What even is a Tanager? This common name refers to may groups of birds accross the Americas, but the Tanagers that we know in North America are very different from the Neo-Tropic Tanagers of Central and South America! This episode, Caleb and Will break down the difference and dive into this shocking group of birds.

What do you do when you find an injured bird? What are the ways you can prevent bird injury and harm? This episode can answer all of your questions about bird rehabilitation! This week, Caleb and Will sit down with Jennifer Gordon, founder of Carolina Waterfowl Rescue for a thoughtful and fun conversation about her origins as a wildlife rehabber and tips and tricks for helping birds in our own backyards.

Connect with Jennifer at https://www.waterfowlrescue.org/

Achoo! Will has the flu this week so we are running an episode that aired back in July! We will be back next Monday with an all new episode. Bird on!

Will and Caleb unload their spiciest birding opinions in this feather-ruffling episode of The Real Birding Podcast. From hunting ethics to conservation priorities, from favorite families to birding styles that drive them nuts, nothing is off-limits. Tune in as the hosts trade takes, defend their hills to die on, and maybe spark a few debates of your own.

In this episode of the Real Birding Podcast, Will and Caleb face off in a competition to see which species produced by the "Surprise Me" feature on eBird are on our own life lists. This fun episode brings up awesome stories of our own experiences with random birds across the globe. From Tropical Screech Owls to Imperial Pigeons, this episode is a lot of fun!

This week Caleb and Will break down bird banding and a recent project Caleb has been taking part in in west Michigan. We talk about the science behind bird banding as well as explaining the process. They even break down some recent birds pulled out of nets and show what to look for from the perspective of a field ornithologist!

Photos have emerged of a truly bizarre bird on lake Erie. This kittiwake appears to have characteristics that better suit the mega-rare Red-legged Kittiwake, a bird that has never ventured far from its home in the north Pacific Ocean. This is our breakdown.

In this episode of the Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will Break down the effects that cold snaps and polar vortexes can have on birds. This extreme weather can push birds further south than they would normally go and dump Snowy Owls by the dozens into the lower 48! Listen to hear how you can capitalize on this awesome winter phenomenon.

In this episode of the Birding Breakdown, Caleb and Will take on the challenging identification of a loon that Caleb and other saw recently in southern Michigan. Could it be a rare vagrant from the Pacific Ocean?

In this episode of the Real Birding Podcast Will and Caleb debate which states belong in the top five birding locations in the US!

One of the most iconic birds of North America, stretching from Cuba all the way across Alaska to Siberia! This episode takes a deep dive into the history and mystique of this wonderful bird.

This episode is dedicated to the widely known but seldom treasured sparrow family! This group of birds tend to invade the backyard bird feeders in late fall and have all sorts of relevance as harbingers of both winter and spring (depending on the species!). From Towhees to Juncos, this family packs a punch.

This week, Caleb and Will explore the massively powerful new Phylogeny Tool put out by the Birds of the World. This episode is full of moments that will change the way you look at birds, and yourself!

This week, Caleb and Will recount their previous weekend finding rarities in Michigan and the discovery of an especially illusive species. They also break down some of the best rarities found across the region so far this fall. If you are a sucker for rare birds, this one's for you.

In this bonus edition of The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will dive into a fresh set of photos Caleb captured earlier today of a juvenile Jaeger. The challenge? Identifying it to species — and determining whether it might be the rarest of the trio: a Pomarine Jaeger. Join us as we scrutinize every field mark, discuss the tricky ID features of jaegers in juvenile plumage, and debate what exactly this fascinating bird might be. It’s a real-time deep dive into one of birding’s most challenging identification puzzles!

In 2024 Daniel Bernard quit his job and hit the road. His destination? The rest of the country. Danny set out to see 100 species of bird in every single lower 48 U.S. state in a single year. In this conversation, Will and Caleb talk with Danny about his highest highs and lowest lows. We talk about what makes a hard core lister tick. From The Sonoran Desert to the high woods of Maine, this conversation is not one to miss!

Some winters, the bird world throws us a curveball—owls, finches, ptarmigans, and more suddenly show up far outside their usual range, flooding backyards and thrilling birders across the continent. This phenomenon, known as an irruption, is one of the most magical and unpredictable events in birding. In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will dive into what causes these movements, share stories of past irruptions, and even make some predictions for what birders might see this winter.

This week on The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will dive into the magic of peak fall migration. With millions of birds streaming across North America on their journey to wintering grounds, it’s one of the most exciting times of the year for birders. From the dazzling variety of warblers to the drama of raptors on the wing and the thrill of spotting jaegers offshore, this episode captures the energy and wonder of migration season. Whether you’re out at a hawk watch, scanning shorelines, or enjoying the spectacle in your own backyard, you won’t want to miss this one.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb returns from an epic birding journey through Spain and shares the full story with Will — from the Pyrenees to the wetlands of the Ebro Delta. With an astonishing 160 species spotted, including Bearded Vultures, Greater Flamingos, and dazzling Bee-eaters, Caleb breaks down his itinerary, the highs and lows of birding in the Spanish heat, and the unexpected joys (and challenges) of food and travel abroad. Plus, hear about the incredible people he met along the way who made the trip unforgettable. Whether you're planning your own European birding adventure or just living vicariously, this is one for the life list.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Will and Caleb take on the ultimate challenge: ranking the best countries in the world for birding. From biodiversity hotspots to underrated gems, we dive into which countries deserve top-tier status - and which ones might be a little overhyped. Expect strong opinions, friendly disagreements, and a few controversial picks that might ruffle some feathers. Whether you're a globe-trotting birder or just dreaming of your next trip, this episode is packed with insights, banter, and, of course, birds.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will are joined by Matt Misewicz, who takes us deep into the remote northern Alaskan tundra where he bands wild geese in some of the most extreme conditions on Earth. From dodging storms to tracking the migration of cackling geese and greater white-fronted geese, Matt shares what it’s like to do real field science in the wildest corners of North America.

But this episode goes beyond just birding — we dive into Matt’s experience as a dedicated waterfowl hunter and explore the critical role hunters play in bird conservation, from funding habitat restoration to supporting long-term research through licenses and excise taxes. If you care about birds, you need to understand how hunters are helping protect them.

Whether you're a birder, biologist, or just here for the crazy tundra stories, this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Will and Caleb dive into the fascinating history of birding as a form of citizen science. From the sporting roots of the Christmas Bird Count to the structured rigor of Breeding Bird Survey routes, and the backyard magic of Project FeederWatch, we explore how everyday birders have helped shape scientific understanding for over a century. Plus, Caleb gives us the inside scoop on eBird: how it’s revolutionized data collection and what it means for the future of birding. Whether you're a seasoned lister or just learning to tell a chickadee from a titmouse, this episode shows how your sightings make a difference.

This week on The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will dive into one of the birding world's most unexpected frontiers: cruise ships. From tens of thousands of landbirds "falling out" during migration to rare pelagic species like Albatrosses and Petrels appearing in deep waters, cruise birding is full of surprises. Caleb recounts his unforgettable 2022 repositioning cruise alongside legendary birders, including the late, great Tom Johnson, which led to multiple U.S. birding records. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just cruise-curious, this episode will change how you think about open-ocean birding.

eBird Trip Report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/50885

In this episode of the Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will break down the world of ducks, geese and swans. The weird taxonomy and extreme diversity make this a confusing group but one of the most rewarding!

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Will and Caleb tackle a common challenge: how to keep your birding exciting during the quieter summer months. While the heat might seem to hush the bird world, there's still plenty happening—if you know where (and how) to look. We share stories from our recent summer birding adventures and reveal how some birds are already on the move with early fall migration underway (yes, even in July!). Whether you're trying to beat the heat or just wondering where all the birds went, we’ve got practical tips and inspiration to help you stay connected with your feathered friends all summer long.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Will and Caleb take a deep dive into one of the most underrated hotspots in American birding: Miller Beach, Indiana. Drawing from Will’s firsthand experience living in Miller Beach and serving as a waterbird counter for Indiana Audubon in Fall 2023, we explore what makes this slice of Lake Michigan shoreline so special.

From mind-blowing warbler fallouts to unexpected appearances by jaegers and rare gulls, Miller Beach has racked up an impressive bird list that might surprise even seasoned birders. We also dig into the history of the site, its unique geography, and how lakefront migration dynamics turn it into a magnet for avian action.

Is Miller Beach truly in the running for the best birding location in the U.S.? Tune in to hear the case—and decide for yourself.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will tackle one of the most controversial conservation decisions in recent memory: the planned killing of over 500,000 barred owls in an effort to save the critically threatened Northern Spotted Owl.With tensions running high between ecological ethics and urgent conservation needs, we weigh the pros and cons of this drastic measure. We take a deep dive into the natural history of both the barred and northern spotted owls, exploring how one species’ expansion across the continent has brought it into direct conflict with another’s survival.Whether you’re a birder, conservationist, or simply someone who cares about the natural world, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Thanks to Dr. David Wiens for his research and presentation which we used to research much of this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Y-ZmtPiJE

This week on The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will chat with conservation biologist Joe Kaplan—the man behind Michigan’s most famous common loon pair, a duo that’s been breeding in the Upper Peninsula for over 25 years. Joe shares the inside story of these beloved birds and reflects on a life dedicated to conservation, from loon monitoring to youthful adventures as a stowaway birder in the far Pacific. It's an episode full of laughter, insight, and a deep love for wild places and the creatures that call them home.

Big changes are coming to the birding world: every bird in North America named after a person is getting a new name. In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, we dig into the historic decision to retire eponymous bird names—and why it matters. Join us as we explore the reasoning behind the shift, reflect on some of the most iconic names being phased out, and, most importantly, propose our own fresh, fitting names for the species we know and love. From warblers to woodpeckers, we’re giving birds names that actually say something about who they are, not who discovered them. It’s part taxonomy, part creativity, and all about honoring the birds themselves.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Will sits down with Caleb to dive into his unforgettable birding trip to Thailand. From navigating the chaotic roads and unpredictable jungle trails to spotting some of the most bizarre and spectacular bird species on Earth, Caleb shares what it's really like to bird in one of Southeast Asia’s biodiversity hotspots.

We talk logistics—how to plan a birding trip to Thailand, what to expect on the ground, and why it’s both exhilarating and a little bit terrifying. Then we get into the birds: strange Old World families you just don’t see in the Americas, surreal encounters in tropical rainforests, and some true highlight species that made the trip unforgettable.

Whether you're dreaming of your own international birding adventure or just love hearing about rare and weird birds, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and the real talk you’ve come to expect.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, hosts Will and Caleb dive deep into one of the most urgent issues facing wildlife today: the alarming crash in bird populations. From the invisible threat of window collisions to the impact of feral cats and habitat loss, birds are facing pressure on all fronts — but there’s still hope.We break down the science, the statistics, and the stories behind the decline, and most importantly, we equip you with the knowledge and tools to talk about it. Whether you're a lifelong birder or just someone who cares about animals and the environment, this episode will help you understand what’s happening — and what we can all do to help.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will go beyond the basics and dive into their top three favorite birding styles. Birding isn’t always a casual stroll through the woods—it's a world of adventure, strategy, and sometimes, a bit of chaos. From the peaceful rhythm of birding by bicycle to the adrenaline-pumping intensity of 24-hour birding competitions, the guys share the methods that keep them hooked on this incredible hobby. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just curious about different ways to spot your next lifer, this episode will give you a fresh look at how diverse and exciting birding can be.

Welcome back to The Real Birding Podcast! In this episode, Will and Caleb break down the Top 5 Birding Identification Mistakes that trip up even experienced birders. From confusing a Bald Eagle with a Golden Eagle to the classic House Finch vs. Purple Finch dilemma, we’re covering the look-alike species that can make birding a real challenge.🦅 Learn the key field marks🔍 Hear real-world tips from seasoned birders📸 Improve your ID game and avoid common pitfallsWhether you're just getting started or fine-tuning your skills, this episode is packed with useful insights to help you get it right every time.🎧 Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!📢 Leave a comment with your most frustrating ID mistake!

Will & Caleb Reunite + The Brown Pelican in MichiganFor the very first time, Will and Caleb sit down in person to record a special episode of the Real Birding Podcast! 🚨 This one’s full of laughs, chaos, and some truly unbelievable birding stories.In this episode, we each share our wild encounters with the mega-rare Brown Pelican spotted in Michigan—a species that's way off course. We dive into what it took to track it down, the timing, the luck, and how sometimes birding really does feel like pulling a slot machine. 🎰We also talk about the unpredictable nature of chasing rarities, the thrill of the find, and how chaos is often just part of the magic.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!

In this episode Caleb and Will have a friendly competition: Who has seen more of the random birds generated by the eBird "Surprise Me" feature. This one is filled with stories, laughs, and good spirited competition!

This week on the Real Birding Podcast, we’re diving deep into a birding mystery you won’t want to miss. Caleb and Will uncover a shocking discovery—a species previously unknown in the eastern U.S. that has likely been visiting us every spring but went undetected... until now.We also explore modern birding detective work, including how researchers finally solved the mystery of where Black Swifts go in winter, plus we share our latest sightings and stories from the peak of spring migration. Warblers, flycatchers, and surprises galore!

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Will and Caleb sit down with the remarkable Meg Heft—falconer, ornithologist, birder, poultry judge, and PhD candidate—who truly does it all when it comes to birds.Meg walks us through the wild world of falconry, from how she traps and trains hawks to hunt small game (which she and the bird both eat!), to the deep bond that forms between raptor and human. We dive into her academic work as a PhD candidate at Trent University, exploring how her research is helping us better understand bird behavior and ecology. And just when you thought birds couldn’t get any more fascinating, she gives us an inside look at the unexpected and surprisingly intense world of poultry judging.Whether you're a backyard birder, a science buff, or just here for the hawks—this episode has wings.

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Will and Caleb explore the recent (and pretty mind-blowing) news that scientists have successfully used gene editing technology to bring back the Dire Wolf. It's a major milestone in de-extinction science—but it’s also raising a lot of questions.

Naturally, we start wondering: if they can bring back a giant prehistoric predator, what does that mean for extinct birds? We dive into a few fascinating North American species that could be contenders for de-extinction, including the Passenger Pigeon, Carolina Parakeet, and the elusive Ivory-billed Woodpecker.

It's a conversation that blends cutting-edge science with big ethical questions—and of course, a healthy dose of birding curiosity.

This week, Will and Caleb sit down with Jonathan Macri — better known as Jonny Nature — a beloved voice in the native plant and birding communities. With thousands of followers tuning in to his uplifting and informative content, Jonny is on a mission to heal ecosystems and people, one native plant at a time.

In this conversation, we dive into Jonny's biggest news yet: the purchase of 10 acres in west Michigan, which he plans to restore and protect as a sanctuary for birds, native plants, and the community. We talk about the power of local action, the mental and emotional benefits of reconnecting with nature, and how we can reach young people in a time of deep disconnection from the natural world.

Jonny is a birder, photographer, landscape designer, and — as you'll quickly learn — just an all-around great guy. Whether you're deep into native plants or just bird-curious, this episode has something for you.

🌿 Listen in, get inspired, and remember: healing the land might just be the first step in healing ourselves.

You can find Jonny on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok @JonnyNature

Our Intro Music is by Zach Colburn and Will Keller

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Will and Caleb dive deep into some of the most jaw-dropping bird vagrancy events ever recorded. From rare species showing up in the most unexpected places to birds making incredible journeys that defy logic, we break down the top craziest bird vagrancies in history! 🦅Join us as we explore our theories on how these remarkable birds may have ended up in unfamiliar territories, and just how mind-boggling these moments really are. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious newcomer, you won't want to miss this thrilling discussion!🔔 Subscribe for more birding stories, tips, and wild adventures!

In this exciting episode of the Real Birding Podcast, Will and Caleb take you on a journey through the breathtaking Texas Hill Country, a region known for its diverse species and stunning landscapes. They dive into the thrill of spotting elusive rarities like the Black-capped Vireo and Golden-cheeked Warbler, offering tips and insights for finding these iconic birds in the wild.The duo also discusses the growing trend of watching live bird feeder cams, offering a glimpse into the everyday antics of backyard birds in real-time. Plus, Will and Caleb break down some of the most fascinating seabirds—highlighting the bizarre and beautiful species that roam our oceans. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just getting started, this episode is packed with captivating stories, expert tips, and a little bit of birding chaos you won’t want to miss. Tune in for a birding adventure like no other!

In this episode of the Real Birding Podcast, Will and Caleb dive deep into the story behind the famous Big Bear Bald Eagle nest cam. They explore the fascinating journey of this iconic eagle family and how it has captivated bird enthusiasts worldwide. The conversation also covers crucial topics like bald eagle conservation, the importance of protecting these majestic birds, and the role native plants play in supporting healthy bird populations. Along the way, they discuss how spending time in nature can help you reconnect with yourself and foster a deeper understanding of the environment. Tune in for an insightful discussion on conservation, birding, and the beauty of the natural world!🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!

Links:

Big Bear Bald Eagles Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE

Grasshopper sparrow: https://ebird.org/species/graspa

Great-Tailed Grackle: https://ebird.org/species/grtgra

The Nature of Oaks: https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Nature_of_Oaks/4KEdEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0

Jonny Nature: https://www.instagram.com/jonnynature/?hl=en

In this episode of The Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will dive into the amazing technology behind radar tracking migrating birds and explore BirdCast, a website that helps birders predict the best birding days based on radar and weather patterns. They also discuss some of the most bizarre-looking birds on the planet and share the exciting story of a rare bird spotted in North Carolina that drew hundreds of birders to a backyard! Don't miss this fascinating mix of tech, birding, and the thrill of discovery!

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Real Birding Podcast! 🎙️ In today's episode, Will and Caleb dive deep into the fascinating world of birdwatching. They chat about elusive nightjars the rare barnacle goose, and the thrill of spring migration as it approaches. From migration patterns to the unique behaviors of these incredible birds, this conversation is packed with fascinating insights for both seasoned birders and newcomers to the birding world. 🦉🦢Join the conversation, and don't forget to subscribe, like, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below—what birds are you most excited to see this spring? 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes

Red Snowy Owls? Great Gray Owls Landing on Photographers? Join Will and Caleb for a lively discussion on plumage mutations, owl behavior and more!

Falcons are some of the fastest and most brutal hunters on the planet. When Caleb found one at the grocery store, he knew it was special but he did not know how special. In this video, Caleb and Will use the internet to trace this individual bird back to the exact location and date it was banded.

Ever wonder how photographers get close up shots of owls when you can hardly even find one? Well in this episode of the Real Birding Podcast, Caleb and Will break down the tips and tricks of finding owls the ethical way! From Snowy Owls to Saw-Whets, this episode is a hoot!

Like many most communities, birding has been forever changed by social media. From Whatsapp chats to facebook groups, the community has benefited from increased communication and connectedness. However, nothing compares to the changes brought on by a newer social media adopted only in the past few years. This one change altered birding communities forever.

Merry Christmas! In this re-run of the Real Birding Podcast, Will and Caleb tier rank the best countries to bird in the world. From the Toucans of Ecuador to the Horn-Bills of South Africa, this one invokes some controversy and stories from around the globe!

This episode of the Real Birding Pod is all about the great tradition of the Christmas Bird Count. We cover the history and specifics while also diving into the data and scientific benefits of having this old and famous annual event!