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Seasonal Report Archive for The Loon | |
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The 1964-Winter Season 1 December 1964 through 28 February 1965 Ronald L. Huber |
Weather: Early December was relatively
mild for the third consecutive
year. January was somewhat colder
than normal and by the first week
of February, Lake Superior had
frozen over almost up to Grand
Marais. Several periods of sustained
below zero temperatures took their
toll of half-hardy birds which were
trying to overwinter (Gray Catbird, Rufous-
sided Towhee, etc.). Heavy
snows during January and February
melted slowly away during brief
warm-spells which folowed, but they
were soon replaced by near-blizzard
conditions. Despite the volume of
reports I received (92 observers!),
most observers felt that it was a
rather poor winter for birds.
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|
Species |
Information |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whistling-Ducks, Geese, Swans, Ducks | |||||
| Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens) | One bird all winter at Howard Lake, Wright Co, in company with 2 domestic Blue Geese, DP, LJ, RG, RLH. | ||||
| Ross's Goose (Anser rossii) | The much-photographed immature wintered until 1-8 (NG) and 1-10 (EMB), | ||||
| Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) | 12-9 Hennepin Co, 1, probably last migrant, RDT; all winter at Rochester, many observers, 4000-6000 birds; all winter, Howard Lake, Wright Co, 5 wild and 2 domestic (LJ, DP, RG, RLH); 2-13 Winona Co, 5, RG, RLH; 2-18 Dakota Co, 20, MAS; 2-27 Hennepin Co, 50, MAS all three reports probably early migrants. | ||||
| Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) | 12-2, Ramsey Co, ACR; 1-2, Prairie Island, Winona Co, 1 male, WRP, RG, RLH; 1-14, Hennepin Co, 1, MHM; all winter, Howard Lake, Wright Co, EC, LJ, RG, RLH. | ||||
| Gadwall (Mareca strepera) | 12-9 Ramsey Co, 1, probably late migrant, EWJ; 1-2 Prairie Island, Winona Co, 2, WRP, RG, RLH; 1-23 same place, 2, DB, RBJ. | ||||
| American Wigeon (Mareca americana) | 1-1 Black Dog, Dakota County, 1, RBJ, RG. 1-2, Prairie Island, Winona Co, 2, WRP, RG, RLH; 2-22, Rochester, 1, LJ. | ||||
| American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) | A few present with wintering Mallards in Cook (AEA), Winona (DB), Ramsey (BL), Washington (BL), Goodhue (RG, RLH), Anoka (XC) and Hennepin (MHM) Co's. | ||||
| Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) | 1-2 (WRP, RG, RLH) and 1-23 (DB, RBJ), Prairie Island, Winona Co, 1 male. | ||||
| Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) | 12-6 Prairie Island, Winona Co, 1, WRP, RG, RLH. | ||||
| Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) | 12-9, Ramsey Co, 1, EWJ; 1-2, Prairie Island, Winona Co, 1 male, WRP, RG, RLH. | ||||
| Greater Scaup (Aythya marila) | 12-31, Two Harbors, Lake Co, 1, DP, LJ, good verbal details from DP. | ||||
| Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) | 2-13, Rochester, a pair, RG, RLH. | ||||
| Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) | 12-19 to 1-30 from Duluth to Two Harbors; peaks 12-31, Two Harbors, 40, DP; 1-2 Duluth, 30, JCG; 1-3, Two Harbors, 45, RK; 1-25, French River, 100, JGH; 1-30, Lake Co, 60, RPR; In Cook Co, AEA reports 75 on 1-24 and 50 on 2-13. Most unusual record was 1-6, Point Douglas, Washington Co, 3, BL, good details given. | ||||
| Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) | 12-3 to 1-5, a very few along north shore of Lake Superior (JCG, DG, DP); thru most of Jan, Dakota Co, 1 male, EWJ, RG. | ||||
| Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) | All winter at various places with open water: North shore of Lake Superior until 1-30 (lake frozen over on 2-4, JCG); also Stearns (NH), Dakota (ACR), Washington (BL, DH), Anoka (LJ), Wabasha (RAG), Hennepin (MHM) and Olmsted (JPF, RBJ, DB) Co's. | ||||
| Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) | 12-5 to 12-9, Hennepin Co, 1, RDT and 12-9, Ramsey Co, 1, EWJ; all winter in Dakota Co, 1 male, EMB, RLH and Olmsted Co, 1 male, RG, RLH. | ||||
| Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) | 12-5, Hennepin Co, 1, RDT and 12-6, Wabasha Co, 50, WRP, RG, RLH; a few from Duluth to Two Harbors until 2-30, JCG, RK; a few in Cook Co on 2-13, AEA and 2-20 EMB; all winter, Rochester, 1 or 2, JPF; 2-22 Wabasha Co, 4, LT. | ||||
| Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) | A very few along north shore of Lake Superior from 12-3 to 1-2. Peak at Duluth, 9 seen on 1-2, JCG. | ||||
| Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) | 12-6, Prairie Island, Winona Co, 1 male, WRP, RG, RLH. | ||||
| New World Quail | |||||
| Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) | 12-15, Winona Co, 20, TST; 1226, White Bear Lake, Washington Co, 2, XC; 1-23, Kellogg, Wabasha Co, 1, DB, RBJ. I can't remember when someone last saw 20 at once. | ||||
| Partridge, Pheasants, Grouse, Turkeys | |||||
| Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) | Scarce, reported in small flocks of 1 to 4 from St Louis (JCG, VFB), Lake (BL, MIG), Cook (LS, MOP), Beltrami (MG), Ramsey (BL), Anoka (XC) and Winona (XC) Counties. | ||||
| Spruce Grouse (Canachites canadensis) | 1-4, Shotley, Beltrami Co, 1, MG; 1-30, Gunflint Trail, Cook Co, 1, HH- | ||||
| Greater Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido) | Very scarce in Wadena and Cass Co's this winter (RO); Flock of 20 seen 1-23 near Pine River, Cass Co, RO, RG, RLH_ | ||||
| Gray Partridge (Perdix perdix) | 1-2, Moorhead, Clay Co, 15, XC; 2-24, Alberta Stevens, Co, 1, ES; 2-7, Caledonia, Houston Co, 2, RO. | ||||
| Grebes | |||||
| Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) | last reported 12-3, Lester River, St. Louis Co, 1, JCG. | ||||
| Pigeons, Doves | |||||
| Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) | 12-7, Wabasha Co, 7, DGM; 12-13, Stearns Co, 1, RPR; 12-23, Rice Co, 12, OAR; 12-26, Washington Co, XC; 1-1, Hennepin Co, 13, MAS; 1-2, Dakota Co, 11, ACR; 1-3, Winona Co, 29, XC; 1-6, Ramsey Co, 1, ELC; 2-7, Dakota Co, 8, ACR; 2-23, Washington Co, 2, BL. | ||||
| Rails, Gallinules, Coots | |||||
| American Coot (Fulica americana) | Dec, Hennepin Co, 1, EMB; all winter, Rochester, 2, JPF, RG, RLH; 2-21, Wright Co, EC. | ||||
| Plovers | |||||
| Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) | Three wintered at Prairie Island, Winona Co, seen by many observ· ers; 12-26, near Stillwater, Washington Co, 2, XC; 1-2, near Etter, Dakota Co, 2, RG, RLH. | ||||
| Sandpipers | |||||
| American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) | last week Dec, Stillwater, Washington Co, 1 seen in marshy spring with Wilson's Snipe by John Upgren of the Conservation Dept. Appears to be second winter record for Minnesota. | ||||
| Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata) | 12-26, Washington Co, 9, XC; 1-2, Dakota Co, 1, ACR; several wintered at Prairie Island, Winona Co seen by many observers and on 2-13 they numbered 12 or 13, RG, RLH; 2-23, St. Paul, 3, BL. | ||||
| Gulls, Terns | |||||
| BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE (Rissa tridactyla) | 12-15 (JCG) and 12-16 (BL), Knife River, Lake Co, 1 imm seen at close range, excellent black & white photos obtained by JCG. First Minnesota record. | ||||
| Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) | 12-4, Kellogg, Wabasha Co, 3, DGM. | ||||
| Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) | 2 at Rochester until last week of Dec, DP, RLH; usual wintering flock at Knife River, Lake Co; peak ob· served there on 1-3, about 800, JCG. | ||||
| Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) | 12-27 and 1-3, Knife River, Lake Co, 1, JCG; this species will probably prove to be a regular winter visitor each year, now that we've learned the secrets of identifying it. | ||||
| Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) | Present at Knife River, Lake Co, from 12-18 (4, RK) to 2-13 (JCG). Peak on 1-3 (14, JCG); 2-13, Grand Marais, Cook Co, 1, RBJ. | ||||
| Loons | |||||
| Common Loon (Gavia immer) | last reported 12-9, Ramsey Co, 1, ELC. | ||||
| Bitterns, Herons, Egrets, Night-Herons | |||||
| Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) | One wintering at Prairie Island, Winona Co, seen by many observers thru Dec. and Jan. Seen last on 2-13 (RG, RLH) for first Minnesota February record. | ||||
| Kites, Accipiters, Hawks, Eagles | |||||
| Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) | 12-6, Stockton, Winona Co, 2 imm, WRP, RG, RLH; 12-31, Elba, Winona Co, 1 ad, BL, RLH; 1-1, Carlos Avery Refuge, Anoka Co, 1, LJ; 1-25, Mulligan Lake, Beltrami Co, 1 ad, JLR, PEB; 2-13, Weaver, Wabasha Co, 1 ad, RG, RLH; 2-20, Wabasha Co, 2, GD, FV, KK; 12-20 to 2-17, sporadically, Newport, Washington Co, 1 to 2 imm, MRR. | ||||
| Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius) | Scarce. 2-7, Hennepin Co, 1, EMB; 2-21, Wright Co, 1, EC. | ||||
| American Goshawk (Accipiter atricapillus) | About 30 reports from 18 observers. County records: Ramsey (BL, ACR, ELC, EMB), Washington (BL), Wabasha (DGM, RG, RLH), Hennepin (MEH, MAS), Carlton (RPR), Stearns (RPR), Anoka (ELC, LJ, MAS, EWJ), Wadena (RO, WRP, RG, RLH), Cass (RO), Beltrami (RO, RG, RLH), Lake (JCG, RK), and St. Louis (JNG, AKA, NJH). From 1 to 3 birds in each case. | ||||
| Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) | As usual, most birders focused their attention on Read's Landing, Wabasha Co, where counts of 1, 3, 3, 5, 12, 12, 15 were obtained between 12-1 and 2-28; Other areas: 12-1, Lake Co, 1 ad, 1 imm, RK; 12-3, Hennepin Co, 1 ad, RDT; 12-4, Duluth, 1 ad, HEP; 12-5, Pine Co, 1 ad, DO; 12-6, West Duluth, 1 ad, OAF; 12-18, Lake Co, 1 ad, RK; 12-19, Stoney Point, St. Louis Co, 1 imm, JCG; 1-2, Kellogg, Wabasha Co, 5 ad, WRP, RG, RLH; 1-5, Winona Co, 2, GZ, TST; 2-7, Caledonia, Houston Co, 2 ad, RO; 2-7, Washington Co, 2, ACR; 2-10, Wright Co, AS; 2-13, Elba, Winona Co, 1 ad, RG, RLH; 2-13, Hovland, Cook Co, TP; 2-26, Washington Co, 1, BL; 2-27, Dakota Co, 1 ad, ACR. | ||||
| Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) | 1-1, Afton, Washington Co, 1, XC; 2-18, Kellogg, Wabasha Co, 1, FN; 2-20, Dorer Pools, WabashaWinona Co line, 1, FV; 2-26, Dakota Co, 1, BL; 2-27, just N. of Mankato, but in Nicollet Co, 1, RLH; 2-28, Washington Co, 1, DH. | ||||
| Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) | Scarce according to most observers. County records: Washington (DH, BL, DS), Ramsey (BL, ACR), Dakota (BL, EWJ, MAS), Wabasha (DGM, LJ), Anoka (ELC, MAS), Hennepin (MEH), Olmsted (JPF), Rice (OAR), Scott (RLH), Winona (XC), Rock (RG, RO, RLH). 1 to 3 birds each. | ||||
| Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) | Very widespread but with no large concentrations. County records: Nobles 3 (RG, RO, EHW), Watonwan 4 (RG, RO, RLH), Cottonwood 1 (RG, RO, RLH), Jackson 1 (RG, RO, RLH), Rock 1 (RG, RO, RLH), Martin 1 (RG, RO, RLH), Winona 3 (WRP, RG, RLH, DGM), Ramsey 4 (XC, ACR), Anoka 10 (MAS, LJ, BL), Hennepin 5 (TEM, EMB, MHM, EWJ, MAS), Wabasha 3 (DGM, JPF), St. Louis 6 (AKA, JKB), and Beltrami 1 (JLR, PEB). | ||||
| Screech-Owls, Owls | |||||
| Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio) | Reported from Ramsey (ELC), Hennepin (MHM), Stearns (RPR), Stevens (RAG, ES), Washington (XC) and Traverse (RAG, ES) Co's. | ||||
| Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) | Situation parallels Roughlegged Hawk -widespread but small numbers; peak on 12-31 when DP saw 7 on Minnesota Point, Duluth; county records: St Louis 7 or more (DP, LP, JCG, BL, LJ, RN, JKB), Lake 1 (JCG, RK), Cook 1 (TP), Dakota 1 (WJB), Grant 1 (RAG), Stevens 2 (RAG, BMG), Morrison 1 (WRP, RG), Hennepin 2 (EMB, MHM, MAS), Clay 1 (XC), Nobles 2 (EHW) and Jackson 1 (RG, RO, RLH). Hawk-Owl: Dec, Cloquet Valley State Forest, Carlton Co, several, JCR fide JCG. | ||||
| Barred Owl (Strix varia) | Many reports from Stearns (RPR), Wadena (RO), Crow Wing (MSB), Ramsey (ELC, ACR), Wabasha (FN, DGM), Hennepin (MHM, EMB, RDT, DB), Dakota (BL, ACR), Goodhue (WRP, RG), Cook (HH), St. Louis (ED, ROK, AKA), Anoka (WHL, XC) and Winona (XC) Co's. | ||||
| Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus) | 1-19, Duluth, 1, excellent color-photos obtained at very close range, JCG. | ||||
| Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) | 2-2, Univ of Minn campus, Minneapolis, 1, LJ. | ||||
| Kingfishers | |||||
| Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) | The usual few reported from SE Minn: Dakota (VS, EWJ), Olmsted (JPF), Winona (XC, RG, RLH), Washington (XC) and Hennepin (MAS) Co's. | ||||
| Woodpeckers | |||||
| Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) | Winter in g along eastern edge of state and Mississippi River north to Collegeville, Stearns Co, (RPR), Mora, Kanabec Co, (RHJ) and Cambridge, Isanti Co (RBJ). Peak numbers of 16, 17 and 20 on the NE SUB St. Paul, Afton and Winona XC's, respectively and two of the Anoka Co XC's totalled 14 between them. | ||||
| Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) | Usual SE records with peak numbers of 19 and 18 on the NE Sub. St. Paul and Winona XC's, respectively. Two interesting records: 12-28, Willmar, Kandiyohi Co, XC and 1-31, Jackson Co, RG, RO, RLH. | ||||
| Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) | 12-26, Elba, Winona Co, 1, eating Juniper berries, RG, RBJ; all winter, a pair wintering at Pickwick Winona Co, MOF fide GD; very few reliable winter records for Minnesota. | ||||
| American Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides dorsalis) | further invasion evidence; late Dec, Pillager, Cass Co, 1 ad male found dead, Mrs. Milton Mortenson; Dec and Jan, Wadena and Cass Co's, near Nimrod, 5 to 7 birds, several collected, RO, 2-28, Minneapolis, 1 ad male, FL, RBJ, HFH, southernmost Minn record. | ||||
| Black-backed Woodpecker (Picoides arcticus) | all winter, Lutsen, Cook Co, 1, LS; Jan, Wadena and Cass Co's, near Nimrod, a few, RO. | ||||
| Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) | 12-20, Stevens Co, ES; 12-27, Anoka Co, XC; 12-28, Kandiyohi Co, XC; 1-1, Olmsted Co, FN; 1-2, Dakota Co, ACR; 1-8, Olmsted Co, JPF; 1-9, Stevens Co, RAG; first week in Jan, Winona Co, XC; 1-26, Ramsey Co, ELC; 1-31, Jackson Co, RO; 1-31, Watonwan Co, RG, RLH; 2-13, Winona Co, RLH; all winter at feeder, Cottonwood Co, MMM; all reports one each. | ||||
| Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) | Reported from Beltrami (RLH), Stearns (RPR), Ramsey (ELC, ACR), Washington (DS, DH, BL), Kanabec (RHJ), Cook (LS, MOP), St. Louis (AKA, WJH, JCG, VFB), Lake (MIG), Wabasha (DGM), Dakota (BL, ACR), Hennepin (MEH, VS), Olmsted (LJ), Goodhue (FN), Kandiyohi (XC). Anoka (XC), and Winona (XC) Co's. | ||||
| Caracaras, Falcons | |||||
| American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) | Scarce. County records: Dakota (ACR, MAS, VS, LR, RLH), Wabasha (DGM), Olmsted (JPF), Fillmore (JPF), Pine (BL), Morrison (CW), Ramsey (BL), Hennepin (MHM, MAS), Washington (BL), and Winona (GB). | ||||
| Shrikes | |||||
| Northern Shrike (Lanius borealis) | Reports of 1 to 3 birds from many observers reflect a very interesting distribution east of a diagonal line from NW to SE corners of state. Western marginal localities: Beltrami (MG, JAM), Crow Wing (MSB), Sherburne (EAH), Hennepin (MEH, MHM, MAS), Ramsey (EMB), Dakota (BL, ACR), Wabasha (DGM), and Winona (XC period) Co's. | ||||
| Jays, Nutcrackers, Magpies, Crows | |||||
| Canada Jay (Perisoreus canadensis) | Usual report from Cook (HH, MOP), Lake (RK, JCG), St. Louis (LJ, JCG, SM, NJH), Carlton (JCG) and Beltrami (MG, RLH) Co's. | ||||
| Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) | 1-23, S. of Kelliher, Beltrami Co, 1, RG, RO, RLH; 1-23, N. of Washkish, Beltrami Co, 4, RG, RO, RLH; 1-26, Bass Lake, St. Louis Co, 2, Bill Martin; 2-4, Hibbing, St. Louis Co, Lloyd R. Flynn. ~ | ||||
| Common Raven (Corvus corax) | Usual reports from Cook (MOP, HH), Lake (JCG, DB, RK), St. Louis (LJ, JCG, VFB), Hubbard (LJ) and Beltrami (MG) Co's. Peak numbers on 1-27 (12), 2-8 (20) and 2-19 (20) at Tofte, Cook Co (MOP). | ||||
| Chickadees, Titmice | |||||
| Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus) | Except for an unusual occurrence on 1-15 at Long Lake, Hennepin Co, at feeder of Mrs. C. L. Graham, all reports were restricted to Cook (EMB, MIG) and St. Louis (LJ, VFB, NJH) Co's; 1 to 3 birds each time. | ||||
| Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) | Reported from Winona (KL, PW, RR, AK, MOF), Wabasha (DGM), Rice (OAR), Olmsted (JPF, FBB), Dakota (TEM), Washington (DS, DH), Ramsey (ELC, ACR), Hennepin (EMB, MEH, VS), and Anoka (TEM, LJ) Co's. Of special interest were 3 at Willmar, Kandiyohi Co on 12-28 (XC); all reports were of 1 to 3 birds except 2 to 6 in Olmsted Co by JPF. | ||||
| Larks | |||||
| Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) | A few wintered north to Washington (DS, BL), Anoka (BL, LJ, MAS) Stearns (NH) and Stevens (RAG) Co's but the largest flocks were observed in the SW corner of the state (BA, RG, RO, RLH) where some 600-800 were seen on a single trip, on 1-31. | ||||
| Kinglets | |||||
| Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) | Scarce. 11-20 to 12-26, St. Paul, 1 or 2. Peak of 4 on 11-20, ACR; 12-1, Collegeville, Stearns Co, 6, RPR. ( | ||||
| Waxwings | |||||
| Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) | Dec, Blackduck, Beltrami Co, small flock, MG; 1-2, Duluth,!, PBH; 1-3 Hennepin Co, 1, MAS; 1-8, Winona, 27, AS; 2-4, Anoka Co, 1, TEM; 2-9, Anoka Co, 2, MAS; 2-12 to 2-14, Kanabec Co, 16, peak of 25 on 2-13, RHJ; 2-17 to 2-24, Hennepin Co, 1, EWJ; 2-19, Duluth, 22, PBH; 2-25, Minneapolis, 1, MHM; XC period, 1, FargoMoorhead. | ||||
| Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) | Numerous reports from SE Minn (N. to Washington, Hennepin, Anoka Co's) from late Dec to present, all small flocks or individuals except 93 on the Afton XC. A few wintered at Duluth and on 2-12 JCG noted 200 there. RK noted 2 at Two Harbors from 1-25 to 2-11. In late Feb, very noticeable northward movements took place. JO noted 100 in Washington Co on 2-27, EMB counted 300 in Minneapolis on about 2-27, and a few appeared in Wright (EC), Stearns (RPR), Kanabec (RHJ) and Cook (MOP) Co's. Only records from western Minn were a few on the Willmar and Fargo-Moorhead XC's. | ||||
| Nuthatches | |||||
| Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) | Three Twin Cities records: 12-9, Ramsey Co, 1, EWJ; 12-10 to 1-17, Minneapolis, 1, EMB; Dec to 1-8, St. Paul, 2 to 3, ACR; all other reports from Cook (HH, MIG), Lake (DB, RK, MIG) and St. Louis (LJ, VFB, NJH, HM, JCG) Co's. All reports of 1 to 4 birds except peaks on 12-31 (24, LJ) and 2-14 (20, MIG). | ||||
| Creepers | |||||
| Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) | 12-5, Shatley, Beltrami Co, 1, MG; all other reports from farther south: Stearns (RPR, NH), Cass (JAM), St. Louis (VFB, HM), Hennepin (FN, WJB, MEH, VS), Mille Lacs (WJH), Rice (OAR), Wabasha (DGM), Ramsey (ACR), Washington (DH, XC), Winona (XC), Kandiyohi (XC), Olmsted (JPF), Co's. Peak numbers on 1-3 (10, NH) and 7 on Duluth XC. | ||||
| Thrashers, Mockingbirds | |||||
| Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) | late fall to 12-27, Newport, Washington Co, 1, MRR. | ||||
| Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) | Dec to present time, 1 at feeder in S. St. Paul, Dakota Co, fide MRL. Robin: Usual few wintering in SE corner of Minn but of special interest were huge numbers wintering in NE corner of our state. RK reports peak of 40 at Two Harbors, MAF reports "hundreds" at Schroeder and a new all-time high of 570 seen on Duluth XC. But the greatest number reported was on 12-13, on Hwy 61 between the "Ely cutoff" and Grand Marais, when K. Denis estimated about a thousand Robins. Other localities of interest, Morris, Stevens Co, entire period, 1, RAG and Mora, Kanabec Co, 1 on 2-24, RHJ. | ||||
| Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) | 12-10 to 12-12, Duluth, G. Sundquist, good details given to RN. Few winter records, especially as far north as Duluth. | ||||
| Finches | |||||
| Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) | Very numerous in St. Louis Co, with peaks of 728 on Duluth XC (new state high) and 264 on Hibbing XC. 100 reported in Lake Co (1-11, RK) and flocks of 25-50 reported in Cook Co (Illi, MAF, MOP, LS). Farther west and south, Beltrami Co, 12 to 48, MG, JAM; Hubbard Co, 2, LJ; Crow Wing Co, 50-100 daily, MSB; Morrison Co, 21, CW; Kanabec Co, 40, RHJ; Pine Co, 15, BL; these few Twin Cities reports: 1212, Mpls, 1, EBM; 12-19, Hennepin Co, Mrs. Case; 1-15, Anoka Co, 1, LJ; 1-15, Washington Co, 1, WHL; 2-11, Washington Co, 12, fide DH; 2-19, St. Paul, 1, BL, ACR. Most interesting report was one seen during XC period at Fargo. Moorhead. | ||||
| Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) | Restricted almost entirely to NE "Arrowhead Country." Most observers reported 10 to 20, a few 25 to 50. Peaks noted: 12-22, Finland, Lake Co, 250, DU; 1-10, Lutsen, Cook Co, 300, LS; 1-31, Tofte, Cook Co, 360 plus, MOP. Only records away from NE: 12-20, Shotley, Beltrami Co, a few, MG and 1-23, Lake George, Hubbard Co, 3, RG, RO, RLH. | ||||
| Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) | Reported by almost every observer except in western part of state where only recorded on Willmar XC. Wintered in small numbers throught NE diagonal half of state. By mid-Feb they arrived in large numbers in Lake Co (100, MIG). Most observers reported definite increase from 2nd to 3rd weeks in Feb. Peaks noted: Morrison Co, 2-22, CW; Virginia, 2-24, 40, VFB; Kanabec Co, 2-25, 41, RHJ; Hibbing, 2-24, 44, SM; Duluth, 2-28, 32, JcG; Two Harbors, 2-17, 43, RK; Duluth, 2-15, 75, AKA;; Anoka Co, 2-15, 20, LJ; Ramsey Co, 2-8 30, ACR; Washington Co, 2-19, many, JO. | ||||
| Redpoll (Common) (Acanthis f. flammea) | Erratic in numbers and generally confined to NE corner of state, except small flocks of 20 to 50 in Carlton (RPR, BL, RLH), Aitkin (RPR), Beltrami (MG, RLH), Cass (RG, RO, RLH), Sherburne (EAH) and Hennepin (EMB) Co's. Only peaks, 12-31, Kelsey area, St. Louis Co, 100 plus, DP, LJ; 1-7 to 1-12, Lutsen, Cook Co, 280, LS. One reported during XC period at Fargo-Moorhead. /. | ||||
| Redpoll (Hoary) (Acanthis f. exilipes) | 2-13, Schroeder, Cook Co, RBJ; 2-14, Mpls, 2 with flock of 20 Common Redpolls, EMB. | ||||
| Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) | Scarce this winter. 12-7 "--_ (14) and 1-30 (10), Gunflint Trail, Cook Co, HH; 2-20, N. shore of Lake Superior, 2, EMB. | ||||
| White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera) | Did not get as far south as Twin Cities. Most observers reporting them saw flocks of 20 to 40 in Carlton (RPR, JCG), Lake (RK), St. Louis (Duluth XC), Stearns (RPR), Cass (RG, RO, RLH), Beltrami (RG, RLH), Anoka (LJ, MAS, DP, FL)) and Washington (XC, DH) Co's. Smaller flocks of 5 to 15 reported in St. Louis (AKA, NJH, VFB, Hibbing XC), Cook, (LS, AEA, HH, MAF), Stearns (fide NH) and Beltrami (MG) Co's. No definite peaks. | ||||
| Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) | Erratic, restricted mostly to NE corner of state except a very few in Stearns (XC, RPR), Winona (12-3, 1, Emil Liers) and Hennepin (RDT, EMB) Co's. Most NE observers reported 5 to 25 birds, a few 30 to 50. Only peaks, 194 on Duluth XC (new state high) and thousands in Carlton Co, 12-22, JCR. | ||||
| American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) | Reported on all XC's except Willmar and Hibbing. Late Dec and early Jan, reported N. to Washington (DH, DS), Anoka (MAS. LJ), Stearns (RPR, NH, XC) Co's. Isolated reports in Duluth (BL, AKA, JCG) and Two Harbors (RK). Peak 12-26 Anoka XC, 500 and 1-2, Dakota Co, 120, ACR. Mid-Jan movements to £'.ig Stone (RAG), Stevens (ES), Kanabec (RHJ), St. Louis (Ely, BL) and Beltrami (JAM) Co's. Early and mid-Feb brought another movement with 100 in Mpls (MEH), "many" in Washington Co (JO), 200 in Crow Wing Co (MSB) and a small increase at Two Harbors, (JCG). Other isolated reports: a few all winter in Nobles Co (EHW) and 1 during XC period at Fargo-Moorhead. | ||||
| Longspurs and Snow Buntings | |||||
| Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) | all winter in extreme SW corner of state; 1-24 Wheaton, Traverse Co, 4, RAG; 1-31, Nobles (100) and Watonwan (250) Co's, RG, RO, RLH. Mid-Feb saw movements in SE Minn: 2-13, Wabasha Co, 500, RG, RLH, 2-12, Washington Co, 8,WHL and 2-22 Dakota Co, 10, LJ. | ||||
| Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) | Wintering S. to Traverse (RAG), Stevens (RAG, ES), Hennepin (TEM), Anoka (MAS) and Washington (BL, ACR, WHL) Co's. Only SE reports were from Winona (ER), Rice Co, (OAR), Wabasha Co (DGM) and Olmsted Co (JPF) in mid Feb during some sort of movement, apparently southward. Further evidence of this movement were larger flocks in Anoka (200, MAS; 150, LJ), Hennepin (200, TEM), Ramsey (300, BL, ACR), Washington (350, BL, ACR) Co's. MSB reports an increase on 1-24, Crow Wing Co, flock of 200 seen. Most other reports were of 5 to 50 birds. Largest number reported was 463 on Fargo-Moorhead XC. | ||||
| Towhees, Sparrows | |||||
| Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) | 11-21 to 12-6, Ramsey Co, 1, Mrs. Case. | ||||
| Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) | More reports than I can recall in six years. Those lingering at feeders for some time: 12-2 to 2-26, Mpls, 2, MAM, EWJ; 12-3 to 2-28, Collegeville, Stearns Co, 3 to 6, RPR; 12-18, Mpls, 2, TEM; 1-4 to 2-23, Rochester, 1, FEB; Dec to 2-28, Mpls, 1 or 2, WJB; Singles and transients: 12:10, Mpls, 1, EMB; 1225, Mpls, 1, DB; 12-25, Ramsey Co, 1, BL; 12-26, Anoka Co, 1, XC; 12-26, Ramsey Co, 2, ACR; 12-27, Cedar Creek Bog, Anoka Co, 1, XC; 12-28, Willmar, Kandiyohi Co, 2, XC; 1-1, Afton, Washington Co, 4, XC; 1-2, Fargo, 3, XC; 1-23, Morris, Stevens Co, 2, RAG; 1-23, Plainview, Wabasha Co, 2, DGM; 1-24 to 1-31, Motley, Morrison Co, 2 to 4, peak 7 on 1-29, CW; 2-6, Nicols, Dakota Co, 1, VS; 2-19, St. Paul, 1, BL; 2-25, Washington Co, 1, DS. Tree Sparrow: Wintering north to Twin | ||||
| Harris's Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula) | 12-21, Rochester, 1, JPF; 12-23, Northfield, Rice Co, 1, OAR; all winter at Luverne, Rock Co, about 20 in Dec (BA) dwindling to 7 on 1-31 (RG, RO, RLH) and only 1 or 2 on 2-27 (RLH). A few all winter at Jackson, Jackson Co coming to feeders of GHC. Few winter records but several in last few winters may establish them as regular winter birds. | ||||
| White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) | 12-9, Mpls, 1, MEH; 12-17, Ramsey Co, 1, Mrs. Case; XC period, Afton, Washington Co, 1; 12-26, Mpls. 2, XC; all winter, Mpls, 1 to 2 at feeder, WJB. ·Swamp Sparrow: 1-23, Prairie Island, Winona Co, 3, DB, RBJ; 1-31 Grass Lake, Hennepin Co, 2, RBJ. | ||||
| Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) | 12-23, Faribault, Rice Co, 1, OAR; 12-25, St. Paul, 1, BL; 12-26, Anoka Co, 1, XC; 1-3, Winona Co, 2, XC; 2-26, Collegeville, Stearns Co, 1, RPR. | ||||
| Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) | 12-8, 1 banded, (ad male, not arcticus) Mendota Heights, Dakota Co, MRL; late fall to 115, 1 ad male (not arcticus) at feeder of Mrs. Ray Lewis, Lotus Lake, Carver Co, BL, RBJ, RG, RLH. | ||||
| Blackbirds, Orioles | |||||
| Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) | 1-21, Washington Co, 1, JO. | ||||
| Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) | 1-2, Dakota Co, 1, ACR, MIG; Hennepin Co, 4, RG, RBJ, RLH. J Meadowlark, species? 12-23, Rice Co, 1, OAR; 1-20, Rice Co, 1, OAR; 2-6, Hennepin Co, 2, MAS; 2-25, Nobles Co, 7, EHW; 2-27, Hennepin Co, 3, MAS; Wabasha Co, 1, DGM; all winter, at feeding station, St. Paul, Mrs. Leslie Hodum. | ||||
| Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) | Scarce. 12-3 Stevens Co, 1, 12-26, Mpls, 12, XC; 12-26, Washington Co, 6, DH; 12-30, Wabasha Co, 30, DGM; 1-2, Fargo-Moorhead, 1, XC; 1-3, Winona Co, 10, XC; 1-5, Wabasha Co, 42, XC; 1-17, Stevens Co, 25, John Scharf fide ES; 1-23, Mpls, 2, MEH; 2-5, Mpls, 1, VS; 2-9, Hennepin Co, 1, MAS; 2-9, Washington Co, 8, BL; 2-11, Mpls, 2, MEH; 2-20, Wabasha Co, 1, DGM; 2-26, Hennepin Co, 150, MAS; 2-27, Kanabec Co, fide RHJ. | ||||
| Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) | Scarcest in 6 years; 1-8, Pickwick, Winona Co, 1, PW. | ||||
| Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) | 1-1, Afton, 2, XC; 1-6, Washington Co, 1, BL; 1-23, Mpls, 2, MEH; 2-13, Mpls, 6, EMB; 2-21, Mpls, 2, MEH. Brewer's Blackbird. 12-26, Washington Co, 4, DH; 1-17 and 2-13, Mpls, 2, EMB. | ||||
| Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) | Scarce this winter. 1-2, Dakota Co, 2, ACR; 1-1, Mpls, 1, MEH; 1-2, Hibbing, 4, XC; 1-3, Winona, 4, XC; 1-10, Hennepin Co, 1, EWJ; 1-19, Winona Co, 1, GD; Goodhue Co, 10, TEM; 2-23, Wabasha Co, DGM; 2-26, Dakota Co, 1, BL; 2-27, Watonwan Co, 1, RLH; 2-27, Washington Co, 1, ACR; three records for feeders all winter: Cottonwood Co, 1, MMM; Olmsted Co, 1, to 3, JPF; Crow Wing Co, 1, Dale Saunders. | ||||
| Tanagers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks | |||||
| Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) | Usual reports from SE Minn N. to Washington (MRR, BL, DH, DS), Ramsey (ELC, ACR, BL), Anoka (TEM, LJ), Hennepin (RDT, EMB, MHM, FN, VS, EWJ) and Wright (EC) Co's. Numbers · up very noticeably, many reports of 5-20 in a given area. Of special interest, 1 at feeder all winter in Crow Wing Co, Dale Saunders; 12-8 to 2-14 Collegeville, Stearns Co, 3 to 4, RPR; week of 1-10, Two Harbors, pair reported to RN; Jan, Duluth, 1, ED; 2-10, Mille Lacs Co, 1, WJH. | ||||