Phenology is the rhythmic biological nature of events as they relate to climate. Every Tuesday our resident phenologist John Latimer takes a closer look at the natural world around us. He notes subtle and big changes happening and clues listeners in on what will be happening in the coming weeks. How does he know so much? He’s been documenting daily phenological notes for more than thirty years!
This week John reports on the blooms in the KAXE rain garden, shares a recording of a chorus or grey tree frogs, reports on the decline of rose breasted grosbeak numbers and warns us to keep an eye out for male hummingbirds (they have the red patch on their throats) because they will be leaving soon, too. Fall is around the corner and the phenological clues abound.
We received recorded reports and a note in our talkbacks this week. The Newstok Kids from Memphis who are staying north on extended vacation reported mushrooms and blueberry bushes at McCarthy Beach and luna caterpillars, darners, and trumpeter swans at their cabin. Chris on Hill Lake called in reporting on the birds, bees, butterflies, and blooms on the east side of Hill Lake. Ed Dallas sent a note along from Deerwoord, he notes the discovery of swamp milkweed and warns folks to bring in their feeders due to bears.
We’d love to know what you’ve noticed outside! Send an email or leave a voicemail at 218-999-9876. You could even record a voice memo on your phone and email it to us!
School is just around the corner. If you are a teacher who would like to integrate the phenology program into your classroom, connect with John! He’s put together a whole curriculum and is excited to share it with educators!
