The winter of 1986-87 was unique to those of us who have been around for 60 years or less. Never has there been such a winter since the 1920's. During the 1920's, Dr. Thomas S. Roberts mentioned a "winter" where fall faded into spring. This could certainly apply to the winter of 1986-87. For the first time in my memory, there was no snow accumulation that lasted more than a day or two throughout the period in all parts of the state except in the northeast. The northeast did experience somewhat of a winter with a foot or so of snow accumulation and a few below zero readings. It was a -27° at Isabella, Lake County in mid-December and a -45° at Warroad in late January, but these were only very short breaks in the above normal temperature pattern which was in evidence throughout the period.

In the Twin Cities area, December 1986 was 5.5° above normal with only 0.31" of precipatation. January 1987 was the third warmest January on record in the Twin Cities.

The lowest temperature occurred on January 23 when it was -14°. During the three month period there were only six days on which the temperature dipped below zero. The highest temperature for the period, 53~ occurred on February 7. In summary, during the three month period, December to February, the average temperature in the Twin Cities was just shy of 25°. Normal average is 15.7°. Since weather records began in the Twin Cities, the winter of 1986-87 was the fourth warmest; the three other warm winters were 1878 at 29.1°, 1931 at 26.SO and 1882 at 26.1°. One last statistic, from December 14, 1986 through the end of February, 1987 every day in the Twin Cities had above normal temperatures except January 16, 22, 23, 24 and 25! What affect did all of this have on the birds? Probably not as much as one would expect. A total of 145 species was recorded, which is about normal for a Minnesota winter.

The cold and snow in November drove many species southward that otherwise would have remained in the state. However, Canada Geese and American Kestrels remained in the state in record numbers. There were 13 reports of Great Blue Herons from December to early February, which is way above normal. There were 3,500 Tundra Swans on the Mississippi River in Wabasha County on December I.

Ring-necked Pheasant numbers continued to decline from previous years, but hopefully the mild winter conditions will insure more breeding stock for 1987. Gulls were well represented in Duluth with five species recorded during the period. Northern Hawk Owl reports were up from the last few years and there were Snowy Owl reports from 20 counties . Great Gray Owl reports were up from previous years. Boreal Owls started calling in Lake County on February 25. Bohemian Waxwings were present in good numbers with reports as far south as Redwood and Rice Counties. Northern Shrikes were widespread.

Winter finch numbers were about normal with no major invasion of any species; however, Pine Grosbeaks were scarce and the few birds in the state were only found in the far north.

Common Red polls were widespread and common throughout the north and central regions.

Evening Grosbeaks were common only in the north-central and northeast regions. Snow Bunting numbers were down sharply from last year.

Unusual records included a Western Grebe at Duluth on December 6, a Harlequin Duck wintering in Mower County, three reports of Wild Turkey Vultures for the state's first wintering records; an Iceland Gull in Minneapolis and at least three in Duluth, two Great Blackbacked Gulls in Duluth during most of the period. Gray Jay reports were way up from normal with a high of 154 at Isabella, Lake County. Carolina Wrens were in two southern counties. A Yellow-rumped (Audubon's race) Warbler was seen at a feeder in Carver County during most of the period. Brewer's Blackbirds wintered for the first time in the north. House Finches were at two Minneapolis feeders during most of the period.

The major effect of the mild conditions occurred late in the period with an influx of early spring migrants. Waterfowl, raptors, Loggerhead Shrikes, Eastern Bluebirds, American Robins and blackbirds were migrating into the state in mid to late February, which is anywhere from two to three weeks ahead of schedule.

It was a winter to remember for most birders . The big question remains, will we Min- nesotans know how to handle snow, ice and cold when next winter rolls around? (Note: L.Y. indicates last year).