Podcast

Birding by Ear with the Master Birders Academy

Courses, Education, Nature, Science

Birding by ear can be one of the most important skills you can learn as a birder. Join me every week as we tackle the challenges of birding by ear learn how to decipher sounds and species-by-species, become a master of birding by ear.

I aim for this podcast to be a valuable resource for those who want to become a Master Birder and is hosted through the Master Birders Academy.

Nature chart
#161
Episodes
5
Releases
Monthly
Typical length
12 min
On air since
2026
Latest episode
1 month ago

Episodes

5 episodes, newest first

  1. Deciphering the High-pitched call notes of the Forests

    Show notes

    When birding by ear, learning the call notes can be some of the most challenging sounds to learn to ID. Luckily, some groups can be easier than others, the high-pitched call notes of the birds of the eastern forests are some of those. Join me as we learn how to differentiate some of the most common high-pitched call notes you will be hearing in the fall.

    And if you want to level up your birding skills, check out my online courses at www.masterbirdersacademy.com

    Sound Credits; Xeno-Canto

    Ray Cooke- XC1165181

    Stanislas Wroza- XC1013331

    Richard E. Webster- XC607318

    Christopher McPherson- XC598824

    Manuel Grosselet- XC641547

    Greg Irving- XC1040799

    Thomas Magarian- XC359339

    Lucas Berrigan- XC328787

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    12 min
  2. Robins, Tanagers and Grosbeaks, Oh My!

    Show notes

    One of the challenges of Birding by Ear comes when there are several birds that sound similar to one another. In the eastern half of North America, that challenge can be heard when trying to differentiate between American Robin, Scarlet Tanager and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. This trio has the same song pattern but different sound qualities. Once you know what to listen for, this group becomes much easier to distinguish.

    Xeno-canto credits to:

    Stanislas Wroza- XC1020890

    Peter Ward- XC801716

    Greg Irving- XC1138978

    Christopher McPherson- XC691899

    Scott Gravette- XC372787

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    13 min
  3. Understanding the "field marks" of bird vocalization

    Show notes

    Before you start focusing on learning individual species of birds, it's helpful to learn what field marks you are listening for. Just like birds have names for each of their physical characteristics, so do their sounds. Learning what to listen for and how to describe it before you jump right into birding by ear can be a gamechanger for your learning journey.

    To continue on your journey to be a Master Birder, check out my courses at www.thebirdingacademy.com

    Xeno-canto credits to:

    Scott Crabtree- XC1006716, XC1147282

    Doug Hynes- XC715195

    Stanislas Wroza- XC1014388, XC1020596, XC1013174, XC1023080, XC1014693

    Greg Irving- XC113897

    Brian Cox- XC938998

    Ray Cooke- XC1058578

    Richard E. Webster- XC1034325, XC825420, XC583574

    Manuel Grosselet- XC1029622, XC1085881

    Manuel Oudard- XC837821, XC839511, XC839838

    Ted Floyd- XC352827

    Valerie Heemstra- XC1106679

    Timothy Marquardt- XC733478

    Mario Reyes Jr.- XC1137267

    Paul Driver- XC771930

    Alex Lin-Moore- XC805473

    Russ Wigh- XC722997

    Christopher McPherson- XC598824

    Skyler Bol- XC877052

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    13 min
  4. Why Birding by Ear is so important

    Show notes

    Birding by ear can be one of the greatest skills you learn as a birder, after all not all birds are cooperative and sit out in the open for you to see. In this episode we will go over the many reasons to work on improving this birding skill!

    If you want to continue your birding skills, don't forget to check out my online courses at www.thebirdingacademy.com

    Xeno-canto:

    Greg Irving- XC1145928,

    Christopher McPherson- XC692192, XC692224, XC691874

    Ray Cooke- XC984684

    Manuel Oudard- XC839379, XC838347

    Tristan Guillebot de Nerville- XC1139175

    Yolima Pardo- XC1053309

    Stanislas Wroza- XC1013317

    Send us Fan Mail

    8 min
  5. Birding by Ear trailer Trailer

    Show notes

    Birding by ear can be one of the most important skills you can learn as a birder. Join me every week as we go over a variety of topics to help you become a master at birding by ear!

    Subscribe to never miss an episode!

    Send us Fan Mail

    1 min