Our student phenologists had some great sightings this week, including baby birds, the first fawns of the season, and crayfish carrying eggs. The Shakopee students released their rainbow trout into the wild- may they have long and happy lives! Long Lake visitors enjoyed a slog through the bog, where they found the first plumes of cottongrass and felt the ground bounce beneath them. Our friends in Duluth spotted robin eggs, a fawn, and a lot of gnats.

Hear their voices!

It's a big ol' week for phenology, with red columbines flowering, fingers of new green appearing on the pine trees, and monarch butterflies and tiger swallowtails fluttering into view. John also covers which flowers are blooming, why does leave their fawns alone for long periods of time after birth, and which dragonflies are emerging. Young crows are getting ready to fledge and making a racket as they beg their parents for food. It's a jam-packed episode- enjoy!

Listen to John's report!

It's nesting season for our native turtles, and they have a shell of a hard time avoiding cars. If you're able, give them a hand!

I was delighted to find this video explaining best practices for helping our reptilian friends cross the road. It also covers some of the common errors well-meaning people can make.

I always find nesting season to provide an excellent excuse for me to handle these charismatic creatures while also ensuring their safety. I hope you get the chance to do the same!

Let's get out and play!

Barred Owlet (Strix varia). Anishinaabemowin: Gokooko'oo.