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Do Cranes Sleep?

Trail cameras on the Platte River catches sandhill cranes on their bellies. Story and photos by Eric Fowler Do sandhill cranes sleep? On their bellies? In a wooded creekbottom? From what we know about the cranes that stop in the Platte River Valley in Nebraska each spring, none of those ideas seem to make sense. It certainly didn’t to Chris Helzer of the Nature Conservancy, whose tip on this seemingly odd behavior spurred me to spend two days in a …

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The Secret Life of American Mink

The American mink is becoming increasingly prevalent in Nebraska’s aquatic ecosystems. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist In the quiet corners of the Midwest, among the rustling reeds and meandering streams, lurks a creature of remarkable stealth and cunning: the American mink (Neovison vison). With its sleek fur and sinuous movements, this mysterious carnivore prowls the water’s edge, weaving through the tangled undergrowth in search of its next meal. While they are rarely seen by humans, the American mink is …

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Nebraska Nature in Color – A Few of My Favorite (Yellow) Things

The color yellow can be found throughout the year in outdoor Nebraska. By Alie Mayes, Community Science Specialist Ya’ll – I went outside the other day, and there was a bright yellow dandelion in my front yard! I think it is only after the harshest of winters that something so mundane can seem so special. Early season blooms are special. In addition to providing an exciting, visible sign that spring is on its way, early blooms provide valuable food resources …

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Mythical Monthly Moons

Monthly moon names offer a glimpse into North American cultural traditions and folklore. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist The night sky has long been a source of wonder and inspiration, and the lunar cycles have long been observed and celebrated by cultures and civilization across the world. In North America, moon folklore and traditions surround monthly full moon names. January – The Wolf Moon January’s full moon is often dubbed the Wolf Moon. This name hearkens back to ancient …

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Beyond Herds and Packs – Animal Group Names

Animal group names provide clues to their social lives. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist From a “murder of crows” to a “rhumba of rattlesnakes,” the animal kingdom boasts a diversity of collective nouns to describe groups of animals. These imaginative descriptors not only enrich our understanding of Nebraska’s wildlife but also serve as linguistic snapshots that convey the essence of their social lives. Birds Names in the avian world reflect the unique social dynamics and behaviors of different bird …

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Antlers vs. Horns

While horns and antlers share some similarities, they are distinct forms of animal headgear. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist How many times have you heard someone say, “Wow, look at the horns on that deer”? Horns and antlers are not interchangeable. While they share some similarities, horns and antlers are distinct forms of animal headgear. Antlers Males in the Cervidae family, including mule deer, white-tailed deer, moose and elk, are the only class of mammals to grow antlers. Exceptions: …

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Nebraska Nature in Color – Orange in the Night Sky

Winter offers favorable conditions for viewing stars. By Alie Mayes, Community Science Specialist As winter envelopes Nebraska, it is a welcome escape to dream of the color orange. A brightly streaked sunset. Sunburst lichen on full display. Bright American bittersweet pods. Campfires burning into the night. The color orange is a beacon of warmth and light — a promise of warm days ahead. But instead of focusing on the future, let’s appreciate the present. Three years ago, at a cold …

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The Clever Minds of Corvids

Corvids are some of the most adaptable and clever birds on the planet. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist They’re everywhere: In the streets, in the skies, in the parking lots and even on baseball fields — corvids. You’ll know them as crows, ravens, blue jays and black-billed magpies. Worldwide, over 130 species of birds belong in the Corvidae family. Widely distributed, these birds thrive in diverse ecosystems, from dense forests to urban environments. They are typically medium to large …

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Learn to Hunt

One young woman’s journey to becoming a hunter By Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley Harleigh Lisius wasn’t born into a hunting family, but she always knew she wanted to do it. The daughter of a fourth-generation farmer, the 23-year-old grew up among cattle, corn and beans near Juniata and spent countless hours playing in the shelterbelt on the farm, fishing her grandparents’ pond or camping. Every Thanksgiving, highly-anticipated visits from her aunt and uncle brought exciting tales of the couple’s lives as wildlife …

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Animal Myths – Separating Fact From Fiction

By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist Sometimes, our fascination with wildlife can lead to the perpetuation of myths and misconceptions. From fabled tales that have been passed down through the generations to more quirky beliefs that find their way into modern folklore, animal myths captivate our imagination and influence the way we perceive and interact with the creatures that share our planet. In this article, let’s peel back the layers of misinformation to reveal the captivating truths behind many remarkable …

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