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Seasonal Report Archive for The Loon | |
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The 1963-Summer Season 1 June through 31 July 1963 by Ronald L. Huber |
Weather:
June and July were hot, with temperatures
in the 90's frequently recorded.
Dry spells were felt, especially on Twin Cities lawns, and in southeastern Minnesota, but the remainder of the state seemed to have normal amounts of precipitation. The prairie potholes received their fair share of rain as evidenced by the 16 species of ducks reported nesting, most of them from northwestern Minnesota. A few extreme weather conditions were noted, however. In early June, 100 mile-perhour winds, accompanied by rain and hail, ripped across the southern quarter of Minnesota, with the town of Winona feeling the heaviest damage. Some areas in the southwestern corner of our state had corn crops beaten to the ground by the hail and denuded trees remained leafless for the remainder of the summer.
A cold front hit most of the state on July 28 and thence periodically throughout the month of August. This had a pronounced effect on the first wave of fall migrants, which were already somewhat early. Paralleling the first wave of migrants was an en masse southward movement of Monarch butterflies. On Aug. 10 they were coming down through the prairies of western Minnesota in huge numbers, flying literally everywhere over the fields. Several "roosts" were noted with several hundred individuals in a single bush. Mixed with them over the fields were an occasional Regal Fritillary, Silver-spotted Fritillary, Black Swallowtail, Viceroy, Mourning Cloak, Inornate Ringlet, Pearly-eye, Pearl Crescent, numerous angle-wings and skippers.
General considerations: The unusual fall migration will be covered in the next issue. This report will confine itself to the breeding and summer residents only. On June 8, Avifauna! Club members found a large female Spiny Softshell turtle at Homer, Winona Co. Her carapace measured 14 inches in length. Since subspecies can be determined only on young males, we could not tell which race she was.
Shortly thereafter, we found a nest with 28 freshly-laid eggs, in the sandy riverbank about 20 feet from the water. During mid-June, noticeable toad movements were observed in northwestern Minnesota. We took advantage of this situation to collect 5 new county records for the Dakota Toad: Becker, Clay, Wilkin, Stevens and Roseau. Other new county records: Northern Prairie Skink, Traverse Co.; Western Smooth Green Snake, Norman Co.; Eastern Tiger Salamander, Mahnomen, Stevens and Nicollet Co., Western Chorus Frog, Isanti Co.; Mink Frog, Isanti and Pine Co.; and Silver-haired Bat, Stevens and Kandiyohi Co. On July 20, Ray Glassel took a Little Sulfur butterfly in Dakota Co., south of the Cedar Grove housing development.
We believe this to be the first Minnesota specimen. Last year, in the same spot, he caught a Southern Cloudy Wing, also believed to be the first for Minnesota. On July 5, I observed 3 melanistic Franklin's Ground Squirrels h Clearwater Oo., between Berner and the Sandy River.
Common Loon; St. Louis Co., Alden Lake, June 23, 2 ad, 2y, Dr. A. Kellam Lake Co., Camp Lake, Aug. 2, le, Gene Lee Tofte Lake, July 10, 2ad, ly, Jan Green Twin Lake, July 25, 2ad, ly, Jan Green Camp Lake, Aug. 8, ad, ly and on Aug. 12, 2 y, le addled, Jan Green S. Kawishiwi River, July 18, 2ad, ly, .T~n Green Clearwater Co., Itasca Park, May 24, 2e and June 28 2ad, ly, R. Grant Ramsey Co., July 11, lad, 2y, A. C.
Rosenwinkel.
Q.pd-th l"oa•ed Loon: Koochiching Co., Rainy Lake, June 22, 1 seen, J. K.
Bronoel. Summer records for this species are of special interest since it may occasionally breed in northern Minnesota.
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Species |
Information |
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| Whistling-Ducks, Geese, Swans, Ducks | |||||
| Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) | Washington Co., May 24, pair, 5y, D. Honetschlager. | ||||
| Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) | Cook Co., Schroeder, June 28, 1 dingy immature seen by Marie Aftreith. | ||||
| Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) | Ramsey Co., Bald Eagle Lake, June 1, ad, 2y, Elizabeth Campbell; elsewhere on July 13, ten broods of from 6-lly seen, A. C. Rosenwinkel. Hennepin Co., Minneapolis, May 15, ad entering & leaving hole in tree, R. L. Huber. Mahnomen Co., Twin Lakes Creek, June 29, ad, 4y, Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors) | Numerous nestings in Hennepin, Ramsey, Winona, St. Louis, Becker and Mahnomen Counties. | ||||
| Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) | Stevens Co., Alberta, July 2, many pr with y, R. Grant. Ramsey Co., May 30, female incubating, A. C. Rosenwinkel. | ||||
| Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) | Numerous nestings reported for Hennepin, Ramsey, St. Louis, Lake, Cook, Becker and Mahnomen Counties. | ||||
| American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) | Lake Co., total of 13 broods in 7 localities, reported by Jan Green from July 3 thru Aug. 1,.broods from 2-18y, total 83y, average brood about 6-7y. | ||||
| Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) | Stevens Co., Alberta, July 2, 2 pr with y, R. Grant. | ||||
| Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) | Stevens Co., Alberta, July 2, 2 pr with y, R. Grant. | ||||
| Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) | Mahnomen Co., July 7, pr with 4y, Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Redhead (Aythya americana) | Stevens Co., Alberta, July 2, many pr with y, R. Grant. Mahnomen Co., Waubun, July 10, 7 broods totalling 50y, R. B. Janssen. | ||||
| Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) | Clearwater Co., June 28, pr, 2y, R. Grant. Lake Co., Gem Lake, July 13, 2 broods, 3, 6y, Jan Green. | ||||
| Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) | Clearwater Co., June 28, pr with 7y, R. Grant. Mahnomen Co., July 7, several pr with y, Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) | St. Louis· Co., Chisholm, Aug. 9, 3 seen, F. V. Strnad; also listed as "breeding" in a report from the Chippewa National Forest, but no further details as yet. This would be the first Minnesota breeding record to my knowledge. This species does breed in the Turtle Mountain area of North Dakota and there is one extra-limital breeding record from Iowa. It is therefore surprising that this species has not been found' breeding in Minnesota long ago. White-winged Seater: St. Louis Co. line, Knife River, June 1, 6 seen, Ruth Kuchta. Like the preceding species, this one breeds in the Turtle Mountain area of North Dakota and there is one record of a presumed family group in Clearwater Co., Minnesota. The entire Boreal zone of Minnesota should provide | ||||
| Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) | Lake Co., S·outh Kawishiwi River rapids, July 18, 2 broods, 6y each, Jan Green. | ||||
| Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) | Houston Co., La Crescent, May 26, 2 broods, 9y, 17y, Avifaunal Club. Lake Co., Langley River dam, June 22, 8y, Ruth Kuchta. | ||||
| Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) | St. Louis Co., Lake Vermilion, June 27, ad, 4y, V. F. Barrows. Lake Co., Triangle Lake, Aug. 1, 8y; Farm Lake, Aug. 30, 8y, Jan Green. | ||||
| Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) | Hennepin Co., Minneapolis, July 27, ad, 3y, R. B. Janssen. Ramsey Co., Bald Eagle Lake, Aug. 20, ad, 4y, E. Campbell. | ||||
| New World Quail | |||||
| Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) | Houston Co., Caledonia, July 22, one heard calling, George Carrol. | ||||
| Partridge, Pheasants, Grouse, Turkeys | |||||
| Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) | Anoka Co., Aug. 10, 2y, R. B. Janssen. Clearwater Co., Itasca Park, June 28, ad, 4y, R Grant. St. Louis Co., Hibbing, July 4, ad, 8y, H. Micensky. Lake Co., Drummond line, June 16, ad, 6y, Ruth Kuchta. | ||||
| Spruce Grouse (Canachites canadensis) | Lake Co., Moose Lake, July 3, female, 6y in Jackpine, Black Spruce, aspen area, John C. Green. On Aug 24, about 35 miles N. Two Harbors, Lake Co., short-tailed immature male found dead, Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) | Clearwater Co., Gonvick, last week in June, ad, 7y, George Herberg. | ||||
| Greater Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido) | Mahnomen Co., Waubun, May 24, 4 males with inflated neck sacs, dancing and displaying. R. Grant. | ||||
| Gray Partridge (Perdix perdix) | Clay Co., Moorhead, July 17, ad, lly, D. Meyer. Mahnomen Co., June 28, ad, 6y, R. Grant. Pipestone Co, Aug. 31, 2 ad, 15 y, Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) | Numerous nestings reported from Clay, Ramsey, Houston, Rock, Anoka, Hennepin Counties. | ||||
| Grebes | |||||
| Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) | Ramsey Co., July 13, 9 broods -seen, A. C. Rosenwinkel. Nobles Co., near Round Lake, July 27, ad, 4y, Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) | Clearwater Co., Roy Lake, June 1-29, incubating, R. Grant, Avifaunal Club. Polk Co., June 28, incubating, R. Grant. Big Stone Co., Artichoke Lake, incubating, R. Grant. Mahnomen Co., June 29, ad, 4y, Avifauna Club. | ||||
| Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) | Stevens Co., Frog Lake, Aug. 31, 2 seen, Avifaunal Club. Regular summer resident here. Lac qui Parle Co., Salt Lake, Aug 3, 1 seen, Avifaunal Club. Occasional summer resident. | ||||
| Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) | Stevens Co., Frog Lake, Aug. 31 at least 31 seen, family groups? Avifaunal Club. Regular summer resident here. | ||||
| Pigeons, Doves | |||||
| Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) | Numerous breeding reports from Ramsey, Hennepin, Clay and Sibley Counties. | ||||
| Cuckoos | |||||
| Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) | Rock Co., Manley, Sep. 1, ad, 1y poorly flying, short· tailed, Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus) | Hennepin Co., Minneapolis, May 16, pair observed in copula, R. Huber. Rock Co., Manley, Sep. 1, ad, 1y, tailless, flying, Avifaunal Club. This species was observed throughout the summer is about 20 counties, north to St. Louis, Clearwater and Kittson Counties. | ||||
| Nightjars | |||||
| Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) | Mabel Goranson heard one calling near her home in Shatley, Beltrami County, near the south shore of Lower Red Lake in mid-June. She did not record any subsequent to that time. Those that usually nest in the Anoka Sand Prairie just north of Coon Rapids have called into late July, but Avifaunal Club members have been unable to locate them into August. Common Nighthawk.-Lake Co., Fernberg road, near u"'ncle Jud's Creek, July 24, nest on open rock ledge with 2 downy young, John C. Green. Winona, rooftop nest with 2 eggs on May 26, Henry Fegre. Ramsey Co., June 17, several young flying clumsily about with adults and on July 6, 2 large young in a rooftop nest, gone by July 11, A. C. Rosenwinkel. | ||||
| Swifts | |||||
| Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) | Ramsey Co., June 23, ad with several flying young, latter giving juvenal call-notes, A. C. Rosenwinkel; Bald Eagle Lake, July 30, nest with young, Elizabeth Campbell. | ||||
| Hummingbirds | |||||
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) | Cook Co., Tofte, Aug. 10, 2ad, 2 y, feeding on birch sap, R. Grant. | ||||
| Rails, Gallinules, Coots | |||||
| KING RAIL (Rallus elegans) | Anoka Co., Carlos Avery Game Refuge, July 14, ad, 2 downy black y, Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) | Anoka Co., Carlos Avery Refuge, Aug. 10, ad, 1 downy black y, R. B. Janssen. Stevens Co., Alberta, several ad with 8-10 large y, R Grant. Ramsey Co., Bald Eagle Lake, ad, 3 downy y, Elizabeth Campbell. | ||||
| Sora (Porzana carolina) | Stevens Co., Alberta, July 18, ad, 1 large y, R. Grant. | ||||
| American Coot (Fulica americana) | Numerous breeding reports from Kittson, Nobles, Nicollet, Ramsey and Hennepin Counties. | ||||
| Yellow Rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis) | Becker-Mahnomen Co. line, south of Waubun, present all summer and presumed breeding although no nests located. R. Grant, Avi· faunal Club. | ||||
| Plovers | |||||
| Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) | Numerous breeding reports from Winona, Beltrami, Ramsey and St. Louis Counties. Upland Plover: Becker Co., June 28, pr, 2y, R. Grant. | ||||
| Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) | St. Louis Co., Duluth, Minnesota Point, presumed breeding, since they were present from May thru Sept.; just across the harbor, on Wisconsin Point, Dennis Meyer found a nest with 4 eggs on June 21. | ||||
| Sandpipers | |||||
| Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) | Lake Co., Donna Lake, June 16, 4 eggs, R. Kuchta. St. Louis Co., Duluth, 5 broods of 1·3y, D. Meyer. | ||||
| Willet (Tringa semipalmata) | Lac qui Parle Co., Salt Lake, present every summer but nest as yet not located. Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Gulls, Terns | |||||
| Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) | Lake Co., Knife Island, June 12, 425 banded, Jan Green, P. B. Hofslund, et al. | ||||
| Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) | Lac qui Parle Co., Salt Lake, July 27, 1 non-breeder, Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) | Dakota Co., June 18, ad feeding y on nest, A. C. Rosenwinkel. Ramsey Co., June 1, ad brooding 2y, A. C. Rosenwinkel | ||||
| Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) | St. Louis Co., Duluth, Minnesota Point, June 23, 60·plus adults incubating; 5 nests examined each contained 3 eggs, Avifaunal Club. Becker Co., July 18, 3 nests with 2, 2, 3 eggs, D. Meyer. | ||||
| Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri) | Ramsey Co., July 13, y just out of nest, A. C. Rosenwinkel. Hennepin Co., Minneapolis, July 4, ad, 2y, R. B. Janssen. | ||||
| Cormorants | |||||
| Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum) | Big Stone Co., Artichoke Lake, 15·100 present all summer, R. Grant. Traverse Co., Lake Traverse, 30-150 present all summer, R. Grant. | ||||
| Pelicans | |||||
| American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) | Big Stone Co., Artichoke Lake, Aug. 31, 1 non-breeder seen, R. Grant, Avifaunal Club; this bird was apparently in vicinity all summer according to local reports. | ||||
| Bitterns, Herons, Egrets, Night-Herons | |||||
| Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) | Houston Co., La Crescent, May 18, 3 active nests, R. B. Janssen; still incubating on June 8, Avifaunal Club. Ramsey Co., Pig's Eye swamp area, pair seen sporadically all summer by G. Laiuste. Readers will recall the widespread penetration in southeastern Minnesota as reported in the last (June) issue. Further notice came from the Ornithology Newsletter of Manitoba this spring, which reported Yellow-crowns at Delta and Winnipeg. Both areas are just north of Kittson County, Minne· sota, and may represent the farthest north latitudes yet reached by this species in North America. Also, a Yellow- crown showed up at Huron, South Dakota, just west of Rock County, Minn. It was only the fifth record for South Dakota. | ||||
| Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) | Anoka Co., Rice Lake, May 10, 50 active nests in rookery, A. C. Rosenwinkel. | ||||
| Great Egret (Ardea alba) | Common Egret: Anoka Co., Rice Lake, May 10, 2 active nests in rookery, A. C. Rosenwinkel. Houston Co., Reno, June 8, compact flock of 56 plus, Avifaunal Club. This species has been exhibiting wandering peculiarities in recent years. The Ornithology Newsletter from Manitoba this spring reported an Egret at Oak Point, St. Laurent and Ashern. These areas are adjacent to Kittson County, Minnesota. | ||||
| Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) | Cass Co., near Walker, April 19, 75 active nests in rookery, Mr. and Mrs. J. Mathisen. Anoka Co., Rice Lake, May 10, 120 active nests in rookery, A. C. Rosenwinkel. | ||||
| Osprey | |||||
| Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) | Lake Co., Triangle Lake, Aug. 1, ad feeding y on nest, Jan Green. Cass Co., Walker, Apr. 19, pr building, John Mathisen. Hubbard Co., Itasca Park, May 30, ad, 2y on nest, Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Kites, Accipiters, Hawks, Eagles | |||||
| American Goshawk (Accipiter atricapillus) | St. Louis Co., Cloquet Forest Research Center, late May, 3 eggs. All three hatched, y were banded, still in area as of Aug. 24. G. W. Gullion. | ||||
| Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) | Chippewa National Forest reports 20 of 31 nests were active, but only lOy brought off; Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, 2 nests produced 5y. Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, 1 known nest was unsuccessful, Superior National Forest, 7 active nests, per cent success not yet reported. Itasca State Park, 1 nest active for past several years was inactive this year. | ||||
| Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) | Hennepin Co., Minneapolis, May 16-23, incubating, R. L. Huber. | ||||
| Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) | Lincoln Co., Lake Benton, Aug. 3, 2 ad seen, Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) | Winona Co., Winona, May 18, 2 nestlings, Dr A. E. Allin. Big Stone Co., east shore Big Stone Lake, incubating krideri reported by R. Grant, a competent hawk specialist. | ||||
| Barn Owls | |||||
| AMERICAN BARN OWL (Tyto furcata) | Martin Co., 2 mi S. Truman. On about Sep. 1, farmer noted owls in his barn, reported them to Maynard Nelson of Fairmont. On Sep. 14, Avifaunal Club observed and photographed the 6y. The adults were also present. Pellets collected, 6y banded by R. Huber. This appears to be only the second nesting for our state. A Note of Interest will appear in future issue. | ||||
| Screech-Owls, Owls | |||||
| Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio) | Carlton Co., N. of Nickerson, June 23, 1 gray phase flying across road, Avifaunal Club. Stevens Co.,Morris, June 26, 3 strongly flying young, R. Grant. Hennepin Co., Minneapolis, May 15-23, 1 red phase ad, 12y peering out of hole, R. Huber. Ramsey Co., Bald Eagle Lake, nested in oak; 4 gray phase y left nest on June 6. Family remained in vicinity thru Aug. 22, occasionally bathing in birdbath. Elizabeth Campbell. | ||||
| Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) | Traverse Co., Lake Traverse, 1y in nest with ad, Avifaunal Club. Hawk-Owl: June 21, Vermillion Lake, St. Louis Co., 1 seen, V. F. Barrows. July 13, Stewart Lake, near Two Harbors, Lake Co., 1 seen, John G. Hale. July 16, Vermilion Lake, St Louis Co., 1 seen, V. F. Barrows (same bird June 21?) July 26, Kelsey area, St. Louis Co., 4 seen (family group?), F. V. Strnad. July 29, Kelsey area, St. Louis Co., 6 seen (same group), F. V. Strnad. Aug. 11, Kelsey area, St Louis Co., 1 banded, F. V. Strnad. Aug. 12, Kelsey area, St. Louis Co., 1 seen, 1 found dead, F. V. Strnad. Aug. 24, Kelsey area, St Louis Co., 1 seen, Avifaunal Club. In March and April, 2 nests were found in Douglas County, Wisconsin. One was deserted (parent killed) but | ||||
| BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) | Traverse Co., 3 miles NE of Collis, May 18 thru June 8, pair seen at nest burrow by R. Grant. Burrow flooded out by heavy rains and abandoned thereafter. Another pair 7 miles W. of Herman, but in Traverse County, seen repeatedly at nest burrow from May 5 to July 26, by R. Grant. Pellets collected. A Note of Interest will appear in a future issue. | ||||
| Barred Owl (Strix varia) | Seen twice in July and 4 times in August, near Ely, St. Louis Co., Jan Green. | ||||
| Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) | Lake Co., S. Kawishwi River, July 20, 1 seen, Avifaunal Club. Few summer records for this part of Minnesota. | ||||
| Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) | Traverse Co., Wheaton, June 28, 5 black-faced young sitting in middle of Hwy. 75, blocking traffic. On same day, between Wheaton and Breckenridge, total of 16 adults seen. R. Grant. At Hibbing, St. Louis Co., Harriet Micensky saw adults 5 times in June, twice in July. Dennis Meyer reports one in rural Duluth, St. Louis Co. on June 26. | ||||
| Kingfishers | |||||
| Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) | St. Louis Co., Duluth, June 23, hole in bank, y heard, D. Meyer. Hibbing, July 11, hole in bank, 4 feet deep, y heard, H. Mic~nsky. Northern Flicker.-Winona Co., Goodview, June 24, 4y left nest in Cottonwood, Grace Gordon. Winona, July 15, ad, 2y, Grace Dahm. Ramsey Co., Bald Eagle Lake, June, nest with y, Elizabeth Campbell. Lake Co.,,Moose Lake, July 4, y heard in nest, John C. Green. Fernberg road, July 14, 3 large y, John C. Green, St. Louis Co., Fairbanks, June 16, 1y, 5e, Ruth Kuchta. Duluth, June 22, 6e, Jan Green. Duluth, July 5 y heard in nest, D. Meyer. Duluth, July 15, 1y being fed, A. K. Arndt. Hibbing, June 23, ad entering nest hole, H. Micensky. | ||||
| Woodpeckers | |||||
| Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) | Becker Co., Cotton Lake, July 18, 2y out of nest, D. Meyer. | ||||
| Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) | Lake Co., N. of Two Harbors, June 29, y heard in nest hole, Jan Green. | ||||
| Black-backed Woodpecker (Picoides arcticus) | Lake Co., Fernberg road, July 3 and 13, 1 female seen, John C. Green. Warnpuss Lake, Aug. 17, 1 female seen, D. Pearson. Hubbard Co., Itasca Park, y left nest on July 5, fide Beh Thoma. | ||||
| Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus) | Ramsey Co., Bald Eagle Lake, July and Aug., 2 y at suet feeder, Elizabeth Campbell. Lake Co., Two Harbors, June 24, 3 large y with ad, Ruth Kuchta. Downy Wooapecl~er: Hennepin Co., Minneapolis, May 23, y heard in nest hole, R. Huber. Ramsey Co., Bald Eagle Lake, July and Aug., ad with y at feeder, Elizabeth Campbell. St. Louis Co., Duluth, six nestings noted by D. Meyer. | ||||
| Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) | St. Louis Co., Duluth, June 14, 3y in dead tree, D. Meyer. Red-bellied Woodpeclzer: Ramsey Co., Bald Eagle Lake, pr with 1y at suet feder, Elizabeth Campbell. | ||||
| Caracaras, Falcons | |||||
| American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) | St. Louis Co., Duluth, Aug 18, 2y in nest hole in dead pine stump. D. Meyer. | ||||
| Merlin (Falco columbarius) | St. Louis Co., Duluth, Minnesota Point, presumed nesting since adults present all summer April 1 thru Sept. (seen monthly). Dennis Meyer, Avifaunal Club. Kittson-Roseau Co's., July 4, several pairs seen along Aspen-Jackpine edges, R. L. Huber. | ||||
| Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) | Hennepin Co., Minneapolis, June 7, 1 ad seen, R. B. Janssen; could have been breeding on ledge of tall building in city? ; | ||||
| Flycatchers | |||||
| Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) | Clearwater Co., Itasca Park, June 1, pr building, R. Grant. Ramsey Co., Bald Eagle Lake, y heard July 6, left nest July 12, Elizabeth Campbell. | ||||
| Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) | Rock Co., Manley, July 27, ad feeding grasshoppers to 4y on fence, Avifaunal Club. Clay Co., Moorhead, July 15, y heard in nest, D. Meyer. | ||||
| Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) | Numerous nestings reported from Itasca, Becker, Winona, Ramsey, Beltrami, Clay, Lake and St. Louis Counties. | ||||
| Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens) | Winona Co., Winona, Aug. 30, 2 ad with 2 y out of nest, Grace Dahm. | ||||
| Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris) | Lake Co., N. of Two Harbors, near Wampuss Lake, Aug. 17, ad feeding 2 y out of nest and near Sand Lake, ad feeding 3 y out of nest, D. Pearson. To the best of my knowledge, the actual nest of this species has not yet been found in Minnesota. | ||||
| Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) | St. Louis Co., Lake Vermilion, June 21, 2 nests, incubating, V. F. Barrows. Carlton Co., Rose Lake, July 4, ad feeding 2 nestlings, A. K. Arndt Lake Co., Fernberg Tower, July 14, ad with 3 y, Jan Green. Twin Lake, July 15, 2 broods 3 y each, one brood of 2y, al out of nests and being fed by parents. Jan Green. | ||||
| Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) | St. Louis Co., French River, June 15, nest with 3 y, Jan Green. Cook Co., Schroeder, June 24, 4 nestlings, Marie Aftreith. | ||||
| Vireos | |||||
| Bell's Vireo (Vireo bellii) | Houston Co., Reno, one pair present all summer and p::-e ~ umeably breeding although actual nest not found, Avifaunal Club. Wabasha Co., Dorer Pools, June 8, one male singing, R. B. Janssen. | ||||
| Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons) | Clay Oo., Ulen park, June 15 thru Aug. 10, pair presumeably breeding but neither nest nor young located, Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) | Lake Co., N. Kawishiwi River, July 7, 1 ad carrying food, Jan Green. | ||||
| Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) | St. Louis Co., Lake Vermilion, June 21, 2 nests found, 1 with 3 eggs the other with 1 y and 1 egg, V. F. Barrows.Duluth, June 24, pair building, D. Meyer. Lake Co., Fernberg Tower, July 14, 1 y out of nest, Jan Green. Moose Lake, July 26, y heard being fed, Jan Green. | ||||
| Jays, Nutcrackers, Magpies, Crows | |||||
| Canada Jay (Perisoreus canadensis) | Itasca Co., near Marcell, April 11, ad incubating 2 eggs, nest in Black Spruce. See Notes of Interest in previous issue (Flicker 35:68, June 1963), John Mathisen. Beltrami Co., Waskish, June 29, 2ad feeding 1 large dark y in Black Spruce-White Cedar swamp, Avifaunal Club. t | ||||
| Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) | Numerous nestings reported from St. Louis, Ramsey, Cass and Winona Counties. | ||||
| American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) | St. Louis Co., Duluth, June 17, ad with 4 y, D. Meyer. | ||||
| Chickadees, Titmice | |||||
| Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) | Numerous nestings reported from Dakota, Ram· sey, Beltrami, St. Louis and Cook Counties. | ||||
| Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus) | Lake Co., S. Kawishiwi River, Endless Waters Road, June 17, pair nesting about six inches from top of dead, 9 foot snag in open bog. Hole faced east, contents not noted. Robert Stein, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Tufted Titmouse: Ramsey Co., Bald Eagle Lake, June 12, ad with 5 y at feeder. Remained until at least Aug. 29. Elizabeth Campbell. | ||||
| Larks | |||||
| Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) | St. Louis Co., Duluth, Minnesota Point, April 30, ly barely able to fly, Jan Green. | ||||
| Martins, Swallows | |||||
| Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) | Numerous nestings in St. Louis and Dakota Counties. | ||||
| Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) | Numerous nestings re· ported from Beltrami, Ramsey, Lake, St. Louis Counties. | ||||
| Purple Martin (Progne subis) | Hennepin Co., Minneapolis, 3 pr in house, R. B. Janssen. Ramsey Co., Bald Eagle Lake, several houses in use, Elizabeth Campbell. Winona Co., Winona, 17 pr brought off 48y, gone by July 29, Ted Glubka. 20 pr brought off lOy, mid-July, the Sanford Tylers. 4 pr brought off 5y, mid· July, Mrs. George Collins. 12 pr brought off 15y, early July, John Reinhard. Homer, 16 pr brought off 15-20y, early July, Eunice Rihs. Stockton, June 9, 1 male, 8 females, but no nesting took place, K. Lipsohn. | ||||
| Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) | Numerous nesting in Lake, Winona and St. Louis Counties. | ||||
| Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) | Beltrami Co., June 11, adults incubating, Mr. and Mrs. John Mathisen. Washington Co., June 28, 21 active nests, A. C. Rosenwinkel. St. Louis Co, Hibbing, June 29 to July 10, 71 nests in 3 localities, 8 banded, Harriet Micensky. | ||||
| Kinglets | |||||
| Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula) | Seldom reported in summer, probably due to lack of observers. Reported in June from Duluth, P. B. Hofslund; Hibbing, Harriet Micensky; Superior National Forest twice, Jan Green. Reported in July twice in the Fernberg area, Jan Green and twice in August, Superior National Forest, Jan Green and Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Waxwings | |||||
| Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) | Dakota Co., July 10, incubating, A. C. Rosenwinkel. Houston Co., Caledonia, no date, 2 ad, 6 y, Grace Dahm. Beltrami Co., Shatley, June 29, 5 eggs, July 30 eggs gone, nest destroyed by squirrel, Mabel Goranson. Lake Co., Tofte, July 10, ad, 1y out of nest, William L. Griffin. Cook Co., Schroeder, July 19, building, July 23 2 eggs, July 25 nest and eggs gone, M. Aftreith. St. Louis Co., Fish Lake, July 30, 3 nestlings, D. Meyer. Duluth, July 10, 1y out of nest, A K. Arndt. Duluth June 24-July 3, 3 nests being built in Elm, Maple, White Pine, D. Meyer. Parkville, June 30, nest in Boxelder, contents not noted, Mrs. S. N. Erick- son. Parkville, June 24, building in lilac bush, June 28 1 egg, June 29 2 eggs, June 30 3 eggs, July 1 incubation began, July 5 4th egg confirmed, July | ||||
| Nuthatches | |||||
| Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) | St. Louis Co., Duluth, along Lester River, May 19, 2 ad entering and leaving hole in dead, 20 foot aspen trunk. On May 24, no activity noted. Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Wrens | |||||
| Northern House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) | Numerous nests in St. Louis, Beltrami, Wadena, Ramsey and Winona Counties. | ||||
| Thrashers, Mockingbirds | |||||
| Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) | Ramsey Co., June 10-13, 2 broods, 2, 3y, A. C. Rosenwinkel; Bald Eagle Lake, 2 nests, y left one of these on June 20, E. Campbell. Houston Co., Reno, May 26, pr building, Avifaunal Club. Lake Co., Two Harbors, June 17, 4 eggs, Ruth Kuchta. St. Louis Co., Duluth, June 23, 4 eggs, D. Meyer. Duluth July 810. ad with 3y out of nest, A. K. Arndt. Hibbing, Aug. 2 nestlings banded, Mrs. Oscar McCracken. | ||||
| Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) | St. Louis Co., Duluth, 1 y, D. Meyer. Beltrami Co., Shatley, July 1, 2 nests, 1 incubating, other with June 2, 3y hatched from 4 eggs, Mabel Goranson. Ramsey Co., June 7, 3y out of nest, A. C. Rosenwinkel; Bald Eagle Lake, late May, 4 nestlings, E. Campbell. Winona Co., Winona, late June, ad with 2y, Leon Knopp. Goodview, July 2, 4y newly hatched, left nest July 12, Grace Gordon. Robin: Numerous nestings reported from St. Louis, Winona, Hennepin, Ramsey, Sibley and Cass Counties. | ||||
| Thrushes | |||||
| Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) | Becker Co., Cotton Lake, July 18, female carrying food, D. Meyer. Clay Co., Ulen, July 21, y heard in hollow stump, D. Meyer. Winona Co., Winona, 1 pair nesting but in late June a dead "black snake" electrocuted on cattle fence was found at base of nest-hole post Stomach contained 4y Bluebirds, Leon Knopp. Beltrami Co., Shotley, Mabel Goranson gives this history of one nest; June 10, 4 eggs, June 18, destroyed by Tree Swallows, June 27, second nest completed, June 29, 1 egg, June 30, 3 eggs, July 30, 4y left nest. | ||||
| Veery (Catharus fuscescens) | Clearwater Co., Itasca Park, June 1, pair building, R. Grant. St. Louis Co., Lake Vermilion, June 21, 4 nests; 1 empty, 1 unexamined for contents, 1 with 2 eggs, 1 with 3 eggs, V. F. Barrows. | ||||
| Pipits | |||||
| SPRAGUE'S PIPIT (Anthus spragueii) | Clay Co., between Felton and Ulen, present all summer and presumeably breeding although actual nest not located. Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Finches | |||||
| Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) | Cass Co., Cass Lake, Aug. 19, female feeding y in yard, Mrs. John Mathisen. Beltrami Co,. Shotley, 1 ad at feeder June 30 and again Aug. 13, Mabel Goranson. St Louis Co., Duluth, A. K. Arndt reports, "On the 9th and lOth (July) a y male and a y female were being fed by adults -thru the 15th we saw one both each dav. It was fun discovering you could definitely identify the sexfemale is like the adult female but male has adult male wing markings but an all-over yellow head -the blackish head with yellow brow-line not there. 1 v male being fed on 17th, female on 20th. On July 26, she saw 2 y being fed. She also gives this account of y being fed during Aug: Aug. 1, 2 y, Aug. 2 1 y male, Aug. 5, 4 y, Aug. 6, 3y, Aug. 8, 1 v, Aug. 10, 1 y | ||||
| Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) | St. Louis Co.. Parkville, Julv 1, ad feeding 3 y, Mrs. S. N. Erickson. | ||||
| Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) | Anoka Co., Bunker Lake area, July 10, flock of 17, R. B. Janssen. Clay Co., Moorhead, July 15, 3 seen, D. Meyer St Louis Co., Duluth, July 10-29, flocks of 3 to 40 seen by D. Meyer, P. B. Hofslund, except on July 14, when 84 seen by D Meyer. Although there are numerous summer records for this species in Minnesota, there are only one or two instances where actual breeding was suggested. The actual nest with eggs, to the best of my knowledge, has not yet been found in our state. | ||||
| Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) | St. Louis Co., Duluth, June 20, 1 y being fed by parents at feeder and again on June 27. Also 7 dates from Aug. 7-Aug. 22 when 1 y being fed, A. K. Arndt. | ||||
| American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) | Reported nesting in Ramsey, Hennepin, St. Louis and Winona Counties. | ||||
| Longspurs and Snow Buntings | |||||
| CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR (Calcarius ornatus) | Clay Co., between Felton and Ulen, present all summer and known to breed in area, but actual nest not found this year, Avifaunal Club, and R. Grant. Excellent response from numerous points around the state made this one of the best breeding reports I have assembled during my short tenure. 124 species were reported as breeding with another 34 species observed as summer residents (probably breeding) for a total of 158 species covered in this report. The Bay-brested Warbler nest appears to be the very first for our state The Hawk-Owls reported in the Kelsey area by Strnad may have constituted a family group, if so, this would also be a "first" for Minnesota. Other species reported that have shown very little if any breeding evidence | ||||
| Towhees, Sparrows | |||||
| Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) | St. Louis Co., near Toimi, June 29, 2 seen and heard, Jan Green Very few reports from the northeastern part of our state. | ||||
| Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) | Scott Co., near Savage, Aug. 1, 2 ad with 5 y out of nest, Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) | Numerous nestings reported from Ramsey, Washington, Becker, Clay, Lake and St. Louis Counties. On June 28, Duluth 1 ad feeding large y Cowbird, D. Meyer. | ||||
| Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) | St. Louis Co., Hibbing, June 15, 2 nestlings, Mrs. Oscar McCracken. | ||||
| Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) | Beltrami Co., south of Waskish, June 29, 2 ad with several flying y, Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) | St. Louis, Co. Duluth, June 21-27, 1 y out of nest, being fed, A. K. Arndt.Duluth, July 29, nest with 1 egg, 1 y, D. Meyer. Hib- bing, July 11, nest in Blueberry bushes, 4 eggs, Harriet Micensky Lincoln's Sp.arr'Ow: Beltrami Co., Waskish, June 29, several small sparrows flitting nervously about from Black Spruce-White Cedar swamp to roadside ditch with weeds. One clearly seen was adult Lincoln's with gray face, buffy breast band and necklace streakings. Other may have been flying juvenals? Avifaunal Club. Would seem to be an ideal spot for breeding although no breeding evidence has been presented in recent years. Several adults were seen in Lake Co., near S. Kawishiwi River on July 20 but these were intermingled with numerous | ||||
| LeConte's Sparrow (Ammospiza leconteii) | Present all summer on Becker-Mahnomen Co. line south of Waubun. Known to breed in area but no actual nests or y were observed this year, Avifaunal Club, R. Grant. | ||||
| Nelson's Sparrow (Ammospiza nelsoni) | Same as for Le Conte's Sparrow, except in fewer numbers, Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Henslow's Sparrow (Centronyx henslowii) | Present all summer on alfalfa-covered hills outside Winona. Known to breed in area but no actual nests or y were observed this year, Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) | Clay Co., near Felton, June 15, 5 eggs, R. Huber. St. Louis Co., Duluth, June 14, 3 nestlings, D Meyer. | ||||
| Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) | St. Louis Co., Duluth, 7 nestings, 2 of which had 2 y each, 1 with 2 eggs, rest with 2 y each, June 23-Aug. 18, D. Meyer. Duluth, Aug. 218, 1 y fed by ad, A. K. Arndt. Hibbing, May 25, 5 eggs, Harriet Micensky; June 26, ad feed 2 y out of nest, (different nesting) Harriet Micensky. | ||||
| Yellow-breasted Chat | |||||
| Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) | Houston Co., Reno, June 8, 1 singing adult seen, Avifaunal Club. Presumeably breeding, although actual nest or young not found. Wabasha Co., Dorer Pools, June 8, 1 singing, R. B. Janssen. | ||||
| Blackbirds, Orioles | |||||
| Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) | Clay Co, Moorhead, July 17, both sexes carrying food, D. Meyer. | ||||
| Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) | Winona Co., Goodview, July 2, 2 y out of nest, Grace Gordon. Yellow-headed Blacl~bird: Ramsey Co., June 1, ad feeding nestlings, A. C. Rosenwinkel. | ||||
| Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) | Houston, Co., Reno, May 26, pair building, Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) | Numerous nestings reported from Winona, Ramsey, Houston and St. Louis Counties. | ||||
| Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) | Numerous nestings reported from Clay, Ramsey, Winona, St. Louis and Lake Counties. | ||||
| Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) | St. Louis Co., Duluth, Aug. 9, 2 y being fed by Song Sparrow D. Meyer. See Chipping Sparrow. | ||||
| Brewer's Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) | St. Louis Co., Duluth, June 17. 6 nestlings and 2 other broods with 2 y each, out of nest, D. Meyer. | ||||
| Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) | Numerous nestings reported from Winona, Ramsev, Traverse, Lake and St. Louis Counties. | ||||
| Warblers | |||||
| Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) | Ramsey Co., May 12, building, A. C. Rosenwinkel. | ||||
| Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) | Lake Co., S. Kawishiwi River, July 20, ad feeding 2y out of nest, Avifaunal Club. Parula Warbler: Clearwater Oo., Itasca Park, June 1, 4 singing males, R. Grant. Lake Co., Twin Lake, July 15, ad male feeding 2y, Jan Green. | ||||
| Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis) | June 8, Duluth, 1 female, Jan Green; June 1-3, Hibbing, Harriet Micensky; June 17-18, 4 areas in Superior National Forest north of Two Harbors, Robert Stein; four other reports during June in the Fernberg area, Lake County, Jan Green and Avifaunal Club. Yellowthroat: Ramsey Co., May 30, female incubating 3 eggs, A. C. Rosenwinkel. St. Louis Co, Duluth, June 23, 5 eggs, D Meyer. | ||||
| Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea) | Goodhue Co., Vasa, Aug. 10, pair with 3y out of nest, D. Pearson. | ||||
| Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) | Lake Co., Twin Lake, July 15, male feeding 2y out of nest, Jan Green. | ||||
| Bay-breasted Warbler (Setophaga castanea) | Lake Co. Basswood Lake, July 2, nest with 4 eggs, Barbara Cavender. Photos taken, ap· pears to be first Minnesota nesting record. | ||||
| Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) | Numerous nestings reported from Ramsey, Winona, Clay and St. Louis Counties. | ||||
| Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) | St. Louis Co., Fish Lake, July 30, ad with 2 y, D. Meyer. | ||||
| Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) | Lake Co., July 15, ad feeding 3 y out of nest, Jan Green. | ||||
| Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) | Lake Co., S. Kawishiwi River, July 20, ad feeding at least 1 y out of nest, Avifaunal Club. | ||||
| Tanagers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks | |||||
| Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) | Winona Co., Homer, June 14, 1 ad seen for about 7 minutes, working its way along the hillside, Alton Shira. Very few Minnesota records for this species. | ||||
| Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) | Ramsev Co., May 17, 3 nestlings, A. C. Rosenwinkel. | ||||
| Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) | Winona Co., Winona, July 24, 2 y, Ted Glubka. Sibley Co., near Belle Plaine, May 11, 1 y just out of nest, banded, R. Huber. Ramsey Co., Bald Eagle Lake, July 1, 3 y at feeder; 2nd brood left nest on Aug. 16, Eliza beth Campbell. Blue Grosb~ak: Rock Co., south of Manley, on South Dakota border, July 27, six observed, behaving as if young in vicinity, Avifaunal Club; on Aug. 3, again observed, pair with young, plus several other individuals, Avifaunal Club. Note of Interest will appear in future issue. | ||||
| Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) | Winona Co., Goodview, July 15, 4 nestlings, Grace Gordon. Ramsey Co., Bald Eagle Lake, June, 3 nestlings, Elizabeth Campbell. St. Louis Co., Duluth, June 28, 3 eggs, D. Meyer. Duluth, July 9, 4 y out of nest, A K. Ardnt Fish Lake, July 30, ad feeding 2 y out of nest, D. Meyer. | ||||
| Dickcissel (Spiza americana) | Lac qui Parle Co., Salt Lake, July 27, ad feeding 1 y out of nest, Avifaunal Club. | ||||