Dispatches from the Forest: Recent Episodes
Dispatchesfromtheforest
Dispatches from the Forest is all about nature and the natural world. Hosted by Tim O'Hara, Dispatches from the Forest explores the curious, the interesting and the surprising world of nature - often found right in your own backyard!
For being the smallest members of the weasel family, Least weasels are heavy metal bad-asses! Even ancient people thought so - some of the myths around them lean into their reputation for punching above their weight class. Learn more about these intense little mustelids on this episode of the podcast!
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Swainson's hawks have been described as "a classic species of the open country of the Great Plains and the West". But this is no ordinary raptor - Swainson's hawks are amazing and unique among hawks. Learn more on this Dirt Dispatch!
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Dragonflies and damselflies are one of my favorite insects, but I think that we don't really give them too much thought. But I think they deserve more love. I mean first of all, they eat a lot of insects like mosquitos - both as adults and as larvae - but secondly, the adult form that we see flying around is the end of their life cycle. By the time we see them, they're on a short timer. Learn more about these amazing insects on this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast.
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I was recently gifted a book from the Michigan Depart of Natural Resources that was published in 1972. Tune in to hear what the Michigan Department of Natural Resources had to say about Opossums 50+ years ago - you won't be disappointed!
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Giraffes are the tallest terrestrial animal and largest ruminant on the planet. But what the heck are ossicones? And what does "necking" mean when it comes to giraffes? Find out all this and more on this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
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Prairie dogs are a keystone species - as a source of denning and nesting sites, regenerating soil, and as food. And when plague comes to town, it can wipe out 98% of a colony in a matter of weeks. And there's no species more dependent on Prairie dogs than the critically endangered Black-footed ferret. Tune in to learn how scientists are using drone technology to combat plague in Prairie dogs in order to save Black-footed ferrets.
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A bird that was born to run, the Greater Roadrunner is faster than a human, eats scorpions and rattlesnakes and survives in the harsh desert landscapes of the southwest United States and Mexico. Learn more about this bas-ass avian on this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
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The other day a saw a bird here near Dispatches HQ that I didn't recognize - and that's always a chance to learn something new! Meet the Lark Bunting, a species of New World Sparrow, on this Dirt Dispatch!
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In this episode I want to tell you about couple groups of marine gastropods - sea slugs - which have some amazing abilities that just might blow your mind! Nudibranchs and Sacoglassans. Tune in to learn more!
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Are racoons and coyotes becoming domesticated? Are rattlesnakes losing their rattles? And a couple of questions involving native wildlife. Tune in to hear my thoughts!
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We're going back Puerto Rico to take a look at the Monk parakeet, the Sally lightfoot crab and then down a fascinating rabbit hole to learn about the conehead termite. Trust me, you don't want to miss it!
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During our recent visit to Puerto Rico there was an animal that we didn't see, but we did hear - Coquis. Coqui is the common name for at least 17 species of small frog that are native to Puerto Rico - and they're an unofficial national symbol for the island. Learn more about these small but mighty loud little frogs on this episode of Dirt Dispatches!
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I recently had the chance to visit Puerto Rico, where I saw some "new to me" birds including my new favorite, the Greater Antillean grackle along with a bird that is a literal pirate of the Caribbean, the Venezuelan troupial. Learn about these two amazing birds on this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
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I talked about Beaver a long time ago - back in Episode 11 - but I've learned a few things about them since then, so let's re-visit the busy, busy beaver! Tune in!
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On the last Dirt Dispatch I talked about bumblebees and the importance of early spring flowers. Meet 3 more early spring pollinators, including one that is the most "Game of Thrones" bee in the pollinating world. "Pollen is coming...."
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The pygmy rabbit is the smallest rabbit in the world - and it lives right here in North America. In addition to being the smallest, it has some unique qualities that set it apart from other rabbits. Learn more on this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
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"According to all known laws of aviation, there is no way that a bee should be able to fly. Its wings are too small to get its fat little body off the ground. The bee, of course, flies anyway. Because bees don't care what humans think is impossible." -- The Bee Movie
Now isn't actually true - at least not the first part - Bees not caring what humans think is impossible probably is. Anyways - on this episode I'll tell you some really interesting things about Bumblebees and the importance of early spring flowers.
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In today's episode I'll tell you about a couple birds that are widespread in the United States, but that you may not be familiar with. They're species of heron, but unlike their great blue cousin, these herons stay pretty well hidden. Let's learn more about the American bittern and the Least bittern.
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I learned about a couple of things this week: Turkey drives and rabbit drives. Now I want to share that knowledge with you! Learn more about these interesting bits of American history on this episode!
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In this episode, I want to circle back and take a closer look at two critters I mentioned in passing on Episode 99. One is an arthropod – an arachnid with a venomous sting, the other is a mammal – a rodent – ounce for ounce - maybe the toughest rodent on the planet. Learn more about the Arizona bark scorpion and the grasshopper mouse on this episode!
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Everyone has a story to tell - and one of things I love about in-person programs with elder adults is hearing theirs. In this episode I share some of the story of a recently donated leopard pelt as well as some of the stories I've heard during my in-person programs. I'll also tell you why Japanese researchers painted a cow with zebra stripes! Check it out!
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You may have heard of a Blue jay, but what about a Green jay? Green jays are related to blue jays but live in southern Texas and Central America. While they share some common characteristics with their blue cousins, they are incredible unique and interesting birds. Learn more about these cool corvids on this episode!
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Johnny Appleseed is an American folk hero. And like any good folk tale, the story of the barefoot, coffee-sack wearing vagrant with a tin pot for a hat who planted apple seeds across the midwestern United States is rooted in a fair degree of truth. In this Dirt Dispatch I'll tell you about the man behind the myth of Johnny Appleseed.
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They may look like big, bloated guinea pigs, but hyraxes are related to elephants and sea cows. Learn all about these little primitive mammals whose screams echo across Africa, and whose fossilized excrement is used in perfumes on this episode of The Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
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Wolves and wolf management in Wyoming can be a touchy subject. Most wolves in Wyoming are in the northwestern part of the state, in and around Yellowstone National Park. But there are rumors of wolves in the southeastern part of the state, in Medicine Bow National Forest. On this Dirt Dispatch I'll explore if it's possible and if it's plausible. Tune in!
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I recently saw a lone Snow goose hanging out with several dozen (or more) Canada geese. So let's learn more about the second most abundant and noisiest waterfowl in the world!
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Tragedy in Antarctica, footprints in the snow, some other wildlife observations from around Dispatches HQ and the lessons we can learn from Canada Geese. Tune in to hear all about it!
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I have a confession; I kind of forgot Muskox existed as a North American mammal. But these arctic-dwelling bovines are incredibly interesting. Learn all about them on this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
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One of my favorite quotes comes from Barry Lopez, author of the book "Of Wolves and Men". He wrote, "We know little about wolves, but a great deal about what we believe wolves to be." I've been thinking about this quote a lot lately because it seems to me that many people spend a lot of time outside while still managing to isolate themselves to a certain degree from the natural world. Tune in to hear more about the relationship between wolves and deer, coyotes and their mates, and the importance of checking your sources.
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Arctic foxes live in one of the harshest environments on the planet - and yet, it doesn't seem to bother them. How do they manage to survive in the arctic? Find out on this first episode of 2026!
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The last Dirt Dispatch of 2025! 2026 promises to be a year of transition and change but also new opportunities and adventures - at least here at Dispatches from the Forest. We wish you all the best in the New Year. Tune in to hear my thoughts - I'll also revisit the Greenland Wildlife Overpass - largest wildlife overpass located just a couple hours south of me!
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Ptarmigan are birds that live in the arctic and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. And they are well adapted to life in the cold! Learn more about the hare-footed arctic bird with the silent "P" in its name: the ptarmigan!
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Elk tusks and Peapod the pocket squirrel. I mean really, what more do I have to say to get you to listen to this Dirt Dispatch?
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Snow leopards are built to live in cold, high altitude environments. They're also one of the most elusive predators on the planet. Do they really carry their tail around in their mouths though? Find out on this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
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Why are the Great horned owls so vocal this time of year and are raccoons really becoming domesticated? Find out on this Dirt Dispatch!
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It's been 4 years since I first talked about wild turkeys - but in honor of American Thanksgiving we're revisiting this delicious upland game bird. Learn more about the wild cousins of the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving dinners on this episode!
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Find out what cool observations I've made recently, the world's largest spider web is discovered (not by me though!) and a couple social media rants! Tune in and then go outside and get dirty!
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Thanks to Dawn for this listener-requested topic: Siamese Fighting Fish, A.K.A. Bettas. This ubiquitous pet store fish is one of the most popular aquarium fish in the world, and not only is their history with humans interesting, but they are interesting from a wildlife perspective too! Learn more on this episode!
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There are seasons that are defined by the rising and setting of the sun, and seasons that are defined by which invertebrates are invading my house. Learn more about Miller Moths, Boxelder bugs and Western conifer seed bugs in this Dirt Dispatch!
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We're capping off Spooky Season by learning about some of the biggest spiders in the world! No tricks, just treats!
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I'm not social media savvy, but a video I posted on TikTok and Instagram of a pair of owls being mobbed by crows got really popular! Yay! On this Dirt Dispatch I'll address some of the questions and misconceptions that came up in the comments of this and another of my videos.
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We'll continue on the theme of "creepy" animals with a look at the Aye-aye and the Vampire Squid. How are they creepy? Well, I guess if you want to know you'll need to come into the darkness to find out....bwahahahahahaha!
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My thoughts on being outside in the dark, and what the data says about the impact of wolves on deer populations. Check it out!
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It's finally "spooky season"! So let's talk about things that lurk in the dark. Because we humans are not afraid of the dark, per se, but of the things IN the dark, the things the darkness is concealing. Whippoorwills are one of those things. And like other things that we hear calling in the dark of night, they’re the subject of many a legend. Lean more about these legendary birds in this episode!
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My stance on the use of A.I. as it relates to the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast, and one of my favorite things ever - the singing of coyotes in response to a unique aspect of living on a military base. Check it out on this Dirt Dispatch!
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The largest butterflies in the world are species of Swallowtail butterflies. Learn more about these big, beautiful members of Lepidoptera on this episode!
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Seldom seen but working hard to help clean up dead stuff, carrion beetles are fascinating insects. And even among carrion beetles, burying beetles are unique. Learn all about burying beetles on this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
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On this episode I tell you all about the Belted Kingfisher. A mohawk sporting punk rocker of a bird that lives near calm waters across the U.S. and Canada. It's a Kerfuffle of Kingfishers! Check it out!
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The Double-crested Cormorant is a diving bird that's widespread across North America. If you've spent any time near water you've probably seen one, but this is your chance to learn more about these fascinating divers! And afterwards you can go outside and get dirty!
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How does wildlife survive extreme weather and a whole bunch of animal observations on this Dirt Dispatch!
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When George Perry published the first image of a koala in his 1810 natural history work Arcana, he wrote, “…they have little either in their character or appearance to interest the Naturalist or Philosopher." But I say that this just proves that ol' George was not a very good Naturalist. Learn why George was so very wrong on this episode of the Podcast!
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The world's largest wildlife crossing is nearing completion not too far from Dispatches HQ and a couple of really cool insects that I saw this week. Check it out!
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There are two animals that are called, at least in English, "Pandas" - the Red Panda and the Giant Panda (aka "Panda Bear"). But other than sharing part of their names, they're not closely related. Learn more about two of the most adorable members of the animal kingdom on this episode!
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There is an abundance of wildflowers in bloom here around Dispatches HQ - learn about some of these plants and how they were traditionally used on this episode of Dirt Dispatches!
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Lemurs are kind of a zoo staple, but how much do you know about them beyond that they're super cute? Well learn all about these adorable primates on this episode of the podcast!
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It's baby season here at Dispatches HQ! In this dispatch I'll tell you about predator satiation strategies and the plants and animals that employ them!
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I went to the zoo last week and saw a bunch of stuff - including flamingoes! Other than being pink what else do you know about these brightly colored birds? Well tune in to learn all about them!
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My nature observations of the week, a plea for using humane methods to get mice out of your house, and an addendum to the last episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast! Check it out!
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Water striders and predacious diving beetles are found in almost every aquatic habitat in the world. In seasonal wetlands they seem to appear like magic. Learn more about these amazing aquatic insects on this episode!
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Birds sometimes nest in strange places - but maybe they know what they're doing. Also the magic of seasonal wetlands. Tune in to get all the details!
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On this episode I'll tell you about a couple of strange critters that share some similarities but are not closely related. One of them has a 4 headed penis. Intrigued? Learn more by listening to the episode!
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Why do some people just seem to hate wildlife? Well, I've been giving it some thought and I've got some ideas. Find out what I'm thinking on this episode!
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100th Episode? How is that possible? Learn about some more mustelids: mink, ermine and long tailed weasels. How are they different? How are they similar? What are their superpowers? (Yes they have superpowers!) Learn all about them in this episode!
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Some really cool and unusual wildlife sightings this week! Plus porcupines as a rabies vector and the "alarming" rate at which they reproduce. Tune it to hear why people on the internet need wildlife education.
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We're heading back to the Old West, because the portrayals of nature in most movies and TV shows set in that era tends to be....well, misleading. Learn about some of the less-than-accurate portrayals of nature in the Old West on this episode!
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Wyoming wildflowers are in bloom and an unusual mustelid sighting! Find out what I've been seeing this week!
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Cephalopods! If they had a longer lifespan and a way to pass on generational knowledge they'd rule the planet! Learn more about these amazing invertebrates on this episode!
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Spring is in the air! Western Meadowlarks, Turkey Vultures and Kestrels! Plus I talk about heat lightning. Learn more about all of these things on this episode!
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Nutria and muskrats are often mistaken for beavers, but once you get to know them, it's easy to tell these semi-aquatic rodents apart.
Get to know nutria and muskrats better - learn who's an invasive species and where - and what makes these them so interesting.
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Spring is here (at least according to the calendar) and even if we're still getting snow, the signs of spring are all around: Northern Flickers, Mountain Bluebirds, the return of my Pelican Army and ground squirrels coming out of hibernation. Also, I had another uncommon animal sighting this week. Find out more in this Dirt Dispatch!
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It's springtime feral friends - at least by the calendar - and that means it's Prairie Chicken mating season! Learn about these amazing birds - whose mating dances inspired traditional dances of the Native American people.
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Sometimes you're in the right place, at the right time, and the universe gives you a gift.
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Thanks to a listener request, this episode is all about earthworms! There are over 6000 species of earthworm and they come in a wide range of sizes (and I mean a WIDE range!) Dig into the underground life of earthworms on this episode!
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Nothing says "I love you" like bringing home a dead squirrel, Phenology and how to tell the difference between a crow and a raven. Check it all out on this episode of Dirt Dispatches!
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It's shark week - well, at least here at Dispatches from the Forest. We don't have sharks here in Wyoming, but sharks found in all of the world's oceans and seas - and sometimes, surprisingly, far away from the ocean up a river. Learn more about these amazing elasmobranch fishes!
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Bald Eagles, Moose and the importance of community science. Find out what I've been up to the last couple weeks on this episode!
Today we're going to look at a couple of birds that are frequent visitors to bird feeders - especially in the winter. One of which is, according to Cornell Labs "universally considered to be cute". How can you resist?
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Deer antlers, Pronghorns horns and coyote tracks. Also: don't forget to register for the first Final Feral Friday Webinar coming up on January 31st at 11a Mountain Time!
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Llamas and Alpacas have a long history with humans. They were domesticated 5-6000 years ago. But their wild ancestors still roam South America, and the origin of their ancient ancestors just might surprise you. Learn about all the drama of being a llama on this episode!
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Winter weather has finally come to Dispatches HQ. I tell you one of my favorite things about being outside after a light snow. I saw some birds that are rare to this part of Wyoming and tell you why you should embrace your inner goose. Also details on the very first "Feral Final Friday" Webinar and how to register.
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Happy 2025! In honor of winter weather I'm going to tell you about a bird that, well, at least has "snow" in it's name: The Snowy Plover.
I'll also give you information on how to register for my first "Feral Final Friday Webinar" which will be on Friday, January 31st at 11a Mountain Time (that's 10a Pacific, 12p Central, 1p Eastern). Registration is just $5.
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Happy New Year! In this dispatch: my final observations of 2024 and goals for 2025.
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Happy Holidays feral friends! For this special episode I give you the gift of the "lost" episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast. Truly the very first, never-before-released episode that started it all. It's a history of Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, both as an organization, and a a spot on on the map - and it's an incredibly interesting story! Featuring an interview with Fontenelle's historian, Katherine Kuper.
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Happy winter solstice (for my Northern Hemisphere listeners) and summer solstice (for those of you down under!). I share my solstice tradition and tell you about the oldest known wild bird - a Laysan Albatross named "Wisdom".
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Pigeons have become a fixture of cities - but why? Well it turns out that pigeons and humans have been intertwined for thousands of years. And they've played a role in revolutions, scientific breakthroughs and wars. Not only that, they're pretty cool birds. Learn more about this ubiquitous and often ignored bird on this episode!
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Clark's Nutcrackers - an amazing member of the Corvid family that can cache up to 98,000 pine nuts per season, and did the City of Chicago release coyotes in Graceland Cemetery to control raccoons? I'll tell you what I think!
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In this episode I tell you about two unrelated things - one is a plant, one is a bird - both are interesting but neither is enough for a full episode by itself.
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This episode of Dirt Dispatches: It's a small world, letting nature sooth you, and a bunch of critter sightings. Check it out!
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You've seen em' at the seashore, you've seen em' at the lakeshore, heck you've probably seen em' in the parking lot of the big box store. Seagulls are everywhere! Let's take a look at the often maligned seagull - a devoted mate, parent and incredibly intelligent bird!
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Grizzly 399, the cautionary tale of P'Nut the squirrel and the importance of licensed rehabbers and 3 common social media comments that need to be retired ASAP.
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Gather round feral friends and in honor of Halloween, let's dim the lights and tell spooky stories about the creepy cryptid with glowing red eyes known as the mothman. From his best-known origins in Point Pleasant, WV to his more recent shenanigans in the greater Chicago region - including both my wife's and my own hometowns! It's a bit of spooky Halloween fun!
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A reminder to check those amazing facts you see on social media to make sure they're actually true, and the surprisingly tender mating ritual of pronghorn.
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It's spooky season feral friends! So to honor that we're taking a look at some critters that go with Halloween like peanut butter goes with jelly: spiders - specifically some species of spider that often turn up in your house. Seriously, you're surrounded by spiders, you might as well get to know them!
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Recovering from surgery has kept me in the house the last week or so, but I've got owls, orb weavers (or rather a lack of orb weavers) and book recommendations!
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Before we get too deep into "Spooky Season" let's take a break from creepy crawlies and return to the world of birds. Grebes are a diving bird with one of the most elaborate courtship rituals in the bird kingdom. Learn everything you didn't know you needed to know about this amazing bird on this episode!
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Happy Fall to my Northern Hemisphere listeners - Happy Spring to the New Zealanders and anyone else in the Southern Hemisphere! In this Dispatch: Fall colors, mummified bats and a foray into the home school community!
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Grasshoppers have been around for 250 million years. They're so common that we kind of take them for granted. But what do you really KNOW about grasshoppers? Well, learn more about them on this episode!
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What's been happening here at Dispatches HQ? It's starting to feel like fall - a brief pelican update, coyotes playing the long con, cat-faced orb weaver spiders and lazy teenage great horned owls. Check it out!
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Last episode I talked about butterflies, this episode is about moths. How are they different from butterflies? How are they the same? I'll also tell you about a moth that's a punk-rock pirate.
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An addendum to Episode 81 (Butterfly Royalty) regarding Monarch butterfly conservation, the Swainson's hawks are back in town, and a couple of corvid incidents. Check out what I've been seeing and doing the last couple weeks!
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Monarchs and milkweed go together like Peanut Butter and Jelly. Viceroy butterflies look an awful lot like monarchs. Learn more about these beautiful pollinators in this episode!
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Scorpion hunting and ball moss in San Antonio, TX plus Katarina receives a gentleman caller. Find out what I've been up to for the last couple weeks!
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Another arachnid that's not a spider - but this one is not likely to be mistaken for a spider like Solifuges and Harvestmen! Learn more about scorpions (the animal, not the band!) including their surprisingly romantic mating ritual.
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The final pelican update of the summer (unless they surprise me!), the rules of collecting roadkill and a really big kitty that I (sadly) couldn't bring home.
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All spiders are arachnids, but not all arachnids are spiders. Learn more about a couple of these non-spider arachnids - what makes them similar? What sets them apart? What makes them really, really, cool? Well, I'll tell ya'!
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Do wolves decimate deer populations or is the survival of deer fawns just low no matter what? And meet the Solifuge aka Camel Spider, Sun Spider or Wind Scorpion - spoiler alert: not a spider and also not a scorpion, so what is it? Find out on this Dirt Dispatch!
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By listener request I'm talking about those dumpster diving little bandits: raccoons! Do they really wash their hands or their food? Find out the answer to this question and more!
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Pelican update, pronghorn babies and a long-tailed weasel! Hear what I've been up to and what I've been seeing here at Dispatches HQ!
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Coyotes are one of the largest predators most of us are likely to encounter. They're also one of the most misunderstood animals around. Join me as I deconstruct the myths and misconceptions about coyotes.
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Pelicans, Pronghorn and the prodigious Miller moths. Check out the happenings here at Dispatches HQ!
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This episode is a little shorter than normal since it was a busy week here at Dispatches HQ, but I want to introduce you to two birds who could win awards with their acting abilities: the Killdeer and the American Avocet. And it just so happens that I've seen both recently! Tune in to find out more about how these bold little birds employ their inner thespian to protect their nests!
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Pelican update, more coyotes, moth season and a thorn pig sighting! Tune in to see what I've been up to!
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This year we're witnessing an event that hasn't happened since 1803 - when Thomas Jefferson was president. The dual emergence of a 13 year species of cicada and a 17 year species of cicada. So in honor of that we're revisiting cicadas - and learning some cool new things about them! We're also revisiting cicada killer wasps and cicada zombie butt fungus!
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Pelican update, coyotes out during the daytime, a possible crow's nest and becoming a Certified Interpretive Guide.
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Learn about some snakes native to Wyoming: The Prairie Rattlesnake, the Midget Faded Rattlesnake and Bull Snake - and why misinformation and not reading closely are more dangerous than venomous snakes.
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In this dispatch I'll give you a Pelican update, share "who" I heard the other day and tell you what I learned about Turkey Vultures in the state of Wyoming. Tune in and give it a listen, then:
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We hear a lot about air pollution and water pollution, but what about light pollution? I mean, it's not real pollution right? It's just an inconvenience for stargazers. Actually light pollution can have some very real impacts on plants, insects, animals, human health and even water quality. Learn more about why the night should be dark on this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
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Welcome to Dirt Dispatch #1! These are designed to be short and informal - a place for me to talk about what nature-related shenanigans I've been up to, what I've been seeing, my opinions on various topics, updates on things I've talked about before - basically things that might not fit into an episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast. It will also give you a glimpse behind the scenes.
In this first episode I'll tell you a little bit about Western Thatching Ants, update you on "my" Pelicans, and tell you about how I've been educating a random stranger on the internet about wolves and deer in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (I'm also educating him on the importance of citing your data but I don't think he's appreciating the free education I'm providing.)
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A wonderful bird is the Pelican,
Its bill can hold more than his belican
It can take in its beak
Enough food for a week
But damned if I know how the helican!
Lean more about American White Pelican and Brown Pelicans in this episode!
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Red-winged Blackbirds and Meadowlarks are both very vocal, both migratory in my area, and both members of the Icteridae family. In this episode we'll learn more about these heralds of Spring!
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Spring is here! (At least in the Northern Hemisphere). A time celebrated by many cultures as a time of rebirth and renewal. Rabbits are often a symbol of spring, given their propensity for....reproducing. Learn more about the members of the order Lagomorpha - Rabbits, hares, and Pika.
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There are 15 species of crane worldwide, but only 2 are native to North America: The Sandhill Crane and the Whooping Crane. The Sandhill Crane's spring migration staging is considered to be one of the top wildlife spectacles in the world. Whooping Cranes were once nearly extinct - with fewer than 28 individuals left in the wild. Learn more about these remarkable birds and the fight to keep them from going extinct in this episode!
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Magpies are one of the smartest animals on the planet - they make tools, play and hold "funerals" for their dead. Learn more about this amazing member of the Corvid family in this episode!
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Several stories hit the news recently that relate - either directly or indirectly - to things I've talked about in the last few episodes of this podcast. I'll update you on stories relating to wolverines, wolves and other efforts to reintroduce native species in their historic range.
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Lemmings are another small, artic tundra dwelling mammal - and they have a very interesting relationship with Snowy Owls. Learn more about both - and how Walt Disney shamefully contributed to lemming myths - in this episode!
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Last episode I told you about a "Golden Mole" which, as it turns out, is not actually a mole. So what IS a mole? And what's the difference between a Mole and Vole? And what's a shrew and can it be tamed? All these questions will be answered in this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
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Dispatchesfromtheforest #NatureNerd #Moles #Nature #Wildlife #Voles #Shrews #NatureLover
We finish off 2023 by looking at some of the notable news from the past year, including new species discovered, old species re-discovered and species re-introduced into the wild. We've got insects, spiders, monotremes, a snake named Harrison Ford and more! Check it out!
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Today I'm talking about more mustelids! You've probably heard of a wolverine - whether it's the superhero or the University of Michigan mascot - but what do you really know about wolverines? Probably not much (I know I didn't!) so join me to learn more about the mighty wolverine and his little cousin the fisher.
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"Wild Horses" aka Mustangs in America are a surprisingly complex and controversial issue. Ride along as we explore the history of horses in North America and venture into the controversy surrounding one of the iconic animals of the American West - the Mustang.
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Timberdoodle, Labrador Twister, Bogsucker, Hokumpoke and Fiddle Squeak are just a few of the nicknames for a gamebird whose real name is the American Woodcock. They aren't flashy, but Monty Python's Ministry of Silly Walks would be proud. Learn more on this episode!
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Common loons are anything but common - unless you count their drab winter plumage, but HEY - who among us DOESN'T look a bit drab in the winter? Discounting their winter look, they are amazing birds - divers who carry their chicks on their backs and whose calls are among my list of "Top 10 sounds of Wilderness". Learn all about the common loon on this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
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Otters are arguably some of the cutest members of the Mustelid, or Weasel, family. Learn about North America's two native otter species: Sea otters and River otters on this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
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In our continuing celebration of hitting 10k downloads I give you some of the best from 2022! Turtle Rabbits, Thorn Pigs, Iron Snails, Foxes, Mantis Shrimp and much more! If you've already heard those episodes hopefully this will remind you of some cool stuff - and if you haven't listened to those episodes hopefully it will inspire you to go back and learn more! Next episode will be all about Otters so make sure to leave a "like" and Subscribe or Follow so you don't miss it!
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In celebration of passing 10,000 downloads we're going back to the beginning and recapping the first 12 episodes. Hear some of my favorite facts from those episodes. If you listened to those already, I'll bet I can make you go "oh yeah - I forgot about that!" at least once. If you didn't listen to those, hopefully it will make you want to! Either way - thank YOU for listening and helping me reach that 10k milestone!
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The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is one of my favorite places - and someday will be the permanent home of Dispatches from the Forest World Headquarters. Learn more about this region that was once described as a "sterile region on the shores of Lake Superior destined by soil and climate to remain forever a wilderness."
(Please note: this episode was recorded outside so enjoy the background commentary of my local bluejays!)
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Inspired by being back in prairie dog country we're taking a look at some animals that tend to live in close proximity to them, and in some cases, depend on them for their very survival. Learn about the decorating prowess of burrowing owls, how Shep the ranch dog helped save black footed ferrets from extinction and the amazing partnership that badgers are known to form with another predator. All this and more in this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
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Common Grackles and Brown Headed Cowbirds are two birds that don't get a lot of love. They're not brightly colored, they don't have pretty songs and they do some things that many humans don't like. But to be fair, judging them against human standards is unfair, and these birds are actually pretty darn interesting! Listen and learn why you, "never go against the family."
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The C&O Canal stretches 185 miles from Washinton DC to Cumberland, MD. Built 200 years ago and abandoned nearly 100 years ago, the canal as it exists today is a 185 mile wetland that provides habitat for many species of wildlife. Learn more about the history of the canal and 3 species of heron that live there on this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
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By special request we're going in-depth to learn more about tree frogs. Some can change color, some have super-jumping power and some don't live in trees at all. Learn more on this episode!
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Let's head back down to the tropics and I'll tell you about some of the other wildlife we saw on our trip to Costa Rica! Leaf cutter ants, hermit crabs and howler monkeys!
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The Nature Nerd family got to spend a little time in the cloud forest of Costa Rica. Two of the animals we saw - the Central American Agouti and the White-nose Coati - are familiar sights...if you live in Costa Rica. But for us, they were exciting and new. Learn more about these two animals on this episode!
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With Memorial Day Weekend just passed summer has officially started - that means picnics and picnics mean ants - but did you know that ants have superpowers? Or that they can become zombie? Or that they take prisoners? Learn all about these amazing insects on this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
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In what may have been the first negative Yelp review in history, Ben Franklin said that the Bald Eagle had "bad moral character" and called it a "rank coward". "1 out of 5 stars: do not recommend". Ok maybe not that last one but still....This mostly had to do with the interaction between Bald Eagles and Osprey. Learn more about these two birds of prey in this episode!
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Truth be told, I don't much care for Ticks, but I have to admit that they ARE pretty interesting when you get to know them. Learn more about these vampiric little arachnids in this episode of the podcast!
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Snakes get a lot of hate - either because people are afraid of them or because they think they're creepy or icky. But just 7% of the 600 or so species of snake in the world have "medically significant" venom. Most snakes you are likely to encounter are harmless - especially if you just leave them alone. So let's learn about some of North America's more common "non-venomous" snakes!
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Snot Otter is my favorite nickname for salamanders. There are over 700 species worldwide, and if there is a common theme to unite them, it's "variability". These wacky amphibians range in size from an inch to over 6 feet, they can regrow limbs and some are poisonous if you eat them (Don't eat them.) Learn more on this episode!
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Meet the largest species of deer in North America: The Elk and the Moose - although in other parts of the world, Moose are called Elk, and Elk are called deer - it's all very confusing - but you can find out how all this confusion came about by listening to this episode!
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You ever feel like you're just bashing your head against a wall? Well, if you were a woodpecker, you'd do that all the time! But since you're not a woodpecker, doing that will hurt - a lot! Learn about how these head banging birds avoid long term memory loss in this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest podcast.
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Prairie dogs are a keystone species of the Great Plains, and as it turns out, they are AMAZING! You may have FaceBook drama, but Prairie Dog social networking is almost as bad - and they have one of the most complicated vocal repertoires of any animal. Take a look UNDER the prairie and learn more on this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
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"Oh give me a home, where the buffalo roam and the deer and the antelope play..." But there were not actually buffalo or antelope roaming or playing. You can learn more about bison and pronghorn - the ones that were roaming and playing with the deer on this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
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The recording of "Home on the Range" at the end of the episode is in the public domain. It is sung by James Richardson and was recorded at the Raiford Penitentiary in Florida on March 6, 1939.
What's black and white and red all over? A penguin with a sunburn! Learn more about these flightless fowl of the south on this week's episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
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Sea turtles are amazing creatures! The largest species, the Leatherback Sea Turtle can grow to be over 1000 pounds. Learn more about these ocean-dwelling reptiles on this episode!
I know plenty of people that would hibernate through the winter if they could. For the last episode of the year, we take a closer look at those iconic hibernators (or are they?) black bears, grizzly bears and polar bears.
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and all the rest, but do you know all the amazing features that make Reindeer the perfect animal to pull Santa's sleigh? Learn all about these amazing and unique members of the deer family!
What's the difference between a native species, a non-native naturalized species and an invasive species? Good question! Listen to this week's episode and find out!
I frequently find cool stuff that I want to talk about that just don't warrant their own episode, so this episode is dedicated to some of those critters. Crayfish, dusky salamanders, ground beetles and a parasite that drives its host to drown itself. Dig through the junk drawer of my observations!
On this episode we'll take a look at 3 "Non-placental" mammals from Australia: Wombats, Platypuses and Tasmanian Devils. 2 marsupials and a monotreme. There's cube-shaped poop, butt slams, egg-layng, venom and a whole lot of teeth! If you need a conversation starter for Thanksgiving dinner - this is the episode you need!
Continuing with a Halloween theme, this episode takes a closer look at some "Halloween adjacent" arthropods - the crawliest of the creepy crawlies: Centipedes and Millipedes. Some of the first land animals on earth, Centipedes and Millipedes don't just have a lot of feet, they can perform a lot of feats - including glow in the dark - how cool is that?
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Welcome to spooky season! In ancient Greece owls were associated with protection and wisdom, but sometime in the Middle Ages in Europe they became associated with witches - probably owing to the fact they were nocturnal and mysterious. Learn about how these amazing birds and how they have evolved to be masters of the nighttime hunt!
Meet the toads and frogs that are commonly found right here at Dispatches HQ: American Toads, Fowler's Toads, Green Tree Frogs, Cope's Grey Tree Frogs, Cricket Frogs and Pickerel Frogs.
Wasps get a lot of hate - primarily because we are afraid of getting stung. But did you know that of the 4000 species of wasp found in the United States, only 30 - less than 1% - are capable of stinging. And in addition to being pollinators, wasps provide natural pest control. Learn more about the fascinating world of wasps on this episode of the Dispatches from the Forest Podcast!
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I know I said I was going to talk about wasps, but I had another idea - come along with me as I take a hike at Crow's Nest Natural Preserve Area - a 2872-acre peninsula situated between two tidal creek tributaries of the Potomac River in Stafford County, Virginia. This property has been used by humans for the last 11000 years and with its mature hardwood forests and freshwater marshes it has a fantastic amount of biodiversity! What did I see? Listen and find out!
About 80% of flowering plants rely on living pollinators to move their pollen between flowers. In this episode I'll tell you about just a few of those - Honeybees, Bumblebees, Carpenter Bees and Mason Bees. Fascinating insects that have incredibly important jobs!
What's this? Bonus content? That's right! I had a chance to go on the radio "Town Talk" hosted by Ted Schubel last week (News Talk 1230 WFVA) here in Fredericksburg, VA with my friend and opossum rehabilitator Karen Brace (check her out at awesomepossumz.com and on Instagram @awesomepossumz1). We talked about what's involved in becoming an animal rehabilitator and why wild animals should not be kept as pets. Check it out!
Snakes are one of the most feared and misunderstood animals around. But snakes, venomous or not, generally just want humans to leave them alone. Over half of all bites from venomous snakes in the United States are completely avoidable. Snakes occupy a very important place in the ecosystem. In this episode I'll tell you why snakes - even the ones with medically significant venom - are not nearly as dangerous and scary as most people think - and why they are worthy of your respect.
When we think of deserts, we tend to think of them as being dry, hot and devoid of life. But a surprising number of plants and animals are adapted to these harsh conditions. Learn more about the deserts of the United States, and just a few of the amazing plants and animals that call them home.
Includes the song "Saguaro" by the Austin Lounge Lizards (used with permission). Check them out at Austinloungelizards.com.
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Nothing beats a perfect summer evening. Learn more about 2 of the most iconic insects of summer nights: crickets and fireflies - including the dark side of fireflies!
A micro-animal that can go into suspended animation and survive extreme conditions. A venomous snail that hunts fish by smell using a poison harpoon. Another snail with an iron shell. A crustacean that can punch through aquarium glass. Sounds like science fiction, but all these animals actually exist! Come learn about some amazing animals with abilities that will blow your mind!
Turtles have long been associated with longevity due to their long life spans. They are also the only animal whose pelvic girdle is on the inside of their ribcage. Learn more about these heroes in a half-shell (turtle power!)
Birds of Prey, or raptors, and humans have a long history together. Learn about 4 common species of hawk: Red-tailed hawks, Red-shoulder Hawks, Cooper's hawks and Sharp-shinned hawks. I'll also tell you about the Sparrow hawk and the River hawk - common names for a couple of raptors that are not, in fact, hawks at all.
Access to green space is extremely important not only for physical health but mental health as well. Learn some ways to get some wild in your life - either in "your" yard or some other green space you have available.
There is something mysterious in Chesapeake Bay! In this episode I'll tell you about "Chessie" - a mysterious creature that has been seen in Chesapeake Bay. I'll also tell you about Nebraska's Monster of Walgren Lake, and the man behind this creature, John G. Maher - prominent Nebraskan and purveyor of tall tales.
Soft kitty, Warm kitty, Little ball of fur.
Happy kitty, Sleepy kitty, Purr Purr Purr.
I've talked about North America's wild canids: Wolves, coyotes and foxes, so today I'm telling you about the wild felines: Canada lynx, Bobcat and Mountain lions. I'll also tell you about the domestication of cats and why you should keep your little ball of fur inside.
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In Episode 14 I told you about the defensive capability of skunks which got me thinking about other defensively built animals - Armadillos and Porcupines. Learn about the amazing capabilities of these 2 defensive specialists!
Peregrine Falcons are the fastest animal on Earth! They are also the most widespread raptor, but just 50 years ago they were in danger of going extinct. Fortunately they are making a comeback, and can be found in some pretty surprising places. Learn more about this incredibly fast and amazing raptor.
Features an interview with Deb Woracek, member of the Raptor Education Team at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center (www.Fontenelleforest.org)
While we are officially only halfway through winter, the signs that spring is near are starting to appear. In addition to warmer weather, here at Dispatches HQ we've got flowers starting to sprout and we're anticipating the emergence of frogs and salamanders any day now! Find out about some of the other plants and animals that are starting to appear to let you know that, while you may not be completely done with cold weather quite yet, warmer days are on the way!
We've talked about wolves and coyotes, in this week's episode we talk about the remaining (and smallest) North American canid species: foxes. There are 6 species of fox that can be found in North America, and while they share some traits, each of them has something that make them unique - from the insulating coat of the artic fox to the "extra sense" of the red fox, there is even a fox that climbs trees! Check it out!
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In Episode 3 we looked at some overlooked and underappreciated animals. In this episode we add to that list and take a look at some other animals that, while seldom seen, may be closer than you think: Deer, skunks, raccoons and groundhogs. Learn something new about more overlooked critters!
Forest fire is often considered to be a bad thing. And to be certain, an uncontrolled wildfire in a populated area like we saw recently can be dangerous as well as disasterous. But fire is a natural part of many ecosystems, and for some species, it is a neccessary part of their life cycle. Properly used, fire can be a tool that helps maintain the health of our forests and grasslands.
Features an interview with Michelle Foss, Director of Stewardship and Research at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in Bellevue, NE.
To learn more about Fontenelle Forest visit Fontenelleforest.org
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How do our animal friends survive the winter? Well, kind of the same way we do: they can stay active, they can migrate, or they can hibernate. Listen and learn about each of these winter survival strategies and some of the animals that use them. If that isn't enough, I'll tell you about "butt breathing" - you don't want to miss THAT!
Once pushed to the brink of extinction for the sake of fashion, beaver are one of our "keystone species". Secon only to humans in their ability to shape the landscape, beaver are coming back - and doing a lot of good stuff in the process. Plus I'll tell you about flying beavers - you won't want to miss it!
Wolves once roamed all of the lower 48 states until being nearly wiped out in the name of safety and prosperity. But removing this keystone species had many unexpected side effects. Explore the world of the wolf, and learn how reintroduction of this keystone species in the Yellowstone ecosystem impacted everything from elk to berry growth to water quality!
You've heard of people like John James Audobon, John Muir, Rachel Carlson and Henry David Thoreau, but how much do you know about Olaus and Adolph Murie? These two brothers from Moorhead, MN - and their wives - had a profound impact on preserving wilderness, expanding many of our national parks and managing the wildlife who live there.
Founding father Benjamin Franklin was a big fan of wild turkeys - and not just because they taste good. Listen to this special Thanksgiving episode to find out why Mr. Franklin was so enamored with this remarkable (and delicious) bird.
Wait! Don't squash that spider! Did you know that spiders can create 7 different kinds of web for different uses? Or that some spiders use water just like a web? Sure they give you the “creepie-crawlies” but spiders are also incredibly interesting! Listen and learn more about these amazing critters that are all around you - whether you like them or not!
Did you know that bats fly with their hands? In fact, their Latin name "Chiroptera" literally translates to "hand wing". Often misunderstood, bats can perform some amazing feats – including eating 600 insects per hour! Learn about all the adaptations that have made bats masters of the night and why you shouldn't fear them, as we explore the amazing world of the bat!
Meet the organisms that do the dirty work in the forest: getting rid of dead bodies! It may be gross but they perform a very important function - and without them, the world would be a much smellier place!
Few things are as wild sounding as the howls of coyotes, but even if you live in a big city, there's a good chance that there are coyotes nearby. People think that they should fear coyotes, but in reality, coyotes are not as fearsome as most people make them out to be.
Opossum, geese, squirrels and robins aren’t the “sexiest” animals around, but these critters are more interesting than most people think. And what you think you know about them, may not be entirely accurate…let's see if I can surprise you!
“Bird brain” is an age-old insult, but as it turns out, there are some pretty smart birds out there - particularly those in the Corvid family which includes Crows, Ravens, Jays and Magpies. Join me and find out just how clever some of our feathered friends can be!
Every year annual cicadas emerge to provide the background sounds of summer. But every 13 or 17 years different periodic "broods" emerge by the million and 2021 was the year of brood X (that's roman numeral 10) in parts of the Midwest and Eastern states. Learn more about these loud insects that spend most of their lives underground!
Includes an interview with Jody Green, an Urban Entomologist with the University of Nebraska Extension Office.