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HONK! In this listener suggested episode, Dr. John covers his first species of the family Anseriformes (Ducks, Geese, Swans) by talking about the Arctic specialist the Barnacle Goose. This bird is super interesting- everything from its breeding strategy to avoid predators from the really interesting origin of its common name. Can you believe people used to think the Barnacle Goose was a crustacean and not a bird?! Learn how to identify this bird from its plumage and vocalizations. Also learn all about what it likes to eat and how it makes babies. Dr. John also explored the population status of the Barnacle Goose over time. Finally, we end the episode with good ole' evolutionary history and duck-dive into the origins of geese way back in the Cretaceous alongside dinosaurs. .Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music.All Bird sounds are from Xeno-Canto.org . Intro call by David Darrel-Lambert . Yapping calls by Lars Edenius . Type A Call by Petter Westberg . Type B call by Patrik Aberg . Cacophony of Barnacle Geese by Hans Norelius 

Listeners give this episode 5/5 Starlings! Love them or hate them, European Starlings are here to stay in their introduced range across every continent except Antarctica. Even though they eat crops, crash planes, and evict native birds from their nests these birds have some beautiful singing abilities, display an amazing flying pattern called murmurtions, and may be as smart as crows and ravens! Learn all about the European Starling with Dr. John. .Thanks to Volume Book store in Buckhannon, West Virginia for producing this episode! .Special thanks also to the book "Starlings: The Curious Odyssey of of a Most Hated Bird by Mike Stark for great background  research https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/bison-books/9781496242020/starlings/.Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro Music by the Sidewalk Slammers.All bird songs are from xeno-canto.org . Opening call by Olivier Swift  . Starling song by Uku Paal  . Starling mimicking birds call by Paul Marvin  . Starling imitating siren call by Lee Alder  . Starling whistle song by Timo Schnabel  . Starling chatter by Barnard Collet  . Staring Chatter 2 by David Bissett

The Hoatzin may stink but this episode doesn't! Join Dr. John as he talks about the incredible life history of this Amazon rainforest bird. This bird is truly unique- its the only bird that can fly, swim and climb. Its the only bird that's a foregut fermenter. And IT STINKS! Learn why this bird farts and burps so much, explore the biology behind its gut microbiome, and join it for its truly epic revolutionary journey that spans an ocean. .PLUS! We are finally joined on the show by Baby Bo and Lauren!.Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers.All bird sounds are from xeno-canto.org.Opening Call by Carlos Delgado JUMABITA  Grunting Call by Rosendo Fraga  Pterodactyl sounds by Guy Kirwan 

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.org Opening 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 

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! 

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

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  

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 sandyrb Flute 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 Marvin Thump sound from freesound.org by KrystianPawlowski  Slice sound from freesound.org by CalGre Hollywood 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 

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

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 

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 

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

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 

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 

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. Graves Brown Creeper song by Paul Marvin  “trees beautiful trees” call by Ron Overholtz Brown Creeper High Pitched Call by Jarrod Swackhamer  . . Karaoke version of “Creep” by Radiohead from Sing King on Youtube