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Masthead From Nebraska Bird Review (December 1994)

Nebraska Bird Review

The Nebraska Bird Review is published quarterly in March, June, September, and December by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union, Inc., as its official journal, and is sent to members not in' arrears for dues. Annual subscription rates (on a calendar-year 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, NI 68588-0514.

"Notes On Bird Sightings In Nebraska," From Nebraska Bird Review (December 1994)

Nebraska Bird Review

Northern Waterthrush. At 9:35 a.m. on December 14, and again at 10:15 a.m. on December 21, 1994, I observed what I believe was the same bird on a Burlington Northern railroad embankment north of Gifford Road in Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue, NE. On December 14, I saw it for 7 seconds. It vocalized with a sharp "chink" as it hopped up on a fallen log, then vocalized again 6-7 seconds later as it jumped down into thick underbrush. It was silent on December 21, but I observed it for at least ten minutes as it walked at the foot of a …

Fall Field Report, August-November 1994, W. Ross Silcock, Richard C. Rosche

Nebraska Bird Review

The fall season is a long one in terms of bird movements. The SUMMER FIELD REPORT detailed the post-breeding wanderings of herons and the beginning of shorebird migration. This report covers the end of these and the southward movements of insectivorous passerines, mainly in August and September, while seedeaters such as sparrows follow, mainly in September and October. Waterfowl generally bring up the rear, moving south just ahead of the freeze-up.

The fall season is probably the most exciting time for rare bird enthusiasts, as young birds of many species wander, often aimlessly, at this time of year before they …

Whole Issue Nebraska Bird Review (December 1994) 62(4)

Nebraska Bird Review

Table of Contents

Fall Field Report, August - November, 1994 ......................126

Observers for Fall Field Report ......................149

Whooping Crane Sightings, August 1994 - January 1995 ......................149

Notes on Bird Sightings in Nebraska ......................150

Excerpts from Minutes of NOU Executive Committee Meeting......................151

Index to Volume 62......................152

Why Bird Numbers Are Dwindling, Ronald M. Case

Nebraska Bird Review

John Terborgh (1989) wrote a book entitled "Where Have All the Birds Gone?" and numerous other articles on the same theme. There was an article in the Lincoln, NE Sunday Journal-Star, June 19, 1994 concerning dwindling bird numbers on the grasslands. The answer to declining bird numbers is the degradation, fragmentation, and loss of habitats. Sometimes ornithologists disagree on whether the breeding habitats or wintering habitats are impacted most, yet there is nearly universal agreement that habitat is the key. Further evidence for the impact of humans on birds can be obtained by noting those species that are flourishing in …

Masthead From Nebraska Bird Review (September 1994)

Nebraska Bird Review

The Nebraska Bird Review is published quarterly in March, June, September, and December by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union, Inc., as its official journal, and is sent to members not in arrears for dues. Annual sUbscription rates (on a calendar-year 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.

Memberships in NOU (on a calendar year basis …

"Notes On Bird Sightings In Nebraska," From Nebraska Bird Review (September 1994)

Nebraska Bird Review

Trumpeter Swans and Lewis' Woodpeckers: While birding in western Nebraska August 1, 1994, Shirley and I observed a pair of Trumpeter Swans with five nearly grown cygnets. They were in a sandhills lake west of Whitman near the road. We also saw two Lewis' Woodpeckers in the burned-out area at Chadron State Park, but could not find them at Soldier Creek near Fort Robinson where we saw so many last year.

---- Lee Morris, RR1, Box 14, Benedict, NE 68316

More Trumpeter Swans: I was driving along Highway 2 on October 8, 1994 near Whitman, NE on one …

Nebraska Ornithologists' Union Fall Field Days, Sept. 9-11, 1994, Neal Ratzlaff

Nebraska Bird Review

A total of 118 species were seen by 60 Nebraska birders and a few from other states, in the Nebraska National Forest near Halsey, Thomas County where the Forest is located, and three other nearby counties, Blaine, Cherry, and Brown (see Table 1). There was a nice variety of forest, lake, riparian, wetland, and sandhill habitats. Notable sightings were a subadult Mississippi Kite in the camp area of the Forest and along the Middle Loup River west of the bridge, and a White-faced Ibis. Ruth Green banded House Wrens, 1 Gray Catbird, 1 Yellow-breasted Chat, 2 Rufous-sided Towhees, 64 Chipping …

Publications About Birds In Nebraska From Nebraska Bird Review (September 1994), Neal Ratzlaff

Nebraska Bird Review

Birds of the Lake McConaughy Area and the North Platte River Valley. Nebraska. The author is Richard C. Rosche, a long-time member of The Nebraska Ornithologists' Union (NOU), and the fine illustrations were done by Dorothy J. Rosche. The 119 page paper, which is in an 8 x 11½ spiral binder, is a detailed account of birdlife in the Lake Mcconaughy area, defined as the North Platte River Valley from Oshkosh on the west to Keystone on the east. The paper contains an annotated list of the 285 species known to have occurred in the region, with information on abundance …

Summer Field Report, June-July 1994, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

I (Ross Silcock) would like to point out that observers who have information which adds to, modifies, or corrects this report are urged to send it to me; it is better published late than not at all! I like to think of these reports as a team effort to advance Nebraska ornithology.

Two nesting phenomena were significant this year: the continuing presence of nesting Clark's Grebes at the west end of L. McConaughy, and the stunning increase in numbers of nesting Mississippi Kites in Ogallala. Perhaps missed by some (it was in the Spring report) was the suggestive presence through …

Whole Issue Nebraska Bird Review (September 1994) 62(3)

Nebraska Bird Review

Table of Contents

Summer Field Report, June - July, 1994 ……………….. 102

Observers for Summer Field Report ……………….. 115

Why Bird Numbers Are Dwindling............................... 116

Publications About Birds in Nebraska ……………….. 118

Bluebird Guide................................................ 118

Nebraska ornithologists' Union Fall Field Days, September 9-11, 1994 ……………….. 118

Table of Species Observed During NOU Fall Field Days, 1994 ……………….. 119

Notes on Bird Sightings in Nebraska ……………….. 122

Whooping Crane Sightings During Spring Migration, 1994, Steven Anschutz

Nebraska Bird Review

Between 1977 and 1988, 132 juvenile whooping cranes were color-marked on the breeding grounds; of these, 51 were accounted for during the winter of 1993-94. The 1994 spring population at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge was estimated to be between 135 and 138 birds depending on the fate of three banded birds last seen in December and January. By March 31, an estimated 23 cranes had begun to migrate, and a major crane departure took place on April 1-2. On May 3 and 9, a minimum of 15 and 9 cranes, respectively, remained at Aransas, the most ever observed that late …

Sarpy County, Ne 1994 Count For North American Migration Count, E. Grenon

Nebraska Bird Review

May 14, 1994. 30 observers (8 parties), 31.85 mi. on foot (47.25 hrs.), 266.40 mi. by car (21.75 hrs.), 2 owling parties (1 mi., 1 hr.). Temp.in 60's F, slight breeze, 80% overcast, rain A.M., 138 species, 5,987 individuals. The count follows.

3 Common Loons, 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 41 Double-crested Cormorants, 3 Great Blue Herons, 1 Cattle Egret, 7 Green-backed Herons, 58 Canada Geese, 160 Wood Ducks, 25 Mallards, 18 Blue-winged Teals, 1 Gadwall, 7 duck spp., 23 Turkey Vultures, 2 Red-shouldered Hawks, 4 Red-tailed Hawks, 3 American Kestrels, 13 Ring-necked Pheasants, 10 wild Turkeys, 6 Northern Bobwhites, 1 King …

Summary Of Minutes Of The Nebraska Ornithologists' Union 93rd Annual Business Meeting, Niobrara, Ne, May 21, 1994, Robin Harding

Nebraska Bird Review

The meeting was called to order by George Brown, President, and the Treasurer's report was presented by Colleen Babcock, Treasurer. It was announced that bird notes for The Nebraska Bird Review should be sent to Rosalind Morris, Editor, and quarterly occurrence reports to Ross silcock. The supply of NOU Field Cards of Nebraska Birds is exhausted. Motion by Gary Lingle, seconded by Eileen Paine, and passed, to print more field cards without revision and to adjust price to include sales tax. The State Revenue Department also requires an annual report of sales.

The Fall Meeting will be held September 9-11, …

Masthead From Nebraska Bird Review (June 1994) 62(2)

Nebraska Bird Review

The Nebraska Bird Review is published quarterly in March, June, September, and December by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union, Inc., as its official journal, and is sent to members not in arrears for dues. Annual subscription rates (on a calendar-year 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.

Memberships in NOU (on a calendar year basis …

Nebraska Ornithologists' Union Spring Meeting, 1994, Bill Huser

Nebraska Bird Review

Although migrants were hoped for, and even expected, migration seemed to be on the wane during the NOU spring Meeting held in Niobrara, NE on May 20-22. Among the 138 species recorded, few were warblers or shorebirds. Several of the warbler species seen were represented by only one individual, so few birders were lucky enough to see them. However, with the area's rich diversity in habitats, unique geographic attributes, and the able assistance of the hosting Leuschen's birders, we saw many of the area's breeding species, some of which were at the edge of their breeding range.

The extensive Bazile …

Neal Anderson Wins Federal Duck Stamp Contest For Second Time

Nebraska Bird Review

This striking painting of a Red-breasted Merganser pair by Neal R. Anderson, a Nebraska native, was chosen for the 1994-95 Federal Duck Stamp from 434 entries. Mr. Anderson was first recognized for his artistic excellence when his painting of a Lesser Scaup was chosen for the 1989-90 Federal Duck Stamp. He has also designed the Nebraska Waterfowl Stamp since 1991, when it was established by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Revenues from both the Federal and Nebraska Stamps are used for vital waterfowl projects such as preserving wetlands. (Information and photo supplied by wild Wings, Inc., South Hwy. 61, …

North American Migration Count (Namc)

Nebraska Bird Review

This annual event was initiated in 1992 by Jim Stasz, Coordinator, P.O. Box 71, North Beach, MD 20714. It is not associated with any national organization. Some of its goals, presented in the NAMC Newsletter, January 1993, are as follows:

* to obtain a "snapshot" of the progress of spring migration;

* to obtain information on the abundance and distribution of each species;

* to initiate more participation among birders within a a state and between states;

* to aid in the organization and centralization of data.

The NAMC is patterned after the Christmas Bird Count with some differences. The …

"Notes On Bird Sightings In Nebraska," From Nebraska Bird Review (June 1994) 62(2)

Nebraska Bird Review

Ruff and Godwits. On April 19, 1994, I discovered a red-phased Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) in alternate plumage at the Sacramento Wildlife Management Area in Phelps County. It was feeding with a flock of Hudsonian Godwits (Limosa haemastica) and Marbled Godwits (Limosa fedoa) in a flooded marshy area. The Ruff was easily recognized and required little effort to identify. I observed and photographed it for about one hour in the early evening, using a Canon AE-1 and my Kowa TSN-4 with a 1200 mm photo attachment as a lens. I was unable to locate …

Spring Field Report, March-May, 1994, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

INTRODUCTION

The amount of work reporters put into their reports is tremendous. Putting the information into a readable format which preserves it for future use is a challenge, but always interesting. Reporters can report on their own forms if preferred; some do now, often because of computerized record-keeping systems. I [Ross Silcock] enter the data into my computer, and so almost anything is fine, as long as I can read it. It is not necessary to list every species, although it is difficult to know whether your dates of arrival, high counts, etc. are significant until compared with the others …

Tout Bird Club May 14, 1994 Count For Lincoln County, Ne, Wilma Wyman

Nebraska Bird Review

Eight observers (F. Clough, H. and E. Cunningham, G. Hoover, Pat McEvoy, S. Reney, and H. and W. Wyman) obtained a total of 92 species (numbers of individuals not given) between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The day was cloudy and misty at first but sunny later. The list of species for Lincoln County is as follows:

Eared Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Ruddy Duck, Turkey Vulture, Swainson's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Ringnecked Pheasant, Wild Turkey, American Coot, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, American Avocet, …

Whole Issue Nebraska Bird Review (June 1994) 62(2)

Nebraska Bird Review

Table of Contents

Spring Field Report, March - May, 1994 …………………66

Nebraska Ornithologists' Union Spring Meeting, 1994 …………………88

Summary of Minutes of the NOU 93rd Annual Business Meeting…………………89

Table 1. Species Observed in Four Counties during NOU Spring Meeting, May 20-22, 1994 …………………90

Whooping Crane Sightings during spring Migration, 1994 …………………94

Neal Anderson Wins Federal Duck stamp Contest …………………96

North American Migration Count (NAMC) ………………… 96

Sarpy County, NE 1994 Count, North American Migration Count …………………97

Tout Bird Club May 14, 1994 Count for Lincoln County, NE …………………98

Notes on Bird Sightings in Nebraska …………………98

Table 1. Species Observed In Four Counties During Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union Spring Meeting, May 20-22, 1994

Nebraska Bird Review

Five-page table of bird species sighted in Antelope, Boyd, Holt, and Knox Counties during the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union spring meeting held in Niobrara, Nebraska, May 20-22, 1994.

1993 Treasurer's Report, Nebraska Ornithologists' Union, Inc., Colleen Babcock

Nebraska Bird Review

1993 TREASURER'S REPORT, NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION, INC.

BALANCE Jan. 1, 1993

RECEIPTS:

TOTAL RECEIPTS

EXPENSES:

TOTAL EXPENSES

BALANCE Dec. 31, 1993

Correction In The Nebraska Bird Review, Vol. 61 (3), 1993, P. 137

Nebraska Bird Review

The following note was received from Duane E. Bright, 208 Merwood st., Bellevue, NE 68005: "My June 16, 1993 sighting of a White-eyed Vireo in the Nebraska National Forest near Halsey was erroneous. Please delete this sighting from any official NOU records."

Fall 1993 Occurrence Report (July 1-December 31)

Nebraska Bird Review

This is the last report to be presented for a 6-month period in lengthy tables because, beginning with this issue, Ross Silcock and Richard C. Rosche will have quarterly reports in text form. Their willingness to undertake this major project is greatly appreciated. There is some overlap between the information for December in the two reports because their first quarterly report includes December 1993 through February 1994. However, any descriptive observations they included for December are not repeated in this report.

A total of 273 species plus two sightings (swan and meadowlark) not assigned to species were observed in 24 …

Notes On Bird Sightings In Nebraska From Nebraska Bird Review (March 1994)

Nebraska Bird Review

Burasian Wigeon. On March 10, 1994, I discovered a male Eurasian wigeon (Anas penelope) just north of the Johnson Waterfowl Production Area in Phelps County. It was in a flock of approximately 200 puddle ducks, but primarily associated with six American Wigeons (Anas americana). The bird was distinctive and easily identified. A modest photograph has been sent to the NOU Records Committee.

---Joel Jorgensen, 1218 Jackson St., Blair, NE 68008

Summer Tanager. A Summer Tanager was observed at feeders in Bellevue from Nov. 20 to Dec. 27, 1993 by John Voss (first observer), Grace …

Masthead From Nebraska Bird Review (March 1994) 62(1)

Nebraska Bird Review

The Nebraska Bird Review is published quarterly in March, June, September, and December by the Nebraska Ornithologists' union, Inc., as its official Journal, and sent to members not in arrears for dues. Annual subscription rates (on a calendar-year 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, W-436 Nebraska Hall, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588-0514.

Memberships in NOU (on a calendar year basis …

Winter Field Report, Dec. 1993-Feb. 1994, W. Ross Silcock, Richard C. Rosché

Nebraska Bird Review

After volunteering to gather data and Write a series of seasonal summaries for The Nebraska Bird Review, I was surprised that my offer was accepted and now the time has come already for the first report. I asked for comments and suggestions from contributors to the traditional six-month "spring" and "fall" Occurrence Reports and received many helpful ideas. The biggest concern was the possible loss of accessibility to data on a county-by-county basis. I do have the information entered into a database so that it can be accessed by county, and would be happy to respond to any requests for …

Whole Issue Nebraska Bird Review (March 1994) 62(1),

Nebraska Bird Review

Table of Contents

1993 Treasurer's Report, Nebraska Ornithologists' union, Inc …………….. 2

Fall 1993 Occurrence Report (July 1 - December 31) …………….. 3

Table 1. Fall 1993 Occurrences: Rare Species …………….. 5

Table 2. Fall 1993 Occurrences in One or Two Counties …………….. 5

Table 3. Fall 1993 Occurrences of Species Not in Tables 1 or 2 …………….. 8

Fall 1993 Reporters, Observers, and county Totals …………….. 50

Winter Field Report, December 1993 - February 1994 …………….. 51

Observers for winter Field Report…………….. 62

Notes on Bird Sightings in Nebraska…………….. 63

Correction in the Nebr. Bird Review Vol. 61 (3), …