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.

🌊 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