Peter Kaestner's Breathtaking Life of Birding (Shipwrecks? Cannibals?)
Join Patrick and Luke as they fangirl over one of their childhood heroes, Peter Kaestner. Peter holds the world record for having seen the highest number of bird species in the world, with a grand total of over 10,000 (there's only about 11,000!). His birding adventures come with a truckload of unfathomable experiences and achievements, and his life is a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty and complexity of the natural world. Peter’s childlike wonder abounds, even late in life, as he still marvels over each species.
Trophies are not the only thing setting Peter apart, rather, his relentless commitment to conservation, community, and education make him one of a kind. He has contributed to various research projects and conservation efforts, helping to monitor populations and advocate for the protection of endangered species (including the one he discovered!). His enthusiasm is contagious, his knowledge boundless, and his dedication unwavering.
We can't wait to hear what you most enjoyed from this episode. It was an honor, to say the least, to have Peter join us. Thank you for listening!
Reach out for anything at backtobirding@gmail.com (mailto:backtobirding@gmail.com)
Cundinamarca Antpitta - eBird (https://ebird.org/species/cunant1)
Peter Kaestner - eBird (https://ebird.org/profile/MjM1Nzk4/world)
Please leave a rating wherever you're streaming!
27 Dec 2024
David Hollie on the Lesser Antilles and its endemic birds, Part 2
Join Luke and David as they dive deep into the wonders of Lesser Antillean birds and island life. This episode was recorded prior to the recent split of House Wren, and David provides some incredible insight into the reality of the House Wren "subspecies", as well as his opinions on other splits of Lesser Antillean endemics. David's invaluable photo and audio documentation of these island endemics have been leaned on heavily during the species revision process.
This episode is a hair more fast-paced than usual, so buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Reach out for anything at backtobirding@gmail.com (mailto:backtobirding@gmail.com)
Meet the Caribbean’s Six New Avian Endemics! – BirdsCaribbean (https://www.birdscaribbean.org/2024/09/meet-the-caribbeans-six-new-avian-endemics/)
David Hollie - eBird (https://ebird.org/profile/MTQ5ODU4/world)
Trip Reports: eBird (https://ebird.org/tripreport/139890), Cloud Birders (https://www.cloudbirders.com/be4/download?filename=HOLLIE_LesserAntilles_0506_2023.pdf)
Please leave a rating wherever you're streaming!
20 Aug 2024
David Hollie on the Lesser Antilles and its endemic birds, Part 1
David Hollie discusses endemic birds of the Lesser Antilles after his experiences targeting them in summer of 2o23. Enjoy! Photos by of David Hollie and Luke Thompson (Northern House Wren).
Photo Gallery: Lesser Antilles with David Hollie, Part 1 Photos (Pixieset) (https://backtobirding.pixieset.com/backtobirdingepisode11/)
Trip Reports: eBird (https://ebird.org/tripreport/139890), Cloud Birders (https://www.cloudbirders.com/be4/download?filename=HOLLIE_LesserAntilles_0506_2023.pdf)
Feel free to contact us at backtobirding@gmail.com!
21 Jul 2024
Using heavy metal to catch grouse!! UTAH Pt. 2
Listen in as Patrick describes in detail the remainder of his trip to Utah; diving into the unique oddities of Greater Sage-Grouse research, the inquisitive tactics of Pinyon Jay research, and the extraordinary birds which can be found above tree line. Enjoy!
Reach out with anything at backtobirding@gmail.com (mailto:backtobirding@gmail.com)
BACK TO BIRDING EPISODE 10 by Back to Birding ( (https://backtobirding.pixieset.com/backtobirdingepisode10/)pixieset.com (http://pixieset.com)) (https://backtobirding.pixieset.com/backtobirdingepisode10/)
https://youtu.be/Sh5EOGeP540?si=jHFTjivPk-PPlxz1 (https://youtu.be/Sh5EOGeP540?si=jHFTjivPk-PPlxz1) Greater Sage-Grouse lek
Please leave a rating wherever you're streaming!
20 Jun 2024
Emergency flight back from Panama?! And UTAH Pt. 1
Join Patrick and Luke for a slightly unconventional episode as they discuss their most recent adventures... some more exhilarating than expected. The first half of the episode dives into Luke's unfortunate emergency flight home from guiding in Panama, and the second half covers the first few birds of Patrick's recent trip to Utah. Part 2 coming promptly. Enjoy!
Reach out with anything at backtobirding@gmail.com (mailto:backtobirding@gmail.com)
Please leave a rating wherever you're streaming!
16 May 2024
Ken Behrens from Naturally Adventurous on birds, travel, and life
In this episode, Luke interviews Ken Behrens from Naturally Adventurous about birding and his experiences traveling the world. Ken is a Tropical Birding guide, Naturally Adventurous co-host, author of multiple books, and ecotourism consultant, among other things. His podcast and website are linked below.
Naturally Adventurous: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naturally-adventurous/id1525204132 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naturally-adventurous/id1525204132)
Ken's website:https://www.ken-behrens.com/ (https://www.ken-behrens.com/)
As always, feel free to contact us at backtobirding@gmail.com (mailto:backtobirding@gmail.com).
29 Apr 2024
A trip to Maine and a trip to Texas!
Patrick and Luke discuss birds from their recent travels. We apologize for the long hiatus from uploads, we've been busy with exam season. We should be back to our regularly scheduled program now.
Bohemian Waxwing recording by Skyler Bol: https://xeno-canto.org/877076.
Contact us at backtobirding@gmail.com
1 Mar 2024
Unforgettable birding during the COLDEST WEEK of winter!
Contact us at backtobirding@gmail.com (mailto:backtobirding@gmail.com)
Photo gallery: BACK TO BIRDING EPISODE 6 by Back to Birding ( (https://backtobirding.pixieset.com/backtobirdingepisode6/)pixieset.com (http://pixieset.com)) (https://backtobirding.pixieset.com/backtobirdingepisode6/)
Luke's Panama tour: https://taralokafoundation.smugmug.com/Birding-in-Panama/n-DBbHWB (https://taralokafoundation.smugmug.com/Birding-in-Panama/n-DBbHWB)
Patrick's trip report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/197684 (https://ebird.org/tripreport/197684)
Luke's trip report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/197354 (https://ebird.org/tripreport/197354)
8 Feb 2024
Birding over winter break! Another rarity at Baylor?
Contact us at backtobirding@gmail.com (mailto:backtobirding@gmail.com)
Photo gallery: BACK TO BIRDING EPISODE 5 by Back to Birding ( (https://backtobirding.pixieset.com/backtobirdingepisode5/)pixieset.com (http://pixieset.com)) (https://backtobirding.pixieset.com/backtobirdingepisode5/)
Luke's Panama tour: https://taralokafoundation.smugmug.com/Birding-in-Panama/n-DBbHWB (https://taralokafoundation.smugmug.com/Birding-in-Panama/n-DBbHWB)
8 Feb 2024
Birding over winter break!
Contact us at backtobirding@gmail.com (mailto:backtobirding@gmail.com)
Photo gallery: BACK TO BIRDING EPISODE 5 by Back to Birding ( (https://backtobirding.pixieset.com/backtobirdingepisode5/)pixieset.com (http://pixieset.com)) (https://backtobirding.pixieset.com/backtobirdingepisode5/)
Luke's Panama tour: https://taralokafoundation.smugmug.com/Birding-in-Panama/n-DBbHWB (https://taralokafoundation.smugmug.com/Birding-in-Panama/n-DBbHWB)
5 Jan 2024
Christmas Bird Count success! First county records, weird birds, and much more
Patrick and Luke dive into their most recent birding outings, including amazing experiences with Christmas Bird Counts (CBC's) and their efforts casually birding.
Contact us at backtobirding@gmail.com (mailto:backtobirding@gmail.com)
Photo gallery: BACK TO BIRDING EPISODE 4 by Back to Birding ( (https://backtobirding.pixieset.com/backtobirdingepisode4/)pixieset.com (http://pixieset.com)) (https://backtobirding.pixieset.com/backtobirdingepisode4/)
Luke's Panama tour: https://taralokafoundation.smugmug.com/Birding-in-Panama/n-DBbHWB (https://taralokafoundation.smugmug.com/Birding-in-Panama/n-DBbHWB)
28 Dec 2023
Sooty Tern from Spanish class? Birding at Baylor High School is amazing!
Patrick and Luke discuss the wonder of birding at Baylor High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, splits, lumps, and much more!
Contact us at backtobirding@gmail.com
Photo gallery: BACK TO BIRDING EPISODE 3 by Back to Birding ( (https://backtobirding.pixieset.com/backtobirdingepisode3/)pixieset.com (http://pixieset.com)) (https://backtobirding.pixieset.com/backtobirdingepisode3/)
Luke's Panama tour: https://taralokafoundation.smugmug.com/Birding-in-Panama/n-DBbHWB (https://taralokafoundation.smugmug.com/Birding-in-Panama/n-DBbHWB)
19 Dec 2023
Tennessee's first Ancient Murrelet and birding hotspots in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Patrick and Luke discuss recent birding (including Tennessee's first Ancient Murrelet and Luke's run down to Alabama), local birding hotspots, and more!
Contact us at backtobirding@gmail.com
Photo gallery: https://backtobirding.pixieset.com/backtobirdingepisode2/ (https://backtobirding.pixieset.com/backtobirdingepisode2/)
Luke's Panama tour: https://taralokafoundation.smugmug.com/Birding-in-Panama/n-DBbHWB (https://taralokafoundation.smugmug.com/Birding-in-Panama/n-DBbHWB)
1 Dec 2023
Meet the Back to Birding hosts, Luke Thompson and Patrick Higgins
Patrick and Luke introduce themselves and discuss why they bird, nemesis birds, favorite memories while birding, and more!
Episode photo gallery: https://backtobirding.pixieset.com/backtobirdingepisode1/ (https://backtobirding.pixieset.com/backtobirdingepisode1/)
Luke's Panama tour: https://taralokafoundation.smugmug.com/Birding-in-Panama/n-DBbHWB (https://taralokafoundation.smugmug.com/Birding-in-Panama/n-DBbHWB)
Contact us at ldtbirds37@gmail.com (mailto:ldtbirds37@gmail.com) or patrickhiggs04@gmail.com (mailto:patrickhiggs04@gmail.com)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.8 / 5
10 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
13 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
22
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
71
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