Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast

Podcasts

Songbirding takes you on an auditory journey through the songs of birds. Recorded entirely outdoors, a variety of songbird species from the Great Lakes region of North America are featured. Each episode provides listeners with a unique and immersive experience, as they listen to the beautiful melodies and calls of different birds in their natural habitats. Along with the sounds, birding guide Rob Porter shares interesting facts and insights about the birds, providing a deeper understanding of their behaviour and significance in the ecosystems they inhabit. Twice nominated as best Science Podcast in the Canadian Podcast Awards. Season 1, "The Bruce Peninsula" was recorded in July of 2019, in various locales of the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario. Season 2, "Midsummer" was recorded in July and August of 2019, in Hamilton, Waterloo, and Cambridge. Season 3, "Spring of Solitude" was recorded in spring of 2020, in the Hamilton, the Niagara Region, and Norfolk County. Season 4, "On Territory" was recorded throughout 2020 & 2021, in various places in Ontario. Season 5, “In The Quietude” was recorded in 2021 through 2023 in Bruce Peninsula National Park. Season 6, "Allegheny National Forest" was recorded in 2022 through 2024 in Allegheny National Forest and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania and New York states. Season 7 is forthcoming and was/is being recorded in Kananaskis Country, Alberta in 2023 through 2025. For those with high-frequency hearing loss, please search for "Songbirding Under 5kHz" Credits Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. Cover art by Lauren Helton - https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/ Support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Location:

Canada

Genres:

Podcasts

Description:

Songbirding takes you on an auditory journey through the songs of birds. Recorded entirely outdoors, a variety of songbird species from the Great Lakes region of North America are featured. Each episode provides listeners with a unique and immersive experience, as they listen to the beautiful melodies and calls of different birds in their natural habitats. Along with the sounds, birding guide Rob Porter shares interesting facts and insights about the birds, providing a deeper understanding of their behaviour and significance in the ecosystems they inhabit. Twice nominated as best Science Podcast in the Canadian Podcast Awards. Season 1, "The Bruce Peninsula" was recorded in July of 2019, in various locales of the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario. Season 2, "Midsummer" was recorded in July and August of 2019, in Hamilton, Waterloo, and Cambridge. Season 3, "Spring of Solitude" was recorded in spring of 2020, in the Hamilton, the Niagara Region, and Norfolk County. Season 4, "On Territory" was recorded throughout 2020 & 2021, in various places in Ontario. Season 5, “In The Quietude” was recorded in 2021 through 2023 in Bruce Peninsula National Park. Season 6, "Allegheny National Forest" was recorded in 2022 through 2024 in Allegheny National Forest and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania and New York states. Season 7 is forthcoming and was/is being recorded in Kananaskis Country, Alberta in 2023 through 2025. For those with high-frequency hearing loss, please search for "Songbirding Under 5kHz" Credits Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. Cover art by Lauren Helton - https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/ Support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Twitter:

@songbirdingpod

Language:

English

Website:

https://songbirding.com/

Email:

songbirdingpod@gmail.com

Episodes

S6E15 - The Edge of Heart's Content, Part 1

4/30/2024

Heart's Content Scenic Area is one of the few "old growth" forests in Pennsylvania. Instead of going deep into the old growth though, today I’ll be exploring the picnic area and nearby interpretive trails. It may seem counterintuitive, but the greatest diversity of songbirds can be heard by sticking close to edge habitat — that is, habitats that represent border between two or more habitats. In this case, the open meadow of the picnic area, and the old growth of Heart’s Content. eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S119284081 Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw. Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:24:30

S6E14 - Evening Climb along Deer Lick Run, Part 2 (Wood Thrush)

4/16/2024

As we descend the trails of Deer Lick Run, Hermit Thrush songs give way to their Wood Thrush cousins. Learn more about the Wood Thrush: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wood_Thrush eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115149345 Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw. Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:22:49

S6E13 - Evening Climb along Deer Lick Run, Part 1 (Dark-eyed Junco)

4/9/2024

As we ascend one of the trails that follows Deer Lick Run near Sheffield, Hermit Thrushes, Dark-eyed Juncos, Ovenbirds sing their evening songs. Learn more about the Dark-eyed Junco: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Dark-eyed_Junco/overview eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115149345 Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw. Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:28:29

S6E12 - Introduction to Hickory Creek, Part 2

3/26/2024

Eastern Chipmunk, Scarlet Tanager, and Red-eyed Vireo are featured in the last half of this introductory hike to Hickory Creek. eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115878656 Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw. Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:30:52

S6E11 - Introduction to Hickory Creek, Part 1 (Mystery Species)

3/19/2024

The Hickory Creek Wilderness Trail is a 21km trail that I won't taking in full this year, but perhaps in a future year. For now, I'm going to peek in a bit, and take a listen. eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115878656 Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw. Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:20:57

S6E10 - Nocturnal Birding (Eastern Whip-poor-will)

3/12/2024

At the end of the very first episode of this season I mentioned we’ve be coming back to the nocturnal portion of that hike, and here we are! This’ll be less birdsong, more talk and waiting in the quiet, I’m going to talk a bit about the Eastern Whip-poor-will. I’ll make reference to some bat sounds, but I couldn’t quite make them audible in the recording this time around. Stick around to the end for a surprise song right at the conclusion of my hike. eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115082556 Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Axeltree. This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:27:39

S6E9 - Hector Falls Forestry Road, Part 2

3/5/2024

The back half of the drive along Hector Falls Forestry Road. eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115104445 Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward. This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:19:11

S6E8 - Hector Falls Forestry Road, Part 1 (Black-throated Blue Warbler)

2/27/2024

I’ve been driving along the forest road near Hector’s Falls to find some new habitat niches, listening for more songs and sounds. After several hours of hiking, it’s a nice break to cover ground while giving my leg muscles a rest. More about the Black-throated Blue Warbler: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-throated_Blue_Warbler eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115104445 Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward. This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:28:19

S6E7 - The Hike Back, Part 2 (Winter Wren)

2/20/2024

Conclusion of the Hector Falls hike. More about Winter Wren: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Winter_Wren/overview eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115100430 Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward. This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:29:01

S6E6 - The Hike Back, Part 1 (Black-throated Green Warbler)

2/6/2024

I’m beginning my hike back to the main road. One might expect this means we’ll hear the same birds, but that’s not always going to be the case. Some species move around during the day, or might vocalize less or more often, or differently, at different times of the day. We’ve not yet heard everything this trail has to offer today. More about Black-throated Green Warblers: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-throated_Green_Warbler/overview eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115100430 Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward. This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:27:08

S6E5 - Hector Falls, Part 2 (Blue-headed Vireo)

1/23/2024

I’ve made it to Hector’s Falls - it’s not a very tall waterfall but it is very compelling to look at. The water flows off of a rectangular-shaped rock face, forming a thin silk-sheet like stream of water. Anywhere there is flowing water, there will be insects, and where there are insects to be fed on, there will be plenty of bird species. More about the Blue-headed Vireo: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Blue-headed_Vireo/overview eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115100430 Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward. This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:18:43

S6E4 - Hector Falls, Part 1 (Red-eyed Vireo)

1/16/2024

We’re approaching Hector’s Falls, and the habitat has changed a bit, with a stream alongside a winding single-track trail. More about the Red-eyed Vireo: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-eyed_Vireo/overview eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115100430 Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward. This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:27:01

S6E3 - A Sore Sounding Song (Scarlet Tanager)

1/9/2024

As the hike to Hector Falls continues, Scarlet Tanagers and many other songbird species are encountered. More about Scarlet Tanager: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Scarlet_Tanager eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115100430 Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward. This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:28:23

S6E2 - A Perfect July Morning (Hooded Warbler)

12/19/2023

It’s my first morning in Allegheny National Forest and the weather is clear and sunny — a perfect July day for recording birdsong. I’ve parked at the same trailhead for Hector’s Falls as I did the evening before. This time I’m planning to make it all the way to the falls, and perhaps beyond. More about Hooded Warbler: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Hooded_Warbler You can also listen to my Birdsong Serenades episode about Hooded Warblers as a subscriber to the Songbirding Studios Patreon, or Apple Podcasts channel. eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115100430 Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward. This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:23:06

S6E1 - The Hermits of Allegheny (Hermit Thrush)

12/11/2023

It’s almost sunset and I’ve driven to the closest trailhead I see on the map near to where I am camping: a trail leading to Hector Falls, in the Tionesta Scenic Area. More about Hermit Thrushes: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Hermit_Thrush/overview You can also listen to my Birdsong Serenades episode about Hermit Thrushes as a subscriber to the Songbirding Studios Patreon, or Apple Podcasts channel. eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115082556 Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Scott Buckley, Kira Daly, Josh Woodward and Jason Shaw. This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:28:01

Trailer for Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest

11/29/2023

Season 6 of Songbirding is coming soon. We'll be exploring the songbirds of the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania, USA. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Scott Buckley and Kira Daly. This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:02:00

2023-24 Christmas Bird Count Special

11/14/2023

The Christmas Bird Count is a census of birds in the western hemisphere that is held between December 14 and January 5 each winter. It was devised originally as an alternative to the 19th century tradition of hunting birds at Christmas, and has evolved to become the longest running citizen science project. There are tens of thousands of participants - seeking out and counting tens of millions of birds each year. 2023 will be the 124th year of the Christmas Bird Count. If you don’t already participate in one, as of this episode’s release in November of 2023, you still have plenty of time to find and join a count local to you. This episode was recorded while participating in the 102nd Hamilton Christmas Bird Count on December 26th, 2022. Credits Songbirding is a Songbirding Studios production, and was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is by Scott Buckley. For more information about the Christmas Bird Count, see: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count The eBird checklist for the outing this episode was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S124632617 This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:32:27

S5E44 - Migrations in the Quietude, Part 4 (finale)

9/18/2023

After two hours along Crane River, the birdsongs are still very intense. In this final episode of the season, we’ll continue to listen to the migrant warblers and other songbird species, one last listen to the birds of Johnston Harbour. Credits Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music by REW<< This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:25:01

S5E43 - Migrations in the Quietude, Part 3

9/11/2023

It’s been an hour and a half since I started listening and watching the migrant songbirds along Crane River, and the peak of activity has yet to arrive. Credits Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music by REW<<. This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:28:42

S5E42 - Migrations in the Quietude, Part 2

9/4/2023

It’s been about an hour and I’m still exploring the short stretch between Crane River and Scuggog Lake — it seems the longer I’m here, the more migrant songbirds arrive. Credits Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music by REW<< This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Duration:00:28:51