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. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/@BirdsofaFeatherTalkTogetherPod'>YouTube </a> <a href='https://www.instagram.com/birds_of_a_feather_podcast'>Instagram</a> <a href='https://www.tiktok.com/@birds.of.a.feather.pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc'>TikTok</a> <a href='https://bsky.app/profile/birdsofafeatherpod.bsky.social'>BlueSky</a>

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. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

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.&nbsp;As always, you’ve got married ornithologists and Field Museum curators John Bates and Shannon Hackett, plus RJ Pole and Amanda Marquart. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BirdsofaFeatherTalkTogetherPod" rel="noopener noreferrer">YouTube </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/birds_of_a_feather_podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@birds.of.a.feather.pod?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc" rel="noopener noreferrer">TikTok</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/birdsofafeatherpod.bsky.social" rel="noopener noreferrer">BlueSky</a>

97: Orange-tufted Spiderhunter

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?<ul><li>Discover rare and exotic bird species you never knew existed.</li><li>Get insider tips from top bird experts on identifying and spotting birds.</li><li>Learn about bird conservation efforts and the latest in avian research.</li><li>A perfect podcast for beginners and experienced birders alike.</li></ul> Hit subscribe now and start your journey into the incredible world of birds—one chirp at a time!

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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!

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97: Orange-tufted Spiderhunter

97: Orange-tufted Spiderhunter

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