The NeNe, the state bird of Hawaii is one of the interesting endemic birds that is encountered during the “Hawaii” episode of the new television series “Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper” (photo by Paul Konrad). Christian Cooper is the Extraordinary Birder in the new Nat Geo Wild television series.

The National Geographic television channel – Nat Geo Wild – has a great new program series featuring an enthusiastic birder who provides a fine example of what we all enjoy about birding – and more. “Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper” is an exciting and colorful Nat Geo Wild program that runs 30 minutes per episode and keeps you engaged. Chris visits a variety of primo birding locations, and you can get some on-screen birding in if you try to identify the birds that grace the tele during each episode. This excellent documentation of a birder in action will get you excited to get into the field yourself! Upcoming episodes include:

The “New York City" episode premieres on Nat Geo Wild on Saturday June 24 at 10pm EDT, in which Christian Cooper observes Peregrine Falcon nestlings, and releases a street smart American Kestrel in his hometown, New York City.

“Hawaii” premieres on Nat Geo Wild on Saturday, July 1 at 10pm EDT, when Chris Cooper explores the outstanding birdlife on the Big Island of Hawaii. Among lush rainforests and rocky lava terrain, Christian sees a majestic Hawaiian Hawk, nestling White Terns, and joins a wild goose chase for NeNe, Hawaii’s state bird – all while learning what makes Hawaii’s birds so exceptional.

“Palm Springs” premieres on Nat Geo Wild on Saturday July 8 at 10 pm EDT, highlighting raptors, ravens, hummingbirds, and more! Christian Cooper heads to the oasis of Palm Springs to discover the world of desert birds. From studying a bird of prey to digging a new haven for a Burrowing Owl, and viewing nesting Great Blue Herons, Chris learns what it takes for these birds to survive in the Mohave Desert.

“Washington, DC” premieres on Nat Geo Wild on Saturday July 15 at 10pm EDT, featuring eagles, ospreys, songbirds, and owls! Christian travels to the nation’s capital to discover the iconic birds of the region. From visiting famous Bald Eagles to whitewater rafting to a pristine nesting island, working with conservationists to help grassland birds, and meeting an owl that saved a man’s life, Chris gains a greater appreciation for the birds of DC.

The “Alabama” episode premieres on Nat Geo Wild on July 22 at 10pm EDT with an emphasis on woodpeckers, eagles, shrikes, and kites attract Cooper to discover the unique birdlife in one of the nation’s most biodiverse states – Alabama – where Christian gains insights and a new perspective on the region.

Tune in or record upcoming programs for a new birding activity – television programing. We like it!