The Field Guides

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Nature nerds rejoice! The Field Guides is a monthly podcast that will bring you out on the trail, focusing on the science of our North American wildlife.

Recent Episodes
  • Ep. 68 - All Hail the King (Salmon)
    Oct 31, 2024 –
  • Ep. 67 - Fishers in the Field: A Hike with Fisher Researcher Dr. Scott LaPoint
    Aug 31, 2024 – 01:17:11
  • Ep. 66 - Pinesap (The Plant, Not the Sap)
    Aug 1, 2024 – 01:04:09
  • Ep. 65 - Fishers: Eatin’ More Toes Than Turkeys
    Apr 30, 2024 – 01:09:10
  • Ep. 64 - Let's Look at the Eclipse! (Not Literally)
    Apr 1, 2024 – 01:00:28
  • Ep. 63 - Field Trip!: On the Trail of the Florida Panther
    Feb 22, 2024 – 01:12:08
  • Ep. 62 - Timber Rattlesnakes: Still Endangered, Still Danger Noodle-y (Part 2)
    Jan 23, 2024 – 01:00:24
  • Ep. 62 - Timber Rattlesnakes: Endangered Danger Noodles(Part 1)
    Dec 26, 2023 – 00:54:00
  • Ep. 61 - Bill and Steve’s Floating Fen Foray (featuring the WNY Land Conservancy)
    Jun 29, 2023 – 01:04:51
  • Ep. 60 - The True(?) Story of the Bald Eagle
    May 25, 2023 – 01:17:00
  • Ep. 59 - Beavers! (No Damn Puns, Please)
    Feb 7, 2023 – 01:15:00
  • Ep. 58 - Insectapalooza! (Part 2)
    Nov 30, 2022 – 01:07:33
  • Ep. 58 - Insectapalooza! (Part 1)
    Sep 30, 2022 – 00:56:48
  • Ep. 57 - Mockingbirds Gonna Mock
    Jul 31, 2022 – 01:03:31
  • Ep. 56 - Let's Get Nuts!
    May 26, 2022 – 01:19:00
  • Ep. 55 - Bill and Steve Go to Hell(benders)
    Jan 31, 2022 – 01:08:00
  • Ep. 54 - Can't Touch This: A Deep Dive Into Touch-me-not
    Oct 3, 2021 – 01:09:00
  • Ep. 53 - The American Chestnut & the Western NY Land Conservancy @ the Allegany Wildlands (Part 2)
    Aug 31, 2021 – 01:03:00
  • Ep. 53 - The American Chestnut & the Western NY Land Conservancy @ the Allegany Wildlands (Part 1)
    Aug 31, 2021 – 01:03:00
  • Ep. 52 - Who's Your Daddy (Longlegs)?
    Jun 30, 2021 – 01:00:11
  • Ep. 51 - Flickers Foolin' Around: Sex Roles in a North American Woodpecker
    May 29, 2021 – 01:08:00
  • Ep. 50 - Antifreeze Fleas and More Winter-Active Insects (Feat. Dr. Wayne Gall)
    Mar 30, 2021 – 01:03:33
  • Ep. 49 - Whither the Snowy Owl? (Part 2)
    Feb 21, 2021 – 00:47:01
  • Ep. 49 - Whither the Snowy Owl? (Part 1)
    Feb 11, 2021 – 01:00:52
  • Ep. 48 - Eat Sh*t and Live, Bill (Part 2)
    Nov 15, 2020 – 00:49:36
  • Ep. 48 - Eat Sh*t and Live, Bill (Part 1)
    Nov 15, 2020 – 00:45:52
  • Ep. 47 - Field Trip!: Exploring the Roger Tory Peterson Institute (Part 2)
    Sep 30, 2020 – 01:02:42
  • Ep. 47 - Field Trip!: Exploring the Roger Tory Peterson Institute (Part 1)
    Sep 30, 2020 – 00:42:51
  • Ep. 46 - The Piping Plovers of Sandy Island Beach
    Sep 2, 2020 – 00:49:04
  • Ep. 45 - In Search of A Nice Set of Pipes
    Jul 26, 2020 – 01:10:14
  • Ep. 44 - Bryozoans & The Western New York Land Conservancy @ The College Lodge
    Jul 5, 2020 – 01:12:11
  • Bonus 09 - Finding a Job in the Wild - An Interview with Matt Gaffney
    Jun 2, 2020 – 00:46:58
  • Ep. 43 - The Coyest Dog Around (Part 2) - The Coywolf?
    May 15, 2020 – 00:57:37
  • Ep. 43 - The Coyest Dog Around (Part 1)
    Apr 12, 2020 – 01:11:15
  • Ep. 42 - It's Worth the Wait: Reproductive Delays and the 'Merican Black Bear
    Feb 1, 2020 – 01:11:01
  • Ep. 41 - The Autumn Episode (Pumpkin Spice-flavored)
    Nov 24, 2019 – 00:59:33
  • Ep. 40 - Put a Ring On It (Part 2) - How Safe is Bird Banding?
    Jul 31, 2019 – 00:41:43
  • Ep. 40 - Put a Ring On It (Part 1) - All About Bird Banding
    Jul 31, 2019 – 00:54:30
  • Ep. 39 - The Alliterative Purple Pitcher Plant (Carnivorous Series #1)
    Jul 1, 2019 – 01:12:11
  • Ep. 38 - Ants in Our Plants
    May 15, 2019 – 00:53:29
  • Ep. 37 - Bill and Steve Go Timberdoodlin'
    Apr 4, 2019 – 00:57:59
  • Ep. 36 - Spring Science Geek Out!
    Mar 29, 2019 – 00:41:10
  • Ep. 35 - The Receding Hare Line (and More Snow-related Science)
    Feb 19, 2019 – 00:49:40
  • Ep. 34 - The Downy-Hairy Game
    Jan 20, 2019 – 01:05:20
  • Ep. 33 - Hart's-Tongue Fern - Restoring an Endangered Species
    Dec 1, 2018 – 01:05:06
  • Ep. 32 - The Devil Crayfish (Feat. Dr. Wayne Gall)
    Nov 4, 2018 – 01:02:42
  • Bonus 08 - The Field Guides Live! (at the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage)
    Sep 10, 2018 – 00:51:52
  • Ep. 31 - Magic Cicadas
    Aug 8, 2018 – 00:58:08
  • Bonus 07 - Wild Ideas...The Podcast (Feat. Gordon Maupin)
    Jul 25, 2018 – 01:08:30
  • Ep. 30 - Have You Seen the Light?: Foxfire and Bioluminescent Fungi
    Jul 14, 2018 – 00:56:22
Recent Reviews
  • Brit N67
    Great Nature Podcast
    The Field Guides is by far my favorite podcast. I love that scientific literature is used, the variety of topics, and the humor that occurs. As a biologist, I really enjoy some of the questions that come up and critical thinking that happens each episode. It's a little late, but welcome Daniel!
  • nora tamer
    Great discussions!
    Super natural history info and conversations. Excellent array of topics. Highly recommend. These guys are my Goldenrod Gall Gurus.
  • greenfield05
    Probably my favorite.
    Love this podcast so informative.
  • Eggjfjs
    Really enjoyed it but for one thing
    I just discovered the podcast and have been binging it this week while at work. I love it so far and as a fellow scientist (microbiology and immunohematology by training) who loves the outdoors and all things nature I am so glad you cite references. My one thing is that I just came across the episode where you played the things that you had lied about, and now I’m second guessing all the background sounds. Are the tree frogs and crickets real? Bird sounds, etc. if you’re gonna kid around (e.g. dressing up like a partridge) or add sounds (like the bobcat), that’s fine, but let us know since we can’t watch you at the same time. The bobcat was great, but you told us it wasn’t real so there’s no disappointment attached to it. That’s all. Thanks and keep it up!
  • Tiger head snake tail
    The Field Guides
    I love this podcast and learned so much from them.
  • sloth travel club
    Very informative and fun pod cast .
    Great pod cast! Really enjoyed the Roger Troy Peterson episodes.
  • NCGeeslin
    Distinct even among nature pods
    Great show! The sounds of the environment are a surprisingly lovely touch. Bill and Steve have great banter and i typically learn lots.
  • Michelebender
    Saved me
    I found the Field Guides while I was stuck inside recovering from a broken leg. I listened to every episode straight through all of my sleepless nights. It transported me into the woods and places I knew little about out here in California. Hellbenders and fens! Okay I had to skip the one on ticks. Yuck! I really appreciate their effort to summarize the science with the background sounds of the bird songs and crunch of their footsteps.
  • Bobbyboy278974
    Love
    Absolutely love this podcast! I listen to it every night. It’s clear these guys take a lot of time to research their subject and give their listeners informative, fun and humorous content. Recommending to all my friends! I work in the woods and feel like I know a lot about nature but still seem I learn tons of new things with every episode. So appreciative of this pod and these guys!
  • TreOfThePines
    Gold Star for the Field Guides
    Every second I spend indoors is dedicated to this podcast! Thank you for being my escape and keeping my interest peaked. You guys are the best!
  • down1nit
    It's recorded in the field!
    The extra effort means the episodes are "sparse" but filled to the brim with cool knowledge. There's almost 80 episodes but I was done with them in a week or so! I came for the plant talk, stayed for the downy woodpecker controversies. Love this show.
  • Bunigrl33
    Great introduction to podcasts
    I’ve been binge-listening to The Field Guides for a few days now and I’m really enjoying it. I’m new to podcasts, since I usually listen to audiobooks, but after meeting Bill at an Opt Outside event, I decided to check it out. I love going on nature walks and learning new things. When I can’t get outside myself, this podcast at least lets me imagine I am, especially since I’m familiar with many of the places they record from.
  • MgMrenna
    Great nature podcast
    We love The Field Guides podcast. We always learn something new and enjoy the Guides. I started listening with the Timberdoodle episode after i found out woodcocks live near us and wanted to learn more. This podcast became our go-to for family car rides back and forth between the Chicago suburbs and Maine a couple years ago. Now two daughters living in Maine and Maryland still listen on their own. When our son was doing a college senior project on briozomes we listened to that podcast with him and it helped all of us understand what he was doing! Hoping they keep making episodes.
  • Extraelvis
    Great show!
    I love the relationship between these guys. It’s such a fun, relaxing and interesting listen for my commute and my outside activities. Thanks!!
  • gwet17
    Unique and interesting
    Well-researched, fun, and interesting, with engaging and accessible discussions of a wide variety of topics in natural science and wildlife! Definitely helped spark my interest in plant-watching and insect-watching while I’m birdwatching. My only complaint is the audio production - I like the “field recorded” aspect but a little compression/other audio mastering might help a lot with intelligibility - often too quiet to listen in the car, with sudden changes in loudness. So much good information, I wish I didn’t need to listen on headphones in a quiet environment to hear it all. Otherwise: great!
  • Viashano16
    Amazing podcast!
    I love this podcast, by far my new favorite. The guys make their topics interesting and easy to follow along with, and they make it fun to learn more about some lesser known topics. Even better, I’m from upstate New York, and I’ve been to a few of the places they’ve recorded, and they’re absolutely gorgeous. So extra thanks to them for teaching me about awesome natural spaces that I never knew about, even though they’re only an hour away from me! Update, I’ve convinced my fiancée to listen to the podcast and she loves it too! Special love to the Bioluminescence episode, since we love Eternal Flames Falls. Thank you guys!
  • hologrampa
    Favorite nature podcast
    I discovered this recently and have been binging. I enjoy the easy going format and I like the outdoor setting and back and forth conversational approach. Someone pay these people to make more episodes. Requested topics (and I’ve only skimmed titles so maybe some of these are covered)—Monotropa and other myco heterotrophs/ parasitic plants, bloodroot, broomrapes, cohosh, walking stick insects, Cordyceps (or anything mushroom related! Get Garrett on there! Stinkhorns, invasive yellow oysters, ovoids and laughing gyms etc etc), stinging nettles, black walnuts, mountain laurel, wine berries and thimble berries, groundhogs, mustelids… I listen to a lot of nature podcasts and this one really figured out how to present the topic in the right way. A+ Edit: I usually listen to this podcast while out walking and have been making my way through the back catalog. I had a wonderful day hiking in the Hudson Highlands listening to the episodes about Eastern Hemlock (do not decoct!), oaks and corvids, and ticks while actually looking at those same species. Truly blissful and relaxing info. My biggest faux complaint is that Steve says “bolth” instead of “both”.
  • Da69Guy420
    Super fun way to learn about what’s in our own backyard!
    This podcast is awesome…Each episode teaches me something new I didn’t know about species I’m already familiar with, or all about a new local species I’ve never heard of. It’s a great way to discover what you might find in your own backyard. Each topic (and occasional deviations from the main topic) is covered with a mix of detailed research and fun facts, conveyed in lively, light-hearted conversation. Highly recommend to all nature lovers, especially in the northeast!
  • Rattlesnakemaster
    Like hiking with friends!
    Perfect proportions of knowledge, humor, and nature! I love how they record their episodes while out on a hike in a natural area - it feels like being on a cool nature walk with (smart) friends.
  • anna mariposa
    Anna
    This podcast is deep in many ways and both these guys are really knowledgeable and humble! It’s my new favorite nature podcast!
  • hawkcar
    For those Who Love to Learn (and Laugh)
    This is the podcast for the person who loves all aspects of nature and wants to know everything from basic recognition or fun facts to much more nitty-gritty details that the true nerds (like me) like to dig into. Best approached with a good sense of sarcasm, and perhaps a willingness to laugh at immature jokes at times (if you already grew up completely, I’m so sorry). A bit of patience needed perhaps, as this isn’t a weekly or semi-monthly installment like some other podcasts are, but new episodes are worth the wait every time.
  • Annzabrain
    Hello?
    tap-tap-tap
  • 🐓🦎
    Great podcast
    I just found this podcast… let the binging begin! The hosts are great and are truly passionate about the material which is what engages an audience. I’ve never been much of a plant fan until I took botany in university and started listening to podcasts where the host(s) loves plants. Now, I find myself fascinated by plants. Passion is contagious.😁😁
  • Mike @ Outside Chronicles
    New Favorite Podcast
    The Field Guides are my new favorite podcast. They are informative and funny. They do a great job explaining science for all audiences. Bill’s and Steve’s passion for the outdoors, nature, conservation, and science makes me look forward to every new episode. It is great to have hometown WNYer’s making it big in the Podcast world. Go Bills!
  • Rightgood1112
    Endearing and sound
    You guys keep me sane at work. I’m probably going to listen to this podcast over and over until I retire. You have inspired me to do something similar with my kids, as far as checking out different parks nearby. The footsteps at the beginning and then saying where you are really hits it out of the park for me. Great podcast. Probably one of the most useful.
  • The Bird Licker
    Favorite Podcast
    The Field Guides is by far my favorite podcast. The episodes are well organized and edited to present information clearly. Bill and Steve have a passion for nature that you can’t help but catch!
  • Christhetuck
    As close to a field study as you’ll get form a podcast.
    I got my degree in Natural History over a decade ago, but life got in the way so I never entered the field professionally. Listening the The Field Guides gives me a little piece of personal enrichment from the field I never got to break into. A wonderful podcast.
  • smash&fenrir
    Life, and the guys who explain it
    I am in Love with this podcast! I’m always curious about nature and learning more. These guys can take any topic and make it fun and enjoyable, but more than that, memorable. This podcast feels like home. Question, which book is the Pile book? I’ve binged so many episodes while I’m at work recently I can’t seem to remember where you mentioned it.. “bring me Pile“
  • Etheonut
    Great at What They Do
    The delivery of Natural History centered around New York State is quirky and fun to listen to while driving or walking. It is like being the third wheel while a couple buddies get nerdy on nature walks. I am from the Southern Midwest, but the topics are still meaningful and engagingly delivered.
  • Mfmcb
    Good concept but uneven execution
    Like listening and learning from these two guys as they tramp along through forests and marshes. A little less sophomoric joking would improve the delivery.
  • CeceD.
    Who’s Your Daddy (Longlegs)
    I mostly listen for the episodes about birds, but really enjoy learning about other flora and fauna. Thanks for all I’ve info and facts! Including your daughter in the podcast made it even better!
  • BioNerdBritt
    Quirky, interesting, and educational
    I love The Field Guides. We listen to their podcast on a daily basis as part of our wind down routine. They are quirky, interesting and educational. Despite having listened to every episode many times I still find myself learning more and laughing at their jokes. Being a biologist myself, I greatly enjoy the nerdy humor and the scene they set. It does feel like you’re right there on the trail with Bill and Steve. My only complaint is the irregularity at which they post new episodes.
  • PeteRyan04106
    This is THE Podcast
    Just found The Field Guides when searching on the topic of goldenrod, as one does, and I got the goldenrod gall episode. I have been binging ever since. I do need to slow down because I’m going to have a hard time waiting a whole month for new episodes to come out. The information is great, I love the structure (not a lot of idle banter or inside jokes that a lot of podcasts between friends fall into) and the personalities. I would change nothing. Thanks for this great resource!
  • Colieo8888
    Love the carnivorous plant info!
    Thanks for the in-depth episodes on carnivorous plants and off-color humor throughout!
  • Orovillegolf
    The single worst podcast to listen to if you are paranoid
    I swear to everything, this podcast is the best ever. These guys are living my best nature centered life but if you’re me and listen to podcasts while you exercise outdoors it’ll make you look like a weirdo. Picture, if you will, strongly striding out on your daily walk in a remote area. All of a sudden someone is crunching through the leaves behind you... you whirl around to see who is stealing up on you from behind, ready to defend....except you’re on asphalt and there are no leaves. It’s the sound of the podcast. I bird while I walk and was amazed to hear Canada geese flying low overhead, started trying to find the source of the calling, it was so close and would be a first on any of my walks....except it’s on my ear buds on the podcast. Mental notes taken, I continue to march along, and am almost taken in by any variety of other birds in the background on the podcast but I’m wise! I’m savvy to these tricks! And those are back East birds, not out West birds! Lulled into complacency I ignore the footsteps behind me and jump a thousand feet when an extremely friendly dog (Emma, a yellow lab puppy) comes trotting up and sticks her nose in my hand, looking for her daily dog treat. I breathe deeply, wait for the panicked beating of my heart to slow, and wise up, yanking an earbud out so I can actually hear my environment very clearly and swear to never listen to The Field Guides with both earbuds while walking ever again. Will you learn stuff! Yes! Is the energy contagious? You’d best bet it is! Do I anxiously await new episodes? You know I do! I recommend The Field Guides to everyone I know and you should, too. Just warn people about the earbud thing...or not if you like to watch people spinning around looking for creatures like they are under an odd spell.
  • nordy999
    Excellent
    These nerds are hilarious and the content is top notch.
  • ~AmberDH~
    Awesome job
    Well done. An awesome variety of subjects about the natural world, I absolutely love listening at work, and then taking the information I’ve learned and using it in the field. Very informative and you also keep it humorous and interesting. Keep it up, we need more of this in the world.
  • kierkier95
    Like a walk in the park
    This is easily one of my favorite podcasts. Each episode is informative as heck but also super fun. Im always looking for more ecology podcasts and this one delivers on all fronts. I relate super hard every time there’s a struggle to remember a word or how to pronounce anything.
  • Dastinkoman
    Fantastic!
    This podcast is great! I’ve got all my friends listening to it now! I found it through the In defense of plants podcast (which is not as good but def worth a listen). Thanks guys keep up the good work!!!
  • Skdjfnrksjnf
    Fantastically entertaining and informative
    Just an awesome show for everybody interested in outdoors!
  • 9879879870987
    👍
    A truly unique take on a podcast. Gives me an outdoor fix on the days I’m not able to get out Keep up the good work
  • Chumar
    Episode 26
    Provenance always matters.
  • Bran L K
    Outstanding nature podcast!
    If you love animals and/or plants, you’ll love this!
  • The Heathen Gardener
    Long time listener, first time reviewer.
    Found this podcast awhile back after listening to Episode 82 on In Defense Of Plants and have been enjoying it ever since. Always look forward to drowning out the mundane work day when new episodes are released.
  • AIRiel Kara
    Much needed
    This is exactly the podcast I need in my life. Their explorations of various nature topics fill me wonder and awe of the world we live in. It’s been a hard moment filled with a lot of disconnection and listening makes me feel connected to all the people and creatures and plants and all that make our world so spectacular - thanks!
  • SamBern13
    I love you guys!
    Bill and Steve, thanks for bringing us such an amazing podcast. I really appreciate the way you break down the science to make it accessible to a wide audience. As a teacher and a naturalist, I know how challenging this can be. You two make a great team, and I look forward to hearing from you every month. Keep up the good work!
  • Michael Thompson 11
    Makes you want to learn even more
    Started listening a few months ago, and going through the past episodes this has become one of my favorite podcasts! Great for long drives, long runs, anytime you want some fun company and to learn something new. My girlfriend is from western New York as well, and Bill and Steve have already given me a long list of places to visit the next time I’m there!
  • Betsy2727
    My favorite podcast!
    I love this podcast. It's like taking a walk in the woods with your two really smart brothers, who might sometimes bug you a bit, too. But really, I've learned a TON from Bill and Steve and they've inspired me to learn more! They have an uncanny knack of making difficult subjects easier to understand. As hosts, they communicate extremely well together. Thank you, thank you for all you do!
  • TwiggyTitian
    If You Love Nature...
    I’m not a big podcast person but I absolutely love this podcast when I have to drive a distance. The whole vehicle is filled with bird sounds and my brain is actively engaged in learning which makes the drive seem shorter. Since finding this podcast I’ve recommended it to half a dozen people. I appreciate the humble approach to sharing knowledge they have. It really makes the science more accessible to those of us who lack a degree but have the enthusiasm.
  • Ytfrschimfah
    All-time Favorite
    This is my absolute favorite podcast - subscribe now! The hosts have great chemistry and are clearly experienced educators (at least Bill is). I’ve listened to every episode multiple times and I learn something new every time. I work in outdoor ed and this podcast has helped me get better at breaking down complicated concepts into digestible pieces—not to mention the natural history I’m learning (and the laughs along the way). The topics are fascinating and of interest to those outside the Northeast (I’m on the West Coast). I look forward to future episodes Steve has hinted at, such as earthworms and oak trees. Can’t recommend more highly. Keep up the good work Field Guides!
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