In this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally converse with Sara Morris, the Executive Director of Shoals Marine Lab and President of the American Ornithological Society.
Sara shares her 'Spark Bird' story about how a family Christmas tradition and a borrowed bird field guide ignited her passion for birding and ornithology at age seven. The discussion explores the impact of mentorship on her career, her birding adventures, and fostering a welcoming birding community.
The episode also explores the link between birding and ornithology, the significance of field guides, and the necessity for ongoing bird conservation efforts.
Resources & Links from This Episode 🌊 Shoals Marine Lab – A leading institution for hands-on marine science education and research. Learn more here.
📖 Scott Weidensaul’s Of a Feather: A Brief History of American Birding– Dive into the history of birding with this fascinating book: Read more.
🧭 Explore with eBird – Track your bird sightings and contribute to global bird research with eBird.
Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction to the Spark Bird Podcast
00:48 Meet Sara Morris: A Passionate Ornithologist
01:31 Sara's Spark Bird Story
04:36 The Importance of Mentorship in Birding
06:39 Birding Community and Inclusivity
17:48 Ornithology vs. Birding: A Symbiotic Relationship
26:03 The Future of Bird Conservation
36:08 Final Thoughts and Reflections
38:21 Conclusion and Credits
