Birds of a Feather Talk Together
John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, Amanda Marquart
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!
1 Listener
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 Birds of a Feather Talk Together Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Birds of a Feather Talk Together episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Birds of a Feather Talk Together for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Birds of a Feather Talk Together episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
66: White-throated Sparrow
Birds of a Feather Talk Together
11/18/24 • 45 min
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 [email protected]
Make sure to follow us on instagram, Blue Sky Social and tik tok as well!!
Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:
1 Listener
96: Black-capped Chickadee - Cute Bird with a Mighty Brain
Birds of a Feather Talk Together
06/02/25 • 58 min
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.
Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:
1 Listener
1 Comment
1
48: Ospreys with Jack Wildlife (Jack Turner) - Memes, Photography, Also Golden-Cheeked Warbler
Birds of a Feather Talk Together
07/08/24 • 83 min
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.
There was an exciting story on Osprey in The America's with Tom Hanks recently, hope this helps tell that story as well!
Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to [email protected]
Make sure to follow us on instagram and tik tok as well!!
Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:
1 Listener
63: Kagu - Ghosts of the Forest
Birds of a Feather Talk Together
10/28/24 • 40 min
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. Here is the organization that we were referencing in the feather question: https://libertywildlife.org/conservation-services/non-eagle-feather-repository-2/
Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to [email protected]
Make sure to follow us on instagram and tik tok as well!!
Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:
1 Listener
83: Harlequin Duck - Fascinating Waterfowl with Stunning Plumage
Birds of a Feather Talk Together
03/10/25 • 32 min
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 [email protected]
Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Blue Sky Social, YouTube and tik tok as well!!
Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:
1 Listener
84: Mourning Dove
Birds of a Feather Talk Together
03/17/25 • 27 min
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 [email protected]
Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Blue Sky Social, YouTube and tik tok as well!!
Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:
1 Listener
1 Comment
1
35: European Starlings with Louise Bodt + Round Robin Tourney First Round Voting :)
Birds of a Feather Talk Together
03/25/24 • 35 min
This week we talk to Louise Bodt about the European Starlings. Louise Bodt is a PhD candidate at the University of Chicago and the Field Museum using introduced birds to study rapid evolutionary change. Prior to joining the Field Museum birds lab, she worked as a science educator in NYC where she got her MS in biology investigating genetics of invasive European starlings.
We also kick off our Round Robin Tournament and vote on our first round. It's a lot of fun and we were laughing the whole time. We want our listeners to vote as well, we'll post info on our Instagram.
Enjoy!
Please follow our instagram @birds_of_a_feather_podcast
Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to [email protected]
Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:
1 Listener
45: Ruby-Throated Hummingbird - Also a question on feather iridescence and/or mutation
Birds of a Feather Talk Together
06/10/24 • 36 min
Somehow it has taken us 45 episodes to get to our first hummingbird - but it's finally here! We have a ton of fun talking about the ruby-throated hummingbird today. John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart are all here for our hummingbird discussion. Enjoy!
Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to [email protected]
Make sure to follow us on instagram and tik tok as well!!
Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:
1 Listener
1 Comment
1
50: Northern Flicker - Hybridization, CTE From Banging Head?
Birds of a Feather Talk Together
07/22/24 • 36 min
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 [email protected]
Make sure to follow us on instagram and tik tok as well!!
Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:
1 Listener
1 Comment
1
92: Wood Ducks: Nesting Behavior, Baby Ducklings & a Surprise Owl Sighting
Birds of a Feather Talk Together
05/05/25 • 63 min
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 [email protected]
Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Blue Sky Social, YouTube and tik tok as well!!
Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:
1 Listener
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Birds of a Feather Talk Together have?
Birds of a Feather Talk Together currently has 101 episodes available.
What topics does Birds of a Feather Talk Together cover?
The podcast is about Leisure, Nature, Outdoors, Podcasts, Science, Birds and Birding.
What is the most popular episode on Birds of a Feather Talk Together?
The episode title 'Happy Fourth of July! - Teaser for Upcoming Episodes + Spreading the joy of birds' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Birds of a Feather Talk Together?
The average episode length on Birds of a Feather Talk Together is 35 minutes.
How often are episodes of Birds of a Feather Talk Together released?
Episodes of Birds of a Feather Talk Together are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together?
The first episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together was released on May 16, 2023.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ