The Backyard Naturalists Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, your award-winning podcast about anything and everything related to nature! Heard in 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the Carolinas, we're thrilled to have you join us. We're also proud recipients of the Best of the Weeklies podcast award from the readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly.
 
In this episode, we're excited to welcome back Reptile Expert Jay Bell from Reptiles 101. As a flock member, Jay has shared his knowledge with us in over three episodes, and we're always eager to hear his insights. Today, Jay joins hosts Debbie and Laurie to discuss the invasive reptile species of North Carolina and their impact on local ecosystems.
 
In this episode, you'll learn about:
·         The Texas horned lizard ·         The red-eared slider turtle ·         The tegu lizard ·         The house gecko ·         The hammerhead slug  
Jay describes the appearance, habitat, and impacts of each invasive species, highlighting the risks they pose to native wildlife by outcompeting them for food, water, and shelter. Tune in to find out what you can do to help control the spread of these invasive species and protect North Carolina's native reptiles.
 
We love hearing from our listeners! Drop us a review on Apple Podcasts and let us know where you're tuning in from and what you enjoy most about the show. Happy listening and stay informed!
 
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. 

Welcome to another informative episode of The Backyard Naturalists, the award-winning podcast heard in 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the Carolinas. We're proud to have won the Best of the Weeklies podcast award from the readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly!
 
In this episode, we explore an environmentally friendly way to control mosquitoes: bats! Our hosts delve into the benefits of attracting bats to your yard, such as natural mosquito control and pollination, and provide expert tips on building and installing bat houses.
 
Key Points:
 
·         Bats are fantastic for controlling mosquitoes—one brown bat can eat over 1,000 mosquitoes in a single night!
·         Bats also aid in pollination, benefiting your garden.
·         Optimal bat house design features a 4-chamber structure.
·         Ensure bat houses receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
·         Mount bat houses 10-20 feet off the ground and 20-30 feet away from trees to avoid predators.
·         Use buildings or poles for mounting, not trees.
·         Paint the interior dark (brown or dark gray) but avoid oil-based paints. Exterior color should match your climate's July temperatures.
·         Install bat houses by late winter before the breeding season. Caulk the sides to prevent drafts.
·         Use rot-resistant wood like cedar, black locust, white oak, or reclaimed barn wood for durability.
·       
  JJoin us as we guide you through creating a welcoming habitat for these beneficial creatures and transform your yard into a mosquito-free zone!
 
We love hearing from our listeners! Drop us a review on Apple Podcasts and let us know where you're tuning in from and what you enjoy most about the show. Happy listening and happy bat-watching!
 
 
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. 

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Backyard Naturalists, your go-to podcast for everything connected with nature! Heard in 115 countries and all 50 states, and a proud recipient of the Best of the Weeklies podcast award from the readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly, we're thrilled to have you join us.
 
 
This week, we're diving into the fascinating world of owls! Learn how to maximize your chances for success with owl boxes, perfect for attracting these incredible birds to your backyard. Plus, it's the perfect time to spot young barred owls as they begin branching out!
 
 
We love hearing from our listeners! Drop us a review on Apple Podcasts and let us know where you're tuning in from and what you enjoy most about the show. Happy listening and happy birdwatching!
 
 
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. 

Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature.
 
 
In this captivating episode, hosts Debbie and Laurie, along with guests Jay and Chris, delve deep into the buzzing world of cicadas. The conversation takes listeners on a journey through the recent cicada emergence, exploring not just the cacophonous sounds they produce but also their ecological significance and cultural impact. From sharing audio clips of cicada choruses in local greenways to discussing the surprising culinary adventures some have with cicadas, this episode leaves no cicada stone unturned.
 
 
The hosts recount their own encounters with cicadas, from the loud chorus disrupting outdoor activities to the awe-inspiring sight of these insects emerging en masse after years underground. They delve into the fascinating life cycle of periodical cicadas, explaining the difference between the 13 and 17-year broods and why this particular emergence is a rare spectacle worth noting.
 
 
Special guest Jay Bell adds a flavorful twist to the discussion by sharing his experiences cooking and eating cicadas. He describes how he enjoys them fried in olive oil with simple seasonings, likening their taste to almonds—a surprising culinary revelation for many listeners.
 
 
The episode also touches on the broader implications of cicada emergences, such as their role in ecosystem dynamics and their contribution to scientific research. Listeners are encouraged to share their own cicada sightings, recordings, and photos on social media or by contacting the podcast, fostering a community of cicada enthusiasts eager to document this remarkable natural phenomenon.
 
 
Whether you're a seasoned cicada observer or new to their fascinating world, this episode of The Backyard Naturalists is sure to pique your curiosity and inspire you to appreciate the intricate interconnectedness of nature. Join the conversation, share your cicada stories, and let's celebrate this extraordinary cicada season together!
 
 
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. 

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. 

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.