Get Birding

In the first episode of series two, our new host - ornithologist and BBC Countryfile’s Hamza Yassin - talks to series one’s presenter, environmental campaigner Dr Mya-Rose Craig, about their shared love of birds.The appearance of a rare black browed albatross this year was one of the hot birding stories of the summer. Hamza speaks to RSPB Bempton Cliffs Visitor Experience Assistant Poppy Rummery to shed some light on why it's here and discuss the impact this unusual visitor has had on the reserve.Host: Hamza YassinGuests: Mya-Rose Craig, Poppy RummeryProducer: Jo BarrattExecutive Producers: Jane Gerber & Katie DerhamProduction Co-ordinator: Louis FaceySocial Media Assistant: Dilber MogalAll music by Poddington BearAdditional birdsong and nature recordings by InspectorJ, earthsounds, iainmccurdy, ​​acclivity, inchadney under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licencePodcast art by Make ProductionsFollow us:www.twitter.com/getbirdingpodwww.facebook.com/getbirdingpodwww.instagram.com/getbirdingpod Sponsored by birding binoculars specialist Swarovski Optik. To Find out more visit: https://www.swarovskioptik.com/gb/en/birdingSwarovski Optik, headquartered in Absam, Tyrol, is part of the Swarovski group of companies. Founded in 1949, the Austrian company specialises in the development and manufacturing of long-range optical instruments of the highest precision in the premium segment of the market. The binoculars, spotting scopes and optronic instruments are products of choice for demanding users. The company’s success is based on its innovative strength, the quality and intrinsic value of its products, and their functional and esthetic design. The appreciation of nature is an essential part of its company philosophy and is reflected commendably in its environment-friendly production and its long-term commitment to selected nature conservation projects. Sponsored by Zurich Insurance - insuring conservation groups across the UK. To find out more visit Zurich.co.uk/getbirdingZurich insure more than 15,000 not-for-profit organisations of all shapes and sizes including conservation, gardening and ornithological groups across England, Scotland and Wales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As lockdown restrictions start to ease, Mya-Rose Craig explores how we can expand our birding horizons from our back gardens and regular walks to further afield, paying a visit to the Wildfowl & Wetland Trust’s Slimbridge reserve in Gloucestershire which will reopen soon.Writer, broadcaster and actress Emma Kennedy explains her love of birding, stork spotting, RSPB Minsmere and blackbirds singing show tunes – as well as revealing that crows hold grudges for 20 years!18 year old Yetunde Kehinde, a member of the Natural History Museum’s Youth Advisory Panel and Action for Conservation ambassador, gives tips on discovering nature in an urban environment.Nature beatboxer Jason Singh talks to DJ & producer El Búho about how he blends birdsong into electronic music to raise awareness about endangered bird species.Host: Dr Mya-Rose CraigMusic Host: Jason SinghGuests: Emma Kennedy, Yetunde Kehinde, Kate Fox, El BúhoProducer: Tom BonnettExecutive Producers: Jane Gerber & Katie DerhamProduction Manager: Cara GhoshalProduction Assistant: Louis FaceySponsors: Severn Trent Water & Swarovski OptikMusic:Podington Bear - Happiness IsPodington Bear - FluorescencePodington Bear - Pink GradientPodington Bear - DeltaPodington Bear - Golden HourChancha Via Circuito - Maca Tobiano from A Guide to the Birdsong of South AmericaEl Bu’ho - Dim Sum from Cenotes EPDengue Dengue Dengue - Remolinera Real from A Guide to the Birdsong of South AmericaDj Jigue - Ferminia from A Guide to the Birdsong of Mexico, Central America & the CaribbeanThe Garifuna Collective - Black Catbird from A Guide to the Birdsong of Mexico, Central America & the CaribbeanBarrio Lindo - Capuchino Pecho Biano from A Guide to the Birdsong of South AmericaBirdsong Recordings:Mike StranksDobroideStragetSoundaticInchadneyJuskiddinkPodcast art by Make ProductionsFollow us:www.twitter.com/getbirdingpodwww.facebook.com/getbirdingpodwww.instagram.com/getbirdingpod Follow Emma Kennedy on Twitter: @EmmaKennedyEnjoy her birding, books and bricks at: www.emmakennedy.co.ukYetunde Kehinde is an ambassador for Action for Conservation. Follow them on Twitter: @Action4Conserv Check out Action for Conservation’s new book "How You Can Save The Planet" by Henrikus van Hensbergen https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/317/317556/how-you-can-save-the-planet/9780241453049.htmlThe Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) Slimbridge Wetland Centre is a visitor centre open all year and home to thousands of birds, mammals and other wildlife.A massive thank you to the WWT for opening their doors to us early for the Covid-safe recordings featured in the show. WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre is delighted to be opening their doors again from 12th April. Every person who is coming to visit will need to pre-book. Find out more about El Búho: www.sonidoelbuho.com"A Guide to the Birdsong of Mexico, Central America & the Caribbean” is an album of music inspired by the song of endangered birds with 100% of the profits going towards organisations working to protect them. You can purchase the album on Bandcamp here.Find out more about Severn Trent's biodiversity projects: https://www.stwater.co.uk/about-us/environment/biodiversity/Severn Trent Water is committed to providing a secure supply of clean water across the Midlands. Looking after water means looking after the environment too. As a result, the organisation unveiled ambitious plans to improve biodiversity across the Midlands as part of its Big Green Nature Boost campaign, including reviving 12,000 acres of land (an area bigger than the size of Gloucester), planting 1.3 million trees and restoring 2000km of rivers across the Severn Trent region by 2027.  Find out more about Swarovski Optik: https://www.swarovskioptik.com/gb/en/birdingSwarovski Optik, headquartered in Absam, Tyrol, is part of the Swarovski group of companies. Founded in 1949, the Austrian company specialises in the development and manufacturing of long-range optical instruments of the highest precision in the premium segment of the market. The binoculars, spotting scopes and optronic instruments are products of choice for demanding users. The company’s success is based on its innovative strength, the quality and intrinsic value of its products, and their functional and esthetic design. The appreciation of nature is an essential part of its company philosophy and is reflected commendably in its environment-friendly production and its long-term commitment to selected nature conservation projects. In January, Swarovski Optik announced Dr Mya-Rose Craig as a partner opinion leader for 2021; she will aim to inspire people from all backgrounds to learn more about the benefits of enjoying nature activities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The birds in our skies are about to change. Spring marks the start of migration, with birds flying thousands of miles across the world. It's a magical, mysterious wonder of nature that has fascinated us for centuries.In this episode Mya-Rose Craig discovers why bird migration happens; learns about species we can expect to see flying into the UK; and hears from listeners from the Orkneys to East London about the first migrating birds they're seeing.Nature broadcaster Ajay Tegala and RSPB's Lucy Lapwing explain the facts behind migration; Swarovski Optik's Dale Forbes provides top tips on choosing binoculars to help spot migrating birds; and West Midlands Bird Ringing Group's Ben Dolan reveals how he charts birds' journeys across the world using innovative thermal imaging.Grammy Award nominated Afro Celt Sound System talk to nature beatboxer Jason Singh about their 2018 album Flight, themed around migration.Host: Dr Mya-Rose CraigMusic Host: Jason SinghGuests: Ajay Tegala, Ben Dolan, Dale Forbes, Lucy Lapwing, Afro Celt Sound SystemProducer: Tom BonnettExecutive Producers: Jane Gerber & Katie DerhamProduction Manager: Cara GhoshalProduction Assistant: Louis FaceySponsors: Severn Trent Water & Swarovski OptikMusic:Chad Crouch - PlatformerChad Crouch - InvestigationChad Crouch - DuskPodington Bear - BrighteningPodington Bear - Happiness IsAfro Celt Soundsystem - When I Still Needed YouAfro Celt Soundsystem - Working the LandAfro Celt Soundsystem featuring the Amani Choir - SanctusAfro Celt Soundsystem - Hawk Owl [Unreleased Demo Excerpt]Afro Celt Soundsystem - The Migration Medley: FlightBirdsong Recordings:PianofarmInchadneyStragetPodcast art by Make ProductionsFollow us:www.twitter.com/getbirdingpodwww.facebook.com/getbirdingpodwww.instagram.com/getbirdingpod Follow Ajay Tegala on Twitter: @AjayTegalahttp://www.ajaytegala.co.ukCheck out Lucy's YouTube Channel at: www.youtube.com/c/lucylapwingInsta: @Lucy_LapwingTwitter: @Lucy_LapwingDiscover more about the West Midland Ringing Group here: http://www.westmidlandsringinggroup.co.uk/thermal-birding/4594503748 Find out more about Afro Celt Sound System: https://www.afroceltsoundsystem.org.uk/Order your copy of Flight here: https://www.afroceltsoundsystem.org.uk/buy-album/Find out more about Severn Trent's biodiversity projects: https://www.stwater.co.uk/about-us/environment/biodiversity/Severn Trent Water is committed to providing a secure supply of clean water across the Midlands. Looking after water means looking after the environment too. As a result, the organisation unveiled ambitious plans to improve biodiversity across the Midlands as part of its Big Green Nature Boost campaign, including reviving 12,000 acres of land (an area bigger than the size of Gloucester), planting 1.3 million trees and restoring 2000km of rivers across the Severn Trent region by 2027.  Find out more about Swarovski Optik: https://www.swarovskioptik.com/gb/en/birdingSwarovski Optik, headquartered in Absam, Tyrol, is part of the Swarovski group of companies. Founded in 1949, the Austrian company specialises in the development and manufacturing of long-range optical instruments of the highest precision in the premium segment of the market. The binoculars, spotting scopes and optronic instruments are products of choice for demanding users. The company’s success is based on its innovative strength, the quality and intrinsic value of its products, and their functional and esthetic design. The appreciation of nature is an essential part of its company philosophy and is reflected commendably in its environment-friendly production and its long-term commitment to selected nature conservation projects. In January, Swarovski Optik announced Dr Mya-Rose Craig as a partner opinion leader for 2021; she will aim to inspire people from all backgrounds to learn more about the benefits of enjoying nature activities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During lockdown, we've become more aware of birdsong but can we recognise the birds we're hearing?  In this episode, Mya-Rose Craig explores how to identify different birds, from robins to wrens to blackbirds; why birds sing; what a dawn chorus is all about; and how birdsong makes us feel.Actor and keen birder Samuel West takes time out from filming the new series of All Creatures Great and Small to give top tips on how to learn birdsong, with his very own patch diary from Yorkshire. RSPB’s Lucy Lapwing, host of YouTube channel Birdsong Lessons, explains how to tell garden birds apart, whilst Get Birding listeners reveal the birdsong that stops them in their tracks. Jason Singh speaks to Mercury Prize nominated folk singer Sam Lee about his magical live woodland concerts “Singing with Nightingales” and his debut novel “The Nightingale: Notes on a Songbird” which tells the story of this endangered bird and its place in music and literature.Host: Dr Mya-Rose CraigMusic Host: Jason SinghGuests: Samuel West, Lucy Lapwing, Sam LeeProducer: Tom BonnettExecutive Producers: Jane Gerber & Katie DerhamProduction Manager: Cara GhoshalProduction Assistant: Louis FaceySponsors: Severn Trent Water & Swarovski OptikMusic from:Podington Bear - Sneaker ChasePodington Bear - Golden HourPodington_Bear_-_FluorescencePodington Bear - Delta“” - Platformer“” Happiness IsSam Lee and Lisa Knapp - Tan Yard SideSam Lee - Turtle DoveSam Lee - IMPROV SWNSound recordings from:Tony WhiteheadInChadneyVonoraSheyvanAcclivityErhDobroidePodcast art by Make ProductionsFollow us:www.twitter.com/getbirdingpodwww.facebook.com/getbirdingpodwww.instagram.com/getbirdingpod Follow Samuel West at: @exitthelemmingCheck out Lucy's YouTube Channel at: www.youtube.com/c/lucylapwingInsta: @Lucy_LapwingTwitter: @Lucy_LapwingFind out more about Sam Lee's upcoming events at: www.thenestcollective.co.uk/Singing with the Nightingales: https://thenestcollective.co.uk/includes/singing-with-nightingales/Pre-Order Sam Lee's 'The Nightingale' here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-nightingale/sam-lee/2928377019877Find out more about Severn Trent's biodiversity projects: https://www.stwater.co.uk/about-us/environment/biodiversity/Severn Trent Water is committed to providing a secure supply of clean water across the Midlands. Looking after water means looking after the environment too. As a result, the organisation unveiled ambitious plans to improve biodiversity across the Midlands as part of its Big Green Nature Boost campaign, including reviving 12,000 acres of land (an area bigger than the size of Gloucester), planting 1.3 million trees and restoring 2000km of rivers across the Severn Trent region by 2027.  Find out more about Swarovski Optik: https://www.swarovskioptik.com/gb/en/birdingSwarovski Optik, headquartered in Absam, Tyrol, is part of the Swarovski group of companies. Founded in 1949, the Austrian company specialises in the development and manufacturing of long-range optical instruments of the highest precision in the premium segment of the market. The binoculars, spotting scopes and optronic instruments are products of choice for demanding users. The company’s success is based on its innovative strength, the quality and intrinsic value of its products, and their functional and esthetic design. The appreciation of nature is an essential part of its company philosophy and is reflected commendably in its environment-friendly production and its long-term commitment to selected nature conservation projects. In January, Swarovski Optik announced Dr Mya-Rose Craig as a partner opinion leader for 2021; she will aim to inspire people from all backgrounds to learn more about the benefits of enjoying nature activities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode focuses on the powerful impact of birds on our mental health, particularly during lockdown. With heartbreaking honesty, TV’s favourite GP Dr Amir Khan reveals how birds have helped him through the daily stress of working on the front line over the pandemic. Dr Amir explains the science behind nature’s effect on the chemicals in our brains; why he is starting to prescribe nature to his patients; and how birds are a quick fix for nature therapy. Dr Amir joins a call to action for investment in urban green spaces, currently seen as a luxury, not a right, for the most socially deprived. Mya-Rose talks to the University of Sheffield’s Dr Jo Birch about her research on the importance of accessible nature for the wellbeing of urban and BAME young people, whilst farmers in Warwickshire explain how a Wildlife Trust tree sparrow project has helped them deal with the isolation and pressures of their work. Get Birding listeners tell emotional stories about birds helping them find solace through personal suffering over the past year.  Shetland based musicians Northern Flyway talk to nature beatboxer Jason Singh about their audio-visual work that explores the connection between people and birds, and Mya-Rose reveals her Bird To Watch over the next fortnight.Host: Dr Mya-Rose CraigMusic Host: Jason SinghGuests: Dr Mya-Rose Craig, Dr Amir Khan, GP, Dr Daniel Cox, Uni of Exeter, Dr Jo Birch, Uni of Sheffield, Ian Jelley Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, Nicky Saunders, farmer in Warwckshire, Northern Flyway [Inge Thomson and Jenny Sturgeon]Producer: Tom BonnettExecutive Producers: Jane Gerber & Katie DerhamProduction Manager: Cara GhoshalProduction Assistant: Louis Facey Sponsors: Severn Trent Water & Swarovski OptikMusic fromAwekids Collective - Dendroblum [Jason Singh]Pogington Bear [Chad Crouch] - Pink GradientChad Crouch - Marsh Wrens [Instrumental]Chad Crouch - Cove [Instrmental]Podington Bear - MoodswingChad Crouch - BarefootChad Crouch - NegentropyChad Crouch - BackwaterPodington Bear - JetsamNorthern Flyway - Rosefinch, Gannets, Lost Lapwing, Curlew, Loch Carron FlameField Recordings:Simon NortheastGenghis AttenboroughInchadneyJuskiddinkPodcast art by Make ProductionsFollow us:www.twitter.com/getbirdingpodwww.facebook.com/getbirdingpodwww.instagram.com/getbirdingpod  Find out more about the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Tree Sparrow Project: https://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/working-farmers-and-landowners/arden-farm-wildlife-network Find out more about Northern Flyway: https://www.facebook.com/northernflyway/ Discover Jason Singh's music at: http://jasonsinghthing.com/ Find out more about Severn Trent's biodiversity projects: https://www.stwater.co.uk/about-us/environment/biodiversity/Severn Trent Water is committed to providing a secure supply of clean water across the Midlands. Looking after water means looking after the environment too. As a result, the organisation unveiled ambitious plans to improve biodiversity across the Midlands as part of its Big Green Nature Boost campaign, including reviving 12,000 acres of land (an area bigger than the size of Gloucester), planting 1.3 million trees and restoring 2000km of rivers across the Severn Trent region by 2027.  Find out more about Swarovski Optik: https://www.swarovskioptik.com/gb/en/birdingSwarovski Optik, headquartered in Absam, Tyrol, is part of the Swarovski group of companies. Founded in 1949, the Austrian company specialises in the development and manufacturing of long-range optical instruments of the highest precision in the premium segment of the market. The binoculars, spotting scopes and optronic instruments are products of choice for demanding users. The company’s success is based on its innovative strength, the quality and intrinsic value of its products, and their functional and esthetic design. The appreciation of nature is an essential part of its company philosophy and is reflected commendably in its environment-friendly production and its long-term commitment to selected nature conservation projects. In January, Swarovski Optik announced Dr Mya-Rose Craig as a partner opinion leader for 2021; she will aim to inspire people from all backgrounds to learn more about the benefits of enjoying nature activities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mya-Rose Craig speaks to presenter, comedian and avid birder Susan Calman about her life changing obsession with her garden bird feeder, and how her feathered friends have brought her calm and relaxation.To mark National Nest Box Week, TV doctor and nature ambassador Dr Amir Khan offers practical tips on where to place your nest box, and our Get Birding listeners share advice on how to encourage birds into your garden.  Jason Singh interviews singer Fyfe Dangerfield about the role of birds throughout his music in The Guillemots and his EP The Birdwatcher, including the new single Whoa! Life.Host: Dr Mya-Rose CraigMusic Host: Jason SinghGuests: Susan Calman, Dr Amir Khan & Fyfe DangerfieldProducer: Tom BonnettExecutive Producers: Jane Gerber & Katie DerhamProduction Manager: Cara GhoshalProduction Assistant: Louis FaceySponsors: Severn Trent Water & Swarovski OptikMusic from Fyfe Dangerfield in this episode: 'Woah! Life' from Birdwatcher & Birdwatcher Episode 1 excerptMusic from:Chad Crouch - Buzzy MinuetPodington Bear [Chad Crouch] - LollChad Crouch - MoonrisePodington Bear (soundofpicture.com) & Jason SinghSounds:Blackbird at Astonfield field recording by Simon NortheastPodcast art by Make ProductionsFollow us:www.twitter.com/getbirdingpodwww.facebook.com/getbirdingpodwww.instagram.com/getbirdingpod National Nestbox Week kicks off on 14 February: https://www.nestboxweek.com/Discover Jason Singh's music at: http://jasonsinghthing.com/Find out more about Severn Trent's biodiversity projects: https://www.stwater.co.uk/about-us/environment/biodiversity/Severn Trent Water is committed to providing a secure supply of clean water across the Midlands. Looking after water means looking after the environment too. As a result, the organisation unveiled ambitious plans to improve biodiversity across the Midlands as part of its Big Green Nature Boost campaign, including reviving 12,000 acres of land (an area bigger than the size of Gloucester), planting 1.3 million trees and restoring 2000km of rivers across the Severn Trent region by 2027. Find out more about Swarovski Optik: https://www.swarovskioptik.com/gb/en/birdingSwarovski Optik, headquartered in Absam, Tyrol, is part of the Swarovski group of companies. Founded in 1949, the Austrian company specialises in the development and manufacturing of long-range optical instruments of the highest precision in the premium segment of the market. The binoculars, spotting scopes and optronic instruments are products of choice for demanding users. The company’s success is based on its innovative strength, the quality and intrinsic value of its products, and their functional and esthetic design. The appreciation of nature is an essential part of its company philosophy and is reflected commendably in its environment-friendly production and its long-term commitment to selected nature conservation projects. In January, Swarovski Optik announced Dr Mya-Rose Craig as a partner opinion leader for 2021; she will aim to inspire people from all backgrounds to learn more about the benefits of enjoying nature activities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mya-Rose Craig talks to BBC nature presenter Chris Packham about the magic of birdwatching, the need for diversity in nature, his Bird To Watch and the annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend - the biggest citizen science project in the UK. Nature beatboxer, composer and sound artist Jason Singh - whose work has featured at the BBC Proms, on Countryfile and the V&A - explains how he started mimicking birdsong alongside drum and bass to create beautiful forestry environments with his voice alone.Find out more about the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch here: rspb.org.uk/birdwatchResources to help, including a printable bird ID guide here https://www.rspb.org.uk/globalassets/downloads/biggardenbirdwatch/2021/how-to-resources/eng_id-print_at_home--min.pdfAnd further resources https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/everything-you-need-to-know-about-big-garden-birdwatch/Discover Jason Singh's music at: http://jasonsinghthing.com/Host: Dr Mya-Rose CraigGuests: Chris Packham & Jason SinghProducer: Tom BonnettExecutive Producers: Jane Gerber & Katie DerhamProduction Manager: Cara GhoshalProduction Assistant: Louis FaceySponsors: Severn Trent Water & Swarovski OptikMusic from Jason Singh in this episode: Mystery Bird, Afternoon from Tweet Music, Awekids Collective - Sounds from the Grassland VillageMusic from Podington Bear (soundofpicture.com) in this episode: Platformer, Moonrise, DuskPodcast art by Make ProductionsFollow us:www.twitter.com/getbirdingpodwww.facebook.com/getbirdingpodwww.instagram.com/getbirdingpod Find out more about Severn Trent & biodiversity: https://www.stwater.co.uk/about-us/environment/biodiversity/Severn Trent Water is committed to providing a secure supply of clean water across the Midlands. Looking after water means looking after the environment too. As a result, the organisation unveiled ambitious plans to improve biodiversity across the Midlands as part of its Big Green Nature Boost campaign, including reviving 12,000 acres of land (an area bigger than the size of Gloucester), planting 1.3 million trees and restoring 2000km of rivers across the Severn Trent region by 2027. Find out more about Swarovski Optik: https://www.swarovskioptik.com/gb/en/birdingSwarovski Optik, headquartered in Absam, Tyrol, is part of the Swarovski group of companies. Founded in 1949, the Austrian company specialises in the development and manufacturing of long-range optical instruments of the highest precision in the premium segment of the market. The binoculars, spotting scopes and optronic instruments are products of choice for demanding users. The company’s success is based on its innovative strength, the quality and intrinsic value of its products, and their functional and esthetic design. The appreciation of nature is an essential part of its company philosophy and is reflected commendably in its environment-friendly production and its long-term commitment to selected nature conservation projects. In January, Swarovski Optik announced Dr Mya-Rose Craig as a partner opinion leader for 2021; she will aim to inspire people from all backgrounds to learn more about the benefits of enjoying nature activities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being in lockdown has unleashed our love for nature. Goats taking ownership of our streets, deer sleeping on town commons, birds and their song reclaiming our soundscape - a full wildlife drama happening every day in our gardens, streets and countryside for us all to watch. Many of us want to maintain our new found appreciation of this natural life - and birds offer the greatest escape, literally on our doorsteps and in the skies around us.  This entertaining cross-generational series is aimed at beginners, families and diverse audiences living in both cities and countryside makes birdwatching accessible to all through unique, inspired voices.18 year old ornithologist and conservationist Mya-Rose Craig is a passionate “twitcher” who has already seen half the world’s birds and is the youngest Briton to be awarded an honorary degree - for birdwatching.  In each episode, Mya-Rose is joined by a celebrity birdwatcher co-host to share their passion and knowledge with a how-to on birdwatching at home, demystifying this relatively inexpensive hobby that anyone can do.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.