Over the last few days, millions of individuals have invaded our state. If you’ve been outside recently, perhaps you’ve noticed it. In fact, it may have been difficult to miss. Since this blog is about birds and birding, you probably have guessed I am referring to birds. Spring migration commenced all the way back in late February when waterfowl, Sandhill Cranes and Bald Eagles began moving into the state and it slowly gained momentum through March and April. However, May is the month when overall bird migration peaks, particularly from the standpoint of species’ diversity. Many of the new arrivals are Neotropical migrant, birds which winter in the tropics and breed in North America. Neotropical migrants include birds such as kingbirds, warblers, vireos, orioles, bunting, grosbeaks and some species of shorebird. Many of these bird species have shown up in our state in just the past few days. With so many birds on the move this time of year, May is arguably best month of the year to get up and go birding. Since I am not up for any arguments, particularly with myself, birding is exactly what I did over the first weekend in May. I took a three day birding trip in southern Nebraska, starting at Flathead Wildlife Management Area in Jefferson County and going as far west as Rock Creek State Recreation Area in Dundy County. I tallied 160 species and had a few rarities. Below are a few photographic highlights from my foray.
All-in-all, another good birding trip in Nebraska. May is indeed a great time for birding and there is plenty of birding going on this month. Fortunately, colleagues Lindsay Rogers and Dave Titterington have assembled THIS SITE with all sorts of information to celebrate International Migratory Birding Month here in Nebraska. The site includes information about birding events which you can participate. I say, get out there and just do it.
May is here and that means, Good Birding!