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Connecting birders with birds for 25 years
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Orioles will be arriving this month
Have your Oriole feeders ready between April 15 & 28
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23RD ANNUAL
BLUEBIRDS ACROSS NEBRASKA CONFERENCE
April 28 & 29, 2017
Unadilla, NE
For 23 years bluebirders from across Nebraska and western Iowa have gathered annually to celebrate bluebirds. The conferences are educational, informative, and fun. It's a great time to share stories and learn more about attracting bluebirds.
This years keynote speaker from Hartland, MN is Al Batt, nationally know author, speaker, and humorist. Al writes the syndicated cartoon strip Marmaduke and Dennis The Menace.
Join in the fun with other bird enthusiasts. Download a complete schedule and registration form today at
bbne.org and click on "
conference". Or contact Sandy Seibert in Omaha at (402)334-8691 (
wseibert2@cox.net) or Steve Eno in Lincoln at (402) 783-3011 (
cleno@aol.com) You don't have to be a bluebirder to enjoy all the fun.
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The Month of May is
Nebraska
International Migratory Bird Month
more information about the events below
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Bird of the Month
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(sparrow resistant)
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Eastern Bluebird
The eastern species is 6 to 8 inches long with a wing span up to 12 inches. Male Eastern Bluebirds have a brilliant blue head, back and wings with a warm brick-red breast and white under parts. The female is lighter blue with a buff colored breast, white eye ring and under parts. The blue highlights in the wings and tail give the grayer females an elegant look.
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Attarct Orioles-Information Below
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The Month of May Is
NEBRASKA INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD MONTH
Every year we celebrate migratory birds during the spring bird migration with birding events across the Americas. In Nebraska we celebrate the entire month of May with birding events and activities across the state. If you have, plan to have a birding event or activity in Nebraska during May, or know of someone or organization who is, contact Lindsay Rogers, at
lindsay.rogers@nebraska.gov
and have it listed on the Nebraska Bird Month website. You may reach Lindsay,
Nebraska Game & Parks Commission Wildlife Education Specialist,
at
(402) 471-5581 with your event or for more information
If you are able (or already have) planned a bird-related event sometime in May, we would appreciate you taking the time to list your event on our website. You can enter your event details here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2017NBMĂ‚
Watch for birding events,
activities, bird walks, and
more during May 2017.
Events updated on a regular basis
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CHECKOUT BIRDING NEBRASKA WEBSITES IN THIS NEWSLETTER
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Attracting Orioles
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Female & Male
Baltimore Oriole
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Most birds migrate at night, spending daytime hours to forage for food and rest. When they arrive at a location in the early morning hours these birds are cold, tired, and hungry. The first thing they will do is to locate a source of food. This is why timing is important when attempting to attract such birds as Orioles or Hummingbirds. You need to be ready for them and have the food in place prior to their arrival. For Orioles, have your feeders out by April 25th. The arrival date for Orioles in the Central Great Plains is April 16 to May 15. For hummingbirds be ready the week before Mother's Day, which is May 10th. You may need to refresh the nectar, jelly, or oranges once or twice before they arrive, but the effort will be well worth it. Variables, such as weather, may slow down their arrival. Locating these products in a shady area will help to keep them fresh longer. But remember, birds find food by sight. So make them easily visible.
To learn more about attracting Orioles CLICK
To view Wild Bird Habitat's Oriole Feeders CLICK
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Nebraska - One of the top birding regions in North America.
Details below on where to go birding in Nebraska
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Dave's April Bird Chatter
The Snow Geese, Sandhill Cranes and many ducks have passed through on their way to their northern breeding grounds. It was another exciting season viewing the geese and cranes, but migration is far from over. April is one of the three most exciting migration months of the year. We will once again welcome back many of our summer favorites to the yard; the brown thrasher, catbird, towhees and chipping sparrows to name a few. The Rose Breasted Grosbeak and Orioles are two of the Neo-tropical migrants everyone enjoys welcoming back. But at the same time we will be bidding our winter friends a fond farewell by months end until we see them return next fall. They have entertained us all during the winter months. CLICK to read more
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ARNIE'S CORNER
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ARNIE |
THE RIGHT DOG FOOD
What you feed your dog impacts how often they poop and the condition of their coat. A balanced diet with plenty of protein, amino acid content, and necessary nutrients will help reduce frequent stools and strengthen and replenish your dog's fur which is made mostly of protein. So those frequent stools and a coat that is dull or fragile, or excessive shedding can be an indication that your pooch isn't getting the best nutrition. Do your research about the best kind of food and the right portions of it your dog needs.
WHY DOES MY DOG POOP SO MUCH?
You're probably feeding her /him an economy dog food that contains a lot of grains, especially corn meal. This is bad for dogs, and tends to irritate the digestive tract and cause loose stools. Your dog is pooping out a lot because her diet contains a lot of stuff her body can't use. Be aware of sorghum in your dogs food. Sorghum is used to stiffen the stools creating the appearance all is well, however
sorghum is hard on a dogs intestinal tract.
WHY DOES MY DOG SHED SO MUCH?
A happy dog is a healthy dog, and a healthy dog has a strong, shiny coat. Your dog's coat is one of the best ways to gain insight into your dog's condition, and your dog's diet has a lot to do with that. 30% of the nutrients from your dog's food is required to maintain a heathy coat, so a sure sign the dog food you feed your dog is nutritionally deficient is the condition of your dog's coat. It's also important to get to know the ideal qualities of your furry friend's breed and to set aside time to maintain his or her coat with regular brushing and washing.
Arnie's Pet Foods Store, located inside the Wild Bird Habitat Store in the Alamo Plaza, stocks a full line of 4 and 5 star brands of all natural complete nutrition dog and cat foods. Visit us at
arniespetfoods.com
Arnie's
All Natural Pet
Treats - 10% off
All GREENIES The #1 Dental Chew - $1.00 OFF
Leak Proof
Poop Bags -
$1.00 OFF
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During spring and early summer dozens of migrating and nesting birds become injured or orphaned. Volunteers are needed to help these birds recover and return to the wild.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Founded in 1979, Wildlife Rescue Team, Inc is a non-profit, independent, all volunteer organization dedicated to raising and rehabilitating Nebraska's injured and orphaned wildlife for eventual release back into their natural habitats. Wildlife Rescue Team, Inc relies solely on private private donations and contributions, membership fees, and donations of products for the benefit of ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
YOU CAN HELP
There is always a need for cash donations as well as wildlife rehabilitators, phone volunteers, people willing to build cages, locations for animal releases, people to pick up injured or orphaned animals to transport to drop off locations, local businesses to provide discounts for supplies, and veterinarian assistance.
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WHERE TO GO BIRDING IN NEBRASKA
A top North American Birding Area
Listing more than 400 bird watching sites across the state of Nebraska. From the Missouri River Valley to the panhandle's rugged Pine Ridge, you'll find world class bird watching, scenic vistas, and a remarkable Nebraska Heritage around every corner.
nebraskabirdingtrails.com
Bird watching in seven counties in Eastern Nebraska. Find birding sites right out your backdoor in Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy, Saunders, and Washington counties.
nebraskametrobirding.com
Central Nebraska, one of the major migratory routes on the continent. From Sandhill Cranes to Prairie Chickens, shore birds to prairie dog towns, it's an incredible journey you don't want to miss.
nebraskaflyway.com
Chicken Dance Birding Trail, 27 counties in Southwestern Nebraska
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Identify Birds with your Android or IPhone
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Prairie Chicken Viewing in Nebraska
April to early May
Calamus Outfitters - Burwell, NE / calamusoutfitters.com (308) 346-4697 Big Blue Ranch & Lodge - Burchard, NE / bigblueranch.com (402) 865-4335
The Sandhills Motel and Glidden Canoe Rental- Mullen, NE sandhillsmotel.com (308) 278-6167
Prairie Chicken Dance Tours - McCook, NE prairiechickendancetours.com (308) 345-1200 |
The Pioneer Park Nature Center
The official news of the Pioneers Park Nature Center listing all events, programs, camps & classes.
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Want to know what birds birders are seeing in your area?
Want to let other birders know what birds you see?
Its fun and easy at
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SPRING MIGRATION ISSUE CONTINUES IN
WILD BIRD HABITAT'S MAY NEWSLETTER
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Special Offer
Save 40% on Thayer's Birds of North America v7
For a very limited time, you can save 40% on Thayer's Birds of North America version 7 software for Windows and Mac computers.
Thayer's Birds of North America covers the 989 bird species in the continental U.S. and Canada. It features over 6,500 color photos, 1,500 songs, 550 videos and 700 quizzes. You can look at just the birds of your state or province by clicking the "Filter" button. The ID Wizard lets you identify a bird - even if you do not know the name. Just enter the color, size, habitat and a few other things and see images of all the birds that match! The program is available for either Windows computers or Mac computers.
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It's Finally Ready and its all FREE to download
MERLIN BIRD PHOTO ID
Photo ID now in mobile apps
A new advanced version of the Photo ID tool is now available for download in the latest version of Merlin Bird ID for
Android and
iPhone. Select an image from your smartphone image gallery or snap a shot from the back of your cameras viewfinder, and Merlin will walk you through the 2 quick steps before showing you a list of possible species.
Also the Merlin Bird ID app at
MERLIN
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Environmentally Friendly Bird Feeders
Although the durability and natural look of cedar bird feeders continue to be preferred, the new line of feeders made from 100% post consumer recycled plastic is gaining in popularity. Many of these bird feeders have a lifetime warranty against fading, pealing, cracking, and chipping. They clean up like brand new, even after years of use. And speak of easy cleaning, many of the cedar and recycled plastic feeders we stock have removable perforated steel bottoms. This also allows moisture to pass through and the seed to remain dry.
Made in the USA
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Wild Bird Habitat Stores
recipients of the 2015
Best U.S. Birding Retailer
from
Gold Crest Distribution, Birding Business Magazine
& leaders in the Bird Feeding Industry
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Nutra Safflower for Goldfinch
Nyjer thistle seed has traditionally been the preferred seed of the American Goldfinch. The cost of Nyjer seed can vary greatly as it is a product imported to North America from India and Ethiopia and they set the price, and the price is rising once again. Nyjer is an oil seed which is why it is enjoyed so much by finches. In countries where it is grown this seed is crushed and used for cooking oil, much as in North America we crush black oil sunflower and safflower seed for cooking oil.
At Wild Bird Habitat Store we have received many reports and have had personal experience that Goldfinch readily feed on Nutra Safflower seed. In fact they may prefer it over Nyjer thistle seed. This could be a great alternative to supplementing Nyjer thistle seed for attracting Goldfinch. One benefit of Nutra Safflower is that this is a product grown by American farmers.
Nutra Safflower is available in 20 and 50 pound bags at the Wild Bird Habitat Store locations or by bulk quantity.
Internet customers can order Nutra Safflower seed on line. Although Wild Bird Habitat Stores Internet store offers free shipping on orders over $100, there is
no free shipping on wild bird feeds. That allows us to keep our Internet wild bird feed prices low.
Order Nutra Safflower on line.
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Peanut Feeders - A picture is worth a thousand words
photos by Dave of Wild Bird Habitat
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Caged Peanut Feeders -
Feed woodpeckers not squirrels & starlings
photos by Dave of Wild Bird Habitat
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Best Woodpecker Suet Plugs
Attractor High Energy Suet Plugs available at
the Wild Bird Habitat Stores
- Roasted Peanut Attractor Plugs
- Sunflower Attractor Plugs
- No-Melt Peanut Butter Attractor Plugs
By the pack or by the case, woodpeckers love 'em
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Nebraska Birding Trails Website
Has a New Look
The Nebraska Birding Trails was developed in 2003 listing more than 400 birding sites across Nebraska. Chaired by Dave Titterington of Nebraska's Wild Bird Habitat Stores with members of the Nebraska Bird Partnership's Birding Trails Work-group which was comprised of members from government agencies, the University of Nebraska, Nebraska Travel and Tourism, Nebraska Ornithologists Union, and conservation groups and individual birders, it was an immediate success. Recently the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission with the help of Nebraska Educational Television revised the Nebraska Birding Trails website to give it a new look and make navigation locating birding sites easier. We hope you check it out at:
NEBRASKA BIRDING TRAILS
Two other websites developed by the Educational Work-group of the Nebraska Bird Partnership have also been revised.
PROJECT BEAK -
Project BEAK is an interactive, web-based curriculum that contains scientifically accurate information about avian conservation, avian form, function and other adaptations that help birds survive, Nebraska's unique avian biodiversity, Nebraska's threatened and endangered birds, plus video clips, interactive games, quizzes and diagrams, additional resources and links, and classroom lesson plans.
This website is devoted to helping Nebraskans and visitors identify and learn about the over 400 species of birds which can be found in our state. Are you trying to identify a bird you saw? Use "search by characteristics", where you can search by size, color, range, and habitat. Or, you can search or browse the full Nebraska bird list by common name, scientific name, or bird group.
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South Lincoln, NE location
5601 South 56th Street
In the Alamo Plaza
North Lincoln, NE location
4840 Orchard Street
in the little white house
Toll Free Phone: (800) 606-2553
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