In this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally talk with Aaron Haiman about his lifelong passion for birding, sparked by a childhood experience with a mounted White-Tailed Kite.

Aaron shares his unique journey from becoming a young birder to his current role at the Wildlife Conservation Board in California. The conversation explores the importance of mentorship in birding, the barriers young birders face, and the joy of contributing to bird conservation.

Aaron also discusses his science communication work through his blog, YouTube channel, and recent book aimed at the 'bird curious' community, along with his ongoing efforts to make birding more inclusive and welcoming.

We’re excited to share all the ways you can follow and connect with Aaron, the voice behind A Birding Naturalist. Explore his world of birds, nature, and thoughtful storytelling here:

📘 Check out Aaron’s book, Birds of the California Delta – A beautifully illustrated guide that showcases the remarkable birdlife of California’s Delta region. Perfect for birders, naturalists, and the bird-curious alike, this book offers insights into the species that call the Delta home and the importance of conserving this vital ecosystem.

🎥 YouTube – Watch Aaron’s videos at @ABirdingNaturalist for birding adventures, tips, and nature stories.

✏️ Blog – Read his reflections and detailed posts on the blog: ABirdingNaturalist

📸 Instagram – Follow for stunning bird photography and behind-the-scenes looks: @abirdingnaturalist

🌐 BlueSky – Join Aaron’s conversations at abirdingnaturalist.bsky.social.

🧵 Threads – Catch his latest thoughts and updates: threads.com/@abirdingnaturalist.

In this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally interview Dr. George Divoky, an ornithologist with a Ph.D. in Zoology. He shares his Spark Bird story, recounting how a sighting of a Slate-colored Junco in his childhood ignited his passion for birding.

He discusses his extensive research on Black Guillemot and the challenges posed by climate change. Dr. Divoky also shares his personal experiences of solitude and connection with nature during his fieldwork in remote locations.

The episode touches on the emotional impact of climate change on long-term research and the importance of community support for scientific endeavors. Additionally, Dr. Divoky's correspondence with Roger Tory Peterson highlights the ongoing conversation about inclusivity in birding.

❄️ Friends of Cooper Island – Learn more about Dr. George Divoky's decades of research on Arctic seabirds and climate change: https://cooperisland.org

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to the Spark Bird Podcast

00:49 Meet Dr. George Divoky

01:46 Dr. Divoky's Spark Bird Story

06:12 From High School to a Career in Ornithology

08:16 Discovering the Black Guillemots

11:36 Life and Work in Remote Locations

18:18 Impact of Climate Change on the Colony

26:38 Connecting with the Community and Inclusivity

31:38 Supporting the Friends of Cooper Island

34:33 Conclusion and Acknowledgements

In this episode of the Spark Bird podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Marcia OBara, a retired registered nurse and avid birder. Marcia shares her inspiring journey from Niagara Falls, New York, to Arizona and recounts the spark bird moment in 1984 that ignited her passion for birding.

Despite living with a severe lung disease, Marcia continues to lead accessible birding trips for the Tucson Audubon Society and other organizations. She discusses birding in all 50 states, how the practice has evolved from field guides to apps, and why accessibility in birding matters now more than ever.

A photo by Freya McGregor. Taken in Tuscaloosa AL. Pictured are Freya, Marcia and Patrick Oaks (Freya’s husband)

Resources & Links from This Episode

🕊️ Tucson Bird Alliance – Learn more about Marcia's work with this organization and their commitment to accessible birding in Arizona: Visit Website

♿ Access Birding – A fantastic resource focused on making birding accessible for all: Explore Access Birding

🗺️ Birdability Map – Discover birding locations with accessibility features near you: View the Map

📚 Birds of the World – An extensive online resource from the Cornell Lab for bird research and identification: Explore Here

🛫 WINGS Birding Tours – Join expert-led birding tours around the world: Learn More

🌍 Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT) – A global birding travel company offering inclusive and educational nature experiences: Visit VENT

🐦 Merlin Bird ID – Identify birds by photo, sound, or description with this powerful app from the Cornell Lab: Download Merlin

📱 eBird Mobile – Log your bird sightings and contribute to global bird science: Get the App

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to Marcia OBara

00:58 Marcia's Spark Bird Story

05:02 The Evolution of Birding

13:15 Making Birding Accessible

15:37 Marcia's Birding Adventures

23:14 Southeast Arizona Birding Festival

26:38 Resources and Final Thoughts