Bird Sh*t Podcast

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 DISCUSSED

USEFUL RESOURCES

• Watch “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 Owl
• Bald Eagle
• Wild Turkey
• Turkey Vulture
• Steller’s Jay
• Common Raven
• Laysan Albatross
• Sandhill Crane
• American Robin
• Eurasian Hoopoe
• Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron

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You know how everyone is always talking about the cool rare birds they've seen? Time to shut up the haters with these amazing facts about common birds.

We believe that all birds should be appreciated every day...so why not learn more about the birds we see every day? This episode covers lesser-known facts about common songbirds found in both urban and rural environments.

Also, learn how zebra finches are learning songs via light-pulse transmissions (?!) and the unique dual-breeding patterns of a western North American flycatcher. It's all here in "Birds in the News!"

Got something you want us to talk about? Want to give us some feedback? Send us an email at [email protected]!

DON'T FORGET to buy your exclusive Bird Sh*t Podcast t-shirt....available for a limited time only!

BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)

• Bald Eagle
• Peregrine Falcon
• Turkey Vultures
• Zebra Finch
• Phainopepla Flycatcher
• Northern Cardinal
• Stellar's Sea-Eagle
• Shoebill 
• American Robin
• Red-Winged Blackbird
• Common Grackle
• House Finch
• European Starling
• House Sparrow

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Ever wonder who the people are that named the birds named after people? Well, we wondered about it and decided to do some research. This isn't a collection of hum-drum stories about old white dudes. That's not how we roll. We uncovered tantalizing ornithological tales for your podcasting enjoyment.

What you can expect: meet Napoleon Boneapart's not-as-terrible nephew, a weird uncle-niece love affair dripping in research scandal, the saucy poem that catapulted Alexander Wilson's bird research, and more juicy stories!

Plus, "Birds in the News" is back with some birdy news! Researchers provide insights as to why parrots throw their food, "state birds" that may no longer have habitats in the states honoring them, and a roaming Steppe Eagle shattering researchers' phone bills.

BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSED

USEFUL RESOURCES

• Audubon’s Climate Action Guide! Check it out and help save birds!
• More info on the Linnean Society: the world’s oldest active biological society

BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)

• Parrots
• American Robin
• Brown Thrasher
• Purple Finch
• Common Loon
• California Quail
• American Goldfinch
• Ruffed Grouse
• Steppe Eagle
• Cooper’s Hawk
• Wilson’s Warbler
• Wilson’s Snipe
• Wilson’s Storm-Petrel
• Wilson’s Phalarope
• Wilson’s Plover
• Bonaparte’s Gull
• Bonaparte’s Nightjar
• Bonaparte’s Parakeet
• Highland Tinamou
• Swainson’s Thrush
• Swainson’s Hawk
• Swainson’s Warbler
• Mountain Chickadee
• Lady Amherst’s Pheasant
• Forest Owlet
• Afghan Snowfinch

BIRDS IN THE NEWS

• Parrots throw their food. Here’s (maybe) why. 
• Lots of “state birds” could lose their homes in their honoring states. 
• Steppe Eagle drives up researchers' roaming data.

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Pack an extra pair of pants because we're playing scary bird calls for our Halloween episode! Play these creepy bird calls at your Halloween party or listen to them late at night when you can't sleep. (Don't worry, it's totally normal.)

In addition to learning scary bird calls, you'll hear real-life horror stories about zombies and blood-sucking vampires in the bird world. If that's not enough spooky stuff for you, we also reveal scary bird omens and legends from around the world. You won't look at ravens the same way ever again...and we've got a feeling you'll rid your house of any peacock feathers, too. Tune in to find out why!

BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSED

USEFUL RESOURCES

• All bird calls in this episode are copyrighted recordings from The Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The copyrights for all the bird calls belong to their respective owners, who graciously shared them with the Macaulay Library database; we do not own the recordings in this episode. Thank you! 
• Our source for the bird omens and legends.

BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)

• Common Loon
• Barn Owl
• Laughing Kookaburra
• Common Potoo
• Corn Crake
• Great Tit
• European Pied Flycatcher
• Vampire Ground-Finch
• Blue-footed Booby
• American Crow
• Sparrows
• Swallows
• Indian Peafowl
• European Stonechat
• Common Raven

BIRDS IN THE NEWS

• It’s old news, but here’s all about that rogue Corn Crake that showed up in New York (despite the fact that it’s supposed to only migrate between Europe and Africa)
• Here’s more info about that Great Tit vs. European Pied Flycatcher situation that’s occurring due to climate change

OTHER COOL SH*T

• Miyazaki’s Kodama forest spirits (not super scary but def super cool)

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You asked, "how can I help birds?" We said, "HELL YES LET'S HELP SOME BIRDS."

Turns out, there are some very, very simple things you can do to help birds everywhere have a better chance of surviving. From your daily cup of coffee to just appreciating the birds near you, we cover eight easy things you can do every day for your feathered friends.

Want to go the extra mile? We know you do. That's why we also discuss eight MORE things you can do to really level-up your love of birds. COME AT US, BRO.

Share how you help birds by reaching out to us at [email protected] or following along on Instagram (@birdshitpodcast). We'd love to hear from you!


BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSED

USEFUL RESOURCES
Sign up for The Skimm if you’re into sassy millennial takes on world events.

EASY WAYS TO HELP BIRDS

• Help a bird that hits a window: this is Laura Erickson’s advice on what to do!
• Feather-friendly tape helps birds avoid window collisions.
• Bird feeder recommendations to feed your feathered friends.
• Drink Smithsonian-approved, bird-friendly coffee!
• Keep your kitties inside (or get a dope catio).
• Educate or work with feral cat organizations in your community.
• Drive slowly so birds can react to you.
• Appreciate the birds you see around you every day!

BIGGER WAYS TO HELP BIRDS

• Join the Audubon Society (or a local Audubon chapter near you)
• Go on walks with a local birding group.
• Add native plants to your yard (here’s how to do that)
• Volunteer for a bird rehabilitation organization near you.
• Participate in habitat restoration or natural area clean-ups! Literally, like, any new habitat helps.
• Count some birds on Global Big Day! (Psst: the “fall edition," called October Big Day, is on October 19, 2019!)
• Track the birds you see on eBird.
• Support legislation that benefits birds: your vote COUNTS!

DONATE TO THESE RAD ORGANIZATIONS:

• Cornell Lab of Ornithology
• Bird Conservation Alliance
• Hawk Mountain 
• Native Songbird Care and Conservation Group 
• International Crane Foundation

BIRDS WE MEN

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Andrés Jiménez, a biologist and conservation advocate, has found a snowy owl in downtown Toronto, searched for snakes all across Costa Rica, and rediscovered a toad species that was missing for 30 years. His 9-5 job is leading urban birding programs for Bird Studies Canada, the largest Canadian non-profit dedicated to birds.

You don't want to miss out on his remarkable stories of the natural world, ranging from his native Costa Rica to his current Canadian outpost. 

BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSED

USEFUL RESOURCES

• Andrés’ Udemy course, “Finding Birds and Happiness.” Don’t forget to use the code BIRDSHIT to get the course for only $15! 
• Learn more about Bird Studies Canada: the remarkable organization where Andrés works (the largest bird-related charity in Canada!)
• The Feminist Birdwatching Club is awesome! They have many local chapters, so check it out if you want to join them. 

BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)

• Wild Turkeys
• Chimney Swift
• Red-winged Blackbird
• Indigo Bunting
• Blackburnian Warbler
• Andean Condor
• Canada Warbler
• Canada Goose
• Tennessee Warbler
• Whimbrel
• Budgerigar (Budgie; Parakeet)
• Blue Jay
• Northern Cardinal
• Ruby-throated Hummingbird
• Snowy Owl
• Spectacled Owl
• Violet Sabrewing
• White-breasted Nuthatch
• Scarlet Tanager
• Yellow-Billed Cuckoo
• Gray Catbird
• Peregrine Falcon

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These birds are not like the others in their scientific families. Meet some fascinating birds defying their taxonomy or going through some kind of weird identity crisis. A parrot that lives in the mountains?! A songbird without a song?! Learn about these birds and others in this week's episode.

Plus, a mixed bag of "good news, bad news" in Birds in the News.

BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSED

USEFUL RESOURCES

• Merlin Bird ID: super easy (and free!) way to ID birds in the wild!
• Learn more about why ducks have corkscrew penises and puzzle vaginas 

BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)

• Warblers
• Blackpoll Warbler
• Wandering Albatross
• American Dipper
• Mallard
• Evening Grosbeak
• Hoatzin
• New Zealand Kea
• Turkey Vulture
• Bald Eagle
• Northern Harrier

BIRDS IN THE NEWS

• Impress your dorm room friends (and regular friends) with your Bird Song Hero skillz
• Pesticides and migrating birds don’t mix well
• Blackpoll Warblers: MIGRATION CHAMPIONS

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Turns out that birds are just as pissed about the changes to the Endangered Species Act as we are. In this episode, we highlight birds who fight back and give humans a taste of their own medicine. GO BIRDS, GO!!

Note: if we're being real, these birds don't seek out people to kill or thirst for human blood. But some people have been killed or injured by birds, namely because the human victim was threatening a bird, getting too close, or encroaching upon an aggressive species' territory. Consider this podcast episode your warning to not be stupid...and bask in the majestic glory that is BIRDS.

USEFUL RESOURCES

• Bird Studies Canada: Doing great work for birds in Canada!
• Toronto Ornithological Club: hotspots to bird in Toronto!
• Technoparc Montréal: where our new friend, Alyssa, took us birding

BIRDS WE DISCUSSED (in order)

• Least Bittern
• Snowy Owl
• Bald Eagle (including our favorite Bald Eagle that almost attacked Trump)
• Southern Cassowary
• Ring-Necked Pheasant
• Wild Turkey
• Penguins
• Emu
• Common Ostrich
• Lamb (Bearded) Vulture
• Barred Owl
• Great Horned Owl
• Loggerhead Shrike
• Australian Magpie

OTHER COOL SH*T

• Reply All (Mo’s other favorite podcast *cough*)
• Chris Pratt taming southern cassowaries…uh, velociraptors. 
• Apparently this is what happens on an emu farm

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We first reached out to birding expert Laura Erickson to talk about the birds of Harry Potter (check out episode 11!). This episode—the second half of our conversation with her—is filled with her inspirational perspective on life, relatable observations about birding as a hobby, and stories you really have to hear from her in order to believe them. 

Laura’s been watching birds since 1953, but it took two decades and several spark birds (which we’ll discuss) to get out there birding. She’s written more than a dozen books about birds, including National Geographic’s Pocket Guide to the Birds of North America, the American Birding Association’s Field Guide to Birds of Minnesota, and the one she considers most important, 101 Ways to Help Birds. Laura is the first—and, regrettably, only—woman to win the American Birding Association’s highest honor: the Roger Tory Peterson Award for Promoting the Cause of Birding. If you stick around until the end of this episode, you’ll also learn why she’s the self-proclaimed Queen of Bird Shit, which we totally agree with.

USEFUL RESOURCES

• Laura's amazing website (DUH), including the 101 Ways to Help Birds
• The rehab center that took care of Archimedes the Eastern Screech-Owl: Back to the Wild Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
• Robert Nero's book on Great Gray Owls
• Jennifer Ackerman's brilliant book, The Genius of Birds
• Laura's favorite birding guide, The Golden Guide
• Improve your warbler identification—and songs!—with The Warbler Guide
• Get yo'self some bird-friendly, Smithsonian-certified COFFEE

BIRDS WE MENTIONED (IN ORDER)

• Eastern Screech-Owl (Laura's owl!)
• Northern Goshawks
• Sharp-shinned Hawk
• Great Horned Owl
• Black-Capped Chickadee
• American Robin
• Great Gray Owl
• Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay
• House Sparrow
• Rock Pigeon
• Northern Cardinal
• Blue Jay
• Ovenbird
• Yellow Warbler
• Chestnut-sided Warbler
• American Redstart
• Pacific Golden-Plover
• Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

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Time to talk munchies! In this episode, learn how to attract birds with FOOD (because who doesn't love food?). We get into the nitty-gritty so you can bring the kinds of birds to your yard that you want to see. Learn what kinds of feeders are best for certain types of birds, as well as the preferred foods for different birds.

Plus, in this week's "Birds in the News," get the inside scoop on the latest bird conspiracy theories and bird sh*t outbreak.

Hit us up on Instagram and Twitter, or send us an email at [email protected]!

BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSED

USEFUL RESOURCES

• An awesome roundup on different feeder types and food preferences for a variety of birds
• How to choose birdseed for your feeder (and by bird type)
• Make your own suet cakes: Audubon approved!
• More great birdseed advice

BIRDS WE MENTIONED (in order)

• Black-Crowned Night-Heron
• Doves
• Common Grackle
• Finches
• Hummingbirds
• European Starlings
• Nuthatches
• Woodpeckers
• Black-capped Chickadee
• Northern Flicker
• Wrens
• Warblers
• Thrushes
• Blue Jay
• Tufted Titmouse
• Common Redpoll
• Baltimore Orioles
• Scarlet Tanagers
• Gray Catbird

BIRDS IN THE NEWS

• "Birds Aren't Real," says conspiracy theorists
• Night Heron Poop Party 

OTHER COOL SH*T

• Milwaukee's Best Petite Kosher Dill Pickles
• "Believe in the Bieb" - Beliebers

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