We revisit an old episode on the Wild Turkey this week. These birds are a major conservation success story. We also talk about John seeing a turkey in the Democratic Republic of Congo, how turkeys got their name, and learn all about their magnificent feathers. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart for Birds of a Feather Talk Together.

This week we are also joined by Jacob Drucker. Jacob Drucker is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Chicago and the Field Museum studying how birds interact with tropical climates over ecological and evolutionary time. We also did a couple episodes on Hawaiian Honeycreepers with Jacob, please go back and check those out if you haven't heard them yet.

Email us your questions at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram for pictures of the birds we discuss, specimen, and more info! @birds_of_a_feather_podcast

We are also on Tiktok and Blue Sky Social!

Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as we discuss the White-throated sparrow. We talk about sparrows in general, and how to differentiate them based on behavior and not just their appearance. We also talk about how they have been shrinking in size over the last 50 years, and how the specimen collection at the Field Museum have helped determine that. We also talk about their different head-types, and mating preferences between the two head types.

We also answer a mailbag question from a listener in the U.K. on vultures.

Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com

Make sure to follow us on instagram, Blue Sky Social and tik tok as well!!

This week we discuss the wrentit with Kevin Burns! You've probably heard this bird's call in many movies and tv shows, but only seen it if you've been to California or Oregon. They are one of the most sedentary birds in North America, but somehow their closes relatives are in Asia. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart in Birds of a Feather Talk Together!

Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com

Make sure to follow us on instagram and tik tok as well!!

Kevin Burns joins us again to discuss the Inti Tanager. Kevin is an ornithologist and professor of biology at San Diego State University and goes way back with Shannon and John. Kevin tells us all about the story of this bird, from the sighting in the early 2000’s in Peru, to it finally being described as a species 20 years later. The bird earned the nickname the 'Kill Bill Tanager' due to its bright yellow feathers and black brow which resembled Uma Thurman’s outfit in the movie. We’re not quite sure how we feel about the nickname, but hopefully that paints a picture for you.

We also answer a question on a leucitic red-tailed hawk that was seen in Michigan.

Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com

Make sure to follow us on instagram and tik tok as well!!

This super unique bird from New Caledonia has been isolated on an island in the Pacific for so long, but somehow its closest relative is the Sunbittern in Central and South America. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as we discuss the Kagu.

We also answer a question on feathers. Here is the organization that we were referencing in the feather question: https://libertywildlife.org/conservation-services/non-eagle-feather-repository-2/

Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com

Make sure to follow us on instagram and tik tok as well!!

We interview evolutionary biologist and the author of 'Slow Birding' Joan E. Strassmann. Joan has a new book released on October 22nd and is called 'The Slow Birding Journal'. It is a unique companion for bird enthusiasts seeking a deeper connection with the avian world around them. The journal encourages a slow, mindful approach to birding, celebrating the beauty and diversity of birds wherever you find them. We talk to Joan all about her new book, and get an interesting backstory on her first book as well.

Join our usual hosts John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart as they interview Joan.

Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com

Make sure to follow us on instagram and tik tok as well!!

We are revisiting an older episode on Roseate Spoonbills for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Roseate Spoonbills are pink, and we talk all about how they get their pink color and where that comes from (hint - it may come from their diet.) We also answer a question on Great Blue Herons.

Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart on Birds of a Feather Talk Together.

Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com

Make sure to follow us on instagram and tik tok as well!!

This week we talk about the double-crested cormorant. We also answer a question on swans. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart for Birds of a Feather Talk Together this week.

Please send us your questions for us to answer as well! You can send them to podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com

Make sure to follow us on instagram and tik tok!!