Ray Brown's Talkin' Birds is a call-in show of entertaining conversation about wild birds -- attracting them to your back yard, identifying them, feeding them, and learning more about them along the way. Every week, we have contests for prizes like bird feeders and other great bird-related stuff, along with expert guests. So, whether you're an experienced birder, or you're new to birding, listen in, and be part of the show by calling in with a question, sharing some information or observations, or trying for one of our prizes. It's birdwatching--in the backyard and beyond.
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Sep 27, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: bird and conservation perspectives from Central America, Chicago, and Cape Cod.
Sep 20, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: festival news from one of the world’s top ten birdwatching locations; plus, more about how to make our backyards more bird- and wildlife-friendly, and a…
Sep 13, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: We learn about Audubon Rhode Island’s leading-edge work in sustainable energy and the fight against bird-killing rodenticides. Plus, we meet the wide-ranging…
Sep 6, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show (#1,106 Sept. 6): Another bird brought back from the brink — in New Zealand this time. Plus, our Freya McGregor’s birding accessibility research, and Mike…
Aug 30, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest ahow: Mike O’Connor’s hummingbird feeder advice, a bird that may soon have its name changed, and a preview of a big raptor weekend.
Aug 23, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: Hummingbirds drinking fermented nectar; Mike explaining goldfinch behavior; and a Violet-green Swallow singing in San Diego.
Aug 16, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: a crazy-amazing vocalist from Australia, an audio postcard from Alaska; and Mike O'Connor’s thoughts about hummingbird tongues.
Aug 9, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: An audio postcard from South Africa; a bird that eats feathers; and Mike O’Connor’s advice on buying a bird feeder.
Aug 2, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: Twin Sisters from Gaza explain how watching birds help them cope with the horrific conditions there. Plus, the remarkable Sword-billed Hummingbird.
Jul 26, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: We find out why Mike O’Connor has stopped feeding birds (temporarily); we revisit a chat with the great Rosemary Mosco, author of the hilarious Birding…
Jul 19, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: Birds showing up in unexpected places; a new technique for returning Amazon parrots to the wild; and some good peanut talk with Mike O’Connor.
Jul 12, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: The migration champion Red Knot; Mike O’Connor’s birdbath algae experiment; and special guest Johnathan Berard on the problem with plastic (here in…
Jul 5, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show (#1,097 July 5): New research on how birds find their way; audio postcards from California and Central America; and Mike’s colorful commentary about baby birds.
Jun 28, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: Luke Safford on why Southeast Arizona is a great August destination. Plus, we salute conservation initiatives in Rhode Island, and Mike O’Connor tells the…
Jun 21, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: Guest Steve Brusatte on his great new book about birds as dinosaurs; more squirrel-stopping advice from Mike O’Connor; and some good news for our National…
Jun 14, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: Sisterhood Birding (by and for women birders); Mike O’Connor’s advice for when you find a baby bird in your backyard; and an avian audio postcard from the…
Jun 7, 2026
May 31, 2026
May 24, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: Mike O's advice about nest boxes; Spanish for traveling birders and conservationists; and a marvelous member of the Mimidae family.
May 17, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: Rosy Tucker on the magic of Hog Island; David Clapp’s live bird report from Kentucky; and Mike’s musings about mealworms.
May 10, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: Mike O'Connor's advice on keeping your hummers healthy; Tasha Messer on mentoring young birders; and a Plirding (Picking Up litter While Birding) audio…
May 3, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: Our friend, the Chipping Sparrow; Mike O’Connor on Plirding; and the Hidden World of Nests and Eggs with Robyn Bailey.
Apr 26, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: the importance of egg shells; a fabulous festival on a Great Lake shore; and a hawk that acts like a vulture.
Apr 19, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: Mike’s advice on protecting nest boxes and their inhabitants; a return look at the dangers of neonic pesticides; and a feature on the spectacular scissor-tail.
Apr 12, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: The Global Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon; Mike O’Connor’s advice on feeder care; Glossy Ibis from Michigan, and the world’s most dangerous bird.
Apr 5, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: New information on how global temperature increases are affecting bird migration. Plus, an audio postcard from New Orleans, LA; and Let’s Ask Mike Live from…
Mar 29, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: The Wild Seed Project’s Emily Baisden as Gardening for Birds Month special guest; a tiny owl from the deep Southwest; and Mike O’Connor’s thoughts about cage…
Mar 22, 2026 · 30:00
On out latest show: Early Spring Audio Postcards from Minnesota and South Carolina; Mike O’Connor’s report on his visit to Congaree National Park; and a Science Corner report on…
Mar 15, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: Conservation Scientist Desirée Narango explains why preserving the bird;insect/plant food web is so important for our gardens; plus, we get an Audio Postcard…
Mar 8, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: Gardening for Birds Month continues with sustainable gardening expert Edwina von Gal, and Week 2 of our Name the Takin’ Birds Garden Frog contest.
Mar 1, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: Colorado Master Gardener Kaitlyn Parkins on gardening with native plants; Cape Cod’s Mike O’Connor on enhancing your backyard bird experience; and the…
Feb 22, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: a cool audio postcard from New Zealand; plans for an exciting statewide birding trail in Georgia; and Mike O’Connor’s thoughts on American Robins in winter.
Feb 15, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: We meet a torrent-taming duck; Mike weighs in on Angel Wing syndrome; and we hear the pro side of the Barred Owl culling debate.
Feb 8, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: The Great Backyard Bird Count; the silky star of the southwest; and Mike O’Connor on the Birdman Cult of Easter Island.
Feb 1, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: Susan Bonfield on the partnership to save our hummingbirds; Freya McGregor’s second audio postcard from Australia; and Mike O’Connor’s Short-eared Owl…
Jan 25, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: Animal Wellness Action’s Wayne Pacelle explains his group opposition to a plan to cull Barred Owls to save Spotted Owls. Plus, a featured bird from South…
Jan 18, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: How woodpeckers can do what they do; the story of the “Plunging Goose;” and Mike’s thoughts about hummingbirds enduring northern winters.
Jan 11, 2026 · 30:00
On our latest show: A preview of a big birding festival; a salute to an Audubon chapter’s 100th Anniversary; and Mike O’Connor’s advice on feeding birds during snowstorms
Jan 11, 2026 · 30:00
Dec 28, 2025
On our latest show: The Five Forests of Central America, and their importance for birds: Mike O’Connor’s thoughts about bird lists and journals; and an Audio Postcard from a San…
Dec 21, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show (#1,069 Dec. 21): The five Kiwi species of New Zealand; Mike O’Connor on mixed winter bird flocks; and Freya McGregor on how she’s helping make birding…
Dec 14, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: How birds can coexist with wind turbines, and Mike’s gift-giving ideas for bird lovers.
Dec 7, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show -- the American Bird Conservancy’s Hardy Kern explains the threats to the Endangered Species Act — and what we can do to protect it. Plus, we feature a bird…
Nov 30, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show (#1,066 Nov. 30): A shiny bird with a bad reputation; Donald Ditzenberger’s expert advice on choosing a spotting scope; and a Mike O’Connor segment on dabbling…
Nov 23, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: Towhee vs Towhee Audio Postcards from California; Ohio’s EveryBody Birding Club; and Mike’s advice for a topic that won’t cause trouble at your family holiday…
Nov 16, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: an audio postcard from Western Australia, and a spectacular featured bird from there; plus a revisit with some folks who are making a Washington, D.C. river…
Nov 9, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: An Audio Postcard from northern Canada; Project FeederWatch 2025; and fascinating feather facts from Mike O’Connor. Hear it here: Talkinbirds.com/archive
Nov 2, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: We meet a really big jay from South Texas; hear about Jeff Reiter’s Words on Birds; and address a listener’s question about putting copper discs in your bird…
Oct 26, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show (#1,061 Oct. 26): an Audio Postcard from Mississippi, avian observations from Minnesota, and some birds-and-baseball connections.
Oct 19, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: A birding by motorcylce audio postcard; a featured bird getting ready to brighten winter backyards; and Mike O’Connor’s rainy day birding tips.
Oct 12, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: Audio postcards from Canada and Slovakia; a featured bird from the Galápagos Islands; and why birds are having longer days.
Oct 5, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: Shawn Carey with a live report from raptor migration hotspot Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania; plus news about Tyler Hoar’s new winter finch forecast.
Sep 28, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: an update on Carol Turek’s quest to find and photograph every hummingbird species on the planet. Plus, Mike O’Connor’s advice for a listener with a Wild…
Sep 21, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show (#1,056 Sept. 21): Mike O’Connor with hawk migration hotspots in the U.S. and Canada; Lindsey Broadhead on a big crane festival in Wisconsin; and an…
Sep 14, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: The world’s most dangerous bird; a multiple species audio postcard from southeast Arizona; and saving birds from window collisons.
Sep 7, 2025 · 30:00
Our latest show is a live-audience remote broadcast from Audubon Rhode Island’s Raptor Weekend with special guest Master Falconer Greg Martel.
Aug 31, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: Disc Golf and Birding in a Tennessee state park; Mike O’Connor on under-appreciated birding locales; and Marcia OBara’s accessible birding story.
Aug 24, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show ( #1,052 Aug. 24): An audio postcard from Brittany, France; Mike O’Connor’s advice on keeping your backyard birds healthy; and a bird some say is better seen…
Aug 17, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: Avian audio Postcards from California and Hungary; early September birding festivals; and a featured sweet singer that will soon be heading to the tropics.
Aug 10, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: the world’s largest migrating shorebird; saving Hawaiian birds from avian malaria; Mike’s list of best hummingbird-attracting flowers; and an audio postcard…
Aug 3, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: a marsh monster from East Africa (the Shoebill); an audio postcard from the Appalachian Trail; and fascinating (gold)finch facts from Mike O'Connor.
Jul 27, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: Our biggest backyard bird feeding mistakes; a visit to the Science Corner; and another reason to take part in Plastic-free July.
Jul 20, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: A cloud forest audio postcard; a preview of a great urban birding festival; and Mike O’Connor’s thoughts about kingbirds.
Jul 13, 2025 · 30:00
This week's show features a screech owl audio postcard from New Jersey; bird sightings from Costa Rica; and Mike O'Connor’s thoughts about feeding peanuts to your backyard birds.
Jul 6, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: The world’s smallest bird; Mike O’Connor with advice for a backyard birder with a finch problem; and Eve Fox with details on the worldwide effort of…
Jun 29, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: a favorite interview with a bird tour leader from Alberta, Canada; a featured bird from Europe; and Mike O'Connor's advice on preventing squirrel damage to…
Jun 22, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: A very birdy audio postcard from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Luke Safford detailing a great upcoming birding festival; and Mike O’Connor sounding off…
Jun 15, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: The Great name-saying Kiskadee; a Kirtland’s Warbler Audio Postcard; and one woman’s quest to find and photograph all of the world’s hummingbirds.
Jun 8, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: the very funny Rosemary Mosco; the very fast White-throated Needletail; and the very exciting Make Your Own Swag contest.
Jun 1, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: living legend author and tour guide Peter Alden; audio postcards from Texas and Vermont; and what might be the world's most beautiful bird.
May 25, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: Listener audio postcards from Florida, Massachusetts, and Ohio; plus, fascinating flamingo facts from the Talkin’ Birds Science Corner (new research from UC…
May 18, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: An audio postcard from South Australia; hummingbird feeder advice from Cape Cod (via Mike O’Connor); and the joys of cemetery birding with Danielle Belleny.
May 11, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: Danae Wolfe offers tips on bringing nature into your yard; Mike O’Connor exposes the problems with puddles; and we listen to an audio postcsrd from a class of…
May 4, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: Mike O’Connor’s advice on finding birds; news about Campus Audubon Chapters; and a visit with a most melodic avian songster.
Apr 27, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: a Tri-colored audio postcard from San Diego; a revisit to a Birds of Hawaii project; and Mike’s answer to a question about the feisty House Wren.
Apr 20, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: Making our National Parks more beautiful with TrashBlitz ‘25. 5 Gyres’ Nick Kemble explains. Plus, we meet the Goldilocks bird; and Mike O’Connor talks about…
Apr 13, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: An audio postcard from the Colombian Andes; a visit with “Seabird Sue”; Mike O’Connor’s Tale of Two Warblers; and the return of The Real James Bond.
Apr 6, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: an audio postcard from the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies; a guest from Colorado talking about an insecticide threat to birds and bees; and Mike…
Mar 30, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: An Osprey welcomes (or tolerates?) a House Sparrow family; Freya McGregor sends a Kookaburra Audio Postcard from Australia; and we get an update on the…
Mar 23, 2025
Mar 16, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show (#1,029 March 16): World Sparrow Day; an Acorn Woodpecker Audio Postcard; and the International Pellet Count citizen science project. Hear it here:…
Mar 9, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show (#1,028 Mar. 9): An Audio Postcard from Key West, Florida; advice about pet fur and bird nests; and a hawk that acts like a heron. Hear it here:…
Mar 2, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: Fright molt explained; birding’s Biggest Week; and a true harbinger of spring.
Feb 23, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: Rosy Tucker tells us about the marvelous Hog Island Audubon Camp; Mike O’Connor offers an update on why birds rotate their eggs; and we meet the cold-defying…
Feb 16, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: World Migratory Bird Day; an audio postcard from Tennessee; and advice for pigeon problems.
Feb 9, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: a live Whooping Crane report, and a homemade suet recipe from David Clapp; and advice concerning pet fur and nesting birds from Mike O’Connor.
Feb 2, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: the silently gliding Short-eared Owl; Mike’s advice on helping birds find your feeders; and the first-ever Blind Birders Bird-a-Thon.
Jan 26, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: a bird that fits right in with the big snowfalls in unlikely places; a Science Corner report on birds communicating during nighttime migration flights; and…
Jan 19, 2025 · 30:00
Here's our sort of mid-January installment with a guest making us think we shouldn't complain about the temperatures around here -- she's in Denver, where it was 3-below this…
Jan 12, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show: A rare sighting in an Audio Postcard from Arkansas; a preview of the big San Diego Bird Festival; and Mike O’Connor’s thoughts about hummingbirds up north in…
Jan 5, 2025 · 30:00
On our latest show (#1,019 Jan. 5): an audio postcard from the Columbian Amazon; an important Wood Thrush tracking project; and Mike O’Connor’s thoughts on the European Starling.
Dec 29, 2024 · 30:00
On our latest show (#1,018 Dec. 29): Part Two of Scott McMorrow's shorebird survey audio postcard from California; Alberta birding guide, Ariane Inman, as our special guest; and…
Dec 22, 2024 · 30:00
On our latest show (#/1,017 Dec. 22): Birding as therapy in combating disease, with author Robert Bell; a vegetarian alternative to beef suet, with Mike O’Connor; and new status…
Dec 15, 2024 · 30:00
On our latest show: A Great Horned Owl Audio Postcard from Mike O’Connor’s backyard; Mike’s favorite birds to keep him company when he moves to a remote island; and North…
Dec 8, 2024 · 30:00
On our latest show: Wisdom the Albatross does it again; Freya McGregor creates a new way to make birding accessible to all; and we visit the land of the tumblin’ tumbleweed to…
Dec 1, 2024 · 30:00
On our latest show: Sandhill Cranes in Arizona; expert binocular and scope advice; and the story of an eagle poacher who’s on his way to jail.
Nov 24, 2024 · 30:00
On our latest show, Maddie Carr describes how she met the birding goals of her eight-year-old self, and Mike O’Connor weighs in on a backyard bird dispute. Plus, we meet the…
Nov 17, 2024 · 30:00
On our latest show: Birding by Ear with Donna Posont; listening to the beautiful Lawrence’s Goldfinch; and talkin’ turkey with Mike O’Connor.
Nov 10, 2024 · 30:00
On our latest show: a listener audio postcard from New Zealand; Stokes Guide to Finches co-author Matt Young; and Northern Cardinal thoughts from our Mike O’Connor.
Nov 3, 2024 · 30:00
On our latest show: Listener Audio Postcards from Wisconsin and Belize; a Science Corner report on bird behavior; and Mike O’Connor reveals a surprising feeder bird stat.
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