Learn about the Green Heron, one of the only birds known to use tools to hunt, and how it uses bait to catch fish. This birding and birdwatching podcast explores heron behavior, wetland habitats, and surprising bird intelligence for beginners and experts alike.

We also share a really special moment—RJ and Amanda came across a Green Heron nest and got to see a group of baby herons up close, which led to some fun conversation about nesting behavior, habitat, and what makes these birds so unique.

If you’re into birding, birdwatching, backyard wildlife, or just love learning about surprising animal behavior, this is a super fun episode you won’t want to miss.

As always, it’s married ornithologists and Field Museum curators John Bates and Shannon Hackett, alongside RJ and Amanda learning right along with you.

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This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we’re diving into one of the most mysterious and underrated owls out there—the Long-eared Owl. Known for its secretive behavior and incredible camouflage, this owl is a true master of staying hidden… until you know where to look.

John brings an amazing story from Serbia, where hundreds of Long-eared Owls gather to roost together in one place—an absolutely mind-blowing sight for birders and nature lovers alike. If you’ve ever wondered where to find owls or how they behave in the wild, this episode is packed with fascinating insights.

We’re also continuing our March Madness-style Round Robin Bird Tournament, featuring votes and hilarious commentary from Nick Mason’s LSU students, along with our own picks. Who’s advancing? Who’s getting knocked out? You’ll have to listen to find out.

As always, the show is hosted by married Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett, alongside bird enthusiasts RJ and Amanda Pole, blending expert knowledge with beginner curiosity to make birding fun and accessible for everyone.

If you love owls, birdwatching, ornithology, wildlife behavior, and fun science-driven conversations, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen now and discover why the Long-eared Owl might become your new favorite bird.

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A rare Spectacled Eider sighting in the Netherlands—far outside its normal Arctic range—sparked this week’s episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together.

In this episode, we explore all four living species of eiders—from the iconic Common Eider to the stunning King and Spectacled Eiders. Along the way, we break down what makes these Arctic ducks so unique, from their extreme cold-weather adaptations to their fascinating breeding behavior.

We’re also kicking off our March Madness-style bird bracket tournament, and we have a special surprise in our bracket challenge!

If you love birding, rare bird sightings, ornithology, and fun, science-driven conversations, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

As always it's married couple and ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett and new-ish birders RJ and Amanda Pole.

Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:

YouTube

Instagram

TikTok

BlueSky