Welcome to a new format for the Hike & Hearth vodcast, where we bring you three engaging segments packed with birding insights, conservation updates, and fascinating wildlife stories. 🌿
Here’s what’s in this episode:
1️⃣ Question of the Week:
Ever wondered how the American Birding Association chooses its Bird of the Year? Dustin explains why the Common Loon took the spotlight in 2025 and how its haunting calls and conservation challenges earned this iconic bird the title.
2️⃣ Featured Topic:
Birds that remind us of their prehistoric roots! 🦕 From the Great Blue Heron’s pterodactyl-like flight to the ancient lineage of Pelicans, we explore five incredible species that echo the age of dinosaurs.
3️⃣ Recent Nature News:
The inspiring reintroduction of the Hawaiian Crow ('Alalā) into the wild.
A milestone for the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, now upgraded from endangered to threatened.
How birding tourism in Colombia is helping protect habitats while boosting local economies.
🦅 Got a question about birding, conservation, or wildlife? Drop it in the comments for a chance to be featured in a future episode!
0:00:00 Welcome & Intro
0:00:40 Question of the Week
0:06:43 Featured Topic: Prehistoric Birds Today
0:30:46 Nature News Today
0:40:30 What's Next?
Hike & Hearth is your go-to destination for all things nature, birding, and wildlife conservation. Hosted by Dustin and Lynn, we share engaging vodcasts and outdoor adventures to inspire a deeper connection with the natural world and wildlife conservation. From birding guides to ideas for your own local conservation projects, we aim to connect with fellow nature lovers and support each other as we explore, learn, and protect the wild spaces that we love. You can also find Dustin’s photography and our blog on our website!
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🌐 Website: hikeandhearth.com
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Some of the images used in this vodcast were sourced from public domain images or those that kindly request attribution. We fully support the acknowledgment of talented photographers and artists that enrich our content. So, thank you to:
Common Loon Images:
Lowe, Roy W./USFWS
Gifford, Steven/USFWS
Weber, Art
Wood Stork:
Ernesto Gomez
Marylou Dickson /USFWS Volunteer
Bryan Woodward
Smith, Grayson/USFWS
Danaher, Mark/USFWS
Hillebrand, Steve/USFWS
Indian Grey Hornbill:
J.M.Garg (Wikipedia)
Munish Jauhar (Wikipedia)
Hrishib (Wikipedia)
African Shoebill:
Olaf Oliviero Riemer (Wikipedia)
Red Cockaded Woodpecker:
Renee Bodine/USFWS
Martjan Lammertink/U.S. Forest Service
Ian Fischer/USFWS
#birding #wildlife #conservation #nature #ecotourism