KAXE Morning Show

A black and orange colored bird perches on a red feeder. It holds a glob of grape jelly in its beak.

Warm June weather draws out vibrant birds and butterflies

Pam Perry, retired DNR biologist, stopped by on June 10, 2025, to chat with our staff phenologist, John Latimer, about the colorful and charismatic critters of June.

A tube-shaped flower flanked by two wing-like petals blooms at Peninsula State Park, Wisconsin, on June 21, 2010.

Science and Nature

Spring ephemerals give way to June-blooming wildflowers

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of June 10, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer discusses wildflowers, fruit trees and life in the bog.

Two nestling Pileated Woodpeckers reach their heads out of the nest cavity to beg for food from their papa. This nest was photographed on June 17, 2023 in Roseville.

Science and Nature

Why are young woodpeckers so loud?

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of June 10, 2025, we received 4 reports covering Pileated Woodpeckers, wild strawberries, and more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A large bumblebee buzzes among small white flowers.

Science and Nature

Pondering the pollinators with John Latimer

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of June 3, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer discusses wildflowers, mysterious pollinators, and early pine pollen season.

A small brown, tan, and white bird chick with long legs strides along sandy ground.

Science and Nature

Who's that speedy little toasted marshmallow on stilts?

Charlie Mitchell

In the Phenology Talkbacks for the week of June 3, 2025, we hear end-of-year messages from schools and ponder unseen pollinators. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Five found art sculptures by local sculptor crafted from found materials like an old rollerskate and bugles.

Conversation

Area Voices: A Lost Art pops up on First Friday in Grand Rapids

Andrew Dziengel

KAXE Morning Show host John Bauer's "Minnesota Lost Found Art Sculptures" helps him process his grief of losing his daughter to suicide and invites conversations about mental health.

Vibrant yellow-and-black butterflies stand on damp sand.

Science and Nature

Monarchs and tiger swallowtails flutter into view in Northern MN

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of May 27, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer greets the season’s first monarchs and describes the movement of molting geese.

A student crouches next to an unfurling fern at Roots and Wings Forest School during late May, 2025.

Science and Nature

Playing in nature pays off: End-of-year inspiration from schools

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of May 27, 2025, we are reminded of the importance of outdoor learning and get a look at three wandering bears. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A closeup of a twig shows a profusion of white flowers and greening leaves.

Science and Nature

Where are the bees? Latimer's fruit trees bloom without the buzz

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of May 13, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer found his fruit trees were quiet this year, without bees buzzing in the blossoms.

Chalk illustrations show a Chipping Sparrow, morel mushroom, bellwort, and Jack-in-the-pulpit

Science and Nature

Roving raccoons and face-eating water bugs fascinate students

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of May 20, 2025, students report seeing black bear cubs, a water bug eating "the face off of a dragonfly larva," and much more. John Latimer responds.