During the summer of 2005, 280 species of birds were observed in Minnesota. Not only was this a greater than average number of species for the season, but at least 49 species were reported from more counties than ever before. At the same time, the number of contributors to this report dropped to 146 (from 199 in 2004). An increased number of reports from a decreased number of observers suggests that the new system of online seasonal reports has great potential for improving coverage across the state. However, it is unclear whether contributors were spending more time birding, or were traveling more widely throughout the state, or were paying more attention to certain areas. Consequently, any conclusions about possible biological significance of this increased number of reports must await further analysis.

On the other hand, breeding data were collected for 104 species — about one-third fewer species than the previous year. There were several reports of nesting taking place later than normal. It is not known whether this reflected later initiation of breeding activity or more attempts at multiple clutches.

Highlights: Continuing a trend of recent summers, Ross's Goose was seen during the season, this one at Interstate Island in Duluth. Trumpeter Swans nested successfully in Lake of the Woods County. Green-winged Teal and Lesser Scaup reports were down, as were Common Goldeneye. Hooded Mergansers had a good year, with the number of reports equaling the all-time high reached in 2000. Ruffed Grouse populations remained at the lower end of their ten-year cycle. Greater Prairie-Chickens released in southwestern Minnesota seemed to be prospering, based on the number of reports received. The state's Wild Turkey population continued to expand, with this species being observed in more counties than ever.

An adult Pacific Loon in alternate plumage was seen on Lake Superior in early June. The recent drop in Common Loon reports continued, with 2005 tying 2004 for the fewest reports since 1990. At Lake Osakis in Douglas County, a Clark's Grebe paired with a possible hybrid Western x Clark's Grebe and produced two young. Most exciting was the first state record Brown Pelican seen by many observers from mid to late July at Little Spirit Lake in Jackson County. Least Bitterns were reported in record-high numbers during the season, and two Little Blue Herons were spotted, one in Wilkin County and one in Sherburne County. Unexpectedly, two Yellow-crowned Night-Herons were found in each of two locations: two adults in Dakota County in late June, and two juveniles in Lac Qui Parle County in late July.

Several species of raptors were seen in greater than usual numbers, including Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, Swainson's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Merlin, and Peregrine Falcon. A hatching-year male Prairie Falcon was found injured in St. Louis County in late July, and transported to The Raptor Center in St. Paul. Yellow Rail numbers were up in the Northwest region; this normally secretive species was reported from a record-high number of counties. A pair of Common Moorhens produced up to six young at St. John's University in Stearns County. Piping Plovers nested on Pine-Curry Island in Lake of the Woods County, a hopeful sign for this species in Minnesota.

Not totally unexpected was the first summer record for Black-headed Gull, from the usual area in Jackson County. A ninth state record Least Tern spent less than 24 hours at Sherburne N.W.R. Eurasian Collared-Doves expanded their presence into ten counties, and for the third consecutive summer, a White-winged Dove was seen in the state, this time in Cook County during July. A Great Gray Owl lingered in Hennepin County into early June.

Reports of Eastern Wood-Pewee were up dramatically. Two Say's Phoebes were seen at the gravel pit at Felton Prairie this summer, as was a single Rock Wren. This is the same location at which a pair of Rock Wrens nested in 2004. Yellow-throated, Warbling, and Red-eyed vireos were found in record numbers, and Sedge Wren numbers were up for the second year in a row. A Gray-cheeked Thrush was seen in Meeker County, for only the sixth summer record. A female Blue-winged Warbler paired with a male Lawrence's Warbler in Murphy-Hanrehan P.R. produced four or five young. A singing male Prairie Warbler spent much of June at Ritter Farm Park in Dakota County. In the same county, at Lebanon Hills P.R., a male Summer Tanager and a female Scarlet Tanager produced at least one hybrid young.

Reports for many sparrow species were up, but none so dramatically as those for Henslow's Sparrow. This opportunistic species was found in 32 counties, in most regions of the state. A Black-headed Grosbeak visited a feeder south of Newfolden from late May though mid June. Blue Grosbeaks were reported in record numbers, including a first-year male in Dakota County. Great-tailed Grackles expanded their presence in Minnesota to include at least six counties.

Weather Summary: June temperatures were well above normal in most of the state, particularly in the central and southwestern regions, and Duluth experienced the ninth warmest June on record. Precipitation was near normal in many areas, with the exception of northern Minnesota. The northwestern part of the state received approximately 4.5 inches more than normal, and northeastern Minnesota was an inch above normal, with most of that falling during the first week of the month.

July continued the warm weather trend, with temperatures at least two degrees above normal throughout the state. Precipitation amounts varied widely, with the southern portions of the state generally above average, and the central and northern portions of the state below average. Duluth had its fourth driest July on record.

Undocumented reports: Rufous Hummingbird 7/24 Washington; Great-tailed Grackle 6/12 Pipestone (Split Rock Creek S.P.), 7/4 Brown (Somsen W.M.A.).

Acknowledgments: Thanks go to all those who submitted summer season reports and nesting records. Their data make this report possible. Thanks also go to Anthony Hertzel, Jeanie Joppru, and Jim Lind for providing transcripts of weekly birding reports, to Paul Budde for compiling electronic records and early and late dates, to Anthony Hertzel for preparing the breeding maps, and to Peder Svingen for assistance in the preparation of this report.