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