Seasonal Report Archive for The Loon - Towhees, Sparrows 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: Towhees, Sparrows
Cassin's Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
Black-throated Sparrow
Lark Sparrow
Lark Bunting
Chipping Sparrow
Clay-colored Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Brewer's Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
American Tree Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
[Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)]
[Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)]
[Dark-eyed Junco (Pink-sided)]
[Dark-eyed Junco (White-winged)]
[Dark-eyed Junco (Gray-headed)]
White-crowned Sparrow
[White-crowned Sparrow (Eastern)]
[White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's)]
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Harris's Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
[Dark-eyed Junco X White-throated Sparrow]
Vesper Sparrow
LeConte's Sparrow
Nelson's Sparrow
Baird's Sparrow
Henslow's Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Abert's Towhee
Green-tailed Towhee
Spotted Towhee
Eastern Towhee
[Spotted Towhee X Eastern Towhee]
[Pipilo towhee]

Swamp Sparrow(Melospiza georgiana)
YearSeasonNS
1930SummerOnly two nests of this species were found; one by Stanley Stein, Shakopee, May 20th, which held five eggs. The writer flushed an ~dult bird from a finished but empty ~est at Oxboro on May 29th.
1931SummerThe first nest ~as reported contained three sparrow eggs and one cowbiTd egg on June 7th, (E. D. Swedenborg). The last nest contained two eggs on June 14th.
1932SummerNo nest was found, but 4 young out of the.ne:st were seen at ·Ericaburg on June 'Z7 (Swanson) •
1933Summer SiX nests of this species found. Eisele and Hansen found two on May 29th, tho contents being 4 o.nd 6 eggs respectively. Hicmenz found tho last nest, discovered at St. Cloud on June 25th, when it held 3 fresh eggs. -47 -The Flicker, 1933
1934Summer Hicmenz found the first occupied nest of this species on June 1st at Grand Lake. On this date he found 2 nests wit.h 1 and 3 eggs respectively. The latest nests were found by members of the M.B.C. eA~edition to Linwood (see n~es under BOB-WHITE). Three of these nests held 4 young, 4 eggs, and 2 eggs and 1 Brown-headed Cowbird egg.
1935Summer Four Swrunp SpCI.lTow eggs and 1 Brown-headed Cowbird egg were in the nest seen ·· >. May 28th,.Brcckenridge. The same observer reports 5 eggs May 31st. Campbell and Prosser saw the only young. At Linwood June 19th, they found five a woek old.
1963Falllatest, Nov. 2 and Nov. 9, Swan Lake, Nicollet Co., Avifaunal Club.
1964Spring4-4 stearns Co, RPR; 5-5 Hennepin Co, MAS; 4-17 Duluth, AKA; 4-25 Dakota Co, ACR; 4-11 Nicollet Co, FL.
1964Summerbreeding Lake (JCG), Crow Wing (MSB) and Anoka (RLH) Counties.
1964Fall9-27 Sherburne Co, MIG; 10-26 Fargo-Moorhead, EGA; 11-14. 11 -25 Ramsey Co, ACR.
1965Springearliest 4-11 Hennepin Co, DB, EMB; 5 more reports on 4-12 and 4-13.
1965Falllatest 10-22 Collegeville, RPR and 11-2 Minneapolis, VL.
1966Springearliest 3-28 Collegeville, 4-2 Minneapolis, JAJ, EMB, BL; 4-17 Rochester, JPF, Nobles Co, HSH.
1966Summerreported from Hennepin, Anoka, Rice, Grant, Lake, St. Louis. Ramsey, Crow Wing, Morrison, Stearns, Hubbard, Lincoln, Mille Lacs, Cass, Nicollet, Faribault and Waseca Co's.
1966FallLatest 10-23 Washington Co., DS; 10-25 Ramsey Co., VL; 10-27 Fargo, MGA.
1966Winter12-20 Lyon Co., PE.
1967Springearly 3-28 Goodhue Co., ACR; 3-31 Olmsted Co., 10, JPF, CMJ; 4-1 Hennepin Co., EHH; 4-2 Hennepin Co., JAJ; 4-3 Washington Co., WHL.
1967Summernested Ramsey Co.; also reported from Aitkin, Anoka, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Cook, Lake, Carver, Hennepin, Morrison, Washington, Jackson Co's.
1967Fall latest 10-19 Washington Co., DS; 10-22 Fargo-Moorhead, EGA; 10-27 Stearns Co., KE; 11-6 Anoka Co., PE.
1968Spring early 3-25 Washington Co., WWL; 4-6 Washington Co., DS; 4-16 Hennepin Co., VL, FN/MAS; 4-18 St. Paul, BL and Duluth, PBH.
1968Summer nested in Hubbard, Clay Co's; also reported from Cook, Lake, Crow Wing, Carver, Clearwater, Pine, Morrison, Washington, Anoka, Mille Lacs Wright Co's. '
1968FallLate 10-13 Cook JCG; 10-18 Itasca MC; 10-26 Wright ETS.
1969Spring4-5 Wabasha Co., BT; 4-7 Blue Earth Co., EDK; 4-16 Lake Co., RK; 4-19 Duluth, RL.
1969Summerreported from Washington, Nicollet, Carver, Wright, Mille Lacs, W atonwan, Crow Wing, St. Louis, Cook, Clearwater, Marshall, Beltrami, Ramsey, Isanti, Rice, Morrison, Winona, and Mahnomen Co's.
1969Fall10-2 Washington 6 RHJ; 10-18 Wright 4 ETS; 10-26 Duluth KS; 10-29 Carver TH; 11-1 Morrison LSR; 11-7 Hennepin RGL.
1969Winter1-22 - 4-18 Duluth K. Sundquist banded; 2-21 (RG, DAB - 2-28 (BTV) Winona.
1970Springearly south 4-11 J LM and Hennepin DB, EB; 4-12 Hennepin CH; peak 4-29 Duluth (1 00) MMC; early north 4-27 Morrison Ll{ and [)uluth MMC and Mille Lacs MI.
1970Summernested in Wright and Mille Lacs Co's; reported from Crow Wing Stearns Anoka, Cook, Lake, St. Louis, Winona, a~d Meeke; Co's. Song Sparrow : nested in Ramsey Mille Lacs Carver, and Wright. Reported by m~st observer~ throughout the state.
1970Falllate north 10-17 Duluth MMC; 10-24 Itasca JG; late south 10-20 Washington WL; 10-22 Wright ES; 11-17 Hennepin VL.
1970Winter1-1 Hennepin HFH, RG, RBJ Hennepin VL.
1971Springearly south 4-16 Winona TV; 4-17 Goodhue BL and Nicollet RBJ; early north 4-14 Lake RK; 4-20 Duluth JG.
1971Summerno nests found but reportedfrom 20 counties throughout the state, north to Lake of the Woods and Cook, south to Scott and Wabasha.
1971Falllate south 10-17 Watonwan and Wright; 10-20 Dakota; late north 10-17 Ottertail and Crow Wing; 11-7 Duluth.
1972Summerseen in 21 counties.
1972Winter1-14 Goodhue JAB.
1973SpringSWAMP SPARROW! 25 REPORTERS REPORTING. EARLY SOUTH •·18 WABASHA Owti:J  4-18 HENN EP IN RB.JJ 4·29 HENNEPIN RZJ EARLY NORTH 3-27 CASS HRtU •·19  HAflSHALI.. KREI 4-29 ITASCA I'I SJ PEAK ~ -it S ST. LOUIS (5) .JCGo  SONG SPARROIII 2 1 REPORTERS REPORTING, EARLY SOUTH 3-13 MURRAY ADKJ  3-13 RJCE OARJ 3-13 SCOTT ETS; EARLY NORTH 3•21 CROV VlNG TSJ 3-14  GRANT KREJ 3·27 ST. LOUIS ..reo.  
1973Summer Seen in 26 counties.
1973Fall Seen in ten counties.
1973Winter Late migrants on the Blomington and Hastings Christmas Counts.
1974Spring Early south 4-13 Nicollet DB; 4-13 Pope BH; 4-14 Rock KE; early north 4-10 Clay KZ; 4-18 St. Louis UMD.
1974Summer Nested in Mahnomen and Wright; also reported from 30 other counties.
1974Fall Late north 10-27 Marshall AR; 11-9 St. Louis ES; late south 10-25 Stearns MC; 11-3 Hennepin ES.
1974Winter Reported on the Winona and Grand Marais Christmas Counts, poor details on latter record).
1975Spring Early south 3-18 Dakota EWJ; 4-12 Murray ADK; 4-13 Hennepin PG and Winona RD; early north 4-17 Clay SC and Clearwater RCD; 4-19 Aitkin GJN and Kanabec PF.
1975Falllate north 10-17 Marshall SV; 10-26 St. Louis JG; late south 10-19 Rock KE; 10-24 Ramsey DM; 10-29 Hennepin VL.
1975Winterreported only during the St. Paul Northeast Christmas Count period.
1976Spring Early south 3-24 Hennepin PCHS; 4-4 Anoka KL; 4-5 Washington GA; early north 4-17 St. Louis DS, JCG; 4-20 St. Louis GN; 4-22 Marshall SV.
1976Summernested in St. Louis; also reported from 24 other counties.
1976Fall Late north 10-24-Marshall and St. Louis, 10-29 Duluth RJ; late south 10/7 Pipestone, 10-24 Washington, 10-27 Hennepin.
1977Spring Early south 3-26 Lac qui Parle RJ; 3-30 Houston EF; 4-6 Hennepin HCP; early north 4-9 Crow Wing DK; 4-10 Otter Tail GO; 4-16 Aitkin JB; 4-20 St. Louis GN.
1977Summer Nested in Olmsted; also reported from 20 other counties throughout the state.
1977Fall Late north 11-5 Otter Tail (DS).
1978Summer Breeding reported from Beltrami; seen also throughout the state. Song. Sparrow Breeding reported from St. Louis, Beltrami, Stearns and Olmsted; also seen throughout the state.
1978Fall Late north 10-21 Wilkin DGW; late south 11-6 Stearns NH.
1978Winter Reported on the Bloomington CBC; this species has been very scarce in recent winters.
1979Spring Early south 4-8 Anoka KL, 4-18 Mower RRK; early north 4-22 Otter Tail GMO, St. Louis DA, Wilkin SM.
1979Summer Breeding reported from Lake, Goodhue; also seen throughout the state.
1979Fall Late north 10-21 St. Louis KMH, 10-23 St. Louis DA; late south 10-19 Nicollet JCF, 10-27 Hennepin OJ.
1980Summer Breeding reported from Stearns, LeSueur; seen also throughout the state.
1980Fall Late north 10-12 Clay LCF, Otter Tail GW, 10-18 Pennington KSS; late south 10-20 Hennepin SC, Stearns NH, 10-25 Sibley RJ.
1980Winter Reported at the Fenstad's feeder, Little Marais (Lake Co.) until 1-18 (KE), (TS). Song' Sparrow Overwintered in Houston (MEF). January reports from Grand Marais, Cook County (JG), Anoka 1-24 (TW), Hennepin 1-26 (DB) and Mower 1-13 (RRK). February reports from Dakota 2-23 (CP) and Hennepin 2-18 (DB).
1981Spring Early south 3-21 Olmsted RJ, 3-22 Anoka KL, 3-28 Olmsted JEB; early north 4-15 Becker RA, 4-16 St. Louis KE, 4-23 Pennington KSS.
1981Summer Breeding data from Le Sueur. Seen throughout the state.
1981Fall Late north 10-25 Clay LCF, 10-27 Cook KMH; late south 11-1 Hennepin VL, ES, 11-11 Anoka GS.
1981Winter One report of an injured individual, at a Mower Co. feeder in December (RRK).
1982SpringEarly south 3-31 Hennepin RH, 4-3 Olmsted JEB, 4-4 Anoka KL, DodgeRJ, LeSueur AB, Olmsted BE, Washington GS; early north 4-4 Crow Wing TS, Otter Tail GMO, 4-14 Beltrami AS,4-18 Aitkin WN.
1982Summer Breeding data from Cook, Lake, Clearwater. Seen throughout the state.
1982Fall Late north 10/13 Grant RJ, Marshall KSS, Wilkin SDM, 10/14 Cook KMH, 10/22 Wilkin BL; late south 10/15 Hennepin DB, OJ, 10/20 Stearns NH, 10/22 Nicollet JCF.
1982Winter A late migrant in Wabasha, 12/7 (KE).
1983Spring Early south 4/4 Kandiyohi KL, 41 I 0 Washington DS, 4/12 Blue Earth MF; early north 4/16 Pennington KSS, 4/21 Itasca DB, 4/22 Red Lake TT.
1983Summer Breeding data from Clearwater. Seen throughout the state.
1983Fall Late north 10/2 Kittson KSS, 10/3 Itasca DB, 11/2 Cook KMH; late south 11/6 Brown JSp, 11/11 Hennepin SC, 11/19 Anoka OS.
1983Winter Two reports: Hennepin 12-12 (SC) and LeSueur 1-24 (HFC).
1984Spring Early south 4/12 Brown JSp, 4/17 Hous ton EMF, 4/19 Anoka SC; early north 4/19 Cook SL, 4/20 Mille Lacs MLWMA, 4/22 Beltrami AB, Otter Tail SDM. Winter 1984
1984Summernested in Cook; also seen in 29 other counties.
1984Fall Late north 10/11 St. Louis SWIMS, 10/22 St. Louis MH, 10/30 Cook KMH; late south 11/5 Hennepin SC, 11/8 Mower PP, I I 1/2 Houston EMF.
1984Winter Reported on the Cottonwood CBC and at Art Hawkin's feeder, Anoka County on the 1-10 MRBA.
1985Spring Early south 4/5 Stearns KL, 4/8 Olmsted AP, 4/11 Ramsey KB, Rice FKS; early north 4/18 Clay LCF, Polk TT, 4/20 St. Louis KE, 4/21 Cook KMH, St. Louis KC, SS.
1985Summer Nested in Cook. Also seen in 30 other counties throughout most of the state but not in the west central and only Lyon in the southwest.
1985Fall Late north 10/6 Itasca AB, 10/15 Clay NH, 10/27 Cook KMH; late south Ill17 Hennepin TTu, 11/22 LeSueur JCF.
1986Spring Early south 4/2 Hennepin SC, 4/3 Olmsted PP, 4/4 Mower JM; early north 4/13 Wilkin GAM, 4/14 St. Louis fide KE, 4/15 Marshall ANWR.
1986Summer Nested in Aitkin (WN). Also seen in 36 other counties but absent in the west central and scarce in the northwest regions.
1986Fall Late north 10/10 Clay LCF, 10/14 Cook KMH, 10/25 Wilkin AB; late south 10/27 Hennepin SC, 11/2 Washington TBB, 11/15 Ramsey KB.
1987Spring Early south 3/22 Hennepin TT, 3/24 Hennepin RH, 3/27 Mower RRK; early north 3/22 Otter Tail SDM, 4/5 Wilkin GAM, 4/7 Marshall ANWR.
1987Summer Nested in Anoka (JH); probable nesting in Le Sueur. Also seen in 38 other counties throughout the state.
1987Fall Late north 10/3 Itasca AB, 10/13 Cook KMH, 10/16 St. Louis RSE; late south 10/19 Hennepin DBC, 10/21 Fillmore AP, 10/28 Hennepin SC.
1987Winter Reported on the Rochester and St. Paul NE CBC's and in Washington 1/2 (DS), and Hennepin 1/24, 1/29 (IT).
1988Spring Early south 3/13 Dakota TI, 4/4 Wabasha WDM, 4/7 Wabasha AP; early north 4/12 Duluth KE, 4/23 Aitkin WN, 4/25 Marshall ANWR.
1988Summer More reports than in recent years. Nested in Aitkin, Anoka; seen in 51 other counties statewide.
1988Fall Late north 10/10 Cook WP, 10/16 St. Louis TBB, 11/8 Cook KMH; late south 10/19 Mower AP, 10/21 Steele AP, 10/26 Hennepin sc.
1988Winter Reported in Martin 12/4 AB and at the Bass Ponds in Hennepin 12/17-24 TT and 1/23 SC.
1989Spring Early south 3/27 Washington DS, 3/31 Dakota AB, 4/7 Anoka JH; early north 4/17 Cook KMH, 4/23 Clay LCF, 4/30 Mille Lacs AB.
1989Summer Nested in Wilkin KB, JH; seen in 43 other counties statewide.
1989Fall Late north 10/14 Aitkin WN, 11/3 Lake SWIMS, 11/4 Lake KE; late south 11/5 WashingtonTBB, WinonaCS, 11/7 Hennepin SC, 11/10 Steele AB.
1989Winter Reported on the Cottonwood and Lac qui Parle CBCs.
1990Spring Early south 3/12 Fillmore GMD, 3/27 Houston AP; early north 4/19 Carlton MSt, 4/20 Cook OSL, St. Louis PS.
1990Summer Nested in St. Louis; seen in 39 other counties statewide.
1990Fall Late north 10/13 Lake AB, DPV, 10/20 Clay MO, 10/21 Cook KMH, St. Louis KB; late south 10/23 Winona CS, 10/31 Ramsey KB, 11/14 Olmsted AP
1991Spring Early south 3/21 Watonwan ED, 4/5 Brown JS, 4/6 Olmsted BSE; early north 4/20 Aitkin WN. 4/21 OtterTail MO, 4/22 Hubbard JL.
1991Summer Seen in 36 counties statewide.
1991Fall Late north 10/7 Wadena AB, 10/23 Cook KMH; late south Winona CS, 10/31 Hennepin SC.
1992Spring Early south 3/15 Houston KB, 3/29 Carver RB; early north 4/15 Roseau NJ, 4/18 Lake DPV.
1992Summer Probable breeding in Cook; seen in 40 other counties statewide.
1992Fall Late north 10/19 Duluth DPV, 10/23 Cook KMH; late south 11/7 Hennepin SC, TT, 11/28 Olmsted JB.
1992Winter Casual in winter. Reported on the Hastings/Etter CBC (details?), 12/22 Dakota County (Black Dog Lake) KB, until 1/9 Hennepin (Purgatory Cr.) SC, and 1/17 Hennepin (Bass Ponds) TT.
1993Spring Early south 3/28 Lyon HK, 4/3 Hennepin SC. Early north 4/18 St. Louis AE, 4/25 Aitkin WN.
1993Summer Probable nesting in Crow Wing; seen in 36 other counties statewide.
1993Fall Late north 10/30 Cook DPV, 11/15 Polk KB. Late south 11/7 Hennepin TT, Washington TEB, 11/11 Hennepin SC.
1993Winter Reported 12/16 Goodhue KB.
1994Spring Early south 3/26 Hennepin SC; early north 4/14 St. Louis MH, 4/16 Roseau PS.
1994Summer Fewest reports in ten+ years. Nested in Winona JPo, probable nesting in Crow Wing; seen in 27 other counties statewide.
1994Fall Late north 10/21 Aitkin CMG, 10/23 Duluth BL and Wilkin RH. Late south 11/20 Hennepin DZ, 11/25 Hennepin BL.
1994Winter Overwintered at the Bass Ponds and other locations along Long Meadow Lake, Hennepin Co. where a minimum of 12 seen 12/18–24 SC et al. Also reported on Rochester and Grand Forks CBC (details provided), the latter north report very unusual.
1995Spring Early south 3/12 (ties the earliest date on record) Hennepin KB, 3/14 Winona CS, 3/16 Washington TEB; early north 4/17 Clay RO, 4/22 Aitkin PJ, 4/28 Kanabec County CM.
1995Summer Nested in Crow Wing JS/MN, St. Louis; probable nesting in Rice. Seen in 29 other counties statewide.
1995Fall Late north 10/29 Lake DV, 11/25 (second latest north date) Carlton LW. Late south 10/30 Rice JL and Winona CS, 11/19 Hennepin TT. Migration apparently peaked in the Twin Cities area around 9/21–22, when RJ found them abundant in Chisago and KB counted 80 in Anoka.
1995Winter Five to six individuals reported 12/17–1/21 along the Minnesota River bottoms, Hennepin Co. SC. Also recorded on the Rochester CBC.
1996Spring Early south 3/24 Hennepin TT, 4/5 Freeborn ABa and Rice JL. Early north 4/20 Polk DJe, 4/21 Otter Tail WM and Wilkin SDM.
1996Summer Probable nesting in Crow Wing; seen in 41 additional counties statewide.
1996Fall Late north 10/15 Carlton LW, 10/17 St. Louis TW, 10/20 Cass KB. Late south 11/28 Hennepin SC. Observed throughout the period in 21 southern counties.
1996Winter Only reports 12/1 Mound Springs, Hennepin Co. SC, and on the Bloomington and Fairmont CBCs.
1997Spring Early south 3/27 Rice RJ, 4/1 Hennepin TT, 4/6 Dakota DBS. Early north 4/18 Becker (5) BBe, 4/25 Carlton LW, 4/26 Aitkin WN.
1997Summer Observed in 34 counties in all regions except southwest; probable nesting in Crow Wing, Olmsted.
1997Fall Late north 10/4 Wilkin SDM, 10/15 St. Louis TW, 11/2 Otter Tail DS. Late south 11/23 Hennepin (4) SC, 11/28 Dakota TT.
1997Winter Overwintered in Otter Tail SDM. As many as five individuals reported in Hennepin, at least one of which probably overwintered. Also reported 1/1 Winona JL, 1/22 Rice TBo, 1/31–2/7 Washington BL, and on the Faribault (2) and Winona (3) CBCs.
1998Spring Overwintered in Hennepin SC. Early south 3/15 (overwintering?) Lac qui Parle FE, 3/18 (overwintering?) Fillmore BBr, 4/4 Houston FL, 4/7 Hennepin SC. Early north 4/14 Carlton LW, 4/18 Aitkin WN, 4/19 Beltrami DJo.
1998Summer Observed in 37 counties throughout state; probable nesting in Crow Wing, Cook, Olmsted.
1998Fall Late north 10/24 Wilkin NWi, 10/28 St. Louis JN, 11/1 Cook KE. Late south 11/8 Rice JL, 11/27 Hennepin SC (see winter report for additional sightings by SC).
1998Winter Overwintered in downtown Minneapolis, Hennepin Co. TT. Also reported 12/1 Hennepin (Old Cedar Ave. Bridge) SC and 1/24–2/2 Hennepin (Mound Springs) SC.
1999Spring The overwintering bird in downtown Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., was last seen 5/6 TT. Early south 3/25 Hennepin SC, 4/2 Ramsey TT. Early north 4/11 Todd JSK, SDu, 4/15 St. Louis TW.
1999Summer Observed in 40 counties throughout state.
1999Fall Late north 10/22 Cook KMH, PS, 10/30 Lake WM. Many south reports through the end of October, then only 11/3 Meeker DF, 11/19 Hennepin TT, 11/30 Hennepin SC. Also see winter report.
1999Winter Overwintered in Minnesota River Valley, Hennepin Co. SC, KB (maximum of 12 at 4 locations 1/1–15). Also reported from three other Hennepin Co. locations: 12/11 St. Louis Park SC, 1/5–16 Theodore Wirth Park SC, 2/13 Bass Ponds TT. Additional reports: 12/3 Goodhue (Frontenac) KB, 12/16 Houston (2 at Reno) KB, and 12/19 Cottonwood CBC.
2000Spring Observed in 26 south and 12 north counties. Although known to overwinter in several Hennepin locations (see winter report), TT reported migrants elsewhere in the county on 3/9 (earliest ever). Also seen 3/11 Dakota TT and Wabasha DN, 3/12 Freeborn ABa. Early north on time, where first reported 4/16 Aitkin WN, 4/23 Clay RO.
2000Summer Most reports since 1988; observed in a total of 51 counties statewide.
2000Fall DPJ reported 20 in Beltrami along Lake Bemidji shoreline on 10/15, but no other north reports after 10/16 except for 11/4 Lake TAT. Reported south through end of the season.
2000Winter All reports: 12/2–19 Hennepin (Mound Springs, maximum of 3 on 12/13) SLC, 12/6 Hennepin (downtown Minneapolis) TAT, 1/1 Hennepin (Old Cedar Avenue bridge) REH, SLC, and the Winona CBC (1).
2001Spring Seen in 32 south and 21 north counties. Tardy south, but arrived north within three days of recent median (4/17). Early south 4/5 Meeker DMF, 4/8 Hennepin SLC, TAT. Early north 4/20 Wilkin, Carlton, and Lake.
2001Summer Observed in 39 counties throughout state.
2001Fall Record high count 9/16 Anoka (149 at Carlos Avery W.M.A.) KJB. Late north 10/20 Lake JMJ, 10/26–27 Cook RBJ, PHS. Reported south through end of period.
2001Winter At least seven individuals reported from the now traditional wintering area in Hennepin (Minnesota River Valley) from 12/4 (6 individuals) to 2/24 (1 individual) SLC. Also seen 12/15 Mankato †CBC, 12/15 Bloomington CBC, and 2/9 Dakota TAT.
2002Spring Seen in 29 south and 20 north counties. Overwintered south (see winter report); first migrants 4/10 Hennepin TAT and Rice TFB, 4/12–13 in four counties. Early north 4/14 St. Louis FJN, 4/17 Polk EEF.
2002Summer Most reports since 1988; found in 52 counties throughout state.
2002Fall Late north 11/18 St. Louis NAJ, 11/28 Lake JWL, but also see winter report.
2002Winter Maximum 30 individuals reported from 10 south counties plus the following north reports: 11/28–12/20 Lake (Two Harbors) †JWL, 12/13 Otter Tail †SPM, 2/21 Lake (Castle Danger) JWL. Overwintered in Anoka fide AXH, Dakota CRG, and Hennepin SLC with February reports from an additional five counties. Record-high number of reports.
2003Spring Seen in 31 south and 16 north counties. See winter report for overwintering south, and February in north. Probable early north migrants 4/14 St. Louis JRN, 4/23 Pine JMP.
2003Summer Reported in 44 counties in all regions except Southeast.
2003Fall Also found in all regions. Late north 10/19 Wadena PJB, 10/22 Lake RBJ, 11/7 Lake JWL, 11/14 Cook JWL. Most south reports prior to mid-October; November records in Lac qui Parle, Anoka, and through the end of the season in Hennepin.
2003Winter Unusual north report: 12/2 St. Louis (Duluth) LaB. All south reports: 11/25–2/14 Hennepin (Mound Springs, maximum 2 on 12/22) SLC, 12/2 Hennepin (Wirth Park) SLC, 12/5 Hennepin DWK, 12/6–1/24 Hennepin (Coleman Lake, maximum 3 on 1/10) SLC, 12/14 Cottonwood CBC, 12/20 Bloomington CBC, 1/1 Whitewater W.M.A. (county?) BWF et al., 2/12 Dakota TAT.
2004Spring Seen in 30 south and 24 north counties. Early south (but see winter report) 3/17 Martin RBJ, 3/27 Lac qui Parle BJU. Early north 4/15 Grant SPM, DKM, 4/18 Polk BBC. Highest reported counts 5/2 Polk (20) EEF, 5/8 Steele (23) NFT et al.
2004Summer Observed in 40 counties throughout state; new nesting records in Itasca JWL, Lac qui Parle BJU.
2004Fall Found in all regions. North reports through 10/16, then 10/19 Otter Tail JEB. Numerous south reports through 10/23, then 11/11 Redwood BRB, 11/28 Hennepin SLC; also see winter report.
2004Winter All reports: 12/4, 12/25, 1/4, 1/23 (2), 1/30, 2/5 Hennepin (Bloomington) SLC, 1/9 Scott (Wilkie Unit, M.V.N.W.R.) DWK, 1/20 Hennepin TAT.
2005Spring Reported from 38 south and 26 north counties. Early south (but see winter report) 3/20 Hennepin JOt, 3/27 Freeborn AEB. Early north 4/13 St. Louis ALE and Otter Tail DTT, SMT.
2005Summer Most reports ever: observed in 55 counties in all regions of state.
2005Fall Reported from 22 north and 28 south counties in all regions. No reports after the first week of November. Late north 10/30 Cook DAB, JWH. Late south 10/25 Rice DAB, 11/7 Scott RBW.
2006Spring Reported in 44 south and 26 north counties. Early south 3/26 Wabasha JWH, 3/28 Lac qui Parle BJU (median 3/24). Early north 4/14 Kanabec MTh and Otter Tail DTT, SMT, 4/15 Aitkin MTh and Mille Lacs ASc, HHD (median 4/16). Peak migration 4/22–24 south (14 counties), 5/6–8 north (11 counties).
2006Summer Found in 78 coun-ties statewide.
2006Fall Reported from 18 north and 41 south counties in all regions. High count 9/21 St. Louis (57 at Embarrass rice paddies) SLF. Late north 10/22 St. Louis SLF, 10/28 Cook JEB and Lake JWL. Late south (but see winter report) 11/12 Hennepin and 11/18 Goodhue BAF. Most reports ceased after third week of October.
2006Winter3 After no reports last winter, at least four individuals were found this season: 12/9 (2), 12/17, 1/14 Hennepin (Old Cedar Avenue Bridge) DWK. Also seen 12/31 Anoka AXH, and 1/15, 1/24, 2/1 Olmsted (Mill Creek) JWH.
2007Spring2444 Early south 3/13 Faribault WAF, 3/23 Scott DWK and Washington TEB (median 3/24). Early north 4/2 Mille Lacs ASc, 4/19 Marshall fide JMJ (median 4/15). Seasonal high count 5/29 St. Louis (25) TPW.
2007Summer2944 Reported from all regions of the state. First county breeding record from Ramsey AXH.
2007Fall2538 Late north 10/21 Cook RPR, Koochiching BJU, 10/26 Cook RBJ, 11/12 Lake SLF (median 10/29). Late south 11/11 Hennepin BAF, 11/12 Ramsey CRM, 11/23 Meeker DMF (median 11/22). Season high count 10/6 Hennepin (30, Old Cedar Ave. Bridge) BAF. Most reports of this species ceased after the third week in October.
2007Winter12 Only reports 12/1 Lake (at feeder in Castle Danger) JWL, 12/8 Scott (Wilkie Unit, Minnesota Valley N.W.R.) DWK, and the Excelsior CBC.
2008Spring2644 Early south (median 3/23) 3/30 Lac qui Parle BJU, 4/2 Rice DAB, TFB, 4/4 Mower JEM, 4/5 Lincoln DBM, Meeker DMF, Steele JWH. Early north (median 4/15) 4/21 Itasca CKK, St. Louis FKB, 4/23 Todd MJB, 4/24 Lake JWL, Mille Lacs RBJ, DAC, St. Louis TPW.
2008Summer2634 Found statewide.
2008Fall2132 Late north 10/18 St. Louis DWK, 10/26 Cook WCM, 11/3 Cass BJU (median 10/29). Frequent south reports through 10/21 Carver JCy, 10/22 Hennepin DWK, then only 11/23 Waseca DAB (median 11/22).
2008Winter11 All reports: 12/34 St. Louis †DBF, SLF, 12/19 Scott DWK, and 2 on Excelsior CBC in Hennepin 12/20.
2009Spring2348 Early south (median 3/23) 3/25 Lac qui Parle BJU, 3/28 Olmsted JWH, Sibley MJB, 4/2 Stearns MJB. Early north (median 4/15) 4/14 Mille Lacs ASc, 4/16 Hubbard DCH, 4/18 Morrison FGo.
2009Summer3138 Found in all regions of state. First county breeding record from Otter Tail CBr.
2009Fall1835 Late north 10/18 Carlton LAW, 10/19 St. Louis PHS, 10/22 St. Louis SLF, 10/31 Lake LS (median 10/30). Late south 11/7 Carver JCy, 11/21–29 BAF, 11/30 Hennepin SLC (median 12/8). Season high count 10/16 Chisago (70, Osceola bottomlands) MJB.
2009Winter3 All reports: 12/12 – 1/1 Hennepin (Bass Ponds) DWK, 12/19 Bloomington CBC, LaCrosse-LaCrescent CBC, 2/11 Hennepin (Old Cedar Ave. Bridge) JoJ.
2010Spring2738 Early south (median 3/24) 3/27 Hennepin KRo, ALD, Wright DWK, HCT, 3/28 Hennepin RDa, 3/31 Hennepin DDo, Olmsted JWH, Sherburne ASc. Early north (median 4/15) 4/5 Mille Lacs ASc, 4/15 Marshall GKn, St. Louis SES, 4/16 St. Louis FKB. Season high count 4/17 Hennepin (30) MDu.
2010Summer3044 Found in all regions of the state. First county breeding records for Marshall fide BBA, Mille Lacs DPG, Morrison LPf, Todd JLK.
2010Fall2338 Season high counts 10/5 Sibley (15) JCC, 10/6 Carver (9) JCy. Late north 10/11 Otter Tail JWH, 10/16 Douglas JPE, Todd DBM, 11/11 St. Louis KJB (median 10/30). Late south 10/30 Hennepin KRo, SIv, 10/31 Olmsted JWH, 11/17 Hennepin SLC (median 12/8).
2010Winter2 All reports: 12/5 Hennepin (Bloomington, Izaak Walton League) SLC, 12/15 Goodhue (Prairie Island) GMi.
2011Spring3048 Early south (median 3/24) 3/19 Waseca DCu, 3/21 Hennepin TAT, JM, 3/27 Carver JCy, Hennepin SLC. Early north (median 4/15) 4/11 Morrison FGo, 4/13 Mille Lacs ASc, 4/14 Morrison FGo, MJB, 4/17 Kanabec HHD.
2011Summer3249Reported statewide. First county breeding records for Carlton JLK, Lake of the Woods BWa, Pine APa. High count 6/11 Todd (24, Turtle Creek Twp.) JLK.
2011Fall2239 Season high counts 10/2 Crow Wing (27, Pointen Lake) JLK, 10/9 Hennepin (25, Old Cedar Ave. Bridge) JJo. Late north 10/24 St. Louis (3) JLK (median 10/30). Frequent south reports well into December.
2011Winter8More reports than any of the previous five years, including observations from Lac qui Parle, Marshall CBC (5), Scott, Dakota, and as late as February in Carver, Hennepin, Olmsted and Winona.
2012Spring3147 Overwintered south. Early north (median 4/15) 4/9 Morrison FGo, 4/11 Crow Wing FGo, Marshall (Agassiz N.W.R.) fide JMJ. High count 4/22 Hennepin (~100, Old Cedar Ave. Bridge) BAF.
2012Summer3449 Found in all counties except Dodge, Fillmore, Mower, Olmsted. High count 7/14 Hennepin (20, Old Cedar Avenue Bridge) PNi. First county breeding records for Hennepin fide BBA, Hubbard MaH, Isanti (August record) DPG, Kanabec DPG, Kandiyohi fide BBA, Koochiching fide BBA, Meeker fide BBA, Pennington fide BBA.
2012Fall2541 High counts 10/3 Wabasha (30) ANy, 9/23 Olmsted (25, East Landfill Reservoir) JPr. Late north 10/19 Aitkin PEJ, St. Louis (Indian Point, Duluth) JLK, 10/20 Cass SC, 10/22 St. Louis (2, Hartley Park) JLK, 10/28 Cook (Taconite Harbor) ANy, (Lutsen Sea Villas) JWH (median 10/30). See winter report for late south individuals.
2012Winter9 More reports than any of the previous five winters: 12/1 Wabasha (Whitewater W.M.A.) ANy, 12/1 Rice TFB, 12/2 Houston KJB, 12/8 Washington (2) RQu, 12/14 Scott (2) DWK, 12/22 Sherburne N.W.R. CBC, 12/28 Hennepin DWK, and from additional Hennepin locations 12/30 DWK, 2/9 CAs, 2/21 CMB; also 1/3, 1/5 Olmsted JWH, ANy, m.ob., 1/8 Carver JCy. CBC high count 12/15 Faribault (4).
2013Spring3349 Overwintered south. Early south (median 3/24) 3/22 Rice TFB, 3/31 Hennepin KvB, 4/5 Hennepin CMB, 4/7 Carver JCy, JTe, Winona AlJ. Early north (median 4/15) 4/26 Morrison RZi, Polk SAu, 4/27 Wilkin RZi, ALo, 4/28 four more counties. High counts 4/22 Olmsted (25, Cascade Lake) LAV, 5/5 Hennepin (20, Elm Creek P.R.) TLo.
2013Summer3348 Reported statewide. High count 6/25 Marshall (28, Agassiz N.W.R.) KHO.
2013Fall2845 High counts 10/5 Scott (20) SHF, BAF, 8/2 St. Louis (16) SLo, 10/17 Carver (16) JCy. Late north 10/25 Crow Wing ANy, RMD, St. Louis JLK, 10/26 Lake ANy, Polk SAu (median 10/30). Late south 11/4 Blue Earth ChH, 11/18 Hennepin KLi, 11/19 Houston ANy (median 12/8).
2013Winter2 All reports: 12/14 La Crosse-La Crescent CBC, 1/4 Houston (Reno Bottoms) SHo, 1/20 Hennepin (Pond Dakota Mission Park) DWK.
2014Spring3148Overwintered south. Presumed early south migrants (median 3/24) 3/30 Lyon GWe, 3/31 Sherburne TSh. Early north (median 4/15) 4/15 Crow Wing PSP, 4/19 Cass ABi, Clay RHO, Pine TJo, Polk SAu, Todd SC, Wadena SC, DAB, JWH. High counts 4/19 Hennepin (20) TLo, 5/6 Polk (18) SAu, 5/6 St. Louis (16) JLK.
2014Summer3243Found throughout state. High counts 6/24 Marshall (25, Agassiz N.W.R.) VLa, 6/21 St. Louis (17, Sax-Zim Bog) TRK.
2014Fall2239 High counts 10/1 Polk (12) SAu, 10/18 Hennepin (10) KEb. Late north 10/26 Cook WCM, RZi, St. Louis JLK, 11/14 St. Louis KJB (median 10/30). See winter report for late south individuals.
2014Winter3 All reports: 12/7 Hennepin (2, Loring Park) ph. KOk, 12/24 Lyon (Sham Lake) GWe, 1/3 Hennepin (Pond Dakota Mission Park) CAs, 1/25 Olmsted (Kutzky Park) JWH.
2015Spring3048 Early south (median 3/24) 3/13 Lyon GWe, 3/29 Isanti NSa, 3/30 Dakota ABi, Hennepin CRM. Early north (median 4/15) 4/12 St. Louis JLK, 4/13 Polk SAu, and Cass, Crow Wing, Lake, Pennington on 4/16. High counts 5/7 Hennepin (19) SKS, 5/1 Todd (16) JLK.
2015Summer3247 Reported throughout state.
2015Fall2645 High count 9/5 Crow Wing (30) EGa. Late north 10/30 Douglas ToR, Lake HHD, St. Louis JLK, 10/31 St. Louis JWL, 11/1 Cook RZi (median 10/28). See winter report for late south individuals.
2015Winter5 Highest number of counties reporting since 2012 including several January reports from Hennepin, Carver and Rice. Unusual winter records: 12/24 Faribault (near Winnegabo) ClN, 1/16 Rice (Hidden Valley Park) GBa, m.ob.
2016Spring3353 Found statewide, with record early reports south and north. Early south (median 3/24) 3/8 Yellow Medicine GWe, 3/12 Dakota ASu, BDo, Lac qui Parle KeL, Washington JEc. Early north (median 4/15) 3/20 Douglas JPR, ClN, 3/29 Morrison PAv, 4/9 Todd AaL. High counts 4/25 Hennepin (75, Bass Lake Preserve) SKS, 5/24 Marshall (47, Agassiz N.W.R.) KnM, 4/25 Washington (42) JDS.
2016Summer3049 Reported statewide.
2016Fall3249 High counts 10/5 Jackson (135, Heron Lake W.M.A.) DAk, 10/5 Le Sueur (80, Lake Dora W.M.A.) DWK, 10/13 Jackson (67, Heron Lake W.M.A.) DAk, 10/19 Scott (60, Murphy-Hanrehan P.R.) BAF. Late north 10/29 Lake LiH, St. Louis MJB, 11/2 Lake ALx, APs (median 10/31).
2016Winter4 Reported from number of counties equal to ten-year average of four. Unusual report: 12/21 Rice TFB. High count 12/29 Hennepin (3) MwT.
2017Spring3153 Early south (median 3/24) 3/17 Stearns STW, 3/20 Lincoln GWe, Olmsted LCl, 3/23 Hennepin RDa, FFa. Early north (median 4/14) 4/6 Todd TLu, 4/8 Lake JWL, Todd AaL, Pine LEv. High counts 4/22 Hennepin (45, Elm Creek P. R.) TLo, 5/10 Dakota (40) ADS, 5/11 St. Louis (40) KRg, DMl.
2017Summer3350 Found in all counties except Fillmore, Mower, Nobles, Pennington. High count 7/13 Aitkin (32, Rice Lake N.W.R.) PNi. First county breeding record 8/6 Waseca PSu.
2017Fall3246 High counts 9/29 Hennepin (20) SKS, 8/22 Lyon (16) GWe. Late north 11/6 St. Louis ShG, HeH, 11/12–23 St. Louis BBd, JBu, StK, (median 11/1).
2017Winter6 Found in six scattered south counties, typical of most winters. Unusual reports: 12/12 Washington BDo, 12/16 Dodge BAb, 12/16 Mankato CBC, 2/25 Houston ASu. All reports of one or two individuals.
2018Spring3453 Early south (median 3/24) 3/8 Dakota (Miesville Ravine P.R.) KDS, 3/10 Cottonwood KEm, Rice DAB, 3/14 Ramsey REH. Early north (median 4/14) 4/21 Morrison FGo, Todd TLu, 4/23 Crow Wing LnH, JhH, Douglas LGl, Pine KrM. High counts 5/2 Olmsted (25, Eastside W.M.A.) JmP, 5/6 Olmsted (25, Cascade Meadow Wetlands) BLa, 5/2 Washington (20, Grey Cloud Dunes S.N.A.) LiH, 5/5 Washington (20, William O'Brien S.P.) JCC, 5/22 Pine (20, Chengwatana S.F.) KrM.
2018Summer3449 Found in every county except Jackson, Mower, Murray, Rock. High count 6/26 Lyon (38, Coon Creek W.M.A.) GWe.
2018Fall3149 High count 10/1 Anoka (125, Blaine Wetland Sanctuary) RMD. Late north 10/27 Becker ShG, HeH, Cook WCM, Lake LiH, ANy, BAb, BWF, 10/28 Cook BAb, JWL, 10/31 Polk SAu (median 11/2).
2018Winter14 Observed in a season-high 14 south counties, well above the ten-year average of four. New season records: 12/13 Murray DAk, 12/14 Yellow Medicine WCM, 2/2 Freeborn BDo. High counts 12/3 Hennepin (3) BAF, 12/5 Hennepin (3) CMB.
2019Spring3352 Early south (median 3/24) 3/17 Hennepin IVa, 3/23 Ramsey ebd, 3/27 Goodhue ebd, Hennepin ClB, ElR. Early north (median 4/14) 3/28 Todd TLu, 3/31 Otter Tail JsS, 4/6 Morrison TLu. High counts 5/5 St. Louis (45, Mud Lake) JLK, 4/16 Dakota (40, 180th St. Marsh) LiH, 5/4 St. Louis (38) JLK, 5/5 Olmsted (30) JmP.
2019Summer3453 Observed in all counties. High counts 7/21 Anoka (49, Carlos Avery W.M.A.) DnS, 7/2 St. Louis (26, Cedar Yard Bay) JLK.
2019Fall3153 High counts 10/13 Ramsey (50, Univ. of Minnesota Ag fields) ebd, 9/29 Olmsted (25, Rochester) MiD, 10/4 Carver (20, Carver P.R.) JCy, 10/10 Carver (20, MN Landscape Arboretum) JCy. Late north 10/27 Lake ANy, St. Louis ebd (median 11/1).
2019Winter4 Reported from four south counties along the Mississippi River watershed, well below last winter’s season-high of 14 counties (ten-year average six). All reports after December: 1/6 Ramsey (Crosby Farm R.P.) †BAF, 1/20–23 Hennepin (Minnesota Valley N.W.R., Bass Ponds) DWK, IVa, 2/10–12 Hennepin (Fort Snelling S.P.) †BAF, 2/15–29 Houston LiH, ebd, IVa.
2020Spring3153 Away from known wintering locations, early south (median 3/22) 3/1 Jackson RLF, REn, 3/15 Hennepin IVa, Houston RLF, REn, Ramsey ebd, 3/16 Hennepin. Early north (median 4/14) 3/30 Todd TLu, 4/5 Todd RAE, 4/10 Douglas ebd, St. Louis JLK. High counts 4/28 St. Louis (43, Park Point R.A.) StK, 5/24 Anoka (40, Carlos Avery W.M.A.) EzH.
2020Summer3452 Found in every county except Houston. High counts 6/20 Anoka (39, Carlos Avery W.M.A.) DnS, 6/25 St. Louis (23, Sax-Zim Bog, Admiral Road) JLK. First county breeding record 7/1 McLeod MJB.
2020Fall3153 Found in all but three counties. Late north (median 11/1) 11/15 Lake HTo, StK, St. Louis (Stony Point) SNe, StK, TRK, 11/22 St. Louis (Meadowlands) ebd. See winter report for both northern and southern overwintering birds. High counts 10/5 Yellow Medicine (32, Upper Sioux Agency S.P.) GWe, 9/12 Anoka (30, Forest Lake) ebd, 10/2 Big Stone (30, Correll) WCM, 10/12 Hennepin (30, Old Cedar Ave. Bridge) DnS.
2020Winter215 Found in a season-high 17 counties, surpassing previous high of 14 in 2018–19 and nearly three times the ten-year average of 6. All north: 12/2–3 St. Louis PHS, SCB, 12/14 Cook LWd. February south reports from Dakota and Hennepin (two locations). CBC high count 12/17 Fairmont (4).
2021Spring3253 Found in every county except Lake of the Woods and Red Lake. Early south (median 3/20) excluding birds probably overwintering: 3/21 Carver JCy, Dakota JHa, Yellow Medicine GWe. Early north (median 4/14) 4/6 Grant TKa, 4/11 Aitkin JuG, Mille Lacs HHD. High counts 4/26 Rice (45, Circle Lake) NiR, 5/23 Anoka (34, Carlos Avery W.M.A.) DnS, 5/12 St. Louis (26, Mud Lake) JLK.
2021Summer3452 Reported from all counties except Mower. First county breeding record: 6/7 Rice NiR. High count 6/19 Anoka (47, Carlos Avery W.M.A.) RCl.
2021Fall3453 Found in every county. High counts 9/26 Hennepin (54, Minnesota Valley N.W.R., Bass Ponds) JCa, 10/9 Scott (34, Minnesota Valley N.W.R., Louisville Swamp) ebd, 10/3 Steele (32, Armstrong Wetland Restoration) TWe. Late north 10/30 Otter Tail JBu, 11/14 Cass REn, RLF, 11/27 St. Louis KRE, PHS, m.ob. (median 11/1).
2021Winter28 Observations from ten counties was below last winter’s season-high of 17, but above the ten-year average of seven. All north 12/12 St. Louis KRE, 12/18 Grand Marais CBC. Midwinter reports from Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Wabasha. High counts 12/18 St. Louis (3) ph. ClN, JDx, 1/31 Hennepin (3, Old Cedar Bridge) IVa.
 
 Breeds 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.