Free Daily Podcast Summary
BIRD HUGGER: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Catherine Greenleaf
Love gardening and birds and want to help Mother Nature? Join host Catherine Greenleaf, former gardening columnist for the Boston Herald Sunday Magazine and a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for discussions about organic gardening and restoring native habitat to help the birds and other wildlife in your backyard. Catherine Greenleaf talks about the natural history of birds and interviews the leading experts about how to turn your backyard into a native oasis for birds and pollinators.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 1 weeks ago28 min
Turtle Killer Charles Puccio, Jr. Convicted in New Hampshire
TRIGGER WARNING: SOME OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS INTERVIEW MAY PROVE VERY DISTURBING. Join us today as we speak with Dallas and Drew Huggins, the founders and directors of New Hampshire Turtle Rescue in Nottingham, New Hampshire, and Josh Megysys, Turtle Biologist for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, as we talk about the recent arrest and conviction of a man for wantonly attacking and killing turtles in a protected marsh habitat. Just a warning that some of the details of this show will be extremely difficult to listen to.On September 1st, Drew and Dallas submitted “Oka’s Rule”, a petition to NH Fish & Game under RSA 541-A:4 and Fis 214.01 to initiate rulemaking proceedings to amend the Fish & Game rules to close the gap in protections for non-listed native turtle species.Here is the link to "Oka's Rule": https://nhturtlerescue.org/info/legislation/2026/okas-ruleTurtles are extremely long lived compared to other wildlife and take a very long time to reach reproductive age. The stability of their populations is heavily reliant on adults remaining in the wild long-term. Allowing the “take” of these species has far reaching negative impacts.Let NH Fish & Game know that you support stronger protections for our native turtles!HOW YOU CAN HELP:- Reach out to NHFG’s Executive Director at [email protected]- Let them know you support the petition for “Oka’s Rule”- Share this podcast and ask your friends to lend their support as well.Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to [email protected]. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.
- 3 weeks ago19 min
BIRD HUGGER CLASSIC: Planting Bare-Root Native Plants With Becky Brewer
THIS IS A REPLAY OF A PAST EPISODE: In today's episode, we talk to Becky Brewer from Prairie Moon Nursery in Minnesota about the many benefits of bare-root natives and how to plant them. (prairiemoon.com) Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to [email protected]. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.
- Sep 24, 202636 min
BIRD HUGGER CLASSIC: Prepping Your Yard For Natives With Kathy Connolly
THIS IS A REPLAY OF A PREVIOUS SHOW: In today's episode, we speak with renowned ecological landscape designer and gardening consultant Kathy Connolly about the best way to prepare your site and soil for a native garden. Plants mentioned in the show: Carolina Rhodedendron; low-growing Juniper; Northern Sea Oats; Big Bluestem; Little Bluestem; Switchgrass; Prairie Dropseed. Go to: The Magical World of Moss Gardens by Annie Martin at: https://www.amazon.com/Magical-World-Moss-Gardening/dp/1604695609. Conway School of Landscape Design: https://csld.edu/. Reddit HOA: https://www.reddit.com/r/NativePlantGardening/comments/t3luin/hoa_anger/. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to [email protected]. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.
- Sep 10, 202623 min
The Habitats Watch List With American Bird Conservancy's David Wiedenfeld
Join us as we speak with ornithologist David Wiedenfeld from the American Bird Conservancy about the formation and the importance of the Habitats Watch List -- a list that keeps track of specialized habitats and the bird species each habitat supports throughout the United States. David received his PhD from Florida State University. His work has focused on bird population ecology and conservation biology. He served for five years as Director of Research at the Sutton Avian Research Center, working primarily on prairie-chickens. He was also Head of the Department of Vertebrate Ecology at the Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galapagos Islands. His work was primarily with bird populations, but also included projects on invasive species, including predators, diseases, and parasites. .Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 25 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.
- Aug 30, 202628 min
Gardening For Bumblebees With Judy Cardin
Join us today as we speak with Judy Cardin about the best plants to grow in your garden for attracting bumblebees. Her plant recommendations: Dutchman's Breeches; Virginia Bluebells; Giant Lavender Hyssop; Giant Yellow Hyssop; Joe Pye Weed; Culver's Root; Thistle; Great Blue Lobelia; Bottle Gentian; Asters; Goldenrod; Virginia Waterleaf; Jacob's Ladder; Wild Geranium; Wld Bergamot; Mountain Mint; Anise Hyssop. Shrub recommendations: American Plum; Dwarfbush Honeysuckle; Shrubby St. Johnswort; Lead Plant; and New Jersey Tea. We also discuss the concern about the vanishing Rusty-Patched bumblebee. Judy Cardin is a bumble bee expert and educator with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource's community science program Wisconsin Bumble Bee Brigade. When Judy retired as Bureau Director with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection 7 years ago, she transitioned her 50 year passion for nature and gardening into her retirement career: sharing her knowledge of bumble bees, how to restore yard and community spaces to native habitat that will support native wildlife, in particular bumble bees and pollinators. She has trained a wide range of audiences, including Master Gardener and Master Naturalist classes, school teachers, and the PBS Garden expo. Judy is also the administrator of the Wisconsin/Midwest Bumble Bee Observers Facebook page. Educator, WDNR Bumble Bee Brigade Citizen Science Program UW-Madison Arboretum volunteer, mentored on native plants by Susan Carpenter, Arboretum Native Plant Curator Chair, Friends of the UW-Madison Arboretum Grass to Garden Program, Co-chair FOA Native Plant Sale Wild Ones Native Plant Certification Instructor Converted her urban yard to over 350 native plant species and 25,000 native plants.She is a Bee surveyor: conducted hundreds of surveys for Bumble Bee Brigade, UWArboretum, and the USGS. Contributing author, Nature Magazine research article on finding Rusty patched bumble bees:https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-46861-8 Author "Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Floral Phenology" https://online.flippingbook.com/view/810946527/ Administrator, Wisconsin/Midwest Bumble Bee Observers Facebook page.Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 25 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.
- Aug 13, 202624 min
Protecting Shorebirds On The Beach With ABC's Sarah Belles
Join us today as we speak with Sarah Belles from the American Bird Conservancy about how to keep shorebirds protected while enjoying the beach this summer. Sarah Belles holds a Bachelor’s degree in Ecology for Environmental Science from the University of North Texas and has dedicated almost six years to avian monitoring and research. Sarah’s experience and expertise spans across a variety of bird species of conservation concern in different places and habitat types across the country. Sarah has served as American Bird Conservancy’s Gulf Coast Avian Ecologist since January of 2024 and works with local and regional partners to monitor and protect nesting shorebirds and seabirds, such as Wilson’s Plovers, Snowy Plovers, Least Terns, and Black Skimmers. She also helps promote and implement local Bird City Texas initiatives and conservation efforts on Galveston Island. .Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 25 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.
- Jul 30, 202625 min
BIRD HUGGER CLASSIC: How Your Yard Influences Drought and Flood Cycles With Judith Schwartz
THIS IS A RE-BROADCAST OF AN EARLIER SHOW. Today our guest is Judith Schwartz, award-winning author of the incredible book, Water In Plain Sight: Hope For A Thirsty World. Judith explains to us how trapping, slowing down and absorbing water on your property contributes to healthy small-water systems and helps decrease out-of-control flood and drought cycles in your region. To read more about Judith and her book go to https://www.judithdschwartz.com. For further information on the work of hydrologist Michael Kravcik, go to Water For The Recovery Of The Climate: The New Water Paradigm at: https://tinyurl.com/7xbukx5z. For more info on water literacy, go to: https://tinyurl.com/3xsutxwn. To become a water restoration specialist, go to waterstories.com. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.
- Jul 16, 202630 min
GARDENS TO VISIT: Norcross Wildlife Foundation With Dan Jaffe Wilder
Join us today as we talk to Dan Jaffe Wilder, chief ecologist of the 8,400-acre native oasis, Norcross Wildlife Foundation in Wales, Massachusetts. Dan is the Director of Applied Ecology at Norcross and he tells us all about the historic gardens, walking trails, lakes, ponds, picnic areas, native plants and trees, birds and pollinators you can see while visiting. Located at 30 Peck Road, Wales, MA. For more information go to their website at www.norcrosswildlife.org. Child friendly. Admission is free. Open daily from dusk to dawn. Dan Jaffe Wilder is an ecologist, horticulturist, and botanist with over twenty years’ experience working with native plants and their associated ecology. His work has ranged from classrooms to nurseries to botanical gardens to wildlife refuges and specializes in native plant ecology, propagation, wildlife habitat restoration and enhancement, and native edible landscapes. The Norcross Wildlife Foundation's mission is to protect, enhance, and expand wildlife through conservation, education, and support. Dan’s book Native Plants for New England Gardens was released in 2018. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 25 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.
Get BIRD HUGGER summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
The American Birding Podcast
Discusses birds, birding, conservation, and birding-related travel with experts and enthusiasts across North America and beyond.
BirdNote Daily
Short audio stories about birds and nature that highlight animal behavior, sounds, and conservation.
The joe gardener Show - Organic Gardening - Vegetable Gardening - Expert Garden Advice From Joe Lamp'l
Joe Lamp'l shares practical, organic gardening advice focused on growing food and sustainable practices for gardeners of all skill levels.
Terrestrials
Nature stories that reveal surprising animal and plant behaviors through immersive, family-friendly audio adventures.
The Upland Social
Ryan Lynton
Gardeners' Corner
Weekly gardening advice and insights from across the province, featuring visits to diverse gardens and practical tips for enthusiasts.
Sustainable World Radio- Ecology and Permaculture Podcast
Experts discuss ecology, permaculture, organic gardening, and sustainable living through interviews and commentary.
Black in the Garden
Explores the intersection of Black culture and gardening through conversations about plants, identity, and community.
Gardeners' Question Time
Horticultural experts answer audience gardening questions in weekly live recordings from various locations.
The Wild with Chris Morgan
Explores wildlife and wild places through stories of animals adapting to survive and the people protecting them.
The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy
A practical guide for new gardeners, breaking down gardening basics and terminology to help beginners grow confidently.
The Science of Birds
A lighthearted exploration of bird biology for birders and naturalists, hosted by a professional birding guide with a PhD in Zoology.
About BIRD HUGGER
Love gardening and birds and want to help Mother Nature? Join host Catherine Greenleaf, former gardening columnist for the Boston Herald Sunday Magazine and a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for discussions about organic gardening and restoring native habitat to help the birds and other wildlife in your backyard. Catherine Greenleaf talks about the natural history of birds and interviews the leading experts about how to turn your backyard into a native oasis for birds and pollinators.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from BIRD HUGGER in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's BIRD HUGGER daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of BIRD HUGGER as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the BIRD HUGGER podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official BIRD HUGGER product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Catherine Greenleaf.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does BIRD HUGGER release new episodes?
BIRD HUGGER publishes biweekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does BIRD HUGGER cover?
BIRD HUGGER covers topics including Leisure, Science, Garden, Hobbies, Nature, Home & Garden. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting BIRD HUGGER summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.