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A Red Phalarope In Pierce County, Nebraska, Mark A. Brogie, Ed M. Brogie

Nebraska Bird Review

The Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicaria) is seen yearly in the central portion of the United States, from the Great Lakes to Texas. More than 85% of these sightings are from fall, with 75% of the total from September to November (Dinsmore et al., 1984). This species is, however, considered a very rare or accidental migrant through the Plains States (Johnsgard 1980). A single specimen, taken on 15 October 1921 at Dad’s Lake, near Wood Lake in Cherry County (Conover 1934) represents the only previous record of this species in Nebraska. The following represents the first record for this …

“Notes” From Nebraska Bird Review (September 1985) 53(3)

Nebraska Bird Review

RE SWAN GEESE IN KEITH COUNTY. A recent account (NBR 53:4) of Chinese Geese (domestic forms of the Swan Goose are called Chinese Geese –Ed.) in Keith County seems to suggest that the birds were of natural occurrence. No wild individuals of this species have ever been reported in North America, however, and it may in fact be declining in its native range. It is exceedingly common, though, in zoos and parks as well as on farms, where it is often only nominally a captive; birds are readily available and are not typically afforded the close watch given more valuable …

Hybrid Bluebirds In The Pine Ridge, Barbara L. Wilson, Jim Minyard, Hope Minyard, Tanya Bray

Nebraska Bird Review

A hybrid pair of bluebirds is raising young in Dawes County, Nebraska, in the yard of Jim and Hope Minyard, approximately 8 miles south of Crawford. The female of the pair is a Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides). She is basically a dull gray bluebird, with little contrast between upperparts and underparts. There is no rusty or tan on her breast, and no sharp demarcation between the gray breast and the lighter belly. Her rump and the bases of her outer tail feathers are a light, bright blue, while the other tail feathers and the primaries are blackish. When …

Nebraska Bird Review (September 1985) 53(3), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

1984 Nebraska Nesting Survey … 46

1985 (Sixtieth) Spring Occurrence Report … 50

Hybrid Bluebirds in the Pine Ridge … 67

Notes … 67

Book Review … 68

“Book Review” From Nebraska Bird Review (September 1985) 53(3)

Nebraska Bird Review

The Bird Identification Calendar, 1986, illustrated in color by John Sill, 11 x 14, Stephen Greene Press in cooperation with The Massachusetts Audubon Society, distributed by Viking Penguin Inc., New York City.

The calendar space is full size; the over 70 illustrations and short paragraphs are on the facing page (back of the previous page). Also, two preliminary pages on bird identification in general.

1984 Nebraska Nesting Survey, Esther V. Bennett

Nebraska Bird Review

Data on the 1984 nesting season in Nebraska were received from 17 observers and organizations, reporting on 72 species from 36 counties or groups of counties. Counties in the tabulations are listed in a west to east order, with the northernmost of the approximately equal locations given first. Numbers represent Nest Record Cards; N represents nests observed for which no Nest Record Card was submitted; F represents feeding; CF represents carrying food; CN represents carrying nesting material; and Y represents young observed. GPC in the following paragraph represents Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Thirty species were reported on 192 North …

Masthead From Nebraska Bird Review (September 1985) 53(3)

Nebraska Bird Review

Published quarterly in March, June, September, and December by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union, Inc., as its official journal and sent to all members who are not in arrears for dues. Subscriptions (on calendar year basis only) are $10.00 per year in the United States, $12.00 per year in Canada and Mexico, and $12.50 per year in all other countries, payable in advance. Single copies are $3.00 each, postpaid, in the United States; $3.50 elsewhere.

Memberships (on a calendar year basis only): Students, $.3.00; Active, $7.00; Sustaining, $15.00; Family Sustaining, $20.00; Life, $100.00.

All dues and subscriptions should be remitted to …

1985 (Sixtieth) Spring Occurrence Report

Nebraska Bird Review

Two hundred ninety-two species, plus Clark’s Nutcracker, for which no specific dates were reported, and Lapland Longspur, which was not recorded, are listed in this report, from 22 locations. The comparable figures for 1984 are 293 and one possible, from 13 locations; 1983 288 and 2 possibles from 13; and 1982 287 from 15 locations.

Multiple Paternity In A Territorial Passerine: The Bobolink, Thomas A. Gavin, Eric K. Bollinger

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Electrophoretic and behavioral evidence corroborate the conclusion that Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) females occasionally copulate with more than one male, which results in the insemination of a single clutch of eggs by those males. In 2 of 12 families from which blood samples were obtained from the mother, the putative father, and the nestlings, at least 2 males were responsible for fertilization of the clutch. We believe this is only the second bird species in which multiple paternity has been documented conclusively in the wild. Our speculation that it may not be uncommon leads to a caution for evolutionary biologists who …

Multiple Paternity In A Territorial Passerine: The Bobolink, Thomas Gavin, Eric Bollinger

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Electrophoretic and behavioral evidence corroborate the conclusion that Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) females occasionally copulate with more than one male, which results in the insemination of a single clutch of eggs by those males. In 2 of 12 families from which blood samples were obtained from the mother, the putative father, and the nestlings, at least 2 males were responsible for fertilization of the clutch. We believe this is only the second bird species in which multiple paternity has been documented conclusively in the wild. Our speculation that it may not be uncommon leads to a caution for evolutionary biologists who …

Observations Of The Barred Owl In Southeastern Nebraska, Steve Shupe

Nebraska Bird Review

The status of the Barred Owl (Strix varia) in Nebraska has been questioned for several years. The concern rests mainly with the continued depletion of deep forest habitat which has threatened the very existence of this magnificent raptor. During a three-year study of the Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) and Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), Barred Owls were encountered at various times. It seemed appropriate to accumulate some data on the birds; however, because of their precarious status only limited ecological information was collected.

In 1983 seven nest sites were located within the study area …

Possible Addition Of The Prairie Skink To The Diet Of The Common Grackle, Louis A. Somma

Nebraska Bird Review

On 8 June 1984, at the intersection of California Street and the Union Pacific railroad tracks, just west of Saddle Creek Road in Omaha, a Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscala) was seen flying approximately 2 m above the observer, with a large adult prairie skink, (Eumeces septentrionalis) (Reptilia; Sauria) in its bill. The Grackle had difficulty flying, since the skink was somewhat heavy and struggling violently, The Grackle dropped to the ground about 7 m away and released the lizard. The skink lay on its back, twitching slightly. The distal half of its tail was missing. The …

Masthead From Nebraska Bird Review (June 1985) 53(2)

Nebraska Bird Review

Published quarterly in March, June, September, and December, by the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union, Inc., as its official journal and sent to all members who are not in arrears for dues. Subscriptions (on a calendar-year basis only) are $10.00 per year in the United States, $12.00 per year in Canada and Mexico, and $12.50 per year in all other countries, payable in advance. Single copies are $3.00 each, postpaid, in the United States, $3.50 elsewhere.

Memberships (on a calendar-year basis only): Students, $3.00; Active, $7.00; Sustaining, $15.00; Family Active, $10.00; Family Sustaining, $20.00; Life, $100.00.

All dues and subscriptions should be …

Nebraska Bird Review (June 1985) 53(2), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

The Historic Breeding Distribution of the Least Tern in Nebraska … 26

Possible Addition of the Prairie Skink to the Diet of the Common Grackle … 36

Observations of the Barred Owl in Southeastern Nebraska … 37

The Eighty-fourth Annual Meeting … 38

Notes … 39

“Notes” From Nebraska Bird Review (June 1985) 53(2)

Nebraska Bird Review

DESOTO NWR. Our Independent Science Research class at Laurel-Concord High School, led by Ed Brogie, took a field trip to DeSoto NWR 3 November 1984. We spotted two species listed as “rare” on the NWR checklist: Western Grebe and Lesser Golden-Plover; and one not listed for fall: Water Pipit.—Paul L. Pearson, Wakefield

CLAY COUNTY. Here are some observations Joe Gabig, Ross Lock, and I made 22 September 1984 at Harvard Marsh, just west of the town of Harvard.

NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION MIDWINTER EAGLE SURVEY. The NWF survey was initiated in January 1979 as a means of monitoring the nation’s wintering …

The Eighty-Fourth Annual Meeting

Nebraska Bird Review

About 75 people participated in at least one of the events at the eighty-fourth Annual Meeting, held 18 and 19 May 1985 at the Eastern Nebraska 4-H Camp, adjacent to Schramm State Park, between Louisville and Gretna, in Sarpy County. There was the usual slide show Friday night. Saturday morning was available for birding. In the afternoon the following papers were presented:

Waterfowl Production in the Rainwater Basins—Robin Harding, Department of Biology, Kearney State College

Age and Reproductive Success in Northern Orioles—Thomas Labedz, Nebraska State Museum

A Comparative Analysis of Long-eared Owl Pellets—Russell Benedict and Ray Korpi, presented by Ray …

"Notes," From Nebraska Bird Review (March 1985) 53(1).

Nebraska Bird Review

Notes

Corrections to 1983 Nebraska Nesting Survey. The "Y" for Great-tailed Grackle in the Scotts Bluff column (NBR 52:50) should be for Common Grackle. This cuts the "No Nest Cards" entry for the county to 3, and the total species to 18. No change in the state figures.

Red Crossbill. On a science club outing to the Niobrara River in Keya Paha Co. we saw a Red Crossbill in the pines, 26 May 1984.

-Mike Erickson

"1984 Treasurer's Report," From Nebraska Bird Review (March 1985) 53(1).

Nebraska Bird Review

1984 Nebraska Ornithologists' Union Treasurer's Report.

1984 (Twenty-Seventh) Fall Occurrence Report

Nebraska Bird Review

Two hundred seventy-eight species (plus the possibility that the Empidonax species was not one listed) from twelve locations are listed in this report. Comparable figures for previous years are 262 species from 10 locations in 1983, 269 species from 10 localities in 1982, and 277 species from 14 locations in 1981.

The information is presented in a rough west (left) to east (right) order, with locations of about the same longitude listed with the northernmost first. Two dates indicate the first and last records for the period.

"Book Reviews," From Nebraska Bird Review (March 1985) 53(1).

Nebraska Bird Review

A Birdwatcher's Miscellany, edited by Rob Hume, 192 pp. 5.5 x 8.75, Blandford Press, UK, Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., New York, bibliography, indexed, hardbound.

This is a collection of short (about a three page maximum) comments on birds in the field, by British authors from 1836 to 1983, with many line drawings from similar sources. The instances are primarily from the British Isles, with a few from other parts of the world. These are grouped by Familiar Birds, Seabirds and Islands, Birds of Prey, Wildfowl, and Waders and Wilderness. Each individual selection can be read separately, so it is …

"1984 Christmas Count," From Nebraska Bird Review (March 1985) 53(1).

Nebraska Bird Review

Ninety-nine species (seven more than last year) were reported on the 1984 Christmas Count, and two species (compared to three last year) were reported as present during the count period but not recorded on the count day on any count. The same eight localities reported in both years. Eighteen species were reported on all counts this year, compared to thirteen last year. The total individual count this year was 345,052; in 1983 it was 43,652, but in 1982 it was 302,646. Almost 74% of this year's count was due to the concentration of Red-wings in Omaha; in 1982 the high …

Masthead From Nebraska Bird Review (March 1985) 53(1).

Nebraska Bird Review

Published quarterly in March, June, September, and December by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union, Inc. as its official journal and sent free to all members who are not in arrears for dues. Subscriptions (on calendar year basis only) are $7.00 per year in the United States and $9.00 per year in all other countries payable in advance. Single copies are $2.25 each, postpaid.

Three Species Of Siberian Geese Seen In Nebraska, Rick Wright, Alan Grenon

Nebraska Bird Review

At about 3:00 PM on 29 December 1984, while participating in the DeSoto NWR Christmas Count, Betty Grenon, David Starr, and the authors, Rick Wright and Alan Grenon, flushed from near the west shore of the DeSoto Cut-off (Washington County, Nebraska) a party of seven Greater White-fronted Geese. With these seven geese was one distinctly larger, which drew our attention as the small flock flew above us for about five minutes. The larger bird displayed obvious damage to or loss of primaries on each wing, making it easier for the four of us to concentrate our observations on it and …

Nebraska Bird Review (March 1985) 53(1), Whole Issue.

Nebraska Bird Review

Table of Contents

Treasurer's Report .................2

Three Species of Siberian Geese Seen in Nebraska .................3

1984 (Twenty-seventh) Fall Occurrence Report .................5

1984 Christmas Count .................18

Book Reviews .................23

Notes................. 24

A Land Resource Survey Of The Fall Point Coastline, Broome, W.A., P A. Hesp, P J. Curry

Resource management technical reports

The purpose of this study was to find a suitable location for a bird observatory and provide adequate coastal land resource data for the area. The main selection criteria and conditions were: the location was closely adjacent to major wader roosting and feeding sites; all-seasons access was required; the location provided a site of around 2 1/2 hectares to provide space for one or more buildings, camp ground and associated facilities ; anticipated access tracks, site developments and levels of use.

Comparative Nutritive Value Of Soybean Meal, Sunflower Meal, And Meat And Bone Meal For Egg Production, Smart M. Oruseibio

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Two experiments were conducted over a period of two years to evaluate the comparative nutritive value of soybean meal, sunflower meal, and meat and bone meal. Experiment 1 consisted of 864 Babcock--3OO pullets randomly distributed into twelve diet treatments. Each treatment was replicated six-times with twelve birds per unit. Layers diets were formulated at 16, 14, and 12% protein levels with and without amino acid supplementation. The 12% amino acid supplemented level served as the control in the experiment. Soybean meal, sum-lower meal, and eat_ and bone meal were utilized as major sources of protein supplement in yellow-corn based diets. …

Nebraska Bird Review (December 1984) 52(4), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

An Exceptional “Fall” Migration of Shorebirds along the Big Bend Reach of the Platte River … 70

1984 Fall Field Day … 71

Least Tern Eggs in Nests of the Piping Plover … 72

Nesting Common Moorhen in Lancaster County … 74

Cattle Egrets and White-faced Ibises Nesting at Valentine Refuge … 6

Notes … 76

Index of Volume 52 … 78

“Notes” From Nebraska Bird Review (December 1984) 52(4)

Nebraska Bird Review

EARLY NESTING WOOD DUCKS. On 7 May 1983 I found a female Wood Duck with newly hatched ducklings at Cedar Island, a property along the Platte River in Sarpy County owned by Metropolitan Utilities District.—Ruth C. Green, Bellevue

GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER NEST. On 20 June 1984 I saw Great Crested Flycatchers nesting in a bluebird box. This was at Beaver Lake, Cass Co.—Ruth C. Green, Bellevue

LAZULI BUNTING. I saw a male Lazuli Bunting by the railroad tracks at the foot of Child’s Hollow in Fontenelle Forest, Sarpy County, on 14 May 1984.—Ray Korpi, Bellevue

GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW IN BOX BUTTE …

An Exceptional "Fall" Migration Of Shorebirds Along The Big Bend Reach Of The Platte River, Gary R. Lingle, Thomas E. Labedz

Nebraska Bird Review

The Big Bend reach of the Platte River extends about 80 miles from Overton to Chapman, Nebraska. This area is characterized by braided channels with numerous riverine islands bordered by cottonwoods (Populus deltoides) and willows (Salix spp.) along the high banks. Habitat between the high banks consists of open water, barren sandbars and mudflats, herbaceous islands, shrub islands, and floodplain forest.

Prolonged summer flows during 1983 were among the highest recorded this century; in excess of 20,000 cfs (cubic feet per second). Spring 1984 also consisted of high flows resulting in much scouring and shifting of …

Index To Volume 52

Nebraska Bird Review

Accipiter sp. 14

Adcock, Dorothy 18, 58

Alexander, George 17

Irene 17

Alfred, Norris 3, 23, 56

Allison, Mary 18

Anderson, RoseAnn 17

Sheridan 17

Ardinger, Bruce 18

Arrowhead (plant) 21

Avocet, American 6, 30, 55(2), 76

. . .

Yellowlegs, Greater 6, 30, 55, 60, 70, 71

Lesser 6, 30, 55, 70, 71

Yellowthroat, Common 11, 33, 40, 41, 50, 64

Zeillemaker, C. Fred 26, 28(6), 29(4), 30(5), 31(3), 32(6), 33, 34(5)

Melly 26