Phenology

A Black-capped Chickadee drinks sweet sap from an icicle hanging from a maple tree in Finland on March 21, 2024.

Nice-icles: Maples and boxelders provide a frozen sweet treat

In this episode, co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heather Johnson discuss how ants and plants help each other, the joys of gardening, and nature's popsicles.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

An American Robin forages on the bare ground left by tire tracks in Lac Qui Parle County on March 19, 2016.

Science and Nature

Robins love it when you go off-roading in snowy weather

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of March 17, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on sugary icicles, brooding ravens, and robins foraging in tire tracks.

Chalk illustrations show a zebra jumper spider, a Red-winged Blackbird, a honey bee, a Horned Lark, and a sugar maple tree.

Science and Nature

Great Blue Herons wing their way north

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of March 17, 2026, we enjoy reports of Great Blue Herons, snow, and Saw-whet Owls. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A graphic represents the different hearing types of fall and spring chickadees. The fall chickadee is attuned to fine-scale variations in song, while the spring chickadee is better able to distinguish pitches.

Science and Nature

Why birds' ears change with the seasons

Charlie Mitchell, Chelsey Perkins

In this episode, hosts Charlie Mitchell and Chelsey Perkins revisit dinosaur songs and discuss inadvertent scientific discoveries. Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe! Charlie recommends the book "An Immense World" by Ed Yong.

A Compton tortoiseshell butterfly sits on dry leaves in Northern Cass County on Feb. 26, 2022. It is a medium-sized orange-and-black checkered butterfly.

Science and Nature

Keep an eye out for the season's first butterflies!

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of March 10, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on raccoons, star-nosed moles, and the season's first butterflies.

Chalk illustrations show snow melt 'tree rings', an American Robin, a snow flea, a red squirrel, and a junco.

Science and Nature

Is there a correlation between having cats and liking the smell of spruce trees?

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of March 10, 2026, we enjoy reports of migrating birds and the distinctive (and divisive) smell of spruce trees. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A Killdeer forages in shallow water near Brainerd, Minnesota on March 30, 2024.

Science and Nature

Cranes, kestrels, Killdeer: March migrators move in, and how to track them

Pam Perry, retired DNR non-game wildlife biologist, stops by each month to talk about Minnesota phenology with KAXE staff phenologist, John Latimer.

A fluffed-up songbird perches on a snow-covered twig.

Science and Nature

Some critters measure spring's progression by day length, others by temperature

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of March 3, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on brooding Bald Eagles and anticipates seeing migratory birds in March.

A large, long-necked bird with a reddish-brown back, a grey neck, a red cap, and orange eyes stands among cattails.

Science and Nature

What did dinosaur songs sound like?

Charlie Mitchell, Malachy Koons

In this episode, co-hosts Malachy Koons and Charlie Mitchell anticipate the migratory marvels of March and discuss the sounds of dinosaurs.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

Chalk illustrations depict an American Crow, willow catkins, Downy Woodpecker, and coyote.

Science and Nature

Students smell skunks, hear Red-winged Blackbirds, and watch squirrel acrobatics

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of March 3, 2026, we enjoy reports of Red-winged Blackbirds, temperature swings, and courting squirrels. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.