Weekend Birder

Australia’s most listened-to nature podcast

Over 150 episodes are waiting for you.

Hosted by Kirsty Costa, Weekend Birder podcast invites you to discover the fascinating lives of everyday Australian birds through stories, science and shared experiences.

New to Weekend Birder? Here are three episodes to get you started.

Episode library

Below is the full episode library, including show notes. You can also search for a bird, topic or guest.

131 Falling in Love with Birds
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131 Falling in Love with Birds

Shane and Kayte Cheney share how birds became part of their love story, from noticing backyard species to building shared rituals, travel memories and a joyful first year of birdwatching together.

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Encore: Magpies
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Encore: Magpies

Revisit one of Weekend Birder’s most loved episodes. Dr Mandy Ridley shares what research reveals about Australian Magpies, including their intelligence, communication behaviours and how we can help them to thrive.

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130 Birds and Books
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130 Birds and Books

Angela Savage shares how books and birdwatching shape the way we notice the world. From crime novels to picture books to non-fiction guides, Angela has a generous reading list for bird lovers of all ages.

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129 Birds Between Laps
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129 Birds Between Laps

Olympic swimmer Jenna Forrester shares how birdwatching fits between training sessions, the birds she notices from the pool, and why birds have become a grounding part of life under pressure.

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128 Nature People
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128 Nature People

Veterinarian, photographer and podcaster Dr César Puechmarin shares how nature shapes his work, his new book Nature People, and why birdwatching remains a grounding force in his life.

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127 Pelagics
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127 Pelagics

Pelagic trips take you far offshore to the seabirds most of us never get to see. Dr Holly Kirk shares what turns up at the continental shelf, how to spot albatrosses and petrels, and how to prepare so the day feels exciting rather than overwhelming.

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126 Birds, Business and Big Hearts
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126 Birds, Business and Big Hearts

James and Josh from LYFER share the story behind their bird-loving brand, the currawong that changed everything, and how they’re supporting conservation through ethical design.

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125 Observe, Learn and Protect
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125 Observe, Learn and Protect

Birding with Cob shares how a Tawny Frogmouth sparked his passion, the global adventures that followed, and why birdwatching has become a worldwide community of curiosity and connection.

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124 Parrot Evolution
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124 Parrot Evolution

Scientist and author Tim Low unpacks how parrots evolved in Australia, why cockatoos fill the 'woodpecker' niche, and the wild truth about carnivorous parrots.

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123 Every Bird in the World
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123 Every Bird in the World

Birding with Cob shares his birdwatching journey, from a Tawny Frogmouth in Australia to Harpy Eagles and flamingos around the world.

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122 Pardalotes and Parrots
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122 Pardalotes and Parrots

Cat Davidson shares birdwatching on Bruny Island, Tasmania, and how Inala Conservation protects rare birds like the Forty-spotted Pardalote and Swift Parrot.

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121 Bird Bird Bird
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121 Bird Bird Bird

You don’t need to know a bird’s name to love it. Comedian Rove McManus shares his lifelong love of birds, from backyard Galahs to hummingbirds, and why noticing is enough.

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Encore: Tawny Frogmouths
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Encore: Tawny Frogmouths

Celebrate the 2025 Australian Bird of the Year - the Tawny Frogmouth! In this fan-favourite episode, Dr Marian Weaving reveals why these birds are so loved, from their clever camouflage to their family life and the simple ways we can help them thrive.

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120 This Bird
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120 This Bird

Illustrator Astred Hicks and Dr Holly Parsons from BirdLife Australia explore urban birdwatching, everyday Australian birds and the surprising migration of the Silvereye.

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119 Birds that Connect Us
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119 Birds that Connect Us

Sometimes it’s not the bird you remember - it’s the moment you shared. Nature guide Amanda Lamont and a group of birdwatchers reflect on a weekend of birdwatching in Broken Hill, and how birds connect us to place, people and ourselves.

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118 Season Finale
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118 Season Finale

It’s the Season 3 finale of the Weekend Birder podcast. Hear Australian bird stories, questions, and recordings from listeners in this joyful community celebration.

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117 Dawn Chorus
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117 Dawn Chorus

Discover the magic of the Australian dawn chorus in this conversation with sound recordist Andrew Skeoch. Explore how bird calls can teach us about listening, ecology, and connection to place.

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116 Broken Hill
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116 Broken Hill

Head to Broken Hill with Dr Anika Molesworth to meet the birds of the outback and discover how farming and conservation can work together in Australia’s arid landscapes.

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115 Casual Birding
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115 Casual Birding

Meet Suzy Buttress, host of The Casual Birder Podcast, as she reflects on birding adventures, building community, and what it’s like to watch birds in the UK with Australian eyes.

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114 Bird of Prey Q&A
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114 Bird of Prey Q&A

Raptor expert Stephen Debus answers listener questions about birds of prey in Australia - from eagles and falcons to parenting, prey, and plumage. A must-listen for bird nerds and curious nature lovers.

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