Ep. 848: How America Almost Lost Its Birds

The MeatEater Podcast

Steven Rinella talks with writer James McCommons.

Topics discussed: McCommon's new book, The Feather Wars and the Great Crusade to Save America's Birds; who did and didn't want The Migratory Bird Act; the commercial bird hunting era and how tweety birds were heavily exploited; the MeatEater office's punt gun; population level declines; the caviar and Marilyn Monroe pun; oology and nidology; just how small number 12 shot is; how some species disappeared; how many different groups came together to protect birds; and more.                 

Connect with Steve and The MeatEater Podcast Network

Steve on Instagram and Twitter

MeatEater on InstagramFacebookTwitter, and YouTube

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Steven Rinella talks with writer James McCommons.

Topics discussed: McCommon's new book, The Feather Wars and the Great Crusade to Save America's Birds; who did and didn't want The Migratory Bird Act; the commercial bird hunting era and how tweety birds were heavily exploited; the MeatEater office's punt gun; population level declines; the caviar and Marilyn Monroe pun; oology and nidology; just how small number 12 shot is; how some species disappeared; how many different groups came together to protect birds; and more.                 

Connect with Steve and The MeatEater Podcast Network

Steve on Instagram and Twitter

MeatEater on InstagramFacebookTwitter, and YouTube

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-03-16 84 min Transcript
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