Nature Guys

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. Related episodes: Passenger Pigeon Part 1, The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy 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: Why is it bad when species go extinct?  What is a keystone species? 

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: Why is it bad when species go extinct?  What is a keystone species? 

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

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

Vincent Stanley, author of The Future of the Responsible Company, talks about Patagonia's storytelling approach, the company's origins, and creating high-quality gear. They discuss the environmental impact on water bodies, the harmful effects of cotton production, the importance of sharing innovations, and transitioning leadership towards environmental causes.

Bob and Caroline discuss the decline of boxwoods and its impact, highlighting issues such as boxwood blight and root rot. They explore the negative effects of boxwoods on biodiversity and discuss methods for removing them without chemicals. They also suggest native plant alternatives like winterberry and red twig dogwood, expressing their excitement for trying out these options.

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: Yellowjackets are not Honey Bees Yellowjacket Fact Sheet Yellowjacket Facts for Kids

Bob and Gia dive into the fascinating world of fungi, sharing their personal experiences and love for mushrooms. They discuss the potential health benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom, including its anti-cancer and immune-boosting properties. The lack of FDA approval for medicinal mushrooms is also explored, while inviting listeners to share wild mushroom findings and personal stories.

Speakers discuss reducing lawns for a more environmentally friendly yard, stopping the use of pesticides and herbicides, and replacing lawns with native plants. They emphasize the value of collaborating with trusted sources for native plants and advocate for a cultural shift towards native plants. The chapter also addresses concerns about pests and animals in lawns and highlights the benefits of having grass as a buffer near the home.

The podcast explores the fascinating world of whirligig beetles, discussing their behavior, defensive mechanisms, predators, flight, respiration, distribution, eye structures, and incredible abilities. The hosts also mention previous episodes and share personal experiences, promising future episodes on other beetle species.