Dispatches from the Forest

Episode 24: Stranger than Fiction

A micro-animal that can go into suspended animation and survive extreme conditions.  A venomous snail that hunts fish by smell using a poison harpoon.  Another snail with an iron shell.  A crustacean that can punch through aquarium glass.  Sounds like science fiction, but all these animals actually exist!  Come learn about some amazing animals with abilities that will blow your mind!

Episode 23: Turtle Talk

Turtles have long been associated with longevity due to their long life spans.  They are also the only animal whose pelvic girdle is on the inside of their ribcage.  Learn more about these heroes in a half-shell (turtle power!)

Episode 22: Hawks...and Not Hawks

Birds of Prey, or raptors, and humans have a long history together.  Learn about 4 common species of hawk: Red-tailed hawks, Red-shoulder Hawks, Cooper's hawks and Sharp-shinned hawks.  I'll also tell you about the Sparrow hawk and the River hawk - common names for a couple of raptors that are not, in fact, hawks at all.

Episode 21: Backyard Wild

Access to green space is extremely important not only for physical health but mental health as well.  Learn some ways to get some wild in your life - either in "your" yard or some other green space you have available.

Episode 20: Lake Monster Mysteries and Hoaxes

There is something mysterious in Chesapeake Bay!  In this episode I'll tell you about "Chessie" - a mysterious creature that has been seen in Chesapeake Bay.  I'll also tell you about Nebraska's Monster of Walgren Lake, and the man behind this creature, John G. Maher - prominent Nebraskan and purveyor of tall tales.

Episode 19: Here Kitty Kitty!

Soft kitty, Warm kitty, Little ball of fur.
Happy kitty, Sleepy kitty, Purr Purr Purr.
 
I've talked about North America's wild canids: Wolves, coyotes and foxes, so today I'm telling you about the wild felines: Canada lynx, Bobcat and Mountain lions.  I'll also tell you about the domestication of cats and why you should keep your little ball of fur inside.
 
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Episode 18: Turtle-Rabbits and Thorn Pigs

In Episode 14 I told you about the defensive capability of skunks which got me thinking about other defensively built animals - Armadillos and Porcupines.  Learn about the amazing capabilities of these 2 defensive specialists!

Episode 17: Peregrine Falcons

Peregrine Falcons are the fastest animal on Earth!  They are also the most widespread raptor, but just 50 years ago they were in danger of going extinct.  Fortunately they are making a comeback, and can be found in some pretty surprising places.  Learn more about this incredibly fast and amazing raptor.
 
Features an interview with Deb Woracek, member of the Raptor Education Team at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center (www.Fontenelleforest.org)