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Birds of a Feather Talk Together

Birds of a Feather Talk Together

By: John Bates Shannon Hackett RJ Pole Amanda Marquart
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About this listen

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!

© 2025 Birds of a Feather Talk Together Biological Sciences Science
Episodes
  • 98: Peter Kaestner Interview - Seeing 10,000 Bird Species In The Wild!

    98: Peter Kaestner Interview - Seeing 10,000 Bird Species In The Wild!
    Jun 16 2025

    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:

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    1 hr and 34 mins
  • 97: Orange-tufted Spiderhunter

    97: Orange-tufted Spiderhunter
    Jun 9 2025

    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:

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    BlueSky
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    35 mins
  • 96: Black-capped Chickadee - Cute Bird with a Mighty Brain

    96: Black-capped Chickadee - Cute Bird with a Mighty Brain
    Jun 2 2025

    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:

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    BlueSky
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    58 mins

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