Phenology Talkbacks

A stand of leafless, red-barked shrubs holds pine-cone like growths silhouetted against a blue sky.

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Dec. 16, 2025, we enjoy reports of galls, eagles, and frigid weather. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Science and Nature

Listener locates a sundog while students linger with Long-eared Owl

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Dec. 9, 2025, we enjoy reports of subnivean tunnels, pine siskins, and sundogs. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Chalkboard drawings that show what is happening in nature like deer mouse, rose hips, Red-Tailed Hawk, sumac, turkey-tail Fungus and burdock from a classroom in Little Falls.

Science and Nature

Students become detectives in the snow, following the tracks of critters like rabbits, mice and voles

During the week of Dec. 2, we enjoy reports of an active frog and garter snake, an opposum and animal tracks in the snow. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Chalk illustrations show a burdock plant, a deer mouse, rose hips, and a Red-tailed Hawk.

Science and Nature

Students seek color in drab November surroundings

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Nov. 25, 2025, we enjoy reports of bobcat sightings, Tundra Swans and a lingering heron. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Chalk illustrations show: Horsetails, Northern Shrike, milkweed, and flying squirrel

Science and Nature

Northern Shrike hacks up a pellet of bones while students spectate

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Nov. 18, 2025, we enjoy reports of new ice, Northern Lights, and a close-up look at a shrike's (in)digestion. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A brown, segmented pill bug crawls among orange eyelash cup fungi near Marine on St. Croix on Sept. 2, 2025.

Science and Nature

Fun fact: Pill bugs (AKA rolypolies) are terrestrial crustaceans!

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Nov. 11, 2025, we enjoy reports of a muskrat on the playground, Northern Lights above Duluth, and more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Luna moth chrysalises discovered in leaf litter are pictured in a hand in Springfield, MO on Feb. 24, 2025.

Science and Nature

Students remind us of the treasure hidden in lawn leaf litter

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Nov. 4, 2025, we enjoy reports of Snow Buntings, busy squirrels, and overwintering insects. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A Snow Bunting perches on a wire in Scott County, Minnesota on Feb. 18, 2024.

Science and Nature

Students spot the season's first Snow Buntings in Duluth

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Oct. 28, 2025, we enjoy reports of falling leaves, the arrival of Snow Buntings, and more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A big ol' brown bug lies dead on a bleacher near the Twin Cities in October, 2025.

Science and Nature

Which native insect loves football?

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Oct. 21, 2025, we enjoy reports of hooting Barred Owls, snoozy bears and star-struck stadium bugs. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Frost covers a leaf in Aitkin County. The leaf is still green, and the edges are rimmed in a thin layer of white frost. The rest of the image is not in focus.

Science and Nature

2025's first frost arrives with little warning, surprises some students

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Oct. 14, 2025, we enjoy reports of the first frost, migrating monarchs, and milkweed pods opening. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.