Nebraskaland Magazine
I’ve said it many ways, many times and in many places, one of the great things about birds and birding is the unexpected. There are always surprises and some get the adrenaline flowing. Over the weekend, news spread like wildfire among birders that a HOODED ORIOLE was coming to a feeder at the Daro residence in Garrison, Butler County. Fortunately, the Daro’s were extremely gracious and allowed birders to come see the bird until it was last seen on Tuesday. I shot up there and saw the bird because I figured chances are good there will not be another Hooded Oriole in Nebraska in my lifetime. Video of the bird is below.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3z5b8toAyI[/youtube]Hooded Orioles occur along the southern border of the United States, from Texas to California (see range map Here) and this is the first time this species has been recorded in Nebraska. Nebraska has three oriole species, all of which are gorgeous, that occur here in summer; the Baltimore, Bullock’s and Orchard. Baltimore Orioles occur in the eastern 2/3 of the state, while Bullock’s occur in the far west. The smaller burnt-orange Orchard Oriole occurs statewide. A Hooded Oriole in the state just added more color.
Now, I can’t wait for the next surprise.
