Weather Data -March was warm and dry, in fact it was the warmest March on record. Rainfall in the Minneapolis- St. Paul region was only 1.11", 112" below normal. The unseasonably warm weather brought many early migrants during the first part of the month. Robins were singing and much in evidence by the 13th.

A large migration of ducks occurred the same day south of Minneapolis including Redheads, Canvasbacks and Ring-necked Ducks, plus Red-breasted Mergansers. The latter species was 8 days earlier than ever recorded in 25 years of Twin Cities records. Ice had retreated from the Twin City lakes by month end, several weeks earlier than usual. In spite of this mildness, the migration by the end of the month did not indicate an early spring. The last week in March produced little bird movement across the state, in fact, many of the newly open water areas were practically deserted. April was characterized by cloudy, cool and exceptional windy conditions. For example, on the 9th one inch of snow fell with winds 20 -25 MPH and gusts to 40 MPH. The temperature did not get above freezing that day. These factors make for poor bird observation.

Rainfall was approximately 112" over normal in the Twin Cities. With the strong north winds, birding activity was curtailed and birds appeared to arrive in "bits and pieces" with lulls in the winds. It was not till the 29th that any real "wave" of migrants was noted, that along the Minnesota River in the south central part of the state.

Some migrants were on time, a number of normal April migrants had not shown up by month end and many others had not shown up in normal numbers. May produced a variety of weather with the strong winds continuing especially out of the north.

Clouds and rain were prevelant especially from the middle of the month to the end. The first May wave was recorded on the 5th but generally birds were late. Tennessee Warblers which are a good indication of migration in the area were at least ten days late.

Another good migration was noted on the 19th and 20th. Few birds were early, many late and most trickled through in small numbers.

Loons, Pelicans, Cormorants, Herons

An adult Arctic Loon was observed on 5/ 3 on Lake Superior, near Duluth (JAB). This species may be occurring ?n Lake Superior with more regularIty.

Common Loons were early with the spring breakup of ice on lakes in the southern part of the state occurring in late March. A Common Egret was seen on March 13th in Wabasha County (RBJ) for the earliest spring date on record. Little Blue Herons again returned to the heron rookeries at Lake Johanna, Pope County (BAH) and Pelican Lake, Grant County (KRE), Cattle Egrets were also present at both locations. After establishing themselves as breeding species for the ~ir~t time in Minnesota during 1973, It IS hoped these two species will continue to expand in the state.

Swans, Geese, Ducks

Tundra Swans passed through the state in good numbers with a maximum number of 5100 in the Weaver marshes on 4/ 12 (JAB). The goose migration in the state was almost nonexistent, the fewest number of Snow I Blue Geese were reported that I can remember, in fact, the only report was of 6,000 in Lac qui Parle County on 5/ 8 which is very late. The amazing total of 3,000 White-fronted Geese

were seen on the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge on 4/ 12. Ducks were early with a heavy migration in early March. Puddle ducks were very scarce over the state in fact, the lowest in years in this writer's memory. However, diving ducks were in good numbers, especially Canvasbacks, 7,200 were at Ortonville on 3/ 28. Many other good concentrations were reported over the state.

Hawks

Ferruginous Hawks were seen on 3/25 near Barnesville, Clay County and on 5/ 26 near Dalton, Ottertail County (KRE). Bald Eagles wintered in the Read's Landing area again in good numbers and in early March their numbers were swelled by returning immatures. A maximum count of 35 was made on 3/ 17 with at least 20 of them being immatures. Marsh Hawks were recorded in encouraging numbers and several were seen daily from late March to late April on the

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.

Wild Turkey Vultures were seen in early March which is unusual, the earliest record was 3/ 9 at Rice Lake Refuge, Aitkin County. Only two Peregrines were reported, one in Renville County on 5115 and another on 4/19 at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge (KRE).

Grouse thru Rails

Ruffed Grouse numbers "crashed" last fall in Minnesota and both Spruce Grouse and Ruffed Grouse numbers are low this spring, especially the Spruce Grouse. Ring-necked Pheasant numbers continue to decline in Minnesota due to clean farming practices.

The only place one sees them regularly is in urban areas. A new location for Yellow Rails in the state was located in Aitkin County in late May. (TS).

Shorebirds

The migration of shorebirds in the eastern and central parts of the state was poor but excellent in the west.

The Marshall sewage ponds in Lyon County were exceptionally good from early May through the month. On 5/15, 20 species were recorded with White-rumps the most abundant, Wilson's and Wilson's Phalaropes, Dunlins, Hudsonian Godwits, Avocets, Piping Plovers, Least, Baird's and Spotted Sandpipers were all common. A Ruff was reported from Morrison County.

Gulls and Terns

The big news to Minnesota birdwatchers this spring was the discovery of 3 adult and 4 immature Little Gulls plus at least three Arctic Terns at Duluth on 5/27 (JCG). Both these species are new to the state list and were carefully identified and seen by many observers. The terns and at least one of the immature gulls remained in the area until June 4.

Doves thru Kingfisher

Great Horned Owls continue to be reported in good numbers from around the state. On 5131 an immature Hawk-Owl was reported from near Duluth (JAB). Only one report of a Burrowing Owl was received, that of a single bird seen on 4/17 near Ortonville, one mile from the South Dakota border!

Woodpeckers thru Flycatchers

Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were reported this spring in large numbers and by many observers. A Scissortailed Flycatcher, a casual bird in Minnesota, was reported on 5125 near Onamina, Mill Lacs County.

Larks, Swallows, Wrens

After the winter invasion of Magpies none were reported this spring, most must have left the state to nest elsewhere. A Boreal Chickadee nest was found on 5/27 in Hubbard County (JAB). Red-breasted Nuthatches were very scarce this spring with only two or three reports received. A Carolina Wren remained at a feeder till 3/8 after spending the winter in Minneapolis.

Northern Mockingbirds to Starlings

The migration of thrushes was very disappointing this spring with only one observer reporting any numbers.

In this writer's opinion, it was the poorest migration of thrushes on record in this area. A Townsend's Solitaire was seen on 4127 near Sunrise, Chisago County (WHL). This is the first report of this species in several years in the state.

Vireos and Warblers

Spring, 1973 was one of the better years for both warblers and vireos.

The migration was sporadic and scattered until 5119 when most species were seen in good numbers. Waves of Palms, Myrtles, Nashville's and Orange- crowns were seen at Frontenac on 515 (RBJ). Good numbers were next reported on the 19th (23 species at Frontenac (RBJ) and then till the end of the month throughout most areas of the state. Vireos were also in good numbers. Many people reported the Philadelphia Vireo. A Hooded Warbler (ETS) and Kentucky Warbler were recorded in Minneapolis on 5123. The Hooded Warbler remained in the area for a week. Connecticut Warblers were on territory in Pine County on 5131 (JCG).

Blackbirds thru Lark Bunting

This was the year of the Pine Siskin in Minnesota. It has to be the "bird of the year." The species was recorded from all corners of the state, birds remained at feeders through the spring and many reports of possible nestings were received from many localities. The numbers, frequency and localities recorded was unprecedented.

Red Crossbills were also seen through many areas of the state including southern Minnesota. After their winter invasion birds remained at feeders and wandered about in small flocks across the state. Purple Finches were reported in poor numbers.

A Baltimore Oriole on 3/ 1 at Deerwood, Aitken County in the northern part of the state is an enigma.

If a wintering bird, it is the first successful attempt for the state. Brewer's Blackbirds seem to be on the increase, many more than usual, all to be seen along the highways. A Summer Tanager, another casual species, was reported from Minneapolis on 5/ 28 (CLH). A Western Tanager was seen on 5/8 near Onamia, Mille Lacs County (Ml).

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Sparrows

The migration of this group was poor and sporadic. White-throated Sparrows were scarce and not reported in anywhere near normal numbers.

Other species were also not reported with the usual frequency. Savannah Sparrows however, were abundant on the Rothsay prairie, Wilkin County on 4/21 (RBJ). A Baird's Sparrow was reported from Felton, Clay County on 5126 (JAB). Longspurs, all Lapland, were in heavy migration at the Rothsay prairie on 4/21 (RBJ).

SPECIES ACCOUNTS

The following species accounts are the first attempt to compile your records by computer. Many hours of work were put in by Oscar Johnson and his student John Mehaffy. We would appreciate your constructive criticism and comments.