The spring gathering of Canada Goose near Valentine has been especially prominent at the end of February and beginning of March. With the obvious extent of these waterfowl, an effort was undertaken to get details of their occurrence, and to do so in a manner that would not be arbitrary but rather a common method of observation. Observation points were most variable on the first day, but then a standard protocol was undertaken, and followed most prominent in the first three hours of the morning from one point of observation. Other sightings of Canada Goose movement were kept while traversing the vicinity during times other than times of particular attention.
The largest flight was brought particular attention to the migratory event was especially prominent during an hour of the morning on February 27. From a suitable vantage point or two on the north side of the city, multiple flocks of various sizes were seen flying northward during 8:25 to 9:20 a.m.
Counts were made of individual birds when possible, but when larger flocks, and several of them were present during a brief time interval, counts were made based upon groups of five or ten birds. For some distant flocks, numbers based upon a groups in the distant had to be done. Therefore the exact count is not accurate to the number of individual geese, but indicative of an overall extent based upon accepted methods of counting large flocks of birds.
All of the initial observations were made from my usual lookout at the west end of the North Lake Shore Hills, and which is a site that provides a fine view of what seems to be an avenue especially suitable for watching movements of wildbirds. After about 9 a.m. counts were made from points along eastern Lake Shore Drive and then from the prominent height at 8th and north Main Street. Upon reaching the Main street vantage point, it was obvious that the geese were flying in a westerly direction, and then going northerly. The two latter locales provide an expansive view of area skies where the geese fly.
This is a tally of the number of geese seen at different times, and represent distinct occurrences during the morning of the 27th when temperatures were in the mid-20s with clear skies, and winds northwest at 6 m.p.h., according to the local weather report on the radio:
- 8:25 - 65, 9, 13
- 8:30 - 18, 27, 42
- 8:35 - 40, 36, 68, 325, 75
- 8:38 - 65, 120, 90
- 8:43 - 30, 5, 13, 50
- 8:45 - 310, 60
- 8:48 - 325, 75; from 8:35 to 8:48 was the obvious peak in the goose flight; during this time, smaller flight groups were combined so that a count could occur, otherwise, indications of occurrence would have been lost if each particular group would have to be given individual consideration; groups became one count while keeping track of multitudes of geese in flight within a brief time-frame
- 8:49 - 95
- 8:52 - 70
- 8:53 - 25
- 8:56 - 120
- 9:00 - 20
- 9:05 - 40, 45, 25
- 9:10 - 10, 140
- 9:15 - 90, 190, 25, 95, 180, 5, 25, 25, 75, 5
- 9:20 - 20
During noon hour while along Main Street, a flock of 15 geese were seen flying northward. Some others were heard, but could not be seen. This is indicative that the overall extent of occurrence of this species of waterfowl would likely exceed the numbers denoted, as additional flocks were likely not observed as other necessities prevented continual observation from ca. 9:30 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.
There were ca. 3200 Canada Goose present amidst these flocks. Though it was not possible to determine the exact number of Cackling Goose, there were several obviously small geese apparent among the flocks, so their number was estimated as being at least a minimum of five. The only way to derive an actual number would be to ignore the big geese while looking for smaller geese. This is not the observational protocol used as the intent was to denote one species rather than another species.
It seems that the geese roost on available open water, including, notably the Niobrara River and also at Potters Pond easterly of Fort Niobrara NWR. In the morning, the birds fly northward to crop fields where they can forage? Obviously there is a source of food northerly from Valentine, because otherwise the geese would be going elsewhere.
This greatly exceeds the 1100 seen during surveys on February 17 at Bryan Bridge and Potters Pond.
The indicated occurrence was a dramatic increase in the number of these geese which had been observed via a similar manner on the previous day.
Wednesday, the 28th
The geese got moving early, with the first flock going northerly before sunrise. Weather conditions were similar to those on Tuesday.
- 7:31 - 10
- 7:52 - 3
- 7:54 - 30, 2
- 7:58 - 2
- 8:00 - 50, 35
- 8:01 - 25
- 8:03 - 24
- 8:05 - 32, 49
- 8:06 - 37
- At this time a flock of six Common Merganser were seen going easterly.
- At this time a flock of six Common Merganser were seen going easterly.
- 8:09 - 48, 35
- 8:12 - 112 and including a Cackling Goose
- 8:13 - 10, 3, 2 and including a Cackling Goose
- 8:15 - 6, 140, 3, 9
- 8:22 - 8
- 8:23 - 7
- 8:24 - 14
- 8:25 - 57
- 8:26 - 21, 15
- 8:30 - 3, 55
- 8:31 - 95
- At this time some of the flocks were present at a distance and seen for only a brief time so more group counts had to be quickly made.
- 8:32 - 25, 2
- 8:36 - 27
- 8:40 - 180
- 8:42 - 100, 48
- 8:49 - 45, 40
- 8:50 - 21
- 8:53 - 35
- 8:54 - 15
- 9:02 - 17
- 9:09 - 34, 15
- 9:20 - 12
- 9:33 - 12
The overall tally for the time was 1580 Canada Goose. This number likely was lesser because some of the flocks would not have been seen from the vantage point where a hill blocks the view to the northeast.
March 1st, Thursday
The first geese were not seen until 8:21 a.m. when the temperature was about 20o with winds from the southwest at 5 m.p.h. and mostly clear skies. The following are details:
- 8:21 - 2
- 8:40 - 50
- 8:53 - 4, 10
- 8:55 - 4
- 8:58 - 11, 7, 18
- 9:03 - 2, 9
- 9:06 - 14
- 9:24 - 7
- 9:29 - 2
- 9:32 - 12
- 11:48 - 25 going northwest above Valentine
- 12:28 - 21
The overall tally of northward flying geese was 219, and the number was markedly lesser than what was seen the previous day, using observation methods which were basically similar.
Friday, March 2nd
The morning started with a temperature of 34o with southwest winds at 7-18 m.p.h. and then 10-15 m.p.h. at 7:30 with clear skies. The following are details:
- 7:19 - 23
- 7:26 - 1, 25
- 7:39 - 15, 19, 27 going easterly a short distance north of my vantage point
- 7:43 - 3, 9, 2
- 8:02 - 2 flew in from the north and landed at the Valentine Mill Pond
- 8:06 - 70
- 8:15 - 2, 2
- 8:22 - 10 going east northeast
- 8:24 - 2 in pair flight northward of the Mill Pond
- 8:30 - 17 going northerly
- 8:32 - 40 going northerly
- 8:38 - 8 going southerly
- 8:51 - 21
- 9:05 - 5, 8 with both departing from the Mill Pond
- 9:09 - 5
- 9:15 - 8
- 9:16 - 3, 4
- 9:19 - 16
- 9:26 - 65 going easterly as seen northward of my vantage point, which was primarily the same place as on the previous two days
- 9:28 - 4 Canada Goose and 2 Cackling Goose flying southwest
- 9:30 - 11
- 9:35 - 28
- 9:40 - 65
- 9:42 - 23
- 9:43 - 18, 7
- 10:00 - 13, 7
- 10:05 - 23 loitering at the Valentine Mill Pond where open water was a new landscape feature as warmer temperatures meant open water along the channel of Minnechaduza Creek and lesser ice upon the surface of the pond
- 10:15 - 19 over Valentine
- 10:48 - 45 going easterly at the northern extent of Valentine, while a similar-sized flock was going westerly above the southern extent of the heart city
- 10:50 - 14
- 12:04 - 24 going southerly and which are not included in the tally for the day as they may have been some of the fowl flying northward earlier in the day
- 16:15 - 25 departed from the Mill Pond, and going northerly; this flock was also not included in the overall tally
The estimate for the day's flight was ca. 600. This day was notably different because of the obvious variability in the flight path of the geese. While some were flying northerly, others were going southerly. Add into the mix the movement of birds easterly.
Saturday, March 3rd
An undetermined number of Canada Goose were present overnight at the Mill Pond. At least twice during the dark hours they could be heard. Their presence undoubtedly was denoted as they left in the morning to go northward to feeding grounds. Their departure was obvious as they would be a notably lesser elevation as they departed from the nearby water body, and could be specifically obvious upon their departure.
During the morning period of observation from 7-10 a.m., there were very few flocks conveying the migratory movement characteristics seen on previous days. The birds were flying at a greater distance above the ground and had a particular flight path in a general northerly direction.
These are the particular notations for the day, with obvious indications that many of these birds had departed from the Valentine Mill Pond:
- 7:04 - 1; this is likely a bird from the Mill Pond
- 7:18 - 35
- 7:36 - 2
- 7:39 - 2
- 7:52 - 17
- 7:57 - 7
- 8:03 - 3
- 8:05 - 14 from the Mill Pond as their initial flight from the pond was observed and then the flock flew over my vantage point on their flight northward
- 8:32 - 12
- 8:52 - 4
- 9:15 - 7
- 9:16 - 2
- 9:21 - 2
- 9:27 - 10
- 9:40 - 7, 8
- 9:46 - 5
- 9:47 - 4
- 10:04 - 65
- 10:12 - 6
- 11:36 - 125 going northeasterly in a single flock while other smaller flocks were coming from the north and landing at the Mill Pond
What was notably differnt today was an influx of geese from the north at the Mill Pond during mid-day. A bunch of 31 flew in and landed about 11 a.m. Another bunch of 43 arrived at 11:17. Then at 11:35 eight arrived while to the north, there were 125 flying northeasterly. Two other arrivals occurred at 12:06 (44) and 12:12 (8). There were some Cackling Goose seen and heard.
These details indicate that some geese are migrating though the area, while others that have been resident have adapted to the newly available open waters at the Mill Pond. There has also been the indication that breeding season birds are initiating a claim on a nesting territory, especially for a place amidst the pond cattail marsh.
One notably different feature of the movements of these waterfowl has been their occurrence in the evening. Prior to this focused period of observation, flocks of geese were regularly seen at dusk, and after the sun had set. Their presence was obvious as many skeins — numbering in the dozens — could be readily seen going southward, probably towards their overnight roosts, notably on the Niobrara River southward of Valentine. During the few days when the multiple morning observations occurred, during time spent watching as dark descended, there were no flocks seen.
Sunday, March 4th
The morning was cloudy with fog so it was not possible to see the birds in a manner sufficient to do any counts.
Monday, March 5th
This morning brought temperatures in the mid 20's with a fresh snowfall of less than an inch. The most prominent weather condition were the winds. When the first birds were seen just after 7 a.m., winds from the northwest were already at a sustained 15-25 m.p.h. with gusts exceeding 40 m.p.h. Just before noon there a recorded gust of 53 m.p.h. Sustained winds exceeding 20 m.p.h. and gusts into the lower 40s continued through the afternoon, with figures of 17 m.p.h. and gusts to 33 m.p.h. and more from the west at 3 p.m.
It was obvious that the birds were struggling as they flew into the winds. The birds would get rocked to and fro as they flew along. The winds obviously had an influence on the behavior of the geese. These are the known observations:
- 7:01 - 50
- 7:02 - 12
- 7:04 - 26
- 7:05 - 62; it was seemingly as if the birds wanted to get to the feeding grounds early as typically winds are lesser early in the morning
- A surprising observation was a flock of 50 Show Goose going southwest, as if trying to move away from the snowstorm/blizzard conditions which were more severe in southern South Dakota.
- 8:17 - 7
- 8:39 - 23
- 8:40 - 33
- A second flock of 65 Snow Goose were seen and also flying in a southwestern direction.
- 9:17 - 7 Canada Goose along with two Cackling Goose
- Some of the Canada Goose were already returning southward at 9:25, with their destination the Mill Pond.
- 12:40 - 32 going northerly
- 1:53 - 8
- 1:54 - 12
- 1:55 - 25
- 1:58 - 4
- 2:01 - 17
- 2:02 - 25; winds were gusting about 53 m.p.h. at this time
- 2:03 - 27
- 2:04 - 6
- 2:11 - 28
- 2:14 - 33
- 2:18 - 14
- 2:20 - 30
- 2:36 - 21
- 4:25 - 85
- 4:28 - 13
- 4:34 - 11
- 4:37 - 8
- 4:38 - 37
- 4:48 - 14
- 4:53 - 2
- 4:57 - 9
- 5:00 - 6
- 5:02 - 14
- 5:18 - 5
- At 5:32 and 5:38 there were two groups of 7 going southerly. There were a total of fourteen flights going southward until 6:58 when it was too dark to see any flying birds (sunset was about 6:35 p.m. Numbers varied basically between four and 20, with the two greatest at 27 and 33.
- 5:55 - 4
It is possible that some of the birds seen going northerly later in the day could have returned from the morning feeding, and were venturing northward again.
During the morning a few small flocks of smaller waterfowl were seen but were too far a distance to allow identification. They were moving along too fast with the wind at their back.
The average wind speed during the day was 27 m.p.h. with a peak gust at 59 m.p.h.
Tuesday, March 6th
The morning brought steady light snow and significant wind from the northwest at 20-35 m.p.h. and gusts to 40. No Canada Goose movement was noted until after 10:30 a.m. These are the few observations.
- 10:32 - 6
- 10:37 - 31 left the Mill Pond
- 10:38 - 1
- 11:02 - 9 when its still snowing and winds were northwest at 25-30 m.p.h. with gusts to 40 m.p.h.
- 11:07 - 45
- 11:21 - 1
- At 11:44 a flock of 62 Snow Goose were flying in a west, southwest direction; another flock of 26 going southwest occurred at 12:32
- At 11:48 a flock of 30 were seen going southwesterly; and three bunches of 13, 16 and 11 were going in the same direction at 11:52
- At 11:44 a flock of 62 Snow Goose were flying in a west, southwest direction; another flock of 26 going southwest occurred at 12:32
- 1:53 p.m. - 23 when the snow was ending and there was some slight clearing in the sky
- 3:24 - 24, which included two Cackling Goose
- 3:34 - 32 north, including one cackler
- 3:56 - 70, including 4 Cackling Goose
- 4:02 - 2
- 4:07 - 55
- 4:27 - 4
- 4:50 - 17
- 4:53 - 12
- 5:25 - 14
- 5:36 - 6
One reason for the significant decline in the number Canada Goose observed could be that due to snow and a decline in temperatures, birds moved to a different roost site — perhaps the Niobrara River — and their trajectory to the north would not have been visible from my usual vantage point. The difference seemed to be made up later in the afternoon.
Summary
This is an overall summary of the flight movements by Canada Goose in the immediate vicinity of Valentine, Nebraska. Each particular notation of an observation was entered into a relational database, and summarized within a particular time period. The number of distinct counts of birds were: 2/27 (44 instances); 2/28 (50); 3/1 (16); 3/2 (40); 3/3 (21); 3/5 (33); and, 3/6 (15). This is an indicative representation of the geese seen flying northward during these days.
Time Period 2/27 2/28 3/1 3/2 3/3 3/5 3/6 0700 to 0714 - - - - - - - - 1 150 - - 0715 to 0729 - - - - - - 75 35 - - - - 0730 to 0744 - - 10 - - 75 4 - - - - 0745 to 0759 - - 37 - - - - 24 - - - - 0800 to 0814 - - 462 - - 72 17 - - - - 0815 to 0829 87 280 2 14 - - 7 - - 0830 to 0844 1004 440 50 71 12 23 - - 0845 to 0859 1080 156 54 21 4 - - - - 0900 to 0914 280 17 25 10 - - - - - - 0915 to 0929 735 12 9 100 21 7 - - 0930 to 0944 - - 12 12 152 15 - - - - 0945 to 0959 - - - - - - - - 9 - - - - 1000 to 1014 - - - - - - 43 71 - - - - 1015 to 1029 - - 6 - - 19 - - - - - - 1030 to 1044 - - - - - - - - - - - - 38 1045 to 1059 - - - - - - 121 - - - - - - 1100 to 1114 - - - - - - - - - - - - 54 1130 to 1144 - - - - - - - - 125 - - - - 1145 to 1159 - - 70 25 - - - - - - - - 1200 to 1214 15 45 - - - - - - - - - - 1215 to 1229 - - 23 21 - - - - - - - - 1230 to 1244 - - - - - - - - - - 32 - - 1345 to 1359 - - - - - - - - - - 49 23 1400 to 1414 - - - - - - - - - - 136 - - 1415 to 1429 - - - - - - - - - - 44 - - 1430 t0 1444 - - - - - - - - - - 21 - - 1515 to 1529 - - - - - - - - - - - - 32 1530 to 1544 - - - - - - - - - - - - 70 1600 to 1614 - - - - - - - - - - - - 57 1615 t0 1629 - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 1615 to 1629 - - 20 - - - - - - 98 - - 1630 to 1644 - - - - - - - - - - 56 - - 1645 to 1659 - - 10 - - - - - - 25 17 1700 to 1714 - - - - - - - - - - 20 - - 1715 to 1729 - - - - - - - - - - 5 14 1730 to 1744 - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 1745 to 1759 - - - - - - - - - - 4 - - With a notable chages in weather conditions in the morning on Sunday, March 4th conditions for watching the movement of the geese was dramatically different. There were colder temperatures, fog and cloudy skies, and drizzle. For these reasons, observation efforts were not done. Some of the local birds still were seen going northward to distant foraging grounds.
Cold-night conditions meant a distinct change in goose behavior. Overnight on the 7th the low temperature was 8o and subsequently there was only a single observation of 32 Canada Goose seen going northward between 7 and 10 a.m. Notably, between 4:55 and 5:20 p.m. about 525 were seen going northward from a vantage point within Valentine. These birds were obviously leaving roost places associated with the Niobrara River. After sunset, some Canada Goose could be heard being expressive at the Valentine Mill Pond.
The overnight low on the 8th was 13o so weather conditions were similar with no flocks noted during the morning hours of the subsequent day. The transition from winter to spring was obvious with warmer days conducive to the arrival of seasonal wildbird species. Thus ends this endeavor.
04 November 2016
October Bird Report from Valentine
October in the immediate vicinity of Valentine was a month with multiple events of occurrence for migratory species. The change in the season was obvious.
Most notable were flights of the American Crow and Sandhill Crane.
On October 21st, at least 900 crows were prominent in their flight southward. Observational notes were made throughout the day: from 12:15 to 1 p.m. - 157 observed; then 409 during the 1:10 to 1:15 minutes; 80 at 2:30 p.m.; another 80 at 3:30; and finally 175 at 5:15 p.m. Some of these birds were seen as they would "kettle" over the city environs. Winds of the day were westerly then later, going northwesterly. A couple of days later, twice, there were many crows observed during their local flight. These passage crows are different from the few local residents, which number 3 to 4.
Also on the 21st, Sandhill Crane were flying southward. Counts at various times were at 1:10, with 45 seen in a loose flock; at 5 p.m., another 150; also 225 at 5:15; then 135 at 5:20, 435 at 5:30 and towards the end of the day, a final bunch of 125 at 5:50. The overall tally 1400 flying cranes, with their presence obvious because of their appreciated vocalizations being helpful in finding the birds in the sky. Flights continued two days later. There were various groups going southward: 39 at 9:35 with calm winds; 375 at 9:40; 42 at 10:15; 288 at 10:25 with some kettling in the sky; then 16 at 10:55; another 85 at 4:25 as vocal in their presence; finally 220 at 4:50 p.m. when there were still calm winds.
A highlight of these weeks was seeing a solitary Townsend's Solitaire atop a pine tree, a short distance northward of the bluebird shack. Another new addition to the local avifauna was a single Prairie Falcon flying above the North Lake Shore Hills. Also apprecited were the Audubon's Warbler (a.k.a. yellow-rumped warbler) prominent a few times during their search for sustenance amidst the horse pens. Many Red-winged Blackbird lingered, spending time amidst the cattail habitat at the west end of the mill pond. Some Harris's Sparrow were vivid because of their larger size and feathery facets. Also about were some White-throated Sparrow.
As the month ended, numerous American Robin were present, apparently foraging on the seeds of cedar trees. Canada Goose numbers increased at the Valentine Mill Pond. There were also some few hundred of Common Grackle present as the month waned, being boisterous and obvious among treetops north of the pond.
During the month, 47 different species were observed with 200 records kept in the BirdRecords table of my Database of the Great American Sandhills. Many permanent residents can be appreciated nearly each day. It is always nice to hear the Red-breasted Nuthatch, and then moments later hear the White-breasted Nuthatch in the same vicinity. There were bluebirds hither and yon to enjoy. The resident Great Horned Owl are rarely seen though continually present. At least the pair of Red-tailed Hawk can be more readily seen. On one rainy day, one of the two sat for hours atop a hill-top pine as it waited for the precipitation to dissipate.
The monthly tally in October 2015 was 40 species. The variance is indicative of behavior by the birds and how keeping records for multiple years is necessary to try to derive some sort of limited understanding of occurrence details.
It should be noted that this listing conforms with the standards of the International Ornithological Congress, so names and taxonomic sequence may differ from what is used on a state or national level.
October Bird Tally at Valentine on Particular Julian Dates Species Proper Name 276 277 279 281 282 283 285 286 288 292 293 294 295 297 299 303 Canada Goose - - 4 10 9 - - 7 - - 29 - - 30 225 30 - - 55 40 - - Wood Duck - - 6 - - 7 - - - - - - 2 - - - - - - - - 2 17 - - - - Mallard - - - - - - 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Blue-winged Teal - - - - - - 7 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Wild Turkey - - - - 6 - - - - 1 6 - - - - 6 - - 6 - - - - - - 6 Pied-billed Grebe - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Great Blue Heron - - 2 - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Turkey Vulture - - - - 2 21 - - 1 - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - Western Osprey - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - Cooper's Hawk - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - Bald Eagle - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - 1 - - 2 Red-tailed Hawk - - - - 1 - - - - 2 - - - - - - - - 1 - - 2 2 - - 1 Sandhill Crane - - - - - - - - 35 - - - - - - - - - - - - 175 1400 1065 - - - - Rock Dove - - 35 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 33 - - Eurasian Collared Dove 7 - - 8 8 - - 1 - - - - 4 7 5 - - - - 4 9 6 Mourning Dove - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - Great Horned Owl 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 Belted Kingfisher - - - - - - 1 - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Red-bellied Woodpecker - - - - 1 - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - 1 1 - - Downy Woodpecker - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - Hairy Woodpecker - - 1 - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - 1 Northern Flicker 3 - - 1 - - - - 2 - - 1 - - - - - - - - 1 1 3 1 Prairie Falcon - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Eastern Phoebe - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Blue Jay 1 - - 2 - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 American Crow - - 39 2 - - 160 - - - - 140 30 - - - - - - 900 142 195 - - Cedar Waxwing - - - - 4 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 1 Black-capped Chickadee - - 3 2 - - - - 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 3 - - 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch - - - - - - - - - - 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 1 - - White-breasted Nuthatch - - 1 1 - - - - 2 - - 2 - - - - - - - - 2 2 1 1 Brown Thrasher 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Common Starling - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 36 - - - - - - - - - - 9 1 Eastern Bluebird - - 2 4 - - 3 - - 5 - - 2 - - - - 2 2 3 - - - - Townsend's Solitaire - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - American Robin 40 - - - - - - - - 5 - - 20 - - 50 - - - - - - 25 10 310 House Sparrow - - 30 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15 6 1 House Finch - - - - 4 - - - - - - 3 4 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 American Goldfinch - - - - 5 - - - - 3 - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 2 - - 2 Orange-crowned Warbler - - - - - - - - 2 - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Audubon's Warbler - - - - 4 - - 4 - - 4 - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - Red-winged Blackbird - - - - - - 5 - - - - - - 60 - - - - - - - - 235 30 - - 15 Common Grackle - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 500 - - Lincoln's Sparrow - - 1 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Harris's Sparrow - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 2 - - - - - - - - 1 - - 2 White-throated Sparrow - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 3 - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 Dark-eyed Junco - - - - 2 - - 3 - - 6 4 2 - - - - 5 - - 8 - - 30 American Tree Sparrow - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 25 Spotted Towhee - - 1 1 - - 2 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The month ended with relatively balmy conditions. A day with northerly winds brought an influx of Dark-eyed Junco and American Tree Sparrow. These two species were prevalent on the north side of town. A few Harris's Sparrow added to the wildbirds diversity.
It was an exciting month since there were regular surprises to appreciate and denote. At least during the month, there were opportunities to venture to other wildlife areas that meant an opportunity to denote further findings of wildbirds at Cherry county lands.
This month's records might contribute to some sort of understanding for the occurrence and distribution of birds in Nebraska. Kept records are essential.
14 September 2015
Nighthawk Migration at North Valentine
There were a couple of good evenings to watch Common Nighthawk migration at Valentine in early September.
At the Mill Pond on the 3rd, there were at least 27 nighthawks present about 7:15 p.m. Some were very close above the pier, with a couple seen picking bugs off the calm surface of the pond along Minnechaduza creek. It was a cloudy evening with no wind. Another seven nighthawks were seen at 8:156 while in Valentine watching Chimney Swift congregate at the 6x6 bricks chimney of the Sawyer Memorial Library.
A larger movement of nighthawks occurred on the 5th during an observation time of nearly two hours, starting at 6:45 p.m. Details were:
- 1 at 6:45
- 3 at 6:48
- 23 at 6:51 going northerly, then quickly another two moving in the sky
- 1 at 7:00
- 1 at 7:10
- 19 at 7:36 going westerly along the Minnechaduza creek valley
- 14 at 7:51 going westerly, with another 4 going in an easterly direction
- 9 were going easterly at 8:02, with 6 going towards the west beneath the colorful clouds at dusk
- 67 going east then back west at 8:12; this was the highest count of these birds seen in the skyscape at a single time, but it may not represent the entire extent of the number present
- 2 at 8:20 going easterly, then 6 more
- 1 at 8:24 flitting about, plus 8 going westerly
- 7 at 8:29
- 1 at 8:34 going westerly
- 3 at 6:48
The birds were obviously moving about the area to find aerial insects to eat. There would be a greater opportunity to find suitable insect prey along the wooded creek valley, which is perhaps the reason for the notable east-to-west movement.
There was no vocalization heard while watching the birds.
No nighthawks were seen on the next two days during the same hours of observation.
One was seen on September 7, with a similar single bird on
the 12th, again while watching swifts at Valentine.20 October 2014
Bird Strike Deaths Continue Unabated in Downtown Omaha
As the autumn migration season continues, bird strikes continue unabated among downtown Omaha buildings. During this time of the year, most of the fatalities are sparrows and juncos, as evidenced by October 18-19th.
This is a tally of known instances of bird window strikes:
A dead Lincoln's Sparrow and White-crowned Sparrow on the south side of the building on the northwest corner of 15th and Mike Fahey Street, which does not have a posted street address.
A disabled Lincoln's Sparrow (18th) and dead Dark-eyed Junco (19th) on the west side of the CenturyLink Center Omaha.
A dead and partly squished Orange-crowned Warbler on the sidewalk by the glass-walled portion of the east side of the Holland Performing Arts Center.
A dead bird was found each of two days at the northern portion of the east wall of the Gavilon building. There was a Harris's Sparrow on the 18th, and a Lincoln's Sparrow on the 19th.
A disabled Clay-colored Sparrow on the west side of the Zorinsky Federal Building, about 30 feet from the south corner (19th).
A dead White-throated Sparrow on the east side and a dead Dark-eyed Junco on the north side of the Law Building, 500 South 18th Street, both on the 18th.
An unusual occurrence of a bird death was the finding of a dead Western Meadowlark on the 18th, beneath the power lines just west of 42nd and Nicholas Street in the Izard Industrial Zone. The carcass was fresh, and had not yet been smashed by vehicle parking. The species identification was determined by an analysis of plumage and feather features. It is quite unusual to have this species occur in the midst of urban Omaha, but meadowlarks have been seen on two occasions at a mown-grass lot to the west, by 49th and Hamilton streets.
19 May 2014
Wild Pigeons Netted in Columbia County Pennsylvania
Samuel Kline, of Benton, Columbia County, has "netted" 250 wild pigeons this spring.
May 2, 1862. [Wild pigeons netted in Columbia county.] Union County Star and Lewisburg Chronicle, page 1.
Perfect Clouds of Pigeons Swarm Minnesota Wheat Fields
Never before, within our memory, have pigeons been so numerous as this year. They fly over in perfect clouds; they swarm upon the wheat fields in this section of the country, threatening the utter destruction of every seed sown. In some cases acre after acre of wheat has been picked up and swallowed by them after it had been sown, before it could be covered.
May 6, 1863. Pigeons. Goodhue Volunteer 7(11): 4.
Wild Pigeons in Vast Numbers in Minnesota
Wild pigeons are seen in vast number in Minnesota, near Chatfield. In such swarms have they appeared on some farms, that they are with great difficulty kept from gathering the wheat as fast as it is sown. Their settling upon the field and flight resemble great clouds. The prairie chickens are very numerous, and are doing much damage by picking up the newly-sown wheat.
May 15, 1863. [Wild pigeons in vast numbers in Minnesota.] Daily National Republican 3(143): 2.
Heavens Black With Wild Pigeons at Dubuque
All day on Sunday last at Dubuque, we learn the heavens were black with wild pigeons flying northward. That must have been a dark sky.
April 27, 1864. [Heavens black with wild pigeons at Dubuque.] Urbana Union 3(5): 1.
Pigeons Flying in Numbers at Urbana
During the past week the wild pigeons have been flying about in such numbers as would gladden the heart of any Jerseyman. Geese and ducks also abound; among the most attractive of the latter being a duck of a bonnet, just introduced as the spring style. We haven't heard the name, but it seems especially adapted to lover's "au revoirs" and affectionate adieuxes. That is, the bonnet is so far from the face that it will act as no preventing providence.
March 7, 1866. [Pigeons flying in numbers.] Urbana Union 5(50): 3.
Clouds of Pigeons at Cincinnati
The atmosphere of Cincinnati was disturbed on Thursday, by the flight of prodigious flocks of pigeons, the whir of whose innumerable wings at times was heard like the rush of the wind through a leafy wilderness. It is conjectured that this extraordinary movement of birds indicates the breaking up of a pigeon roost in Indiana. The pigeons were flying from the southeast to the northwest out of range.
March 14, 1866. Clouds of pigeons. Western Reserve Chronicle 51(30): 2.
18 May 2014
Great Flight of Wild Pigeons in New Hampshire
The greatest flight of wild pigeons that has been known in the memory of the oldest inhabitants is occurring in New Hampshire. Forty-three flocks were counted passing over Portsmouth in one hour. One person in Elliot killed sixty at one shot, several others have killed in one day from one hundred to two hundred each.
November 3, 1870. [Great flight of wild pigeons in New Hampshire.] Holmes County Republican 21(11): 2. Also: October 19, 1870 in Lima Weekly Gazette.Great Flocks and Millions of Pigeons in New York
The Lake Shore Country Full of Pigeons.
Rochester Express yesterday: — Great flocks of pigeons were seen flying over the city this morning. We learn that the woods along the Lake Shore, east and west of Rochester, and south of the city are full of them. A large number of sportsmen started out in different directions last evening and this morning. Wild geese and ducks were seen in the smaller streams back from the lake. Plover are also plenty.
Millions of Pigeons.
Watertown Dispatch: — The woods about the lake shore swarm with pigeons. Ellisburg is alive with them. They are evidently nesting in the vicinity of Mannsville. Prompt measures should be taken by sportsmen's clubs and others to see that they are not molested during their nesting.
April 12, 1876. Oswego Daily Palladium, page 4.
Millions of Wild Pigeons Pass Over Austin
Wild pigeons passed over the city to the southwest in countless millions Thursday morning. They commenced flying over in flocks miles long about 7 o'clock and continued till 10 o'clock or later. Some one on the street remarked that the flight of the pigeons indicated a coming storm. Let us see. A gentleman who lives about twenty miles south of Austin says that for some time pigeons have been very plentiful in his vicinity, and that people have great sport shooting them. At night they even go to their roosts and mow them down in great quantities.
January 31, 1878. Pigeons. Austin Weekly Democrat Statesman 7(17): 3.
16 May 2014
Numerous Flocks of Wild Pigeons - Pennsylvania
Numerous flocks of wild pigeons have been visiting this place and the adjacent country, within a few days past, affording excellent sport for the fowler, whose success is always certain, owing to the myriads which he encounters. Many dozen taken in nets, were brought to market during the week, which were rapidly disposed of at five cents per pigeon. The number flying around seems not to be diminished, although their southerly migration, n doubt, will soon be resumed. — Miners' Journal.
September 27, 1831. Pigeons. Republican Star and General Advertiser 33(5): 3.
Greenville Visited by Myriads of Wild Pigeons
Greenville. Dec. 8. — During the last two or three weeks, this section of country has been visited with myriads of wild Pigeons. On last Wednesday, in the morning and evening, there were many flocks of these birds passing over our town, which seemed to extend for miles in length, and from one-half to a mile in breadth. They frequently looked like dark clouds moving through the air, and were visible in several directions at the same time. We have seen some almost incredible accounts of "Pigeon Roosts" in Illinois, but since we have no indications to doubt but that the statements of our Western friends is correct. It is supposed that the heavy crop of acorns, which now load our forests, has attracted this host of strangers. Our marksmen have had fine sport among them, but it seems that their number cannot be thinned.
December 22, 1837. Pigeons. Richmond Enquirer 34(66): 4.
Plenty of Pigeons in Ohio
We learn from the Repository, printed at Canton, Stark county, Ohio, that wild pigeons were so abundant in the neighborhood of that place on the 26 of October, that of several parties of sportsmen who had gone out in pursuit of them, one killed 1100, another 1000, another 900, and several others from 5 to 600. The game was afterwards distributed gratis to the citizens of Canton. We should like to have such a flight of them in our neighborhood of Stroudsburg, to let our sportsmen try their fowling pieces at them.
November 23, 1843. Plenty of pigeons. Jeffersonian Republican 4(33): 2.
Skies at Nashville Hid by Flocks of Wild Pigeons
For two mornings, says the Nashville Gazette of the 25th ult., the skies have been literally hid from the view by immense flocks of wild pigeons — so heavy that they can only be computed by square miles and acres.
November 16, 1844. Wild pigeons. Columbia Democrat 8(30): 3.
Wild Pigeons at Buffalo
Wild Pigeons in large numbers have made their appearance at Buffalo. For the last few days, immense flocks have been in the woods, between Cold Springs and Black Rock.
March 15, 1845. [Wild pigeons at Buffalo.] Sunbury American and Shamokin Journal 5(25): 2.
Immense Flocks of Pigeons Over Somerset
During the last few days immense flocks of wild pigeons passed over our town towards the Northeast exactly an opposite direction to that which pigeons usually take at this season of the year. The presumption is, that they were driven from the Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina by a snow storm.
November 17, 1846. Wild pigeons. Somerset Herald and Farmers' and Mechanics' Register 5(1): 3.
Fat and Plump Wild Pigeons Killed at Buffalo
Our sportsmen, are enjoying their broiled pigeons and pot-pies, unseasonable as these dishes may seem to most of our readers. It is a singular fact that the woods adjacent to the city are filled with pigeons, fat and plump as ever were taken from the harvest field. They are killed in quantities with the utmost case, we learn from those who what been out. A large flock a day or two since came into the city, and for a time took up position upon the Post Office. These are unusual visitors at this season, and we are at a loss to account for their appearance. Some attribute it to the quantity of beech nuts in the woods and the prospect of an open Winter. — Buff. Express.
January 7, 1847. Wild pigeons. Little Falls Mohawk Courier 13(28): 3.
- 7:19 - 23
A few minutes after this time, there were five geese loitering at the Valentine Mill Pond. - 11:48 - 25 going northwest above Valentine
