In this episode, Bill and Steve dive into a tiny, bustling world - a world that’s hiding on the feathers of the birds we see every day. Joined by Dr. Alix Matthews, postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo, she reveals the strange lives of feather mites — how these barely-visible hitchhikers feed and get around, and whether or not they’re helping or hurting their avian hosts. It’s an episode that proves there’s a whole world hiding on every wing.
This episode was recorded on September 4, 2025 at Walton Woods in Amherst, NY.
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In this episode, Bill and Steve dive into a tiny, bustling world - a world that’s hiding on the feathers of the birds we see every day. Joined by Dr. Alix Matthews, postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo, she reveals the strange lives of feather mites — how these barely-visible hitchhikers feed and get around, and whether or not they’re helping or hurting their avian hosts. It’s an episode that proves there’s a whole world hiding on every wing.
This episode was recorded on September 4, 2025 at Walton Woods in Amherst, NY.
Ep. 75 - A Naturalist's Life (Part 2) - A "Hike" with Sandy Geffner
The Field Guides
42 minutes 20 seconds
3 months ago
Ep. 75 - A Naturalist's Life (Part 2) - A "Hike" with Sandy Geffner
Part 2 of our time in the woods with naturalist Sandy Geffner. This time, Sandy leads Steve and Bill on a “hike”—though with Sandy, the word takes on a different meaning. You might not cover much distance, but you’ll travel miles in understanding: exploring ecology and hearing stories of the forest and the wildlife within it. Enjoy!
This episode was recorded on July 21, 2025 at JP Nicely Memorial Park in West Falls, NY.
The Field Guides
In this episode, Bill and Steve dive into a tiny, bustling world - a world that’s hiding on the feathers of the birds we see every day. Joined by Dr. Alix Matthews, postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo, she reveals the strange lives of feather mites — how these barely-visible hitchhikers feed and get around, and whether or not they’re helping or hurting their avian hosts. It’s an episode that proves there’s a whole world hiding on every wing.
This episode was recorded on September 4, 2025 at Walton Woods in Amherst, NY.
