Phenology

Purple Blazing star, orange black-eyed Susans and purple wild bergamot bloom in a meadow during sunrise

John Latimer previews a joyful July outdoors

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 1, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer previews the summer month ahead: fledging eagles, ripe raspberries, and more!

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.

A many-petaled yellow flower with pointed green sepals faces the sky.

Science and Nature

Wildflowers, housecats, and me: Heliotropic plants (and animals) of MN

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of June 24, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer introduces a new vocabulary word (heliotropic) and stops to smell the wild roses.

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.

Two pink lady-slipper orchids, with bright pink slippers

Science and Nature

Why do lady's slippers bloom earlier in Canada than in Minnesota?

Charlie Mitchell

In the phenology report for June 17, 2025, KAXE Staff Phenologist John Latimer discusses nesting turtles and how northern plants adapt to a short summer season.

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.

A black and orange colored bird perches on a red feeder. It holds a glob of grape jelly in its beak.

Science and Nature

Warm June weather draws out vibrant birds and butterflies

Pam Perry, retired DNR biologist, stopped by on June 10, 2025, to chat with our staff phenologist, John Latimer, about the colorful and charismatic critters of June.

A tube-shaped flower flanked by two wing-like petals blooms at Peninsula State Park, Wisconsin, on June 21, 2010.

Science and Nature

Spring ephemerals give way to June-blooming wildflowers

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of June 10, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer discusses wildflowers, fruit trees and life in the bog.

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 large bumblebee buzzes among small white flowers.

Science and Nature

Pondering the pollinators with John Latimer

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of June 3, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer discusses wildflowers, mysterious pollinators, and early pine pollen season.