BIRDS OF THE ST. CROIX RIVER VALLEY 



125 



species in Minnesota extended south to the northern border of Pine County. 

 On 20 and 21 June 1976, I observed two singing male ruby-crowned kinglets 

 along the St. Croix River in Douglas County (Sec. 24, T. 43 N., R. 14 W.). Al- 

 though the behavior of these birds suggested nesting, I failed to observe 

 nests or young. 



Winter: Casual early winter resident in the Western Upland, usually ob- 

 served during the CBC period. The latest observations are two birds on the 

 Afton CBC 1 January 1976. 



Habitat: During migration, this species uses a wide range of both deciduous 

 and coniferous communities. During these periods, ruby-crowned kinglets 

 appear to prefer brushy communities including Deciduous Clear Cuts. The 

 singing males that I recorded in Douglas County were in an extensive Low- 

 land Coniferous Forest dominated by black spruce, balsam fir, and yellow 

 birch. 



FAMILY MOTACILLIDAE: Pipits 



Water Pipit {Anthus spinoletta) 

 Status: Regular migrant. 



Migration: Uncommon migrant in the Western Upland and Central Plain, 

 rare or absent in the Northern Highland. Spring migrants arrive in the 

 Western Upland 25 April to 5 May. Peak spring abundance through the 

 Valley occurs 10-20 May and departure by 25 May. Fall migrants arrive 

 during mid-September. Peak fall abundance occurs 25 September to 

 10 October and departure by 25 October. 



Habitat: Primary habitat includes seasonally flooded wetlands, agricultural 

 fields, and man-made impoundments that are managed for waterfowl 

 production. During faU migration, this species is especially numerous in re- 

 cently plowed agricultural fields. 



FAMILY BOMBYCILLIDAE: Waxwings 



Bohemian Waxwing {Bomhy cilia garrulus) 

 Status: Casual migrant and winter resident. 



Migration: This species is erratic in both distribution and abundance. The 

 highest frequency of occurrence appears to be in the Western Upland. Al- 

 though fall arrival periods are not regular, small flocks begin to arrive 

 20 November to 15 December. Spring departure is also irregular; most 

 flocks leave by mid-March (latest— 6 April 1970, Washington County). 



Winter Distribution: An irregular winter resident throughout the Valley. 

 Observations of Bohemian waxwings during midwinter usually consist of 

 flocks of 15 to 30 birds. Most records have been obtained during the CBC 

 period during the last 2 weeks of December. 



