Phenology with John Latimer
7:20 a.m. Tuesdays
Phenology is the rhythmic biological nature of events as they relate to climate. Staff Phenologist John Latimer, alongside a network of student phenologists across Minnesota, offer their valuable insights and seasonal observations on Tuesday mornings. Check out and share our new Season Watch Pod with even more information and conversation for the curious!
Record a message and send us what you are seeing in nature!
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During the Phenology Report for the week of March 17, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on sugary icicles, brooding ravens, and robins foraging in tire tracks. -
During the week of March 17, 2026, we enjoy reports of Great Blue Herons, snow, and Saw-whet Owls. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of March 10, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on raccoons, star-nosed moles, and the season's first butterflies. -
During the week of March 10, 2026, we enjoy reports of migrating birds and the distinctive (and divisive) smell of spruce trees. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of March 3, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on brooding Bald Eagles and anticipates seeing migratory birds in March. -
During the week of March 3, 2026, we enjoy reports of Red-winged Blackbirds, temperature swings, and courting squirrels. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
During the week of Feb. 24, 2026, we enjoy reports of cardinals singing, snow melting, and plants breaking bud. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of Feb. 24, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on Bald Eagles, starlings, and the color of dogwoods and willows. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of Feb. 17, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on the Sharp-tailed Grouse mating season and pussywillows budding out. -
During the week of Feb. 17, 2026, we enjoy reports of Great Horned Owls calling and critters snacking on sugary maple sap. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
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They are also the only native Minnesota birds in the "perching duck" tribe, which is distinguished by their long, clawed toes — perfect for perching in trees. -
Pam Perry, retired DNR non-game wildlife biologist, stops by each month to talk about Minnesota phenology with KAXE staff phenologist, John Latimer. -
Pam Perry, retired non-game wildlife biologist, discusses the wonders of late winter birding, including Red-headed Woodpeckers, Common Redpolls and Horned Larks. -
Retired wildlife biologist Carrol Henderson's new book explores the legacy of Minnesota's Nongame Wildlife Program. Henderson and KAXE regular Pam Perry shared the story on the KAXE Morning Show. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of Feb. 10, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on 'dragon's teeth,' pussywillows and Bald Eagles returning to nests. -
During the week of Feb. 10, 2026, we enjoy reports of waddling skunks, warmer weather and hibernating woodchucks. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
In the Phenology Report for the week of Feb. 3, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on groundhog hibernation and the aggressive spirit of muskrats and shrews. -
During the week of Feb. 3, 2026, we enjoy a students' approximation of Bald Eagles smooching and reports of deep cold. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of Jan. 27, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on Ruffed Grouse tracks, Great Horned Owls, and canid mating season. -
During the week of Jan. 27, 2026, we enjoy reports of deep cold and 'sea smoke' on Lake Superior. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of Jan. 20, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on winter porcupines, woodpecker behavior, and aspen flower buds. -
During the week of Jan. 20, 2026, we enjoy reports of fluorescent lichens, graupel snow, and more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Phenology archive
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During the week of Oct. 14, 2025, we enjoy reports of the first frost, migrating monarchs, and milkweed pods opening. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 7, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers the next month in nature, development of fall colors, and migratory dragonflies. -
During the week of Oct. 7, 2025, we enjoy reports of giant puffball mushrooms and the season's first frost. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 30, 2025, Charlie Mitchell, KAXE phenology coordinator, discusses the BirdCast website, fungi, and fall colors. -
During the week of Sept. 30, 2025, we enjoy reports of wandering skunks, diverse fungi, and migrating birds. Phenology Coordinator Charlie Mitchell responds. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 23, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers falling leaves, migrating grosbeaks, and vibrant wildflowers. -
During the week of Sept. 23, 2025, we enjoy reports of black bears, migrating insects, and skunks scrounging for grubs. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 16, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers hunting dragonflies, fall colors, and phenomenal fungi. -
During the week of Sept. 16, 2025, we enjoy the first batch of reports from the school year. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 9, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer talks fall colors, fuzzy caterpillars, and hummingbird migration.
