Cartoons, Comics, and Curiosity: The Joy of Nature with Rosemary Mosco

This week on the Bird Joy Podcast, Dexter Patterson and Jason Hall sit down with science writer, naturalist, and illustrator Rosemary Mosco, the creative mind behind the beloved comic Bird and Moon. Known for blending humor, art, and ecology, Rosemary has built a unique space where birders, scientists, and curious nature lovers can laugh while learning about the natural world.

Rosemary is the author of The Birding Dictionary, named one of the Best Books of the Year by the American Birding Association. The pocket-sized guide celebrates birding language with witty definitions and playful illustrations that capture the quirks of birding culture. Her writing and illustrations have appeared in National Audubon Society publications and The New York Times, and she has written science books for readers of all ages on topics ranging from butterflies to the solar system.

In this episode, Dexter and Jason explore how drawing and observation shaped Rosemary’s path into science communication, and why comics are such a powerful tool for making complex ideas accessible. They discuss the culture and inside jokes of birding, the inspiration behind The Birding Dictionary, and how humor (see BloodCheep) can help people sit with the uncertainty and wonder that often come with science.

The conversation also reflects on belonging in nature spaces, the role of creativity in learning, and how curiosity — whether through a sketchbook, a comic panel, or a pair of binoculars — can change the way we notice the world around us.

From birding slang to creative science storytelling, this episode celebrates the joy of paying attention and the many ways art can invite people deeper into nature.

If you enjoy conversations about creativity, curiosity, and the culture of birding, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 

BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin

In Color Birding