Spring 1993 recapitulated that of 1992, as cool temperatures once again persisted into the “summer” months. The season began with cold temperatures, continuing the late–February pattern noted in the winter summary (The Loon 65:116–118). By the third week, persistent fog helped bring temperatures above normal, especially in northeastern Minnesota, where it was seven to ten degrees warmer than usual during the last week in March. Several major winter storms tracked just south of Minnesota, so that March, usually our “snowiest” month, was relatively dry; however, some of these storms brushed the southern tier of counties with six to ten inches of snow. April temperatures were closer to normal but still on the cool side, especially in the North toward the month. April rain showers added to the burden of melting snow in southern Minnesota, which delayed crop planting and set the stage for severe flooding, especially along the Minnesota river. During April and May, rainfall in southwestern and southeastern Minnesota was nearly twice normal in some areas. Temperatures in May continued slightly cooler than normal across the state, especially during the third week.

Impressively hardy was the American Bittern arriving in Becker County by 29 March, the earliest ever for northern Minnesota. Numbers of “southern” herons were modest compared to the previous spring, although southern Minnesota experienced one its best ever migration of Cattle Egrets. The cold temperatures in the early part of the season retarded the opening of frozen lakes and many observers perceived a late waterfowl migration. Geese (other than Canadas) apparently shifted their migration to the west, as Snow Geese were extremely scarce and only one sizable flock of White-fronts was reported. On the other hand, several rare ducks were found, including at least three Cinnamon Teal, a drake Eurasian Wigeon in Wright County, and a second state record Garganey in Jackson County.

Yellow Rails were detected in several widely scattered locations; most unexpected were the two birds seen and heard in a wet pasture (dairy cows included) near Grand Marais! Shorebird migration was poor for the third spring in a row, despite good habitat in the flooded fields of southern and western Minnesota. Several species appeared late and in low numbers. One exception was four records of Red Knot (total of eight birds) which compares to only two records the previous spring and no records during all of 1991.

Casual larids were recorded briefly in Houston and Anoka counties, but neither could be located on subsequent days. Reports of Long-eared and Short-eared Owls were down. Passerine migration was relatively late through April, then picked up with the arrival of a brief warm spell in early May. Mockingbirds appeared as far north as Agassiz NWR while Loggerhead Shrikes were not significantly different from the previous spring's numbers. One of this season's White-eyed Vireos was presumably the same individual returning to the campground near Reno, Houston County, for the third straight year. There is still much to learn about site fidelity of breeding and wintering species, not to mention the return of a migrant species or rare vagrant.

Warbler migration peaked later than usual in southern Minnesota (mob) and extended through 28 May in the Twin Cities, about one week late (Steve Carlson, pers. com.). Prairie Warbler was finally documented by specimen when a bird was found on a farm in Pope County. Two early May records of Worm-eating Warbler fit the general pattern of occurrence in the state, but three substantiated records of Kentucky Warbler (with more to follow in June) and at least five records of Hooded Warbler away from its breeding area in Scott County, were unexpected. Only one Yellow-breasted Chat was reported, as this species continues its marginal existence as a Regular member of the state's avifauna. More ominous was the complete absence of Henslow's Sparrow from O. L. Kipp State Park, Winona Co., for the second year in a row. Definitively recorded and photographed for the first time in Minnesota, a Great-tailed Grackle (also ominous?) in Rice County.

Additional insights and new questions can be found within the species accounts, which are dependent as always upon the contributions of nearly 100 dedicated observers. I would also like to acknowledge seemingly endless hours of effort by the team of seasonal report writers who are listed at the beginning of each report.