156: Baltimore Orioles: The Master Weavers of the Bird World 🧡🐦

How does a Baltimore Oriole build one of the most extraordinary nests in the bird world?This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive into the fascinating world of the Baltimore Oriole—one of North America's most beautiful and recognizable songbirds.Famous for their brilliant orange-and-black plumage, rich flute-like songs, and remarkable hanging nests, Baltimore Orioles are favorites among backyard birdwatchers. But their incredible ability to weave a nest suspended from thin branches makes them even more fascinating.Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to explore how Baltimore Orioles build their nests, what they eat, where they migrate, how to identify them, and what makes their behavior so unusual.How do Baltimore Orioles weave their hanging nests? Where do they go in winter? What do Baltimore Orioles eat? How can you attract orioles to your backyard? And why are their nests so different from those of many other songbirds?We also hear about John's experience hosting Chicago broadcasting legend Geoffrey Baer at the Field Museum for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's great natural history museums.Whether you're hoping to see a Baltimore Oriole in your backyard or simply want to understand how a bird can weave such an incredible structure, this episode takes you inside the biology and behavior of one of North America's most spectacular birds.Birds of a Feather Talk Together combines expert ornithology from Field Museum scientists John Bates and Shannon Hackett with the curiosity of birders RJ and Amanda Pole.Link to see RJ on J Schwanke's Life In Bloom: https://schedule.wttw.com/series/28891/J-Schwankes-Life-In-Bloom/watch/get-outside-ZpiZD1Link to hear John on Ologies with Alie Ward: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oology-eggs-with-john-bates/id1278815517?i=1000417763781Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky