Top 10 Backyard Ecology Blog Articles: October 2022 - October 2023
Release Date: 12/14/2023
Goldenrod Geek-out! What You Need to Know About This Ecological Powerhouse!
Backyard Ecology™
Summary In this episode, Sam Hoadley and I talk about how goldenrods (Solidago sp.) are keystone species and all the ecological roles that they play. We also touch on some of the evolving discussions and potential unintended consequences related to the native plant movement. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode The various ways that goldenrods are used year-round by a wide variety of wildlife and insects. Different ways in which you can incorporate goldenrods into your gardens and home landscape. Some of the deeper level discussions and concerns that are starting to arise as...
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Simple Ways to Help Eastern Bluebirds
Backyard Ecology™
Summary In this episode, Ashley Kennedy and I discuss simple ways that anyone can help eastern bluebirds. Our discussion is based off her recently published research looking at the diets of nestling eastern bluebirds. You can find our discussion of her research and its results in episode 115. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode Simple ways to support eastern bluebirds and make a difference without getting overwhelmed. 2 resources for discovering caterpillar host plants. Some of the interactions between plants and the insects that eat them. Today’s guest Ashley Kennedy...
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New Research Reveals Diet of Baby Eastern Bluebirds
Backyard Ecology™
Summary In this episode, Ashley Kennedy and I discuss the results of her research on the diets of nestling eastern bluebirds. Ashley used GoPro cameras located on active bluebird nestboxes to take pictures of what eastern bluebirds were bringing back to the nest to feed their young. Over the course of several seasons, she obtained over 8,000 pictures which clearly showed food being brought back to the nest. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: The most common food items brought back to eastern bluebird nestlings, plus some less common and very unexpected prey items. Some of...
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More than just a forest: Our surprisingly diverse eastern ecosystems
Backyard Ecology™
Summary The general impression that many people have is that prior to European settlement the whole eastern U.S. was one giant old growth forest. But that wasn’t the case. Using an interdisciplinary approach, researchers over the last several decades have discovered that the eastern U.S. was instead interspersed with a surprising number of diverse ecosystems – only one of which was old growth forest. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: What researchers now think the eastern U.S. looked like 400 years or more ago. Why we have so many trees now and why it’s so easy to...
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How to Be Successful with Your Habitat Goals
Backyard Ecology™
Summary When it comes to creating habitat, having a written set of goals can be extremely helpful in moving a task from the “I'll get to it someday” category to the “I'm actually going to get this done” category. But all too often, those goals end up being forgotten or abandoned, which can leave us feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and defeated. In this episode, I share how Anthony and I have experienced those same feelings because we’ve made the same goal-setting mistakes that everyone else makes. Then I’ll show you how I’ve overcome those mistakes and am now able to create...
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Short’s aster: A beautiful late season extravaganza for pollinators
Backyard Ecology™
Summary Late blooming native plants are crucial sources of pollen and nectar for pollinators. One of my favorite species that blooms in October, and often into early November, is Short’s aster (Symphyotrichum shortii). 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: The biology and life history of Short’s aster. The pollinators and wildlife that use it. How to incorporate it into your garden. Resources mentioned: * * affiliate link – We get paid a small commission for purchases made through this link, but it comes at no extra cost to you. All commissions that we receive...
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The Science Behind "Leave the Leaves"
Backyard Ecology™
Summary “Leave the leaves” has become an increasingly common mantra each fall. However, until recently little to no scientific research had been done to quantify impacts of leaving your leaves in a typical suburban yard. We discuss the results of that research and actionable steps that you can take in your own yard. Today’s guest Dr. Max Ferlauto is the State Entomologist for the Maryland Natural Heritage Program. He recently conducted research to quantify the impact of leaving our leaves in our yards. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: The impact that leaving your leaves can...
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Black-eyed Susan: A must-have for the pollinator garden
Backyard Ecology™
Summary Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a beautiful native plant that can be found throughout most of the eastern U.S. and makes a great addition to pollinator and native plant gardens. It can grow in a variety of sunny to mostly sunny conditions and will provide instant gratification in the form of bright yellow flowers the first year. Those flowers will benefit a wide variety of butterflies, bees, flower flies, and seed-eating insects. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode: The biology and life history of black-eyed Susan, including how pollinators and wildlife use it. How...
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A Bad Naturalist’s Journey to Restore a Mountaintop Meadow
Backyard Ecology™
Summary Paula Whyman shares her journey of trying to restore and manage a remnant prairie located on a Virginia mountaintop. Our conversation touches upon some of the challenges she faced, lessons she’s learned, and exciting discoveries she’s made along the way. Whether you're managing a small backyard or large acreage, Paula's story provides valuable insights and motivation for fostering pollinator and wildlife habitat. Today’s guest Paula Whyman is an avid nature enthusiast and the author of the book, Bad Naturalist: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop. 3...
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Native Plants That Attract Hummingbirds to Eastern U.S. Gardens
Backyard Ecology™
Summary Hummingbirds are probably one of the most beloved groups of birds that people want to attract to their yards. In this episode, I share 10 of my favorite native plants for attracting hummingbirds to gardens in the eastern U.S. 3 things you’ll learn from this episode The surprising truth about a hummingbird’s diet. The best way to attract and support hummingbirds to your property. 10 of my favorite native plants to grow for hummingbirds in eastern U.S. gardens. Other Backyard Ecology™ resources Thank you Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go...
info_outlineI 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/
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