Though it’s a more irreverent pick than most of the shows on this list, “How Many Geese?” is nonetheless hosted by two experts, Jack Baddams, an ornithologist, and Roddy Shaw, an urban forestry specialist. The pair chew over bizarre bird and animal stories throughout history, like the U.S. government’s World War II-era plan to weaponize bats or all of the times that animals have been put on trial (turns out, more than you’d think). On occasion they also tackle more serious topics, like the ecological impact of humans feeding birds. But the show’s signature segment comes toward the end of each episode, where one of the hosts must determine how many of a specific species they, personally, could take in a fight. The show recently concluded its run after 100 episodes, but there’s a deep back catalog of absurdist nature anecdotes and hypothetical fight clubs to enjoy.
Starter episode: “The Extended Nuclear Animals Universe”
This “birdy, proudly nerdy” series is hosted by an affable trio of experienced birders, who share conversations about their latest triumphs and frustrations out in the field, both close to home in the United States and on international trips. A “life list” refers to a personalized, cumulative list of all the species a bird-watcher has personally spotted, so bird identification is unsurprisingly a major theme of the show. The hosts — George Armistead, Alvaro Jaramillo and Mollee Brown — swap stories about rare sightings and lessons learned from failed searches. There’s a real sense of community and camaraderie borne of mutual passion, which makes the show a pleasure to listen to.
Starter episode: “Birding the Eastern Himalayas, a Backyard Long-eared Owl, and Safari Adventures With Jason Hall”
This bite-size series is a good way to learn something new about nature every day. Produced by BirdNote, a nonprofit media organization, each episode blends a fact-filled story about birds with soundscapes featuring recordings of birdsong and other nature sounds, delivering an atmospheric audio experience in under two minutes. This format makes “BirdNote Daily” feel more like a meditation than a typical podcast; a reminder to slow down and notice the natural world.
Starter episode: “House Wrens and Dummy Nests”
This audio series from the American Birding Association has been running for close to a decade, and it’s a must listen for any enthusiast. Featuring a rotating cast of ABA staffers alongside its regular host, Nate Swick (the education and digital content coordinator for the association), the show includes discussions of avian news, personal birding anecdotes, and interviews with scientists and conservationists. Some episodes focus more on the human stories than the avian ones — one recent installment spotlighted the concept of “spark birds,” which is birder speak for the particular species that converted them to the hobby.
Starter episode: “Saving Birds to Save the Planet With Scott Weidensaul”
Although this info-packed podcast has a broad focus on North American wildlife, it often zooms in on birds. In each monthly episode, the hosts Steve and Bill focus on a different species or natural phenomenon, breaking down the science behind it and sharing their expertise. Episodes often have a documentary feel, with the hosts recording audio from the field as they explore new settings, and sometimes hunt for specific rare species like the Florida panther or the Central Park snowy owl. No matter your level of expertise, these immersive episodes offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of a naturalist.
Starter episode: “The Dawn Chorus (Part 1)”
