KAXE Morning Show

Chalk illustrations show a Great Blue Heron, a Sandhill Crane, and a Turkey Vulture.

First frogs begin calling in Northfield while irises sprout in Duluth

Charlie Mitchell

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.

A colorful duck perches atop a broken trunk on a snowy day.

Science and Nature

Sudden snow and cold endangers bird nests

Charlie Mitchell

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.

A clear plastic rain gauge stands in a summer garden, supported by a wooden post.

Conversation

Citizen scientists use rain gauges to assuage information drought

Charlie Mitchell

Kenzel Levens, regional coordinator for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, tells how community members aid scientists in predicting fire and flood risk.

A fluffed-up songbird perches on a snow-covered twig.

Science and Nature

When will the snow end? A phenologist's approach to April

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of March 31, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer looks forward to the busy month of April.

chalk illustrations show a Killdeer, a White-throated Sparrow, a silver maple, a mourning cloak butterfly, and an American Woodcock.

Science and Nature

Spring's first dandelion pops up in Caledonia

Charlie Mitchell

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.

Chalk illustrations show a raccoon, crocus flower, grackle, and dandelion.

Science and Nature

'The sun was winning the war against the snow,' reports student

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of March 24, 2026, we enjoy reports of warming weather, heavy snow, and lengthening days. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A chipmunk stands on a patch of bare ground surrounded by an inch of snow. It has full cheek pouches and wet fur.

Science and Nature

Spring's first chipmunks check out their surroundings

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of March 24, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on mergansers, chipmunks, and budding trees.

An American Robin forages on the bare ground left by tire tracks in Lac Qui Parle County on March 19, 2016.

Science and Nature

Robins love it when you go off-roading in snowy weather

Charlie Mitchell

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.

Chalk illustrations show a zebra jumper spider, a Red-winged Blackbird, a honey bee, a Horned Lark, and a sugar maple tree.

Science and Nature

Great Blue Herons wing their way north

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of March 17, 2026, we enjoy reports of Great Blue Herons, snow, and Saw-whet Owls. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A Compton tortoiseshell butterfly sits on dry leaves in Northern Cass County on Feb. 26, 2022. It is a medium-sized orange-and-black checkered butterfly.

Science and Nature

Keep an eye out for the season's first butterflies!

Charlie Mitchell

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.