Tune in to This Birding Life

Here’s a fabulous way to feed your curiosity about birds and birding: a podcast, or online radio show, called This Birding Life. Being in the optics business naturally aligns us with the birding industry, so Ben, illustrious manager here at Eagle Optics, recently starred in a podcast entitled “Optics-Buying Advice with Ben Lizdas.” This Birding Life is produced by our friends at Bird Watcher’s Digest. It’s like books on tape for birders. You can listen at home on your computer or your MP3 player, in the car or, well, just about anywhere on your iPod. And it’s free. Click here for downloading information.

Having recently discovered This Birding Life, I scanned the archives and picked three episodes from a variety of intriguing topics. The podcasts I listened to were each delightful in their own way, and quite different from each other. The first was a reading by Appalachian author and artist, Julie Zickefoose, from her book, Letters From Eden. Captivating. The second podcast I chose was a fascinating interview with The Bird Call Lady (Nicole Perretta) who demonstrated several of the 140-something bird calls she has perfected. The third was a compelling story about a once-in-a-lifetime birding trip to Easter Island, told by naturalist and guide, Alvero Jaramillo.

So far, 39 podcasts are available, ranging from under 20 minutes to about an hour. You can listen to episodes that interest you, and you can even subscribe, so you’ll be notified when each new episode is published. Each of the podcasts, hosted by the velvet-voiced Bill Thompson III, are a treasure-trove of information and entertainment geared especially for birders.  Made possible through the support of Zeiss Sport Optics, the show reaches people all over the world. Bill told me podcasts are downloaded 600,000 times a year.

Take a break and treat yourself (often!) to This Birding Life.  It’s a remarkable resource for anyone who loves birds.

Originally published on November 2, 2012