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 […]
Ring-necked Duck x scaup sp. (hybrid)
Aythya collaris x AYTHYA AFFINIS/MARILA. Status: Accidental in fall. Record: There is one record of this hybrid combination, a single at Gering WTP, Scotts Bluff Co 31 Oct 2023 (Mlodinow, eBird.org). Comments: There are numerous records across North America of this hybrid combination (eBird. org, accessed Jan 2024), which is reportable to eBird for scaup […]
Ring-necked Duck x Lesser Scaup (hybrid)
Aythya collaris x AYTHYA affinis Status: Rare winter visitor statewide. Records: There are 10 records, the first in 2021, most in spring, presumably a reflection of increasing interest in hybrid waterfowl by observers. 31 Oct 2022 Scottsbluff WTP, Scotts Bluff Co (Mlodinow, eBird.org) 1 Jan 2021 Cedar Co (Strand, eBird.org) 10 Mar 2022 Lake Ogallala, […]
Redhead x Lesser Scaup (hybrid)
Aythya americana x AYTHYA affinis Status: Accidental in spring. Taxonomy: Redhead is known to have hybridized with each of the other four North American Aythya in the wild, Canvasback, Lesser Scaup, Greater Scaup, and Ring-necked Duck (Woodin and Michot 2020). Record: A drake was photographed in the Gavin’s Point Dam area, Cedar Co 1 and […]
Red Crossbill x Pine Siskin (hybrid)
Loxia curvirostra x Spinus pinus Status: Accidental in fall. Taxonomy: Note that since publication of Tallman and Zusi (1984), the sub-genus Spinus, formerly included in genus Carduelis, was elevated to species status (Chesser et al 2009). Record: The only Nebraska record, and second known of this hybrid combination was of one in Omaha, Douglas Co 25 Nov […]
BONO updated following release of the 64th AOS supplement
The American Ornithological Society released its 64th Supplement to the Check-list of North American Birds today. As usual, the supplement includes some changes in taxonomy that will force birders and ornithologists to make some minor adjustments to their vernacular. This time around, though, there are only two primary changes that will directly affect Nebraska birders. […]