Backyard Ecology

I can’t believe that 2023 is almost over! This year has flown by! For the past several weeks, I’ve been doing top 10 roundups of the different types of Backyard Ecology content. We’ve talked about the videos, the blog articles, and the nature trivia style shorts. So, let’s wrap it up with a rundown of the top 10 podcast episodes of the year. 🦋 9b) Everything You Want to Know About Nesting Birds with NestWatch https://www.backyardecology.net/everything-you-want-to-know-about-nesting-birds-with-nestwatch/  🦋 9a) Birding Tools and Technology to Help You Be a Better Birder https://www.backyardecology.net/birding-tools-and-technology-to-help-you-be-a-better-birder/  🦋 8) Exploring Urban Ecology: Understanding and Appreciating Nature Where We Live https://www.backyardecology.net/exploring-urban-ecology/  🦋 7) Why Are Invasive Species Something You Should Care About? https://www.backyardecology.net/why-are-invasive-species-something-you-should-care-about/  🦋 6) Moths: Unsung Heroes of Pollination and Beyond https://www.backyardecology.net/moths-unsung-heroes-of-pollination-and-beyond/  🦋 5) Gardening with Sedges - Mt. Cuba Center Carex Trial https://www.backyardecology.net/gardening-with-sedges-mt-cuba-center-carex-trial/  🦋 4) How Can Your State’s Native Plant Society Help You? https://www.backyardecology.net/how-can-your-states-native-plant-society-help-you/  🦋 3) Learning to See and Identify Plants with Alan Weakley https://www.backyardecology.net/learning-to-see-and-identify-plants-with-alan-weakley/  🦋 2) Ecology Based Landscaping with Larry Weaner https://www.backyardecology.net/ecology-based-landscaping-with-larry-weaner/  🦋 1) Growing Native Plants, Insect-Plant Interactions, Playing in the Pond, and Much More with Dr. Randi Eckel https://www.backyardecology.net/growing-native-plants-insect-plant-interactions-playing-in-the-pond-and-much-more-with-dr-randi-eckel/  🦋 Bonus: Gardening with Native Plants https://www.backyardecology.net/gardening-with-native-plants/  Other Episode Relevant Links: 🦋 Nature at Your Door, Connecting with the Wild and Green in the Urban and Suburban Landscape https://amzn.to/3KwEYX0  🦋 Garden Revolution https://amzn.to/3Ckbp6F  * Amazon links are affiliate links. We get a small commission from Amazon if you use them, but this comes at no cost to you. 🌻 🌻 🌻 Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.  🌻 🌻 🌻 Become a Backyard Ecologist: 🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/  🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/ Backyard Ecology content: 🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net 🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology 🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Support Backyard Ecology: 🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology 🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N  

Did you know that in addition to the regular Backyard Ecology videos that Anthony creates, he also produces a series of nature-trivia style short videos? Most of these videos are literally only a few seconds long so are perfect “bite-sized” samples if you’re just getting started or are looking for something to watch for a few seconds on your phone. So, let’s quickly run through the top 10 Backyard Ecology shorts based on number of views as of Thanksgiving 2023. Since the videos are so short, I’m just going to list the titles and let your curiosity decide whether to follow the link and explore further. 🦋 10) Caterpillar's Poop Stick Defense!  https://youtube.com/shorts/R_mMaD2TadU  🦋 9) Ragweed SUPER FOOD for Birds!  https://youtube.com/shorts/CfOM56BYZ_8  🦋 8) Hummingbirds Eat Nectar and WHAT!  https://youtube.com/shorts/-IOGXUiOozY  🦋 7) Butterfly Garden Must Have!  https://youtube.com/shorts/UppahIW3EnQ  🦋 6) These Cute Larvae Aren't Caterpillars!  https://youtube.com/shorts/rorND6RmcGg  🦋 5) Bumblebees VS Carpenter Bees Easy ID!  https://youtube.com/shorts/slBX3utAcdI  🦋 4) What Is This Weird Plant Growth!  https://youtube.com/shorts/lhrmJlsKNfk  🦋 3) Have You Seen Invasive Tree of Heaven?  https://youtube.com/shorts/Vqmq_8Bc3rc  🦋 2) This Caterpillar Looks Like What!  https://youtube.com/shorts/Wkqy-qO8z98  🦋 1) Wolf Spider Momma Has How MANY Babies!  https://youtube.com/shorts/MA7IjE8Jyyc  Bonus 🦋 See Me Fly Like Monarch and Viceroy Butterflies! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Dzpde6I3ju8  Other Episode-Related Links 🦋 Top 10 Backyard Ecology Videos https://www.backyardecology.net/top-10-videos/  🦋 3 Awesome Native Trees to Replace Bradford Pear! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYPak0l1exo  🌻 🌻 🌻 Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.  🌻 🌻 🌻 Become a Backyard Ecologist: 🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/  🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/ Backyard Ecology content: 🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net 🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology 🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Support Backyard Ecology: 🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology 🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N  

I always like to do roundups of the top 10 blog articles and top 10 podcast episodes at the end of every year because I know how easy it is to miss stuff. Sometimes we have the best intentions to go back and read or listening to something, but other things come up and then we forget. So, it can be helpful to have a reminder at the end of the year for some of those articles that we might have missed.  Top 10 Backyard Ecology Blog Articles 🦋 10) Sometimes Life Happens: https://www.backyardecology.net/sometimes-life-happens/  🦋 9) Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly: A Common Fall Migrant: https://www.backyardecology.net/cloudless-sulphur-butterfly-a-common-fall-migrant/  🦋 8) 5 Tips for Attracting Butterflies to Your Yard: https://www.backyardecology.net/5-tips-for-attracting-butterflies/  🦋 7) Downy Woodpecker: Our smallest woodpecker and a common backyard visitor: https://www.backyardecology.net/downy-woodpecker/  🦋 6) Allegheny Chinquapin: An underutilized but excellent nut producing shrub: https://www.backyardecology.net/allegheny-chinquapin-an-underutilized-but-excellent-nut-producing-shrub/  🦋 5) Why Are Some Native Plants Unavailable Early in the Season?: https://www.backyardecology.net/why-are-some-native-plants-unavailable-early-in-the-season/  🦋 4) Native Ground Nesting Bees: Important Early Season Pollinators: https://www.backyardecology.net/mining-bees/  🦋 3) Spicebush – A Native Shrub with Plenty to Like: https://www.backyardecology.net/spicebush/  🦋 2) Wildflower vs Native Plant: What’s the Difference?: https://www.backyardecology.net/wildflower-vs-native-plant-whats-the-difference/  🦋 1) 5 Things to Consider Before Buying or Putting Up a Bat Box: https://www.backyardecology.net/5-things-to-consider-before-buying-or-putting-up-a-bat-box/  Bonus: Most downloaded Backyard Ecology blog article of all time  🦋 Bluets: Delicate Blue Flowers of Spring: https://www.backyardecology.net/common-bluets-delicate-blue-flowers-of-spring/  🌻 🌻 🌻 Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.  🌻 🌻 🌻 Become a Backyard Ecologist: 🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/  🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/ Backyard Ecology content: 🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net 🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology 🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Support Backyard Ecology: 🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology 🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N  

Did you know that we have a Backyard Ecology YouTube channel? If you’re like many of the blog readers and podcast listeners who responded to our 2023 end-of-year survey, then answer is “probably not.”  If you are one of our frequent viewers, thank you for coming on this journey with us. We enjoy reading all your comments on the videos. If you haven’t discovered the Backyard Ecology YouTube channel, then I encourage you to check it out. To get you started, here are the top 10 Backyard Ecology videos based on the number of views as of Thanksgiving 2023.  The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/top-10-videos/  🌻 🌻 🌻 Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.  🌻 🌻 🌻  Episode related links: 🦋 YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/backyardecology  🦋 10) 3 Native Crabapples You Need for Pollinators and Wildlife! https://youtu.be/LxlP4m3QsFg  🦋 9) Poison Hemlock Alert! How to Safely Control Flowering Hemlock https://youtu.be/oTenHO5QgW8  🦋 8) Why You DON'T Want Multiflora Rose on Your Property! https://youtu.be/0KrIk1KckPU  🦋 7) Is a Black Gum Tree the Best Choice for Your Yard? https://youtu.be/WLssxkqaLjM  🦋 6) 4 Serviceberries That Attract Pollinators and Support Wildlife! https://youtu.be/t2l398XM2kQ  🦋 5) The 2 Best Milkweeds for Your Butterfly Garden! https://youtu.be/JH6UIIDWY4s  🦋 4) Is a Catalpa Tree the Best Choice for Your Yard?  https://youtu.be/BnPn9nfi9S0  🦋 3) Why You Need Native Hazelnuts on Your Property!  https://youtu.be/DdIoNp5OuXo  🦋 2) How to Control Poison Hemlock on Any Property!  https://youtu.be/FuK0MO6ST8A  🦋 1) Everything You Need to Know About American Persimmon! https://youtu.be/sSNg-b-v7Ek Become a Backyard Ecologist: 🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/  🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/ Backyard Ecology content: 🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net 🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology 🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Support Backyard Ecology: 🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology 🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N  

Did you know that for many of our most commonly grown native wildflowers and grasses, 2/3 or more of the plant is underground in the form of roots? Or that you can reduce weeding requirements in your native plant garden by understanding the root systems of different plants that you are growing? Or that there is now a resource that can help you avoid mistaking a native plant in your garden as a weed and accidentally pulling it? Today, we are talking to Hilary Cox and Neil Diboll. They are the authors of the newly published book, The Gardener's Guide to Prairie Plants. Neil is also the president and consulting ecologist of Prairie Nursery, located in Wisconsin. The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/growing-prairie-plants 🌻 🌻 🌻 Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.  🌻 🌻 🌻  Episode related links: 🦋 Hilary’s email: crumpetlee@gmail.com 🦋 Neil’s email: NDiboll@prairienursery.com  🦋 The Gardener's Guide to Prairie Plants: https://amzn.to/3QTmMco  (affiliate link) 🦋 Prairie Nursery: https://www.prairienursery.com/  Become a Backyard Ecologist: 🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/  🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/ Backyard Ecology content: 🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net 🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology 🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Support Backyard Ecology: 🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology 🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N

Did you know that some hummingbirds will overwinter in the eastern U.S.? These aren’t our normal ruby throated hummingbirds that visit our feeders and yards all summer long. These are often western species of hummingbirds, like the rufus hummingbird.  Winter hummingbirds aren’t common, and they become less common the further you are from the southern coastal plains; however, they aren’t unique either. I can tell you from personal experience that it is SOOOO much fun to host one if you’re lucky enough to have one show up on your property. I originally recorded this conversation with Brainard Palmer-Ball in the fall of 2021. Brainard is a retired zoologist from the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves and is the person who banded my winter hummingbird when it showed up over a decade ago. The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/reshare-winter-hummingbirds Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community. 🌻 🌻 🌻 If you’re listening to this in November 2023, please help us by taking our end-of-the-year survey. The survey’s results will help guide our plans for Backyard Ecology content and programs in 2024. This is your chance to tell us what topics you would like to hear more about and share any feedback you have with us. The link for the survey is: https://forms.gle/aRmshApcr9eq1Mjt8 🌻 🌻 🌻 Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.  🌻 🌻 🌻 Episode related links: 🦋 Operation Ruby Throat: http://www.rubythroat.org/ 🦋 Hummingbird Research, Inc.: http://www.hummingbirdresearch.net/p282.html  🦋 Southeastern Avian Research: https://southeasternavianresearch.org/hummingbirds/  🦋 Report a bird band: https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/bblretrv/ 🦋 Hummer’s Heated Delight: https://hummersheateddelight.com Become a Backyard Ecologist: 🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/  🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/ Backyard Ecology content: 🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net 🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology 🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Support Backyard Ecology: 🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology 🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N

When gardening with native plants for pollinators and wildlife, much of the traditional fall cleanup for gardens is not only unnecessary but could be detrimental. And if you don’t have to do all that fall cleanup, you’ll have more time to kick back and enjoy the everchanging natural wonders around you. The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/fall-cleanup/ Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community. 🌻 🌻 🌻 If you’re listening to this in November 2023, please help us by taking our end-of-the-year survey. The survey’s results will help guide our plans for Backyard Ecology content and programs in 2024. This is your chance to tell us what topics you would like to hear more about and share any feedback you have with us. The link for the survey is: https://forms.gle/aRmshApcr9eq1Mjt8 🌻 🌻 🌻 Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.  🌻 🌻 🌻 Episode related links: 🦋 Why WEED is a Huge Problem for Native Plants! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXTeYtN0Z_Q 🦋 Leave Your Fall Leaves for Pollinators and Wildlife: https://www.backyardecology.net/leave-your-fall-leaves-for-pollinators-and-wildlife/ 🦋 3 Reasons Why Fall Is the Best Time to Plant: https://www.backyardecology.net/fall-planting/ Become a Backyard Ecologist: 🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/  🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/ Backyard Ecology content: 🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net 🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology 🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Support Backyard Ecology: 🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology 🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N

Did you know that common milkweed isn’t native to Georgia? Or that there are many native plants which can be grown in large pots on a patio or balcony? Or that some simple “cues to care” can significantly change how a native plant garden is perceived by others? I originally recorded this conversation with Jennifer Ceska in the spring of 2022. A year and a half later it is, by far, my most downloaded episode to date. We had an amazing conversation that covered a wide range of topics related to gardening with native plants. So, I thought I would reshare it with the transcript so that those who missed it the first time or who prefer to read the transcripts can enjoy it too. Jennifer is a Conservation Coordinator with the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the University of Georgia, Athens. The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/reshare-gardening-with-native-plants Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community. 🌻 🌻 🌻 Anthony and I have been exploring new ways to better serve you. Our group coaching programs have evolved out of our desire to help you and other members of our Backyard Ecology audience in a deeper, more personal way. These are offered on a seasonal basis and are designed to address some of our most asked questions in a way that allows you to ask questions and get personalized feedback for your unique situation. If you want to learn more about our group coaching programs, go to https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/. And, if you’re listening to this episode shortly after it goes live and want help designing your pollinator and wildlife garden, then you’re in luck. Our next group coaching program, Design Your Pollinator and Wildlife Oasis: Garden-sized Plots, starts in just a few days. But don’t wait, registration closes on October 9, 2023, and we don’t plan to offer this specific group coaching program again until at least the summer of 2024. 🌻 🌻 🌻 Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.  🌻 🌻 🌻 Episode Links: 🦋 Jennifer’s email: jceska@uga.edu 🦋 Best Milkweed for Georgia Gardens brochure: https://botgarden.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/milkweedinformation.pdf 🦋 State Botanical Garden of Georgia: https://botgarden.uga.edu/ 🦋 Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance: https://botgarden.uga.edu/conservation-science/georgia-plant-conservation-alliance/ 🦋 Georgia Native Plant Initiative: https://botgarden.uga.edu/conservation-science/georgia-native-plant-initiative/ 🦋 Connect to Protect: https://botgarden.uga.edu/conservation-science/connect-to-protect/ 🦋 Georgia Pollinator Plants of the Year Program: https://botgarden.uga.edu/conservation-science/pollinator-plant-program/ 🦋 Georgia Grasslands Initiative iNaturalist project: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/georgia-grasslands-initiative-ggi   Become a Backyard Ecologist: 🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/  🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/   Backyard Ecology content: 🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net 🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology 🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/   Support Backyard Ecology: 🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology 🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N  

“It depends” is often the most accurate and expert answer that you can give to questions related to biology and ecology. Granted, it can be a frustrating answer because we all love simple, straightforward answers. But once you understand the true meaning of “it depends,” it becomes a very liberating answer, especially when it comes to creating pollinator and wildlife habitat. The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/it-depends Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community. 🌻 🌻 🌻 Are you looking for a supportive place where you can ask questions, celebrate your accomplishments, gain encouragement when you’re feeling discouraged, and have fun geeking out about nature? Then we encourage you to check out the Backyard Ecology Community.  The Backyard Ecology Community is a membership community for people in the eastern U.S. who love nature and want to transform their yards and communities into ecosystems that support pollinators and wildlife. Learn more at: www.backyardecology.net/community.  🌻 🌻 🌻 Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.  🌻 🌻 🌻 Become a Backyard Ecologist: 🦋 The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ 🦋 Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/  🦋 Group coaching: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/ Backyard Ecology content: 🦋 Website: https://backyardecology.net 🦋 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology 🦋 Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Support Backyard Ecology: 🦋 Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology 🦋 Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N  

Over the last 6-8 months, we’ve been working hard to make Backyard Ecology even better and to implement new ways to help people on an even deeper level. I am so excited because I can finally share some of what we’ve been working on! The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/building-thriving-ecosystems-and-exploring-nature-in-your-backyard/ Links to become a Backyard Ecologist: The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Backyard Ecology Community: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/  Design Your Pollinator and Wildlife Oasis: Garden-sized Plots group coaching program: https://www.backyardecology.net/group-coaching/ General Backyard Ecology links: Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ 🦋 * 🦋 * 🦋 * We want to meet you where you are at in your ecological journey and be there for you as your needs change. That’s why we offer multiple ways to join us and become a Backyard Ecologist. To see all the ways that you can connect with us and become a Backyard Ecologist, visit www.backyardecology.net/join.  🦋 * 🦋 * 🦋 * Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel.   

American goldfinches are beautiful and fascinating songbirds that can be found over most of the continent. Their late nesting season and almost exclusively seed-based diet, even as nestlings, make them unique among our songbirds. They are also easy to attract to our properties. I talk about all those things and much more in this episode. The full transcript, including additional pictures, can be found on the episode’s webpage: https://www.backyardecology.net/american-goldfinch/ Incorporating native plants into your landscape is a great way to improve the habitat in your yard for butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds, and just about every other type of animal that visits your property. If you want to learn more about gardening with native plants, then I’d like to give you a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions. Just go to https://www.backyardecology.net/ecoregions/ to request your copy.  Until next week I encourage you to take some time to explore the nature in your yard and community. Episode Links Caring for bird feeders: https://feederwatch.org/learn/feeding-birds/#safe-feeding-environment Backyard Ecology Links Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode Image: American goldfinch in full breeding plumage. Photo credit: Shenandoah National Park, public domain   

Did you know that urban ecology doesn’t just apply to big cities and towns? Even if you live in a fairly rural area, if there is a lot of interaction between where you live and a nearby town or city then you may fall into the broad category of urban ecology. That means urban ecology is likely to apply to most of us. Today we're talking with Dr. Sarah Gagné. Sarah is the author of the newly published book, Nature at Your Door, Connecting with the Wild and Green in the Urban and Suburban Landscape. She is also an Associate Professor of Landscape Ecology at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. The full transcript of this episode can be found at: https://www.backyardecology.net/exploring-urban-ecology/ Sara’s links: Email: sgagne@charlotte.edu Website: www.saragagne.com Instagram: @urban_nature_clt Nature at Your Door, Connecting with the Wild and Green in the Urban and Suburban Landscape *: https://amzn.to/3KwEYX0 Other episode-related links: iNaturalist: https://inaturalist.org/ Liking lichens: A Glimpse into the Fascinating World of Lichens: https://www.backyardecology.net/liking-lichens-a-glimpse-into-the-fascinating-world-of-lichens/ Urban Lichens: A Field Guide for Northeastern North America *: https://amzn.to/45lUfSx * Amazon links are affiliate links.  Backyard Ecology links: Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ * * * Get a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions. Just go to www.backyardecology.net/ecoregions to request your copy.  * * * Thank you to our supporters on Patreon who go above and beyond each month to financially contribute towards making the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel possible. Thank you also to everyone who has made one-time donations to support the Backyard Ecology blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. 

As sad as the loss of a tree can be, there’s also an excitement because fallen trees provide many different types of valuable and often overlooked habitats. I talk about some of those habitats in this episode. The full transcript, including additional pictures, can be found on the episode’s webpage: https://www.backyardecology.net/what-happens-when-a-tree-gets-blown-over-discovering-new-habitats-created-by-fallen-trees/ Incorporating native plants into your landscape is a great way to improve the habitat in your yard for butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds, and just about every other type of animal that visits your property. If you want to learn more about gardening with native plants, then I’d like to give you a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions. Just go to https://www.backyardecology.net/ecoregions/ to request your copy.  Links Sometimes Life Happens: https://www.backyardecology.net/sometimes-life-happens/ Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode Image:  White-tailed deer Photo credit: USFWS, public domain

Did you know that there are approximately 10 times more moth species worldwide than there are butterfly species? Or that without moths we would have fewer songbirds, less genetic diversity in many of our native plants, and lower harvests of many popular fruits? Or that creating better moth habitats around our homes also benefits our health and wellbeing? Dr. Elena Tartaglia shares her love of moths, some of the key roles they play in the ecosystem, how helping moths also helps us, and much more. Elena is a co-founder of National Moth Week and a Research Associate at Rutgers University. The full transcript of this episode can be found on the episode’s webpage: https://www.backyardecology.net/moths-unsung-heroes-of-pollination-and-beyond/ Get a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions, when you subscribe to our email. Subscribe at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. National Moth Week links: Website: https://nationalmothweek.org/ Moth Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NationalMothWeek/ Caterpillar Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NationalMothWeekCaterpillars/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mothweek/?hl=en Other episode links: Elena’s email: elena.tartaglia@gmail.com iNaturalist: https://inaturalist.org/ Jersey Yards: https://www.jerseyyards.org/ Dark Sky Association: https://www.darksky.org/ The Very Hungry Caterpillar*: https://amzn.to/3PMYAJE Nature's Best Hope*: https://amzn.to/3lrao7r Light Pollution and Its Impacts on Birds and Other Wildlife: https://www.backyardecology.net/light-pollution-and-its-impacts-on-birds-and-other-wildlife/ Caterpillar hunting with a UV flashlight: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335025908_Caterpillar_hunting_with_a_UV_flashlight/link/5d4b2c5492851cd046a6f6d6/download * Amazon links are affiliate links.  Backyard Ecology links: Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: IO moth, Photo credit: lightbed, cc-0

I share a story of how Anthony and I had a “life happens” moment on our property over the weekend. My hope is that our story of how “life happened” to us this week can give you a little bit of encouragement, or at least, help you feel not quite so alone the next time life throws a wrench in your plans.  The full transcript, including pictures, can be found on the episode’s webpage: https://www.backyardecology.net/sometimes-life-happens/ Get a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions, when you subscribe to our email. Subscribe at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. Links Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode Image A turtle that we found early Monday morning in one of the new erosion ruts in our driveway. Photo credit: Shannon Trimboli, all rights reserved

If you’ve ever found a plant that you didn’t recognize and wanted to know what it was, then this episode is for you. We talk with Dr. Alan Weakley about learning to observe plants, how to identify plants, why that’s important, and some exciting new tools that are available to help us better recognize and appreciate the diversity of plants around us. Alan is the director of the University of North Carolina's Herbarium, which is located at the North Carolina Botanical Garden. He is also the author of the Flora of the Southeastern US and the newly released FloraQuest app.  The full transcript of this episode can be found on the episode’s webpage: https://www.backyardecology.net/learning-to-see-and-identify-plants-with-alan-weakley/ Get a free copy of our e-book, An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants: Hardiness Zones and Ecoregions, when you subscribe to our email. Subscribe at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. Episode links:  FloraQuest: https://ncbg.unc.edu/research/unc-herbarium/flora-apps/ Flora of the Southeastern U.S. (pdf): https://ncbg.unc.edu/research/unc-herbarium/flora-request/ University of North Carolina Chapel Hill: https://www.unc.edu/ UNC Herbarium: https://ncbg.unc.edu/research/unc-herbarium/ North Carolina Botanical Garden: https://ncbg.unc.edu/ Last Child in the Woods: https://amzn.to/3qEBw5D Wildflowers of the Atlantic Southeast: https://amzn.to/3P6McEc Wildflowers of New England: https://amzn.to/3N5tZnI Wildflowers of Texas: https://amzn.to/3J9ix9D Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest: https://amzn.to/3N95S7U * Amazon links are affiliate links.  Backyard Ecology links: Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: Hepatica flowers Photo credit: Shenandoah National Park, public domain 

I offer five tips to help you attract butterflies to your property. Depending on your property and situation, you may not be able to do all of them. That’s ok. If you have a small property, look around you. See what’s lacking in your area and try to fill in the gaps. The important thing is to be aware and to do what you can. The full transcript can be found on the episode’s webpage: https://www.backyardecology.net/5-tips-for-attracting-butterflies/ We have lots of exciting opportunities planned with Backyard Ecology over the next several months. If you want to keep up with everything going on in the Backyard Ecology world, then please subscribe to our emails. You can do so at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. And when you sign up for our emails, you’ll be sent a link to download a free, e-book that explains why our familiar garden zones, aren’t important when it comes to gardening with native plants. That’s just our way of saying thank you for your interest in Backyard Ecology. Links Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode Image: Eastern tiger swallowtail on a purple coneflower. Photo credit: USFWS

Did you know there is a group of native plants which can be highly adaptable, can serve multiple functions in our gardens, and perhaps even be a backbone component to our home landscapes, but which has historically been overlooked for those purposes? This group of native plants is the sedges, or more specifically, members of the genus Carex. In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we talk with Sam Hoadley about sedges and their use in the home garden and landscape. Sam is the Manager of Horticultural Research at Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware. Recently, Mt. Cuba Center released their Carex trial report. This report evaluated 70 species and cultivars of Carex over 4 years for garden and landscape use in the Mid-Atlantic Region. During our conversation, Sam and I talk about how Mt. Cuba Center’s trials are conducted, the importance of sedges / Carex species, how they can be used in the garden or home landscape, and many other topics. Sedges may not produce the colorful, flashy flowers that we often think about and are drawn to when we are picking native plants to use in our home landscapes or pollinator and wildlife gardens, but they are definitely worth considering. Not only do they have their own innate beauty, but they can also serve so many different functions in the garden and landscape – including filling in so called “problem areas” or serving as a potential lawn alternative. We have lots of exciting opportunities planned with Backyard Ecology over the next several months. If you want to keep up with everything going on in the Backyard Ecology world, then please subscribe to our emails. You can do so at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. And when you sign up for our emails, you’ll be sent a link to download a free, e-book that explains why our familiar garden zones, aren’t important when it comes to gardening with native plants. That’s just our way of saying thank you for your interest in Backyard Ecology. Episode Resources: Sam’s email: shoadley@mtcubacenter.org Carex Trial Report: https://mtcubacenter.org/trials/carex-for-the-mid-atlantic-region/ Past Trial Reports: https://mtcubacenter.org/research/trial-garden/ Mt. Cuba Center webpage: https://mtcubacenter.org/ Mt. Cuba Center Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MtCubaCenter/ Backyard Ecology Links: Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) Photo credit: Brian Hunt, cc-by

Do you want to start growing native plants in your yard, but don’t know where to find them? Or maybe you aren’t even sure what a native plant is for your area. Or maybe you are in a situation where you can’t plant anything right now, but you still want to learn about native plants and enjoy them in the wild. Your state’s native plant society may be able to help you in all of these situations. In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we’re joined by multiple guests representing native plant societies in different parts of the eastern U.S. Our guests are Randi Eckel from the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, Jeff Nelson from the Kentucky Native Plant Society, and Ellen Honeycutt from the Georgia Native Plant Society. We start our conversation with what seems like a very basic question, “What is a native plant?” As you’ll hear, the answers were all similar in their broad sense, but some of the details were a little different. Which of course, led to a conversation about those slight variations in the definitions and why they are important to be aware of when you are talking about native plants. We then dove into talking about native plant societies and what they do. Every native plant society is going to be different and do different things, but they all share a love of native plants, conservation, and education. They also tend to be very accessible and include members of all experience levels – from the person just getting started on their native plant journey all the way to professional botanists with decades of experience. Native plant societies also tend to have lots of educational resources available online for anyone interested in native plants. I highly encourage you to check out your state’s native plant society. Links to the Georgia Native Plant Society, Kentucky Native Plant Society, and Native Plant Society of New Jersey are below. I also included a link from the American Horticultural Society’s website which lists information for each state’s native plant society. On a side note, if you want to keep up with everything going on in the Backyard Ecology world, then please subscribe to our emails. You can do so at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. And when you sign up for our emails, you’ll receive a link to download a free e-book that explains why our familiar garden zones don’t mean anything when it comes to gardening with native plants. That’s just our way of saying thank you for your interest in Backyard Ecology. Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community. Georgia Native Plant Society: Website: https://gnps.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Georgia-Native-Plant-Society Kentucky Native Plant Society: Website: https://www.knps.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knps.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kynativeplantsociety/ Native Plant Society of New Jersey: Website: https://www.npsnj.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NPSNJ/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nativeplantsocietynj Twitter: http://twitter.com/npsnj American Horticultural Society’s list of native plant societies: https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-resources/societies-clubs-organizations/native-plant-societies/ Backyard Ecology: Growing Native Plants, Insect-Plant Interactions, Playing in the Pond, and Much More with Dr. Randi Eckel: https://www.backyardecology.net/growing-native-plants-insect-plant-interactions-playing-in-the-pond-and-much-more-with-dr-randi-eckel/ Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) Photo credit: Shenandoah National Park, public domain

Birding is a fun activity with many different ways you can do it. You can bird by ear and identify birds by their songs. You can look at the birds and identify them that way. You can watch the birds out your window or as you spend time in your yard. Or you can go on trips where birding can be either a side activity or the main purpose of the trip. It really is an activity that pretty much anyone can do in pretty much any location. In this episode, I am joined by James Wheat. James is the President of the Kentucky Ornithological Society. You may also remember him from our conversation a few months ago about the Christmas Bird Count. Once again James shares a wealth of information along with his passion for helping others get involved in birding. Our conversation focuses on birding tools and technology that can be helpful for birders with any experience level. We start our conversation by talking about binoculars, what the numbers mean, and tips about what to look for when purchasing binoculars. Our conversation then moves to a discussion of free birding apps that James really enjoys using. The first birding app that we discuss is Merlin which is in some ways a digital field guide, but can also do so much more. This app can help you identify a bird whether you see it or hear it, and you can access tons of detailed information about that bird. The second app that we talk about is eBird which also has a desktop version. eBird helps you keep track of the birds that you’ve seen in different locations, let’s you see what birds other people have seen in a given location, and is used by scientists to study birds. We wrap up our conversation by talking about the Birding Hotspots website which provides logistical information about parking, trail surfaces, bathrooms, etc. associated with the eBird hotspots. Links to all the resources we talked about can be found on the webpage for this episode. Also, Anthony and I are working on a project that we’re very excited about. We’re hoping to make an announcement about it very soon, possibly within the next couple of weeks. If you want to be among the first to hear about it, and perhaps participate in our beta trial, then be sure to subscribe to our Backyard Ecology emails. You can do so at www.backyardecology.net/subscribe. That’ll keep you up to date with everything going on in the Backyard Ecology world. And when you sign up for our emails, you’ll also be able to download a free, e-book that explains why our familiar garden zones, don’t mean anything when it comes to gardening with native plants. That’s just our way of saying thank you for your interest in Backyard Ecology. Until next week, I encourage you to take some time to enjoy the nature in your own yard and community. Links for James: James’ email: james.a.wheat@gmail.com Kentucky Ornithological Society’s webpage: https://www.birdky.org Binocular Resources: 6 Steps to Choosing a Pair of Binoculars You’ll Love: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/six-steps-to-choosing-a-pair-of-binoculars-youll-love/ How to Choose Your Binoculars: https://www.audubon.org/news/how-choose-your-binoculars Merlin: Website: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org Who's Singing? How to Use Merlin Bird ID to Identify Bird Calls (1 hr webinar): https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/live-event/whos-singing-how-to-use-merlin-bird-id-to-identify-bird-calls/ eBird: Website: https://ebird.org/home eBird Essentials (free course): https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/product/ebird-essentials/ Site Logistical Resources: Birding Hotspots: https://birdinghotspots.org Birdability: https://www.birdability.org Backyard Ecology Links: Website: https://backyardecology.net YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/ Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology Make a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=K7F3HJLJT9F8N Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/ Episode image: American goldfinch Photo credit: Shenandoah National Park, public domain