Dr. Kaeli Swift knows crows. And she’s watched them do some pretty extraordinary things. In fact all corvids-the family that includes crows, jays, magpies, and others-have a well deserved reputation for intelligence and fascinating social behaviors. Dr. Swift’s research has provided insights into how crows interact with us, with their dead, and with each other. She joins me from Denali National Park where she is working with Canada Jays to talk about corvid culture and cognition.

Also, Fantasy Birding makes the big time! Sort of. And some thoughts on the passing of a giant of modern birding.

Thanks to the Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival for their support of the American Birding Podcast.

The American Birding Podcast brings together staff and friends of the American Birding Association as we talk about birds, birding, travel and conservation in North America and beyond.

Join host Nate Swick every other Thursday for news and happenings, recent rarities, guests from around the birding world, and features of interest to every birder.