Birds of a Feather Talk Together
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!
Birds of a Feather Talk Together
75: The Feather Thief Prologue - Quick Listen Prior to Starting The Mini-Series :)
We’re stepping away from our usual routine to dive into something a bit different—The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson. This is a story of a museum heist, someone who stole rare bird skins from a museum in order to sell them on the dark web to fly-fisherman.
Two of our hosts, John Bates and Shannon Hackett, are curators at the Field Museum in Chicago, making them perfect guides to unravel this strange and captivating story.
We’d love for you to join us by picking up a copy of the book and reading along. We’ll be offering behind-the-scenes insights into the world of museum work and its bird collections—you won’t want to miss a word.
For those who haven’t had the chance to read it yet, we thought we’d share the prologue, which sets the stage for the book’s, dark, and twisted tale.
The reading of the prologue is the only part of the book that we’ll be reading aloud in this mini-series. Our regular lineup—John, Shannon, Amanda, and RJ —will be back for the rest of the episodes. And we’ll be joined by ornithologist and fly-tier Jason Weckstein for a few chats along the way. Then we’ll cap it all off with an interview with the author himself, Kirk Wallace Johnson.
So, sit back, relax, grab your binoculars, and enjoy the prologue!