Nebraska Ornithologists' Union
Nebraska Bird Review
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Date of this Version
12-2025
Document Type
Article
Citation
Nebraska Bird Review, volume 93, number 4, December 2025, pp. 155–178
Abstract
As in previous fall seasons, by far the most modifications to BONO came from late departure dates; around 87 species were included, no fewer than 13 of these setting record late dates, notably Eastern Whip-poor-will, Mountain Plover, Brown Thrasher (north), Henslow’s Sparrow (flight call only), and Orchard Oriole.
Although this is a Fall Seasonal Report, noted or suggested breeding activity is of interest. Exciting were the 2nd and 3rd presumed breeding records of Black-chinned Hummingbird and, in Dodge Co, the 5th record of breeding by Black-bellied Whistling-Duck. Perhaps the strangest west to east occurrence was a Golden Eagle adventure in Lancaster Co. . . .
Unusually high or low counts are intriguing and likely in many cases a result of “right place, right time” observations, but may also indicate real changes in population levels. Record high fall counts of waterbirds suggested good water conditions: . . . Record high passerine fall tallies at single locations were 14 Brown Creepers, 44 Gray Catbirds, and 48 Swamp Sparrows.
Always concerning are low counts or non-appearances of expected species. Startling absences were Gray Partridge in the northeast, enigmatic Pinyon Jay, and expected Panhandle winter visitors that may yet appear this winter: Mountain Chickadee, Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch, and Cassin’s Finch.
A couple of taxonomic notes. Eastern and Western Warbling-Vireos are both presumed to occur in at least the Panhandle, but field identification is only conclusive based on excellent spectrograms, most commonly obtained using the Merlin app. The first tangibly documented Catharus guttatus auduboni (Rocky Mountains) Hermit Thrush was measured by a bander, and the possibility was raised of an Branta canadensis interior Canada Goose x Cackling Goose hybrid in far eastern Nebraska.
Rarities are the most fun for many birders. Fall is usually the best season for wandering rarities, and this fall did not disappoint. There were no fewer than five reports of species with fewer than 10 state records: . . .
Included in
Ornithology Commons, Population Biology Commons, Poultry or Avian Science Commons, Zoology Commons
Comments
Published by the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union, Inc.