Harlequin Ducks are a captivating species of small, compact waterfowl known for their distinctive appearance. These beautiful ducks feature a large, rounded head, a small bill, and a steep forehead. Their striking plumage showcases a stunning slate blue color, accented with white stripes and chestnut sides. The head is especially eye-catching with a white crescent marking in front of the eye and chestnut highlights on the brow.

In this week's episode of the Birds of a Feather Talk Together podcast, we dive into the unique characteristics of the Harlequin Duck, exploring their fascinating behaviors, habitats, and the conservation efforts aimed at protecting these incredible birds. Tune in to learn more about the Harlequin Duck and its role in the world of waterfowl!

As always, you have John Bates, Shannon Hackett, Amanda Marquart, and RJ Pole here for 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, Blue Sky Social, YouTube and tik tok as well!!

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Kirk Wallace Johnson, the author of The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century. This gripping true-crime tale takes us into the world of rare bird feathers and the relentless pursuit of a bizarre criminal and the feathers that he stole from The Natural History Museum in Tring. Kirk's meticulous research and storytelling uncover an astonishing story of a thief, the feathers he stole, and the worldwide pursuit. So settle in, because today, we’re talking to Kirk about how this all came together.

As always, you have John Bates, Shannon Hackett, Amanda Marquart, and RJ Pole here for 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, Blue Sky Social, YouTube and tik tok as well!!

This week we close out with our final thoughts on the Feather Thief, as well as talk about the importance of museums and their collections. It’s our last episode before we talk to the author Kirk Wallace Johnson, so get ready for next week.

This week we talk a little bit about obsession in general, and how it is human nature to become obsessed, whether it was Alfred Russel Wallace, or even Edwin Rist. It’s important to channel that obsession into something positive because it can go dark really quick.

We start off talking about the accomplice in the book named Long, and whether or not he was manipulated by Edwin. We’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming discussing different birds soon enough. Once back, we are kicking it off with episodes on the Harlequin Duck and the Mourning Dove. So get ready for those in a couple weeks.