Big, round, and adorably fluffy, is there a more charming visitor to our gardens than the bumble bee? We don’t think so!

Sadly, these incredible and vitally important pollinators are in trouble. 2024 was the worst year for British bumble bee populations since records began, with many species facing growing pressures from habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change.

Grab a drink and join us as we explore the fascinating world of bumble bees. From their remarkable adaptations and surprising cultural impact to the threats putting them at risk.

We also highlight the crucial work being done to protect them and share simple ways that each of us can help our bumble bees thrive, right in our own gardens and communities. And of course, we tackle the big question: do they really defy the laws of physics when they fly?

We had a great time recording this episode, we hope you enjoy it.

Get in touch!

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

The UK's bumblebees are in crisis - Bumblebee Conservation Trust

The national monitoring BeeWalk scheme - Bumblebee Conservation Trust

UK bumblebee numbers fell to record low in 2024 - Agriland.co.uk

Multiple habitats need protecting to save UK bumblebees, finds 10-year citizen science study - BES

Genus-Wide Characterization of Bumblebee Genomes Provides Insights into Their Evolution and Variation in Ecological and Behavioral Traits | Molecular Biology and Evolution | Oxford Academic

Once widespread across the UK, the white-tailed eagle was driven to extinction by the early 20th century, but now, they are making a comeback!

2025 marks 50 years since the first reintroduction, when young eagles from Norway were released on the Isle of Rùm. Since then, the population has steadily grown, with birds now breeding across Scotland, and more recently even returning to raise chicks in England for the first time in over two centuries.

Join us as we look back at the decline and disappearance of these magnificent birds, uncover the story of their return, and celebrate the dedicated organisations and tireless individuals who worked to bring the sea eagle back.

Get in touch!

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Have you seen a white-tailed eagle? We'd love to hear about it.

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

Return: Our White Tailed Sea Eagle Reintroduction Documentary

White-tailed eagle reintroduction project | Forestry England

White-tailed eagle reintroduction & conservation | Rewilding Britain

White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction on the Isle of Wight - Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation

White-tailed eagle saga - Dave Sexton

Did you know that birds are dinosaurs? Not just their descendants, but the last living branch of one of the most successful animal groups to ever walk the Earth.

In this episode, we sit down with paleo artist, keen birdwatcher, and lifelong dinosaur enthusiast Sean Hennessy (aka Speed Thief) to uncover the fascinating evolutionary link between modern birds and their prehistoric relatives. We dispel some common dino myths and misunderstandings, explore how dinosaurs capture the public imagination, and discuss why they remain vital ambassadors for natural history and science.

We also chat to Sean about how he sees paleo art as a powerful form of science communication and learn more about his fantastic paleo comics.

Sean has probably had more mentions on the podcast than anyone else, we've been wanting to have him on for ages. It was brilliant to finally have him in the studio and chat all things dinosaur (prehistoric and living).

Sean's art and socials:

https://linktr.ee/speed.thief

@speed.thief

Get in touch!

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod