Birds of a Feather Talk Together

Nature #235

Join John Bates and Shannon Hackett, two seasoned bird experts, as they soar through the fascinating world of birds in this must-listen podcast for bird lovers of all levels! Whether you're an experienced birder or just starting to explore the wonders of the avian world, Birds of a Feather Talk Together has something for everyone.

With exclusive access to one of the largest bird collections in the United States, John and Shannon are joined by amateur birders RJ Pole and Amanda Marquart for in-depth discussions on exotic, rare, extinct, and common birds from around the globe. From the tiniest sparrows to the mighty eagles, no feathered friend is left out.

Each episode brings exciting stories, expert insights, and birding tips—perfect for anyone who has ever been fascinated by the beauty, behavior, and mysteries of birds. Whether you're a lifelong bird watcher or a beginner looking to learn more, this podcast will inspire you to discover new species, dive into bird conservation, and learn from the pros!

Why Listen?

Discover rare and exotic bird species you never knew existed.

Get insider tips from top bird experts on identifying and spotting birds.

Learn about bird conservation efforts and the latest in avian research.

A perfect podcast for beginners and experienced birders alike.

Hit subscribe now and start your journey into the incredible world of birds—one chirp at a time!

93: Great Potoo, we also talk Prothonotary Warbler and Answer A Question on Robin's Eggs
May 12, 2025 – 51:48
92: Wood Ducks: Nesting Behavior, Baby Ducklings & a Surprise Owl Sighting
May 5, 2025 – 01:03:39
91: How NSF Budget Cuts Are Threatening U.S. Science – A Deep Dive with Ornithologists
May 4, 2025 – 31:18
90: American Dipper - Bird that Walks Under Water
Apr 28, 2025 – 48:40
89: Red-Ruffed Fruitcrow
Apr 14, 2025 – 46:07
88: Spotted Towhee - Bright Red Eyes!
Apr 14, 2025 – 33:23
87: Gambel's Quail - Sedona, topknots, and who was Gambel?
Apr 7, 2025 – 56:56
86: Hoatzin Revisited with Jacob Drucker - You've Seen It On 'The Americas' on NBC
Mar 31, 2025 – 24:01
85: Purple Martins Revisited - Migrating to the U.S. to live in man-made structures
Mar 24, 2025 – 25:01
84: Mourning Dove
Mar 17, 2025 – 27:48
83: Harlequin Duck - Fascinating Waterfowl with Stunning Plumage
Mar 10, 2025 – 32:38
82: Kirk Wallace Johnson Interview - The Feather Thief - The Shocking True-Crime Tale of a Museum Heist & Rare Bird Feathers
Mar 3, 2025 – 01:22:36
81: The Feather Thief Part 6: Obsession, A Possible Accomplice, Final Thoughts
Feb 24, 2025 – 35:27
80: The Feather Thief Part 5: The Crime, The Importance of Museum Collections, also a discussion on Canada and also precious metals
Feb 17, 2025 – 50:05
79: The Feather Thief Part 4: The Argus Pheasant and Jason Weckstein Joins Us Again!!
Feb 10, 2025 – 37:07
78: The Feather Thief Part 3: Fly-tying with guest Jason Weckstein
Feb 3, 2025 – 45:25
77: The Feather Thief Part 2: Walter Rothschild, Feather Fever, and the start of the Audubon Society
Jan 27, 2025 – 33:36
76: The Feather Thief Part 1 - Alfred Russel Wallace, also the horrific crime that occurred at the museum
Jan 20, 2025 – 01:04:09
75: The Feather Thief Prologue - Quick Listen Prior to Starting The Mini-Series :)
Jan 19, 2025 – 20:02
74: John Returns From The Falklands, Gentoo Penguins, What Do Birds Do In The Rain?
Jan 13, 2025 – 56:46
73: Willard's Sooty Boubou Revisited - A New Species Described
Jan 6, 2025 – 41:23
72: The Archaeopteryx at the Field Museum + An Exciting Announcement
Dec 30, 2024 – 14:06
71: Christmas Bird Count, The Feather Thief Question, An Exciting Announcement!
Dec 23, 2024 – 10:05
70: Holiday Wrap-Up - What We've Learned
Dec 16, 2024 – 22:09
69: John's Trip to the Falkland Islands, also we talk about Bird Flu
Dec 9, 2024 – 34:45
68: The Rusty Blackbird - Dramatic population decline, also a question on 'The Big Year'
Dec 2, 2024 – 26:59
67: Wild Turkey Revisited - with Jacob Drucker
Nov 25, 2024 – 23:27
66: White-throated Sparrow
Nov 18, 2024 – 45:34
65: Wrentits with Kevin Burns
Nov 11, 2024 – 47:11
64: Inti Tanager with Kevin Burns - Also known as the 'Kill Bill' Tanager
Nov 4, 2024 – 57:19
63: Kagu - Ghosts of the Forest
Oct 28, 2024 – 40:05
62: Unlock the Secrets of Mindful Birdwatching with Joan E. Strassmann | New Book 'The Slow Birding Journal'
Oct 21, 2024 – 27:51
61: Roseate Spoonbill Revisited - The Color Pink
Oct 14, 2024 – 35:13
60: Double-crested Cormorant, drying their wings, swimming with heavy bones
Oct 7, 2024 – 57:50
59: Darwin's Finches (they're tanagers!) with Kevin Burns
Sep 30, 2024 – 39:42
58: Tanagers with Kevin Burns
Sep 23, 2024 – 46:32
Teaser: We Are Down This Week - Exciting Episodes On The Horizon!
Sep 16, 2024 – 01:10
57: Medley - Warblers, European Goldfinches, Cassowaries, Horse Flies, Oh my!
Sep 9, 2024 – 32:19
56: Alpine Accentor - Let's talk about bird sex high in the mountains
Sep 2, 2024 – 40:10
55: Peg-billed Finch - Elusive bird from Costa Rica, Shannon and John's experience with them
Aug 26, 2024 – 31:13
54: Black-billed Magpie - Fighting cats, bird funerals, and interactions with humans
Aug 19, 2024 – 29:15
53: Greater Roadrunner - Adaptations to Live In the Desert, How Fast Are They?
Aug 12, 2024 – 42:33
52: Burrowing Owls with Aiyana Reissman from Living Coast Discovery Center
Aug 5, 2024 – 58:24
51: Multiple Topics: Belted Kingfisher Family, CT Scanning Birds, Bird Dialect, and A Movie About Cowbirds?
Jul 29, 2024 – 01:06:18
50: Northern Flicker - Hybridization, CTE From Banging Head?
Jul 22, 2024 – 36:48
49: Giant Hummingbird - New Study!
Jul 15, 2024 – 48:50
48: Ospreys with Jack Wildlife (Jack Turner) - Memes, Photography, Also Golden-Cheeked Warbler
Jul 8, 2024 – 01:23:34
Happy Fourth of July! - Teaser for Upcoming Episodes + Spreading the joy of birds
Jul 1, 2024 – 02:05
47: Light-footed Ridgway's Rail with Aiyana Reissman from Living Coast Discovery Center
Jun 24, 2024 – 48:44
46: Cicadas with Maureen Turcatel - impact on birds, blue-eyed cicada, and fungus!
Jun 17, 2024 – 50:15

Recent Reviews

AAAAiiimmmmmm

Love this podcast!!

I have been looking for a podcast that talks about all kinds of birds, all kinds of insects all kinds of pollinators, and I am thrilled beyond words to have found you all. I loved the casual talk as if you’re sitting around the kitchen table just sharing stories. you’re all comfortable with one another. The conversation is wide ranging you ask questions in the moment it’s not heavily scripted. It feels like I am there at the table with you sharing stories and listening to stories. Absolutely dream thank you so much for all of your work and everything you do in the world. Aimee in Stockton Springs Maine
Layton L.

Birdwatchers Talking Together

Going bird by bird is how birds are discovered in the field. And going bird by bird is how birds should be talked about in the field. Birds of a Feather Talk Together is a birdwatcher’s podcast dream come true.
CVG7777

Listen to this podcast I’d you listen to birds!

Great new podcast that has great information and fun conversations about birds!!!
IAmDusti

Love this podcast

Everyone should give this show a listen, from the bird-curious to the bird enthusiasts! It’s a great resource for fun facts and a great jumping off point to then dive into more research into specific topics if you want. I also like the casual conversation aspect and it gives us a glimpse at some of the complexities that are woven throughout ornithology… for example, they once touched on “what is a species” And the fact that one of the hosts “doesn’t believe in species”. I’m not even sure what that statement means right now but it sure piqued my curiosity! Keep it up guys 👏
DKS221

Interesting new podcast

I am enjoying the informal conversations between two beginner birders and the two curators of the Field Museum bird collection. While there are interesting facts and discussions, I particularly like their love and wonder of birds that clearly comes through.