Birds of a Feather Talk Together
Birds of a Feather Talk Together is a birding and birdwatching podcast for beginners and experts alike, blending expert ornithology with curiosity, storytelling, humor, and real-time discovery.
Hosted from Chicago by married Field Museum ornithologists and curators John Bates and Shannon Hackett, alongside birding enthusiasts RJ and Amanda Pole, the podcast explores the fascinating world of birds through conversations that are educational, approachable, and fun.
Each episode dives into bird behavior, bird migration, bird identification, bird songs and calls, backyard birds, conservation, bird intelligence, evolution, ecology, and the science behind how birds live and adapt. From hummingbirds, owls, woodpeckers, warblers, and herons to rare bird sightings, viral bird stories, and surprising animal behavior, every episode uncovers something remarkable about the natural world.
What makes the show unique is the mix of professional scientists and newer birders learning in real time together. Whether you’re an experienced birder, a casual birdwatcher, or completely new to birding, the conversations are designed to make ornithology accessible and engaging without losing the depth of the science.
The podcast regularly features stories and research connected to the Field Museum, listener-submitted bird sightings, birding adventures, wildlife conservation topics, and current events from across the birding world.
If you love birds, birdwatching, nature podcasts, wildlife, science storytelling, animal behavior, or simply want to better understand the birds around you, Birds of a Feather Talk Together will help you see the natural world in a whole new way.
Birds of a Feather Talk Together
127: Harlequin Ducks: The Stunning Duck Built for Wild Rivers & Ocean Waves 🦆
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This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we revisit one of our all-time favorite duck episodes featuring the incredible Harlequin Duck—one of the most striking and resilient waterfowl in North America.
Known for their bold plumage, fast-flowing mountain stream nesting sites, and rugged coastal winter habitats, Harlequin Ducks are among the most fascinating ducks in birding. These adventurous birds thrive in extreme environments, from icy rivers and waterfalls to crashing ocean waves along rocky shorelines.
In this episode, Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to explore Harlequin Duck behavior, migration, habitat, duck identification, and the remarkable adaptations that allow these birds to survive in some of the harshest environments in the natural world.
We also discuss why Harlequin Ducks are such a favorite among birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and ornithologists, and what makes them one of the most unique and visually stunning ducks in North America.
Whether you’re an experienced birder or just discovering birdwatching, this episode is full of fascinating bird facts, wildlife science, conservation, and a deep appreciation for one of nature’s most adventurous ducks.
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