Share the Joy of Birds
This is an exciting time of year! This season is not just about giving tangible gifts but spiritual gifts, too. In this episode, John and Brian are giving you some ideas and suggestions on how to share the joy of birds. As we head into the holiday season, there’s no better time to make memories with friends and family.
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Backyard Birds of Prey
In this episode, John and Brian are talking about the birds of prey that you may see in your backyard. Who might show up and how can you tell what they are? They are joined by a birds of prey expert, Will Schaust (yes, he is John’s son) who shares some fun information. You’ll learn how you can deal with any unwanted raptors and how to keep the birds in your yard safe.
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Are You Doing Your Best for the Birds?
Are you doing your best for the birds? Are there some things you can step up or start doing in your own yard? In this episode, John and Brian discuss these questions. They explain a few actions you can take right now that will get results quickly. You’ll learn just how simple it is to help #savethesongbirds.
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Spectacular Sparrows
We tend to look right past sparrows. These little ubiquitous birds that seem to be invisible are actually quite beautiful and have some amazing feats. In this episode, John and Brian discuss why they love sparrows and how you can attract them to your yard. By the end of this episode, you’ll think sparrows are just as spectacular as they do!
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Are You Seasonally Savvy?
Now that fall is here, it’s time to start thinking about what’s best for the birds and what you can do to see more of them in your backyard. In this episode, John and Brian explain what it means to be seasonally savvy. They also discuss what to look for in your yard during this time of year and what bird behaviors you can expect to see.
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Talking Birds with the BirdTalk Guys
How can conservation bring you more joy and solace? We have two very special guests, Scott and David Menough to help explain just that. Scott and David host the Denver-based radio show, BirdTalk. They are joining forces with John and Brian in this episode to talk about Western birds, how to be seasonally savvy, and share stories from their radio show.
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Squirrels: Flee or Fight!
Squirrels – You either love them or loathe them. If you have trees around, chances are you have squirrels too. In this episode, John and Brian are taking a different look at our furry friends. Whether you deter them or feed them, we all have opinions on the infamous backyard critters. Let’s pay homage to these entertaining and worthy opponents.
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Gardening for Birds
It’s a lot easier than you think to turn your yard into a wildlife habitat. In this episode, John and Brian are joined by a special guest, Natasha Barlow from Birds Canada. They discuss the new Gardening for Birds program that provides you with all the resources you’ll need to transform your outdoor space. This episode is full of universal information on how you can bring more birds to your yard, regardless of where you live.
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The Wonders of H2-OH!
It’s a wonderful thing for birds to have water, both in the summer and winter. In this episode, John and Brian are sharing some fun facts that you won’t hear anywhere else when it comes to birds and water. For example, did you know that birds and dogs deal with water in the same way? Plus, offering a dependable source of water is probably the simplest step you can take to greatly increase the variety of birds in your yard. With the summer heat in full swing, now is the time to add a bird bath to your yard!
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The Best of Nature Centered
John and Brian are taking some much-needed time off this week. We didn’t want to leave you without an episode, so you get to hear from our producer, Evan—the guy behind the scenes that makes everything happen. Evan is sharing reviews, highlighting key episodes, and talking about what’s on the horizon for Nature Centered. You won’t want to miss it!
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Refresh and Re-Feather
It's that time of year, the birds are putting on a brand-new coat to get ready for migration or winter. In this episode, you’ll learn all about the different kinds of feathers, what they do, what they’re for, and how to ID them. John and Brian are sharing all their fun feather facts with you!
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Winging It On Vacation
It’s summertime and vacation season is here. If you’re just in the backyard or taking a trip across the country, John and Brian are sharing resources to help you find birds wherever you are. Whether you’re looking for birding spots or need ID help, this episode will inspire you to go out and see more birds regardless of your location.
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Gen B is for the Birds
In this episode, John and Brian are talking all about baby birds! With summer here and birds bouncing around your yard, can you tell which ones are babies? You’ll learn what to do if you find a baby bird that’s fallen out of its nest. They also discuss what the cicada event means for backyard birders.
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Award-Winning Bird Dads
Father’s Day is on the horizon, so this episode is all about award winning bird dads. John and Brian are talking about all the cool things bird fathers do to help raise their young. You’ll be surprised at how some of these bird dads make mammal dads look like slackers.
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Pollinators: Monarchs and Mason Bees
This episode is all about pollinators. John and Brian are discussing monarch butterflies and mason bees. These critters are so important to your backyard; they don’t just help your plants, but the birds as well. What’s bugging you? We hope it’s not the pollinators!
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Hummingbirds & Orioles - A Really Sweet Deal!
It’s springtime, there’s a lot happening in our backyards. It doesn’t get much better than when you see that first hummingbird show up! In this episode, John and Brian will break down the different hummingbird and oriole species. They’ll also answer some FAQs when it comes to nectar feeding and how you can bring these birds to your yard.
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Spectacular Spring Species
Spring is here, and you know what that means! New feathered visitors will be arriving soon. Do you have the right foods and features to bring in the most variety of these spectacular spring species? Don't worry, John and Brian are here to tell you about some of the easiest and best ways to get your yard ready so you and your birds can enjoy each other's company all season long.
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Habitat Habits: From Buds to Birds
In this episode, John and Brian are joined by Naturalist David Mizejewski from the National Wildlife Federation. Together, they break down the components needed to make your backyard the ideal bird habitat. As stewards of our own backyards, we’ve never been more empowered to make a difference for wildlife.
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Nesting Neighbors
In this episode, John and Brian will open your eyes to a whole new perspective of what it’s like to be a baby bird or the bird parents raising a family. You will learn what to do and what not to do to help bring the next generation of birds to life in your backyard.
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The Secret Love Life of Birds
Join John and Brian as they reveal the secret love life of birds, just in time for Valentine’s Day. They’ll share a few tidbits about birds and their lives together. You may start to look at the birds in your yard a little differently after this.
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Seven Simple Actions to Save the Song Birds
In this episode, John and Brian break down the seven simple actions that you can do to help save the song birds. They also break down the history of bird feeding, what has changed and where it’s going. Finally, we take some time to celebrate WBU’s 40th birthday!
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Be a Bird Hero: Become a Citizen Scientist
Join John and Brian in this episode as they dive into how you can be a hero for the birds by becoming a citizen scientist. They’ll talk about helpful tools you’ll need and an upcoming citizen science opportunity that you can be a part of.
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Nature Centered From Wild Birds Unlimited
Subscribe to our podcast featuring Wild Birds Unlimited's Chief Naturalist, John Schaust and Brian Cunningham, Product and Hobby Education Manager. Listen, as they share information about feeding the birds and enjoying nature right in your own backyard. Relax, enjoy the birds, and stay Nature Centered.
Backyard Birding: Highlights and Hiccups
In this episode, John and Brian discuss their birding highs and lows of 2020. You’ll hear about woodpeckers, bluebirds, warblers, and more. Thanks for listening and have a happy new year everyone!
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Birds and Holiday Traditions
Some countries have a beautiful tradition of encouraging kindness to birds during the holidays. One such belief is that if you spread birdseed outside your doorstep on Christmas morning, you will have good luck in the coming year.
Listen as WBU Chief Naturalist, John Schaust, and Product and Hobby Education Manager, Brian Cunningham, explore different traditions from around the world that showcase our backyard friends.
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Customer Stories
Feeding the birds isn't just about insect control, flower pollination or weed control. The simple act of feeding the birds expands far past the environmental benefits.
Our customers share the most wonderful stories with us and we'd like to share them with you this holiday season! Join hosts WBU Chief Naturalist, John Schaust, and Product and Hobby Education Manager, Brian Cunningham, as they share the stories of our customers in this nature centered podcast.
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The Joy of Bird Feeding
Join John and Brian for this bonus episode with a special guest, Jim Carpenter. As the Founder and CEO of Wild Birds Unlimited, Jim has learned a lot over the past 40 years and has some great information to share about the hobby of backyard bird feeding. Be sure to check out his book, The Joy of Bird Feeding, to learn more!
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Welcome Winter Wanderers
In this episode, John and Brian discuss the Winter Finch Irruption and the finches that are making their way through North America. You’ll learn all about what they look like, sound like, and how you can attract them to your yard.
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The Owls Among Us
Do you know what makes an owl especially adapted to hunting at night? And how can you identify various owls just by hearing their calls? Learn these and other fun facts about one of the bird world’s most fascinating species. In this episode of Nature Centered, Wild Birds Unlimited naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham also share what you can do to bring owls closer to your own backyard.
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Seasonal FAQs - Stump the Naturalists
Wild Birds Unlimited’s Olivia McFadden tries to stump naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham with questions from our audience about backyard bird feeding. Learn why you may be seeing bald birds at your feeders this time of year, why the goldfinches have disappeared and more.
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Migration Magic
With birds flying hundreds or thousands of miles every year, migration truly is magical. In this podcast by Wild Birds Unlimited, hosts John Schaust and Brian Cunningham you'll find out how the birds prepare and make their journey across North America.
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Create a Bird-Friendly Habitat
In this episode, learn how you can add the five elements of a bird-friendly habitat to your own backyard. Wild Birds Unlimited is proud to be the Champion for the National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat program, whose goal is to inspire everyone to create a haven for wildlife in their yard.
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The Goldfinches of Summer
There are three species of goldfinches across North America and they’re a joy to see when they visit your backyard. But some people consider goldfinches “finicky,” when in fact they are just very adaptable to their environment. In this podcast by Wild Birds Unlimited, hosts John Schaust and Brian Cunningham share tips for how to improve your chances of attracting goldfinches by offering their favorite foods and by creating a favorable habitat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Wild Birds Unlimited’s Olivia McFadden joins naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham to get the answers to common questions from our audience about backyard bird feeding.
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Nesting: Part 2
In Part 2 of our nesting podcast, you’ll learn how you can invite nesting bird families into your yard by providing the right kind of nesting boxes.
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Nesting: Part 1
Ever wonder why birds choose to nest where they do? In this podcast by Wild Birds Unlimited, hosts John Schaust and Brian Cunningham explain the connection between nesting and bird migration. You’ll also learn tips for how to tell if birds are nesting in your yard and how to spot juvenille birds coming to your bird feeder. Be sure to tune in for Part 2, when you’ll learn how you can invite nesting bird families into your yard by providing the right kind of nesting boxes.
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Bluebirds: The Charming Deceiver
Bluebirds are some of the most joyful birds around. Their beautiful color and cheerful song make them welcome visitors to any backyard. But did you know they have a secret? In this podcast by Wild Birds Unlimited, hosts John Schaust and Brian Cunningham reveal fun facts and offer tips for attracting bluebirds to your yard.
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Woodpeckers: Nature's Original Tree Huggers
Woodpeckers are some of the most loyal birds to attract to your bird feeders. In this podcast by Wild Birds Unlimited, hosts John Schaust and Brian Cunningham talk about the many fascinating adaptations woodpeckers have for the life they live. They also share a fun activity you can do with your family and talk about the benefits of creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat in your own backyard.
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Hummingbirds: A Beautiful Beast of a Bird
Hosts John Schaust and Brian Cunningham talk about hummingbirds. You’ll learn why hummingbirds can be called, “a beast of a bird” and hear tips on how to attract them to your backyard. Find out what to look for when selecting a hummingbird feeder, the best place to locate your feeder and how to make nectar. John and Brian also share some fun hummingbird activities you can do with your family and explain the benefits of creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat in your own backyard.
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