Bring Birds Back

4.9 (170)
NATURE
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

A podcast about the most pressing issues in bird conservation and the ways you can help make a better world for birds and people through simple, everyday actions.

12/17/2025

Hunting Is for the Birds (Too)

Duck hunting may sound like a forbidden sport for most bird lovers but did you know that some of the most dedicated bird conservationists - in the world - are also devout hunters? In this episode of Bring Birds Back, our host Deja Perkins speaks with Jerad Henson from Ducks Unlimited– one of the largest and longest running waterfowl and wetlands conservation organizations in the world. Jerad talks us through the complex history of hunters as conservationists in the Americas and the incredible impact of the organization from past to present. The oft-times controversial sport is much more than just a pastime, it’s also been a lifeline for species and habitats for decades. You don’t want to miss this one! Press play. Want more Bring Birds Back? Follow us on your favorite podcast app and on Instagram @BringBirdsBack! To learn more about the Ducks, Unlimited, read the episode transcript and find other resources from this episode, visit BirdNote.org and search for this episode. For more about BirdNote, sign up for our weekly newsletter. And for ad-free listening and other perks, sign up for BirdNote+ here. Learn how you can get involved in our From Love to Action campaign when you visit BirdNote.org! BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible. Bring Birds Back Season 8 is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Bird Academy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

42 min
12/10/2025

Chicago’s Windy City Bird Lab

Chicago has been in the spotlight quite a lot as of late, but one of its most remarkable attributes can be seen in the night sky: nocturnal bird migration. In this episode, our host Deja Perkins speaks with J’orge Garcia of the Windy City Bird Lab about how he’s integrating technology and birders to build stronger community ties. In collaboration with several local organizations and projects, J’orge and his supporters are creating new spaces for social growth while implementing tried and true methods for conservation. Learn more about one of the quickest growing city-wide initiatives and how you can get involved, too! Listen now. Want more Bring Birds Back? Follow us on your favorite podcast app and on Instagram @BringBirdsBack! To learn more about the Windy City Bird Lab, read the episode transcript and find other resources from this episode, visit BirdNote.org and search for this episode. For more about BirdNote, sign up for our weekly newsletter. And for ad-free listening and other perks, sign up for BirdNote+ here. Learn how you can get involved in our From Love to Action campaign when you visit BirdNote.org! BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible. Bring Birds Back Season 8 is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Bird Academy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

42 min
12/03/2025

Attack on the Endangered Species Act

In this season 8 premiere, host Deja Perkins returns with legislative strategist from the American Bird Conservancy, Hardy Kern. Hardy shares the history of the Endangered Species Act, how the legendary law is being challenged by the current administration, and what we’re due to lose should these proposals pass. Then, he talks specifics about the plight of the Lesser Prairie Chicken– and why they need our help today. Tune in right now! Want more Bring Birds Back? Follow us on your favorite podcast app and on Instagram @BringBirdsBack! To learn more about Hardy, how you can help or to read the episode transcript and other resources from this episode, visit BirdNote.org and search for this episode. For more about BirdNote, sign up for our weekly newsletter. And for ad-free listening and other perks, sign up for BirdNote+ here. Learn how you can get involved in our From Love to Action campaign when you visit BirdNote.org! BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible. Bring Birds Back Season 8 is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Bird Academy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

43 min
SEASON 8 TRAILER

✨ Bring Birds Back Season 8 ✨

The season 8 premiere of Bring Birds Back starts Wednesday, December 3rd! With our returning host, Dr. Deja Perkins, we’re deep diving into policy, tech, and protections for birds. From the Endangered Species Act to nocturnal migration, and even hunting – we explore various different forms of conservation through very different people and interests! Tune in starting December 3rd. Want more? Stay up to date by following us on your favorite podcast app and on Instagram @BringBirdsBack! For more about BirdNote, sign up for our weekly newsletter. And for ad-free listening and other perks, sign up for BirdNote+ here. Learn how you can get involved in our From Love to Action campaign when you visit BirdNote.org! BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible. Bring Birds Back Season 8 is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Bird Academy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

2 min
09/03/2025

Radical Joy with Dr. J. Drew Lanham

Ornithologist, poet and MacArthur Fellow, Dr. J. Drew Lanham, speaks with host Billy Almon in our season 7 finale! The two begin by talking about Drew’s humble beginnings and southern influence from his grandmother’s teachings, and how he became a self-taught birder. Later, they discuss his latest book, “Joy is the Justice We Give Ourselves,” and talk about the connection between his poetic roots and his identity as a Black man with a deep love for birds and the wilderness. You won’t want to miss this special episode. Listen now. Want more Bring Birds Back? Follow us on your favorite podcast app and on Instagram @BringBirdsBack! For more about BirdNote, sign up for our weekly newsletter. And for ad-free listening and other perks, sign up for BirdNote+ here. For more information about the From Love to Action campaign, episode transcript and other resources from this episode, visit BirdNote.org and search for this episode. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible. Bring Birds Back Season 7 is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Academy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

47 min
08/27/2025

The Climate Crisis is at Home

What’s a climate crisis without acknowledgment of an emergency? In conversation with guests Dr. Rose Abramoff and Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali, host Anika Hazra discusses the ever-evolving battle for a healthy world from the front lines to legislation. Rose, a climate scientist turned activist, shares her viral story about a protest that led to her termination at work. And Mustafa, a leading activist, strategist and policymaker, brings decades of experience about fighting back behind government lines and beyond, from the EPA to the NWF. Both, from two different generations, have one uniting goal and offer critical advice and support. Press play! Want more Bring Birds Back? Follow us on your favorite podcast app and on Instagram @BringBirdsBack! For more about BirdNote, sign up for our weekly newsletter. And for ad-free listening and other perks, sign up for BirdNote+ here. For more information about the From Love to Action campaign, episode transcript and other resources from this episode, visit BirdNote.org and search for this episode. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible. Bring Birds Back Season 7 is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Academy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

47 min
08/20/2025

Birdsong and Speech with Dr. Erich Jarvis

Host Anika Hazra speaks with tenured professor and leading voice in neuroscience, Dr. Erich Jarvis! Erich, who has spent decades researching the neural biological connections between mammals and birds, shares his research that indicates some birds are ancestrally connected to humans through speech! Detailing his work with song-learning birds and humans, he explains the importance of these discoveries, especially regarding speech deficits and disorders. Later, as a longtime NIH partner, Erich gets honest about the setbacks and challenges he and his colleagues are facing. Press play on this important episode today! Want more Bring Birds Back? Follow us on your favorite podcast app and on Instagram @BringBirdsBack! For more about BirdNote, sign up for our weekly newsletter. And for ad-free listening and other perks, sign up for BirdNote+ here. For more information about the From Love to Action campaign, episode transcript and other resources from this episode, visit BirdNote.org and search for this episode. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible. Bring Birds Back Season 7 is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Academy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

44 min
08/13/2025

Indigenous Water Justice

Host Billy Almon speaks with Indigenous water scientist, legal scholar and advocate Dr. Kelsey Leonard. Kelsey incorporates both her Indigenous knowledge and practices along with her western science studies to advocate for a better world for us all. From the importance of birds to Indigenous cultures, the critical role water plays in the health of land, and her fight not only for the rights of rivers but also the legal need for Earth law, there’s so much here to learn! Want more Bring Birds Back? Follow us on your favorite podcast app and on Instagram @BringBirdsBack! For more about BirdNote, sign up for our weekly newsletter. And for ad-free listening and other perks, sign up for BirdNote+ here. For more information about the From Love to Action campaign, episode transcript and other resources from this episode, visit BirdNote.org and search for this episode. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible. Bring Birds Back Season 7 is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Academy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

42 min

See All (53)

4.9

out of 5

170 Ratings

🔥🔥🔥

09/15/2025

Zaia207

Bring birds back!!!!!
C D from Fla

09/04/2024

CeceD.

Fantastic interview with Daniela! Here’s to continued success of the Chicago BIPOC Birding group!
Love it

05/21/2023

jarvass

I’ve only listened to a couple episodes so far but I’m really enjoying it. I’ve found solace in nature my whole life and often that feels like zooming out from our human concerns making them seem infinitesimal. One thing this podcast doesn’t do is shy away from sociological human issues. It’s done in a way that feels relevant and important with a joy that feels both familiar and surprising. Highly recommended.
Love This Podcast

04/05/2023

COLO09

I discovered Tenijah Hamilton through an interview on the Nature Guys podcast. Now I’ve listened to all of these episodes over the last week. She has a unique perspective than any bird nerd I’ve heard and I love seeing things through different eyes and I can’t wait for new episodes.

A podcast about the most pressing issues in bird conservation and the ways you can help make a better world for birds and people through simple, everyday actions.