A total of 268 species was observed during the summer 2001 season in Minnesota, tying the previous ten-year average. Seasonal reports and/or breeding information were submitted by 156 individuals, tying the record high set last year. (Despite this, note that many species were not reported in the Southwest region; only one observer based in this area sent in a seasonal report, and coverage there by other observers was sparse.) Contributors sent in 715 nest or brood cards, the fewest since 1991. Breeding data were collected for 150 species (near average). Top contributors of breeding information included Jean Segerstrom & Mark Newstrom (197 nest/brood cards), Jon Little & Jacob Langeslag (138), Michael R. North (68), and Eve E. Freeberg (60). Thanks to all contributors for your excellent efforts!

Despite the recent trend, no Red-throated Loons were found in June; however, four in breeding plumage were off Park Point in Duluth on 8 July. Although this represents only the fifth July record for the state, it is not too surprising considering the number of migrants lingering into late June in recent years. Reports of Horned Grebe have declined over the past decade, and this summer only two individuals were found in the extreme Northwest. Does this species still breed anywhere in Minnesota? Notable by its absence was Clark's Grebe, a species found in each of the past four summers (and at five separate locations last year!). The closest contender was a probable hybrid (Western x Clark's) in Lyon County.

Also unusually scarce were American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, and Cattle Egret. The latter was especially surprising following the best spring showing (17 counties) since 1993. One Snowy Egret was found this summer, about average in comparison to recent years. Of concern was the lack of reports for Black-crowned Night-Heron. Observations have been down for seven years, and this year's tally was less than half the typical total for the late 1980s and early 1990s. On the other hand, single Yellow-crowned Night-Herons appeared at three locations, including a first for Waseca County — in recent years, one or two sightings per season has been the norm. A White-faced Ibis was photographed near Austin in the Southeast. Although still classified as Casual, this species has recently been annual in either spring or fall. Observers should note that both White-faced and Glossy Ibis are expanding their ranges on the continent (see, for example, the Spring 2001 issue of North American Birds) — a good reason to study up on distinguishing these two species!

Waterfowl of note included two Snow Goose reports and a mid-summer Ross's Goose in southern Minnesota, the latter representing only the third summer report. Trumpeter Swans continued a strong showing; the Minnesota DNR estimates that just over 900 now reside in the state. Mute Swans were found at three sites in the Twin Cities metro area — how “wild” these birds are is always the question. The DNR regularly conducts statewide game bird surveys, and for the first time in decades the Canada Goose count declined. However, goose counters were surprised by the substantial number found in Minnesota's forested regions. More troubling were survey results for Blue-winged Teal; numbers were down about 24% from last year, and 39% below the long-term average. For the second consecutive summer, a late migrant Cinnamon Teal made a brief appearance, but unlike last year the bird was found in the more expected western edge of the state.

For unknown reasons, Northern Harriers, Red-shouldered and Swainson's hawks, and American Kestrels were scarce this summer (though a wandering Swainson's Hawk in early June provided Carlton County with its first record). Two Rough-legged Hawks were reported in northern Minnesota. It is not too unusual for this species to summer in the state, especially in the Northwest. The remarkable jump in Merlin reports continued, with even more nesting in the Twin Cities metro area and scattered reports from no fewer than ten additional counties elsewhere in the state! As recently as five years ago, this species was only reported on a regular basis from the boreal-forested counties in the far north. It now appears that a significant number of “Richardson's” Merlins (seven adult “Richardson's” were involved in the metro area breeding) has pushed into the state, presumably from the population base in the northern Great Plains and south-central Canada. Birders north and west of the Twin Cities are encouraged to keep an eye out for nesting Merlins, especially in urban areas.

A significant population decline for Ruffed Grouse finally occurred this year, a bit later than expected. Recent mild winters may have extended the peak of their ten-year cycle. Very disturbing was the DNR report that Sharp-tailed Grouse were “down to almost the lowest population level they've ever been in our recorded history.” More encouraging were prospects for the Greater Prairie-Chicken. Recent reintroduction efforts in Lac Qui Parle and Big Stone counties (over 200 have been released) have led to the establishment of two new booming grounds.

The most impressive shorebird concentrations of the season were reported in mid to late July, primarily in western Minnesota. Peak counts included 2687 (14 species) at Big Stone NWR on 20 July, roughly 2000 in western Lyon County on 28 July, and over 1700 (16 species) on 14 and 15 July at Agassiz NWR (19 species were present at the same location a week later). Most alarming was the report from Minnesota's only remaining nesting location for Piping Plovers. Extremely high water levels and a late spring storm at Lake of the Woods flooded or damaged the nesting habitat on Pine-Currys Island, and no evidence of breeding could be found. Should this situation continue, we must face the unpleasant possibility that Piping Plovers may become extirpated as a breeding species in the state. Several small groups of American Avocets were found at six separate locations (no fewer than 20 individuals total). Wilson's Phalaropes were reported in 17 counties, well above the recent average of about 10 counties. Several gull and tern species were notably scarce this year, including normally common species such as Ring-billed Gull and Black Tern.

Eurasian Collared-Doves continued their invasion, with an unprecedented three reports from literally one end of the state to the other. The first state nesting record was documented in Houston County, and additional birds were found in Roseau and Renville counties. Several observers noted increased numbers of Black-billed Cuckoos in the Northeast, which is to be expected following the recent outbreak of forest tent caterpillars. Statewide, however, the number of reports was average, and well below the last population boom recorded from 1986 through 1992. Following the record influx of Northern Hawk Owls during the winter (see The Loon 73:135–143), it was not surprising that a few lingered in northern regions to breed — but nesting evidence was documented at no fewer than six widely dispersed locations, certainly an unprecedented number for the state. Numerous Short-eared Owls were reported for the second consecutive year, all in the north and especially the Northwest. For the sixth year in a row, Boreal Owl was not reported during the summer period, but please note that their presence as a resident in northeastern Minnesota has been well documented (see The Loon 73:43–48).

For unknown reasons, Eastern and Western kingbirds were reported in record low numbers. The state's second breeding record for White-eyed Vireo was confirmed at Rice Lake State Park, with four young observed in the nest (no cowbirds!). Two Northern Mockingbirds were found in June, about average for the season. No Yellow-throated Warblers were found at Sibley State Park in central Minnesota, where they had been seen in five of the previous seven summers. Perhaps to make up for this absence, a pair appeared in Dakota County and provided the state's second nesting record (The Loon 73:236–240). Possible nesting by the Cerulean Warbler was reported at Tamarac NWR in Becker County, well away from this species' traditional range in the Southeast. There have been several Cerulean Warbler reports in recent years from the middle of the state, and nesting was documented in Otter Tail County in 1978.

For the second consecutive summer, single Kentucky Warblers were at two separate locations. Mourning Warblers continue to be found farther south each year — this summer's reports included mid-June observations in Winona County and a singing bird on 1 July in Brown County. Recently, a remarkable number of Hooded Warblers has been nesting at Murphy-Hanrehan Park just south of the Twin Cities. This year topped the last, with roughly 35 territorial males located, the highest number ever documented. June observations of Yellow-breasted Chat in Winona and Dakota counties — after several summers during which this species was absent from the state — fits the recent pattern of one to three reports in each of the past five years.

Henslow's Sparrow has been declining on a national level for at least three decades, but observations in Minnesota have been above normal the past five summer seasons. Habitat management at Great River Bluffs State Park in the Southeast has supported good numbers of Henslow's Sparrows in recent years. Two different Harris's Sparrows (one photographed) were found in mid-June; this species has been recorded in three of the past four summers. A bit surprisingly, no Great-tailed Grackles were reported (but see the spring report). The recent Midwestern range expansion of this species was summarized by Hertzel and Hertzel in The Loon 73:108–114.

Weather

June temperatures finished very close to historical averages, with a warm spell at the end of the month offsetting cool early June weather. June rainfall varied widely across the state, with South-central and East-central regions reporting above average precipitation, whereas the northern one-third of the state finished the month well below normal. Much of June's rain came from a sequence of powerful storms that buffeted many communities over the period 11–14 June. Following this unsettled period, the weather turned dry and precipitation was generally light for the final two weeks of the month.

July started with record-setting low temperatures, in sharp contrast to the end of June. On 5 July, the thermometer dipped as low as 27º F in some parts of northeastern Minnesota. The cool weather did not last, as the latter half of the month ushered in some of the most oppressive heat and humidity seen in several years. Temperatures for the month averaged 1º F above normal for the state. Precipitation was somewhat below normal statewide, heightening the fire danger in many areas.

Format, Maps, and Acknowledgments

The format for the species accounts is similar to that of recent years. The key to the seasonal reports is located below. Breeding records are classified based on criteria adopted in April 2001 by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union Records Committee. Each species having at least one nesting record in 2001 has an accompanying map indicating counties in which these records occurred; confirmed nesting records are indicated by dark shading, possible nesting records are indicated by lighter shading. Counties for which confirmed breeding is documented for the first time since 1970 are in italics and identified as such according to updated versions of County Nesting Records of Minnesota Birds (Hertzel and Janssen, M.O.U. Occasional Papers: Number 2, 1998). Divisions of the state into regions (e.g. West-central, Southeast) are based on those delineated in Birds in Minnesota, p. 25 (Janssen 1987); see also The Loon 73:14.

A final thanks to all of the summer season reporters who make it possible to document avian distribution, nesting, and migration. Thanks also to Anthony Hertzel for preparing the breeding maps, and to Peder Svingen, Kim Eckert, and Karl Bardon for their assistance in preparing this report.

3230 Strand Rd., Duluth, MN 55803.