Julie Zickefoose is one of those birding writers I’ve admired from afar for a long time. When I first got into birds in 2020 during that miserable pandemic (remember that?), her book, “Saving Jemima” was one of the first bird-related titles I picked up at our local library.
I was immediately captivated. Who knew little birds could have such big personalities? Who knew how much creativity and courage it would take to rehab a single bird?
From Julie’s insider’s perspective on raising nestlings (baby birds that often need to be fed every 30-40 minutes during the day!) to her time with Jemima, Julie has been closer to the beating heart of the avian world than most.
In addition, Julie has lived on the same homestead in Ohio for over three decades. During that time she’s planted trees, weathered storms, raised children, and watched bird populations rise and fall. She is deeply in tune with the earth, wedded to the wild wonders of creativity, and unafraid to call it like she sees it.
I was so honored that she granted me an hour for this conversation. You’re in for such a treat! Julie speaks just like she writes—chock-full of humor, brilliant birding insights, and a deep love for the natural world.
You can check out her books, illustrations, and more at her website, too.
Happy listening, my friends!
As a reminder, The Thing with Feathers podcast comes out bi-weekly. If you love the show, I’d be honored if you’d share it with a friend and give it a review, too.
Next week I’ll be back with my monthly newsletter update.
Until then, friends, keep looking up.
72: Julie Zickefoose on Raising Blue Jays, Rehabbing Nestlings, and the Joy of Wild Things