The Bird Dad Podcast

In this mini episode we take notice of the finer points of spring's arrival, and turn our gaze towards a bright object in the morning sky. Species in focus:  American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) Written, recorded, and produced by Ian Carlsen. Music by Doubletone. 

In this episode we feed some ducks in the park and find ourselves remembering an unexpected life bird, an Anna's Hummingbird one cold January morning in Portland, Oregon. The documentary I mention is available to watch at: http://www.ymefilm.com For a limited time use the code: "birddad" to receive 50% off the screening price.   Species in focus:  Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna)  Written, recorded, and produced by Ian Carlsen. Music by Doubletone. 

In this episode we travel around York County, Maine with three friends, Doug Hitchcox, Nick Lund, and Michael Tucker to celebrate as many "First of Year" sightings as we can in one morning. Including a vagrant Rock Wren, and an elusive Northern Shrike. Species in focus:  Herring Gull (Larus argentatus smithsonianus) Black Scoter (Melanitta americana) Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)  Northern Shrike (Lanius borealis)  Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea) Rock Wren (Salpinctes obsoletus)  Written, recorded, and produced by Ian Carlsen. Music by Doubletone. 

In this episode we take a walk around Florida Lake Park in Freeport, Maine to listen to the birdsongs of spring migration and reminisce about former ‘life bird.' We also witness the surprisingly ferocious social interactions of nesting Tree Swallows.  Species in focus:  Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla)  Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)  Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)  Written, recorded, and produced by Ian Carlsen. Music by Doubletone. 

In this episode we are hanging around in an old garage to listen in on a fledgeling Carolina Wren and it's parent, as the little one prepares to leave it's strange nest for the world outside.  Species in focus: Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)  Written, recorded, and produced by: Ian Carlsen  Music by: Doubletone 

In this episode a sleepless night leads to a bleary morning walk where we discover a bird that makes sub-sonic booms to stake out a territory and find a mate.    Species in focus: Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)    Written, recorded, and produced by: Ian Carlsen  Music by: Doubletone

In this episode, our host shares the story of his son's birth, and sudden awareness of the generations that have come before him. Plus we learn a little about the American Goldfinch, a common backyard bird with a uniquely delinquent breeding schedule.  Species in focus: Humans (Homo sapiens), American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis).  Written, recorded, and produced by Ian Carlsen.  Music by Doubletone. 

In this episode we return to the frog pond for a meditative evening with a tiny little amphibian well-loved for their distinctive song. We're presenting this in a modified format so it can be used as a sleep aid should you choose.  Species in Focus: Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)  Written, recorded, and produced by Ian Carlsen. Music by Doubletone.

In this episode a chance encounter with some Black-capped Chickadees sends us down a fascinating trail of bird facts, and a little bit of Maine history too.   Species in Focus: Black-capped Chickadee (Poecille atricapillus)   Written, recorded, and produced by Ian Carlsen. Music by Doubletone. 

In this episode we take a trip out to the pond to listen to another sound of spring. In what perhaps is the twist of a lifetime, it's not a sound made by a bird. Bird Dad becomes Naturalist Dad this week to rhapsodize about an early spring event that takes place on the warmest, wettest (dare we say, biggest?) nights in early spring.   Species in Focus: Wood Frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus), and Spring Peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) Written, recorded, and produced by Ian Carlsen Music by Doubletone

In this episode my love for American Woodcocks (and how weird they are) should become apparent, as I go searching in my backyard to find one.  Species in Focus: American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) Written, recorded, and produced by Ian Carlsen Music by Doubletone  

The inaugural episode. Blackbirds, blue jays, and the turning of the seasons in the year of COVID-19.   Written, recorded, and produced by Ian Carlsen. Additional audio recording by Doug Hitchcox. Music by Doubletone.