Nature Guys

Poppy the Opossum Dec 17, 2024

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

Cats Dec 03, 2024

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

Crow Talk Oct 29, 2024

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

Wild Grape Sep 24, 2024

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

Native Grasses Aug 13, 2024

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

Prickly Pear Cactus Jul 02, 2024

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:

Tales of Turkey Tail May 21, 2024

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)

Wildflower Pilgrimage with Families Apr 30, 2024

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.

Eclipse Stories Apr 23, 2024

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

Invasive Plants Part 4 Apr 04, 2024

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.

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

Invasive Plants Part 3 Apr 02, 2024

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:

Invasive Plants Part 2 Mar 28, 2024

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.

For more information, we recommend these resources:

Invasive Plants Part 1 Mar 26, 2024

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

Indigo Bunting Mar 19, 2024

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

The Wolverine Way with Doug Chadwick Mar 12, 2024

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

Eclipse Lovers Feb 13, 2024

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.

Passenger Pigeon Part 2 Feb 06, 2024

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.

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:

Passenger Pigeon Part 1 Jan 30, 2024

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:

Eclipse with Dean Regas Jan 23, 2024

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

Outdoor Life with Carol Mundy Jan 02, 2024

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

The Future of the Responsible Company Dec 19, 2023

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

Boxwood Bash Nov 28, 2023

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:

Yellowjacket Attack Nov 07, 2023

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:

Lion's Mane Mushroom Oct 10, 2023

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:

Lawns Sep 26, 2023

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

Whirligigs Sep 12, 2023

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:

Milkweed Beetles and Bugs Aug 08, 2023

Tina suggests we do an episode on milkweed beetles. Bob is confused because he thought they were bugs. Tune in to find 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:

eBird Jul 18, 2023

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

Johnny Appleseed Jun 13, 2023

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

Old-Growth Forest May 16, 2023

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

Gardening for Moths with Jim McCormac May 02, 2023

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.

Water Lilies Apr 18, 2023

Charles takes Bob on a deep dive into the fascinating world of Water Lilies.

Our sources for this episode include:

We Are Better Together with Bill McKibben Apr 04, 2023

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

The Morning Light, the Lily White with Katherine Hauswirth Mar 14, 2023

Bob chats with Katherine Hauswirth, the author of two inspiring books, The Book of Noticing: Collections and Connections on the Trail and 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

White-throated Sparrow Feb 21, 2023

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:

Bats with Merlin Tuttle Feb 07, 2023

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:

Bring Birds Back with Tenijah Hamilton Jan 17, 2023

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.

Our sources for this episode include:

Wood Thrush Jan 03, 2023

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.

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

Eastern Redcedar Revisited Dec 20, 2022

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.

Our sources for this episode include:

Walnut Woods Dec 06, 2022

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:

Cranberry Thanks Nov 15, 2022

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.

A Can of Earthworms Oct 18, 2022

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

Kids in Nature with Courtney Ryan Oct 04, 2022

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:

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:

Goldenrod Sep 13, 2022

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:

Whitebark Pine Aug 23, 2022

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:

Oak Research with Danie Frevola Aug 09, 2022

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!

Merlin 2 Jul 26, 2022

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.

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

Peregrine Falcon Jul 12, 2022

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

Nuttall's Woodpecker Jun 28, 2022

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!

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

Invasive Plants Jun 14, 2022

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

Merlin Magic May 10, 2022

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

Fire and Iceland with April Anderson Apr 19, 2022

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.

Spring Wildflowers 2 Apr 05, 2022

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:

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

Signs of Spring Mar 29, 2022

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

What's Your Zugunruhe? Mar 15, 2022

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

Oh Deer 2 Mar 01, 2022

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:

Woodcocks Wobble Feb 22, 2022

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

Wolves of Yellowstone Feb 01, 2022

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

Kingfishers are Shaped Like Footballs Jan 11, 2022

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.

Our sources for this episode include:

Mistletoe Dec 14, 2021

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

As She Rises with Grace Lynch Oct 26, 2021

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.

Going Cuckoo Oct 12, 2021

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.

Our sources for this episode include:

Cicada Safari App created by Dr. Gene Krit sky
Ohio Birds: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species published by Waterford Press
Bird Note Podcast on the Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Chatting about Cats and More with Charles and Brooke Sep 07, 2021

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

Poison Ivy Aug 24, 2021

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:

Four Fifths a Grizzly with Doug Chadwick Aug 10, 2021

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 Jul 27, 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.

Cicada Contest Jul 20, 2021

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.

The Hummingbird Handbook with John Shewey Jul 06, 2021

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.

The source for this interview is The Hummingbird Handbook: Everything You Need to Know about These Fascinating Birds by John Shewey from Timber Press.

Wild Ginger Jun 15, 2021

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:

Connect with us on our website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Ornitherapy with Holly Merker Jun 01, 2021

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

Waves and Beaches with Kim McCoy May 18, 2021

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.

Cicadas, 17 Years to Awesome May 04, 2021

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.

Our sources for this episode include:

Cicada Safari App created by Dr. Gene Krit sky
Cicada M ania: 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

Bicycling with Butterflies with Sara Dykman Apr 20, 2021

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

Vernal Pools Apr 06, 2021

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

Red Mangroves Walking Mar 23, 2021

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:

The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy Mar 09, 2021

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.

Acorn Woodpeckers Feb 23, 2021

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!

Keystone Species series: All About Alligators, Firefighting Beavers

Our sources for this episode include:

Hooded Merganser - Not the Duckiest Duck Feb 16, 2021

Charles and Bob discuss the Hooded Merganser. It is a duck that has some very un-duck like qualities.

Our sources for this episode include:

72 Seasons Feb 09, 2021

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 on the Move Feb 02, 2021

Seeds have many ways to get out into the world. Greg shares fascinating strategies plants use to disburse seeds.

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

All About Alligators Jan 26, 2021

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

Erin Brockovich Jan 19, 2021

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

Freshwater Life Jan 12, 2021

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:

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

What the Heck is Water Jan 05, 2021

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.

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

Welcome 2021 Dec 29, 2020

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

What It's Like to Be a Bird with David Sibley Dec 15, 2020

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!

Giving Tuesday 2020 Dec 01, 2020

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:

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 Magic Nov 17, 2020

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.

Firefighting Beavers Nov 03, 2020

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.

So You Want to be a Naturalist Oct 20, 2020

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.

100 Things in the Sky with Dean Regas Oct 06, 2020

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.

Our Friend Bill Sep 01, 2020

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

Chimney Swift the Flying Cigar Aug 18, 2020

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/

Purple Martin Aug 04, 2020

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/

House Finch the Hollywood Bird Jul 21, 2020

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/

Bluebird Carries the Sky Jul 07, 2020

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 Jun 30, 2020

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 Jun 23, 2020

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 Jun 16, 2020

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

Bull Frogs Roar Like Bulls Jun 09, 2020

Bob learns that you can see this frog in the winter!

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/

Salmon are a Gift Jun 02, 2020

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

Green Frogs Sing the Blues May 26, 2020

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 Tree Frogs Freeze May 19, 2020

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/

Nuts about Squirrels May 15, 2020

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 May 12, 2020

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

Land Art May 08, 2020

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

Blue Violets are Sometimes Blue May 05, 2020

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/

Fort Building May 01, 2020

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/

Zoo Town Apr 28, 2020

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/

Hug a Tree Apr 24, 2020

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/

Wildflower Pilgrimage Apr 21, 2020

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/

56 Pillbugs Apr 17, 2020

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 Our Mascot Apr 14, 2020

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

Holes Hike Apr 10, 2020

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/)

Some Pillbugs are Roly Polies Apr 07, 2020

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

Step Outside During Coronavirus Mar 31, 2020

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/

Tuliptrees are Straight and Tall Mar 24, 2020

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/

Africa Mar 17, 2020

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/)

Beach Wrack Mar 03, 2020

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/

Scoop on White Pelicans Feb 18, 2020

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/

Wildlife at Ding Feb 11, 2020

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/

A Long Way to Australia Feb 04, 2020

Bill explains the many wonders of the land down under.

Related: Through the Eyes of Nature Guys (http://natureguys.org/travel/)

Grizzly Bear Joe Jan 21, 2020

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/

Welcome 2020 Jan 07, 2020

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 Dec 24, 2019

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/

Millions of Sand Dollars Dec 10, 2019

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/

Giving Tuesday -Canary in the Coal Mine Nov 26, 2019

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 Amazing Part 2 Nov 12, 2019

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/

Ants in My Plants Oct 29, 2019

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

Stinky Weasels Oct 15, 2019

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

Knowing Robins Oct 01, 2019

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

Sycamores Can Be Huge Trees Sep 17, 2019

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

Mighty Mosquito Sep 03, 2019

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

Hognose Snakes can Dig Aug 20, 2019

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 Mate with Other Ducks Aug 06, 2019

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

Smoky Mountains Jul 23, 2019

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

Nuthatch the Upside Down Bird Jul 09, 2019

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

Clover Come Back Jun 25, 2019

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

Looking for Lizards Jun 11, 2019

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

Run Rabbit Run May 28, 2019

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/

Don't Hang Out Under Black Walnut Trees May 14, 2019

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/

Softshell Turtles Apr 30, 2019

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

Red-Eared Slider Apr 16, 2019

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

Painted Turtle Apr 02, 2019

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

Black Racer is One Fast Snake Mar 19, 2019

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

Going to Galapagos Mar 05, 2019

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

Mourning Doves Feb 19, 2019

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

Chickadee Dee Dee Feb 05, 2019

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

Tufted Titmouse Jan 22, 2019

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 Can Be Helpful Jan 08, 2019

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 Dec 25, 2018

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 Walk on Water Dec 11, 2018

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

Giving Tuesday Nov 27, 2018

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

Parachuting Beavers Nov 13, 2018

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

Zombie Wasps Oct 30, 2018

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

Canada Geese Fly By Night Oct 16, 2018

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/

Nature Stories from Music in the Woods Oct 02, 2018

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/)

The Sound of Insects on a Late Summer Night Sep 18, 2018

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

Fall Web Worms in Summer Sep 04, 2018

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/

Chipmunks are So Cute Aug 28, 2018

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/

Northern Water Snakes are Not Friendly Aug 21, 2018

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

Basswood the Bee Tree Aug 14, 2018

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/

Mulberry Mania Aug 07, 2018

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/

Japanese Beetles Jul 31, 2018

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

Hummingbird Moths Jul 24, 2018

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

Belize Jul 17, 2018

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's Travel Tips Jul 10, 2018

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!

Don't Grab a Snapping Turtle By the Tail Jul 03, 2018

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/

Deer Will Not Eat Ferns Jun 26, 2018

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

Sick of Ticks Jun 19, 2018

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

Voles Villains of the Garden Jun 12, 2018

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

Praying Mantis Preys Jun 05, 2018

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

Zebra and Tiger Swallowtails May 29, 2018

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

Tent Caterpillars Camp Out Together May 22, 2018

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

Starlings, Shakespeare and Mozart May 15, 2018

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

Bamboozled by Bamboo May 08, 2018

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/

Time for Toads May 01, 2018

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 Camp for Everyone Apr 24, 2018

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

Bladdernut Apr 17, 2018

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

Spicy Spicebush Apr 10, 2018

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/

Bob Was a Turkey Part 3 Apr 03, 2018

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

Bob Was a Turkey Part 2 Mar 27, 2018

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/

Bob Was a Turkey Part 1 Mar 20, 2018

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

Jeepers Spring Peepers Mar 13, 2018

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/

Wood Frogs Quack It Up Mar 06, 2018

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/

Mole Salamanders on the Move Feb 27, 2018

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

Junco Journeys Feb 20, 2018

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

Make Way For Skunks Feb 13, 2018

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/

Let It Snow Feb 06, 2018

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/

Groundhogs Wake Up Looking for Love Jan 30, 2018

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/

A Nursery Web Spider Named Fred Jan 23, 2018

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/

Trying to Love House Spiders Jan 16, 2018

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

Feeding the Birds Jan 09, 2018

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!

Climbing Evergreens are Easy to Find Jan 02, 2018

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 Fun to Say Dec 26, 2017

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/

Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers Slurp Sap Dec 19, 2017

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 Like To Eat Ticks Dec 12, 2017

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

Why We Don't Hug Eastern Redcedar Trees Dec 05, 2017

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/

Fox Are Smaller Than You Think Nov 28, 2017

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 Nov 21, 2017

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/

Red-shouldered or Red-wristed Hawk Nov 14, 2017

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/

Watch for the Cooper's Hawk at Your Bird Feeder Nov 07, 2017

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

The Blue Footed Eagle Only Seen on Halloween Oct 31, 2017

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

Centipedes Can be Scary Oct 24, 2017

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/

Down Yonder in the Paw Paw Patch Oct 17, 2017

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

Oh Deer Oct 10, 2017

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/

Millipedes are Not Thousand Leggers Oct 03, 2017

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

Cicadas are Kinda Cute Sep 26, 2017

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)

A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss Sep 19, 2017

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/

Mighty Milkweed Sep 12, 2017

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.

Monarchs on the Move Sep 05, 2017

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.

The Northern Cardinal is a Beautiful Red Bird Aug 29, 2017

This is a bird that likes to attack windows! Join us to find out why and what you can do about it.

Parasitic Zombie Plants -No Color, No Food, No Problem! Aug 22, 2017

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.

Blue Jays Are Not Blue Aug 15, 2017

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.

Garter Snakes are Sometimes Garden Snakes Aug 08, 2017

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.

Pokeweed the Purple Plant Aug 01, 2017

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.

Mud Daubers Eat Black Widow Spiders Jul 25, 2017

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.

WOW it's a Pileated Woodpecker Jul 18, 2017

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.

Downy Woodpeckers Support Their Mates Jul 11, 2017

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

Lucky Buckeye Jul 04, 2017

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 Feed Baby Birds Jun 27, 2017

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.

Box Turtles Are Slow But Sure Jun 20, 2017

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 Light Up Our Lives Jun 13, 2017

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 Are Very Curious Birds Jun 06, 2017

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.

Sit Spot May 30, 2017

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.

Stinging Nettle May 23, 2017

his is a plant that will test your nature awareness. How long does the sting last? Tune in to find out!

Black Rat Snake May 16, 2017

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.

Moles May 09, 2017

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 02, 2017

Dandelions may be an eyesore to some but not to us. In fact we like them so much we eat them!

A Walk in the Woods Apr 25, 2017

Bill and Bob spend three days together leading wildflower hikes. They both take away some valuable lessons.

Hummingbirds Apr 18, 2017

Listen in as we explore the fascinating world of the hummingbird - the only bird that can truly hover.

Raccoons Apr 11, 2017

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.

Spring Fungi Apr 04, 2017

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.

Bat in the House Mar 28, 2017

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.

Tree of Heaven Mar 21, 2017

Turns out the tree of heaven is not so heavenly! Tune in to find out all about the tree that is not a blessing!

Mockingbird Mar 14, 2017

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

Spring Wildflowers Mar 07, 2017

Bill’s favorite season is spring and in this episode Bill and Bob share some amazing stories about wildflowers.

Daffodils Feb 28, 2017

Discover more about the beloved daffodil of Springtime and how humans have interacted with them for centuries.

Ladybugs Feb 21, 2017

Can Ladybugs really bite? Yes they can! Join us to find out more about this bug that is really a beetle.

Coyote Love Feb 14, 2017

Bill and Bob are celebrating Valentine’s Day by showing coyotes the love they deserve.

Tracks in Snow..Mud..Sand Feb 07, 2017

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.

Sugar Maple Jan 31, 2017

Join us as we share some fascinating facts and stories about the sweet tasting sugar maple tree.

Northern Red Oak Jan 24, 2017

Bill and Bob explore an old oak tree in Bob’s backyard

Screech Owl Jan 17, 2017

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.

Barred Owl Jan 10, 2017

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?

Great Horned Owl Jan 03, 2017

Join us as we discover the secrets of the Great Horned Owl.

Uninvited Guests Dec 27, 2016

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.

Stink Bugs Dec 13, 2016

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.

Loons Nov 29, 2016

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!

Red Eft Nov 14, 2016

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.

Hedge Apples Nov 01, 2016

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.

Sitting by a Beech Oct 15, 2016

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.

Fleas and Bees? Oct 06, 2016

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.

Home Depot Oct 05, 2016

Bob discovers nature in a hardware store.

Shiny Objects Oct 04, 2016

Bill learns about birds collecting coins at a car wash.