 |
Seasonal Report Archive for The Loon | |
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The 1987-Winter Season 1 December 1987 through 29 February 1988 Kenneth J. La Fond |
December started out mild, and it looked
like we might have a second consecutive
"non-winter." From late December throughout
the period, essentially "normal" conditions
returned, and Minnesotans were again
subjected to snow and cold. Snow cover was
concentrated in the NE and south regions.
Heavy snow fell in the south on December 24 and again on January 20th. Duluth had 12" on January 11. Blowing snow was prevalent in the south and west on January 24th.
There was not, however, sufficient snow to alleviate the dry conditions of the preceeding fall, and by the end of the period conditions were quite dry, particularly in the southwest.
Cold temperatures included -20's in the north in early and late January and early February.
A low of -40 was recorded in Isabella on February 2 and International Falls had lows of -35 on the lOth and 11th. Late February was warm with highs in the 30's and 40's.
The mild December coupled with an equally mild November resulted in large numbers of waterfowl lingering in the state till mid-December. The presence of four species of warblers and the first December record for a tanager, a Summer Tanager no less, may also be related to the weather.
With the exception of a Lesser Blackbacked Gull at Black Dog, Dakota County, no outstanding rarities were recorded and the overall season can best be described as normal, if there is such a thing.
Kestrels, Red-tails, Rough-legs, Merlins and Bald Eagles were present in good, perhaps record numbers, while Northern Goshawks were quite scarce. Snowy Owls were down while Hawk Owls were up. Winter finches were present in good and, in the case of siskins, record numbers. White-winged Crossbills were also well represented in the state this year.
A total of 146 species were recorded, thanks, in large part, to the many seasonal contributors and the hundreds of CBC participants, whose hard work and diligent reporting make this summary possible.
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Species |
Information |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whistling-Ducks, Geese, Swans, Ducks | |||||
| Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens) | December reports from Washington, Lin- coin, Olmsted and Houston Counties and one overwintered in St. Cloud, Stearns County. | ||||
| Ross's Goose (Anser rossii) | One in Rochester remained until the CBC (The Loon 59:215). | ||||
| Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) | Reported from 32 central and south region counties; from 12/3 (LCF), Pennington, two injured overwintered (KSS); and St. Louis, two at the Virginia Power Plant on 2/6 (KL). This years CBC total of 43,310 is down significantly from last year. | ||||
| Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) | The five seen on the lower Mississippi River near Reno, Houston County on 12/ 10 (KL) may have been wild or they may have been escaped park birds. | ||||
| Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) | Late migrants in Washington on 12-3 (AB); Hennepin on 12-10 (SC) and on the Lac qui Parle CBC. Nearly 10,000 remained on the lower Mississippi River on 12110 (KL) and the thousands still present on 12119 (RJ, AP) were mostly gone by 12/28 (WDM). A more unusual record is of one on Silver Lake, Rochester on 1/28 (KL, JB) and again on 211 (JB). | ||||
| Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) | A north report from the Grand Rapids CBC. Overwintered in Hennepin and Mower; six December reports from the Twin Cities and SE region. A February report from Nicollet, 2/ 19, (6, JCF). | ||||
| Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) | Two reports: Dakota 12/13 (3, IT) and Winona 12/19 (10, AP, RJ). | ||||
| Gadwall (Mareca strepera) | Overwintered in Scott and additional reports from Hennepin, Dakota, Washington, Winona, and Houston Counties. | ||||
| American Wigeon (Mareca americana) | December reports from Hennepin, Wabasha, Winona, Houston and Mower, the one seen at the Virginia Power Plant in St. Louis County, 2/6 (KL) probably overwintered. | ||||
| Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) | Reported from 41 counties in all but the NW region. A statewide CBC total of 15,581 (15,692 L.Y.). | ||||
| American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) | Reported from Cook, St. Louis and 14 counties in the central and south regions. A statewide CBC total of 105 (57 L.Y.). | ||||
| Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) | Reported on the Fergus Falls and Winona CBC's and in Hennepin 12/5 (SC), Scott 111 (AB), Waseca 12/2 (JEF), Dakota 2/27 (TI) and Nicollet 2119 (JEF). | ||||
| Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) | Reported in Wright 1114 (DO), Hennepin 12117 (OJ), Nicollet 2119 (JCF) and Winona, 12119 (RJ, AP). | ||||
| Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) | December migrants in Washington, Waseca, Wabasha, Winona, Olmsted and Houston, 12112 (3,000+, KL). January reports from Olmsted 118 (BSE) and Dakota 1/24 (SC). February reports from Dakota, 2/ 7, 2/28 (TT) and Cottonwood 2/28 (ED). | ||||
| Redhead (Aythya americana) | Reported from Hennepin, 12/5 (SC), Washington 12/2 (RJ) and Dakota 12118 thru 1/ 10 (m.ob.). | ||||
| Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) | Overwintered in Scott (m.ob.); December reports from OtterTail, Washington, Dakota, Winona and Houston. A February report from Dakota, 2/28 (TT). | ||||
| Greater Scaup (Aythya marila) | Reported in Washington 12/2 (RJ) and one apparently ranged between Scott and Dakota Counties throughout January and most of February (m.ob.). | ||||
| Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) | December migrants remained in the far north for the Grand Marais and Bemidji CBC's. Also reported from 10 Twin Cities and south region counties. | ||||
| Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) | Two reports: Hennepin and Dakota Counties, 12/17 until 111 (ETS, m.ob.) and again on 2/27 (TT) and the Whitewater WMA, Winona County 1114, J. Huhnerkoch (The Loon 60:47). | ||||
| Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) | Reported in Washington, 12/1, 3 (m.ob.). | ||||
| White-winged Scoter (Melanitta deglandi) | Reported in Washington, 12/1,3 (m.ob.). | ||||
| Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) | Reported only in Cook, 12/5 (150, AB) and 102 on the Grand Marais CBC. | ||||
| Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) | December reports from Lake, 12/6 (AB), St. Louis, Duluth CBC, Hennepin, Washington, Ramsey, Dakota, Wabasha, Winona and Houston Counties. Hooded ~erganser A north report from the Grand Marais CBC. South reports from Hennepin 12/22 (BDC), Ramsey 12/2 (RJ), Washington 12/1 (KL), Waseca 12/2 (JCF), Houston 12/12 (20, KL, FL) and Dakota, 12/20 until 1/30 (m.ob.). A February report from Mower 2/20 (JM). Common ~erganser Reported from 20 counties in all but the NW region. A statewide CBC total of 2656 with 1725 on the Winona CBC. Red-breasted Merganser reported on the Duluth (10) and Excelsior (I) CBC's. Also reported in Dakota 12/20 (DS). | ||||
| Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) | Reported from 24 counties throughout the state. | ||||
| Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) | Reported on the St. Paul CBC, Dakota 12/ 22 (BDC) and Houston 12112 (FL). | ||||
| Partridge, Pheasants, Grouse, Turkeys | |||||
| Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) | Reported from Winona, Houston and Fillmore. | ||||
| Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) | Reported from 26 counties (27 L. Y.) northeast of a line from Fillmore to OtterTail counties. A statewide CBC total of 201 (121 L.Y.) with a high countof33 (35 L.Y.) at Duluth. | ||||
| Spruce Grouse (Canachites canadensis) | Reported in Cook during the Grand Marais count week and 2/28 on the Gunflint Trail (KMH); Lake, all winter near Isabella, (SW MS), northern St. Louis 12/17 (SWMS) and on the Beltrami Island CBC. | ||||
| Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) | Reported from Kittson, Roseau, Marshall and Aitkin counties, and on the Hibbing, Baudette and Crookston CBC's. | ||||
| Greater Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido) | Reported in Wilkin (SDM), and 14 on the Crookston CBC. | ||||
| Gray Partridge (Perdix perdix) | Reported from 33 (18 L. Y.) counties in the west, central and south regions. A statewide CBC total of 659 (136 L. Y.) and a high count of 413 at Mountain Lake-Windom. | ||||
| Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) | The recent mild winters have apparently been beneficial for this species since the reported numbers are up sharply. Reports from 49 counties ( 42 L. Y.) south of a Duluth to Norman County line. A statewide CBC total of 620 (203 L. Y.). The CBC data suggests the species is most common in the south central and southwest regions. | ||||
| Grebes | |||||
| Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) | A north report from the Bemidji CBC, and south reports of six individuals in December and mid-January from the Twin Cities and SE region. | ||||
| Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) | Up to five reported in Minneapolis until 12/16 (m.ob.). | ||||
| Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) | Reported from Lake Harriet in Mpls. on 12-4, (5, SC). | ||||
| Pigeons, Doves | |||||
| Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) | Reported from 81 counties with a CBC total count of 17,698 (14,617 L.Y.). | ||||
| Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) | Reported from 34 counties in all but the north central region. A statewide CBC total of 918 (403 L.Y.). | ||||
| Rails, Gallinules, Coots | |||||
| American Coot (Fulica americana) | In the north, present in Grand Marais until 12116 (KMH), overwintered in Fergus Falls (SDM) and one in Grant 12117 (KL). South reports include the Bloomington, St. Paul and St. Paul NE CBC's, Scott l/19 (TT), Dakota until 1/2 (m.ob.) and 2/28 (TT), Waseca 12/2 (JCF), Olmsted 12/30 (BSE) and Houston, 12-12, (96, KL, FL). | ||||
| Cranes | |||||
| Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis) | One in a field with a flock of geese from 1211 through 12/20 (JB) was also recorded on the Rochester CBC. | ||||
| Sandpipers | |||||
| Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata) | Reported in Duluth 12/3 (JN), Hennepin, near the old Cedar Avenue Bridge, 1/2 through 2/28 (TT, DZ) and on the St. Paul, Faribault and Fillmore CBC's. | ||||
| Gulls, Terns | |||||
| Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) | Recorded on the Duluth CBC and again on 1/23 (KE, AP). Late migrants in Stearns on 12/1 (NH) and in eight Twin Cities and SE region counties with the last reports from Dakota on Ill (SC, TT). | ||||
| Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) | A late migrant in Lake of the Woods on 12/3 (KL). Overwintered in Grand Marais, Cook Co., but scarce in February (KMH). CBC reports include Grand Marais (274), Duluth (745), St. Paul (96) and Winona (22). Also reported in December in Anoka, Houston and Dakota counties and an additional Dakota report on 1/19 (2, TT). | ||||
| Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) | Two reports; Cook 12110 (KMH), and Black Dog, Dakota County 12/20,21 (RJ, m.ob.). | ||||
| Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (Larus g. thayeri) | Reported in Cook 12/2 (KL), Duluth 1/23 (KE) and Dakota, 12/19 through 12/28 (DB, m.ob.) | ||||
| Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) | Minnesota's second record was present at Black Dog, Dakota County from 12/20 through 12/25 (m.ob.). | ||||
| Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) | Reported on the Grand Marais and Duluth CBC's, and at Black Dog, Dakota Co., from 12113 through 12/28 (AB, m.ob.). At Duluth, twelve were present on 1/23 and three remained throughout the winter (KE). | ||||
| Loons | |||||
| Common Loon (Gavia immer) | Late migrants in Ramsey, 12-2 (SC, RJ); Lake 12-5 (AB) and on the Duluth CBC. | ||||
| Cormorants | |||||
| Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum) | Reported on the Duluth and La Crosse/La Crescent CBC's, and on Lake Superior at Knife River on 12/ 10 (SWMS). | ||||
| Pelicans | |||||
| American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) | Injured individuals were turned in to DNR personell in Lake of the Woods County on 12/ 1 and 12/4, two were recorded on the Lac qui Parle CBC and a non-injured individual again overwintered in Albert Lea, (AP, RJ). | ||||
| Bitterns, Herons, Egrets, Night-Herons | |||||
| Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) | Eight December reports including the Hibbing and Fergus Falls CBC's. One January record, OtterTail Co., 1115 (SDM). | ||||
| New World Vultures | |||||
| Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) | The unusually warm weather undoubtedly accounts for the first winter records for this species with not one but three separate reports. The earliest was 1117 along TH 60 in Blue Earth Co., see The Loon 59:105. The second report was near Eitzen in Houston ·with four individuals seen on 217 (JM). The third report was of an individual near Rushford, Fillmore Co. on 2/9 (AP); see TheLoon 59:56-57 . | ||||
| Kites, Accipiters, Hawks, Eagles | |||||
| Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) | Reported from Houston and Winona in the SE region and Becker 2/26 (KL) and Marshall 12/14, (ANWR) 1/25, in the NW region. | ||||
| Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius) | Ten reports: The Baudette, Sax-Zim and Bloomington CBC's, Benton 12/12 (RJ), Sherburne 12/8 (DO), Anoka 12/2 (RJ), 12/15 (WL), Dakota 12118 (TT), Scott 1119 (TT), Le Sueur 1/3 (JCF), 1/28 (EK) and Cottonwood, 2/26 (BF). | ||||
| Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) | Reports of 21 individuals (23 L.Y.) from 16 central and south region counties. | ||||
| Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) | Four reports; Rochester CBC, Steams 12/ 4, 2/27 (NH), Ramsey 2/26 (KR), and Dakota 2/2 (ETS). | ||||
| American Goshawk (Accipiter atricapillus) | Fewer reports than normal. Reported on the Bemidji, Hibbing, Aurora, Sax-Zim, Duluth, Crosby, Wild River and Rochester CBC's. The only other report was from Anoka 1/6 (KL) and 217 (SC). | ||||
| Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) | Reported from 43 counties throughout the state. Widespread in the northern regions in December and February; one overwintered in Duluth (KE); a pair at the nest site in Houston on 1117 (FL). The statewide CBC total was 125 (51 L.Y.). | ||||
| Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) | Reported on the New Ulm, Hastings and Winona CBC's. Also reported from Goodhue 2/20 (DZ), Winona 12/19, 2/4 (RJ, AP), 2/27 (DB), Brown 12119 (JS), and Cottonwood 1/22 until 1/30 (BF) (ED). | ||||
| Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) | Reported from 29 counties (38 L. Y.) in the eastern and central regions. A statewide CBC total of 240 (205 L. Y.). | ||||
| Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) | Widespread throughout all but the NW region with reports from 38 counties. Most numerous in the far north in late December with high counts of 73 and 50 on the Baudette and Sax-Zim CBC's, respectively. A statewide CBC total of 195. | ||||
| Screech-Owls, Owls | |||||
| Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio) | Reported from three central and nine south region counties. A statewide CBC total of 11 (23 L. Y.). | ||||
| Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) | Reported from 36 counties (52 L. Y.) throughout the state. A statewide CBC total of 116 (132 L.Y.). | ||||
| Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) | Fewer reports than normal with only 18 individuals (38 L. Y.) in seven north, one central and three south region counties. | ||||
| Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula) | The reports of 12 individuals in seven north region counties include Duluth, all winter (KE); Aitkin, County Rd. 18 area, (2, m.ob.); Lake, several locations (SWMS); St. Louis, near Orr 12/2 (KL), and section 15, T59N, R12W, (J. Howe); Koochiching, six miles SW of Loman 2/27 (KL); Lake of the Woods, Junction of County Roads 2 and 11, 12/2 (KL); Roseau Bog area, December and February, (m.ob.) and Beltrami 12/29 north of Waskish (KH) and 117, north of Kelliher (KH). | ||||
| Barred Owl (Strix varia) | Reports of about 33 individuals ( 42 L. Y.) from 19 counties (25 L.Y.). | ||||
| Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa) | Reported on the Grand Marais, Sax-Zim and Beltrami Island CBC's. Also reported in Roseau 2/19 (KSS); Beltrami, south of Waskish 1/10 (KH); Clearwater, south of Bagley 2/ 10 (KH); Lake, all season (fide SWMS); and Aitkin 12/11 through 1130 (2, WN). | ||||
| Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) | Reported on the Excelsior, Wabasha, Rochester and Albert Lea CBC's. Also reported in Rice 12/30 (FKS), Pipestone 12/ 10 (KL), and Fillmore 2/27 (AP). | ||||
| Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) | Four December reports: Marshall 12/23 (ANWR), Wilkin 12/20 (SDM), Lyon 12/ 19 (2, HK) and Aitkin 12113, found dead on 12/26 (WN). | ||||
| Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus) | Reported only at the (KMH) feeder in late January and early February and calling on 2/13. | ||||
| Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) | Reported on the Beltrami Island, Duluth, Wild River and Rochester CBC's. Also re- Northern Hawk Owl, January 16, 1988, Aitkin County. Photo by Warren Nelson. ported in Hennepin 2/11 (BDG) and 2/28 (DZ) and Dakota, found dead in Hastings, 2/2 (DZ). | ||||
| Kingfishers | |||||
| Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) | Reported on the Fergus Falls CBC and from 16 additional central and south region counties, (18 L.Y.). Statewide CBC total of 36 (30 L.Y.). | ||||
| Woodpeckers | |||||
| Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) | Reported from Aitkin and 13 south and central region counties (6 L.Y.). Statewide CBC total of 17 (6 L.Y.). | ||||
| Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) | Reported from 34 counties in all but the NE region. Statewide CBC count of 383 (275 L.Y.). | ||||
| Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) | One in Bloomington, Hennepin County on 2/23, (The Loon 60:90 for details of this third February record for the species). | ||||
| American Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides dorsalis) | Reported on the Beltrami Island CBC, and during count week on the Gunflint Trail and Grand Marais CBC's. Also reported at two locations in Lake (KE, SWMS). | ||||
| Black-backed Woodpecker (Picoides arcticus) | Reported on the Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, Isabella, Duluth, Sax-Zim and Beltrami Island CBC's. | ||||
| Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) | Reported from 54 counties throughout the state (63 L. Y.) and a total CBC count of 1782 (1744 L.Y.). | ||||
| Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus) | Reported from 56 counties throughout the state (59 L. Y.) with a statewide CBC total of 1000 (1086 L.Y.). | ||||
| Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) | Reported on the Fargo-Moorhead CBC and from 25 central and south region counties (25 L. Y. also) with a statewide CBC total of 43 (42 L.Y.). | ||||
| Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) | A statewide CBC total of 151 (173 L. Y.) and reports from 48 counties throughout the state (46 L.Y.). | ||||
| Caracaras, Falcons | |||||
| American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) | More abundant but not qui.te as widespread as last year. Reports from 45 (52 L. Y.) counties including Lake of the Woods, 12/29, (fide M. Kehoe), and the Duluth CBC. A statewide CBC total of 144 (131 L. Y.) with a high count of 30 (29 L. Y.) at Hastings-Etter. | ||||
| Merlin (Falco columbarius) | Reported on the Crookston, Duluth, Mankato and Rochester CBC's. Additional Duluth reports on 2/2, 2112 (JN), 2/23 (KC) and 2/27 (DZ). Also reported in Wilkin 12/17 (KL) and Hennepin 1/21 (BDC). | ||||
| Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) | Two reports: St. Paul on 12/3 (TT) and Hennepin l/10 (ETS). | ||||
| Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) | Again overwintered at the Rothsay WMA, Wilkin County (SDM). | ||||
| Shrikes | |||||
| Northern Shrike (Lanius borealis) | Reported from 43 counties throughout the state (51 L.Y.) with a total CBC count of 54 (66 L.Y.). | ||||
| Jays, Nutcrackers, Magpies, Crows | |||||
| Canada Jay (Perisoreus canadensis) | Reported from eight north central and northeast region counties with a statewide CBC total of 247 (419 L.Y.). The only unusual report was of two on the FargoMoorhead CBC. | ||||
| Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) | Reported from 73 counties (79 L. Y.). with a statewide CBC total of 4817 (2768 L.Y.). | ||||
| Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) | Reported from Wilkin 12/27 (SDM) in the west central region; St. Louis, overwintered at Sax-Zim (KB), and Tower, (D. Miedtke); Cass 2/ 18 (TT); and six northwest region counties. Statewide CBC total of 55 (61 L.Y.). | ||||
| American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) | Reported from 80 counties throughout the state (79 L. Y.) with a CBC total of 6124 (6139 L.Y.). | ||||
| Common Raven (Corvus corax) | Reported from 15 north region counties with a statewide CBC total of 727 (948 L. Y.). The high count was 157 at Aurora, St. Louis Co. | ||||
| Chickadees, Titmice | |||||
| Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) | Reported from 66 counties throughout the state (72 L. Y.) with a statewide CBC total of 10216 (10328 L.Y.). | ||||
| Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus) | Reports from seven NE and north central region counties. A CBC total of 40 (105 L.Y.). Thfted Titmouse Reported on the Hastings and Fillmore CBC's, and in Houston at the (EMF) feeder throughout the period. | ||||
| Larks | |||||
| Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) | Reported from 60 counties in all but the northeast region (50 L.Y.). Statewide CBC total of 1014 (352 L.Y.). More than normal numbers overwintered in the west central and southwest regions. | ||||
| Kinglets | |||||
| Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) | Reported from 17 counties throughout the state with a total CBC count of 41. | ||||
| Waxwings | |||||
| Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) | More numerous but not as widespread as last year. Reported from 25 counties in all but theSE region (33 L. Y.). A statewide CBC total of 4620 (3193 L.Y.) with a high count of 3090 at Duluth. | ||||
| Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) | Reported from 30 central, south and west region counties. A statewide CBC total of 2058 (617 L.Y.). | ||||
| Nuthatches | |||||
| Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) | Reported from 37 counties throughout the state (30 L. Y.). Statewide CBC total of 672 (328 L.Y.). Typical CBC counts in the central and south regions were of five to ten individuals while those in the NE and north central regions were on the order of 50 to 100. | ||||
| White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) | Reported from 62 counties throughout the state (64 L. Y.) with a total CBC count of 2600 (2461 L. Y.). | ||||
| Creepers | |||||
| Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) | Reported from 36 counties throughout the state (37 L. Y.), with a statewide CBC total of 202 (131 L.Y.). | ||||
| Wrens | |||||
| Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) | Reported on the Rochester and Owatonna CBC's and in Hennepin, 12/27, 111 (AB, DB). | ||||
| Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis) | One on the Lamberton CBC and another report from Washington, 1/9, (TBB). | ||||
| Sedge Wren (Cistothorus stellaris) | Reported on the Marshall CBC. | ||||
| Thrashers, Mockingbirds | |||||
| Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) | Two overwintered in Cook (KMH) and reports from the Fargo-Moorhead and Fergus Falls CBC's. | ||||
| Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) | Reported in Moorhead from 12/22 until 12/26 (LCF). | ||||
| Starlings | |||||
| European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) | Reported from 80 counties throughout the state with a CBC total of 16445 ( 19273 L. Y.). | ||||
| Thrushes | |||||
| Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) | Reported on the Albert Lea CBC. | ||||
| Townsend's Solitaire (Myadestes townsendi) | Three reports: Hennepin 12/8 at Roberts Sanctuary (SC); Cook, 12116 and 2122-28 (KMH); and at Lutsen, Cook Co., 2126, (fide KE). | ||||
| Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) | Reported in Cook 12/28 (KMH); Hennepin at Theodore Wirth Park, 1/29 until 2/26 (SC, ETS); and on the Wild River CBC. | ||||
| American Robin (Turdus migratorius) | . Much more numerous than last year, especially in the Twin Cities area. High counts of 163 at St. Paul and 138 at Bloomington. Reported from 28 counties throughout the state (29 L. Y.) with a statewide CBC total of 494 (38 L.Y.). | ||||
| Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) | TEN reports this season from Marshall 12/16 until 1114 (KSS); Becker, 12/24 (B: Wyatt); Cass 117 (TK), 1/30 (RJ); Crow Wmg, 12112 (RJ); Aitkin 1/ 1 until 2/14 (m.ob.); Cook, 2 all winter (KMH); Chip- Fall1988 pewa 217 (R. Cucci); Murray 1/9 until 1119 (HK, m.ob.); Winona 211 (AP), 2/4 (RJ, AP); and Houston 1/9 until 1121 (m.ob.). | ||||
| Old World Sparrows | |||||
| House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) | Reported from all 87 counties. | ||||
| Finches | |||||
| Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) | Reported from 28 counties in the three north regions, the central and the east central regions plus Rice and Mower in the south. Most common in the NE and north central regions. A statewide CBC count of 1729. | ||||
| Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) | About normal numbers with reports from 17 north region counties and Pine and Mille Lacs in the central region. An unusual SW report of 19 on the Mountain Lake-Windom CBC. Statewide CBC total of 1621 (395 L.Y.). Purple Nnch Widespread throughout the state with reports from 45 counties ( 40 L. Y.). Rare in the north and common in the SE and east central regions. Statewide CBC total of 829 (401 L.Y.). House Nnch Hennepin, 2/2 (2, SC). | ||||
| Redpoll (Common) (Acanthis f. flammea) | Reported from 38 counties throughout the state including Lyon, Pipestone and Cotton- wood in the SW. Statewide CBC total 3527 (5594 L. Y.). | ||||
| Redpoll (Hoary) (Acanthis f. exilipes) | Reports of up to four individuals in seven north region counties. | ||||
| Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) | December reports from the Aurora, Bemidji and Beltrami Island CBC's; January reports from Duluth, Aitkin and Clay and late February reports from Hennepin, Dakota and Brown. | ||||
| White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera) | Widespread in the northern and east central regions and Brown and Yellow Medicine in the south. Reported from 24 counties with a statewide CBC total of 612 (35 L. Y. and only 9 two years ago). | ||||
| Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) | Widespread and abundant throughout most of the state with reports from 53 counties (42 L. Y.) and a statewide CBC total of 4933 ( 1153 L. Y.). Most abundant in the north central and north east regions. | ||||
| American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) | Reported from 52 counties throughout the state (40 L.Y.) including 14 north region counties. A statewide CBC total of3166 (1513 L.Y.). | ||||
| Longspurs and Snow Buntings | |||||
| Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) | Reported on the Warren, Lac qui Parle, Faribault and Owatonna CBC's. Also reported from ten additional south and west counties with a maximum of 250 in Stevens 1/8 (KL). | ||||
| Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) | Reported from 43 counties throughout the state (30 L. Y.). Statewide CBC total of 5494 (2681 L. Y.). Most abundant in the SE and NW regions. | ||||
| Towhees, Sparrows | |||||
| Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) | An injured individual overwintered in Winona (AP). | ||||
| Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) | Reported from 51 counties throughout the state (52 L. Y.) with a statewide CBC total of 8161 (2672 L.Y.). | ||||
| Harris's Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula) | Reported on the Marshall, Lac qui Parle and Mountain Lake-Windom CBC's. | ||||
| White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) | Reported on the Fargo-Moorhead, Bloomington, Hastings-Etter, Mankato, Owatonna and Austin CBC's. Also reported from Cook 12/22 (KMH), Duluth 12/18 until 1/27 (JN), Hennepin 1/29 (SC) and Houston, all winter (EMF). | ||||
| Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) | Reported on the Grand Marais, Excelsior, Bloomington, St. Paul NE, Rochester and Austin CBC's. Also repoted in Duluth 1116, until 1/20, (JN). | ||||
| Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) | Reported on the Rochester and St. Paul NE CBC's and in Washington 1/2 (DS), and Hennepin 1/24, 1/29 (IT). | ||||
| Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) | Reported in south Minneapolis between 12/ 23 and 2/2 (m.ob.). Reported all winter in Winona (AP) and on the Rochester and Austin CBC's. Tree Sparrow Reported from Clay, Aitkin and Cook in the north and 33 additional central and south region counties. Statewide CBC total of 5656 (1510 L.Y.). Held Sparrow Reported from 1124 to 2/28 at the Bass Ponds, Hennepin Co. (TT). | ||||
| Blackbirds, Orioles | |||||
| Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) | Reported from 26 counties throughout the state (20 L. Y.). Statewide CBC total of 150 (407 L.Y.). Meadowlark (Sp. ?) Reported on the Lac qui Parle, Marshall and Mountain Lake-Windom CBC's. A December report from Houston 12/22 (EMF) and February reports from Fillmore 2/11 (NAO), Mower 2/19 (JM); and Cottonwood 2/20 (fide BD) and 2/29 (BF). | ||||
| Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) | Reported on the Marshall and Winona CBC's, Dakota 12/ 18 (IT), Houston 2/27 (AP). | ||||
| Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) | Reported from 13 counties throughout the state. | ||||
| Brewer's Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) | Reported on the Rochester CBC. | ||||
| Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) | Reported from 29 counties throughout the state. | ||||
| Warblers | |||||
| Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) | The first winter record was of an individual found on the Grand Marais, Cook Co., CBC, 12/19 (KMH) (The Loon 60:38-40). | ||||
| Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata) | The second winter record for the species· Grand Marais, Cook Co., 12127 (TW) and 12/12 (KMH) (The Loon 60:42). Yellow-romped Warbler Reported in Hennepin at a feeder on 12/6 (TT), 12/ 10 (SC) and 1/3 (TT). | ||||
| Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) | Fifth December record, Hennepin County at the Wood Lake Nature Center 12/23 (SC). | ||||
| Tanagers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks | |||||
| Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) | First winter record, Anoka County, Carlos Avery WMA, 12/1 until 12122 (m.ob.). See details on page 125 this issue. | ||||
| Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) | Reported from 30 south and central region counties; and Crow Wing and Cook in the north. Statewide CBC total of 1933. | ||||
| Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) | Reported on the Rochester CBC. | ||||