Phenology Report

A macro image shows a close-up of a deer fly perched on the edge of a coffee mug. Its front legs are held up as if in a boxing position. It has vibrant green-and-brown eyes and some fuzz on its body.

Deer flies really bug phenologist John Latimer

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 8, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer welcomes high summer and threatens the lives of encroaching deer flies.

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

Science and Nature

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 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.

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 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.

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.

Vibrant yellow-and-black butterflies stand on damp sand.

Science and Nature

Monarchs and tiger swallowtails flutter into view in Northern MN

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of May 27, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer greets the season’s first monarchs and describes the movement of molting geese.

A closeup of a twig shows a profusion of white flowers and greening leaves.

Science and Nature

Where are the bees? Latimer's fruit trees bloom without the buzz

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of May 13, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer found his fruit trees were quiet this year, without bees buzzing in the blossoms.

A person holds a tiny painted turtle hatchling in Lakeville on May 28, 2020.

Science and Nature

Painted turtle hatchlings trundle from nest to water after icy winter

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of May 13, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer tells the tale of a painted turtle hatchling’s funeral.

A red songbird with a small insect in its beak perches on lichen-covered branch.

Science and Nature

Nature enthusiasts delighted by rare sighting of a Summer Tanager

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of May 8, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer enthuses about a rare observation of a Summer Tanager and details spring's advance.