Phenology Report

A dense group of aspen suckers grow from root stock on July 5, 2021 in Sigen Township.

Whip up a fast sucker: How clonal aspens handle getting the chop

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 28, 2025, phenologist John Latimer covers the disappearance of his local chipmunk and the fast growth of aspen suckers.

Vibrant bigtooth aspen leaves lie on the ground in Cook County on Sept. 27, 2025.

Science and Nature

A banner year for bigtooth aspens

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 21, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers a vibrant year for aspens, describes downy arrowwood, and flocks of blackbirds.

Light shines through mist, barely reaching a hilly shoreline next to a huge, blue lake.

Science and Nature

Staff Phenologist John Latimer noses around the North Shore

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 14, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer explores the North Shore near Grand Marais.

A flock of Snow Buntings flies up from a roadside in Itasca County. They have black and white markings, and there are about fifty birds in the flock.

Science and Nature

Do you know what to expect in October? Latimer previews the month in nature

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 7, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers the next month in nature, development of fall colors, and migratory dragonflies.

A plain brown mushroom cap is shown: long, white hair-like spikes grow from it in all directions.

Science and Nature

Phenology coordinator flummoxed by furry fungus

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 30, 2025, Charlie Mitchell, KAXE phenology coordinator, discusses the BirdCast website, fungi and fall colors.

Morning sun and fall colors brighten the day in McGregor on Sept. 17, 2025.

Science and Nature

Wildflowers continue to brighten roadsides as leaves fall

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 23, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers falling leaves, migrating grosbeaks, and vibrant wildflowers.

A large green and blue dragonfly perches on a wooden bench.

Science and Nature

Gnat-ural predators: Migratory dragonflies hunt clouds of mating midges

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 16, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers hunting dragonflies, fall colors and phenomenal fungi.

A naturalist holds a handful of Isabella tiger moth caterpillars, better known as "wooly bear" caterpillars.

Science and Nature

Beyond the wooly bear: Fuzzy fall caterpillars

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 9, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer talks fall colors, fuzzy caterpillars and hummingbird migration.

Many acorns develop on the branches of a bur oak near Canon Falls. Bur oak acorns have distinctively hairy-looking caps. There are about seven acorns forming amidst dark green leaves with silver backs.

Science and Nature

Oak trees provide acorn-ucopia to hungry woodland wildlife

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 2, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer previews September in Minnesota and speaks in defense of crane flies.

Two birds with long, narrow wings with white patches soar under a cloudy sky.

Science and Nature

Now's your chance to gawk at migrating nighthawks

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Aug. 26, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers the Common Nighthawk migration and late summer wildflowers.