In a conversation that meanders and glides like the cross country ski trails of a snow covered mountain, Dr. John sits down in the woods with Chip Chase to discuss birds, ecosystems, and optimism. Located in the beautiful and unique Canaan Valley of Tucker County, West Virginia, White Grass Touring center offers cross country and snowshoeing experiences rarely seen outside the West Coast or Vermont and its owner/operator- Chip Chase- is a living legend in the towns of Davis and Thomas. With his years of wisdom, mastery in naturalism, and positive outlook Chip tells tales of the birds of Canaan Valley mixed in with ecology lessons and outdoor philosophy. Come sit by the creek with us and chat!

A four for one special! In this episode, Dr. John tells you everything you need to know about the four Darter species, also known as Anhinga. These curious water birds have a variety of nicknames from "water turkey" to "snake bird". Learn how to identify them in the field, listen to their calls, and find out all about their unique hunting strategy that separates them from other avian aquatic species. Also, listen to the soothing background noises of the summer forest in Buckhannon, West Virginia!
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Thanks to Jess for this episode's bird watch!
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Thanks to Milko for providing the photo for this episode's cover art! Check his instagram page out @milkogervet_photography
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and 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

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Opening Anhinga Anhinga call by Phil Brown

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Nesting Call by Paul Marvin

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American Darter greeting call by Daniel Parker

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African Darter by Lynette Rudman

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Australasian Darter by Nick Talbot

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Oriental Darter by Andrew Spencer

In this two for one episode, learn about the very similar looking Downy and Hairy Woodpecker! The smallest woodpecker in North America, the Downy Woodpecker can be difficult to tell apart from its larger cousin the Hairy Woodpecker but Dr. John will teach you tips and tricks to expertly differentiate them on your next birding adventure. Plus, learn all about their feeding and breeding. And finally, end the show with insight into their evolutionary history and learn why they look so much alike. Plus a bird watch from Cass!
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Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers
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Bird sounds are from xeno-canto.org

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Opening downy whinny by Bobby Wilcox

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Downy call 1 by Paul Marvin

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Hairy call 1 by Scott Olmstead

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Downy Whinny 1 by Paul Marvin

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Downy Call 2 by Frank Lambert

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Hairy Call 2 by Scott Olmstead

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Downy Rattle by Paul Marvin

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Hairy Rattle by Scott Crabtree

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Downy Drumming 1 by Joseph Morlan

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Hairy Drumming by Richard E. Webster

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Fast Downy Drumming by Paul Driver

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Downy Drum 2 by Paul Driver

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Hairy Drum 2 by Richard E. Webster

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Feeding Pecks by Samuel Jones

Hairy + Downy