The Spark Bird Podcast (Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally)
Explore every episode of The Spark Bird Podcast
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06 Feb 2025 | The Intersection of Art and Birding with Kayla Fisk | 00:26:39 | |
In this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally interview Kayla Fisk, a lifelong birder and artist from central New York. Kayla shares her Spark Bird story, recalling how a unique encounter with a Chuck-will's-widow during her childhood ignited her deeper fascination with birds and birding communities. Kayla discusses her deep-rooted passion for birding, her 15 years of volunteering at a wildlife rehab center, and her involvement with the local Audubon Center. She reflects on the transformative power of that rare bird sighting in her youth, which drew bird watchers from various states to her parent's driveway. The conversation dives into how her art is inspired by birds, the mindfulness it brings, and the process of integrating birding into her artistic practice. Additionally, Kayla shares insights on bird conservation, rehabilitation, and the growing trend of eco-friendly practices among birding enthusiasts.
Resources & Links from This Episode 📸 Follow Kayla on Instagram – See her latest birding adventures at @kaylafiskbirds. 🌐 Visit Kayla’s Website – Explore her work, projects, and photography at kaylafisk.com. 🪶 Discover the Cornell Lab of Ornithology – Learn more about birds, research, and conservation at birds.cornell.edu.
Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome to the Spark Bird Podcast 00:55 Meet Kayla Fisk: Lifelong Birder and Artist 02:09 Kayla's Spark Bird Story 04:40 The Impact of Birding Community 08:23 Art and Birding: A Creative Connection 10:57 The Benefits of Birding and Nature 13:22 Kayla's Artistic Process 18:31 Birding Adventures and Conservation 25:24 Final Thoughts and Reflections 25:54 Credits
| |||
| 07 Feb 2025 | The Power of Art and Journaling with John Muir Laws | 00:38:52 | |
In this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome naturalist and author John Muir Laws, also known as 'Jack'. They dive into Jack's 'Spark Bird' story, discussing how a childhood birding experience with his father ignited his lifelong passion for birds and nature. Jack explains his transition from environmental education to creating field guides inciting the international nature journaling movement. He emphasizes the power of nature journaling as a tool for connecting deeply with the natural world and discusses the emotional and cognitive benefits of this practice. The episode also explores the importance of field guides and art in birding, and Jack shares insights on how journaling can enhance observation and attention, both externally and internally. They discuss Jack's ongoing work with the Wild Wonder Foundation, which aims to foster a global community of nature journalers.
Resources & Links from This Episode🎨 John Muir Laws’ Website – Explore his art, field guides, and educational resources: Visit here. 📚 The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada – A must-have guide for nature lovers: Get it here. 🔍 Updated Version: The Laws Field Guide to Sierra Birds – A fresh take on birding in the Sierra Nevada: Check it out. 🌎 Wild Wonder Foundation – A nonprofit inspiring curiosity and connection to nature through art: Discover more. 📱 Get eBird Mobile – Record your bird sightings and contribute to science with eBird Mobile. 🌿 Audubon Canyon Ranch – Dedicated to protecting nature through research and education: Learn more. 📖 Golden Guides – Classic, easy-to-use nature guides: Browse the collection.
Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the Spark Bird Podcast 00:49 Introducing John Muir Laws 02:28 Jack's Spark Bird Experience 09:03 The Power of Nature Journaling 26:18 The Importance of Field Guides 35:11 Connecting with Jack and the Wild Wonder Foundation 38:00 Closing Remarks and Credits | |||
| 06 Feb 2025 | Introducing The Spark Bird Podcast | 00:27:24 | |
In the inaugural episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally, share personal narratives about how they developed their passion for birds. The podcast is a part of the Spark Bird Project, a community science initiative that collects and disseminates stories of people's enthusiasm for birds while gaining ecological insights into birders themselves. Recorded at Canisius University and developed with the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, the episode highlights the importance of storytelling, the connection between humans and the natural world, and the project's inspiration to make birding accessible to a broader audience. Institutions like the Roger Tory Peterson Institute and personalities such as Dr. Sarah Morris, President of the American Ornithological Society, play vital roles in making this initiative possible.
Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome to the Spark Bird Podcast 01:39 Meet Your Hosts: Jenn and Janet 03:17 Janet's Spark Bird Story 08:04 Jenn's Spark Bird Story 14:29 Understanding the Spark Bird Project 19:13 The Importance of Sharing Stories 27:23 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action | |||
| 07 Feb 2025 | Birding as a Pathway to Healing with Cat Fribley | 00:43:46 | |
In this episode of the Spark Bird podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Cat Fribley, Executive Director at Birdability. Cat shares her 'Spark Bird' story, recounting how a college friend's introduction to birding provided emotional solace during a tumultuous period of her life. She discusses Birdability's mission to make birding accessible for people with disabilities and health challenges, and the impact of community-building and creating inclusive outdoor spaces. Cat also touches on Birdability's various programs, including the Birdability Map and the new Blind Birders Birdathon, highlighting the organization's achievements in democratizing birding for a diverse array of individuals.
Resources & Links from This Episode🗺️ Explore the Birdability Map – Discover birding locations with accessibility information near you: View the map. 🌿 Birdability Captains Conservation Corps – Learn about the initiative Cat mentions and how it supports inclusive birding: Read more here. 🦜 Learn More About Birdability – Advocating for accessible and inclusive birding for all: Visit Birdability.org.
Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to Kat Fribley 02:05 Kat's Spark Bird Story 06:29 The Healing Power of Birding 10:59 Birding Community and Inclusivity 17:07 BirdAbility's Mission and Programs 25:54 BirdAbility Map and Accessibility 36:35 Collaborations and Future Initiatives 41:22 Conclusion and How to Get Involved
| |||
| 06 Feb 2025 | A Spark Bird Journey with Sara Morris | 00:39:13 | |
In this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally converse with Sara Morris, the Executive Director of Shoals Marine Lab and President of the American Ornithological Society. Sara shares her 'Spark Bird' story about how a family Christmas tradition and a borrowed bird field guide ignited her passion for birding and ornithology at age seven. The discussion explores the impact of mentorship on her career, her birding adventures, and fostering a welcoming birding community. The episode also explores the link between birding and ornithology, the significance of field guides, and the necessity for ongoing bird conservation efforts.
Resources & Links from This Episode🌊 Shoals Marine Lab – A leading institution for hands-on marine science education and research. Learn more here. 📖 Scott Weidensaul’s Of a Feather: A Brief History of American Birding– Dive into the history of birding with this fascinating book: Read more. 🧭 Explore with eBird – Track your bird sightings and contribute to global bird research with eBird.
Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to the Spark Bird Podcast 00:48 Meet Sara Morris: A Passionate Ornithologist 01:31 Sara's Spark Bird Story 04:36 The Importance of Mentorship in Birding 06:39 Birding Community and Inclusivity 17:48 Ornithology vs. Birding: A Symbiotic Relationship 26:03 The Future of Bird Conservation 36:08 Final Thoughts and Reflections 38:21 Conclusion and Credits
| |||
| 28 Mar 2025 | The Healing Power of Ospreys with Pam Lowell | 00:26:38 | |
In this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally talk with Pam Lowell, a social worker, watercolor artist, and author. Pam shares her Spark Bird story, describing how sightings of a quetzal and ospreys ignited her passion for birding and transformed her life. The conversation touches on the mental health benefits of birding, the intersection of art and environmentalism, and the resilience of ospreys. Pam highlights her volunteer work with Mass Audubon, her book My Summer with Ospreys: A Therapist's Journey Towards Hope, Community, and Healing Our Planet and the importance of environmental advocacy. Throughout the episode, the detailed experiences with ospreys are discussed, emphasizing their unique behaviors and the hope they represent for ecological recovery. Resources & Links from This Episode
Pam Lowell’s Work & Socials: 📖 My Summer with Ospreys: A Therapist's Journey Towards Hope, Community, and Healing Our Planet – Read more here
🌍 Pam Lowell’s Website – Visit here 📸 Follow Pam on Instagram – @palwrites Wild America & RTPI Book Discussion: 📅 Join RTPI for an exciting discussion of Wild America and the books it inspired, led by RTPI Scholar-in-Residence Jenn Lodi-Smith. This four-part program is part of RTPI’s exhibition, Art that Matters to the Planet: Wild America, celebrating the 70th anniversary of this environmental classic. Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome to the Spark Bird Podcast 00:48 Introducing Pam Lowell 02:12 Pam's Spark Bird Stories 06:05 Birding and Mental Health 09:02 Art, Writing, and Ospreys 20:13 Environmental Advocacy and Community 24:42 Conclusion and Contact Information
| |||
| 28 Feb 2025 | Art, Health, and Birding with Tina Mullen | 00:44:33 | |
In this episode of the Spark Bird podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome artist and healthcare professional Tina Mullen. Tina shares her 'Spark Bird' story about how the Sandhill Crane ignited her passion for birds. She discusses her work in the Arts and Medicine program at the University of Florida and the importance of integrating creativity into healthcare settings to promote health and well-being. The conversation explores Tina's art projects, including her series on bird species decline inspired by a poignant letter to Roger Torrey Peterson. Tina reflects on the power of community, storytelling, and the arts in fostering a deeper connection to birds and the natural world.
Resources & Links from This Episode Tina Mullen & Her Work 📸 Follow Tina on Instagram: @teenmullen 🎭 Learn about the Center for Arts in Medicine at UF: UF Center for Arts in Medicine 🖼️ See Tina’s exhibition Bellwether: The Art of Tina Mullen at RTPI: RTPI Exhibition Conservation & Environmental Writing 📖 Return to Wild America by Scott Weidensaul: Explore the Book 🦜 Ten Birds That Changed the World by Stephen Moss: Get the Book 🌱 The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer: Find the Book Poetry & Journalism 📝 Joy is the Justice We Give Ourselves by J. Drew Lanham: Hub City Press | Read the Poem ✍️ Ada Limón’s Poetry: Poetry Foundation | |||
| 07 Feb 2025 | Bird Conservation with Scott Weidensaul | 00:52:54 | |
In this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Scott Weidensaul, Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of over 30 books on natural history. Scott shares his lifelong passion for raptors, recounting his influential visit to Hawk Mountain and his extensive work in bird migration research. He discusses the significance of technology in modern birding and conservation, highlighting initiatives like Project SNOWstorm and the Northeast Motus Collaboration. The episode also explores the historical impact of Roger Tory Peterson on the birding community and the enduring legacy of Hog Island Audubon Camp. Scott emphasizes the importance of active conservation efforts and offers insights into successful conservation stories from around the world.
Resources & Links from This Episode 🧭 Discover Project Project SNOWstorm & The Northeast Motus Collaboration– Learn how researchers are tracking snowy owls and other migratory birds in real time! 🔎 Explore Scott Weidensaul’s Work – Check out his latest projects, books, and conservation efforts at Scott Weidensaul’s website. 🪶 Dive into the History of Birding – Read Of a Feather: A Brief History of American Birding, Scott Weidensaul’s fascinating look at the evolution of birdwatching. 🏕️ Experience Hog Island Audubon Camp – A legendary destination for birders, conservationists, and nature lovers. 🐦 Cornell Lab’s Merlin – Identify birds with ease using the Merlin Bird ID app. 📱 Get eBird Mobile – Record your bird sightings and contribute to science with eBird Mobile. 🌿 Western New York Young Birder Club – Join a community of passionate young birders at WNY Young Birder Club. 🌙 Lights Out! Cats In! – Support bird conservation efforts by learning more about this important initiative here.
Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome to the Spark Bird Podcast 00:48 Introducing Scott Widensaw 01:16 Scott's Journey into Birding 03:59 The Hawk Mountain Experience 07:51 The Impact of Community and Family 12:38 Scott's Writing Career 21:18 Hog Island Audubon and Its Significance 23:49 Hog Island: A Magical Spot for Bird Lovers 26:56 The Impact of Peterson's Field Guide on Birding 30:03 The Evolution of Birding Technology 33:21 Conservation Efforts and Community Involvement 42:25 Personal Reflections and Birding Memories 46:31 Raptor Concentrations and Conservation Success Stories 51:12 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Birders | |||
| 06 Feb 2025 | The Magic of Spark Bird Experiences with Arthur Pearson | 00:39:01 | |
In this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Arthur Pearson, CEO of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute (RTPI). Arthur shares his spark bird story, recounting how a Kingfisher ignited his passion for birding. The conversation dives into the history and mission of RTPI, the revolutionary impact of field guides by Roger Tory Peterson, and the importance of naming in connecting with nature. Arthur discusses RTPI's efforts to honor Peterson's legacy through art and conservation, and the institute's role in fostering the next generation of nature advocates. Highlighting the upcoming celebrations for the 70th anniversary of 'Wild America,' the episode underscores the ongoing impact of community science initiatives like the Spark Bird Project in inspiring hope and environmental stewardship.
Resources & Links from This Episode🎨 Experience Aaron’s Mural at RTPI – See his stunning artwork in the RTPI flythrough video Watch here. 📖 Discover the Legacy of James Fisher – Learn more about the renowned naturalist and ornithologist on his Wikipedia page. 🎬 Explore The Big Year – A fun and inspiring film about birdwatching adventures. Check it out on IMDb. 🌿 Visit RTPI – Dive into conservation, education, and art at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute. 🎙️ Tune Into The Field Guides Podcast – Explore nature and wildlife science with The Field Guides Podcast. 🪶 Western New York Young Birders Club (WNYYBC) – Learn more about WNYYBC on the RTPI website and visit their official site: WNYYBC Website. 🐦 Chautauqua Warren Birding Association – The birding group Arthur gave a shout-out to! Connect with their community and events here. 🌍 American Birding Association (ABA) – Explore birding resources, events, and conservation efforts with the ABA here.
Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Arthur Pearson's Spark Bird Story 03:19 The Role of Field Guides in Birding 05:06 Roger Tory Peterson's Legacy and RTPI 09:20 The Mythical Spark Bird Story of Roger Tory Peterson 15:45 The Impact of Field Guides and Wild America 25:57 Hope and Conservation Efforts 28:26 Visiting the Roger Tory Peterson Institute 33:02 The Spark Bird Project Collaboration 38:11 Conclusion and Acknowledgements
| |||
