Phenology

A tiny frog, held carefully by a person, has inflated its throat sac to call.

Co-hosts Andrew Dziengel and Charlie Mitchell focus on frog and toad calls in this edition of the Season Watch Pod.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

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

Science and Nature

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.

At least seven yellow-and-black striped garter snakes are intertwined together on the corner of a patch of asphalt. Their heads are facing in similar directions.

Science and Nature

Sneaky snakey: How a sleepy serpent warms up for his springtime ball

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell wonder at the mating habits of garter snakes, discuss the overwintering habits of butterflies, and look forward to spring's advance.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

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.

Large white chunks of ice, which have been rounded by constantly bumping into each other, float on clear water near a stony lake shore.

Science and Nature

Have you spotted the spring's first butterfly yet?

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell enthuse about spring's arrival, enjoy a poem from a listener, and inadvertently create a love letter to KAXE.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

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.

A Black-capped Chickadee drinks sweet sap from an icicle hanging from a maple tree in Finland on March 21, 2024.

Science and Nature

Nice-icles: Maples and boxelders provide a frozen sweet treat

Charlie Mitchell, Heather Johnson

In this episode, co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heather Johnson discuss how ants and plants help each other, the joys of gardening, and nature's popsicles.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!