Episode Details

What if the greatest gift in modern life isn't productivity, efficiency, or technology—but attention?

In this episode of Wild by Nature, Dr. Vian Sharif sits down with environmental writer, educator, and author John Farnsworth to explore the transformative practice of "deep birding"—a way of engaging with birds that goes far beyond species identification.

Together, they examine how birds can become teachers of curiosity, wonder, humility, and presence. Through stories from decades spent observing birds in wild places, John reveals how paying closer attention to the natural world can sharpen our minds, deepen our sense of connection, and help us embrace uncertainty in a culture that prizes certainty.

The conversation explores why wonder begins where expertise ends, how birding can improve cognitive health and neuroplasticity, and why the loss of more than three billion birds in North America should concern all of us.

At its heart, this episode is not simply about birds. It is about learning to see. To notice. To listen. And to rediscover our place within the living world.

In This EpisodeWhy attention may be one of the most valuable skills of modern life

The difference between traditional birding and "deep birding"

How birds teach us curiosity, observation, and wonder

Why certainty can limit discovery

The surprising connection between birding and brain health

What scientists are learning about birding and neuroplasticity

The story of the surf scoter and the mysteries science still can't explain

Learning to stop chasing nature and let nature come to you

Patch birding and developing relationships with local ecosystems

Why common birds deserve as much appreciation as rare species

The role birds play in healthy ecosystems

The loss of more than three billion birds in North America

Why conservation must become part of the birding practice

Humility, resilience, and what birds can teach us about living well

Key Takeaways

Attention is a practice. Like any skill, attention can be strengthened through observation, curiosity, and reflection.

Wonder lives beyond certainty. Many of nature's most fascinating mysteries remain unanswered, inviting us into deeper exploration rather than simple explanations.

Birds benefit us in profound ways. Research suggests that advanced birding may contribute to cognitive health and help maintain mental sharpness as we age.

Birds need our attention now. Despite their remarkable resilience, North American bird populations have declined by more than three billion birds in recent decades, making conservation more important than ever.

The natural world is constantly telling stories. The question is whether we slow down enough to notice them.

About John Farnsworth

John Seibert Farnsworth was a founding member of the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences at Santa Clara University, where he taught a range of courses in environmental writing and literature. His graduate studies focused on literary natural history, and included master's degrees from Antioch University and Stanford, and a PhD from the University of Stirling, in Scotland. Dr. Farnsworth's most recent books are: Nature Beyond Solitude: Notes from the Field; Coves of Departure: Field Notes from the Sea of Cortes, and Reading Nature: The Evolution of American Nature Writing. He is currently working on a book about deep birding, as well as a memoir about learning new ecosystems. Dr. Farnsworth's volunteer activities focus on wildlife conservation, and he will soon begin a term as chair of Washington State's Wildlife Diversity Advisory Council.

Books by John Farnsworth: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07DB8Z1B2/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=b57f1221-db22-4ecb-b369-a2006ca1a67c&ccs_id=56e1596e-a0b0-42f6-8746-5d39512fe0e0

Additional Resources