Mason sits down with Dr. Mya Thompson of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to explore what happens when curiosity about sound becomes a career studying how animals communicate.

Dr. Thompson shares how a high school lesson about the physics of sound led her to the Cornell Lab, where she studied bird songs, whales, and eventually elephants. Mason learns how scientists study elephant sounds humans can't hear and how they can turn those hidden communications into something we can see.

They also talk about making science fun, creating learning experiences for kids, and Dr. Thompson's graphic novel Winged Heroes, which turns real bird abilities into an adventure story.

Along the way, Mason and Dr. Thompson talk about curiosity, representation in science, and why kids who love birds should know they're part of a much bigger community.

This is Part 1 of Mason's conversation with Dr. Mya Thompson.

🌿 Black Bird Joy

A young birder's journey exploring birds, nature, and the people who inspire us to look closer.

🌐 Website:
https://blackbirdjoy.com

📸 Instagram:
@blackbirdjoyofficial

🎙️ Follow the podcast so you never miss a new adventure, field note, or interview.

Birds. Nature. Community. Joy.

Mason continues his conversation with Dr. Robert "Birding Bob" DeCandido; this time, they're going global! Dr. Bob shares stories and lessons from birding around the world, including Ecuador, where an incredible diversity of birds can sometimes mean seeing dozens of different species around you.

Mason and Dr. Bob talk about bird diversity, memorable adventures, and what years of exploring and studying birds have taught him. Come along for Part 2 and discover just how far a love of birds can take you.

🌿 Black Bird Joy

A young birder's journey exploring birds, nature, and the people who inspire us to look closer.

🌐 Website:
https://blackbirdjoy.com

📸 Instagram:
@blackbirdjoyofficial

🎙️ Follow the podcast so you never miss a new adventure, field note, or interview.

Birds. Nature. Community. Joy.

Mason sits down with Dr. Robert “Birding Bob” DeCandido, a lifelong birder and scientist who has spent decades studying birds and helping others discover them. Mason first met Dr. Bob on one of his bird walks in Central Park. In Part 1 of their conversation, Dr. Bob shares how he became fascinated with birds, how birding became part of his life, and why discovering a new bird can feel a little like finding treasure.

From growing up in New York City to a lifetime of watching, studying, and sharing birds with others, this episode is all about where a love of birds can take you.

🌿 Black Bird Joy

A young birder's journey exploring birds, nature, and the people who inspire us to look closer.

🌐 Website:
https://blackbirdjoy.com

📸 Instagram:
@blackbirdjoyofficial

🎙️ Follow the podcast so you never miss a new adventure, field note, or interview.

Birds. Nature. Community. Joy.