With settlement of the territory of the Missouri River setting at Omaha, land claimed as property was bought, sold and developed as the city moved west from the Missouri River. An urban setting replaced the natural places as the city grew, but certain places were recognized for their natural values and became havens for birds and the people that enjoyed watching them. These places became regular haunts for outings that through the years recorded details for a fine variety of birds. Notes from those eras indicate the habitats and birds present when conditions were remarkably different than modern times.
![[Historic southwest Omaha additions]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPreovOCg-9BpOka2b4_pt0OQXHT4k-b7rs6RryvVtXTahAGimy84u5Q0H63V7AVRGvg2JApfttxgfP-qrUXExsQnFr2VX4gXHkSJ_y8GOTtDr7yEfsw_jzbn285_MAaBNCowXq_N6xtE/s400/SouthwestOmahaAdditions.gif)
One of the most prominent places in the early ornithology of Omaha was Elmwood Park, Beyond the end of Leavenworth street was a scene yet relatively wild, with a meandering creek named after settler, with the last name of Wood with a claim and shack on a tributary creek of the Little Papio. On the hill and vale along Wood Creek, was a set of substantial tracts with scenic beauty and an appreciated wild nature. In August 1889, a group of the neighboring land owners presented a bold idea to city officials. They would donate for a park fifty acres of pasture and woods along the creek, with its several flowing springs. A large group of men made a trip to view the place, and took along news reporters.
"The tract of land lies just three miles and a half west of the court house, and is about three-quarters of a mile west of Ruser's park. The strip lies on both sides of Leavenworth street, being a wooded ravine following the course of the small stream known as Patrick's run. ... The glen is a wild and romantic place, and could be transformed into a beautiful park. It has several springs and near the head of the ravine are a sufficient number to feed a lake.
"There are all manner of shady nooks in this dell, and some of the largest forest trees in this section of country are to be seen in it. There is also a great variety of trees, among which were noted ash, elm, hackberry, willow, walnut, box elder, plum, locust, oak and cottonwood," (August 20, 1889. Omaha Daily Bee).
The donation of the picturesque glen was accepted by the city and named Glendale Park. The park place was soon renamed Elmwood Park in a contest sponsored by Omaha park commissioners and The World-Herald in 1890. Additional property was purchased to enlarge the park to 215 acres in 1894. The place had "wide meadows, wild ravines, the creek and considerable high land," according to an account by a reporter that visited and described the park and its settings (June 10, 1894. Sunday World-Herald). There were two artesian springs that provided ample flows of fresh, underground water that made an attractive scene to Omaha residents. Wild residents also appreciated the setting and the place was renowned for its bird life. Its bird-lore was also unforgettable.
Further up the creek valley, was another local landmark. On a small tributary was the Happy Hollow tract owned by the Patrick Family. A portion of Patrick land was sold and became the site for the first construction of Dundee village, incorporated in 1894 and built upon the hills west of Omaha. The Patrick farm, known for its celebrations, was west of Dundee village along the creek in the Happy Hollow. About a mile west over the prominent hill was Wood creek. Other habitat lands were present. Residence construction was slow so the platted land often remained open for a time until housing completely replaced any open and green lands.
Elmwood was appreciated for the diverse wild songsters, and the area had other natural places attractive to birdlife. Open ground, including an airfield and the Little Papillion bottoms extended southwest from the southwest corner of the park. Some of the first bird records for the vicinity came from an outing of Sandy Griswold to hunt upland plover along the Little Papio in 1898. This place eventually was an auto track and an airfield.
The Patrick Farm house and buildings were sold for use as a private school in the early 1900s. The Happy Hollow Golf Club took over most of the tract to provide their golf links in 1907. Ak-Sar-Ben was built along the Little Papillion creek.
Elmwood Park was a favorite destination to outdoor enthusiasts, particularly birders. The celebrated Frank H. Shoemaker visited in July 1909 and kept a trip log in his personal notebooks. No doubt he was accompanied by other enthusiasts of birds in the neighborhood that had known how the place would provide a fine bird list for the day.
In 1911, the prominent ornithologist Dr. Solon R. Towne, and his two daughters Jessie M. and Mary A. watched birds at the north end of Happy Hollow and its little grassland creek. Their notes provided the birdlore to later write about the "bird neighbors." Species of interest included the tree sparrow, horned lark, marsh hawk at the golf course, chickadee, chat and robin (Nebraska Bird Review 4(1): 3-6). During May, a bird enthusiast at the newspaper reported a mockingbird being present for two weeks between Dodge and Davenport, and 49th and 50th streets (May 7, 1911. Omaha Sunday World-Herald). The anonymous author called the bird the "gay little Dundee troubadour."
Miles Greenleaf, of the south Dundee neighborhood, started regular bird writing in The World-Herald in 1914. His first feature stories were about bird life and lore from Elmwood Park, about a mile west of his 48th and Douglas homeplace. A January article provided details of eight species from a December 1913 park visit. In June, 33 songsters were recorded by an early summer bird party (June 7, 1914). His bird log of an outing had the species seen on a given date and place. The newsman provided a plethora of diverse notes and lore of birds in his bird editorials from 1916 to mid-1923.
Water habitat was present in the west portion of the area when George Lake was created in 1915 on Wood Creek, north of Underwood Avenue. It was named after C.C. George and J.E. George, the brothers that originally developed several residence additions in the area. The pond was known to attract a variety of "natural wild life" in its early years (June 1951, Dundee News).
In 1916, a group of teachers, led by Audubon Society representatives, noted 35 different species on a "showery jaunt" to Elmwood Park (April 30, 1916. Omaha Sunday World-Herald). The notable sighting of the day was a scarlet tanager.
In an article discussing the past years' enthusiasm by Omahan's on "behalf of the birds," the editorial writer also said most of the conservation work was in city parks (3 Dec 1916, Omaha Sunday World-Herald). The result was "dozens times more birds ... within the rustic parks." Then he proclaimed: "In Elmwood Park at present, with the rigors of winter hard at hand, the underbrush and clusters of trees are well populated with the hardy feathered high-brows who will spend the frigid season with us, and who know where there is food and protection and admiration."
The woods and parkland along Wood Creek was again given special recognition in a Sunday editorial (20 Jan 1918, Omaha Sunday-World-Herald): "Elmwood Park is recognized as one of the most densely populated bird havens in this territory, and yet two weeks ago today a couple of experienced bird students saw but three species within its confines - and only one of each as well. One chickadee, one Downy Woodpecker and one Golden-crowned Kinglet!" The rest of the writing was about the "bird with a golden crown ... a pretty little fellow."
Notations regarding nesting birds were not mentioned very often. In May 1919, Ovenbirds, with their distinct "Teacher! Teacher! Teacher!" were obvious at Elmwood (25 May 1919, Omaha Sunday World-Herald). Several were said to preparing to nest, which was said to be unusual. This is especially interesting because it indicates the apparent extent of habitat suitable for this species which prefers woods.
![[Elmwood Park environs]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnTgZS-1_TRyGQg9OYxdfdFqZEIJn4NEfH53rp0knHpb41sRq76hS-jfStUn81uo9Erq5Agw9Kx_vX2pFaZvIlK0mb25box-K1ZBBOjORTSVLUZhjdxG4Ei_ly7vewaGBStrZ3OHeWBQ/s400/ElmwoodParkEnvirons.gif)
The rigors of winter weather did not stop the bird men from getting a birdlog. Being outdoors was often rewarded with a fine list for the day. Just after New Years day in 1920, for example, the Townsend's Solitaire, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, Common Redpoll, Red Crossbill and White-winged Crossbill were at the park (11 Jan 1920, Omaha Sunday World-Herald).
Bird life at Elmwood Park continued to be described in newspaper reports. In a 1927 sporting column, Sandy Griswold described the findings by members of the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union for a New Year's census that recorded 11 species. In June 1931, Miles Greenleaf wrote about the 28 varieties of songbirds in the back-yard "ravine" a half-block south of Dodge Street in the 4800 block of Douglas street. In September, he wrote about keeping a bird log and used as an example a list from Trip No. 127 to Elmwood Park with Billy Marsh.
For 1934, the birders' excitement at the park was the new sanctuary. There was a pool and feeding mound (August 26, 1934. Omaha Sunday Bee-News). A large wooden observation building was provided. The structure burned down after six years.
Winter bird counts came into prominence in the mid-1930s, when various birders did a December survey and placed their findings in the Nebraska Bird Review. The details added a thorough look at winter bird populations throughout the Omaha area, and are important to the avifauna record base for the area.
A dramatic step for the history of birds of the local area in 1937. Miles Greenleaf initiated his Bird Lore column with stories of birds at the park, in the Dundee neighborhood and beyond on a myriad of topics. The weekly feature was always about birds but only occasionally presented a valid observation record. In December 1939, there was a brown thrasher at the bread crumbs thrown out by Miles Greenleaf at 4806 Douglas street, while a few other species appreciated a suet feeder and sunflower seeds (NBR 8(1): 27-28). There are a few other specific notes of occurrence for the early 1940s. The columns also note locales in Dundee place such as the black-billed magpie in 1940 at 46th and California and Izard streets.
A few other items in the neighborhood paper provide additional species information. Miss Alice von Bergen, a Dundee News reader, contributed the list of birds noted at George Lake (see Table One) (February 1943). There was a Red Knot present in the spring of 1943 (NBR 11(1): 20).
Table 1. Bird species noted May 1942 to spring 1943 at historic George Lake, Omaha. Other regular species were expected to occur in the area, according to Miles Greenleaf's Birds and the Outdoors column.
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Throughout years of bird watching, there were continual changes to the habitat setting of the area. A native landscape had been replaced by agriculture fields. Land was purchased and plat plans were readied. The land was sculpted to fit a designer's view. House after house, localized business or industry, filled in addition after addition to create the residence district. Wildland settings on a small scale became managed parkland. Open creek meanders were replaced by storm sewers. The Happy Hollow links became the city-run Dundee Golf course, which became Memorial Park in 1946.
One of the last occurrence records from Miles Greenleaf was a summer's ring-necked pheasant in the yard at his home at 4806 Douglas street (26 Jul 1949, Dundee News). The writer kept appreciating the local bird life until his death in 1951.
George Lake was destroyed in the early 1950s, when houses of the Fairacres neighborhood were built. There are pictures of this former water landmark and its open land setting as the development encroached from the east (Bostwick Collection, Durham Western Heritage Museum). Wood Creek was altered during this era, with the upper reaches enclosed in a sewer line extending north from Underwood avenue.
After a dearth of bird records from the area for many years, there eventually was an article on white-winged crossbills in November 1969 at the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus (NBR 38(4): 88-89). Wood duck nesting in the neighborhood trees was reported at 52nd and Cass streets in June of 1971 (NBR 40(2): 46) and August 1973 on the 5100 block of Underwood Avenue (NBR 42(2): 38-39).
A special enthusiasm for birds at Elmwood Park started when on January 1, 1988 Clyde and Emma Johnson began to keep a written records of species. After moving to the nearby Masonic Manor at 52nd and Leavenworth, from 22nd and St. Mary's Avenue, the couple went on regular, often daily, bird walks, having previously birded at Fontenelle Forest and Hanscom Park. During their decades of bird watching, the only systematic list the couple has is for Elmwood Park.
The Johnson's drove the few blocks to Elmwood and maybe took up to two hours walking about, and watching and listening for birdlife. "Emma didn't know a pigeon from a meadowlark when we started," Clyde Johnson said. "Elmwood is a very good place to go birding. You can often see something interesting, especially in spring and fall." For each year they have a checklist of the birds seen. For unique records they record the date seen. They keep notes of any breeding activity. Visits were several days a week.
During the 2002 season, there was no water in the golf course pond on Wood Creek, so there was no suitable habitat for species such as the Blue-winged Teal, Mallard, American Coot, Rough-winged Swallow and Cliff Swallow, Johnson said.
Elmwood and Memorial parks continue to be interesting places to look for woodland birds. The primary feature providing the best habitat is Wood Creek that extends the entire length of Elmwood Park and along the west side of Memorial Park, to end at Underwood Avenue. A nice section for a bird hike is southward from that north end, across Dodge Street, into the deep ravine of northern Elmwood Park, onward for a good distance, then up and around the park entrance off Happy Hollow Boulevard, back into the woods to Shadow Lake, then past the contrived grotto for a once open spring along the creek, and southward along the trees bordering the creek. There are some upland meadow-in-the-making and reforestation areas that have been marked in recent years, and the plant growth and structure is providing further habitat diversity. In February 2003, the small golf course pond was deepened and refilled to provide that bit of open water habitat.
Happy Hollow Creek and its wooded strip occurs along the east side of Memorial Park and northward onto the Brownell-Talbot school grounds. Another green space in the area is the very small Little Elmwood Park with some trees and grass east of Happy Hollow Boulevard, surrounded by millions of dollars in Evanston addition houses.
Bird List
The first available bird record for the Elmwood Park area was in 1898 from a Sandy Griswold outing. Scattered records followed during 1909 to 1918 from various sources. Bird counts and neighborhood notes in the 1920s and 1930s provide additional information to develop a thorough bird list. Many of the historic records are from publications of the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union. In his bird column, Miles Greenleaf wrote lots about neighborhood birdlife during his tenure from 1937 to the early 1950s at the Dundee News, but the published material provides just about 300 distinct records.
Most of the recent bird records are from information kept by Clyde and Emma Johnson, neighborhood residents. Their checklists from 1988 to 2002 have more than 1200 bird records of occurrence for about 131 species.
There are 179 species known from the places of Wood Creek and the hills of Dundee, based on more than 2000 records of occurrence from neighborhood locales. This general summary was prepared using the specific details kept in my database of bird records in historic Nebraska. Detailed date and record source citations for each individual record are not given here since the list was originally prepared for use by neighborhood school children and the general public of Omaha, not as a complete documentation of every database record.
Family Anatidae
Snow Goose. Migratory flocks fly over the park; especially notable in the spring.
Canada Goose. Typically seen flying over the park, but rarely present foraging on the golf course grass.
Wood Duck. Arrive in late February to early March then remain to nest along the Elmwood Park creek; depart in October or early November. Young in three mid-1980s years: 51st street just south of Dodge; 49th and Farnam streets and then 49th street and California; the Humane Society moved ducklings the latter two years, according to neighborhood history. Birds apparently associated with yards with a large bird bath or small pond and bird feeding stations. Female with five ducklings on 8 May 2005 at Happy Hollow Creek, Memorial Park.
Mallard. In April or May at the water of the pond on the creek. Historically in 1914; and formerly at George Lake. Pools created by beavers have helped with providing suitable water at Elmwood.
Blue-winged Teal. In April in the water-pool at the Elmwood Park pond; formerly at George Lake.
Green-winged Teal. In 1914 at Elmwood Park.
Canvasback. March 1935 at historic George Lake.
Ring-necked Duck. In March 1996 at the waters of the Elmwood Park pond.
Lesser Scaup. In March 1934 at George Lake.
Common Goldeneye. During the winter of 1934-35 at George Lake.
Family Phasianidae
Ring-necked Pheasant. In April 1942 at 4800 block of Douglas street, with a hen in the garden at the Greenleaf home in July 1949; March 1997 near the pond in Elmwood Park.
Greater Prairie-Chicken. Historically present when the region was first settled; abundant at Omaha in the latter 1850s and still hunted when the Patrick farm was present.
Wild Turkey. Accidental in winter recently at Memorial Park.
Family Odontophoridae
Northern Bobwhite. Permanent resident in historic times and once raised covies of young on the prairie/woodland edge habitat. A bird in May 1940 at 52nd and Burt streets, with Miles Greenleaf recollections of coveys at 48th and Douglas streets about 1920; along Happy Hollow in 1931; and covey in August 1942 at west side of Dundee Golf Links.
Family Podicipedidae
Pied-billed Grebe. In April 1996 and 2000 at the golf links pond on Wood creek. Historically at George Lake.
American White Pelican. Small flocks migrate over the area in late autumn.
Family Phalacrocoracidae
Double-crested Cormorant. In late-April and early-May and September, flying over Elmwood Park. Small flocks migrate in the sky over the neighborhood.
Family Ardeidae
Great Blue Heron. Historically at George Lake; in June and August flying over Elmwood Park.
Great Egret. Flying over Elmwood Park in May 1993.
Green Heron. Near the pond and along the creek in Elmwood Park.
Family Cathartidae
Turkey Vulture. Usually seen soaring above the park; may occasionally roost overnight. Especially visible from Memorial park hill during migration periods.
Family Accipitridae
Bald Eagle. Flying over Elmwood Park in 1992 and a pair in courtship flight over Memorial park in early spring 1993.
Northern Harrier. Present during 1910-11 winter on the land-tract that is now Memorial park.
Sharp-shinned Hawk. Seen in the Elmwood and Memorial park woods during the winter.
Cooper's Hawk. During late winter and early spring in the Elmwood Park woods. In December 2002 after small birds in the neighborhood of 49th and Capitol Avenue.
Northern Goshawk. In March 1915.
Red-shouldered Hawk. In 1988 at the Elmwood Park woods.
Broad-winged Hawk. Noted in latter September during migration. Especially visible from the hilltop of Memorial park.
Red-tailed Hawk. Typical in spring and autumn and as a late summer vagrant. Migratory birds visible in the skies over the neighborhood.
Family Falconidae
American Kestrel. Occasional, usually in spring. Vagrant in late summer at open areas of the parks. Occasionally seen in autumn after prey such as sparrows and starlings in some business (i.e., Ready Mixed facility) and residential (i.e., 49th and Capitol Avenue) areas of the neighborhood.
Merlin. In 1993 along the creek at Elmwood.
Family Rallidae.
Virginia Rail. One seen by Billy Marsh and Miles Greenleaf on 25 Sep 1921 on 48th Street east of Holy Sepulcher cemetery.
American Coot. Seen in April 1990 and 1996 at the park pond.
Family Charadriidae.
Killdeer. In June at the park pond. Historically at George Lake.
Family Scolopacidae
Solitary Sandpiper. In 1942 at George Lake; noted several times at the park pond during the 1990s.
Willet. In 1942 at George Lake.
Spotted Sandpiper. Noted several times at the park pond wetland during the 1990s. Nested in June 1920 at Ak-Sar-Ben Flying Field.
Upland Sandpiper. Hunted on the Papio creek bottoms in late summer of 1899. Present during summer breeding season when open-country grassland habitat was historically available.
Red Knot. In May 1943 at George Lake wetlands.
Wilson's Snipe. Recorded in 1914 and November 1992. Prefers bottomland meadows, such as those historically present along the Little Papillion creek near where Ak-Sar-Ben was formerly located on Center Street.
Family Laridae
Franklin's Gull. At a crop-field about 48th and Leavenworth Streets in May 1915; also historically at George lake. Gulls fly over Elmwood Park during migration season.
Common Tern. At a crop-field about 48th and Leavenworth Streets in May 1915.
Black Tern. In 1942 at George lake.
Family Columbidae
Rock Pigeon. Permanent resident scattered around central Omaha, including houses in the neighborhoods. Resident in 2002 at the Ready Mixed Concrete facility at 46th and Capitol Avenue; 50th Street at Dodge, Underwood Avenue and Cuming Street; around Dundee Elementary School; by the United Central Presbyterian Church at 55th and Leavenworth Street and atop the Bond Bread building at 4469 Farnam Street. Also at on the cleaner's building at Saddle Creek Road and Cuming Street and the Radial Social Hall and former foods store at 1516 Northwest Radial Highway.
Mourning Dove. Regular resident that nests at parks and throughout the central Omaha neighborhoods; current and historical nesting. Small flocks can occur in early autumn.
Family Cuculidae
Black-billed Cuckoo. At Elmwood Park in July 1915 and late-spring 1935.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Arrive in latter May to nest in the thick growth of the woods along the creeks; depart about mid-September.
Family Tytonidae
Barn Owl. One shot and carcass found at Elmwood Park in January 1922.
Family Strigidae
Eastern Screech-Owl. In the historic and current eras from December to February at Elmwood Park, on 51st street south of Dodge Street, and once at Brownell school grounds. Breeding birds on Douglas between 48th and 49th in 1938. Breeds to a limited extent in tree cavities in the area. Pair and four young in late June 2003 at the 5100 block of Nicholas street.
Great Horned Owl. Seasonal resident in late-winter to early spring at the park woods. A pair raised young in 1973 and 1974 at 50th and Howard, when there were plenty of rodents, according to neighborhood history. Fledgling in early July 2003 at Happy Hollow creek in Memorial park.
Snowy Owl. In November 1922 at the Happy Hollow golf course.
Barred Owl. Occasionally seen in winter and mid-spring at Elmwood Park and breeds; a fledgling owl present in late June 2003 at Shadow lake.
Long-eared Owl. Hidden in the coniferous trees of winter, in December and February at Elmwood Park in the early 1930s.
Family Caprimulgidae
Common Nighthawk. Summer breeding resident. Often heard overhead foraging for insects, especially near buildings with flat, gravel roofs (i.e., 50th and Dodge, 50th and Underwood, 52nd and Leavenworth) where they may nest.
FamilyApodidae
Chimney Swift. Summer resident, usually overhead at dusk foraging for insects. Breed in large chimneys of buildings; resident at 50th and Underwood Avenue, 4900 block of Dodge and United Central Presbyterian at 55nd and Leavenworth Street. Groups gather for the autumn migration above Memorial Park's grassy knoll and monuments at September's dusk.
Family Trochilidae
Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Rarely seen in late summer in the shrubby wood bottoms of the creek in Elmwood Park.
Family Alcedinidae
Belted Kingfisher. Occasionally forages along the creek or at the Elmwood Park pond. Inhabited a dirt bank from 1914-16 at Elmwood Park lake.
Family Picidae
Red-headed Woodpecker. Occasional resident in April to May and September to October.
Red-bellied Woodpecker. Regular resident through the year. A pair at a nest hole in a snag along the creek in May 2002, were driven off by starlings.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Present in winter season from late autumn to early spring.
Downy Woodpecker. Permanent resident that forages and nests in park and neighborhood trees.
Hairy Woodpecker. Regular resident from winter to early spring in the woods of Elmwood Park.
Northern Flicker. Permanent resident throughout the neighborhoods; nests in tree cavities.
Family Tyrannidae
Olive-sided Flycatcher. Occasional migrant in mid-spring and late summer.
Eastern Wood-Pewee. Nested historically and currently a regular summer resident.
Willow Flycatcher. Noted in May 1915.
Least Flycatcher. Summer breeding resident in the park.
Eastern Phoebe. Historically nested and currently a migrant at Elmwood Park.
Great Crested Flycatcher. Nested in 1915 and currently a regular seasonal migrant in the Elmwood Park woods.
Western Kingbird. Present in 1914 and nested in 1935. Vagrant at Holy Sepulchure Cemetery and north at Emile street and Saddle Creek Road in mid-June 2003.
Eastern Kingbird. Occasional migrant, especially in June and late summer. Would have historically nested.
Family Laniidae
Loggerhead Shrike. Present in March and August 1915, and nested 1915 through 1917.
Northern Shrike. One present in Elmwood Park in early January 1927.
Family Vireonidae
White-eyed Vireo. In May 1999 at Elmwood Park.
Bell's Vireo. In 1931 at 48th and Douglas streets area.
Yellow-throated Vireo. Once in May 1995.
Blue-headed Vireo. Regular May and September migrant.
Warbling Vireo. Noted historically and currently in May and June.
Red-eyed Vireo. Spring resident from late April through May; nested in 1915.
Family Corvidae
Blue Jay. Permanent resident that nests in trees throughout central Omaha.
Black-billed Magpie. Two eating thrown-about corn around 46th and 47th and California streets, and 47th and Izard streets in early October 1940.
American Crow. Permanent, common resident throughout the area; nests in suitable trees.
Family Alaudidae
Horned Lark. Migrant and historically nested in 1915 at Elmwood Park, in 1910 at the pasture-land of Happy Hollow; and raised young in 1915 at open ground of south Dundee Place.
Family Hirundinidae
Purple Martin. In 1931 skies over 48th and Douglas streets; in 1942 at George Lake.
Tree Swallow. In 1914 and 1916 at Elmwood Park; in 1942 at George Lake.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow. Migrant in May and June, foraging about water of the park pond.
Bank Swallow. In 1915 and 1935 at Elmwood Park.
Cliff Swallow. May and early June visitor.
Barn Swallow. Seasonal resident; nests at Elmwood Park and suitable places elsewhere, such as Dundee school.
Family Paridae
Black-capped Chickadee. Permanent resident that nests in the tree cavities throughout the area.
Tufted Titmouse. First Omaha record in mid-April 1918 at Elmwood Park. Seen in December 1932, November 1989 and 1991 in the woods at Elmwood Park.
Family Sittidae
Red-breasted Nuthatch. Seasonal resident from mid-September to early May.
White-breasted Nuthatch. Permanent resident heard in neighborhood and park trees. Expected to nest although no nesting record available.
Family Certhiidae
Brown Creeper. Resident from mid-December to early April; occasionally remain during the breeding season. Two nests produced young in recent years.
Family Troglodytidae
Carolina Wren. Historically in February 1931 along Happy Hollow creek. In early April and early September.
House Wren. Common breeding season resident in woody places throughout the neighborhood. Usually arrives by the first of May and departs about early October.
Winter Wren. Seen late November to early-February in the winter at Elmwood Park; especially at Shadow lake and near the old Botany Club springs.
Family Regulidae
Golden-crowned Kinglet. Late autumn to mid-spring visitor at Elmwood Park. Dates from latter October to mid-April.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Early autumn to mid-spring visitor at Elmwood Park. Dates from late October through April.
Family Sylviidae
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Migrant in April.
Family Turdidae
Eastern Bluebird. Nested historically but now only present as a May migrant.
Townsend's Solitaire. Two noted in early January 1920 at Elmwood Park.
Veery. May migrant historically and currently.
Gray-cheeked Thrush. Early to mid-May migrant.
Swainson's Thrush. Late-April to mid-May migrant.
Wood Thrush. Migrant in May; nested in 1915 at Elmwood Park.
American Robin. Common resident that breeds throughout the neighborhood. May be scarce in mid-winter.
Varied Thrush. Seen several times in a few day's period during latter April 1923 at Elmwood Park.
Family Mimidae
Gray Catbird. Arrive in mid-May each breeding season and nest in the shrubby undergrowth. Usually depart by the end of August. Nested historically.
Northern Mockingbird. Resident in 49-50th and Davenport-Dodge Streets area in late April to early May 1911.
Brown Thrasher. Arrive after mid-April for the breeding season and nest in the shrubby undergrowth of the parks. Usually depart by early autumn. A hearty bird may stay in winter weather. Historically nested also.
Family Sturnidae
European Starling. Permanent resident throughout central Omaha after their arrival in the state during the mid-1930s. No historic records known from the available bird information from the early 1930s.
Family Bombycillidae
Bohemian Waxwing. A dozen in November 1921 at Elmwood Park and other nearby wooded tracts.
Cedar Waxwing. Visitor mid-spring to mid-autumn; the Memorial Park trees with berries in the autumn are especially attractive.
Family Parulidae
Blue-winged Warbler. A single spring record.
Golden-winged Warbler. In 1991 and September 1997 in the trees at Elmwood Park.
Tennessee Warbler. Mid-May migrant in large trees of the park.
Orange-crowned Warbler. Spring and autumn migrant in wooded places.
Nashville Warbler. Late April and early May, and mid-September migrant.
Northern Parula. Seen once in May 1997.
Yellow Warbler. Arrive in early May to reside and nest along the creek in Elmwood Park. Nested historically.
Chestnut-sided Warbler. May migrant.
Magnolia Warbler. May migrant.
Yellow-rumped Warbler. Common migrant in April and latter October.
Black-throated Green Warbler. In April, May, August and September.
Blackburnian Warbler. Migrant during May.
Palm Warbler. In May 2000.
Blackpoll Warbler. May migrant.
Black-and-white Warbler. April, May, August and September migrant.
American Redstart. May and early June and late-August to mid-September migrant.
Prothonotary Warbler. Once in 1988.
Ovenbird. May migrant.
Northern Waterthrush. April and May migrant.
Mourning Warbler. Late May and early June migrant.
Common Yellowthroat. Arrive about mid-May. May possibly breed along the creeks?
Wilson's Warbler. May, August and early September migrant.
Canada Warbler. May migrant.
Yellow-breasted Chat. Once in May 1915.
Family Thraupidae
Scarlet Tanager. Late April to mid-May migrant.
Family Emberizidae
Spotted Towhee. Noted in January and April.
Eastern Towhee. Seasonal migrant, usually in the autumn. Nested historically in Elmwood Park. Formerly called the Rufous-sided Towhee, along with the Spotted Towhee.
American Tree Sparrow. Visitor from late October into February.
Chipping Sparrow. Arrive in April for a breeding season in among the pine trees.
Clay-colored Sparrow. Late April to mid-May visitor.
Field Sparrow. Migrant in April; historically nested in the park area when agricultural fields and pastures were part of the country.
Vesper Sparrow. In April 1916.
Lark Sparrow. In April 1915.
Savannah Sparrow. In April 1997.
Grasshopper Sparrow. In April 1915 and 1916 and spring 1989; formerly a summer breeding resident in historic grassland areas.
Fox Sparrow. Late October to mid-April migrant.
Song Sparrow. Late March to late April migrant. One January date.
Lincoln's Sparrow. Migrant in late March to mid-May; early October.
Swamp Sparrow. April migrant.
White-throated Sparrow. Arrives in latter autumn and typically present until late April, occasionally into mid-May.
Harris's Sparrow. Winter to mid-May resident.
White-crowned Sparrow. Winter resident and present until about mid-May.
Dark-eyed Junco. Winter to April resident.
Family Cardinalidae
Northern Cardinal. Permanent resident that nests in shrubby cover of the central Omaha neighborhoods.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak. May and early June and mid-September to mid-October migrant.
Lazuli Bunting. Once in May 1944.
Indigo Bunting. Mid-May to early June migrant.
Dickcissel. Historically in May 1914 and 1915 and August 1915 in Elmwood Park to Little Papillion creek area and probably would have nested in the area; in 1942 at George Lake.
Family Icteridae
Bobolink. In May 1915. Likely present in wet meadows once present along the Little Papillion creek.
Red-winged Blackbird. Present occasionally from late winter to early April, and late autumn. Historically at wetland habitat of George lake.
Eastern Meadowlark. Expected in July 1889 at Kruse's mill along Little Papillion creek; would have been present historically in wet meadows of the area.
Western Meadowlark. Historically present most of the year at former grassland areas.
Rusty Blackbird. Formerly at Lake George. April migrant at Elmwood Park vicinity.
Common Grackle. Arrive in late winter, usually by March and remain to nest; may remain through the winter.
Brown-headed Cowbird. Present by late April; placed eggs in nests of others species such as the towhee or yellow warbler that were breeding residents historically.
Orchard Oriole. May visitor. Would have once nested in the scattered trees of the country that is now Elmwood Park and Happy Hollow area.
Baltimore Oriole. Arrive early in May and nest each season in the wooded areas.
Family Fringillidae
Purple Finch. From late October through mid-May.
House Finch. Breeding season resident, noted in January, April and September; likely nests on the UNO campus and elsewhere. Not present historically.
Red Crossbill. December to mid-May resident. Nesting in Elmwood Park in April 1920.
White-winged Crossbill. Group of birds in 1915, and observed quite regularly from November 1969 to mid-March 1970.
Common Redpoll. Group in 1915 at Elmwood Park.
Pine Siskin. Resident from January to April, and December; nested in 1922 and 1933 at Elmwood Park.
American Goldfinch. Occurs throughout the year; may possibly nest in Elmwood Park.
Family Passeridae
House Sparrow. Permanent introduced resident, most prevalent around buildings and structures; nests in a variety of nooks and crannies. Small flocks gather in early autumn.
Pertinent References
Anonymous. 04/30/1916. Teachers Brave Rain to Go Bird Studying. Twenty-five Visit Elmwood Park, Led by Audubon Society Representatives. David Waterman Discovers Scarlet Tanager, First Seen There for Years. Omaha Sunday World-Herald 51(31): 1-N.
Anonymous: Miles Greenleaf and Billy Marsh. 02/11/1917. A Chickadee at Elmwood Appreciates a Convenient Larder. Omaha Sunday World-Herald 52(20): 1-M, 3-M. Includes two pictures of a chickadee at the suet feeder.
Bee writer. 08/26/1934. Birds of 33 Species Flock to Sanctuary in Elmwood Park. Attracted by New Pool and Feeding Mound. Six-Foot Wire Fence to Keep Out Animals - Observation Building Already in Use. Omaha Sunday Bee-News 64(11): 6-A. Includes three pictures of the features.
Ducey, James E. 04/08/2003. Birds of Elmwood Park, Happy Hollow and the Hills of Dundee. In: Chronicles of Wood Creek, Happy Hollow and the Hills of Dundee. Pages 96-103. Published by the Central Omaha Action League, April 2003.
Editor [possibly Miles Greenleaf]. 12/08/1918. Saving Nature's Wonders [Elmwood Park Work]. Omaha Sunday World-Herald 54(10): 8-E. A bird editorial.
Editor [possibly Miles Greenleaf]. 02/11/1917. Disconsolate Visitors [Robins at Elmwood and Bluebirds]. Omaha Sunday World-Herald 52(20): 4-E. A bird editorial.
Editor [possibly Miles Greenleaf]. 04/16/1916. Waxwings [Migratory Songsters at Elmwood Park]. Omaha Sunday World-Herald 51(29): 4-E. A bird editorial.
Editor [possibly Miles Greenleaf]. 03/02/1919. Sharpening the Ax [Tree Removal at Elmwood Park]. Omaha Sunday World-Herald 54(22): 6-E. A bird editorial.
Editor [possibly Miles Greenleaf]. 02/20/1916. Screech Owl Scandal [Elmwood Park]. Omaha Sunday World-Herald 51(21): 4-E. A bird editorial.
Editor [possibly Miles Greenleaf]. 01/20/1918. The Crown of Gold [Golden-crowned Kinglet at Elmwood Park]. Omaha Sunday World-Herald 53(16): 4-E. A bird editorial.
Editor [possibly Miles Greenleaf]. 01/28/1923. Bird's Noses [Crows and Elmwood Park Feeding Stations]. Omaha Sunday World-Herald 58(18): 6-E. A bird editorial.
Editor [possibly Miles Greenleaf]. 11/28/1920. The Elmwood Shrike Returns. Omaha Sunday World-Herald 56(9): 10-E. A bird editorial.
Editor [possibly Miles Greenleaf]. 04/29/1917. Ruthless Warfare in Birdland [Sharp-shinned Hawk in Elmwood Ravine]. Omaha Sunday World-Herald 52(31): 4-E. A bird editorial.
Editor [possibly Miles Greenleaf]. 03/04/1923. Purity [First Bluebird at Elmwood]. Omaha Sunday World-Herald 58(23): 8-E. A bird editorial.
Editor [possibly Miles Greenleaf]. 01/04/1920. A New Visitor [Townsend Solitaire at Elmwood Park]. Omaha Sunday World-Herald 55(14): 8-E. A bird editorial.
Greenleaf, Miles. 12/10/1940. Elmwood Sanctuary Bird Study "Blind" Destroyed by Fire. Dundee News 5(51): 1, 11.
Greenleaf, Miles. 10/11/1931. Bird Lore: [Winter Birds in Elmwood Park Area]. Omaha Sunday Bee-News 61(17): 4-B. Includes one picture.
Greenleaf, Miles. 01/17/1932. Bird Lore: [Winter Wren, Another Winter Stranger at Elmwood Park and Nesting Season Close at Ak-Sar-Ben]. Omaha Sunday Bee-News 61(31): 10-A.
Greenleaf, Miles. 11/29/1931. Bird Lore: [Redpoll at Elmwood Park and Winter Birds Near Ak-Sar-Ben]. Omaha Sunday Bee-News 61(24): 9-A.
Greenleaf, Miles. 05/31/1931. Bird Lore: [Field Sparrow and Towhee Nesting at Elmwood Park]. Omaha Sunday Bee-News 60(50): 7-C. Includes two pictures of nests, one at Elmwood Golf Course.
Greenleaf, Miles. 08/08/1915. Feats of Feathered Genius in the Wilds of Elmwood. Odd Habits of the Shiftless Cowbird, the Defense of a Bird Home Against the Squirrel, and the Ubiquity of the Horned Lark about Omaha. Did You Ever Find a Wood Pewee's Nest? Omaha Sunday World-Herald 50(45): 1-M. Includes five pictures of nests and four examples of mounted birds.
Greenleaf, Miles. 08/04/1918. Odd Feature of Birdland at Beautiful Elmwood. Where the Cowbird Invaded a Chewink's Home. Omaha Sunday World-Herald 53(44): 3-M. Includes a picture of a nest, and a picture of a towhee mount and a cow bird mount.
Griswold, Sandy, Mary Hillsworth, Emma Hillsworth, C.A. Mitchell and L.O. Horsky. 01/09/1927. New Year's Bird Census [at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Elmwood Park and Fontenelle Forest Reserve]. Omaha Sunday World-Herald 62(15): 4-S. Leaves from the Notebook of an Old Nature Student.
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