In a state known for its extremes of wind, rain, heat and cold, Nebraska’s birds have developed nesting strategies that are as wonderfully weird as they are effective.
Wildlife
Sandhill Crane Tracking
A sandhill crane banded and outfitted with a GPS unit in Nebraska ended up nesting south of the Bering Strait on the eastern trip of Russia, wintered in New Mexico and Texas, and is likely back in the Cornhusker State by now. The bird logged at least 11,000 miles.
Behind Wildlife Antler Recycling
Antlers lost to the woods serve as a valuable resource for a wide range of wildlife species. Squirrels, like other rodents in Nebraska including mice, woodchucks, porcupines, rabbits, chipmunks and beavers, have elodont teeth, which are continuous-growing incisors.
Showy Partridge Pea
This pioneering annual is inexpensive and usually establishes in the first year, adding bright color to the landscape while providing an early source of pollen for hungry insects.
How Animal Vision Adapts to Winter
A Nebraska winter can bring up questions about wildlife. One question I’ve thought of recently: Does the cold change how animals see?
Poop With a Purpose
Wildlife use scat as an important communication tool. It can reveal an animal’s identity, health, territory and even social status.