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 April 21, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on aspen flowers, migrating swallows, and the beginning of the dawn chorus. -
During the week of April 21, 2026, we enjoy reports of life awakening and migrating across the state. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
During the week of April 14, 2026, we enjoy reports of blooming bloodroot, Fox Sparrows, and a two-footed coyote. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of April 14, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on Pileated Woodpeckers "tapping out love notes" and spring's imminent arrival. -
During the week of April 7, 2026, we enjoy reports of Eastern Bluebirds, frogs calling, and buds beginning to break. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of April 7, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on the dangers of sudden snow for fragile young birds, the arrival of American Woodcocks and more. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of March 31, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer looks forward to the busy month of April. -
During the week of March 31, 2026, we enjoy reports of the Spring's first flower, the maple sap running, and emerging moths. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
During the week of March 24, 2026, we enjoy reports of warming weather, heavy snow, and lengthening days. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of March 24, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on mergansers, chipmunks, and budding trees.
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In a special edition of the pod, co-hosts Heidi Holtan, John Latimer, and Pam Perry look forward at a busy spring migration season. Check out Birdcast!Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe! -
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. -
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. -
Pam Perry, retired DNR non-game wildlife biologist, stops by each month to talk about Minnesota phenology with KAXE staff phenologist, John Latimer. -
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.
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During the week of March 3, 2026, we enjoy reports of Red-winged Blackbirds, temperature swings, and courting squirrels. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
Pam Perry, retired non-game wildlife biologist, discusses the wonders of late winter birding, including Red-headed Woodpeckers, Common Redpolls and Horned Larks. -
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.
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.
