Get Your Bird On

Jess Lerner
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Nature
  • Biweekly

Whether you’re a seasoned geek about beaks or just bird curious, join naturalist Jess Lerner as we explore the unique experiences that shape our love for birds, encountering the wild one flap at a time. Tips, guest stories, and deep connections for every birder. Let's get our bird on! getyourbirdon.substack.com

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    Voices from the Berkeley Bird Festival! & Mindful Birding: How to Build a Living Practice

    In this episode, we’ll hear stories from the amazing Berkeley Bird Festival last weekend. From spark birds to bird books to moms that made it all possible, we’ll follow 9 different voices on their own birding adventures and how the festival impacted them. And we’ll share a little about what it was like being in a room with hundreds of bird nerds (hint: total joy!) And we’ll also explore a topic I’ve been excited to get started on…mindful birding! But…what exactly is mindful birding? And how can you create a practice that goes deep, changes your awareness, and makes birding even better? I share some concrete ways to deepen that connection and create a practice that brings you closer to the birds, and to yourself. Plus, a bonus mindful birding meditation introduction for subscribers- check it out here! Listen to the show here on substack, or on apple or spotify. If you stopped at our table at the festival or signed up for the show last week— thanks! We had so much fun chatting with you about your bird obsessions. We had a chart at the table asking “What Type of Birder Are You?” which people really loved— you can check out that entire episode with the birder personality chart and details here, and see what type you relate to! We’ll be exploring that concept again soon. Special thanks to all the people who braved our storytelling booth and shared their love of birds with us: Michael, Patrick, Cody, Angel, Esmerelda, Eleni, Sahithi, Jeff and Jennifer- and Golden Gate Bird Alliance for organizing such a great Bird Festival! Check out the mindful birding bonus guided practice below after the the episode. Learn the secret to true mindful birding and change the way you experience birds. Want to discover a core practice that most people don’t know about? Once you try it, you’ll want to tell everyone you know. Listen to the guided practice of how to get started here! For free subscribers. If you enjoy this episode, share with a friend and leave a review on apple or spotify- it helps other bird nerds find us! And- remember to vote, and vote early! Learn more: Golden Gate Bird Alliance San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory International Bird Rescue Palomacy With gratitude and appreciation for all the elders, mentors and teachers who have shared ways of connecting more deeply with birds and the natural world. Recorded on Ohlone and Coast Miwok Land in Northern California. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit getyourbirdon.substack.com

  2. Aug 27

    3 Weirdos of the West (and where I’ve been)

    On a recent trip to the Pacific Northwest, we crossed paths with three bizarre birds—all in one day. Let's get to know these weirdos, plus an update on why the show’s been quiet. -- Greetings bird nerds! After a bit of a break, we’re back — with more birds! On a lovely recent trip, we happened to meet three incredible characters in a single day, all equipped with their own superpowers. In this episode, you’ll get to meet them too! Quick note — the photos are essential here (you don't want to miss em) so if you're in a podcast app, hop over to getyourbirdon.substack.com to see them. Starring (in order of appearance): The only songbird who can swim- and does it facedown in rushing water! The owner of the only feathered mustache, a fluorescent unicorn horn, and the closest thing a bird has to teeth (plus winner of best side eye!) The finch featuring a pointy misaligned bill that crosses over itself like a pair of garden shears- unlocking ultimate pinecone cracking power! And the supporting cast we also enjoyed watching, both up close and at a distance… The mysterious Marbled Murrelet (just look at this cutie) The pleasantly plump Pigeon Guillemot (bright red feet!) The elegantly attired Common Murre (so sleek) …And featuring a cameo by the (always charismatic and adorable) Red-Breasted Nuthatch. I can’t even. Listen for the full story, and check out more of our new friends here, and the video of the American Dipper from our previous trip in Washington! (video- Charles Barbieri, White Salmon, WA) American Dipper Rhinoceros Auklet Red Crossbill Our story takes place on Lummi Island, on the ancestral and unceded homelands of the Lhaq’temish, or Lummi Nation, who are Coast Salish Indigenous peoples. Learn more about Lummi Island and the Lummi Nation here, and at the links below. https://lummi-nsn.gov/userfiles/63_2016LummiAtlas.pdf https://americanindian.si.edu/environment/lummi/People.cshtml Thanks as always to eBird for incredible resources, Merlin Bird ID, All About Birds and the Cornell Lab, and the land and people of Lummi Island who made our experience so wonderful. Make sure to check out the Beach Store Cafe if you visit. Recorded on Coast Miwok Land in Northern California. Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free and join the flock to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit getyourbirdon.substack.com

  3. Jun 21

    A Little Bit Sketchy: Quail Fever and the Bird Next Door, with Tina Fuller Somers

    We’re exploring the humor in the habitat with a look at playful science illustration, a serious case of quail fever, and the belief that art is for absolutely everyone. Tina Fuller Somers is an artist and science illustrator who looks at wildlife and immediately finds the punchline. You can feel Tina's signature humor and love for nature in everything she creates—from her inclusive sketching workshops to her hilarious, pun-filled greeting cards, art prints, and clothing collabs. With biological expertise and clever wordplay, she translates everything from a local tide pool to a neighborhood backyard into vibrant, playful art. We chat about uncovering the comedy in our local ecosystems, the joy of keeping a messy sketchbook, why it’s time to decolonize the stuffy history of traditional science illustration, and how giving yourself permission to just have fun transforms the way you connect with the natural world. Explore her delightfully casual wildlife art at the links below. * Explore Tina’s art and shop: www.hawkandhammer.com * Instagram: @hawkandhammergram * Collaborative project: the Naturalist www.naturalist.world * Cal State Monterey Bay Science Illustration Certification Program (where Tina teaches): https://csumb.edu/scienceillustration This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit getyourbirdon.substack.com

  4. May 19

    Blinded by the Light: How to Save a Billion Birds

    Lured by the glow and lost in the glare of artificial lights, migrating birds are losing their way. This is how we bring back the dark. Blinded by the glare of our human-lit world, our migrating birds are losing their way. From city skylines to suburban and even rural backyards, we explore the science of sky glow with Whitney Grover, Director of Conservation at Golden Gate Bird Alliance, to find the immediate actions we can take at home to restore the night sky. Together, we look at why low-rise buildings like houses are such a critical piece of the puzzle—and a primary source of the staggering losses we see each year. We also navigate the outdoor cat dilemma, exploring what it looks like to prioritize bird survival in our own backyards. Simple Actions to Restore the Night Sky * Turn Off Outdoor Lights: Keep non-essential lights off after dark during peak migration. If you don’t need it, shut it off, or close your curtains. * Use Shielded Fixtures: Ensure outdoor bulbs point downward and are covered from above to prevent “sky glow.” Check here to find out more. * Switch to Warm Bulbs: Choose warm-toned lighting or warm LEDs (3000K or lower) to reduce the blue light that most disorients birds. * Treat Reflective Glass: Use screens on windows or add decals to help birds see the barrier instead of the reflection. Find amazing options here. * Fuel for the Flight: Native shrubs, trees and flowers host the protein-rich insects like caterpillars that migrating birds depend on. Think of your garden as a critical rest stop on a thousand-mile flight, and it will attract and help feed birds all year long. Look here on the Golden Gate Bird Alliance website for how to start in the Bay Area. Safe Skies, Safe Ground * Keep Cats Indoors: Protecting the night sky is only half the battle. By keeping cats in—or using a secure catio—you create a sanctuary for the travelers passing through your neighborhood. Every bird saved from a window strike needs a safe perimeter to recover. Keeping cats indoors during peak migration weeks is an essential act of stewardship. Links: Golden Gate Bird Alliance Lights Out for Birds project and resources American Bird Conservancy’s resources for window decals, paint, and more Preventing Glass Collisions Dark Sky resources Birdcast live bird migration maps Specific actions you can take as a renter to help with light pollution Whitney’s piece on “That Night Feeling” The “What Type of Birder Are You" personality chart Thanks to Charles Barbieri for master technical editing and singing voice Recorded on Coast Miwok Land in Northern California This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit getyourbirdon.substack.com

  5. May 1

    Birding at Gunpoint & Sky Ballet- Fred Werner

    From a close call at a hotel to the choreography of swallows, an avian excursion with an inspired educator who brings wild bird impressions to TikTok. Ever met a birder so obsessed they missed a robbery while they were held at gunpoint? Meet Fred Werner- ornithologist, inspired science teacher, and master goofball of Costa Rican bird impressions. In this episode, Fred joins me to discuss a life lived at the intersection of rigorous science and avian immersion. We explore the “sky ballet” of swallows, the hilarity of his bird-mimicry videos, and the expansive vision that comes from paying attention to the layers of the natural world. And find out why I’ve nicknamed him the “Steve Martin of Birds.” In this episode: Fred’s TikTok bird shorts What Type of Birder Are You? Personality Chart Check out all the birds here: Barn Swallow California Quail Osprey Montezuma Oropendola Spectacled Owl Hoatzin Common Potoo Lesson’s Motmot Great Potoo Red Billed Pigeon Black Faced Antthrush Screaming Piha Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Special thanks to eBird and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for their amazing database and species resources & Charles Barbieri for superb audio editing Recorded on Coast Miwok Land in Northern California This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit getyourbirdon.substack.com

  6. Apr 22

    What Type of Birder Are You?

    We're birding from the inside out. Where do you see yourself on the birder personality chart? Explore the geography of your inner experience. We’ll look at the personal rhythms and habits that shift how we perceive the birds. It’s an invitation to learn birding from the inside out, and recognize your birding style. To help put words to those experiences, I’ve mapped out the different ways we tend to naturally align with the birds. The chart below is a visual companion to that exploration, acting as a compass for the different energies we bring to the landscape. It’s a tool for recognizing where you’re currently rooted, and identifying the paths that might offer a bit of fresh balance the next time you step outside. Check out the chart below, and see what resonates for you: Are you the Recorder? The Connector? The Ally? And which types make you want to grow in that direction? Beginning birder? You’ll find yourself here too. Just step outside and observe yourself while you’re on the trail. Tell me what you think in the comments! I can’t wait to hear what your type is and how you use the chart. Which Type Are You? Did one of these archetypes resonate with you more than the others? Maybe you’re an “Observer” with a “Tracker” streak? I’d love to hear your thoughts on where you land, and how it changes the way you look at the birds in your life. Leave a comment below and let’s discuss! Coming Up Next Don’t miss our next episode, where I sit down with Fred Werner. We’ll explore his journey as an ornithologist and teacher, and he’ll entertain us with some of the most bizarre and beautiful bird calls you can imagine. Connect with the Show If you enjoyed this episode, the best way to support this independent project is to: * Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform. * Share this episode with a friend who loves (or is curious about) the natural world. * Leave a review—it truly helps other bird-curious folks find us! Until next time, get your bird on! Keep your eyes to the sky, Jess This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit getyourbirdon.substack.com

  7. Apr 7

    One Track Beak

    Follow the trail of a mystery bird that turned a quiet hike into an all-consuming search. And- What is 'blurding'? A playful and obsessive look at what happens when nature grabs you and won’t let go. On this journey, we find ourselves caught between two very different characters: the vibrant, high-canopy Western Tanager and the rhythmic and secretive Red-breasted Sapsucker. One leaves a flash of color as they move through the treetops in an instant, the other leaves a trail on bark you have to read like a map. We’ll explore our curiosity and the process of piecing together the stories hidden in the canopy. Can you guess who was tucked in the treetop? And what exactly is “blurding”? Find out in Episode 1. Links: Danielle Brigida’s original blog post on Blurding, and her blurd photography “You have to really want to see a Western Tanager…” and excellent photos of that beak Special thanks to the birds and the recordists at xeno-canto.org for the following field recordings: Western Tanager, recorded by Thomas Magarian, Creative Commons NC Red-breasted Sapsucker, recorded by Sunny Tseng, Creative Commons NC Red-breasted Sapsucker, recorded by Frank Lambert, Creative Commons NC Red-breasted Sapsucker, recorded by Bobby Wilcox, Creative Commons NC And thanks to: Charles Barbieri Fred Werner The Crossley ID Guide by Richard Crossley- our favorite Experienced and recorded on Coast Miwok Land in Northern California. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit getyourbirdon.substack.com

  8. Mar 23

    Get Your Bird On

    For the bird-curious: join us as we explore the wild, with everyday experiences and stories that shape our love for birds. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit getyourbirdon.substack.com

    Get Your Bird On
  • 1 Trailer
    7 Episodes

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Whether you’re a seasoned geek about beaks or just bird curious, join naturalist Jess Lerner as we explore the unique experiences that shape our love for birds, encountering the wild one flap at a time. Tips, guest stories, and deep connections for every birder. Let's get our bird on! getyourbirdon.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Jess Lerner
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © waxwing media
  • Show Website
    Get Your Bird On

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