University of Nebraska - Lincoln Digital Commons^ University of Nebraska - Lincoln Nebraska Bird Review Nebraska Ornithologists' Union 3-2007 Nebraska Bird Review WHOLE ISSUE (March 2007 ) 75 ( 1 ) Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/nebbirdrev £0 Part of the Ornithology Commons, Poultry or Avian Science Commons, and the Zoology Commons "Nebraska Bird Review WHOLE ISSUE (March 2007) 75(l)" (2007). Nebraska Bird Review. 967. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/nebbirdrev/967 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union at DigitalCommons(o)University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Nebraska Bird Review by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons(a)University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Nebraska Bird Review (March 2007) 75(1), WHOLE ISSUE. Copyright 2007, Nebraska Ornithologists' Union. Used by permission. The Nebraska Bird Review A Magazine of Ornithology of the Nebraska Region Volume 75 March 2007 Number 1 Published by the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union, Inc. Founded 1899 Janis M. Paseka, Editor Stephen J. Dinsmore, Co-editor SSSN 0028-1816 Nebraska Ornithologist s’ Union Treasurer's Report i Decembc *31,2006 General . Breeding . Scholarship Endowment Grand Funds Bird Atlas Fund Fund Total Total CHECKING Jan, 1, 2006 Balance - Checking $1,547.70 $29.00 $125.00 $1,701.70 BEGEMS Donations 59.00 . 60.00 225.00 344.00 Memberships 2,540.00 500.00 3,040.00 Subscriptions 435.00 . 435.00 Spring Meeting - Ponca - 2006 3,645.00 3,645.00 Fall Meeting - Lincoln - 2006 1,807.05 1,807.05 Interest 125.00 125.00 NG&P Atlas Grant 11,068.98 11,068.98 NE Breeding Bird Atlas 270.00 270.00 Sub-total Receipts . $20,735.03 . DISBURSEMENTS ; ... ... . ■ Spring Meeting - Ponca - 2006 3,179.80 3,179.80 Fall Meeting - Lincoln - 2006 1,320.45 1,320.45 NBR V73 #2, #3, #4; V74 #1, #2 2,635.39 ...... . 2,635.39 Newsletter - Printing 286.68 286.68 Postage 391.05 391.05 Insurance 200.00 200.00 Reimburse Molihoff - Atlas #2 11,415.36 11,415.36 . " . The Nebraska Bird Review - Yq1.71.Mc>, 1 Transfer to CD 299.00 125.00 424.00 Sub-total Disbursements $19,852.73 Dec. 31, 2006 Balance - Checking 2,145.38 (346.38) ■ 60.00 725.00 $2,584.00 SAVINGS Jan. 1, 2006 Balance - Savings $9,102.16 $1,755.30 $10,857.46 Interest 273.08 273.08 Interest from Endowment 590.93 590.93 Moved to CD 9/20/06 (5,000.00) (5,000.00) Aug. 31, 2006 Balance - Savings $4,966.17 $1,755.30 $6,721.47 Rate - 2% CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT Jan. 1, 2006 Balance - CDs $6,957.65 $33,530.30 $40,487.95 Principal Additions 5,000.00 299.00 125.00 5,424.00 Interest to Savings (590.93) (590.93) Interest Received 65.35 269.06 1,222.22 1,556.63 Dec. 31, 2006 Balance - CDs $5,065.35 $7,525.71 $34,286.59 $46,877.65 Maturity 9/20/07 4/28/07 2/27/07 CD Annual Rates 5.40% 5.12% 4.25% Endowment Principal $33,122.00 Grand Total $56,183.12 Vol. 75 No. 1_The Nebraska Bird Review 4 The Nebraska Bird Review Vpl, 11 No, 1 WINTER FIELD REPORT, December 2006 to February 2007 Compiled by W. Ross Silcock P.O. Box 57, Tabor, IA 51653 silcock@rosssilcock.com INTRODUCTION Although temperatures varied substantially during the winter, the winter average temperature was above normal. There were noticeably more individuals of “half-hardy” species reported, possibly as a consequence. These included Yellow- bellied Sapsucker, Mourning Dove, Loggerhead Shrike, Hermit Thrush, and Yellow- rumped Warbler. Otherwise, the period was unremarkable omithologically. ABBREVIATIONS BOL: Branched Oak L, Lancaster Co; CBC: Christmas Bird Count; Cem: Cemetery; FF: Fontenelle Forest, Sarpy Co; GPD: Gavins Point Dam, Cedar-Knox Cos; HCR: Harlan Co Res, Harlan Co; LM: L McConaughy, Keith Co; LO; L Ogallala, Keith Co; m.ob.; many observers; NC: Nature Center; NOURC: Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee; NWR: National Wildlife Refuge; PL: Pawnee L, Lancaster Co; Res: Reservoir; S-BOL: Seward-Branched Oak L; SL: Sewage Lagoon(s). GAZETTEER DeSoto NWR: Washington Co; Harvard Marsh WPA: Clay Co; Johnson Res: Gosper-Dawson Cos; Sutherland Res: Lincoln Co; Wildcat Hills; Scotts Bluff- Banner Cos. OBSERVERS AD: Ann Duey, Scottsbluff; AK; Alice Kenitz, Gering; AO: Alan Orr, Cedar Falls, IA; AS: Audrey Sterkel, Sidney; BB: Bob Barry, Missouri Valley, IA; BFH: Bill F. Huser, South Sioux City; B&DW: Bruce & Donna Walgren, Casper, WY; CH: Carolyn Hall, Bassett; CNK: Clem N. Klaphake, Bellevue; DH: Dave Heidt, Norfolk; DK: Dan Kim, Grand Island; DL: Dan Leger, Lincoln; DSt: Dave Stage, Elkhom/Omaha; DW: Duane Wolff, Norfolk; D&CN: Don and Colleen Noecker, Albion; D&JP: Don & Jan Paseka, Ames; EB: Elliott Bedows, Bellevue; GB: Gary Berthe!sen, Lincoln; G&WH: Glen & Wanda Hoge, Alma; JGr: Jan Greer, Council Bluffs, IA; JEt: James Etherton, Doniphan; JF: John Flavin, Chadron; JG: Joe Gubanyi, Seward; JGJ: Joel G. Jorgensen, Lincoln; JJ: Jan Johnson, Wakefield; JK: J. Kirk, Lincoln; JM: John Miller, Lincoln; JR; Juanita Rice, Fairmont; JT: Jerry Toll, Omaha; KD: Kathy DeLara, Mitchell; KK: Ken Kranik, Sterling, CO; KL: Keith Lacy, Lincoln; LE: Larry Einemann, Lincoln; LK: Lee Kenitz, Gering; LO: Linda Ollinger, Wilsonville; LR: Lanny Randolph, Gibbon; LRB: Linda R. Brown, Lincoln; L&CF: Laurence & Carol Falk, Nebraska City; L&BP: Loren & Babs Padelford, Bellevue; MB: Mark Brogie, Creighton; NB: Norma Brockmoller, Vol. 75 No. 1 The Nebraska Bird Review 1 Winside; PD: Paul Dunbar, Hastings; PJ: Pete Janzen, Wichita, KS; PR: Paul Roisen, Sioux City, IA; RD: Roger Dietrich, Yankton, SD; RE: Rick Eades, Lincoln; RG: Ruth Green, Bellevue; RH: Robin Harding, Gibbon; RL: Richard Luehrs, Kearney; RSg: Ruben Siegfried, Scottsbluff; SJD: Stephen J. Dinsmore, Ames, IA; TEL: Thomas E. Labedz, Lincoln; TJW: T.J. Walker, Brady; TS: Teny Sohl, Brandon, SD; WF: William Flack, Madison; WM: Wayne Mollhoff, Ashland; WRS: W. Ross Silcock, Tabor, IA. SPECIES ACCOUNTS Greater White-fronted Goose: Unexpectedly late were 2 at LO 28 Dec (SJD) and 5 at Desoto NWR 3 Jan (BB). First arrivals reported were in Gage and Lancaster Cos 26 Feb (WF); several hundred were between North Platte and York 27 Feb (AO). Snow Goose: Large numbers arrived “overnight” in cen.. Nebraska 20 Feb (JEt), with 2000 at Fairmont SL 20 Feb (JR) and 7000 at Harvard Marsh two days later (PD). Ross's Goose: Arrival was at the end of Feb. A dark morph bird photographed at Harvard Marsh 26 Feb (PD) was Nebraska's 5th record (http://ph.groups. yahoo.com/group/NEBirds/photos/browse/88e 1 ?b= 17&m=t&o=0). Cackling Goose: Wintering birds are most numerous in cen. and w. Nebraska; two in Sarpy Co 1 Jan (L&BP) and another (probably the resident bird) there 1 Feb (WF), one at GPD 5 Jan (BFH), and one in Lancaster Co 28 Jan (LE) were easterly. Best count was an excellent 400 at Johnson Res 27 Dec (SJD). Canada Goose: Largest counts were 6381 on the Scottsbluff CBC 16 Dec (fide AK) and 6100 at DeSoto NWR 3 Jan (BB). Trumpeter Swan: Traditional wintering areas in the Sandhills hold large numbers; a Nebraska Game and Parks survey 2 Jan found 100 on the Loup River and 66 on Birdwood Creek (fide JGJ). Unusual were 5-10 at DeSoto NWR through the period; 10 were present 17 Jan, 31 Jan, and 7 Feb (BB). Wood Duck: Unusual mid-winter stragglers were 2-3 on Salt Creek in Lincoln 28 Jan and 4 Feb (LE). There are only 18 reports 6 Jan-17 Feb. Gad wall: Over-wintering is unusual; candidates were 10 at GPD 20 Jan (RD), one in Sarpy Co 1 Feb (WF), and at least one at Scottsbluff SL 5 Feb (KD). American Wigeon: As with Gadwall, over-wintering is unusual; 1-2 were reported from Scottsbluff SL 5 Feb (KD), and Polk and Platte Cos 8 Feb (WF). Mallard: Best counts were 28,700 at DeSoto NWR 20 Dec (BB), 16,000 at Johnson Res 27 Dec (SJD), and 12,000 at Sutherland Res the same day (SJD). Northern Shoveler: The only mid-winter report was from Scottsbluff SL 5 Feb (KD); over-wintering is not expected away from the North Platte Valley. As many as 109 were still present for the Lincoln CBC 17 Dec, a record high (fide LRB), Northern Pintail: Routine reports. Green-winged Teal: A good mid-winter count was the 34-35 over-wintering on a spring-fed stream at FF 27 Jan-11 Feb (CNK). This species is often found in mid-winter. Canvasback: Rather late stragglers were 12 in Sarpy Co 10 Jan (CNK) and 5 in Lincoln 11 Jan (LE). Over-wintering is rare. £ The Nebraska Bird Review Vol- 75 No. 1 Redhead: Twelve in Lincoln 1 Jan, dwindling to 4 there on 11 Jan (LE), were late. Fewer than usual were reported for the period. Ring-necked Duck: Usually only casual in mid-winter away from the North Platte Valley, there were several reported. A male apparently over-wintering was on Salt Creek in Lincoln 28 Jan and 4 Feb (LE), 6 probable early arrivals were at a bubbler in Schuyler 7 Feb (WF), and singles were in Colfax Co 7 Feb (WF), and Polk and Platte Cos 8 Feb (WF). As with other diving ducks, spring arrival coincides with ice break-up, sometimes in early to mid-Feb. Greater Scaup: Unusually late for the location was one in Lincoln 9 Jan (JGJ). An excellent count was the 86 at LM as late as 27 Dec (SJD). Lesser Scaup: Rare mid-winter reports away from the North Platte Valley were 13 in Scotts Bluff Co 9 Jan (KD), 2 in Sarpy Co 10 Jan (CNK), and 1-4 at 3 locations in Lincoln 11 Jan-4 Feb (JGJ,LE). Black Scoter: A female/immature was at BOL 1 Dec (LE) for the only report. Bufflehead: A rare mid-winter report at the location was one in Scotts Bluff Co 26 Jan (KK). Common Goldeneye: Best count was a moderate 669 at LM 28 Dec (SJD). Barrow’s Goldeneye: A female at Scottsbluff SL 27 Feb (KD) was at a regular wintering location. Hooded Merganser: Routine reports. Common Merganser: Best count was a relatively moderate 11,750 at LM 28 Dec (SJD). Red-breasted Merganser: Rather late, although at a regular wintering location for small numbers, were the 6 at LM 27 Dec (SJD). GPD may be a regular wintering site also: 3-9 were there 20-28 Jan (RD). Ruddy Duck: Rather late were 5 at Ogallala 27-28 Dec (SJD); the only report of a spring arrival was of one in Scotts Bluff Co 28 Feb (AK). Gray Partridge: The 4 west of Creighton 27 Jan were one of only 3 sightings in recent years (MB). No others were reported; numbers in the state are at a low currently. Ring-necked Pheasant: A large aggregation of 100-150 birds, about half males, was present in sw. Dixon Co during the last two weeks of Feb (JJ). Sharp-tailed Grouse: Routine reports. Greater Prairie-Chicken: Best counts were 100+ ne. of Brady 28 Jan (TJW) and 97 in Boone Co 17 Jan (WM). Wild Turkey: Routine reports. Northern Bobwhite: Routine reports. Common Loon: Lingering very late were single juveniles at LM and Sutherland Res 27 Dec (SJD). Red-necked Grebe: A juvenile at LM 27-28 Dec (SJD) was rather late, and one of only about 30 fall records for the state. Western Grebe: Since the 1990s, over-wintering has occurred at LM or Sutherland Res; this winter “a few” were still at the latter location 7 Jan (TJW). Clark’s Grebe: One was at LM 28 Dec (SJD); there are only 3 later records, all at LM, two of which involved over-wintering. American White Pelican: Late away from favored wintering sites like Sutherland Res was one on the North Platte River in Lincoln Co 3 Jan (JGJ). Rather early was one at HCR 25 Feb (G&WH); wintering has occurred there. Double-crested Cormorant: A juvenile lingered at LM until 28 Dec (SJD); there are few later reports. Vol 75 No. 1 The Nebraska Bird Review 7 Great Blue Heron: Numbers are lowest in Jan; one at Lincoln 11 Jan (JM) was unexpected, although as many as 14 were still present for the CBC there 17 Dec (fide LRB). Turkey Vulture: First reported was one rather early at Alliance 26 Feb (KK). Apparently Nebraska's first documented winter record, pending NOURC approval, was one near Gering 15 Jan (AK, LK, details). This was probably the same bird reported at the Riverside Zoo in Scottsbluff 11 Jan by the zoo's raptor specialist (fide AK). Bald Eagle: A total of IS northward migrants in 3 kettles were about on time over Sarpy Co 11 Feb (CNK). As is usual, an adult was incubating by 27 Feb in Loup Co (CH). Northern Harrier: An excellent count was 52 at the west end of LM 27 Dec (SJD). Seven were feeding on goose carcasses at Harvard Marsh 26 Feb (PD); this appears to be an unusual food item for harriers. Sharp-shinned Hawk: An excellent CBC tally was the 6 at S-BOL 16 Dec (fide JG). Cooper’s Hawk: The 4 on the S-BOL CBC 16 Dec (fide JG) was a good count Northern Goshawk: The 2 reports, about the norm for a winter, were of singles near Scottsbluff 12 Dec (KD) and near North Platte 6 Jan (TJW). Red-shouldered Hawk: The only report was of one in e. Richardson Co 22 Feb (RE). NE reports are even fewer in winter than in summer, but with a recent “explosion of extra-limital reports” in KS (fide PJ), reports in NE might be expected to increase. Red-tailed Hawk: The 86 on the S-BOL CBC 16 Dec (fide JG) was an excellent CBC total. A pair was finishing a nest near HCR 25 Feb (G&WH). Ferruginous Hawk: Routine reports. Rough-legged Hawk: A good CBC count was the 14 at Harrison 2 Jan (fide WM). Golden Eagle: Routine reports. American Kestrel: Routine reports. Merlin: Routine reports. Prairie Falcon: Easternmost were singles in Seward Co 12 Jan (JGJ) and Sarpy Co 16 Feb (CNK). Although rare, a few occur in extreme e. NE each winter. Best count was 5-6 in Scotts Bluff Co 5 Feb (KD). Peregrine Falcon: The pair that nests on the Capitol Building at Lincoln may be resident; singles were seen 19 Jan (JGJ) and 21 Jan (GB), but 2 together were not seen until 26 Feb (GB). The Omaha pair, Zeus, in his 12th year, and Hera, in her 2nd, wintered in the vicinity (www.wtXKimeii.com/MconsJ . King Rail: One (unseen) near Brady 15 Dec was identified by its single “kek” calls, in contrast to the doubled “kek-kek” calls of Virginia Rail (TJW); if indeed it was this species, it would be the 2nd record in Dec for the state, the other was on 17 Dec near Lewellen. Virginia Rail: As has become expected, 2 were at LO 28 Dec (SJD). American Coot: A few will linger into mid-winter wherever non-moving open water occurs, usually spring-fed or aerated sites. Thus 73 were at Holmes L, Lincoln, 11 Jan, but a storm reduced the number to 2 by 15 Jan (LE). Similarly, a few were at Scottsbluff SL 5 Feb (KD), and 5 were at GPD 16 Jan (MB). The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 1 i Sandhill Crane: Last reported for foil was an adult rather late in Scotts Bluff Co 1 Dec (AD); Dec records are surprisingly few. First returning birds were at Rowe Sanctuary by 5 Feb (fide RL); earliest are often seen in late Jan. Some 1000 were in Hall Co by 22 Feb (PD) and 10,000 were between Chapman and Kearney 27 Feb, where “the season has started with a bang, not a trickle” (DK). Killdeer: Midwinter reports are expected at certain sites in the North Platte Valley, such as the 3 near Morrill 20 Jan (KD), but elsewhere, reports are few. Thus one in w. Douglas Co 4 Feb (DSt) was unusual. One or two had returned to Lancaster Co by 28 Feb (LE, JM). Greater Yellow legs: Only the 6th record mid-Jan to mid-Feb was one at LO 28 Dec (SJD; details). Baird's Sandpiper: One at PL in late Nov was seen again 1 Dec (LE), only the 4th Dec report for the state. Wilson's Snipe: Reports are fewest mid-Jan to mid-Feb; 2 were in Scotts Bluff Co 15 Jan (KD) and another was near GPD 16 Jan (MB). Franklin's Gull: Singles appear in mid-winter on occasion, usually in alt plumage, and are probably very early migrants. Singles were at GPD 5 Jan in alt. plumage (BFH) and at BOL 12-15 Jan (LE), the 16th and 17th mid¬ winter records. Ring-billed Gull: Best count was 1200 at LM 27 Dec (SJD). California Gull: The 34 ads. still at LM 27-28 Dec (SJD) was a good count. Few remain into Jan, although over-wintering of a few birds is expected at LM. Surprising was the appearance of 30 with a group of 500+ Ring-billed Gulls at HCR 23 Feb; the observers lived for many years in Washington and are familiar with this species (G&WH, details). The sighting suggests some movement north-south within the Great Plains; there are fairly regular sightings of this species southward to Texas. Herring Gull: The 293 at LM 28 Dec was considered “fewer than usual” at that time (SJD). Thayer's Gull: The only reports were of one in Lincoln 30 Nov-1 Dec (JGJ,LE) and 3 (2 ads. and a juv.) at LM 27-28 Dec (SJD). Glaucous-winged Gull: A gull photographed at LM 28 Dec looked very much like a juv. of this species, but also had some features reminiscent of Herring Gull; it thus was most likely an introgressant between the two species (SJD); a similar bird was photographed (not nearly as well!) at LO a few years ago (JGJ,WRS). Lesser Black-backed Gull: This now-regular migrant was reported at 3 sites: single adults were at LM 27-28 Dec (SJD), GPD 1 Jan (TS, photo), and BOL 5-12 Jan (JGJ, m.ob.). The BOL bird is the latest ever, there are no records of over-wintering. Slaty-backed Gull: During the period that one was present at nearby L Manawa in Iowa, somewhat surprisingly only a single sighting from Nebraska was received, of a bird at Oflutt Base L, Sarpy Co, at 3 pm 21 Dec (RG). No details were provided Sightings were reported from L Manawa on 21 Dec before and after this sighting; the repent would be a first state record for Nebraska if accepted by the NOURC, Glaucous Gull: There were 3 reports involving 4 birds: a juv. was at BOL 10 Dec- 12 Jan (LE, JGJ photo, m.ob.), another juv. was at LM 27-28 Dec (SJD), and two (un-aged) were at HCR 25 Feb (G&WH). Rock Pigeon: The 842 on the Ames CBC 3 Jan (D&JP) was among the highest CBC counts, most of which are from Lincoln. Vol. 75 No. 1 The Nebraska Bird Review 2 . Eurasian Collared-Dove: The last county to record this species is Keya Paha; 4 were there 18 Feb (WF). The state’s first record was at Shelton in 1997- Best counts were 88 on the Scottsbluff CBC 16 Dec (fide AK), 46 on the Crawford CBC 3 Jan (B&DW), and 40 at Stapleton 28 Jan (TJW). Twigs were being gathered 23 Feb in a Sidney yard where 4 broods were raised last summer (AS). Mourning Dove: More than usual were noted in southern and eastern parts of the state, including 8 as far north as Norfolk on the CBC 23 Dec (fide DW), as well as 39 in Alma 6 Jan, 33 on the Ames CBC 3 Jan (D&JP), and 32 in the observers’ Bellevue yard 31 Jan (L&BP). Somewhat unusual were 2 near Doniphan 1 Feb (JEt) and 12 in Scotts Bluff Co 21 Dec (KD). Inca Dove: Only the 6th NE record was one at a Keystone feeder 28 Dec (SJD, photo). All 6 records have been of singles at feeders in winter. Barn Owl: Only the 8th record for Dec-Feb since 1976 was one photographed at LO 28 Dec (SJD). Most depart by late Oct. Eastern Screech-Owl: Routine reports. Great Horned Owl: Routine reports. Snowy Owl: The only report was of a juv. female at LM 27-28 Dec (SJD, photo). Barred Owl: Somewhat westerly were 2 at Rock Creek Station, Jefferson Co, 18 Feb (RE). Long-eared Owl: Best count was 14 on the S-BOL CBC 16 Dec (LE, fide JG). One in deciduous woodland in Washington Co 9 Feb was considered unusual (JT). Short-eared Owl: An excellent count was the 17 at the west end of LM 27 Dec (SJD). An additional 7 reports of 11 birds were received, all from the Platte and Loup Valleys southward. Northern Saw-whet Owl: The only reports were of singles on the DeSoto-Boyer Chute CBC 23 Dec (WRS,EB) and the Norfolk CBC the same day (fide DW). Belted Kingfisher: Routine reports. Red-headed Woodpecker: One on the Norfolk CBC 23 Dec (fide DW) was northerly for the date. Red-bellied Woodpecker: Westernmost was one during Count Week on the Scottsbluff CBC 16 Dec (fide AK). A few have established in Scotts Bluff Co in recent years. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: More than usual were found through the period in the southeast; about 8 in all. Westernmost were 2 males at Rock Creek Station, Jefferson Co, 18 Feb (RE). Downy Woodpecker: Routine reports. Hairy Woodpecker: Routine reports. Northern Flicker: Routine reports. Pileated Woodpecker: This species appears to be consolidating its fairly low numbers in the relatively limited habitat available in the lower Missouri Valley. One or two were reported from a regular location, FF and neighboring Haworth Park, Bellevue, through the period (CNK). Away from this area, one was in the Hummel Park, Omaha, area 8 Dec (fide JGr) and another was in Richardson Co 22 Feb (RE). Northern Shrike: An excellent CBC count was the 8 at S-BOL 16 Dec (fide JG). Loggerhead Shrike: Four were reported for the period, more than usual, although all were from the southeast, as expected. Singles were on the S-BOL CBC 16 Dec, the 2nd in 14 years (fide JG), in Otoe Co 22 Dec (L&CF), in Lancaster Co 29 Jan (LE), and in Richardson Co 22 Feb (RE). ML The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 1 Blue Jay: Routine reports. Pinyon Jay: None were reported. Clark’s Nutcracker: None were reported. Black-billed Magpie: Low numbers continue to be a concern; the species was missed on the S-BOL CBC 16 Dec for only the 3rd time in 14 years (fide JG), and, even in the west, the 9 found on the Scottsbluff CBC 16 Dec was the lowest tally since 1976 (fide ABC). American Crow: Routine reports. Horned Lark: After driving 103 miles on 16 Feb through windy, snow-covered countryside in Lancaster, Gage, and Saline Cos, the 1019 Homed Larks found were concentrated at 3 cattle feed lots in Saline Co (LE). This species is well-known for its attraction to bare ground in snowy conditions, usually along roadsides. Black-capped Chickadee: Some apparently good news for this species was this year’s Lincoln CBC tally of 79, up from 26, 27, and 56 in 2003-2005 (fide LRB). Tufted Titmouse: Routine reports. Red-breasted Nuthatch: Reports were consistent with an average, non-invasion winter for this species. White-breasted Nuthatch: Routine reports. Pygmy Nuthatch: Routine reports. Carolina Wren: Westernmost were two pairs, a pair wintering at each of 2 locations in North Platte; they were still present 14 Feb (fide TJW). Other reports were from the east, north to Ames (D&JP). Winter Wren: Four CBCs, all in the southeast as expected, reported Winter Wrens: DeSoto NWR on 23 Dec (fide JT), Lincoln on 17 Dec (fide LRB), Omaha on 16 Dec (D&JP), and S-BOL on 16 Dec (fide JG). Marsh Wren: One was unexpected as far north as die GPD area 16 Jan (MB), while another on the LM CBC 28 Dec (SJD) continues regular CBC occurrences there. Golden-crowned Kinglet: The 10 on the Ames CBC 3 Jan (D&JP) was a good count for the date; even further north and west were 3 on the Beaver Valley CBC 28 Dec (D&CN) and 2 at LM 28 Dec (SJD). Wintering is expected only in the southeast. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: One on the Scottsbluff CBC 16 Dec was the first there since 1966 (ABC); by Dec this species is rare away from the southeast. Eastern Bluebird: Recent years have seen this species becoming more conspicuous in late fell and early winter; thus noteworthy were 5 at Bridgeport in Feb (BCK), as many as 65 on the Ames CBC 3 Jan (D&JP), and a count high of 143 on the S-BOL CBC 16 Dec, where the 80 last year was the previous high (fide JG). Mountain Bluebird: Routine reports, Townsend’s Solitaire: Easternmost was one on the S-BOL CBC 16 Dec (fide JG). Hermit Thrush: This species does not occur in Jan-Feb every year, and so the 5 reports of 7 birds were a surprise. Probably the same bird was seen twice in a Lincoln yard 31 Jan and 24 Feb (RE), one was in Cedar Co 5 Feb (WF), 3 were at FF 11 Feb (CNK), one was at Dodge Park, Omaha, 20 Feb (fide JT), and one was in Bellevue 22 Feb (EB). One on the Calamus CBC 23 Dec was also unexpected (fide DH). American Robin: Routine reports. Varied Thrush: Three were reported, all in the southeast, including 2 different birds in Lancaster Co. One appeared in mid-Dec near Roca and was still present at Vol. 75 No. 1 The Nebraska Bird Review 11 the end of the period (fide DL,LE), and the other was in Lincoln 15-25 Feb (JK, KL). A third was in Nebraska City for a few days up to and including 23 Jan (L&CF, photo). These are only the 9th-11th records since 1991, out of a total of 37 for the state, but 6 of these have been reported 2005-2007. Northern Mockingbird: Over-wintering is rare, with fewest reports in Feb. However, one was in Lancaster Co 28 Feb (LE). The only other report was of one on the Lincoln CBC 17 Dec (fide LRB). Brown Thrasher: The only report was of one at a suet feeder on the S-BOL CBC 16 Dec (fide JG). Dec reports in the southeast are not unusual. European Starling: Best CBC count was a moderate 7872 at Norfolk 23 Dec (fide DW); elsewhere, 4500 were at a cattle feedlot in Lancaster Co 28 Feb (LE). Bohemian Waxwing: The only reports were of a flock of 60 near Chadron 7-8 Feb and a smaller flock there 21 Feb (JF). Cedar Waxwing: Best count was 400 at Brady 23 Feb (TJW). Yellow-rumped Warbler: Other than a single female on the LM CBC 28 Dec (SJD), reports were from the southeast. There are few reports after mid-Jan and in Feb, and so surprising were the 4 reports of 6 birds 14 Jan-20 Feb: a female remained in the observer’s Bellevue yard 14 Jan-5 Feb (CNK), one was in Platte Co 4 Feb (LR,RH), two were in Lincoln 6 Feb (LE), and two were at Dodge Park, Omaha, 20 Feb (fide JT). These Feb reports are only the 13th-16th for the state. Pine Warbler: Two birds near North Platte 7 Dec were identified from the observer’s description as males of this species (TJW); this species is cold- tolerant for a wood-warbler, with at least 5 prior Dec reports. Spotted Towhee: Routine reports, American Tree Sparrow: Routine reports. Fox Sparrow: There are only 4 reports of over-wintering; latest fall dates are in Jan. Thus singles in Nebraska City 17 Feb (L&CF) and near Roca 23 Feb (CNK) were probably early migrants; there were 2 prior late Feb reports. Song Sparrow: Routine reports. Swamp Sparrow: Very rare in late Jan and in Feb, singles in Cass and Sarpy Cos 1 Feb (WF) were thus of significance. White-throated Sparrow: Midwinter reports are rare, even in the southeast, and so of interest was one singing in Lincoln 26 Jan (TEL). A Bellevue feeder hosted at least one for most of the period except 11 Jan-12 Feb (L&BP). White-crowned Sparrow: Rare also in mid-winter, especially in the east, one was in Omaha 11 Jan (L&BP). Wintering is more usual in the west; some 19 remained in a Mitchell yard through 15 Jan (KD). Harris’s Sparrow: Less common westward, 7 appeared at a North Platte feeder 8 Jan after a month’s absence (TJW), 2 were at Wilsonville 18 Feb (LO), and two were at Keystone 28 Dec (SJD). Dark-eyed Junco: Best tally was the 940 on the S-BOL CBC 16 Dec, including 4 “Oregon” Juncos (fide JG). Best easterly count of “Oregon” Juncos was the 13 on the Lincoln CBC 16 Dec (fide LRB). The only “White-winged” Juncos reported were 2 on the Crawford CBC 3 Jan (B&DW) and one on the LM CBC 28 Dec (SJD); this form is uncommon in winter. Lapland Longspur: Best count was 1000 in Dodge Co 21 Feb, most flying northeast (D&JP). A single flock of 800 was in Lancaster Co 5 Jan (LE). Snow Bunting: More than usual were reported, including 36 on the LM CBC 28 Dec (SJD), 21 on the Harrison CBC 2 Jan (WM), and a total of about 15 in cen. and e. Nebraska (m. ob.). 11 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 1 Northern Cardinal: A female wintered near Gering and another was counted on the Scottsbluff CBC 16 Dec (AK); there is a small population in Scotts Bluff Co. First song reported was in Lincoln 25 Jan, 6 days earlier than the observer’s previous earliest (RE). Red-winged Blackbird: Wintering flocks are unusual, but several were noted: 300 wintered near Gibbon (LR,RH), birds were present through the period in Scotts Bluff Co (AK), including a surprising 2000 there 25 Jan (RSg), and 3000 were near Alma 19-25 Jan (G&WH), likely very early migrants. First “yard male” noted was in Fairmont 22 Feb (JR). Eastern Meadowlark: Routine reports. Western Meadowlark: First singing birds reported were in Lancaster Co 16 Feb (LE). A good mid-winter count was the 100+ in Washington Co 24 Jan an Yellow-headed Blackbird: Last reported was an adult male near Alma 23 Dec (G&WH). Rusty Blackbird: More than usual were reported, including an excellent CBC tally of 34 at S-BOL 16 Dec (fide JG). Other CBC reports were of 5 at Ponca SP 23 Dec (fide BFH) and 6 at Norfolk the same day (fide DW). A few winter in the southeast; 2 were at an Ames-area feeder 4 Feb (D&JP), one was at Madison 6 Feb (WF), and 12 were at a Clatonia feedlot 16 Feb (LE). Brewer’s Blackbird: The only report of this rare winter visitor was of a single on the Lincoln CBC 17 Dec (LE). Common Grackle: Unexpected were the 60 near Alma 19 Jan, with 54 still there 8 Feb (G&WH); wintering occurs in the south and east most years, but usually singles or very small groups. Great-tailed Grackle: Best count was the 80 near Alma l Dec (G&WH), while unexpected mid-winter reports were of 1-7 “hanging around Lincoln” 19 Jan- 4 Feb (LE). Brown-headed Cowbird: Last were two rather northerly on the Norfolk CBC 23 Dec (fide DW). Two males in Wayne Co 11 Feb (BFH) may have been early migrants or possibly wintered in or near Nebraska. Purple Finch: Numbers were generally low, although 21 were counted on the S- BOL CBC 16 Dec (fide JG). Elsewhere, about 15 were reported from the eastern half of the state (m. ob). The only report from the west, where rare, was of one near Mitchell 2 Dec (KD). House Finch: Routine reports. Red Crossbill: Routine reports. Common Redpoll: The only reports were of 9 at Boyer Chute NWR 23 Dec (EB,WRS), 2 on the LM CBC 28 Dec (SJD), 8 on the Harrison CBC 2 Jan (WJM), and singles at feeders in Winside 30 Jan (NB) and Lincoln 18 Feb (RE). Pine Siskin: Numbers were low except in the west, where 76 were counted on the Scottsbluff CBC 16 Dec (fide AK) and 50 were at Wildcat Hills NC 22 Feb (AK). Only about 20 were reported elsewhere (m. ob.). American Goldfinch: Best CBC count was the 705 at S-BOL 16 Dec (fide JG). House Sparrow: Routine reports. Eurasian Tree Sparrow: Potentially a first state record, one was photographed near Norfolk 3 Feb (MB) and again there 11 Feb (PR,BFH). This species has been gradually expanding northwestward in Iowa over the last few years; the nearest Iowa record is from Greene Co, in west-central Iowa. YflUi. No. 1 The Nebraska Bird Review 12 HENSLOW’S SPARROW STATUS IN NEBRASKA Hens low's Sparrow habitat: Pawnee Prairie WMA, Pawnee County, Nebraska (Photo by Ross Silcock) Inset: Juvenile Henslow’s Sparrow (photo Powdermill Avian Research Center, used with permission) W. Ross Silcock P.O. Box 57 Tabor, 1A 51653 712-629-5865 silcock@rosssi lcock.com Joel G. Jorgensen Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Lincoln, NE 68503 402-471-5440 joel.jorgensen@ngpc.ne.gov ii The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 1 Hen slow’s Sparrow (Ammodramus hemlowii ) is a grassland species of considerable conservation concern endemic to southern and eastern North America (Herkert et a I. 2002; Reinking 2002). Annual declines of about 7.5% from 1966 - 2000 (Sauer et al. 2001) and the extirpation of breeding birds from large portions of the historic range have led to the sparrow being listed as a species of “Highest Concern” on the Partners in Flight National Watch List (PIFNWL: http://www.Dartnersinflight.org/cont p lan/PIF3 Part2WEB.pdfi. While the Henslow’s Sparrow is not listed as federally threatened or endangered, most species on this list are prime candidates for such consideration. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Plan (Schneider et al. 2005) considers the Henslow’s Sparrow a “Tier I At-Risk Species”. Henslow’s Sparrow is a rare but regular summer resident and breeder in southeast Nebraska (Sharpe et al. 2001). In the United States, the breeding range has apparently expanded northwestward in the last two decades (Herkert et al. 2002; Reinking 2002). Nebraska reports were few prior to 1990 and none were reported in the Nebraska Breeding Bird Atlas project 1984-89 (Mollhoff 2001). A set of eggs and a female were said to have been collected in Douglas County prior to 1900 (Bruner et al. 1904), and there are 3 specimens in the University of Nebraska State Museum, all collected near Lincoln 26 Apr-18 May 1899-1920 (Sharpe et al. 2001). The only other published report prior to 1980 was of a singing male at Nine-Mile Prairie, Lancaster Co, 8 Jul 1951; no others were seen and no nesting evidence was found (Baumgarten 1953). Since the mid-1980s, however, Henslow’s Sparrows have been found with regularity in small numbers at several locations in southeastern Nebraska, notably Burchard Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Pawnee County, Audubon Spring Creek Prairie in Lancaster County, Boyer Chute NWR in Washington County, University of Nebraska’s Allwine Prairie in Douglas County, Hall County sites owned by Platte River Whooping Crane Maintenance Trust and The Nature Conservancy, and Pawnee Prairie WMA in Pawnee County (Figure 1). The first singing male was found on the south side of Burchard Lake in Pawnee County 6 May 1985 (Wright 1985); this bird was photographed and seen by others through 31 May (Sharpe etal 2001). Since 1985, Henslow’s Sparrows have been reported from the Burchard Lake area, both within the WMA and on adjacent privately-owned land (Sullivan 2005); Sullivan found 27 singing birds on and around Burchard Lake WMA as well as a nest with 4 eggs on adjacent private land (Sullivan 2005). In Lancaster County, a singing Henslow’s Sparrow was found by Joseph Gubanyi in 1994 at Spring Creek Prairie, an Audubon Society-owned site near Denton (Silcock and Rosche 1994). Since then, a few Henslow’s Sparrows have been found there most years, although no breeding activity has been reported (Kevin Poague, pers. comm.). Beginning in 2000, singing birds were found in a restored prairie at Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge in Washington County (Jeny Toll, pers. comm.). y.pi. zi.-No, l The Nebraska Bird Review 15 In Douglas County, 1-2 Henslow’s Sparrows have been found at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s 65-hectare (160-acre) Allwine Prairie Preserve in northwest Omaha in 2004 and 2005 (John P. McCarty and L. LaReesa Wolfenbarger, pers. comm.). Farther west there are records of breeding birds on properties owned by the Platte River Whooping Crane Maintenance Trust and The Nature Conservancy in Hall County in the central Platte River Valley. Native grasslands are being restored and managed by rotational grazing and burning at these sites, with grassland bird species monitored at the Trust by Daniel Kim and for The Nature Conservancy by Chris Helzer. Beginning in 2004, Henslow’s Sparrows were found on Trust property consisting of tail-grass prairie remnants within a large area of grasslands (Kim 2005). At least one nest was found in 2004 (Kim 2005). In 2006, singing Henslow’s Sparrows were present on Trust property in May and dependent juveniles were seen later in the summer, numbers of singing birds increased through August (Dan Kim, pers. comm.). Nearby at the Caveny Tract owned by The Nature Conservancy, there have been multiple sightings 1995-2005 (Chris Helzer, pers. comm.; Kim 2005). Sullivan (2005) found $ singing birds in the southwest part of Pawnee Prairie WMA and 2 on adjacent private land in 2004. A nest was found at Pawnee Prairie also (Sullivan 2005). FIGURE 1. Current breeding distribution of the Henslow’s Sparrow in Nebraska. Shaded areas right (east) of line represent overall range. Dots are sites where Henslow’s Sparrow has been reported since 1990, including 1) Burchard Lake-Pawnee Prairie area. Pawnee County, 2) Audubon’s Spring Creek Prairie, 3) Whooping Crane Trust and Nature Conservancy properties. Hall County, 4) Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge, Washington County, and 5) Stanton County CRP tracts (Negus 2005). There are additional sightings from other locations, although these sites do not consistently support Henslow’s Sparrows. Searches by Concordia University professor Joseph Gubanyi and students from 1994-2000 yielded reports from near Bennet in Lancaster County 25 May 1994, at Meadowlark Lake WMA, Seward Co, each year (maximum 2 singing birds) 1997-2000, and at Redtail WMA, Butler M The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 1 County, 24 June 2000 (Sharpe et al 2001). The westernmost reports are sightings by Chris Helzer (pers. comm.) at The Nature Conservancy’s Willa Cather Prairie in Webster County, including 6 singing males there 4 Jun 1999. There are only 4 records for the Rainwater Basin, all in June and July from Clay County, the first in 1999 (J. Jorgensen, pers. obs.). Whether recent records indicate an increase in numbers and range of Henslow’s Sparrows in Nebraska or have resulted from increased searches for this species remains unknown, although, as noted above, this species appears to be expanding its range. The Henslow’s Sparrow is a species of considerable conservation concern and may easily go undetected even when present, so there is a clear need to monitor the species status in the state on a regular basis. ACKNOWLEDGMENT This study was funded by Nebraska Game and Parks with State Wildlife Grant money. LITERATURE CITED Baumgarten, H.E. “Henslow’s Sparrow at Lincoln.” The Nebraska Bird Review 21 (1953): 25. Bruner, L., R.H. Wolcott, and M.H. Swenk. A Preliminary Review of the Birds of Nebraska, with Synopses, Omaha: Klopp and Bartlett, 1904. Herkert, J.R., P.D. Vickery, and D.E. Kroodsma. “Henslow’s Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii )” The Birds of North America, No. 672 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.), Philadelphia, PA: The Birds of North America, Inc., 2002. Kim, D.H. “First Nebraska Nest Record for Henslow’s Sparrow.” The Prairie Naturalist 37 (2005): 171-173. Mollhoff, W.J. The Nebraska Breeding Bird Atlas 1984-1989. Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union Occ. Papers No. 7. Nebraska Technical Series No. 20. Lincoln: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2001. Reinking, D.L.. “A Closer Look: Henslow’s Sparrow.” Birding 34(2002): 146-153. Sauer, J.R., J.E. Hines, and J. Fallon. The North American Breeding Bird Survey, Results and Analysis 1966*2000. Version 2001.2. Laurel, MD: Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 2001. http://www.mbr- pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/bbs, html. Schneider, R., M. Humpert, K. Stoner, and G. Steinauer. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project. Lincoln: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2005. Sharpe, R.S., W.R. Silcock, and J.G. Jorgensen. The Birds of Nebraska, Their Distribution and Temporal Occurrence. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2001. Silcock, W.R., and R.C. Rosche. “Spring Field Report, March-May, 1994.” The Nebraska Bird Review 62 (1994): 66-88. Sullivan, S. Ecological Community Inventory - BCR 22. Summary Report for 2004 Field Season. Lincoln: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2005. Wright, R.. “Henslow’s Sparrow.” The Nebraska Bird Review 53 (1985): 43-44. Vol. 75 No. 1 The Nebraska Bird Review 12 2006-2007 Christmas Bird Counts in Nebraska Despite snow and ice storms which forced postponement of several counts and prevented participation by a number of birders, all 14 counts which were held last winter took place again this winter. The total number of species (131) was two more than last year's 129, and the total number of individuals was 177,590, down some 30,000. Waterfowl numbers were about normal Canada Goose numbers were down 16,000 from last year, but this is a number which fluctuates on that scale from year to year. Northern Pintails are becoming more abundant on Christmas Counts. Their tallies in the early 1990s were in the single digits, last year's count was 96, and this year 146 were counted, highest since 157 in 1966. Great Blue Herons hit an all-time high this year with 42 tallied, 14 of those on the Lincoln count. Likewise Northern Harriers were counted in record numbers this year: 106 was this year's count and the previous high was 103 in 1994. Red¬ tailed Hawks have been increasing during every decade since the 1960s. The average number seen on Christmas counts in the 1960s was 32, in the 1970s the average was 81, in the 1980s it was 208, in the 1990s it was 250, and from 2000 to 2005 it was 373. This year's count of 542 was an all-time high. Unusual birds this year included the Greater Yellowlegs at Lake McConaughy, only once previously recorded on a Christmas count in 1993 at the same location, and the Slaty-backed Gull at Omaha. The second-ever Inca Dove was found on the Lake McConaughy count; one was counted in 1987 in Kearney. Other doves continue to increase in numbers: Eurasian Collared-Doves were unsurprisingly at an all-time high of 296, and the Mourning Dove tally of 394 was the 5th-highest count. Seven owl species were counted, despite the fact that Short-eared Owls were missed altogether. The Bam Owl at McConaughy was only the 4th on a Christmas count, and the Snowy at the same location was only the 7th record, including count week birds in 1976 and 1980. The two Northern Saw-whet Owls (DeSoto and Norfolk) tied the previous high count (McConaughy in 2000). The 14 Long-eared Owls at Branched Oak-Seward contributed to the total of 20, 5th-highest count. Good numbers of Belted Kingfishers were found: 47, 13 of which were on the Lincoln count. Red-bellied Woodpeckers also were abundant; 416, second only to last year's 433, Only 3 Red-headed Woodpeckers were found; their average count since 2000 is 35. The Black-billed Magpie tally (39) was the lowest since 1967. American Crows were scarce, too, despite the 1840 counted at Calamus. This year's total of 3079 is low compared to die average of 7133 since 2000, Black-capped Chickadee numbers are now in a more normal historical range statewide, although they have not recovered to their pre-2003 levels at several central Nebraska counts. They were missed entirely at Calamus, where their pre-2003 average was 62, and only 3 were found at Grand Island, where their pre-2003 average was 101. IS. The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 1 White-breasted Nuthatches were at an all-time high of 858, with 229 of those counted at Omaha. Carolina Wrens also appeared to be having a good year. The total of 47 (on 5 counts) was an all time high count. Just the 22 seen at Omaha would have been an all time high. More Eastern Bluebirds (397) were counted than ever before while American Robins (3793) were at their lowest in 10 years. Last year's all-time high count of Snow Buntings (31) was easily eclipsed this year with 61, seen at Calamus, Harrison and Lake McConaughy, Northern Cardinals crept up to a new high count of 913, missed only at Crawford and Harrison. 2006-07 CBC Participants Ames Joe Gubanyi, Clem Klaphake, Steve Lamphere, Jeanne Miller, Wayne MollhofF, Elizabeth Mulliken, Jerry Mulliken, Don Paseka (compiler), Janis Paseka, Neal Ratzlaff, Carolyn Sonderman, Jerry Toll (12) Beaver Valley Mitzi Fox, Wayne Mollhoff, Colleen Noecker, Don Noecker (compiler), Don Paseka, Janis Paseka, Elsie Wheeler (7) Branched Oak- Seward Alex DeGarmo, Kevin DeGarmo, Paul Dunbar, Rick Eades, Larry Einemann, Joseph Gubanyi (compiler), Robin Harding, Joel Jorgensen, Robert Kaul, Vince Kingston, Thomas E. Labedz, John Quinn, Lanny Randolph, Sarah Rehme, Mary Steinbeck, Shane Tucker, Bill Wells, Gertrude Wood (18) Calamus-Loup Ben Brogie, Mark Brogie, Robin Harding, David Heidt (compiler), Lanny Randolph, Duane Wolff (6) Crawford Kathy DeLara, Phyllis Drawbaugh, John Flavin, Ruben Siegfried, Bruce Walgren (compiler), Donna Walgren Feeder Watcher: Marilee Cargill (6 + 1 feeder watcher) DeSoto Bob Barry (compiler), Elliott Bedows, Laurine Blankenau, Dave Crawford, Nelli Falzgraf, Betty Grenon, Jason Grundman, Suzanne Gucciardo, Steve Lamphere, Sue Mattix, Jim Meyer, Rosalie Noteman, Molly O'Dell, Tom O'Dell, Don Paseka, Janis Paseka, Dawn Price, Ross Silcock, Greg Stoiber, Jon Strong, Jerry Toll, Betty Young (22) Grand Island Gordon Backer, Anton Curtis, Blake Hatfield, Ann Kruse, Ron Kruse, Ray Kusek, Connie McCartney (compiler), Jim Meyer, Steve Morris, Patricia Smith, Vem Throop Feeder Watchers: Kathy Aubushon, Jim Etherton, Lewis Hilligas (11+3 feeder watchers) Harrison. Wayne Mollhoff (compiler), Bruce Walgren, Donna Walgren (3) Lake McConaughy Stephen J. Dinsmore (compiler). Bill Huntley, Rodger Knaggs (3) Vol.75 No. 1 The Nebraska Bird Review 19 Lincoln Irene Alexander, Sue Allen, Linda R. Brown (compiler), Jackie Canterbury, Barbara DiBemard, James Eades, Rick Eades, Larry Einemann, Joe Gubanyi, Matthew Hansen, Paul Johnsgard, Tim Knott, Josef Kren, Thomas E. Labedz, Daniel Leger, Linda Maslowski, Pete Maslowski, John Miller, Kathy Putensen, Juan Ramirez, Ken Reitan, Jules Russ, Laura Safarik, Charles Spence, Leo Spence, Brooke Stansberry, Moni Usasz (27) Norfolk Joyce Borgelt, Norma Brockmoller, Ben Brogie, Ed Brogie, Mark Brogie, Donna Christiansen, Joyce Eucker, Darlene Finkhouse, David Heidt, Tony Jacobsen, Kyle Knedsen, Lyla Koehlmoos, Tyler Sherman, Matt Stanley, Jan Uttecht, Clayton Wainstad, Duane Wolff (compiler), Bonnie Wylie (18) Omaha Elliott Bedows, Laurine Blankenau, David Crawford, Fritz Davis, Nelli Falzgraf, Bob Fuchs, Betty Grenon (compiler), Suzanne Gucciardo, Maria Hicks, Clem Klaphake, Jim Kovanda, Sandy Kovanda, Catherine Kuper, Steve Lamphere, Urban Lehner, Sue Mattix, Rosalie Noteman, Babs Padelford, Loren Padelford, Don Paseka, Janis Paseka, Willard Piercy, Dick Rasmussen, Neal Ratzlaff, Kelly Rezac, Jean Richter, Kathleen Rose, Rick Schmid, Eric Scholar, Vicki Scoville, David Smith, Greg Stoiber, Penny Zahurones (33) Ponca Chris Anderson, Bill Bossman, Bill Brown, Warren Dunkel, Pat Dunn, Jeff Fields, Art Huser, Bill Huser (compiler), Jan Johnson, Luke Johnson, Richard Johnson, Jerry Probst, Jerry Von Ehwegen (13) Scottsblujf Kathy DeLara, Dean Drawbaugh, Phyllis Drawbaugh, Ann Duey, Michelle Hoff, Helen Hughson, Alice Kenitz (compiler), Ed Newbury, Bonnie Schoen, Ruben Siegfried (10) 2Q. The Nebraska Bird Review Vol- 75 No. 1 2006-2007 Christmas Bird Counts Ames Beaver Valley Branched Oak-Seward Calamus-Loup Crawford DeSoto-Boyer Grand Island Harrison Gr. White-fronted Goose 1 Snow Goose 1 1,064 5 Ross's Goose 6 Cackling Goose 142 6 20 70 Canada Goose 2,262 439 2,260 2,304 5,100 Trumpeter Swan 8 Wood Duck Gadwall cw 3 7 2 American Wigeon 3 5 Mallard 5,310 481 544 3,550 79 25,008 1,631 Northern Shoveler 50 Northern Pintail 2 Green-winged Teal 30 Canvasback cw Redhead 2 Ring-necked Duck cw 2 1 Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup cw 1 Bufflehead 1 Common Goldeneye 5 194 170 126 22 Hooded Merganser 1 4 3 1 1 137 1,700 246 Red-breasted Merganser 1 Ruddy Duck Ring-necked Pheasant 16 16 16 6 25 16 4 Sharp-tailed Grouse 20 Greater Prairie-Chicken 1 41 Wild Turkey 11 1 16 62 80 259 111 52 Northern Bobwhite 41 9 25 Common Loon Vol. 75 No. 1 The Nebraska Bird Review 21 2006-2007 Christmas Bird Counts Lake McConaughy Lincoln Norfolk Omaha Ponca State Park Scottsbluff Total Gr. White-fronted Goose 2 3 Snow Goose 3 1 17 320 4 1,415 Ross's Goose 6 Cackling Goose 281 55 6 cw 56 636 Canada Goose 5,818 3,293 490 1,827 593 6,381 30,767 Trumpeter Swan cw 8 Wood Duck 2 2 Gadwall 57 9 7 18 103 American Wigeon 8 cw 355 371 Mallard 1,459 815 1,673 660 2,211 8,123 51,544 Northern Shoveler 109 1 2 162 Northern Pintail 6 3 2 133 146 Green-winged Teal 107 7 44 28 216 Canvasback cw 1 1 Redhead 1 8 2 13 Ring-necked thick 6 1 1 cw 37 48 Greater Scaup 78 1 79 Lesser Scaup 225 4 1 8 239 Bufllehead 34 4 39 Common Goldeneye 669 25 3 108 4 508 1,834 Hooded Merganser 5 6 7 6 29 Common Merganser 11,754 7 104 17 13,966 Red-breasted Merganser 4 5 Ruddy Duck 3 1 4 Ring-necked Pheasant 10 21 21 1 10 2 164 Sharp-tailed Grouse 3 23 Greater Prairie-Chicken 18 60 Wild Turkey 41 33 301 10 977 Northern Bobwhite 3 12 90 Common Loon cw 22. The Nebraska Bird Review Vol- 75 No. 1 2006-2007 Christinas Bird Counts Ames | Beaver Valley [ Branched Oak-Seward Calamus-Loup Crawford i DeSoto-Boyer Grand Island 1 Pied-billed Grebe Red-necked Grebe Western Grebe Clark’s Grebe American White Pelican 1 Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron 5 1 2 4 Bald Eagle 18 11 10 15 1 36 3 adult 12 27 3 immature 6 1 9 unspecified age 11 10 15 Northern Harrier 4 7 29 4 2 9 8 Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 6 1 3 Cooper's Hawk 1 4 1 1 3 2 Northern Goshawk 1 Accipiter sp. Red-tailed Hawk 45 21 86 11 4 117 28 Ferruginous Hawk 1 I Rough-legged Hawk 1 4 1 5 14 Buteo sp. 2 Golden Eagle 1 1 American Kestrel 13 4 10 2 7 23 12 cw Merlin 1 1 1 1 Prairie Falcon 1 1 falcon sp. hawk sp. 1 Virginia Rail American Coot 8 Killdeer 1 Greater Yellowlegs Vol. 75 No. 1 The Nebraska Bird Review 22 2006-2007 Christmas Bird Counts Lake McConaughy Lincoln Norfolk Omaha Ponca State Park fc 3 1 1 1 Total Pied-billed Grebe 1 1 2 Red-necked Grebe 1 1 Western Grebe 38 38 Clark's Grebe 1 1 American White Pelican 2 cw 3 Double-crested Cormorant 1 1 2 Great Blue Heron 8 14 1 2 1 4 42 Bald Eagle 53 32 24 14 5 222 adult 4 46 immature 1 17 unspecified age 53 32 24 14 159 Northern Harrier 12 6 4 3 13 5 106 Sharp-shinned Hawk 9 4 5 3 3 36 Cooper's Hawk 3 1 1 1 18 Northern Goshawk 1 Accipiter sp. 6 2 1 9 Red-tailed Hawk 22 39 40 76 50 3 542 Ferruginous Hawk 1 3 Rough-legged Hawk 1 1 2 14 2 45 Buteosp. 3 5 Golden Eagle 2 American Kestrel 13 17 33 14 17 21 186 Merlin 1 1 2 8 Prairie Falcon 2 falcon sp. 1 1 hawk sp. 1 2 Virginia Rail 2 2 American Coot 10 66 4 49 137 Killdeer 8 2 11 Greater Yeflowlegs 1 1 24 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 1 2006-2007 Christinas Bird Counts Ames Beaver Valley Branched Oak-Seward Calamus-Loup Crawford DeSoto-Boyer Grand Island Harrison Wilson's Snipe 1 6 1 Ring-billed Gull 272 50 1 California Gull Herring Gull 47 2 Thayer's Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Slaty-backed Gull Glaucous Gull gull sp. 200 Rock Pigeon 842 63 190 7 99 389 116 5 Eur. Collared-Dove 9 18 26 30 46 14 4 10 Mourning Dove 33 11 63 13 Inca Dove Bam Owl Eastern Screech-Owl 2 3 2 1 2 11 2 Great Homed Owl 4 3 7 1 1 3 Snowy Owl Barred Owl 1 3 11 North. Saw-whet Owl 1 Long-eared Owl 14 2 Belted Kingfisher 5 3 2 4 Red-head. Woodpecker Red-bell. Woodpecker 34 5 65 51 11 Yellow-bell. Sapsucker 1 Downy Woodpecker 32 19 63 4 8 82 13 1 Hairy Woodpecker 12 1 18 4 4 8 3 2 Northern Flicker 58 15 91 18 1 165 38 Loggerhead Shrike 1 Northern Shrike 8 5 6 1 1 Blue Jav 17 3 146 2 4 66 24 Vol. 75 No. 1 The Nebraska Bird Review 21 2006-2007 Christmas Bird Counts Lake McConaughy Lincoln Norfolk Omaha Ponca State Park Scottsbluff Total Wilson's Snipe 1 5 14 Ring-billed Gull 890 65 43 1 1,322 California Gull 27 27 Herring Gull 293 342 Thayer's Gull 4 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 1 Slaty-backed Gull 1 1 Glaucous Gull 1 1 gull sp. 200 Rock Pigeon 7 737 423 672 106 250 3,906 Eurasian Collared-Dove 51 88 296 Mourning Dove 6 190 8 64 6 394 Inca Dove 1 1 Bam Owl 1 1 Eastern Screech-Owl 1 2 5 1 3 35 Great Homed Owl 2 9 8 1 4 1 44 Snowy Owl 1 1 Barred Owl 3 5 1 24 North. Saw-whet Owl 1 2 Long-eared Owl I 1 2 20 Belted Kingfisher 2 13 4 7 3 4 47 Red-headed Woodpecker 1 1 1 3 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 50 17 152 29 cw 416 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 2 Downy Woodpecker 13 112 42 122 29 10 550 Hairy Woodpecker 6 12 9 22 8 2 111 Northern Flicker 13 24 16 85 31 27 582 Loggerhead Shrike 1 Northern Shrike 1 3 4 2 1 32 Blue Jay 14 190 17 52 1 34 570 26 The Nebraska Bird Review VoL 75 No. 1 2006-2007 Christinas Bird Counts Ames Beaver Valley Branched Oak-Seward Calamus-Loup Crawford | DeSoto-Boyer Grand Island Harrison Black-billed Magpie 11 3 American Crow 24 15 403 1,840 46 244 24 60 Homed Lark 38 200 73 6 79 34 125 53 Bl.-capped Chickadee 61 10 47 62 206 3 9 Tufted Titmouse 8 Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 7 3 1 2 White-br. Nuthatch 57 47 60 5 107 152 4 Pygmy Nuthatch 10 20 Brown Creeper 2 3 6 2 1 Carolina Wren 7 2 2 Winter Wren 1 1 Marsh Wren Golden-cr. Kinglet 10 3 13 4 14 4 Ruby-crowned Kinglet Eastern Bluebird 65 143 1 83 32 Townsend's Solitaire 1 2 2 Hermit Thmsh 1 American Robin 493 157 531 220 95 146 5 Northern Mockingbird Brown Thrasher 1 European Starling 3,357 336 1,180 44 154 1,960 U82 56 Cedar Waxwing 86 243 351 11 97 49 Yellow-rump. Warbler 1 6 1 Spotted Towhee American Tree Sparrov 68 94 712 126 113 484 82 37 Field Sparrow 3 Fox Sparrow 1 3 Song Sparrow 3 1 13 1 10 3 1 White-throat. Sparrow 1 1 Harris' Sparrow 5 2 92 51 7 Vol. 75 No. 1 The Nebraska Bird Review 21 2006-2007 Christmas Bird Counts Lake McConaughy Lincoln Norfolk Omaha | Ponca State Park Scottsbluff Total Black-billed Magpie 16 9 39 American Crow 1 70 43 216 74 19 3,079 Homed Lark 76 2 63 120 869 Blade-capped Chickadee 7 79 31 364 93 10 982 Tufted Titmouse 34 42 Red-breasted Nuthatch 11 7 1 1 35 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 97 55 229 42 1 858 Pygmy Nuthatch 30 Brown Creeper 24 2 13 1 54 Carolina Wren 14 22 47 Winter Wren 1 1 4 Marsh Wren 1 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 2 34 4 88 Ruby-crowned Kinglet l 1 Eastern Bluebird 7 54 12 397 Townsend's Solitaire 15 5 25 Hermit Thrush 1 American Robin 203 33 16 354 1,156 384 3,793 Northern Mockingbird 1 1 Brown Thrasher 1 European Starling 370 5,679 7,872 6,500 830 1,764 31,384 Cedar Waxwing 24 60 50 165 74 17 1,227 Yellow-rum ped Warbler 1 2 11 Spotted Towhee 5 5 American Tree Sparrow 107 448 550 441 171 2 3,435 Field Sparrow 3 Fox Sparrow 1 5 Song Sparrow 12 11 4 17 2 78 White-throated Sparrow 29 5 36 Harris' Sparrow 2 11 24 39 233 22. The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 1 2006-2007 Christinas Bird Counts Ames Beaver Valley Branched Oak-Seward a. | 3 3 Crawford & 1 s Grand Island Harrison White-crowned Sparrow 1 Dark-eyed Junco 250 155 940 188 74 910 197 48 Slate-colored 276 29 Oregon 4 21 3 White-winged 2 Pink-sided 3 unspecified subsp. 250 155 660 188 19 910 197 45 Lapland Longspur 1 53 2 15 Snow Bunting 4 21 Northern Cardinal 30 6 134 4 148 31 Red-winged Blackbird 300 203 3 34 21 91 Western Meadowlark 24 1 1 meadowlark sp. 26 35 1 60 6 Rusty Blackbird 34 Brewer's Blackbird Common Grackle 1 1 24 Great-tailed Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird blackbird sp. 1 Purple Finch 2 3 21 1 House Finch 4 34 114 28 12 13 77 Common Redpoll 9 8 Red Crossbill 6 Pine Siskin 4 14 American Goldfinch 144 186 705 91 191 216 79 54 House Sparrow 365 71 451 28 205 293 163 56 TOTAL SPECIES 51 39 73 56 35 65 60 28 TOTAL INDIVIDUAL 14,167 2,241 9,001 10,834 1,389 35,201 9,934 529 Vol- 75 No. 1 The Nebraska Bird Review 22 2006-2007 Christinas Bird Counts Lake McConaughy Lincoln Norfolk Omaha Ponca State Park Scottsbluff Total White-crowned Sparrow 1 3 5 Dark-eyed Junco 318 859 275 755 227 102 5,298 Slate-colored 109 158 755 13 1,340 Oregon 26 13 18 85 White-winged 1 3 Pink-sided 25 2 30 unspecified subspecies 157 688 275 227 69 3,840 Lapland Longspur 43 114 Snow Bunting 36 61 Northern Cardinal 22 212 29 258 38 1 913 Red-winged Blackbird 8 1 86 250 429 1,111 2,537 Western Meadowlark 26 meadowlark sp. 21 3 62 25 cw 239 Rusty Blackbird 6 5 45 Brewer's Blackbird 1 1 Common Grackle cw 5 31 Great-tailed Grackle 1 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 2 3 blackbird sp. 1 Purple Finch 6 33 House Finch 100 166 54 63 19 239 923 Common Redpoll 2 19 Red Crossbill 6 Pine Siskin 6 2 3 1 76 106 American Goldfinch 77 298 160 216 34 400 2,851 House Sparrow 204 606 331 775 130 234 3,912 TOTAL SPECIES 90 73 55 64 44 59 131 TOTAL INDIVIDUALS 23.783 14,716 12.642 15.262 6.827 20.691 177.217 2006-07 CBC Site Data Date Species Individuals Observers Low Temp High Temp Sky (am/pm) Precip Ames 3 Jan 07 51 14,167 12 26 42 clear none Beaver Valley 28 Dec 39 2,241 7 26 36 cloudy none Branched Oak/Seward 16 Dec 73 9,001 18 34 51 cloudy none Calamus-Loup 23 Dec 56 10,834 6 10 30 partly cloudy none Crawford 3 Jan 07 35 1,389 6+ 1 26 36 mostly cloudy none DeSoto-Boyer 23 Dec 65 35,201 22 28 43 cloudy none Grand Island 16 Dec 60 9,934 11+3 36 52 cloudy none Harrison 2 Jan 07 28 529 3 16 46 partly cloudy none Lake McConaughy 28 Dec 90 23,783 3 27 34 clear/partly cloudy none Lincoln 17 Dec 73 14,716 27 22 42 partly cloudy none Norfolk 16 Dec 55 12,642 18 38 51 cloudy/partly cloudy none Omaha 16 Dec 64 15,262 33 38 52 fog/partly cloudy none Ponca S.P. 23 Dec 44 6,827 13 26 37 cloudy/clear none Scottsbluff 16 Dec 59 20,691 10 31 43 partly cloudy none Total 131 177,217 189 + 4 Additional observer numbers at Crawford and Grand Island are feeder watchers. The Nebraska Bird Review _ VoL 75 No. 1 Vol. 75 No. 1 The Nebraska Bird Review 11 The Nebraska Bird Review is published quarterly by the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union, Inc., as its official journal, and is sent to members not in arrears of dues. Annual subscription rates (on a calendar-year basis only): $15 in the United States, $1$ in Canada and $30 in all other countries, payable in advance. Single copies are $4 each, postpaid, in the United States, $5 in Canada, and $8 elsewhere. Send orders for back issues to Mary Lou Pritchard, NOU Librarian, c/o University of Nebraska State Museum, W-436 Nebraska Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588- 0514. Memberships in the NOU (on a calendar-year basis only): Active, $15; Sustaining, $25; Student, $10; Family Active, $20; Family Sustaining, $30; Life, $250. Send dues and subscription requests to Betty Grenon, NOU Treasurer, (see address below) Contributions to the NOU are tax deductible. Send manuscripts and notes on bird sightings to Jams Paseka, Editor, (see address below) Send quarterly bird reports to Ross Silcock. (see address below) President and Newsletter Editor. Dave Heidt, 1703 Hilltop Drive, Norfolk, NE 68701-2031; daveh@northeastcollege.com Vice-President : Urban Lehner, 15526 Pierce Circle, Omaha, NE 68144; urbanity@hotmail.com Secretary : Kevin Poague, 379 S. 46th St., Lincoln, NE; kpoague@audubon.org Treasurer : Betty Grenon, 1409 Childs Road East, Bellevue, NE 68005; grenon925@aol.com Librarian : Mary Lou Pritchard, 6325 O Street #515, Lincoln, NE 68510 Directors : Jan Uttecht, Box 823, Stanton, NE 68779; jautek@stanton.net (2007) Loren Padelford, 1405 Little John Road, Bellevue, NE 68005; Ipdlfrd@juno.com (2008) Steve Lamphere, 3101 Washington St., Apt. 98, Bellevue, NE 68005; kingfisher65@aol.com (2009) Records Committee Chairman : Mark Brogie, Box 316, Creighton, NE 68729; mbrogie@esul.org Editor of The Nebraska Bird Review: Janis Paseka, 1585 Co. Rd. 14 Blvd., Ames, NE 68621; paseka76@gmail.com Occurrence Report Compiler : Ross Silcock, P.O. Box 57, Tabor, IA 51653; silcock@rosssilcock.com Breeding. Bird AdaaJEoto and Nest Records Coordinator Wayne Moiihoff, 2354 Euclid St., Ashland NE 68003; wmollhofr@netscape.net NOU Website : http://rip.physics.unk.edu/NOU/ Nebraska Birdline : c/o Josef Kren 402-721-5487, ext. 6490, or 800-642-8382, ext. 6490, or birdsne@yahoo.com Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union, Inc. 3745 Garfield Lincoln, NE 68506-1028 Address Service Requested Table of Contents NOU Annual Treasurer's Report for 2006. Winter Field Report, Dec. 2006 - Feb. 2007 by W. Ross Silcock Henslow's Sparrow Status in Nebraska by W. Ross Silcock and Joel G. Jorgensen. 2006*2007 Christmas Bird Counts in Nebraska.... Subscription and Organization Information. NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lincoln, NE Permit No. 756 University of Nebraska - Lincoln Digital Commons^ University of Nebraska - Lincoln Nebraska Bird Review Nebraska Ornithologists' Union 6-2007 Nebraska Bird Review WHOLE ISSUE (June 2007) 75(2) Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/nebbirdrev Cs Part of the Ornithology Commons, Poultry or Avian Science Commons, and the Zoology Commons "Nebraska Bird Review WHOLE ISSUE (June 2007) 75(2)" (2007). Nebraska Bird Review. 973. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/nebbirdrev/973 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union at DigitalCommons(o)University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Nebraska Bird Review by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons(a)University of Nebraska - Lincoln. The Nebraska Bird Review A Magazine of Ornithology of the Nebraska Region Volume 75 June 2007 Number 2 Published by the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union, Inc. Founded 1899 Janis M. Paseka, Editor Stephen J. Dfnsmore, Co-editor SSSN 0028-1816 M The Nebraska Bird Review Vol.75 No. 2 SPRING FIELD REPORT, March-May 2007 Compiled by W. Ross Silcock P.O. Box 57, Tabor, IA 51653 silcock@rosssilcock.com INTRODUCTION Extremes of weather conditions and resulting variation in water conditions were noteworthy this spring. The west was very dry, but the Rainwater Basin had ample rains resulting in excellent breeding conditions for various waterbirds, notably Eared Grebe and American Coot. Shorebird numbers were unremarkable, although there was plenty of variation between species. Indeed, Dunlin, with record numbers, and Ruddy Turnstones were numerous. Arrival dates were pushing early, but not record early. Species earlier than average were American Golden-Plover, Mountain Plover, Black-necked Stilt, White-rumped Sandpiper, and Stilt Sandpiper. Increasingly associated with wetlands, albeit unrelated to water levels, Greater Prairie-Chicken continued to use grassy margins of wetlands in the Rainwater Basin for lek sites. Leks were also noted in agricultural fields. Use of these habitats suggests ability to adapt and bodes well for the future of this species in southeast Nebraska, where it is also doing very well in its traditional native grassland habitats. Red-shouldered Hawks are being reported away from the traditional breeding site at Fontenetfe Forest, the only site known in the state. Other species continuing range expansions and increasing in numbers are Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcateher, and Summer Tanager. It was a fun spring for rarity-seekers, with a putative first state record Zone¬ tailed Hawk, one of fewer than 5 records on the Great Plains north of the breeding range, a state 7th record Curve-billed Thrasher, found, appropriately, by the state’s Non-game Bird Program Manager, and a 9th state record Golden-crowned Sparrow. Lesser highlights, but still major zooties, were Common Crane, Prairie Warbler, Connecticut Warbler, and Cape May Warbler. ABBREVIATIONS ADF: Arbor Day Farm, Nebraska City; BOL: Branched Oak L SRA, Lancaster Co; Cem: Cemetery; FF; Fonteneile Forest, Sarpy Co; GPD; Gavins Point Dam, Cedar/Knox Cos; HCR: Harlan Co Res, Harlan Co; ICSP; Indian Cave SP, Nemaha/Richardson Cos; L: Lake; LM: L McConaughy SRA, Keith Co; LNB: Lakes North and Babcock, Platte Co; LO: L Ogallala SRA, Keith Co; m.ob.: many observers; NC: Nature Center; NOURC: Nebraska Ornithologists* Union Records Committee; Vot.75 No. 2 The Nebraska Bird Review 2i NWR: National Wildlife Refuge; PL: Pawnee L SRA, Lancaster Co; Res: Reservoir; RWB: Rainwater Basin; eastern RWB mostly Fillmore, Clay and surrounding counties, western RWB mostly Phelps Co; SCP: Spring Creek Prairie, Lancaster Co; SHP: State Historical Park; SL: Sewage Lagoon(s); $P: State Park; SRA: State Recreation Area; WMA: Wildlife Management Area (State); WPA: Waterfowl Production Area (Federal); WSR: Wind Springs Ranch, s. Sioux Co. GAZETTEER: Boyer Chute; NWR, Washington Co; Harwd Marsh: WPA, Clay Co; Jack Sinn: Memorial WMA, Lancaster and Saunders Cos; Kiowa: WMA, Scotts Bluff Co; Rowe Sanctuary: Lillian Annette Rowe Bird Sanctuary, Buffalo Co; Sandhills: large area of sand prairie and wetlands in central Nebraska; Tamora: WMA, Seward Co; Valentine NWR: Cherry Co; Waco-Spikerush: Waco WPA and Spikerush WMA, York Co; OBSERVERS AD: Ann Duey, Scottsbluff; AEK: Allen E. Kurth, Bellevue; AG: Alan Grenon, Seattle, WA; AK: Alice Kenitz, Gering; ARy: Allen Reyer, Bellevue; B&DW: Bruce and Donna Waigren, Casper, WY; BFH: Bill F. Huser, South Sioux City; BG: Betty Grenon, Bellevue; BH: Brian Hula, Bellevue; BN: Brent Nelson, Scottsbluff; CB: Charles Brown, Tulsa, OK; CH: Carolyn Hall, Bassett; CNK: Clem N. Klaphake, Bellevue; CWH: C.W. Huntley, Ogallala; D&CN: Don and Colleen Noecker, Albion; D&JP: Don and Jan Paseka, Ames; DE: Dave Ely, Salem, MA; DK: Dan Kim, Wood River; DSt: Dave Stage, Elkhom; EB: Elliott Bedows, Bellevue; G&WH: Glen and Wanda Hoge, Alma; GW: Gordon Warrick, Blair; The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 2 Ml HKH: Helen K. Hughson, Mitchell; JED: James E. Ducey, Lincoln; JF: John Flavin, Chadron; JG: Joseph Gubanyi, Seward; JGr: Jonas Grundman, Omaha; JGJ: Joel G. Jorgensen, Lincoln; JJ: Jan Johnson, Wakefield; JLL: Jeanine L. Lackey, Raymond; JM: Jeanne Miller, Bennington; JP: Jerry Probst, Sioux City, IA; JR: Justin Rink, Omaha; JSt: Jon Strong, Omaha; JT: Jerry Toll, Omaha; JWH: John W. Hall, Omaha; KD: Kathy DeLara, Mitchell; KP: Kevin Poague, Lincoln; KS: Kent Skaggs, Kearney; L&BP: Loren and Babs Padelford, Bellevue; L&CF: Laurence and Carol Falk, Nebraska City; LB: Laurel Badura, Kearney; LE: Larry Einemann, Lincoln; LR: Lanny Randolph, Gibbon; LS: Larry Snyder, Kimball; MB: Mark Brogie, Creighton; MUs: Moni Usasz, Lincoln; NF: Nelli Falzgraf, Bellevue; NP: Neva Pruess, Lincoln; PD: Paul Dunbar, Hastings; PH: Pat Heller, Louisville, CO; PS: Phil Swanson, Papillion; RB: Roland Barth, Bellevue; RD: Roger Dietrich, Yankton, SD; RE: Rick Eades, Lincoln; RH: Robin Harding, Gibbon; RHe: Renae Held, Lincoln, NE; RS: Rick Schmid, Bellevue; RW: Rick Wright, Tucson, AZ; SB: Steve Brown, Colorado Springs, CO; SK: Sarah Knutie, Tulsa, OK; SR: Sarah Rehme, Seward; ST: Scott Taylor, Lincoln; TB: Tom Bloom, Apple Valley, MN; TF: Tim Fennell, Round Rock, TX; TH: Tim Hajda, Broken Bow; TJW: T.J. Walker, Brady; TM: Tracy Morfeld, Valley; TP: Theresa Pester, Walton; TS: Tom Stehn, Austwell, TX; VOB: Valerie O’Brien, Tulsa, OK; WF: William Flack, Madison; WM: Wayne Mollhoff, Ashland; WRS: W. Ross Silcock, Tabor, IA. Vol.75 No. 2 The Nebraska Bird Review 21 SPECIES ACCOUNTS Greater White-fronted Goose: Routine reports. Snow Goose: Best counts were 350,000 between Gothenburg and Kearney 4 Mar (SB) and 200,000 at Harvard Marsh 16 Mar (PD). Of interest was the composition of the flock of 100,000 near North Platte 8 Mar: 20-30% “Blue Geese”, in contrast to the virtual absence of this color morph nearby in the Panhandle as recently as 1990 (TJW, Richard Rosche). Ross's Goose: Best count was a moderate 100 at PL 11 Mar (LE). One in Dakota Co 14 May (BFH) was tardy. Cackling Goose: Best count was die “hundreds” at GPD 8 Mar (RE). Canada Goose: Best tally was the 100,000 between Gothenburg and Kearney 4 Mar (RE). The medium-sized subspecies interior is generally thought to occur primarily in eastern Nebraska {Birds of North America ), and so of interest was the observation by an experienced observer that “interior types were common” in central Nebraska 28 Mar (RW). A pair with 9 “fluffballs” was at Gering SL 27 Apr (KD). Trumpeter Swan: Routine reports. Tundra Swan: Three were found at Rowe Sanctuary 4 Mar (SB,KS); this is a rare spring migrant. Wood Duck: The 15 at GPD 9 Mar (MB) were on the early side. Gadwall: Routine reports. Eurasian Wigeon: The only report of this rare, but essentially annual, migrant was rather early in York Co 6 Mar (RE); it is the 26th spring record. American Wigeon: Routine reports. Mallard: Routine reports. Blue-winged Teal: Routine reports. Cinnamon Teal: Usually 10-12 can be found at Kiowa, and so the amazing 50 there 22 Apr was a surprise, as well as a record count (KD). Easterly were a single at BOL 22 Mar (JGJ), and a hybrid with Blue-winged Teal there 24 Mar (JGJ) and 13 Apr (AG,BG). Northern Shoveler: A rather early brood of 4 ducklings with a hen was in Seward Co 20 May (JG). This is only the 5th report of a brood in the e. RWB since 1990. Northern Pintail: Routine reports. Green-winged Teal: Three at Harvard Marsh 28 May (PD) were rather late. Canvasback; Two in Sarpy Co 17 May (CNK) were rather late that far east. Also rather late was one identified as a female at LO 29 May (JM). Best count was a mediocre 200 at BOL 9 Mar (JGJ). Redhead: Best count was a moderate 1000 at BOL 9 Mar ((JGJ). Two in the e. RWB 26 May (JGJ) were suggestive of breeding, which occurs occasionally there. Ring-necked Duck: Routine reports. Greater Scaup: About 13 were reported statewide through 24 Apr, the last a male in Dakota Co (BFH). Lesser Scaup: Last away from breeding areas were a single at Harvard Marsh 28 May (PD) and a pair at LO 29 May (JM). Breeding is limited to the western Sandhills. Surf Scoter: Only the 5th spring record with details was a first spring bird at Funk WPA, Phelps Co, 6 May (KS). The 5 records are 29 Apr-15 May. The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 2 28 . White-winged Scoter: Also rare in spring, only the 23rd and 24th records were a female at GPD 4-9 Mar (RD,MB) and a single at LNB 19 Mar (RE). Both dates are rather early, the GPD bird 3rd earliest. Long-tailed Duck: A surprise location hosted the only one reported: the small pond across the road from Gilbert-Baker WMA, Sioux Co, had a basic male 28 Mar(WF). Buffiebead: Routine reports. Common Goldeneye: A female in Sarpy Co 12 May (CNK) was rather late. Hooded Merganser: Routine reports. Common Merganser: Routine reports. Red-breasted Merganser: Routine reports. Ruddy Duck: Nesting is rare in the e, RWB, but 2 pairs at Tamora 20 May (JG) and 2 males displaying to females in York Co 26 May (JGJ) were suggestive. Gray Partridge: The only reports from the main range in the northeast were of a road-killed bird near Brunswick 27 Mar (D&JP) and 2 birds 6 miles ne. of O’Neill 26 May (DSt). The small population in s. Sioux Co is hanging on; 6 were huddled behind a bam at WSR 28 Mar (HKH). Ring-necked Pheasant: Routine reports. Sharp-tailed Grouse: Routine reports. Greater Prairie-Chicken: This species is doing well in se. Nebraska and is expanding its range by establishing new leks at wetlands surrounded by agricultural lands, as well as in crop fields themselves. It is yet to be seen, however, whether prairie-chickens will adapt to nesting (as opposed to displaying) in nontraditional habitats. But, as noted by Joel Jorgensen, “The Greater Prairie-Chicken story in the Rainwater Basin continues”. A lek at Rauscher WPA, Fillmore Co, with 10 birds present 9 Apr continues for its 3rd year (JGJ), and a new lek established in the middle of intensely-farmed countryside at Kirkpatrick Basin South WMA, the first for many years in York Co, had 2 males 18 May (JGJ). Booming was heard at Harvard Marsh 28 May (PD), one was at BOL 24 Mar (D&JP), and 6 were at Hultine WPA, Clay Co, 30 Mar (BFH,JP). Farther afield, but still in the southeast, 6 were on a lek 20 Apr in sw. Nuckolls Co in a field of old com stubble with inter- planted wheat (DE); birds have been seen displaying in cornfields in the RWB also (fide JGJ), More traditionally, 6 were just west of SCP 2 Apr, in native prairie (KP), and one was easterly in sandy prairie in extreme sw. Platte Co 20 May (WRS). Wild Turkey: Routine reports. Northern Bobwhite: One atGering 17 Apr (AK) continues reports of this species’ presence throughout the North Platte Valley, Common Loon: Record early was one at HCR 11 Mar (G&WH), and also rather early was a single at BOL 22 Mar (JGJ). A good count was the 7 in alternate plumage at LM 21 Apr (BFH,JP). Pied-billed Grebe: Although not record early for the state, 2 in Harlan Co 11 Mar were the observers’ earliest ever there (G&WH). Horned Grebe: This species was widely reported 13 Mar-28 Apr, with at least 58 found, including 13 in Knox Co 17 Apr (MB). In addition, a straggler was still in Keith Co 20 May (JM). Eared Grebe: What may be the first records of attempted breeding south and east of the central Sandhills were provided by a pair (2 of 14 birds present) building a nest at Waco-Spikerush, 26 May (JGJ), and one (of 28 present) “exhibiting nesting behavior” similar to that described by Jorgensen at Waco-Spikerush at Harvard Marsh 28 May (PD), Vol.75 No. 2 The Nebraska Bird Review 22 Western Grebe: The usual spring “thousands” were at LM 20 Apr (BFH,JP), while uncommon eastern sightings were of singles in Douglas Co 28 Apr (JSt), Sarpy Co 12 May (CNK), and at Decatur 24 May (TJW), One in Knox Co 17 Apr (MB) was rather early for the east. Clark's Grebe: Routine reports. American White Pelican: Two at LO 1 Mar (JGJ) were rather early; earliest dates for migrants are in late Feb. Best count was a moderate 500 in Lancaster Co 13 Apr (RE). Double-crested Cormorant: One at Alma SL 18 Mar (G&WH) was rather early, and the 5000 at Wagon Train L, Lancaster Co, 13 Apr (RE) tied the high count for spring. Breeding may be returning to the LM area after an absence of about 60 years; one was on a nest below Kingsley Dam there 28 Apr (MB). Some 40+ were nest-building at a traditional site at Valentine NWR 26 May (TH). American Bittern: Reports were widespread, beginning with one at FF 14 Apr (L&BP). A nest with 6 eggs was photographed at Harvard Marsh 28 May (PD); on the same day, an excellent tally of 7 individuals was made (PD). There are very few nesting records for the RWB; this appears to be the first documented. Least Bittern: The only report was of one at Harvard Marsh 28 May (PD), where water conditions were good. Great Blue Heron: Several rookeries were reported in the Panhandle (AK,KD,B&DW), but colonies in the east are more unusual; surprising were the 60+ nests along the Platte River in Sarpy Co 6 May where 38 nests were counted 23 Apr (CNK). By 28 Jun the rookery had 120+ birds, including adults and nearly-fledged young (CNK). A rookery with 12 nests near Waverly was unexpected (NP), Great Egret: One in Lancaster Co 2 Apr (KP) was rather early. Snowy Egret: Surprisingly, only one was reported, that at Father Hupp WPA, Thayer Co, 11 May 2007 (JGJ). Little Blue Heron: Although rarely found in spring, usually more than one is reported; this spring the only sighting was of one at FF 15 May (CNK). Cattle Egret: One in Otoe Co 26 Mar (L&CF) was record early by 3 days. Reports were widespread, but numbers low, with only about 50 found. Green Heron: Northwestemmost was one in Lincoln Co 28 Apr (TJW). Black-crowned Night-Heron: Routine reports. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron: None were reported; this is a rare spring migrant in the southeast, but with few recent reports Glossy Ibis: Nebraska's 16th record, and only the 3rd report away from the RWB, was one in Sarpy Co 25 May 2007 (EB). White-faced Ibis: A flock of 21 at Harvard Marsh 13 Apr (PD) was rather early. In all, some 75 were reported statewide, although the only report east of the RWB was of 6 near Mead 13 May (D&CN). Turkey Vulture: Routine reports. Osprey: Routine reports. Mississippi Kite: As expected, 3-5 were at Ogallala 20-23 May (CNK,JM), but one in Lancaster Co rather early on 7 May (LE) was a surprise; it is only the 9th spring record away from Keith Co. Bald Eagle: The 40 at HCR 5 Mar (G&WH) was a good count. A nest that was successful in 2006 in Cass Co had an adult present 25 Mar but was abandoned by 1 Jun (CNK). The Nebraska Bird Review Vol- 75 No. 2 40 . Northern Harrier: The resident pair (since 1999, ST) was seen at Boyer Chute 27 May (WRS). Potentially a local breeder was one at Jack Sinn 12 May (LE). Sharp-shinned Hawk: Routine reports. Cooper's Hawk: This species is becoming rather common as a breeder, even in cities; a nest with 5 eggs was located in Wilderness Park, Lincoln, 24 May (LE,WM), and nest-building was underway in Bellevue 24 Mar (L&BP). Another was carrying prey over Seward 21 May (JG). Northern Goshawk: About par for the spring, the single report was of a female in Knox Co 17 Apr (MB). Red-shouldered Hawk: Something is happening with this species; extra-limital reports (those away from FF) are increasing. A single bird was seen 3 times 12 Apr-4 May at PL (LE), and another was at Wehrspann L, Sarpy Co, 22 Mar (LE). Zone-tailed Hawk: An amazing first state record (pending NOURC approval) involved sharp-eyed observers noticing one roosting with 6 Turkey Vultures at LO 25 Apr and photographed (CB,VOB,SK; details). It could not be found there 28 Apr among the 28 vultures on the roost (MB). Broad-winged Hawk: Only 10 were reported, all from the east, 19 Apr-9 May (m. ob.). Swainson’s Hawk: Best count was only 16, those in Buffalo Co 23 Apr (LR,RH). Single dark morphs were reported at opposite ends of the state: FF on 21 Apr (AEK) and Morrill Co the same day (KD). Red-tailed Hawk: The pale “Krider’s Hawk” color morph was reported in Sarpy Co 2 Apr (CNK) and Douglas Co 10 Apr (TP); easterly reports are uncommon. Most Krider’s Hawks are gone from die east by mid-Apr. Ferruginous Hawk: Routine reports. Rough-legged Hawk: Routine reports. Golden Eagle: Routine reports. American Kestrel: Routine reports. Merlin: A report of the long-distance migrant columharius from the e. RWB 22 May (JGJ) was rather late for this subspecies. Prairie Falcon: Easterly was one in Lancaster Co 3 Mar (LE). Peregrine Falcon: Nebraska's 2 resident pairs continued. The Lincoln pair at the State Capitol in their 3rd year had 4 eggs 11 Apr, after fledging 4 young the past two years, and the Omaha pair on the Woodmen Tower had four 3-week- old chicks banded 24 May; some 49 young have been fledged in Omaha in the past 16 years. The subspecies tundrim is the more common of the two migratory subspecies occurring in Nebraska, and so an anatum in the RWB 27 Apr (JGJ) was unexpected and was indeed the observer’s first for the RWB. Virginia Rail: One at WSR was “singing incessantly” in cattails 11 Apr and was still there 16 May; no nesting evidence was noted, however (HKH). Sora: The 7 at Harvard Marsh 28 May (PD) and 2 in Sarpy Co 31 May (CNK) were suggestive of local breeding, but no evidence was noted. Breeding records in both the east and the RWB are rare. Common Moorhen: One photographed at Tamora 17 May (JG) is the first in Nebraska for several years and is indicative of the excellent water conditions in the e. RWB this spring. American Coot: As mentioned above, water conditions allowed for “what could be a banner coot production year” (JGJ) in the e. RWB. Some 48 nest mounds were found at 4 e. RWB sites 26 May, including 27 at Tamora (JGJ). Six platforms with 6-10 eggs each were at Harvard Marsh 26 May (PD). Vol. 75 No. 2 The Nebraska Bird Review 41 Sandhill Crane: Highest estimate was 200,000 “in the Platte Valley” 12 Apr (CH). Good numbers move through the Panhandle; “hundreds” were at Winters Creek L, Scotts Bluff Co, 17 Mar (AK). Easterly, where rare in spring, were one over Bellevue 19 Apr (BH) and 3 over Washington Co 29 Apr (CNK). The 2-3 west of Burwell 20 May, seen by a driver in a hurry to get to a wedding and unable to stop (MUs) were possibly breeding there (must have been an important wedding). Common Crane; One with about 1000 Sandhill Cranes was reported by a group of birders from Boulder, CO, on private property east of Lewellen 10 Mar (PH). Whooping Crane: A single bird 16 Mar “on the Platte River” was thought to be the individual now in its third winter that has never been to Aransas (TS). However, there were 2 near Rowe Sanctuary the next day (CNK) and 1-2 were reported in the general area through l Apr (m. ob.). An airplane survey 14 Mar located a surprising 25 birds in the Platte Valley (fide CH). Finally, 2 adults and 2 juveniles were on a private wetland in Phelps Co 16-17 Apr (LB). Black-bellied Plover: Routine reports. American Golden-Plover: Five at Harvard Marsh 19 Mar (PD) provided the 2nd- earliest arrival date ever by a day. An excellent 500 in the e. RWB 6 May (including 326 in one group) and 346 in one field in York Co 25 Apr (JGJ) were excellent, but not record, counts. Snowy Plover: With water levels a bit higher at LM, none were reported from there. The only report was of single migrants in Seward Co 6 May (JGJ) and near York the same day (JGJ). Semipalmated Plover: Routine reports. Piping Plover; Of interest was one at L Minatare, Scotts Bluff Co, 28 Apr (KD); nesting attempts have been made there in recent years, but only a single bird was found this year and water levels were high (KD), Seven at LM 20 Apr (BFHJP) and 3 at HCR 28 Apr (G&WH) were at locations where breeding has occurred, the latter site of particular interest. The remaining reports, of some 14 birds, were from traditional eastern locations. Very early were singles at Ashland 2 Apr (RHe) and, a belated report, at Valley 4 Apr 2006 (RHe). Killdeer; Small fledglings were reported 4 May in Lancaster Co (LE), early, but not startlingly so. Mountain Plover: Displaying and copulation was noted among 3 pairs and a group of 3 in Kimball Co 26 Mar (LS) and 2 were courting sw. of the Kimball Airport 21 Apr (BFH,JP), The first date, 26 Mar, is rather early for this species. Black-necked Stilt: Rather early were the 6 at Lakeside 12 Apr (WM); two at Chilibaba Pond near Scottsbluff 18 Apr (AK) and another near Kiowa 26 May (AK) were the only others reported. American Avocet: Routine reports. Spotted Sandpiper: The 25 in Lincoln Co 8 May (TJW) was a good tally. Solitary Sandpiper: Routine reports. Greater Yellowlegs: Routine reports, Willet: More than usual were easterly; about 65 were reported east of the RWB, including 36 in Lancaster Co 22 Apr (LE). Lesser Yellowlegs: The 500 in the e, RWB 27 Apr (JGJ) was an excellent spring count. The 3 high spring counts are in the short period 24-29 Apr, Upland Sandpiper: Routine reports. The Nebraska Bird Review Vol.75 No. 2 42 Wbimbrel: None were reported; this is a rare but regular migrant in spring. Long-billed Curlew; Ten birds near North Platte 26 Mar (fide TJW) were rather early; earliest spring dates are 20-22 Mar. Hudsonian Godwft: Best count was a moderate 92, in the e. RWB 28 Apr (JGJ). Tying die 3rd-earliest arrival date were 30 at LBN and 11 in Platte Co on 11 Apr (D&JP). Also early were 58 at Harvard Marsh 13 Apr (PD) and 30 in the e. RWB 14 Apr (JGJ). Marbled Godwft: Generally rare in the east, several showed up there; 8 were at LBN 11 Apr (D&JP), 2 in Lancaster Co 12 Apr (LE), one in Seward Co 2 May (TJW), and 3 near Waverly 5 May (WRS). Roddy Turnstone; Good numbers were repented, including a remarkable near-record 44 near Utica 19 May (JGJ). In all, about 20 others were reported 4-24 May (m. ob.). Of interest was one using a dry field in the e. RWB 4 May (JGJ); the observer's studies have shown that several species other than Buff-breasted Sandpipers use such habitat. Snnderllng: Routine reports. Semipalmated Sandpiper: Routine reports. Western Sandpiper: None were reported; this is a regular but rare spring migrant Least Sandpiper: One at BOL 24 Mar (JGJ) was somewhat early. White-rumped Sandpiper: The 4000 in the e. RWB 17 May (JGJ) was an excellent count; the 3 high counts are in the very short period 16-20 May. Another in the e, RWB 27 Apr was photographed (JGJ); this is only 9 days later than the earliest documented date. Baird’s Sandpiper: Routine reports. Pectoral Sandpiper: The 350 at Father Hupp WMA, Thayer Co, 11 May (JGJ), was an excellent count. Dunlin: This may have been a record spring for this species; an all-time e. RWB high count of 235 (3 times the previous high) on 17 May included a single- site tally of 133 at Renquist WMA, York Co (JGJ), and some 250 more were reported 2-24 May (m. ob.). Stilt Sandpiper: The 2nd- and 4th-earliest on record were 5 in Seward Co 4 Apr (LE) and one in the e, RWB 9 Apr (JGJ). Numbers were considered low early on (JGJ), but good numbers were reported starting mid-May. Best count was a moderate 500 in the e. RWB 19 May (JGJ). Buff-breasted Sandpiper: Interestingly, the first to appear were in the northeast, 5 in Dakota Co 29-30 Apr (BFH). Best counts, as expected, were 250 in the e. RWB 17 May (JGJ) and 226 in Thayer Co 11 May (JGJ). Last were 35 in the e. RWB in 4-inch-tall com 26 May (JGJ). Short-billed Dowitcher: The reports were of about 60 birds in the expected period 10-20 May (m, ob.). Long-billed Dowitcher: Rather early were 2 at Tamora 18 Mar (L&BP) and 2 at Harvard Marsh 21 Mar (PD). An excellent count was the 1900 in the e. RWB 4 May, including 976 at Sora WMA, Fillmore Co (JGJ). The 3 highest counts are in die short period 1-4 May. Wilson’s Snipe: Winnowing birds were heard in Lancaster Co 12-13 Apr (LE,AG,BG); breeding has been reported in Lancaster Co in the past, although winnowing may continue for days or weeks before breeding takes place. Somewhat early, if indeed migrants, were the 5 at Harvard Marsh 16 Mar (PD), where wintering generally does not occur. Vol.75 No. 2 The Nebraska Bird Review A1 American Woodcock: Sightings in the Sandhills suggest that the breeding range may extend farther west than generally realized; 3 were near Dannebrog 13 Mar (WF) and 2 at Goose L, near Chambers, 23 Mar (WF). Well to the west of expected Platte Valley reports was one well-seen near Hershey 27 Mar (TJW); this is about the 4th report from Lincoln Co, all Mar-Jun. Wilson’s Phalarope: One in Scottsbluff Co 17 Mar (AK) was record early by a day. Large numbers were seen in the e, RWB, where 2600 were estimated 28 Apr (JGJ), Breeding has occurred in the e. RWB, but records are few, and so copulation at Sora WMA, Fillmore Co, 9 May (JGJ), and two nests each with 4 eggs at Harvard Marsh 14 and 29 May (PD) were significant finds. Red-necked Phalarope: Unexpected in the east, where rare in spring, was one in Sarpy Co 22-26 May (CNK,EB,JR). There are only about 30 spring records from the eastern half of the state. Franklin’s Gull: Routine reports, Bonaparte’s Gull: Routine reports. Mew Gull: An adult at Salt L, Lincoln, 13 Mar (JGJ) was a surprise; this is only the 11th spring record. Ring-billed Gull: Routine reports. California Gull: The only reports were of one in Scotts Bluff Co 17 Mar (AK), a rather early date away from LM, and, unexpectedly, one easterly at BOL 24 Mar (D&JP), only the 6th spring record for the east Herring Gull: Routine reports, Thayer’s Gull: The only report was of an adult at LO 1 Mar (JGJ). Lesser Black-backed Gull: Now regular in occurrence, 3 were reported: adults (possibly the same bird?) at BOL 10 Mar (JGJ) and Salt L, Lincoln, 13 Mar (JGJ), and a single at LO 28 Apr (MB). Glaucous Gull: Two were reported: a first-year at BOL 9-11 Mar (JGJ,LE,CNK) and a single at HCR 4 Mar (G&WH). Least Tern: Most reports were from traditional eastern locations and from the LM area. However 2 nests and a total of 8 birds at a public beach in Saunders Co 28 May (CNK) were unexpected; by 29 Jun 11 adults, 5 on nests, and 2 mobile young were present (CNK), A county first for the observer was one in Antelope Co 29 May (MB), Caspian Tern: The usual small numbers for spring were reported: 5 at BOL 7 May (LE) and singles in Sarpy Co 29 May (CNK) and at LO 29 May (JM). Black Tern: Routine reports. Common Tern: Only 3 were reported: singles at Harvard Marsh 10 May (PD), a rather early date, LO 29 May (JM), and in Antelope Co 30 May (MB), a county first for the observer, Forster’s Tern: Nesting was underway at Valentine NWR by 26 May (TH). Rock Pigeon: Routine reports. Eurasian Collared-Dove: Best count was 20 in Bassett 3 Mar (CH). White-winged Dove: The increase in reports continues, with 3 this spring. One was in Omaha 25-30 Mar (RS, m,ob,), another was photographed in a Papillion yard 20 May (PS), and one was in Scotts Bluff Co 26 May (AK). Most reports are Apr-Oct, and the Omaha sighting is only the 4th outside this period. Mourning Dove: Singles in Dixon Co 11 Mar (JJ) and Scotts Bluff Co 16 Mar (KD) were rather early at those locations. M The Nebraska Bird Review Vol.75 No. 2 Inca Dove: A Texan experienced with this species reported 3 in Lincoln 31 May (TF); unfortunately no photographs were taken. This species, like White¬ winged Dove, is moving northward on the Great Plains. Yellow-billed Cuckoo: A good count was the 16 at FF 10 May (JR), and rather early for the location were singles in Lincoln Co 20 May (D&JP) and in Keith Co die same day (JM). Black-billed Cuckoo: Five were reported, 3 of these from Otoe Co on 9, 12 and 31 May (L&CF). The others were at FF 10 May (JR) and in Garden Co 20 May (JM). Barn Owl: Rather early arrivals were one roosting on a rock face at 1CSP 18 Mar (WF) and another returning to the Creighton nest site at the northeast edge of (he summer range 22 Mar for the 3rd year (MB). Eastern Screech-Owl: Rare in Nebraska, a red morph road-killed bird was found in Cass Co 18 Mar (WM). Two young fledglings were in a Lincoln yard 26 May (MUs). Great Horned Owl: Nestlings were found in Sheridan Co 12 Apr (WM) and Scotts Bluff Co 19 Apr (KD), and two fledglings with an adult were in Washington Co 29 Apr (CNK), Burrowing Owl: Reports from the e. RWB are increasing; 1-2 were seen at a “ghost” prairie-dog town in Clay Co from 9 Apr (JGJ), one was at Hultine WPA, Clay Co, 2 Apr (PD), and one was at Harvard Marsh 9 Apr (PD). Barred Owl: This species appears to be undergoing a westward expansion in both the Platte and Republican Valleys. One was flushed from an apparent nest site in Nuckolls Co 20 Apr (DE), and 1-2 were along the Republican River in sw. Nuckolls Co 1 Apr (LR,RH). Eggs hatched in a Douglas Co nest box around 14 Apr (DSt). Long-eared Owl: None were reported. Short-eared Owl: Six reports were received of 8 birds through 17 Apr (m.ob.); the reports were statewide. Northern Saw-whet Owl: “Simple, evenly-spaced tooting whistles” were heard 26 May at Valentine NWR (TH); the reporter assumed it was this species. The summer distribution of this species in Nebraska is poorly-known. Common Nlghthawk; Arrivals showed the typical east-west difference in arrival dates: 2 May in Otoe Co (L&CF) and 24 May at WSR (HKH); both dates were fairly early at those locations. Common Poorwlll: There are occasional reports of this species in the east, usually in grasslands in the southeast. One was heard singing at SCP 21 May (fide KP). Chuck-wUl’s-widow: Somewhat westerly, but within the expected range were singles at Oak Glen WMA, Seward Co, 12 May (LE) and in w. Douglas Co 23 May (DSt). Whip-poor-will: One in Lincoln 22 Apr (JED) was rather early. Chimney Swift: Routine reports. White-throated Swift: Routine reports. Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Nest-building was under way in Lincoln 12 May (MUs). Belted Kingfisher: Routine reports. Red-headed Woodpecker: Singles at FF 23 Mar (CNK) and 28 Mar (RW) were early for non-wintering birds; a few winter there, or at least not far to the south most years. Vol.75 No. 2 The Nebraska Bird Review 14 Red-bellied Woodpecker: Routine reports. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: A female in Thomas Co 25 Mar (WF) was westerly. Red-naped Sapsucker: One identified as this species in Hall Co 5 Mar was well- described, with no apparent hybrid characters (WF); it would be only the 2nd spring record for Nebraska if accepted by NOURC, albeit easterly and early for this species. Downy Woodpecker: Routine reports. Hairy Woodpecker: Routine reports. Northern Flicker: Routine reports. Plicated Woodpecker: Reports were from the FF area, where a pair nested at the sw. comer of the area (CNK). Young were being fed 13 May but had fledged by 28 May (CNK). It is unsure how many breeding pairs are in the area, but it seems unlikely there are more than two. Olive-sided Flycatcher: One in Lincoln Co 19 May (L&BP) was westerly; it is rare as far west as the Panhandle. Western Wood-Pewee: One in Lincoln Co 19 May (CNK, details) was easterly; the species breeds east to the LM area, and apparently occurs farther east during migration, but most reports east of there are undocumented. The other reports were, as expected, from the Panhandle. Eastern Wood-Pewee: The 20 at FF 10 May (JR) was a record spring tally. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: About the norm for a spring, one report was received: a single was at SCP 21 May (KP). Acadian Flycatcher: None were reported; arrival is around mid-May. Alder Flycatcher: Banding data indicate that this species is a common migrant in the LM area; thus singles there 20 and 24 May (JM) may not be too surprising. Another was in Seward Co 30 May (JG) and 4 were counted at FF 16 May (JR). Willow Flycatcher: Routine reports. Least Flycatcher: Routine reports. Cordilleran Flycatcher: Rarely reported in migration, one at WSR 30-31 May (HKH) was only the 11th spring report away from the breeding range. Eastern Phoebe: First reported was in Otoe Co 13 Mar (L&CF), about on time, but one in Lincoln Co 16 Mar (TJW) was early for the location. Say’s Phoebe: First was in Frontier Co 23 Mar (TJW), about on time. Great Crested Flycatcher: One at ICSP 28 Apr (EB) was about on time, too. Cassin’s Kingbird: None were reported; arrival is in early May. Western Kingbird: Routine reports. Eastern Kingbird: Routine reports, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher: Now reported yearly, even as a breeder, this species continues to engender increased reports. A pair returned to a breeding site sw. of Kearney 23 May for the 3rd year (KS), and at least one was seen on 4 occasions at Eppley Airfield, Omaha, during May (JT). The Eppley birds have been present for some 5 years and nested during at least 2 of those years (fide JT). Singles were reported as well in Hall Co 12 May (TB) and Colfax Co 17 May (LE). Northern Shrike: Last to leave was one in Dixon Co 9 Mar (JJ), an early departure date. Loggerhead Shrike: Arrival was on time. First to appear were singles at BOL 11 Mar (JGJ) and in Harlan Co the same day (G&WH). Singles reached Dakota Co 20 Mar (WF) and Scotts Bluff Co a little late on 28 Apr (AK). The Nebraska Bird Review Vol-75 No. 2 46 Bell’s Vireo: Routine reports. Yellow-throated Vireo: Nest-building had started in Lincoln 14 May and 4 eggs were present 24 May (LE,WM). Plumbeous Vireo; The only report was of a migrant at West Lawn Cem, Gering, 16 May (BN); the migration period is 9-28 May. Blue-headed Vireo: The 8-10 in Douglas Co 4 May (TP) was a good count (estimate?). Westerly was one near Orleans 11 May (G&WH), one of still very few reports away from the east. Warbling Vireo: Earliest were rather early at FF 21 Apr (L&BP) and PL 22 Apr (LE; 2 birds). Nest-building had started by 8 May at FF (ARy). Philadelphia Vireo: Singles in Seward Co 4 May (JG) and at ADF 25 May (L&CF) were as expected, but a good find was one in Scotts Bluff Co 26 May (KD, details), only the 4th Panhandle record. Red-eyed Vireo: Routine reports. Blue Jay: One on a nest in Cass Co 1 May (LE) was on the early side for this species; published egg dates are 30 Apr-20 Jun. Pinyon Jay: None were reported; this species becomes secretive in the nesting season, but even so, there is very little definite evidence that it nests in the state in any numbers. Black-billed Magpie: Reports from the northeast were encouraging: 2 near Creighton 8 Mar were the observer’s first there for 2 years (MB), and 4 more were found in Knox Co 11 Mar (RD). Two were in Colfax Co 23 Mar (LE), and 2 were in Seward Co 7-8 Mar (SR), both easterly locations. American Crow: Routine reports. Horned Lark: An unusual sight was the 16 at the observer’s feeder in sw. Dixon Co 2 Mar; they were chased by juncos but finally accepted (JJ). Juveniles were fledged by 21 Apr in Nuckolls Co (DE); it is not unusual to see fledged birds in Mar. Purple Martin: One at Ogallala 19 Mar (CWH) was rather early; earliest dates are in mid-Mar. The 8 that arrived in Alma 2 Apr departed during a cold snap (G&WH). Other early birds were 7-8 in Nuckolls Co 1 Apr (LR,RH). One at Stapleton 6 May was one of few records from the western Loup drainage (LR, RH). Tree Swallow: Three at Alma 18 Mar (G&WH) were early; record early date is 15 Mar. Violet-green Swallow: Routine reports. Northern Rough-winged Swallow: Routine reports. Bank Swallow: Routine reports. Cliff Swallow: Routine reports. Barn Swallow: Routine reports. Black-capped Chickadee: The first for 3 years in the observer’s yard at Brady appeared 11 Mar (TJW). This species, along with Blue Jay and American Crow, were notable by their absence in Nuckolls Co 20 Apr (DE). It appears the recovery still has a way to go, especially in south-central parts of the state. On the other hand, 20 were in a canyon in se. Lincoln Co 23 Apr (TJW). Tufted Titmouse: One in n. Thurston Co 17 May (BFH) was a rare sighting that far north; it was only the 3rd sighting for Thurston, Dakota or Dixon Cos, the first in 2003. Nest-building was noted at Neale Woods, Douglas Co, 19 Apr (JGr), rather early. Vol. 75 No. 2 The Nebraska Bird Review 47 Red-breasted Nuthatch: Usually an early arrival in fall and late to leave in spring, one at Omaha 21 May (RS) was tardy. Latest dates away from breeding areas are at the end of May. White-breasted Nuthatch: All birds seen west to Hall Co 28 Mar were of the eastern subspecies (RW) as expected; breeding in the Platte Valley is rare west of Dawson Co, and most birds seen there in winter are likely not residents. The extent of winter movement of the western subspecies (which breeds in the Pine Ridge) is not well known, but appears to be limited. Pygmy Nuthatch: A pair was again nesting in a large snag at Wildcat Hills NC, Scotts Bluff Co, 24 May (AK), Nesting has become the norm in this area since the mid-1990s. Brown Creeper: Routine reports. Rock Wren: Routine reports. Carolina Wren: Reports in the last 2-3 years show the range covering about half the state; the western limits were defined well this spring by reports of one singing in Knox Co 17 Apr (MB), 2 in Nance Co 8 Apr (LR,RH), one in Hall Co 5 Mar (WF), one singing in Kearney Co 1 Apr (BFH), and singles at McCook 26-27 May (LR,RH). Nest-building started in Bellevue 2 Apr, with the first egg laid 6 Apr, 4 eggs present 9 Apr, and 5 young hatched from 6 eggs 28 Apr, despite 20 degree temperatures (ARy). House Wren: Routine reports. Winter Wren: The 4 reports of 5 birds were all from FF 17 Mar-10 Apr (m. ob.), a typical spring. Sedge Wren: Most migrants pass through by mid-May, and so pairs seen after this may stay to breed, generally an uncommon occurrence in Jun in Nebraska (although the numbers that reappear in mid-Jul may breed also). Thus of interest were 8 in tall grass at Boyer Chute 27 May, and 3 in rough grassland near Arlington the same day (WRS). Apparently this species has been present at Boyer Chute Jun-Aug each year since 1999 (JT,BG). Marsh Wren: One at BOL 24 Mar (D&JP) was early if a migrant, although birds were on territory in Holt Co as early as 23 Mar (see below). Three singing at Harvard Marsh 28 May (PD) were near the s. edge of the breeding range. Singing males on territory as early as 23 Mar at Goose L, Holt Co, were of the western song type (WF), possibly a separate species. In Nebraska western birds occur eastward to the edge of the Sandhills and are separated from eastern types by a strip lacking suitable marsh habitat running southeastward from O’Neill. Golden-crowned Kinglet: One in Lincoln 14 Mar (LE) was rather early; wintering can occur on occasion in the southeast. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: Routine reports. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: Numbers continue to increase as the range expands and consolidates; 30 were along Old Stage Rd, Scotts Bluff Co, 24 May (KD), where die species has been found since 1998. One was in Keith Co 20 May (JM), where numbers are still low. Eastern Bluebird: Routine reports. Mountain Bluebird: At least one was back at the breeding site at Wildcat Hills NC, Scotts Bluff Co, by 6 Mar (AK) and by 9 Mar at nest boxes near Chadron (JF). This species is usually common in cedar canyons in se. Lincoln Co, but none were found 8 Mar (TJW); perhaps they had departed for the breeding grounds. The Nebraska Bird Review Vol.75 No. 2 Townsend’s Solitaire: Routine reports. Veery: The only report was of 2 at FF 8 May (NF). Gray-cheeked Thrush: A total of 7 were reported, 6 in the east 7-17 May (L&BP,LE,JR), and one unexpectedly at Ash Hollow SHP, Garden Co (JM). There are about 30 Panhandle records for spring. Swainson’s Thrush: Record early by 2 days was one at ADF 16 Apr (L&CF); a good count was the 45 at FF 10 May (JR). Hermit Thrush: Singles in Dixon Co 30 Mar (JJ) and at FF 12 May (CNK) marked the extremes of the normal migration period. Wood Thrush: Routine reports. American Robin: A group of 350 at Plattsmouth Cem 6 Apr (CNK) were late for such a large number. Gray Catbird: Routine reports. Northern Mockingbird: One was as far north as Wayne Co by 23 Apr (D&JP); even in summer this species is scarce north of the Platte River. Brown Thrasher: Routine reports. Curve-billed Thrasher: The long-staying bird (since Oct 2002!) at the Frimann Ranch in se. Sioux Co was singing and trying to make a nest 14 Apr (fide AK); perhaps it will meet the one found and photographed near Madrid in Perkins Co 22 Apr (JGJ). The latter is only the 7th documented for Nebraska. European Starling: Routine reports. American Pipit: Sightings from 19 Mar at LNB (RE) through 19 May in Logan Co (D&JP) define the normal migration period. Sprague’s Pipit: The three reports were of 3 on the grassy north side of Harvard Marsh 16 Apr (PD), 15-20 on the edge of a field of small grain in Clay Co 23 Apr (WM), and singles in Dakota Co 29-30 Apr (BFH). Cedar Waxwing: Nest-building was noted in Scotts Bluff Co 26 May (AK), somewhat early for this species. Blue-winged Warbler: Two were found together in Scotts Bluff Co 8 May (AD), and one was seen at the site later (KD, details), for only the 4th spring Panhandle record. Golden-winged Warbler: A typical spring for this species had 3 reported: singles in Washington Co 5 May (JT), at ADF 6 May (L&CF), and at FF 8 May (L&BP). Tennessee Warbler: Routine reports. Orange-crowned Warbler: Routine reports. Nashville Warbler: Only about 10 were reported, all in the east (m. ob.). Northern Parula: Routine reports. Yellow Warbler: Routine reports. Chestnut-sided Warbler: The only two reported were in Sarpy Co: 9 May (L&BP) and 12 May (CNK). Magnolia Warbler: The 5 reported were all in the southeast 9-14 May (m. ob.). Cape May Warbler: There was a good showing for this normally casual spring migrant; the 3 reported were in Lancaster Co 7 May (LE), in Lincoln 11 May (STJGJ), and at Seward Cem 17 May (LE). These are only the 18th-20th spring reports since 1982, all in the period 7-20 May. Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler: Routine reports. Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) Warbler: None were reported. Vol.75 No. 2 The Nebraska Bird Review 42 Black-throated Green Warhler: The only report was of one in Douglas Co 12 May (TP). Blackburnian Warbler; The only two reported were singles at FF 9 May (CNK) and a bit westerly at Stromsburg 14 May (LR.RH). Yellow-throated Warbler; Usually the first wood-warbler to arrive in spring, arrival was record-early this spring by 4 days, with 2 at FF l Apr (RS). All reports were from FF, where best count was 4 on 19 Apr (KS), and the last song heard was 10 May (L&BP). Prairie Warbler: This species occasionally appears far northwest of its usual range; one along the Niobrara River in extreme e. Cherry Co 28 May (GW) was only die 7th documented spring record for the state. Palm Warbler: Only two were reported: singles at Wehrspann L, Sarpy Co, 26 Apr (JWH), and in Sarpy Co 6 May (CNK). Bay-breasted Warbler: Rare in spring, the only report was of one in Douglas Co 12 May (TP). Blackpoll Warbler: Good numbers were reported, about 40, in the short period 1- 17 May (m. ob.). Westernmost was one in Broken Bow 11 May (TH). Cerulean Warbler: At least one was at FF: one was at the upper boardwalk 7 May (L&BP) and another was heard singing briefly in Mormon Hollow 9 May (JR), Surprisingly far west was one singing and seen well at Hastings 10 May (PD). There are only about 20 reports away from the Missouri Valley. Black-and-white Warbler: Routine reports, American Redstart: Uncommon in the west, singles were at North Platte 19 May (TJW) and in Garden Co 24 May (JM). A good count was the 30 in Thurston Co 17 May (BFH). Prothonotary Warbler; The only report was of one gathering nest material at FF 8 May (L&BP,ARy). Ovenbird: The 4 at ICSP 28 Apr (L&BP,EB) were a bit early. Northern Waterthrush: There were several reports, totaling about 12 birds, 27 Apr (L&BP) through 19 May (LE,D&JP). Louisiana Waterthrush: Reports were mostly from FF, where earliest was there 2 Apr (ARy,RB), only a day after a Yellow-throated Warbler, and 2 were found 19 Apr (KS). The only other report was of 3 at Platte River SP, Cass Co (RE). Kentucky Warbler: The 3 reports were from FF, probably of the same bird, a male on territory 10-12 May (L&BP,JR, fide CNK). This species has not been reported very often from FF. Connecticut Warbler: There were 2 reports of this rare migrant: one was singing in Douglas Co 12-13 May (TP), and another was at Schramm SP, Sarpy Co, 12 May (L&BP). Mourning Warbler: Routine reports. MacGillivray’s Warbler: Routine reports. Common Yellowthroat: Routine reports. Hooded Warbler: The only report was of a singing male well seen at Hastings 7 May (PD). This species can pop up almost anywhere in spring. Wilson's Warbler: Only 7 were reported, all in the east 2-13 May (L&BP,L&CF,TP). Canada Warbler: None were reported, a surprise. Yellow-breasted Chat: Routine reports. The Nebraska Bird Review Vol.75 No. 2 2a Summer Tanager: This species was widely-reported westward on the Great Plains of Kansas and Colorado this spring. Nebraska reports included one photographed in Scotts Bluff Co 23 Apr (KD), only the 18th record away from the east and a record early date. It would be interesting to know whether these westerly birds are of the southwestern subspecies cooperi; available photos are equivocal. The pair at ICSP 11 May (L&CF) were at a traditional location, but reports continue to increase at FF, where at least 3 were reported beginning 2 toy (JR, m.ob.), also very early. A female was gathering nest material at FF 9 toy (L&BP) and territorial activity was seen there 10 toy (JR). One was in a Bellevue yard 10 May (L&BP). Scarlet Tanager: Routine reports. Western Tanager: Routine reports. Spotted Towhee: Most depart from the east by early toy, but one lingered in Lincoln until 24 toy (LE). A well-described hybrid was in Bellevue 23 Apr (ARy). Eastern Towhee: Good numbers had arrived in FF by 31 Mar, when 8-10 were reported, all males (JR). Phenotypically pure birds occur westward in the Republican Valley to about Orleans; one was singing in Nuckolls Co 20 Apr (DE); another was near Gibbon 22 Apr, where Spotteds predominate in summer (LR,RH). Most surprising was a phenotypically pure silent male at LM 21 Apr (BFH); banding studies there (Brown et al.) found no phenotypically pure Eastern Towhees. Cassin’s Sparrow: None were reported; arrival is in mid- to late May. American Tree Sparrow: One at Hummel Park, Omaha, 4 May (JR) was rather late. Chipping Sparrow: Rather early were singles at ADF 22 Mar (L&CF) and in Buffalo Co 25 Mar (RW). Clay-colored Sparrow: Routine reports. Brewer’s Sparrow: The only report was of 2 in Scotts Bluff Co 28 Apr (KD). Field Sparrow: Arrival was early, with at least 8 birds found in late Mar (m. ob.). Earliest was in Frontier Co 23 Mar (TJW); there are very few earlier records for the state. Nest-building in Dixon Co 28 Apr (BFH) was early. Vesper Sparrow: A nest in Dodge Co with 5 eggs 16 May had 5 young 23 May; it was located in small patch of alfalfa and grass near larger alfalfa and row-crop fields (D&JP). This species (eastern subspecies?) has adapted to nesting in row-crop fields in the east Lark Sparrow: A nest with 6 eggs ne. of O’Neill 26 May (DSt) was a little early. Lark Banting: A major surprise both by location and date was a male well seen in York Co 4 Apr (LE). Spring stragglers occur in the northeast on occasion, but are much rarer southeastward. Savannah Sparrow: One in Otoe Co 13 Mar (L&CF) was rather early. A major influx was noted in Nuckolls Co 20 Apr, when “hundreds per mile of fence- line” were found; surprisingly, none were there the next day (DE). Grasshopper Sparrow: One in Hall Co 26 Mar (DK) was rather early; earliest dates in the literature are earlier than this, but are undocumented. Henslow’s Sparrow: Earliest reported were 2 at SCP 11 toy (KP) and 7 in a lightly-grazed native grass pasture near Palmyra 12 toy (WRS). Generally this species avoids pastures that are grazed to the extent that the preferred structure is damaged (standing dead stalks and significant litter layer). A single was a surprise in native grassland at Oak Glen WMA, Seward Co, 23 toy (LE). Vol.75 No. 2 The Nebraska Bird Review £1 Le Conte’s Sparrow: The only report was of one in Otoe Co 17 Apr (L&CF). Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow: The only report was of one at SCP 21 May (KP); this is at peak migration timing for this species. Fox Sparrow: Good numbers were reported 8 Mar-16 Apr (m. ob.), including counts of 8-10 at FF 21-29 Mar (JR,RW,RS,L&BP). Lincoln’s Sparrow: Routine reports. Swamp Sparrow: One at FF 17 Mar (EB) was early if a migrant; over-wintering may occur on occasion in the southeast. Early dates for migrants are in late Mar. White-throated Sparrow: Routine reports. White-crowned Sparrow: Most of this species in Nebraska are the pale-lored subspecies gambelii ; black-lored birds are rarely reported, and may originate either from the Rocky Mountains (subspecies oriantha) or Canada (subspecies leucophrys). Thus of interest were 2 reports of black-lored birds from opposite ends of the state: one at a Scotts Bluff Co feeder 22 Apr (KD) and another in South Sioux City 23 Apr (BFH). There is evidence that leucophrys occurs statewide in Nebraska and in eastern Colorado in winter, when most oriantha are presumed to have departed. Thus it is difficult to determine subspecies of dark-lored birds in the west in spring and fall, although there are Nebraska specimens from there that resemble oriantha. Harris’s Sparrow: Routine reports. Golden-crowned Sparrow: Nebraska’s 9th record, 4th documented, was of one with White-crowned Sparrows photographed near Glen, Sioux Co, 4 May (B&DW). Dark-eyed Junco: Reports of “Pink-sided Junco” in the east persist; while its occurrence there is not impossible, of course, this form is poorly-documented in die east. The few available photos show at best intergrades of “Oregon” and “Pink-sided” Juncos; phenotypically pure “Pink-sideds” are striking, brightly- marked birds, McCown’s Longspur: The two reports were from Kimball Co: several groups were there 26 Mar (LS), and “hundreds” were migrating 21 Apr (L&BP). Lapland Longspur: “Hundreds” migrating over LM 21 Apr (BFH,JP) were very late; peak migration is in Mar, Chestnut-collared Longspur: Two had arrived at WSR by 15 Apr (HKH) and, near the eastern edge of the Nebraska summer range, 2 males were 6 miles ne. of O’Neill 26 May (DSt). Northern Cardinal: A pair in the observer’s yard near Morrill, Scotts Bluff Co, 16 May were the first there since Jun 2006 (KD); small populations have established in the western North Platte Valley in the last few years. Another was in Morrill Co 30 Mar (WF). The western limits of the summer range in the Sandhills are not well known, but birds in Blaine Co 24 Mar and Thomas Co 25 Mar (WF) were at the putative western limits. Rose-breasted Grosbeak: Westerly was one in Lincoln Co 19 May (CNK); migrants occur some distance west of the summer range. Unusual was one at Hastings 7 May with the red color on its bib replaced by lemon-yellow (PD). Nest-building in Lincoln 12 May (MUs) was rather early. Black-headed Grosbeak: Only the observer’s 2nd for Knox Co was one at Creighton 14-15 May; the other was 3 May 1992 (MB). A male in Sarpy Co 12 May (EB; details) was only the 5th in the east since 1981. The Nebraska Bird Review Vol.75 No. 2 52 Blue Grosbeak: Routine reports. Lazuli Bunting: Spring migrants regularly (but rarely, i.e. in small numbers) appear in the east; this year one was at a Doitglas Co feeder 9 May (DSt), one was near Valley 16 May (TM), and 2 were in Raymond 20 May (JLL). A bit farther west was one in Hastings 10 May (PD). Indigo Bunting: Routine reports. Dickcissel: Unexpected westerly this early were singles in Lincoln and Hayes Cos 19 May (CNK,LR,RH). Bobolink: Good numbers were present in Lincoln Co this spring (TJW). Red-winged Blackbird: A flock of 4000 in Dawson Co was early on 4 Mar (LR,RH); large numbers usually appear later in Mar. Eastern Meadowlark: Early dates are in early Mar, usually singing birds; one such was at PL 11 Mar (LE). Scattered populations occur in Sandhills wetlands; a single bird was “singing persistently” at Box L, Arthur Co, 26 Mar (WF). Western Meadowlark: A nest with 2 eggs near Osceola 20 May (WRS) was a bit early. Yellow-headed Blackbird: Six nests with 1-4 eggs were found at Harvard Marsh 28 May (PD), a typical situation for that date. Rusty Blackbird: The only reports of this apparently-declining species were of 1-2 in Dixon Co 11-22 Mar (JJ) and 2 females with grackles at BOL 22 Mar (LE). Brewer’s Blackbird: A rare migrant in the east, 22 were in Lancaster Co 12 Apr (LE) and one was there 13 Apr (AG,BG). Common Grackle: Typical of first arrivals was a single at a feeder as far north as Dixon Co 2 Mar (JJ). Great-tailed Grackle: Males were on territories near North Platte by 18 Apr (TJW). Brown-headed Cowbird: As with Common Grackle, first arrivals are singles at feeders; one such was in Lincoln 3 Mar (LE). Most arrive in Apr; “thousands” were in Nuckolls Co 20 Apr (DE) and a flock of 450 was in Cass Co 2 Apr (CNK). Orchard Oriole: Routine reports. Baltimore Oriole: Routine reports. Bullock’s Oriole: There are few records east of the Panhandle, and so of interest was a singing male seen well in Arthur Co 20 May (CNK). Purple Finch: Last reported was a female at a Bellevue feeder 9 Apr (ARy). House Finch: Routine reports. Red Crossbill: The only reports were of singles in the Wildcat Hills, Scotts Bluff Co, 12 and 26 May (AK). Common Redpoll: The only report was of a male which reappeared after an absence at a feeder in se. Wayne Co 15-16 Mar (JJ). Pine Siskin: Only moderate numbers were reported, best counts 25-30 nearGering 29 Mar-5 Apr (AK). One at a feeder in Dixon Co 29-30 May (JJ) was a surprise; nesting can occur almost anywhere, but usually after winters with targe numbers present. Lesser Goldfinch: One was reported at Wildcat Hills NC by a visitor 25 May (fide AK); no details were provided. The sighting does fit the pattern of previous late May arrivals in the west. American Goldfinch: Routine reports. House Sparrow: Routine reports. Vol. 75 No. 2 The Nebraska Bird Review il A PRELIMINARY SURVEY OF SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA GRASSLAND HABITAT AND POTENTIAL HENSLOW’S SPARROW HABITAT W. Ross Silcock P.O. Box 57 Tabor, IA 51653 712-629-5865 sUcock@rosssilcock.com INTRODUCTION The decline in numbers of Hens low’s Sparrows in North America (Sauer et al. 2001) is generally considered to be due to reduction in the extent of its preferred breeding habitat, “relatively large fields consisting of tall, dense grass, a well- developed litter layer, standing dead vegetation, and sparse or no woody vegetation”. (Herkert et al. 2002). Since 1985, however, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has allowed payments to landowners by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to idle croplands and to seed them to various grasses. This has provided habitat that appears to have stabilized Henslow’s Sparrow numbers in some parts of the breeding range (Herkert 1997; Herkert et al. 2002; Reinking 2002; McCoy 2000). Nebraska has 472,000 hectares (1,166,000 acres) of CRP grassland, about four times more than the remaining area of tailgrass prairie (Steinauer and Collins 1996), but most is aging, unmanaged, and less attractive to most grassland birds (Negus 2005). To better understand the occurrence of Henslow’s Sparrow in Nebraska, we surveyed grasslands south and east of Lincoln from May to August 2006. The survey goals were to search for grassland sites that might provide suitable nesting habitat, count Henslow’s Sparrows at each site, and use point counts to estimate abundance of Henslow’s Sparrows in this region. METHODS Location of potential Hen slow’s Sparrow habitat The study area covered southeast Nebraska south and east of Lincoln, and included all of Otoe, Johnson, Nemaha, Pawnee, and Richardson Counties, the eastern edge of Gage County, and the southeastern comer of Lancaster County (Figure 1). This area contains a large number of noncontiguous grasslands of varying quality. The largest tailgrass prairie tract in the study area contains some 1400 hectares (3460 acres) in and around Burchard Lake WMA, but is of “fairly low quality”, with “very low forb diversity” and “common to abundant cool season grasses” (Steinauer 2003). Geographic Information System (GIS) data layers representing grassland tracts greater than 20 hectares (50 acres) in die study area were provided by Andy Bishop (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Grand Island). In addition, maps of CRP-Managed Access Program (CRP-MAP) areas for each county were used to locate grassland tracts. The Nebraska Bird Review Vol.7S No. 2 H FIGURE 1. 2006 study area (shaded) in southeast Nebraska. 1 stratified sites as suitable or unsuitable by starting with 279 grassland tracts and then deductively eliminating sites judged as having a lower likelihood of having Henslow’s Sparrows. This was done by examining each site from county roads. Sites were judged as unsuitable simply by noting the absence of standing dead material (dead grasses from previous summers), a key breeding habitat requirement of Henslow’s Sparrow. In most cases this process was straightforward, as such grasslands were grazed, hayed, or burned during die previous summer or early spring just prior to the evaluation. Sites that had extensive encroachment by woody plants such as Eastern Red-Cedar (Juniperus virginiana ), small trees such as Green Ash (Oleaceae Jraxinus ), dense stands of weeds, or sites with homogeneous stands of European Smooth Brome (Bromus inermis ) were also judged unsuitable. Clearly, this stratification process depends heavily on the judgment of the observer regarding Henslow’s Sparrow habitat, and thus introduces bias into the results. This search was designed as a pilot study to obtain baseline information regarding Henslow’s Sparrow numbers and distribution; resources were not available for a complete search of every site. Data collection Two types of data were collected: 1) simple counts of Henslow’s Sparrows found at each location during walk-in inspections, and 2) data derived from point counts. Walk-in inspections involved searching the entire site for areas of suitable habitat for singing birds and observing behavior of any birds found. Wherever Henslow’s Sparrows were found, the location was recorded using a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS), and the area around the birds was checked for extent of occupation and simple counts of singing Henslow’s. In July and August, sites with Henslow's Sparrows as well as additional sites without sparrows were selected Vol.75 No. 2 The Nebraska Bird Review 21 randomly from a list of 49 sites (see RESULTS) and were checked using point counts. These counts were conducted at least twice during the breeding season, ending in mid-August. Point transects were arranged systematically along straight lines within each grassland tract. Points were located at least 90 meters (220 feet) from field perimeters on a grid and points were placed along gridlines 180 meters (440 feet) apart. I recorded alt birds during a four minute count Counts were not run, however, if wind was generally above about 25 km (16 miles) per hour, or the temperature rose above 29 s Celsius (84* Fahrenheit). RESULTS Grassland Tract Selection A total of 279 grassland sites were investigated for potential Henslow’s Sparrow breeding habitat. Sixty-three sites were judged as suitable. After obtaining permission from landowners, many of these 63 sites were checked on foot. Within each site, all parts of the site that were judged as potentially suitable habitat were searched carefiilly for Henslow’s Sparrows. During this process, the list of 63 sites was reduced to 49, usually because of minimal or absent ground litter cover or high content of clover or alfalfa, features not readily visible from the earlier roadside evaluations. A few were not checked for lack of landowner permission. The final 49 sites were distributed among the counties as follows: 2 in Otoe, l in Lancaster, 8 in Gage, 13 in Johnson, 17 in Pawnee, 8 in Richardson, and none in Nemaha. Sites with Henslow’s Sparrows Only 2 grassland sites had Henslow’s Sparrows by mid-August that could be presumed to have bred, and only 5 of the 49 sites deemed suitable had Henslow’s Sparrows at all. Of these 5 sites, 2 had Henslow’s Sparrows only in the spring, heavy grazing in July eliminated the sparrows at another, and by August only 2 sites still held Henslow’s Sparrows. A total of 45 birds was observed at the 5 sites (Table 1); 18 of these were found on point counts and the remainder were found white the observer was walking between points or during searches conducted in May and June. Sites 1 and 2, located 5 miles north and 2 miles west of Tecumseh and 5.5 miles south and 5 miles west of Tecumseh respectively, had sparrows in late May and early June, but these had gone by mid-July. These birds may have been migrants. Habitat at both sites appeared unchanged in mid-July except for normal growth; due to dry conditions in the study area, growth was minimal, however. Site 1 was hayed sometime after mid-July and before mid-August, but, as already noted, the sparrows had probably departed prior to haying. Site 5, Pawnee Prairie WMA, also had sparrows in early June and 2 were still present July 9 at the same places as in early June; a complete search was not done July 9, however, as aggressive bulls were in the area. A large number of cattle The Nebraska Bird Review Vol.75 No. 2 FIGURE 2. Grassland tracts >20 hectares (50 acres) in southeast Nebraska in dark gray; visited tracts are in light gray; numbers indicate sites where Henslow’s Sparrows were found in 2006. was present by mid-July, when the unbumed south part of the WMA containing the sparrows was grazed and trampled. No Henslow’s Sparrows were present 16 July, presumably as their habitat had been destroyed. Sites 3 and 4, located 4 miles north and one mile east of the east edge of Table Rock and 5.5 miles south and one mile east of Crab Orchard respectively, had sparrows from early June through mid-August (Site 3 was not checked in early June). Interestingly, numbers of sparrows increased at both sites, with mid-August counts of 11 at Site 3 and 10 at Site 4. These were all singing males, and thus the increase was not attributable to the presence of juveniles. At both sites, the areas occupied in mid-July were expanded in mid-August, rather than new areas within the overall site being established. Similar increases in late summer have been observed previously at major sites in Kansas (Zimmerman 1993) and Oklahoma (Reinking et aL 2000), and are possibly examples of conspeciftc attraction (Ahlering and Faaborg 2006), a phenomenon previously noted in Baird’s Sparrow (Ahlering 2005) and other grassland birds (Green et ai. 2002). Interestingly, all Henslow’s Sparrows found in this study were at or near the highest elevation within each site; none were found in draws or low areas. This finding is similar to that of Negus (2005), who found Henslow’s Sparrows on hilltops where vegetation was less dense than in valleys. Vol. 75 No. 2 The Nebraska Bird Review i2 TABLE 1. Counts of Henslow’s Sparrows at 5 sites 29 May-13 August 2006, Countv Site 29 Mav 2-3 June 16 & 22 Julv 13 Aug Max count Johnson 1 8 5 0 0 8 Johnson 2 X 9 0 X 9 Pawnee 3 X X 4 11 11 Pawnee 4 X 2 4 10 10 Pawnee 5 X 7 0 0 7 Total 45 X = no count DISCUSSION Henslow’s Sparrows were found at only five sites during the survey. While some Henslow’s Sparrows were certainly not detected because of survey limitations, it is apparent that the species is neither common nor widespread in southeast Nebraska. The relatively small number of fields possessing suitable habitat is likely the primary factor limiting the number of Henslow’s Sparrows in this region. Improvement of conservation lands for Henslow’s Sparrow will likely benefit an entire suite of grassland birds. Although habitat preferences of Henslow’s Sparrow are well known (Herkert et al. 2002), there are two major problems in determining management of grasslands in order to enhance numbers of breeding birds, especially in Nebraska, where most grasslands are privately-owned. These are (1) low site fidelity, and (2) the disjunction of the usually-practiced annual grassland management procedures with the longer-term changes necessary for development of suitable habitat. In many cases involving preservation or management of habitat for certain bird species, the target bird species return each year to the same site. This is generally not true for grassland birds, most notably Henslow’s Sparrow (Herkert et al. 2002; Reinking et al. 2000). Thus there is no guarantee that effort and expense spent maintaining what might appear to be suitable breeding habitat will be rewarded if the birds do not return. Of interest in this respect were experiments carried out with Baird’s Sparrows in North Dakota (Ahlering 2005). Because of strong conspecific attraction in grassland sparrows, some sites are abandoned as birds gravitate to areas occupied by experienced birds that continue to sing and thus attract conspecifics well into the breeding season. This effect may have occurred in this study as well. Ahlering (2005) found that Baird’s Sparrows could be attracted to areas of suitable but unoccupied habitat by playing taped songs. These taped songs attracted birds that then bred successfully. Because only a small percentage of Nebraska grasslands are in public hands and presumably more amenable to management for Henslow’s Sparrows, this technique might allow the use of fewer sites or possibly smaller areas of managed grassland to maintain or enhance existing numbers of Henslow’s Sparrows. The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 2 2E. Of course, the technique described above is still dependent on existence of suitable habitat, albeit somewhat less of it. Grassland management techniques for Henslow’s Sparrow arc well-known and may be summarized as follows (extracted from Herkert 1998, revised 2002): (1) provide at least 25 hectares (60 acres) of contiguous grassland, more if not within a grasslands landscape, (2) avoid disturbance (burning, mowing) on an annual basis, (3) leave occupied grasslands undisturbed 15 April-15 September, (4) provide dense and tall (>5 feet) grassy vegetation, (5) remove woody vegetation taller than the grassy vegetation, (6) native grasses and forbs should comprise at least part of the vegetation mix. Most grassland managers achieve these objectives by inter-seeding desired species and using prescribed bums on a rotating basis. A grassland should be divided into at feast three equal areas, one burned each year. This allows at least two years of undisturbed growth, which provides sufficient standing dead stalks and ground litter to attract Henslow’s Sparrows, as well as limiting encroachment of woody vegetation. The management techniques listed above suggest at least 25 hectares (60 acres) of contiguous grassland is required for Henslow’s Sparrow use, but the exact figure is not well-characterized (Herkert 1998, revised 2002). If rotational burning is used, it would be advisable to use a total minimum area of about 80 hectares (200 acres), divided into 3 parts, to meet the minimum suggested. A recent modification of rotational burning, called patch bum grazing (PBG; Fuhlendorf and Engle 2001, Vermeire et at. 2004) attempts to mimic historical modification of prairies by lightning-caused fires and bison grazing. It involves rotational burning as described above, but grazing cattle are allowed access to the entire area, but spend most of their time in the most recently-burned sections. This practice promotes grassland heterogeneity, which in turn allows the entire suite of native grassland species to coexist in the area (Fuhlendorf et al. 2006). Since 1985, setting aside significant areas of poorer-quality cropland and seeding them to grassland in the Federal (USDA) CRP program has provided an opportunity to provide more habitat for Henslow’s Sparrows. Initially, fields in the program were seeded to homogeneous stands of European Smooth Brome combined with various legumes (Negus 2005); such fields, if unmodified, are not attractive to Henslow’s Sparrows. Indeed, of more than 45,000 hectares (111,200 acres) of CRP grassland enrolled in Gage, Johnson, and Pawnee Counties in 1986-1993, more than 80% was planted to European Smooth Brome (Taylor 2000). This increase of brome grassland has possibly resulted in increases of Greater Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido) (Taylor 2000), but has likely had limited benefit for the Henslow’s Sparrows, other grassland birds, and other native organisms. An important modification of the CRP mles involved generous incentive payments for “mid-contract management”, which encouraged mowing, grazing, burning, or disking/interseeding to promote habitat diversity (Negus 2005). These practices must be used at least once during the CRP contract, but only on a maximum of one-thud of a field in any one year (Negus 2005). Interseeding CRP fields with native species as part of mid-contract management seems to have VoL 75 No. 2 The Nebraska Bird Review ifi improved attractiveness of CRP grasslands to Henslow’s Sparrows. This study has shown that numbers of Henslow’s Sparrows will utilize such fields. Indeed, in this study the only two sites (sites 3 and 4 in Table l) with Henslow’s Sparrows by mid- August were CRP grasslands with significant native grass species present. Most remaining tallgrass prairie in Nebraska is in private ownership and is managed for grazing or haying; such grasslands are generally not attractive to Henslow’s Sparrows. Sullivan (2005) studied the use of such prairies by grassland birds in Pawnee County and the Denton Hills, just southwest of Lincoln, the latter area including Spring Creek Prairie. Prairies were ranked according to their natural purity with the highest ranking assigned to sites with little exotic invasion, high diversity, and high-quality forbs, Henslow’s Sparrows were found at three locations (Burchard Lake WMA, Pawnee Prairie WMA, and Spring Creek Prairie) and at private grasslands adjacent to them. Analysis of vegetation at these sites and comparison with sites that did not have Henslow’s Sparrows showed Henslow’s Sparrows preferred sites with greater titter depth and standing residue. This comports with previously published information (Herkert et al. 2002). Analysis of Sullivan’s data shows no significant differences between Henslow’s Sparrow habitat on public lands and that on adjacent private lands, although it was noted by Sullivan that Henslow’s Sparrows found on private grassland adjacent to the west side of Burchard Lake NWR occupied pasture with “abundant grass and forb cover”, suggesting that the grasslands studied were generally lightly grazed. Such light grazing is unusual on privately-owned grasslands, although studies in Missouri have shown that Henslow’s Sparrows will use lightly grazed (>30.4 cm vegetation height) pastures (Skinner 1975). CONCLUSION This study found that availability of suitable habitat is a major factor limiting the range and numbers of Henslow's Sparrows in Nebraska. Even if the relatively limited areas of publicly-owned prairies were managed for the full suite of grassland birds, including Henslow’s Sparrow, the total available area would still be small. It is obvious that the greatest potential lies in managing privately-owned grazed grasslands for the benefit of the grassland-bird suite. Clearly, current management systems will not change unless improved economics and long-term benefits to grassland quality can be demonstrated. Fortunately, research on patch bum grazing is showing great promise in fulfilling these requirements. We urge grassland managers to give patch bum grazing techniques serious consideration. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We thank Joel Jorgensen for providing technical and GIS assistance and Andy Bishop for providing GIS data that were used for this survey. This study was funded by Nebraska Game and Parks with State Wildlife Grant money. The Nebraska Bird Review Vol.75 No. 2 LITERATURE CITED Ahlering, M.A. “Settlement Cues and Resource Use by Grasshopper Sparrows and Baird's Sparrows in the Upper Great Plains,” Ph.D. dissertation, University of Missouri, Columbia, 2005, Ahlering, M.A., and J. Faaborg, “Avian Habitat Management Meets Conspecific Attraction: If You Build It, Will They Comer’ The Auk 123 (2006): 301- 312. Fuhlendorf, S.D., and D,M, Engle. “Restoring Heterogeneity on Rangelands: Ecosystem Management Based on Evolutionary Grazing Patterns.” BioScience 51 (2001): 625-632. Fuhlendorf, S.D., W.C. Harrell, D.M, Engle, R.G. Hamilton, C.A. Davis, and D.M. Leslie, Jr.. “Should Heterogeneity be the Basis for Conservation? Grassland Bird Response to Fire and Grazing.” Ecological Applications 16 (2006): 1706-1716. Green, M. T., P. E. Lowther, S. L. Jones, S. K. Davis, and B. C. Dale. “Baird’s Sparrow ( Ammodramus bairdii ).” The Birds of North America , No. 638 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds,), Philadelphia, PA: The Birds of North America, Inc,, 2002. Herkert, J.R. “Population Trends of the Henslow’s Sparrow in Relation to the Conservation Reserve Program in Illinois, 1975-1995.” Journal of Field Ornithology 68 (1997): 235-244. Herkert, J.R. Effects of Management Practices on Grassland Birds: Henslow’s Sparrow , Jamestown, ND: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, 1998, revised 2002. Herkert, J.R., P.D, Vickery, and D.E. Kroodsma. “Henslow’s Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii ),” The Birds of North America , No. 672 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). Philadelphia, PA: The Birds of North America, Inc., 2002. McCoy, T.D. “Effects of Landscape Composition and Multi-scale Habitat Characteristics on the Grassland Bird Community.” Ph.D. dissertation. University of Missouri, Columbia, 2000. Mollhoff, W.J. The Nebraska Breeding Bird Atlas 1984-1989 . Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union Occ, Papers No, 7. Nebraska Technical Series No. 20, Lincoln: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2001. Negus, L.P. “Grassland Bird Response to Disking/Interseeding of Legumes in Conservation Reserve Program Lands in Northeast Nebraska.” M.Sc. thesis, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, 2005, Reinking, D.L. “A Closer Look: Henslow’s Sparrow.” Birding 34 (2002): 146-153. Reinking, D.L., D.A. Weidenfeld, D.H. Wolfe, and R.W. Rohrbaugh Jr. “Distribution, Habitat Use, and Nesting Success of Henslow’s Sparrows in Oklahoma.” Prairie Naturalist 32 (2000): 219-232. Sauer, J.R., J.E. Hines, and J. Fallon. The North American Breeding Bird Survey, results and analysis 1966-2000. Version 2001.2. Laurel, MD: Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 2001. . Schneider, R„ M. Humpert, K. Stoner, and G. Steinauer. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project. Lincoln: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2005. Sharpe, R.S., W.R. Silcock, and J.G, Jorgensen. The Birds of Nebraska, Their Distribution and Temporal Occurrence. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2001, Vol. 75 No. 2 _The Nebraska Bird Review_£1 Siicock, W. R. and J. G. Jorgensen. “Henslow’s Sparrow Status in Nebraska”. The Nebraska Bird Review 75(2007): 13-16. Steinauer, R.F. Survey for Priority Natural Communities in Nebraska. Final Report. Lincoln: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2003. Steinauer, E.M, and S.L. Collins. “Prairie Ecology- The Tallgrass Prairie". Pages 39-52 in F.B. Samson and F.L. Knopf, eds. Prairie Conservation: Preserving North America's Most Endangered Ecosystem. Washington, DC: island Press, 1996. Sullivan, S. Ecological Community Inventory- BCR 22. Summary Report for 2004 Field Season. Lincoln; Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2005. Taylor, J.S. Greater Prairie-Chicken in southeast Nebraska: An Overview of Population Status and Management Considerations. Lincoln: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2000. Vermeire, L.T., R.B. Mitchell, S.D. Fuhlendorf, and R.L. Gillen. “Patch Burning Effects on Grazing Distribution". Journal of Range Management 57 (2004): 248-252. Zimmerman, J.L. The Birds of Konza. Lawrence: University Press of Kansas, 1993. Remembering Sue Amiotte, Mildred Gross and Izen Ratziaff This past spring the NOU lost three longtime members whose contributions to the organization are noteworthy. In March, Amelia "Sue" Amiotte passed away in Kearney. Bom in 1942, Sue grew up in rural Dawes County, attended Crawford High School and received a B.A. in education from Chadron State College. She later attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and received an M.A. in counseling. She worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for many years and eventually returned to the Chadron area to open her own business in mental health and workman's compensation counseling. When she could take time from her busy schedule. Sue enjoyed reading, needlework, camping, gardening, and, of course, birding. Sue served as Treasurer of the NOU from 1998 to 2000 and was a regular at our meetings for many years. Her reports of sightings from the Panhandle were a welcome feature on NEBirds. She will be remembered for her easy smile and sense of humor. Sue was an enthusiastic birder and loved to go to new places and find birds she had not seen before. Her sister Betty reports that the two of them took a trip to Florida a few years ago, where Sue was delighted to add some southern species to her life list. Sue will be missed by all who knew her, and especially by her fellow birders in western Nebraska. She is survived by her son Andrew and sister Betty. Sue Amiotte The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 2 & In April, we lost another loyal member in the person of Mildred Gross, Mildred was bom in 1920 and, with her husband Everett, was a familiar sight at NOU meetings for decades. Everett says that they had long been interested in birds but didn’t get binoculars or discover the existence of the NOU until about 1966. Mildred served as President of the NOU in 1970. Mildred was bom at Rokeby, Nebraska, and graduated as valedictorian from Kearney High School in 1938. She attended Kearney State Teachers' College and graduated with a double major in chemistry and education. While raising their three children, she and Everett both began graduate studies and in 1963 Mildred became the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Mildred went on to teach math at Doane College in Crete for 25 years. In addition to her keen interest in all facets of the natural world, especially birds, Mildred was an avid musician. Her primaiy instrument was the piano, but she also played the organ, bassoon, clarinet and oboe. She played in several community orchestras and bands and was a church organist on and off for most of her adult life. Mildred is survived by her husband Everett, daughter Donna, and two sons, Daniel and Damon. In May, Izen Ratzlaff lost her battle with cancer. She was bom in 1938 in Valentine. She received her RN degree at Nebraska Methodist Hospital in 1961 and married Neal the same year. She practiced nursing in Omaha, Kansas City and the Republic of the Congo. A gifted artist, she also received degrees in fine arts and art history from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. One can hardly think of the NOU in recent years without thinking of a Ratzlaff contribution: members since 1979, Neal was President from 1994 to 1996 and continues to volunteer in many capacities, while Izen acted as the unofficial photographer, welcomer and general oiler-of-squeaky-wheels at NOU meetings. Her many albums of photos serve to chronicle our yearly meetings and field trips. According to Neal, she actually liked the people in the NOU more than she liked the birding. That affection was abundantly returned by the members of the NOU. Izen is survived by husband Neal, daughter Rebecca and son and daughter-in-law Mark and Karen. Mildred Gross Vol.75 No. 2 The Nebraska Bird Review & Annual Meeting at North Platte The 108th Annual Meeting of the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union was held in North Platte at the Sandhills Convention Center/Quality Inn on May 18-20, 2007. Field trips to surrounding counties for the 60 members and friends in attendance were organized by T. J. Walker and led by Robin Harding, Lanny Randolph, Wayne Mollhoff and T. J. Walker. Friday evening's speaker was John Sidle, Threatened and Endangered Species Specialist with the United States Forest Service in Chadron, who spoke about efforts to monitor populations of Burrowing Owls and associated species, such as Ferruginous Hawks and Black-footed Ferrets. Saturday evening. Dr. Josef Kren, a professor in the Health Science College at Bryan LGH Medical Center in Lincoln, gave a presentation on the neurobiology of bird song: how and why birds sing, calls vs. songs, how information gets from the brain to the vocal chords. NOU 2007 Annual Meeting - North Platte Custer Lincoln 1 McPherson Hayes Frontier Arthur Canada Goose X X Trumpeter Swan X X Wood Duck X X X Gadwall X X X X American Wigeon X X Mallard X X X X X Blue-winged Teal X X X X X X X Northern Shoveler X X X X X Northern Pintail X Green-winged Teal X X X X Canvasback X X Redhead X Lesser Scaup X X Hooded Merganser X Ruddy Duck X X Ring-necked Pheasant X X X X X X Greater Prairie-Chicken X Wild Turkey X X X X X X Northern Bobwhite X Pied-billed Grebe X M. The Nebraska Bird Review Vot.75 No. 2 NOU 2007 Annual Meeting - North Platte Custer Lincoln 1 McPherson Hayes Frontier Arthur Eared Grebe X X X Western Grebe X X X Clark's Grebe X American White Pelican X X Double-crested Cormorant X X American Bittern X Great Blue Heron X X X X X Cattle Egret X Green Heron X X Turkey Vulture X X X X X X Northern Harrier X X X Cooper's Hawk X X Swainson's Hawk X X X X X Red-tailed Hawk X X X X X American Kestrel X X X X X Virginia Rail X Sora X X American Coot X X X X Black-bellied Plover X X X Semipaimated Plover X Killdeer X X X X X X Lesser Yellowtegs X X Willet X Spotted Sandpiper X X X X Upland Sandpiper X X X X X X Long-billed Curlew X X X Marbled Godwit X Semipaimated Sandpiper X X X X Least Sandpiper X X White-ramped Sandpiper X X Baird's Sandpiper X Pectoral Sandpiper X Short-billed Dowitcher X Long-billed Dowitcher X Wilson's Snipe X X Wilson's Phalarope X X X X Ring-billed Gull X X Forster's Tem X X Black Tem X X X X X X Rock Pigeon X X X X X Eurasian Collared-Dove X X X X X X Mourning Dove X X X X X X X Yellow-billed Cuckoo X Vol. 75 No. 2 The Nebraska Bird Review NOU 2007 Annua! Meeting - North Platte Custer Lincoln Logan McPherson Hayes Frontier Arthur Bam Owl X Great Homed Owl X Burrowing Owl X X X X Common Nighthawk X X X X Chimney Swift X X X X X X Belted Kingfisher X X X Red-headed Woodpecker X X X X X X Red-bellied Woodpecker X X Downy Woodpecker X X X Northern Flicker X X X Olive-sided Flycatcher X Western Wood-Pewee X Eastern Wood-Pewee X Willow Flycatcher X X Least Flycatcher X Eastern Phoebe X X X X Say's Phoebe X Great-crested Flycatcher X X Western Kingbird X X X X X X X Eastern Kingbird X X X X X X X Loggerhead Shrike X X X X Bell's Vireo X X X X X Warbling Vireo X X X X Red-eyed Vireo X X X Blue Jay X X X X X Black-hilled Magpie X American Crow X X X X Homed Lark X X X X X X Purple Martin X X Tree Swallow X X X X X X Northern Rough-winged Swallow X X X X X X Bank Swallow X X Cliff Swallow X X X X X Bam Swallow X X X X X X X Black-capped Chickadee X X White-breasted Nuthatch X X Rock Wren X House Wren X X X X Marsh Wren X X X X Eastern Bluebird X X X X Swainson's Thrush X American Robin X X X X X X Gray Catbird X X X The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 2 & NOU 2007 Annual Meeting - North Platte Custer Lincoln Logan McPherson Hayes Frontier Arthur Northern Mockingbird X X X Brown Thrasher X X X X X European Starting X X X X X X X American Pipit X Cedar Waxwing X X X X Yellow Warbler X X X X X X American Redstart X Ovenbird X Northern Waterthrush X X Common Yellowthroat X X X X Yellow-breasted Chat X Spotted Towhee X Chipping Sparrow X X X X Clay-colored Sparrow X X Field Sparrow X X X X Vesper Sparrow X Lark Sparrow X X X X X X X Lark Bunting X X X X X Grasshopper Sparrow X X X X X Song Sparrow X X X Swamp Sparrow X Northern Cardinal X X X X Rose-breasted Grosbeak X Black-headed Grosbeak X X X Blue Grosbeak X X X X Lazuli Bunting X Indigo Bunting X Dickcissel X X X Bobolink X X X X X X Red-winged Blackbird X X X X X X X Eastern Meadowlark X X Western Meadowlark X X X X X X X Yellow-headed Blackbird X X X X X Common Grackle X X X X X X X Great-tailed Grackle X X X X Brown-headed Cowbird X X X X X X Orchard Oriole X X X X X X Baltimore Oriole X X X X X X X House Finch X X X X X American Goldfinch X X X X House Sparrow X X X X X X 147 77 131 85 56 66 39 35 Vol.75 No. 2 The Nebraska Bird Review SL The Nebraska Bird Review is published quarterly by the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union, Inc., as its official journal, and is sent to members not in arrears of dues. Annual subscription rates (on a calendar-year basis only): $15 in the United States, $18 in Canada and $30 in all other countries, payable in advance. Single copies are $4 each, postpaid, in the United States, $5 in Canada, and $8 elsewhere. Send orders for back issues to Mary Lou Pritchard, NOU Librarian, do University of Nebraska State Museum, W-436 Nebraska Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588- 0514. Memberships in the NOU (on a calendar-year basis only): Active, $15; Sustaining, $25; Student, $10; Family Active, $20; Family Sustaining, $30; Life, $250. Send dues and subscription requests to Betty Grenon, NOU Treasurer, (see address below) Contributions to the NOU are tax deductible. Send manuscripts and notes on bird sightings to Janis Paseka, Editor, (see address below) Send quarterly bird reports to Ross Sticock. (see address below) President and Newsletter Editor Lanny Randolph, 50370 24th Road, Gibbon, NE 68840-4065; virginiarail@nctc.net Vice-President: Urban Lchncr. 15526 Pierce Circle. Omaha. NE 68144: urbanity@hotmaii.com Secretary: Kevin Poague, 379 S. 46th St„ Lincoln, NE; kpoague@audubon.org Treasurer. Betty Grenon, 1409 Childs Road East, Bellevue, NE 68005; grenon925@aol.com Librarian: Mary Lou Pritchard, 6325 O Street #515, Lincoln, NE 68510 Directors : Loren Padelford, 1405 Little John Road, Bellevue, NE 68005; lpdlfrd@juno.com (2008) Steve Lamphere, 3101 Washington St, Apt 98, Bellevue, NE 68005; kingfisher65@aol.com (2009) Kathy DeLara, 170188 Spring Creek Road, Mitchell, NE 69357; renosmom@charter.net (2010) Records Committee Chairman: Mark Brogie, Box 316, Creighton, NE 68729; mbrogie@esui.org Editor of The Nebraska Bird Review : Janis Paseka, 1585 Co. Rd. 14 Btvd., Ames, NE 68621; paseka76@gmail.com Occurrence Report Compiler: RossSilcock, P.O. Box 57, Tabor, IA 51653; silcock@rosssilcock.com Breeding Bird Atlas Project and Nest Records Coordinator Wayne Mollhoff, 2354 Euclid St, Ashland NE 68003; wmolIhofif@netscape.net NOU Website: http://rip.physics.unk.edu/NOU/ Nebraska Birdline: do Josef Kren 402*721-5487, ext 6490, or 800-642-8382, ext 6490, orbirdsne@yahoo.com Subscription and Organization Information University of Nebraska - Lincoln Digital Commons^ University of Nebraska - Lincoln Nebraska Bird Review Nebraska Ornithologists' Union 9-2007 Nebraska Bird Review (September 2007) 75(3), WHOLE ISSUE Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/nebbirdrev £0 Part of the Ornithology Commons, Poultry or Avian Science Commons, and the Zoology Commons "Nebraska Bird Review (September 2007) 75(3), WHOLE ISSUE" (2007). Nebraska Bird Review. 1014. http: / / digitalcommons.unl.edu/nebbirdrev/1014 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union at DigitalCommons(o)University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Nebraska Bird Review by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons(a)University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Nebraska Bird Review (September 2007) 75(3), WHOLE ISSUE. Copyright 2007 Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union. Used by permission. The Nebraska Bird Review A Magazine of Ornithology of the Nebraska Region Volume 75 September 2007 Number 3 Published by the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union, Inc. Founded 1899 Janis M. Paseka, Editor Stephen J. Dinsmore, Co-editor SSSN 0028-1816 2a The Nebraska Bird Review Vol.75 No. 3 SUMMER FIELD REPORT, June-July 2007 Compiled by W. Ross Silcock P.O. Box 57, Tabor, IA 51653 silcock@rosssilcock.com INTRODUCTION This summer was a “something for everyone” season. Ecologists, already excited by the apparent ability of Greater Prairie-Chickens to lek in improbable habitats, such as com fields and dirt edges of Rainwater Basin playas, will welcome the use by Lark Buntings and Vesper Sparrows of wheat stubble fields with a growing com crop. The Vesper Sparrows of the east, a different subspecies from those in the north and west, have been at the mercy of full-tillage cropping systems, but now have a reprieve and may even be increasing because of no-till and minimum tillage methods currently in vogue due to high fuel prices and conservation benefits. White-faced Ibis again nested in several places, and Red-shouldered Hawk is showing signs of expanding from its limited range at Fontenelle Forest. Very exciting was the confirmation of breeding for the first time in Nebraska of Ash- throated Flycatcher, only the second record of the species’ occurrence in the state. Hopefully confirmation is soon to follow for Broad-tailed Hummingbird, which has now twice been reported during the breeding season. A phenomenon that may be applicable to those early migrant passerines that appear well before local breeders seem to have finished breeding and have even contemplated migration, is molt-migration. A recent article in Birding http;//www,americanbirding,org/pubs/birding/archives/voi39no3p34to40.pdf discusses this strategy for such species as Dusky Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunting, and Bullock's Oriole, which is probably best known for its early departure from breeding areas for an intermediate staging area where it molts, then continues to its wintering grounds. The possibility was raised by Ted Floyd that Chipping Sparrow might be in this group as well. Unfortunately, other Ilian the existence of many such rather early fall records for various species in areas where breeding does not occur, Nebraska has little data to support or contradict this idea. Observers should continue to report obvious indications of early fall movement (flocking, appearance out of breeding habitat, disappearance of adults). ABBREVIATIONS ADF: Arbor Day Farm, Nebraska City; BBS: Breeding Bird Survey; BOL: Branched Oak L, Lancaster Co; Cem: Cemetery; CLNWR: Crescent L NWR, Garden Co; FF: Fontenelle Forest, Sarpy Co; HCR: Harlan Co Res, Harlan Co; ICSP: Indian Cave SP, Nemaha/Richardson Cos; LM: L McConaughy, Keith Co; LO: L Ogallala, Keith Co; m.ob.: many observers; Vol. 75 No. 3 The Nebraska Bird Review 21 NLB: North Lake Basin WMA, Seward Co; NWR: National Wildlife Refuge; Res: Reservoir, RWB: Rainwater Basin, south-central and southeast Nebraska; SCP: (Audubon) Spring Creek Prairie, Lancaster Co; SHP: State Historical Park; SL: Sewage Lagoon(s); SP: State Park; SRA: State Recreation Area; WMA: (State) Wildlife Management Area; WPA: (Federal) Waterfowl Production Area; WSR: Wind Springs Ranch, Sioux Co. GAZETTEER Calamus Res: SRA/WMA, Loup/Garfield Cos; Funk Lagoon: WPA, Phelps Co; Harvard Marsh: WPA, Clay Co; Monroe Canyon: Sioux Co; Oliver Res: SRA, Kimball Co; Sowbelly Canyon: Sioux Co. OBSERVERS AK: Alice Kenitz, Gering; AR: Arlys Reitan, Lincoln; B&DW: Bruce and Donna Walgren, Casper, WY; BB: Bart Bly, Alliance; BG: Betty Grenon, Bellevue; CG: Carey Grell, Lincoln; CH: Carolyn Hall, Bassett; CNK: Clem N. Klaphake, Bellevue; CWH: C.W. Huntley, Ogallala; D&CN: Don & Colleen Noecker, Albion; D&JP: Don & Jan Paseka, Ames; D&RK: Dennis and Rhalene Katus, Bayard; DK: Dan Kim, Wood River; DL: Dan Leger, Lincoln; G&WH: Glen & Wanda Hoge, Alma; HKH: Helen K. Hughson, Mitchell; J&LP: Janis and LeRoy Poppe, Scribner; JG: Joe Gubanyi, Seward; JGJ: Joel G. Jorgensen, Lincoln; JJ: Jan Johnson, Wakefield; JM: Jeanne Miller, Bennington; JMc: John McCarty, Omaha; JMu: Jerry Mulliken, Nickerson; JR: Justin Rink, Omaha; 11 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 3 JWH: John W. Hall, Omaha; KD: Kathy DeLara, Mitchell; KP: Kevin Poague, Lincoln; KS: Kent Skaggs, Kearney; L&BP: Loren and Babs Padelford, Bellevue; L&CF: Larry & Carol Falk, Nebraska City; LB: Laurel Badura, Kearney; LE: Larry Einemann, Lincoln; LR: Lanny Randolph, Gibbon; MB: Mark Brogie, Creighton; MT: Martha Tacha, Lincoln; MU: Mark Urwiller, Kearney; PD: Paul Dunbar, Hastings; PR: Paul Roisen, Sioux City, IA; RE: Rick Eades, Lincoln; RG: Ruth Green, Bellevue; RH: Robin Harding, Gibbon; RM: Robert Manning, Omaha; RS: Rick Schmid, Omaha; SJD: Stephen J. Dinsmore, Ames, IA; SM: Steve Morris, Grand Island; SR: Sarah Rehme, Seward; TH: Tim Hajda, Broken Bow; TJW: T.J. Walker, Brady; TP: Theresa Pester, Walton; WM: Wayne Mollhoff, Ashland; WRS: W. Ross Silcock, Tabor, IA. SPECIES ACCOUNTS Greater White-fronted Goose: Summer stragglers are rare, but one was in Clay Co 17 Jun (JGJ). Snow Goose: About 25 stragglers or non-migrants were found; largest group was 20 at Harvard Marsh 2 Jun (PD), and westerly, where rare, was one at LM 10 Jun (SJD). Ross’s Goose: One at LM 9 Jun (SJD) was only the 3rd Jun record. Canada Goose: Routine reports. Trumpeter Swan: Routine reports. Wood Duck: Routine reports. Gadwall: Routine reports. American Wigeon: A male at LM 9 Jun (SJD) was likely a late migrant; breeding is not known there. Mallard: There is little information on timing of molt to eclipse in Nebraska; thus of interest was a male molting near North Platte 9 Jul (TJW). Blue-winged Teal: Routine reports. Cinnamon Teal: One at Funk Lagoon 3 Jul (KS) was unexpected, although recent years have seen increased reports from the RWB. Northern Shoveler: Routine reports. Northern Pintail: Routine reports. Vol. 75 No. 3 The Nebraska Bird Review 73 Green-winged Teal: Sightings in Jun-Jul away from the Sandhills are unexpected, but earliest molt-migrants could appear in Jun. Most Jun-Jul sightings away from the Sandhills are from the RWB; 5 were at NLB 10 Jun (JGJ) and another at Funk Lagoon 3 Jul (KS). Canvasback: A male at LO 9 Jun (SJD) was probably unmated at that date and location. Few breed in Nebraska. Redhead: A nest with 12 eggs, apparently of this species based on characteristics of the eggs and nest site and the presence of 12 adults, was at Harvard Marsh 2 Jun (PD); this is only about the 4th nesting record for the RWB. Scattered reports elsewhere included 2-5 at Alma SL 23 Jun-1 Jul (G&WH), one in the e. RWB 24 Jun (JGJ), and one at Funk Lagoon 3 Jul (KS). Ring-necked Duck: The only report was of a male in Clay Co 22 Jul (JGJ); summer stragglers are rare. Lesser Scaup: Stragglers can occur anywhere in the state during summer; one in the e. RWB 24 Jun (JGJ) was the latest of about 20 Jun-Jul reports there, while singles were in n. Cherry Co 10 Jun (a male, L&CF) and at LO the same day (SJD). Low numbers breed on w. Sandhills lakes. Hooded Merganser: The usual scattering of immatures was reported statewide (m. ob.); usually reported as “females/immatures”, most if not all are likely one-year-old birds not yet breeding. Breeding in Nebraska is rare, with fewer than 5 documented cases. Common Merganser: A few non-breeders and molt-migrants regularly occur in summer at LO; a male and 2 females were there 9 Jun (SJD). Ruddy Duck: The presence of 2 broods in w. Seward Co 14 Jul (JGJ) was one of fewer than 10 breeding records in the e. RWB. Displaying territorial males were seen at Deep Well WMA, Hamilton Co, 8 Jun (JGJ). Gray Partridge: Somewhat unpredictable in occurrence in its ne. and nc. Nebraska range, the 2 birds in Dixon Co 2 Jun were tire first seen there for several years (JJ). Ring-necked Pheasant: Routine reports. Sharp-tailed Grouse: Routine reports. Greater Prairie-Chicken: Routine reports. Wild Turkey: A hen was flushed from a nest with 13 eggs in Nemaha Co 3 Jun (WRS). Northern Bobwhite: Two were flushed in s. Morrill Co 17 Jun; apparently bobwhites are recent inhabitants of this area, as a local farmer who has also been seeing them stated they were his “first in 40 years” (WRS). Although fairly common in the North and South Platte Valleys in the Panhandle, bobwhites are rare away from those valleys. Common Loon: None were reported; this species occurs regularly in summer at LO. Pied-billed Grebe: Good water conditions in parts of the RWB and the se. allowed numerous sightings of broods 9 Jun-28 Jul in Lancaster (LE), Seward (JGJ), York (JGJ), and Phelps (KS) Cos. Nesting was reported also from Sarpy Co 3 Jun (CNK). Red-necked Grebe: A basic adult at LM 10 Jun (SJD) provided only the 2nd Jun record for the state; it was likely a non-breeder. Eared Grebe: Easterly stragglers, which are rare in summer, included singles in Seward Co 10 Jun (JGJ), at Alma SL 20 Jun (G&WH), and at Funk Lagoon 3 Jul (KS). 74 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 3 Western Grebe: Best count at LM was 1198 on 10 Jun (SJD). One in York Co 8 Jun (JGJ) was easterly, Clark’s Grebe: Among the 1198 Westerns at LM 10 Jun were 23 Clark’s (SJD), an excellent count. American White Pelican: Routine reports. Double-crested Cormorant: Some 200-250 were at LO, including 2 nests (JGJ,SJD); one nest was found there in Apr (MB), the first in the LM area since the 1940s. Summer stragglers, usually immatures, are rare in the southeast, but several were reported: one was in w. Seward Co 9 Jun (JGJ), singles were at 3 Lancaster Co locations 28 Jun-28 Jul (LE), and 2 were in Butler Co 12 Jul (CNK). American Bittern: Good numbers were found in the RWB due to good water conditions, a total of about 9 (JGJ,JG,KS,G&WH). Least Bittern: As with the previous species, sightings would be expected this year, even though this species is rare in Nebraska; 1-3 were found in w. Seward Co through the period (JG). Great Blue Heron: An established rookery at the Platte River in s. Sarpy Co had 55 adults and young 1 Jun (CNK), and a new rookery near Glen at the opposite end of the state had 11 occupied nests 6 Jun (B&DW). These bring the total rookeries reported for 2007 to 5. Great Egret: Very few appeared this summer; none were found 29 Jul in the e. RWB (JGJ), usually peak time for the species there. Another active observer found only one in Lancaster Co during the period (LE). Best count was only 6, at HCR 18 Jul (G&WH). Snowy Egret: The only report was of a late migrant at LM 10 Jun (SJD). Little Blue Heron: None were reported; the first of the few that do occur arrive in late Jul. Cattle Egret: Only the 6th breeding record for the state was noted at CLNWR 19 Jun (WM). The only other reports were of 11 “yard birds” near Ames 14 Jun (D&JP), one at Funk Lagoon 3 Jul (KS), and one in the e. RWB 14 Jul (JGJ). Numbers are lowest in Jun-early Jul. Green Heron: Routine reports. Black-crowned Night-Heron: Routine reports. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron: None were reported; a few appear in the RWB in late Jul most years. Glossy Ibis: Continuing a string of sightings in the e. RWB was one at Harvard Marsh with 68 White-faced Ibis 2 Jun (PD). This is Nebraska’s 16th record. White-faced Ibis: Although a surprising 3 nesting attempts were reported this summer, there are still fewer than 10 nesting records for the state. A nesting colony was establishing at Harvard Marsh 2 Jun, when 68 birds had 6 nests with 1-2 eggs each and 10 more nests were under construction; unfortunately cattle were added to the area and the nesting attempt failed (PD). Two other colonies were reported, at CLNWR 19 Jun and Avocet WMA, Grant Co, 23 Jun (WM); several birds were at the latter location 5 Jul (LR,RH). Four in w. Seward Co 9 Jun (JG) and 12 in York Co the same day (SM) were likely late migrants, while one in Morrill Co 23 Jun (KD) and 4 at Funk Lagoon 3 Jul (KS) may have been non- or failed breeders. Turkey Vulture: Two nestlings were at a nest near Scribner 5 Jun (J&LP). Vol. 75 No. 3 The Nebraska Bird Review 21 Osprey: Singles at LO 9-10 Jun (SJD), near North Bend 10 Jun (JGJ), and near Valley 11 Jul, the latter possibly the same as the North Bend bird (JGJ) were likely immatures not yet breeding. There are about 33 similar records 10 Jun-7 Aug. Mississippi Kite: At a regular site was one in Ogallala 9 Jun (SJD), but another near Kearney 15 Jun (MU) was unexpected. Breeding is known from only 2 sites, Ogallala and Red Cloud. Bald Eagle: Nebraska Game and Parks reported a record 45 nests in the state this year; the total for 2005 was 37 (JGJ). Northern Harrier: Presence of adult males in Jun is indicative of local nesting; males were over prairie near Sterling 3 Jun (WRS) and near Friend 9 Jun (LR,RH), parts of the state where breeding numbers are probably low. Cooper’s Hawk: Routine reports. Red-shouldered Hawk: One crossing the Missouri River from Iowa to Nebraska at Omaha 22 Jul (JR) was not far from a known breeding site at FF, but another in Adams Co 14 Jul (PD) continues a recent trend of sightings some distance from FF. A similar trend has been noted in Kansas. Swainson’s Hawk: Density of nesting birds in the s. Panhandle is impressive; 100+ nests, 70+ active, were located this breeding season, most of them in Kimball Co (BB). A single was easterly at Wausa 28 Jun (D&JP). Red-tailed Hawk: A dark morph bird in Bellevue 24 Jul was the observer’s first in summer in 50 years (RG); this bird may have been a failed breeder on the move early; earliest fall dates for dark birds are in late Sep. Ferruginous Hawk: A good total of 30+ nests were located in the Panhandle this summer (BB); this compares with the estimate by the Federal Government in 2001 of 35 breeding pairs in the state. Golden Eagle: Some 20+ nests were found in the Panhandle this summer (BB). An adult was at a nest in Keith Co that had 3 large young 9 Jun (SJD). American Kestrel: Routine reports. Merlin: This species breeds in very small numbers on the Pine Ridge, with few summer reports in recent years. Thus of interest was one near Chadron 3 Jun (RM). Prairie Falcon: Routine reports. Peregrine Falcon: Routine reports. Virginia Rail: Nesting may occur anywhere in the state given suitable water conditions; an adult with 2 chicks was seen at an expected location near Lakeside 5 Jul (LR,RH) but unusual was an adult with 3 chicks in w. Seward Co 12 Jul (CNK). Although there have been a few summer sightings in the RWB in recent years, this is only the 2nd confirmed breeding record there. Sora: One of few breeding records for the southeast was the discovery of an abandoned egg at Jack Sinn WMA, Lancaster/Saunders Cos, 9 Jun (LE). Late for the location was one in Nuckolls Co 2 Jun (LR,RH). American Coot: This was another species taking advantage of good water conditions to breed; nests and broods were widely-reported in the e. RWB, with eggs 2-10 Jun (PD,JGJ), a nestling 10 Jun (JGJ), and broods 3-29 Jul (KS,JGJ). Less usual breeding locations were Sarpy Co, where nesting was noted 2 Jun (CNK), and w. Custer Co, where 3 incubating birds were found 20 Jun (TJW). The Nebraska Bird Review Vol 75 No. 3 M. Sandhill Crane: The nesting pair in Morrill Co had 2 chicks 22 Jun, but one died of unknown causes around 25 Jul (D&RK,KD,AK). The adults arrived in the 3rd week of Mar and the chicks were first seen in early May (D&RK). This is the 3rd year this pair has nested there; one chick was raised in 2005 (a second was apparently killed by a coyote) and two were raised in 2006 (D&RK). Other sightings without nesting evidence were of 4 in Buffalo Co 3 Jun (D&JP) and 3 at Valentine NWR, Cherry Co, 19 Jul (PR). Black-bellied Plover: None were reported; migrants usually occur into early Jun. American Golden-Plover: Only the 5th Jun record for this early migrant was one in the e. RWB 3 Jun (JGJ). Snowy Plover: The glory days of nesting of this species at LM seem to be over with higher water levels encroaching into vegetation and eliminating open nesting habitat. Only one bird was found there 10 Jun (SJD). However, an exciting discovery at the newly-cleared Dinan Memorial Tract along the Platte River in Buffalo Co was the two nests, each with 3 eggs, 21 Jun; at least one nest fledged young (MT). Semipalmated Plover: Second-earliest on record for fall were 2 in w. Seward Co 7 Jul (JG). Piping Plover: Numbers were down from recent years at LM, but still a healthy 41 were counted there 9 Jun (SJD) and a chick was found 3 Jun (JGJ). Significant were 6 adults and 2 nests at Goose L, CLNWR, 9 Jun (SJD); nesting in the Sandhills is unusual, with only 3-4 records of breeding in the last 5 years and none before that since 1917. A displaying male at Oliver Res 10 Jun (SJD) would add a breeding site if able to impress a mate. The 1-2 in Sarpy Co 1-9 Jun (CNK,L&BP,JR) and again 4 Jul (CNK) may have come across the Missouri River from their breeding site in Iowa. Killdeer: AtOgallala 25 Jul chicks 1-2 days old were noted (CWH); this indicates eggs 22-23 Jul, a rather late date. Mountain Plover: The numbers of nests located by the Prairie Partners program in the s. Panhandle continue to amaze: 107 were found this year (BB). More usual were the pair noted courting near Kimball Airport 8 Jun (SJD), and the adult with nearly grown chick south of the airport 16 Jun (WRS). Black-necked Stilt: The only reports were of 2-3 at Funk Lagoon 3-13 Jul, with 2 young present on the latter date (KS). Nesting occurred there in 2003 and was recorded in the e. RWB in 2005-2006. American Avocet: An excellent nest count for this common Sandhills breeder was the 45 nests (with 76 adults) at CLNWR 9 Jun (SJD). One was as far east as Lincoln 19 Jun (LE). Spotted Sandpiper: Routine reports. Solitary Sandpiper: Routine reports. Greater Yellowlegs: Earliest returnee was near LO 28 Jun (TJW); this species returns early, with earliest dates in mid-Jun. Willet: Uncommon in the east, the 5 in Seward Co 3 Jun (JG) were late as well. A “territorial” bird near St Paul 9 Jul (LB) was south and east of the usual summer range, but within the normal migration period, while another in Lancaster Co 21 Jul (LE) was a rare fall occurrence in the east. Lesser Yellowlegs: Last for spring was one in the e. RWB 3 Jun (JGJ) and first for fall was one in Morrill Co 23 Jun (KD). Upland Sandpiper: The 40 in a flooded hay meadow in Keith Co 20 Jun (TJW) was an excellent count; either they were fairly late migrants or were local Vol. 75 No. 3 The Nebraska Bird Review 77 breeders attracted to a good food supply. Two chicks 2 weeks old were found in Clay Co 30 Jun (JGJ), perhaps a little late. Long-billed Curlew: “A few” were in sw. Lincoln Co 11 Jun (TJW) at the s. edge of the summer range, and a pair with a juvenile in Box Butte Co 24 Jul (PR) was rather late. Last one seen at WSR was 22 Jul (HKH); most leave breeding grounds by Aug. Hudsonian Godwit: The only report was of one rather late in Sarpy Co 1 Jun (CNK). Marbled Godwit: None were reported; most fall movement is in Jul. Sanderting: At the tail end of spring migration were 6 at LM 3 Jun (JGJ) and one in Sarpy Co. the same day (L&BP). Semipalmated Sandpiper: A late migrant in spring, 9 were in Lancaster Co 7 Jun (LE) and as many as 150 still in the e. RWB 3 Jun (JGJ). Western Sandpiper: None were reported; adults arrive in mid- to late Jul. Least Sandpiper: Routine reports. White-rumped Sandpiper: Last for spring was one at Oliver Res 16 Jun (WRS). Baird's Sandpiper: Routine reports. Pectoral Sandpiper: One in w. Seward Co 7 Jul (JG) was a rather early fall returnee. Stilt Sandpiper: One in w. Seward Co 8 Jun (JG) was a bit late, while first for fall were “a few” at Funk Lagoon 13 Jul (KS). Buff-breasted Sandpiper: Arrival was rather early, with one at LBN 19 Jul (MB), the 2nd-earliest on record, and 10 at North Bend by 27 Jul (JGJ). Short-billed Dowitcher: The first dowitchers in fall are adult Short-billeds; right on time were 2 in the e. RWB 14 Jul (JGJ). Long-billed Dowitcher: Routine reports. Wilson’s Snipe: Sightings of singles at Jack Sinn WMA, Lancaster/Saunders Cos, 9 Jun and 28 Jul (LE) were likely summering there; both dates are out of the usual migration periods for spring and fall. Snipe have been recorded several times during the breeding season at this location. American Woodcock: None were reported; this is a summer resident in the east. Wilson’s Phalarope: Following reports of breeding at Harvard Marsh and in Fillmore Co this spring, this summer in Seward Co a male was with a young chick 3 Jun (JGJ), distraction displays were seen 9 Jun (JG), “fresh juveniles” were found 30 Jun (JGJ), and 2 additional juveniles were seen 14 Jul (JGJ). There are still very few breeding records from the RWB, most of them since 2000. Closer to the usual breeding range were 2 broods at LM 10 Jun (SJD) and a brood in Morrill Co 10 Jun (SJD). Rather late for the east were 1 -2 through 9 Jun (CNK,L&BP). Red-necked Phalarope: Routine reports. Franklin’s Gull: Usually a few can be found lingering in summer, but this year last reported for spring were 31 at LM 9 Jun (SJD) and first in fall 10 at BOL 13 Jul (LE). Best count was only 58, in Nuckolls Co 2 Jun (LR,RH). Ring-billed Gull: LM still had 133 on 9 Jun (SJD), a good count for the date. California Gull: Best count was 17 at LM on 9 Jun, consisting of 15 adults and one each first and second summer birds (SJD). A first summer bird was at Oliver Res 16 Jun (WRS). Numbers are lowest in Jun. Herring Gull: Routine reports. Least Tern: LM hosted 8 adults with 4 nests 9 Jun (SJD); one adult was there 3 Jun (JGJ). Nesting was successful at a popular swimming area in sw. Sarpy 78 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 3 Co, where 10-12 adults had at least 2 young ready to fledge 18 Jul (CNK). One near Friend 9 Jun (LR,RH) was unexpected at that location, and is only the 5th RWB record in some 90 years. Several other reports were from or near traditional summering locations on the Platte River west to Dodge Co (L&BP,D&JP,CNK). Caspian Tern: The only report was of 2 at LM 3 Jun (JGJ), a location where there have been several early Jun reports in recent years. Black Tern: An “immature”, presumably a year-old bird not completing migration, was at Wehrspann L, Sarpy Co, 19 Jun (JWH), and another straggler was in Lancaster Co 28 Jun (LE). First juveniles noted were with adults at Funk Lagoon 3 Jul (KS), rather early. Common Tern: The only report was of an altemate-plumaged adult at LM 10 Jun (SJD); migrants pass through into mid-Jun. Forster’s Tern: Two molting adults at Oliver Res 16 Jun were likely failed breeders or non-breeders (WRS), while 6 at BOL 13 Jul (LE) were fall migrants. Rock Pigeon: Routine reports. Eurasian Collared-Dove: Routine reports (finally). White-winged Dove: The 2nd breeding record for this increasingly-reported species in Nebraska was of a pair with a juvenile in Lincoln 11 Jul (DL). There were 3 additional reports: singles in Albion 4 Jun (D&CN), where the first breeding record occurred in 2005, in Fairmont 15 Jul (JR), and in David City 17 Jul (RE). Mourning Dove: Flocks of young birds begin to form in mid-Jul; 118 were at one site in Lancaster Co 21 Jul (LE). Yellow-billed Cuckoo: Routine reports. Black-billed Cuckoo: This species is being reported more often, including a record count of 7 in Otoe Co 16 Jun (L&CF), suggesting that migration in this species continues well into Jun. It summered at ADF (L&CF), and singles were at SCP 6 Jun (KP), Adams Co 7 Jul (MB), and se. Jefferson Co 14 Jul (WRS). Barn Owl: An adult at a nest with 2 young as well as an additional nest were found at LM 9 Jun (SJD), a regular nesting location. The only other report was of one in Adams Co 15 Jun (PD). Eastern Screech-Owl: Routine reports. Great Horned Owl; Routine reports. Burrowing Owl: Surveys in Scotts Bluff Co showed a decline from 97 birds in 2006 to 58 this year, although the ratio of juveniles to adults was similar at 56% and 49% respectively (KD). Barred Owl: Continuing westerly reports in the Platte Valley was a dead bird found at North Platte and turned in for West Nile Virus testing 7 Jun (fide TJW). Long-eared Owl: None were reported; this species is a regular but rare breeder in Nebraska. Short-eared Owl: The only report was of 2 at a traditional summer location in Scotts Bluff Co 14 Jul (KD). Common Nighthawk: Routine reports. Common Poorwill: A local rancher reported “dozens” on the dirt canyon roads in Lincoln Co 15 Jun ((fide TJW); although this is one of fewer than 5 reports from that area, this interesting habitat apparently hosts good numbers of this species. Yol, 75 No^j The Nebraska Bird Review 79 Chuck-will’s-widow: Singles were detected again this year at Oak Glen WMA, Seward Co, 16 and 18 Jul (JG,CNK). There are few known regular locations in the state. Whip-poor-will: A good count of 10+ was made at Oak Glen WMA, Seward Co, 16 Jul (JG); this species is localized in the east due to its dislike of disturbed woodland such as that affected by grazing, but is abundant in suitable woodlands. Chimney Swift: Routine reports. White-throated Swift: The only reports were from traditional locations in Scotts Bluff Co (AK). Ruby-throated Hummingbird: There were scattered summer reports from the Missouri Valley (L&CF,TP,CNK,RM), as expected. Broad-tailed Hummingbird: An exciting report was from the observer’s feeders in s. Scotts Bluff Co, where a male was seen 24 Jun and a female remained there 27 Jun-23 Jul (AK). The only other summer record suggestive of breeding, not yet documented in Nebraska, was one identified by the loud buzz in flight 29 Jun 2003 in Monroe Canyon. First for fall was record early by a few days near Mitchell 12 Jul, and 1-2 were there through 21 Jul (KD). Calliope Hummingbird: The 3 singles reported were a male at WSR 7 Jul (HKH), a bird in Scotts Bluff Co 13 Jul (AK), and one near Mitchell 22 Jul (KD). With knowledgeable feeder-watchers monitoring hummers in the Panhandle, this species is proving to be a regular migrant, along with Rufous and Broad-tailed. Rufous Hummingbird: Earliest of 3 or so reported in Scotts Bluff Co was near Mitchell 12 Jul (KD), tying the 3rd-earliest date. Belted Kingfisher: Routine reports. Red-headed Woodpecker: Routine reports. Red-bellied Woodpecker: Routine reports. Downy Woodpecker: Adults were feeding nestlings near Broken Bow 9 Jun (TH). Hairy Woodpecker: Routine reports. Northern Flicker: A nest with a nearly-fledged young bird was near Broken Bow 9 Jun (TH). Pileated Woodpecker: Nesting was confirmed at both locations where breeding is known to occur. At 1CSP, a nest hole found 9 Jun (SM) had 3 juveniles near fledging 16 Jun (RM). At FF, a nest near Hidden Lake checked on 1 and 13 Jul still had at least one of the 3 young seen there earlier (CNK). This is the second of the 2 active nests at FF this year. Intriguing were unconfirmed sightings from Lincoln and McPherson Cos in late summer 2005 (fide TJW). There are no confirmed reports away from se. Nebraska. Olive-sided Flycatcher: The only sighting was the last spring migrant reported, in Lancaster Co 1 Jun (LE). Western Wood-Pewee: Routine reports. Eastern Wood-Pewee: Adults were feeding young in Burt Co 10 Jul (CNK) and Sarpy Co 26 Jul (CNK). Acadian Flycatcher: None were reported; this is a summer resident in the southeast. Alder Flycatcher: There were 3 reports of this late-migrating species: 2 were captured and measured at Boyer Chute NWR, Washington Co, 1 Jun (RS,BG), one was heard in Keith Co 3 Jun (JM), and another singing there 10 Jun (SJD) was latest on record. The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 3 80 Willow Flycatcher: Routine reports. Least Flycatcher: This early fall migrant was reported 26 Jul in Dodge Co (D&JP); the few documented records suggest migration begins in late Jul in Nebraska. Cordilleran Flycatcher: The only reports were from traditional summer locations in Sioux Co 30 Jun (AK). Eastern Phoebe: Routine reports. Say’s Phoebe: An adult was feeding 3 fledglings at Lorenzo, Cheyenne Co, 4 Jul (KD). Ash-throated Flycatcher: Very exciting was the discovery of a single in Kimball Co 28 Jun (WM), photographed 9-10 Jul (JG,MB), and subsequent confirmation of the presence of a breeding pair there 15 Jul (WM). This is the first Nebraska breeding record, and only the 2nd record overall. Great Crested Flycatcher: An adult was feeding young rather late at ADF 28 Jul (L&CF), and one was westerly, but within the summer range, in West Ash Canyon, Dawes Co, 7 Jul (LH,RH). Cassin’s Kingbird: This species has increased its range in s. Panhandle escarpments in Kimball, Banner, Scotts Bluff, and Morrill Cos in the last 20 years (AK). It also occurs in good numbers in favored locations away from escarpments, such as just south of Exit 1 on 1-80 in Kimball Co, where 4 were found 3 Jun (JGJ). Western Kingbird: Young were being fed in Banner Co 2 Jun (AK), rather early; earliest egg date for this species, however, is 4 May. An excellent easterly count was the 20 in Lancaster Co 13 Jul (LE), when fall groups begin to appear. Eastern Kingbird: The 145 in Lancaster Co 28 Jul (LE) was an excellent count; as with Western Kingbird, groups form in late Jul. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher: Breeding occurred at the Lincoln Airport where a pair had a nest with eggs 16 Jun and 4 fledged young 6 Jul (AR, fide JGJ). Apparently 3 young were fledged there in 2006 also (fide AR). Although a juvenile was reported at Eppley Airfield, Omaha, as early as 2 Jun, only singles were reported there, leaving breeding unconfirmed (m. ob.). The male of the breeding pair in sw. Kearney Co was seen 12 Jun (TH). Yet another single was in Nemaha Co 22-23 Jun (CG, fide JGJ). Loggerhead Shrike: The w. Sandhills and Panhandle continue to be a national stronghold for this species; good numbers were found in Cherry and Sheridan Cos in early Jun, with 14 counted on 2 BBS routes (CNK), and in Cheyenne Co 4 Jul, where 4 family groups were found on a BBS route (KD). One on a nest near Agate 9 Jun (AK) was behind schedule. Bell’s Vireo: Routine reports. Yellow-throated Vireo: Routine reports. Plumbeous Vireo: Towards the e. end of the Nebraska breeding range were 2 at West Ash Canyon, Dawes Co, 7 Jul (LR,RH) and 2 at Chadron SP, Dawes Co, 8 Jul (LR,RH). Warbling Vireo: Routine reports. Red-eyed Vireo: A nest with young was at Bassett 14 Jul (CH). Blue Jay: An incubating bird was at SCP 6 Jun (KP), on schedule. Pinyon Jay: None were reported; this is a rare breeder in the northwest. Black-billed Magpie: One of the more easterly nestings for some time was in e. Seward Co this summer (SR). Also easterly were 2-3 in Adams Co 7-14 VqI. 75 N.p,3 The Nebraska Bird Review M Jul (MB,PD). Numbers may be recovering in the west; 6 in the observer’s yard in Scotts Bluff Co were the first there in 6 years (AK). American Crow: Routine reports. Horned Lark: Fledglings were found in Banner Co 2 Jun (AK). Purple Martin: Two were near the w. edge of the summer range in Ogallala 9 Jun (SJD). A pair with 3 fledglings was in Bellevue 26 Jul (CNK), rather close to fall departure dates, as exemplified by the flock of 200 at a North Platte ball park 28-29 Jul (TJW) and an amazing tally of 1200-1500 migrating in loose flocks over Omaha 30 Jul (JR). Tree Swallow: Adults were feeding fledglings at Funk Lagoon 3 Jul (KS). Violet-green Swallow: Routine reports. Northern Rough-winged Swallow: Routine reports. Bank Swallow: Newly-fledged young were seen in Otoe Co 21 Jul (CNK), close to fall departure. Cliff Swallow: Adults were feeding young near Agate 9 Jun (AK), rather early. Barn Swallow: Routine reports. Black-capped Chickadee: Routine reports. Tufted Titmouse: Adults were feeding 2 young at ADF 2 Jul (L&CF). Red-breasted Nuthatch: One in West Ash Canyon, Dawes Co, 7 Jul (LR,RH) may have been an early fall wanderer; breeding records in the Pine Ridge are surprisingly scarce. White-breasted Nuthatch: One in Monroe Canyon feeding young 30 Jun (AK) was presumably of the western subspecies nelsoni. Pygmy Nuthatch: Routine reports. Brown Creeper: None were reported; this species is a rare breeder in the Missouri Valley and uncommon in the Pine Ridge. Rock Wren: Easterly was one on a rocked railroad embankment in Adams Co 16 Jun (PD); summer reports east of the breeding range are rare. Fewer than usual were found in the loess canyons of se. Lincoln Co, possibly because heavy rains washed away dirt bank breeding sites (TJW). Adults were carrying food in Banner and Scotts Bluff Cos 2 Jun (AK). Carolina Wren: An experienced observer noted that this species “has never been so widely distributed” (LE). House Wren: A good count was the 38 at Wilderness Park, Lincoln, 5 Jun (LE). Nest-building was noted near Broken Bow 4 Jul (TH), apparently a 2nd brood, and fledglings were seen at ADF 12 Jul (L&CF). Sedge Wren: Most pass through Nebraska in spring, with few remaining in Jun. However one was singing in a grassy Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) field near Pickrell 3 Jun, possibly a late migrant (WRS), one was in Lancaster Co 25 Jun (LE), and one was in Knox Co 28 Jun (D&JP). Typically, Sedge Wrens return to Nebraska in good numbers in mid-Jul; one was at ADF 6 Jul, and another was carrying nest material there 22 Jul (L&CF). Marsh Wren: While the propensity of Sedge Wren to arrive in mid-Jul and at least attempt nesting is well-known, the same phenomenon likely occurs with Marsh Wren also, at least in the RWB; these birds are absent there in early summer but singing birds start showing up in mid- or late summer (JGJ). There are few actual breeding records south of the Platte Valley, but summer records there are almost all from mid-Jul on. This summer, with good water conditions, territorial birds appeared in w. Seward Co marshes £2 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 3 19 Jul where none were found May-Jun (JG). One carrying food near North Platte 9 Jul (TJW) and another that appeared at the marsh in FF 9 Jul (L&BP) were likely new arrivals also. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: One was carrying nest material in Banner Co 2 Jun (AK). Eastern Bluebird: A series of boxes in Otoe Co fledged 45 young this year (L&CF). An adult was tending a juvenile at SCP 6 Jun (KP), Mountain Bluebird: Adults were carrying food in Scotts Bluff and Banner Cos 2 Jun (AK), and fledglings were seen in Sioux Co 30 Jun (AK). Several were using nest boxes near Chadron 7 Jun (L&CF). Wood Thrush: At the w. edge of the breeding range was one at Hormel Park, Fremont, 27 Jun (RE). American Robin: Routine reports. Gray Catbird: Routine reports. Northern Mockingbird: Good numbers can be found in se. Nebraska; 6 were in Gage Co 21 Jun (L&BP) and 5 singing birds were on an 80-acre site in Pawnee Co 30 Jun (WRS). Brown Thrasher: A nest with 3 young was at SCP 6 Jun (KP) and a recent fledgling at Bellevue 26 Jul (CNK) was rather late. European Starling: Routine reports. Cedar Waxwing: Typical of this species, a rather late flock was seen at Boyer Chute NWR, Washington Co, 1 Jun (RS,BG). Nestlings had fledged from a nest in Scotts Bluff Co 11 Jul (AK). Northern Parula: One at Fairbury 3 Jun (LR,RH) was westerly; there are few breeding season records west of the Missouri Valley. Yellow Warbler: Routine reports. Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) Warbler: One was carrying food in Monroe Canyon, 30 Jun (AK). Black-throated Green Warbler: One at Chadron 7 Jun (L&CF) was 3rd latest for spring and only the 2nd Panhandle record for spring. Yellow-throated Warbler: None were reported; several were reported in spring, but this species becomes inconspicuous in summer. Cerulean Warbler: None were reported, following a few spring reports. Black-and-white Warbler: The only reports were from regular summer locations in Monroe and Sowbelly Canyons 30 Jun (AK). American Redstart: Reports were from regular summering locations on the Pine Ridge and in the east; adults were feeding young in Sioux Co 30 Jun (AK). Prothonotary Warbler: None were reported, following a few spring reports. Worm-eating Warbler: One singing at WSR 8 Jun (HKH) was the 4th Panhandle record for this species, which is a good find anywhere in Nebraska. Ovenbird: Routine reports. Louisiana Waterthrush: The only reports from the summer were from traditional areas: one at ADF 17 Jun (L&CF) and 2 at Platte River SP, Cass Co, 6 Jul (L&BP). Kentucky Warbler: The only report was of a singing male westerly and late at Hastings 2 Jun (PD). None were reported from breeding locations. Common Yellowthroat: Routine reports. Yellow-breasted Chat: Two birds west of Alma 7 Jul were at “the only reliable spot in the county” (G&WH); chats are now rare in eastern and much of central Nebraska. Vol. 75 No. 3 The Nebraska Bird Review Summer Tanager: As in the last few summers, this species is now being reported from most mature forests in the extreme southeast. One was just north of Omaha in Douglas Co 1 Jul (L&BP), one was at Platte River SP, Cass Co, 27 Jun (RE), and 2 were at ICSP 13 Jul (L&BP). A surprise was a westerly bird at Rock Glen WMA, Jefferson Co, 30 Jun (WRS). Scarlet Tanager: One at Hormel Park, Fremont, 14 Jun (D&JP) was near the west edge of the summer range. Western Tanager: One was carrying food in Sioux Co 30 Jun (AK). Eastern Towhee: Towhees heard at Rock Glen WMA, Jefferson Co, this summer all sang hybrid songs (WRS). Spotted Towhee: Spotteds were reported in Harlan Co in early Jul (G&WH), where hybrids and Easterns have also been found previously. Cassin’s Sparrow: None were reported; this is a regular, local summer resident in the southwest. Chipping Sparrow: Routine reports. Brewer’s Sparrow: None were reported; this species breeds in western sand-sage prairie. Field Sparrow: Rare in the Panhandle, one in West Ash Canyon, Dawes Co, 7 Jul (LR,RH) was only the 3rd Panhandle record in summer. Vesper Sparrow: A nest with 4 young near Cedar Bluffs in a field planted to soybeans with standing com stubble was empty 16 Jul, although the adults were nearby (JMu). Joel Jorgensen pointed out that Vesper Sparrows in eastern Nebraska have adapted to this type of habitat and appear to be increasing in numbers and range in recent years. Don Paseka noted also that the recent trend to no-till methods of row-crop farming has allowed this type of habitat to survive through planting, in contrast with the full-tillage methods used formerly that destroyed the previous year’s stubble and any nests present. The only birds or nests destroyed by no-till methods would be the unlucky few hit by tractor or planter wheels. Lany Einemann, who has covered Lancaster Co regularly for many years, has also noticed the increase in Vesper Sparrow numbers, and their preference for early stage untilled soybean fields. Lark Sparrow: Routine reports. Lark Bunting: This western species, along with Vesper Sparrows in eastern Nebraska, may be adapting to no-till agricultural practices; 30-40 were using a growing com field planted into the previous year’s wheat stubble in Lincoln Co 28 Jun while few or none were using nearby grasslands (TJW). Numbers were low this summer due to very dry conditions, especially in Kimball (WRS), Keith, Hitchcock, and Hayes Cos (TJW). The BBS route in Kimball Co had its lowest total, only 50, since the observer (WRS) began running the route in 1995. Rare eastward, one in Dixon Co 2 Jun was only the observer’s 2nd there in 7-8 years (JJ). Savannah Sparrow: There are a few locations in the Panhandle and perhaps elsewhere where this species breeds. Although not documented there, one at Facus Springs, Morrill Co, 10 Jun (SJD) was in suitable breeding habitat. Grasshopper Sparrow: This species was using growing com in wheat stubble in Keith Co 28 Jun, as with Lark Buntings (see above), but it was also present in nearby grasslands (TJW). Although this is encouraging, Grasshopper Sparrow is not very picky in its choice of “grasslands”, as indicated by a M The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 3 wide range of types, including grazed pastures, used in se. Nebraska this summer (WRS). Henslow’s Sparrow: There were several reports this summer; although habitat suitable for this species is limited in Nebraska, birds can be found in areas which meet their requirements, sometimes in large numbers. In a 160-acre CRP/hayfield near Burchard, 39 singing birds were counted 24 Jun, 9 were there on 14 Jul after part of the area was mowed, and 4 were still there 19 Aug after about half was mowed, suggesting that the early numbers were mostly migrants or that the initial mowing activity caused many to leave (WRS). At a nearly pristine 160-acre prairie nearby, 31 Henslow’s were counted 19 Aug (WRS). The westernmost known breeding site in the state is at the Platte River Whooping Crane Trust property in Buffalo Co, where Henslow’s have been found every year since 1995 and nests have been found in 3 of the last 4 years (DK). Also westerly were 2 in CRP near Tobias 2 Jun; they could not be relocated later (WRS). Other reports were of 5 at Allwine Prairie, Douglas Co, 4 Jun (JMc), 6-8 singing “relentlessly” at Harvard Marsh 22-23 Jun (PD), and one singing at Fort Atkinson SHP, Washington Co, 24 Jun (RM). Song Sparrow: Routine reports. Swamp Sparrow; Reports were from known breeding locations in the central part of the state, including 11 at LM 9 Jun (SJD) and one carrying food near North Platte 9 Jul (TJW). Dark-eyed (White-winged) Junco: Reports were from the Pine Ridge breeding range, including a fledgling in Monroe Canyon, Sioux Co, 30 Jun (AK). McCown’s Longspun Routine reports. Chestnut-collared Longspur: Numbers on a BBS route in Kimball Co 16 Jun were the lowest in several years due to very dry pasture conditions (WRS). Northern Cardinal: Routine reports. Rose-breasted Grosbeak: One at LM 9 Jun (SJD) was westerly and rather late; spring migrants occur westward with some regularity, but there are few reports after May. Black-headed Grosbeak: A male was feeding a fledgling in West Ash Canyon, Dawes Co, 7 Jul (LR,RH). Blue Grosbeak: A female was incubating 2 eggs in Seward Co 9 Jun (JG). Numbers are lowest in the southeast; singles were in Otoe Co 16 Jun (L&CF) and Richardson Co 13 Jul (L&BP). Lazuli Bunting: One in Keith Co 2 Jun (JM) was somewhat east of the current breeding range and at that date was likely a migrant. Indigo Bunting: The 8 males in Otoe Co 21 Jul (CNK) would have brightened up the place. Dickcissel: After last year’s major push westward, a minor echo was detected this year. Dickcissels were “doing quite well” in Keith Co with 9 males per stop for stops located in CRP habitat on a BBS route 28 Jun (TJW), and a nest with eggs was at the west end of LM 9 Jun (SJD). Numbers were high in n.-cen. Nebraska, where 200+ were counted around Calamus Res and 200+ in sw. Rock Co 18 Jun (RE), and in Lancaster Co where 78 were tallied 13 Jul (LE). Bobolink: Most common north of the Platte River, there were several reports from the southeast where few or none are usually found. The species was conspicuous in undisturbed native grasslands in the extreme southeast Vol. 75 No, 3 The Nebraska Bird Review (WRS), 12 singing males were at Harvard Marsh 2 Jim (PD), a male was in w. Seward Co (JG), and 2 were singing in ne. Saline Co (LR,RH). A county first for the observer was a pair in irrigated grass in Scotts Bluff Co 14 Jul (KD), and an unusual sight was one in wheatgrass in a sw. Lincoln Co canyon (TJW). Red-winged Blackbird: Routine reports. Eastern Meadowlark: This species was abundant in the Calamus Res- sw. Rock Co area 18-19 Jun, with about 400 tallied in all (RE). A nest with 5 eggs was found in Jefferson Co 9 Jun and agitated, calling adults were in attendance (WRS). Western Meadowlark: Routine reports. Yellow-headed Blackbird: Nestlings 1-5 days old were at NLB 10 Jun (JGJ). Brewer’s Blackbird: Breeding is essentially limited to the northern two-thirds of the Panhandle, and so 7 at Valentine NWR, Cherry Co, 10 Jun (L&CF) were apparently wandering non-breeders; this has been known to occur previously in Kansas. Common Grackle: Routine reports. Great-tailed Grackle: A nest with 4 eggs was found in w. Seward Co 10 Jun (JGJ) and a fledgling was being fed at Funk Lagoon 3 Jut (KS). Brown-headed Cowbird: Routine reports. Orchard Oriole: The 50 in Keith Co 10 Jun (SJD) was an excellent count. Baltimore Oriole: An interesting observation by a long-time Bellevue bander was that all of the 37 banded 24 Jul were hatch-year birds and had virtually complete breast feathering about 10 days earlier than usual (RG). This raises the possibility that adults departed on a molt migration as a result of hot, dry summer weather in the area. Although Bullock’s Oriole has a well-documented molt migration, it would seem to be necessary much less often for Baltimores. Alternatively, of course, conditions earlier in spring may have been conducive to a major advancement of the entire breeding schedule. Bullock’s Oriole: Of 5 birds at Box Butte Res, Dawes Co, 5 Jul, 4 appeared phenotypically pure and one was a hybrid (LR,RH), while, somewhat easterly, one of two birds at LO was phenotypically pure, the other looked so, but was “probably a hybrid” (SJD). A male was feeding a juvenile in Dawes Co 7 Jul (LR.RH). Pure-appearing Bullock’s are rare east of the Panhandle. Cassia’s Finch: A pair on 28 Jun, not well seen, south of 1-80 Exit 1 in Limber Pines was reminiscent of this species but not conclusively identified (WM). Breeding has occurred in the northern Panhandle. House Finch: Routine reports. Red Crossbill: A few were found on the Pine Ridge during the period, including a female and 4 immatures near Chadron 7 Jun (L&CF), and “several” in Monroe Canyon 30 Jun (AK) and 6 Jul (LR,RH). An immature hit a window in the observer’s yard in s. Scotts Bluff Co 15 Jul (AK). Pine Siskin: None were reported; breeding is regular in the west. American Goldfinch: Routine reports. House Sparrow: Routine reports. The Nebraska Bird Review Vol-75 No. 3 M 2006 (18th) REPORT OF THE NOU RECORDS COMMITTEE Compiled by Mark A. Brogie (NOURC Chairperson) 508 Seeley, Box 316 Creighton, NE 68729 mbrogie@esul.org The functions and methods of the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union (NOU) Records Committee are described in its bylaws (NOU Records Committee 1986). The committee’s purpose is to provide a procedure for documenting unusual bird sightings and to establish a list of all documented birds for Nebraska. The “Official List of the Birds of Nebraska” was first published in 1988 (NOU Records Committee 1988) and has been updated two times (NOU Records Committee 1997, 2004). The “Official List” has been appended sixteen times: (Mollhoff 1989; Grenon 1990, 1991; Gubanyi 1996a, 1996b, 1996c; Brogie 1997, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006; Jorgensen 2001, 2002, 2003). This report includes all accounts submitted during the calendar year of 2006, covering 45 records with accession numbers 1131-1175. All records mentioned here are available to interested persons at the NOU archives at the University of Nebraska State Museum (UNSM), Lincoln, NE. Interested parties should contact the current NOU Librarian, whose address can be found in the latest issue of The Nebraska Bird Review (NBR). State List The American Ornithologists' Union Checklist of North American Birds, Seventh Edition (1998) and the Forty-first, Forty-second, Forty-third, Forty-fourth, Forty- fifth, Forty-sixth, and Forty-seventh Supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union (AOU, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006) contain many taxonomic changes affecting North American birds. The following summarizes all 2006 revisions by the AOU in regards to changes in scientific names and changes in assignments to family and order of species to the most recently published “Official List of the Birds of Nebraska” (NBR 72: 108-126). Additionally, the list reflects changes in frequency of occurrence as determined by the NOU Records Committee, which reviewed records of bird occurrences in Nebraska for 1997-2006. Frequency of occurrence is indicated by the following terms (NOU Records Committee 1988, 1997, 2004): Regular - acceptably reported in 9-10 of the past 10 years. Casual - acceptably reported in 4-7 of the past 10 years. Accidental - acceptably reported in 0-2 of the past 10 years. Extirpated - not acceptably reported in the past 50 years. Extinct - no longer found alive anywhere in the world. The frequency of occurrence for any species that is acceptably reported in 3 or 8 of the last 10 years is discussed by the committee and placed in a category felt most appropriate by the committee. With this report, the following changes are made to the "Official List of the Birds of Nebraska”. Vol- 75 No. 3 The Nebraska Bird Review 52 Changes in Frequency of Occurrence 1. American Black Duck ( Anas rubripes ) Regular to Casual. 2. Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus ) Casual to Accidental. 3. Mew Gull ( Larus canus ) Regular to Casual. 4. Blue-winged Warbler ( Vermivora pinus) Regular to Casual. 5. Connecticut Warbler ( Oporornis agilis ) Regular to Casual. 6. Cassin’s Finch ( Carpodacus cassinii ) Regular to Casual. 7. Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) Regular to Casual. Changes Involving Nebraska Species Due to Taxonomic Revisions and/or Changes in English or Scientific Names 1. Willet ( Catoptrophorus semipalmatus ) becomes ( Tringa semipalmata). 2. Least Tern (Sterna antillarum ) becomes (Sternula antillarum). 3. Caspian Tern ( Sterna caspia) becomes (Hydroprogne caspia ). Changes in Sequence A change is made in the taxonomic order of the family Scolopacidae in the “Official List of the Birds of Nebraska”. The new sequence is as follows: Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) Solitary Sandpiper ( Tringa solitaria ) Greater Yellowlegs ( Tringa melanoleuca ) Willet ( Tringa semipalmata ) Lesser Yellowlegs ( Tringa flavipes) The jaegers are now placed in their own family (Stercorariidae) and will be placed after the family Laridae in the “Official List of the Birds of Nebraska”. A change is made in the taxonomic order of terns in the family Laridae in the “Official List of the Birds of Nebraska”. The new sequence is as follows: Least Tern (Sternula antillarum ) Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia ) Black Tern (Chlidonias niger ) Common Tern (Sterna hirundo ) Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea ) Forster’s Tern (Sterna forsteri ) 88. The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 3 A change is made in the taxonomic order of the family Cuculidae in the "Official List of the Birds of Nebraska”. The new sequence is as follows: Yellow-billed Cuckoo ( Coccyzus americanus ) Black-billed Cuckoo ( Coccyzus erythropthalmus) Groove-billed Ani ( Crotophaga sulcirostris ) Criteria for Accepted Records In order for a record to be accepted, a minimum of six votes in favor are required with no more than one dissenting vote (NOU Records Committee 1986). Records in the following classes are listed as accepted: I-S - a diagnostic, labeled specimen exists. I-P - a diagnostic, labeled photograph or slide exists. I-R - a diagnostic, labeled recording exists. II - three or more independently written diagnostic documentations of the same bird exist. III - one or two independently written diagnostic documentations of the same bird exist. Each account of an accepted record includes a brief statement noting the species, class, date, location, and initials) of observers. Changes in Firmness of Data 1. Wood Stork (Mycteria americana ) Change from Class III to Class 1-P. 2006 Additions to State List There were no new additions in 2006; the “Official List of the Birds of Nebraska” stands at 448 species. 2006 Accepted Records Eurasian Wigeon ( Anas penelope ) 1. An adult male was photographed (Class 1-P, KD) at Chilibaba Pond, Scotts Bluff Co., 18 March 2006. Accession # 1135. Harlequin Duck {Histrionicus histrionicus ) 1. A single male was photographed (Class 1-P, MAB) above Gavins Pt. Dam, Knox Co., 03 March 2006. Accession # 1133. 2. The above bird was photographed (Class 1-P, PR) above Gavins Pt. Dam, Cedar Co., 04 March 2006. Accession #1134. 3. The above bird was described (Class III, BH) from Gavins Pt. Dam, Cedar Co., 04 March 2006. Accession #1154. VoL 75 No. 3 The Nebraska Bird Review m Glossy Ibis {Plegadis falcinellus) 1. As many as six birds were photographed (Class 1-P; PD) at Harvard WPA, Clay Co., 06 May 2006. Accession # 1136. 2. An adult bird was photographed (Class 1-P; JJ) at Weis WPA, Fillmore Co., 05 October 2006. Accession # 1147. 3. A single adult was observed (Class III, SJD) at Lake McConaughy, Keith Co., 15 May 2006. Accession # 1171. Wood Stork {Mycteria americana ) 1. A probable second-year bird was found (JC, SS) east of Ashland, in Cass Co., 02 August 2007 and was photographed (Class 1-P, JJ) on the following day. Accession # 1143. This is the second documented record for this species in Nebraska. Sandhill Crane {Grus canadensis) 1. A pair of birds with two chicks was found (EM) and photographed (Class 1-P, BG) at Facus Springs WMA, Morrill Co., 18 July 2006. Accession #1142. Whooping Crane ( Grus americana) 1. A group of four adults and one juvenile bird was photographed (Class 1-P, MAB) south of Creighton in Antelope Co., 12-13 April 2006. Accession # 1173. Western Sandpiper ( Calidris mauri) 1. An adult bird in basic plumage and an adult bird in alternate plumage were observed (Class III, TH) at North Marsh Lake, Valentine NWR, Cherry Co., 23 May 2006. Accession # 1138. Red Phalarope ( Phalaropus fulicarius) 1. A single molting adult was photographed (Class 1-P, SJD) at Lake McConaughy, Keith Co., 26 August 2006. Accession # 1163. 2, A single juvenile was photographed (Class 1-P, SJD) at Lake McConaughy, Keith Co., 15 September 2006. Accession #1164. Laughing Gull {Larus atricilla) 1. A first-year bird was photographed (Class 1-P; JJ) at Oak Lake in Lincoln, Lancaster Co., 22 October 2006. Accession # 1148. 2. A second-winter bird was observed (Class III; MAB) at Willow Creek SRA, Pierce Co., 27 October 2006. Accession # 1151. Little Gull ( Larus minutus) 1. A single juvenile was photographed (Class 1-P, SJD) below Keystone Dam, Keith Co., 27 August 2006. Accession # 1166. Great Black-backed Gull {Larus marinus) 1. An adult bird was photographed (Class 1-P; MI) on Lake McConaughy, Keith Co., 01 October 2006. Accession #1153. 2. An adult bird (most likely the above bird) was photographed (Class 1-P; SJD) on Lake McConaughy, Keith Co., 31 October 2006. Accession #1172. The NOURC no longer seeks documentation for this species. 90 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 3 Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla ) 1. A first-winter-plumaged bird was photographed (Class 1-P; PD) on a small sandpit in Hall Co., 06 December 2005. Accession # 1152. Arctic Tern ( Sterna paradisaea) 1. A single first summer bird was observed and described (Class II, MAB) at Lake Babcock/Lake North, Platte Co., 26 & 30 September 2006. Accession # 1146. 2. The above bird, initially found and described (Class II, CW) at Lake Babcock/Lake North, Platte Co., 26 September 2006. Accession # 1161. 3. The above bird was described (Class II, BH) at Lake Babcock/Lake North, Platte Co., 30 September 2006. Accession # 1174. Class II - three or more independently written diagnostic documentations of the same bird exist. Pomarine Jaeger ( Stercorarius pomarinus ) 1. A light morph juvenile was photographed (Class 1-P; SJD) on Lake McConaughy, Keith Co., 17 September 2006. Accession # 1165. Inca Dove ( Columbina inca ) 1. A single bird that over-wintered was photographed (Class 1-P; TB, JB) in Bellevue, Sarpy Co., 26 February 2006. Accession # 1132. 2. The above bird was described (Class III; BH) from Bellevue, Sarpy Co., 18 March 2006. Accession #1155. 3. A single bird was photographed (Class 1-P, SJD) at Keystone, Keith Co., 31 December2006. Accession# 1175. The NOURC no longer seeks documentation for this species. Barred Owl (Slrix varia) 1. A single bird was photographed (Class 1-P; via TJW) near North Platte, Lincoln Co., Fall 2006. Accession # 1158. Common Raven {Corvus corax ) 1. A single bird was heard and observed (Class III; SJD) west of Dad’s Lake, Valentine NWR, Cherry Co., 28 October 2006. Accession # 1168. Varied Thrush {Ixoreus naevius) 1. An adult male was photographed (Class 1-P, HH) at Wind Springs Ranch, Sioux Co., 24-28 October 2006. Accession # 1157. Curve-billed Thrasher ( Toxostoma curvirostre ) 1. A single bird was photographed (Class 1-P, TH) at Hackberry Lake, Valentine NWR, Cherry Co., 08-09 July 2006. Accession # 1141. Bohemian Waxwing ( Bombycilla garrulus ) 1. A single bird was photographed (Class 1 -P, JJ) at Branched Oak Lake, Lancaster Co., 22 November 2006. Accession # 1159. Pine Warbler ( Dendroica pinus) 1. An adult male was observed (Class III; TJW) in a mixed grove of pine and cedar trees at the North Platte Fish Hatchery, Lincoln Co., 10 October 2006. Accession #1150. Vol. 75 No. 3 The Nebraska Bird Review 91 McCown’s Longspur {Calcarius mccownii ) 1. A single juvenile was photographed (Class 1-P, SJD) at Lake McConaughy, Keith Co., 17 September 2006. Accession # 1167. Unaccepted Records Records in the following classes are considered unaccepted (NOU Records Committee 1986): IV - probably correct, but not beyond reasonable doubt. V - a record with insufficient evidence to support the identification claimed. VI - a probable released or escaped bird or mistaken identification. Each account of an unaccepted record includes a brief statement noting the species, class, date, location, and reasons for the committee’s failure to accept the record 2006 Unaccepted Records Pink-footed Goose ( Anser brachyrhynchus ) 1. An adult bird was photographed at Harvard Marsh, Clay Co., 30 January 2006. Dispute was not with the identification, but with the provenance of the bird. This species has occurred recently in PA, CT, MA, and NF, and historically in DE and PQ, usually in the company of Snow Goose. Pink-footed Goose is considered relatively rare in captivity, but observers should be attentive to clues that may indicate a captive origin: bands, feather wear, and behavior. Species associations may provide a clue to origin, although neck-collared Snow Geese from the Clay County flock were from the northwest. The NOURC was hesitant to add this species to the “Official Checklist” based upon the decision that a natural origin for this individual could not be established with certainty. Class VI. Accession # 1131. Brant {Branta bemicla ) 1. A flock of 30-40, apparently mostly juveniles, was observed just south of Ponca, Dixon Co., 24 October 2006. Although suggestive, the description in this documentation lacked sufficient details for approval. Class IV. Accession # 1170. Garganey {Anas querquedula ) 1. A written report was received of a single immature/female seen at Headworks Park, Nance Co., 12 October 2006. Although suggestive, the description in this documentation lacked sufficient details for approval. Class V. Accession # 1169. Wood Stork {Mycteria americana) 1. A written report of a single bird seen just west of Greenwood along Hwy 6 (Cass Co.) in mid June 2006 may very well have been the same bird discovered near Ashland in August. Although very suggestive, the 92 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 3 description in this documentation lacked sufficient details for approval. Class IV. Accession # 1144. Yellow Rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis ) 1. A “group (assuming family) flew in” along the Missouri River in Cedar Co., 31 July 2006. The description in this documentation lacked sufficient details for approval. Class VI. Accession # 1149. Black Rail {Laterallus jamaicensis) 1. A written report was received of an adult bird observed at Fontenelle Forest wetlands, Sarpy Co., 27 August 2006. Although very suggestive, the description in this documentation lacked sufficient details for approval. Class V. Accession # 1156. Flammulated Owl {Otus flammeolus ) 1. A bird identified by call was heard at Hackberry Lake, Valentine NWR, Cherry Co., 25 May 2007. Unfortunately, the bird was not seen or tape- recorded, and although the report was very plausible, the NOURC was hesitant to add this species to the “Official Checklist” based on a description of a call. Class IV. Accession # 1139. Ruby-throated Hummingbird {Archilochus colubris ) 1. A single bird was photographed at a feeder in southern Sioux Co., 25 July 2006. Although very suggestive, photographic evidence was insufficient to rule out similar species. Class IV. Accession # 1162. Hammond’s Flycatcher {Empidonax hammondii) 1. A single bird was photographed near Refuge Headquarters, Crescent Lake NWR, Garden Co., 13 May 2006. Photographic evidence was insufficient to rule out similar species. Class IV. Accession # 1137. Smith’s Longspur {Calcarius pictus ) 1. A written description was received of a group of birds northwest of Chadron, Dawes Co., 15 October 2006. Although very suggestive, the description in this documentation lacked sufficient details for approval. Class IV. Accession #1160. Lesser Goldfinch {Carduelis psaltria ) 1. A description of a male bird coming to a feeder in Cheyenne Co., 16 June 2006, was very suggestive but lacking in details. Class IV. Accession # 1140. Brambling {Fringilla montifringilla ) 1. A single bird was observed at Rowe Sanctuary, Buffalo Co., 08 April 2006. Although very suggestive, the description in this documentation lacked sufficient details for approval. Class IV. Accession # 1145. Vol. 75 No. 3 The Nebraska Bird Review 93 Acknowledgments The NOU Records Committee would like to thank the following observers who contributed records included in this report: Jodi Bowley (JB), Tyler Bowley (TB), Mark A. Brogie (MAB), John Carlini (JC), Alex DeGarmo (AD), Kathy DeLara (KD), Stephen J. Dinsmore (SJD), Paul Dunbar (PD), Rick Eades (RE), Nathaniel Emery (NE), John Flavin (JF), Bob Grier (BG), Tyler Hicks (TH), Helen Hughson (HH), Bill Huser (BH), Marshall Iliff (MI), Joel Jorgensen (JJ), Emily Munter (EM), A1 Reyer (AR), Paul Roisen (PR), Shari Schwartz (SS), Kent Skaggs (KS), Audrey Sterkel (AS), T.J. Walker (TJW), and Cole Wild (CW). 2006 NOU Records Committee members: Mark A. Brogie (chair), Paul Dunbar, Joe Gubanyi, Joel Jorgensen, W. Ross Silcock, Jerry Toll, and T.J, Walker. Literature Cited American Ornithologists’ Union [AOU]. “Forty-first Supplement to the AOU Checklist of North American Birds.” Auk 114 (1997): 542-552. -. The AOU Checklist of North American Birds , seventh edition. Washington D.C. 1998. -. “Forty-second Supplement to the AOU Checklist of North American Birds.” Auk 117 (2000): 847-858. -. “Forty-third Supplement to the AOU Checklist of North American Birds.” Auk 119 (2002): 897-906. -. “Forty-fourth Supplement to the AOU Checklist of North American Birds.” Auk 120 (2003): 923-931. -. “Forty-fifth Supplement to the AOU Checklist of North American Birds.” Auk 121 (2004): 985-995. -. “Forty-sixth Supplement to the AOU Checklist of North American Birds.” Auk 122 (2005): 1026-1031. -. “Forty-seventh Supplement to the AOU Checklist of North American Birds.” Auk 123 (2006): 926-936. Brogie, M.A. “1996 (Eighth) Report of the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union [NOU] Records Committee.” The Nebraska Bird Review 65 (1997): 115-126. - “1997 (Ninth) Report of the NOU Records Committee.” The Nebraska Bird Review 66 (1998): 147-159. -. “1998 (Tenth) Report of the NOU Records Committee.” The Nebraska Bird Review 67 (1999): 141-152. M The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 3 -. “2002 (14th) Report of the NOU Records Committee.” The Nebraska Bird Review 71 (2003): 136-142. -. “2003 (15th) Report of the NOU Records Committee.” The Nebraska Bird Review 72 (2004): 59-65. -. “2004 (16th) Report of the NOU Records Committee.” The Nebraska Bird Review 73 (2005): 78-84. -. “2005 (17th) Report of the NOU Records Committee.” The Nebraska Bird Review 74 (2006): 69-74. Grenon, A.G. “1990 (Third) Report of the NOU Records Committee.” The Nebraska Bird Review 58 (1990): 90-97. -. “1991 (Fourth) Report of the NOU Records Committee.” The Nebraska Bird Review 59 (1991): 150-155. Gubanyi, J.G. “1992, 1993 (Fifth) Report of the NOU Records Committee.” The Nebraska Bird Review 64 (1996a): 30-35. -. “1994 (Sixth) Report of the NOU Records Committee.” The Nebraska Bird Review 64 (1996b): 38-42. -. “1995 (Seventh) Report of the NOU Records Committee.” The Nebraska Bird Review 64 (1996c): 132-138. Jorgensen, J.G. “1999 (11th) Report of the NOU Records Committee.” The Nebraska Bird Review 69 (2001): 85-91. -. “2002 [sic] (12th) Report of the NOU Records Committee.” (mistitled 2000 report) The Nebraska Bird Review 70 (2002): 84-90. -. “2001 (13th) Report of the NOU Records Committee.” The Nebraska Bird Review 71 (2003): 97-102. Mollhoff, WJ. “1989 (Second) Report of the NOU Records Committee.” The Nebraska Bird Review 57 (1989): 42-47. NOU Records Committee. “Bylaws of the NOU Records Committee.” The Nebraska Bird Review 54 (1986): 72-74. -... “Official List of the Birds of Nebraska.” The Nebraska Bird Review 56 (1988): 86-96. —~ “Official List of the Birds of Nebraska.” The Nebraska Bird Review 65 (1997): 3-16. -. “Official List of the Birds of Nebraska: 2003.” The Nebraska Bird Review 72 (2004): 108-126. Vol.75 No. 3 The Nebraska Bird Review 35 The Nebraska Bird Review is published quarterly by the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union, Inc., as its official journal, and is sent to members not in arrears of dues. Annual subscription rates (on a calendar-year basis only): $15 in the United States, $18 in Canada and $30 in all other countries, payable in advance. Single copies are $4 each, postpaid, in the United States, $5 in Canada, and $8 elsewhere. Send orders for back issues to Mary Lou Pritchard, NOU Librarian, c/o University of Nebraska State Museum, W-436 Nebraska Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588- 0514. Memberships in the NOU (on a calendar-year basis only): Active, $15; Sustaining, $25; Student, $10; Family Active, $20; Family Sustaining, $30; Life, $250. Send dues and subscription requests to Betty Grenon, NOU Treasurer, (see address below) Contributions to the NOU are tax deductible. Send manuscripts and notes on bird sightings to Janis Paseka, Editor, (see address below) Send quarterly bird reports to Ross Silcock. (see address below) President and Newsletter Editor : Lanny Randolph, 50370 24th Road, Gibbon, NE 68840-4065; virginiarail@nctc.net Vice-President : Urban Lehner, 15526 Pierce Circle, Omaha, NE 68144; urbanity@hotmail.com Secretary : Kevin Poague, 379 S. 46th St., Lincoln, NE; kpoague@audubon.org Treasurer : Betty Grenon, 1409 Childs Road East, Bellevue, NE 68005; grenon925@aol.com Librarian : Mary Lou Pritchard, 6325 O Street #515, Lincoln, NE 68510 Difgfit PS S: Loren Padelford, 1405 Little John Road, Bellevue, NE 68005; lpdlfrd@juno.com (2008) Steve Lamphere, 3101 Washington St., Apt. 98, Bellevue, NE 68005; kingfisher65@aol.com (2009) Kathy DeLara, 170188 Spring Creek Road, Mitchell, NE 69357; renosmom@charter.net (2010) Records Committee Chairman : Mark Brogie, Box 316, Creighton, NE 68729; mbrogie@esu 1 .org Editor of The Nebraska Bird Review : Janis Paseka, 1585 Co. Rd. 14 Blvd., Ames, NE 68621; paseka76@gmail.com Occurrence Report Compiler : Ross Silcock, P.O. Box 57, Tabor, IA 51653; silcock@rosssilcock.com Breeding Bird-Atlas Prpjeemd NestRecpids Coordinator: Wayne Mollhoff, 2354 Euclid St., Ashland NE 68003; wmollhoff@netscape.net NOU Website : http://rip.physics.unk.edu/NOU/ Nebraska Birdline : c/o Josef Kren 402-721-5487, ext. 6490, or 800-642-8382, ext. 6490, or birdsne@yahoo.com Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union, Inc. 3745 Garfield Lincoln, NE 68506-1028 Address Service Requested Tafrfc of Contents Summer Field Report, June - July 2007 by W. Ross Silcock 2006 (18th) Report of the NOU Records Committee compiled by Mark A. Brogie . Subscription and Organization Information. NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lincoln, NE Permit No. 756 University of Nebraska - Lincoln Digital Commons^ University of Nebraska - Lincoln Nebraska Bird Review Nebraska Ornithologists' Union 12-2007 Nebraska Bird Review (December 2007) 75(4), WHOLE ISSUE Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/nebbirdrev £0 Part of the Ornithology Commons, Poultry or Avian Science Commons, and the Zoology Commons "Nebraska Bird Review (December 2007) 75(4), WHOLE ISSUE" (2007). Nebraska Bird Review. 1016. http: // digitalcommons.unl.edu/nebbirdrev/1016 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union at DigitalCommons(o)University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Nebraska Bird Review by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons(o)University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Nebraska Bird Review (December 2007) 75(4), WHOLE ISSUE. Copyright 2007 Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union. Used by permission. The Nebraska Bird Review A Magazine of Ornithology of the Nebraska Region Volume 75 December 2007 Number 4 Published by the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union, Inc. Founded 1899 Janis M. Paseka, Editor Stephen J. Dinsmore, Co-editor SSSN 0028-1816 91 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 4 FALL FIELD REPORT, August-November 2007 Compiled by W. Ross Silcock P.O. Box 57, Tabor, IA 51653 silcock@rosssilcock.com INTRODUCTION This was essentially a normal fall season in Nebraska, with no major weather events or significant shifts in breeding or migration ranges, although a possible exception is a first record of Lesser Goldfmch breeding in the state. One observer made the point, though, that the hard freeze in the spring affected seed and fruit crops for fall, most conspicuously resulting in fewer large American Robin flocks. Excellent water conditions in the Rainwater Basin were welcome, but few herons and egrets were present, and no unusual breeding events were reported there. As winter approached, however, increased numbers of a few finch species were noted. Most conspicuous was Purple Finch, which was reported statewide, unusual in the west, where it is normally rare. Other species showing well were Pine Siskin and Red-breasted Nuthatch (OK, it’s not a finch!) Although Mountain Chickadee appeared in good numbers on the Colorado Plains, they were not much in evidence in Nebraska. A few species were found in notable numbers: scoters continued their upward trend of recent years, a flock of 30-35 Whooping Cranes must have spectacular, rather incredible flocks of Purple Martins went over Omaha, and 36 Nelson’s Sharp¬ tailed Sparrows were counted at one location. Other items of interest were the several species of shorebirds lingering rather late, the slow recovery of Black-capped Chickadees, and proof of a late summer influx and breeding by Marsh Wren, a phenomenon previously attributed mainly to Sedge Wren. Two species appeared in the east unexpectedly; a Broad-tailed Hummingbird in Bellevue was a first for that species in eastern Nebraska while a MacGillivray’s Warbler was photographed in Dodge Co. With a state list of 448, additions are tough to come by, but there were two this fall, an emaciated Royal Tern that generously decided to expire within the state boundaries, and at least one apparently all-dark frigatebird, unfortunately unidentifiable to species, but still the first documented frigatebird for the state. A pair of 5th state records was provided by a Gray Flycatcher and a Black-throated Gray Warbler. And we would be remiss if we failed to note that the Curve-billed Thrasher in Sioux Co will celebrate his 5th anniversary of residence there in October! ABBREVIATIONS ADF: Arbor Day Farm, Otoe Co BOL: Branched Oak L, Lancaster Co Cem: Cemetery Co(s): County(ies) CLNWR: Crescent L NWR, Garden Co FF: Fontenelle Forest, Sarpy Co GPD: Gavin's Point Dam: Knox/Cedar Cos HCR: Harlan Co Res SRA, Harlan Co L: Lake LM: L McConaughy, Keith Co LNB: Lakes North and Babcock, Platte Co VoL 75 No. 4 The Nebraska Bird Review 99 LO: L Ogallaia (includes contiguous Keystone L), Keith Co m. ob.: many observers NC: Nature Center NM: National Monument NWR: National Wildlife Refuge PL: Pawnee L, Lancaster Co Res: Reservoir RWB: Rainwater Basin, including parts of Phelps, Hamilton, York, Clay, Fillmore, and Thayer Cos SCP: Spring Creek Prairie, Lancaster Co SHP: State Historical Park SL: Sewage Lagoon(s) SP: State Park SRA: State Recreation Area WMA: (State) Wildlife Management Area WPA: (Federal) Waterfowl Production Area WSR: Wind Springs Ranch, Sioux Co GAZETTEER Calamus Res: SRA, Loup and Garfield Cos Chadron SP: Dawes Co Funk Lagoon: WPA, Phelps Co Harvard Marsh: WPA, Clay Co Oliver Res: SRA, Kimball Co Ponca SP: Dixon Co Sandhills: large area of sand-based prairie in north-central Nebraska Sutherland Res: SRA, Lincoln Co OBSERVERS AB: Aaron Brees, Des Moines, IA AD: Ann Duey, Scottsbluff ADo: Art Douglas, Bellevue AK: Alice Kenitz, Gering ARy: Allan Reyer, Bellevue BB: Bart Bly, Scottsbluff BT: Bruce Trindle, Norfolk C&DP: Con & Donna Pierson, Arcadia CH: Carolyn Hall, Bassett CNK: Clem N. Klaphake, Bellevue CW: Cole Wild, Columbus CWH: C.W. (Bill) Huntley, Ogallaia D&CN: Don and Colleen Noecker, Albion D&JP: Don & Jan Paseka, Ames D&RK: Dennis and Rhalene Katus, Bayard DL: Dan Leger, Lincoln DR: Dana Ripper, Scottsbluff DSt: Dave Stage, Elkhom EB: Elliott Bedows, Bellevue 100 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 4 EBa: Elaine Bachel, Lincoln ECT: Edna Claire Thomas, Morrill G&WH: Glen & Wanda Hoge, Alma GF: Greg Fletcher, Orchard GW: Gertrude Wood, Lincoln HKH: Helen K. Hughson, Mitchell JED: James E. Ducey, Lincoln JF: John Flavin, Chadron JG: Joe Gubanyi, Seward JGi: Jay Gilliam, Des Moines, IA JGJ: Joel G. Jorgensen, Lincoln JGr: Jonas Grundman, Omaha JJ: Jan Johnson, Wakefield JK: Jay Keller, Arlington, VA JLL: Jeanine L. Lackey, Ceresco JM: Jeanne Miller, Bennington JMi: John Miller, Lincoln JMu: Jerry Mulliken, Nickerson JR: Juanita Rice, Fairmont JRi: Justin Rink, Omaha KCR: Kathleen Crawford-Rose, Bellevue KD: Kathy DeLara, Mitchell KJ: Kim Janes, La Vista KP: Kevin Poague, Lincoln KS: Kent Skaggs, Kearney L&BP: Loren & Babs Padelford, Bellevue L&CF: Laurence & Carol Falk, Nebraska City LLB: Lauren Badura, Kearney LE: Larry Einemann, Lincoln LH: Luke Hamilton, Lewellen LR: Lanny Randolph, Gibbon LS: Larry Snyder, Kimball MB: Mark Brogie, Creighton MG: Mary Gertsema, Yankton, SD MM: Marty Mathieson, Shelton MT: Martha Tacha, Grand Island NB: Norma Brockmoller, Winside NF: Nancy Fish, Superior NOU: Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union Fall Meeting NP: Neva Pruess, Lincoln PD: Paul Dunbar, Hastings RD: Roger Dietrich, Yankton, SD RE: Rick Eades, Lincoln RG: Robert Gibson, Lincoln RGr: Ruth Green, Bellevue RH: Robin Harding, Gibbon RM: Robert Manning, Omaha RS: Rick Schmid, Omaha RSi: Rachel Simpson, Lincoln RW: Rick Wright, Tucson, AZ SJ: Stephen Jones, Boulder, CO SJD: Stephen J. Dinsmore, Ames, IA Vol. 75 No. 4 The Nebraska Bird Review 101 SR: Sarah Rehme, Seward TG: Tom Gannon, Norfolk TH: Tim Hajda, Broken Bow TJW: T.J. Walker, Brady TL: Teri Lee, Peru TP: Theresa Pester, Walton UL: Urban Lehner, Omaha WF: William Flack, Madison WRS: W. Ross Silcock, Tabor, IA SPECIES ACCOUNTS Greater White-fronted Goose: Summer stragglers were 2 each in the e. RWB 31 Aug (JGJ) and in Seward Co 4 Sep (JGJ). First migrant flocks were groups of 20-300 flying south over Lincoln Co 21 Oct, for an excellent fall tally of about 2000 (TJW). Snow Goose: The twelve which summered at Moses Hill L, Phelps Co, (JGJ) was an unusually large group. Ross’s Goose: Routine reports. Cackling Goose: One, now apparently a permanent fixture, continued at Schramm SP, Sarpy Co; it was there 8 Sep (L&BP). Canada Goose: Routine reports. Trumpeter Swan: Routine reports. Tundra Swan: None were reported; this is a rare fall migrant. Gadwall: Routine reports. American Wigeon: Routine reports. American Black Duck: None were reported; this is a rare fall migrant. Mallard: Routine reports. Blue-winged Teal: The 2200 at LM 15 Sep (SJD,JGi) was a good number; high fell counts are in the 4200-14,500 range. Cinnamon Teal: Fall reports are few, as this species becomes inconspicuous in eclipse plumage; however, one was identified in Scotts Bluff Co 22 Sep (AK), rather late. Also rare in the east in fall, one was at Moger Lagoon WPA, Clay Co, 18 Aug (JGJ, details). Northern Shoveler: Routine reports. Northern Pintail: The 437 at LM 24 Aug (SJD) was a good count that early; they may have been molt migrants. Green-winged Teal: A female with a brood of 7 was at Harvard Marsh 28 Jul (PD), only the 3rd nesting record for this species south of the Platte River. Large numbers congregate at LM in fall; 4026 were there 14 Sep (SJD,JGi). A sizable non-LM aggregation was the 2000 at Fairmont SL 11 Nov (PD). Canvasback: Routine reports. Redhead: A good tally was the 1416 in Lancaster Co 2 Nov (LE). Ring-necked Duck: A little early was one at BOL 25 Sep (LE). Greater Scaup: Good numbers, a total of about 30, were reported, earliest singles rather early at BOL 28 Oct (JGJ) and Bluestem L, Lancaster Co, the same day (JGJ). Lesser Scaup: The 800 at BOL 8 Nov (JGJ) was a good count. 102 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol, 75 No. 4 Surf Scoter: Three of the 4 sightings were of singles, the other a flock of 9 female/ immature birds at BOL 9 Nov (JGJ,LE), a record high fall count for the state. Others were at L Yankton, Cedar Co, 27 Oct (RD), Harvard Marsh, an immature (PD, photo), and LO 14 Nov (RE). White-winged Scoter: Strangely few in recent years, this fall three were reported: a rather early female/ immature at Holmes L, Lincoln, 16 Oct (RG), another at Alma SL 12 Nov (PD), and one unidentified to age/gender at LO 14 Nov (RE). Black Scoter: Second best fall count on record was the 6 at BOL 18 Nov (JGJ); also, 2 were at L Yankton, Cedar Co, 27 Oct (RD), and a female/immature at PL 9 Nov (JGJ). Long-tailed Duck: The only 3 reported were a first fall female at LO 13 Nov (RE), an immature at PL 15 Nov (JGJ), and a single in Knox Co 24 Nov (MB). Bufflehead: Routine reports. Common Goldeneye: Routine reports. Hooded Merganser: Routine reports. Common Merganser: Routine reports. Red-breasted Merganser: About 15 were reported 3-22 Nov, a typical fall for this species, generally uncommon in Nebraska. Ruddy Duck: Routine reports. Gray Partridge: The only report from the northeast was of 2 in Knox Co 24 Nov (MB). The small population in s. Sioux Co persists, with a small flock seen from time to time at WSR (HKH). Ring-necked Pheasant: Routine reports. Sharp-tailed Grouse: Routine reports. Greater Prairie-Chicken: Reports were from expected areas, although a flock of about 20 was using an alfalfa field near a playa wetland in Lincoln Co 20 Oct (TJW), a reassuring habitat selection. Wild Turkey: Routine reports. Northern Bobwhite: Routine reports. Red-throated Loon: After a lull of a few years, two juveniles popped up this year: one was photographed at Harvard Marsh 4 Nov (PD) and another juvenile was at Willow Creek Res, Pierce Co, 5 Nov (MB). Pacific Loon: None were reported; this is a regular, rare fall migrant. Common Loon: Good numbers, about 25, were reported, mostly in the east, as expected, although there were sightings at LM of a single bird, probably the same bird which may have summered there, 8 and 24 Aug and 14 Sep (SJD,JGi), and another there 30 Nov (JGJ). Earliest migrant was rather early in Sarpy Co 16 Sep (CNK), and 3 were at BOL 28 Nov (LE). Pied-billed Grebe: Routine reports. Horned Grebe: About 8 were reported, a normal fall, 12 Sep-26 Nov. Red-necked Grebe: More often reported in recent years, this fall a basic adult, possibly the same bird seen in recent falls, was at BOL 15-18 Nov (JGJ,LE). Eared Grebe: Migrants appear south of the breeding range in late Aug; this fall one was at LO 24 Aug (SJD), another was at Funk Lagoon 27 Aug (NF) and 15 were in Webster Co 29 Aug (WF), Western Grebe: Aggregations become noticeable by late Jul; 1400 were at Sutherland Res 26 Aug (SJD) and 12,000 at LM 14 Sep ((SJD,JGi). “Thousands” were still there in mid-Nov (RE). In the east, where uncommon, one was in Lancaster Co 22 Sep (PD), and 2 were at BOL 10 Oct (LE) and 21 Oct (JGJ); singles were there 25 Oct and 9 Nov (LE). Vol. 75 No. 4 The Nebraska Bird Review 103 Clark’s Grebe: The 3 reports were of 3 at Sutherland Res 11 Aug (SJD), 5 at LM 25 Aug (SJD), and one at Diamond Bar L, McPherson Co 8 Sep (TJW). At present it is unknown whether breeding occurs at Diamond Bar L. American White Pelican: Largest flocks reported were moderate: 400 at both Cottonwood WPA, Phelps Co, 31 Aug (JGJ) and BOL 11 Sep (JGJ), with 378 at LM 14 Sep (SJD,JGi). Double-crested Cormorant: The 254 at LM 24 Aug was a good number for the date; a nest was noted as well (SJD,JGi), one of the two found in summer. Best count was an impressive 4000 at HCR 14 Oct (G&WH), although “a few thousand” were at BOL 1 Oct (JGJ). Frigatebird sp: Reports of a probable Magnificent Frigatebird(s) from northeast Nebraska 28 Aug-8 Sep following Hurricane Dean’s passage through the Yucatan Peninsula generated excitement; these brief sightings fit with observations of an adult female Magnificent Frigatebird in northwest Iowa 2-3 Sep. First was a photograph taken of a bird near Norfolk 28 Aug (TG, BT; photo); although clearly a frigatebird, no coloration other than black is visible in the rather distant photograph. Then followed brief sightings of apparent ffigatebird(s) on Lewis and Clark Lake, Knox Co, 7-8 Sep (MB,D&CN) and a report of an all-dark bird with a forked tail below the dam 8 Sep (MG). It is possible that these sightings were all of a single individual. American Bittern: Singles at LM 8 Aug (SJD) and in the e. RWB 11 Aug (JGJ) may have been breeding; fall migration begins in late Aug. Several migrants were reported south of the Platte River, latest one rather late at Harvard Marsh 11 Nov (PD). There are only about 5 later records. Least Bittern: The only report was of probably the same bird (or possibly each bird of a pair) at North Lake Basin, Seward Co, 4 and 11 Aug (JGJ); the species was found there Jun 1996 also, and breeding is likely. Great Blue Heron: Routine reports. Great Egret: Numbers were significantly lower in the e. RWB this fall (JGJ,RE), and best count was a mediocre 26 at HCR 28 Aug (WF); fall high counts are in the 130-150 range. Uncommon westward, one was at LM 24 Aug (SJD). Snowy Egret: About 17 were reported, including 12 at LM 25 Aug (SJD). High fall counts are in the 30-60 range. Little Blue Heron: The only reports were of a juvenile near Harvard 7 Aug (PD,CW) and two sightings of probably the same juvenile at Funk Lagoon 26 and 31 Aug (KS,JGJ). Cattle Egret: Only about 50 were reported, best count only 17, in Knox Co, 13 Sep (MB). High counts are in the 400-600 range. Green Heron: None were reported west of Thomas Co, where one was found 1 Sep (MB,DSt). Black-crowned Night-Heron: Routine reports. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron: None were reported; this is a regular late summer- early fall visitor in low numbers. White-faced Ibis: Summer aggregations in the Sandhills can be large; an excellent tally was the 245 in Grant Co 4 Aug (DSt). Most observers carefully report dark ibises as “Plegadis sp.”; some 150 were reported statewide. One at Funk Lagoon 20 Oct (TH) was rather late, but a “dark ibis” in Lincoln 11 Nov (RSi fide JGJ) was only the 3rd Nov record for the state. Turkey Vulture: The 200 at PL 17 Sep (GW,EBa) was an excellent count. 104 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 4 Osprey: Reports were numerous 25 Aug-5 Nov, the expected migration period. Best count was 8, at LM 14 Sep (SJD,JGi) and in Scotts Bluff Co 7 Oct (KD). Mississippi Kite: Last one reported at Ogallala was an immature 13 Sep (CWH). Bald Eagle: Routine reports. Northern Harrier: Routine reports. Sharp-shinned Hawk: Routine reports. Cooper’s Hawk; This species is becoming more numerous, with sightings statewide, notably in summer. Best count was 10, in sw. Nebraska 25 Oct (TJW). Northern Goshawk: The only report was of a juvenile near Niobrara 24 Nov (MB). Red-shouldered Hawk: One was at FF, a regular site, 8 Sep (JRi). Reports from places other than FF are increasing, notably in Lancaster Co; singles, likely the same bird, were at PL 2 and 28 Nov (LE). Broad-winged Hawk: Reports at FF 9 and 12 Aug, the latter chasing a Red-tailed Hawk (L&BP), suggest breeding in the area. Westerly were a juvenile at LO 14 Sep (SJD,JGi) and a single at Oliver Res 15 Sep (SJD,JGi). These are only the 16th and 17th reports away from the east. Swainson’s Hawk: This species appears to be doing well in the sw. Panhandle, where 107 occupied nests, averaging 2-3 chicks, were located during the summer (BB). Unusual in summer in the e. RWB, one was seen 4 Aug (JGJ). Migrants were reported through 10 Oct, one at SCP (KP), with best count “thousands” in a Rock Co field 29 Sep (CH). Such large congregations are not unprecedented for this species in Nebraska. Red-tailed Hawk: This species can be numerous in peak migration; 33 were seen in 2 hours in Hamilton, Polk, and Merrick Cos 4 Nov, including 2 “Harlan’s” types and a dark western type (D&JP). A “Krider’s” type was near Omaha 29 Nov (JRi). Ferruginous Hawk: Being a species of concern, encouraging were the 35 active nests with at least 69 chicks in the Panhandle this summer; most were in Kimball Co and in the Niobrara River Valley (BB). There was a noticeable concentration of dark morphs in Morrill Co (BB). Good details were provided for an immature observed for about 2 hours in Douglas Co 19 Oct (CH); this is only the 3rd documented record for the east. Rough-legged Hawk: Earliest reported was near Grand Island 9 Oct (LR,RH), about on time. Golden Eagle: A total of 18 nests with 1-2 chicks each was located in the sw. Panhandle this summer (BB). A juvenile at L Ogallala 13 Sep (JRi) may have been a newly-fledged bird; interestingly, 2 adults were in Keith Co 11 Aug (SJD), unexpected this far east at that date. The most recent breeding record for Keith Co was in 1982. American Kestrel: Routine reports. Merlin: Earliest migrants are usually of the northerly-breeding long-distance subspecies columbarius; indeed, two of the 3 earliest reports this fall were identified as this taxon: 24 Aug at LM (SJD), and a female at LNB 9 Sep (JGJ). Prairie Falcon: A few occur eastward in winter, with earliest sightings usually in late Sep; one was in the e. RWB “early” on 4 Sep (JGJ), one was in Knox Co 12 Sep (MB), and another was in Buffalo Co 14 Sep (LB). Peregrine Falcon: The earliest fall records are in late Jul and such early sightings tend to be of juveniles. Fitting this pattern was a juvenile at LM 8 Aug (SJD). Vol. 75 No. 4 The Nebraska Bird Review 105 Virginia Rail: One in the e. RWB 25 Aug (JGJ) was likely a migrant, although breeding has occurred there. Sora: Although there are several recent breeding season (Jun-early Jul) reports for the RWB and some old breeding records, the only recent breeding record is of a pair with a fully-grown juvenile at Funk Lagoon 9 Sep (LR,RH). Migrants appear in late Jul and become numerous in Aug; a record fall count of 42 was made in the e. RWB 25 Aug (JGJ). American Coot: Routine reports. Sandhill Crane: The pair in Morrill Co (see Summer Report) raised a single chick, which was first seen in flight 1 Aug; by 13 Aug the family was moving around a lot (D&RK fide KD). Best counts of migrants were excellent, and were both on a strong cold front 20 Oct; 4000-5000 in Lincoln Co (TJW), and “thousands” in Scotts Bluff Co (AK). Easterly were 160 flying over the Seward-Lancaster Cos line 16 Nov (LE). Whooping Crane: As the size of the Great Plains flock increases, sightings of flocks in Nebraska are increasing also. An amazing 30-35 were at Valentine NWR 20 Oct (fide MT), and a flock of 9 adults and a juvenile in Sherman Co 28-29 Oct were photographed (C&DP); 10 birds near Alda 29 Oct (CNK) were likely the same flock. An additional 20-25 were reported (fide MT). Black-bellied Plover: Routine reports. American Golden-Plover: The usual few were noted; as expected, most were juveniles. Rare westward, a juvenile was atLM 14 Sep (SJD). Best count was 20 near Goehner 4 Oct (JGJ). Whooping Cranes on 28 Oct 2007 along the Middle Loup River in Sherman County, southeast of Arcadia, Photo courtesy of Donna Pierson. 106 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 4 Snowy Plover: The only reports were of a single 4 Aug at Springer WPA, Hamilton Co, the first fall record for the e. RWB (JGJ, photo), and 2-4 at LM 8 Aug- 14 Sep (SJD,JGi), including a brood of 2 on 24 Aug (SJD). Semipalmated Plover: A new fall record count (by one) was the 23 at LM 14 Sep (SJD, JGi). Piping Plover: The only reports were from LM, where 23 were counted 8 Aug and 39 on 24 Aug (SJD). Although there is some habitat reduction resulting from rising water levels, 2007 was the 2nd-best year for nests with 245; the number of fledged chicks, however, was down somewhat at 235, resulting in 0.96 chicks fledged per nest, compared with the average of 1.49 for 1992-2007 (Payton and Wilson, “Least Tern and Piping Plover Nest Monitoring Final Report 2007”; Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District, Holdrege). Killdeer: Rather late for the number were the 137 near Holdrege 5 Nov; 82 were still there 12 Nov (PD). Mountain Plover: Recent years have yielded excellent counts of nests by Prairie Partners; this year 112 nests were found and “cleared” (marked and protected) in Kimball, Cheyenne, and Banner Cos; these had 85% hatching success, with the few failures due mainly to predation and cultivation (BB). The flock of 78 in s. Kimball Co, 3 Sep (LS), must have been quite a sight; a flock of 28 juveniles was found in Kimball Co 28 Aug 2006 (LS). Last reported was an adult in Kimball Co 15 Sep (SJD,JGi), 2nd-latest on record. Black-necked Stilt: The only reports were from Funk Lagoon, where 2 juveniles (part of a family group first seen there in Jul) and up to 3 adults were present 11 Aug- 3 Sep (SJD, m. ob.). This is the 2nd breeding record at Funk Lagoon, the other was in 2003. American Avocet: The 643 at Lakeside 16 Sep (SJD^IGi) was a fall record. Spotted Sandpiper: Routine reports. Solitary Sandpiper: Routine reports. Greater Yellowlegs: The 56 at LM 24 Aug (SJD) was an excellent fall tally, as was the 47 near Holdrege 5 Nov (PD); the single near Holdrege 12 Nov (PD) was a bit tardy. Willet: This species is rare in the east in fall, and so the 2 reports were significant: singles were in York Co 8 Sep, the 3rd Sep record for the e. RWB (JGJ), and at LNB 22 Sep (PD). Lesser Yellowlegs: The 2 near Holdrege 5 Nov (PD) were a little late. Upland Sandpiper: Routine reports. Long-billed Curlew: Small flocks flying over 1-80 in w. Nebraska 11 Sep (JRi) were a little late; late dates are 15, 18, and 19 Sep. Marbled Godwit: Routine reports. Ruddy Turnstone: At least 3 were reported, only the 20th and 21st fall records: single birds were reported at LNB 10-16 Sep (SJD,WF,LE) and two were at Springer WPA, Hamilton Co, 14 Sep (RE). Red Knot: Only the 26th and 27th fall reports of this rare migrant were of a molting adult at LM 14 Sep (SJD,JGi) and a juvenile at Calamus Res 23 Sep (WRS). Sanderling: The 179 at LM 14 Sep (SJD,JGi) was a record fall count. Semipalmated Sandpiper: The 266 at LM 24 Aug (SJD,JGi) was an excellent count. Vol. 75 No. 4 The Nebraska Bird Review 107 Western Sandpiper: The only reports were of 4 in the e. RWB 18 Aug, the first there for a long while (JGJ), 2 on 24 Aug in Lancaster Co (LE), 7 on 24 Aug and 9 on 25 Aug at LM (SJD), and a single in Scotts Bluff Co 22 Sep (AK). Least Sandpiper: By far a record fall count was the 899 at LM 14 Sep (SJD,JGi). Sometimes a rather late migrant, 2 were in Polk Co 28 Oct (LR,RH), and 3 were near Holdrege 12 Nov (PD); late dates are Nov 23, 23, and 27, and there are 3 Dec records. Baird’s Sandpiper: Three near Holdrege 5 Nov (PD) were tardy; late dates are Nov 7, 8, and 10, with a few later Nov records and two for Dec. Pectoral Sandpiper: Six near Holdrege 5 Nov were tardy also; late dates are Nov 9, 9, and 9, with a few Nov records and one for Dec. Dunlin: Generally a late migrant also, with adults migrating later with juveniles, the 3 reports were of singles at BOL 15 Oct (JGJ), near Holdrege 5 Nov (PD), and at LO 30 Nov (JGJ), the latter a record late date by 4 days. Stilt Sandpiper: The 396 at LM 14 Sep (SJD,Gi) was a good count. One near Holdrege 5 Nov (PD) was the latest on record by 3 days. Buff-breasted Sandpiper: Rare westerly were 4 juveniles at LM 24 Aug (SJD); although the fall migration corridor is wider than in spring, most reports are from central and eastern Nebraska. Short-billed Dowitcher: All reports were of juveniles, as are most fall reports for this species. Some 15+ were reported 18 Aug-22 Sep, all but one in the RWB. The latter was a juvenile at LNB 22 Sep (PD), the latest fall date for the state by 2 days. Long-billed Dowitcher: Two near Holdrege 12 Nov (PD) were tardy; late dates are Nov 13, 18, and 19, and there are 3 Dec records. Wilson’s Snipe: Three in the e. RWB 18 Aug (JGJ) were likely migrants; the summer status of this species there is not well known. Juveniles appear first in fall, as early as early Aug. American Woodcock: None were reported; this is a regular fall migrant. Wilson’s Phalarope: Routine reports. Red-necked Phalarope: The 29 at LM 14 Sep (SJD,JGi) was a record fall count; 18 were in Sheridan Co 15 Sep (SJD,JGi). Red Phalarope: A basic adult at Lakeside 15 Sep 2007 (SJD,JGi; details) was only the 12th fall record. Pomarine Jaeger: An observer experienced with jaegers reported one as “jaeger, sp.” but was 95% certain that it was this species at LM 24 Aug (SJD). The date is rather early but not unprecedented for this species. Laughing Gull: A second-winter bird was chummed in with popcorn at Lewis and Clark L, Knox Co, 3 Oct (MB). Franklin’s Gull: The usual huge numbers passed through between mid-Sep and mid-Oct. Highest estimate received was the 100,000 over Lewis & Clark L, Knox Co, 12 Sep (MB), 2nd highest on record. One at LNB 22 Nov was tardy (TJW); only 4 were reported after mid-Oct. Bonaparte’s Gull: Normal numbers passed through starting 22 Sep (one at LNB, PD), and 8 were still at LM at the end of the period (JGJ). A good count was the 200 at HCR 12 Nov (PD). Ring-billed Gull: Routine reports. California Gull: The only reports were of 151 at LM 24 Aug (SJD), a fall record count, but only 19 were there 30 Nov (JGJ); a few generally linger into late Dec, with occasional wintering. 108 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 4 Herring Gull: An adult in Knox Co 3 Oct (MB) was early; there are only about 5 earlier fall dates for adults, only 3 prior to Oct. Also early was a first basic at LM 8 Aug (SJD). Thayer’s Gull: The only report of this regular fall migrant was of one at LO 14 Nov (RE). Lesser Black-backed Gull: This regular migrant is being reported more often. A molting adult was rather early at LM 25 Aug (SJD), 2 adults (alternate and molting adult) were there 14 Sep (SJD,JGi), and, likely one of these, a single was there 13 Nov (RE). Glaucous Gull: Just making it into the Fall Report was an adult on a small pond at Ogallala 30 Nov (JGJ), one of the earliest arrival dates for an adult. Great Black-backed Gull: The only report of this casually-occumng species was of an adult at LM 14 Sep (SJD,JGi; photo). This is only the 8th fall record, about the 20th overall. Sabine’s Gull: Some 20-25 were reported statewide 2 Sep-21 Oct. The 2 Sep sightings, one in Knox Co (MB,DSt) and the other at LM (MB) are the 2nd-earliest ever, while one at Capitol Beach L, Lincoln, 21 Oct (JGJ) was rather late. Best counts were 5 at LM 14 Sep (SJD,JGi) and 4 at Capitol Beach L, Lincoln, 4 Oct (JGJ). An adult at Alma SL 8 Oct (KS) and 16 Oct (G&WH) was only the 5th adult on record. Black-legged Kittiwake: None were reported; this species is a rare Nov migrant. Least Tern: As with Piping Plovers, Least Terns had a good season at LM, with at least 50 adults associated with 29 nests that fledged 1.00 chicks per breeding pair (Payton and Wilson, cited above). The number of nests at LM has increased steadily from the mid-1990s, with 2007 the highest so far, although the ratio of young fledged per nest has declined from a peak in 2004 (Payton and Wilson). At least 11 adults were still present at LM 8 Aug (SJD). Caspian Tern: One at Capitol Beach L, Lincoln, 10 Oct (LE) was about the 4th latest on record. About 6 others were reported, an average fall for the species. Black Tern: An excellent count was the 349 at LM 24 Aug (SJD). Common Tern: Of the 8 or so reported, most were at BOL rather late, with an adult and a juvenile there 26 Oct (JGJ), 2nd-latest on record. BOL hosted 1-5 in the period 24 Sep (LE) through 26 Oct (JGJ), with 5 present 15 Oct (JGJ), itself a rather late date. Forster’s Tern: The 64 at LM 8 Aug (SJD) was a good count. This species also lingered at BOL, with a single still present 20 Oct (JGJ). There are only about 20 records for Oct, and latest date is 1 Nov. Royal Tern: Very exciting for birders (but not the tern) was one at LNB 8-10 Sep; it was found and photographed 8 Sep (D&JP), determined to be seriously emaciated 9 Sep (JGJ), seen barely living on 10 Sep (SJD) and found dead later the same day (WF). It was recovered as a specimen for the State Museum (JGJ). This is the first confirmed state record; there is a sight record for Sarpy Co 13 Sep 1993 that was not accepted by the Nebraska Records Committee. Rock Pigeon: Routine reports. Eurasian Collared-Dove: Numbers continue to increase, as indicated by the start of winter flocking; best count was only moderate, 35 in Dixon Co 17 Oct (JJ). White-winged Dove: Now regular in occurrence in summer and into mid-Oct, the expected few reports came to hand: one was in Fairmont 2 and 5 Aug (JR), two were in Lincoln 21 Sep (RE), unusual in that few are reported from Vol. 75 No. 4 The Nebraska Bird Review 109 large cities, and one was in a Norfolk yard 30 Nov (RS). The latter is only the 5th record in the period mid-Oct through mid-Apr. Mourning Dove: A bold attempt to count this species in fall in the Sandhills resulted in a record number of 4000+ in Cheny Co 1 Sep (CNK). This species is indeed abundant there. Yellow-billed Cuckoo: One in Deuel Co 22 Sep (WF) was rather late, although there are records well into Oct for Nebraska (Birds of Nebraska). Perhaps these should be re-examined. Black-billed Cuckoo: The usual few reports continue for this low-density summer resident: singles were at FF 11 Aug (EB) and ADF 31 Aug (L&CF). An immature in Seward 25 Sep (JG) was rather late, although there are dates for Oct. Barn Owl: Reports continued from nesting sites near Creighton and Ulysses; at Creighton young were seen for the 3rd year on 12 Aug (MB), and at Ulysses 3 young were seen 11 Aug with an adult (RE). Singles were noted at LO 24 Aug and 14 Sep (SJD), where the species has been found roosting in cedars recently. Others were near Brule 8 Aug (SJD), at Swanson Res, Hitchcock Co, 6 Sep (D&JP), and one was rather late in Scotts Bluff Co 20 Oct (AK). Eastern Screech-Owl: Routine reports. Great Horned Owl: Routine reports. Burrowing Owl: Prairie Partners surveys in the Panhandle showed only half as many owls as in 2006, with possible reasons for the decline poisoning of and plague in prairie-dogs (BB). Barred Owl: Routine reports. Long-eared Owl: Routine reports. Short-eared Owl: Routine reports. Common Nighthawk: Oct reports are few; several flew over Omaha 1 Oct (JRi). Common Poorwill: Easterly migrants are not unprecedented, but still a surprise was one with Common Nighthawks over Lincoln 24 Sep; it lacked wing-bars and had smaller wings with more rounded wing-tips than the nighthawks (LE). A road-killed bird was found near Halsey 29 Sep (WM), a live bird was seen in flight there 30 Sept (LE et al.) and one was seen in the Thedford cemetery on 30 Sept (D&JP). Chuck-wilPs Widow: None were reported; the few fall records are in Aug. Whip-poor-will: None were reported; departure is during Aug and Sep. Chimney Swift: The 532+ at a single Omaha chimney 7 Sep (RE) was a record fall count, edging out the 532 seen at a Lincoln chimney 17 Sep (JED). The single-chimney record is up for grabs! Two at Alma 1 Oct (G&WH) were a bit tardy for that location. White-throated Swift: The only report was of 8 at Scotts Bluff NM, Scotts Bluff Co, 15 Sep (SJD,JGi). Ruby-throated Hummingbird: There were numerous reports through 9 Oct (LE), with best count 20 at feeders in Peru 10 Sep (TL). Westerly were a female at a Mitchell feeder 29-30 Aug (KD; details) and a single in Ogallala 26 Aug (CWH). Calliope Hummingbird: Sightings of singles at a feeder near Mitchell 4 Aug-1 Oct involved at least 4 different birds; on Oct 1 the female/immature present then was braving temperatures around 35 degrees (KD). The latter is the latest date by 2 days. Broad-tailed Hummingbird: There were two reports, one routine, the other definitely not. Routine, although rather late, was a female near Mitchell 21- 110 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 4 23 Sep (KD). On the other hand, one attended a Bellevue feeder 17 Oct-3 Dec (ADo; L&BP photo; RGr photo). Intriguingly, a hummingbird was seen at another Bellevue feeder about 800 yards from this one 16 Oct, when no other hummers had been seen for 15 days (ARy). This is the easternmost record for Nebraska; the late date is typical of vagrant western hummers eastward. Rufous Hummingbird: The only reports were of an adult male in Kimball 11 Aug (SJD) and a single near Mitchell 17 Aug (KD). Belted Kingfisher: Routine reports. Red-headed Woodpecker: Movement in the west was clearly underway 24 Aug, when 28 were found at LM (SJD), an unusually high number for the westerly location. Highest fall counts in the east are in early Sep. Red-bellied Woodpecker: Routine reports. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: Perhaps more than usual for fall, 4 singles were reported in the southeast during Nov (KCR,JJ,RWJMi). Red-naped Sapsucker: The only report of this casual fall migrant was of a male photographed at Oliver Res 15 Sep (SJD,JGi). There are now about 10 fall reports. Downy Woodpecker: Routine reports. Hairy Woodpecker: Routine reports. Northern Flicker: Routine reports. Pileated Woodpecker: The 4 reports were from known locations, FF (JRi,CNK), and se. Otoe Co (L&CF). Olive-sided Flycatcher: There were several reports 11 Aug-8 Sep, including 2 birds westerly, where rare, in Morrill Co 27 Aug (KD). Western Wood-Pewee: Routine reports. Eastern Wood-Pewee: The 25 at FF 6 Sep (JRi) was an excellent count. Alder Flycatcher: The only reports were of a singing bird at FF 10 Aug (L&BP) and a single in Dixon Co 16 Sep (JJ). Latest documented report is 4 Sep. Willow Flycatcher: Routine reports. Least Flycatcher: Routine reports. Hammond’s Flycatcher: The only reports of this regular but rare Panhandle fall migrant were of one at Bushnell 15 Sep (SJD,JGi) and two at Oliver Res 1 Sep (JGJ). There are now about 24 fall records. Gray Flycatcher: One was seen at WSR 27 Aug (HKH, details), only the 5th Nebraska record, those in the period 24 Aug-5 Oct. Dusky Flycatcher: Also a rare but regular Panhandle fall migrant, at least two and possibly 4 were reported: sightings of possibly the same bird at Oliver Res 8 Sep (AB), 13 Sep (JRi), and 15 Sep (SJD,JGi), and another at Bushnell 15 Sep (SJD,JGi). Cordilleran Flycatcher: Migrants are not often reported, but 3 singles were found this fall: one in extreme se. Sioux Co 18 Aug (KD), one at WSR 27 Aug (HKH), and one in s. Sioux Co 29 Aug (KD). The 15 available fall records show a migration period 9 Aug-11 Sep. Eastern Phoebe: One at FF 23 Oct (L&BP) was rather late; there are a few Nov records. Say’s Phoebe: This species is rare eastward in fall, possibly occurring regularly in small numbers east to Polk Co, where a juvenile was found 16 Sep (LR,RH); another juvenile was in Merrick Co 22 Sep (LR,RH). One in Blaine Co 29 Sep (fide UL) was rather late. Ash-throated Flycatcher: The last sighting of the birds which nested in Kimball Co was of an adult 11 Aug (SJD). Vol. 75 No. 4 The Nebraska Bird Review 111 Great Crested Flycatcher: Routine reports. Cassin’s Kingbird: This species leaves later than the other kingbirds; 4 were in Garden Co 21 Sep (WF). Late dates are Sep 25, 26, and 27. Western Kingbird: The 70+ in Cherry Co 1 Sep (CNK) was an excellent count. Eastern Kingbird: A rather amazing count was the record 500+ in Cherry Co 1 Sep (CNK). Northern Shrike: Routine reports. Loggerhead Shrike: Routine reports. Bell’s Vireo: One at Peru 1 Oct (TL) was rather late; Oct records are few. Yellow-throated Vireo: One at Ponca SP 25 Sep (L&BP) was tardy. Plumbeous Vireo: One at Chadron SP 12 Sep (JRi) was likely a migrant, and somewhat tardy; breeding there is unconfirmed. Cassin’s Vireo: The only reports were somewhat east of the usual w. Panhandle route: singles in Hyannis Cem 1 Sep (MB,DSt) and Tryon 1 Sep (MB,DSt) were only the 3rd and 4th east of the Panhandle. Blue-headed Vireo: One at ADF 23 Oct (L&CF) was rather late; there are a few Nov records. Somewhat westerly were two in Merrick Co 22 Sep (LR,RH). Warbling Vireo: One at Ponca SP 25 Sep (L&BP) was getting a bit late; late dates are in early Oct. Philadelphia Vireo: The 5 sightings were of singles at FF rather early on 11 Aug (EB) and another there 29 Aug (JRi), in Lancaster Co 30 Aug (LE), in Bellevue 3 Sep (CNK), and in Saline Co 5 Sep (LE). This is a typical fall showing. Red-eyed Vireo: Routine reports. Blue Jay: Routine reports. Pinyon Jay: None were reported. This species has been scarce in recent years. Clark’s Nutcracker: This species has a propensity for individuals to appear in odd locations at unpredictable times; one was photographed near Orchard 9 Sep (GF fide KP). Black-billed Magpie: Easterly were 2 in Hamilton Co 4 Nov (D&JP). Concern about low numbers continues in some areas; none have been seen in Lincoln Co for a while (TJW), and one in Harlan Co 11 Nov was the first there since Apr 2006 (G&WH). American Crow: Two flocks totaling some 1600-1750 crows were in Custer Co 14 Nov (RE); there are previous counts in the 2000-3000 range. Common Raven: Intriguing was a sighting of at least one in Cherry Co 29 Sep (CNK et al). The location of the sighting was not far from where a raven was seen in Valentine NWR, Cherry Co, 28 Oct 2006, raising the possibility of a small population in the area, or even a family group returning in fall to the area. Horned Lark: Routine reports. Purple Martin: Amazing counts of flocks flying over Omaha were 2000-4000 on 16 Aug and 12,000-15,000 on 20 Aug (JRi). This species gathers in huge fall roosts prior to migration, and these large groups migrate together. Last at Creighton nest boxes departed 2 Aug (MB) and an Ogallala nest box was abandoned 4 Aug (CWH). One with nighthawks over Omaha 1 Oct (JRi) was rather late. Tree Swallow: Routine reports. Violet-green Swallow: None were reported; departure is in early Aug. Northern Rough-winged Swallow: The 1000 in Cherry Co 25 Aug (JJ) was a record fall count. Bank Swallow: Routine reports. 112 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 4 Cliff Swallow: Routine reports. Barn Swallow: Second broods were fledged in Buffalo Co 4 and 9 Aug (MM) and 5 Aug (LR,RH), and in se. Sioux Co 18 Aug (KD). One in Lancaster Co 29 Oct (RE) was rather late. Black-capped Chickadee: Careful tracking of chickadees during extensive coverage of Lancaster Co over the last few years by Larry Einemann indicates that numbers are still reduced, and that chickadees are recovering slowly and “very localized”. This status appears to apply to the large areas of southern Nebraska where chickadee numbers have declined in recent years. Mountain Chickadee: The only reports were of one near Lewellen 30 Sep (LH, details) and another visiting a Scotts Bluff Co feeder 24 Oct through the period (AD). This species moves onto the plains east of the Rockies on occasion. Tufted Titmouse: Routine reports. Red-breasted Nuthatch: This species was widely reported in higher than usual, but not large, numbers; best count was a moderate 10 in Omaha 23 Oct (JGr). Earliest were 2 in Kimball Co 11 Aug (SJD) and one in Winside 22 Aug (NB). White-breasted Nuthatch: Interesting was the presence of both subspecies at L Minatare, Scotts Bluff Co, 16 Sep, identified by call notes (SJD.JGi). Data at hand indicate that both subspecies wander from the breeding range in fall at about the same time, mid-Sep. Pygmy Nuthatch: This species was “ubiquitous” at Chadron SP 12 Sep (JRi), where it is resident. Brown Creeper: One at FF 25 Aug (JGr) was likely one of the summering birds there. First migrant was at Calamus Res 23 Sep (WRS), rather early. Rock Wren: The 4 at WSR 28 Oct (HKH) were rather late. Carolina Wren: One at Dannebrog 17 Nov (LR,RH,MB) was probably a fall disperser; evidence shows this species expands its range by fall movement to new areas and survival of the following winter potentially to breed in the spring. House Wren: Routine reports. Winter Wren: Routine reports. Sedge Wren: Sedge Wrens appeared in the east as expected during Jul-Aug; good numbers were in suitable se. Nebraska grasslands, notably those occupied by Henslow’s Sparrows (WRS) and 6 were in a grassland at Harvard Marsh occupied by Henslow’s 7 Aug (PD,CW). One at ADF 29 Oct (L&CF) was rather late. Marsh Wren: The well-known late summer influx of Sedge Wrens in Nebraska may also apply to Marsh Wren; 6 eastern types were singing vigorously in the e. RWB 4 Aug (JGJ) and another was found 25 Aug (JGJ). Confirmation of breeding by such birds was provided by the presence of a newly-fledged young bird with an agitated adult at Jack Sinn WMA, Saunders & Lancaster Cos, 22 Sep (WRS,JGJ,SR). Additional breeding and late summer records south of the Platte River may fit this pattern also. Golden-crowned Kinglet: Routine reports. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: Rather early was one at BOL 15 Sep (LE), and rather late was one at North Platte 5 Nov (TJW). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: Northward expansion continues in central Nebraska, now that the species has reached the nw. and ne. comers of the state (see Summer Report). One was in Cherry Co 25 Aug (JJ), and another was in Thomas Co 29 Sep (NOU), the latter the latest on record by 2 days. Vol. 75 No. 4 The Nebraska Bird Review 113 Eastern Bluebird: Routine reports. Mountain Bluebird: Migrants appear in mid-Aug in the west; one was in Kimball Co 17 Aug (DL). One in Thomas Co 29 Sep (NOU) was a little earlier than usual. Townsend’s Solitaire: Earliest was noted southward in the west 8 Sep at Oliver Res (AB), and by 30 Sep solitaires were widespread in nc. Nebraska (NOU). Furthest se. was one in a cedar canyon in Hamilton Co 4 Nov (D&JP). Veery: One was identified by call by an observer familiar with thrush flight calls as it flew over Zorinsky L, Omaha, 25 Sep (JK). This is the latest on record by 3 days. Gray-cheeked Thrush: One was heard as it flew over Zorinsky L, Omaha 25 Sep (JK); this species migrates later than Veery, but is rare in fall. Swainson’s Thrush: Routine reports. Hermit Thrush: Routine reports. Wood Thrush: Routine reports. American Robin: Routine reports. Varied Thrush: One appeared at WSR 26 Oct for the 3rd straight year (HKH); several have been reported in the last few years. Gray Catbird: One in Norfolk 16 Nov (RS) was pushing the safety envelope. There are numerous reports into Dec or later, but most are in the southeast. Northern Mockingbird: The 7 in Kimball Co 11 Aug (SJD) was a good count Sage Thrasher: A surprising 6 were reported, all but one in the w. Panhandle as expected: singles were south of 1-80 Exit 1 in Kimball Co 8 and 25 Aug (SJD) and 31 Aug (JGJ); in Scotts Bluff Co 30 Aug (KD); and sw. of Kimball 15 Sep (SJD,JGi). The other was farther east, at CLNWR 1 Sep (MB,DSt); there are no fall records east of Garden Co. Brown Thrasher: Routine reports. Curve-billed Thrasher: The Frimann Ranch bird in extreme se. Sioux Co continues; he was seen 18 Aug (KD). His 5-year anniversary was 20 Oct 2007. European Starling: As noted in previous years, starlings were seen hawking insects at North Platte 19 Sep (TJW); it was suggested that this happens when most swallows and swifts have departed, leaving an open food niche. American Pipit: One at LNB 9-10 Sep (JGJ,JJ,WF) was rather early. Sprague’s Pipit: Recent years have shown this species to be a regular migrant at SCP; this fall about 30 were found there 3-23 Oct (KP,JRi,EB,LE), with best day 7 Oct when 13 were found (JRi). Elsewhere, 2 were in s. Cherry Co 20 Sep (WF) and 2 in Seward Co 23 Oct (RE). Bohemian Waxwing: None were reported; arrival, when it occurs, is in mid-Nov. Cedar Waxwing; Routine reports. Blue-winged Warbler: The only report was of a male in Dixon Co 1 Sep (JJ), only the 12th fall record. Close to being the 13th, but taxonomically challenged, was a “Brewster’s Warbler” at FF 6 Sep (JRi), only the 2nd for Nebraska. Golden-winged Warbler: Only casual in fall, 3 were reported, only the 22nd-24th on record for fall: a single at FF 23 Aug (L&BP), a female there 29 Aug (JRi), and a single in Bellevue 11 Sep (L&BP). Tennessee Warbler: Routine reports. Orange-crowned Warbler: Routine reports. Nashville Warbler: Routine reports. Northern Parula: Routine reports. Yellow Warbler: Routine reports. 114 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 4 Chestnut-sided Warbler: The only reports were from a single yard, probably of the same bird, in Bellevue 18-28 Aug (L&BP). Magnolia Warbler: The only three reports were of singles in Bellevue 30 Aug (L&BP), Omaha 19 Sep (RE), and FF 29 Sep (JRi). Black-throated Blue Warbler: There were two reports of this regular but rare fall migrant, both from the Panhandle: two juvenile females were at Oliver Res 15 Sep (SJD,JGi, photo) and a single was in Scotts Bluff Co 20 Sep (AD). Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) Warbler: There were 3 reports of migrants: 12 Sep at Chadron SP (JRi), where breeding is not known, 13 Sep at Oliver Res (JRi), and 22 Sep in Scotts Bluff Co (AK). Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler: Earliest migrants were 2 rather early at Smith L WMA, Sheridan Co, 26 Aug (SJ). Rather late for the Panhandle was one at WSR 28 Oct (HKH); another at LO 30 Nov (JGJ) was even more tardy, but not quite in the Panhandle. There are 3 Dec reports for LM. Rather late in the east were 3 in Lancaster Co 16 Nov (LE), and one in Nuckolls Co 11 Nov (LR,RH), although “dozens” were still at Platte River SP, Cass Co, 9 Nov (RM). Black-throated Gray Warbler: An adult male was photographed at Oliver Res 8 Sep (AB); this is the 3rd documented fall record, all in the period 1-8 Sep, and with 2 spring records, the 5th overall. Black-throated Green Warbler: More than usual for fall were reported, about 11. Most were in the east, the earliest separate singles tying the record early date at FF 23 Aug (CNK,L&BP). Unexpected were 2 at Calamus Res 23 Sep (WRS); this species is casual away from the east. Townsend’s Warbler: The two reports of this regular Panhandle migrant were of 2 at WSR 27 Aug (HKH) and 2 juvenile males at Oliver Res 15 Sep (SJD,JGi; photo). Blackburnian Warbler: Eight were reported, quite good for fall for this species. Singles at FF and in the observers’ Bellevue yard 17 Aug (L&BP) were rather early. A surprise so far west was one in Morrill 27 Aug (KD), only the 6th Panhandle record. Yellow-throated Warbler: None were reported; the few late dates are in early Sep. Pine Warbler: A bird banded at Wildcat Hills NC 23 Nov was probably this species based on the details provided (DR); Pine Warbler has a propensity to linger into winter on occasion. Bay-breasted Warbler: The only reports were from the Bellevue area: possibly the same bird in the observers’ yard 26 Aug-7 Sep (L&BP), and another at FF 5 Sep (L&BP). Cerulean Warbler: None were reported; most depart during Aug. Black-and-white Warbler: Routine reports. American Redstart: Routine reports. Oven bird: Routine reports. Northern Waterthrush: There are only about 15 reports from the Panhandle, and so of interest are one at Oliver Res 25 Aug (SJD) and two there 1 Sep (JGJ). Louisiana Waterthrush: None were reported; most depart in Aug. Kentucky Warbler: None were reported; departure is completed by mid-Sep. Mourning Warbler: The only report was of one in Dixon Co 1 Sep (JJ). MacGillivray’s Warbler: A photo taken in the observer’s Nickerson, Dodge Co, yard 8 Sep (JMu) allowed identification as this species. This is the easternmost documented fall record and one of only 5 east of the Panhandle. Common Yellowthroat: One at GPD 27 Oct (RD) was 3rd latest on record. Most depart by early Oct. Vol. 75 No. 4 The Nebraska Bird Review 115 Hooded Warbler: There are a surprising number of Panhandle reports for this southeastern species. A female was at WSR 27 Aug (HKH, details), about the 10th fall report for the state, half from the Panhandle, although few are documented. Wilson’s Warbler: This species arrives early in fall, this year especially so, with a male in Washington Co 5 Aug (RM) and another at Oliver Res 11 Aug (SJD). The Washington Co bird was 3rd earliest on record, the Oliver Res bird 6th. Best count was 52 at Oliver Res 1 Sep (SJD); high counts are in the range 70-81. Canada Warbler: Five were reported, all in the Missouri Valley 26 Aug-8 Sep (m. ob.), an average fall. Yellow-breasted Chat: Routine reports. Summer Tanager: One at FF 29 Aug (JRi) suggests continuing summer presence there, a recent phenomenon. Scarlet Tanager: Routine reports. Western Tanager: More than usual were reported, about 15, all from the Panhandle 27 Aug-20 Sep, including 7 in a tree at Bushnell 13 Sep (JRi). Green-tailed Towhee: Three were reported, a good showing, as there were only 16 fall records prior; singles were at Oliver Res 1 Sep (JGJ) and 13 Sep (JRi), and near Bushnell 15 Sep (SJD,JGi). Spotted Towhee: This species moves southeastward in fall; first arrivals were detected rather early 22 Sep at Broken Bow (TH), and in Saunders and Butler Cos (LE). Eastern Towhee: A phenotypic male in Nuckolls Co 8 Aug sang “perfect” songs of each species one after the other (LR,RH); as the songs are learned, any combination is possible for birds in the hybrid zone (LR,RH). Somewhat northwest of the expected range was one in Antelope Co 28 Sep (LE), where hybrids and Spotteds would be expected to predominate. Cassin’s Sparrow: None were reported; departure is in Aug. American Tree Sparrow: Arrival was a bit later than usual, with first sightings 24 Oct (JJ, L&CF,TP). Chipping Sparrow: Adults were feeding fledglings in Lincoln 22 Aug (NP), a rather late brood. Chipping Sparrows that linger after mid-Nov are usually solitary; thus rather late for small groups were 6 at Platte River SP, Cass Co, 9 Nov (RM) and 3 in Clay Center 11 Nov (PD). Clay-colored Sparrow: Routine reports. Brewer’s Sparrow: The only report was of one in Kimball Co 8 Sep (AB). Most depart during Sep. Field Sparrow: Routine reports. Vesper Sparrow: Away from the north and Missouri Valley summer records are few. Thus of interest were 5 in Seward Co 4 Aug (JGJ) and another there 18 Aug (LR,RH). These sightings probably indicate the west edge of the summer range of the Missouri Valley population (subspecies gramineus), which has adapted to row-crop agriculture and may indeed be expanding its range. Lark Sparrow: Routine reports. Lark Bunting: Routine reports. Savannah Sparrow: Routine reports. Grasshopper Sparrow: A window-killed bird picked up in Seward Co 28 Oct (JG) was 4th latest on record. 116 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol 75 No. 4 Henslow’s Sparrow: An indication that this species occurs in good numbers in the limited amount of suitable habitat in Nebraska was the count of 31 singing birds in a pristine 160-acre prairie near Burchard 19 Aug (WRS). In this same field, an adult was carrying food 19 Aug; there are very few records of breeding for Nebraska (WRS). At least one was in grassland at Harvard Marsh 7 Aug (PD,CW). Migrants were found in roadside habitats in Lancaster Co 30 Aug, 22 Sep, and 27 Sep (LE). One at SCP 20 Oct (EB) was rather late; late dates are Oct 20,21, and 23. Le Conte’s Sparrow: The limits of the migration period were defined by one at Jack Sinn WMA, Saunders & Lancaster Cos, 16 Sep (SJD,JGJ,JGi) and another in Nemaha Co 31 Oct (RE). Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow: By far a record fall count was the 36 at Jack Sinn WMA, Saunders & Lancaster Cos, 16 Sep (SJD,JGJ,JGi); 20 were there 22 Sep (WRS,JGJ,SR). One in Knox Co 3 Nov (MB) was 2nd-latest on record. Late dates are Oct 20,21, and 23. Fox Sparrow: Routine reports. Song Sparrow: Routine reports. Lincoln’s Sparrow: Routine reports. Swamp Sparrow: A presumed migrant in Saunders Co 19 Sep (LE) was rather early. White-throated Sparrow: Rather early were the 7 at LO 14 Sep (SJD,JGi). Harris’s Sparrow; Rare in the west, one was in Morrill 11 Nov (ECT) and two others were near there 12 Nov (KD). White-crowned Sparrow: Routine reports. Dark-eyed (White-winged) Junco: One was banded at Wildcat Hills NC 2 Oct (DR); the onset of fall movement in Nebraska is not well-known. Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco: Routine reports. Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco: One at Chadron SP 12 Sep (JRi) was 2nd-earliest on record; arrival is usually in late Sep. This form does not breed in Nebraska. Dark-eyed (Pink-sided) Junco: Best count was 24 in Lincoln Co 7 Nov (TJW). McCown’s Longspur. The only report was of 20 at WSR 16 Oct (HKH); migration occurs during Oct. Lapland Longspur: Best count was 500 in a flock near Holdrege 12 Nov (PD); high counts are in the thousands. Smith’s Longspur: There were 3 reports, the 18th-20th for fall, all convincing: singles were at SCP 3 Oct (KP), Hultine WPA, Clay Co, 10 Oct (RE), and Harvard Marsh 19 Oct (PD; details). Of the now 20 fall records, 14 are in the period 29 Sep-29 Oct. Chestnut-collared Longspur: None were reported; departure is in early Oct. Snow Bunting: A good fall for this species saw several reports, earliest the 3 birds rather early at LNB 29 Oct (RE); best count was 8 at GPD 24 Nov (MB). Northern Cardinal: Routine reports. Rose-breasted Grosbeak: Routine reports. Black-headed Grosbeak: Routine reports. Blue Grosbeak: Routine reports. Lazuli Bunting: Two somewhat easterly at CLNWR 1 Sep (MB,DSt) were likely migrants, as breeding is unknown there. Indigo Bunting: The 10 at Dodge Park, Omaha, 8 Sep (JRi) was an excellent fall count for this non-flocking species. Uncommon westward, one was at LO 24 Aug (SJD). Vol. 75 No. 4 The Nebraska Bird Review 117 Dickcissel: Rather late were a nest with nestlings in Clay Co 4 Aug and a nest with 5 eggs in Clay Co 18 Aug, the latter unfortunately abandoned by 25 Aug (JGJ), One was rather late in Lancaster Co 25 Oct (LE). Bobolink: Routine reports. Red-winged Blackbird: Routine reports. Eastern Meadowlark: Routine reports. Western Meadowlark: Routine reports. Yellow-headed Blackbird: Rather late as far north was one in Rock Co 24 Nov (LR,RH). Rusty Blackbird: There were 3 reports of a total of about 30 birds; 5 were at Harvard Marsh 7 Nov (PD), one was at FF 12 Nov (L&BP), and 20-25 were in Dixon Co 24 Nov (JJ). Brewer’s Blackbird: Routine reports. Common Grackle: The 3000 in the observer’s Mitchell yard 7 Sep (KD) would have put some stress on the feeder operation. Typical of lingering birds were singles in Lincoln 12 Nov (LE) and near Chadron 14 Nov (JF), the latter rather late for the location. Great-tailed Grackle: Large flocks, into the “hundreds” were in Lincoln and rural Lancaster Co 1 Oct-14 Nov (JGJ,JLL,KP,JRi). Still not numerous in the Sandhills, 10 were in Grant Co 29 Sep (LE). Brown-headed Cowbird: Routine reports. Orchard Oriole: One in Peru 1 Oct (TL) was rather late. Baltimore Oriole: Only the 4th Panhandle fall record was an adult male at Oliver Res 1 Sep (JGJ). Two at a feeder near Bennington 20 Sep (JM) were tardy. Bullock’s Oriole: Routine reports. Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch: None were reported; arrival is in Nov. Purple Finch: This species staged a significant incursion into Nebraska this fall. Reports were widespread, including the Panhandle, where it usually rare. As one Bellevue observer noted regarding his feeder: “just like the good old days, Purple Finches and no House Finches” (RW). A similar lack of House Finches in the presence of Purple Finches was noted near Mitchell (KD), where Purple Finches are normally absent. First reported was an immature/female at a Bellevue feeder 26 Sep (ARy), 5th-earliest on record. Best count was 30 at Niobrara SP, Knox Co, 8 Nov (MB), 2nd highest fall count on record. In all, at least 140 were reported. Cassin’s Finch: A female was banded and photographed at Wildcat Hills NC 1 Oct (DR), 2nd-earliest on record. Another was heard singing at LO 30 Nov, but could not be sighted (JGJ). Typically, fall sightings are few, with numbers building into spring. House Finch: There was some evidence that this species was less in evidence when Purple Finches were present (see Purple Finch). Red Crossbill: A few more than usual were reported, but by no means large numbers; best count was 50 in Carter Canyon, Scotts Bluff Co, 30 Aug, about 50% juveniles (KD). This species is commonly seen in the Wildcat Hills, usually at Wildcat Hills NC feeders, where 15-20 were present 27 Nov (AK). A few straggled eastward, notably one at a Peru feeder 1 Oct (TL), but also 2 at Norfolk 2 Nov (RS) and 1-2 at Creighton 2-25 Nov (MB). Common Redpoll: The only report of this late arriver was of 2 at FF 13 Nov (KJ). Pine Siskin: Along with Purple Finch, this species was much in evidence this fall. Beginning rather early with singles at LO 8 Aug (SJD) and in Kimball Co 11 Aug (SJD), reports were statewide, including a best count of 40 in 118 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 4 Saline Co 3 Nov (LR,RH). Earliest in the east was a single in Saunders Co 15 Sep (LE) and another at FF 29 Sep (JRi). Lesser Goldfinch: An intriguing report was of an adult male black-backed bird with a probable female at Wright’s Gap, Morrill Co, 1 Sep; a vigorously- begging juvenile appeared next to the male, which, however, ignored it (JGJ). This is the 16th summer record for the state. There are no breeding records for Nebraska, although it apparently breeds in se. Wyoming. American Goldfinch: Routine reports. House Sparrow: A feeder operator reported increasing numbers of this species in the Mitchell area, with 123 at the feeder 12 Nov (KD). Eurasian Tree Sparrow — A First Record for Nebraska Mark A. Brogie 508 Seeley, Box 316 Creighton, NE 68729 mbrogie@esu 1 .org On Thursday, 01 February 2007, Scott Raasch of rural Madison County called to say he had what he believed to be a Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) coming to a feeder at his house just east of Enola. The bird had been present for about a week, although he had just identified the species upon purchasing a new field guide. He reported that the bird was very wary and only stayed for a short time at the feeder. The bird was most often observed in the early morning or just before dusk. Dave Heidt and I arrived the following evening and were told we had just missed the bird by a few minutes. We saw a photo that Scott had taken of the bird earlier in the day and it was clearly an adult Eurasian Tree Sparrow. We waited until dusk without seeing the bird. Ellen Brogie, Dave Heidt, and I arrived before sunrise on 03 February, and after a wait of about an hour the bird appeared. Ellen was able to get several photographs of the bird during the few minutes it spent at the feeder. We waited for another hour or more without the bird reappearing. The bird was in the company of several House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) and had the general body structure and appearance of a male House Sparrow, but with veiy distinct differences. The most notable feature that stood out was the black auricular spot surrounded by white. The bird was noticeably smaller than a House Sparrow and nearby House Finches (Carpodacus mexicanus). The bird had a brown crown rather than gray of a male House Sparrow. The bird did not possess as much black on the throat as a House Sparrow and the white neck collar was also very distinctive. From the back, the bird appeared to be a small House Sparrow. Although Eurasian Tree Sparrow is known to hybridize with the House Sparrow (Leckie, 2001) the bird appeared phenotypically pure and showed no characteristics of hybridization discussed by Leckie. Vol. 75 No. 4 The Nebraska Bird Review 119 Eurasian Tree Sparrow Photo by Ellen L. Brogie On the morning of 04 February, while in the company of Anne Brogie, Scott Raasch, and Dave Stage, I was again able to study carefully and photograph the bird. Multiple observers viewed the bird over the following two weeks, although with warmer weather it became a less frequent visitor to the feeder. It was last observed on 15 February 2007. The above constitutes the first documentation of Eurasian Tree Sparrow in Nebraska. In conjunction with the only South Dakota record (Thompson and Tallman 2005) and the one Manitoba record (Koess 1988), it also represents one of the most westward mid-continent sightings of this species. Eurasian Tree Sparrows were introduced to North America in 1870 when birds of German origin were released in Lafayette Park, St. Louis, Missouri (Leckie 2001). The offspring of these birds persist to this day, but the population appears to have remained localized to eastern Missouri, west-central Illinois, and southeastern Iowa (Barlow and Leckie 2000). Recent reports indicate increasing numbers and expansion of Eurasian Tree Sparrow range in Iowa (Castor 2005, Dinsmore 2007) and Illinois (Johnson 2006). The 106th (2005-2006) Christmas Bird Count established a new high (763) in southeast Iowa (Caster 2006). 120 The Nebraska Bird Review Vol. 75 No. 4 Eurasian Tree Sparrows are essentially non-migratory, both in North America and in their natural range across Europe and temperate Asia. However, recent records show that individuals wander, especially in winter (Johnson 2005, Svingen 2006, Eddleman 2007). Competition with the larger House Sparrow for nest sites and winter food is possibly the major reason in limiting Eurasian Tree Sparrow expansion (Anderson 1978). Recent declines in House Sparrow populations may be a contributing factor in current expansion and out-of-range sightings of Eurasian Tree Sparrows. Literature Cited: Anderson, T.R. Population Studies of European Tree Sparrows in North America . University of Kansas Museum of Natural History, Occasional Papers 70 (1978): 1-58. Barlow, J.C., and S.N. Leckie. "Eurasian Tree Sparrow {Passer montanus )." The Birds of North America , No. 560. Ed. A. Poole and F. Gill. Philadelphia: The Birds of North America, Inc., 2000. Castor, C. "Regional Summaries of the 105th Christmas Bird Count (Iowa)." American Birds 59 (2005): 83-84. Castor, C. "Regional Summaries of the 106th Christmas Bird Count (Iowa)." American Birds 60 (2006): 83-84. Dinsmore, JJ. "The Nesting Season: June through July 2006. The Regional Reports (Iowa & Missouri)." North American Birds 60 (2007): 533-535. Eddleman, B. "Fall Migration. August through November 2006. The Regional Reports (Iowa & Missouri)." North American Birds 61 (2007): 15-11. Johnson, D.B. "Regional Summaries of the 105th Christmas Bird Count (Illinois)." American Birds 59 (2005): 80-82. Johnson, D.B. "Regional Summaries of the 106th Christmas Bird Count (Illinois)." American Birds 60 (2006): 81-82. Koess, R.F. "Eurasian Tree Sparrow in Manitoba Canada." Blue Jay 46 (1988): 34- 35. Leckie, S. "Rare, Local, Little-known, and Declining North American Breeders: A Closer Look: Eurasian Tree Sparrow." Birding 33 (2001): 460-467. Svingen P.H. "Fall Migration. August through November 2005. The Regional Reports (Western Great Lakes)." North American Birds 60 (2006): 75-78. Thompson, R. and D.Tallman. "Eurasian Tree Sparrow—a New Species for South Dakota." South Dakota Bird Notes 57 (2005): 83. Vol. 75 No. 4 The Nebraska Bird Review 121 Halsey Fall Field Days The 2007 NOU Fall Field Days were held at the 4-H Camp in the Nebraska National Forest near Halsey on September 28-30, 2007. Among the approximately 45 in attendance were two first time attendees: Juanita Rice of Fairmont and Tim Hajda of Broken Bow. Wayne Mollhoff spoke on Friday night about the progress on the new breeding bird atlas: "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way multimedia presentation Field trips to Cherry, Logan and Brown Counties were led by Clem Klaphake, Mark Brogie and Dave Heidt. A final tally of 121 species was recorded. Among the highlights of the meeting was a Common Raven found on Clem Klaphake’s field trip in Cherry County, a cooperative Eastern Screech-Owl called in to the camp by Mark Brogie on Saturday night, and a road-killed Common Poorwill found and displayed to the group by Wayne Mollhoff. The Poorwill was molting its flight feathers, and Wayne prepared spread¬ wing mounts for the Nebraska State Museum collections. White-crowned Sparrow at Halsey NOU Meeting Photo courtesy of Paul Johnsgard Vesper Sparrow at Halsey NOU Meeting Photo courtesy of Paul Johnsgard to the Atlas", and on Saturday night, Bob Rooney did a entitled "A Sandhills Odyssey". 122_The Nebraska Bird Review_Vol, 75 No. 4 Fall NOU Meeting at Halsey Blaine Brown Cherry Custer Grant Hooker Logan Thomas Canada Goose X X X Trumpeter Swan X X Wood Duck X X X Gadwall X X X American Wigeon X X X X Mallard X X X X X X Blue-winged Teal X X X X X Northern Shoveler X X X X Northern Pintail X X X Green-winged Teal X X X X X Redhead X X X Ring-necked Duck X X Lesser Scaup X Bufflehead X X Ruddy Duck X X Ring-necked Pheasant X X Sharp-tailed Grouse X X X Greater Prairie-Chicken X X Wild Turkey X X X X X Pied-billed Grebe X X X X X Western Grebe X X X American White Pelican X X X X Double-crested Cormorant X X X X Great Blue Heron X X X X White-faced Ibis X X Turkey Vulture X X X X X Osprey X X X X Bald Eagle X X X X Northern Harrier X X X X X Sharp-shinned Hawk X X Cooper's Hawk X X X Swainson's Hawk X X X X X Red-tailed Hawk X X X X X X X X Ferruginous Hawk X Golden Eagle X X American Kestrel X X X X X X Merlin X Peregrine Falcon X X Prairie Falcon X X Sora X X American Coot X X X X X Killdeer X X X X American Avocet X Vol 75 No. 4 _The Nebraska Bird Review_1 21 Fall NOU Meeting at Halsey Blaine Brown Cherry Custer Grant Hooker Logan Thomas Spotted Sandpiper X X Greater Yellow legs X X X Willet X Lesser Yellowlegs X X X Sanderling X Least Sandpiper X Baird's Sandpiper X X X Pectoral Sandpiper X Stilt Sandpiper X Long-billed Dowitcher X Wilson's Snipe X X Wilson’s Phalarope X Ring-billed Gull X X X X Rock Pigeon X X Eurasian Collared-Dove X X X X X Mourning Dove X X X X X X X Eastern Screech-Owl X Great Homed Owl X X X Burrowing Owl X Long-eared Owl X Common Poorwill X Belted Kingfisher X X X Red-headed Woodpecker X Downy Woodpecker X X X X Hairy Woodpecker X X Northern Flicker X X X X X X X Eastern Phoebe X X Say's Phoebe X Blue Jay X X X X X American Crow X X X X X Common Raven X Homed Lark X X X X X X Bam Swallow X X X X X X X X Black-capped Chickadee X Red-breasted Nuthatch X X X X X White-breasted Nuthatch X X House Wren X X X Marsh Wren X X X Ruby-crowned Kinglet X X Blue-gray Gnatcatcher X Eastern Bluebird X X Mountain Bluebird X Townsend's Solitaire X X X X 124 The Nebraska Bird Review Fall NOU Meeting at Halsey Vol- 75 No. 4 Blaine Brown Cherry Custer Grant Hooker Logan Thomas American Robin X X X X X Gray Catbird X European Starling X X X X X X X X American Pipit X X X Cedar Waxwing X X Orange-crowned Warbler X X X Yellow Warbler X Yellow-rumped Warbler X X X X X Common Yellowthroat X X Wilson's Warbler X X Spotted Towhee X X X X X Chipping Sparrow X X X X X X Clay-colored Sparrow X X X X Field Sparrow X X X Vesper Sparrow X X X X X X Lark Sparrow X X X X X Savannah Sparrow X X X X X X X Grasshopper Sparrow X X X Song Sparrow X X X X Lincoln's Sparrow X X X X Swamp Sparrow X White-throated Sparrow X X X X Harris's Sparrow X White-crowned Sparrow X X X X X Dark-eyed Junco X X X X Northern Cardinal X Red-winged Blackbird X X X X X X Western Meadowlark X X X X X X X X Yellow-headed Blackbird X X X X Brewer's Blackbird X Common Grackle X X X Great-tailed Grackle X Brown-headed Cowbird X X House Finch X X Pine Siskin X X X American Goldfinch X X X X X X House Sparrow X X Total Species: 123 53 58 71 9 68 41 27 66 Vol. 75 No. 4 The Nebraska Bird Review index to Volume 75 121 Accipiter species 22-23 Ahlering, M. A. 60 Alexander, Irene 19 Allen, Sue 19 Allwine Prairie Preserve 15 American Ornithologists' Union 93 AmesCBC 17-30 Amiotte, Sue 61 Anderson, Chris 19 T.R. 120 Ani, Groove-billed 88 Aubushon, Kathy 18 Avocet, American 41, 76, 106, 122 Bachel, Elaine 100 Backer, Gordon 18 Badura, Laurel 36, 72, 100 Barlow, J. C. 120 Barry, Bob 4, 18 Barth, Roland 36 Baumgarten, H. E. 16 Beaver Valley CBC 17-30 Bedows, Elliott 4, 18, 19, 35, 99 Berthelsen, Gary 4 Birds of Nebraska 109 Bishop, Andy 53, 59 Bittern, American 39, 64, 74, 103 Least 39, 74, 103 Blackbird, Brewer's 12, 28-29, 52, 85, 117, 124 Red-winged 12, 28-29, 52, 66, 85, 117, 124 Rusty 12,28-29,52,117 Yellow-headed 12, 52, 66, 85, 117, 124 Blankenau, Laurine 18, 19 Bloom, Tom 36 Bluebird, Eastern 10, 18, 26-27, 47, 65, 82, 113, 123 Mountain 10,47,82,113,123 Bly, Bart 71,99 Bobolink 52, 66, 84-85, 117 Bobwhite, Northern 6, 20-21, 38, 63, 73, 102 Borgelt, Joyce 19 Bossman, Bill 19 Bowley, Jodi 93 Tyler 93 Brambling 92 Branched Oak-Seward CBC 17-30 Brant 91 Brania canadensis interior 37 Brees, Aaron 99 Brockmoller, Norma 4, 19, 100 Brogie, Anne 119 Ben 18, 19 Ed M, 19 Ellen 118-119 Mark 4, 18, 19, 36, 72, 86, 93, 100, 118-119, 121 Brown, Bill 19 Charles 35 Linda 4, 19 Steve 36 Bruner, L, 16 Bufflehead 6, 20-21, 38, 102, 122 Bunting, Indigo 52, 66, 84, 116 Lark 50, 66. 70, 83, 115 Lazuli 52, 66, 70, 84, 116 Snow 11,18,28-29,116 Buteo species 22-23 Calamus-Loup CBC 17-30 Canterbury, Jackie 19 Canvasback 5. 20-21, 37, 63, 73, 101 Cardinal, Northern 12, 18, 28-29, 51, 66, 84, 116, 124 Cargill, Marilee 18 Carlini, John 93 Castor, C. 120 Catbird, Gray 48, 65, 82, 113, 124 Central Nebraska Public Power District 106 Chat, Yellow-breasted 49, 66, 82, 115 Chickadee, Black-capped 10, 17, 26-27, 46, 65, 81,98, 112, 123 Mountain 98, 112 Christiansen, Donna 19 Christmas Bird Counts 17-30 Chuck-will’s-widow 44, 79, 109 Collins, S. L. 61 Coot, American 7, 22-23, 34, 40, 64, 75, 105, 122 Cormorant, Double-crested 6, 22-23, 39, 64, 74, 103, 122 Neotropic 87 Counties Adams 78, 80, 81 Antelope 43, 89 Arthur 52,63-66 Banner 80, 81, 82, 106 Blaine 51, 110, 122-124 Boone 6 Box Butte 77 Brown 121-124 126 The Nebraska Bird Review Index to Volume 75 Vol. 75 No. 4 Counties, continued Buffalo 40, 50. 76, 84, 92, 104, 112 Burt 79 Butler 15, 74, 115 Cass 11, 39, 44, 46, 49, 52, 82, 83, 89, 91, 114, 115 Cedar 10, 88, 92, 102 Cherry 49, 73, 76, 80, 85, 89. 90, 92, 109, 111, 112, 113, 121-124 Cheyenne 80, 92, 106 Clay 16, 38, 44, 48. 72, 73, 77, 89, 91, 101, 116, 117 Colfax 6, 45, 46 Custer 63-66, 75, 111, 121-124 Dakota 37, 42, 45, 46, 48 Dawes 80, 81, 83, 84, 85, 92 Dawson 47, 52 Deuel 109 Dixon 6, 43, 45, 46, 48, 50, 52, 73, 83, 91, 108, 110, 113, 114, 117 Dodge 11,50,78,80,114 Douglas 8, 14, 15, 39, 40, 44, 46, 49, 52, 83, 84, 104 Fillmore 38, 42, 43, 77, 89 Frontier 45, 50, 63-66 Gage 5, 10, 53, 55, 58, 82 Garden 44, 48, 49, 92, 111, 113 Grant 74, 103, 117, 122-124 Hall 8, 14, 15, 45, 47, 50, 90 Hamilton 73, 104, 106, 111, 113 Harlan 45, 83, 111 Hayes 52,63-66,83 Hitchcock 83, 109 Holt 47 Hooker 122-124 Jefferson 9,78,83,85 Johnson 53, 55, 57, 58 Kearney 80 Keith 38, 39, 44, 47, 75, 76, 79, 83, 84, 85, 89, 90, 91, 104 KeyaPaha 9 Kimball 51, 75, 80. 83, 84, 104, 106, 110, 112, 113, 115, 117 Knox 38, 39, 40, 46, 47, 51, 81, 88. 102, 103, 104, 107, 108, 116, 117 Lancaster 5, 8. 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 39, 41, 42, 48, 52, 53, 55. 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 83, 84, 89, 90, 101, 102, 104, 105, 107, 111, 112, 114, 116, 117 Lincoln 6, 39, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 51, 52, 63-66, 77, 78, 79, 81, 83, 85, 90, 101, 102, 105, 111, 116 Logan 48, 63-66, 121-124 Loup 7 Counties, continued Madison 118 McPherson 63-66, 79, 103 Merrick 104, 110, 111 Morrill 40, 51, 73, 74, 76, 77, 80, 83, 89, 104, 105, 110, 118 Nance 47, 91 Nemaha 53, 55, 73, 80, 116 Nuckolls 38, 44, 46, 50, 52, 75, 77, 114, 115 Otoe 39, 44, 45, 50, 51, 53, 55, 78, 81, 82, 84, 110 Pawnee 14, 15, 53, 55, 57, 58-59, 82 Perkins 48 Phelps 37, 41, 73, 101, 103 Pierce 89, 102 Platte 5, 6, 11, 38, 42, 90 Polk 5, 6, 104, 107, 110 Richardson 7, 9, 53, 55, 84 Rock 84, 104, 117 Saline 10.85,111,118 Sarpy 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 37, 38, 39, 40, 43, 48, 49. 51. 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79. 90, 92, 101, 102, 108 Saunders 43, 77, 112, 115, 116, 118 Scotts Bluff 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 41, 43, 44, 45. 46, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, 88, 101, 104, 105, 107, 109, 112, 113, 114, 117 Seward 7, 15, 37, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 50, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 79, 80, 81, 84,85,101,103,105,113,115 Sheridan 44, 80, 107, 114 Sherman 105 Sioux 38, 48, 51, 80, 82, 83, 84, 90, 92, 98, 102, 110, 112, 113 Stanton 15 Thayer 39, 42 Thomas 45, 51, 103, 112, 113, 122- 124 Thurston 46 Washington 9, 12, 14, 15, 41, 44, 48, 79, 82, 84, 115 Wayne 12,48,52 Webster 16, 102 York 37, 38, 41, 42, 50, 73, 74, 106 Cowbird, Brown-headed 12, 28-29, 52, 66, 85, 117, 124 Crane, Common 34, 41 Sandhill 8, 41, 76, 89, 105 Whooping 41, 89, 98, 105 Crawford CBC 17-30 Crawford, David 18, 19 Creeper, Brown 26-27, 47, 81, 112 VoL 75 No. 4 The Nebraska Bird Review index Id Volume 75 121 Crossbill, Red 12, 28-29, 52, 85, 117 Crow, American 10, 17, 26-27. 46, 65, 81, 111, 123 Cuckoo, Black-billed 44, 78, 88, 109 Yellow-billed 44, 64, 78, 88, 109 Curlew, Long-billed 42, 64, 77, 106 Curtis, Anton 18 Dale, B. C. 60 Davis, C. A. 60 Fritz 19 S.K. 60 DeGarmo, Alex 18,93 Kevin 18 DeLara, Kathy 4, 18, 19, 36, 72, 93, 100 DeSoto-Boyer CBC 17-30 DiBemard, Barbara 19 Dickcissel 52, 66, 84, 117 Dietrich, Roger 5, 36, 100 Dinsmore, J.J. 120 Stephen J. 5, 18, 72, 93, 100 Douglas, Art 99 Dove, Eurasian Collared- 9, 17, 24-25, 43, 64, 78, 108, 123 Inca 9, 17, 24-25, 44, 90 Mourning 4, 9, 17, 24-25, 43, 64, 78, 109, 123 White-winged 43, 44, 78, 108-109 Dowitcher, Long-billed 42, 64, 77, 107, 123 Short-billed 42, 64, 77, 107 Drawbaugh, Dean 19 Phyllis 18, 19 Ducey, James E. 36, 100 Duck, American Black 87, 101 Harlequin 88 Long-tailed 38, 102 Ring-necked 6, 20-21, 37. 73, 101, 122 Ruddy 6, 20-21, 38, 63, 73, 102, 122 Wood 5, 20-21, 37, 63, 72, 122 Duey, Ann 4, 19, 35, 99 Dunbar, Paul 5, 18, 36, 72, 93, 100 Dunkel, Warren 19 Dunlin 34, 42, 107 Dunn, Pat 19 Eades, James 19 Rick 5, 18, 19, 36, 72, 93, 100 Eagle, Bald 7, 22-23, 39, 75, 104. 122 Golden 7, 22-23, 40, 75, 104, 122 Eddleman, B. 120 Egret, Cattle 39, 64, 74, 103 Great 39, 74, 103 Snowy 39, 74, 103 Einemann, Larry 4, 18, 19, 36, 72, 83, 100, 112 Ely, Dave 35 Emery, Nathaniel 93 Engle, D. M. 60 Etherton, James 4, 18 Eucker, Joyce 19 Faaborg, J. 60 Falco columbarius columbarius 40, 104 peregrinus anatum 40 tundrius 40 Falcon, Peregrine 7, 40, 75, 104, 122 Prairie 7, 22-23, 40, 75, 104, 122 Falk, Carol 4, 36, 72, 100 Laurence 4, 36, 72, 100 Fallon, J. 16, 60 Falzgraf, Nelli 18, 19, 36 Fennell, Tim 36 Fields, Jeff 19 Finch, Cassin's 85, 87, 117 House 12, 28-29, 52, 66, 85, 117, 118, 124 Purple 12,28-29,52,98,117 Finkhouse, Darlene 19 Fish, Nancy 100 Flack, William 5, 36, 101 Flavin, John 4, 18, 36, 93, 100 Fletcher, Greg 100 Flicker, Northern 9, 24-25, 45, 65, 79, 110, 123 Floyd, Ted 70 Flycatcher, Acadian 45, 79 Alder 45, 79, 110 Ash-throated 70, 80, 110 Cordilleran 45, 80, 110 Dusky 70, 110 Gray 98, 110 Great Crested 45, 65, 80, 111 Hammond’s 92, 110 Least 45, 65, 80, 110 Olive-sided 45, 65, 79, 110 Scissor-tailed 34, 45, 80 128 The Nebraska Bird Review Index to Volume 75 VoL 75 No. 4 Flycatcher, continued Willow 45, 65, 80, 110 Yellow-bellied 45 Fox, Mitzi 18 Frigatebird, Magnificent 103 species 98, 103 Frimann Ranch 113 Fuchs, Bob 19 Fuhlendorf, S. D. 60,61 Gadwall 5, 20-21, 37, 63, 72, 101, 122 Gannon, Tom 101 Garganey 91 Gertsema, Mary 100 Gibson, Robert 100 Gillen, R. L. 61 Gilliam, Jay 100 Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray 34, 47, 82, 112, 123 Godwit, Hudsonian 42, 77 Marbled 42, 64, 77, 106 Goldeneye, Barrow's 6 Common 6, 20-21, 38, 102 Goldfinch, American 12, 28-29, 52, 66, 85, 118, 124 Lesser 52, 92, 98, 118 Goose, Cackling 5, 20-21, 37, 101 Canada 5, 17, 20-21, 37, 63, 72, 101, 122 Greater White-fronted 5, 20-21, 37, 72, 101 Pink-footed 91 Ross’s 5, 20-21, 37, 72, 101 Snow 5, 20-21, 37, 72, 91, 101 blue 37 Goshawk, Northern 7, 22-23, 40, 104 Crackle, Common 12, 28-29, 52, 66, 85, 117, 124 Great-tailed 12, 28-29, 52, 66, 85, 117, 124 Grand Island CBC 17-30 Grebe, Clark’s 6, 22-23, 39. 64, 74, 103 Eared 34, 38, 64, 73, 102 Horned 38, 102 Pied-billed 22-23, 38, 63, 73, 102, 122 Red-necked 6, 22-23, 73, 102 Western 6, 22-23, 39, 64, 74, 102, 122 Green, M.T. 60 Ruth 5, 72, 100 Greer, Janet 4 Grell, Carey 71 Grenon, Alan 35, 94 Betty 18, 19, 35, 71 Grier, Bob 93 Grosbeak, Black-headed 51, 66, 84, 116 Blue 52,66,84, 116 Evening 87 Rose-breasted 51, 66, 84, 116 Gross, Everett 62 Mildred 61-62 Grouse, Sharp-tailed 6, 20-21,38,73, 102, 122 Grundman, Jason 18 Jonas 36, 100 Gubanyi, Joe 4, 14, 15, 18, 19, 36, 71, 93, 94, 100 Gucciardo, Suzanne 18, 19 Gull, Bonaparte's 43, 107 California 8, 24-25, 43, 77, 107 Franklin’s 8, 43, 77, 107 Glaucous 8, 24-25, 43, 108 Glaucous-winged 8 Glaucous-winged x Herring 8 Great Black-backed 89, 108 Herring 8, 24-25, 43, 77, 108 Laughing 89, 107 Lesser Black-backed 8, 24-25, 43, 108 Little 89 Mew 43, 87 Ring-billed 8. 24-25, 43, 64, 77, 107, 123 Sabine's 108 Slaty-backed 8, 17, 24-25 Thayer’s 8, 24-25, 43, 108 Hajda, Tim 36, 72, 101, 121 Hall, Carolyn 4,35,71,99 John W. 36, 72 Halsey Fall Field Days 121-124 Hamilton, Luke 100 R. G. 60 Hansen, Matthew 19 Harding, Robin 5, 18, 36, 63, 72, 100 Harrell, W. C. 60 Vol. 75 No. 4 The Nebraska Bird Review Index to Volume 75 129 Harrier, Northern 7, 17, 22-23, 40, 64, 75, 104, 122 Harrison CBC 17-30 Hatfield, Blake 18 Hawk, Broad-winged 40. 104 Cooper's 7, 22-23, 40, 64, 75, 104, 122 Ferruginous 7, 22-23, 40, 63, 75, 104, 122 Red-shouldered 7, 34, 40, 70, 75, 104 Red-tailed 7, 17, 22-23, 40, 64, 75, 104, 122 dark morph 75, 104 Harlan's 104 Krider’s 40, 104 Rough-legged 7, 22-23, 40, 104 Sharp-shinned 7, 22-23, 40, 104, 122 Swainson's 40, 64, 75, 104, 122 Zone-tailed 34, 40 Heidt, Dave 4, 18, 19, 118, 121 Held, Renae 36 Heller, Pat 36 Helzer, Chris 15, 16 Herkert, J. R. 16,60 Heron, Great Blue 7, 17, 22-23, 39, 64, 74, 103, 122 Green 39, 64, 74, 103 Little Blue 39, 74, 103 Hicks, Maria 19 Tyler 93 Hilligas, Lewis 18 Hines, J. E. 16,60 Hoff, Michele 19 Hoge, Glen 4, 35, 71, 100 Wanda 4, 35, 71, 100 Hughson, Helen K. 19, 36, 71, 93, 100 Hula, Brian 35 Hummingbird, Broad-tailed 70, 79, 98, 109-110 Calliope 79, 109 Ruby-throated 44, 79, 92, 109 Rufous 79, 110 Humpert, M. 16, 60 Huntley, C. W. (Bill) 18,35,71,99 Huser, Art 19 Bill 4, 19, 35, 93 Ibis, Glossy 39, 74, 89 White-faced 39, 70, 74, 103, 122 Iliff, Marshall 93 Jacobsen, Tony 19 Jaeger, Pomarine 90, 107 Janes, Kim 100 Janzen, Pete 5 Jay, Blue 10, 24-25, 46, 65, 80, 111, 123 Pinyon 10,46,80,111 Johnsgard, Paul 19, 121 Johnson, D. B. 120 Jan 4, 19, 36, 71, 100 Luke 19 Richard 19 Jones, S.L. 60 Stephen 100 Jorgensen, Joel G. 4, 13-16, 18, 36, 38, 59, 60, 61, 71, 83, 93, 94, 100 Junco, Dark-eyed 11, 28-29, 51, 84, 116, 124 Oregon 11, 28-29, 51, 116 Pink-sided 28-29, 51, 116 Slate-colored 28-29, 116 White-winged 11, 28-29, 84, 116 Katus, Dennis 71, 99 Rhalene 71, 99 Kaul, Robert 18 Keller, Jay 100 Kenitz, Alice 4, 19, 35, 71, 99 Lee 4 Kestrel, American 7, 22-23, 40, 64, 75, 104, 122 Killdeer 8, 22-23, 41, 64, 76, 106, 122 Kim, Daniel H. 4, 15, 16, 35, 71 Kingbird, Cassin’s 45, 80, 111 Eastern 45, 65, 80, 111 Western 45, 65, 80, 111 Kingfisher, Belted 9, 17, 24-25, 44, 65, 79, 110, 123 Kinglet, Golden-crowned 10, 26-27, 47, 112 Ruby-crowned 10, 26-27, 47, 112, 123 Kingston, Vince 18 Kirk, J. 4 Kite, Mississippi 39, 75, 104 Kittiwake, Black-legged 90, 108 Klaphake, Clem 4, 18, 19, 35, 71, 99, 121 Knaggs, Rodger 18 Knedsen, Kyle 19 Knot, Red 106 Knott, Tim 19 Knutie, Sarah 36 Koehlmoos, Lyla 19 130 The Nebraska Bird Review Index to Volume 75 Vol- 75 No. 4 Koess, R. F. 120 Kovanda, Jim 19 Sandy 19 Kranik, Ken 4 Kren, Josef 19, 63 Kroodsma, D. E. 16, 60 Kruse, Ann 18 Ron 18 Kuper, Catherine 19 Kurth, Allen E. 35 Kusek, Ray 18 Labedz, Thomas E. 5, 18, 19 Lackey, Jeanine L. 36, 100 Lacy, Keith 4 Lake McConaughy CBC 17-30 Lamphere, Steve 18, 19 Lark, Homed 10, 26-27, 46, 65, 81, 111, 123 Leckie, S.N. 120 Lee, Teri 101 Leger, Daniel 4, 19, 71, 99 Lehner, Urban 19, 101 Leslie, D. M. Jr. 60 Lincoln CBC 17-30 Longspur, Chestnut-collared 51, 84, 116 Lapland 11,28-29, 51,116 McCown’s 51, 84, 91, 116 Smith’s 92, 116 Loon, Common 6, 20-21, 38, 73, 102 Pacific 102 Red-throated 102 Lowther, P. E. 60 Luehrs, Richard 5 Magpie, Black-billed 10, 17, 26-27, 46, 65, 80-81, 111 Mallard 5, 20-21, 37, 63, 72, 101, 122 Manning, Robert 72, 100 Martin, Purple 46, 65, 81, 98, 111 Maslowski, Linda 19 Pete 19 Mathieson, Marty 100 Mattix, Sue 18, 19 McCartney, Connie 18 McCarty, John P. 15, 71 McCoy, T.D. 60 Meadowlark, Eastern 12, 52, 66, 85, 117 Meadowlark, continued species 28-29 Western 12, 28-29, 52, 66, 85, 117, 124 Merganser, Common 6, 20-21, 38, 73, 102 Hooded 6, 20-21, 38, 63, 73, 102 Red-breasted 6, 20-21, 38, 102 Merlin 7, 22-23, 40, 75, 104, 122 Meyer, Jim 18 Miller, Jeanne 18, 36, 71, 100 John 4, 19, 100 Mitchell, R. B. 61 Mockingbird, Northern 11,26-27,48, 66, 82, 113 Mollhoff, Wayne J. 5, 16, 18, 36, 60, 63, 72, 94, 121 Moorhen, Common 40 Morfeld, Tracy 36 Morris, Steve 18, 72 Mulliken, Elizabeth 18 Jerry 18, 71, 100 Munter, Emily 93 Nature Conservancy, The 14-16 Nebraska Breeding Bird Atlas 14 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 16, 59 Nebraska Natural Legacy Plan 14 Nebraska State Museum 108 Negus, L. P. 60 Nelson, Brent 35 Newbury, Ed 19 Nighthawk, Common 44, 65, 78, 109, 111 Night-Heron, Black-crowned 39, 74, 103 Yellow-crowned 39, 74, 103 Noecker Colleen 4, 18, 35, 71, 99 Don 4, 18, 35, 71, 99 Norfolk CBC 17-30 Noteman, Rosalie 18, 19 NOU Records Committee 86-94 Nutcracker, Clark’s 10, 111 Nuthatch, Pygmy 10.26-27,47,81,112 Red-breasted 10, 26-27, 47, 81, 98, 112, 123 White-breasted 10, 18, 26-27, 47, 65, 81, 112, 123 Eastern subspecies 47 Western subspecies 47, 81 Vol. 75 No. 4 The Nebraska Bird Review Index to Volume 75 LIT O'Brien, Valerie 36 O'Dell, Molly 18 Tom 18 Ollinger, Linda 4 Omaha CBC 17-30 Oriole, Baltimore 52, 66, 85, 117 Bullock’s 52, 70, 85, 117 Orchard 52,66, 85, 117 Orr, Alan 4 Osprey 39, 75, 104, 122 Ovenbird 49,66,82, 114 Owl, Bam 9, 17, 24-25, 44, 65, 78, 109 Barred 9, 24-25, 44, 78, 90, 109 Burrowing 44, 63, 65, 78, 109, 123 Eastern Screech- 9, 24-25, 44, 78, 109, 121, 123 Flammulated 92 Great Homed 9, 24-25, 44, 65, 78, 109, 123 Long-eared 9. 17, 24-25. 44, 78, 109, 123 Northern Saw-whet 9, 17, 24-25, 44 Short-eared 9, 17, 44, 78, 109 Snowy 9, 17, 24-25 Padelford, Babs 4, 19, 36, 72, 100 Loren 4, 19, 36, 72, 100 Partners in Flight National Watch List 14 Partridge, Gray 6, 38, 73, 102 Parula, Northern 48, 82, 113 Don 4, 18, 19, 35, 71, 83, 99 Janis 4, 18, 19,35, 71,99 Payton, Mark 106, 108 Pelican, American White 6, 22-23, 39, 64, 74, 103, 122 Pester, Theresa 36, 72, 101 Phalarope, Red 89, 107 Red-necked 43, 77, 107 Wilson's 43, 64, 77, 107, 123 Pheasant, Ring-necked 6, 20-21, 38, 63, 73, 102, 122 Phoebe, Eastern 45, 65, 80, 110, 123 Say’s 45, 65, 80, 110, 123 Piercy, Willard 19 Pierson, Con 99 Donna 99, 105 Pigeon, Rock 8, 24-25, 43, 64, 78, 108, 123 Pintail, Northern 5, 17, 20-21, 37, 63, 72, 101, 122 Pipit, American 48,66, 113, 124 Sprague’s 48, 113 Piranga rubra cooperi 50 Platte River Whooping Crane Maintenance Trust 14,15 Plegadis ibis species 103 Plover, American Golden- 34, 41, 76, 105 Black-bellied 41, 64, 76, 105 Mountain 34, 41, 76, 106 Piping 41, 76, 106, 108 Semipalmated 41, 64, 76, 106 Snowy 41, 76, 106 Poague, Kevin 14, 36, 72 Ponca State Park CBC 17-30 Pooecetes gramineus gramineus 115 Poor-will. Common 44, 78, 109, 121, 123 Poppe, Janis 71 LeRoy 71 Prairie-Chicken, Greater 6, 20-21, 34, 38, 58, 63, 70, 73, 102, 122 Prairie Partners 106, 109 Price, Dawn 18 Probst, Jerry 19, 36 Pruess, Neva 36, 100 Putensen, Kathy 19 Quinn, John 18 Raasch, Scott 118-119 Rail, Black 92 King 7 Virginia 7, 22-23, 40, 64, 75, 105 Yellow 92 Ramirez, Juan 19 Randolph, Lanny 4, 18, 36, 63, 72, 100 Rasmussen, Dick 19 Ratziaff, Izen 61-62 Neal 18, 19, 62 Raven, Common 90, Ill, 121, 123 Redhead 6, 20-21, 37, 63, 73, 101, 122 Redpoll, Common 12, 28-29, 52, 117 Redstart, American 49, 66, 82, 114 Rehme, Sarah 18, 36, 72, 101 Reinking, D. L. 16, 60 Reitan, Arlys 71 Ken 19 Reyer, Allen 35,93,99 Rezac, Kelly 19 132 The Nebraska Bird Review Index to Volume 75 Vol. 75 No. 4 Rice, Juanita 4, 100, 121 Richter, Jean 19 Rink, Justin 36, 71, 100 Ripper, Dana 99 Robin, American 10, 18, 26-27, 48, 65, 82, 98, 113, 124 Roche, Richard 16, 37 Rohrbaugh, R. W. Jr. 60 Roisen, Paul 5, 72, 93 Rooney, Bob 121 Rose, Kathleen 19, 100 Rosy-Finch, Gray-crowned 117 Russ, Jules 19 Safarik, Laura 19 Sanderling 42, 77, 106, 123 Sandpiper, Baird's 8, 42, 64, 77, 107, 123 Buff-breasted 42, 77, 107 Least 42, 64, 77, 107, 123 Pectoral 42, 64, 77, 107, 123 Semipalmated 42, 64, 77, 106 Solitary 41, 76, 87, 106 Spotted 41, 64, 76, 87, 106, 123 Stilt 34, 42, 77, 107, 123 Upland 41. 64, 76-77, 106 Western 42, 77, 89, 107 White-rumped 34, 42, 64, 77 Sapsucker, Red-naped 45, 110 Yellow-bellied 4, 9, 24-25, 45, 110 Sauer, J. R. 16,60 Scaup, Greater 6, 20-21, 37, 101 Lesser 6, 20-21, 37, 63, 73, 101, 122 Schmid, Rick 19, 36, 72, 100 Schneider, R. 16, 60 Schoen, Bonnie 19 Scholar, Eric 19 Schwartz, Shari 93 Scoter, Black 6, 102 Surf 37, 102 White-winged 38, 102 Scottsbluff CBC 17-30 Scoville, Vicki 19 Sharpe, Roger 16, 60 Sherman, Tyler 19 Shoveler, Northern 5, 20-21, 37, 63, 72, 101, 122 Shrike, Loggerhead 4, 9, 24-25, 45, 65, 80, 111 Northern 9, 24-25, 45, 111 Sidle, John 63 Siegfried, Ruben 5, 18, 19 Silcock, W. Ross 4, 5, 13-16, 18, 34, 36, 53-61, 70, 72, 93, 98, 101 Simpson, Rachel 100 Siskin, Pine 12, 28-29, 52, 85, 98, 117- 118, 124 Sitta carolinensis nelsoni 81 Skaggs, Kent 36, 72, 93, 100 Smith, David J. 19 Patricia 18 Snipe, Wilson’s 8, 24-25, 42, 64, 77, 107, 123 Snyder, Larry 36, 100 Sohl, Terry 5 Solitaire, Townsend’s 10, 26-27, 48, 113, 123 Sonderman, Carolyn 18 Sora 40, 64, 75, 105, 122 Sparrow, American Tree 11, 26-27, 50, 115 Baird's 57 Brewer’s 50, 83, 115 Cassin’s 50, 83, 115 Chipping 50, 66, 70, 83, 115, 124 Clay-colored 50, 66, 115, 124 Eurasian Tree 12,118-120 Field 26-27, 50, 66, 83, 115, 124 Fox 11,26-27,51,116 Golden-crowned 34, 51 Grasshopper 50, 66, 83-84, 115, 124 Harris's 11,26-27,51,115, 124 Henslow's 13-16, 50, 53-61, 84, 112, 116 House 12, 28-29, 52, 66, 85, 118, 120, 124 Lark 50, 66, 83, 115, 124 Le Conte's 51, 116 Lincoln's 51, 116, 124 Nelson’s Sharp-tailed 51, 98, 116 Savannah 50, 83, 115, 124 Song 11, 26-27, 66, 84, 116, 124 Swamp 11, 51,66, 84, 116, 124 Vesper 50, 66, 70, 83, 115, 121, 124 Eastern subspecies 115 White-crowned 11, 28-29, 51, 115, 121, 124 White-throated 11, 26-27, 51, 115, 124 Spence, Charles 19 Leo 19 Spring Creek Prairie 14 Stage, Dave 4, 35, 99, 119 Stanley, Matt 19 Vol. 75 No. 4 The Nebraska Bird Review Index to Volume 75 in Stansberry, Brooke 19 Starling, European 11, 26-27, 48, 66, 82, 113, 124 Stehn, Tom 36 Steinauer, E. M. 61 G. 16,60 R.F. 61 Steinbeck, Mary 18 Sterkel, Audrey 4, 93 Stilt, Black-necked 34, 41, 76, 106 Stoiber, Greg 18, 19 Stoner, K. 16, 60 Stork, Wood 88, 89, 91-92 Strong, Jon 18, 36 Sullivan, S. 16, 61 Svingen, P. H. 120 Swallow, Bank 46, 65, 81, 111 Bam 46, 65, 81, 112, 123 Cliff 46,65, 81, 112 Northern Rough-winged 46, 65, 81, 111 Tree 46,65,81, 111 Violet-green 46,81, 111 Swan, Trumpeter 5, 20-21, 37, 63, 72, 101, 122 Tundra 37, 101 Swanson, Phil 36 Swenk, M. H. 16 Swift, Chimney 44, 65, 79, 109 White-throated 44, 79, 109 Tacha, Martha 72, 100 Tallman, D. 120 Tanager, Scarlet 50, 83, 115 Summer 34, 50, 83, 115 Western 50, 70,83, 115 Taylor, J. S. 61 Scott 36 Teal, Blue-winged 37, 63, 72, 101, 122 Blue-winged x Cinnamon 37 Cinnamon 37, 72, 101 Green-winged 5, 20-21, 37, 63, 73, 101, 122 Tern, Arctic 87, 90 Black 43, 64, 78, 87, 108 Caspian 43, 78, 87, 108 Common 43, 78, 87, 108 Forster’s 43, 64, 78, 87, 108 Least 43, 77-78, 87, 108 Tern, continued Royal 98, 108 Thomas, Edna Claire 100 Thompson, R. 120 Thrasher, Brown 11, 26-27, 48, 66, 82, 113 Curve-billed 34, 48, 90, 98, 113 Sage 113 Throop, Vem 18 Thrush, Gray-cheeked 48, 113 Hermit 4, 10, 26-27, 48, 113 Swainson's 48,65, 113 Varied 10-11, 90, 113 Wood 48, 82, 113 Titmouse, Tufted 10, 26-27, 46, 81, 112 Toll, Jerry 4, 14, 18, 36, 93 Towhee, Eastern 50, 83, 115 Green-tailed 115 Spotted 11, 26-27, 50, 66, 83, 115, 124 Trindle, Bruce 99 Tucker, Shane 18 Turkey, Wild 6, 20-21, 38, 63, 73, 102, 122 Turnstone, Ruddy 34, 42, 106 University of Nebraska State Museum 14 Urwiller, Mark 72 Usasz, Moni 19, 36 Uttecht, Jan 19 Veery 48,113 Vermeire, L. T. 61 Vickery, P. D. 16,60 Vireo, Bell's 46, 65, 80, 111 Blue-headed 46, 111 Cassin’s 111 Philadelphia 46, 111 Plumbeous 46, 80, 111 Red-eyed 46, 65, 80, 111 Warbling 46,65,70,80, 111 Yellow-throated 46, 80, 111 Von Ehwegen, Jerry 19 Vulture, Turkey 7, 39, 40, 64, 74, 103, 122 Wainstad, Clayton 19 Walgren, Bruce 4, 18, 35, 71 Donna 4, 18, 35, 71 Walker, T. J. 5, 36, 63, 72, 93, 101 Warbler, Bay-breasted 49, 114 Black-and-white 49, 82, 114 134 The Nebraska Bird Review Index to Volume 75 Vol. 75 No. 4 Warbler, continued Blackburnian 49, 114 Blackpoll 49 Black-throated Blue 114 Black-throated Gray 98,114 Black-throated Green 49, 82, 114 Blue-winged 48, 87, 113 "Brewster's" 113 Canada 49, 115 Cape May 34, 48 Cerulean 49, 82, 114 Chestnut-sided 48, 114 Connecticut 34, 49, 87 Golden-winged 48, 113 Hooded 49, 115 Kentucky 49,82, 114 MacGillivray’s 49,98,114 Magnolia 48, 114 Mourning 49, 114 Nashville 48, 113 Orange-crowned 48, 113, 124 Palm 49 Pine 11,90,114 Prairie 34, 49 Prothonotary 49, 82 Tennessee 48, 113 Townsend’s 1.14 Wilson's 49, 115, 124 Worm-eating 82 Yellow 48,66, 82, 113, 124 Yellow-rumped 4, 11, 26-27, 48, 82, 114, 124 Audubon’s 48, 82, 114 Myrtle 48, 114 Yellow-throated 49,82, 114 Warrick, Gordon 35 Waterthrush, Louisiana 49, 82, 114 Northern 49, 66, 114 Waxwing, Bohemian 11,90,113 Cedar 11, 26-27, 48, 66, 82, 113, 124 Weidenfeld, D. A. 60 Wells, Bill 18 Wheeler, Elsie 18 Whimbrel 42 Whip-poor-will 44, 79, 109 Wigeon, American 5, 20-21, 37, 63, 72, 101, 122 Eurasian 37, 88 Wild, Cole 93,99 Willet 41, 64, 76, 87, 106, 123 Wilson, Gabe 106, 108 Wolcott, R.H. 16 Wolfe, D. H. 60 Wolfenbarger, LaReesa 15 Wolff, Duane 4, 18, 19 Wood, Gertrude 18, 100 Woodcock, American 43, 77, t07 Woodpecker, Downy 9, 24-25, 45, 65, 79, 110, 123, Hairy 9, 24-25, 45, 79, 110, 123 Pileated 9, 45, 79, 110 Red-bellied 9, 17, 24-25, 45, 65, 79, 110 Red-headed 9, 17, 24-25, 44, 65, 79, 110, 123 Wood-Pewee, Eastern 45, 65, 79, 110 Western 45, 65, 79, 110 Wren, Carolina 10, 18, 26-27, 34, 47, 81, 112 House 47, 65, 81, 112, 123 Marsh 10, 26-27, 47, 65, 81-82, 98, 112, 123 Eastern subspecies 112 Rock 47, 65, 81, 112 Sedge 47,81,98, 112 Winter 10,26-27,47,112 Wright, Rick 16, 36, 100 Wylie, Bonnie 19 Y pllnwlpot; Greater 8, 17, 22-23, 41, 76, 87, 106, 123 Lesser 41, 64, 76, 87, 106, 123 Yellowthroat, Common 49, 66, 82, 114, 124 Young, Betty 18 Zahurones, Penny 19 Zimmerman, J, L. 61 Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii 5 1 leucophtys 51 oriantha 51 Vnl. 75 No. 4 The Nebraska Bird Review 135 The Nebraska Bird Review is published quarterly by the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union, Inc., as its official journal, and is sent to members not in arrears of dues. Annual subscription rates (on a calendar-year basis only): $15 in the United States, $18 in Canada and $30 in all other countries, payable in advance. Single copies are $4 each, postpaid, in the United States, $5 in Canada, and $8 elsewhere. Send orders for back issues to Mary Lou Pritchard, NOU Librarian, c/o University of Nebraska State Museum, W-436 Nebraska Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588- 0514. Memberships in the NOU (on a calendar-year basis only): Active, $15; Sustaining, $25; Student, $10; Family Active, $20; Family Sustaining, $30; Life, $250. An application for membership can be found on the NOU website (see address below). Send dues and subscription requests to Betty Grenon, NOU Treasurer (see address below). Contributions to the NOU are tax deductible. Send manuscripts and notes on bird sightings to Janis Paseka, Editor (see address below). Send quarterly bird reports to Ross Silcock (see address below). President and Newsletter Editor : Lanny Randolph, 50370 24th Road, Gibbon, NE 68840-4065; virginiarail@nctc.net Vice-President : Urban Lehner, 15526 Pierce Circle, Omaha, NE 68144; urbanity@hotmail.com Secretary : Kevin Poague, 379 S. 46th St., Lincoln, NE; kpoague@audubon.org Treasurer : Betty Grenon, 1409 Childs Road East, Bellevue, NE 68005; grenon925@aol.com Librarian : Mary Lou Pritchard, 6325 O Street #515, Lincoln, NE 68510 Directors: Loren Padelford, 1405 Little John Road, Bellevue, NE 68005; lpdlffd@juno.com (2008) Steve Lamphere, 3101 Washington St., Apt. 98, Bellevue, NE 68005; kingfisher65@aol.com (2009) Kathy DeLara, 170188 Spring Creek Road, Mitchell, NE 69357; renosmom@charter.net (2010) Records Committee Chairman : Mark Brogie, Box 316, Creighton, NE 68729; mbrogie@esu 1 .org Editor of The Nebraska Bird Review : Janis Paseka, 1585 Co. Rd. 14 Blvd., Ames, NE 68621; paseka76@gmail.com Occurrence Report Compiler: Ross Silcock, P.O. Box 57, Tabor, IA 51653; silcock@rosssilcock.com Bre edin g. Bi rd Af las-teject and Nest Record? Coordinator Wayne Mollhoff, 2354 Euclid St., Ashland NE 68003; wmollhoff@netscape.net NOU Website : http://rip.physics.unk.edu/NOU/ Nebraska Birdline : c/o Josef Kren 402-721-5487, ext. 6490, or 800-642-8382, ext. 6490, or birdsne@yahoo.com Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union, Inc. 3745 Garfield Lincoln, NE 68506-1028 Address Service Requested Table of Contents Fall Field Report, Aug. - Nov. 2007 by W. Ross Silcock.98 Eurasian Tree Sparrow - A First Record for Nebraska by Mark A. Brogie . 118 NOU Fall Field Days at Halsey, Sept. 28-30, 2007 .121 Index to Volume 75 ...125 Subscription and Organization Information.135 NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lincoln, NE Permit No. 756