Conservation

As the Audubon’s Nebraska Crane Festival celebrates 44 years in the Platte River valley this weekend, the Sandhill cranes will have commemorated a few more – at least 2.5 million more, that is. Fossil evidence suggests the Sandhill crane may be the oldest living bird species on the planet. On their ancient migratory pathway from wintering in southern U.S. and Mexico to their breeding grounds in Canada and Alaska, they converge along a small swath of braided channels on the Platte River each spring. This …

In an effort to reclaim native grassland ridges and openings, biologists at Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area near Royal have been cutting down eastern red cedar trees that have overrun many parts of the WMA. Although native to Nebraska, cedar trees are often invasive. They thrive and spread quickly, and if left unchecked, cedars can take over a piece of ground in just a few years, choking out more desirable vegetation and wildlife species that depend on open grassland. Like …

Get your questions about Nebraska outdoor laws and regulations answered by Rich Berggren of Waterloo, NE, one of  our Nebraska Conservation Officers, when he joins you on my Saturday morning Great Outdoor Radio Show. I know Rich would enjoy chatting with you! You’ll find him to be knowledgeable, easy-going and informative! Don’t miss a chance to visit with Rich! The Great Outdoor Radio Show I host airs every Saturday morning  from 9-10 a.m. CST on Omaha’s KOZN Radio 1620 AM “The Zone.” Here …

From the rocky buttes of the Wildcat Hills near Gering to the evergreen-studded canyons near Bassett, a helicopter crew put in time for Nebraska’s big game conservation efforts during the past week and month. I’ve been fortunate to be up close and personal with some of their air time. Last week, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission used the help of a contracted helicopter crew of California-based Native Range Capture Services to catch bighorn sheep and elk and provide the …

Cue the theme music, “Blinded Me with Science” by Thomas Dolby: The March 2014 issue of NEBRASKAland magazine just went on-line, Digital NEBRASKAland; there is a short piece there that Nebraska anglers will find of interest.  I have blogged before about how unique Nebraska’s sandhill lakes are, and in recent years fisheries research has taught us a lot more about those waters (e.g. “Blinded Me with Science”–February 25, 2013, “Blinded Me with Science”–November 21, 2011 ).  In March 2014’s issue of NEBRASKAland, …

Contributed by Lauren Dinan, Nongame Bird Biologist Erwin has been spotted once again in sunny Florida. For those of you that do not know, Erwin is “our” famous Piping Plover that was banded at a lakeshore housing development in Dodge County, Nebraska, as a three-day old chick in June 2011.  This one bird has been observed spending the winter at Bunche Beach near Fort Myers, Florida, the last three years in a row.  Erwin was spotted for the first time …

Though many public areas, including Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and National Park Service and National Forest Service lands in Nebraska, have specific laws prohibiting the removal of artifacts from their lands, one may find an alternative place to “hunt” with private landowner permission. Then, if you’re lucky enough to discover an artifact, here is a quick guide to preparation of your finds. Preparation of Bone and Fossil Finds By Jon Morgenson Some fossils and bones or skulls may be found …

A hooded merganser swims a quiet creek. A cardinal sings from a bird feeder on a bare cottonwood branch. A bald eagle crisscrosses the blue sky. Observed in a single morning, these birds were part of millions–33,464,616 to be exact –that made up the final tally of the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) in 2013 when participants in 111 countries submitted 137,998 checklists, documenting more than one-third of the world’s bird species in just four days. Want to be a part of the experience? …

Sorry, this is short notice if you want to attend, but Nebraska’s chapter of Trout Unlimited is having their annual banquet tomorrow evening in Omaha.  This is a fun evening and an important fund-raiser for this great organization.  If you are interested in attending, you can find information here, Nebraska Trout Unlimited. Bring some extra cash, there will be lots of great items on auction and raffle.  Say “Hi” if you see me there!

Photographers transcending time through tradition become no strangers: ancient wisdom in a modern world, a traveling exhibit from the Annenberg Space for Photography on display at KANEKO in Omaha through April 19, with an opening reception tonight (Feb. 7) from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Curated by Wade Davis, a National Geographic Society Explorer-in-Residence with photographer Patricia Lanza, the Director of Content at the Annenberg Space for Photography, the images examine the complexities of upholding traditional ways of life in modern times through such themes as …