Welcome to another episode of The Nature Wanderer Podcast!

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and felt like the universe was putting on a show just for you?

In this episode of The Nature Wanderer, I wander into one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles: the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. I explore what’s really happening high above our heads when the sky begins to glow, ripple, and dance, and why this phenomenon feels so deeply emotional for the people lucky enough to witness it.

We’ll talk about how energy from the sun travels millions of miles to collide with Earth’s magnetic field, turning invisible forces into curtains of green, purple, and red light. I’ll also touch on the cultures and stories that grew up beneath these glowing skies, where the aurora was once seen as spirits, fires, or messages from the heavens.

But this episode isn’t just about the science or the stories. It’s about wonder. About standing still in the dark, feeling small in the best possible way, and realizing that nature doesn’t always whisper. Sometimes, it performs.

So grab a warm drink, imagine a clear northern night, and wander with me into the luminous mystery of the northern lights.

Episode notes and links:

Aurora forecast apps on Google Play: Google Play

Aurora forecast apps on Apple: Apple Apps

Support the podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:

Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer

Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page

Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch

Nature exploring storefront: Amazon Storefront

Let’s stay connected!

www.thenaturewanderer.com

Instagram

Facebook

Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you!

Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Support our eco-friendly affiliates:

Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.

Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference.

Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature.

I’ll see you next episode!

This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. I share observations, stories, and research about the natural world. Always explore nature safely and responsibly.

Winter doesn’t mean nature goes silent—it just speaks more softly.

In this episode of Nature Wanderer, I slow things down and step into the world of winter birding, sharing what it’s like to observe birds during the colder months and why this season offers such a unique connection to nature. I also touch on the Christmas Bird Count (CBC)—what it is, why it matters, and how everyday birders can play a role in long-term conservation simply by paying attention.

Whether you’re an experienced birder or someone who just enjoys noticing who’s still around when the snow falls, this episode is an invitation to wander outside, look up, and listen.

In this episode:

• Why winter is one of the most underrated times to bird

• What the Christmas Bird Count is and why it’s important

• How observing birds deepens your connection to place

• Letting nature guide reflection at the turn of the year

Thanks for listening and supporting the podcast—it truly helps keep Nature Wanderer going 🌿

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  Thanks!!!

Join us on The Nature Wanderer as we leave behind the mythic North Pole and step into Lapland, the real-world home of Santa Claus — where snow blankets the land, northern lights paint the sky, and wildlife has evolved stunning adaptations to survive one of Earth’s harshest climates.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why Lapland is Santa’s actual home — not the North Pole.

• How Arctic animals survive extreme cold, deep snow, and months of darkness.

• The incredible biology of reindeer, from their UV vision to seasonal hooves.

• The life strategies of Arctic foxes, wolverines, lynx, owls, and more.

• The cultural connection between the Sámi people and reindeer herding.

• Real vs. imagined wildlife at the top of the world.

Whether you’re tuning in by a cozy fire or watching from the tropics, this episode unpacks the science, culture, and wonder of life near the Arctic Circle.

Live View:
Watch a real-time glimpse of Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland — home to Santa’s village on the Arctic Circle:
🎥 Live @ Santa Claus Village on YouTube Live @ Santa Claus Village (Rovaniemi, Lapland)

Topics Covered:

• Arctic Climate & Lapland Landscape

• Reindeer Ecology & Behavior

• Seasonal Adaptations of Wildlife

• Myth vs. Reality of Santa’s Home

• Predator and Prey in the Far North

The podcast and other Nature Wanderer projects:

Donate here: ko-fi.com/thenaturewanderer

Nature journals and books by The Nature Wanderer: Amazon Author Page

Nature Wanderer merch: naturewanderer.org/merch

Let’s stay connected!

www.thenaturewanderer.com

Instagram

Facebook

Don’t forget to share, subscribe, review, and download to help others find the podcast. Got a topic idea or nature question? I’d love to hear from you!

Join me on The Forest Connection podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Support our eco-friendly affiliates:

Try Apple Valley Natural Soaps – a treat for your skin and the planet.

Shop Life Without Plastic for sustainable swaps that make a difference.

Thank you for listening—and keep wandering through nature.

I’ll see you next episode!