Phenology Talkbacks

A healthy gray squirrel feeds at a bird feeder.

Long Lake campers dub large gray squirrel 'Big Chungus'

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of July 8, 2025, we enjoy reports of snapping turtles, abnormally large squirrels, and oddly-named mushrooms. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A pair of Northern Flickers forage in Meadowlands on July 29, 2022.

Science and Nature

Feisty Northern Flickers face off

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of July 1, 2025, we hear about an interloping merganser, a woodpecker display, and much more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Life jackets hang out to dry at Long Lake Conservation Center on July 20, 2024. A tranquil lake is in the background.

Science and Nature

Kids celebrate getting outside, leaving their electronics behind

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of June 24, 2025, kids from St. Louis Park to Mesabi tell us why they love being outside. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A dot-tailed whiteface dragonfly sits on a plant stem near Wabasha, Minnesota on July 12, 2013. It is a mostly black dragonfly with transparent wings and a white face.

Science and Nature

Summer campers delight in dragonflies

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of June 17, 2025, we examine dragonflies, strawberries, and the Pennington Bog. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Two nestling Pileated Woodpeckers reach their heads out of the nest cavity to beg for food from their papa. This nest was photographed on June 17, 2023 in Roseville.

Science and Nature

Why are young woodpeckers so loud?

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of June 10, 2025, we received 4 reports covering Pileated Woodpeckers, wild strawberries, and more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A small brown, tan, and white bird chick with long legs strides along sandy ground.

Science and Nature

Who's that speedy little toasted marshmallow on stilts?

Charlie Mitchell

In the Phenology Talkbacks for the week of June 3, 2025, we hear end-of-year messages from schools and ponder unseen pollinators. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A student crouches next to an unfurling fern at Roots and Wings Forest School during late May, 2025.

Science and Nature

Playing in nature pays off: End-of-year inspiration from schools

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of May 27, 2025, we are reminded of the importance of outdoor learning and get a look at three wandering bears. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Chalk illustrations show a Chipping Sparrow, morel mushroom, bellwort, and Jack-in-the-pulpit

Science and Nature

Roving raccoons and face-eating water bugs fascinate students

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of May 20, 2025, students report seeing black bear cubs, a water bug eating "the face off of a dragonfly larva," and much more. John Latimer responds.

A Roots and Wings Forest School student holds a frog in mid-May, 2025.

Science and Nature

Are tadpoles 'lazy potatoes' or do they 'flop like a fishy-fish'?

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of May 13, 2025, 17 classrooms from across MN report on their outdoor observations: tadpoles, flowers, and more. Phenology Coordinator Charlie Mitchell responds.

The body of a Trumpeter Swan lies on the shore of Long Lake Conservation Center on May 3, 2025. The swan's mate (not pictured) remained near the body for days.

Science and Nature

Waterfowl murder: Students investigate suspicious death of local swan

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of May 6, 2025, student phenologists report on a swan mourning its dead mate, trees leafing out, and much more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.