The Backyard Naturalists

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the captivating podcast that delves into the wonders of nature! Broadcasting across 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the picturesque Carolinas, our show has garnered acclaim, including the prestigious Best of the Weeklies award from the readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly.

In this episode, we're joined by the remarkable Lenny Lampel, a seasoned natural resources supervisor at Mecklenburg County Parks and Rec. Lenny wears another hat too: he's a Central Carolina's Master Naturalist. His and Debbie's paths intertwined years ago when they were part of the inaugural graduating class.

Cicadas, those enigmatic insects, take center stage today. Their appearance is anything but ordinary—large, chunky, and with a distinct short body. But it's their song that truly captivates. Imagine describing a cicada to someone who's never encountered one—their buzzing, their rhythmic chorus. These creatures span the globe, their presence felt in every corner.

What ignites the collective fascination with cicadas? Lenny's take is simple: "It's fascinating." Even the periodical cicadas, part of the magical genus known as "Magic Cicada", evoke wonder. Whether you're a seasoned nature enthusiast or a casual observer, cicadas demand attention.

And here's the twist: 2024 is a special year. We're witnessing the simultaneous emergence of two distinct broods of periodical cicadas. These remarkable insects are exclusive to the eastern and central United States, nowhere else on Earth. Researchers are on the edge of their seats, eager to witness the unfolding drama.

So, dear listeners, whether you're sipping coffee in Charlotte, hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains, or strolling along the Carolina coast, join us as we explore the secret lives of cicadas. It's a symphony of wings, a tale of survival, and a reminder that nature's wonders are always in concert.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists. We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don't forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer's Market this Saturday morning.

Welcome back, fellow nature enthusiasts, to another captivating episode of The Backyard Naturalist! We're thrilled to share that our podcast continues to soar, reaching over 50,000 listens spanning across all 50 states, 115 countries, and even resonating in the lush landscapes of Ireland and India.

Your support truly fuels our passion for exploring the wonders of the natural world. In this episode, titled "Things That Go Bump in the Night," we're embarking on an auditory adventure. Get ready to test your wildlife knowledge as we play a game together! Listen closely as we unveil audio clips of various creatures stirring under the moonlit sky. Can you identify them all? We can't wait to hear your guesses!

As always, we value your feedback and suggestions. Drop us a line to share where you're tuning in from and what aspects of our podcast you find most captivating. Let's continue this journey of discovery, one chirp, hoot, or rustle at a time. Happy listening, fellow Backyard Naturalists!

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists. We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don't forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer's Market this Saturday morning.

Thank you for joining us for another exciting episode of The Backyard Naturalists, where we explore the wonders of the natural world. We're thrilled to have received comments and reviews from listeners all over the globe via Apple Podcasts! We're honored to be heard in 115 countries, all 50 states, and cherished throughout the Carolinas, and we're especially grateful for winning the Best of the Weeklies podcast award from the readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly.

Our mission is to evoke those unforgettable "Whoa! Moments" in each episode, and today promises to be no exception. In this week's installment, hosts Debbie and Laurie are joined once again by reptile expert Jay Bell from Reptiles 101. Jay takes us on a fascinating journey into the realm of the world's largest snakes, including the awe-inspiring African Rock Python, the majestic King Cobra, and the impressive Reticulated Python, among others. He also sheds light on the distinctions between pythons and boas, offering valuable insights into these remarkable creatures.

If you're eager to learn more or would like to arrange for Jay to share his expertise with your class, birthday party, or event, feel free to reach out to him at (704) 907-0490.

Stay tuned for an episode filled with rapid-fire "Whoa's!" as we delve into the captivating world of reptiles.

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

We start this episode by talking about creating wildlife habitats. That initial episode of Creating Wildlife Habitats is still in the top three listened episodes for us. These principles have overlapped with almost every episode we've had. It's a really good guiding network for us to keep in mind.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists. We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don't forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer's Market this Saturday morning.

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature.

Sometimes, folks can get overwhelmed and confused when they begin the hobby of bird feeding. Which feeder should you buy? Is there a certain type of seed you should purchase? How much money should you invest? How do you keep predators (and squirrels) from your feeders? These are all question Laurie and her team hears every day at Backyard Birds and, in this episode of the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie offer answers to these, and a few other, questions.

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer's Market this Saturday morning.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists. We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don't forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

In this thought-provoking episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Monica McCoubrie, a distinguished wildlife educator from Nebraska Games and Parks, delves into the intriguing question: do animals grieve?

Join us as we explore the depths of animal emotions and behaviors, examining the signs of grief observed in various species. From dogs sensing loss to the complex emotional lives of creatures in the wild, Monica offers fascinating insights backed by scientific research. As we unravel the mysteries of animal grief, we invite listeners to share their own observations and experiences. Tune in as we embark on a journey to understand the intricate connections between humans and the natural world.

Don't forget to visit Nebraska Wildlife Education on Facebook for more captivating insights from Monica!

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists. We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don't forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer's Market this Saturday morning.

Welcome, nature enthusiasts, to another captivating episode of The Backyard Naturalists! This week, join hosts Debbie and Laurie as they engage in a fascinating conversation with Kathy Zagzebski, the dedicated executive director of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, situated just north of Wilmington, North Carolina.

Founded by the indomitable Jean Beasley, the center stands as a testament to a lifelong commitment to the well-being of sea turtles. Kathy sheds light on the center's mission, emphasizing the importance of education and sharing insights into the natural history of these majestic creatures. Discover how Karen and Jean immersed themselves in sea turtle conservation, and learn about the vital role the center plays in treating and rehabilitating injured turtles.

Tune in to explore the profound connection between humanity and the sea, and don't forget to check out the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center's Amazon wish list or share some love via Venmo.

As always, we want to hear from our global community of listeners - let us know where you're tuning in from and what aspects of the podcast resonate with you. Join us in celebrating the wonders of the natural world on The Backyard Naturalists, the podcast that transcends borders and brings nature closer to home.

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists. We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don't forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer's Market this Saturday morning.

Welcome, nature enthusiasts, to another captivating episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast! We're thrilled to be reaching listeners in 115 countries, all 50 states, and across the beautiful Carolinas. A proud recipient of the Best of the Weeklies podcast award from the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly, our podcast continues to explore the wonders of nature.

This week, hosts Debbie and Laurie dive into a thought-provoking conversation with the esteemed Monica Macoubrie from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Returning for the third time, Monica sheds light on the intriguing topic of what unfolds in the wild when life comes to an end.

From the intricacies of decomposition to the role of scavengers like foxes and vultures, we embark on a journey through the stages of this natural process. Join us in unraveling the mysteries of nature's recycling system, from the fresh state to the fascinating world of anaerobic microbes. It's an evolutionary arms race, and we're here to guide you through the wonders that occur when something dies in the wild.

As always, we invite our cherished listeners to share their thoughts—tell us where you're from and what aspects of the podcast you find most enthralling. Your feedback fuels our passion for exploring the great outdoors!

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists. We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don't forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer's Market this Saturday morning.

In this riveting episode of The Backyard Naturalists, we delve into the awe-inspiring world of ospreys with our esteemed guest, Dr. Rob Bierregaard, a distinguished research associate at the Academy of Natural Sciences.

Dr. Bierregaard's passion for raptors is contagious, and today, we shift our focus from the haunting calls of barred owls to the magnificent ospreys. Discover the remarkable journey of ospreys, once decimated by DDT in New England, now thriving with over 112 pairs nesting on Martha's Vineyard. Dr. Bierregaard, who equipped these birds with radios to trace their migrations, unveils the incredible life story of these fish-loving predators, boasting one of the widest global distributions among all bird species.

From their breeding grounds spanning the globe to astonishing lifespans—like a Scottish female osprey that raised an impressive 50 young—this episode promises a soaring exploration of nature's resilience.

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

We start this episode by talking about creating wildlife habitats. That initial episode of Creating Wildlife Habitats is still in the top three listened episodes for us. These principles have overlapped with almost every episode we've had. It's a really good guiding network for us to keep in mind.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists. We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don't forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer's Market this Saturday morning.

Whether you're a first-time listener or a loyal supporter, welcome back to The Backyard Naturalists, the podcast that explores the wonders of nature. We're thrilled to have you with us in 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the picturesque Carolinas. A huge shoutout to our amazing listeners for helping us secure the Best of the Weeklies podcast award from the readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly.

In today's episode, we're delighted to welcome back naturalist Stan Tekiela, a true expert in his field. Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of black bears and more. Did you know there are three bear species in North America? Stan will unravel the mysteries surrounding black bears, their diet, and their current population status. We'll also chat about his latest book, "Bears of North America," and discover how you can purchase stunning photographs and captivating sound recordings at naturesmart.com. Don't miss out – tune in, explore, and let us know your thoughts!

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

We start this episode by talking about creating wildlife habitats. That initial episode of Creating Wildlife Habitats is still in the top three listened episodes for us. These principles have overlapped with almost every episode we've had. It's a really good guiding network for us to keep in mind.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists. We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don't forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer's Market this Saturday morning.

Greetings, nature enthusiasts! In this riveting episode of The Backyard Naturalists, we embark on a captivating exploration of the complex issue surrounding Burmese pythons in the Everglades. Join us as Captain Rusty Shaw, a distinguished member of the Miami Dade Fire Rescue Venom One Response Team, sheds light on the challenges posed by these invasive snakes.

From unraveling the mysteries of their introduction to the Everglades to estimating their burgeoning population, Captain Shaw provides invaluable insights. Tune in to discover the intricacies of the Florida Python Challenge, an annual endeavor by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) aimed at addressing this ecological concern.

Our conversation with Captain Rusty Shaw unveils the fascinating world of Burmese pythons in the Everglades, offering a unique perspective on the delicate balance between nature and invasive species. Don't miss this episode that delves into the heart of wildlife management and conservation efforts in one of America's most iconic ecosystems.

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists. We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don't forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer's Market this Saturday morning.