111: Project Phoenix with Olivia Sanderfoot and Allison Shultz - How Wildfires Are Impacting Birds
This week we’re excited to welcome two special guests—Olivia Sanderfoot and Allison Shultz—to talk about Project Phoenix. This important project is exploring how wildfire smoke impacts birds on the West Coast, and what that means for their survival in a rapidly warming world. Understanding these effects is critical for shaping conservation strategies, and we can’t wait to learn more from Olivia and Allison in this conversation. It’s a truly fascinating discussion, and they were so great to talk to and are amazing advocates for this cause. I think you’re going to walk away with a lot from this one. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky
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110: Red-headed Woodpecker - Catching Bugs Out Of The Sky + Paddleboard Sightings
Everyone loves woodpeckers, and the Red-headed Woodpecker is one of the coolest! Listen to what makes this bird unique, like hiding grasshoppers in trees to eat later (while they are still alive.) RJ also tells some paddleboarding mishaps, and talks about some molting mallards that he saw recently. Join RJ, Amanda, John, and Shannon this week to talk about the Red-headed Woodpecker! Here are some of the links to cat resources which we talked about in our mailbag section: https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/killer-cats-bash-biodiversity/https://pjvogt.substack.com/p/whatre-we-gonna-do-about-all-thesehttps://www.amazon.com/Cat-Wars-Devastating-Consequences-Cuddly/dp/0691167419https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrfXmyuzBAwhttps://abcbirds.org/program/cats-indoors/cats-and-birds/https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/are-outdoor-cats-happierHere are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky
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109: Olive-sided Flycatcher - John Makes His Case For His Favorite Bird!
This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, John takes the lead with his pick: the Olive-sided Flycatcher. Despite traveling the world and spotting hundreds of bird species, this flycatcher still holds a special place on his list of favorites. But not everyone agrees—his co-host (and wife) Shannon, also an ornithologist, isn’t convinced it’s such an exciting choice. Their playful back-and-forth makes for some fun bird talk you won’t want to miss.As newer birders, Amanda and RJ are curious to learn what sets the olive-sided flycatcher apart—its distinctive call, migratory habits, and the reasons birdwatchers look forward to spotting it. If you’re interested in birdwatching tips, ornithology insights, or just love hearing about fascinating bird species, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation for one of the most intriguing flycatchers.Join us for expert knowledge, lively debate, and plenty of birding inspiration!#OliveSidedFlycatcher #Birdwatching #BirdingPodcast #Ornithology #BirdsOfNorthAmerica #BirdingLife #BirdLovers #BirdTalk #BirdConservation #BirdNerdsHere are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky
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108: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - Cute Bird With A Ton Of Personality!
Welcome back to Birds of a Feather Talk Together! This week, the full crew—John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Pole—are back to highlight one of North America’s tiniest and most charming songbirds: the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.It’s Amanda’s pick this week, and she’s sharing why this lively little bird is one of her absolute favorites. If you’ve ever heard a high, buzzy call in the treetops before spotting the bird itself, chances are you’ve encountered a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. These energetic birds may be small, but they’re full of personality!In this episode, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher—from its habitat and behaviors to how birders can identify it in the wild. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just getting started, you’ll love learning what makes this species such a joy to watch.Tune in for bird facts, fun stories, and expert insights from the Birds of a Feather Talk Together crew.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky
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107: Club-winged Manakin - Making Robot Noises with its Feathers
This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, it’s Shannon’s turn to pick the bird—and she’s chosen one of the wildest species on the planet: the club-winged manakin. If you’ve never heard of this bird, do yourself a favor right now—stop what you’re doing and google it. Trust us, you’ll be amazed.The club-winged manakin doesn’t sing with its voice. Instead, it makes a bizarre, almost robot-like sound with its feathers—something no other bird on Earth can do. Scientists are still blown away by how this tiny bird pulls off such a unique performance in the rainforests of South America.In this episode, Shannon, John, RJ, and Amanda break down everything you need to know about the club-winged manakin’s mind-blowing courtship display, the science behind feather-generated sound, and why this bird has become a favorite among ornithologists and bird lovers alike.If you love strange, surprising, and unforgettable stories from the bird world, this episode is for you. Get ready to meet the club-winged manakin—the bird that sounds like a robot, but is 100% natural.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky
Join John Bates and Shannon Hackett, two seasoned bird experts, as they soar through the fascinating world of birds in this must-listen podcast for bird lovers of all levels! Whether you're an experienced birder or just starting to explore the wonders of the avian world, Birds of a Feather Talk Together has something for everyone.With exclusive access to one of the largest bird collections in the United States, John and Shannon are joined by amateur birders RJ Pole and Amanda Marquart for in-depth discussions on exotic, rare, extinct, and common birds from around the globe. From the tiniest sparrows to the mighty eagles, no feathered friend is left out.Each episode brings exciting stories, expert insights, and birding tips—perfect for anyone who has ever been fascinated by the beauty, behavior, and mysteries of birds. Whether you're a lifelong bird watcher or a beginner looking to learn more, this podcast will inspire you to discover new species, dive into bird conservation, and learn from the pros!Why Listen?Discover rare and exotic bird species you never knew existed.Get insider tips from top bird experts on identifying and spotting birds.Learn about bird conservation efforts and the latest in avian research.A perfect podcast for beginners and experienced birders alike.Hit subscribe now and start your journey into the incredible world of birds—one chirp at a time!
South Africa