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 T...
Jun 19, 2018•26 min
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-damag...
Jun 12, 2018•31 min
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 ht...
Jun 05, 2018•24 min
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 Swallo...
May 29, 2018•27 min
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_caterpill...
May 22, 2018•27 min
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.co...
May 15, 2018•28 min
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-na...
May 08, 2018•26 min
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...
May 01, 2018•35 min
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, Rive...
Apr 24, 2018•40 min
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...
Apr 17, 2018•22 min
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/...
Apr 10, 2018•29 min
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 - htt...
Apr 03, 2018•26 min
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.wgb...
Mar 27, 2018•27 min
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/...
Mar 20, 2018•26 min
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://natureformyso...
Mar 13, 2018•20 min
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-Guid...
Mar 06, 2018•21 min
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...
Feb 27, 2018•25 min
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-s...
Feb 20, 2018•25 min
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://wildohioeducat...
Feb 13, 2018•29 min
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://sno...
Feb 06, 2018•23 min
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.nation...
Jan 30, 2018•25 min
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 t...
Jan 23, 2018•27 min
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-hou...
Jan 16, 2018•26 min
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!
Jan 09, 2018•37 min
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 Wint...
Jan 02, 2018•25 min
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/n...
Dec 26, 2017•19 min
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/ye...
Dec 19, 2017•27 min
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-ki...
Dec 12, 2017•26 min
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/junip...
Dec 05, 2017•25 min
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/ruralfoxproblem...
Nov 28, 2017•30 min
