Bird-window Collisions During May at Downtown Omaha

This is a sampler of bird-window collisions in downtown Omaha during May, 2015.

dead Ovenbird at the north atrium entrance at 1200 Landmark Center

disabled Orange-crowned Warbler at the CenturyLink Center Omaha, near the north end of the west side

dead Baltimore Oriole at the west end of the north side of Omaha Public Power District energy plaza; note the black masking on the window to the right, put in place to reduce bird-window collisions

disabled Gray Catbird at the north entrance to the atrium at 1200 Landmark Center

dead White-throated Sparrow at the east side of the Gavilon building

disabled House Wren at the east entrance to Omaha Public Power District Energy Plaza

Ovenbird at the Elevate Company at 1018 Dodge Street

The following four are from the morning of May 15th.

dead Gray Catbird at the south box office entrance at the CenturyLink Center Omaha

dead male Indigo Bunting at the southeast corner of the south tower of Central Park Plaza

dead female Indigo Bunting at the Gavilon Building, near the entrance at the northwest corner

dead Ovenbird at the northeast corner of the Union Pacific Center

The following are from the morning of May 18th.

disabled Ovenbird on the west side of the CenturyLink Center Omaha

two dead Yellow Warblers on the north side, and just about the west end of 1200 Landmark Center; it's possible that the birds were placed together; there have previously been birds found in close proximity but never adjacent to one another like these two, and oriented in a similar manner

dead Mourning Dove at the entry doors at the northwest corner of the Gavilon building

The following are from the morning of May 22nd.

disabled Tennessee Warbler at TDAmeritrade ball park

dead female Common Yellowthroat at 1200 Landmark Center

dead female Common Yellowthroat at the north side atrium of the Firs National Bank tower

This is a minimal sample, as there have not been as many surveys done this spring as in past years, with some rainy mornings especially not conducive to bicycle transportation. Only birds were photos were taken are illustrated here.

Exciting Mid-May Birds at Omaha Parks

Spring migration is now an exciting and vibrant time in the green spaces of the Missouri River valley. The variety of birds present has especially been notably appreciated at several parks in the Omaha vicinity. Some places have been visited by once during the period of interest, but the warblers at Towl Park have attracted a number of visitors interested in seeing the wildbirds.

Omaha parks that have been visited during this surge of migration, include:

• Carter Lake and Levi Carter Park, including the Northwest Pond Natural Wildlife Area. Levi Carter Pond, Kiwanis Park with each of the mentioned locales having a separate focus and tally: it was a thorough survey on the morning of 7 May
• Little Elmwood Park: 12 May, because of being in the nighborhood and nobody knows about this bit of green and trees
• Memorial Park (including Happy Hollow Creek on the east side and Wood Creek, Memorial Park on the west side): the first place visited on Saturday, which was also International Migratory Bird Day
• Elmwood Park (including Elmwood Park Ravine; Shadow Lake, Elmwood Park; Wood Creek, Elmwood Park; Wood Creek Pond; North Course Elmwood and Young Park; with each place contributing distinct notes for the overall tally): also traversed during the Saturday morning walk-about

Most significant or this first of the weekend day were the Mallards. They were present on Happy Hallow Creek. A pair was present on Wood Creek, Memorial Park. A drake the Wood Creek portion in the Elmwood Park Ravine was indicative and sublime as it flew-away because of my intrusion. There were then mallards along Wood Creek in Elmwood Park. This is a situation that has been the derivative of past years when a female Mallard decided to stay for the season where nearby water was suitable to raise a brood.

• Towl Park: several visits as indicated by reports on 7-10 May; includes a great multi-species report by Brian Peterson on the 7th, when 26 species were reported on ebird; as well as subsequent reportage by Neal Ratzlaff, Justin Rink (his report indicated that "warblers were literally dripping off the trees and singing everywhere"), and then Chris and Maggie Olson. All of their observations convey the value of this small urban park-space to a fine variety of bird species.
• Rockbrook Park on May 8th (this being only the second known report of birdlife in the chronicles; it was previously visited, personally on 8 July 2013, when a complete list of species was recorded, and previously reported.
• Trendwood Park, along Hell Creek, on 8 May (a rare report of a report to this park at 133rd and Pacific Street; a previous report is available for 5 July 2013 when a complete list of observed species was also personally recorded): 18 species were indicated in the latest terse report.

Efforts by many people have made available the splendor of the spring birds in some Omaha Parks. Missing in this mix are some details, as well as reports from Mandan Park, Spring Lake Park, Adams Park, Fontenelle Park and Hummel Park. Each of these locales have been visited at one time or another by bird entusiasts, but not this spring.

The following are the 91 species noted at these parks. The value indicates the total number of each species denoted, with a zero (0) value indicating that the species was reported but without any indication of their extent.

A thanks of appreciation to local birders which have made this relatively wide-pread report possible.

Common Name	Carter Lake and Levi Carter Park	Memorial Park	Little Elmwood Park	Elmwood Park	Towl Park	Rockbrook Park	Trendwood Park
Canada Goose	34	- -	- -	5	- -	- -	- -
Goose	7	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Wood Duck	11	7	- -	10	2	- -	- -
Gadwall	2	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
American Wigeon	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Mallard	30	5	- -	3	3	- -	- -
Blue-winged Teal	61	- -	- -	- -	7	- -	- -
Northern Shoveler	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Canvasback	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Redhead	3	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Wild Turkey	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Pied-billed Grebe	2	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Double-crested Cormorant	2	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Great Blue Heron	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Green Heron	1	- -	- -	1	0	- -	- -
Turkey Vulture	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -
Cooper's Hawk	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
American Coot	45	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Killdeer	8	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Spotted Sandpiper	4	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Lesser Yellowlegs	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Least Sandpiper	2	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Franklin's Gull	2	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Ring-billed Gull	2	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Forster's Tern	2	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Rock Pigeon	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Mourning Dove	15	2	4	6	0	- -	- -
Chimney Swift	2	4	2	4	- -	- -	- -
Ruby-throated Hummingbird	- -	- -	- -	- -	0	- -	- -
Belted Kingfisher	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Red-headed Woodpecker	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Red-bellied Woodpecker	3	1	1	2	2	- -	0
Downy Woodpecker	1	1	- -	1	- -	- -	0
Northern Flicker	3	- -	1	3	2	- -	- -
Willow Flycatcher	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0
Least Flycatcher	1	1	- -	- -	0	- -	- -
Eastern Phoebe	- -	- -	- -	1	2	- -	- -
Great Crested Flycatcher	- -	- -	- -	1	0	- -	- -
Western Kingbird	4	- -	- -	1	1	- -	- -
Eastern Kingbird	11	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -
Blue-headed Vireo	1	- -	- -	- -	9	- -	- -
Warbling Vireo	6	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Philadelphia Vireo	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -
Red-eyed Vireo	1	3	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Blue Jay	1	2	- -	4	5	- -	0
American Crow	- -	2	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Purple Martin	12	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Northern Rough-winged Swallow	3	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Barn Swallow	25	3	- -	- -	- -	- -	0
Black-capped Chickadee	4	2	1	5	- -	- -	- -
White-breasted Nuthatch	- -	- -	- -	2	- -	- -	- -
Carolina Wren	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0
House Wren	4	5	- -	8	1	- -	- -
Swainson's Thrush	1	9	1	4	2	1	0
American Robin	58	113	2	72	6	- -	0
Gray Catbird	3	1	- -	5	4	- -	0
Brown Thrasher	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -	- -
European Starling	25	17	1	12	0	- -	0
Cedar Waxwing	6	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Golden-winged Warbler	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -
Tennessee Warbler	1	2	- -	2	2	1	0
Orange-crowned Warbler	- -	- -	- -	2	2	4	- -
Nashville Warbler	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	2	- -
Yellow Warbler	- -	1	- -	2	10	2	0
Magnolia Warbler	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -	- -
Cape May Warbler	- -	- -	- -	- -	2	- -	- -
Yellow-rumped Warbler	6	11	1	4	8	1	- -
Blackpoll Warbler	- -	- -	- -	1	0	1	- -
Black-and-white Warbler	- -	- -	- -	- -	4	- -	- -
American Redstart	- -	1	- -	- -	1	1	- -
Prothonotary Warbler	- -	- -	- -	- -	2	- -	- -
Northern Waterthrush	- -	- -	- -	- -	0	1	- -
Common Yellowthroat	5	1	- -	1	1	- -	- -
Wilson's Warbler	- -	1	- -	1	2	- -	- -
Summer Tanager	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -
Chipping Sparrow	11	19	- -	35	- -	- -	- -
Clay-colored Sparrow	- -	- -	- -	2	3	- -	- -
Lark Sparrow	1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Lincoln's Sparrow	2	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
White-throated Sparrow	2	- -	- -	2	- -	- -	- -
Northern Cardinal	1	6	1	6	1	- -	0
Rose-breasted Grosbeak	- -	1	- -	- -	1	- -	- -
Indigo Bunting	- -	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -
Red-winged Blackbird	17	- -	- -	- -	2	- -	0
Common Grackle	85	38	3	23	0	- -	0
Brown-headed Cowbird	11	5	- -	2	- -	- -	- -
Orchard Oriole	3	- -	- -	- -	1	- -	- -
Baltimore Oriole	10	4	- -	3	13	- -	0
House Finch	- -	8	2	1	- -	- -	- -
American Goldfinch	11	7	- -	5	8	- -	0
House Sparrow	3	1	3	11	0	- -	0

The details conveyed by these reports readily indicate the occurrence and relative distribution of many species and what can be seen by bird enthusiasts with an intent and vocus. Some of the particular highlights include:

» Carter Lake: the lake continues to be a waterfowl haven, despite the increasing extent of boat traffic. Fledgling Canada Geese and Mallards have already been observed. The recent rains on May 11-12 have certainly increased the extent of water within the lake. There is a need for the City of Omaha Public Works Department to remove the trash from the Northwest pond, for which they are responsible.

» Midtown Mallards pervasive: along Happy Hollow Creek, at Wood Creek on the West side of Memorial Park, at Elmwood Park Ravine and also along Wood Creek in Elmwood Park. This is the most extensive distribution known for this species at these two parks. Once young were successively raised in along the southern extent of Wood Creek, they have continued to be summer residents. Their occurrence in mid-May 2014 indicated there greatest known distribution because of my numerous surveys when rather than lumping sightings, particular attention was given to micro-habitats so the extent of occurrence was denoted.

» Canada Goose at Elmwood Park: a pair of these fowl were present at Wood Creek pond, along with three goslings. This is the first occurrence of young among this park space.

» Cape May Warblers: there were numerous sightings of this species at Towl Park. The Nebraska Ornithologists' Response was to request was to send out a lengthy and detailed form necessary to document the species occurrence. Apparently, the several documented observations have to be approved by someone that could not take the time to visit the place and enjoy the birds in their space.

» Prothonotary Warbler: the sighting by Justin Rink was a new county record for him, but the species has previously been documented within the county, in particular as a dead bird in downtown.

» Lark Sparrow: previously rarely seen, its presence continued along the north shore of lake, which would be at Levi Carter Park.

There are undoubtedly other notable observations worth some sort of recognition, but without some perspective, any further comments are dubious, in the least. One particular concern is the lack of previous comparable reports for some of the localities.

Espcially appreciated is the extent of the observations made by the people interested in observing the birds present.

The wonder of the warbler occurrence is especially significant, and its a great spectacle that local birders are attentive and appreciative of the visiting birds. With similar attention, there can only be mor known about the birds of different Omaha parks.

Fifteen Bird-strikes on Two May Days at Omaha

There were fifteen bird-window strikes documented on May 7-8 in eastern Omaha, especially downtown.

Ten of these occurred just on Wednesday. This is the earliest instance of this extent of strike occurrences ever recorded during the past few years of this personal effort.

Ruth Sokolof Theater

¶ disabled male Common Yellowthroat on the west side, near the ticket window (certainly it was not in line to buy a ticket to a movie!)

CenturyLink Center Omaha

¶ disabled Clay-colored Sparrow about ten feet north of the northmost entry

¶ a dead Red-winged Blackbird about 35 feet south of the northmost entry

¶ a disabled Common Yellowthroat about ten feet north of the second from north entry

¶ a dead Northern Waterthrush about three feet north of the southmost convention center entry

¶ a dead Clay-colored Sparrow about 35 feet south of the northmost entry; this was at the same spot as the blackbird found earlier; this carcass was found during a early-morning second visit to the locality

Holland Performing Arts Center

¶ a dead Lincoln's Sparrow at the southeast corner of the courtyard, at the north-facing entry

Nebraska State Office Building

¶ a dead Wood Thrush on the north side, at the section of windows at the eastern end

1200 Landmark Center

¶ a disabled Gray Catbird at the north side of the atrium

Omaha-Douglas Civic Center

¶ a dead Clay-colored Sparrow at the entrance on the side side of the atrium

Thursday, May 8

Five different species were noted during the early morning bicycle rounds, just after a fast-moving rain-storm passed through...

CenturyLink Center Omaha

¶ a dead Common Yellowthroat male about ten feet south of the north corner of the west facade

¶ a dead Clay-colored Sparrow about ten feet north of the first from north entry

¶ a dead Marsh Wren about 35 feet south of the northmost entry

¶ a dead Indigo Bunting between the southmost convention center entry and the third from north entry

1200 Landmark Center

¶ a dead Lincoln's Sparrow at the doorway on the south side of the atrium

Friday, May 9

A cool, cloudy day with westerly wind. Only two instances of fatalities, at two of the regular buildings in east downtown Omaha.

CenturyLink Center Skywalk

¶ a dead Baltimore Oriole on the north side, and the eastern section

1200 Landmark Center

¶ a dead Lincoln's Sparrow on the north side of the tower, at the third pane of glass from the west corner

The tally of bird-window collisions personally documented in Omaha is now at more than 1820 during more than six years of surveys.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continues to not take any enforcement activity though each strike instance is a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This agency is basically worthless in this regards at Omaha, and numerous other cities where a multitude of birds are killed or injured in this manner.

First Bird Fatality at Gavilon Building

The first known bird-window collision at the recently finished Gavilon headquarters building was noted the morning of May 5. A Blackpoll Warbler carcass was found on the east side of the building in downtown Omaha (at 1331 Capitol Avenue), beneath a section of reflective glass at the street-level.

It was predicted months ago that due to the highly reflective glass used with this building, that bird deaths could be expected. It did not take long this spring season for that to occur.

Gavilon officials claimed the glass was low- to mid-reflectivity. This is not the case. The north side of the structure has the greatest extent of glass, and this is where the bird-window collisions had been expected.

Elsewhere in downtown Omaha, the following where also noted:

• Yellow-rumped Warbler: carcass on the south side of the Union Pacific Center, about ten feet from the west corner
  
• Gray Catbird: temporarily disabled on the west side of the Gottschalk Freedom Center (an Omaha World-Herald building) and at the second section of glass from the north corner
  
• Eastern Whip-poor-will: carcass on the south side of the First National Bank Building, and about 25 feet from the west corner. This is the first record of this species as a bird-window strike victim at Omaha.
  

More Fatalities on Tuesday

There were seven strike occurrences noted on Tuesday morning, May 6th.

CenturyLink Center Omaha

a disabled Clay-colored Sparrow on the west side, about 15 feet from the north corner of the facade

a dead Lincoln's Sparrow at the same place

a dead Orange-crowned Warbler on the west side, about ten feet from the second from north entry

a dead Lincoln's Sparrow on the west side, about ten feet north of the southernmost convention center entry

Nebraska State Office Building

a disabled Swainson's Thrush on the north side, at the middle of the entry area

1200 Landmark Center

a dead Gray Catbird on the north side of the atrium, just east of the doors

Central Park Plaza

a dead Yellow-rumped Warbler on the north side of the north tower, at the eastern one-quarter

Each of these deaths is a taking, and therefore a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Rare Sparrow Occurrence at Levi Carter Park

It was a chilly but vibrant morning of April 15th for bicycling through Levi Carter Park, and along the edge of Carter Lake. The usual route was followed, from east to north then west and south.

A first prominent feature was the number of Double-crested Cormorants perched in the trees of Bird Isle. There were many dozens sitting around on tree limbs early in the morning during a bird outing being done via bicycle.

There was a wonderful variety of fowl on the lake waters. The usual expressions by robins, grackles and starlings were prevalent along the route. Numerous stops were necessary to scan the lake to review the species thereon. Doing a survey on a bicycle makes it easy to go around the shoreline, stop when necessary and observe details which anyone in a motor vehicle would not observe. Pedaling is however, also a bit faster than walking!

Particular places for which bird records were recorded into my database of records for this area were:

• Kiwanis Park;
• Levi Carter Park;
• Carter Lake;
• Horseshoe Pool, Levi Carter Park;
• Levi Carter Pond;
• Northwest Pond Natural Wildlife Area; and
• Browne Street Woods (which is the abandoned railway on the north side).

Other sites which might have been included were Iowa West Ranch, the Stateline Greens which is City of Omaha property immediately adjacent to the lake on the City of Carter Lake side and Shoreline Greens, the golf course adjacent to the western portion of the lake.

Indicating bird presence to these different places, makes it easier to record the species presence, and to also indicate specific details of distribution.

Many Birds Appreciate Habitats

A fine multitude of birds were observed, but the most significant bird of the morning was a sparrow sort of thing, near the central parking area on the north side of the lake. After a first glimpse, its identity was not immediately obvious, so another stop was made. The spotting scope was brought out, and the flitterings were watched closely so it could be observed in a stationary manner. It worked, and then the call was heard. It was a Lark Sparrow -- with its obviously distinctive markings -- which is more typically a bird of land spaces further west. This is the first modern-era of this species, as the last time it was denoted for this vicinity was on a list from 1931 the Nepenthe Cottage, a historic place by the southeast portion of the lake.

A few swallows foraged above the slightly tempest laketop. One the west side, several Purple Martins were vivid in their presence, and just a slight indication for future antics to claim a preferable apartment for the coming breeding season. There was no need to inquire about the cleanliness of the two places, since Randy, the park caretaker, has a personal interest in these homes, and we've talked about this multiple times. He probably had them fresh and ready weeks ago! Thanks Randy.

Warming temperatures during the morning contributed to joy of this watching and listening to birds about Carter Lake. It was an outdoor time, with complete immersion among the trees, slight winds, flying birds, chorus of flocks on the lake, observing particular features necessary for bird identification and the entire personal perspective of a pleasant spring day.

The tally of 53 species for the morning outing was quite nice. A survey done five days ago indicated the presence of 39 species, with some especially significant numbers of some fowl on the lake.

Wildbirds of Mid-April at Carter Lake Environs

» Snow Goose (one near the northside beach) » Canada Goose » Wood Duck » Gadwall » American Wigeon » Mallard » Blue-winged Teal (a surprising number present due to lesser water levels) » Northern Shoveler (one of the most numerous species) » Green-winged Teal » Redhead » Ring-necked Duck » Lesser Scaup » Bufflehead » Common Goldeneye » Hooded Merganser » Ruddy Duck » Wild Turkey (the turkey crossed the road to get to the southwest meadow area) » Pied-billed Grebe » Double-crested Cormorant » Great Blue Heron (foraging along the shore) » Turkey Vulture (soaring above once temps warmed a bit) » Bald Eagle (an adult that got the waterfowl moving about) » American Kestrel (readily heard at the north side) » American Coot

» Killdeer » Spotted Sandpiper (at Levi Carter Pond) » Greater Yellowlegs (along the shoreline; there is no accurate measurement for the water level, but it continues to be well below 968) » Franklin's Gull » Bonaparte's Gull » Ring-billed Gull » Mourning Dove » Belted Kingfisher (a pair) » Red-bellied Woodpecker » Downy Woodpecker » Northern Flicker (one busy at the Northwest Pond preparing its chosen cavity for the nesting season) » Blue Jay » American Crow » Purple Martin (gathered about their apartment houses) » Northern Rough-winged Swallow (foraging over the lake) » Barn Swallow » Black-capped Chickadee » White-breasted Nuthatch » Ruby-crowned Kinglet (along the Browne Street railway) » American Robin (adults carrying nest material) » European Starling » Lark Sparrow » Dark-eyed Junco » Northern Cardinal » Red-winged Blackbird » Common Grackle » Brown-headed Cowbird » American Goldfinch » House Sparrow

This is a typical number of species for the places visited. Overall, based upon multiple years of regular surveys, the tally is 69 species that have been present during April. More bird types will be arriving as weather warms.

Strewn debris was not a welcoming site during the latter time of being afield. Pictures had to be taken for documentary purposes because of how some people deal with the public, based on previous experiences with officials that have tepid responses to issues conveyed by concerned citizens.

On the ride back to the neighborhood, a brief visit was made to Fontenelle Park, which had an especially nice diversity of waterfowl on the lagoon, including a bunch of Northern Shoveler and Ring-necked Duck.

Slaughter of Geese by Lightning

On Monday, the 16th instant, an almost incredible occurrence transpired in the northern part of Sutter and the southern part of Butte county. On Monday evening, just before sunset, a large thunder cloud came up, apparently from the northeast, accompanied by an unusual amount of chain lightning. First a small amount of common hail fell, and then followed sufficient snow to whiten the ground. As the hail began to fall and the lightning flashed, thousands of white geese, which were in the ponds of shallow water which exist in that locality during very wet winters, suddenly rose up in great flutter, as if many hunters had discharged a volley among them. they went up and up, apparently to rise above the fearful cloud. It was nearly dark, and those who saw them rise thought no more of it till morning, when they began to find dead geese, and hear of hundreds being picked up by the neighbors. Some 700 had been found. One man picked up on his farm all two horses could haul, for their feathers. Their heads were badly torn and their bills split into fragments. Many of them had the feathers of their backs crisped and burnt and their bodies bursted open. The portion of country thus affected was about a mile and a half wide, and reached several miles in Butte county. The terrific lightning in this cloud was witnessed by people on the Honcut, in Yuba county. The thunder was heard twenty miles distant.

April 29, 1874. Memphis Public Ledger 18(51): 2. From the Yuba City (Cal.) Banner.

Seabirds Thrown Inland by Sweeping Storm in Georgia

The most remarkable occurrence, however during this rather peculiar turn in nature's laws, was a shower of birds Saturday night. On Sunday morning, to the great surprise of the denizens of this city and vicinity, various specimens of the sea bird were found fluttering on the ground. The writer found on his premises a bird commonly known as a didapper, but what we think should be called a palmipid. Besides other species shown us by residents of the city, Mr. A.A. Adams sent us on Thursday a couple of birds widely differing from those previously seen. They have very stout legs, and three completely webbed toes, and bear a striking resemblance to the penguins, auks and other marine diving birds inhabiting the northern part of Europe, Asia and America. This migratory bird, known as the guillemat, makes quite a palatable dish, and while wishing no one an ill wind, we trust friend Adams will soon present us with another enjoyable breakfast. These birds were probably "taken in" by a gale while on their way northward and scattered in every direction, as we learn they have been found for hundreds of miles in each direction of the compass. Mr. Adams has to say of the bird above referred to: "These two birds appear to be something between a wild duck and a didapper. They do not fly, but walk and run uprightly on their legs, with web feet, which protrude not under, but as a continuation of the body. They were caught in the open woods, near a branch and swamp, secreting themselves when pursued — not in the swamp, but in brush, under logs, etc. One was seen to dive in a stump filled with water, and remained in the bottom until caught. They were found in pairs — male and females — very pugnacious, and the males attach each other when brought near together. They are very fat and tender, tasting somewhat like a summer duck, and not fishy. Their craws are filled with grass and grit. One of my tenants caught twenty-three of the birds, and reported that he saw many more."

April 15, 1877. A sweeping storm. Memphis Daily Appeal 36(89): 2. From the Americus Republican; originally issued in the Weekly Sumter Republican.

Canton, Mississippi - Terrific Rain and Wind-Storm

A terrific rain and wind-storm passed over this section the night of the 2d instant, blowing down trees, fences and some outhouses. Fortunately no harm was done to life. The storm came from a northeasterly direction, and lasted several hours. The next morning a large number of strange birds, some of them dead or wounded from being hurled against houses, trees and other obstacles, were found lying on the ground. Others, apparently uninjured, were captured. They certainly belong to the sea-fowl species, and resemble the penguin, though they are not so large. They are about the size of a common teal duck. They have a head like the game chicken, with a beak like the crow. their wings and legs are very short, and they have web feet. The feathers on their back and neck are dark green and black, while those on their breast are a brilliant, silvery gray. They have no tails, and many of them when found were sitting up erect or were walking or waddling slowly. Some of them, ostrich-like, tried to conceal themselves by burying their heads in the weeds or grass. None of them attempted to fly. As they are strangers to the ornithology of this locality, the supposition is they were caught up by the wind on the seacoast, miles away, and were wafted hitherward.

April 8, 1885. Memphis Daily Appeal 45(84): 2.

Additional Mid-May Bird-Window Strikes at Omaha

There were many more migratory wildbirds killed or disabled due to striking glass facades around eastern Omaha as they undertake the gauntlet along the Missouri River valley. Habitat places are treasures, but hazardous places are more prevalent.

This is a list of the species, the building and appropriate notes for instances observed early in the morning on May 14, 2013. Especially notable records are shown in bold text.

1. Clay-colored Sparrow: Rasmussen Center, Creighton University - disabled after hitting glass above solid, main entry door on the west end of the south side; seen to happen at 6:10 a.m. The is first known strike at this recently constructed building, though there was an expectation of their occurrence, due to the extent of glass facade on the structures south side, as initially obvious as shown on architectural renderings.
2. Common Yellowthroat: TDAmeritrade Park - disabled male on south side, directly north of 12th Street; the second known instance of a strike at this facility, and the previous one was also a Common Yellowthroat. Surveys have been basically limited to its southwest corner and southern extent where glass is prevalent.
3. Clay-colored Sparrow: Qwest/CenturyLink Center Omaha - carcass at south side of south convention center entry, east of the north-facing entryway.
4. Nashville Warbler: Qwest/CenturyLink Center Walkway - carcass on the north side of the east end, about 25 feet from center entryway. Records only from 2013, and then three either on May 12th or 14th.
5. Lincoln's Sparrow: Holland Performing Arts Center - carcass on the south side of the central courtyard, at the western side of the east section.
6. Yellow Warbler: Gottschalk Freedom Center (an Omaha World-Herald corporation building) - carcass on the west side, at the third section from the north.
7. House Wren: Omaha Public Power District Energy Plaza - carcass on the west side, just north of the entryway; only the third spring record thus far in six years.
8. Clay-colored Sparrow: Law Building - carcass on the north side, and the second section from the west
9. Clay-colored Sparrow: Law Building - carcass on the north side, and the third section from the west; the two carcasses about four feet apart
10. White-throated Sparrow: Omaha-Douglas Civic Center - carcass on the south side of the atrium, at the east side of the doorway
11. White-throated Sparrow: Omaha-Douglas Civic Center - carcass on the north side of the atrium, at the east side of the doorway
12. Gray Catbird: Woodmen Tower Skywalk - disabled on the north side of walkway, towards the west portion, in street next to sidewalk.
13. Red-headed Woodpecker: World Building - carcass on the west side, and the north corner; only the fourth record in six years, with each occurrence at a different building. The last known occurrence for this distinctive species was in 2010. This morning is was a redhead dead on the sidewalk, again.
14. Virginia Rail: Brandeis Parking Garage - carcass on the north side, about in the middle, just east of vehicle driveways.
15. Brown Thrasher: Kutak-Rock Building - carcass on the west side, in the northern one-fourth; latest spring record during period of surveys.
16. Virginia Rail: DLR Group Building - carcass on the north side, in the middle near the fourth column from the east; the second strike instance known from this building in Aksarben Village, with other being a decrepit carcass of a passerine noted in May 2011. Fatalities here were expected based upon exterior features shown by architectural renderings for this recent construction. Only the fourth overall occurrence for this commercial/residential district, which has not visited very often, being "outside" the usual route. This was also the first record for this rail, which has not been from downtown Omaha. However, a report in the last couple of weeks indicated one struck some building in the vicinity of 72nd and Dodge street, as the disabled bird was filmed, and its identity subsequently confirmed by a local birder.

By adding the known strike occurrence for the past six years, Julian Date number 134 is the deadliest, thus far for spring, with 28 records. For day 133, there are 123 in comparison. Additional deadly dates could occur yet this May period.

There have been 58 known strikes thus far this year, with forty of them in three days is appalling!!!

There are possibly also additional records for the Curtis Park Service Building at the riverfront, where records in the past have been kept by staff of the National Park Service office. The actual status of the current extent of strikes here is not currently known.

	The two sparrows are pictured where found on the north side of the Law Building.
	This catbird could not even hold its head up straight.
Note the bird's tongue sticking out because of the impact.

May 15th

The pattern of numerous strike occurrences continued, with ten denoted, including one at a different building, and another instance found upon a return to the CenturyLink Center west facade.

1. Common Yellowthroat: Zesto Building: Lids Locker Room - carcass on the east side of the building, in the glass section south of the entryway
2. Indigo Bunting: Qwest/CenturyLink Center Omaha - disabled male on the west side, at the corner
3. Common Yellowthroat: Qwest/CenturyLink Center Omaha - disabled male on the west side, just south of the northmost entry
4. Indigo Bunting: Qwest/CenturyLink Center Omaha - carcass of a female in the trash receptacle at the south corner of the southmost convention century entry
5. Clay-colored Sparrow: 1200 Landmark Center - carcass on the north side of the east building, third section of glass from the east
6. Ovenbird: 1200 Landmark Center - carcass at the south side of the atrium, west of the entryway
7. Clay-colored Sparrow: Union Pacific Center - disabled on the north side, about 15 feet east of the entry
8. Ovenbird: Kutak-Rock Building - disabled on the west side, about 25 feet from south corner
9. Lincoln's Sparrow: Omaha World-Herald Paper Storage Facility - carcass at the middle of the south side
10. Common Yellowthroat: Qwest/CenturyLink Center Omaha - disabled male on the west side, at the north corner; found later, and in same place as Indigo Bunting earlier

	The dangerous east facade of the Zesto Building in north downtown, designed with a reflective glass exterior, known to be hazardous to migratory wildbirds.
Note how the tip of this bird's upper bill was bent by the impact.

The average is more than 12 strikes daily, during the past four days.