Spring Phenology

A menacing-looking hawk with bright yellow feet and red eyes perches on a metal bird feeding pole.

In praise of BirdCast, a marvel of migration monitoring

In a special edition of the pod, co-hosts Heidi Holtan, John Latimer, and Pam Perry look forward at a busy spring migration season. Check out Birdcast!Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

Chalk illustrations show a hepatica flower, a Wood Duck in its nest, baby rabbits, and an Eastern Bluebird.

Science and Nature

Have you felt the intimidating presence of a Sharp-shinned Hawk?

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of April 14, 2026, we enjoy reports of blooming bloodroot, Fox Sparrows, and a two-footed coyote. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

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 tiny frog, held carefully by a person, has inflated its throat sac to call.

Science and Nature

Can you hear the peepers sing?

Charlie Mitchell, Andrew Dziengel

Co-hosts Andrew Dziengel and Charlie Mitchell focus on frog and toad calls in this edition of the Season Watch Pod.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

Chalk illustrations show a Great Blue Heron, a Sandhill Crane, and a Turkey Vulture.

Science and Nature

First frogs begin calling in Northfield while irises sprout in Duluth

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of April 7, 2026, we enjoy reports of Eastern Bluebirds, frogs calling, and buds beginning to break. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

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.

At least seven yellow-and-black striped garter snakes are intertwined together on the corner of a patch of asphalt. Their heads are facing in similar directions.

Science and Nature

Sneaky snakey: How a sleepy serpent warms up for his springtime ball

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell wonder at the mating habits of garter snakes, discuss the overwintering habits of butterflies, and look forward to spring's advance.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

Conversation

What happens inside a winter bear den?

Heidi Holtan

Black bears emerge from hibernation in the spring across MN. Andy Tri, DNR bear project leader, shares what's happening inside bear dens and how to be "bear wise" this season.

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.

chalk illustrations show a Killdeer, a White-throated Sparrow, a silver maple, a mourning cloak butterfly, and an American Woodcock.

Science and Nature

Spring's first dandelion pops up in Caledonia

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of March 31, 2026, we enjoy reports of the Spring's first flower, the maple sap running, and emerging moths. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.