This is the story of two guys who enter the woods looking for Arisaema triphyllum, the graceful woodland wildflower known to many as Jack-in-the-pulpit. Not only is it beautiful to behold, but this member of the Arum family has a fascinating natural history; it can switch its sex, fool midge flies, and cause botanists to have heated debates about subspecies. During the episode, Steve makes a contribution to botanical history by coming up with the best alternative common name Bill has ever heard (see title), and we wrap things up with Bill eating some of this toxic plant. Listen to the end to see if Bill dies. Enjoy!

Ep. 29 - Jack-in-the-Pulpit, AKA George-Michael-in-the-Banana-Stand

Nature nerds rejoice! The Field Guides is a monthly podcast that will bring you out on the trail, focusing on the science of our North American wildlife.

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Fishers (Pekania pennanti) are a predator species reclaiming much of its former range in the northeastern US, but, as sightings become more common, so do stories of what fishers (AKA fisher cats) are up to. This episode, the guys are on the trail - both literally and figuratively - tracking down the life history of this elusive member of the weasel family.

Ep. 65 - Fishers: Eatin’ More Toes Than Turkeys

Who doesn’t love an eclipse? Apparently, wildlife has very mixed feelings about the whole affair. 
This month, the guys prepare for the upcoming 2024 total eclipse by looking into the research around how animals react to the moon photobombing the sun for a few minutes. The reactions are not universal, but they are varied. And trying to figure out what the animals are up to makes for a fascinating listen.

Ep. 64 - Let's Look at the Eclipse! (Not Literally)

Bill meets Daniel in south Florida to record an episode about the Florida Panther and tackle the questions and misconceptions that leave this cat shrouded in mystery.

Ep. 63 - Field Trip!: On the Trail of the Florida Panther

Part 2 of our Timber Rattlesnake episode. If you haven’t listened to part 1, go and do that. We’ll wait right here for you. 
The episode was recorded on December 7, 2023 at Hunters Creek County Park in East Aurora, NY.

Ep. 62 - Timber Rattlesnakes: Still Endangered, Still Danger Noodle-y (Part 2)

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, we wager you’ll enjoy this dive into the shiny (not slimy) world of rattlesnakes. This episode, the guys take a close look (but not too close) at the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), trying to show how it’s not out to kill you and also finding out how it ended up on the “Don’t Tread On Me” flag. Plus, they introduce the newest field guide, Daniel!

Ep. 29 - Jack-in-the-Pulpit, AKA George-Michael-in-the-Banana-Stand

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