Date: 9/4/26 3:56 pm From: cronakelsey via groups.io <cronakelsey...> Subject: [NEBirds] Bird Conservancy of the Rockies Banding Report - Wildcat Hills Station 8/29/2026 - 9/4/2026
Hello folks! I’m Kelsey, the fall '26 bander at the Wildcat Hills bird banding station run by Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. This first week of banding has been busy - many birds were active during cooler mornings, but numbers have decreased slightly with rising temperatures. We’ve caught some fun birds this week and are excited to share with you!
**
**
Red Crossbill: 57 - I have enjoyed all the plumage variations on these birds!
Spotted Towhee: 36
House Finch: 18
Red Breasted Nuthatch: 11
Pygmy Nuthatch: 10
American Goldfinch: 8
Yellow-breasted Chat: 4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: 4
Wilson’s Warbler: 4
Orange-crowned Warbler: 3
Pine Siskin: 3
Western Tanager: 3
Mourning Dove: 2
Northern House Wren: 2
Black-capped Chickadee: 2
Chipping Sparrow: 1
Townsend’s Warbler: 1
Western Warbling Vireo: 1
Dusky Flycatcher: 1
Evening Grosbeak: 1 - a first for the station!
Cassin’s Finch: 1
**
**
Total: 173
**
**
While we did not catch this bird, a Clark’s Nutcracker was seen at the station on 9/3. Send us good luck to catch this bird! We also caught a young Black-chinned Hummingbird, but we did not band it. Another highlight was a male Spotted Towhee with an old band - turns out he was banded in 2020 as an adult. He’s at least seven years old!
**
**
This station is open from Tuesday-Saturday until October 10th. For the upcoming week of 9/8/2026 - 9/12/2026, nets will open at 6:15am and will close at 12:15pm, weather permitting. Come by and see some birds!
Date: 9/1/26 2:38 pm From: Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Last Call for Fall Meeting Registration with meals!! 9/1/26
Nebraska birders,
If a Neotropic Cormorant is seen at Harlan or a jaeger is seen at Sherman,
you know where to go on Sunday. Didn't I hear about a hurricane in the
Gulf? What could happen?
Robin Harding
Shelton, Nebraska
On Tue, Sep 1, 2026 at 4:20 PM Paul Roisen via groups.io <roisenp1950=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Thanks to both Robin and Pro for providing some nice options for Sunday as
> well as Saturday. Definitely, God willing and the creek don't rise" be
> there. Sending in registration today. I will likely be in the area
> Thursday through Sunday night and would be up for extra birding on Friday
> and Monday.
>
> God Bless.
> *Paul O. Roisen*
> *Sioux City, IA 51106 **Woodbury County, IA*
> *Mobile 712-301-2817 <(712)%20301-2817> **<roisenp1950...>
> <roisenp1950...>*
>
>
> On Tue, Sep 1, 2026 at 4:09 PM Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>>
>> Nebraska birders,
>>
>> I've been birding some Kearney area hot spots so that folks coming to the
>> NOU meeting/birding event will have some more places to bird before and
>> after the meeting. You can explore ebird hot spots for places to bird on
>> your way to Kearney and on your way back home.
>>
>> Robin Harding
>> Shelton, NE
>>
>> On Tue, Sep 1, 2026 at 3:55 PM Paul L. Pearson via groups.io <Propearson=
>> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>>
>>> The Sherman Res trip definitely will not repeat and likely the Harlan Co
>>> Res wont as that will be more of a full day, but thats up to Joel J.
>>>
>>> The trip leaders will let you know Fri night if they are repeating or
>>> not. The UNK group is still determining how many different ones and where
>>> they will go. One may include Crane Trust, I hope.
>>>
>>> As always, birds will determine where the best opps are for Sun, but
>>> Robin and Bill will be doing one at Rowe and surrounds on Sun and Barbara
>>> Brown will be doing the Kearney Hike/Bike trail area that is usually pretty
>>> hot.
>>>
>>> Paul P
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Paul L. Pearson, PhD
>>> President-Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union
>>> Omaha, NE
>>>
>>>
>
>
Date: 9/1/26 2:20 pm From: Paul Roisen via groups.io <roisenp1950...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Last Call for Fall Meeting Registration with meals!! 9/1/26
Thanks to both Robin and Pro for providing some nice options for Sunday as
well as Saturday. Definitely, God willing and the creek don't rise" be
there. Sending in registration today. I will likely be in the area
Thursday through Sunday night and would be up for extra birding on Friday
and Monday.
God Bless.
*Paul O. Roisen*
*Sioux City, IA 51106 **Woodbury County, IA*
*Mobile 712-301-2817 **<roisenp1950...> <roisenp1950...>*
On Tue, Sep 1, 2026 at 4:09 PM Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
>
> Nebraska birders,
>
> I've been birding some Kearney area hot spots so that folks coming to the
> NOU meeting/birding event will have some more places to bird before and
> after the meeting. You can explore ebird hot spots for places to bird on
> your way to Kearney and on your way back home.
>
> Robin Harding
> Shelton, NE
>
> On Tue, Sep 1, 2026 at 3:55 PM Paul L. Pearson via groups.io <Propearson=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> The Sherman Res trip definitely will not repeat and likely the Harlan Co
>> Res wont as that will be more of a full day, but thats up to Joel J.
>>
>> The trip leaders will let you know Fri night if they are repeating or
>> not. The UNK group is still determining how many different ones and where
>> they will go. One may include Crane Trust, I hope.
>>
>> As always, birds will determine where the best opps are for Sun, but
>> Robin and Bill will be doing one at Rowe and surrounds on Sun and Barbara
>> Brown will be doing the Kearney Hike/Bike trail area that is usually pretty
>> hot.
>>
>> Paul P
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Paul L. Pearson, PhD
>> President-Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union
>> Omaha, NE
>>
>>
>
>
Date: 9/1/26 2:09 pm From: Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Last Call for Fall Meeting Registration with meals!! 9/1/26
Nebraska birders,
I've been birding some Kearney area hot spots so that folks coming to the
NOU meeting/birding event will have some more places to bird before and
after the meeting. You can explore ebird hot spots for places to bird on
your way to Kearney and on your way back home.
Robin Harding
Shelton, NE
On Tue, Sep 1, 2026 at 3:55 PM Paul L. Pearson via groups.io <Propearson=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> The Sherman Res trip definitely will not repeat and likely the Harlan Co
> Res wont as that will be more of a full day, but thats up to Joel J.
>
> The trip leaders will let you know Fri night if they are repeating or
> not. The UNK group is still determining how many different ones and where
> they will go. One may include Crane Trust, I hope.
>
> As always, birds will determine where the best opps are for Sun, but Robin
> and Bill will be doing one at Rowe and surrounds on Sun and Barbara Brown
> will be doing the Kearney Hike/Bike trail area that is usually pretty hot.
>
> Paul P
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Paul L. Pearson, PhD
> President-Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union
> Omaha, NE
>
>
>
Date: 9/1/26 1:56 pm From: Paul L. Pearson via groups.io <Propearson...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Last Call for Fall Meeting Registration with meals!! 9/1/26
The Sherman Res trip definitely will not repeat and likely the Harlan Co Res wont as that will be more of a full day, but thats up to Joel J.The trip leaders will let you know Fri night if they are repeating or not. The UNK group is still determining how many different ones and where they will go. One may include Crane Trust, I hope.As always, birds will determine where the best opps are for Sun, but Robin and Bill will be doing one at Rowe and surrounds on Sun and Barbara Brown will be doing the Kearney Hike/Bike trail area that is usually pretty hot.Paul PSent from my Galaxy
Date: 9/1/26 11:42 am From: Paul Roisen via groups.io <roisenp1950...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Last Call for Fall Meeting Registration with meals!! 9/1/26
Pro,
Will any "Field trips" be a possibility on Sunday led by someone to
locations some of us did not get to see on Saturday? Even though these
"field trips" are usually abbreviated, it would be nice to hit a spot or
two before wandering home.
God Bless.
*Paul O. Roisen*
*Sioux City, IA 51106 **Woodbury County, IA*
*Mobile 712-301-2817 **<roisenp1950...> <roisenp1950...>*
On Tue, Sep 1, 2026 at 2:36 AM Paul L. Pearson via groups.io <Propearson=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Nebraska Birders and NOU Members,
>
> Last reminder to register for meals for the Fall Meeting on 9/11-9/13 in
> Kearney NE. Over 60 have already registered-THANK YOU!
>
> https://noubirds.org/Meetings/Register.aspx?mtg=142 >
> We have to finalize the meal numbers, so please get your registrations in
> by 9/1/26. You can pay with PayPal/credit card or choose register by
> check. If you want the sack lunch on Saturday, please indicate your choice
> from the list. Here's a quick peek at the highlights:
>
>
> Friday and Saturday Plenary Sessions will feature scientific research
> projects** focused on Nebraska's birds and habitats.
>
> *The Birds of Nebraska: Through Our Lens*-Gabe and Jennifer Rivera of Central
> Flyway Photography <https://www.centralflywayphotography.com/>. Their
> Plenary Lecture will be a visual journey through the heart of Nebraska,
> where the Central Flyway carries millions of birds across the continent
> each year.
>
> *Saturday (all day) and Sunday (AM) field trips to various tri-city area
> hotspots will be led by NOU members and the **UNK Ornithology*
> <https://unkornithology.github.io/members/>* program*. Field trips (TBD)
> may include Harlan Co. Reservoir, Sherman Reservoir, Rowe Sanctuary, Crane
> Trust, as well as numerous local hotspots, lakes and wildlife management
> areas in the Tri-City area. Fall migrants, possible vagrants and county
> birding await for birders of all skill levels.
>
> *Dr. Letitia Reichert. Professor and Co-chair Biology Dept.-UNK will give
> the Saturday night Keynote Address.* Dr Reichert's research focuses on
> multiple aspects of ornithology, aimed at understanding behavior of birds
> and habitat requirements for birds.
> --
> Paul L. Pearson, PhD
> President-Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union
> Omaha, NE
>
>
>
Date: 9/1/26 10:42 am From: Don and Shirley Maas via groups.io <snowbirds2012...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] NOU and Rowe
Robin
Always enjoy 😉 your reports.
Keeps me connected to NE.p
Greet anyone I might know at
NOU meeting
Can't be many of us left
Just returned from a morning birding Gilbert Repairian Area.
Don Maas
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
>
> On Aug 31, 2026 at 6:32 PM, <Robin Harding via groups.io (mailto:<pine2siskin4...>)> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> Nebraska birders,
>
> I attended a public bird walk at Rowe Sanctuary on Saturday, August 29. My ebird list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S387952818. Rowe is a National Audubon Society sanctuary. You can read more about Rowe at https://www.audubon.org/rowe. We walked along the south bank of the Platte River which is unfortunately dry at this time but we still saw lots of birds. Birds are migrating and you just never know what you'll see.
>
> I'll be leading a similar birding field trip for the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union fall meeting/birding event September 11-13 at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. I hope to see you there. You can read more about the event at https://noubirds.org/Meetings/Next.aspx. There will be birding field trips to other great locations during that weekend event as well as some captivating programs.
>
> Robin Harding
>
>
>
Date: 9/1/26 12:36 am From: Paul L. Pearson via groups.io <Propearson...> Subject: [NEBirds] Last Call for Fall Meeting Registration with meals!! 9/1/26
Nebraska Birders and NOU Members,
Last reminder to register for meals for the Fall Meeting on 9/11-9/13 in Kearney NE. Over 60 have already registered-THANK YOU!
We have to finalize the meal numbers, so please get your registrations in by 9/1/26. You can pay with PayPal/credit card or choose register by check. If you want the sack lunch on Saturday, please indicate your choice from the list. Here's a quick peek at the highlights:
Friday and Saturday Plenary Sessions will feature scientific research projects** focused on Nebraska's birds and habitats.
*The Birds of Nebraska: Through Our Lens* -Gabe and Jennifer Rivera of Central Flyway Photography ( https://www.centralflywayphotography.com/ ). Their Plenary Lecture will be a visual journey through the heart of Nebraska, where the Central Flyway carries millions of birds across the continent each year.
*Saturday (all day) and Sunday (AM) field trips to various tri-city area hotspots will be led by NOU members and the* *UNK Ornithology* ( https://unkornithology.github.io/members/ ) *program*. Field trips (TBD) may include Harlan Co. Reservoir, Sherman Reservoir, Rowe Sanctuary, Crane Trust, as well as numerous local hotspots, lakes and wildlife management areas in the Tri-City area. Fall migrants, possible vagrants and county birding await for birders of all skill levels.
*Dr. Letitia Reichert. Professor and Co-chair Biology Dept.-UNK will give the Saturday night Keynote Address.* Dr Reichert's research focuses on multiple aspects of ornithology, aimed at understanding behavior of birds and habitat requirements for birds.
--
Paul L. Pearson, PhD
President-Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union
Omaha, NE
Date: 8/31/26 6:32 pm From: Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4...> Subject: [NEBirds] NOU and Rowe
Nebraska birders,
I attended a public bird walk at Rowe Sanctuary on Saturday, August 29. My ebird list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S387952818. Rowe is a National Audubon Society sanctuary. You can read more about Rowe at https://www.audubon.org/rowe. We walked along the south bank of the Platte River which is unfortunately dry at this time but we still saw lots of birds. Birds are migrating and you just never know what you'll see.
I'll be leading a similar birding field trip for the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union fall meeting/birding event September 11-13 at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. I hope to see you there. You can read more about the event at https://noubirds.org/Meetings/Next.aspx. There will be birding field trips to other great locations during that weekend event as well as some captivating programs.
Date: 8/30/26 10:51 pm From: dt via groups.io <dtandelsie...> Subject: [NEBirds] Chimney Swift Communal Roost in Gothenburg
Hi all,Last night in Gothenburg from 20:30 to 20:45 (8:30 to 8:45 pm), I watched a magical vortex of chimney swifts swirling around and chittering animatedly until they finally disappeared down a single chimney of the Edward Jones building on 10th Street and Lake Avenue. I thought it interesting that there is no record of large numbers of swifts in Gothenburg on eBird, so I wonder if their use of the chimney has just never been noticed by the right people and documented. No other nearby chimney was used, though several appeared available. I suspect that there may be a degree of fidelity to the specific chimneys used in subsequent years.
I would have loved to stay another night and more diligently count the numbers as they entered the chimney, especially after one night's experience. And I also wish I had been able to see them emerge predawn. I am attaching an informative article and hope to pique a local birder's interest to perhaps monitor it every so often this fall. I would be very interested in the results. And if peak numbers are typically reached around mid-September and extending into early October in Missouri, who knows what numbers in Gothenburg could look like in several weeks? It would be a worthy outing for a bird group as well. The attached article gives a good description of how to estimate numbers as they enter the chimney. I caught on to what the birds were doing after a number had already entered, because when first seen, they mostly circled and did not enter, and then when they did, at first I could not tell if they were going down the chimney or circling around. If anyone takes me up on checking it out, I would love to hear what you find.
Aren't birds great???
Diane Thomas in Laramie, Wyoming
Birds in Big Numbers: Migratory Chimney Swift Roosts | Columbia Audubon Society
“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, August 30, 2026, 11:53 AM, Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4...> wrote:
Nebraska birders,
I walked the Oldfather Trail at Cottonmill Park just west of Kearney this morning. If you ever have a chance to go there, I recommend it. There's a small lake, open woodlands and some upland prairie. It's a bit hilly and very beautiful. I've walked the trail in the past but not all the way to the north end like I did today. You know how we sometimes neglect good places that are in our "backyard." My ebird lists are at https://ebird.org/checklist/S388277530 and https://ebird.org/checklist/S388297154.
I look forward to seeing you at the Nebraska ornithologists' Union birding event September 11-13 at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Date: 8/30/26 11:53 am From: Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4...> Subject: [NEBirds] Oldfather Trail
Nebraska birders,
I walked the Oldfather Trail at Cottonmill Park just west of Kearney this morning. If you ever have a chance to go there, I recommend it. There's a small lake, open woodlands and some upland prairie. It's a bit hilly and very beautiful. I've walked the trail in the past but not all the way to the north end like I did today. You know how we sometimes neglect good places that are in our "backyard." My ebird lists are at https://ebird.org/checklist/S388277530 and https://ebird.org/checklist/S388297154.
I look forward to seeing you at the Nebraska ornithologists' Union birding event September 11-13 at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Date: 8/30/26 6:47 am From: dt via groups.io <dtandelsie...> Subject: [NEBirds] Mississippi Kites
Good morning,After the big thunderstorm last night, this morning I have seen a MIKI in Ehman Park area of Gothenburg and anotheron highway 30 near Brady.
Diane T from Laramie
Date: 8/28/26 9:34 am From: Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4...> Subject: [NEBirds] Neilson Lake hot spot
Nebraska birders,
In Arthur County there's a hot spot called Neilson Lake. It's about four miles south of Rothwell Road along highway 61. I've looked for this location a few times. There's not a sign that says 'Neilson Lake.' There is a sign that says 'Flying U Cattle.' I assume that these are two names for the same place. I met a woman who lives there one time and she was very welcoming. She told me that I could go along their driveway to get closer to the lake. It is private property so we need to ask permission. There is enough room on the highway shoulder to park and view the lake. I just want to make sure that this is the ebird hotspot.
On Thu, Aug 27, 2026 at 5:32 PM John W. Hall via groups.io <jwhall2=
<juno.com...> wrote:
> Nebirders,
> We spotted another Empidonax flycatcher today feeding in our Yello Locust
> tree. This would be the third one this fall, which is a definite record for
> us. I am including the best shot Rachel was able to get of this bird.
> Descriptive: I would say brownish on top, yellowish on belly and rump, with
> large eye ring evident.
>
> John & Rachel Hall
> Omaha NE 68137
>
>
>
Date: 8/27/26 5:44 pm From: Jacob C. Cooper via groups.io <cooperj2...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] neotropical songbirds question
Hi Gordon,
Song Sparrows breed as far south as the transvolcanic belt of central Mexico (i.e., around Mexico City and in the other high marshes in that region; see here<https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/649709811>), so they do occur in the tropics technically, but from a biogeographic perspective they are definitely a Nearctic species.
The definition of a neotropical songbird could be debated, but if it is all Passerines that occur in the neotropics, then all those qualify. Things like Yellow Warbler are definitely neotropical migrants, but I wouldnt call them purely neotropical birds per se.
From: <NEBirds...> <NEBirds...> on behalf of Gordon Warrick via groups.io <prubinus...>
Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 19:39
To: <NEBirds...> <NEBirds...>
Subject: [NEBirds] neotropical songbirds question
Caution: Non-NU Email
Are they anywhere defined or listed? I took a quick look on the internet but was not satisfied. I am volunteering at Arapaho NWR and they have yellow warbler, song sparrow and Lincoln's sparrow as neotropical songbirds. The neotropics are said to include tropical portions of Mexico and further south. I don't believe song sparrow ranges that far south.
Date: 8/27/26 5:39 pm From: Gordon Warrick via groups.io <prubinus...> Subject: [NEBirds] neotropical songbirds question
Are they anywhere defined or listed? I took a quick look on the internet but was not satisfied. I am volunteering at Arapaho NWR and they have yellow warbler, song sparrow and Lincoln's sparrow as neotropical songbirds. The neotropics are said to include tropical portions of Mexico and further south. I don't believe song sparrow ranges that far south.
Date: 8/27/26 3:32 pm From: John W. Hall via groups.io <jwhall2...> Subject: [NEBirds] Another Empidonax today
Nebirders,We spotted another Empidonax flycatcher today feeding in our Yello Locust tree. This would be the third one this fall, which is a definite record for us. I am including the best shot Rachel was able to get of this bird. Descriptive: I would say brownish on top, yellowish on belly and rump, with large eye ring evident. John & Rachel HallOmaha NE 68137
Date: 8/27/26 2:30 pm From: William Flack via groups.io <sparvophile...> Subject: [NEBirds] Mississippi Kites in Deuel County
Fellow NEBirders—
Pleased to report a sighting of two Mississippi Kites this morning (August 27) in Big Springs, Deuel County.
At about 8 a.m. MDT, I found the two birds perched in a dead tree behind the house at the northwest corner of 1st and Birch. They flew away briefly as I watched them, but within a minute returned to the same tree. I walked a loop through town, returning to the site at about 8:45 a.m.; the birds were still there at that time.
I'll be submitting an eBird report, probably with pretty bad pictures, later today. For now, though, I wanted to get the word out in case anyone in the Panhandle wanted to try for them today.
Date: 8/25/26 6:17 pm From: Ross Silcock via groups.io <silcock...> Subject: [NEBirds] Fw: Red Crossbill irruption tracking
This from Chuck Otte for Kansas.
Ross
Ross Silcock
6810 Tournament Drive,
Houston, TX 77069
Co-editor Birds of Nebraska Online
________________________________
From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> on behalf of Chuck Otte <00001b0b31b1d152-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2026 16:03
To: <KSBIRD-L...> <KSBIRD-L...>
Subject: Red Crossbill irruption tracking
If you haven't been following eBird daily reports you may have missed that
there's a Red Crossbill irruption occuring across much of Kansas. I spent
some time today mapping which counties the confirmed eBird sightings were
in but also noting the first confirmed report for each county. I did this with the
big irruption in 2017-18 which was a more typical late summer, fall and winter
situation. I will let others speculate on the cause of the current irruption.
Anyway, reports are still coming in from various counties, mainly in the
western half of the state and as reports come in from new counties I will
updated those on the page. The page can be accessed at:
Date: 8/24/26 5:42 pm From: Terri Brown via groups.io <teresab1955...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Mississippi kites
Viewed 30 to 40 kites kettling over S 33rd and Nebraska Parkway at 7:35
this evening. Amazing
On Sun, Aug 16, 2026 at 1:10 PM Moni via groups.io <musasz=
<neb.rr.com...> wrote:
> Saw hawks kettling over Rousseau playground 33 and Calvert on Friday
> noon. Early migration I thought. Now I wonder about it being the kites.
>
> Terri saw kites doing the same thing Sunday morning around 33rd and
> Sheridan. Maybe 20?
>
> Moni Usasz, Lincoln
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 8/24/26 5:03 pm From: Jon Strong via groups.io <jon.strong...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Empidonax
Hi John, good to hear from you and hope you are doing well. The wingbars and secondary feathers look very white. What do you think about Alder?Jon StrongOmaha
On Monday, August 24, 2026 at 06:04:32 PM CDT, John W. Hall via groups.io <jwhall2...> wrote:
We seem to have an Empidonax Flycatcher for the first fall in 29 years of living in the Millard area of Omaha. This bird seems to feed low in shrubs and our yellow Honey Locust trees. Rachel captured an image, which I will attempt to attach. While I looked at it with binoculars, it did not look like a Yellow-bellied. john & Rachel HallOmaha NE 68137
Date: 8/24/26 4:04 pm From: John W. Hall via groups.io <jwhall2...> Subject: [NEBirds] Empidonax
We seem to have an Empidonax Flycatcher for the first fall in 29 years of living in the Millard area of Omaha. This bird seems to feed low in shrubs and our yellow Honey Locust trees. Rachel captured an image, which I will attempt to attach. While I looked at it with binoculars, it did not look like a Yellow-bellied. john & Rachel HallOmaha NE 68137
Date: 8/24/26 8:42 am From: William Flack via groups.io <sparvophile...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] County lines
Since my principal reason for using eBird is to provide useful data to "real" ornithologists, I'm loath to submit incomplete checklists. I'd rather submit complete checklists, with notes regarding birds that crossed or were seen across boundary lines; and to use my own spreadsheets for my state lists, and for the states in which I do serious county listing.
Date: 8/23/26 7:20 pm From: Tobin Brown via groups.io <tobinjbrown...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] County lines
You can follow ebird's guidance and the ABA rules by simply marking the
checklist as incomplete. Which is what I (unfortunately) had to do, so the
Brown Pelican doesn't count for my Nebraska list.
- Tobin
On Sun, Aug 23, 2026, 9:07 PM David Cunningham via groups.io <gopacgodc=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Paul,
>
> I suppose this might lead to some confusion. Since most individuals are
> using ebird, Cornell requests that their rules be followed. In your example
> below with the BRPE, it could legitimately be entered into a Washington
> County Nebraska ebird checklist if seen for that location. The checklist,
> assuming proper documentation for the rarity, should be accepted, because
> it is ebird and Cornell's rules. The muddy side comes when/if ebird is
> used for NOU county/state or ABA records. I assume (but don't have the
> history) NOU is following ABA rules.
>
> Dave Cunningham
> Sarpy County
>
> On Sun, Aug 23, 2026 at 8:47 PM Paul L. Pearson via groups.io <Propearson=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> eBird 'border' protocol is not accurate for ABA Area listing, including
>> Nebraska county or state records.
>>
>> For example, the Brown Pelican at Desoto this weekend never crossed into
>> Nebraska, and thus not countable for Nebraska lists, even though it was
>> observed from the Nebraska side of the lake. For the Iowa checklist, it was
>> counted as an Iowa bird. For a list on the Nebraska side, it wasn't
>> entered, as it had not been observed physically crossing the state border.
>>
>> Is this a breach of eBird's protocol? Yes. But it's absolutely accurate
>> for ABA listing protocols. When 'border birding' I follow ABA protocols and
>> use incidental lists in the "other" geography.
>>
>> "Under the American Birding Association (ABA) Recording Rules, a bird
>> must be physically within the defined geographic boundaries of the
>> checklist area when encountered to be countable. If you stand on one side
>> of a border and see a bird across it, countability depends entirely on
>> where the bird's physical body is located. [1
>> <http://www.thebirdist.com/2014/10/changes-to-abas-recording-rules.html> >> ]"
>>
>> If you have a bird on the state or county line that crosses over, count
>> it on the county checklist you are in and create an incidental list for the
>> other county or state it crossed into. eBird may not like it, but the
>> NOURC and ABA won't accept it.
>>
>> There are several hotspots where this is an issue in NE and the eBird
>> hotspots are usually set up to be used in the correct counties.
>>
>> Desoto is an example, everything inside the oxbow to halfway across the
>> historical channel is NE, as well as south of the center of the current
>> river channel, but everything else is Iowa.
>>
>> On Henry Road in Sioux County, there are parts of the road fully in NE,
>> parts fully in WY and some places where the center of the road is the
>> dividing line. Unless the bird is in or crosses into NE, it's not countable
>> in NE. e.g. Rosy finches on the Wyoming cliffs are WY birds until they fly
>> over the road, despite where you are physically standing or what eBird says
>> you should do.
>>
>> Lewis and Clark lake near Yankton is a more difficult example. Google
>> maps has the wrong state line, as the border is actually the center of the
>> historical channel well north of google's state line in the current
>> channel. Complicating this is the Cedar/Knox border running N-S but the
>> dam/road is not exactly N-S. The 'tailrace' next to the west side of the
>> dam and everything east is Cedar Co. (map is attached). However, at the
>> pullouts to the north, all the birds on the west side are Knox until you
>> hit the state line sign. Confused yet? Typically when birding Lewis and
>> Clark lake, you may have to use several checklists to be accurate.
>>
>> There are other examples (Jack Sinn mentioned, Buffalo WMA near
>> Scottsbluff, etc). In those cases, create a new list when you are crossing
>> those borders. e.g. one for Banner and one for Scottsbluff county (cant
>> find Brenner's map for that one). Indian Cave SP is another straddling
>> nemaha and richardson...the road in extended is the county line (see map)
>>
>> Hopefully this somewhat clears up the difference between ABA/NE listing
>> and eBird protocol.
>>
>> Paul P.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Paul L. Pearson, PhD
>> President-Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union
>> Omaha, NE
>>
>>
>
>
Date: 8/23/26 7:07 pm From: David Cunningham via groups.io <gopacgodc...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] County lines
Paul,
I suppose this might lead to some confusion. Since most individuals are
using ebird, Cornell requests that their rules be followed. In your example
below with the BRPE, it could legitimately be entered into a Washington
County Nebraska ebird checklist if seen for that location. The checklist,
assuming proper documentation for the rarity, should be accepted, because
it is ebird and Cornell's rules. The muddy side comes when/if ebird is
used for NOU county/state or ABA records. I assume (but don't have the
history) NOU is following ABA rules.
Dave Cunningham
Sarpy County
On Sun, Aug 23, 2026 at 8:47 PM Paul L. Pearson via groups.io <Propearson=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> eBird 'border' protocol is not accurate for ABA Area listing, including
> Nebraska county or state records.
>
> For example, the Brown Pelican at Desoto this weekend never crossed into
> Nebraska, and thus not countable for Nebraska lists, even though it was
> observed from the Nebraska side of the lake. For the Iowa checklist, it was
> counted as an Iowa bird. For a list on the Nebraska side, it wasn't
> entered, as it had not been observed physically crossing the state border.
>
> Is this a breach of eBird's protocol? Yes. But it's absolutely accurate
> for ABA listing protocols. When 'border birding' I follow ABA protocols and
> use incidental lists in the "other" geography.
>
> "Under the American Birding Association (ABA) Recording Rules, a bird
> must be physically within the defined geographic boundaries of the
> checklist area when encountered to be countable. If you stand on one side
> of a border and see a bird across it, countability depends entirely on
> where the bird's physical body is located. [1
> <http://www.thebirdist.com/2014/10/changes-to-abas-recording-rules.html>]" >
> If you have a bird on the state or county line that crosses over, count it
> on the county checklist you are in and create an incidental list for the
> other county or state it crossed into. eBird may not like it, but the
> NOURC and ABA won't accept it.
>
> There are several hotspots where this is an issue in NE and the eBird
> hotspots are usually set up to be used in the correct counties.
>
> Desoto is an example, everything inside the oxbow to halfway across the
> historical channel is NE, as well as south of the center of the current
> river channel, but everything else is Iowa.
>
> On Henry Road in Sioux County, there are parts of the road fully in NE,
> parts fully in WY and some places where the center of the road is the
> dividing line. Unless the bird is in or crosses into NE, it's not countable
> in NE. e.g. Rosy finches on the Wyoming cliffs are WY birds until they fly
> over the road, despite where you are physically standing or what eBird says
> you should do.
>
> Lewis and Clark lake near Yankton is a more difficult example. Google
> maps has the wrong state line, as the border is actually the center of the
> historical channel well north of google's state line in the current
> channel. Complicating this is the Cedar/Knox border running N-S but the
> dam/road is not exactly N-S. The 'tailrace' next to the west side of the
> dam and everything east is Cedar Co. (map is attached). However, at the
> pullouts to the north, all the birds on the west side are Knox until you
> hit the state line sign. Confused yet? Typically when birding Lewis and
> Clark lake, you may have to use several checklists to be accurate.
>
> There are other examples (Jack Sinn mentioned, Buffalo WMA near
> Scottsbluff, etc). In those cases, create a new list when you are crossing
> those borders. e.g. one for Banner and one for Scottsbluff county (cant
> find Brenner's map for that one). Indian Cave SP is another straddling
> nemaha and richardson...the road in extended is the county line (see map)
>
> Hopefully this somewhat clears up the difference between ABA/NE listing
> and eBird protocol.
>
> Paul P.
>
>
>
>
> --
> Paul L. Pearson, PhD
> President-Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union
> Omaha, NE
>
>
>
Date: 8/23/26 6:47 pm From: Paul L. Pearson via groups.io <Propearson...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] County lines
eBird 'border' protocol is not accurate for ABA Area listing, including Nebraska county or state records. For example, the Brown Pelican at Desoto this weekend never crossed into Nebraska, and thus not countable for Nebraska lists, even though it was observed from the Nebraska side of the lake. For the Iowa checklist, it was counted as an Iowa bird. For a list on the Nebraska side, it wasn't entered, as it had not been observed physically crossing the state border.Is this a breach of eBird's protocol? Yes. But it's absolutely accurate for ABA listing protocols. When 'border birding' I follow ABA protocols and use incidental lists in the "other" geography."Under the American Birding Association (ABA) Recording Rules, a bird must be physically within the defined geographic boundaries of the checklist area when encountered to be countable. If you stand on one side of a border and see a bird across it, countability depends entirely on where the bird's physical body is located. [1]"If you have a bird on the state or county line that crosses over, count it on the county checklist you are in and create an incidental list for the other county or state it crossed into. eBird may not like it, but the NOURC and ABA won't accept it.There are several hotspots where this is an issue in NE and the eBird hotspots are usually set up to be used in the correct counties. Desoto is an example, everything inside the oxbow to halfway across the historical channel is NE, as well as south of the center of the current river channel, but everything else is Iowa.On Henry Road in Sioux County, there are parts of the road fully in NE, parts fully in WY and some places where the center of the road is the dividing line. Unless the bird is in or crosses into NE, it's not countable in NE. e.g. Rosy finches on the Wyoming cliffs are WY birds until they fly over the road, despite where you are physically standing or what eBird says you should do.Lewis and Clark lake near Yankton is a more difficult example. Google maps has the wrong state line, as the border is actually the center of the historical channel well north of google's state line in the current channel. Complicating this is the Cedar/Knox border running N-S but the dam/road is not exactly N-S. The 'tailrace' next to the west side of the dam and everything east is Cedar Co. (map is attached). However, at the pullouts to the north, all the birds on the west side are Knox until you hit the state line sign. Confused yet? Typically when birding Lewis and Clark lake, you may have to use several checklists to be accurate.There are other examples (Jack Sinn mentioned, Buffalo WMA near Scottsbluff, etc). In those cases, create a new list when you are crossing those borders. e.g. one for Banner and one for Scottsbluff county (cant find Brenner's map for that one). Indian Cave SP is another straddling nemaha and richardson...the road in extended is the county line (see map)Hopefully this somewhat clears up the difference between ABA/NE listing and eBird protocol. Paul P.Sent from my Galaxy
In this section, "borders" refer to the boundaries between geopolitical
units - namely counties, states/provinces, and countries.
When it comes to the position of the birder and the position of the bird,
listing rules can be inconsistent. For example, some state lists only count
birds that have demonstrably occurred *within* the state boundaries.
However, most yard lists count whatever bird can be seen *from* your yard.
At eBird, we strive to bring more consistency to lists.
Here are our best practices when you are birding near these boundaries:
- At eBird, complete checklists come first. Complete checklists are an
attempt to record *everything* you can see or hear from your location.
We do not want birds left off your list simply because they were across an
(often invisible) geopolitical boundary.
*If you do leave birds off for this reason, it is no longer a complete
checklist! *
*When traveling somewhere, begin a new checklist every time you cross a
border*
- This ensures the expected species list on eBird Mobile is up to date,
and any new birds you detect are placed in your current county, state, and
country instead of the previous one.
*Every bird seen or heard from your location "counts", regardless of where
the bird is.*
- A *complete* checklist should include birds on both sides of the
border. If you are standing on the Texas side of the US-Mexico border, and
you see a Lineated Woodpecker flying on the Mexico side, report it! In
eBird, this observation "counts" for where you are standing (i.e., your US
and Texas lists). If you don’t want it to count, or want to count it for
both countries, see "Tips for county listers
<https://support.ebird.org/a/solutions/articles/48001059718/edit?lang=en#anchorCountyListing>" below.
*Plot your location as accurately and precisely as possible. *
On Sun, Aug 23, 2026 at 6:13 PM William Flack via groups.io <sparvophile=
<yahoo.com...> wrote:
> Depending on how you define your county list, eBird also creates another
> problem: I'm standing in one county, but see the bird in another—let's say,
> to take Robin's location, that I'm on the south bank of the Platte, in
> Hamilton County, but I see a flock of pelicans flying far to the north,
> clearly over Merrick. Since my lists are based on my best estimate of the
> county in which the bird is located, I'd call that a Merrick bird, but
> couldn't add it to my Hamilton list.
>
> And, for that matter, there's the issue of birds flying across county
> lines. I was walking the Keith-Perkins line once when I saw a Rock Wren on
> one side of the road, then watched it fly across. I suspect that lots of
> Lincoln-area birders have had that occur on the stretch of
> Lancaster-Saunders line that runs through Jack Sinn WMA.
>
> And that's why I don't use eBird for my county lists.
>
> William Flack
> Kearney
>
>
>
>
Date: 8/23/26 4:13 pm From: William Flack via groups.io <sparvophile...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] County lines
Depending on how you define your county list, eBird also creates another problem: I'm standing in one county, but see the bird in another—let's say, to take Robin's location, that I'm on the south bank of the Platte, in Hamilton County, but I see a flock of pelicans flying far to the north, clearly over Merrick. Since my lists are based on my best estimate of the county in which the bird is located, I'd call that a Merrick bird, but couldn't add it to my Hamilton list.
And, for that matter, there's the issue of birds flying across county lines. I was walking the Keith-Perkins line once when I saw a Rock Wren on one side of the road, then watched it fly across. I suspect that lots of Lincoln-area birders have had that occur on the stretch of Lancaster-Saunders line that runs through Jack Sinn WMA.
And that's why I don't use eBird for my county lists.
Date: 8/23/26 5:36 am From: Tobin Brown via groups.io <tobinjbrown...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] County lines
Bill's solution will get you part of the way. You will need to create a
second location for that last and place it in Merrick county. Even though
there is a track that enters Merrick county, ebird places the list at the
pin of the hotspot or personal location that you use.
Neale woods is another place where this happens, so we have 2 hotspots, one
in Douglas and one in Washington.
- Tobin Brown
On Sun, Aug 23, 2026, 5:42 AM Bill Kaempfer via groups.io <William.Kaempfer=
<Colorado.EDU...> wrote:
> There is a solution to this issue that requires only a little bit of hand
> work if you were using tracking and you were entering observations in real
> time using an eBird mobile app.
>
> First, make a copy of your submitted list.
> Next, in that list open the route tracking.
> Then slide the bar on the bottom of the screen to the left until your
> track stops at the county line.
>
> Accept these changes and eBird should update your list to only include the
> Hamilton County birds.
>
> Now compare that list with the original, take out the birds on your
> Hamilton only list and you have a Merrick County list.
>
> Hope that works.
>
> Bill Kaempfer
>
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* <NEBirds...> <NEBirds...> on behalf of Robin Harding
> via groups.io <pine2siskin4...>
> *Sent:* Saturday, August 22, 2026 9:12 PM
> *To:* <NEBirds...> <NEBirds...>
> *Subject:* [NEBirds] County lines
>
> [External email - use caution]
>
> Nebraska birders,
>
> Today I birded Dark Island Trail with a friend. We began in Hamilton
> County and walked north across the Platte River into Merrick County. I
> started my ebird list in Hamilton County. I didn't stop the list until we
> were well into Merrick County. Now I see that I should have stopped the
> list at the county line because ebird put my entire list in Hamilton
> County. Have you also experienced this issue?
>
> Robin Harding
> Shelton, Nebraska
>
>
>
Date: 8/23/26 3:42 am From: Bill Kaempfer via groups.io <William.Kaempfer...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] County lines
There is a solution to this issue that requires only a little bit of hand work if you were using tracking and you were entering observations in real time using an eBird mobile app.
First, make a copy of your submitted list.
Next, in that list open the route tracking.
Then slide the bar on the bottom of the screen to the left until your track stops at the county line.
Accept these changes and eBird should update your list to only include the Hamilton County birds.
Now compare that list with the original, take out the birds on your Hamilton only list and you have a Merrick County list.
Hope that works.
Bill Kaempfer
________________________________
From: <NEBirds...> <NEBirds...> on behalf of Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4...>
Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2026 9:12 PM
To: <NEBirds...> <NEBirds...>
Subject: [NEBirds] County lines
[External email - use caution]
Nebraska birders,
Today I birded Dark Island Trail with a friend. We began in Hamilton County and walked north across the Platte River into Merrick County. I started my ebird list in Hamilton County. I didn't stop the list until we were well into Merrick County. Now I see that I should have stopped the list at the county line because ebird put my entire list in Hamilton County. Have you also experienced this issue?
Date: 8/22/26 6:13 pm From: Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4...> Subject: [NEBirds] County lines
Nebraska birders,
Today I birded Dark Island Trail with a friend. We began in Hamilton County and walked north across the Platte River into Merrick County. I started my ebird list in Hamilton County. I didn't stop the list until we were well into Merrick County. Now I see that I should have stopped the list at the county line because ebird put my entire list in Hamilton County. Have you also experienced this issue?
Date: 8/21/26 12:50 pm From: Badura, Laurel via groups.io <laurel_badura...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Black Vulture in Polk County -- FALSE ALARM
Don't panic, everyone! I did not have a black vulture! I told someone else that the heat and humidity must have got to me 😄 Sorry for the confusion.
Laurel
________________________________
From: <NEBirds...> <NEBirds...> on behalf of Badura, Laurel via groups.io <laurel_badura...>
Sent: Friday, August 21, 2026 12:49 PM
To: <NEBirds...> <nebirds...>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: [NEBirds] Black Vulture in Polk County
This email has been received from outside of DOI - Use caution before clicking on links, opening attachments, or responding.
Actually, scratch that. Maybe that is just a turkey vulture. Sorry lol
Laurel
Laurel Badura
Partners for Fish and Wildlife Biologist
US Fish and Wildlife Service
9325 South Alda Road
Wood River, NE 68883
Cell: 308-440-1388
________________________________
From: Badura, Laurel
Sent: Friday, 21 August 2026 12:29:30
To: <NEBirds...> <nebirds...>
Subject: Black Vulture in Polk County
I was on a field visit along the river in Polk County this morning and got a photo of this black vulture.
Laurel Badura
Partners for Fish and Wildlife Biologist
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Date: 8/21/26 10:49 am From: Badura, Laurel via groups.io <laurel_badura...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Black Vulture in Polk County
Actually, scratch that. Maybe that is just a turkey vulture. Sorry lol
Laurel
Laurel Badura
Partners for Fish and Wildlife Biologist
US Fish and Wildlife Service
9325 South Alda Road
Wood River, NE 68883
Cell: 308-440-1388
________________________________
From: Badura, Laurel
Sent: Friday, 21 August 2026 12:29:30
To: <NEBirds...> <nebirds...>
Subject: Black Vulture in Polk County
I was on a field visit along the river in Polk County this morning and got a photo of this black vulture.
Laurel Badura
Partners for Fish and Wildlife Biologist
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Date: 8/21/26 10:01 am From: Colleen Childers via groups.io <cchilders64...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Rufous Hummingbird in Buffalo County
It was fun seeing the 2 rufous chasing each other - that’s for letting me come see them!
> On Aug 21, 2026, at 7:05 AM, Gary Lingle via groups.io <pelicanlingle...> wrote:
>
> The Rufous Hummingbirds are continuing. We determined there are definitely 2 individuals. They were last seen at the feeder about 8pm and they showed up this morning at 6:58am.
>
> Gary Lingle
> Gibbon NE
>
>> On Aug 20, 2026, at 9:52 AM, Gary Lingle via groups.io <pelicanlingle...> wrote:
>>
>> I placed my feeder out yesterday and this morning I had at least one and possibly two Rufous Hummingbirds at my feeder. This was a new species for me for my yard, county, and state. A 3-for-one!!
>>
>>
>> Gary Lingle
>> Gibbon NE
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> <image0.jpeg>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 8/21/26 5:05 am From: Gary Lingle via groups.io <pelicanlingle...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Rufous Hummingbird in Buffalo County
The Rufous Hummingbirds are continuing. We determined there are definitely 2 individuals. They were last seen at the feeder about 8pm and they showed up this morning at 6:58am.
Gary Lingle
Gibbon NE
> On Aug 20, 2026, at 9:52 AM, Gary Lingle via groups.io <pelicanlingle...> wrote:
>
> I placed my feeder out yesterday and this morning I had at least one and possibly two Rufous Hummingbirds at my feeder. This was a new species for me for my yard, county, and state. A 3-for-one!!
>
>
> Gary Lingle
> Gibbon NE
>
>
>
>
>
> <image0.jpeg>
Ed's Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Nov 14 at The Beaumont in Wayne, NE. Details at the link above.
I posted this on the NOU Facebook Page last week:
The impact that Ed Brogie had as an high school science teacher, naturalist, environmental educator, science fair facilitator, executive director of the Junior Academy of Sciences, archery instructor, field trip leader, birder, friend, mentor, volunteer, and decades-long NOU member…along with countless other endeavors…cannot truly be estimated.
Along with his myriad accomplishments, Ed was one of the elite birders in the state of Nebraska. His 407 species ranks #6 all-time and his 2018 Nebraska Big Year holds the #5 spot at 339. He sparked interest in birds and birding everywhere he went and will truly be missed by the NOU community. His legacy will live on in the thousands of lives he touched over the course of his life.
NOU wishes the Brogie family our deepest condolences.
--
Paul L. Pearson, PhD
President-Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union
Omaha, NE
Date: 8/20/26 7:53 am From: Gary Lingle via groups.io <pelicanlingle...> Subject: [NEBirds] Rufous Hummingbird in Buffalo County
I placed my feeder out yesterday and this morning I had at least one and possibly two Rufous Hummingbirds at my feeder. This was a new species for me for my yard, county, and state. A 3-for-one!!
Date: 8/10/26 5:36 pm From: Robin Harding via groups.io <pine2siskin4...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] sparrow challenge
Nebraska birders,
According to the Peterson Guide to Western Birds, Chipping Sparrows have a
gray rump and Clay-colored have brown rump. According to Birds of Nebraska
online, Clay-colored Sparrows begin to show up in Nebraska August 16
so it's a little too early for them. I always have trouble identifying
sparrows in the fall. I remember when NOU fall meetings were in Halsey.
We saw so many sparrows that were immature or adults in winter plumage. It
was frustrating but we learned a lot.
Robin Harding
Shelton, NE
On Mon, Aug 10, 2026 at 6:24 PM Gordon Warrick via groups.io <prubinus=
<yahoo.com...> wrote:
> An immature I assume. Quite small as indicated by the rather large
> sunflower seed in the foreground. From today at Whispering Prairie, my
> place SE of Valentine. Chippy? Are clay-coloreds coming through already?
>
> [image: Inline image]
>
>
>
Date: 8/10/26 4:24 pm From: Gordon Warrick via groups.io <prubinus...> Subject: [NEBirds] sparrow challenge
An immature I assume. Quite small as indicated by the rather large sunflower seed in the foreground. From today at Whispering Prairie, my place SE of Valentine. Chippy? Are clay-coloreds coming through already?
