Date: 2/27/26 1:03 pm From: Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Problem with eBird?
Nebraska birders,
I have also noticed that my county life list totals are in reverse order
than a few days ago. My year-to-date and month-to-date totals seem to be
there. I don't know why it has changed.
Robin Harding
Shelton, Nebraska
On Fri, Feb 27, 2026 at 2:49 PM William Flack via groups.io <sparvophile=
<yahoo.com...> wrote:
> In the past few days, when I've brought up the "My eBird" page, it's shown
> my life totals for the Nebraska counties, but not my year-to-date or
> month-to-date totals. It's also showing those life totals with the
> smallest at the top and the largest at the bottom, which is the reverse of
> the way it's done it in the past. Has anyone else seen this problem? If
> so, any idea why?
>
> William Flack
> Kearney
>
>
>
>
Date: 2/27/26 12:49 pm From: William Flack via groups.io <sparvophile...> Subject: [NEBirds] Problem with eBird?
In the past few days, when I've brought up the "My eBird" page, it's shown my life totals for the Nebraska counties, but not my year-to-date or month-to-date totals. It's also showing those life totals with the smallest at the top and the largest at the bottom, which is the reverse of the way it's done it in the past. Has anyone else seen this problem? If so, any idea why?
Date: 2/27/26 9:33 am From: Joe Freeborn via groups.io <jfreeborn58...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Conkaree!
[Edited Message Follows]
We’ve had quite a few of them in the yard now for several days. Along with the other usual blackbird suspects. Smaller flocks but still annoying on my feeders. Lol.
Date: 2/27/26 7:11 am From: Joe Freeborn via groups.io <jfreeborn58...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Conkaree!
We’ve had quite a few of them in the yard now for several days. Along with the other usual blackbird suspects. Smaller flocks but still annoying on my feeders. Lol.
Date: 2/24/26 7:05 am From: Jorgensen, Joel via groups.io <Joel.Jorgensen...> Subject: [NEBirds] Breeding Bird Survey routes available in 2026
The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is a long-term, volunteer-driven bird monitoring program conducted throughout North America. BBS data are used widely by wildlife agencies, researchers, birders and conservation planners. The program began in 1966 and more information about the BBS can be found HERE<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/about/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!Du41XSSsr8S-rqg6zF-nWKwy_pRamTj4wVfMnd__7jw26ScgQB7V12Bukax_zymT2aUa8NxEDwXIgXrDUYvHk6RBa-bA257m$>. I am the state BBS coordinator and perhaps my principal duty is to identify and recruit individuals to fill vacant routes. Running a BBS requires only one morning in June to complete. Conducting a BBS route provides the opportunity to experience a back corner of Nebraska that you otherwise may not visit. Furthermore, it is a great way to contribute to a larger effort that helps everyone understand how bird populations and distributions are changing over time. Currently, there are several routes available in Nebraska. Open routes are shown in yellow on the attached map or at the following link: https://birds.outdoornebraska.gov/2019-breeding-bird-survey-routes-available/.
If you're interested, you have the opportunity to contribute to this program by adopting one of these routes. However, it is also important to ponder the following sideboards when considering taking on a BBS route.
1. Observers need access to suitable transportation - many routes include minimum maintenance roads.
2. Observers should possess good hearing and eyesight.
3. Observers need to be able to identify most breeding birds in the route's area by sight and sound. Knowledge of bird songs is extremely important because most birds detected on these surveys are singing males. HOWEVER - you don't need to be perfect or an expert - a decent skill set filling an empty route is better than a vacant route.
4. New BBS participants must also successfully complete the BBS Methodology Training Program before their data will be used in BBS analyses.
5. Observers should have the intention of running a BBS route for more than one year. This is important - one observer completing a route once has limited value.
Joel
___________________________________________________
Joel Jorgensen | Nongame Bird Program Manager
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
2200 N 33rd St. | Lincoln, NE 68503
<joel.jorgensen...><mailto:<joel.jorgensen...> | 402-471-5440
Date: 2/17/26 2:59 pm From: Shirley Maas via groups.io <dtmsem2006...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] WAVI again
Hi Ruthie,
Thank you for reaching out. I wanted to contribute to the ongoing discussion regarding the use of the Merlin app, particularly in light of Tony Leukering's thoughtful comments.
As a birder who experiences hearing limitations and is somewhat tone-deaf, I've found Merlin to be an exceptionally beneficial tool. It has truly enhanced my ability to detect and identify species that I might otherwise miss, acting as a valuable aid in my birding pursuits.
However, I fully endorse the emphasis on caution and thorough verification. My personal protocol, which stems from a naturally skeptical approach, involves several steps to ensure the accuracy of any Merlin-assisted identification. Initially, when Merlin suggests a bird, I record it with a clear note indicating it's an "audio-detected" or "Merlin-assisted" observation. If I am subsequently able to achieve a visual confirmation of the bird, I then update my records accordingly.
Furthermore, I always cross-reference Merlin's suggestions with broader ecological and geographical data. This includes meticulously checking established range maps and considering whether the species is genuinely expected to be present in that specific area at that time of year. This multi-layered verification process helps to mitigate potential misidentifications and aligns with the principle of basing our understanding on verifiable facts rather than solely on technological output.
I hope this perspective is helpful to the discussion.
Best regards,
Shirley
Don MaasThe Maas's are currently wintering in the Valley of the Sun in Mesa, AZ, from our home in Choctaw, OK.
On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 12:01 PM, Ruth Stearns via groups.io <ruthstearns...> wrote:
Hi Ross. Thanks for these comments from Tony Leukering. Curious, do you have the comments from Ted Floyd as well?
Ruthie Stearns.
On Feb 16, 2026, at 5:11 PM, Ross Silcock <silcock...> wrote:
This from Tony Leukering in response to Ted Floyd.
Ross
Ross Silcock 6810 Tournament Drive,Houston, TX 77069
Co-editor Birds of Nebraska OnlineEditor Seasonal Reports, Nebraska Bird Review.
From: 'Tony Leukering' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2026 4:22 PM
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
Subject: [cobirds] Re: Documenting crossbills, warbling-vireos, etc.
All:
I cannot agree more thoroughly with Ted's cautions about Merlin, and, particularly, his cautions once we get into the warbling-vireo season. I, too, find many warbling vireo songs far from cut-and-dried enumerators of species, and please, please, please, don't take Merlin's word on it as gospel. Save the recording. Save the spectrogram. Both species have been detected during the breeding season at Barr Lake, and there's absolutely no guarantee against warbling-vireo hanky-panky. We want our understanding of the occurrence parameters in eastern Colorado to be based on provable facts, not intuition, supposition, or blind trust in technology.
Enjoy,
Tony LeukeringDenver
On Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 7:03:21 PM UTC-7 Ted Floyd wrote:
Date: 2/17/26 7:13 am From: Kellie H via groups.io <xxkhaydenxx...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] sick birds
Hi Moni, thank you for being responsible. I am a bird bander and sometimes
band at sites with bird feeders. I usually recommend 2-3 weeks, as that
allows time for diseased birds to either move on or pass away (sad to think
about, but then at least they will not be spreading disease at the feeder).
Make sure to scoop up and dispose of whatever feeder debris you can from
the ground, and wear gloves while doing so / wash hands after.
Kellie Hayden
On Tue, Feb 17, 2026, 9:03 AM Moni via groups.io <musasz=
<neb.rr.com...> wrote:
> Hey folks,
>
> We have found two dead birds and probably a sick bird in past few weeks.
> Since then we have disinfected feeders and discontinued feeding altogether.
>
> Google searches have not suggested how long we should not feed birds. Any
> knowledge out there?
>
> Moni Usasz
> Lincoln
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 2/17/26 5:59 am From: Badura, Laurel via groups.io <laurel_badura...> Subject: [NEBirds] Potential American Goshawk -- Dawson County
I was stopped at the Caseys (along the interstate) in Lexington, Nebraska (Dawson County) on Friday and noticed a raptor flying over the interstate. After a quick look through binoculars, I thought I saw a Cooper's hawk. However, I noticed the tail was long, the body tubular shaped, and the wings were very broad. In addition, the wing beat was different than a Cooper's. After talking through this with Joel, in which he mentioned "if it flies more like a buteo", it suddenly struck me that it did fly more like a buteo. So, I'm not verifying or saying I saw an American Goshawk, but I can't rule out I didn't. The bird definitely wasn't red-tailed or rough-legged hawk. If you're in the Lexington area, be on the lookout for one. I did do some searching on my way back through and didn't see the bird again.
Laurel
Laurel Badura
Partners for Fish and Wildlife Biologist
US Fish and Wildlife Service
From: 'Tony Leukering' via Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2026 4:22 PM
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds...>
Subject: [cobirds] Re: Documenting crossbills, warbling-vireos, etc.
All:
I cannot agree more thoroughly with Ted's cautions about Merlin, and, particularly, his cautions once we get into the warbling-vireo season. I, too, find many warbling vireo songs far from cut-and-dried enumerators of species, and please, please, please, don't take Merlin's word on it as gospel. Save the recording. Save the spectrogram. Both species have been detected during the breeding season at Barr Lake, and there's absolutely no guarantee against warbling-vireo hanky-panky. We want our understanding of the occurrence parameters in eastern Colorado to be based on provable facts, not intuition, supposition, or blind trust in technology.
Enjoy,
Tony Leukering
Denver
On Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 7:03:21 PM UTC-7 Ted Floyd wrote:
Date: 2/16/26 9:30 am From: Paul Roisen via groups.io <roisenp1950...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Big Day without a Blue Jay
Really great to hear about your wonderful day. I have not been out birding
in Nebraska since the Chase of the Mexican duck (hybrid) and Crested
Caracara. Fired me up to get out there but swamped with things I need to
get done so...... hope to be out there soon,
Congrats on a great day and country birding.
God Bless.
*Paul O. Roisen*
*Sioux City, IA 51106 **Woodbury County, IA*
*Mobile 712-301-2817 **<roisenp1950...> <roisenp1950...>*
On Mon, Feb 16, 2026 at 11:24 AM pastorpaultdunbar via groups.io
<pastorpaultdunbar...> wrote:
> Super cool, Tobin. Great list for February!
>
> On Monday, February 16, 2026 at 09:58:29 AM CST, Shirley Maas via
> groups.io <dtmsem2006...> wrote:
>
>
> Thanks for the report
>
> Don Maas
> Mesa, Az
> Maricopa County
>
>
> “If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government then you
> are doomed to live under the rules of fools.
> Plato
> “You can ignore reality, but you cannot ignore the consequences of
> reality.”
>
> Don & Shirley Maas
> The Maas’s have migrated to the Valley of the Sun in Mesa, AZ from
> Choctaw, Ok for the winter.
>
> On Monday, February 16, 2026, 7:48 AM, Tobin Brown via groups.io
> <tobinjbrown...> wrote:
>
> Nebraska Birders,
>
> On Saturday night, I headed west to Lake Ogallala with the plan of looking
> for gulls on Sunday. I camped overnight, where it got down to about 30
> degrees, and got up before dawn to look for gulls. On my way to the
> Kingsley Dam Outlet, I heard my first bird of the day, Great Horned Owl.
>
> The gulls were absolutely swarming, even before sunrise! In fact, most
> activity was before or just after sunrise. I lucked out and got a brief
> view of the continuing Short-billed Gull, but the star of the show was a
> first cycle Glaucous Gull <https://media.ebird.org/asset/651025604>. It
> was fun to observe it being the "bully" of the flock, chasing every nearby
> gull that got ahold of a fish. I continued picking through the flock, and
> after adding Lesser Black-backed, California, and Iceland Gull, I had a
> list of 7 gull species!
>
> I then drove around to the other side of the lake to scan through the
> flocks of waterfowl. Along the canal I added some passerines, including
> multiple Townsend's Solitaires. After picking through the ducks, which
> included a pair of Greater Scaup, my day list was nearing 50, and it was
> only 10am!
>
> At this point, I started thinking maybe I should turn it into a big day. I
> pulled up the latest issue of the Burrowing Owl, and saw that the record
> was 79 species. A difficult number, but perhaps doable with the good start
> that I had. I texted Boni and Eugene who were both out birding, and
> graciously started scouting out some areas on my route back east.
>
> At Sutherland Reservoir I added Cormorants, White-crowned, and Harris's
> Sparrows, and White-breasted Nuthatch. On my way to North Platte, I added
> Sandhill Cranes as a group of 58 kettled overhead. Boni sent me to a spot
> in North Platte where I was able to coax out a Marsh Wren and hear a
> Virginia Rail, 2 very good additions to the day list! Then in North Platte
> itself, I picked up Northern Shoveler, Great-tailed Grackle, and my last
> expected goose, Greater White-fronted. I checked a spot that typically has
> good blackbird flocks, but didn't find even a starling.
>
> Then I headed towards Elm Creek to meet up with Eugene in Dawson
> county. We got incredibly lucky in that area, finding a Ferruginous Hawk,
> Prairie Falcon, and 8 Greater Prairie Chickens! On our way to Ravenna,
> Eugene spotted a Northern Shrike far away on a power line which was a great
> pickup for the day.
>
> In Ravenna, the wind had picked up, but we hiked the hike/bike trail
> looking for a Spotted Towhee that had been seen previously. We struck out
> with the Towhee, but added a few species to the day list: Brown Creeper,
> Black-capped Chickadee, Cedar Waxwing, and Red-headed Woodpecker.
>
> On the drive back to Rowe Sanctuary, we kept our eyes peeled for a Merlin,
> one of the last raptors I needed, but no luck. At Rowe we were treated to a
> spectacle of Northern Harriers, we counted 12 harriers in one field near
> sunset! The record-tying bird for the day was the Short-eared Owl
> <https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/651047406>. A group of 3 came out to
> play about 10 minutes before sunset in the meadows. It was so cool to see
> these birds 2 nights in a row.
>
> As the sun set on the day, I had just a couple more birds to try for. With
> Eugene's guidance, we were able to hear a pair of Eastern Screech-Owls near
> Kearney, and then I headed back east. In Lincoln, I tried one of my typical
> spots for one last bird, Barred Owl, but they were unfortunately silent, so
> the day list stopped at 80.
>
> February is typically one of the most underbirded months it seems, so I
> really enjoyed getting out to see some new places, especially in the
> unseasonably warm weather we had. And I would encourage others to do the
> same. Setting silly goals also forced me to look for common birds like
> Chickadees and Blue Jays (I had no idea how difficult they were to find in
> Central Nebraska). I'm sure I'll do a proper May Big Day eventually, but
> this was fun too!
>
> Over the course of the day, I added 15 county birds to my lists, for the
> following totals.
> Keith: 194 (1)
> Lincoln: 145 (3)
> Dawson: 51 (2)
> Buffalo: 115 (6)
> Kearney: 31 (3)
>
> The full list can be found on my trip report
> https://ebird.org/tripreport/476976 >
>
> Happy birding!
>
> Tobin Brown
> Lancaster County
> https://ebird.org/profile/NDA1ODIzNg/US-NE >
>
>
>
Date: 2/16/26 9:24 am From: pastorpaultdunbar via groups.io <pastorpaultdunbar...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Big Day without a Blue Jay
Super cool, Tobin. Great list for February!
On Monday, February 16, 2026 at 09:58:29 AM CST, Shirley Maas via groups.io <dtmsem2006...> wrote:
Thanks for the report
Don MaasMesa, AzMaricopa County
“If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government then you are doomed to live under the rules of fools. Plato“You can ignore reality, but you cannot ignore the consequences of reality.”
Don & Shirley MaasThe Maas’s have migrated to the Valley of the Sun in Mesa, AZ from Choctaw, Ok for the winter.
On Monday, February 16, 2026, 7:48 AM, Tobin Brown via groups.io <tobinjbrown...> wrote:
Nebraska Birders,
On Saturday night, I headed west to Lake Ogallala with the plan of looking for gulls on Sunday. I camped overnight, where it got down to about 30 degrees, and got up before dawn to look for gulls. On my way to the Kingsley Dam Outlet, I heard my first bird of the day, Great Horned Owl.
The gulls were absolutely swarming, even before sunrise! In fact, most activity was before or just after sunrise. I lucked out and got a brief view of the continuing Short-billed Gull, but the star of the show was a first cycle Glaucous Gull. It was fun to observe it being the "bully" of the flock, chasing every nearby gull that got ahold of a fish. I continued picking through the flock, and after adding Lesser Black-backed, California, and Iceland Gull, I had a list of 7 gull species!
I then drove around to the other side of the lake to scan through the flocks of waterfowl. Along the canal I added some passerines, including multiple Townsend's Solitaires. After picking through the ducks, which included a pair of Greater Scaup, my day list was nearing 50, and it was only 10am!
At this point, I started thinking maybe I should turn it into a big day. I pulled up the latest issue of the Burrowing Owl, and saw that the record was 79 species. A difficult number, but perhaps doable with the good start that I had. I texted Boni and Eugene who were both out birding, and graciously started scouting out some areas on my route back east.
At Sutherland Reservoir I added Cormorants, White-crowned, and Harris's Sparrows, and White-breasted Nuthatch. On my way to North Platte, I added Sandhill Cranes as a group of 58 kettled overhead. Boni sent me to a spot in North Platte where I was able to coax out a Marsh Wren and hear a Virginia Rail, 2 very good additions to the day list! Then in North Platte itself, I picked up Northern Shoveler, Great-tailed Grackle, and my last expected goose, Greater White-fronted. I checked a spot that typically has good blackbird flocks, but didn't find even a starling.
Then I headed towards Elm Creek to meet up with Eugene in Dawson county. We got incredibly lucky in that area, finding a Ferruginous Hawk, Prairie Falcon, and 8 Greater Prairie Chickens! On our way to Ravenna, Eugene spotted a Northern Shrike far away on a power line which was a great pickup for the day.
In Ravenna, the wind had picked up, but we hiked the hike/bike trail looking for a Spotted Towhee that had been seen previously. We struck out with the Towhee, but added a few species to the day list: Brown Creeper, Black-capped Chickadee, Cedar Waxwing, and Red-headed Woodpecker.
On the drive back to Rowe Sanctuary, we kept our eyes peeled for a Merlin, one of the last raptors I needed, but no luck. At Rowe we were treated to a spectacle of Northern Harriers, we counted 12 harriers in one field near sunset! The record-tying bird for the day was the Short-eared Owl. A group of 3 came out to play about 10 minutes before sunset in the meadows. It was so cool to see these birds 2 nights in a row.
As the sun set on the day, I had just a couple more birds to try for. With Eugene's guidance, we were able to hear a pair of Eastern Screech-Owls near Kearney, and then I headed back east. In Lincoln, I tried one of my typical spots for one last bird, Barred Owl, but they were unfortunately silent, so the day list stopped at 80.
February is typically one of the most underbirded months it seems, so I really enjoyed getting out to see some new places, especially in the unseasonably warm weather we had. And I would encourage others to do the same. Setting silly goals also forced me to look for common birds like Chickadees and Blue Jays (I had no idea how difficult they were to find in Central Nebraska). I'm sure I'll do a proper May Big Day eventually, but this was fun too!
Over the course of the day, I added 15 county birds to my lists, for the following totals.Keith: 194 (1)Lincoln: 145 (3)Dawson: 51 (2)Buffalo: 115 (6)Kearney: 31 (3)
Date: 2/16/26 7:58 am From: Shirley Maas via groups.io <dtmsem2006...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Big Day without a Blue Jay
Thanks for the report
Don MaasMesa, AzMaricopa County
“If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government then you are doomed to live under the rules of fools. Plato“You can ignore reality, but you cannot ignore the consequences of reality.”
Don & Shirley MaasThe Maas’s have migrated to the Valley of the Sun in Mesa, AZ from Choctaw, Ok for the winter.
On Monday, February 16, 2026, 7:48 AM, Tobin Brown via groups.io <tobinjbrown...> wrote:
Nebraska Birders,
On Saturday night, I headed west to Lake Ogallala with the plan of looking for gulls on Sunday. I camped overnight, where it got down to about 30 degrees, and got up before dawn to look for gulls. On my way to the Kingsley Dam Outlet, I heard my first bird of the day, Great Horned Owl.
The gulls were absolutely swarming, even before sunrise! In fact, most activity was before or just after sunrise. I lucked out and got a brief view of the continuing Short-billed Gull, but the star of the show was a first cycle Glaucous Gull. It was fun to observe it being the "bully" of the flock, chasing every nearby gull that got ahold of a fish. I continued picking through the flock, and after adding Lesser Black-backed, California, and Iceland Gull, I had a list of 7 gull species!
I then drove around to the other side of the lake to scan through the flocks of waterfowl. Along the canal I added some passerines, including multiple Townsend's Solitaires. After picking through the ducks, which included a pair of Greater Scaup, my day list was nearing 50, and it was only 10am!
At this point, I started thinking maybe I should turn it into a big day. I pulled up the latest issue of the Burrowing Owl, and saw that the record was 79 species. A difficult number, but perhaps doable with the good start that I had. I texted Boni and Eugene who were both out birding, and graciously started scouting out some areas on my route back east.
At Sutherland Reservoir I added Cormorants, White-crowned, and Harris's Sparrows, and White-breasted Nuthatch. On my way to North Platte, I added Sandhill Cranes as a group of 58 kettled overhead. Boni sent me to a spot in North Platte where I was able to coax out a Marsh Wren and hear a Virginia Rail, 2 very good additions to the day list! Then in North Platte itself, I picked up Northern Shoveler, Great-tailed Grackle, and my last expected goose, Greater White-fronted. I checked a spot that typically has good blackbird flocks, but didn't find even a starling.
Then I headed towards Elm Creek to meet up with Eugene in Dawson county. We got incredibly lucky in that area, finding a Ferruginous Hawk, Prairie Falcon, and 8 Greater Prairie Chickens! On our way to Ravenna, Eugene spotted a Northern Shrike far away on a power line which was a great pickup for the day.
In Ravenna, the wind had picked up, but we hiked the hike/bike trail looking for a Spotted Towhee that had been seen previously. We struck out with the Towhee, but added a few species to the day list: Brown Creeper, Black-capped Chickadee, Cedar Waxwing, and Red-headed Woodpecker.
On the drive back to Rowe Sanctuary, we kept our eyes peeled for a Merlin, one of the last raptors I needed, but no luck. At Rowe we were treated to a spectacle of Northern Harriers, we counted 12 harriers in one field near sunset! The record-tying bird for the day was the Short-eared Owl. A group of 3 came out to play about 10 minutes before sunset in the meadows. It was so cool to see these birds 2 nights in a row.
As the sun set on the day, I had just a couple more birds to try for. With Eugene's guidance, we were able to hear a pair of Eastern Screech-Owls near Kearney, and then I headed back east. In Lincoln, I tried one of my typical spots for one last bird, Barred Owl, but they were unfortunately silent, so the day list stopped at 80.
February is typically one of the most underbirded months it seems, so I really enjoyed getting out to see some new places, especially in the unseasonably warm weather we had. And I would encourage others to do the same. Setting silly goals also forced me to look for common birds like Chickadees and Blue Jays (I had no idea how difficult they were to find in Central Nebraska). I'm sure I'll do a proper May Big Day eventually, but this was fun too!
Over the course of the day, I added 15 county birds to my lists, for the following totals.Keith: 194 (1)Lincoln: 145 (3)Dawson: 51 (2)Buffalo: 115 (6)Kearney: 31 (3)
Date: 2/16/26 6:48 am From: Tobin Brown via groups.io <tobinjbrown...> Subject: [NEBirds] Big Day without a Blue Jay
Nebraska Birders,
On Saturday night, I headed west to Lake Ogallala with the plan of looking for gulls on Sunday. I camped overnight, where it got down to about 30 degrees, and got up before dawn to look for gulls. On my way to the Kingsley Dam Outlet, I heard my first bird of the day, Great Horned Owl.
The gulls were absolutely swarming, even before sunrise! In fact, most activity was before or just after sunrise. I lucked out and got a brief view of the continuing Short-billed Gull, but the star of the show was a first cycle Glaucous Gull <https://media.ebird.org/asset/651025604>. It was fun to observe it being the "bully" of the flock, chasing every nearby gull that got ahold of a fish. I continued picking through the flock, and after adding Lesser Black-backed, California, and Iceland Gull, I had a list of 7 gull species!
I then drove around to the other side of the lake to scan through the flocks of waterfowl. Along the canal I added some passerines, including multiple Townsend's Solitaires. After picking through the ducks, which included a pair of Greater Scaup, my day list was nearing 50, and it was only 10am!
At this point, I started thinking maybe I should turn it into a big day. I pulled up the latest issue of the Burrowing Owl, and saw that the record was 79 species. A difficult number, but perhaps doable with the good start that I had. I texted Boni and Eugene who were both out birding, and graciously started scouting out some areas on my route back east.
At Sutherland Reservoir I added Cormorants, White-crowned, and Harris's Sparrows, and White-breasted Nuthatch. On my way to North Platte, I added Sandhill Cranes as a group of 58 kettled overhead. Boni sent me to a spot in North Platte where I was able to coax out a Marsh Wren and hear a Virginia Rail, 2 very good additions to the day list! Then in North Platte itself, I picked up Northern Shoveler, Great-tailed Grackle, and my last expected goose, Greater White-fronted. I checked a spot that typically has good blackbird flocks, but didn't find even a starling.
Then I headed towards Elm Creek to meet up with Eugene in Dawson county. We got incredibly lucky in that area, finding a Ferruginous Hawk, Prairie Falcon, and 8 Greater Prairie Chickens! On our way to Ravenna, Eugene spotted a Northern Shrike far away on a power line which was a great pickup for the day.
In Ravenna, the wind had picked up, but we hiked the hike/bike trail looking for a Spotted Towhee that had been seen previously. We struck out with the Towhee, but added a few species to the day list: Brown Creeper, Black-capped Chickadee, Cedar Waxwing, and Red-headed Woodpecker.
On the drive back to Rowe Sanctuary, we kept our eyes peeled for a Merlin, one of the last raptors I needed, but no luck. At Rowe we were treated to a spectacle of Northern Harriers, we counted 12 harriers in one field near sunset! The record-tying bird for the day was the Short-eared Owl <https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/651047406>. A group of 3 came out to play about 10 minutes before sunset in the meadows. It was so cool to see these birds 2 nights in a row.
As the sun set on the day, I had just a couple more birds to try for. With Eugene's guidance, we were able to hear a pair of Eastern Screech-Owls near Kearney, and then I headed back east. In Lincoln, I tried one of my typical spots for one last bird, Barred Owl, but they were unfortunately silent, so the day list stopped at 80.
February is typically one of the most underbirded months it seems, so I really enjoyed getting out to see some new places, especially in the unseasonably warm weather we had. And I would encourage others to do the same. Setting silly goals also forced me to look for common birds like Chickadees and Blue Jays (I had no idea how difficult they were to find in Central Nebraska). I'm sure I'll do a proper May Big Day eventually, but this was fun too!
Over the course of the day, I added 15 county birds to my lists, for the following totals. Keith: 194 (1) Lincoln: 145 (3) Dawson: 51 (2) Buffalo: 115 (6) Kearney: 31 (3)
Date: 2/12/26 1:40 pm From: William Huser via groups.io <billfhuser...> Subject: [NEBirds] Waterfowl migration
Although most of our lakes and wetlands are still locked in ice, *Snyder Bend Lake* now has a sizable area free of ice due to warmer cooling water from the Port Neal generating station flowing into the lake. Most of the ice free area is behind the island across from the boat launch, so cannot be seen easily. However, now as the ice retreats, some of the open area can be glassed from the cabin area of the park. Doing so, on *Monday, Feb. 9*, resulted in the following:
Date: 2/12/26 5:50 am From: Tobin Brown via groups.io <tobinjbrown...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Trumpeter or Tundra ….
The listserv highly compresses images, to the point that this one might not really be helpful anymore. Here's a link to the full size image: https://imgur.com/a/M9oAihu
The discussion on Discord concluded these are all Trumpeters for the following reasons:
The 2 adults on the right have the black on the bill connecting to the eye at a sherp angle and there is no yellow visible on the lores. The two juveniles are similar in size to the adults (not noticeably smaller like a Tundra), have similar bill and facial structure, and are grayish overall. Juvenile Tundras are a bit more white in the body.
Another hint is that these 4 are all together away from other swans. Swans are monogamous and stick in tight family groups that migrate and winter together, so we're very likely looking at the parents and their 2 young.
Date: 2/11/26 12:25 pm From: Donna and Bruce Walgren via groups.io <Piranga...> Subject: [NEBirds] Harrison CBC
Harrison Christmas Bird Count Review for 2025
The Harrison CBC was conducted on 1-3-2026. The four participants were
treated to nice, mostly sunny, windless conditions. A high of 59 degrees
without any snow made the day pleasant but made one wonder how much longer
the dry conditions will prevail. 551 individual birds (the average count is
603) representing 37 species (tied for the high count) were tallied.
New Species : Evening Grosbeak (Rocky Mountains or type 4) and Red-winged
Blackbirds were counted for the first time. Also new was the Interior West
White-breasted Nuthatch and the Ponderosa Pine or type 2 Red Crossbill
subspecies.
High Counts: 4 Bald Eagle tied the record high set last year.
3 Prairie Falcons set the high count for the
species, the 5th year that they have been found.
4 Blue Jays were the most seen on the count, only
the 3rd year that they have been seen.
157 American Robins almost double the previous high
of 79 seen in 2023, only one seen last year.
Notable Sightings: 1 Common Raven made it three years in a row that they
have been seen.
21 Townsend's Solitaire were found, high
count was 27 in 2005, the average is 8.
31 Cedar Waxwings were counted, only the
4th time that they have been seen.
Thanks to all that participated and a special thanks to Kathy DeLara who
contacted and organized the participants.
Bruce and Donna Walgren
Casper, WY
Here is the complete list:
1 Canada Goose
7 Wild Turkey
2 Golden Eagle
1 Northen Harrier
4 Bald Eagle
2 Red-tailed Hawk
7 Rough-legged Hawk
1 Ferruginous Hawk
2 Rock Pigeon
16 Eurasian Collared-Dove
3 Downy Woodpecker
3 Hairy Woodpecker
3 Northern Flicker
1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)
3 Prairie Falcon
1 Northern Shrike
4 Blue Jay
3 Black-billed Magpie
1 Common Raven
17 American Crow
58 Horned Lark
19 Black-capped Chickadee
15 Red-breasted Nuthatch
2 White-breasted Nuthatch
2 White-breasted Nuthatch (Interior West)
12 Pygmy Nuthatch
2 Brown Creeper
21 Townsend's Solitaire
157 American Robin
34 European Starling
31 Cedar Waxwing
5 Lapland Longspur
1 Dark-eyed Junco
4 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)
5 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)
1 Dark-eyed Junco (Pink-sided)
4 Red-winged Blackbird
3 House Finch
42 Red Crossbill
9 Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine, Type 2)
9 American Goldfinch
27 Evening Grosbeak (Rocky Mountain or type 4)
6 House Sparrow
Total Individual Birds = 551 Total Species = 37
Start Time: 7:45 AM
End Time: 2 PM
Miles driven 109
Miles walked 1.75
Total Party Miles 110.75
Hours driven 8.5
Hours walked 2.5
Total Party Hours 11
Weather:
Temp Minimum = 30 Temp Maximum = 59
Wind Direction = NW Minimum = 0 Maximum = 15 MPH
Snow Depth: 0 inches
Water: Still Water - Mostly open Moving Water - Open
Date: 2/11/26 12:23 pm From: Donna and Bruce Walgren via groups.io <Piranga...> Subject: [NEBirds] Crawford CBC
Crawford CBC 1-2-2026
The Crawford CBC was conducted for the 28th time on 1-2-2026 by 5
participants. The dry and unseasonably warm weather made for excellent
conditions for the count. Total individuals birds counted was 1,859
(average is 1,447) representing 39 species (average = 35 species).
New species: Swamp Sparrow. In addition, the Ponderosa Pine or type 2 Red
Crossbill and a Montana / merrilli Song Sparrow were also identified.
High Count: American Robins, 326 this year - previous high was 158 in 2023.
European Starlings, 588 this year, 596 in 2023.
Red Crossbills, 112 this year - Previous high was 41
in 2001.
Low Count: Horned Larks, 0 this year - Can be eruptive, there were 380 last
year, average = 139
Notable Sightings: Wild Turkeys - 68 this year, last year there was 319,
the average is 134
Belted Kingfisher - found for the 4th time
Downy Woodpecker - 14 this year, 5 last
year, average = 7, high = 29 in 1977.
Merlin - found for the 9th time
Black-billed Magpie - 22 this year,
similar to the two previous years, before that their
numbers were single digit, high count of 98 was in 1977.
Black-capped Chickadee - 37 this year,
somewhat of an upward trend, average = 50, high count of 180 in 1974!
American Tree Sparrow - 123 this year,
average = 130, high count of 376 in 1976.
House Finches - 18 this year, none last
year, average = 15, high count of 80 in 2013.
American Goldfinches - 157 this year, 0
last year, average = 115, high count of 380 in 1974.
Thanks to all that participated and a special thanks to Kathy DeLara who
contacted and organized the participants.
Bruce and Donna Walgren
Casper, WY
Here is the complete list:
15 Mallard
68 wild Turkey
2 Golden Eagle
2 Northern Harrier
1 Sharp-shinned Hawk
1 Cooper's Hawk
4 Red-tailed Hawk
3 Rough-legged Hawk
1 Ferruginous Hawk
12 Rock Pigeon
56 Eurasian Collared-Dove
1 Belted Kingfisher
14 Downy Woodpecker
5 Hairy Woodpecker
2 Northern Flicker
4 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)
4 American Kestrel
2 Merlin
4 Northern Shrike
8 Blue Jay
22 Black-billed Magpie
24 American Crow
37 Black-capped Chickadee
2 Red-breasted Nuthatch
7 White-breasted Nuthatch
1 Marsh Wren
13 Townsend's Solitare
326 American Robin
588 European Starling
123 American Tree Sparrow
1 Dark-eyed Junco
12 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)
24 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)
18 Dark-eyed Junco (Pink-sided)
6 Dark-eyed Junco (White-winged)
1 Song Sparrow
1 Song Sparrow (Montana/Merrilli)
1 Swamp Sparrow
2 Spotted Towhee
34 Red-winged Blackbird
2 Western Meadowlark
18 House Finch
64 Red Crossbill
48 Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or Type 2)
157 American Goldfinch
118 House Sparrow
Total Individual Birds = 1,859 Total Species = 39
Start Time: 8 AM
End Time: 3 PM
Miles driven 142
Miles walked 2.5
Total Party Miles 144.5
Hours driven 14.5
Hours walked 3
Total Party Hours 17.5
Weather:
Temp Minimum = 38 Temp Maximum = 42
Wind Direction = NE Minimum = 0 Maximum = 10 MPH
Snow Depth: 0 inches
Water: Still Water - Mostly frozen Moving Water - Mostly open
Date: 2/10/26 4:13 pm From: Matt Shurtliff via groups.io <mmscornhusker...> Subject: [NEBirds] Trumpeter or Tundra ….
… this picture came up in the Discord app. Any thoughts on the ID of
these swans? Trumpeter vs Tundra for all 4. If you have interest, please
share how you made your determination.
These were seen in Cass County yesterday I believe.
Date: 2/3/26 5:35 pm From: Gordon Warrick via groups.io <prubinus...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Ice storm
Not really. But I did have two male eastern bluebirds warbling as they approached my house outside of Valentine yesterday. Robins caroling in Thedford this morning, as the temp was right at freezing (warm overnight for Febr.).
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 07:16:53 AM CST, Linda Ferring via groups.io <ronandlinda22...> wrote:
Yesterday some friends were surprised by several ruby-crowned kinglets while walking in their wooded ravine. I wonder if the kinglets were chased back to us from the southern ice storm? Has anyone else seen unusual migrant behavior this week, and could it result from the ice storm? Are we in for a disappointing spring? Linda Ferring, Blair
Date: 2/3/26 5:16 am From: Linda Ferring via groups.io <ronandlinda22...> Subject: [NEBirds] Ice storm
Yesterday some friends were surprised by several ruby-crowned kinglets while walking in their wooded ravine. I wonder if the kinglets were chased back to us from the southern ice storm?
Has anyone else seen unusual migrant behavior this week, and could it result from the ice storm? Are we in for a disappointing spring?
Date: 2/1/26 5:41 pm From: Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4...> Subject: [NEBirds] Kearney and Phelps Counties
Nebraska birders,
I was getting stir crazy sitting in my apartment for a couple days. The
weather forecast for today was encouraging so I loaded the car and headed
out.
I drove south from Shelton to Heartwell. I saw a few hawks along the way
but didn’t stop. Then I saw one that was smaller than a Red-tail. I’m so
glad that I stopped because it was a Prairie Falcon. That stretch of road
north of Heartwell has been very good birding in the past. The falcon is
not a new county bird but still a real treat to see.
I drove down to Norman, then over to Minden and then down to Gleason and
Prairie Dog WPAs. It was nice to get a good look at a Rough-legged Hawk
near Prairie Dog. Not much else to see though. It’s very dry and frozen.
Even the Platte River south of Shelton was covered with ice.
I walked at Nature’s Mosaic, Axtell. There were a couple ice fishermen on
the frozen lake. Not many birds there either. I drove by a privately
owned marsh that, years ago, was a good birding spot. Now, it is much
smaller. Mostly converted to agriculture. It’s just two miles east of
Funk WPA so I drove with windows open through it. Once again, there were
not many birds but I didn’t get out of the car.
I drove county roads through Phelps and Kearney Counties back home. I
still didn’t see many birds but it was nice to go for a drive in good
weather.
