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Subscription And Organization Information [June 2005]

Nebraska Bird Review

The Nebraska Bird Review is published quarterly by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union, Inc., as its official journal and is sent to members not in arrears of dues. Annual subscription rates (on a calendar-year basis only): $15 in the United States, $18 in Canada, and $30 in all other countries, payable in advance. Single copies are $4 each, postpaid, in the United States, $5 in Canada, and $8 elsewhere. Send orders for back issues to Mary Lou Pritchard, NOU Librarian, c/o University of Nebraska State Museum, W-436 Nebraska Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0514.

Memberships in the NOU (on a calendar-year basis only): …

Annual Meeting At Calamus Reservoir

Nebraska Bird Review

The 106th Annual Meeting of the NOU was held on May 13–15, 2005, at the Calamus Lodge near Burwell. Sixty-four members and guests were in attendance.

The slate of candidates presented by the nominating committee was accepted by the members present. The officers elected were Dave Heidt, president (replacing Alice Kenitz), Urban Lehner, vice-president (replacing Dave Heidt), Betty Grenon, treasurer, Kevin Poague, secretary (replacing Mitzi Fox), Mary Lou Pritchard, librarian, Loren Padelford, director, and Janis Paseka, editor.

Friday evening's speaker was Scott Taylor, Upland Game Program Manager for Nebraska Game and Parks, who spoke about current upland game bird research …

2004-05 Christmas Bird Counts In Nebraska

Nebraska Bird Review

The addition of a new count encompassing Ponca State Park brings our total reported Nebraska counts to twelve this year. A total of 199 field counters and 20 feeder watchers participated. Temperatures were average, DeSoto being the cold spot, and precipitation was minimal.

This was the first year Cackling Geese were reported, following the recent split of Canada and Cackling Geese; a total of 70 were counted in 6 circles. American Wigeon numbers have been rising steadily on Nebraska CBCs, and the trend continued this year with 819 counted, a 25-year high. Three White-winged Scoters were found at Lake Mcconaughy, …

The 2003-2004 Nebraska Nest Report, Wayne J. Mollhoff

Nebraska Bird Review

Due to the fact that I was recalled to active duty by the US Army, I have been out of the state for the past two years. Hence, the number of observations made will be much abbreviated, and the usual comments on climatic conditions will be more limited.

A brief visit to the western Panhandle in June 2003 revealed that at least the southwestern Panhandle received enough rain to grow a crop of wheat, and there was more grass on the hills than in the previous several years. Despite this, some other parts of the state, especially the western Republican …

Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union Treasurer’S Report 2004

Nebraska Bird Review

One-page spreadsheet constituting the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union treasurer's report at year end (December 31) of 2004. The grand total is $51,716.19.

New Westward Breeding Records For Eastern Towhees In Central Nebraska, William C. Scharf

Nebraska Bird Review

The current breeding range of Eastern Towhees (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) in Nebraska is described as westward to a line from Cedar Co through Platte, Hall, and Harlan Cos (NBR 64: 124, Sharpe et al. 2001). Frequent recent sightings of Eastern Towhees during the breeding season have been made from more westward locations. A few reports are from Lincoln Co., 5 June 2004 by TJ Walker (NBR 72: 91), and Dawson Co., 13 May 2004 by Laurel Badura (NBR 72: 55). In contrast to the capture data presented here, none of the sightings is corroborated with breeding …

Subscription And Organization Information [March 2005]

Nebraska Bird Review

The Nebraska Bird Review is published quarterly by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union, Inc., as its official journal and is sent to members not in arrears of dues. Annual subscription rates (on a calendar-year basis only): $15 in the United States, $18 in Canada and $30 in all other countries, payable in advance. Single copies are $4 each, postpaid, in the United States, $5 in Canada, and $8 elsewhere. Send orders for back issues to Mary Lou Pritchard, NOU Librarian, c/o University of Nebraska State Museum, W-436 Nebraska Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0514.

Memberships in the NOU (on a calendar-year basis only): …

In Memory Of Dr. Rushton G. Cortelyou

Nebraska Bird Review

The Nebraska Ornithologists' Union lost a longtime member and friend on May 2, 2004, when Dr. Rushton Cortelyou passed away just 16 days shy of his 98th birthday. He had been a member of the NOU for more than 50 years. He was preceded in death by Margaret, his wife of 68 years. Survivors include daughters Helen Linger and Carol Cortelyou, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Rusty’s membership in the NOU dates from 1953, and he contributed much to the organization. He served as president in 1962-64 and as editor of The Nebraska Bird Review from 1965 to 1990. As …

Habitat Associations Of Nebraska Birds, Paul A. Johnsgard, John Dinan

Nebraska Bird Review

In the fall of 2003 we set out to assign habitat associations to 363 species of birds that regularly occur in Nebraska for the purpose of evaluating the relative importance of each of Nebraska's major habitats to the state's breeding, migrating, and wintering birds. It is our hope that this information will (1) provide the first thorough investigation of Nebraska's birds and the habitats they use, and (2) provide a method for prioritizing the conservation of Nebraska's varied habitats for birds.

Nebraska Bird Review (March 2005) 73(1), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union Treasurer's Report 2004 ... 2

Winter Field Report, December 2004 to February 2005 ... 3

The 2003-2004 Nebraska Nest Report ... 15

Habitat Associations of Nebraska Birds ... 20

New Westward Breeding Records for Eastern Towhees in Central Nebraska ... 26

In Memory of Dr. Rushton G. Cortelyou ... 29

2004-05 Christmas Bird Counts in Nebraska ... 30

Subscription and Organization Information ... 43

Winter Field Report, December 2004 To February 2005, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

This winter was generally unremarkable except for the occurrence of good numbers of several species at the western edge of the state, notably Clark's Nutcracker, Pygmy Nuthatch, and Bohemian Waxwing. There were a couple of sightings of Mountain Chickadee and one of Cassin's Finch for good measure. All of the winter finches on the Nebraska list (except for Hoary Redpoll) appeared, most notably Pine Grosbeak, represented by two birds. One of these was in the southwest (Kansas had several reports) but the other was in the east, suggesting either multiple points of origin, or, as suggested by some in Kansas, …

Zur Nahrungsökologie Des Uhus Bubo Bubo In Der Mongolei = Feeding Ecology Of The Eagle Owl Bubo Bubo In Mongolia, Thomas Hoffmann, Michael Stubbe, D. Heidecke, R. Piechocki, R. Samjaa, J. Erfurt, D. Sumjaa

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

This paper presents further results on the food ecology of the eagle owl in western Mongolia for the years 1984 to 1992. Additional to the already known sites we investigated two new resting places. At least 27 mammal and 17 bird species were recorded. The results confirm previous studies. Small to medium sized mammals (Cricetidae, Dipodidae, Arvicolidae) dominate the prey of the eagle owl whereas birds and invertebrates are less important.

Avifaunistische Beobachtungen Im Westchentej, Ulrich Zöphel, Jochen Schulenberg, Wolf-Dieter Busching, Ingolf Todte

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

This paper reports the results of bird observations at four study sites with many different habitats in the western Chentej-mountains (forest steppe, taiga) at the end of the spring-migration and the beginning of the breeding time. Altogether 134 bird species were observed, about 107 of which are probably breeding birds. Additional birds were caught using 6 mist-nets. In this way 98 birds of 21 species were caught, measured, and ringed. Furthermore feathers have been collected (molting feathers and near two breeding places of Accipiter nisus).

The bird fauna of the larch forests shows a high species richness (108 species), …

Das Arteninventar Der Avifauna Der Mongolei Während Einer Nord-Süd-Durchquerung 1997, Tobias Stenzel, Michael Stubbe, R. Samjaa, Annegret Stubbe, C. Dulamsuren

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

Here we present a detailed report on bird biodiversity of ecosystems along a North-South transect through Mongolia in 1997whic h serves as a guideline for further research projects and training for students in all Mongolian vegetation zones from northern steppes to southern deserts.

Two hundred fifty-five bird species were observed between 21st of July and 10th of August 1997. The main study sites were located in the North the Selenge-Orchon-basin with meadows and dune woodlands 15 km southern from Suchbaatar, the Middle Gobi-Aimag with desert steppes and sajrs (covered with Ulmus pumila) and in the Bordzongijn-gobi in the South …

Quantitative Investigations On Bird Communities In Different Habitats In The Orkhon-Selenge-Valley In Northern Mongolia, Tobias Stenzel, Michael Stubbe, Ravčigijn Samjaa, Sundev Gombobaatar

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

In the breeding seasons 2001 to 2003, the avifauna of a study area of about 80 km² in the Selenge Aymag was studied.

The area is characterized by loose groves of elms (Ulmus pumila) and pine trees (Pinus sylvestris), and a chain of barchan dunes which separate the Orkhon valley from the up to 70 m higher situated forest steppe. Steppe species (Stipa spp.) dominate in the south; the northern steppe part is characterized by Caragana bushes (Caragana microphylla, locally C. stenophylla). Between Orkhon Gol and the eastern dunes, dry steppe …

Über Die Federmerkmale Der Mongolischen Sakerfalken Falco Cherrug Milvipes Im Vergleich Zu Den Westlichen Sakerfalken Der Unterart F. Ch. Cherrug Und Bemerkungen Über Die Gefiedermerkmale Des “Altaifalken”, Wolf-Dieter Busching

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

The different plumage characteristics of the Mongolian Saker Falco cherrug milvipes and the nominate race F. ch. cherrug are discussed. It could be shown that both races are polymorphic. According to Baumgart (1997), Sakers don’t need uniform plumages because they live on nearly blind voles. Due to that there seems to be no selection pressure from victims side. The same phenomenon is observable with Buteo buteo and the typical Mongolian Buteo hemilasius.

Whereas young Sakers of the nominate race cherrug equal more or less already adults, are the differences in the plumage of juv. and ad. milvipes great enough. …

The Greater Snow Goose (Chen Caerulescens Atlanticus) In Nebraska, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

Recently, Mr. William Lemburg of Cairo, Nebraska, in a letter to the Editor of the Nebraska Bird Review, noted the following: "I have a friend who does quite a bit of goose hunting. He remarked to me that during the spring snow goose season, he occasionally shoots an extra-large Snow. Thinking that maybe a few Greater Snows that winter along the Atlantic Coast may end up in the Central Flyway, I asked him to save the head of one if he bagged one the following season. This is about five years ago. The following season he did get one. …

Annual Meeting At Ogallala [June 2004]

Nebraska Bird Review

The Nebraska Ornithologists' Union 2004 Annual Meeting took place at Ogallala on May 14-16, with field trips centering around Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala. A total of 190 species was counted over the weekend. The low water level in Lake McConaughy provided excellent habitat for 21 species of waterfowl, 27 species of shorebirds, including nesting Snowy and Piping Plovers, and a Great Black-backed Gull. More surprising were the 17 warbler species, including Blue-winged, Northern Parula, Black-throated Green, Palm, Bay-breasted, and Kentucky. The meeting also offered participants the chance to study many eastern and western species pairs, including Rose-breasted and Black-headed …

The Nebraska Bird Review Whole Issue June 2004 Volume 72 Number 2

Nebraska Bird Review

Table of Contents

Spring Field Report, March-May 2004 by W. Ross Silcock ... 38

2003 (15th) Report of the NOU Records Committee compiled by Mark A. Brogie ... 59

NOU Records Committee Bylaws Change ... 65

Correction to the 2001 (13th) Report of the NOU Records Committee ... 65

Species for Which the NOU Records Committee Seeks Documentation ... 66

NOU Annual Meeting at Ogallala, May 14-16, 2004 ... 69

In Memory of George W. Brown by Neal Ratzlaff ... 74

Subscription and Organization Information ... 75

In Memory Of Olin Sewall Pettingill

Nebraska Bird Review

In Memory of Olin Sewall Pettingill

Olin Sewall Pettingill, Jr., Ph.D., renowned ornithologist and teacher, passed away December 11, 2001, in Bedford, Texas. He was 94.

Dr. Pettingill was born in Belgrade, Maine, on October 30, 1907. He graduated from Bowdoin College in 1930 and received a Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1933. Honorary doctor of science degrees were awarded by Bowdoin College in 1956, Colby College in 1979, and the University of Maine in 1982.

Dr. Pettingill taught ornithology at Carleton College for 17 years and at the University of Michigan Biological Station for 35 summers. He was director …

Subscription And Organization Information [December 2003]

Nebraska Bird Review

The Nebraska Bird Review is published quarterly by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union, Inc., as its official journal and is sent to members not in arrears of dues. Annual subscription rates (on a calendar-year basis only): $15 in the United States, $18 in Canada, and $30 in all other countries, payable in advance. Single copies are $4 each, postpaid, in the United States, $5 in Canada, and $8 elsewhere. Send orders for back issues to Mary Lou Pritchard, NOU Librarian, c/o University of Nebraska State Museum, W-436 Nebraska Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0514.

Memberships in the NOU (on a calendar-year basis only): …

Another Sandhill Crane Breeding Record In The Eastern Rainwater Basin, Joel G. Jorgensen

Nebraska Bird Review

Jorgensen (2002) recently summarized breeding-season occurrences of the Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) in the Eastern Rainwater Basin (eRWB). Summering birds were first detected in 1992 (The Nebraska Bird Review 60: 145). Breeding first occurred in 1994 with four additional nesting or breeding records in subsequent years. The most recent breeding records were in 1999 when breeding activity was detected at both Kissinger Basin Wildlife Management Area (WMA) (Hoffman 1999) and Harvard Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) (Silcock and Jorgensen 1999), both in Clay County. Since late 1999 the eRWB has experienced persistent drought. This has affected wetland conditions …

Breeding Black-Necked Stilts At Funk Waterfowl Production Area, Jeff Drahota

Nebraska Bird Review

On 21 July 2003, I was mapping wetland vegetation on Funk Waterfowl Production Area (WPA), Phelps County, when I encountered two adult Black-necked Stilts and two young on the Teal Unit, NE 1/4 of Section 16, T-6-N, R-17-W. I was using an airboat to map pockets of open water throughout the WPA. When I launched the airboat on the Teal Unit, I immediately noticed an adult Black-necked Stilt flying above the small pool. While driving the perimeter of this pool, I noticed two adult Black-necked Stilts continually flying over a small point of cattails surrounded by shallow water. As I …

Halsey Fall Field Days, Alice Kenitz

Nebraska Bird Review

Forty-one NOU members and friends gathered at the 4-H Camp at Halsey in the Nebraska National Forest on September 26–28, 2003, for the annual Fall Field Days. Fall colors were beautiful and the weather was generally good except for a brisk wind on Friday and Saturday. The ongoing drought was evident in the low level of lakes and ponds, with some of the smaller bodies of water being completely dry.

Index To Volume 71

Nebraska Bird Review

Index to Volume 71

Fall Field Report, August-November 2003, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

New in this Seasonal Report, direct from the American Ornithologists' Union (along with Wilson's Snipe, Rock Pigeon, etc.), is the modified checklist order, featuring geese, swans, and ducks at the beginning, followed by gallinaceous birds, then resuming the familiar order with loons.

Perhaps the most important use for these reports, in addition to their incorporation into the Southern Great Plains Region summary in North American Birds, is the noting of significant avian events in Nebraska. Some are of obvious importance, but the meaning of others is obscure, perhaps only to be revealed as subsequent reports show a trend, or …

Nebraska Bird Review (December 2003) 71(4), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

Fall Field Report, August–November 2003 ... 146

Breeding Black-necked Stilts at Funk Waterfowl Production Area ... 166

Another Sandhill Crane Breeding Record in the Eastern Rainwater Basin ... 167

Halsey Fall Field Days ... 169

Index to Volume 71 ... 173

Subscription and Organization Information ... 183

Subscription And Organization Information [September 2003]

Nebraska Bird Review

The Nebraska Bird Review is published quarterly by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union, Inc., as its official journal and is sent to members not in arrears of dues. Annual subscription rates (on a calendar-year basis only): $15 in the United States, $18 in Canada, and $30 in all other countries, payable in advance. Single copies are $4 each, postpaid, in the United States, $5 in Canada, and $8 elsewhere. Send orders for back issues to Mary Lou Pritchard, NOU Librarian, c/o University of Nebraska State Museum, W-436 Nebraska Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0514.

Memberships in the NOU (on a calendar-year basis only): …

Summer Field Report, June-July 2003, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

To begin on a sad note, I want to mention the passing of Roger Sharpe, senior author with Joel Jorgensen and me of Birds of Nebraska. Roger was great to work with, enthusiastic, and, of course, extremely knowledgeable in many areas. Joel and I both learned a lot from Roger, in different ways, not just ornithologically. We miss Roger.

This summer was, of course, hot and waterless. Any spot with water was a hotspot. Lake McConaughy, even more than usual, was worth a look, as were Sandhills ponds that generally fared well waterwise. Joel Jorgensen kept us posted on …

2002 (14th) Report Of The Nou Records Committee, Mark A. Brogie

Nebraska Bird Review

The functions and methods of the NOU Records Committee are described in its bylaws (NOU Records Committee 1986). The committee's purpose is to provide a procedure for documenting unusual bird sightings and to establish a list of all documented birds for Nebraska. "The Official List of the Birds of Nebraska" was first published in 1988 (NOU Records Committee 1988) and an update was published in 1997 (NOU Records Committee 1997).

The "Official List" has been appended twelve times: (Mollhoff 1989, Grenon 1990, 1991, Gubanyi 1996a, 1996b, 1996c, Brogie 1997,1998,1999, Jorgensen 2001, 2002, 2003). This report includes all accounts submitted during …