Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Nebraska Birds > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Friday, February 3 at 08:48 PM EST The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Vultures,©Tony Disley

04 Feb 2nd Snowy Owl for me ["ingwersen.mark" ] 04 Feb Spotting Scopes ["trplduece" ] 03 Feb Red Tail Hawk ["trplduece" ] 03 Feb Re: Common Crane, Snowy Owl ["paul" ] 3 Feb Snowy Owl Triage [Jeanine Lackey ] 03 Feb Common Crane, Snowy Owl ["paul" ] 3 Feb First post: Snowy Owl photos [CheekyGeek ] 3 Feb Dodge Co. snowy owl ["Don & Janis Paseka" ] 3 Feb RE: West Omaha Lakes 2/01 ["Walker, TJ" ] 2 Feb Fontenelle Wetlands- 2/02 [Justin Rink ] 2 Feb Re: Common Crane, Thursday [Matt Hansen ] 2 Feb Cranes and more [RUSSELL DUERKSEN ] 02 Feb Common Crane, Thursday ["paul" ] 2 Feb Ponca State Park [Jan Johnson ] 02 Feb Common Redpoll ["Susan Louise" ] 2 Feb Rare Bird ["Clem Klaphake" ] 2 Feb (unknown) [Wesley Sterling ] 02 Feb Re: West Omaha Lakes 2/01 [Ami Sheffield ] 02 Feb American Kestrel ["karenm4birds" ] 1 Feb Re: West Omaha Lakes 2/01 [] 1 Feb West Omaha Lakes 2/01 [Justin Rink ] 1 Feb RE: Location of Long Eared Owl. ["Elliott Bedows" ] 1 Feb Re: RFI: Common Crane [Chris West ] 1 Feb RE: Location of Long Eared Owl. ["Jo Bartikoski" ] 01 Feb Nebraska Bird Partnership News - February ["J" ] 1 Feb Re: Location of Long Eared Owl. [Karen Wagoner ] 1 Feb Location of Long Eared Owl. [] 1 Feb (unknown) [Wesley Sterling ] 1 Feb Snowy Owl Video [Jan Johnson ] 1 Feb Possible White-tailed Kite, definite Short-eared Owl ["Walker, TJ" ] 31 Jan Re: Common Crane Reoords for Nebraska ["Kathy DeLara" ] 01 Feb Preventing death traps for birds ["John" ] 31 Jan Wintering Robins: [Audrey Sterkel ] 31 Jan Common Crane Reoords for Nebraska [Mark Brogie ] 31 Jan Re: Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! ["Clem Klaphake" ] 31 Jan Walnut Creek Park [Wesley Sterling ] 31 Jan Common Crane, Tuesday pm ["paul" ] 31 Jan Re: RFI: Common Crane ["Clem Klaphake" ] 31 Jan Midtown Ross's Goose & Y-b Loon (KS) [Justin Rink ] 31 Jan Re: RFI: Common Crane [] 31 Jan RFI: Common Crane [Chris West ] 30 Jan Fw: Nebraska Birding ["Kathy DeLara" ] 30 Jan Whooping Cranes On The Platte ["Jorgensen, Joel" ] 30 Jan [Fwd: Winter Whooping Cranes On The Platte:] [] 31 Jan Common Crane, Monday ["paul" ] 30 Jan RE: Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! ["Eades, Rick" ] 30 Jan Carolina wren in Douglas County ["Jerry Toll" ] 30 Jan Re: Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! ["Susan Louise" ] 30 Jan Re: Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! ["Susan Louise" ] 30 Jan Re: Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! ["Kathy DeLara" ] 30 Jan Box Butte County snowy owl ["Kathy DeLara" ] 30 Jan Re: Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! ["Jim Ochsner" ] 30 Jan Cranes in Keith County ["Bill Huntley" ] 30 Jan Re: Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! [Jill Holmquist ] 30 Jan Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! ["Susan Louise" ] 30 Jan Common Crane 1/29/- Video [Justin Rink ] 30 Jan RE: Snowy Owl Summary Update ["Jorgensen, Joel" ] 30 Jan Re: Spring, list of sights? [Jill Liske-Clark ] 30 Jan Weekend yard birds ["Kathy DeLara" ] 30 Jan Cranes, Raptors and Owls [Ruth Stearns ] 30 Jan Re: Common Crane chase, anyone? [] 29 Jan Snowy Owl Article [zhongni electronic limited ] 29 Jan Killdeers - FOY ["Greg Stoiber" ] 29 Jan S.W. Greeley & Valley Counties [] 29 Jan Knox & Boyd Counties [Jan Johnson ] 29 Jan Common Crane update [] 29 Jan Re: Common Crane [] 29 Jan Re: Common Crane refound ["s.ponsor AT comcast.net" ] 28 Jan Re: Common Crane refound ["Les,Angie & Tucker Lutter" ] 28 Jan Re: Common Crane refound ["s.ponsor AT comcast.net" ] 28 Jan Field Sparrow Jan 28 [] 28 Jan Common Crane refound ["paul" ] 28 Jan Burrowing Owl, Ferruginous Hawk - environmental threats ["quercusvelutina2002" ] 28 Jan Common crane ["lauren.dinan" ] 28 Jan Re: Spring, list of sights? ["karenm4birds" ] 28 Jan Re: Spring, list of sights? ["karenm4birds" ] Subject: 2nd Snowy Owl for me From: "ingwersen.mark" <ingwersen.mark AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:32:47 -0000 Spotted my second snowy owl Tuesday about 5:15 on a power pole one half mile west of the 389 mile marker on hwy 92. This is about 10 miles west of Osceola NE. ------------------------------------ Subject: Spotting Scopes From: "trplduece" <trplduece AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:08:26 -0000 I'm looking to buy a spotting scope & am wondering what everyone may be using & why. I've been looking for awhile & a few of you have helped me a great deal. I can't afford a Swarovski, Leupold or Kona type scopes. I have been looking AT the Celestron 52302 Regal Refractory 80mm F-ED scope & like a few features on it. Any thoughts? I've never owned a scope & I would like to get into Digiscoping. Thank you for your help in advance. Larry Johnson ------------------------------------ Subject: Red Tail Hawk From: "trplduece" <trplduece AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:09:21 -0000 I was AT Chalco Hills Rec. Area today to get a cache. While I did see a few deer in the area, not much else there, bird wise. Except, when I was leaving I saw a Red Tail Hawk using the winds coming up from the lake to hover & look for a snack. You can really see the red tail this way. I watched for 10 or so minutes & it never did flap its wings. Very cool. I took a picture but it didn't turn out too well. I'll see if I can sharpen it up when I get time & post it. ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Common Crane, Snowy Owl From: "paul" <pastorpaultdunbar AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:31:48 -0000 I forgot to add that, in this same area of Hall County, along the Platte River Road west of the town of Doniphan about 4 miles, I saw a flock of about 1500 geese, which I believe are new to the area, even from yesterday. It contained all 5 species of regularly occurring geese, with about 600 Snow Geese, 600 Cackling Geese, 200 Canadas, 100 Gr.White-fronted, and 20 or Ross's (including one blue-phase, though it might have had a little Snow Goose in its genes, with the bill seeming to me to be just slightly too large for pure Ross's.) So keep eyes open! Over the years here in south-central NE, we've had all kinds of rare geese show up in these flocks. Time for another, I say! Paul Dunbar Hastings ------------------------------------ Subject: Snowy Owl Triage From: Jeanine Lackey <jeanine.dinan AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 11:04:53 -0600 Although this may be a moot point at this juncture, I thought that, as a volunteer raptor rehabilitator and a birdwatcher, I would forward some information to those who are most likely to observe injured or weak snowies. Typical Snowy Owl behavior makes it difficult to ascertain the physical condition of a bird. A healthy female Snowy Owl should weigh 5 lbs, males 3, not that you can tell how much they weigh just be looking at them, the large number of feathers makes them seem very robust, even if they are ill. They normally sit in the open and often perch with eyes closed and the majority "look" quite healthy. However, If you see a Snowy Owl showing signs of sickness or injury such as difficulty breathing, bleeding, stumbling, fractures or other trauma, or drooping a wing(s) (emaciated), the animal needs medical attention. It is importance to get in touch with a licensed wildlife rehabiliator as soon as possible. This is in the interest of any wildlife you find and can mean the difference between life and death. If you observe a Snowy Owl in the same location for several hours (or days) or the animal is approachable, this bird likely needs medical attention. No healthy raptor should let a human approach it. If you are unsure about assessing the condition make a phone call and ask questions. Rehabilitators work with many other rehab centers across the country especially the Minnesota Raptor Center and combine their knowledge to find solutions for caring and treating snowies. Nebraska is not the only state dealing with and treating sick and injured Snowy Owls. Please do not attempt capture or rehabilitation of raptors on your own. Communication with experienced, licensed rehabilitators is key to providing the best care for sick or injured owls (or any raptor). Licensed rehabilitators have been specially trained for triage, convalescence and paliative care of wild animals once they arrive in our care. And we have the medication and equipment on hand to treat birds quickly...it's our job. Since December, Raptor Recovery Nebraska has received 17 Snowy Owls into the treatment center, each suffering from starvation, disease, crawling with feather lice, and/or injured from a collision, and these are just the birds that make it to the center. Of the 17 birds, 13 were emaciated weighing 1- 1.5 lbs, and none of those birds have survived. One bird with a severely broken humerus was kept in a box for two days by prior to arriving at the treatment center and had to be euthanized since by the time the bird came to us, the bone was dead and not repairable. The take home message is, someone at one of the numbers below should be able to help or provide answers to questions. Obviously, rehabilitators may not have an answer or explanation for every scenerio or situation. For birders who are out frequently keeping the numbers handy may be worthwhile. For more information or to find a RRN volunteer near you visit Raptor Recovery Nebraska’s website. Raptorrecoverynebr.org and open the latest newsletter. *Central Nebraska Triage Treatment Center (Dannebrog) * Vicki Orr 308-750-3816 Blake Hatfield 308-383-1875 Jeanine Lackey 402-499-9872 *Raptor Recovery Headquarters (Elmwood) *402-994-2009 Thanks and good birding Jeanine Doniphan [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Common Crane, Snowy Owl From: "paul" <pastorpaultdunbar AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:04:00 -0000 Saw the COCR today, Friday, at 10am near the intersection of Rainforth and S. 90th, same general area it's been in. Dan Glomski from the Crane Trust Nature Center told me that there was a new influx of Sandhills last evening, maybe 5,000-10,000, so it might be getting harder to pick this bird out, though I didn't have a lot of trouble today. It was in a flock of maybe 1500 birds, and I didn't see a lot of cranes elsewhere, though they could have still been out on the river, with the gloomy, dark skies. Conditions v. unpleasant, windy, rain spitting in the scope. Since I know some folks are checking this site from out of state, you should know that we're in a WinterStorm Warning here, with 8-12" (even 16"?) of snow predicted for tonight through tomorrow, with 35mph winds. Lots of folks are curious to see what the cranes will do. Nearly every year they face nasty weather while they're here in Feb-March. Some years they don't fare too well and there are casualties, and I suppose they could get temporarily pushed out of the area toward the south, but mostly I think they just weather these storms. We'll see. Also, I saw and photographed today the Snowy Owl reported yesterday, at same location -- about 1/2 mile west of Hwy 281 on Rosedale Rd. Paul Dunbar Hastings (Adams Co.) ------------------------------------ Subject: First post: Snowy Owl photos From: CheekyGeek <cheekygeek AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:41:10 -0600 Sighted a Snowy Owl on the east edge of Kearney (Buffalo County) on Sunday, just after sundown. Returned on Monday and got photos of two of them (some distant shots of a territorial dispute, apparently) http://www.flickr.com/photos/pixelsmithy/6792942927/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/pixelsmithy/6796788241/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/pixelsmithy/6792955637/ Saw one again Tuesday (unremarkable photos). On Wed. I got the following shots: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pixelsmithy/sets/72157629136465149/ Did not show on Thurs. eve. On Friday morning, on the way to work, I saw one (road kill) on Hwy 30 midway between Shelton and Wood River in Hall County. He was on the south shoulder, probably diving for prey in the ditch when he was hit. Sadness. About three weeks ago we sighted on after sundown near Yanney Park southwest of Kearney. I may have photos, but was shooting a medium format film camera that day and the roll remains unfinished. (Remember those days?) : ) Darren Addy Kearney, Nebraska -- Always on the lookout for Pentax film cameras and lenses. What do you have gathering dust? ------------------------------------ Subject: Dodge Co. snowy owl From: "Don & Janis Paseka" <paseka76 AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:00:28 -0600 Mark Brogie just called (8:50 am) to say that he, Ellen and Ben just saw a snowy owl near the weigh station on highway 275 north of Fremont. It is sitting on a pole a short distance north of the weigh station on the west side of the road. This is very close to the location of an owl Richard and Jan Johnson reported some weeks ago. Same owl, or is there just something about that location that is appealing to an owl? Janis Paseka Ames NE [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: RE: West Omaha Lakes 2/01 From: "Walker, TJ" <thomas.walker AT nebraska.gov> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:53:47 -0600 How relative is "nearby"? I drove 410 miles on 2/2/12 from North Platte to Red Cloud and back (different route back) and found two Snowy Owls about 1.5 miles apart from each other in Harlan County. One was about 1 mile west of the Highway 183 and 136 intersection north of Alma, sitting about 1/2 mile north of there on a center pivot. The other was about two miles further west on 136 sitting on a large power pole on the south side of the highway. T. J. Walker - District Manager, Wildlife Division - Partners Section Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 301 East State Farm Road North Platte, NE 69101 Office Phone 308-535-8025 Cell Phone 308-530-7659 ________________________________ From: NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com [NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of pdixn AT aol.com [pdixn AT aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 10:19 PM To: NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [NEBirds] West Omaha Lakes 2/01 does anyone have any recent sitings of snowy owls nearby. thanks. pat from wyo [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Fontenelle Wetlands- 2/02 From: Justin Rink <spindalis79 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:16:46 -0800 (PST)   This afternoon I birded some of the previously flooded bottomlands of Fontenelle Forest.  I took Pond Trail to Great Marsh Trail, then back to the parking lot.  From there I walked Stream Trail to Missouri, over to Walking Club, and then back on Cottonwood.  I also ventured slightly into Hansome Hollow.  Due to the area being flooded, the number of birds species-wise was pretty pathetic.  I didn't even get my first Junco until 4:45pm.  The e-bird report is below...   Fontenelle Forest--Wetlands, Sarpy, US-NE Feb 2, 2012 2:40 PM - 6:00 PM Protocol: Traveling 3.0 mile(s) 19 species Canada Goose  21 Bald Eagle  3 Red-tailed Hawk  2 Great Horned Owl  1 Barred Owl  2 Belted Kingfisher  2 Red-bellied Woodpecker  3 Downy Woodpecker  17 Hairy Woodpecker  11 Northern Flicker  3 Pileated Woodpecker  2    One heard across the river in Iowa.  Another as a flyover in the Wetlands Learning Center parking lot. American Crow  1 Black-capped Chickadee  35 White-breasted Nuthatch  15 Brown Creeper  3 Winter Wren  2 Golden-crowned Kinglet  12 European Starling  8 Dark-eyed Junco  25 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)     The first WINTER WREN (FOY) was heard calling near the parking lot near the Wetlands Center.  The second WINTER WREN was observed in a brush pile where Cottonwood intersects with Stream Trail.  The number of GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS were a bit of a surprise as well.  They would appear in winter pods with other species.  There may have also been three (3) PILEATEDS as one was heard as I was walking back along Stream Trail.  However the vocalizations came from the same vicinity as where I saw the bird fly from later.  Therefore this Pileated cannot be ruled out.   Good birding. Justin Rink Midtown Omaha, Douglas Co., NE spindalis79 AT yahoo.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Common Crane, Thursday From: Matt Hansen <mmhansen52 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:59:29 -0800 (PST) Thanks for the update------yes to staying out of fields, buy a spotting scope or borrow one if your going to drive from whereever and see a lifer for goodness sakes do screww up up for we who respect the birds we watch--Matt Hansen One cannot have wisdom without living life. --Dorothy McCall --- On Thu, 2/2/12, paul wrote: From: paul Subject: [NEBirds] Common Crane, Thursday To: NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, February 2, 2012, 1:03 PM   Sorry I didn't post yesterday, when I also did run up over lunch and locate the Common Crane at the Rosedale/Alda intersection. I did the same today. I arrived up there at 11:30, found the bird within about 3 minutes (it was southwest of the Rosedale/Alda intersection out among about 500 Sandhills), pointed it out to some other birders who were looking for it about a mile north of where it was. Just as I was leaving, it got up and flew to the north (all the cranes did) and was relocated up at it's other spot, near Platte River Drive and 90th Rd. That's where it was being seen last about 2pm. Anyway, that's the update. I've seen it every day for the past 7 when it was first found, and it usually doesn't take long to relocate. Still a very "tick-able" bird in my estimation. Also for those in the area, a Snowy Owl was seen today by Russell Duerksen and party at the intersection of Hwy 281 and Rosedale Rd, and a Prairie Falcon was also seen along Rosedale. And somewhere in this same general area, a Rough-legged Hawk, which we've seen very few of this winter (unlike the Harriers, which are THICK!) On a sour note, there was a birder with Nebraska plates (I'll not report publically the license plate#, though I did read it) driving out through the middle of the cornfield and flushing the cranes up, while 4 other carloads of birders sat along the road with scopes up, dutifully obeying law and etiquette. Please don't do this, folks, or we'll all get a bad name, if not kicked out of the area altogether. Paul Dunbar Hastings (Adams Co.) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Cranes and more From: RUSSELL DUERKSEN <russell.duerksen AT azbar.org> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 14:24:00 -0700 Thanks to Paul Dunbar, Chris West and others, a group of 3 had a very good day birding today. The common crane was about 1.5 miles N. of Rosedale Rd., and .5 miles south of River Road on 90th today. Great scope views. thank you Chris for sharing your scope, Paul for putting us on the bird. A snowy owl was sighted at the NW corner of Rosedale and 281 (?) [the four lane road]. A prarrie falcon was in the area as well Russell S. Duerksen Chino Valley, AZ 86323 duerksen AT msn.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Common Crane, Thursday From: "paul" <pastorpaultdunbar AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:03:37 -0000 Sorry I didn't post yesterday, when I also did run up over lunch and locate the Common Crane at the Rosedale/Alda intersection. I did the same today. I arrived up there at 11:30, found the bird within about 3 minutes (it was southwest of the Rosedale/Alda intersection out among about 500 Sandhills), pointed it out to some other birders who were looking for it about a mile north of where it was. Just as I was leaving, it got up and flew to the north (all the cranes did) and was relocated up at it's other spot, near Platte River Drive and 90th Rd. That's where it was being seen last about 2pm. Anyway, that's the update. I've seen it every day for the past 7 when it was first found, and it usually doesn't take long to relocate. Still a very "tick-able" bird in my estimation. Also for those in the area, a Snowy Owl was seen today by Russell Duerksen and party at the intersection of Hwy 281 and Rosedale Rd, and a Prairie Falcon was also seen along Rosedale. And somewhere in this same general area, a Rough-legged Hawk, which we've seen very few of this winter (unlike the Harriers, which are THICK!) On a sour note, there was a birder with Nebraska plates (I'll not report publically the license plate#, though I did read it) driving out through the middle of the cornfield and flushing the cranes up, while 4 other carloads of birders sat along the road with scopes up, dutifully obeying law and etiquette. Please don't do this, folks, or we'll all get a bad name, if not kicked out of the area altogether. Paul Dunbar Hastings (Adams Co.) ------------------------------------ Subject: Ponca State Park From: Jan Johnson <bluebird47 AT cedarwb.net> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 13:16:49 -0600 I rode along with Richard to Ponca for some farm business this a.m. Afterwards we drove to the park. I was hoping to find Purple Finches but Jeff Fields, the manager, said not this year. He said the best birds were all the Bald Eagles they had by the river. On Monday they counted 28 which is very high for this area. We stopped at the overlook first which gave more sweeping views of the river from above and counted 15. Once down by the boat ramp we could see an area not visible from above and counted 7 more Eagles there. I'm sure more were downstream not visible from either vantage point. That made a total of 22 eagles today, 20 adults and 2 immatures. Then, one mile from home we found a lone adult Bald Eagle. Here at home my Common Redpolls are in their 47th day coming to my feeders. Jan Johnson Wakefield http://www.flickr.com/photos/bird-brained-quilter/ <") ( \ / |`` [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Common Redpoll From: "Susan Louise" <swhitney1977 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:20:40 -0000 Hello All, We had our 2nd Redpoll ever here in our backyard this morning. I just took a pic of it and will post it later today. Our only previous one was 3/7/11... What a treat! It was with all the Goldfinches...almost missed seeing it.thank goodness it flew over to another perch on the feederssoI could see it's little red cap...LOL Based upon the approaching big snowstorm, it might just hang around here awhile...crossing fingers:) Susan Whitney Lincoln, NE ------------------------------------ Subject: Rare Bird From: "Clem Klaphake" <ckavian AT cox.net> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:14:23 -0600 Another example of a rare winter visitor to the Midwest in winter. http://ottumwacourier.com/local/x1500479579/Rare-oriole-visit-in-odd-Iowa-winter Clem Klaphake Bellevue, NE [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: (unknown) From: Wesley Sterling <wtstrlng AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 10:11:26 -0800 (PST) I will be going to Walnut Creek Park Friday at 1 PM to see/show the owl with my 3 kids. I am very much an amateur here, but hopefully we can see it. If anyone wants to join, feel free. (The long eared owl is very hard to spot in the brush, he camouflages well! Directions: Walnut Creek Park on Highway 370 and 96th Street. You will need to go past the first park entrance, go further south on 96th and take a right at the stop sign. Follow that road, Schram Rd, to the park entrance (Turkey Rd)(has a boat ramp sign), go to the end of the road, which is a parking lot. Follow the walking trail by the garden/bench until you get to the brush on the left, not very far at all. If you are facing the brush, you will see it consists of 3 large trees, the owl is between the middle and right trees a bit behind a log that is lying down horizontally. There are several smaller trees behind this log, going zigzag, and the owl actually looks like one of the stumps going off one of the trees. Hope you find it!) Wenche Sterling [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: West Omaha Lakes 2/01 From: Ami Sheffield <littlebluedog AT cox.net> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:00:03 -0600 There are also a couple of Barred owls that I see now and then when hiking on the west side of Zorinsky in the pine trees. The other day I was out there and saw a Golden Crowned Kinglet. On 2/1/2012 10:18 PM, Justin Rink wrote: > > Today I visited a few select bodies of water around West Omaha. My > first location was Lakeview Hills Lake at 171st and Frances. The > Trumpeter Swan was absent. The waterfowl ratio had changed a bit > since my last visit... > > -2 Wood Duck (drake and hen) > -100 Mallard > -1 Ring-necked Duck > -2 Lesser Scaup > -8 Common Goldeneye > -4 Ruddy Duck (males beginning to molt a defined white cheek patch) > > My next stop was "Phantom" Lake which was still mostly frozen. The > only other species except for the regulars were a pair of LESSER SCAUP. > > During a quick visit to Boys Town Lake I spotted... > > -100s Canada Goose > -13 Cackling Goose > -100s Mallard > -12 Ring-necked Duck > > I then headed to Lake Zorninsky to look for Short-eared Owls near > the prairie area. This proved to be a fruitless efffort. However I > had a skein of about 80 geese fly directly over including 10 CACKLING > GEESE and one (1) blue-morph SNOW GOOSE. > While waiting for the Short-eared Owls I began hearing several > sparrows along the weedy edge near the bank. The majority of > these were Am. Tree Sparrows with a few Song Sparrows mixed in. > However one vocalization, a very short churry non-sparrow scold call > made me consider possible MARSH WREN. Whatever it was, I don't think > it's a species that is typically heard in the dead of winter in > eastern Nebraska. I do realize that they are a year-round resident in > the Lake Ogalalla vicinity. > > Good birding. > > Justin Rink > Midtown Omaha, Douglas Co., NE > spindalis79 AT yahoo.com > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: American Kestrel From: "karenm4birds" <karenm4birds AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:32:57 -0000 Is this an American Kestrel looking for a mate? I taped this earlier in January near Lake Manawa. I couldn't quite catch what he was doing on the ground. I am guessing he had a mouse or something and was showing off. I didn't see a female anywhere near him. I was surprised that he allowed us to be so close to him as well. I guess when it's the right time of year birds have one thing on their minds. Family. :) I apologize for my bad video. I have more bad videos of him too if anyone wants to see them. Karen Marx Lavista http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XWcFyR4LG8&feature=youtu.be ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: West Omaha Lakes 2/01 From: pdixn AT aol.com Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 23:19:39 -0500 (EST) does anyone have any recent sitings of snowy owls nearby. thanks. pat from wyo ------------------------------------ Subject: West Omaha Lakes 2/01 From: Justin Rink <spindalis79 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 20:18:06 -0800 (PST)  Today I visited a few select bodies of water around West Omaha.  My first location was Lakeview Hills Lake at 171st and Frances.  The Trumpeter Swan was absent.  The waterfowl ratio had changed a bit since my last visit...   -2 Wood Duck (drake and hen) -100 Mallard -1 Ring-necked Duck -2 Lesser Scaup -8 Common Goldeneye -4 Ruddy Duck (males beginning to molt a defined white cheek patch)    My next stop was "Phantom" Lake which was still mostly frozen.  The only other species except for the regulars were a pair of LESSER SCAUP.   During a quick visit to Boys Town Lake I spotted...   -100s Canada Goose -13 Cackling Goose -100s Mallard -12 Ring-necked Duck     I then headed to Lake Zorninsky to look for Short-eared Owls near the prairie area.  This proved to be a fruitless efffort.  However I had a skein of about 80 geese fly directly over including 10 CACKLING GEESE and one (1) blue-morph SNOW GOOSE.   While waiting for the Short-eared Owls I began hearing several sparrows along the weedy edge near the bank.  The majority of these were Am. Tree Sparrows with a few Song Sparrows mixed in.  However one vocalization, a very short churry non-sparrow scold call made me consider possible MARSH WREN.  Whatever it was, I don't think it's a species that is typically heard in the dead of winter in eastern Nebraska.  I do realize that they are a year-round resident in the Lake Ogalalla vicinity.   Good birding.   Justin Rink Midtown Omaha, Douglas Co., NE spindalis79 AT yahoo.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Location of Long Eared Owl. From: "Elliott Bedows" <ebedows AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 20:41:55 -0600 Hi Karen , I would love to see the Owl(s). I live in Bellevue, but I work Mon.-Thurs. in Papillion. If you are available Friday, I’d love to join you. Let me know (I’m free all day but prefer after 10:00 am – though not a necessity). Please let me know. If it is possible, please contact me off-line at ebedows AT cox.net and we can make arrangements. Elliott Bedows, Former ASO President and Field Trip Chair From: NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Karen Wagoner Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 12:43 PM To: NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Location of Long Eared Owl. Enter the park from the south. Park by the fishing dock and take the path on the north end of the parking lot that veers left. You'll see some bushes/trees on the left. Not far at all. I see the owl in there. I live very close so let me know if you'd like some company when you come. Karen Wagoner, Bellevue Sent from my iPod On Feb 1, 2012, at 9:23 AM, NevaLCP AT aol.com wrote: > Please repost the exact location of the Long-eared owl sightings. I was unable to look for it/them in December and I didn't try after hearing they had been disturbed. I'm hoping to get up to Omaha week after next after I get back from a short trip to Florida and try to find them. This would be a life bird for me, a rare event in Nebraska anymore. > > I assuming you mean Walnut Creek park around the big lake south of Papillion and not Walnut Grove Park near Zorinsky Lake. > Walnut Creeks a big place. It would help to know where to start looking. > > NevaP in Lincoln > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > TODAY(Beta) • Powered by Yahoo! > Biggest unsolved mysteries in physics > The elusive Higgs boson particle could help explain why the universe works the way it does. > Privacy Policy [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: RFI: Common Crane From: Chris West <birdingbum17 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 12:59:08 -0800 (PST) Hi everyone,  Has anyone seen the Crane today?  If so, please call me at (608) 475-9016 and leave a message.  I can also be reached by email until 7pm tonight.   I'll be out bright and early tomorrow morning looking for the bird.  Thanks! --Chris [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Location of Long Eared Owl. From: "Jo Bartikoski" <jobart AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 15:53:46 -0600 Just returned from Walnut Creek and unfortunately we were unable to spot the owl. I am pretty sure we were in the right spot, but maybe not looking correctly, although we had very good instructions (thank you to Wenche Sterling). We did see the kestrel though. It was very close to us, got spooked & flew a short way to the top of a small tree leaving us a perfect view of him. Just as my husband was getting ready to take a photo, a walker came by, and he flew across the lake. Sorry we didn’t know there was someone so close that we could have met up with. Jo Bartikoski From: NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Karen Wagoner Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 12:43 PM To: NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Location of Long Eared Owl. Enter the park from the south. Park by the fishing dock and take the path on the north end of the parking lot that veers left. You'll see some bushes/trees on the left. Not far at all. I see the owl in there. I live very close so let me know if you'd like some company when you come. Karen Wagoner, Bellevue Sent from my iPod On Feb 1, 2012, at 9:23 AM, NevaLCP AT aol.com wrote: > Please repost the exact location of the Long-eared owl sightings. I was unable to look for it/them in December and I didn't try after hearing they had been disturbed. I'm hoping to get up to Omaha week after next after I get back from a short trip to Florida and try to find them. This would be a life bird for me, a rare event in Nebraska anymore. > > I assuming you mean Walnut Creek park around the big lake south of Papillion and not Walnut Grove Park near Zorinsky Lake. > Walnut Creeks a big place. It would help to know where to start looking. > > NevaP in Lincoln > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > TODAY(Beta) • Powered by Yahoo! > Biggest unsolved mysteries in physics > The elusive Higgs boson particle could help explain why the universe works the way it does. > Privacy Policy [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2109/4779 - Release Date: 02/01/12 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Nebraska Bird Partnership News - February From: "J" <jill AT nebraskabirds.org> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:58:16 -0000 Visit http://nebraskabirds.org/ for the latest Nebraska bird news from the Nebraska Bird Partnership. Recent articles include:-2012 Spring migration preview-Bird of the Month: Canvasback-Bird Events - February-Common Crane attracts a flock of birders-Central Nebraska libraries gain from NBP donation-Douglas presented bird conservation award-Winter cranes part 3-Get ready for the 15th annual backyard bird count and more. Thanks for your support, Jill Liske-ClarkCoordinator [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Location of Long Eared Owl. From: Karen Wagoner <kwagoner21 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 12:42:57 -0600 Enter the park from the south. Park by the fishing dock and take the path on the north end of the parking lot that veers left. You'll see some bushes/trees on the left. Not far at all. I see the owl in there. I live very close so let me know if you'd like some company when you come. Karen Wagoner, Bellevue Sent from my iPod On Feb 1, 2012, at 9:23 AM, NevaLCP AT aol.com wrote: > Please repost the exact location of the Long-eared owl sightings. I was unable to look for it/them in December and I didn't try after hearing they had been disturbed. I'm hoping to get up to Omaha week after next after I get back from a short trip to Florida and try to find them. This would be a life bird for me, a rare event in Nebraska anymore. > > I assuming you mean Walnut Creek park around the big lake south of Papillion and not Walnut Grove Park near Zorinsky Lake. > Walnut Creeks a big place. It would help to know where to start looking. > > NevaP in Lincoln > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > TODAY(Beta) • Powered by Yahoo! > Biggest unsolved mysteries in physics > The elusive Higgs boson particle could help explain why the universe works the way it does. > Privacy Policy [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Location of Long Eared Owl. From: NevaLCP AT aol.com Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 10:23:58 -0500 (EST) Please repost the exact location of the Long-eared owl sightings. I was unable to look for it/them in December and I didn't try after hearing they had been disturbed. I'm hoping to get up to Omaha week after next after I get back from a short trip to Florida and try to find them. This would be a life bird for me, a rare event in Nebraska anymore. I assuming you mean Walnut Creek park around the big lake south of Papillion and not Walnut Grove Park near Zorinsky Lake. Walnut Creeks a big place. It would help to know where to start looking. NevaP in Lincoln [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: (unknown) From: Wesley Sterling <wtstrlng AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 07:08:36 -0800 (PST) I should have clarified that the owl at Walnut Creek Park in Papillion is the LONG-EARED OWL. Sorry about that! Wenche Sterling [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Snowy Owl Video From: Jan Johnson <bluebird47 AT cedarwb.net> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 07:54:09 -0600 We've had Snowy Owls here but nothing like this small town in Montana! > http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nbc-news/46205016/#null Jan http://www.flickr.com/photos/bird-brained-quilter/ <") ( \ / |`` [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Possible White-tailed Kite, definite Short-eared Owl From: "Walker, TJ" <thomas.walker AT nebraska.gov> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 02:13:36 -0600 Thought I had a Snowy Owl in Hitchcock County west of Culbertson around 3:45 PM on 1/31/12, approximately 2.5 miles west of where Highways 6 and 34 split. There is an east-west county road that crosses the NE to SW highway 34 there (with the intersection being a little "off set" on either side of the highway). Pulled onto the gravel road heading east off of the highway. Put the spotting scope on it, bird was kind of back towards the sun a bit. Through binoculars I said "not a Snowy, maybe something better" to the guys I was with. Small, slim raptor, nearly all white with dark "shoulders". Kind of a "small head" look to it, seemed like it may have had the dark around the eye. The only problem that I am having is that the areas on the wings and back that should have been gray looked completely white - but again, I was looking back towards the afternoon sun. It was too far off of the gravel road to get a really good look at it and the highway was very busy at that time. I will not have a chance to get back there to look for it until at least some time next week. It was sitting on a north-south fence line maybe 1/3 of a mile off of the highway and probably 1/3 to 1/2 miles off of the gravel road, I think between some CRP and native rangeland. I tried to "pass it off" as a leucistic raptor of some sort (possibly Northern Harrier) but the more I think about it, the shape, shoulder patch and eye are jumping out in my memory and the more I think it may have been a White-tailed Kite. Now this one I am sure of. While walking through some CRP that morning exactly a mile north of the above sighting, repeatedly flushed at least one Short-eared Owl between about 8:30 and 9:00 AM. Also flushed pretty large numbers of Lapland (only?) Longspurs out of that same CRP field. T. J. Walker - District Manager, Wildlife Division - Partners Section Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 301 East State Farm Road North Platte, NE 69101 Office Phone 308-535-8025 Cell Phone 308-530-7659 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Common Crane Reoords for Nebraska From: "Kathy DeLara" <renosmom AT charter.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:33:14 -0700 Thanks Mark Kathy ----- Original Message ----- From: Mark Brogie To: NEBirds Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 9:10 PM Subject: [NEBirds] Common Crane Reoords for Nebraska The following are the NOU Records Committee Accepted records for Common Crane in Nebraska: Acc. # File # Type: Observed Submitted by: County Class 184 206.1-1 PHOTO 16-Mar-74 DAVID & CINDY COCHRAN BUFFALO 1-P 461 206.1-2 WRITTEN/PHOTO 31-Mar-96 GARY LINGLE HALL 1-P 462 206.1-3 WRITTEN 30-Mar-96 ROBERT JASSEN HALL 3 463 206.1-4 WRITTEN 30-Mar-96 JIM WILLIAMS HALL 3 535 206.1-5 PHOTO 31-Mar-96 MARK A. BROGIE HALL 1-P 875 206.1-6 WRITTEN 6-Mar-99 ROBIN HARDING BUFFALO 3 893 206.1-7 WRITTEN 9-Mar-99 STEPHEN J. DINSMORE KEARNEY 3 903 206.1-8 PHOTO 6-Mar-99 LOREN BLAKE BUFFALO 1-P 1222 206.1-9 PHOTO 6-Mar-08 STAN TEKIELA BUFFALO 1-P 1223 206.1-10 PHOTO 6-Mar-08 AMBER BURNETTE BUFFALO 1-P 1225 206.1-11 PHOTO 2-Apr-08 T.J. WALKER LINCOLN 1-P 1242 206.1-12 PHOTO 5-Apr-08 DAVID W. NELSON LINCOLN 1-P 1277 206.1-13 PHOTO 21-Mar-09 BARBARA HOOVER GARDEN 1-P 1322 206.1-14 PHOTO 12-Mar-09 JAY FAVINGER LINCOLN 1-P 1323 206.1-15 PHOTO 18-Mar-10 VIRGINIA CLARK LINCOLN 1-P There is also a 1972 record (possibly two birds)(Sharpe et al. 2001) that the NOURC has not reviewed. There is also a report of a bird seen and photographed in 2010 (NBR 79:2; 53). No documentation of this bird has been submitted to the NOURC and to date who actually saw the bird is unknown. Mark A. Brogie - NOU Records Committee Chairperson 508 Seeley, Box 316 Creighton, NE 68729 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Preventing death traps for birds From: "John" <flyingcarlini AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:27:26 -0000 Hello birders, Here's an important article from the MO listserv on exposed vertical pipes that can be death traps for birds: ca.audubon.org/workinglands-pipes.php Missouri plans to refit its fishing line disposal tubes to prevent this problem. Wonder if Nebraska's are safe? John Carlini & Shari Schwartz, Lincoln ------------------------------------ Subject: Wintering Robins: From: Audrey Sterkel <a_sterkel AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:53:31 -0800 (PST) We always have a few Robins that hang out through out the winter months, but nothing like this year.  This year we are getting flocks of 20-30 into the yard.  Really living it up at the bird bath.  Last week we had a flock of Cedar Wax Wing/Robin mix.  It is very dry here.  I haven't even swept snow from the steps etc.  all winter.  Makes me rather edgy about whats to come.     Audrey Sterkel Cheyenne County 69162 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Common Crane Reoords for Nebraska From: Mark Brogie <mbrogie AT esu1.org> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:10:28 -0600 (CST) The following are the NOU Records Committee Accepted records for Common Crane in Nebraska: Acc. # File # Type: Observed Submitted by: County Class 184 206.1-1 PHOTO 16-Mar-74 DAVID & CINDY COCHRAN BUFFALO 1-P 461 206.1-2 WRITTEN/PHOTO 31-Mar-96 GARY LINGLE HALL 1-P 462 206.1-3 WRITTEN 30-Mar-96 ROBERT JASSEN HALL 3 463 206.1-4 WRITTEN 30-Mar-96 JIM WILLIAMS HALL 3 535 206.1-5 PHOTO 31-Mar-96 MARK A. BROGIE HALL 1-P 875 206.1-6 WRITTEN 6-Mar-99 ROBIN HARDING BUFFALO 3 893 206.1-7 WRITTEN 9-Mar-99 STEPHEN J. DINSMORE KEARNEY 3 903 206.1-8 PHOTO 6-Mar-99 LOREN BLAKE BUFFALO 1-P 1222 206.1-9 PHOTO 6-Mar-08 STAN TEKIELA BUFFALO 1-P 1223 206.1-10 PHOTO 6-Mar-08 AMBER BURNETTE BUFFALO 1-P 1225 206.1-11 PHOTO 2-Apr-08 T.J. WALKER LINCOLN 1-P 1242 206.1-12 PHOTO 5-Apr-08 DAVID W. NELSON LINCOLN 1-P 1277 206.1-13 PHOTO 21-Mar-09 BARBARA HOOVER GARDEN 1-P 1322 206.1-14 PHOTO 12-Mar-09 JAY FAVINGER LINCOLN 1-P 1323 206.1-15 PHOTO 18-Mar-10 VIRGINIA CLARK LINCOLN 1-P There is also a 1972 record (possibly two birds)(Sharpe et al. 2001) that the NOURC has not reviewed. There is also a report of a bird seen and photographed in 2010 (NBR 79:2; 53). No documentation of this bird has been submitted to the NOURC and to date who actually saw the bird is unknown. Mark A. Brogie - NOU Records Committee Chairperson 508 Seeley, Box 316 Creighton, NE 68729 ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! From: "Clem Klaphake" <ckavian AT cox.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:44:33 -0600 Just want to add my two cents to the first Robin comments. As Rick says, “they never leftâ€�. Nor do all of them ‘ever’ leave. Every year in Dec. and Jan there are Robins on almost all of the CBCs in Nebraska. I find Robins 12 months of the year here in Nebraska. I think maybe 50 years ago or longer Robins were often seen as harbingers of spring by the general population and therefore that notion became established that they all migrate. With more birders and observations we find that a significant number, especially of northern Robins, are around all year. Check any cedar grove in Dec., Jan. or Feb. Clem Klaphake Bellevue, NE From: Eades, Rick Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 7:13 PM To: NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [NEBirds] Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! They never left. I've seen them around Lincoln all winter so far. Not enough snow to push them out. Rick Eades Lincoln ________________________________________ From: mailto:NEBirds%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:NEBirds%40yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jill Holmquist [mailto:jill%40fai-insight.com] Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 2:36 PM To: mailto:NEBirds%40yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! I had robins a few weeks ago. It made me wonder if they ever left. Jill Holmquist Lincoln, NE On Jan 30, 2012, at 2:28 PM, Susan Louise wrote: > Hello All, > > It seems like it's not just the Sandhill Cranes are arriving early. I took a pic of our earliest ever return of a Robin yesterday! > > Susan Whitney > Lincoln, NE > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Walnut Creek Park From: Wesley Sterling <wtstrlng AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:28:25 -0800 (PST) We went to Walnut Creek this afternoon, and went looking for the owl, to see if it was still there, and it was! In the exact spot where we saw it Dec 28. We also saw an American Kestrel on the other side of the lake, by the play area. He was teasing us quite a bit - as soon as I would approach the tree he was sitting in, he'd fly to a smaller tree, then back again, and would often leave the tree, "sit" still in the air, then go back. He flew very close to us several times, seems very content to hang out in that area. He spent most of his time in the large dead tree below the play area, right by the walking trail. I think that would be towards the east. On the small island we also saw our first robin of the year, and he was very bright red! Wenche Sterling, Omaha [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Common Crane, Tuesday pm From: "paul" <pastorpaultdunbar AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:53:48 -0000 As of 4pm, the Common Crane was in the same location as yesterday afternoon -- near the intersection of Platte River Dr and 90th Rd S. It was again a good 1/2mile out to the north, in a flock of about 1000 Sandhills. When I left it was still being watched by birders from Texas, Minnesota, and Colorado. Good luck, ya'll. Paul Dunbar Hastings (Adams Co.) (402) 984-5843 ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: RFI: Common Crane From: "Clem Klaphake" <ckavian AT cox.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:48:21 -0600 Chris, On my way back from Colorado today I stopped by the Alda Road to look for the Common Crane. This was about 11:30am. A couple of Iowa birders, Lucinda and Lois, were with Betty Grenon from Bellevue, NE. They were looking for the crane also. I drove down a little further south on Alda Road just north of Rosedale Road. There I immediately spotted the Common Crane amongst a flock of Sandhills. My wife headed back to let the other 3 birders know but they had left and I didn’t have their cell phone number. The bird then flew a little further north along Alda Road (never real close) where I again found it. Then someone from Colorado pulled up just as the whole flock of cranes took off to the northwest. They landed in a pretty much out-of-the way area just south of the river – no roads were anywhere near them. I met Betty, Lois and Lucinda again and they were going to try to relocate the crane later this afternoon. I don’t know if they will post any new information. I also came across a large flock 200-250 Lapland Longspurs while watching the Common Crane. Clem Klaphake Bellevue, NE From: Chris West Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 1:11 PM To: NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [NEBirds] RFI: Common Crane Hi everyone, I, and a group from Wisconsin, am coming down either tonight or tomorrow night to look for the Common Crane. Any updates on the bird's status/location, etc would be greatly appreciated. I can be reached by email today and tonight, or by text message/call at (608) 475-9016. Thanks! --Chris W Madison, WI [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Midtown Ross's Goose & Y-b Loon (KS) From: Justin Rink <spindalis79 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:38:17 -0800 (PST)   Today Jim Ducey called me to report a ROSS'S GOOSE hanging out at Fontenelle Park (Omaha) with Canadas and Cacklers.  I went out to confirm and found a small goose with a conical bill and lacking a large "grinning patch."  This is the only "grounded" Ross's Goose I can remember in the Omaha area for quite some time.  Nothing else of interest, however.      In out-of-state news- Ted Cable discovered a juv. YELLOW-BILLED LOON yesterday on Tuttle Reservoir in northern Kansas.  The reason I mention it is because this is only about 50 miles south of the Nebraska state line.  The bird was still present today according to the KS listserve.  Check the KS listserve for further info.   Good birding.   Justin Rink Midtown Omaha, Douglas Co., NE spindalis79 AT yahoo.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: RFI: Common Crane From: NevaLCP AT aol.com Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:28:49 -0500 (EST) I plan to be out there looking for it Wednesday. Neva P. 402-450-1933 -----Original Message----- From: Chris West To: NEBirds Sent: Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:40 pm Subject: [NEBirds] RFI: Common Crane Hi everyone, I, and a group from Wisconsin, am coming down either tonight or tomorrow night to look for the Common Crane. Any updates on the bird's status/location, etc would be greatly appreciated. I can be reached by email today and tonight, or by text message/call at (608) 475-9016. Thanks! --Chris W Madison, WI [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: RFI: Common Crane From: Chris West <birdingbum17 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:11:27 -0800 (PST) Hi everyone,  I, and a group from Wisconsin, am coming down either tonight or tomorrow night to look for the Common Crane.  Any updates on the bird's status/location, etc would be greatly appreciated.   I can be reached by email today and tonight,  or by text message/call at (608) 475-9016.   Thanks!  --Chris W  Madison, WI  [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Fw: Nebraska Birding From: "Kathy DeLara" <renosmom AT charter.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:33:47 -0700 Received this question via the NOU website. Mark?? Kathty DeLar Mitchell NE ----- Original Message ----- From: Justin Bosler To: renosmom AT charter.net Cc: justin.bosler AT gmail.com Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 3:48 PM Subject: Nebraska Birding With the Common Crane currently in Hall County, I was curious as to how many previous records have been accepted as "wild" by the NOU? Thanks! Justin [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Whooping Cranes On The Platte From: "Jorgensen, Joel" <Joel.Jorgensen AT nebraska.gov> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:46:44 -0600 Good evening: With word reaching this discussion group about possible Whooping Cranes in central Nebraska, I would ask folks on this list to remind those that are not on this list of proper etiquette whenever coming across this species. This is particularly the case with the influx of out-of-state birds that may be visiting the state as a result of the Common Crane. As everyone knows, Whooping Cranes are state and federally-listed as endangered. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Nebraska's Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act prohibits harassment, harm, and pursuit of whooping cranes including any intentional or negligent act or omission that creates the likelihood of injury to wildlife by annoying it in such a way that significantly disrupts normal behavior patterns, such as feeding or roosting. Harassment includes flushing the birds to flight during observation. Instances of Whooping Crane harassment by wildlife photographers has increased in the past couple years. In spring 2010 in Nebraska, there were 3-4 instances of individuals approaching Whooping Cranes on foot in attempts to get better photos. In doing so, at least two of these individuals trespassed on private property. One of these cases was turned over to law enforcement and I anticipate law enforcement will be increasingly involved in future instances. Whooping Cranes should never, ever, be approached on foot. Observers should always view Whooping Cranes from a vehicle or a blind and, ideally, stay 2000 ft. from any birds. If you see someone approaching, harassing, or shooting a Whooping Crane, please collect some details (e.g., license plate #, description) and contact law enforcement Ellen Goeckler, Special Agent, USFWS, Phone: (402) 223-1709 Mike Damico, Special Agent, USFWS, Phone: (308) 534-0925 Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers hotline - 1-800-742-7627 Or contact me. I apologize for the lecture. Furthermore, I wish Whooping Crane location information could be provided freely to the public so everyone could take every opportunity to see this species. I am disappointed a few bad eggs ruin it for all the good eggs. - Joel Joel Jorgensen | Nongame Bird Program Manager Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2200 N. 33rd St. | Lincoln, NE 68503 joel.jorgensen AT nebraska.gov | 402.471.5440 From: NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of snowbunting AT rcom-ne.com Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 7:59 PM To: nebirds yahoo Subject: [NEBirds] [Fwd: Winter Whooping Cranes On The Platte:] Nebraska birders, I received the following from Joe Springer at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. I doubt that the photos will go through to NeBirds. If you would like to see them, send me a personal message. Robin Harding northern Kearney County ---------------------------- Original Message ---------------------------- Subject: Fw: Winter Whooping Cranes On The Platte: From: "Robin Harding" > Date: Mon, January 30, 2012 11:17 am To: snowbunting AT rcom-ne.com ---------------------------------------------------------- From: Joe Springer/BIOLOGY/UNK/UNEBR Date: 01/29/2012 04:02 PM Subject: Winter Whooping Cranes On The Platte: Gary, Bruce, et al. Bill Riggs took these pictures on the 27th. Hope you can see them. There is no doubt in my mind that these are Whooping Cranes on the Platte River in late January! Joe ----- Forwarded by Joe Springer/BIOLOGY/UNK/UNEBR on 01/29/2012 03:58 PM ----- From: Bill Riggs > To: undisclosed-recipients:; Date: 01/28/2012 12:01 AM Subject: Winter Whooping Cranes On The Platte: What do you make of this? There are just nine pictures and one video. I tried to clear them up a little, but when I sharpen them they get grainy. They won't win any awards but I think you can tell what they are. You are invited to view Bill's photo album: Winter Whooping Cranes On The Platte Winter Whooping Cranes On The Platte South Channel Platte River - Jan 27, 2012 by Bill Just east of the Overton Bridge 1:00 P.M. They were there when I crossed the river a little before noon; still there when I came back. I haven't seen any myself, but they say some of the Sandhill Cranes have been hanging out up here this winter; not sure if they just stopped and stayed on their way south or came back up when they couldn't find any food. Nobody can remember that ever happening before. I usually figure on them being back by Valentine's Day. I've been blessed to see Whooping Cra... View Album Play slideshow Message from Bill: It seems there have been more and more Herons year-round, but I thought it was odd to see Egrets out there. I really did try to convince myself that's what they were, but the more I watched them and especially when I got them up on the computer, there was little doubt that I was actually seeing Whooping Cranes in the Platte...in January. If you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the following into your browser: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=camelnamedclyde&target=ALBUM&id=5702486079882855505&authkey=Gv1sRgCNPeiqW-1sTgJg&feat=email [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: [Fwd: Winter Whooping Cranes On The Platte:] From: snowbunting AT rcom-ne.com Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:59:15 -0600 Nebraska birders, I received the following from Joe Springer at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. I doubt that the photos will go through to NeBirds. If you would like to see them, send me a personal message. Robin Harding northern Kearney County ---------------------------- Original Message ---------------------------- Subject: Fw: Winter Whooping Cranes On The Platte: From: "Robin Harding" Date: Mon, January 30, 2012 11:17 am To: snowbunting AT rcom-ne.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Joe Springer/BIOLOGY/UNK/UNEBR Date: 01/29/2012 04:02 PM Subject: Winter Whooping Cranes On The Platte: Gary, Bruce, et al. Bill Riggs took these pictures on the 27th. Hope you can see them. There is no doubt in my mind that these are Whooping Cranes on the Platte River in late January! Joe ----- Forwarded by Joe Springer/BIOLOGY/UNK/UNEBR on 01/29/2012 03:58 PM ----- From: Bill Riggs To: undisclosed-recipients:; Date: 01/28/2012 12:01 AM Subject: Winter Whooping Cranes On The Platte: What do you make of this? There are just nine pictures and one video. I tried to clear them up a little, but when I sharpen them they get grainy. They won't win any awards but I think you can tell what they are. You are invited to view Bill's photo album: Winter Whooping Cranes On The Platte Winter Whooping Cranes On The Platte South Channel Platte River - Jan 27, 2012 by Bill Just east of the Overton Bridge 1:00 P.M. They were there when I crossed the river a little before noon; still there when I came back. I haven't seen any myself, but they say some of the Sandhill Cranes have been hanging out up here this winter; not sure if they just stopped and stayed on their way south or came back up when they couldn't find any food. Nobody can remember that ever happening before. I usually figure on them being back by Valentine's Day. I've been blessed to see Whooping Cra... View Album Play slideshow Message from Bill: It seems there have been more and more Herons year-round, but I thought it was odd to see Egrets out there. I really did try to convince myself that's what they were, but the more I watched them and especially when I got them up on the computer, there was little doubt that I was actually seeing Whooping Cranes in the Platte...in January. If you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the following into your browser: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=camelnamedclyde&target=ALBUM&id=5702486079882855505&authkey=Gv1sRgCNPeiqW-1sTgJg&feat=email [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Common Crane, Monday From: "paul" <pastorpaultdunbar AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:45:20 -0000 I got up to the Common Crane area Monday around 12:45pm, found folks from Arizona, Missouri, Colorado, Tennessee, plus some fellow Huskers, but no one had seen the bird, and some of them had been there since 7:30am. Turns out, it was up closer to the river. I located it at 3:30pm in a flock of about 1000 Sandhills just northwest of the intersection of Platte River Dr. and 90th Rd S. That's about 2 miles north and a mile west of where it's been seen the last 3 days (Alda Rd & Rainforth). Unfortunately, it was way off the road, maybe 3/4 mile north, so even scoping it was tough, but most everyone got to see it. It was still there when I left at 5:20pm. Also, on 90th Rd about 1/4 mile south of Platte River Dr there was a pair on Gr. Prairie Chickens eating buds in the top of a small tree, for those out-of-staters who might want to find this species. Also, also: On the Platte River Road, east of Alda, near the intersection of 60th Rd. S, (i.e., about 3 miles east of the Common Crane) there was a Snowy Owl sitting out in the middle of a cornfield, but it also was quite a ways out. Just before I left the area, however, I saw him lift up and fly west but lost sight of him, since I was driving at the time. I'm not suggesting he's left the area permanently, just that he might be moved a bit. In fact, I suspect this is the same bird that's been seen on and off over the past 2-3 weeks in this general area. Paul Dunbar Hastings (Adams Co) (402) 984-5843 ------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! From: "Eades, Rick" <rick.eades AT nebraska.gov> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:13:49 -0600 They never left. I've seen them around Lincoln all winter so far. Not enough snow to push them out. Rick Eades Lincoln ________________________________________ From: NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com [NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jill Holmquist [jill AT fai-insight.com] Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 2:36 PM To: NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! I had robins a few weeks ago. It made me wonder if they ever left. Jill Holmquist Lincoln, NE On Jan 30, 2012, at 2:28 PM, Susan Louise wrote: > Hello All, > > It seems like it's not just the Sandhill Cranes are arriving early. I took a pic of our earliest ever return of a Robin yesterday! > > Susan Whitney > Lincoln, NE > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Carolina wren in Douglas County From: "Jerry Toll" <geritol48 AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:03:19 -0600 Saw a carolina wren this morning on the north side of Hummel Park in a brush pile at a private residence. Jer Toll 2741 Wyoming St Omaha NE 68112 402.312.1635 geritol48 AT cox.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! From: "Susan Louise" <swhitney1977 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:28:10 -0000 Hello Kathy, Plenty of water here...birdbath is always clean & filled. We also have plenty of crabapple trees and honeysuckle berries in/and surrounding our backyard too...oh well, go figure :) Susan Whitney Lincoln, NE --- In NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com, "Kathy DeLara" wrote: > > The Robins say here year around. As long as there is food and water they > don't go far. > > Kathy DeLara > Mitchell NE > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Jill Holmquist" > To: > Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 1:36 PM > Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! > > > >I had robins a few weeks ago. It made me wonder if they ever left. > > > > Jill Holmquist > > Lincoln, NE > > > > On Jan 30, 2012, at 2:28 PM, Susan Louise wrote: > > > >> Hello All, > >> > >> It seems like it's not just the Sandhill Cranes are arriving early. I > >> took a pic of our earliest ever return of a Robin yesterday! > >> > >> Susan Whitney > >> Lincoln, NE > >> > >> > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > Subject: Re: Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! From: "Susan Louise" <swhitney1977 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:09:25 -0000 Hello Jim, You are lucky! We miss them terribly...they leave here late Sept and we usually don't see them back til after the 1st week of Febuary. Sometimes I'll see a whole flock of Robins up around 70th between A st and O st about that time every year too. That's when I start to go to Earl May for growing seedlings/supplies. We are hoping to see a few of our female returnees that we feed mealworms. this will be the 3rd year. It was just 1 female...then 2 last year with their mates, and then they bring their juvies... Toward the end of the breeding season, it gets a bit expensive...LOL...but worth ever penny. One of the females comes right up to me when her tray is empty and doesn't stop squalking til I get up and fill it again with mealworms. Oh, such fun! She has me trained! HA! Susan Whitney Lincoln, NE --- In NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com, "Jim Ochsner" wrote: > > Our robins never left - well, they weren't tagged so maybe they were > ever-changing flocks. > Anyway, we have had robins, up to 40 at a time all winter. They love the > heated birdbath. > Jim > Ogallala > > -------------------------------------------------- > From: "Jill Holmquist" > Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 1:36 PM > To: > Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! > > > I had robins a few weeks ago. It made me wonder if they ever left. > > > > Jill Holmquist > > Lincoln, NE > > > > On Jan 30, 2012, at 2:28 PM, Susan Louise wrote: > > > >> Hello All, > >> > >> It seems like it's not just the Sandhill Cranes are arriving early. I > >> took a pic of our earliest ever return of a Robin yesterday! > >> > >> Susan Whitney > >> Lincoln, NE > >> > >> > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > Subject: Re: Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! From: "Kathy DeLara" <renosmom AT charter.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:07:09 -0700 The Robins say here year around. As long as there is food and water they don't go far. Kathy DeLara Mitchell NE ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jill Holmquist" To: Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 1:36 PM Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! >I had robins a few weeks ago. It made me wonder if they ever left. > > Jill Holmquist > Lincoln, NE > > On Jan 30, 2012, at 2:28 PM, Susan Louise wrote: > >> Hello All, >> >> It seems like it's not just the Sandhill Cranes are arriving early. I >> took a pic of our earliest ever return of a Robin yesterday! >> >> Susan Whitney >> Lincoln, NE >> >> > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Subject: Box Butte County snowy owl From: "Kathy DeLara" <renosmom AT charter.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:03:52 -0700 Just received this message from Brad Mckinney Kathy DeLara ----- Original Message ----- From: McKinney, Brad Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 9:33 AM Subject: snowy owl Andrew is on his way to Chadron and just called me that he spotted a snowy owl along the highway. For what it's worth, it's located about 45 miles north of Scottsbluff on Hwy 71, 1/2 mile east of County Road 86 (or 1/4 mile east of mile marker 106). The bird was sitting along the north side of the road. Brad Brad McKinney | Coordinating Wildlife Biologist Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever | P.O. Box 489 | Scottsbluff, NE 69363 p. (308) 220-0052 | m. (308) 631-5089 | Brad.McKinney AT Nebraska.gov The Coordinating Wildlife Biologist program is a partnership with the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission. www.NebraskaPF.com ♦ www.PheasantsForever.org ♦ www.QuailForever.org ♦ PF Blog ♦ On The Wing ♦ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! From: "Jim Ochsner" <jim_ochsner AT charter.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:45:04 -0700 Our robins never left - well, they weren't tagged so maybe they were ever-changing flocks. Anyway, we have had robins, up to 40 at a time all winter. They love the heated birdbath. Jim Ogallala -------------------------------------------------- From: "Jill Holmquist" Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 1:36 PM To: Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! > I had robins a few weeks ago. It made me wonder if they ever left. > > Jill Holmquist > Lincoln, NE > > On Jan 30, 2012, at 2:28 PM, Susan Louise wrote: > >> Hello All, >> >> It seems like it's not just the Sandhill Cranes are arriving early. I >> took a pic of our earliest ever return of a Robin yesterday! >> >> Susan Whitney >> Lincoln, NE >> >> > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Subject: Cranes in Keith County From: "Bill Huntley" <birder AT charter.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:40:00 -0700 Hi! Today I reveived word from two people who apparently saw Sandhill Cranes on Friday;: The first person reported seeing "a long legged bird in the field between Highway 30 and the South Platte River between Brule and Ogallala." The second reported two Sandhill Cranes flying across Highway 30 at a very low altitude between Brule and Ogallala.. During spring and fall migration we commonly hear, then see, Sandhill Cranes at high altitudes in the Brule/Ogallala area. If we want to see them lower in the air or on the ground we either head to the west end of Lake McConaughy (Keith County) or west along the North Platte in Garden County. We also see many cranes in the Hershey (Lincoln Co.) area in the spring. As I drove from Brule to Ogallala today I watched for but did not see the birds. This should not invalidate the above reports; I could easily have missed them as I don't drive and bird at the same time very well - I tend to drive where I am looking when I should be looking where I am driving! Bill Huntley Ogallala [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! From: Jill Holmquist <jill AT fai-insight.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:36:24 -0600 I had robins a few weeks ago. It made me wonder if they ever left. Jill Holmquist Lincoln, NE On Jan 30, 2012, at 2:28 PM, Susan Louise wrote: > Hello All, > > It seems like it's not just the Sandhill Cranes are arriving early. I took a pic of our earliest ever return of a Robin yesterday! > > Susan Whitney > Lincoln, NE > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Our 1st Robin arrived yesterday! From: "Susan Louise" <swhitney1977 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:28:25 -0000 Hello All, It seems like it's not just the Sandhill Cranes are arriving early. I took a pic of our earliest ever return of a Robin yesterday! Susan Whitney Lincoln, NE ------------------------------------ Subject: Common Crane 1/29/- Video From: Justin Rink <spindalis79 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:25:55 -0800 (PST)  I was also part of the eastern "grand caravan" hoping to catch of glimpse of the Hall Co. COMMON CRANE.  Our vehicles arrived at the site around 10:00am.  Scopes were already set up on the bird.  Thanks to Paul Dunbar for my first Common Crane in nearly twelve years!  ( I twitched the 1999 bird while still living in Illinois.)  For anyone interested I uploaded some video.  It can be seen at....   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56m1M7yovZc&feature=youtu.be   Good birding.   Justin Rink Midtown Omaha, Douglas Co., NE spindalis79 AT yahoo.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Snowy Owl Summary Update From: "Jorgensen, Joel" <Joel.Jorgensen AT nebraska.gov> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:50:26 -0600 I have been receiving emails from a few folks, mostly out-of-staters coming to see the Common Crane, regarding locations of Snowy Owls. Therefore, I thought I would provide a quick update even though there is very little new information to communicate. My totals as of now: All Reports: 187 Confirmed Reports: 150 Confirmed by photos: 83 Collected or picked up dead, injured, or moribund: 27 Confirmed by credible observer: 27 Confirmed by description: 13 Two new reports have come in and one unconfirmed report that was a misidentification was deducted from the tally. Bottom line, very little new information has been received and this trend should be expected to continue. - Joel Joel Jorgensen | Nongame Bird Program Manager Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2200 N. 33rd St. | Lincoln, NE 68503 joel.jorgensen AT nebraska.gov | 402.471.5440 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Spring, list of sights? From: Jill Liske-Clark <jill AT nebraskabirds.org> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:54:32 -0600 Good question, where do we (Nebraska) come in at in terms of number of bird species in our state? When I started in this position a few years back, I heard the figure that Nebraska was #7 nationally in terms of bird diversity. I have never been able to find the source. The only thing my quick google search turned up was this table of states and numbers of species on checklists: http://www.wildbirds.com/FindBirds/StateProvinceChecklistsatWildBirdscom/tabid/198/Default.aspx I have no idea how accurate it is, but after cutting, pasting, deleting provinces, and sorting in Excel, Nebraska stands at #18 with 455 species on our checklist. I'm unsurprised that California, Texas, and Arizona top the list. I'm a bit more surprised that Nebraska was lower than Kansas (#13) and Oklahoma (#16). I suppose I can still stay that Nebraska is "among the top states nationally" in terms of bird diversity, if you consider anything above #25 to be among the top. And I believe our bird diversity ranking is higher than the Huskers finished in the polls this year... Jill -- Coordinator Nebraska Bird Partnership 203 W 2nd St Grand Island, NE 68801 (308) 382-6468 x24 www.nebraskabirds.org [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Weekend yard birds From: "Kathy DeLara" <renosmom AT charter.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:27:50 -0700 Nothing unusual about the birds that are in my yard, but what is unusual is that there are no Pine Siskins, haven't seen one in the yard for a few weeks now, and earlier there were only a few. Usually the siskins are about the same numbers as the goldfinches. I know there are lots of them in the Wildcat Hills so wondering if there is a lot of food available out there for them and they aren't coming to the feeders. Also very low numbers of Blue Jays and woodpeckers here this winter, more normal numbers for jays would be 8-10 and there are usually several downys and flickers around. We have had two Chickadees here for a couple of months now, first winter they have stayed around for many years now. Glad they have returned. Kathy DeLara Mitchell NE Subject: eBird Report - my yard, Jan 29, 2012 > my yard, Scotts Bluff, US-NE > Jan 29, 2012 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM > Protocol: Stationary > 15 species > > Eurasian Collared-Dove 2 > Downy Woodpecker 1 > Hairy Woodpecker 1 > Northern Flicker 1 > Blue Jay 2 > Black-capped Chickadee 2 > American Robin 9 > European Starling 12 > White-crowned Sparrow 2 > Dark-eyed Junco 11 2 Oregon, 1 Pink-sided, 8 Slate > Red-winged Blackbird 3 > House Finch 27 > Pine Siskin 0 > American Goldfinch 86 > House Sparrow 18 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org) ------------------------------------ Subject: Cranes, Raptors and Owls From: Ruth Stearns <ruthstearns AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:32:32 -0800 (PST) I'll echo others in their thanks to Paul Dunbar for locating and reporting the Common Crane last week.   We arrived onto Rainforth Road yesterday morning about 9:45, and thought it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack to find the crane amidst the hundreds of Sandhill Cranes, but Elaine found the Common Crane after scoping 12 birds she claims!  It would blend in to all the cranes when feeding, but when it stood tall, it was clearly distinguishable from the other birds.  What an amazing bird to see, and an amazing collection of birders too!   Having found our target bird early in the day, Elaine convinced us to continue on to Harlan County to search out the Snowy Owls and the Short-eared Owl.   Birders from Colorado showed us some great photos, and provided excellent directions, and John and Shari filled in more details, so off we went.  We found two of the Snowy's on the corral fence south of 136 one mile east of Republican City, just as others have reported and photographed.  I swear the Short-eared Owl flew low across the grassland south of the highway just west over the next rise from the Snowy's, and it was not yet noon!   We scoped the ducks and eagles at the lake...at least 80 plus eagles and thousands of Canada's and Mallards.   The scoping was poor for most of the waterfowl, but we did pull in a handful of other species in the small area we were able to see well.    Returning home on 136, we continued to add to our tally of raptors, and found what we all believe to have been a Peregrine Falcon on a power pole obstructed by trees on the north side of 136 in eastern Franklin County.  It was a large grey falcon, light breast, too large to be a Merlin and too grey to be a Prairie Falcon.  While the view was close it was obscured by trees a bit, and then it flew off to the north over the grassland.    What a day!   380 miles, 14 counties, and a lifer!  Our daily tally of 38 species is below.   The waterfowl were all at Harlan County Dam or thereabouts.  Western Meadowlarks, which were singing in the area near the snowy's, were seen almost everywhere, Red-tails abounded, especially in Franklin County (28).   The Roughlegs were in Franklin, Harlan (it flew across the county line) and Webster Counties.   Snow Goose 200 Canada Goose 4,000 American Wigeon 2 Mallard 4,000 Redhead 1 Lesser Scaup 1 Common Goldeneye 6 Hooded Merganser 2 Common Merganser 3 Bald Eagle 81 Northern Harrier 6 Cooper's Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 54 Rough-legged Hawk 4 American Kestrel 8 Peregrine Falcon 1 American Coot 2 Sandhill Crane 1,500 Common Crane 1 Ring-billed Gull 1 Rock Pigeon 35 Eurasian Collared-Dove 14 Mourning Dove 3 Snowy Owl 2 Short-eared Owl 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 4 Northern Shrike 1 American Crow 7 Horned Lark 2 American Robin 72 European Starling 558 American Tree Sparrow 1 Dark-eyed Junco 2 Northern Cardinal 2 Red-winged Blackbird 15 Western Meadowlark 55 House Sparrow 5 Ruthie Stearns, Mike Mattson, Elaine Bachel Lincoln, NE   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Common Crane chase, anyone? From: jeb532 AT windstream.net Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:24:25 -0000 Just wanted to send out a public thanks to Dan for getting a group together for the crane chase today and for providing transportation. Got some GREAT looks at the bird and some nice conversation with fellow birders as well as seeing some old friends again. Jeff Meyer --- In NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com, Daniel Leger wrote: > > Hi folks, > > I'm thinking of giving chase tomorrow or Sunday, so if anyone from the Lincoln area (or passing through from Omaha?) is interested in joining forces, please give me a call at home this evening (402.423.4512) and maybe we can coordinate. > > Also, I'm wondering whether a cell phone network could be established among those who might go out looking so if someone finds the Common Crane, others could be summoned. My number is 402.802.2382. > > Thanks, > > Dan Leger > Lincoln > ------------------------------------ Subject: Snowy Owl Article From: zhongni electronic limited <ckavian AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:01:34 -0500 A Snowy makes it all the way to Hawaii and then is shot at the airport. Clem Klaphake Sent from From Colorado http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46180562/ns/us_news-environment/ ------------------------------------ Subject: Killdeers - FOY From: "Greg Stoiber" <gregst7 AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:21:46 -0600 Today my son, Eric and I saw Killdeers along LaPlatte Rd. (north side of road) on a farm field in Bellevue, NE. Greg Bellevue, NE [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: S.W. Greeley & Valley Counties From: snowbunting AT rcom-ne.com Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:28:14 -0600 Hi Nebraska birders, Sunday January 29, 2012 Robin and I looked for birds in southwest Greeley County and Valley County. I will list our highlights with further detail in the text that follows. Cackling Goose 6 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 Rough-legged Hawk 1 Northern Shrike 1 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Brown Creeper 1 Great-tailed Grackle some Along the way Robin saw some Great-tailed Grackles at the Gibbon I-80 exit. Still on our way up there we saw a Rough-legged Hawk between Elba and the Howard/Greeley county line along side Highway 11. In southwestern Greeley County we saw and Robin heard a Brown Creeper and we saw and heard two Black-capped Chickadees. Near Scotia we saw a Sharp-shinned Hawk. In Valley county at Davis Creek Reservoir we saw a Northern Shrike. From the Elyria North Loup River Bridge we saw six Cackling Geese mixed with Canada Geese on the river. Robin added a bird to her Valley County list for a new total of 147. I also added a bird to my Valley County list for a new total of 155. May your birds be lifers and your troubles temporary. good birding and goodbye, Lanny Lanny Randolph south central Nebraska Kearney County 2028 34th rd Minden, Ne. 68959 308-216-0427 SnowBunting(at)rcom-Ne.com ------------------------------------ Subject: Knox & Boyd Counties From: Jan Johnson <bluebird47 AT cedarwb.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:28:01 -0600 We took off later than we should have this a.m. to check Knox and Boyd Counties. We ended the day with only27 species and other than Crows, Turkeys, and Canada Geese very few in numbers per species either. Knox Co.: Bald Eagle 4 adult, 5 immature Bornean Shrike 2 Turkey 250 Rough-legged Hawk 5 Eastern Bluebird 6 Prairie Falcon 1 (approximately 1 mile west of Verdel on hwy. 12) Boyd Co.: Rough-legged Hawk 3 Golden Eagle 1 adult (by Old Baldy west of Sunshine Bottoms) Last winter we found an adult Golden Eagle in this same area. My Common Redpolls have been here for 43 days as of today. I wonder what the nice weather will do to their instinct to return north? Jan Johnson Wakefield http://www.flickr.com/photos/bird-brained-quilter/ ------------------------------------ Subject: Common Crane update From: dleger1 AT unl.edu Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:09:45 -0600 Hi, I just returned from a great trip to Hall County. When we arrived at about 10:00 a.m., several birders already had the Common Crane in their scopes. This was at the same area where the Crane was reported Friday and Saturday. We had great views for plenty of time until the Crane flew a few hundred yards away and into corn stubble. But we simply moved the party to get closer and resumed the fun. Birders from Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma joined many Nebraskans in enjoying this beautiful bird. Thanks to Paul Dunbar for the initial report, and to many others for all the help in finding it subsequently. Dan Leger Lincoln ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Common Crane From: Dastage AT aol.com Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:06:37 +0000 Common Crane currently just west of Alda road South of Rainforth Road-watch for row of Birders Vehicles. Dave Stage 10 05 a.m. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -----Original Message----- From: Keith Dyche Sender: NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:47:09 To: NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com Reply-To: NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [NEBirds] Common Crane Hi, I relocated the Common Crane this afternoon (4:20 PM) in the field west of Alda Road feeding in the cornfield south of Rainforth Road. It scoped the field several times before I spotted its black and white neck. Around 5:10 I had a great look as it flew to the north towards the river,with about 30 Sandhills. Before heading home I drove some roads in the area looking for Snowy Owls, no luck with the Snowys but I did find a Prairie Falcon in Adams county, near N. Highland Rd. and W. 94th St.  Thank you Paul for finding and posting this great find. Keith Dyche Shenandoah IA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Common Crane refound From: "s.ponsor AT comcast.net" <s.ponsor@comcast.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 07:36:43 -0600 We're here from Colorado for the day. If you see the common crane this morning, would you call us? 303-818-0805 Thanks! Sue and Mark Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone ----- Reply message ----- From: "Les,Angie & Tucker Lutter" Date: Sat, Jan 28, 2012 8:53 pm Subject: [NEBirds] Common Crane refound To: Hello Birders, Thanks to the help today in locating the Common Crane. I hadn't seen any photos posted yet, so I thought I would share my "record shot" of a photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/backpackingbirdwatcher/6778103597/in/photostream Good Birding and God Bless, Tucker J. Lutter Iowa ----- Original Message ----- From: paul To: NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2012 1:44 PM Subject: [NEBirds] Common Crane refound Hey, all, I refound (and photographed and videod) the Common Crane today about 10:30am, together with folks with G.I., Sioux City, Omaha, etc. It was in pretty much the same location as yesterday, along Alda Road about 5 miles south of the Crane Trust Nature and Visitors' Center (which might also serve as a good local source of info on updates as to its whereabouts). More precisely, it was on the west side of Alda, just north of the Rosedale Road. This is in Hall County (but if it would just drift about a mile south, I could add it to my Adams Co. list, too -- c'mon crane!) It's still hanging with a flock of maybe 2500 Sandhills. I watched it until about noon, when the whole group got up and headed northwest, landing mostly out of sight over a ridge just to the NW of the intersection of Alda and Lepin roads. At that time, some little groups were also doing their midday high, high kettling. The bulk of the flock could also be seen by looking southward from about 1/2 mile west of Alda down the Platte River Road, but you're looking into the sun and at quite a distance, so I'm not sure if a person could get an ID or not. I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up back in the cornfields later in the afternoon, as Keith found them yesterday. Otherwise, for folks out looking, I'd suggest around 10am at the Rosedale/Alda spot it's been seen the last 2 days. Paul Dunbar Hastings (Adams Co.) 402-984-5843 No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4772 - Release Date: 01/28/12 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Common Crane refound From: "Les,Angie & Tucker Lutter" <lutter AT wiatel.net> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:53:53 -0600 Hello Birders, Thanks to the help today in locating the Common Crane. I hadn't seen any photos posted yet, so I thought I would share my "record shot" of a photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/backpackingbirdwatcher/6778103597/in/photostream Good Birding and God Bless, Tucker J. Lutter Iowa ----- Original Message ----- From: paul To: NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2012 1:44 PM Subject: [NEBirds] Common Crane refound Hey, all, I refound (and photographed and videod) the Common Crane today about 10:30am, together with folks with G.I., Sioux City, Omaha, etc. It was in pretty much the same location as yesterday, along Alda Road about 5 miles south of the Crane Trust Nature and Visitors' Center (which might also serve as a good local source of info on updates as to its whereabouts). More precisely, it was on the west side of Alda, just north of the Rosedale Road. This is in Hall County (but if it would just drift about a mile south, I could add it to my Adams Co. list, too -- c'mon crane!) It's still hanging with a flock of maybe 2500 Sandhills. I watched it until about noon, when the whole group got up and headed northwest, landing mostly out of sight over a ridge just to the NW of the intersection of Alda and Lepin roads. At that time, some little groups were also doing their midday high, high kettling. The bulk of the flock could also be seen by looking southward from about 1/2 mile west of Alda down the Platte River Road, but you're looking into the sun and at quite a distance, so I'm not sure if a person could get an ID or not. I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up back in the cornfields later in the afternoon, as Keith found them yesterday. Otherwise, for folks out looking, I'd suggest around 10am at the Rosedale/Alda spot it's been seen the last 2 days. Paul Dunbar Hastings (Adams Co.) 402-984-5843 No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4772 - Release Date: 01/28/12 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Common Crane refound From: "s.ponsor AT comcast.net" <s.ponsor@comcast.net> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:15:31 -0600 Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone ----- Reply message ----- From: "paul" Date: Sat, Jan 28, 2012 1:44 pm Subject: [NEBirds] Common Crane refound To: Hey, all, I refound (and photographed and videod) the Common Crane today about 10:30am, together with folks with G.I., Sioux City, Omaha, etc. It was in pretty much the same location as yesterday, along Alda Road about 5 miles south of the Crane Trust Nature and Visitors' Center (which might also serve as a good local source of info on updates as to its whereabouts). More precisely, it was on the west side of Alda, just north of the Rosedale Road. This is in Hall County (but if it would just drift about a mile south, I could add it to my Adams Co. list, too -- c'mon crane!) It's still hanging with a flock of maybe 2500 Sandhills. I watched it until about noon, when the whole group got up and headed northwest, landing mostly out of sight over a ridge just to the NW of the intersection of Alda and Lepin roads. At that time, some little groups were also doing their midday high, high kettling. The bulk of the flock could also be seen by looking southward from about 1/2 mile west of Alda down the Platte River Road, but you're looking into the sun and at quite a distance, so I'm not sure if a person could get an ID or not. I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up back in the cornfields later in the afternoon, as Keith found them yesterday. Otherwise, for folks out looking, I'd suggest around 10am at the Rosedale/Alda spot it's been seen the last 2 days. Paul Dunbar Hastings (Adams Co.) 402-984-5843 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Field Sparrow Jan 28 From: snowbunting AT rcom-ne.com Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:42:04 -0600 Nebraska birders, About an hour ago, I saw a Field Sparrow in our yard. We live in north central Kearney County and it was about 1:00 pm on January 28. I was looking out a west window at a flock of juncos, Harris's Sparrows, goldfinches, a few tree sparrows and a White-crowned Sparrow. The Field Sparrow and a few juncos were only about ten feet away foraging on the ground. The Field Sparrow had a light pink bill, white eye rings, and there was no central breast spot. It looked a little smaller than the juncos. According to 'Birds of Nebraska' by Sharpe, Silcock and Jorgensen and 'The Nebraska Bird Review' Winter Field Report, Field Sparrows are rare this time of the year. This has certainly been a strange winter. Robin Harding northern Kearney County ------------------------------------ Subject: Common Crane refound From: "paul" <pastorpaultdunbar AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:44:47 -0000 Hey, all, I refound (and photographed and videod) the Common Crane today about 10:30am, together with folks with G.I., Sioux City, Omaha, etc. It was in pretty much the same location as yesterday, along Alda Road about 5 miles south of the Crane Trust Nature and Visitors' Center (which might also serve as a good local source of info on updates as to its whereabouts). More precisely, it was on the west side of Alda, just north of the Rosedale Road. This is in Hall County (but if it would just drift about a mile south, I could add it to my Adams Co. list, too -- c'mon crane!) It's still hanging with a flock of maybe 2500 Sandhills. I watched it until about noon, when the whole group got up and headed northwest, landing mostly out of sight over a ridge just to the NW of the intersection of Alda and Lepin roads. At that time, some little groups were also doing their midday high, high kettling. The bulk of the flock could also be seen by looking southward from about 1/2 mile west of Alda down the Platte River Road, but you're looking into the sun and at quite a distance, so I'm not sure if a person could get an ID or not. I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up back in the cornfields later in the afternoon, as Keith found them yesterday. Otherwise, for folks out looking, I'd suggest around 10am at the Rosedale/Alda spot it's been seen the last 2 days. Paul Dunbar Hastings (Adams Co.) 402-984-5843 ------------------------------------ Subject: Burrowing Owl, Ferruginous Hawk - environmental threats From: "quercusvelutina2002" <quercusvelutina2002 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:56:00 -0000 List members may be interested to learn about a bill likely to affect future bird-watching opportunities in western Nebraska. LB473 would give Nebraska counties the authority to require landowners, both private and public, to control prairie dog populations. LB473 would also give counties the authority to enter private or public land to poison prairie dogs, and to bill the landowners for the cost of the action. As list members know, western Nebraska is a good place to see Burrowing Owls and Ferruginous Hawks. Both of these birds rely heavily on the prairie dog ecosystem and are in decline. Burrowing Owl for example is endangered in Canada, threatened in Mexico, and is a species of special concern in Florida and most of the western USA, including Nebraska. It is a state endangered species in Colorado. The result of a vote last week on the bill was 30 for and 0 against, with 17 abstaining. The next vote is Feb. 15, so if you wish to educate your senator you have a window of opportunity in which to do so. To learn more about the prairie dog ecosystem and the bill you can read the following: -A letter from the Nebraska Wildlife Federation: http://nebraskawildlife.org/Documents/LB%20473%20Lttr%20to%20Committee%2\ 02011.pdf . -An article in the Lincoln Journal Star: http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/prairie-dog-bill-advances\ /article_186de3df-9157-53d9-b599-dddfcf137bcf.html Last, I wanted to ask, if others have especially good sources of information on Burrowing Owl or Ferruginous Hawk ecology, could you send them my way, as I would like to learn more. Thanks! Rachel [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Common crane From: "lauren.dinan" <lauren.dinan AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:57:58 -0000 I went looking for the common crane this morning and found it in the same general area as reported yesterday. It was with a group of sandhill cranes in the corn field west of alda road and south of rainforth road. It was at the far east side of the group of sandhill cranes and then it flew more into the middle of the group. Lauren Dinan ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Spring, list of sights? From: "karenm4birds" <karenm4birds AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:27:46 -0000 Jill, the sandhills near Kearney and North Platte etc. are a ways away but I've driven to Grand Island many times for dinner and back home. I am a native new yorker and my parents drove us several times a year from omaha to NY or the opposite, california and home. I am envious of people that live near the wetlands. I'm also curious, after having read that California has over 600 species of birds, where we come in at? I'm loving birding so far either way. Two years now. I caught a snowy owl up close too!! I posted the pic at my other birding site just to make those texans and californians jealous. I'm SO bad! LOL Karen --- In NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com, Jill Liske-Clark wrote: > > Good for you. The Rainwater Basin region is spectacular during spring > migration, starting with waterfowl in February and March, and continuing > through shorebirds and waterbirds including black-necked stilt in April and > May. I can't tell you specific locations though, because the birds go to > the wetlands that have water in them, and that varies from year to year > depending on precipitation patterns. > > You might pick up a copy of Game and Park's public access atlas. It is > designed for hunters, but because it is fairly fine-scale, it is really > useful for navigating among the Basins where it is miles of cornfields that > all look the same in between the bird-able wetlands. It is also available > online: http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/hunting/programs/crp/atlas.asp > > Black-necked stilts along with trumpeter swans, black terns, and other > really cool birds are practically guaranteed during breeding season in the > lakes along Highway 2 in the Sandhills between Hyannis and Lakeside. Long > way from La Vista I know. > > I agree with T.J. that learning from the listserve and the NOU site is a > great way to identify the "best" birding destinations. I'll also direct > you to nebraskabirdingtrails.com, which does not necessarily direct you to > the "best" spots, but is a comprehensive listing of all of the public > places that you can go birding, many of which you probably never knew about. > > Jill > > -- > Coordinator > Nebraska Bird Partnership > 203 W 2nd St > Grand Island, NE 68801 > (308) 382-6468 x24 > > www.nebraskabirds.org > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Spring, list of sights? From: "karenm4birds" <karenm4birds AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:19:55 -0000 TJ, I've been heading South to Missouri to Squaw Creek in the Spring but with the flooding last year that option was closed down all summer I'll check out the sites you have. I don't know if this year is another flood year or not. I had great luck at Boyer Chute and it's still closed! I'm anxious for Spring, so knowing the best places to bird helps a lot! Karen --- In NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com, "Walker, TJ" wrote: > > Karen, you are right that the best time to catch a bunch of birds at once is during migration. As far as sites to go birding go, the Nebraska Ornithologists Union website has a pretty decent list of "Favorite Birding Areas" that may help you start to limit things down a bit (there are a lot of great places to bird across Nebraska). > > http://www.noubirds.org/Birds/Areas.aspx > > For certain species that are fairly rare (like the Black-necked Stilt for example) the best thing you could probably do would be continue to pay attention to this list serve and opportunistically choose where to go and when based upon reports to NEBirds. > > Since you are relatively new to this, you may also want to watch the list serve for field trips and birding outings by various groups and clubs and consider joining up with some of them - great way to learn. > > If you ever find yourself heading out to the North Platte area, feel free to contact me about what to see and where out this way. > > T. J. Walker - District Manager, Wildlife Division - Partners Section > Nebraska Game and Parks Commission > 301 East State Farm Road > North Platte, NE 69101 > Office Phone 308-535-8025 > Cell Phone 308-530-7659 > > > ________________________________ > From: NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com [NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of karenm4birds [karenm4birds AT ...] > Sent: Friday, January 27, 2012 2:07 AM > To: NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com > Subject: [NEBirds] Spring, list of sights? > > > > I was wondering, after going back to last Spring on this site if anyone would recommend times and places to be for the most spectacular Spring viewing. Last year I mistakenly went to the Kearney area the first week of March. The Rowe sanctuary road was almost impassible. I made it there and back through sheer determination. I have many birds I'd like to add to my list, since I'm pretty new to this, like black necked stilt, most of the plovers, grasshopper sparrow. I have a huge wish list. I have caught over 130 birds before I found this website though, including the loggerhead shrike at the Riverton WMA last early early Spring. Migration is the greatest chance to catch birds so I'd love any suggestions. > > Karen Marx > Lavista NE > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > ------------------------------------