Puffing Chests & Building Nests

Spring’s on the turn, and the birds are getting busy.

From the surprisingly wild love life of the dunnock to bowing and puffed-up chests on city balconies — we explore what courtship really looks like in the bird world.

We’ll also get practical about nestboxes — where to put them, who they’re for, and how even a balcony can help the next generation fledge. With expert advice from the RSPB, we look at the small changes that can make a real difference as breeding season begins.

Sean will be joined by ornithologist and environmentalistDr Mya-Rose Craig (birdgirluk.com) with guests including Lucy Lapwing (instagram.com/lucy_lapwing/?hl=en) on her coastal patch,City Girl in Nature (youtube.com/@citygirlinnature) in South East London, comedianToussaint Douglass (instagram.com/toussaint_gram/?hl=en) making the case for our feathered city-dwelling friends, andJason Singh (jasonsinghthing.com/about) on the unmistakable rhythm of the wood pigeon.

Produced byHana Walker-Brown (instagram.com/hana_walker_brown/?hl=en-gb). The Executive Producer isJane Gerber. (peanutandcrumb.com/about)
This is a Get Birding Production.

The RSPB Guide to Nestboxes (rspb.org.uk/helping-nature/what-you-can-do/act…)

Toussaint Douglass: Accessible Pigeon Material runs from Thu 26 – Sat 28 Mar 26 at the Soho Theatre, London. (sohotheatre.com/events/toussaint-douglass-acce…)

“Love Is A Toad: Exploring our relationship with nature” by Lucy Lapwing is available for pre-order now. (waterstones.com/book/love-is-a-toad/lucy-lapwi…)

The podcast is made in collaboration withForest Holidays (forestholidays.co.uk), which encourages birdwatching as part of their guests’ stays, with nature sensitive cabins available in 13 incredible locations across the UK. Use the code GETBIRDING26 when booking, for £40 off a 3-night break or £60 off a 4 or 7 night break. The code expires on 30 June 2026 and is for breaks bookable until 1 October 2026.
To find out more, visitforestholidays.co.uk
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