We’ve hit the big 5-0, and we’re absolutely chuffed! When we started this podcast, neither of us had ever recorded one before and we had no idea what to expect. But 50 episodes in and we're absolutely loving it.

In this episode, we’re taking a moment to celebrate and reflect. We chat about how it all began, where the podcast name came from, and why Steve’s all about birds while Matthew’s mad about bugs.

We also talk about why we love podcasting and who our dream guests would be. Plus, we throw in a few fun facts about our favourite creatures and challenge each other with a couple of quiz questions to see how well we really know our own, and each other’s, specialties.

A relaxed and chatty episode to mark hitting 50. Come celebrate with us and get to know us and the pod a little better.

A huge thank you to everyone who has listened so far!

Get in touch

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

Amazing! Bird Sounds From The Lyre Bird - David Attenborough - BBC Wildlife

They may not have backbones, but invertebrates are the unsung heroes of the natural world, shaping landscapes, driving ecosystems, and even influencing the behaviour of top predators.

In this episode, we journey into their fascinating and often overlooked world. We explore how termites engineer entire ecosystems, how ant behaviour can influence lion hunting patterns, and why a specific rainforest bee is the key to every Brazil nut you’ve ever eaten.

While many invertebrates are now in decline, it's not all bad news. We share some hopeful conservation stories, organisations working hard to protect our invertebrate populations, and highlight simple ways we can all help support these vital animals.

Researching this episode took us down all sorts of unexpected rabbit holes, something you’ll definitely hear reflected in the conversation.

We hope you enjoy listening What’s your favourite invertebrate fact, story, or encounter? Come share it with us over on Instagram. We’d love to hear from you @thebirdybugpod.

Get in touch

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

'We cannot survive without insects' – DW – 06/22/2018

How loud is YOUR penis?! The waterboatman and his mighty member!

Stream Lesser Water Boatman, the loudest underwater insect by terranova | Listen online for free on SoundCloud

Figs & Wasps | How Are Figs Pollinated? | FoodUnfolded

Letting grass grow long boosts butterfly numbers, UK study proves | Butterflies | The Guardian

Ecological feedbacks. Termite mounds can increase the robustness of dryland ecosystems to climatic change - PubMed

Mysterious, fierce, and teetering on the edge of extinction, the Scottish Wildcat is one of the UK’s rarest and most elusive mammals.

Nicknamed the Highland Tiger, this striking predator once prowled across much of the UK. But today, it's hanging on by a thread.

In this episode, we take a closer look at what makes this cat so special, from its huge personality and charismatic scowl to its deep roots in Scottish culture and folklore. We explore the threats it faces, uncover the reasons behind its decline, and shine a light on the passionate conservationists working to bring this iconic species back from the brink.

Contact:

As always, please do feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, comments, or just want to say hi! The easiest way to get in touch is to ping us a message on Instagram:

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links:

European wildcat | RZSS

Wildcat conservation in Scotland | Saving Wildcats | Saving Wildcats

Wildcat Haven

Wildcats | NatureScot

Wildcats released in Scottish Highlands in effort to prevent extinction in UK | Rewilding | The Guardian

https://treesforlife.org.uk/