Shows
Birds of a Feather Talk Together140: Round Robin Championship, also Rusty Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds, and The Reiser Brothers Visit The Field MuseumThis week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re diving into stories about two fascinating (and very different) blackbirds: the Rusty Blackbird and the Brown-headed Cowbird.The Rusty Blackbird is one of the fastest-declining bird species in North America, and we explore what makes this bird so unique, and RJ and Amanda's recent sighting of them. Then we shift to the Brown-headed Cowbird, one of the most controversial birds in birding, known for its unusual nesting behavior and brood parasitism.We also reveal the Final Four results of our Bi...
2026-04-2048 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together139: Green Heron Explained: The Bird That Uses Tools to Catch Fish 🐦Learn about the Green Heron, one of the only birds known to use tools to hunt, and how it uses bait to catch fish. This birding and birdwatching podcast explores heron behavior, wetland habitats, and surprising bird intelligence for beginners and experts alike. We also share a really special moment—RJ and Amanda came across a Green Heron nest and got to see a group of baby herons up close, which led to some fun conversation about nesting behavior, habitat, and what makes these birds so unique.If you’re into birding, birdwatching, backyard wildlife, or ju...
2026-04-1326 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together126: Mallards: The World’s Most Familiar Duck Is More Fascinating Than You Think 🦆This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive into one of the most recognizable and widespread birds in North America: the Mallard Duck.Before jumping into our duck deep dive, John breaks down the history and importance of the Christmas Bird Count—one of the longest-running citizen science projects in the world and a major part of bird conservation and bird population research.We then explore what makes Mallards so successful and adaptable, from their seasonal plumage changes and iridescent blue speculum feathers to their behavior, migration, habitat, and how they differ fr...
2026-01-1241 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together117: Palm-nut Vulture - A Vulture Unlike Any Other!Welcome back to Birds of a Feather Talk Together. Hosted by ornithologists and curators of birds at the Field Museum John Bates and Shannon Hackett, who are married, and also new birders RJ and Amanda Pole. Today we’re focusing on a fascinating species — the palm-nut vulture.This is a bird John has been eager to highlight, and once you learn more about it, it’s easy to see why. Found in Africa, palm-nut vultures don’t eat carrion, but instead their diet is mostly plant based. They’re also strikin...
2025-11-0335 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together116: Common Loon - An Eerie and Beautiful Call - Listener Request!That echoing, haunting call drifting across a northern lake at dusk — few sounds in nature are as unforgettable as the common loon. In this listener-requested episode, RJ, John, Shannon, and Amanda dive into the world of these striking waterbirds. From their red eyes and black-and-white plumage to their incredible diving and parenting skills, loons are true masters of life on the water.Grab a cup of coffee, settle in lakeside, and join us for a relaxing, fact-filled conversation about one of North America’s most iconic birds.🎧 Listen to learn:Why loons’ eerie cal...
2025-10-271h 01
Birds of a Feather Talk Together115: Downy Woodpecker and Hairy WoodpeckerWelcome back to Birds of a Feather Talk Together, the podcast where bird lovers flock to learn more about the amazing world of birds!In this episode, we’re diving into two of North America’s most look-alike woodpeckers — the Downy Woodpecker and the Hairy Woodpecker. Whether you’re a new bird watcher trying to tell these two apart, or an experienced birder curious about their unique behaviors and adaptations, this episode has something for you.Join your favorite birding hosts — John Bates and Shannon Hackett, married ornitholog...
2025-10-1300 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together114: The Feather Thief with Kirk Wallace Johnson - RevisitedWelcome back to Birds of a Feather Talk Together! We’re taking a short break this week, but we’ve got something special lined up for you. While we gear up for upcoming episodes on Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers—and even a deep dive into the mysterious world of loons—we’re revisiting one of our most popular interviews from last year.In this replay, your hosts John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Pole sit down with Kirk Wallace Johnson, acclaimed author of The Feather Thief. His bestsellin...
2025-10-061h 21
Birds of a Feather Talk Together112: Brown-Headed Cowbird Explained: The Bird That Lays Eggs in Other Birds’ NestsLearn about the Brown-headed Cowbird, a unique bird known for brood parasitism—laying its eggs in other birds’ nests and letting them raise its young. This birding and birdwatching podcast explores cowbird behavior, nesting strategies, and the surprising science behind this controversial survival tactic. We’re revisiting our episode on the brown-headed cowbird, and trust me, this one’s a wild ride. Did you know cowbirds don’t build their own nests, but instead lay their eggs in other birds’ nests and let them do the parenting? Even birds that aren’t even close in size will get stuck raisi...
2025-09-2232 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together110: Red-headed Woodpecker - Catching Bugs Out Of The Sky + Paddleboard SightingsEveryone loves woodpeckers, and the Red-headed Woodpecker is one of the coolest! Listen to what makes this bird unique, like hiding grasshoppers in trees to eat later (while they are still alive.) RJ also tells some paddleboarding mishaps, and talks about some molting mallards that he saw recently. Join RJ, Amanda, John, and Shannon this week to talk about the Red-headed Woodpecker! Here are some of the links to cat resources which we talked about in our mailbag section: https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/killer-cats-bash-biodiversity/https://pjvogt.substack.com/p/whatre-we-gonna-do-about-all-these...
2025-09-0843 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together109: Olive-sided Flycatcher - John Makes His Case For His Favorite Bird!This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, John takes the lead with his pick: the Olive-sided Flycatcher. Despite traveling the world and spotting hundreds of bird species, this flycatcher still holds a special place on his list of favorites. But not everyone agrees—his co-host (and wife) Shannon, also an ornithologist, isn’t convinced it’s such an exciting choice. Their playful back-and-forth makes for some fun bird talk you won’t want to miss.As newer birders, Amanda and RJ are curious to learn what sets the olive-sided flycatcher apart—its distinctive call, migratory habits, an...
2025-09-0136 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together108: Blue-gray Gnatcatchers: The Tiny Songbird Birders Love to Hear Before They See 🐦This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, the full crew—Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett alongside RJ and Amanda Pole—dives into the fascinating world of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, one of North America’s smallest and most energetic songbirds.This week’s bird pick comes from Amanda, who shares why the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is one of her absolute favorite birds. Known for their high buzzy calls, constant movement, long tails, and curious personalities, these tiny birds are often heard before they’re ever spotted in the treetops.In this episode, we explore...
2025-08-2538 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together107: Club-winged Manakin - Making Robot Noises with its FeathersThis week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, it’s Shannon’s turn to pick the bird—and she’s chosen one of the wildest species on the planet: the club-winged manakin. If you’ve never heard of this bird, do yourself a favor right now—stop what you’re doing and google it. Trust us, you’ll be amazed.The club-winged manakin doesn’t sing with its voice. Instead, it makes a bizarre, almost robot-like sound with its feathers—something no other bird on Earth can do. Scientists are still blown away by how this tin...
2025-08-1850 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together106: Kingfishers Around The World with Jenna McculloughIn this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we welcome back Jenna McCullough, a third-generation birdwatcher from Boise, Idaho, with a PhD in Biology from the University of New Mexico. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Kentucky and soon to begin a prestigious National Science Foundation fellowship at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and UCLA, Jenna has traveled the globe in search of one of the world’s most fascinating bird families—the kingfishers.Join hosts Shannon Hackett, John Bates, RJ...
2025-08-1133 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together105: Why Are Birds Gathering in Florida Roadside Water? 🐦 Mailbag EpisodeThis week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we open up the mailbag and answer listener bird questions from across North America.Why are so many birds gathering in roadside water in Florida? What’s going on with house sparrows and crows interacting in suburban Pennsylvania neighborhoods? In this fun and wide-ranging birding episode, we tackle real bird behavior questions submitted by listeners and break down the science, ecology, and fascinating habits behind these everyday bird encounters.Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole fo...
2025-08-0424 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together104: Guam Kingfishers: The Bird That Went Extinct in the Wild — And May Come Back 🐦 with Jenna McculloughThis week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re joined by ornithologist Jenna McCullough for a fascinating conversation about one of the rarest and most endangered birds in the world: the Guam Kingfisher.Once extinct in the wild, the Guam Kingfisher has become a powerful symbol of bird conservation, captive breeding, and the fight to restore endangered species back to their native habitats. Jenna shares the incredible story of how scientists, conservationists, and zoos are working to save this striking island bird and what it takes to bring a species back from the brink of ex...
2025-07-2843 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together103: Inca Tern - Plus we talk about John's trip to Peru!This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, John is back from his unforgettable trip to Peru, and we’ve got plenty to talk about! From the incredible bird species he encountered to the vibrant landscapes, John shares highlights and stories from his adventure.We also dive into one of the most distinctive birds of the region — the Inca Tern — famous for its striking mustache and bold personality.It’s a fun and fact-filled conversation with plenty of laughs along the way. Hosted by ornithologists John Bates and
2025-07-2145 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together101: Extremely Accurate Bird Songs with Tommy Siegel and Billy LibbyGet ready for the crossover event bird lovers can’t stop talking about! In this special episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we welcome the hilarious and musically gifted duo behind the Extremely Accurate Bird Songs Podcast—Tommy Siegel and Billy Libby.Join hosts John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as we: 🐦 Listen to unbelievably accurate (and funny) bird song performances 😂 Share nonstop laughs about birding and music 🎵 Discover how comedy and creativity bring bird sounds to lif...
2025-07-071h 08Birds of a Feather Talk Together99: Marcel Rochon Interview: How Birding Helped a Brain Injury Survivor Find Peace & Recovery 🐦This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re joined by Marcel, a listener whose heartfelt letter deeply moved all of us—and whose story shows just how powerful a connection to nature and birds can be.After going from being a world-class athlete to navigating the challenges of a severe brain injury, Marcel found healing, peace, and meaning through birding and spending time in nature. In this emotional and inspiring conversation, we discuss how birdwatching helped support his mental health and recovery, and why birds can have such a profound impact on people during diff...
2025-06-231h 17
Birds of a Feather Talk Together98: Peter Kaestner: The First Birder to See 10,000 Bird Species in the Wild 🐦This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re joined by legendary birder Peter Kaestner—the first person in history to see more than 10,000 bird species in the wild.A lifelong birder and former diplomat, Peter shares incredible stories from decades of birdwatching across the globe, including birding adventures in remote regions, discovering a new bird species, and traveling through Colombia during the height of Pablo Escobar’s influence. His career in diplomacy gave him access to some of the most extraordinary birding experiences imaginable, and this conversation is packed with unforgettable stories, bird science, humor...
2025-06-161h 34
Birds of a Feather Talk Together97: Orange-tufted SpiderhunterWe’ve got a fun one for you this week as we get ready for a very special guest: Peter Kaestner—the first person to see 10,000 bird species in the wild. We speak to him next week. To prep for that epic conversation, we're taking a closer look at the bird that earned him that milestone: the Orange-tufted Spiderhunter. Spoiler alert—Amanda was not impressed by it at first, and John and Shannon do their best to change her mind. Along the way, we get into species counts, what they mean, and how birders keep track. We also answer a mail...
2025-06-0935 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together96: Black-Capped Chickadees: The Tiny Bird With an Incredible Memory 🐦This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we explore one of North America’s most beloved backyard birds: the Black-capped Chickadee.Known for their cheerful “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” calls, fearless personalities, and incredible intelligence, Black-capped Chickadees are far more fascinating than most people realize. In this episode, we dive into chickadee behavior, bird communication, memory, winter survival strategies, and how these tiny songbirds manage to thrive in harsh cold-weather environments.Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to discuss Black-capped Chickadee habitat, bird identification, food-caching behavi...
2025-06-0258 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together95: Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Explained: Migration, Speed & Incredible FlightLearn about the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the most common hummingbird in eastern North America, and how it achieves incredible flight, speed, and long-distance migration. This birding and birdwatching podcast explores hummingbird behavior, migration, and backyard feeding tips for beginners and experts alike. In this episode of Birds of a Feather Podcast, we revisit one of our favorite past episodes all about the ruby-throated hummingbird—a truly fascinating and fast-flying species known for its shimmering feathers and incredible migration. Join hosts John Bates and Shannon Hackett, along with RJ Pole and Amanda Marquart, as we di...
2025-05-2635 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together93: Great Potoos: The Strangest Night Bird You’ve Never Heard Of 🌙🐦This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive into the weird and fascinating world of the Great Potoo—one of the most mysterious and unusual nocturnal birds on Earth.Known for their enormous haunting eyes, incredible camouflage, eerie vocalizations, and almost mythical appearance, Great Potoos are among the strangest birds in the natural world. We explore how these nighttime predators survive in tropical forests, why their calls sound so haunting, and what makes them such a favorite among birders, ornithologists, and wildlife lovers alike.We also answer a classic bird question: why ar...
2025-05-1251 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together92: Wood Ducks: Nesting Behavior, Baby Ducklings & a Surprise Owl SightingIn this nature-packed episode, we dive into the fascinating world of Wood Ducks—one of the most beautiful and iconic duck species in North America. Learn about their striking plumage, unique nesting habits, and the incredible moment when day-old ducklings leap from tree cavities to join their mother on the ground.We also share a recent encounter with a Barred Owl family, and answer a listener’s mailbag question about owl chicks spotted at Walt Disney World.Hosted by married ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett from the...
2025-05-051h 03
Birds of a Feather Talk Together90: American Dipper - Bird that Walks Under WaterThis week we are talking about one of the coolest birds in North America: The American Dipper. This is a smaller nondescript bird that has learned and adapted how find food in some of the roughest river water imaginable. It can fly through waterfalls, withstand rushing currents, and to the eye just looks like a little gray songbird. John and Shannon both have a ton of experience with them, so it’s a lot of fun to hear about these amazing birds. As always, its our hosts and married couple John Bates and Shannon Hackett who are cur...
2025-04-2848 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together89: Red-Ruffed FruitcrowIf you listened to our series on the Feather Thief, or read the book, you are familiar with the Red-ruffed fruitcrow. It was also called the Indian crow in the book. We wanted to follow up the series to talk more in depth about one of the birds that was mentioned so much, and it was pretty fascinating to learn more about this bird that actually has not been researched much. As always, its our hosts and married couple John Bates and Shannon Hackett who are curators of birds at the Field Museum, along with amateur birders RJ Pole...
2025-04-1446 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together88: Spotted Towhee - Bright Red Eyes!This week we talk about the Spotted Towhee. RJ and Amanda saw them on their trip to Sedona, and thought it would be a fun bird to learn more about. Hosted by John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart. Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.comMake sure to follow us on Instagram, Blue Sky Social, YouTube and tik tok as well!!Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a...
2025-04-1433 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together87: Gambel’s Quail: The Desert Bird With the Incredible Topknot 🐦This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we explore the fascinating world of the Gambel’s Quail—one of the most recognizable and charismatic birds of the American Southwest.RJ and Amanda recently spotted these incredible desert birds during a trip to Sedona, and with John’s Arizona roots, the Gambel’s Quail quickly became the perfect bird for this episode. Known for their distinctive topknot feathers, beautiful desert plumage, and fast-running behavior, Gambel’s Quail are a favorite among birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and nature lovers alike.In this episode, Field Museum ornithologists and curato...
2025-04-0756 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together86: Hoatzins: The Weird “Dinosaur Bird” With Claws on Its Wings 🦖🐦This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive into the strange and fascinating world of the Hoatzin—one of the most unusual birds on Earth.Native to the swamps and river systems of South America, the Hoatzin is famous for its prehistoric appearance, unusual digestion, strange odor, and one truly incredible feature: chicks are born with claws on their wings that help them climb through vegetation before they can fly. Because of these bizarre traits, the Hoatzin has long fascinated scientists, birders, and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.Joining us is Jacob Drucker, a Ph...
2025-03-3124 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together85: Purple Martins: The Bird That Depends on Humans to Survive 🐦This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we explore the fascinating world of the Purple Martin—North America’s largest swallow and one of the most unique birds in birding.Known for their graceful flight, communal nesting habits, and deep relationship with humans, Purple Martins rely heavily on man-made nesting structures throughout much of the eastern United States. We discuss why these birds became dependent on birdhouses, how Purple Martin colonies work, and what makes them such an important part of backyard birding and bird conservation.In this episode, Field Museum ornithologists and cura...
2025-03-2425 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together84: Mourning DoveIf you've listened to our other episodes, you know Shannon's stance on Mourning Doves. See if we can convince her otherwise in our episode on Mourning Doves. Hosted by John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart. Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.comMake sure to follow us on Instagram, Blue Sky Social, YouTube and tik tok as well!!Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube I...
2025-03-1727 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together83: Harlequin Duck - Fascinating Waterfowl with Stunning PlumageHarlequin Ducks are a captivating species of small, compact waterfowl known for their distinctive appearance. These beautiful ducks feature a large, rounded head, a small bill, and a steep forehead. Their striking plumage showcases a stunning slate blue color, accented with white stripes and chestnut sides. The head is especially eye-catching with a white crescent marking in front of the eye and chestnut highlights on the brow.In this week's episode of the Birds of a Feather Talk Together podcast, we dive into the unique characteristics of the Harlequin Duck, exploring their fascinating behaviors, habitats, and the...
2025-03-1032 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together82: Kirk Wallace Johnson Interview - The Feather Thief - The Shocking True-Crime Tale of a Museum Heist & Rare Bird FeathersIn today’s thrilling episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of true crime with Kirk Wallace Johnson, bestselling author of The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century. Join us as Kirk unravels the extraordinary story of a bizarre heist at The Natural History Museum in Tring, where a daring thief stole priceless rare bird feathers, setting off a global manhunt.This gripping narrative explores the obsession with these rare specimens and the relentless pursuit of justice that spanned continents. Kirk’s meticulous research uncovers a story of greed, passion, and...
2025-03-031h 22Birds of a Feather Talk Together80: The Feather Thief Part 5: The Crime, The Importance of Museum Collections, also a discussion on Canada and also precious metalsWelcome back to Part 5 of our exploration of the book The Feather Thief. We discuss the horrific act that’s still causing ripples in the world of museums. We’ll also take a closer look at the role museum collections play in science—a subject misunderstood by some fly-tiers in the book. We also talk about how museum specimens drive scientific progress. We’ll also touch on some of the oddball research requests museums have received over the years, including one inquiry about the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker.We begin with a brief talk into Shannon’s thoughts on Canadian-A...
2025-02-1750 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together79: The Feather Thief Part 4: The Argus Pheasant and Jason Weckstein Joins Us Again!!Our adventure through the pages of the book The Feather Thief continues! We’re thrilled to have Jason Weckstein join us again. Jason is an enthusiastic fly fisherman and fly-tier, and also an amazing ornithologist. He joined us last week, and is back with even more laughs, stories, and an extraordinary depth of insight into the quirky worlds of both fly tying and bird watching.We dive into one of the birds mentioned in the book: the Argus Pheasant. Shannon has some captivating info about these birds’ remarkable feathers, and the unique way that they produce the colo...
2025-02-1037 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together78: The Feather Thief Part 3: Fly-tying with guest Jason WecksteinWe are doing a mini-series on The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson. This week we have a very special guest, Jason Weckstein, join us for a conversation about the intricacies of fly-tying. Jason is not only an avid fly fisherman and fly tier but also a passionate ornithologist. Jason is an Associate Curator of Ornithology at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and Associate Professor in the Department of Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science, Drexel University. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart for Birds of a Feather Talk Together.
2025-02-0345 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together77: The Feather Thief Part 2: Walter Rothschild, Feather Fever, and the start of the Audubon SocietyPart two of our Feather Thief mini-series! This week we cover chapters on Walter Rothschild’s infamous museum, the fashion madness known as "feather fever," which drove people to decimate millions of rare and exotic birds. Then we’ll explore the aftermath—how a group of determined women, appalled by the devastation, sparked a movement to protect birds, culminating in the founding of the Audubon Society. We are doing a mini-series that will break down parts of the book, and to sum it all up will be talking with the author Kirk Wallace Johnson. Join John Bate...
2025-01-2733 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together76: The Feather Thief Part 1 - Alfred Russel Wallace, also the horrific crime that occurred at the museumIn this special mini-series, we’re diving into The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson, a gripping blend of true crime and cultural exploration. This fascinating story explores the themes of obsession, beauty, and the extreme lengths people will go to in pursuit of something they can’t have. In 2009, a daring thief broke into the British Museum of Natural History and stole hundreds of rare bird skins, all to fuel his obsession with the niche hobby of fly-tying for fly-fishing—a subculture that even has a secret society on the dark web.This mini-series is perfect for bi...
2025-01-201h 04Birds of a Feather Talk Together75: The Feather Thief Prologue - Quick Listen Prior to Starting The Mini-Series :)We’re stepping away from our usual routine to dive into something a bit different—The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson. This is a story of a museum heist, someone who stole rare bird skins from a museum in order to sell them on the dark web to fly-fisherman. Two of our hosts, John Bates and Shannon Hackett, are curators at the Field Museum in Chicago, making them perfect guides to unravel this strange and captivating story.We’d love for you to join us by picking up a copy of the book and reading...
2025-01-1920 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together74: Gentoo Penguins: Inside a Research Trip to the Falkland Islands 🐧 John's Trip!This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, John returns from the Falkland Islands after studying Gentoo Penguins, and we ask him all about the experience.Gentoo Penguins are among the most charismatic and recognizable penguins in the world, known for their bright orange bills, white head markings, and incredible swimming ability. In this episode, we dive into what it’s actually like to study penguins in the wild, from life in remote penguin colonies to the fascinating behavior and ecology of these iconic seabirds.Field Museum ornithologist and curator of birds John Bates sh...
2025-01-1356 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together73: Willard's Sooty Boubou Revisited - A New Species DescribedWe are kicking it off the new year by revisiting an older episode that we did on the Willard’s Sooty Boubou. This was a bird that John and the team at the Field Museum were responsible for describing as a new species. We are doing a mini-series on the book The Feather Thief in a few weeks, so we wanted to share an episode that highlighted what John and Shannon do at the Field Museum before we kick that off. Bird specimen at The Field Museum led to describing the new species, and John tells us about his tr...
2025-01-0641 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together72: The Archaeopteryx at the Field Museum + An Exciting AnnouncementWe're still down for the holidays but are sharing a segment that we did on the Archaeopteryx at The Field Museum. Birds are the only group of dinosaurs that survived when an asteroid hit the Earth 66 million years ago. A fossil called Archaeopteryx, with feathers, hollow bones, clawed wings, tiny teeth, and a long tail, is the earliest known dinosaur that also qualifies as a bird, and is on display at the Field Museum where two of our hosts John and Shannon work. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart for Birds of a F...
2024-12-3014 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together71: Christmas Bird Count, The Feather Thief Question, An Exciting Announcement!Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! This week we revisit a segment on the Christmas Bird Count. We also answer a question on the book the Feather Thief. We also finish it off with an exciting announcment for 2025 (spoiler, we are going to do a mini-series all about The Feather Thief!)Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart for Birds of a Feather Talk Together. Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.comMake sure to follow us on I...
2024-12-2310 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together70: Holiday Wrap-Up - What We've LearnedWe talk about what the four of us have learned so far on our podcast journey. It's a fun reflection from RJ, Shannon, John, and Amanda. Enjoy!Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart for Birds of a Feather Talk Together. Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.comMake sure to follow us on Instagram, Blue Sky Social and tik tok as well!!Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a f...
2024-12-1622 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together69: John's Trip to the Falkland Islands, also we talk about Bird FluThis week's episode is a little different. John is going on a trip to the Falkland Islands to study Gentoo Penguins, so we ask him all about his upcoming trip. We end up discussing avian influenza a bit as well, as Bird Flu is a major concern for the trip. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart for Birds of a Feather Talk Together. Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.comMake sure to follow us on In...
2024-12-0934 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together68: The Rusty Blackbird - Dramatic population decline, also a question on 'The Big Year'This week we discuss the Rusty Blackbird. Rusty Blackbird is one of North America’s most rapidly declining species. The population has dropped between 85-99 percent over the past forty years, and Amanda and RJ saw one a few weeks ago so we decided to talk about them. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart for Birds of a Feather Talk Together. We also answer a mailbag question on The Big Year (the movie with Owen Wilson, Steve Martin, and Jack Black, and also the book by Mark Obmascik.)Please send us you...
2024-12-0226 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together67: Wild Turkey Revisited - with Jacob DruckerWe revisit an old episode on the Wild Turkey this week. These birds are a major conservation success story. We also talk about John seeing a turkey in the Democratic Republic of Congo, how turkeys got their name, and learn all about their magnificent feathers. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart for Birds of a Feather Talk Together. This week we are also joined by Jacob Drucker. Jacob Drucker is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Chicago and the Field Museum studying how birds interact with tropical climates over ecological and e...
2024-11-2523 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together66: White-throated SparrowJoin John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as we discuss the White-throated sparrow. We talk about sparrows in general, and how to differentiate them based on behavior and not just their appearance. We also talk about how they have been shrinking in size over the last 50 years, and how the specimen collection at the Field Museum have helped determine that. We also talk about their different head-types, and mating preferences between the two head types. We also answer a mailbag question from a listener in the U.K. on vultures.Please send u...
2024-11-1845 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together65: Wrentits with Kevin BurnsThis week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re discussing the fascinating wrentit with expert Kevin Burns! Known for its distinctive call featured in countless movies and TV shows, the wrentit is a secretive bird found primarily in California and Oregon. Despite being one of the most sedentary birds in North America, its closest relatives are found in Asia. Join bird experts John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as they dive into the unique behavior and intriguing history of the wrentit. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of North America's most elusive bird...
2024-11-1147 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together64: Inti Tanager with Kevin Burns - The Mysterious Bird Hidden in Peru for 20 Years 🐦This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, ornithologist Kevin Burns returns to the show to discuss one of the most fascinating bird discovery stories in recent memory: the Inti Tanager.Kevin, a professor of biology at San Diego State University and longtime colleague of John and Shannon, walks us through the incredible story of this mysterious bird—from its first sighting in Peru in the early 2000s to finally being officially described as a new species nearly 20 years later.Known for its striking yellow plumage and bold black facial markings, the Inti Tanager ea...
2024-11-0457 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together63: Kagus: The Strange Island Bird With an Impossible Relative 🐦This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we explore one of the strangest and most fascinating birds in the world: the Kagu.Native to the remote Pacific island of New Caledonia, the Kagu is a rare and unusual bird that has evolved in isolation for millions of years. Known for its ghostly gray plumage, dramatic crest displays, and unique vocalizations, the Kagu is unlike almost any other bird on Earth.But perhaps the most surprising thing about the Kagu is its closest living relative: the Sunbittern, a bird found thousands of miles away...
2024-10-2840 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together62: Unlock the Secrets of Mindful Birdwatching with Joan E. Strassmann | New Book 'The Slow Birding Journal'In this captivating episode, we sit down with evolutionary biologist and acclaimed author Joan E. Strassmann to dive deep into the world of slow birding. Joan's latest release, The Slow Birding Journal, dropped on October 22nd and offers bird lovers a fresh, intentional approach to connecting with nature. This beautifully crafted journal invites bird enthusiasts to embrace mindfulness, patience, and curiosity as they explore the diverse avian life around them.Discover the fascinating backstory behind Joan’s first book and the evolution of her unique perspective on birding. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just beginning your...
2024-10-2127 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together61: Roseate Spoonbills: The Bright Pink Bird With the Strangest Bill in Nature 🦩This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive into the fascinating world of the Roseate Spoonbill—one of the most colorful and unusual birds in North America.Known for their brilliant pink feathers, long legs, and unmistakable spoon-shaped bill, Roseate Spoonbills are among the most striking wading birds in birding. But beyond their appearance, these birds have incredible feeding behaviors, wetland adaptations, and an important conservation story tied to the health of coastal ecosystems.In this episode, Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Am...
2024-10-1435 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together60: Double-Crested Cormorants: The Underwater Fishing Birds Most People Misunderstand 🐦This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive into the fascinating world of the Double-crested Cormorant—one of North America’s most unique and misunderstood waterbirds.Known for their expert diving ability, hooked bills, and signature wing-spreading behavior, Double-crested Cormorants are incredible underwater hunters that thrive in lakes, rivers, wetlands, and coastal habitats. We explore what makes these birds such effective fishers, why they’re often seen drying their wings, and how they fit into wetland ecosystems across North America.In this episode, Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Sh...
2024-10-0757 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together59: Darwin's Finches (they're tanagers!) with Kevin BurnsThis week’s episode with Kevin Burns is on Darwin’s Finches. Kevin and Shannon’s research reclassified Darwin’s Finches as Tanagers, so we hear all about what the process was like, and learn more about Darwin’s Finches in this week’s episode. Kevin, an ornithologist and professor of biology at San Diego State University, goes way back with Shannon and John, and led the research that reclassified what exactly a tanager is.John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, Amanda Marquart and Kevin Burns are Birds of a Feather Talk Together this week. Enjoy!Please s...
2024-09-3039 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together57: Medley - Warblers, European Goldfinches, Cassowaries, Horse Flies, Oh my!This week we play some highlights from our previous episodes, including some moments with some of our guest. Topics discussed are the Golden-cheeked Warbler with Jack Wildlife, the Southern Cassowary with Wes Larson, the Christmas Bird Count with our host John Bates, Jack Wildlife is back to tell us about a camera that he gifted a young birder, Maureen Turcatel tells us about bugs, and European Goldfinches with Louise Bodt. John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart are hosting as always :)Next week we'll be back with our regular scheduled programming, but thought you'd enjoy...
2024-09-0932 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together56: Alpine Accentor - Let's talk about bird sex high in the mountainsThis Eurasian bird is more extreme than it looks, and it may not be for what you are expecting. This bird puts the 'bird' in birds and the bees. Join us this week when we talk about the very sexual Alpine Accentor. John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart discuss the Alpine Accentor in this week's episode.Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.comMake sure to follow us on instagram and tik tok as well!!H...
2024-09-0240 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together55: Peg-billed Finch - Elusive bird from Costa Rica, Shannon and John's experience with themA bird that not very many people have seen in the wild, but it turns out that Shannon and John have seen a lot of them. They are native to Costa Rica, and only come out when the bamboo is flowering - which is not very often. Hear all about Shannon and John's trip to Costa Rica and learn more about these amazing little birds. We also answer a listener question on birds and government spies. John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart discuss the Peg-billed Finch in this week's episode.Pl...
2024-08-2631 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together54: Black-billed Magpie - Fighting cats, bird funerals, and interactions with humansDiscover the Fascinating Black-Billed Magpie – A Deep Dive into These Intelligent, Exotic BirdsIn this exciting episode, RJ Pole and Amanda Marquart share their personal experiences with Black-billed Magpies from their time living in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. These incredible birds are known for their intelligence, striking appearance, and unique behaviors.Join bird experts John Bates and Shannon Hackett as they provide insightful facts and fascinating information about the Black-billed Magpie, one of North America's most captivating species. From their smart problem-solving abilities to their beautiful plumage, this episode covers everything you need to kn...
2024-08-1929 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together53: Greater Roadrunners: The Real Desert Bird Behind the “Beep Beep” 🏜️🐦This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive into the fascinating world of the Greater Roadrunner—the iconic desert bird made famous by cartoons, but far more incredible in real life.Known for their speed, hunting ability, and unique desert adaptations, Greater Roadrunners are some of the most recognizable birds of the American Southwest. We explore how these birds survive extreme desert heat, what they eat, how fast they can run, and the surprising behaviors that make them such effective predators in harsh environments.In this episode, Field Museum ornithologists and curators of...
2024-08-1242 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together52: Burrowing Owls with Aiyana Reissman from Living Coast Discovery CenterJoin us this week to talk about Burrowing Owls. These super cool and tiny owls live in burrows in the ground. Hear why, and all about their super unique behavior in this week's episode. Our usual hosts John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart are joined by Aiyana Reissman to talk Burrowing Owls. Aiyana is the Animal Care Manager at the Living Coast Discovery Center in San Diego, California and has a ton of experience with these owls. In addition to the burrowing owls, we also get deep into some other topics like bird flu a...
2024-08-0558 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together51: Multiple Topics: Belted Kingfisher Family, CT Scanning Birds, Bird Dialect, and A Movie About Cowbirds?This week a little different than our usual episodes. Instead of talking about a single bird species, we each brought a different topic to the table to talk about. We talked about baby belted Kingfishers, CT scanning birds, different bird dialects, and a movie idea where a brown-headed cowbird leaves an egg in a human’s bassinet. What genre would that movie be? Listen to find out! Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart for this week's episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together. Please send us your questions for us to answer as w...
2024-07-291h 06
Birds of a Feather Talk Together50: Northern Flicker - Hybridization, CTE From Banging Head?This week we are talking about the Northern Flicker. We talk about the red-shafted and yellow-shafted flickers in different parts of the continent, and how they can hybridize. We also talk about whether or not woodpeckers get CTE from banging their heads while pecking. We answer a mailbag question on the white throated sparrow changing its call. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart discussing the Northern Flicker!Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.comMake sure to follow...
2024-07-2236 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together48: Ospreys with Jack Wildlife (Jack Turner) - Memes, Photography, Also Golden-Cheeked WarblerJack Turner AKA Jack Wildlife joins us to talk about Ospreys. Jack lives near the Chesapeake Bay, home to the most Osprey in the world. If you aren’t familiar with Jack Wildlife, he runs a popular birding meme account, and he’s also an accomplished wildlife photographer, tour guide, and Environmental Scientist. This episode is a ton of fun. We also talk about Jack's trip to Austin, Texas to see the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. Jack joined John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart for another episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Togeth...
2024-07-081h 23
Birds of a Feather Talk Together47: Light-footed Ridgway's Rail with Aiyana Reissman from Living Coast Discovery CenterWe talk about the endangered Light-footed Ridgway's Rail this week with guest Aiyana Reissman. Aiyana is the Animal Care Manager at the Living Coast Discovery Center in San Diego, California. She oversees the care for 25+ species of rescued bird native to the area along with the propagation programs for the endangered Light Footed Ridgway’s Rails. Living Coast Discovery Center is the only facility in the world where the Light-footed Ridgway's Rail can be viewed and have had great success with the release program to boost the populations in Southern California over the last few years.
2024-06-2448 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together45: Ruby-Throated Hummingbird - Also a question on feather iridescence and/or mutationSomehow it has taken us 45 episodes to get to our first hummingbird - but it's finally here! We have a ton of fun talking about the ruby-throated hummingbird today. John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart are all here for our hummingbird discussion. Enjoy!Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.comMake sure to follow us on instagram and tik tok as well!!Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:...
2024-06-1036 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together43: Kirtland's Warbler - Back From the Endangered Species List, Connection to Leopold and Loeb?We talk about a bird that was majorly affected by the parasitic brown-headed cowbird so much that it was on the endangered species list for nearly 50 years. One of the rarest songbirds in North America, the Kirtland’s Warbler migrates back and forth from the Bahamas to Michigan every year. We also learn that this bird was studied back in the 1920’s by Nathan Leopold, one half of the murdering crime pair Leopold and Loeb. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as we discuss the Kirtland's Warbler.We kick it off talki...
2024-05-2738 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together42: Brown-Headed Cowbird - Laying eggs in someone else's nestBrown-headed cowbirds don't build nests - instead they sneak into other nests and lay their eggs and let other birds raise their young for them. Many consider them 'mafia' birds, as they will destroy another bird's nest if they aren't raising their young correctly. These parasitic birds will outgrow the other chicks in the nest, its kind of like a horror story! Hear all about these bizarre birds in this awesome episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together. John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart discuss the brown-headed cowbird. Please follow our instagram @birds_o...
2024-05-2032 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together39: Bald Eagles - Massive Nests, Aerial Cartwheels, and Coming Back From DDTBald Eagles are amazing - everyone knows it. We touch on everything from Benjamin Franklin, to how DDT decimated their population and the significant comeback that they've made, to their aerial cartwheel performances. It's a really fascinating episode, and we learn about the 'eagle suit' that Amanda's sister's dog wears so he doesn't get picked up by a bald eagle in his backyard. Special thanks to photographer Dustin Weidner for suggesting that we do a Bald Eagle episode. Check out his photography on his instagram @chicago.wildlife.photographyIf you have a question for us, se...
2024-04-2935 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together38: Florida Trip - Osprey, Brown Pelican, Shorebirds, and we also talk about the EclipseThis week's episode is a little different than usual. Instead of discussing one bird, we talk about RJ and Amanda's recent trip to Florida and all of the birds that they saw. RJ and Amanda ask John and Shannon about the Osprey, Brown Pelicans, Cormorants, Black Skimmers, American Oystercatchers, and many more. We also plead our case for the birds that have reached the Final Four in our Round Robin voting: The Shoebill, American Woodcock, Raven, and Atlantic Puffin. Enjoy!Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:...
2024-04-2247 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together37: European Roller - Migration Across the Sahara, Vomiting for Self-DefenseJohn and Shannon's son moved to Slovakia to play professional hockey - so we discuss a bird native to that area: The European Roller. These birds are super cool and so much fun to learn about. From their interesting leapfrogging migration pattern to Africa, to the self-defense method that many of their chicks use: vomiting. Make sure to google these birds because their color is absolutely magnificent. We also answer a mailbag question about bald eagles, and set up for a full episode that we'll do on bald eagles in a few weeks. We finish ou...
2024-04-0826 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together36: The Brown Creeper, How Animals Evolved to Fly, and Round 2 of Round Robin Voting!This week we talk about one of Shannon’s favorite birds: The Brown Creeper. The way these tiny little birds climb all over trees, and look like a piece of bark, is truly amazing, and adorable. We also answer a mailbag question about evolution, and when animals learned how to fly. We finish out the episode with the next round of our Round Robin tournament and vote on the second round of birds from our previous episodes. It's our regular hosts John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, Amanda Marquart, and we're also joined by Lo...
2024-04-0130 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together33: Tufted Puffins - Shannon's Favorite PuffinThis week Shannon makes her case for why Tufted Puffins are the best. Amanda points out that the tufts look like the hair on the back of Donald Trump's head, which doesn't go over well with Shannon :). It's a blast and a ton of fun discussing the Tufted Puffin. Marky Mutchler joins us again on this one, Marky is a PHD student at the University of Chicago. We also answer a question about birds in Trinidad and Tobago from one of our listeners. Enjoy!Please follow our instagram @birds_of_a_feather_podcast
2024-03-1132 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together32: Atlantic Puffins: The Incredible Seabird That Made a Comeback 🐧 - John's Favorite PuffinPuffins are some of the most recognizable and beloved seabirds in the world—and this week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re diving into the incredible story of the Common (Atlantic) Puffin.These colorful seabirds were once in serious decline along the east coast of North America, but thanks in large part to conservation efforts led by Stephen Kress of the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Atlantic Puffins have made an inspiring comeback in parts of their historic range.In this episode, Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shan...
2024-03-0426 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together29: Flame Bowerbird - Building A Bower and Attracting A MateJoin John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as we talk about flame bowerbirds. John and Shannon provide a lot of really fascinating information on these incredible birds, from how they can manipulate the size of their pupils, how they use blue objects to attract a mate, and why we don’t know more about these birds in general. Email us your questions at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram for pictures of the birds we discuss, specimen, and more info! @birds_of_a_feather_podcastHere are links to o...
2024-02-1228 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together28: Blue Jays - Acorns and Oak TreesOn this week's episode we discuss Blue Jays. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as we talk all about Blue Jays. We talk about how bird flu changed their population, their inconsistent migration, and their relationship with acorns and oak trees. We kick off the episode talking about Sharp-Tailed Grouse in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Check out pictures of the bird specimen on our instagram @birds_of_a_feather_podcast Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.comEnj...
2024-02-0535 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together27: Birds of a Feather Talk Together Backstory - Our Origin StoryThis week we are doing something a little different - we are telling you our origin story. With so many episodes out on different birds, we wanted to give our listeners an explanation of who we are, how we got together, and why we are making this podcast. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart in our Birds of a Feather Talk Together origin story. Enjoy!Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky
2024-01-2914 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together26: Mallard Duck - We Also Talk About Christmas Bird CountJohn talks about the Christmas Bird Count, and then we talk all about the Mallard Duck. From their sexual dimorphism (for part of the year), to their matching speculum stripes, to how they differ from other ducks. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart in our most recent episode. Questions? Reach out to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com Thanks!Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky
2024-01-2241 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together25: Puteketeke or Great Crested Grebe - Thanks John Oliver for Making This 'Bird of the Century'We kick off the new year talking about the Puteketeke or the Great Crested Grebe. We were following closely while John Oliver's campaign to make this New Zealand's bird of the century, and are so excited to talk about this super cool bird. John Oliver used his show 'Last Week Tonight' to raise awareness about these birds, and in turn raised a ton of awareness about birds in general, particularly in New Zealand. We talk about the Puteketeke's exotic mating dance, to carrying chicks on their back, to whether or not they actually fly? Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett...
2024-01-1536 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together24: The Hoatzin - A Link To The Dinosaurs?These birds have claws on their wings when they are young, and may be a link back to the dinosaurs. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, Amanda Marquart, and our guest Jacob Drucker to talk about the Hoatzin. This is a fun episode where we talk about these strange, unique, and downright fascinating birds. Email us your questions at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram for pictures of the birds we discuss, specimen, and more info! @birds_of_a_feather_podcastHere are links to our social and YouTube pages, gi...
2023-12-1826 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together23: Rock Pigeons (Rock Doves) - You see them everywhere in the city, but did you know how amazing they are?Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, Amanda Marquart, and our guest Jacob Drucker to talk about Rock Pigeons. One of our listeners wrote in and asked us to do an episode on Pigeons, and what a great idea that was! From their navigational abilities, to the impact that humans have had on their evolution, to their color variation, we cover so many interesting topics. You'll gain a new appreciation for these birds, and won't ever look at them the same way. Email us your questions at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram fo...
2023-12-1132 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together22: Hawaiian Honeycreepers with Jacob Drucker - Part 2Part 2 of John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart interviewing Jacob Drucker to discuss Hawaiian Honeycreepers. Jacob Drucker is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Chicago and the Field Museum studying how birds interact with tropical climates over ecological and evolutionary time. He has spent over a year in Hawaii working with the Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project, as a regular volunteer with the Department of Land and Natural Resources on the Big Island, and as a guide for Victor Emmanuel Nature Tours. His photos have been featured in the American Birding Association’s f...
2023-12-0435 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together21: Hawaiian Honeycreepers with Jacob Drucker - Part 1John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart interview Jacob Drucker this week to discuss Hawaiian Honeycreepers. Jacob Drucker is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Chicago and the Field Museum studying how birds interact with tropical climates over ecological and evolutionary time. He has spent over a year in Hawaii working with the Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project, as a regular volunteer with the Department of Land and Natural Resources on the Big Island, and as a guide for Victor Emmanuel Nature Tours. His photos have been featured in the American Birding Association’s f...
2023-11-2729 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together20: Wild Turkey - Conservation success, magnificent feathers, sexual dimorphismWe have a Thanksgiving special this week as we discuss the Wild Turkey. These birds are a major conservation success story, hear all about it in this weeks episode. We also talk about John seeing a turkey in the Democratic Republic of Congo, how turkeys got their name, and learn all about their magnificent feathers. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart for Birds of a Feather Talk Together. This week we are also joined by Jacob Drucker. Jacob Drucker is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Chicago and the Field Museum s...
2023-11-2027 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together19: Ravens - How Smart Are Birds? Using Tools and Imitating CallsHappy Halloween! Today we cover one of the smartest birds that also happens to be associated with death and overall spookiness: The Raven. They know how to use tools, can impersonate other birds, and possibly could even say the word "Nevermore"... Hear all about Ravens in this week's episode. John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart discuss Ravens. Email us your questions at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram for pictures of the birds we discuss, specimen, and more info! @birds_of_a_feather_podcastOne of the best ne...
2023-10-3020 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together18: Shoebills: The Massive African Bird That Terrifies the Internet 🦤This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we explore one of the most viral and unforgettable birds on the planet: the Shoebill.Known for its enormous shoe-shaped bill, towering size, piercing stare, and almost prehistoric appearance, the Shoebill has become an internet sensation among birders, wildlife lovers, and curious viewers around the world. But beyond the memes and viral videos, these mysterious African birds are some of the most fascinating predators in the bird world.In this episode, Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and...
2023-10-2323 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together17: Bloodsucking Birds! Vampire Finches, Oxpeckers, and Egyptian Plovers - Oh my!Spooky season is officially here, as we get together to talk about Bloodsucking Birds. There is an event at The Field Museum in Chicago later this month that is about bloodsuckers of all kinds, so we decided to release an episode all about bloodsucking birds. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as we discuss Vampire Finches, Oxpeckers, and the myth that Flamingos feed blood to their young. We also answer a question from one of our listeners on pigeons.Email us your questions at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.comFollow u...
2023-10-0923 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together15: Ring-Billed Gull - Not A Seagull! Also, That Diet is Trash...This week we discuss the Ring-Billed Gull and what differentiates it from other gulls. It's been a ton of fun to learn more about common birds, and then going back after listening/recording and seeing these common birds in a new way. You'll learn all about the Ring-Billed Gulls in this episode, as John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart discuss these gulls. We also answer a mailbag question about traveling specifically to see birds, and species counting as well. (One thing to note, we recorded this episode a few weeks ago, and mention fall migration just...
2023-09-2336 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together14: Willard's Sooty Boubou - A New Species Discovered; John and The Field Museum's InvolvementThis is one of our favorite episodes to date. The Willard's Sooty Boubou is a bird that lives in the Albertine Rift in Africa at a very specific elevation. John and his team at the Field Museum are actually responsible for determining that this bird is in fact its own unique species. We talk about what that process was like, what birding in Uganda, Rwanda, and The Democratic Republic of Congo was like, which included chimps pulling birds out of nets, and the threat of local militia groups. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as...
2023-09-1140 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together13: Killdeer - The 'Broken Wing' Display, Also a Discussion on Wildfire Smoke Impacting BirdsThis week we discuss the Killdeer. These shorebirds (that aren't always near the shore) will put on a display where they pretend like they are injured to lure predators away from their eggs. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as we discuss the Killdeer. We also follow up on a previous discussion about how smoke and wildfires impact birds. We talk about a study in California called "Project Phoenix" where birders can help participate in studying the impact that wildfire smoke has on birds. Here is a link to participate in the study. P...
2023-09-0433 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together12: Roseate Spoonbill - The Color Pink, Birds Going BaldWith the recent sightings of the Roseate Spoonbill in Green Bay, Wisconsin we thought it would be a good time to discuss these amazing birds. John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart talk what gives them their bright pink color, why they have a receding hairline, and what they are doing so far up north. We also discuss briefly the Limpkin that has been seen up in the Chicago area, and answer a question from one of our listeners. The listener Dustin Weidner is a photographer in Chicago, and reached out to us on Instagram with a...
2023-08-2835 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together11: Oilbirds - Using Echolocation and Living in CavesWhat lives in caves, uses echolocation to navigate through the air, and is nocturnal? Oilbirds! These birds are so interesting, and no they are not bats. John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart discuss the Oilbird. This is a super wild one, so grab your night-vision binoculars and join us to learn more about the Oilbird. We also answer a question about hummingbird nests. You can send us your questions at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram to see pictures of Oilbird specimen from the Field Museum at @birds_of_a_f...
2023-07-3127 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together10: Why Are Northern Cardinals So Bright Red? 🐦 The Science ExplainedWhy are Northern Cardinals so bright red? Learn how diet, pigments, and biology create one of the most iconic backyard birds in North America. This birding and birdwatching podcast explores cardinal behavior, coloration, and science for beginners and experts alike. This week we discuss a bird that is common in most of the US: The Northern Cardinal. The state bird in 7 states, this bird wasn't always as widespread as it is today. Learn what has led to their increased distribution, and also what gives the males that bright red color. John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart...
2023-07-2427 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together9: Great Horned Owl - An Elusive Predator! Also, What Is A Species?We all know the Great Horned Owl, you can close your eyes and picture it. Hear what experts John Bates and Shannon Hackett have to say about these amazing birds as they discuss them with RJ and Amanda. Although beautiful and majestic, these birds are vicious predators. We also answer one of our listener questions about what a species is, and why that matters. This opens up some really interesting discussion. Enjoy!Email us at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com Follow us on instagram for pictures of the birds that we discuss: @birds_of_a_feather_p...
2023-07-1737 minBirds of a Feather Talk TogetherEpisode 9: The Great Horned OwlWe all know the Great Horned Owl, you can close your eyes and picture it. Hear what experts John Bates and Shannon Hackett have to say about these amazing birds as they discuss them with RJ and Amanda. Although beautiful and majestic, these birds are vicious predators. We also answer one of our listener questions about what a species is, and why that matters. This opens up some really interesting discussion. Enjoy!Email us at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com Follow us on instagram for pictures of the birds that we discuss: @birds_of_a_feather_p...
2023-07-1700 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together8: Purple Martin - Living in Man-Made Homes + A Killer GrackleJohn Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart discuss the Purple Martin. These birds live almost entirely in man-made structures in the Eastern US, listen to learn more. We also discuss what impact fireworks have on birds, and what the recent smoke across the US means for birds. After that, we read a mailbag question about a Grackle that has been killing other birds in the suburbs. It's a jam-packed episode - our first since the 4th of July. Enjoy!Follow us in instagram @birds_of_a_feather_podcastSend us your questions podcast...
2023-07-1031 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together6: Frigatebird, The Gular Pouch, and Flying High For Fun?On this week's episode we discuss the Frigatebird. John Bates, Shannon Hackett, Amanda Marquart and RJ Pole all talk about the Frigatebird, it's bizarre gular pouch and what is used for, and whether or not birds fly 'for fun'. (Spoiler alert, we think they do!) We also answer a mailbag question about the "Owl Theory" from the true crime documentary The Staircase. Hear what two bird experts think and owl is capable of! You won't want to miss this fun episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together.Send us your mailbag questions at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.c...
2023-06-1929 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together5: Sandhill Cranes - Migration, and Mating for Life (a myth?)On this week's episode we discuss Sandhill Cranes. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as we dive into the world of the beautiful Sandhill Crane. From their migration, to whether or not birds 'mate for life', we get deep into discussion on these magnificent birds. We also cover the Ruby Crowned Kinglet, and answer a mailbag question on Peacocks. Enjoy!Check out pictures of the bird specimen on our instagram @birds_of_a_feather_podcast Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to p...
2023-06-1235 min
Birds of a Feather Talk Together4: American Woodcock - Dancing and PeentingJohn Bates and Shannon Hackett discuss the American Woodcock with their co-hosts RJ Pole and Amanda Marquart. We discuss their mating rituals, and learn some new details about these amazing birds. If you want to write into our show to be featured in our mailbag section, please give us a shout at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.comAlso visit our Instagram birds_of_a_feather_podcastThanks!Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky
2023-06-0528 minBirds of a Feather Talk Together1: Ivory Billed WoodpeckerJoin John Bates and Shannon Hackett as they teach birding enthusiasts RJ and Amanda on their journey to learn more about the Ivory Billed Woodpecker. John and Shannon work at the Chicago Field Museum and manage one of the largest collection of bird specimen in the world. The Ivory Billed may (or may not?) be extinct, but either way John and Shannon have up close and personal access to actual Ivory Billed. Join us to learn more!Questions? Submit mailbag questions at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com and we'll answer your questions on our next episode!...
2023-05-1633 min