The Bird Joy Podcast

Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall•www.instagram.com

Education

Health & Fitness

Welcome to the Bird Joy Podcast – where birding meets community, curiosity, and connection! Hosted by Dexter "The Wisco Birder" Patterson and Jason "The Birding Beardsman" Hall, this is your go-to show for all things birds, nature, and the joy they bring.

Whether you're a beginner birder, a backyard birdwatcher, or a seasoned avian enthusiast, Bird Joy is your destination to explore the beauty of birds, the importance of conservation, and the power of inclusive outdoor spaces.

What to Expect:

Birding tips for beginners and pros alike
Inspiring stories from birders, naturalists, and STEM professionals
Deep dives into urban birding, green spaces, and conservation efforts
Honest conversations about equity, access, and inclusivity in nature
Updates on birding trends, tech, and tools

Each episode celebrates how birds connect us to nature, to science, and one another. With expert guests, heartfelt stories, and a shared love for our feathered friends, Bird Joy is more than a podcast—it's a movement.

Discover the magic of birding. Build community. Find your flock.

Subscribe to the Bird Joy Podcast today—because everyone deserves a little more joy, and a few more birds, in their life.

Last refreshed: July 26th, 2025 at 5:05 PM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Birding and Mental Health

Join Dexter and Jason as they delve into the mental health benefits of birding. Even when you have to wake up at 4 am to see Greater Prairie Chickens in freezing cold weather, there is still an immense health benefit. Those moments when you can commune with and observe nature provide joy, anxiety reduction , stress reduction , happiness , and perspective. Sometimes we forget that birding presents challenges through adventure and pursuit of birds. The payoff for finally seeing the bird is a rush ...

Jun 14, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 8

Birding as a Family

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Bird Joy Podcast. This week, Dexter and Jason delve into birding as a family, sharing insights, tips, and heartwarming stories on how birding can bring families closer together and foster a love for nature. The episode kicks off with tips for parents on introducing children to birding. It focuses on age-appropriate bird identification techniques and engaging activities that make birding fun for kids (like learning the pneumonic for the Eastern Towhee or finding non-bi...

Jun 07, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Birding on a Budget

In this week's unique episode of The Bird Joy Podcast, Dexter and Jason, both avid birdwatchers and budget-conscious individuals, delve into the world of birdwatching on a budget. They share their tips on budget-friendly birding equipment, including affordable binoculars, field guides, and bird feeders. The hosts also provide creative DIY projects, such as homemade bird feeders and baths. They highlight the benefits of shopping at second-hand stores or online marketplaces for discounted equipmen...

May 31, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Ethical Birding

In this week’s episode, join Dexter and Jason as they discuss some key birding ethics that one needs to know and consider when finding bird joy. Everything from dogs and pets off leash while trying to experience Eastern Meadowlarks to the use of lasers to help folks get on birds, the attempt (and sometimes failure) to see birds like the Eastern Towhee , and the controversial practice of playing bird calls to lure birds in (why would you do this for Short-eared Owls ?). Key attention is given to ...

May 24, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Diversity in Birding

In this week's episode, join Dexter and Jason as they dive into why having a diverse birding community is essential. They discuss some of their experiences and growth since the inaugural Black Birders Week , like finding a connection to Dr. Drew Lanham's book, “ The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature .” This episode is about our journey and passion to create a more diverse birding community and why that should mirror the diversity we see in birds like the cool Ruff . ...

May 17, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 4

How to Start Birding Joyfully!

In this week's episode, join Dexter and Jason as they cover the ins and outs of how to get started in your own birding journey. The guys cover building community in your local patch, choosing the right pair of binoculars for you, the most helpful bird guide and identification tools for your area, and most importantly, how to find that #BirdJoy in the process. Join them as they share in the joys of building a diverse birding community by accepting folks as they are. Are you excited to get started...

May 10, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Why Birding?

Chill with Dexter and Jason as they talk about the anticipation of Spring migration and why birding is an incredibly rewarding activity. They get into those formative and continuing birding experiences with a Tufted Titmouse sparkbird, various owls that sometimes sell you lollipops , and a single Red-Flanked Bluetail in New Jersey . They discuss how community and “Bird Nerd” euphoria are created through birding, for example, chillin' with some blinged-out (banded) Common Grackles . This episode ...

May 04, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Welcome to the Bird Joy Podcast!

In this episode, Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall welcome our fellow bird nerds into a space to celebrate Bird Joy. We cover displaying Red-winged Blackbirds , taunting Northern Mockingbirds , and even a lost Yellow-billed Loon in Las Vegas. This episode is all about vibing with nature and the restlessness that comes with Spring fever. Join us as we create space for new birders through the equitable, diverse, safe, meaningful, ethical, inclusive, and joyful pursuit of our fluffy homies. Be sure t...

Apr 30, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 1

← Prev

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android