In 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 extensive 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.

The episode touches on the emotional impact of climate change on long-term research and the importance of community support for scientific endeavors. Additionally, Dr. Divoky's correspondence with Roger Tory Peterson highlights the ongoing conversation about inclusivity in birding.

❄️ Friends of Cooper Island – Learn more about Dr. George Divoky's decades of research on Arctic seabirds and climate change: https://cooperisland.org

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to the Spark Bird Podcast

00:49 Meet Dr. George Divoky

01:46 Dr. Divoky's Spark Bird Story

06:12 From High School to a Career in Ornithology

08:16 Discovering the Black Guillemots

11:36 Life and Work in Remote Locations

18:18 Impact of Climate Change on the Colony

26:38 Connecting with the Community and Inclusivity

31:38 Supporting the Friends of Cooper Island

34:33 Conclusion and Acknowledgements

In 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 from Niagara Falls, New York, to Arizona and recounts the 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 birding in all 50 states, 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 in Tuscaloosa AL. Pictured are Freya, Marcia and Patrick Oaks (Freya’s husband)

Resources & Links from This Episode

🕊️ Tucson Bird Alliance – Learn more about Marcia's work with this organization and their commitment to accessible birding in Arizona: Visit Website

♿ Access Birding – A fantastic resource focused on making birding accessible for all: Explore Access Birding

🗺️ Birdability Map – Discover birding locations with accessibility features near you: View the Map

📚 Birds of the World – An extensive online resource from the Cornell Lab for bird research and identification: Explore Here

🛫 WINGS Birding Tours – Join expert-led birding tours around the world: Learn More

🌍 Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT) – A global birding travel company offering inclusive and educational nature experiences: Visit VENT

🐦 Merlin Bird ID – Identify birds by photo, sound, or description with this powerful app from the Cornell Lab: Download Merlin

📱 eBird Mobile – Log your bird sightings and contribute to global bird science: Get the App

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to Marcia OBara

00:58 Marcia's Spark Bird Story

05:02 The Evolution of Birding

13:15 Making Birding Accessible

15:37 Marcia's Birding Adventures

23:14 Southeast Arizona Birding Festival

26:38 Resources and Final Thoughts

In 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 ospreys ignited her passion for birding and transformed her life.

The conversation touches on the mental health benefits of birding, the intersection of art and environmentalism, and the resilience of ospreys. 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. Throughout the episode, the detailed experiences with ospreys are discussed, emphasizing their unique behaviors and the hope they represent for ecological recovery.

Resources & Links from This Episode

Pam Lowell’s Work & Socials:

📖 My Summer with Ospreys: A Therapist's Journey Towards Hope, Community, and Healing Our Planet – Read more here

🌍 Pam Lowell’s Website – Visit here

📸 Follow Pam on Instagram – @palwrites

Wild America & RTPI Book Discussion:

📅 Join RTPI for an exciting discussion of Wild America and the books it inspired, led by RTPI Scholar-in-Residence Jenn Lodi-Smith. This four-part program is part of RTPI’s exhibition, Art that Matters to the Planet: Wild America, celebrating the 70th anniversary of this environmental classic.

🔗 Learn more & register here

Time Stamps

00:00 Welcome to the Spark Bird Podcast

00:48 Introducing Pam Lowell

02:12 Pam's Spark Bird Stories

06:05 Birding and Mental Health

09:02 Art, Writing, and Ospreys

20:13 Environmental Advocacy and Community

24:42 Conclusion and Contact Information