MOURC Proceedings Archive - Cranes Accepted
Duplicates
This is the 1981 to present Records Committee Proceedings archive for
The Loon, journal of the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union.
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Proceedings
Species: Cranes
Whooping Crane

Whooping Crane (A) (Grus americana)Start Date 0000-00-00
RefFirstLastLocationCounty23CommentStatus
avian
information
1823-07-30Traverse7/30 Traverse (first state record) (first county record)
avian
information
1874-06-011874-06-31Crow Wing6/1-31 Crow Wing (second state record) (first county record)
avian
information
1876-05-201876-05-22Grant5/20-22 Grant (third state record) (first county record)
avian
information
1877-06-011877-07-31Grantsummer Grant (fourth state record) (second county record)
avian
information
1878-09-17Meeker9/17 Meeker (fifth state record) (first county record)
avian
information
1879-06-09Grant6/9 Grant (sixth state record) (third county record)
avian
information
1879-06-09Traverse6/9 Traverse (seventh state record) (second county record)
avian
information
1880-03-011880-05-31Beckerspring Becker (eighth state record) (first county record)
avian
information
1880-03-011880-05-31Grantspring Grant (ninth state record) (fourth county record)
avian
information
1884-03-31Fillmore3/31 Fillmore (tenth state record) (first county record)
avian
information
1884-06-011884-06-31Jackson6/1-31 Jackson (eleventh state record) (first county record)
avian
information
1885-03-011885-05-31Otter Tailspring Otter Tail (twelfth state record) (first county record)
avian
information
1888-04-111888-04-15Nicollet4/11, 14, 15 Nicollet (thirteenth state record) (first county record)
avian
information
1889-03-281889-04-25Wright3/28-30, 4/7-25 Wright (fourteenth state record) (first county record)
avian
information
1889-06-19Traverse6/19 Traverse (fifteenth state record) (third county record)
avian
information
1890-03-281890-04-07Nicollet3/28-30, 4/7 Nicollet (second county record)
avian
information
1893-04-10Lac qui Parle4/10 Lac qui Parle (first county record)
avian
information
1894-03-011894-04-31Jackson3/1-4/31 Jackson (second county record)
avian
information
1894-04-21Lac qui Parle4/21 Lac qui Parle (second county record)
avian
information
1894-11-011894-11-31Jackson11/1-31 Jackson (third county record)
avian
information
1895-03-011895-04-31Jackson3/1-4/31 Jackson (fourth county record)
avian
information
1895-04-10Lac qui Parle4/10 Lac qui Parle (third county record)
avian
information
1895-06-011895-06-31Jackson6/1-31 Jackson (fifth county record)
avian
information
1895-11-011895-11-31Jackson11/1-31 Jackson
avian
information
1896-04-011896-04-31Kittson4/1-31 Kittson (first county record)
avian
information
1897-03-011897-05-31Beckerspring Becker (second county record)
avian
information
1898-03-29Faribault3/29 Faribault (first county record)
avian
information
1899-04-011899-04-31Kittson4/1-31 Kittson (second county record)
avian
information
1907-10-07Lac qui Parle10/7 Lac qui Parle (fourth county record)
avian
information
1909-04-01Roseau4/1 Roseau (first county record)
1Roberts1917-04-23BadgerRoseauAccepted
avian
information
1917-04-23Roseau4/23 Roseau (second county record)
2:3-41930indexRecollections of the Sixties
9:61937indexWhooping Cranes
2MOU1951-11-07Rice Lake NWRAitkinThe Loon 40:21Accepted
avian
information
1951-11-07Aitkin11/7 Aitkin (first county record)
40:211968index1951 Whooping Crane Record
46:1271974indexPossible Whooping Crane in Washington County
50:2041978indexWhooping Crane Observations from Kittson County
54:421978-05-02Kittson(vote 5-2, with 6-1 required for acceptance) Although originally accepted by M.O.R.C. in 1978, this published record (Loon 50:204) was reconsidered and found to be unacceptable because of the strong minority opinion that the plumage description (mentioned only was "white color with dark outer wings") was inadequate for such an unusual species and did not preclude the possibility of Wood Stork or an abnormally whitish Sandhill Crane. Not Accepted
54:421978-05-04Twin Lakes W.M.A.Kittson(vote 5-2, with 6-1 required for acceptance) Identical situation as described above. Not Accepted
54:421981-05-18Thief Lake W.M.A.Marshall(vote 52, with 6-1 required for acceptance) The extensive description of this immature was enough to convince most members, but because of strong doubts of the minority outside opinions were solicited from crane experts Rod Drewien of the Idaho Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit and Scott Derrickson of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. They stated that the immature Whooping Crane always shows rusty coloration on the head and neck, and that this would never appear gray as stated in the description. The bill of a whooper is not black as described, but rather olive at the tip and pinkish or greenish at the base. Also, by spring a young whooper would begin to show some of the reddish face present in adult plumage, but such was not mentioned. In conclusion, both men also were of the opinion that the description fits a Sandhill Crane with abnormally whitish plumage, something each has seen more than once in the past. Not Accepted
58:421985-10-12Nelson Prairie W.M.A.Mahnomen(vote 6-1; The Loon 58:45). Duplicate
358:431985-10-12Nelson Prairie W.M.A.MahnomenThe Loon 58:45Accepted
64:1381985-10-12ncar BejouMahnomen(vote 2-5); previously voted on, accepted and published (The Loon 58:45). The entire description of the three birds flying in the distance mentioned "very long neck and outstretched legs ... black wing tips (primaries) in contrast to the white wings and body." However, as several observers learned while looking for a Whooping Crane in Polk Co. in October 1990, in certain light conditions Sandhill Cranes in flight can often appear whitish with black wing tips. Not Accepted
MOU1985-10-12Nelson Prairie Waterfowl Production AreaMahnomenThe Loon 64:139Duplicate
58:421985-10-13near International FallsKoochiching(vote 2-5). This individual was identified by its larger size in comparison with the Sandhill Cranes with it, and as an immature due to its "reddish brown coloring throughout the head and neck region" which extended to the back. However, the crane's larger size may have been due to it being a "Greater" Sandhill in with a group of the "Lesser" subspecies. Also , the rusty coloration on the head, neck and back can fit both immature Sandhill and Whooping Cranes. Not Accepted
58:451986indexWhooping Cranes in Mahnomen County
60:1081987-09-20BlaineAnoka(vote 1-6). Another vote on this record (The Loon 60: 15) was requested by the observer after an individual from the International Crane Foundation wrote that he felt the observer did see two Whooping Cranes. However, since no reasons for his opinion were given, there was no new information received that would prompt anyone to change his vote. Not Accepted
60:131987-09-20BlaineAnoka(vote 1-6). Although it was agreed that the two birds described may well have been Whooping Cranes, the birds were not seen well enough as they flew by for a complete description to be given, and it was felt such an unusual species should have more complete details . They were first seen as the observer was driving on a busy highway and as he was trying to brake and pull over, implying the observer could not have given undivided attention to the birds and would have a difficult time clearly seeing them. He also was unable to use binoculars on them until they were flying away and at an angle making it impossible to see any clear field marks. Not Accepted
62:177-1811990indexA Whooping Crane in Minnesota
4MOU1990-10-11Rollis Twp.MarshallThe Loon 62:177Accepted
avian
information
1990-10-11Marshall10/11 Marshall (first county record)
10/11 Marshall MH, 10/21-10/28 Polk DSV mob (The Loon 62:177-181).
5MOU1990-10-211990-10-28Burnham Creek WMAPolkThe Loon 62:177Accepted
avian
information
1990-10-211990-10-28Polk10/21-28 Polk (first county record)
10/11 Marshall MH, 10/21-10/28 Polk DSV mob (The Loon 62:177-181).
69:281996-09-17Lake Carlos State ParkDouglas Although the description of the two white “crane-shaped” birds with black wing tips is consistent with this species, no optics were used, and the majority felt a more definitive look and description should accompany any report of such an unusual species. In addition, the observers refer to themselves as relatively inexperienced birders, and the possibility of these being Wood Storks, White Ibis or even Sandhill Cranes (which under certain light conditions often can appear whitish overall with darker primaries) is not precluded. Not Accepted
76:1522004-04-172004-04-18Manannah TownshipMeeker(record #2004-068, identification Accepted 7–0 / origin Not Accepted 0–10). These two females (band #3-02 and 15-02) were known to be from the introduction project at Necedah N.W.R., Wisimage unsatisfactory. Not Accepted
78:1262005-08-252005-10-07southeasternMorrison(recirculated record #2005-057, first and second votes 5–2 for each of three birds; since the identification was Not Accepted, there was no separate vote on origin.). Three adults from the experimental flock at Necedah N.W.R., Wisconsin, apparently wandered to Minnesota according to satellite telemetry data. Unfortunately, there was no description of the birds. Photographs were reportedly taken, but could not be obtained for review. Telemetry data are not infallible and since the data were submitted on behalf of the principal investigator, the documentation was considered to be second-hand. Not Accepted
avian
information
2005-09-032005-11-09Morrison9/3, 11/9 Morrison (first county record)
avian
information
2006-09-12Morrison9/12 Morrison (second county record)
Two birds known to have wandered from the experimental flock at Necedah N.W.R., Wisconsin, were tracked by satellite to Minnesota 9/12–13 Benton/Morrison RPU fide RPR. Three more were tracked by satellite to Winnebago County, Iowa and then were visually confirmed at Reno Bottoms 9/13 Houston fide RPR. Also see undocumented reports.
79:2402007indexWhooping Crane in Polk County
679:1232007-04-09Pembina Trail PreservePolk(record #2007-014, vote 7–0 for one adult, vote 6–1 for four more; total of five adults Accepted; documentation for two juveniles will be recirculated). Accepted
80:52007-04-09Pembina Trail PreservePolk, two subadults (recirculated record #2007-014, first vote 5–2, second vote 4–3). Two birds flying with five adult Whooping Cranes “held some brown feathering,” but were otherwise not described. Though seen by an experienced observer and probably correctly identified, the majority felt that a more complete description was needed for acceptance. Not Accepted
avian
information
2007-04-09Polk4/9 Polk (second county record)
Furnishing the first accepted record in Minnesota since October 1990 (The Loon 62:177–181) were five adults 4/9 Polk (Pembina Trail Preserve) †RH, RAF (The Loon 79:240–241). One adult east of this species' usual migration corridor and later than its usual migration period may have wandered away from the experimental flock at Necedah N.W.R., Wisconsin; there was no satellite evidence confirming this possibility, so it was accepted with an “o” subscript, indicating about an equal chance of captive/wild origin 5/6 Crow Wing (Ironton W.T.P.) †JSB, †WEN.
79:1232007-04-142007-04-15near Detroit LakesBecker(record #2007-017, vote 2–5 for each of six adults). Though observed on two different days, the description was brief and optics were not used. The birds vocalized, but the observer was unable to describe the calls. No field notes were taken and the documentation form was apparently filled out by an individual who did not see the birds. Not Accepted
780:52007-05-06IrontonCrow Wing(recirculated record #2007-027, identification Accepted 6–1, origin Accepted 7–3). All ten members discuss and vote on questions of origin. The location and date of this sighting were atypical for this species, which can only be reasonably expected in western Minnesota; although no transmitters or bands were visible as this bird flew overhead, and satellite tracking data supplied by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service showed no captive-bred cranes in this area, transmitters occasionally malfunction or are lost. Therefore, this may have been a bird wandering from the experimental flock at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, Wisconsin. In this case, the majority voted to accept the record as Ao, i.e., the chances of natural origin and captive origin were considered to be about the same. Accepted
avian
information
2007-05-06Crow Wing5/6 Crow Wing (second county record)
Furnishing the first accepted record in Minnesota since October 1990 (The Loon 62:177–181) were five adults 4/9 Polk (Pembina Trail Preserve) †RH, RAF (The Loon 79:240–241). One adult east of this species' usual migration corridor and later than its usual migration period may have wandered away from the experimental flock at Necedah N.W.R., Wisconsin; there was no satellite evidence confirming this possibility, so it was accepted with an “o” subscript, indicating about an equal chance of captive/wild origin 5/6 Crow Wing (Ironton W.T.P.) †JSB, †WEN.
avian
information
2008-03-14Houston3/14 Houston (first county record)
Two banded birds seen 3/14 Houston (Houston Twp.) †KAK.
avian
information
2008-06-01Freeborn6/1 Freeborn (first county record)
Observed 6/1 Freeborn (2 released birds south of Albert Lea) ph. RPR, 7/5 Cottonwood (4 released birds seen by Gary Anderson southeast of Windom) fide RPR.
avian
information
2008-07-05Cottonwood7/5 Cottonwood (first county record)
Observed 6/1 Freeborn (2 released birds south of Albert Lea) ph. RPR, 7/5 Cottonwood (4 released birds seen by Gary Anderson southeast of Windom) fide RPR.
avian
information
2008-08-05Jackson8/5 Jackson
Five reports, all of captive birds from the Wisconsin flock: 8/5 Jackson (4, east of Bergen, present since 8/1) RPR, 8/11 Pope (4, near Lake Emily) RPR, 9/2 Isanti (3) CAM, 10/5 and 10/7 Lincoln (4, Limestone Twp.) RJS, BJU.
avian
information
2008-08-11Pope8/11 Pope (first county record)
Five reports, all of captive birds from the Wisconsin flock: 8/5 Jackson (4, east of Bergen, present since 8/1) RPR, 8/11 Pope (4, near Lake Emily) RPR, 9/2 Isanti (3) CAM, 10/5 and 10/7 Lincoln (4, Limestone Twp.) RJS, BJU.
avian
information
2008-09-02Isanti9/2 Isanti (first county record)
Five reports, all of captive birds from the Wisconsin flock: 8/5 Jackson (4, east of Bergen, present since 8/1) RPR, 8/11 Pope (4, near Lake Emily) RPR, 9/2 Isanti (3) CAM, 10/5 and 10/7 Lincoln (4, Limestone Twp.) RJS, BJU.
avian
information
2008-10-052008-10-07Lincoln10/5, 7 Lincoln (first county record)
Five reports, all of captive birds from the Wisconsin flock: 8/5 Jackson (4, east of Bergen, present since 8/1) RPR, 8/11 Pope (4, near Lake Emily) RPR, 9/2 Isanti (3) CAM, 10/5 and 10/7 Lincoln (4, Limestone Twp.) RJS, BJU.
avian
information
2009-11-13Steele11/13 Steele (first county record)
Two banded birds from the Wisconsin flock observed 11/10–13 Steele m.ob.
82:1032010-05-212010-05-23unbanded adult at Agassiz Pool, Agassiz National Wildlife RefugeMarshall(record #2010-015, identification Accepted 7–0). This bird was initially spotted from an airplane during an aerial waterbird survey by refuge personnel. It was refound at Agassiz Pool by Gregg Knutsen, refuge biologist, who has had extensive experience with Whooping Cranes; he carefully observed the bird through a spotting scope and confirmed that it had no leg bands or satellite tracking antennae. Results of a separate vote on origin will be published in the next Proceedings. Recirculated
883:32010-05-212010-05-23Agassiz NWR, Agassiz PoolMarshall(record #2010-015, vote 7–0). Photographed. Its origin was unanimously accepted as wild (origin vote 10–0). The lack of observable bands was cited as the reason for accepting the bird as wild. A Whooping Crane biologist, after seeing the bird on an aerial survey and also from the ground, noted the absence of bands. Bob Russell, in attendance at the 5 December meeting, commented that all Wisconsin (eastern flock) birds are banded with conspicuous leg bands, but virtually no Aransas/Wood Buffalo birds are anymore, except for a handful for a radio telemetry project. This is only the third accepted record since the formation of MOURC in 1974. Accepted
avian
information
2010-05-23Marshall5/23 Marshall (second county record)
One unbanded bird, presumably of the wild Wood Buffalo N.P./Aransas N.W.R. population, seen 5/21–23 Marshall (Agassiz N.W.R.) †GAK, ph. †PHS, †JMJ, SAS. Possibly the same individual was photographed twenty miles away near Newfolden 5/30 ph. JaK.
983:32010-05-30about five miles west of NewfoldenMarshall(record #2010-021A, vote 7–0). The identification of the sighting (photographed) was unanimously accepted (second round vote 7–0), but see Not Accepted records. The question of origin will be voted after discussion at the next regular MOURC meeting. Accepted
83:992010-05-30Newfolden areaMarshall, (record 2010-021, vote 10–0). Origin Vote was to unanimously Accept as a wild bird. Duplicate
83:32010-06-012010-06-02near NewfoldenMarshall(record #2010021B, vote 0–7). This sighting was unanimously not accepted in a second round vote 0–7 due to lack of a description. Not Accepted
avian
information
2010-09-13Goodhue9/13 Goodhue (first county record)
One in Goodhue on 9/13 NBr, presumably from the Necedah N.W.R. flock.
avian
information
2011-05-212011-05-25Rice5/21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Rice (first county record)
Two juvenile males from the Wisconsin experimental flock present 5/21–25 Rice (Dennison) m.ob.
avian
information
2011-09-092011-09-12Rice9/9-12 Rice (second county record)
Two banded birds from the experimental Wisconsin flock observed 9/9–12 Rice (west of Northfield) m.ob.
85:992013-05-06near Pine CityPine(record #2013-040, vote 0–7). The consensus was that the record was insufficient in detail to support the identification. The observer omits comparisons to other large bird species (pelicans, egrets, etc). It may have been a Whooping Crane, but the description makes no mention of the presence or absence of leg bands, which would help in determining whether or not this was a captively raised bird. Not Accepted
86:1072014-05-10County Road 45 one-half mile north of state highway 30Steele(record #2014-036, Accidental, vote 1–6). The bird was one-half mile away making detailed observation difficult. The description was extremely vague for this species. Even if the identification was correct, the experimental Wisconsin flock birds were not considered. The description does not indicate if there were radios or leg bands. Not Accepted
avian
information
2015-05-13Dakota5/13 Dakota (first county record)
A potential first county record 5/13 Dakota (Mississippi wetlands south of Hastings) based on high resolution satellite tracking data (fide RPR) is pending a decision for review by MOURC.
avian
information
2018-08-03Carver8/3 Carver (first county record)
avian
information
2018-08-062018-08-27Hennepin8/6-27 Hennepin (first county record)
avian
information
2019-06-21Mille Lacs6/21 Mille Lacs (first county record)
 Adult from experimental flock 6/21 Mille Lacs (near Santiago) ph. ebd, 7/1–2 Sherburne (female #W7–17, Sherburne N.W.R.) ph. ebd, †PLJ.
avian
information
2019-07-012019-07-02Sherburne7/1, 2 Sherburne (first county record)
 Adult from experimental flock 6/21 Mille Lacs (near Santiago) ph. ebd, 7/1–2 Sherburne (female #W7–17, Sherburne N.W.R.) ph. ebd, †PLJ.
 
 Former summer resident west. Ten records since 1900: five spring, four fall, and one undated. Recorded in one (2010) of the last ten years. Federal designation: Endangered.

Notes:

The information in the above table comes from several different sources. The count in column 1 indicates which of the sources is considered the primary source.
'Accepted' MOURC entries from The MOURC Proceedings
'Not Accepted' or 'Rejected' MOURC entry from The MOURC Proceedings
Accepted MOU records assembled by David Cahlander
Sighting records for ()
Avian information from the occurrence maps, in dark red, assembled by Robert Janssen. Seasonal report for the species/season published in The Loon or The Flicker has been added.
Information from The Loon index assembled by Anthony Hertzel and David Cahlander