Phenology Report

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

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.

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.

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 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.

A person holds a tiny painted turtle hatchling in Lakeville on May 28, 2020.

Science and Nature

Painted turtle hatchlings trundle from nest to water after icy winter

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of May 13, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer tells the tale of a painted turtle hatchling’s funeral.

A red songbird with a small insect in its beak perches on lichen-covered branch.

Science and Nature

Nature enthusiasts delighted by rare sighting of a Summer Tanager

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of May 8, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer enthuses about a rare observation of a Summer Tanager and details spring's advance.

Close up of flower and leaf buds on a red maple tree

Science and Nature

Phenology Report: Breaking bud

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of April 29, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers bud break, incoming and outgoing birds, eagles nesting and more.

John Latimer leads a phenology walk at the 10th MN Phenology Gathering at Long Lake Conservation Center in Palisade. The event was on March 2-3, 2024.

Science and Nature

Phenology Report: Bunnies begone, spring keeps John Latimer on the hop

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of April 22, 2025, John details his busy spring phenology routine and rejoices in the arrival of Bald Eagle chicks.

Two small many-petaled purple flowers bloom on the forest floor.

Science and Nature

Phenology report: How does spring 2025 compare to spring 2024?

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of April 15, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer compares spring's progression to last year and wonders at an oddball fern.

A brown and white songbird perches on a grey twig with red buds in the foreground.

Science and Nature

Phenology Report: April schedule includes phoebes, frogs and flowers

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for April 8, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer details the average April phenology calendar and the table manners of black bears.