Nature Guys

I got a wonderful email from Kim who homeschools her children and wanted some advice. Her oldest son is hoping to do something in the field of nature. I also received this email from Charles Van Rees a Conservation Biologist and Naturalist offering to be a guest on the show. "I want first and foremost to thank you for bringing your expertise, humor, warmth, and energy to a great podcast on natural history. I recently moved from a crowded city in Europe to rural Montana, and have been looking for good podcasts on natural history to keep my mind occupied during frequent, long drives. Your podcast has brought me a lot of joy, laughs, and learning during a tough transition and helped me get back in touch with North American nature. Thank you so much! On my way into work this morning I heard your 'Welcome 2020' podcast and your mention of wanting to feature more 'humans' on the show. In case you were looking for additional humans, I wanted to offer myself as a potential guest, since I absolutely adore the show and would love to give something in return. I'm a wetland ecologist and conservation biologist with expertise in freshwater biodiversity and ornithology, and currently work as a postdoctoral research scientist at Flathead Lake Biological Station in Polson, Montana. My past work has been on endangered water birds in Hawaii and migratory gulls in Seville, Spain. Aside from that, I'm a passionate student of natural history and have been trying to spend more time integrating nature study into my work as my career advances. I've been featured on a couple podcasts before and think it's tremendous fun. If you'd like to learn more about me I'd be happy to chat anytime, or you can have a look at my website." I decided it would be a good idea to have Charles answer Kim's email. What started as an email exchange evolved into doing a complete episode. If you know people who are interested in the natural world as a career please share this episode with them. You can contact Charles Van Rees and learn more about his activities on his website cbvanrees.wordpress.com or on Twitter @Gulothoughts. Special thanks to Cinfed Credit Union for sponsoring this episode.

Nature Guys Podcast spends lots of time connecting you to nature on this amazing planet. We are excited to have Dean Regas the astronomer for the Cincinnati Observatory (https://www.cincinnatiobservatory.org/), as a special guest on Nature Guys. After this episode I think you are going to be inspired to step outside and look up. 100 Things To See In The Night Sky by Dean Regas https://www.cincinnatiobservatory.org/dean-regas/about-dean/ Looking Up podcast https://www.wvxu.org/programs/looking#stream/0 Special thanks to Cinfed Credit Union (https://www.cinfed.com/) for sponsoring this episode.

Cohost and Cofounder of Nature Guys Podcast sadly passed away in August 2020. Bill's dream was for Nature Guys to continue connecting people to the natural world. Read Bill's obituary at http://www.springgrove.org/obituary.aspx?id=5351

Next time you pass by an old chimney keep your eye out for this amazing bird. They can eat three times their own weight every day. Our sources for this episode include: Chimney Swift Conservation Association (project directors Paul and Georgean Kyle) http://www.chimneyswifts.org/ "Chimney Swifts America's Mysterious Birds above the Fireplace" by Paul and Georgean Kyle "New Habitat for America's Mysterious Birds" by Paul and Georgean Kyle Chimney Swift https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Chimney_Swift/overview Chimney Swift https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/chimney-swift Fun Facts About Cigars With Wings https://www.birdsoutsidemywindow.org/2014/05/14/fun-facts-about-cigars-with-wings/

People often put out Purple Martin houses to help control insects. In fact the Martins in the eastern United States could not exist without these houses. Our sources for this episode include: How to Attract Purple Martins https://www.purplemartin.org/purple-martins/attracting/ Fun Facts About Purple Martins https://www.thespruce.com/fun-facts-about-purple-martins-387110 Interesting Facts About Purple Martins That Will Make You Go Wow https://birdeden.com/interesting-facts-about-purple-martin Purple Martin Conservation Association https://www.purplemartin.org/

Find out the amazing story of how the House Finch made its way all the way across the United States. Our sources for this episode include: House Finch https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/House_Finch/lifehistory Interesting Facts about House Finches https://animals.visualstories.com/interesting-facts-about-house-finch House Finch or Purple Finch? Here's How to Tell Them Apart https://www.audubon.org/news/house-finch-or-purple-finch-heres-how-tell-them-apart Crossley Field Guide Books https://crossleybooks.com/book/the-crossley-id-guide-eastern-birds/

It is challenging to be a bluebird. Learn what you can do to help this beautiful bird. Our sources for this episode include: Eastern Bluebird (includes plans for how to build a nesting box) https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Bluebird/overview 8 Surprising Facts You Didn't Know About Bluebirds https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/facts-about-bluebirds/ Interesting Eastern Bluebird Facts http://www.birdhouses101.com/eastern-bluebird-facts.asp Fun Facts About Bluebirds https://valparaiso.wbu.com/bluebird-fun-facts

Damselflies are beautiful creatures. Best of all they do not bite or sting. Our sources for this episode include: Damselflies - Interesting Facts on These Beautiful Insects http://EzineArticles.com/6148223 What is the difference between Dragonflies and Damselflies? https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/odonata/frequently-asked-questions/ 10 Things you may not know about Damselflies https://natureformysoul.com/2016/06/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-damselflies/

Dragonflies are something you want to have around. They love to eat mosquitoes! Our sources for this episode include: Migratory Dragonfly Partnership http://www.migratorydragonflypartnership.org/ 14 Fun Facts about Dragonflies https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/14-fun-facts-about-dragonflies-96882693/ 7 things you never knew about dragonflies https://www.treehugger.com/things-you-never-knew-about-dragonflies-4864302 Fun Facts about Dragonflies https://www.threeriversparks.org/blog/fun-facts-about-dragonflies

Native bees are incredibly efficient at pollinating plants and they are very docile. Our sources for this episode include: 6 Amazing Facts About Mason Bees https://www.keepingbackyardbees.com/5-amazing-facts-about-mason-bees/ The Leafcutter Bee https://www.buzzaboutbees.net/leafcutter-bee.html Crown Bees (where Bob got his bees) https://crownbees.com

Bob learns that you can see this frog in the winter! Related episodes: Green Frogs Sing the Blues, Gray Treefrogs Freeze, Wood Frogs Quack It Up, Jeepers Spring Peepers Our sources for this episode include: American Bull Frog (National Geographic) https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/amphibians/a/american-bullfrog/ American Bull Frog (NatureMapping) http://naturemappingfoundation.org/natmap/facts/american_bullfrog_712.html American Bull Frog Facts https://www.softschools.com/facts/animals/american_bullfrog_facts/481/

Bob has a conversation with Mark Kurlansky the award winning author of Salmon: A Fish, the Earth, and the History of Their Common Fate. Our sources for this episode include: Mark Kurlansky (visit his web site at http://www.markkurlansky.com/) Salmon: A Fish, the Earth, and the History of Their Common Fate by Mark Kurlansky The World Without Fish: How Kids Can Help Save the Oceans by Mark Kurlansky Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World by Mark Kurlansky

Bill reveals something he learned in school. Green frogs can be blue! Our sources for this episode include: Green Frog https://animals.net/green-frog/ Northern Green Frog http://www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org/assets/uploads/animals/pdf/NorthernGreenFrog.pdf Northern Green Frog https://www.cbf.org/about-the-bay/more-than-just-the-bay/chesapeake-wildlife/northern-green-frog-at-home-in-the-bog.html

Gray treefrogs are hard to see but easy to hear. Special thanks to our friend and naturalist John Howard for the amazing photos. Our sources for this episode include: Gray Treefrog https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/gray-tree-frog Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) https://srelherp.uga.edu/anurans/hylchr.htm Gray Treefrog https://nhpbs.org/natureworks/graytreefrog.htm Science Around Cincy: Clara do Amaral – Frog Cryobiologist https://sciaroundcincy.com/2019/07/25/clara-do-amal/

Bob challenges you to try to find more 'nuts' than a squirrel. Our sources for this episode include: The Kids' Wildlife Book by Warner Shedd http://warnershedd.com/

Grey Squirrels are easy to see in certain areas. They are really cute even when they are eating all your birdseed! Our sources for this episode include: Eastern Gray Squirrel https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/eastern-gray-squirrel/ Squirrels: Diet, Habits & Other Facts https://www.livescience.com/28182-squirrels.html 22 things you may not know about squirrels https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/blogs/happy-squirrel-appreciation-day

Bob invites artist Adrian Hawk to tell us how we can do Land Art right in our own neighborhoods. Our sources for this episode include: Andy Goldworthy Digital Catalogue https://www.goldsworthy.cc.gla.ac.uk Imago Rangers - Land Art https://imagoearth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Day-7-Land-Art-.pdf

Bob has his back yard torn up. He is amazed to find Blue Violets returning in pure clay soil. Our sources for this episode include: Common Blue Violet https://www.gardenexperiments.com/common-blue-violet/ 7 Fun Facts about Violets https://www.teleflora.com/blog/7-fun-facts-about-violets/ Interesting facts about violets http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-violets/

Bill and Bob remember a fun outside activity they did as kids. Our sources for this episode include: Let's Go Outside by Jennifer Ward https://www.jenniferwardbooks.com/

Bill talks with Thane Maynard the Director of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Learn how Thane went from a kid chasing gaters in Florida to the head of one of the best zoos in the world. Resources mentioned include: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden http://cincinnatizoo.org/ Cincinnati Zoo live safaris on FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/cincinnatizoo/live Cincinnati Nature Center https://www.cincynature.org/ Center for Plant Conservation https://saveplants.org/ African Parks: Saving Wildlife https://www.africanparks.org/ Wildlife Conservation Society https://www.wcs.org/

Bill and Bob explain a simple activity you can do to connect your kids and yourself to trees. Our sources for this episode include: Sharing Nature with Children by Joseph Cornell https://www.sharingnature.com/

Bob interviews Nancy Stranahan the Executive Director of the Arc of Appalachia. Nancy is an inspiration and we can all use a large dose of that right now. Related episode: Spring Wildflowers (http://natureguys.org/spring-wildflowers/) The Arc of Appalachia - Saving Ohio's Wildlands https://arcofappalachia.org/

Bill and Bob do a short follow up to the pillbug episode. This has some great ideas to lift your spirits and a special guest. Related episode: Some Pillbugs are Roly Polies (http://natureguys.org/pillbugs/) Our sources for this episode include: Pillbug Project: A Guide to Investigation by Robin Burnett https://www.nsta.org/recommends/ViewProduct.aspx?ProductID=12142 Blue pillbug https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/7718485

Goldfinch is just the bird to cheer you up! This is a great bird to have at your feeders. Our sources for this episode include: American Goldfinch https://abcbirds.org/bird/american-goldfinch/ Interesting American Goldfinch Facts http://www.birdhouses101.com/american-goldfinch-facts.asp 21 Facts on Goldfinches https://www.livingwithbirds.com/tweetapedia/21-facts-on-goldfinch Fun Facts about Goldfinches https://billingsgazette.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/fun-facts-about-goldfinches/article_65165159-1e5d-5a6c-8c04-cc1dfa9e6fde.html Life Histories of North American Birds by Arthur Cleveland Bent https://birdsbybent.com/about.html

Bob and Bill hope to inspire you to take a Nature Break. This episode has a fun activity that Bob used at nature summer camp. Related episode: Screech Owl (http://natureguys.org/screech-owl/)

Bob and Bill are inspired by an Imago Ranger program (https://imagoearth.org/imago-rangers/) to do an episode on pillbugs. If you're a little stressed out go outside and find some of these guys. Our sources for this episode include: Imago Rangers Pillbugs https://imagoearth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Day-5_-Pillbugs.pdf Pillbugs and Sowbugs https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/pillbugs-and-sowbugs-land-isopods 15 Facinating Facts About Pill Bugs https://www.thoughtco.com/fascinating-facts-about-pillbugs-4165294 Pillbug Project: A Guide to Investigation by Robin Burnett https://www.nsta.org/recommends/ViewProduct.aspx?ProductID=12142

Bob has a conversation with Chris from Imago about how nature can help us deal with the coronavirus. Organizations mentioned in this podcast include: Imago - https://imagoearth.org/ J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge - https://www.fws.gov/refuge/jn_ding_darling/ Sanibel Sea School - https://www.sanibelseaschool.org/ The Arc of Appalacia - https://arcofappalachia.org/

Bob has two large tuliptrees in his yard. Tune in to find out why these trees are so interesting. Our sources for this episode include: Tuliptree Profile https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-tulip-trees-2132098 The Tuliptree http://www-pub.naz.edu/~treewalk/tuliptree/tuliptree.htm Facts About the Tuliptree https://www.gardenguides.com/113941-tulip-tree.html The Native Tree Society http://www.nativetreesociety.org/

Bill says Africa is number one on his places to explore. Tune in to find out how a trip to Africa might change your life. Related episodes: Through the Eyes of Nature Guys (http://natureguys.org/travel/)

Every wonder about the stuff that washes up on a beech as the tide comes in and out? Doc Bruce from Sanibel Sea School explains why this is such an important place on a beach. Our sources for this episode include: Guest J. Bruce Neill (Doc Bruce), Co-Founder and Executive Director of Sanibel Sea School https://www.sanibelseaschool.org/

Ranger Toni tells the amazing story of a white pelican stuck in the ice in Minnesota. Tune in to find out how it got to Ding Darling. Related episode: Wildlife at Ding (http://natureguys.org/wildlife-ding/) Our sources for this episode include: J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge https://www.fws.gov/refuge/jn_ding_darling/ Nature Works https://nhpbs.org/natureworks/whitepelican.htm 10 Fun Facts about White Pelicans https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/515654/10-fun-facts-about-pelicans Interesting facts about pelicans http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-pelicans/ CROW - Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island http://www.crowclinic.org/

Bob meets Ranger Toni at the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. She talks about the amazing system of wildlife refuges that are all over the United States. Related: Through the Eyes of Nature Guys (http://natureguys.org/travel/) Our sources for this episode include: J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge https://www.fws.gov/refuge/jn_ding_darling/ National Wildlife Refuge System https://www.fws.gov/refuges/

Bill explains the many wonders of the land down under. Related: Through the Eyes of Nature Guys (http://natureguys.org/travel/)

Bob and Bill have a special guest that has a ton of experience and stories of Grizzly Bears in Alaska. We start out with five fun and informative questions for our live audience at Roads, Rivers and Trails (https://www.roadsriversandtrails.com/). Related: Through the Eyes of Nature Guys (http://natureguys.org/travel/) Our sources for this episode include: Brown Bear Fact Sheet https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/bears-of-the-last-frontier-brown-bear-factsheet/6522/ Brown Bear Frequently Asked Questions https://www.nps.gov/katm/learn/photosmultimedia/brown-bear-frequently-asked-questions.htm Interesting Facts about Brown Bears http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-brown-bears/

Bill and Bob welcome in the new year with a special conversation with Chris Anderson the executive producer and host of Science Around Cincy. You can find our more about Chris Anderson's projects at: Science Around Cincy https://sciaroundcincy.com/ Science Over Everything http://scienceovereverything.com/

Christmas in October Bob and Bill invite some friends to share stories of Christmas Trees. Hope this episode brings a smile to your face! Our sources for this episode include: There are up to 25,000 bugs in the average Christmas tree https://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/stories/25000-bugs-christmas-tree What You Need to Know About Recycling Your Christmas Tree http://blog.davey.com/2013/12/what-you-need-to-know-about-recycling-your-christmas-tree/ A Toilet Brush Christmas? Invention of the Aluminum Tree http://patentplaques-blog.com/toilet-brush-inspired-artificial-christmas-trees/

Bob takes a walk on the beach and becomes really curious about sand dollars. Luckily he finds a wonderful source of information, "Sanibel Sea School." Our sources for this episode include: Sanibel Sea School https://www.sanibelseaschool.org/ Dead or alive? 3 ways to spot the difference https://www.heraldsun.com/news/state/south-carolina/article213506774.html#storylink=cpy Dead sand dollars on Florida beaches could be result of natural cycle https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/florida/dead-sand-dollars-on-floridabeaches-could-be-result-of-natural-cycle-experts-say/67-574599775 It's prime time for sand dollars on Sanibel as mating season peaks https://www.winknews.com/2018/07/09/its-prime-time-for-sand-dollars-on-sanibel-as-mating-season-peaks/ Fun Facts about the Sand Dollar https://tropicalbreezedecor.com/blog/fun-facts-about-the-sand-dollar/

Bill and Bob talk about organizations that support the birds we love. Organizations Bill and Bob Support Arc of Appalachia | Savings Ohio's Wildlands https://arcofappalachia.org Edge of Appalachia - Cincinnati Museum Center https://www.cincymuseum.org/nature/ The Nature Conservancy https://www.nature.org/en-us/ The American Bird Conservancy https://abcbirds.org/

Ants are so amazing we had to do a follow up to our episode Ants in My Plants. Tune in to learn why these insects are so important. Our sources for this episode include: 10 Crazy Facts About Ants https://futurism.com/10-crazy-facts-about-ants 6 amazing facts about ants https://earthsky.org/earth/amazing-facts-ants COOL FACTS ABOUT ANTS! https://www.natgeokids.com/za/discover/animals/insects/ant-facts/

We got a request to do a podcast at a local garden club. The organizer even provided us with the title. This topic is so vast that it is a two part podcast. Our sources include: 13 natural solutions for killing and deterring ants https://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/blogs/13-natural-remedies-for-the-ant-invasion 30 Natural Home Remedies To Get Rid of Ants From Home & Garden https://balconygardenweb.com/30-natural-home-remedies-to-get-rid-of-ants-from-home-garden/ ANTS IN YOUR HOUSEPLANTS: GETTING RID OF ANTS IN YOUR PLANTS https://www.combatbugs.com/en/home/pest-identification/bug-files/ants-in-your-houseplants-getting-rid-of-ants-in-your-plants.cky.html

Have you ever seen a weasel? A listener saw what he thought might be a weasel and his email inspired this podcast. Our sources for this episode include: Weasels: Tiny but mighty https://www.farmanddairy.com/columns/weasels-tiny-but-mighty/406436.html Nature: Weasels intriguing despite bad rep https://www.dispatch.com/article/20101107/lifestyle/311079702 Fierce Facts About Weasels http://mentalfloss.com/article/64193/7-fierce-facts-about-weasels

Almost everyone knows what a Robin looks like. Tune in to find out all about this very common bird. Related episode: Sit Spot (http://natureguys.org/sit-spot/) Our sources for this episode include: Book "What the Robin Knows" by Jon Young http://birdlanguage.com/ American Robin https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Robin/overview Fun Facts About American Robins https://www.thespruce.com/american-robin-facts-4143588 Robin Facts https://journeynorth.org/tm/robin/fact_page.html

This is an easy tree to identify even in winter. Bill tells the tales of some amazing sycamores that he has known over the years. If you get lost this tree will lead you to water. Our sources for this episode include: Sycamores, Trees of Wonder http://biologicalthinking.blogspot.com/2013/03/sycamores-trees-of-wonder.html American Sycamore https://naturewalk.yale.edu/trees/platanaceae/platanus-occidentalis/american-sycamore-29 Sycamore Get No Respect http://www.eattheweeds.com/sycamores-not-just-another-plane-tree-2/ Sycamore Tree Care https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sycamore/sycamore-tree-care.htm

Mosquitoes are the deadliest creatures on earth. Find out how to get along with these challenging insects. Our sources for this episode include: Birds Bats and mosquitoes https://www.thoughtco.com/birds-and-bats-no-help-with-mosquitos-3970964 Natural Mosquito Repellents https://www.thoughtco.com/natural-mosquito-repellents-602178 Do Bug Zappers Kill Mosquitoes? https://www.thoughtco.com/do-bug-zappers-kill-mosquitoes-1968054 Bobʼs Favorite Insect Repellent is Alpenglow https://www.alpenglowskincare.com/products/alaskas-best-insect-repellent

Bill rarely sees this snake but it is one of his favorites. The hognose snake has some amazing behaviors. S Related episodes: Black Rat Snake (http://natureguys.org/black-rat-snake/), Red-shouldered or Red-wristed Hawk (http://natureguys.org/red-shouldered-hawk/) Our sources for this episode include: Eastern Hognose Snake http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Heterodon_platirhinos/ Eastern Hognose https://nhpbs.org/wild/easternhognosesnake.asp Hognose Snakes http://www.lihs.org/files/caresheets/Heterodon.htm

Mallards are a very common duck that are easy to find. Find out why Bill thinks they may be an invasive species. Our sources for this episode include: Unflappable Facts About Mallards http://mentalfloss.com/article/78330/15-unflappable-facts-about-mallards Mallard duck facts http://www.softschools.com/facts/animals/mallard_duck_facts/587/ Mallard https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mallard/lifehistory

This is the most visited park in the United States. It is free and is amazing any month of the year. Related episodes: Through the Eyes of Nature Guys http://natureguys.org/travel/ Our sources for this episode include: Fightmaster Fly Fishing - Rob Fightmaster is a great fly fishing guide. Even Bob and Beth can catch fish with Rob at their side! https://fightmasterflyfishing.com A Wondrous Diversity of Life - Great Smokey Mountains https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/index.htm Do Cougars Roam the Smoky Mountains? https://gardenandgun.com/articles/cougars-roam-smoky-mountains/ 20 Facts to know about the Great Smoky Mountains https://www.cabinsforyou.com/blog/advice/20-facts-about-great-smoky-mountains.htm

If you see a bird on a tree with its head toward the ground chances are good you are looking at a nuthatch. Our sources for this episode include: White-breasted Nuthatch (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology) https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-breasted_Nuthatch/overview What is a Nuthatch? http://www.10000birds.com/nuthatches?doing_wp_cron=1550344848.9804060459136962890625 9 fun facts about nuthatches https://www.wausaudailyherald.com/story/sports/outdoors/2016/04/27/9-funfacts-nuthatches/83551868/ How to Attract Nuthatches https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-attract-nuthatches-386249

Bobʼs neighbor Wayne had a simple question. Why do you have clover in your yard? Bob and Bill decided to do a podcast to explain to Wayne why we both keep and even plant clover in our yards. Our sources for this episode include: Advantages and Disadvantages of Clover Lawns https://dengarden.com/gardening/Clover-Lawns Establishing White Clover in Lawns http://versicolor.ca/lawnsoldsite/docs/clover.html Blades of glory: America's love affair with lawns https://theweek.com/articles/483762/blades-glory-americas-love-affair-lawns

Bill and Bob explore a lizard that started showing up in Cincinnati in the 1950ʼs. Tune in for the fascinating story of how this lizard got to Cincinnati all the way from Italy. Our sources for this episode include: Revisiting Some Scaly Old Friends https://bygl.osu.edu/node/926 Bottlenecks and Microhabitat Preference in Invasive Wall Lizard, Podarcis muralis https://etd.ohiolink.edu/ap/10?0::NOM10MP10_ETD_SUBIDM89321 They came from Italy. Now, they outnumber us all. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2017/08/31/they-came-italy-now-theyoutnumber-us-all/591532001/ Lazarus Lizards Rise in Cincinnati https://bygl.osu.edu/node/585 Ohio Division of Natural Resources (ODNR) Conservation Education Materials http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/education-and-outdoor-discovery/conservation-education-project-wild/education-materials