Birdtastic Event at Hummel Park

A "birdtastic" event focused on the family was held Saturday morning, May 2nd at Hummel Park nature center. Activities featured included an opportunity to create a nature journal, paint a bird feeder made of popsicle sticks, use crayons to color bird outlines or go on a scavenger hunt and enjoy the spring woods, including the blooming timber phlox.

The kids could also enjoy touching animal skins, deer horns, read children books with a nature theme, play with stuffed animals and enjoy other items in the nature center.

The birdtastic event was a "complement to other nature-based activities" at the center, said Christine Stehno, camp supervisor.

There was a small, enthusiastic attendance. One child, Isaac, found a turkey feature that was a treasure from his visit. He also took home a painted bird feeder, and some sunflower seeds to place in it once hung at home.

A new addition to the park is a flock of chickens. They - and newly hatched chicks - will be used for educational purposes, especially during the summer day camp, Stehno said. The birds are all white, but some colored varieties are expected to be added.

Birds noted about the nature center during the morning included the Chipping Sparrow, Carolina Wren, House Wren at a bird house, the favorite Northern Cardinal, American Robin, Northern Flicker, a Blue Jay carrying nest material, a Wild Turkey, Tufted titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Turkey Vulture soaring overhead, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker and a vividly territorial Eastern Bluebird.

Although it was not specifically scheduled for Nebraska Bird Month, it was the first-bird related event in the Omaha area for International Migratory Bird Day.

Plant Seeds From Hummel Park Going to China

By Dr. David M. Sutherland, professor emeritus, University of Nebraska at Omaha

Dr. Mary Barkworth, a plant systematist at Utah State University, recently put out a call in a herbarium listserve for mature grains of the grass Oryzopsis racemosa, recently moved by some American agrostologists into the genus Patis. She was requesting this material, not for her own research, but for a Dr. Chen, in China, who is working on the molecular systematics of this and related genera. I have been retired for a few years, but still keep an interest in grasses, even giving an occasional guest lecture to the UNO flora class, and I recalled from long-ago flora field trips, that there were several large colonies of this uncommon grass on the south slope of the north ridge at Hummel Park, in the Ponca Hills region of northern Omaha. On an afternoon jaunt with Jim Ducey in mid-October, we looked to see whether the grass was still there and found it in abundance, but the plants were very mature, and nearly all the grains of this season had dropped. After inspecting a fairly large number of inflorescences we discovered that a very few bracts were still holding the large black grains, and, in a period of about a half-hour, we collected exactly 15 grains, the minimum number needed by the Chinese scientist. Later that afternoon, they were packed them up in a small plastic bag in a padded envelope and sent to Dr. Barkworth, who will know the proper procedure for mailing them safely to China.

Parks Board to Evaluate Hummel Disc Golf Course

The advisory board of the Omaha Parks and Recreation Department unanimously agreed to evaluate conditions associated with the disc golf course at Hummel Park. Following the August 1st meeting, the board indicated it would evaluate the interlocal agreement which allowed the Omaha Disc Golf Association to establish the course. Parks staff would also discuss items with a group representative.

The City of Omaha also provided $10,000 for its construction, according to comments made by a park planner.

Concerns conveyed at the meeting included: clearing of trees and other vegetation which has created barren hill-side ground obviously subject to erosion sooner or later; how trash is dealt with, since plastic bags hanging upon trees is not sufficient, so where trash receptacles might be situated in association with the course needs to be discussed; and, the extent of vegetation cleared for the course, especially along the "fairways" through the woods. There was an indication that a representative of the disc golf group would be asked to attend a board meeting to express their perspective.

Hummel Park has a recently built nature center, and hosts a summer nature camp. The removal of trees of any size and understory vegetation does not conform with the focus for this park, which based upon the summer camp is to appreciate nature. Removing trees and removing vegetation are not things beneficial to the local environmental setting.

Several members of the advisory board visited this park during their tour of Omaha parks on July 2nd. No of the people involved, indicated their perspective.

During the conversation on this matter, Brook Bench, parks director of dubious means, said that there could no longer be any spraying — apparently of herbicides — to remove vegetation. There is also a limitation that any trees removed were to be less than six inches in diameter.

A picture taken in early July 2013, indicated a newly cut-down tree which was near this limitation, though its actual extent was not known since during any bird hikes, a ruler has not been among the items carried.

Course rule signs, along with tee markers are apparently to be put in place soon, according to comments made at the afternoon meeting.

This course was initiated at least three years ago. What they "discers" wrought has always been problematic. The primary question is, when will they be done? And when will they no longer degrade the naturalistic features of this unique park. It is and will continue to be a huge mistake to impose a disc golf course within what had been a unique park setting along Ponca Creek and the hills just to the south.

Hummel Park Degradation Continues Due to Disc Golf

Degradation of distinctive natural features associated with Hummel Park is continuing to occur. On a recent visit the following pictures were taken to document obvious concerns and problems. They are only a sample, as there certainly could be other sordid occurrences, but the morning's purpose was bird watching.

Firework trash at a disc golf tee among the hills. Fireworks are usually "shot-off" at night, and which is obviously too much of a disruption for a forest area. Fireworks should be banned from Hummel Park. And to add insult to injury, the people that did this, could not even pick up their trash. How pathetic.

Trash left at the same disc golf tee. Note how barren the hillside is due to vegetative clearing.

More fireworks trash at the same spot among the woods.

The nearby hillside, which has been basically denuded of native vegetation. Thankfully the hill is a "hard-soil" type and not prone to immediate erosion, though it will certainly occur eventually.

A recently cut-down tree snag. Apparently the perps think they can remove any vegetation they might care to, or to cut down any unwanted tree or snag. This implies an indifference by park officials who are supposed to be responsible for care of the parks owned by the people of Omaha.

Trash receptacle at a disc golf tee. What makes the perps think they can drink beer whenever they want in a city park. It appears that a permit is required to drink alcohol at city facilities, but once again, being in the woods, they perfer to act indifferently.

This is another example of a barren hillside of which a large portion has been nearly completed cleared of all vegetation. This is another situation where an erosion problem will certainly occur in the future.

A downslope hillside, also denuded, with future erosion more than certain.

Another plastic bag for the beer cans of the course perps. There were also bottles and cans which had been thrown among the nearby trees of the forest.

Tree limbs and such thrown thrown into Ponca Creek to provide a crossing to use rather than following the nearby trail. It is a violation of a federal law to place fill material into a wetland recognized by Section 404 of the Clear Water Act. Since Ponca Creek is a tributary of the Missouri River, it is included within this designation. In addition to being illegal, during some eventual ample rain, the material will be washed downstream, gather at a constricting point which will likely result in bank erosion, and then perhaps block the culvert under the street to the east, cause flooding, and maybe loss of creeks-side trees. A bunch of negative results can occur due to tree limbs in a creek at this park, and others about Omaha.

Understory clearing along Ponca Creek. Note the difference between the right of the picture and the rest of the view. The tee area to the left among the trees is predominantly a barren place in comparison to what would occur naturally. Yet, the perps associated with the course creation apparently have carte-blance to clear whatever they want to suit their biased perspective without any consideration to the overall values associated with this park.

The course should be removed and this failure to consider values of this unique park should end. Those inconsiderates that degraded this distinctive park should be required to restore what they have wrought in destruction. This entire endeavor is a disgrace, allowed by city officials with a seemingly laissez faire attitude. This disc golf course has been a fiasco, and a supreme mistake which should be quickly ended and removed!

Omaha Nature Center Continues as Hazard

Officials of Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property department have not yet addressed the window situation at the Hummel Park Nature Center, among the woods used by many sorts of birdlife.

The large windows on the north side, still do not have anything in place to create a visual barrier, to prevent any bird strikes. Officials have said they would be putting something in place to achieve this, but nothing has been done yet, despite their indications.

This is a view of the building on November 20, 2011. Note the reflective character of the glass.

Barriers over the windows which were to be used according to the building's design, will not be available until mid-January.

February Update

This is a photograph of the Hummel Park Nature Center taken Saturday afternoon, February 11th. Obviously the city officials claim that blinds would be in place by mid-January was wrong. This was obviously a false claim!

It was a weak design decision to incorporate something into a building's features that is not even readily available.

Disc Golf Course Project and Hummel Park

The following information was received from the Omaha Metro Disc Golf Association member Aaron Martin in response to the previously reported ruination of resources at Hummel Park. The email reply is presented as received to convey that the group is also not pleased with what was done.

..."the OMDGA had nothing to do with the spray painting on trees. In fact, the membership was disgusted by it and went as far as publicly offering a cash reward for information on who it may have been. Unfortunately we never got any information but I assure you that we would make an example of the vandal if we did.

"As for littering - the OMDGA is comprised of hard working volunteers whom have a lot of respect for Omaha parks, it's associated neighborhoods, and it's patrons. The disc golf course is on the trail system and, from time to time, our volunteers pick up trash and bring it back to where it is easier to load later. And frankly, we don’t discriminate. That is, it makes no difference who left the trash, we want it out of there. Further more, all club members are law abiding citizens, and do not participate in illicit activity.

When it comes to the trails, tees, and erosion: this course was designed around the already installed trail system of Hummel. It's also important to know that we are not finished with this course and have a lot of work to do yet before considering it playable. Our plans include tackling any erosion problems or potential erosion problems on all fronts. We want this course to be not only environmentally conscious but safe and sound.

On a finished course we see much more positive effects from disc golf as you can see in the document attached. It is important to understand, however, that some of what we are describing as a problem is backwash from something very positive – community enthusiasm. As indicated above, we just need to work our way through this transition. The OMDGA is aware of the problem and we are working diligently to bring this project to completion. We believe that tee signs, directional signs, TRASH CANS, and proper tees are the ultimate solution.

The concerns outlined really boil down to two things: transition and increased usage. Erosion, trash, vandalism may well seem to increase during the transition stages. Construction sites are often less than pleasing in appearance (i.e. the work in the day camp area). However, we have a clear, and positive goal and the fact is this is good for the park. We are bringing young people back to the use of city parks for wholesome recreation. In turn, the increased traffic will detour crime and creates a safer more positive environment.

I'd like to close with an invitation to anyone whom would like to give suggestions on how to best partner with all activities, and patrons at Hummel Park."

Disc Course Users Violate Laws at Hummel Park

Miscreants associated with a "sanctioned purpose" have been willfully and blatantly breaking Omaha laws at Hummel Park. Their actions are dramatically degrading the park setting.

The purpose of the Omaha Metro Disc Golf Association is to establish a disc golf course upon the northern portion of the city of Omaha park. They have received permission to do this by the Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property.

During a recent visit, it became obvious that disc golf miscreants violated laws of the city. A return visit to document the multitude of violations, easily and readily indicated a problem situation. Any of these actions at another city park would not be tolerated and strictly enforced, but there appears to be a different situation at Hummel Park.

The perpetrators have been:

1) Drinking alcohol in a park as obvious by the many beer cans strewn about nearly everywhere along the disc course route; drinking beer is not allowed in parks according to city statutes, as indicated by officials with the Omaha Police Department. There were indications of marijuana use, though this could not be confirmed.

2) Littering in a city park; the endless litter noted was in direct association with the disc golf course route

3) Marking more than 100 trees with arrows, dots and numbers, with each instance vandalism of city property; most of the markings were associated with indicating disc course directions, but some were made for no apparent reason

4) Spray painting graffiti on park features including benches, barricades and fallen trees

5) Excessively removing flora amongst a forest which is unique in the Omaha park system

6) Cutting down trees and other forest vegetation to provide an open fairway, which in several instances is excessive

7) Digging and moving soil to create golf tees, without any apparent effort to properly stabilize the soil to prevent future erosion

8) Establishing trail routes up steep slopes which will certainly erode, as no effort has been made to prevent erosional down-cutting

9) Moving soil and excavating hill slopes within an area known to have been used historically by native Indian tribes, with no evaluation survey done to avoid disturbance of artifact sites or other important heritage site; it should be noted that in past years, however, that city officials allowed construction of the hilltop shelter upon an Indian burial

10) Creating tee sites which were then subsequently abandoned, without any effort to return the spot to its previous, natural and vegetated condition.

Due to Missouri River flooding, any recent disc course work at the park has not occurred as the eastern access routes are blocked. This condition has allowed the park to be relatively undisturbed for several weeks, which was obvious on the date visited as a fine variety of birdlife was appreciated while documenting the abhorrent conditions associated with the disc course.

These are just the obvious items presented in a summary fashion as determined during a close inspection of the disc course route conducted August 17, 2011. Parking was possible at the lot on the north side of the park, along Ponca Road. There were no signs to indicate the park was closed. Nearby, workers were actively constructing the new nature center building.

Disc Golf Perps

This is a summary of those items which were obvious violations of city law, and a few other notable problems. Each instance is based upon a multi-hour, morning visit on August 17, 2011. A photograph was taken of each of numbered items which included a similarly numbered index card to indicate the item of interest. Any mentions of markings upon a tree is based upon spray paint placed upon a live tree, unless otherwise noted.

Disc Golf Hole # 1

#1 - trash by excavated tee

#2 - no. 1 arrow on bur oak tree

#3 - trash

#4 - trash pile along the stepway, along with other separate trash items

#5 - bullseye on tree at the bottom of the steps

Hole #2

#6 - number 2 and arrow on dead bur oak tree

#7 - pizza box sign placed along the trail to the next tee

#8 - smiley face upon tree

#9 - number 2 on walnut tree

#10 - trash container with beer cans, indicating illegal drink in the city park

#11 - number 2 on black locust tree

The course route then goes up a steep slope, subject to increased erosion as the cover vegetation has been cut to the nubbins.

#12 - arrow on dying walnut tree

#13 - trash along fairway which goes straight down a ravine, and since the vegetation has been cutaway, will be subject to increased erosion

#14 - the word "revolt" spray-painted on a hackberry tree

Hole #3

#15 - number 3 painted on a bur oak tree

#16 - pile of trash at tee dug out of a hillside, with no effort made to stabilize the soil to prevent erosion

#17 - more than 12 trees removed to create an open fairway

#18 - "420" graffiti on park bench

#19 - 420 graffiti on a nearby park bench

#20 - trash pile near park bench

#21 - arrow on tree indicating route to next tee

#22 - number 4 plus arrow to next tee spray-painted on a tree

#23 - two arrows indicating route to the next hole

#24 - arrow to tee for hole no. 4 painted on cottonwood tree at start of exercise trail

#25 - arrow to hole no. 4 on tree

#26 - no. 4 and arrow on walnut tree

#27 - no. 4 and arrow on hickory tree

#28 - no. 4 and arrow on tree

This is the same place where the city of Omaha forester marked numbers on more than 50 walnut trees in order to get a count of their occurrence. Perhaps the disc golf "gang" thought that if the city would spray numbers on trees, they could put whatever markings they wanted on trees as well. As an aside, in carefully considering the walnut trees along Ponca Creek, there were a number of unmarked walnut trees, so the city county was not thorough.

Hole #4

#29 - trash pile at the tee, with other pieces of trash nearby

#30 - word graffiti painted upon a tree snag at the tee

#31 - arrow and dot on a tree

#32 - arrow on tree

Hole #5

#33 - arrow painted on tree

#34 - bullseye on walnut tree

#35 - arrow on walnut tree

#36 - arrow painted on tree along Ponca Creek

Hole #6

#37 - beer bottles at tee

There were few arrows on trees in this vicinity, so it took a close reconnaissance to determine the route of the course, which here includes walking along Ponca road. There are a couple of walkways placed across Ponca Creek, which will, based on natural indications of flooding, be readily washed away by a high-water event.

Hole #7

#38 - beer can trash at tee plus other beer cans nearby

#39 - trash at no. 7 hole

#40 - steps cut in creek bank along the route to the next tee; this will result in erosion as the vegetative cover has been removed

Hole #8

#41 - trash at tee included beer cans plus other similar trash nearby

#42 - letter A painted on a walnut tree

#43 - the course route goes straight up the bluff, obviously creating the potential for erosion as vegetative cover has been removed; also, trash nearby

#44 - (skipped)

#45 - arrow painted on tree by course hole

#46 - multiple lines of paint upon a young hackberry tree near the hole

#47 - arrow pointing to next tee

#48 - an arrow on two different bur oak trees

Hole #9

#49 - big cut in hillside to create tee, with no efforts to stabilize the soil

#50 - bullseye on tree snag along the "fairway" cut through the woods

#51 - arrow on tree snag

#52 - arrow on linden tree pointing the direction to the next hole

Hole #10

#53 - arrow painted on tree

#54 - pile of trash at tee

#55 - bullseye painted on live tree

#56 - set of two trees with an arrow on each of them

#57 - arrow on tree at hole, pointing to the next tee

#58 - arrow on tree at hole, pointing to the next tee

#58 - arrow pointing to next tee painted on bur oak with virginia creeper vine,

Hole #11

#60 - trash container with multiple beer cans, indicating the illegal consumption of beer in a city park

#61 - 11s on two adjacent trees

#62 - bulls-eye on northern red oak along the fairway for the hole

Two spray-painted dots on trees along the way were noted but not photographed.

#63 - no. 12 and arrow painted on tree to indicate the way to the next tee

#64 - no. 12 and arrow on tree to indicate direction of the next tee

#65 - arrow on bur oak along the obvious trail to the next tee

#66 - arrow on tree along obvious trail to next tee

#67 - arrow on tree along obvious trail to next tee

#68 - arrow on tree along obvious trail to next tee

#69 - arrow on tree snag along obvious trail to next tee

#70 - arrow on tree along obvious trail to next tee

These arrows were painted on trees a short distance apart, and there were more than six arrows desecrating the trees within a distance of less than one hundred yards along an obvious trail.

Hole #12

#71 - no. 12 painted on tree at tee

#72 - no. 12 painted on hackberry tree by tee, and very close to the previous item

#73 - arrow on tree along fairway

#74 - arrow painted on bur oak along fairway

#75 - bullseye painted on hackberry tree along the course route which has had emergent vegetation cut-away

#76 - arrow painted on tree along course route

#76 - arrow painted on tree along course route

#78 - arrow at course hole pointing direction to next tee

Hole #13

#79 - arrow painted on hackberry tree by tee

#80 - arrow painted on walnut tree by tee

#81 - beer cans in trash container by tee

#82 - no. 13 painted on tree

#83 - bullseye painted on tree along course route

#84 - arrow painted on tree along course route

#85 - arrow on tree past hole pointing the direction to the next tee

#86 - arrow pointing the way to the next tee, a few feet away, sprayed upon a massive bur oak - a grand tree arboreal specimen along the park road -

This desecration of a tree is similar to the abhorrent painting of numbers on the splendid walnut trees along Ponca Creek, as done by the forester of the City of Omaha, earlier in the spring.

Hole #14

#87 - no. 14 painted on tree at tee

#88 - bullseye painted on tree along the course route

#89 - arrow and no. 15 painted on barricade to prevent vehicular access to an unused roadway

A dot was painted on six trees along the hillside trail to the next tee site.

Hole #15

#90 - extensive excavation of hillside to create a tee, with no effort made to prevent erosion

#91 - arrow painted on tree along the fairway; along with a nearby discarded beer can

#92 - big dot painted on tree along the course route

Beer can among naturally occurring tree fall, a short distance from the course "hole"

#93 - arrow on tree pointing the direction to the next tee.

Hole #16

#94 - dot on tree at 16th tee

Also a dot on a tree along the course route.

#95 - arrow painted on tree at hole pointing to the next tee; three trees along the subsequent route were marked with dots of spray paint

Hole #17

#96 - beer can and excavated tee space

#97 - arrow painted on tree along the trail to the next tee

Hole #18

#98 - multitude of beer cans in trash container, once again indicating the illegal consumption of beer in a city park

Five trees along the course route are then marked with spray-painted dots.

#99 - site excavated to provide a tee - with the flags present at other excavations still extant - but now obviously not being used for this purpose; no effort made to restore the site to its previous natural condition. There was trash at the site.

Nearby, along the cleared route of the course, the burrow of an animal native to the park had been abandoned, probably because of disturbance - including clearing with chain saws, noise, and moving deadfall - as observed on a previous visit. The obvious burrow entrance was partially to mostly covered with a spider web, indicating a lack of current use.

#100 - arrow on tree along the course route to the final disc course hole on the hilltop near the picnic shelter and associated constructs

Thus is the tally of obvious violations of the laws of the city of Omaha.

These pictures are examples of conditions noted in the park.

Graffiti drawn on a tree. This is obvious vandalism.	Beer cans indicating illegal drinking and left piled in the forest.
Multiple lines needlessly drawn upon a live tree.	Bullseye and two arrows in very close proximity.
Beer cans indicating illegal drinking and other trash.

One Gang for Another

During previous discussions with the disc course guys, people of the neighborhood and city officials, the goal was to increase use of the park to get rid of an undesirable "gang influence."

Based upon the present findings, one "gang" may be gone but another has taken its place.

Some of the disc course users are obviously doing more damage - short-term and long-term - to the park environs, regularly participating in illegal activities and otherwise reducing the quality of the park space. Efforts to create this course should be stopped and work thus far removed and conditions returned to previous situation.

It is obvious that the disc course people cannot obey city laws and are destroying a natural resource unique to the Omaha residents. Any special interest group should not be allowed to destroy something for their own particular interest. This group does not deserve any special "city sanction" for their aberrant effort as they cannot act responsibly.

Also, every effort possible should be taken to determine the "perps" that have been active in Hummel Park, and cite them as applicable. This effort should include prevention of any further violations of city laws.

The preferred alternative would be to end the disc course effort completely. It should be placed somewhere where it will not cause the unneeded destruction of a unique natural resource by miscreants breaking the law.

Birdly Wonders at Hummel Park

With an intent and purpose on a Wednesday morning, two birders with an interest in habitat conservation ventured forth on an onerous task, about the northern extent of Hummel Park.

It was warm and humid - as fog clouds were dissipating moment to moment - and remained. Biting sorts of bugs were not pesky enough to be troublesome. The greatest bother were the many spider webs slung hither and yon, at a scene mostly undisturbed by walkers for weeks as the access roads to the park are closed due to adjacent flooding along the Missouri River.

The duo visiting this day parked in the lot north of Ponca Creek, then walked into the northern hills, along the creek again and finished up at the point of origin, near the hilltop shelter and picnic grounds. The time expended for this task was much longer than this account might convey.

Summer Wonders

For a mid-August day, there was a fine variety of bird species. The morning's tally included:

Photogenic turkey vulture.

• Wild Turkey - flock with three adult females comprised at least 14, including large juveniles
• Turkey Vulture - two were consistently seen soaring above the park, and near the end of the outing, the reason for their ongoing presence became obvious. A juvenile which could only fly short distances was seen. It was resplendent in its downy gray-colored neck feathers. It was trusting enough to allow a close approach to get a portrait. It seems that due to the lack of human visitors to the park - because of no access for vehicular traffic - that the vultures were able to successfully nest. Best wishes to this youngster which should be able to get along well until it can safely fly from any local disturbance.
• Cooper's Hawk - the reason crows and blue jays were adamant in expressing their displeasure.
• Broad-winged Hawk - three were noted soaring above the hills; one was an obvious juvenile. With the regular sightings of this species in this vicinity earlier in the season (i.e., mid-May when vehicular access was still allowed), this raptor was able to raise its young. This is the first known instance of confirmed breeding.
• Mourning Dove - a couple seen, but more readily noted just to the east in a mown field adjacent to the water-covered floodplain
• Yellow-billed Cuckoo - a few readily heard in the hills and along Ponca Creek
• Ruby-throated Hummingbird - flitting about the hills and along the creek
• Belted Kingfisher - heard just eastward of the park, probably fishing along the east side of river road
• Red-bellied Woodpecker - load and boisterous during their day
• Downy Woodpecker - sublime in their expression
• Eastern Wood-Pewee - notable for its call at the picnic ground hilltop
• Yellow-throated Vireo - heard
• Red-eyed Vireo - various calls indicated this bird was about
• Blue Jay - unmistakable in its vociferous manner
• American Crow - expressive in their own way about something they did not like
• Purple Martin - calls heard above the hills
• Barn Swallow - near the day camp grounds where the contractors drive in to construct the new nature center building
• Black-capped Chickadee - a few groups with indications of young of the year
• Tufted Titmouse - especially expressive near the hilltop, with an interesting array of calls, indicating an expectation that a small group of at least four included young of the year
• White-breasted Nuthatch - always a welcomed sound in the forest
• Carolina Wren - exuberantly singing along Ponca Creek
• House Wren - sublime in its voice this late in the season, as noted along the creek and in the hills
• American Robin - worthy of a mention
• Gray Catbird - a "meow" heard
• Brown Thrasher - seen once among the shrubbery of the north hills
• Summer Tanager - heard along Ponca Creek; on 5 August 2003, a juvenile bird was noted, so it is very possible that the bird noted today was the parent of some silent youngster
• Scarlet Tanager - those seen along the creek included a juvenile; this was the first notation for this species in 2011; on 6 August 2003, a pair with a juvenile were noted in the park, a known haven for the species since 1990
• Chipping Sparrow - near the north side parking lot
• Northern Cardinal - some itty-bits of red colored hues flitting through the trees were reminders for these colorful songsters
• Rose-breasted Grosbeak - heard along Ponca Creek
• Indigo Bunting - several noted along the creek
• Baltimore Oriole - among the arboreal splendor of the creek
• American Goldfinch - characteristic in their expression as they coursed through the park's air space

The 33 species noted during the four-hour outing is nothing especially grand for the variety of species noted. What was significant and knowingly appreciated was the obvious expression by several species which confirm their breeding success.

An undisturbed park setting was an obvious factor - based upon knowledge and decades of focused learning - for the breeding bird observations made this late in the breeding season.

A final image - shown below - conveys what the future may portend for this park, once the roads are clear and the disc golf "gang" continues their focused effort to unknowingly destroy or ruin forest features so important to birds in what is - for a final season - an undisturbed natural setting.

Barbie does not like the OMDGA because they are ruining the forest!

A salute to the birds and their season so vividly expressed to a couple of two-legged visitors on an August day.

Omaha Officials Inconsiderate of Trees

The following pictures indicate how city of Omaha officials consider trees. In both cases, the trees did not receive any consideration, but action was taken to where they were either removed or the setting ruined.

At Hummel Park, work continues to install a frisbee golf course. There is little consideration being given to the current forest setting. Further changes which can be expected will be planting of some other sorts of vegetation at the tee boxes and along the fairway to replace the natural condition of the forest floor. Trash cans will be placed along the trail, as apparently frisbee golf course players are too lazy to hold onto their trash and take it with them.

There will be large concrete pads installed to serve as the tee spots. They will not be minimal by using mulch or something more compatible with the woodland setting, but will be large in order to meet some criteria needed for the course to meet course guidelines so this "new course" can be a sanctioned course.

According to the people doing the work, it is being done in a manner that "will enhance the environment." One of the guys said that it would either be a frisbee golf course or dead bodies. And: the situation "has to get worse before it can get better." They also mentioned they would like to build a mountain bike course in the park.

Their comments are inane as they blindly continue to ruin what Omaha Parks and Recreation officials have called a "jewel of the park system."

It certainly is fast losing any rational for this recognition based on activities in the northern park of the area.

Would the mountain bike route use the southern extent of the park so the entire area is subject to ruination and intrusive uses which are ruining the flora and increasing the disturbance to an extent to drive away wild birds?

The following pictures were taken on May 7, 2011 at Hummel Park.

Note how the deadfall wood - a natural part of any forest - has been artificially piled and the extent of the vegetative clearing; and the bare condition of the soil. Nearby there was trash lying about, and an errant piece of plywood.

Note the cleared and mown "fairway" northward from the container.

These four trees were cutdown the morning of May 9, 2011 at the south plaza of the Omaha/Douglas Civic Center. Apparently this is some sort of repair work to be done and the tress must have been in the way. Obviously they were planted to provide some landscaping, but when work needs to be done, the decision was made to just cut them done.

Activities at Hummel Park Degrade Forest

There are two activities underway in the hills of Hummel Park which are having a negative impact on its unique forest setting.

Example of the ground disturbance associated with creating a frisbee golf course.

Prominent in this situation is an effort to create a frisbee golf course.

This effort - as noted in October 2009 - was supposedly ended, but during a bird survey a few days ago, two guys were moving things around in the woods to establish the course.

"The city wants us to get this done," they said when asked about what they were doing.

The course is meant to increase visitation to the park.

It is obviously changing the nature of the forest.

Corridors through the woods are being established to provide an open "lane" for throwing a frisbee. Deadfall is being moved to indicate the lane to the participants can have a readily apparent route.

Add in the land clearing for the "throw pads" which have included removal of vegetation and moving dirt around by mechanical means, and creating "artificial piles" of fallen tree limbs.

Additional examples of ground disturbance caused by guys installing the golf course.

There were options present by two years ago to perchance reduce the impact on the woods, but apparently those suggestions were ignored. In the past few days, requests to city of Omaha officials for further information have been completely ignored.

Nature Center Construction

Also during this time in April, it became readily apparent that work associated with the construction of the Hummel Park Nature Center, was also impacting the park woods.

Obviously apparent is a corridor through the woods, southward from the pending building. This change has removed all of the vegetation to create what looks like a path through the trees.

Apparently, this is the corridor for a new water line. There will not be a ditch dug but it will be buried by "careful construction" and the site seeded to typical vegetation.

It was quite fine to be on the site while a city official and the constructors discussed the project, as they all huddled in a close group.

The city man said plants typical of the area would be planted, mentioning grass as the current option.

How does grass replace woodland vegetation? After a few other comments, the official of the Omaha Parks and Recreation Department said he needed to talk with the constructors and that my comments should occur later as they were all "busy."

The corridor created through the woods to allow installing a new water line. the Omaha Parks and Recreation man at the site said grass would be planted here.	Construction site for the new Hummel Park Nature Center.
Talking about the project at the site.	Closure barricade preventing access to the parks picnic grounds. One reason for installing the frisbee golf course was to increase usage of the park. It is not possible to readily use the park if one of its primary public use areas is not accessible. These four pictures taken April 20, 2011.

Hummel Park has been one of the most unique settings in the Omaha park system, but its value is changing because of disregard for its natural value, with more emphasis being given to increased usage by people ignorant of the actual natural importance of the sites features.

Cutting through the woods, creating throw pads for frisbee golfers, destroying native vegetation, not seeding disturbed sites to suitable woodland species, or even expecting that natural regrowth might suffice to get plant growth on sites where the woodland where dramatically altered does not indicate that there was any concern for the unique natural values of this woodland.

Orange Paint Defaces Magnificent Trees in Omaha Park

While doing a bird survey a few days ago at the north portion in Omaha's Hummel Park, very soon after my hike got started it became readily and blatantly obvious that most of the largest and tallest trees along Ponca Creek were marked with orange numbers.

Starting on the east, and increasing digit by digit towards the west, each of the trees had a number, starting with 1, and as was eventually realized, increasing to over 50.

This sort of numbering - as seen in other Omaha parks - indicated a count for the number of trees to be removed for some reason.

These walnut trees in the park's forest environs were not dead. They would probably not pose a threat to the local wildlife if they naturally fell over with age. The reason for them being defaced by paint was not known.

It took one phone call to clarify the situation.

Apparently, there is no other setting where there are so many walnut trees occurring at a single site in Nebraska. In order to document the number of the walnut trees, an official of the city of Omaha, and apparently the state of Nebraska forester(?) visited the place, and marked each tree.

The men involved used orange paint, sprayed upon the bark at about chest height, to derive a count.

They defaced each and every large walnut tree. If anyone might want to get a naturalistic picture of these arboreal wonders, they will now have to make an effort to exclude the markings on the bark.

When an official of the Omaha Parks and Recreation Department was asked about this situation, he suggested they would do something to get rid of the paint.

What that might indicate is not readily apparent.

Using orange spray paint to mark trees to derive a count, does not make sense. To use orange paint to mark trees which are considered to be so distinct and unique is simply inane.

"These trees are so great, lets spray them with orange paint so we can get an accurate count!"

A flag at each tree could have sufficed. Using chalk would have been suitable as a temporary indicator. Etc., etc. Paint should have been the last option, yet it was the people responsible first choice.

When an important resource is recognized, it should never, ever have to be defaced in such a manner when less intrusive options are available.

The trees don't care, but this is a vivid and dramatically blatant example of a complete disconnect in recognizing a completely unique forest land resource in an Omaha park.

To express an opinion, the people involved in marking these wonderful walnut trees should have to do something to mitigate for their ruining the trees appearance.

Omaha Selects Potentially Hazardous Design for Nature Center

When the Omaha City Council voted 7-0 to approve funding for construction of a park nature center, they did nothing to address the potential for bird-strikes.

The nature center is to be build amidst the forest at Hummel Park.

Council members already knew how they would vote prior to the council meeting where public testimony was given in opposition to the submitted Agenda item No. 25 on March 1st.

Comments were presented asking that the council approve a plan to include the use of fritted glass or Ornilux to help make the building bird friendly. This was a followup to written comments provided a few days prior.

Immediately after hearing this testimony, an architect from the Leo Daly company was called to rebut these comments.

The council made certain to have someone present rebuttal testimony. One council member noted that this agenda item had been discussed in the pre-council meeting prior to the public meeting in the afternoon, saying it was a "challenge what to do" though the events experienced at the council meeting readily indicated that they had no problem with making a decision to not construct a bird-friendly building.

The speaker - Dale, who said he was also representing the Omaha Parks and Recreation Department - obviously had no first-hand experience with bird strikes and the conditions which cause them. This rebuttal was based on a review of information available on the internet.

He said that he did not think it would be a big issue. He said he was not hostile to the environment, and that they had done what was "prudent," adding that if bird strikes did occur, something could be done later.

There was no opportunity given to respond to his comments, despite this opportunity having been given for other people providing comments during earlier portions of the council meeting.

It should be noted that the City Council voted on December 14 to approve the Environment Omaha document which includes: "Guidelines for building design and management/operation should be developed and promoted to reduce mortality and injury to birds from bird-building collisions."

Areas of glass on the north side of the pending nature center. Base design from architectural plans.

One thing learned at the meeting, was that shutters will be used on the interior of the glass on the north side of the building. The architect noted that in his opinion, he was "most worried" about glass on the upper portion of the building on the south side.

City officials where irresponsible in their decision, are now liable for any bird deaths due to strikes at the Hummel Park Nature Center, based on the taking aspect of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

It would have cost $24-28,000 to install Ornilux glass. This would have added less than 4% to the overall cost of the building. The council did not even approve use of the glass, despite an offer to raise funds through community contributions to pay for the added expense.

Of the $781,000 total cost for the building, $350,000 was provided from a grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

Setting with enhanced features for the pending "nature center." Base design from architectural plans.

Chain-saw Vandal Destroys Numerous Trees at Omaha's Hummel Park

During a hike to survey bird diversity at Hummel Park on 19 October, it became readily apparent upon reaching the ridge just south of Ponca Creek, that dozens of trees had been very recently cut-down by someone wielding a chainsaw that was obviously working perfectly.

Destruction was first noted upon reaching the uplands to the northeast of the day camp area at the northern section of the park. There were some stumps here and there and elsewhere, which were the remnants of what had been live trees.

The extent of what had been sawn down increased upon walking eastward along the ridge-top hiking trail. Continuing along, there were trees cutoff to one extent or another along the entire path to the eastern edge of the park at North River Road, including some at the northern entrance to the park. Additional trees were destroyed among the woods at a couple of places.

The tree removal was obvious, but while hiking along, the reason for it having occurred was not apparent.

City officials were contacted later in the day, and asked about what had occurred at the park.

Officials were aware of the situation, which was vandalism.

A report has been filed with the Omaha Police Department, according to Steve Scarpello, administrator of the department.

Officials are expected to continue attempts to determine the person(s) responsible for destroying the trees in the forest of the park.

Hummel Park has ongoing problems with vandalism.

This year Parks' officials placed barriers on the two routes to access the hilltop picnic and shelter area at the north portion of the park. Improvements are being made to the structures, and vehicular access was limited by gates across the roads, though access by hiking is still possible.

Access to the northwest corner of the park has been recently closed by placing concrete barriers to prevent vehicular travel. One site along this former street had been regularly used as a dumping site for a variety of trash.

The former roadway now provides a fine path for hikers.

Additional efforts are being made to stop vandalism at the park and to suitably improve the place for visitors.

Plans include changes to increase the presence of people at the park, to help thwart illegal activities.

Hummel Park is currently taken care of by a caretaker at N.P. Dodge Park, a position which is currently vacant, but with someone expected to be onsite early in November.

In 2011, according to management staff of Parks Recreation and Public Property, the three buildings which currently comprise the Hummel Park Day Camp will be removed, and a single new structure will be built and will provide accommodations for a resident caretaker.

Frisbee Golf Course Nixed

A frisbee golf course will not be installed in the northern woods of Hummel Park.

City officials said that the volunteer effort to create this recreational feature will not continue. There had been three holes created in the upland area of the north picnic grounds.

Factors influencing this decision included the insufficient extent of efforts by volunteers which offered to create the course, and a realization that the summer conditions along Ponca Creek are not conducive this sort of outdoor recreation.

During the summer, the woods along the creek are hot and humid, with pesky bugs prominent. Vegetative growth also was inhibitory.

Portions of the course had been expected to be placed along the designated nature trail along Ponca creek.

There are now no plans for any recreational developments along the trail. It will continue to be managed as a natural area, which is conducive to passive pursuits such as watching birds.

This section of the park and its habitats are known to have been a place to observe Cerulean Warblers - a species of concern - during the summer season, and Winter Wrens from late autumn to early spring. A plethora of other species are known to occur, based on reports posted on the NEBirds online forum.