Phenology Report

A Solitary Sandpiper forages along a wetland in Bear Island State Forest in St. Louis County on May 13, 2026.

Spring 2026 dawdles as it works its way north

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of May 19, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on the late spring, a profusion of warblers, and the emerging greenery.

Three maple leaves lie on a log on the Superior Hiking Trail in Lutsen on Sept. 28, 2022.

Science and Nature

How much drought can a tree's stoma stomach?

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of May 12, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on drought tolerance in trees and the eruption of spring wildflowers.

A Bald Eagle chick stares disconsolately at the camera. It looks like a oddly-shaped pile of dryer lint affixed with a big beak, large eyes. Some wispy white hairs sticking straight up from the top of its head give it the air of a confused old man. Its beak is partially open, and a large pine tree and mountain are out of focus in the background.

Science and Nature

John Latimer delighted to spy two eaglets peeping over the nest's edge

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of May 5, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer hoots and hollers about eaglets, finds spring wildflowers, and reports on aspens.

Science and Nature

Loons return to Latimer's lake

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of April 28, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on loons returning, bloodroot flowering, and the first leaves emerging on raspberries.

A Tree Swallow parent feeds its baby in Comfort Township, Minnesota on June 26, 2024. The fledgling is perched on a power wire and is flapping its wings and extending its neck. The parent is landing on next to it and leaning toward the fledgling.

Science and Nature

Acrobatic swallows wing their way north in pursuit of emerging insects

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of April 21, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on aspen flowers, migrating swallows, and the beginning of the dawn chorus.

A mourning cloak butterfly rests on dead leaves in Minneapolis on March 13, 2024. It is a large butterfly with dark wings bordered in yellow, with a line of small blue spots just inside the yellow border.

Science and Nature

A big week ahead: Spring wildflowers, butterflies, frog song imminent

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of April 14, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on Pileated Woodpeckers "tapping out love notes" and spring's imminent arrival.

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 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.

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.