In this 4th of July special, John talks all about America’s bird the Bald Eagle! While majestic appearing, the Bald Eagle has quite the bad reputation amongst those who have observed its habits up close, Benjamin Franklin even called it “very lousy”! But do its redeeming qualities make up for its sometimes nasty nature? Explore these topics as John tells you everything you need to know about the Bald Eagle! Also, the return of Punchy Joe who talks about the Bald Eagle pair that have spent 10 years raising young just off his dock. And a listener message from friend of the show Charlie! Learn about Bald Eagle Biology, their interactions with humans, how it became America's bird, Native american legends, about a Bald Eagle that fought in the civil war, threats to their population, and their evolutionary history. So put in your headphones, light up the BBQ, and press play on this episode! 

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Cover art by Jessica Coker! Check out all her work on her Instagram page @jessicacokerartist 

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Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers, check them out wherever you get your music 

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All bird sounds are from xeno-canto.org

Bald Eagle Call 1 by: Steve Hampton

Bald Eagle Call 2 by: Davyd Betchkayl 

Bald Eagle Call 3 by: Paul Marvin

Osprey Call by: Bruce Lagerquist 

Bald Eagle majestic call by: Russ Wigh 

Red-Tailed Hawk Call by: Peter Ward and Ken Hall     

Bald Eagle Capture call by Paul Marvin 

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Civil War music by adeluc4 from freesounds.org

Native American drum by sandyrb from freesounds.org

Bird flap by agentDD from freesounds.org

Landing sound by yoyodaman234 from freesounds.org

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Find dirty bird podcast Tshirts at https://www.teepublic.com/user/dirtybird-podcast