Kirsty Costa

Welcome to Weekend Birder.

I'm Kirsty Costa and here together we notice birds.

I've been thinking a lot lately about social media, its challenges and its benefits, because it's through social media that I get to introduce you to Mia Grundy.

Mia and I have been Instagram buddies for years now, so it's really nice to have her on the show to talk about the life of an everyday birdwatcher.

Mia has always loved being outside and like many of us, birds came into her life gradually.

Mia says that the way she birdwatches has changed over time.

And somewhere along the way, birdwatching has become part of how Mia sees herself.

Time and time again on this podcast, Weekend Birder guests have reminded us about how birdwatching can steady us during uncertain times, like during COVID lockdowns.

If you are someone who has recently experienced loss, I just want to let you know that my heart is with you.

I hope that you're able to slowly get outside and watch some birds or watch some trees in whatever way feels right for you.

Big love to you.

Mia has just mentioned how important her camera has been in helping her connect with the living world.

Photography has become part of her practice and a way of better understanding birds.

Without planning it, it feels like every season of Weekend Birder has a random bird that keeps popping up and it appears that kingfishers are the bird for this season.

There are a few birds that have stayed with Mia along the way, but a moment with a group of rainbow bee-eaters really stands out to her.

I love them.

That recording was gifted to us by Mark Anderson.

I love rainbow bearders too, and my favourite place to see them is on Dja Dja Wurrung country near Bendigo in central Victoria.

If you're curious about this colourful bird that's full of personality, head back to episode 45 to learn about them with Stephanie Chambers from the Sydney Bird Club.

One fun fact that stayed with me from that episode is that rainbow bearders dig tunnels up to 90 centimetres into the ground to create their nests.