The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is a long-term, volunteer-driven bird monitoring program conducted throughout North America. BBS data are used widely by wildlife agencies, researchers, birders and conservation planners. The program began in 1966 and more information about the BBS can be found HERE. I am the state BBS coordinator and perhaps my principal duty […]
Gadwall x American Wigeon
Mareca strepera x americana Status: Accidental in spring. Records: The only record is of one at Scottsbluff WTP, Scotts Bluff Co 14 Mar 2022 (Mlodinow, eBird.org). The observer’s notes are: Long silver tertials and lack of long tail point to GADW rather than NOPI as non-AMWI parent. Also, note small white area in front of […]
Redhead x Greater Scaup
Aythya americana x marila Status: Accidental in fall. Taxonomy: Redhead is known to have hybridized with several North American Aythya in the wild, Canvasback, Lesser Scaup, Greater Scaup, and Ring-necked Duck (Woodin and Michot 2020). Record: One was identified as this hybrid and photographed at Lake Ogallala, Keith Co 18 Nov 2024 (Mlodinow, eBird.org). The […]
Gadwall x Northern Pintail (hybrid)
Mareca strepera x Anas acuta Status: Rare casual spring visitor statewide Records: The only record is of one at Mormon Canal, Knox Co 29 Mar 2024 (Tommy Childers, Joni Rauert; eBird.org). Comments: Including the Nebraska record, there are only four Great Plains records, the others one in western Minnesota and two in eastern Colorado, along […]
Was 2024 the worst spring migration for warblers of all time?
By Joel G. Jorgensen – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission & Stephen J. Brenner – Audubon Great Plains Late April through May is perhaps the most anticipated time of year for birders in Nebraska and elsewhere. After months of cold, slow, and uneventful winter birding, most birders relish the opportunity to witness the northward push of […]
Cinnamon x Green-winged Teal (hybrid)
Spatula cyanoptera x ANAS CRECCA Status: Casual in spring. Records: There are two records: 7 May 2017 Father Hupp WMA, Thayer Co (Jorgensen photos, ebird.org) 16-18 Mar 2024 Wagon Train SRA, Lancaster Co (Straus et al, photos, eBird.org) Comments: This is a rare hybrid; the two Nebraska records are the only ones on the Great […]