A record, 297, species were recorded by Minnesota observers from August to November 1977. Colder and wetter weather during the period may have affected the numbers of species and individuals recorded. The most exciting species was Minnesota's first Vermilion Flycatcher seen in Otter Tail County on November 6 and 7, a most unusual record.

Each fall season we seem to improve on past records. The total number of species reported (297) was another record, seven above 1976. The number of observers submitting report forms fell in number to 53 but many more people sent in miscellaneous notes.

We always comment on the weather; first, because it affects our enjoyment when getting out in the field, and second, it gives us food for thought and speculation on why birds are doing what they are. A blanket statement can be made about the weather statewide, it was colder and wetter than normal. August in paricular was cold, averaging 4.5 to 6.5 degrees below normal. This may have accounted for so many early migrants.

Precipitation for August was just a little above average in most locations but Minneapolis was 6.2 inches above normal. In September the temperature rebounded and averaged about one degree above normal except in the NE where it was a little below normal.

Precipitation was above normal in all areas. October and November were both below normal by several degrees.

Precipitation continued above normal, in fact, except for the SE which was only 1.6 inches above normal for the four month fall season, all eight other regions were from 5 to 7 inches above normal for the four month period. It sure was a contrast from one year earlier.

There were 11 reports of casual or accidental birds. Duluth, the usual leader, was overshadowed by the Mille Lacs Lake area. Mille Lacs had a Red-throated Loon, Barrow's Goldeneye, several California Gulls, a Little Gull, a Red Phalarope, and a Purple Sandpiper at near by Big Sandy Lake. Even more amazing was the fact, except for the late October date for the Red-throated Loon, all were seen in November.

Duluth did have a Barrow's Goldeneye, a Mountain Bluebird at Stoney Point, several Thayer's Gulls, and two Harlequin Ducks.

There is no doubt that the most unusual bird was the adult male Vermillion Flycatcher on November 6 and 7 near Elizabeth, Otter Tail County.

The Big Stone NWR area also was good, with reports of a Snowy Egret, Ferruginous Hawk, and several large falcon sp. The 250 Smith's Longspurs at Rothsay, Wilkin County was unprecedented.

The format of this report has been changed a little bit. You will note many birds not included in this report.

I have only listed those birds where an unusual early or late date was recorded this fall or the bird is not seen often and all reports are listed.

The criterion was being outside the unitalicized late or early dates in Green and Janssen's book on Minnesota birds. What this means is that most common permanent residents were not listed unless seen outside their normal range or a common migrant was not listed if reported by an average number of observers within the birds normal migration time. I Fall 1978 143 listed unusual peaks of these birds and made some comments based on com ments of observers submitting re ports.

At the beginning of this article I mentioned receiving a lot of miscellaneous notes. This was an understatement.

I had a pile almost half a foot high which ranged from neat one page lists, to post cards, to scraps of paper. We want this information but would appreciate it being submitted on the seasonal report form if possible, if not that, in a more neat and orderly fashion.

I would like to thank Dick Ruhme and Kim Eckert for the help in compiling this report.