Birds of a Feather Talk Together

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: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

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: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

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: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

Welcome back to Birds of a Feather Talk Together, the podcast where bird lovers flock to learn more about the amazing world of birds! In this episode, we’re diving into two of North America’s most look-alike woodpeckers — the Downy Woodpecker and the Hairy Woodpecker. Whether you’re a new bird watcher trying to tell these two apart, or an experienced birder curious about their unique behaviors and adaptations, this episode has something for you. Join your favorite birding hosts — John Bates and Shannon Hackett, married ornithologists from the Field Museum, along with RJ Pole and his wife Amanda — as they share field stories, ID tips, and fascinating facts about these incredible birds. Plus, we answer a mailbag question from one of our longtime listeners that led to a surprisingly “spark”-filled discussion — you won’t want to miss it! 🎧 Tune in now for bird identification tips, fun woodpecker facts, and expert insight from some of the best voices in ornithology. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

Welcome back to Birds of a Feather Talk Together! We’re taking a short break this week, but we’ve got something special lined up for you. While we gear up for upcoming episodes on Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers—and even a deep dive into the mysterious world of loons—we’re revisiting one of our most popular interviews from last year. In this replay, your hosts John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Pole sit down with Kirk Wallace Johnson, acclaimed author of The Feather Thief. His bestselling book tells the gripping true story of obsession, theft, and the black market trade for rare bird feathers—a tale that bird lovers, naturalists, and true-crime fans alike will find fascinating. This story hits close to home for John and Shannon, curators of birds at the Field Museum. John even served as an advisor to Johnson while he was researching the book. Whether you’re a birder, a natural history fan, or simply love a great story, this episode is packed with insight, passion, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most talked-about bird-related books in recent memory. Grab your binoculars (and maybe a copy of The Feather Thief)—and enjoy our conversation with Kirk Wallace Johnson! Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

This week we’re revisiting one of our older episodes all about the Kirtland’s warbler. If you caught our interview with Peter Kaestner (episode 98), you might remember that he almost went birding on the morning of his wedding just to see this bird—so if Peter was that excited, you know it’s going to be a good one. The Kirtland’s warbler has a fascinating story, from populations threatened by the brown-headed cowbird—which we talked about last week—to an unexpected connection with the infamous murderers Leopold and Loeb. So whether you’re here for the bird facts or a little true-crime twist, you’re in for a treat. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

We’re revisiting our episode on the brown-headed cowbird, and trust me, this one’s a wild ride. Did you know cowbirds don’t build their own nests, but instead lay their eggs in other birds’ nests and let them do the parenting? Even birds that aren’t even close in size will get stuck raising the chicks of a brown-headed cowbird. Hosts John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Pole talk about the Brown-headed Cowbird! Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

This week we’re excited to welcome two special guests—Olivia Sanderfoot and Allison Shultz—to talk about Project Phoenix. This important project is exploring how wildfire smoke impacts birds on the West Coast, and what that means for their survival in a rapidly warming world. Understanding these effects is critical for shaping conservation strategies, and we can’t wait to learn more from Olivia and Allison in this conversation. It’s a truly fascinating discussion, and they were so great to talk to and are amazing advocates for this cause. I think you’re going to walk away with a lot from this one. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

Everyone loves woodpeckers, and the Red-headed Woodpecker is one of the coolest! Listen to what makes this bird unique, like hiding grasshoppers in trees to eat later (while they are still alive.) RJ also tells some paddleboarding mishaps, and talks about some molting mallards that he saw recently. Join RJ, Amanda, John, and Shannon this week to talk about the Red-headed Woodpecker! Here are some of the links to cat resources which we talked about in our mailbag section: https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/killer-cats-bash-biodiversity/ https://pjvogt.substack.com/p/whatre-we-gonna-do-about-all-these https://www.amazon.com/Cat-Wars-Devastating-Consequences-Cuddly/dp/0691167419 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrfXmyuzBAw https://abcbirds.org/program/cats-indoors/cats-and-birds/ https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/are-outdoor-cats-happier Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

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: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

Welcome back to Birds of a Feather Talk Together! This week, the full crew—John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Pole—are back to highlight one of North America’s tiniest and most charming songbirds: the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. It’s Amanda’s pick this week, and she’s sharing why this lively little bird is one of her absolute favorites. If you’ve ever heard a high, buzzy call in the treetops before spotting the bird itself, chances are you’ve encountered a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. These energetic birds may be small, but they’re full of personality! In this episode, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher—from its habitat and behaviors to how birders can identify it in the wild. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just getting started, you’ll love learning what makes this species such a joy to watch. Tune in for bird facts, fun stories, and expert insights from the Birds of a Feather Talk Together crew. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

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: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

In this fun and fan-fueled episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're diving into the mailbag to answer your burning bird questions! It's our usual hosts, married ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett, and married birding enthusiasts RJ and Amanda Pole. First up: What’s the deal with all those birds hanging out in roadside water in Florida? Then we head north to Pennsylvania to talk about house sparrows, crows, and their neighborhood behavior. Join us for a lively conversation full of curious observations, birdy insights, and a few laughs along the way. We love hearing from our listeners, and this episode is all about celebrating your questions and stories! Send us more—we might just read yours on the next mailbag episode! 🐦📬 Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

In this week’s episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re thrilled to welcome ornithologist Jenna McCullough to the show for a deep dive into one of the most endangered birds on the planet: the Guam Kingfisher. Once extinct in the wild, this striking bird—known for its bold colors and elusive nature—has become a powerful symbol of conservation. Jenna shares the incredible story of how scientists are working to bring the Guam Kingfisher back from the brink, the challenges of breeding and reintroducing birds in captivity, and why this species matters for the future of island ecosystems. It's a conversation full of hope, science, and passion for birdlife. Hosted by married ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett, alongside amateur birding couple RJ and Amanda Pole, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about birds, biodiversity, and what it takes to save a species. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

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: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re diving deep into the world of kookaburras, the iconic laughing bird of Australia, with ornithologist Jenna McCullough. Jenna is a third-generation birdwatcher from Boise, Idaho, with a PhD in Biology from the University of New Mexico. She’s currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Kentucky and soon starting a prestigious National Science Foundation fellowship at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and UCLA. Jenna joins hosts Shannon and John to discuss everything about kookaburras, from their distinctive laughing call to their role in the kingfisher family. We explore their behavior, habitat, and why these birds have become such beloved symbols of the Australian bush. Plus, learn about the new Kingfisher Exhibit at the Field Museum in Chicago, where Jenna, Shannon, and John have all contributed their expertise. If you’ve ever wondered why kookaburras laugh, where they live, or how they fit into the larger kingfisher family tree, this episode is for you. Subscribe now to Birds of a Feather Talk Together for more in-depth conversations about the fascinating world of birds! Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

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: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

We’re joined by a fan of the show who reached out with a heartfelt letter that really moved us. Our guest, Marcel, is a passionate birder with a story that is truly touching. From being a world-class athlete to navigating the challenges of a severe brain injury, he found healing and meaning in nature and birding. We’ll start by sharing the touching email he sent us—and then we’ll introduce you to our inspiring new friend, Marcel. Along the way, we also talk about Belted Kingfishers, Cedar Waxwings getting drunk, just how powerful a connection to the wildlife around you can be. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky