This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, John is back from his unforgettable trip to Peru, and we’ve got plenty to talk about! From the incredible bird species he encountered to the vibrant landscapes, John shares highlights and stories from his adventure.

We also dive into one of the most distinctive birds of the region — the Inca Tern — famous for its striking mustache and bold personality.

It’s a fun and fact-filled conversation with plenty of laughs along the way. Hosted by ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett, along with amateur birding couple RJ Pole and Amanda Pole — two married couples sharing their love of birds and great conversation.

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In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re diving deep into the world of kookaburras, the iconic laughing bird of Australia, with ornithologist Jenna McCullough. Jenna is a third-generation birdwatcher from Boise, Idaho, with a PhD in Biology from the University of New Mexico. She’s currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Kentucky and soon starting a prestigious National Science Foundation fellowship at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and UCLA.

Jenna joins hosts Shannon and John to discuss everything about kookaburras, from their distinctive laughing call to their role in the kingfisher family. We explore their behavior, habitat, and why these birds have become such beloved symbols of the Australian bush. Plus, learn about the new Kingfisher Exhibit at the Field Museum in Chicago, where Jenna, Shannon, and John have all contributed their expertise.

If you’ve ever wondered why kookaburras laugh, where they live, or how they fit into the larger kingfisher family tree, this episode is for you. Subscribe now to Birds of a Feather Talk Together for more in-depth conversations about the fascinating world of birds!

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Get ready for the crossover event bird lovers can’t stop talking about! In this special episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we welcome the hilarious and musically gifted duo behind the Extremely Accurate Bird Songs Podcast—Tommy Siegel and Billy Libby.

Join hosts John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as we:
🐦 Listen to unbelievably accurate (and funny) bird song performances
😂 Share nonstop laughs about birding and music
🎵 Discover how comedy and creativity bring bird sounds to life

Whether you’re a serious birder, a nature enthusiast, or just love great podcasts, this episode is packed with:
✅ Hilarious bird songs written and performed by Tommy and Billy
✅ Expert insights from leaders in bird science and entertainment
✅ Fun stories that celebrate the joy of birding

👉 Subscribe now and hit play to experience the most entertaining bird podcast collaboration ever!

#BirdPodcast #BirdSongs #TommySiegel #BillyLibby #BirdsOfAFeatherTalkTogether #FunnyBirdSongs #NaturePodcast #BirdingCommunity

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Jenna Mccullough is a third generation birdwatcher from Boise, ID. She got her bachelors at the university of Idaho (2015); got her masters (2018) and PhD (2024) at the university of New Mexico. She's a postdoc at the university of Kentucky and about to start a National Science foundation fellowship at the natural history museum of Los Angeles County and UCLA.

Jenna joins us to talk all about Kingfishers. There is an exhibit starting up at the Field Museum that Shannon and John have been involved with, and Jenna has been involved as well.

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We’re joined by a fan of the show who reached out with a heartfelt letter that really moved us. Our guest, Marcel, is a passionate birder with a story that is truly touching. From being a world-class athlete to navigating the challenges of a severe brain injury, he found healing and meaning in nature and birding. We’ll start by sharing the touching email he sent us—and then we’ll introduce you to our inspiring new friend, Marcel. Along the way, we also talk about Belted Kingfishers, Cedar Waxwings getting drunk, just how powerful a connection to the wildlife around you can be.

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This week, we have a truly special guest—Peter Kaestner, the first person in history to see over 10,000 bird species in the wild. It’s a mind-blowing achievement. Peter took us on an unforgettable journey through his life as a birder, and how his career as a diplomat allowed him to travel the globe. He shared incredible stories—like birding in Colombia during the height of Pablo Escobar’s power, and even discovering a new species. His passion, humor, and humility made this such a joy to record. Honestly, we were having so much fun, none of us wanted the conversation to end. You’ll hear us try to wrap it up multiple times but then just get into some more fun stories and conversation.

As always, you’ve got married ornithologists and Field Museum curators John Bates and Shannon Hackett, plus RJ Pole and Amanda Marquart.

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We’ve got a fun one for you this week as we get ready for a very special guest: Peter Kaestner—the first person to see 10,000 bird species in the wild. We speak to him next week. To prep for that epic conversation, we're taking a closer look at the bird that earned him that milestone: the Orange-tufted Spiderhunter. Spoiler alert—Amanda was not impressed by it at first, and John and Shannon do their best to change her mind. Along the way, we get into species counts, what they mean, and how birders keep track. We also answer a mailbag question on Rusty Blackbirds and Common Grackles.

As always, you’ve got married ornithologists and Field Museum curators John Bates and Shannon Hackett, plus RJ Pole and Amanda Marquart.

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In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive deep into the fascinating world of the Black-capped Chickadee—one of North America's most beloved birds. Discover the secrets behind the chickadee's distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call, its remarkable memory, and how this tiny bird survives harsh winters with clever food-storing habits.

Join us as we explore the Black-capped Chickadee’s habitat, behavior, and role in backyard birdwatching and forest ecosystems. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting to appreciate birdsong, this episode offers rich insights and fun facts about chickadees, bird communication, and cold-weather survival strategies.

We also answer a question on the writer Ellen Meloy from one of our listeners.

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