Episodes
-
Welcome to another episode of Bird Sh*t! It's currently nesting and fledgling season for adorable shorebirds. As such, we're excited to talk to Chris Allieri, founder of the NYC Plover Project.
what it's like on the frontlines of the annual summer showdown: shorebirds vs. the worldthe wacky and wonderful world of starting a wildlife conversation non-profitLOTS OF CUTE LITTLE PIPING PLOVERS conversation optimism in a continuously depressing world (or is it just us that feel this way? loooool)
Chris joins us to talk about:Tune in to hear about the amazing work that Chris and his team of 250+ volunteers do every year to help give piping ploversâan endangered speciesâa fighting chance on the popular summer beaches of NYC.
And, as always, keep your eyes to the skies (or the beach)!Support the Show.
-
Wake up, folks, because our hiatus is over and IT'S MIGRATION SEASON.
In this episode, we're bringing you five incredible bird migrations: the longest, the shortest, and some impressive ones in between. We also cover some fun birds in the news stories, including Zoom parrots.
Plus, find out if we actually know the length of an American football field and hear some terrible British accents. It's all waiting for you on this "welcome back" episode of Bird Sh*t!
BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSEDBIRDS WE MENTION (in order)
Ruby-crowned kinglet
Snowy plover
Piping plover
Macaw
Arctic tern
Sooty Shearwater
Bar-tailed Godwit
Adélie Penguin
Dusky grouse (blue grouse)BIRDS IN THE NEWS
SpaceX vs. the shorebirds (guess whoâs winning)
Scientists are making terrifying drones from taxidermied birds
Parrots use video chat (and love it)Support the Show.
-
Missing episodes?
-
Knock on wood: we're talking about woodpeckers this episode! These recognizable and unique species of birds have a lot of cool secrets up their sleeves. Tune in as we unpack what makes them so special (and make a few sexual innuendos along the way, of course).
Plus, we discuss birds in the news, including the controversial (possible) rediscovery of the Ivory-billed woodpecker and the benefits of mixing birds with wine.
BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)
American robin
Peregrine falcon
Great horned owl
Prothonotary warbler
American kestrel
Ivory-billed woodpecker
Red-tailed hawk
Bald Eagles
Lesser Scaup
Canada goose
Snow goose
Black vulture
Northern flicker
Yellow-bellied sapsucker
Ruby-throated hummingbird
Red-bellied woodpecker
Red-headed woodpecker
Golden-fronted woodpecker
BIRDS IN THE NEWS
Ivory-billed woodpecker...is it back?
For our coverage, we used The Guardian's coverage and @alexander_lees for useful commentary
Wine + birds = pretty awesome
Bird flu is bad and might be here to stay
OTHER COOL SH*TSupport the Show.
-
We're flying the coop and pretending to be snowbirds! This month, we're chatting all about birds from Australia and New Zealand (a request from one of our listeners). Not gonna lie: we learned some AMAZING facts about these southern hemisphere birds.
So sit back, enjoy a Vegemite sandwich, and marvel at these birds from Down Under.
Plus, we give some shout-outs to some listeners who recently sent in fan mail. Thanks for the love! If you like what you hear, please leave us a review on iTunes or drop us an email. We'd love to hear from you (unless you're Norton Antivirus Software spam)!
BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)
Stellarâs Sea-Eagle
Boat-billed Heron
Hooded Warbler
Satin Bowerbird
Common Raven
Tawny Frogmouth
Superb fairy-wren
Noisy Miner
MĆhua (Yellowhead)
Morepork (Ruru)
Southern Boobook
Southern Cassowary
Night Parrot
OTHER COOL SH*T
Support our show at Ko-Fi! Pretty please and thaaaaaaaanks!Support the Show.
-
The holiday season is upon us and nothing says "festive" like a warm, cozy, sweatshirt...screenprinted with some birds on snow-covered branches and probably some pinecones or other ambiguous "outdoor" motives. That's right: put away your ugly sweaters because it's GRANDMA SWEATSHIRT SEASON EVERYONE.
We both have fond memories of our grandmas wearing bird-adorned sweatshirts this time of year. In an homage to both them and this beloved 90s attire, we are discussing some of the quintessential birds found on "grandma sweatshirts."
Plus, Sarah introduces her new ~ SCIENCE ZONE ~ segment and brings the latest in bird science to you!
We also briefly discuss what we've been doing (hint: PARENTING NONSTOP) instead of making great podcast episodes for all of you. But we hope to jump back into consistent podcasting in 2022!
BIRDS WE MENTION:
Cedar Waxwing
Northern Cardinal
Black-capped Chickadee
Eastern Bluebird
White-breasted NuthatchSupport the Show.
-
IT'S SUMMERTIME, BABYYYY! We're coming at you with the hottest facts about some beachin' North American shorebirds, as well as ways you can help keep the shores safe for birds. Cool down with this tall glass of bird banter!
We also share some of our favorite answers to our recent Instagram question: what bird would you want for your neighbor? Tune in to see if we selected yours!
BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSEDUSEFUL RESOURCES
Check out the NYC Plover Project for great tips on keeping shorebirds safe!BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)
Yellow WarblerCommon TernPiping PloverKilldeerBlack-necked StiltAmerican WoodcockBlack SkimmerSoraSupport the Show.
-
We hope you're ready for some tea. The National Audubon Society is front and center of a lot of important conversations regarding race, inclusivity, and equalityâboth in the workplace and the great outdoors.
In the past few months, the majority of Audubonâs employees have declared that they want to form a union to protect employeeâs rights and have a seat at the table. Some Audubon employees have formed Audubon for All, the official name for the union at the National Audubon Society. But, sadly, they have run into some roadblocks with The Audubon Society's executive leadership, who still refuse to recognize the union. Cue the corporate bullsh*t.
We sit down with Tykee James and Sharon Bruce, two Audubon Society employees and backers of Audubon for All. They share more about the union, their goals, their struggles, and the uneven playing field between the Audubon Society's executive leadership and on-the-ground employees.
Plus, some listeners share what bird they would want to be and why!
BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSEDUSEFUL RESOURCES
Follow (and support!) the Audubon for All union on Instagram (@audubonforall) and Twitter. Make sure you sign their letter of support! You can also tweet @AudubonSociety and tell them to get it together.
BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)âą Barn Owl
âą American White Pelican
âą Common Raven
âą Chimney Swift
âą Carolina Wren
âą Emu
âą Cassowary
âą Black Hawk-Eagle
âą Golden Eagle
âą Loggerhead Shrike
âą Killdeer
âą Pigeons (always pigeons)Support the Show.
-
We're back! After welcoming our own little baby birds into the world, we wanted to share our favorite bird moms for our first episode of 2021. Yes, this episode is coming out after Mother's Day, but we were able to record it on Mother's Day so it feels relevant still. Some of these bird moms are admirable mentors and others make...questionable parenting decisions.
Plus, we share some recent "Birds in the News" (because it turns out you miss a LOT of news when you take 9 months off of recording a podcast).
BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSED
** Support the show! **
BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)
California Condor
Hawfinch
Brambling
European Turtle Dove
Least Tern
Shoebill Stork
Laysan Albatross
BIRDS IN THE NEWS
California Condors Throw House Party While Owner is Away
Italians Feast on Illegally-Hunted, Endangered SongbirdSupport the Show.
-
Every joke about "Corvid-19" has already been made, so let's skip to the good stuff: BIRDS! We'll share some fascinating, little-known facts about one of the bird world's smartest families (but let's be honest, ALL birds are smart).
Corvidsâaka the crow familyâcan be found all over the world. Even if you're new to birding, you've likely spotted a member of this family around your neighborhood. While some people might consider them "basic" birds, we think they're anything but basic. These uncommon facts about four common US-based corvids will help you wow your friends the next time you see a crow (or is it a raven...?) out and about.
Still struggling with the difference between an American Crow and a Common Raven? We'll break down the differences and provide you with some hard-to-forget visual cues.
Oh, and we also brought back "Birds in the News," since it's been sooooo looooong.
Hit us up at [email protected] with feedback/thoughts on the episode!
BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSEDUSEFUL RESOURCES
More crow (and corvid) FAQs from Kaeli Swift, Ph.D! (Make sure to follow her on Twitter, too.)BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)
Cave SwiftletOilbirdForty-spotted PardaloteBlue JayRed-shouldered HawkRed-tailed HawkBald EagleEastern Screech-OwlEastern BluebirdIndigo BuntingBrown-headed CowbirdAmerican CrowCommon RavenBlack-billed MagpieBIRDS IN THE NEWS
To NOT Kill a MockingbirdWeâre not the only ones getting fat during quarantine: birds are, too.Donât hate the gulls: we need their expensive poop!A win for an endangered Tasmanian bird, thanks to smart-thinking scientistsSupport the Show.
-
It's one thing to admire birds in the wild, but it's rare to find people who dedicate their lives to helping injured birds return to the wild. Suzie Gilbert is one of these impassioned birders. Luckily for the world, she picked up a pen to start sharing her wildlife rehabilitation stories. In this episode, we sit down with Suzie to learn the behind-the-scenes stories that inspire her writingâincluding her newest novelâand hear some of her wildest bird rehab stories.
After years of working as a wild bird rehabilitator, Suzie submitted a collection of short stories about bird rehabbing to a few editors and ended up writing a memoir (Flyaway: How a Wild Bird Rehabber Sought Adventure and Found Her Wings). She's also written a children's book (Hawk Hill) and now her first novel: Unflappable.
Unflappable blends the real-life challenges of wildlife rehabbing with a high-energy fictional thriller. Luna Burke is on the run with a homicidal Bald Eagle in the back seat. Licensed to take care of injured and orphaned wildlife, she is determined to smuggle the bird from her husbandâs private zoo in Florida to an eagle sanctuary in Canada. Hot on her trail are her husband, his bodyguards, the police, state conservation officials, and an expert tracker from the federal Fish & Wildlife Service. Whew!
USEFUL RESOURCESVisit Suzieâs website to purchase her books (including her latest novel, Unflappable)!
BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)
Red-Tailed HawkPeregrine FalconRock PigeonAmerican RobinBrown ThrasherSharp-shinned HawkCooperâs HawkSouthern CassowaryEastern BluebirdBald EagleRoseate SpoonbillGreat Blue HeronNorthern FlickerSupport the Show.
-
Spring is upon us and the birds are gettin' busy. And what does that mean? That's right: lots of little baby birds will soon be entering the world.
From now until June 14, all Bird Shi*t Podcast shirt proceeds will go to Black Lives Matter. Get your shirt here. Sarah is a big fan of Tim Birkheadâs book, âBird Senseâ
Not all nests are created equal. Some birds lay eggs in giant piles of composting garbage that they continuously turn to keep the eggs at the perfect incubating temperature. Some birds nest in hanging woven nest sacks in massive colonies. Some birds build saliva nests that are considered rare edible delicacies.
The same goes for bird eggs, which range not only in color but also in size and shape. Yes, that's right: SHAPE. As in, not a normal round sphere egg. WEIRD!
We cover our favorite weird nests and eggs in this week's episode. Thanks for listening!
USEFUL RESOURCESBIRDS WE MENTION (in order)
Herring GullWhite TernHamerkopBarn OwlWhite-nest SwiftletEuropean Bee-eaterCommon TailorbirdMalleefowlMontezuma OropendolaHouse SparrowNorthern FlickerCommon MurreHoopoeAmerican RobinKiwiCommon OstrichCassowarySupport the Show.
-
Bird Sh*t Podcast is officially one year old! Sarah and Mo have been talkin' birds, interviewing amazing birders, and sharing badass bird facts for 365 days. Thank you so much for listening and being a part of this adventure!
#2: How to plan a birding trip (complete with blow-up dolls)#7: Amazing Bald Eagle facts to celebrate America's f*cking birthday (Independence Day)#11: The Birding World of Harry Potter with Laura Erickson#14: Mean Birds - Deadly Birds of DEATH#18: Learn spooky, creepy bird calls (and omens) for Halloween
To celebrate our "bird day," we're revisiting some of our favorite moments on the podcast from the last year. Plus, get behind-the-scenes insights into how we started Bird Sh*t and got to where we are today.
Got a favorite Bird Sh*t moment not featured in this episode? Tell us about it! You can reach us at [email protected] or find us on social media (@birdshitpodcast on Instagram or @birdshitpod on Twitter).
EPISODES FEATURED IN THIS EPISODEBIRDS WE MENTION (in order)
Mourning DoveRock PigeonAmerican GoldfinchHouse SparrowGray CatbirdNorthern FlickerCommon GrackleBlue JayBald EagleCommon RavenSouthern CassowaryEmuCorn CrakeSupport the Show.
-
Stephanie Seymour has been a musician her whole life and an avid birder for the last 15 years. Her latest album, There Are Birds, brings together her love of birds and vast musical talents.
Don't be fooled by the album's name: this is not an album of bird calls. It's an eclectic mix of pop and rock-and-roll, blended with lyrical birding stories from Stephanie's adventures.
Tune in to learn the stories behind Stephanie's bird-named songs, her inspiration for the album, and her work for the Hawk Migration Association of America. Plus, we share snippets of Stephanie's favorite songs during the episode!
Got somethin' you wanna say to Sarah and Mo? Find us on Instagram and Twitter, or send us an email at [email protected]!
BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSEDUSEFUL RESOURCES
Listen to Stephanie's awesome album, There Are BirdsHMANA: Hawk Migration Association of North America. Check it out!The Monterey Bay Birding Festival, Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, and Acadia Birding Festival are among Stephanieâs favorites
House SparrowRuby-crowned KingletAmerican RobinCommon LoonBald EagleYellow-headed BlackbirdBlue JayNorthern MockingbirdBlack-throated Blue WarblerRed-billed TropicbirdTufted TitmouseCarolina WrenRed-tailed HawkPileated WoodpeckerRose-breasted GrosbeakScarlet TanagerBlack-footed AlbatrossLong-eared Owl
BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)Support the Show.
-
When we first recorded this Spring Break episode, we didn't anticipate half the world being on COVID-19 lockdown. But now seems like as good of a time as any to take a mental vacation to the sunny regions of Mexico, Central America, and South America for some incredible birding!
The Peregrine Fund is doing great conservation work for birds of prey all around the world
Learn about some of the coolest birds from the sunny south, including a "bat bird" that lives in caves and navigates via echolocation, the most un-heron-like-heron ever, and the largest, most powerful raptor in the Americas. Plus, Sarah and Mo discuss how they would've fared at MTV's TRL Spring Break back in the day.
AAAAAND we release our first-ever Listener Droppings section of the podcast, featuring birding stories from listeners! WOO! This episode is definitely worth staying at home and listen to.
P.S. - Shout out to Andrés Jiménez for recommending most of these birds to us! Muchas gracias! You can hear our interview with Andrés in episode 16.
BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSED
USEFUL RESOURCES
Franklinâs GullSnow GooseBoat-billed HeronHarpy EagleGolden EagleOcellated AntbirdWhite-tipped SicklebillWhooping MotmotBlue-throated MotmotOilbird
BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)Support the Show.
-
Corina Newsome grew up in Philadelphia and has always had a desire to participate in, and advocate for, the protection of wildlife and natural spaces, and encourage people of color in the U.S. to explore the great outdoors. These days, youâll catch her in Georgia marshes doing important conservation research for the MacGillivray's Seaside Sparrow. We were so psyched to talk with her and learn about all the incredible ways she walks the walk for environmental equality and access to wildlife opportunities for underrepresented demographics.
Ask Corina about her own incredible array of accomplishments and sheâll refocus attention to the peers, communities, and institutions that support her vision. Ask about her own upbringing or experiences and sheâll redirect the question to how we can all help youth in low-income areas gain better access to the outdoors and career opportunities in wildlife.
Corina is one of the rare people who understands that we all shine brighter if we focus our attention on helping others gain access to the wild. GET IT, GIRRRRRRL.BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSED
USEFUL RESOURCES
Corinaâs âDo Anything for the Countâ parody videoâŠSO FREAKINâ GOOD YOU GUYS.Diversity in Action Magazine: a great magazine âdedicated to supporting and promoting diversity in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathââŠdefinitely worth a read!Greening Youth Foundation: an incredible nonprofit that engages "underrepresented youth and young adults while connecting them to the outdoors and careers in conservation."Sarah is digging the book âBird Senseâ right nowFind Corina in all the places: Twitter, Instagram, and her websiteCorinaâs favorite bird conservation group? The Audubon Society! They do incredible work in so many communities.BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)
Blue JayAmerican AvocetAmerican CrowSeaside Sparrow Marsh WrenRoseate SpoonbillWood StorkPileated WoodpeckerKiwiSupport the Show.
-
While counting down the days until spring migration, we might as well go full-out WINTER. Embrace your cold side and learn about some awesome birds that call the Arctic their home (for at least part of the year).
Learn about: a bird that sprays stomach oil onto the wings of its enemies; an eagle with the widest wing span; a hoarding bird thatâs used false teeth and catheters while nest-building; and a bird that flies 600 miles a day just two days after learning how to fly.
Tell us what youâd like to hear on Bird Sh*t Podcast by dropping us a line at [email protected]! You can also find us on Instagram (@birdshitpodcast) and Twitter (@birdshitpod).
BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSED
BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)
Atlantic PuffinDovekieArctic TernCommon TernNorthern FulmarSouthern FulmarGreat ShearwaterNorthern GannetBlue-footed BoobySnow BuntingWhite-tailed EagleRuddy TurnstoneBlack TurnstoneSupport the Show.
-
Grassland bird populations are declining more than any other bird group in North America. Rather than spaz outâour normal reaction to bad bird newsâwe had a conversation with Alyssa DeRubeis and felt a lot better about the work being done for grassland birds. Spoiler: thereâs still hope for restored habitats.
Alyssa grew up in Minnesota and started birding when she was five years old. After obtaining her Bachelorâs degree in Wildlife Ecology, she earned her Masterâs degree studying nesting and non-breeding birds in remnant and restored tallgrass prairies at the University of Arkansas.
Tune in to learn a TON of cool stuff about grassland birds, their biggest threats, and what the future holds for these fragile birds. Plus, Alyssa shares tips on how to find bird nests (without disturbing birds) and shares one of the coolest birder-to-birder lifer stories weâve ever heard.BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSED
USEFUL RESOURCES
The bird tattoo contest at the Biggest Week in American BirdingThe Breeding Bird Survey is a vital resource for understanding whatâs happening to birds in North AmericaThe Nature Conservancy is doing great things for grassland bird habitat protection and restoration!
American RedstartGreat Gray OwlBarn OwlSedge Wren DickcisselNorthern CardinalIndigo BuntingEastern MeadowlarkBlack-Capped ChickadeeHenslowâs SparrowsWinter WrenBlackburnian WarblerScarlet TanagerRed-bellied WoodpeckerSnowy OwlSnow BuntingBald EagleAmerican RobinBarn SwallowRed-winged BlackbirdMarbled GodwitNorthern GoshawkCooperâs HawkBoreal Owl
BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)Support the Show.
-
Ever wonder what bird species your favorite characters from the hit TV series "The Office" would be? Wonder no more. In this episode, we correlate characteristics of different bird species to some of the rowdy bunch of characters from "The Office."
Tune in to find out if we let Dwight be the Bald Eagle he thinks he is, why Stanley is the quintessential "lazy bird," and how the heck we determined the right bird for Michael.
Since this is a new episode format, we'd love to know if you like this episode! Send us an email ([email protected]) or find us on Twitter (@birdshitpod) and Instagram (@birdshitpodcast). We'd love to know what think...or if you want us to do this for other TV shows, books, movies. etc.!
BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSEDUSEFUL RESOURCES
Google Street View Birding group on Facebook!
BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)
Bald EagleNorthern MockingbirdWoodhouseâs Scrub-JayCommon NightingaleNorthern ShrikeHorned LarkBrown-headed CowbirdGreat SkuaHerring GullRosy-faced LovebirdRed-headed WoodpeckerRed-winged BlackbirdSupport the Show.
-
Before we dive too deep into 2020, let's reflect on 2019. Some big things happened in the bird world last year.
Scientists identified the remains of a 15-pound, 3-foot-tall parrot named Squawkzilla. US cities adopted bird-friendly laws. We've lost 1 in 4 birds since the 1970s (hey, we didn't say it was all good news). Plus, meet 5 bird species that had an AWESOME year.
Here's our birdy recap of 2019!
BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSEDUSEFUL RESOURCES
Chicago Bird Collision MonitorsâŠwe love this (and similar) organizations!New York City Audubon, American Bird Conservancy, and the American Institute of Architects helped pass bird-friendly building laws in NYC!Have you played Untitled Goose Game?BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)
Blue-gray GnatcatcherAmerican WoodcockGouldian FinchHouse SparrowAmerican RobinEuropean StarlingLong-tailed DuckBuffleheadHouse FinchDark-eyed JuncoNorthern CardinalRock PigeonPiping PloverKirtlandâs WarblerInterior Least TernHoiho (Yellow-Eyed Penguin)Tricolored BlackbirdBIRDS IN THE NEWS
Birdsâ bodies are getting smaller and their wings are getting larger.NYC and Austinâs airport are making the world safer for birds!2019 BIRD NEWS WRAP-UP
Changes to the Migratory Bird Act are effed up and make things bad for birds.Using eDNA to detect endangered species = COOLThe worst news about birds came out in 2019. Weâre still sad about it. Birding is good for your mental health!Squawkzilla? Squawkzilla. Half-male, half-female Northern Cardinal canât sing but can lay eggs. Whoa!Support the Show.
-
Some people think it's weird that many gifts in the "12 Days of Christmas" carol are birds. We're not those people...because BIRDS. Impress your friends and family this holiday season by spittin' some fun facts about the birds mentioned in this songâplus, a special Hannukah bird!
You'll also get the lowdown on Audubon's 2019 Christmas Bird Count and how you can participate. This long-standing citizenry science event turns a whopping 120 years old this year! WOWOWOWOW. Plus, joining a CBC group near you is a great way for beginner birders to get a helping hand with identification. Check it out!
Oh, we also share two fun and intriguing articles in "Birds in the News" that aren't about climate change destroying birds. Yay!
Thanks to everyone who listened to Bird Sh*t Podcast in 2019. We'll see ya with our eyes to the skies in 2020!
BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSEDUSEFUL RESOURCES
Hansonâs âSnowed Inâ is the quintessential Christmas album. James Bondâs âBirds of the West Indiesâ Peterson Field GuideGet the info on the 2019 Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count taking place near you!
Rock PigeonAmerican Black DuckRed-legged Partridge (French Partridge)Gray PartridgeEuropean Turtle-DoveFaverolle (chicken breed)Eurasian BlackbirdAmerican RobinGraylag GooseMute SwanTrumpeter SwanRing=necked PheasantEuropean GoldfinchScarlet MacawNorthern CardinalBlue JayGreat Tit
BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)
Happiest bird story of 2019: this 91-year-old Canadian man who has built 900+ birdhousesJames Bond was an ornithologist IRL. True story. (And RIP <3)
BIRDS IN THE NEWSSupport the Show.
- Show more
