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
156: Baltimore Orioles: The Master Weavers of the Bird World 🧡🐦
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This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive into the fascinating world of the Baltimore Oriole—one of North America's most beautiful and recognizable songbirds.
Famous for their brilliant orange-and-black plumage, rich, flute-like songs, and extraordinary hanging nests, Baltimore Orioles are among the most sought-after birds for backyard birdwatchers every spring. In this episode, we explore what makes these colorful birds so unique, from their incredible weaving skills and migration to their nesting behavior, diet, and remarkable adaptations.
Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole for a deep dive into Baltimore Oriole behavior, bird identification, migration, nesting, bird songs, and why these iconic birds continue to captivate birders across North America.
We also share a fun story about John hosting Chicago broadcasting legend Geoffrey Baer at the Field Museum, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's great natural history museums.
Whether you're hoping to attract Baltimore Orioles to your backyard, improve your bird identification skills, or simply learn more about one of North America's most beloved birds, this episode is packed with fascinating bird facts, ornithology, wildlife science, and birding tips.
If you love birding, birdwatching, backyard birds, songbirds, bird migration, bird behavior, bird nests, ornithology, conservation, and nature podcasts, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Link to see RJ on J Schwanke's Life In Bloom: https://schedule.wttw.com/series/28891/J-Schwankes-Life-In-Bloom/watch/get-outside-ZpiZD1
Link to hear John on Ologies with Alie Ward: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oology-eggs-with-john-bates/id1278815517?i=1000417763781
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