The Real Birding Podcast

Caleb and Will break down the craziest bird sightings of this spring season!

Caleb and Will give tips and tricks to maximize the most wonderful time of the year: peak spring bird migration!

Many birders have heard of hawk watching, but what is it? And how can the average birder intercept these amazing creatures as they head to and from their breeding grounds? This episode of the Real Birding Pod dives into the weird world of hawk watching!

In this re-run episode, Caleb and Will discuss the massive improvements that birding communication has undergone as a result of social media. But is it all sunshine and rainbows?

Birding at its extreme: 40 mile an hour wind gusts, rare birds literally falling out of the sky. Even rarer birds being found in the background of photographes more than a year later. This episode breaks it all down.

What to feed hummingbirds. When will they return? This week, Caleb and Will breakdown the amazing family that is Hummingbirds. From hummers with foot-long tails to hummers with 6-inch beaks, this one has something for everyone.

Hosts Caleb and Will take on the eBird Surprise Me Challenge! This fin competition turns our own bird sightings into a bit of a game show as we see who has recorded the most of the random birds that eBird has to offer.

The Lesser Prairie Chicken was recently taken off of the endangered species list and now lacks the protections that the Endangered Species Act can provide. In this episode, Caleb and Will break down this decision and discuss the deeper cause of decline of this iconic species.

Why is it that every birder these days is carrying around a massive camera? In this episode of the Real Birding Pod, Caleb and Will break down the role that the camera plays in the world of birding. From our top photos to tips and pointers, this episode is a great snapshot of avian photography!

Ever wonder when spring migration truly starts? The truth is, spring migration begins in the middle of the winter. Listen as Caleb and Will break down the birds that we can expect to start seeing in the coming weeks as well as a report on pelagic birding and fun with the Birdie game!

In this episode of the Real Birding Podcast, Birding meets conservation, meets energy policy! This week, Caleb and Will sit down with Susan Downey, co-founder of Identiflight- a technology company that has been using AI to prevent bird harm to birds on wind farms. This one is a must watch!

What even is a Tanager? This common name refers to may groups of birds accross the Americas, but the Tanagers that we know in North America are very different from the Neo-Tropic Tanagers of Central and South America! This episode, Caleb and Will break down the difference and dive into this shocking group of birds.

What do you do when you find an injured bird? What are the ways you can prevent bird injury and harm? This episode can answer all of your questions about bird rehabilitation! This week, Caleb and Will sit down with Jennifer Gordon, founder of Carolina Waterfowl Rescue for a thoughtful and fun conversation about her origins as a wildlife rehabber and tips and tricks for helping birds in our own backyards.Connect with Jennifer at https://www.waterfowlrescue.org/

This week, Caleb and Will explore the massively powerful new Phylogeny Tool put out by the Birds of the World. This episode is full of moments that will change the way you look at birds, and yourself!

In this episode of the Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will break down the world of ducks, geese and swans. The weird taxonomy and extreme diversity make this a confusing group but one of the most rewarding!

In this episode Caleb and Will have a friendly competition: Who has seen more of the random birds generated by the eBird "Surprise Me" feature. This one is filled with stories, laughs, and good spirited competition!

Falcons are some of the fastest and most brutal hunters on the planet. When Caleb found one at the grocery store, he knew it was special but he did not know how special. In this video, Caleb and Will use the internet to trace this individual bird back to the exact location and date it was banded.

Ever wonder how photographers get close up shots of owls when you can hardly even find one? Well in this episode of the Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will break down the tips and tricks of finding owls the ethical way! From Snowy Owls to Saw-Whets, this episode is a hoot!

Like many most communities, birding has been forever changed by social media. From Whatsapp chats to facebook groups, the community has benefited from increased communication and connectedness. However, nothing compares to the changes brought on by a newer social media adopted only in the past few years. This one change altered birding communities forever.

Merry Christmas! In this re-run of the Real Birding Podcast, Will and Caleb tier rank the best countries to bird in the world. From the Toucans of Ecuador to the Horn-Bills of South Africa, this one invokes some controversy and stories from around the globe!

This episode of the Real Birding Pod is all about the great tradition of the Christmas Bird Count. We cover the history and specifics while also diving into the data and scientific benefits of having this old and famous annual event!

Achoo! Will has the flu this week so we are running an episode that aired back in July! We will be back next Monday with an all new episode. Bird on!

Will and Caleb unload their spiciest birding opinions in this feather-ruffling episode of The Real Birding Podcast. From hunting ethics to conservation priorities, from favorite families to birding styles that drive them nuts, nothing is off-limits. Tune in as the hosts trade takes, defend their hills to die on, and maybe spark a few debates of your own.

In this episode of the Real Birding Podcast, Will and Caleb face off in a competition to see which species produced by the "Surprise Me" feature on eBird are on our own life lists. This fun episode brings up awesome stories of our own experiences with random birds across the globe. From Tropical Screech Owls to Imperial Pigeons, this episode is a lot of fun!

This week Caleb and Will break down bird banding and a recent project Caleb has been taking part in in west Michigan. We talk about the science behind bird banding as well as explaining the process. They even break down some recent birds pulled out of nets and show what to look for from the perspective of a field ornithologist!

Photos have emerged of a truly bizarre bird on lake Erie. This kittiwake appears to have characteristics that better suit the mega-rare Red-legged Kittiwake, a bird that has never ventured far from its home in the north Pacific Ocean. This is our breakdown.

In this episode of the Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will Break down the effects that cold snaps and polar vortexes can have on birds. This extreme weather can push birds further south than they would normally go and dump Snowy Owls by the dozens into the lower 48! Listen to hear how you can capitalize on this awesome winter phenomenon.

In this episode of the Birding Breakdown, Caleb and Will take on the challenging identification of a loon that Caleb and other saw recently in southern Michigan. Could it be a rare vagrant from the Pacific Ocean?

In this episode of the Real Birding Podcast Will and Caleb debate which states belong in the top five birding locations in the US!

One of the most iconic birds of North America, stretching from Cuba all the way across Alaska to Siberia! This episode takes a deep dive into the history and mystique of this wonderful bird.

This episode is dedicated to the widely known but seldom treasured sparrow family! This group of birds tend to invade the backyard bird feeders in late fall and have all sorts of relevance as harbingers of both winter and spring (depending on the species!). From Towhees to Juncos, this family packs a punch.

This week, Caleb and Will recount their previous weekend finding rarities in Michigan and the discovery of an especially illusive species. They also break down some of the best rarities found across the region so far this fall. If you are a sucker for rare birds, this one's for you.

In this bonus edition of The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will dive into a fresh set of photos Caleb captured earlier today of a juvenile Jaeger. The challenge? Identifying it to species — and determining whether it might be the rarest of the trio: a Pomarine Jaeger. Join us as we scrutinize every field mark, discuss the tricky ID features of jaegers in juvenile plumage, and debate what exactly this fascinating bird might be. It’s a real-time deep dive into one of birding’s most challenging identification puzzles!

In 2024 Daniel Bernard quit his job and hit the road. His destination? The rest of the country. Danny set out to see 100 species of bird in every single lower 48 U.S. state in a single year. In this conversation, Will and Caleb talk with Danny about his highest highs and lowest lows. We talk about what makes a hard core lister tick. From The Sonoran Desert to the high woods of Maine, this conversation is not one to miss!

Some winters, the bird world throws us a curveball—owls, finches, ptarmigans, and more suddenly show up far outside their usual range, flooding backyards and thrilling birders across the continent. This phenomenon, known as an irruption, is one of the most magical and unpredictable events in birding. In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will dive into what causes these movements, share stories of past irruptions, and even make some predictions for what birders might see this winter.

This week on The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will dive into the magic of peak fall migration. With millions of birds streaming across North America on their journey to wintering grounds, it’s one of the most exciting times of the year for birders. From the dazzling variety of warblers to the drama of raptors on the wing and the thrill of spotting jaegers offshore, this episode captures the energy and wonder of migration season. Whether you’re out at a hawk watch, scanning shorelines, or enjoying the spectacle in your own backyard, you won’t want to miss this one.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb returns from an epic birding journey through Spain and shares the full story with Will — from the Pyrenees to the wetlands of the Ebro Delta. With an astonishing 160 species spotted, including Bearded Vultures, Greater Flamingos, and dazzling Bee-eaters, Caleb breaks down his itinerary, the highs and lows of birding in the Spanish heat, and the unexpected joys (and challenges) of food and travel abroad. Plus, hear about the incredible people he met along the way who made the trip unforgettable. Whether you're planning your own European birding adventure or just living vicariously, this is one for the life list.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Will and Caleb take on the ultimate challenge: ranking the best countries in the world for birding. From biodiversity hotspots to underrated gems, we dive into which countries deserve top-tier status - and which ones might be a little overhyped. Expect strong opinions, friendly disagreements, and a few controversial picks that might ruffle some feathers. Whether you're a globe-trotting birder or just dreaming of your next trip, this episode is packed with insights, banter, and, of course, birds.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will are joined by Matt Misewicz, who takes us deep into the remote northern Alaskan tundra where he bands wild geese in some of the most extreme conditions on Earth. From dodging storms to tracking the migration of cackling geese and greater white-fronted geese, Matt shares what it’s like to do real field science in the wildest corners of North America.But this episode goes beyond just birding — we dive into Matt’s experience as a dedicated waterfowl hunter and explore the critical role hunters play in bird conservation, from funding habitat restoration to supporting long-term research through licenses and excise taxes. If you care about birds, you need to understand how hunters are helping protect them.Whether you're a birder, biologist, or just here for the crazy tundra stories, this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Will and Caleb dive into the fascinating history of birding as a form of citizen science. From the sporting roots of the Christmas Bird Count to the structured rigor of Breeding Bird Survey routes, and the backyard magic of Project FeederWatch, we explore how everyday birders have helped shape scientific understanding for over a century. Plus, Caleb gives us the inside scoop on eBird: how it’s revolutionized data collection and what it means for the future of birding. Whether you're a seasoned lister or just learning to tell a chickadee from a titmouse, this episode shows how your sightings make a difference.

This week on The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will dive into one of the birding world's most unexpected frontiers: cruise ships. From tens of thousands of landbirds "falling out" during migration to rare pelagic species like Albatrosses and Petrels appearing in deep waters, cruise birding is full of surprises. Caleb recounts his unforgettable 2022 repositioning cruise alongside legendary birders, including the late, great Tom Johnson, which led to multiple U.S. birding records. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just cruise-curious, this episode will change how you think about open-ocean birding.eBird Trip Report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/50885

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Will and Caleb tackle a common challenge: how to keep your birding exciting during the quieter summer months. While the heat might seem to hush the bird world, there's still plenty happening—if you know where (and how) to look. We share stories from our recent summer birding adventures and reveal how some birds are already on the move with early fall migration underway (yes, even in July!). Whether you're trying to beat the heat or just wondering where all the birds went, we’ve got practical tips and inspiration to help you stay connected with your feathered friends all summer long.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Will and Caleb take a deep dive into one of the most underrated hotspots in American birding: Miller Beach, Indiana. Drawing from Will’s firsthand experience living in Miller Beach and serving as a waterbird counter for Indiana Audubon in Fall 2023, we explore what makes this slice of Lake Michigan shoreline so special.From mind-blowing warbler fallouts to unexpected appearances by jaegers and rare gulls, Miller Beach has racked up an impressive bird list that might surprise even seasoned birders. We also dig into the history of the site, its unique geography, and how lakefront migration dynamics turn it into a magnet for avian action.Is Miller Beach truly in the running for the best birding location in the U.S.? Tune in to hear the case—and decide for yourself.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will tackle one of the most controversial conservation decisions in recent memory: the planned killing of over 500,000 barred owls in an effort to save the critically threatened Northern Spotted Owl.With tensions running high between ecological ethics and urgent conservation needs, we weigh the pros and cons of this drastic measure. We take a deep dive into the natural history of both the barred and northern spotted owls, exploring how one species’ expansion across the continent has brought it into direct conflict with another’s survival.Whether you’re a birder, conservationist, or simply someone who cares about the natural world, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Thanks to Dr. David Wiens for his research and presentation which we used to research much of this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Y-ZmtPiJE

This week on The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will chat with conservation biologist Joe Kaplan—the man behind Michigan’s most famous common loon pair, a duo that’s been breeding in the Upper Peninsula for over 25 years. Joe shares the inside story of these beloved birds and reflects on a life dedicated to conservation, from loon monitoring to youthful adventures as a stowaway birder in the far Pacific. It's an episode full of laughter, insight, and a deep love for wild places and the creatures that call them home.

Big changes are coming to the birding world: every bird in North America named after a person is getting a new name. In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, we dig into the historic decision to retire eponymous bird names—and why it matters. Join us as we explore the reasoning behind the shift, reflect on some of the most iconic names being phased out, and, most importantly, propose our own fresh, fitting names for the species we know and love. From warblers to woodpeckers, we’re giving birds names that actually say something about who they are, not who discovered them. It’s part taxonomy, part creativity, and all about honoring the birds themselves.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Will sits down with Caleb to dive into his unforgettable birding trip to Thailand. From navigating the chaotic roads and unpredictable jungle trails to spotting some of the most bizarre and spectacular bird species on Earth, Caleb shares what it's really like to bird in one of Southeast Asia’s biodiversity hotspots.We talk logistics—how to plan a birding trip to Thailand, what to expect on the ground, and why it’s both exhilarating and a little bit terrifying. Then we get into the birds: strange Old World families you just don’t see in the Americas, surreal encounters in tropical rainforests, and some true highlight species that made the trip unforgettable.Whether you're dreaming of your own international birding adventure or just love hearing about rare and weird birds, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and the real talk you’ve come to expect.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, hosts Will and Caleb dive deep into one of the most urgent issues facing wildlife today: the alarming crash in bird populations. From the invisible threat of window collisions to the impact of feral cats and habitat loss, birds are facing pressure on all fronts — but there’s still hope.We break down the science, the statistics, and the stories behind the decline, and most importantly, we equip you with the knowledge and tools to talk about it. Whether you're a lifelong birder or just someone who cares about animals and the environment, this episode will help you understand what’s happening — and what we can all do to help.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will go beyond the basics and dive into their top three favorite birding styles. Birding isn’t always a casual stroll through the woods—it's a world of adventure, strategy, and sometimes, a bit of chaos. From the peaceful rhythm of birding by bicycle to the adrenaline-pumping intensity of 24-hour birding competitions, the guys share the methods that keep them hooked on this incredible hobby. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just curious about different ways to spot your next lifer, this episode will give you a fresh look at how diverse and exciting birding can be.

Welcome back to The Real Birding Podcast! In this episode, Will and Caleb break down the Top 5 Birding Identification Mistakes that trip up even experienced birders. From confusing a Bald Eagle with a Golden Eagle to the classic House Finch vs. Purple Finch dilemma, we’re covering the look-alike species that can make birding a real challenge.🦅 Learn the key field marks🔍 Hear real-world tips from seasoned birders📸 Improve your ID game and avoid common pitfallsWhether you're just getting started or fine-tuning your skills, this episode is packed with useful insights to help you get it right every time.🎧 Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!📢 Leave a comment with your most frustrating ID mistake!