What does it mean to be an "expert" birder? And do the skills that make one an expert necessarily translate to the skills that are most in demand when it comes to promoting the birding community in a positive way? Birding editor Ted Floyd joins host Nate Swick to talk about expertise in birding and the many ways in which it manifests in the birding world, and why the very birders who are so forward-thinking when it comes to field ornithology can sometimes be their own worst enemy when it comes to prompting the "cause" of birding.

Also, Nate reflects on a trip to Newfoundland and commiserates about what he lost.  

Thanks to Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens Birding Festival for sponsoring this episode of the American Birding Podcast!

The ABA’s summer camps have long been an avenue for young birders to take in some excellent birding opportunities, to network with other young birders, and to learn about career opportunities in birding and ornithology. So many young people who have gone on to become influential in our community have come through ABA camps and other young birder camps, and many more consider it a seminal experience in their birding lives. Jennie Duberstein, ABA’s long-time Director of Camp Colorado and the Coordinator of the Sonoran Joint Venture bird conservation partnership, and Robert Buckert, a young birder and recent Camp Colorado attendee from Rochester, New York, join host Nate Swick to talk about the camp experience both as a counselor and as a camper. 

Also, Piping Plovers in Chicago threaten to derail a music festival and some thoughts on playback. 

Thanks to the 2019 Hawai'i Island Festival of Birds for sponsoring this episode of the American Birding Podcast.