Troubleshooting Bird Feeding — Solving Common Backyard Challenges
Release Date: 11/01/2025
Plant This, Not That
The Backyard Naturalists
In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne celebrate spring planting season with a practical conversation about choosing plants that support wildlife and strengthen local ecosystems. Using the idea of “Plant This, Not That,” they compare native plants that thrive in the Carolinas with invasive or problematic plants that can outcompete native species, spread aggressively, or reduce habitat value. The discussion also highlights Constructive Plant Rescue, a local nonprofit working to save native plants from construction sites and give them a second life in...
info_outline
What’s Happening in Your Habitat
The Backyard Naturalists
Spring is finally making itself known, and that means our backyard habitats are changing fast. In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie talk about what listeners may be seeing, hearing, and experiencing in their own outdoor spaces — from nesting bluebirds, Carolina wrens, catbirds, frogs, butterflies, lizards, bats, possums, raccoons, snakes, deer, and even coyotes. Whether your habitat is an apartment balcony, suburban yard, garden, greenway, or several acres of land, this episode is a reminder that every space can support wildlife in meaningful ways. The conversation...
info_outline
Barred Owls — Silent Flight, Big Personalities, and Backyard Nesting
The Backyard Naturalists
In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne take us into the fascinating world of barred owls, inspired by a local owl box success story just in time for Earth Day. From the excitement of watching young owlets leave the nest to the unmistakable “who cooks for you?” presence of barred owls in the Carolinas, this conversation explores how these remarkable birds live, hunt, nest, and raise their young in our neighborhoods and natural spaces. Debbie and Laurie discuss what makes barred owls such efficient hunters, including their almost silent flight, incredible...
info_outline
Tadpoles, Horse Troughs, and Backyard Habitats
The Backyard Naturalists
What do you do when tadpoles take over a horse trough? In this fun and wide-ranging episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris dive into the fascinating world of tadpoles after a listener from California asks how to handle an unexpected amphibian boom in her horses’ water troughs. Along the way, the conversation explores why frogs choose certain places to lay eggs, what tadpoles need to survive, and how understanding wildlife habitat — food, water, shelter, and places to raise young, can help explain nature’s behavior right in your own backyard. Listeners will also...
info_outline
Celebrating Earth Day the Backyard Naturalists Way
The Backyard Naturalists
In this special Earth Day episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie, Laurie, and Chris celebrate Earth Day 2026 by exploring the history behind this global movement and sharing practical, everyday ways listeners can make a real difference for the planet. From the surprising origins of Earth Day in 1970 to the staggering number of people who now participate around the world, this episode is packed with inspiration, useful resources, and plenty of the lively conversation listeners love. The trio highlights simple but meaningful actions you can take right now — from skipping plastic bags and...
info_outline
How Big Is It? Part 2: Nature’s Biggest and Boldest Creatures
The Backyard Naturalists
In this fun and fast-moving second installment of “How Big Is It?”, Debbie and Laurie explore some of the biggest creatures in the natural world—from the world’s largest vulture and giant hummingbird to the Komodo dragon, Goliath frog, capybara, and even a massive Australian sea snail. Along the way, they share surprising facts about size, habitat, diet, and behavior, with plenty of laughter and off-the-cuff conversation that makes this episode feel like you’re sitting right at the kitchen table with them. Listeners will come away with a new appreciation for the incredible diversity...
info_outline
Encore Episode: Spring Weeds, Pests, and Planet-Friendly Solutions
The Backyard Naturalists
This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we’re bringing back a timely favorite from last spring as an encore presentation packed with practical, eco-friendly garden advice. Debbie and Laurie revisit smart, natural solutions for some of the season’s most common backyard headaches, including weeds, garden pests, and unwanted plant invaders. From weed control methods like solarization and hand-pulling to chemical-free pest strategies using neem oil, diatomaceous earth, and even beer traps, this episode is full of easy, earth-friendly ideas for a healthier yard and garden. You’ll also hear...
info_outline
What’s It Called? Animal Homes from Nests to Dens
The Backyard Naturalists
What do you call the place an animal lives? In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie dive into the surprisingly fascinating world of animal homes. From bird nests and squirrel dreys to eagle aeries, bobcat dens, bird rookeries, and bee hives, they explore the wide variety of places wildlife builds, borrows, and calls home. Along the way, they share fun facts about everything from turtles, termites, and raccoons to alligators, snakes, wolves, and even octopuses. As always, the conversation is lively, curious, and full of the kind of nature trivia that makes you look at the...
info_outline
Use It Up: Project Pan and Mindful Consumption
The Backyard Naturalists
In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie take a fresh look at Project Pan, a social media trend encouraging people to use up every last bit of the products they already own before buying more. What starts with makeup and toiletries opens into a bigger conversation about mindful consumption, reducing waste, saving money, and making more environmentally responsible choices in everyday life. From cleaning supplies and pantry items to clothing and online shopping habits, this episode explores simple ways to cut back on excess and rethink what we bring into our homes. Along...
info_outline
Encore: Spring Yard Cleanup That Helps Birds and Pollinators
The Backyard Naturalists
In this popular encore episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie team up with Chris to tackle a timely spring topic: how to clean up your yard in ways that support birds, pollinators, and other backyard wildlife. From scrubbing bird feeders and bird baths to preparing bird houses for nesting season, they share practical, easy-to-follow tips for creating a healthier habitat just as migration and breeding season begin. Along the way, they explain why fresh water, mealworms, suet, and properly placed nesting boxes can make a big difference for the wildlife that depends on your yard....
info_outlineEven the most dedicated backyard bird lovers sometimes run into trouble, empty feeders, spoiled seed, or disappearing birds. In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie, Laurie, and producer Chris roll up their sleeves to help listeners troubleshoot their bird-feeding setups. From moldy seed and filler-heavy mixes to misplaced feeders and seasonal slowdowns, they cover the small details that make a big difference in attracting and keeping healthy flocks.
The trio revisits the basics of building a thriving wildlife habitat; food, water, shelter, and sustainable gardening practices, and digs deeper into what to do when the birds just aren’t showing up. Along the way, you’ll learn why “cheap seed” can cost you more in the long run, how to spot hidden mold, and which feeder styles best suit different species. Whether you’re a first-time feeder or a seasoned bird enthusiast, this episode offers smart, practical advice to help you create a safe, sustainable, and bird-friendly backyard all year long.