Seasonal Report Archive for The Loon
The 2012-Summer Season
1 June through 31 July 2012
Ann E. Kessen and Peder H. Svingen

As usual, a wide selection of waterfowl was found throughout the state during the season. There were several American Black Duck sightings from unusually far south, in Grant, Rice, and Stearns. There were also noteworthy sightings of Greater Scaup in Hubbard and Roseau. A Bufflehead with five ducklings on Hurricane Lake provided the first evidence of breeding in Cottonwood. Another unexpected waterfowl sighting was a female Common Goldeneye at Prairie Island, Goodhue, in the middle of June. Common Mergansers bred in Sherburne.

A pair of Ruffed Grouse in White Woods C.P. provided a first county record for Freeborn. Up to eight Red-throated Loons were found in St. Louis on Lake Superior in June. Also in St. Louis was an unexpected Eared Grebe. A Least Bittern was found in the BWCA in mid-June, and a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was found near the Old Cedar Avenue bridge in Hennepin in July. Two Red-shouldered Hawks in Kittson were an unusual discovery.

Common Gallinules added Dakota and Swift to the list of counties in which they've been found breeding. Solitary Sandpipers nested in Lake of the Woods, providing just the third breeding record for the state. A feeder in La Prairie, Itasca, enjoyed a week-long visit from a White-winged Dove in June. Most unexpected were mid-June Snowy Owl sightings in Clay and Norman. Also unanticipated was a Northern Hawk Owl found in Toivola in St. Louis. A late-July occurrence of a Prairie Falcon east of Park Rapids provided a first county record for Hubbard. EasternEastern Whip-poor-will reports were up slightly, which was good news.

Acadian Flycatchers surprised observers when individuals were seen and heard in Kittson and Otter Tail. A Blue-headed Vireo was found unusually far south, in Anoka, at the end of June. A Carolina Wren in the Two Harbors Cemetery in Lake was a July surprise. Sprague's Pipit delighted many observers with a three-week stay at the Felton Prairie in Clay in June.

The number of Hooded Warbler territories in Murphy-Hanrehan P.R. (Dakota and Scott) was lower than usual, but the species turned up in Hennepin, Morrison, and Washington. Well outside of its normal range in the state, Cerulean Warbler was found in Pine (where it was a first county record) and Lyon. Another new county record was provided by a Lark Sparrow in Todd. A Lark Bunting was photographed in Jackson in mid-June. Henslow's Sparrows were relatively abundant, and provided a first county record for Lake. Nelson's Sparrow was recorded for the first time in Crow Wing.

A Blue Grosbeak was a surprise in Clay, but more unexpected was a Lazuli Bunting visiting in Ramsey. The species of the summer had to be the Dickcissel, which was found everywhere (except Cook). Also having a good year was the Bobolink, for which fourteen new counties were added to the breeding list. Eastern Meadowlarks were found for the first time in Pipestone. Great-tailed Grackles were reported as usual from the southwestern part of the state, with no evidence that their Minnesota range is expanding much beyond that area. Four Red Crossbills were unexpected in Dakota in mid-July.

Weather Summary: This season brought Minnesota its ninth and tenth consecutive months of above average temperatures. In June, temperatures were 2 to 4 degrees (F) above average, while in July they were 4 to 7 degrees above average. July was, in fact, the second warmest month in the modern climate record. June and July were relatively dry months in the state except for two exceptional events: on 14 June a storm dropped 4 to 6 inches of rain in the East-central region, and on 19–20 June the Northeast region received 6 to 10 inches overnight. Both events caused major flooding.

Undocumented or insufficiently documented reports of Regular species: Long-billed Dowitcher 7/15 Carver, 7/17 Kittson (early dates, normally arrives in August); Philadelphia Vireo 6/21 Roseau, 7/10 Kittson (both out of range and identified by voice only); American Pipit 6/18 Cass (Hackensack W.T.P., normally not present in summer); Prothonotary Warbler 7/2 St. Louis (out of range); Black-throated Blue Warbler 6/25 Kittson (out of range); Yellow-rumped Warbler 6/2 Sibley, 7/8, 7/12 Fillmore (all out of range); Lincoln's Sparrow 6/21 Cottonwood, 7/21, 7/23 Redwood (all of these out of range); Purple Finch 6/10 Olmsted (out of range).

Maps: A map is included for each species having at least one confirmed breeding record during 2012 (not necessarily just in summer). A county is colored black to show confirmed breeding, medium gray for probable breeding, and light gray for a summer observation. Those species with no breeding data have no map.

Acknowledgements: Thanks to all who submitted summer season reports and breeding records. Your data make this report possible. Special thanks to Steve Stucker and the Minnesota DNR for providing Minnesota Biological Survey data. This report is improved by the addition of eBird and Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas data. Thanks also to Anthony Hertzel, Jim Lind, and Jeanie Joppru for providing transcripts of weekly birding reports, to Paul Budde for compiling early and late dates, to Bob Janssen and Peder Svingen for maintaining a list of county and seasonal occurrence records, and to Dave Cahlander for his work on the online seasonal report. Anthony Hertzel and Dave Cahlander produced the maps used in this report.

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

N S

Information

Whistling-Ducks, Geese, Swans, Ducks
Snow Goose
(Anser caerulescens)
22 Observed 6/1 Lac qui Parle †BJU, 6/9 Traverse DLP, 6/10 Stearns JLO, 6/15 Norman HHD.
Greater White-fronted Goose
(Anser albifrons)
22 Found 6/8 Cottonwood RBa, 6/12, 6/13, 6/15 Norman (2) RAE, HHD, 6/17 Scott PEJ, 6/22 Red Lake RBW.
Canada Goose
(Branta canadensis)
3353
Reported from every county except Traverse.
Mute Swan
(Cygnus olor)
14 Seen 6/2 Dakota (Farmington) GHo, 6/23 Grant (2, Pelican Lake) MiG, 7/6–7 McLeod CRM, PRH, m.ob., 7/7–25 Sibley (Gaylord W.T.P.) DWK, SBM, m.ob., 7/13 Goodhue (Prairie Island) GJM. Whether or not any of these records represent wild birds is unknown.
Trumpeter Swan
(Cygnus buccinator)
2930
Reported throughout state. First county breeding records for Kittson fide BBA, Morrison fide BBA, Wabasha (August record) JWH, Washington KMo.
Tundra Swan
(Cygnus columbianus)
2 Reported 6/1 Lake of the Woods RAE, 6/3 Lake of the Woods (16, Brown's Lake) MHK, 6/9 Grant (Ash Lake) PCC.
Wood Duck
(Aix sponsa)
3252
Found in all counties except Cook, Traverse, and Mower.
Blue-winged Teal
(Spatula discors)
2845
Found in all regions of state. First county breeding record from Watonwan AnK.
Northern Shoveler
(Spatula clypeata)
2323
Observed in all regions.
Gadwall
(Mareca strepera)
1513
Observed in western and central regions, plus St. Louis and Hennepin.
American Wigeon
(Mareca americana)
54 Seen in Aitkin, Big Stone, Hennepin, Itasca, Lac qui Parle, Lake of the Woods, Pennington, Roseau, Sherburne.
Mallard
(Anas platyrhynchos)
3453
Seen in all counties. High count 7/28 Hennepin (400, Bass Ponds, Minnesota Valley N.W.R.) SHF. First county breeding record from Faribault DAB.
American Black Duck
(Anas rubripes)
112
Reported from all northern regions plus 6/9 Grant (Ash Lake) PCC, 6/12 Rice DAT, JHl, 7/27 Stearns (Willow Creek Pond) MJB.
Northern Pintail
(Anas acuta)
87
Reported from all western regions plus Lake of the Woods, St. Louis, Sherburne.
Green-winged Teal
(Anas crecca)
2014
Found in all regions except Southeast.
Canvasback
(Aythya valisineria)
135
Seen in all western regions plus Clearwater and Hubbard. High count 6/10 Douglas (25, Jennie Lake) SBM.
Redhead
(Aythya americana)
1420
Observed in all regions except Southeast. First county breeding records for Cottonwood RPR, Norman DBM.
Ring-necked Duck
(Aythya collaris)
2914
Found in all regions except East-central and Southeast. First county breeding records for Meeker DPG, Stevens DPG.
Greater Scaup
(Aythya marila)
3 Reported 6/2 Roseau RAE, 6/4 St. Louis ANy, 6/22 Hubbard CRM, GLa, LS.
Lesser Scaup
(Aythya affinis)
119
Seen in all regions except Northeast and Southeast.
Bufflehead
(Bucephala albeola)
52
Observed in Cass, Cottonwood, Grant, Itasca, Lac qui Parle, Marshall, Roseau. First county breeding record from Cottonwood (hen with brood of 5 ducklings on Hurricane Lake) ph. RBa.
Common Goldeneye
(Bucephala clangula)
131
Seen in all northern regions plus 6/13 Goodhue (Prairie Island, one female observed in the southern-most backwater bay of North Lake) GJM.
Hooded Merganser
(Lophodytes cucullatus)
2936
Reported throughout state. First county breeding records for Jackson JSc, Murray SWe, Watonwan JSc.
Common Merganser
(Mergus merganser)
163
Observed north and east of a line from Becker to Douglas to Dakota. First county breeding record from Sherburne PMJ.
Red-breasted Merganser
(Mergus serrator)
5 Found in Cass, Cook, Itasca, Lake, St. Louis.
Ruddy Duck
(Oxyura jamaicensis)
1428
Found in all regions.
Partridge, Pheasants, Grouse, Turkeys
Wild Turkey
(Meleagris gallopavo)
2244
Reported from all regions of state. First county breeding records for Murray SWe, St. Louis MSc, Waseca PCo, Wilkin CCa.
Ruffed Grouse
(Bonasa umbellus)
257
Found in all regions except Southwest. New county record: 7/7 Freeborn (2, White Woods C.P., male and female flushed from trailside) BBu.
Spruce Grouse
(Canachites canadensis)
3
Reported 6/2, 6/17, 6/26 Lake of the Woods MHK, GMM, BWa, 6/16, 6/19 Lake NLM, 7/5 St. Louis NLM.
Sharp-tailed Grouse
(Tympanuchus phasianellus)
71
Observed in Aitkin, Kittson, Lac qui Parle, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Polk, Roseau, St. Louis.
Greater Prairie-Chicken
(Tympanuchus cupido)
51
Seen in Clay, Lac qui Parle (released birds), Norman, Polk, Red Lake, Wilkin.
Gray Partridge
(Perdix perdix)
610
Observed in scattered locations in all regions except Northeast.
Ring-necked Pheasant
(Phasianus colchicus)
2153
Reported from all regions of state. First county breeding records for Mahnomen DBM, Wadena PJB.
Grebes
Pied-billed Grebe
(Podilymbus podiceps)
2643
Seen throughout state. High count 7/30 Marshall (33, impoundment near Warren) HHu. First county breeding records for Kanabec DPG, Red Lake fide BBA.
Horned Grebe
(Podiceps auritus)
21 Found 6/2 Sherburne (Rush Lake) SMC, 6/2, 6/5, 6/22, 6/29, 7/3, 7/8 St. Louis (2, Lake Superior) JLK, ANy, ph. PHS, 6/10 Douglas (Jennie Lake) SBM. The mid-summer records from Lake Superior almost certainly represent non-breeding birds.
Red-necked Grebe
(Podiceps grisegena)
2212
Found in all regions except South-central and Southeast.
Eared Grebe
(Podiceps nigricollis)
75
Observed in scattered locations west of a line from Lake of the Woods to Sibley, plus 6/12–17 St. Louis AEK.
Western Grebe
(Aechmophorus occidentalis)
77
Observed in all western regions plus Meeker, Sherburne, Sibley, Todd.
Clark's Grebe
(Aechmophorus clarkii)
No summer reports. One August breeding record from Douglas, possibly involving hybridization with Western Grebe †AXH. Please see Fall report.
Pigeons, Doves
Rock Pigeon
(Columba livia)
3353
Seen in all counties except Traverse.
Eurasian Collared-Dove
(Streptopelia decaocto)
1037
Found in all regions except Northeast. High count 7/30 Lyon (15, Cottonwood Lake) GWe. First county breeding record from Fillmore (April record) DBM.
White-winged Dove
(Zenaida asiatica)
1 Observed 6/17–22 Itasca (feeder in La Prairie) ph. SC, m.ob.
Mourning Dove
(Zenaida macroura)
3453
Found in every county in state. First county breeding record from Renville JoS.
Cuckoos
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
(Coccyzus americanus)
1122
Reported from all regions except Northeast.
Black-billed Cuckoo
(Coccyzus erythropthalmus)
2819
Observed in all regions of state, but mostly north. First county breeding record from Pennington fide BBA.
Nightjars
Common Nighthawk
(Chordeiles minor)
1337
Observed in all regions of state. First county breeding record from Washington (August record) SLi.
Eastern Whip-poor-will
(Antrostomus vociferus)
136
Reported from all regions except West-central and South-central. High counts 6/23 Kittson (20) LW, 6/3 Anoka (10, Bunker Hills R.P.) MDu.
Swifts
Chimney Swift
(Chaetura pelagica)
3149
Seen in all but seven counties.
Hummingbirds
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
(Archilochus colubris)
3144
Seen throughout state. First county breeding record from Morrison MRN.
Rails, Gallinules, Coots
Virginia Rail
(Rallus limicola)
1322
Found in all regions of state.
Sora
(Porzana carolina)
2026
Reported throughout state.
Common Gallinule
(Gallinula galeata)
6
Observed in Blue Earth, Dakota, Sherburne, Sibley, Wabasha, Winona. First county breeding records for Dakota (7 or 8 young) SWe, Swift (1 young, September record) DBM.
American Coot
(Fulica americana)
1340
Seen in all regions except Northeast.
Yellow Rail
(Coturnicops noveboracensis)
3 Reported from usual Aitkin locations, plus 6/2 Cass (Swamp Lake) DWK, SBM, 6/21, 7/7 Becker (Hellikson Prairie W.P.A.) DBM.
Cranes
Sandhill Crane
(Antigone canadensis)
3227
Found in all regions except Southwest. First county breeding record from Meeker fide BBA.
Stilts, Avocets
American Avocet
(Recurvirostra americana)
43 Found in Carver, Faribault, Grant, Lac qui Parle, Pennington, Polk, Roseau.
Plovers
Black-bellied Plover
(Pluvialis squatarola)
2 Northbound migrants 6/6 St. Louis (Duluth, Park Point) DBr, 6/9 Traverse DLP.
American Golden-Plover
(Pluvialis dominica)
1 Northbound migrant 6/8 Big Stone DLP.
Killdeer
(Charadrius vociferus)
3353
Reported from every county except Carlton. First county breeding records for Clearwater fide BBA, Dodge CHa, Red Lake fide BBA.
Semipalmated Plover
(Charadrius semipalmatus)
811 Found in scattered location in all regions except Northeast and East-central. Northbound migrants: late south 6/11 Nobles SC and Wright RAE; late north 6/12 Becker and Clearwater RAE. Southbound migrants: early north 7/17 Kittson TBr; early south 7/7 Lyon GWe, 7/9 Lac qui Parle BJU.
Piping Plover
(Charadrius melodus)
1
Observed 6/4 Lake of the Woods (nest with four eggs) KVH, 6/28 BLe, BWa., ph. ErR.
Sandpipers
Upland Sandpiper
(Bartramia longicauda)
1220
Reported from all regions, but mainly the western half of the state. First county breeding records for Cottonwood fide BBA, Martin (May record) ChH, Pipestone SWe, Watonwan fide BBA, Yellow Medicine PME.
Whimbrel
(Numenius phaeopus)
1 Two reports from St. Louis (on or near Hearding Island, Duluth: 6/2 (25) ph. AM, 6/5 (2) ANy.
Hudsonian Godwit
(Limosa haemastica)
2 All reports: 6/1 Lake of the Woods RAE, 6/2 Roseau RAE.
Marbled Godwit
(Limosa fedoa)
143
Found in Northwest and West-central, plus Clearwater, Lake of the Woods, Stearns. All counts ? 20 birds.
Ruddy Turnstone
(Arenaria interpres)
21 All northbound migrants: 6/1 Cook (Grand Marais) RBJ, Lac qui Parle (Cory Lake.) BJU, 6/4, 6/6 St. Louis (Duluth) ANy, DBr. All southbound migrants: 7/24, 7/26 (Salt Lake.) BJU, PLJ.
Stilt Sandpiper
(Calidris himantopus)
1014 Found in all regions except Northeast. Northbound migrants: late south 6/11 Carver JCy; late north 6/9 Grant PCC, Traverse DLP. Southbound migrants: early north 6/28 Kittson (1) TBr, 7/12 Aitkin RAE; early south 7/8 Meeker MJB. High count 7/28 Grant (365, including 292 at Ash Lake.) PCC.
Sanderling
(Calidris alba)
27 Seen in Aitkin, Carver, Jackson, Lac qui Parle, Renville, St. Louis, Sibley, Stearns, Swift. Northbound migrants: late south 6/3 Carver JCy; late north 6/4 St. Louis ANy. Southbound migrants: early north 7/13 Aitkin DBM; early south 7/16 Sibley JCy.
Dunlin
(Calidris alpina)
53 Northbound migrants: late south 6/3 Carver KDS; late north 6/11 Becker (8) PaT, PrT. Mid-summer reports 7/8 Nicollet (1) RAE, 7/13 Aitkin MJB, cannot be satisfactorily classified (The Loon 74:65–82). Only southbound migrant 7/26 Lac qui Parle PLJ.
Baird's Sandpiper
(Calidris bairdii)
616 Seen in scattered locations in all regions of state. Northbound migrants: late south 6/2 Murray SC; late north 6/2 Pine DBM. Southbound migrants: early north 7/12 Aitkin CRM; early south 7/4, 7/5 Carver JCy.
Least Sandpiper
(Calidris minutilla)
1433 Observed in all regions of state. Northbound migrants (no reports between 6/15 and 6/25): late south 6/10, 6/15 Blue Earth (1) ChH; late north 6/12, 6/15 Becker RAE, HHD. Southbound migrants: early north 6/25 Red Lake RAE, 6/30 Lake ACr; early south 6/25 Watonwan AnK. High count and first juvenile 7/9 Carver (326) JCy.
White-rumped Sandpiper
(Calidris fuscicollis)
1011 Found in scattered locations in all regions except Northeast. Northbound migrants: late south 6/11 Nobles SC and Sibley RAE, 6/15 Blue Earth ChH; late north 6/15, 6/16 Becker HHD, HSt, 6/23 Traverse DLP. Three mid-July reports from Aitkin County had no details.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
(Calidris subruficollis)
35 Fall migrants observed in Brown, Cass, Dakota, Grant, Lac qui Parle, Pipestone, St. Louis, Wright. Early north 7/25 Cass RMD, RBW. Early south 7/24 Dakota ALw, SVo, Pipestone BJU. High count 7/24 Dakota (30, Jirik Sod Farm) ALw.
Pectoral Sandpiper
(Calidris melanotos)
1335 Reported throughout state. Northbound migrants: late south 6/11 Sibley RAE; late north 6/14 Polk ANy, 6/15 Becker HHD. Southbound migrants: early north 7/12 Aitkin RAE, CRM; early south 7/4 Carver JCy. High count 7/28 Grant (1,842, includes 1,770 at Ash Lake.) PCC.
Semipalmated Sandpiper
(Calidris pusilla)
1525 Reported from throughout state. Northbound migrants: late south 6/15 Blue Earth ChH; late north 6/15 Becker HHD. Southbound migrants (no reports between 6/15 and 6/27): early north 6/28 Kittson (4) TBr, 6/30 Lake (2) ACr; early south 6/27 Sibley (5) SBM, 7/5 Carver (1) JCy. High count 7/28 Grant (1,203, includes 921 in Lawrence Twp. at Denton Slough) PCC.
Short-billed Dowitcher
(Limnodromus griseus)
314 Observed in scattered locations south of a line from Otter Tail to Aitkin. Southbound migrants: early north 7/12 Aitkin RAE, CRM; early south 7/1, 7/3, 7/5 Carver JCy, 7/6 Sibley DWK. High count 7/14 Carver (33) JCy.
Long-billed Dowitcher
(Limnodromus scolopaceus)
22 Fall migrants are exceptional before late July / early August (The Loon 74:65–82). Documentation including description of calls is requested for all summer reports. Southbound migrants: early north 7/28 Grant PCC; early south 7/25 Lac qui Parle DLP. Also see undocumented reports.
Limnodromus dowitcher
(Limnodromus sp.)
1 Observed 7/22 Carver (34) JCy.
American Woodcock
(Scolopax minor)
158
Seen in all regions except Southeast. First county breeding record from Morrison fide BBA.
Wilson's Snipe
(Gallinago delicata)
3015
Reported from all regions except Southeast. First county breeding record from Koochiching fide BBA.
Spotted Sandpiper
(Actitis macularius)
3141
Seen throughout state. First county breeding records for Fillmore ShK, Otter Tail CCa, Pennington fide BBA, Pipestone SWe.
Solitary Sandpiper
(Tringa solitaria)
1532
Observed in all regions of state. First county breeding records for Lake of the Woods MCBS. Northbound migrants: late south 6/8 Stearns RPR; late north 6/12 St. Louis (Duluth) AM. Southbound migrants: early north 6/30 Wilkin KRo; early south 7/1 Carver (6) JCy. High count 7/12 Roseau (25, Nereson W.M.A.) RCa.
Lesser Yellowlegs
(Tringa flavipes)
1834 Reported from all regions of state. Northbound migrants: late south 6/9 Carver JCy and Wright PEB; late north 6/12, 6/16 Becker RAE, HSt. Southbound migrants: early north 6/21 Norman DBM, 6/25 Red Lake RAE; early south 6/21 Swift DLP, 6/22, 6/25 Lac qui Parle DLP, BJU. High count 7/28 Grant (996, includes 938 at Ash Lake) PCC.
Willet
(Tringa semipalmata)
43 Seen 6/5, 6/25 Lac qui Parle BJU, 6/6 St. Louis DBr, 7/1 Red Lake ANy, 7/5 Carver JCy, Grant MCBS, 7/13 Aitkin DBM, 7/28 Renville JCC. Dates scattered throughout the summer are typical of this species and directional classification is vexed (The Loon 74:65–82); all of these July dates are best classified as southbound migrants.
Greater Yellowlegs
(Tringa melanoleuca)
1317 Reported from all regions of state. All northbound migrants: 6/2 Kittson TBr and Pine DBM. Southbound migrants: early north 6/22 Hubbard CRM et al., 6/23 Norman RBW; early south 6/26 Carver JCy, 6/27 Sibley SBM. No significant counts.
Wilson's Phalarope
(Phalaropus tricolor)
1215
Found in all regions except Northeast and East-central. High count 7/25 Lac qui Parle (71, Salt Lake) PLJ. First county breeding record from Stearns MRN.
Red-necked Phalarope
(Phalaropus lobatus)
41 All reports: northbound migrants 6/1 Koochiching RAE, Lac qui Parle (Cory Lake) BJU, 6/2 Kittson (11, Hallock) ph. TrB, Roseau RAE; southbound migrants 7/13 Aitkin (CR 15) MJB, 7/24 Lac qui Parle (2, Salt Lake.) BJU.
Gulls, Terns
Bonaparte's Gull
(Chroicocephalus philadelphia)
42 Observed in Beltrami, Brown, Cass, Hubbard, St. Louis, Sibley. Probable fall migrants beginning 7/22 Beltrami (12), 7/25 Sibley FGo.
Franklin's Gull
(Leucophaeus pipixcan)
919 Found in all western and central regions. High count 7/28 Grant (683, includes 644 in Lawrence/Stony Brook twps. at Ash Lake) PCC.
Ring-billed Gull
(Larus delawarensis)
2739
Seen statewide. First county breeding record for Douglas DPG, Hubbard ANy.
Herring Gull
(Larus argentatus)
112
Reported from all northern regions plus Chisago, Dakota, Otter Tail.
Caspian Tern
(Hydroprogne caspia)
44
Seen in Carver, Cass, Grant, Hennepin, Lac qui Parle, Lake, St. Louis, Sibley.
Black Tern
(Chlidonias niger)
2841
Found in all regions except Northeast. First county breeding record from Watonwan AnK.
Common Tern
(Sterna hirundo)
51
Observed in Cass, Lake of the Woods, Mille Lacs, Ramsey, Roseau, St. Louis.
Forster's Tern
(Sterna forsteri)
1218
Reported from all regions except Northeast, Southeast.
Loons
Red-throated Loon
(Gavia stellata)
1 All reports from St. Louis: 6/1 (8 seen from boat on Lake Superior) JLK, 6/4 (location?) ANy, 6/18 (3, 12th St. public access on Park Point) ELC.
Common Loon
(Gavia immer)
3218
Reported from all regions except Southeast.
Cormorants
Double-crested Cormorant
(Nannopterum auritum)
2842
Seen throughout state.
Pelicans
American White Pelican
(Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
2339
Seen in all regions of state. High count 7/22 Yellow Medicine (300, Curtis Lake) SVo.
Bitterns, Herons, Egrets, Night-Herons
American Bittern
(Botaurus lentiginosus)
237
Reported from all regions except Southwest and Southeast.
Least Bittern
(Ixobrychus exilis)
1118
Found in all regions except North-central. New county record 6/15 Cook (Frost Lake, BWCA) ChJ. First county breeding record from Sherburne (August record) PLJ.
Great Blue Heron
(Ardea herodias)
3253
Seen in all counties except Cook.
Great Egret
(Ardea alba)
1043
Observed in all regions except Northeast. High count 7/28 Carver (250, New Germany area) JCy.
Snowy Egret
(Egretta thula)
11 Observed 6/7 Stearns (Paynesville W.T.P.) RPR, SBM, 6/10, 7/21 Grant SBM, DWK.
Little Blue Heron
(Egretta caerulea)
1 Observed 6/6, 6/14 Hennepin (first observation at Minnehaha Creek near Methodist Hospital) †BrD.
Cattle Egret
(Bubulcus ibis)
32 Found 6/2 Lac qui Parle (4) DLP, 6/5 Becker (2) JDr, 6/13 Grant JSP, 6/16 Mower LMe, Otter Tail CCo.
Green Heron
(Butorides virescens)
3049
Reported throughout state.
Black-crowned Night-Heron
(Nycticorax nycticorax)
610
Seen in scattered locations in all regions except Northeast, Southeast. First county breeding records for Dakota JV.
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
(Nyctanassa violacea)
1 Observed 7/11 Hennepin (observation deck at Old Cedar Avenue bridge, Minnesota Valley N.W.R.) BBB.
New World Vultures
Turkey Vulture
(Cathartes aura)
3250
Found in all but five counties. High count 7/4 Nicollet (129, coming into roost in North Mankato) ChH. First county breeding records for Itasca SC, Kandiyohi JoS, Wright CTr.
Osprey
Osprey
(Pandion haliaetus)
2217
Reported from all regions except Southwest. First county breeding record from Douglas fide BBA.
Kites, Accipiters, Hawks, Eagles
Northern Harrier
(Circus hudsonius)
3345
Seen throughout state. First county breeding records for Clay DLW, Hubbard RPR, Morrison MJB.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
(Accipiter striatus)
184
Observed in all northern regions plus West-central and Central.
Cooper's Hawk
(Accipiter cooperii)
2744
Found in all regions of state. First county breeding records for Douglas fide BBA, McLeod CTr, Meeker CTr, Renville CTr.
American Goshawk
(Accipiter atricapillus)
9 Reported from Cass, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Pennington, Roseau, St. Louis.
Bald Eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
3242
Found in all regions of state. First county breeding record from Wilkin CCa.
Red-shouldered Hawk
(Buteo lineatus)
1515
Seen in all regions except South-central, Southwest. Unusual location 7/10 Kittson (2, Beaches Lake W.M.A.) RCa.
Broad-winged Hawk
(Buteo platypterus)
2721
Reported from all regions, but primarily the northeastern portion of state. First county breeding record from Carver CTr.
Swainson's Hawk
(Buteo swainsoni)
514
Observed in all regions except North-Central, Northeast.
Red-tailed Hawk
(Buteo jamaicensis)
3453
Found in every county. First county breeding records for Nobles SC, Pipestone SWe.
Screech-Owls, Owls
Eastern Screech-Owl
(Megascops asio)
27
Reported from Carlton, Dakota, Houston, Lac qui Parle, Nobles, Polk, Stearns, Wabasha, Winona.
Great Horned Owl
(Bubo virginianus)
1721
Found in all regions of state. First county breeding record from Watonwan (April record) AnK.
Snowy Owl
(Bubo scandiacus)
2 Seen 6/12, 6/17 Clay (south of Moorhead) ph. †DLW, ph. HdG, 6/17 Norman (just east of Perley) ph. †DLW (The Loon 85:44–46).
Northern Hawk Owl
(Surnia ulula)
1 Observed 6/29 St. Louis (Toivola Swamp) MCBS.
Barred Owl
(Strix varia)
1918
Reported from all regions of state. First county breeding record from Lake of the Woods BWa.
Great Gray Owl
(Strix nebulosa)
5 Found in Aitkin, Itasca, Lake of the Woods, Roseau, St. Louis.
Long-eared Owl
(Asio otus)
4
Observed 6/6 Roseau TrB, 6/10–25 Kittson LW, m.ob., 6/12 St. Louis EMo, 6/28 Todd FGo. First county breeding record from Kittson RBJ.
Short-eared Owl
(Asio flammeus)
6
Found in Beltrami, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Red Lake.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
(Aegolius acadicus)
6
Reported from Aitkin, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Otter Tail, St. Louis. First county breeding record from Aitkin WEN.
Kingfishers
Belted Kingfisher
(Megaceryle alcyon)
3451
Found in all counties except Mower, Redwood. First county breeding records for Otter Tail MRN, Waseca PCo.
Woodpeckers
Red-headed Woodpecker
(Melanerpes erythrocephalus)
2236
Reported from all regions of state.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
(Melanerpes carolinus)
2147
Observed throughout state. First county breeding records for Douglas fide BBA, McLeod PRH.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
(Sphyrapicus varius)
3338
Reported from all regions of state. First county breeding records for Koochiching fide BBA, Morrison fide BBA, Renville JoS.
American Three-toed Woodpecker
(Picoides dorsalis)
2 Reported 6/2 Lake of the Woods RAE, 7/15 Cook (2) NCr.
Black-backed Woodpecker
(Picoides arcticus)
5 Reported from Clearwater, Cook, Koochiching, Lake, St. Louis.
Downy Woodpecker
(Dryobates pubescens)
3451
Observed in all counties except Lincoln, Stevens. First county breeding records for Beltrami fide BBA, Norman NRRI, Watonwan SWe.
Hairy Woodpecker
(Dryobates villosus)
3146
Found throughout state. First county breeding records for Martin JSc, Renville PRH, 6/28 Wilkin CCa.
Northern Flicker
(Colaptes auratus)
3353
Found in all counties except Grant. First county breeding records for Meeker fide BBA, Wilkin CCa.
Pileated Woodpecker
(Dryocopus pileatus)
3034
Seen in all regions of state. First county breeding records for Carlton fide BBA, McLeod PRH.
Caracaras, Falcons
American Kestrel
(Falco sparverius)
3452
Reported from every county in state. First county breeding records for Clearwater fide BBA, Goodhue JFR, Koochiching AXH, Meeker fide BBA, Mille Lacs CTr, Wilkin CCa.
Merlin
(Falco columbarius)
206
Seen in all regions except West-central, Southwest, Southeast. First county breeding records for Beltrami DPJ, Clearwater fide BBA.
Peregrine Falcon
(Falco peregrinus)
414
Found in scattered locations in all regions except Southwest.
Prairie Falcon
(Falco mexicanus)
1 New county record 7/27 Hubbard (Todd Twp. east of Park Rapids) RBW, †RMD.
Flycatchers
Great Crested Flycatcher
(Myiarchus crinitus)
3350
Observed in all counties except Cook, Lincoln, Mower, Pipestone. High count 6/29 Hennepin (12, Coon Rapids Dam R.P.) TLo. First county breeding record from Waseca PCo.
Western Kingbird
(Tyrannus verticalis)
1614
Seen in all regions except South-central. Unusual locations 6/6 St. Louis (Arkola Rd, 2 miles E of county road 7) ANy, 7/3 Lake (Two Harbors, Lakeview Cemetery) JWL.
Eastern Kingbird
(Tyrannus tyrannus)
3453
Reported from every county in the state. First county breeding records for Carlton fide BBA, Isanti fide BBA, Rock AXH, Watonwan JSc.
Olive-sided Flycatcher
(Contopus cooperi)
125 Reported from all northern regions. Late spring migrants 6/1 Lac qui Parle BJU, 6/2 Blue Earth AnK, 6/7 Dakota EdM, Scott AHa. Early south fall migrant 7/28 Chisago MRo.
Eastern Wood-Pewee
(Contopus virens)
3451
Found in all counties except Lincoln and Pipestone. High counts 6/3 Washington (10, Falls Creek S.N.A.) ACr, MCBS, 6/13 Goodhue (10, Prairie Island) GJM. First county breeding records for Aitkin WEN, Goodhue JFR, Swift (August record) JoS.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
(Empidonax flaviventris)
165
Observed north and east of a line from Norman to Pine, plus late spring migrants 6/1 Lac qui Parle BJU, Scott JFR, 6/11 Benton MJB, 6/17 Brown RAE, 6/21 Ramsey RAE. High count 6/10 St. Louis (5, Sax-Zim Bog) EBr.
Acadian Flycatcher
(Empidonax virescens)
212 Reported from south and east of a line from Hennepin to Brown, plus 6/19 Kittson (Caribou W.M.A.) KJB, 6/20, 6/23, 7/3 Otter Tail DBM, RBW, LS.
Alder Flycatcher
(Empidonax alnorum)
3124
Found in all regions of state. High counts 6/7 Carlton (18) JLK, 6/26 St. Louis (18) EBr. First county breeding records for Carlton fide BBA, 6/7 Koochiching fide BBA.
Willow Flycatcher
(Empidonax traillii)
1039
Found in all regions except Northeast. High counts 6/2, 6/6 Hennepin (18, Hyland Lake P.R.) CMB.
Least Flycatcher
(Empidonax minimus)
3340
Reported throughout state. High count 6/7 Clearwater (20) DOv.
Eastern Phoebe
(Sayornis phoebe)
3248
Seen statewide. High count 7/1 Hennepin (15, pond at south end of Central Park) SOa. First county breeding records for Jackson WCM, Steele PSu, Waseca PCo.
Vireos
Bell's Vireo
(Vireo bellii)
7 Found in Dakota, Goodhue, Ramsey, Rice, Wabasha, Washington, Watonwan. All counts < 3 individuals.
Yellow-throated Vireo
(Vireo flavifrons)
3045
Observed in all regions of state. High count 7/2 Cass (8, Home Brook Twp.) PME. First county breeding record from Aitkin WEN.
Blue-headed Vireo
(Vireo solitarius)
163
Reported from all northern regions, plus late spring migrants 6/5 Chisago RMa, 6/6 Washington LMS. Unusual summer record 6/30 Anoka BAS. High count 6/7 St. Louis (6, Sax-Zim Bog) RFi, JM. First county breeding record from Itasca GCr.
Philadelphia Vireo
(Vireo philadelphicus)
1 Reported 6/30, 7/12, 7/23 St. Louis DAB, JJD, BKa. Two heard-only reports from outside this species' known breeding range were excluded.
Warbling Vireo
(Vireo gilvus)
3251
Found in all counties except Carlton, Lake, Mower, Stevens. High count 6/13 Goodhue (20, Prairie Island) GJM. First county breeding records for Waseca PCo, Watonwan AnK, Wilkin CCa.
Red-eyed Vireo
(Vireo olivaceus)
3449
Reported from every county except Lincoln, Pipestone, Pope, Stevens. High counts 6/9 Aitkin (30, Hedbom Logging Trail Rd) RFi, JM, 6/15 St. Louis (27, Arrowhead Twp.) JLK.
Shrikes
Loggerhead Shrike
(Lanius ludovicianus)
46
Observed in Clay, Dakota, Dodge, Lac qui Parle, Lyon, Marshall, Otter Tail, Pope, Rice, Wilkin. High counts 7/7–13 Dakota (3) PEB, ADS, MiO. First county breeding record from Wilkin MCBS.
Jays, Nutcrackers, Magpies, Crows
Canada Jay
(Perisoreus canadensis)
10
Seen in North-central and Northeast. High count 6/16 St. Louis (5, Sax-Zim Bog) HdG, 7/13 Itasca (5, CR 74) EEO.
Blue Jay
(Cyanocitta cristata)
3352
Found in every county except Stevens and Traverse. High count 6/2 St. Louis (22, Minnesota Point) JLK. First county breeding records for Koochiching fide BBA, Waseca PAl.
Black-billed Magpie
(Pica hudsonia)
18
Observed in all northern regions. High count 7/11 Kittson (15) RCa. First county breeding record from Red Lake fide BBA. Unusual location 7/8 Clay (Spring Prairie) RHO.
American Crow
(Corvus brachyrhynchos)
3453
Reported from every county in the state. First county breeding records for Cottonwood JSc, Fillmore BAS, Jackson JSc, Martin JSc, Pipestone SWe, Pope RPR, Steele PSu, Wabasha RPR, Waseca PCo, Wright SMa, Yellow Medicine RPR.
Common Raven
(Corvus corax)
303
Seen in all northern and central regions. High count 7/12 Lake of the Woods (15, Baudette) MGo. First county breeding records for Becker RPR, Pennington (April record) JMJ, Red Lake fide BBA.
Chickadees, Titmice
Black-capped Chickadee
(Poecile atricapillus)
3453
Seen in every county in the state. First county breeding records for Red Lake fide BBA, Sibley (May record) JSc, Wilkin CCa.
Boreal Chickadee
(Poecile hudsonicus)
8
Reported from Aitkin, Beltrami, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, St. Louis.
Tufted Titmouse
(Baeolophus bicolor)
6
Observed in Fillmore, Houston, Olmsted, Wabasha, Waseca, Winona.
Larks
Horned Lark
(Eremophila alpestris)
2548
Found in all regions except Northeast. High count 7/19 Kittson (18) TrB. First county breeding records for Dodge (August record) DAB, Douglas fide BBA, Meeker fide BBA, Morrison PSP, Polk fide BBA, Yellow Medicine PME.
Martins, Swallows
Bank Swallow
(Riparia riparia)
3050
Found in all regions of state. High count 6/18 Clay (200, Felton Prairie gravel pits) CLW. First county breeding record from Wilkin CCa.
Tree Swallow
(Tachycineta bicolor)
3453
Reported from all counties. First county breeding records for Faribault DAB, Sibley PRH, Waseca PAl, Watonwan JSc.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
(Stelgidopteryx serripennis)
2745
Seen in all regions of state. High count 7/25 Chisago (25, along St. Croix River) RMa. First county breeding record from Murray SWe.
Purple Martin
(Progne subis)
2842
Observed in all regions of the state. High count 6/1 Wright (55 pairs; produced 270 young) fide BBA.
Barn Swallow
(Hirundo rustica)
3453
Reported from all counties. High count 7/26 Lyon (50, Cottonwood W.T.P.) GWe. First county breeding record from Waseca PCo.
Cliff Swallow
(Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)
3353
Observed in every county except Douglas. High count 6/16 Fillmore (250 nests, Old Barn Resort) APa. First county breeding records from Goodhue BAS, Itasca SC, Pipestone SWe, Pope fide BBA, Sibley BAS, Waseca PCo.
Kinglets
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
(Corthylio calendula)
11
Reported from North-central and Northeast plus Roseau.
Golden-crowned Kinglet
(Regulus satrapa)
111
Seen in all northern regions plus Sherburne. High count 7/13 Cook (5, Brule Lake) JEl. First county breeding record from Koochiching fide BBA.
Waxwings
Cedar Waxwing
(Bombycilla cedrorum)
3351
Observed in every county except Big Stone, Stevens, Traverse. First county breeding records for Dodge fide BBA, Douglas fide BBA, Jackson JSc, Renville JoS, Watonwan DBM.
Nuthatches
Red-breasted Nuthatch
(Sitta canadensis)
239
Found in all regions except West-central, Southwest. First county breeding record from Carlton fide BBA.
White-breasted Nuthatch
(Sitta carolinensis)
3353
Observed in every county except Cook. High count 7/4 Hennepin (15, Normandale Lake Park) KKu. First county breeding records for Carlton fide BBA, Douglas fide BBA, Renville PRH, Waseca PCo.
Creepers
Brown Creeper
(Certhia americana)
175
Reported from all northern regions plus East-central plus unusual reports 6/14 Carver (Lake Ann Park) MaS, 7/10 Goodhue (Frontenac S.P.) GJM.
Gnatcatchers
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
(Polioptila caerulea)
1235
Found south of a line from Norman to Cass to Pine. High counts 6/1 Washington (8, Afton S.P.) PNi, 6/26 Carver (8, Carver P.R.) JCy.
Wrens
Carolina Wren
(Thryothorus ludovicianus)
11 Seen 7/3 Fillmore (Preston) NBO, 7/8 Lake (Two Harbors Cemetery) ph. JWL, PHS.
House Wren
(Troglodytes aedon)
3453
Reported from all counties. High county 6/13 Goodhue (20, Prairie Island Conservation Area) GJM. First county breeding records for Big Stone AXH, Waseca PCo, Wilkin CCa.
Winter Wren
(Troglodytes hiemalis)
141
Found north and east of a line from Marshall to Morrison to Chisago. High count 6/15 Cook (6, Lima Mountain Rd.) HdG.
Sedge Wren
(Cistothorus stellaris)
3353
Observed in every county except Cook. High count 7/7 Washington (18, Lake Elmo R.P.) PNi. First county breeding records for Blue Earth ChH, Cottonwood JSc, Crow Wing (August record) fide BBA, Douglas fide BBA, Meeker fide BBA, Pennington fide BBA, Pope fide BBA, Stearns (August record) RPR, Wright PRH.
Marsh Wren
(Cistothorus palustris)
2949
Reported from all regions of state. High counts 6/26 St. Louis (15, Sax-Zim Bog) EBr, 7/7 Washington (15, Lake Elmo R.P.) PNi. First county breeding records for Sibley BAS, Wright RLL.
Thrashers, Mockingbirds
Gray Catbird
(Dumetella carolinensis)
3451
Found in every county except Benton, Stevens. High counts 6/1, 6/26 Hennepin (13, Elm Creek P.R.) TLo. First county breeding records for Dodge CHa, Jackson JSc.
Brown Thrasher
(Toxostoma rufum)
3251
Reported from every county except Chippewa, Grant, Mower. High count 6/2 Washington (10, Grey Cloud Dunes S.N.A.) JJo. First county breeding records for Fillmore BAS, Waseca PAl, Wilkin CCa.
Northern Mockingbird
(Mimus polyglottos)
21 Seen 6/6 Murray RMD, SC, St. Louis FKB, 6/20 Goodhue BRL, 6/25 Polk fide BBA.
Starlings
European Starling
(Sturnus vulgaris)
3453
Seen in all counties in the state. First county breeding records for Isanti fide BBA, Martin JSc, Renville JoS, Waseca PCo.
Thrushes
Eastern Bluebird
(Sialia sialis)
3350
Observed in all counties except Faribault, Stevens, Swift, Traverse. High count 6/28 Washington (20, Afton S.P.) PAl. First county breeding records for Martin JSc, Pipestone SWe, Red Lake fide BBA.
Veery
(Catharus fuscescens)
3223
Found in all regions. High count 6/7 Carlton (19, near Esko) JLK. First county breeding records for Beltrami fide BBA, Roseau fide BBA.
Swainson's Thrush
(Catharus ustulatus)
112
Seen in all northern regions plus late migrants 6/1 Lac qui Parle BJU, 6/3 Mower RTP.
Hermit Thrush
(Catharus guttatus)
241
Reported from all northern and central regions. High count 6/18 St. Louis (11, Sax-Zim Bog) EBr. First county breeding record from Clearwater MaH.
Wood Thrush
(Hylocichla mustelina)
2124
Found in all regions except Southwest. First county breeding record from Scott BAF.
American Robin
(Turdus migratorius)
3453
Observed in every county. First county breeding records from Faribault RPR, Red Lake fide BBA.
Old World Sparrows
House Sparrow
(Passer domesticus)
3453
Reported from all counties. High count 7/31 Lyon (200, backyard feeder in Cottonwood) GWe. First county breeding records for Aitkin WEN, 6/2 Cottonwood JSc, Martin JSc, Renville JoS, Sibley PRH, Waseca PCo, Watonwan JSc.
Pipits
American Pipit
(Anthus rubescens)
No documented records.
SPRAGUE'S PIPIT
(Anthus spragueii)
1 Reported 6/8–29 Clay (Felton Prairie) BGi et al. (VENT); refound by m.ob., including †JoS, †PCC, ph. BU, †DAB (The Loon 85:43–44).
Finches
Evening Grosbeak
(Coccothraustes vespertinus)
9
Seen in Aitkin, Clearwater, Cook, Crow Wing, Itasca, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Roseau, St. Louis.
House Finch
(Haemorhous mexicanus)
3251
Found in all counties except Cook, Faribault, Freeborn, Traverse. High count 7/17 Hennepin (60, Coon Rapids Dam R.P.) TLo. First county breeding records for Meeker fide BBA, Morrison LaM, Pope fide BBA, Renville JoS, Watonwan fide BBA, Wilkin CCa.
Purple Finch
(Haemorhous purpureus)
252
Observed in all northern and central regions. High count 7/28 Itasca (15, Dunning Lake) EEO.
Red Crossbill
(Loxia curvirostra)
61 Seen in Beltrami, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, St. Louis, and 7/20 Dakota (4, Spring Lake P.R., Schaar's Bluff) DAT. High count 7/17 St. Louis (8, Duluth) fide JWL.
White-winged Crossbill
(Loxia leucoptera)
8
Reported from Beltrami, Carlson, Cook, Itasca, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Roseau, St. Louis. High count 6/25 Lake (5, Ogishkemuncie Lake area) APa. First county breeding record from Roseau BCS.
Pine Siskin
(Spinus pinus)
154
Observed in all regions except West-central.
American Goldfinch
(Spinus tristis)
3453
Found in every county. High count 7/17 Hennepin (50, Coon Rapids Dam R.P., same number estimated at Elm Creek P.R. 7/10–11) TLo. First county breeding record from Carlton (August record) fide BBA.
Longspurs and Snow Buntings
Chestnut-collared Longspur
(Calcarius ornatus)
1
Reported 6/8–7/8 Clay (max. 5, Felton Prairie) m.ob.
Towhees, Sparrows
Grasshopper Sparrow
(Ammodramus savannarum)
2344
Found in all regions of state. High counts 7/11 Blue Earth (16, Lincoln W.P.A.) ChH, 6/6 Pipestone (15, Prairie Coteau S.N.A.) ErH. First county breeding record from Faribault DAB.
Lark Sparrow
(Chondestes grammacus)
1824
Reported from all regions of state. New county record 6/16 Todd (C.R. 6 just W of Hwy 71) †DAB, JWH. High count 7/20 Isanti (9, Spencer Brook W.M.A.) DPG. First summer record 7/21 St. Louis (Waseca Industrial Road) PHS. First county breeding record from Wilkin CCa.
LARK BUNTING
(Calamospiza melanocorys)
1 Seen 6/14 Jackson (Round Lake Twp.) ph. † JSc.
Chipping Sparrow
(Spizella passerina)
3453
Observed in every county in state. High count 6/17 Washington (20, St. Croix Trail) JoD. First county breeding records for Jackson JSc, Sibley SBM, Waseca PCo.
Clay-colored Sparrow
(Spizella pallida)
3449
Reported from all counties except Mower, Olmsted, Sibley, Waseca. High counts 6/11, 6/17 Polk (20, Tympanuchus W.M.A.) ErH. First county breeding records for Clearwater MaH, Crow Wing fide BBA, Itasca fide BBA, Wright PRH.
Field Sparrow
(Spizella pusilla)
1245
Found in all regions except Northeast. High count 6/30 Washington (25, William O'Brien S.P.) PNi.
Dark-eyed Junco
(Junco hyemalis)
101
Found in North-central, Northeast, East-central, plus 7/20 Watonwan fide BBA.
Harris's Sparrow
(Zonotrichia querula)
11 Late spring migrants 6/1 Lac qui Parle (Walter W.M.A.) ph. BJU, 6/12 Becker (Tamarac N.W.R. visitor center) ph. MFS.
White-throated Sparrow
(Zonotrichia albicollis)
214
Reported from all northern and central regions plus Fillmore. High count 6/15 St. Louis (21, T50R19a) JLK. First county breeding record from Itasca fide BBA.
Vesper Sparrow
(Pooecetes gramineus)
2950
Observed throughout state. High count 7/21 Otter Tail (10, Ottertail Prairie S.N.A.) SBM. First county breeding records for Kandiyohi JoS, Martin JSc, McLeod PRH, Sibley SBM.
LeConte's Sparrow
(Ammospiza leconteii)
254
Found in all regions except southern regions and East-central. High count 6/3 Red Lake (18, CRP fields north of C.R. 49 and east of Hwy 32) RMD.
Nelson's Sparrow
(Ammospiza nelsoni)
81 Observed in Aitkin, Cass, Clay, Kittson, Lac qui Parle, Marshall, Pennington, Polk, and new county record 6/6 Crow Wing (Dean Lake Twp.) fide BBA. High count 6/2 Cass (3 at Swamp Lake & 4 at CR 8 bridge over Boy River) DWK.
Henslow's Sparrow
(Centronyx henslowii)
532
Observed in all regions except North-central. Record high count 6/2 Scott (27, Murphy-Hanrehan Regional Park, south trails) BAF; 32 territories were eventually plotted and all were clustered in restored prairie. New county record 7/15 Lake (Stanley Rd. west of Two Harbors) †JWH. First county breeding record from Murray (August record) RMD.
Savannah Sparrow
(Passerculus sandwichensis)
3448
Seen throughout state. High counts 6/3 Red Lake (53, CRP fields north of C.R. 49, east of MN 32) RMD, 6/17 Polk (30, Tympanuchus W.M.A.) ErH. First county breeding records for Blue Earth ChH, Carlton fide BBA, Crow Wing fide BBA, Goodhue JFR, Kittson fide BBA, Koochiching fide BBA, Morrison PSP.
Song Sparrow
(Melospiza melodia)
3453
Reported from all counties. High counts 7/11 Hennepin (50, Elm Creek P.R.) TLo. First county breeding records for Pennington fide BBA, Pipestone SWe, Waseca PAl.
Lincoln's Sparrow
(Melospiza lincolnii)
14
Seen in all northern regions plus Mille Lacs, Pine. High count 7/13 Lake (7, Split Rock Lighthouse S.P.) RSa, 6/18 St. Louis (6, Sax-Zim Bog) EBr. First county breeding record from Koochiching fide BBA.
Swamp Sparrow
(Melospiza georgiana)
3449
Found in all counties except Dodge, Fillmore, Mower, Olmsted. High count 7/14 Hennepin (20, Old Cedar Avenue Bridge) PNi. First county breeding records for Hennepin fide BBA, Hubbard MaH, Isanti (August record) DPG, Kanabec DPG, Kandiyohi fide BBA, Koochiching fide BBA, Meeker fide BBA, Pennington fide BBA.
Spotted Towhee
(Pipilo maculatus)
1 Seen 6/24 Clay (Buffalo River S.P.) ph. BCS, MO.
Eastern Towhee
(Pipilo erythrophthalmus)
1329
Found in all regions except West-central. High counts 6/5 Winona (10, Great River Bluffs S.P.) DSt, 6/9 Anoka (10, Cedar Creek Natural History Area) MDu.
Blackbirds, Orioles
Yellow-headed Blackbird
(Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)
2745
Seen in all regions of state. High counts 6/19 Polk (30, East Grand Forks) SAu, 6/29 Kandiyohi (30, Wubben's Slough) SSy. First county breeding records for Polk fide BBA, Watonwan DBM.
Bobolink
(Dolichonyx oryzivorus)
3351
Seen in every county except Grant, Wabasha, Waseca. High counts 6/29 Rice (est. 60, Nerstrand Big Woods S.P.) GHo, 6/17 Polk (30, Tympanuchus W.M.A.) ErH. First county breeding records for Blue Earth PCo, Chisago KSc, Clearwater fide BBA, Houston APa, Itasca AXH, Jackson JSc, Martin JSc, Morrison PSP, Otter Tail CCa, Polk fide BBA, Pope fide BBA, Rice fide BBA, Watonwan AnK, Yellow Medicine PME.
Eastern Meadowlark
(Sturnella magna)
2232
Reported from all regions of state. Unusual locations 6/10 Kittson (T163R47c, heard) fide BBA, 6/10, 6/14 Clay (Felton Prairie) FGo, ANy, MJB, 6/22 Pipestone JSP, 7/16 Roseau (2, Roseau River W.M.A.) TBr. High count 6/28 Washington (8, Afton S.P.) PAl. First county breeding records for Cass MRN, Crow Wing PSP, Isanti fide BBA.
Western Meadowlark
(Sturnella neglecta)
2732
Found in all regions. High count 7/17 Kittson (22, C.R. 55) TrB. First county breeding records for Goodhue JFR, Kittson fide BBA, Washington PAl.
Orchard Oriole
(Icterus spurius)
1047
Found in all regions except North-central, Northeast. High count 7/23 McLeod (9, Schaefer Prairie) DAs. First county breeding records for Jackson KSm, Martin JSc, Otter Tail CCa, Yellow Medicine PME.
Baltimore Oriole
(Icterus galbula)
3251
Reported from every county except Cook, Lake, Mower, Stevens. High counts 6/12 Rock (13, Blue Mounds S.P.) KDS, 6/7 Houston 10, Beaver Creek Valley S.P.) DSt. First county breeding records for Dodge CHa, Rock AXH, Swift RPR, Waseca PAl, Wilkin CCa.
Red-winged Blackbird
(Agelaius phoeniceus)
3453
Found in all counties. High counts 7/31 Sibley (300, along 200th Street) JCy, 7/16 Roseau (200, Roseau River W.M.A.) TBr. First county breeding records for Pipestone SWe, Sibley PRH, Waseca PAl, Watonwan AnK.
Brown-headed Cowbird
(Molothrus ater)
3253
Observed in every county except Cook, Grant. High counts 7/17 Hennepin (35, Coon Rapids Dam R.P.) TLo, 6/10 Clay (30, Bluestem Prairie) RHO. First county breeding records for Carlton fide BBA, Martin JSc, Meeker JoS, Renville PRH. Parasitized species include Eastern Phoebe, Wood Thrush, Common Yellowthroat, Chipping Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Dickcissel, Common Grackle, Orchard Oriole, and House Sparrow.
Brewer's Blackbird
(Euphagus cyanocephalus)
2730
Observed in all regions except Southeast. First county breeding records for Meeker fide BBA, Norman NRRI, Pennington JMJ, Traverse RPR, Waseca PCo.
Common Grackle
(Quiscalus quiscula)
3453
Reported from every county. High counts 7/21 Carver (200) JCy, Redwood (200, Benedict's Slough) PVo. First county breeding records for Isanti fide BBA, Koochiching fide BBA, Red Lake fide BBA, Wilkin CCa.
Great-tailed Grackle
(Quiscalus mexicanus)
2 Seen 6/1, 7/25 Jackson (3 females, 2 males at traditional location near MN 86 / C.R. 4) SC, ANy, JWH, 7/7, 7/8, 7/24, 7/26 Lyon female at Cottonwood W.T.P. and nearby Sham Lake) ph. GWe, †DWK, †HCT.
Warblers
Ovenbird
(Seiurus aurocapilla)
3033
Found in all regions of state. High counts 6/7 Clearwater (30) DOv, 6/9 Aitkin (25, Hedbom Logging Trail Rd) RFi, JM. First county breeding record from Polk fide BBA.
Louisiana Waterthrush
(Parkesia motacilla)
4 Observed in Chisago, Houston, Washington, Winona.
Northern Waterthrush
(Parkesia noveboracensis)
15
Reported from all northern regions plus Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine.
Golden-winged Warbler
(Vermivora chrysoptera)
233
Observed in all northern and central regions. High count 6/4 Aitkin (8, McGregor) DBr. First county breeding record from Morrison fide BBA.
Blue-winged Warbler
(Vermivora cyanoptera)
422
Found in Central, East-central, South-central, Southeast. High count 6/7 Houston (8, Beaver Creek Valley S.P.) DSt.
Black-and-white Warbler
(Mniotilta varia)
278
Seen in all regions except South-central. High count 6/15 Lake of the Woods (10, C.R. 2) ErH, First county breeding records for Beltrami fide BBA, Goodhue (August record) fide BBA.
Prothonotary Warbler
(Protonotaria citrea)
14
Reported from Central, East-central, South-central, Southeast. High count 6/16 Hennepin (4, Nine Mile Creek) DWK. First county breeding record from Goodhue GJM.
Tennessee Warbler
(Leiothlypis peregrina)
74
Found within normal summer range in Beltrami, Cook, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, St. Louis. Late spring migrants 6/2 Murray SC, 6/2, 6/4 Lyon (2) GWe. Early south fall migrant 7/24 Hennepin TAT. High count 6/9 St. Louis (4, Sax-Zim Bog) EBr.
Nashville Warbler
(Leiothlypis ruficapilla)
233
Observed in all northern and central regions. High count 7/8 St. Louis (27, Sax-Zim Bog) EBr. First county breeding record from Morrison MRN.
Connecticut Warbler
(Oporornis agilis)
12 Reported from all northern regions. High counts 6/7, 6/10 St. Louis (5, Sax-Zim Bog) JM, RFi, EBr.
Mourning Warbler
(Geothlypis philadelphia)
197
Found in all regions except West-central, Southwest, Southeast. High count 6/7 Carlton (12, near Esko) JLK. First county breeding records for Hubbard MaH, Itasca SC.
KENTUCKY WARBLER
(Geothlypis formosa)
No reports.
Common Yellowthroat
(Geothlypis trichas)
3453
Found in all counties. High count 7/7 St. Louis (108 - record high summer count, Sax-Zim Bog) PHS, MLH. First county breeding records for Goodhue fide BBA, Isanti DPG, Waseca PCo.
Hooded Warbler
(Setophaga citrina)
14
Reported from Dakota and Scott (six territories in Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, less than in recent years) as well as 6/2 Washington (Afton S.P.) KDS, 6/14 Hennepin (Nine Mile Creek) BeH, 6/18 Morrison (BBA block T42R32a) MRN.
American Redstart
(Setophaga ruticilla)
3346
Seen throughout state. High counts 6/7, 6/23 Houston (30, Beaver Creek Valley S.P.) DSt, 6/13 Goodhue (30, Prairie Island) GJM. First county breeding records for Pope fide BBA, Renville PRH, Swift (August record) JoS, Wright RLL.
Cape May Warbler
(Setophaga tigrina)
9
Found in Aitkin, Beltrami, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Morrison, St. Louis. First county breeding record from Cook JEl.
Cerulean Warbler
(Setophaga cerulea)
213 Observed in scattered locations in all central and southern regions. New county record 6/16 Pine (T40R20b) NRRI. Unusual location 6/15 Lyon (Garvin C.P., first found 5/17) RAE. High counts 6/23 Houston (5, Beaver Creek Valley S.P.) DSt, 6/24 Scott (3, Murphy-Hanrehan P.R.) BAF.
Northern Parula
(Setophaga americana)
16
Reported from all northern regions plus Otter Tail. First county breeding record from St. Louis DMK.
Magnolia Warbler
(Setophaga magnolia)
12
Found in all northern regions. High counts 6/25 Lake (8, Ogishkemuncie Lake area) APa, 6/15 Cook (7, Lima Mtn. Rd.) HdG.
Bay-breasted Warbler
(Setophaga castanea)
4 All reports: 6/3 Lake of the Woods MHK, 6/4, 7/13 Cook NRRI, JEl, 6/17, 6/29 St. Louis fide BBA, SGW, 7/15 Itasca PLe.
Blackburnian Warbler
(Setophaga fusca)
16
Observed in all northern regions plus Mille Lacs, Pine.
Yellow Warbler
(Setophaga petechia)
3452
Reported from all counties except Mower. High count 7/10 Hennepin (25, Elm Creek P.R.) TLo. First county breeding records for Jackson KSm, Wadena LPf.
Chestnut-sided Warbler
(Setophaga pensylvanica)
2711
Found in all regions except Southwest, South-central. High count 6/4 Aitkin (13, near McGregor) DBr. First county breeding records for Goodhue fide BBA, Kanabec DPG.
Blackpoll Warbler
(Setophaga striata)
11 Late spring migrants 6/1 Lac qui Parle BJU, 6/10 St. Louis (Sax-Zim Bog) EBr.
Black-throated Blue Warbler
(Setophaga caerulescens)
8
Reported from Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, St. Louis.
Palm Warbler
(Setophaga palmarum)
11
Seen in North-central and Northeast, plus Pine. High count 6/6 Beltrami (6, Big Bog S.N.A.) JDr. First county breeding record from Beltrami fide BBA.
Pine Warbler
(Setophaga pinus)
194
Found in all northern and central regions. High counts 6/7 Clearwater (6) DOv, Lake of the Woods (6, Norris Camp) JDr.
Yellow-rumped Warbler
(Setophaga coronata)
201
Observed in all northern regions plus Chisago, Mille Lacs, Pine, Todd. First county breeding record from Becker RPR.
Black-throated Green Warbler
(Setophaga virens)
18
Reported from all northern regions plus Pine. High counts 6/13 Lake (12, Tettegouche S.P.) BoN, MaR.
Canada Warbler
(Cardellina canadensis)
102
Found in North-central and Northeast plus Pine, and late migrants 6/1 Washington PNi, 6/4 Chisago RMa.
Wilson's Warbler
(Cardellina pusilla)
71
Observed in Aitkin, Cass, Clearwater, Cook, Lake, Roseau, St. Louis, and late south migrant 6/12 Dakota JLO.
Tanagers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks
Scarlet Tanager
(Piranga olivacea)
2929
Reported throughout the state. High count 6/24 Dakota (8, Lebanon Hills R.P.) TAT. First county breeding record from Rice KSm.
Northern Cardinal
(Cardinalis cardinalis)
2248
Observed in all regions of state. First county breeding records for Aitkin WEN, Waseca PCo.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
(Pheucticus ludovicianus)
3152
Found in all counties except Big Stone, Grant, Red Lake, Traverse. High counts 6/22 Carver (16, Minnesota Valley N.W.R., Rapids Lake Unit) KKa, 6/7 Carlton (11, near Esko) JLK. First county breeding records for Kanabec DPG, Renville PRH, Sibley SBM, Waseca PCo.
Blue Grosbeak
(Passerina caerulea)
110
Seen in Southwest plus Brown, 7/1–22 Clay (NE of Glyndon) DPW, Lac qui Parle, Renville. First county breeding records for Clay MM, Renville JoS.
LAZULI BUNTING
(Passerina amoena)
1 Adult male 7/14 Ramsey (Shoreview) ph. †BaH.
Indigo Bunting
(Passerina cyanea)
3251
Reported from all counties except Grant, Mahnomen, Stevens, Swift. High count 6/17 Fillmore (Jungle Rd area) APa. First county breeding records for Goodhue fide BBA, Houston CWG, Waseca PAl, Wright DPG.
Dickcissel
(Spiza americana)
3353
Observed in every county except Cook. New county record 6/22 Koochiching RBJ. High counts 6/23 Carver (62, in nine locations) JCy, 6/12 Rock (41, Blue Mounds S.P.) KDS. First county breeding records Anoka AXH, Chisago SuL, Cottonwood JSc, Crow Wing PSP, Fillmore DOK, Hennepin fide BBA, Ramsey AXH, Sibley PRH, St. Louis SGW, Waseca PAl, Wright RLL.