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Connecting birders with birds for 25 years
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Clem with Peregrine
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LIVE
OWLS, HAWKS, FALCONS
Wild Bird Habitat Store
June 17 / 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Alamo Plaza / 56th & Hwy 2
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ANNUAL
FATHER'S DAY SALE
thru June 18
Consider a gift of nature for dad this year. A backyard bird feeder is guaranteed to bring joy to dad all year long.
CLICK for Father's Day Sales Flyer
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28
th
Annual
Wachiska Audubon
Father's Day Backyard Habitat Tour
CLICK for more information
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Rose-breasted Grosbeak
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a Neo-tropical bird whose summer range stretches across the eastern two thirds of Canada, down through the Great Plains to northern Oklahoma, and east to the Atlantic coast. They occasionally are seen in the mountains of Northern Georgia. They winter from central Mexico through Central America and into Peru, Venezuela, and northern South America.
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Dave's June Bird Chatter
The spring bird migration of 2017 was a bit unusual. Raptors and water birds seemed to have arrived on time with a warm end to winter coupled with a warm beginning to April. But the last few weeks of April when we generally begin to see songbirds and shorebirds arriving turn cold and damp. The chilly, damp, cloudy days persisted a bit through May as well. This seems to have slowed down the arrival of many birds.
Migrating birds take advantage of the warm winds from the south and ride those currents north. It requires a lot less energy to cover long distances in a day. But when early spring cold fronts push south with winds out of the north migrating birds will locate a suitable habitat and land to wait for those southerly breezes to blow again.
CLICK to read more Bird Chatter
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PIONEERS PARK NATURE CENTER
Summer newsletter packed with
Nature Center news, events, activities,
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Identify Birds with your Android or IPhone
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Now on Netflix
This documentary looks at the history of songbirds and speculates on what losing these imperiled species could mean for humanity. A must see. Recommended by Wild Bird Habitat
Available from Netflix on DVD
A true story about an informal competition among birders to see who can see or hear the largest number of species of birds within a single calendar year and within a specific geographical area. This friendly competition began in 1938 and continues to this day. Features Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson.
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Birding Audubon Spring Creek Prairie
Join the staff at Spring Creek Prairie on Tuesday, June 20th, for a leisurely stroll through the prairie, wetlands, and woodlands looking for and learning about resident and migratory birds. FREE Tuesdays are always free admission at Spring Creek Prairie! Registration preferred. For info or to register call (402) 797-2301. For more programs at Spring Creek visit
springcreekprairie.audubon.org
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We are often asked if June and July is too late to put up a bluebird box.
Bluebirds have two and often three broods each nesting season if weather allows. In fact I have had bluebirds nest as late as August in a newly installed bluebird nest box. Anytime during the summer there is an opportunity to attract a pair of bluebirds to a nest box.
For a bluebird nest box truly house sparrow resistant check out the Gilbertson PVC bluebird nest box. Developed by Steve Gilbertson from Brainard Minnesota, tested and approved by the North American Bluebird Society
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Feeding Live Mealworms
Mealworms can add some excitement to your backyard bird feeding. Bluebirds will readily take these live worms when they are placed in a dish on or near the ground close to their nest box. They will collect them and return to the box to feed the nestlings. But what if you live in an urbanized area where bluebirds don't nest? Well you can still add mealworms to your backyard bird feeding menu. Robins, Cardinals, Jays and others will enjoy them as well. You can just toss a few on the patio, or put them in a dish. Just remember, when feeding mealworms it is best to ration them. Think of it as a daily treat for your birds. Do this at approximately the same time each day and you may find the birds will be waiting for you to deliver.
Mealworms available at Wild Bird Habitat Stores
500 count just $9.95
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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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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.
Please consider joining the mission of the Wildlife Rescue Team to help orphaned and injured wildlife in Nebraska. You can make a donation or join online at
wildliferescueteamincne.org. You may contact a team member at
[email protected]
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Feeding Birds Winter into Spring
During the winter months we talk about providing supplemental foods at backyard bird feeders as an extra source of energy for birds to help them keep warm through cold frigid nights. Some may
wonder why, since winter is behind us, it is beneficial to continue feeding birds?
By winters end most natural foods for birds have been dramatically depleted and it will take an entire growing season for those resources to be replenished. For birds this means spending many more hours during the day foraging and competing for remaining food sources. That takes time.
And spring is a very busy time for birds. Migration requires a lot of energy. Establishing and
defending nesting territories requires a lot of energy. And birds require a lot of energy during nest construction and raising a brood of newly hatched chicks. Spring is a period of high demand during a time of low food resources.
We can help our birds in the spring and summer by offering them a variety of well stocked backyard bird feeders. Adding extra feeders to prevent over-crowding. Maintaining plants that provide food and shelter. Keeping a source of fresh water available.
So yes, winter may be over but providing supplemental foods in the spring and through-out the summer has benefits for birds. Supplemental foods can help some migrating birds put on the body mass needed to travel long distances. Those migrating into an area are cold and hungry and a ready made food source is just what they need. When supplemental and natural foods are made available in the spring, birds nest earlier and have fewer nest
failures. So continue to feed the birds. It makes a world of difference.
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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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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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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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ARNIE'S CORNER
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ARNIE |
How long does each life-stage of a dog last
On average, smaller dogs mature faster and live longer than larger
breeds
; bigger dogs mature later and generally show shorter spans of adulthood and senior citizenship. That said, every dog develops and ages at her own rate. The following is a rough breakdown of the stages of canine life:
- Puppyhood ends between six and 18 months of age.
- Adolescence starts between six and 18 months of age.
- Adulthood starts between 12 months and three years of age.
- The senior years begin between six and 10 years of age.
Keep in mind
Dogs are as individual as people; there's no hard-and-fast rule for what she'll do and when she'll do it. If you treat your dog with the love and respect she deserves, what you can count on in return is devotion, adoration, and a mistake or two along the way as the two of you learn to
communicate across the human-canine divide
.
Bottom line:
Dogs age at different speeds, with large dogs generally maturing more slowly than small dogs. But timing aside, they all go through the same stages: energetic
puppyhood,
unpredictable
adolescence
, the relatively smooth ride of
adulthood
, and the slower, lazier
senior
years.
Dogs go through four stages of the life cycle: puppy, adolescent, adult and senior. Like humans and other mammals, individual dogs move through the stages of the life cycle at different rates. The rate of aging depends on factors such as genetics, nutrition and the quality of care your dog receives.
Puppy
The puppy stage of the life cycle begins after about 63 days of gestation. This stage lasts until the dog is 6 to 18 months old. For at least the first 8 weeks of his life, your puppy should be with his mother and siblings. During the puppy stage -- both while with his mom and after he comes to you -- your dog is learning about the proper way to interact with humans, other dogs and other pets sharing his home. During this stage of the life cycle, it's important to begin house training and get your puppy's compete set of vaccinations.
Adolescent
The puppy stage will give way to adolescence sometime between the ages of 6 and 18 months. Smaller breed dogs will go into the adolescent stage earlier than larger breed dogs. This is the stage of the life cycle when hormones start to kick in and, if not spayed/neutered, your dog may begin to act like a moody teenager. Your dog will lose his puppy fur and grow to his adult size, though he may be awkward with his body and appear gawky until he gets accustomed to his new size. At the beginning of this stage of the life cycle have your dog altered and consider obedience training.
Adult
Between the ages of 1 and 3 years, your dog enters the adult stage of life. As with adolescence, smaller breeds reach this stage in less time than larger breeds. During this phase of the life cycle, your dog will still enjoy plenty of exercise and playtime, but he likely won't be so demanding of your attention and will not burst with the same amounts of energy that kept you busy during earlier stages. He is likely completely house-trained by now. Consider obedience training or advanced training. Your adult dog will continue to thrive from the mental and physical exercise of learning.
Senior
From adulthood your dog will enter the senior stage of the life cycle sometime between his 6th and 10th birthday. Unlike with adolescence and adulthood, larger breed dogs reach this stage of the life cycle at a younger age than smaller breed dogs. During this stage of the life cycle your dog's muzzle will likely begin to gray. He will move more slowly and, instead of a brisk game of fetch, he'll be more content with a stroll. Your senior dog may eat less and sleep more than he has at other times of his life.
Visit Arnie's Pet Food Store for a complete line of five star rated all natural pet foods for all the life stages of your dog.
Arnie's Pet Foods is located inside the Wild Bird Habitat Store in the Alamo Plaza, 56th & Hwy 2
Visit Arnie's online at
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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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