Episode 419 – New Caledonian Crow: Bird Nesting
“…and now we’re talking to high quality bird brains. But more on that later.” What does the crow know? Accounts, it does not grow. Seeds, it does not sow. But knowing it will show. When life asks the crow… To think to earn its dough. The new caledonian crow may be among the smartest birds […]
Episode 418 – Snowy Tree Cricket: Nature’s Thermometer
“…and today we’re talking about a bug that is a scientific instrument… but more on that later.” In the sticky stillness of a summer night, a tiny troubadour tunes up in the trees. This pale, unassuming performer doesn’t just chirp—it engineers, improvises, and even has custom acoustics. This backyard busker sings its love song using […]
Episode 417 – Titicaca Water Frog: Way of the Wrinkle
“…and today we’re talking about a frog with a funny name that we’re going to be mature about! But more on that eminently.” A special frog lives at the bottom of a lake on top of the world… Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable waterway on earth, and it’s home to an amphibian that’s gone […]
Episode 416 – Northern Fulmar: Fowl Play
“..and today we’re talking about a fat baby sea bird. But more on that later.” Out on the icy oceans of the Arctic, the Northern Fulmar floats above the waves—calm, collected, and carrying a concealed weapons permit. This bird doesn’t bluff, doesn’t bluster, and certainly doesn’t believe in backing down. Instead, it leans into a […]
Episode 415 – Black Footed Ferret: Back from the Brink
“…and today we’re talking about a Lazerus noodle. But more on that later.” The worst thing that can happen to a species is extinction. The balance of life and death tips towards oblivion… a corner of creation relegated to rejoin the dust. People are often the problem…but we’re getting better at finding solutions. One small […]
Episode 414 – Mountain Alcon Blue: Ant-Agonist
“…and today we’re talking about a bug adoption. But more on that later.” The insect world is a terrifying one. It’s a bug-eat-bug world out there. Some deal with it by being bigger, faster, stronger, or more numerous. Others have subtler ways of staying alive. The Mountain Alcon Blue caterpillar dons a clever disguise, not […]
Episode 413 – Goldie’s Tree Cobra: Cobra High
“…and today we’re talking about danger from above. But more on that later.” In the African rainforest lives the King of Trees, gliding along the canopy, seeking prey in his sky domain. His crown is slight, but not his bite. One peck sends his subjects into an eternal slumber. Leave the ground to his cobra […]
Episode 412 – Phillip Island Centipede
“…and today we’re talking about an insect that doesn’t stay in its lane. But more on that later.” Squirming the soil of a windswept island, lurks a many-legged menace with a taste that…raises eyebrows. It’s a wriggling, writhing ribbon of ruthless efficiency, equal parts nightmare noodle and avian scourge. While most creepy crawlies shy away […]
Episode 411 – Harlequin Cockroach: The Prettiest Pest
“…and today we’re talking about a bug that is a real jokester. But more on that now.” Suggestion from Rowan via email The harlequin cockroach is a little like the bus boy at an underground speakeasy. It clears a low bar. This brilliant bug is striking for its mottled pattern and interesting hues… for a […]
Episode 410 – Brazilian Free Tailed Bat: Friendly Skies
“…and today we’re talking about a friendly sky rat. But more on that later.” Picture a dusk-drenched desert sky where the horizon starts to move. A clear evening gives way to a tornado. But it’s not the weather, it’s a living, breathing, leathery blizzard pouring out of caverns deep within the rocky substrate. That’s right, […]
