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In this episode of NaturallyScott, host Scott Harris sits down with Sy Montgomery—five-time New York Times bestselling author, naturalist, and storyteller extraordinaire. Together, they wander through the wild corners of nature: from the brilliance of birds to Sy’s latest work on turtles, and into her trove of unbelievable field adventures. Expect wisdom, wonder, and a few jaw-dropping tales—like the time she was undressed by an orangutan. If you love animals, untamed places, and the art of storytelling, this is a conversation you won’t forget.

You can Find Sy's amazing books on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sy-Montgomery/author/B001IXRUQK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1755620062&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=7ec179c8-bbbf-486b-8ecb-7286d1b03e83

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Step aboard for an unforgettable journey with Captain Chriss Thoma, a man whose life at sea is equal parts adventure, grit, and awe. Chris shares how a love of the ocean and a hunger for exploration carried him north to Alaska’s wild, untamed coastlines. From threading narrow island passages in the early morning fog to scanning the horizon for the spout of a humpback whale, every day brings a new story.

We’ll hear about the powerful pull of Alaska’s seasons, the challenges of navigating icy waters, and the quiet, humbling moments when nature steals the show — a pod of orcas on the hunt, a bald eagle swooping inches from the bow, sea otters floating like little rafts in the sun. For Chris, being captain isn’t just a job; it’s a front-row seat to one of the richest wildlife theaters on Earth.

Whether you’re drawn to the romance of maritime life, the raw beauty of Alaska, or the thrill of close encounters with wild creatures, Chris’s story will leave you inspired — and maybe plotting your own voyage north.

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Laura Erickson is my guest. She is an author, scientist, podcaster and radio host. She has been birding for decades and has amazing stories. She is also an expert on what plants to have in your yard to benefit the birds.

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Greg Miller joins me, Scott Harris, for the first ever NaturallyScott podcast. Greg is best known for the book and movie The Big Year, but he brings so much more to the world of birding. Join me as we listen to a great birder and his fantastic stories.

Greg shares his personal journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of his famous "Big Year" in 1998, a time when technology was sparse. Discover the unique blend of nostalgia and innovation that shapes today's birding community, and how these changes continue to impact birders worldwide. Tune in for an engaging conversation that bridges the past and present of birding adventures.

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In this episode of NaturallyScott, Scott sits down with Kean Almryde — birder, storyteller, and Disney insider — to talk about how a backyard hummingbird feeder changed his life and led him into the world of birds. From Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds in Southern California to peregrine falcons on the bluffs, Kean shares how birding became his spark. Then the conversation takes flight into Disney magic: why The Little Mermaid swapped Scuttle the seagull for a northern gannet, hidden bird sculptures in Disney hotels, flocks of wild parrots in LA, and even José Carioca, the green parrot of Walt’s South American tour. With humor, curiosity, and a touch of Disney storytelling, Kean shows how birds aren’t just in our backyards — they’re in our culture, art, and imagination too.

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Wayne Klockner has been birding for more than 60 years — from his spark bird, a humble Dark-eyed Junco in New Jersey, to chasing the holy grail of raptors, the Harpy Eagle, deep in Panama’s Darién jungle. In this episode, Wayne joins Scott to share stories from a lifetime in conservation:

• Growing up birding alone in the farm fields of New Jersey
• A 38-year career with The Nature Conservancy, from Maryland to Indonesia
• Up-close encounters with Komodo dragons, leopards in Kenya, and seabirds in New Zealand
• His ongoing quest for nemesis birds like the Yellow Rail and Boreal Owl
• Why the American Birding Association still matters — and where it’s heading next

From backyard feeders to global adventures, Wayne’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, conservation, and community.

Whether you’re chasing lifers or just love a good bird story, this one will keep you soaring.

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In this episode of NaturallyScott, Scott Harris sits down with Dr. J. Drew Lanham — poet, author, wildlife biologist, and Distinguished Professor at Clemson University. Drew shares his unique perspective on birding, conservation, and culture, weaving together history, identity, and the natural world. From conversations with Audubon and Thoreau, to teaching “conservation and cultural ornithology,” to reflections on Black Birders Week and his “Nine Rules for the Black Bird Watcher,” Drew challenges us to connect the conservation dots in new ways. Along the way, he talks about poetry, history, and what it means to truly “identify with birds.”

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Jeff Gordon has lived a life in three acts: leading bird tours around the globe, serving over a decade as President of the American Birding Association, and now shaping what comes next. In this wide-ranging conversation, Jeff and Scott talk about the roots of his passion for nature, from the Delaware Nature Society and an Appalachian Trail revelation to miraculous moments like spotting a White-tailed Tropicbird in the Dry Tortugas and a last-minute polar bear encounter in Nunavut.

They dig into the joys and challenges of building community around birding, the evolution of the ABA, and the deeper meaning of being in nature—whether you’re scanning the horizon for seabirds, planting native gardens at home, or simply sitting quietly and letting the wild world come back to life around you.

It’s a conversation about memory, connection, and why there’s always more to birding than birds.

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This week on NaturallyScott, I’m joined by Scott V. Edwards, Alexander Agassiz Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University.

Professor Edwards shares the incredible story of biking across the United States, reflecting on how the journey connected him more deeply to the landscapes and wildlife he has studied throughout his career. Along the way, we dive into the legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt—his outsized impact on natural history, conservation, and the way we think about America’s wild spaces today.

It’s a conversation about science, endurance, history, and the open road—told by one of the most distinguished evolutionary biologists in the country.

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In this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott Harris is joined by acclaimed writer, artist, and naturalist Julie Zickefoose. Julie has spent a lifetime capturing the beauty of birds and wildlife through both her art and her stories, and she brings that same passion and curiosity to this conversation.

Together, Scott and Julie explore:

• The intersection of art and conservation
• Memorable encounters with birds that shaped her work and worldview
• The power of storytelling in nature writing
• What it means to live a life fully immersed in the natural world

Julie’s illustrations and words have inspired countless people to see wildlife with new eyes, and this episode is no exception. Whether you’re a birder, an artist, or simply someone who loves a good story from the outdoors, you’ll find plenty here to spark your curiosity.

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Stay curious, and enjoy the conversation!

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Bracken Cave Preserve outside San Antonio is home to 15–20 million Mexican free-tailed bats, the largest bat colony on Earth and the densest concentration of mammals in the world. Fran Hutchins of Bat Conservation International joins Scott Harris to share the astonishing story of Bracken Cave — from batnados spiraling into the sky, to flesh-eating beetles deep inside the guano-filled cavern, to how these bats save farmers millions of dollars each year in natural pest control.

We dive into the magic of watching millions of bats emerge at sunset, the cave’s 10,000-year history, and why bats are critical pollinators and seed dispersers across the globe. This episode is a rare look at one of nature’s greatest spectacles and why protecting these animals means protecting ecosystems everywhere.

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In this episode of Naturally Scott, host Scott Harris welcomes Christian Cooper—birder, writer, Emmy Award–winning TV host, and New York Times bestselling author.

Chris shares the thrill of finally spotting his long-sought great gray owl in Wyoming, the joy of spring migration in Central Park, and the myth he wrote to explain the fiery beauty of the Blackburnian warbler. He recalls the red-winged blackbird that first sparked his love of birding, childhood road trips across America, and the role comics and mythmaking have played in his storytelling.

The conversation also explores the Central Park incident of May 2020, how it unexpectedly thrust him into the global spotlight, and how he used that platform to champion equality, conservation, and “birds for all people.” From Extraordinary Birder on Nat Geo to his bestselling memoir and the launch of Black Birders Week, Chris reflects on turning challenge into opportunity and joy.

This is a story of resilience, passion, and the power of nature to inspire wonder.

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In this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott Harris talks with birder, cyclist, and author Dorian Anderson about his extraordinary journey from addiction to recovery, and from molecular biology to a life centered on birding.

Dorian shares how he rediscovered his passion for birds after getting sober, culminating in a self-powered “Big Year” where he biked across America without using gas or diesel. His story—chronicled in his book Birding Under the Influence—highlights how birding became a healthier “addiction” and a source of renewal.

The conversation explores his evolving perspective on birding, from chasing ABA list rarities to embracing global birding experiences. Dorian also opens up about guiding birding tours, the importance of client compatibility, and the blend of patience and artistry behind bird photography. Finally, he reflects on his deep connection to albatrosses and shorebirds, offering a glimpse into the soul of a birder who found freedom in nature.

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In this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott Harris sits down with legendary birder Bruce Barrett. Since 1973, Bruce has logged nearly 900 bird species in the ABA area—more than anyone else in history. But his story is about more than birds: he’s a mathematician, a world traveler, and a husband who’s shared 57 years of marriage with his non-birder wife. Together they’ve explored the globe, sung in chorus, and developed their own rules for a happy partnership.

Join us as we talk about birding milestones, the joy of lifelong curiosity, and the wisdom that comes from a life well lived.

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This week on NaturallyScott, Scott Harris is joined by Lynn Scarlett—former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, lifelong conservationist, and a woman with stories as wild as the places she’s worked.

In this episode, Lynn shares:

• What it’s like to lie in the sand at night collecting eggs from a leatherback turtle
• The awe of standing on Midway Island, surrounded by hundreds of thousands of albatross
• A surreal moment sitting on an alligator’s head
• Reflections on being eighth in line to the U.S. presidency
• Her leadership role in shaping America’s nearly 600 National Wildlife Refuges

From sea turtles to national parks, Lynn’s journey blends field science, public service, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

👉 Stay tuned at the end for Field Notes, featuring America’s National Wildlife Refuges.
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This week on NaturallyScott, Scott Harris sits down with Ted Cheeseman—naturalist, explorer, and co-founder of HappyWhale. From his childhood growing up in the Santa Cruz Mountains to decades of guiding Antarctic expeditions, Ted has lived a life surrounded by wildlife. In 2015, he and Ken Sutherland launched HappyWhale, a citizen science project that uses photographs to identify and track individual whales around the globe.

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In this conversation, Ted shares:

• The family safari company that shaped his passion for nature
• His formative years exploring East Africa and Antarctica
• First-hand accounts of witnessing whale populations rebound after whaling
• How HappyWhale connects everyday whale watchers to groundbreaking research
• The future of oceans, tourism, and the role of citizen science in conservation

Whether you’re a birder, diver, or just ocean-curious, this episode reveals how one snapshot of a whale’s tail can contribute to global science and inspire deeper stewardship of our seas.

👉 Learn more or submit your own whale photo: HappyWhale.com

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In this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott Harris sits down with Hob Osterlund — writer, nurse, and founder of the Kauaʻi Albatross Network. Hob shares her lifelong connection with the Laysan albatross, the extraordinary birds who nest on Kauaʻi, and what these seabirds can teach us about resilience, community, and hope.

We explore:

• The beauty and mystery of the albatross and their lifelong bonds
• Hob’s personal journey from nursing to conservation
• The challenges of protecting seabirds on Hawaiʻi’s shores
• Why albatross inspire awe, joy, and healing in human lives

This is a moving conversation about nature, grief, and the power of connection.

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Peter Kaestner has lived one of the most extraordinary birding lives on Earth. From his early adventures as a teenager in India to his years in the Peace Corps, Peter went on to serve as a U.S. diplomat across the globe—while quietly becoming the first person in history to see 10,000 bird species. In this conversation, he joins Scott Harris to share stories from jungles and mountaintops, the discovery of the bird that bears his name, and the lifelong wonder that keeps him chasing feathers across continents.

🕊️ Guest: Peter Kaestner — Diplomat, explorer, and the first human ever to record 10,000 bird species
🎧 Host: Scott Harris | Naturally Scott
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n this continuation of Scott Harris’ conversation with bestselling author and naturalist Scott Weidensaul, we dive deeper into the breathtaking world of bird migration — the science, the mystery, and the fragile magic that connects continents through flight.

From radar tracking and satellite tags to the sheer endurance of warblers, godwits, and Arctic terns, this discussion explores how birds navigate an ever-changing world and what that means for the future of conservation.

If you haven’t already, go back and listen to Episode 18 — “Migration, Marvels & The Secret Life of Birds” to hear the start of this incredible conversation.

Stay curious, stay kind, and keep watching the skies. 🌍🕊️

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Scott Weidensaul joins Naturally Scott to dive deep into the astonishing world of bird migration — from tiny warblers crossing oceans to owls riding the jet stream and the science that’s still unfolding. Scott is a Pulitzer Prize finalist, field researcher, and author of A World on the Wing and Living on the Wind, two of the most influential books ever written on migration and the global web that connects us all.

In this conversation, Scott Harris and Scott Weidensaul explore the mysteries of navigation, the marvels of endurance, and how conservation is evolving to protect these travelers on their journeys across hemispheres.

📺 This conversation ran long — this is Part 1. Part 2 will drop later today!

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Few artists see the world like Matt Patterson. A lifelong wildlife illustrator and painter, Matt brings to life the hidden world of turtles, reptiles, and amphibians—creatures too often overlooked but central to the ecosystems around us.

In this episode, Scott Harris talks with Matt about his lifelong love of nature, his creative process, and his collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Sy Montgomery on their beloved Book of Turtles and The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle.

From the story of “Fire Chief,” a rescued snapping turtle now living safely in Matt’s backyard pond, to fieldwork in Madagascar, Belize, and beyond, their conversation celebrates the intersection of art, science, and deep compassion for the natural world.

They also explore:

• The difference between painting and photographing wildlife
• How art can drive conservation
• Why every turtle matters
• Adventures with rare species, from radiated tortoises to cold-stunned sea turtles

Matt’s work has earned international acclaim—including the Roger Tory Peterson Wildlife Art Award and the Artists for Conservation Medal of Excellence—but his true success lies in inspiring others to see the beauty and worth of every living thing.

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Few people have shaped modern ornithology like Dr. John Fitzpatrick, the longtime Director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and one of the visionaries behind eBird and Merlin. In this conversation, Scott Harris sits down with Fitz to explore the global transformation of birding—from field notebooks and film cameras to the data-driven citizen-science revolution that connects millions of observers worldwide.

From his early research on tropical flycatchers to decades of conservation work with the Florida Scrub-Jay, Fitzpatrick’s career has been defined by curiosity, mentorship, and an unshakable belief that birds can unite people across cultures and continents.

Tune in as they discuss:

• How eBird became the world’s largest wildlife database
• The origin and future of the Merlin Bird ID app
• Lessons from a lifetime studying endangered species
• Why curiosity remains the beating heart of conservation science

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What happens when a philosopher and musician listens to the world — and then plays back?

David Rothenberg is a clarinetist, composer, and philosopher at the New Jersey Institute of Technology whose groundbreaking work explores the deep connections between music, sound, and the natural world. He’s performed live with birds, whales, and insects, written classic books like Why Birds Sing and Thousand Mile Song, and appeared in the film The Loneliest Whale.

In this fascinating conversation with Scott Harris, David shares stories of:
🌊 Playing clarinet alongside humpback whales and laughing thrushes
🎶 The strange beauty of whale songs — and why some scientists call it “evolution’s music”
🐋 The 1960s discovery that changed how the world sees whales
🧠 Animal consciousness, emotion, and the mystery of beauty in evolution
💡 How AI, art, and philosophy all intersect in the music of the natural world

It’s an episode that moves between art and science — reminding us that to listen deeply is to rediscover wonder itself.

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Few people have done more to protect the birds of the Americas than Mike Parr, President of the American Bird Conservancy.

In this conversation, Mike joins Scott Harris to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Tropical Andes, the vital link between birding and conservation, and how ecotourism can transform local economies while protecting critical habitats. From ground-cuckoo quests to stories of Fair Isle adventures, Mike’s journey is equal parts inspiration and education — showing how passion can lead to global impact.

They also discuss:
 🌎 Birds of the Tropical Andes — a stunning new book with photographer Owen Deutsch
🦜 How bird tourism drives conservation success stories in Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia
💚 The surprising connections between carbon offsets and birding travel
📘 Book recommendations from Jonathan Franzen, Carl Safina, and Amy Tan
🐦 Why protecting birds protects everything else — from frogs to forests

Join the mission and learn how every birder, traveler, and artist can make a difference.

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