Management of Habitat Greenspace at the Valentine Mill Pond

July 22, 2019. These are notes used while speaking on KVSH radio in Valentine on their comment program. On the air for about 10 minutes.

There is a bit of land on the north side of Valentine which has value as greenspace and natural habitat. It is a place for wild birds. Flora thrives. This Mill Pond place is a unique setting and is an asset of Valentine.

In late summer of 2016 some pictures were taken of the triad of warm season grasses – big bluestem, Indian grass and switchgrass. They were growing so beautifully, and being so picturesque with a sky background. Water hemlock was a haven for a healthy caterpillar.

What does a grass space mean? To me it is a place to enjoy the natural setting and where to appreciate floral features vivid against a heart city sky of blue. It is worthy of special recognition. This is a place special to me as a very nice asset of the local landscape. I view this place nearly every day during my travels.

The space is however being treated wrong. Every year the vegetation is destroyed with intent at the Mill Pond. The current management is a policy of destruction of features so vibrant and significant. There has been grass growing upward to the sky. The setting is quite lovely.

Mowing is done without consideration of nesting birds. A territorial Common Yellowthroat has been present this season. Its voice has been prevalent. Did the destructors consider it presence? Nope, is what I was told by NRD staff. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act may have been violated since it states that is illegal to destroy bird nests and young. This action in simply wrong. There was no consideration taken to evaluate whether the setting has any value as pollinator habitat.

This property is owned by the City of Valentine and the Middle Niobrara NRD. The city defers management decisions to the NRD and is currently satisfied on how the site is managed, according to the city manager.

The primary purpose of the tract is to provide an emergency spillway for the pond. Therefore it is mowed annually to ensure there is no growth of woody vegetation and to have a surface conducive for a ready flow of water. This is a secondary overflow measure as the primary overflow feature is the drain pipe which empties into Minnechaduza Creek, below the dam. This was well used in March when water levels in the pond were excessive.

A mistake being made on this tract is the timing of the mowing, in my view. Mowing in July destroys the thriving warm-season grasses and turns a vibrant green space into barren bit of landscape. Windrows of cut grass are left behind and which stifle any potential regrowth.

A spring mowing would help inhibit the growth of cool-season grasses and increase the viability of the more preferential warm-season grasses.

I am hoping to meet with the city and NRD to determine if there could be any changes that might increase the value of this public space.

It should also be noted that there is no management plan for the tract, which could address the multiple use options for the grassy habitat and allow interested members of the public to provide input.

Potential recognition of multiple uses could include educational interpretation (variety of tall-grass prairie plants), pollinator habitat (develop and increase forb species; freely available seeds could be thrown out a few times and eventually they will grow) and management versatility (meet requirements of primary purpose while also developing additional values).

It is time to make this little habitat space the best it can be. This is not the case now in my opinion. I may be speaking alone but I can guarantee that others care.

Valentine has a lot of assets and I’d like to see them all appreciated and that includes a grassy bit of space at the mill pond?

A Most Beautiful Trumpeter Swan at the Mill Pond

One of the most wonderful birds of our earthly world recently lingered at the Valentine Mill Pond. It was an adult Trumpeter Swan that was present for a few days from October 23^rd to 27^th. During its daily routine it walked about on sandy flats or stood in shallow waters just west of the pond pier. This occurrence is significant because this great swan was an adult and alone. Trumpeter Swan do not typically occur alone. They mate for life, and are very dedicated to their family. Perhaps this adult bird lost its mate and the Mill Pond was a mourning place?

The occurrence of this bird was the fifth time this species has been known to occur at the pond in the past three years. While this beautiful bird continues to survive, it has been a wonder of nature notably enjoyed at the suitable habitat of the mill pond, along with the several Canada Goose, some transitory gabbling Gadwall amidst the pondweed and a Greater Yellowlegs busy in its foraging. At least my looking around meant the Pied-billed Grebe was seen on its day. A special sighting also during the weekend was a dark-phase Red-tailed Hawk perched in a tree that was not pleased with my hiking about intrusion amidst nature lands, and then a bit later, soaring above in a cerulean autumn sky was another bird wonder, a juvenile Golden Eagle.

A swan was once again present on the morning of November 1.

April Birds in the Vicinity of Valentine

April started with a distinctive view of migratory Sandhill Cranes, and ended with significant occurrences of seasonal observations on a nearly daily basis while outdoors.

While some species were migrating, there was a prominent breeding season prevalence on the 21st. There were the first young Canada Goose at the Mill Pond. By the end of the month, at least four family groups were appreciating the mown lawn setting at the northwest portion of their habitat, the lawn green associated with homes along Lake Shore Drive north of Valentine.

The singular highlight amidst the known occurrence of area birdlife was a pair of Trumpeter Swan prominent, resting at the pond marsh on the 29th. Their white plumage was obvious amidst the green of the western vegetation of the Mill Pond. These big waterfowl continued to be present through the following weekend.

Many birds continued their breeding season activities. The Eurasian Collared Dove are prominent in the vicinity. Can't be missed are the Common Grackle about the town and northward. Red-winged Blackbird are loudly present about the Mill Pond. Not to be forgotten were Brown-headed Cowbird which initially arrived in lesser numbers, and then became more prevalent. A Yellow-headed Blackbird or two also could be seen amidst the many birds foraging in the horse pens to the north of the pond, at its western end.

Hunters of Wild Turkey showed up in their big pickup, with an authoritative note allowing property access as scribbled on a tiny bit of a sticky note. Their one day in the north hills was during the early days of the month. They left after their hike resulted in a zero result. Only a few of this game bird of particular interest have occurred outside the shack window during the month. Yet one day while traversing the drive route to the heart city, a flock of 16 was lazily striding along Hulm Lane, on the north side of the pond. Turkey roosters are now active with their flock, just as much as a dominant buck deer is hoarding his bunch of does among the hills of grass. Sire actions are prominent!

When the flock of Franklin's Gulls arrived, they were very prominent in their occurrence. Upon a closer look, a special feature of this bird was obvious, notably their black-colored head and also, group behavior.

Killdeer are present. A prominent bunch was within the city boundaries near the Cowboy Trail, though the seasonal residents occur to a lesser extent, but can usually be seen or heard at the Mill Pond.

The final days of the month brought many new observations. Especially prominent were birds at the Mill Pond. On the days when the swans occurred, there was also a Western Osprey, a single duck worth noting, swallows foraging above the pond water. Amidst the foliage was an Audubon's Warbler, with its vivid yellow rump patch.

Robins continue to be prevalent, as well as the many House Finch. Present yet subtle at the north edge of the heart city are pairs of Eastern Bluebird.

The monthly tally is significant for the several species which are new additions to the local avifauna. Birds with black plumage continue to occur in large numbers amidst the horse pens, on the south side of the hills, and northward of the pond.

There is a story awaiting about the House Wren since there are so many nest boxes prevalent.

There were 53 species noted during the month.

Valentine Vicinity Bird Records of April

Species     (and to right) Julian Date	97	98	102	104	105	107	108	110	112	115	117	120
Canada Goose	15	- -	- -	- -	4	13	- -	- -	30	- -	- -	48
Trumpeter Swan	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	2
Wood Duck	3	- -	- -	- -	2	- -	2	2	2	- -	- -	- -
Mallard	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	3	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Blue-winged Teal	- -	- -	2	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	27	- -	- -	- -
Lesser Scaup	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1
Wild Turkey	- -	- -	- -	- -	3	3	- -	2	- -	- -	16	3
Great Blue Heron	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	2	- -	- -	- -
Double-crested Cormorant	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	40	- -	- -
Turkey Vulture	18	- -	- -	- -	4	- -	- -	8	12	18	- -	- -
Western Osprey	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1
Sharp-shinned Hawk	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Cooper's Hawk	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -	- -
Red-tailed Hawk	2	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -
Sandhill Crane	19	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Killdeer	3	- -	- -	- -	2	- -	12	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Franklin's Gull	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	31	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Rock Dove	6	- -	- -	- -	15	- -	20	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Eurasian Collared Dove	15	- -	- -	- -	11	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	10
Mourning Dove	1	- -	- -	- -	2	- -	- -	2	- -	- -	- -	- -
Belted Kingfisher	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	1	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	1
Red-bellied Woodpecker	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Downy Woodpecker	1	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	2	- -	- -	- -	- -
Hairy Woodpecker	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -	- -
Northern Flicker	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	1
Eastern Phoebe	1	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	2	- -	- -	- -	- -
Blue Jay	2	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	2	- -
American Crow	- -	- -	- -	- -	2	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -
Cedar Waxwing	35	- -	- -	3	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Black-capped Chickadee	- -	3	- -	- -	6	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	2
Sand Martin	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	4
White-breasted Nuthatch	2	- -	- -	- -	2	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	2
Common Starling	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -
Eastern Bluebird	1	- -	- -	- -	2	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	2	- -
American Robin	32	- -	- -	- -	20	16	- -	8	- -	- -	- -	- -
House Sparrow	5	- -	- -	5	5	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
House Finch	4	- -	- -	- -	13	- -	18	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
American Goldfinch	17	- -	- -	- -	8	75	- -	- -	- -	- -	28	- -
Audubon's Warbler	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1
Yellow-headed Blackbird	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1
Western Meadowlark	2	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -	- -
Red-winged Blackbird	- -	- -	- -	- -	10	- -	- -	10	- -	- -	- -	- -
Brown-headed Cowbird	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	5	- -	12	125	- -
Common Grackle	85	75	- -	- -	100	75	65	- -	- -	- -	- -	40
Song Sparrow	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Lincoln's Sparrow	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	2	- -	3
White-crowned Sparrow	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	2
Dark-eyed Junco	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	3	1	- -	1	- -	- -
Chipping Sparrow	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	7	- -	27	- -	- -
Lark Sparrow	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	3	- -	- -
Spotted Towhee	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	1	1	- -	- -	- -
Northern Cardinal	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	2	- -	- -	- -	- -	2	1

Still pending are views of the Chimney Swift and Common Nighthawk. It is relatively late in the spring season for them to not yet have been seen. They will certainly occur soon and be denoted as a particular aspect of the local birds.

The first new hour of May certainly started out with no owl calls but instead many bangs just after waiting for the start of a favorite late-night radio program. What seemed to be casual gun-shots were heard multiple times just after midnight, seemingly upon the hill north of the shack, as derived from multiple instances heard from within and also from outside on the east side of the shack porch while it was raining and cloudy outside. There was a regular series of noises, regularly spaced once and then again. It was not like the sounds were distant, because they seemed to be atop a hill just to the north. There was a mystery vehicle at the end of the drive just before 2 p.m. It parked. Lights were turned off. The squiggle driver smoked a cigarette on its west side, as distinctly seen through a spotting scope in the night time. They vehicle then left after its interlude. Then several similar gunshot noises occurred at 3 a.m., in two interludes.

This is a an undeniable mystery of May day morning! No explanation is available. Neighbors had nothing to contribute on Sunday morning.

May is bird month in Nebraska, so further bird observations and events will occur as there will be new occurrences of the variety of wildbirds of the land.

Resources District Manages Habitat at Valentine Mill Pond

Clearing of unwanted red cedar trees at the Valentine Mill Pond has recently been done by the Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District.

The removal of the cedars was done in accordance with fire concerns of the community, said Zac Peterson, the natural resources technician of the NRD. There was also vegetative trimming to clear the corridor associated with overhead power lines. Some stumps will remain from the larger trees removed so area visitors will recognize their presence will walking around the site.

A portion of the lumber from the larger cedar trees will be used to create a sign to commemorate the Big Rock fire that occurred ten years ago, just to the north of the Mill Pond and Valentine City Park.

Smaller portions of the removed trees have been mechanically chipped. These chips have been used to stabilize recreational trails in the area.

The NRD is also chipping cedar trees removed at Schlagel Creek WMA by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Reducing the tree piles to chips is a portion of research investigating whether tree chips as soaked with cattle and hog manure, when spread upon land, can provide mineral nutrients to plants and soil.

Grants from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality and U.S. Forest Service have been instrumental in this research associated with local landowners.