Seasonal Report Archive for The Loon - Bitterns, Herons, Egrets, Night-Herons 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: Bitterns, Herons, Egrets, Night-Herons
Least Bittern
American Bittern
Little Blue Heron
Tricolored Heron
Snowy Egret
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Black-crowned Night Heron
Green Heron
Great Egret
Western Cattle-Egret
Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron(Ardea herodias)
YearSeasonNS
1930SummerThis species nested again this sununer in the tamarack swamp near Nine Mile Creek. One nest in this small colony, situated in the top of a fifty foot tamarack, held five eggs on April 27th (the writer).
1931SummerAdults building a nest June 10th (Swedenborg). One younc nearly full grow.a in tamarack swanp north of St. Paul, July 3rd (several observers)
1932SummerA number of heronries of this species were found, but the contents of the nests were determined only when the young birds were in the nest, first on June 12 at Lake Minnetonka (Ralph Eisele & Walter Dewey), and last on July 12th at Rainy Lake, the young being nearly full-grown in the latter colony (Swanson)..
1933Summer A colony of about 55 pairs of this bird,.,as visited by Hiemenz on May 4th. He found them "nesting in tall Basswood and Tamarack trees along the Sauk River about 2 miles west of Rockville, Stearns County. l climbed one tree tvhich gave me the view of 1 0 nests. Five nests held 5 eggs eacb and 5 nosts held 4 eggs each. The birds were incubating on most of the 11ests. The eggs seemed fresh. Several nests were just being built. One tree held 10 nests and 2 held 7 nests.
1934Summer Four colonies were reported. The first, visited by Hanson and Hiomcnz, was located along the So.uk.tliver, 2, miles west of Rockville, Stenrns County. On April 8th it wo.s found to bo undorgoing repairs, the nests being rebuilt. A nest was investigated ru1d found to be empty. On April 22nd one nest hold 3 eggs and birds wore on ·nost cf the other nests; however, these observers report, "This colony seemed much smaller th~·it was last year, probably only about 40 pairs nesting." Another colony was visited by Hier.:enz, who writes, "On April 9th, the birds were bui).ding and the nests soened tiliaost ccnplete. They were all new structures, ns the fo.ruor living nearby said that all tho old trees with nests had boon felled during tho w:i.nter, having been dead. Thoro we~e possibly 75 pairs nesting." The third colony, located near Barnesville, Ottertail Count:{, \·!as visited on May 17th, and consisted of about 80 nests, r.1ost of which were probnbly or1pty. or about 10 nests investigated, one or two had 2 or 3 eggs, according to Woolsey, who visited tho colony. The latest rccke~r reported was seen by Mnrius Morse and his friend Feeney, on Au~st 1st at Itasca Pnrk. The nests, nunbering "probably over 10011, were perched in the tops of sene 80-foot Norway Pines. At this tir.1e all but 2 or 3 uere vncant. Nearly full-grown young were seen in two of the nests.
1935Summer Berthel was visiting Lake Koronis near Paynesville on July 4th. While there, he saw tho Great Blue Heron rookery, which at that time had five nests still in use. The nearly-grown young \oiCrc climbing around in the elm trees which harbored the colony. Four of the large elems had been killed by the droppings of the birds.
1936Summer J. P. Jensen reports nests numbering between 150 and 1?5 in the heronry on Sioux Lake near Dassel. On June 22nd the young herons were two-thirds grown and had commenced to climb about in the tree tops~
1937SummerA rookery of ten nests which probably contained eggs was discovered in the Cloquet Valley Forest by Marius Morse, May 3· A twenty-seven nest rookery was found by A. B. Erickson at the St. Croix Nat'! Park. There were large young in the nests on June 29.
1940SummerThe T. S. Roberts Club reported an undetermined number of this species incubating at the colony near Rockville, Stearns Co., on May I9-John Strey of Duluth visited a rookery of approximately 50 nests near Granite Falls, Yellow Medicine Co., on May I2. On investigating 8 nests he found they contained 5 eggs each.
1943SummerJune 12, feed1ng young, Washington County, Bro.s. Lewis and Pius. July 7, Leech Lake. K. Carlander. May 8, several nests in tree tops, Nine Mile Creek, Mpls. A. Chambers.
1945SummerColony on Dunlap Island, young in 30 nests, June 3, Don and Eideen Jacobs; 100 nests with eggs and young, May 30, Ramsey Co., Brother Hubert.
1945WinterOne at Newport, January, 1938, (R. A. Kortman); one near St. Paul, December 12, 1944, (Brother Hubert Lewis).
1946SummerBuilding nests, May 11 and 12, Ramsey and Anoka Co., large young on June 1, some out of nests on June 13, Bro. Hubert. The Ramsey Co. colony contained 22 nests, that in Anoka contained 72 nests.
1961SpringR. Grant reports six on nests at the Rice Lake heronry, Ramsey County on 23 March. By 4 April there were over 200 on nests. Dr. Rysgaard reports this species at General Shield's Lake, Rice County on 2 April. Great White Heron was seen 13 May (shortly after the strong southerly winds) near Elmore, Faribault County. (See Notes of Interest).
1961SummerForest Strnad found 6/0 nests near Faribault, Rice County on 7 July. He banded five immatures. R. Grant reported 200 on nests in Ramsey County as early as 6 April.
1962Spring This fellow doesn't have a Diners Club credit card, but he is served his own fishy menu on whatever slough or stream he decides to patronize. The lake in this case happened to be Frog Lake, in Western Minnesota, where this spooky Great Blue Heron eats bullheads all summer long. His rapier thrusts, with his razor sharp bill are so accurate he seldom goes hungry. Ernest Strubbe, Alberta, Minnesota has observed many Blue Herons on Frog Lake and he states that "on many occasions the heron beats the fish on the ground until it is tenderized to suit his pallet." Ken Haag, St. Paul, Minnesota.
1962SummerAug. 13, Marsh Lake, 2 nests with young, Arlin Anderson. Common Egret: Aug. 13, Marsh Lake, 7 nests with young, Arlin Anderson.
1962Falllatest dates; Dec. 2, Mud Lake, Traverse Co., R. Grant; Dec. 4, Cedar Ave. Bridge, Minneapolis, H. Huber; Dec. 15, Winona, Brother Theodore.
1963SpringMarch 16, Washington County, D. Honetschlager; March 22, Rice County, 0. Rustad; March 23, Blaine, Anoka County, R. Janssen; March 27, Duluth (early), Jan Green; March 28, Swift County, E. D. Strand; April 12, Shatley, Beltrami County, Mabel Goranson.
1963SummerCass Co., near Walker, April 19, 75 active nests in rookery, Mr. and Mrs. J. Mathisen. Anoka Co., Rice Lake, May 10, 120 active nests in rookery, A. C. Rosenwinkel.
1963WinterJan 4, Winona, Avifanual Club.
1964Spring3-27 Ramsey Co, BL 3-30 Anoka Co, ACR; 4-1 Wright Co, EC; 4-1 Stearns Co, RPR; 4-1 Hennepin Co, MAS; 4-3 Marshall Co, DLO; 4-4 Washington Co, DH; 4-5 Duluth, NJH; 4-12 Beltrami Co, MG.
1964Summerbreeding in St. Louis (VFB, DRM) and Dakota (GL) Counties.
1964Fall11-4 Washington Co, ACR; 11-4 Stearns Co, RPR; 11-10 Hennepin Co, FN; 11-10 Wabasha Co, JPF.
1964WinterOne wintering at Prairie Island, Winona Co, seen by many observers thru Dec. and Jan. Seen last on 2-13 (RG, RLH) for first Minnesota February record.
1965Springearliest 3-31 Rice Co, OAR and St. Cloud, fide NH.
1965Falllatest 11-10 Ramsey Co, VL and Wabasha Co, DGM.
1966Springearliest 3-14 Benton Co, NMH; 3-17 Rice Co, OAR; 3-18 Stearns Co, RPR.
1966Summernested in Rice, Dakota, Stearns Co's; also reported from Ramsey, Morrison, Roseau, Itasca, BeltTami, Wabasha, Lake, St. Louis, Cass, Nicollet, Blue Earth, Faribault, Waseca, Pope, Washington, Hennepin, Goodhue, Hubbard, Winona, Houston, Wright, Wabasha and Cottonwood Co's.
1966FallLatest 11-6 Houston Co., FL; 11-8 Blue Earth Co. (EDK) and Hennepin Co. (FN/ MAS); 11-23 Washington Co., WWL.
1966Winter1-2 Winona, Winona Co., fide GD; 1-2 Blackdog, Dakota Co., RBJ; 2-13 Cotton, St. Louis Co., Mrs. R. S. Nethercott fide VFB, second February record for the state and perhaps the only winter record north of the Twin Cities area?
1967Springearly 3-19 Pope Co., THE LOON 86 WH; 3-22 Rice Co., OAR and Ramsey Co., BL; 3-25 several reports, north to Aitkin Co., CEP.
1967Summernested Anoka Co.; also reported from Morrison, Swift, Jackson, Nobles, Cottonwood, Hennepin, Houston, Aitkin, Hubbard, Clearwater, McLeod, Goodhue, Carver, Stevens, Big THE LOON 122 Stone, Pope, Traverse, Lac qui Parle, Washington, Wabasha, Beltrami, Crow Wing, Ramsey Co's.
1967Fall latest 11-18 Houston Co., FL; 11-19 Dakota Co., FN/MAS; 11-23 Anoka Co., ACR and Pope Co., WH; 11-25 Dakota Co., RJC.
1967Winter 12-5 Blackdog, Dakota Co., 1, FN/ MAS; 12-7 Minneapolis, 1, FN/MAS.
1968Spring earliest 3-15 Rice Co., OAR; 3-18 Wright Co., EHD and Wabasha Co., DGM; 3-21 St. Paul, BL; 3-23 Stearns Co., KE.
1968Summer nested in Lac qui Parle, Mille Lacs, LeSeur, Grant, Hubbard, Rice, Itasca, Morrison and Clearwater Co's; also reported from Swift, Jackson, Nobles, Beltrami , Meeker, Sibley, McLeod, Becker, Morrison, Pope, Lake, Washington, Blue Earth, Carlton, St. Louis, Crow Wing, Anoka, Sherburne, Wright, Cook, Hennepin, Winona Co's.
1968Fall8-4 Cottonwood LAF; 8-17 Cook RLG; 8-25 Watonwan DMF; 9-11 Pope WH; latest 11/0 Wabasha BT; 11-16 Olmsted AFR; 100+ reported in Nobles for September HSH.
1969Spring3-19 (5) Rice Co., OAR; 3-23 (6) Dakota Co., FN /MAS, VL and Mille Lacs Co., MI; 4-6 Beltrami Co., JM, and Kanabec Co., RHJ.
1969Summerreported by 32 observors throughout the state. The colonies at Lake Johanna, Pope County and near Cold Spring, Stearns Co. were active this year.
1969Fall8-3 Carver 100 KH; 8-14 Wright 50 BAH; 10-19 St. Louis JCG; 11-1 Swift RBJ; 11-4 Pope WH.
1970Springearly south 3-12 Wabasha HW; 3-23 Nicollet LF; 3-25 Rice OR and Stearns MC; peak 4-11 Pope (200) BH; early north 3-31 Morrison JB; 4-5 Marshall AR and St. Louis NH, MMC.
1970Falllate south 11-7 Hou ston FL; 11-8 Wabasha TV; 11-10 Pope WH; late north 10-31 Pine KS; 11-5 and 8 Duluth, fide )G.
1970WinterI 2-5 Winona AFR.
1971Springearly south 3-14 Pope WH and Hlennepin CH and Dakota KJG; early north 3-27 Ottertail AMB; 3-30 Marshall AR; peak 4-17 Pope (150) BH.
1971Summernested in Pope, Hennepin, Carver and Rice; also reported from 29 other counties.
1971Falllate south 11-23 Wabasha; 11-28 Wri!!ht; 12-4 Carver; l•te north 11-14 Ottertail and Duluth; 11-26 Crow Wing.
1971Winter12-4 Carver KH; 12·5 Dakota KRE; 12-18 Fergus Falls KRE; 2-20 Winona RG.
1972Winter1-31 Sherburne SRS.
1973Summer Nested in Pope (200 nests) St. Louis (100 nests) Mille Lacs (30 nests), Marshall, Itasca, Hubbard, Aitkin, Stearns & Hennepin; seen in 22 other counties.
1973Fall Reported from 25 counties. Late north 11-15 Clay (GAA); 11-17 Morrison (LSR). Late south 11-1 Wabasha (DWM); 11-4 Wright (ETS). Peak 8-1 Marshall (300) (AWR).
1973Winter One lingered until 12-31 at Black Dog L., Dakota Co. and was noted on the Bloomington Christmas Count.
1974Spring Early south 3-4 Stearns (5) MC earliest date on record; 3-6 Stearns (5) NMH; 3-8 LeSueur HC; 3-10 Hennepin OJ and Rice OAR; early north 3-28 Mille Lacs MI; 4-5 Marshall AR, 4-7 St. Louis MK; peak 5-18 Pope (150+) BH.
1974Summer Nested in Itasca, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pope, Hennepin, Winona; also reported from 35 other counties.
1974Fall Late south 10-25 Hennepin OJ; 11-3 Houston FL; late north 10-9 Itasca MS; 10-24 Marshall AR.
1974Winter Late migrants 12-2 Chippewa (CH), 12-3 Dakota (VRL), and Bloomington Christmas Count; also 2-13 at Spring Banks L., Dakota Co. (CF)-coincidentally the only other two February records were also on the 13th! Whistling. Swan Lingered long enough to participate on the Fergus Falls, Big Stone, Rochester (cripple) and Wabasha (382) Christmas Counts; also 3 in Stearns Co. on 12-11 and 1-5 (BH, NH); as late as 12-12 at Weaver marshes, Wabasha Co. 1000 were still present, and one swan remained all winter (WDM).
1975Spring Early south 3-1 Goodhue CF (details?); 3-8 Freeborn DG; 3-16 Yellow Medicine GLO; early north 3-17 Becker TRS; 3-21 Cass AES; 4-7 St. Louis NJH; peak 5-17 Pope (300+ ) HCK.
1975Summer Nested in Hubbard, Mille Lacs, Pope, Big Stone, Lac qui Parle, Hennepin, Ramsey and VVashington; also reported from 27 other counties.
1975Falllate south 11-10 Pipestone AD; Carver JRG; 11-15 Hennepin VL; 11-26 Wabasha RB; late north 11-1 Pine DB; 11·28 Ottertail SM.
1975Winterrecorded during the St. Paul Northeast Christmas Count period; also what was probably a very early spring migrant on 2-27 in Hennepin Co. (NMH).
1976Spring Early south 3-16 Hennepin HPR; 3/7 Stearns NMH; 2 reports on 3-18; early north 3-24 Mille Lacs MI; 3-26 Marshall SV; 3-27 St. Louis NJH.
1976Summernested in Beltrami, Hubbard, Pope, Meeker, Wright, Anoka and Wabasha; also reported from 39 other counties.
1976Fall Late north 11-6 Crow Wing, 11-26 Duluth PKL; late south 10-31 Washington, 11-4 Rock, 11-16 Olmsted.
1976Winter Lingered unti112-24 Redwood (WF); another seen 2-17 Crow Wing (TS; overwintered or a very early migrant?).
1977Spring Early south 3-8 Hennepin HCP; 3-13 Murray HK; 3-14 Mower RK; early north 3-25 St. Louis HPD; 3 reports on 3-26.
1977Summer Nested in Hubbard, Grant, Pope, Lac qui Parle, Anoka and Winona; also reported from 30 other counties throughout the state.
1977Fall Late north 11-2 Duluth (GN), 11-8 Todd (KL); late south 11-20 Pipestone (AD).
1977Winter Two late stragglers 1-4 Orwell W.M.A., Otter Tail Co. (P. Millard) and 1-5 to 1-8 Black Doe L., Dakota Co. (MJ, BB).
1978Spring Early north 3-26 Otter Tail GO; 3-30 Hubbard HF; 3-31 Marshall SV.
1978Summer Breeding reported from Marshall (30+ nests), Becker (200+), Hubbard (34, Kabekina WMA), Morrison (50+, Royalton), Anoka (50+, Rice Lake), Wabasha (50), Grant (50+, Pelican Lake), Pope (Lake Johanna), Lac qui Parle (75 nests, Big Stone NWR); also seen throughout the state.
1978Fall Late north 11-5 Lac qui Parle CMB, 11-26 Crow Wing TS; late south 11-23 Hennepin PF, 11-25 Sherburne EH, 11-26 Hennepin RJ.
1978Winter No less than 10 reports in December from Anoka, Dakota, Olmsted, Cottonwood, Otter Tail (until 12-21, SM), and the Cedar Creek Bog, Faribault, Minneapolis, Winona and Marshall CBCs; yet another species to defy the weather.
1979Spring Early south 3-13 Fillmore John Weiss fide VH, 3-15 Freeborn DG and Ramsey BH; early north 3-17 Mille Lacs DB, Otter Tail GMO and Lake KE. Peak 5-31 Otter Tail GMO (808).
1979Summer Breeding reported from St. Louis, Cass, Hubbard, Beltrami, Marshall, Grant, Big Stone, Lac qui Parle, Pope, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Wright, Stearns, Morrison, Sherburne, Anoka, Chisago, Rice, Le Sueur; also seen throughout the state.
1979Fall Late north 11-1 Otter Tail GMO, 11-8 Clay SM, 11-25 Hubbard Julie Probst fide TL; late south 11-11 Lac qui Parle CMB, 11-12 Hennepin SC, 11-18 Hennepin SC.
1979Winter Two reports: 12-2 Rock (NB) and 12-29 Bloomington CBC.
1980Spring Early south 3-16 Ramsey BDC, 3-17 Dakota RJ, 3-19 Anoka KL (100+); early north 3-27 Otter Tail GMO, 3-30 Hubbard HF, 4-1 Marshall ANWR.
1980Summer Breeding reported from seven counties; seen also throughout the state. First migrants: St. Louis (Lake Superior), 7-19 (JCG).
1980Fall Late north 11-13 Clay LCF, 11-15 Lake of the Woods TS, 11-25 Polk fide KSS; late south 11-15 Houston FL, 11/9 Hennepin SC, 11-30 Rice KJ.
1980Winter Five reports: a late migrant in Redwood 12-27 (LJF); an early migrant in Mower 2-16 (RJ); January records from Willow River Township, Pine County (Mike Link) and Scott 1-25 (RBA); and one that overwintered in Otter Tail 12-13 until 2-24 (GMO).
1981Spring Early south 3-14 Anoka BH, 3-20 Stearns NH, 3-21 Dakota MW, Houston JPI AM and Olmsted JEB; early north 3-22 Itasca TL, 3-25 Hubbard HJF, 3-28 Duluth Dick Green, Otter Tail GMO and Todd RJ.
1981Fall Late north 11-3 Marshall KSS, 11-7 Beltrami JP, AS, Otter Tail GMO; late south 11-8 Mower RRK, 11-22 Houston FL, 11-29 Big Stone RG.
1981Winter Four December reports: Otter Tail 12-26 (GMO) in the north and Redwood; 12-26 (LJF); Le Sueur 12-4 (HFC) and Mower; 12-20 (RJ) and 1221 (RRK).
1982Spring Early south 3-13 Dodge RJ, 3-14 Anoka KL, 3-15 Stearns NH; early north 3-16 Otter Tail GMO, SDM, 3-23 Hubbard BM and St. Louis KE.
1982Summer Breeding data from Lake, Hubbard, Grant, Pope, Rice. Seen throughout the state.
1982Fall Late north 1/116 Lake KE, 1/118 Polk KSS, 1/122 Duluth KE; late south 1/120 Houston FL, KL, 1/121 Dakota MW.
1982Winter Three south reports: Dakota, 12/18 (MW), Winona, 1/22 (RA), and Rock 1/31 (JS).
1983Spring Early south 3/5 Mower BJ, 31 I 0 Washington TBB, 3/13 Wabasha AB; early north 3/13 Hubbard BM, 3/26 Beltrami AS, 3/30 Otter Tail GMO.
1983Summer Breeding data from Marshall, Hubbard, Morrison, Grant, Pope, Stearns, Ramsey. Seen throughout the state.
1983Fall Late north II 19 Hubbard HJF, II 1/5 Cook KMH, 1/124 Clay LCF; late south 11/19 Dakota MW, 11/24 Stearns KSS, 1/130 Houston FL.
1983Winter Southeast reports from Houston 12-2 (FL) and Wabasha 1-8 (DWM). A west central report from the Orwell Dam, Otter Tail on 1-5 (GMO) and a northwest report of very early migrants, 2-22, (2) Mahnomem, (MH).
1984Spring Early south 3/19 Anoka OS, 3/23 Washington TBB, 3/24 Sibley HK, Steele OJ; early north 3/24 Becker RJ, Otter Tail SDM, 3/26 Marshall ANWR.
1984Summernested in Marshall, Hubbard, Lake, Morrison, Pope, Ramsey, Le Sueur and Houston; also seen in 35 other counties.
1984Fall Late north 11/21 Otter Tail SDM, Ill 23 Carlton KL, 11/26 Cook KMH ; late south 11/21 Houston FL, 11/24 Washington DS, 11/25 Dakota TT.
1984Winter Four CBC reports: Grand Marais (I), Excelsior (4), Bloomington (I) and Cedar Lake (1). Also reported at Black Dog, Dakota Co. until 1-13 (mob), Goodhue 1-5 (JPAM), Olmsted 1-13 (SC) and Fillmore 12-19 (J. Gislason).
1985Spring Early south 3/1 Le Sueur HC, 3/12 Dakota TTu, 3/15 Ramsey KB; early north 3/19 Becker MBW, 3/22 Otter Tail SDM, 3/23 Hubbard HJF.
1985Summer Nested in St. Louis, Hubbard, Big Stone, Lac qui Parle, Swift (WT), Pope, Morrison, Pine; probable nesting in Grant, Sherburne. Also seen in 44 other counties throughout the state.
1985Fall Late north 11/17 Cook KMH, 11/21 Becker WL, 11/23 St. Louis D. Litchfield; late south 11 I 18 Goodhue JD, 11/19 Houston FL, 11/30 Dakota TTu.
1985Winter Reported at Grey Cloud Island, Washington County until mid January (TBB); Black Dog, Dakota County until12/22 (mob) and Houston, 12/7 (FL).
1986Spring Early south 3/9 Houston EMF, Mower RRK, Scott RJ; early north 3/27 Hubbard JL, 3/28 Marshall ANWR, Wilkin GAM.
1986Summer Nested in Lake, Hubbard (110 young, Kabekona WMA, HJF), Becker, Morrison, Grant, Pope, Meeker, LeSueur, Waseca (approx. 150 nests, Elysian Lake, JS), Faribault; probable nesting in Big Stone, Kandiyohi, Ramsey, Sibley, Fillmore. Also seen in 44 other counties throughout the state.
1986Fall Late north 11/15 St. Louis fide KE, 11/17 Cook KMH, 11/22 Lake BL; late south 1/128 Cottonwood E. Duerksen, Houston EMF, McLeod RJ, II 129 Martin KL, II 130 Mower AB,OJ.
1986Winter Probably the most reports ever: seen on Wild River, Marshall, Mountain Lake-Windom, Faribault and Austin CBC's with some individuals remaining until mid-January, and in White Bear Lake, Ramsey Co. until 2/4 (MRBA). A total of thirteen individuals reported. Thndra Swan Late west central region migrants in Otter Tail, December (SDM); Grant, 12/7 (KL) and Chippewa, 12/2 (FE). Two overwintered in Wabasha (WDM) and 3500 were on the river in Houston on 12/1 (FL). Two unidentified swans in Duluth on 2/27 (M. Hendrikson) may have been very early migrants or possibly Mute Swans from Ashland Co., Wisconsin.
1987Spring Early south 3/6WashingtonTBB, 3/7 Ramsey BL, 3/9 Mower JM; early north 3/19 Otter Tail SDM, 3/21 Hubbard HJF, 3/22 Beltrami KH.
1987Summer Nested in Lake, Morrison, Grant, Pope, Swift; probable nesting in Sherburne, Washington, Faribault. Also seen in 52 other counties throughout the state.
1987Fall Late north 10/13 Clay LCF, 11/13 St. Louis SW, ll/24 Cook SOL; late south ll/10 HennepinES , ll/21 Steams DO, 11/29RiceFS.
1987Winter Eight December reports including the Hibbing and Fergus Falls CBC's. One January record, OtterTail Co., 11/5 (SDM).
1988Spring Early south 3/11 Olmsted JEB, Rice FKS and Steams NHi; early north 3/24 Otter Tail SDM, 3/25 Cass TK, 3/27 Aitkin WN.
1988Summer Observed in 68 counties throughout the state; nesting records from Hubbard, Morrison, Pope. Fall migrants seen at Duluth on 7/30 (KE).
1988Fall Late north Ill18 Becker BK, 11/24 Otter Tail SDM, 11/26 Norman RJ, AP; late south 11/11 Dakota DZ and Washington DS, 11/14 Hennepin SC, 11/19 Scott DZ.
1988Winter Reported on the Bemidji, Fergus Falls, St. Paul and Afton CBCs and in Wright 12/3 DO and Mower l/30 RRK. Late in the period it was learned that up to 10 individuals had probably overwintered at Pig's Eye, Ramsey Co. fide RJ. Thndra Swan Late migrants in Roseau 12/5 KH, Wabasha 12/1 WDM (3,000), Houston 12/15 EMF(30) and the Minneapolis North CBC. The increasing number of released and free flying Trumpeter Swans in the state indicates that care must be exercised when identifying out of range/date swans. The three flying over Sleepy Eye on 1/28 would more likely be Trumpeters. The two seen on the Mississippi River in Hastings, Dakota Co. in Dec. and
1989Spring Early south 3/16 Steams JMa, 3/17 Fillmore fide AP, 3/20 Houston EMF; Early north 3/24 Otter Tail SDM, 3/25 Duluth KE, 3/26 Becker, Beltrami, Clay, Marshall m.ob.
1989Summer Nested in ten counties throughout central, east central, south central, and southeast regions including McLeod (32 nests) TI, Sibley (25 nests) TI, Watonwan (8 nests) TI, Olmsted (30 nests) TI. Also seen in 47 other counties statewide.
1989Fall Late north 11/7 Duluth KE, 11/18 Aitkin WN, 11/26 Wilkin SDM; late south 11/15 Sherburne SWR, 11/21 Dakota KR, 11/28 Lac qui Parle CMB.
1989Winter December records from Anoka 12/3 GP; Lyon, Dakota, Ramsey, Faribault and Austin CBCs; and Sherburne. January records only from Brown 1/5 BB and Black Dog Lake, Dakota Co. 1/1 EL. Mild spell may have allowed overwintering but no further records until likely earliest ever spring migrants in Anoka 2/3 SC and 2/4 GP. ;
1990Spring Early south 3/10 Rice TB, OR, 3/12 Cottonwood ED, Olmsted JB; early north 3/20 Todd PH, 3/21 Clay LCF, 3/28 Otter Tail SDM.
1990Summer Fewer reports than usual. Nested in Hubbard, Olmsted, Brown JS ; seen in 44 other counties statewide.
1990Fall Late north 1 1/3 Hubbard RG, Aitkin WN, 11/4 Clay Mo, 11/7 Koochiching GM; late south 11/20 Olmsted AP, 11/23 Pipestone JP, 11/29 Goodhue DP.
1990Winter Late migrants found at Anoka 12/2 PKL; Rice 12/4 (2) FKS and 12/16TB; Goose Lake, Ramsey 12/3 PC; also found on the St. Paul, Austin and Excelsior CBCs; probable overwintering bird at spring holes at Grey Cloud Island, Washington 1/3 & 1/16 TEB; early migrant on the Shell Rock R., Freeborn 2/3 RRK.
1991Spring Early south 3/8 Dakota KR, 3/10 Anoka GP, 3/13 Rice OR; early north 3/20 Becker DEB, 3/26 Hubbard JL, 3/27 Aitkin WN.
1991Summer Nested in Hubbard, Anoka; seen in 51 other counties statewide.
1991Fall Late north 11/8 Cook SOL, 11/10 Aitkin WN, 11/30 Otter Tail MO; late south 11/27 Hennepin DC, Kandiyohi CJ, 11/29 Dakota SC, Goodhue LS, MS.
1991Winter Record number of reports. Overwintered in Hennepin, Winona and Ramsey (the 12 on the St. Paul CBC all overwintered near Pigs Eye Lake, KB). December and early January reports from seven additional counties south, including Dakota where 9 were seen on 12–7 KB. Two north reports on Fergus Falls CBC and Becker 12/9 BBe. CBC total of 25 individuals.
1992Spring Early south 3/1 Hennepin HT, TT, 3/2 Dakota DN and Sherburne SNWR; early north 3/18 Grant SDM, 3/21 Becker BBe, 3/22 Itasca TS.
1992Summer Nested in Kittson MCBS, Marshall, Beltrami, Hubbard, Meeker, Ramsey, Dakota; seen in 48 additional counties statewide, including five southwest counties.
1992Fall Late north 11/1 Otter Tail SDM, 11/6 Duluth FN, 11/27 Becker BBe; late south 11/17 Wabasha DWM, 11/27 Carver PB, RG, 11/28 Hennepin DM.
1992Winter Again widespread; reported from 11 counties (12 l.y.). Overwintered at Cedar Creek Natural History Area, Anoka Co., JH; on the Mississippi River, Ramsey Co. mob; and at Grey Cloud Island, Washington Co. TEB. Lingering individuals reported in Dec. and early Jan. from Lyon, Blue Earth, Goodhue, Scott, Dakota, and Hennepin. Only north report 12/16 Otter Tail SDM. CBC total only 4 (25 l.y.).
1993Spring Early south 3/10 Washington TEB, 3/16 Rice TB, 3/18 Stearns RG. Early north 3/25 Becker BBe, 3/26 Otter Tail SDM, 3/27 Douglas KKW and Wilkin RJ.
1993Summer Nested in seven counties, probable nesting in Cottonwood; seen in 45 additional counties statewide.
1993Fall Late north 10/23 Aitkin WN, 10/24 Otter Tail WM, 11/16 Becker BK. Late south 11/13 Freeborn RJ, Winona JPo, 11/18 Goodhue DS, 11/30 Ramsey KB.
1993Winter Reported from only four counties (11 l.y.). Single individuals reported overwintering in Ramsey and Washington counties, and December reports from Dakota and Rice counties.
1994Spring Early south 3/8 Rice OR, 3/12 Anoka PKL and Winona JPo; early north 3/12 Otter Tail SDM, 3/19 Becker BBe, 3/22 Aitkin WN and Hubbard HJF.
1994Summer Nested in Cass, Pope, Faribault; probable breeding in 13 counties. Observed in 42 additional counties throughout state.
1994Fall Late north 10/29 Aitkin WN, 10/31 Otter Tail CS, 11/10 Douglas RH. Late south 11/12 Carver CS and Rock ND, 11/20 Kandiyohi RF.
1994Winter Reported from twelve counties as far north as Otter Tail. Despite mild weather, the only overwintering report was from the Pigs Eye Lake outlet, Ramsey Co. where eight were seen on 1/2 AH, and seven still present on 1/21 JD. The reports 1/30 Otter Tail BBe and 2/2 Brown BBo may also represent overwintering; most other reports were in December and early January, with one additional report in late February: 2/20 Goodhue HH. CBC total 10.
1995Spring Early south 3/11 Hennepin SC and Ramsey BL, 3/12 Dakota, Rice, Scott and Winona mob; early north 3/18 Aitkin WN and St. Louis DBe, 3/19 Otter Tail SDM.
1995Summer Fewer reports than usual. Nested in Otter Tail, Douglas, Crow Wing, Aitkin, Carver, Ramsey; probable nesting in Beltrami, Becker. Observed in 40 other counties statewide.
1995Fall Eighteen north reports with one late 11/12 Carlton LW; seen in 28 south counties.
1995Winter Overwintered at the Pigs Eye Lake outlet into the Mississippi River, St. Paul, Ramsey Co. where a peak of 20 was counted on 12/27 KB. Twelve individuals still present on 2/29. Also reported through mid-January in six other south counties, plus 12/6 Becker BBe in the north.
1996Spring Reported from 70 counties. Early north 3/11 Becker BBe; peak 4/3 Becker (100) BBe.
1996Summer Most reports since 1988. Nested in Cass, Meeker; probable nesting in Clearwater, Aitkin, Kandiyohi, Hennepin, Watonwan. Seen in 56 other counties statewide.
1996Fall Reported from 56 counties statewide. Late north (only November report) 11/3 Wadena PBi.
1996Winter Overwintered at the usual location along the Mississippi River near Pigs Eye Lake, St. Paul, Ramsey Co. where a peak of 14 individuals seen in Dec. KB (but only two of these overwintered). Also reported through early January in six other south counties, plus 12/19 Otter Tail SDM in the north. An additional bird may have wintered at the Old Cedar Avenue bridge, Hennepin Co. where reported as late as 2/1 fide SC.
1997Spring Reported from 67 counties.
1997Summer Most reports since 1988; seen in 65 counties statewide.
1997Fall Reported from 54 counties. Late north 11/15 Aitkin WN.
1997Winter Overwintered along the Mississippi River near Pigs Eye Lake, South St. Paul, Ramsey Co. where up to five birds were seen on 1/19 (KB). Reported through early January in five additional south counties. Only north report was 12/3 Becker BBe. Potential early migrants included 2/4 Murray ND, 2/6 Washington TEB, and 2/28 Mower RRK. CBC total 15, nine of which were on the St. Paul CBC.
1998Spring Reported from 63 counties.
1998Summer Many reports, similar to previous two years. Reported in 65 counties statewide. New nesting record in Lyon RgS; probable breeding in seven counties.
1998Fall Peak count 9/29 Lyon (45) RgS. Late north 11/30–12/2 St. Louis JN. Reported from 58 counties statewide.
1998Winter Late north 12/2 St. Louis JN, and the Fergus Falls and Crookston CBCs. Reported from seven counties south. Only reports after 1/1 were 1/16 Ramsey (7) BL, 1/9 & 2/20 Washington TEB, and 2/25 Hennepin fide AH (early migrant?).
1999Spring Early south 3/5 Rice TBo, 3/6 Dakota DBS; also see winter report. Many north reports during the last week of March (earliest 3/24 Douglas SWa).
1999Summer Observed in 59 counties statewide.
1999Fall Largest count 8/12 Lac qui Parle (43 at BSNWR) BOl. See winter report for late migrants.
1999Winter Reported from one north and nine south counties. Overwintered in Otter Tail and Ramsey. Peak 1/8 Ramsey (16 at traditional location on Mississippi River at Pigs Eye Lake outlet, South St. Paul) AH. Additional mid-winter report: 1/22 Waseca JZ (frozen in ice). Potential early migrants 2/20 Fillmore SDM, 2/27 Freeborn ABa.
2000Spring Seen in 29 south and 22 north counties. See winter report for early south migrants. Overwintered in Otter Tail; early north migrants 3/18 Cass MRN, 3/20 Aitkin WN.
2000Summer Reported in 66 counties statewide.
2000Fall Reported from 23 north and 44 south counties. Late north 11/29 Otter Tail SDM. See winter report for late south migrants.
2000Winter Reported from one north and nine south counties. Overwintered in Otter Tail and Ramsey. Peak 1/8 Ramsey (16 at the traditional location on the Mississippi R. at Pigs Eye Lake outlet, South St. Paul) AXH. One additional mid-winter report: 1/22 Waseca JEZ (frozen in ice). Possible early migrants 2/20 Fillmore SPM, DKM, 2/27 Freeborn AEB.
2001Spring Seen in 43 south and 25 north counties. Overwintered in Twin Cities area (see winter report) but migrants reported 3/14 in Anoka, Dakota and Rice (recent median 3/8). Early north (median 3/20) 3/21–22 Otter Tail mob.
2001Summer Reported in 53 counties statewide.
2001Fall Reported from 18 north and 39 south counties. Late north 10/31 Carlton LAW. See winter report for late south migrants.
2001Winter Fewer reports than usual. Nineteen individuals reported from six south counties. The only reports not associated with a CBC were from Ramsey (Pigs Eye L. outlet, Mississippi River, South St. Paul), with a maximum of 12 on 1/6 (KJB).
2002Spring Seen in 44 south and 25 north counties. Overwintered in Ramsey; first migrants seen 3/12 Dakota (56) KJB, 3/13 Rice TFB. Early north 3/30 Otter Tail SPM, DKM, 3/31 Pine WCM.
2002Summer Reported in 62 counties statewide; new nesting record in Lincoln RJS.
2002Fall Reported from 28 north and 41 south counties.
2002Winter Reported from 7 north and 19 south counties. Late north 1/4 Pine CRG, 1/13 St. Louis (near Virginia) fide DRB. Overwintered south in Hennepin, Dakota, Ramsey and Winona counties. Maximum count 17 on 1/25 Ramsey (Pigs Eye Lake outlet into Mississippi River) KJB. Potential early migrant 2/20 Stearns STW.
2003Spring Seen in 41 south and 26 north counties. Overwintered in Twin Cities area and Winona (see winter report); probable migrants 3/12 Rice TFB, 3/13 Dakota (H.P.B.C.) KJB and Freeborn AEB. Early north 3/16 Cass MRN, 3/23 Hubbard JWP.
2003Summer Observed in 59 counties statewide.
2003Fall Reported from 24 north and 36 south counties.
2003Winter Reported from 11 south counties but the only report after 1/1 was of overwintering birds near Pigs Eye Island, St. Paul where a maximum of 15 was recorded 1/7 Ramsey KJB. Only north reports: 12/15 Pine County CBC, 12/20 Fergus Falls CBC, 1/1 Pillager CBC.
2004Spring Observed in 42 south and 27 north counties. Overwintered in Ramsey (see winter report); probable migrants 3/2 Rice TFB, 3/8 Freeborn AEB. Early north 3/12 Otter Tail DTT, SMT, 3/21 Wadena PJB. Peak count 3/20 Rice (120) DAB.
2004Summer Seen in 51 counties throughout state.
2004Fall Reported from 23 north and 34 south counties. Late north 11/17 Polk EEF, 11/22 Clay EEF.
2004Winter Reported from five counties statewide. Only north report 12/17 Otter Tail SPM. Latest report 1/2 Dakota (Black Dog L.) PEJ; also lingered 12/17 Rice DAB, 12/20 Hennepin DWK. A total of 14 reported on the St. Paul (NE Suburban) CBC fide RW. Early south 2/19 Hennepin (Bass Ponds, record-early if not overwintering) DWK.
2005Spring Seen in 44 south and 24 north counties. Early south 3/6 Freeborn AEB and Rice m.obs., 3/7 Olmsted DMA, but also see winter report. Early north 3/22 Pine RBJ, 3/24 Hubbard MAW and Crow Wing MRN.
2005Summer Seen in 66 counties statewide.
2005Fall Found in 30 north and 38 south counties. Late north (but see winter report) 11/13 Clay BWF, 11/19 Hubbard MAW.
2005Winter Reported from four north and nine south counties. Overwintered Otter Tail SPM; also recorded on the Battle Lake (1) and Fergus Falls (5) CBCs. All other north reports: 12/22 Rothsay CBC (2), 1/1 Todd BWF, 1/15 Wadena PJB, 2/4 Pennington fide JMJ. Overwintered south in Hennepin (Bass Ponds) DWK and probably elsewhere in Twin Cities metro area. Possibly overwintered in Cottonwood, where seen 1/10, 1/20, 2/6 BRB. Additional late reports away from Twin Cities 1/4 Meeker DMF, 1/10 Waseca JPS, 2/6 (overwintered?) Sherburne ASc, 2/8, 2/10 (overwintered?) Rice TFB, DAB. Spring migrants indistinguishable from overwintering birds.
2006Spring Found in 50 south and 28 north counties. Please see winter report for potential early south migrants and overwintering locations. Early north (overwintered Otter Tail) 3/18 Douglas HHD, 3/19 Grant SPM.
2006Summer Observed in 77 counties statewide.
2006Fall Found in 29 north and 52 south counties. Late north 11/24 Morrison CAM, 11/25 Marshall GLH.
2006Winter114 Only north report: 1/7 St. Louis (near Floodwood, observed by D. Johnson of Illinois) fide KRE. Several January reports south away from usual overwintering locations, including 1/1 Olmsted (Rochester) JWH, 1/2 Dakota (Bull Frog Pond, Hastings) ADS, 1/6 Meeker Litchfield) DMF, 1/9, 1/13 Dakota (Black Dog Lake) CMB, CRM, DDo, 1/11 Steele NFT. Overwintered 1/26–2/16 Sherburne (county road 1 at county road 87) ASc.
2007Spring2952 Early south (away from overwintering areas) 3/9 Rice FVS, TFB, 3/10 Scott DFN, PEJ (median 3/8). Early north 3/22 Hubbard MAW and Mille Lacs ASc (median 3/20).
2007Summer2649 Seen statewide.
2007Fall3146 Late north 10/21 Aitkin AXH and Wadena PJB, 11/24 Crow Wing JLO.
2007Winter Reported on Wilmar, Faribault, and Austin CBCs. January through mid-February reports: 1/12, 1/16 and 2/16 Ramsey (2, near Pig's Eye) BAF; 1/26, 2/19 Sherburne (2) ASc. Probable first migrants 2/23 Ramsey (11, Pig's Eye) BAF, 2/25 Olmsted (Rochester) JWH.
2008Spring2951 See winter report for overwintering and early south migrants. Early north (median 3/20) 3/12 Otter Tail SPM, 3/25 Cass DAY, Morrison HHD. High count 4/9 Meeker (80 at Pidgeon Lake) DPG.
2008Summer2640 Seen throughout state.
2008Fall2648 Late north 10/27 Beltrami PJR, 11/1 Grant DPG (median 12/9).
2008Winter2 All reports: 12/13 Ramsey (2) BAF, 12/20 Rice DAB, 1/3 Ramsey (2) BAF, 1/25 Ramsey (2) BAF, 2/1 Ramsey (3) BAF, 2/21 Ramsey BAF, 2/22 Ramsey BAF.
2009Spring2949 Early south (median 3/8) 3/2 Sherburne ASc, 3/7 Ramsey BAF, Rice TFB. Early north (median 3/20) 3/21 Grant SPM, 3/22 Todd MSK. High counts 4/8 Wright (90) DPG, 3/28 McLeod (50) MJB.
2009Summer2841 Observed statewide.
2009Fall2847 Late north 10/29 Pennington, Polk RBW, 10/30 Aitkin PEJ, 11/9 Carlton CRM (median 12/1).
2009Winter3 All reports 12/5 – 2/27 Ramsey (max. 7, Kaposia Landing and Pig's Eye) BAF, m.ob., 12/12 Dakota PEJ, and on the following CBCs: 12/19 St. Paul North (11), 12/20 Austin.
2010Spring2950 Early south (median 3/8) 3/6 Hennepin BWi, 3/7 Winona ANy, 3/8 Mower ARW. Early north (median 3/20) 3/21 Kanabec BHa, 3/26 Douglas JPE, 3/27 Beltrami DPJ, Pine ABL, Wadena PJB.
2010Summer2746 Found statewide. First county breeding record from Traverse DPG.
2010Fall2948 Late north 10/21 Crow Wing RBW, 10/23 Wadena PJB (median 12/1).
2010Winter17 One north report: 12/9 St. Louis (Manganika Lake, south of Virginia) SLF fide JWL. Overwintered Ramsey (Mississippi River, Pig's Eye outflow), with from 1–5 birds reported throughout January to 2/13 m.ob. Also overwintered Hennepin (2, Bass Ponds) m.ob., and possibly Martin (one report 1/23) HHD, RAE. High counts from December in Ramsey (Pig's Eye outflow) included 12/22 (16) YK, MJI, 12/29 (9) BAF.
2011Spring3353 Early south (median 3/8) 3/5 Goodhue PEJ, DFN, 3/7 Winona ANy, 3/11 Olmsted JWH, LAV, Ramsey TAT, Rice TFB. Early north (median 3/20) 3/17 Douglas JPE, 3/20 Cass BAW, 3/27 Hubbard MAW, Kanabec HHD. High counts 4/17 Hennepin (50, North Mississippi R.P.) JMN, 5/7 Rice (50, Sakatah Lake S.P.) JMN.
2011Summer3148Seen statewide. First county breeding record from Renville DPG.
2011Fall2549 High counts 9/4 Grant (35) JCC, 9/9 Hennepin (23) DWK. Late north 10/15 Grant DPG, 10/22 Otter Tail GLa, Wilkin m.ob., 10/27 Crow Wing RBJ, DAC, St. Louis JLK (median 12/1).
2011Winter7Overwintered Ramsey at traditional location (Kaposia Landing) m.ob., with peak of 10 on 1/27 and 1/29 BAF, SHF. Also overwintered Hennepin (1/1–2/9, Basset Creek) RCB, Dakota (Black Dog Lake, peak of 5 on 2/9) PEJ, Blue Earth (near Mount Kato) ChH, AnK. Other reports suggesting overwintering include 1/1 Afton CBC, 1/26 Dakota (Cannon River) KSm, 2/3 Ramsey (Lake Phalen) MaK.
2012Spring3352 Early south (away from overwintering areas) 3/6 Anoka AXH, Goodhue PEJ, Meeker DPG, Rice GLa, DAB, TFB, Washington PEJ, 3/7 Dakota AFo, Winona ANy. Early north (median 3/20) 3/17 Douglas JPE, 3/18 Cass DAY, Pine ANy, 3/19 Hubbard MAW. High counts 5/20 Wright (145, Camp Courage rookery) MJB, 3/21 Hennepin (52, Marshall Terrace Park) SKS, 3/22 Pine (48) AXH.
2012Summer3253 Seen in all counties except Cook.
2012Fall2952 High counts 8/5 Aitkin (42) JLK, 8/2 Carver (25) JCy, 9/2 Hennepin (25) ThM. Late north 10/21 Grant DBM, JMJ, 10/27 St. Louis JLK (median 12/1).
2012Winter110 One north report: 12/16 Carlton-Cloquet CBC. December reports from Dakota, Hennepin, Jackson, Lac qui Parle, Ramsey, Rice, Sibley. Overwintered Dakota (2, Black Dog Lake) PEJ, CAs, Ramsey (up to 5, Kaposia Landing) m.ob. CBC high counts 12/15 St. Paul (North) (13), 12/15 Bloomington (5).
2013Spring3053 Early south (away from overwintering areas) 3/6 Blue Earth ChH, 3/9 Meeker (Litchfield) JAn, 3/13 Dakota CPu. Early north (median 3/20) 3/29 Clearwater KLa, Crow Wing MRN, Douglas JPE, Pine JMP, St. Louis KJB, 4/2 Becker fide JMJ, Otter Tail JDo, 4/3 Cass BAW. High count 4/28 Carver (96, Lake Waconia) WCM.
2013Summer3050 Seen throughout state.
2013Fall2750 High counts 9/9, 9/10 Carver (45, Chaska Lake, Minnesota Valley N.W.R.) JCy, 9/11 Hennepin (40, Purgatory Creek wetland) DAd. Late north 11/1 Mille Lacs WAn, 11/6 Douglas JPE, Polk SAu (median 12/1).
2013Winter9 Reported through mid January in Dakota (Black Dog Lake) m.ob., with 4 on 1/11 PEJ, 2 on 1/19 RTe (last report), and through 2/1 Ramsey (1–2, Kaposia Landing), BAF, ANy. Overwintered Hennepin (1, Bass Ponds) m.ob. Other reports after December: 1/10 Rice (2) TFB, 1/29 Washington ALD. CBC high count 12/14 St. Paul (North) (10).
2014Spring3352Early south (median 3/8) 3/4 Hennepin (Minnesota Valley N.W.R.) DAd, 3/7 Hennepin (Old Cedar Ave. Bridge) AxG, 3/9 Washington JHh, 3/10 Big Stone BJU. Early north (median 3/20) 3/23 Crow Wing JPR, 3/30 Becker HeH, ShG, Douglas JPE. High counts 4/10 Wright (100) ToL, 5/1 Meeker (100, Pigeon Lake rookery) RMa, 5/10 Meeker (100) AXH.
2014Summer3148Seen statewide. ;
2014Fall3353 High count 8/1 Hennepin (40, Minnesota Valley N.W.R.) CMB. Late north 10/30 Pine (Pine City W.T.P.) RBJ, DAC, 11/10 Hubbard (Shingobee Lake) MAW, 11/16 Traverse DLP (median 12/1).
2014Winter19 One north report 12/13 Hubbard (Spider Lake) MAW. Overwintered Hennepin (1, Bass Ponds) m.ob. In contrast to recent years, there were only two post-December reports, both singles, from the traditional Kaposia Landing overwintering site (Ramsey): 1/2 BDo, 1/13 KDS. Other south records (all singles) after December include 1/1 Rice TFB, 1/9 Hennepin (Courage Center) PJM, 1/10 Dakota (Black Dog Lake) GJa, 1/19 Blue Earth ChH, 1/31 Washington (Grey Cloud Island) GJa, 2/13 Dakota (Black Dog Lake) PEJ.
2015Spring2953 Early south (median 3/8) 3/2–11 Hennepin (Minnesota Valley N.W.R.) RCo, m.ob., 3/8 Dakota LEC, 3/13 Carver MJa, Scott PEJ. Early north (median 3/20) 3/24–27 Crow Wing JPR, m.ob., 3/28 St. Louis WRe, 3/30 Douglas BEc. High counts 3/31 Wright (155, Camp Courage) DPG, 4/12 Washington (135, Boomsite rookery) BCo.
2015Summer3248 Observed statewide. High counts 6/25 St. Louis (115, Canosia State W.M.A.) JLK, 6/6 Wright (109, Camp Courage) MJB. First county breeding record Steele PSu.
2015Fall3153 High counts 8/9 Yellow Medicine (21, Miedd Lake) GWe, 8/11 Wright (17, Albion W.M.A.) MJB, Late north 10/24 Marshall (near Warren) SAu, 10/30 Grant (Hodgson Lake) CNn, 11/5 Becker SC (median 11/16).
2015Winter29 Two north reports: 12/12 Hubbard (Kabekona Lake) REn, 12/17 Glacial Ridge CBC. December reports from nine south counties. Overwintered Ramsey (Kaposia Landing) m.ob. with peak counts 2/4 (3), 2/10 (4) BAF, Rice m.ob. CBC high count 12/19 Faribault (3).
2016Spring3253 Reported from all counties except Kittson and Norman. Early south away from overwintering areas 3/7 Blue Earth MJB, Hennepin (2) CMB, (3, Marshall Terrace Park) AsB, Houston SHo, Rice (2, Sakatah Lake S.P.) WPS. Early north (median 3/20) 3/16 Douglas BEc, 3/20 Pine TJo, 3/21 Kanabec RAE. High counts 4/14 Hennepin (160, Marshall Terrace Park Rookery, Minneapolis) SKS, 4/17 Wright (125, 80th St. Rookery) RBd.
2016Summer3153 Observed in every county except Pennington, Roseau, Wilkin. High count 6/27 Wright (180, 80th St. Rookery) RBd.
2016Fall3353 High counts 8/13 Grant (15, Lake Mustinka) ClN, 9/6 Marshall (15, Agassiz N.W.R.) SAu. Late north 11/17 Otter Tail (Fergus Falls) WPl, Todd JeM, 11/24 Otter Tail (Glendalough S.P.) KnM (median 11/24), but also see winter report.
2016Winter119 One north report 12/1 Otter Tail (Fergus Falls) WPl. December reports from 16 south counties, all of 1–2 birds. Midwinter reports from six south counties (Dakota, Fillmore, Hennepin, Rice, Scott, Winona) all singles. No reports after 1/3 from usually reliable Ramsey (Pigs Eye) overwintering site. CBC high count 12/31 St. Paul (North) (6).
2017Spring3253 Reported from all counties except Red Lake and Roseau. Overwintered south in several counties. Early north (median 3/18) 3/17 Crow Wing PSP, 3/19 Otter Tail WPl, 3/20 Pine LEv, St. Louis JPR. High counts 4/9 Hennepin (100, Minneapolis) SKS, 4/6, 5/2 Wright (86, Camp Courage Rookery) ToL, MJB.
2017Summer2953 Reported from every county except Cook, Mahnomen, Pennington, Red Lake, Wilkin.
2017Fall3053 High counts 8/6 Sibley (24, Le Sueur W.T.P.) WCM, 8/7 Big Stone (17, Graceville) DOr. Late north 11/8 Grant (2, North Ottawa Impoundment) WPl, Traverse ebd, 11/11 Clay KnM, LiH (median 11/20).
2017Winter27 All north reports: 12/16 Fergus Falls CBC, 12/17 Kensington CBC, 1/1 Otter Tail (Fergus Falls) WPl. Reported from only seven south counties, the fewest in the past five years. December reports from five south counties (all 1–2 birds). January to mid February reports from Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Rice, Scott, Winona; all singles except 1/14 Rice (4) TFB. The few late February reports appeared to be known overwintering birds.
2018Spring3153 Reported from all counties except Lake of the Woods, Norman, and Wilkin. Overwintered south in several counties. Early north (median 3/18) 3/20 Clearwater CoC, 3/22 Crow Wing (2) DMz, 3/23 Morrison ebd. High counts 5/9 Washington (90, Stillwater) JLe, 4/19 Hennepin (70, Marshall Terrace Park) GrS.
2018Summer3053 Seen in every county except Cook, Norman, Pennington, Red Lake.
2018Fall3153 High count 8/18 Hennepin (100, Minnesota Valley N.W.R.) KBg. Late north 11/8 Clay ebd, St. Louis KSz, 11/11 Pine ebd (median 12/2).
2018Winter21 Reported from a season-record 21 south counties (previous winter record was 19 in 2016, 2002). January reports from seven counties (all 1–2 individuals). Overwintered (through 2/15) Hennepin (2, Minnesota Valley N.W.R., Bass Ponds) m.ob. No other February reports. No reports from the previously reliable Ramsey (Kaposia/Pigs Eye) overwintering location. CBC high counts 12/16 Austin (4), 12/15 Rochester (3).
2019Spring3253 Overwintering individual reported 3/2 Hennepin IMc. Early south migrants (median 3/7) 3/14 Dakota KeM, Rice TFB, Winona DBz. Early north (median 3/18) 3/23 Crow Wing HHD, MJB, Otter Tail (5) JsS, 3/24 Grant DaG, Mille Lacs AaL, m.ob. High count 4/27 Washington (114, Stillwater) BCo.
2019Summer3153 Reported from every county except Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Pennington.
2019Fall2953 High counts 8/3, 8/8 Grant (30, North Ottawa Impoundment) LiH, MaJ. Late north 10/25 Mille Lacs DAB, 10/26 Clay TCL, Hubbard REn (median 12/2).
2019Winter5 Reported from only five south counties, the fewest since 2009. A few December records from Dakota, Hennepin, Mower, Rice, Sibley. Reported after December only from Rice: 1/16 (Northfield) ebd, 1/26 TFB, 2/22–28 (Faribault) DAB, REn, RLF.
2020Spring2753 Overwintering individual reported 3/1 Rice TFB. Early south migrants (median 3/6) 3/6 Washington (Stillwater) GDr, 3/8 Rice (2) JWZ, m.ob., Stearns AaL, CLu, Washington (Lake Elmo R.P.) TFe, (Oakdale Nature Preserve) JDS. Early north (median 3/18) 3/8 Pine ebd, 3/25 Becker NaH, Carlton SKe, LSh. High count 3/27 Hennepin (173, Marshall Terrace Park) SKS.
2020Summer3152 Seen in all counties except Dodge, Norman, Red Lake, Roseau. First county breeding record 7/2 Yellow Medicine GWe.
2020Fall3453 High count 9/19 Scott (31, Johnson Slough) ebd. Late north 11/9 St. Louis JLK, 11/11 Otter Tail (2) KTe, 11/11 Grant NaH (median 12/2).
2020Winter11 Reported from 11 south counties, including 12/4 Big Stone DLP, 12/18 Swift DLP. Reports after December from five counties. Overwintered Scott (Blue Lake W.T.P.) m.ob., Rice (up to 4) TFB, Winona m.ob. Again no reports from the formerly reliable Ramsey (Kaposia/Pig’s Eye) overwintering site, and only one from Hennepin. CBC high count: 12/19 Henderson (2).
2021Spring3353 Early south (median 3/6) 3/1 Dakota ADS, 3/5 Winona DBz, m.ob., 3/6 Hennepin ebd, m.ob. Early north (median 3/20) 3/18–22 Pine (max. 2) ebd, m.ob., 3/23 Becker (2, Dunton Locks C.P.) TKa, 3/24 Becker (Detroit Lake) NaH. High count 4/7 Hennepin (200, Marshall Terrace Park) ebd.
2021Summer3253 Reported from every county except Norman, Pennington. High count 6/29 Washington (130, St. Croix River Boat Ramp and Boom Site) EzH, IsH.
2021Fall3353 High count 8/17 Anoka (60, Rice Creek Chain of Lakes P.R.) DFe. Late north 11/11 Beltrami DvH, 11/12 St. Louis (Western Waterfront Trail) JLK, 11/20 St. Louis (Mud Lake) JLK (median 12/1).
2021Winter7 Reported from seven south counties in December, all singles. Reported from Dakota, Hennepin, Rice after December, also all singles.
2022Spring3353 Early south (median 3/6) 3/5 Hennepin, Rice TFB, 3/8 Winona PEJ. Early north (median 3/20) 3/20 Crow Wing (Island Dr.) ebd, Morrison TLu, 3/22 Crow Wing (Clearwater Rd.) ebd. High count 4/9 Hennepin (200, Marshall Terrace Park) ebd.
2022Summer3151 Seen in all counties except Cook, Dodge, Pennington, Red Lake. High count 6/18 Washington (75, St. Croix River Boat Ramp and Boom Site) JEc.
2022Fall3352 High count 8/2 Hennepin (60, Purgatory Creek Wetlands) ebd. Late north 11/12 Norman TCL, 11/22 St. Louis JLK, 11/23 Otter Tail ebd (median 12/1).
 
 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.