Birds of a Feather Talk Together

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A podcast all about birds. Two bird experts, John Bates and Shannon Hackett, educate two amateur birders on all things bird related. With access to one of the largest bird collections in the United States, the hosts dive into exotic, rare, extinct, and also common birds. For experienced birders to people who are brand new to birding, this podcast is for anyone who has ever been interested in birds!

John, Shannon, RJ, Amanda


    • Jun 2, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 35m AVG DURATION
    • 101 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Birds of a Feather Talk Together

    96: Black-capped Chickadee - Cute Bird with a Mighty Brain

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 58:01


    In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive deep into the fascinating world of the Black-capped Chickadee—one of North America's most beloved birds. Discover the secrets behind the chickadee's distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call, its remarkable memory, and how this tiny bird survives harsh winters with clever food-storing habits.Join us as we explore the Black-capped Chickadee's habitat, behavior, and role in backyard birdwatching and forest ecosystems. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting to appreciate birdsong, this episode offers rich insights and fun facts about chickadees, bird communication, and cold-weather survival strategies.We also answer a question on the writer Ellen Meloy from one of our listeners. 

    95: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Revisited

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 35:45


    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 dive back into the world of this unique hummingbird and explore what makes it such a standout in the bird world.We also answer a listener mailbag question about mallard ducks, covering interesting facts and behaviors about one of the most familiar waterfowl in North America.Whether you're a birdwatching beginner or an experienced birder, this episode is packed with fun facts and engaging bird talk.

    94: Blackpoll Warbler Revisited - Epic Migration and More About Warblers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 40:53


    This week, we're revisiting a listener favorite all about Blackpoll Warblers—tiny birds with an absolutely epic migration. Whether you're new to warblers or already a seasoned birder, this episode is packed with fascinating facts and fresh insights.John and Shannon dive into what makes the Blackpoll Warbler's journey so mind-blowing, and John gives us a broader look at warblers in general—including the time he spotted over 20 species in a single day!It's a fun, informative episode that's sure to spark your curiosity and deepen your appreciation for these remarkable birds.

    93: Great Potoo, we also talk Prothonotary Warbler and Answer A Question on Robin's Eggs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 51:48


    This week, we dive into the weird and wonderful world of the Great Potoo—a mysterious nocturnal bird with haunting eyes and an even stranger call. Ever wondered why robin eggs are blue? We've got the answer! Plus, we spotlight one of North America's most stunning songbirds: the Prothonotary Warbler, known for its brilliant yellow plumage and swampy haunts.If you're a bird lover, nature nerd, or just curious about the strangest birds on Earth, this episode is packed with fun facts, surprising science, and beautiful bird calls.

    92: Wood Ducks: Nesting Behavior, Baby Ducklings & a Surprise Owl Sighting

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 63:39


    In 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 Field Museum, along with RJ and his fiancée Amanda, this episode blends expert knowledge, personal wildlife experiences, and listener Q&A in a fun, informative format.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!!

    91: How NSF Budget Cuts Are Threatening U.S. Science – A Deep Dive with Ornithologists

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 31:18


    In this timely and urgent episode, we explore the devastating impact of recent budget cuts and defunding of the National Science Foundation (NSF) on the U.S. scientific community. Originally planning to discuss Wood Ducks, our conversation quickly shifted to the broader crisis facing science in America today.Join married ornithologists John and Shannon as they share firsthand insights into how these funding cuts are affecting scientific research, biodiversity studies, and the future of environmental conservation. With Shannon also bringing a Canadian perspective, the discussion highlights both domestic and international implications of these policy decisions.This is a must-listen episode for anyone passionate about science, environmental policy, and the future of research in North America. Be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for our upcoming episode focused specifically on Wood Ducks.

    90: American Dipper - Bird that Walks Under Water

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 48:40


    This 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 curators of birds at the Field Museum, along with amateur birders 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!!

    89: Red-Ruffed Fruitcrow

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 46:07


    If 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 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!!

    88: Spotted Towhee - Bright Red Eyes!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 33:23


    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!!

    87: Gambel's Quail - Sedona, topknots, and who was Gambel?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 56:56


    In this exciting episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive into the fascinating world of the Gambel's Quail – a stunning bird spotted by RJ and Amanda during their recent trip to Sedona, Arizona. With John's Arizona roots, this bird-focused adventure made for the perfect topic, and trust us, it's one you won't want to miss!But that's not all – we also answer an intriguing listener question about owl pellets discovered at a flower farm in Illinois. Tune in for a mix of birdwatching tips, fun facts, and expert insights you can only get from Birds of a Feather Talk Together.

    86: Hoatzin Revisited with Jacob Drucker - You've Seen It On 'The Americas' on NBC

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 24:01


    In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive deep into the world of the Hoatzin, one of the most unique and mysterious birds on the planet! With claws on their wings as chicks, these fascinating creatures might even offer a glimpse into the distant past of dinosaurs.Join our expert panel, including John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, Amanda Marquart, and special guest Jacob Drucker, as we explore the Hoatzin's strange biology, incredible behaviors, and its surprising connection to the age of dinosaurs. From their prehistoric traits,  we uncover why the Hoatzin continues to baffle and excite birders around the world.Get ready for a fun-filled, educational episode packed with fascinating insights about this one-of-a-kind bird. Whether you're a birdwatching enthusiast, a dinosaur lover, or just a fan of nature's oddities, this episode is sure to leave you captivated!Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with your fellow birders and podcast lovers!

    85: Purple Martins Revisited - Migrating to the U.S. to live in man-made structures

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 25:01


    In this exciting episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, hosts John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart dive into the fascinating world of the Purple Martin. Learn how these remarkable birds depend on man-made structures for nesting, particularly in the Eastern U.S., and why they're so unique.In the second half, we tackle a mailbag question about a Grackle causing trouble by killing other birds in suburban areas. Is this behavior typical?This episode is packed with crucial bird insights, environmental concerns, and expert advice you won't want to miss. Tune in to learn more about Purple Martins!#PurpleMartin #BirdWatching #FireworksImpact #GrackleBehavior #BirdConservation #BirdsOfAFeather #BirdsOfPrey #SuburbanBirds #BirdLife #WildlifeProtection #BirdLovers

    84: Mourning Dove

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 27:48


    If 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!!

    83: Harlequin Duck - Fascinating Waterfowl with Stunning Plumage

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 32:38


    Harlequin 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 conservation efforts aimed at protecting these incredible birds. Tune in to learn more about the Harlequin Duck and its role in the world of waterfowl!As always, you have John Bates, Shannon Hackett, Amanda Marquart, and RJ Pole here 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, YouTube and tik tok as well!!

    82: Kirk Wallace Johnson Interview - Author of The Feather Thief

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 82:36


    In today's episode, we're joined by Kirk Wallace Johnson, the author of The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century. This gripping true-crime tale takes us into the world of rare bird feathers and the relentless pursuit of a bizarre criminal and the feathers that he stole from The Natural History Museum in Tring. Kirk's meticulous research and storytelling uncover an astonishing story of a thief, the feathers he stole, and the worldwide pursuit. So settle in, because today, we're talking to Kirk about how this all came together. As always, you have John Bates, Shannon Hackett, Amanda Marquart, and RJ Pole here 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, YouTube and tik tok as well!!

    81: The Feather Thief Part 6: Obsession, A Possible Accomplice, Final Thoughts

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 35:27


    This week we close out with our final thoughts on the Feather Thief, as well as talk about the importance of museums and their collections. It's our last episode before we talk to the author Kirk Wallace Johnson, so get ready for next week. This week we talk a little bit about obsession in general, and how it is human nature to become obsessed, whether it was Alfred Russel Wallace, or even Edwin Rist. It's important to channel that obsession into something positive because it can go dark really quick. We start off talking about the accomplice in the book named Long, and whether or not he was manipulated by Edwin. We'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming discussing different birds soon enough. Once back, we are kicking it off with episodes on the Harlequin Duck and the Mourning Dove. So get ready for those in a couple weeks. 

    80: The Feather Thief Part 5: The Crime, The Importance of Museum Collections, also a discussion on Canada and also precious metals

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 50:05


    Welcome 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-American relations, particularly the threats of tariffs, before drifting into a discussion on precious metals and their unexpected influence on foreign policy decisions. But don't worry—it's all over in a flash, and then, it's back to The Feather Thief and all its intrigue.As always, you have John Bates, Shannon Hackett, Amanda Marquart, and RJ Pole here 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, YouTube and tik tok as well!!

    79: The Feather Thief Part 4: The Argus Pheasant and Jason Weckstein Joins Us Again!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 37:07


    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 color blue. We also get into the similarities and differences between fly-fishing and birdwatching. 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. As always, you have John Bates, Shannon Hackett, Amanda Marquart, and RJ Pole here 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, YouTube and tik tok as well!!

    78: The Feather Thief Part 3: Fly-tying with guest Jason Weckstein

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 45:25


    We 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. 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!!

    77: The Feather Thief Part 2: Walter Rothschild, Feather Fever, and the start of the Audubon Society

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 33:36


    Part 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 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, YouTube and tik tok as well!!

    76: The Feather Thief Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 64:09


    We're doing something a little different—a mini-series focused on the book The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson. The book is part true crime, part cultural exploration, and it digs into the themes of obsession, beauty, and the lengths people will go to for something they can't possess. It's one of those true stories that's so bizarre, you couldn't make it up if you tried. In 2009, someone broke into the British Museum of Natural History, stealing hundreds of rare bird skins. He did it all to fuel his obsession with fly-tying for fly-fishing—a hobby very niche, but has a secret society on the dark web. This is for birders, nature-lovers, museum buffs, and true-crime fans alike. 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 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, YouTube and tik tok as well!!

    75: The Feather Thief Prologue - Quick Listen Prior to Starting The Mini-Series :)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2025 20:02


    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 along. We'll be offering behind-the-scenes insights into the world of museum work and its bird collections—you won't want to miss a word.For those who haven't had the chance to read it yet, we thought we'd share the prologue, which sets the stage for the book's, dark, and twisted tale. The reading of the prologue is the only part of the book that we'll be reading aloud in this mini-series. Our regular lineup—John, Shannon, Amanda, and RJ —will be back for the rest of the episodes. And we'll be joined by ornithologist and fly-tier Jason Weckstein for a few chats along the way. Then we'll cap it all off with an interview with the author himself, Kirk Wallace Johnson. So, sit back, relax, grab your binoculars, and enjoy the prologue!

    74: John Returns From The Falklands, Gentoo Penguins, What Do Birds Do In The Rain?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 56:46


    John is back from his trip to the Falkland Islands to study Gentoo Penguins, so we ask him all about his trip. We also answer a mailbag question on what birds do in the rain when it storms. 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!!

    73: Willard's Sooty Boubou Revisited - A New Species Described

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 41:23


    We 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 trips to Africa to study this new species. 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!!

    72: The Archaeopteryx at the Field Museum + An Exciting Announcement

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 14:06


    We'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 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!!

    71: Christmas Bird Count, The Feather Thief Question, An Exciting Announcement!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 10:05


    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 Instagram, Blue Sky Social and tik tok as well!!

    70: Holiday Wrap-Up - What We've Learned

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 22:09


    We 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!!

    69: John's Trip to the Falkland Islands, also we talk about Bird Flu

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 34:45


    This 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 Instagram, Blue Sky Social and tik tok as well!!

    68: The Rusty Blackbird

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 26:59


    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 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!!

    67: Wild Turkey Revisited - with Jacob Drucker

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 23:27


    We 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 evolutionary time. We also did a couple episodes on Hawaiian Honeycreepers with Jacob, please go back and check those out if you haven't heard them yet. 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_podcastWe are also on Tiktok and Blue Sky Social!

    66: White-throated Sparrow

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 45:34


    Join 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 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!!

    65: Wrentits with Kevin Burns

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 47:11


    This week we discuss the wrentit with Kevin Burns! You've probably heard this bird's call in many movies and tv shows, but only seen it if you've been to California or Oregon. They are one of the most sedentary birds in North America, but somehow their closes relatives are in Asia. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart in 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 and tik tok as well!!

    64: Inti Tanager with Kevin Burns - Also known as the Kill Bill Tanager

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 57:19


    Kevin Burns joins us again to discuss the Inti Tanager. Kevin is an ornithologist and professor of biology at San Diego State University and goes way back with Shannon and John. Kevin tells us all about the story of this bird, from the sighting in the early 2000's in Peru, to it finally being described as a species 20 years later. The bird earned the nickname the 'Kill Bill Tanager' due to its bright yellow feathers and black brow which resembled Uma Thurman's outfit in the movie. We're not quite sure how we feel about the nickname, but hopefully that paints a picture for you. We also answer a question on a leucitic red-tailed hawk that was seen in Michigan. 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!!

    63: Kagu - Ghosts of the Forest

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 40:05


    This super unique bird from New Caledonia has been isolated on an island in the Pacific for so long, but somehow its closest relative is the Sunbittern in Central and South America. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as we discuss the Kagu. We also answer a question on feathers. 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!!

    62: The Slow Birding Journal with Joan E. Strassman

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 27:51


    We interview evolutionary biologist and the author of 'Slow Birding' Joan E. Strassman. Joan has a new book released on October 22nd and is called 'The Slow Birding Journal'. It is a unique companion for bird enthusiasts seeking a deeper connection with the avian world around them. The journal encourages a slow, mindful approach to birding, celebrating the beauty and diversity of birds wherever you find them. We talk to Joan all about her new book, and get an interesting backstory on her first book as well. Join our usual hosts John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as they interview Joan.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!!

    61: Roseate Spoonbill Revisited - The Color Pink

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 35:13


    We are revisiting an older episode on Roseate Spoonbills for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Roseate Spoonbills are pink, and we talk all about how they get their pink color and where that comes from (hint - it may come from their diet.) We also answer a question on Great Blue Herons. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart on 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 and tik tok as well!!

    60: Double-crested Cormorant

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 56:55


    This week we talk about the double-crested cormorant. We also answer a question on swans. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart for Birds of a Feather Talk Together this week. 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!!

    59: Darwin's Finches with Kevin Burns

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 39:42


    This 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 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!!

    58: Tanagers with Kevin Burns

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2024 46:32


    This week we talk to Kevin Burns about Tanagers. 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 and what it isn't. Many birds which have the common name Tanager, such as the scarlet tanager or western tanager, aren't actually tanagers, and birds like Darwin's finches actually are tanagers. Many of you might already know this, but we get to talk to Kevin about what exactly went into this research, and what that process was like. We also hear some fun stories about Kevin, John, and Shannon in the field studying birds, and talk about how impressive many of the different tanagers are.We also answer a question on fall migration. 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!!

    Teaser: We Are Down This Week - Exciting Episodes On The Horizon!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2024 1:10


    Howdy everyone! We are down this week but will be back next week with some new very exciting episodes. Take a listen for the full breakdown! Thanks for your patience and support, we'll be back next week and back on schedule with brand new episodes :)

    57: Bird Medley - Warblers, European Goldfinches, Cassowaries, Horse Flies, Oh my!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 32:19


    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 some of these highlights in case you want to go back and listen to the full episodes!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!!

    56: Alpine Accentor - Let's talk about bird sex high in the mountains

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 40:10


    This 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!!

    55: Peg-billed Finch - Elusive bird from Costa Rica, Shannon and John's experience with them

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 31:13


    A 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. John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart discuss the Peg-billed Finch 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!!

    54: Black-billed Magpie - Fighting cats, bird funerals, and interactions with humans

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 29:15


    Black-billed magpies are super cool! Fun new episode that you won't want to miss. John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart discuss the Black-billed Magpie 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!!

    53: Greater Roadrunner - Adaptations to Live In the Desert, How Fast Are They?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 42:33


    You might know him from the cartoon - but there's a lot more to the Greater Roadrunner than just saying beep beep. We talk all about the adaptations these speedy birds have made to be able to live in the desert, some interesting facts from the actual cartoon, as well as answer a mailbag question on the book The Feather Thief. John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart discuss the Greater Roadrunner in this week's episode. Here is the link to the other podcast that Shannon was on that we referenced in the episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e32-chickadee/id1681354028?i=1000663586496Please 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!!

    52: Burrowing Owls with Aiyana Reissman from Living Coast Discovery Center

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 58:24


    Join 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 and changing big tech to get birds into the algorithm instead of cats :)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!!

    51: Multiple Topics: Belted Kingfisher Family, CT Scanning Birds, Bird Dialect, and A Movie About Cowbirds?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 66:18


    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 well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.comMake sure to follow us on instagram and tik tok as well!!Enjoy!

    50: Northern Flicker

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024 36:48


    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 us on instagram and tik tok as well!!

    49: Giant Hummingbird

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2024 48:50


    This week's episode is about the Giant Hummingbird. A recent study led by Jessie Williamson led to some groundbreaking discoveries about the Giant Hummingbird, including that there are actually two different species, one which has the longest migration of any hummingbird in the world. This amazing study, which included putting tiny backpacks on hummingbirds to track their movement, changed what we knew about Giant Hummingbirds. 

    48: Ospreys with Jack Wildlife (Jack Turner) - Memes, Photography, Also Golden-Cheeked Warbler

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2024 83:34


    Jack 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 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 and tik tok as well!!

    Happy Fourth of July! - Teaser for Upcoming Episodes + Spreading the joy of birds

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 2:05


    Send us a Text Message.We'll be down this week for the Fourth of July - but back next week. Upcoming episodes on Osprey, Giant Hummingbird, and Northern Flicker. We have a few asks to spread the joy of birding over the Fourth of July. Listen to hear more.Also here is a link to when John was on Ologies with Alie Ward: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oology-eggs-with-john-bates/id1278815517?i=1000417763781

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