The Mindful Birding Podcast

[email protected] In this episode, we explore the theme of resilience and the ways Mindful Birding can help strengthen our own psychological wellbeing during challenging times. We reflect on how turning our attention to birds can offer grounding, perspective, and gentle encouragement when life feels heavy or uncertain. We also spotlight the role of the caregiver, and how finding time to connect with birds can offer much-needed respite, renewal, and restoration.*In our Joy of Birdsong segment, natural sound recordist Laura Sebastianelli shares a recording of American Woodcock performing a sky dance at Frazer Point on the Schoodic Peninsula in Acadia National Park in Winter Harbor, Maine. If you want to learn to record nature, or are already an experienced recordist, she invites you to join her and others in a Natural Sound Recordists Gathering for a week of exceptional field recording opportunities in the Cobscook Bay region of Maine to record, learn, and share among peers.*** Due to processing and automated mastering through our podcast platform, Laura Sebastianelli’s audio file was unfortunately badly distorted!  We sincerely apologize for this issue and would like to offer listeners access to the original recording, where you can hear her beautiful recording its unmastered, undistorted form.: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/435216921Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode we spend time with long-time Mindful Birding Network member Faraaz Abdool, and we a style of birding that Faraaz calls Casual Birding, and how this style, like Mindful Birding, anchors itself in the quality of attention.  Faraaz is a wildlife photographer, author, speaker, and birding guide from Trinidad & Tobago who is passionate about making birding more accessible and meaningful for people everywhere. His book Casual Birding in Trinidad & Tobago, published in 2020, explores a philosophy of birding that emphasizes enjoyment, curiosity, and connection over competition. This intention of "birding and being" is Mindful Birding. Faraaz’s photography and writing have been widely published, and he regularly speaks with birding groups, podcasts, and conservation audiences around the world. Through his guiding, media work, and collaborations , Faraaz helps inspire a deeper appreciation for birds and the experience of observing them.Check out Faraaz's website here: Faraaz Abdool,comMore about Faraaz hereIntro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode, we discuss the Merlin Bird ID app, an AI tool for bird identification that can help us identify bird sounds, and we discuss how using Merlin impacts our experiences while practicing Mindful Birding, and pose the question: could Merlin sometimes be a barrier for deepening our experiences with birds around us, or be counter-active to Mindful Birding? We’re curious to hear your thoughts on this too, and welcome your comments via email (see link above)In our Joy of Birdsong segment, natural sound recordist Laura Sebastianelli shares the sounds of a dawn chorus with a rich sense of place in Acadia National Park. If you want to learn to record nature, or are already an experienced recordist, she invites you to join her and others in a Natural Sound Recordists Gathering for a week of exceptional field recording opportunities in the Cobscook Bay region of Maine to record, learn, and share among peers.Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode, Holly and Holly spend time chatting with Dr. Inbal Ravreby, a post-doctoral researcher at the Cornell University. We chat with Dr. Ravreby about how our experiences in nature and with birds can transport us into a different state of mind and shift our own self-perception. Something called "self-other" blurring, or self / non-self blurring. We talk about these fascinating research areas and how they might positively benefit our experiences while mindful birding. In our Joy of Birdsong segment, we listen to the soundscapes of coastal Delaware and the voices of many migratory birds stopping over on an August morning at the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge on the east coast of the United States.Other resources mentioned in this episode include: Nature and Health AllianceForest Therapy Mindful BirdingMindfulness Meditation Empathy and CompassionIntro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] We’re excited to share our third annual “Gratitude for Birds” special—an episode shaped by the voices and heartfelt reflections of our own community. Through voices from around the world, we explore how practicing gratitude can deepen our mindful birding experiences and support our overall feelings of wellbeing.We invited our listeners and members of the Mindful Birding Network to share gratitude for birds, and now, we’re delighted to pass the microphone to them. You will hear from Dave Edson, Karen , Krista Haenen, Arax Seghman, Ryan, Joy R., George Armistead, Freya McGregor, Susan J. Preston, Pam Zicca, Bruce, and Emily.Holly Thomas reads Mary Oliver’s poem Red Bird, and for our Joy of Birdsong segment, Holly Merker shares songs of an iconic red bird, the Northern Cardinal Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] There are times when we cannot get outdoors but our wellbeing can surely benefit from the sounds of a natural landscape. Especially so when we can connect to the birds around us by immersing ourselves in the sounds of our own neighborhoods or yards. In this episode we sit down with Casey Halverson and Scott Whittle, creators and project leads for Terra, a monitoring device that brings live listening experiences of the outdoors, indoors, as they share how we can use Terra to help birds, and other wildlife, as well as ourselves. In our Joy of Birdsong segment, Chris Benesh returns to share a recording of a Stygian Owl, right in time for Halloween. Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode, we spend time chatting about deepening our connections to birds through Mindful Birding experiences and how engaging our senses can enhance our experiences and feelings of connections. We cover a variety of subjects, including some key take-aways from a New York Times article published in August that asserts that time spent in nature can boost your attention span. In our Joy of Birdsong segment, we showcase the music of a singing Blackburnian Warbler recorded by special guest Wil Hershberger, on behalf of the Schoodic Institute’s Birds of Acadia Sound library. Additional links:Practical Applications of Grounding to Support Health, Glover, K., 2022Wil Hershberger's Song of Insects Seth Benz : https://schoodicinstitute.org/team/seth-benz/Schoodic Notes Blog: https://schoodicnotes.blog/author/schoodicnotes/Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this 30th episode of the Mindful Birdng Podcast, we bring you Part II of Mindful Birding and Nature Journaling. We chat with Cheryl Fallstead, current president of the Mesilla Valley Audubon in Las Cruces New Mexico and learn the ways in which she personally has come to find joy and personal growth through Nature Journaling, and how this has been incorporated into the programming of Mesilla Valley Audubon. In our conversation, Cheryl talks about the Wild Wonder Foundation and the upcoming virtual conference open to all.In the Science Segment, Holly Thomas overviews research and papers focusing on the wellness and learning benefits of Nature Journaling centering on these two papers:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14729679.2024.2425933https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13504622.2024.2405901Thanks to all of you who shared feedback from our previous episodes. We invite you to reach out to us if there’s a topic you are interested in hearing more about, or want to share your takeaways from the Mindful Birding Podcast.Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In the next two episodes of the Mindful Birding podcast, we’ll be highlighting Nature Journaling as a Mindful Birding practice, sharing how incorporating this style of reflection as a mindfulness tool can enhance our experiences.  In this episode, we spend time with the highly creative Maine artist Rebekah Lowell, who is also an award-winning author, birder and avid nature journalist who teaches nature journaling to wide audiences of people. Rebekah is a survivor of domestic who found solace, peace, and joy through birds and nature. In this episode, we learn more about her work, process, and how you can get started with your own nature journaling practice.In the episode, Rebekah talks about some of her illustrations and paintings, and you can view them on our website hereHolly Thomas reads the poem The Summer Day by American poet, Mary Oliver.Holly Merker transports us into a soundscape of an eastern forest in July for the Joy of Birdsong.Links and References from this episode:Rebekah's WebsiteInstagram - Rebekah LowellFREE "PAINT A YELLOW WARBLER" TUTORIAL by Rebekah Lowell WILD WONDER CONFERENCE Artist Michael BoardmanAmy Tan's The Backyard Bird ChronicalsIntro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode we’re offering something a bit different from our typical podcasts. And this may change when or how you might listen to this episode.Holly Merker offers an 11 minute forest guided imagery experience, and Holly Thomas offers a 22 minute Yoga Nidra experience with  birds. Natural soundscapes and bird soundtracks in this episode recorded by Holly & Holly. Holly Merker shares soundtracks from Acadia National Park in Maine and eastern Pennsylvania, and Holly Thomas shares soundscapes from northern California. Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode, we recap the Nature and Health Conference held in Houston, Texas by the Nature and Health Alliance, and share our takeaways of inspiration, learning, and activation propeling the initiatives of nature -based health initiatives within the frame of Mindful Birding.We discuss the work of Dr. Nalini Nadkarni, and an international award-winning and inspirational documentary featuring experiences of her life called Between Earth and Sky  We learned from some inspiring leaders in the field of nature prescriptions and therapeutic outdoor experiences, including (and there are many more!):Campus Nature Rx Network Nature Can HealParks RxDr. Jennifer RobertsBoyznthewood Cj GouldingJaime GonzalezREI Cooperative Action FundBlue Sky Funders Forum We refer to these previous podcast episodes: Episode 20: Mindful Birding for Mental Health & Self-Compassion: Good Birds, Good Birders, and FOMO : https://www.buzzsprout.com/2148646/episodes/15961485Episode 9: Prescriptive Nature  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2148646/episodes/13874210In our "Mindful Birding Nerding" Science Segment, Holly Thomas shares a study examining the power of outdoor MBSR practice, and explores the power of story woven in, posing prompts for you to consider in your own practice. For the Joy of Birdsong, Holly Merker shares an audio clip of chorus of the American Robin recorded in Pennsylvania. Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode, we explore the question: if we combine both music created by people with the music of birds, can this amplify the wellness benefits of both of them? We interview Diane Arkenstone, an internationally acclaimed musician and bird lover, who shares her music with the world to inspire a soothing meditation and healing, especially in her latest release elevating the songs of birds as her vocalists within. Diane shares how nature and nature's music, healed the heart complications she suffered since childhood, and how birds have been a beacon of healing light throughout her life.Listen to Diane's latest release during our Joy of Birdsong segment and fill yourself with the meditative power of birdsong.  You can learn more about Diane’s work on her website And follow her work here:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianeArkenstoneMusicTwitter: https://twitter.com/dianearkenstoneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/diane.arkenstone/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dianearkenstone  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7tACdDgcOW9HHM1Z4T3L29YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DianearkenstoneMusi  Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] Can Mindful Birding pair with bird photography? In this episode of the Mindful Birding Podcast, we interview photographer, designer, award-winning author, and mindfulness meditation practitioner, Susan Preston, addressing what might be a controversial topic: Is it possible to practice mindfulness through the camera lens? We learn more about Susan's inspiration by the birds as they translate through her lens, as she shares about some of the language surrounding bird photography and frustrations encountered. She also reads from her award-winning book Bosque Winter WingsThe Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in San Antonio offers the backdrop to much of our conversation as well Susan's book and the soundscape to the Joy of Birdsong segment. Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode, we dive into the idea that by leaning into joy through wild birds, we can help offset a negativity bias that researchers suggest we are innately wired towards.  We consider how shifting our attention onto birds may empower change to our mental states and might even alter our brain structures in a positive way.  In the Mindful Birding Nerding Science segment, Dr. Holly Thomas shares how generating positive emotions through birding can help offset negative feelings, perhaps recalibrating our negativity bias, and she explores how the work of Dr. Rick Hanson can transcend into Mindful Birding – by noticing positive experiences we have with birds and leaning into them. In our Joy of birdsong segment, Holly Thomas shares the sounds of one of her backyard vocalists, a Greater Roadrunner.   Looking to find community through Mindful Birding? Check out the Mindful Birding Network's global Events page and join the networkIntro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode we talk with Freya McGregor, owner of Access Birding LLC , about what it means to create accessible and inclusive experiences for everyone, and why Mindful Birding offers an inclusive and therapeutic experience for all people. We'll hear  about the Access Birding certification course, and other opportunities on innovative approaches to accessibility and inclusivity in birding overall. In our joy of birdsong segment, Seth Benz of the Schoodic Institute , a nonprofit org supporting Acadia National Park in Maine, shares a segment of a soundscape recording by Laura Sebastianelli . You can listen to the full recording of the soundscape here: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/456772271 Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode, we have a conversation with Lillian Stokes and Matthew Young, authors of the interactive and engaging new book The Stokes Guide to Finches of the United States and Canada, a book that embodies hope and joy, and can serve as a bridge between our personal wellbeing and understanding finches. The authors share how their backgrounds in social work and mental health pairs together with their work with birds, and what finches can teach us.  For the Joy of Birdsong segment, Chris Benesh offers us an array of finch songs to enjoy, including Lawrence's Goldfinch,  Lesser Goldfinch, Black-headed Siskin, Red Crossbill, Learn more about finches and research surrounding them by checking out the Finch Research NetworkIntro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode, we honor gratitude for wild birds, by playing voices of gratitude from around the world, which some of our listeners and network members have offered.  We thank all that have contributed and those of you who listen! You will hear the voices of:Arax, United KingdomDon Boyd, New MexicoPamela Lowell, MassachusettsPam Kolber-Zicca, New YorkMary, ColoradoHolly Thomas, New MexicoDave Edson, MassachusettsJo, CaliforniaLaurel, Michigan Holly Merker, PennsylvaniaJulie, MarylandSusan Preston, New Mexico Jack Bruce, Georgia Amanda Booher, South DakotaLindsay McNamara, New Jersey Anne, Pennsylvania Poem by Mary Oliver:  “With Thanks to the Field Sparrow”In the Mindful Birding Nerding segment: Holly Thomas explores the science of gratitude and joySpending Money on Others Promotes Happiness https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1150952A neural link between generosity and happinesshttps://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms15964 In the Joy of Birdsong segment, Chris Benesh is back with the song of a Horned Lark recorded in Oaxaca, Mexico Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] Do you often hear the question: “See anything good?”  while birding?  In this episode we discuss this question and tease apart the idea of “what is a good bird”, what is a “good birder”, and how sometimes these questions might allow self-judgement to surface, and how these questions relate to both our mental health and self-compassion.  We also bring up the fear of missing out, and how this may also influence our mental wellbeing in the context of birding. Link to Bird Diva blog on FomoIn the Mindful Birding Nerding science segment, Holly Thomas shares how self-compassion can enhance our experiences with birds. Links: Dr. Kristin Neff Balanced Minds : Comparison vs CompassionThich Nhat Hahn’s writing provides prompts on how to replace negative energy and mindful birding could be a good way to address that negative energy if it surfaces for us. Reading suggestions: Dawn Songs edited by Jamie K. Reaser and J. Drew LanhamMary Oliver’s Owl’s And Other FantasiesJ.Drew Lanham’s Sparrow EnvyThe Joy of Birdsong segment features birds recorded from Acadia National Park’s Schoodic Peninsula Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] Have you ever wondered how you can become even more attuned to the birds around you?  In this episode of the Mindful Birding Podcast, Holly and Holly have a conversation with Dan Gardoqui, a well known specialist in bird language, and nature-based consultant & coach, award winning educator and naturalist. You’ll get to hear some tips and input on deepening our connections to the natural world, "talking to birds", thinking about our attention and energy, curiosity as a superpower, and practicing gratitude.  We also share a segment from the book What the Robin Knows, by Jon Young, for which Dan served as science and audio editor. In the Joy of Birdsong segment, you’ll be treated to Dan’s incredible mimicry of some common North American birds.  Learn more about Dan and Lead with Nature at Lead with Nature  Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode we welcome Dr. Barbara Patterson from Fort Collins Colorado. Barb’s work of creating and contributing to the Mindful Birding programs in her community is tremendous. Her latest endeavor is called The Mindful Birding Project, and she shares the details with us here.Barb authored the booklet A Mindful Birding Journey which was first distributed to cancer patients in her local community, and can be found as a free download on the mindful birding network’s resources page.  Holly Thomas shares a reading from writing of Ed Yong, and how this so beautifully intertwines with mindful birding. Chris Benesh returns in this episode's Joy of Birdsong segment, sharing some special moments he had with a Brown-backed Solitaire in Oaxaca Mexico. Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode, Holly and Holly discuss locations and sites we consider optimal for Mindful Birding group outings, and highlight why sitting in one spot, or Sit Spots, can offer rewards and unexpected surprises.We discuss why we feel Mindful Birding is gaining more traction, and how Mindful Birding experiences can intersect other interests, such as poetry, fine arts, yoga, nature journaling, mothing, and forest bathing. Check out artist Debra Ramsay and her show Flying Colors at the Hunterdon Art Museum in New Jersey, and our collaborative event pairing Debra’s work with Mindful Birding  Other links from this episode: Southeastern Arizona Birding FestivalWings Over Water NW Birding FestivalWhitehawk Birding's Ornitherapy RetreatsAcadia Birding FestivalBird DivaTammah WattsRed Rock Audubon’s Mindful Birding Poetry WalkThree Wattled BellbirdTalamanca HummingbirdCheck out upcoming Mindful Birding Retreats and Slow Birding Weekends The Art of Mindful BirdwatchingThe Bison RangeLazuli Bunting  Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode Holly & Holly continue to answer questions we’ve received about Mindful Birding in part II of Mindful Birding – Your Questions Answered.We also continue our chat with therapist Pamela Lowell, who turns the tables on us, and asks us some questions about how we met and started this podcast.  In our Mindful Birding Nerding segment, Holly Thomas explores why birds might be the perfect gateway to mindfulness practice, and explores open monitoring and focused attention, and how they may improve wellbeing.  Holly Thomas reads a quote from Carl Safina's newest book Alfie and Me We’re happy to have Chris Benesh sharing an encounter he had along the Sabinal River in the Hill Country of central Texas in late April for this installment of the Joy of Birdsong. Within the soundscape, you can hear up to 10 species,  If you are enjoying our podcast, please consider giving us a rating on your podcasting platform! Also, if there’s something you want to hear more about, please let us know by contacting us Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode, Holly and Holly spend time talking with trauma therapist, artist, and author Pamela Lowell, and how Mindful Birding and time spent connecting with birds and nature can be an effective therapeutic vehicle not only for human wellbeing, but also for the wellbeing of our planet. Find Pamela's book My Summer with Ospreys hereHolly Merker offers a quote by the Tao te Ching Holly Thomas shares how a pause can bring us into the present moment, and how this can help guide us in Mindful Birding and in life.  In this segment, Holly quotes Tara Brach's - The Sacred Pause, and reads the poem called "The Clearing" by by Martha Postlethwaite, from her book  Addiction and Recovery: A spiritual pilgrimage In our Joy of Birdsong segment, Holly Thomas shares the song of the  Black-chinned Sparrow she encounters in New Mexico. Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode of the Mindful Birding Podcast, Holly & Holly answer some of the questions received surrounding Mindful Birding. This episode is part one of our discussion, and we hope you enjoy. If you have questions or comments, please contact us at [email protected]  or through the Mindful Birding NetworkHolly Merker shares a segment from Dr. Alexander Skutch's writing on companionship and connections of the birds we encounter from the book The Life of the Hummingbird In this segment, we hear an audio recording of Skutch's beloved Bicolored Antbird created by birder and naturalist Jonathan IronsIn the Mindful Birding Nerding segment, Holly Thomas explores two studies surrounding the impact of nature on healing, including Dr. Roger Ulrich's landmark study looking at how a view through a window impacts recovery for hospitalized patients recovering from surgery, and the psycho-evolutionary theory, which demonstrates how the natural world impacts our feelings of wellbeing. For the Joy of Birdsong segment, we Hollys share some audio postcards from our recent travels around the US.Here you will hear songs and sounds from the following birds:Pacific Wren, Cassin's Sparrow,  Black-capped Vireo,  and Golden-cheeked Warbler. Locations of recordings  include: Birch Bay State Park,  South Llano River State Park,  Pedernales Falls State ParkIntro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode,  Holly & Holly gather with their friends Brian Cunningham and John Shaust of the Nature Centered Podcast, a podcast from Wild Birds Unlimited.  Brian and John share some perspectives on why bringing birds in closer benefits us, experiences and connections with birds from their own backyards, and why birds can be companions wherever we go.  We touch on why the interest in bird feeding took off during the pandemic, how bird feed & supply stores act as "wellness centers" in their communities. Holly Thomas reads an excerpt on Woodcocks from Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac,  and throughout the podcast we hear the voices of several of the birds who are talked about, including: Carolina Chickadee,  Canada Warbler,  White-throated Sparrow,  Hermit Thrush,  and Wood Thrush (sound recordings in this episode by Holly Merker). Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode of the Mindful Birding Podcast, Holly & Holly share why birds are truly heart healthy, both in the way they fill our hearts with joy and love, but also with cardiac fitness in mind. How can wild birds help make our hearts stronger?  Our connections to other people and animals can sometimes synch our biorhythms, and even our heartbeats, and we wonder if this also happens when we connect with the wild birds around us.   We spotlight the bird with the biggest heart, and Holly Merker shares a guided hummingbird visualization adapted from the book Ornitherapy The poet Julia Travers generously shared some of her writing with us, and she’ll read a beautiful piece of her work honoring birds in this episode. In the Mindful Birding Nerding Science Segment, Holly Thomas delves into some of the research surrounding green spaces and cardiac health and specifically the effect of nature prescriptions on cardiometabolic health in particular In the Joy of Birdsong, Holly Thomas brings us with her as she enjoys the beautiful song of the Crissal Thrasher in her backyard in New MexicoOther references mentioned:Joseph CampbellSupercommunicators by Charles Duhigg Music and HeartbeatTwo Hearts Beat as One - Dogs and their HumansIntro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode of the Mindful Birding Podcast, Holly & Holly invite you into a conversation  surrounding the idea of wild birds as companions, and specifically how birds may offer the opportunity to ease feelings of loneliness and boost our feelings of connectedness. We discuss the US Surgeon General’s 2023 Advisory on the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation and lack of social connection in the United States  and wonder if birds might be an antidote?   In the Mindful Birding Nerding Segment, Holly Thomas explores the connection between mindfulness and loneliness, and dives into a study that examines how mindfulness training may offset feelings of loneliness and cultivate acceptance and equanimity. Holly carries the study's outcomes a step further and into Mindful Birding, and explains how Mindful Birding garners some of these same benefits. Holly Thomas shares an inspiring excerpt from the Stephen Batchelor book The Art of Solitude  In the Joy of Birdsong, Holly Merker shares a winter soundscape from her backyard in Pennsylvania, and wonders if birdsong can alleviate not just winter doldrums, but also seasonal affective disorder. Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode of the mindful birding podcast, we are exploring gratitude and how practicing gratitude for birds can deepen our relationships with them and the world around us.  We asked our listeners and Mindful Birding Network members to share their own gratitude for birds, and why they were thankful for birds in their lives. We thank the following people for sharing their gratitude for birds with us: Jo from California, Marta from Panama, Amanda, Holly from Las Cruces, NM, Marge from Las Cruces, NM, Melissa from British Columbia, Candi Lynn, Joan from Seattle, Barb from NC, Alex from Las Vegas, NV, Jenn from Panama, Whitney from Indiana, Seth from Maine. In our Mindful Birding Nerding, Holly Thomas covers the science of Gratitude and features the work of Robert Emmons  which demonstrates why practicing gratitude is beneficial to our wellbeing. A powerul a quote from an article by Scott Weidensaul illustrates the magic that birds hold for us.  Holly Merker shares the poem “Daily Thanksgiving” inspired by the “Great Thanksgiving Address”, or the Daily Thanksgiving of the Onondaga Nation and Haudenosunee Confederacy, indigenous peoples of New York state. To learn more about the Great Thanksgiving watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uDMS-5JeEo&t=6s In the Joy of Birdsong, Chris Benesh shares gratitude for his dad, who inspired his passion for nature and birds. Chris invites us to experience an audio souvenir of a very special trip to Belize he took with his dad prior to his death. You’ll hear sounds from Melodious Blackbird, Short-billed Pigeon, House Wren, Masked Tityra, Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Social Flycatcher, Mayan Antthrush, and Rose-throated Becard. Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode, we explore the concept of Prescriptive Nature, and gain a better understanding of how and where these prescriptions are being used today in preventative medicine across the globe.  Special guest Dr. Joe Blanda MD discusses the ParkRX program and shares how he prescribed nature to his own patients while a practicing orthopedic surgeon, and continues this initiative through projects in his local community in Akron Ohio.  Holly Thomas shares the poem The Cure For It All by Julia FehrenbacherIn the Mindful Birding Nerding Science Segment, Holly Thomas explores why Prescriptive Nature might face hurdles in traditional medical settings, and highlights some of the work going on in Poland, specifically that of two pioneers in the area of the therapeutic benefits of birding  Dr. Piotr Tryjanowski  Dr. Slawomir Murawiec, and Dr. Katarzyna Simonienko - specifically her article on Therapeutic Ornithology For our Joy of Birdsong segment, Holly & Holly bring you with them on a slow walk through an autumn landscape in southeastern Pennsylvania, sharing a few moments of their wondrous encounter with a pair of dueting Great Horned Owls  We invite you, our listeners, to share moments of gratitude you have with or for birds in our upcoming episode centering around Gratitude. Please email us before Nov.20. 2023 your recordings of gratitude, one minute or less, to:  [email protected]  Other Links:Japanese results of prescriptive nature: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/13/8/781WHO Paper: https://www.un.org/en/un-chronicle/state-mental-health-globally-wake-covid-19-pandemic-and-progress-who-special-initiativeDr. Katarzyna Simonienko  https://www.forest-therapy.pl/en/forest-therapy/Slawomir Murawiechttps://naturallybalanced.org/en/author/slawomirmurawiec/Birding during COVID - http://www.psychiatria.com.pl/artykul.php?a=941Nature and Mental Health: Birding is a Proven Solution https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9623220/Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode, Holly & Holly discuss ideas surrounding self-sustainability,through birds and nature with author Sophie Crossley, who works for Work in Mind a UK based organization dedicated to the connection between healthy buildings and workplace wellbeing, where there’s a strong focus on biophilic design or incorporating elements of nature into our work and living spaces for the wellness benefits.  In our Mindful Birding Nerding segment, Holly Thomas explores the book Blue Mind, by Wallace J. Nichols, and some of the take-aways from the book, and why and how we can benefit from spending time around water.  Holly Thomas shares a quote by Alan Watts from his book The Way of Zen. Chris Benesh shares a soundscape of the beautiful song of Hermit Thrush, recorded in California in the Joy of Birdsong segment. https://fieldguides.com/guides/chris-benesh/Other links:Forest TherapyAssociation of Nature and Forest TherapyForest Therapy HubBBC's Suprising Benefits of Blue SpacesIntro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] This episode of the Mindful Birding Podcast is dedicated in loving memory of our friend Tom Johnson. In this episode, we explore how birds and birding play an important part in the grieving process that we all experience in our lives. We hear personal stories from Dr. Ed Pullen, creator and host of the Bird Banter Podcast, as he shares how birding was a helpful distraction in finding respite in coping with care-taking and deep loss. Liz Pettit shares a story of how birds and birding helps in healing of her heart, after experiencing the loss of her son. Her book Unimaginable is providing hope and comfort to many people. The American Poet Mary Oliver's reflective poemStarlings in Winter offers hope and inspires us to seek wonder in both the ordinary and the impossible. Holly Merker reflects on the spirituality and significance particular birds play after loss, particularly the Northern Cardinal. Holly Thomas guides us through a reflective meditation for those we love, and offers tribute to a beloved friend of both of your co-hosts, as we honor the memory of extraordinary birder and person, Tom Johnson.In our Joy of Birding segment with Chris Benesh, Chris reflects on how birds have soothed him amidst grief, especially in the loss of dear friend and colleague, Tom Johnson, AKA "The Albatross".  Chris shares an intriguing and moving recording of Southern Royal Albatrosses made in Campbell Island of New Zealand. Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode, Holly & Holly chat with child psychologist and author Dr. Geraldine Oades-Sese about her forthcoming children’s book Melusine: Birds of Many Feathers, a book that weaves the message of inclusivity and diversity using bird language and birding.Dr. Gerry shares the importance of nature for childhood mental wellbeing and resilience, and tips on how to bring birds and nature into their lives, as well as her own experiences with using birds as a therapeutic vehicle both professionally and personally.Holly Thomas explores one theory, showing causes and effects of attention fatigue, demonstrating the power of the natural world in our “Mindful Birding Nerding Science Segment”. Mary Oliver’s wisdom and skillful use of words invites us to explore our connections to the natural world in thought-provoking ways, and in this episode, Holly Thomas shares the poem Such Singing in the Wild Branches to celebrate gratitude for birdsong. Chris Benesh takes us on a trip to the mountains of New Mexico, where we listen to the soundscapes featuring Red-faced Warbler, Grace’s Warbler, Warbling and Plumbeous Vireos, Brown Creeper, and Mountain Chickadee. Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode, we share why Mindful Birding is truly for everyone, and how Mindful Birding is gaining a wider awareness as a style of birding within the birding community, as larger birding festivals give a nod by featuring programming and offering Keynotes surrounding this style of birding. Holly Thomas explores the wide welcome Mindful Birding offers for all people, and how to bring mindfulness into any birding style that you love, or bring mindfulness to a new style of birding that you would like to explore. Holly Merker chats with Bridget Butler, AKA the BirdDiva, about their recent experiences at The Biggest Week in American Birding festival, and how Mindful Birding played a role in both the programming and in birding styles at this enormously popular event.  In our Mindful Birding Nerding science segment, Holly Thomas explains “Doc Log” as a form of medicine and covers the “Doses of Neighborhood Nature: The Benefits of Health of Living with Nature” and what health benefits we are receiving from time in nature, and what we miss when we don’t have that time.  Is Winnie the Pooh a Mindful Birder? Holly Merker reads an excerpt from the book “The Tao of Pooh: The principles of Taoism demonstrated by Winnie-the Pooh” by Benjamin Hoff, that gives you the answer.  Chris Benesh takes us to Ulva Island, New Zealand to experience the sounds of the New Zealand Bellbird as it transports you back in time. Other links from this episode:The Art of Mindful Birdwatching by Claire ThompsonSoutheast Arizona Birding Festival Freya McGregor Article: Why Birds and Their Songs are Good for Our Mental Health by R. SimaIntro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode, Holly & Holly wing their way across the Atlantic to visit with Dr. Angelika Nelson an acoustic ornithologist who works for the LBV (Landesbund für Vogel- und Naturschutz ) in Germany, and the lead author of the new book “The Power of Birdwatching” (Freya, 2023). Angelika shares how birds can teach us life-lessons and be a positive distraction in our daily lives, along with insight into why birdsong makes us feel so good. Recordist Beatrix Saadi-Varchmin’s Blue Tit and Common Nightingale songs are featured in accompaniment of Angelika’s interview. Learn more about Beatrix here: https://vogelgetwitter.de/Our Mindful Birding Nerding Science Segment Dr. Holly Thomas explores a European study that measures life satisfaction and analyzes the correlation between life satisfaction and living around bird diversity. This study found a correlation of life satisfaction and bird diversity that were on the same scale as life satisfaction and income. Listen to learn more! Holly Thomas quotes Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring for words of inspiration. Listen to the bird heard singing which prompted recordist Chris Benesh drop everything he was working on, to give the song his full attention in our Joy of Birdsong segment.  Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this episode, Mindful Birding Network members Aaric Eisenstein, Roniq Bartanen and Matthew Young, along with co-hosts Holly Thomas and Holly Merker,  all provide tips, insights, and perspectives, that demonstrate how individualized the practice of Mindful Birding can be. Let your mind escape while listening to Wendell Berry’s “The Peace of Wild Things” and reflect on how nature and birds bring you to a calmer headspace.  In our Mindful Birding Nerding  science segment, Dr. Holly Thomas summarizes a recent study that suggests that Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) can have the same effect as a well-known pharmaceutical in the SSRI class, posing the question of whether or not Mindful Birding might have those same beneficial effects. Recordist Chris Benesh transports us to Australia for our Joy of Birdsong spotlight, as he shares the echoing and ethereal sounds of a Pied Butcherbird singing at dawn.   Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] Familiar voices from within the Mindful Birding Network share what Mindful Birding means to them. We hear these questions answered by Alex Harper, Dr. Barbara Patterson, Dr. Joe Blanda, Bridget Butler/Bird Diva, and Faraaz Abdool.In our Mindful Birding Nerding science segment, Dr. Holly Thomas explores the science of why birdsong holds benefits to our wellbeing and provides an overview of a study published in Scientific Reports on birdsong and anxiety. We follow up with our Joy of Birdsong segment hearing from birdsong recordist and birding guide Chris Benesh, who offers us some peaceful moments with a Townsend’s Solitaire.Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas 

[email protected] In this intro episode, co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas introduce the Mindful Birding Podcast, provide insight into the practice of Mindful Birding, and what that might mean, share the background of the Mindful Birding Network , and provide a peek into what's to come in future episodes. Intro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainIntro Birdsong & Clips throughout : Western Meadowlark Outro music: “Inspired by Nature” by PlayAgainOutro Birdsong: Eastern Meadowlark Mindful Birding Network WebsiteInstagram: @mindfulbirdingnetworkProduced by Co-hosts Holly Merker and Holly Thomas