School is winding down, but our phenology students sure aren't losing steam! They've spotted butterflies, nesting birds, and one of them even got bitten by a chickadee (no, they did not elaborate on how that happened). Please enjoy all six reports, and remember- as schools let out for summer, we become more dependent on our listeners' eyes and ears! Let us know what you see out there.

Hear their voices!

May made quite a comeback: after lagging behind averages by almost two weeks, John is finding phenological events are back to their typical schedule. John spotted the first female hummingbirds in Grand Rapids, as well as more dragonfly species and a profusion of flowering plants. (He expresses an uncharacteristically tolerant attitude toward biting insects, so we may need to send someone to check in on him.)

Listen to John's report!

The best way to learn Nature Stuff is outdoors and with like-minded people! So, take some time to take a class or join a field trip this spring or summer. If you need some inspiration, check out the Sax-Zim Bog- they've got a great catalog of field trips. Here are a few of my favorites:

• 6/2: Planting for the birds (with Laura Erickson!)
• 6/16: Wild orchids
• 7/1: Ferns and clubmosses
• 7/29: Moths and more (evening field trip)
• 8/6: Late season dragonfly and damselflies

Let's get out and play!

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). Anishinaabemowin: Nenookaasi.

Hummingbirds build their tiny nests out of spiderwebs, giving the nest a 'spandex' quality. The nest expands as the chicks grow- handy! It also saves energy by minimizing the space the female has to keep warm.