Dirty Bird Podcast

Episode 71: Talk Turkey To Me: Dirty Bird Thanksgiving Special! Nov 16, 2024

This Turkey is served HOT! Dr. John sits on a log in the woods of Holly River State Park, WV as he talk about all the dirty details of Turkeys, wild and domestic. Learn some great facts to share around the thanksgiving table- and also how to disprove some of the common myths that your Uncle likes to say. Some of these facts may be too hot to handle- erect snoods, big skull caps, and gobbles- oh my! Learn about the domestication of turkeys, wild turkey evolution history, turkey breeding, and much more! Its everything you didn't want to know about Turkeys
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Also thanks to Cass for this week's bird watch!
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers
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Birds sounds are from xeno-canto.org

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Intro Gobble by Thomas Paine
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Intro Turkey Call by

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Gobble 1 by Paul Marvin

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Gobble 2 by

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Gobble 3 by

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Courtship Chump, Hum, sneeze by Ted Floyd

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Cackle Call by Paul Driver

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Cooing Contact call by Bruce Lagerquist

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Yelp Call by Bruce Lagerquist

Episode 70: That's so Raven (Common Raven) Oct 14, 2024

Recorded in the only virgin spruce forest in the eastern US, this episode about Common Ravens is full of the ambience of Gaudineer Scenic Area in the Monongahela National Forest. As chickadees and kinglets chirp in the background, Dr. John tells you everything you need to know about the Common Raven. These birds a spookily intelligent and despite huge population crashes in the 1800s they are now extremely successful....sometimes to the detriment of endangered species! Learn about how the Raven really can quoth "nevermore" and the efforts to save the gopher tortoise from raven's ravenous beaks. Join Dirty Bird Podcast for another educational and fun episode!
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers
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All bird sounds are from xeno-canto.org
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Raven Opening Call by Lars Edenius

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“Qwork” call by Lars Edenius

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Ravens Talking by Markus Jacobs

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Alarm Call by Lars Edenius

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Contact Call by Joao Tomas

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Raven Speaking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPhbXsxE7aY

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Raven Saying Goodmorning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQShKi1s2sY

Episode 69: Bat Bird: The nocturnal, cave-dwelling Oilbird Sep 27, 2024

Echolocation, extreme night vision, cave dwelling…you’d think this describes a bat species but no! The amazing Oilbird of South America not only has a unique name but also some incredible evolutionary adaptations that allow it to breed in the pitch dark of caves leaving only at night to stalk one of its favorite food…avocados! Put on your headlamp and join Dr. John as we spelunk in search of knowledge about the Oilbird. Learn everything you need to know about this odd but amazing bird species.

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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers, check them out wherever you get your music

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All bird sounds are from xeno-canto.org

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Demon Call 1 by Rosendo Manuel Fraga

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Contact calls by Martin Solowiej

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Guttural Calls by Mauricio Cuellar Ramirez (@Birding.travel)

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Squawking calls by Nick Athanas

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Clicking Calls Jacob Wijpkema

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Clicking Calls 2 by Niels Krabbe

Episode 68: Skit-Scatbird (Gray Catbird) Aug 07, 2024

The jazz musicians of the bird world, the Gray Catbird has both an impressive vocal repertoire and a unique ability to improvise. Join Dr. John in the summer woods of French Creek, West Virginia as he tells you everything you need to know about the Gray Catbird! While their vocalizations are the highlight, they also have some interesting breeding facts: especially their communal attitude towards other songbirds such as robins! Finally, their amazing evolutionary history is also explained in detail. Come learn about this bird right meow!
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Intro song by Ricky Pistone, Outro by the Sidewalk Slammers
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All bird calls are from Xeno-Canto.org
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Intro Meow by Matt Wistrand
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Catbird Song 1 by Matt Wistrand
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Catbird Imitation by Richard E. Webster
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Mockingbird song by Ron Overholtz
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Brown Thrasher song by Richard E. Webster
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Catbird Song 2 by Bobby Wilcox
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Cat Meow Call: Russ Wigh
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Alarm call by Richard E. Webster
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Jay like call by Manuel Grosselat

Episode 67: But I'm a Creeper, I'm a weirdo (Brown Creeper) Apr 26, 2024

Any radiohead fans out there? The Brown Creeper is often overlooked and underappreciated but it has a lot of cool bird facts to share! Parody songs aside, in this episode Dr. John tells you everything you need to know about a tiny bird of the deep coniferous woods of North and Central America. Learn all about their unique nesting behavior, their surprisingly large territory size (compensating for something?), and much more.
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Outro music by the Sidewalks Slammers: find them wherever you get your music
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All bird calls are from Xeno-Canto.org

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Intro song by Thomas G. Graves

Brown Creeper song by Paul Marvin

“trees beautiful trees” call by Ron Overholtz

Brown Creeper High Pitched Call by Jarrod Swackhamer

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Karaoke version of “Creep” by Radiohead from Sing King on Youtube

Episode 66: Waxwing On, Waxwing Off (Cedar Waxwing) Mar 21, 2024

These birds know how to party! Sporting flashy colors, cedar waxwings are always found in raucous groups gorging on food, chirping, and sometimes even getting drunk. Dr. John records outside in First Landing State Park while he tells you everything you need to know about Cedar Waxwings. Learn about how invasive species are changing their coloration, how they are able to survive on an almost exclusively fruit diet, and their perplexing evolutionary history. John read’s the scientific publications so you don’t have to and finds all the best facts to teach you about this fascinating bird species.

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Thanks to Diana for suggesting this episode!

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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music!

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Bird Sounds from Xeno-Canto.org

Opening Call by Jeffery Mann

Bzee call by Ted Floyd

Sighing whistle call by Bobby Wilcox

Episode 65: Fight for your Kite to Party! (White-Tailed Kite) Feb 14, 2024

Rodents beware! The White-Tailed Kite has a range that extends from California to South America and wherever it is rodents are on the menu. From mice to guinea pigs, these birds are basically the "Day Owls". In fact, they share several evolutionary adaptations in common with Owls! Learn all about the White-Tailed Kite in this festive episode of Dirty Bird Podcast.
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by The Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music.
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All Bird sounds are from Xeno-Canto.org
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Opening Call: Dante Buzzetti
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see-yrk call: Nicole Alfaro Ponce
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Chirp Call: Cristian Pinto Fernandez
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Osprey Call: Lars Edenius
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Grunt Call: Paul Marvin

Episode 64: It's a Hard (wood) Cock Life: (American Woodcock) Jan 16, 2024

Life is tough for an American Woodcock. You nest on the ground, everything wants to eat and shoot you, and your habitat is decreasing. Plus, even the ornithologists seem not to care about your evolution! On the plus side, migration is more of a swinging vacation than an arduous journey! Join John as he talks all about the American Woodcock's funny vocalizations and feeding behaviors, its conservation concerns, and its unique courtship display. Recorded on a breezy day in First Landing State Park, even a fox stops by to listen!
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Thanks to dreamroux for suggesting this episode!
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers
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Birds sounds from xeno-canto.org
Opening Call by Jim Berry
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Meep Call by Alex Lin-Moore
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Up Close Call by Justin Watts
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Flight Call Justin Saucier
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Cackle by Paul Driver
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Wing Whistle by Paul Driver

Episode 63: Forever A-Loon (Common Loon) Nov 17, 2023

When you hear the haunting call of a common loon, you may feel alone and scared, but seeing this beautiful bird is sure to raise your spirits! Learn all about the many unique and beautiful calls of the Common Loon which can be found in lakes across northern America and also featured in many horror movie soundtracks. While it appears peaceful paddling on the water, these birds can be extremely violent during the breeding season. Join Dr. John as he explores the breeding, feeding evolution, and other fun facts about the Common Loon!
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Thanks to Henson for suggesting this episode!
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Thanks to Jessica Coker for providing the cover art! Follow her on instagram @thepsoreywing
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music
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All Bird sounds are from xeno-canto.org

Opening Call by Bruce Lagerquist

Wail call 1 by Sunny Tsang

All Bird sounds are from xeno-canto.org

Opening Call by Bruce Lagerquist

Wail call 1 by Sunny Tsang

Wail call 2 by Nicholas Comparato

Tremelo call by Davyd Betchkal

Tremelo call 2 by Lance A.M. Benner

Yodel call by Thomas Zgirski

Yodel call 2 by Panvert Robin

Hoot Call by Lauren Harter

Episode 62: Dirty Bird Shorties: The Common Loon Nov 17, 2023

Spend a few minutes learning about the Common Loon! Hear their unique vocalization, learn about their unique swimming mechanisms, and find out their hidden angry side.
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone
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Cover art by Jessica Coker, follow her on instagram @theospreywing
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All Bird sounds are from xeno-canto.org

Wail Call by Sunny Tsang

Tremelo call by Davyd Betchkal

Yodel call by Thomas Zgirski

Episode 61: Dirty Bird Shorties- Magnificent Frigatebird Sep 29, 2023

Did you know young frigate birds play like puppies? And that adults croon to each other like Barry White to get in the mood? Learn fun, fast facts about the breeding and feeding of this giant shore bird with Dirty Bird Shorties! Check out full length episodes for even more bird facts
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All Bird Sounds are from xeno-canto.org

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Begging Call by Ricardo José Mitidieri

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Calling and bill snapping by Bobby Wilcox

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Drumming by Leonardo Ordóñez-Delgado

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Fighting sounds by Bobby Wilcox

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Intro music by Ricky Pistone. Check him out wherever you get your music

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Short clip of “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love Babe” by Barry White used

Episode 60: Frig Off! (Magnificent Frigatebird) Sep 29, 2023

Magnificent Frigatebird? More like Massive Frigatebird! With huge 7 foot wings, a big red throat sack, and the longest breeding period of any sea bird, the Magnificent Frigatebird lives life large. It even will throw its weight around to steal food from all manner of creatures, earning its comparison to a frigate warship. Learn all about the life history, evolution, and population threats to this amazing bird of the tropics.

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All Bird Sounds are from xeno-canto.org

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Begging Call by Ricardo José Mitidieri

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Calling and bill snapping by Bobby Wilcox

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Drumming by Leonardo Ordóñez-Delgado

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Fighting sounds by Bobby Wilcox

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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music

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Short clip of “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love Babe” by Barry White used

Episode 59: An Elephant Bird Never Forgets: The 4 Extinct Elephant Birds of Madagascar Aug 23, 2023

The (possibly recently!) extinct Elephant Birds were fittingly named. Not only were they the largest birds to ever live with eggs even bigger than dinosaur eggs, they also filled a vital niche in Madagascar similar to that of Elephants of mainland Africa. Learn all about the four extinct species of Elephant birds with John and Tim in this episode! We talk about their fossil record, amazing facts about their biology, their evolutionary history, and how they went extinct. Also, we cover the geological history of Madagascar and the arrival of the first humans to the island. Learn everything you need to know about Elephant Birds!
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Thanks for the iTunes review RMbirder!
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Big thanks to Astrapionte for providing the cover art for this episode! Find their artwork @strpit7108 on deviantart, youtube, and Reddit!
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Also huge shout out to everyone who voted in the Dirty Bird Daryl poll, personalized shout outs to everyone in this episode!
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers, find them wherever you get your music

Episode 58: Spread Eagle: All about America's bird the Bald Eagle Jul 01, 2023

In this 4th of July special, John talks all about America’s bird the Bald Eagle! While majestic appearing, the Bald Eagle has quite the bad reputation amongst those who have observed its habits up close, Benjamin Franklin even called it “very lousy”! But do its redeeming qualities make up for its sometimes nasty nature? Explore these topics as John tells you everything you need to know about the Bald Eagle! Also, the return of Punchy Joe who talks about the Bald Eagle pair that have spent 10 years raising young just off his dock. And a listener message from friend of the show Charlie! Learn about Bald Eagle Biology, their interactions with humans, how it became America's bird, Native american legends, about a Bald Eagle that fought in the civil war, threats to their population, and their evolutionary history. So put in your headphones, light up the BBQ, and press play on this episode!

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Cover art by Jessica Coker! Check out all her work on her Instagram page @jessicacokerartist

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Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers, check them out wherever you get your music

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All bird sounds are from xeno-canto.org

Bald Eagle Call 1 by: Steve Hampton

Bald Eagle Call 2 by: Davyd Betchkayl

Bald Eagle Call 3 by: Paul Marvin

Osprey Call by: Bruce Lagerquist

Bald Eagle majestic call by: Russ Wigh

Red-Tailed Hawk Call by: Peter Ward and Ken Hall

Bald Eagle Capture call by Paul Marvin

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Civil War music by adeluc4 from freesounds.org

Native American drum by sandyrb from freesounds.org

Bird flap by agentDD from freesounds.org

Landing sound by yoyodaman234 from freesounds.org

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Find dirty bird podcast Tshirts at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dirtybird-podcast

Episode 57: Swift Into High Gear (White-Throated Swift) Jun 01, 2023

In this listener suggested episode, Dr. John talks all about the White-Throated Swift, a graceful aerial acrobat of the Western US. Learn about the aeronautical engineering behind its amazing flying abilities and how its death defying courtship dives sometimes get it in trouble. Also, did you know white-throated swift and tobacco chewing cowboys have something in common? Accompanied by the frogs and birds of First Landing State Park, John explores the feeding, breeding, evolutionary history, and fun facts of this amazing bird!
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Thanks to Charlie for suggesting this episode and providing pictures and videos of White-Throated Swifts he's taken!
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Link for T-shirts: https://www.teepublic.com/user/dirtybird-podcast
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro Music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music
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Bird calls are from xeno-canto.org

Intro Swift Call by Lauren Harter

“Shrieked out” Swift notes by Thomas Magarian

National Geographic description sounds by Thomas Beverly

Episode 56: Boom Chika Boom! All About the Humble Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) May 13, 2023

Ricky is back! In between dumb puns, jokes, and laughs we learn about how the chicken went from prowling the jungles of Asia to being in backyards across the globe. Learn about the surprising intelligence of these birds, the different breeds of chickens, and what a wattle is. Get EGGcited!
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro Music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music

Episode 55: Don't Kria Over Spilled Milk: The Birds of Iceland Round 2 with special guest Cass Apr 11, 2023

You can take the birder out of Iceland, but you can’t take Iceland out of the birder! John is joined by bird enthusiast Cass to discuss both of their experiences birding in Iceland. Along the way, John shares cool facts about birds such as the Artic Tern (Kria), Norther Fulmar (fyll), Pink Footed Goose, and many more. Learn about the gross defense mechanism of Fulmars, the carnivorous sheep of Iceland, and the epic ice age fight for survival of the pink footed goose. Also, plenty of tangents about non-bird related aspects of Iceland both John and Cass love. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the land of ice and fire, this episode is for you!

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Cover art: John holds a juvenile redwing that fell out of a tree on him during a trot through the woods of Reykholt. The bird was returned to his perch safely! Hear the full story on the episode!

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All bird sound are from xeno-canto.org

Northern Fulmar Chuckle by: Stanislas Wroza

European Golden Plover Call by: Michel Veldt

Ptarmigan Call by: Jens Kirkeby

Snipe Drumming sound by: Herald Pfleger

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Intro theme by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music!

Episode 54: Bachman's Warbler Overdrive (BWO) Mar 21, 2023

Much of the life history of Bachman’s Warbler is a mystery. It spent only four months in the American Southeast each summer before migrating to Cuba and often inhabited swampy, difficult to access environments. With its likely extinction in the 1980s, there’s much we will never know about this bird…but that doesn’t stop John from speculating! Using historical accounts dating back to the 1800s, information from preserved specimens, and inferences based on its close relatives, John tells you everything there is to know about Bachman’s warbler along with his own thoughts. Was Bachman’s Warbler a bamboo specialist, an ecosystem now almost entirely extinct in the US? Could Bachman’s Warbler can be a flower specialist in Cuba, like the honeycreepers of Hawaii?

Also, could it still be out there? John and Bird Photographer and enthusiast Tanner think possibly so! Tanner joins John in this episode to discuss his own personal search for Bachman’s warbler in one of the few Canebrake ecosystems left in the US.

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The following bird calls are from xeno-canto.org

Northern Parula call by Naomi

Chipping Sparrow by Manuel Grosselet

Worm-eating warbler by Cristopher McPherson

Black and white warbler zeep: Matt Wistrand

Bachman’s warbler call record by Arthur A. Allen and Paul Kellogg, preserved on the Macaulay Library through the Cornell lab of Ornithology

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Intro song sung by John Janousek, using “Taking Care of Business” instrumental from Drew’s famous classic rock instrumental version 2

Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers

Episode 53: At Godwit's End (Bar-Tailed Godwit) Feb 26, 2023

Although they only weigh as much as two apples, the 10 oz Bar-Tailed Godwit completes the longest non-stop flight of any bird species in the world! In this episode, John explores the evolutionary adaptations that allow the Godwits to complete this epic migration. Learn why they are more like Sumo Wrestlers than marathon runners, what they have in common with 18th century sailors, and all about their breeding, feeding, and evolutionary history. Accompanied by the natural sounds of First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, John will make you say “oh my Godwit!” with these amazing facts.

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Special thanks to Jose for this weeks cover art! Also, check out his animated Gif by going to the Dirty Bird Podcast youtube page! Follow jose2myfriend on Instagram to see more of his amazing art

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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Find them wherever you get your music

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All bird calls from xeno-canto.org

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Opening Godwit Alarm Call by Jacobo Ramil Millarengo

Godwit saying its name call by Stanislas Wroza

Asian Dowitcher Call recorded by funkerhunter

Godwit Call by Stein O. Nilsen

Flight Song by Alan Dalton

Episode 52: Talk Is Cheep: Shooting the Bird Sh*t with Animal Keeper Gavin of the Maymont Foundation Jan 31, 2023

Gavin is back! Join John and Gavin as they talk about their favorite local and exotic bird species, their dream birding locations, and defend their favorite penguin and ratite species. Plus, lots of jokes, tangents about nature and birding, and some minor philosophizing on life in general. This is a great laid back episode of Dirty Bird Podcast to put a smile on your face and get you in the mood to be out in nature!
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music

Episode 51: Pigeon Power (Rock Dove Part 2) Dec 30, 2022

Ricky and John are back! In addition to lots of dumb jokes, bird puns, and impressions they explore how pigeons have been used in warfare, the world's most famous pigeon, how pigeons make milk, pigeon intelligence, pigeon breeding, and much much more. Plus....featuring special surprise guest Ricky's Dad! Its an episode full of bird facts and belly laughs. Learn all about this common but extremely cool bird, the Rock Dove (aka City Pigeon).
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Thanks Henson for your 50th episode shout out!
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Intro song by: Ricky Pistone. Outro Song by: Ricky Pistone

Episode 50: Pigeon A-Holed (Rock Dove) Part 1 Dec 19, 2022

The 50th episode! To celebrate, Dr. John talks with the creator of the Dirty Bird Podcast theme song and music video, Ricky Pistone. A skilled musician and video editor, Ricky is also John's lifelong friend and is full of bad puns, laughs, and dirty jokes. In this episode, we talk about a very misunderstood bird: the rock dove, better known as pigeon. Sometimes called "rats with wings" these surprisingly smart and talented birds can be found in any city in the world. In Part 1, John and Ricky explore the wild origins of pigeons, how they became domesticated and then ended up in our cities, the different breeds of domesticated pigeons, and the biology behind their navigational skills. Be prepared to learn and laugh along with Ricky and John!
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Thank you so much to everyone who wrote in to help celebrate the 50th episode!
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Intro song by Ricky Pistone, outro song by the Sidewalk Slammers.
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Record scratch recording from freesound.org, recorded by Luffy

Episode 49: Okie Dokie Towhee (Eastern and Spotted Towhee) Nov 12, 2022

In this episode, Dr. John explores the life history of the Eastern and Spotted Towhee. While common birds in backyards and parks, there’s many interesting facts about them the average birder doesn’t know. Did you know their eye color varies with region? Or that humans and towhees share a microbiome? And what the heck do Towhees have to do with Shakespeare?! Listen to this episode to find out more! Dr. John reads all the research papers so you don’t have to! Learn everything you need to know about these two amazing bird species.
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Learn about: The meaning of their scientific name, their feeding and breeding behaviors, what kind of habitats they prefer, their evolutionary history, causes of predation and disease, and how their population numbers are doing. All facts are supported by research and review of scientific articles.
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Bird calls used in the show are from xeno-canto.org

Intro Eastern Towhee Song by Molly Jacobson

Intro Spotted Towhee Song by Manuel Grosselet

Towhee Saying its name by Caio Brito

Chewink call by John A. Middleton Jr. 2:00

Drink your tea song by Christopher McPherson 17:00

Communication call by Christopher McPherson

Spotted Towhee song by Manuel Grosselet

Spotted Towhee mew by Thomas Magarian

Blue-Grey Catbird mew by Russ Wigh

Combined chewink and song by Christopher McPherson

Tea song with flair by Christopher McPherson

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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro Music by the Sidewalk Slammers
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Cover art used from the Public Domain

Episode 48: Bird Keepin' It Real: Interview with Animal Keeper Gavin McGrath of Maymont Foundation in Richmond, Virginia Oct 02, 2022

Vengeful owls, sloppy bears, and vultures hungry for human flesh: that's just another day on the job for Gavin, lead animal keeper for Maymont Foundation in Richmond, Virginia. Maymont is a free historic park located in the capitol of Virginia that features rescued and rehabilitated animals. Among these animals are several hawks, owls, and vultures that Gavin helps care for every day. Along with feeding them and administering medicines, Gavin also has meaningful and hilarious encounters everyday with these amazing animals. Join us for some laughs, learning, and a good time all around! Also, special shout out to Mohi!!!

Episode 47: Ready and Whip-Poor-Willing (Eastern Whip-Poor-Will) Aug 19, 2022

Summer nights just wouldn't be the same without the ethereal call of the Eastern Whip-Poor-Will. Sadly, the nights are growing quieter as this bird's populations plummet. Learn the secrets of this elusive, nocturnal bird on this episode of Dirty Bird Podcast and why its numbers are declining. John combs through the latest research to discuss this big-mouthed bird's life history, vocalizations, and mysterious evolutionary history. Listen and learn about this bird!
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All Bird calls are from Xeno-Canto.org unless listed otherwise
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Whip-Poor-Will Intro Call: By Joseph Fell
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Whip-Poor-Will Call 1: by Paul Marvin
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“Summer night in Georgia” by jymdavis from freesound.org
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Mexican Whip-poor-Will: by Scott Olmstead
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Chuck-Wills-Widow: by Eric DeFonso
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Pauraque: by Paul Driver
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Whip-Poor-Will song 2: by Bruce Lagerquist
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Whip-Por-Will song with Cluck by Martin St-Michel
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Chuck call by Paul Marvin
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Outro Song by the Sidewalk Slammers

Episode 46: Lord of The Wings: The Birds of Tolkien's Middle Earth and Undying Lands Jun 30, 2022

Eagles, Gorcrows, and Crebain…oh my! Throughout the works of J.R.R Tolkien, including Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Fall of Gondolin, The Simarillion, and Beren and Luthien, birds feature prominently. Some, like the Eagle, play a big role while other birds are more obscure. In this podcast episode, three life long friends and LOTR nerds discuss nearly every bird reference made in The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, Return of the Ring, and The Hobbit. They also explore birds throughout Tolkien’s many other works. Using a mixture of books and movie depictions, your dorky hosts have a lot of laughs and raunchy jokes while discussing the feathered folk of Middle Earth and the Undying Lands. Whether you’ve only seen the movies or can fluently speak elvish this episode will keep you smiling and learning. Find out more about the Eagles ancestry and deeds, Ravens relationship with dwarves, bird spies of Sauron, and the majestic swans of Ulmo and their relationship to Galadriel. Also learn a deep cut about Tom Bombadil and Kingfishers, Aragorn’s relationship with birds, and the possible meaning of the black swans.

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Also special shout outs to Podcasts that help pave the way for this episode including The Tolkien Road Podcast, The Prancing Pony Podcast, and The Lord of The Rings Minute Podcast.

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Intro Music By Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music.

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Cover art “Tuor and the Swans” by Eirwen98 from the Public Domain.

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If you liked this episode, please share, leave a review and subscribe! I really appreciate it

Episode 45: Talon-ted Flyers (Peregrine Falcon) May 26, 2022

Everyone knows the Peregrine Falcon is the fastest animal alive, but do you know the physics behind what makes them so fast? Or about their soap opera worthy lives? With a beautiful dawn chorus of birds accompanying him, John tells you all you need to know about the Peregrine Falcon such as its feeding behavior, physical adaptations, breeding behavior, and evolutionary history. Packed with interesting stories and cool facts, this episode is sure to bring a pere-grin to your face! Featuring shout outs to tabbietnt for suggesting this episode, Jacob for leaving a review, Big Timber brewery for making great beer for birding, and Steve for writing in and sending a picture of a mourning dove nest!

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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro Music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music!

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Cover art photo taken by Jay Pogo

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Peregrine Falcon sounds from www.xeno-canto.org.

Intro Peregrine Call by Sunny

Alarm Call by Patrik Åberg

Couple’s Calls by Lars Edenius

Nestling call by Seth Beaudreault

Episode 44: Pane in the Glass: The Deadly Effect of Windows on Birds: An Interview with Dr. Daniel Klem Jr., author of Solid Air- Invisible Killer- Saving Billions of Birds from Windows Apr 26, 2022

Right now as you read this, you are probably inside of a death trap for birds. Moderns homes, schools, and offices are often fitted with expansive windows and while aesthetically pleasing to us humans, this is a huge problem for birds. The average residential house kills 3-5 birds per year, resulting in upwards of a billion bird deaths total in the US. But, there are solutions! Join John as he interviews Dr. Daniel Klem Jr. about his recent book Solid Air- Invisible Killer- Saving Billions of Birds from Windows. Dan has spent a lifetime researching and advocating for this underappreciated, but serious, problem for birds. Don't let your home, office, or school be a drain on bird populations! Learn how you can make your windows bird safe and also advocate for architecture that saves birds!

Episode 43: Tell It Shrike It Is (Loggerhead Shrike) Mar 23, 2022

While technically songbirds, Shrikes are some of the most vicious predators in the bird world. Learn how they earned the nickname “Butcher Birds” through one of their morbid behaviors…this episode may not be for the faint of heart! Also, we explore the life history, evolution, feeding, and breeding of the Loggerhead Shrike. Did you know Loggerhead Shrikes have some pretty unusual breeding practices? If you’ve never seen this bird, it may be because its undergoing massive population declines throughout its North American range. But what’s killing Loggerhead Shrikes and what can we do to save them? This episode covers everything there is to know about the Loggerhead Shrike, listen and become an (unofficial) shrike expert!

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Cover Art Photo by Allen Schmierer, Public Domain

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Link for Dirty Bird Shrike T-Shirts!: https://www.rinoski.studio/shop

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Theme Song by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers

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All Bird Sounds from Xeno-Canto.org

Opening Song of Loggerhead Shrike by Ed Pandolfino

“Shriek” Call by Russ Wigh

Robin with Cleft Tongue Shrike Call by Isain Contreras Rodriguez

“Blue Sky through Angry Clouds” Song by Lance A.M. Benner

Rusty Door Hinge Call by Jacob Saucier

Clip of Gollum from “Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” film 2002

Episode 42: Top of the Mourning to Ya! (Mourning Dove) Feb 23, 2022

In this episode of Dirty Bird Podcast, John explains nearly everything there is to know about the Mourning Dove. He’s also joined by the bird of First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, Virginia who chime in while John records in this swampy woodland. Although these birds are very common (and actually the most populous bird in North America) they have many little known facts. Learn about surprising dove relatives as John explains their evolutionary history, find out how Mourning Doves and Cows share a common breeding strategy, and learn about the dazzling secret hidden in male Mourning dove plumage. With plenty of dumb jokes sprinkled in between, this episode is sure to keep you smiling while you learn. Check it out and tell a friend!

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This episode was first suggested by Emily, thank you! If you have a bird you want John to do an in depth episode on, write him an email at dirtybirdpodcast@gmail.com or on Instagram @dirtybirdpodcast

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Big thanks to Jay Pogo for the cover art for this episode

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Also, remember to write a review on Apple Podcast! Write to John to receive some free Dirty Bird Stickers!

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Intro music by Ricky Pistone, outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music. Be sure to watch the Dirty Bird Music video on youtube!

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Bird sounds are from Xeno-Canto.org

Loon call by Davyd Betchkal

Great Horned Owl by Christopher McPherson

Coo 1 by Manuel Grosselet

Coo 2 by Christopher McPherson

Dove Coo 3 by Bruce Lagerquist

Coo 4 (female) by paul marvin

Wing Whistle 1 by David Darrell-Lambert

Wing Whistle 2 by Phoenix Birder

Wing Whistle 3 by Thomas Magarian

Episode 41: Nerds of a Feather: Interview with Wildlife Researcher Dack Jan 16, 2022

Shoot the bird shit with John and Dack! Wildlife researcher and good friend of the show Dack joins John to explore the world of bird research. Dack explains how Ornithology is about more than just counting birds and explains how radar, satellites strapped on vultures, and even cloud cover can tell us a lot about our feathered friends. Dack also tells personal stories from his own lifetime spent in research and sheds some light on the darker side of wildlife research funding. And of course, it wouldn’t be Dirty Bird without lots of dumb laughs and jokes. See into the world of a wildlife researcher in this very special episode of Dirty Bird Podcast!

References Mentioned by Dack in the Show:

Internet of Wildlife - https://celltracktech.com/internetofwildlife/

MODIS https://earthdata.nasa.gov/earth-observation-data/near-real-time/download-nrt-data/modis-nrt

Using cloud cover to research birds http://www.earthenv.org/cloud

Biomass of Birds vs Humans https://www.pnas.org/content/115/25/6506

Become a citizen scientist! https://ebird.org/home

We’ve lost one in four birds since 1970 https://www.3billionbirds.org/

Turn your backyard into a wildlife habitat https://homegrownnationalpark.org/

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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Find them wherever you get your music

Episode 40: Don't Poo Poo the Hoopoe! (Eurasian Hoopoe, African Hoopoe, Madagascar Hoopoe) Dec 21, 2021

What’s black and white and smells all over? The Hoopoe (Pronounced Who-Poo) is a bird with a sneaky, stinky superpower- its basically a real life Pokemon! John and Tim tell incredible facts about this boldly colored bird while having lots of laughs along the way. Learn about its unique microbiome, evolutionary history, feeding and breeding. Also, find out how the Ancient Egyptians to Medieval monks have both praised and reviled this colorful critter. Special thanks to listener Seb who suggested I finally do an episode on a bird found in Europe!

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Thanks to Rob van Mourick for the cover art for this episode!

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Intro music by Ricky Pistone, Outro music by the sidewalk slammers. Check them out on youtube and spotify

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Hoopoe Song 1 by Romuald Mikusek

Hoopoe Song 2 by Olivier Swift

Hoopoe Song 3 by Karol Kustusch

African Cuckoo song by Dries Van de Loock

Hoopoe Song 4 by Carles Guinart

Madagascan Hoopoe by Ken Behrens

Eastern Screech Owl by Dan Lane

Hoopoe interaction call by Jesus Carrion

Hoopoe Rattle Call by Jarek Matusiak

Nestling begging call by Romuald Mikusek

Episode 39: Pelican I kick it? Yes you can! (Brown Pelican) Nov 30, 2021

John quests for a tribe of brown pelicans, recording from the shores of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The ocean waves, gull cries, and occasional Brown Pelican sighting are the perfect backdrop for this information packed episode. While seemingly common coastal birds, Brown Pelican have an incredible life history and almost went extinct at one point! Debunk some common myths about these birds and some little known facts about their evolutionary adaptations that help make them the terror of sardines all over the world.
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Learn everything you need to know about Brown Pelicans!
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Thanks to Jessica Coker for this episodes cover photo! Find more of her photos at www.jessicacokerstudio.com
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music.
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All pelican nestling sounds are from xeno-canto.org
Pelican Nestling Sound 1 by Manuel Grosselet
Pelican nestling sound 2 by Isain Contreras Rodraguez

Episode 38: If the Shoe(bill) Fits: (Shoebill Stork) Nov 10, 2021

The Shoebill Stork is one of the most interesting species in the bird world. Standing at over 5 feet tall with a massive, hooked bill this creature would be a terrifying swamp monster...if it didn't look like a Muppet. Join Tim, John, and Larry the noisy dog as they learn about how the Shoebill Stork walks on water, engages in some extreme sibling rivalry, and makes sounds similar to a firing range. At Dirty Bird Podcast, we tell you everything you need to know about an individual bird species with fowl language included. Thanks to Amanda Canda for suggesting this episode!
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Cover Art By Peter Ganaj from Pexels, in Public Domain
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Sound Credit: Shoebill growling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noF-CLNSUZU&ab_channel=ThatsCrazyVideos

Shoebill bill clacking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFgYT3HfgP8&ab_channel=LazyReplays

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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro music by The Sidewalk Slammers
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Got a suggestion for a bird? Send a message to dirtybirdpodcast@gmail.com or message on Instagram @Dirtybirdpodcast

Episode 37: Puffin Puffin Pass (Atlantic Puffin) Oct 03, 2021

What's black and white and dirty all over? An Atlantic Puffin in it's frat house burrow of course! Learn about these very social birds and their party-like breeding behaviors. This episode is full of strange and fun facts- like how puffin bills glow in the dark, how they may be on the diet for some deep sea monsters, and how they basically live in an underground frat house with other species. Also, my friend Hubert from Iceland talks about his experience visiting a puffin colony! Interspersed with folklore and evolutionary history, this episode is educational and entertaining for all you bird nerds and nature enthusiasts.
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Intro by Ricky Pistone and Outro by the Sidewalk Slammers
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All bird sounds are from xeno-canto.org
Puffin Opener by Anthony McGeehan

Pufflin begging chirp by Stanislas Wroza

Puffling scream by Rombout de Wijs

Puffin Wingbeats by Stanislas Wroza

Puffin Moan by Irish Wildlife Sounds

Puffin Grunts 1 by Stein Ø. Nilsen

Puffin Grunts 2 by Andrew Harrop

Puffin Grunts 3 by Stein Ø. Nilsen

Episode 36: Bittern Pill to Swallow (American Bittern, Least Bittern) Sep 03, 2021

Everyone has heard of herons and egrets, but bitterns get no love. That is, until listener Kayla suggested this episode on the American and Least Bittern! These shy wetland birds are easy to overlook but hold some amazing secrets. The American Bittern’s booming call and snow white breeding plumage patches make any day on the marsh magical while the Least Bittern’s feisty crest feathers and acrobatic antics give it a lot of personality. Learn how to identify the various calls of these two amazing birds. Using scientific articles, historical anecdotes, and the writings of John James Audubon I talk all about the feeding, breeding, and evolutionary history of these birds. Also, I unpack the mystery of the exceedingly rare Cory’s Bittern. Listen and learn!

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See more of Kayla’s amazing photography at https://www.kaylalindquistphotography.com/

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Also stay tuned at the end to hear an awesome review left by Chelsey on apple podcasts. Leave a review to claim your free Dirty Bird Podcast stickers!

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Intro music by Ricky Pistone, check out all his music on Youtube. Outro music “NY Redneck” by the Sidewalk Slammers

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All bird sounds from xeno_canto.org

Least Bittern Rack-rack call by Paul Driver

Least Bittern song by Paul Marvin

Eurasian Bittern “Booming Call” by Susanne Kuijpers

Least Bittern Call2 by John V. Moore

Least Bittern Alarm Call by Dan Lane

Least Bittern Cough Call by Daniel Lane

American Bittern song by Jeff Dyck

American Bittern song water by Frank Lambert

American Bittern song with buildup by Jack Bowling

Episode 35: Flying Fish: Collab with Katie Osborn of the Fisherwoman Podcast Aug 18, 2021

On a surface level, birds and fish may seem like they don't have a lot in common, but they are just two pieces of this lovely ecosystem we love to learn about. Join John and Katie on a special collaboration episode between DBP and the Fisherwoman Podcast. On the Fisherwoman podcast, fisheries researcher Katie Osborn discusses all kind of fish facts with experts in the field. In this episode, John and Katie swap facts on some of their favorite bird and fish species and discuss a very special ecosystem: wetlands! Learn about the first fish in space, what smelt really smell like, and much much more.
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Cardinal from the cover art comes from the very talented Tj Rinoski. Check out some of his artwork and Dirty Bird T-shirts at https://www.losesome-losesome.com/
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Intro song by Ricky Pistone. Check out his Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/rickypistone
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Outro music "NY Redneck" by the Sidewalk Slammers. Find them wherever you get your music

Episode 34: Flying Purple People Eater: Extinct Giant Raptors of New Zealand (Haast's Eagle, Eyles's Harrier) Aug 02, 2021

When you think of "man-eater" a few animals come to mind: Lions, Tigers, and Bears....but what about an Eagle that regularly takes down 300 pound prey? Oh my!
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In this episode of Dirty Bird Podcast, I talk with Tim about the now extinct but still terrifying Haast's Eagle, the largest Eagle to ever exist. According to Maori legend, this bird was known to prey on humans. We also talk about another extinct giant: Eyles's Harrier, the largest Harrier to ever exist. Why did New Zealand produce so many giant bird species? How did the Maori combat these fearsome creatures? And how crazy of a coincidence is it that the Eagles from Lord of the Rings actually seemed to exist on the very place where the movies were filmed?! Find out answers to these questions and more on Dirty Bird Podcast!
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Reproduction of Haast’s Eagle call made by Piers Gilbertson and is from McPherson Natural History Unit Sound Archive. Other sounds from Freesound.org: Wind, synthesized, A by InspectorJ, Digging1 by cameronmusic , Maori Dawn Ceremony to from Te Atatū Sound Project recorded by simongray, Steps on wooden branch by julius_galla, Stabbing sound by Podcapocalipsis
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out where ever you get your music.
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Send listener mail, recordings, or really anything to dirtybirdpodcast@gmail.com and follow on instagram @dirtybirdpodcast for some great bird pics!
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Cover art from wpclipart.com and is in the public domain.

Episode 33: No Mo Moa: The 9 Extinct Moa Species of New Zealand Jul 19, 2021

For tens of million of years giant, wingless birds thrived on New Zealand. When Kupe, one of the first Maori people, arrived around the year 1000 it was the closest to Jurassic Park human history has ever come. Learn all about how these amazing birds evolved, the unique characteristics of the 9 known species, and the story behind their unfortunate extinction. Semi-permanent guest host Tim joins me in the noisy Virginia Beach garage to squawk, laugh, and learn about a new bird.
Sounds used in opening intro from freesound.org, thanks to Te Atatū Sound Project recorded by simongray, boats boats boats by Pfannkuchn, boat waves by Lydmakeren, chewing hard grass by tanapistorius, New Zealand birds background noises and Moa reconstruction from the Les McPherson Natural History Unit Sound Archive and created by David Clark. Stout-Legged Moa sound reproduction by the McPherson Archive and created by Te Papa.

Cover art of the Upland Moa painted by Geroge Edward Lodge, photo is in public domain but accessed at https://www.goodfreephotos.com.
Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music.
Send listener mail, voice memos, or episodes ideas to dirtybirdpodcast@gmail.com. Find me on Instagram @Dirtybirdpodcast

Episode 32: Royal Peckers: The (Probably) Extinct Imperial Woodpecker Jun 24, 2021

While it's the largest woodpecker to ever peck on the face of the earth, the Imperial Woodpecker gets much less love than its close relative the famous Ivory Billed Woodpecker. New Yorker and Dirty Bird Superfan JayPogo joins John to talk about this little studied woodpecker and its crazy curly-Q hairstyle. Learn about its unique behaviors, evolutionary history, and how it (likely) went extinct. Also, Jay Pogo and John talk about birding and life in general. A fun episode that will bring smiles and maybe tears. RIP Imperial Woodpecker.
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Cover art: Painting of Male and Female Imperial Woodpecker by John Livzey Ridgway, first published in The Auk, now in the Public Domain
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone, Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers

Episode 31: What’s In Your Birdseed? PLUS Dirty Bird Names Quiz Jun 13, 2021

In this ex-seedingly fun episode, John and Tim go beyond the labels to find out what’s really in your birdseed. Are you providing a well balanced meal at your backyard feeder or helping spread invasive plant species and disease? Learn surprising stories behind seemingly innocuous grains- such as how King Tut and mastectomies relate to bird seed and the domestication history of crops we take for granted today. Also, throughout the episode John quizzes Tim on hilarious bird names. Can you spot the fake bird name? Or are you too much of a yellow-bellied sapsucker to even try?
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music
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Dirty Bird Podcast shirts are available! All proceeds go to a good cause: helping pay the medical bills of Benjy after an unfortunate accident. Get your shirt now at
www.losesome-losesome.com/store
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FREE Dirty Bird Podcast stickers available! Just write a review on Apple Podcasts (or promote Dirty Bird Podcast in some other way) and send an email to dirtybirdpodcast@gmail.com to claim yours today!
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All bird calls from Xeno-Canto.org
Horned Screamer call recorded by Caio Brito
Tinkling Cisticola call recorded by Rick Nuttall
Grey Go-Away Bird call recorded by Faansie Peacock

Episode 30: Birds, Bees, and Chimpanzees: Interview with Bill Wallauer, Cinematographer and Scientific Advisor for the Jane Goodall Institute May 26, 2021

Bill Wallauer has spent a lifetime appreciating and filming nature. He first began working with Jane Goodall in the 1980s filming wild chimpanzees in Tanzania and has provided footage for well known productions such as Planet Earth and National Geographic documentaries. Throughout it all, he has maintained a deep love of nature and birds. I spoke with Bill via Zoom as he sat in his idyllic backyard nature preserve. We talk about his career, how he got into birding, and how you can turn your backyard into a wildlife habitat. We also talk about much, much more in this slightly rambling but very fun interview!
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music
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Thank you so much Bill for this interview!

Episode 29: Heron Addicts (Great Blue Heron) May 04, 2021

pssst...psst...got any more of those great blue heron facts? Yes we do! John welcome's Kathryn back to the show as they discuss everything you need to know about Great Blue Herons. As an added bonus, this week we are recording right next to an active Great Blue Heron rookery in beautiful Tall Timbers Maryland! Many birds make appearances with their songs and alarm calls...sometimes provoked by Kathryn's crazy dog Luna. So wade on into this new episode!
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers, find them wherever you get your music
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Bird sounds recorded by me or from xeno-canto.org. Angry Blue Heron Call by
Manuel Grosselet
Angry Heron Call #2 by
Lauren Harter
Greeting Call by Andrew Spencer
Alarm Call by Russ Wigh
Bill clapping by Kathryn Kopanke
Chicks calling for food by Christopher McPherson
Courtship call by Andrew Spencer
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Send listener mail to dirtybirdpodcast@gmail.com and make sure to follow us on instagram @dirtybirdpodcast! Write us a review on apple podcasts to receive free stickers!

Episode 28: A Ballad About Song Sparrows Apr 11, 2021

Part 2 on Song Sparrows focusing on their songs, habitat, evolutionary history and much much more. Learn about song sparrows while you hangout with John in Otter Creek Wilderness!
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Cover art by the super talented TJ Rinoski. Check out more of his work at tj-rinoski.com
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Find them on youtube and spotify!
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Bird sounds from xeno-canto.org. Opening song sparrow song by Paul Marvin
Piercing song by Scott Olmstead
One hell of a singing voice by Paul Marvin
Example of how song is composed by Christopher McPherson
Unique song sparrow song by Manuel Grosselet
Example of song matching counter singing by Scott Olmstead
Example of repertoire matching by Thomas Ryder Paine
Example of switching songs by Thomas Graves
Chirping calls by Simon Elliot
See-ik-so-la call by Antonio Xeira

Episode 27: Battle of the Bird Bands: Interview with Prof Jeremy Hyman on Song Sparrows Mar 31, 2021

Professor Jeremy Hyman has studied song sparrow territorial behavior extensively and joins John on a rainy day to talk about the surprising amount of aggression behind their beautiful song. In this Part 1 of two episodes on song sparrows, you'll learn everything you need to know about how male song sparrows establish and defend their territories. You'll also learn tips for identifying song sparrow battle lines in your backyard!
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Big thanks to Professor Jeremy Hyman for being on the show!
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone, outro music by The Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music!
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Bird sounds from www.xeno-canto.org, both song sparrow songs from this episode were recorded by Thomas Magarian

Episode 26: Carrion My Vulture Sons (Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture) Mar 05, 2021

In possibly the grossest episode yet, John tackles the ugly and misunderstood vultures of North America, the Black Vulture and the Turkey Vulture. After starting off with a sphincter clenching Native America story from the Winnebago tribe, John goes into way too much detail about how vultures find their food, fly, and stay cool. At the end, he explores vulture's evolutionary history and their interactions with humans. Plus: A voice memo from John S about the last episode on Carolina Wrens! Also, featuring Dirty Bird fan Kevin who tells a great story about a close vulture encounter and asks some questions that are answered on the show! Warning: don't listen to this episode on a full stomach.
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Photo from the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, who unfortunately cares for a lot of vulture patient's due to collisions and lead poisoning. Thank you for your hard work!
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All Bird sounds from Xeno-Canto.org.
Turkey Vulture Nesting Site Sound by Cristian Pinto
Black Vulture Call by JAYRSON ARAUJO DE OLIVEIRA
Black Vultures at Roost by
Brice de la Croix
Black Vulture Dinosaur sound by
Dante Buzzetti
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone, Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers
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Dirty Bird Podcast cover art and logo by TJ Rinoski

Episode 25: No Country for Old Wren (Carolina Wren) Feb 12, 2021

Wren in doubt, check Dirty Bird out! In this tiny episode (by DB standards) for a tiny bird, John ventures into the Monongahela national forest to record an episode about the Carolina Wren. Learn about the origin of their scientific name, weird winter roosting habits, and every other fact you’d ever want to know about these feathery funballs! Also, thanks so much for the sounds provided from www.xeno-canto.org that display the incredible vocal repertoire of these birds.
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers
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Cover art by TJ Rinoski
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Bird sounds recorded by me or from www.xeno-canto.org, Intro Carolina Wren song by
Aidan Place
Alarm call by
Thomas Magarian
Vocalizations around 9
“teakettle song” by Christopher McPherson
“teakettle duet 1 + 2” by
Phoenix Birder
Carolina wren male song by Brian Hendrix
Rattle alarm call
Brian Hendrix
Down-trill call
Brian Hendrix
Eastern Towhee Call
Christopher McPherson
Drink your tea Eastern Towhee song
Chickadee like call by
Bruce Lagerquist
Russ Wigh
Random Carolina Wren Sounds
Chirt call
Bobby Wilcox

Episode 24: Flicker? I just met 'er! (Northern Flicker) Jan 24, 2021

What has a white rump and a yellow (or red) shaft? The Northern Flicker of course! John and TJ discuss the many pun worthy aspects of the Northern Flicker's unique behaviors and biology. Also, a poem from Dirty Bird Listener Dolly and an awesome voice memo from Jaypogo! Thank's y'all!
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Cover art by TJ Rinoski- check out the new Dirty Bird Podcast logo made by this incredible Richmond, VA based artist!
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone, Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers
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Bird calls from Xeno-Canto.org. “Yucker Call” by Russ Wigh
Pileated Woodpecker Call by
Simon Elliott
Flicker Contact call by
Christopher McPherson
Flicker Yarrup sounds by
Paul Marvin
Flicker Wicka Call by
Richard E. Webster
Flicker Drumming by
Peter Ward and Ken Hall
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Thanks for listening! Send listener mail to DirtyBirdPodcast@gmail.com or find me on instagram @DirtyBirdPodcast

Episode 23: Clash of Kingfishers (Belted Kingfisher) Jan 13, 2021

These fierce flying fishermen can be found across North America anywhere near bodies of water. Find out how they evolved to be such adapt hunters, learn ancient greek and native american stories involving this respectable bird, and listen to their unique rattling calls. Plus, an interview with Jessica Coker, wildlife photographer and artist who drew the pair of kingfishers for the cover art of this episode! Its a classic dirty bird episode, fun bird facts mixed with fowl language!
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Find them on youtube or wherever you get your music!
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Bird sounds from Xeno-Canto.org. Opener Sound:
Peter Ward and Ken Hall
Rattle Call Paul Marvin
Scream Call Thomas G. Graves
Harsh Call Niels Krabbe

Episode 22: Let Earth receive her King(let)! (Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, Golden-Crowned Kinglet) Dec 27, 2020

You've heard about little pigs called piglets, now get ready for little kings! Learn about these tiny, spectacular birds found throughout much of the US in Winter. Sporting crowns of gold, orange, red, and pink (RIP Guadalupe Ruby-crowned Kinglet) they are not only a delight to see but also have interesting life histories. Get your ears the royal treatment of hearing about these birds!
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Cover art of Ruby-Crowned Kinglet by Jessica, thank you!
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Intro by Ricky Pistone, outro by the Sidewalk Slammers
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Bird calls/songs from Xeno-Canto.org Intro Ruby Crowned Song: Ron Overholtz
Golden Crowned Call: John Janousek
Ruby Crowned Call Lance A. M. Benner
Golden crowned song James Link
Ruby Crowned Song Bruce Lagerquist

Episode 21: Get in my (red) Belly! (Red-Bellied Woodpecker) Nov 28, 2020

With a belly full of Thanksgiving leftovers, join John to learn about the cornucopia of food red-bellied woodpeckers fill their bellies with! Learn everything you need to know- and some stuff you certainly don't need to know- about these common east coast birds. Find out why these birds are sometimes known as "Orange Sapsuckers". Also learn identification tips, life history and how these birds evolved. Its a Dirty Bird Podcast thanksgiving extravaganza!
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Cover art by Jessica
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone, outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers
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Bird sounds from Xeno-Canto.org, Opening “Kwer” call recorded by Brian Hendrix
Chuck call by
Will Sweet
“Pneumonia” Calls by David Vander Pluym
Second Chuck call by Paul Marvin
Mates interacting by Paul Marvin
Rolling Call by Paul Marvin
Drumming by Meena Haribal

Episode 20: Dr. (Bird) House: Interview with Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Jen Riley, DVM Nov 19, 2020

A very educational interview with Director of Veterinary Services at Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, Dr. Jen Riley, DVM! Join Dirty Bird Podcast as we diagnose and treat wild bird injuries and diseases. From operating room to release, Dr. Riley walks us through the hard work of caring for birds. She also shares tips on how you can protect birds from trauma and illness in your own backyard! Dr. Riley tells us about One Health and the interaction of wildlife and human healthcare. John also shares some stories of his interactions with injured birds. Whether you're in the medical field or just a nature lover, this episode has a lot to teach!
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Thank you to Dr. Jen Riley and Blue Ridge Wildlife Center for this interview! Please check out their instagram, follow them on facebook, and check out their youtube page for amazing wildlife videos!
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Subscribe to Dirty Bird Podcast for the latest episodes, please leave us a review, and send listener mail to Dirtybirdpodcast@gmail.com to have your questions, comments read on the show! Be sure to check out last week's episode, Number 19, with Wildlife rehabilitation manager Jessica Andersen to learn how injured birds arrive to the clinic and the crazy stories that surround that side of wildlife care!

Episode 19: Dirty Bird Rehab: Interview with Jessica Anderson, Rehabilitation Coordinator at Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Nov 12, 2020

They tried to send Dirty Bird to Rehab and we said YES YES YES!
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In this episode we hear some amazing bird rescue stories from the Rehabilitation Program Coordinator at Blue Ridge Wildlife Center in Boyce, Virginia. Jessica Andersen talks about her career in wildlife rescue, wrestling canada geese, Dopey the Screech Owl, Weight Watchers for Birds, and much much more! She also educates us on what to do if you find an injured bird and how to keep birds safe from everyone's favorite fluffy serial killers: Cats. Full of dumb jokes with interesting folks, check out this Dirty Bird Podcast Interview!
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Thanks again to Jessica Anderson! Follow Blue Ridge Wildlife Center on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Check out their Youtube channel for amazing animal rescue videos!
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone aka Dick Piston and outro music by The Sidewalk Slammers

Episode 18: And I'd Do Anything for Bugs (Charlotte, NC Feeder Watch) Nov 08, 2020

“‘Twas the day after Halloween, and hungover in the kitchen
Are three idiots watching birds, laughin and bitchin’”
In this episode of Dirty Bird Podcast, join Evan, John and Tim as they have some hair of the dog and comment on birds that visit the feeder in Charlotte, North Carolina. If you’re looking for some laughs, sing-alongs, and the occasional bird fact then this episode is for you!
Note: This episode contains A LOT of fowl language
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone aka Dick Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers

Episode 17: Which Came First: The Nut or the Hatch? (Brown-Headed Nuthatch) Oct 30, 2020

In a very squeaky episode of Dirty Bird Podcast, Punchy Joe and I talk about the Brown-Headed Nuthatch! Learn all about this small but surprising bird and its tool use, alternative breeding style, and evolutionary history. This is a compact episode for a compact bird- a great first time Dirty Birder listen, check it out or pass on to the nature lover in your life!
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Photo by the talented Jessica
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Bird sounds from Xeno-Canto.org, recordists listed as follows Opening Sound Russ Wigh
Squeaker Call Paul Marvin
Alarm Call
Bruce Lagerquist
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Intro song by Ricky Pistone, aka Dick Pistone, Outro music by The Sidewalk Slammers

Episode 16: No Owls Barred Part 2: Hootin N' Hollerin (Barred Owl) Oct 22, 2020

Tis the spooky season and there is no spookier sound in the eastern US woods than a Barred owl hootin n' hollerin! Learn about mythology, evolution, and life history of barred owls. Also Tim joins Dirty Bird Podcast to talk about our own Barred Owl experiences and comment on episode 15's interview with Wildlife Biologist Peter Singleton!
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Cover pic: Barred Owl Feathers found in Yorktown, Virginia
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Intro music: Ricky Pistone aka Dick Piston, Outro Music by The Sidewalk Slammers
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All Owl sounds from Xeno-Canto.org, credit to recordists below
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.who-cooks-for-you classic barred owl call by
Lance A. M. Benner
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"Monkey” call by
Tom Forwood Jr.
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Duet by
Richard Folkening
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Scary Barred Owl Shriek by
Karla Bloem
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Episode 15: No Owls Barred Part 1: Interview with Wildlife Research Biologist Peter Singleton Oct 14, 2020

In this episode we are joined by Wildlife Research Biologist with the Pacific Northwest Research Station Peter Singleton to discuss Barred Owls and their impact on threatened populations of Spotted Owls in the Cascade mountains. Join us as peter discusses the conservation history of spotted owls, catching feisty Barred owls in the field, and so much more bird nerd fun!
Intro Music: Ricky Pistone aka Dick Piston
Outro Music: The Sidewalk Slammers
Cover art: Picture of Peter Singleton from U.S. Forest service website

Episode 14: Bad-A B. Jays (Blue Jay) Aug 11, 2020

Evil egg robbers? Beautiful bright bois? Annoying jabbers? These smart birds have it all from intelligent tool use to bloodthirsty murders. Learn about Blue Jays and hear our most bizarre myths and legends yet on this episode of Dirty Bird Podcast!.
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Co-Hosts: Sara- climber, med student, nature lover, museum nerd
Chance- med student, enthusiast of bird named sports teams.
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Blue Jay sounds from Xeno-Canto, jeer call recorded by Brian Hendrix, Rusty Pump Handle Call by Jim Berry, Red Tailed Hawk Imitation by William Whitehead, Whisper Song by Dan Lane.
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Intro Song By Ricky Pistone aka Dick Piston, Outro by The Sidewalk Slammers

Episode 13: Osprey-N-Pray (Osprey) Jul 09, 2020

Recorded right next to an active Osprey nest in Yorktown, Virginia! Listen to mama and baby Osprey squawk while John talks about their evolutionary history, breeding, behavior, and (as always) we wrap up with some myths and legends!.
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Plus...Joe joins us to discuss 25+ years of enjoying Ospreys! Don't miss out on his dad jokes and great stories!
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Theme music by Ricky Pistone, aka Dick Piston
Outro Music by The Sidewalk Slammers
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Reference books: Quote from Alexander Wilson's American Ornithology found in "The Bedside Book of Birds" by Graeme Gibson
"The Book of Birds" National Geographic Society, 1933
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Cover art by the talented Jessica

Episode 12: Cuckoo Ca Choo (Black-Billed Cuckoo, Yellow-Billed Cuckoo) Jun 14, 2020

I'm Cuckoo for Cuckoos! The birds, rain, and caves of the Monongahela national forest join John as he talks about the natural history of North America's two native Cuckoo species. Learn about their evolution, mythology, and more!
Intro music by Ricky Pistone aka Dick Piston, outro music by The Sidewalk Slammers
Cover art by TJ Rinoski
Bird recordings from Xeno-Canto.org, recorded by Jacob Saucier and Richard E. Webster

Episode 11: Cardinal Rules! (Northern Cardinal) May 27, 2020

Join John, Chris, and Anna as they discover unexpected facts about this common backyard bird. From X-men worthy mutations to heartfelt personal stories, there's a lot more to learn about this conspicuous bird. Thanks to listener Jenn for suggesting this episode!
Check out the new music video for the Dirty Bird Theme Song on Youtube, Instagram, or Facebook!
Theme song by Ricky Pistone aka Dick Piston, Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers
Special thanks to photographer and artist Jessica for the cover photo!
Cardinal songs from Xeno-Canto, recorded by Brian Hendrix and Paul Marvin

Episode 10: Boat-Tailed Brothers (Boat-Tailed Grackle) May 01, 2020

Grab your binoculars and life jacket- Dirty Bird is recording on Goat Island in Lake Gaston, NC! The Sidewalk Slammers (aka John's little brothers) and a friend Andres add colorful commentary as John tackles the Boat-Tailed Grackle...
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Note: This episode was recorded very early on in the pandemic before travel bans, ect. Please excuse any wind, boat noises, or poor audio quality. ..
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Co-hosts: Sidewalk Slammers aka Danny and Sammy Janousek, Andres aka official Jester of Goat Island.......
....intro music by Ricky Pistone aka Dick Piston, Outro music by Sidewalk Slammers......Grackle calls from Xeno-Canto, recorded by Russ Wigh

Episode 9: Peeping John Apr 24, 2020

Lonely in quarantine-land, John spends the morning peeping on birds at his backyard feeder and talking about them and the history of bird feeding. Also featuring the sawmill laden soundscape of Elkins, West Virginia and John's musings on quarantine's effect on bird life.
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone aka Dick Piston, Outro music by The Sidewalk Slammers

Episode 8: A (Bird) Song of Ice and Fire Apr 01, 2020

Dirty Bird (sorta) goes to Iceland! I Skype my good friend Ari Hjaltested from Hvolsvöllur, Iceland about some of our favorite Icelandic birds and their associated folklore. A relatively clean, social distanced special episode.
Check out our youtube channel for a video of the interview!
Co-host: Ari Hjaltested, viking and electrician
Intro music by Ricky Pistone aka Dick Piston, outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers.
featuring the song "Krummavisur" by Þrjú á palli from his album "Icelandic Folksongs and other favorites"
Bird sounds from Xeno-Canto, recorded by Stanislas Wroza
Birds features and their Icelandic names:
Raven: Hrafn/Krummavisur
Eurasian Oystercatcher: Tjaldur
Golden Plover: Heiðlóa
Common Snipe: Hrossagaukur
White Wagtail: Maríuerla
Redwing: Skógarþröstur
Red-necked Phalarope: Óðinshani

Episode 7: Avian Assailants: Invasive Bird Species of Florida Mar 25, 2020

While sitting next to alligators in the Everglades, Hannah, Zack and I explore a few invasive bird species in Florida. Learn about ugly but delicious ducks, parrots on the loose, and hear my impressions of a eurasian collared dove!
Sub-par audio quality, excellent discussion
Co-hosts: Hannah St. Mary, nurse and love bird, Zack Polker, Physical Therapy Student and birder buddy
Intro music by Ricky Pistone, aka: Dick Piston, and outro by The Sidewalk Slammers
Eurasian Collared dove sounds from Xeno-Canto, recorded by Geoffrey Monchaux

Episode 6: Forking with Spoonbills (Roseate Spoonbill) Mar 20, 2020

We're recording in the Everglades! Love birds Hannah and Zack join me to talk about the Roseate Spoonbill. Learn why they are pink and how that made them a target during the plume wars of the early 1900s which almost led to their extinction. Plus, the amazing story of Guy Bradley.
Co-hosts: Hannah St. Mary, registered nurse, Zack Poelker PT student and birder buddy
Intro Music: Ricky Pistone aka Dick Piston, Outro Music: Sidewalk Slammers
Picture by Allen Brooks from "The Book of Birds, copyright by National Geographic Society 1937

Episode 5: Ruff N' Ready (Ruffed Grouse) Mar 12, 2020

Fellow bird lover Sam Braun and I discuss the life history, evolution, and hunting of the Ruffed Grouse while we participate in the great backyard bird count. Plus, our first caller! Finally, we wrap up with myths and legends. Our longest episode yet- but worth every minute!
Co-host: Sam Braun, birder buddy, bodybuilder, and medical student
Intro music by Ricky Pistone aka Dick Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers

Episode 4: Bird Bods with Kathryn Kopanke Feb 24, 2020

We take a break from our regular format to talk about avian adaptations. Fun facts for every-bird-body. Learn about the insane evolutionary changes birds have made to be able to fly, hunt, and be the fluffy little feather balls we love to watch
Co-host: Kathryn Kopanke, animal researcher, activist, and just all around cool gal
Intro music by Ricky Pistone, aka Dick Piston
Outro music by Sidewalk Slammers

Episode 3: Nice Tits! (Tufted Titmouse, Black-Capped Chickadee) Feb 16, 2020

A chorus of birds joins us as we talk about the evolution, behavior, and myths and legends about titsmice and chickadees...with a few tangents and bad jokes along the way.
Subscribe and rate us! Send a listener mail, or send a voice memo and i'll play it on the show!
Co-hosts: Tim Mastracci, birder buddy, "Little" Chris Caracciolo
Music: The Sidewalk Slammers
Bird Sounds from Xeno-Canto, special thanks to Brian Hendrix and Jacob Saucier

Episode 2: Big Peckers Part 2: The Peckering (Ivory Billed Woodpecker) Feb 11, 2020

In our second episode we continue our discussion on woodpeckers, focusing on the facts and legend of the Ivory Billed Woodpecker. Also some myths and legends of woodpeckers at the end. Apologies to the Wilson family.
Co-Hosts: Chris Hildreth: assistant to Jane Goodall, Timmy Mastracci: Birder Buddy
Music: Sidewalk Slammers
Logo: Lauren McClure

Episode 1: Big Peckers (Pileated Woodpecker) Feb 10, 2020

In our first episode, we explore the evolution, taxonomy, behavior, and the secret war of the Pileated Woodpecker.
Co-hosts: Tim Mastracci, Birder Buddy and Chris Hildreth, Assistant to Jane Goodall
Music by Sidewalk Slammers
Logo by Lauren McClure

Dirty Bird Podcast Trailer Feb 09, 2020

Listen to this first! Learn about what Dirty Bird Podcast is all about and hear some highlights from favorite moments. Give it a try!
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Intro song and background music by Ricky Pistone. Background song is Ricky's cover of Cosmic Sans by Cory Wong and Tom Misch. Support all these artist on Youtube and SPotify!

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