Greenery Added to Saddle Creek Streetscape

Construction of a new Walmart Neighborhood Market along Saddle Creek Road, just south of California Street is nearing completion. This new addition to the Omaha business market is adding an extensive amount of new landscaping to what had been an ugly and empty parking lot, and basically abandoned former store.

The extent of plantings is quite impressive. Many new trees, some fresh grass, shrubbery, flowering plants along with two stormwater retention basins are completely helping to transform this formerly drab locale. The following pictures show the scene on August 13, during lunch hour.

New trees along Saddle Creek, which will certainly help improve the streetscape.

This stormwater basin is along Saddle Creek Road, and there is a second basin south of the building.

The store is expected to open on August 20th.

Evaulation of Dundee Business District Trees

Article and photographs copyright 2013 J.E. Ducey. All rights reserved.

An evaluation of trees to be destroyed in the Dundee business district found that many of the tress are in fine condition.

The review was done the morning of April 12th, with the assistance of Dr. David M. Sutherland, emeritus professor of botany at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Each tree was closely looked at to determine its condition.

Even before looking at the trees to be removed, Dr. Sutherland noted the few ash trees west of Pitch, and commented that they might be prone to injury by the emerald ash borer.

Across the street, the last tree on the west end of the area of interest, looked healthy, but not attractive due to extensive pruning. The next tree east, another locust was "not terribly healthy looking," Dr. Sutherland commented.

The next few locusts have been confined within a small growth area, surrounded by bricks and cement ... obviously a limiting situation.

A larger area of soil would be helpful for the survival of trees in this sort of urban setting.

At the intersection of 50th Street and Underwood Avenue, the trees looked fine, as we observed. One tree northward along 50th Street has had a lot of branches trimmed away, and one broken off, probably by a large vehicle.

This tree was "sad looking with its lower branches removed," Dr. Sutherland commented.

A linden on the south side of ABs, looked healthy, and was thriving at its spot where there was more dirt.

The tree outside the doors to Beer and Loathing, should not have been so confined by bricks. It is a prime example of constricting a tree's potential.

Continuing eastward in the morning, there was a local television station interviewing a proponent of the so-called improvement project.

Prominent onward near 49th Street were four large maple trees.

"Maple trees are not a good tree for neighborhoods," Sutherland said. There were four such trees here which were old and damaged. They "do not look good."

Older maple tree are prone to losing limbs, which might fall upon people or property during the weatherly storms typical of this area.

On the south side of Underwood Avenue, three or four trees, including a couple of ginkos, were in a nice condition, growing among an ample amount of dirt, associated with the lawn of a house. There was nothing to indicate that they were not healthy, were too old, or damaged in any manner.

North along 49th Street, the younger linden trees, looked "just fine."

By the end of our tree walk, the buzz saws were working along 49th Street, northward of Underwood Avenue.

Since all of these trees will soon be gone, the next questions might be:

1. What sort of trees will be planted to replace the trees removed; and
   
2. How many trees will be planted to replace the trees removed?
   
3. Will the spots where replacement trees will be placed have the same sort of constricting brick and concrete features?

As the tree removal company finishes their work, why do they use blowers to move their debris onto adjacent property? It should be hauled away, not left behind for someone else to clean up!

Also, why did a company truck have to obstruct pedestrians trying to walk along the sidewalk? This is not only inconsiderate, but also illegal.

The only trees destroyed on Friday morning were those along North 49th Street.

Commentary continues after the Thursday evening gathering at 50th Street and Underwood Avenue.

Television station interview pending on Friday morning.

This is where the truck of the tree contractor was blocking the sidewalk along 49th Street, later in the morning on the 12th.

Creighton University Continues Destruction of Swift Havens

Another chimney has been torn down due to the spreading expansion of Creighton University campus.

The latest loss is a chimney on the 1900 block of Cuming Street, which has been known to be used by chimney swifts. In particular, on:

• 10 September 2003: 5 roosting swifts
• 9 September 2005: a bunch of roosting swifts
• 2 October 2007: 8 roosting chimneys

There are a number of additional swifts currently in the neighborhood, so it is highly plausible that swifts were using the chimney as it was being torn-down. It is even likely that there was a nest in the chimney.

Remnants of a historic building
which had a chimney regularly used as a roost by Chimney Swifts.

It is certain, however, that officials did not check to determine if nesting activity was underway.

The destruction of an active bird nest is a violation of a state of Nebraska regulations and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Elsewhere on campus, university officials were noted to have recently installed window film on the glass of the walkway between the science building and business building.

View of the building walkway showing the window film
used to create a visual barrier in order to reduce bird strikes.

Sadly, there has been nothing done on the upper floor on the west side of the Reinert Alumni Memorial Library, and a dead, female, Rose-breasted Grosbeak was noted here.

Carcass of a female Rose-breasted Grosbeak, killed by a window strike
at the Reinert Alumni Memorial Library, Creighton University.

Upon leaving the campus, my travel was stopped by a public safety officer. He wanted to talk to me, so I moved from the street to the nearby sidewalk. And then when he started talking about how I'd been on private property, the campus grounds - I moved some more to make sure I was standing on a public sidewalk.

The conversation continued. His first comment was that they were having troubles due to bike thefts. The next question: "Is that your bike?"

Of course it was because why would my ride be some lame bike whereas mine is riding real fine, and there is no bicycle theft in my history, nor will there ever be. I then said it was nice to see that they were working hard to protect the bikes!

After saying he was not going to foist some illegal activity on me, he wanted to know what I was doing on campus. I explained, the bird strike situation. He asked if I was the guy with the website? What website might you be referring to, I asked.

The big question was when he wanted to see my identification. My response was no. You have your position and I have mine, which did not include showing an id. I did give him my name, when asked.

By this time, there were two other public safety officers hurriedly approaching the scene.

It was a good time to go, so I indicated that I would be leaving, as there was no reason to be detained. Onward my route continued, though I should have kept to the street sidewalk, rather than cutting across the block on a campus walkway. One officer is enough, and if the other two had arrived while I was stopped, there certainly would have more more interrogation, as three men would have a lot more to question and nit about than one.

After this, the pictures of the site of the torn-down building were taken, from the public sidewalk along Cuming Street.

Creighton is being very successful in tearing down most of the chimneys usable by swifts in the neighborhood. There is already a shortage of nesting sites, and the loss of each one is a negative impact to the local population.

Birdly Requiem - Swift Building Razed for Urban Redevelopment in Lincoln

View on Sunday evening, May 17, 2009. Chimney Swifts were heard in the skies while this photograph was taken along the traffic corridor. Within days, the place which was so important for the aerialists of the sunlight skies will be obliterated, gone from the urban landscape.

A grand gathering place for swifts is being razed - destroyed - obliterated - and basically removed in east downtown Lincoln. The former Ben's Auto Parts building at 2020 O Street is the notable structure.

Swifts will be dramatically forced to adapt - change - move etc., though it was no choice of theirs. Nor were they given any options and no advocate spoke for them at a public hearing! The people of Lincoln - through their official machinations - unbearably forced the negative change upon the birds.

The chimneys of the historic structure have been an important place for swifts ever since it was built, though this was not really apparent for the structure until 2005, due to a personal interest of a citizen.

This tally indicates the ongoing use of the two building chimneys.

• 29 May 2004 - 4 swifts; this was the first time that chimney use was documented, and the realization meant an ongoing investigation of this locale and other places in central urban Lincoln which were important to swifts
• 2 July 2005, 8 swifts
• 22 July 2005, 2 swifts
• 1 August 2002, 9
• 5 August 2005, 10
• 16 August 2005, 37
• 18 August 2005, 71 counted during dusk when the swifts dive into a place for the night
• 21 August 2005, 65
• 22 August 2005, 50
• 25 August 2005, 65; during a view from the rooftop
• 23 April 2007, 2 at the beginning of the season for swifts in Salt Valley
• 11 September 2007, 89
• 3 October 2007, 25
• 4 October 2007, 98; a grand spectacle of the swift maneuverings as they gathered in a sublime congregation cooperating to drop into the night's shelter so important to their survival

The value of the place for Chimney Swifts is readily obvious, based on confirmed records of sightings. Though this period of documentation is slight, the use continues until the building is gone, but there was no one that cared enough to record the events as swifts continued to gather during subsequent years.

Ben's Auto Parts building, June 27, 2005. Note the central chimney, with a second usable chimney on the northwest corner.

Bens Auto Parts building, August 15, 2007.

Developers ignore the many-year history when this place obviously meant so much to the swifts. The ignorance goes back ten years, a couple of decades and beyond into dim city history when these birds found that a human construct became a place of value to their seasonal existence in an urban landscape.

This building is in close association with the Joint Antelope Valley Authority project which has redesigned the Antelope Creek drainage-way through the city. Their legacy upon swifts is readily apparent in the annals of a focused perspective.

It was inevitable that the building would disappear, as it was an empty commercial space, with the property more valuable than the structure, in a view based on economic considerations. There was no option of leasing the place.

The swifts will suffer from the bludgeoning results. Where will the birds find a place that has been so notably suitable for their needs?

The slow but insidious and continual destruction of swift places continues in this neighborhood, as there have been many other chimneys used by breeding or roosting swifts destroyed in association with the socalled urban renovation associated with the JAVA project.

Nothing has been done to address the needs of the avian dwellers in this urban space. Place by place has been obliterated by officials of many ilks. One by one the havens are demolished. Raze and replace almost be an obvious mantra.

It is a continual assault on swift places. These birds forage endless hours to remove bugs from urban skies, yet the human beneficiaries respond by doing their best to remove places which the bugeaters appreciate as an important shelter.

There is a loss for each swift.

Officials should apologize to the swifts for the mindless drive of development which is a direct detriment to your existence. City officials and others in Lincoln and other urban centers obviously do not care in any apparent manner about what they wrought upon your seasonal life. My best wish is that there may be an alternate chimney to now use? Will the destruction of the building destroy a nest, protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, though officials of that regulate this law, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are oblivious, again.

There needs to be be a grand structure built where the bug eaters of the city skies can find shelter, but there is no official budget for such a thing that would be tall, made of brick, and sturdy with walls upon which you would like to cling during the night of repose from April to October, with your needs a primary focus!

As for now though, shame on the inane drive for improvement that decimates subtle appreciations of the historic buildings of east downtown Lincoln. Officials be damned for what you ignore in the mindless drive for change, without any consideration of what you destroy, again and again. Then once more, again against the birdly neighbors.

How would development officials and supporters like to return to their safe place some day and find that it has been obliterated ... completely? This is the Chimney Swifts future this week on O Street.

How dismal is the onslaught which continues to destroy the places for Chimney Swifts in urban Lincoln. The city isn't green in this regard, and has not made any effort to mitigate for the destruction.

Why?

Construction activity at the Ben's Auto Parts building. October 6, 2007.

Questions Persist on Use of Bird-Friendly Construction at Midtown Crossing

By James Ed. Ducey

Construction of Midtown Crossing at Turner Park was initiated in the latter part of September. Mutual of Omaha is building the $300 million mixed-use development, according to website details. Within seven new buildings, there will be 600 apartments, with dining, retail, and other business venues. Parking will be provided for more than 3,000 vehicles. The site is 17 acres, east of Mutual's headquarters, and adjacent to the City of Omaha's Turner Park, and westward from Turner Boulevard along Farnam Street.

The redevelopment process will be involved with the Neighborhood Development Certification through the LEED program, according to comments by Keith Bawolek of ECI Investment Advisors, Inc., in the newspaper. This program of the U.S. Green Building Council promotes several goals, including protection and enhancement of the natural environment.

The participation leads to a certificate in the program, with Midtown Crossing among the first involved in the pilot program.

Bird-friendly measures are not specifically represented in the LEED, neighborhood certification options.

Depiction of the buildings and setting at Midtown Crossing.(Pictures of model and depictions by J.E. Ducey; from material displayed at Mutual of Omaha business headquarters during a public meeting).

Information on how bird-friendly methods of construction will be included at Midtown Crossing is not available. A representative of the company said such measures would be part of Midtown Crossing, when asked about the topic at an October 2nd meeting at company headquarters at 33rd and Dodge streets. He was familiar with the October 2006 comments provided in an email to City of Omaha officials, when the project was announced. He would not provide an email or name to contact for details.

Efforts to get specifics on how bird-friendly measures would be part of building construction, via contact with a representative from Mutual of Omaha using the project website contact, and ECI Investment Advisors, Inc., the developer, using a contact provided on the company website, were not successful. There has been no reply to any sent emails.

The Missouri River valley is a recognized migration corridor for migratory birds. Hawk counts are done daily in autumn, from a hilltop a relatively few miles north of the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro. More than 300 species are known to occur in suitable habitats along the river and its bluffs.

An evaluation of renderings of the planned buildings in October 2006, indicated several items of concern, including:

* Extensive glass exteriors for multiple buildings, mingled with trees of a park and local landscaping, create multiple collision hazards for many species of migratory birds.

* Increased density of multi-story structures to cause a greater extent of a barrier extruding above the hillside treetops along Dodge Street from 30th to 34th streets. The new building complex, or "wall" in the airspace used by migrating wildbirds. Additional area buildings already block certain portions of the sky-scape along Farnam and Dodge streets. This "wall effect" will dramatically increase with the Midtown structures.

* Enclaves or rows of trees which attract birds, but are surrounded on multiple sides by building walls, many shown with a glass exterior. Birds could get "trapped" within a maze of reflective glass or bright towers, and hit a glass wall in an attempt to continue moving along.

Rendition of a scene at the under construction Midtown Crossing.

* Building lights attract birds migrating through areas at night, causing confusion and bird collisions with glass walls. The seven buildings are depicted with extensive areas of glass within the flight levels of common nocturnal migrants through central Omaha.

* Building 7 will nearly block the even-now limited green-space connection between Turner Park and Dewey Park, southward along Turner Boulevard southward. A green belt continues to Leavenworth Street, the city park and further. Boulevard trees are an useful resource for many reasons, and the linear connection should be protected.

* No plans for the proposed landscaping plan for Turner Park are now available, the expected scene to be that represented in project drawings, according to a representative of the Omaha Parks and Recreation Department. How will new plantings in this section of the provide an optimal, inviting setting for flying birds among the buildings.

* The east part of the circular drive overtakes the northwest quarter of the park, with more than 30 trees being removed to make way for construction. Removal of at least two cavity trees, conifers, and other mature trees will fragment the tree cover valuable to arboreal migrants.

A national expert on bird collisions with various types of structures - a professor of Ornithology and Conservation Biology at an eastern college - was asked to review the project plans, in regards to birds colliding with buildings:

"Birds are vulnerable wherever birds and glass mutually occur, but various factors (lighting, vegetation, water) can explain why some sites are more vulnerable than others because they attract more birds to strike sites. The pictures you share suggest these buildings will pose a collision problem for migrating birds passing through this area..."

Numerous bird-friendly options are available for architects, with threats discussed and guidelines to provide a bird friendly building scene, have been issued at Toronto and New York City, and are available on the web.

Turner Park Haunts Once a Haven for Wildbirds

By James Ed. Ducey

Omaha - Construction underway for a midtown development will include tree removal at Turner Park, on the east edge of Midtown Crossing at Turner Park, a $300 million mixed-use project sponsored by Mutual of Omaha.

Ground-breaking for the project occurred on September 20th.

Plans show a circular drive of cement will extend east from south 31st street, into the park to provide parking, etc.

About 35 trees were marked for removal, including two old, towering cottonwoods broken around the top, and a variety of other deciduous and coniferous trees.

"The trees will be removed late this fall or early winter," according to Steve Scarpello, of Omaha Parks and Recreation. "The city's arborist gave final approval on all trees that had to be removed. He also recommended that some of the trees be removed because he felt that they were unhealthy."

Changes planned will be an enhancement to the green space at the park, Scarpello said in an email. "The park will be expanded by nearly 50%. It is the opinion of the city that many more people will now have the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful park. The city is excited about the possibilities for Turner Park.

Plans are to replace the trees being removed.

"Although some trees will be lost because of the construction of the road, many more trees will be planted to replace those trees.

A landscaping plan is not currently available.

---

The arboreal splendor about Turner Park once provided places of a rich history of urban bird life. A couple of the cottonwoods to be removed have an age that would stretch back to the halycon days with wild haunts to enjoy. Little unkempt places attracted birds and the men that watched them.

In a 1912 letter to the sporting editor for the Sunday World-Herald, a contributor wrote about his enjoyment of birdlife in the Turner Park neighborhood.

"Three years ago chickadees and downy woodpeckers, with an occasional pine grosbeak, were occasionally seen about the shrubbery on my place. About that time I placed a few pieces of pump tubing in the trees, and that and each subsequent winter I have constantly kept pieces of beef suet fastened to the branches. As a result, while the birds do not remain constantly, still from November to April, the following birds are almost daily visitors. Chickadees, downy and hairy woodpeckers, white-bellied nuthatches, while I have had, off and on, robins - all through the winter months - blue jays, rarely a black and white creeper, and once three brown creepers. I have not been able to determine definitely whether they use the tubing for roosting or not, but think they do. Last spring a pair of blackcaps acted as though they were about to build in one, but were prevented by the sparrows. Last night we were entertained for over an hour by a little screech owl, from his perch in a sidewalk maple. - The Physician."

In 1918, in a bird editorial in the Sunday newspaper at Omaha - Miles Greenleaf probably the writer - mentioned the Red-eyed and Warbling Vireos, among the treetops at Turner Park. In April 1920, the visit of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was noted by another blurb in the paper.

Sporting editor Sandy Griswold remarked his fascination with Turner Park in October 1920.

"When the marvelous transformation which is now rapidly becoming noticeable in our woods and fields, gets really under way, all bird sounds, and much bird color, seem to vanish utterly, and the ever perplexing problem of the why and the wherefore of it all forces itself upon us, and thus we may go on, revolving, and re-revolving the all-mastering puzzle in our feeble minds.

"Yet, au contrarie, only last Tuesday morning, as I left my abiding place at the lovely Turner court and entered the charming little park on the south, en route for the Farnam street car, and my office down town, I was stopped short in my tracks by the carolling of a robin from the top branch of a maple sapling, indeed, an unusual thing, singing away with all the joyous unction of our earliest spring days. Naturally he should have been with his countless fellows, running around upon the woodsy floor, silent and morose, in that undoubted preliminary training for the long jaunt south, on which most of them are soon to start. Of course there were other bird sounds, the wild and uncanny kee-uck of the flicker, the clack of the swarming grackles, and occasionally the peevish chip of a belated thrasher, but no song.

"Turner park, though regretfully small, is exceptionally charming and truly a great bird haven, and every day, for a fortnight past, I have been keeping espionage upon the robins, who are the most numerous, being there daily in almost countless numbers."

The words continued with an ongoing discussion of the "little Bubo" the resident owl in the tree branches.

Another expressive account noted the winter bird life at the park, across from Griswold's apartment residence at 3109 Dewey Avenue. The writer walked through the park on his way to the rail car, for a ride downtown to the office.

Black-capped Chickadee ~ more of them in winter than there are in summer

Blue Jay ~ sojourns but briefly in the winter time

Brown Creeper ~ best known of winter visitors

Downy Woodpecker ~ fed by Griswold every morning

Golden-crowned Kinglet ~ entrancing winter guest, infrequently met with

Northern Cardinal ~ cardinal grosbeak mingle occasionally with the chickadees and downies

Red-breasted Nuthatch ~ winter visitant

Tufted Titmouse ~ quite often met with

White-breasted Nuthatch ~ noted daily

The column was on another Sunday, December 19, 1920.

Continuing his enjoyment of the local bird haunt, Griswold noted the rare visits of two grosbeaks in the sporting page features for mid-March edition of 1921.

"In the cool of last Monday evening we were as delighted as we were fairly dumbfounded by the sight of several evening grosbeaks disporting themselves in the low evergreen trees which line the east border of our little bird haven - Turner park. While during the closing days of winter we saw an unusual number of the pine grosbeaks here, the evening grosbeaks were never in evidence until on the occasion above noted - a late period for them to be lingering this far south."

In December, the chickadee and woodpeckers were noted among the winter trees.

The following month, the pleasure of the birds were enjoyed during a hike in the park after an inch snowfall. All surfaces were covered, adding to the scene.

"Before I left I went down and over there, and the delicate tracery of their feet in the snow looked all the world as if some elfs had been writing their autographs on the untarnished scroll. Like the rabbit and the squirrel, these little feathered mites leave distinctive trails. The chickadee a reticulation of dainty hieroglyphics - the sparrows and the juncoes, a pair of tiny footprints at regular distances, one just before the other, and each doublet connected by a slender, almost invisible thread, beautifully traced by their sharp claws.

"And then, on my way home, two squirrels appeared on the snow covered ice of the skating pond, which looked like a pavement of alabaster, where in the moonlight elves and fairies might assemble for a nocturnal foxtrot.

"What long leaps they took, as they crossed the white expanses, as I advanced, until, reaching one of the big cottonwoods on the east shore. Up this they scurried, and from the security of a low crotch, snickered irascibly at the intrusion."

After the April arrival of some birds, their antics got noticed by the sporting editor. The Common Grackle got its own press words: "The good old fashioned grackle. Well, he is almost everywhere, made extremely conspicuous by his ebony plumage and loquacious inclinations. Several pair nest in the low cedar trees in Turner park and are the delight of all the children, because they permit so much familiarity. They are among the earliest incomers from the south in the spring, many arriving in late February, excepting when the winter has been uncommonly severe."

Results of a stroll through the park - "on a particularly crisp morning" - on the way to get a railcar ride downtown to the newspaper office were again the genesis of another Sunday nature column. Nuthatches were the special attraction this time for Griswold. The column was an essay on how to get acquainted with local birds in the October 1922 era.

Unusual sightings received their apt mention during the following years. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker visited in December 1923. A Hermit Thrush was seen in February 1925. The Northern Flicker and "quite a number" of Pine Grosbeak were noted for November 1927.

For a Christmas holiday column during the time of giving, Griswold discussed the winter birds getting their season's meals at the window bird feeder. Visitors to the Lorraine Apartment house across the boulevard from the southern portion of the Turner Park area, included the Blue Jay, Downy and Hairy Woodpecker, and Northern Cardinal. The frigid call of the Eastern Screech-Owl was heard from over in the trees of the park.

Sandy Griswold scribed a particular message of views based on decades of Nebraska outings to wild places with a phantasmagoria of nature, including little Turner Park. Sandy's Creed "The love of nature born in me has had plenty of time for evolution. The ways and habits, cries and calls of the folk of the woods and fields, were my heritage, a part of my childhood, my whole early training. What I liked most was to be alone in the woods or open fields listening to their ceaseless voices, and the silent whisperings of my soul. "Rod and gun have been my boon companions in the years that have past, but the greater pleasure has been the communion with God's creatures enjoyed with open heart and hand. In this glorious state of ours, Nebraska, and in those round about it, this companionship has been most wonderful. "To hunt and fish are still my pleasure, but greater than these, is to seek, find cherish and protect them all -- the birds, the beasts, the flowers, the trees and creatures of the waters. These are OUR heritage, which now I pray I may help pass on to those who follow."

The final sporting editor mention of Turner Park birdlife was provided for readers in January 8, 1928. The column then had the general topic of "Leaves from the Notebook of an Old Nature Student." This particular version told of a sojourn through the park setting.

"What a treat, an early summer day in December. That is what last Sunday was. it was a day hard to resist. So the Boy called early and we went over and put in several hours in the park.

"While we had the usual good time prowling about, we saw but few birds, when we were sure we would see many. Too little cover in the park, and while we did see several sapsuckers, among which were three of the redbreasted - always a big find - quite a volley of chickadees, one lone bluejay, the same fellow that has been at our kitchen window sill ever since the late intense cold spell, where he has grown fat and sassy on the good things he never fails to find there; a pair of downies and a lone cardinal. That was about the sum total, save the ubiquitous sparrows and one or two little fellows we were not familiar with - probably late arrivals from the north."

Rather than converse about the birds, they talked of the trees. There was the wonder of the elms, and the "sylph-like" maples. There were the towering cottonwoods, and sycamores along the avenue were mentioned. It was an arboreal outing of education for the youngster.

The local city changes Griswold remarked about were underway during the final months as the sporting editors days were ending; last known article in February 1929. His press of memories for a lost era vividly indicate the constant change in the land and its cause in the decline of the wildbird variety at the park.

An interest in birds about Turner Park environs then languished. There are very few mentions of birds in the modern years.

Recorded in the June 2003, the breeding season were: American Robin, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Chimney Swift, Common Grackle, Common Nighthawk, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Kingbird, European Starling, Gray Catbird, House Finch, House Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Northern Cardinal and Northern Flicker.

Most of the shrub species occur among the foliage on the west and north side of Dewey Park. With Turner Park completely mown, the trees are the habitat for arboreal birds.

The American Crow and American Goldfinch have also been noted in the Turner Park/Dewey Park neighborhood.

Removal of Historic Chimneys Continues in Downtown Lincoln

By James Ed. Ducey

The Lincoln City council approved on August 13th, the demolition of three home structures along O Street in association with a planned redevelopment.

The three houses, are on the north side of O Street, between 25th and 26th street, in the historic "Kinneys O Street Addition."

Two of the chimneys likely were suitable for use by Chimney Swifts, although one is covered with a screen mesh that would prohibit bird access.

Three businesses currently use the buildings. Two of the buildings are owned by an investment firm.

The Preservation Association of Lincoln is opposed to the removal of the buildings, according to a local press report. They prefer the buildings be renovated.

The area is expected to be converted into a large office building.

These three structures a five blocks from the Joint Antelope Valley Authority project to the west.

With the ongoing redevelopment in the area of the JAVA corridor, additional buildings will likely be razed. This includes the vacant three story brick building, formerly Ben's Auto parts. There are two chimneys here suit the swifts, including a larger one that serves as an autumn roost.

The Waldron Machine and Iron building is now vacant, after the business moved elsewhere. The larger chimney here is used as a nesting site.

Ongoing Expansion Threatens Chimneys for Urban Swifts

Property Acquisition Continues on Northeast Creighton University Campus

James Ed. Ducey

Acquisition of additional properties for the ongoing expansion of Creighton University will mean the further ruination of chimneys useful for breeding and migratory swifts.

The northeast portion of the campus and adjacent properties in North Downtown have a number of buildings with chimneys in the older buildings. A number of these on several city blocks - 16 individual parcels - are being acquired by Creighton University from Modern Equipment Company. The property will be used, possibly according to the campus master plan showing athletic fields southwest of 17th and Cuming Street. Student residences are shown on other portions of the purchased parcels.

An additional consideration is the ongoing discussion for a north downtown ballpark near 16th and Cuming Streets. This will mean removal of all buildings present on that tract. Other developments have altered the area, with new constructions of buildings - without chimneys - for the trendy NoDo.

Several chimneys used by swifts will eventually be removed from the area of the announced Creighton acquisitions. The parcel on the north side of the 2000 block of Cuming Street is being suggested for economic development as retail, service or residential use.

Chimneys and swift use in the northeast Creighton University campus area in northern Omaha. According to a university official, area A will be refabricated into housing and parking. Area B will be a ball field. Note the buildings recently demolished for the soccer complex now southwest of 17th and Webster streets.

During autumn surveys to record migratory birds, special scrutiny was given to these city blocks and to evaluate the status and features of its chimneys. The first few visits to this area were in the autumn of 2003 (Ducey 2003). Autumn 2005 research surveys were various intervals from 6-13 September.

Information on the buildings with chimneys includes street address, with parcel ownership and building date (usually) from the Douglas County Assessor's website. Other notes are based on the surveys or information from Creighton University.

Chimney List

There are many chimneys for the buildings of the area. The structures date to 1883, 1886, from the 1890s to 1920s and to 1949 and 1951. Smaller chimneys get used by breeding swifts, while larger sizes are roosts for local and migratory flocks. Those chimneys noted to be suitable for swifts are generally 2x2.5 bricks or larger, based on an evaluation of more than 90 chimneys in Lincoln during seasonal breeding.

Creighton University, established in 1878 - recent expansion extensively west of 17th and south of Cuming streets, and to a limited extent on 16th Street

- 611 North 16th Street; 2.5x2.5 bricks; since 1900

- 713 North 16th Street; formerly Parker Heating & Cooling, Inc., bought in 2000; 2.5 bricks square; since 1880

- 1702 Webster Street; Project One building: tallist 6x6 bricks square; since 1916

- 702-08 North 18th Street: 3 chimneys, with two of them vented, one which was still used as a roost for more than 50 swifts on 16 Sep 2003; since 1922

- 723 North 18th Street: Facilities Management building; 2.5 bricks and 6x6 bricks square; since 1916

- 815 North 19th Street; 5x5 bricks; since 1919

- 1913 Cuming Street; 2.5x2.5 bricks constricted and 4 bricks square, larger one a companion roost to 1819 Cuming building, though with a lesser number of birds; since 1919

- 723 North 20th Street; former Worley Body Shop, demolition planned for autumn 2005 according to a facilities official; 2x2 bricks, 2x2 bricks constricted and 2 x 2.5 bricks; since 1942

- 2002 Burt Street; Pittman building; 3.5x5 bricks; since 1949

- 2019 Cuming Street; 2x2 bricks; since 1900

- 2101 Cuming Street; 4.5x4.5 bricks; since 1926

12 chimneys possibly suitable, with some of these already removed with the demolition of the building since the survey was conducted.

Modern Equipment Co. Inc. - now Creighton University

- 816 Florence Boulevard; former service garage; 2x2 bricks; since 1949

- 1809 Cuming Street; 4x4 constricted; since 1918

- 2010 Cuming Street or 902 North 20th Street; 3x3 bricks with a second capped one of similar size; since 1925

- 2011 Cuming Street; 2.5x2.5 bricks; since 1898

O'Keefe Elevator Company Inc.

- 1624 Webster Street; originally M.F. Shafer & Co.; 7.5x8 bricks, used as a roost by a large number of autumn swifts, with at least 400 on 4 Sept 2003 and a video-count of 625 on 12 Sep 2005, that showed when some swifts were going into the chimney, others are leaving, probably not able to get a roost spot and then left to fly around before another reentry; 1917 date on building. Purchased by Creighton University. The building is currently undergoing renovation.

- 815 North 18th Street; compares favorably to 4x4 bricks; since 1886

Automatic Printing Company

- 1713 Cuming Street; 2x3 bricks capped; since 1916

- 1721 Cuming Street; 3x4.5 bricks and 5 bricks square capped with a vent

1 possibly suitable; 2 potential

1515 Cuming Street LLC

- 1504 Burt Street; former public warehouse now with broken windows and weeds growing along the roofline of what appears to be an unused building; cf. 2x2 bricks square constricted

- 1507-19 Cuming Street; 2x2 bricks in northeast corner, and 4.5x4.5 bricks; since 1913

1 chimney of roost size, and two possibly too small for breeding swifts

Others

- 1502 California; private owner; 2x2 bricks; since 1900

- 601-603 North 16th; was M. Tatle, hotel and now rooms, with the Happy Bar on the ground floor; 1910 date on building

- 610 North 16th Street; Sol's Jewelry and Loan Co., Inc.; 2x2 bricks, five 2x2.5 bricks and 2.5 bricks square; since 1880 making this the oldest multi-chimney building in Nebraska likely used by swifts

- 717-723 North 16th street; private owner; two 2.5 bricks, one constricted; since 1930

- 802 North 16th Street; Walker's Inc.; two 2x2.5 bricks; since 1922

- 1608 Webster Street; Moreco Plating Inc.; 2x2 bricks; since 1920

- 1607 Cuming Street; Cuming Building, now Aero Rooms, 1607 LLC; 2x2.5 bricks; since 1913

- 1702 Cuming Street; J.F. Bloom & Co. building, now Bank of Bennington; cf. 4x4 bricks; used as an autumn roost; since 1906

- 1715 Izard Street; Holy Family Church; 3.5x3.5 bricks; 1883 date on building cornerstone

- 1809 Burt Street; Precision Tool Inc.; cf. 2.5x2.5 bricks; since 1951

- 1801 Cuming Street; Grace Tabernacle Church; 2x2 bricks

Two of the threatened chimneys at 1819 Cuming Street, on the Creighton University Campus.

- 1819 Cuming Street; private landowner; 2x2 and 3.5x3.5 and 5x5 bricks; the big chimney is a companion roost to 1913 Cuming building with about 175 birds roosting on 12 Sep 2005; since 1890

- 801 North 20th Streets; Lutherans of Nebraska, Inc.; cf. 2x2 bricks, possibly too small to use as breeding habitat; since 1906

- 2020 Cuming Street; Omaha Machine and Supply Co.; 2x2 bricks and 4 bricks square; since 1922

- 2109 Cuming Street; Weston's Tavern; 2.5x2.5 bricks constricted; since 1925

14 chimneys

There are more than 30 chimneys of interest as swift habitat in North Downtown (see figure). The structures are scattered about the area at a variety of buildings of different age and condition. Since the 1880s when the first buildings were erected, there have been many decades, and likely more than a century of annual use of distinct chimneys by breeding and roosting swifts.

The oldest buildings noted in the area are dated to 1880, 1883 and 1886. If the chimneys at these locales are used by swifts, it would make them the oldest known structures used by swifts in Omaha.

Buildings owned by Creighton University account for most of the total. This number would have been greater in the recent past, but with ongoing expansion, buildings and their chimneys are being demolished. The oldest known building in the area - from 1880 - is university property with chimney apparently large enough, and probably suitable for breeding swifts.

New construction will remove additional properties in the long term, about 10-12 years according to an official in the university facilities department.

Expansion that University officials had previously said would occur in several years, has moved ahead. Further expansion can occur as new parcels are being acquired.

Regarding 723 North 18th Street, redevelopment would occur in several years. There were no current plans for the building at 1913 Cuming Street - dating to 1890. The place is in poor condition, including the east wall next to the roost chimney that is splitting away from the remainder of the structure. There were no plans for the University properties along 16th street, and these may be sold, according to the facilities official comments three years ago.

Elsewhere on campus, Creighton medical Center expansion meant a bunch of buildings were also removed to make way for a parking lot north of California Street and west of 30th Street. One house remains, with a small sized-chimney.

Other buildings also have a tenuous future. A second building from 1880 sits empty, and has a smaller sized chimney that may be suited for nesting swifts. At 816 Florence Boulevard, a very small, unused building sits empty on a prime corner lot within the projected campus area. Other places appear they are not used and await a new property future, one without regard to any importance of the chimney to resident birdlife.

While university and city officials promote development of the area for students and pedestrians, and feature outdoor events, there is a reduction in a key aspect of the community. There is no regard to the chimney dwelling birds which each day during the summer season eat a myriad of insect pests, improving the scene for people.

Nearly two-thirds - the majority - of the chimneys noted will be gone in the long-term, causing a dramatic decline in suitable places for swifts.

This urban setting has a continuing decline in habitat structures, with no mitigation for losses caused by demolition of buildings. Efforts are needed to provide replacement nesting towers and to conserve present chimneys where feasible to ensure representative sites featured at older buildings are maintained.

The trend for swifts, because of changes underway, indicates that these bugeaters habitat will severely decline in an area where they are now regularly so common in autumn. Habitat loss will cause a decline in their community status during the breeding season. Chimney Swifts migrating southward along the Missouri Valley will have fewer options for finding a safe haven for the night.

This north Omaha portion of the city is integral with the mix of the chimney swift's occurrence in other parts of this city, which is such an interesting place to study swift habits.

References

March 2003. Autumn roosting habitat for Chimney Swifts in eastern Omaha. Nebraska Bird Review 71(3): 1-8. Published in August 2005.

September 23, 2005. Article regarding chimney swifts on Creighton Campus. Creightonian. Omaha.

Contractors Monitor Nesting at Lincoln JAVA Project

By James Ed. Ducey

In active consideration of wildbirds, contractors at a Lincoln project took precautions in tree removal and building demolition activities to avoid any impacts to bird nests.

"Trees were monitored on a regular basis for nests," said Wayne Teten, city of Lincoln coordinator with the Joint Antelope Valley Authority project underway east of downtown and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln city campus. "Two trees with nests were observed and were not removed. The nests may belong to a robin and blue jay."

"The contractor's superintendent and assistant did the investigation," said Teten. "The two specifically looked for nests as opposed to trying to identify birds. Two trees with a nest were temporarily spared and marked with caution tape."

Hawkins Construction is the contractor doing the work for the Army Corps of Engineers.

A subcontractor used a large backhoe to remove the trees, which were then hauled away, during the week of April 30 - May 4.

There were 38 deciduous trees and 19 coniferous trees in an area between Vine and S streets, said Teten.

Two green, leafy trees remaining in the corridor, marked with the yellow tape.

There were also precautions to ensure that no chimney swift nesting would occur in buildings slated for demolition.

The chimneys at the Supply Service Company brick building (2101 R Street) razed on April 9th, a house on R Street, and S street residences torn down in early May, were covered with screen to prevent any access and possible nesting this season, Teton said.

In earlier project work, tree removal was done between Y and Vine Street.

There were 14 deciduous and 2 coniferous trees present, Teten said.

Roadway and channel excavation work are now underway along this section of the project.

The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects bird nests and contents between April 15 and July 15. There is a similar State of Nebraska statute.

- - - - -

On May 23, contractors considered measures to avoid disturbing a small patch of woodlands on the east part of the corridor.

"The Corps of Engineers has asked the contractor to remove debris from the grassy area and not to use or disturb it," said Wayne Teten. "The contractor will also demarcate the area with a couple of laths to avoid future disturbance."

This bit of woods is commonly known as Cushman Woods, for the Cushman Motor Works commemorative sign. There are several bird species that occur, as well as native wildlife.

The removal of the debris was still pending on Memorial Day weekend, when two woodchucks were seen at the construction site.

Update: The debris was removed by June 9, 2007, leaving a grassy area where landscape services has mowed.

Survey of Summer Season Swifts at Chimneys of Urban Lincoln

By James Ed. Ducey, Lincoln; prepared in 2005

Chimney Swifts are the sleek masters of the urban sky at Lincoln. They flit about and reside in chimneys suitable for a clingy nest, and roost in suitable places. During the city's history, the built environment has always been changed as the urbane setting is redeveloped. Buildings are removed, destroying suitable spots used by these birds.

The survey to check how swifts were affected by urban redevelopment in Lincoln started in late-May 2005. Through the end of August, most of my evenings were spent biking about to find swifts that were entering or leaving a particular chimney in the primary study area. Survey time was nearly always the last hour or two of light at sun set. Getting around easily on a bicycle was essential to find the scattered places used by the cigar birds - with their changing habits through the season - rather than watching a barren chimney. Occasional visits elsewhere in town were done in the latter portion of August, when surveys where mostly during the last portion of decent daylight, after birds gathered at dusk, sometimes around a roost site. Some morning visits were made to roost chimneys.

Primary swift survey area at Lincoln, Nebraska. Larger chimneys represent an August roost site.

Swift Chimneys

There were 92 locations with chimneys known to be used by chimney swifts during 75 survey days. Building details include address based upon the number given on the building, or if not shown, from parcel information at the website of the Lancaster County Assessor's Office, which in some cases also provides the year when a building was constructed. Locations are presented in a general west to east direction, following the street numbering practices of the city. Notes are features or characteristics of interest, and notably, chimney size in bricks square or rectangular. A roost chimney was used by ten or more swifts on a particular occasion.

Locations of building with chimneys used by swifts at Lincoln.

510 D Street - residence - 2x3 bricks 610 L Street - J.L. Case Co., Nebraska Pump & Supply Co. signage - 4x4 bricks on east side of building 650 J Street - was Curtis Towle & Paine Co., now Mill Towne - 6.5x6.5 bricks, industrial-sized; used as a roost in mid-July 725-27 R Street - formerly Larson Furniture - 3.5x3.5 bricks, and tall; to be ripped down for urban redevelopment as a condominium with underground parking 733-737 P Street - formerly Salvation Army Thrift Store - cf. 5x7 bricks; building being renovated; used as a roost in August 747 O Street - Schwarz Paper Company - cf. 3x4 bricks, but covered; company established 1899 335 North 8th Street - Hardy Building - 4x4 bricks; business and apartment building; 1919-20 and 1927 dates for building 800 Q Street - Henkle and Joyce Building - east building: east wall 2x2 bricks, west wall 2.5x2 bricks, also one with a 1 brick diameter vent entry; west building built in 1887: west wall chimney: two 4x?3 bricks, north chimney capped by sheet metal; may be oldest multi-chimney building 803 Q Street - Huber Manufacturing - 3x4 bricks on northwest corner; 1901 date on building 227 North 9th Street - Prime Time Night Club - compares favorably to 4x4.5 bricks, covered; in southwest corner 301 South 9th Street - Cornhusker Printing - 3x3 bricks, with a peeling-side shed atop the place 1001 L Street - business building - 2x4 bricks; on the east side 122 North 11th Street - Continental Commons - 5x6 bricks, use noted later in the season 200 North 11th Street - Misty's Restaurant/Gallup - three chimneys: 2.5x2.5 bricks, 2.5x5 bricks dual entry, 4.5x6 bricks dual chamber 303 South 11th Street - Night Before Lounge - 2x2.5 bricks 315 South 11th Street - Electric Shaver & Appliance Service - 2x2 bricks; nice view from the parking garage to the east, on the upper levels 317 South 11th Street - Libations/The Grand Room - two 2.5x2.5 bricks chimneys 404-08-10 South 11th Street - Nebraska Right to Life, The Pub - 3x4 bricks; back side alley view 432 South 11th Street - former appliance shop - one 2x2.5 bricks to the west, and one 4.5x4.5 bricks chimney covered with encroaching vine growth that could eventually cover the opening 1220 Washington Street - residence - smaller chimney, house over 100 years old according to residents 1222 P Street - Swanson Russell Associates - 3x3.5 bricks - a tall white chimney - and 3x9 bricks towards the building front; 1915 date on building 1226 P Street - WCs pub - 4.5x6 at the back alley; 1915 date on building 1230 P Street - former boot & shoe repair - 4.5x6.5 bricks; 1912 date on building 301 South 12th Street - Merrill Lynch - 6x6 bricks squat in back alley 1314 O Street - Commercial Federal Plaza - 5x5 bricks in northwest corner, hardly visible from adjacent parking garage 1332-36 P Street - H.E. Wood building - 4x3.5 bricks; 1918 date on building 1335 L Street - League of Nebraska Municipalities - 3x3 bricks 411 South 13th Street - 411 Building - 4.5x4.5 bricks; used as a roost in early August 126 North 14th Street - Homer's Music and Gifts - two 2x2.5 bricks 136 North 14th Street - The Zoo Bar - 2x2 bricks with circular opening 1400 O Street - alley business and residences - 4x4.5 bricks; on the alley side of northeast corner at 14th and O street; used as a roost in August 144 North 14th Street - The Post and Nickel - formerly three buildings; 2x2 bricks, 3x2.5 bricks, 3.5x3.5 bricks towards the rear of north building 1443 G Street - residence - 2.5x3.5 bricks 210 South 14th Street - former Runza restaurant - cf. 3x3 bricks, but covered; mural wall and chimney with King Kong on one side, a wolf on another 821 South 15th Street - apartment house - two 3x2.5 brick chimneys 827 South 15th Street - apartment house - 3x3 bricks 835-847 South 15th Street - Nory Anna apartment house - 3x3 and 4x4 bricks 126 North 16th Street - W.C. Shinn building - 2x3 bricks on north wall, 3x3.5 bricks on south wall; 1908 building date 1608 O Street - Economy and Performance Auto Services - 4.5 x 7.5 bricks size near the utility line pole 1622 O Street - empty business - 3x3.5 bricks 1622-40 O Street - Lord building - 4x5.5 bricks 1625 P Street - JRW Sales - tallish 3x3 bricks square 226 South 16th Street - empty business building - tallish 2.5x2.5 bricks 300 South 16th Street - Blackstone apartment house - 4x4 bricks with broken and missing portions at the top 134 South 17th Street - apartment house - 2.5x2.5 bricks 1700 N Street - Pauline apartment house - smaller sized, covered; 1890 date on building 1701 Q Street - League of Human Dignity/Mobility Options - 3.5x4 bricks 1703 O Street - B B & R Pawn - 4.5x4.5 bricks, large size 1717 O Street chimney abuts on the east-side 1717 O Street - Poor Boy Pottery - 4.5x4.5 bricks with overlay; readily seen from the south 1729 M Street - Algonquin apartment - not readily visible from street level, center of roof area 1742 O Street - Bigler Motors - 2.5x3 bricks, with a short height

145 North 18th Street - empty house - 2x4 bricks; a dilapidated and city-condemned former residence 1820 P Street - Cathouse Adoption Center - 3.5x3.5 bricks, two-story 509 South 18th Street - Bel-Air Apartment - 2.5x2.5 bricks; twin to Angelo apartment building with a similar chimney 805 South 18th Street - Minuet Apartment - 3x3 bricks, constricted; twin to the Sonata to the south, where the chimney is covered with a vent 1911 R Street - Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach - 2.5x3 bricks, with a constricted entry 1944 L Street - residence - heavily enclosed by free-growth trees 1944 O Street - C. R. I. & P. railroad terminal, now Union Bank and Trust - 3x3 bricks, a former train station with a fine, and one of the best-designs on a chimney in the neighborhood 2008 R Street - empty house - 2x2 bricks; at JAVA project corridor, willing seller house to be removed according to project officials 2020 O Street - originally a hotel, Ben's Auto Parts store for several decades - ten: 2 2x2 bricks, 3 2x2.5 bricks, 2 2x4 bricks, 1 2x4.5 bricks, 4x4 bricks covered and 4x5.5 bricks; larger chimneys were roosts in latter August; built 1890 as a hotel for workers; one of oldest multi-chimney buildings 2044 R Street - empty house - 2x2 bricks; to be removed for JAVA project 2045 O Street - Road & Track automotive repair shop - 2.5x2.5 bricks with constricted opening; adjacent to JAVA project 2101 N Street - Williamson Honda - used cars - 3.5x3.5 bricks, with constricted, 1 brick entry; to be removed for JAVA project 2109 O Street - business and upstairs apartments - 2x2.5 bricks; to be removed for JAVA project; brick building with business on ground floor, apartments on second floor 2127 O Street - business building - 2x2.5 bricks; to be removed for JAVA project 2145 Q Street - empty house - 2x2 bricks; to be removed for JAVA project 125 North 22nd Street - empty house - 2x2 bricks; to be removed for JAVA project 210 North 22nd Street - residence - 2x2 bricks; a trio of chimneys occur with the two adjacent houses 2201 O Street - St. Louise Gift & Thrift Store, Catholic Social Services - 3.5x3.5 bricks with a constricted 1.5 brick entry opening 2208 O Street - Mums Liquor, Oasis Barber Shop - cf. 2-3 bricks, but with a bulging overcoat of masonry 2216 O Street - Waldron Machine and Welding - 3.5x3.5 bricks, a bit more than one story height 2229 J Street - Lincoln High School - 8.5x8.5 bricks two-story base, with multi-cornered upper portion, a completely distinct design topped with 4 lightning rods, at south end of buildings; high school established 1871 422 North 22nd Street - residence - 2x2 bricks; dilapidated house adjacent to Trago park and JAVA redevelopment corridor 2300 O Street - multi-cultural community building - a large 4.5 x 4.5 brick chimney for the tile-roofed place 2350 O Street - Rixstine award shop - 3.5x3.5 bricks, more than two-story height, white-painted 2414 N Street - Aamco Transmission - 3x3 bricks size with constricted opening 2419 Q Street - residence - cf. 2 to 2.5 bricks square; smallish and recovered 2425 O Street - Midwest Sound and Lighting - cf 2.5x2.5 bricks covered at west wall; 4.5x4.5 brick size in southeast corner 2429 O Street - Ace Rent-to-Own - 2.5x2.5 bricks size with constricted entry and slightly broken about the top 255 North 25th Street - apartment building - 3x3 bricks on west side of three-story brick apartment 435 North 25th Street - multi-dweller house - 5x5 bricks in a classic, oldtime house now subdivided 545 North 25th Street - multi-dweller house - two 2x2.5 bricks on another neighborhood classic 2980 Holdrege Street - Family of Life Pentecostal Church - squat 5x5 bricks used, with a taller 2x2.5 bricks chimney near on another roofline 3100 Plymouth Avenue - Sheridan Elementary School - four-story height, with 8 sides, each ca. 3-3.5 bricks, topped with 4 lightning rods; the school opened in 1926; the largest number of swifts for an August roost site in the city 616 South 36th Street - Saint Theresa School - two 5x5 bricks chimneys near the northeast corner; more than 50 swifts used the north chimney as a roost in mid-August 2601 North 48th Street - former city hall, University Place Galleries - cf. 4x4 bricks; 1914 date on building 4015 South 49th Street office - College View Seventh-day Adventist Church - a squat 7x7 bricks with an easy view from Prescott Street, east of 48th Street 4341 North 61st Street - Schmidt Brothers 1916/Salvage Warehouses - 3x4 bricks; a second chimney is covered 6120 Morrill Avenue - Saint Patrick's church hall - 4x4 bricks, 1908 date on building; used as a roost in latter August 6136 Havelock Avenue - Havelock Gift, now Cosmic Cow - Gift Gallery, Creative Fabrics - cf. 3x3 bricks, covered 1645 North Cotner Boulevard - Bethany Christian Church - cf. 5x5 bricks, 3-plus stories height, topped with a lightning rod, and at the alley with nearby power lines; an important primary roost in August 6635 Fairfax Avenue - former public school, now Cotner Center Condominiums - two abutting 4.5x4.5 bricks with ornate tops, with two lightning rods, four story height; a lesser roost in latter August

This list does not include every swift chimney in the area. Additional survey effort could identify other swift chimney habitat, and provide other occurrence and distribution details to conserve the local breeding population.

Chimney Loss

About ten percent of the noted chimneys will be destroyed. An essential interest in the survey was to determine the loss of chimneys due to urban redevelopment, especially some activities of the Joint Antelope Valley Authority, sponsored by the City of Lincoln, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Lower Platte South NRD. The stated purposes of the $240 million project are flood control, transportation improvements and community enhancements. It includes a new, exposed channel ditch for Antelope Creek.

North JAVA Project area.	South JAVA project area.
East Downtown area of Lincoln, showing surface features and chimneys used by Chimney Swifts. Filled boxes mark chimneys with noted swift use, and an open box indicates other chimneys. Buildings denoted in the JAVA corridor are to be torn down to make way for urban redevelopment. Figures by J.E. Ducey.

The JAVA project will cause a dramatic decline in swift housing when at least seven known swift chimneys will be removed within the corridor from R Street to south of O street:

• 2008 R Street, residence - next to the mapped project corridor but a willing seller means removal, according to the project manager for the city of Lincoln;
• 2040 R Street, residence
• 2145 Q Street, residence
• 2109 O Street, business
• 2127 O Street, business
• 2101 N Street, business
• 125 North 22nd Street, residence

Other houses in the project corridor were torn down in the first months of 2005. There are an estimated 25 houses that would have been torn down in the three square-blocks of R Street to O Street, between 21st and 22nd streets (Figure 2). The city website said at least 48 residences would be removed, plus additional commercial buildings. The defunct Northeast Radial, another city project some years ago, replaced old homes with row-house construction, further reducing the extent of suitable swift chimneys in this portion of town.

Aged and deteriorating buildings can also be readily removed for construction of the new buildings and settings, things depicted in the well-prepared web-presentations for the JAVA corridor.

This is the first chimney where a pair of chimney swifts were noted in latter April, 2007. It is at 1145 L Street.

An example, perhaps, is 2020 O Street. Apparently built in 1890, it was a hotel for workers on the nearby railroad. It was a mattress factory and Ben's Auto Parts for decades. Most recently there was an unsuccessful dollar store. There is now a for sale or rent sign in the front window of a most unique roofline with eight chimneys, fine for generations of chimney swifts (Figure 3). The sagging brick walls of this big place would be easier removed than renovated, according to the current owner, anticipating redevelopment.

A well-worn house in disrepair on north 22nd Street - across from an impending greenway - could easily be torn down for something new, perhaps a new residence according to planning suggestions.

A condemned house on north 18th street is across the street to the block parcel that was being considered as a site for a multi-million dollar hotel. Among the old places in the Haymarket, a towering chimney will tumble when removed when the site is transformed into a pricey condominium.

Along the main streets of Lincoln, and among the urbane scene and at its neighborhoods, Chimney Swifts have suffered from destruction of chimneys. The trend of redevelopment projects causes an ongoing loss of those exquisite brick places that are a reliable home or roost for Nebraska bugeaters that are forced to adapt to the continual decline in roosting and nesting habitat.

Spring 2007 Update

Additional information has been gathered on the swifts about downtown Lincoln. Buildings are gone from the area...

Chimneys which indicate the changes to this habitat used by swifts in urban Lincoln (Photographs © 2007 J.E. Ducey).
North Haymarket chimney destoyed for condominium project.	House removed on 100 block of north 18th street, torn down for area redevelopment.
House moved to another location and renovated for continuing use.	O Street business buildings removed for the JAVA project.

Two large size roost chimneys on the block for the so-called Catalyst One project, with a large scale, multi-million construction project to include a hotel and parking garage. These two chimneys have been present since 1918, at the original name, H.E. Woods building.

Plans announced on April 26, 2005 indicate the remainder of the buildings presently on the city block will be removed for new high-rise construction. This will occur in the next few years. A Phase Two is hoped for, which will remove additional buildings from the area.

A date is not available on when the two illustrated chimneys will be removed from the chimney-scape of urban Lincoln. The former movie theatre, visible in the background, has already been removed, and is now a dirt lot.

Swift use was noted in the west chimney at dusk on April 26th. Other swifts occur at additional chimneys in the immediate vicinity, with about 15 noted during the evening survey.