DiscoverBird Sh*t Podcast
Bird Sh*t Podcast
Claim Ownership

Bird Sh*t Podcast

Author: Bird Sh*t Podcast

Subscribed: 89Played: 943
Share

Description

Learn fun bird facts for your next happy hour! Perfect for newbie bird fans, long-time birders, and people who want to learn cool sh*t about birds—we're pretty sure that's you. Join Mo and Sarah for a casual (and very millenial) conversation about all things birding. You'll meet amazing birders, get the latest bird news, and hear lesser-discussed topics around birds and birdwatching. Rated R for "Ridiculously LOLOLOL-worthy."
41 Episodes
Reverse
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. Chris joins us to talk about: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)Tune in to hear about the amazing work that Chris and his team of 250+ volunteers do every year to help give piping plovers—an endangered species—a fighting chance on the popular summer beaches of NYC. And, as always, keep your eyes to the skies (or the beach)!Support the show
40: Migration madness!

40: Migration madness!

2023-05-1944:26

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 kingletSnowy ploverPiping ploverMacawArctic ternSooty ShearwaterBar-tailed GodwitAdélie PenguinDusky grouse (blue grouse)BIRDS IN THE NEWSSpaceX vs. the shorebirds (guess who’s winning)Scientists are making terrifying drones from taxidermied birdsParrots use video chat (and love it) Support the show
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 robinPeregrine falconGreat horned owlProthonotary warblerAmerican kestrelIvory-billed woodpeckerRed-tailed hawkBald EaglesLesser Scaup Canada gooseSnow gooseBlack vultureNorthern flicker Yellow-bellied sapsuckerRuby-throated hummingbirdRed-bellied woodpeckerRed-headed woodpeckerGolden-fronted woodpeckerBIRDS IN THE NEWSIvory-billed woodpecker...is it back? For our coverage, we used The Guardian's coverage and @alexander_lees for useful commentaryWine + birds = pretty awesomeBird flu is bad and might be here to stayOTHER 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)Stellar’s Sea-EagleBoat-billed HeronHooded WarblerSatin BowerbirdCommon RavenTawny FrogmouthSuperb fairy-wrenNoisy MinerMōhua (Yellowhead)Morepork (Ruru)Southern BoobookSouthern CassowaryNight ParrotOTHER COOL SH*TSupport 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 WaxwingNorthern CardinalBlack-capped ChickadeeEastern BluebirdWhite-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 RESOURCESCheck 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 equality—both in the workplace and the great outdoors. In the past few months, the majority of Audubon’s employees have declared that they want to form a union to protect employee’s 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 RESOURCESFollow (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)• Barn Owl• American White Pelican• Common Raven• Chimney Swift• Carolina Wren• Emu• Cassowary• Black Hawk-Eagle• Golden Eagle• Loggerhead Shrike• Killdeer• 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 CondorHawfinchBramblingEuropean Turtle DoveLeast TernShoebill StorkLaysan AlbatrossBIRDS IN THE NEWSCalifornia 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). Corvids—aka the crow family—can 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 hellobirdshit@gmail.com with feedback/thoughts on the episode!BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSEDUSEFUL RESOURCESMore 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 NEWSTo NOT Kill a MockingbirdWe’re not the only ones getting fat during quarantine: birds are, too.Don’t 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 writing—including her newest novel—and 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 husband’s 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 Suzie’s website to purchase her books (including her latest novel, Unflappable)!BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)Red-Tailed HawkPeregrine FalconRock PigeonAmerican RobinBrown ThrasherSharp-shinned HawkCooper’s 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. 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 RESOURCESFrom 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 Birkhead’s book, “Bird Sense”BIRDS 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!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 hellobirdshit@gmail.com or find us on social media (@birdshitpodcast on Instagram or @birdshitpod on Twitter).EPISODES FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE#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 HalloweenBIRDS 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 hellobirdshit@gmail.com!BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSEDUSEFUL RESOURCESListen 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 Stephanie’s favoritesBIRDS WE MENTION (in order)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 OwlSupport 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!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 DISCUSSEDUSEFUL RESOURCESThe Peregrine Fund is doing great conservation work for birds of prey all around the worldBIRDS WE MENTION (in order)Franklin’s GullSnow GooseBoat-billed HeronHarpy EagleGolden EagleOcellated AntbirdWhite-tipped SicklebillWhooping MotmotBlue-throated MotmotOilbirdSupport 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, you’ll 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 she’ll refocus attention to the peers, communities, and institutions that support her vision. Ask about her own upbringing or experiences and she’ll 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 DISCUSSEDUSEFUL RESOURCESCorina’s “Do Anything for the Count” parody video…SO FREAKIN’ GOOD YOU GUYS.Diversity in Action Magazine: a great magazine “dedicated to supporting and promoting diversity in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math”…definitely 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 “Bird Sense” right nowFind Corina in all the places: Twitter, Instagram, and her websiteCorina’s 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 that’s 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 you’d like to hear on Bird Sh*t Podcast by dropping us a line at hellobirdshit@gmail.com! You can also find us on Instagram (@birdshitpodcast) and Twitter (@birdshitpod).BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSEDBIRDS 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 out—our normal reaction to bad bird news—we had a conversation with Alyssa DeRubeis and felt a lot better about the work being done for grassland birds. Spoiler: there’s still hope for restored habitats. Alyssa grew up in Minnesota and started birding when she was five years old. After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology, she earned her Master’s 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 we’ve ever heard. BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSEDUSEFUL RESOURCESThe bird tattoo contest at the Biggest Week in American BirdingThe Breeding Bird Survey is a vital resource for understanding what’s happening to birds in North AmericaThe Nature Conservancy is doing great things for grassland bird habitat protection and restoration!BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)American RedstartGreat Gray OwlBarn OwlSedge Wren DickcisselNorthern CardinalIndigo BuntingEastern MeadowlarkBlack-Capped ChickadeeHenslow’s SparrowsWinter WrenBlackburnian WarblerScarlet TanagerRed-bellied WoodpeckerSnowy OwlSnow BuntingBald EagleAmerican RobinBarn SwallowRed-winged BlackbirdMarbled GodwitNorthern GoshawkCooper’s HawkBoreal OwlSupport 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 (hellobirdshit@gmail.com) 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 RESOURCESGoogle Street View Birding group on Facebook!BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)Bald EagleNorthern MockingbirdWoodhouse’s Scrub-JayCommon NightingaleNorthern ShrikeHorned LarkBrown-headed CowbirdGreat SkuaHerring GullRosy-faced LovebirdRed-headed WoodpeckerRed-winged BlackbirdSupport 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 song—plus, 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 RESOURCESHanson’s “Snowed In” is the quintessential Christmas album. James Bond’s “Birds of the West Indies” Peterson Field GuideGet the info on the 2019 Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count taking place near you! BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)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 TitBIRDS IN THE NEWSHappiest 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)Support the show
We always hear how climate change impacts birds, but what does it feel like to *be* a bird living through this unfathomable change? Producer, songwriter, and filmmaker Ryan Moritz set out to answer this question. He’s spent the last five years filming, recording, and editing a work of art to help humans see today’s world through the eyes of birds. The final result was "Important Bird Opera": a migratory journey exploring "how climate change and other anthropocentric activities have altered the natural world."In this exclusive interview, Ryan takes you behind-the-scenes of “Important Bird Opera.” Hear about his travels to film birds in Important Bird Areas, how he collaborated with poet Anjuli Raza Kolb for the opera’s libretto, and the personal birding experiences that inspired this one-of-a-kind work of art. Ryan’s “Important Bird Opera” premiered on New York City’s Governors Island in the summer of 2019 at the end of his artist-in-residency program with the NYC Audubon Society. Climate change is scary stuff, but Ryan’s work gives us hope—for the planet and for birds everywhere. BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSEDUSEFUL RESOURCESWatch “Important Bird Opera” by Ryan Moritz!The Leslie Science and Nature Center in Ann Arbor…check it out!Scott Weidensaul’s “Living on the Wind: Across the Hemisphere with Migratory Birds” >> A book about bird migration that inspired Ryan’s “Important Bird Opera”Farid ud-din Attar’s poem, “The Conference of The Birds,” which inspired Kola’s poem “Unflocked Heart” (the libretto for “Important Bird Opera”)In NYC? Check out Governors Island!BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)Great Horned OwlBald EagleWild TurkeyTurkey VultureSteller’s JayCommon RavenLaysan AlbatrossSandhill CraneAmerican RobinEurasian HoopoeYellow-Crowned Night-HeronSupport the show
loading
Comments (5)

Jayne Johnston

I love this!

May 26th
Reply

Happy⚛️Heretic

Cool, this podcast is back! Brand new episode!

May 16th
Reply (2)

Happy⚛️Heretic

REALLY great production all around...from the topics-to the host-he quality of sound is good as well.

Mar 16th
Reply
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store