This week we discuss the Ring-Billed Gull and what differentiates it from other gulls. It's been a ton of fun to learn more about common birds, and then going back after listening/recording and seeing these common birds in a new way. You'll learn all about the Ring-Billed Gulls in this episode, as John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart discuss these gulls. We also answer a mailbag question about traveling specifically to see birds, and species counting as well. (One thing to n...
Sep 23, 2023•36 min•Ep. 15
This is one of our favorite episodes to date. The Willard's Sooty Boubou is a bird that lives in the Albertine Rift in Africa at a very specific elevation. John and his team at the Field Museum are actually responsible for determining that this bird is in fact its own unique species. We talk about what that process was like, what birding in Uganda, Rwanda, and The Democratic Republic of Congo was like, which included chimps pulling birds out of nets, and the threat of local militia groups. Join ...
Sep 11, 2023•41 min•Ep. 14
This week we discuss the Killdeer. These shorebirds (that aren't always near the shore) will put on a display where they pretend like they are injured to lure predators away from their eggs. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as we discuss the Killdeer. We also follow up on a previous discussion about how smoke and wildfires impact birds. We talk about a study in California called "Project Phoenix" where birders can help participate in studying the impact that wildfir...
Sep 04, 2023•33 min•Ep. 13
With the recent sightings of the Roseate Spoonbill in Green Bay, Wisconsin we thought it would be a good time to discuss these amazing birds. John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart talk what gives them their bright pink color, why they have a receding hairline, and what they are doing so far up north. We also discuss briefly the Limpkin that has been seen up in the Chicago area, and answer a question from one of our listeners. The listener Dustin Weidner is a photographer in C...
Aug 28, 2023•36 min•Ep. 12
What lives in caves, uses echolocation to navigate through the air, and is nocturnal? Oilbirds! These birds are so interesting, and no they are not bats. John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart discuss the Oilbird. This is a super wild one, so grab your night-vision binoculars and join us to learn more about the Oilbird. We also answer a question about hummingbird nests. You can send us your questions at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram to see pictures o...
Jul 31, 2023•27 min•Ep. 11
This week we discuss a bird that is common in most of the US: The Northern Cardinal. The state bird in 7 states, this bird wasn't always as widespread as it is today. Learn what has led to their increased distribution, and also what gives the males that bright red color. John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart discuss The Northern Cardinal. Like all of our episodes, this is great for people who are brand new to birding, or expert level. Please share with someone who you think w...
Jul 24, 2023•27 min•Ep. 10
We all know the Great Horned Owl, you can close your eyes and picture it. Hear what experts John Bates and Shannon Hackett have to say about these amazing birds as they discuss them with RJ and Amanda. Although beautiful and majestic, these birds are vicious predators. We also answer one of our listener questions about what a species is, and why that matters. This opens up some really interesting discussion. Enjoy! Email us at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com Follow us on instagram for pictures...
Jul 17, 2023•37 min•Ep. 9
John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart discuss the Purple Martin. These birds live almost entirely in man-made structures in the Eastern US, listen to learn more. We also discuss what impact fireworks have on birds, and what the recent smoke across the US means for birds. After that, we read a mailbag question about a Grackle that has been killing other birds in the suburbs. It's a jam-packed episode - our first since the 4th of July. Enjoy! Follow us in instagram @birds_of_a_...
Jul 10, 2023•32 min•Ep. 8
We have a shorter episode this week as we dive into a few of our listener mailbag questions. We talk about Red Knots on Sanibel Island, Florida. We'll be back after the Fourth of July with some more full episodes. Check out our instagram @birds_of_a_feather_podcast for more updates. We'll post an episode there of when John was on Ologies with Alie Ward. If you have any questions for us, please send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com Everyone have a happy Fourth of July! Here are links to ...
Jun 27, 2023•15 min•Ep. 7
On this week's episode we discuss the Frigatebird. John Bates, Shannon Hackett, Amanda Marquart and RJ Pole all talk about the Frigatebird, it's bizarre gular pouch and what is used for, and whether or not birds fly 'for fun'. (Spoiler alert, we think they do!) We also answer a mailbag question about the "Owl Theory" from the true crime documentary The Staircase. Hear what two bird experts think and owl is capable of! You won't want to miss this fun episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together. S...
Jun 19, 2023•29 min•Ep. 6
On this week's episode we discuss Sandhill Cranes. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as we dive into the world of the beautiful Sandhill Crane. From their migration, to whether or not birds 'mate for life', we get deep into discussion on these magnificent birds. We also cover the Ruby Crowned Kinglet, and answer a mailbag question on Peacocks. Enjoy! Check out pictures of the bird specimen on our instagram @birds_of_a_feather_podcast Please send us your questions for...
Jun 12, 2023•35 min•Ep. 5
John Bates and Shannon Hackett discuss the American Woodcock with their co-hosts RJ Pole and Amanda Marquart. We discuss their mating rituals, and learn some new details about these amazing birds. If you want to write into our show to be featured in our mailbag section, please give us a shout at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com Also visit our Instagram birds_of_a_feather_podcast Thanks! Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky...
Jun 05, 2023•29 min•Ep. 4
Coming soon are episodes on The American Woodcock, Sandhill Crane, and Frigatebird. Here's a little preview of what to expect! QqJip9ff9tcADGm6abuX Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky...
Jun 01, 2023•2 min
Join us this week as we answer more questions from our fans. John travels to Uganda, RJ travels to the San Juan Islands, and we learn about genetic mutations on birds and how it can effect their coloring. Birds of a Feather Talk Together is the ultimate bird podcast for expert birders and amateur birders who are just getting started. Join us on our journey! Do you want your question answered on the pod? Submit your questions at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com and we will answer them on our nex...
May 16, 2023•17 min•Ep. 3
Join us this week as we discuss the Birds of Paradise. From their mating rituals, to their exotic dancing, to a bird specimen that may have been found by Alfred Russel Wallace himself. John and Shannon's knowledge of the Birds of Paradise is truly fascinating, as we jump in to learn more. We love to hear from our fans! Please submit mailbag questions at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com and we'll answer your question on the next episode. Thank you for listening! Here are links to our social and ...
May 16, 2023•38 min•Ep. 2
Join John Bates and Shannon Hackett as they teach birding enthusiasts RJ and Amanda on their journey to learn more about the Ivory Billed Woodpecker. John and Shannon work at the Chicago Field Museum and manage one of the largest collection of bird specimen in the world. The Ivory Billed may (or may not?) be extinct, but either way John and Shannon have up close and personal access to actual Ivory Billed. Join us to learn more! Questions? Submit mailbag questions at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail...
May 16, 2023•33 min•Ep. 1
