Dirty Bird Podcast

Episode 81: Loosey Goosey (Barnacle Goose)

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

Episode 80: Oh my Starling, Clementine (European Starling)

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

Episode 79: Whatever Floatz your Hoatz(in): The Farting, Fermenting Hoatzin!

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

Episode 78: The Gift of the Magpie (Eurasian Magpie)

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

Episode 77: Chip Off the Old Squawk: An Interview with Chip Chase of White Grass Ski Touring Center

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!