One of the most fascinating aspects of birding in Minnesota is that no year or season can reasonably be called ordinary. Perhaps it's because of the notorious uncertainties of our climate, or possibly, it's due to the ever-increasing skills of Minnesota observers and better communications among them. For whatever reason, we've learned to expect the unexpected, and Fall, 1978 did not disappoint us.

For the record, 291 species were reported, six fewer than Fall, 1977, but still more than in any other previous year. 54 observers submitted reports; many others contributed miscellaneous notes on unusual sightings.

Early autumn weather was fairly normal, with August generally hot and humid with heavy rains in the southeast. September brought frequent spells of rain, cold and southeast winds at Duluth. Much to the dismay of visiting hawk-watchers, weekend flights were poor. Weekdays, however, must have been much better.

The season count at Hawk Ridge was an excellent 74,558 birds; a single day record of 33,370 was set on Friday, September 15. While October weather was near normal, passerine migrants were down in numbers in most areas. Perhaps they knew something we didn't. In mid-November, as we'd rather not remember, the state was shocked by a harsh and snowy start to a long, bitter winter, driving autumn stragglers and even a good many common winter residents from the state.

Bird numbers may have been down, but their quality was not. One hypothetical species plus at least 9 casuals and accidentals were recorded along with several notably rare regulars. As usual, Duluth led the listers' hit parade.

Hawk Ridge recorded a Gyrfalcon, Swainson's Hawk (second area record) and a Red-shouldered Hawk as well. The rest of the Duluth area added Arctic Loon, Whimbrel, Red Knot, Pomarine and unidentified Jaegers, Black-legged Kittiwake, Sabine's Gull and a Townsend's Solitaire (also seen in Crow Wing County). From western Minnesota came three Prairie Falcon sightings in Lac qui Parle, Otter Tail and Wilkin counties and a Least Tern in Lyon County. Dakota County chipped in a Cinnamon Teal report, but the unquestioned star of the season was the Rufous Hummingbird.

The second state record for this species was confirmed at Bemidji by many observers. That was followed by identifiable photographs of another individual bird and a report of a third; all were seen at widely separated locations (see Spring 1979 Loon for details). These events should move the species from Hypothetical to Accidental classification on our state list, and should also provide a strong incentive for all of us to take more than a passing look at hummingbirds within our state borders.

Under the heading of a near miss, two Barn Owls were reported in November not far from Winona, but unfortunately across the MississippiRiver in Wisconsin.

Two changes have occurred with this report. In response to many requests from Loon readers, it includes more dates, locations and observer credits than recent reports, a return toward the format of previous years.

The report itself has been prepared effort to distribute the burden of the work. Capital letters have been used to identify species of special interest, and bold-faced type indicates out-ofthe- ordinary dates and locations.

No July dates have been included in the regular listings. Most of them have been -and should be in the future -reported and listed in the Summer Season. However, a few early July migrants, previously unreported, have been mentioned in an addendum.

We would like to repeat the request of previous compilers that observers differentiate between north and south counties. If possible, use a different colored ink or underline in a different color. Also, when specifying locations such as lakes. refuges or towns (other than Duluth, Minneapolis, Rochester or St. Paul), please indicate the county as well. It may be obvious to you that Long Lake, East Overshoe or Bosky Dell Refuge is in a certain county, but necessarily to the compiler who must then stop and ferret out the location -a delay and a likely source of error. Finally, we wish to express our thanks to Kim Eckert and Bob Janssen for their considerable aid and counsel.