In this week’s episode, join Dexter and Jason as they discuss some key birding ethics that one needs to know and consider when finding bird joy. Everything from dogs and pets off leash while trying to experience Eastern Meadowlarks to the use of lasers to help folks get on birds, the attempt (and sometimes failure) to see birds like the Eastern Towhee, and the controversial practice of playing bird calls to lure birds in (why would you do this for Short-eared Owls?). Key attention is given to how we treat each other as an extension of our birding activity while out on the trail. It is no surprise that the experience of Black and brown folks in the outdoors provides a key nuance to this discussion (as indicated by Drew Lanham’s 9 Rules for the Black Birdwatcher). Of course there is also some bird joy, even if it’s found in the macabre practices of the “little bitty murderers” the Northern and Loggerhead Shrikes.

Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypd and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin

In Color Birding Club

In this week's episode, join Dexter and Jason as they dive into why having a diverse birding community is essential. They discuss some of their experiences and growth since the inaugural Black Birders Week, like finding a connection to Dr. Drew Lanham's book, “The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature.” This episode is about our journey and passion to create a more diverse birding community and why that should mirror the diversity we see in birds like the cool Ruff. We also spotlight some fantastic birding groups, like the Special Bird Service, Chicago BIPOC Birders, BIPOC Birders of Michigan, The Oxnard Birders Club, and the Urban Bird Collective. We look to empower all of us to take action to ensure our communities remain engaged with the natural world (through birding or otherwise). Let’s go find that joy together!

In this week's episode, join Dexter and Jason as they cover the ins and outs of how to get started in your own birding journey. The guys cover building community in your local patch, choosing the right pair of binoculars for you, the most helpful bird guide and identification tools for your area, and most importantly, how to find that #BirdJoy in the process. Join them as they share in the joys of building a diverse birding community by accepting folks as they are. Are you excited to get started on your own celestial birding experiences? Don’t miss fun recaps of generating good birding juju and even our favorite ungovernable groundhogs LOL.

Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypd and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin

In Color Birding Club

Chill with Dexter and Jason as they talk about the anticipation of Spring migration and why birding is an incredibly rewarding activity. They get into those formative and continuing birding experiences with a Tufted Titmouse sparkbird, various owls that sometimes sell you lollipops, and a single Red-Flanked Bluetail in New Jersey. They discuss how community and “Bird Nerd” euphoria are created through birding, for example, chillin' with some blinged-out (banded) Common Grackles. This episode is about why YOU deserve to be outside looking at birds, like the perfect American Woodcock.

Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypd and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin

In Color Birding Club

In this episode, Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall welcome our fellow bird nerds into a space to celebrate Bird Joy. We cover displaying Red-winged Blackbirds, taunting Northern Mockingbirds, and even a lost Yellow-billed Loon in Las Vegas. This episode is all about vibing with nature and the restlessness that comes with Spring fever. Join us as we create space for new birders through the equitable, diverse, safe, meaningful, ethical, inclusive, and joyful pursuit of our fluffy homies.

Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram at @thebirdjoypd and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin

In Color Birding Club