Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast - podcast cover

Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast

Rob Portersongbirding.com
Songbirding takes you on an auditory journey through the songs of birds. Recorded entirely outdoors, a variety of songbird species from the Great Lakes region of North America are featured. Each episode provides listeners with a unique and immersive experience, as they listen to the beautiful melodies and calls of different birds in their natural habitats. Along with the sounds, birding guide Rob Porter shares interesting facts and insights about the birds, providing a deeper understanding of their behaviour and significance in the ecosystems they inhabit. Twice nominated as best Science Podcast in the Canadian Podcast Awards. The seasons focus on, in order -- 1: Bruce Peninsula, Ontario (July 2019); 2: Southern Ontario (August 2019); 3: Southern Ontario (Spring 2020); 4: Mid-western & Southern Ontario (2020-2021); 5: Johnston Harbour, Ontario (2021-2023); 6: Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania (2022-2024); 7: Kananaskis Country, Alberta (forthcoming, 2023-2026?). For those with high-frequency hearing loss, please search for "Songbirding Under 5kHz" Credits Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. Cover art by Lauren Helton - https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/ Support the show at https://songbirding.com/support
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Episodes

S6E39 - Minister Creek Trail, Part 6

After several hours exploring, I’m ready to conclude my hike of the Minister Creek Trail. Even though noon is soon approaching, the bird’s songs are still going strong! Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward. Learn how to sup...

Jun 30, 202528 minSeason 6Ep. 39

S6E38 - Minister Creek Trail, Part 5 (Black-and-white Warbler)

The Black-and-white warbler is striking in both its pattern and behaviour. Its zebra-striped plumage combined with its nuthatch-like behaviour of climbing up tree trunks and hanging upside down off branches, makes it a unique warbler. The song of the Black-and-white Warbler is a fairly simple, consistent 2 to 3 second staccato trill that can sometimes be very quiet. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created ...

Jun 23, 202530 minSeason 6Ep. 38

S6E37 - Minister Creek Trail, Part 4 (Canada Warbler)

The Canada Warbler is colourful, energetic little bird found in the understory of northern forests throughout Canada and the northeastern United States. It's sometimes called the "necklaced" warbler due to its black necklace pattern across its yellow chest. The song of the Canada Warbler is loud, clear, and can vary by individual but generally always is a cheery rapid tune, sung from a low perch. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, en...

Jun 16, 202523 minSeason 6Ep. 37

S6E36 - Minister Creek Trail, Part 3 (Rose-breasted Grosbeak)

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is an iconic songbird species: the male's bright and cheery song, and equality cheery and rosy plumage makes it a highly sought-after backyard bird. The song is sometimes referred to as, "sounding like an American Robin who has taken singing lessons". Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https...

Jun 09, 202521 minSeason 6Ep. 36

S6E35 - Minister Creek Trail, Part 2 (Eastern Chipmunk)

When learning birds calls and songs, there are a few non-avian sounds that are useful to know. Sometimes mammals, such the Eastern Chipmunk sound like what you could imagine to be a bird call. It can sound like the chipping calls of a number of bird species, and sometimes it can even make a clacking call that is similar to that of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo! Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Por...

Jun 02, 202524 minSeason 6Ep. 35

S6E34 - Minister Creek Trail, Part 1

For the next few episodes we’ll be exploring one of my favourite birding hikes yet — the Minister Creek Trail. I came to this trail knowing nearly nothing about it, and yet seem to have found the perfect time to explore it — in early June when the rhododendrons are blooming and birdsong is in abundance. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) ...

May 26, 202525 minSeason 6Ep. 34

Migrations: World Migratory Bird Day 2025

Saturday May 10th, 2025 is World Migratory Bird Day. This annual event held every year on the second Saturday in May for the US and Canada, and second Saturday in October in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. For extra content, see Patreon https://www.patreon.com/songbirding Credits Songbirding: World Migratory Bird Day 2025 is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Laur...

May 10, 202549 min

S6E33 - The Beaver Meadows Loop, Part 2

The slow hike concludes as we hear more Red-headed and Blue-headed Vireos, Ovenbirds, and more. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward. Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support Support Songbirding: A B...

May 05, 202524 minSeason 6Ep. 33

S6E32 - The Beaver Meadows Loop, Part 1

It's a lazy and hazy afternoon, and we're going to hike the Beaver Meadows Loop in Allegheny National Forest. Some species encountered include Common Yellowthroat, Red-winged Blackbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, and more. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative ...

Apr 28, 202527 minSeason 6Ep. 32

S6E31 - The Buzzard Swamp, Part 2 (Song Sparrow)

In our concluding hike of this area, the wind picks up but so do the bird songs! Song Sparrow, House Wren, Yellow Warbler, and Common Yellowthroat are just a few species we encounter in the last leg of the journey. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons...

Apr 08, 202532 minSeason 6Ep. 31

S6E30 - The Buzzard Swamp, Part 1 (Alder/Willow Flycatcher)

Now we follow an open access road into the Buzzard Swamp proper, encountering many new species, such as Common Yellowthroats, Field Sparrow, House Wren, and various flycatchers. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward. Learn h...

Mar 24, 202530 minSeason 6Ep. 30

S6E29 - Intermezzo (Blackburnian Warbler)

As we take a "lunch" break between the Songbird Sojourn Trail and the Buzzard Swamp, a Gray Catbird, Blackburnian Warbler, and various other birds sing. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward. Learn how to support the show at...

Mar 10, 202525 minSeason 6Ep. 29

S6E28 - Songbird Sojourn, Part 3 (Brown Creeper)

The songs continue along the Songbird Sojourn -- including Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and many more. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward. Learn how to support the show at https://songb...

Mar 03, 202533 minSeason 6Ep. 28

S6E27 - Songbird Sojourn, Part 2 (Ovenbird)

As we continue the Songbird Sojourn Trail, Ovenbirds, Blue-headed Vireos, Red-eyed Vireos and various other species are heard. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward. Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/s...

Feb 24, 202523 minSeason 6Ep. 27

S6E26 - Songbird Sojourn, Part 1 (Tufted Titmouse)

It's 2023 and I've returned to Allegheny National Forest. For the next few episodes we'll be exploring the Buzzard Swamp, starting with the aptly named Songbird Sojourn trail. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward. Learn how...

Feb 17, 202524 minSeason 6Ep. 26

Special: Return to Otter Lake, Part 3

We conclude the hike, starting with some unhappy blackbirds, and rounding off with Red-eyed Vireos and Black-throated Green Warblers. Credits Songbirding: Return to Otter Lake is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Scott Buckley. Learn how to further support the show at https://songbirding...

Dec 17, 202421 min

Special: Return to Otter Lake, Part 2

We continue the hike by exploring the shore along Otter Lake, including Common Yellowthroats, Swamp Sparrows, Song Sparrows, and more. Credits Songbirding: Return to Otter Lake is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Scott Buckley. Learn how to further support the show at https://songbirdin...

Nov 26, 202428 min

Special: Return to Otter Lake, Part 1

It’s been five years since I first recorded birdsong at the Otter Lake Side Trail in Cape Chin North on the Bruce Peninsula. In this three part series, we'll return for another morning hike. A video version is forthcoming and the link will be added here when ready. Credits Songbirding: Return to Otter Lake is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbon...

Nov 19, 202425 min

Special: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp, Part 3

For this special fifth anniversary series we'll be exploring the Beverly Swamp in Flamborough, Ontario, Canada during the summer solstice of 2024. This hike was also video recorded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et9KCRoHDMc Credits Songbirding: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/534406...

Nov 05, 202426 min

Special: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp, Part 2

For this special fifth anniversary series we'll be exploring the Beverly Swamp in Flamborough, Ontario, Canada during the summer solstice of 2024. This hike was also video recorded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et9KCRoHDMc Credits Songbirding: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/534406...

Oct 29, 202425 min

Special: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp, Part 1

For this special fifth anniversary series we'll be exploring the Beverly Swamp in Flamborough, Ontario, Canada during the summer solstice of 2024. This hike was also video recorded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et9KCRoHDMc Credits Songbirding: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/534406...

Oct 02, 202425 min

S6E25 - Allegheny State Park in July, Part 2

I’m wrapping up my exploration of the Red House Wetlands at Allegheny State Park in New York state. Even though its late in the day for birdsong, there are still a couple new species to be heard during my last recording of 2022. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Cr...

Sep 17, 202428 minSeason 6Ep. 25

S6E24 - Allegheny State Park in July, Part 1

For the next couple episodes, we'll be exploring the New York side of the the forest -- specifically within the bounds of the Allegheny State Park. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw. Learn how to support the show at https:/...

Aug 27, 202424 minSeason 6Ep. 24

S6E23 - The Timberdoodle Flats, Part 2 (Eastern Towhee)

We continue through the Timberdoodle Flats, and encounter Eastern Towhees, Chestnut-sided Warblers, and more. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw. Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support Support Songb...

Aug 15, 202428 minSeason 6Ep. 23

S6E22 - The Timberdoodle Flats, Part 1

The Timberdoodle Flats are in the northeast of the ANF, and are a different kind of habitat -- a mix of meadows, forest, and open prairie. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw. Learn how to support the show at https://songbird...

Jul 16, 202424 minSeason 6Ep. 22

S6E21 - Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 5

As the hike approaches the end, Dark-eyed Juncos, Winter Wren and Magnolia Warblers are encountered while many more newts are found. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw. Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.co...

Jul 02, 202424 minSeason 6Ep. 21

S6E20 - Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 4

I’m continuing my early morning hike along Deer Lick Run, and am now heading back downstream towards my campsite. It’s been just over an hour since sunrise, and the dawn chorus is still going strong. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from ...

Jun 18, 202429 minSeason 6Ep. 20

S6E19 - Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 3 (Common Yellowthroat)

The hike continues with Common Yellowthoats, Indigo Buntings, and much more. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw. Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast ...

Jun 11, 202428 minSeason 6Ep. 19

S6E18 - Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 2 (Magnolia Warbler)

The dawn hike up Deer Lick Run continues, including some morning songs from Magnolia Warblers. eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115878501 Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonm...

May 28, 202429 minSeason 6Ep. 18

S6E17 - Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 1

At sunrise every morning during bird breeding season, habitats everywhere erupt into birdsong. This is referred to as the Dawn Chorus, and depending on where you live, it could be just a few neighbourhood backyard birds, or a deafening cacophony of various species competing to be heard the most. I’m taking advantage of staying at campgrounds that have access to exceptional nature trails. Rather than driving somewhere to record, I’m going straight from the tent to the trails that meander up throu...

May 21, 202426 minSeason 6Ep. 17
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