Nature Centered from Wild Birds Unlimited

(Encore) Habitat: Can You Really Make a Difference

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 exci...

(Encore) Spectacular Spring Species

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Spring is almost here, and you know what that means! New feathered visitors will be arriving soon. Do you have the right foods and features to bring i...

Backyard Birds Revealed

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What really happens at the feeder? Brian sits down with award-winning wildlife photographers and filmmakers Tim & Russell Laman to talk about Back...

Winter SuperBlend. A Winter Lifeline.

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Brian is joined by Holly Merker, co-author of Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul and co-host of The Mindful Birding Po...

Invitation to Traditions

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Brian explores how to make bird feeding and bird watching a cherished holiday tradition with bestselling author and nature advocate, ...

What's the Word on Winter Finches

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Youn...

Window to the World: Keeping Birds Safe

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 coll...

Squirrels: Love 'em or Loathe 'em

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Practicing What We Preach

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Golden Guide to Goldfinches

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 gol...

Seasonally Savvy Summer

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Being seasonally savvy in summer means fewer feeders can be ok, but the key is foundational feeding. Brian explains the benefits of a foundational fee...

Simple Steps to Saving the Song Birds

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 b...

Native Plant Program & Perks

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The More the Merrier

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

GBBC & Bird ID

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brian is joined by special guest, Becca Rodomsky-Bish, leader of the Great Backyard Bird Count at Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Together, they explore h...

Winter Survival Tips for You & Your Birds

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brian is joined by special guest Holly Merker, co-author of Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul and co-host of The Mindful Birding Podcast. Lis...

Apropos Apps & Recommended Reading

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

John and Brian share some of their favorite apps and recommended reading for birders and backyard hobbyists that are great for you and for gift-giving...

Participate & Connect with Nature

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brian is joined by guests Emma Greig and Olivia Carvahlo to talk about how easy it is to participate with PFW and connect more deeply with nature. Emm...

Hot Pepper. A Hot Topic.

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

John and Brian discuss hot pepper foods, the science and the biology behind why it works for the birds and keeps the critters at bay. Plus, a special ...

Why We Love Insects!

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

John & Brian discuss why insects are important for the birds and how to cultivate more insects in your yard. They also explain the connection betw...

Where Are the Birds?

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

John & Brian address challenging questions like: What happens when bird activity slows down? Where did the birds go and why? What can you do to ge...

Why Kids Love Bird Feeding

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

John & Brian are joined by two very special guests, kids who love bird feeding, Xander and Rhain. Prepare to be inspired by their passion and love...

Habitat for Birds & Pollinators!

31 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join John & Brian as they offer resources to help you find native plants to increase the birds and pollinators in your space - whether you have a ...

Feed the Birds, Feel Better

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

John and Brian are joined by a special guest, Holly Merker. She is an author, podcast host, birding guide, and nature-based wellness provider. They di...

Environmental Benefits of Bird Feeding

11 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

John and Brian discuss how feeding and watching birds naturally promotes conservation, ultimately benefiting the environment. This includes making env...

Keeping Birds Safe in Your Yard

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

John and Brian talk about preparing for springtime bird activity in our yards and how to keep the birds safe and ensure they thrive. 

Count the Birds. Make a Difference.

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

John and Brian are joined by the project leader for GBBC, Becca Rodomsky-Bish. They discuss how watching the birds and sharing what you see will benef...

It’s OK to Feed the Birds

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join John and Brian as they discuss some studies about the pros (and cons) of bird feeding. It really is ok to feed the birds! Listen to this weeks ep...

Bird Gifts & Gift Birds

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join John and Brian as they discuss how birds truly are gifts and how you can share the joy of birds with others long after the gift-giving season. 

Feasting with Feathered Friends

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

John and Brian discuss how you can show your thanks for birds this season in your yard and in your coffee cup. 

Treats for Birds. No Tricks.

06 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

John and Brian discuss tricks of the trade to bring in the birds as well as treats that are highly attractive to birds and bring the joy of the hobby ...

Basics of Transition

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What are the basic transitions birds are going through right now and how can your habitat help? Join John and Brian as they discuss the transitions an...

Critter Solutions

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join John and Brian as they discuss summer critter solutions like outwitting ornery squirrels, techniques to take the “nuisance” out of nuisance b...

Wonderful Woodpeckers

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

John & Brian share how woodpeckers are like diamonds: tough and wondrous; adapted to live in and on trees (and cacti). Learn how to attract these ...

Joy of Summer Birds

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join John & Brian as they share what you’re missing without feeding in summer. How to attract new birds, help a new generation of birds, help mom an...

Bugs = Birds

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It really can be sweet of you to offer Mom bugs for Mother’s Day. John & Brian discuss how offering bugs directly and indirectly will bring in more ...

Hooray for Hummingbirds

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want to attract one of the most sought-after feeder birds? Hummingbirds bring joy, color and life to any yard, patio or balcony. John and Brian...

Bluebirds: Your Backyard Buddies

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

John and Brian discuss how bluebirds delight us with their beautiful song, “color” and wonderful demeanor. Plus, expert tips on attracting them to...

Birds Bring the World Together: February 17-20, 2023

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how you contribute to world-wide conservation efforts just by sharing your backyard birds during the GBBC, February 17-20, 2023. Special guest B...

Fatten Up Your Birds

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There is a reason you don’t see birds at the gym trying to lose that holiday weight. They want fat! Learn how birds use fat and other strategies to ...

Holiday Traditions Old & New

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What holiday traditions do you have that highlight or help the birds? John & Brian discuss tried & true winter bird food changes, a century-old bird w...

Looking Out for Fabulous Finches

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Who’s ready to see fabulous finches in their yard this season? Join John and Brian as they discuss when you might expect to see finches and how to a...

Birds: A Cornucopia of Joy

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Where do you find your joy? How far do you have to travel to enjoy birds and nature? John & Brian discuss how you can reap the abundant benefits of na...

How to Become a Backyard Scientist

20 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Being a backyard scientist is as easy as watching the birds and sharing what you see. Emma Greig, The Project Leader for Project FeederWatch, tells us...

The Changing Cast of Characters

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The cast of birds are changing with the seasons. Brian & John share how you can enjoy this change by offering the birds’ favorite feeder and foods. ...

Save Birds? Plant Trees!

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can you really save birds and increase your health by planting trees? What about the secret to successfully planting a tree in your yard? We met with ...

Sharing Survival Strategies

08 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Where have all your birds gone? Why isn’t your food being eaten? It’s all about the cache. That’s right, caching is taking place as birds start ...

Pursuing Purple Martins

25 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

John and Brian discuss how to attract Purple Martins to your yard, how to be a good landlord for them, and how to help martins even if you don’t pr...

Water. More Important than Ever.

11 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

John and Brian welcome back special guest David Mizejewski, Naturalist for the National Wildlife Federation, to discuss the importance of water to bir...

Bird Feeding Then & Now

28 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With decades of experience John & Brian discuss bird feeding from its humble beginnings almost a century ago, the amazing value that has been added to...

Don’t Stop Now! Perks of Summer Feeding.

14 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Some people choose to not feed in the summer, but what are they missing? A whole lot it turns out. John and Brian make a case for helping your birds b...

World’s Smartest Birds?

30 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 wh...

Birding by Ear: Getting Started

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

A Note About Bird Song

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

A Gathering of the Flock - WBU Store Owner Stories

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, John & Brian recorded live from the Wild Birds Unlimited annual conference where our store owners gathered for their annual migration...

Hummingbirds: It’s All About Mom!

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Spring Secrets & Setups

21 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 var...

Habitat: Can You Really Make a Difference

07 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 exci...

Celebrating the Big Five Oh!

24 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join John and Brian as they celebrate the 50th episode of Nature Centered while broadcasting from John’s backyard. Brian grades John’s bird feedin...

Nesting: A Bird’s Eye View

10 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

State of the Union: Our Winter Birds

24 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How to Participate in GBBC & Why It Matters

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Participate in GBBC February 18–21, 2022 | https://www.birdcount.org/   Watching birds is fun and recording what you see is extremely valuable to ...

Great Backyard Bird Count

27 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Participate in GBBC February 18–21, 2022 | https://www.birdcount.org/   Wild Birds Unlimited is the Founding Sponsor of the Great Backyard Bird Co...

Bark Butter: If You Use It, They Will Come

13 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kick off the new year with a food that can bring more joy (over 150 species) and improve everyone’s backyard birding. In this episode, John and B...

This Year in Birding

30 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join Evan in this episode for a recap of the Wild Birds Unlimited 2021 Nature Centered podcasts. Thanks for listening and have a Happy New Year! 

The Birds We Love to Hate

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We have the right to be choosy on birds we like and don’t like. When you feed the birds, you take what comes along with it. In this episode, John ...

Share the Joy of Birds

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is an exciting time of year! This season is not just about giving tangible gifts but spiritual gifts, too. In this episode, John and Brian are ...

Backyard Birds of Prey

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, John and Brian are talking about the birds of prey that you may see in your backyard. Who might show up and how can you tell wha...

Are You Doing Your Best for the Birds?

04 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you doing your best for the birds? Are there some things you can step up or start doing in your own yard? In this episode, John and Brian di...

Spectacular Sparrows

21 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We tend to look right past sparrows. These little ubiquitous birds that seem to be invisible are actually quite beautiful and have some amazing f...

Are You Seasonally Savvy?

07 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Now that fall is here, it’s time to start thinking about what’s best for the birds and what you can do to see more of them in your backyard. In...

Talking Birds with the BirdTalk Guys

23 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How can conservation bring you more joy and solace? We have two very special guests, Scott and David Menough to help explain just that. Scott and D...

Squirrels: Flee or Fight!

09 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Squirrels - You either love them or loathe them. If you have trees around, chances are you have squirrels too. In this episode, John and Brian ...

Gardening for Birds

26 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a lot easier than you think to turn your yard into a wildlife habitat. In this episode, John and Brian are joined by a special guest, Natash...

The Wonders of H2-OH!

12 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a wonderful thing for birds to have water, both in the summer and winter. In this episode, John and Brian are sharing some fun facts that you ...

The Best of Nature Centered

29 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

John and Brian are taking some much-needed time off this week. We didn’t want to leave you without an episode, so you get to hear from our producer,...

Refresh and Re-Feather

15 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's that time of year, the birds are putting on a brand-new coat to get ready for migration or winter. In this episode, you’ll learn about t...

Winging It On Vacation

01 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s summertime and vacation season is here.  If you’re just in the backyard or taking a trip across the country, John and Brian are shar...

Gen B is for the Birds

17 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, John and Brian are talking all about baby birds! With summer here and birds bouncing around your yard, can you tell which ones are ba...

Award-Winning Bird Dads

03 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Father’s Day is on the horizon, so this episode is about award-winning bird dads. John and Brian are talking about all the cool things bird fathers ...

Pollinators: Monarchs and Mason Bees

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is all about pollinators. John and Brian are discussing monarch butterflies and mason bees. These critters are so important to your bac...

Hummingbirds & Orioles - A Really Sweet Deal!

06 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s springtime, there’s a lot happening in our backyards. It doesn’t get much better than when you see that first hummingbird show up! In th...

Spectacular Spring Species

22 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Spring is here, and you know what that means! New feathered visitors will be arriving soon. Do you have the right foods and features to bring in the m...

Habitat Habits: From Buds to Birds

08 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, John and Brian are joined by Naturalist David Mizejewski from the National Wildlife Federation. Together, they break down the...

Look Whooo's Back (WBU Owl Cam)

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join John and Brian as they introduce you to one of the coolest ways to experience the lives of a Barred Owl family. You’ll find out why so ma...

Nesting Neighbors

11 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, John and Brian will open your eyes to a whole new perspective of what it’s like to be a baby bird or the bird parents raising a...

The Gray Ghost

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join John and Brian as they discuss one of the most common birds in the wintertime that most people seem to miss. In this episode, they're talking all...

The Secret Love Life of Birds

11 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join John and Brian as they reveal the secret love life of birds, just in time for Valentine’s Day. They’ll share a few tidbits about birds and t...

Seven Simple Actions to Save the Song Birds

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, John and Brian break down the seven simple actions that you can take to help save the song birds. They also discuss a little bird fee...

Be a Bird Hero: Become a Citizen Scientist

14 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join John and Brian in this episode as they dive into how you can be a hero for the birds by becoming a citizen scientist.  They’ll talk abo...

Backyard Birding: Highlights & Hiccups

31 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, John and Brian discuss their birding highs and lows of 2020.  You’ll hear about woodpeckers, bluebirds, warblers, and more. T...

Birds and Holiday Traditions

17 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some countries have a beautiful tradition of encouraging kindness to birds during the holidays. One such belief is that if you spread birdseed outside...

Customer Stories

03 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Feeding the birds isn't just about insect control, flower pollination or weed control. The simple act of feeding the birds expands far past the enviro...

The Joy of Bird Feeding

25 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join John and Brian for this bonus episode with a special guest, Jim Carpenter. As the Founder and CEO of Wild Birds Unlimited, Jim has learned a l...

Winging it Thru Winter

19 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how birds survive the cold weather? In this episode, John and Brian share how birds make it through the colder months and what ...

Welcome Winter Wanderers

12 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, John and Brian discuss the Winter Finch Irruption and the finches that are making their way through North America. You'll learn all a...

Prepare Your Yard for Winter

29 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Winter is coming! In this episode, John and Brian discuss how you can make your yard bird friendly and what you can do to help the birds prepare for t...

The Owls Among Us

15 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know what makes an owl especially adapted to hunting at night? And how can you identify various owls just by hearing their calls? Learn these a...

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Wild Birds Unlimited's Olivia McFadden tries to stump naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham with questions from our audience about backyard bi...

Migration Magic

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With birds flying hundreds or thousands of miles every year, migration truly is magical. Find out how the birds prepare and make their journey across ...