Weekend Birder helps you notice everyday birdlife through stories and science.
Based in Australia, the podcast shares conversations and reflections that help you pay closer attention to the birds around you - whether you’re new to birdwatching or have been noticing birds for years. Episodes move between behaviour, sound, ecology and research, alongside the real moments that happen in backyards, bushland, beaches and city streets.
You’ll hear from ecologists, writers, artists and bird-curious people, with learning shared along the way rather than taught. There’s no jargon and no gatekeeping - just shared curiosity and a warm, welcoming place to build confidence and keep wondering.
Weekend Birder is hosted by Kirsty Costa, who brings science into everyday language and creates space for stories, questions and quiet moments of noticing.
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Weekend Birder helps you notice everyday birdlife through stories and science.
Based in Australia, the podcast shares conversations and reflections that help you pay closer attention to the birds around you - whether you’re new to birdwatching or have been noticing birds for years. Episodes move between behaviour, sound, ecology and research, alongside the real moments that happen in backyards, bushland, beaches and city streets.
You’ll hear from ecologists, writers, artists and bird-curious people, with learning shared along the way rather than taught. There’s no jargon and no gatekeeping - just shared curiosity and a warm, welcoming place to build confidence and keep wondering.
Weekend Birder is hosted by Kirsty Costa, who brings science into everyday language and creates space for stories, questions and quiet moments of noticing.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Revisit one of Weekend Birder’s most loved episodes. Dr Mandy Ridley shares what research reveals about Australian Magpies, including their intelligence, communication behaviours and how we can help them to thrive.
🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/encore-magpies
🎵 Australian Magpie recording by Eddy Smith (XC747690) - https://xeno-canto.org/species/gymnorhina-tibicen
📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder
🦆 More at - https://www.weekendbirder.com
Birds mentioned in this episode: Australian Magpie, Arabian Babbler, Pied Babbler
Bird illustration: Australian Magpie
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Angela Savage shares how books and birdwatching shape the way we notice the world. From crime novels to picture books to non-fiction guides, Angela has a generous reading list for bird lovers of all ages.
🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/130-birds-and-books
📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder
🦆 More at - https://www.weekendbirder.com
Birds mentioned in this episode: Arctic Tern, Barking Owl, Magpie, Rainbow Lorikeet, Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Spotted Pardalote, Swamp Harrier
Bird illustration: Spotted Pardalote
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Olympic swimmer Jenna Forrester shares how birdwatching fits between training sessions, the birds she notices from the pool, and why birds have become a grounding part of life under pressure.
🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/129-birds-between-laps
📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder
🦆 More at - https://www.weekendbirder.com
Birds mentioned in this episode: Australia’s five cormorants
Bird illustration: Little Pied Cormorant
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Wildlife veterinarian, photographer and podcaster Dr César Puechmarin shares how nature shapes his work, his new book Nature People, and why birdwatching remains a grounding force in his life.
🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/128-nature-people
📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder
🦆 More at - https://www.weekendbirder.com
🎵 Recording by Marc Anderson, licenced from - https://www.wildambience.com
Birds mentioned in this episode: European Starling, Superb Fairywren, Wompoo Fruit-dove
Bird illustration: European Starling
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Pelagic trips take you far offshore to the seabirds most of us never get to see. Dr Holly Kirk shares what turns up at the continental shelf, how to spot albatrosses and petrels, and how to prepare so the day feels exciting rather than overwhelming.
🎧 All links here: https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/127-pelagics
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder
🦆 More at: https://www.weekendbirder.com
Birds mentioned in this episode: White-faced Storm-Petrel, Grey-headed Albatross
Bird illustration: Grey-headed Albatross
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James and Josh from LYFER share the story behind their bird-loving brand, the currawong that changed everything, and how they’re supporting conservation through ethical design.
🎧 All links here: https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/126-birds-business-and-big-hearts
🎵 Pied Currawong recording by Marc Anderson, licenced from wildambience.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder
🦆 More at: https://www.weekendbirder.com
Birds mentioned in this episode: Pied Currawong, Golden-shouldered Parrot
Bird illustration: Pied Currawong
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Teenage conservationist Spencer Hitchen chats with Kirsty in Melbourne’s Royal Park about birdwatching, Glossy Black-cockatoos and how young people can create change with hope, optimism and community.
🎧 All links here: https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/125-observe-learn-and-protect
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder
🦆 More at: https://www.weekendbirder.com
Birds mentioned in this episode: Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo
Bird illustration: Glossy-black Cockatoo
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Scientist and author Tim Low unpacks how parrots evolved in Australia, why cockatoos fill the 'woodpecker' niche, and the wild truth about carnivorous parrots.
🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/124-parrot-evolution
📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder
🦆 More at - https://www.weekendbirder.com
🎵 Recordings by Marc Anderson, licenced from https://www.wildambience.com
Bird illustration: Little Corella
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Birding with Cob shares how a Tawny Frogmouth sparked his passion, the global adventures that followed, and why birdwatching has become a worldwide community of curiosity and connection.
🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/123-every-bird-in-the-world
📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder
🦆 More at - https://www.weekendbirder.com
Bird illustration: Chilean Flamingo
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Australia’s 2025 Top Tour Guide, Cat Davidson, shares the magic of Inala on Bruny Island - home to Forty-spotted Pardalotes, Swift Parrots and Tasmania’s other incredible birdlife.
🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/122-pardalotes-and-parrots
📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder
🦆 More at - https://www.weekendbirder.com
Bird illustration: Forty-spotted Pardalote
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Comedian Rove McManus shares his lifelong love of birds, from backyard Galahs to hummingbirds, and how birdwatching brings awe, laughter and connection.
🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/121-bird-bird-bird
🎵 Recording by Marc Anderson - licenced from https://www.wildambience.com
📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder
🦆 More at - https://www.weekendbirder.com
Bird illustration: Galah
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Discover the secrets of the Tawny Frogmouth, one of Australia’s most loved birds. Dr Marian Weaving shares their fascinating features, quirky behaviours and how we can help them thrive in the wild.
🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/09-tawny-frogmouths-with-marian
👑Tawny Frogmouth Named 2025 Bird of the Year - https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/16/tawny-frogmouth-2025-australian-bird-year-winner
🎵 Tawny Frogmouth recording by Marc Anderson - licenced from https://wildambience.com
📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder
🦆 More at - https://www.weekendbirder.com
Bird illustration: Tawny Frogmouth
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This joyful chat with award-winning illustrator Astred Hicks and BirdLife Australia’s Dr Holly Parsons is about noticing everyday urban birds, playful ways to watch with kids and the surprising travels of the tiny Silvereye.
🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/119-birds-that-connect-us
🎵 Recording by Marc Anderson - licenced from https://www.wildambience.com
📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder
🦆 More at - https://www.weekendbirder.com
Bird illustration: Silvereye
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Join nature guide Amanda Lamont in Broken Hill and Mungo National Park as we marvel at pink cockatoos and explore how birdwatching connects us to place, people and ourselves.
🎧 All links here - https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast/119-birds-that-connect-us
🎵 Recording by Marc Anderson - licenced from https://www.wildambience.com
📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder
🦆 More at - https://www.weekendbirder.com
Bird illustration: Pink Cockatoo
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Get a taste of what’s to come in Season 4. Our curiosity will lead us to science, community and the surprising ways birds shape our world.
🎵 Laughing Kookaburra recording by Marc Anderson - licenced from https://www.wildambience.com
📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weekend.birder
🦆 More at - https://www.weekendbirder.com
Bird illustration: Superb Fairywren
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Celebrate the joy of birdwatching together. This episode is a special collection of listener stories, curious questions and bird recordings from the Weekend Birder community.
Many thanks to listeners Alexa, Kerrie Robertson, Tom Raw, Meg Dow, Jia Yin, Pete Brothwell, Anelie Joy, Jeff Smith, Christoph Devoil and Roger MacKertich for contributing to this episode. And thanks to Andrew Skeoch for gifting his audio recording of budgies at dawn.
Links:
* Subscribe to the Monthly Letter - weekendbirder.com/monthlyletter
* Kirsty on LinkedIn - @kirstycosta
* Kirsty’s nature adventures on Instagram - @kirsty.nature
* Andrew Skeoch’s website - andrewskeoch.com
* Simon Barnes - How to be a Bad Birdwatcher - simonbarnesauthor.co.uk/books/how-to-be-a-bad-birdwatcher/
* Roger MacKertich on Instagram - @rogermacks.bird.photos
Weekend Birder online:
* Website - weekendbirder.com
* Instagram - @weekend.birder
* Facebook - @weekend.birder
* YouTube - @WeekendBirder
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Listen to the world around you. This episode is about learning from birds, deep listening and why the Australian dawn chorus is so unique.
Andrew Skeoch is a professional wildlife sound recordist, acoustic ecologist and author of ‘Deep Listening to Nature’. Over the last 30 years, he has documenting the sounds of environments around the planet, and through his label 'Listening Earth', published over one hundred recordings allowing listeners to immerse themselves in wild soundscapes from around the world. His recordings have been heard in documentaries, installations and feature films such as Peter Gabriel's soundtrack to 'Rabbit Proof Fence’. He has given presentations to audiences ranging from local community and naturalist groups to university students. He’s appeared at festivals such as WOMADelaide’s Planet Talks, written for The Conversation, and presented radio features, keynote addresses and a TEDx talk. He is the president of the Australian Wildlife Sound Recoding Group, and on the board of the Australian Forum for Acoustic Ecology.
Links:
* Andrew’s website - andrewskeoch.com
* Listening Earth website - listeningearth.com
* Andrew on Instagram - @andrewskeoch_author
* Listening Earth on Instagram - @listening_earth
* All recordings were gifted and licensed from Andrew Skeoch
* Subscribe to the Monthly Letter - weekendbirder.com/monthlyletter
* Be part of Episode 117 - weekendbirder.com
* Subscribe to the Monthly Letter - weekendbirder.com/monthly-letter
Weekend Birder online:
* Website - weekendbirder.com
* Instagram - @weekend.birder
* Facebook - @weekend.birder
* YouTube - @WeekendBirder
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Take a trip to the Australian outback. This episode is about the unique birds that call Broken Hill home and the passion of a farmer who cares for wildlife and the planet.
Dr Anika Molesworth is an Agriculture and Environmental scientist who works on climate smart farming across Australia and the Asia Pacific. With a passion for rural communities and healthy ecosystems, she is committed to help create sustainable and vibrant rural landscapes now and for the future. Anika established Climate Wise Agriculture to focus on supercharging green initiatives, and is a founding Director of Farmers for Climate Action – a national network of nearly 8,000 Australian farmers undertaking climate change action. She has presented the TEDx talks Farmers are Key to a Better Future and Repairing the Broken Food System. Anika is the author of her book, Our Sunburnt Country, which won the Royal Societies of Australia and New Zealand Writer’s Award for Outstanding Writing on Social Change, and is currently working on an illustrated children’s picture book.
Links:
* Weekend Birder Meet-ups - weekendbirder.com/meet-ups
* Subscribe to the Monthly Letter - weekendbirder.com/monthly-letter
* Anika’s website - anikamolesworth.com
* Anika on Facebook - @anikamolesworthdr
* Anika on Instagram - @anikamolesworth
* Anika on X - @AnikaMolesworth
* Anika on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/anika-molesworth-phd-93519187/
* Curtin University Zebra Finch research - curtin.edu.au/news/media-release/zebra-finches-survive-australian-heatwaves-by-predicting-high-temperatures/
* Emu recording was by Marc Anderson and licensed from www.wildambience.com
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Look at Australian birds with new eyes. This episode is about the adventures of an English birdwatcher and podcaster, the power of the human connection and where to go birding in the UK.
Suzy Buttress has loved watching birds ever since she was a child, likely inspired by hand-feeding pigeons in Trafalgar Square. Her passion for birds and the desire to share birding stories with others led to the creation of both The Casual Birder Podcast and her monthly virtual bird club. The connections made within the community that has built up around the show has created friendships and extended her appreciation of the birds around us.
Links:
* Suzy’s website - casualbirder.com
* Suzy on Facebook - @CasualBirderPod
* Suzy on Instagram - @casualbirderpodcast
* Suzy on BlueSky - @casualbirderpod
* Weekend Birder Google Map - weekendbirder.com/travel
* Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo recording was by Marc Anderson and licensed from www.wildambience.com
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Get to know birds of prey on a whole new level. This episode answers listener questions about things like bird parenting, food and morphs.
Stephen Debus has been interested in birds, and especially raptors, since childhood. He’s had a long association with the University of New England (Armidale, NSW) as a research fellow and honorary research associate on various woodland birds. Stephen is also an ecological consultant, doing fauna surveys and assessments for government and industry. Since 2017 he has been working for NSW Local Land Services, surveying and monitoring the nests of threatened raptors on the NSW Northern Tablelands. Stephen has written numerous field guides on raptors and monographs on the eagles and falcons.
Links:
* Sign Birdlife’s SGARs poison petition - actforbirds.org/ratpoison
* Raptors of Northern NSW on Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/653339721737939/
* BirdLife Australia Raptor Group - ausraptorgroup.org
* Birds of prey recordings were recorded by Marc Anderson and licensed from www.wildambience.com
Stephen’s books:
* Birds of Prey Australia - publish.csiro.au/book/7863
* Australian Birds of Prey in Flight - publish.csiro.au/book/7792
* Australian Falcons - publish.csiro.au/book/8058
* Australasian Eagles and Eagle-like Birds - publish.csiro.au/book/7664
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