Newspaper Column Perspective on Bird-strikes Research

A column by Matthew Hansen was published in the front page of the Midlands Section of the morning edition of the Omaha World-Herald on December 27th. The article provided his point of view after we discussed this topic in mid-November, and while he was shown around downtown.

One point needing correction is that my records are maintained in a relational database, with a spreadsheet being of minimal use.

Thanks to Mr. Hansen for his interest in this endeavor, and for writing an article which was well received.

When we talked, I'd done 500 surveys, and since each meant about a ten mile bicycle ride, more than 5,000 miles are represented, with an unknown additional amount of mileage from many more days when no strike instances were found. The current count of survey dates is 501.

Current Content Summary for Ancient Avifauna Database

During this year, many new accomplishments were discovered in developing a database of records for wildbirds prior to 1885, and back at least 10,000 years for America northward of the Panama Canal.

The months have been wrought with many exciting finds, especially due to the wonderfully improved search capabilities provided by various newspaper search websites. Having worked with several of these, especially for the past two years, the options used to find pertinent material has improved by an awareness of the subtleties of pertinent text search options. Even in the ending weeks of this year, alternative options has meant finding articles not discovered previously.

There are several notable highlights of this relational database, which is only available on my personal computer, which thankfully continues to hum along in its incomparable manner. Praise to this machine and ever-working software!!

Especially notable details, as taken from the database tables, are:

• Bibliography: the number of distinct citations surpassed 8,000 on December 17, 2013; a few more have been added since then, so the extent continues to expand; this includes 4335 articles or mentions from historic newspapers. Each item is a distinct citation with all of the appropriate details so the item could be readily referenced if it needed to be found at its original source by some researcher with such an interest. The Passenger Pigeon is represented by more than 1200 newspaper records, along with many other publications. A few of the other species mentioned often by paper sources include the Greater Prairie Chicken, Bald Eagle and Canada Goose.
• BirdRecords: 147777 records on December 20, 2013; this includes more than 7900 from newspaper sources, dating back to the year 1675. There are nearly three hundred species denoted by newspaper sources.
• SitesList: more than 14,000 localities; there are duplicate entries for primary sites, because when this table was first devised, it included a temporal aspect. The intent was to differentiate the time of record so a db query could convey when a site was denoted as a comparative feature. This aspect has changed, so there has been a limited refinement for designating distinct sites. Perhaps at some point, there could be an exquisite revision to get the number of places to where the sites prevail in a manner most-suited to geo-coding.
• BirdSpecies: there are records for 1728 distinct species in this database, based on world-wide taxonomy presented by the International Ornithological Committee, a year or so ago.
• GameBirdMarketPrices: more than 14,200 records from many different urban places. This source of information on wildbirds in the market is a surprisingly rich source of details for bird history. In just the past few weeks, an interesting perspective was prepared for the Cairo, Ill. market, along with — of course — other bird notations in the Cairo Bulletin. There are more known sources that will eventually be reviewed and integrated
• HistoricNarratives: more than 1440 narrative sources, representing journals, diaries or other writings which represent original sources by travelers into various lands as associated with some endeavor or another. Many may convey few bird records, but they are certainly interesting reading since they convey a perspective of particular thought and view for an obviously distinct time and place.

There are certainly other topics that could be considered. It would be easy to pick and choose, but why can't the original details be presented in their entirety online for others with a birdly interest to present their own perspective?

A seeming indifference is obvious. There are web places which have historic bird records, but nothing which conveys details which this effort — which is a based upon a personal initiative — represents.

Work on this project was initiated in 1996. Material which has been posted here on Wildbirds Broadcasting is only a skim of the overall material which has been gathered.

There is so much more than could be derived from the multitude of records, perhaps:

1. Historic distribution for so many species;
2. Details of season chronology;
3. Significant places for birds more than 100 years ago;
4. People and places which represent the history of wildbirds, especially in North America;
5. Distinct places where birds gathered, including the nesting places and roosts of Passenger Pigeons and other species;
6. Factual details essential for any comparison of historic versus modern-era occurrence.

What if the details could be indicated by an online map, with options to compare when and where? It is the particulars which are so indicative ... and the end is nowhere in sight. There have been a bunch of grey eagle occurrences only recently noted. What is with the shooting of the blue herons? When does the shooting of a cat owl mean a Great Horned Owl or a Long-eared Owl?

Its in the details, with the past year providing so many unexpected details from one place or another, that 2014 will be a chance to add more records of long-forgotten pertinence.

It will soon be another new year to continue an appreciate the history of wildbirds. Maybe in 2014 their historic legacy will get more attention and recognition of this significance. And may their presence continue to be a common theme in one or another newspaper, as it has and does occur among the lower 48 states of the United States of America.

The Blue Bird - Poetry from Pennsylvania

Know ye a note in all the year

So pleasant as the blue bird's song,

When some bright morning, calm and clear

He greets us as he flits along? —

 

Or, as on some tall tree he rests,

And warbles forth his clear wild notes,

So startling and so sweet, as blest

While on the air his music floats?

 

Yet blessing more, the woodman strong

Welcomes him with his upturned eyes,

As brighter visions swiftly throng

Before him at the glad surprise;

 

Visions of longer, brighter days;

Of buds, and flowers, and leafy grove,

Where many joyous roundelays

Proclaim the almighty power of love.

 

Herald of spring, we welcome thee :

The first of all returned to make

Our forests vocal! — would that we

Thus by the forelock time might take :

 

For precious moments quickly pass,

And seasons swiftly glide along

Unmarked as grows the humble grass,

And transient as the wild-bird's song.

 

"Up and be doing!" — we will take

The lesson thou so well dost teach,

And in our duties strive to make

Sweet music, though we may not reach

 

Thy joyous heights, yet we may bear

Thy happy spirit in our hearts,

And from the clouded brow of care

Disperse the footprints and the darts.

 

Still warble on, sweet bird, thy song

Inspires me more than many lays;

Still let it float our woods among,

The prophecy of brighter days.

 

And when from every tree and bush

Thy brother songsters fill the air,

Let thy sweet voice be heard at blush

Of morning, and at evening fair;

 

For midst them all no sweeter tone

Floats upward than thy gentle song,

And I would give to thee thy own

Full share of praise our birds among!

May 6, 1863. The blue bird. Raftsman's Journal 9(36): 1.

Update on Management of Natural Area by Levi Carter Park

An update on activities was posted today in Nancy's Almanac at the local newspaper website. The article is titled: "Omaha rehabilitates nature area at pond" and conveys recent cleanup effort and the removal of the unwanted concrete block structure.

So progress continues to be made on the improvement of this site for local fauna and flora.

Singular Mystery Bird of Southern Illinois

On Sunday of last week a novelty in the bird line was killed in Illinois, opposite Mound City by a man named Harney, of that city. The Cairo Democrat says: It is larger than the ostrich, and weighs one hundred and four pounds. The body of this wonderful bird is covered with snow white down, and its head is of a fiery red. The wings, of deep black, measure fifteen feet from tip to tip, and the bill, of a yellow color, twenty-four inches. Its legs are slender and sinewy, pea green in color, and measure forty-eight inches in length. One of the feet resembles that of a duck, and the other that of a turkey. Mr. Harney shot it at a distance of one hundred yards, from the topmost branch of a dead tree, where it was perched, preying upon a full sized sheep that it had carried from the ground.

This strange species of bird, which is said to have existed extensively during the days of the mastodon, is almost entirely extinct — the lasts one having been seen in the State of New York during the year 1812. Potter has it on exhibition in his office at Mound City. Its flight across the town and river was witnessed by hundreds of citizens.

September 7, 1868. A singular bird. Reading Daily Eagle 1(191): 1. From the Cairo Democrat.

---

Details on this report were also given in "Myths and Mysteries of Illinois: True Stories of the Unsolved and Unexplained" by Richard Moreno. The name given in that article was James Henry, and indicated the bird was killed on September 22, 1868. This source says the bird was killed by Cairo, according to the details attributed to research by Mark Hall, author of "Thunderbirds: America's Living Legends of Giant Birds."

At least the Reading eagle reissued the article, since there is no known online source for the Cairo Democrat, where the article was initially published.

This is an interesting bit of a story associated with bird history, and it was posted simply to convey this aspect for it is certainly unique, historic folklore.

Bird History From Newspapers at Cairo, Illinois

Located at the juncture of two mighty river, Cairo, is a place that will forever be unique as river city. On the east side was the great Ohio River, with the mighty Mississippi River to the west, with their juncture a short distance southward at the tip of Illinois.

Among the sources indicating particulars about birds in this vicinity during the latter 1860s and at least through 1884, the local newspaper pages added particularly pertinent details. There were four variations of the Cairo Bulletin from 1868 to 1884:

» Cairo Evening Bulletin; 1868-1870

» Cairo Daily Bulletin; 1870-1872

» Cairo Bulletin, including daily and weekly editions; 1872-1878; and,

» Daily Cairo Bulletin; available from 1878 through 1884.

There were only a few anecdotal reports of bird occurrence, especially during migration or as a result of hunting outings. Most distinctly, the Cairo Bulletin reported provisions available in the city market, and this included game.

Bird Reports

These notes were typically in the local news column, or indicated by a paragraph or two giving the basic details.

One of the first reports was in December 1869, when the paper's editor opined that young boys should not be shooting pigeons resident in the city. These birds were a nuisance, but "boys are not the proper parties to abate the nuisance," he said. The shooting was "reckless" and one load of shot struck the window of a Walnut street residence. The anti-pigeon screed continued with a comment that the "pigeons that sit and coo and so forth on the roofs of the houses of the city, innocent beauties though they are, should be cooked." One of the problems due to their presence was spoiling the water in cisterns.

This topic continued to be of concern, as mentioned again in August 1883, when screens were placed over belfry openings at the Arab engine-house. The first night as birds tried to return to their usual roost, they hit the barriers, some broke their necks and fell dead. "Some of the Arab boys had pigeon pie for every meal for two or three days in succession," the news item indicated.

In October, 1875, there were some interesting reports in the first two weeks of the month: 1). two hundred boxes of wild pigeons were at the express office, waiting shipment; and a few days later, large flocks of wild pigeons seen flying over the city. 2) During the same period, on every day, great flocks of cranes fly over the city.

During February in 1875, and then again in 1878, the arrival of the eastern bluebird was noted.

Two notable reports, were the killing of two pelicans back of the slaughter house by huntsman Joes Campbell. The similar event happened days apart (May 31 and June 3, 1882), and in both instances the carcass was sold for mounting. The first carcass was bought by Joseph Steagala, and the second by Louis Herbert.

Quail occurring within the city-scape were reported in October, 1877 and January 1884 when "their plaintive notes made pedestrians strain their necks in search of them," it was reported in the "General Local Items" feature.

These are some examples of local bird history that were found by searching the available newspaper issues.

Game Market

The numerous market reports are the most prevalent source for bird history at this place. An initial report is available from December, 1868 and then intermittently through December 1884. Details reported were basically the commodity and the cost -- usually per dozen -- with some reports of the number which were sold.

Reports of commodities in the market were brief. As for game, the details were basically the commodity and its cost, and less often the number sold.

One of the first reports in the Cairo Bulletin indicated these particulars for December 21, 1868:

• wild turkeys per dozen, $7.00 @ 9.00
• wild geese per dozen, $5.50 @ 6.00
• wild ducks per dozen, $2.00 @ 2.50
• prairie chickens per dozen, $4.00
• quails per dozen, $1.75 @ 2.00

By the end of the month, there was a brisk market:

"The game market of Cairo was never better supplied. Rabbits, squirrel, quail, venison, turkey and geese hang from the walls of nearly every provision store in the city."

The reporting continued in a similar manner, associated with more than one hundred distinct records for numerous distinct dates.

Starting in December 1870, the price summary included the number sold, for example: "quail are plenty and demand is nominal, $1.20 @ 1.25; 204 dozen." Occasionally mixed lots of quails and squirrels, or rabbits and quails, were sold.

Weather was a factor in the availability of game. If temperatures were too warm, spoilage would be a problem. On December 31, 1877, the market summary said: "Game. There is very little of any kind arriving. The weather is too warm to handle it." A similar situation is indicated for January 17, 1879, when despite 350 dozen quails (4,200 birds) priced at 35, 40 or 45 cents, there was the admonishment that the "market is overstocked and very dull; weather is too warm. On the 28th of the same month, there was "very little in market and less wanted."

An indication of the seasonality of the market was given on a couple of occasions:

» December 4, 1872: "Game - very little game comes in except deer. Prairie chickens and quails would fine ready sale at previous quotations."

» November 16, 1880: "Game - has made appearance in market, but not yet in sufficient quantities to be quotable." The harvest of the wild birds had not yet begun in earnest.

In addition to purchase for home consumption, large lots were certainly sent to other markets via the railroad, or perhaps aboard a steamboat.

Game was also featured at local eateries.

A tempting layout was appreciably noted in October 1874, leading the editor to write:

"We saw in Louis Herbert's show window yesterday, what? Quail, four lines of fish, pheasants, extra porterhouse steaks, shell oysters, pigeons -- and what more could a well regulated appetite crave? And thus it is, at Herbert's always."

The special Thanksgiving meal at the St. Charles Hotel in 1877 was indicated in its entirety, indicating the soups, boiled meats, roasts, game (wild turkeys, mallard ducks and canvasback ducks), entries, vegetables, relishes, pastry and desert. The meal was such a success, an epicure in attendance penned his perspective for the paper, indicating it was a "full game dinner in every sense of the word."

There was also a game dinner at the Arlington Hotel on the 1st and 15th of each month from mid-November until the game season closed.

A notice in mid-August 1881 issues indicated that though the game season did not open until August 15th, Wood Duck and prairie chickens were already available at Avinger and Tharp's establishment next to the City National Bank.

There obviously was a large number of dates when birds were available for purchase at times, as indicated by these details, indicating the minimum cost of purchase. The upper range of prices was usually 50 cents more.

Market Item Date	Canada Goose	Mallard	Passenger Pigeon	Wild Turkey	Greater Prairie Chicken	Northern Bobwhite	Ruffed Grouse
12/21/1868	$5.50	2.00	- -	7.00	4.00	1.75	- -
12/31/1868	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1.00	- -
01/08/1869	5.50	2.00	- -	7.00	4.00	1.60	- -
01/18/1869	5.50	2.00	- -	7.00	4.00	1.60	- -
02/10/1870	- -	2.20	- -	9.00	4.00	1.50	- -
12/29/1870	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.00	1.20	- -
01/26/1871	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1.50	- -
11/16/1871	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1.10	- -
01/18/1872	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1.25	- -
01/24/1872	- -	- -	- -	- -	4.00	1.00	- -
02/04/1872	- -	- -	- -	- -	4.50	1.25	- -
02/10/1872	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1.25	- -
02/14/1872	- -	- -	- -	- -	4.50	1.00	- -
11/13/1872	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1.50	- -
12/16/1872	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1.25	- -
12/30/1872	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1.00	- -
01/02/1873	- -	- -	- -	- -	4.00	1.00	- -
01/06/1873	- -	- -	- -	- -	4.00	1.00	- -
01/09/1873	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.50	- -
01/27/1873	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1.25	- -
12/04/1873	- -	- -	- -	- -	3.00	1.00	- -
12/08/1873	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1.00	- -
12/18/1873	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.75	- -
12/22/1873	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1.00	- -
12/29/1873	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.75	- -
01/08/1874	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1.00	- -
01/12/1874	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.75	- -
12/03/1874	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.75	- -
12/07/1874	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.75	- -
12/14/1874	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.75	- -
12/17/1874	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.75	- -
12/28/1874	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.75	- -
12/31/1874	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.75	- -
01/10/1875	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1.00	- -
01/16/1875	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1.00	- -
11/25/1875	- -	- -	- -	0.50	3.50	1.25	- -
12/20/1875	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1.00	3.00
12/07/1876	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.85	- -
12/14/1876	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1.00	- -
01/08/1877	- -	1.75	- -	- -	- -	0.75	- -
11/15/1877	- -	1.25	- -	- -	- -	75.00	- -
11/22/1877	- -	1.25	- -	- -	- -	0.75	- -
11/26/1877	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.75	- -
11/29/1877	- -	- -	- -	0.60	- -	- -	- -
12/03/1877	- -	1.50	- -	- -	- -	1.00	- -
12/13/1877	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.90	- -
12/17/1877	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.80	- -
01/10/1878	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.80	- -
01/14/1878	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.75	- -
12/03/1878	4.50	1.50	- -	- -	3.00	0.50	- -
01/14/1879	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.40	- -
01/17/1879	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.40	- -
01/28/1879	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	0.50	- -
04/29/1880	- -	- -	- -	0.00	- -	0.00	- -
11/25/1880	- -	- -	- -	0.60	- -	1.25	- -
12/02/1880	- -	- -	- -	0.40	- -	0.60	- -
01/17/1881	- -	- -	- -	0.40	- -	1.00	- -
01/02/1882	- -	- -	0.50	- -	- -	1.00	- -
01/05/1882	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1.00	- -
01/09/1882	- -	- -	0.50	- -	- -	1.00	- -
12/21/1882	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1.20	- -
01/04/1883	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	1.20	- -
11/19/1883	- -	- -	- -	6.00	- -	1.00	- -
12/03/1883	- -	1.50	- -	6.00	- -	1.00	- -
12/24/1883	- -	1.00	- -	6.00	- -	1.00	- -
01/07/1884	- -	1.50	- -	- -	- -	0.75	- -
11/20/1884	- -	1.50	- -	0.50	- -	1.00	- -
12/04/1884	- -	1.50	- -	0.50	- -	1.00	- -
12/29/1884	- -	1.50	- -	0.75	- -	1.00	- -

What is surprising in these details is the relative few species mentioned. With the expected prevalence of different types of geese in the area, it would seem that they would be more prevalent in the market offerings. Woodcock, snipe and plover were not even mentioned. Nothing is given for a variety of other birds, such as reed birds or even song birds which were noted often for other large markets such as New York City or Chicago.

Passenger Pigeons would seemingly have been more prevalent than market records convey.

To a lesser extent, the number sold was also indicated by the newspaper reports, as summarized in this table, where the listing indicated a value in dozens, has been converted to a whole number.

Market Item Date	Mallard	Passenger Pigeon	Wild Turkey	Greater Prairie Chicken	Northern Bobwhite	Ruffed Grouse
12/31/1868	- -	- -	- -	- -	120	- -
12/29/1870	- -	- -	- -	- -	2508	- -
01/26/1871	- -	- -	- -	- -	164	- -
11/16/1871	- -	- -	- -	- -	120	- -
01/18/1872	- -	- -	- -	- -	120	- -
01/24/1872	- -	- -	- -	- -	216	- -
02/04/1872	- -	- -	- -	60	- -	- -
02/10/1872	- -	- -	- -	- -	60	- -
02/14/1872	- -	- -	- -	48	480	- -
11/13/1872	- -	- -	- -	- -	120	- -
12/30/1872	- -	- -	- -	- -	240	- -
01/02/1873	- -	- -	- -	120	480	- -
01/06/1873	- -	- -	- -	120	600	- -
01/09/1873	- -	- -	- -	- -	480	- -
12/22/1873	- -	- -	- -	- -	60	- -
12/29/1873	- -	- -	- -	- -	480	- -
01/12/1874	- -	- -	- -	- -	300	- -
12/03/1874	- -	- -	- -	- -	420	- -
12/07/1874	- -	- -	- -	- -	720	- -
12/14/1874	- -	- -	- -	- -	600	- -
12/17/1874	- -	- -	- -	- -	600	- -
12/31/1874	- -	- -	- -	- -	240	- -
11/25/1875	- -	- -	- -	- -	240	- -
12/20/1875	- -	- -	- -	- -	600	60
12/07/1876	- -	- -	- -	- -	240	- -
12/14/1876	- -	- -	- -	- -	360	- -
01/08/1877	- -	- -	- -	- -	96	- -
11/15/1877	48	- -	- -	- -	60	- -
11/22/1877	48	- -	- -	- -	60	- -
11/26/1877	- -	- -	- -	- -	36	- -
11/29/1877	- -	- -	20	- -	- -	- -
12/03/1877	60	- -	- -	- -	36	- -
12/13/1877	- -	- -	- -	- -	360	- -
12/17/1877	- -	- -	- -	- -	360	- -
01/10/1878	- -	- -	- -	- -	300	- -
01/14/1878	- -	- -	- -	- -	240	- -
01/14/1879	- -	- -	- -	- -	6600	- -
01/17/1879	- -	- -	- -	- -	4200	- -
01/28/1879	- -	- -	- -	- -	600	- -
01/02/1882	- -	180	- -	- -	240	- -
01/05/1882	- -	- -	- -	- -	240	- -
01/09/1882	- -	240	- -	- -	240	- -
12/21/1882	- -	- -	- -	- -	240	- -
01/04/1883	- -	- -	- -	- -	600	- -

The Northern Bobwhite were obviously the greatest number of birds sold in the local market during this period, especially during January, 1879. It must have been amazing to see a few thousand of this birds being bargained over, with the seller wanting the best price, and the buyer wanting a lower price.

What is missing in the market reports, is the source of the game that was shipped to the Cairo the market. Obviously the number of quail had to have been taken from a large region and by many market hunters.

Aerial Perspective of Cairo, 1885. From Wikipedia

Birds of the Cairo Vicinity

A nice variety of birdlife for this area of southern Illinois can be conveyed to a greater extent, by including details from an article published by E.W. Nelson in 1877 and a note by Robert Ridgway issued in 1880.

» Northern Bobwhite » Wild Turkey » Greater Prairie Chicken » Greater White-fronted Goose » Canada Goose » Wood Duck » Green Heron » Great Blue Heron » Great Egret » Reddish Egret » Little Blue Heron » Snowy Egret » American White Pelican » Anhinga » Turkey Vulture » Swallow-tailed Kite » Mississippi Kite » Red-shouldered Hawk » Red-tailed Hawk » American Kestrel » Sandhill Crane » Killdeer » Spotted Sandpiper » Ruddy Turnstone » Least Tern » Long-tailed Jaeger » Rock Dove » Passenger Pigeon » Mourning Dove » Yellow-billed Cuckoo » Chimney Swift » Belted Kingfisher

» Red-headed Woodpecker » Red-bellied Woodpecker » Downy Woodpecker » Hairy Woodpecker » Pileated Woodpecker » Acadian Flycatcher » Great Crested Flycatcher » Red-eyed Vireo » Blue Jay » American Crow » Carolina Chickadee » Tufted Titmouse » Sand Martin » Purple Martin » Northern Rough-winged Swallow » Barn Swallow » American Cliff Swallow » Blue-grey Gnatcatcher » White-breasted Nuthatch » Eastern Bluebird » Wood Thrush » Ovenbird » Black-and-white Warbler » Prothonotary Warbler » Tennessee Warbler » Nashville Warbler » Kentucky Warbler » Common Yellowthroat » Baltimore Oriole » Common Grackle » Bobolink » Chipping Sparrow » Field Sparrow » Lark Sparrow » Summer Tanager » Northern Cardinal

There are a few previous records from the 1840s — including some associated with the 1843 Audubon expedition up the Missouri River — that also contribute to the heritage and distinct history associated with the birds of Cairo.

Grebes of Autumn at Missouri River Locales

Grebes regularly occur at water areas along the Missouri River, so surveys can readily indicate their occurrence. During the 2013 autumn, regular surveys at three places, along with intermittent visits to a fourth site provide the details to evaluate where the Pied-billed Grebe, Horned Grebe and Western Grebe were seen. The results are an indication of watery places these birds appreciate.

Results are summarized for these places:

• Desoto NWR: records from weekly counts of waterfowl, with some gaps in reporting due to the government shutdown during first two weeks of October
• Carter Lake, including Kiwanis Park: from regular, inclusive surveys by a local birder with intent
• Lake Manawa: as indicated by irregular visits by Nebraska and Iowa bird watchers
• Squaw Creek NWR: records gathered during weekly counts of waterfowl by refuge staff.

A couple of other records are not included since there were so few visits, notably at Offutt Base Lake. There are certainly other places worth mentioning which have no recognition in the chronicles.

These sites are where records are known, but there are undoubtedly more occurrences of these three species along the river valley within the region, including possibly at Lewis and Clark State Park and associated Blue Lake SWA, Forneys Lake at Boyer Chute NWR, Big Lake Park near Council Bluffs, the Great Marsh at Fontenelle Forest near Bellevue, and Forney Lake SWA, also in Iowa. Especially lacking is any information available for the numerous mitigation sites, with water habitats, created by the Corps of Engineers.

Pied-billed Grebe

This diminutive sort of grebe appreciates numerous floodplain spaces. Often seen, but maybe less indiccated among by birdly reports, the results do indicate its regular ocurrence during the autumn weeks of 2013, as presented in this summary table.

This is the most widespread grebe along the river. The only other site where noted during autumn, besides the places in the following list, was one occurrence at Offutt Base Lake.

Date	Desoto District	Carter Lake District	Manawa District	Squaw Creek District
09/02/2013	- -	22	- -	- -
09/13/2013	- -	26	- -	- -
09/21/2013	- -	200	- -	- -
09/22/2013	- -	156	- -	- -
09/24/2013	- -	- -	- -	31
09/26/2013	7	- -	- -	- -
09/29/2013	- -	73	- -	- -
10/07/2013	- -	63	- -	- -
10/13/2013	- -	150	- -	- -
10/14/2013	- -	- -	80	- -
10/18/2013	6	- -	- -	- -
10/20/2013	- -	73	- -	- -
10/21/2013	- -	- -	- -	59
10/24/2013	- -	- -	13	- -
10/25/2013	- -	- -	- -	0
10/27/2013	- -	85	- -	- -
10/28/2013	- -	- -	- -	42
10/29/2013	1	- -	- -	- -
11/02/2013	- -	- -	0	- -
11/04/2013	- -	- -	- -	34
11/07/2013	- -	57	- -	- -
11/10/2013	- -	65	- -	- -
11/13/2013	- -	- -	- -	17
11/14/2013	- -	33	- -	- -
11/18/2013	- -	32	- -	- -
11/19/2013	- -	- -	- -	28
11/25/2013	- -	- -	- -	3

The waters of Carter Lake have obviously been the best place to observe these little grebes, floating and diving among the waters and below the surface. Despite the "lake grooming" done by two vegetation harvesters during the 2013 growing season, as well as an increasing occurrence of deleterious common carp, the lake does still continue to be attractive to this species.

Horned Grebe

This species was reported only at Carter Lake and Lake Manawa, during the several weeks' extent of time being considered.

Date	Carter Lake District	Manawa District
10/06/2013	- -	2
10/14/2013	- -	2
10/17/2013	- -	5
10/20/2013	- -	23
10/24/2013	- -	10
10/30/2013	- -	6
11/02/2013	- -	0
11/10/2013	1	- -
11/14/2013	1	- -

The Horned Grebe has been seen at many other locales along the river floodplain including Offutt Base Lake, and even ephemeral habitat at the LaPlatte Bottoms, to indicate a couple of examples.

Western Grebe

Date	Carter Lake District	Manawa District
10/20/2013	- -	1
11/10/2013	1	- -
11/14/2013	1	- -

Since A.D. 2000, this fish-eating species has only been reported from the Missouri river floodplain at these two sites, as well as Forney Lake SWA (when noted in May 2001).

Grebe habitat is an essential part of the Missouri River valley. These results convey the importance of a few places associated with the river, whilst there may be other places which are among the places which these species appreciate, yet unknown. No one knows what birds occur at these places because no one goes to these places.