Pete Dunne is one of the most well-known and respected birders in North America, probably because he has been a prolific author of books on birds and birding for the past 30 decades or so. Pete has had a long association with New Jersey Audubon, and was the longtime director of the Cape May Bird Observatory. One of his many areas of expertise is how to be a better birder, and that is the focus of his column, Pete’s Tips, in Bird Watcher’s Digest. BWD editor Dawn Hewitt had the honor and pleasure of interviewing Pete recently while he was waiting out winter at his in-laws’ home in sunny California. Posted Fri, 19 Feb 2021.

Would you like to fill your backyard bird feeders with a superior energy source that results in stronger eggshells during nesting season and healthier feathers? In 2007, Enterra was formed to find new, sustainable protein sources for animal feed and to address the surge in food waste. Its products harness the nutritional power of insects to create sustainable and healthy animal feed and pet food.

Advertising sales director Kelly Ball recently met with Enterra’s chief technology officer, Andrew Vickerson, to discuss how black solider fly larvae as animal feed is not only healthier for animals but more sustainable for the planet than conventional protein-based food sources. Kelly also chats with Tom Goldsborough, an avid birder who recently conducted a survey of his backyard feeders to determine whether songbirds preferred black soldier fly larvae over mealworms. (Spoiler alert: The black soldier flies prevail!) This episode is sponsored by Enterra.

Grab the Kleenex: This is the final episode that TBL host Bill Thompson, III, recorded before succumbing to pancreatic cancer on March 25, 2019. Bill interviews Mark S. Garland, a naturalist who has been sharing his enthusiasm for nature for over 40 years. He is also the 2019 recipient of the Paul Bartsch Award for Distinguished Contributions to Natural History. Bird Watcher’s Digest subscribers will recognize him as the author of “Birders Question Mark,” a Q&A column that has featured in the magazine since 2015. Mark reveals what sparked his interest in nature and birds early in life, and how it evolved throughout his lifetime. He ends with advice for aspiring naturalists: Be persistent, follow your heart, and in the end, it will all work out! Posted Thu, Aug 29 2019.

In 2016, a derecho toppled 32 trees on Julie Zickefoose’s property, blocking access to the trails across her orchard. With the help of her children and an industrious Amish crew, Julie reclaims the land—and gains an outdoor office, a place of reflection, peace, solitude, and burgeoning life. Featured in the January/February 2021 issue of Bird Watcher's Digest. Posted Mon, 25 Jan 2021.