Life List: A Birding Podcast
Episodes
Birding the Eastern Himalayas, a backyard Long-eared Owl, and safari adventures with Jason Hall
25 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jason Hall is back on the podcast to talk about mid-April spring migration, backyard adventures, and time on the other side of the world in Arunachal ...
An evolutionary biology perspective on pair bonding - in birds and humans - with Bryony Angell and Wenfei Tong
11 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Another classic Life List episode: a recipe of biological and ecological facts, rabbit holes, and a healthy dose of talk about life! Bryony Angell wro...
Middle East birding, missiles, and Mollee's long way home
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mollee sat down with Alvaro to recount her visit to the UAE that was cut short when the US/Iran war broke out. From here, she talks about the journey ...
Tour mishaps, life bird goals, and combining concerts and birding with Bonner Black
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Bonner Black is back! If you need a little quality hang with your birding friends, we've got you covered. A few links: Check out all of Bonner&...
Ship-assisted birds, South American travel, and watching winter shift
21 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
George and Alvaro are chatting about recent birds in their backyards, ABA rarities, sparrow speciation, recent South American travels, and more!At the...
Why visible migration matters: migration counts and seawatch tales with Allison Vilag
07 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Allison has worked coast to (Great Lakes) coast for years, and today, we're chatting about tales from the field and lessons learned from endless ...
Winter birding, subsistence hunting, and a backyard bird feeding debate
24 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
New this episode: Check out our chapters in Apple Podcasts to preview our conversation!The gang's all here to chat about winter birding, from bac...
Blending science, art, and humor to celebrate nature with Rosemary Mosco
11 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We are delighted to be joined by Rosemary Mosco, acclaimed science writer and naturalist, to chat about obscure bird facts, a love of pigeons, and yes...
Our favorite birding experiences of 2025
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's our first-ever year end special! We recount our favorite birds, moments, wildlife, and even sounds of the year. And we get a little sidetrac...
How birds shape our lives and landscapes with Stephen Moss
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode, we're joined by Stephen Moss, who shares his delightful insights into why birds around the world and in our backyards are equally i...
Hawkwatch experiences and birding parallel landscapes with Joshua Covill
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode, we’re joined by Joshua Covill: birding guide, hawkwatcher, and all-around mountain wanderer. Josh is sharing stories from Montana&apos...
Bird taxonomy season! Deep-diving splits, lumps, and our life lists
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're birders, talking about birding! George, Alvaro, and Mollee pulled up their personalized taxonomy updates from eBird (get an overview, all t...
Inside eBird: The world’s biggest birding project with Brian Sullivan
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode, we’re joined by Brian Sullivan—birder, photographer, and co-leader of one of the most transformative projects in the birding world: ...
Almost arrested: Birding in Qatar and South African springtime adventures
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alvaro has some juicy stories from the field: did he finally succeed in finding a Saunder's tern, or did a run-in with the law in Qatar foil his ...
Traveling as a birder and musician with Bonner Black
04 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re joined by Bonner Black: Nashville-based singer-songwriter, birder, and all-around force of nature. Highlights of our chat include:Growing up ...
Birding with us: our backyard birdwatching conversations
20 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of our favorite things to hear from guests is that it's like you're birding with us during our conversations. This time, you actually ca...
LISTERS: Inside the extreme birdwatching documentary with Owen and Quentin Reiser
06 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re talking with Quentin and Owen, the filmmakers and brothers behind Listers: the indie documentary that’s both absurd and profound, and probab...
Late summer birding: movements, migration, and surprises
23 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The biggest surprise of all might be that George is learning to love summertime at home. We are chatting about birds and critters in our patches and r...
Finding rare Alaskan birds and more wildlife encounters with Alex Harper and Phil Chaon
09 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcas...
How to find rare birds with Jen Brumfield
26 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a blast—and full of stuff you'll want to remember! George and Alvaro interview the legendary birder of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, a...
Bird chases, misses, and surprises...and what birders can't let go of
12 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is what we do, folks! George and Alvaro are sharing the stories from the field and their yards, discussing scientific and hobbyist news in the bi...
Svalbard dreams and birds you wait a lifetime for
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're all here—Mollee, George, and Alvaro—to catch up on birding and nature stories from home and Alvaro's adventures spanning oceans......
AviList: the new Global Avian Checklist and its effects on bird taxonomy with Marshall Iliff and Frank Rheindt
14 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You like splits and lumps? Thinking about the intricacies of global taxonomy? Oh boy, are you in for a treat! George and Alvaro sat down with Marshal...
Global conservation and the Birdfair that started a movement with Tim Appleton
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode, we're catching up with Tim Appleton: co-founder of Global Birdfair and lifelong conservationist...and who possibly has the UK'...
Deep-diving wild India: backyard leopards & a king-cobra's hiss with Surya Ramachandran
17 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We caught up with our friend Surya Ramachandran: Indian naturalist, author, big-cat tracker, and awesome guy.Highlights of our chat include:Home patch...
Weird science and birding through life changes
03 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our travels have recently taken us across Costa Rica, Cuba, Argentina, Chile, and Tanzania — so it's high time for a catch-up! In this episode,...
Birding travels, timberdoodles, connecting through nature in prison
19 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our travels have recently spanned Costa Rica, Cuba, Argentina, Chile, and Tanzania, so it's high time for a catch-up! We swap favorite moments fr...
Geographic clues to hybridization and the evolution of birding field guides
05 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
George and Alvaro have an evening chat about the evolution of field guides with notable quirks in a few editions, Alvaro discusses how he used locatio...
Bird conservation on the Chatham Islands and beyond with Mike Bell
22 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
George and Alvaro took some time during their Subantarctic Islands cruise to chat with Mike Bell, ornithologist for the Chatham Islands Landscape Rest...
Birding the world versus major sporting events
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're catching up on our tales around the world and wondering...how close does birding get to a major sporting event? Join us in our usual banter...
The heart of seabird diversity: Subantarctic Islands
22 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our first episode covering our recent Subantarctic Islands cruise out of New Zealand. We're diving into the islands we visited, includ...
Birding Asia X3: India, Thailand, and Japan
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hey there, we're back! Listen to us catching up on our recent travels throughout Asia in India, Thailand, and Japan. Are you tempted to join us i...
Declaring a species extinct and sampling the world's coolest birding events
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's our final episode...but only for this season, don't worry 😉We're chatting about birding festivals near and far, the multination...
Defending Ecuador’s rarest species: Jocotoco’s on-the-ground efforts
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jocotoco Conservation works in the field throughout Ecuador and the Galapagos to conserve birds, wildlife, and habitats. Today, George is digging into...
Your guide to Life List episodes and highlights
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our 100th episode! We're celebrating by chatting about some listener favorites - and ours! - as well as all that's changed in the...
Gull mysteries with Amar Ayyash
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're not just talking about Amar's highly anticipated book, The Gull Guide—we're chatting about the discoveries and contr...
Fall birding highlights (so far!)
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alright, we're back! George and Alvaro talk about unusual sightings and behaviors they've seen so far this fall along with takeaways from af...
Comparing thermal scopes, Hurricane Helene effects, and the beauty in the unknowns on pelagics
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're continuing conversations with our listeners on the air as we share updates from our home fronts. We have lots of links to share this week!C...
Brazil's legendary lands and lesser-known gems
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
George is just back from the Pantanal, and today, we're chatting about that. But first...The oldest photo in eBird? Looks like it's this (no...
We're answering your birdy questions!
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're back with a listener question episode! We mention Project Phoenix—check out the details here. Subscribe to our newsletter and send us y...
Deep dives and Easter eggs in the new Stokes finch guide
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're joined by Lillian Stokes and Matt Young to share in the laughs, research, and stories behind their jam-packed new book, The Stok...
Conflict in chasing rare birds & what it feels like to be on pelagics
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're three busy birders this week with tales ranging from the backyard to the wonders of the deep oceans. Grab a drink and enjoy this classic Li...
Wacky tales and unique habitats with Phil Chaon
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Phil's been there, done that, and has the stories to prove it. This week we chat about his recent oceanic expeditions and upcoming book.Have a ta...
Ornithological careers and accompanying global adventures with Holly Garrod and Billi Krochuk
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Holly and Billi have spanned continents in their incredible career feats. Today, we're chatting about the challenges and adventures that they&apo...
How Alvaro's bar chat led to a new species of storm-petrel
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Here's a story with some drama, discovery, and mysteries yet unsolved! Hear all about the background of discovering the Andean Storm-Petrel (Ocea...
Decreasing the pressure and increasing the joy in birding with Jason Hall and Dexter Patterson
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jason and Dexter bring all the joy this week!Check out Jason and Dexter on InstagramLearn about the In Color Birding Club...And the BIPOC Birding Club...
Behind the scenes of professional bird guiding and podcasting with Ken Behrens
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a beers-after-hours-type conversation with Ken Behrens: author, bird and nature guide, and co-host of Naturally Adventurous Podcast. We chat a...
Expression of genes, extreme lifespans in animals, and birding the Galapagos Islands
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is classic Life List—full of facts and stories from our homes and the field. Check out this 79-year-old box turtle monitored in PA!Get...
Behind the scenes of Alaskan birding tours
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A trip to Alaska in the summer for rare and vagrant birds is exhilarating...and a logistical feat! George and Alvaro recap their June Alaskan travels ...
Intersections of science, art, and passion in birding with Melissa Hafting
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa does it all, and today, we're chatting about it! Check out Melissa's links:Dare to Bird by Melissa HaftingMelissa's blogBC Rar...
It’s taxonomy season! Previewing splits and lumps
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're back to catch up on news in the birding world and our latest stories. Here are a few links we reference in this episode: Diving into Cockn...
Tribute to Tom Johnson, a remarkable bird expert and human
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In our season finale, we pay tribute to Tom Johnson, a distinguished bird expert and an exceptional human being, who passed away unexpectedly in 2023....
Patterns in Vagrant Birds, Hummingbird Splits, and Tractors
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We've got lots to chit-chat about this week—birds, butterflies, land, and more!We talk about Harvesters—learn about these butterflies here a...
A deep dive on oceanic birds and wildlife with Kate Sutherland
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kate is a marine biologist and pelagic expert who has stories and facts to fill a whole voyage. Join us as we delve into the mesmerizing world of pela...
What it's like to go birding in Cuba
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A few weeks ago we sat down to chat about Cuba, earthquakes, and eclipses. We always stay busy!We mention birding in Bhutan; if you want to know more ...
Why we can’t put down Kenn Kaufman’s newest book
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Birds and Audubon Missed comes out this week. Listen as George and Alvaro reminisce and muse the worlds of ornithology and birding with Kenn—per...
Birding the Darien Gap with Adam Walleyn
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adam has birded the places people dream of all around the world, and recently returned from his most recent adventures in the primary forests of the D...
Travelogue: Scouting Mammals and Birds in Northern India
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
George is sharing a behind-the-scenes look at his scouting trip in northern India from January 2024. Want to hear the rest of the story? Check us out ...
Let's Discuss ABA Checklist and Avian Tree of Life Updates
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There's been some exciting news in the birding world, and we have thoughts — and some inside scoop! Today, we're talking about ABA Checkli...
Understanding red crossbill types and other finches with Matt Young
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The finch guru is with us today! We're talking speciation, food source specialization, mimicry, and more. Yep, this episode is meaty. Get more L...
George joins the American Birding Association Board of Directors!
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're chit-chatting about ABA, natural disasters on birding tours, and other news from our backyards. Get more Life list by subscribing to our n...
Early Spring Birding: Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Cuba
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In North America, winter lingers up north while migration and breeding season rev up in the south. Today, we're chatting about recent stories fro...
Birding Down Under: The Spectacular Subantarctic Islands
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We want you to hear just how cool and fascinating the Subantarctic Islands islands are. Join us there in December? [Learn more here.]Get more Life lis...
Expression of supergenes in birds
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alvaro is here today with a deep dive on supergenes and their phenotypic expressions in birds. Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter an...
Harpy Eagles and Backyard Companions with Holly Merker
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A plea from your producer: Any tips on dealing with paper wasps?! But really, I've got it under control, I think...Holly returns to the podcast t...
What's coming up on Life List
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get more Life list by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our Patreon for bonus content. Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcas...
Lumps, Splits, and Stringers
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hey, hey. The American Ornithological Society has announced the 2024 proposals affecting taxonomy and species. Here's what we think about them!An...
The ups and downs of birding in India
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We have lots to share this time! Subscribe to our shiny newsletter Find us on PatreonCheck out these least bittern x-rays And visit our tour websit...
Conquering ticks (the icky ones) and tales from Uganda
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
George interviews friends Andrea and Josh about gorillas, tick-borne diseases and prevention, and bird and wildlife photography. More from Andrea and...
Birdy questions answered: Communicating about rare birds
12 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're chatting about New Year birding, winter sea watching and pelagics, and the evolution of communication platforms for birders. Talk to us a...
Patterns in winter vagrant birds and Christmas Bird Counts
04 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're back for season four, and we have lots to catch up on! Join us as we chat about recent travels, Christmas Bird Counts, and other exciting w...
Behind the scenes of working at Cape May Bird Observatory
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
George is bringing you a set of interviews with part of the fall crew at Cape May Bird Observatory. Enjoy these glimpses into life at the counting sit...
Changing bird names: Deep diving the AOS decision process with Alvaro
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you heard the news? We get the inside scoop on the American Ornithological Society's decision to change all English bird names currently nam...
Fall Birding and Changing Names
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We recorded this episode just before the American Ornithological Society announced plans to change bird species named after people, but it was already...
The weirdest things we've seen while birding
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our gang catches up on early fall birding and herping before sharing some of our stories from the field about crazy non-bird sightings that have left ...
Embracing birding's mental health benefits with Holly Merker
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are birds magical? We explore that question, hawk watches, and the joys of being an eBird reviewer with Holly Merker.Learn about the Frontiers and Orn...
The art of finding birds virtually with Greg Neise
09 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Greg Neise joins us this week to chat about all things virtual and Fantasy Birding!Talk to us and share your topic ideas at lifelistpodcast.com Thanks...
European and urban birding with David Lindo
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
David Lindo, the Urban Birder himself, joins us to talk about his love of birding and how the U.S. birding culture compares to Europe's. Learn mo...
The things that happen while doing bird research
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is a meaty one! George and Alvaro chat about the causes of high fall migration counts, caged birds, snapping turtles, cardinals, South American b...
Level up your bird photography with Glenn Bartley
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Glenn joins us to talk all things bird photography—including tips on what to do before and after you get the shot!Helpful linksGlenn’s site eBook...
Herps, Gulls, and Flamingos
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Flamingos or flamingoes? Either way, they're around. We catch up on some great rare birds and other excursions.Talk to us and share your topic id...
Birding in the Southwest, Empidonax flycatcher identification, and pizza toppings
04 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We catch up on our late summer birding adventures, a range of birding resources, and pineapple on pizza.Helpful links:InfiRay T2 Pro Thermal Monocular...
Happiness by way of birds and a bicycle with Dorian Anderson
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dorian Anderson joins us to chat about photography, tales from the road, and how a unique big year helped him find himself. Talk to us and share your ...
Is El Niño the cause of these pelagic sightings?
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
George and Alvaro catch up on good band names, rare birds found while not primarily birding, and the possible causes of some interesting wildlife sigh...
Hawkwatches, rare birds, and karaoke with Jeff Bouton
18 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're starting this episode with a brief tribute to our friend, Tom Johnson, who unexpectedly passed in July 2023. Then we catch up with our pal ...
The best birds are vultures, obviously! Chat with Katie Fallon
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
George and Mollee chat with Katie about some of the greatest birds there are: vultures! Plus Cerulean Warblers, wildlife rehabilitation, state-level e...
Take a deep dive on golden eagles with Trish Miller
17 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There's so much to uncover about golden eagles, and Trish Miller is on it! Hear about the data that's being collected and what it's rev...
Species lumps and splits: Discussing AOS checklist updates
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The AOS checklist updates are out, and we're here for it! Catch up on what species were split, lumped, and what proposals did not get accepted. B...
Can you prove extinction? And stories from recent birding travels
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're back for season three! George and Alvaro catch up on birding near home, recent trips across the prairies and Rockies of the U.S. and the Ga...
More of your birdy questions answered and 2023 highlights (so far!)
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Well, there's bad news and good news. The bad news is that this is our mid-year wrap-up...that's right, we're taking a break through Ju...
The joys of birding in Bhutan
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Plus Florida and spring birding fun. It’s a classic chat from the Life List trio. Consider a donation to In Color Birding Club and check out Frontie...
Lesser-known birding spots in the world's birdiest country with Chris Bell
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're wrapping up our series of podcasts from Colombia with an interview with Chris Bell, co-host of The Birders Show and avid country lister in ...
Birding and big cats in Tanzania, Bhutan preview, and Caribbean vagrants
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The episode title says it all in our classic catch-up episode style. Plus, George and Alvaro shoot the breeze with spring migration in their neighborh...
Jennifer Ackerman on owl intelligence, her writing process, and spirit birds
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our series of episodes recorded in Colombia continues! We interviewed Jennifer Ackerman, renowned author of The Genius of Birds and The Bird Way, on h...
Nate Swick and Chris Bell with us in Colombia!
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're so excited to share this special episode we recorded during the Colombia Birdfair with Nate Swick of the American Birding Podcast and Chris...
Escapees on eBird and in Central Park...oh my
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're worked up. We're stirring the pot. Catch up with the Life List crew! Species mentioned: Northern Bobwhite, Eurasian Eagle-OwlTalk to u...
Species or subspecies? Plus birders we hope to meet and new places to go in 2023
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're catching up with this episode—recorded in early January—on new year resolutions, new and old places we plan to visit, and recap our rec...
The secret sauce of Antarctic birding cruises: South Georgia
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is there such thing as too many penguins? Find out as we wrap up our Antarctica tales in this episode we recorded in early December—hence the World ...
Phenomenal birding in Antarctica
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
George and Alvaro discuss what life is like aboard a ship in Antarctica, polar plunges, krill, and the world's biggest iceberg, plus spectacular ...
What birding the Falkland Islands is like
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hey, we're back! George and Alvaro recorded a few episodes while on an epic Antarctic adventure, and this is the first of these installments. The...