Date: 4/13/26 7:27 am From: Shirley Maas via groups.io <dtmsem2006...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Sherman and Valley Counties
Thanks for your report
I look forward to them.
Don MaasMaricopa CountyMesa,AZ😀🌴🌵🌴🌵
“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 Sunday, April 12, 2026, 6:20 PM, Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4...> wrote:
Nebraska birders,
Bill Flack, Steve Morris and I birded together on Sunday, April 12. We started at a private lake just south of Loup City, Sherman County. It's posted no trespassing so we looked at it from the highway. In the past, I've often wished that I could go onto the property to look for birds. On this day, the owner walked out to talk with us and told us that we could go in to look for birds. Hooray! We saw a nice variety of birds including waterfowl and sparrows. Nothing rare but it's a great place. I'm so glad that we met the owner.
Gasteyer Sanctuary is right across the road. It's open to the public. We parked and walked in the woods. The highlights for me were the Red-breasted Nuthatch and Brown Creeper. We saw our only warbler for the day, Yellow-rumped. We drove to Bowman Lake, just west of Loup City, to look for shorebirds and maybe a tern on the sandbars. All we found were Killdeer and a Ring-billed Gull but it's a nice place to view the river.
We drove up to Sherman Reservoir and birded at several locations. We found a nice flock of Cedar Waxwings at Trail 11. There were many boaters out on the lake so the birds were scarce. As we were driving from Sherman Lake to Davis Creek Reservoir, we heard Sandhill Cranes. We saw three large flocks flying very high. It looked as though they were gaining altitude.
We birded a couple locations at Davis Creek Reservoir before giving up because of the heat. There were many boaters here as well. Overall, it was a good day.
Date: 4/12/26 6:20 pm From: Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4...> Subject: [NEBirds] Sherman and Valley Counties
Nebraska birders,
Bill Flack, Steve Morris and I birded together on Sunday, April 12. We started at a private lake just south of Loup City, Sherman County. It's posted no trespassing so we looked at it from the highway. In the past, I've often wished that I could go onto the property to look for birds. On this day, the owner walked out to talk with us and told us that we could go in to look for birds. Hooray! We saw a nice variety of birds including waterfowl and sparrows. Nothing rare but it's a great place. I'm so glad that we met the owner.
Gasteyer Sanctuary is right across the road. It's open to the public. We parked and walked in the woods. The highlights for me were the Red-breasted Nuthatch and Brown Creeper. We saw our only warbler for the day, Yellow-rumped. We drove to Bowman Lake, just west of Loup City, to look for shorebirds and maybe a tern on the sandbars. All we found were Killdeer and a Ring-billed Gull but it's a nice place to view the river.
We drove up to Sherman Reservoir and birded at several locations. We found a nice flock of Cedar Waxwings at Trail 11. There were many boaters out on the lake so the birds were scarce. As we were driving from Sherman Lake to Davis Creek Reservoir, we heard Sandhill Cranes. We saw three large flocks flying very high. It looked as though they were gaining altitude.
We birded a couple locations at Davis Creek Reservoir before giving up because of the heat. There were many boaters here as well. Overall, it was a good day.
Date: 4/10/26 8:32 pm From: DuaneS via groups.io <djschw...> Subject: [NEBirds] Eagles and Ospreys
The eggs have hatched in the eagle nest north of the Platte River bridge near Highway 75. We observed the parents feeding young ones.
We also saw two osprey at the nest on the cell phone tower near the Trucking business in Cass County.
Kathy and Duane Schwery, Cass County
Date: 4/8/26 2:20 pm From: Tobin Brown via groups.io <tobinjbrown...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] A little Snow in April
Update: bird was relocated by others!
On Wed, Apr 8, 2026, 4:01 PM Tobin Brown via groups.io <tobinjbrown=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> I just found a Snowy Plover at Yankee Hill WMA in Lancaster county. It
> appears to be the first county record (at least on ebird). I lost it
> shortly after getting a digiscope photo. Lots of shorebirds on the move
> today!
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S318887045 >
> Credit for the punny title goes to Paul Dunbar
>
> - Tobin Brown
> Lancaster County
>
>
Date: 4/8/26 2:01 pm From: Tobin Brown via groups.io <tobinjbrown...> Subject: [NEBirds] A little Snow in April
I just found a Snowy Plover at Yankee Hill WMA in Lancaster county. It appears to be the first county record (at least on ebird). I lost it shortly after getting a digiscope photo. Lots of shorebirds on the move today!
Date: 4/4/26 6:39 pm From: Gordon Warrick via groups.io <prubinus...> Subject: [NEBirds] whoopers and bluebirds
Three college buddies and I from Kearney State are going to be looking for whooping cranes next week, driving from G.I. to Kearney, mostly on the south side of the Platte. Any advice?
Yesterday I checked about 20 bluebird boxes, mostly on Fort Niobrara NWR. Four had eggs: 6, 5, 4 and 2. So two clutches are probably already being incubated. Thinking this is a little early but I understand temps were quite warm a few weeks ago. Below freezing tonight.
Date: 4/3/26 10:35 am From: Gary Lingle via groups.io <pelicanlingle...> Subject: [NEBirds] Smith’s Longspurs at Harvard WPA
It appears the “flock” of Smith’s Longspurs at Harvard WPA have departed. The last report on eBird was of 37 on March 24. I searched the area on March 30 and did not find any. As you may recall they were first reported at this location on February 28. Collectively these sightings were unprecedented for Nebraska in both numbers (maximum 200) and duration (25 days). Thanks to everyone who made an effort to see and report them.
Date: 4/3/26 4:14 am From: Ross Silcock via groups.io <silcock...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Monk Parakeet in Grand Island?
Thanks for the informative replies- seems as though the single bird reported at Fonner Park must have been a one-off released or escaped bird.
Good to know, Bill, they're doing well in Pinellas!
Ross
Ross Silcock
6810 Tournament Drive,
Houston, TX 77069
Co-editor Birds of Nebraska Online
________________________________
From: <NEBirds...> <NEBirds...> on behalf of pastorpaultdunbar via groups.io <pastorpaultdunbar...>
Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2026 9:28 PM
To: <NEBirds...> <NEBirds...>
Cc: <NEBirds...> <NEBirds...>
Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Monk Parakeet in Grand Island?
In my 25 years living in nearby Hastings, I don’t recall anyone talking about seeing even one in GI.
Paul Dunbar
On Apr 2, 2026, at 8:50 PM, Bill Kaempfer via groups.io <William.Kaempfer...> wrote:
I see them just about every week....here in Pinellas County, Florida.
Bill Kaempfer
Safety Harbor, FL
________________________________
From: <NEBirds...> <NEBirds...> on behalf of Paul Roisen via groups.io <roisenp1950...>
Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2026 4:50 PM
To: <NEBirds...> <NEBirds...>
Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Monk Parakeet in Grand Island?
[External email - use caution]
Regarding Monk Parakeet in Nebraska or Iowa: I had one in western Iowa many years ago and it was not countable as species for State lists in Iowa then or now. Not countable in Nebraska either since neither state has an established population.
I saw a group of 9 in Arizona
Monk Parakeet Exotic: Provisional 15 Feb 2021 stakeout Monk Parakeets--Gilbert Town Square | US-AZ. This sighting does show up on my Arizona list as a state bird as of today.
Texas group of 19
Monk Parakeet Exotic: Naturalized 24 Feb 2018 1300 W Riverside Dr, Austin US-TX (30.2645,-97.7567) | US-TX
This sighting does show up on my Texas list as a state bird as of today.
Interesting birds!
Paul O. Roisen
Sioux City, IA 51106 Woodbury County, IA
Mobile 712-301-2817 <roisenp1950...><mailto:<roisenp1950...>
On Thu, Apr 2, 2026 at 2:59 PM Ross Silcock via groups.io<http://groups.io/> <silcock...><mailto:<rosssilcock.com...>> wrote:
I just saw pics of a Monk Parakeet seen at Fonner Park. Has anyone been there or nearby neighborhoods and noticed Monk Parakeets? Any word of a small group in Grand Island?
They've done well in Chicago for many years.
Ross
Ross Silcock
6810 Tournament Drive,
Houston, TX 77069
Date: 4/2/26 6:50 pm From: Bill Kaempfer via groups.io <William.Kaempfer...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Monk Parakeet in Grand Island?
I see them just about every week....here in Pinellas County, Florida.
Bill Kaempfer
Safety Harbor, FL
________________________________
From: <NEBirds...> <NEBirds...> on behalf of Paul Roisen via groups.io <roisenp1950...>
Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2026 4:50 PM
To: <NEBirds...> <NEBirds...>
Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Monk Parakeet in Grand Island?
[External email - use caution]
Regarding Monk Parakeet in Nebraska or Iowa: I had one in western Iowa many years ago and it was not countable as species for State lists in Iowa then or now. Not countable in Nebraska either since neither state has an established population.
I saw a group of 9 in Arizona
Monk Parakeet Exotic: Provisional 15 Feb 2021 stakeout Monk Parakeets--Gilbert Town Square | US-AZ. This sighting does show up on my Arizona list as a state bird as of today.
Texas group of 19
Monk Parakeet Exotic: Naturalized 24 Feb 2018 1300 W Riverside Dr, Austin US-TX (30.2645,-97.7567) | US-TX
This sighting does show up on my Texas list as a state bird as of today.
Interesting birds!
Paul O. Roisen
Sioux City, IA 51106 Woodbury County, IA
Mobile 712-301-2817 <roisenp1950...><mailto:<roisenp1950...>
On Thu, Apr 2, 2026 at 2:59 PM Ross Silcock via groups.io<http://groups.io/> <silcock...><mailto:<rosssilcock.com...>> wrote:
I just saw pics of a Monk Parakeet seen at Fonner Park. Has anyone been there or nearby neighborhoods and noticed Monk Parakeets? Any word of a small group in Grand Island?
They've done well in Chicago for many years.
Ross
Ross Silcock
6810 Tournament Drive,
Houston, TX 77069
Date: 4/2/26 6:37 pm From: David Cunningham via groups.io <gopacgodc...> Subject: [NEBirds] Spring NOU meeting at Fort Robinson May 29-31
I am excited to announce this Spring's NOU meeting at Fort Robinson. The event is May 29-31. It is in an amazing and historic location that offers excellent birding at the Fort along with nearby locations like Chadron State Park, Walgren Lake, Sowbelly Canyon, Gilbert-Baker Wildlife Area, and Nebraska National Forest. We have an excellent caterer with delicious food. Come join us for this incredible event. Please see the website for signing up, at https://noubirds.org/Meetings/Next.aspx.
Date: 4/2/26 1:50 pm From: Paul Roisen via groups.io <roisenp1950...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Monk Parakeet in Grand Island?
Regarding Monk Parakeet in Nebraska or Iowa: I had one in western Iowa
many years ago and it was not countable as species for State lists in Iowa
then or now. Not countable in Nebraska either since neither state has an
established population.
I saw a group of 9 in Arizona
Monk Parakeet Exotic: Provisional 15 Feb 2021 stakeout Monk
Parakeets--Gilbert Town Square | US-AZ. This sighting does show up on my
Arizona list as a state bird as of today.
Texas group of 19
Monk Parakeet Exotic: Naturalized 24 Feb 2018 1300 W Riverside Dr, Austin
US-TX (30.2645,-97.7567) | US-TX
This sighting does show up on my Texas list as a state bird as of today.
Interesting birds!
*Paul O. Roisen*
*Sioux City, IA 51106 **Woodbury County, IA*
*Mobile 712-301-2817 **<roisenp1950...> <roisenp1950...>*
On Thu, Apr 2, 2026 at 2:59 PM Ross Silcock via groups.io <silcock=
<rosssilcock.com...> wrote:
> I just saw pics of a Monk Parakeet seen at Fonner Park. Has anyone been
> there or nearby neighborhoods and noticed Monk Parakeets? Any word of a
> small group in Grand Island?
>
> They've done well in Chicago for many years.
>
> Ross
>
> Ross Silcock
> 6810 Tournament Drive,
> Houston, TX 77069
>
> Co-editor Birds of Nebraska Online
> Editor Seasonal Reports, Nebraska Bird Review.
>
>
>
Date: 4/2/26 12:59 pm From: Ross Silcock via groups.io <silcock...> Subject: [NEBirds] Fw: Monk Parakeet in Grand Island?
Oops- no longer Editor Seasonal Reports, Nebraska Bird Review! Now in Tobin Brown's capable hands.
Ross
________________________________
From: Ross Silcock <silcock...>
Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2026 2:57 PM
To: NEBIRDS <NEBIRDS...>
Subject: Monk Parakeet in Grand Island?
I just saw pics of a Monk Parakeet seen at Fonner Park. Has anyone been there or nearby neighborhoods and noticed Monk Parakeets? Any word of a small group in Grand Island?
They've done well in Chicago for many years.
Ross
Ross Silcock
6810 Tournament Drive,
Houston, TX 77069
Date: 4/2/26 12:59 pm From: Ross Silcock via groups.io <silcock...> Subject: [NEBirds] Monk Parakeet in Grand Island?
I just saw pics of a Monk Parakeet seen at Fonner Park. Has anyone been there or nearby neighborhoods and noticed Monk Parakeets? Any word of a small group in Grand Island?
They've done well in Chicago for many years.
Ross
Ross Silcock
6810 Tournament Drive,
Houston, TX 77069
On Mon, Mar 30, 2026 at 10:17 AM Jacob C. Cooper via groups.io <cooperj2=
<unk.edu...> wrote:
> Hi Robin,
>
> If someone makes a hotspot, you can merge all of your locations with that
> hotspot *or* transfer your lists to that hotspot if you did not create
> the location originally. Alternatively, all three of you can recommend your
> location as a hotspot and one of the hotspot reviewers can then merge those
> locations together within eBird.
>
> All the best,
>
> JC
>
> ------------------------------------------
>
> *Jacob C. Cooper, PhD (he/him)*
>
> *Lab Website <https://unkornithology.github.io/>* | *Book a meeting
> <https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/<54b539030932433597927a9d0bc134c6...>/meetingtype/DipxYAhygk6c6tyh8N9U9g2?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled&ep=mLinkFromTile>* >
>
>
> *Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska at Kearney*
>
> Bruner Hall of Sciences, Room 321
>
> 2401 11th Avenue
> Kearney, NE 68849-1130
>
>
> *Research Associate, Field Museum, Chicago*
> *Citizen of the Cherokee Nation*
> *[image: image.png]*
> *From: *<NEBirds...> <NEBirds...> on behalf of Robin Harding
> via groups.io <pine2siskin4...>
> *Date: *Friday, March 27, 2026 at 21:59
> *To: *<NEBirds...> <NEBirds...>
> *Subject: *[NEBirds] ebird location
>
> *Caution:* Non-NU Email
>
> Nebraska ebirders,
>
> I'm entering historical lists into ebird. I have a personal location
> called 'Alma WTP east.' I also have some ebird lists shared by William
> Flack and Eugene Huryn from the same location. Each of them gave the
> location a slightly different name. So now I have three different names
> for the same location. Can we make it a hotspot and merge lists with the
> hotspot?
>
> Robin Harding
> Shelton, Nebraska
>
>
>
Date: 3/30/26 8:17 am From: Jacob C. Cooper via groups.io <cooperj2...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] ebird location
Hi Robin,
If someone makes a hotspot, you can merge all of your locations with that hotspot or transfer your lists to that hotspot if you did not create the location originally. Alternatively, all three of you can recommend your location as a hotspot and one of the hotspot reviewers can then merge those locations together within eBird.
Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska at Kearney
Bruner Hall of Sciences, Room 321
2401 11th Avenue
Kearney, NE 68849-1130
Research Associate, Field Museum, Chicago
Citizen of the Cherokee Nation
[image.png]
From: <NEBirds...> <NEBirds...> on behalf of Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4...>
Date: Friday, March 27, 2026 at 21:59
To: <NEBirds...> <NEBirds...>
Subject: [NEBirds] ebird location
Caution: Non-NU Email
Nebraska ebirders,
I'm entering historical lists into ebird. I have a personal location called 'Alma WTP east.' I also have some ebird lists shared by William Flack and Eugene Huryn from the same location. Each of them gave the location a slightly different name. So now I have three different names for the same location. Can we make it a hotspot and merge lists with the hotspot?
Date: 3/27/26 8:54 pm From: Paul L. Pearson via groups.io <Propearson...> Subject: [NEBirds] NOU Spring Meeting Registration Delay and noubirds.org website issue
Friends,
I wanted to pass along some information regarding a delay for opening registration for the NOU Spring Meeting and noubirds.org website.
As I was going to open up the registration last night, every browser I tried reported a security error on noubirds.org due to an expired security certificate 2 days ago. I tried to contact our web server host Ann Johnson in Iowa and I was just told that she had passed away this week. I'm guessing that many of you knew her, as she was an Iowa birder and was at the spring tri-state meeting last year.
Until we hear something more, I'm going to keep the registration closed. While I don't think the site has been hacked, I don't want to risk it until we know a little more. Please be patient and we'll get the registration opened as soon as possible. You can make your reservations at Fort Robinson or surrounding area motels for May 29-31 if you haven't already. https://outdoornebraska.gov/location/fort-robinson/
Registration will be $10. Students are eligible to apply for an NOU Scholarship that will pay for the meeting expenses. (Reply directly to me or email me at propearson AT gmail.com for more details.) Meals are $28 for both nights and $17 for Saturday sack lunch. Agenda will include the annual business meeting and Steve Brenner's plenary lecture on Spotted Towhee research on Friday night. Saturday is all about the bird field trips. Sat night's program including the keynote address is still TBD at this time.
We hope you all can attend! I will update the listserv, facebook and discord when I have more info on opening registration. My apologies for the delay. We will have until about May 10 to register for meals, so we have some time to get this sorted out.
Paul P.
--
Paul L. Pearson, PhD
President-Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union
Omaha, NE
Date: 3/27/26 7:59 pm From: Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4...> Subject: [NEBirds] ebird location
Nebraska ebirders,
I'm entering historical lists into ebird. I have a personal location called 'Alma WTP east.' I also have some ebird lists shared by William Flack and Eugene Huryn from the same location. Each of them gave the location a slightly different name. So now I have three different names for the same location. Can we make it a hotspot and merge lists with the hotspot?
Date: 3/24/26 5:43 am From: Matt Beisel via groups.io <matt.beisel...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Richardson County birding
The story format made this very enjoyable to read. More, please! Happy birding! On Mar 24, 2026, at 6:36 AM, Kathleen J Crawford-Rose via groups.io <katcr...> wrote:
External Email Loved your post, Ruthie. Good luck to you AND THE HUSKER BOYS!
On Monday, March 23, 2026 at 09:44:35 PM CDT, Shirley Maas via groups.io <dtmsem2006...> wrote:
Love your report. We need more of the experiences not just dry numbers.
“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, March 23, 2026, 6:09 PM, Ruth Stearns via groups.io <ruthstearns...> wrote:
My Richardson county list has been at 118 since 2020, and only earlier this month did I start trying to improve on that number, checking area lakes for waterfowl and finding none until I got to a cornstubble field close to the road with Snow Geese and #119 Ross's Geese.
With eBird needling me with its needs alerts emails (which I did ask for), I realized I needed to get back to the county to pick up some waterfowl and other birds I didn't have yet. So no lounging over coffee this morning, get going and on the road!
I'd call today's effort inspired by the Nebraska Mens Basketball team, who keep playing til the game is over. No quitting early!
So, I needed six more birds, and my last emails from eBird promised that many and then some. Could I find any?
First headed to Kirkman's Cove, and in the cold winds, on the western side, picked up the Lesser Scaup # 120 , but none of the others on the list. Did hear Barred Owls, that was cool! And also FOY Pied-Billed Grebes. At the south side found Blue-winged Teal #121, (also FOY's) and some Gadwall, but nothing else. How can this big lake have so few waterfowl? Hmm.
Wandering around north of Humboldt did have FOY Turkey Vultures.
Then headed to Verdon Lake with many promising new Richardson County birds. But it was a bust. nothing but the Canada Geese and four Snow Geese that were all there three weeks ago. Did have a pretty FOY Eastern Phoebe tho.
So off to my last planned stop...Indian Cave. Can I find the Purple Finches on Trail #9? YES! The lowest spot on that trail, right near the entrance, seemed the birdiest, and the purple finches were zipping around at a distance, chittering and making that Tick tick call! Fun to see Red-headed Woodpeckers and Tufted Titmice galore. Hiked up to the meadow, and on the way back, near where I had the PUFI's, were some Golden-crowned Kinglets, who alerted me with their high pitched little squeaky noises. When I got the list in eBird, the Purple Finches were #122 and the Kinglets #123.
Dang...all my spots for the day taken, and I was two short, and I needed to get home and fix supper. I could make it just fine but....I kept thinking about those two lakes. They had all these waterfowl on them yesterday, who were nearly all gone by today. It'd been a few hours since I was there, maybe something else came in? Should I go 15 miles out of my way to go home that way? So what would the Huskers do? They'd keep trying! So I headed back down to Verdon Lake. While it was warmer than this morning, still no waterfowl, unless you want to count the FOY Double-crested Cormorants. Also picked up an FOY Great Blue Heron (really? took me that long to get those two birds this year?) And probably an early Chipping Sparrow, eBird had it down as Rare, but it was definitely another FOY.
But my Richardson county list was still at #123. Off to Kirkman's Cove. Pulled in to one of the spots I'd liked from this morning, and there were no rafts of ducks, nothing, but there was one somethingorother just off the shore. Was it a loon? Good heavens it was, an FOY Common Loon, and #124 for Richardson County https://ebird.org/checklist/S312513091 photos attached to this list.
Can I find ONE more bird on this lake? Hmm.. off in the distance was a small duck, or grebe, too far away to ID. Where can I get closer...ok, one more detour needed, but it was on my way back, headed back in to the western entrance of the lake....and right in front of me was the duck...the bins suggested it was a ruddy, and eventually I pulled it into my scope, as it liked to be below the waterline vs above most of the time. When I entered it in eBird, it was number #125!!!!!
So I guess it pays to play like the Husker basketball team...Don't stop playing til the game is over. And yes, I guess waterfowl comes and goes into lakes quite often, so don't rule out going back at the end of the day to look again!
So six new county birds and 9 FOY's for the day. 39 species total. A fun day!
Date: 3/24/26 4:36 am From: Kathleen J Crawford-Rose via groups.io <katcr...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Richardson County birding
Loved your post, Ruthie. Good luck to you AND THE HUSKER BOYS!
On Monday, March 23, 2026 at 09:44:35 PM CDT, Shirley Maas via groups.io <dtmsem2006...> wrote:
Love your report. We need more of the experiences not just dry numbers.
“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, March 23, 2026, 6:09 PM, Ruth Stearns via groups.io <ruthstearns...> wrote:
My Richardson county list has been at 118 since 2020, and only earlier this month did I start trying to improve on that number, checking area lakes for waterfowl and finding none until I got to a cornstubble field close to the road with Snow Geese and #119 Ross's Geese.
With eBird needling me with its needs alerts emails (which I did ask for), I realized I needed to get back to the county to pick up some waterfowl and other birds I didn't have yet. So no lounging over coffee this morning, get going and on the road!
I'd call today's effort inspired by the Nebraska Mens Basketball team, who keep playing til the game is over. No quitting early!
So, I needed six more birds, and my last emails from eBird promised that many and then some. Could I find any?
First headed to Kirkman's Cove, and in the cold winds, on the western side, picked up the Lesser Scaup # 120 , but none of the others on the list. Did hear Barred Owls, that was cool! And also FOY Pied-Billed Grebes. At the south side found Blue-winged Teal #121, (also FOY's) and some Gadwall, but nothing else. How can this big lake have so few waterfowl? Hmm.
Wandering around north of Humboldt did have FOY Turkey Vultures.
Then headed to Verdon Lake with many promising new Richardson County birds. But it was a bust. nothing but the Canada Geese and four Snow Geese that were all there three weeks ago. Did have a pretty FOY Eastern Phoebe tho.
So off to my last planned stop...Indian Cave. Can I find the Purple Finches on Trail #9? YES! The lowest spot on that trail, right near the entrance, seemed the birdiest, and the purple finches were zipping around at a distance, chittering and making that Tick tick call! Fun to see Red-headed Woodpeckers and Tufted Titmice galore. Hiked up to the meadow, and on the way back, near where I had the PUFI's, were some Golden-crowned Kinglets, who alerted me with their high pitched little squeaky noises. When I got the list in eBird, the Purple Finches were #122 and the Kinglets #123.
Dang...all my spots for the day taken, and I was two short, and I needed to get home and fix supper. I could make it just fine but....I kept thinking about those two lakes. They had all these waterfowl on them yesterday, who were nearly all gone by today. It'd been a few hours since I was there, maybe something else came in? Should I go 15 miles out of my way to go home that way? So what would the Huskers do? They'd keep trying! So I headed back down to Verdon Lake. While it was warmer than this morning, still no waterfowl, unless you want to count the FOY Double-crested Cormorants. Also picked up an FOY Great Blue Heron (really? took me that long to get those two birds this year?) And probably an early Chipping Sparrow, eBird had it down as Rare, but it was definitely another FOY.
But my Richardson county list was still at #123. Off to Kirkman's Cove. Pulled in to one of the spots I'd liked from this morning, and there were no rafts of ducks, nothing, but there was one somethingorother just off the shore. Was it a loon? Good heavens it was, an FOY Common Loon, and #124 for Richardson County https://ebird.org/checklist/S312513091 photos attached to this list.
Can I find ONE more bird on this lake? Hmm.. off in the distance was a small duck, or grebe, too far away to ID. Where can I get closer...ok, one more detour needed, but it was on my way back, headed back in to the western entrance of the lake....and right in front of me was the duck...the bins suggested it was a ruddy, and eventually I pulled it into my scope, as it liked to be below the waterline vs above most of the time. When I entered it in eBird, it was number #125!!!!!
So I guess it pays to play like the Husker basketball team...Don't stop playing til the game is over. And yes, I guess waterfowl comes and goes into lakes quite often, so don't rule out going back at the end of the day to look again!
So six new county birds and 9 FOY's for the day. 39 species total. A fun day!
Ruthie StearnsLincoln, NE
Date: 3/23/26 7:44 pm From: Shirley Maas via groups.io <dtmsem2006...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Richardson County birding
Love your report. We need more of the experiences not just dry numbers.
“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, March 23, 2026, 6:09 PM, Ruth Stearns via groups.io <ruthstearns...> wrote:
My Richardson county list has been at 118 since 2020, and only earlier this month did I start trying to improve on that number, checking area lakes for waterfowl and finding none until I got to a cornstubble field close to the road with Snow Geese and #119 Ross's Geese.
With eBird needling me with its needs alerts emails (which I did ask for), I realized I needed to get back to the county to pick up some waterfowl and other birds I didn't have yet. So no lounging over coffee this morning, get going and on the road!
I'd call today's effort inspired by the Nebraska Mens Basketball team, who keep playing til the game is over. No quitting early!
So, I needed six more birds, and my last emails from eBird promised that many and then some. Could I find any?
First headed to Kirkman's Cove, and in the cold winds, on the western side, picked up the Lesser Scaup # 120 , but none of the others on the list. Did hear Barred Owls, that was cool! And also FOY Pied-Billed Grebes. At the south side found Blue-winged Teal #121, (also FOY's) and some Gadwall, but nothing else. How can this big lake have so few waterfowl? Hmm.
Wandering around north of Humboldt did have FOY Turkey Vultures.
Then headed to Verdon Lake with many promising new Richardson County birds. But it was a bust. nothing but the Canada Geese and four Snow Geese that were all there three weeks ago. Did have a pretty FOY Eastern Phoebe tho.
So off to my last planned stop...Indian Cave. Can I find the Purple Finches on Trail #9? YES! The lowest spot on that trail, right near the entrance, seemed the birdiest, and the purple finches were zipping around at a distance, chittering and making that Tick tick call! Fun to see Red-headed Woodpeckers and Tufted Titmice galore. Hiked up to the meadow, and on the way back, near where I had the PUFI's, were some Golden-crowned Kinglets, who alerted me with their high pitched little squeaky noises. When I got the list in eBird, the Purple Finches were #122 and the Kinglets #123.
Dang...all my spots for the day taken, and I was two short, and I needed to get home and fix supper. I could make it just fine but....I kept thinking about those two lakes. They had all these waterfowl on them yesterday, who were nearly all gone by today. It'd been a few hours since I was there, maybe something else came in? Should I go 15 miles out of my way to go home that way? So what would the Huskers do? They'd keep trying! So I headed back down to Verdon Lake. While it was warmer than this morning, still no waterfowl, unless you want to count the FOY Double-crested Cormorants. Also picked up an FOY Great Blue Heron (really? took me that long to get those two birds this year?) And probably an early Chipping Sparrow, eBird had it down as Rare, but it was definitely another FOY.
But my Richardson county list was still at #123. Off to Kirkman's Cove. Pulled in to one of the spots I'd liked from this morning, and there were no rafts of ducks, nothing, but there was one somethingorother just off the shore. Was it a loon? Good heavens it was, an FOY Common Loon, and #124 for Richardson County https://ebird.org/checklist/S312513091 photos attached to this list.
Can I find ONE more bird on this lake? Hmm.. off in the distance was a small duck, or grebe, too far away to ID. Where can I get closer...ok, one more detour needed, but it was on my way back, headed back in to the western entrance of the lake....and right in front of me was the duck...the bins suggested it was a ruddy, and eventually I pulled it into my scope, as it liked to be below the waterline vs above most of the time. When I entered it in eBird, it was number #125!!!!!
So I guess it pays to play like the Husker basketball team...Don't stop playing til the game is over. And yes, I guess waterfowl comes and goes into lakes quite often, so don't rule out going back at the end of the day to look again!
So six new county birds and 9 FOY's for the day. 39 species total. A fun day!
Ruthie StearnsLincoln, NE
Date: 3/23/26 6:34 pm From: greg hartel via groups.io <gregjhartel...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Sarpy County questions
Ringneck Pheasant at Base Lake. 3/20
On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 2:03 PM Matt Shurtliff via groups.io <mmscornhusker=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Thanks Mary and Elizabeth! This is low fruit for my state and county
> lists.
>
> On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 10:11 AM Mary Clausen via groups.io <mkclausen=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> To hear the woodcocks at Walnut Creek, park just west of the dog park
>> next to the picnic area. The woodcocks are in the grassy hillside just
>> north of the parking lot. You hear them just after dusk and sunset. There
>> is a low trail on the hillside that goes east paralleling the road. Just
>> walk along that or the road.
>>
>> Mar Claisen
>> Sarpy County
>>
>>
>> On Fri, Mar 20, 2026, 9:09 AM Matt Shurtliff via groups.io
>> <mmscornhusker...> wrote:
>>
>>> I've got a couple of Nebraska & Sarpy list gaps I want to address -
>>> anyone have details on the following:
>>>
>>> - Woodcock spot at Walnut Creek - I've heard this is near the dog
>>> park? Anyone have any more specifics?
>>>
>>> - Red-shouldered Hawk at Chalco - I've seen a couple of reports - anyone
>>> have details on where at Chalco the hawk has been seen? It's a big place
>>> :).
>>>
>>> FYI there's a ton of Mergansers at the Offutt Base Lake in Sarpy, mostly
>>> Red-breasted (80+ on Wednesday) but I got a photo with all 3 kinds in it.
>>>
>>> Last question - any word on Crescent post-fire? Is access closed to the
>>> Refuge?
>>>
>>> --
>>> Matt Shurtliff
>>> <mmscornhusker...>
>>>
>>
>
> --
> Matt Shurtliff
> <mmscornhusker...>
>
>
>
Date: 3/23/26 6:24 pm From: dt via groups.io <dtandelsie...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Richardson County birding
Ruth, I enjoyed your post and could so easily relate to the just one more just one more!!Diane in Laramie
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Mon, Mar 23, 2026 at 7:09 PM, Ruth Stearns via groups.io<ruthstearns...> wrote: My Richardson county list has been at 118 since 2020, and only earlier this month did I start trying to improve on that number, checking area lakes for waterfowl and finding none until I got to a cornstubble field close to the road with Snow Geese and #119 Ross's Geese.
With eBird needling me with its needs alerts emails (which I did ask for), I realized I needed to get back to the county to pick up some waterfowl and other birds I didn't have yet. So no lounging over coffee this morning, get going and on the road!
I'd call today's effort inspired by the Nebraska Mens Basketball team, who keep playing til the game is over. No quitting early!
So, I needed six more birds, and my last emails from eBird promised that many and then some. Could I find any?
First headed to Kirkman's Cove, and in the cold winds, on the western side, picked up the Lesser Scaup # 120 , but none of the others on the list. Did hear Barred Owls, that was cool! And also FOY Pied-Billed Grebes. At the south side found Blue-winged Teal #121, (also FOY's) and some Gadwall, but nothing else. How can this big lake have so few waterfowl? Hmm.
Wandering around north of Humboldt did have FOY Turkey Vultures.
Then headed to Verdon Lake with many promising new Richardson County birds. But it was a bust. nothing but the Canada Geese and four Snow Geese that were all there three weeks ago. Did have a pretty FOY Eastern Phoebe tho.
So off to my last planned stop...Indian Cave. Can I find the Purple Finches on Trail #9? YES! The lowest spot on that trail, right near the entrance, seemed the birdiest, and the purple finches were zipping around at a distance, chittering and making that Tick tick call! Fun to see Red-headed Woodpeckers and Tufted Titmice galore. Hiked up to the meadow, and on the way back, near where I had the PUFI's, were some Golden-crowned Kinglets, who alerted me with their high pitched little squeaky noises. When I got the list in eBird, the Purple Finches were #122 and the Kinglets #123.
Dang...all my spots for the day taken, and I was two short, and I needed to get home and fix supper. I could make it just fine but....I kept thinking about those two lakes. They had all these waterfowl on them yesterday, who were nearly all gone by today. It'd been a few hours since I was there, maybe something else came in? Should I go 15 miles out of my way to go home that way? So what would the Huskers do? They'd keep trying! So I headed back down to Verdon Lake. While it was warmer than this morning, still no waterfowl, unless you want to count the FOY Double-crested Cormorants. Also picked up an FOY Great Blue Heron (really? took me that long to get those two birds this year?) And probably an early Chipping Sparrow, eBird had it down as Rare, but it was definitely another FOY.
But my Richardson county list was still at #123. Off to Kirkman's Cove. Pulled in to one of the spots I'd liked from this morning, and there were no rafts of ducks, nothing, but there was one somethingorother just off the shore. Was it a loon? Good heavens it was, an FOY Common Loon, and #124 for Richardson County https://ebird.org/checklist/S312513091 photos attached to this list.
Can I find ONE more bird on this lake? Hmm.. off in the distance was a small duck, or grebe, too far away to ID. Where can I get closer...ok, one more detour needed, but it was on my way back, headed back in to the western entrance of the lake....and right in front of me was the duck...the bins suggested it was a ruddy, and eventually I pulled it into my scope, as it liked to be below the waterline vs above most of the time. When I entered it in eBird, it was number #125!!!!!
So I guess it pays to play like the Husker basketball team...Don't stop playing til the game is over. And yes, I guess waterfowl comes and goes into lakes quite often, so don't rule out going back at the end of the day to look again!
So six new county birds and 9 FOY's for the day. 39 species total. A fun day!
Ruthie StearnsLincoln, NE
Date: 3/23/26 6:09 pm From: Ruth Stearns via groups.io <ruthstearns...> Subject: [NEBirds] Richardson County birding
My Richardson county list has been at 118 since 2020, and only earlier this month did I start trying to improve on that number, checking area lakes for waterfowl and finding none until I got to a cornstubble field close to the road with Snow Geese and #119 Ross's Geese.
With eBird needling me with its needs alerts emails (which I did ask for), I realized I needed to get back to the county to pick up some waterfowl and other birds I didn't have yet. So no lounging over coffee this morning, get going and on the road!
I'd call today's effort inspired by the Nebraska Mens Basketball team, who keep playing til the game is over. No quitting early!
So, I needed six more birds, and my last emails from eBird promised that many and then some. Could I find any?
First headed to Kirkman's Cove, and in the cold winds, on the western side, picked up the Lesser Scaup # 120 , but none of the others on the list. Did hear Barred Owls, that was cool! And also FOY Pied-Billed Grebes. At the south side found Blue-winged Teal #121, (also FOY's) and some Gadwall, but nothing else. How can this big lake have so few waterfowl? Hmm.
Wandering around north of Humboldt did have FOY Turkey Vultures.
Then headed to Verdon Lake with many promising new Richardson County birds. But it was a bust. nothing but the Canada Geese and four Snow Geese that were all there three weeks ago. Did have a pretty FOY Eastern Phoebe tho.
So off to my last planned stop...Indian Cave. Can I find the Purple Finches on Trail #9? YES! The lowest spot on that trail, right near the entrance, seemed the birdiest, and the purple finches were zipping around at a distance, chittering and making that Tick tick call! Fun to see Red-headed Woodpeckers and Tufted Titmice galore. Hiked up to the meadow, and on the way back, near where I had the PUFI's, were some Golden-crowned Kinglets, who alerted me with their high pitched little squeaky noises. When I got the list in eBird, the Purple Finches were #122 and the Kinglets #123.
Dang...all my spots for the day taken, and I was two short, and I needed to get home and fix supper. I could make it just fine but....I kept thinking about those two lakes. They had all these waterfowl on them yesterday, who were nearly all gone by today. It'd been a few hours since I was there, maybe something else came in? Should I go 15 miles out of my way to go home that way? So what would the Huskers do? They'd keep trying! So I headed back down to Verdon Lake. While it was warmer than this morning, still no waterfowl, unless you want to count the FOY Double-crested Cormorants. Also picked up an FOY Great Blue Heron (really? took me that long to get those two birds this year?) And probably an early Chipping Sparrow, eBird had it down as Rare, but it was definitely another FOY.
But my Richardson county list was still at #123. Off to Kirkman's Cove. Pulled in to one of the spots I'd liked from this morning, and there were no rafts of ducks, nothing, but there was one somethingorother just off the shore. Was it a loon? Good heavens it was, an FOY Common Loon, and #124 for Richardson County https://ebird.org/checklist/S312513091 photos attached to this list.
Can I find ONE more bird on this lake? Hmm.. off in the distance was a small duck, or grebe, too far away to ID. Where can I get closer...ok, one more detour needed, but it was on my way back, headed back in to the western entrance of the lake....and right in front of me was the duck...the bins suggested it was a ruddy, and eventually I pulled it into my scope, as it liked to be below the waterline vs above most of the time. When I entered it in eBird, it was number #125!!!!!
So I guess it pays to play like the Husker basketball team...Don't stop playing til the game is over. And yes, I guess waterfowl comes and goes into lakes quite often, so don't rule out going back at the end of the day to look again!
So six new county birds and 9 FOY's for the day. 39 species total. A fun day!
Ruthie StearnsLincoln, NE
Saw this crane in a filed south of Elm Island Road just east of Rowe Sanctuary today. Not sure if it is the same one Tobin saw, but looked quite at home with the other Sandhills around it. Listed as an Albino in eBird, so if it is luestic, please let me know.
Also, hundreds of cranes doing a fly in to the River about 12:30 pm. Trying to cool off in the heat maybe.
Cinnamon Teal was very visible this morning exactly where Robin states. A Volunteer at Rowe told us it had been seen from the McGregor Blind, but we might be able to see at the wetlands dock area (and lighting was much better as you looked toward McGregor). Plenty of Cranes were closer for viewing as well. We were there from 11-11:15, 3/20/2026.
Date: 3/20/26 6:33 pm From: Rita Flohr via groups.io <motherhen2k...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Cinnamon Teal pdf of trail map at Rowe during crane season
Date: 3/20/26 12:03 pm From: Matt Shurtliff via groups.io <mmscornhusker...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Sarpy County questions
Thanks Mary and Elizabeth! This is low fruit for my state and county lists.
On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 10:11 AM Mary Clausen via groups.io <mkclausen=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> To hear the woodcocks at Walnut Creek, park just west of the dog park next
> to the picnic area. The woodcocks are in the grassy hillside just north of
> the parking lot. You hear them just after dusk and sunset. There is a low
> trail on the hillside that goes east paralleling the road. Just walk along
> that or the road.
>
> Mar Claisen
> Sarpy County
>
>
> On Fri, Mar 20, 2026, 9:09 AM Matt Shurtliff via groups.io <mmscornhusker=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> I've got a couple of Nebraska & Sarpy list gaps I want to address -
>> anyone have details on the following:
>>
>> - Woodcock spot at Walnut Creek - I've heard this is near the dog park?
>> Anyone have any more specifics?
>>
>> - Red-shouldered Hawk at Chalco - I've seen a couple of reports - anyone
>> have details on where at Chalco the hawk has been seen? It's a big place
>> :).
>>
>> FYI there's a ton of Mergansers at the Offutt Base Lake in Sarpy, mostly
>> Red-breasted (80+ on Wednesday) but I got a photo with all 3 kinds in it.
>>
>> Last question - any word on Crescent post-fire? Is access closed to the
>> Refuge?
>>
>> --
>> Matt Shurtliff
>> <mmscornhusker...>
>>
>
>
>
Date: 3/20/26 11:41 am From: Elizabeth Winter via groups.io <evwinter1...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Sarpy County questions
In reference to the red-shouldered hawk at Chalco, I saw the hawk flying
around the entrance road off Giles. I was driving home and turned around
to ID it and was pleasantly surprised. Not sure where the others saw it,
but I had made several previous attempts to find it and failed. Good Luck!
On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 9:09 AM Matt Shurtliff via groups.io <mmscornhusker=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> I've got a couple of Nebraska & Sarpy list gaps I want to address - anyone
> have details on the following:
>
> - Woodcock spot at Walnut Creek - I've heard this is near the dog park?
> Anyone have any more specifics?
>
> - Red-shouldered Hawk at Chalco - I've seen a couple of reports - anyone
> have details on where at Chalco the hawk has been seen? It's a big place
> :).
>
> FYI there's a ton of Mergansers at the Offutt Base Lake in Sarpy, mostly
> Red-breasted (80+ on Wednesday) but I got a photo with all 3 kinds in it.
>
> Last question - any word on Crescent post-fire? Is access closed to the
> Refuge?
>
> --
> Matt Shurtliff
> <mmscornhusker...>
>
>
>
Date: 3/20/26 8:11 am From: Mary Clausen via groups.io <mkclausen...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Sarpy County questions
To hear the woodcocks at Walnut Creek, park just west of the dog park next
to the picnic area. The woodcocks are in the grassy hillside just north of
the parking lot. You hear them just after dusk and sunset. There is a low
trail on the hillside that goes east paralleling the road. Just walk along
that or the road.
Mar Claisen
Sarpy County
On Fri, Mar 20, 2026, 9:09 AM Matt Shurtliff via groups.io <mmscornhusker=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> I've got a couple of Nebraska & Sarpy list gaps I want to address - anyone
> have details on the following:
>
> - Woodcock spot at Walnut Creek - I've heard this is near the dog park?
> Anyone have any more specifics?
>
> - Red-shouldered Hawk at Chalco - I've seen a couple of reports - anyone
> have details on where at Chalco the hawk has been seen? It's a big place
> :).
>
> FYI there's a ton of Mergansers at the Offutt Base Lake in Sarpy, mostly
> Red-breasted (80+ on Wednesday) but I got a photo with all 3 kinds in it.
>
> Last question - any word on Crescent post-fire? Is access closed to the
> Refuge?
>
> --
> Matt Shurtliff
> <mmscornhusker...>
>
>
Good to know. I looked on Tuesday and didn't see them - but trails were
closing so I didn't have much time. Rowe's trails are tentatively open
from 10-4 - but they won't open if cranes are still on the river just so
people know that.
Colleen
On Thu, Mar 19, 2026 at 1:27 PM Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Nebraska birders,
>
> At Rowe Sanctuary's McGregor blind. In marshy area along south bank.
>
> Robin Harding
> Shelton
>
>
>
Date: 3/19/26 12:23 pm From: Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Photo of Cinnamon Teal
On Thu, Mar 19, 2026, 2:18 PM David Cunningham via groups.io <gopacgodc=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Where is the McGregor blind?
>
> On Thu, Mar 19, 2026, 2:16 PM Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> Nebraska birders,
>>
>> A large group of visitors are in Rowe Sanctuary's McGregor blind this
>> afternoon enjoying a rare sight. There are hundreds of Sandhill Cranes on
>> the river. They are usually in the fields during the day. Someone spotted
>> a Cinnamon Teal. I attached a photo taken by Brandon Nehring.
>>
>> Robin Harding
>> Shelton
>>
>
>
Date: 3/19/26 12:18 pm From: David Cunningham via groups.io <gopacgodc...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Photo of Cinnamon Teal
Where is the McGregor blind?
On Thu, Mar 19, 2026, 2:16 PM Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Nebraska birders,
>
> A large group of visitors are in Rowe Sanctuary's McGregor blind this
> afternoon enjoying a rare sight. There are hundreds of Sandhill Cranes on
> the river. They are usually in the fields during the day. Someone spotted
> a Cinnamon Teal. I attached a photo taken by Brandon Nehring.
>
> Robin Harding
> Shelton
>
>
Date: 3/19/26 12:16 pm From: Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4...> Subject: [NEBirds] Photo of Cinnamon Teal
Nebraska birders,
A large group of visitors are in Rowe Sanctuary's McGregor blind this afternoon enjoying a rare sight. There are hundreds of Sandhill Cranes on the river. They are usually in the fields during the day. Someone spotted a Cinnamon Teal. I attached a photo taken by Brandon Nehring.
Date: 3/19/26 6:01 am From: David Cunningham via groups.io <gopacgodc...> Subject: [NEBirds] Nebraska wildfires
Unfortunately and sadly there have been numerous wildfires within Nebraska with the 4 most recent having devastating impacts. There has been human life lost. It appears all of Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge is burned. There has been property burned and destroyed. There are many counties affected. There are some birders and/or NOU members directly affected. Power was cut for a while even during the bitter cold. Evacuations occurred. There are no fly zones. And so on. The Morrill fire affected 5 counties and burned the most western side of Lake McConaughy, which is visible in the reference below. One oddity is the map shows a portion of the lake as burned, which reflects the dried portion on the west side.
