Phenology Talkbacks

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.

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.

Half of a blue eggshell lies on the ground near two small green sprouts.

Science and Nature

Student phenologists ask us to 'remember how much the Earth holds'

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of April 29, 2025, 16 (!) classes share Earth Day messages and reports of migratory birds and budding trees. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A bird with well camouflaged grey, brown, and tan markings and large eyes and bill stands in damp soil and melting snow.

Science and Nature

Phenology Talkbacks: Have you heard a Timberdoodle 'peent'?

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of April 22, 2025, students reported hearing American Woodcocks, seeing dragonflies, and finding emerging irises. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Chalk illustrations show a hepatica flower, spring peeper, newborn rabbits, Eastern Bluebird, and Wood Duck.

Science and Nature

Phenology Talkbacks: Has Old Man Winter given up yet?

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of April 15, 2025, we received 10 reports detailing the swift advance of spring weather across the state. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

An aerial photo shows a dawn sky fading from orange to blue mirrored over a large, partially iced-over lake.

Science and Nature

Phenology Talkbacks: What is MN's Golden Eagle to Bald Eagle ratio?

Charlie Mitchell

The week of April 8, 2025 features 6 reports of emerging leaves, calling frogs, and more. KAXE staff John Latimer, Heidi Holtan, and Charlie Mitchell respond.