Phenology Talkbacks

A brown spider with stands with two pairs of back legs held to the side of its body and the other two long pairs of legs held in font of its body, It looks a little bit like a squid.

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of July 7, 2026, we enjoy reports of squid spiders, tiny toads, and summer swimming. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A small bird with a yellow beak sings from an outdoor wall bracket.

Science and Nature

Determined House Wrens twist and turn outsize sticks into their nests

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of June 30, 2026, we enjoy reports of House Wrens, yellow irises, and red raspberries. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

An American toad hides near a corner at Glendalough State Park during the week of June 16, 2026.

Science and Nature

Summer campers explore bogs and state parks

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of June 23, 2026, we enjoy reports of pitcher plants, cotton grass and an American toad. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A tiny, spotted fawn lays curled up in the undergrowth.

Science and Nature

Young fawns hide in the undergrowth at Long Lake Conservation Center

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of June 16, 2026, we enjoy reports of sundews, damselflies, and Common Nighthawks. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Green leaves have circular and oblong portions removed from their edges.

Science and Nature

Naturalist cred: How to recognize signs of leafcutter bees

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of June 9, 2026, we enjoy reports of porcupines, leafcutter bees, and loon eggs. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Chalk illustrations show a spittlebug, yellow lady's slipper, and forest tent caterpillar.

Science and Nature

Students sign off as summer break begins

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of June 2, 2026, we enjoy reports of hummingbirds, blooming lady's slippers and an abundance of wood ticks. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Chalk illustrations show a wild columbine, red oak, Scarlet Tanager, American Redstart, and painted turtle.

Science and Nature

Seeing red: Students spot a profusion of Scarlet Tanagers

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of May 26, 2026, we enjoy reports of nesting loons, Scarlet Tanagers, and wild strawberry flowers. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Chalk illustrations show a downy blue violet, Jack in the pulpit, bellwort, wild ginger, and trout lily.

Science and Nature

Who would pet a porcupette?

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of May 19, 2026, we enjoy reports of porcupettes, nesting loons, and a badger wandering in Little Falls. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Chalk illustration show a trillium flower, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, spring azure butterfly, and morel mushroom.

Science and Nature

Teenagers spot tanagers!

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of May 12, 2026, we enjoy reports of migratory arrivals, spring azure butterflies, and leafing plants. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Chalk illustrations show a wood anemone, wild strawberry, fiddle head fern, Tree Swallow, marsh marigold, and Chipping Sparrow.

Science and Nature

Little Falls students reach goal of spotting 100 bird species this year

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of May 5, 2026, we enjoy reports of migrating dragonflies, Broad-winged Hawks, and early May snow flurries. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.