Shows
The Spark Bird PodcastWaking Up to Birds with Michael LombardoIn this week's episode, our hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Michael Lombardo, the creator of the McGolrick Bird Club in North Brooklyn. Michael shares his journey from a career in the tech industry to becoming a passionate birder and community leader. Michael discusses the creation and growth of the McGoldrick Bird Club, highlighting the importance of weekly bird walks, community engagement, and the power of noticing the natural world around us. Explore more from Michael Lombardo and the McGolrick Bird Club đ¸ Follow @mcgolrickbirdclub on Instagram for bird walk updates and moments of...2025-07-1855 min
The Spark Bird PodcastFrom City to Sand: Chris Allieriâs NYC Plover ProjectIn this episode, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally speak with Chris Allieri, founder and executive director of NYC Plover Project, which he launched in 2021 after recognizing a gap in conservation efforts right in his own city. During the height of the pandemic, when New York Cityâs plover nesting grounds were especially vulnerable, Chris stepped up, not just to protect the birds, but to build a stronger culture of conservation in the city. His story is one of grassroots action, intergenerational learning, and a call to all of us to take part in protecting whatâs wild and at r...2025-07-0443 min
The Spark Bird PodcastThe Therapeutic Beauty of Birdsong with Nandi RoseIn this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome musician Nandi Rose of Half Waif. Nandi shares her Spark Bird story, recounting how a flash of color spotted in Costa Rica opened the door to a quieter, deeper noticing back home in the Upper Hudson Valley. For Nandi, itâs less about sight and more about sound, and bird song has become her guide. Even without binoculars, thereâs a sense of recognition in the songs. A feeling of being spoken to, of returning to something familiar and sacred. Her music, like her birdi...2025-06-2043 min
Your Bird StoryJenn Lodi-Smith Collects Spark Bird StoriesJenn Lodi-Smith is a PhD psychologist and founder of The Spark Bird Project. The initiative flickered into life at the Hog Island Audubon Family Camp where Lodi-Smith was introduced to the concept of "spark birds." Lodi-Smith and her colleagues record and analyze contributed stories to better understand how people become birders and why they continue to bird. The Spark Bird Project shares its research findings with community partners to help organizations engage with established and new birders.âThe Spark Bird Project websiteâCreator and Host: Georgia Silvera SeamansProducer and...2025-06-1233 min
The Field GuidesBonus - The Spark Bird Podcast x The Field Guides PodcastIn this special bonus episode we're crossing over with The Spark Bird Podcast! (@sparkbirdproject)Bill joins one of the hosts of the Spark Bird Project podcast, Jenn Lodi-Smith, to go birding in Buffaloâs historic Forest Lawn Cemetery, sharing spark bird stories, conservation efforts for migration, and the joy of birding in community.Youâll also hear reflections from folks at the Feminist Bird Club of Buffalo (@fbc.buf) May the Spark Be with You outing, all recorded on-site at Forest Lawn Cemetery. This episode is a celebration of connection, accessibility, conservation, and the shared love...2025-06-1056 min
The Spark Bird PodcastThe Spark Bird Podcast x The Field Guides PodcastIn this special crossover episode, The Spark Bird Podcast's Jenn Lodi-Smith teams up with Bill Michalek of The Field Guides Podcast for a walk through Buffaloâs historic Forest Lawn Cemetery. As they explore the grounds, Jenn and Bill reflect on their spark birds, discuss bird migration and conservation. The episode also features Spark Bird stories from a variety of voices from the Feminist Bird Club of Buffalo in Forest Lawn Cemetery, showcasing the power of community in birding. Resources & Links from This Episode đ Listen to more nature adventures with Bill and Steve on Th...2025-06-0656 min
The Spark Bird PodcastLyanda Lynn Haupt on Storytelling and StarlingsIn this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally talk with Lyanda Lynn Haupt, a writer known for exploring the connections between people and the natural world. The conversation follows Hauptâs path into bird watching, beginning in her childhood in the Pacific Northwest and shaped by her parentsâ casual interest in birds. She recalls memorable encounters with species like the Northern Spotted Owl and how those moments influenced her work. Lyanda Lynn Haupt also talks about her experience living with a Starling, named Carmen, which inspired her book Mozartâs Starling. ...2025-05-2342 min
The Spark Bird PodcastAaron Haiman: From Young Birder to Conservation LeaderIn this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally talk with Aaron Haiman about his lifelong passion for birding, sparked by a childhood experience with a White-Tailed Kite. Aaron shares his unique journey from becoming a young birder to his current role at the Wildlife Conservation Board in California. The conversation explores the importance of mentorship in birding, the barriers young birders face, and the joy of contributing to bird conservation. Weâre excited to share all the ways you can follow and connect with Aaron, the voice beh...2025-05-0925 min
The Spark Bird PodcastEdge of the World Birding with Dr. George DivokyIn this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally interview Dr. George Divoky, an ornithologist with a Ph.D. in Zoology. He shares his Spark Bird story, recounting how a sighting of a Slate-colored Junco in his childhood ignited his passion for birding. He discusses his research on Black Guillemot and the challenges posed by climate change. Dr. Divoky also shares his personal experiences of solitude and connection with nature during his fieldwork in remote locations. (Photo Credit Joe McNally) Resources & Links from This Episode 2025-04-2535 min
The Spark Bird PodcastBirding Across America: Marcia OBaraâs Inspiring JourneyIn this episode of the Spark Bird podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Marcia OBara, a retired registered nurse and avid birder. Marcia shares her inspiring journey of birding in all 50 states and recounts her Spark Bird moment in 1984 that ignited her passion for birding. Despite living with a severe lung disease, Marcia continues to lead accessible birding trips for the Tucson Audubon Society and other organizations. She discusses how the practice has evolved from field guides to apps, and why accessibility in birding matters now more than ever. A photo by Freya McGregor. Taken...2025-04-1131 min
The Spark Bird PodcastThe Healing Power of Ospreys with Pam LowellIn this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally talk with Pam Lowell, a social worker, watercolor artist, and author. Pam shares her Spark Bird story, describing how sightings of a Quetzal and Osprey ignited her passion for birding and transformed her life. Pam highlights her volunteer work with Mass Audubon, her book My Summer with Ospreys: A Therapist's Journey Towards Hope, Community, and Healing Our Planet, and the importance of environmental advocacy. Resources & Links from This Episode Pam Lowellâs Work & Socials: đ My Summe...2025-03-2826 min
The Spark Bird PodcastArt, Health, and Birding with Tina MullenIn this episode of the Spark Bird podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome artist and healthcare professional Tina Mullen. Tina shares her Spark Bird story about how the Sandhill Crane ignited her passion for birds. She discusses her work in the Arts and Medicine program at the University of Florida and the importance of integrating creativity into healthcare settings to promote health and well-being. The conversation explores Tina's art projects, including her series on bird species decline inspired by a poignant letter to Roger Tory Peterson. Resources & Links from This Episode ...2025-02-2844 min
The Spark Bird PodcastThe Power of Art and Journaling with John Muir LawsIn this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome naturalist and author John Muir Laws, also known as Jack. They dive into Jack's Spark Bird story, discussing how a childhood birding experience with his father ignited his lifelong passion for birds and nature. Jack shares insights on how journaling can enhance observation and attention, his transition from environmental education to creating field guides, and inciting the international nature journaling movement. Resources & Links from This Episode đ¨Â John Muir Lawsâ Website â Explore his art, field guides, and educational resources: Visit here...2025-02-0738 min
The Spark Bird PodcastBird Conservation with Scott WeidensaulIn this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Scott Weidensaul, Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of over 30 books on natural history. Scott shares his lifelong passion for Raptors, recounting his influential visit to Hawk Mountain and his extensive work in bird migration research. He discusses the significance of technology in modern birding and conservation, highlighting initiatives like Project SNOWstorm and the Northeast Motus Collaboration. The episode also explores the historical impact of Roger Tory Peterson on the birding community and the enduring legacy of Hog Island Audubon Camp. 2025-02-0752 min
The Spark Bird PodcastBirding as a Pathway to Healing with Cat FribleyIn this episode of the Spark Bird podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Cat Fribley, Executive Director at Birdability. Cat shares her Spark Bird story, recounting how a college friend's introduction to birding provided emotional balance during a hard period of her life. She discusses Birdability's mission to make birding accessible for people with disabilities and health challenges, and the impact of community-building and creating inclusive outdoor spaces. Cat also shares Birdability's various programs, including the Birdability Map and the new Blind Birders Birdathon, highlighting the organization's achievements in democratizing birding for all. ...2025-02-0743 min
The Spark Bird PodcastA Spark Bird Journey with Sara MorrisIn this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally talk with Sara Morris, the Executive Director of Shoals Marine Lab and President of the American Ornithological Society. Sara shares her Spark Bird story of how a family Christmas tradition and a borrowed bird field guide ignited her passion for birding and ornithology at age seven. They also discuss the link between birding and ornithology, the significance of field guides, and the necessity for ongoing bird conservation efforts. Resources & Links from This Episode đ Shoals Marine Lab â A leading institution for hands-on marine...2025-02-0639 min
The Spark Bird PodcastThe Intersection of Art and Birding with Kayla FiskIn this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally interview Kayla Fisk, a lifelong birder and artist from central New York. Kayla shares her Spark Bird story, recalling how a unique encounter with a Chuck-will's-widow during her childhood ignited her deeper fascination with birds and birding communities. Kayla also discusses how her art is inspired by birds, the mindfulness it brings, and the process of integrating birding into her artistic practice. Resources & Links from This Episode đ¸Â Follow Kayla on Instagram â See her latest birding adventures at @kaylafiskbirds. đ Visit Kaylaâs We...2025-02-0626 min
The Spark Bird PodcastThe Magic of Spark Bird Experiences with Arthur PearsonIn this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Arthur Pearson, CEO of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute (RTPI). Arthur shares his spark bird story, recounting how a Kingfisher ignited his passion for birding. They discuss the history and mission of RTPI, the revolutionary impact of field guides by Roger Tory Peterson, and the importance of naming in connecting with nature. Arthur discusses RTPI's efforts to honor Peterson's legacy through art and conservation, and the institute's role in fostering the next generation of nature advocates. Resources & Links from This E...2025-02-0639 min
The Spark Bird PodcastIntroducing The Spark Bird PodcastIn the inaugural episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally, share personal narratives about how they developed their passion for birds. The podcast is a part of The Spark Bird Project, a community science initiative that collects and disseminates stories of people's enthusiasm for birds while gaining ecological insights into birders themselves. Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski  2025-02-0627 min