Nongame Bird Blog

Early March is a decisive time for Bald Eagles in Nebraska. If a pair is serious about nesting, they are at or have surpassed the egg-laying stage and have hunkered down for the month-plus-long incubation period. Sometimes, likely young pairs, may “play house” and build a nest but never follow through on actually nesting. Lake Wanahoo’s Bald Eagle nesting pair is established so it does not come as a surprise they appear to be on eggs. I visited the nest …

Finding rarities is just one of the great joys of birding.  A few photos are below of a near adult or adult Glaucous-winged Gull which Carlos Grandes and I found at Lake Ogallala on 16 February 2013.  Glaucous-winged  Gulls are a west coast species and, if accepted, this would be a fourth state record.  All photos are by Carlos Grandes.

I received a report Monday morning of a few sick and dead Pine Siskins observed at up to three sites in eastern Nebraska.   Pine Siskins are small finches similar to American Goldfinches.   Siskins occur in flocks and will frequent bird feeders and this has been a particularly good winter for siskins in some parts of Nebraska.  Salmonellosis is a bacterial disease that is in the salmonella family and birds commonly contract the disease at bird feeders.  Pine Siskins tend …

Even though they are increasingly numerous, people still like to watch Bald Eagles.  From a general standpoint we have now entered the best period for eagle watching in my view.  Yes, during the depths of winter there are the ol’ standard viewing locations such as Lake Ogallala/Lake McConaughy, the J-2 Hydro-electric plant near Lexington, and Gavin’s Point Dam.   Those sites are very good, don’t get me wrong.  However, we are now in February and with winter’s grip loosening over the …

As some may already know, 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 and in conservation planning. More information can be found here. Recently, I took over as the state BBS coordinator and perhaps my principal duty is identify individuals that may be able to fill vacant routes. Currently, there are four available routes in Nebraska, these are shown on the map below …