Nebraska Ornithologists' Union

 

Date of this Version

6-2001

Document Type

Article

Citation

Nebraska Bird Review (June 2001) 69(2).

Comments

Copyright 2001, Nebraska Ornithologists' Union. Used by permission.

Abstract

As this is being written (July 2001 ), the new book Birds of Nebraska (Sharpe, Silcock, Jorgensen; University of Nebraska Press) has just been released. From now on everyone can check early and late dates and high counts as well as distribution within the state and have a much better feel for which sightings are significant. Probably the most outstanding ornithological events this spring were a few record early arrivals (Western and Clark's Grebes, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting) and a large number of "rather early" arrivals; "rather early" means not record early but right up there. There were also some rather incredible numbers, mostly of· waterfowl, including diving ducks in the eastern Rainwater Basin, an indication of the excellent water conditions there this spring. It was a quiet spring for listers and rarity-chasers; best were 3rd state record Tricolored Heron, 4th Dusky Flycatcher (1st for spring), and 9th Red Phalarope (1st for spring). A first documented spring record for Red-necked Grebe was also reported. Other observations of interest included Gray Partridges in Sioux Co, Eurasian Collared-Doves everywhere in the Panhandle, 3rd nesting year in a row for Pileated Woodpecker, reduced numbers of Carolina Wrens, and increasing populations of Summer Tanagers at Fontenelle Forest and Indian Cave State Park. Finally, there was something about a pied blackbird that I'm still not sure I understand; check the species accounts.

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