Wildflowers are blooming!  While we might not have gotten to experience a superbloom, there is still a lot to see.  We stopped by Cottonwood Canyon State Park (Oregon) and Dog Mountain (Washington) to see what flowers were out.Main Story Begins at: 12:10Show notesBuy me a CoffeeSpring ChirpBirding is the world BrazileBird Global Big Day Wildflower SearchWildflower Viewing AreasCottonwood Canyon State ParkDog MountaineBird Trip Report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/222793Birds/Animals mentioned:ChukarBighorn SheepIntro Bird Call:  Chukar (Recorded: Oregon, March 2024) Outro Bird Call: Steller’s Jay (Recorded: Oregon, April 2020) Connect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding Twitter: @WeGoBirding Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com

There are so many variables to pelagic birding trips with weather, sea conditions, fish movement patterns, and more!  So sometimes it is a surprise what you happen upon.  The San Diego Bird Festival offers pelagic trips and we were lucky enough to get on one.  Main Story Begins at: 13:40Show notesBuy me a CoffeeSan Diego Bird FestivalSpring Chirp  Great American EclipseDark Sky WeekeBird Global Big DayNew SeaforthFlock to Marion 2025 - BirdLife South Africa CruiseeBird Trip ReportBirds/Animals mentioned:Scripps’s Murrelet Heermann’s Gull  Intro Bird Call:  Black Oystercatcher (Recorded: Washington March, 2019) Outro Bird Call: Pink-footed Shearwaters (Recorded: Offshore Washington, July 2020) Connect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding Twitter: @WeGoBirding Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com

Jeff Bouton is a dedicated and expert digiscoper.  In 2023, he accidentally did a digiscoping Big Year amounting over 1,000 species caught on camera using his iPhone and Kowa spotting scope.  Listen in to hear all about digiscoping, Jeff's digiscoping tips and what he learned doing a big year.  Main Story Begins at: 12:30Show notesBuy me a CoffeeDial-a-birder: 503-741-9306Spring ChirpDean Hale Woodpecker FestBirding is the world BrazilKOWA YouTube PageFlock to Marion Again!Intro Bird Call:  Brown-backed Solitaire (Recorded: Oaxaca, Mexico October, 2023) Outro Bird Call: Black Oystercatcher (Recorded: Washington, March 2019) Connect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding Twitter: @WeGoBirding Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com

San Diego has so much to offer - good restaurants and bars, beaches, outdoor recreation... and birds!  We've been to San Diego many times, so we were on the lookout for some new places to explore for drinks and birds.  Main Story Begins at: 9:40*Dial-a-Birder Hotline:  Call 503-741-9306 to ask a question or tell us what's going on in your area!  Your voicemail could be featured in our next episode!Show notesCornell Lab of Ornithology - BeastBoxBuy me a CoffeeBirding is the World Brazil tripSan Diego Bird FestivalSpring ChirpBirding is the world BrazilRamona Grasslands PreserveDos Picos County ParkDoyle Community ParkGravity Heights BreweryThe Grass SkirtThe Captains QuarterseBird Trip ReportBirds/Animals mentioned:Burrowing OwlBrant Intro Bird Call:  Spotted Towhee (Recorded: San Diego, CA February, 2024) Outro Bird Call: American Crow (Recorded: Oregon, May 2023) Connect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding Twitter: @WeGoBirding Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com Website:

Going on a cruise?  It can be hard to get some birding in!  But we believe in trying to bird wherever you can - so we did!  Our cruise took us to Princess Cay, Puerto Rico, and Grand Turk and we were able to see some great birds while checking out the other sites.Main Story Begins at: 8:25Show notesBuy me a CoffeeBirding is the World Brazil tripSan Diego Bird Festival Spring ChirpBirding is the world BrazilBirds and Beans CoffeePeter Kaestner Sees 10,000 birds10,000 birds blogseBird Trip Report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/201269 Intro Bird Call:  White-eyed Vireo (Recorded: Florida December, 2022) Outro Bird Call: Royal Tern Colony (Recorded: Florida, July 2018) Connect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding Twitter: @WeGoBirding Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com

Back in Florida - at least for a day!  Before going on a "company retreat/family wedding" cruise, we had a day to bird the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area.  Good food, sunny skies, and cherished birds!  Luckily for us, there was a free walk with Tropical Audubon Society at Frog Pond WMA/Lucky Hammock, a great hotspot just outside of the Everglades National Park entrance.Main Story Begins at: 9:24Show notesBuy me a CoffeeBirding is the World Brazil tripGreat Backyard Bird CountSan Diego Bird FestivalSpring ChirpBirding is the world BrazilBirds and Beans CoffeeTropical Audubon SocietyRobert is HereFrog Pond WMA/Lucky HammockeBird Trip ReportIntro Bird Call:  White-eyed Vireo (Recorded: Florida December, 2022) Outro Bird Call: Fish Crow (Recorded: Florida, December 2022) Connect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding Twitter: @WeGoBirding Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com

In the second half of our West Africa trip, we spent it birding in various spots along the River Gambie.  West Africa may not be as high on your bucket list, but it is definitely has  unique spots, wonderful residents and visitors, and of course, amazing birds.Main Story Begins at: 8:20Show notesBuy me a CoffeeBirding is the world BrazilSpring Chirp San Diego Bird FestivalOregon Pelagic ToursMay 7, 2024 Princess CruiseGreat Backyard Bird CountMarakissa River CampeBird Trip Report Birds/Animals mentioned:Bruce’s Green-PigeonEgyptian Plover Intro Bird Call:  African Scops-Owl (Recorded: The Gambia, December 2023) Outro Bird Call: Four-banded Sandgrouse (Recorded: The Gambia, December 2023) Connect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding Twitter: @WeGoBirding Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com

Sax-Zim Bog in Minnesota is a fascinating birding spot that is great for winter exploration.  But be aware, it is COLD and takes a bit of effort to find those birds.  Sparky, executive director of Friends of Sax-Zim Bog, joined us to discuss the bog and how to bird there.*Bird Nerd Giveaway details: Like the Hannah and Erik Go Birding Instagram pageLike the Birding is the World Brazil Instagram page and sign up for their newsletter Answer the question on our Facebook between January 12 - 23, 2024 to qualifyOne randomly-selected, lucky winner will win a $200 gift certificate towards any Birding is the World Brazil tour (expires January 10, 2025).  Main Story Begins at: 14:00Show notesBuy me a Coffee Spring Chirp San Diego Bird FestivalKollath and Stensass Publishing Sax-Zim and Birding/bird photographer videosThe Photo Naturalist Sparky’s photo galleriesFriends of Sax-Zim BogBirding Minnesota: Sax-Zim BogBirds/Animals mentionedAraripe ManakinGreat Gray OwlNorthern Hawk-OwlErmine (Short-tailed Weasel)Intro Bird Call:  Black-capped Chickadee (Recorded: British Columbia March 2019) Outro Bird Call: Red Crossbill (Recorded: Oregon August 2023) Connect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding

Why do birders visit Senegal?  Is it for the warm climate, good food, or plethora of easily viewable, interesting birds? Yes, yes, and yes!  Listen in for trees of Scissor-tailed Kites, cool lodges, and some travel tips.Main Story Begins at: 10:50Show notesBuy me a CoffeeBirding is the World Brazil tripSpring ChirpSan Diego Bird FestivalBirdaKollath and Stensass PublishingGambia Birding ZebraBarDjoudj National Bird SanctuaryeBird Trip Reporthttps://ebird.org/tripreport/175995 Birds mentionedScissor-tailed Kite White-crested Tiger-HeronArabian BustardIntro Bird Call:  Scissor-tailed Kite (Recorded: Senegal December 2023) Outro Bird Call: African Gray Hornbill (Recorded: Senegal December 2023) Connect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding Twitter: @WeGoBirding Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com

We love birding and work to connect folks with birds, so it's always great to connect with others who have that goal in mind too!  Birda is a fun, free app where you can learn about birds, report your postings, and connect with other birders.Main Story Begins at: 14:35Show notesBuy me a CoffeeBirding is the World Brazil tripSpring Chirp Rio Grande Valley Birding FestivalSan Diego Bird FestivalBirda Intro Bird Call:  European Goldfinch (Recorded: England,  July 2022) Outro Bird Call: European Oystercatchers (Recorded: England, July 2022) Connect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding Twitter: @WeGoBirding Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com

The Rio Grande Valley is an incredible place to see birds and the festival is a great time to see them!  This year we visited a new spot, saw a new bird, and had an amazing time at the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival.Main Story Begins at: 12:34Birdfy by Netvue giveaway details: Like the Hannah and Erik Go Birding Facebook pageLike the Birdfy by Netvue Facebook page Answer the question on our Facebook between December 3-10, 2023 to qualifyOne randomly-selected, lucky winner will win a Birdfy Feeder AI & Lite Version: The Smart Camera Bird Feeder (valued at $249.99).   Open to birding enthusiasts in the USA, CA, UK, FR, ES, IT, DE, and AU. Show notesBuy me a CoffeeBirding is the World Brazil tripSpring ChirpRio Grande Valley Birding Festival San Diego Bird FestivalAudubon Christmas Bird CountBirdfy by Netvue websiteBirdfy FacebookBirdfy InstagramBirdfy YoutubeBirdfy TikTokBirdfy TwitterCattle Tyrant NewseBird Trip Reporthttps://ebird.org/tripreport/170474Birds mentioned:Brown Jays Gray Collared Becard

*NOTE* We briefly discuss the recent news regarding the elimination of eponyms in bird names.  We want to remind all our listeners that we are not experts on this topic and this is a complex issue.  We do feel very strongly that all birders should always feel and be included in the birding community and that as a community, we should strive to increase inclusion and equity in a diversity of ways.It's November again, which means it's time for the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival!  We were able to get down a bit early this time and do some scouting and spend time soaking up the birds before the fest started.Main Story Begins at: 20:35Show notesBuy me a CoffeeBirding is the World Brazil tripSpring ChirpRio Grande Valley Birding Festival San Diego Bird FestivalAOS English names for birdsBirdaPlaces we mention:Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife RefugeSabal Palm SanctuaryResaca de la Palma State ParkValley Nature CenterSanta Ana National Wildlife RefugeEstero Llano Grande State ParkLa PlayaeBird Trip Report:https://ebird.org/tripreport/170474Birds mentioned:LimpkinAmerican Flamingo Blue Bunting Intro Bird Call:  Long-billed Thrasher (Recorded: Cameron County, Texas November 2023) 

We spent our last few days in Oaxaca birding a few different areas, seeing Monte Alban, and exploring with a Free Walking Tour.  Oaxaca has a lot to offer with birds, good food, things to see, and places to explore!*CORRECTION: We incorrectly mentioned that Wilson’s Warbler is a west coast bird. They occur throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico at different time in their life history. We meant it as one of the few warbler species that breeds on the west coast. Thank you Richard for noting that error. Main Story Begins at: 11:30Show notesBuy me a CoffeeBirding is the World Brazil tripSpring Chirp Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival San Diego Bird Festival Monte AlbanCalendas in OaxacaPulqueLarge Buffet restaurantTejate preparationHotel CasanticaOctober Global Big Day ResultsBirdaeBird Trip Report:https://ebird.org/tripreport/165677 Birds mentioned:Lesser RoadrunnerIntro Bird Call:  Brown-backed Solitaire (Recorded: Oaxaca, Mexico, October 2023) Outro Bird Call: Lesser Roadrunner (Recorded: Oaxaca, Mexico, October 2023) Connect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding Twitter: @WeGoBirding Facebook: @Han

Oaxaca is a hotspot for food, history, culture, and... birds!  In this episode, we really dive into the food, mezcal, and logistics of Oaxaca, as well as our first day of birding.  The state of Oaxaca boasts the biggest bird count out of any in Mexico.  There are lots of habitats to explore and endemic species to see.Main Story Begins at: 11:23Show notesBuy me a CoffeeBirding is the World Brazil tripSpring ChirpRio Grande Valley Birding FestivalSan Diego Bird FestivalBird massacre in ChicagoBlog featuring Felix Angeles Arellanes PalenqueRosario’s Instagram page for Rambha MezcalBlog with description of moles in OaxacaeBird Trip Report:https://ebird.org/tripreport/165677 Birds mentioned:Gray Silky-FlycatcherBridled SparrowIntro Bird Call:  Greater Pewee (Recorded: Oaxaca, Mexico, October 2023) Outro Bird Call: Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush (Recorded: Oaxaca, Mexico, October 2023) Connect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding Twitter: @WeGoBirding Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com

We got to visit one of our local festivals this time!  The Wings over Willapa, hosted by the Friends of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, celebrates the people, art, and birds of the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge which is an important stopover spot for many migrating shorebirds and waterfowl.  Main Story Begins at: 9:15Show notesBuy me a CoffeeWings over Willapa Birding is the World Brazil tripSpring ChirpRio Grande Valley Birding FestivalSan Diego Bird FestivalMerlin Bird IDWillapa Bay NWRFort George BreweryColumbia Flyway Wood Carving ShowBritish Decoy and Wildfowl CarverseBird Trip Report:https://ebird.org/checklist/S150606107 Birds mentioned:Intro Bird Call:  Black-capped Chickadee (Recorded: British Columbia, April  2019) Outro Bird Call: Steller’s Jay (Recorded: Clatsop County, Oregon, June 2020)Connect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding Twitter: @WeGoBirding Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com

Going out on a pelagic boat trip is always an exciting experience.  Fresh air, the salt spray, and the unknown of what birds you might find!  We went on a pelagic out of Garibaldi, Oregon that had lots of unexpected surprises.Main Story Begins at: 9:32Show notesBuy me a CoffeeWings over Willapa Birding is the World Brazil trip Spring Chirp Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival San Diego Bird Festival Merlin Bird ID Trivia Oregon Pelagic Tours Garibaldi Charters Risso’s DolphinseBird Trip Report:https://ebird.org/tripreport/158499 Birds mentioned:Short-tailed Shearwater Laysan Albatross South Polar SkuaIntro Bird Call:  Pink-footed Shearwater (Recorded: Westport Washington July,  2020) Outro Bird Call: Pink-footed Shearwater (Recorded: Westport Washington July, 2020)Connect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding Twitter: @WeGoBirding Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com

While at Global BirdFair, Mark Pearson from Yorkshire Coast Nature joined us to talk about his suggestions for birding throughout the UK, best seasons to go, and what to know!  Bird Nerd Giveaway: One randomly selected entry will win Window Collison Tape courtesy of Feather Friendly.  Send us your entry by September 19 to qualify.  To enter, send us: what bird you think has the best nonbreeding plumage. Interview Begins at: 9:10Show notesBuy me a CoffeeGlobal Bird FairWings over Willapa Birding is the World Brazil tripSpring ChirpRio Grande Valley Birding Festival San Diego Bird Festival  eBird Trip Reporthttps://ebird.org/tripreport/147663 Birds mentionedDunnock Intro Bird Call:  Eurasian Blackbird (Recorded: England, July,  2023) Outro Bird Call: Common Chiffchaff  (Recorded: England July, 2023)Connect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding Twitter: @WeGoBirding Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com

Global BirdFair is the UK's (and maybe the world's?) biggest birding event each year.  Vendors, optics companies, artists, and many more flock to Oakham, UK to enjoy spending time with other birders and seeing what's new in birding.  It's amazing to see 12,500+ birders, 280+ vendors all together because of birds.Main Story Begins at: 8:45Show notesGlobal Bird FairWings over Willapa Birding is the World Brazil tripSpring ChirpRio Grande Valley Birding Festival Grainstore BreweryThe Hollies Uppingham Bed and Breakfast Admiral Hornblower The Lord Nelson eBird Trip Report:https://ebird.org/tripreport/147663 Birds mentioned:Ruddy Shelduck Great Crested Grebe Intro Bird Call:  Common Chiffchaff (Recorded: England, July,  2023) Outro Bird Call: Eurasian Blackcap  (Recorded: England July, 2023)Connect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding Twitter: @WeGoBirding Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com

While at Global BirdFair, we learned about Common Swifts and the threats they face.  Hannah Bourne-Taylor is a passionate conservationist that has been working throughout the UK and beyond to protect cavity nesting species, like Common Swifts.Main Story Begins at: 10:05Show notes Cougar in Cannon Beach Global Bird FairWings over Willapa Birding is the World Brazil trip Spring Chirp Rio Grande Valley Birding FestivalHannah Bourne-Taylor WebsiteRSPB SwiftsSwift BricksSwift Bricks in the newsPortland Audubon Swift Watch eBird Trip Report:https://ebird.org/tripreport/147663 Birds mentioned:Intro Bird Call: Eurasian Blackbird (Recorded: Scotland, July,  2023) Outro Bird Call: Eurasian Skylark (Recorded: Scotland July, 2023)Connect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding Twitter: @WeGoBirding Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com

Scotland is just magnificent with rolling hills, rugged coasts, and plethora of birds!  We explored just a snippet of this beautiful country - but definitely have to get back for more.Main Story Begins at: 6:55Show notesGlobal Bird FairWings over Willapa Birding is the World Brazil trip Spring ChirpRio Grande Valley Birding Festival Scottish Seabird CentreThe Narrow Alleyway in Prague What Birding Is by Tim Healy- although we hadn't had the chance to meet Tom Johnson, we recognize his vast contributions to the birding community and the big hole he's left in the hearts of many.  Our sympathy goes out to his friends and family.eBird Trip Report:https://ebird.org/tripreport/147663 Birds mentioned:Northern GannetEuropean Shag  Intro Bird Call: Eurasian Skylark (Recorded: Scotland, July,  2023) Outro Bird Call: Eurasian Linnet (Recorded: Scotland July, 2023)Connect with us at...IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding Twitter: @WeGoBirding Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com