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20 May 2013

Bird Window-strike Number 1500 in Douglas County

Window-strike number 1500, based upon personally gathered records,was found the morning of May 19, 2013 at the CenturyLink Center Omaha, Douglas County. It was a male Common Yellowthroat at the north-facing entry near the south end of the west side of this building. While processing details of the scene, including the particulars for a disabled waterthrush less than three feet distant, another impact upon the glass was subtly heard and within a couple of moments, there was another stricken yellowthroat. A female yellowthroat landed within 24 inches of where the male bird was lying dead. The second yellowthroat was disabled at the time, so was moved to a safe place to facilitate recovery, and upon checking about 30 minutes later, it was gone, hopefully to a better place? While the waterthrush was also later recovering, and while making its way, it got chased by a predominant American Robin, apparently because the larger bird had its territory and did not want any intruders. The confrontation certainly made recovery more stressful for the waterthrush.

Male Common Yellowthroat fatality at the CenturyLink Center Omaha.

Disabled Louisiana Waterthrush at the CenturyLink Center Omaha.

Disabled female Common Yellowthroat at the CenturyLink Center Omaha.

Elsewhere during the early morning, another yellowthroat mortality was found at the south wall of the Holland Performing Arts Center, just west of the fourth column from the east. It was also a female that had been making its way northward to find a mate, lay some eggs and raise some young. That intent was drastically ended.

There have been 162 known window-strikes associated with the Common Yellowthroat in eastern Omaha. The overall tally of this endeavor indicates that the only species "impacted more" has been the Lincoln's Sparrow, with 165 instances. Next atop the tally is the Purple Martin, with 98, and then the Nashville Warbler with more than 85 instances, if numbers might be of interest?

During the morning outing this disabled Red-eyed Vireo was noted at the Central Park Plaza. The bird subsequently died. Notice how the bird is obviously suffering due to it hitting glass of the north tower.