In this episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, our hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally talk with Mel Julien, the Community Engagement Director for the NYC Plover Project.

Mel shares how the Piping Plover became her spark bird after rediscovering the beach near her childhood home during the pandemic. What began as a curiosity about shorebird nesting signs soon led her to volunteer with the NYC Plover Project and eventually join the team working to protect these endangered birds on New York City's beaches.

Links & Resources from This Episode

📸 Follow Mel's birding and conservation journey on Instagram at @meldjewels and connect with her professional work on LinkedIn.

🏖️ Learn more about the NYC Plover Project, whose mission is to protect endangered Piping Plovers and other beach-nesting birds on New York City's beaches through education, community, and volunteer engagement.

📱 Stay up to date with the NYC Plover Project's work and shorebird updates by following them on social media–Instagram (@nycploverproject), Facebook, X, and Threads.

Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, our hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Angela Schumpert, also known as The Berd Nird! What began as casual backyard birding turned into a moment that sent her reaching for her first field guide.

Drawing on her background in the Air Force and law enforcement investigation, Angela shares how attention to detail, patience and observation naturally translate from her career into the art and joy of building The Flock.

Links & Resources from This Episode

🦜 Join Angela's online birding community, The Flock, for meetups, contests, and birding trips!

🌿 Learn more about Angela and explore her resources at her website, The Berd Nird.

📸 Follow Angela's birding adventures and humor on Instagram @the_berd_nird.

🎥 Watch more of her content on TikTok at @berdnird4

▶️ Subscribe to her YouTube channel, @theberdnird.

👍 Connect with Angela on Facebook.

Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski

In this episode of The Spark Bird Podcast, our hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Jamie Cunningham, Education Director at Black Swamp Bird Observatory and birding and photography guide with Saberwing Nature Tours.

Jamie shares how an unexpected Eastern Bluebird at a backyard nest box, followed by a life-changing visit to Magee Marsh during spring migration, sparked a deeper fascination with birds that shaped both her personal and professional life.

Links & Resources from This Episode

🌎 Learn more about Jamie's birding and photography travel experiences through Saberwing Nature Tours, where she leads birding and photography tours around the world!

🐦 Explore the work of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory the organization behind The Biggest Week in American Birding, the Ohio Young Birders Club, and year-round education and field programs. Stay connected through their Facebook page Black Swamp Bird Observatory for events and community updates, and follow @bsbobird on Instagram.

🎉 Find festival details, schedules, and registration information for The Biggest Week in American Birding wesbite, and follow them on Instagram @biggestweek and Facebook.

🌱 Discover programs and opportunities for young birders through the Ohio Young Birders Club, including field trips, events, and community resources. Follow the Ohio Young Birders community on Instagram @bsbobird for updates and opportunities.

Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski