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Great Backyard Bird Count / Statistics from 2018
- Checklists Submitted: 175,234
- Total Species Observed: 6,269
- Total Individual Birds Counted: 27,321,221
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VORTEX BINOCULARS & SPOTTING SCOPES
Unlimited Lifetime Warranty
SEE THE DIFFERENCE
Now 10% OFF
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48th Annual
NEBRASKA CRANE FESTIVAL
The oldest & longest running bird festival in North America
Details below
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March News Notes:
- Our resident Goldfinch will arrive in March and join their northern friends at our feeders.
- It is the month when spring migration becomes visibly evident to us.
- Ducks, geese, then shorebirds will be on the move followed by songbirds arriving in April
- Many winter visitors will be at the feeders preparing for the journey back north.
- Suet feeders will become more popular than ever with the woodpeckers.
- Get nests boxes ready for Purple Martins, bluebirds, chickadees, and others.
- It's a good time to plan on adding some habitat plantings to your yard.
- Plan a day trip to watch the Sandhill Crane Migration in Central Nebraska. Let Wild Bird Habitat help you plan an exciting day trip to view cranes or make it an overnight adventure. Contact Dave at Wild Bird Habitat to help plan your road trip to see the Sandhill Cranes
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Bird of the month - Red-bellied Woodpecker
Read about this woodpecker below
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48th Annual
NEBRASKA CRANE FESTIVAL
Kearney, Nebraska / March 22 - 25, 2018
Audubon's Nebraska Crane Festival will take place March 22-25, 2018, bringing together hundreds of crane lovers from around the country to Kearney, Nebraska, to interact with a wide range of environmental speakers, take part in incredible birding trips, kids activities, and, best of all, experience the world's largest gathering of Sandhill Cranes!
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2018 is the
YEAR OF THE BIRD
Learn more below
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Bird of the month
Red-bellied Woodpecker
In the Central Great Plains and Upper Midwest the Red-bellied is a common visitor to most feeding stations with nearby wooded areas. It appears to be more common in Southern areas where it will have two to three broods each year. In northern climates they will only have one hatching. Their breeding habitat is usually deciduous forests, woodlands, and neighborhoods with large mature stands of trees. As with other woodpeckers, they mainly excavate their nest in dead trees or in the dead branch of a tree. They may also use decayed cavities of dead trees or an old cavity of a Red-headed Woodpecker. Old stumps or snags are also used.. If necessary they will excavate a nest cavity in live trees that have softer wood such as elms, maples, or willows. They will also use man made nest boxes.
CLICK to read more about the Red-bellied Woodpecker
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Don't Miss
Dave's March Bird Chatter
scroll down
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2018 -- THE YEAR of the BIRD
In 2018, we mark the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the most powerful and important bird-protection law ever passed. In honor of this milestone, nature lovers around the world are joining forces to celebrate the "Year of the Bird" and commit to protecting birds today and for the next hundred years.
Help build a better world for birds by taking a simple but meaningful action each month. Visit National Audubon's YEAR OF THE BIRD to get started.
If we take care of birds, we take care of most of the environmental problems in the world.
2018 -- YEAR of the BIRD FOR KIDS
Create a free account and play dozens of games, activities, watch videos, and learn more about how to help our birds. Visit
YEAR OF THE BIRDS FOR KIDS at National Geographic to get started and learn more about our birds
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Where to view Greater Prairie Chickens in Nebraska
Details below
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Wild Bird Habitat Recognized As
The Wild Bird Habitat Stores of Nebraska will not compromise the quality and freshness of the wild bird feeds we provide our customers for an inferior, less expensive product that contains fillers and has been warehoused for extensive periods of time. Our wild bird feeds are of the highest quality, NON-GMO, and delivered fresh to our stores from Des Moines Feed on a bi-weekly basis where we rotated it to assure you are getting the best and freshest wild bird feed on the market. Guaranteed to attract more birds.
The Wild Bird Habitat Stores have purchased our wild bird feeds from Des MoinesFeed for the past 24 years. On October first of 2018 Wild Bird Habitat will celebrate our 25th Anniversary.
Des Moines Feed has selected Lincoln's Wild Bird Habitat Stores as the "Dealer of the Month" We are honored by that announcement and can be sure the quality and selection of the wild bird feeds from Des Moines Feed has helped us in our success.
Dave Titterington, Wild Bird Habitat
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Wachiska Audubon's
March Birding Field Trip
Information below
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Greater Prairie Chickens
Greater Prairie Chickens and Sharp-tailed Grouse both occur in the grasslands of Nebraska. Greater Prairie Chickens are more common and have increased significantly in recent years. Each spring, these native prairie birds gather on courtship grounds called "leks." Males arrive before dawn and put on an amazing display of foot-stomping and resonant booming calls created by inflating yellow-orange air sacs on the side of their necks. Fights often break out between males in competition for females when they show up on the lek. Courtship starts in early March and can last well into May. Activity starts before first light and often continues for two to three hours after sunrise. A less vigorous peak of activity often occurs around sunset. Finding an active lek can be difficult since most are located on private lands across Nebraska. Check the list below for Prairie Chicken viewing opportunities.
Nebraska Prairie Chicken Festival / April 6 - 8, 2018
The 2018 Nebraska Prairie Chicken Festival
will be hosted by Calamus Outfitters and the Gracie Creek Landowners just outside Burwell, NE across from the Calamus reservoir on April 6 - 8, 2018. For information visit: https://www.nebraskaprairiechickens.com/ or call (308) 346-4697
Where to View Prairie Greater Chickens in Nebraska
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What? A yellow Cardinal?
see below
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Wild Bird Habitat's Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Selection
When it comes to squirrels, Wild Bird Habitat doesn't only have you covered with our functional squirrel baffles, we offer a large variety of squirrel proof bird feeders, several with lifetime warranties, and all that can be repaired, not tossed because of any damage.
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Des Moines Wild Bird Feeds
Now in new packaging
More about Des Moines Feed below
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Monthly Field Trip
Sandhill Crane Viewing Day Trip To The Platte River
Sunday, March 25, 2:00 p.m.
Once again it's expected that more than 500,000 Sandhill Cranes will visit Nebraska's Platte River this spring as they have done for millions of years. Interested birders can join Wachiska's Sandhill Crane caravan for a day trip to the Grand Island area at the peak of crane migration. Meet at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 25, on the south side of the Capitol in Lincoln. Participants can either caravan or carpool the 55 minute trip to our destination. Bring warm clothing for colder temps at sundown. Bring your binoculars and a spotting scope if you have them. There is no fee and the public is welcome. If you have questions call John Carlini at 402-475-7275.
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Welcome back the White Pelicans
Scroll down to learn where to view them
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Why is the Northern Cardinal Yellow?
Audubon asked the experts how this redbird may have gotten golden feathers.
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Join us for the 2018 OLLI Birding Class
Details below
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The Wild Bird Habitat Stores
are proud members of the
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Protect Your Thjistle Feeder If Using Finch Mix
If you are using Wild Bird Habitat's special 'Finch Mix Blend", then you need to protect your Nyjer thistle feeder from the squirrels. Those ground sunflower chips will get a squirrels attention rather quickly.
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Dave's March Bird Chatter
March is the beginning of one of the most spectacular and exciting times when it comes to watching birds. It starts this month with Robins, blackbirds, Meadowlarks, and bluebirds. Water fowl from geese to ducks and White Pelicans are on the move. Sandhill Cranes have already began arriving to the Platte River in Central Nebraska with many hundreds of thousands more to come. Many birds will be sporting their breeding plumage making them brighter, and easier to identify.
CLICK to read more Bird Chatter
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Arnie's Pet Foods
a division of Wild Bird Habitat
For the best nutrition for you pets
read about Arnie's below
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Harlan County White Pelican Watch
March 1 - April 15
White Pelican Homecoming Celebration
March 28 - April 5
Harlan County Reservoir, Alma, Nebraska
Area residents know spring is just around the corner when the American White Pelicans begin returning from their winter feeding grounds along the U.S. Gulf Coast to take up temporary residence at Harlan County Reservoir. Arrival dates can be as early as late February up through early April. Get more information at: harlantourism.org
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Why do birds need grit?
the answer is below
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Learn the essentials of birding, bird identification, and where to go birding in this year's
"Birding 401"
offered by
OLLI,
UNL's Oscher Lifelong Learning Institute
.
The six weekly classes facilitated by Dan Wheeler and Dave Titterington, includes 6 field trips to view birds at nearby locations. And again this year John Keller will offer tips and instructions for photographing birds, so bring your camera.
Classes begin April 2nd
.
Phone: 472-6265 or go to olli@unl.edu, or talk with Dave at the Wild Bird Habitat Store for more information
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May is Nebraska Bird Month
Let us know about any birding events, meetings, activities, festivals, anything "bird"
More about Nebraska Bird Month below
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Our Audubon Wild Bird Feed!
Where did it go???
Well we are glad to say that Des Moines Feed has the same great product but under a new brand name.
Please welcome...
The Des Moines Wild Bird Feed Blends.
Dear Valued Customers,
Des Moines Feed Co. has updated one of its brands to reflect the changing times. Effective March 1, 2018 the Des Moines Feed Audubon Brand Wild Bird Feed, will be rebranded to the "Des Moines Wild Bird Feed Blends". You will see a change in the design of bags. You WILL NOT see any difference in the sizes, and there WILL NOT be any change to Des Moines Feed wild bird feeds inside.
The new design is a clear package made from recycled materials and can be recycle as #4 materials. This clear packaging allows our customers to see the air-cleaned grains. Included on the front is the "verified" NON-GMO logo. Wild Bird Habitat is proud to offer our customers the Des Moines Feed Company brand name and thank you for your continued support of our products and services.
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Birds need grit to help grind and digest the foods they eat. Often they can find gravel and various materials to aid in their digestive process. But when ice and snow pack cover the ground it becomes more difficult to find such products. You can help by offering grit to your birds. It can be placed out separately, or even a little mixed in with food on a platform feeder. An occasional hand full of sand or gravel tossed on the ground will work, or you can purchase granite grit at the Wild Bird Habitat Stores. A little grit can go a long way.
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MAY - NEBRASKA BIRD MONTH
Nebraska celebrates International Migratory Bird Day during the month of May. If you, your group or organization have plans, or are interested in making plans, for any type of birding activity or event in May, we want to know about it. It can be large or small. As simple as a bird walk, children's birding activity, program or presentation. There are resources available to help you with your event. Visit Nebraska's IMBM website at -
nebraskabirdmonth.org
. Find out more about IMBM in Nebraska. Check for events in your area. Add your event. Celebrate birds this May during Nebraska International Migratory Bird Month.
For more information or to have an event listed on the Nebraska Bird Month website contact Lindsay Rogers at Nebraska Game & Parks at
lindsay.rogers@nebraska.gov.
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ARNIE
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a division of Wild Bird Habitat
CANINE CONSULTANTS JOIN STAFF
AT ARNIE'S PET FOOD STORE
Arnie's Pet Foods would like to welcome our two new canine consultants, Corina Ninneman and Grayson Trevett. They have joined our staff at Arnie's Pet Food Stores. Corina and Grayson both have expertise in pet nutrition, understanding labels and what is in the dog food you feed your dog, knowledge to trouble shoot food sensitivities, pet behavior, obedience issues and pet training. If your pet has health concerns we always recommend that you contact your vet. But Corina and Grayson can both help address your pet's health needs.
Our mission at Arnie's Pet Food Store is to provide the highest quality line of dog and cat foods produced by family owned and operated facilities where the safety of their pet foods and biologically appropriate nutrition is first and foremost.
Check out our product line of
all natural complete nutrition
dog and cat foods:
Alamo Plaza
56th & Hwy 2
Lincoln, NE 68516
(402) 904-3573
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Get out in nature this winter with the help of
THE PIONEERS PARK NATURE CENTER
check out
Healthy kids and adults play outdoors
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PEANUT BIRD FEEDERS
One of Dave's favorite and bird feeders
Check out Dave's photos below
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Peanut Feeders - A picture is worth a thousand words
photos by Dave of Wild Bird Habitat
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Brome Bird Care
Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders
Check out these amazing feeders below |
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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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Environmentally friendly feeders!
Check out Birds Choice professional feeders below
Made in the USA / Lifetime warranty |
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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SQUIRREL PROOF
BIRD FEEDERS
2 YEAR TO LIFETIME WARRANTIES
BROME
BIRD CARE
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Did you know the Wild Bird Habitat Stores not only offers 21 varieties of wild bird feeds, but also has a full line of poultry feeds, and pigeon feeds? And all our feeds are NON-GMO, pesticide free, and premium grade. Ask our staff if you raise poultry or pigeons for more information.
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Nebraska - A top birding region in North America
Learn below where to go birding in Nebraska |
Nebraska - A top birding region in North America
Learn below where to go birding in Nebraska |
Hard copy field guide or APP?
Get free bird ID APPS below from Cornell Bird Lab |
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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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Wildlife Rescue needs your help
Lear below how you can help |
Deter squirrels and blackbirds with Nutra Safflower & regular safflower
Everything you need to know - scroll down |
Project BEAK
Bird Education Awareness for Kids
Connect kids with birds below |
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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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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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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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Caged Peanut Feeders -
Feed woodpeckers not squirrels & starlings
photos by Dave of Wild Bird Habitat
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Attractor Suet Plugs - Highly nutritious
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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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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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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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