Fall phenology

A photo of a grey wolf has graphics of devil horns and theater curtains superimposed on top of it.

A dramaturgist, a journalist, and an ecologist walk into a podcast...

Charlie Mitchell, Stella Mayerhoff, Report for America

Charlie Mitchell and Stella Mayerhoff discuss the intersection of monsters and conservation with Michael Chemers, professor of dramatic literature and founding member of the Center for Monster Studies.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!

An adult Barred Owl perches near its chick in an oak tree near the Twin Cities in June 2022. Both birds have a pale beak. The adult has brown wings and a pale chest with dark brown streaking. The chick is fuzzy and gray with white circles around its eyes.

Science and Nature

The screech of the Barred Owl can be haunting

Heidi Holtan, John Latimer

During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 27, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on sandhill cranes in Aitkin county, active chipmunks, deer scrapes and the colors of the family of willows.

Chalk illustrations show ballooning spiders, wooly alder aphids, a harvestman, and a lady bird beetle.

Science and Nature

A bobcat hunts in full view of student phenologists

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Oct. 27, 2026, we enjoy reports of a hunting bobcat, cooling weather, and a decapitated rabbit. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A snoozy raccoon rests in a tree cavity in Minneapolis on March 8, 2022.

Science and Nature

In defense of naps and highbush cranberries

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell ponder the importance of rest, the benefits of sugar, and celebrate the first full year of the Season Watch Podcast.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!

A Northern Harrier flies near Hastings, Minnesota on November 1, 2022. It has an owl-like face and a distinctive white rump patch.

Science and Nature

Northern Harriers soar low over open areas as migration continues

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 20, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on migrating birds, the taste of cranberries, and first frosts.

Chalk illustrations show a tamarack tree and saw-whet owl.

Science and Nature

Piles of crunchy leaves accumulate in Little Falls

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Oct. 20, 2026, we enjoy reports of falling leaves, lingering insects and flocks of migrating birds. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A knobbly twig is covered in glassy ice in a winter forest.

Science and Nature

Are you cold hardy? How plants protect themselves from the winter chill

Charlie Mitchell

Charlie Mitchell listens to Sandhill Cranes, ponders Bald Eagle courtship, and learns about cold hardiness in plants.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!

A male Ruffed Grouse extends his ruff and tail fan for a female. He has many black feathers on his neck that he fluffs up to create a sphere-like ruff. His tail is held in an upright fan.

Science and Nature

Ruffed Grouse strut their stuff and a few monarch butterflies linger

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 13, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on changing fall colors, Ruffed Grouse, and insects.

Chalk illustrations show a Canada thistle, Lincoln's Sparrow, red-bellied snake, Ruffed Grouse, Meadow mushroom and destroying angel fungus.

Science and Nature

Bears continue roaming around MN, surprising students

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Oct. 13, 2026, we enjoy reports of black bears, Lapland Longspurs, and busy beavers. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A russet and tan bird with a large, back-set eye and extremely long bill walks across a gravel road.

Science and Nature

Yes, but why is your face like that? An ode to the American Woodcock

Charlie Mitchell, Julia Schrenkler

Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Julia Schrenkler opine about the weird and endearing American Woodcock, a love of strange science, and much more.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!