Tag Archives: Spring Migration

When I was kid, I always looked forward to taking a drive with my grandparents during the March thaw to see the spring migration of birds along the Platte River in rural Sarpy County, Nebraska. We never had to travel very far from our homes in Gretna to see the migrating birds either. It’s those drives that helped develop my appreciation for birds. Truth is, you still do not have to venture far at all to enjoy the spectacular spring migration of birds …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Experience the height of spring migration during Marsh Madness at Ponca State Park (SP). Located on the Missouri River, Ponca SP presents a significant flyway for migratory birds, and has been recognized by the National Audubon Society as an “Important Bird Area.” Common springtime sightings include pintail courtship displays and whirlwinds of snow geese, white-fronted geese, wood ducks and other species. Visitors may view the birds during guided Avian Adventure Blind Viewing Sessions or on unguided tours. …

The spring migration will soon be here bringing weary travelers; bird lovers may want to consider providing our backyard feathered friends with food as it may be limited in some areas. This time of year the food supply for birds is scarce leaving some birds searching for food and burning needed calories. Late season snowstorms may cover up any natural food sources adding to their stress. Help the birds that visit your yard with what they need by providing them …

On this week’s edition of my Weekly Outdoor Report on Omaha’s WOWT 6 News, we’re heading to Nebraska’s central Platte River valley between Grand Island and Kearney to view the spectacular spring migration stopover of sandhill cranes and other wild fowl. It’s quite an experience! Check out these great photos of the cranes taken by co-worker Katie Stacey of our NE Game and Parks Omaha-Metro Office. Experience the movement and sounds of the world’s largest gathering of cranes LIVE Thursday …

The spring migration has begun when the unique and primeval call of the sandhill crane is heard; it is one that captures our attention and curiosity. Standing four-foot tall these prehistoric birds travel through Nebraska as part of their migration from summering areas in Texas, New Mexico and Mexico to their nesting areas in the upper United States, Canada and as far North as Siberia. In the Central Flyway, Nebraska is one of the few places left for the 500,000-plus …

Yesterday was an exciting day for college basketball in this state with both Creighton and Nebraska qualifying for the March Madness of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament in the same region (congrats to both the Jays and the Huskers, and they may even end up playing each other!). But for me, ‘selection Sunday’  as it is so named, meant ‘marsh madness.’ As you may be able to tell, I spent the entire day hunting light geese (Snow and Ross’s geese) during the Conservation Order hunting period on a friend …

As you may be aware, the spring migration of light geese (Snow and Ross’s Geese) is underway Nebraska, as is the Light Goose Conservation Order hunting period. But, as with a number of things in nature like migratory game birds, something strange has occurred amid the flocks of wild snow geese, according to hunters. A mythical, winged creature has emerged – a genetic mutation, if you will. It was spotted just recently in extreme southern Nebraska hopping around a decoy spread. The creature appears to be part snow goose and …

I added yet another case of “should’ve been here yesterday” to my bourgeoning portfolio last week. Mary Harner from the Crane Trust called to let me know that a whooping crane had been spending the night in front of one of their viewing blinds on the Platte River south of Alda. I’m hoping to get lucky and have a chance to photograph one of those rare birds that has been fitted with a GPS transmitter for a story I’m following …

If you live in or around the Omaha-metro area, you don’t have to travel very far to experience the spring migration of waterfowl. I took these shots today along the Elkhorn and Platte Rivers in western Douglas and Sarpy Counties. The rivers were busy places with ducks and geese here and there! I caught the tail end of a bald eagle that was pursuing waterfowl, too! Here is a broad shot of the eagle in pursuit-mode after some flocks of …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Make Fort Kearny State Historical Park a destination for enjoying the spring migration this year. Millions of geese and ducks are now using the Platte River Valley, and the first of the estimated 500,000 sandhill cranes are beginning to arrive. The visitor center is now open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through April 7. Camping is available at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area; the shower building will be open the third week in March. The hike/bike trail …