Almost Spring

I have another blog on birds of Nebraska. Here is the last entry.

A few shore birds have been located. Wilson's snipes and both yellowlegs.

Pelicans are migrating through and both horned (molting, bottom picture) and eared grebes were seen at Wagontrain recreation area.

This is the time we see ducks in all kinds of puddles before they settle into secret nesting areas or move North.  Ring-necked duck, blue-winged teal.

March Readyness

There are actual signs of bluebirds around the boxes. First I had a check of the North side and was surprised to see a tree swallow. It was merely flying around. The bluebirds and swallows start to have a conflict with the boxes in April. On the North side there was one box near the Nature Center claimed by house sparrows. I will not do anything with that, I doubt very much any bluebirds will nest in the nearest other box. But it needs monitoring.

On the South side I had a surprise as well. They had done a burn. Boxes 1 and 2 in the burn area:

Near these boxes was one male bluebird. Click the picture to see him in a boxed area.

The detail shows him at the same branch. Further along the bike and walking trail no boxes had burned. The entire prairie was burned. Only 5 killdeer were visiting.