBU Store Owner Stories
May 19, 2022 15:16 - 38 minutes - 70 MBIn this episode, John & Brian recorded live from the Wild Birds Unlimited annual conference where our store owners gathered for their annual migration to refresh, learn and find new treasures. You’ll hear some fun as well as heart-warming store owner stories. Who knows? Maybe one of them is from your neck of woods (or backyard).
Hummingbirds: It’s All About Mom!
May 05, 2022 15:17 - 25 minutes - 47.2 MBJohn and Brian discuss the best bird mom ever. Hummingbird moms are arguably one of the toughest ladies out there. With all the odds stacked against them, we should celebrate how hummingbird moms are the champions this Mother’s Day.
Episode #53 Hummingbirds: It’s All About Mom!
May 05, 2022 15:17 - 25 minutes - 47.2 MBJohn and Brian discuss the best bird mom ever. Hummingbird moms are arguably one of the toughest ladies out there. With all the odds stacked against them, we should celebrate how hummingbird moms are the champions this Mother’s Day.
Episode #52 Spring Secrets & Setups
April 21, 2022 15:38 - 33 minutes - 61.7 MBEver wonder what others aren’t telling you about backyard birding? Join John and Brian as they impart their spring secrets to increase your bird variety and activity this year. And, who? who? is that we’re talking about at the end of the episode?
Spring Secrets & Setups
April 21, 2022 15:38 - 33 minutes - 61.7 MBEver wonder what others aren’t telling you about backyard birding? Join John and Brian as they impart their spring secrets to increase your bird variety and activity this year. And, who? who? is that we’re talking about at the end of the episode?
Habitat: Can You Really Make a Difference
April 07, 2022 15:07 - 34 minutes - 63.6 MBHabitat, habitat, habitat! That’s right, there’s more to learn about our own little natural parks we call our backyards. John and Brian share exciting new research on just how much of an impact an individual can make for local wildlife. Hint, it’s a lot! Stay tuned to the end to find out if we could see the dodo again in our lifetimes.
Celebrating the Big Five Oh!
March 24, 2022 15:27 - 23 minutes - 43.7 MBJoin John and Brian as they celebrate the 50th episode of Nature Centered while broadcasting from John’s backyard. Brian grades John’s bird feeding setups while giving you a closer look at how these pros like to feed. We’re reading reviews, talking with our producer Evan, and finding out “what is moon migration?”
Nesting: A Bird’s Eye View
March 10, 2022 16:14 - 30 minutes - 56 MBThis year for nesting season, John and Brian are going to teach you what your backyard birds are looking for when they’re “house shopping” for the right yard to raise a family, and how you can help your birds raise more birds with better chances to fledge.
State of the Union: Our Winter Birds
February 24, 2022 15:26 - 38 minutes - 35 MBHave new birds? Have no birds? John and Brian will fill you in on the state of our union … at least as it pertains to backyard birding. Listen in to find out who is seeing what and where across North America, and find out how squirrels actually help our backyard birds.
How to Participate in GBBC & Why It Matters
February 10, 2022 22:28 - 37 minutes - 69 MBParticipate in GBBC February 18–21, 2022 | https://www.birdcount.org/ Watching birds is fun and recording what you see is extremely valuable to science, conservation and even you. Join John, Brian, and Becca Rodomsky-Bish from the Cornell lab of Ornithology as they talk about the upcoming citizen science project, the Great Backyard Bird Count, and follow up with food pairings for certain birds. Special guest, Becca Rodomsky-Bish from Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Project Leader for the Gr...
Great Backyard Bird Count
January 27, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBParticipate in GBBC February 18–21, 2022 | https://www.birdcount.org/ Wild Birds Unlimited is the Founding Sponsor of the Great Backyard Bird Count. This citizen-science project is for all ages and helps #SaveTheSongBirds. Free GBBC Webinar on Wednesday, February 16, 2pm ET. Sign up to learn all about bird ID, unlocking the mystery of bird songs, and practice counting birds no matter how large the flock or busy the feeder. This webinar is designed for birders of all ages and experience—y...
Bark Butter: If You Use It, They Will Come
January 13, 2022 16:22 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBKick off the new year with a food that can bring more joy (over 150 species) and improve everyone’s backyard birding. In this episode, John and Brian geek out with one of their favorite bird foods, Bark Butter. They share personal feeding tips, what inchworms and Bark Butter have in common, and how you, too, will add more fun to your bird feeding hobby.
This Year in Birding
December 30, 2021 17:21 - 9 minutes - 8.48 MBJoin Evan in this episode for a recap of the Wild Birds Unlimited 2021 Nature Centered podcasts. Thanks for listening and have a Happy New Year!
The Birds We Love to Hate
December 16, 2021 17:57 - 32 minutes - 30 MBWe 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 to your bird feeding. Whether you really love all the birds or there are some you don’t really care for; they have solutions to help you out!
Episode #43 The Birds We Love to Hate
December 16, 2021 17:57 - 32 minutes - 30 MBWe 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 to your bird feeding. Whether you really love all the birds or there are some you don’t really care for; they have solutions to help you out!
Share the Joy of Birds
December 02, 2021 15:36 - 32 minutes - 30 MBThis is an exciting time of year! This season is not just about giving tangible gifts but spiritual gifts, too. In this episode, John and Brian are giving you some ideas and suggestions on how to share the joy of birds. As we head into the holiday season, there’s no better time to make memories with friends and family.
Backyard Birds of Prey
November 18, 2021 17:55 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBIn this episode, John and Brian are talking about the birds of prey that you may see in your backyard. Who might show up and how can you tell what they are? They are joined by a birds of prey expert, Will Schaust (yes, he is John’s son) who shares some fun information. You’ll learn how you can deal with any unwanted raptors and how to keep the birds in your yard safe.
Are You Doing Your Best for the Birds?
November 04, 2021 15:57 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBAre you doing your best for the birds? Are there some things you can step up or start doing in your own yard? In this episode, John and Brian discuss these questions. They explain a few actions you can take right now that will get results quickly. You’ll learn just how simple it is to help #savethesongbirds.
Spectacular Sparrows
October 21, 2021 15:03 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBWe tend to look right past sparrows. These little ubiquitous birds that seem to be invisible are actually quite beautiful and have some amazing feats. In this episode, John and Brian discuss why they love sparrows and how you can attract them to your yard. By the end of this episode, you’ll think sparrows are just as spectacular as they do!