Seasonal Report Archive for The Loon
The 1971-Summer Season
1 June through 31 July 1971
Kim R. Eckert

A total of 42 reports (probably the lowest ever for summer) was received recording data on 227 species (exeluding migrant shorebirds and nesting evidence for no less than 156 species. More than likely this is the highest number of species ever recorded, especially for those found nesting. But while these totals are certainly impressive, coverage still remains minimal in all of these seasonal reports, especially in the summer season for which we have the most incomplete data on the status of Minnesota birds. But besides observers, we have need of compliers for the summer and winter reports. After 2 years Bob Russell gave up his fine work on this report, and while Janet Green continues to compile the winter report, she should be relieved of this responsibility since the M. 0. U. already demands too much of her time and talent. I already have my hands full with the spring and fall reports, and only decided to compile this report because no one else was immediatelv available, and we are in a hurry to get the Loon back on schedule after the editorship has changed hands. (And because of the pressures of time, I have been unable to give a thorough treatment to the species accounts, weather data, or this summary). If you have the time and interest to devote to either the summer or winter report on a more or less permanent basis, please contact Editor Bob Janssen or Secretary Janet Green and they will be glad to get you started.

But getting back to this seasonal report, we see that it was a good one from the standpoint of quality as well as quantity. Several highlights were noteworthy, but most significant were the appearance of nesting Cattle Egrets, Little Blue Herons, and Snowy Egrets all in Pope Co., all of them new nesting species for the state. Closely associated with their appearances and only slightly overshadowed was Minnesota's second Louisiana Heron in Marshall Co. Introduced Trumpeter Swans and Wild Wild Turkeys again bred and promise to soon be added to many listers' lists. A few species such as Northern Bobwhite and Red-shouldered Hawk seem to be increasing their range, while others such as Prothonotary Warbler and Louisiana W aterthrush seem to be on the decline. Also of interest were those non-breeding species such as a few shorebirds that appeared in late June or early July, leaving us in doubt as to whether they are spring or fall migrants or even summer residents. The Black-billed Magpie was discovered breeding for only the 2nd time iri the state in Marshall Co. An adult male Western Tanager at Agassiz is certainly worthy of note, as was a possible nesting Harris's Sparrow near Duluth, a bird known only to breed near Hudson Bay. Finches made a good showing, and most noteworthy of these was a possible House Finch in Hennepin Co. that may have been nothing more than an escape. Finally there were those inevitable "common" species that were missed altogether: Northern Goshawk, Swainson's Hawk, Bell's Vireo, Blackthroated Blue Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush and Lark Bunting.

Key to the Seasonal Report
1.Upper case (LEAST TERN) indicates a Casual or Accidental species in the state.
2.Species are listed in brackets [Whooping Crane] when there is a reasonable doubt as to its origin or wildness.
3.Bracketed text following a species’ name indicates the total number of north and south counties.
4.Dates listed in bold (10/9) indicate an occurrence either earlier, later, or within the three earliest or latest dates on file.
5.Counties listed in bold (Aitkin) indicate an unusual occurrence for that county.
6.Counties listed in bold and with an underline (Becker) indicate a first county record.
7.Counties listed in italics (Crow Wing) indicate a first county breeding record.
8.Counts listed in bold (150) indicate a total within or exceeding the top three high counts for that species.
9.Dagger “†” preceding observer’s initials denotes documentation was submitted.
10.“ph.” denotes a species documented with a photograph.
11.“v.t.” denotes a species documented by video tape.
The Seasonal Report  is a compilation of seasonal bird sightings from throughout Minnesota. We particularly invite reports from parts of the state that have been neglected or covered lightly in past reports. To become a contributor, contact the Editor of The Loon (editor AT moumn.org).

Species

Information

Whistling-Ducks, Geese, Swans, Ducks
Canada Goose
(Branta canadensis)
nested in Hennepin, Sherburne, Aitkin, Carver, Winona and Marshall; also reported from St. Louis and Jackson. SNOW; BLUE GOOSE: one injured remained all summer at Indian Lake, Nobles Co., HH.
Trumpeter Swan
(Cygnus buccinator)
KH reports that 2 pairs from the Carver Park flock nested and successfully raised 2 young.
Wood Duck
(Aix sponsa)
nested in Sherburne, Chisago, Lincoln, Ramsey, Stearns, Hennepin, Pope, Nobles, Goodhue, Carver, Dakota, Wright, Rice and Clay; also reported from 9 other counties.
Blue-winged Teal
(Spatula discors)
nested in Sherburne, Pope, Swift, Wright, Ramsey, Hennepin, Cottonwood and Rice; also reported from 20 other counties. 
Northern Shoveler
(Spatula clypeata)
nested in Lyon; also reported from Hennepin, Meeker, Marshall, Mille Lacs, Clearwater, Jackson, Sherburne and Roseau.
Gadwall
(Mareca strepera)
nested in Lyon and Crow Wing; also reported from Aitkin, Marshall and Roseau.
American Wigeon
(Mareca americana)
reported from McLeod, St. Louis, Aitkin, Marshall, Mille Lacs, Clearwater, Lyon, Hennepin, Kittson, Lake of the Woods and Roseau. 
Mallard
(Anas platyrhynchos)
nested in Hennepin, St. Louis, Sherburne, Carver. Stevens, Ramsey, Pope, Wright, Wabasha, Nobles, McLeod, Cottonwood and Rice; also reported from 13 other counties.
American Black Duck
(Anas rubripes)
nested in Washington (see Spring Report); also reported from St. Louis, Cook and Marshall.
Northern Pintail
(Anas acuta)
nested in Hennepin and Pope; also reported from Aitkin, Marshall, Beltrami, Clearwater, Nobles and Mahnomen. Green-winqed Teal: nested in Crow Wing and Aitkin; also reported from Mille Lacs, Lyon, Sherburne, Clay, Hennepin and Meeker.
Canvasback
(Aythya valisineria)
nested in Stearns, Swift, Kandiyohi, Hennepin, Lyon and Sherburne, also reported from Marshall.
Redhead
(Aythya americana)
nested in Pope, Kandiyohi, Hennepin and Douglas: also reported from Marshall, Jackson, Lyon, Stevens, Swift and Kittson.
Ring-necked Duck
(Aythya collaris)
nested in Hennepin and Sherburne; also reported from Crow Wing, Aitkin, Marshall, Beltrami, Clearwater, Pope and Kittson.
Lesser Scaup
(Aythya affinis)
6 reports (reported as scaup, sp. and may have been Greaters); 6-3 to 7-18 Hennepin OJ; 6-4 Aitkin TS; "common" Marshall JBMH; 6-12 Roseau RBJ; 7-3, 7-19 Duluth JAB.
White-winged Scoter
(Melanitta deglandi)
7-11 Lake (3) OJ; early migrants or non-breeding summer residents?
Long-tailed Duck
(Clangula hyemalis)
6-1 Duluth MMC; probably a late migrant.
Bufflehead
(Bucephala albeola)
no date, Pope Co., OJ; no details, only report.
Common Goldeneye
(Bucephala clangula)
nested in Crow Wing; also reported from Itasca, Aitkin and Anoka (7-10 CH).
Hooded Merganser
(Lophodytes cucullatus)
nested in Crow Wing; also reported from Carver, Cook, Aitkin, Marshall and Hennepin.
Common Merganser
(Mergus merganser)
nested in St. Louis; also reported from Cook and Itasca. Red-brested Merganser: nested in Aitkin and St. Louis; also reported from Hennepin (6-8 OJ); late migrant?
Ruddy Duck
(Oxyura jamaicensis)
nested in Pope, Swift, Kandiyohi, Hennepin. MsLeod, Lyon and Jackson; also reported from Nicollet, Marshall, Clearwater, Stevens, Wright and Kittson.
New World Quail
Northern Bobwhite
(Colinus virginianus)
no less than 4 reports of this now rare resident: 6-4 St. Bonifacius, Hennepin Co. (7) FN; 6-16 Houston (1) FL; "July" Worthington, Nobles Co. (2) HH; 7-28 Mt. Lake, Cottonwood Co. (2), E. Duerksen.
Partridge, Pheasants, Grouse, Turkeys
Wild Turkey
(Meleagris gallopavo)
OJ again reports that several pairs of Wild Wild Turkeys nested this summer on P. Deutsch's farm near Battle Lake, Ottertail Co.
Ruffed Grouse
(Bonasa umbellus)
nested in Pine, St. Louis and Benton; also reported from 12 other counties.
Spruce Grouse
(Canachites canadensis)
nested in St. Louis (10 young seen on the Ash River Trail on 6-26 by D. Casper); also seen in Cook (6-8 Bingschick Lake, JG).
Sharp-tailed Grouse
(Tympanuchus phasianellus)
4 rep01;ts MMC; 6-4 and 7-22 Aitkin (3) TS; 7-15 Beltrami (1) RD; "present" Marshall JBMH.
Greater Prairie-Chicken
(Tympanuchus cupido)
2 reports (1) JBMH; 6-11 Clay (15) RBJ.
Gray Partridge
(Perdix perdix)
nested in Dodge, Pope and Rice; also reported from Dakota, Nobles, Clay and Nor man.
Ring-necked Pheasant
(Phasianus colchicus)
nested in Pope, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Lyon, Scott, Yellow Medicine and Wright; also reported from 8 other counties.
Grebes
Pied-billed Grebe
(Podilymbus podiceps)
nested in Kandiyohi, ·wright, Stevens, Swift, Pope, Sherburne, Hennepin, Carver, Lyon, Scott, Morrison and Houston; also reported from 8 other counties.
Horned Grebe
(Podiceps auritus)
nested In Roseau; also reported from Marshall and Clearwater.
Red-necked Grebe
(Podiceps grisegena)
reported from Anoka, St. Louis, Marshall, Clearwater and Stevens.
Eared Grebe
(Podiceps nigricollis)
BH observed 8 adults on nests and 1 young on 7-25 at Salt Lake, Lac qui Parle Co.; also reported from Marshall.
Western Grebe
(Aechmophorus occidentalis)
nested in Stearns, Kandiyohi and Nicollet; also reported from Marshall, Clearwater, Roseau, Kittson and Pope.
Pigeons, Doves
Mourning Dove
(Zenaida macroura)
nested in Wright, Carver, Ottertail, Sherburne, Wabasha, Stearns, Hennepin and Rice; also reported from 25 other counties.
Cuckoos
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
(Coccyzus americanus)
reported from Morrison, Freeborn, Carlton, Clearwater, Hennepin, Wabasha, Winona, Rice and Clay.
Black-billed Cuckoo
(Coccyzus erythropthalmus)
nested in Wright, Aitkin and Hennepin; also reported from 19 other counties.
Nightjars
Common Nighthawk
(Chordeiles minor)
no nests found but reported from 19 counties throughout the state, north to Marshall and Cook, south to Cottonwood and Freeborn.
Eastern Whip-poor-will
(Antrostomus vociferus)
reported from Crow Wing, Cass, St. Louis, Marshall, Sherburne, Pine and Goodhue.
Swifts
Chimney Swift
(Chaetura pelagica)
nested in Hennepin; also reportedfrom 25 other counties.
Hummingbirds
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
(Archilochus colubris)
nested in Carver and Crow Wing; also reported from 18 other counties.
Rails, Gallinules, Coots
Virginia Rail
(Rallus limicola)
nested in Wright, Hennepin and Houston; also reported from Marshall, Carver and Lyon.
Sora
(Porzana carolina)
nested in Wabasha, Hennepin and Wright; also reported from 11 other counties.
Common Gallinule
(Gallinula galeata)
nested in Stearns and Hennepin; only reports.
American Coot
(Fulica americana)
nested in Swift, Brown, Wright, Pope, Kandiyohi, Lyon, Scott, Sherburne, Lac qui Parle, Stevens and Hennepin; also reported from 12 other counties.
Yellow Rail
(Coturnicops noveboracensis)
6-12, usual spot near Waubun, 1 seen and several heard, RBJ.
Cranes
Sandhill Crane
(Antigone canadensis)
2 reports Agassiz Refuge, Marshall Co., MMC; this species may nest in small numbers in northwest Minne sota's bogs_
Plovers
Black-bellied Plover
(Pluvialis squatarola)
6-3 to 6-12 Aitkin TS, JB.
American Golden-Plover
(Pluvialis dominica)
6-3 to 6-10 Aitkin TS, JB; 6-6 Lyon, L. Paynter.
Killdeer
(Charadrius vociferus)
nested in Ramsey, Swift, Aitkin, St. Louis, Rice, Carver, Scott, Dakota, Lyon, Nobles, Jackson, Hennepin and Clay; also reported from 22 other counties.
Semipalmated Plover
(Charadrius semipalmatus)
6-3 to 6-14 Aitkin TS.
Piping Plover
(Charadrius melodus)
nested at Duluth (J. P. Perkins counted 5 adults with "many" young on 7-9).
Sandpipers
Marbled Godwit
(Limosa fedoa)
nested in Clay; also reported fron1 Stearns, Marshall, Kittson and Roseau.
Ruddy Turnstone
(Arenaria interpres)
6-3 Aitkin TS, JB.
Stilt Sandpiper
(Calidris himantopus)
6-13 Clay RBJ.
Sanderling
(Calidris alba)
6-3 Aitkin TS, JB; 6-6 Lyon L. Paynter.
Dunlin
(Calidris alpina)
6-5 Duluth, J. P. Perkins; 6-3 to 6-12 Aitkin TS, JB.
Baird's Sandpiper
(Calidris bairdii)
6-4 Carver FN, WKE; 6-10 Hennepin VL.
Least Sandpiper
(Calidris minutilla)
6-14 Aitkin TS.
White-rumped Sandpiper
(Calidris fuscicollis)
6-6 Lyon, L. Paynter; 6-7 to 6-12 Aitkin TS; 6-12 Roseau RBJ.
Pectoral Sandpiper
(Calidris melanotos)
6-4 Carver FN, WKE; 6-6 Lyon, L. Paynter; 6-7 Duluth, J. P. Perkins; 6-3 to 6-12 Aitkin TS, JB.
Semipalmated Sandpiper
(Calidris pusilla)
6-4 Carver FN, WKE; 6-6 Lyon, L. Paynter; 6-7 Duluth MMC; 6-3 to 6-9 Aitkin TS, JB; 6-12 Roseau RBJ; 6-15 Crow Wing TS.
WESTERN SANDPIPER
(Calidris mauri)
6-4 Chanhassen, Carver Co., FN, WKE; 6-6 Marshall, Lyon Co., L. Paynter.
American Woodcock
(Scolopax minor)
nested in Wright and Mille Lacs; also reported from Carver, Crow Wing, Clearwater, St. Louis and Hennepin.
Wilson's Snipe
(Gallinago delicata)
no nests found but reported from 18 counties throughout the state, north to Kittson and St. Louis, south to Stevens and Scott; also on 6-6 OJ reported seeing one sitting on telephone wires!? Upland Plover: nested in St. Louis, Aitkin, Clearwater and Scott; also reported from Marshall, Sherburne, Anoka, Washington, Red Lake, Roseau and Clay.
Spotted Sandpiper
(Actitis macularius)
nested in St. Louis, Crow Wing, Mille Lacs, Carver, Lyon and Washington; also reported from 13 other counties.
Lesser Yellowlegs
(Tringa flavipes)
6-6 Lyon, L. Paynter; also a yellowlegs, sp. was reported on 6-27 in Martin Co. by HH (spring or fall migrant?).
Willet
(Tringa semipalmata)
2 reports migrant); 6-28 Agassiz Refuge, Marshall Co., MMC (migrant or summer resident?). The Loon
Greater Yellowlegs
(Tringa melanoleuca)
7-1 Wabasha DWM (spring 01 fall migrant?).
Wilson's Phalarope
(Phalaropus tricolor)
6-6 Lyon, L. Paynter.
Gulls, Terns
Bonaparte's Gull
(Chroicocephalus philadelphia)
2 reports Perkins (late migrants); 6-25 Duluth (a few), H. Roberts (still migrating?).
Franklin's Gull
(Leucophaeus pipixcan)
no nests found but reported from 15 counties, east to Nicollet, Stearns and Clearwater.
Ring-billed Gull
(Larus delawarensis)
nested at Leech Lake, Cass Co. (6 pairs) D. Parmelee; als.o reported from Carver Crow Wing, Mille Lacs, Hennepin, Wright, Cottonwood, Roseau, Lac qui Parle, Stearns, Douglas and Stevens.
Herring Gull
(Larus argentatus)
nested in Cook; also reported from St. Louis, Pope, Marshall, Beltrami, Wright, Houston and Roseau.
Caspian Tern
(Hydroprogne caspia)
6-3 Itasca MMC; 7-29 Wright ES; both probably migrants.
Black Tern
(Chlidonias niger)
nested in Hennepin and Lyon; also reported from 31 other counties.
Common Tern
(Sterna hirundo)
nested in St. Louis; also reportedfrom Crow Wing, Aitkin, Pope, Morrison, Marshall, Mille Lacs, Beltrami Carver and Roseau.
Forster's Tern
(Sterna forsteri)
nested in Hennepin; also reported from Itasca, Nicollet, Marshall, Clearwater, McLeod, Carver, Lyon, Wright and Stevens.
Loons
Common Loon
(Gavia immer)
nested in Wright, St. Louis, Lake, Ramsey, Washington, Crow Wing and Morrison; also reported from 10 other counties.
Cormorants
Double-crested Cormorant
(Nannopterum auritum)
nested in Pope, Wadena and Marshall; also reported from Clearwater, Nobles, Kandiyohi, Swift, Lac qui Parle and Stevens.
Pelicans
American White Pelican
(Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
reported from 5 areas 6-27, and 8·21 Jackson (up to 25 including 3 imm.) HH, JAB, MHM; all summer, Marshall JBMH; 6-20 Clearwater (15) RD; 7-25 Lac qui Parle (12) BH and Stevens (23) OJ; this species has only nested once previously in the state (1968), but the multitude of observations each summer suggest that the bird may breed regularly here (the 3 imm. birds in J ackson Co. did not appear until August which suggests nesting).
Bitterns, Herons, Egrets, Night-Herons
American Bittern
(Botaurus lentiginosus)
nested in Mille Lacs; also reported from 17 other counties.
Least Bittern
(Ixobrychus exilis)
more reports than usual from Hennepin. Crow Wing, Nicollet (on 7-4 BDC counted 10), Pope, Marshall, Carver, Wright, Sherburne, Rice and vVabasha.
Great Blue Heron
(Ardea herodias)
nested in Pope, Hennepin, Carver and Rice; also reported from 29 other counties.
Snowy Egret
(Egretta thula)
see account under Little Blue Heron.
Little Blue Heron
(Egretta caerulea)
BH reported an adult nesting at Lake Johanna, Pope Co.; only one bird was present for sure, but 1 young bird was fledged probably as a result of hybridization with a Snowy Egret which was also present! Both species are casual in Minn. and have never nested here. A complete account of this amazing record (and the one that follows) is forthcoming in The Loon.
TRICOLORED HERON
(Egretta tricolor)
RBJ and others observed an adult at Thief Lake Wildlife Area, Marshall Co. on 6-12; only the second state record; could this be the same bird that was seen at Agassiz Refuge only a few miles away in the 1960's? (see Notes Of Interest The Loon 43:93)
Cattle Egret
(Bubulcus ibis)
BH also found at the same location Minnesota's first nesting record for this species! Full details will be published. Also 2 other reports: 6-28 Agassiz Refuge, Marshall Co. (1) MMC; 6-10 to 6-13 Houston Co., fide FL. Common Egret: nested in Pope; also reported from 17 other counties.
Green Heron
(Butorides virescens)
nested in Pope, Nobles, Mille Lacs, Carver, Lyon and Wright; also reported from 18 other counties.
Black-crowned Night-Heron
(Nycticorax nycticorax)
nested in Pope and Jackson; also reported from 14 other counties.
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
(Nyctanassa violacea)
nested in the usual area near LaCrescent, Houston Co.; one was also photographed on 6-15 in Anoka Co. by J. Larson.
New World Vultures
Turkey Vulture
(Cathartes aura)
reported from Cook, Itasca, Crow Wing, Mille Lacs, Beltrami, Houston, Carver, Wabasha and Hennepin; more reports than usual, especially in the south.
Osprey
Osprey
(Pandion haliaetus)
nested in Pine, Crow Wing and Aitkin; also reported from Cook, St. Louis, Mille Lacs and Clearwater. Winter 1971
Kites, Accipiters, Hawks, Eagles
Northern Harrier
(Circus hudsonius)
no nests found but reported from 19 counties throughout the state, north to Kittson and St. Louis, south to Nobles and Rice.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
(Accipiter striatus)
reported from St. Louis, Crow Wing, Morrison, Marshall, Clearwater, Washington, Dakota and Lake of the Woods.
Cooper's Hawk
(Accipiter cooperii)
nested in Crow Wing; also reported from Carlton, Marshall, Wabasha and Sherburne.
Bald Eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
nested in St. Louis (2 nests and 3 young raised) and Mille Lacs (1 nest and 1 young); also reported from Itasca and Beltrami.
Broad-winged Hawk
(Buteo platypterus)
nested in St. Louis and Hennepin; also reported from 14 other counties.
Red-tailed Hawk
(Buteo jamaicensis)
nested in Sherburne and Carver; also reported from 24 other counties. R~d-shouldered Hawk: reported from Crow Wing, Anoka and Wabasha; though this species Is not getting any more common, it seems to be spreading its range north in recent years.
Screech-Owls, Owls
Eastern Screech-Owl
(Megascops asio)
nested in Lyon; also reported from Nobles, Rice and Wright.
Great Horned Owl
(Bubo virginianus)
nested in Sherburne and Hennepin; also reported from Cook, Aitkin, Marshall, Mille Lacs, Dakota, Morrison, Wright, Wabasha, Rice and Clay.
Barred Owl
(Strix varia)
nested in Winona; also reportedfrom Crow Wing, Carver, Wabasha and Rice.
Long-eared Owl
(Asio otus)
nested in Sherburne (6-28 to 7-6, Blue Hill Twp., 3 young, BD).
Short-eared Owl
(Asio flammeus)
reported from Marshall, St. Louis, Martin, Wright and Todd.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
(Aegolius acadicus)
6-5 Brant Lake, Cook Co., JG; only report.
Kingfishers
Belted Kingfisher
(Megaceryle alcyon)
nested in Carver and Hennepin; also reported from 24 other counties.
Woodpeckers
Red-headed Woodpecker
(Melanerpes erythrocephalus)
nested in Carver, Lac qui Parle, Wright, Hennepin, Lyon and McLeod; also reported from 23 other counties.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
(Melanerpes carolinus)
nested in Ramsey and Carver; also reported from Rice, Wabasha, Aitkin (at 2 feeders, JB), Benton, Hennepin, Dakota and Wright.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
(Sphyrapicus varius)
reported from St. Louis, Cook, Crow Wing, Aitkin, Marshall, Mille Lacs, Clearwater, Wabasha, Pope, Sherburne, and Lake of the woods.
Downy Woodpecker
(Dryobates pubescens)
nested in Carver, Ramsey, Swift and Wright; also reported from 18 other counties. Black-backed 3-toed Woodpecker: 6-5 to 6-9 Cook (11) JG, including a pair at Brant Lake building a nest on 6-6.
Hairy Woodpecker
(Dryobates villosus)
nested in St. Louis, Swift, Wabasha and Wright; also reported from 17 other counties.
Northern Flicker
(Colaptes auratus)
nested in Carver, Hennepin, Nobles and Stearns; also reported from 27 other counties.
Pileated Woodpecker
(Dryocopus pileatus)
nested in Koochiching, Aitkin and Carver; also reported fro,m Hennepi.n, Crow Wing, Mille Lacs, Clearwater, St. Louts, Sherburne, Rice, Lake of the Woods, Ramsey and Wabasha.
Caracaras, Falcons
American Kestrel
(Falco sparverius)
nested in Sherburne, St. Louis, Carver, Ramsey, Morrison and Washington; also reported from 28 other counties.
Merlin
(Falco columbarius)
8-20 Clearwater RD, only report.
Peregrine Falcon
(Falco peregrinus)
7-1 Dakota FN, only report. 
Flycatchers
Great Crested Flycatcher
(Myiarchus crinitus)
nested in Ramsey and Cass; also reported from 24 other counties.
Western Kingbird
(Tyrannus verticalis)
nested in Lyon; also reported from Marshall, Morrison, Wright, Pope, Hennepin, Aitkin, Yellow Medicine, Grant, Douglas, Mahnomen and Kittson.
Eastern Kingbird
(Tyrannus tyrannus)
nested in Carver, Hennepin and Lyon; also reported from 33 other counties.
Olive-sided Flycatcher
(Contopus cooperi)
reported from Cook, Aitkin, Marshall and Lake of the Woods; migrants also reported from Hennepin (6-1 and 6-3, OJ and DG), Dakota (6-1 and 7-13, RC), Stevens (no date, OJ).
Eastern Wood-Pewee
(Contopus virens)
nested in Carver and Houston; also reported from 22 other counties.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
(Empidonax flaviventris)
reported from St. Louis, Cook, Crow Wing, Aitkin, Clearwater, Lake of the Woods and Hennepin (6-3 ES, late migrant).
Acadian Flycatcher
(Empidonax virescens)
still occuring at Beaver Creek Velley St. Pk.: 3 seen on 6-2 by FL, and 1 seen by KE, PE on 7-17 and 7-31 (still singing).
Least Flycatcher
(Empidonax minimus)
nested in St. Louis and Houston; also reported from 17 other counties.
Empidonax flycatcher
(Empidonax sp.)
nested in Aitkin; also reported from St. Louis, Cook, Hennepin, Crow Wing, Morrison, Marshall, Winona, Wabasha, Murray and Roseau.
Eastern Phoebe
(Sayornis phoebe)
nested in Pope, Hennepin, Sherburne, Carver, Pine, Yellow Medicine and Wright; also reported from 14 other counties.
Vireos
Yellow-throated Vireo
(Vireo flavifrons)
nested in Carver and Wright; also reported from Crow Wing, Aitkin, Marshall, Hennepin, Winona, Sherburne and Wabasha.
Blue-headed Vireo
(Vireo solitarius)
nested in Crow Wing; also reported from Cook, St. Louis, Aitkin, Pine, Clearwater, Lake of the Woods and Carver (6-4 and 6-11, KH, late migrant?).
Philadelphia Vireo
(Vireo philadelphicus)
6-2 Hennepin ES; 6·2 and 6-3 Itasca MMC; both probably late migrants.
Warbling Vireo
(Vireo gilvus)
nested in Carver; also reported from 17 other counties.
Red-eyed Vireo
(Vireo olivaceus)
nested in Wright, Hennepin and St. Louis; also reported from 20 other counties.
Shrikes
Loggerhead Shrike
(Lanius ludovicianus)
nested in Olmsted; also reported from Stearns, Marshall, Dakota, Wright, Morrison, Rice, Hennepin and Clay.
Jays, Nutcrackers, Magpies, Crows
Canada Jay
(Perisoreus canadensis)
nested in Crow Wing and Aitkin; also reported from Cook, Itasca and Lake of the Woods.
Blue Jay
(Cyanocitta cristata)
nested in Wabasha, Wright, Swift, Ramsey, Hennepin, Carver and Cottonwood; also reported from 21 other counties.
Black-billed Magpie
(Pica hudsonia)
nested this summer for the second time in Minn. at Agassiz Refuge, Marshall Co., JBMH; (The Loon 48:78-79).
American Crow
(Corvus brachyrhynchos)
no nests found but reported from 33 counties throughout the state.
Common Raven
(Corvus corax)
nested in St. Louis; also reported from Cook, Carlton, Marshall, and, Lake of the Woods.
Chickadees, Titmice
Black-capped Chickadee
(Poecile atricapillus)
nested in Carver, Ramsey, Hennepin and Wright; also reported from 25 other counties.
Boreal Chickadee
(Poecile hudsonicus)
6-12 Lake of the Woods RBJ, only report.
Tufted Titmouse
(Baeolophus bicolor)
nested in Ramsey; also reported from Hennepin and Crow Wing (6-15 Deerwood (2) TS).
Larks
Horned Lark
(Eremophila alpestris)
nested in Hennepin, St. Louis Aitkin and Pope; also reported from 14 other counties.
Martins, Swallows
Bank Swallow
(Riparia riparia)
nested in Wright, Hennepin and Lyon; also reported from 17 other counties.
Tree Swallow
(Tachycineta bicolor)
nested in Wright, Rice, Cottonwood, St. Louis, Crow Wing, Hennepin, Cass, Lyon, Anoka and Swift; also reported from 21 other counties.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
(Stelgidopteryx serripennis)
nested in Lake; also reported from 13 other counties.
Purple Martin
(Progne subis)
nested in Wright, Hennepin, Cass, Ramsey, Cottonwood, Rice and Pope; also reported from 21 other counties.
Barn Swallow
(Hirundo rustica)
nested in Pope, Hennepin, Carver and Lyon; also reported from 29 other counties.
Cliff Swallow
(Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)
nested in Kanabec, Hennepin, Lake, Aitkin, Cass and Crow Wing; also reported from 14 other counties.
Kinglets
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
(Corthylio calendula)
reported from St. Louis, Cook and Lake of the Woods.
Golden-crowned Kinglet
(Regulus satrapa)
reported from St. Louis, Cook and Lake of the Woods.
Waxwings
Cedar Waxwing
(Bombycilla cedrorum)
nested in Carver, Washington, Beltrami, Carlton, Hennepin, Cass, Sherburne and Chisago; also reported from 18 other counties.
Nuthatches
Red-breasted Nuthatch
(Sitta canadensis)
nested in Crow Wing; also reported from St. Louis, Cook and Wright (7-31 ES).
White-breasted Nuthatch
(Sitta carolinensis)
nested in Wabasha; also reported from 19 other counties.
Creepers
Brown Creeper
(Certhia americana)
reported from Lake, Crow Wing and Marshall.
Gnatcatchers
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
(Polioptila caerulea)
nested in Carver and Winona; also reported from Hennepin, Goodhue and Houston.
Wrens
House Wren
(Troglodytes aedon)
nested in Hennepin, Cottonwood, Rice, Beltrami, Wabasha, McLeod, Carver, Swift, Ramsey and Wright; also reported from 21 other counties.
Winter Wren
(Troglodytes hiemalis)
nested in Crow Wing; also reported from St. Louis, Cook, Aitkin and Lake of the Woods.
Sedge Wren
(Cistothorus stellaris)
nested in Hennepin; also reported from 21 other counties.
Marsh Wren
(Cistothorus palustris)
nested in Hennepin and Lyon; also reported from 14 other counties.
Thrashers, Mockingbirds
Gray Catbird
(Dumetella carolinensis)
nested in Sherburne, Wright, Hennepin and Carver; also reported from 20 other counties.
Brown Thrasher
(Toxostoma rufum)
nested in Wright, Wabasha, St. Louis, Hennepin, Nobles and Carver; also reportedfrom 21 other counties. Robin: nested in Stearns, Hennepin, Ramsey, Wright, Wabasha, Cottonwood, Carver and Nobles; also reported from 24 other counties.
Northern Mockingbird
(Mimus polyglottos)
6-1 White Bear, Ramsey Co., S. Cunningham; 6-30 Hutchinson, McLeod Co.,.J. Nubel.
Thrushes
Eastern Bluebird
(Sialia sialis)
nested in Rice, Wabasha, McLeod, Carver and Sherburne; also reported from 23 other counties.
Veery
(Catharus fuscescens)
no nests found but reported from 19 counties throughout the state, north to Kittson and Cook, south to Carver and Rice. Winter 1971
Swainson's Thrush
(Catharus ustulatus)
nested in Cook; also reported from St. Louis and Hennepin (6-1 and 6 2, WKE, ES, OJ, late migrant).
Hermit Thrush
(Catharus guttatus)
nested in Crow Wing; also reported from St. Louis, Cook, Aitkin, Roseau, Lake of the Woods and Carlton.
Wood Thrush
(Hylocichla mustelina)
reported from Washington, Carver, Wright, Winona, Wabasha, Hennepin, Houston, St. Louis (2 from Duluth, 1 from Crane Lake), Crow Wing, Rice, Beltrami (6-28 to 7-18, ME) and Cook (Heartbreak Ridge, JG); this species has been spreading north in recent years.
Finches
Evening Grosbeak
(Coccothraustes vespertinus)
nested in Clearwater, St. Louis and Crow Wing; also reported from Cook and Aitkin.
Pine Grosbeak
(Pinicola enucleator)
1 male was seen at Burntside Lake, St. Louis Co. on 6-16 and 6-24 by BDC; this species is not known to nest in Minn.
House Finch
(Haemorhous mexicanus)
1 male may have been seen on 6-17 in Excelsior, Hennepin Co. by D. Freeland, an experienced birder from Pennsylvania; Freeland had never seen this species before, but his details were excellent and will be published here in full.
Purple Finch
(Haemorhous purpureus)
nested in Crow Wing; also reportedfrom St. Louis, Cook, Aitkin, Stearns, Hennepin, Marshall, Beltrami, Mille Lacs, Clearwater and Lake of the Woods.
Red Crossbill
(Loxia curvirostra)
7-24 and 7-28 Duluth (1 imm. and 1 female) MMC; 6-6, 7-26 and 7-29 Crow Wing (5) TS; "sporatic individuals" reported in Clearwater, RD.
White-winged Crossbill
(Loxia leucoptera)
7-18 Tait Lake, Cook Co. (5) JG; 7-10 Lake Co., V. Morrison; early fall migrants?
Pine Siskin
(Spinus pinus)
nested in Crow Wing (8-2 Deerwood, 2 ad and 5 Y, M. Carlson); also reported from St. Louis, Cook, Lake, Aitkin and Clearwater.
American Goldfinch
(Spinus tristis)
nested in Wright, Nobles and Houston; also reported from 31 other counties.
Longspurs and Snow Buntings
Chestnut-collared Longspur
(Calcarius ornatus)
6-11 and 6-13 Felton. Clay Co. (5), DB, RBJ; also reported from 2 other locations: 6-13 Averill, Clay Co. (10), RBJ; present all summer at Agassiz Refuge, Marshall Co., JBMH (no details); this species may be more widespread than generally believed. SPRING MIGRANT SHOREBIRDS:
Towhees, Sparrows
Grasshopper Sparrow
(Ammodramus savannarum)
reported from Hennepin, Clearwater, Wright, Scott, Dakota, Lyon, Nobles, Rice, Clay, Roseau, Cottonwood and Winona.
Lark Sparrow
(Chondestes grammacus)
nested in Sherburne; no other reports.
Chipping Sparrow
(Spizella passerina)
nested in Wright, Ramsey, Swift, Carver, Stearns, Sherburne and Hennepin; also reported from 23 other counties.
Clay-colored Sparrow
(Spizella pallida)
nested in St. Louis; also reported from 18 other counties.
Field Sparrow
(Spizella pusilla)
nested in McLeod and Sherburne; also reported from Hennepin, Dakota, Nicollet, Sibley, Scott, Washington, Wabasha, Rice, Anoka and Winona.
Dark-eyed Junco
(Junco hyemalis)
reported from Cook, St. Louis and Clearwater.
Harris's Sparrow
(Zonotrichia querula)
on 6-18 and 6-16 JG heard clearly a singing male in a bog near Duluth; the bird was not seen well, but it looked larger than a House Sparrow; was this a very late migrant or a possible nesting bird?
White-throated Sparrow
(Zonotrichia albicollis)
nested in Cook and Crow Wing; also reported from St. Louis, Aitkin, Hennepin (7-28, D. Paul; early migrant?), Marshall, Beltrami, Clearwater, Lake of the Woods and Roseau.
Vesper Sparrow
(Pooecetes gramineus)
nested in Dakota, Hennepin and Sherburne; also reported from 22 other counties.
LeConte's Sparrow
(Ammospiza leconteii)
nested in Aitkin (7-22 and 8-3, 1 ad and 1 y, JB, TS); also reported from Crow Wing, Roseau, Becker, Marshall and Clay.
Nelson's Sparrow
(Ammospiza nelsoni)
6-12 usual spot near Waubun, DB, RBJ; " present" Agassiz Refuge, Marshall Co., JBMH.
Henslow's Sparrow
(Centronyx henslowii)
1 report PE; birds still singing.
Savannah Sparrow
(Passerculus sandwichensis)
no nests found but reportedfrom 14 counties throughout the state, north to Kittson and Cook, south to Nobles and Winona.
Song Sparrow
(Melospiza melodia)
nested in Wright, St. Louis, Carver and Hennepin; also reported from 25 other counties.
Lincoln's Sparrow
(Melospiza lincolnii)
reported from St. Louis and Wright (7-19 ES; very early migrant?).
Swamp Sparrow
(Melospiza georgiana)
no nests found but reportedfrom 20 counties throughout the state, north to Lake of the Woods and Cook, south to Scott and Wabasha.
Eastern Towhee
(Pipilo erythrophthalmus)
reported from Crow Wing, Pine, Marshall, Beltrami, Clearwater, Fillmore, Washington, Sherburne, Dakota and Kittson.
Blackbirds, Orioles
Yellow-headed Blackbird
(Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)
nested in Hennepin, Lyon and Scott; also reported from 26 other counties.
Bobolink
(Dolichonyx oryzivorus)
nested in Sherburne; also reported from 28 other counties.
Eastern Meadowlark
(Sturnella magna)
nested in St. Louis; also reported from 14 other counties.
Western Meadowlark
(Sturnella neglecta)
nested in Carver and Hennepin; also reported from 24 other counties.
Orchard Oriole
(Icterus spurius)
nested in Wright and Lyon; also reported from Dakota, Wabasha and Cottonwood.
Baltimore Oriole
(Icterus galbula)
nested in Wabasha, Cottonwood, Carver, Wright! Sherburne, Hennepin, Lyon, Ramsey and Doug as; also reported from 19 other counties.
Red-winged Blackbird
(Agelaius phoeniceus)
nested in Wabasha, Carver, Wright, Hennepin and Douglas; also reported from 27 other counties.
Brown-headed Cowbird
(Molothrus ater)
nested in Wright (parasitized Red-eyed Vireo, Red-winged Blackbird, Robin, Song Sparrow), Rice (Indigo Bunting), Wabasha (Baltimore Oriole), Swift (Chipping Sparrow), Carver (Song Sparrow), Crow Wing (Redeyed Vireo, Yellow and Myrtle Warblers, Chipping Sparrow), St. Louis (Evening Grosbeak), Hennepin (Song Sparrow, Rose-breasted Grosbeak) and Mille Lacs (Red-winged Blackbird); also reported from 21 other counties.
Brewer's Blackbird
(Euphagus cyanocephalus)
nested in St. Louis, Scott and Dakota; also reported from 15 other counties.
Common Grackle
(Quiscalus quiscula)
nested in Anoka, Wright, Pope, Wabasha, Stearns, Hennepin, Carver, Cottonwood and Dakota; also reported from 17 other counties.
Warblers
Ovenbird
(Seiurus aurocapilla)
nested in Sherburne; also reported from 14 other counties.
Northern Waterthrush
(Parkesia noveboracensis)
reported from Cook and St. Louis. Connectiiut Warbler: nested in Hubbard (6-27, 5 young, D. Parmelee and R. Oehlenschlager); also reported from Aitkin, Wadena, Lake of the Woods and Clearwater; more reports than usual.
Golden-winged Warbler
(Vermivora chrysoptera)
nested in Mille Lacs; also reported from St. Louis, Crow Wing, Aitkin, Sherburne, Chisago, Clearwater and Washington.
Blue-winged Warbler
(Vermivora cyanoptera)
nested in Washington; also reported from Goodhue and Houston.
Black-and-white Warbler
(Mniotilta varia)
reported from St. Louis, Cook, Itasca, Crow Wing, Lake, Aitkin, Beltrami, Clearwater, Carlton and Sherburne (6-23BD).
Prothonotary Warbler
(Protonotaria citrea)
6-19 Wabasha WDM, only report; this species seems to be decreasing in numbers lately.
Tennessee Warbler
(Leiothlypis peregrina)
reported from Cook, Crow Wing, Lake, St. Louis, Marshall, Clearwater, Carl· ton, Hennepin (6·1 and 6-2 WKE, late migrant) and Morrison (7-16 LR, early migrant or summer resident?
Nashville Warbler
(Leiothlypis ruficapilla)
nested in Crow Wing; also reported from St. Louis, Cook, Aitkin, Marshall, Clearwater, Carlton, Roseau, Lake of the Woods and Morrison (7-12 LR, migrant or resident?).
Mourning Warbler
(Geothlypis philadelphia)
nested in Cook; also reportedfrom St. Louis, Crow Wing, Beltrami, Clearwater, Roseau, Lake of the Woods, Kittson, Aitkin and Washington (6·27 JG, EC). Yellowthroat: nested in Wright and Hennepin; also reported from 28 other counties.
American Redstart
(Setophaga ruticilla)
nested in Carver and Goodhue; also reported from 20 other counties.
Cape May Warbler
(Setophaga tigrina)
reported from Cook and St. Louis. Myrtle Warbler: nested in St. Louis; also reportedfrom Cook, Lake, Crow Wing, Aitkin, Clearwater, Carlton, Roseau and Lake of the Woods.
Cerulean Warbler
(Setophaga cerulea)
reported from Goodhue, Chisago and Pope (6·6 Starbuck, J. Hart). The Loon
Northern Parula
(Setophaga americana)
reported from St. Louis, Cook, Aitkin and Hennepin (7-1 OJ).
Magnolia Warbler
(Setophaga magnolia)
reported from St. Louis, Cook, Crow Wing and Lake; late migrants reported on 6-2 Hennepin ES and 6-3 Cottonwood LF.
Bay-breasted Warbler
(Setophaga castanea)
reported from St. Louis only.
Blackburnian Warbler
(Setophaga fusca)
nested in St. Louis, Hub bard and Crow Wing; also reported from Cook, Aitkin and Lake of the Woods.
Yellow Warbler
(Setophaga petechia)
nested in Wright; also reportedfrom 22 other counties.
Chestnut-sided Warbler
(Setophaga pensylvanica)
nested in Mille Lacs; also reported from St. Louis, Cook, Crow Wing, Aitkin, Lake of the Woods, Morrison, Clearwater, Marshall and Washington (6-27 JG, EC).
Blackpoll Warbler
(Setophaga striata)
6-3 Goodhue, D. Casper (latemigrant); 7·25 Baptism River, Lake Co. JB (probably an early migrant).
Palm Warbler
(Setophaga palmarum)
reported from St. Louis only.
Pine Warbler
(Setophaga pinus)
reported from Cook, Itasca, Crow Wing, Lake, Aitkin, Beltrami and Lake of the woods.
Black-throated Green Warbler
(Setophaga virens)
nested in Cook and Crow Wing; also reported from St. Louis, Pine, Beltrami and Lake of the Woods.
Canada Warbler
(Cardellina canadensis)
nested in Cook; also reported from St. Louis, Beltrami, Aitkin and Hennepin(6·2 ES, late migrant).
Tanagers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks
Scarlet Tanager
(Piranga olivacea)
nested in Crow Wing; also reported from 13 other counties.
Western Tanager
(Piranga ludoviciana)
6-28 Agassiz Refuge, Marshall Co., 1 adult male, MMC; good details. (SeeNotes of Interest). '
Northern Cardinal
(Cardinalis cardinalis)
nested in Hennepin, McLeod and Ram ~~ba~~~. rm~!;e~~fs~';o,CaJS~!~thDa,!<~Ja,M~~!~~h (present all summer at Agassiz, "rare," JBMH).
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
(Pheucticus ludovicianus)
nested in Wright, Hennepin, McLeod, Houston, Carver and Ramsey; also reported from 18 other counties.
Blue Grosbeak
(Passerina caerulea)
6-20 Manley, Rock Co., 1 singing male, KE.
Indigo Bunting
(Passerina cyanea)
nested in Rice and Carver; also reported from 20 other counties.
Dickcissel
(Spiza americana)
no nests found but reported from 21 counties north to Pope, Crow Wing and Pine.