Field Notes

Nathaniel Wise vividly remembers the moment birds captured his imagination. It wasn’t spotting a rare species or an encounter with a majestic raptor—it was a plush mourning dove toy that played authentic bird calls when squeezed. This seemingly simple experience sparked a lifelong passion for connecting bird songs with the creatures that make them, eventually leading him to study how birds and lake ecosystems intertwine.

From his early volunteer work with the Lilly Center demonstrating how shoreline vegetation reduces Canada goose populations around Winona Lake (by over 50%!) to his research on secretive marsh birds like rails (the origin of the phrase “skinny as a rail”), Nathaniel brings both scientific insight and contagious enthusiasm to exploring the world of birds around lakes. His explanations of how birds cycle nutrients between aquatic and terrestrial environments reveal the delicate balance that keeps our freshwater systems healthy. The conversation takes listeners deep into wetland habitats where birds like Marsh Wrens and Sora Rails create complex songs despite rarely being seen.

We explore how waterbirds respond when predators like bald eagles appear (clumping together for safety), why diverse bird populations matter for lake health, and the significance of “ecotones”—those rich transition zones where land meets water. Nathaniel also shares practical advice for anyone curious about birds: where to find them in Kosciusko County, how to start birding without getting overwhelmed by identification challenges, and ways to make your property more bird-friendly while simultaneously protecting water quality. Whether you’re a veteran birder, lakefront property owner, or simply someone who’s noticed birds at your local waterway, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into how the feathered world connects with our freshwater resources. Ready to start noticing more than just “ducks” on your next lake visit?

Listen now and discover the hidden world of birds that shapes our lakes.