Dirty Bird Podcast

When you think of "man-eater" a few animals come to mind: Lions, Tigers, and Bears....but what about an Eagle that regularly takes down 300 pound prey? Oh my!
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In this episode of Dirty Bird Podcast, I talk with Tim about the now extinct but still terrifying Haast's Eagle, the largest Eagle to ever exist. According to Maori legend, this bird was known to prey on humans. We also talk about another extinct giant: Eyles's Harrier, the largest Harrier to ever exist. Why did New Zealand produce so many giant bird species? How did the Maori combat these fearsome creatures? And how crazy of a coincidence is it that the Eagles from Lord of the Rings actually seemed to exist on the very place where the movies were filmed?! Find out answers to these questions and more on Dirty Bird Podcast!
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Reproduction of Haast’s Eagle call made by Piers Gilbertson and is from McPherson Natural History Unit Sound Archive. Other sounds from Freesound.org: Wind, synthesized, A by InspectorJ, Digging1 by cameronmusic , Maori Dawn Ceremony to from Te Atatū Sound Project recorded by simongray, Steps on wooden branch by julius_galla, Stabbing sound by Podcapocalipsis
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out where ever you get your music. 
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Send listener mail, recordings, or really anything to [email protected] and follow on instagram @dirtybirdpodcast for some great bird pics! 
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Cover art from wpclipart.com and is in the public domain. 

For tens of million of years giant, wingless birds thrived on New Zealand. When Kupe, one of the first Maori people, arrived around the year 1000 it was the closest to Jurassic Park human history has ever come. Learn all about how these amazing birds evolved, the unique characteristics of the 9 known species, and the story behind their unfortunate extinction. Semi-permanent guest host Tim joins me in the noisy Virginia Beach garage to squawk, laugh, and learn about a new bird. 

Sounds used in opening intro from freesound.org, thanks to Te Atatū Sound Project recorded by simongray, boats boats boats by Pfannkuchn, boat waves by Lydmakeren, chewing hard grass by tanapistorius, New Zealand birds background noises and Moa reconstruction from the Les McPherson Natural History Unit Sound Archive and created by David Clark. Stout-Legged Moa sound reproduction by the McPherson Archive and created by Te Papa. 

Cover art of the Upland Moa painted by Geroge Edward Lodge, photo is in public domain but accessed at https://www.goodfreephotos.com. 

Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers. Check them out wherever you get your music.

Send listener mail, voice memos, or episodes ideas to [email protected]. Find me on Instagram @Dirtybirdpodcast