The Nature of Phenology 1/23/21: Winter Loons

Producers: Hazel Stark & Joe Horn
Host: Hazel Stark

There are few sounds that conjure up a feeling of profound wilderness quite like the yodel and cry of a lone loon in the pitch black of a summer night. But now, across our frozen lakes and ponds, echoes not a single mournful wail of a loon. Surely the air-breathing loon isn’t hiding under the ice like a fish, nor is a loon nest as fortified against the elements like that of a beaver. So all this begs the question: Where do our loons go in the winter?

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Nature of Phenology 1/16/21: Snow Flies

Producers: Hazel Stark & Joe Horn
Host: Hazel Stark

Snow flies spend most of the year in the dark subterranean world, but on some of our coldest winter days, these adult flies come out to enjoy some sunshine and a brisk walk on the snow’s surface.

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Nature of Phenology 1/2/21: Minks

Producers: Hazel Stark & Joe Horn
Host: Hazel Stark

Like their local weasel relatives, minks stay active year-round. They are adept swimmers, allowing them to hunt for fish, frogs, and other aquatic animals underwater. But like us, they know the value of stocking up food for the winter and taking advantage of a big meal when they can.

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Nature of Phenology 12/26/20: Needle Ice

Producers: Hazel Stark & Joe Horn
Host: Hazel Stark

Needle ice can take the rather banal form of crunchy ground on a cold morning, but it can also heave and deform the surface to reveal an explosion of ice crystals making elegant curls, sweeping arches, and even hold up a cap of frozen gravel.

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Nature of Phenology 12/19/20: Warm Hooves and Bird Feet

Producers: Hazel Stark & Joe Horn
Host: Hazel Stark

Picture a wet duck standing on ice or paddling through sub-freezing ocean waters. How is it that their skinny feet, without fat or feathers for protection, don’t freeze? And what about the legs and feet of hooved mammals?

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download