Bird Curious Penny & Jo Sarchet
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- Science
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London sisters Penny and Jo Sarchet chat about birds. Each episode celebrates a species, exploring what makes it special and where to see it, as well as delving into the science, history and culture of birdwatching in the UK and around the world. With music by Chris Warrington and artwork by Elizabeth Querstret.
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Episode 5: Ring-necked parakeet
Love it or hate it, the ring-necked parakeet isn't short of quirky origin stories. Penny and Jo dig up the surprising truth about these loudly charismatic birds and ponder their extraordinary success. Plus: how Emma Turner's pioneering photography changed ornithology, the pros and cons of recording your sightings, and the cellist who performed with nightingales.
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Episode 4: Common swift
It's your last chance to see swifts in the UK this year before they migrate south. Penny and Jo discuss these record-breaking birds, from how they sleep and clean themselves in the air, to their gleeful "screaming parties". Plus: diversity in birdwatching, meet the kingfisher family, and what connects the barnacle goose to the goose barnacle?
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Episode 3: Wren
You may not have seen a wren recently, but this tiny bird is everywhere! Penny and Jo explore the fascinating breeding behaviour of the UK's most common bird and learn how to recognise it by its song. Plus: how to choose a pair of binoculars, the man who introduced starlings to the US, and how Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Raven' was nearly a much more colourful poem.
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Episode 2: Great spotted woodpecker
The drumming of great spotted woodpeckers is one of spring's most exciting sounds. Penny and Jo discuss how to spot these dapper birds and distinguish it from the two other UK woodpecker species. Plus: Margaret Atwood's love of birds, the joys of patch birding and a surprising reason to watch Citizen Kane.
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Episode 1: Goldfinch
While most birds are in decline, it's now easier than ever to see goldfinches. Penny and Jo explore the surprising success of these charming birds. Plus: the women who founded the RSPB, how to choose a bird book or field guide, and the ancient Mayan civilisation's favourite bird.
Customer Reviews
Great for everybody!
I REALLY love this podcast.. I’ve always loved birds but over the past couple of years I’ve wanted to know more and more ... The lovely ladies (Penny and Jo) are so easy to listen to.. it’s informative, interesting and really accessible for newbie birdies like myself.
I also find it really relaxing to listen to in the evening too.
Pleaaaase keep them coming.
Please record more episodes!
I’ve just started listening to these and find them so charming. I’ve been searching for a decent length bird podcast for a while, as the few that are out there tend to only be a couple of minutes long. It’s really helping my bird education so I hope you make some more episodes!
A truly hidden gem!
A truly hidden gem! This is a beautiful podcast with a chilled birding vibe and just the right mix of calm, informative bliss about our feathered friends! The perfect wind down to the day and our kids request this at bedtime every night so please get recording some more!!!
p.s. we love Little Owls as we see them all the time on the stone walls at dusk so maybe an episode on them would help us find out more about them ;)