Rock 'n Roll Birder

In this episode of Rock ‘n Roll Birder Podcast, I head to the legendary WWT Slimbridge with top birder Billy Heaney — and it turns into one of those unforgettable days.
It’s the 80th anniversary year of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, founded by the iconic conservationist Sir Peter Scott, and there’s no better place to celebrate than this world-famous reserve on the Severn Estuary.

Highlights from the day:
FOUR lifers including the elusive Jack Snipe
Stunning winter views of Bewick’s Swans
And a surprise encounter with wildlife legend Michaela Strachan

If you love UK birding, rare waders, wildfowl spectacles and proper conservation heritage — this one’s for you.

Don’t forget to follow the podcast and subscribe to Rock 'n Roll Birder TV for the full Slimbridge adventure.

Do keep your Birding Questions coming to [email protected] or DM @rocknrollbirder.

Our t-shirts and beanies are finally a reality! Buy the Rock 'n Roll Birder merch here!

Thank you to this week’s sponsors Green Feathers and Eco Bird Food.

Hosted by Matt Spracklen
Produced by Sarah Spracklen
Music by David Joseph
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rock ‘n Roll Birder podcast, I head over to Wintringham with Sarah and Baby Birder to explore something a bit different — a brand new housing development project, and the wildlife that’s already starting to move in. Wintringham is a fascinating example of how nature can begin to reclaim and adapt to fresh landscapes, and we wanted to see what birds are finding a home among the new habitats being created. From farmland species and garden birds, to early signs of wetland and scrub specialists moving in, it’s a brilliant look at how biodiversity can build from the ground up.

There’s also a full YouTube episode from the trip, so if you want to see the birds and the site for yourself, make sure you check that out too.

Do keep your Birding Questions coming to [email protected] or DM @rocknrollbirder.

We'd love it if you'd go and subscribe to Rock 'n Roll Birder TV on YouTube if you haven't already!

Our t-shirts and beanies are finally a reality! Buy the Rock 'n Roll Birder merch here!

Thank you to this week’s sponsors Green Feathers and Eco Bird Food.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rock ‘n Roll Birder, I’m joined by The Early Birder for a winter UK birding adventure at Deeping Lakes (Lincolnshire) — searching for one of Britain’s most secretive birds: the Long-eared Owl.
We talk owl roosting behaviour, what makes Long-eared Owls so hard to find, and why Deeping Lakes has become a brilliant spot for birdwatchers hoping for a proper owl encounter. But it’s not just about owls — we also dive into the obsession that takes over every birder at the start of the year: year lists, big years, target species, patch birding, and how you stay motivated when you’re chasing new birds and the list slows down. Whether you’re planning your own big year, trying to build a stronger year list, or just love real birding chat from the field, this episode is for you.

Do keep your Birding Questions coming to [email protected] or DM @rocknrollbirder.

We'd love it if you'd go and subscribe to Rock 'n Roll Birder TV on YouTube if you haven't already!

Our t-shirts and beanies are finally a reality! Buy the Rock 'n Roll Birder merch here!

Thank you to this week’s sponsors Green Feathers and Eco Bird Food.

Hosted by Matt Spracklen
Produced by Sarah Spracklen
Music by David Joseph
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a guest we have for you this week! Natural historian, author, and television producer, Stephen Moss sits with Matt in his garden and discusses all things birds, Birding with Bill Oddie and Global Birdfair. It's an enthralling chat with a man who has stories for days. You're going to love this one.

Do keep your Birding Questions coming to [email protected] or DM @rocknrollbirder.

We'd love it if you'd go and subscribe to Rock 'n Roll Birder TV on YouTube if you haven't already!

Our t-shirts and beanies are finally a reality! Buy the Rock 'n Roll Birder merch here!

Thank you to this week’s sponsors Green Feathers and Eco Bird Food.

Hosted by Matt Spracklen
Produced by Sarah Spracklen
Music by David Joseph
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back for a brand new series of Rock 'n Roll Birder Podcast! We did promise we'd be back in January and we've got SUCH a brilliant series lined up for you with some mega guests. But we had to start the year of with our annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch from our garden hide.

As Matt is terrible with admin please do send us more Birding Questions [email protected] or DM @rocknrollbirder.

We'd love it if you'd go and subscribe to Rock 'n Roll Birder TV on YouTube if you haven't already!

Our t-shirts and beanies are finally a reality! Buy the Rock 'n Roll Birder merch here!

Thank you to this week’s sponsors Green Feathers and Eco Bird Food.

Hosted by Matt Spracklen
Produced by Sarah Spracklen
Music by David Joseph
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.