Phenology Talkbacks

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

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.

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.

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.

Chalk illustrations depict a Pileated Woodpecker, Cedar Waxwing, gray squirrel, and red osier dogwood.

Science and Nature

Cardinals sound the alarm: Spring is coming

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Feb. 24, 2026, we enjoy reports of cardinals singing, snow melting, and plants breaking bud. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Chalk illustrations show wintergreen, a Great Horned Owl, a Mourning Dove, and a chipmunk.

Science and Nature

Sugar-hungry rabbits gnaw at red maple bark

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Feb. 17, 2026, we enjoy reports of Great Horned Owls calling and critters snacking on sugary maple sap. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Chalk illustrations show box elder seeds, a striped skunk, a woodchuck, a Black-Backed Woodpecker, and frozen wood frogs.

Science and Nature

February brings the scent of skunks

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Feb. 10, 2026, we enjoy reports of waddling skunks, warmer weather and hibernating woodchucks. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A pair of adult Bald Eagles fly in tandem above Linden Hills on April 17, 2022.

Science and Nature

What does it sound like when Bald Eagles kiss?

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Feb. 3, 2026, we enjoy a students' approximation of Bald Eagles smooching and reports of deep cold. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Emerald ash borer trails show in the bark of a felled ash tree in Scandia on Jan. 28, 2026.

Science and Nature

Does deep cold kill the emerald ash borer?

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Jan. 27, 2026, we enjoy reports of deep cold and 'sea smoke' on Lake Superior. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Chalk illustrations show goldenrod galls, cattails, a Common Goldeneye, and a muskrat

Science and Nature

Discover the hidden world of UV

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Jan. 20, 2026, we enjoy reports of fluorescent lichens, graupel snow, and more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

An oak leaf lies in freshly fallen snow near Marine on St. Croix on Oct. 31, 2023.

Science and Nature

Why do some oaks still have leaves in January?

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Jan. 13, 2026, we enjoy reports of oak leaves, hungry woodpeckers, and a mushroom growing on another mushroom. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.