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We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mary McCann, a longtime and beloved narrator for BirdNote.
For many BirdNote listeners, Mary’s voice will be instantly familiar. Her voice encapsulated the warmth and joy that BirdNote is known for as she brought hundreds of stories about birds and the natural world to life.
BirdNote’s founder, Chris Peterson, remembered both Mary’s sensitivity as a narrator and the wonderful determination she brought to the role. “Mary was a wonderful, sensitive narrator for BirdNote. She once told me, when the auditions were open for a new BirdNote narrator, that she put the little cut-out of BirdNote’s mascot ‘Marty’ on her refrigerator and said out loud to him, ‘Marty, you’re mine! I’m going to win this job.’ I loved working with Mary.”
Over the years, Mary narrated stories that introduced listeners to the beauty and wonder of birds; from Passenger Pigeons to Australia’s rainforest birds, shorebirds, migrating birds and more. In total, Mary voiced 720 episodes of BirdNote Daily, and her voice grew to become part of BirdNote’s sound.
Former BirdNote Writer and Associate Producer, Ellen Blackstone, fondly remembers the joy Mary brought into the studio and the passion she brought to the stories she told. “Loved recording BirdNote stories with Mary! Working with her in the studio was a joy — (she was) such a team player. She was fun and funny, also thoughtful and passionate about so many things. Like chickadees! I'll miss her.”
BirdNote narrator Michael Stein reflects on Mary’s unforgettable voice, remarkable radio career, and the joy of working alongside her. “From her Rock-n-Roll days on Phoenix radio (as the legendary rocker ‘Bone Mama’), through wonderful episodes of BirdNote and dreamy Sunday afternoons on 88.5, KNKX, it's always been a pleasure to hear, and get to work alongside, the one and only Mary McCann. She has always been the Real Thing.”
For anyone who would like to spend a few minutes with Mary’s voice, we especially recommend a recently aired BirdNote Daily episode, “The Ballet of the Grebes.” Set to music from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, the story follows the graceful courtship display of grebes. Mary’s narration is a fitting example of the deep appreciation that she held for the artistry and emotion of the natural world, which was clear in her work.
Former BirdNote Senior Producer John Kessler came to know that special quality from the very beginning. John led the search that ultimately brought Mary to BirdNote. He shared, "I feel very lucky that Mary was part of my life for many years, in our work with BirdNote and at KNKX. In 2008, when I was in charge of BirdNote's search for a new narrator, we received about 80 applications, including one from Mary. Most of the applicants were very capable and professional. But we were looking for something special, and we found it with Mary. I heard a voice that was inviting, and could convey emotion, a voice with a poet's soul and an easy way with a chuckle. That's also the kind of person she was: goofy, upbeat, always with a kind word and always ready to laugh. I envied her ability to be uninhibited, both with her voice and the way she led her life. It's a small consolation, but thanks to BirdNote, her voice and spirit will live on."
We feel immensely fortunate that Mary chose to join the team at BirdNote. Her voice will continue to reach listeners for years, inviting them to stop for a moment, listen closely and discover the wonderful world of birds. Not only will we remember Mary with tremendous gratitude and affection, we will be honoring her wishes to continue sharing her voiced episodes of BirdNote Daily for radio broadcast and podcast.
We extend our deepest condolences to Mary’s family, friends and all those who knew and loved her. You can read more about her life and legacy here.