The Spark Bird Podcast
The Spark Bird Podcast
Podcast Description
The Spark Bird Project is an ongoing community science initiative designed to gather, share, and study the stories of people’s passion for birds. Research findings go directly back to community partners to inform their efforts towards inclusively sparking and sustaining birders. Learn more and share your story at www.spark-bird.org!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores various themes related to birding, conservation, and community engagement. Key topics include the role of nature journaling in connecting with the environment, bird conservation efforts, and inclusive practices in birding. Example episodes cover John Muir Laws discussing the emotional benefits of nature journaling, Scott Weidensaul sharing advancements in bird migration research, and Cat Fribley emphasizing accessibility in birding for individuals with disabilities.
The Spark Bird Project is an ongoing community science initiative designed to gather, share, and study the stories of people’s passion for birds. Research findings go directly back to community partners to inform their efforts towards inclusively sparking and sustaining birders. Learn more and share your story at www.spark-bird.org!
In this episode of the Spark Bird podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Marcia OBara, a retired registered nurse and avid birder. Marcia shares her inspiring journey from Niagara Falls, New York, to Arizona and recounts the spark bird moment in 1984 that ignited her passion for birding.
Despite living with a severe lung disease, Marcia continues to lead accessible birding trips for the Tucson Audubon Society and other organizations. She discusses birding in all 50 states, how the practice has evolved from field guides to apps, and why accessibility in birding matters now more than ever.
A photo by Freya McGregor. Taken in Tuscaloosa AL. Pictured are Freya, Marcia and Patrick Oaks (Freya’s husband)
Resources & Links from This Episode
🕊️ Tucson Bird Alliance – Learn more about Marcia’s work with this organization and their commitment to accessible birding in Arizona: Visit Website
♿ Access Birding – A fantastic resource focused on making birding accessible for all: Explore Access Birding
🗺️ Birdability Map – Discover birding locations with accessibility features near you: View the Map
📚 Birds of the World – An extensive online resource from the Cornell Lab for bird research and identification: Explore Here
🛫 WINGS Birding Tours – Join expert-led birding tours around the world: Learn More
🌍 Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT) – A global birding travel company offering inclusive and educational nature experiences: Visit VENT
🐦 Merlin Bird ID – Identify birds by photo, sound, or description with this powerful app from the Cornell Lab: Download Merlin
📱 eBird Mobile – Log your bird sightings and contribute to global bird science: Get the App
Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction to Marcia OBara
00:58 Marcia’s Spark Bird Story
05:02 The Evolution of Birding
13:15 Making Birding Accessible
15:37 Marcia’s Birding Adventures
23:14 Southeast Arizona Birding Festival
26:38 Resources and Final Thoughts
Disclaimer
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