Seasonal Report Archive for The Loon
The 1985-Winter Season
1 December 1985 through 28 February 1986
Kenneth J. La Fond

This years total of 128 species is well below the 140 plus usually recorded and seems to reflect what, at the time, seemed to be a particularly long, cold and birdless winter. Once; however, the data from the 65 seasonal reports and 38 Christmas bird counts (CBCs) was compiled a clearer picture emerged.

Winter birds were well represented with the Northern Shrike, Snow Bunting and Common Redpoll having perhaps their best year ever. Both grosbeaks were widespread and present in above average numbers, particularly in the south. Crossbills were down sharply from last year's invasion but theremaining winter finches were about normal.

Water birds were scarce with fewer lingering migrants or overwintering individuals; raptors were down slightly and the Gryfalcon failed to appear in Duluth for the first time in seven years. Northern woodpeckers were present in above average numbers but there were no significant rarities recorded. Perhaps the most unusual record was the Pine Warbler in Mower County.

Extreme cold and heavy snow occurred early in the period with low temps of -27° in International Falls and -20 in Duluth during early December. December remained relatively cold until late in the month. January temperatures were mostly near normal and February was mostly near or above normal with little significant snow.

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
Greater White-fronted Goose
(Anser albifrons)
Two reports; Hennepin County, 111 (2) (AB) and the Rochester CBC.
Canada Goose
(Branta canadensis)
Peak counts of 23,500 on the Rochester CBC, 7500 on the Lac qui Parle CBC and 2500 on the Fergus Falls CBC. One individual was recorded on the Grand Marais CBC. A NW region report of an injured individual in Norman County on 112 (BK). Also reported from nine central and eight south region counties. Numbers down from last year and only one report of possible late February migrants, Cottonwood, 2/22 (RBJ).
Wood Duck
(Aix sponsa)
Reported on the Faribault, Willmar and Mpls. North CBCs. A Ramsey County report on 12/16 (DS).
Blue-winged Teal
(Spatula discors)
One reported without details on the Mountain Lake-Windom CBC.
Northern Shoveler
(Spatula clypeata)
One reported with Mallards in a Golden Valley yard, Hennepin County on 2/22 (MRBA). No additional details received.
Gadwall
(Mareca strepera)
Reported only at their usual wintering location at the Mill Pond in Scott County. The Excelsior CBC count was 30 (91 L.y.).
Mallard
(Anas platyrhynchos)
Reported from 36 counties in all regions except the SW. A statewide CBC count 11,902 (12,258 L.y.) with a peak of 3819 on the Mpls. North Count. Unusual north region reports from Marshall12/30 (ANWR) and northern Lake County, 1120 (l)(SS).
American Black Duck
(Anas rubripes)
Reported from 12 counties in the NE, EC and SE regions. Single individuals on the Mankato and Fergus Falls CBCs. A statewide CBC count of 73 (1 00 last year; hereinafter abbreviated L.y.) with a peak of 21 on the Afton CBC.
Northern Pintail
(Anas acuta)
Reported in Scott County until12/ 12 (StS).
Green-winged Teal
(Anas crecca)
Reported in Scott (Blue Lake), until 1112 (mob) and in Rochester on 1118 (JB).
Canvasback
(Aythya valisineria)
One reported at Blue Lake, Scott County until mid January (mob) and an additional report of a possible early migrant in Wabasha on 2/26 (DWM).
Redhead
(Aythya americana)
Reported on the Fergus Falls and Excelsior CBCs. Reports of from two to six individuals at Blue Lake, Scott County until late January (mob).
Ring-necked Duck
(Aythya collaris)
Reported only on the Willmar and Cedar Creek CBCs.
Lesser Scaup
(Aythya affinis)
Reported on the Fergus Falls, Excelsior and Rochester CBCs. Scott County reports continued until 2/9 (MRBA) and in Rochester they were reported until 1/18 (JB).
Long-tailed Duck
(Clangula hyemalis)
Reported on the Grand Marais CBC and additional Cook County reports on 1115 (15) (KMH) and 2110 (20) (BDC).
Bufflehead
(Bucephala albeola)
Reported from Cedar Island Lake in Northern St. Louis County until 115 (SS) and on the La Crosse CBC.
Common Goldeneye
(Bucephala clangula)
Reported from 19 counties in the eastern and central regions with a peak count of 1500 at Black Dog on 12112 (MRBA). Also reported on the Fergus Falls CBC in the WC region.
Hooded Merganser
(Lophodytes cucullatus)
Reported on the Bemidji, Excelsior and Rochester CBCs. Black Dog reports until 2/9 (mob). Also reported in Ramsey 12/ 11 and Winona 12/26 (KL).
Common Merganser
(Mergus merganser)
Reported from eight eastern region counties, principally from Lake Superior and the Twin Cities area southeastward. Also reported on the Fergus Falls CBC and again in Otter Tail County on 2/26.
Red-breasted Merganser
(Mergus serrator)
Reported on the Duluth (5) and Hastings (3) CBCs. Also reported in Cook on 1/28 (KMH) and 2/9 (BDC), St. Louis 1/20 (DZ) and Dakota 1/14 (BDC).
New World Quail
Northern Bobwhite
(Colinus virginianus)
Reported in Houston (EMF) and a probable escapee on the Mountain Lake-Windom CBC.
Partridge, Pheasants, Grouse, Turkeys
Wild Turkey
(Meleagris gallopavo)
Reported only in Houston, up to 25 (mob).
Ruffed Grouse
(Bonasa umbellus)
Reported from 20 counties in the northern and eastern regions. A statewide CBC count of 54 (74 L.y).
Spruce Grouse
(Canachites canadensis)
A report from northern St. Louis County on 111 (KB)andLakeCountyreportson 1/31, five individuals four miles south of the Kawishi River (SWMS) and up to eight along County Road 2 on 1/8 and 1111, fide (KE).
Sharp-tailed Grouse
(Tympanuchus phasianellus)
Six on the Crookston CBC and reports from Marshall, Koochiching, Aitkin and St. Louis.
Greater Prairie-Chicken
(Tympanuchus cupido)
Reported only in Wilkin (SDM).
Gray Partridge
(Perdix perdix)
A statewide CBC count of 406 (129 L.y.) with reports from 34 counties (20 L.y.) in the south and west regions.
Ring-necked Pheasant
(Phasianus colchicus)
Reported from 44 counties south of a line from Fargo to Duluth. This year's CBC total of 390 is up from last years count of 208 but still well below the 1472 recorded two years ago.
Grebes
Pied-billed Grebe
(Podilymbus podiceps)
One at Black Dog, Dakota County on 12/8, (ES), only report.
Pigeons, Doves
Rock Pigeon
(Columba livia)
Reported from 78 counties with a statewide CBC count of 11,385 (17,360 L.y.).
Mourning Dove
(Zenaida macroura)
Reported from 19 counties south of a Duluth-Fergus Falls line. A statewide CBC count of 103 (200 L.y.).
Rails, Gallinules, Coots
Virginia Rail
(Rallus limicola)
Reported on 1-19 near the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge in Bloomington for the state's sixth winter record (TI).
American Coot
(Fulica americana)
The only report was of one individual on the Fergus Falls CBC.
Plovers
Killdeer
(Charadrius vociferus)
A possible early migrant in Houston, 2-23 (KL).
Sandpipers
Wilson's Snipe
(Gallinago delicata)
Two on the St. Paul northeastern CBC and additional reports from Hennepin, Dakota, Winona, Houston and Mower Counties.
Gulls, Terns
Ring-billed Gull
(Larus delawarensis)
Reported without details from Mower on 112 (JM).
Herring Gull
(Larus argentatus)
The only non-Lake Superior report was from Dakota, 17 on 12/8 (TI). Along the Lake they overwintered in Grand Marais but were quite scarce by late February. In Duluth most left by early December with the last on 119 (KE).
Glaucous Gull
(Larus hyperboreus)
Reported in Cook on 12/2 (KMH) and 12/6 (KL). Also reported at Black Dog, Dakota County on 12/8 (TI).
Loons
Common Loon
(Gavia immer)
Reported only on the Rochester CBC.
Cormorants
Double-crested Cormorant
(Nannopterum auritum)
Two reports; one at Black Dog on 12/7 (IT) and one overwintered at Silver Lake, Olmsted County (mob). Fall1986 117
Pelicans
American White Pelican
(Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
Lingering migrant in Albert Lea, Freeborn County on 12/8 (RG).
Bitterns, Herons, Egrets, Night-Herons
Great Blue Heron
(Ardea herodias)
Reported at Grey Cloud Island, Washington County until mid January (TBB); Black Dog, Dakota County until12/22 (mob) and Houston, 1217 (FL).
Kites, Accipiters, Hawks, Eagles
Golden Eagle
(Aquila chrysaetos)
Reported in Todd, 2115 (KL), Houston 12/ 21 tilll/26 (EMf)andontheWabashaCBC.
Northern Harrier
(Circus hudsonius)
Reported on the Excelsior, Mountain Lake (count week) and Rochester (count week) CBCs. An additional Olmsted County report from 1/23 (AMP).
Sharp-shinned Hawk
(Accipiter striatus)
About 20 individuals (22 L.y.) were reported, primarily from east and central regions. North reports from the Duluth and Hibbing CBCs and Aitkin, 2/22 (WN). West region reports from Otter Tail 12/28 (SDM) and Chippewa, until 1/15 (RGJ).
American Goshawk
(Accipiter atricapillus)
The reports of about 31 individuals from 22 counties are almost identical with last year's reports. The southwest region reports this year were from Yell ow Medicine and Redwood, both on Ill (KL).
Bald Eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Reported from 21 counties (25 L.y.) with a statewide CBC count of 49. Nine were reported along the Minnesota River Valley on the 1/15 MRBA. Numerous reports along the Mississippi River southeast of the Twin Cities. Early migrants(?) in St. Louis 1119, (B. Hojnacki) and Pine 1/31, (M. Stensaas). Reported in Houston as follows: 1/3, in nest tree, 2/9, two adults at nest, 3/2, incubating (FL).
Red-shouldered Hawk
(Buteo lineatus)
Reported on the Bloomington and St. Paul northeastern CBCs. January and February reports from Anoka, Washington, Wabasha, Winona and Houston Counties.
Red-tailed Hawk
(Buteo jamaicensis)
About 120 individuals (160 L.y.) were reported from 24 counties south and east of a line from Duluth to Rock County. A statewide CBC count of 101 with a peak of 20 on the La Cosse count. Two again overwintered in the Duluth Harbor. Fall1986
Rough-legged Hawk
(Buteo lagopus)
Reports of about 22 individuals (98 L.y.) from ten east region, four central region and two west region counties.
Screech-Owls, Owls
Eastern Screech-Owl
(Megascops asio)
About 16 individuals (14 L.y.) reported from Crow Wing 2/ 8 (mob) in the north and ten central and south region counties.
Great Horned Owl
(Bubo virginianus)
About 105 individuals (140 L.y.) reported from 42 counties throughout the state. A peak of 18 on the St. Paul northeast count and a statewide CBC total of 80 (106 L.y.).
Snowy Owl
(Bubo scandiacus)
About six to seven in the Duluth Harbor area in mid-January. Also reported from six north, eight central and two south region counties with a total season count of about 27 (21 L.y.).
Northern Hawk Owl
(Surnia ulula)
No additional details were received on a 1/23 MRBA report of one picked up dead along a highway in Wadena County.
Barred Owl
(Strix varia)
Reports from 13 east, nine central and two west region counties total about 45 individuals (43 L.y.). A statewide CBC total of 28 ( 43 L. y.). with a peak of 10 at Rochester.
Great Gray Owl
(Strix nebulosa)
Reported in Crow Wing 2/8 (WN), Aitkin 1/19 (MRBA), Carlton 2/6 (RBJ) (RG) and 2/8 (KE) and Lake 1/8 (KE).
Long-eared Owl
(Asio otus)
Two early December reports; May Township, Washington County on 12/2, W. Keeler and Mower, 12/8 (JM).
Short-eared Owl
(Asio flammeus)
Reported in Clearwater on 1/4, M. Mason and Lyon, 12/7 (HK). Eastern Screech-Owl, Deerwood, Crow Wing County, February 8, 1986. Photo by Warren Nelson.
Boreal Owl
(Aegolius funereus)
One reported near Bearskin Lodge, Cook County on 2/16, D. Baden. No additional details were received on a 2/26 (MRBA) report of one at Lutsen, Cook Co.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
(Aegolius acadicus)
Repoted on the Warren, Duluth and Rochester CBCs. December reports from Hennepin and Houston. February reports from Houston and Pine, Sandstone 2/9 (mob). In Duluth two were found dead in January and live individuals were recorded at Park Point on 1129 and at Leif Erickson Park on 2/9, fide (KE).
Kingfishers
Belted Kingfisher
(Megaceryle alcyon)
Reported from nine Twin Cities and south region counties. A statewide CBC count of 8 (16 L.y.).
Woodpeckers
Red-headed Woodpecker
(Melanerpes erythrocephalus)
Reported from four central and nine south region counties. A statewide CBC count of 37 (32 L.y.). Fall1986
Red-bellied Woodpecker
(Melanerpes carolinus)
Reported from Cass and Crow Wing in the north and ten central and 16 south region counties. A statewide CBC count of 336 (311 L.y.) with the high count 72 (same as last year) at Rochester.
American Three-toed Woodpecker
(Picoides dorsalis)
Reported on the Beltrami Island, Crosby, Isabella and Gunflint Trail north CBCs. Additional north reports from St. Louis and Cook Counties and a central region report from Isanti, 2/5 (RG) for a total of at least 15 individuals during the period. American Three-toed Woodpecker, Cuyuna, Crow Wing County, February 16, 1986. Photo by Warren Nelson. Black-backed VVoodpecker Reported on the Beltrami Island, Duluth, Isabella, Gunflint Trail North and Grand Marais CBCs. Central region reports from Chisago 2/3 (RG) and Kanabec 2/9, (RBJ) (RG). Additional north reports from Crow Wing, Aitkin, Carlton and northern St. Louis for a total of about 25 individuals.
Downy Woodpecker
(Dryobates pubescens)
Reported from 58 counties throughout the state. A peak count of 151 on the St. Paul northeast CBC and a statewide total of 1407 (1716 L.y.).
Hairy Woodpecker
(Dryobates villosus)
Reported from 57 counties throughout the state. A statewide CBC total of 895 (927 L. y.) with a peak of 95 on the St. Paul northeastern count.
Caracaras, Falcons
American Kestrel
(Falco sparverius)
About 60 individuals (95 L.y) reported from 38 counties in all but the northcentral region. The northeastern region reports were again at Duluth, 112 (DRBA) and 217 (BDC). A statewide CBC total of 34 with a peak count of six at Rochester.
Merlin
(Falco columbarius)
Reported on the Duluth and St. Paul northeastern CBCs. An additional Duluth report on 1/22 (mob) and reports from Marshall1217 (ANWR), Wadena, 2/8 (RBJ) and Brown, one found dead in New Ulm in early January, fide (JS).
Peregrine Falcon
(Falco peregrinus)
One overwintered in the Duluth Harbor (mob). A Dakota report 111 (VL) needs de tails.
Prairie Falcon
(Falco mexicanus)
Again overwintered in Wilkin and reports from Clay on 12/ 22 and 2/1 (LCF) and Cottonwood 1128 and 2/8, E. Duerkson.
Shrikes
Northern Shrike
(Lanius borealis)
A major invasion year with reports of over 150 individuals from 61 counties throughout the state including 18 south region counties. A first county record for Lincoln, 115, 1. Gislason. Statewide CBC count of 91 (28 L. y.) with high counts of 15 at Rochester and 11 at Duluth.
Jays, Nutcrackers, Magpies, Crows
Canada Jay
(Perisoreus canadensis)
Two out of range reports, Kittson County 12/9 (MRBA) and Ramsey, a feeder on Hodgson Road until 12/21 (RG). Also reported from 12 counties in its usual range in the northeast and north central regions. A statewide CBC count of 151 (129 L.y.) with a peak of 42 at Isabella.
Blue Jay
(Cyanocitta cristata)
Reported from 74 counties throughout the state. Peak of 980 on the St. Paul northeast count and a statewide total of 5594 (3584 L.y.).
Black-billed Magpie
(Pica hudsonia)
Reported on the Crookston, Warren, Baudette and Beltrami Island CBCs. Also reported in Roseau, Beltrami, St. Louis, and Clay. A statewide CBC total of 36 (27 L. y.).
American Crow
(Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Reported from 75 counties throughout the state. Over-wintered in Grand Marais (KMH) and 14 were recorded on the Baudette CBC. A statewide CBC count of4 793 ( 4869 L. y.).
Common Raven
(Corvus corax)
Reported in 14 north region counties and Pine, Kanabec, and Chisago in the east central region. A statewide CBC count of 586 (739 L.c.).
Chickadees, Titmice
Black-capped Chickadee
(Poecile atricapillus)
Widespread and common. Reported from 83 counties throughout the state. A statewide CBC count of 10,725 (9268 L.y.) with high counts of 1371 at Duluth and 1311 on the St. Paul northeast count.
Boreal Chickadee
(Poecile hudsonicus)
Reported on the Hibbing, Isabella, Grand Marais and Gunflint Trail North CBCs. Also reported in Aitkin and Pine, 1/18 (RG).
Tufted Titmouse
(Baeolophus bicolor)
Three on the Rochester CBC, and reports from Houston throughout the period. (EMF). Fall1986
Larks
Horned Lark
(Eremophila alpestris)
Reported from 61 counties (42 L.y.) throughout the state. Numerous north central region reports of migrants in late Febraury and a Duluth report on 1-4, J, McKearnan. A statewide CBC count of 551 (906 L. y.), with a peak of 289 on the Mountain LakeWindom count.
Kinglets
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
(Corthylio calendula)
Reported in Lyon (HK).
Golden-crowned Kinglet
(Regulus satrapa)
Reported in Aitkin, Lyon, Brown and the Rochester CBC.
Waxwings
Bohemian Waxwing
(Bombycilla garrulus)
Reported from 11 north, 15 central and three south region counties. The south reports were of one with a flock of Cedars in Yellow Medicine 111 (KL) and Cottonwood 1111, E. Duerkson, and Freeborn, 2/23 (MRBA). Peak CBC count of 347 at Duluth and a statewide total of 1386 ( 1417 L. y.).
Cedar Waxwing
(Bombycilla cedrorum)
Reported from two north, 14 central and ten south counties. A statewide CBC total of 726 (607 L.y.).
Nuthatches
Red-breasted Nuthatch
(Sitta canadensis)
Reported from two west, 12 central and 15 east region counties. A statewide CBC count of 358 (441 L.y.) with a peak of 77 at La Crosse.
White-breasted Nuthatch
(Sitta carolinensis)
Reported from 67 counties throughout the state with a total CBC count of 1885 (2088 L.y.).
Creepers
Brown Creeper
(Certhia americana)
Reported from 27 counties in all but the northwest region. A statewide CBC count of 54 (86 L.y.).
Wrens
Winter Wren
(Troglodytes hiemalis)
Reported in Houston on 111 (FL) and during the Faribault count week period.
Thrashers, Mockingbirds
Brown Thrasher
(Toxostoma rufum)
Feeder reports from Duluth 12/31, L. Haw ley, White Bear Lake, Ramsey Co. 2/17 (MRBA) and the Hart's feeder in Lake County. This individual remained until 1/25 and was then brought inside for the remainder of the winter, fide (SWMS), southeast reports from the Austin and Rochester CBCs.
Starlings
European Starling
(Sturnus vulgaris)
Reported from 81 counties throughout the state with a CBC total of9516 ( 12,757 L.y.).
Thrushes
Eastern Bluebird
(Sialia sialis)
Reported in the Mankato area until 1/29 (mob).
Hermit Thrush
(Catharus guttatus)
Reported in Washington, 1/31 (RG), Mower, 1/1 (RG) (AMP) and Houston 12/6 (EMF).
American Robin
(Turdus migratorius)
Reported from 25 counties throughout the state. A statewide CBC count of53 (73 L.y.).
Varied Thrush
(Ixoreus naevius)
One in Kittson County at a feeder in Kennedy, 12/9 (MRBA), a Duluth feeder from 12/10 through February, fide (KE) and in Washington 1/31 (RG). Northern Mockingird Reported only in Lake, 2/18 (LW).
Old World Sparrows
House Sparrow
(Passer domesticus)
Reported from 84 counties throughout the state. No reports from Lake, Carlton and Hubbard. Statewide CBC total of 31,562 (34,188 L.y. ).
Finches
Evening Grosbeak
(Coccothraustes vespertinus)
Scarce in Cook and Lake but abundant through the north central region. Usually uncommon but widespread in the central and south regions. Reported from 55 counties throughout the state with a total of 2934 (781 L.y.) and a high count of 601 at Crosby.
Pine Grosbeak
(Pinicola enucleator)
Reported from 17 north, 13 central and three south region counties. Widespread and common in the northern regions and more than normal in the central regions. The south reports were from Cottonwood for the second year in a row, 1/11 (LF), Waseca 2/13 (RG) and the Rochester CBC. Statewide CBC count of 1319 (462 L.y.) with high counts of 226 at Ely and 223 at Hibbing.
Purple Finch
(Haemorhous purpureus)
Reported from 40 counties throughout the state and a statewide CBC count of 574 (367 L.y.).
Common Redpoll
(Acanthis flammea)
Common and widespread with reports from 56 counties throughout the state and a total statewide CBC count of 4624 (1460 L.y.).
Hoary Redpoll
(Acanthis hornemanni)
Reported from eight north region counties, Isanti 1/11 (KL) in the central and Olmsted 1/18 (AMP) in the southeast. Statewide CBC count of 11 (45 L.y.). Fall1986
Red Crossbill
(Loxia curvirostra)
The statewide CBC total of 18 compared to last year's 314 tells the story-no invasion this year. Reported only from three northeast, two east central and two southeast region counties.
White-winged Crossbill
(Loxia leucoptera)
Reported only on the Warren, Hibbing, Duluth and Faribault CBCs with a total count of 9 (1003 L.y.).
Pine Siskin
(Spinus pinus)
Down somewhat from last year with reports from 39 counties (58 L.y.) and a statewide CBC total of 1202 (1846 L.y.).
American Goldfinch
(Spinus tristis)
Also down slightly with reports from 41 counties throughout and a statewide CBC total of 2881 (3346 L. y.). High count of 653 at Rochester.
Longspurs and Snow Buntings
Lapland Longspur
(Calcarius lapponicus)
Reported from five northwest region counties including January reports in Kittson, 11 23, 25 (KL) and Marshall, 75 on 1123 (KL). Also reported from eight additional south and west region counties.
Snow Bunting
(Plectrophenax nivalis)
An invasion year. Reported from 58 counties throughout the state including an amazing total of 11,161 on the Baudette CBC. The statewide CBC total excluding Baudette was 6309 (2482 L. y.).
Towhees, Sparrows
Field Sparrow
(Spizella pusilla)
One at a Rochester feeder from 12/10 until 12/30 (AMP).
Fox Sparrow
(Passerella iliaca)
Reported only on the Faribault CBC.
American Tree Sparrow
(Spizelloides arborea)
Reported from 15 central and 19 south region counties. Statewide CBC count of 2635 (2791 L.y.).
Dark-eyed Junco
(Junco hyemalis)
Reported from 47 counties throughout the state. A statewide CBC count of 4024 (4381 L. y.) with a high count of 887 (899 L. y.) at Rochester.
White-crowned Sparrow
(Zonotrichia leucophrys)
Two reports: Dakota 12113 (JPAM) and Cottonwood, all winter at a Mountain Lake feeder (LF).
Harris's Sparrow
(Zonotrichia querula)
Two northwest region reports: Pennington until2/10 fide (KSS) and Norman, one caught by a shrike, 12/5 (BK). Also reported from Lac qui Parle and Washington plus five south region counties.
White-throated Sparrow
(Zonotrichia albicollis)
Reported on the Grand Marais and Rochester CBCs. Reported in Clay from 12/2 until 12/8 (LCF) and in Rice, 12/6 (FKS).
Song Sparrow
(Melospiza melodia)
North reports from the Duluth and Isabella CBCs. Also reported from Hennepin, Washington, Dakota, Olmsted and Mower Counties.
Eastern Towhee
(Pipilo erythrophthalmus)
Reported in Olmsted, 211, fide (JB).
Blackbirds, Orioles
Red-winged Blackbird
(Agelaius phoeniceus)
Reported from two north, seven central and nine south region counties. A statewide CBC count of 163 (7016 L.y.). Meadowlark (sp-?) Two reports: Marshall CBC and Houston, 12/8 (EMF).
Brown-headed Cowbird
(Molothrus ater)
Reported in Hennepin, Dakota and Le Sueur Counties and on the Mountain Lake Windom, Mankato, Owatonna, Austin and Rochester CBCs. CBC total of 16 (31 L.y.).
Rusty Blackbird
(Euphagus carolinus)
Reported on the Fergus Falls, Marshall, Lamberton, Mankato, Owatonna and Afton CBCs. Also reported in Hennepin on 12/5 (SC) and 12/28 (TI). ·
Common Grackle
(Quiscalus quiscula)
Reported from six north, I 0 central and 20 south region counties. Statewide CBC count of 101 (215 L.y.).
Warblers
Pine Warbler
(Setophaga pinus)
One in Hennepin, 116 MRBA and one seen (mob) in Austin, Mower County until 2114.
Tanagers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks
Northern Cardinal
(Cardinalis cardinalis)
One at a Kittson County feeder, 12/9 MRBA and in Duluth 12114, J. Newman. Also reported from 13 central and 18 south region counties. A statewide CBC count of 1534 (1100 L.y.) with a high count of 341 at Rochester.