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Phenology Report: 11/17/20

John Latimer via KAXE-KBXE Season Watch FB Page
Ice on Crooked Lake

Phenology is the rhythmic biological nature of events as they relate to climate.  Each week, our resident phenologist John Latimer closely assesses the subtle changes happening outside and gives a full, official phenology report. This week, hear about a finch eruption, grosbeaks returning, a bullock's oriole, and the logical co-existence of the nuthatch and the brown creeper.

John also shares correspondence with some long time friends in this segment and he is itching to strap on his ice skates...to that, he advises we all hold off walking on ice until it is two inches thick.  He also advises taking a friend and having a pick or pickaroon along to test ice depth and have on hand in case it's needed. 

We're grateful for Phenology here on Northern Community Radio.  If you are, too, consider making a contribution to the stationduring our Gratitude Pledge Drive! 

Check out our Season Watch page on Facebook for more pics, videos and conversation about what's happening outside! Have a question or observation to share with John? Send him an email

As a mail carrier in rural Grand Rapids, Minn., for 35 years, John Latimer put his own stamp on a career that delivered more than letters. Indeed, while driving the hundred-mile round-trip daily route, he passed the time by observing and recording seasonal changes in nature, learning everything he could about the area’s weather, plants and animals, and becoming the go-to guy who could answer customers’ questions about what they were seeing in the environment.