The Spark Bird Podcast

Life Lists and Nemesis Birds with Joe Trezza

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 [https://www.instagram.com/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

Bird and Moon with Rosemary Mosco

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 "Fight Club" newsletter to follow her work: Fight Club newsletter [https://newsletter.rosemarymosco.com/] 📚 Learn more about Rosemary's books, comics, and projects on her website: Rosemary Mosco's official website [https://rosemarymosco.com/] 🎨 Explore Bird and Moon comics and cartoons: Bird and Moon comics [https://rosemarymosco.com/comics/bird-and-moon] 📸 Follow Rosemary on Instagram for more nature, birds, and humor @rosemarymosco [https://www.instagram.com/rosemarymosco/] Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

Tom Ryan's Journey Into Ornithology

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.

Being Feather Friendly with Paul Groleau

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. [https://featherfriendly.com/] 🎥 Watch their educational videos and see their products in action on the Feather Friendly YouTube Channel. [http://youtube.com/@featherfriendly1293] 🐦 Check out Jenn's guest appearance on the first episode of Bird Banter. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7xQqgSqYcs] 🌙 Explore ways to help birds in your own community with Lights Out! Cats In! [https://www.wnyybc.org/lightsoutcatsin] 📘 Stay updated with Feather Friendly on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/featherfriendly/] 📸 Follow along for updates on Instagram @featherfriendly [https://www.instagram.com/featherfriendly] 💼 Connect with Feather Friendly on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/featherfriendly/] Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

Beading Birdsong: Art and Activism with Nina Hale

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 [http://www.birdsongbracelets.com]. 📸 See her latest designs on Instagram @birdsongbracelets [https://www.instagram.com/birdsongbracelets/]. 📱Follow Nina's personal Instagram account @helenahandbskt [https://www.instagram.com/helenahandbskt/] for more birding content and community updates. 📝The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota [https://www.ilcm.org/] is a nonprofit organization that provides free immigration legal representation in Minnesota and North Dakota. 💜Stand With Minnesota [https://www.standwithminnesota.com/directory] 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.