Birds of a Feather Talk Together

John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, Amanda Marquart
  • 4.9 (48)
  • Nature
  • Updated Weekly

Birds of a Feather Talk Together is a birding and birdwatching podcast for beginners and experts alike, blending expert ornithology with curiosity, storytelling, humor, and real-time discovery. Hosted from Chicago by married Field Museum ornithologists and curators John Bates and Shannon Hackett, alongside birding enthusiasts RJ and Amanda Pole, the podcast explores the fascinating world of birds through conversations that are educational, approachable, and fun. Each episode dives into bird behavior, bird migration, bird identification, bird songs and calls, backyard birds, conservation, bird intelligence, evolution, ecology, and the science behind how birds live and adapt. From hummingbirds, owls, woodpeckers, warblers, and herons to rare bird sightings, viral bird stories, and surprising animal behavior, every episode uncovers something remarkable about the natural world. What makes the show unique is the mix of professional scientists and newer birders learning in real time together. Whether you’re an experienced birder, a casual birdwatcher, or completely new to birding, the conversations are designed to make ornithology accessible and engaging without losing the depth of the science. The podcast regularly features stories and research connected to the Field Museum, listener-submitted bird sightings, birding adventures, wildlife conservation topics, and current events from across the birding world. If you love birds, birdwatching, nature podcasts, wildlife, science storytelling, animal behavior, or simply want to better understand the birds around you, Birds of a Feather Talk Together will help you see the natural world in a whole new way.

  1. 5d ago

    161: Black Phoebe and Urban Birding Festival Preview

    This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re talking all about the Black Phoebe—a charismatic little flycatcher of the western United States known for its tail-wagging, insect-catching acrobatics, and habit of nesting around homes and other human structures. Thanks to listener Emily for inspiring this episode! She wrote in to tell us about a Black Phoebe nesting in her carport, which sent us down the rabbit hole on this fascinating bird. We get into Black Phoebe behavior, nesting, identification, and some of the things that make this species so much fun to have around. We also kick things off with a preview of the Chicago Urban Birding Festival, happening this weekend! Birds of a Feather will be recording a live episode at the festival, complete with an audience Q&A. Also performing are Tommy and Billy from Extremely Accurate Bird Songs—which somehow leads us into a conversation about a certain piece of bird anatomy that could make Tommy’s already extremely accurate bird drawings even more accurate. We’ll leave it at that. As always, Birds of a Feather Talk Together brings together married ornithologists Dr. John Bates and Dr. Shannon Hackett with birders RJ Pole and Amanda Pole for conversations about birds, birding, ornithology, natural history, and everything we discover along the way. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube  Instagram TikTok BlueSky

    161: Black Phoebe and Urban Birding Festival Preview

  2. Sep 7

    160: Our Summer Birding Adventures - Maine Birding and Much More!

    This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re catching up on our summer birding adventures! RJ and Amanda share stories from their trip to Maine, including birding around Bar Harbor and taking a wildlife cruise along the coast. They encountered some incredible seabirds, including Atlantic Puffins, Common Eiders, and Black Guillemots, and talk about what it was like seeing these iconic Maine birds in person. We also get into another fascinating part of coastal Maine: the lobster fishing industry. After spending time around lobster boats and learning more about the fishery, RJ and Amanda discuss some of the sustainability practices used by Maine lobstermen and how closely the industry is connected to the coastal ecosystem. Meanwhile, John and Shannon share stories from their summer, including meeting Tommy Siegel and Billy Libby from Extremely Accurate Bird Songs. We also look ahead to the Chicago Urban Birding Festival, where Birds of a Feather will be appearing for a live show. And before all of that, we kick things off with some incredible bird pins created by artist Jimmy Gonzalez. From Atlantic Puffins and Black Guillemots to lobster boats, bird art, Extremely Accurate Bird Songs, and the Chicago Urban Birding Festival, this episode is a celebration of a summer spent around birds. Birds of a Feather Talk Together is a conversational birding and ornithology podcast hosted by Field Museum ornithologists Dr. John Bates and Dr. Shannon Hackett alongside birders RJ and Amanda Pole. Each week, we explore birds, birding, ornithology, conservation, and the natural world. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube  Instagram TikTok BlueSky

  3. Aug 31

    159: Common Loon Revisited: The Iconic Call of the North

    We're wrapping up our summer break with a revisit to one of North America's most iconic birds: the Common Loon! We'll be back next week with brand-new episodes, but before we do, we're heading back to one of our favorite conversations about this unmistakable bird. From their striking black-and-white plumage and incredible diving abilities to the haunting calls that echo across northern lakes, Common Loons are truly fascinating birds. And speaking of that famous sound—we're going to play a Common Loon call right before the episode begins! We talk a lot about their different vocalizations and that iconic call throughout the episode, so we wanted everyone to hear it before we dive in. Join Field Museum Curators of Birds Dr. John Bates and Dr. Shannon Hackett, along with RJ and Amanda, as we explore the biology, behavior, vocalizations, and natural history of the Common Loon. Whether you've heard a loon calling across a lake, spotted one while birding, or are just discovering what makes these birds so special, we hope you enjoy revisiting this episode with us. Birds of a Feather Talk Together is a birding and ornithology podcast for everyone—from experienced birders to people just beginning to discover the world of birds. 🎧 Brand-new episodes return next week! #CommonLoon #Birding #BirdWatching #Birds #Ornithology #BirdPodcast #FieldMuseum #BirdCalls #Loon #Wildlife #NaturePodcast Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube  Instagram TikTok BlueSky

    159: Common Loon Revisited: The Iconic Call of the North

  4. Aug 24

    158: Black-capped Chickadee Revisited: The Tiny Bird With an Incredible Memory 🐦

    The Black-capped Chickadee may be tiny, but it has one of the most remarkable memories in the bird world. This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're revisiting one of our favorite conversations about this beloved backyard bird. Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to explore Black-capped Chickadee intelligence, behavior, food caching, winter survival, nesting, identification, and their famous "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call. One of the most fascinating things about chickadees is their ability to hide food throughout their environment and later remember where they stored it. We explore how chickadee memory works, why food caching is so important during winter, and what scientists have learned by studying the brains and behavior of these remarkable little birds. We also get into chickadee communication and their surprisingly complex calls. What does the "chick-a-dee" call mean? How do chickadees warn one another about predators? And why have Black-capped Chickadees become such an important species for scientists studying bird intelligence and cognition? Whether Black-capped Chickadees visit your backyard feeder every day or you're just discovering them, this episode will give you a new appreciation for one of North America's smartest and most charismatic backyard birds. Birds of a Feather Talk Together is hosted by Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett alongside birders RJ and Amanda Pole, combining expert ornithology with the questions and curiosity of everyday birdwatchers. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube  Instagram TikTok BlueSky

    158: Black-capped Chickadee Revisited: The Tiny Bird With an Incredible Memory 🐦

  5. Aug 17

    157: Alpine Accentors Revisited: One of the Wildest Mating Systems in the Bird World 🐦

    This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're revisiting one of our most unforgettable episodes: the Alpine Accentor. While we're taking a short summer break, we couldn't resist bringing back this fascinating conversation about a bird that has one of the most unusual mating systems ever discovered. If you thought bird behavior couldn't surprise you, think again. Native to the high mountains of Europe and Asia, the Alpine Accentor has become famous among ornithologists for its extraordinarily complex breeding behavior. Unlike many birds that form simple pairs, Alpine Accentors have a highly flexible mating system involving multiple males and multiple females—making them one of the most studied species in behavioral ecology. This unique breeding strategy has led to one of the most remarkable biological adaptations in birds: male Alpine Accentors have exceptionally large testes relative to their body size, an evolutionary response to intense competition for reproduction. We explore the science behind this adaptation, why it evolved, and what it teaches us about bird behavior and evolution. Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole for one of our funniest and most surprising conversations as we dive into Alpine Accentor behavior, mating systems, bird evolution, reproductive biology, behavioral ecology, and the incredible diversity of strategies birds use to pass on their genes. Whether you're fascinated by bird behavior, evolution, ornithology, wildlife science, or simply enjoy discovering the strangest stories in the natural world, this episode is guaranteed to surprise you. If you love birding, birdwatching, bird behavior, evolution, animal behavior, ornithology, wildlife biology, behavioral ecology, 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: YouTube  Instagram TikTok BlueSky

    157: Alpine Accentors Revisited: One of the Wildest Mating Systems in the Bird World 🐦

  6. Aug 10

    156: Baltimore Orioles: The Master Weavers of the Bird World 🧡🐦

    How does a Baltimore Oriole build one of the most extraordinary nests in the bird world? This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive into the fascinating world of the Baltimore Oriole—one of North America's most beautiful and recognizable songbirds. Famous for their brilliant orange-and-black plumage, rich flute-like songs, and remarkable hanging nests, Baltimore Orioles are favorites among backyard birdwatchers. But their incredible ability to weave a nest suspended from thin branches makes them even more fascinating. Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to explore how Baltimore Orioles build their nests, what they eat, where they migrate, how to identify them, and what makes their behavior so unusual. How do Baltimore Orioles weave their hanging nests? Where do they go in winter? What do Baltimore Orioles eat? How can you attract orioles to your backyard? And why are their nests so different from those of many other songbirds? We also hear about John's experience hosting Chicago broadcasting legend Geoffrey Baer at the Field Museum for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's great natural history museums. Whether you're hoping to see a Baltimore Oriole in your backyard or simply want to understand how a bird can weave such an incredible structure, this episode takes you inside the biology and behavior of one of North America's most spectacular birds. Birds of a Feather Talk Together combines expert ornithology from Field Museum scientists John Bates and Shannon Hackett with the curiosity of birders RJ and Amanda Pole. Link to see RJ on J Schwanke's Life In Bloom: https://schedule.wttw.com/series/28891/J-Schwankes-Life-In-Bloom/watch/get-outside-ZpiZD1 Link to hear John on Ologies with Alie Ward: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oology-eggs-with-john-bates/id1278815517?i=1000417763781 Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube  Instagram TikTok BlueSky

    156: Baltimore Orioles: The Master Weavers of the Bird World 🧡🐦

  7. Aug 3

    155: Noisy Miners: Why Is This Australian Bird So Aggressive?

    Why does one of Australia's most familiar birds have a reputation for being such a bully? In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're exploring the Noisy Miner—a highly social, intelligent, territorial Australian bird that can completely change the bird community around it. John recently encountered Noisy Miners while birding in Australia, giving us the perfect opportunity to explore the fascinating—and sometimes controversial—behavior of this species. Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to explain Noisy Miner aggression, social behavior, territoriality, habitat, ecology, and their interactions with other Australian birds. Why are Noisy Miners so aggressive? Why do they attack and chase other birds? Are Noisy Miners invasive? What's the difference between a Noisy Miner and an introduced Common Myna? And how can one native species become so abundant that it affects other birds living nearby? We also discuss the incredible video "When Good Birds Go Bad" and John's firsthand experiences watching these birds in Australia. The Noisy Miner is a perfect example of why nature isn't always as simple as "native species good, introduced species bad." Their story involves behavior, habitat change, competition, and the complicated ways human-altered environments can favor certain species. If you love Australian wildlife, unusual bird behavior, or animals that don't quite behave the way you'd expect, the Noisy Miner is a fascinating bird to discover. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube  Instagram TikTok BlueSky

    155: Noisy Miners: Why Is This Australian Bird So Aggressive?

  8. Jul 27

    154: Chimney Swifts: The Birds That Almost Never Stop Flying

    How can a bird spend almost its entire life in the air? In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're diving into the remarkable world of the Chimney Swift—one of North America's most unusual aerial birds. Chimney Swifts are built for life on the wing. They feed on flying insects in midair, spend much of their day airborne, and even gather in spectacular flocks before disappearing into chimneys to roost. Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to explore Chimney Swift flight, migration, nesting, roosting, diet, and the incredible adaptations that allow these birds to spend so much time in the sky. How long can Chimney Swifts stay in the air? Do they ever land? Why do hundreds or even thousands of swifts gather around chimneys? What do Chimney Swifts eat? Where did they nest before humans built chimneys? And where do they go during the winter? We also explore the unusual relationship between Chimney Swifts and humans. As old chimneys disappear or are capped, these birds are losing structures that have become important nesting and roosting habitat. If you've ever watched a swirling flock of birds disappear into a chimney at sunset—or seen mysterious crescent-shaped birds racing through the sky—this episode will give you a whole new appreciation for the incredible Chimney Swift. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube  Instagram TikTok BlueSky

    154: Chimney Swifts: The Birds That Almost Never Stop Flying
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4.9
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

Birds of a Feather Talk Together is a birding and birdwatching podcast for beginners and experts alike, blending expert ornithology with curiosity, storytelling, humor, and real-time discovery. Hosted from Chicago by married Field Museum ornithologists and curators John Bates and Shannon Hackett, alongside birding enthusiasts RJ and Amanda Pole, the podcast explores the fascinating world of birds through conversations that are educational, approachable, and fun. Each episode dives into bird behavior, bird migration, bird identification, bird songs and calls, backyard birds, conservation, bird intelligence, evolution, ecology, and the science behind how birds live and adapt. From hummingbirds, owls, woodpeckers, warblers, and herons to rare bird sightings, viral bird stories, and surprising animal behavior, every episode uncovers something remarkable about the natural world. What makes the show unique is the mix of professional scientists and newer birders learning in real time together. Whether you’re an experienced birder, a casual birdwatcher, or completely new to birding, the conversations are designed to make ornithology accessible and engaging without losing the depth of the science. The podcast regularly features stories and research connected to the Field Museum, listener-submitted bird sightings, birding adventures, wildlife conservation topics, and current events from across the birding world. If you love birds, birdwatching, nature podcasts, wildlife, science storytelling, animal behavior, or simply want to better understand the birds around you, Birds of a Feather Talk Together will help you see the natural world in a whole new way.

Information

  • Creator
    John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, Amanda Marquart
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    165
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Birds of a Feather Talk Together
  • Show Website
    Birds of a Feather Talk Together

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