Dirty Bird Podcast

Episode 84: Dad Bod Bird: The Streak-Chested Antpitta

Hey hungry I'm Antpitta! The antpitta birds have a unique body shape with nearly non-existent tails, long skinny legs, and a big 'ole pot belly. They look more at home in

Episode 83: Round Robin Round 2: The European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

Robin Returns! In this listener suggested episode from across the pond, Dr. John talks about the European Robin. Despite the similar name, its actually not related to the

Episode 82: Ospreys, OBX, and Children's Books: Interview with author Adrienne Palma on her book Oakley The Osprey

Kid friendly episode! Dr. John and nature/children's book author Adrienne Palma discuss her book Oakley The Osprey which is packed full of fun Osprey facts and amazing il

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 Ba

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.

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

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

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,

Episode 76: Sons and Darters: The Four Darter/Anhinga Species

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 ha

Episode 75: Let you Hair(y) Down(y): All about the Hairy and Downy Woodpecker

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 diffic

Episode 74: Big Socks? Big Hawks! (Red-Tailed Hawk)

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

Episode 73: Whoop! There it is! (Whooping Crane)

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 bi

Episode 72: Flockin' Robin (American Robin)

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 listen

Episode 71: Talk Turkey To Me: Dirty Bird Thanksgiving Special!

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 s

Episode 70: That's so Raven (Common Raven)

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

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

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 als

Episode 68: Skit-Scatbird (Gray Catbird)

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 Fr

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

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

Episode 66: Waxwing On, Waxwing Off (Cedar Waxwing)

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.

Episode 65: Fight for your Kite to Party! (White-Tailed Kite)

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, thes