Seasonal Report Archive for The Loon
The 1988-Winter Season
1 December 1988 through 28 February 1989
Kenneth J. La Fond

Gulls were the big news this season with an unprecedented eight species showing up in the Twin Cities area: at Lake Harriet, Black Dog Lake and on the Mississippi River in St.

Paul. Both Black-backeds, an Iceland and a Black-legged Kittiwake were among the visitors.

Also worthy of note was the second state record for the Brambling with one at an East Grand Forks feeder for much of the period. Northern owls invaded the northeast and north central regions with Kim Eckert tabulating over 100 Great Gray Owls (The Loon 61:115-117) and Steve Wilson documenting more than 100 dead Boreal Owls.

Most "normal" winter visitors were present in fewer numbers when compared with last year (hereafter, I.y.), and winter finch numbers were down substantially.

December started out warm with daytime temps in the 30s and 40s, with several cold spells in mid-month. January had about average temperatures initially with very cold weather on the lOth (45 below at Roseau). The month ended above normal but temperatures turned sharply colder in early February and then remained slightly below normal for the balance of the month. Snow cover was generally heavy in the north half, especially in the Red River Valley. In the south, however, the drought continued, especially in the west central and southwest regions, as snow cover varied from zero to four inches.

Sixty-one seasonal reports and 42 Christmas Bird Counts (hereafter CBCs), were received and resulted in a total of 144 species, about normal for the season.

To all of you who assisted, be you rank amateur or world class expert, a heartfelt "thank you," since it is your hard work that makes this report possible.

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
Snow Goose
(Anser caerulescens)
Reported on the Bloomington and Rochester CBCs.
Greater White-fronted Goose
(Anser albifrons)
One in Rochester during CBC week.
Canada Goose
(Branta canadensis)
Reported from four north and 24 south counties. This year's CBC total of 42,509 is slightly less than l.y.
Mute Swan
(Cygnus olor)
Three present at Lake Rebecca, Hennepin Co. between 12/24 and 1/21 m.ob.
Wood Duck
(Aix sponsa)
Reported on the Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Willmar, Minneapolis North, St. Paul NE, Afton and Owatonna CBCs. Eight overwintered in Nicollet JF.
Northern Shoveler
(Spatula clypeata)
Reported in Scott until 117 m.ob.
Gadwall
(Mareca strepera)
Overwintered in Scott with additional reports from Mower, Martin, Dakota and Lake 12/10 AB. 
American Wigeon
(Mareca americana)
December reports from Washington, Hennepin and Dakota. A January report from Carver l/29 AP and a February report from Nicollet 2/24 JCF.
Mallard
(Anas platyrhynchos)
Reported from 34 (41 l.y.) counties. Statewide CBC total of 13,354 (15,6921.y.).
American Black Duck
(Anas rubripes)
Overwintered in Cook and reported from 13 south counties. Statewide CBC total of 62 (105 l.y.).
Northern Pintail
(Anas acuta)
A December report from Ramsey 12/18 AB and two February reports from Dakota 2/30 DZ (4) and 2/23 JD.
Green-winged Teal
(Anas crecca)
One on the Rochester CBC.
Canvasback
(Aythya valisineria)
December reports from Dakota, Wabasha, Martin and the St. Paul and St. Paul NE CBC. One February report 2/19 RJ in Ramsey Co.
Redhead
(Aythya americana)
Cook Co. until 12/13 m.ob., the St. Paul CBC, Wabasha 2119 AB and Blue Earth 2/24 JCF.
Ring-necked Duck
(Aythya collaris)
Cook until 12/9 KMH and Dakota 1/5 AB and 117 DZ.
Greater Scaup
(Aythya marila)
Grand Marais and St. Paul CBCs and in Scott AB and 117 DZ.
Lesser Scaup
(Aythya affinis)
Reported on the St. Paul and Excelsior CBCs and in Anoka 12/8 KL and Wabasha 1217 WDM. January reports from Scott 1/5 AB and 1/31 ES. One February report, Ramsey 2119 RJ.
Harlequin Duck
(Histrionicus histrionicus)
One near the Lester River in Duluth 121171119 m.ob.
White-winged Scoter
(Melanitta deglandi)
One remained in Grand Marais until 12/17 m.ob.
Long-tailed Duck
(Clangula hyemalis)
Reported on the Grand Marais CBC (270).
Bufflehead
(Bucephala albeola)
Reported on the Grand Marais, Duluth, St. Paul NE and Bloomington CBCs. Also reported in Wabasha 12/2 and 12/28 WDM.
Common Goldeneye
(Bucephala clangula)
Reported from 21 counties, mostly in the east and central regions.
Hooded Merganser
(Lophodytes cucullatus)
One remained in Cook until 12/21 KMH. Reported near Ely, St. Louis Co. on the Shagawa River on 1/3 SWMS and 2/11 SS. Two possibly overwintered in Dakota m.ob. Also reported in Winona, Wabasha, Martin and Nicollet 2/24 JF.
Common Merganser
(Mergus merganser)
Reported from 13 counties (20 l.y.) including Wabasha 12/1 WDM (5,000) and 1/1 KL (600). Statewide CBC total of 177 (2,656 l.y.).
Red-breasted Merganser
(Mergus serrator)
Reported on the Bemidji and Duluth CBCs and in Cook, Hennepin and Dakota.
Ruddy Duck
(Oxyura jamaicensis)
Reported in Hennepin 12/2 BS and Dakota 12/5 DC.
New World Quail
Northern Bobwhite
(Colinus virginianus)
Reported during the Wabasha CBC week (wild?) and in Houston (EMF).
Partridge, Pheasants, Grouse, Turkeys
Ruffed Grouse
(Bonasa umbellus)
Reported from 23 counties in its normal range; CBC total of 141 (201 l.y.).
Spruce Grouse
(Canachites canadensis)
Reported from near the Brule River in Cook KMH and from numerous locations in Lake mainly along Co. Rd. 2, TH #1 and Forest Road 102 m.ob.
Sharp-tailed Grouse
(Tympanuchus phasianellus)
Reports from Kittson, Marshall, Lake of the Woods and Aitkin. Wild Thrkey Reported from Wabasha, Olmsted, Winona, Fillmore and Houston.
Greater Prairie-Chicken
(Tympanuchus cupido)
More reports than usual. Twenty-five on the Crookston CBC and reports from Norman, Clay, Wilkin, Otter Tail and Wadena.
Gray Partridge
(Perdix perdix)
Reported from 28 counties with a statewide CBC count of 282 (659 l.y.).
Ring-necked Pheasant
(Phasianus colchicus)
Reported from 40 counties in its range ( 49 l.y.), with a CBC total of 500 (620 l.y.).
Grebes
Pied-billed Grebe
(Podilymbus podiceps)
Reported in Rochester from 12/2 until 12/ 15, PP.
Horned Grebe
(Podiceps auritus)
Reported in Minneapolis on U /5 DC, IT.
Pigeons, Doves
Rock Pigeon
(Columba livia)
Recorded in 79 counties throughout the state and with a CBC total of 11,190 (17,698 l.y.).
Mourning Dove
(Zenaida macroura)
Recorded in 26 counties in all but the NW region. Statewide CBC total of420 (918l.y.).
Rails, Gallinules, Coots
American Coot
(Fulica americana)
Overwintered in Fergus Falls SDM and re ported in December from the Twin Cities and Rochester.
Sandpipers
Wilson's Snipe
(Gallinago delicata)
Reported at two locations in Hennepin 1/ 15-21 SC and on the St. Paul NE, St. Paul, Winona, La Crosse-La Crescent and Fillmore County CBCs.
Gulls, Terns
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE
(Rissa tridactyla)
One at Black Dog Lake, Dakota Co. 12/3 to 12/5 m.ob. (The Loon 61 :3-4,45-46).
Ring-billed Gull
(Larus delawarensis)
December migrants in Anoka 1217 KL, Blue Earth 12/2 JB, Wabasha 12/9 WDM, and on the Minneapolis North, St. Paul and Bloomington CBCs. Recorded in Dakota at Black Dog Lake until 117 DZ and again on 1/22 TT.
Herring Gull
(Larus argentatus)
Recorded on the Grand Marais, Duluth and St. Paul CBCs. Present throughout the period on Lake Superior. In the Twin Cities a high count of 2,500 in Hennepin 12/5 SC, and last recorded in Ramsey on 12/23 RJ. Farther south in Wabasha they remained until 12/24 WDM.
Iceland Gull
(Larus glaucoides)
Reported at Black Dog Lake, Dakota Co. on 12/5 KE, SC, and in Ramsey 12118 RG m.ob. (The Loon 61:48-49).
Lesser Black-backed Gull
(Larus fuscus)
Fifth state record at Black Dog Lake, Dakota Co., from 12/3 until 12/10 m.ob. (The Loon 61 :3-4,45). GREATER BLACK-BACKED GULL Recorded at Lake Harriet and Black Dog, Dakota Co., from 12/2 until12/8 m.ob. (The Loon 61 :3-4,39).
Glaucous Gull
(Larus hyperboreus)
North reports from Lake 12/10 AB and up to three in Duluth KE. Also present at several Twin Cities locations until 12/23 m.ob.
Loons
Common Loon
(Gavia immer)
December migrants in Douglas 1217 KH and Itasca 12/17-21 TS. Also reported from Stoney Point, St. Louis Co. on 12/10 AB, 111 DG and 1/22 AB.
Cormorants
Double-crested Cormorant
(Nannopterum auritum)
Reported on the Bloomington and Bemidji CBCs. Also reported in Cook Co. 12/10 AB, Lake 111 JL and Goodhue l/2 AB. Two individuals at Black Dog Lake, Dakota Co. remained throughout the winter.
Pelicans
American White Pelican
(Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
Two again overwintered in Albert Lea NH.
Bitterns, Herons, Egrets, Night-Herons
Great Blue Heron
(Ardea herodias)
Reported on the Bemidji, Fergus Falls, St. Paul and Afton CBCs and in Wright 12/3 DO and Mower l/30 RRK. Late in the period it was learned that up to 10 individuals had probably overwintered at Pig's Eye, Ramsey Co. fide RJ. Thndra Swan Late migrants in Roseau 12/5 KH, Wabasha 12/1 WDM (3,000), Houston 12115 EMF(30) and the Minneapolis North CBC. The increasing number of released and free flying Trumpeter Swans in the state indicates that care must be exercised when identifying out of range/date swans. The three flying over Sleepy Eye on 1/28 would more likely be Trumpeters. The two seen on the Mississippi River in Hastings, Dakota Co. in Dec. and
Kites, Accipiters, Hawks, Eagles
Golden Eagle
(Aquila chrysaetos)
Reported from ten counties in all but the NC Region. December reports include the Wabasha and La Crescent CBCs and Lincoln JG. The January reports are all in the west regions, Pope 1116 BH, Norman 1114 RJ,AP and Kittson 1/25, 26 TR. February reports from Nicollet 2119 JB, Wright 2112 AB, Pine 2/26 RJ and Lake 2119 SWMS.
Northern Harrier
(Circus hudsonius)
Reported on the Willmar and Cedar Creek Bog CBCs. Also reported in Wadena 2/8 DB, Dakota 112 AB, Goodhue 12118, 1115 AB and Rice 12/6 FKS.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
(Accipiter striatus)
Reported on the Grand Marais, Fergus Falls and nine additional central and south CBCs. A total of about 19 individuals (21 l.y.) including Aitkin 1/29 SC.
Cooper's Hawk
(Accipiter cooperii)
Reported on the Willmar, Faribault and Rochester CBCs. Also reported throughout the period in Dakota JD and in Ramsey on 2/24 DZ.
American Goshawk
(Accipiter atricapillus)
Reported from four north, four central and one south region county.
Bald Eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Reported from 37 (43 l.y.) counties in all but the SW region. Again overwintered in Duluth KE. Statewide CBC total of 115 (125 I.y.).
Red-shouldered Hawk
(Buteo lineatus)
Reported from five east central and SE region counties.
Red-tailed Hawk
(Buteo jamaicensis)
Reported from Cook and St. Louis in the NE and 28 additional central and south region counties. Most abundant along the Mississippi River in the SE region. Statewide CBC total of 252 (240 l.y.).
Rough-legged Hawk
(Buteo lagopus)
Much scarcer than last year with reports from only 17 counties, mostly in the east regions (39 l.y.). Statewide CBC total of 47 (195 l.y.).
Screech-Owls, Owls
Eastern Screech-Owl
(Megascops asio)
Reported from three central and five south region counties with a statewide CBC total of only 5 (II l.y.). •
Great Horned Owl
(Bubo virginianus)
Reported from 41 counties throughout the state (36 I.y.) with a statewide CBC total of 81 (116 l.y.).
Snowy Owl
(Bubo scandiacus)
Continues to be scarce. Only one all season in the Duluth area fide KE and only one Twin Cities report on the 12114 MRBA. Six additional reports, all from the western half of the state.
Northern Hawk Owl
(Surnia ulula)
Reports from Carlton 12/22 fide PB, St. Louis at Stoney Point 1116 DJ, Lake 2/1, 7 near Wilson Lake WH, Cook 12/2 WP and during the Grand Marais CBC week.
Barred Owl
(Strix varia)
Reports from 24 counties (19 l.y.) in all but the SW region with a total of about 45 individuals (33 l.y.).
Great Gray Owl
(Strix nebulosa)
An invasion year with reports of more than 100 individuals, primarily in the northeast and north central regions (The Loon 61 :115117) . Barred Owl, Winter 1988-89, White Bear Lake, Washington County. Photo by Jim Rupert. Fall 1989 131
Short-eared Owl
(Asio flammeus)
Recorded on the Cedar Creek Bog, Marshall and Rochester CBCs and in Cottonwood 1118-31 ED.
Boreal Owl
(Aegolius funereus)
Also an invasion year with 100 + individuals recorded, almost all were found dead from road kills or starvation, primarily in the northeast region. Also reported in Clay 12/5 LCT, Kanabec 12/31 JG and in Minneapolis 2/18 SC (The Loon 61 :85-87). \ ><'¥Northern Saw-whet Owl
Northern Saw-whet Owl
(Aegolius acadicus)
Reported on the Winona CBC. January reports from Brown 1127 JS, St. Louis 1115 DBe and Cook 2/29 WP. February reports from Wright 2/18 MBR, Cass 211 SWMS and Crow Wing 2/18 DE. Several of the February reports were of dead individuals.
Kingfishers
Belted Kingfisher
(Megaceryle alcyon)
Overwintered in Otter Tail and reported from 16 additional south and central region counties (same as l.y.). Statewide CBC total of 24 (36 l.y.).
Woodpeckers
Red-headed Woodpecker
(Melanerpes erythrocephalus)
Reported from 11 south and central region counties (13 l.y.). Statewide CBC total of 20 (36 l.y.).
Red-bellied Woodpecker
(Melanerpes carolinus)
Reported from 36 counties (34 I. y.) throughout the state. Statewide CBC count of 334 (383 l.y.).
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
(Sphyrapicus varius)
Reported in Rushford, Fillmore Co. on 2/ 10 AP, (The Loon 61 :41).
American Three-toed Woodpecker
(Picoides dorsalis)
Only report: 2/22, Lake of the Woods Co. MK.
Black-backed Woodpecker
(Picoides arcticus)
Reported on the Gunflint Trail North, Aurora and Beltrami Island CBCs. No other reports.
Downy Woodpecker
(Dryobates pubescens)
Reported from 62 counties (54 l.y.) throughout the state. Statewide CBC total of 1474 (1,782 l.y.).
Hairy Woodpecker
(Dryobates villosus)
Reported from 57 counties (56 l.y.) throughout the state with a CBC total of 934 (1,000 l.y.).
Northern Flicker
(Colaptes auratus)
Reported from 15 south counties (25 l.y) including a red-shafted race on the Lac Qm Parle CBC.
Pileated Woodpecker
(Dryocopus pileatus)
Reported from 48 counties (same as l.y.) throughout the state with a CBC total of 175 ( 151 l.y.).
Caracaras, Falcons
American Kestrel
(Falco sparverius)
Reported from 41 counties throughout the state (45 l.y.) including one that overwintered in Aitkin WN. Statewide CBC total of 118 (144 l.y.).
Merlin
(Falco columbarius)
Reported on the Baudette and Winona CBCs, Duluth 12/27-2/23 m.ob. and in Norman 1114 RJ.
Peregrine Falcon
(Falco peregrinus)
Reported in Duluth 1114 fide KE, downtown Minneapolis 12/2-2/20 m.ob., Olmsted 12/27 JB and Winona 1/7, 22 JD.
Prairie Falcon
(Falco mexicanus)
One in Hennepin near the International Airport 12/28-31 m.ob. (The Loon 61 :42-43) and in Moorhead, Clay Co. 12/25 SDM.
Flycatchers
Eastern Phoebe
(Sayornis phoebe)
No details were ever received regarding the individual reported along the Minnesota River at Black Dog Lake, Dakota Co. on 12/10 and on the 12114 MBR. (If information is available on this observation, please send information to the Editor).
Shrikes
Northern Shrike
(Lanius borealis)
Reported from 36 counties (43 l.y.) with a CBC total of 54 (same as I. y.).
Jays, Nutcrackers, Magpies, Crows
Canada Jay
(Perisoreus canadensis)
Reported from 11 counties in its normal range.
Blue Jay
(Cyanocitta cristata)
Reported from 79 counties throughout the state with a CBC total of3,789 (4,817l.y.).
Black-billed Magpie
(Pica hudsonia)
Reported from Wilkin 1129 SDM and eight counties in the northern regions including St. Louis, Sax-Zim 1114 TW and Hermantown 1124 fide KE.
American Crow
(Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Reported from 75 counties throughout the state including all winter in Koochiching GM. Statewide CBC total of 6,043 (6,124 l.y.). Common Rawn Reported from 15 north region counties and from Pine, Chisago and Isanti in the east central region. Statewide CBC total of 866 (727 l.y.).
Chickadees, Titmice
Black-capped Chickadee
(Poecile atricapillus)
Reported from 77 counties (66 l.y.) throughout the state with a statewide CBC total of 9,801 (10,216 l.y.).
Boreal Chickadee
(Poecile hudsonicus)
A statewide CBC total of 46 ( 40 1. y.) and reports from six northeast and north central region counties. Thfted Titmouse Observed at five different locations in Rochester JB throughout the period and one or two seen daily in Houston EMF.
Larks
Horned Lark
(Eremophila alpestris)
Early north migrants in Todd 1/16 PH. Also reported from 54 additional counties in all but the northeast region. Statewide CBC total of 354 (1,014 l.y.).
Kinglets
Golden-crowned Kinglet
(Regulus satrapa)
Much scarcer than last year with reports Odd-plumaged Black-capped Chickadee at feeder during Winter 1988-89, Castle Rock Township, Dakota County. Photo by Lois and Steve Kittleson. Fall 1989 133 from only St. Louis 1119, Hennepin 12/19 SC and on the Crosby and Cedar Creek CBCs.
Waxwings
Bohemian Waxwing
(Bombycilla garrulus)
Reported from 12 north, five central and one south region counties (251.y.). Statewide CBC total of 3,288 (4,620 l.y.), with 2,168 on the Duluth count.
Cedar Waxwing
(Bombycilla cedrorum)
Reported from 17 counties in all but the SW region (30 l.y.). Total CBC count of 643 (2,058 l.y.).
Nuthatches
Red-breasted Nuthatch
(Sitta canadensis)
Fewer reports than last year. Seen only in 18 counties (37 l.y.) with a statewide CBC count of 231 (672 l.y.).
White-breasted Nuthatch
(Sitta carolinensis)
Reported from 62 counties (same as l.y.) throughout the state. CBC total of 2,053 (2,600 l.y.).
Creepers
Brown Creeper
(Certhia americana)
Reported from 33 counties throughout the state with a total CBC count of 112 (202l.y.).
Wrens
Carolina Wren
(Thryothorus ludovicianus)
Reported from Anoka near the Highway 610 bridge, 2116-20 SC, m.ob. (See page 127 for photo of this bird and The Loon 60:188189) .
Winter Wren
(Troglodytes hiemalis)
Two reports: Hennepin, at the Bass Ponds 12/11 MBR and Houston at Beaver Creek Valley State Park on 2/18 FL.
Thrashers, Mockingbirds
Brown Thrasher
(Toxostoma rufum)
Reported in Aitkin 12/15-1128 WN, Anoka 12/30 MBR and Dakota 12/31 JD.
Northern Mockingbird
(Mimus polyglottos)
Reported on the Bemidji CBC. First seen and photographed on 12/4 ESm.
Starlings
European Starling
(Sturnus vulgaris)
Reported from 79 counties with a CBC total of 13,289 (16,445 l.y.).
Thrushes
Eastern Bluebird
(Sialia sialis)
Reported in Duluth on 12/20 TW.
Townsend's Solitaire
(Myadestes townsendi)
Reported in Duluth at Park Point 1/21, OtterTail in Dec. and Jan. SDM, Martin 2/21 RJ and in Fillmore 118 Spring Valley fideAP.
American Robin
(Turdus migratorius)
Reports from 20 counties (28 l.y.) throughout the state with a statewide CBC total of 52 (494 l.y.). This years reports were all of singles or small groups with no large flocks seen.
Varied Thrush
(Ixoreus naevius)
Reported on the Crosby and Owatonna CBCs and in Lake 1211-16 SS, Duluth 1217 KE, Beltrami 1118-22 fide KH, Hennepin 1/ 28 MBR, Washington, two locations 12/14 MBR and Minneiska, Winona February fide RJ.
Old World Sparrows
House Sparrow
(Passer domesticus)
Reported from 81 counties.
Finches
BRAMBLING
(Fringilla montifringilla)
One at an East Grand Forks, Polk Co. feeder until early April m.ob. Second state record (The Loon 61:56-58).
Evening Grosbeak
(Coccothraustes vespertinus)
Reported from 13 north region and one central region counties (30 l.y.) with a CBC total of 59 (1,729 I.y.).
Pine Grosbeak
(Pinicola enucleator)
Reported from ten north central and northeast region counties. Statewide CBC total of 568 (1,621 l.y.).
House Finch
(Haemorhous mexicanus)
Reports increasing. Otter Tail 12118-1/15 SDM, Hennepin 1/16-26 (max. 29, m.ob.) Ramsey 1/19 AB and on the St. Paul (24 during CBC week), Faribault and Rochester CBCs.
Purple Finch
(Haemorhous purpureus)
Fewer than last year with reports from only 24 counties ( 45 I. y.) and a CBC total of 343 (829 l.y.).
Common Redpoll
(Acanthis flammea)
Reported from 30 counties throughout the state (38 l.y.) with a statewide CBC total of 1216 (3527 I.y.).
Hoary Redpoll
(Acanthis hornemanni)
Reported on the Baudette and Crosby CBCs and in Koochiching 2114 KL, 2112AB, Cook, late Feb. KMH and at two Duluth feeders in mid Feb. fide KE.
Red Crossbill
(Loxia curvirostra)
Reported in Cook, Lake, St. Louis, Aitkin and on the St. Paul NE and Marshall CBCs.
White-winged Crossbill
(Loxia leucoptera)
Reported on the Grand Marais, Aurora, Hibbing and Duluth (221) CBCs. Also reported in Hennepin 12/23 DB, Rice 12/25 FKS and Cottonwood at a Mountain Lake feeder in February fide ED.
Pine Siskin
(Spinus pinus)
Fewer than last year with reports from 24 counties (54 l.y.) throughout the state. CBC total of 586 (4,933 I.y.).
American Goldfinch
(Spinus tristis)
Reported from 34 counties (52 l.y.) with a CBC total of 2,440 (3,166 l.y.).
Longspurs and Snow Buntings
Lapland Longspur
(Calcarius lapponicus)
North reports from Polk and Norman, 1114 RJ and Aitkin 12/31, 1/22 WN. Also reported from 13 central and south region counties.
Snow Bunting
(Plectrophenax nivalis)
Reported from 51 counties (45 l.y.), with a CBC total of 6,236 (5,494 l.y.). meadowlark, sp. One December report from Sherburne Co.
Towhees, Sparrows
Field Sparrow
(Spizella pusilla)
One in Willmar from 12/25 until 2/10 RS and in Houston 12/17 RJ.
Fox Sparrow
(Passerella iliaca)
One remained at a Duluth feeder until 12/ 29 fide KE.
American Tree Sparrow
(Spizelloides arborea)
Reported from 33 counties (361.y.). in the central and south regions. Statewide CBC total of 2,504 (5,656 l.y.).
Dark-eyed Junco
(Junco hyemalis)
Reported from 45 counties (51 l.y.) throughout the state with a CBC total of 3,066 (8,161 l.y.).
Harris's Sparrow
(Zonotrichia querula)
One until late January in Otter Tail SDM and in Martin 12/4 AB. Yellow-romped Warbler, 8 January to 23 January 1989, Dellwood, Washington County. Photo by Pastor Colon.
White-throated Sparrow
(Zonotrichia albicollis)
Overwintered in Hennepin SC and Houston EMF. Reported in Red Lake 2/13 KL and until February in Duluth. Also reported on the Grand Marais, St. Paul NE, Mankato, Owatonna, Rochester and Winona CBCs.
Vesper Sparrow
(Pooecetes gramineus)
One at Black Dog Lake, Dakota Co. on 12/5 SC.
Song Sparrow
(Melospiza melodia)
Reported on the Duluth, St. Paul, Bloomington and Rochester CBCs and in Dakota, Jackson, Martin, Mower and Houston.
Lincoln's Sparrow
(Melospiza lincolnii)
One in Martin 12/4 AB.
Swamp Sparrow
(Melospiza georgiana)
Reported in Martin 12/4 AB and at the Bass Ponds in Hennepin 12/17-24 TT and 1/23 SC.
Eastern Towhee
(Pipilo erythrophthalmus)
Reported in Mille Lacs from 2/2 to the end of the period WN, Bloomington 2/15 MBR and all winter near New Prague, Le Sueur Co. fide RJ.
Blackbirds, Orioles
Baltimore Oriole
(Icterus galbula)
Reported on the Winona CBC.
Red-winged Blackbird
(Agelaius phoeniceus)
Reported from Kittson and Lake of the Woods in the north and 15 south counties. Statewide CBC total of 272 (150 l.y.).
Brown-headed Cowbird
(Molothrus ater)
Reported on the Bloomington, Faribault, Rochester, Winona, and La Crosse-La Crescent CBCs.
Rusty Blackbird
(Euphagus carolinus)
Reported from seven counties in all but the NW region.
Common Grackle
(Quiscalus quiscula)
Reported from 27 counties throughout the state (29 l.y.).
Warblers
Yellow-rumped Warbler
(Setophaga coronata)
Reported in Otter Tail 12/4 SDM. Washington 118-23 PC, Martin 12/4 AB and on the Marshall CBC.
Tanagers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks
Northern Cardinal
(Cardinalis cardinalis)
Reported from six north, 14 central and 18 south region counties (32 I. y.). Statewide CBC total of 1794 (1,933 l.y.).