Historic Birdlife of the Greater Nebraska Sandhills

© 2007 James Ed. Ducey. No portion of this article may be replicated without explicit permission of its author. All rights reserved.

An intriguing adventure for an enthusiast interested in birdian history is determining the historic distribution of various species in a particular landscape. This endeavor is especially challenging for a sparsely settled region during a period of time prior to any devoted interest in ornithological record keeping.

Such is the case with the greater Nebraska sand hills, which extend a few miles into the southern Dakota territory, which is now South Dakota. This region of grass stabilized dunes - the largest in the northern hemisphere - has scattered lakes and vibrant streams and rivers that were habitat for a plethora of species. The simple variety of habitats has always been a haven for many types of birds.

Few explorers traversed the dunes, located away from primary transportation corridors such as the Missouri River and Platte River. Few of these travelers noted the bird life. As settlement arrived, with the first homestead era for the primary interior region of the sand hills dating about 1880, there are a few sources that provide scattered glimpses of what was once present.

With settlement of homesteaders on their measly quarter section, along came others to the grassland dunes. Fowl were an attractant to sportsmen excited to shoot at abundant game birds. In the later part of the period prior to 1900, an occasional naturalist visited and was able to denote what was present and denote their findings in the publications of the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union which was among the first bird groups organized in the nation.

Buttes de Sable. Sketch from the mid-1850s Warren Expedition.

Narrative Sources

The first source of pertinent records are a few notes in the records from the Warren journeys of the mid-1850s, ordered by the government to explore potential routes for trade westward from the Missouri River. Gouvernour Kemble Warren was the expedition leader. Ferdinand V. Hayden was the naturalist that made observations.

"Birds of the Untamed West" mentions the explorations: In the expedition report, Warren described the western prairies of Nebraska as an "irreclaimable desert, with only a little wood and cultivable land" (Warren 1875, 28). A section about the lakes in the Sand Hills mentions "water . . . impregnated with salts and unfit to drink" (Warren 1875, 26). Other lakes elsewhere did have water suitable for life, however (Warren 1875, 26). The Loup Fork, in the eastern hills, is described as being similar to the lower reaches of the Elkhorn River. The source of the Loup Fork was said to be similar to the western Niobrara River. The Snake River, in the northern Sand Hills, flows through a rugged and narrow pine-covered valley. The Dismal River was called the "Sand Hill Fork."

Hayden also wrote in his subsequent reports about the region: "composed of loose sand which has been thrown up into hills and ridges fifty to two hundred feet in height. . . . Though totally unfit for agricultural purposes, this tract of country cannot be said to be destitute of vegetation. In the valleys and depressions among the hills are many fine spots of grass, and sometimes the hills are covered with varieties of grass adapted to so meager a soil. . . . On the head of the Loup Fork, and between that stream and the Niobrara at various localities, are numerous saline and fresh-water lakes. The fresh-water lakes contain a great profusion of various species of water-plants and their peculiar animal life. . . . (Hayden 1863b, 367)."

The so few records at least mention wetland species such as nesting Sandhill Cranes and wetland species such as the American Bittern, Eared Grebe, and Marsh Wren. The Lark Sparrow is also noted.

From an 1960s report, there were interesting notations. Species were sighted along the Snake River, which in its lower reaches has wooded habitat more typical of the Niobrara valley. This is reflected in mentions of the Lewis' Woodpecker, Mountain Bluebird and Western Tanager. These three species occur in the pine habitat along the lower Snake and Niobrara. The Eared Grebe and American Pipit also were observed in the region along the Snake River.

In the mid-1870s, many records are available from several of the historic chronicles.

For his first report from the dune land, George Bird Grinnell - using pseudonyms Yo and Ornis - narratives mention several species for the lower Middle Loup River in 1873. Recorded were the Sharp-tailed Grouse, Upland Sandpiper, and two notable game birds: the Wild Turkey and Northern Bobwhite.

The same year, Siouxian Indians from the Yankton reservation on the Missouri River, traveled to hunt in the northeast hills. Notes mention the Sandhill Crane and Greater Prairie-Chicken. These species were noted for an area which - in the modern era - have lakes called Otter, Snipe and Wolf that recall what was present in those historic times.

In 1875, the predominant source of information on birds provided the first reports of those fowl of interest to shootists. The species: Sharp-tailed Grouse and Greater Prairie Chicken. Also prevalent were ducks and goose in the vicinity of New Helena and the lower Middle Loup River.

Cattle men entered the region during these times. The grass was luxuriant and ready for cropping by hordes of longhorn cattle. There were no resident people and entrepreneurial men moved northward from the Platte valley to take advantage of the abundant and nutritious resource.

Cattleman James Cook, in his memoirs, was impressed enough by the Trumpeter Swan and American White Pelican to mention them after they were seen on a cattle drive.

Land survey map of Clear, Dewey and Willow lakes in 1876. This area is currently at Valentine NWR.

This early era was when official government survey men were measuring and using various markers to indicate the township, range and section lines to indicate the new government domain, which had been Indian territory. One of the lakes measured in pre-Cherry County was called Pelican Lake, at what is now Valentine NWR. The government maps show the first historic depictions of the lakes, marshes and swamps that were havens to the wild fowl.

George Grinnell returned to the southern sandhills in 1877, an area readily reached via wagon travel from the railroad station at North Platte. At the famous Cody/North ranch near the headwaters of the aptly named Dismal River he wrote: "On . . . [the river's] surface can be seen at any hour of the day thousands of ducks and geese, and tens of thousands of waders. The most abundant ducks which we see are the smaller broadbills and the blue-winged teal, though mallards, black ducks and gadwalls are numerous. Flocks of geese alight on the lake every day, and to my surprise I learned that two pairs of swans (Cygnus Americanus) bred on its shores during the past summer (Grinnell 1877, 152).

Cattleman Luther North also described the presence of the swans, and raising of Trumpeter Swan cygnets. Buffalo Bill Cody was the partner in the ranch, which spread for mile after mile after mile north to south and east to west along the riverine hills.

The place was certainly an attraction to Grinnell. He returned the following year. Bird specimens he collected from this region in September 1878 included specimens of the Rusty Blackbird, Common Grackle and McCown's Longspur that were collected in the Dismal River area. These carcasses are included in the collection of the Birdcraft Museum operated by the Connecticut Audubon Society in Fairfield, Connecticut.

After a few years, a professor visited the eastern hills. Lawrence Bruner snagged a few acres and the lake at the place is known as Bruner Lake. At nearby Swan Lake - named for an obvious feature - is one of the first tree plantings for the region. An effort which certainly changed the variety of bird species present at the locale.

Hearty settlers had a variety of interests and by the mid-1880s, there were newspaper to report the details. For 1885, there was a newspaper item in the O'Neill Frontier - borrowed from the Stuart Ledger - written by Ham Kautzman that mentions what was the new hamlet in Holt county. It reads:

"Like a Silver Ribbon - A Poetical Pen Picture of the Classic Elkhorn River

"Over the fertile prairies, among the hills and the glens, along grassy and wild-flowered banks, the Elkhorn wends its way like a sliver ribbon. The wind stoops in its flight across the undulating valley, leaving a mantle of dimpled ruffles on the river's surface and scattering a leafy benediction down from the occasional group of trees that stand upon the banks of this tinsel strand. The prairies stretch for miles and miles on either side, and across their wide expanse through the year come floating down a thousand echoes and the fragrance of countless numbers of prairie flowers. At times from a distant height a fleet-footed deer or antelope may be seen, or the yelp of a coyote heard to mingle with the snap of the cow-boy's whip as his herd sweeps down to the river to drink of its clear and nourishing waters. In the summer when twilight gathers over the hills, a ruffled roll is heard from every side. The prairie chickens, with heads erect and plumes outstretched, strut in lordly manner upon their native heath, and with rustling wings and proudly swelling throats fill the air with re-echoed boomings. In the spring, sand-hill cranes, whose forms float far upward toward the heavens, circle slowly over the river, their occasional cries sounding faint and far off as if from a spirit world. In the fall jack-rabbits scamper through the dead grasses and by their speed put to shame the fleetest of dogs. On the dead limb of a tree the yellow-hammer sits in grave contemplation, and above him the wood-pecker beats a steady tattoo that enlivens the heart of the horny-handed agriculturalist. The river glides smoothly along, and hardly a ripple is heard from its placid current. So still and regular it flows that it seems as if a spell had been laid on its waters. Although the echoes and voices whisper morning and evening to is listless spirit, the river moves noiselessly along with hardly a murmur in response. It is the type of all that is grace and beauty, the queen of rivers. Repose is written in the air above and around it, and peace and rest forever linger at its side. The roll of vaulted thunder falls as lightly on its breast as the whistle of the golden plover. Turtle doves coo to their mates in the branches of trees, and in the shady bends the wood duck bathes his brilliant plumage, while the graceful pickerel in countless numbers can be seen darting through its crystal waters. Under the summer sky, when dainty wild roses blush and emit their sweetness in the glance of molten sun, or under the winter darkness, when its icy barriers are dotted with rabbit tracks, the river softly flows - clear, calm and patient - so steadfast and true, and leaning lightly upon the protecting arm of the great prairie and woodland, Elkhorn gathers the sweep of shimmering waters in a liquid train and gently glides away to the Platte, and the poet might well sing of

"The wild gazette with silver feet,

"Give to me for a play mate sweet."

What an special narrative with little details of bird information!

Shooting Sportsmen

Sketch of sporting editor Sandy Griswold.

It was a new era for Nebraska when Samuel Girard Veals Griswold got a fresh challenge in 1886. He did not like the reporting by the Omaha Bee newspaper that he read while on waiting for the train to continue his trip westward from Ohio. On a challenge, he wrote the "first real baseball story ever printed in Omaha" and became sporting editor for the Omaha "rag." Thank poor reporting for legacy of Sandy Griswold. His recorded efforts will never be surpassed in Nebraska, or elsewhere.

This editor's interest included outdoor sports among many other related activities. In 1888, he came to hunt water fowl in the northern Sandhills, north of the railroad town of Cody. His lake of particular interest was dubbed Three Spring Lake. The water body became the home of the Merganzer Hunt Club, a place known to historians. The lake is now improperly called Cody Lake.

The shooting must have been suberb as his Sunday newspaper columns are grand scribblings of the sandhills scene. His interest continued with subsequent travels elsewhere during the fowl migrations. Included in the list of places are the Lacreek marshes (now Lacreek NWR), at a hunting camp in the Crescent Lake region (now Crescent Lake NWR) with the celebrated Miles Maryott, and many visits to the lakes north of Cody. Griswold and his fellow sportsmen - once some lakeside property was owned by the Metz family, beer brewers of Omaha - established the Merganzer Hunt Club. The men continued many spring and autumn pursuits of members of the finned and feathered animals.

There are asundry other sources based on shooting sports that have provided a few details of birds that help illustrate the species present prior to 1900.

In 1895, Isador Trostler visited Three Springs Lake and wrote about his observations in Nidiologist, a historic bird journal published on the national scene.

A few scattered sources provide a few more details for the distinct sand hills region. This alternative source of birdlife records continues after 1900.

Place Names

The place names given for the bird species records are based on modern name equivalents, with modifiers used to designate locales where there may be multiple instances of that name (i.e., Alkali Lake, Swan Lake). Although modifiers may not be required during this time interlude, the localities conform to the site names designated for many thousands of bird records for the region after 1900.

Localities mentioned with the bird records; providing Site Name; County; State

• Alkali Lake, Irwin Quadrangle; Cherry; NE • Amelia; Holt; NE • Anselmo; Custer; NE • Ballards Marsh WMA; Cherry; NE • Bassett; Rock; NE • Blue Lake; Garden; NE • Bruner Lake; Holt; NE • Cameron Lake; Rock; NE • Campbell Lake, Mumper Quadrangle; Garden; NE • Chambers; Holt; NE • Cherry County; Cherry; NE • Cody-North Ranch; McPherson/Hooker; NE • Crescent Lake; Garden; NE • Dewey Lake, Valentine NWR; Cherry; NE • Dismal River; Blaine; NE • Dismal River Headwaters; Grant; NE • Dismal River; Hooker; NE • Goose Lake; Garden; NE • Grant County; Grant; NE • Green Valley; Holt; NE • Hackberry Lake; Garden; NE • Hackberry Lake, Valentine NWR; Cherry; NE • Headwaters of the Dismal River; Hooker; NE

• Kennedy; Cherry; NE • Lake Creek Marshes; Bennett; SD; includes the "Haunted Hole" and "Otter Point" • Long Pine; Brown; NE • Long Pine Creek; Brown; NE • Merriman; Cherry; NE • Middle Loup River, eastern Sandhills; Custer, Blaine; NE • Mother Lake; Cherry; NE • New Helena; Custer; NE • Pelican Lake, Valentine NWR; Cherry; NE • Raccoon Lake; Cherry; NE/SD • Sand Hills; various counties; NE • Snake River; Cherry; NE • Stuart; Holt; NE • Swan Lake; Holt; NE • Three Springs Lake (a.k.a. Cody Lake); Cherry; NE • Valentine Lake District; Cherry; NE • Watts Lake, Valentine NWR; Cherry; NE • Wolf Lake, Pony Lake Quadrangle; Rock; NE • Wood Lake Postoffice; Cherry; NE

List of Known Bird Species

After a couple of decades considering and investigating birds of the sand hills, the following records that have been gathered, do document known species and present a bit of further understanding for bird species of the indomitable prairie, a virtual sea of grass. These records are from a database of bird records from the region.

Greater White-fronted Goose

Lake Creek Marshes: late Oct or Nov, 1890 (Griswold 8 Dec 1901). Raccoon Lake: speckled brant 7 Mar 1896 (Griswold 24 Feb 1901).

Snow Goose

Lake Creek Marshes: white geese in late Oct or Nov 1890 (Griswold 8 Dec 1901). Goose Lake: flock on 17 Mar 1894 (Griswold 15 Apr 1894). Crescent Lake: 17 Mar 1895 at Hamilton's place and "mob" on 18 Mar 1895 (Griswold 7 Apr 1895). Raccoon Lake: 7 Mar 1896; brant [distinct from speckled brant] (Griswold 24 Feb 1901).

Canada Goose

Headwaters of the Dismal River: numerous 6 Sep 1877 (Grinnell [Yo] 1877). Three Springs Lake: 25 Oct 1887 (Griswold 8 Aug 1909). Three Springs Lake: thousands in 1888 (Griswold March 1904). Lake Creek Marshes: flock in the sky heard while on duck hunt during late Oct or Nov 1890 (Griswold 8 Dec 1901). Raccoon Lake: flocks 9 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893). Raccoon Lake: 10-12 11 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893). Goose Lake: two 17 Mar 1894 (Griswold 15 Apr 1894). Crescent Lake: 18 Mar 1895 (Griswold 7 Apr 1895). Alkali Lake, Irwin Quadrangle: gray and white forms of the "Canadas" (Searle 1896). Raccoon Lake: long solemn lines 7 Mar 1896 (Griswold 24 Feb 1901). Lake Creek Marshes: 26 Oct 1898, also 28 Oct at Cedar Lake, and huge flocks 30 Oct at Haunted Hole (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Trumpeter Swan

Grant County: swans 22-24 Jun 1873 in northwest Grant and southwest Cherry County (Lindsay 1929). Cherry County: swans on 22-24 June 1873 in northwest Grant and southwest Cherry County (Lindsay 1929). Cherry County: swans in summer of 1876 at a lake, western Cherry county area (Cook 1927). Cody-North Ranch: adults and young raised in the summer at the Cody-North Ranch area in headwaters area of the Dismal River; 6 Sep 1877 (North 1961). Crescent Lake: "lovely swan," 17 Mar 1895 (Griswold 7 Apr 1895). Watts Lake, Valentine NWR: used to breed at Watt's Lake when ranches new and few, ca. 1899 (Bates 1899).

Wood Duck

Stuart: wood duck bathes its brilliant plumage, Apr 1885 (Editor 1885).

Gadwall

Headwaters of the Dismal River: many 6 Sep 1877 in headwaters area of the Dismal River, Grant/Hooker (Grinnell [Yo] 1877). Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Valentine Lake District: breed in the lake district (Shoshone 1890). Kennedy: 7 Nov 1891 (Graves 1901).

American Wigeon

Three Springs Lake: 1888 (Griswold March 1904). Lake Creek Marshes: late Oct or Nov 1890 (Griswold 8 Dec 1901). Three Springs Lake: 4 Nov 1891 on autumn duck shoot (Griswold 17 Jan 1892). Raccoon Lake: small bunch on 10 Oct 1893, and 11 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893). Hackberry Lake: two 17 Mar 1895 (Griswold 7 Apr 1895). Alkali Lake, Irwin Quadrangle: 1896 (Searle 1896). Raccoon Lake: 7 Mar 1896 (Griswold 24 Feb 1901). Lake Creek Marshes: sweeping curves 26 Oct 1898 at Cedar Lake (Griswold 13 Nov 1898). Lake Creek Marshes: score 28 Oct 1898 at Haunted Hole, also 30 Oct 1898, and 1 Nov 1898 (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

American Black Duck

Headwaters of the Dismal River: many 6 Sep 1877 in headwaters area of the Dismal River, Grant/Hooker (Grinnell [Yo] 1877).

Mallard

Headwaters of the Dismal River: many 6 Sep 1877 in headwaters area of the Dismal River (Grinnell [Yo] 1877). Bruner Lake: eggs collected in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Three Springs Lake: 25 Oct 1887 (Griswold 8 Aug 1909). Three Springs Lake: thousands also along Hay Creek in 1888 (Griswold March 1904). Lake Creek Marshes: 50, 1 shot, flock, et al. in late Oct or Nov 1890 (Griswold 8 Dec 1901). Valentine Lake District: breed in the lake district, 1890 (Shoshone 1890). Three Springs Lake: numbers 4 Nov 1891 during autumn duck shoot (Griswold 17 Jan 1892). Raccoon Lake: 09-11 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893). Goose Lake: two 17 Mar 1894 (Griswold 15 Apr 1894). Lake Creek Marshes: 3 shot, 35 taken in the day, 11 Sep 1894 (Lowrey 1894). Goose Lake: flock 17 Mar 1895 (Griswold 7 Apr 1895). Crescent Lake: one 18 Mar 1895 (Griswold 7 Apr 1895). Three Springs Lake: numerous broods, 21 Jun 1895 (Trostler 1895). Alkali Lake, Irwin Quadrangle: flocks and large numbers seen, ca. 1896 (Searle 1896). Raccoon Lake: 7 Mar 1896 (Griswold 24 Feb 1901). Lake Creek Marshes: long lines 26 Oct 1898 at Cedar Lake; 13 27 Oct at Otter Point; brace, band on 28 Oct at Haunted Hole; bunch 30 Oct at Haunted Hole; and 1 Nov 1898 (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Blue-winged Teal

Headwaters of the Dismal River: numerous 6 Sep 1877 in the headwaters area of the Dismal River (Grinnell [Yo] 1877). Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Lake Creek Marshes: teal on the duck shoot, late Oct or Nov 1890 (Griswold 8 Dec 1901). Valentine Lake District: breed in the lake district, ca. 1890 (Shoshone 1890). Three Springs Lake: teal on autumn duck shoot, 4 Nov 1891 (Griswold 17 Jan 1892). Raccoon Lake: teal 10 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893). Lake Creek Marshes: "myriads of teal: 11 Sep 1894 (Lowrey 1894). Crescent Lake: teal 18 Mar 1895 (Griswold 7 Apr 1895). Three Springs Lake: three nests with eggs, 21 Jun 1895 (Trostler 1895). Alkali Lake, Irwin Quadrangle: two, ca. 1896 (Searle 1896). Raccoon Lake: 7 Mar 1896 (Griswold 24 Feb 1901). Lake Creek Marshes: 28 Oct 1898 at Haunted Hole, and "big flock" 1 Nov (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Northern Shoveler

Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Bassett: 23 Apr 1892 (Graves 1901). Three Springs Lake: numerous broods 21 Jun 1895 (Trostler 1895). Cameron Lake: 23 Mar 1896 (Carlin 1896).

Northern Pintail

Three Springs Lake: in 1888 (Griswold March 1904). Crescent Lake: pair 18 Mar 1895 (Griswold 7 Apr 1895). Raccoon Lake: 7 Mar 1896 (Griswold 24 Feb 1901).

Green-winged Teal

Raccoon Lake: bunch 11 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893). Raccoon Lake: 7 Mar 1896 (Griswold 24 Feb 1901). Lake Creek Marshes: wisps 26 Oct 1898 at Cedar Lake (Griswold 13 Nov 1898). Cherry County: winters in the county, ca. 1899 (Bates 1899).

Canvasback

Three Springs Lake: 1888 (Griswold March 1904). Lake Creek Marshes: late Oct or Nov 1890 (Griswold 8 Dec 1901). Three Springs Lake: several on autumn duck shoot, 4 Nov 1891 (Griswold 17 Jan 1892). Raccoon Lake: 11 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893). Goose Lake: 20, 36, bunch, 60, flock, 100 on 17 March 1894 (Griswold 15 Apr 1894). Crescent Lake: bunch 18 Mar 1895 (Griswold 7 Apr 1895). Three Springs Lake: nests with eight and seven eggs 28 Jun 1895 (Trostler 1895). Alkali Lake, Irwin Quadrangle: two in 1896 (Searle 1896). Alkali Lake, Irwin Quadrangle: bred at Irwin in 1896-97 (Bates 1899). Cameron Lake: 23 Mar 1896 (Carlin 1896). Raccoon Lake: 7 Mar 1896 (Griswold 24 Feb 1901). Hackberry Lake, Valentine NWR: 1897 (Bates 1899). Lake Creek Marshes: seven 29 Oct 1898 (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Sandy Griswold had a bunch of bravado about the taking of several hundred canvasback taken during one his Garden county hunting trips. His shooting success was recalled in several columns in the paper. Griswold eventually wrote for the Omaha World-Herald. Some of his reports were slightly revised and reissued in Forest and Stream, a national publication for sportsmen.

Redhead

Three Springs Lake: 1888 (Griswold March 1904). Lake Creek Marshes: late Oct or Nov 1890 (Griswold 8 Dec 1901). Three Springs Lake: during autumn duck shoot, 4 Nov 1891 (Griswold 17 Jan 1892). Raccoon Lake: 10 Oct 1893, and bunches 11 Oct (Griswold 26 Nov 1893). Lake Creek Marshes: 11 Sep 1894 (Lowrey 1894). Raccoon Lake: 7 Mar 1896 (Griswold 24 Feb 1901). Lake Creek Marshes: 26 Oct 1898 at Cedar Lake, 100 on 28 Oct and 24 with ten shot on 30 Oct at the Haunted Hole, and also on 1 Nov (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Ring-necked Duck

Lake Creek Marshes: "black-jack" {probably ring-necked duck, as compared to bluebills also mentioned, which are Lesser Scaup) on 26 Oct 1898 at Cedar Lake (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Lesser Scaup

Headwaters of the Dismal River: abundant 6 Sep 1877 in the headwaters area of the Dismal River (Grinnell [Yo] 1877). Three Springs Lake: bluebills 1888 (Griswold March 1904). Lake Creek Marshes: "blue bills of the duck shoot," late Oct or Nov 1890 (Griswold 8 Dec 1901). Three Springs Lake: bluebill of autumn duck shoot 4 Nov 1891 (Griswold 17 Jan 1892). Raccoon Lake: bluebill 10 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893). Raccoon Lake: scaup 7 Mar 1896 (Griswold 24 Feb 1901). Lake Creek Marshes: "dense masses" 26 Oct 1898 at Cedar Lake, also "dense masses"; bluebill 28 Oct; and bunch 30 Oct 1898 at Haunted Hole (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Bufflehead

Lake Creek Marshes: "butterball of the duck shoot," in late Oct or Nov 1890 (Griswold 8 Dec 1901). Kennedy: 7 Nov 1891 (Graves 1901). Raccoon Lake: "butterball" 7 Mar 1896 (Griswold 24 Feb 1901). Lake Creek Marshes: "butterball" 1 Nov 1898 (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Common Goldeneye

Three Springs Lake: 1888 (Griswold March 1904).

Hooded Merganser

Swan Lake: 10 Sep 1891 (Graves 1901).

Common Merganser

Lake Creek Marshes: merganzer late Oct or Nov 1890 (Griswold 8 Dec 1901). Three Springs Lake: 4 Nov 1891 during autumn duck shoot (Griswold 17 Jan 1892). Crescent Lake: 18 Mar 1895 (Griswold 7 Apr 1895).

Ruddy Duck

Lake Creek Marshes: late Oct or Nov 1890 (Griswold 8 Dec 1901). Bassett: 23 Apr 1892 (Graves 1901). Raccoon Lake: 7 Mar 1896 (Griswold 24 Feb 1901). Lake Creek Marshes: ruddies 26 Oct 1898 at Cedar Lake (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Greater Sage-Grouse

Sand Hills: taken in sandhills of western NE about 1896 (Nebraska Ornithologists' Union 1895-1915).

Sharp-tailed Grouse

Middle Loup River, eastern Sandhills: present around 1873 on the lower Middle Loup River section of the sandhills (Grinnell [Ornis] 1873). Middle Loup River, eastern Sandhills: mid-October to mid-November 1875; Middle Loup river west and north of New Helena (H. B. A. 1891). New Helena: covies Oct and Nov 1875 (Initials 1876). New Helena: covies Nov 1875 (H. B. A. 1891). Dismal River: covies in hills at lower stretch (Initials 1876). New Helena: 1876 (Initials 1876). Bruner Lake: fairly common, eggs collected in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Kennedy: 25 Apr 1892 (Graves 1901). Anselmo: May 1893 (Hubbard 1893a). Raccoon Lake: five 11 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893). Lake Creek Marshes: 11 Sep 1894; this year are quite scarce (Lowrey 1894).

Greater Prairie-Chicken

Middle Loup River, eastern Sandhills: present around 1873 on the lower Middle Loup River section of the sandhills (Grinnell [Ornis] 1873). Wolf Lake, Pony Lake Quadrangle: into northeast sandhills from agency of Yankton Sioux in July 1873; "Into the stew-pots went venison, beans, a rabbit, and prairie hen." (Leeds 1873). Dismal River Headwaters: in 1874 (Bratt 1921). Middle Loup River, eastern Sandhills: mid-October to mid-November 1875 on Middle Loup river west and north of New Helena (H. B. A. 1891). New Helena: Nov 1875 (H. B. A. 1891). New Helena: one of the types of game birds in Oct and Nov 1875 (Initials 1876). New Helena: in 1876 (Initials 1876). Bruner Lake: numerous, eggs collected in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Stuart: prairie chickens strut and boom in Apr 1885 (Editor 1885). Bassett: 9 Sep 1891 (Graves 1901). Lake Creek Marshes: 11 Sep 1894; this year are quite scarce (Lowrey 1894).

Wild Turkey

Middle Loup River, eastern Sandhills: present occasionally around 1873 on the lower Middle Loup River section of the sandhills (Grinnell [Ornis] 1873). Long Pine Creek: 19 Dec 1878; reach extraordinary size of 25 pounds (X.Y.Z. 1878).

Northern Bobwhite

Middle Loup River, eastern Sandhills: present around 1873 on the lower Middle Loup River section of the sandhills (Grinnell [Ornis] 1873).

Common Loon

Three Springs Lake: one 4 Nov 1891; seen on autumn duck shoot (Griswold 17 Jan 1892). Raccoon Lake: "weird bravura" of loon 9 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893).

Pied-billed Grebe

Lake Creek Marshes: hell-diver 1 Nov 1898 (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Horned Grebe

Valentine Lake District: breeds commonly at lakes; also @1888-1902 breeds in Cherry County (Nebraska Bird Review 1:143).

Eared Grebe

Snake River: 17 Sep 1856 , collected by Dr. Hayden (Baird et al. 1858).

Western Grebe

Mother Lake: 10 Nov 1898 (Nebraska Bird Review 1:147; ZM 14659).

Land survey map of Pelican, Dads and Whitewater lakes in 1875. This area is currently part of Valentine NWR.

American White Pelican

Cherry County: in the summer of 1876 at a lake in western Cherry county area (Cook 1927). Pelican Lake, Valentine NWR: 1 Jul 1885; when lake named, pelicans not an unusual sight (Correspondent 1927). Cherry County: 15 south of Wood Lake on 5 Jun 1897 (Bates 1899).

American Bittern

Sand Hills: one male 11 Aug 1857 at Sand Hills of Platte; collected by Dr. Hayden (Baird et al. 1858). Bruner Lake: probable nester, 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Lake Creek Marshes: late Oct or Nov 1890 (Griswold 8 Dec 1901). Bassett: 8 Sep 1891 (Graves 1901). Three Springs Lake: nest with four eggs in the lake area, 23 Jun 1895 (Trostler 1895). Lake Creek Marshes: 30 Oct 1898 at Haunted Hole, and one on 1 Nov (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Great Blue Heron

Three Springs Lake: big blue crane in 1888 (Griswold March 1904).

Black-crowned Night-Heron

Lake Creek Marshes: late Oct or Nov 1890 (Griswold 8 Dec 1901).

Osprey

Three Springs Lake: one seen on autumn duck shoot, 4 Nov 1891 (Griswold 17 Jan 1892). Raccoon Lake: wild scream of fish hawk 9 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893).

Bald Eagle

Raccoon Lake: 11 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893). Lake Creek Marshes: 30 Oct 1898 (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Northern Harrier

Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b).

Northern Goshawk

Kennedy: October 1896 (Bates 1899).

Swainson's Hawk

Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 in the area (Bruner 1902b). Cherry County: common and undoubtedly breeds (Bates 1899).

Red-tailed Hawk

Raccoon Lake: five "Mr. Red Tail" on 11 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893). Lake Creek Marshes: 28 Oct 1898 over Wolf Slough, also 30 Oct (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Rough-legged Hawk

Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Cherry County: present in the county area in 1896 (Bates 1899).

Golden Eagle

Lake Creek Marshes: one shot and captured 1 Nov 1898 (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Merlin

Lake Creek Marshes: pigeon hawk shot in later October 1891; stuffed for Griswold (Griswold 30 Aug 1908).

King Rail

Ballards Marsh WMA: in September 1896 (Bates 1899).

American Coot

Bruner Lake: eggs collected in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Three Springs Lake: 25 Oct 1887 (Griswold 8 Aug 1909). Raccoon Lake: mud hen 11 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893). Three Springs Lake: nesting at the lake, 28 Jun 1895 (Trostler 1895). Lake Creek Marshes: 28 Oct 1898 at Haunted Hole (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Sandhill Crane

Sand Hills: "not rare, especially in the Sand Hills of Nebraska" ca. 1857 (Hayden 1863). Wolf Lake, Pony Lake Quadrangle: on 1 Aug 1873 "shot at two cranes perched on a hill, secured one" (Leeds 1873). Cody-North Ranch: young in the summer of 1879 at the Cody-North Ranch in the headwaters area of the Dismal River (North 1961). Bruner Lake: young in 1883-84, and "summer breeding resident" (Bruner 1902b). Stuart: sand hill cranes in the spring, Apr 1885 (Editor 1885). Three Springs Lake: flocks in 1888 (Griswold March 1904). Lake Creek Marshes: "cranes heard in the sky," late Oct or Nov 1890 (Griswold 8 Dec 1901). Lake Creek Marshes: flocks in later October 1891 (Griswold 30 Aug 1908). Green Valley: Mar 1894 (Hunters 1894). Lake Creek Marshes: three adults and young in nest at a sandhill lake, likely this locale on 24 Jun 1895 (Trostler 1895). Raccoon Lake: 7 Mar 1896 (Griswold 24 Feb 1901). Lake Creek Marshes: one shot 27 Oct 1898; "long string" 28 Oct at Haunted Hole; flocks 29 Oct; 1 Nov (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Whooping Crane

These two records - based on the one given date of occurrence - are hypothetical. Griswold was a "prose poet" and would mention particular species for dramatic presentation.

Three Springs Lake: small bunches in 1888 (Griswold March 1904). Campbell Lake, Mumper Quadrangle: 3 Mar 1895; in the lake vicinity (Griswold 7 Apr 1895).

Killdeer

Headwaters of the Dismal River: 6 Sep 1877 in the headwaters area of the Dismal River (Grinnell [Yo] 1877). Lake Creek Marshes: late Oct or Nov 1890 (Griswold 8 Dec 1901). Three Springs Lake: 21 Jun 1895 (Trostler 1895).

American Avocet

Headwaters of the Dismal River: "large flock" 6 Sep 1877 in the headwaters area of the Dismal River (Grinnell [Yo] 1877). Three Springs Lake: "snowy avocets" in 1888 (Griswold March 1904). Raccoon Lake: pair of "snowy avocet" shot 11 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893). Blue Lake: "in the upper shallows ... saw them by the thousands and tens of thousands; in one hour's shoot killed something like seventy birds," in 1894 (Griswold 1895c). Blue Lake: 1895 (Griswold 1895c). Dewey Lake, Valentine NWR: breeds 1896 (Rapp 1954).

Lesser Yellowlegs

Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Three Springs Lake: 25 Oct 1887 (Griswold 8 Aug 1909). Three Springs Lake: yellowlegs 1888 (Griswold March 1904). Lake Creek Marshes: late Oct or Nov 1890 (Griswold 8 Dec 1901). Raccoon Lake: 11 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893). Raccoon Lake: yellowlegs 7 Mar 1896 (Griswold 24 Feb 1901). Lake Creek Marshes: yellowlegs 27 Oct 1898 at Otter Point; 28 Oct at Haunted Hole; dozens 30 Oct at Haunted Hole; 1 Nov (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Willet

Bruner Lake: 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Watts Lake, Valentine NWR: 30 May 1893 (Graves 1901).

Upland Sandpiper

Middle Loup River, eastern Sandhills: present around 1873 on the lower Middle Loup River section of the sandhills (Grinnell [Ornis] 1873). Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Three Springs Lake: 21 Jun 1895 (Trostler 1895).

Long-billed Curlew

Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Three Springs Lake: sickle-billed curlew in 1888 (Griswold March 1904). Kennedy: 28 Apr 1892 (Graves 1901). Raccoon Lake: 11 Oct 1893; curlew (Griswold 26 Nov 1893). Three Springs Lake: four just-hatched young, 22 Jun 1895 (Trostler 1895).

Least Sandpiper

Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b).

Baird's Sandpiper

Headwaters of the Dismal River: several 6 Sep 1877 in the headwaters area of the Dismal River (Grinnell [Yo] 1877). Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b).

Stilt Sandpiper

Cherry County: shot in 1896 (Bates 1899).

Wilson's Snipe

Headwaters of the Dismal River: seen occasionally 6 Sep 1877 in the headwaters area of the Dismal River (Grinnell [Yo] 1877). Chambers: "jack snipes are screeching and the way the game bags and guns were gathering up wasn't slow"; 6 May 1886 (Chambers Chestnuts correspondents column; Yum Yum 1886). Three Springs Lake: 1888 (Griswold March 1904). Amelia: "snipe hunting was brisk on Sunday last," 11 Aug 1889 (Nix 1889). Lake Creek Marshes: "jacksnipe seen on two outings," late Oct or Nov 1890 (Griswold 8 Dec 1901). Kennedy: 25 Apr 1892 (Graves 1901). Raccoon Lake: four, 15-20, 24, "flurry" and "skeap of the jack-snipe" on 11 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893). Alkali Lake, Irwin Quadrangle: 1896 (Searle 1896). Raccoon Lake: 7 Mar 1896 (Griswold 24 Feb 1901). Lake Creek Marshes: several 30 Oct 1898 at Haunted Hole (Griswold 13 Nov 1898). Merriman: 18 May 1899 (Bates 1899).

Wilson's Phalarope

Headwaters of the Dismal River: hundreds 6 Sep 1877 in the headwaters area of the Dismal River (Grinnell [Yo] 1877). Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Three Springs Lake: from 24-28 Jun 1895, young (Trostler 1895). Lake Creek Marshes: "little bevies" 28 Oct 1898, and big flocks 30 Oct, both at Haunted Hole (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Forster's Tern

Bruner Lake: eggs collected in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b).

Black Tern

Bruner Lake: eggs collected in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b).

Mourning Dove

Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Stuart: turtle doves coo to their mates; Apr 1885 (Editor 1885). Three Springs Lake: 21 Jun 1895 (Trostler 1895).

Snowy Owl

Wood Lake Postoffice: one 30 Nov 1898, carcass sent to the University (Nebraska Ornithologists' Union 1895-1915).

Burrowing Owl

Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b).

Great Gray Owl

Long Pine: stuffed specimen in a railroad town saloon in 1896 (Bruner 1896).

Short-eared Owl

Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Kennedy: 1 Feb 1893 (Graves 1901).

Common Nighthawk

Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Swan Lake: set of two eggs collected 23 Jun 1893 (University of Nebraska State Museum ZM 8498). Three Springs Lake: nest with two young 22 Jun 1895 (Trostler 1895).

Belted Kingfisher

Raccoon Lake: one 11 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893).

Lewis's Woodpecker

Snake River: 17 Jun 1860 at the Snake River, Cherry county (Coues 1874). Long Pine: bird secured 19 Apr 1899 (Nebraska Ornithologists' Union 1895-1915).

Downy Woodpecker

Stuart: woodpecker "beats a steady tattoo" in Apr 1885 (Editor 1885).

Northern Flicker

Stuart: yellow hammer in the tree Apr 1885 (Editor 1885).

Loggerhead Shrike

Kennedy: 29 Apr 1892 (Graves 1901).

Pinyon Jay

Long Pine: a few pinion jay 9 Aug 1897 (Bates 1899). Long Pine: 2 Oct 1897 (Bates 1899).

American Crow

Raccoon Lake: 11 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893).

Horned Lark

Bruner Lake: present 1883-84 in the area (Bruner 1902b).

Barn Swallow

Dismal River: two birds at a nest in July 1870 along the western Dismal River, Hooker (Mitchell 1987).

Marsh Wren

Sand Hills: 12 Aug 1857; 1 female collected by Dr. Hayden (Baird et al. 1858). Bruner Lake: common and nesting in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Lake Creek Marshes: 27 Oct 1898 (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Mountain Bluebird

Snake River: Snake River in 1860 (Coues 1874).

Townsend's Solitaire

Long Pine: one 15 Jan 1898; specimen sent to W.D. Hunter (Nebraska Ornithologists' Union 1895-1915). Long Pine: 24 Jan 1898; very numerous (Nebraska Ornithologists' Union 1895-1915).

American Pipit

Snake River: in the 1860s [1860] or 1870s at the Snake River, Cherry (Coues 1874).

Western Tanager

Snake River: 18 Jun 1860 at the Snake River, Cherry {Hayden} (Coues 1874).

American Tree Sparrow

Kennedy: 1 Mar 1893 (Graves 1901).

Lark Sparrow

Sand Hills: one 12 August, Sand Hills [?Cherry County] and 1 female in 1857; collected by Dr. Hayden (Baird et al. 1858). Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 at lake and area (Bruner 1902b).

Lark Bunting

Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b).

Grasshopper Sparrow

Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Three Springs Lake: 21 Jun 1895 in the lake area (Trostler 1895).

Lincoln's Sparrow

Swan Lake: 11 Sep 1891 (Graves 1901).

McCown's Longspur

Dismal River: four specimens collected 18 Sep 1878 by G.B. Grinnell at the Dismal River, Hooker/Grant (Birdcraft Museum catalog Number B555 to B558).

Blue Grosbeak

Long Pine: 13 Jun 1899; secured a nesting bird (Nebraska Ornithologists' Union 1895-1915).

Dickcissel

Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Three Springs Lake: 21 Jun 1895 in the lake area (Trostler 1895).

Bobolink

Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Three Springs Lake: 21 Jun 1895 (Trostler 1895).

Red-winged Blackbird

Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Raccoon Lake: blackbirds 9 and 11 Oct 1893 (Griswold 26 Nov 1893). Crescent Lake: blackbirds 18 Mar 1895 (Griswold 7 Apr 1895). Lake Creek Marshes: 30 Oct 1898 (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Western Meadowlark

Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 in the area (Bruner 1902b). Three Springs Lake: nest with four eggs in the lake area 22 Jun 1895 (Trostler 1895).

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b). Swan Lake: 11 Sep 1891 (Graves 1901). Three Springs Lake: numerous and breeding 28 Jun 1895 (Trostler 1895). Lake Creek Marshes: 27 Oct 1898 (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Rusty Blackbird

Dismal River: two specimens collected 15 Sep 1878 G.B. Grinnell at the Dismal River (Birdcraft Museum Catalog Number B254 and B255).

Common Grackle

Dismal River: one specimen collected 15 Sep 1878 by G.B. Grinnell at the Dismal River (Birdcraft Museum Catalog Number B264).

Brown-headed Cowbird

Bruner Lake: present in 1883-84 (Bruner 1902b).

Cassin's Finch

Snake River: 1860 (Coues 1874).

Common Redpoll

Kennedy: about 1899 (Bates 1899).

Some additional records are available for the following generic bird types, as mentioned in the historic narratives:

Crane

Wolf Lake, Pony Lake Quadrangle; 2 in July 1873; Indians into northeast sandhills from agency of Yankton Sioux; "we rode into the hills for a shot at two cranes perched on an elevation at no great distance" (Leeds 1873).

Duck

Three Springs Lake: 30 Sep 1874 at South Run lake: ducks abundant during visit of northern boundary survey party (Ten Dog 1874).

New Helena: Nov 1875; ducks of various kinds were about (Initials 1876).

Middle Loup River, eastern Sandhills: mid-October to mid-November 1875; Middle Loup river west and north of New Helena; "all the water-fowl common to the West" (H. B. A. 1891).

Green Valley: Mar 1894; 2307 ducks of various strains and plumages (Hunters 1894).

Goose

Three Springs Lake: 30 Sep 1874 at South Run lake; geese abundant during visit of northern boundary survey party (Ten Dog 1874).

New Helena: flocks of wild geese on the river sandbars of the Middle Loup (Initials 1876).

Middle Loup River, eastern Sandhills: mid-October to mid-November 1875; Middle Loup river west and north of New Helena; "all the water-fowl common to the West" (H. B. A. 1891).

Green Valley: Mar 1894; 786 geese taken (Hunters 1894).

Gull

Lake Creek Marshes: 28 Oct 1898; white gull at Haunted Hole (Griswold 13 Nov 1898).

Owl

Lake Creek Marshes: 1 Nov 1898; large white old owl (Griswold 13 Nov 1898). This is a hypothetical record since Griswold was often effusive in his sporting columns and may have said a species was present whereas he just included it for reasons to make his columns more enticing and to set a dramatic scene for his readers.

Sandpiper

Headwaters of the Dismal River: 6 Sep 1877; several oxeyes (Grinnell [Yo] 1877).

Teal

Three Springs Lake: 1888 (Griswold March 1904).

Unidentified Birds

Raccoon Lake: 7 Mar 1896; swamp sparrow (Griswold 24 Feb 1901).

References

The citations are not presented in a standard fashion within the narrative since some authors (especially sporting editor Sandy Griswold) may have had several items published each month, or year. The reference's are not listed here for various particular reasons, although each is a very detailed record within the bird database that was the origin of this analysis.

The Nebraska Newspaper Project - underway now for many years - provided the copies of historic newspapers on microfilm that made the special little details essential for a thorough review of information, available for directed review. One result is that the complete text for many of the citations given are available online, especially at the Birds of Nebraska website provided by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.