Continual Deaths of Wildbirds Among Omaha Buildings

Misery and death for hundreds of birds continues unabated among the buildings in downtown Omaha, along the Missouri River in Nebraska.

On October 12, 2012 it was expressed once again on the 400th instance of personally documenting birds striking building windows. It was another chilly morning, when in the pre-dawn dark, a bicycle was ridden eastward up and down the hills, while avoiding incessant traffic to go around to sites where birds suffer or have met their untimely demise.

This particular Friday morning, four strike instances were found along the route of discovery:

1: a disabled Lincoln's Sparrow at the north-facing entry towards the south end of the west side of the Qwest/CenturyLink Center Omaha; it was during the time before 7 a.m., but it had already recovered enough to fly away before it could be photographed;

2: a disabled Hermit Thrush, sitting below an expanse of windows on the west of the Gottschalk Freedom Center, a building of the Omaha World-Herald newspaper; it was not bobbing its tail while recovering from being knocked senseless at the glass, and was stationary enough that pictures were easily taken;

3: a bit further along at the same buildings' wall of glass was a dead Grasshopper Sparrow at its southern end; this bit of bird-life was going south but its fate was as a carcass in the River City environs; and

4: a dead Orange-crowned Sparrow, mostly flattened by the entryway on the east side of the empty Law Building; someone had stepped upon the carcass, already dead upon the sidewalk.

Window strikes occur on a regular, recurring basis in Omaha. Since May 1, 2008, on a day of a slightly significant instance for another purpose, whence upon a bicycle ride about, there were dead birds on the downtown sidewalks. The result was and has been an exodus of investigation.

Following the results of the most recent outing of these times, there are 1376 records available which document window-strikes associated with 99 different species, for 178 different dates at 84 different buildings. And these are just the known instances.

The words of one sentence are quite insignificant in regards to the actuality of what has happened, again and again. Oh, and again.

The Common Yellowthroat and Lincoln's Sparrow are, sadly, represented in the tally more than any other species, since as of mid-October, for each species, there have been 150 known window-strike instances for the two species. Following in significance on the depictive list are the Purple Martin, Nashville Warbler and Common Grackle.

Every window-strike, especially when the result is a bird death, is a significant tragedy, mostly unknown. In the past five years, it has been an endeavor of discovery, which has been presented with a burden and has meant a focus of documenting the window strikes. So these instances have not been forgotten.

This commentary is based upon findings of 1456 particular records of window-strikes in Douglas County and Lancaster County (Lincoln) in Nebraska, where the initial realization of this sordid fate for unsuspecting wildbirds, started one morning at the latter place.

Every impact has been a tragedy of significance. Any sense of significance seems to depend upon an individual's perspective. Some building owners continue to resort to subterfuge and indifference to hid what is happening. At a couple of buildings, efforts have been taken to reduce any strike occurrence. Many others simply are not aware the features of their building are hazardous.

Mid-week, there had been an expectation for strike instances on the morning of the 10th day of October, but none were found. The situation was similar on the 11th, along the typical route. Thankfully there are days when no disabled or dead birds are found. These mornings of nothing convey that surveys have been done on many more than four hundred days.

Conditions in downtown Omaha cause an extensive and ongoing extent of window-strikes. And there are certainly other records, undocumented due to particular efforts to remove strike occurrences, especially now at the Holland Performing Arts Center, and formerly at the Qwest/CenturyLink Center Omaha.

It is an ongoing tragedy of the commons. It has been my privilege to recognize the misery, respond in favor of the birds, and to advocate for changes which might mean fewer tragedies at the glass.

There have been no other efforts to investigate the urban-scape to determine the extent of window strikes by birds.

The situation at Omaha is an ongoing tragedy of bird misery, and it being ignored is the second tragedy, as there are options, which need to be considered in a focused manner where there can be results for the birds, because though they have their own voice and expression, it seems to be mostly ignored by people that might make a difference.

Plantings to Enhance Creeks along Happy Hollow

A large variety of trees and shrubs are being planted along Happy Hollow Boulevard by Omaha Parks, Recreation and Public Property.

Eric Gustafson planting along Happy Hollow Creek. October 11, 2012.

The plantings will "help mitigate for the vegetation we had to remove for the creek repair work," said Pat Slaven, a planner with the city department. "I specified smaller plant material that come in grow bags and allow for a healthier root system, but which also allows a larger variety of species."

Included in the variety of 60 trees and 90 shrubs to be planted, are Buckeye, Horsechestnut, Serviceberry, Chokeberry, Pawpaw, Shagbark Hickory, Gray Dogwood, Hazelnut, Wild Plum, Elderberry, and a couple types of Viburnums, as well as Catalpa, Goldenrain Tree, Japanese Tree Lilac and Tuliptree.

"The plants were selected for wildlife value - food, habitat, etc. - as well as to provide a diverse range of color, texture and interest when viewed from Happy Hollow Boulevard," Slaven said.

The first plants were put in place on October 11, by Jensen Gardens, and they will finish this work on October 15-16th.

Some of the unusual species included in the variety, and not typically planted are Goldenrain Tree and Pawpaw, Eric Gustafson explained as he worked along Happy Hollow Creek. "All of the species at Nebraska hardy," and appropriate for growing in the area.

Most of the plants will be placed along this creek, with the others at one spot along Wood Creek, at the Elmwood Park ravine.

Once the plants get established, they will provide seasonal variation in flowering, leaf coloration and texture, Gustafson also indicated.

The cost of project was about $15,000 including two years of maintenance by the contractor, Slaven said.

Maintenance will include watering as appropriate and "touching up the mulch" as needed, Gustafson said.

This funding is in addition to the costs of the recent project to stabilize the creek banks.

A Cloak of Partridge Feathers

An Ulster county (N.Y.) demoiselle is engaged in making a cloak entirely of partridge feathers. In it will be at least 10,000 feathers of different sizes, the lower portion of the cloak being made of the tail feathers and then ranging up. The breast feathers come next, while the variegated plumage around the neck of the bird will encircle the white throat of the lady. It will require about 100 partridges to fill out the regular course of feathers which are planed in layers similar to the way in which they grow on the bird. The birds are shot by her brother, who [unknown word] over whenever she wants them, only asking that she will nicely cook what is left for himself to line his epig natrium.

December 28, 1876. New Philadelphia Democrat 37(52): 1. Article transcribed from a tepid online presentation, with word details that could not be determined.

Bird Feather Cloak Displayed at St. Louis

They have on exhibition in St. Louis a cloak made of the feathers of quail, prairie chickens, and wild ducks. There are said to be 38,880 feathers, and each feather has from five to eight stitches. It took a lady nearly seven months to make it, and she values it at $500.

December 18, 1878. Petersburg Index Appeal 26(89): 1. News item also issued in other newspapers in January 1879 issues.

Looking Closely at Birds of Carter Lake Environs

On a particular Wednesday afternoon near the Missouri River and atop the bluffs of east Omaha, the weather was fine. Gusts of wind were sparse, with temperate temperatures making it comfortable to be outside rather than in some building. Rather than think about the scene from the usual afternoon perspective below-ground with an open window, there was a superb situation to venture forth and with appropriate intent and gear to establish another point for the ongoing bird survey for Carter Lake, Levi Carter Park and associated settings.

For some synergistic reason it seemed appropriate to do the 100th survey on October 10th, i.e., 10/10/2012. It would be personal bird survey number 100, since late March, 2011. The rationale was obvious, yet somewhat sublime regarding the requisite particulars to get things done, again.

The survey place was reaching by glide and pedal, and thence followed the typical routine of arrival, listen, watch, denote and move along among the pertinent places on a path to the north, to the west, take a jaunt maybe, then go south, or perhaps go south and then take a jaunt to the northwest. However the route occurred, records are kept in detail for these specific sites:

• Kiwanis Park; which seems to nearly always be the first place where observations occur;
• Levi Carter Park, with notations to particular places as appropriate;
• Carter Lake, which is mostly in Nebraska, but is also an Iowa place;
• Levi Carter Pond;
• Northwest Pond, Levi Carter Park; and
• Browne Street Woods.

The intent, once a decision was made to undertake the task, has been to denote occurrence on a particular date, while indicating distribution details for particular sites within the survey area.

At the current time, most of the park is closed, which confounds the situation for getting birdly details. While working around the restrictions, birds surveys have continued in recent weeks.

And it was a fine afternoon. Early on the route, nearby was Mr. Kaufmann from the Omaha homeless shelter, obviously doing a routine as he has for so many days, going back to the time when my personal surveys were starting. He was munching on some chips, while sitting on a place conducive to having a good view of the lake. The binoculars were not being used when a momentary glimpse was focused in his direction.

Bird were the particular focus as they nearly always are while bicycling around the lake. Surveys are usually done in the early morning, which was the original intent today, though it was actually delayed for some hours, until blue skies and slight winds beckoned.

After a longer than necessary, though none-the-less quite right and nice, bicycle ride, the route continued east and north among the urban traffic, and its obvious perils. Once among the park lands, it was time — again and again — to watch birds, giving attention to each of them.

A single sighting might result in a notation of another new species. An attention to detail is a primary endeavor for any bird watcher. During the many months since March 2011, at least 136 species of exquisite and colorful variety have been seen and personally documented. Especially prominent is the tally of waterbirds, an onerous task for sure, which convey the change in lake habitat as Carter Lake has undergone a definitive transformation. Numbers of the waterfowl are definitive because there is nothing similar for any similar project at a lake along the Missouri River.

There are certainly a bunch of appropriate details, to consider individually based upon specifics, but the purpose of the outing this day was to determine what was about this Wednesday afternoon, while riding through the place on a bicycle which has been kept going for so long that its origins are vague, and changed to provide a continuance.

The route of the day was similar to most of the previous visits, with the particular birds seen counted and determined to a particular identification.

A whole bunch of fine-looking birds were present about the lake on this mid-October afternoon.

Numbers of the American Coot are increasing as these goofy birds are congregating at a place they find suitable for their daily routine. Wood Ducks are diminishing, with a dramatic decline in the number appreciating the snag places at the park pond, where they like to sit for their own particular reasons, which might perhaps be considered as a place to snooze in the warm afternoon sun.

During the visit, an Eastern Phoebe flitting for bugs about the northwest pond, and an Eastern Meadowlark were new additions to the autumn season tally. It was quite appropriate to have these eastern species at lake habitats in eastern Omaha. Every bird is part of the BEO flock.

Recent arrivals on the lake were Gadwall and American Wigeon not seen on Sunday at this scene.

Considering the overall tally, more than 4200 distinct records have been collected at the various places associated with Carter Lake. Most of them are a result of an effort done one bicycle pedal at a time, not only lakeside, but also to and fro along urban streets fraught with motor vehicle dangers.

A significant goal during the effort has been recognition of a few acres of habitat associated with the pond at the northwest corner of the park. A Purple Martin apartment was put in place in the spring because of emphasis conveyed to the Audubon Society of Omaha. The fine construct was an immediate attraction for these grand birds, once and beyond its Earth Day situating.

This significant change would not have happened without some interest and intent, and the inherent focus for change. Now at the northwest pond, the signs are in place nearby the massive tree trunks, so the illegal motor-vehicle traffic is prohibited and should be done. The extent of trash is also steadily declining. There is one particular, errant tire soon to go elsewhere!

As they have for times unknown, upon every day, more birds will occur or arrive. A variety of species can be determined for this significant lake — both in the historic and current aspect — which is a former oxbow of the Missouri, still present in its altered state, at the edge of east Omaha and western Iowa.

Lake changes seem to be finished with the lake-bottom dredge no longer operating. What may be seen might be obvious in the coming months ... though a closed space confounds the effort.

New Additions to Fontenelle Park in Omaha

During another jaunt to survey birds about the eastern fringe of the river city, the hours-long outing on the first Sunday morning in October also meant being focused on the birdly situation at Fontenelle Park, situated on the city bluffs. During my time of presence, the clock was ticking towards noon.

Earlier times of the day involved watching and counting the myriad of birds about Carter Lake and Levi Carter Park, and each of the associated local environs, all known during the past many months.

After hours of focused effort, and once moving beyond the Carter Lake place, there was a short-stop at 30th and Ames Street, where after a respite, particular attention was given to providing sustenance to the obvious urban birds, whether House Sparrow, Rock Pigeon or European Starling.

A potato contribution was spread in portions suitable for individuals birds to get a piece upon departure, and which ended the local presence. Undoubtedly, the birds reacted as they would at any fast-food joint. This place was but an interlude, where some sort of money had to be spent to get a fresh drink of water, and then another more liquid refreshment after hours of pedaling.

With an expression to have a good day by the business associate of the company, the bicycling route continued, one pedal-and-push at a time represented by the many necessary to progress along the rough streets of Omaha. The result eventually meant arrival at the Fontenelle Park scene, some distance beyond.

A lagoon was the destination. Upon stopping the bicycle, first seen was, of course, a fine and lively bunch of Wood Ducks at the lagoon, either swimming about or mostly sitting on the edge of the island. The ducks were taking advantage of some warmth from the risen sun, on a chilly autumn morning.

This visit to this park place was especially significant because three new bird species were added to the known tally of avifauna.

First scene was along the northern edge of the lagoon, were some White-throated Sparrows were moving about and appreciating the shrubby foliage.

They have just recently arrived in the region, moving southward as is their norm for this date on the calendar.

Then, minutes later, as readily seen on this morning, once being heard nearby was an Eastern Towhee, among the branches of a relict plant in the northwest section of the park. Its vocalization was more than obvious and immediately indicative as being a towhee. Once readily seen using a spotting scope that provided an up-close look where all pertinent details were obvious, the identification was certain beyond any doubt. There were no spots on its splendid plumage, vibrant in the sunlight shining from the east.

Moments later, above the ground scenario, a woodpecker was seen going about its own efforts, on the side of a tree, which was mostly dead. The birds largish  size and other characteristics was indicative for a Hairy Woodpecker, especially in comparison to a smaller-sized Downy Woodpecker seen some moments earlier after being heard in the same place in the park.

There are many dead, or dying trees in the northwest portion of the park, and they are an obvious attraction to members of the woodpecker clan. The morning's tally also included two Northern Flickers here, and a Red-bellied Woodpecker.

For this morning visit, there were a scant 15 species observed. However, the significance of adding additional species to an Omaha park place is the key element of this Sunday.

There can be no expectations for a visit on any particular day. The excitement is the unknown variety of birds which may occur on a specific date, with the composite tally indicative. During the current year, 49 different species have been recorded, with surveys done each month, except for July.

Considering the birds, the first Sunday in October was a significant morning, where the value of park spaces was once again indicated by the occurrence of different bird species.

Another new addition to the park space is obvious in a more pronounced manner. A new sidewalk is currently under construction along the south edge of the west section of the park, and also along the west side of Fontenelle Boulevard.

This park has a lot of trees. Missing on the scene is any sense of ground-based foliage. For the extent of the park, wholly missing is a significant extent of vegetative understory. This feature is an aspect  which needs to be created and nourished in the park space.

Increasing the variety of habitat features will increase the diversity of birds which will occur among the park space.

Contractor Fined for Tree Clearing Activity

A contractor clearing trees for the city of Lincoln, has paid a fine levied by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

After receiving a citation in late summer for removal of trees which contained bird nests, the fine of $525 was recently paid, according to John T. Brooks, in the law enforcement division of the federal agency.

Details on specifically what the contractor was cited for, would not be provided by the agency. There were also no details available on the number of nests affected and whether they were being used by birds when the tree clearing activity occurred.

Active bird nests and eggs are protected by provisions of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

When the tree clearing took place, it was reported by a local resident to personnel at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The complaint was then referred to a law enforcement agent of the federal agency, said Joel Jorgensen, the nongame biologist with the state agency. A state law protecting bird nests and eggs did apply, but the stage agency referred the event to the federal agency "allowing them to take the lead" while cooperating with the federal action.

"Based upon my knowledge of the site, it has been a known rookery" for Great Blue Herons, Jorgensen said. He was not certain whether there were active nests at the time of the complaint.

The area where the tree clearing occurred was along the Platte River, at a city of Lincoln wellfield site, along the bank of the river, in the eastern Saunders County vicinity.