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Few artists see the world like Matt Patterson. A lifelong wildlife illustrator and painter, Matt brings to life the hidden world of turtles, reptiles, and amphibians—creatures too often overlooked but central to the ecosystems around us.

In this episode, Scott Harris talks with Matt about his lifelong love of nature, his creative process, and his collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Sy Montgomery on their beloved Book of Turtles and The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle.

From the story of “Fire Chief,” a rescued snapping turtle now living safely in Matt’s backyard pond, to fieldwork in Madagascar, Belize, and beyond, their conversation celebrates the intersection of art, science, and deep compassion for the natural world.

They also explore:

• The difference between painting and photographing wildlife
• How art can drive conservation
• Why every turtle matters
• Adventures with rare species, from radiated tortoises to cold-stunned sea turtles

Matt’s work has earned international acclaim—including the Roger Tory Peterson Wildlife Art Award and the Artists for Conservation Medal of Excellence—but his true success lies in inspiring others to see the beauty and worth of every living thing.

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Few people have shaped modern ornithology like Dr. John Fitzpatrick, the longtime Director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and one of the visionaries behind eBird and Merlin. In this conversation, Scott Harris sits down with Fitz to explore the global transformation of birding—from field notebooks and film cameras to the data-driven citizen-science revolution that connects millions of observers worldwide.

From his early research on tropical flycatchers to decades of conservation work with the Florida Scrub-Jay, Fitzpatrick’s career has been defined by curiosity, mentorship, and an unshakable belief that birds can unite people across cultures and continents.

Tune in as they discuss:

• How eBird became the world’s largest wildlife database
• The origin and future of the Merlin Bird ID app
• Lessons from a lifetime studying endangered species
• Why curiosity remains the beating heart of conservation science

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Peter Kaestner has lived one of the most extraordinary birding lives on Earth. From his early adventures as a teenager in India to his years in the Peace Corps, Peter went on to serve as a U.S. diplomat across the globe—while quietly becoming the first person in history to see 10,000 bird species. In this conversation, he joins Scott Harris to share stories from jungles and mountaintops, the discovery of the bird that bears his name, and the lifelong wonder that keeps him chasing feathers across continents.

🕊️ Guest: Peter Kaestner — Diplomat, explorer, and the first human ever to record 10,000 bird species
🎧 Host: Scott Harris | Naturally Scott
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n this continuation of Scott Harris’ conversation with bestselling author and naturalist Scott Weidensaul, we dive deeper into the breathtaking world of bird migration — the science, the mystery, and the fragile magic that connects continents through flight.

From radar tracking and satellite tags to the sheer endurance of warblers, godwits, and Arctic terns, this discussion explores how birds navigate an ever-changing world and what that means for the future of conservation.

If you haven’t already, go back and listen to Episode 18 — “Migration, Marvels & The Secret Life of Birds” to hear the start of this incredible conversation.

Stay curious, stay kind, and keep watching the skies. 🌍🕊️

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Scott Weidensaul joins Naturally Scott to dive deep into the astonishing world of bird migration — from tiny warblers crossing oceans to owls riding the jet stream and the science that’s still unfolding. Scott is a Pulitzer Prize finalist, field researcher, and author of A World on the Wing and Living on the Wind, two of the most influential books ever written on migration and the global web that connects us all.

In this conversation, Scott Harris and Scott Weidensaul explore the mysteries of navigation, the marvels of endurance, and how conservation is evolving to protect these travelers on their journeys across hemispheres.

📺 This conversation ran long — this is Part 1. Part 2 will drop later today!

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In this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott Harris sits down with Hob Osterlund — writer, nurse, and founder of the Kauaʻi Albatross Network. Hob shares her lifelong connection with the Laysan albatross, the extraordinary birds who nest on Kauaʻi, and what these seabirds can teach us about resilience, community, and hope.

We explore:

• The beauty and mystery of the albatross and their lifelong bonds
• Hob’s personal journey from nursing to conservation
• The challenges of protecting seabirds on Hawaiʻi’s shores
• Why albatross inspire awe, joy, and healing in human lives

This is a moving conversation about nature, grief, and the power of connection.

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In this episode of Naturally Scott, Scott Harris is joined by acclaimed writer, artist, and naturalist Julie Zickefoose. Julie has spent a lifetime capturing the beauty of birds and wildlife through both her art and her stories, and she brings that same passion and curiosity to this conversation.

Together, Scott and Julie explore:

• The intersection of art and conservation
• Memorable encounters with birds that shaped her work and worldview
• The power of storytelling in nature writing
• What it means to live a life fully immersed in the natural world

Julie’s illustrations and words have inspired countless people to see wildlife with new eyes, and this episode is no exception. Whether you’re a birder, an artist, or simply someone who loves a good story from the outdoors, you’ll find plenty here to spark your curiosity.

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Stay curious, and enjoy the conversation!

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Bracken Cave Preserve outside San Antonio is home to 15–20 million Mexican free-tailed bats, the largest bat colony on Earth and the densest concentration of mammals in the world. Fran Hutchins of Bat Conservation International joins Scott Harris to share the astonishing story of Bracken Cave — from batnados spiraling into the sky, to flesh-eating beetles deep inside the guano-filled cavern, to how these bats save farmers millions of dollars each year in natural pest control.

We dive into the magic of watching millions of bats emerge at sunset, the cave’s 10,000-year history, and why bats are critical pollinators and seed dispersers across the globe. This episode is a rare look at one of nature’s greatest spectacles and why protecting these animals means protecting ecosystems everywhere.

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