Bird Brain

Little Owls and Archimedes

This week on Bird Brain, we take flight with Archimedes the owl from Disney’s The Sword in the Stone, joined by nature tour guide Nick Patel from Wilder Skies in Somerset. From the rolling hills of the West Country to the realities of rewilding, we explore what “good” nature really looks like, and why it’s not always the postcard-perfect green landscape we expect. Think messy habitats, brown mulch, and the hidden ecosystems that support birds and insects alike. We also dive into the truth about little owls in the UK (including why they’re often just… sitting there), their surprising history as an introduced species, and how films like The Sword in the Stone shape our perceptions of wildlife, sometimes for better, sometimes not. Along the way, we reflect on what being outdoors teaches us, from Nick’s life as a nature guide to Wart’s lessons with Merlin, and revisit the slightly terrifying moment that made a generation wary of Perch. Book a tour with Nick or explore his monthly wildlife guides that give handy tips on what you can see when: https://www.wilderskies.co.uk [https://www.wilderskies.co.uk/] Follow Wilder Skies on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_wilderskies_/ [https://www.instagram.com/_wilderskies_/]

Bonus Beasts: Beavers and the Chronicles of Narnia

This week we dive into Beavers, via Mr and Mrs Beaver from The Chronicles of Narnia. I’m joined by Sean McCormack, vet, sometime TV personality and project lead at the Ealing Beaver Project. Together we unpack the things C.S. Lewis got gloriously right and a few of the things he got very wrong (Sean’s incensed by the inclusion of beavers frying fish!). We explore common misconceptions about beavers, from the myth that they decimate fish populations to the realities of rewilding in urban environments. We also talk practical coexistence, including how to gently manipulate irresponsible dog owners into keeping dogs on leads when beavers are present. Ultimately, I'm adamant that the Beavers may just be the truest symbol of domesticity, resistance, and hope in the Narnia novels, forget the flashy heroes, and fall in love with these eco engineers. A thoughtful, funny episode about literature, ecology, and why beavers might be the quiet success story we all need right now. Find out more about the Ealing Beaver Project here: https://theealingbeaverproject.com

The Twelve Days of Christmas

This week on Bird Brain, it’s a festive deep dive into The 12 Days of Christmas with Jon Carter, Media Manager at the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). Together we unwrap one of the most familiar Christmas songs and ask a surprising question: what if the twelve gifts weren’t romantic gestures at all, but birds destined for a medieval banquet?  We also crunch the numbers using the Christmas Price Index to find out what those twelve days would cost today, look ahead to uplifting conservation success stories to watch for in 2026, and yes, there’s even bird-themed jokes and a little singing along the way. A thoughtful, funny, and hopeful episode for the Christmas period, perfect for bird lovers, history fans, and anyone curious about how culture and nature collide. Useful links: 🐦 Follow the BTO on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btobirds/ [https://www.instagram.com/btobirds/] 🌿 Get involved with the BTO: https://www.bto.org/get-involved [https://www.bto.org/get-involved] 🎁 The PNC Christmas Price Index: https://www.pnc.com/en/about-pnc/topics/pnc-christmas-price-index.html [https://www.pnc.com/en/about-pnc/topics/pnc-christmas-price-index.html]

Robin Robin

This week on Bird Brain, I’m joined by Stephen Moss: broadcaster, ornithologist, and author of, among a rather large list, The Robin. Together, we've done a special Christmas deep dive into Aardman Animations’ Robin Robin. We explore why the robin is Britain’s most beloved festive bird, how Aardman brings nature to life through stop-motion storytelling, and what the film gets right (and delightfully wrong) about real bird behaviour. We also chat about what a nice man Nick Park is, the science of garden birds at Christmas, and the surprising role pet cats play as predators in our backyards. If you love wildlife, animation, folklore or just need a dose of cosy seasonal nature chat, this one’s for you!

The Red Lory and Iago

This week on Bird Brain, I’m joined by Alice Vassallo, zookeeper and host of Asshole Animals with Alice. Together we talk about Red Lories and Iago. We dig into why Disney’s sharp-tongued parrot is so unforgettable, and which real-life animals might make even better troublemakers. A chat full of colour, chaos, and charismatic villains!