Episodes

Thursday Dec 11, 2025
Invitation to Traditions
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
In this episode, Brian explores how to make bird feeding and bird watching a cherished holiday tradition with bestselling author and nature advocate, Amy Tan. Amy shares her insights and the benefits on how to slow down, watch birds with intention, and live deeply in nature.

Thursday Nov 13, 2025
What's the Word on Winter Finches
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
Will irrupting birds visit your backyard this winter? Who is already on the move and who can you expect to see? Join Brian and special guest Matt Young from the Finch Research Network as they talk all about the Winter Finch Forecast with tips on getting your feeders ready for these irregular winter visitors.

Thursday Oct 09, 2025
Window to the World: Keeping Birds Safe
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
What does the number '1 billion' have to do with birds, fall migration, and your backyard? Sadly, up to a billion birds die each year from window collisions, but there’s good news. Join Brian and special guest Olivia Carvalho from Birds Canada as they share simple, science-backed ways to protect migrating birds while enjoying them at your feeders and in your yard.

Thursday Sep 11, 2025
Squirrels: Love 'em or Loathe 'em
Thursday Sep 11, 2025
Thursday Sep 11, 2025
Squirrels – do you love them or loathe them? If you have trees nearby, chances are you have squirrels. In this encore episode, John and Brian take a different look at our furry friends. Whether you deter them or feed them, we all have opinions on the infamous backyard critters. Plus, we have all the deterring and feeding options!

Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Practicing What We Preach
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
John Schaust returns to critique Brian’s yard (a call-back to ep 50). Does he practice what he preaches? Plus, we catch up with our retired co-host on owl banding, adventures, and how we can all help the birds with high-protein foods for the end of nesting season and peak molting season.

Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Golden Guide to Goldfinches
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
How many goldfinch species can be attracted to your yard? Brian is joined by two WBU store owners (Dripping Springs, TX & Ventura, CA) to talk goldfinches and their differences: seasonality, attracting, nesting, molting, mimicry, and more.

Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Seasonally Savvy Summer
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Being seasonally savvy in summer means fewer feeders can be ok, but the key is foundational feeding. Brian explains the benefits of a foundational feeder and food in summer and how it helps Dad (bird dads & people dads).

Thursday May 08, 2025
Simple Steps to Saving the Song Birds
Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
Have you heard song birds are in trouble? As stewards of our own space, we’ve never been more empowered to make a difference to help save the song birds. Brian shares some simple steps you can implement to make a difference, no matter where you live.

Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Native Plant Program & Perks
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Does it matter where you source your native plants? It turns out—yes, it does. Brian is joined by Mary Phillips, Head of Habitat/Native Plant Impact & Certifications for the National Wildlife Federation, to explain why. They dig into native plant trends, the importance of sourcing responsibly, and what keystone plants are—plus how they benefit both birds and people.

Thursday Mar 13, 2025
The More the Merrier
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
How many bird species visit your yard? Brian shares that now is the perfect time to prepare to attract more bird species to your yard and how it will enhance your enjoyment of the hobby and your well-being.

