PODCAST · science
Will's Birdbrain
by Will Valentine
There are billions of birds flying around the world, let's get a know some of them! Episodes will feature one bird, highlighting their history and role in the modern world, as well as a myth or legend centered around that bird from around the world. Hosted by birdnerd Will, featuring guests from the birding community.
Episodes
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Will's Birdbrain Abroad
There are approximately 50 billion birds in the world. There are approximately 8.2 billion humans on earth. That is about 6 birds for every person. With that kind of ratio it isn’t hard to see how there are a lot of different birds that are common birds for people around the world. The Will’s...
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Flock Talk: America's Wildlife Refuges
Have you ever been to a National Wildlife Refuge? Do you know the difference between a National Wildlife Refuge and a National Park? If not, this is the episode for you! Will is joined by Gaby from America's Wildlife Refuges, a nonprofit charged with advocating for and maintaining America's...
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Nutty Nuthatches
"Yank-yank-yank!" That means your birdfeeder is empty in nuthatch! In this episode Will introduces you to the nutty brains of two very familiar sights in the United States - the red-breasted nuthatch and the white-breasted nuthatch! These common birdfeeder birds are known for their acrobatic...
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The Cedar Waxwing Museum
Ready for a trip to the Cedar Waxwing Museum? You'll learn an "ear-full" in this episode all about the little silken heroes! Cedar waxwings are a bird that is a familiar sight during the darkest, loneliest time of the year due to their penchant for short migrations. These birds are incredibly...
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Flock Talk: Naturalist Doug
Do you know someone you wish cared about birds like you do? Have you ever wondered how to appropriately share rare bird locations? If so, this is the episode for you! Doug Hitchcox, a Naturalist with the goal of “getting the most people to see the most birds” joins Will for an engaging discussion...
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Favorite Birding Moments - Season Three Intermission
Attention loyal listeners! Will is going on his annual summer podcasting break! Don't worry, the second half of season three will be here as soon as you can say "the ivory-billed woodpecker is gone forever." In the meantime, here is a bonus episode all about Will's favorite bird and birding...
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Liberty and Justice for All Bald Eagles
Attention intrepid birder! Uncle Sam wants YOU to learn about the bald eagle! Join Will as he describes the adventurous, independent, free lives of the bald eagles of the USA. From building gigantic villas of nests, to exploring the nation for years before settling down, bald eagles are much more...
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Flock Talk: Relief Printmaker Lia
Want to take a hike with Will's Birdbrain? If the answer is yes, you are in luck! This episode was recorded live on a hike in Westbrook, Maine! Try listening to this relaxing journey when you are unwinding after a long day, try and picture the unique creatures discussed and heard, and imagine the...
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Humming Along With the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
This episode is sweet as nectar because it is all about the ruby-throated hummingbird! Hummingbirds are tiny creatures that have captured the hearts and minds of humans for centuries. They live fast and often die young, making sure to pack in a ton of adventure and excitement while they are…
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Flock Talk: Vet Tech Morgan
Let's be real, we've all had the dream of being a veterinarian at one point or another. Most of us may have had that dream during childhood, but veterinarian technician Morgan held fast and is living that dream! Morgan joins Will to talk about her journey to becoming a vet tech, share stories…
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Starling Wars: The European Menace
A long time ago in a park far way... dozens of European starlings were released, forever changing the avian landscape of North America! Tune in to episode one of season three of the Will's Birdbrain Podcast, Starling Wars to learn how European starlings came to reside in the United States, what...
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Season Three Trailer
Ready to discover the amazing world of your own backyard? Keep listening to the Will's Birdbrain Podcast to discover how! Be sure to check out the Will's Birdbrain Instagram account for complementary episode photos and videos, plus many other awesome bird photos/stories! --> Will's Birdbrain...
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Birdbrain Bedtime Stories Vol. 1
Ready to wind down after a great day of birding? Here's Will's Birdbrain Bedtime Stories Vol. 1 to help you fall asleep and dream about birds! Inside you'll find the following tales: The Nightingale (1:08) The Alkonost and the Siren (19:00) The Story of the Bluebird (26:25) Thank you very much…
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Knock Knock, Downy Woodpecker There
Knock knock - who's there? - season - season who? - no, season two finale! Season two has been quite the journey! From learning about migratory butterbutts, to vibin' out to the chill beats of Stressers, every episode has been a fantastic conversation with knowledgeable guests, but at times they...
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Chilling Tails: Lavawalking Nene vs. Alien Myna
Are you afraid of the dark? How about ghosts or zombies? If these spooky terrors don’t send a shiver down your spine tune into this chilling Will’s Birdbrain episode to discover something truly terrifying – the possibility of extinction! In true classic horror movie fashion, this is a drive-in...
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Carin' About the Great Blue Heron
Ornithology. Herpetology. Mammalogy. When you hear these words what do you think of? You’re probably aware of the meaning behind the suffix “ology,” meaning “the study of,” which may make you think these words solely refer to rigorous scientific study, test tubes and all. What if I told you an...
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Bewitching Barn Owls
Owls are possibly the most mysterious of all birds. They have captivated the minds of man for thousands of years, resulting in countless myths and legends about their peculiar behavior. Perhaps the most mysterious of all owls is also the most common owl and the most widespread landbird in the...
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Blue Jays Speaking Truth to Power
Did you know? Will’s Birdbrain not only celebrates the common birds you may see every day but the common people you see everyday as well! Over the course of the podcast my guests and I have highlighted specific ways you can live and breathe birding simply by existing. From making movies featuring...
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Representation in Birding
The content of this bonus episode was described as "my manifesto." I believe birding is for everyone- not just black folk, not just white folk, or able bodied people, or otherwise. I was prompted to write this episode after attending a birding event in Maine as the only young person of color, an…
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Season Two Intermission
Hello Birdbrains! Season two has been so fun! We've learned about science, compared hobbies, and even gone on an adventure in Montana! Let's take a moment to appreciate the journey thus far and look back on some highlights from the first half of season two. Kayta, our very own WBB beginner…
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Yellow-Rumped Wanderers
Have you ever been overwhelmed by traveling? The streets are confusing, people speak a different language than you, your usual creature comforts are gone. In the midst of travel stress there's always one thing that is sure to bring comfort- the sight of a familiar bird, such as the bird of the...
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Round Robin Singalong
Making music is in our bones. From the ancient bone flutes of the first human settlements to advanced electronic melodies crafted in megacities, people have always found a way to create music. Birds are much the same, especially the ultimate representation of springtime and singing, the American...
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Fixer Upper House Sparrow
House sparrows are one of the most common birds in the world. They are found on six of seven continents, from the densest urban landscapes to the most remote of islands. What makes them so common? Their Do-It-Yourself lifestyles! This episode Will throws on his handmedown toolbelt and talks shop...
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Patreon Announcement
You may have heard about pigeons serving in World War II, but did you hear Will's Birdbrain is now on Patreon? Patreon is a premium subscription platform that allows people to support the independent artists they love. For as little as $5.00 a month you can help Will's Birdbrain continue…
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Red-Tailed Hawk Tawk
It's a bird... it's a plane... how the heck do either stay up in the sky like that?! Episode one of season two focused on birds using their legs to survive and thrive. This time around we've digging into the science behind birds greatest skill- flight! The brilliant Billy Valentine joins Will...
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Roadrunner Run-Down
Welcome to Season Two of the Will's Birdbrain Podcast! This season we're mixing up the formula, and taking a little bit of a deeper dive into what makes the hobby of birding unique. But don't fret! Common birds are still at the forefront of every discussion. Will is joined by Jocelyn, an...
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Season Two Trailer
Will's Birdbrain makes his Spring migration home with season two! This season on Will's Birdbrain you'll be introduced to an all new cast of common birds who are much more than meets the eye! Joining the flock and these overlooked icons are some awesome new guests, providing unique perspectives…
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Thanksgiving Special: Talkin' Turkey
Gobble gobble welcome to the bird cabal! This bonus episode Will explores the history of Thanksgiving in the United States, and of course talks turkey. What are you thankful for this season? Be sure to check out the Will's Birdbrain Instagram account for complementary episode photos and videos,...
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Red-Winged Blackbirds of a Feather
Welcome to the season one finale of Will's Birdbrain! This episode Will is joined by a multitude of amazing members of the birding community, from artists to beginner birders alike! The theme is "birds of a feather flock together," we truly embody this adage. Plus, we're joined by the bird that...
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Halloween Special
Imagine, if you will, a world of unease. A realm in which the land, sea, and most importantly sky, offer ceaseless horror. Where psychological and bodily harm lie just outside your window. This place is not for the faint of heart, and the permanent residence for those living ornithophobia, the…
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Common Loonatics
Will interviews one of the world's leading experts on the Common Loon, Dr. James D. Paruk. Together they discuss what it is that humans find so fascinating about loons, from their mournful wail to striking plumage. This conversation is flecked with awesome facts and unbelievable stories from…
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Chickadee, Inspire Me
Everyone is an artist, what inspires you? Will and Maleah explore how black-capped chickadees are some of the most inspirational little birds when it comes to art. From their intricate vocalizations to surprising control over bodily functions, there's much more than meets the eye with chickadees....
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Carrion My Wayward Vulture
Join Will and Sarah for a candid conversation about a truly unsung hero of not just the bird world but the whole world - the turkey vulture! The duo meet at the Maine Maritime Museum to discuss the importance of the turkey vulture, what makes them great family birds, and what they can teach US...
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The True Crime of the Canada Goose
Will and Savannah don their best deerstalker hats and dive into the true crime world with an investigation of one of the most notorious birds in the world - the Canada Goose. The duo examines real life cases of "bird crime," and what it means to be a bad bird. Can this lawless troublemaker be...
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Pelicans Afoot
Will and Kayta buckle up for a whirlwind roadtrip to Louisiana to see peli-culiar brown pelicans! Along the way they discuss how brown pelicans were critically endangered because of human carelessness when it came to pollution. What does it mean to advocate for conservation, and why are brown...
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Mallard: King of Ducks
Will and Olivia discuss what makes mallards magical! Mallards are birds that can easily be found in cities and towns. They act as gateways to nature, animals and birding! The duo talks about the role urban birding has on the hobby - you don't always need to go on big adventures far away when...
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Birding 101
Birding is a hobby you continue to refine and develop over time. With Birding 101 Will offers some of his favorite tips and tricks for birding! This episode is best listened to after the episode What is Birding? Where to find birds, how to identify them, and more is discussed! Let's go to class!…
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Gulls Just Want to Have Fun
Will and Paul discuss when birds will start to live their lives right... gulls just want to have fun! Gulls' carefree personalities have lead people over the centuries to bestow heavenly attributes to these common birds. From messengers of God to tokens of luck, gulls have been viewed as good...
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Lights, Camera, Crow!
Will and Josh discuss crows' spooky representation in film, and why these birds are more than dark omens. Discover how crows have used their intelligence to their advantage over the centuries, and have complex social lives! The featured myth is the legend of How the Crow Became Black! Be sure to...
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Private Pigeon
Will and Kayta explain where pigeons come from, and how they've interacted with people over the past 5000 years. They also discuss a few wild facts about pigeons and their ties to the military! Don't miss this week's myth- the Legend of the Pigeons of Krakow! Be sure to check out the Will's...
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What is Birding?
Will introduces the audience to his favorite hobby, birding! The episode includes exploring what birding is, how to get started, and some tips on enjoying your time in nature. Will recalls his experience beginning birding with personal stories, and encourages folks to find their own footing in…
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Introduction
Will welcomes you to Will's Birdbrain by introducing himself to you! Learn about the bird that started it all for him, and why he wants other people to make special connections with birds. This introduction will also give you a taste of what to expect moving forward. Thanks for being here!…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
There are billions of birds flying around the world, let's get a know some of them! Episodes will feature one bird, highlighting their history and role in the modern world, as well as a myth or legend centered around that bird from around the world. Hosted by birdnerd Will, featuring guests from the birding community.
HOSTED BY
Will Valentine
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Will's Birdbrain have?
Will's Birdbrain currently has 42 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Will's Birdbrain about?
There are billions of birds flying around the world, let's get a know some of them! Episodes will feature one bird, highlighting their history and role in the modern world, as well as a myth or legend centered around that bird from around the world. Hosted by birdnerd Will, featuring guests from...
How often does Will's Birdbrain release new episodes?
Will's Birdbrain has 42 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Will's Birdbrain?
You can listen to Will's Birdbrain on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Will's Birdbrain?
Will's Birdbrain is created and hosted by Will Valentine.
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