Nature Guys: Recent Episodes
Nature Guys
Nature Guys connects you to the exciting natural world right in your own neighborhood. These nature connections will help you be cool, calm, collected and ready to make a positive difference in the world. Nature Guys is hosted by Bob a long time nature lover.
Bob chats with naturalist Jim McCormac about the exciting world of caterpillars. Jim gives details about Caterpillar Roundup. This Arc of Appalachia free program is offered on August 29th from 12 -4 pm at the Highland Nature Sanctuary.
Bob is joined by our very own Plant Guru Greg Torres. Find out why magnolias are one of Greg's favorite plants. To dive deeper, read How Flowers Made our World by David George Haskell.
Tina and Bob chat about a strikingly beautiful bird. Learn all about when and where you might see this bird. Find out out why some birds are turning red!
Bob talks with Dan Flores the author of Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History. The book is a fascinating history of the coyote and why we need to learn to live with this iconic animal.
Our source for this episode is the book Coyote America by Dan Flores. Learn more about Dan at the website Project Coyote.
Bob talks with Hillary Rosner the author of Roam: Wild Animals and the Race to Repair Our Fractured World. The book explores the urgent need to rebuild a kinder, more connected world for both wildlife and ourselves
Our source for this episode is the book Roam: Wild Animals and The Race to Repair Our Fractured World by Hillary Rosner.
Tina and Bob learn all about Snowy Owls. If you are a Harry Potter fan you should listen to this episode!
Our sources for this episode include:
- Owl Research Institute
- Snowy Owl Audubon Guide
- Snowy Owl from All About Birds
Greg and Bob delve into the origins of pumpkins. Find out what pumpkins are and how they developed into one of the most popular fruits.
Related episode: Cranberry Thanks
Our sources for this episode include:
- The Jack-O-Lantern's Origins
- 6 Things You May Not Know About Pumpkins
- 25 Fascinating Pumpkin Facts
Bob chats with Leigh Ann Henion about her new book Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and other Marvels of the dark.
Related Episode: Gardening for Moths with Jim McCormac
Our sources for this episode include:
- Night Magic by Leigh Ann Henion
Gia and Bob are once again excited about the arrival of the 17 year periodic cicadas. In 2025 it is Brood XIV that we welcome back. We hope to inspire you to either love cicadas or maybe just hate them a little less. Bob and Gia share 17 cool things about cicadas. There is nothing to fear when the cicadas are here!
Related episodes: Cicadas are Kinda Cute, The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy
Web sources for this episode include:
- Cicada Safari App created by Dr. Gene Kritsky
- Cicada Mania - Cicada Insect News, Facts, Life Cycle, Photos ...
Books about cicadas:
- When the Woods Hum by Joanne Ryder (out of print check your library)
- Cecily Cicada 2021 Edition By Kita Helmetag Murdock and Patsy Helmetag
- Periodical Cicadas The Brood X Edition by Gene Kritsky
Bob talks with John Seed who started working on saving rain forests in Australia in 1979. John explains how he learned about biodiversity and Deep Ecology .
To learn more about John Seed check out:
- The Rainforest Information Centre - organization founded by John Seed
- Thinking Like a Mountain - free PDF
- John Seed Deep Ecology - includes subscribing to John's mailing list
Tina from Red Oaks Forest School joins Bob to explain Zugunruhe and the yellow warbler. Find out what the heck a warbler is and how you can see some during spring migration.
Related episodes: What's Your Zugunruhe?, Merlin Magic
Our sources for this episode include:
- Songbird Journeys by Miyoko Chu (book recommended by Tina)
- Yellow Warbler Migration
- When will Yellow Warblers Return
Greg Torres, our plant guru, talks all about trees. Tune in to find out why trees have a special place in Greg’s heart.
Related episodes: Sit Spot, Mistletoe
Prayer of the Woods (Portuguese folk tradition)
“I am the heat of your hearth on the cold winter nights. The friendly shade screening you from the summer sun, and my fruits are refreshing draughts quenching your thirst as you journey on.”
“I am the beam that holds your house. The board of your table, the bed on which you lie and the timber that builds your boat.”
“I am the handle of your hoe, the door of your homestead, the wood of your cradle and the shell of your coffin.”
“I am the bread of kindness and the flower of beauty. Ye who pass by listen to my prayer: “Harm me not.”
Carol Mundy, the host of the radio show Outdoor Life, collaborates on this second episode about cats. This episode focuses on feral cats and was inspired by an email from listener Steve Inglish.
Related episode: Cats
Our sources for this episode include:
- Cat Wars The Devastating Consequences of a Cuddly Killer by Peter P. Mora and Chris Santella
- The Lion in the Living Room How House Cats Tamed Us and Took Over The World by Abigail Tucker
Bob runs into a pet opossum with his grandson Drew and his friend Graeme in a city park. Poppy is very cute and inspired us to listen to a podcast Bob and Bill recorded back in 2017.
Related episodes: Bat in the House and Sick of Ticks
Our sources for this episode include:
- 10 things you didn’t know about opossums
- Wildlife Rescue: Opossums
- Opossums - killers of ticks
- The ‘Possum Pages: FAQs
- Opossum Defense Mechanisms
Bob joins Carol Mundy on her radio show Outdoor Life to discuss one of the most successful invasive species on the planet the house cat.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Cat Wars: The Devastating Consequences of a Cuddly Killer by Peter P. Mora and Chris Santella
- The Lion in the Living Room: How House Cats Tamed Us and Took Over The World by Abigail Tucker
Bob and Tina record in front of a live audience to share stories about crows. This bird is easy to identify but its behavior is very complex. Find our why Tina is a crow lover and listen to some amazing stories about crows. If you have your own crow story share it on our website via speak pipe or in the comment section for this episode.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Gifts of the Crow by John Marzluff and Tony Angela
- Birdology by Sy Montgomery
Sam and Greg join Bob at the Civic Garden Center’s Fall Native Plant Festival. They have an engaging presentation about the benefits and history of this under appreciated plant.
Related episode: Johnny Appleseed
Our sources for this episode include:
- In Defense of the Lowly Grape
- The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart
Caroline joins Bob to talk about her true passion Native Grasses. Learn how these grasses can add to the diversity of life in the landscapes of our neighborhoods.
Related episodes: Lawns, Boxwood Bash
Our sources for this episode include:
- Understanding Roots by Robert Kourik
- Benefits of Native Grasses in Urban Landscaping
- Beyond Flowers: Enhancing Wildlife Gardens with Native Grasses
- Establishing Early Successional Habitat for Wildlife
Bob and Greg delve into one of their favorite plants, the Prickly Pear Cactus. It has a range far beyond the dessert so you should be able to find it in your area.
Our sources for this episode include:
- US Forest Service Prickly Pear
- What Animals Eat Cactus
- 5 Facts About Prickly Pear Cactus
- Nine Interesting Facts about Prickly Pear
Turkey Tail mushrooms are everywhere! Gia admits that mushrooms may be her favorite things in nature. Learn all about one of the most common and easy to find mushrooms.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Michael Kuo's take on turkey tail / Trametes versicolor: The Turkey Tail (MushroomExpert.Com)
- Good explanation of medicinal properties / How to Make Turkey Tail Mushroom Powder
- Tom Volk’s take on turkey tail / Fungus of the Month for August 1997 (wisc.edu)
- Nicholas Money’s paper “Are Mushrooms Medicinal?” (2016 PubMed (nih.gov)
- Coriolus versicolor | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (mskcc.org)
Bob and Beth led family hikes at the Arc of Appalachia Highlands Nature Sanctuary in April of 2024. After the hikes they recorded a podcast with some of the hikers. Tune in to hear about wildflowers and more from the perspective of the children on the hike.
Central Indiana had clear skies for the April 8, 2024 eclipse! Bob joined a fantastic group of family, friends and other nature lovers at Jenkins Forever Farm animal sanctuary for a spectacular eclipse. He was able to record some of their reactions before, during and after the eclipse.
Related Episodes: Eclipse with Dean Regas, Eclipse Lovers
In the final episode of the Invasive Plant Series Bob, Greg and Sam outline several possible paths that the common person can undertake to help turn the tide of invasive plants. From education and community driven initiatives to pushing market changes through purchasing power, we can all do a small part to make a big difference.
Related Episodes: Walnut Woods, Invasive Plants, Lawns, Gardening for Moths with Jim McCormac, The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy
For more information, we recommend these sources:
- Native Plant Education and Volunteer Opportunities with Civic Garden Center
- Native Plant Education with Active Outdoors
- Native Plant Gardening Intro
- Cincinnati Volunteer Opportunity with Cincinnati Parks
In this episode the discussion turns toward the horticulture industry and the impact working with plants has had overtime. Bob, Greg and Sam then turn to examine the branch of Ornamental Horticulture and its culpability in the mass production and distribution of non-native plants around the world. While this trend continues, new options of planting with native plants and the idea of cultivating native plants at home for the sake of conservation are introduced.
Related Episodes:
Lawns, Invasive Plants, Seeds on the Move, Invasive Plants Part 1, Invasive Plants Part 2
For more information, we recommend these resources:
- National Invasive Species Council
- Mt. Cuba Center Trial Garden
- Invasive Plant Species and the Ornamental Horticulture Industry
In episode 2 of our Invasive Plant Series Bob, Greg and Sam discuss why invasive plants pose such a problem to our ecosystem. The plant guru dives into the intricate connections between plants and other wildlife, explaining that plants truly are the basis of all ecosystems. From there, we talk about the way our land use decisions have created the perfect conditions for invasive plants to thrive in North America.
Related Episodes: Invasive Plants Part 1, Invasive Plants, The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy and Passenger Pigeon Part 1
For more information, we recommend these resources:
- Why Native Plants Matter
- Native Plants are Key to Climate Resilience
- How Much Nature Should America Keep?
Bob sits down with Greg and Sam to discuss one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, invasive plants. It’s such a dense topic that we decided to break it up into 4 separate episodes. In part 1, we introduce the concept of native and non-native invasive plants. Greg and Sam provide a big picture perspective on the human systems that are driving the spread of invasive plants and invite you to join us in starting a more meaningful conversation around invasive plants and their impact on our environment.
Related Episodes: Invasive Plants, Walnut Woods
For more information, we recommend these resources:
- Book: Invasive Plants: Guide to Identification and the Impacts and Control of Common North American Species by Sylvan Ramsey Kaufman & Wallace Kaufman
- Invasive and Exotic Species of North America
- National Association of Invasive Plant Councils (check out what is happening in your state around invasive species management)
- UN Invasive Alien Species Report
Bob and Tina chat about an amazing bird - the Indigo Bunting. Find out where and when you can see the brilliant blue male and how these birds migrate over 1200 miles.
You can find out more about Tina and Red Oaks Forest School at redoaksforestschool.org.
Related episode: What’s Your Zugunruhe?
Our sources for this episode include:
- For the Birds: An Uncommon Guide by Laura Erickson
- Laura Erickson Blog Post on Floaters
- Where Do Indigo Buntings Live
- Indigo Bunting Life History
- BirdCast - migration tools
Bob and co host Charles are joined by Doug Chadwick, author of The Wolverine Way. Doug is celebrating the listing of wolverines as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Related episode: Four Fifths a Grizzly with Doug Chadwick
For more information, please see:
- The Wolverine Way at Patagonia Books
- Vital Ground Foundation
Bob invites his partner Beth to share her passion for children’s literature by describing 6 of her favorite books about the eclipse. In addition, Bob offers suggestions about places to view the totality of the solar eclipse including the Jenkins Forever Farm animal sanctuary where you can join Nature Guys for this spectacular display on April 8, 2024.
Related episode: Eclipse with Dean Regas
Here are the books Beth reviewed and recommends. Check them out at your local library or independent bookstore!
- Sunpainters: Eclipse of the Navajo Sun, written and illustrated by Baje Whitethorne
- Looking Up! The Science of Stargazing by meteorologist Joe Rao and illustrated by Mark Borgions, Ready to Read book bin the Science of Fun Stuff series
- A Few Beautiful Minutes: Experiencing a Solar Eclipse, written by Kate Allen Fox, illustrated by Khoa Le
- The Moon Book, New and Updated by Gail Gibbons
- Totality! An Eclipse Guide inn Rhyme and Science by Jeffrey Bennett, one of the Big Kid Science series
- Eclipse Chaser: Science in the Moon’s Shadow by Ilima Loomis with photographs by Amanda Cowan, one of the Scientists in the Field adventure collection
Bob and Beth will be at the Jenkins Forever Farm. To reserve a Spot for the Eclipse Viewing at Jenkins Forever Farm: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/total-eclipse-of-the-farm-tickets-795748113027
Info from Dean Regas, Your Astronomer Host of the Looking Up podcast
- Check out the recording of Dean Regas's Eclipse class that Bob and Beth listened to live on Feb 6, 2024
- Interactive eclipse map
- Clear Sky Chart (for Cincinnati but you can pick your location and then bookmark it)
- Stellarium free sky simulation software
- Totality App: Available at https://eclipse.aas.org/totality or standard app stores
- Follow along on Dean’s social media channels for more leading up to the eclipse. They are all on the top of Dean’s website so you can pick your favorite.
Bob and Charles tackle one of the hardest subjects that Nature Guys has ever undertaken. In part 1 of Passenger Pigeon they go back in time to experience what this bird was like and how humans managed to wipe out this bird. Part 2 covers what we have learned and not learned from the Passenger Pigeon.
Related episodes: Passenger Pigeon Part 1, The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy
For more information, we recommend these books:
- Wild New World The Epic Story of Animals and People in America by Dan Flores (Bob's pick)
- Man and Nature by George Perkins Marsh (Charles's pick)
Here are books Charles read; the links are to a non-profit website (www.bookshop.org). If you buy these books through the links below it gives Charles's blog credit which does him a lot of good!
- Silent Wings: A Memorial to the Passenger Pigeon (Edited by Wlater Edwin Scott)
- The Passenger Pigeon by Errol Fuller
- The Passenger Pigeon: Its Natural History and Extinction by W.A. Schorger
- A Feathered River Across the Sky: The Passenger Pigeon's Flight to Extinction By Joel Greenberg
Here are links to the relevant posts on Charles’s blog called Gulo in Nature:
- Why is it bad when species go extinct?
- What is a keystone species?
Bob and Charles tackle one of the hardest subjects that Nature Guys has ever undertaken. In part 1 of Passenger Pigeon they go back in time to experience what this bird was like. Thanks to naturalists in the past we have first hand accounts of what this bird was like. Find out how humans managed to wipe out this bird.
For more information, we recommend these books:
- Wild New World The Epic Story of Animals and People in America by Dan Flores (Bob's pick)
- Man and Nature by George Perkins Marsh (Charles's pick)
Here are books Charles read; the links are to a non-profit website (www.bookshop.org). If you buy these books through the links below it gives Charles's blog credit which does him a lot of good!
- Silent Wings: A Memorial to the Passenger Pigeon (Edited by Wlater Edwin Scott)
- The Passenger Pigeon by Errol Fuller
- The Passenger Pigeon: Its Natural History and Extinction by W.A. Schorger
- A Feathered River Across the Sky: The Passenger Pigeon's Flight to Extinction By Joel Greenberg
Here are links to the relevant posts on Charles’s blog called Gulo in Nature:
- Why is it bad when species go extinct?
- What is a keystone species?
Bob is joined by the astronomer Dean Regas. Our goal for this podcast is to inspire you to attend the total eclipse of the sun on April 8th, 2024.
Dean Regas Website: astrodean.com
NASA Science: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
Bob and his wife Beth are invited to chat with Carol Mundy on her radio show Outdoor Life.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Outdoor Life with Carol Mundy
- Carol Mundy’s Website The Crow Knows
Bob chats with Vincent Stanley, the author of The Future of the Responsible Company: What We’ve Learned from Patagonia’s First 50 Years.
Our sources for this episode include:
- The Future of the Responsible Company by Vincent Stanley with Yvon Chouinard
- Earth is now our only shareholder by Yvon Chouinard
Bob meets Caroline from the Civic Garden Center and invites her to talk about a subject she is really tired of! Join us for the good the bad and the ugly about boxwood a plant that seems to be everywhere.
Our sources about boxwood include:
- Where they came from and why they became the universal standard
- Why we gotta get rid of them
- What we can replace them with/ What do we gotta do to get more American Yew
Bob’s ten year old grandson Drew was attacked by yellow jackets at summer camp this year. Drew joins Bob to tell the story and share what he has learned about this often aggressive wasp.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Yellowjackets are not Honey Bees
- Yellowjacket Fact Sheet
- Yellowjacket Facts for Kids
Join Bob and Gia as they delve into the fascinating world of fungi. Gia explains why she loves mushrooms and in particular Lion’s Mane Mushroom.
Related episode: Spring Fungi
Our sources for this episode include:
- Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake
- Hericium erinaceus: an edible mushroom with medicinal values
Nature Guys recorded this in front of an audience at the Civic Garden Center’s Fall Native Plant Festival. Bob welcomes Greg Torres and Sam Settlemyre to discuss why and how we should reduce our lawns.
Related episode: The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy
Resources:
- Homegrown National Park (Doug Tallamy)
- Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati
Charles suggests we do the whirligig - one of over 350,000 species of beetles. Find out about the amazing characteristics of this amazing beetle.
Check out Charles’ nature blog at Gulo in Nature.
Related episodes: Water Striders Walk on Water and Vernal Pools
Our sources for this episode include:
- Whirligig Beetle Facts and Information Guide 2023
- Whirligig Beetles are Skimmers
- Whirligig Beetles Missouri Department of Conservation
- Experimental Studies and Dynamics Modeling Analysis of the Swimming and Diving of Whirligig Beetles (Coleoptera: Gyrinidae)
Tina suggests we do an episode on milkweed beetles. Bob is confused because he thought they were bugs. Tune in to fine out what we discovered.
You can find out more about Tina and Red Oaks Forest School at redoaksforestschool.org.
Related episode: Mighty Milkweed
Our sources for this episode include:
- Milkweed Bugs
- Common Milkweed Insects
- Milkweed Bug
Bob reads an email from a listener (Linda) with a question about eBird that inspired us to do a whole episode on eBird. Charles starts out explaining the capabilities and the value of eBird both to the user and the scientific community. He and Bob go on a virtual birding trip to demonstrate how you can use eBird.
Related episodes: Merlin Magic and Merlin 2
Our source for this episode: eBird by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Greg explains some amazing traits of apple trees. Bob shares some of the fascinating facts about John Chapman better know as Johnny Appleseed.
Related episode: Walnut Woods
Our sources for this episode include:
- The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan
- Johnny Appleseed Man and Myth by Robert Price
Bob chats with Gia and special guest Jonathan about old-growth forests. Learn ways they can make you feel small in the best way. Jonathan explains how he obtained old growth certification from the Old-Growth Forest Network for California Woods Nature Preserve.
Related episode: Vernal Pools
Visit old growth forests in greater Cincinnati: Cincinnati Park California Woods Nature Preserve, Rowe Woods at Cincinnati Nature Center
Our sources for this episode include: Old-Growth Forest Network
Bob chats with Jim McCormac the co author with Chelsea Gottfried of Gardening for Moths: A Regional Guide. Find out why gardeners can and should attract specific moths species to their properties and how to do it.
Our source for this episode is the book Gardening for Moths: A Regional Guide by Jim McCormac and Chelsea Gottfried.
Related episodes: The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy and Bats with Merlin Tuttle
Charles takes Bob on a deep dive into the fascinating world of Water Lilies.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Nymphaeaceae
- Lotus Vs. Water Lilies, What’s The Difference?
Bob chats with Bill McKibben the author of We Are Better Together, his first children’s book. He is the author of the bestsellers The End of Nature, Eaarth, and Deep Economy. Bill is the founder of the environmental organization 350.org and recently Third Act, an organization that encourages people over 60 to take action on climate change.
You can find out more about Bill McKibben on his website: BillMcKibben.com
Find Bill's new children's book at: We Are Better Together
Bob chats with Katherine Hauswirth, the author of two inspiring books, The Book of Noticing: Collections and Connections on the Trailand her recent book the Morning Light the Lily White Daily: Dips into Nature and Spirit.
Links to Katherine’s books, newsletter and blog:
- The Morning Light, The Lily White: Daily Dips into Nature and Spirit by Katherine Hauswirth
- The Book of Noticing by Katherine Hauswirth
- Loving the World e-newsletter signup
- First Person Naturalist blog
Want to learn more about a fairly easy sparrow to identify by sight and sound? Join Bob and Tina for a fascinating dive into the life and behavior of white-throated sparrows.
You can find out more about Tina and Red Oaks Forest School at redoaksforestschool.org.
Related episodes with Tina: A Can of Earthworms, Peregrine Falcon and What's Your Zugunruhe?
Our sources for this episode include:
- Hear White-throated Sparrows Learning to Sing
- White-throated Sparrow is Not Just Another Little Brown Bird
- Andrea Boyer Effects of Winter Weather on White-throated Sparrows
Merlin Tuttle is a tremendous advocate for bats and has done amazing things throughout his career to help protect them and change people’s misconceptions and fears about them. His motto is “win friends not battles” and that’s been his approach throughout his 60+ years doing this work!
Merlin shares with Bob some of his amazing bat adventures. Merlin will be the keynote speaker at the Arc of Appalachia’s Wildflower Pilgrimage in April of 2023.
Related Episode: Bat in the House and Story: Bats! The Sequel I Never Wanted to Write from listener Jake
Our sources for this episode include:
- Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation
- Bat Conservation International
- Arc of Appalachia’s Wildflower Pilgrimage
How do you go from a city girl who likes being inside to the host of the BirdNote podcast Bring Birds Back? Tune in as Tenijah Hamilton shares her inspiring story.
Thanks to Cincinnati Nature Center for sponsoring this episode. Visit www.CincyNature.org to register for February 2023 online classes and don’t forget to use promo code NATURE to get 25% off.
Related episodes: Purple Martin, Whitebark Pine: The most important tree you have never heard of
Our sources for this episode include:
- Bring Birds Back Podcast
- Feminist Bird Club
Bob and Gia chat about one very special bird. The etherial song of this bird is inspiring!
Learn about Helen Black in this wikipedia article.
Special thanks to Cornell Lab for the wood thrush audio clip (ML 29922711 Glen Chapman May 9, 2016). Visit our web site to see Tam Teow's beautiful wood thrush art.
Thanks to Cincinnati Nature Center for sponsoring this episode. Visit www.CincyNature.org to register for January 2023 online classes and don’t forget to use promo code NATURE to get 25% off.
Related episodes: Merlin Magic, Merlin 2, What It’s Like to be a Bird with David Sibley
Our sources for this episode include:
- Bird Songs
- All About Birds Wood Thrush
- Four Fun Facts about the Wood Thrush
- Wood Thrush
- Cornell Chronicle: Songbird population declines linked to acid rain, Cornell ecologists report
Bob welcomes Greg Torres back to revisit the eastern redcedar tree. Bill and Bob did an episode on this tree in 2017 and had some questions that Greg, our very own plant guru, has some thoughts on.
Thanks to Cincinnati Nature Center for sponsoring this episode. Visit www.CincyNature.org – that’s C-I-N-C-Y-Nature.org – to register for January 2023 online classes and don’t forget to use promo code NATURE to get 25% off.
Related Episodes: Why We Don’t Hug Eastern Redcedar Trees, Walnut Woods
Our sources for this episode include:
- Eastern Redcedar
- Juniperus Virginiana Facts for Kids
- Eastern Redcedar Control on Range and Pasture
- The Pros and Cons of the Eastern Redcedar
Greg is excited to share all about a project he has been involved in for a number of years. We bring in some of the collaborators to explain their roles in this inspiring project. Tune in to learn how they turned ten acres of forgotten land into a Cincinnati City Park.
Thanks to Cincinnati Nature Center for sponsoring this episode. Visit www.CincyNature.org – that’s C-I-N-C-Y-Nature.org – to register for January 2023 online classes and don’t forget to use promo code NATURE to get 25% off.
Related episode: Invasive Plants
Our sources for this episode include:
- Cincinnati Parks - Walnut Woods of Evanston
- Civic Garden Center
-
Walnut Hills High School
Bob opens with some thoughts on Thanksgiving. Many of us eat Cranberries around Thanksgiving. Charles joins Bob to share the unique ecology of this amazing plant.
Related episodes: Mistletoe
Our sources for this episode include:
- The Thanksgiving Tale We Tell is a Harmful Lie. As a Native American I’ve found a Better Way to Celebrate the Holiday by Sean Sherman
- The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen by Sean Sherman
(The Cranberry Sauce Recipe Beth adapted is on page 108) - The Myths of the Thanksgiving Story and the Lasting Damage They Imbue by Claire Bugos
- The Vicious Reality Behind the Thanksgiving Myth (requires subscription to The New York Times)
- Cranberry
Thanks to Christina Zorn for providing background research.
We have opened a can of worms with this episode! Join Tina and Bob as they discuss the common earthworm. They invite some kids to share their thoughts on earthworms. A big thanks to Ruth and Levi for inspiring this episode.
Special thanks to the Cincinnati Nature Center for sponsoring this episode. You can find out more about Tina and Red Oaks Forest School at redoaksforestschool.org.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Earthworm invaders alter northern forests (informative article suggested by Ruth)
- Deer, Worms and Invasives
- The American Robin hasn’t Always Gotten the Worm
- Earthworm
We have opened a can of worms with this episode! Join Tina and Bob as they discuss the common earthworm. They invite some kids to share their thoughts on earthworms. A big thanks to Ruth and Levi for inspiring this episode.
Special thanks to the Cincinnati Nature Center for sponsoring this episode. You can find out more about Tina and Red Oaks Forest School at redoaksforestschool.org.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Earthworm invaders alter northern forests (informative article suggested by Ruth)
- Deer, Worms and Invasives
- The American Robin hasn’t Always Gotten the Worm
- Earthworm
Hometown Nature Heroes are everywhere! Bob talks with Courtney Ryan a passionate advocate for getting kids outside.
Special thanks to the Cincinnati Nature Center for sponsoring this episode.
Courtney’s Recommended Resources:
Sands Montessori Outdoor Campus
Sands Montessori Partners:
- Native Roots
- Madison Tree Care and Landscaping
- Motz Turf Farms
- Sunbelt Rentals
Books to Read:
- Balanced And Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, And Capable Children By Angela J. Hanscom
- Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to A Nature-Rich Life By Richard Louv
- Play The Forest School Way: Woodland Games and Craft For Adventurous Kids By Jane Worroll And Peter Houghton
- There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather: A Scandinavian Mom’s Secrets For Raising Healthy, Resilient, And Confident Kids By Linda Akeson Mcgurk
- The Call of The Wild And Free: Reclaiming Wonder In Your Child’s Education By Ainsley Arment
Resources:
- Children and Nature Network
- Orange Is the New Green: Exploring the Restorative Capacity of Seasonal Foliage in Schoolyard Trees
Hometown Nature Heroes are everywhere! Bob talks with Courtney Ryan a passionate advocate for getting kids outside.
Special thanks to the Cincinnati Nature Center for sponsoring this episode.
Courtney’s Recommended Resources:
Sands Montessori Outdoor Campus
Sands Montessori Partners:
- Native Roots
- Madison Tree Care and Landscaping
- Motz Turf Farms
- Sunbelt Rentals
Books to Read:
- Balanced And Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, And Capable Children By Angela J. Hanscom
- Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to A Nature-Rich Life By Richard Louv
- Play The Forest School Way: Woodland Games and Craft For Adventurous Kids By Jane Worroll And Peter Houghton
- There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather: A Scandinavian Mom’s Secrets For Raising Healthy, Resilient, And Confident Kids By Linda Akeson Mcgurk
- The Call of The Wild And Free: Reclaiming Wonder In Your Child’s Education By Ainsley Arment
Resources:
- Children and Nature Network
- Orange Is the New Green: Exploring the Restorative Capacity of Seasonal Foliage in Schoolyard Trees
Greg and Bob share a misunderstood plant that they both love to see in the fall. Find out why goldenrod takes the blame for sneezing in the fall.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Sneezing? Don’t Blame Goldenrod!
- Five Golden Truths about Goldenrods
- How to Grow and Care for Goldenrod
Bob is joined by Peri, a science communicator with the National Park Service. Peri is part of a team that created season 2 of the Headwaters podcast on Whitebark Pine. Glacier National Park Conservancy funds the show.
Links:
- Glacier National Park Conservancy
- Headwaters in-depth storytelling podcast by Glacier National Park
- References in Headwaters show notes
In her position as Research Ecologist at Cincinnati Nature Center, Danie Frevola designed and implemented an innovative study on oak trees. Hear Danie’s inspiring story!
Related Episodes: Northern Red Oak, The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy and The Hummingbird Handbook with John Showy
Bob and Charles respond to a very important question about using bird sound playback from a listener. They also have a listener suggestion on a way to support Sara Dykman, the author of Bicycling with Butterflies.
Related episodes: Merlin Magic, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, What It's Like to Be a Bird with David Sibley and Bicycling with Butterflies with Sara Dykman
Our sources for this episode include:
- TEDxBozeman talk by Charles van Rees: A glance through nature’s playbook
- Merlin App by The Cornell Lab
- Proper Use of Playback in Birding by David Sibley
- Sara Dykman’s Go Fund Me Campaign: Counting Monarchs in Mexico
Bob’s grandson Drew wanted to learn more about Peregrine Falcons. As you will hear Tina was the perfect person for this episode. Tune in to hear Tina’s amazing stories about studying Peregrines.
You can find out more about Tina and Red Oaks Forest School at redoaksforestschool.org.
Related episodes: What's Your Zugunruhe? and Hummingbirds
Our sources for this episode include The Cornell Lab All About Birds: Peregrine Falcon
Bob and Gia talk about a woodpecker that is only found in parts of California. Thanks to Nic for using Merlin to find this bird!
Related episodes: Merlin Magic, Downy Woodpeckers Support Their Mates, Acorn Woodpeckers and The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy
Our sources for this episode include:
- The Merlin Bird ID App by The Cornell Lab
- The Cornell Lab All About Birds
- Thomas Nuttail -The Oregon Encyclopedia
- Nuttall’s Woodpecker – Whatbird.com
- Meet the Nuttall’s Woodpecker
- Thomas Nuttail article in The Popular Science Monthly, Volume 46
Bob is joined by our very own plant guru Greg to talk about invasive species. Greg brings along his right hand man Drew to explain why invasive plants have such a negative impact.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Study by Audubon that Drew refers to: Nandina Berries Kill Birds
Bob and Charles talk about the Merlin App from Cornell Lab. It now has the ability to identify birds by sound! Please try it out and let us know what bird you want to know more about by emailing us at info@natureguys.org.
Our sources for this episode include:
- The Merlin Bird ID App by The Cornell Lab
- Gulo in Nature Blog by Charles
- The New School Montessori school in Cincinnati
On March 19, 2021 a volcano erupted in Iceland that captured the imagination of people from all over the world. It also changed the lives of April and Martin, independent filmmakers living in an apartment in New York City. Like many of us they were coming out of a long winter dealing with covid - 19. This eruption spawned an idea for their next film. They decided to travel to Iceland to film the eruption and gather stories from the remarkable people who live with the joys and challenges of volcanic eruptions right in their own neighborhoods! Find out how April and Martin created this powerful film.
You can find out how to watch the film at fireandiceland.com. I would love to hear your reactions to the film. You can leave a comment on our website or email me at info@natureguys.org.
Greg and Bob are loving all the wonderful spring wildflowers. Greg takes us back in time to discover the history of wildflowers around the world before turning to the amazing story of the eastern forest in spring.
Related episodes: Spring Wildflowers, Seeds on the Moveand Wild Ginger
Greg has done three excellent videos on spring wildflowers available via YouTube:
- Harbinger of Spring
- Skunk Cabbage
- Spring Woodland Wildflowers
If you need a great wildflower book, check out Bob’s favorite guide:
Wildflowers of Tennessee the Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians by Horn, Cathcart, Hemmerly, and Duhl, published by Lone Pine Publishing
After a long winter Bob and Gia are excited to do a live show at California Woods Nature Preserve. They had a blast talking with kids and adults about the nature of spring.
Related episodes: Firefighting Beavers, Parachuting Beavers
I received an intriguing email from Tina at Red Oaks Forest School asking me if I knew about Zugunruhe. I did not and wanted to learn more so I invited Tina to come on the show to explain all about it. Tune in to hear Tina tell the inspiring story of how Red Oaks got started and of course all about Zugunruhe.
You can find out more about Tina and Red Oaks Forest School at redoaksforestschool.org
If you want to register for Zugunruhe 2022 go to: https:// evergreen.humanitru.com/web/campaigns/red-oaks-forest- school~zugunruhe-2022
Related episode: Sit Spot
Nature Guys is proud to say that this is our 200th episode! Our first episode was released in October of 2016. If you are a long time listener you know that my dear friend Bill was my only co-host until August of 2020. If you are new to the show, you can listen to my tribute to Bill on the episode titled “Our Friend Bill” released on September 1, 2020. Nature Guys has not only survived Bill’s loss but thrives thanks to the contributions of many people both on air and off. Special thanks to Gia, Greg and Charles – top notch naturalists who have taken the time from their busy schedules to help me create multiple amazing new shows. On this 200th episode I wanted to play an old Bill and Bob show. I was debating which episode to use when I got an email from Eve Bishop. Eve has a wonderful new four part podcast called Deer Humans. Tune in to hear Eve explain this in her own words followed by the Nature Guys podcast on white tailed deer originally released on October 10, 2017. You can find out more about Eve Bishop at: www.evebishop.net
Our sources for this episode include:
- Avoiding Deer Collisions
- The First Months Of A Whitetail Fawn
- Tarsal Glands: What We Know | QDMA
- Interesting facts about white-tailed deer
Charles and Bob can’t wait to get out in the field in early spring to check out the woodcock sky dance. This is one crazy bird. It is a shorebird that lives in the forest and is nicknamed the timberdoodle.
The woodcock sound clip is thanks to Karen Hogan via the Macaulay Library at Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Thanks to Christina Zorn for providing background research.
Our sources for this episode include:
- The Woodcock Management Plan
- Funky American Woodcock YouTube video
- A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold
- Nature blog Gulo in Nature by Charles Van Rees
Gia and Bob discuss wolves a species that inspires a variety of emotions. Tune in to learn about the impacts wolves have on the Yellowstone ecosystem. Thanks to Christina Zorn for providing background research. Also special thanks to Lissa Malloy for creating a picture visualizing the tropic cascade concept.
Keystone Species series: All About Alligators, Firefighting Beavers, Acorn Woodpeckers
Our sources for this episode include:
- The Howling Wilderness an interview with Doug Smith
January 2021 Issue 541 of The Sun Magazine
Thanks to Doug Smith and The Sun for giving us permission to link to this incredible interview - Max Waugh Photography - Gray Wolf vs Coyotes
- Tropic Cascade Picture on Nature Guys web site: Lissa Malloy offered to create a picture visualizing the tropic cascade concept we covered in the podcast. You can find more of her amazing work at: https://lissamalloy.crevado.com/about-cv
Charles and Bob kick off 2022 with a very unique bird. Hopefully we will inspire you to take a walk by your favorite stream or river to see a kingfisher.
Related episodes: What It’s Like to be a Bird with David Sibley
Our sources for this episode include:
- Fun Facts About Kingfishers
- Ten Things about the Belted Kingfisher
- Aerial Ramming, a Burrow Excavation Behavior by Belted Kingfishers, with a Review of its Occurrence among the Alcedinidae by Hendricks et al., 2013
- The Eastern Belted Kingfisher, Megaceryle Alcyon Alcyon (Linnaeus), in Relation to Fish Management by Salyer and Lagler, 1949
- Attempted predation of a diurnally active Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum) by a Belted Kingfisher
- Predation of a Western Water Shrew (Sorex navigator) by a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)
- North American River Otters Followed by Piscivorous Birds, and a River Otter Parental Distraction Display
Greg and Bob discuss a plant that everyone will probably recognize. Amaze your friends at holiday parties with the story of mistletoe.
Our sources for this episode include:
- The Golden Bough by James George Frazer (available via Project Gutenberg)
- Merry covid Christmas: Don’t kiss under the mistletoe, advises British minister
- 12 Things to know about Mistletoe
Bob talks with Grace Lynch, the creator and host of an amazing new podcast on climate change from Wonder Media Network. The podcast brings together poems and stories from women throughout the US and territories that depict the effects of climate change on their homes and people.
The source for this interview is the new podcast As She Rises by Wonder Media Network.
Gia and Bob just cannot let go of the 17 year cicadas. They discuss a very cool bird the Yellow-Billed Cuckoo that has a special taste for cicadas.
Related episodes: Cicadas, 17 Years to Awesome and The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy
Our sources for this episode include:
- Cicada Safari App created by Dr. Gene Kritsky
- Ohio Birds: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species published by Waterford Press
- Bird Note Podcast on the Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Charles chats with Brooke Mitchell-Norman, the host of the podcast Rewildology. They discuss Brooke’s love of big cats and how travel can help protect wildlife.
Related series: Through the Eyes of Nature Guys
Our sources for this episode include:
- Rewildology
It seems everyone has a story about poison ivy. Greg and Bob share some of their favorite stories. They discuss the often overlooked benefits of poison ivy. They will also cover how to identify it and how to remove it from areas where you would likely encounter the plant.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Poison Ivy Leaf Gall Mite by Joe Boggs
- Poison Ivy Rash
- Interesting Facts about Poison Ivy
- 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Poison Ivy
Bob chats with Doug Chadwick, the author of Four Fifths a Grizzly: A New Perspective on Nature that Just Might Save Us All. Doug has travelled the world writing for National Geographic. This amazing book caps a long career.
The source for this interview is Four Fifths a Grizzly: A New Perspective on Nature that just Might Save Us All published by Patagonia Books in June of 2021.
The Bug Chicks are in Bob’s backyard to share the amazing story of how they got started. Co-hosts Greg Torres and Chris Anderson (of Science Around Cincy) join in the fun.
Learn more about The Bug Chicks on their website: thebugchicks.com.
Tune in to find out the winners of our cicada contest. Check out all the wonderful entries on our Celebrating Cicadas page.
Related episodes: Cicadas, 17 Years to Awesome and Cicadas are Kinda Cute
Be sure to tune in next week for our special guests The Bug Chicks.
If you love hummingbirds, tune in to listen to Bob’s conversation with John Shewey. His book, The Hummingbird Handbook, is filled with facts and practical tips to care for hummingbirds right in your own neighborhood.
Related episodes: Hummingbirds, Bicycling with Butterflies with Sara Dykman, The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy
The source for this interview is The Hummingbird Handbook: Everything You Need to Know about These Fascinating Birds by John Shewey from Timber Press.
Greg and Bob talk about wild ginger, a plant that makes a great native ground cover. You have to get down on your knees to see the flower. Who pollinates this flower that is hidden from view?
Related episode: The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy
Our sources for this episode include:
- Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover: The Curious Case of Wild Ginger Pollination
- Wild Ginger
- Caring For Wild Ginger: How To Grow Wild Ginger Plants
Connect with us on our website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Bob is excited to talk to Holly Merker about her wonderful book Ornitherapy For Your Mind Body Soul. Tune in to his conversation with Holly Merker and listen to the story of how birds saved Holly’s life!
The source for this interview is Ornitherapy by Holly Merker, Richard Crossley and Sophie Crossley
Charles Van Rees, Nature Guys Podcast’s very own science guy, has a fascinating conversation with Kim McCoy about Kim's new book Waves and Beaches: The Powerful Dynamics of Sea and Coast by Willard Bascom and Kim McCoy published by Patagonia.
Kim mentions salmon in the conversation. To learn more about salmon, check out Bob’s interview with Mark Kurlansky in the episode Salmon are a Gift about Mark's book Salmon: A Fish, the Earth and the History of Their Common Fate also published by Patagonia.
Gia and Bob are excited about the arrival of the 17 year periodic cicadas. We hope to inspire you to either love cicadas or maybe just hate them a little less. Bob and Gia share 17 cool things about cicadas. There is nothing to fear when the cicadas are here!
Please listen to the episode to learn all about our contest to celebrate the cicadas! Email us your entry to info@natureguys.org.
Related episodes: Cicadas are Kinda Cute, The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy
Our sources for this episode include:
- Cicada Safari App created by Dr. Gene Kritsky
- Cicada Mania: Cicada Insect News, Facts, Life Cycle, Photos, Books ...
- When the Woods Hum by Joanne Ryder (the book is out of print but check your library)
- Cecily Cicada (2021 Edition) by Kita Helmetag Murdock and Patsy Helmetag
- Periodical Cicadas The Brood X Edition by Gene Kritsky
Bob reads an amazing new book Bicycling with Butterflies: My 10,201 Mile Journey Following The Monarch Migration. Tune in to his conversation with Sara Dykman, the first person to follow migrating monarch butterflies on her bicycle. Learn more about Sara and some of the lessons she learned on her nine month adventure from Mexico to Canada and back.
Please check out Sara's website Beyond a Book. Bicycling with Butterflies is published by Timber Press.
Related episodes: Monarchs on the Move, Mighty Milkweed
Charles and Bob discuss vernal pools. Bob has always been intrigued by vernal pools and with time at home due to the pandemic he decided to build one in his backyard. Learn about his first aquatic visitor the water strider. Also learn about an amazing creature that lives in a vernal pool at Cincinnati Nature Center. If you have not seen fairy shrimp be sure to check them out. Charles explains what they look like and why they are found in vernal pools.
Related episodes: The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy, Dragonflies, Damselflies and Wood Frogs Quack It Up
Our sources for this episode include:
- Vernal Pool Chronicles: a YouTube channel about vernal pools with some fantastic footage
- Colburn et al., 2007: Diversity and ecology of vernal pool invertebrates (Chapter from: Science and Conservation of Vernal Pools in Northeastern North America)
- U.S. EPA informational page - Vernal pools
Greg Torres and Bob discuss one of the most important trees in Florida. The Red Mangrove is the protector from storms and provides safe harbor to many living things.
Cheer on Greg who is competing in the 2021 Go Wild for Jeopar-Ding fund raiser that will premiere virtually on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 to support the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Check out related episodes on our Wildlife Refuges page.
Watch Greg's YouTube video on red mangroves.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Florida’s Extraordinary Mangroves
- Essential Facts about Mangroves
- Florida’s Mangroves
Bob chats with Doug Tallamy about his latest book The Nature of Oaks. The book shows you what to look for on and near oak trees every month of the year. Hear a few of the amazing stories of oaks. If you have or want oaks in your yard or just want to appreciate their irreplaceable role in the health of our environment this podcast will inspire you to learn more about this magnificent tree.
Books by Doug Tallamy are published by Timber Press:
- The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees
- Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard
- Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants
- The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden with Rick Darke
Click here to learn more about Seed Libraries.
Related episodes: Northern Red Oak and Blue Jays are Not Blue
Special thanks to Cincinnati realtors Molly and Sara at Haven Home Group (Coldwell Banker Realty) for sponsoring this episode.
Gia and Bob discuss one amazing woodpecker. If you live or travel to the west make sure you check this woodpecker out. This episode is part of our Keystone Species series. Thanks to Christina Zorn for the great research!
Related woodpecker episodes: Wow it’s a Pileated Woodpecker, Downy Woodpeckers Support Their Mates, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers Slurp Sap
Keystone Species series: All About Alligators, Firefighting Beavers
Our sources for this episode include:
- All About Birds
- USDA Fire effects Information Systems
- Wikipedia
- Animalia
Charles and Bob discuss the Hooded Merganser. It is a duck that has some very un-duck like qualities.
Related episodes: Mallards Mate with Other Ducks, Firefighting Beavers, What It’s Like to be a Bird with David Sibley, Erin Brockovich
Our sources for this episode include:
- 10 Interesting Facts about the Hooded Mergansers
- The Cornell Lab All About Birds
- Hooded Merganser
Chris Clements of Imago joins Bob to talk about the Japanese concept of 72 seasons. Chris challenges us to go out and visit nature regularly in our own neck of the woods. See how it changes every few days. Try to come up with your own micro-season and give it an evocative name.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Micro-seasons - Headspace YouTube video
- Japan’s 72 Microseasons
Seeds have many ways to get out into the world. Greg shares fascinating strategies plants use to disburse seeds.
Related episodes: Hedge Apples, Down Yonder in the Paw Paw Patch
Our sources for this episode include:
- Falling Far from the Tree: 7 Brilliant Ways Seeds and Fruits Are Dispersed
- Daniel Janzen - Bio and Research
- The Ghosts Of Evolution: Nonsensical Fruit, Missing Partners, and Other Ecological Anachronisms by Connie Barlow
- Lengyel, S.; et al. (2009). Chave, Jerome (ed.). "Ants Sow the Seeds of Global Diversification in Flowering Plants"
- Howe, H. F. & Smallwood J. (1982). "Ecology of Seed Dispersal" (PDF). Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics. 13: 201–228.
- The Ant Dance - YouTube video with Greg Torres
- The Bird Dance- YouTube video with Greg Torres
Gia and Bob are in Bob’s backyard on a cold winter afternoon talking all about alligators. Alligators are a great American success story. Thanks to Christina Zorn for the great research! This episode is part of our Keystone Species series.
Keystone Species series episodes: Firefighting Beavers
Our sources for this episode include:
- Definition of Alligator
- Alligator Biology and Behavior
- JW Lang and HV Andrews, J Exp Zoology (1994) Temperature-dependent sex determination in crocodilians.
- Cramp Meyer Sparks and Franklin. (2008) Functional and morphological plasticity of crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) salt glands. Journal of Experimental Biology 2008 211: 1482-1489; doi: 10.1242/jeb.015636. https://jeb.biologists.org/content/ 211/9/1482
- American Alligator from National Geographic
- Crocodilian Biology Database
Recently I ran across a title of a new book that peaked my interest. Curious to know more I did an Internet search and found out that this book is written by someone I think you may recognize. Erin Brockovich has become a household word thanks to a movie by the same name released in the year 2000. I got a hold of a copy of the book and after reading it realized it would be the perfect end to the water series. If you haven't had a chance to listen to the first two parts I encourage you to do so. Charles does a great job giving us a deeper understanding of why water is so important to all life on earth. I hope Erin will inspire you to pick up a copy of her book, Superman's not Coming: Our National Water Crisis What We The People Can Do About It. As Erin so passionately says no one is going to solve our water problems for us. It is up to we the people and Erin’s book shows you how.
Related Episodes: What the Heck is Water, Freshwater Life
Our sources for this episode include:
Superman's not Coming: Our National Water Crisis What We The People Can Do About It by Erin Brockovich
Charles Van Rees joins Bob to discuss the importance of freshwater and its relationship to biodiversity. This is part two of a three part series.
Related episodes:
- What the Heck is Water
- Firefighting Beavers
- Salmon are a Gift
- Sit Spot
Our sources for this episode include:
- WWF Living Planet Report 2018
- Van Rees et al., 2020 - Safeguarding freshwater life beyond 2020
- United Nations Water Development Report 2020
- Global Water Partnership: Water and Ecosystems
Charles Van Rees joins Bob to discuss something we can take for granted. Water is an amazing substance and Charles has some insights as to why it is essential to all life on earth. This is part one of a three part series on water and its importance to all living things on earth.
Related episodes: So You Want to Be a Naturalist, Sycamores Can Be Huge Trees
Our sources for this episode include:
- Water: The Science of Nature's Most Important Nutrient by Len Kravitz
- Vandas et al., 2002: Water and the Environment
It has been a challenging year for everyone including Nature Guys. Losing Bill Creasey in August was a loss for everyone who values connecting to the natural world. It would take a village of naturalists to replace him. Well we don’t quite have a village but we have been able to assemble an amazing team to carry on the work of Nature Guys. Tune in to find out what Bob discovers at his sit spot. This episode also serves as a preview of the first five episodes in 2021.
Related episodes:
- Sit Spot
- Our Friend Bill
- Watch for the Cooper's Hawk at Your Bird Feeder
- So You Want to Be a Naturalist with Charles Van Rees
- Firefighting Beavers with Gia Giammarinaro
- Witch Hazel Magic with Greg Torres
Awhile back my sister Suzanne called me. She was excited because a pair of mourning doves had nested on an upstairs window ledge of her house. As it happens I was reading David Sibley's book What It's Like to be a Bird: From Flying to Nesting, Eating, to Singing What Birds are Doing and Why.
My sister is a great lover of books so I made her an offer I knew she could not refuse. I suggested that I would send her a copy of the book if she would put together some questions that I might use in this interview. Suzanne has never to my knowledge passed up the opportunity to read a book she is interested in so she quickly agreed.
A few weeks later she sent me this email: "I really enjoyed reading What It’s Like to be a Bird. As you know, I am not someone who spends much time thinking about birds and my knowledge of them is very limited, but I like them and found this book to be a great source of information for someone like me. I am very impressed that Sibley did both the text and the illustrations, which are great. So here are some general questions and questions about mourning doves, which may or may not be of use to you."
Hope you enjoy the interview!
Related episode: Mourning Doves
Our sources for this episode include:
- Sibley Guides
- What It’s Like to Be a Bird by David Sibley
Today’s episode is sponsored by Cinfed Credit Union. You have questions, Cinfed has answers! Providing financial services for more than 85 years to a wide area around Cincinnati. Become a member at cinfed.com!
Listeners often ask me what can you do to help out Nature Guys? This is our annual Giving Tuesday podcast and I have a very specific call to action for this episode. Donate what you can to a great organization that means a lot to Bob. Tune in to find out how you can donate.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Imago
- Giving Tuesday
Today’s episode is sponsored by Cinfed Credit Union. You have questions, Cinfed has answers! Providing financial services for more than 85 years to a wide area around Cincinnati. Become a member at cinfed.com!
Witch Hazel is an amazing and strange plant. It took naturalists a long time to figure out what might pollinate it. Greg Torres, a very talented horticulturist, joins Bob to discuss a plant that you can find blooming in December.
Our sources for this episode include:
- The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden by Rick Darke and Douglas Tallamy
- Bringing Nature Home by Douglas Tallamy
- Evolution and biogeographic diversification of the witch-hazel genus (Hamamelis L.,
Hamamelidaceae) in the Northern Hemisphere by Xei, Lei; Yi, Ting-Shuang; Li, Rong; Li, De-Zhu; Wen. Jun (2010) Molecular Phylogenetics and
Evolution - History of Hamamelis (Witch Hazel), Extract and Distillate by Lloyd, J. U. and J. T. Lloyd. Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association. 24(1935) (3):220–24.
- FDA Skin Protectant Drugs
Special thanks to Cinfed Credit Union for sponsoring this episode.
Introducing Gia Giammarinaro as my cohost for todays episode. Gia is the lead Naturalist at Cincinnati Parks California Woods Nature Preserve. Her favorite rodent is the beaver. How many people do you know who lunch with beavers? Gia was actually on the Parachuting Beaver episode and returns with an amazing story she found in National Geographic.
Related episode: Parachuting Beavers
Our sources for this episode include:
- How beavers became North America’s best firefighter
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2020/09/beavers-firefighters-wildfires-california-oregon/ - Controversy builds around beaver dams
https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/controversy-builds-around-beaver-dams/0kkaK8Bs4dNCzR6etmPP4M/ - The Benefits of Beavers
https://waterwisewisdom.com/2020/02/01/the-benefits-of-beavers/
Special thanks to Cinfed Credit Union for sponsoring this episode.
I got a wonderful email from Kim who homeschools her children and wanted some advice. Her oldest son is hoping to do something in the field of nature. I also received this email from Charles Van Rees a Conservation Biologist and Naturalist offering to be a guest on the show.
“I want first and foremost to thank you for bringing your expertise, humor, warmth, and energy to a great podcast on natural history. I recently moved from a crowded city in Europe to rural Montana, and have been looking for good podcasts on natural history to keep my mind occupied during frequent, long drives. Your podcast has brought me a lot of joy, laughs, and learning during a tough transition and helped me get back in touch with North American nature. Thank you so much! On my way into work this morning I heard your 'Welcome 2020' podcast and your mention of wanting to feature more 'humans' on the show. In case you were looking for additional humans, I wanted to offer myself as a potential guest, since I absolutely adore the show and would love to give something in return. I'm a wetland ecologist and conservation biologist with expertise in freshwater biodiversity and ornithology, and currently work as a postdoctoral research scientist at Flathead Lake Biological Station in Polson, Montana. My past work has been on endangered water birds in Hawaii and migratory gulls in Seville, Spain. Aside from that, I'm a passionate student of natural history and have been trying to spend more time integrating nature study into my work as my career advances. I've been featured on a couple podcasts before and think it's tremendous fun. If you'd like to learn more about me I'd be happy to chat anytime, or you can have a look at my website.”
I decided it would be a good idea to have Charles answer Kim’s email. What started as an email exchange evolved into doing a complete episode. If you know people who are interested in the natural world as a career please share this episode with them.
You can contact Charles Van Rees and learn more about his activities on his website
cbvanrees.wordpress.com or on Twitter @Gulothoughts.
Special thanks to Cinfed Credit Union for sponsoring this episode.
Nature Guys Podcast spends lots of time connecting you to nature on this amazing planet. We are excited to have Dean Regas the astronomer for the Cincinnati Observatory (https://www.cincinnatiobservatory.org/), as a special guest on Nature Guys. After this episode I think you are going to be inspired to step outside and look up.
- 100 Things To See In The Night Sky by Dean Regas
https://www.cincinnatiobservatory.org/dean-regas/about-dean/ - Looking Up podcast
https://www.wvxu.org/programs/looking#stream/0
Special thanks to Cinfed Credit Union (https://www.cinfed.com/) for sponsoring this episode.
Cohost and Cofounder of Nature Guys Podcast sadly passed away in August 2020. Bill's dream was for Nature Guys to continue connecting people to the natural world.
Read Bill's obituary at http://www.springgrove.org/obituary.aspx?id=5351
Next time you pass by an old chimney keep your eye out for this amazing bird. They can eat three times their own weight every day.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Chimney Swift Conservation Association (project directors Paul and Georgean Kyle)
http://www.chimneyswifts.org/- "Chimney Swifts America’s Mysterious Birds above the Fireplace" by Paul and Georgean Kyle
- "New Habitat for America’s Mysterious Birds" by Paul and Georgean Kyle
- Chimney Swift
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Chimney_Swift/overview - Chimney Swift
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/chimney-swift - Fun Facts About Cigars With Wings
https://www.birdsoutsidemywindow.org/2014/05/14/fun-facts-about-cigars-with-wings/
People often put out Purple Martin houses to help control insects. In fact the Martins in the eastern United States could not exist without these houses.
Our sources for this episode include:
- How to Attract Purple Martins
https://www.purplemartin.org/purple-martins/attracting/ - Fun Facts About Purple Martins
https://www.thespruce.com/fun-facts-about-purple-martins-387110 - Interesting Facts About Purple Martins That Will Make You Go Wow
https://birdeden.com/interesting-facts-about-purple-martin - Purple Martin Conservation Association
https://www.purplemartin.org/
Find out the amazing story of how the House Finch made its way all the way across the United States.
Our sources for this episode include:
- House Finch
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/House_Finch/lifehistory - Interesting Facts about House Finches
https://animals.visualstories.com/interesting-facts-about-house-finch - House Finch or Purple Finch? Here's How to Tell Them Apart
https://www.audubon.org/news/house-finch-or-purple-finch-heres-how-tell-them-apart - Crossley Field Guide Books
https://crossleybooks.com/book/the-crossley-id-guide-eastern-birds/
It is challenging to be a bluebird. Learn what you can do to help this beautiful bird.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Eastern Bluebird (includes plans for how to build a nesting box)
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Bluebird/overview - 8 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About Bluebirds
https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/facts-about-bluebirds/ - Interesting Eastern Bluebird Facts
http://www.birdhouses101.com/eastern-bluebird-facts.asp - Fun Facts About Bluebirds
https://valparaiso.wbu.com/bluebird-fun-facts
Damselflies are beautiful creatures. Best of all they do not bite or sting.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Damselflies - Interesting Facts on These Beautiful Insects
http://EzineArticles.com/6148223 - What is the difference between Dragonflies and Damselflies?
https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/odonata/frequently-asked-questions/ - 10 Things you may not know about Damselflies
https://natureformysoul.com/2016/06/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-damselflies/
Dragonflies are something you want to have around. They love to eat mosquitoes!
Our sources for this episode include:
- Migratory Dragonfly Partnership
http://www.migratorydragonflypartnership.org/ - 14 Fun Facts about Dragonflies
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/14-fun-facts-about-dragonflies-96882693/ - 7 things you never knew about dragonflies
https://www.treehugger.com/things-you-never-knew-about-dragonflies-4864302 - Fun Facts about Dragonflies
https://www.threeriversparks.org/blog/fun-facts-about-dragonflies
Native bees are incredibly efficient at pollinating plants and they are very docile.
Our sources for this episode include:
- 6 Amazing Facts About Mason Bees
https://www.keepingbackyardbees.com/5-amazing-facts-about-mason-bees/ - The Leafcutter Bee
https://www.buzzaboutbees.net/leafcutter-bee.html - Crown Bees (where Bob got his bees)
https://crownbees.com
Bob learns that you can see this frog in the winter!
Related episodes: Green Frogs Sing the Blues, Gray Treefrogs Freeze, Wood Frogs Quack It Up, Jeepers Spring Peepers
Our sources for this episode include:
- American Bull Frog (National Geographic)
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/amphibians/a/american-bullfrog/ - American Bull Frog (NatureMapping)
http://naturemappingfoundation.org/natmap/facts/american_bullfrog_712.html - American Bull Frog Facts
https://www.softschools.com/facts/animals/american_bullfrog_facts/481/
Bob has a conversation with Mark Kurlansky the award winning author of Salmon: A Fish, the Earth, and the History of Their Common Fate.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Mark Kurlansky (visit his web site at http://www.markkurlansky.com/)
- Salmon: A Fish, the Earth, and the History of Their Common Fate by Mark Kurlansky
- The World Without Fish: How Kids Can Help Save the Oceans by Mark Kurlansky
- Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World by Mark Kurlansky
Bill reveals something he learned in school. Green frogs can be blue!
Our sources for this episode include:
- Green Frog
https://animals.net/green-frog/ - Northern Green Frog
http://www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org/assets/uploads/animals/pdf/NorthernGreenFrog.pdf - Northern Green Frog
https://www.cbf.org/about-the-bay/more-than-just-the-bay/chesapeake-wildlife/northern-green-frog-at-home-in-the-bog.html
Gray treefrogs are hard to see but easy to hear. Special thanks to our friend and naturalist John Howard for the amazing photos.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Gray Treefrog
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/gray-tree-frog - Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
https://srelherp.uga.edu/anurans/hylchr.htm - Gray Treefrog
https://nhpbs.org/natureworks/graytreefrog.htm - Science Around Cincy: Clara do Amaral – Frog Cryobiologist
https://sciaroundcincy.com/2019/07/25/clara-do-amal/
Bob challenges you to try to find more ‘nuts’ than a squirrel.
Our sources for this episode include:
- The Kids’ Wildlife Book by Warner Shedd
http://warnershedd.com/
Grey Squirrels are easy to see in certain areas. They are really cute even when they are eating all your birdseed!
Our sources for this episode include:
- Eastern Gray Squirrel
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/eastern-gray-squirrel/ - Squirrels: Diet, Habits & Other Facts
https://www.livescience.com/28182-squirrels.html - 22 things you may not know about squirrels
https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/blogs/happy-squirrel-appreciation-day
Bob invites artist Adrian Hawk to tell us how we can do Land Art right in our own neighborhoods.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Andy Goldworthy Digital Catalogue
https://www.goldsworthy.cc.gla.ac.uk - Imago Rangers - Land Art
https://imagoearth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Day-7-Land-Art-.pdf
Bob has his back yard torn up. He is amazed to find Blue Violets returning in pure clay soil.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Common Blue Violet
https://www.gardenexperiments.com/common-blue-violet/ - 7 Fun Facts about Violets
https://www.teleflora.com/blog/7-fun-facts-about-violets/ - Interesting facts about violets
http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-violets/
Bill and Bob remember a fun outside activity they did as kids.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Let’s Go Outside by Jennifer Ward
https://www.jenniferwardbooks.com/
Bill talks with Thane Maynard the Director of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Learn how Thane went from a kid chasing gaters in Florida to the head of one of the best zoos in the world.
Resources mentioned include:
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
http://cincinnatizoo.org/ - Cincinnati Zoo live safaris on FaceBook
https://www.facebook.com/cincinnatizoo/live - Cincinnati Nature Center
https://www.cincynature.org/ - Center for Plant Conservation
https://saveplants.org/ - African Parks: Saving Wildlife
https://www.africanparks.org/ - Wildlife Conservation Society
https://www.wcs.org/
Bill and Bob explain a simple activity you can do to connect your kids and yourself to trees.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Sharing Nature with Children by Joseph Cornell
https://www.sharingnature.com/
Bob interviews Nancy Stranahan the Executive Director of the Arc of Appalachia. Nancy is an inspiration and we can all use a large dose of that right now.
Related episode: Spring Wildflowers (http://natureguys.org/spring-wildflowers/)
The Arc of Appalachia - Saving Ohio's Wildlands
https://arcofappalachia.org/
Bill and Bob do a short follow up to the pillbug episode. This has some great ideas to lift your spirits and a special guest.
Related episode: Some Pillbugs are Roly Polies (http://natureguys.org/pillbugs/)
Our sources for this episode include:
- Pillbug Project: A Guide to Investigation by Robin Burnett
https://www.nsta.org/recommends/ViewProduct.aspx?ProductID=12142 - Blue pillbug
https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/7718485
Goldfinch is just the bird to cheer you up! This is a great bird to have at your feeders.
Our sources for this episode include:
- American Goldfinch
https://abcbirds.org/bird/american-goldfinch/ - Interesting American Goldfinch Facts
http://www.birdhouses101.com/american-goldfinch-facts.asp - 21 Facts on Goldfinches
https://www.livingwithbirds.com/tweetapedia/21-facts-on-goldfinch - Fun Facts about Goldfinches
https://billingsgazette.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/fun-facts-about-goldfinches/article_65165159-1e5d-5a6c-8c04-cc1dfa9e6fde.html - Life Histories of North American Birds by Arthur Cleveland Bent
https://birdsbybent.com/about.html
Bob and Bill hope to inspire you to take a Nature Break. This episode has a fun activity that Bob used at nature summer camp.
Related episode: Screech Owl (http://natureguys.org/screech-owl/)
Bob and Bill are inspired by an Imago Ranger program (https://imagoearth.org/imago-rangers/) to do an episode on pillbugs. If you're a little stressed out go outside and find some of these guys.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Imago Rangers Pillbugs
https://imagoearth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Day-5_-Pillbugs.pdf - Pillbugs and Sowbugs
https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/pillbugs-and-sowbugs-land-isopods - 15 Facinating Facts About Pill Bugs
https://www.thoughtco.com/fascinating-facts-about-pillbugs-4165294 - Pillbug Project: A Guide to Investigation by Robin Burnett
https://www.nsta.org/recommends/ViewProduct.aspx?ProductID=12142
Bob has a conversation with Chris from Imago about how nature can help us deal with the coronavirus.
Organizations mentioned in this podcast include:
- Imago - https://imagoearth.org/
- J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge - https://www.fws.gov/refuge/jn_ding_darling/
- Sanibel Sea School - https://www.sanibelseaschool.org/
- The Arc of Appalacia - https://arcofappalachia.org/
Bob has two large tuliptrees in his yard. Tune in to find out why these trees are so interesting.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Tuliptree Profile
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-tulip-trees-2132098 - The Tuliptree
http://www-pub.naz.edu/~treewalk/tuliptree/tuliptree.htm - Facts About the Tuliptree
https://www.gardenguides.com/113941-tulip-tree.html - The Native Tree Society
http://www.nativetreesociety.org/
Bill says Africa is number one on his places to explore. Tune in to find out how a trip to Africa might change your life.
Related episodes: Through the Eyes of Nature Guys (http://natureguys.org/travel/)
Every wonder about the stuff that washes up on a beech as the tide comes in and out? Doc Bruce from Sanibel Sea School explains why this is such an important place on a beach.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Guest J. Bruce Neill (Doc Bruce), Co-Founder and Executive Director of Sanibel Sea School
https://www.sanibelseaschool.org/
Ranger Toni tells the amazing story of a white pelican stuck in the ice in Minnesota. Tune in to find out how it got to Ding Darling.
Related episode: Wildlife at Ding (http://natureguys.org/wildlife-ding/)
Our sources for this episode include:
- J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/jn_ding_darling/ - Nature Works
https://nhpbs.org/natureworks/whitepelican.htm - 10 Fun Facts about White Pelicans
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/515654/10-fun-facts-about-pelicans - Interesting facts about pelicans
http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-pelicans/ - CROW - Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island
http://www.crowclinic.org/
Bob meets Ranger Toni at the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. She talks about the amazing system of wildlife refuges that are all over the United States.
Related: Through the Eyes of Nature Guys (http://natureguys.org/travel/)
Our sources for this episode include:
- J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/jn_ding_darling/ - National Wildlife Refuge System
https://www.fws.gov/refuges/
Bill explains the many wonders of the land down under.
Related: Through the Eyes of Nature Guys (http://natureguys.org/travel/)
Bob and Bill have a special guest that has a ton of experience and stories of Grizzly Bears in Alaska. We start out with five fun and informative questions for our live audience at Roads, Rivers and Trails (https://www.roadsriversandtrails.com/).
Related: Through the Eyes of Nature Guys (http://natureguys.org/travel/)
Our sources for this episode include:
- Brown Bear Fact Sheet
https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/bears-of-the-last-frontier-brown-bear-factsheet/6522/ - Brown Bear Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.nps.gov/katm/learn/photosmultimedia/brown-bear-frequently-asked-questions.htm - Interesting Facts about Brown Bears
http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-brown-bears/
Bill and Bob welcome in the new year with a special conversation with Chris Anderson the executive producer and host of Science Around Cincy.
You can find our more about Chris Anderson’s projects at:
- Science Around Cincy
https://sciaroundcincy.com/ - Science Over Everything
http://scienceovereverything.com/
Christmas in October
Bob and Bill invite some friends to share stories of Christmas Trees. Hope this episode brings a smile to your face!
Our sources for this episode include:
- There are up to 25,000 bugs in the average Christmas tree
https://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/stories/25000-bugs-christmas-tree - What You Need to Know About Recycling Your Christmas Tree
http://blog.davey.com/2013/12/what-you-need-to-know-about-recycling-your-christmas-tree/ - A Toilet Brush Christmas? Invention of the Aluminum Tree
http://patentplaques-blog.com/toilet-brush-inspired-artificial-christmas-trees/
Bob takes a walk on the beach and becomes really curious about sand dollars. Luckily he finds a wonderful source of information, “Sanibel Sea School.”
Our sources for this episode include:
- Sanibel Sea School
https://www.sanibelseaschool.org/ - Dead or alive? 3 ways to spot the difference
https://www.heraldsun.com/news/state/south-carolina/article213506774.html#storylink=cpy - Dead sand dollars on Florida beaches could be result of natural cycle
https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/florida/dead-sand-dollars-on-floridabeaches-could-be-result-of-natural-cycle-experts-say/67-574599775 - It’s prime time for sand dollars on Sanibel as mating season peaks
https://www.winknews.com/2018/07/09/its-prime-time-for-sand-dollars-on-sanibel-as-mating-season-peaks/ - Fun Facts about the Sand Dollar
https://tropicalbreezedecor.com/blog/fun-facts-about-the-sand-dollar/
Bill and Bob talk about organizations that support the birds we love.
Organizations Bill and Bob Support
- Arc of Appalachia | Savings Ohio's Wildlands
https://arcofappalachia.org - Edge of Appalachia - Cincinnati Museum Center
https://www.cincymuseum.org/nature/ - The Nature Conservancy
https://www.nature.org/en-us/ - The American Bird Conservancy
https://abcbirds.org/
Ants are so amazing we had to do a follow up to our episode Ants in My Plants. Tune in to learn why these insects are so important.
Our sources for this episode include:
- 10 Crazy Facts About Ants
https://futurism.com/10-crazy-facts-about-ants - 6 amazing facts about ants
https://earthsky.org/earth/amazing-facts-ants - COOL FACTS ABOUT ANTS!
https://www.natgeokids.com/za/discover/animals/insects/ant-facts/
We got a request to do a podcast at a local garden club. The organizer even provided us with the title. This topic is so vast that it is a two part podcast.
Our sources include:
- 13 natural solutions for killing and deterring ants
https://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/blogs/13-natural-remedies-for-the-ant-invasion - 30 Natural Home Remedies To Get Rid of Ants From Home & Garden
https://balconygardenweb.com/30-natural-home-remedies-to-get-rid-of-ants-from-home-garden/ - ANTS IN YOUR HOUSEPLANTS: GETTING RID OF ANTS IN YOUR PLANTS
https://www.combatbugs.com/en/home/pest-identification/bug-files/ants-in-your-houseplants-getting-rid-of-ants-in-your-plants.cky.html
Have you ever seen a weasel? A listener saw what he thought might be a weasel and his email inspired this podcast.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Weasels: Tiny but mighty
https://www.farmanddairy.com/columns/weasels-tiny-but-mighty/406436.html - Nature: Weasels intriguing despite bad rep
https://www.dispatch.com/article/20101107/lifestyle/311079702 - Fierce Facts About Weasels
http://mentalfloss.com/article/64193/7-fierce-facts-about-weasels
Almost everyone knows what a Robin looks like. Tune in to find out all about this very common bird.
Related episode: Sit Spot (http://natureguys.org/sit-spot/)
Our sources for this episode include:
- Book “What the Robin Knows” by Jon Young
http://birdlanguage.com/ - American Robin
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Robin/overview - Fun Facts About American Robins
https://www.thespruce.com/american-robin-facts-4143588 - Robin Facts
https://journeynorth.org/tm/robin/fact_page.html
This is an easy tree to identify even in winter. Bill tells the tales of some amazing sycamores that he has known over the years. If you get lost this tree will lead you to water.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Sycamores, Trees of Wonder
http://biologicalthinking.blogspot.com/2013/03/sycamores-trees-of-wonder.html - American Sycamore
https://naturewalk.yale.edu/trees/platanaceae/platanus-occidentalis/american-sycamore-29 - Sycamore Get No Respect
http://www.eattheweeds.com/sycamores-not-just-another-plane-tree-2/ - Sycamore Tree Care
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sycamore/sycamore-tree-care.htm
Mosquitoes are the deadliest creatures on earth. Find out how to get along with these challenging insects.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Birds Bats and mosquitoes
https://www.thoughtco.com/birds-and-bats-no-help-with-mosquitos-3970964 - Natural Mosquito Repellents
https://www.thoughtco.com/natural-mosquito-repellents-602178 - Do Bug Zappers Kill Mosquitoes?
https://www.thoughtco.com/do-bug-zappers-kill-mosquitoes-1968054 - Bobʼs Favorite Insect Repellent is Alpenglow
https://www.alpenglowskincare.com/products/alaskas-best-insect-repellent
Bill rarely sees this snake but it is one of his favorites. The hognose snake has some amazing behaviors. S
Related episodes: Black Rat Snake (http://natureguys.org/black-rat-snake/), Red-shouldered or Red-wristed Hawk (http://natureguys.org/red-shouldered-hawk/)
Our sources for this episode include:
- Eastern Hognose Snake
http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Heterodon_platirhinos/ - Eastern Hognose
https://nhpbs.org/wild/easternhognosesnake.asp - Hognose Snakes
http://www.lihs.org/files/caresheets/Heterodon.htm
Mallards are a very common duck that are easy to find. Find out why Bill thinks they may be an invasive species.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Unflappable Facts About Mallards
http://mentalfloss.com/article/78330/15-unflappable-facts-about-mallards - Mallard duck facts
http://www.softschools.com/facts/animals/mallard_duck_facts/587/ - Mallard
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mallard/lifehistory
This is the most visited park in the United States. It is free and is amazing any month of the year.
Related episodes: Through the Eyes of Nature Guys http://natureguys.org/travel/
Our sources for this episode include:
- Fightmaster Fly Fishing - Rob Fightmaster is a great fly fishing guide. Even Bob and Beth can catch fish with Rob at their side!
https://fightmasterflyfishing.com - A Wondrous Diversity of Life - Great Smokey Mountains
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/index.htm - Do Cougars Roam the Smoky Mountains?
https://gardenandgun.com/articles/cougars-roam-smoky-mountains/ - 20 Facts to know about the Great Smoky Mountains
https://www.cabinsforyou.com/blog/advice/20-facts-about-great-smoky-mountains.htm
If you see a bird on a tree with its head toward the ground chances are good you are looking at a nuthatch.
Our sources for this episode include:
- White-breasted Nuthatch (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-breasted_Nuthatch/overview - What is a Nuthatch?
http://www.10000birds.com/nuthatches?doing_wp_cron=1550344848.9804060459136962890625 - 9 fun facts about nuthatches
https://www.wausaudailyherald.com/story/sports/outdoors/2016/04/27/9-funfacts-nuthatches/83551868/ - How to Attract Nuthatches
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-attract-nuthatches-386249
Bobʼs neighbor Wayne had a simple question. Why do you have clover in your yard? Bob and Bill decided to do a podcast to explain to Wayne why we both keep and even plant clover in our yards.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Clover Lawns
https://dengarden.com/gardening/Clover-Lawns - Establishing White Clover in Lawns
http://versicolor.ca/lawnsoldsite/docs/clover.html - Blades of glory: America's love affair with lawns
https://theweek.com/articles/483762/blades-glory-americas-love-affair-lawns
Bill and Bob explore a lizard that started showing up in Cincinnati in the 1950ʼs. Tune in for the fascinating story of how this lizard got to Cincinnati all the way from Italy.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Revisiting Some Scaly Old Friends
https://bygl.osu.edu/node/926 - Bottlenecks and Microhabitat Preference in Invasive Wall Lizard, Podarcis muralis
https://etd.ohiolink.edu/ap/10?0::NOM10MP10_ETD_SUBIDM89321 - They came from Italy. Now, they outnumber us all.
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2017/08/31/they-came-italy-now-theyoutnumber-us-all/591532001/ - Lazarus Lizards Rise in Cincinnati
https://bygl.osu.edu/node/585 - Ohio Division of Natural Resources (ODNR) Conservation Education Materials
http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/education-and-outdoor-discovery/conservation-education-project-wild/education-materials
Rabbits are fun and sometimes confusing. Bob and Bill will cover everything from legend to fact about a very cool animal that everyone knows.
Our sources for this episode include:
- 39 Most Famous Bunnies of All Time
https://247wallst.com/special-report/2018/03/28/39-most-famous-bunnies-of-all-time/ - 14 Fascinating Facts About Rabbits
http://mentalfloss.com/article/557234/facts-about-rabbits - 20 Fascinating Facts About Rabbits
https://www.care2.com/causes/20-fascinating-facts-about-rabbits.html - Imago
https://imagoearth.org/ - La Soupe Cincinnati
https://www.lasoupecincinnati.com/
Black Walnut trees are valuable for their beautiful wood. Bobʼs dad sold their big Black Walnuts when Bob was a kid. Tune in to find out all about this amazing tree!
Related episode: Fall Webworms in Summer (http://natureguys.org/fall-webworms/)
Our sources for this episode include:
- A Wild Crop and Backyard Harvest
https://www.americanforests.org/magazine/article/a-wild-crop-and-backyard-harvest/ - Eastern Black Walnut
https://naturewalk.yale.edu/trees/juglandaceae/juglans-nigra/eastern-black-walnut-59 - Black Walnut Tree
https://www.wildernesscollege.com/black-walnut-tree.html - Mast Tree Network
http://www.mast-producing-trees.org/2009/11/native-walnuts-of-north-america/
If you like to kayak or canoe you can find these really cool turtles in streams.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera spinifera) - Ohio's 12 Species of Turtles at a Glance
https://trekohio.com/2012/07/19/ohios-12-species-of-turtles-at-a-glance/ - Facts about Softshell Turtles
https://animals.mom.me/softshell-turtles-3184.html - Spiny Softshell Turtle - Diet
https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Reptiles/Spiny-Softshell-Turtle
When Bill and Bob were kids they had sliders as pets. Tune is to find out where you can find these turtles today.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Red-Eared Slider
http://naturemappingfoundation.org/natmap/facts/red-eared_slider_712.html - Red-Eared Slider, Map and Painted Turtles – Semi-Aquatic Turtle Care
http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatreptileblog/2012/03/06/red-eared-slider-map-and-painted-turtles-semi-aquatic-turtle-care/ - Global invasive species list - 100 of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Species
http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/100_worst.php
Learn everything you need to know about this very beautiful turtle.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Five Facts You Probably Didn't Know about Painted Turtles https://dickinsoncountyconservationboard.com/2018/03/05/five-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-painted-turtles/
- Painted Turtle https://www.warnernaturecenter.org/animals/paintedturtle
Bob runs into a snake in Florida that exhibits a behavior that he has never seen before. Tune in the hear all about this very fast snake.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Black Racer https://www.acaquarium.com/animals/black-racer/
- Black Racer – Deceiving Speed http://www.beaufortonline.com/black-racer-deceiving-speed/
- North American Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) https://kysnakes.ca.uky.edu/snake/coluber-constrictor
In this edition of Through the Eyes of Nature Guys, Bill shares stories of trips to one of his top two destinations in the world - the Galapagos Islands.
Related episodes:
- Bill's Travel Tips http://natureguys.org/bills-travel-tips/
- Belize http://natureguys.org/belize/
Our sources for this episode include:
- The experiences of Bill on his trips to the Galapagos
The Mourning Dove is easy to find both by sight and by ear.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Fun Mourning Dove Facts
http://backyardbirdingblog.com/fun-mourning-dove-facts/ - Mourning Dove
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mourning_Dove/lifehistory - The Secret Life of the Mourning Dove
http://northernwoodlands.org/outside_story/article/the-secret-life-of-the-mourning-dove
This is a bird that is so friendly it will eat out of your hand! Tune in to find out more about this cute little bird that is easy to find.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Black-capped chickadees are amazing little birds - https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/thom-smith-naturewatch-black-capped-chickadees-are-amazing-little-birds,532813
- 10 Interesting Facts About Chickadees - https://www.backyardchirper.com/blog/10-interesting-facts-about-chickadees/
- Carolina Chickadees - https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Carolina_Chickadee/overview
This is a bird that is easily identified. It will come to your feeder and is a year round resident in Cincinnati. Tune in to learn more about the little bird with the bad haircut.
Our sources for this episode include:
- What is a Titmouse? - http://www.10000birds.com/titmouse.htm
- Titmouse - https://www.britannica.com/animal/titmouse
- Tufted Titmouse - https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/tufted-titmouse
Cordyceps is a fungus that can destroy ant colonies. Tune in to find out how cicadas found a way to use cordyceps to survive.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Fungus turns ‘zombie antsʼ into booby traps https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2014/08/19/fungus-turns-zombie-ants-into-booby-traps/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.549321d845b5
- 6 Benefits of Cordyceps, All Backed by Science https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cordyceps-benefits#section8
- Cordyceps: The Most Terrifying Fungus Youʼve Ever Seen https://www.strangerdimensions.com/2013/05/28/cordyceps-the-most-terrifying-fungus-youve-ever-seen/
- How to Tame a Zombie Fungus - Cicadas have repeatedly turned the infamous cordyceps fungi into indispensable allies. https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/06/how-to-tame-a-zombie-fungus/562544/
Horsehair worms are easy to find. They are fascinating and harmless. Keep your eyes open when you are near water. Bill found one crawling out of a grasshopper.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Horsehair Worms (https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/files/efpdf3/ef613.pdf)
- Iowa State Horsehair Worms (https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/horsehair-worm)
- Wild Fact #752 – Bad Company – Nematomorpha (http://www.wild-facts.com/2010/wild-fact-752-bad-company-nematomorpha/)
- Zombie Fungus Enslaves Only Its Favorite Ant Brains (https://www.livescience.com/47751-zombie-fungus-picky-about-ant-brains.html)
Water Striders are amazing insects that you can find in lakes and streams. Tune in to find out what they eat, how fast they are and much more.
This episode was recorded live at Roads, Rivers and Trails (https://roadsriversandtrails.com/).
Our sources for this episode include:
- Facts About Water Striders https://someinterestingfacts.net/facts-water-striders
- This Is Why Water Striders Make Terrible Lifeguards - KQED You Tube video
- https://www.kqed.org/science/1871155/this-is-why-water-striders-make-terriblelifeguards
- 7 Water Strider Facts – It Walks On Water! http://jakesnatureblog.com/2018/08/11/7-water-strider-facts-walks-water/
- Richard Hammond's Invisible Worlds - Water Strider - You Tube video
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RphuMEUY3Og
As human beings we have a chance to contribute to organizations that help educate and protect the natural world. Bob and Bill talk about some of their favorite organizations and what they are able to accomplish with a little help from people like you. If you are donating to an organization please consider leaving a comment under this episode.
Organizations that Bob and Bill support:
- Imago
https://imagoearth.org - Cincinnati Nature Center
https://www.cincynature.org - The Nature Conservancy
https://www.nature.org/en-us/ - American Bird Conservancy
https://abcbirds.org
The beaver is one of the largest rodents in North America. Tune in to find out how and why beavers actually took up parachuting!
Our sources for this episode include:
- Parachuting beavers featured in 'Fur For the Future,' 1950s-era film
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gNAjBPIyjQ - Amazing Facts About the Beaver
https://onekindplanet.org/animal/beaver/ - Facts About Beavers
https://www.livescience.com/52460-beavers.html - 11 Fascinating Facts About Beavers
http://mentalfloss.com/article/62316/11-fascinating-facts-about-beavers
Did you know that we have thousands of species of parasitoid wasps? Tune in to find out why these are called Zombie Wasps.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Butterfly Eggs and Caterpillar Survival | Life In The Undergrowth | BBC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCo2uCLXvhk - That little speck there? That's a parasitoid wasp!
https://u.osu.edu/pinningblock/2015/05/28/that-little-speck-there-thats-a-parasitoid-wasp/ - Ichneumon Wasps More than 5,000 species in North America
https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/ichneumon-wasps - Intimate relation between blue butterfly, ichneumon wasp and ants
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320475303_Intimate_relation_between_blue_butterfly_ichneumon_wasp_and_ant
This is Nature Guys 100th episode and to celebrate Bill and Bob did a live show for volunteers of Cincinnati Nature Center (https://www.cincynature.org/) the place they met many years ago. This episode is on Canada Geese a bird that Bill had many encounters with at Cincinnati Nature Center. Tune in to find out all about the bird many people love to hate.
Related episode: Don’t Grab a Snapping Turtle by the Tail (http://natureguys.org/snapping-turtle/)
Our sources for this episode include:
- Where Did All Those Canada Geese In Town Come From?
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/canada-goose-resident-vs-migratory/ - The Canada Goose
https://owlcation.com/stem/The-Canada-Goose-Facts-and-Information - 6 Honking Facts About Canada Geese
http://mentalfloss.com/article/80243/6-honking-facts-about-canada-geese - Canada geese will attack. Why are the birds so aggressive?
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/04/25/canada-geese-attacks-population-aggressive/550135002/
Bill and Bob gathered nature stories at Imagoʼs Music in the Woods (http://www.imagoearth.org). Tune in to hear inspiring stories of nature connection.
Bill mentions a book that he loves, The Overstory, by Richard Powers (http://www.richardpowers.net/the-overstory/).
Related episodes: Sit Spot (http://natureguys.org/sit-spot/) and Screech Owl (http://natureguys.org/screech-owl/)
Step outside on a night in late summer and listen to the sounds of the insects. Bill and Bob have some tips on how to listen to these amazing sounds.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Bill suggests the book "The Songs of Insects" by Lang Elliott and Wil Hershberger
https://www.amazon.com/Songs-Insects-Wil-Hershberger/dp/0618663975 - The Music of Nature by Lang Elliot
http://www.musicofnature.com - Understanding Insect Sounds: Nature's Orchestra Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEHbY-ZkzVo - What are you hearing
http://www.entnemdept.ufl.edu/walker/buzz/i00dis.htm - The Singing Insects of Summer
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2008/aug/060801.htm
Bill finds fall webworms in the middle of summer. These may look nasty in trees but they are native.
Related episode: Tent Caterpillars Camp Out Together http://natureguys.org/tent-caterpillars/
Our sources for this episode include:
- Answer Man Revisited: Are there more webworms this fall? Sept 2016
https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2016/09/30/answer-man-revisited-there-more-webworms-fall/91172160/ - Fall Webworm
https://texasinsects.tamu.edu/fall-webworm/ - The rise and fall of the fall webworm
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/the_rise_and_fall_of_the_fall_webworm - Bagworms or Fall Webworms?
https://wayne.ces.ncsu.edu/2015/10/bagworms-or-fall-webworms/
It is hard to stay mad at a chipmunk because they are so darn cute. Tune in to learn all about this adorable creature.
Our sources for this episode include:
- 5 Ways Chipmunks Win at Winter
http://www.ohioanimalcompanion.org/5-ways-chipmunks-win-at-winter/ - 10 things you don't know about chipmunks
https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/10-things-you-dont-know-about-chipmunks - Chipmunk Facts
http://www.havahart.com/chipmunk-facts - NOT Alvin and the Chipmunks: 10 Facts You May Not Know about the Real Rodents
https://blog.nwf.org/2011/12/not-alvin-and-the-chipmunks-10-facts-about-the-real-rodents/
The Northern Water Snake is a common snake that you will see around water. Billʼs advice is to look at these and not pick them up.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Northern Water Snake
http://www.untamedscience.com/biodiversity/northern-water-snake/ - Facts About Water Snakes
https://www.livescience.com/52768-water-snake-facts.html - Northern Water Snake
https://snake-facts.weebly.com/northern-water-snake.html
Did you know that Basswood was the favorite tree of Henry David Thoreau? Tune in to find out all about this amazing tree.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Linden Tree (Tilia species): The Bee Tree by Gary Carlin
http://hpsbg.weebly.com/uploads/2/3/6/6/2366012/linden_tree.pdf - Basswood Tree Facts
https://www.gardenguides.com/116300-basswood-tree.html - Uses for Basswood
http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/news/webnews/May%202013/plant.pdf - Basswood or Linden Tree Interesting Facts and Uses
http://snaplant.com/trees/basswood-or-linden-tree-interesting-facts-and-uses/
The Nature Guys recorded this show in front of a live audience at Fibanacci Brewing Company (http://fibbrew.com/). Fibonacci makes a beer called Mulberry Grove. Tune in to find out how mulberry trees ended up growing near the the brewery.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Hamilton Avenue Road to Freedom by Charles Cheney
http://hamiltonavenueroadtofreedom.org/?page_id=563 - Silk
https://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entries/silk/ - Mt. Healthy neighbors gather mulberries for Fibonaci beer
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/dining/2018/06/29/fibonaccismulberry-grove-made-wild-neighborhood-berries/742644002/ - 7 Reasons You Should Plant a Mulberry Tree
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/lifestyle/reasons-you-should-plant-a-mulberry-tree/
We were at Cincinnati Nature Center for their Hoots and Hops event. Much to our surprise we found out that Lois has Japanese Beetles on her ferns. If you have a garden you probably have seen a Japanese Beetle. These insects can be a challenge to control. Tune in to find out how to identify and deal with the Japanese Beetle.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Best and Worst Plants
https://www.almanac.com/content/japanese-beetles-best-and-worst-plants - Jaw-dropping Facts About Japanese Beetles
https://animalsake.com/japanese-beetle-facts - Ten Interesting Facts About Japanese Beetles as an Aid to Control
http://www.karensgardentips.com/growing-garden-plants/garden-pests-diseases/ten-interesting-facts-about-japanese-beetles-to-help-you-control-them/ - 5 Need to Know Facts about Japanese Beetles
https://lancaster.unl.edu/hort/articles/5FactsaboutJapaneseBeetle_JLarson.pdf
If you happen to see a baby hummingbird take a closer look. You probably are looking at a Hummingbird Moth. Tune in to find out all about a moth that looks and acts like a hummingbird.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Summer Hummer
http://bugoftheweek.com/blog/2015/7/13/summer-hummer-hummingbird-moth-ihemaris-thysbei - National Moth Week
http://nationalmothweek.org - Convergent Evolution
https://www.sciencedaily.com/terms/convergent_evolution.htm - Is it rare to see a hummingbird moth?
http://animals.mom.me/rare-see-hummingbird-moth-4660.html
Once in awhile we are going to take advantage of Billʼs vast travel experience. In this episode Bill and Bob share nature stories from Belize.
Related episode: Bill's Travel Tips (http://natureguys.org/bills-travel-tips/)
Our sources for this episode include:
- Mayan Culture and History
http://www.tulum.com/information/mayan-culture-history/ - Howler Monkey Facts
http://interesting-animal-facts.com/Facts-South-American-Animals/Howler-Monkey-Facts.shtml - Belize Barrier Reef Snorkeling
http://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/belize-snorkeling.html
Bill has traveled the world in his long career. In this episode he shares some tips and tricks to help make sure you can enjoy the natural world no matter how close or far you travel from home. Visit our website at http://www.natureguys.org/ for a list of Bill's tips and tricks!
Learn how and how not to pick up a snapping turtle. These turtles live a really long time. Find out the pros and cons of this strategy. This episode was recorded live at Roads, Rivers and Trails (http://roadsriversandtrails.com/).
Our sources for this episode include:
- To Help Snapping Turtles
https://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/snappers.htm - 10 Awesome Snapping Turtle Facts
https://www.buzzfeed.com/turtlefeed/10-awesome-snapping-turtle-facts-ruc?utm_term=.ajANjXPeV#.bepj18Nem - How would you help a snapping turtle cross the road
https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/questions/14121/how-would-you-help-a-snapping-turtle-cross-the-road - Common Snapping Turtle Facts for Kids
https://kidsanimalsfacts.com/common-snapping-turtle-facts-for-kids/
Tune in to find out why deer will not eat ferns. Bill will explain the life cycle of this amazing plant. Bob takes you way back to the time when ferns were eaten by dinosaurs. Find out why the Victorians in Britain had fern fever.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Fern-mania: After the Victorians said they cured madness and boosted your love life - and explorers risked death to find them, the humble fern is sexy all over again
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2111859/Fern-mania-After-Victorians-said-cured-madness-boosted-love-life--explorers-risked-death-humble-fern-sexy-again.html#ixzz5ELu2eZ46 - Seeds and Spores - What Are the Differences
http://jakesnatureblog.com/2017/10/30/seeds-and-spores-differences/ - What is a fern?
https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1103-what-is-a-fern - A mouse that eats ferns like a dinosaur
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8523000/8523825.stm
Ticks can make you sick. However, if you take a few precautions they will not prevent you from being outside. Join us to find all about these challenging creatures.
Related episode: Opossums Like To Eat Ticks (http://natureguys.org/opossums/)
Our sources for this episode include:
- What Purpose Do Ticks Serve in the Ecosystem?
https://www.hunker.com/12192945/what-purpose-do-ticks-serve-in-theecosystem - Create a Tick-Safe Zone Through Landscaping
https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/prev/in_the_yard.html - Deer Ticks: 7 Facts You Need to Know Now
https://blog.vermontcountrystore.com/deer-ticks/ - Ticks are getting worse
https://gizmodo.com/ticks-and-insects-are-making-us-sicker-and-theproblem-1825698896
Bobʼs garden is invaded by voles. Tune in to find out why this little rodent is being studied by researchers.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management
http://icwdm.com - What Can Rodents Tell Us About Why Humans Love?
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/scienceanature/what-can-rodents-tell-us-about-why-humans-love-180949441/ - Voles: These Little Rodents Can do a Lot of Damage
https://www.gardensalive.com/product/voles-these-little-rodents-can-do-a-lot-of-damage - Facts on Voles
http://animals.mom.me/voles-5139.html - Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat
Book: https://penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/118183/never-cry-wolf#9780735252905
Movie: https://movies.disney.com/never-cry-wolf
Seems like everyone knows something about the Praying Mantis. Tune in to find out some interesting facts that you might not know.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Praying mantises released for pest control are hunting hummingbirds
https://www.treehugger.com/animals/praying-mantises-released-pest-control-are-hunting-hummingbirds.html - 11 wondrous facts about praying mantises
https://www.treehugger.com/animals/11-wondrous-facts-about-praying-mantises.html - 10 Fascinating Praying Mantis Facts
https://www.thoughtco.com/praying-mantid-facts-1968525
Who isnʼt happy to see butterflies? Bill loves to look for zebra and tiger butterflies in April and May. Join us to find out how these butterflies get out so early.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Tiger Swallowtail Facts and Info
https://animalsake.com/tiger-swallowtail-butterfly - Common Swallowtail Butterflies
http://www.birdsandblooms.com/blog/common-swallowtail-butterflies/ - A Garden for Zebras and Tigers
http://blog.nwf.org/2016/02/a-garden-for-zebras-and-tigers/ - Top 10 Plants for Swallowtails
http://www.birdsandblooms.com/gardening/top-10-lists-for-gardeners/top-10-plants-swallowtails/?11
Bob is amazed to learn that tent caterpillars are native. He also learns that pregnant horses can be harmed by tent caterpillars. As usual Bill tells us when are where to find these gregarious creatures.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Interesting Behaviors and Traits of Tent Caterpillars - https://www.thoughtco.com/tent-caterpillar-facts-4148139
- 7 facts about tent caterpillars and why they're all over N.J. this spring - http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/05/6_facts_about_tent_caterpillars.html
- Eastern Tent Caterpillar - https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef423
Bill has a very hard time dealing with the common starling. Bob does his best to bring up some interesting facts about the starling. Join us to see if Bill changes his mind about a bird that many people love to hate.
Our sources for this episode include:
- The Invasive Species We Can Blame On Shakespeare - https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-invasive-species-we-can-blame-on-shakespeare-95506437/
- Even if we don’t love starlings, we should learn to live with them - https://ideas.ted.com/even-if-we-dont-love-starlings-we-should-learn-to-live-with-them/
- Fun Facts about European Starlings - http://lansingwbu.blogspot.com/2011/03/fun-facts-about-european-starlings.html
- Why We Should all Love and Help the Humble Starling - https://www.birdfood.co.uk/help-starling
Bob, Bill and Beth take a field trip out to Burtonʼs Bamboo Garden. Did you know that some bamboo is native to the US? Tune in to find out all the pros and cons of this very interesting plant.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Zak Burton at Burtonʼs Bamboo Garden - http://www.burtonsbamboogarden.com/
- Bamboo - https://www.mydaytondailynews.com/news/local/bamboo-invasions-promptbans-crackdowns/eqYmvqyOTtkEmv7JkPUz5J/
- Americaʼs Native Bamboo
https://showmeoz.wordpress.com/2015/07/08/americas-native-bamboo-part-i-history-and-ecology/ - Invasive bamboo frustrates Worthington coupleʼs neighbors
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2014/06/18/bamboozled.html - Switch Cane, Giant Cane
http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/arundinaria-gigantea/
Toads are so cool! If you cannot find one make sure you take some kids hiking with you. They are great at finding toads. Join us as we explore many interesting things about the toad. Do you know how they drink water?
Our sources for this episode include:
- Book “The Hidden Life of a Toad” by Doug Wechsler - http://dougwechsler.com/pages/hidden-life-of-a-toad.php
- American Toads - http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Anaxyrus_americanus/
- American Toad: The Animal Files - http://www.theanimalfiles.com/amphibians/toads/american_toad.html
- What are these tiny toads? - http://askanaturalist.com/what-are-these-tiny-toads/
- Do Toads Really Give You Warts? - https://wonderopolis.org/wonder/do-toads-really-give-you-warts
Nature Guys is the podcast that connects you to the exciting natural world right in your own neighborhood. These nature connections will help you be cool, calm, collected and ready to make a positive difference in the world. Nature Guys is co-hosted by Bob a long time nature lover and Bill a professional naturalist for over 40 years.
We are excited to have Chris Clements, Executive Director of Imago (http://imagoearth.org), join us on this show recorded in front of a live audience at Roads, Rivers, and Trails (http://roadsriversandtrails.com/). Imago is an ecological education organization rooted In the concept that living in harmony with the natural world is not only good for the planet, but good for ourselves, our families and our communities. Bill, Bob and Chris talk about the importance of summer camps in connecting children to nature. But why let kids have all the fun? Imago will for the first time be offering an adventure camp for adults. Tune in to learn all about it.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Imago Adventure Camp for Adults - https://imagoearth.org/event/adventure-camp-for-adults-canoeing-and-camping/
- Chris refers to an article in the New York Times "Cure Yourself of Tree Blindness" - https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/26/opinion/sunday/cure-yourself-of-tree-blindness.html
The bladdernut is a great native under story shrub. If you see something that looks like chinese lanterns you may have found bladdernut. Bill says it is a wonderful plant for a yard.
Our sources for this episode include:
- American Bladdernut (Staphylea trifoliaa) - http://www.carolinanature.com/trees/sttr.html
- Staphylea trifolia Fact Sheet - http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=87
- Bladdernut - https://www.uaex.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/
bladdernut-10-21-11.aspx - There are No Insect-Free Plants, but There are Good Insects - https://www.possibilityplace.com/education/staff-articles/butterfly-list
This is a great native under story plant. Bill explains the difference between a tree and a bush. Spicebush is a wonderful plant to look for on a hike.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) - http://mowildflowers.net/Spice-Bush-Lindera-benzoin_p_163.html
- Edible Wild Plants - http://connsoil-totallysustainable.blogspot.com/2012/08/edible-wild-plants-spicebush-tea.html
- Common Spicebush Facts - http://www.softschools.com/facts/plants/common_spicebush_facts/1308/
Our trilogy on turkeys is complete. This episode includes the real story of Ben Franklin and turkeys. We also cover some problem wild turkeys in Rocky River.
Note: Bill and Bob attempted to do this podcast in front of a live audience at the Amish Bird Symposium. Bob was a Turkey and forgot to press record! We have so much great information on the wild turkey that we decided to break it into three podcasts.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Mail delivery halted in portion of Rocky River - https://localtvwjw.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/city-of-rocky-river.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&strip=all
- No, Ben Franklin Didnʼt Want a Turkey on the Great Seal - http://mentalfloss.com/article/53729/no-ben-franklin-didnt-want-turkey-greatseal
- Rocky River Wild Turkeys Captured - http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2018/02/aggressive_rocky_river_wild_tu.html
In this podcast we cover the history of the turkey. This bird was transported from Mexico to Europe and then to North America. Join to find out how the wild turkey made it back from the brink of extinction.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Why Are Wild Turkeys So Aggressive - https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2016/01/11/why-are-wild-turkeys-so-aggressive/
- 9 Fun Facts about Turkeys - http://www.audubon.org/news/9-fun-facts-about-turkeys
- Have You Been Attacked by a Turkey - https://news.wgbh.org/post/have-you-been-attacked-turkey-heres-why
- Why Wild Turkeys Hate the Wild - https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2015/11/return-of-the-turkey/417648/
Bill and Bob attempted to do this podcast in front of a live audience at the Amish Bird Symposium. Bob was a Turkey and forgot to press record! We recorded this in our outdoor studio at Bobʼs house a few days later. We have so much great information on the wild turkey that we decided to break it into three podcasts.
Our sources for this episode include:
- The Word Detective - http://www.word-detective.com/2012/06/turkey-2/
14 Fun Facts about Turkeys - https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/14-fun-facts-about-turkeys-665520/
What is a bird's snood? - https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-a-birds-snood-385372
Eight Wild Facts About Wild Turkeys - https://www.fws.gov/refuges/about/FunOnWildlifeRefuges/EightWildFactsAboutWildTurkeys.html
You might not see this little frog but you will have no trouble hearing them. Find out all about the frog that is the size of a small paper clip.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Fall Peepers - https://northernwoodlands.org/outside_story/article/fall-peepers
- Pinkeltinks - http://www.theanimalfiles.com/amphibians/frogs/spring_peeper.html
- Spring Peepers - http://www.wild-facts.com/2011/wild-fact-640-peep-peep-spring-peeper/
- 10 Things You Didnʼt Know about Spring Peepers - http://natureformysoul.com/2014/03/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-spring-peepers/
If you hear what sounds like ducks in the early spring take the time to check it out. You may end up at a vernal pool that has wood frogs.
Our sources for this episode include:
- In Alaska Wood Frogs freeze for seven months - http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-alaskan-frozen-frogs-20140723-story.html
- Wood Frogs are Explosive Breeders - http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-frogs
- Wood Frog - https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Amphibians/Wood-Frog
- Ten Facts About Wood Frogs - http://tenrandomfacts.com/wood-frog/
You may need to go out of your way to see mole salamanders but it is totally worth it. We hope this podcast will inspire you to go out some warm and rainy early spring night to look for mole salamanders.
Our sources for this episode include:
- The Secret Lives of Salamanders - http://www.kenyon.edu/directories/offices-services/brown-family-environmental-center/news-information/newsletter-archive/newsletter-articles/the-secret-lives-of-salamanders/
- Ohioʼs Salamanders: 24 Good Things to Know - https://cfaes.osu.edu/news/articles/ohio%E2%80%99s-salamanders-24-good-things-know-and-what-they-can-tell-you
- Spotted Salamanders - https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/spotted-salamander/#spottedsalamander-closeup.jpg
- Ambystomatidae - Mole Salamanders - http://www.nhptv.org/wild/ambystomatidae.asp
- Jefferson Salamanders - http://ohioamphibians.com/salamanders/Jefferson_Salamander.html
This is one of Bob's favorite birds. In the Cincinnati area it arrives in late fall and it leaves in early spring. Tune in to find out why this bird is often used in research projects and where to look for it in your neighborhood.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Ordinary Extraordinary Junco (videos) - http://science360.gov/series/ordinary-extraordinary-junco/eb10b2e6-e126-42ab-b053-d94bb4099397
- Dark-eyed juncos - a sure sign of winter -http://www.farmanddairy.com/columns/dark-eyed-juncos-sure-sign-winter/
161998.html - 10 Fun Facts - http://www.birdorable.com/blog/dark-eyed-juncos-10-fun-facts/
- Dark-eyed Junco the Snow Bird - http://www.wild-bird-watching.com/junco.html
Bill says you should not have a skunk as a pet! You probably figured this out on your own but what if run into a skunk outside? Nature Guys will share what to do if you or a pet get sprayed. Spoiler alert do not use tomato juice!
Our sources for this episode include:
- Pet Skunks - http://www.skunkhaven.net/StatesForm.htm
- Snuggling Skunks: Is It Better To Brave Winter Alone Or In A Group? - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/12/061219170615.htm
- For the Love of Skunks - http://wildohioeducation.blogspot.com/2013/02/for-love-of-skunks.html
- Striped Skunk Foraging - http://emammal.wordpress.com/201a/05/a1/striped-skunk-foraging/
Bob finds out that not all snowflakes are unique. Bill remembers cutting out snowflakes in class after he walked though the snow to get to school. Bob hopes to take his grandson Drew to the hill he sledded down as a kid. Bill and Bob are excited to go out side and try to find different kinds of snowflakes.
Our sources for this episode include:
- 15 Incredibly Cool Facts About Snow - http://mentalfloss.com/article/61089/15-incredibly-cool-facts-about-snow
- 9 Interesting Facts About Snow - http://snowbrains.com/10-interesting-facts-about-snow/
- 10 Facts About Snow That Might Surprise You - http://weather.com/science/weather-explainers/news/ten-facts-about-snow
- Book that Bill Loves: The Snowflake: Winter's Frozen Artistry by Kenneth Libbrecht and Rachel Wing, 2015 -http://www.snowcrystals.com/
- How to make a 6 pointed snowflake from paper - http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-6-Pointed-Paper-Snowflakes/
Bobʼs brother-in-law Al sends an email detailing his encounter with a groundhog in his garden. As Al found out groundhogs will put up a fight for garden vegetables.
Our sources for this episode include:
- 9 Things You Didnʼt Know About Groundhogs - http://voices.nationalgeographic.org/2014/01/31/9-things-you-didnt-know-about-groundhogs
- Groundhogs in Your Garden - https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/01/groundhogs-in-your-garden_n_2593390.html
- Groundhogs by National Geographic - http://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/g/groundhog/
- Groundhog Fun Facts - http://www.groundhog.org/about/fun-facts-faq/
Bob has a spider friend named Fred that does not survive a visit from relatives. These spiders can be really scary but they are pretty much harmless. They are also called fishing spiders and have interesting ways that they ‘fish' for food.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Big Spiders Are a Little Scary - http://bugoftheweek.com/blog/2012/8/16/big-spiders-are-a-little-scary-fishing-spiders-and-wolf-spiders
- Fishing Spider - http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/fishing-spider
- Facts about the Fishing Spider - http://www.second-opinion-doc.com/facts-about-the-fishing-spider.html
- Common Fishing Spider - http://roadsendnaturalist.com/tag/wolf-spider/
We all live with house spiders! Find out why this is not such a bad thing. These little spiders have been living with humans for quite a long time.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Bethany Barton's book "I'm Trying to Love Spiders" - http://www.bethanybarton.com/books
- Myth: Spiders bite sleeping persons - http://www.burkemuseum.org/blog/myth-spiders-bite-sleeping-persons
- 8 Facts about the misunderstood house spider - http://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/blogs/8-facts-about-misunderstood-house-spider
- 10 Fascinating Facts About House Spiders - http://www.care2.com/causes/10-fascinating-facts-about-house-spiders.html
Bill and Bob do their first podcast in front of a live audience at the amazing Roads Rivers and Trails store in Milford, Ohio (http://roadsriversandtrails.com/). Bill brought a bunch of bird feeders from Cincinnati Nature Center (http://www.cincynature.org/) and explains how to use them. Bob has a very special low cost bird ‘feederʼ! Listen in to find out what Bill thinks about Bobʼs feeder. Also donʼt miss the last part when our audience asks some great questions!
Bob has two plants growing in his backyard that Bill is not excited about. Bob decides it is finally time to do something about Winter Creeper and English Ivy. Join us to find out how and why these invasive plants are taking over.
Our sources for this episode include:
- English Ivy: The Hazards and Removal Strategies - http://walamarestoration.org/resources/english-ivy-the-hazards-and-removal-strategies
- 5 Fast Facts About English Ivy - http://www.healthline.com/health/5-fast-facts-english-ivy
- Winter creeper isnʼt a keeper - http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/real-estate/2015/01/11/winter-creeper-isn-keeper/0wGoqJx6EMTGeJxuzOb8SJ/story.html
- Journey with Nature Wintercreeper -https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/indiana/journeywithnature/wintercreeper.xml
Sassafras is a tree that produces a small blue fruit in the early fall. The fruit comes at the perfect time to help birds get ready for winter. This is a beautiful tree that has four different leaf shapes. Bill of course has a special word for trees that have different shape leaves.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Sassafras Facts - http://www.softschools.com/facts/plants/sassafras_facts/1283/
- Sassafras in America - http://appvoices.org/2003/11/01/2780/
- Sassafras - http://www.psu.edu/dept/nkbiology/naturetrail/speciespages/sassafras.html
- Sassafras Tea Safety - http://www.drweil.com/diet-nutrition/food-safety/sassafras-tea-safety/
If you are not a birder you might think the yellow-bellied sapsucker is a crazy made up name from some movie. Join us a we explore the world of this wonderful woodpecker.
Our sources for this episode include:
- All About Birds - http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Yellow-bellied_Sapsucker/lifehistory#at_habitat
- Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Natures 7-11 - http://infinitespider.com/yellow-bellied-sapsuckers-natures-7-11/
- Audubon Guide To North American Birds - http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/yellow-bellied-sapsucker
Opossums are really cute or really ugly. It all depends on your point of view. They are great at killing ticks. So they might be a good thing to see in your neighborhood.
Our sources for this episode include:
- 10 things you didnʼt know about opossums - http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-opossums
- All About Opossums - http://www.wildliferescuerehab.com/all-about-opossums.html
- Opossums - killers of ticks - http://www.caryinstitute.org/newsroom/opossums-killers-ticks
- The ‘Possum Pages: FAQs - http://opossum.craton.net/faqs.htm
- Facts on Opossums Playing Dead - http://animals.mom.me/opossums-playing-dead-5274.html
This is a tree that may show up in your neighborhood as a volunteer. It is a great food source for birds. You might even have an old pencil made from this tree.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Eastern Redcedar - http://www.gpnc.org/eastern.htm
- Juniperus virginiana - http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=juvi
- Eastern Redcedar in the Landscape - http://vnps.org/eastern-red-cedar-in-the-landscape/
- Go Botany Juniperus Virginiana - http://gobotany.newenglandwild.org/species/juniperus/virginiana/
Carol emails Nature Guys about a problem with fox. Bill and Bob struggle to come up with an answer but are inspired to do a show on foxes. This is an animal that you can occasionally see in the daytime. You might even see a gray fox in a tree!
Our sources for this episode include:
- Are Red Fox Native? http://www.dfwwildlife.org/foxes_th.pdf
- What Kind of Foxes Live in Ohio? http://animals.mom.me/kind-foxes-live-ohio-11057.html
- Fox and Surplus Prey - http://www.thefoxwebsite.net/faq/ruralfoxproblems
- Fox - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox
- Sarcoptic Mange In Red Foxes - http://www.foxwoodwildliferescue.org/2017/01/05/treating-sarcoptic-mange-in-red-
foxes/ - You Tube Video on Mange - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHe5ycjt-UI
Red tailed Hawks often do voiceovers in movies. Tune in to find out why hollywood loves this hawk. Bill shares some amazing hawk stories. Donʼt miss his last one about the hawk and the owl as Bill finds out it is not nice to fool Mother Nature. Visit our website
http://www.natureguys.org for great photos thanks to John Howard.
Our sources for this episode include:
- My Favorite Facts about the Red Tailed Hawk - http://centerofthewest.org/2013/09/30/my-favorite-facts-about-the-red-tailed-hawk/
- Red Tailed Hawks Fun Facts - http://lansingwbu.blogspot.com/2011/12/red-tailed-hawk-fun-facts.html
- Red Tailed Hawk Facts - http://facts.net/red-tailed-hawk/
This is a bird that Bill thinks should have a new name. When Bob moved into his neighborhood hawks were a big topic of conversation. Tune in to learn more about the red-shouldered hawk.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Protective Hawks go on Attack http://www.ohio.com/akron/news/protective-hawks-go-on-attack-near-nest-in-akron
- Red-shouldered vs Red tailed Hawk http://ecobirder.blogspot.com/2008/02/red-shouldered-vs-red-tailed-hawk.html
- Red-shouldered Hawk from BioKIDS http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Buteo_lineatus/
- Red-shouldered Hawk from National Geographic http://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/r/red-shouldered-hawk/
Bob looks outside and notices that all the birds are suddenly gone from his bird feeders. He soon discovers the reason. A Cooper's Hawk is on the ground right next to the feeders. Learn all about this amazing bird in this episode.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Accipiter_cooperii/
- 8 Interesting Facts about the Cooper's Hawk http://www.withmephotographyblog.com/8-interesting-facts-about-the-coopers-hawk
- The Raptor Trust Accipiters http://theraptortrust.org/the-birds/hawk-facts/accipiters/
- Cooper's Hawk Life History http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Coopers_Hawk/lifehistory
- Predator Management http://articles.extension.org/pages/71204/predator-management-for-small-andbackyard-poultry-flocks
- Hawk Mountain http://www.hawkmountain.org/raptorpedia/hawks-at-hawk-mountain/hawk-species-at-hawk-mountain/cooper-s-hawk/page.aspx?id=663
Bobʼs grandson, Drew is excited to be dressed up as an eagle for Halloween. If you check out our website http://www.natureguys.org you will find a picture of Drew as an eagle. He did not want to paint his shoes yellow so we have the very special Blue Footed Bald Eagle. Tune in to find out all about this unique bird.
Our sources for this episode include:
- How did the bald eagle become Americaʼs national bird? http://www.history.com/news/ask-history/how-did-the-bald-eagle-become-americas-national-bird
- How a young birder started http://cincinnatiaudubon.org/calevent/notes-of-a-young-birder/
- Cincinnati Zooʼs Bald Eagle (including video of Sam flying at the Red's game) http://cincinnatizoo.org/blog/animals/bald-eagle/
- Bald Eagle at the National Zoo http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/bald-eagle
- Bald Eagle ODNR http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/species-and-habitats/species-guide-index/birds/bald-eagle
- Lewis and Clark Trail http://www.lewisandclarktrail.com/eventdate/nationalbaldeaglewatch.htm
Even a naturalist can be a bit afraid of centipedes. There are plenty of reasons to welcome centipedes in your house. Bill can deal with them as long as they stay in the basement. Find out what bothers Bill about house centipedes and what these creatures are doing both inside and outside.
Our sources for this episode include:
House Centipedes http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/house-centipedes
How to Tell the Difference Between a Centipede and a Millipede http://www.thoughtco.com/difference-between-a-centipede-and-amillipede-1968358
Sowbugs, millipedes, and centipedes in the home http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/sowbugs-millipedes-centipedes/
What Eats Centipedes and Millipedes? http://www.orkin.com/other/centipedes/what-eats-centipedes-and-millipedes/
The paw paw has the largest fruit of any native tree in the United States. Learn how to identify this tree and when you should go looking for the paw paw fruit. For most people paw paw is the best food that they have never eaten. Find out what parts of the paw paw you want to eat and those to leave alone. Spoiler alert! Do not eat the seeds they will make you throw up.
Our sources for this episode include:
Paw Paw In Search of America's Forgotten Fruit by Andrew Moore http://www.chelseagreen.com/pawpaw
Picking up Paw Paws http://unionoutside.wordpress.com/2012/09/26/picking-up-pawpaws/
What is Paw Paw? http://dish.allrecipes.com/what-in-the-world-is-pawpaw/
America's Forgotten Fruit Tree: The Appalachian Banana | Appalachian Magazine http://appalachianmagazine.com/2017/01/18/americas-forgotten-fruit-tree-the-appalachian-banana/
Paw Paws, A Uniquely American Fruit by Earthy Delights http://www.earthy.com/Pawpaws-A-Uniquely-American-Fruit.aspx
Paw Paws: America's Best Secret Fruit by Serious Eats http://www.seriouseats.com/2014/09/what-are-pawpaws-wild-fruit-midwest-how-to-prep-and-eat-pawpaws.html
Bill and Bob never saw deer when they were growing up in the 50s and 60s. This is an animal that many people now see on a regular basis. You may even see them in your neighborhood. Learn how to deal with them if you see them while driving. Find out what can happen if they lock antlers.
Our sources for this episode include:
- Avoiding Deer Collisions http://www.geico.com/more/driving/auto/car-safety-insurance/seven-ways-to-avoid-hitting-a-deer/
- The First Months Of A Whitetail Fawn http://www.tinks.com/publisher/whitetail-research/2010/11/5/the-first-months/
- Tarsal Glands: What We Know | QDMA http://www.qdma.com/tarsal-glands-know/
- Interesting facts about white-tailed deer http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-white-tailed-deer/
Bill loves to smell millipedes! They have all kinds of interesting smells and they are easy to find. Join us to find out how many legs millipedes really have. This arthropod loves moisture and will sometimes find its way into your home. Turns out that monkeys have found some very interesting uses for these creatures.
Our sources for this episode include:
- How to tell the Difference Between a Centipede and Millipede http://www.thoughtco.com/difference-between-a-centipede-and-a-millipede-1968358
- Yellow-banded millipede invades Broward and Palm Beech http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2014-01-10/news/fl-yellow-banded-millipede-20140110_1_mulch-munchers-critters-south-florida
- Sowbugs, millipedes, and centipedes in the home http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/sowbugs-millipedes-centipedes/
- 10 Fascinating Facts about Millipedes http://www.thoughtco.com/fascinating-facts-about-millipedes-1968229
- The Ecological Importance of Arthropods http://www.brighthub.com/environment/science-environmental/articles/85197.aspx
Join us as we explore the mysterious world of periodical cicadas. Our research for this episode was easy because we are lucky to have in Cincinnati a cicada expert. Gene Kritsky is a Professor of Biology at Mount St. Joseph University. We has written a book called “Periodical Cicadas The Plague and the Puzzle. He also has a website called MSJ Cicada Web Site (http://faculty.msj.edu/kritskg/cicada/site/Home.html)
Bill is on fire about moss! He even compares moss to his childhood haircut. Bob wonders if a rolling stone can gather moss. If you would like to know more about moss check out “Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
Our sources for this episode include:
Bryophyte - Importance Of Mosses - Peat, Producing, Cells, and Source - JRank Articles http://science.jrank.org/pages/1051/Bryophyte-Importance-mosses.html#ixzz4o3SCUGGz
Does a rolling stone gather moss? http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/all-about-moss
Nature Lover Karen Nierlich is the author of the book "Moss and Lichen" and takes photos around the San Francisco Bay Area. http://iheartmoss.com/
Moss for Healing http://www.ranker.com/list/amazing-moss-facts/bruce-maisy
Moss Can Grow on Anything http://www.ranker.com/list/amazing-moss-facts/bruce-maisy
The Magic of Moss https://www.brainpickings.org/2015/05/13/gathering-moss-robin-wall-kimmerer/
Bob sees the movie Dunkirk. He is excited to find a possible connection to Dunkirk and Milkweed. Tune in to find out all about the plant that Monarch Butterflies just cannot live without.
Join us as we explore the amazing story of the Monarch Butterfly and Caterpillar. Bill will tell the story of what the Cincinnati Nature Center is doing to help out the Monarch. We will cover the life cycle and also the incredible story of migration.
This is a bird that likes to attack windows! Join us to find out why and what you can do about it.
Bill has a friend who sent an email with a picture that inspired this podcast. The picture is a large patch of a fairly rare plant called Indian Pipes. Learn more about three parasitic plants that you can look for on your next woodland hike.
Do you know how Blue Jays get other birds to leave so they can have your feeder all to themselves? Join us to find out if Blue Jays really are the bullies of the bird world.
This week Bill and Bob explore a common snake that lives in a variety of habitats. Tune in to learn all about the life of this cute little snake.
Bob has a giant pokeweed by his deck that has been getting bigger every year. The day we recorded this podcast it was eleven feet tall. Now just a few weeks later it is just shy of twelve feet. Join us as we discuss the pros and cons of having this in your backyard.
Bob discovers a mud dauber building a nest right by his back door. On this episode we explore the fascinating connection between spiders and mud daubers.
Bob’s son in law Ryan sees his first pileated woodpecker at a family gathering. Join us to find out all about this amazing bird.
These birds know how to raise a family. Learn how they support each other as we explore the life of the smallest woodpecker in our neck of the woods
Bob shares how he carries a buckeye in his pocket for luck. Meanwhile we find out Bill is learning some presidential history about the origins of the now famous state tree of Ohio.
Caterpillars are an important link in the web of life. They even help baby birds survive. Join us as we share some amazing stories of these easily overlooked creatures.
What a delightful creature to meet when you are walking in the woods. Find out when to look for eastern box turtles and how to help them survive a trip across a road.
Fireflies are loved by people all round the world. Join Bill and Bob as they share stories of fireflies from their childhoods mixed in with a bit of firefly science.
Wrens have got to be one of the cutest little birds. They also love to hang around people. Join us as we explore the world of these friendly little birds.
The Sit Spot is a simple powerful technique to connect with nature. Bill and Bob will explain how to do it and the advantages of making this part of your everyday life.
his is a plant that will test your nature awareness. How long does the sting last? Tune in to find out!
Learn all about the snake that is often harmed by humans out of fear. Bill and Bob will share stories and facts that will help you be a little more at home with the black rat snake.
Some people get upset when they see signs of moles but not the Nature Guys. Find out all the amazing attributes of this little creature.
Dandelions may be an eyesore to some but not to us. In fact we like them so much we eat them!
Bill and Bob spend three days together leading wildflower hikes. They both take away some valuable lessons.
Listen in as we explore the fascinating world of the hummingbird - the only bird that can truly hover.
Join Bill and Bob as they explore the world of the masked bandits who can create both havoc and hilarity as they invade the human world.
Bill is all excited about spring fungi. Join us to learn about three types of fungi that you can find on your next walk in the woods.
Jake and Sarah just found a bat in their house for the third time! Listen in as Bill and Bob explore bats and some possible solutions to Jake and Sarah’s dilemma.
Turns out the tree of heaven is not so heavenly! Tune in to find out all about the tree that is not a blessing!
Judy has a mockingbird problem and it is Nature Guys to the rescue! Find out what Bill and Bob come up with to solve the problem
Bill’s favorite season is spring and in this episode Bill and Bob share some amazing stories about wildflowers.
Discover more about the beloved daffodil of Springtime and how humans have
interacted with them for centuries.
Can Ladybugs really bite? Yes they can! Join us to find out more about this bug that is really a beetle.
Finding footprints in the snow or mud can reveal what wildlife has visited and crossed your path before you came along. Learn about the more common tracks in your own neighborhood.
Join us as we share some fascinating facts and stories about the sweet tasting sugar maple tree.
If you hear a spooky sound at night you just might have a eastern screech owl in your neighborhood. Join us to find out more about this little owl.
If you are out at night listen for the sound of the barred owl. “Who cooks for you who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?
Do you ever bring in plants for the winter? Maybe you have brought in some uninvited guest and never knew it. Bill will share stories of some exciting guests.
Nature Guys delve into the invasion of the stink bug! Bill and Bob will share the history of the stink bug and some tips on what to do if they visit your house.
Bill and Bob dive into the captivating world of the loon. This is a bird so talented it helped Henry Fonda win an Academy Award!
Bob brings Bill a treat that only a squirrel would love. Bill leads a hike and finds a red eft. Learn the fascinating story of this rarely seen creature.
Bill and Bob explore the mysteries of the Osage Orange Tree. Find out why this is the most planted tree in North America and why it was so highly prized by Native Americans.
Bill and Bob explore the world of the American Beech Tree. Bill shares about boogie woogie aphids, beech drops and much more. Bob sits near a beech and discovers the secret of how Native Americans collected beech nuts. The tip of the week just might come in handy on a stormy day.
Bill visits Florida and brings home some troublesome guests. Bob is busy moving some kayaks and discovers a very active buzzing insect nest. Join us to find out how we dealt with these challenges and get some tips on how to deal with some of natures more challenging creatures.