Seasonal Report Archive for The Loon - Kites, Accipiters, Hawks, Eagles Occurrence
This is the 1930 to present seasonal report archive for
The Loon, journal of the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union.
The last 2 years are available to MOU members. 		Seasons
Families
Whistling-Ducks, Geese, Swans, Ducks
New World Quail
Partridge, Pheasants, Grouse, Turkeys
Grebes
Pigeons, Doves
Cuckoos
Nightjars
Swifts
Hummingbirds
Rails, Gallinules, Coots
Limpkin
Cranes
Stilts, Avocets
Plovers
Sandpipers
Jaegers
 Alcids
Gulls, Terns
Loons
Shearwaters and Petrels
Storks
Frigatebirds
Boobies and Gannets
Cormorants
Pelicans
Bitterns, Herons, Egrets, Night-Herons
Ibises
New World Vultures
Osprey
Kites, Accipiters, Hawks, Eagles
Barn Owls
Screech-Owls, Owls
 Kingfishers
Woodpeckers
Caracaras, Falcons
Flycatchers
Vireos
Shrikes
Jays, Nutcrackers, Magpies, Crows
Chickadees, Titmice
Larks
Martins, Swallows
Kinglets
Waxwings
Silky-flycatchers
Nuthatches
Creepers
Gnatcatchers
 Wrens
Thrashers, Mockingbirds
Starlings
Dippers
Thrushes
Old World Flycatchers
Old World Sparrows
Pipits
Finches
Longspurs and Snow Buntings
Towhees, Sparrows
Yellow-breasted Chat
Blackbirds, Orioles
Warblers
Tanagers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks

Seasons
Species: Kites, Accipiters, Hawks, Eagles
White-tailed Kite
Swallow-tailed Kite
Golden Eagle
Northern Harrier
Sharp-shinned Hawk
 Cooper's Hawk
American Goshawk
Bald Eagle
Mississippi Kite
[Common Black Hawk]
 Red-shouldered Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
Swainson's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk (Eastern)
 Red-tailed Hawk (Northern)
Red-tailed Hawk (Harlan's)
Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)
Rough-legged Hawk
Ferruginous Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk(Buteo platypterus)
YearSeasonNS
1932SummerTwo nests of this innocent species were founc11 one with 2 small downy young at B:r.ainerd, June 25 (Evans), and tho o(l1er with 3 young about t grown at \ Will~ams on July 27 (Swanson) • l f
1933Summer Seven nests of this beneficial species were reported. On April 30th a nest containing one egg was found by Eisele and Walter Downey ncar Minneapolis. The latest nest r eported was found on May 21st in Roseau County by Fryklund. The contents were 2 eggs incubation commenced. Swanson reports an uninvostiga.ted nest which be. found on May 22nd at Coon Creek. An incubating bird was seen on the nest, but the contents were not determined. -30 THE FLJCKER, 1933
1934Summer A nest with 2 eggs found by Hansen and Hiemenz en Hay 4th n{;la.r St. Cloud was the earliest record. This nest has been in usc since 1930, with the exception of 1933. The lust nest was seen by Eisele on July 20th at Itasca Park. It held 2 young.
1935Summer T~c bird class with Breckenridge, Prosser and Turner caught a glimpse of a Broad-winged slipping off its nest fifty feet up in a tree at Coon Crook, Anoka County, }~y 27th. The nest was somewhat inaccessible, and tne contents were not inves tigated. Dobie of Park Rapids saw the first nest of this species May 6th•
1936Summer A nest of two eggs wo.s found by Robert Upson, A. Berthol and Robart Turn(;,T on May 14th. Paul Highby and !-tilton Thompson also found a two egg nest on May 20th in St. Louis Cotw.ty. On July 2oth William Zoleznikar found a nest of four young in a nest in tho Arrowhead country ati'.Aurora.
1937SummerRobert Upwn located the earliest nest on May 30; the nest held four eggs ·and was found i.n Minneapolis. Two one-week old young were in a n~st found by M. Morse, June 29, at the Cloquet Valley Forest.
1938SummerAn adult and an immature Swainson's Hawk were encountered by W. ]. Breckenridge and R. M. Berchel in eastern Freeborn Coun­ty on August 2.
1940SummerOne report came from Mr. DuBois for the Minnetonka area. He saw an adult incu­bating on April 27, and again on May 2.
1943SummerMay 31, 3 eggs, North Mpls. W.J. Breckenridge. June 17, small young, Rai'IlJ3ey County. Bros. Lewis and Pius. July 26, St. Louis County, 2 half-grown youoJlg. A. Cham­bers.
1944Summer2. April 30, building, St. Paul, Brother Hubert and Brother Pius. May 27, (two eggs on June 3) Hennepin, Hofstead and Ol­son.
1945Summer5 nests with eggs, 1 in Washington Co., May 12, 2 in Ramsey Co., May 15, 2 in Cook Co., June 20, Brother Hubert; nest with 2 young, June 3, Hennepin Co., Don and Eldeen Jacobs.
1946Summer2 nests, April 25, Ramsey Co. and June 1, Anoka, Bro. Hubert.
1947Summer1 young, June 26; 2 young, July 4; young out of nest, July 14, Hennepin Co., Aler; 2 eggs, May 12, Mankato, Jacobs.
1962SpringMarch 28 Washington Co., Dean Honetschlager; April 6 Duluth, Robert Ulvang; April23 Winona, Hiawatha Valley Bird Club.
1962SummerMay 1, Minneapolis, pair building nest, R. Huber.
1963SpringApril 21, Dakota County, H. Huber; April 29, Itasca County, the Mathisens.
1963SummerHennepin Co., Minneapolis, May 16-23, incubating, R. L. Huber.
1963Falllatest Oct. 3, Duluth, Jan Green. Swainson's Haw!:; Sept. 28, Traverse Co., R. Grant. Harlan's Hawk: Sept. 28, Traverse Co., R. Grant; Oct. 5, Carver Co., Avifaunal Club; Oct. 27, Wadena Co., R. Oehlen· s'chlager; Oct. 28, Wadena Co., 2 seen, R. Oehlenschlager; Nov. 2, New Ulm, 1 seen R. L. Huber.
1964Spring4-11 Duluth, MAS; 4-23 Stearns Co, RPR; 4-23 Fargo, EGA; 4-25 Lake Traverse, RBJ; 4-26 Duluth, 30, DM; 4-30 Ramsey Co, ACR; 5-1 Wright Co, EC.
1964Fall9-5 Roseau Co, JLR, PEB; 9-11 Duluth, peak 6622, PBH, JCG; 9-21 Mpls, 50, fide FN; 9-22 Ramsey Co, 50, ELC; 10-1 Ramsey Co, ACR; 10-2 Roseau Co, JLR, PEB; 10-4 Duluth, JCG, PBH.
1965Springearliest 4-13 McGregor, CEP and Rice Co, CE, PE, JB.
1966Springearliest 4-10 Ramsey Co, ACR; 4-18 Rice Lake Refuge, CEP; 4-23 Goodhue Co, RBJ; 4-23 Minneapolis, EMB; 4-23 Hastings, MIG; 4-23 Orr, St. Louis Co, NJH. THE LOON
1966Summerreported from Crow Wing, Goodhue, Hennepin, Marshall, St. Louis, Koochiching Co's. .Swainson's Hawk: 6-5 Windom, Cottonwood Co, BL; 7-9 Dakota Co, EWJ, FN/ MAS, awaiting details.
1966FallLatest 9-25 Duluth, JCG; 10-1 Stearns Co., RPR; 10-3 and 10-27 Fargo-Moorhead, MGA. THE LOON 10
1967Springearly 3-25 Hennepin Co., FN/ MAS; 3-28 Washington Co., WWL; 3-28 Goodhue Co., ACR; 4-8 Roseau Co., PEB; unless there is some confusion with the preceding species, this marks the earliest flight period on record for Minnesota; the March records in T. S. Roberts have been discounted for that very reason, plus the fact that there are no specimens in the collection from earlier than mid-April.
1967Summerreported from Hen nepin, Clearwater, Becker, Cook, Morrison, Lake, Washington, St. Louis, Beltrami, Crow Wing Co's.
1967Fall latest 9-22 Hennepin Co., VL; 9-23 Lake Co., 125, RK; 9-24 Duluth, JCG.
1968Spring early 4-2 Onamia, Mille Lacs Co., MIV; none again until 4-20 Stearns Co., KE; 4-24 Carver Co., MHM and Hennepin Co., DB; 4-29 Anoka Co., WHL and Duluth, JGH.
1968Summer nested in Beltrami Co; also reported from Carlton, Hubbard, Lake, Pine, Crow Wing, Morrison, Washington, Hennepin, Cook, Anoka, Mille Lacs Co's.
1968Falllatest and most 9-26 Duluth 11,152 MC; 9-27 Duluth 1500 JCG; other reports 9-23 Carver ' I 25-RDT; 10-30 Carver MHM.
1969Summernested in Clearwater, Ottertail Co.; reported from Crow Wing, Isanti, St. Louis, Marshall, and Mille Lacs Co's.
1969Fall9-16 Duluth 4409 MC; 9-17 Duluth 5013 PBH; 8-2, 10-11 early and late Duluth MC and PBH; MC; early south 8-16 Nobles HSH; late 10-28 Ramsey JJ.
1970Springearly south 4-23 Rice JAH and Hennepin CH, WL; early north 4-3 Crow Wing JB (very early date, no details); 4-25 Duluth KE, PE; 4-26 Duluth MMC; melanistic phase reported: 5-3 Rice JAH, "cere yellow, tail banded as normal, rest of plumage totally dark slate."
1970Summerreported from St. Louis, Lake, Cook, Itasca, Crow Wing, Mille Lacs, and Hennepin Co's.
1970Falllate south 9-26 Carver KH and Hennepin PF and Wabasha WDM: 9-27 Hennepin MM; late north 10-10 Crow Wing ]B; 70-28 Duluth PH, MMC, ]G; peak 9-22 (24300) and 9-26 (15300) Duluth PH.
1971Springearly south 4-6 Carver KH; :;~;thH;_~ntp;;w ~fng4-~;~~1~a~~lu~D~ifvrc~ar~~ unusually early migration.
1971Summernested in St. Louis and Hennepin; also reported from 14 other counties.
1971Falllate south 10-6 Sherburne; 10-22 Hennepin; late north 10-9 Duluth; 10-19 Mille Lacs; 10-27 Marshall.
1973Summer Reports from Cook, Lake, St. Louis, Itasca, Cass, Aitkin, Crow Wing, Mille Lacs, Kanabec, Pine, Isanti, Sherburne, Anoka, Hennepin, Washington, Goodhue, & Wabasha.
1973Fall Reported from Marshall, Anoka, Hennepin, Mahnomen, Sherburne, Itasca, Clay. Late north 10-15 St. Louis (JCG). Peak 9-7 St. Louis (5676) (JCG).
1974Spring Early south 3-16 Nicollet (details? possible Red-shouldered) FN; 4 reports for 4-6; early north 4-14 St. Louis KS; 4-14 Pine D. Olson; 4-20 Itasca MS.
1974Summer Nested in St. Louis and Stearns; also reported from 17 other counties.
1974Fall Late south 9-22 Le Sueur GR; 9-27 Hennepin GL; 10-27 Ramsey OJ; late north 10-25 Duluth CH; peak 8-27 to 10-25 (32,000) Hawk Ridge.
1975Spring Early south 4-5 Hennepin OLJ. PG; 4-6 Lyon HCK; 4-11 Olmsted JF; early north 4-19 Kanabec PF; 4-20 Becker TRS; 4-22 St. Louis GJN; one report of the rare dark phase 4-24 Rock (1) KE.
1975Summer Reported from 13 counties west to Marshall and Becker.
1975Falllate north 9-21 Marshall SV; 10-11 Duluth Hawk Ridge; late south 10-27 Olmstead (12) VH; peak 9-13 Duluth (10,160).
1976Spring Early south 3-17 Sibley HK. (details?); 3-23 Wabasha WM (details?); 3-27 Anoka KL (details?); 4-3 Olmsted FS; early north 4-1 Crow Wing DK; 4-4 Clay LCF; 4-11 Mille Lacs MI; one report of the rare dark phase 5-2 Lac qui Parle LH; Chris Hope.
1976Summernested in Lake, Anoka and Olmsted; also reported from 19 other counties; more reports than usual.
1976Fall Late north 10-6 Duluth; late south 10-2 Anoka and Le Sueur, 10-13 Olmsted, 10-24 Wabasha EW; peak 9-20 Duluth (19,561).
1977Summer Nested in Marshall and Anoka; also reported from 20 other counties west to Big Stone.
1977Fall Late south 10-15 Olmsted (JF), 1029 Olmsted (fide VH); peak 9-10 Duluth (7535) (HR).
1978Spring Early south 3-25 LeSueur HC; 3-27 Olmsted JF; 3-30 Martin EBK; 4-1 Anoka KL.
1978Summer Breeding reported from Roseau, Beltrami, Itasca, Anoka and Washington; also seen in Olmsted (Chester), Dakota, Hennepin, Chisago, Morrison, Becker, Polk, Marshall, Hubbard, Cass, American Crow Wing, Aitkin, Carlton, St. Louis, Lake and Cook.
1978Fall Duluth Hawk Ridge total 53,027, peak Sept; late south 10-11 Washington WL, 10-26 Freeborn DG, 11-5 Renville CMB, 11-15 Olmsted JEB.
1979Spring Early south 3-25 Lyon HK, 3-31 Ramsey RH, 4-7 Ramsey FKB; early north 4-22 Otter Tail SM, 4-24 St. Louis DA, KE, 4-25 Marshall ANWR. Peak 5-10 St. Louis Mally Kohlbry (4000+)
1979Summer Breeding reported from St. Louis, Crow Wing, Wadena, Beltrami, Stearns, Anoka; also seen in Cook, Lake, Carlton, Itasca, Cass, Hubbard, Clearwater, Roseau, Marshall, Becker, Otter Tail, Sherburne, Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington, Chisago, Wabasha, Olmsted, Houston.
1979Fall Duluth Hawk Ridge total 55,448, peak Sept. Late north 10-4 Otter Tail GMO; late south 10-10 Lac qui Parle CMB, 10-23 Lac qui Parle NH and Olmsted JF, 10-28 Anoka OJ.
1980Spring Early south 3-16 Anoka SE, 3-29 Fillmore OJ, 4-5 Mower RRK (125); early north 3-30 Aitkin WN, 4-1 Duluth KMH, 4-6 Otter Tail GMO.
1980Fall Hawk Ridge total 16,307 (second lowest recorded); late north 9-20 Aitkin WN, Anoka BA (587) and Cass RJ, 10-12 St. Louis LW; late south 10-4 Houston JP, 10-8 Sibley OJ, 10-12 Rice KJ.
1981Spring Early south 3-9 Blue Earth MF, 3-10 Washington DR, 3-28 Faribault GS; early north 3-25 Becker TNWR, 4-12 Otter Tail GMO, 4-17 Crow Wing JB, Itasca TL; peak 4-26 Houston FL (300).
1981Summer Breeding data from Clearwater, Hubbard, Stearns, Anoka; nesting reported from Crow Wing. Seen throughout range.
1982Spring Early south 3-27 Lyon HK, 4-14 Blue Earth MF, 4-17 Rice KJ, Washington KM, DGW; early north 4-6 Mille Lacs CF / KB, 4-15 Crow Wing SE, 4-24 Clearwater JSP, Cook MKH and St. Louis KE.
1982Summer Breeding data from Lake, Washington, Hubbard, Beltrami, Clearwater. Seen throughout range including Pope (Moe Woods TNC).
1982Fall Hawk Ridge count: 17,809 ( 1982: 30,905) low numbers probably reflect poor weather during peak period. Late north I01 5 Hawk Ridge, 10/14 Lake SWIMS; late south 9/24 Nicollet JCF, 9/25 Sherburne RJ, 10/3 Mower BJ.
1983Spring Early south 3/27 Goodhue JD, 4/3 Sherburne EH/SS, 4/20 Olmsted JEB; early north 4/11 Otter Tail GMO, 4/12 Beltrami AS, 4/22 Hubbard BM.
1983Summer Breeding data from Lake, St. Louis, Pine, Ramsey, Mille Lacs, Clearwater, Mahnomen, Becker. Seen in 20 other counties throughout range plus Brown (New Ulm, JAS).
1983Fall Duluth Hawk Ridge count 35,932 ( 1982: 17,809); late north 9/25 Cook KMH, 10/20 Beltrami AS, Hawk Ridge; late south 10/2 Pipestone RJ, Wright ES, 10/3 Hennepin SC, 10/8 Goodhue OJ; peak 9/20 Hawk Ridge (22,000).
1984Spring Early south 4/1 Mower RRK, 4/15 Le Sueur HC, 4/20 Brown, Watonwan EB/K, Lyon HK, Washington DS; early north 4/4 Otter Tail GMO, 4/2I Aitkin WN, 4/23 St. Louis KC.
1984Summernested in Lake, Clearwater, Steams and Brown; also seen in 23 other counties.
1984Fall Duluth Hawk Ridge count: 36,378 (1983: 35,392); late north 10/19 Aitkin WN, 10/29 Crow Wing GSK, 10/31 Duluth Hawk Ridge, record late date; late south 9/11 Mower RRK, 9/22 Olmsted JEB, RE, 9/23 Dakota TT.
1985SpringEarly south 3/10 Olmsted, JEB , AP (arecord early date) , 3/26 Rice FKS , 4/19 ;Washington OS ; early north 4/5 Otter Tail NJ, 4/14 Aitkin WN , 4/19 Morrison KL.
1985Summer Nested in Lake, Becker, Ramsey. Seen in 20 other counties including Houston (JP/ AM), Brown (JSp).
1985Fall Duluth Hawk Ridge count: 24,819 (1984: 36,378) down over 30%. Late north 9/15 Itasca AB, 10/6 Hawk Ridge, Clay LCF; late south 10/3 Ramsey KB, 10/5 Hennepin ES, Houston FL.
1986Spring Early south 3/29 Olmsted AMP, Stearns DO!SS, Winona GS; early north 3/29 Aitkin WN, 4/20 Clay LCF, 4/23 Cook EH, Lake SWIMS.
1986Summer Nested in Lake, Crow Wing, Stearns. Also seen in 20 other counties east of a diagonal from Roseau to Wright and Dakota, plus Houston, Brown (until 6/14, JSp).
1986Fall Duluth Hawk Ridge count: 18,290 (1985: 24,819) down sharply, peak of 16,500 on 9/18; late north 9/21 ItascaAB, 9/27 Clay LCF, 10/5 Hawk Ridge; late south 9/29 Houston EMF, 10/1 Freeborn NHo, 10/2 Washington OS.
1987Spring Early south 4/9 Winona AP, 4/18 Brown JS, 4/19 Dakota TI and Mower JM; early north 3/20 Lake TM, 4/18 Aitkin WN and Hubbard HJF.
1987Summer Nested in Winona (G. Cress), probable nesting in Cass, Kandiyohi (Sibley State Park). Also seen in 17 other counties west to Agassiz NWR, Mahnomen, Morrison, Scott, Blue Earth, Brown.
1987Fall Duluth Hawk Ridge count: 12,622 ( 1986:18,290), a record low ; late north 9/26 Morrison AB, 9/27 Clay LCF, 10/18 Duluth HR; late south 9/27 Cottonwood BF, 10/5 Wabasha AP.
1988Spring Early south 4/15 Washington WL, 4/17 Olmsted JEB, 4/21 Mower JM; early north 4/1 Beltrami KH and Clay LCF, 4/2 Aitkin WN (good details).
1988Summer Nested in Crow Wing, Cook. Seen in 17 other counties west to Marshall and Steams, and south to Scott and Dakota.
1989Spring Early south 3/29 Sherburne DO, 4/6 Olmsted BSE, 4/15 Hennepin ES; early north 4/2 Clay LCF, 4/19 Cook KMH, 4/20 Kanabec RJ; peak 4/25 Dodge AP 2000 + (The Loon 61 :89).
1989Summer Nested in Crow Wing, St. Louis, Lake; seen in 17 additional counties east of a line through Roseau, Todd, Hennepin, Winona.
1989Fall Hawk Ridge count: 41,900; late north 9/23 Cook WP, 10/14 Duluth HR and Aitkin WN; late south 9/10 Hennepin SC, 9/16 Ramsey RH, 10/23 Wabasha AP.
1990Spring Early south 4/15 Fillmore GMD, 4/21 Anoka GP, Mower JM, Steele VK; early north 4/1 Clay LCF, 4/14 Itasca TS, 4/21 Aitkin SDM, WN.
1990Summer Nested in Anoka, Winona; probable nesting in Clearwater, Otter Tail, Crow Wing. Seen in 16 other counties as far south as a line through Becker, Hennepin; plus Brown.
1990Fall Hawk Ridge count: 24,461 ; late north 9/22 Aitkin WN, 9/30 Lake AB, 10/5 Hawk Ridge; late south 9/23 Hennepin SC, Winona CS, 9/24 Ramsey RH, 9/25 Waseca LF.
1991Spring Early south, 4/6 Carver MB, Olmsted AP; early north, 4/3 Becker DEB, 4/21 Pennington KSS.
1991Summer More reports than usual. Probable nesting in Crow Wing, Hennepin; seen in 25 other counties in all regions except west central and southwest.
1991Fall Hawk Ridge count: 53,190; late north 10/6 Aitkin WN, 10/18 Duluth SDM, 10/31 Cook SOL; late south 9/28 Pipestone RJ, 10/17 Rice TB, 10/23 Ramsey RH.
1992Spring Early south 4/3 Anoka OJ, 4/7 Hennepin SC, 4/17 Washington WL; early north 4/20 St. Louis AE, 4/23 Kanabec CM, 4/25 Hubbard HJF.
1992Summer Probable breeding in Crow Wing; seen in 21 additional counties as far south as a line through Clay, Kandiyohi, Rice, Winona.
1992Fall Hawk Ridge count: 37,487, down 35%. Late north 9/22 Lake DPV, 9/28 Becker BK, 10/4 Aitkin WN; late south 9/25 Anoka JH, EL, 9/26 Olmsted AP, 9/27 Hennepin SC.
1993Spring Early south 3/29 Pipestone JP, 4/4 Blue Earth TEB and Goodhue OJ. Early north 4/7 Becker BBe, 4/19 Hubbard HJF, 4/20 Cook KMH.
1993Summer Nested in Lake of the Woods KB, Winona; probable nesting in St. Louis, Crow Wing. Seen in 13 additional counties in north central, northeast, and east central regions; plus Becker, Sherburne, Scott, Olmsted, Houston.
1993Fall Hawk Ridge count: 1/0,272, up nearly 300%. Late north 9/18 Aitkin WN, Cook KMH, 10/15 Hawk Ridge. Late south 10/5 Waseca OJ, 10/24 Mower RRK, 10/27 Rice OR, FKS.
1994Spring Early south 4/7 Isanti CM, 4/18 Mower RRK and Washington TT; early north 4/11 Becker BBe, 4/12 Hubbard HJF.
1994Summer Nested in Lake; probable nesting in Cass, Crow Wing, Kandiyohi. Observed in 19 other counties within usual range.
1994Fall Hawk Ridge count: 51,383, down 50% from 1993. Late north 9/17 Cook KMH, 10/1 Aitkin WN, 10/25 Hawk Ridge. Late south 9/27 Hennepin TT, 10/6 Ramsey RH, 10/8 Houston JD, FL.
1995Spring Early south 4/16 Olmsted AB, 4/19 Hennepin DB, 4/22 Dakota DZ and Rice TB; early north 4/5 Hubbard HJF, 4/23 St. Louis AE, 4/24 Aitkin CB.
1995Summer Nested in Anoka, Winona; probable breeding in Crow Wing, Lake. Seen in 17 other counties as far southwest as a line through Polk, Otter Tail, Rice; plus late migrants 6/1 Rock, 6/5 Lac qui Parle.
1995Fall Reported from ten north and ten south counties; 51,048 counted at Hawk Ridge.
1996Spring Reported in 24 south and 16 north counties. Early south 4/16 Winona (pair on territory) CS, 4/16 Pipestone JP, 4/18 Mower RRK and Dakota RG. Most south reports between 4/26–30. Early north 4/16 Beltrami HJF, 4/19 Carlton LW and St. Louis TW.
1996Summer Nested in Becker, Itasca; probable nesting in Crow Wing, Aitkin. Seen in 20 additional counties as far west and south as Beltrami, Otter Tail, Kandiyohi, Brown, Winona.
1996FallReported in 16 north and 12 south counties. Late north (median 10/15) 10/25 St. Louis SDM, 11/2 (latest date on record) Pine (1) CM. Late south 9/27 Brown JSp, 9/28 Hennepin TT and Waseca JSe.
1997Spring Reported in 27 south and 20 north counties.
1997Summer Observed in 20 counties as far west as a line through Beltrami, Clearwater, Wadena, Kandiyohi, and Mower. New nesting record in Cass MSc, EP; probable breeding in Crow Wing.
1997Fall Reported from 17 north and 12 south counties. Peak counts 9/17 HRNR (19,659), 9/19 HRNR (19,584), 9/20 Houston (753) FL. Total of 11 dark-morphs for the season at HRNR. Late north 10/21 HRNR (1) FN.
1998Spring Reported from 22 south and 17 north counties. Early south 3/29 Kandiyohi RJF. Unusual record 4/19 Jackson RJ. Peak 5/5 Duluth (496) FN
1998Summer Seen in 21 counties as far west and south as a line through Roseau, Todd, Fillmore; probable nesting in Hennepin.
1998Fall Reported in low numbers from 9 north and 13 south counties. Late north 10/10 Wadena PBi, 10/21 St. Louis (HRNR) FN. Late south 10/10 Stearns MJ/DT. Including 3 adult dark-morphs, the Hawk Ridge seasonal total of 9,516 was a record low count (previous low was ~12,600 in 1987). Numbers also down at the Reno hawk watch in Houston Co. FL et al., where only about 50 were counted during peak migration 9/18–21.
1999Spring Arrived on time south and north. Early south 4/8 Meeker DF (recent median 4/7). Early north 4/10 St. Louis NJ. Peak 5/3 St. Louis (157) FN, DCa.
1999Summer Seen in 21 counties as far west as a line through Marshall, Wadena, Kandiyohi, Nicollet, Fillmore; new nesting record in Aitkin WN.
1999Fall Flocks of several dozen observed kettling as early as 8/23 in Hubbard (PBu). Early south 8/6 Washington RH, 8/10 Hennepin CMa, 8/18 Ramsey TT. Latest reports were comparable to recent median departure dates. Late north 10/16 Douglas RH, 10/23 St. Louis (HRNR) FN. Late south 9/19 Freeborn ABa, 10/9 Rice SWe.
2000Spring Peak migration during late April throughout Minnesota. Early south 4/18 Rice TBo, 4/21 in three counties, 4/22 in four. Early north 4/13 St. Louis (Hoyt Lakes) AE, 4/19 St. Louis (Duluth) FN, 4/21 Clearwater ABo, 4/22 in four counties. Details needed for 3/24 Meeker, 3/25 Hennepin, since median south arrival two weeks later (4/7).
2000Summer Record high number of reports. Observed in 31 counties as far west as a line through Roseau, Otter Tail, Kandiyohi, Freeborn.
2000Fall Reported from 11 north and 17 south counties. Late north 10/4 St. Louis (HRNR) FN, 10/7–8 Aitkin WEN, CLB. Late south 10/3–5 in Houston, Scott, Waseca.
2001Spring Seen in 28 south and 26 north counties. Early south 4/7 Sherburne LMC, RMN, 4/13–15 in seven counties. Early north 4/14 Mille Lacs MRN, 4/20–27 in 12 counties. Peak migration 4/24 at Hastings-Prescott Bird Count (KJB). Seven adult dark morphs at West Skyline Hawkwatch in Duluth (FJN); also see Table 1.
2001Summer Reported in 23 counties as far west and south as a line through Marshall, Otter Tail, Stearns, Rice, Winona.
2001Fall Reported from 14 north and 23 south counties, though only Otter Tail in West-central region and Cottonwood, Lyon in Southwest. Late north 10/14–16 St. Louis (Duluth) FJN. Late south 10/14 Steele NFT, 10/27 Carver RMD.
2002Spring Observed in 25 south and 21 north counties. Early south 4/4 Steele NFT, 4/13 Rice DAB, 4/15–20 in ten south counties. Numbers down at H.P.B.C. (KJB). Early north 4/15 Todd JSK, SDu, 4/16 Kanabec CAM and St. Louis FJN, DSC. High count 5/1 St. Louis (3616 at W.S.H.C., Duluth) FJN, DSC. No fewer than seven adult dark morphs at W.S.H.C. 5/1 (3), 5/3, 5/12 (2), & 5/14.
2002Summer Reported in 27 counties as far west and south as a line through Lake of the Woods, Clearwater, Pope, Kandiyohi, Rice.
2002Fall Reported from 14 north and 18 south counties, but only Yellow Medicine (10/3, BRL) in the Southwest. Eight dark morphs at H.R.N.R. in Duluth, four of these 9/11 (FJN, DSC). Local concentration 9/14 Ramsey (509) TAT, also see Table 1. Late north 10/20, 10/22 St. Louis (H.R.N.R.) FJN, DSC et al. Late south 10/16 Sherburne PLJ, 10/18 Goodhue FVS.
2003Spring Seen in 24 south and 20 north counties; absent Southwest. Early south 4/8 McLeod RMD, 4/14 Freeborn AEB. Early north 4/22 St. Louis FJN, DSC, 4/24 Carlton LAW and Pine JMP. Peak 4/23 Dakota (H.P.B.C.) KJB. High count 4/29 St. Louis (3837 at W.S.H.C., Duluth) FJN, DSC. Also see Table 1.
2003Summer Reported in 18 North-central, Northeast, and East-central counties; plus Clay, Becker, Otter Tail, Todd, Sherburne, Meeker, Scott.
2003Fall Reported from 18 north and 21 south counties, but only Pipestone (9/20, DCZ) in the Southwest. Record-high season at H.R.N.R., Duluth (Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve 2003 Annual Report). Local concentrations 9/20 Rice (400) DAB, FVS, 9/23 Houston (248) FZL. Dark morphs seen 9/12 Hennepin OLJ, 9/20 Swift (adult) KRE, 9/23 Otter Tail EJE. Late north 10/14 St. Louis (H.R.N.R., Duluth) TSm, DSC. Late south 10/18 Blue Earth DAB.
2004Spring Observed in 26 south and 20 north counties in all regions. Early south (median 4/7) 4/2 Carver fide AXH and Nicollet MJF, 4/7 Washington TEB. Early north (median 4/7) 4/17 St. Louis (W.S.H.C. in Duluth) FJN, DSC, 4/19 Todd JSK, SID. Peak migration 5/1 St. Louis (5620, most ever in one day at W.S.H.C.) FJN, DSC.
2004Summer Reported from 24 counties in all regions except Southwest and South-central; new nesting record for Todd JSK.
2004Fall Reported from 16 north and 19 south counties, none in the Southwest. Peak counts 9/16 St. Louis (31,021 at H.R.B.O.) FJN, DSC (see Table 1), 9/17 Rice (286) DAB, Houston (145) FZL, 9/25 Carver (197) WCM. Late north 10/14 St. Louis (H.R.B.O.) FJN, DSC, 10/16 Pine PEB. Late south 10/2 Waseca JPS, 10/10 Meeker DMF.
2005Spring Observed in 27 south and 21 north counties in all regions. Early south 4/13 Dakota CMB, LM, 4/14 Waseca JPS. Early north 4/12 Pine JMP, 4/16 St. Louis (W.S.H.C. in Duluth) FJN, DSC. Peak migration 5/6 St. Louis (record W.S.H.C. daily total of 9,206 included several dark morphs) FJN, DSC. Also see Table 1.
2005Summer Reported from 26 counties in all central and eastern regions except Southeast.
2005Fall Found in 23 north and 16 south counties. Peak counts 9/14 St. Louis (12,561 at H.R.B.O., Duluth) FJN, RSB (see Table 1), 9/20 Houston (1,258) FZL. Late north 10/6 Lake JWL, 10/20 St. Louis (H.R.B.O., Duluth) FJN, RSB. Late south 10/14 Big Stone BJU.
2006Spring Observed in 24 south and 21 north counties in all regions. Early south 4/6 Lac qui Parle and Lincoln BJU, 4/10 Hennepin RBJ and Meeker DMF. Early north 4/9 Crow Wing CMC, 4/16 Otter Tail SPM and St. Louis (W.S.H.C. in Duluth) DSC. Peak migration 5/7 St. Louis (2,638 at W.S.H.C., Duluth) DSC. Also see Table 1.
2006Summer Reported from 36 counties throughout state.
2006Fall Reported from 17 north and 17 south counties. Peak count 9/20 St. Louis (16,232 at Duluth) H.R.B.O. (also see Table 1). Late north 10/27 St. Louis (Duluth) H.R.B.O., 10/30 Cass MRN (median 10/17). Late south 10/10 Steele NFT, 10/19 Lac qui Parle BJU.
2007Spring2237 Early south 4/6 Benton, 4/8 Sherburne PLJ (median 4/7). Early north 4/4 Crow Wing MRN, 4/14 St. Louis DSC (median 4/10). High count 4/23 St. Louis (203, W.S.H.C., Duluth) DSC.
2007Summer1916 Reported statewide.
2007Fall1527 High counts 9/14 St. Louis (8,983 at H.R.B.O.) EMG, KJB, 9/15 Lake (221 at Wilson L., away from Lake Superior.) AXH. Late north 10/6 Pine MHe, 10/13 St. Louis (H.R.B.O.) EMG, KJB. Late south 10/1 Hennepin PEB, 10/13 Scott LEC.
2008Spring2735 Early south (median 4/7) 4/13 Meeker DMF, 4/15 Chisago MHe. Early north (median 4/9) 4/17 St. Louis HWi, NAJ, 4/19 Aitkin KCR. High count 5/4 St. Louis (125 from West Skyline Drive, Duluth) PHS.
2008Summer1720 Most reports ever. Seen in all regions except Southwest.
2008Fall1621 High count 9/15 St. Louis (21,661 at H.R.B.O.) KJB. Late north 9/24 Carlton, Kanabec, Pine DMF, 10/3 St. Louis (H.R.B.O.) KJB (median 10/18). Late south 9/28 Carver JCC, 10/14 Pope, Swift DMF (median 10/10).
2009Spring2429 Early south (median 4/7) 4/9 Murray DHr, 4/17 Meeker DMF. Early north (median 4/10) 4/2 Marshall fide JMJ, 4/17 St. Louis (W.S.H.C.) KJB. Seasonal total of 7,560 at W.S.H.C. (peak of 2,770 on 5/4) KJB. Also see Table 1.
2009Summer1912 Seen in all regions except Southwest. First county breeding record from Sherburne PLJ. Unusual summer location 6/14 Steele ChH.
2009Fall1327 High count 9/14 St. Louis (7,730 at H.R.B.O.) KJB. Late north 10/4 Wadena PJB, 10/31 St. Louis ABL, then record-late north 11/15 St. Louis (H.R.B.O.) KJB (median 10/16). Late south 10/8 Blue Earth ChH, Nicollet RMD, 10/17 Dakota SIv (median 10/10).
2010Spring2126 Early south (median 4/7) 4/3 Dakota SKS, 4/14 Rice TFB, 4/15 Hennepin MaK, Sherburne PLJ. Early north (median 4/10) 4/14 St. Louis (W.S.H.C.) KJB, 4/17 Cass DAY, 4/18 Lake JWL. Seasonal total of 4,546 at W.S.H.C. (peak of 1,425 on 5/4) KJB. Also see Table 1.
2010Summer1817 Observed east of a line from Roseau to Mower, plus Douglas, Lac qui Parle. First county breeding records from Fillmore fide BBA, Rice fide BBA.
2010Fall2420 High count 9/14 St. Louis (6,933 at H.R.B.O.) KJB. Peak count away from Hawk Ridge: 9/18 Rice (790, River Bend N.C.) DAB. Late north 9/29 Otter Tail DST, 10/21 St. Louis (H.R.B.O.) KJB (median 10/16). Late south 10/13 Hennepin SLC, Sherburne PLJ, 10/16 Dakota SWe (median 10/10).
2011Spring2737 Early south (median 4/7) 4/16 Rice TFB, 4/19 Sherburne EMa, 4/23 Goodhue KRo. Early north (median 4/10) 4/1 Otter Tail DST, 4/5 Hubbard MAW, 4/12 Douglas ARW, St. Louis EBr, PHS. High counts 5/8 St. Louis (653, W.S.H.C.) DSC, 4/30 Blue Earth (500) AnK, ChH.
2011Summer2117Found in all regions except West-central and Southwest.
2011Fall1729 High count 9/15 St. Louis (12,790 at H.R.B.O.) KJB. Peak count away from Hawk Ridge: 9/23 Blue Earth (1,175, Bethany Hawkwatch) ChH. Late north 10/15 Itasca PLe, 10/26 St. Louis (H.R.B.O.) KJB (median 10/16). Late south 10/4 Carver JCy, 10/6 Nicollet RZi, 10/13 Blue Earth ChH (median 10/10).
2012Spring2335 Early south (median 4/7) 4/11 Sherburne PLJ, 4/14 Dakota ADS. Early north (median 4/10) 4/11 Cass DAY, 4/17 Mille Lacs JSa, 4/18 Grant DaP, Hubbard MAW.
2012Summer2721 Reported from all regions, but primarily the northeastern portion of state. First county breeding record from Carver CTr.
2012Fall2520 High count 9/9 St. Louis (15,204, H.R.N.R.) KJB. Peak count away from Hawk Ridge 9/17 Blue Earth (581, Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato) ChH. Late north 10/14 St. Louis KJB, ABL (median 10/16). Late south 10/15 Hennepin DCK, 10/21 Olmsted MkS (median 10/10).
2013Spring2833 Early south (median 4/7) 4/7 Hennepin KvB, 4/19 Anoka DPG, 4/20 Carver WCM, Washington DAB. Early north (median 4/10) 4/10 Otter Tail GO, 4/18 Marshall CCr, 4/23 Morrison MRN. High counts 4/27 St. Louis (84, W.S.H.C.) JLK, 4/27 Itasca (61) SC.
2013Summer2520 Seen in all regions except Southwest.
2013Fall2129 High counts all from St. Louis H.R.N.R. (KJB): 7,228 on 9/12, 2,975 on 9/21. Late north 10/18 St. Louis KJB, 10/24 St. Louis KJB (median 10/16). Late south 10/12 (2), 10/15, 10/17 Blue Earth (Bethany Hawkwatch) ChH, BHW (median 10/10).
2014Spring2748Early south (median 4/7) 4/2 Lac qui Parle FAE, 4/5 Rice JBk, 4/6 Carver MJa, JCy. Early north (median 4/10) 4/2 Hubbard MAW, 4/19 Carlton AVa, St. Louis JLK, High counts 5/2 Blue Earth (643) BHW, 5/3 Blue Earth (264) BHW.
2014Summer2318Observed in all regions of state. First county breeding record from Dakota ADS.
2014Fall 20 North, 28 South] High count 9/21 St. Louis (7,219, H.R.B.O.) KJB. Late north 10/14 St. Louis MJM, 10/19 St. Louis JLK, AMa, 10/31 St. Louis (H.R.B.O.) KJB (median 10/16). Late south 10/7 Blue Earth BHW, Washington PSm, 10/8 Blue Earth BHW, 10/10 Ramsey REH (median 10/10).
2015Spring2540 Early south (median 4/7) 3/21 Hennepin TLo, 4/3 Murray TKa, 4/9 Sherburne PLJ. Early north (median 4/10) 4/4 Todd JLK, 4/12 Itasca SC, 4/18 Crow Wing JPR. High counts 4/27 Blue Earth (166) BHW, 5/3 St. Louis (72, Park Point) TRK.
2015Summer2515 Observed in all regions except Southwest.
2015Fall2838 High count 9/19 St. Louis (16,815, H.R.B.O.) KJB. Late north 10/17 St. Louis (H.R.B.O.) KJB (median 10/21). Late south 10/17 Mower ph. RNS, 10/19 Sherburne SMC, 11/20 Carver (Carver P.R.) JCy (median 10/14).
2016Spring3141 Early south (median 4/7) 3/22 Blue Earth BHW, 4/4 Ramsey LMk, 4/6 Carver JCy. Early north (median 4/11) 4/14 Carlton AVa, 4/15 Mille Lacs JSa, 4/16 Clearwater NMr, St. Louis BHo. High counts 4/25 Blue Earth (547) BHW, 4/29 St. Louis (421, W.S.H.C.) FJN, 4/25 Scott (350, Spring Lake R.P.) BHe.
2016Summer2219 Observed in all regions except Southwest.
2016Fall3037 One dark morph 9/23 Wright (Swartout W.M.A.) ph. CRM. High count 9/13 St. Louis (8,163) H.R.B.O. All north reports after 10/8 were from St. Louis, where last seen 10/19 H.R.B.O., 10/20 H.R.B.O. and (Lakewood Pumping Station) BSu (median 10/21). Late south 10/12 Blue Earth B.H.W., 10/18 Hennepin (juvenile) TAT (median 10/14).
2017Spring3349 Early south (median 4/7) 4/4 Washington ERH, 4/8 Hennepin SMC, 4/9 Carver LiH. Early north (median 4/11) 4/15 St. Louis (Park Point) JCa, 4/17 Morrison FGo, St. Louis (3 additional locations). High count 5/5 St. Louis (753, W.S.H.C.) JPR.
2017Summer2620 Found in every region except Southwest, Southeast. First county breeding records 8/4 Morrison KEm, 7/22 Otter Tail WPl.
2017Fall2636 High counts 9/17 St. Louis (26,270) H.R.B.O., 9/27 St. Louis (6,128) H.R.B.O.. Late north 10/24 St. Louis (2) H.R.B.O., 10/25 Lake (Beaver Bay W.T.P.) RSA, 11/14–22+ St. Louis (juvenile, Park Point) AMs, ph. PHS, JGz, but also see winter report (median 10/21). Late south 10/9 Blue Earth (4) BHW, 10/11 Blue Earth (5) BHW, 11/5 Chisago JMs (median 10/15).
2017Winter1 First winter record for the state: 12/2 St. Louis (Duluth, Park Point) †JGz, ph. PHS; juvenile, continuing from November (11/14–22), when it was photographed by several observers.
2018Spring2844 Early south (median 4/7) 4/11 Carver ebd, Faribault WAF, 4/12 Blue Earth BHW. Early north (median 4/11) 4/21 Crow Wing LnH, 4/22 Polk SAu, 4/23 Hubbard (3) REn, Pine KrM, St. Louis (61) JPR, FJN. Peak north movement in the first week of May, as documented by high counts at the W.S.H.C. in St. Louis County: 5/3 (4,169) FJN; 5/2 (3,253) FJN, JPR; 5/1 (2,433) FJN, JPR; 5/5 (2,248) FJN.
2018Summer2822 Reported from every region except Southwest.
2018Fall2640  High count 9/17 St. Louis (10,137, including one dark morph juvenile) H.R.B.O. Late north 10/21 Lake (Gooseberry Falls S.P.) ebd, 10/28 St. Louis H.R.B.O., 10/29 Lake (Knife River Park) LiH (median 10/21). Late south 10/13 Hennepin KBg, Rice GHo, 10/15 Carver JCy (median 10/15).
2019Spring3248 Early south (median 4/7) 4/6 Washington (Afton S.P.) PAl, 4/9 Benton LKo, Washington (Lake Elmo R.P.) ebd, Wright ToL. Early north (median 4/11) 4/14 Pine KrM, 4/19 Cass ebd, Polk HHu. High counts 4/25 St. Louis (4,076, W.S.H.C.) FJN, m.ob., 5/4 St. Louis (1,732, W.S.H.C.) FJN, JPR.
2019Summer2726 Reported in all regions except Southwest. First county breeding record: 7/24 Carlton AVa.
2019Fall2639 High count 9/23 St. Louis (8,314) H.R.B.O. Late north 10/16 St. Louis H.R.B.O., 10/23 St. Louis FJN, m.ob., 10/27 Lake LiH, m.ob. (median 10/21). Late south 10/13 Meeker (11) PKF, 10/16 Hennepin ebd, 10/19 Nicollet ABL (median 10/15).
2020Spring2846 Early south (median 4/7) 4/3 Dakota (Inver Grove Heights,) ebd, 4/4 Dakota (Lilydale R.P.) BBr, m.ob., Ramsey ebd. Early north (median 4/12) 4/7 Todd REn, m.ob., 4/15 St. Louis (Cloquet Line) ebd, 4/16 St. Louis (Cook) JuG. High counts 5/4 St. Louis (873, W.S.H.C.) FJN, 4/26 St. Louis (660, W.S.H.C.) FJN.
2020Summer2423 Found in all regions. Unusual report 6/9 Lyon (Camden S.P.) †ASu.
2020Fall3142 High counts 9/17 St. Louis (11,399) H.R.B.O., 9/13 St. Louis (9,551) H.R.B.O. Late north 10/23 St. Louis (E. Superior St., Duluth) PHS, SCB, (5, McQuade Small Craft Harbor) PHS, SCB, 11/17 St. Louis H.R.B.O. (median 10/21). Late south 10/9 Hennepin ebd, Waseca JCJ, Washington (2) MBw, 10/11 Meeker PKF (median 10/15).
2020Winter1 One report: 12/19 Scott (adult, Vernon Ave., Savage) †BKa, ph. GrN. Found on the Bloomington CBC, this is only the state’s second winter season record, and the latest date. (The previous winter record was 2 December 2017, Duluth, The Loon 90:100.)
2021Spring3049 Early south (median 4/7) 4/4 Dakota ebd, Ramsey LiH, 4/5 Blue Earth BHW. Early north (median 4/13) 4/10 Otter Tail TJJ, 4/14 Cass DoH, ebd, Cook ebd. High counts 5/1 St. Louis (938, W.S.H.C.) FJN, EBr, 5/5 St. Louis (904, W.S.H.C.) FJN.
2021Summer2828 Reported from all regions. Unusual summer reports 6/2 Renville (Minnesota River Valley) SLH, 7/10 Lyon (Camden S.P.) GWe, 7/18 Redwood (Redwood Falls) JnH.
2021Fall3143 Highest counts both from St. Louis on 9/21: (13,821) H.R.B.O., (10,512, Brighton Beach) IDv. Late north 10/18 St. Louis (2) H.R.B.O., 10/22 St. Louis (Lester River) KBg, 10/23 St. Louis (Stony Point) StK, IDv, SNe (median 10/21). Late south 10/12 Hennepin SKe, Yellow Medicine BxP, 10/13 Anoka MAJ (median 10/16).
2022Spring3350 Early south (median 4/7) 4/8 Hennepin (Richardson N.C.) ebd, (Fort Snelling S.P.) ebd, 4/9 Faribault ebd, Ramsey (2) ebd. Early north (median 4/13) 4/19 St. Louis (3, Sax-Zim Bog) ebd, 4/19 (3, W.S.H.C.) SeM, 4/21 St. Louis (W.S.H.C.) SeM, 4/21 St. Louis (Western Waterfront Trail) JLK. High counts 5/4 St. Louis (2,618, W.S.H.C.) SeM, 5/5 St. Louis (1,609, W.S.H.C.) SeM.
2022Summer2821 Reported from all regions except Southwest. First county breeding record: 8/8 Benton DOr.
2022Fall3141 High counts 9/22 St. Louis (12,020) H.R.B.O., 9/21 St. Louis (9,108) H.R.B.O. Late north 10/18 Aitkin KCR, 10/22 Cook LWd, 11/7 St. Louis JsC, m.ob. (median 10/21). Late south 10/9 Hennepin DAh, Ramsey LiH, Scott BHe, Washington EzH, 10/15 Stearns MSk (median 10/16).
 
 Breeds north, central, and east. Migrant throughout.

Notes:

Click on the bird name to see a photographic image of the bird.
Column N  Number of counties where the bird was seen in the North.
Column S  Number of counties where the bird was seen in the South.