Welcome to our last episode of "Chesapeake Almanac." Cold weather is losing its grip on the Chesapeake, but though the water is still cold, the earliest born Norfolk spot are making their way north, just as much a benchmark of spring as the first crocuses on land. It's March madness, which for finfish means renewed traffic and spawning on the Bay and in rivers and creeks. On this episode, John Page Williams highlights the fish you'll find making an appearance in the Chesapeake in March. From Norfolk spot, winter flounder, Labrador herring, and river herring to yellow perch spawning in small creeks on balmy days, white suckers, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and the first of the blueback herring. March is a busy time in our waters.

Thank you for joining us for this series. If you're new, check out our past episodes to find out what's in store around the Bay each month.

If you liked this episode, please give us a thumbs up and share your comments, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to Chesapeake Almanac, find us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

There is no other estuary in the world with a network of rivers like the one that feeds Chesapeake Bay. Every square inch in the drainage basins of those rivers is connected directly to the Bay. The Chesapeake itself is a river, after all. It is the drowned valley of the Susquehanna, a 200-mile-long tidal river mouth. In this episode, John Page Williams provides a geography lesson of the Chesapeake's life blood--its rivers.

If you liked this episode, please give us a thumbs up and share your comments, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to Chesapeake Almanac, find us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

When the cold fronts push into the Chesapeake region, you can expect to see (and hear) large flocks of tundra swans sweeping in after them. These are creatures of habit, or some may say tradition, flying more than 1,000 miles to the same wintering grounds each year. In this episode, John Page shares some of the reasons these birds select the Chesapeake, as well as what changing conditions in the Bay may mean for their future.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to Chesapeake Almanac, find us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

We all know the iconic Chesapeake oyster. But studying less well known members of the Bay community is often a good window into understanding it better. Softshell clams, hard clams, brackish-water clams, hooked mussels, ribbed mussels, and the stout razor clam each have their own niche and specialty--and guidance for eating. In this episode, John Page shares the stories of the "other" Chesapeake mollusks--including one that can dig faster than you can!

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to Chesapeake Almanac, find us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

Sometimes it can be easy to forget that oysters share the basic processes of life with us--like eating. In this episode of "Chesapeake Almanac," John Page Williams explains the intricate system of how oysters eat and what makes them so plump in November and December (prime time for oyster stuffing and oyster stew!).

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to Chesapeake Almanac, find us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

In this episode of Chesapeake Almanac, John Page Williams introduces us to a group of microscopic plants that live in the Bay thrive over the fall and winter. Diatoms--microscopic algae--are stunningly abundant this time of year. In Edwardian England, those interested in natural history made a hobby of collecting diatoms, looking at them under a microscope and marveling at their complex shapes, which have been referred to as "intricately carved glass jewel boxes." But those intricate designs are more than stunning to look at. They play an important role in the organism's survival. Listen now and learn more with John Page.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to Chesapeake Almanac, find us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

Loons are as well loved in summer by people on North Country lakes as ospreys are by us here. But at this time of year, they descend on the Chesapeake Bay in the thousands. In this episode, John Page shares his personal introduction to the Chesapeake's fall loons and their extraordinary "banquets" of menhaden.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to Chesapeake Almanac, find us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

Where do the menhaden go as they get older? And how do we know? Tagging fish that are caught by the tens of thousands requires an ingenious system. What about winter migrations? In this episode, John Page shares observations of scientists and watermen about the most important fish in the sea. [To find out why menhaden are considered "the most important fish in the sea," go to our video at https://www.cbf.org/news-media/multimedia/video/why-are-menhaden-the-most-important-fish-in-the-sea.html]

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to Chesapeake Almanac, find us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

Vienna is an old town built on the outside of a sweeping curve, called a meander, in the Nanticoke River. In this episode, John Page explains how meanders shape the landscape, why so many early settlements were established on the outsides of these curves, and why wildlife habitat flourishes on the insides.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to our Chesapeake Almanac playlist. Or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

From an angler's point of view, the oyster toadfish might not be good for much. But their parenting technique varies greatly from most of the fish that end up on the dinner table. In this episode, John Page reflects on how his father shared the story of a why a fish with a face only a parent could love deserves some parenting respect.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to our Chesapeake Almanac playlist. Or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

As fall sets in, it's harvesttime around the Chesapeake. Finfish have

fattened up on summer's bounty and the marshes provide a bumper crop of

nutritious seed. Those who will enjoy this harvest are a remarkably

varied lot. In this episode, John Page paints an autumn picture of the

cornucopia of the Bay and the varied and ever-moving species partaking

of its harvest feast.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to our Chesapeake Almanac playlist. Or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

Two of the Bay's best-loved birds are traveling this month. Ospreys are migrating to South America, following their pattern of seeking endless summer. Canada geese are arriving for a more moderate wintering from the Ungava Peninsula in Quebec. In this episode, John Page provides some interesting insights into the October lives of these fall travelers.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to our Chesapeake Almanac playlist. Or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

In March, you can see the tiny, wedge-shaped larvae of barnacles catching early spring plankton. They scull about with their six legs, not yet ready to settle and grow into the barnacles we know. Most Bay lovers have at least one good barnacle story. Invariably these tales involved hands cut by sharp shells, or speed- and fuel-robbing crust on boat bottoms. But these crustaceans do more than create havoc for humans. They create little ecosystems on dock and pier pilings and fallen trees. In this episode, John Page opens up the world of yet another small Bay creature that has a story that surpasses its tiny size.

If you liked this episode, please give us a thumbs up and share your comments, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to Chesapeake Almanac, find us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

Terns' flying skills make even ospreys look slow and ponderous--and make them captivating to watch. In this episode, John Page introduces us to some of the various species of terns in the Chesapeake--where they get their strength for their aerial acrobatics, their diet and habitat. And why human population pressure is harder on these bright sparks of life.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to our Chesapeake Almanac playlist. Or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

Summer is ending, fall is on the way. Even though the days may still be warm and the landscape green, we have our calendars, our Labor Day holiday, our school schedules--event the Halloween decorations in storefronts--that signal the seasons they are a changin'. But what cues do the birds and fish of the Chesapeake have? The seasonal migrations have already begun. In this episode, John Page shares some of Mother Nature's seasonal magic.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to our Chesapeake Almanac playlist. Or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

Welcome to Biology class. In this episode, John Page paints a vibrant picture of a high school class learning the skills of observation from aboard canoes in the freshwater marshes of Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge. A closer examination than students expect reveals quite a lot about smartweed (Polygonum punctatum) and tearthumb (Polygonum sagittatum).

You just might agree with the closing words of a student, "Gee, I never thought that there could be so much to learn about two little plants."

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to our Chesapeake Almanac playlist. Or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac/.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

While we often think of the Chesapeake's marshes for their rich food stock, like wild rice, acres of tall, tough cattails (Typha angustifolia) and cordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides) offer another fall benefit to wildlife--habitat. In this episode, John Page introduces us to those plants that often fade into the background of the marsh and gives us a peek at the the birds and animals that call them home.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to our Chesapeake Almanac playlist. Or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

In this episode, John Page introduces us to wild rice. Stands of ripe wild rice in tidal fresh marshes along the Bay--and the blue-winged teal, red-winged blackbirds, and bobolink that enjoy it--are tell-tale signs of fall along the Bay.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to our Chesapeake Almanac playlist. Or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

In this episode, John Page peels back the layers of Bay marshes. At the end of summer, the growth of marsh plants is lush, thick with ripe seeds and colorful flowers. But below the surface a maze of systems has adapted marsh plants to thrive in some highly challenging environments.

Next, read our blog, "Late Summer Glory in Tidal Fresh Marshes."

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to our Chesapeake Almanac playlist. Or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

In this episode, you might not get a good answer to this question, but you will find out a lot of interesting things about these pesky creatures. Also called stinging nettle and jellyfish, Chrysaora quinquecirrha are related to corals and sea anemones. Find out how sea nettles reproduce, what weather patterns keep them at bay, and how they function.

Find out more on our sea nettles webpage and our blog, "Four Surprising Facts About Chesapeake Jellyfish."

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to our Chesapeake Almanac playlist. Or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

At eight weeks old, osprey chicks are nearly as large as their parents. But learning the skills they need to fly--indeed, just taking that first step--is a daunting challenge. In this episode, John Page shares the skills these youngsters need to learn before they start their migration to South America late next month. And make sure to listen for his tips on how to spot ospreys in flight.

Find out more on our ospreys webpage, check our osprey cam, or see our historical osprey tracking data from three osprey migrations.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to our Chesapeake Almanac playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZl3AavpVQS882rCUi-CREBsfPEPgN0mf. Or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

Sea turtles have been roaming the world's oceans for millions of years. The Atlantic loggerhead (Caretta caretta) is one of just a few that use our estuary, especially in the lower Bay. But like all wandering sea turtles, they have an air of mystery about them and are difficult to trace. Join John Page Williams as he introduces us to some of the mysterious sea turtles that visit the Bay and what more science is trying to learn about them.

If you'd like to learn more about these gentle giants, begin by reading the book Time of the Turtle by Jack Rudlow.

Report any dead or stranded turtles immediately to the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences at www.vims.edu.

TRANSCRIPT

If you liked this episode, please give us a thumbs up and share your comments, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

Subscribe to our Chesapeake Almanac playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZl3AavpVQS882rCUi-CREBsfPEPgN0mf. Or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

The Chesapeake Bay's best-loved creatures are generally animals we can catch and eat, like blue crabs and oysters. They are followed by species that command our attention, like ospreys and herons. Then there are those whose prominent coloring, distinctive song, and abundance throughout the region mark them as essential to the watershed. In this episode, John Page introduces us to the red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), found from Virginia salt marshes to Maryland tidal fresh marshes, and Pennsylvania river meadows.

TRANSCRIPT

If you liked this episode, please give us a thumbs up and share your comments, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

Subscribe to our Chesapeake Almanac playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZl3AavpVQS882rCUi-CREBsfPEPgN0mf. Or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

Copepods. They are among the most abundant multicellular animals on earth and generally regarded as the most numerous in the Chesapeake, with numbers routinely as high as 30,000 per cubic meter of water in some areas. They are a keystone food source for virtually every fish species in the Bay. But it takes a 3X hand lens to bring them clearly into view. In fact, they fly so far under the radar that their species don't even qualify for common names. Only the Latin Eurytemora affinis and Acartia tonsa are used to identify them.

In this episode, John Page Williams brings into focus one of the tiny--but important--mysteries of the Chesapeake.

If you liked this episode, please give us a thumbs up and share your comments, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to Chesapeake Almanac, find us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

Every predator fish over four inches long eats grass shrimp with relish. That makes them not only an important species in the Bay food web, but also good bait. In this episode, John Page shares anglers' secrets--where to find these small crustaceans and how to use them to catch your preferred fin fish. Not interested in fishing? He also explains how to cook them up for a fresh appetizer!

TRANSCRIPT

If you liked this episode, please give us a thumbs up and share your comments, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

Subscribe to our Chesapeake Almanac playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZl3AavpVQS882rCUi-CREBsfPEPgN0mf. Or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, “Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons.” The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

Chesapeake Bay blue crabs can be found in both Maryland and Virginia waters, though some say Maryland crabs taste sweeter. There's reason for that. There's also a reason that when tropical storm Agnes hit the Bay area in 1972, it didn't result in a massive loss of crab larvae that the prevailing theories predicted. For nearly 10 years a broad team of scientists pieced the puzzle together. In this episode, John Page reveals what they found.

Transcript

For more on blue crabs, see https://www.cbf.org/about-the-bay/more-than-just-the-bay/chesapeake-wildlife/blue-crabs/

Please rate and review, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our single subscription page at https://chesapeake-almanac.captivate.fm/listen

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com. Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

Menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) are low on the food chain. In fact, it has been said their high levels of protein and oil, their abundance, defenselessness, and dense schooling habit make them virtually designed to be eaten by larger fish in the Chesapeake Bay. But each year hundreds of millions of pounds of these fish (also called bunker, alewife, bogey, and bugfish) are caught by humans. Their uses range from bait to omega-3 capsules to animal feed to cosmetics and more. In this episode, John Page shares the big story behind the little fish on which much of the Bay's economy depends.

Transcript

For more on Atlantic menhaden, see https://www.cbf.org/about-the-bay/more-than-just-the-bay/chesapeake-wildlife/menhaden/index.html

Please rate and review, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our single subscription page at https://chesapeake-almanac.captivate.fm/listen

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com. Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

Eelgrass is one of only a handful of flowering plants that can live submerged full-time in salt water. It's an important habitat for small fish, shrimp, and all sizes of crabs. In this episode, John Page shares the story of a young family's first experience investigating the wonders of eelgrass beds and their importance to the Chesapeake Bay.

Transcript

For more on topics touched upon in this episode, see

• June's For Soft Crabbers, Summer Is a Busy Season;
• Fox Island.

Please rate and review, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our single subscription page at https://chesapeake-almanac.captivate.fm/listen

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more at cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com. Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

For most of us, summer is high season on the Bay. Whatever we do, whether fishing or crabbing or cruising, this is our favorite time on the water. In any season, what we do on the Bay is a strong reflection of what is happening in the Bay. And summer's weather pattern-- with hot temperatures, low rainfall, and less wind--has a number of effects on the Bay and the creatures that live in and around it.

Join John Page Williams for an expedition into the summer Bay and its common species on and off the water.

Please rate and review, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

Transcript

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our single subscription page at https://chesapeake-almanac.captivate.fm/listen

For more on topics touched upon in this episode:

• for details of the sloughing process, see June's "For Soft Crabbers, Summer Is a Busy Season"
• for more on predators of which we are generally less aware, see June's "Cownose Rays Are Really Graceful"
• find more on great blue herons on June's "The Stalkers: Great Blue Herons and Their Kin"

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more at cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com. Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

In this episode, John Page Williams shares some fabulous facts about one of the Chesapeake's best-loved birds, the great blue hero (Ardea herodias), as well as eight other heron species which make their homes in our region. The Chesapeake has a rich community of herons, but their greatest threat is their need for isolated, protected, mature woodlands for breeding.

Please rate and review, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

Transcript

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our single subscription page at https://chesapeake-almanac.captivate.fm/listen

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more at cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com. Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

Are rays fish? What is the difference between rays and skates? What are the dangers of catching rays? How do you catch one safely? Can you eat them? John Page Williams answers these and other questions about Chesapeake Bay dwelling cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) on this episode of Chesapeake Almanac.

Please rate and review, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

Transcript

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our single subscription page at https://chesapeake-almanac.captivate.fm/listen

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more at cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com. Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

During a 24- to 30-month life span, a blue crab will molt over 20 times. What goes on inside the animal to trigger the shedding of it's entire shell? And what does it mean for the crab, and for the crabbers who do business in soft crabs? John Page Williams sheds light on both the human and critter stories.

Please rate and review, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

Transcript

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our single subscription page at https://chesapeake-almanac.captivate.fm/listen

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more at cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com. Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

Walkerton, Virginia is 58 miles from the Chesapeake Bay, and the Mattaponi River running through it is completely fresh water, making it easy to forget it has any connection to the Bay at all. But it has an interesting claim to fame--it has the highest average daily tide change of any location on the Chesapeake.

How does such a distant, freshwater town have such a strong tide? John Page Williams explains how the interactions of fresh water, salt water, short-period waves, long-period waves, and the uniqueness of the Mattaponi itself converge to create Walkerton's unique place on the tide tables.

Please rate and review, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

Transcript

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our single subscription page at https://chesapeake-almanac.captivate.fm/listen

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more at cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com. Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

Did you know cattails are edible? Besides being important as food and habitat to birds, mammals, insects, and fish, they can have a place in your pantry. In this episode, John Page Williams talks about the different ways to enjoy two species of cattails common to Chesapeake Bay country.

Please rate and review, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

Transcript

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our single subscription page at https://chesapeake-almanac.captivate.fm/listen

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more at cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com. Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

While February is the shortest month of the year, to many anglers it can seem like the longest. What happens to the Bay's species when the cold water of winter sets in? In this episode, John Page takes us beneath the surface of February's Bay--who hibernates; who settles into deep, warmer waters; who heads out to sea.

If you liked this episode, please give us a thumbs up and share your comments, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to Chesapeake Almanac, find us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

May is the beginning of horseshoe crab spawning season on the Chesapeake Bay. They come into the shallows by the thousands to breed and lay their eggs. They are the oldest animal design with which we have contact in the Chesapeake. In this episode, John Page Williams takes a look at the reproductive cycle and history of these curious critters.

Please rate and review, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

Transcript

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our single subscription page at https://chesapeake-almanac.captivate.fm/listen

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more at cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com. Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

You can start finding diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) around the Chesapeake Bay region in May, when they emerge from their winter hibernation under the mud to mate and simply absorb spring's warmth and sunshine. In this episode, John Page Williams shares the species' history along the Chesapeake and the challenges they continue to face.

Please rate and review, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

Transcript

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our single subscription page at https://chesapeake-almanac.captivate.fm/listen

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more at cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com. Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

The well-stocked Chesapeake is home to a lot of fishing birds. In creeks and coves with high, sandy, wooded banks and shallow flats full of tasty little fish, the dominant fisher is the belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon). John Page Williams provides insights into what makes these brightly colored birds such successful fishers.

Please rate and review, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

Transcript

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our single subscription page at https://chesapeake-almanac.captivate.fm/listen

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more at cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com. Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

April is a turning point for migrating birds, and the flow of life through the Chesapeake is heavy. It's the time for spotting some small travelers coming from as far south as Patagonia, at the southern tip of South American. While some stay for the summer, others are here for just a short time as they continue on as far north as British Columbia. John Page shares where to look and what to look for.

Featured in this episode: spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularia), greater yellowlegs (Totanus melanoleucus), prothonotary warbler (Prothonotaria citrea).

Please rate and review, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

Transcript

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our single subscription page at https://chesapeake-almanac.captivate.fm/listen

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more at cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com. Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

The Chesapeake region is home to a broad variety of turtles. The most common species, however, is the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina serpentina). At first glance they are ugly and mean. But there's more to them than a sour face. In this episode, John Page shares insights into this local reptile's disposition, versatility, and more.

Please rate and review, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

Transcript

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our single subscription page at https://chesapeake-almanac.captivate.fm/listen

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more at cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com. Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

By far the most common snake along the Chesapeake's rivers and marshes, the water snake (Natrix sipedon) is often mistaken for other species of venomous snake. But just because they are nonvenomous doesn't mean they should be trifled with.

Transcript

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our single subscription page at https://chesapeake-almanac.captivate.fm/listen

Please rate and review, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more at cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com. Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

The common loon (Gavia immer) returns to the Chesapeake in late February and March, resplendent in dramatic, iridescent breeding plumage. You'll see these remarkable divers around the Bay from now until early May.

Transcript

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit our single subscription page at https://chesapeake-almanac.captivate.fm/listen

Please rate and review, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more at https://www.cbf.org (cbf.org).

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com. Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

The fish-eating double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is the only cormorant species that appears commonly on the Chesapeake Bay. March is an especially good month for early migrants, as the Bay's fish populations are beginning to stir.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more at cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com. Content copyright © John Page Williams, Jr. All rights reserved.

Episode Transcript

Winter brings several diving ducks from Canada and Alaska that thrive on the open Chesapeake. In this episode, John Page introduces us to four sea duck species attracted to the Bay's historically rich bottom food stores found in oyster beds.

If you liked this episode, please give us a thumbs up and share your comments, it really helps us to spread these seasonal stories to new listeners.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to Chesapeake Almanac, find us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

The Chesapeake has a healthy population of otters. In fact, every river system has at least one family. Otters are perhaps the wildest, most elusive mammals on the Chesapeake. They certainly see more of us than we do of them. However, if you are lucky enough to spot one, watching an otter play on the ice if February is sure to be one of the highlights of your year! In this episode, John Page introduces us to these playful Chesapeake residents and dives into what makes these semi-aquatic mammals so otterly unique.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to Chesapeake Almanac, find us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

Did you know it's likely that most members of every population of bald eagles on the East Coast visit the Chesapeake at some point in their lives? In this episode, John Page Williams shares information about bald eagles in the Bay, where you can find them, and tips for identifying them, even if they are immature or too far away to distinguish their telltale white head.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to Chesapeake Almanac, find us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

Fossils put Bay time into perspective. Features of today's region were already recognizable when the Atlantic Ocean flooded the mouth of the Susquehanna River system 15,000 years ago. In this episode, John Page takes us back to the Bay during the Miocene Epoch and points out spots where fossils from that time can still be found, as well as resources for learning more

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to Chesapeake Almanac, find us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.

In this episode, John Page introduces us to the Chesapeake's most abundant aquatic mammal and one of the few that are active in winter--muskrats. Curious how a warm-blooded mammal can live in an aquatic habitat in the dead of a Chesapeake winter? Learn that and more.

TRANSCRIPT

Subscribe to Chesapeake Almanac, find us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our podcast page at https://www.cbf.org/ChesapeakeAlmanac.

Chesapeake Almanac is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Saving the Bay through Education, Advocacy, Litigation, and Restoration. Find out more about our work to save the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams, and what you can do to help, at https://www.cbf.org.

These readings are from John Page Williams, Jr.'s book, Chesapeake Almanac: Following the Bay through the Seasons. The publication is available in print at Amazon.com.