Archives for The Nature of Phenology

The Nature of Phenology 4/10/21: Kingfishers

Producers: Hazel Stark & Joe Horn
Host: Hazel Stark

Eagles and ospreys seem equally at home hunting in both salt and freshwater, but there is also one bird, notably smaller though on par with those notorious piscivores in their fish-catching ability, that is now returning to the area after a winter farther south: the belted kingfisher.

Photos, a full transcript, references, contact information, and more available at thenatureofphenology.wordpress.com.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Nature of Phenology 4/3/21: White Suckers

Producers: Hazel Stark & Joe Horn
Host: Hazel Stark

The start of April is the start of angling in rivers and streams in Maine and is also the start of the spawning run for one under-loved, large, native, and hard fighting “rough fish:” the white sucker.

Photos, a full transcript, references, contact information, and more available at thenatureofphenology.wordpress.com.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Nature of Phenology 3/27/21: Turkey Vultures

Producers: Hazel Stark & Joe Horn
Host: Hazel Stark

Turkey vultures are one of the many essential workers of our ecosystems. They help manage waste and reduce the spread of disease through their rather gruesome efforts and they are returning to Maine now after a winter spent farther south.

Photos, a full transcript, references, contact information, and more available at thenatureofphenology.wordpress.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Nature of Phenology 3/6/21: Winter Cutworms

Producers: Hazel Stark & Joe Horn
Host: Hazel Stark

While the winter world is one of few active bugs, it certainly isn’t completely devoid of them, and I am always charmed when I see the occasional spider, snow fly, or stonefly creeping across the snow. But I have perhaps never been more surprised than last winter when I found a plump, sausagey-looking caterpillar making tracks after a fresh snowfall as I was shoveling my driveway: the winter cutworm caterpillar.

Photos, a full transcript, references, contact information, and more available at thenatureofphenology.wordpress.com.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Nature of Phenology 2/20/21: Stick Bouquets

Producers: Hazel Stark & Joe Horn
Host: Hazel Stark

Tree and shrub buds are truly incredible things. In the late summer and through the fall, while our eyes may be transfixed by the phenomenal shades of reds, oranges, and yellows that make that time of the year iconic in New England, there is an equally magical display happening in miniature. Now, you can unleash some of that magic indoors.

Photos, a full transcript, references, contact information, and more available at thenatureofphenology.wordpress.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download