In this week’s episode, Nick Leseberg joins me on the show to discuss Australia’s rarest species of birds! Specifically, we talk about the mythical Night Parrot and its history, ecology, and current status, as well as Nick’s PhD and his active role in the Night Parrot’s conservation. We also touch on the concept of rarity (why are some species rare and others aren’t?), nurturing the passion for birds in the next generation, and how to manage the social dynamics of guiding a group. Of course, we also address the show’s central questions like what makes a good birder, what brings joy in birding, and eBird. Thank you for your time, Nick!
Contact Nick Leseberg • n.leseberg@uq.edu.au
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Season 4, Episode 8
#birding #nightparrot #conservation
This video is part of The Birding Today Podcast series. Please consider subscribing to support and share my work! If you’d like to get in touch or have a question about the show, you can write to birdingtoday@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!
00:00 Introduction
03:42 What is it about birding that brings you joy?
05:56 What sparked your interest in birds?
09:45 People used to know more about nature
11:11 Nurturing the passion for birds in the next generation
15:58 Why Nick joined the Air Force, and how it affected his birding journey
19:32 How did you become an international bird guide?
26:27 How to manage the social dynamics of guiding a group
28:45 Conservation biogeography
31:52 How Nick became involved in studying the Night Parrot
35:38 Tracking Night Parrots
43:27 Nick’s work on the Night Parrot
47:54 What makes the Night Parrot so elusive?
52:53 The ecological history of the Night Parrot
57:52 Why are some species rare and others aren’t?
01:02:52 What drives you to study threatened birds?
01:07:06 What makes a good birder?
01:12:38 Nick’s thoughts on eBird
1:18:09 Any birding tips for young or new birders?
1:20:17 Underconfidence vs. overconfidence
1:21:19 Nick’s tips for conservation students
1:22:07 Nick’s favourite bird and dream bird
1:24:20 Nick’s favourite birding destination
01:27:52 Conclusion
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Recorded on ZOOM
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4 Comments
Cool podcast 🙂 As a British birder I definitely agree with the comment about the best birders being those with the best self-found list. Particularly those who have a great self-found list for a relatively small area like a British county. In my old home county about 30% of the rarer birds are found by 5% of the birders… M
I guess the other factor that is true of all the best birders I know is their call ID ability… M
Gran saludo
Great interview, fantastic!