Hannah and Erik Go Birding

Our adventure to the Big Island of Hawaii continues above and below the water! SCUBA recertification was our main goal in going to Hawaii, and then a surprise pelagic birding trip was something we couldn't pass up.

Listen in to our venture seeing birds on the ocean and fish underneath.

Adventure Begins at: 8:40

Show notes
eBird Big Day; GoBirdingTeam
Rio Grande Valley Bird Festival
Birding The Border
IC4WB
Jack’s Dive Locker
Hawaii Bird Tours

eBird Trip Report

Birds/Animals mentioned
Hawaii Amakihi
Brown Noddy
Short-finned Pilot Whale
Blue-Gray Noddy
Spinner Dolphin

Intro Bird Call: Apapane (Recorded: Hawaii, December 2024)
Outro Bird Call: Northern Cardinal (Recorded: New York, April 2025)

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Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

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Hawaii has a lot to offer, including endemic honeycreepers! We visited the Big Island for a SCUBA and birding trip with an impending hurricane in the forecast. Erik got to check off a bucket list item of seeing lava, we explored some native habitats, and enjoyed some amazing food.

Adventure begins at: 8:00

Show notes

eBird Big Day; GoBirdingTeam
Rio Grande Valley Bird Festival
Birding The Border
IC4WB
Naturalist Journeys
Hawaiian Style Café
Kilauea live camera
Hawaii Wildlife Center

Birds/Animals mentioned

Hawaiian Hawk
Iiwi
Palila

Intro Bird Call: Omao (Recorded: Hawaii, September 2026)
Outro Bird Call: Apapane (Recorded: Hawaii, December 2024)

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Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

Get a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

Naturalist Journeys is a company we've been excited about since we first heard of it, as it is woman-owned and operated and has a strong ethic of supporting conservation and the communities it visits. Peg Abbott launched Naturalist Journeys in 1998 and it has grown into a top tour company but has maintained the same charm and values she started with.

Peg joined us to answer some of our burning questions about guided trips, how one can get started, and what participants can do to make the most of it.

Interview begins at: 10:30

Show notes

eBird Big Day; GoBirdingTeam
Rio Grande Valley Bird Festival
Birding The Border
IC4WB
Naturalist Journeys

Intro Bird Call: White-browed Robin-Chat (Recorded: Uganda, November 2021)
Outro Bird Call: Short-billed Pigeon (Recorded: Costa Rica, August 2024)

Support the show

Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

Get a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

We were lucky to have not one, but TWO excursions aboard the Alaska Sunrise out of Garibaldi, Oregon, to look for seabirds and some incredible sights. First up was an all-women's pelagic trip and then the second half of the episode was about our nearshore trip to our local lighthouse.

Adventure begins at: 8:21

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse eBird Trip Report
First Ever All-Women’s Pelagic Trip

Show notes

Mainely Nature Art
eBird Big Day; GoBirdingTeam
Rio Grande Valley Bird Festival
Birding The Border
IC4WB
Wings Of Survival
Garibaldi Charters
Oregon Pelagic Tours
Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

Birds/Animals mentioned

Sooty Shearwater
Mola Mola

Intro Bird Call: Pink-Footed Shearwater (Recorded: Washington July 2020)
Outro Bird Call: Pink-Footed Shearwater (Recorded: Washington July 2020)

Support the show

Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

Get a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

Alt. Title: Looking for White-tailed Ptarmigans

On a rare day off from work, we ventured up to Mount Rainier National Park in Washington in hopes of finding our lifer White-Tailed Ptarmigan. We hiked the Skyline Trail which runs past Panorama, our best bet to see this uncommon species.

After our hike, we raced up to the Stanwood Water Treatment to see if the rare Terek Sandpiper was still hanging around.

Adventure begins at: 15:20

This month's Bird Nerd Giveaway was graciously donated by Mainely Nature Art, check out her cool stuff!

eBird Trip Report

Show notes

Mainely Nature Art
eBird Big Day; GoBirdingTeam
Rio Grande Valley Bird Festival
Birding The Border
IC4WB
Mount Rainier

Birds/Animals mentioned

White-tailed Ptarmigan
Terek Sandpiper
Hoary Marmot

Intro Bird Call: Chipping Sparrow (Recorded: Washington June 2025)
Outro Bird Call: Sooty Grouse female grunting to young while feeding (Recorded at Mount Rainier, Washington, July 2026)

Support the show

Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

Get a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

The Salish Sea Guillemot Network is a collection of volunteers and scientists from non-profits, agencies, and more to monitor and learn more about Pigeon Guillemots in the Salish Sea. This indicator species helps these dedicated folks to understand about what is happening in this ecosystem.

Maria Mudd Ruth's recent book, The Bird with Flaming Red Feet, highlights this effort.

Adventure begins at: 10:07

*correction: Hannah refers to Pigeon Guillemots as a "keystone species" in her song at the beginning when they should be referred to as an "indicator species".

Show notes

Naturalist Journeys Go Birding with Hannah and Erik
Tufted Puffin Walks
eBird Big Day; GoBirdingTeam
Rio Grande Valley Bird Festival
Birding The Border
Get Involved with Pigeon Guillemots
Jonathan Mudd's Pigeon Guillemot song: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and Jonathan's website
The Bird with Flaming Red Feet by Maria Mudd Ruth

Birds/Animals mentioned

Pigeon Guillemot

Intro Bird Call: Pigeon Guillemot (recorded Washington, July 2026)
Outro Bird Call: Pigeon Guillemot (recorded Washington, July 2026)

Support the show

Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

Get a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

We had the chance to go see the Savannah Bananas play in Eugene, Oregon, which also gave us the opportunity to do a some birding in spots we hadn't explored before. Klamath Marshs National Wildlife Refuge and Crater Lake National Park were our main targets, but ended up finding a few other fun things!

Just be warned - we do talk a little bit about the baseball game.

Naturalist Journeys Go Birding with Hannah and Erik - Last day to sign-up is August 14!

Thank you to KINGSYARD for donating this month's giveaway!

Adventure begins at: 12:26

Show notes

Tufted Puffin Walks
eBird Big Day; GoBirdingTeam
Rio Grande Valley Bird Festival
Birding The Border
Pitfalls of AI with eBird and iNaturalist
Lily Glen Park
Klamath Marsh NWR
Crater Lake National Park
Savannah Bananas Baseball

eBird Trip Report

Birds/Animals mentioned:
Yellow Rail

Intro Bird Call: Chipping Sparrow (recorded Washington, June 2025)
Outro Bird Call: Wilson’s Warbler (Recorded Cannon Beach Oregon May 2019)

Support the show

Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

Get a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

Dr. Sarah Rockwell from the Klamath Bird Observatory told us all about the Oregon Vesper Sparrow and the efforts to learn more about this imperiled species. This species may not look like much, but it is an indicator of the health of its habitat and along its migration route.

Adventure begins at: 8:30

eBird Trip Report:

Show notes

Naturalist Journeys - Costa Rica, Oct 15-22 reserve your spot by August 14!
Tufted Puffin Walks
Rio Grande Valley Bird Festival
Birding The Border
Vesper Sparrow, Oregon Subspecies
Klamath Bird Observatory Adopt a Tag
Klamath Bird Observatory - Oregon Vesper Sparrows

Birds/Animals mentioned

Vesper Sparrow
Purple Martin

Intro Bird Call: Vesper Sparrow (recorded Washington, June 2025)
Outro Bird Call: Purple Martin (Recorded Cannon Beach Oregon, May 2026)

Support the show

Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

Get a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

We had an extra day while in South Texas for Spring Chirp, so on a whim we went to chase some birds! Up to the Texas Hill Country and then over to Corpus Christi to look for a couple of new species and check out other migrant hotspots.

Adventure begins at: 7:30

Show notes

Naturalist Journeys Go Birding with Hannah and Erik, Deadline August 14
Tufted Puffin Walks
eBird Big Day; GoBirdingTeam
Rio Grande Valley Bird Festival
Birding The Border
Balcones Canyonlands NWR
Menger Hotel

eBird Trip Report

Birds/Animals mentioned
Black-capped Vireo
Golden-Cheeked Warbler
Cattle Tyrant

Intro Bird Call: Black-capped Vireo (Recorded Texas, April 2026)
Outro Bird Call: Golden-cheeked Warbler (Recorded Texas, April 2026)

Support the show

Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

Get a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

Surveys show that Americans don't really know about or appreciate our grasslands. Grasslands are some of our most overlooked, but they need our help and attention. Wenfei Tong from Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Maggie Hanna with Bird Conservancy of the Rockies tell us all about grasslands and birds.

Adventure begins at: 7:00

Show notes

Naturalist Journeys Go Birding with Hannah and Erik
Tufted Puffin Walks
Rio Grande Valley Bird Festival
Birding The Border
America’s Grasslands Coalition
Cornell - Grasslands Ecosystem Guide
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies - Central Grasslands Roadmap Initiative

Intro Bird Call: Western Meadowlark (Recorded Oregon, May 2019)
Outro Bird Call: Vesper Sparrow (Recorded Washington, June 2025)

Support the show

Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

Get a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

Spring migration is a great time to visit the Rio Grande Valley. Warblers, vireos, orioles, and more move through the Gulf Coast on their way to breeding habitats further north. The Spring Chirp birding festival is the perfect opportunity to see migrating birds, eat good food, and enjoy the Rio Grande Valley.

Adventure begins at: 6:55

Show notes
Naturalist Journeys Go Birding with Hannah and Erik
Tufted Puffin Walks
Rio Grande Valley Bird Festival
Birding The Border
Spring Chirp
Nana’s Taqueria
Valley Nature Center

eBird Trip Report

Birds/Animals mentioned
Prothonotary Warbler
Swallow-tailed Kite

Intro Bird Call: Cactus Wren (Recorded Cameron, TX, April 2026)
Outro Bird Call: Great Kiskadee (Recorded Hidalgo, TX, April 2026)

Support the show

Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

Get a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

Pelagic boat trips are always an adventure. There is so much variability with weather, ocean conditions, and, of course, birds. We have never done a pelagic in the spring, so we thought we would give it a chance and chase after our most hoped-for bird, Parakeet Auklet.

Adventure begins at: 13:30

Show notes

Naturalist Journeys Go Birding with Hannah and Erik
Tufted Puffin Walks
eBird Big Day; GoBirdingTeam
Rio Grande Valley Bird Festival
Birding The Border
Tu Hand Creations
Westport Pelagic

eBird Trip Report

Birds/Animals mentioned:
Short-tailed Albatross
Manx Shearwater

Intro Bird Call: Pink-footed Shearwater (Recorded Washington, July 2020)
Outro Bird Call: Pink-footed Shearwater (Recorded Washington, July 2020)

Support the show

Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

Get a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

Dr. Steve Brusatte is a palentologist, author, consultant, professor, and much more - he wears so many hats! But communicating science is at the center to all he does. He joined us to talk about his latest work, The Story of Birds, a fascinating book exploring the history of birds from their dinosaur origins.

Start of interview: 10:20

Show Notes

Naturalist Journeys Go Birding with Hannah and Erik
Tufted Puffin Walks
eBird Big Day; GoBirdingTeam
The Story of Birds by Dr. Steve Brusatte
Tu Hands Creations
Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival
Birding the Border

Intro Bird Call: Yellow-crowned Gonolek (recorded Senegal, December 2023)
Outro Bird Call: Plain Chachalaca (recorded Texas, April 2025)

Didn’t explain bird calls in recording, but Yellow-crowned Gonolek to me makes me think of what an ancient Mesozoic bird song might sound like and the outro of a Plain Chachalaca is of one of the birds that seems to be most raptor like, living in packs, extremely curious, kind of awkward, etc.

Support the show

Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

Get a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

Our last adventure in Japan was to fly into the Kagoshima airport on the southern island of Kyushu and bird between there and Izumi. We were searching for wintering cranes at the Izumi Crane Observation Center, ducks and forest birds at the Kogawa dam, and then finished up our trip at the Kagoshima Prefectural Forest. What a way to end an exciting trip!

Adventure begins at: 8:00

Show notes

Naturalist Journeys Go Birding with Hannah and Erik
Tufted Puffin Walks
eBird Big Day; GoBirdingTeam
Koko Stay Izumi
Izumi Crane Observation Center
Koji Tagi Japan Bird Guide

eBird Trip Report

Intro Bird Call: Varied Tit (Recorded Japan, February 2026)
Outro Bird Call: Green Pheasant (Recorded Japan, February 2026)

Support the show

Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

Get a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

Hokkaido has a lot of really neat birds and one-in-a-lifetime experiences. The Steller's Sea-Eagles and Blakiston's Fish-Owls what attracted us to go on the trip, but amazing places, good food, and other wildlife made it even better!

Adventure begins at: 10:20

Show notes

Naturalist Journeys Go Birding with Hannah and Erik
Seicomart
Hotel Live Max in Shiretoko
Shiretoko Nature Cruise
Yoroushi Hotspring Lodge

eBird Trip Report

Birds/Animals mentioned

Blakiston’s Fish-Owl
Steller’s Sea-Eagle

Intro Bird Call: Large-billed Crow (Recorded Hokkaido Japan, February 2026)
Outro Bird Call: Steller’s Sea-Eagle (Recorded at sea near Japan, February 2026)

Support the show

Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

Get a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

In our first few days in Japan, we did a bit of sightseeing in Tokyo, including the Sensō-ji Temple and a few days in Tokyo Disney...just a tiny bit of birding there! We also chatted a bit about traveling around Tokyo and some tips for folks who haven't been there before.

Then we headed to Hokkaido to get the real birding adventure started! Cranes, seabirds, ducks, and owls...and freezing cold temperatures. There is so much to see!

Adventure begins at: 10:51
Tokyo and Disney: 14:00
Hokkaido adventures: 33:45

Show notes

Spring Chirp
Naturalist Journeys Go Birding with Hannah and Erik
Stephen Fry and the Kakapo
Seicomart, the Hokkaido local convience store
Senso-Ji Temple
Tokyo Disney
Tsurui-Ito Red-crowned Crane Sanctuary
Koji Tagi

eBird Trip Report

Birds/Animals mentioned

Red-crowned Crane
Long-tailed Tit
Dusky Thrush
Azure-winged Magpie

Intro Bird Call: Red-crowned Crane (Recorded: Hokaido Japan, February 2026)
Outro Bird Call: Brown-eared Bulbul (Recorded: Hokkaido Japan, February 2026)

Support the show

Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

Get a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

Alt title: Elephant Seals, Wine Tasting, and Owls, oh my!

On our day off from the Morro Bay Birding Festival, we decided to check out a few birding spots, like Atascadero Lake and Wolff Vineyard. We also searched for a couple of owls and then found some cool birds off-the-beaten path!

Adventure begins at: 11:25

Show notes

Spring Chirp
Naturalist Journeys Go Birding with Hannah and Erik
Morro Bay Birding Festival
Article about Exotic Gardens
Wolff Vineyards

eBird Trip Report

Birds/Animals mentioned

Elephant Seals

Intro Bird Call: California Scrub Jay (Recorded Oregon, 2021)
Outro Bird Call: Great Horned Owl (Recorded Cannon Beach OR, 2025)

Support the show

Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

Get a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

Audubon California has a program that benefits both ranchers and birds! Swallow Creek Ranch is one of their partners. Hannah and Erik sat down with Kyla, Paul, and Nick from Swallow Creek Ranch and Grace from Audubon California to learn about this program!

Adventure begins at: 14:50

Show notes

Spring Chirp
Naturalist Journeys Go Birding with Hannah and Erik
Morro Bay Birding Festival
AOS Proposals
Words on Birds

eBird Trip Report

Birds/Animals mentioned

Intro Bird Call: Brown-headed Cowbird (Recorded Cannon Beach OR, April 2020)
Outro Bird Call: Cows attracting our attention (Recorded Morro Bay CA, 2026)

Support the show

Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

Get a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

We were happy to get back down to Morro Bay for another festival. Had a brief birding stop along the way and then on to the festival! Morro Rock and surrounding parks are such nice, easy birding spots with lots of species!

Adventure begins at: 10:24

Show notes

Spring Chirp
Christina Baal, Drawing 10,000 Birds; Instagram
Naturalist Journeys - Go Birding with Hannah and Erik
Morro Bay Birding Festival
Sammy J’s
Pinnacles National Park

eBird Trip Report

Birds/Animals mentioned

Sea Otter

Intro Bird Call: Canyon Wren (Recorded Morro Bay CA, 2025)
Outro Bird Call: California Thrasher (Recorded Morro Bay CA, 2025)

Support the show

Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

Get a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

Cozumel, an island just off of Mexico, is a great, quick birding spot AND has three endemic bird species! We enjoyed finding these interesting birds amongst the hustle and bustle of a popular tourist destination.

Adventure begins at: 11:55

Show notes

Spring Chirp
The Great Backyard Bird Count
BirdsCaribbean
Christina Baal, Drawing 10,000 Birds; Instagram
Cozumel Birding Tours

eBird Trip Report

Birds/Animals mentioned

Cozumel Vireo
Cozumel Wren
Cozumel Emerald

Intro Bird Call: Cozumel Wren (Recorded: Cozumel, Mexico November 2025)
Outro Bird Call: Cozumel Wren (Recorded: Cozumel, Mexico November 2025)

Support the show

Connect with us at...

IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @Erikgoesbirding
Facebook: @HannahandErikGoBirding
Email us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.com
Website: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.com/
Venmo: @hannahanderikgobirding

Get a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB