Rings & Wings

Spring is finally here and so this episode is all about nest recording, as I headed to the Quantock Hills in Somerset to meet Lara Nouri, a professional ornithologist, researcher, ringer and nest recorder.We wandered around the heathland chatting about her nest monitoring work, from the Linnets to the Dartford Warblers, to the Stonechats. She also shares lots of her top tips for levelling up your nesting, and advice if you're just starting out.Finally, listen to the end of the episode to hear from Alice Marlow about Nest Quest, a fun and friendly nest recording competition for young people which is launching this year.Bird Sound credits: Xeno Canto: Dartford Warbler and Skylark- João Ferreira Tomás, Linnet – Lars Edenius, Stonechat – Frank Lambert, Dunnock - Brión Xinzo.

In this second episode, I'm talking to Samuel Levy, a Nightjar researcher, ringer, birder and one of the British Trust for Ornithology's (BTO) youth engagement officers from North London.Have a listen if you want to hear about urban Nightjars, some top tips for finding and monitoring their nests, and about some of the awesome BTO opportunities out there for young people interested in birds.Bird Sound credits: Xeno CantoNightjars – Paul Holt, Julien Rochefort, Jarek Matusiak, Robin – Frank Lambert, Blue Tit – David M, Blackbird – Jon Lowes.

In this first episode, I'll be talking to Jimmi Hill, a raptor conservationist, bird ringer and nest finder, and the founder of the UK charity Raptor Aid. If you're keen to hear his best Long-eared Owl impression, and to find out where on earth he found a Kingfisher head, then definitely have a listen!Bird sound credits: Xeno CantoBlue Tit – David M, Robin – Frank Lambert, Blackbird - Jon Lowes, Hobby – Lars Edenius, Tawny Owl - Jurijs Ješkins, Merlin – Irish Wildlife Sounds, Osprey – Simon Elliot, Nightjar – Paul Holt.