Dirty Bird Podcast

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. ..Cover art: Painting of Male and Female Imperial Woodpecker by John Livzey Ridgway, first published in The Auk, now in the Public Domain..Intro music by Ricky Pistone, Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers

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? ..Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music..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 ..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 [email protected] to claim yours today! ..All bird calls from Xeno-Canto.orgHorned Screamer call recorded by Caio Brito Tinkling Cisticola call recorded by Rick Nuttall Grey Go-Away Bird call recorded by Faansie Peacock

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! ..Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music..Thank you so much Bill for this interview!

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!...Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers, find them wherever you get your music..Bird sounds recorded by me or from xeno-canto.org. Angry Blue Heron Call by Manuel GrosseletAngry Heron Call #2 by Lauren HarterGreeting Call by Andrew SpencerAlarm Call by Russ Wigh Bill clapping by Kathryn KopankeChicks calling for food by Christopher McPherson Courtship call by Andrew Spencer ...Send listener mail to [email protected] and make sure to follow us on instagram @dirtybirdpodcast! Write us a review on apple podcasts to receive free stickers!

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!..Cover art by the super talented TJ Rinoski. Check out more of his work at tj-rinoski.com..Intro music by Ricky Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Find them on youtube and spotify!..Bird sounds from xeno-canto.org. Opening song sparrow song by Paul MarvinPiercing song by Scott OlmsteadOne 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 GravesChirping calls by Simon Elliot See-ik-so-la call by Antonio Xeira

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! ...Big thanks to Professor Jeremy Hyman for being on the show! ..Intro music by Ricky Pistone, outro music by The Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music!..Bird sounds from www.xeno-canto.org, both song sparrow songs from this episode were recorded by Thomas Magarian

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. ...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!...All Bird sounds from Xeno-Canto.org. Turkey Vulture Nesting Site Sound by Cristian PintoBlack Vulture Call by JAYRSON ARAUJO DE OLIVEIRABlack Vultures at Roost by Brice de la CroixBlack Vulture Dinosaur sound by Dante Buzzetti...Intro music by Ricky Pistone, Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers...Dirty Bird Podcast cover art and logo by TJ Rinoski

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. ..Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers..Cover art by TJ Rinoski..Bird sounds recorded by me or from www.xeno-canto.org, Intro Carolina Wren song by Aidan PlaceAlarm call by Thomas MagarianVocalizations around 9 “teakettle song” by Christopher McPherson“teakettle duet 1 + 2” by Phoenix BirderCarolina wren male song by Brian HendrixRattle alarm callBrian HendrixDown-trill callBrian HendrixEastern Towhee CallChristopher McPhersonDrink your tea Eastern Towhee songChickadee like call by Bruce LagerquistRuss WighRandom Carolina Wren SoundsChirt callBobby Wilcox

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! ..Cover art by TJ Rinoski- check out the new Dirty Bird Podcast logo made by this incredible Richmond, VA based artist! ..Intro music by Ricky Pistone, Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers...Bird calls from Xeno-Canto.org. “Yucker Call” by Russ WighPileated Woodpecker Call by Simon ElliottFlicker Contact call by Christopher McPhersonFlicker Yarrup sounds by Paul MarvinFlicker Wicka Call by Richard E. WebsterFlicker Drumming by Peter Ward and Ken Hall..Thanks for listening! Send listener mail to [email protected] or find me on instagram @DirtyBirdPodcast

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! ...Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Find them on youtube or wherever you get your music!...Bird sounds from Xeno-Canto.org. Opener Sound: Peter Ward and Ken HallRattle Call Paul MarvinScream Call Thomas G. GravesHarsh Call Niels Krabbe

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! ..Cover art of Ruby-Crowned Kinglet by Jessica, thank you! .Intro by Ricky Pistone, outro by the Sidewalk Slammers...Bird calls/songs from Xeno-Canto.org Intro Ruby Crowned Song: Ron OverholtzGolden Crowned Call: John Janousek Ruby Crowned Call Lance A. M. BennerGolden crowned song James LinkRuby Crowned Song Bruce Lagerquist

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! ...Cover art by Jessica...Intro music by Ricky Pistone, outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers...Bird sounds from Xeno-Canto.org, Opening “Kwer” call recorded by Brian Hendrix Chuck call by Will Sweet“Pneumonia” Calls by David Vander PluymSecond Chuck call by Paul MarvinMates interacting by Paul Marvin Rolling Call by Paul Marvin Drumming by Meena Haribal

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! ...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!...Subscribe to Dirty Bird Podcast for the latest episodes, please leave us a review, and send listener mail to [email protected] 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!

They tried to send Dirty Bird to Rehab and we said YES YES YES!...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!....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!...Intro music by Ricky Pistone aka Dick Piston and outro music by The Sidewalk Slammers

“‘Twas the day after Halloween, and hungover in the kitchenAre 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 ...Intro music by Ricky Pistone aka Dick Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers

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!...Photo by the talented Jessica...Bird sounds from Xeno-Canto.org, recordists listed as follows Opening Sound Russ Wigh Squeaker Call Paul Marvin Alarm Call Bruce Lagerquist...Intro song by Ricky Pistone, aka Dick Pistone, Outro music by The Sidewalk Slammers

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! ...Cover pic: Barred Owl Feathers found in Yorktown, Virginia...Intro music: Ricky Pistone aka Dick Piston, Outro Music by The Sidewalk Slammers...All Owl sounds from Xeno-Canto.org, credit to recordists below ..who-cooks-for-you classic barred owl call byLance A. M. Benner.""Monkey” call by Tom Forwood Jr..Duet byRichard Folkening.Scary Barred Owl Shriek by Karla Bloem.

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 PistonOutro Music: The Sidewalk Slammers Cover art: Picture of Peter Singleton from U.S. Forest service website

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!....Co-Hosts: Sara- climber, med student, nature lover, museum nerd Chance- med student, enthusiast of bird named sports teams.....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.....Intro Song By Ricky Pistone aka Dick Piston, Outro by The Sidewalk Slammers

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!....Plus...Joe joins us to discuss 25+ years of enjoying Ospreys! Don't miss out on his dad jokes and great stories!..Theme music by Ricky Pistone, aka Dick PistonOutro Music by The Sidewalk Slammers..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..Cover art by the talented Jessica

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 SlammersCover art by TJ Rinoski Bird recordings from Xeno-Canto.org, recorded by Jacob Saucier and Richard E. Webster

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 SlammersSpecial thanks to photographer and artist Jessica for the cover photo! Cardinal songs from Xeno-Canto, recorded by Brian Hendrix and Paul Marvin

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..... .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. .......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

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. ..Intro music by Ricky Pistone aka Dick Piston, Outro music by The Sidewalk Slammers

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 WrozaBirds features and their Icelandic names:Raven: Hrafn/KrummavisurEurasian Oystercatcher: TjaldurGolden Plover: HeiðlóaCommon Snipe: HrossagaukurWhite Wagtail: MaríuerlaRedwing: SkógarþrösturRed-necked Phalarope: Óðinshani

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 discussionCo-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

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 SlammersPicture by Allen Brooks from "The Book of Birds, copyright by National Geographic Society 1937

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 studentIntro music by Ricky Pistone aka Dick Pistone and outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers

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 PistonOutro music by Sidewalk Slammers

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 SlammersBird Sounds from Xeno-Canto, special thanks to Brian Hendrix and Jacob Saucier

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 BuddyMusic: Sidewalk SlammersLogo: Lauren McClure

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 SlammersLogo by Lauren McClure

Listen to this first! Learn about what Dirty Bird Podcast is all about and hear some highlights from favorite moments. Give it a try! ..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!