Shows
Garden in a CityDifferentiating Butterflies and MothsIn this episode, we explore methods used to tell apart butterflies and moths, as well as a common fall butterfly in the Bay Area: the umber skipper. We also look at the role lepidopterans play in ecosystems and even some nocturnal butterflies! This episode also includes a poem about checkerspot butterflies.
To learn more about how to tell apart butterflies and moths, read this article by the Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/zoology/item/how-can-you-tell-the-difference-between-a-butterfly-and-a-moth/.
This article from the Xerces Society was also very helpful: https://www.xerces.org/blog/moths-are-cool-too.
2023-11-3005 min
Garden in a CitySeabirds in FallIn this episode, we explore two common seabirds in the Bay Area: the Brown Pelican and Heermann's Gull. We then talk about how these birds are connected to each other, and discuss avian evolution.
The episode concludes with a poem about Double-Crested Cormorants, another seabird common in this area.
To learn more about the birds talked about in this episode, visit Cornell Lab of Ornithology's All About Birds website (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/), which includes more information about Brown Pelicans and Heermann's gulls.
2023-09-2910 min
Garden in a CitySpring MarshesIn this episode, we explore the Bay Area's many species of marsh birds, including the Snowy Egret, Bufflehead, and Double-crested Cormorant, and discuss their relationship with the marsh's ecosystems.
This episode also includes an original poem about Buffleheads.
Bird information for this episode was found on All About Birds, a birding website created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/.
Information about Buffleheads came from Buffleheads by Anthony J Erskine, and information about Double-crested Cormorants came from The Devil's Cormorant by Richard J King. General information about ducks came...
2023-05-2508 min
Garden in a CityKindergarten and First Grade Nature QuestionsIn this episode, I answer nature questions asked by San Francisco Schoolhouse's K-1 class. Explore a wide variety of nature-related topics as we dive deeper into many subjects about the Bay Area's ecosystems.
2023-05-1907 min
Garden in a CitySpring MushroomsIn this episode, we explore four of our most common Bay Area mushrooms: Western Jack-ó-lantern, Turkey Tail, Artist's Conk, and Witch's Butter. As always, this episode concludes with a poem about nature.
Sources and more information on specific subjects:
Davis, Haley. The Most Eye-Catching Mushrooms to See in Winter, Bay Nature https://baynature.org/2021/02/10/top-5-winter-fungi-in-the-bay-area/
Siegel, Noah. Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast, 2016
Turkey Tail, Encyclopedia of Life https://eol.org/pages/190215
2023-03-2906 min
Garden in a CityHighlights of WinterIn this episode, we discuss three highlights of winter: the adaptations of our native plants to the rainy season, how insects survive the cold, and grandfather's beard lichen. As always, this episode concludes with a poem about nature.
Sources and more information on specific subjects:
Grandfather's beard lichen:
Marianchild, Kate, and Ann Meyer Maglinte. Secrets of the Oak Woodlands: Plants and Animals among California’s Oaks. Heyday, 2014.
Native Plants in Winter:
Charles, Jacoba. “Bay Area Native Plants Play It Safe, Biologically Speaking -.” Bay Nature, https://baynature.org/article/bay-ar...
2023-01-2607 min
The Hive Poetry CollectiveS4:E39 Charles Atkinson interviewed by Julia ChiapellaJoin Julia Chiapella in conversation with award-winning Santa Cruz poet Charles Atkinson. We talk about his recent release, New and Collected Poems, life reflected in poetry, and his clear-eyed embrace of a diagnosis of lewy body dementia. You can purchase the book at Bookshop Santa Cruz or Two Birds Books. Chuck is joined in the conversation by his wife, writer and educator Sarah Rabkin.
2022-12-1357 min
Garden in a CityLate Fall BirdsIn this episode, we explore the birds that are flying through the Bay Area right now, how birds change their behavior for winter and late fall, and how you can help support birds in your backyard or observe them in your local park.
As always, this episode concludes with a poem about nature.
Sources and more information on specific subjects:
American Robin Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Robin/overview. Accessed 1 Dec. 2022.
Dark-Eyed Junco Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. https...
2022-12-0309 min
Garden in a CityEarly Fall DragonfliesIn this episode, we discuss a wide range of topics related to dragonflies, including feeding, behavior, and flight, as well as how to attract dragonflies to your backyard.
As always, this episode concludes with a poem about nature.
Sources and more information on specific subjects:
Dragonfly Migration in the Bay Area: Claire Peaslee, Meet the Bay Area's Migrating Dragonflies, Bay Nature Magazine (Sept. 2017) https://baynature.org/article/meet-bay-areas-migrating-dragonflies/
Dragonflies Hunting: ScienceTake, How a Dragonfly Hunts, Youtube Video by New York Times (Sept. 2013) https://www.youtube.com/watchv=fE8IYukB7KE
2022-10-1406 min
Imaginary WorldsA Perfect WorldA French philosopher is certain his ideas will help human beings evolve -- not just emotionally or psychologically. We will start to grow tails. And that inspires his disciples to start a socialist commune in the Wild West of 1850s Texas. Were utopians the first science fiction thinkers? Featuring Julia Barton and Eric Rabkin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2015-02-2619 min