The Backyard Naturalists  By  cover art

The Backyard Naturalists

By: Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne
  • Summary

  • Dive into the enchanting world of backyard biodiversity with 'The Backyard Naturalists' podcast. Whether you're a nature novice or an experienced enthusiast, our show is your gateway to the wonders of your own outdoor space. Join us on a journey that celebrates the beauty of your backyard as we explore a wide array of captivating topics. Learn how to transform your little piece of nature into a haven for local wildlife, and discover the joy of citizen science by taking part in events like the Great Backyard Bird Count. We'll guide you in harnessing the power of native plants to create a thriving ecosystem right at home, uncover which serpentine residents share your area, and reveal the secrets of attracting specific bird species to your garden. Delve into the world of raptors, both common and rare, inhabiting the Greater Charlotte region, and track the mesmerizing spectacle of spring and fall bird migrations. But that's not all; we'll also introduce you to the world of plants that enchant butterflies, and so much more. Join us in unlocking the hidden treasures within your very own backyard and nurturing a deeper connection with the natural world.
    Backyard Birds
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Episodes
  • Unraveling Bird Myths: Debunking 'Bird Brain,' Baby Birds, and Monogamy
    May 4 2024

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

    This week, Debbie and Laurie have a conversation around some of the weird and off the wall myths about birds they’ve heard lately. Some of which include, is the phrase “bird brain” really an insult? How about does touching a baby bird really cause the mother to abandon it and, are birds monogamous?

    During the show, you hear Debbie mention a wonderful read, The Genius of Birds by Jennifer Ackerman.

    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.

    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 info@downtownpodcasting.com.

    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.

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    23 mins
  • Bird Feeding 2.0: Elevating Your Backyard Aviary
    Apr 27 2024

    Welcome to another exciting episode of The Backyard Naturalists podcast! As spring blooms with vibrant life, Debbie and Laurie delve into the world of advanced bird feeding, exploring Bird Feeding 2.0. From the allure of black oil sunflower seeds to the strategic placement of multiple feeders near trees and bushes, this episode unlocks the secrets to attracting a diverse array of avian visitors to your backyard. Discover the allure of shelled peanuts for blue jays, the importance of live mealworms for baby birds, and the benefits of incorporating native plants and clean water sources into your bird-friendly oasis.

    Tune in, and let's elevate your bird feeding game to new heights! And don't forget to share your thoughts with us - we're eager to hear where you're from and what keeps you coming back to The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

    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 info@downtownpodcasting.com.

    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.

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    39 mins
  • Reviving the Skies: The California Condor Conservation Journey
    Apr 20 2024

    Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists podcast! In this episode, Debbie and Laurie dive deep into the world of conservation with special guest Ashleigh Blackford, a seasoned wildlife biologist with a wealth of experience, notably in the California Condor Recovery program.

    Join us as we explore the fascinating journey of the California condor, a majestic bird with a wingspan of up to nine and a half feet, facing challenges from habitat loss to lead poisoning. Discover how biologists like Ashleigh have been working tirelessly since the 1980s to revive the condor populations, from captive breeding programs to releasing these magnificent birds back into their historic habitats. We also discuss recent challenges like the fungal disease outbreak in 2023 and the ongoing efforts to ensure a self-sustaining wild population.

    Tune in to learn about this incredible species and the ongoing conservation efforts shaping its future. Don't forget to share your thoughts and where you're listening from – your feedback fuels our passion for sharing nature's wonders!

    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 info@downtownpodcasting.com.

    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.

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    28 mins

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