Nature Guys

Bobʼs brother-in-law Al sends an email detailing his encounter with a groundhog in his garden. As Al found out groundhogs will put up a fight for garden vegetables. Our sources for this episode include: 9 Things You Didnʼt Know About Groundhogs - http://voices.nationalgeographic.org/2014/01/31/9-things-you-didnt-know-about-groundhogs Groundhogs in Your Garden - https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/01/groundhogs-in-your-garden_n_2593390.html Groundhogs by National Geographic - http://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/g/groundhog/ Groundhog Fun Facts - http://www.groundhog.org/about/fun-facts-faq/

Bob has a spider friend named Fred that does not survive a visit from relatives. These spiders can be really scary but they are pretty much harmless. They are also called fishing spiders and have interesting ways that they 'fish' for food. Our sources for this episode include: Big Spiders Are a Little Scary - http://bugoftheweek.com/blog/2012/8/16/big-spiders-are-a-little-scary-fishing-spiders-and-wolf-spiders Fishing Spider - http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/fishing-spider Facts about the Fishing Spider - http://www.second-opinion-doc.com/facts-about-the-fishing-spider.html Common Fishing Spider - http://roadsendnaturalist.com/tag/wolf-spider/

We all live with house spiders! Find out why this is not such a bad thing. These little spiders have been living with humans for quite a long time. Our sources for this episode include: Bethany Barton's book "I'm Trying to Love Spiders" - http://www.bethanybarton.com/books Myth: Spiders bite sleeping persons - http://www.burkemuseum.org/blog/myth-spiders-bite-sleeping-persons 8 Facts about the misunderstood house spider - http://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/blogs/8-facts-about-misunderstood-house-spider 10 Fascinating Facts About House Spiders - http://www.care2.com/causes/10-fascinating-facts-about-house-spiders.html

Bill and Bob do their first podcast in front of a live audience at the amazing Roads Rivers and Trails store in Milford, Ohio (http://roadsriversandtrails.com/). Bill brought a bunch of bird feeders from Cincinnati Nature Center (http://www.cincynature.org/) and explains how to use them. Bob has a very special low cost bird 'feederʼ! Listen in to find out what Bill thinks about Bobʼs feeder. Also donʼt miss the last part when our audience asks some great questions!

Bob has two plants growing in his backyard that Bill is not excited about. Bob decides it is finally time to do something about Winter Creeper and English Ivy. Join us to find out how and why these invasive plants are taking over. Our sources for this episode include: English Ivy: The Hazards and Removal Strategies - http://walamarestoration.org/resources/english-ivy-the-hazards-and-removal-strategies 5 Fast Facts About English Ivy - http://www.healthline.com/health/5-fast-facts-english-ivy Winter creeper isnʼt a keeper - http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/real-estate/2015/01/11/winter-creeper-isn-keeper/0wGoqJx6EMTGeJxuzOb8SJ/story.html Journey with Nature Wintercreeper -https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/indiana/journeywithnature/wintercreeper.xml

Sassafras is a tree that produces a small blue fruit in the early fall. The fruit comes at the perfect time to help birds get ready for winter. This is a beautiful tree that has four different leaf shapes. Bill of course has a special word for trees that have different shape leaves. Our sources for this episode include: Sassafras Facts - http://www.softschools.com/facts/plants/sassafras_facts/1283/ Sassafras in America - http://appvoices.org/2003/11/01/2780/ Sassafras - http://www.psu.edu/dept/nkbiology/naturetrail/speciespages/sassafras.html Sassafras Tea Safety - http://www.drweil.com/diet-nutrition/food-safety/sassafras-tea-safety/

If you are not a birder you might think the yellow-bellied sapsucker is a crazy made up name from some movie. Join us a we explore the world of this wonderful woodpecker. Our sources for this episode include: All About Birds - http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Yellow-bellied_Sapsucker/lifehistory#at_habitat Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Natures 7-11 - http://infinitespider.com/yellow-bellied-sapsuckers-natures-7-11/ Audubon Guide To North American Birds - http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/yellow-bellied-sapsucker

Opossums are really cute or really ugly. It all depends on your point of view. They are great at killing ticks. So they might be a good thing to see in your neighborhood. Our sources for this episode include: 10 things you didnʼt know about opossums - http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-opossums All About Opossums - http://www.wildliferescuerehab.com/all-about-opossums.html Opossums - killers of ticks - http://www.caryinstitute.org/newsroom/opossums-killers-ticks The 'Possum Pages: FAQs - http://opossum.craton.net/faqs.htm Facts on Opossums Playing Dead - http://animals.mom.me/opossums-playing-dead-5274.html

This is a tree that may show up in your neighborhood as a volunteer. It is a great food source for birds. You might even have an old pencil made from this tree. Our sources for this episode include: Eastern Redcedar - http://www.gpnc.org/eastern.htm Juniperus virginiana - http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=juvi Eastern Redcedar in the Landscape - http://vnps.org/eastern-red-cedar-in-the-landscape/ Go Botany Juniperus Virginiana - http://gobotany.newenglandwild.org/species/juniperus/virginiana/

Carol emails Nature Guys about a problem with fox. Bill and Bob struggle to come up with an answer but are inspired to do a show on foxes. This is an animal that you can occasionally see in the daytime. You might even see a gray fox in a tree! Our sources for this episode include: Are Red Fox Native? http://www.dfwwildlife.org/foxes_th.pdf What Kind of Foxes Live in Ohio? http://animals.mom.me/kind-foxes-live-ohio-11057.html Fox and Surplus Prey - http://www.thefoxwebsite.net/faq/ruralfoxproblems Fox - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox Sarcoptic Mange In Red Foxes - http://www.foxwoodwildliferescue.org/2017/01/05/treating-sarcoptic-mange-in-red- foxes/ You Tube Video on Mange - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHe5ycjt-UI

Red tailed Hawks often do voiceovers in movies. Tune in to find out why hollywood loves this hawk. Bill shares some amazing hawk stories. Donʼt miss his last one about the hawk and the owl as Bill finds out it is not nice to fool Mother Nature. Visit our website http://www.natureguys.org for great photos thanks to John Howard. Our sources for this episode include: My Favorite Facts about the Red Tailed Hawk - http://centerofthewest.org/2013/09/30/my-favorite-facts-about-the-red-tailed-hawk/ Red Tailed Hawks Fun Facts - http://lansingwbu.blogspot.com/2011/12/red-tailed-hawk-fun-facts.html Red Tailed Hawk Facts - http://facts.net/red-tailed-hawk/

This is a bird that Bill thinks should have a new name. When Bob moved into his neighborhood hawks were a big topic of conversation. Tune in to learn more about the red-shouldered hawk. Our sources for this episode include: Protective Hawks go on Attack http://www.ohio.com/akron/news/protective-hawks-go-on-attack-near-nest-in-akron Red-shouldered vs Red tailed Hawk http://ecobirder.blogspot.com/2008/02/red-shouldered-vs-red-tailed-hawk.html Red-shouldered Hawk from BioKIDS http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Buteo_lineatus/ Red-shouldered Hawk from National Geographic http://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/r/red-shouldered-hawk/

Bob looks outside and notices that all the birds are suddenly gone from his bird feeders. He soon discovers the reason. A Cooper's Hawk is on the ground right next to the feeders. Learn all about this amazing bird in this episode. Our sources for this episode include: Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Accipiter_cooperii/ 8 Interesting Facts about the Cooper's Hawk http://www.withmephotographyblog.com/8-interesting-facts-about-the-coopers-hawk The Raptor Trust Accipiters http://theraptortrust.org/the-birds/hawk-facts/accipiters/ Cooper's Hawk Life History http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Coopers_Hawk/lifehistory Predator Management http://articles.extension.org/pages/71204/predator-management-for-small-andbackyard-poultry-flocks Hawk Mountain http://www.hawkmountain.org/raptorpedia/hawks-at-hawk-mountain/hawk-species-at-hawk-mountain/cooper-s-hawk/page.aspx?id=663

Bobʼs grandson, Drew is excited to be dressed up as an eagle for Halloween. If you check out our website http://www.natureguys.org you will find a picture of Drew as an eagle. He did not want to paint his shoes yellow so we have the very special Blue Footed Bald Eagle. Tune in to find out all about this unique bird. Our sources for this episode include: How did the bald eagle become Americaʼs national bird? http://www.history.com/news/ask-history/how-did-the-bald-eagle-become-americas-national-bird How a young birder started http://cincinnatiaudubon.org/calevent/notes-of-a-young-birder/ Cincinnati Zooʼs Bald Eagle (including video of Sam flying at the Red's game) http://cincinnatizoo.org/blog/animals/bald-eagle/ Bald Eagle at the National Zoo http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/bald-eagle Bald Eagle ODNR http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/species-and-habitats/species-guide-index/birds/bald-eagle Lewis and Clark Trail http://www.lewisandclarktrail.com/eventdate/nationalbaldeaglewatch.htm

Even a naturalist can be a bit afraid of centipedes. There are plenty of reasons to welcome centipedes in your house. Bill can deal with them as long as they stay in the basement. Find out what bothers Bill about house centipedes and what these creatures are doing both inside and outside. Our sources for this episode include: House Centipedes http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/house-centipedes How to Tell the Difference Between a Centipede and a Millipede http://www.thoughtco.com/difference-between-a-centipede-and-amillipede-1968358 Sowbugs, millipedes, and centipedes in the home http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/sowbugs-millipedes-centipedes/ What Eats Centipedes and Millipedes? http://www.orkin.com/other/centipedes/what-eats-centipedes-and-millipedes/

The paw paw has the largest fruit of any native tree in the United States. Learn how to identify this tree and when you should go looking for the paw paw fruit. For most people paw paw is the best food that they have never eaten. Find out what parts of the paw paw you want to eat and those to leave alone. Spoiler alert! Do not eat the seeds they will make you throw up. Our sources for this episode include: Paw Paw In Search of America's Forgotten Fruit by Andrew Moore http://www.chelseagreen.com/pawpaw Picking up Paw Paws http://unionoutside.wordpress.com/2012/09/26/picking-up-pawpaws/ What is Paw Paw? http://dish.allrecipes.com/what-in-the-world-is-pawpaw/ America's Forgotten Fruit Tree: The Appalachian Banana | Appalachian Magazine http://appalachianmagazine.com/2017/01/18/americas-forgotten-fruit-tree-the-appalachian-banana/ Paw Paws, A Uniquely American Fruit by Earthy Delights http://www.earthy.com/Pawpaws-A-Uniquely-American-Fruit.aspx Paw Paws: America's Best Secret Fruit by Serious Eats http://www.seriouseats.com/2014/09/what-are-pawpaws-wild-fruit-midwest-how-to-prep-and-eat-pawpaws.html

Bill and Bob never saw deer when they were growing up in the 50s and 60s. This is an animal that many people now see on a regular basis. You may even see them in your neighborhood. Learn how to deal with them if you see them while driving. Find out what can happen if they lock antlers. Our sources for this episode include: Avoiding Deer Collisions http://www.geico.com/more/driving/auto/car-safety-insurance/seven-ways-to-avoid-hitting-a-deer/ The First Months Of A Whitetail Fawn http://www.tinks.com/publisher/whitetail-research/2010/11/5/the-first-months/ Tarsal Glands: What We Know | QDMA http://www.qdma.com/tarsal-glands-know/ Interesting facts about white-tailed deer http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-white-tailed-deer/

Bill loves to smell millipedes! They have all kinds of interesting smells and they are easy to find. Join us to find out how many legs millipedes really have. This arthropod loves moisture and will sometimes find its way into your home. Turns out that monkeys have found some very interesting uses for these creatures. Our sources for this episode include: How to tell the Difference Between a Centipede and Millipede http://www.thoughtco.com/difference-between-a-centipede-and-a-millipede-1968358 Yellow-banded millipede invades Broward and Palm Beech http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2014-01-10/news/fl-yellow-banded-millipede-20140110_1_mulch-munchers-critters-south-florida Sowbugs, millipedes, and centipedes in the home http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/sowbugs-millipedes-centipedes/ 10 Fascinating Facts about Millipedes http://www.thoughtco.com/fascinating-facts-about-millipedes-1968229 The Ecological Importance of Arthropods http://www.brighthub.com/environment/science-environmental/articles/85197.aspx

Join us as we explore the mysterious world of periodical cicadas. Our research for this episode was easy because we are lucky to have in Cincinnati a cicada expert. Gene Kritsky is a Professor of Biology at Mount St. Joseph University. We has written a book called "Periodical Cicadas The Plague and the Puzzle. He also has a website called MSJ Cicada Web Site (http://faculty.msj.edu/kritskg/cicada/site/Home.html)

Bill is on fire about moss! He even compares moss to his childhood haircut. Bob wonders if a rolling stone can gather moss. If you would like to know more about moss check out "Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses" by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Our sources for this episode include: Bryophyte - Importance Of Mosses - Peat, Producing, Cells, and Source - JRank Articles http://science.jrank.org/pages/1051/Bryophyte-Importance-mosses.html#ixzz4o3SCUGGz Does a rolling stone gather moss? http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/all-about-moss Nature Lover Karen Nierlich is the author of the book "Moss and Lichen" and takes photos around the San Francisco Bay Area. http://iheartmoss.com/ Moss for Healing http://www.ranker.com/list/amazing-moss-facts/bruce-maisy Moss Can Grow on Anything http://www.ranker.com/list/amazing-moss-facts/bruce-maisy The Magic of Moss https://www.brainpickings.org/2015/05/13/gathering-moss-robin-wall-kimmerer/

Bob sees the movie Dunkirk. He is excited to find a possible connection to Dunkirk and Milkweed. Tune in to find out all about the plant that Monarch Butterflies just cannot live without.

Join us as we explore the amazing story of the Monarch Butterfly and Caterpillar. Bill will tell the story of what the Cincinnati Nature Center is doing to help out the Monarch. We will cover the life cycle and also the incredible story of migration.

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

Bill has a friend who sent an email with a picture that inspired this podcast. The picture is a large patch of a fairly rare plant called Indian Pipes. Learn more about three parasitic plants that you can look for on your next woodland hike.

Do you know how Blue Jays get other birds to leave so they can have your feeder all to themselves? Join us to find out if Blue Jays really are the bullies of the bird world.

This week Bill and Bob explore a common snake that lives in a variety of habitats. Tune in to learn all about the life of this cute little snake.

Bob has a giant pokeweed by his deck that has been getting bigger every year. The day we recorded this podcast it was eleven feet tall. Now just a few weeks later it is just shy of twelve feet. Join us as we discuss the pros and cons of having this in your backyard.

Bob discovers a mud dauber building a nest right by his back door. On this episode we explore the fascinating connection between spiders and mud daubers.

Bob's son in law Ryan sees his first pileated woodpecker at a family gathering. Join us to find out all about this amazing bird.

These birds know how to raise a family. Learn how they support each other as we explore the life of the smallest woodpecker in our neck of the woods

Bob shares how he carries a buckeye in his pocket for luck. Meanwhile we find out Bill is learning some presidential history about the origins of the now famous state tree of Ohio.

Caterpillars are an important link in the web of life. They even help baby birds survive. Join us as we share some amazing stories of these easily overlooked creatures.

What a delightful creature to meet when you are walking in the woods. Find out when to look for eastern box turtles and how to help them survive a trip across a road.

Fireflies are loved by people all round the world. Join Bill and Bob as they share stories of fireflies from their childhoods mixed in with a bit of firefly science.

Wrens have got to be one of the cutest little birds. They also love to hang around people. Join us as we explore the world of these friendly little birds.

The Sit Spot is a simple powerful technique to connect with nature. Bill and Bob will explain how to do it and the advantages of making this part of your everyday life.

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

Learn all about the snake that is often harmed by humans out of fear. Bill and Bob will share stories and facts that will help you be a little more at home with the black rat snake.

Some people get upset when they see signs of moles but not the Nature Guys. Find out all the amazing attributes of this little creature.

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

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

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

Join Bill and Bob as they explore the world of the masked bandits who can create both havoc and hilarity as they invade the human world.

Bill is all excited about spring fungi. Join us to learn about three types of fungi that you can find on your next walk in the woods.

Jake and Sarah just found a bat in their house for the third time! Listen in as Bill and Bob explore bats and some possible solutions to Jake and Sarah's dilemma.

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

Judy has a mockingbird problem and it is Nature Guys to the rescue! Find out what Bill and Bob come up with to solve the problem

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

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

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