BioBlitz! Oklahoma

Welcome back to the BioBlitz! Oklahoma podcast! In this episode we are chatting with RJ Baltierra, a field biologist from Washington state who spent two summers in Oklahoma collecting data for the Oklahoma Breeding Bird Atlas. RJ is a naturalist who also enjoys looking for herps (reptiles and amphibians), butterflies, and odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) while he’s out in the field. Listen to hear more about his time exploring Oklahoma and life as a field biologist, and his perspective on the unique biology of our great state!You can read more about the Breeding Bird Atlas or purchase a copy of the first edition from the Sutton Aviation Research Center here: https://www.suttoncenter.org/research/ok-bird-atlases-surveys/breeding-bird-atlas/Also mentioned in this episode is the book “A Field Guide to Oklahoma's Amphibians and Reptiles” by Greg and Lynnette Sievert, which is available for purchase from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation here:https://license.gooutdoorsoklahoma.com/Shop/Inventory?groupId=33 This podcast is a project of BioBlitz! Oklahoma, an outreach program of the Oklahoma Biological Survey at the University of Oklahoma. You can read more about the Oklahoma BioDiversity Stewards program here:https://okbiodiversity.org/biodiversitysteward/ We hope you have time to step outside today and explore Oklahoma’s amazing biodiversity. Remember, you can find biodiversity right outside your door!

We are back again this week on the BioBlitz! Oklahoma podcast highlighting a state park, but also meeting an expert - long-time park naturalist Leann Bunn!    Angelina takes the reigns again in this episode.  She sits down with Leann Bunn to talk about Tenkiller State Park, Leann's passion for being a naturalist and talking with kids and adults about our state wildlife – eagles and loons in particular - and they talk about the annual Women in the Outdoors event that Leann has organized for 21 years!   More information on the Tenkiller SP Women in the Outdoors eventDon't forget! Our fall BioBlitz! Oklahoma weekend is just around the corner!  Oct first through third.  We are going statewide again for 2021.  Check out our website for all the details!    BioBlitz! OklahomaBe sure to register! We want to know how many of you are celebrating our biodiversity that weekend.  Registration is free and you will receive this year's sticker! These stickers are a throwback to a previous t-shirt design – our flying squirrel logo from the Osage Hills State Park BioBlitz!   This podcast is a project of BioBlitz! Oklahoma, an outreach program of the Oklahoma Biological Survey at the University of Oklahoma. We hope you have time to step outside today and explore Oklahoma's amazing biodiversity.  Remember, you can find biodiversity right outside your door. 

This week Angelina Stancampiano, with Oklahoma State Parks interviews the new full time naturalist at Greenleaf State Park.  Kristen Perry is the newest park naturalists in one of our oldest state parks.  Listen in and learn about the park and all the fun things you can do at the park this fall! I highly recommend hiking out to the swinging bridge!  It is one of my favorite things on any trail in our state parks!    https://www.travelok.com/state-parks/greenleaf-state-park As you may know our fall BioBlitz! Oklahoma weekend is not going to be our traditional big campout weekend.  We are organizing the BioBlitz! weekend, which is Oct 1-3 to be statewide and dispersed.  Like last year we will have three full days of inventory Fri, Sat, and Sun.  And we are using iNaturalist and eBird to record our observations.  Experts are also hosting a variety of small in-person activities around the state.   You need to sign up for the activity with the leader to attend and space is limited.  So don't wait!  Check out the schedule and sign up at our website! BioBlitz! OklahomaWe encourage all weekend participants, even if you are just doing things on your own, to register for the weekend.  We want to know how many of you are celebrating our Biodiversity that weekend.  Registration is free And you will get this year's sticker! These stickers are great – and water resistant – perfect for your water bottle, lap top, or car window! This podcast is a project of BioBlitz! Oklahoma, an outreach program of the Oklahoma Biological Survey at the University of Oklahoma. We hope you have time to step outside today and explore Oklahoma's amazing biodiversity.  Remember, you can find biodiversity right outside your door.   

Welcome Back Everyone! to the BioBlitz! Oklahoma podcast!  We have had a bit of a hiatus because things got busy for Angelina and me as things started to open up after the winter COVID lockdown.  I am embarrassed to say that I recorded this podcast back in February!  I think we were in the middle of that arctic blast that seems so long ago, now that we are in the middle of summer.  In fact, in the recording you can hear the peeping of my newly arrive chicken chicks which were under the heat lamp in the next room. Those little ladies are full grown and should be laying eggs any day now.  Anyway – you are finally getting my last recorded episode in which I talk with Jane Breckinridge – a butterfly farmer, non-profit director, and pollinator conservation advocate.  She works extensively with tribes in Oklahoma to restore and protect pollinator habitat and provide economic opportunities in rural Oklahoma.  Here are the links to the organizations we talk about in this episode:Tribal Alliance for Pollinators:   https://tribalallianceforpollinators.com/ Monarch Watch: https://www.monarchwatch.org/  We are planning to host our fall BioBlitz! Oklahoma weekend in person this year.  The dates are Oct 1-3 and we will be at Roman Nose State Park.  Details will be announced in August and registration will open August 16.  Stay informed by following our facebook page or signing up for the eNewsletter on our website.https://biosurvey.ou.edu/bioblitzok/ https://www.facebook.com/bioblitzoklahoma This podcast is a project of BioBlitz! Oklahoma, an outreach program of the Oklahoma Biological Survey at the University of Oklahoma. We hope you have time to step outside today and explore Oklahoma's amazing biodiversity.  Remember, you can find biodiversity right outside your door.      

In this episode, Angelina and Priscilla give all the details about how to participate in our Spring BioBlitz! OK, using iNaturalist, eBird, and Budburst.  We talk about the activity schedules, observation challenges, and the prizes you can earn by participating!  So get ready for the Spring BioBlitz! OK happening during the entire month of April!  Details are also on our website! BioBlitz! Oklahoma Links are:Facebook page – BioBlitz! Oklahoma Twitter @okbioblitz Website: https://biosurvey.ou.edu/bioblitzok/  This podcast is a project of Oklahoma State Parks and BioBlitz! Oklahoma, an outreach program of the Oklahoma Biological Survey at the University of Oklahoma. We hope you have time to step outside today and explore Oklahoma's amazing biodiversity.  Remember, you can find biodiversity right outside your door.   

In this "Meet the Expert" Episode, Priscilla chats with our BioBlitz! OK moss expert, Crys Davis.  They talk about how amazing mosses are, what we love most about BioBlitz!OK, and how her super rugged wheelchair allows her to explore nature and have a fun BioBlitz! experience. The link to the company that makes her chair is here:GRIT Freedom Chair In our next episode, Angelina and I will be talking all about how to participate in our Spring BioBlitz! OK, using iNaturalist, eBird, and Budburst.  We talk about the activity schedules, observation challenges, and the prizes you can earn by participating!  So get ready for the Spring BioBlitz! Happening during the entire month of April!  Details are also on our website! BioBlitz! Oklahoma Links are:Facebook page – BioBlitz! Oklahoma Twitter @okbioblitz Website: https://biosurvey.ou.edu/bioblitzok/  This podcast is a project of Oklahoma State Parks and BioBlitz! Oklahoma, an outreach program of the Oklahoma Biological Survey at the University of Oklahoma. We hope you have time to step outside today and explore Oklahoma's amazing biodiversity.  Remember, you can find biodiversity right outside your door.    

In this "Meet the Expert" Episode, Priscilla chats with bee expert José Montalva.  You would never guess that a being on the college free diving team in Chile would lead him to a career in bees! We hope this episode can distract you from the blast of winter we have been experiencing and that our conversation has you dreaming about warm spring days, buzzing bees, and flower pollination. We learn so much bee biology from José every time we talk!  You can read more about his work on his website and by following him on twitter.    Research website The Bee Hunter's DiariesSalvemos Nuestro AbejorroArticle from the Guardian (UK) about his work with the Giant Bumble BeePictures Gallery of the OKC Zoo beesTwitter @josemmontalvaWe would love to have your feedback about the podcast.  You can leave a review where you subscribe.  You can also send us Facebook messages, tweet at us, or simply email your questions to: prill@ou.edu.   BioBlitz! Oklahoma Links are:Facebook page – BioBlitz! Oklahoma Twitter @okbioblitz Website: https://biosurvey.ou.edu/bioblitzok/  This podcast is a project of Oklahoma State Parks and BioBlitz! Oklahoma, an outreach program of the Oklahoma Biological Survey at the University of Oklahoma. We hope you have time to step outside today (or maybe this week just watch from your window!) and explore Oklahoma's amazing biodiversity.  Remember, you can find biodiversity right outside your door.

This is our second episode in our Oklahoma State Park Series.  Angelina Stancampiano talks with Roman Nose State Park Managers, Levi and Travis.  Our fall BioBlitz! OK event will be at Roman Nose this year and they give you some fun details about the park's wildlife, geology, and amenities.  Maybe you will want to check it out before our official event! We hope this episode inspires you to visit Roman Nose State Park.  WebsiteFacebook PageWe will be highlighting an Oklahoma State Park each month on the podcast.  We are starting with the original seven which were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.  We will cover park history, ecology, and amenities!We have new episodes lined up for the new year.  And we would love to explore your questions on future ASK the Experts episodes!  You can send your questions to us as a Facebook message, a tweet, or simply email to: prill@ou.edu.  BioBlitz! Oklahoma Links are:Facebook page – BioBlitz! Oklahoma Twitter @okbioblitz Website: https://biosurvey.ou.edu/bioblitzok/ This podcast is a project of BioBlitz! Oklahoma, an outreach program of Oklahoma State Parks and the Oklahoma Biological Survey at the University of Oklahoma. 

Priscilla Crawford, conservation biologist with the Oklahoma Biological Survey, and Angelina Stancampiano, Oklahoma State Park Senior Naturalist, co-host this podcast, an extension of our BioBlitz! Oklahoma events.  Now we can celebrate Oklahoma's biodiversity with you all year round!  In this "Meet the Expert" Episode, Priscilla chats with Dr. Lara Souza, her colleague and the director of the Oklahoma Biological Survey.  As a plant ecologist she works on global change research at the University of Oklahoma.  Join us as we talk about what she loves about being a researcher and professor at OU and leader of the biological survey.   We recorded our conversation at the end of the fall semester of 2020, so some of our references are slightly dated. We are working on new episodes of "Meet the Experts," "Ask the Experts," and "Join the Experts."  We are also going to start highlighting Oklahoma State Parks to inspire you to visit and explore these amazing natural areas.    You can stay up to date on our Facebook page – BioBlitz! OklahomaTwitter @okbioblitz Website: https://biosurvey.ou.edu/bioblitzok/We would love to have your feedback about the podcast.  You can leave a review where you subscribe.  You can also send us Facebook messages, tweet at us, or simply email your feedback to: prill@ou.edu.   This podcast is a project of BioBlitz! Oklahoma, an outreach program of the Oklahoma Biological Survey at the University of Oklahoma. 

Happy New Year Everyone! Priscilla Crawford, conservation biologist with the Oklahoma Biological Survey, and Angelina Stancampiano, Oklahoma State Park Senior Naturalist, co-host this podcast, an extension of our BioBlitz! Oklahoma events.  Now we can celebrate Oklahoma's biodiversity with you all year round!  In this "Meet the Expert" Episode, Priscilla chats with Amy Buthod, our Plant Team Leader for BioBlitz! OK.   She is our go-to botanist when we have plant identification questions or need an expert botanist in the field.  She tallies the plant list for our fall BioBlitzes and verifies the identification of all of our iNaturalist plant observations.   Join us as we talk about what it is like to be a professional botanist and what excites her about working in Oklahoma!  We are working on new episodes of "Meet the Experts," "Ask the Experts," and "Join the Experts."  We are also going to start highlighting Oklahoma State Parks to inspire you to visit and explore these amazing natural areas.    You can stay up to date on our Facebook page – BioBlitz! OklahomaTwitter @okbioblitz Website: https://biosurvey.ou.edu/bioblitzok/We would love to have your feedback about the podcast.  You can leave a review where you subscribe.  You can also send us Facebook messages, tweet at us, or simply email your feedback to: prill@ou.edu.   This podcast is a project of BioBlitz! Oklahoma, an outreach program of the Oklahoma Biological Survey at the University of Oklahoma. 

This is our second JOIN THE EXPERT episode of our BioBlitz! Oklahoma podcast.  These episodes highlight activities that you can join to explore biodiversity.   This week, Angelina Stancampiano, BioBlitz! Co-coordinator, chats with Nick Conner, Oklahoma State Park Captain about visiting our parks this winter and joining the First Day Hikes – a great way to begin the new year. We hope this episode inspires you to join a First Day Hike at one of our State Parks.  Find the schedule at: https://www.travelok.com/article_page/first-day-hikes-at-oklahoma-state-parksWe have new episodes lined up for the new year.  And we would love to explore your questions on future ASK the Experts episodes!  You can send your questions to us as a Facebook message, a tweet, or simply email to: prill@ou.edu.  BioBlitz! Oklahoma Links are:Facebook page – BioBlitz! Oklahoma Twitter @okbioblitz Website: https://biosurvey.ou.edu/bioblitzok/ This podcast is a project of BioBlitz! Oklahoma, an outreach program of the Oklahoma Biological Survey at the University of Oklahoma. 

This is our first "JOIN THE EXPERTS" episode of our BioBlitz! Oklahoma podcast.  In these episodes, we will highlight citizen science projects that you can join.  In this episode, Angelina talks with OSU ornithologist Tim O'Connell. They highlight several winter bird projects – in particular the Christmas Bird Count.   Learn how researchers use citizen science data to understand bird populations and learn how you can participate! They talk about several programs, projects, and information sources during the episode here are links to all of those:Dr. O’Connell's website https://timoconnell.wordpress.com/Facebook groups: Oklahoma Ornithological SocietyPayne County Audubon SocietyYouTube videosHow to find specific CBC circles:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M38H4v32dtA&t=336sHow to find out what birds are around using eBird:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPuW6M3jLi8&t=2sNational Audubon Society  Christmas Bird CountGreat Backyard Bird CountCornell Lab of OrnithologyWilson Ornithological SocietyeBirdBioBlitz! Oklahoma Links are:Facebook page – BioBlitz! Oklahoma Twitter @okbioblitz Website: https://biosurvey.ou.edu/bioblitzok/ This podcast is a project of BioBlitz! Oklahoma, an outreach program of the Oklahoma Biological Survey at the University of Oklahoma. Happy Holidays! We hope you celebrate with time outside exploring Oklahoma's amazing biodiversity.  Remember, you can find biodiversity right outside your door.   

This is our first "ASK THE EXPERT" episode of our BioBlitz! Oklahoma podcast.  Priscilla Crawford and Angelina Stancampiano, BioBlitz! Oklahoma Co-coordinators, chat with botanist Adam Ryburn, professor at Oklahoma City University.  How does mistletoe get up into trees?  Are all evergreens conifers?  What do plants have to do with the three wise men?  We talk about holiday traditions around some of our native and non-native plants and  discuss the biology, ecology, and cultural history of a wide variety of flowering and cone-bearing plants. We encourage you to learn more about Oklahoma's trees with the Forest Trees of Oklahoma book from Oklahoma Forestry services - only $8!  https://forestry.ok.gov/store We would love to explore your questions on future ASK the Experts episodes!  You can send your questions to us as a Facebook message, a tweet, or simply email to: prill@ou.edu.  Facebook page – BioBlitz! Oklahoma Twitter @okbioblitz Website: https://biosurvey.ou.edu/bioblitzok/ This podcast is a project of BioBlitz! Oklahoma, an outreach program of the Oklahoma Biological Survey at the University of Oklahoma. Happy Holidays! We hope you celebrate with time outside exploring Oklahoma's amazing biodiversity.  Remember, you can find biodiversity right outside your door.   

In this "Meet the Expert" Episode, BioBlitz! OK co-coordinator, Priscilla Crawford, chats with Zach DuFran who has been our moth expert for the past couple years at BioBlitz! OK.  Zach is our first podcast guest that is one of our amateur experts – meaning his day job is something totally different from biology!  The term amateur in no way negatively reflects his expertise.  In fact, he has become one of the most knowledgeable moth biologists in the state.  Join us as we talk about his self-taught journey to learning all about moths and seeing nearly 1000 moth species in Oklahoma.  You can follow Zach @zdufran on Instagram, iNaturalist, or Flickr.  We highly encourage you to attend one of his public moth nights when it warms up again! You can stay up to date on BioBlitz! OK and our podcast at: Facebook page – BioBlitz! Oklahoma Twitter @okbioblitz Website: https://biosurvey.ou.edu/bioblitzok/ 

In this "Meet the Expert" Episode, BioBlitz! OK co-coordinator, Priscilla Crawford, chats with Mark Howery, one of our BioBlitz! OK ornithologists who leads bird walks during our events.  Mark is a bird expert, but also covers a variety of fauna for his job as the senior wildlife diversity biologist at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation - which sounds like a dream job to many BioBlitzers!  Learn what that job is like day to day and hear about Mark's background that led him to being one of the state's most knowledgeable wildlife biologists.  Mark mentions a new dragonfly book by BioBlitz! experts Brenda Smith and Michael Patten: Dragonflies at a Biogeographical Crossroads: The Odonata of Oklahoma and Complexities Beyond Its Borders.  You can get your own copy at this LINK!You can also stay up to date on our Facebook page – BioBlitz! OklahomaTwitter @okbioblitz Website: https://biosurvey.ou.edu/bioblitzok/ We are also working on "Ask the Expert" episodes.  Do you have a burning questions about Oklahoma's biota?  Curious about some natural history phenomena you have observed?  Send us your questions and we will work on answering them in future "Ask the Expert" episodes.  You can send Facebook messages, tweet at us, or simply email your questions to: prill@ou.edu.   We will also be happy to receive suggestions for future expert interviews and projects to highlight! 

In this "Meet the Expert" Episode, BioBlitz! OK co-coordinator, Priscilla Crawford, chats with Rusty Grimpe who leads the Discovery Walks during our fall BioBlitz! Events.  Rusty is a wonderful all around naturalist, but he also had a fascinating career in zoo keeping.  Join us as Rusty tells us some fun stories about caring for alligators and turtles and listen for his love of natural history from his descriptions of trips to the Galapagos to his explorations around his home near Skiatook, OK. Please forgive the audio quality of Rusty's connection – we recorded his part of the conversation on his cell phone from rural Osage County. You can also stay up to date on our Facebook page – BioBlitz! OklahomaTwitter @okbioblitz Website: https://biosurvey.ou.edu/bioblitzok/ We are also working on "Ask the Expert" episodes.  Do you have a burning questions about Oklahoma's biota?  Curious about some natural history phenomena you have observed?  Send us your questions and we will work on answering them in future "Ask the Expert" episodes.  You can send Facebook messages, tweet at us, or simply email your questions to: prill@ou.edu.   We will also be happy to receive suggestions for future expert interviews and projects to highlight! 

You can stay up to date on our Facebook page – BioBlitz! OklahomaTwitter @okbioblitz Website: https://biosurvey.ou.edu/bioblitzok/ We are putting together "Ask the Expert" episodes.  Do you have a burning questions about Oklahoma's biota?  Curious about some natural history phenomena you have observed?  Send us your questions and we will work on answering them in future "Ask the Expert" episodes.  prill@ou.edu

In this "Meet the Expert" Episode, BioBlitz! OK co-coordinator, Priscilla Crawford, chats with her friend and colleague Jessa Watters who is a herpetologist and collection manager at the Sam Noble Museum at the University of Oklahoma.  Jessa has been our herpetology team leader at BioBlitz! OK for several years.  She loves to dive for turtles, dash after lizards, and grab a hold of snakes.  Hear about how her love of turtles as a child led her to a career in herpetology and listen to her describe some exciting times in the field.You can also stay up to date on our Facebook page – BioBlitz! OklahomaTwitter @okbioblitz Website: https://biosurvey.ou.edu/bioblitzok/ Angelina Stancampiano, my BioBlitz! Co-coordinator and Sequoyah State Park naturalist, and I are also working together on "Ask the Expert" episodes.  Do you have a burning questions about Oklahoma's biota?  Curious about some natural history phenomena you have observed?  Send us your questions and we will work on answering them in future "Ask the Expert" episodes.  You can send Facebook messages, tweet at us, or simply email your questions to: prill@ou.edu.   We will also be happy to receive suggestions for future expert interviews and projects to highlight!