{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Cicadas Unleashed: A Symphony of Wings","description":"Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the captivating podcast that delves into the wonders of nature! Broadcasting across 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the picturesque Carolinas, our show has garnered acclaim, including the prestigious Best of the Weeklies award from the readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly.   In this episode, we\u2019re joined by the remarkable Lenny Lampel, a seasoned natural resources supervisor at Mecklenburg County Parks and Rec. Lenny wears another hat too: he\u2019s a Central Carolina\u2019s Master Naturalist. His and Debbie\u2019s paths intertwined years ago when they were part of the inaugural graduating class.   Cicadas, those enigmatic insects, take center stage today. Their appearance is anything but ordinary\u2014large, chunky, and with a distinct short body. But it\u2019s their song that truly captivates. Imagine describing a cicada to someone who\u2019s never encountered one\u2014their buzzing, their rhythmic chorus. These creatures span the globe, their presence felt in every corner.   What ignites the collective fascination with cicadas? Lenny\u2019s take is simple: \u201cIt\u2019s fascinating.\u201d Even the periodical cicadas, part of the magical genus known as \u201cMagic Cicada\u201d, evoke wonder. Whether you\u2019re a seasoned nature enthusiast or a casual observer, cicadas demand attention.   And here\u2019s the twist: 2024 is a special year. We\u2019re witnessing the simultaneous emergence of two distinct broods of periodical cicadas. These remarkable insects are exclusive to the eastern and central United States, nowhere else on Earth. Researchers are on the edge of their seats, eager to witness the unfolding drama.   So, dear listeners, whether you\u2019re sipping coffee in Charlotte, hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains, or strolling along the Carolina coast, join us as we explore the secret lives of cicadas. It\u2019s a symphony of wings, a tale of survival, and a reminder that nature\u2019s wonders are always in concert.   Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.   Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http:\/\/www.thebirdfoodstore.com\/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.   Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don\u2019t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.   Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to info@downtownpodcasting.com.   While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company  in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer\u2019s Market  this Saturday morning.  ","author_name":"The Backyard Naturalists","author_url":"http:\/\/www.thebackyardnaturalists.com","html":"