BirdNote lead writer and science advisor, Bob Sundstrom, has been contributing to BirdNote since 2006 -- nearly 800 stories, trips near and far, countless responses to listeners, and more...
Master Storyteller
Nearly half of the 1,600+ stories in the BirdNote archive have been written by Bob. From Swan Song and Fancy Ducks to Grassland Meander and Daffy Duck, Bob's ability to engage people in the fascinating world of birds is simply masterful. The following stories, written by Bob, were among the most popular shows on BirdNote.org during 2020:
- Adaptations for Flight
- Bee Hummingbird
- Birds Have No External Ears
- Birds That Whistle
- Cardinals' Duet
- Here Come the Barred Owls
- Laughing Kookaburra
- Night Voices of Summer
- Voices and Vocabularies: Great Horned Owls
- Why Is My Robin Half White?
Expert Science Advisor
Bob's scientific expertise has shaped hundreds of BirdNote scripts since 2006. He has also generously shared his expertise with individual listeners seeking information about bird behavior, identification, habitat, and much, much more. Did you know Bob is the co-author of the National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Pacific Northwest? No wonder his field trips are so popular. And speaking of field trips . . .
Extraordinary Trip Leader
It goes without saying that Bob has led members of the BirdNote community on some of the most memorable trips of their lives, from Swakane Canyon in Washington State to Big Bend National Park and beyond. His patience and preparedness is part of his signature leadership style, something deeply appreciated by those of us who borrowed a few bucks from Bob to secure a snack, having left our wallets on the bus!
Birding-by-Ear Ace
Bob is well known in the greater Seattle community for his popular "Birding by Ear" classes. He shared this advice with The Seattle Times in 2005: “If you’re doing anything beyond very elementary birding, sounds are very important. Learning different types and qualities of bird song help you begin to appreciate what’s around you in a new way.” The article ends with some birding-by-ear advice for all of us: “It’s a life-long process and I’m still learning.”
#1 BirdNote Ambassador
Whether Bob is leading a trip for Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT), teaching a class at Seattle Audubon, or giving a presentation for BirdNote, he has been a tireless champion for BirdNote, introducing thousands of people to the show. And he has educated and inspired millions more through his writing. Check out the entire archive of BirdNote shows written by Bob and read messages to Bob from the BirdNote community on our tribute page.
Learn more about Bob on his BirdNote contributor page.
Photos courtesy of Bob Sundstrom