Why Birding is Better with Friends: A Live Chat With Ruth Simmons

#BirdingAdventures, #BirdingStories, #marksbackyardbirds Grab your binoculars and pull up a chair — this one’s all about the stories. Join Wildlife Biologist Mark McKellar for a special YouTube Live birding conversation with his good friend and longtime birding partner, Ruth Simmons. Together, they’ll swap birding adventures from the field — the unforgettable lifers, the quiet magical moments, and yes… a few “how did that just happen?” stories too. Birding isn’t just about spotting birds. It’s about friendships formed on muddy trails, shared excitement over a distant silhouette, and memories that stick with you long after the trip is over. Think about that if you will — how many birds in your life are tied to a person, a place, or a moment. During this live chat, we’ll talk about: • Favorite birding adventures and destinations • Lessons learned from years in the field • How birding friendships deepen the experience • Funny, surprising, and meaningful moments only birders understand Bring your questions, share your own stories in the chat, and come celebrate the joy of birding together — because the birds are wonderful, but the people you bird with make it unforgettable. 👉 Set a reminder, join us live, and be part of the conversation. Let’s talk birds. #BirdingLive, #Birdwatching, #BirdingFriends, #BirdingCommunity, #BackyardBirding, #BirdLovers, #BirdingLife, #LetsTalkBirds I’m Mark McKellar — a wildlife biologist with 40+ years of bird study experience (and countless hours just staring out the window). I’m here to help you bring more birds — and more simple wonder — right to your own backyard. Around here, we tackle real bird feeding problems together: • Ants and bees hogging your nectar feeders? • Squirrels turning acrobat? • Pesky birds eating you out of house and seed? • Seed sprouting under your feeders like a jungle? ... with a few trusted tips and the right gear (all hand-picked by my staff and me), feeding birds can be downright joyful. Subscribe for straight-talk guidance, fun bird facts, and a healthy dose of nature-nerd joy. FOLLOW Facebook:   / backyardbirdcenter   Instagram:   / marksbackyardbirds   Tiktok : https://www.tiktok.com/ @MarksBackyardBirds Do you want to be an Insider? https://shopbackyardbirdcenter.com/pa... Join our FREE Facebook Community Group:   / 1055480298992527   Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission. Mark's Amazon store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/marksback... #OM1II #OMSYSTEM @omsystem.cameras OM-1 Mark II Camera: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-1014959... Camera Lenses: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-1014959... @TubeBuddy https://www.tubebuddy.com/pricing?a=M... @vidIQ https://vidiq.com/markmckellar Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=9615a7 @lowes https://creatorsold.io/lowes-companie... #LowesPartner #AD SUPPORT Visit our website: http://marksbackyardbirds.com Shop our online store: http://shopbackyardbirdcenter.com MORE INFORMATION Contact: [email protected] Cover Photos of Arizona landscape by Ruth Simmons 00:00 Introduction and Welcomes 11:15 Birding History with Ruth Simmons 14:26 Baltimore Oriole story - Baltimore Oriole by Sharon Carson 16:05 First Overnight Tour - Wilson's Phalaropes by Susan Morten 20:39 More Distant Trips 21:24 Northern California - Williamson's Sapsucker by Kathy Lewis 23:15 Altlanitic Puffin Adventure - Photo by Ruth Simmons 27:52 Southeast Arizona Trip - Red-faced Warbler by Ken Phalps 29:29 Mid Point Questions 35:52 Ruth's Fantastic Yard - Video of water feature by Ruth Simmons 40:00 New Mexico Crissal Thrasher Story - Crissal Thrasher from Adobe Stock 43:52 New Mexico Rosy-Finches - Photos by Kathy Lewis 48:00 Breeding Bird Surveys - Northern Bobwhite by Ed Durbin 50:40 Breeding Bird Surveys - Painted Bunting from Adobe Stock 51:29 Breeding Bird Surveys - Black-billed Cuckoo by Annette Talbo 52:15 Question and Answer Session