Curiosity Weekly: Birding for Beginners in a Changing World

Host: Dr. Samantha Amin
Guest: Karina Newsom (Wildlife Biologist, Birder, Environmental Justice Advocate)
Additional Segment: Teresa Carey interviews Miyoko Chu from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Release Date: May 7, 2025

1. Embracing the World of Birding

In this Mother’s Day-themed episode, Dr. Samantha Amin delves into the captivating realm of birding, highlighting the remarkable qualities of avian mothers and the intricate behaviors that make birding an enriching hobby. With spring migration in full swing, Amin sets the stage for an exploration of how birding can be accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of experience level.

Notable Quote:

"Birds might not be the first thing that come to mind on Mother's Day, but hear me out... Bird mothers really go all out." — Dr. Samantha Amin [00:33]

2. Interview with Karina Newsom: Getting Started in Birding

Karina Newsom shares her inspiring journey into birding, emphasizing the vast diversity of bird species in the United States and how this diversity can captivate both novice and seasoned birders alike.

Key Highlights:

• Diversity of Birds:
  Newsom points out that the U.S. is home to nearly a thousand bird species, making birdwatching accessible no matter where you live.

  "There are just a ton of birds to see, no matter where in the US you live." — Karina Newsom [03:28]

• Personal Favorites:
  She mentions her affection for blue jays as her favorite birds and describes the skimmer as the coolest bird she has ever seen due to its unique beak adaptations.

  "The skimmer... it's just, like, the coolest set of adaptations." — Karina Newsom [03:37]

• Advice for Beginners:
  Newsom encourages new birders to start by observing the birds in their immediate environment, using tools like the Merlin Bird ID app to identify species effortlessly.

  "Start where you are, and I mean that very, very literally." — Karina Newsom [05:18]

• Lowering Barriers to Birding:
  She emphasizes the importance of making birding inclusive, especially for communities that may feel unwelcome in outdoor spaces.

  "You never know what you're going to find till you get outside." — Dr. Samantha Amin [04:24]

Community Engagement and Representation:

Newsom discusses her role in organizing the first Black Birders Week, highlighting its significance in fostering a sense of belonging and representation within the birding community.

Notable Quote:

"I want birding to look as diverse as the birds that we are watching." — Karina Newsom [12:38]

3. Teresa Carey Interviews Miyoko Chu: Migration, Climate, and Conservation

In a segment produced by Teresa Carey, Miyoko Chu from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology discusses the complexities of bird migration and the myriad challenges birds face due to environmental changes.

Key Topics:

• Bird Migration and Mortality:
  Chu highlights the staggering number of birds that die each year from window collisions, emphasizing the need for widespread awareness and preventative measures.

  "... birds are hitting glass all year long... up to a billion birds die each year in the US." — Miyoko Chu [16:10]

• Climate Change Impact:
  She explains how shifting climate patterns disrupt migration timing and routes, using the black-throated blue warbler as an example of a species currently able to adapt.

  "There's a lag in how birds are responding... some birds are missing that pulse of food in the spring." — Teresa Carey [20:38]

• Seabirds and Ocean Health:
  The conversation moves to seabirds, discussing how ocean warming and shifting currents affect their food sources and survival rates.

  "Seabirds in general are doing poorly. We're seeing declines of 55 to 95% in some seabird populations." — Teresa Carey [21:08]

• Birds as Ecosystem Indicators:
  Chu underscores the role of birds in signaling broader ecosystem health, referencing historical instances like the decline of raptors leading to the environmental movement sparked by "Silent Spring."

  "Birds are often called the canaries in the coal mine... they're indicators of ecosystem health." — Teresa Carey [22:52]

• International Cooperation in Conservation:
  Addressing the global nature of bird migration, Chu discusses the necessity of cross-border conservation efforts to ensure the protection of migratory routes and habitats.

  "Understanding connectivity is super important for international and national conservation efforts." — Teresa Carey [24:12]

• Technological Advancements:
  The segment concludes with a discussion on innovative tools like BirdCast and the Merlin Bird ID app, which leverage AI and citizen science to enhance bird monitoring and conservation strategies.

  "Merlin lets you identify birds in four different ways... It's made possible by science and millions of birdwatchers." — Teresa Carey [27:37]

Notable Quote:

"The more species people have and can identify, the better they feel. There is such a benefit to just knowing and being aware of this incredible diversity of life." — Karina Newsom [12:38]

4. Collective Effervescence: The Science Behind Crowd Emotions

In the concluding segment, Dr. Samantha Amin explores the concept of collective effervescence, a phenomenon where individuals in a crowd experience a heightened sense of unity and emotional connection. Drawing from sociological research, Amin explains how shared experiences and synchronized actions contribute to this powerful communal feeling.

Key Concepts:

• Definition of Collective Effervescence:
  An emotional buzz that occurs when a group of people come together for a shared experience, leading to feelings of unity and empowerment.

• Essential Elements:

  1. Shared Attentional Focus: Presence of a focal point, such as a performer or speaker.
  2. Coordination of Movements: Synchrony in actions like dancing or cheering.
  3. Emotional Synchrony: Shared emotional experiences, whether joyful or otherwise.

• Scientific Findings:
  Examples include synchronized heart rates among crowd members during intense communal activities and the spatial organization of crowds influencing collective experiences.

Notable Quote:

"Those feelings of unity and transcendence are part of what makes us feel human." — Dr. Samantha Amin [29:45]

5. Closing Thoughts

Dr. Samantha Amin wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with nature, whether through birding or participating in communal activities that foster collective effervescence. She emphasizes the holistic benefits of connecting with both the natural world and fellow humans.

Call to Action:

"Next time you're at a concert, a protest, a church service, or any big group gathering, pay attention to the feelings of the crowd... Those feelings of unity and transcendence are part of what makes us feel human." — Dr. Samantha Amin [29:45]

Conclusion

"Birding for Beginners in a Changing World" serves as an insightful guide for newcomers to birding, while also addressing the broader environmental challenges facing bird populations today. Through engaging interviews and expert commentary, Dr. Samantha Amin and her guests illuminate the intersection of nature, technology, and community, inviting listeners to explore and protect the avian wonders that enrich our world.

Credits:
Produced by the team at Wheelhouse DNA
Senior Producer and Editorial Correspondent: Teresa Carey
Producer: Chiara Noni
Audio Engineer: Nick Karisimi
Head of Production: Cassie Berman

Disclaimer: This summary is intended for informational purposes and reflects the content discussed in the "Birding for Beginners in a Changing World" episode of Curiosity Weekly.