Phenology is the rhythmic biological nature of events as they relate to climate.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In May, Charlie Mitchell looks for marsh marigolds, multicolored treetops and migrating birds. No expertise is needed to enjoy nature and phenology — just curiosity!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
During the week of April 22, 2025, students reported hearing American Woodcocks, seeing dragonflies, and finding emerging irises. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Retired wildlife biologist Pam Perry discusses Northern Harriers, Horned Larks and other early-season migrators with KAXE Staff Phenologist John Latimer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
During the week of March 4, 2025, six reports include observations of migrating starlings, otters on ice, and brightening bark. John Latimer provides feedback.
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.
Retired DNR biologist Pam Perry joins the "KAXE Morning Show" on Feb. 11, 2025, to discuss frozen frogs and the decline of Evening Grosbeaks.
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.
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!
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.
On Feb. 12, 2025, staff phenologist John Latimer reports on the first breaking buds of spring, perching posture, and the Juneberry's hairy buds.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In the Jan. 21, 2025, episode of Phenology Talkbacks, John Latimer remarks on six student reports featuring an irruption of owls and lengthening winter days.
This month, biologist Pam Perry and phenologist John Latimer discuss Red-headed Woodpeckers, Bald and Golden Eagles, and the curious forms of Red and White-winged Crossbills.
On Jan. 21, 2025, staff phenologist John Latimer reports on owl irruptions, breeding canids, and the cheery resilience of chickadees and ravens.
In the Jan. 21, 2025 episode of Phenology Talkbacks, John Latimer remarks on five student phenologist reports of frigid temperatures, groaning ice, and fox footprints.
In this Jan. 14, 2025 segment, we learn about Great Grey Owls, Snow Buntings, and the value of fresh snow to voles. Set aside time to bask in the night's moonlit majesty!
KAXE Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on seasonal observations from listeners and kids across the state, inspiring us to notice, understand and connect with nature.
John Latimer's phenology reports explore northern Minnesota's seasonal changes, blending humor and curiosity to connect listeners with nature's rhythms. This is the week of Jan. 7, 2025.
Students and listeners from across the state send in their nature reports. Depending on the season, reports may cover wildflowers, animal behaviors, weather patterns and other wonders.
John Erb of the DNR discusses beaver population trends and management on "The Iconic Beaver," a series investigating the influence of this keystone species in Minnesota.
Michael Snyder, author of "Woods Whys," joined the KAXE Morning Show to talk about his book and give his insights on our nation's forests.