In this episode of the Spark Bird Podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally talk with Pam Lowell, a social worker, watercolor artist, and author. Pam shares her Spark Bird story, describing how sightings of a quetzal and ospreys ignited her passion for birding and transformed her life.

The conversation touches on the mental health benefits of birding, the intersection of art and environmentalism, and the resilience of ospreys. Pam highlights her volunteer work with Mass Audubon, her book My Summer with Ospreys: A Therapist's Journey Towards Hope, Community, and Healing Our Planet and the importance of environmental advocacy. Throughout the episode, the detailed experiences with ospreys are discussed, emphasizing their unique behaviors and the hope they represent for ecological recovery.

Resources & Links from This Episode

Pam Lowell’s Work & Socials:

📖 My Summer with Ospreys: A Therapist's Journey Towards Hope, Community, and Healing Our Planet – Read more here

🌍 Pam Lowell’s Website – Visit here

📸 Follow Pam on Instagram – @palwrites

Wild America & RTPI Book Discussion:

📅 Join RTPI for an exciting discussion of Wild America and the books it inspired, led by RTPI Scholar-in-Residence Jenn Lodi-Smith. This four-part program is part of RTPI’s exhibition, Art that Matters to the Planet: Wild America, celebrating the 70th anniversary of this environmental classic.

🔗 Learn more & register here

Time Stamps

00:00 Welcome to the Spark Bird Podcast

00:48 Introducing Pam Lowell

02:12 Pam's Spark Bird Stories

06:05 Birding and Mental Health

09:02 Art, Writing, and Ospreys

20:13 Environmental Advocacy and Community

24:42 Conclusion and Contact Information