Phenology Report

A road winds up a forested hillside. Near the base of the hill, the trees are mostly green: at the top, they glow vivid orange, yellow, and red.

Fall color vibrancy depends on moisture, temperature, and leaf chemistry

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 22, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on changing autumn colors, departing birds, and the taste of nannyberries.

A Ruby-throated Hummingbird visits a cardinal flower before migrating south for winter. The bird is relatively large for a hummingbird, and is hovering next to red flowers. The background is blurry.

Science and Nature

Hummingbirds depart as fall color begins

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 15, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer discovers Nevada flora and fauna and notes seasonal transitions in Northern MN.

A red maple shows off its vibrant orange and red leaves in mid-September.

Science and Nature

Scoping out September: A preview of early fall phenology

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 1, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer anticipates the many happenings of early fall.

An eastern cottontail browses on grass in Minnesota on July 25, 2020.

Science and Nature

A good summer for rabbits heralds a good winter for predators

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

During the Phenology Report for the week of Aug. 25, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on rabbit populations, changing leaves, and wildflowers.

Canada goldenrod blooms in fall. The image is a closeup of long clumps of many tiny golden flowers on top of green stems. The background is blurred.

Science and Nature

The subtle changes towards autumn with John Latimer

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

During the Phenology Report for the week of August 17, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on lake water temperatures and those stubborn bears at this feeders.

A small blue and brown falcon with vibrant black and white markings and a hooked bill is shown against a blurry green and brown background.

Science and Nature

A hungry kestrel family strikes fear into the hearts of grasshoppers

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Aug. 11, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on Red-eyed Vireos, blooming flowers, and Carolina grasshoppers.

Ripe raspberries dangle in bunches from purple stems of raspberry plants.

Science and Nature

Early August has glimpses of the autumn ahead in Northern Minnesota

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

During the Phenology Report for the week of August 4, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on ripening berries and nuts and caterpillars turning into butterflies.

A viceroy butterfly sits on a bergamot flower. It has orange and black wings like a monarch buttterfly, but has a black line going through the hind wings that monarchs lack. The flower it is sitting on is purple, and there are green leaves in the blurry background.

Science and Nature

Wild bergamot provides oasis for butterflies and hummingbirds

Heidi Holtan

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 27, 2026. Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on ripening berries, budding flowers and a bear visitor.

Vibrant red berries of a staghorn sumac pop out amongst green leaves.

Science and Nature

Like lemonade? Try sumac-ade, a wild alternative!

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 21, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on sumac, ripe berries, and a veritable rainbow of wildflowers.

A basswood tree blooms in Woodbury on July 26, 2024.

Science and Nature

Fragrant basswoods bloom in northern MN

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 14, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on blooming basswoods, hawks hunting in harvested fields, and more.