Professors Launch New Podcast to Explore Birding, Conservation

March 13, 2025
Spark Bird

Buffalo, NY - Canisius University, in partnership with the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, has launched a new podcast exploring the fascinating world of birding, conservation and community science. The podcast, which expands on The Spark Bird Project research initiative, features Canisius professors Jennifer Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally as hosts.

The podcast examines the personal and transformative experiences that connect people to birds and nature through interviews with leading ornithologists, conservationists, artists, authors and everyday bird enthusiasts. It aims to highlight powerful connections between humans and the avian world while fostering a deeper appreciation for bird conservation and community engagement.

"Through these compelling narratives, we hope to celebrate the joy of birding and illustrate the profound impact birds have on people's lives," said Lodi-Smith, who leads The Spark Bird Project, a community science initiative studying the experiences that ignite and sustain a passion for birding.

The podcast is now available on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Audible. Listeners can find additional resources, guest information and learn more about The Spark Bird Project at www.spark-bird.org.

Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.