Dirty Bird Podcast
VitenskapIn each episode, your host Dr. John tells you everything you need to know about a bird species with a laid back attitude. Learn about bird evolution, taxonomy, and behavior, with a few myths and legends mixed in. John keeps the banter light, the energy bright, and the humor raunchy. Warning: Fowl language Follow on Instagram @Dirtybirdpodcast, send listener mail or voice memos at dirtybirdpodcast@gmail.com to have them heard on the show! Theme song by Dick Piston, aka Ricky Pistone. Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers
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- Episode 78: The Gift of the Magpie (Eurasian Magpie) (00:54:16)
The Magpie is a smart and ubiquitous bird found throughout Europe and Asia and its no surprise its captured human intention across many cultures. It has even had a opera written about it! Learn about the unique behaviors of these birds that show just how intelligent they are- maybe even on par with the great apes (or us humans?). Join Dr. John in the woods of Buckhannon, WV during a tree cricket filled summer afternoon as he tells you everything you need to know about the Common Magpie. .Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music.Bird sounds are from Xeno-Canto.orgOpening Call by David Bissett .Magpie typical call by Johannes Worona .Magpie Variety Calls by Aku Kalliomaki . Whisper Song by Jacob Ramil Millarengo .Socializing sounds by Nicolas Martinez
- Episode 77: Chip Off the Old Squawk: An Interview with Chip Chase of White Grass Ski Touring Center (00:58:49)
In a conversation that meanders and glides like the cross country ski trails of a snow covered mountain, Dr. John sits down in the woods with Chip Chase to discuss birds, ecosystems, and optimism. Located in the beautiful and unique Canaan Valley of Tucker County, West Virginia, White Grass Touring center offers cross country and snowshoeing experiences rarely seen outside the West Coast or Vermont and its owner/operator- Chip Chase- is a living legend in the towns of Davis and Thomas. With his years of wisdom, mastery in naturalism, and positive outlook Chip tells tales of the birds of Canaan Valley mixed in with ecology lessons and outdoor philosophy. Come sit by the creek with us and chat!
- Episode 76: Sons and Darters: The Four Darter/Anhinga Species (00:48:54)
A four for one special! In this episode, Dr. John tells you everything you need to know about the four Darter species, also known as Anhinga. These curious water birds have a variety of nicknames from "water turkey" to "snake bird". Learn how to identify them in the field, listen to their calls, and find out all about their unique hunting strategy that separates them from other avian aquatic species. Also, listen to the soothing background noises of the summer forest in Buckhannon, West Virginia!.Thanks to Jess for this episode's bird watch!.Thanks to Milko for providing the photo for this episode's cover art! Check his instagram page out @milkogervet_photography .Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music.All Bird Sounds are from Xeno-Canto.org.Opening Anhinga Anhinga call by Phil Brown .Nesting Call by Paul Marvin.American Darter greeting call by Daniel Parker .African Darter by Lynette Rudman .Australasian Darter by Nick Talbot.Oriental Darter by Andrew Spencer
- Episode 75: Let you Hair(y) Down(y): All about the Hairy and Downy Woodpecker (00:47:59)
In this two for one episode, learn about the very similar looking Downy and Hairy Woodpecker! The smallest woodpecker in North America, the Downy Woodpecker can be difficult to tell apart from its larger cousin the Hairy Woodpecker but Dr. John will teach you tips and tricks to expertly differentiate them on your next birding adventure. Plus, learn all about their feeding and breeding. And finally, end the show with insight into their evolutionary history and learn why they look so much alike. Plus a bird watch from Cass! .Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers .Bird sounds are from xeno-canto.org.Opening downy whinny by Bobby Wilcox.Downy call 1 by Paul Marvin.Hairy call 1 by Scott Olmstead.Downy Whinny 1 by Paul Marvin.Downy Call 2 by Frank Lambert .Hairy Call 2 by Scott Olmstead .Downy Rattle by Paul Marvin.Hairy Rattle by Scott Crabtree.Downy Drumming 1 by Joseph Morlan.Hairy Drumming by Richard E. Webster .Fast Downy Drumming by Paul Driver.Downy Drum 2 by Paul Driver.Hairy Drum 2 by Richard E. Webster.Feeding Pecks by Samuel Jones Hairy + Downy
- Episode 74: Big Socks? Big Hawks! (Red-Tailed Hawk) (01:00:20)
With its nearly an inch and a half long taong, the red-tailed hawk certainly wears big socks. And you know what they say about big socks...big hawks! The Red-Tailed Hawk is ubiquitous across North America where its large body size and preference to perch along roadways make it easy to spot. But what secrets is the red-tailed hawk hiding? On this episode of Dirty Bird Podcast, learn all about the life history of the red-tailed hawk. Dr. John tells you all about the feeding and breeding (including some spicy love stories!) before ending the show talking about conservation and evolution. Also, we start this episode with a Native American Cultural Story: How The Hawk Got Its Red Tail. ..Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music.Red-Tailed Hawk Intro sound from xeno-canto.org by Richard E. Webster Drum Sound from freesound.org by sandyrbFlute Sound from freesound.org by CarlosCarty Bald Eagle call from xeno-canto.org by Steve Hampton Red Tailed Hawk Call 2 from xeno-canto.org by Peter Ward and Ken Hall Bald Eagle Call 2 from xeno-canto.org by Pal MarvinThump sound from freesound.org by KrystianPawlowski Slice sound from freesound.org by CalGreHollywood Red-Tailed Hawk call from xeno-canto.org by Bruce Lagerquist Warning Call Red-Tailed Hawk from xeno-canto.org by Jeff Dyck Begging Call from xeno-canto.org by Richard E. Webster
- Episode 73: Whoop! There it is! (Whooping Crane) (00:52:54)
Party people! Its time to learn about conservation! The Whooping crane very nearly went the way of the Pileated Woodpecker, Bachman's Warbler, and the Moa (all extinct birds covered before on this show!). While it is still very much endangered, it is a conservation success story. Learn all about the life history of the whooping crane, their evolutionary history (they were always very rare birds!) and how they came back from the brink of extinction. Dr. John explains it all, with lots of dumb jokes and bird puns included!..Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers, check them out where ever you get your music.Bird sounds from Xeno-Canto.org.Whoop 1 by J Frank Goodwin.Whoop 2 by Sue Riffe
- Episode 72: Flockin' Robin (American Robin) (01:02:36)
The American Robin is ubiquitous in backyards all across North America. But how much do you know about its life history, evolution, and unique vocal range? In this listener suggested episode, Dr. John rock out with the robin and brings you all the cool facts about their omnivorous diet, cooperative breeding, and a couple giggles at their genus name...Turdus! ..Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music..Bird sounds are from Xeno-Canto.org.Intro Robin Song by Brian Cox.Robin Song by Richard E. Webster.Robin Song 2 by Paul Driver.Fast Robin Song by Richard E. Webster .Alarm calls, chucks:.Alarm Call 1 by Ted Floyd.Alarm Call 2 by Richard E. Webster .Seet Alarm Call by Thomas Ryder Page
- Episode 71: Talk Turkey To Me: Dirty Bird Thanksgiving Special! (01:13:54)
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 .Also thanks to Cass for this week's bird watch!.Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers.Birds sounds are from xeno-canto.org.Intro Gobble by Thomas Paine .Intro Turkey Call by .Gobble 1 by Paul Marvin .Gobble 2 by.Gobble 3 by.Courtship Chump, Hum, sneeze by Ted Floyd.Cackle Call by Paul Driver.Cooing Contact call by Bruce Lagerquist .Yelp Call by Bruce Lagerquist
- Episode 70: That's so Raven (Common Raven) (01:01:30)
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!.Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers.All bird sounds are from xeno-canto.org.Raven Opening Call by Lars Edenius .“Qwork” call by Lars Edenius .Ravens Talking by Markus Jacobs..Alarm Call by Lars Edenius .Contact Call by Joao Tomas.Raven Speaking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPhbXsxE7aY.Raven Saying Goodmorning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQShKi1s2sY
- Episode 69: Bat Bird: The nocturnal, cave-dwelling Oilbird (01:03:54)
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. .Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers, check them out wherever you get your music.All bird sounds are from xeno-canto.org.Demon Call 1 by Rosendo Manuel Fraga.Contact calls by Martin Solowiej.Guttural Calls by Mauricio Cuellar Ramirez (@Birding.travel) ..Squawking calls by Nick Athanas .Clicking Calls Jacob Wijpkema .Clicking Calls 2 by Niels Krabbe
- Episode 68: Skit-Scatbird (Gray Catbird) (01:01:52)
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! .Intro song by Ricky Pistone, Outro by the Sidewalk Slammers..All bird calls are from Xeno-Canto.org .Intro Meow by Matt Wistrand.Catbird Song 1 by Matt Wistrand .Catbird Imitation by Richard E. Webster .Mockingbird song by Ron Overholtz.Brown Thrasher song by Richard E. Webster .Catbird Song 2 by Bobby Wilcox .Cat Meow Call: Russ Wigh .Alarm call by Richard E. Webster.Jay like call by Manuel Grosselat
- Episode 67: But I'm a Creeper, I'm a weirdo (Brown Creeper) (00:46:01)
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. ..Outro music by the Sidewalks Slammers: find them wherever you get your music.All bird calls are from Xeno-Canto.org.Intro song by Thomas G. GravesBrown Creeper song by Paul Marvin “trees beautiful trees” call by Ron OverholtzBrown Creeper High Pitched Call by Jarrod Swackhamer ..Karaoke version of “Creep” by Radiohead from Sing King on Youtube
- Episode 66: Waxwing On, Waxwing Off (Cedar Waxwing) (00:59:15)
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..Thanks to Diana for suggesting this episode!.Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music!.Bird Sounds from Xeno-Canto.orgOpening Call by Jeffery MannBzee call by Ted FloydSighing whistle call by Bobby Wilcox
- Episode 65: Fight for your Kite to Party! (White-Tailed Kite) (00:41:04)
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...Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by The Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music...All Bird sounds are from Xeno-Canto.org.Opening Call: Dante Buzzetti .see-yrk call: Nicole Alfaro Ponce.Chirp Call: Cristian Pinto Fernandez .Osprey Call: Lars Edenius .Grunt Call: Paul Marvin
- Episode 64: It's a Hard (wood) Cock Life: (American Woodcock) (00:58:06)
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!.Thanks to dreamroux for suggesting this episode!..Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers..Birds sounds from xeno-canto.orgOpening Call by Jim Berry.Meep Call by Alex Lin-Moore.Up Close Call by Justin Watts.Flight Call Justin Saucier.Cackle by Paul Driver.Wing Whistle by Paul Driver
- Episode 63: Forever A-Loon (Common Loon) (01:06:41)
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! . Thanks to Henson for suggesting this episode! . Thanks to Jessica Coker for providing the cover art! Follow her on instagram @thepsoreywing . Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music . 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.orgOpening Call by Bruce Lagerquist Wail call 1 by Sunny TsangWail call 2 by Nicholas Comparato Tremelo call by Davyd Betchkal Tremelo call 2 by Lance A.M. BennerYodel call by Thomas ZgirskiYodel call 2 by Panvert Robin Hoot Call by Lauren Harter
- Episode 62: Dirty Bird Shorties: The Common Loon (00:02:33)
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. ..Intro music by Ricky Pistone.Cover art by Jessica Coker, follow her on instagram @theospreywing.All Bird sounds are from xeno-canto.orgWail Call by Sunny TsangTremelo call by Davyd Betchkal Yodel call by Thomas Zgirski
- Episode 61: Dirty Bird Shorties- Magnificent Frigatebird (00:03:09)
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.All Bird Sounds are from xeno-canto.org.Begging Call by Ricardo José Mitidieri.Calling and bill snapping by Bobby Wilcox .Drumming by Leonardo Ordóñez-Delgado.Fighting sounds by Bobby Wilcox .Intro music by Ricky Pistone. Check him out wherever you get your music .Short clip of “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love Babe” by Barry White used
- Episode 60: Frig Off! (Magnificent Frigatebird) (00:52:09)
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. .All Bird Sounds are from xeno-canto.org.Begging Call by Ricardo José Mitidieri.Calling and bill snapping by Bobby Wilcox .Drumming by Leonardo Ordóñez-Delgado.Fighting sounds by Bobby Wilcox .Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music .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 (01:19:09)
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!.Thanks for the iTunes review RMbirder!.Big thanks to Astrapionte for providing the cover art for this episode! Find their artwork @strpit7108 on deviantart, youtube, and Reddit! .Also huge shout out to everyone who voted in the Dirty Bird Daryl poll, personalized shout outs to everyone in this episode!.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 (01:31:34)
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! .Cover art by Jessica Coker! Check out all her work on her Instagram page @jessicacokerartist .Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers, check them out wherever you get your music ..All bird sounds are from xeno-canto.orgBald Eagle Call 1 by: Steve HamptonBald Eagle Call 2 by: Davyd Betchkayl Bald Eagle Call 3 by: Paul MarvinOsprey 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 .Civil War music by adeluc4 from freesounds.orgNative American drum by sandyrb from freesounds.orgBird flap by agentDD from freesounds.orgLanding sound by yoyodaman234 from freesounds.org..Find dirty bird podcast Tshirts at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dirtybird-podcast
- Episode 57: Swift Into High Gear (White-Throated Swift) (00:53:03)
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! ..Thanks to Charlie for suggesting this episode and providing pictures and videos of White-Throated Swifts he's taken!..Link for T-shirts: https://www.teepublic.com/user/dirtybird-podcast.Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro Music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music.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) (01:28:56)
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! ..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 (01:05:06)
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!.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!..All bird sound are from xeno-canto.orgNorthern Fulmar Chuckle by: Stanislas Wroza European Golden Plover Call by: Michel VeldtPtarmigan Call by: Jens KirkebySnipe Drumming sound by: Herald Pfleger.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) (01:23:58)
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. ..The following bird calls are from xeno-canto.orgNorthern Parula call by NaomiChipping Sparrow by Manuel Grosselet Worm-eating warbler by Cristopher McPhersonBlack and white warbler zeep: Matt WistrandBachman’s warbler call record by Arthur A. Allen and Paul Kellogg, preserved on the Macaulay Library through the Cornell lab of Ornithology..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