Clark's Nutcracker in St. Louis County
2012-10-12

'Casual' in Minnesota - Five or fewer records in St. Louis County for the Fall season

This Clark's Nutcracker was spotted flying over the Hawk Ridge main overlook at 2:15 pm, heading northward. This accidental species has only been seen twice previously in Minnesota since 1977: 14-24 October 2004 at Silver Bay Lake, County and 13 September 1986 in Mower County. Although there are approximately 19 total records of this species for Minnesota, half a dozen of these records have no written description or photo. Hopefully drought conditions in the western U.S. will bring additional sightings to Minnesota.

Karl J. Bardon