In this episode of the Spark Bird podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome artist and healthcare professional Tina Mullen. Tina shares her 'Spark Bird' story about how the Sandhill Crane ignited her passion for birds. She discusses her work in the Arts and Medicine program at the University of Florida and the importance of integrating creativity into healthcare settings to promote health and well-being.

The conversation explores Tina's art projects, including her series on bird species decline inspired by a poignant letter to Roger Torrey Peterson. Tina reflects on the power of community, storytelling, and the arts in fostering a deeper connection to birds and the natural world.

Resources & Links from This Episode

Tina Mullen & Her Work
🎨 Explore Tina Mullen’s art: Tina Mullen’s Website

📸 Follow Tina on Instagram: @teenmullen

🎭 Learn about the Center for Arts in Medicine at UF: UF Center for Arts in Medicine

🖼️ See Tina’s exhibition Bellwether: The Art of Tina Mullen at RTPI: RTPI Exhibition

Conservation & Environmental Writing
🌙 Lights Out! Cats In! – Protect birds by learning about this initiative: Learn More

📖 Return to Wild America by Scott Weidensaul: Explore the Book

🦜 Ten Birds That Changed the World by Stephen Moss: Get the Book

🌱 The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer: Find the Book

Poetry & Journalism
📰 Harry Stevens (The Washington Post): Read More

📝 Joy is the Justice We Give Ourselves by J. Drew Lanham: Hub City Press | Read the Poem

✍️ Ada Limón’s Poetry: Poetry Foundation

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.

🌊 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

In this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally interview Kayla Fisk, a lifelong birder and artist from central New York. Kayla shares her Spark Bird story, recalling how a unique encounter with a Chuck-will's-widow during her childhood ignited her deeper fascination with birds and birding communities.

Kayla discusses her deep-rooted passion for birding, her 15 years of volunteering at a wildlife rehab center, and her involvement with the local Audubon Center. She reflects on the transformative power of that rare bird sighting in her youth, which drew bird watchers from various states to her parent's driveway. The conversation dives into how her art is inspired by birds, the mindfulness it brings, and the process of integrating birding into her artistic practice. Additionally, Kayla shares insights on bird conservation, rehabilitation, and the growing trend of eco-friendly practices among birding enthusiasts.

Resources & Links from This Episode

📸 Follow Kayla on Instagram – See her latest birding adventures at @kaylafiskbirds.

🌐 Visit Kayla’s Website – Explore her work, projects, and photography at kaylafisk.com.

🪶 Discover the Cornell Lab of Ornithology – Learn more about birds, research, and conservation at birds.cornell.edu.

Time Stamps

00:00 Welcome to the Spark Bird Podcast

00:55 Meet Kayla Fisk: Lifelong Birder and Artist

02:09 Kayla's Spark Bird Story

04:40 The Impact of Birding Community

08:23 Art and Birding: A Creative Connection

10:57 The Benefits of Birding and Nature

13:22 Kayla's Artistic Process

18:31 Birding Adventures and Conservation

25:24 Final Thoughts and Reflections

25:54 Credits