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Nebraska Bird Review (September 1997) 65(3), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

Summer Field Report, June-July 1997 … 102

1996 (Eighth) Report of the NOU Records Committee … 115

Notes on Bird Sightings in Nebraska … 126

International Shorebird Survey Report for southeastern Nebraska - Spring 1997 … 127

Mountain Plover Nest in Kimball County … 131

Whooping Crane Sightings during March-May 1997 Migration … 132

Shorebird Migration in the Eastern Rainwater Basin - Spring 1997 … 133

Two Hybrid Diving Ducks at Cunningham Lake, Douglas County … 135

Spring 1997 Bird Counts during Tristate Meeting, and for North Platte - Lincoln County … 137

Remembering Doris Gates, a Great Teacher … …

Birds Of The Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area, Timothy M. Bergin

Nebraska Bird Review

The Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area (LOSRA) is located immediately downstream from Lake McConaughy, which was formed by the construction of Kingsley Dam across the North Platte River, and includes riparian woodland, shrubland, grassland, marsh, sandbeach, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Birds were surveyed in LOSRA from 1988 to 1992 and censused in the southwest campground of LOSRA from late May to mid-July during the 1991 and 1992 breeding seasons. Seventy-five bird species (56 terrestrial and 19 aquatic) were observed, including several hybridizing species. Thirty-one terrestrial species inhabited the southwest campground, but only 60% of these were counted during biweekly censuses; …

Red-Necked Grebe At Sutherland Reservoir, Stephen J. Dinsmore, Joel G. Jorgensen

Nebraska Bird Review

On 26 September 1996, we saw and photographed a Red-necked Grebe at Sutherland Reservoir in Lincoln County. When we arrived at the northwest end of the lake, Dinsmore noticed a slightly smaller, bigger-headed grebe resting with a couple of Western Grebes. Both of us immediately recognized the bird as a Red-necked grebe. We studied it at close range from 2:43-3:17 p.m. CST. Compared to a Western Grebe, in addition to the size differences mentioned above, this bird was shorter-necked. The mantle was dark gray with some brown flecking. The flanks were grayish. The foreneck was very buffy, almost reddish in …

A George Miksch Sutton Bibliography, Paul A. Johnsgard

Nebraska Bird Review

Members of the Nebraska ornithologists' Union often do not realize that the reason a George Miksch Sutton sketch of a burrowing owl is used as the logo of our organization, and also appears on the cover of every issue of The Nebraska Bird Review, is because Dr. Sutton was a native Nebraskan. He was born in Bethany (now part of northeastern Lincoln) in 1898, and several years of his childhood were spent there before the family left the state permanently. In spite of Dr. Sutton's great influence on American ornithology and bird art, no bibliography of his writings has …

Masthead From Nebraska Bird Review (June 1997) 65(2)

Nebraska Bird Review

The Nebraska Bird Review is pUblished quarterly in Marc~ June, September, and December by the Nebraska Ornithologists1 Union, Inc., as its official journal, and is sent to members not in arrears for dues. Annual sUbscription rates (on a calendar-ye~ basis only): $12.50 in the united states, $15.00 in Canada and Mexico, and $17.50 for all other countries, payable in advance. Single copies are $4.00 each, postpaid, in the united states, and $5.00 elsewhere. Send orders for back issues to Mary H. Pritchard, NOU Librarian, University of Nebraska State Museum, Lincoln, NE 68588-0514.

"Notes On Nebraska Bird Sightings," From Nebraska Bird Review (June 1997) 65(2)., John Dinan

Nebraska Bird Review

Lapland Longspurs Road Kill. The 10 April 1997 snowstorm had some devastating effects on Lapland Longspurs in northeast Nebraska. Tom Welstead, Wildlife Biologist in Norfolk, reported counting 103 dead birds in 0.6 miles on Highway 121 south of Battle Creek. Other unconfirmed reports of numerous dead birds on the roads were suspected to be longspurs also. While the extent of the kill was unknown, it may have been widespread. Tom also reported seeing dead birds in the parking lot of a Quick Shop in Burwell days later, apparently deposited by falling from the grilles of vehicles after they had …

Nou Fall Count 1996; Namc Count In Two Counties 10 May 1997

Nebraska Bird Review

The NOU count during Fall Field Days 27-28 September 1996 was centered at the Nebraska National Forest (NNF) , which is mostly in Thomas County, and also included Thomas outside the forest and three other counties: Cherry, Brown, and Blaine (see Table 1). The total number of species was 116 compared to 103 for the same area about 10 days later in 1995. Twelve species seen in 1995 were absent in 1996, and 22 species seen in 1996 were absent in 1995.

North American Migration Counts (NAMC) for Boone and Sarpy Counties on 10 May 1997 are included in Table …

Spring Field Report, March-May 1997, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

First a correction: in the Fall Seasonal Report (NBR 63:101) the account on Whooping Crane listed 2 reports 25 November; these should have been 25 October.

This report includes observations, designated (B), reported to the Nebraska Birdline (402-292-5325), operated by Loren and Babs Padelford. While these are anonymous submissions, many are reported to us subsequently by the original observers; those which are not but are significant but unsubstantiated, are indicated herein as such by a phrase like "no details submitted". We have also used this phrase for other unsubstantiated reports herein. Hopefully, observers involved will send us a few …

Nebraska Bird Review (June 1997) 65(2), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

A George Miksch Sutton Bibliography … 46

Birds of the Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area … 59

NOU Fall Count 1996; NAMC Count in Two Counties 10 May 1997 … 67

Table for NOU Fall Count and NAMC Spring Count … 68

Notes on Bird Sightings in Nebraska … 73

Spring Field Report, March-May 1997 … 74

Observers for Spring Field Report … 99

Red-necked Grebe at Sutherland Reservoir … 99

Survey Of Bald And Golden Eagles In Nebraska

Nebraska Bird Review

John Dinan, Nongame Bird Program Manager, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2200 N. 33rd st., P.O. Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503-0370 (phone: 402/471-0641; Fax: 402/471-5528), supplied the results of the 1997 (January 1-15) Bald and Golden Eagle surveys, with six organizations and twelve individuals participating.

Conditions for 1997 survey: Temperatures ranged from 8 to 35°F. The Niobrara River had 50-100% ice cover except the upper portion, which was mostly open. The unchannelized portion of the Missouri River was 90-100% ice-covered, but the channelized portion was open and was carrying floating ice below Tekamah. The Platte River had 50-90% ice …

The Nebraska Ornithologists' Union, Inc. Treasurer's Annual Report 12/31/96, Elizabeth Grenon

Nebraska Bird Review

Treasurer's Annual Report 12/31/96

The Nebraska Ornithologists' Union Executive Committee Highlights Of Meeting, 28 September 1996, Robin Harding

Nebraska Bird Review

The meeting was held at the Nebraska National Forest near Halsey during Fall Field Days.

Betty Grenon, Treasurer, indicated that Dr. and Mrs. R. G. Cortelyou gave many items to N.O.U. when they moved to Mercer Island, WA. The funds from contributions for these items will be used to establish a scholarship fund to recruit new members. The scholarship recipient will get an all-expenses-paid trip to an N.O.U. meeting. Details will be worked out later.

Neal Ratzlaff, President, said that N.O.U. has 501 C3 status and is recognized by the federal government as a nonprofit organization.

The status of the …

Nebraska Christmas Bird Count For 1996

Nebraska Bird Review

The official count period for the 97th National Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count was 20 December 1996 through 5 January 1997. One location (Harlan County) conducted counts outside the official period.

The numerical data are presented in Table 1 (pages 28-34) in a west (left) to east (right) order for nine locations in Nebraska. Unusual species that were underlined in the individual reports are marked by an asterisk (*) before the number in a particular column, and unusual numbers underlined in the reports are shown in bold. For Bald Eagles, the total number, which is given first, includes any adults …

Notes On Bird Sightings In Nebraska March 1997, Ruth C. Green, Alice Kenitz, Joel G. Jorgensen, Stephen J. Dinsmore

Nebraska Bird Review

Albino Eastern Bluebirds. On 24 July 1996, I banded two totally white Eastern Bluebirds in Sarpy County, Nebraska. These two birds were in a nest with two other normally plumaged siblings. They were not only white-plumaged, their feet and bills were white and the eyes were a pinkish-red. They were just as well developed as the two normal birds and were ready to fledge, which they did the following day.

I believe these birds fit the description of total albinism as defined by John K. Terres in The Audubon Encyclopedia of North American Birds. He defines total albinism …

Bald Eagle Counts At Two Central Nebraska Public Power And Irrigation District Facilities, Mark M. Peyton, Rodger Knaggs

Nebraska Bird Review

Since 1988, the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District (Central) has provided free access to the public at its Johnson #2 (J-2) Hydroelectric Plant south of Lexington, Dawson County, and the use of spotting scopes and binoculars to view Bald Eagles foraging and perching along the tailrace of the plant. Central also provided a small trailer from 1990-95 for viewing Bald Eagles near the outlet of the Kingsley Hydroelectric Plant at Lake Ogallala in Keith County. In 1996, Central completed construction of a permanent viewing facility at this location. Central provides personnel at both locations to answer questions and …

Winter Field Report, December 1996-February 1997, W. Ross Silcock, Joel G. Jorgensen

Nebraska Bird Review

First, we wish to thank Larry Malone (LKM) for his excellent and detailed reports over the last 3 years or so. The reporting from western Nebraska has been greatly enhanced through Larry's efforts. Larry has retired from his position as Superintendent of NPNWR and CLNWR and we wish him luck.

Interesting features of this winter report include a few rarities such as Barrow's Goldeneye, Greater Yellowlegs, Mew Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Inca Dove, a “montane invasion” of such species as Steller's Jay, Clark's Nutcracker, Mountain Chickadee, Bohemian Waxwing, Gray-crowned Rosy-finch, and Cassin's Finch, birds rare in midwinter such as Red-breasted …

"The Official List Of The Birds Of Nebraska, Joseph A. Gubanyi

Nebraska Bird Review

The Official List of the Birds of Nebraska was last published in 1988 (NOU Records Committee 1988). That list included 406 species whose occurrence in Nebraska had been documented to the satisfaction of the NOU Records Committee at that time, following the sequence and nomenclature as outlined by the American ornithologists' Union (1983, 1985, 1987). The present list includes 427 species based on all changes to the Official List of the Birds of Nebraska as determined by the NOU Records Committee (Mollhoff 1989; Grenon 1990,1991; Gubanyi 1996a, 1996b, 1997; Brogie 1997), as well as sequence and taxonomic changes made by …

Nebraska Bird Review (March 1997) 65(1), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

Table of Contents

Nebraska Ornithologists' Union Treasurer's Annual Report ... 2

The Official List of the Birds of Nebraska ... 3

Winter Field Report, December 1996-February 1997 ... 17

Nebraska Christmas Bird Count for 1996 ... 27

1997 Survey of Bald and Golden Eagles in Nebraska ... 36

Bald Eagle Counts at Two Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District Facilities ... 40

Notes on Bird Sightings in Nebraska ... 41

Nebraska Ornithologists' Union Executive Committee Meeting Highlights, 28 September 1996 ... 43

Whooping Crane Sightings, August-December 1996, Steven Anschutz

Nebraska Bird Review

Based on observations of the breeding grounds during the summer of 1996, about 170 Whooping Cranes were expected to arrive at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas during the fall. The first arrival (two birds) was confirmed on 23 October. A total of 158 birds (143 adults/subadults and 15 young) were wintering at Aransas 1996-97. As of 16 January 1997, six adults and eight subadults, of the number anticipated, had not arrived at the refuge.

The first recorded dates for confirmed observations of migrating Whooping Cranes were 2 August in Canada and 22 September in the United States. The …

1995 (Seventh) Report Of The Nou Records Committee, Joseph A. Gubanyi

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 birds was last published in 1988 (NOU Records Committee 1988), and has been appended five times (Mollhoff 1989, Grenon 1990, 1991, Gubanyi 1996a, 1996b).

This report includes accounts submitted during the calendar year 1995 and covering records with accession numbers 396-450, 480-490. All records mentioned here will be available to interested persons at the …

Index From Nebraska Bird Review (December 1996)

Nebraska Bird Review

INDEX TO VOLUME 64

Alexander, George 25. 33. 34 Irene 25, 33, 34

Alfred, Norris 34 Allen, Betty 25, 82 Reid 25

Another Common Crane in Nebraska
with a Summary of North
American Records 80

....

Yellowlegs, Greater 50, 85, 94, 113
Lesser 50, 85, 94, 113

Yellowthroat, Common 63, 88, 101, 123

Zwink, Duane 24

Masthead And Table Of Contents From Nebraska Bird Review (December 1996) 64(4)

Nebraska Bird Review

Table of Contents

Fall Field Report, August-November 1996 ... 106

Observers for Fall Field Report ... 129

Whooping Crane Sightings, August-December 1996 ... 129

Notes on Bird Sightings in Nebraska ... 130

1995 (Seventh) Report of the NOU Records Committee ... 132

Book Review ... 138

Index to Volume 64 (compiled by R. G. Cortelyou) ... 139

"Notes On Bird Sightings In Nebraska," From Nebraska Bird Review (December 1996)

Nebraska Bird Review

House Finches. This species has been appearing at my backyard feeders, 10 to 30 feet from our window, for several years, increasing in number each year. They came nearly every day in 1996 except during a period that I associate with post-breeding molt. Numbers varied from one to a maximum of 17 at one time, with 11 counted for the 1996 Christmas Bird Count. We commonly use 7-8 power binoculars to look for a rare Purple Finch. House Finches are noticeably smaller than House Sparrows and slightly larger than American Goldfinches, and feed with both species.

Males have varied in …

"Book Review," From Nebraska Bird Review (December 1996) 64(4), Hazel Scheiber

Nebraska Bird Review

This book contains 18 essays based on observations Miss Sherman made on a farm in northeastern Iowa six miles west of the Mississippi River, near McGregor. The essays were given at meetings of scientific societies (she belonged to 15) or were published in their journals, and included such titles as "Feeding Winter Birds" and "Experiments in Feeding Hummingbirds During Seven Summers." She was recognized for her knowledge of birds, and her forceful and pungent wit.

Miss Sherman was born on the Iowa farm in 1853 and died there in 1943. She was an artist and teacher for the first 20 …

Fall Field Report, August-November 1996, W. Ross Silcock, Joel G. Jorgensen

Nebraska Bird Review

This fall we received numerous excellent reports from which to compile this summary. Most parts of the state are covered, except the southwest and north central, although many observers at least pass through those areas. A note about details on unusual observations. The new NOU Field Card, which can be ordered by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the NOU Librarian, Univ of Nebraska State Museum, Lincoln, NE 68588-0514, indicates species that need complete documentations, mostly casual and accidental species. However, we realize that information about early and late migration dates, and rarity in the west or east is not …

Nebraska Bird Review (December 1996) 64(4), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

Fall Field Report, August–November 1996 … 106

Observers for Fall Field Report … 129

Whooping Crane Sightings, August–December 1996 … 129

Notes on Bird Sightings in Nebraska … 130

1995 (Seventh) Report of the NOU Records Committee … 132

Book Review … 138

Index to Volume 64 (compiled by R. G. Cortelyou) … 139

A Late Baird's Sandpiper In Keith County, Stephen J. Dinsmore

Nebraska Bird Review

On 23 December 1994, Gordon Brown and I were walking the North Platte River below Keystone Dam as part of the Lake McConaughy Christmas Bird Count (CBC). At approximately 8:30 a.m. MST, about 0.5 mi below the dam, we observed a group of 8 Killdeer and a smaller shorebird, which we immediately recognized as a "peep." We studied the bird for about 30 minutes at distances as close as 40 feet and then returned in the afternoon to photograph it. The size and black legs immediately eliminated Least Sandpiper, and the dark rump eliminated White-rumped Sandpiper. The remaining possibilities were …

Nebraska Ornithologists' Union Annual Meeting 18 May 1996, Robin Harding

Nebraska Bird Review

The 1997 Annual Meeting will be held jointly with the South Dakota and Iowa Ornithologists' Unions in South Sioux City, NE 16-18 May.

Neal Ratzlaff, President, reported on several items. Funds are being sought to publish the Breeding Bird Atlas for Nebraska. The new NOU Field Cards of Nebraska Birds are ready for distribution. The Wildlife Diversity Funding Initiative is on hold because some companies are afraid of increasing their prices. NOU members were encouraged to urge Cabela's to support the Initiative. [See NBR 63 (3) 1995, p. 91 for details.]

A request was received from Fermata, Inc., which has …

A Review Of The Status Of Limnodromus Griseus, The Short-Billed Dowitcher, In Nebraska, Joel Jorgensen

Nebraska Bird Review

The two North American dowitchers are notoriously difficult to distinguish from each other. This is not only true of field observations, but there are several instances where a specimen identified as one species was found to be the other upon review. Limnodromus scolopaceus, the Long-billed Dowitcher, has always been considered the common dowitcher in Nebraska, while Limnodromus griseus, the Short-billed Dowitcher, is less common. Confusion about identification and the lack of consistent, well-documented records have caused the status of L. griseus in Nebraska to be a matter of speculation.

Taxonomy of dowitchers was for some time confused. Studies …

Another Common Crane In Nebraska With A Summary Of North American Records, Gary Lingle

Nebraska Bird Review

On 30 March 1996 around 1000 h CST, Bob Janssen and Jim Williams of Minnetonka, Minnesota, discovered a Common Crane (Grus grus) feeding in corn stubble with a flock of Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis) in Section 34 T9R10 Hall County, Nebraska. The Commom Crane associated with the Sandhill Cranes, which were at peak numbers in the Platte River valley. Later that day, several observers, including myself, witnessed the bird in section 32 about 500 yards away, where it mingled with a few hundred Sandhill Cranes. The difficulty in seeing this bird was illustrated by the fact …