Northern Community Radio presents Phenology

Follow Northern Community Radio presents Phenology
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Phenology is the rhythmic biological nature of events as they relate to climate.

John Latimer


    • Jun 26, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 16m AVG DURATION
    • 625 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Northern Community Radio presents Phenology with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Northern Community Radio presents Phenology

    Wildflowers, housecats, and me: Heliotropic plants (and animals) of MN

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 19:02


    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.

    Kids celebrate getting outside, leaving their electronics behind

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 18:44


    During the week of June 24, 2025, kids from St. Louis Park to Mesabi tell us why they love being outside. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

    Why do lady's slippers bloom earlier in Canada than in Minnesota?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 18:59


    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.

    Summer campers delight in dragonflies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 18:02


    During the week of June 17, 2025, we examine dragonflies, strawberries, and the Pennington Bog. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

    Warm June weather draws out vibrant birds and butterflies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 15:56


    Pam Perry, retired DNR biologist, stopped by on June 10, 2025, to chat with our staff phenologist, John Latimer, about the colorful and charismatic critters of June.

    Spring ephemerals give way to June-blooming wildflowers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 21:17


    During the Phenology Report for the week of June 10, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer discusses wildflowers, fruit trees, and life in the bog.

    Why are young woodpeckers so loud?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 10:42


    During the week of June 10, 2025, we received 4 reports covering Pileated Woodpeckers, wild strawberries, and more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

    ‘Chasing Wildflowers' serves as a guide for MN Wildflowers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2025 15:43


    Author Phyllis Root and photographer Kelly Povo have a new book, “Chasing Wildflowers,” highlighting wildflower treasures in out-of-the-way places. They joined the “KAXE Morning Show” to talk about the project.

    Pondering the pollinators with John Latimer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 17:20


    During the Phenology Report for the week of June 3, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer discusses wildflowers, mysterious pollinators, and early pine pollen season.

    Who's that speedy little toasted marshmallow on stilts?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 27:12


    In the Phenology Talkbacks for the week of June 3, 2025, we hear end-of-year messages from schools and ponder unseen pollinators. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

    Monarchs and tiger swallowtails flutter into view in Northern MN

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2025 22:29


    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.

    1918 Cloquet wildfire considered worst natural disaster in MN history

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 20:29


    In October 1918, flames swept across northeastern Minnesota in what became the deadliest natural disaster in state history. More than 450 people died; 52,000 were displaced, and entire communities were reduced to ash.

    Playing in nature pays off: End-of-year inspiration from schools

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 32:11


    During the week of May 27, 2025, we are reminded of the importance of outdoor learning and get a look at three wandering bears. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 19:13


    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.

    Roving raccoons and face-eating water bugs fascinate students

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 32:06


    During the week of May 20, 2025, students report seeing black bear cubs, a water bug eating "the face off of a dragonfly larva", and much more. John Latimer responds.

    Pam Perry: May is the top month for birdwatchers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 18:26


    Retired wildlife biologist Pam Perry joined the "KAXE Morning Show" to share what birds and other wildlife she's been seeing during this month of May.

    Painted turtle hatchlings trundle from nest to water after icy winter

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 17:01


    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.

    Are tadpoles 'lazy potatoes' or do they 'flop like a fishy-fish'?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 45:14


    During the week of May 13, 2025, 17 classrooms from across MN report on their outdoor observations: tadpoles, flowers, and more. Phenology Coordinator Charlie Mitchell responds.

    Early May marvels with Season Watch Newsletter creator Charlie Mitchell

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 10:16


    In May, Charlie Mitchell looks for marsh marigolds, multicolored treetops and migrating birds. No expertise is needed to enjoy nature and phenology — just curiosity!

    Nature enthusiasts delighted by rare sighting of a Summer Tanager

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 19:59


    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.

    Waterfowl murder: Students investigate suspicious death of local swan

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 33:28


    During the week of May 6, 2025, student phenologists report on a swan mourning its dead mate, trees leafing out, and much more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

    Phenology Report: Breaking bud

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 12:19


    During the Phenology Report for the week of April 29, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers bud break, incoming and outgoing birds, eagles nesting and more.

    phenology breaking bud
    Student phenologists ask us to 'remember how much the Earth holds'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 52:42


    During the week of April 29, 2025, 16 (!) classes share Earth Day messages and reports of migratory birds and budding trees. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

    Phenology Report: Bunnies begone, spring keeps John Latimer on the hop

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 19:22


    During the Phenology Report for the week of April 22, 2025, John details his busy spring phenology routine and rejoices in the arrival of Bald Eagle chicks.

    Phenology Talkbacks: Have you heard a Timberdoodle 'peent'?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 20:57


    During the week of April 22, 2025, students reported hearing American Woodcocks, seeing dragonflies, and finding emerging irises. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

    heard phenology john latimer
    Phenology report: How does spring 2025 compare to spring 2024?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 15:51


    During the Phenology Report for the week of April 15, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer compares spring's progression to last year and wonders at an oddball fern.

    Phenology Talkbacks: Has Old Man Winter given up yet?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 36:59


    During the week of April 15, 2025, we received 10 reports detailing the swift advance of spring weather across the state. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

    Eager adoptions, sticky spit, and warming winters: Life as a Canada Jay

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 23:40


    Dr. Ryan Norris, a biologist at the University of Guelph, discusses the Canada Jay. This is part of a series on the decline of native birds, produced by Mark Jacobs.

    Phenology Report: April schedule includes phoebes, frogs and flowers

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 16:46


    During the Phenology Report for April 8, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer details the average April phenology calendar and the table manners of black bears.

    Phenology Talkbacks: What is MN's Golden Eagle to Bald Eagle ratio?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 44:10


    The week of April 8, 2025 features 6 reports of emerging leaves, calling frogs, and more. KAXE staff John Latimer, Heidi Holtan, and Charlie Mitchell respond.

    Phenology Report: Counting snows on robin toes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 23:54


    During the Phenology Report for the week of April 1, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers the emergence of black bears, a remarkable night of owls, eagles and auroras, and a delightful new method of measuring spring phenology.

    Phenology Talkbacks: Students observe water bugs, wood ducks and warm temps

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 17:53


    During the week of March 25, 2025, we received 6 reports sharing observations of migrating birds, aquatic insects, and more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

    Phenology report: What does a Pileated Woodpecker taste like?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 22:51


    During the phenology report for the week of March 25, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer finds hints of green in the woods and remarks on the (in)edibility of Pileated Woodpeckers.

    Phenology talkbacks: Celebrating John Latimer and finding dead shrews

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 27:26


    During the week of March 25, 2025, eight student groups report on the environmental cost of littering, flowering trees, and more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

    shrews phenology john latimer
    Pam Perry harkens to returning Northern Harriers

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2025 19:54


    Retired wildlife biologist Pam Perry discusses Northern Harriers, Horned Larks and other early-season migrators with KAXE Staff Phenologist John Latimer.

    Phenology Report: 2025 is on pace for an early spring (so far)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 25:06


    During the Phenology Report for the week of March 20, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers the advance of spring, and encourages us to watch for butterflies, waterfowl, and flowers on the maple trees.

    Phenology Talkbacks: Have you heard a robin yet?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 29:45


    During the week of March 18, 2025, 9 classrooms and environmental centers reported on the advance of spring across Minnesota. KAXE staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

    Phenology report: Hungry chipmunks emerge from underground

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 18:41


    Mid-March is here! In this week's Phenology Report, John Latimer shares the antics of his neighboring Bald Eagles, a sighting of an Eastern Meadowlark, and a preview of early emerging spring butterflies. This is the week of March 11, 2025.

    Phenology Talkbacks: March brings migrants and maple sap

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 26:16


    During Phenology Talkbacks on March 11, 2025, ten groups of students sent in their observations of an incoming spring. Staff phenologist John Latimer shares his feedback.

    Phenology report: Woodpeckers drum, determine territorial pecking order

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 18:17


    Woodpeckers are busy establishing breeding territories by drumming on resonant surfaces, while Bald Eagles and squirrels work on their nests in advance of baby season. Staff phenologist John Latimer reports for the week of March 4, 2025.

    Phenology Talkbacks: Otters on ice entertain student phenologists

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 25:30


    During the week of March 4, 2025, six reports include observations of migrating starlings, otters on ice, and brightening bark. John Latimer provides feedback.

    Phenology report: March marvels approach with melting temperatures

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 17:11


    As relatively warm weather returns to MN, staff phenologist John Latimer previews the busy month of March phenology. Plus, he describes how albedo (light absorption) and aspect (angle to the sun) mark a melting landscape. This is the week of Feb. 25, 2025.

    Fading yellows: Where are the Evening Grosbeaks?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 18:51


    Retired DNR biologist Pam Perry joins the "KAXE Morning Show" on Feb. 11, 2025, to discuss frozen frogs and the decline of Evening Grosbeaks.

    Phenology Talkbacks: Sharp-eyed student susses out a siskin

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 19:34


    During the week of Feb. 25, 2025, five student groups and two listeners observed singing songbirds, warming weather, and a hunting wolf. John Latimer provides feedback.

    Phenology report: Migrating Snow Buntings snooze in snowbanks

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 17:42


    In the Feb. 18, 2025 episode of the Phenology Show, KAXE staff phenologist John Latimer describes early breeding season for foxes, wolves, and Snow Buntings. Plus, he compares his stride to a turkey's. Spring is imminent – get out there and enjoy it!

    Phenology Talkbacks: Students befriend birds and track pawprints

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 17:17


    During the week of Feb. 17, 2025, we hear from four hardy groups of students who braved the cold to find tracks and befriend birds. John Latimer gives his feedback.

    Phenology Report: Upright owls and hunched hawks perch along roadsides

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 16:03


    On Feb. 12, 2025, staff phenologist John Latimer reports on the first breaking buds of spring, perching posture, and the Juneberry's hairy buds.

    Phenology Talkbacks: Students delve under ice to turn up tadpoles

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 20:45


    In the Feb. 11, 2025 episode of Phenology Talkbacks, student phenologists heard spring songs, detected migrating owls, and found tadpoles under ice on a school pond.

    Spring skunks look for love in February chill

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 15:12


    On Feb. 4, 2025, staff phenologist John Latimer remarks on shuffling skunks trekking through deep snow and the arrival of large flocks of Bohemian Waxwings.

    spring skunks john latimer
    Phenology Talkbacks: Flying squirrel glow fascinates student phenologists

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 20:25


    In the Feb. 4, 2025, episode of Phenology Talkbacks, John Latimer remarks on seven student reports featuring wild weather swings, elusive foxes, and flying squirrels.

    Phenology report: Courting canids converse with odiferous offerings

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 18:23


    The Jan. 28, 2025 edition of The Phenology Show covers an irruption of Boreal Owls, hibernating woodchucks, and the wolf/fox/coyote mating season. John Latimer hosts.

    Claim Northern Community Radio presents Phenology

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel