Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited

World’s Smartest Birds?

John and Brian bring fun and amazing examples of why crows and ravens are arguably the world's smartest birds. They discuss studies from some folks who have studied them for decades and introduce one whose fulltime job is taking care of one family group of ravens. 

Birding by Ear: Getting Started

Do you know bird calls? John and Brian bet you know more than you realize. In this episode they bring the energy and expert tips to inspire anyone to take bird watching and listening to the next level.  

A Note About Bird Song

In the episode, John and Brian share about bird dads and their vocal secrets to success. They discuss why bird dads sing, what they are saying and how they learned their song. Plus, how did noise pollution and the quiet of the pandemic affect singing birds?  

A Gathering of the Flock - WBU Store Owner Stories

In this episode, John & Brian recorded live from the Wild Birds Unlimited annual conference where our store owners gathered for their annual migration to refresh, learn and find new treasures. You’ll hear some fun as well as heart-warming store owner stories. Who knows? Maybe one of them is from your neck of woods (or backyard).  

Hummingbirds: It’s All About Mom!

John and Brian discuss the best bird mom ever. Hummingbird moms are arguably one of the toughest ladies out there. With all the odds stacked against them, we should celebrate how hummingbird moms are the champions this Mother’s Day. 

Spring Secrets & Setups

Ever wonder what others aren’t telling you about backyard birding? Join John and Brian as they impart their spring secrets to increase your bird variety and activity this year. And, who? who? is that we’re talking about at the end of the episode? 

Habitat: Can You Really Make a Difference

Habitat, habitat, habitat! That’s right, there’s more to learn about our own little natural parks we call our backyards. John and Brian share exciting new research on just how much of an impact an individual can make for local wildlife. Hint, it’s a lot! Stay tuned to the end to find out if we could see the dodo again in our lifetimes. 

Celebrating the Big Five Oh!

Join John and Brian as they celebrate the 50th episode of Nature Centered while broadcasting from John’s backyard. Brian grades John’s bird feeding setups while giving you a closer look at how these pros like to feed. We’re reading reviews, talking with our producer Evan, and finding out “what is moon migration?” 

Nesting: A Bird’s Eye View

This year for nesting season, John and Brian are going to teach you what your backyard birds are looking for when they’re “house shopping” for the right yard to raise a family, and how you can help your birds raise more birds with better chances to fledge. 

State of the Union: Our Winter Birds

Have new birds? Have no birds? John and Brian will fill you in on the state of our union … at least as it pertains to backyard birding. Listen in to find out who is seeing what and where across North America, and find out how squirrels actually help our backyard birds.