Work duties allow me to travel to all parts of the state and this past weekend I was stationed at the Turbine Mart in Springview, Keya Paha County, to check deer during opening weekend of firearm season. Even though I was overwhelmingly consumed by work, I did have some slivers of time to enjoy some of the beautiful sights and birds in this area. The Niobrara River valley is a remarkable place and birds were surprisingly numerous. Large flocks of American Robins were found in the wooded areas with small numbers of Townsend’s Solitaires and Red Crossbills in the mix. In the open country away from the valley, several groups of Greater Prairie-Chickens and Sharp-tailed Grouse were discovered roosting in trees before dawn. Nine species of raptors were recorded, including four Merlins, a Prairie Falcon and a Ferruginous Hawk. Below, are a few photos captured during my foray.
It was another reminder that Nebraska has a lot to offer regardless of interest or aspiration.