Seasonal Report Archive for The Loon - Rails, Gallinules, Coots Occurrence
This is the 1930 to present seasonal report archive for
The Loon, journal of the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union.
The last 2 years are available to MOU members.
Seasons
Families
Whistling-Ducks, Geese, Swans, Ducks
New World Quail
Partridge, Pheasants, Grouse, Turkeys
Grebes
Pigeons, Doves
Cuckoos
Nightjars
Swifts
Hummingbirds
Rails, Gallinules, Coots
Limpkin
Cranes
Stilts, Avocets
Plovers
Sandpipers
Jaegers
Alcids
Gulls, Terns
Loons
Shearwaters and Petrels
Storks
Frigatebirds
Boobies and Gannets
Cormorants
Pelicans
Bitterns, Herons, Egrets, Night-Herons
Ibises
New World Vultures
Osprey
Kites, Accipiters, Hawks, Eagles
Barn Owls
Screech-Owls, Owls
Kingfishers
Woodpeckers
Caracaras, Falcons
Flycatchers
Vireos
Shrikes
Jays, Nutcrackers, Magpies, Crows
Chickadees, Titmice
Larks
Martins, Swallows
Kinglets
Waxwings
Silky-flycatchers
Nuthatches
Creepers
Gnatcatchers
Wrens
Thrashers, Mockingbirds
Starlings
Dippers
Thrushes
Old World Flycatchers
Old World Sparrows
Pipits
Finches
Longspurs and Snow Buntings
Towhees, Sparrows
Yellow-breasted Chat
Blackbirds, Orioles
Warblers
Tanagers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks

Seasons
Species: Rails, Gallinules, Coots
King Rail
Virginia Rail
Sora
Common Gallinule
American Coot
Purple Gallinule
Yellow Rail
Black Rail

American Coot(Fulica americana)
YearSeasonNS
1930SummerStrange as it may seem no nest of the American Coot was found, The species nested commonly in several places, especially at Lake Cornelia, where the writer saw scored of young in various stages of development on July 16th.
1931SummerFour nests with from one to five egc;s on June 14th (S. Stein, Rc.lph ~Joolsey1 Donald and Leander Fischer)•
1932SummerMel·.y mudhon' a nests were found, the first on May 22 with 2 eggs (Eisele and Downey), and the last on Juno 19 with 9 eggs, seen by Evans and Risser in Polk County.
1933Summer Seven nests reported. The first, found near Shc.1kopce on May 16th by the writer, contained 8.eggs, Eisele found the last near Minneapolis on June 2oth, when it held 13 eggs.•
1934Summer No nests with eggs were reported this year, but Ris:3er and Du.Toit found dow.ny young several clays old on the third of ~rune.
1935Summer Tho enrliest nests wore 2 each contn.ininc 3 eggs f'o\ll'ld l~ay 28th by Brec~onridgc. Evru1s and Upson saw tho latest nest, one \dth 4 eggs, on July 4th.
1936Summer On May 12th the first nest was found by Robert Upson. On this dny it held four eggs. On the 23rd of tho s~e month Upson found six nests at Lake Traverse. The nests held. t'rom one to nine eggs each. The latest nest was found on June 14th at Linwood Lake by the club members and contained six eggs.
1937SummerTwo nests seen on May 27 held three fresh eggs and one newly hatched young, one nearly hatched egg and six pipped eggs, respectively.' (Upson).
1938SummerR. Voth and W. Hiebert found 8 nests at Maiden Lake on May 23. They averaged 6 eggs each. Upson found nests in Minneapolis on May 26 and 3 I; Gustav Swanson saw several nests at Heron Lake on May 29; on Jnue 6-7, Upson found many nests at Lake Trav­erse; the first young were seen by Don Mahle on Lower Red Lake on June 26. Finally, Swedenborg. observed half-grown young at Minneapolis on July IO.
1940SummerThe T. S. Roberts Club saw a nest at Clear Lake on May 22, which held 4 eggs. A. D. DuBois, saw a nest with 7 eggs on June 3, at Minnetonka. 4~' R. M. Berthel sent in an intc-r~sting re­port from Otter Lake where 1·e worked with this species. In 6 families observed both adults were present and the young numbered 5, 6, 6, 7, 5, and 4 respectively. These families were seen on July 8.
1943SummerMpls., Several nests, JuoJle 3, July 15. F. S. Davidson. May 31, 5 nests, Ramsey County. Bros. Lewis and Pius. Leech Lake, July 18, young out of nests. K. Carlander.
1944Summer3. May 21, building, Ramsey, Olson. June 22, two nests with eggs, St. Paul, Brother Hubert and Brother Pius.
1945Summer6 nests with eggs, May 19, 3 nests with eggs, May 27, Hennepin Co., Don and Eldeen Jacobs; 3 nests with eggs and young, May 23, 26, 30, Fred Blanch and Larry Flahavan; nest with eggs, Ramsey Co., May 25, Brother Hubert.
1945WinterNear St. Paul, December 30, 1945, (St. P.aul Bird Club members); near Minneapolis, December 8, 1945, (Swednborg).
1946Summer6 young, June 27, Ramsey Co., Bro. Hubert; 4 young, July 10, Kandiyohi Co., Barrett. It seems that, in spite of a large clutch, the coot does not have large broods. Personal experience of the author indicates this to some extent, however, more records are needed.
1947Summer2 nests with 21 eggs, May 25, Lac qui Parle Co., Willis; 7 nests with 51 eggs, May 30, Heron Lake, Jacobs; 1 nest, 18 eggs, June 5, Lac qui Parle Co., Willis; 5 nests, 42 eggs, Hennepin Co., Jacobs; 7 nests with 49 eggs, Lac qui Parle Co., Willis; 3 broods with 13 young, June 18, Lac qui Parle Co., Barrett; 4 nests, 28 eggs, June 22, Hennepin Co., Jacobs.
1961SummerA. C. Rosenwinkel saw several broods in Ramsey County on 13 June. Huber brothers found three adults incubating on 10 June at Grass Lake, Hennepin County, 10 nests containing from four to 11 eggs at Swan Lake on 24 June and adults with young near Waubun on 4 July.
1962SummerJune 6-16, Minneapolis, 5 broods with 4, 3, 3, 2, 2 young, Brother Theodore.
1962WinterTwo wintering at Howard Lake, Wright Co., Mrs. Erma Christopher; Jan. 5, Feb. 2, NSP Blackdog Plant, Dakota Co., Avifaunal Club.
1963SummerNumerous breeding reports from Kittson, Nobles, Nicollet, Ramsey and Hennepin Counties.
1964Summerbreeding in Ramsey (ELC), Beltrami (JAM) and Clay CDM) Counties.
1964WinterDec, Hennepin Co, 1, EMB; all winter, Rochester, 2, JPF, RG, RLH; 2-21, Wright Co, EC.
1965WinterLast, South: 12/19, Hennepin, VL. 12/18 (WL)-1/ 12 (EGC) (3), Howard Lake, Wright Co. 1/8-2/ 15 (1), "Black Dog," Dakota Co., EMB, RBJ, RG. 1/2 (2), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Xmas. Killdeer. 1/2 (4), Winona, FGD. Wilson's Snipe. 12/5 (1), ACR, 2/27 (2), WL, Ramsey. 1/2 (2), Excelsior Xmas Count 1/1 (3), St. Paul NE Xmas Count. 1/1, Dakota, RBJ. 1/2 (2), Winona, FGD. 2/9-13 (1), Goodhue, EMB. Glaucous Gull. Lake Superior, Knife River-Two Harbors: 12/9 (1 adult), JCG; 12/14 (different adult), JCG; 1/1 (1), RK; 1/15-23 (2 adults, 3 immatures), JCG; none seen after that, lake frozen past Two Harbors.
1966Summernested in Washington and Stearns Co's; also reported from Lincoln, Nicollet, Faribault, Dakota, Rice, Hennepin, Wright, Roseau and Ramsey Co's.
1966Winterreported from Cook (first in 25 years, MAF). St. Louis, Wright, Dakota and Wabasha Co's.
1967Springearly 3-1 Dakota Co., EMB; 3-8 Wright Co., EC; 3-19 Ramsey Co., RJC.
1967Summernested in Ramsey, Lyon Co's.; also reported from Washington, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, Lac qui Parle, Big Stone, Hennepin, Clay, Nobles Co's.
1967Fall latest in north 11-7 Cook Co., RLG; 11-17 Duluth, JCG; 11-19 Beltrami Co., 19, JAH.
1967Winter reported only from Wright and Hennepin Co's.
1968Spring early in north, 3-23 Morrison Co., LSR; 4-5 Stevens Co., JAH; 4-9 Aitkin Co., CEP; 4-10 Crow Wing Co., MSB.
1968Summer nested in Jackson Co; also reported from Hennepin, Todd, Anoka , Nobles, Sherburne , Hubbard, Lake, Crow Wing, Carver, Lyon, McLeod, Carlton, Winona Co's.
1968Fall11-3 Stearns (Grand Lake) 100 NMH; 11-15 Wabasha DGM; 11-16 Hennepin DB; 11-30 Hennepin (Lake Calhoun) 20+ CLH.
1968Winter12-4 Wabasha 2 W& DM; 12-5 Hennepin 25 VL; 12-7 Hennepin 14 RG; 12-7 Hennepin late migrant CLH; 1-1 Olmsted (Rochester) RG; 1-4 Olmsted (Rochester) DB; 1-5 Scott VL; 2-23 Olmsted (Rochester) RG; also reported from Dakota EMB.
1969Spring3-20 Dakota Co., RBJ; 3-21 Rice Co., HBT; 4-6 (200) Wabasha Co., DWM; 4-11 St. Louis Co., CLH; 4-17 Duluth, PBH; 4-19 (100's) Chisago Co., FVS.
1969Summernested in Nicollet, Nobles, and Watonwan Co's., the latter in which birds were nesting as early as 4-29. Reported from Marshall and Mahnomen Co's. east to Crow Wing and Mille Lacs Co's and south to Hennepin, Wright, and Ramsey Co's.
1969Fall9-30 Washington 2200 WHL; 10-5 Wright 1000 BAH; 10-22 Wabasha 1000 DGM; 11-11 Mille Lacs 1000 MI; 11-26 Lake JCG; 11-30 Hennepin CH.
1969WinterWintered in Olmsted, Ramsey, Dakota, Winona (18).
1970Springearly south 3-15 Winona KE, PE; 3-22 Goodhue KE; 3-27 Scott RG; 105 SEPTEMBER 1970 peak 4-11 Wabasha (3000} KE, PE; early north 4-10 Morrison LR; 4-14 Duluth RL.
1970Summernested in Kandiyohi, Swift, Stevens, Chippewa, Ramsey, and Hennepin Co's; also reported from St. Louis, Carver, Pope, Marshall, Nobles, and Winona Co's.
1970Falllate south 11-23 Hennepin PF; 11-29 Hennepin DB, CH; 11-30 Hennepin ES, VL; late north 11-5 Marshall AR; 11-20 Cook )G; peak 9-30 Lake Onamia, Mille Lacs Co. (20,000) KE, RR.
1970Winterlast migrant 12-9 Hennepin MB; 2 wintered Howard Lake, Wright Co. (12-9, RBJ; 2-20, RG).
1971Summernested in Swift, Brown, Wright, Pope, Kandiyohi, Lyon, Scott, Sherburne, Lac qui Parle, Stevens and Hennepin; also reported from 12 other counties.
1971Falllate south 11-7 Wright and Cottonwood; 11-29 Wabasha; 11-30 Hennepin; late north 11-4 Marshall; 11-28 Ottertail; peaks 9-16 Marshall (26,780) AR; 10-16 Douglas (50,000) KE, PE.
1971Winterstragglers 1-1 last, Hennepin; 1-2 thru 8 Rochester; winter: 12-18 (9) -2-27 Fergus Falls KRE; 12-18 -2-15 (2) Shakopee, Scott Co.
1972Summerbreeding cards from 3 counties, nesting reported in 2 others; seen in 13 other counties as far north as Mille Lacs, Clearwater.
1972WinterWintered at Fergus Falls KRE; 12-1 (2) Wright BAH; 12-3 Hennepin CLH; 12-31 (3) Rochester JAB; 1-1 Scott RBJ; 1-21 Scott DR.
1973Summer Reports from 25 counties, as far north as Marshall & St. Louis (6-10 JCG).
1973Fall Reported from 13 counties. Peak 10/3 Marshall (29,940). Late south 11-27 Hennepin (225); 11-28 Hennepin (200) (CLH); 11-28 Le Sueur (6) (GR).
1973Winter Reported on the Excelsior, Bloomington and Rochester Christmas Counts; also seen 12-8 Wright (BH), 12-14 and 15 Crow Wing (TS), and in December in Big Stone (D. Peterson).
1974Spring Early south 3-4 Olmsted JF; 3-6 Anoka SC; 3-10 Dakota BDC; early north 4-6 Mille Lacs MI; 4-11 Pine ML, 4-13 Marshall AR; peak 4-15 Big Stone (15,500) DS and 5-3 Marshall (13,720) AR.
1974Summer Nested in Marshall, Clay, Morrison, Wright, Lac qui Parle; also reported from 18 other counties.
1974Fall Late south 11-30 Hennepin PF, CH; 11-30 Wabasha WDM; late north 11-10 Crow Wing JB, KE, Ottertail LCF; 11/1 Marshall AR.
1974Winter Reported on the Fergus Falls, Big Stone, Bloomington, St. Paul, Rochester (overwintered), and Winona (19) Christmas Counts; also 12-8 Wright (BH), 12-7 to 1-7 Hennepin (VRL, BJ), 1-7 Dakota (VRL, RG), 1-2 to 3-1 Scott (RG, BJ).
1975Spring Early south 3-1 Yellow Medicine GLO; 3-17 Dakota RAG; 3-19 Olmsted JF; early north 3-28 Becker TRS; 4-7 Mille Lacs Ml; 4-10 Marshall AR; peak 5-2 Marshall (17,360) AR.
1975Summer Nested in Marshall and Hennepin; also reported from 20 other counties.
1975Falllate north Mille Lacs MI; 11-30 Ottertail SM; 11-23 Washington WL; 11-27 Hennepin ES; 11-30 Wabasha DWM.
1975Winterreported in Ramsey, Hennepin, Dakota, Washington, Scott, Olmstead, Wabasha, Winona, Houston (19 on the La Crosse Christmas Count), Kandiyohi, Big Stone and Otter Tail (overwintered, SM) Co's.
1976Spring Early south 3-1 Hennepin BE; 3-14 Dakota SG, PS; 3-15 Nobles GO; early north 3-22 Crow Wing DK; 3-28 Otter Tail GW; 4-5 Marshall SV.
1976Summernested in Marshall, Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey, Rice and Murray; also reported from 12 other counties.
1976Fall Late north 11-16 Duluth and 11-25 Otter Tail; late south 11-22 Washington, 11-30 Ramsey and Hennepin.
1976Winter Reported on the Fergus Falls, Big Stone, Bloomington and Winona Christmas Counts; 1-1 and 2-26 Scott Co. (OJ, BJ); all winter at Wood L., Hennepin Co.
1977Spring Early south 3-5 Winona RJ; 3-9 Dakota JD; 3-10 Wabasha DM; early north 3-26 Otter Tail GO; 3 reports on 4-10.
1977Summer Nested in Marshall, Lac qui Parle, Swift, Anoka, Hennepin and Washington; also reported from 14 other counties northeast to Duluth.
1977Fall Peak 9-23 Becker (56,600) (TA).
1977Winter Overwintered at Fergus Falls (Otter Tail Co.), Black Dog L. and Shakopee; also seen 12-4 Wood L., Hennepin Co. (KE) and in Austin, Mower Co. on the CBC and on 2-14 (RRK).
1978Spring Early north 3-26, 4-5, 4-6 Otter Tail SM, GO. GW; peak 5-3 Marshall (19,810) sv.
1978Summer Breeding reported from Sherburne, Wabasha, Marshall, Clay, Ramsey, Washington, Stearns, Todd, Stevens, Big Stone, Lac qui Parle, Anoka and Meeker; also seen throughout the state except the north-central and northeast where it was reported only from Duluth.
1978Fall Peak 9-6 Marshall (36,000); late north 11-25 Otter Tail GW, Becker TA, Washington DGW; late south 11-25 Sherburne EH, 11-26 Hennepin VL.
1978Winter Migrants as late as 1-9 in Winona, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka and Freborn; also overwintered in Otter Tail (GO, GW).
1979Spring Early south 3-2 Sherburne JH, 3-7 Winona DGW, 3-15 Martin EB; early north 3-18 Otter Tail SM, 3-23 Cook SW, 3-25 Cook TS. Peak 4-12 Lyon HK (1000s).
1979Summer Breeding reported from Otter Tail, Todd, Pope, Stearns, Lyon; also seen in 20 other counties in all regions except the North Central and Northeast.
1979Fall Peak Becker TNR (43,000). Late north 11-18 Lake KE, 11-24 Lake JG and Otter Tail RJ; late south 11-24 Hennepin BSH, 11-26, Wabasha WDM, 11-30 Scott JCF.
1979Winter Three individuals overwintered in Otter Tail (GMO, GW), and stragglers present in Washington, Hennepin, Martin and Scott 1-19 (BJ) and Itasca 12-9 (TL).
1980Spring Early south 3-2 Scott KG, 3-9 Hennepin ES, 3-14 Olmsted JB; early north 3-30 Otter Tail, SM, GMO, 4-3 St. Louis KMH, 4-6 Aitkin WN.
1980Summer Breeding reported in nine counties; also seen in 29 counties throughout the state except the Northeast.
1980Fall Late north 11-12 Mahnomen JC, 11/3 Itasca JC, 11-17 Cass KE; late south 11-27 Dakota MW, 11-30 Anoka KL, Wabasha JD and Waseca JCF; peak 9-20 Beltrami RJ (1,000s).
1980Winter Overwintered in Otter Tail (5) (mob), Scott (RA) and Waseca, Loon Lake (JCF). An early migrant in Dakota 2-25 (SC).
1981Spring Overwintered Dakota, Scott, Waseca, other early south 3-23 Wabasha WDM, 3-26 Mower RRK and Washington WHL; early north 3-8 Otter Tail SM, 3-25 Beltrami JP, 4-10 Crow Wing TS; peak 4-14 Becker TNWR (1000s).
1981Summer Breeding data from Itasca, Cass, Todd, Stearns; nesting reported from Beltrami, Anoka. Seen throughout state except the Northeast.
1981Fall Late north 10-24 Aitkin WN, 11-7 Beltrami JP, 11-20 Otter Tail SDM; peak 10-31 JPI AM (10,000); late south 11-21 Houston JPI AM, 11-28 Sherburne RJ, 11-30 Washington DS.
1981Winter Eighteen overwintered in the west central at Fergus Falls, Otter Tail (GMO), and December report from Anoka 12-6 (KL), Scott 12-29 (KL) and Dakota 12-6 (KE) (TL). A February report on 2-27 from Dakota (KG).
1982Spring Early south 3-6 Hennepin RH, 3-17 Blue Earth JCF, 3-20 Olmsted BE; early north 4-1 Marshall ANWR, 4-12 Polk KSS, 4-16 Aitkin JB, WN and Beltrami JC.
1982Summer Breeding data from Marshall, Wilkin, Todd, Steams, Martin, St. Louis (Duluth). Seen throughout the state except Lake, Cook.
1982Fall Late north 10/14 Hubbard HJF, 10/31 Pennington KSS, 11/6 Beltrami JP; late south 11/16 Wabasha WDM, 11/20 Houston FL, I I /30 Anoka KL.
1982Winter Overwintered at Fergus Falls, Otter Tail County (SDM, GMO) and reported from Hennepin on 12/8 (AB) and 12/12 (PKL).
1983Spring Early south 3/3 Meeker FKS, Olmsted JEB, 3/4 Le Sueur KL; early north 4/12 Marshall ANWR, 4/19 Becker TNWR, 4/21 Itasca MSc, Lake of the Woods TW.
1983Summer Breeding data from Marshall, Aitkin, Todd, Big Stone, Redwood. Seen throughout the state except the Northeast.
1983Fall Late north 11/6 Becker WL, 11/9 Roseau AJ, 11/13 Beltrami JSP; late south 1/127 Ramsey EC, 1/130 Hennepin SC, RJ, Ramsey OS; peak 9/28 Wabasha (15,000) KL.
1983Winter Reported on the Fergus Falls and Willmar CBC's. December reports from Hennepin, Scott and Dakota and a January report from Ramsey 1-2 (REH). A February report from Dakota, 2-26 (DZ).
1984Spring Early south 3/17 Rice RJ, 3/23 0. Rustad, 3/24 Blue EArth JCF, Mower RRK, Houston FL, Dakota SST; early north 31 I Ottertail (overwintered) GMO, 4/2 Marshall ANWR, 4/4 Clay LCF, 4/8 Aitkin WN.
1984Summernested in Marshall, Polk, Clay, Todd, Watonwan, Waseca and Big Stone; also seen in 20 other counties.
1984Fall Late north 10/29 Cook RE, 11/2 Crow Wing GSK, 11/4 Lake of the Woods AJ, 11/23 Ottertail RJ; late south 1/126 Wabasha JD, Hennepin VL, 11/28 Nicol let TI, 1/130 Hennepin SC, Olmsted PP.
1984Winter Five to six overwintered in Fergus Falls (SDM) and late migrants lingered in Hennepin, Scott and Dakota until I-I (mob).
1985Spring Early south 3/10 Olmsted JEB, Dakota ES, Rice FKS, 3/11 Dakota TTu; early north 3/21 Otter Tail KE, 4/4 Marshall ANWR, 4/12 Polk TT.
1985Summer Nested in Polk, Mahnomen, Wadena (RJ), Todd, Swift, Yellow Medicine (WT), Lincoln (RJ), Brown, Nicollet (LP/GS), Steele (RJ); probable nesting from Murray. Also seen in 21 other counties including St. Louis.
1985Fall Late north 11/3 Traverse GAM, 11/9 Roseau AJ, 11/10 Hubbard TCS; late south 11/30 Ramsey DS, 11/30 Hennepin ES; peak 10/19 Minnesota River Valley NWR, Hennepin Co. (10,000+, one albino) DZ.
1985Winter The only report was of one individual on the Fergus Falls CBC.
1986Spring Early south3/l Fillmore AMP, 3/9 Olmsted JEB, Dakota TTu, 3/11 Chippewa RGJ; early north 3/24 Cook SL, 3/30 Beltrami AB, 3/31 Marshall ANWR, Clay LCF.
1986Summer Nested in Todd, Pope, Lac qui Parle, Blue Earth (RJ); probable nesting in Yellow Medicine. Also seen in 23 other counties in all regions but the northeast.
1986Fall Late north 10/25 Grant AB, 10/29 Wilkin GAM, 1/13 Cook KMH; late south 1/123 Lyon HK, 1/126 Waseca JF, 1/130 Hennepin m. obs.; peak 10/28 Lac qui Parle (30,000) FE.
1986Winter One on the Fergus Falls CBC and in Ramsey County until 12/9 (OS). Reported in Hennepin until 12/10 (m.ob.) and again on 2/24 (AB).
1987Spring Early south 3/4 Waseca JCF, 3/6 Hennepin DB, 3/7 Washington BL, Olmsted RSE, Dakota IT and Goodhue DZ; early north 4/5 Wilkin GAM, 4/6 Marshall ANWR, 4/11 Duluth, P Backstrom and Beltrami TK.
1987Summer Nested in Clay, Morrison, Todd, Pope, Swift, Murray; probable nesting in Stevens, Wright. Also seen in 19 other counties in the western and central regions, but only Hennepin and Wabasha in the eastern regions.
1987Fall Late north 10/25 Aitkin WN and Hubbard JL, 11/14 Roseau MC, 11/30 Cook KMH; late south 11/27 Waseca RJ and Washington DBC, DS, 11/28 Ramsey GP, 11/30 Hennepin m.ob.
1987Winter In the north, present in Grand Marais until 12/16 (KMH), overwintered in Fergus Falls (SDM) and one in Grant 12/17 (KL). South reports include the Bloomington, St. Paul and St. Paul NE CBC's, Scott l/19 (TT), Dakota until 1/2 (m.ob.) and 2/28 (TT), Waseca 12/2 (JCF), Olmsted 12/30 (BSE) and Houston, 12-12, (96, KL, FL).
1988Spring Early south 3/7 Freeborn JM, 3/9 Dakota SC, ES, 3/15 Steele KV; early north 3/27 Otter Tail SDM, 4/6 Marshall ANWR, 4/10 Duluth KE.
1988Summer Nested in Kittson (AB), Todd, Swift, Cottonwood (AB); probable nesting in Pennington. Seen in 22 other counties in all regions except northeast.
1988Fall Late south 10/21 Douglas BSE, 11/4 Cook KMH, 11/11 Carlton AB; late south 11/16 Wabasha DWM, 11/20 Ramsey DZ, 11/30 Hennepin m.ob.
1988Winter Overwintered in Fergus Falls SDM and re ported in December from the Twin Cities and Rochester.
1989Spring Early south 3/21 Anoka SC, ES, 3/22 Olmsted JB, 3/23 Wabasha DWM; early north 4/10 Becker DJ, 4/16 Clay LCF, Duluth MH, Itasca TS and Kanabec AB.
1989Summer Nested in St. Louis, Wilkin; probable nesting in Big Stone. Seen in 26 other counties statewide including Cook; scarce in northeast and southwest.
1989Fall Late north 10/22 Clay LCF, 10/31 St. Louis DPV, 11/3 Lake SWIMS; late south 1/119 Winona CS, ll/28 Washington AB, 11/30 Hennepin mob and Ramsey DS.
1989Winter Overwintered in Otter Tail and Goodhue, and reported in December from Ramsey and Hennepin. Early arrivals in Cottonwood 2/28 fide ED.
1990Spring Early south 3/1 Olmsted BSE, Winona FL, 3/9 Cottonwood ED; early north 3/31 Otter Tail SDM, 4/13 Clearwater AB, 4/20 St. Louis TW and 4/21 Aitkin WN.
1990Summer Nested in Clearwater AB, Anoka, Carver, Rice, Faribault GS; probable nesting in Otter Tail, Sibley, Le Sueur. Seen in 24 other coun ties in all regions except northeast.
1990Fall Late north 11/2 Morrison RJ, 11/9 Cook KMH, IIIII Otter Tail MO; late south 11/8 Wabasha DWM, ll/26 Rice FKS, ll/30 Hennepin GP.
1990Winter Overwintered in Otter Tail ; late migrants found in Hennepin 12/11 (100+) PKL, Sibley, Rice, and 38 on the Excelsior CBC.
1991Spring Early south 3/5 Dakota KB, 3/7 Winona CS, 3/9 Goodhue BLand Washington TEB; early north 4/4 Aitkin WN, 4/5 Clay MO, 4/6 Beltrami DJ.
1991Summer Nested in seven counties including Chip-pewa GS, Le Sueur EK; probable nesting in five. Seen in 18 other counties in all regions except northeast.
1991Fall Late north 10/28 St. Louis AB, 10/31 Beltrami DJ, 11/17 Otter Tail MO; late south 11/27 Hennepin SC, 11/30 Winona CS, Kandiyohi CJ.
1991Winter Reported from Kandiyohi 12/1–14 CJ, and the Albert Lea, Fergus Falls, St. Paul NE, and Willmar CBC's.
1992Spring Early south 3/1 Rice TB, 3/2 Winona CS, 3/4 Dakota KB (these early March dates could be of wintering birds); early north 4/8 Becker BBe, 4/9 Pennington MCBS, 4/18 St. Louis AE.
1992Summer Nested in six counties including Olmsted JB; probable breeding in seven. Seen in 17 additional counties in all regions except northeast.
1992Fall Late north 10/18 Lake PB, 10/25 Aitkin WN, 11/19 Beltrami DJ.
1992Winter Overwintered in Hennepin, Scott and Otter Tail (8) SDM; additional reports from Ramsey, Dakota, Goodhue, Rice, Le Sueur, Freeborn and Winona.
1993Spring One overwintered in Dakota County at Black Dog Lake (SC). Early south 3/1 Winona CS, 3/14 Scott RJ, TT. Early north 3/28 Wilkin SDM, 4/1 Douglas LW, 4/8 Becker BBe.
1993Summer Nested in nine counties including Winona HVA; probable nesting in four. Observed in 24 other counties in all regions except northeast.
1993Fall Late north 10/10 St. Louis TW, 10/17 Douglas KB, 10/23 Otter Tail DS; late south 11/16 Waseca LF, 11/20 Winona RJ, 11/30 Hennepin SC KB.
1993Winter Overwintered in Otter Tail, Scott and Winona. Late migrants noted 12/1 Goodhue BL, 12/15 Anoka KB, 12/17 Dakota WM, and 12/23 Hennepin SC. Returning migrants noted 2/24 Winona CS.
1994Spring One overwintered in Winona County CS; early south 3/1 Scott SC, 3/5 Watonwan BB, 3/8 Wright KB; early north 3/20 Otter Tail SDM, 3/22 Grant KKW, 4/1 Wilkin AB.
1994Summer Fewest reports in ten+ years, and less than half that of last year. Nested in Otter Tail, Hennepin, Lac qui Parle, Redwood; probable nesting in Marshall, Blue Earth. Observed in 12 additional counties in all regions except northeast and southeast.
1994Fall Late north 10/10 Polk KSS, 10/15 Aitkin WN, 11/15 Kanabec CM. Late south 11/16 Carver TEB, 11/18 Freeborn RJ, 11/28 Hennepin RH.
1994Winter Overwintered in Hennepin, Scott, and Winona, plus additional reports mostly in December and early January from Ramsey, Dakota, Houston, Waseca, Kandiyohi, Otter Tail and Beltrami (Bemidji CBC).
1995Spring Reported from 36 south and 15 north counties; early south 3/11 Dakota RG, Martin BB and Olmsted CK; early north 3/13 (earliest north date on record) Marshall SKS, 3/15 Otter Tail (overwintered?) SDM, 3/18 Grant KKW.
1995Summer Very few reports for second consecutive year. Nested in seven counties including Becker MN, Pipestone SKS; seen in 12 additional counties in all regions except northeast, central, and southeast.
1995Fall Reported from 15 north and 18 south counties. Late north 10/29 Aitkin WN, 10/31 Becker BK, 11/4 Aitkin TT. Late south 11/30 Scott, Hennepin and Winona mob. Peak count 8,775 on 10/10 Tamarac N.W.R., Becker Co., BBe et al.
1995Winter Overwintered in Scott, Dakota, and Winona. Also reported on the Fergus Falls and St. Paul CBCs.
1996Spring Overwintered in Winona (1) CS. Early south 3/3 Scott SC and Watonwan ED. Early north 4/9 Marshall SKS, 4/10 Beltrami DJo, 4/17 Clearwater SCM.
1996Summer Nested in Grant SDM, Marshall; probable nesting in St. Louis. Seen in 27 additional counties throughout state.
1996Fall Late north 9/30 Wadena PBi, 10/1 Morrison MJ/DT, 10/10 Aitkin DN. Late south 10/11 Ramsey DZ and Washington WL, 10/17 Hennepin PBu. Peak number estimated at 25,000 on 10/28 Lake Christina, Douglas Co. RJ.
1996Winter Overwintered at the Blue Lake treatment plant, Scott Co. mob and in Fergus Falls, Otter Tail Co. SDM. Also reported on the Willmar, Winona and St. Paul (northeast suburban) CBCs.
1997Spring Overwintered in Scott mob. Early south 3/1 Winona BL, 3/8 Cottonwood ED. Early north 4/12 Kanabec CM, 4/19 Aitkin PP and Wadena PBi.
1997Summer Many fewer reports than last year. Seen in 21 counties in all regions except northeast.
1997Fall Late north 11/4 St. Louis JN, 11/7 Mahnomen MRN, 11/30 Otter Tail SDM. Late south 11/29 Mower RRK, 11/30 Hennepin SC and Ramsey RH.
1997Winter Reported from a record 17 counties, but the only birds which overwintered were in Scott and Otter Tail. Early migrants noted 2/16 Dakota PJ, 2/24 Rice JL, 2/25 Olmsted DA, BE. CBC total 69.
1998Spring Early north 4/5 Douglas SWa, GrK, 4/8 Wadena PBi, 4/11 Becker CN. Unusual report of a “pure white coot” 4/18 Lac qui Parle PJ. See Winter report for early south migrant dates.
1998Summer Seen in 28 counties in all regions except northeast; probable nesting in Beltrami, Steele.
1998Fall Late north 10/25 Morrison MJ/DT, 11/30 St. Louis JN. Unusual report of a partial albino in concentration of 25,000+ coots on 11/8 Pope SDM.
1998Winter Reported from 16 counties. Overwintered in Otter Tail (3), Scott (14), and possibly Goodhue (reported 1/19, 2/20, 2/28). Late north 12/26 Cook KMH. Late south: reported from 12 counties through late December CBC total 628 including 427 at Excelsior. Early south 2/27 Dakota PJ, and 2/28 Rice (3) JL. Peaks 12/7 Winona, Winona Co. (300+) KB, and 12/11–17 Forest Lake, Washington Co. (502) WL.
1999Spring See winter report for early south migrants. Early north 3/27 Becker DJo, 3/31 Todd JSK, SDu. Overwintered in Otter Tail, where the first migrants arrived 4/2.
1999Summer Reported in 22 counties in all regions except northeast (and only Wadena in north central). New nesting records in Sibley RbS, Dakota DBS.
1999Fall Peak concentrations at staging areas: 10/5 Dakota (9,500) RJ, 10/14 Becker (22,205 at TNWR) BBe, 10/16 Hennepin (10,000+) AJo. See winter report for late migrants.
1999Winter Reported from 1 north and 21 south counties. Overwintered in Otter Tail and Scott. Additional mid-winter report: 1/30 Olmsted PS. Late south migrants from 14 counties through 1/1 Afton CBC. Peak 12/9 Hennepin (400 at Lake Calhoun) KB. Early south migrants from 10 counties beginning 2/24 Winona (62) KB.
2000Spring Seen throughout the state. Early north 3/1 Otter Tail SDM, but also overwintered. See winter report.
2000Summer Seen in 32 counties statewide.
2000Fall High count 12,000 on 9/15 in Pope County (L. Minnewiska) KJB. Reported from five north counties during November, including latest north 11/29 Otter Tail SDM. See winter report for late south migrants.
2000Winter Reported from eight south counties, plus Otter Tail in north. Overwintered in both Scott (8+) mob and Otter Tail (several) SPM, DKM. One overwintered along the Mississippi River near Prescott, Wisconsin, which may account for the 1/20 Washington TEB sighting. All other reports were in December.
2001Spring Reported from 46 south and 22 north counties, and in all regions. Overwintered in Scott, but early south migrants noted 3/14 Dakota KJB, 3/16–20 in six counties. Overwintered in Otter Tail and possibly in Douglas, since 3/12 Douglas KKW would be second earliest north date; next seen 3/28 Crow Wing PSP. Peak migration 4/26 in West-central region KJB.
2001Summer Seen in 29 counties in all regions except Northeast.
2001Fall Reported from 14 north and 37 south counties. Late north 11/28 Becker BRK, 11/29 St. Louis JRN, but see winter report. High count 10/26 Lyon (7800) RJS.
2001Winter Reported from 15 south and 2 north counties. Overwintered in Otter Tail, Wright, Scott, and Waseca. Potential early migrant 2/23 Wabasha JLU.
2002Spring Seen in 72 counties. Early south (but see winter report) 3/16 Houston FZL, 3/17 Freeborn AEB and Waseca JEZ. Early north 3/17 Grant SPM, DKM, 3/29 Otter Tail DTT, SMT. High count 4/11 Pope (5000+ at L. Minnewaska) KJB.
2002Summer Record-high number of reports; seen in 41 counties statewide.
2002Fall Reported from 22 north and 36 south counties. High counts 9/28 Otter Tail (3500) DPS, 10/20 Meeker (2000+) RBJ.
2002Winter Reported from one north and six south counties with overwintering in Otter Tail, Scott and Winona. Other reports were in December except through 1/25 Meeker DMF.
2003Spring Seen in 51 counties. See winter report for overwintering birds south. Overwintered in Otter Tail; probable early north migrants 4/6 Clay RHO (recent median 3/28). Highest reported counts 4/5 Waseca (4000 at Clear L.) LWF, 4/8 Houston (7000) KJB.
2003Summer Seen in 30 counties in all regions except Northeast; new nesting record in Isanti DMP.
2003Fall Observed in 21 north and 29 south counties. Late north (but see winter report) 11/30 St. Louis (Silver L., Virginia) †SLF. Highest reported counts 9/21 Polk (4000) EEF, 10/15 Pope (3000+ at L. Minnewaska) RBJ, 10/18 Hennepin (1000s) DCZ.
2003Winter Reported from 2 north and 11 south counties. Overwintered in Otter Tail (7), Wright (3), Sherburne, Goodhue, Scott, plus additional mid-winter reports 1/24 Hennepin (Minnetonka) DMF, 1/24 Washington DFN, PEJ. Late north 12/20 Fergus Falls CBC (35), 1/1 Long Prairie CBC.
2004Spring Observed in 39 south and 20 north counties. Early north (overwintered in Otter Tail) 4/5 Becker MWy, 4/10 Wadena PJB. Highest reported count 5/1 Pope (15,000 at L. Minnewaska) DFN.
2004Summer Seen in 23 counties in all regions except Southeast.
2004Fall Reported from only 21 counties (50 last fall). Highest reported count 10/14 Aitkin (17,102) Rice Lake N.W.R.
2004Winter Only north report: 12/18 Otter Tail (6, Fergus Falls CBC) fide SPM. Reported from seven south counties and six south CBCs. Overwintered Scott (9) PEJ and Washington (6) PEJ.
2005Spring Observed in 45 south and 18 north counties. Early north (overwintered in Otter Tail) 3/27 Todd BWF, 3/30 St. Louis SLF. Partial albino 5/2 Big Stone (near Thielke L.) SLF; pure white except normal coloration on front of face and flank patch.
2005Summer Observed in 24 counties in all regions except Northeast, East-central.
2005Fall Reported from 62 counties. Highest reported counts 10/8 Clearwater (6,000 at Upper Rice L.) BJU, 10/14 Mille Lacs (8,500 at L. Onamia) ASc.
2005Winter Overwintered north Otter Tail (2) SPM and St. Louis (11/27–2/28, Silver Lake, Virginia) SLF, KJB. Reported throughout period from nine south counties in south and east.
2006Spring Observed statewide. Early north (away from overwintering sites in Otter Tail and St. Louis) 3/18 Grant HHD. Highest reported count 4/13 Rice (2,000) FVS.
2006Summer Reported from 47 counties in all regions except Northeast.
2006Fall Reported from 26 north and 43 south counties. Overwintered north and south. Highest reported count of 2,960 (10/15 Duluth SLF) much lower than normal.
2006Winter513 Overwintered north in St. Louis (2, Silver Lake, Virginia) SLF, and Otter Tail (5, Fergus Falls) DTT. Other north reports: 12/16 Clay (4, Moorhead W.T.P., new to Fargo-Moorhead CBC) CMN, PBB, 12/17 Morrison HHD, 12/17 Itasca (3, Grand Rapids CBC) fide KZ. Present 12/16 McLeod (Hutchinson CBC) ph. RWS. Only report south from western regions: 12/4 Lac qui Parle BJU.
2007Spring2051 Early north (but see winter report) 3/10 St. Louis (first migrant joining the two that overwintered in Virginia) SLF, 3/14 Clay (Moorhead W.T.P.) RHO, 3/21 Clay (Buffalo River overflow) RHO. High count 3/30–31 Mower (1,000) NFT.
2007Summer1133 Seen statewide.
2007Fall2740 High counts 10/13 Kandiyohi (11,000) DPG, 11/4 Hennepin (6,000, Long Meadow L.) BAF. Last reported north 11/12 Becker JWH, 11/23 Hubbard PBB. Reported south throughout the season.
2007Winter39 Overwintered St. Louis (1 at Silver Lake in Virginia) SLF, Scott (39 at Blue Lake W.T.P. and Mill Pond) PEJ, and Wright (Mississippi River swan viewing area) BAF, DMF.
2008Spring2552 Early north (median 3/28) 3/17 Otter Tail (7, overwintered in Fergus Falls) DST, 3/21 Cass (Crow Wing River) BAW and St. Louis (2, Virginia) SLF. High count 4/27 Hennepin (3,300 on Long Meadow Lake) BAF.
2008Summer624 Seen in all regions except Northwest. First county breeding records for Douglas MRN, Renville DWK, Nobles BTS.
2008Fall2844 High count 9/27 Lac qui Parle (8,563, including 8,500 at Salt Lake) PCC, PHS. Last reported north 11/13 Mille Lacs RBJ.
2008Winter27 All north 1/12 Clay (2, Moorhead W.T.P.) RHO, 1/14 Otter Tail fide JMJ. All January reports south 1/1 Scott DWK, JLO, 1/2 Dakota AXH, DFN, 1/3 Scott MDu, 1/6 Scott PEJ.
2009Spring2552 Early north (median 3/28) 3/16 Cass BAW and Otter Tail (2, likely over-wintering birds) DST, 3/22 Douglas (2) JPE. High count 4/4 Wabasha (4000, Maloney Lake, Mississippi River) BAF.
2009Summer714 Observed in all regions except North-central and Southeast. Presumably more widespread than reported.
2009Fall2436 High counts 10/31 Stearns (5,000 at Pearl Lake) MJB, 11/14 Wabasha (5,000, Weaver Marsh) BAF. Late north 11/28 Todd (Lake Osakis) MDN (median 12/15). Reported south throughout the season.
2009Winter110 All north 12/19 Fergus Falls CBC (7), 1/16 Otter Tail fide JMJ. January reports south: 1/1–3 Washington (6, Pt. Douglas Park vicinity) BAF, m.ob., 1/1–18 Scott (18, Blue Lake W.T.P.), BAF, PEJ, m.ob. Notable high count 12/3 Houston (5,000, Reno Bottoms, Pool 8) KJB.
2010Spring1651 Reported south throughout the season. First reported north (median 3/28) 3/5 Otter Tail (2) DST, 3/24 Douglas DPG. High count 4/2 Meeker (300, Lake Ripley) MJB.
2010Summer1023 Found in all regions except Northeast, Southeast.
2010Fall2446 High count 10/22–23 Meeker (7,500, Lake Washington) RMa. Last reported north 11/14 Morrison FGo, 11/18 St. Louis (30) NAJ. Observed south throughout the season.
2010Winter37 All north 12/5 Douglas JPE, 12/11 Clay (2, Crystal Sugar lagoons, Moorhead) PBB, 12/18 Fergus Falls CBC (6). Overwintered south in Scott, where high counts varied over the season: 1/14 Scott (50, Blue Lake W.T.P.) ALD, 12/18 Scott (20, (Blue Lake W.T.P.) RSA, 2/20 Scott (17, Blue Lake W.T.P.) PEJ. Possible early migrants 2/27 Wright DFN, PEJ, 2/28 Lac qui Parle BJU.
2011Spring2652 Observed statewide; first reported north 3/19 Otter Tail (5) BDE. High count 4/19 Stearns (1,000, Gretchell Lake) MJB.
2011Summer1124Observed in all regions except Southeast.
2011Fall2550 High counts at Old Cedar Ave. Bridge/Minnesota Valley N.W.R. in Hennepin 11/13 (10,400) MDu and 11/1 (10,000) BeS. Last reported north 11/12 Morrison MJB, FGo, RPR. Observed south throughout the season.
2011Winter218Reported from more counties than in any of the previous 5 years. All north reports: 12/10 Douglas JPE, 12/17 Alexandria CBC (30), overwintered 1/15–2/24 St. Louis (Virginia, Silver Lake) SLF. Multiple individuals overwintered Scott (Blue Lake W.T.P.) m.ob. with midwinter peak 2/4 (15) BAF, SHF; also 1/6 Winona (4, Minneiska) SSp. High counts were in December: 12/1 Hennepin (100, Long Meadow Lake) MaK, 12/13–14 Hennepin (51, Lake Harriet) TAT, IHu.
2012Spring2553 Reported south throughout the season. North reports 3/5 St. Louis (Silver Lake, Virginia) DKa, 3/12 Traverse BJU, 3/16 Beltrami KVH, 3/17 Becker HHD, RAE and Douglas JPE, 3/18 Douglas HHD, 3/24 Douglas FGo, MJB, DPG all before recent median 3/28. High counts 3/24 Houston (~8,500, Reno Bottoms, Upper Mississippi River N.W.R.) SPu, 4/18 Winona (~2,500, Prairie Island) MSn, 4/22 Carver (~2,500, Lake Waconia) JCy.
2012Summer1340 Seen in all regions except Northeast.
2012Fall2845 High count 10/27 Pope (est. 10,000, Lake Minnewaska) MJB. Observed north and south throughout the season.
2012Winter520 Reported from more counties both north and south than in any of the previous five winters. All north reports: 12/3 Cass (166, Gull Lake) BAW, 12/5–18 Cook (Grand Marais) BRL, KJB, 12/8 Clay (Moorhead, American Crystal Sugar lagoons) PBB, 12/15 Fergus Falls CBC (48), 12/29 Douglas JPE, 1/5 Alexandria CBC (2), 1/21 Otter Tail (2, Otter Tail River) JTa. Numerous January-February reports south, including Scott (up to 22, Blue Lake W.T.P.) m.ob., Dakota, Goodhue, Olmsted, Washington, Winona, Wright. High count 12/2 Houston (500, Pool 8, Upper Mississippi River N.W.F.R.) KJB. CBC high counts 12/15 Fergus Falls (48), 12/15 Excelsior (46), 12/15 Owatonna (12).
2013Spring3253 Reported south throughout the season. Early north (median 3/28) 4/2 Otter Tail JDo and Traverse DLP, 4/7 Cass BAW. High count 4/25 Houston (5,000) DJa.
2013Summer1835 Observed in every region of state.
2013Fall2747 Observed north and south throughout the season. High counts 10/18 Meeker (7,200, Lake Washington) RMa, 11/2 Hennepin (6,000, Old Cedar Avenue Bridge; estimated by scope field samples) BAF.
2013Winter412 All north reports: 12/1 Itasca SC, 12/2 Cass BAW, 12/14 Fergus Falls CBC (6), 1/4 Alexandria CBC, 2/12 Otter Tail JTa. Multiple individuals overwintered Scott (Blue Lake W.T.P.) m.ob., with midwinter high count 1/20 (16) ToL. Other south reports after December from Olmsted, Steele, Washington. Season high count 12/14 Scott (44, Blue Lake W.T.P.) RSa, AbA. CBC high count 12/14 Excelsior (44).
2014Spring2752Overwintered in Scott. Probable early south migrants 3/7 Goodhue PEJ, 3/8 Dakota KOk, Ramsey BAF, Winona DBz, ANy. Early north (median 3/28) 3/24 Otter Tail (4) JsS, 3/30 Clay PBB, 4/2 Traverse DLP. High counts 4/25 Faribault (2,750, Rice Lake W.M.A.) ClN, 4/21 Steele (1,100, comprising 1,000 at Oak Glenn and 100 at Lake Kohlmier) NFT.
2014Summer1422Reported from all regions of state, but mostly absent from North-central.
2014Fall2647 Seen statewide throughout the season. Late north reports 11/6 Crow Wing KeM, 11/7 Douglas BEc, and then none until 11/29 Douglas ANy. High count 10/15 Douglas (12,000, Lake Christina, counted by 100s, likely an under-estimate) JsS, JSw.
2014Winter26 All north reports: 12/1–4 Douglas (max. 5) BEc, 12/20 Fergus Falls CBC (5), 1/20 Otter Tail HHD, RAE. Multiple individuals overwintered Scott (Blue Lake W.T.P.) m.ob., with midwinter peak counts 2/1 (35) JFR, 1/22 (30) ToL, CRa. CBC high count 12/20 Excelsior (41).
2015Spring3153 Overwintered in Scott and probably in Otter Tail. Away from these locations, early south 3/10 Rice TFB, 3/11 Anoka DFe, and early north (median 3/28) 3/29 Becker (3, Hamden Slough N.W.R.) ShG, HeH, 4/3 Clay (2, Skree Twp.) PBB, (2, Parke Twp.) PBB, Crow Wing (2) JPR.
2015Summer1324 Found in all regions.
2015Fall3148 High count 10/16–20 Meeker (18,000 tallied on 10/19, Lake Washington) RMa. Observed north and south throughout the season.
2015Winter419 December reports from four north counties, with high count 12/21 Douglas (150, Lake Carlos) ToR. Last north report 1/5 Douglas BEc. December reports from 17 south counties, with high counts 12/4 Carver (150, Lake Waconia) JCy, 12/29 Hennepin (100, Lake Harriet) SKe. Overwintered Scott (Blue Lake W.T.P.) m.ob., with peak counts 1/21 (53) DGu, 2/21 (65) PEJ, and at Shakopee Mill Pond (up to 6). Other midwinter reports from Goodhue, Washington (15 on 1/11 PNi), Winona. CBC high counts 12/19 Owatonna (25), 12/19 Excelsior (16).
2016Spring3052 Overwintered in Scott and probably in Goodhue and Washington. Away from these locations, early south 3/4 Steele HHD, then in eight additional counties on 3/6. Early north 3/6–16 Douglas, BEc, RnB, 3/12 Grant AaL, 3/14 Crow Wing ph. EGa. High counts 4/13 Dakota (1,200, Lakeville) KvM, 4/17 Hennepin (1,050, Old Cedar Ave. Bridge) RCl.
2016Summer1234 Found throughout state.
2016Fall2651 Reported statewide throughout the season. High counts 10/8 Becker (10,000, Little Detroit Lake) SlH, 10/16 Hennepin (10,000, Minnesota Valley N.W.R.) BBr, 10/31 Pope (8,000, Lake Minnewaska) KnM.
2016Winter322 All north: 12/6 St. Louis (8, Silver Lake, Virginia) SLF, 12/17–1/17 Otter Tail (1–3, Fergus Falls), 12/31 Alexandria CBC. December reports from 20 south counties, with peak 12/5 Carver (600) WCM. Multiple individuals overwintered Scott (Blue Lake W.T.P.), with high count 2/4 (40) PEJ. Other midwinter reports (1–4 individuals) from Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Rice. Late February reports, including presumed early migrants, from seven south counties. CBC high count 12/17 Excelsior (33).
2017Spring2753 Overwintered in Scott. Early south (median 3/1) 3/2 Hennepin CMB, 3/2–4 Rice TFB, DAT, 3/3 Houston (3) JRe. Early north (median 3/24) 3/10 Traverse DLP, 3/22 Beltrami RAE, 3/23 Todd (16) ALu. High counts 4/13 Carver (8,300, Lake Waconia, spread over northern half of the lake) WCM, 4/5 Houston (3,000, Hokah Twp.) DBa, 4/17 Pope (3,000, Lake Minnewaska) KnM.
2017Summer1537 Observed in all regions except Northeast.
2017Fall2650 High counts 10/8 Polk (6,000, East Grand Forks W.T.P.) SAu, 8/31 Big Stone (5,000, Riverside Park) WPe, 9/9 Lac qui Parle (5,000, Salt Lake) LiH, ASu. Observed north and south throughout the season.
2017Winter512 December reports from five north counties: 12/3 Cass (12) DAY, 12/12 Douglas (14) ToR, 12/16 Clay PBB, Fergus Falls CBC, 12/1–17 St. Louis (Virginia, Silver Lake) SLF. December reports from 11 south counties, with high counts 12/4 (52, Carver, Lake Waconia) WCM, 12/10–16 Washington (50, Grey Cloud Island) m.ob., 12/7–8 Hennepin (40, Lake Harriet) SKe, IVa. Overwintered Scott (up to 12, Blue Lake W.T.P.) m.ob., Goodhue (Red Wing) m.ob. CBC high counts 12/16 Excelsior (14), Bloomington (2).
2018Spring3153 Overwinted in Goodhue and Scott. Early south migrants (median 3/1) 3/1 Hennepin DWK, 3/3 Nobles BAb, 3/4 Chippewa DWK. Early north (median 3/23) 3/4 Douglas (Goose Park) BEc, Otter Tail (Fergus Falls) WPl, 3/25 Clay (Lake Fifteen) PBB, Traverse DLP. High counts 4/28 Lac qui Parle (3,000, Big Stone N.W.R.) MwT, 4/26 Dakota (2,000, Big Rivers Overlook) BBr.
2018Summer1939 Observed in all regions.
2018Fall3146 High counts 10/12 Hennepin (9,500, Minnesota Valley N.W.R.) BBr, 10/27 Wright (6,000, Pelican Lake) IVa. Observed north and south throughout the season.
2018Winter24 Reported from only six counties statewide, the fewest in at least the past 20 winters. All north: 12/10–14 Douglas (Lake Cowdry) ToR, overwintered (through 2/16) Otter Tail (Fergus Falls) m.ob. South reports from four Twin Cities counties (Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott). Overwintered Scott (up to 45, Blue Lake W.T.P.) m.ob. CBC high counts 12/15 Excelsior (6), Fergus Falls (3).
2019Spring2452 Overwintered in Scott. Early south (median 3/1) 3/14 Goodhue PEJ, Hennepin IMc, Rice TFB. Early north (median 3/21) 3/27–31 Traverse (max. 4) DLP, LiH, 3/27–4/4 Grant (max. 2) MGi, LS. High counts 4/7 Faribault (2,600, Walnut Lake W.M.A.) JiP, 4/16 Goodhue (1,270, Lake Byllesby) EzH.
2019Summer1337 Reported from south and west of a line from Roseau to Houston.
2019Fall2249 Reported statewide throughout the season. High count 10/20 Hennepin (6,000, Minnesota Valley N.W.R.) BBr, DgC.
2019Winter17 One north report: 2/6 Otter Tail (Fergus Falls) JsS. Overwintered Scott (up to 21, Blue Lake W.T.P.) m.ob. No other reports after mid December. CBC high count 12/14 Excelsior (3).
2020Spring1952 Overwintered in Scott. Early south (median 3/1) 3/1 Nobles (Okabena Lake) RLF, REn, 3/4–7 Ramsey (Lake Como) ebd, 3/7 Hennepin (Minnesota Valley N.W.R.) CRM, m.ob., Scott BAb, m.ob. Early north (median 3/20) 3/8 Traverse DLP, 3/14 Otter Tail ebd, 3/25 Grant (North Ottawa Impoundment) REn, RLF. High counts 4/11 Hennepin (1,800, Old Cedar Ave. Bridge) BBr, 4/10 Freeborn (1,500, Geneva Lake) JBu, 4/21 Carver (1,500, Lake Waconia) JWZ.
2020Summer1027 Observed in all regions except Northeast, Southeast.
2020Fall3151 Reported statewide throughout the season. High count 9/29 Douglas (21,000, Lake Christina, rough estimate) TFu.
2020Winter13 December reports from 12 south counties, with high counts 12/1 Wabasha (29, Pool 5) PEJ, 12/5 Wabasha (25, Wabasha, Pioneer Club) SDz, 12/2 Meeker (20, Lake Ripley) BNn. After December, reported from eight south counties, with high count 1/5 Washington (15, Grey Cloud Island gravel pit) GJa. Multiple individuals overwintered Scott (Blue Lake W.T.P.) m.ob., with peak count 1/18 (14) BDo. CBC high count 12/19 Excelsior (6).
2021Spring3053 Overwintered in Scott. Early south (median 3/3) 3/1 Wright HHD, 3/5 Hennepin CMB, MwT, ebd, Kandiyohi RAE. Early north (median 3/21) 3/9–20 Grant (max. 3, North Ottawa Impoundment) ebd, 3/22–27 Becker (Hamden Slough N.W.R.) NaH, TKa, 3/27 Traverse (6) SHo, JWH, KEm. High counts 4/3 Houston (3,000, Wagon Wheel Trail) TWe, BWe, 4/3 Steele (3,000, Oak Glen Lake) BAb, 4/19 Waseca (3,000, Clear Lake) GHo, KDS.
2021Summer1432 Seen in all regions except Northeast.
2021Fall3051 Reported statewide throughout the season. High count 10/24 Meeker (10,900, estimated by 200s, Lake Washington) MJB.
2021Winter316 December north reports: 12/11–14 Becker (near Detroit Lakes) NaH, 12/14–23 Douglas (Lake Carlos; initially 175, dwindling to 4) BEc, ToR, CRM. North reports after December: 1/2 Douglas (Lake Carlos S.P.) BEc, 1/3–8 Otter Tail (near Rush Lake) ShG, HeH, Tfu, 2/7 Douglas JPE. December reports from 16 south counties, including Chisago, with high counts 12/4 Carver (200, Lake Waconia) TWe, 12/3 Hennepin (22, Medicine Lake) RCl. Overwintered Scott (up to 15, Blue Lake W.T.P.) m.ob., Hennepin (2, Bass Ponds) m.ob. Other reports after December: 1/4 Ramsey (Raspberry Island) BAF, JZj. CBC high count 12/18 Alexandria (225).
 
 Breeds throughout, except northeast. Migrant throughout.

Notes:

Click on the bird name to see a photographic image of the bird.
Column N  Number of counties where the bird was seen in the North.
Column S  Number of counties where the bird was seen in the South.