Word got out yesterday via this press release that Bald Eagle nest numbers in Nebraska broke another record.  Like any good press release, this one was concise and stressed the main points, but this blog provides an opportunity to go into a bit more detail.   Breaking records has become old hat with Bald Eagle nest numbers and, in fact, this was the third year in a row when we’ve tallied an unprecedented number of active Bald Eagle nests in the …

It is difficult to believe we are closing out 2016 this week.   As with the end of any year, it seems the thing to do is to reflect on the year that was, particularly in regards to the year in birds and birding in Nebraska.  Below, I count down, from ten to one (with an honorable mention for good measure), the year’s top birding stories here in our state.   This is all my opinion – so my results may differ …

The Harlan County Christmas Bird Count (CBC) took place 15 December and it set a record.  Previous Harlan County CBC’s were held in consecutive years from 1996-2001 and the CBC resumed in 2014.  Below, I provide a summary of the results from the 2016 edition of the Harlan County CBC. Conditions:  Weather was obviously cold ahead of the CBC.  The lake was about 80% open, but all other water bodies, including the Republican River, were mostly or completely frozen.  We also …

This identify of this vireo is up for debate and opinions are appreciated.

R.J. Weiss contacted me today about a duck he shot yesterday.  The duck happened to be the first one he has harvested even though he has gone duck hunting on previous occasions.   The duck turned out to be a bit unusual, as can be seen in his photographs, below. As R.J. suspected, the bird is a Black-bellied Whistling-Duck.  This southern species is normally found in southern Texas and points south.  Populations of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks are increasing and birds occasionally wander …

If your memory is very good, you’ll remember that two years ago we received word that the Peregrine Falcon “Lewis” was observed at the Anadarko Petroleum Corporation building in The Woodlands, Texas.  Lewis was also observed at this same location in December 2015.   Lewis hatched, was raised and banded at the Capitol in 2012.  I received an email late today from Linda Kuhn with Anadarko that Lewis was back at this apparent wintering site.  Below is the photo that accompanied …

Confirmation came last week that a wren hanging out at a remote Cherry County ranchstead was, in fact, a Canyon Wren, a species with only three other accepted Nebraska records.  Canyon Wrens are normally found in mountainous areas of western North America and there is a population as close as the Black Hills of South Dakota.  But, this species does not wander all too often.  The last “chase-able” Canyon Wren in the state was a bird in Knox County in …

The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is a long-term, volunteer-driven bird monitoring program conducted throughout North America.  BBS data are used widely by wildlife agencies, researchers, birders and conservation planners.  The program began in 1966 and more information about the BBS can be found here.  I am the state BBS coordinator and perhaps my principal duty is to identify and recruit individuals to fill vacant routes.  Running a BBS requires only one morning in June to complete.  It is a great …

The period when Whooping Cranes migrate through Nebraska is here.  Whooping Cranes migrate from breeding sites at Wood Buffalo Park, Canada, to their wintering sites at and near Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Texas, every fall.  In four to six weeks, hopefully the entire Aransas-Wood Buffalo flock of about 300+ birds will have successfully migrated to Texas.   Migrating 2,500 miles is risky business and this is a critical few weeks for these birds.   NGPC, along with our partners, rely on the …

Monday, October 3rd, was a good day because the long time resident male Peregrine Falcon, 19/K, was released back at the Capitol by Fontenelle Forest’s Raptor Recovery (FFRR).  As you certainly remember, 19/K was found injured and on the ground in Lincoln way back on June 6th.  After he was rescued, FFRR quickly determined he suffered a dislocated elbow.  FFRR treated 19/K, but it took time for him to recover, gain strength and get in condition to be released.  19/K is obviously a fighter, …