A podcast from Wild Birds Unlimited about feeding the birds and enjoying nature right in your own backyard. Relax, enjoy the birds, and stay Nature Centered.
December 5, 2024 | Episode #92: Apropos Apps & Recommended Reading
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November 7, 2024 | Episode #91: Participate & Connect with Nature
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October 3, 2024 | Episode #90: Hot Pepper. A Hot Topic.
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September 12, 2024 | Episode #89: Why We Love Insects!
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August 1, 2024 | Episode #88: Where Are the Birds?
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July 11, 2024 | Episode #87: Why Kids Love Bird Feeding
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May 31, 2024 | Episode #86: Habitat for Birds & Pollinators!
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May 2, 2024 | Episode #85: Feed the Birds, Feel Better
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April 11, 2024 | Episode #84: Environmental Benefits of Bird Feeding
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March 7, 2024 | Episode #83: Keeping Birds Safe in Your Yard
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February 8, 2024 | Episode #82: Count the Birds. Make a Difference.
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January 11, 2024 | Episode #81: It’s OK to Feed the Birds
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December 12, 2023 | Episode #80: Bird Gifts & Gift Birds
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November 2, 2023 | Episode #79: Feasting with Feathered Friends
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October 5, 2023 | Episode #78: Treats for birds. No tricks.
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September 7, 2023 | Episode #77: Basics of Transition
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August 10, 2023 | Episode #76: Critter Solutions
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July 13, 2023 | Episode #75: Wonderful Woodpeckers
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June 1, 2023 | Episode #74: Joy of Summer Birds
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May 4, 2023 | Episode #73: Bugs = Birds
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April 6, 2023 | Episode #72: Hooray for Hummingbirds
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March 9, 2023 | Episode #71: Bluebirds: Your Backyard Buddies
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February 9, 2023 | Episode #70: Birds Bring the World Together: February 17-20, 2023
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January 12, 2023 | Episode #69: Fatten Up Your Birds
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December 8, 2022 | Episode #68: Holiday Traditions Old & New
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November 17, 2022 | Episode #67: Looking Out for Fabulous Finches
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November 3, 2022 | Episode #66: Birds: A Cornucopia of Joy
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October 20, 2022 | Episode #65: How to Become a Backyard Scientist
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October 6, 2022 | Episode #64: The Changing Cast of Characters
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September 22, 2022 | Episode #63: Save Birds? Plant Trees!
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September 8, 2022 | Episode #62: Sharing Survival Strategies
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August 25, 2022 | Episode #61: Pursuing Purple Martins
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August 11, 2022 | Episode #60: Water. More Important than Ever.
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July 28, 2022 | Episode #59: Bird Feeding Then & Now
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July 14, 2022 | Episode #58: Don’t Stop Now! Perks of Summer Feeding
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June 30, 2022 | Episode #57: World’s Smartest Birds?
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June 16, 2022 | Episode #56: Birding by Ear: Getting Started
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June 2, 2022 | Episode #55: A Note About Bird Song
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May 19, 2022 | Episode #54: A Gathering of the Flock – WBU Store Owner Stories
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May 5, 2022 | Episode #53 Hummingbirds: It’s All About Mom!
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April 21, 2022 | Episode #52 Spring Secrets & Setups
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April 7, 2022 | Episode #51 Habitat: Can You Really Make a Difference
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March 24, 2022 | Episode #50 Celebrating the Big Five Oh!
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March 10, 2022 | Episode #49 Nesting: A Bird’s Eye View
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February 24, 2022 | Episode #48 State of the Union: Our Winter Birds
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February 10, 2022 | Episode #47 How to Participate in GBBC & Why it Matters
Participate in GBBC February 18–21, 2022 | https://www.birdcount.org
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January 27, 2022 | Episode #46 Great Backyard Bird Count
Participate in GBBC February 18–21, 2022 | https://www.birdcount.org
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January 13, 2022 | Episode #45 Bark Butter: If You Use It, They Will Come
Kick off the new year with a food that can bring more joy (over 150 species) and improve everyone’s backyard birding.
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December 30, 2021 | Episode 44: This Year in Birding
Join Evan in this episode for a recap of the Wild Birds Unlimited 2021 Nature Centered podcasts. Thanks for listening and have a Happy New Year!
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December 16, 2021 | Episode 43: The Birds We Love to Hate
We have the right to be choosy on birds we like and don’t like. When you feed the birds, you take what comes along with it. In this episode, John and Brian have information for you on how to deal with nuisance birds. They will help you bring the joy back to your bird feeding. Whether you really love all the birds or there are some you don’t really care for; they have solutions to help you out!
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December 2, 2021 | Episode 42: Share the Joy of Birds
This is an exciting time of year! This season is not just about giving tangible gifts but spiritual gifts, too. In this episode, John and Brian are giving you some ideas and suggestions on how to share the joy of birds. As we head into the holiday season, there’s no better time to make memories with friends and family.
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November 18, 2021 | Episode 41: Backyard Birds of Prey
In this episode, John and Brian are talking about the birds of prey that you may see in your backyard. Who might show up and how can you tell what they are? They are joined by a birds of prey expert, Will Schaust (yes, he is John’s son) who shares some fun information. You’ll learn how you can deal with any unwanted raptors and how to keep the birds in your yard safe.
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November 4, 2021 | Episode 40: Are You Doing Your Best for the Birds?
Are you doing your best for the birds? Are there some things you can step up or start doing in your own yard? In this episode, John and Brian discuss these questions. They explain a few actions you can take right now that will get results quickly. You’ll learn just how simple it is to help #savethesongbirds.
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October 21, 2021 | Episode 39: Spectacular Sparrows
We tend to look right past sparrows. These little ubiquitous birds that seem to be invisible are actually quite beautiful and have some amazing feats. In this episode, John and Brian discuss why they love sparrows and how you can attract them to your yard. By the end of this episode, you’ll think sparrows are just as spectacular as they do!
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October 7, 2021 | Episode 38: Are You Seasonally Savvy?
Now that fall is here, it’s time to start thinking about what’s best for the birds and what you can do to see more of them in your backyard. In this episode, John and Brian explain what it means to be seasonally savvy. They also discuss what to look for in your yard during this time of year and what bird behaviors you can expect to see.
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September 23, 2021 | Episode 37: Talking Birds with the BirdTalk Guys
How can conservation bring you more joy and solace? We have two very special guests, Scott and David Menough to help explain just that. Scott and David host the Denver based radio show, BirdTalk. They are joining forces with John and Brian in this episode to talk about Western birds, how to be seasonally savvy, and share stories from their radio show.
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September 9, 2021 | Episode 36: Squirrels: Flee or Fight!
Squirrels – You either love them or loathe them. If you have trees around, chances are you have squirrels too. In this episode, John and Brian are taking a different look at our furry friends. Whether you deter them or feed them, we all have opinions on the infamous backyard critters. Let’s pay homage to these entertaining and worthy opponents.
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August 26, 2021 | Episode 35: Gardening for Birds
It’s a lot easier than you think to turn your yard into a wildlife habitat. In this episode, John and Brian are joined by a special guest, Natasha Barlow from Birds Canada. They discuss the new Gardening for Birds program that provides you with all the resources you’ll need to transform your outdoor space. This episode is full of universal information on how you can bring more birds to your yard, regardless of where you live.
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August 12, 2021 | Episode 34: The Wonders of H2-OH!
It’s a wonderful thing for birds to have water, both in the summer and winter. In this episode, John and Brian are sharing some fun facts that you won’t hear anywhere else when it comes to birds and water. For example, did you know that birds and dogs deal with water in the same way? Plus, offering a dependable source of water is probably the simplest step you can take to greatly increase the variety of birds in your yard. With the summer heat in full swing, now is the time to add a bird bath to your yard!
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July 29, 2021 | Episode 33: The Best of Nature Centered
John and Brian are taking some much-needed time off this week. We didn’t want to leave you without an episode, so you get to hear from our producer, Evan—the guy behind the scenes that makes everything happen. Evan is sharing reviews, highlighting key episodes, and talking about what’s on the horizon for Nature Centered. You won’t want to miss it!
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July 15, 2021 | Episode 32: Refresh and Re-Feather
It’s that time of year, the birds are putting on a brand-new coat to get ready for migration or winter. In this episode, you’ll learn all about the different kinds of feathers, what they do, what they’re for, and how to ID them. John and Brian are sharing all their fun feather facts with you!
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July 1, 2021 | Episode 31: Winging It On Vacation
It’s summertime and vacation season is here. If you’re just in the backyard or taking a trip across the country, John and Brian are sharing resources to help you find birds wherever you are. Whether you’re looking for birding spots or need ID help, this episode will inspire you to go out and see more birds regardless of your location.
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June 17, 2021 | Episode 30: Gen B is for the Birds
In this episode, John and Brian are talking all about baby birds! With summer here and birds bouncing around your yard, can you tell which ones are babies? You’ll learn what to do if you find a baby bird that’s fallen out of its nest. They also discuss what the cicada event means for backyard birders.
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June 3, 2021 | Episode 29: Award-Winning Bird Dads
Father’s Day is on the horizon, so this episode is all about award winning bird dads. John and Brian are talking about all the cool things bird fathers do to help raise their young. You’ll be surprised at how some of these bird dads make mammal dads look like slackers.
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May 20, 2021 | Episode 28: Pollinators: Monarchs and Mason Bees
This episode is all about pollinators. John and Brian are discussing monarch butterflies and mason bees. These critters are so important to your backyard; they don’t just help your plants, but the birds as well. What’s bugging you? We hope it’s not the pollinators!
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May 6, 2021 | Episode 27: Hummingbirds & Orioles – A Really Sweet Deal!
It’s springtime, there’s a lot happening in our backyards. It doesn’t get much better than when you see that first hummingbird show up! In this episode, John and Brian will break down the different hummingbird and oriole species. They’ll also answer some FAQs when it comes to nectar feeding and how you can bring these birds to your yard.
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April 22, 2021 | Episode 26: Spectacular Spring Species
Spring is here, and you know what that means! New feathered visitors will be arriving soon. Do you have the right foods and features to bring in the most variety of these spectacular spring species? Don’t worry, John and Brian are here to tell you about some of the easiest and best ways to get your yard ready so you and your birds can enjoy each other’s company all season long.
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April 8, 2021 | Episode 25: Habitat Habits: From Buds to Birds
In this episode, John and Brian are joined by Naturalist David Mizejewski from the National Wildlife Federation. Together, they break down the components needed to make your backyard the ideal bird habitat. As stewards of our own backyards, we’ve never been more empowered to make a difference for wildlife.
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March 25, 2021 | Episode 24: Look Whooo’s Back (WBU Owl Cam)
Join John and Brian as they introduce you to one of the coolest ways to experience the lives of a Barred Owl family. You’ll find out why so many people across the world are tuning in to watch this live owl nest cam. They also have a very special guest that will give you some fun background information and history of the owl cam.
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March 11, 2021 | Episode 23: Nesting Neighbors
In this episode, John and Brian will open your eyes to a whole new perspective of what it’s like to be a baby bird or the bird parents raising a family. You will learn what to do and what not to do to help bring the next generation of birds to life in your backyard.
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February 25, 2021 | Episode 22: The Gray Ghost
Join John and Brian as they discuss one of the most common birds in the wintertime that most people seem to miss. In this episode, they’re talking all things Junco. You’ll learn why it’s called the gray ghost and how you can bring it to your yard.
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February 11, 2021 | Episode 21: The Secret Love Life of Birds
Join John and Brian as they reveal the secret love life of birds, just in time for Valentine’s Day. They’ll share a few tidbits about birds and their lives together. You may start to look at the birds in your yard a little differently after this.
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January 28, 2021 | Episode 20: Seven Simple Actions to Save the Song Birds
In this episode, John and Brian break down the seven simple actions that you can do to help save the song birds. They also break down the history of bird feeding, what has changed and where it’s going. Finally, we take some time to celebrate WBU’s 40th birthday!
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January 14, 2021 | Episode 19: Be a Bird Hero: Become a Citizen Scientist
Join John and Brian in this episode as they dive into how you can be a hero for the birds by becoming a citizen scientist. They’ll talk about helpful tools you’ll need and an upcoming citizen science opportunity that you can be a part of.
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December 31, 2020 | Episode 18: Backyard Birding: Highlights & Hiccups
In this episode, John and Brian discuss their birding highs and lows of 2020. You’ll hear about woodpeckers, bluebirds, warblers, and more. Thanks for listening and have a happy new year everyone!
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December 17, 2020 | Episode 17: Birds and Holiday Traditions
Some countries have a beautiful tradition of encouraging kindness to birds during the holidays. One such belief is that if you spread birdseed outside your doorstep on Christmas morning, you will have good luck in the coming year. Listen as John and Brian explore different traditions from around the world that showcase our backyard friends.
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December 3, 2020 | Episode 16: Customer Stories
Feeding the birds isn’t just about insect control, flower pollination or weed control. The simple act of feeding the birds expands far past the environmental benefits. Our customers share the most wonderful stories with us and we’d like to share them with you this holiday season! Join hosts John and Brian as they share the heartfelt stories of our customers. If you have a story you’d like to share, please email us at [email protected].
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November 25, 2020 | Bonus Episode: The Joy of Bird Feeding
Join John and Brian for this bonus episode with a special guest, Jim Carpenter. As the Founder and CEO of Wild Birds Unlimited, Jim has learned a lot over the past 40 years and has some great information to share about the hobby of backyard bird feeding. Be sure to check out his book, The Joy of Bird Feeding, to learn more!
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November 19, 2020 | Episode 15: Winging It Thru Winter
Have you ever wondered how birds survive the cold weather? In this episode, John and Brian share how birds make it through the colder months and what you can do to help them.
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November 12, 2020 | Episode 14: Welcome Winter Wanderers
In this episode, John and Brian discuss the Winter Finch Irruption and the finches that are making their way through North America. You’ll learn all about what they look like, sound like, and how you can attract them to your yard.
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October 29, 2020 | Episode 13: Prepare Your Yard for Winter
Winter is coming! In this episode, John and Brian discuss how you can make your yard bird friendly and what you can do to help the birds prepare for the upcoming colder months.
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October 15, 2020 | Episode 12: The Owls Among Us
Do you know what makes an owl especially adapted to hunting at night? And how can you identify various owls just by hearing their calls? Learn these and other fun facts about one of the bird world’s most fascinating species.
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October 1, 2020 | Episode 11: Frequently Asked Questions
Wild Birds Unlimited’s Olivia McFadden tries to stump naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham with questions from our audience about backyard bird feeding. Learn why you may be seeing bald birds at your feeders this time of year, why the goldfinches have disappeared and more.
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September 17, 2020 | Episode 10: Migration Magic
With birds flying hundreds or thousands of miles every year, migration truly is magical. Find out how the birds prepare and make their journey across North America.
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September 3, 2020 | Episode 9: Create a Bird-Friendly Habitat
Wild Birds Unlimited naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham talk about the elements of a bird-friendly habitat.
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August 20, 2020 | Episode 8: The Goldfinches of Summer
Learn all about goldfinches from Wild Birds Unlimited naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham. They share tips for how to improve your chances of attracting goldfinches by offering their favorite foods and by creating a favorable habitat.
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August 6, 2020 | Episode 7: Frequently Asked Questions
Wild Birds Unlimited’s Olivia McFadden joins naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham to get the answers common questions from our audience about backyard bird feeding.
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June 25, 2020 | Episode 6: Nesting Part 2
You’ll learn how you can invite nesting bird families into your yard by providing the right kind of nesting boxes. Hosted by John Schaust and Brian Cunningham.
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June 18, 2020 | Episode 5: Nesting Part 1
Learn why birds choose to nest where they do and discover how migration is intertwined with bird nesting behaviors.
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June 4, 2020 | Episode 4: Bluebirds: The Charming Deceiver
Learn all about bluebirds from Wild Birds Unlimited naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham.
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May 21, 2020 | Episode 3: Woodpeckers: Nature’s Original Tree Huggers
Wild Birds Unlimited naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham talk about woodpeckers.
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May 14, 2020 | Episode 2: Orioles: Orange is the New Blast
Wild Birds Unlimited naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham talk about orioles.
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May 6, 2020 | Episode 1: Hummingbirds: A Beast of a Bird
Wild Birds Unlimited naturalists John Schaust and Brian Cunningham talk about hummingbirds.
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