This Month in Birding: December 2020
December 24, 2020
It’s the end of December and the end of 2020, and the This Month in Birding crew takes a broader look at the month and the year that was and looks forward to a brighter 2021 in birds. Host Nate Swick is joined this week by The Birdist Nick Lund, co-host of the Bird Sh*t podcast Mo Stych, and host of Topic’s Birds of North America Jason Ward to talk about the eBirdification of birding, whether seeing birds is the same as getting a raise, weird bird noses, and what we loved about 2020, a year that had a lot to offer despite, well, you know.
Links to topics discussed:
Access to greater bird diversity can generate as much happiness as getting a raise.
Birdsong increases the well-being of hikers
Bird beaks can detect vibrations
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The American Birding Podcast brings together staff and friends of the American Birding Association as we talk about birds, birding, travel and conservation in North America and beyond.
Join host Nate Swick every other Thursday for news and happenings, recent rarities, guests from around the birding world, and features of interest to every birder.
Nate, I couldn’t agree more with your statements regarding music on hiking trails or in the outdoors in general. Has been a pet peeve of mine for years. Thanks for another great podcast.
The way you talk it as if ebird is the only place to keep lists, perhaps because most began birding when it already existed. There are several other listing programs that some of us were/ are using for life/ trip lists. It is true they don’t contribute to citizen science in the same way but there isn’t he pressure to put so much in.
A good point, thanks!
What struck me as an older birder who has only become an avid Ebird user in the last 2 years, is the great effect social media and websites have had not only on birding and birders, but on many other outdoor activities. I think your conversation on the “dark side of Ebird”was superficial in regard to this and focused on the benefits of Ebird for your own convenience, without discussing impacts that are occurring in the field. Uncommon or rare birds now draw an onslaught of viewers that continues year-round. I have seen nesting areas trampled and crowds of people… Read more »
I am seeing more photographers going for the close shot of a rare bird and pushing birds away or off a food source. These people are not always listing. They are posting photos on social media, photo repositories and forums. The accolades and reactions on social media seem to be more of an inspiration. Birding ethics are taking a back seat to getting a better shot.
I, like many birders, began birding long before eBird (1995). I’m not a “lister”, and to me the idea of using my phone while birding sounds terrible. I want to experience being in nature and focus on what the bird looks, sounds like, what it’s doing. I’m a professional biologist and of course collect data for my job, but not for my own enjoyment in the field. I was offended by the consensus of the panel here who suggested that birding without eBird was lesser, even comparing people who don’t use eBird to “vegans”? It was so off-putting and I’m… Read more »
Hi Sarah, did you listen to the entire episode or just the clip posted in social media, because I think you’ll find that this wasn’t at all our conclusion.
Just got around to listening to this episode! I too am an older birdwatcher (and a vegan!) who’s been at it long before ebird. The enjoyment of looking at birds and the excitement of coming across a new species is not for me enhanced by ebird. I do try to submit birds to ebird but it’s definately not my main focus when I’m outside walking around. When it’s cold out, your fingers are frozen, your nose is running and your glasses are fogged from the mask the last thing I want to do is type on my phone. My life… Read more »
Whatever way you bird is a great way to bird! Thanks for your comment, Deb!