Explore every episode of the podcast Birds of a Feather Talk Together
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 119: Spoon-billed Sandpiper - One Of The Rarest Birds On Earth - Story of Convergence | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:32:37 | |
This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re exploring one of the rarest, most extraordinary birds on the planet: the spoon-billed sandpiper—a tiny shorebird with one of nature’s most fascinating evolutionary surprises. If you caught our recent YouTube video where John compared a Roseate Spoonbill at the Field Museum to the delicate spoon-billed sandpiper specimen, you already know we love a good convergent evolution story. Two completely unrelated birds… both evolving their own version of a spoon-shaped bill. Nature never misses. In this episode, we go deeper: Join married couple Dr. John Bates and Dr. Shannon Hackett, curators of birds at Chicago’s world-renowned Field Museum, along with RJ Pole, and his wife Amanda, as we unpack the science, stories, and pure wonder behind the spoon-billed sandpiper. Whether you’re a birder, nature lover, museum nerd, or curious listener, this episode is packed with insights into one of the most unique birds on Earth. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 118: Golden Eagle Explained: One of the Fastest & Most Powerful Birds of Prey | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:35:21 | |
Learn about the Golden Eagle, one of the fastest and most powerful birds of prey in North America, and how it hunts with incredible speed and precision. This birding and birdwatching podcast explores eagle behavior, migration, and raptor ecology for beginners and experts alike. The Golden Eagle — one of North America’s largest, fastest, and most powerful raptors — takes center stage in this week’s episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together! Married ornithologists Dr. John Bates and Dr. Shannon Hackett from Chicago’s Field Museum join hosts RJ Pole and Amanda Pole, who recently spotted Golden Eagles during their honeymoon in Arizona, to share insights about these majestic hunters of the sky. From breathtaking aerial speed to nesting habits and migration routes, we explore what makes this bird one of the most awe-inspiring birds in the world. Plus, we dive into listener feedback on John’s Olive-sided Flycatcher episode — a fan favorite that continues to inspire birders everywhere! Tune in for stories of love, science, and soaring wings. 🎧 Birds of a Feather Talk Together — where ornithology meets storytelling, every week. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 109: Olive-sided Flycatcher - John Makes His Case For His Favorite Bird! | 01 Sep 2025 | 00:36:37 | |
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, and the reasons birdwatchers look forward to spotting it. If you’re interested in birdwatching tips, ornithology insights, or just love hearing about fascinating bird species, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation for one of the most intriguing flycatchers. Join us for expert knowledge, lively debate, and plenty of birding inspiration! #OliveSidedFlycatcher #Birdwatching #BirdingPodcast #Ornithology #BirdsOfNorthAmerica #BirdingLife #BirdLovers #BirdTalk #BirdConservation #BirdNerds Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 21: Hawaiian Honeycreepers with Jacob Drucker - Part 1 | 27 Nov 2023 | 00:29:57 | |
John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart interview Jacob Drucker this week to discuss Hawaiian Honeycreepers. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 20: Wild Turkey - Conservation success, magnificent feathers, sexual dimorphism | 20 Nov 2023 | 00:27:19 | |
We 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. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| Teaser: Sticker Giveaway + Update on New Episodes | 10 Nov 2023 | 00:01:38 | |
New episodes coming soon. In the meantime, who wants free stickers? Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 19: Ravens - How Smart Are Birds? Using Tools and Imitating Calls | 30 Oct 2023 | 00:20:22 | |
Happy 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. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 18: Shoebills: The Massive African Bird That Terrifies the Internet 🦤 | 23 Oct 2023 | 00:23:37 | |
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 Amanda Marquart to discuss Shoebill behavior, African wetland habitats, bird evolution, hunting strategies, folklore, and what makes these birds feel almost dinosaur-like. John also shares what it was like to see a Shoebill in the wild—an unforgettable birding experience involving one of the most unusual birds on Earth. We dive into how Shoebills hunt, why they remain so motionless, their strange vocalizations, and why their intimidating appearance has inspired myths and fascination for decades. If you love birding, birdwatching, African birds, weird animals, giant birds, bird behavior, ornithology, wildlife science, and fascinating bird facts, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 17: Bloodsucking Birds! Vampire Finches, Oxpeckers, and Egyptian Plovers - Oh my! | 09 Oct 2023 | 00:23:46 | |
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. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 16: Bird Collisions in Chicago - Nearly 1,000 Birds Die In A Single Night | 09 Oct 2023 | 00:20:38 | |
You've probably seen it on the news, but hear what John and Shannon have to say about the recent migration collision in Chicago. Last week Chicago had one of the largest migration nights ever, totaling what could have been 1 million birds in a single night. Unfortunately, this resulted in almost 1,000 birds colliding with buildings and dying. Hear about what caused this, what we can do to stop it from happening, and where building collisions ranks among other mass-casualties of birds (do you think its more or less than deaths from cats?) Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 15: Ring-Billed Gull - Not A Seagull! Also, That Diet is Trash... | 23 Sep 2023 | 00:36:14 | |
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 getting started. Once this episode is released, fall migration is in full effect.) Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 14: Willard's Sooty Boubou - A New Species Discovered; John and The Field Museum's Involvement | 11 Sep 2023 | 00:40:30 | |
This 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 we discuss the Willard's Sooty Boubou. Enjoy! Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 13: Killdeer - The 'Broken Wing' Display, Also a Discussion on Wildfire Smoke Impacting Birds | 04 Sep 2023 | 00:33:15 | |
This 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 are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 108: Blue-gray Gnatcatchers: The Tiny Songbird Birders Love to Hear Before They See 🐦 | 25 Aug 2025 | 00:38:07 | |
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 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher behavior, habitat, migration, bird identification, nesting habits, and why these active little insect-eaters are such a favorite among birders and birdwatchers. We also discuss where to find them, how to recognize their calls, and what makes them stand out despite their tiny size. If you love birding, birdwatching, backyard birds, songbirds, bird calls, bird behavior, ornithology, wildlife science, and fascinating bird facts, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 12: Roseate Spoonbill - The Color Pink, Birds Going Bald | 28 Aug 2023 | 00:35:36 | |
With 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 question about the Great Blue Heron. It feels good to be back, enjoy! Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 11: Oilbirds - Using Echolocation and Living in Caves | 31 Jul 2023 | 00:27:12 | |
What 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. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 10: Why Are Northern Cardinals So Bright Red? 🐦 The Science Explained | 24 Jul 2023 | 00:27:18 | |
Why 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 discuss The Northern Cardinal. Like all of our episodes, this is great for people who are brand new to birding, or expert level. Please share with someone who you think would enjoy! Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 9: Great Horned Owl - An Elusive Predator! Also, What Is A Species? | 17 Jul 2023 | 00:37:05 | |
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! Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 8: Purple Martin - Living in Man-Made Homes + A Killer Grackle | 10 Jul 2023 | 00:31:37 | |
John 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! Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 7: Mailbag + Teaser | 27 Jun 2023 | 00:15:18 | |
We have a shorter episode this week as we dive into a few of our listener mailbag questions. We talk about Red Knots on Sanibel Island, Florida. We'll be back after the Fourth of July with some more full episodes. Check out our instagram @birds_of_a_feather_podcast for more updates. We'll post an episode there of when John was on Ologies with Alie Ward. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 6: Frigatebird, The Gular Pouch, and Flying High For Fun? | 19 Jun 2023 | 00:29:24 | |
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. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 5: Sandhill Cranes - Migration, and Mating for Life (a myth?) | 12 Jun 2023 | 00:35:16 | |
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! Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 4: American Woodcock - Dancing and Peenting | 05 Jun 2023 | 00:28:34 | |
John 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. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| Teaser: Upcoming Episodes! | 01 Jun 2023 | 00:01:32 | |
| 107: Club-winged Manakin - Making Robot Noises with its Feathers | 18 Aug 2025 | 00:50:09 | |
This 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 tiny bird pulls off such a unique performance in the rainforests of South America. In this episode, Shannon, John, RJ, and Amanda break down everything you need to know about the club-winged manakin’s mind-blowing courtship display, the science behind feather-generated sound, and why this bird has become a favorite among ornithologists and bird lovers alike. If you love strange, surprising, and unforgettable stories from the bird world, this episode is for you. Get ready to meet the club-winged manakin—the bird that sounds like a robot, but is 100% natural. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 3: Mailbag! Travel, Genetic Mutations and Color | 16 May 2023 | 00:16:40 | |
Join us this week as we answer more questions from our fans. John travels to Uganda, RJ travels to the San Juan Islands, and we learn about genetic mutations on birds and how it can effect their coloring. Birds of a Feather Talk Together is the ultimate bird podcast for expert birders and amateur birders who are just getting started. Join us on our journey! Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 2: Birds of Paradise | 16 May 2023 | 00:38:23 | |
Join us this week as we discuss the Birds of Paradise. From their mating rituals, to their exotic dancing, to a bird specimen that may have been found by Alfred Russel Wallace himself. John and Shannon's knowledge of the Birds of Paradise is truly fascinating, as we jump in to learn more. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 1: Ivory Billed Woodpecker | 16 May 2023 | 00:33:25 | |
Join 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! Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 106: Kingfishers Around The World with Jenna Mccullough | 11 Aug 2025 | 00:33:07 | |
In 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 Pole, and Amanda Pole as they dive into stories of rare and colorful kingfisher sightings from around the world, birdwatching adventures in exotic locations, and the science behind these incredible birds. Whether you’re a passionate birder, a wildlife enthusiast, or just love hearing about nature and travel, this fun and engaging episode will inspire your next birding trip. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 105: Why Are Birds Gathering in Florida Roadside Water? 🐦 Mailbag Episode | 04 Aug 2025 | 00:24:49 | |
This 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 for a lively conversation full of bird facts, bird behavior, backyard birding insights, migration discussion, and a few laughs along the way. From wetland birds and urban bird behavior to crows, house sparrows, and why birds choose certain habitats, this episode highlights the kinds of questions birdwatchers and nature lovers notice every day. If you love birding, birdwatching, backyard birds, bird identification, bird behavior, ornithology, wildlife science, and fascinating bird facts, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 104: Guam Kingfishers: The Bird That Went Extinct in the Wild — And May Come Back 🐦 with Jenna Mccullough | 28 Jul 2025 | 00:43:04 | |
This 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 extinction. Together with Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett, alongside RJ and Amanda Pole, we discuss Guam Kingfisher behavior, island ecology, endangered birds, conservation biology, captive breeding programs, and the challenges of reintroducing birds into fragile ecosystems. We also explore why island species are especially vulnerable to extinction, how introduced predators affected birds on Guam, and why the survival of the Guam Kingfisher matters far beyond a single species. If you love birding, birdwatching, kingfishers, endangered species, wildlife conservation, ornithology, island birds, biodiversity, and inspiring conservation stories, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 103: Inca Tern - Plus we talk about John's trip to Peru! | 21 Jul 2025 | 00:45:09 | |
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 Shannon Hackett, along with amateur birding couple RJ Pole and Amanda Pole — two married couples sharing their love of birds and great conversation. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 102: Laughing Kookaburras & the Science Behind Australia’s Most Famous Bird | Jenna McCullough | 14 Jul 2025 | 00:38:14 | |
This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we explore the fascinating world of the Laughing Kookaburra—Australia’s iconic “laughing bird” known for one of the most recognizable bird calls on Earth. Joining us is ornithologist Jenna McCullough, a third-generation birder with a PhD in Biology from the University of New Mexico. Jenna is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Kentucky and soon beginning a National Science Foundation fellowship at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and University of California, Los Angeles. Together with Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett, we discuss Laughing Kookaburra behavior, habitat, bird calls, evolution, and why these birds are such beloved symbols of the Australian bush. We also explore how kookaburras fit into the kingfisher family, despite living far from water compared to many other kingfishers. The conversation also highlights the new Kingfisher Exhibit at the Field Museum, where Jenna, Shannon, and John all contributed their expertise and research. If you love birding, birdwatching, Australian birds, bird calls, kingfishers, ornithology, wildlife science, and fascinating bird facts, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 101: Extremely Accurate Bird Songs with Tommy Siegel and Billy Libby | 07 Jul 2025 | 01:08:07 | |
Get 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: Whether you’re a serious birder, a nature enthusiast, or just love great podcasts, this episode is packed with: 👉 Subscribe now and hit play to experience the most entertaining bird podcast collaboration ever! #BirdPodcast #BirdSongs #TommySiegel #BillyLibby #BirdsOfAFeatherTalkTogether #FunnyBirdSongs #NaturePodcast #BirdingCommunity Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 100: Kingfishers with Jenna Mccullough | 30 Jun 2025 | 00:48:54 | |
Jenna Mccullough is a third generation birdwatcher from Boise, ID. She got her bachelors at the university of Idaho (2015); got her masters (2018) and PhD (2024) at the university of New Mexico. She's a postdoc at the university of Kentucky and about to start a National Science foundation fellowship at the natural history museum of Los Angeles County and UCLA. Jenna joins us to talk all about Kingfishers. There is an exhibit starting up at the Field Museum that Shannon and John have been involved with, and Jenna has been involved as well. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 117: Palm-nut Vulture - A Vulture Unlike Any Other! | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:35:54 | |
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 striking in appearance — mostly white plumage, a sharp contrast to the darker vultures many of us picture — and they’re truly impressive to observe in the wild. John has had the opportunity to see palm-nut vultures in the wild, and today he’ll share firsthand insight into their behavior and ecology. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 99: Marcel Rochon Interview: How Birding Helped a Brain Injury Survivor Find Peace & Recovery 🐦 | 23 Jun 2025 | 01:17:37 | |
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 difficult moments in life. Along the way, we also dive into some fascinating bird topics, including Belted Kingfishers, Cedar Waxwings getting “drunk” on fermented berries, bird behavior, and the joy of paying attention to the wildlife around us every day. Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole for one of the most personal and meaningful conversations we’ve had on the show—blending bird science, storytelling, mental health, wildlife, and human connection. If you love birding, birdwatching, nature stories, mental health conversations, bird behavior, wildlife science, ornithology, and inspiring stories about healing through nature, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 98: Peter Kaestner: The First Birder to See 10,000 Bird Species in the Wild 🐦 | 16 Jun 2025 | 01:34:04 | |
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, and insight. Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to explore global birding, rare birds, bird identification, international bird travel, ornithology, and what it takes to become one of the greatest birders in history. Peter’s passion, curiosity, humility, and storytelling made this one of our favorite conversations we’ve ever recorded—and honestly, none of us wanted it to end. If you love birding, birdwatching, world birding, rare birds, wildlife travel, ornithology, bird behavior, conservation, and fascinating bird stories from around the world, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 97: Orange-tufted Spiderhunter | 09 Jun 2025 | 00:35:10 | |
We’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 mailbag question on Rusty Blackbirds and Common Grackles. As always, you’ve got married ornithologists and Field Museum curators John Bates and Shannon Hackett, plus RJ Pole and Amanda Marquart. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 96: Black-Capped Chickadees: The Tiny Bird With an Incredible Memory 🐦 | 02 Jun 2025 | 00:58:01 | |
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 behavior, flock dynamics, and why chickadees are such favorites among birders, backyard birdwatchers, and nature lovers alike. We also answer a listener question about writer Ellen Meloy and her connection to nature writing, birds, and the natural world. If you love birding, birdwatching, backyard birds, bird songs and calls, bird behavior, ornithology, wildlife science, and fascinating bird facts, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 95: Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Explained: Migration, Speed & Incredible Flight | 26 May 2025 | 00:35:45 | |
Learn 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 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. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 94: Blackpoll Warbler Revisited - Epic Migration and More About Warblers | 19 May 2025 | 00:40:53 | |
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. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 93: Great Potoos: The Strangest Night Bird You’ve Never Heard Of 🌙🐦 | 12 May 2025 | 00:51:48 | |
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 are robin eggs blue? From egg pigmentation and bird evolution to nesting behavior and camouflage, we break down the science behind one of the most recognizable eggs in North America. Plus, we spotlight the stunning Prothonotary Warbler, a brilliant yellow songbird known for its swampy habitats, unique nesting behavior, and striking appearance during migration season. Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole for a fun conversation full of bird behavior, bird calls, bird identification, ornithology, wildlife science, and fascinating bird facts. If you love birding, birdwatching, nocturnal birds, tropical birds, warblers, bird behavior, strange animals, and nature podcasts, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 92: Wood Ducks: Nesting Behavior, Baby Ducklings & a Surprise Owl Sighting | 05 May 2025 | 01:03:39 | |
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.com Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 91: How NSF Budget Cuts Are Threatening U.S. Science – A Deep Dive with Ornithologists | 05 May 2025 | 00:31:18 | |
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. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 90: American Dipper - Bird that Walks Under Water | 28 Apr 2025 | 00:48:40 | |
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.com Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 116: Common Loon - An Eerie and Beautiful Call - Listener Request! | 27 Oct 2025 | 01:01:36 | |
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:
Whether you’ve heard their call on a quiet morning or are dreaming of your next lake getaway, this episode will transport you straight to the water’s edge. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 89: Red-Ruffed Fruitcrow | 14 Apr 2025 | 00:46:07 | |
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.com Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 88: Spotted Towhee - Bright Red Eyes! | 14 Apr 2025 | 00:33:23 | |
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.com Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||
| 87: Gambel’s Quail: The Desert Bird With the Incredible Topknot 🐦 | 07 Apr 2025 | 00:56:56 | |
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 curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to discuss Gambel’s Quail behavior, desert habitat, bird identification, quail ecology, and what makes these birds so well adapted to life in the Southwest. We also answer a listener mailbag question about owl pellets discovered at a flower farm in Illinois, leading to a fascinating conversation about owl behavior, bird diets, and what scientists can learn from owl pellets. If you love birding, birdwatching, desert birds, owls, bird behavior, ornithology, wildlife science, and fascinating bird facts, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: | |||