In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re diving deep into the remarkable world of the Black-billed Magpie—one of North America’s most intelligent and visually striking birds.

Hosts RJ Pole and Amanda Pole share firsthand stories from their time living in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where encounters with Black-billed Magpies were part of everyday life. Known for their bold personalities, problem-solving skills, and dazzling black-and-white plumage with iridescent blue-green feathers, these birds are anything but ordinary.

Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett join the conversation to break down what makes Black-billed Magpies so fascinating—from their advanced intelligence and social behavior to how they thrive across western landscapes. Whether you’re a dedicated birder or just curious about wildlife, this episode offers expert insights and engaging storytelling you won’t want to miss.

Plus, we answer a fun listener question in our Q&A segment: wombat poop vs. bird poop—yes, we really go there.

Have a question you’d like us to answer on a future episode? Send it our way at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com
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This week, we’re diving into one of North America’s most unforgettable birds: the Acorn Woodpecker.

After spotting Acorn Woodpeckers near the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, RJ couldn’t stop thinking about these bold, clown-faced birds—and for good reason. Known for their incredible food-storage behavior, some Acorn Woodpeckers have been documented hoarding hundreds of pounds of acorns, drilling thousands of perfectly spaced holes into trees, utility poles, and even the sides of people’s homes. It’s one of the most extreme examples of avian teamwork and planning in the bird world.

Joining the conversation as always are Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett, alongside birding enthusiasts RJ Pole and Amanda Pole, bringing both expert insight and curious questions to the table. Together, we explore Acorn Woodpecker behavior, social structure, intelligence, and what makes this species such a standout among North American woodpeckers.

Along the way, there’s also a little Midwest sports banter—including the surprising realization that the Indiana Hoosiers might actually have a real football team this year.

If you love woodpeckers, bird behavior, ornithology stories, or just enjoy fun, science-driven conversations about nature, this episode is for you. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or brand new to birdwatching, this Acorn Woodpecker deep dive is equal parts educational and entertaining.

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This week, we’re diving into one of the strangest and most unforgettable birds in the world: the Calfbird. Found in the forests of northern South America, this bizarre species is famous for its bald head, striking blue skin, and an otherworldly call that sounds like a chainsaw. Even wilder? The Calfbird produces that sound using a mechanism similar to how a bullfrog vocalizes—making it a true standout in avian biology and animal sound production.

Join married ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett, along with bird-loving co-hosts RJ Pole and Amanda Pole, as we explore Calfbird behavior, vocalizations, habitat, and why this species continues to fascinate scientists and birders alike.

We also answer a listener question about Snowy Owls, adding even more birdwatching insight to the episode.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder, a science enthusiast, or just love learning about weird and wonderful wildlife, this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together is packed with memorable bird facts, expert knowledge, and plenty of fun along the way.

🎧 Listen now and discover why the Calfbird might just be one of the most bizarre birds you’ve never heard of—until now.

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Discover the beauty and biology of the Cedar Waxwing, one of North America’s most elegant songbirds, in this week’s episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together. Join hosts and Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett along with RJ Pole and Amanda Pole as they explore Cedar Waxwing identification, behavior, habitat, and the fascinating feather structure that creates the bird’s signature wax-like wing tips. Learn why Cedar Waxwings travel in flocks, what they eat, where to find them across North America, and how their unique plumage evolved.

Whether you’re a beginner birder, backyard birdwatcher, or lifelong ornithology enthusiast, this episode offers expert insights, fun facts, and field-ready tips to help you spot and understand the stunning Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum).

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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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We’re wrapping up our recent duck series with a revisit of one of our favorite Birds of a Feather Talk Together episodes: the Wood Duck. Known for its stunning colors, unique nesting habits, and remarkable conservation comeback, the Wood Duck is one of North America’s most iconic ducks. Join us as we look back at this fan-favorite episode and close out our duck deep dive in style.

Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Pole to discuss the Wood Duck.

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This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re diving back into one of our all-time favorite duck episodes—spotlighting the unforgettable harlequin duck, one of the most striking and resilient waterfowl in North America.

Known for nesting along fast-flowing mountain streams and spending winters on rugged, wave-battered coastlines, the harlequin duck is a true marvel of adaptation. From its bold plumage to its extreme habitat choices, this species never fails to amaze birders, ornithologists, and nature lovers alike.

Joining the conversation are married ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett, curators of birds at the Field Museum, along with RJ and Amanda—enthusiastic bird fans who love asking the questions you’re probably thinking.

While we’re gearing up for brand-new episodes, we hope you enjoy this look back at one of our most popular and fascinating duck deep dives. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just discovering the joy of birds, this episode is packed with insight, wonder, and a deep appreciation for one of nature’s most adventurous ducks.

🎧 Listen now and rediscover why the harlequin duck stole our hearts—and continues to inspire awe wherever it appears.

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In this episode, John breaks down the history and importance of the Christmas Bird Count, one of the longest-running citizen science projects in the world. Then, we dive deep into the fascinating world of the Mallard Duck—one of North America’s most familiar and recognizable waterfowl. From seasonal sexual dimorphism and those iconic iridescent speculum stripes, to how Mallards differ from other duck species, we explore what makes this bird so unique and adaptable. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart for an engaging conversation packed with bird science, identification tips, and fun ornithological insights.

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