I watched 2 adult Red-throated Loons from the viewing platform at Lafayette Square (31st Street, Park Point, Duluth) for about a half an hour this morning. The birds were initially less than 100 yards offshore and slowly drifted SE while diving and feeding. This represents the latest July date for this species in Minnesota. Spring migration of the Red-throated Loon normally extends into mid-June, and there are a number of late June and early July dates (see below). These two birds may be summering on Lake Superior instead of breeding farther north. It should be noted that Lafayette Square and other public access points along Park Point have been checked every day this summer, and that this is my only observation of this species since 22 June (2 adults at the 12th Street access) and 26 June (2 adults between the Beach House and Sky Harbor Airport).
Except for a remarkable record from Murray County, 7 June 2003, and an undocumented record from Rainy Lake, 22 June 1963, all summer season reports are from Lake Superior, primarily at Duluth. Here is a list of previous Minnesota records later than 15 June. 17 June 1939 (one collected from flock of 15-20 at Duluth, Flicker 11:21) 17 June 1941 (several birds, Flicker 13:37) 17 June 1984 (2 at Duluth, Loon 57:39) 18 June 1984 (Grand Marais, Cook County, Loon 57:39) 20 June 2007 (Park Point, Duluth, Loon 80:20) 22 June 1963 (Rainy Lake, Koochiching County, Loon 35:85) 23 June 1998 (one in basic plumage at Duluth, Loon 71:16) 25 June 1975 (2 picked up dead at Duluth, Loon 48:15) 25-26, 30 June 1998 (one in alternate plumage at Duluth, Loon 71:16) 28 June 1993 (2 at Stoney Point, St. Louis County, Loon 66:17) 1 July 1991 (Stoney Point, St. Louis County, Loon 63:210) 3 July 1952 (St. Louis or Cook County, MOU files) 3 July 1981 (12 at Duluth, Loon 53:168) 8 July 1945 (3 at Duluth, Flicker 18:11-12) 8 July 2001 (4 at Park Point, Duluth, Loon 74:16) -- Peder H. Svingen Duluth, MN