Get Birding

Series 2: Episode 1 - Dr Mya-Rose Craig, Poppy Rummery

Get Birding

Show Notes

In the first episode of series two, our new host - ornithologist and BBC Countryfile’s Hamza Yassin - talks to series one’s presenter, environmental campaigner Dr Mya-Rose Craig, about their shared love of birds.

The appearance of a rare black browed albatross this year was one of the hot birding stories of the summer. Hamza speaks to RSPB Bempton Cliffs Visitor Experience Assistant Poppy Rummery to shed some light on why it's here and discuss the impact this unusual visitor has had on the reserve.

Host: Hamza Yassin Guests: Mya-Rose Craig, Poppy Rummery Producer: Jo Barratt Executive Producers: Jane Gerber & Katie Derham Production Co-ordinator: Louis Facey Social Media Assistant: Dilber Mogal

All music by Poddington Bear Additional birdsong and nature recordings by InspectorJ, earthsounds, iainmccurdy, ​​acclivity, inchadney under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence

Podcast art by Make Productions

Follow us: www.twitter.com/getbirdingpod www.facebook.com/getbirdingpod www.instagram.com/getbirdingpod

Sponsored by birding binoculars specialist Swarovski Optik. To Find out more visit: https://www.swarovskioptik.com/gb/en/birding Swarovski Optik, headquartered in Absam, Tyrol, is part of the Swarovski group of companies. Founded in 1949, the Austrian company specialises in the development and manufacturing of long-range optical instruments of the highest precision in the premium segment of the market. The binoculars, spotting scopes and optronic instruments are products of choice for demanding users. The company’s success is based on its innovative strength, the quality and intrinsic value of its products, and their functional and esthetic design. The appreciation of nature is an essential part of its company philosophy and is reflected commendably in its environment-friendly production and its long-term commitment to selected nature conservation projects.

Sponsored by Zurich Insurance - insuring conservation groups across the UK. To find out more visit Zurich.co.uk/getbirding Zurich insure more than 15,000 not-for-profit organisations of all shapes and sizes including conservation, gardening and ornithological groups across England, Scotland and Wales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from Get Birding

Oct 14, 2026

In this episode, host Sean Bean returns to RSPB Arne in Dorset, where autumn migration is bringing birds in from further north. We’ll discover why Poole Harbour is such an important winter haven for waders and waterfowl, and get to know some of the reserve’s remarkable birds of prey.

Sep 30, 2026

In this episode, host Sean Bean is joined by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage at RSPB Arne, where they explore the reserve and discover how Dartford Warblers have bounced back, from just two pairs at Arne in 1965 to 97 pairs last year. Simon talks about how birds have found their way into his poetry, his love of their names, and one very questionable identification during a 24-hour bird race.

Sep 16, 2026

In this episode, we’re exploring generational birding and how a love of nature is passed down through families. Sean Bean is joined by lifelong birders Dr. Mya-Rose Craig and her dad Chris at RSPB Arne, who share memories of birding together, from Mya-Rose’s first twitch at just nine days old to an overnight trip to Orkney to see a rare Sandhill Crane.

Sep 2, 2026

In this episode, host Sean Bean is joined by wildlife biologist and broadcaster Dan O’Neill at RSPB Ham Wall, where they explore the wildlife of this wetland habitat, from ospreys and cormorants to marsh harriers, kingfishers and dragonflies. They also reflect on their shared childhood passion for birds of prey and how spending time in nature can put life into perspective.

Aug 19, 2026

In this episode, host Sean Bean is joined by broadcaster and lifelong birder Kirsty Gallacher to explore the seminal moments that have shaped her love and appreciation for birds, from peregrines and racing pigeons to a powerful encounter with an owl during a time of grief.

See all episodes →