Hi there chirper or quirkster!!

In this (reluctantly: heartwarming) episode, I’m sharing how birds have been my greatest teachers, motivators, mentors, and mirrors through every major chapter of my life. From American Robins reminding me to stay curious, to Steller’s Jays showing me the power of using my voice, birds have guided me through fear, change, and EVEN the moments when I doubted my own potential (????!).

I talk about how birds helped me rebuild my confidence after moving to NYC, the ways they continue to shape my creative journey as That Quirky Bird Girl, and how every bird — from the bold Blue Jay to the soaring Osprey — has something to teach us about chasing our dreams and staying true to ourselves.

This episode is part storytime // part reflection, and 100% a love letter to the birds that helped me become who I am today.

Check out...- Birds that inspired my confidence and creativity

- The connection between nature, healing, and personal growth

- Why birds are at the heart of my work, my mission, and my joy

Listen now and rediscover your own wings!!

Order your limited edition That Quirky Bird Girl pin here:⁠https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLNBR88D654P9/checkout/ACJQVI63WDTQK7RXNTQ7DGZP⁠Find all my other content, links, and lives here:⁠https://linktr.ee/learnaboutbirds⁠

In this episode, I sit down with Nick Bayard, Executive Director of BirdNote, the beloved nonprofit radio program that has reached over 10 million listeners nationwide with stories that spark wonder and action for our lovely birds.

Nick shares his journey from being a peacekeeper in Paraguay to leading a non-profit that uniquely blends education, storytelling, and even humor to bring bird conservation into people’s daily lives. We reflect on how his time in the Peace Corps shaped his understanding of community, and why humor and authenticity are such powerful tools for connection (cross-linguistically, because yes, he speaks Guarani'!!).

Together, we dive into the ways BirdNote inspires people to take meaningful steps for birds, and how audience engagement and fundraising are essential to sustaining BirdNote's vital mission.

✨Want to support BirdNote? ✨ On October 29th, they’re hosting a special event (VIRTUALLY!!!) to raise funds that help keep their programming streaming for free to national radio stations. Don’t miss the chance to uplift the work of a nonprofit that’s changing the way millions of people see and care for our birds.

Secure your spot here: https://www.birdnote.org/explore/field-notes/2025/10/reasons-celebrate-joy-filled-auction-conversation-j-drew-lanham

Tune in to BirdNote daily hear how storytelling, community, and a little quirkiness can make the world a better place for both birds and people.

birdnote.org

Order your limited edition That Quirky Bird Girl pin here:⁠https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLNBR88D654P9/checkout/ACJQVI63WDTQK7RXNTQ7DGZP⁠Find all my other content, links, and lives here:⁠https://linktr.ee/learnaboutbirds⁠

After a whirlwind of travels, I’m back in New York City and diving headfirst into creating again — and what better place to start than Central Park? 🌳

In this episode, I take you on a joyful, quirky chat in the park, sharing the bird species that call it home (both native and non-native), what makes them unique, and why birdwatching in an urban environment matters more than we realize. From community bird tours to the surprising lack of female birds represented in merchandise (yes, really!), we explore how connecting with birds also connects us to each other.

This episode is an invitation to slow down with me, look up, and rediscover the magic of nature in the city.

Want to join me in person? Check out my upcoming tours here: https://luma.com/thatquirkybirdgirl

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Central Park: Birdwatching Introduction

05:44 The Colorful World of Native Birds

Order your limited edition That Quirky Bird Girl pin here:⁠https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLNBR88D654P9/checkout/ACJQVI63WDTQK7RXNTQ7DGZP⁠Find all my other content, links, and lives here:⁠https://linktr.ee/learnaboutbirds⁠