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Season Watch Newsletter: 8/26/22

This week, we learn about fall bird migration, how to identify the cup plant, and argue about the merits of fall and winter!

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FEATURE: A Conversation with Pam Perry!

John and Heidi were joined by retired non-game wildlife biologist Pam Perry! [I don't know if I'm more jealous of 'retired' or 'non-game wildlife biologist.'] They talk about the onset of fall, from migrating birds to changing sumacs. Plus, a bit about bird biology, including how they learn their songs and why blue jays might look like they're balding this time of year!


Check it out!

STUDENT AND LISTENER REPORTS

In an unusually contentious week in Phenology Talkbacks, John issues an open invitation to people to call and complain about him, we disagree about the merits of fall/winter and spring/summer, and (surprise surprise) we also talk about nature! Mushrooms feature heavily in both reports.


Listen here!

JOHN LATIMER'S WEEKLY REPORT

John continues to spot more signs of fall, including growing acorns, blooming late-summer wildflowers, and the renewed call of treefrogs. My favorite part: he does a treefrog impression! He also solved a mystery for me: a feathery-looking grass that's been escaping my ID efforts is called Amur silvergrass! [Pictured above. Spoiler: It's invasive.]


Listen to John's report!

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More dates and locations will be announced.

  • 9/24: Phenology in the Classroom. Long Lake Conservation Center, Palisade, MN. Register here.
  • 10/1: Phenology in the Classroom. Minnesota Association of Environmental Educators conference, Finland, MN. Register here.

SARAH'S RECOMMENDATION

A clip-on macro lens for my smartphone is one of my best-loved and most-used pieces of gear. I'm by no means a Good Photographer, but even my shaky hands could get the above image of a treefrog's eye! While I can't recommend a specific make or model (I got mine for free from the Minnesota Master Naturalist program), I can say it's an amazing asset! They're cheap, running from 10-35 dollars depending on quality, fit well over phone cases, and really improve your ability to observe small insects, flowers, and fungi. A quick google for "clip on macro lens for [model of cellphone]" should point you in the right direction.


Get some inspiration!

What are you seeing? Let me know!

Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria). Ojibwe: Jiigabiiganesii.

Have some class, pull up some silvergrass!

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