Seasonal Report Archive for The Loon
The 1972-Fall Season
1 August through 30 November 1972
By Kim R. Eckert

In light of the overwhelming response to the new style in last spring's report (1 for and 1 against), I have decided to continue the format in this report. Pressures of time (the deadline for this was a month ago; RJ is a very lenient editor), and the hope that people will read rather than skim these seasonal reports, have again forced me to adapt this new style. How permanent a change it will be probably depends on how permanent I am as your compiler. We still could use some help; JG (she's already overworked) and myself are now the only ones compiling the 4 seasonal reports. My official weather data source did not come through in time, so I'll have to skip over the weather summary. The only information I have came in from Fargo-Moorhead (fide EA), some of which is worth repeating. Aug. and Nov. there were a bit warmer than normal, but Sept. and Oct. were quite cool. Temperatures in Sept. were 2° below the norm, while Oct. was 4o colder and was said to have been their coldest October in 20 years. Snow in October was heavier than usual with almost 4" falling, but in November things were much drier with less than 2" of snowfall.

A total of 282 species were recorded, 2 more than last fall and therefore probably a record high total. The reason for a high count such as this is not necessarily that there were a lot of birds around, but mostly because there were several rarer species observed that boosted the total. Since only the highlights are discussed in this report, there is no need to summarize them here. But two things are worth mentioning here. First, be sure to read about the unprecedented invasions of Northern Goshawk, Black-billed Magpie, Clark's Nutcracker, and Boreal Chickadee.

Second, note the extreme rarity of several of the species reported: Arctic Loon, Black Brant, Black Rail, Pomarine and Long-tailed Jaegers, Blackheaded Grosbeak, and Gray-crowned Rosy Finch.

Every season has those species which are presumably "regular" in status, but are missed altogether. This fall there were 18 species listed on JG's seasonal observation report form that were missing, some of these with better reason for being absent than others. Those species missing were: Yellow-crowned Night-Heron (probably leaves in July), Greater Prairie Chicken (hopefully this was just a matter of no one looking for them?), Knot and Hudsonian Godwit (both regular in spring but very rare fall migrants), Burrowing Owl (could migrate in July, but more likely this species is no longer regular in the state), Eastern Whip-poor-will (may migrate earlier but since there are few summer records, it should be very hard to get in fall when it is not singing), Northern Mockingbird (?-this species is usually seen most often in fall), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Bell's Vireo, Cerulean Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush (all are uncommon summer residents that often leave the state unnoticed after breeding). Yellowbreasted Chat, Lark Bunting, Baird's Sparrow (all could migrate out in July, but more likely they simply do not occur regularly any more), Henslow's Sparrow and Chestnut-collared Longspur (both are uncommon local breeders in the state that are often gone by August).

Loons: A peak of 1000 Common Loons was estimated on Mille Lacs L. on 10-23 (TS). Red-throated Loons are regular migrants on L. Superior and one was at Duluth on 9-16 (T. Bloom). But several were also found inland on Mille Lacs L.: one on 10-22 and 11-16, and no less than 7 on 11-9 (TS). An adult Arctic Loon in summer plumage was present at Duluth from 9-17 to 9-24, for the second state record. The bird was seen (andmisidentified) by many observers (see Note of Interest in Winter 1972 Loon).

Grebes: A late Red-necked Grebe was at Duluth on 11-19 (JG, KE), as was a· Horned Grebe on 1121 (MMC). There were 5 Eared Grebe reports: 9-4 in Lyon Co. (RJ), 9-24 at Duluth (JG), 9-27 in Marshall Co. (AR), 10-18 in Hennepin Co. (ES), and on 10-24 in Becker Co. (fide EA): Western Grebes were widespread, with over 100 noted in Kandiyohi Co. on 8-19 (BH).

Pelican and cormorant: White Pelicans were found in good numbers on 3 occasions: 1800 were in Cottonwood Co. on 9-24, 2000 in Jackson Co. on 9-28, and 3000 were present there on 8-24 (LF). Two young pelicans were seen in Lac qui Parle Co. on 8-1 (BH), and indications are now that the pelicanbreeds every year in the state (see Note of Interest in Winter 1972 Loon). A late Double-crested Cormorant was in Lac qui Parle Co. on 11-11 (OE).

Herons: Little Blue Herons were seen into September at L. Johanna. Pope Co. where they nested last summer: no less than 5 adults and 30 young were there on 8-5, and on 9-2 1 adult and 3 young were still present (BH). One adult and 2 young were also present in Kandiyohi Co. on 8-19, 9-2, 9-9, and may have been migrants from L. Johanna (BH). Two adult birds were also seen on and near the Pelican L. rookery in Grant Co. on 8-5 and 8-13, but it is not known if these nested here or were merely migrants (KE). Cattle Egrets again nested at L. Johanna last summer, and were confirmed nesting for the first time at Pelican L.

Ten adults and 20 young were at L. Johanna on 8-5, and on 8-19 5 adults and 3 young were seen (BH). Birds at Pelican L. remained much later, the last being seen on 10-10. An average of 5 to

8 birds were present daily until then, with peaksof 12 on 8-13, 21 on 8-25, 40 on 8-28, and 15 on 9-23 and 10-1 (KE). Eleven Cattle Egrets were also found on 8-25 at Salt L., Lac qui Parle Co. (JS).

Several herons were late in leaving the state: Common Egret on 10-29 in Swift Co. (FN), Blackcrowned Night Herons on 11-4 in Grant Co. (KE) and on 11-15 in Hennepin Co. (ES), and American Bittern on 11-6 in Murray Co. (AD). Least Bitterns were found much more readily than usual with 7 reports from 8-6 to 9-21 in Hennepin, Nicollet, Sherburne and Kandiyohi Cos.

Swans and geese: Tundra Swans peaked well at 3 locations: 1000 were in Hubbard Co. on 11-3 (HRH) and at Duluth on 11-11 (M. Kohlbry); at Weaver in Wabasha Co. 2000 were estimated on 11-12, 2800 on 11-18, 2000 on 11-26 and 1500 on 11-28 (FL, AFR, FKS). Four displaced Trumpeter Swans wandered to Brooklyn Park, Hennepin Co. on 8-27 (BH). The highest Canada: Goose peak in recent years was estimated in Lac qui Parle Co. on 11-12 with 36,000 as the total (OE). What was identified as a Black Brant was at Agassiz NWR, Marshall Co., no date given. Complete details are not yet available on what would be the second state record, but the following brief description came in: "breast and feet were black with the belly dark, the white collar was absent" (AR). Thirty-five White-fronted Geese were in Lac qui Parle Co. on 10-1 (OE) and onewas in Lyon Co. on 10-9 (HK). A late peak of 1000 Snow Geese was at Duluth on 11-12 (JG).

Ducks: The following peaks were recorded at Agassiz NWR, Marshall Co.: 41,520 Mallards, 440 American Black Ducks, 19,140 Gadwall, 4050 Northern Pintail, 4010 Green-winged Teal, 6390 Blue-winged Teal, 19,980 American Widgeon, 1130 Shoveler, 640 Wood Duck, 4150 Redhead, 530 Bufflehead. Peaks were also noted at other locations: 30,000 Mallards in Cottonwood Co. on 11-26 (fide LR); 1000 Ring-necked Ducks on 10-28 in Wabasha Co. (RR); 2500 Canvasback in Wabasha Co. on 10-28 (RR). Greater Scaup were only identified 4 times: 9-17 in Duluth (KE), 10-8 in Hennepin Co. (OJ), 11-4 in St. Louis Co. (fide VB), 11-12 Scott Co. (ES). The usual 01dsquaw were seen on L. Superior, but birds were also seen inland in Big Stone Co. on 10-1 (D. Peterson), in Mille Lacs Co. from 11-3 to 11-6 (TS), and in Crow Wing Co. from 11-16 to 11-24 (TS). A Harlequin Duck was found in Duluth on 11-2 JB). All 3 scoters were recorded in good numbers, and all 3 were noted inland. Whitewinged Scoters were on L. Superior from 10-21 to 11-25 with 21 individuals noted, but they were also in Marshall Co. on 10-31 when 10 were counted (AR), and in Mille La·cs Co. on 11-18 (DB, KG).

Surf Scoters were seen from 10-11 to 11-19 on L.

Superior with 12 counted. and 1 was in Mille Lacs Co. on 10-31 and 11-18 (TS. KG), and 1 in Lac Qui Parle Co. on 10-17 (JS). Eleven Common Scoters were found on L. Superior from 11-2 to 11-25. while 1 imm. was shot in Houston Co. on 10-25 (fide FL). and 2 were in Mille Lacs Co. from 10-31 to 11-16 (TS). Finally, an albino Ruddy Duck was found in Marshall Co. on 10-12 (AR).

HAWKS: The following seasonal totals of hawks were recorded at Duluth: 270 Wild Turkey Vultures. 5100 Northern Goshawks, 6300 Sharp-shinned Hawks. 86 Cooper's Hawks, 3400 Red tailed Hawks. 26,900 Broad-winged Hawks (with 11.403 on 9-17), 147 Roul(h-legl:(ed Hawks, 35 Golden Ea,~tles. 28 Bald Eal(les, 370 Northern Harriers, 81 Osprev, 11 Peregriine Falcons, 13 Pieeon Hawks, and 480 Soarrow Hawks.

A total of 40,350 was recorded at Duluth. the third highest ever. One of the real highlights of the season had to be the Northern Goshawk migration. A count of over 5100 at Duluth is even more impressive with the knowledl(e that the previous season high was only 231 and that the average annual total over the past several years is only about 10! The one-day pe11k was 984 on 10-14. Northern Goshawks were also found frequently in other parts of the state (as well as all over the Midwest): Cla:v. It~sca, Lake, Isanti. Wadena ("massive invasion"\. Sherburne.

Grant. Crow Wing, He nnepin. NiPollet.

Marshall. and Cook Cos. Two Kride r's Red·tails were identified: 9-17 in Bi

Hennepin (2), St. Louis, Ramsey and Nicollet Cos..

A possible dark phase Gyrfalcon was seen at Black Dog L., Dakota Co. on 11-4 (RRl, complete details will follow. Peregrine Falcons appeared in very encouraging numbers. Besides the 11 at Du10- 7 (AR), 9-17 in Chisago Co. (SC), 10-29 in 10-15 in Aitkin Cos. (TS). Pigeon Hawks were Hennepin Co. (OJ), 9-2 and 11-26 in Crow Wing and 10-15 in Aitkin Cos. (TS). Pigeon Hawks were recorded on 8-26 aand 9-27 in Marshall Co. (AR), 8-29 in Stearns Co. (MC), 10-29 in Lac qui Parle Co. (FN), 9-2 in Aitkin and 9-7 in Crow Wing Cos. (TS), as well as at Duluth.

Gallinaceous birds: Spruce Grouse were found iin Beltrami Co., no date given (WHL), on 8-10 at Ely, St. Louis Co. (BDC), and on 10-23 at Big Fork, Itasca Co. (A. Bolduc). Sharp-tailed Grouse were noted in Aitkin Co. on 9-7 and 10-15 with 30 birds counted (TS), 11-4 in St. Louis Co. (E.

Pearson), and again in St. Louis on 11-15 (MMC, JG). Gray Partridge were reported from Wabasha (6), Murray (20), Clay (7), Lac qui Parle 18), ~'iarshall (12), and Dakota (5) Cos.

Crane, rails, gallinule, coot: A peak of 4000 Sandhill Cranes was in Norman Co. on lll-1 (fide EA).

Cranes were also present in Wadena, Hennepin, Marshall, Wilkin and Sherburne Cos. from 8-8 to 11-2. A King Rail was found on the late date of 10-21 at Swan L., Nicollet Co. (GN). Virginia Rails were found on 8-12 in Wright Co. (ES), on 8-14 Crow Wing Co. (TS), on 10-1 and 10-2 in Hennepin Co. (RR, KG, DB). A peak of 45 Soras was in Sherburne Co. on 9-4 (SR). The very elusive Black Rail was at Girard Park, Bloomington, Hennepin Co. on 10-1 (KG); see Note of Interest in Winter 1972 Loon. Common Moorhens were in Hennepin Co. from 8-1 to 9-13 (VL, KG), 15 were in Houston Co. on 8-19 (FL), and on 10-5 in Wabasha Co. (WDM). A peak of 15,030 American Coot was counted in Marshall Co. on 9-27 (AR).

Shorebirds: Piping Plovers were in Duluth from 8-12 to 8-26 IJG, FL, RR),and one was in Lyon Co. on 8-5 (HK). Several species of shorebirds lingered into November: Killdeer on 11-28 in Cottonwood Co. (LR), Ameriican Golden Plover on 11-4 in Becker Co. (KEl. Ruddy Turnstone on 1111 in Cook Co. (JG. FKS), Greater Yellowlegs on 11-1 in Hennepin Co. IVL) and on 11-12 in Lyon Co. (HK), Lesser Yellowlegs on 11-5 in Grant Co. (KE), and Pectoral Sandpiper on 11-5 in Grant Co. (KE) and on 11-18 in Lyon Co. (HKl. A Whimbrel was found at Taconite Harbor, Cook Co on 9-22 (H. Wing); this species is an uncommon migrant on L. Superior in spring but in fall it is almost unknown here. The o'nly Upland Plover were in Clay Co. on 8-5 (KEl and in Lac qui Parle Co. on 8-15 (B. Zink). White rumped Sandpipers were noted 4 times: 8-6 in Cottonwood C_o. (LF), 8-7 in Clay Co. (fide EA), 8-26 in Hennepm Co. (OJ), 9-10 Lyon Co. (HK). Long-billed Dowitchers were identified in Duluth, Lyon, Hennepm, Clay, Pope and Grant Cos.. the latest in Grant Co. on 11-5 (KE). Short-billed Dowitchers were in Duluth, Lyon. Grant, Clav. Wilkin and Douglas Cos., from 8-17 to 10-18. Stilt Sandpipiers are uncommon in Duluth. but on 8-19 22 were found (MMC); a late individual was in Grant Co. on 10-14 (KE). Western Sandpipers are now recognized as regular mij!r·ants in the state. and three were noted this fall : 8-17 in Duluth (MMC), 8-26 in Duluth (8-26), and on 9-19 in Mille Lacs Co. (MJ). Buff-breasted Sandpipers were at Duluth on 8_-10 (MMC) and in Lvon Co. on 8-25 and 9-2 (HK\. The only Marbled Godwit was in LyonCo. on 8-19 (HK); this species usually departs in August and is seldom seen in fall. Two American Avocets were reported from Grant Co. on 8-22 (fide KE). and one was late in L:von Co. on 10-7 IHK). A Wilson's Phalarope was also late in ClayCo. on 10-8 (EJ).

Jaegers: Any jaeger observation in Minn. is unusual, but this fall all 3 soecies were reported! The state's first verified Pomarine Jaeaer was photographed in Duluth on 8-15 by MMC (see photograph and Note of Interest in Fall 1972 Loon ).

An adult Parasitic Jaeger was also in Duluth on 8-9 (KE), and and unconfirmed report came in from Sam Robbins of Wisconsin that a Long-tailed Jaeger was at Rush L. in Ottertail Co. (4 mi. of Fergus Falls\ in late August. This species is accidental in Minn. having been reported only 3 times previously.

Gulls and terns: Glaucous Gulls were in Cook Co. from 11-19 to 11-26 (DB, RJ, KG) and at Duluth on 11-13 and 11-19 (JG, KE). An estimated peak of 10,000 Franklin's Gulls was in Grant Co. on 9-4 (KE). A late Common Tern was in Mlille Lacs Co. on 10-6 (RR), and a Black Tern was also late on 10-1 in Cottonwood Co. (LF).

Cuckoos: Yellow-billed Cuckoos were much more common than usual, being reported from 8-9 to 9-10 in Houston, Dakota, Wabasha, Sibley, Cottonwood, Hennepin, Wright and Clay Cos. Two Blackbilled Cuckoos were late in leaving the state: on 9-24 in Sherburne Co (SR) and on 9-28 in Nicollet Co. tGN).

Owls: The 3 common resident owl speciesin Minn. occurred in varying abundance. Screech Owls were only noted in Benton, Lyon, Sherburne, and Hennepin Cos., and Barred Owls were almost as uncommon, being noted from Wadena, Wabasha, Ramsey, Sherburne, Crow Wing, Pope, Duluth and Wright Cos. But the Great Horned Owl seems to be on the increase. Two falls ago only 4 counties reported them, last fall they occurred in 17 counties, and this year no less than 20 counties reported them throughout the period.

What was termed a umassive influx" was in Wadena Co. from 11-23 to 11-25 (R. Oehlenschlager), 20 were banded at Duluth from 11-11 to 11-18 (D.

Evans), and in Morrison Co. on 11-1 the rare Arctic subspecies was found (EC). Snowy Owls also turned up quite frequently throughout the state: from 10-17 to 11-28 in Duluth, Cook, Aitkin, Marshall, Sherburne, Lac qui Parle, and Ramsey Cos.

The rare Hawk Owl was found in 3 locations: 1028 at Mt. Iron, St.Louis Co. (fide VB); 11-1 at Onamia, Mille Lacs Co. (MI); and on 11-7 in Itasca Co. (fide JB). A Great Gray Owl was at Cotton, St.

Louis Co. in October (D. Dewitt), and another was collected (why? in Wadena Co. on 11-23 (R. Oehlenschlager).

Ten Long-eared Owls were banded at Duluth from 9-10 to 10-21 (D. Evans). and birds were also found in Kanabec Co. on 10-8 (DB), in Grant Co. on 11-26 (KE). and in Nicollet Co. on 11-30 (GN). Short-eared Owls were recorded from 8-6 to 11-1 in St. Louis, Duluth, Wright, Sherburne and Marshall Cos. The rare Boreal Owl was extremely early on 11-9 at Sandstone, Pine Co. (B.

Tordoff). Northern Saw-whet Owls occurred at 4 locations: 5 were banded at Duluth from 10-4 to 10-8 (D.

Evans), and another was seen there on 10-17 (Jv.:MC); 1 at Boyd, Lac qui Parle Co. on 10-13 (OE); on 11-8 in Crow Wing Co. (TS); and at Ortonville, Big Stone Co. on 11-24 (D. Peterson).

Nighthawk and swift: A peak of 1000 Common Nighthawks was at Duluth on 8-13 (JG) and another group of 300 was in Rice Co. on 10-2

(G. Rysgaard). A late Chimney Swift was observed on 9-30 in Hennepin Co. (PF).

Woodpeckers: A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was late in leaving Duluth and remained from 11-16 to 12-1 (K. Sundquist). Black-backed 3-toed Woodpeckers were noted 3 times in Duluth on 10-17 (D.

Scheer), on 10-28 (K. Sundquist) and on 11-9 (MMC). They were also seen in Wadena Co. on 11-17 (R. Oehlenschlager), on 10-22 in Itasca Co.

(A. Bolduc), and on 11-2 in Washington Co. (fide EC). One Northern American Three-toed Woodpecker was at Hibbing, St. Louis Co. on 11-15 (H. Micensky).

Flycatchers: A late Eastern Kingbird was in Cook Co. on 10-14 (fide JG). Western Kingbirds were seen in Lac qui Parle, Cottonwood, and Anoka Cos. from 8-11 to 8-19 where they are expected, but birds in Cook Co. on 9-1 (JJ) and in Lake Co. on 9-2 (MMC) were unusual. A late Eastern Phoebe was in Sherburne Co. on 10-28 (SR).

Swallows: Late Tree Swallows were seen in WrightCo. on 10-22 (ES) and in Nicollet Co. on 10-23 (GN), while a peak of 1000 was recorded on 10-1 in Washington Co. (EC). A late Bank Swallow was in Lyon Co. on 10-8 (HKl. and a late Barn Swallow was in Pope Co. on 10-29 (RJ).

Corvids: A peak of 250 Blue Jays was counted in Duluth on 8-28 (MMC). The invasion of Blackbilled Magpies this season was unprecedented, to say the least. Over 230 individual were recorded from 8-27 into December throughout the state. In the north where magpies are regular in small numbers in fall and winter, the following totals occurred: Cook (15), Lake (3), St. Louis (34) Aitkin (4,) Crow Wing (2), Beltrami (1), Clearwater 15), Marshall (48), Becker (4), Clay (2), and Grant (1) Cos. In addition, on 10-21 on a day's drive through Beltrami, Clearwater, Pennington, Red Lake, and Polk Cos. over 100 magpies were seen along roadsides (P. Anderson)! Magpies reached the southern half of the state at 7 locations: no date, Cannon Falls, Goodhue Co. (1) (fide C. Johnson); 10-22 to 11-18 Big Stone Co. (7) (D. Peterson); 1 in Lac qui Parle Co. on 10-28 (JS); 1 in LeSeuer Co. on 10-29 (H. Chamberlain); 2 in Carver Co. on 10-30 (fide KH); 1 in Cottonwood Co. on 11-7 (LF); and 1 on 11-23 at Sherburne NWR, Sherburne Co. (SR). A Common Raven was a-bit south of its normal range in Wadena Co. on 8-25 (R. Oehlenschlager), and a peak of 800 American Crows was in Sherburne Co. on 10-16 (SR). Clark's Nutcrackers also staged an impressive invasion. There are only a handful of previous records for the state, but this fall 6 birds turned up, with more appearinglater in winter: 1 on 11-7 at Squaw L., Itasca Co. (fide JB); one at St. John's University, Stearns Co. from 11-8 to 11-11 (N. Ford); another 2 birds were in Cook Co., one on 11-24 and 11-25 (Mrs. L.

Scherer), and the other at Grand Marais in Nov.

(L. Conway); many observers saw the bird at Christmas L., Hennepin Co. from 11-22 on; and finally in Nov. one was at Tracy, Lyon Co. (fide HK).

Boreal Chickadee, titmouse, Carolina Wren: The fourth species to invade the state this fall was the Boreal Chickedee. Birds began showing up south of the northern coniferous forests in Septemberand were almost widespread by December. Two were in Cook Co. on 11-18; 9 birds were observed in Duluth from 9-7 to 10-26; "many" were collected in Wadena Co. from 11-1 to 11-26; 6 were in Crow Wing Co. from 10-1 on; individuals were in Grant Co. on 11-24 and in Morrison Co. on 10-21.

Birds from the southern half of the state were: 4 from 11-1 to 11-20 at St. Joseph, Stearns Co. (MC, N. Ford); in Hennepin Co. at least 2 from 11-22 to 11-28 (DB. RR, EJ); 1 in St. Paul, Ramsey Co. on 9-30, 11-28 and 11-30 (JB, P. Fitzpatrick); 2 in Washington Co. on 9-30 in W hite Bear Lake (J.

Olyphant)) and on 11-15 in Forest Lake (WHL).

Two Tufted Titmouse were found dead on 9-28 at Virginia, St. Louis Co. (fide VB); the only other reports were from Hennepin Co. from 10-28 to 11-23. Carolina Wrens were at 2 locations in Hennepin Co.: most of Nov. at Minnetonka (B. Rydell), and on 10-22 and 11-7 in Minneapolis (fide RJ).

Thrasher and thrushes: A late Brown Thrasher was in Hennepin Co. on 11-18 (ES), and another was in Ramsey Co. from 11-18 to 11-23 (JJ). Six Varied Thrush were reported from Clearwater Co.: 1 in Bagley on 11-25 and 5 in Gonvick on 11-28 (R. Davids). wood Thrush were reported onlyfrom Hennepin Co. on 9-6 and 9-11 (VL) and from Cot.tonwood Co. on 10-31 (LF).

Pipits, Bohemian Waxwiing, shrikes: American Pipits were reported from 9-12 to 10-22 in Duluth (3), Wilkin (6), Mille Lacs (at lea·st 8), Pope (1) and Hennepin (1) Cos. A Sprague's Pipit was at Felton, Clay Co. on the late date of 10-9 (EJ). Bohemian Waxwings were recorded in good numbers from 11-7 to 11-30: Cook (20), Crow Wing (50). Cass (115), Beltrami (150), Mille Lacs and Yellow Medicine Cos. There were no less than 22 Northern Shrike reports from 10-9 on, but Loggerhead Shrikes were only found in Duluth and Clay Co.: from 10-15 to 10-18 in Duluth (JG, MMC) and in Clay Co. on 8-5 (KE), 8-20 (fide EA), and 10-31 (LCF).

Warblers: Several species turned up in southern

Minn. earlier than usual: Tennessee on 8-6 in Washington Co. (WHL), Blackpoll a·nd Pine in Wright Co. on 8-4 (ES), and Palm on 8-2 in Wabasha Co. (WDM). Mlany more species lingeredlater than usual: Black and White on 10-6 in Cottonwood Co. (LF), Orange-crowned on. 10-21 in Hennepin Co. (PF, KE), Nashville on 10-27 in Hennepin Co. (WKE), Parula from 10-27 to 11-8 in Cottonwood Co. (LF), Cape May on 10-20 in Crow Wing Co. (TS) and in Duluth on 10-8 (JG), Myrtles in Cook Co. on 11-11 and 11-13 (JG, JP), Palm on 10-23 in Cass Co. (HRH) and in Cook Co. on 11-9 (JP) Ovenbird on 10-19 in Duluth (E. Seelig), and Canada on 11-8 in Hennepin Co. (fide FN). The only Prothonota~y Warbler was in Anoka Co. on 8-22 (SC). A Brewster's hvbrid was identified on 9-5 in Hennepin Co. (WKE), and the only Bluewinged Warbler was in Lyon Co. on 9-10 (HK); this species is seldom reported away from southeast Minn. Black-throated Blue Warblers were seen. 4 times: In Duluth on 8-9 (KE), on 9-23 and 9-30 m Clay Co. (LCF), on 9-24 in Duluth (RR), and 2 were in Blue Earth Co. on 10-5 (GN). The onlyConnecticut Warblers were in Hennepin Co. on 8-14 {WKE) and in Wright Co. on 9-9 (ES). lcterods: The only reoort of a Bobolink was from Dakota Co. on 8-1 (BH). A late Western Meadowlark was in Lyon Co. on 12-3 (HK). The only Orchard Oriole was in Mille Lacs Co. on 8-10 (MI), and a late Baltiimore Oriole wa·s in RamseyCo. on 10-28 (fide EC).

Finches: Northern Cardinals seem to be spreading northward the past couple years, and this fall there were 3 reports from the north: 8-16 at Gonvick Clearwater Co. (R. Davids), 11-2 at L. Alice, Hub: bard Co. (D. Warner), 11-25 at Onamia, Mille Lacs Co. (MI). A Black-headed Grosbeak was reported at St. Paul. Ramsey Co. on 8-4 with the followiingdetails: "definite orangish underparts and the bill was large and conical... black wings with white patches" (BHl. Dickcissels were in Cottonwood Co. on 8-6 (LF). in Clay Co. on 8-7 (LCF), and in Lvon Co. on 8-25 (HK). A possible Graycrowned Rosy Finch was said to have been at a feeder on 10-28 onlv in Grand Rapids, Ita·sca Co.

The bird was identified as a female of the gray- headed race (?) and would be the fourth state record (G. Helmin). Common Redpolls were not as common this fall and winter, but Hoaries appea- red at 4 locations: 11-11 in Henneoin Co. (OJ), ll-12 in Lake Co. (FKS) and in Wadena Co. (R.

Oehlenschlagerl, and on 11-19 in Crow Wing Co. (TS). Red Crossbills were common and widespread throul!hout the state. Birds were found in no less than 19 counties as far south and west as

Nobles, Cottonwood, and Big Stone Cos. Two observers even noted them sitting on utility wires! White-winged Crossbills were not as common; the onlv reports were: 8-30 in Grant Co. (KE), 9-5 and 11-16 in Duluth (MMC), 10-20 in St. Louis Co. (JG), and 10-23 in Washington Co. (WHL). There were 6 Eastern Towhee reports from 8-16 to 10-14 in Anoka, Duluth, Hennepin, Crow Wing, and Olmsted Cos.

Sparrows: Grasshopper Sparrows were seen in Clay and Mahnomen Cos. on 8-5 (KE) and in Cook Co. on 10-5 to 10-7 (JP). Le Sonte's Sparrows were noted in 5 counties from 8-5 to 9-10: Duluth, Becker, Mahnomen, Lyon and Cottonwood Cos., and there were 2 Nelson's Sparrows in Nicollet Co. on 9-28 (GN) and Clay Co. on 10-9 (EJ). A late Vesper Sparrow on 10-31 was in Murray Co. (AD), and the only Lark Sparrow was seen in Duluth on 8-12 (MMiC). Dark-eyed Juncos were identified in Duluth, Hennepin, Clay and Nobles Cos. from 10-10 to 11-15. Fiv~ counties reported Field Soarrows, including 2 reports from Duluth on 9-17 (SC) and W-5 (D. Scheer). A peak of 100 Ha-rris' Sparrows was in Swift Co. on 10-29 (FN). A late White-crowned Sparrow was seen in Ramsey Co. on 11-14 to 11-18 (JJ) and another was in Sherburne Co. on 11-19 (SR). A White-throated Sparrow was also late in Itasca Co. on 11-23 and 11-24 (MS), as were Fox Sparrows in Morrison Co. on 11-4 and in Hennepin Co. on 11-7 (RJ, PF).

Longspurs: A peak of 1000 Lapland Longspurs was in northwest Grant Co. on 10-28, and among them were 2 Smith's Longpurs (KE). This is the second consecutive fall that they have been recorded in this area. 75-80 Chesnut-collared Longspurs were recorded in the area near Felton, Clay Co. on 8-4 (RJ).

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

Sandpipers
Short-billed Dowitcher
(Limnodromus griseus)
were in Duluth, Lyon. Grant, Clav. Wilkin and Douglas Cos., from 8-17 to 10-18. 
Long-billed Dowitcher
(Limnodromus scolopaceus)
were identified in Duluth, Lyon, Hennepin, Clay, Pope and Grant Cos.. the latest in Grant Co. on 11-5 (KE). 
Loons
Common Loon
(Gavia immer)
No information
Flycatchers
Western Kingbird
(Tyrannus verticalis)
were seen in Lac qui Parle, Cottonwood, and Anoka Cos. from 8-11 to 8-19 where they are expected, but birds in Cook Co. on 9-1 (JJ) and in Lake Co. on 9-2 (MMC) were unusual. 
Eastern Kingbird
(Tyrannus tyrannus)
A late Eastern Kingbird was in Cook Co. on 10-14 (fide JG). 
Eastern Phoebe
(Sayornis phoebe)
A late Eastern Phoebe was in Sherburne Co. on 10-28 (SR ).
Warblers
Ovenbird
(Seiurus aurocapilla)
on 10-19 in Duluth (E. Seelig). 
Blue-winged Warbler
(Vermivora cyanoptera)
was in Lyon Co. on 9-10 (HK); this species is seldom reported away from south-
Brewster's Warbler
(Vermivora chrysoptera X V. cyanoptera)
hybrid was identified on 9-5 in Hennepin Co. (WKE),
Black-and-white Warbler
(Mniotilta varia)
on 10-6 in Cottonwood Co. (LF),
Prothonotary Warbler
(Protonotaria citrea)
was in Anoka Co. on 8-22 (SC). 
Tennessee Warbler
(Leiothlypis peregrina)
on 8-6 in Washington Co. (WHL),
Orange-crowned Warbler
(Leiothlypis celata)
on 10-21 in Hennepin Co. (PF, KE),
Nashville Warbler
(Leiothlypis ruficapilla)
on 10-27 in Hennepin Co. (WKE),
Cape May Warbler
(Setophaga tigrina)
on 10-20 in Crow Wing Co. (TS ) and in Duluth on 10-8 (JG),
Northern Parula
(Setophaga americana)
from 10-27 to 11-8 in Cottonwood Co. (LF),
Blackpoll Warbler
(Setophaga striata)
in Wright Co. on 8-4 (ES),
Palm Warbler
(Setophaga palmarum)
on 10-23 in Cass Co. (HRH) and in Cook Co. on 11-9 (JP) 
Pine Warbler
(Setophaga pinus)
in Wright Co. on 8-4 (ES).
Yellow-rumped Warbler
(Setophaga coronata)
in Cook Co. on 11-11 and 11-13 (JG, JP),
Canada Warbler
(Cardellina canadensis)
on 11-8 in Hennepin Co. (fide FN).