The Field Guides

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 14 - Vases and Candles and Spikes! Oh My! Dec 29, 2016

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This week Steve leads the discussion on "ice spikes." This is a rare winter phenomenon that Bill and Steve stumbled across at Stiglmeier Park (Cheektowaga, NY) during January, 2016. Join the guys as they run through two (presumably) incorrect hypotheses on how ice spikes form, and one well-documented method for their formation within freezers. We also explore the conditions that increase the chance of ice spikes forming in natural areas. While the episode mainly focuses on the "spike" form, "vase," "candle," and "tower" forms are also possible.

Ep. 13 - What the Flock is a Murmuration of Starlings? Dec 07, 2016

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What the flock is up with murmurations? And what's the difference between a swarm, a herd, a school, and a flock? In this first of a two-part episode, Bill and Steve explore the world of collective behavior, and take a specific look at murmurations of the European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). This species gathers in large flocks (sometimes numbering into the tens of thousands!) that dive and swoop across the sky, creating beautiful, shifting forms that delight, amaze, and mystify. Researchers from numerous fields study these formations, and this month, the Field Guides share the latest research into this stunning natural phenomenon.

Ep. 12 - Pokeweed Every Day Nov 04, 2016

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This month's episode features Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana). This is a fascinating plant with some surprising tie-ins with American history. Join Steve and Bill as they tell you about pokeweed's uncommon red pigment, its use in phytoremediation, and the various ways in which it demonstrates toxicity. Enjoy!

Ep. 11 - Spruce Grouse in the House Oct 26, 2016

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Have you ever heard of a Fool's Hen? It’s just one of the many nicknames of the Spruce Grouse (Falcipennis canadensis), a bird of extremes and paradoxical behaviors. It often allows people to come within just a few feet before taking flight (hence the “fool” part of its nickname), but it can also be notoriously difficult to find. In addition, this species is adapted to survive on food that few other animals eat. Join Steve and Bill (and their friend, Rich) as they head into the wilds of Ontario Canada to search for this elusive critter, share the fascinating stories of its natural history, and shed light on some recent Spruce Grouse research. This episode was recorded in March of 2016 in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada.

Ep. 10 - Witch Hazel: An Explosive Late Bloomer Oct 04, 2016

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Exploding seed pods?!? Flowers in the winter?! Many species have evolved unusual strategies for reproduction, and this month’s target species is no exception. Witch Hazel (Hamemelis virginiana) is a small tree of the eastern forest understory that is easy to miss. It’s small and unassuming, but closer inspection reveals an array of fascinating adaptations that make it unique among our woodland species. Join Steve and Bill as they hunt for this wonder of the woods and share what they learned about it. This episode, they are joined by friend and author Gerry Rising, who recently published Birds and Bird Watching-100 Brief Essays. This month’s episode was recorded at the Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve & Environmental Education Center in Depew, NY.

Ep. 09 - Two Guys and a Calcareous Outcropping Sep 10, 2016

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Have you ever heard of Valcour Island? Bill and Steve heard tantalizing rumors about it and journeyed to Lake Champlain to check it out. Champlain borders both New York and Vermont, and one of its largest islands is Valcour, home to a number of rare plants and the largest Great Blue Heron rookery in New York. Bill and Steve camped out on this special place, exploring, botanizing, and demonstrating why The Field Guides are the slowest hikers on the planet. Come along for the ride and find out all the fascinating finds we discovered.

Ep. 08 - Meat Schmeat, or Bill & Steve Commit Marketing Suicide: The Vegan Episode Aug 06, 2016

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Ok, Field Guides listeners - *Bill and Steve crack their knuckles* - this one's a touchy subject for some people, but it's an important one. Just how much DO our food choices impact the environment? There's ample rhetoric on both sides, but what does the research say? In this Steve and Bill will tell you what they discovered while delving into the topic, all while trying their best not to get too preachy. (Also, they'll fill you in on what they thought of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World). This episode was recorded in the Letchworth Woods area of the University at Buffalo's north campus in western NY.

Ep. 07 - Stalking the Redback Salamander Jul 07, 2016

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This episode takes place at the Kenneglenn Scenic and Nature Preserve in Wales, NY. The preserve is owned and managed by the Western NY Land Conservancy.

Ep. 06 - Staghorn Sumac Mar 04, 2016

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Episode 6 of The Field Guides is here!
SPOILER ALERT!!!
This episode Bill and Steve talk about Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina).