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
128: Wood Ducks: The Colorful Duck That Made an Incredible Comeback 🦆
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This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we revisit one of our favorite episodes: the incredible Wood Duck.
Known for its stunning colors, unique nesting behavior, and one of the greatest conservation comeback stories in North America, the Wood Duck is one of the most recognizable and fascinating ducks in birding. From their iridescent plumage to their unusual habit of nesting in tree cavities, these birds are full of surprises.
In this episode, Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to explore Wood Duck behavior, habitat, migration, duck identification, and the conservation efforts that helped bring this species back from dramatic population declines in the early 1900s.
We also discuss why Wood Ducks are considered one of the most colorful ducks in North America, how duck boxes helped support their recovery, and what makes them such a favorite among birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and nature lovers alike.
If you love birding, birdwatching, ducks, wetland wildlife, bird conservation, ornithology, backyard birds, and fascinating bird facts, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
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