The Spark Bird Podcast

In this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, Cara Benson joins our hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally. Cara is a writer, hiker, and climate activist. She shares the heartfelt story of her introduction into the world of birds through her late husband, John, and how writing and reflection in nature developed her relationship with loss. Resources and Links from This Episode 🌐Visit Cara's website to learn more about her and her upcoming events: Cara Benson 👥Check out Cara Benson in Conversation with Janet McNally on Wednesday, September 16th at 6:00 p.m. Cara is joining our host Janet McNally at Hallwalls Cinema in Buffalo, NY for a conversation about Cara's memior and a book signing afterwards. 📖Read Cara's Memior An Armsfull of Birds: A Personal Field Guide to Love, Loss and Commitment 📕Look into Merlin Sheldrake's Entangled Life — A Deep Dive into the World of Mushrooms Show Notes by Adam Kozman

In this very special episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, the microphone turns toward the person who has spent the past two years behind the scenes: our producer and editor, Kayla Gajewski. For more than 40 episodes Kayla has listened to people share their spark birds, the moments and experiences that have changed their lives. She never expected that simply editing those stories would become her own Spark Bird story. But somewhere along the way, the podcast taught her to look up, pay attention, ask questions, and see the natural world a little differently. Resources & Links from This Episode 💼Follow Kayla's next chapter and connect with her on LinkedIn as she explores opportunities in creative fields, including writing, social media, and marketing. 🪞 Watch the TEDx talk that inspired our conversation about how stories can become mirrors and windows into experiences that are different from our own. Watch Akhand Dugar's TEDx Talk "Mirrors, Windows, & Sliding Doors". 📖 Another powerful exploration of how the stories we hear shape the way we understand other people and the world around us. Watch Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's TEDx Talk "The Danger of a Single Story" on YouTube For one last time... Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, our hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome writer, photographer, and speaker Emily Nichols to share her story of recovery, transformation, and the birds that helped her find her way back to the world. Resources & Links from This Episode 🧠 Read Emily's article for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology about the connections between birding, the brain, and mental health: Birding Influences Brain Health and Mental Health . ✍️ Read Emily's Substack #JustEmilyThings , where she writes about birds, brains, lessons from the universe, and noticing the beauty in the ordinary world. " #JustEmilyThings is just an extension of me. It's encouragement to notice and appreciate the beauty in the ordinary world, remember how precious life is ... and maybe, just maybe ... stay [O]PTIMISTIC and [W]ILLING to [L]EARN from the plot twists the Universe (not-so-soft) tosses your way. OWL always be here to [S]UPPORT you." 📸 Follow Emily's birding adventures, photography, and observations from the field at @xoxosalsagirl on Instagram. Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

On this weeks episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, our hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally are joined by bestselling author Amy Tan to share the connections between writing and watching birds, the importance of curiosity over expertise, and how "you only need one bird to save all the birds." Resources & Links from This Episode 📖 Learn more about Amy's illustrated book The Backyard Bird Chronicles and order a copy from her website. 🌐 Explore Amy's books, artwork, and upcoming projects on her website. 📸 See photos and sketches from Amy's latest birding adventures, nature journaling, and recent travels on her Instagram page @amytanwriter . 📱 Stay up to date with Amy's latest birding adventures, artwork, and nature journaling on her Facebook page. Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

Nicole Jackson joined our hosts, Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally, on this episode of The Spark Bird Podcast. Nicole is an environmental educator, nature enthusiast, and birder! Throughout this episode she speaks on the constant effect nature has had on her from childhood all the way up into her adult years, reflecting on experiences of exploring little escapes in her environment to find peace and open up to the world around her. She is very involved in various programs throughout the community and those can be found below. Links and Resources from This Episode: 🐦Follow Nicole Jackson on Instagram @blkngrnbeauty. 🦆Visit the website for Black Birders Week to learn more about the program that supports Black STEM Professionals and inspires new audiences to engage in nature. 🌲Follow Black In National Parks Week to learn about Black experiences in all the national parks in the U.S. 📖Check out the article Nicole mentions called "What is Nature-Defecit Disorder?" by Richard Louv. Show Notes by Adam Kozman

In this episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, our hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally sit down with artist, nature journaler, and conservation volunteer Joe Feliciano. Joe shares the spark bird moments that shaped his love of birds, reflects on how art and nature have become deeply connected throughout his life, and discusses how volunteering helped him find community and purpose. Links & Resources from This Episode 🎨 Follow Joe Feliciano on Instagram @thehorsepuppy to explore his joyful wildlife illustration and behind-the-scenes sketches. 🐦 Learn about Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, a volunteer organization working to rescue and protect migratory birds and reduce bird-building collisions throughout Chicago. 🌿 Learn more information and visit The Urban Birding Festival in Chicago, an annual celebration of birds, community, and conservation. Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, our hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Georgia Silvera Seamans, environmental educator, founder of Local Nature Lab, and host of the Your Bird Story podcast. Georgia reflects on the many spark bird moments throughout her life, from growing up in Jamaica, surrounded by birds without realizing their significance, to reconnecting with nature through trees, urban green spaces, and birding as an adult. Links & Resources from This Episode 🌿 Follow Local Nature Lab on Instagram at @localnaturelab to explore urban nature, neighborhood ecology, and community programming in New York City. 🐦 Follow Georgia Silvera Seamans and the Your Bird Story podcast on Instagram at @yourbirdstory for more conversations about birds and personal connections to nature. 🎧 Listen to Your Bird Story , Georgia's podcast, on Spotify or Apple Podcasts . 🌳 Visit the Local Nature Lab website to learn more about programs, tours, wildlife surveys, and ways to connect with nearby nature. 📚 Explore the book that inspired Georgia: The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America: Second Edition . ✨ Learn more about Georgia Silvera Seamans and her work through her website and blog. Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Jeffrey Train, educator and co-founder of Our Tern in Hoboken, New Jersey. What began as curiosity quickly grew into a passion for birding, teaching, and community stewardship. Links & Resources from This Episode 🌿 Visit Our Tern to learn more about the community-driven effort to support nesting terns and urban ecology in Hoboken. 📸 Follow Jeffrey Train on Instagram @mrtrain_ 🐦 Follow Our Turn on Instagram @ourternhoboken 📚 Learn more about To See Every Bird on Earth: A Father, a Son, and a Lifelong Obsession by Dan Koeppel, one of Jeff's favorite birding books and a memoir discussed during the episode. Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

On this week's episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, our hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally sit down with journalist, birder, and author Joe Trezza. Joe shares the unforgettable turkey vulture spectacle that became his spark bird experience, reflects on surpassing 1,000 species on his life list, and discusses his upcoming book about the legendary world birder Peter Kaestner. Links & Resources from This Episode 📸 Follow Joe on Instagram for bird photos and updates about his upcoming book @byjoetrezza 📚 Joe's forthcoming book on world birding and legendary birder Peter Kaestner, The Big Life, releases May 4, 2027. Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

On this week's episode of The Spark Bird Podcast our hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome celebrated cartoonist, author, and naturalist Rosemary Mosco. Rosemary shares her lifelong connection to birds, from childhood backyard discoveries to building a career that blends science communication, humor and art. Links & Resources from This Episode 🐦 Sign up for Rosemary's "Flight Club" newsletter to follow her work: Flight Club newsletter 📚 Learn more about Rosemary's books, comics, and projects on her website: Rosemary Mosco's official website 🎨 Explore Bird and Moon comics and cartoons: Bird and Moon comics 📸 Follow Rosemary on Instagram for more nature, birds, and humor @rosemarymosco Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, our hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally are joined by Tom Ryan, an ornithologist and former student of Janet's at Canisius High School. Tom shares his journey from a childhood love of ducks to a defining spark bird moment with a chestnut-sided warbler. He shares how birding has become a way to capture memories and moments in his life.

On this week's episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, we welcome Paul Groleau, President of Feather Friendly Technologies Inc., a company dedicated to reducing bird-window collisions around the world. Paul shares his spark bird story of an unforgettable childhood moment when an owl flew directly toward him while cross-country skiing in Ontario. This episode is a reminder that small actions, especially during migration seasons, can have a major impact in protecting the birds we love. Links & Resources from This Episode 🌐 Learn more about Feather Friendly and their mission to reduce bird collisions Feather Friendly. 🎥 Watch their educational videos and see their products in action on the Feather Friendly YouTube Channel. 🐦 Check out Jenn's guest appearance on the first episode of Bird Banter. 🌙 Explore ways to help birds in your own community with Lights Out! Cats In! 📘 Stay updated with Feather Friendly on Facebook 📸 Follow along for updates on Instagram @featherfriendly 💼 Connect with Feather Friendly on LinkedIn Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, our hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Nina Hale, a Minneapolis-based artist and activist who transforms birdsong into hand-beaded bracelets. Nina shares her art and passion for birding, as well as her experience living in Minneapolis during the recent federal immigration surge, which has brought thousands of ICE agents into the city. As communities mobilized in response, Nina became actively involved by joining neighborhood patrols, supporting local networks, and using her art not only to remember the birds that have been lost but to stand with those fighting for justice now. (Pictured above: The Ivory-billed Woodpecker Birdsong Bracelet Nina shared during the episode.) Links & Resources from This Episode 🧵 Discover Nina's handcrafted designs and the birds behind the beads at the Birdsong Bracelets website . 📸 See her latest designs on Instagram @birdsongbracelets . 📱 Follow Nina's personal Instagram account @helenahandbskt for more birding content and community updates. 📝 The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota is a nonprofit organization that provides free immigration legal representation in Minnesota and North Dakota. 💜 Stand With Minnesota offers a vetted directory of organizations supporting the people and communities directly impacted. If you're unable to donate, consider sharing these efforts, talking with your community, and staying informed.

In this episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, our hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally talk with Mel Julien, the Community Engagement Director for the NYC Plover Project. Mel shares how the Piping Plover became her spark bird after rediscovering the beach near her childhood home during the pandemic. What began as a curiosity about shorebird nesting signs soon led her to volunteer with the NYC Plover Project and eventually join the team working to protect these endangered birds on New York City's beaches. Links & Resources from This Episode 📸 Follow Mel's birding and conservation journey on Instagram at @meldjewels and connect with her professional work on LinkedIn . 🏖️ Learn more about the NYC Plover Project , whose mission is to protect endangered Piping Plovers and other beach-nesting birds on New York City's beaches through education, community, and volunteer engagement. 📱 Stay up to date with the NYC Plover Project's work and shorebird updates by following them on social media– Instagram (@nycploverproject) , Facebook , X , and Threads . Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, our hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Angela Schumpert, also known as The Berd Nird! What began as casual backyard birding turned into a moment that sent her reaching for her first field guide. Drawing on her background in the Air Force and law enforcement investigation, Angela shares how attention to detail, patience and observation naturally translate from her career into the art and joy of building The Flock. Links & Resources from This Episode 🦜 Join Angela's online birding community, The Flock , for meetups, contests, and birding trips! 🌿 Learn more about Angela and explore her resources at her website, The Berd Nird . 📸 Follow Angela's birding adventures and humor on Instagram @the_berd_nird . 🎥 Watch more of her content on TikTok at @berdnird4 ▶️ Subscribe to her YouTube channel, @theberdnird . 👍 Connect with Angela on Facebook. Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, our hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Jamie Cunningham, Education Director at Black Swamp Bird Observatory and birding and photography guide with Saberwing Nature Tours. Jamie shares how an unexpected Eastern Bluebird at a backyard nest box, followed by a life-changing visit to Magee Marsh during spring migration, sparked a deeper fascination with birds that shaped both her personal and professional life. Links & Resources from This Episode 🌎 Learn more about Jamie's birding and photography travel experiences through Saberwing Nature Tours , where she leads birding and photography tours around the world! 🐦 Explore the work of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory the organization behind The Biggest Week in American Birding, the Ohio Young Birders Club, and year-round education and field programs. Stay connected through their Facebook page Black Swamp Bird Observatory for events and community updates, and follow @ bsbobird on Instagram. 🎉 Find festival details, schedules, and registration information for The Biggest Week in American Birding wesbite , and follow them on Instagram @ biggestweek and Facebook . 🌱 Discover programs and opportunities for young birders through the Ohio Young Birders Club , including field trips, events, and community resources. Follow the Ohio Young Birders community on Instagram @ bsbobird for updates and opportunities. Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this second special Birds on the Niagara International Birding Festival feature, our hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Corina Newsome, a conservation scientist at the National Wildlife Federation and the festival's keynote speaker. Corina's work is rooted in advancing urban biodiversity conservation with environmental justice. She challenges the idea that conservation only happens in remote places, reminding us that cities are unique landscapes full of wildlife and wonder waiting to be explored and protected. Links & Resources from This Episode 🐦 Follow Corina on Instagram and explore urban wildlife, birding, and environmental justice through Corina's lens. 💼 Connect with Corina on LinkedIn to learn more about her professional work in conservation science or to ask any questions you may have! 🎤 Attend her keynote address "Loving by Nature" at Birds on the Niagara International Birding Festival! To register and find full details, visit the Birds on the Niagara website events page. 🪶 Register at their website and come birding at the 2026 Birds on the Niagara Festival happening February 12th–16th. Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this special Birds on the Niagara International Birding Festival feature, our hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Marcus Rosten, a birder and conservationist whose journey into birding began with one unforgettable encounter. This episode celebrates birds as a gateway to conservation, community, and understanding our place within a larger global ecosystem. Highlighting why events like the Birds on the Niagara International Birding Festival matter now more than ever. In this photo, Marcus is holding the American Woodcock from his Spark Bird story he shared with us! Links & Resources from This Episode 🐦 Want to visit Buffalo and experience the Birds on the Niagara International Birding Festival ? Learn more about the festival , events, birding along the Niagara region and come bird with us February 12th-16th! 🌿 To learn more about the Western New York Wildway, explore the conservation work Marcus discusses and how land protection keeps habitats connected, visit the Western New York Land Conservancy website. Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally sit down with environmental educator Eva Matthews Lark to talk about how winter warblers became her spark birds during a difficult period in her life. Now memorialized in her bird-inspired tattoo, those birds helped her find comfort and a deeper connection to birding. Eva also discusses their work in environmental education, the importance of meeting people where they are through technology, and how inclusive, intentional birding spaces enable people to show up as their authentic selves, finding belonging both in nature and in community. Links & Resources from This Episode 🐦 Check out Eva's quarterly mini-episode "Tail Feathers" on the Voices of Open Space podcast for more birding stories and tips from the field. 🌿 If you want to visit Hog Island Audubon Camp, she'll be leading the Let's Go Birding Together session! 🏞️ Birding in Boulder County? They have insider knowledge from working with Boulder County Parks & Open Space and are welcome to give tips for the best local birding adventures. 📸 Follow her adventures and connect on Instagram at @flyingmullet .

In this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally talk with author and naturalist Leigh Ann Henion about what it means to really pay attention to the world around us, especially after dark. Leigh Ann shares her early love of birds, names the Great Blue Heron as her spark bird, and reflects on how certain species have shaped her curiosity and connection to nature. They discuss her book Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark, where she challenges the idea that darkness is something to fear or avoid, and instead, invites readers to take another look as a living habitat full of possibility. Resources & Links from This Episode 🌿 Visit Leigh Ann Henion's website to learn more about her writing and work. 📘 Connect with Leigh Ann on Facebook . 📸 Follow Leigh Ann on Instagram @leighannhenion . 📚 Learn more about Leigh Ann's books here , including Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark , and Phenomenal: A Hesitant Adventurer's Search for Wonder in the Natural World 🌙 Explore Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark and order the book here. 💡 Learn more about the Lights Out Program , an initiative to reduce light pollution and protect birds. Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski