Nebraska Ornithologists' Union
Date of this Version
9-1985
Citation
“Notes,” from Nebraska Bird Review (September 1985) 53(3).
Abstract
RE SWAN GEESE IN KEITH COUNTY. A recent account (NBR 53:4) of Chinese Geese (domestic forms of the Swan Goose are called Chinese Geese –Ed.) in Keith County seems to suggest that the birds were of natural occurrence. No wild individuals of this species have ever been reported in North America, however, and it may in fact be declining in its native range. It is exceedingly common, though, in zoos and parks as well as on farms, where it is often only nominally a captive; birds are readily available and are not typically afforded the close watch given more valuable species. To attribute these records to intercontinental vagrancy, however, is to disregard a simpler and more likely explanation.—Rick Wright, Princeton, NJ
FIRE REFUGEES? The appearance of birds that I expect in winter but don’t recall seeing in the Alliance area during summer, may be related to the 4th of July Pine Ridge fire. Today (21 July) I heard a Red-breasted Nuthatch outside my window but more interesting than that is Pygmy Nuthatches at the Alliance cemetery. Black-capped Chickadees are another that I suspect may be here because of the fire.—Doug G. Thomas, Alliance
Comments
Copyright 1985 Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union. Used by permission.