Bird Sh*t Podcast

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 world the wacky and wonderful world of starting a wildlife conversation non-profit LOTS 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

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 DISCUSSED BIRDS 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 who’s winning) Scientists are making terrifying drones from taxidermied birds Parrots 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 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*T Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/birdshitpodcast)

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-Eagle Boat-billed Heron Hooded Warbler Satin Bowerbird Common Raven Tawny Frogmouth Superb fairy-wren Noisy Miner Mōhua (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 (https://ko-fi.com/birdshitpodcast)

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 Nuthatch Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/birdshitpodcast)

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 Nuthatch Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/birdshitpodcast)

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 DISCUSSED USEFUL RESOURCES Check out the NYC Plover Project for great tips on keeping shorebirds safe! BIRDS WE MENTION (in order) Yellow Warbler Common Tern Piping Plover Killdeer Black-necked Stilt American Woodcock Black Skimmer Sora Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/birdshitpodcast)

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 DISCUSSED USEFUL RESOURCES Check out the NYC Plover Project for great tips on keeping shorebirds safe! BIRDS WE MENTION (in order) Yellow Warbler Common Tern Piping Plover Killdeer Black-necked Stilt American Woodcock Black Skimmer Sora Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/birdshitpodcast)

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 DISCUSSED USEFUL 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) • 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 (https://ko-fi.com/birdshitpodcast)

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 DISCUSSED USEFUL 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) • 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 (https://ko-fi.com/birdshitpodcast)

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 Songbird Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/birdshitpodcast)

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 DISCUSSED USEFUL 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 Swiftlet Oilbird Forty-spotted Pardalote Blue Jay Red-shouldered Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Bald Eagle Eastern Screech-Owl Eastern Bluebird Indigo Bunting Brown-headed Cowbird American Crow Common Raven Black-billed Magpie BIRDS IN THE NEWS To NOT Kill a Mockingbird We’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 scientists Support the show (https://www.bonfire.com/talk-birdy-to-me-bird-shit-podcast/)

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 DISCUSSED USEFUL 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 Swiftlet Oilbird Forty-spotted Pardalote Blue Jay Red-shouldered Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Bald Eagle Eastern Screech-Owl Eastern Bluebird Indigo Bunting Brown-headed Cowbird American Crow Common Raven Black-billed Magpie BIRDS IN THE NEWS To NOT Kill a Mockingbird We’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 scientists Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/birdshitpodcast)

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 RESOURCES Visit Suzie’s website to purchase her books (including her latest novel, Unflappable)! BIRDS WE MENTION (in order) Red-Tailed Hawk Peregrine Falcon Rock Pigeon American Robin Brown Thrasher Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s Hawk Southern Cassowary Eastern Bluebird Bald Eagle Roseate Spoonbill Great Blue Heron Northern Flicker Support the show (https://www.bonfire.com/talk-birdy-to-me-bird-shit-podcast/)

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 RESOURCES 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 Birkhead’s book, “Bird Sense” BIRDS WE MENTION (in order) Herring Gull White Tern Hamerkop Barn Owl White-nest Swiftlet European Bee-eater Common Tailorbird Malleefowl Montezuma Oropendola House Sparrow Northern Flicker Common Murre Hoopoe American Robin Kiwi Common Ostrich Cassowary Support the show (https://www.bonfire.com/talk-birdy-to-me-bird-shit-podcast/)

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 Halloween BIRDS WE MENTION (in order) Mourning Dove Rock Pigeon American Goldfinch House Sparrow Gray Catbird Northern Flicker Common Grackle Blue Jay Bald Eagle Common Raven Southern Cassowary Emu Corn Crake Support the show (https://www.bonfire.com/talk-birdy-to-me-bird-shit-podcast/)

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 DISCUSSED USEFUL RESOURCES Listen to Stephanie's awesome album, There Are Birds HMANA: 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 favorites BIRDS WE MENTION (in order) House Sparrow Ruby-crowned Kinglet American Robin Common Loon Bald Eagle Yellow-headed Blackbird Blue Jay Northern Mockingbird Black-throated Blue Warbler Red-billed Tropicbird Tufted Titmouse Carolina Wren Red-tailed Hawk Pileated Woodpecker Rose-breasted Grosbeak Scarlet Tanager Black-footed Albatross Long-eared Owl Support the show (https://www.bonfire.com/talk-birdy-to-me-bird-shit-podcast/)

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 DISCUSSED USEFUL RESOURCES The Peregrine Fund is doing great conservation work for birds of prey all around the world BIRDS WE MENTION (in order) Franklin’s Gull Snow Goose Boat-billed Heron Harpy Eagle Golden Eagle Ocellated Antbird White-tipped Sicklebill Whooping Motmot Blue-throated Motmot Oilbird Support the show (https://www.bonfire.com/talk-birdy-to-me-bird-shit-podcast/)

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 DISCUSSED USEFUL RESOURCES Corina’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 now Find Corina in all the places: Twitter, Instagram, and her website Corina’s favorite bird conservation group? The Audubon Society! They do incredible work in so many communities.  BIRDS WE MENTION (in order) Blue Jay American Avocet American Crow Seaside Sparrow  Marsh Wren Roseate Spoonbill Wood Stork Pileated Woodpecker Kiwi Support the show (https://www.bonfire.com/talk-birdy-to-me-bird-shit-podcast/)

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 DISCUSSED BIRDS WE MENTION (in order) Atlantic Puffin Dovekie Arctic Tern Common Tern Northern Fulmar Southern Fulmar Great Shearwater Northern Gannet Blue-footed Booby Snow Bunting White-tailed Eagle Ruddy Turnstone Black Turnstone Support the show (https://www.bonfire.com/talk-birdy-to-me-bird-shit-podcast/)