Seasonal Report Archive for The Loon - Partridge, Pheasants, Grouse, Turkeys 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: Partridge, Pheasants, Grouse, Turkeys
Wild Turkey
Ruffed Grouse
Spruce Grouse
Willow Ptarmigan
Rock Ptarmigan
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Greater Prairie-Chicken
[Sharp-tailed Grouse X Greater Prairie-Chicken]
Gray Partridge
Ring-necked Pheasant
[Chukar]

Ring-necked Pheasant(Phasianus colchicus)
YearSeasonNS
1930SummerA nest round by Gustav Swanson at Fort Snelling on May 16th held sixteen eggs and one round by Alden Carpeoter, near Robbinsdale on tqe following day contained twelve eggs. The only other nest reported was by Leander Fischer# near Shakopee on June 5th, with eleven eggs. Young were seen by the writer at Lake Harriet on June 6th at1d by.Uden Risser at st. Paul on June 1Zth.
1931SummerA nest with 8 eggs on Nay 18th (Risser and Swedenborg) and another vJith 17 eggs on Nay 27th (Ma.rius l1orse ) •
1932Summer5 nests of this noisy bird wore found. The earliest one conta.i~cd tho iQmcnso nmJbor of 23 eggs, and was found M~.y 1 (Swcdonborg). Tho latest was found June 11 with 10 eggs (the writor).
1933Summer Twelve nests of this introduced polygamist wore reported. The earliest ws found by Stein nnd the writer at Shakopee on April 25th, at which time it hold 9 eggs. The latest was found by Hicmonz, near Piers,. Msrrieon County, on June 1oth. It contained 10 eggs. A nest found by Nrs. Peterson at Mndison on Mny 17th hold 20 eggs, o.nd it is not improbable that more t!km,. one hon contributed to its contents. (Please refer to the report on RUFFED GROUSE for a record of pheasant eggs found in a nest of that' species.)
1934Summer The first nest of this rcsplendunt sqU!Uter was found by Risser on }by 6th, when it held 3 eggs. Eisele reported the latest nest, one found on Hay 30th nnd containing 14 eggs.
1935Summer Last March a female Pheasant at vlillmar eit.her was going by a faulty calendar or had not read the Minnesota Pheasant nesting datos listed in Dr. Roberts' book, because she built a nest and laid some eggs in it about the middle of March~ Charles DuToit, Dr. Alden Risser, and Upson found tho nest with 2 broken fresh eggs on March 25th to set a new Minnesota early Pheasant nesting record. On May 22nd Breckenridge, Prosser and Turner saw a girl in Dr. Roberts' class unknowingly stop over a brooding hen without flushing it at Rush L.'\ke, Anoka County. Swanson found a nest with 10 eggs May 5th, and Erickson saw a hen with a one-fourth-grcw.n brood at Coon Creek, Anoka County, July 21st.
1936Summer The first to find a nest of this species this season was Upson who discovered on June 4th one containing thirteen eggs. The next to mru{e observations on the pheasru1t wns E. D. Swedenborg who smr two broods of small J~oung, the first on July 5th was a brood of seventeen, the second seen on July 19th embraced eleven. Mrs. C. E. Peterson of t/£..dison savr several young thoro on July 14th.
1937SummerOn June 29 Mr. E. D. Swedenborg flushed a family of young. about ten days old.
1938SummerSix observers reported Pheasant nests or young birds. The first nest was found by R. Voth and W. Hiebert at Maiden Lake, Cottonwood County on May 23. G. Swan­son saw several nests at Windom on May 29; K. Carlander noted 2 covies just off the nest on June 2 at Shakopee; E. D. Swedenborg found one-third grown young at Minneapolis on July 7; and Arnold Erickson saw several broods of lan~e young at Long Meadow (Minneapolis),;n August 7·
1940SummerMany nests were reported for this species. The first of the season, a 9 egg nest, was found by C. Hero in Renville Co. on May 5· The last record, a female with 7 young sighted on the early morning of August 5, at Lake Sylvia, Wright Co., was made by the author.
1943SummerMay 8-30, 3 nests, 42 eggs, Hennepin Coun­ty. Bros. Lewis and Pius.
1944Summer4. April 9, four eggs, Ramsey, Brother Hubert and Brother Pius. May 13, nine eggs, Hennepin, Fred Blanch. May 20, eight eggs, Ramsey, Olson.
1945Summer3 nests with eggs, later destroyed, Hennepin Co., May 27, Don and Eldeen Jacobs;.nest, 7 eggs, April 28, Hennepin Co., William Longley; 2 nests with eggs, Hennepin Co., Fred Blanch, Larry Flahavan.
1945WinterPresent throughout the year. CHUKAR PARTRIDGE. These native and introduced species are of course present throughout the year.
1946Summer10 young, July 9, Kandiyohi Co., Barrett; 7 young, July 17; 5 young, Aug. 14, Ramsey Co., Moore.
1947Summer3 eggs, May 16; 2 broods, July 20; 12 young, Aug. 2, Lac qui Parle Co. Will- December, 1947 is; 11 young, May 20, Blue Earth Co., Jacobs; 16 eggs, May 24, Kandiyohi Co., Barrett; 14 eggs, May 24, Chippewa, Co., Barrett; 15 eggs, May 24, Chippewa Co., Barrett; 8. young, June 26, Hennepin Co., Jacobs.
1962SummerJuly 1, Goodhue Co., 6 young, A. C. Rosenwinkel; July 7, Minneapolis, 3 broods, 3, 8, 10 young, Brother Theodore; no date, Homer, Winona Co., 4 or 5 young, Bart Foster. Chukar.-July 21, Ely, 11 adults, 9 young, Avifaunal Club.
1962FallSept. 9, Ramsey Co., a very late brood of 7 young, a few weeks old, A. C. Rosenwinkel.
1963SummerNumerous nestings reported from Clay, Ramsey, Houston, Rock, Anoka, Hennepin Counties.
1964Summerbreeding in Ramsey (ELC) and Clay (DM) Counties; also Fargo-Moorhead, EGA.
1966Summernested in Hennepin, Washington Co's; also reported from Ramsey, Nicollet, Faribault, Wabasha and Nobles Co's.
1966Winterreported from Rice, Wabasha, Washington, Pope, Stearns, Wright, Meeker, Ramsey, Kanabec, Hennepin, Dakota, St. Louis, Anoka, Blue Earth, Nobles, Cottonwood, Wright and Roseau Co's.
1967Summernested in Cottonwood Co.; also reported from Pope, Nobles, Ramsey, Washington, Hennepin, Stevens, La qui Parle, Traverse, Big Stone, Wabasha Co's. Ruby -throated Hummingbird: nested Washington Co.; also reported from Cottonwood, Washington, Beltrami, Hennepin, Aitkin, Cook, Crow Wing, Morrison, Hubbard, Houston Co's.
1967Fall reported from Stevens, Lyon, St. Louis (Duluth), Stearns, Morrison, Wabasha, Washington, Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Nobles Co's., but numbers much reduced.
1967Winter reported from Hennepin, Watonwan, Blue Earth, Lyon, Olmsted, Stearns, Goodhue, Chisago, Wabasha, Pope, Stevens, Big Stone, Nobles, Rice, Carver, Morrison, Isanti, Anoka, Ramsey, Wright, Washington Co's. Chukar: 2-5 Ely, St. Louis Co., 6, MIG.
1968Spring reported by 26 observers from Pope, Hennepin, Carver, Washington, Cottonwood, Chisago, Watonwan, Wright, Ramsey, Anoka, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Stevens, Big Stone, Traverse, Lac qui Parle, Nobles, Rice, Wabasha, Winona, Olmsted Co.'s.
1968Summer nested in Hennepin, Rice, Anoka Co's; also reported from Grant, Blue Earth, Washington, Morri son, Nobles, Lyon, Cottonwood, Pope, Winona Co's.
1968FallReported from 10 counties.
1968WinterReported from Carver, Winona, Blue Earth, Chisago, Ramsey, Hennepin, Watonwan, Dakota, Nobles, Cottonwood, Rice, Washington, Wabasha, Olmsted, Freeborn, Fillmore, Benton, and Ramsey Counties.
1969Springfrom Wright, Anoka, Swift, Rice, Isanti, Freeborn, Olmsted, Hennepin, Watonwan, Wabasha, Blue Earth, Carver, Nobles, Ramsey, Cottonwood Counties, and 4-1 (pr) St. Louis Co., KS.
1969Summernested in Dakota, Ramsey, Hennepin, and Nobles Co's.; reported also from Carver, Blue Earth, Washington, Watonwan, St. Louis, Brown, Cottonwood, Rice, Wabasha, Rock, Kandiyohi, and Isanti Co's.
1969FallReported from Carver, Chisago, Cottonwood, Hennepin, Lyon, Olmsted, Ramsey, St. Louis, Watonwan and Winona counties. Gray Patridge: 8-10 Nobles 2 HSH; 9-18 Wabasha DGM.
1969WinterReported from Lake (1-31), Castle Danger, T. Savaloja), St. Louis (Duluth), Morrison, W atonwan, Anoka, Chisago, Pope, Washington, Carver, Ramsey, Cottonwood, Rice, Lyon, Dakota, Hennepin, Wabasha, Olmsted, Fillmore, Stearns, Wright, Nobles, Winona, Freeborn.
1970Springreported from Goodhue, Ramsey, Wright, Hennepin, Wabasha, Cottonwood, Carver, Lyon, Watonwan, Blue Earth, Washington, Rice, Nobles, Duluth, Yellow Medicine and Chisago; peak 3-2 Olmsted (39} HW.
1970Summernested in Cottonwood, Nobles, Dakota, and Anoka Co's. Reported as "widespread" in Freeborn Co. but scarce in Wabasha and Pope Co's.
1970Fallreported from Carver, Winona, Dakota, Hennepin, Wabasha, Lyon, Cottonwood, Nobles, Mille Lacs, and Duluth.
1970Winterreported from Duluth, Crow Wing, and Big Stone Counties southward.
1971Springreported from Duluth, Beltrami (no date, Waskish, RCD), Wabasha, Cottonwood, Brown, Hennepin, McLeod, Pope, Carver, Mower, Winona, Dakota, Stearns, Wright, Sherburne, Nobles, Rice, Olmsted, and Murray.
1971Summernested in Pope, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Lyon, Scott, Yellow Medicine and Wright; also reported from 8 other counties.
1972Summernested in Dakota, Henne pin, {Morrison), (Rice); seen in 19 other counties as far north as Aitkin, Clearwater, Clay.
1972WinterNORTH Reported from Becker, Clay, Grant, Morrison and Otter Tail. SOUTH Twenty-seven reports from twenty-one counties.
1973Summer Nested in Hennepin & Dakota; seen in 19 other counties, including St. Louis.
1973Fall Reported from 14 counties.
1973Winter Reported from 31 counties.
1974Spring Reported from St. Louis, Clay, Mille Lacs, Otter Tail, Hennepin, Le Sueur, Dakota, Ramsey, Cottonwood, Anoka, Rock, Rice, Wright, Wabasha, Stearns and Scott.
1974Summer Nested in Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Stearns, Cottonwood, Rock, Hennepin, Washington; also reported from 19 other counties.
1974Fall Reported from Duluth, Clay, Hubbard, Faribault, Benton, Cottonwood, Brown, Ramsey, Murray, Hennepin, Wilkin, Rock, Chisago, Le Sueur, Wa- seca, Blue Earth, Steele, Freeborn, Traverse, Stevens, Wright, Big Stone, Lac qui Parle, Pope, Dakota.
1974Winter Reported from 30 counties; reported to have suffered heavy losses from the January 10-11 blizzard.
1975Spring Reported from Nicollet, Freeborn, Hennepin, Cottonwood, Dakota, Carver, Stearns, Murray, Anoka, Ramsey, Lac qui Parle, Olmsted, Wabasha, Rice, Yellow Medicine, Goodhue, St. Louis Co's.
1975Summer Nested in Anoka, Hennepin, Steele and Lac qui Parle; also reported from 19 other counties north to Clay and Stearns.
1975Fallreported from Cook, St. Louis, Wilkin, and 15 counties south.
1975Winterreported from 33 counties including Polk and a peak of 262 on the MinneapolisChristmas Count.
1976Spring Reported from 24 counties.
1976Summernested in Lac qui Parle, Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey and Dakota; also reported from 20 other counties north to Clay and Duluth.
1976Fall Reported from 19 counties.
1976Winter Reported from 30 counties north to Marshall Co. and Duluth.
1977Spring Reported from 24 counties.
1977Summer Nested in Duluth, Morrison, Lac qui Parle, Lyon, Cottonwood, Wright, Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington; also reported from 16 other counties north to Roseau (6-11, RJ).
1977Winter Reported from 36 counties including a peak of 231 on the St. Paul N.E. CBC; seems to be coming back a bit after years of low numbers.
1978Summer Breeding reported in Sherburne, Anoka, Hennepin, Washington and Olmsted; also seen in 16 other counties in the South plus Otter Tail, Mille Lacs and St. Louis (Duluth, Ely) in the North.
1978Fall Permanent resident; reported from 13 counties.
1978Winter Reported from 42 counties; more reports than usual -still appears to be on the increase.
1979Spring Permanent resident. Reported from 31 counties.
1979Summer Breeding reported in Benton, Sher burne, Anoka, Hennepin, Olmsted; also seen in 21 other counties in the southern and central regions plus Duluth in the northern regions.
1979Fall Permanent resident; reported from 20 counties.
1980Spring Permanent resident; reported from 30 counties.
1980Summer Breeding reported fro,m ten counties in the south half plus Duluth; also seen throughout the state north to Clay, Hubbard.
1980Fall Reported from 15 counties.
1980Winter Reported from 31 counties north to St. Louis (Duluth Port Terminal), Mille Lacs, Otter Tail and Polk.
1981Spring Permanent resident; reported from 27 counties.
1981Summer Breeding data from Stearns, Le Sueur; nesting reported from Isanti, Sherburne, Anoka. Seen throughout range plus Beltrami (7 miles N. of Bemidji, AS).
1981Fall Permanent resident; reported from 20 counties.
1981Winter Reported from 36 counties throughout the state except the northeast region. The north central report was from near Bemidji (SY) and the northeast report from Duluth. After the record snow falls, late January brought concentrations of 200+ near the Anoka County Airport. By midFebruary they were hard to find.
1982Spring Permanent resident; reported from eight counties north, 30 south.
1982Summer Breeding data from Stearns, Mille Lacs, Olmsted, LeSueur, Chippewa. Seen throughout range as far north as Duluth, Bemidji, Polk.
1982Fall Permanent resident, reported from four counties north, 20 south.
1982Winter Reported from 40 counties north to Duluth, Aitkin, 1/15 (WN) and Norman Co.
1983Spring Permanent resident, reported from 22 counties south, 8 north.
1983Summer Breeding data from Mille Lacs, Benton, Steams, Ramsey, LeSueur. Seen throughout range as far north as Clay, Wadena.
1983Fall Permanent resident, reported from two north and 18 south counties.
1983Winter Reported from seven north and 39 south counties south of a line from Fargo to Duluth. A statewide CBC total of 1472 with a peak of 160 on the Mpls. North CBC. The CBC data suggests the species is most common in the Twin Cities area and the south central region. A bad winter kill reported in Lac qui Parle (FE).
1984Spring Permanent resident, reported from six north and 27 south counties. Winter 1984
1984Summernested in Olmsted and Le Sueur; also seen in 24 other counties.
1984Fall Permanent resident, reported from two north and 15 south counties.
1984Winter Also down sharply with a total CBC count of 208 compared with last year's 1472. Over half of this year's total (Ill) came from the Rochester CBC. Numerous observer comments of "scarce," "very few, " etc.
1985Spring Permanent resident, reported from seven north and 32 south counties.
1985Summer Probable nesting LeSueur. Also seen in 30 other counties north to Wilkin, Wadena, Aitkin.
1985Fall Permanent resident, reported from three north and 21 south counties.
1985Winter Reported from 44 counties south of a line from Fargo to Duluth. This year's CBC total of 390 is up from last years count of 208 but still well below the 1472 recorded two years ago.
1986Spring Permanent resident, reported from three north and 28 south counties.
1986Summer Nested in Todd (RJ), Pope, Hennepin, Fillmore (AP); probable nesting in Rock, Mower. Also seen in 32 other counties north to Becker, Aitkin, Duluth.
1986Fall Reported from nine north and 21 south counties.
1986Winter The statewide CBC count of 203 is down from last year's 390. Reported from 41 counties south of a Fargo-Duluth line plus one on the Bemidji CBC.
1987Spring Reported from nine north and 31 south counties.
1987Summer Nested in McLeod (TT), Sibley (TT), Le Sueur, Steele, Dodge, Pipestone. Seen in 39 other counties north to Mille Lacs, Wadena, Wilkin, plus Red Lake (BBS). Steady increase in reports last three years.
1987Fall Reported from four north and 24 south counties.
1987Winter The recent mild winters have apparently been beneficial for this species since the reported numbers are up sharply. Reports from 49 counties ( 42 L. Y.) south of a Duluth to Norman County line. A statewide CBC total of 620 (203 L. Y.). The CBC data suggests the species is most common in the south central and southwest regions.
1988Spring Reported from six north and 34 south counties.
1988Summer Nested in Crow Wing (JS/MN), Todd, Pope, Le Sueur, Steele, Dodge (AB); proba- Rough-legged Hawk, 24 June 1988, Agassiz NWR, Marshall County. Photo by Jim Mattsson. ble nesting in Freeborn. Seen in 35 other counties north to Clay, Hubbard, Aitkin.
1988Fall Reported from nine north and 24 south counties.
1988Winter Reported from 40 counties in its range ( 49 l.y.), with a CBC total of 500 (620 l.y.).
1989Spring Reported from seven north and 40 south counties.
1989Summer Nested in Kandiyohi AB, Olmsted; probable nesting in Kanabec, Le Sueur. Seen in 32 other counties as far north as Clay, Wadena.
1989Fall Reported from six north and 24 south counties .
1989Winter Reported from 45 counties as far north as Marshall, Roseau, and Itasca (all wild stock?) with a statewide CBC total of 477 (500 l.y.).
1990Spring Reported from 10 north and 36 south counties .
1990Summer Nested in Brown JS, LeSueur, Rice; probable breeding in Otter Tail, Swift, Fillmore. Seen in 33 other counties north to a line through Polk, Hubbard, Crow Wing, Chisago.
1990Fall Reported from six north and 24 south counties.
1990Winter Reported from 41 counties (45 l.y.) and a statewide CBC total of 1332, nearly three times last year's 477. Pattern closely follows the above species with high numbers south, lower numbers locally in a couple of western counties such as Lac qui Parle. RJ noted "hundreds" in Mower 1/5.
1991Spring Reported from 15 north and 32 south counties. Many observers reported increased numbers.
1991Summer Nested in Brown, Winona HVA; probable breeding in seven counties. Seen in 24 other counties north to Clay, Wadena, Pine; plus Roseau DC (escapee?).
1991Fall Reported from seven north and 26 south counties.
1991Winter Reported from 33 counties (41 l.y.) as far north as St. Louis in the northeast and Clay and Becker in the northwest. CBC total 536 (1,332 l.y.).
1992Spring Reported from 11 north and 36 south counties.
1992Summer Nested in Pipestone, Le Sueur, Rice, Washington; probable nesting in Cottonwood. Seen in 31 additional counties as far north as Marshall, Clearwater, Aitkin counties.
1992Fall Reported from 8 north and 22 south counties.
1992Winter Reported from 46 counties (33 l.y.) as far north as Aitkin, Mahnomen and Clay. CBC total 640.
1993Spring Reported from eight north and 27 south counties.
1993Summer Nested in Stevens BBo, Pope, Carver, Mower; probable nesting in Otter Tail, Cottonwood, Hennepin, Ramsey. Seen in 21 additional southern counties plus Clay, Becker, Todd, Kanabec, St. Louis.
1993Fall Reported from four north and 17 south counties.
1993Winter Reported from 39 counties (43 l.y.) as far north as Kanabec, Becker and Norman.
1994Spring Reported from one north and 31 south counties.
1994Summer Fewest reports in over ten years. Nested in Blue Earth LF, Isanti; probable nesting in Kandiyohi, Winona. Seen in 19 additional southern counties plus Otter Tail, Douglas.
1994Fall Reported from three north and 17 south counties.
1994Winter Reported from 38 counties in the southern two-thirds of the state as far north as Clay, Becker and Pine. CBC total 790.
1995Spring Reported from 28 south and seven north counties. Numbers up in north counties.
1995Summer Statewide population up 32% from last year (Minnesota DNR). Nested in Douglas SWa, Anoka, Carver, Dodge; probable nesting in Rice. Seen in 27 additional counties as far north as a line through Mahnomen, Todd, and Chisago counties.
1995Fall Reported from 5 north and 22 south counties.
1995Winter Reported from 53 counties throughout range. CBC total 1,172.
1996Spring Reported from 42 south and 9 north counties. Numbers down, mob.
1996Summer Nested in Rice, probable nesting in five counties; seen in 31 additional counties as far north as Clay, Wadena, Isanti.
1996Fall Reported from 3 north and 31 south counties.
1996Winter Reported from 46 counties throughout range. CBC total a record 2,463 (1,172 l.y.), which is nearly four times the ten year average. As with Gray Partridge, larger numbers during this harsh winter may reflect the many birds which were forced onto roadsides where they could be visibly counted, as happened on the Faribault CBC, which tallied a remarkable total of 496 individuals.
1997Spring Reported from 37 south and 4 north counties.
1997Summer Numbers down 17% statewide; population drop especially severe in west central and southwest (MDNR). Observed in 37 counties as far north as Wilkin, Kanabec. Nested in Martin BBo, Freeborn ABa; probable nesting in Kanabec, Olmsted.
1997Fall Reported from 5 north and 23 south counties.
1997Winter Reported from 38 counties in range. CBC total 288 (record 2,463 l.y.).
1998Spring Reported from 38 south and 8 north counties.
1998Summer Observed in 33 counties as far north as Wilkin, Todd, Isanti, Chisago; plus 6/28 Roseau (escapee?) PS. Probable nesting in McLeod, Hennepin, Ramsey, Rice, Freeborn.
1998Fall Reported from 6 north and 32 south counties.
1998Winter Reported from 41 counties in range. CBC total 650.
1999Spring Reported from 43 south and 9 north counties, as far north as Clearwater and Itasca. Common in the west-central region (RJ).
1999Summer Most reports since 1988. Observed in 41 counties as far north as Traverse, Wadena, and Pine.
1999Fall Reported from 8 north and 34 south counties, including unusual reports in October from 40th Ave. West in Duluth (wild from Wisconsin or release?).
1999Winter Reported from 40 counties as far north as Todd, Morrison and Kanabec. The report of four on the International Falls CBC probably not countable due to questionable origin.
2000Spring Observed in 41 south and 10 north counties, as far north as Clay, Wadena, Carlton, plus 4/1 Clearwater (3) DJo.
2000Summer Record high number of reports. Seen in 52 counties as far north as a line through Clay, Wadena, Pine; plus 7/9 Roseau (wild?) PHS. MDNR reports spring breeding population up 20% over the spring of 1999 due to recent mild winters.
2000Fall North reports from Cass, Crow Wing, Kanabec, Todd, and Wadena, plus 38 south counties.
2000Winter Reported from 46 counties as far north as Clay, Becker, and St. Louis. Like last year, the report from the International Falls CBC probably not countable.
2001Spring Seen in 47 south and 12 north counties, as far north as Mahnomen, Cass, Itasca, Kanabec, and Pine.
2001Summer Seen in 32 counties as far north as a line through Roseau, Wadena, and Washington counties.
2001Fall North reports from Douglas, Pine, Todd, Wadena, plus escapee 10/26 Lake (Two Harbors) JWL. Seen in 36 south counties.
2001Winter Observed in 37 counties as far north as Otter Tail and Wadena, plus Polk and the Bemidji CBC.
2002Spring Observed in 55 counties as far north as Clay, Otter Tail, Wadena, Aitkin.
2002Summer D.N.R. data indicates the pheasant population was up 86% from the previous year (and 36% above ten-year mean). Observed in 39 counties as far north as a line through Traverse, Otter Tail, Wadena, Isanti, and Washington.
2002Fall Observed in 35 counties as far north as Polk (10/10, CRM) and Wadena, plus probable escapees 9/27 Lake (6) JWL. High count 11/19 Pipestone (52) RBJ.
2002Winter Reported from 42 counties as far north as Becker and St. Louis.
2003Spring Observed in 54 counties as far north as Clay, Otter Tail, Wadena, Cass, Crow Wing, Kanabec and Pine, plus 5/17 Beltrami (near Pennington) DPJ.
2003Summer August roadside surveys by Minnesota D.N.R. indicate a 65% increase from last year. Seen in 36 counties as far north as a line through Otter Tail, Wadena, Carlton; new nesting record in Kanabec CAM.
2003Fall Observed in 39 counties as far north as Marshall (9/27, male at Agassiz N.W.R., PHS), Red Lake (10/23, female near Plummer, PHS), Wadena, and Carlton (10/6, Moose Lake S.P., RBJ).
2003Winter Reported from 42 counties as far north as a line from Wilkin to Pine, plus 12/27 Red Lake (dead) PHS and the International Falls CBC. On 2/1, BJU found a record high 1030+ in the vicinity of the south end of Lac qui Parle Lake, Lac qui Parle and Chippewa counties.
2004Spring Observed in 53 counties as far north as Clay, Otter Tail, Wadena, Morrison, Mille Lacs, Kanabec and Pine.
2004Summer Seen in 42 counties statewide, except Northeast. New nesting record in Pine JMP.
2004Fall Observed in 33 counties as far north as Clay in the Northwest, Wadena in the North-central, and Kanabec and Pine in the East-central region.
2004Winter Reported from 30 counties statewide, including 1/29 Red Lake JMJ and 2/25 Polk BWF in the north.
2005Spring Recorded in 65 counties as far north as Polk, Mahnomen, Wadena, Todd, Morrison, Mille Lacs, Kanabec, Pine, and Carlton (escaped?).
2005Summer Seen in 45 counties as far north as Clay, Mille Lacs, Pine.
2005Fall Observed in 47 counties as far north as Clay in the Northwest region, Wadena, Hubbard and Beltrami (origin?) in the North-central, and Kanabec and Pine in the East-central.
2005Winter Reported from 12 north and 36 south counties statewide. Birds in far-northwest (especially Marshall) likely result from releases at game farms and/or shooting preserves.
2006Spring Found in 62 counties as far north as Clay, Mahnomen, Hubbard, Wadena, Todd, Morrison, Mille Lacs, Kanabec, Pine.
2006Summer Observed in 60 counties in all regions except North-east. New nesting record for Pine JMP.
2006Fall Observed in 56 counties as far north as Mahnomen in the Northwest, Wadena and Cass in the North-central, and Kanabec and Pine in the East-central.
2006Winter741 This species is enjoying a strong resurgence throughout its range in the state, especially in the West-central region. The Minnesota DNR pheasant index remained high in 2006 and was about 48% above the 10-year average, though still 63% below the benchmark years of 1955–64 (soil-bank years with marginal cropland in long-term set-aside).
2007Spring1953 Reported as far north as Marshall (escapee?), Becker, Wadena, Cass, Aitkin, and Pine. High count 3/4 Lac qui Parle (238, Lac qui Parle Twp.) BJU.
2007Summer1747 Reported from record high number of counties, in all regions except the Northeast.
2007Fall1244 Reported as far north as Mahnomen in the Northwest, Wadena and Cass in the North-central, and Kanabec and Pine in the East-central region.
2007Winter1537 CBC total of 4,245 up 297% over 20-year average and 251% over 2006. Reported from most counties south of a line between Wilkin and Aitkin, plus Cass and Beltrami, reflecting recent high population levels statewide. Extreme northwest reports likely augmented by game farm escapees. High count 1/28 Stearns (42 digging in snow along C.R. D) MDN.
2008Spring1951 Reported as far north as Polk, Wadena, Cass, Aitkin, and Pine.
2008Summer1140 Reported from all central and southern regions plus Wadena, Beltrami, Itasca.
2008Fall1237 Reported as far north as Clay in the Northwest, Wadena and Cass in the North-central, and Kanabec in the East-central region.
2008Winter1147 High count 1/18 Brown (149, 85 in one group) BTS. Interestingly, no reports from Northwest where most if not all birds are presumed to be of game farm origin.
2009Spring2152 High count 3/15 Wadena (23) PJB. Reported as far north as Marshall, Roseau, Wadena, Crow Wing, Aitkin, and Carlton.
2009Summer1541 Reported south of a line from Norman to Pine, plus Marshall.
2009Fall1237 Reported as far north as Otter Tail in the Northwest, Wadena and Cass in the North-central, and Pine in the East-central region.
2009Winter1444 CBC high counts 12/17 Marshall CBC (142), 1/1 Mountain Lake-Windom CBC (142).
2010Spring1752 Reported as far north as Marshall, Wadena, Cass, Aitkin, and Pine.
2010Summer1745 Reported from all regions except Northeast.
2010Fall1045 Reported as far north as Grant in the West-central, Wadena in the North-central, and Pine in the East-central region.
2010Winter1544 Only one report north of line from Clay to Pine: 12/19 Grand Forks-East Grand Forks CBC. From Clay to Pine and south reported from nearly all counties except not extreme southwest. High counts 12/16 Martin (60) BRB, 12/18 Steele (35) NFT. CBC high counts 12/17 Lac qui Parle (362), 12/18 Northwest McLeod (Hutchinson) (257), 12/23 Northern Meeker County (249), 12/18 Marshall (218).
2011Spring1953 High count 3/11 Blue Earth (41) ChH. Reported as far north as Norman, Mahnomen, Hubbard, Cass, Aitkin, and Carlton.
2011Summer1550Widely found south of a line from Clay to Aitkin to Pine, plus 6/14 St. Louis (escaped or released bird?) FKB.
2011Fall1349 Reported as far north as Clay in the Northwest, Wadena and Crow Wing in the North-central, and Pine in the East-central region.
2011Winter1640Reported from about the same number of counties as the previous 5 years although high counts very modest: 2/18 Anoka (6) JaM, 12/9 Watonwan (5) AnK. CBC high counts also comparatively low: 12/17 Owatonna (93), 12/16 Morris (52), 2/17 Faribault (34).
2012Spring2052 High count 5/25 Rock (20, Blue Mounds S.P.) TMo. Reported as far north as Marshall, Becker, Wadena, Itasca (released?), and Carlton.
2012Summer2153 Reported from all regions of state. First county breeding records for Mahnomen DBM, Wadena PJB.
2012Fall1748 Reported as far north as Clay and Becker in the Northwest, Wadena, and Crow Wing in the North-central and Aitkin, Carlton, Pine, St. Louis, and Cook (probable released bird) in the Northeast.
2012Winter1850 Reported from more counties both north and south than in any of the previous five years, including almost all counties (except 5) from Clay to Pine and south. There were no reports north of a line from Polk to southern St. Louis counties. High counts north 12/22 Morrison (16, Little Falls) KEm, 1/18 Wilkin (15, Rothsay W.M.A.) MO. South high counts 2/25 Big Stone (84 in single flock) ANy, 2/15 Big Stone (60) DAT. CBC high counts 12/16 Cottonwood (377), 12/22 Wild River (141), 12/15 Marshall (132).These high counts (CBC and individual) were considerably greater than the modest totals reported last year.
2013Spring1953 High count 3/8 Brown (36) BTS. All reports south of a line through Marshall, Cass, Aitkin, and Carlton.
2013Summer1953 Found along and south of a line from Polk to Carlton. First county breeding record for Aitkin WEN.
2013Fall1547 Reported as far north as Becker (Hamden Slough N.W.R. and Tamarac N.W.R.), Hubbard, Aitkin (Moose Willow W.M.A.), and St. Louis (Orr).
2013Winter1851 Reported from about the same number of counties north and south as last year. No reports north of line from Polk to southern St. Louis (Duluth). North high count 1/23 Mille Lacs (12) ToL; all others 7 or fewer. Reported from all south counties except Le Sueur, Faribault, with high counts 1/1 Brown (63) BTS, 1/30 Blue Earth (45) ChH. CBC high counts 12/14 Northwest McLeod (Hutchinson) (174), 1/1 Mountain Lake-Windom (168), 12/20 Morris (113). North CBC high counts 12/14 Little Falls (40), 12/21 Bluestem Prairie/Buffalo River S.P. (38).
2014Spring1653One found in Kittson (Lancaster) on 3/11 RBJ was possibly a released bird. Otherwise, all reports were south of a line from Clay to Carlton, where found in every county.
2014Summer1544Found in southern two-thirds of state.
2014Fall1445 Reported as far north as Marshall in the Northwest, Wadena and Crow Wing in the North-central, and Pine in the East-central region.
2014Winter1848 Reported from the same number of north counties and somewhat fewer south as the previous two winters. Reported from as far northwest as Marshall (1/11, Spruce Valley) and Polk (12/5, Higdem) SAu, and from as far northeast as St. Louis (near Meadowlands): 2/6 (male) GNi, 2/22 (2 males, Elmer Road) ClN, but absent from North-central except Wadena, Crow Wing. North high count 12/14 Morrison (9) JEm; all others four or fewer. Reported from all but five south counties, with high counts 1/21 Brown (34) BTS, 12/20 Kandiyohi (32) JWd. CBC high counts 12/20 Willman (40), Marshall (38), 12/19 Lamberton (37). These are much lower than those in most recent years.
2015Spring2253 One found in St. Louis (Sax-Zim Bog) likely escaped from a nearby game farm. Otherwise, all reports were south of a line from Polk to Pine, except for 5/9 Itasca (Splithand Lake, another escapee?) JLK.
2015Summer1549 Observed along and south of a line from Clay to Crow Wing to Pine.
2015Fall1649 Reported as far north as Polk in the Northwest, Itasca in the North-central, and Pine in the East-central.
2015Winter1553 Reported from about the same number of counties as the previous three winter seasons, from as far north as Polk and southern St. Louis (Sax-Zim Bog). High counts north: 1/2 Douglas (28) ToR, 12/28 Grant (15) JLl. Reported from all 53 south counties, with high counts 12/8 Swift (100) DOr, 1/7 Cottonwood (50) TKa, 2/13 Goodhue (45) MVi. CBC high counts 12/19 Marshall (152), 12/19 Willmar (79), 1/1 Mountain Lake-Windom (58).
2016Spring2253 High counts 4/16 Yellow Medicine (16, Miedd Lake) GWe, 5/16 Washington (15, Lost Valley Prairie S.N.A.) RBd. All reports southwest of a line from Roseau to Pine.
2016Summer1850 Reported along and south of a line from Norman to Carlton.
2016Fall1652 Reported as far north as Polk and Red Lake in the Northwest, Aitkin and Wadena in the North-central, and St. Louis in the Northeast regions. High count 9/29 (45, Minnesota W.P.A.) KEm.
2016Winter2051 Reported from a few more counties statewide than the previous five winter seasons, from as far northwest as Marshall. North high counts 1/13 Clay (52) MO, 12/2 Pine (24) LEv, 12/17 Douglas (21) ToR, BEc. Reported from all but two south counties, with high counts 1/15 Yellow Medicine (133) GWe, 1/5 Kandiyohi (47) DOr, Watonwan (44) ChH. CBC high counts 12/31 Bluestem Prairie/Buffalo River S.P. (133), 12/27 Hendricks (128), 12/15 Cottonwood (116).
2017Spring2253 High counts 4/1 Lac qui Parle (28, Sweetwater W.M.A.) RCl, 4/11 Jackson (28, Heron Lake W.M.A.) DAk. Reported south of a line from Kittson to Crow Wing to St. Louis (Meadowlands).
2017Summer2052 Observed in all regions, but least abundant in the north.
2017Fall1952 Reported as far north as Kittson and Roseau in the Northwest and from St. Louis in the Northeast regions. High counts 11/18 Yellow Medicine (14, Miedd Lake) GWe, 8/4 Todd (13) SEm.
2017Winter1751 Reported from about the same number of counties statewide as the past five winters, from as far northwest as Clay and Becker. Unusual record 2/24 Lake (Knife River) †VSr. North high counts 2/24 Todd (23) AaL, 2/17 Morrison (22) SEm, 1/1 Otter Tail (20) WPl. Reported from all but two south counties, with high counts 1/1 Cottonwood (38) LHl, 2/10, 2/17 Steele (35) NFT, 2/27 Lac qui Parle (31) RAE; these are lower than the high counts from most recent winters. CBC high counts 1/1 Mountain Lake-Windom (62), 12/18 Bluestem Prairie/Buffalo River SP (59), 12/30 St. Paul (Northeast Suburban) (47).
2018Spring2253 Reported south of a line from Beltrami to Pine, plus St. Louis. High count 4/12 Lyon (38, Lone Tree Lake) GWe.
2018Summer2153 Reported from all regions, but least common in the northern tier of counties.
2018Fall1850 Reported as far north as Polk in the Northwest and from St. Louis and Cook in the Northeast regions. High count 9/14 Grant (31, North Ottawa Impoundment) RCl.
2018Winter1853 Reported from about the same number of counties statewide as the past five winters, from as far northwest as Polk, and northeast to southern St. Louis (Sax-Zim Bog, Duluth). North high counts 1/5 Kanabec (108) SPS, 1/12 Otter Tail (65) SEm, 1/1 Todd (45) SDi. Reported from all 53 south counties, with high counts 12/13 Murray (140) DAk, 2/16 Yellow Medicine (83) GWe, 1/26 Stearns (43) MtS. CBC high counts 1/2 Hendricks (188), 1/1 Long Prairie (105), 1/5 Pipestone (81); these are much higher than last winter’s highest CBC count (62).
2019Spring2353 Reported south of a line from Marshall to Cass to St. Louis. High count 3/8 Cottonwood (68) TAT.
2019Summer2353 Observed in all regions.
2019Fall1651 Reported as far north as Norman in the Northwest and Carlton and St. Louis (Meadowlands Twp.) in the Northeast regions. High count 8/13 Grant (22, North Ottawa Impoundment) ToL.
2019Winter1853 Reported from the same number of counties as last winter, including all 53 south counties and from as far northwest as Polk and Marshall and northeast to southern St. Louis. North high counts 12/4 Kanabec (52) SPS, 1/19 Clay (23) PBB, 12/15 Morrison (22) SEm. South high counts 1/26 Chippewa (350, multiple county locations) ANy, 1/26 Chippewa (150, 30th St. grassland) LiH, 12/28 Stearns (98) MtS, HHD. CBC high counts 12/20 Hendricks (155), 12/14 Jackson County (120), 1/4 Mountain Lake-Windom (113).
2020Spring1953 Reported south of a line from Norman to Carlton. High count 3/31 Otter Tail (45, Otter Tail Prairie S.N.A.) REn, RLF.
2020Summer1853 Observed in all southern and central counties plus Aitkin, Becker, Clay, Crow Wing, Mahnomen, St. Louis, Wadena.
2020Fall1953 Reported as far north as Polk, Beltrami, Cass, and Pine. High count 10/2 Big Stone (28, near Correll) WCM.
2020Winter1752 Reported from as far north as Polk and Clearwater (1/10, ASu) in the west, and Pine in the east. North high count 1/22 Otter Tail (87) REn, RLF. Reported from all south counties except Waseca, with high counts 1/30 Jackson (150) KEm, 12/27 Renville (61) ASu. CBC high counts 12/27 Redwood Falls (149), 1/1 Long Prairie (120), 12/28 Bluestem Prairie/Buffalo River SP (82).
2021Spring2353 Reported south of a line from Pennington to Itasca to Carlton, plus 4/28 Lake of the Woods ebd. High counts 4/4 Grant (50, North Ottawa Impoundment) JEc, 4/4 Otter Tail (45, Otter Tail Prairie S.N.A.) AAz.
2021Summer1952 Reported along and south of a line from Polk to Carlton.
2021Fall2352 Reported as far north as Kittson and Beltrami in the Northwest and St. Louis in the Northeast. High count 10/6 Cottonwood (40, Lake Augusta W.P.A.) KEm.
2021Winter1952 Far northwest records include 2/12 Lake of the Woods (C.R. 3, southwest of Graceton) EHi, TWe, BLz, 1/1 and 2/27 Marshall (south of Florian) TJJ, HHu. North high counts: 1/1 Todd (49, Reynolds Twp.) CSh, 1/29 Wilkin (45, Purple Heart Trail) BDo, LiH, 12/12 Otter Tail (40, Otter Tail Prairie S.N.A.) BAr. Reported from all south counties except Nicollet, with high counts 12/17 Lyon (175, Green Valley W.M.A.), 1/22 Yellow Medicine (80, Myhre Slough W.M.A.) GWe. CBC high counts 12/17 Cottonwood (241), 1/1 Long Prairie (186), 12/18 Alexandria (183), 1/2 Redwood Falls (140).
 
 Introduced in North America. Permanent resident mostly south and central.

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.