Birds of a Feather Talk Together

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

This week, we have a truly special guest—Peter Kaestner, the first person in history to see over 10,000 bird species in the wild. It’s a mind-blowing achievement. Peter took us on an unforgettable journey through his life as a birder, and how his career as a diplomat allowed him to travel the globe. He shared incredible stories—like birding in Colombia during the height of Pablo Escobar’s power, and even discovering a new species. His passion, humor, and humility made this such a joy to record. Honestly, we were having so much fun, none of us wanted the conversation to end. You’ll hear us try to wrap it up multiple times but then just get into some more fun stories and conversation. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

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: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

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.

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.

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.

This week, we dive into the weird and wonderful world of the Great Potoo—a mysterious nocturnal bird with haunting eyes and an even stranger call. Ever wondered why robin eggs are blue? We’ve got the answer! Plus, we spotlight one of North America’s most stunning songbirds: the Prothonotary Warbler, known for its brilliant yellow plumage and swampy haunts. If you're a bird lover, nature nerd, or just curious about the strangest birds on Earth, this episode is packed with fun facts, surprising science, and beautiful bird calls. 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow bird lovers!

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 Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Blue Sky Social, YouTube and tik tok as well!!

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.

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 Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Blue Sky Social, YouTube and tik tok as well!!

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 Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Blue Sky Social, YouTube and tik tok as well!!