Birds of a Feather Talk Together
Birds of a Feather Talk Together is a birding and nature podcast for bird lovers of all experience levels. Hosted by professional ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett, curators of birds at the Field Museum in Chicago, alongside birding enthusiasts RJ Pole and Amanda Pole, the show blends expert insight with fresh curiosity.
John and Shannon bring decades of ornithology experience and access to one of the largest bird collections in the United States, while RJ and Amanda represent newer birders—asking relatable questions that open the conversation to beginners without losing depth for seasoned bird watchers.
Each episode explores rare, exotic, extinct, and everyday birds, covering identification, behavior, conservation, and current avian research. From backyard birds to birds of the world, Birds of a Feather Talk Together offers expert knowledge in an approachable, conversational format.
Subscribe and discover the fascinating world of birds—one chirp at a time. 🐦
Birds of a Feather Talk Together
129: Top Science Stories of 2025
Welcome back to Birds of a Feather Talk Together—and welcome to our first new episode of 2026! After wrapping up our deep dive into ducks, we’re kicking off the new year by doing something a little different: each of us brings a favorite science story from 2025 to the table, along with a look ahead at what we’re most excited about in 2026.
Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Pole for a wide-ranging conversation. We talk about juncos, robots in science, and how new research is shaping the way we study birds and understand the natural world.
This episode also features a meaningful and candid update from Shannon on her cochlear implant surgery—how hearing restoration technology has impacted her daily life, her work as a scientist, and the way she experiences sound in her every day life. If you’re a cochlear implant recipient, hearing-aid user, audiology professional, or someone interested in accessibility in science, this conversation offers a personal and insightful perspective you won’t want to miss.
As always, there’s plenty of bird talk, thoughtful science discussion, and a sense of curiosity about where the next year will take us—both personally and professionally.
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