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Global Bird Day
Saturday May 4, 2019
Last May, more than 30,000 people took to fields and forests around the world, noting
more than 7,000 species in a single day-Global Big Day
. In only 4 weeks, birding's biggest day is coming back. Wherever you are in the world, you can be a part of birding's next world record! Learn more at
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Have Oriole feeders ready by April 28
The earliest arrival date in Nebraska for Baltimore Orioles is April 16 and they will continue to arrive through June 5 with the median arrival of May 6. So now is the time to get your oriole feeders ready for them.
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click to rea
d
By Wild Bird Habitat
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Have Hummingbird feeders ready before May 10th
The earliest arrival date in Nebraska for the Ruby-throat Hummingbird is April 7 and will continue to migrate through until roughly June 7. The median arrival date in spring is May 12. Although the migrate through the Lincoln, NE area, many will stay to nest along the Missouri River as well as the eastern Platte and Nemaha rivers.
Although their spring passage through Nebraska in most areas is swift, they will already be moving south after the nesting season by late summer. On the Ruby-throat Hummingbird's return trip south the earliest arrival date in our area is July 30 and will continue through October 8. How long they remain in our area as they move south to the tropics is dependent on weather.
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April Birding Notes:
- April is shore bird migration and the beginning of the songbird migration.
- Many of our winter visitors will be gone by months end.
- Bluebirds will begin nesting in earnest.
- Male Goldfinches will be showing their breeding plumage.
- Time to prepare for Orioles and Hummingbirds.
- Make sure to keep a field guide nearby. New birds will be arriving for the summer and many others passing through. Check out our line of Vortex binoculars
- Wildlife plantings now will provide future food and homes for our birds.
- Take advantage of some exciting bird watching during migration at a local wildlife sanctuary.
- Make a point to take a child on a bird walk.
Read more in Dave's Bird Chatter for April
in
Wild Bird Habitat's April Newsletter below
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Wild Bird Habitat's April, 2019 Newsletter
Scroll down to read
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Is there a hidden danger in the spring plants you purchase?
Spring has finally arrived after a long harsh winter across the Central Great Plains. You rush to the many outlets to purchase your annuals and perennials for your flower beds. With all the concerns of the startling loss of pollinators and the high interest for installing pollinator plants for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds you may have planned to create a pollinator garden this year. But unfortunately one may inadvertently be adding to the loss of pollinators in the plants you have purchased.
Find out why in Wild Bird Habitat's April newsletter on page 6
That butterfly bush you buy may be toxic to butterflies
Wild Bird Habitat does not recommend the use of pesticides. But a new class of pesticides know as 'neonics' for short has raised an alert linked to the deaths of birds, bees, butterflies, earthworms, and more. Learn how to identify these pesticides at your local garden supply:
Published by
for invertebrate conservation
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| And now for Wild Bird Habitat's April Newsletter |
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Wild Bird Habitat Store's
Newsletter
Published by the Wild Bird Habitat Stores
Click to find out
- What is the "bird of the month?
- Read "Dave's Bird Chatter" for April
- Ask about the safety of spring plants you purchase
- Prairie Chicken Viewing in Nebraska
- Dave's summer bird feeding recommendations
- and more birding news
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Monthly Bird Field Trip, April 20th
Saturday, April 20, 8:00 a.m. - FREE. Field trip to Osage Wildlife Management Area, near
Tecumseh. Meet on south side of Capitol, 15
th
& M St., Saturday, April 20, at 8:00 a.m., to carpool or caravan 55 miles to the WMA. Hiking hilly trails will require physical ability and sturdy footwear. Bring water bottle and binoculars if you have them. Public is welcome. Information: John, 402-475-7275.
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Nebraska Migratory Bird Month
Make plans now to celebrate birds in Nebraska
To celebrate birds in Nebraska in May for International Migratory Bird Day we are organizing Nebraska International Migratory Bird Month (IMBM) during May If you, your organization, or group have plans, or are planning for any type of birding activity or event in May, we want to know. It can be large or small. As simple as a bird walk, children's birding activity, program or presentation. Contact Lindsay Rogers,
lindsay.rogers@nebraska.gov
,Wildlife Education Specialist at Nebraska Game and Parks for more information and or to add your birding event to the IMBM website "EVENTS" page.
Visit the Nebraska's IMBM website at
nebraskabirdmonth.org
Find out more about IMBM in Nebraska. Check for events in your area. Celebrate birds this May during
Nebraska International Migratory Bird Month.
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How to Identify Birds Without Using Your Eyes
From Bird Watchers Digest
As many a birder can attest, a whole new world opens up when we become aware of the incredible diversity of birdlife that shares our space.
We hope this guide will get you well on your way to identifying birds solely by sound.
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Protecting Sandhill & Whooping Cranes
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Sandhill Crane after collision with overhead transmission line
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Overhead transmission lines can be fatal to large birds such as Sandhill Cranes and Whooping Cranes. As we all know more than 600,000 Sandhill Cranes migrate through Central Nebraska which includes the sandhills region. Also the only wild population of endangered Whooping Cranes follows the same route. Whooping Crane conservation has been a priority for biologists for decades as the population annually hovers around 288 birds. Numbers may have slightly increased due to those conservation efforts but can change drastically from year to year.
It only takes a few minutes
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| The #1 cause for the loss of wildlife from birds to insects to mammals continues to be loss of habitat and human activity. |
Shifting Ranges: 588 Habitats in a Changing Climate
In 2015, the National Audubon Society released a groundbreaking report called "Birds and Climate Change." This report detailed what we can expect for North American bird species in the coming decades. It focuses on the impacts of climate change on 588 avian species using decades of observations from Audubon members and our best understanding of what each species needs to survive.
In the most likely climate scenarios, the majority of the bird species studied-314-will see at least 50 percent of their current summer or winter range no longer suitable for them. Some species, like the purple finch, may see an increase in their expected habitable ranges because new habitats will become suitable as existing ones are no longer viable for them. Others, like the burrowing owl, are expected to mostly lose territory. Some impacts of climate change are unavoidable, but we can still protect many of the species we love. One of the most important ways to protect birds from the effects of climate happens to be one of the most important ways to protect birds in general: creating and protecting habitats. These strongholds should take into account both current and future bird populations.
To view the redistribution of 588 North American bird species from 2000 to 2080 open the Audubon Field Guide. Select a bird (or search a bird species) then scroll down to the bottom and watch the changes in that birds range as habitats change due to a warming climate.
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For the best seed tube bird feeders and Nyjer thistle feeders on the market its Aspects and Droll Yankees - hands down
Why? These are high end, quality wild bird feeders at an affordable price. Made in the U.S.A., and come with a lifetime warranty.
These seed tube and Nyjer thistle seed feeders are easy to fill and even easier to clean with Quick Clean removable bases.
Unlike acrylic seed and thistle bird feeders you find at many big box outlets that can crack in cold temperatures or they become brittle from the hot summer sun, Aspects and Droll Yankees tubes are made from polypropylene - durable, UV stabilized, won't yellow or crack.
(covered by lifetime warranty)
If you want a quality seed tube bird feeder or Nyjer thistle seed bird feeder, then you want Aspects or Droll Yankees feeders - guaranteed for life..
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We hope you enjoy Wild Bird Habitat's monthly birding news
More birding info than you can shake a tail feather at!
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Need some help identifying birds?
Answer five simple questions about a bird you are trying to identify and Merlin will come up with a list of possible matches. Merlin offers quick identification help for all levels of bird watchers to learn about North America and Europe's common and rare birds!
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.
The Audubon Bird Guide is a
free
and complete field guide to over 800 species of North American birds, right in your pocket. Built for all experience levels, it will help you identify the birds around you, keep track of the birds you've seen, and get outside to find new birds near you. Now with Bird ID Wizard
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Don't miss "THE SEED - 2018"
A publication from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum
Enjoyable & informative - below
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Pioneers Park Nature Center's
Spring Newsletter
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Coming in 2020
North American Bluebird Conference
Hosted by Bluebirds Across Nebraska
March 12-15, 2020
The North American Bluebird Society 20th National Convention combined with
Bluebirds Across Nebraska's State Conference and it all coincides with
Sandhill Crane Migration on the Central Platte River in
Kearney, Nebraska
Watch For Details
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PEANUT BIRD FEEDERS
One of Dave's favorite bird feeders types
Check out Dave's photos below
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The Seed - 2018
Nebraska Statewide Arboretum - Planting Nebraska for healthy people, vibrant communities and a resilient environment
Late last summer I was contacted by Karma Larson of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum to submit an article about my favorite bird to be published in "THE SEED - 2018". That became quite a challenge. I often kid with folks that my favorite bird is the one I'm looking at, at that time. A number of other birders were asked the same question as well. The results are most interesting. But apart from birders proclaiming their favorite bird, the article produced a vast assortment of information about birds. For example:
- "Every year 400,000 to 600,000 sandhill cranes-80 percent of all the cranes on the planet-congregate along an 80-mile stretch of the central Platte River in Nebraska, to fatten up on waste grain in the empty cornfields in preparation for the journey to their Arctic and subarctic nesting grounds." Smithsonian
- "How many caterpillars does it take to raise a nest of chickadee chicks? Native oak trees are host to more than 550 species of moth and butterfly caterpillars. The ginkgo, a common ornamental landscaping tree from Asia, supports only five species." Audubon
- "A cedar waxwing eating dogwood fruits needs 230 berries a day. While we humans can't eat dogwood berries, we do love blueberries. So by comparison, if we ate the same amount of blueberries relative to our weight of, say, 140 pounds, we would have to eat 46,577 berries-a whopping 215 pints-per day!" Evansville Courier & Press
- "Scientists have determined that the world's birds eat 450 to 550 million tons of insects each year. That's as many as 20 quadrillion individual bugs." USA Today
Read the full article about
It's entertaining, thought provoking, and informative with a terrific list of birding resources for every bird enthusiast
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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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Repeated articles from Wild Bird Habitat's
February Newsletter |
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How To Attract A Larger Variety Of Birds To Your Backyard
Want to attract more birds to your backyard? Want to attract a larger variety of bird species to your feeders? Birds have certain feeding characteristics. For instance certain birds will only feed at elevated feeders such as Chickadees and nuthatches. Others prefer larger perching areas. This includes Northern Cardinals and Blue Jays. Then there are those birds that like to cling; Downy Woodpeckers as well as Red-bellied and Hairy Woodpeckers and Northern Flickers. Some birds prefer to feed on the ground That would include Mourning Doves and our native sparrows.
The fact is that to attract a larger variety of birds to your backyard it helps to provide a variety of bird feeders that will accommodate the needs of the birds you want to attract. And of course what you fill those bird feeders with makes a difference also. For example birds that come to elevated bird feeders are primarily after the the nut meats such as black oil sunflower, hulled sunflower, safflower, and peanuts.
Check out Wild Bird Habitat's article on the
SEVEN BASIC BIRD FEEDERS that will guarantee bringing a larger variety of birds into your backyard. Also helpful is Wild Bird Habitat's
BIRD FEED & BIRD FEEDER GUIDE where you can find out what bird feeders and wild bird feeds are suited for your favorite backyard birds.
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| Our Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders Check them out below |
WINGTIP:
If you are currently filling your seed tube bird feeder with a white Proso millet based general wild bird mix, try filling it with black oil sunflower seed, hulled sunflower seed, or
Nutra Safflower seed. You'll be surprised at the difference in activity and the birds you attract to that seed tube bird feeder.
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| Attractor Suet Plugs below - highly nutritious #1 suet plugs on the market
Check them out below |
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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Brome Bird Care
Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders
Check out these amazing feeders below |
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Nyjer thistle seed has always been the go to wild bird feed for Goldfinches. They will also feast on hulled sunflower seed. But Nutra Safflower seed has become a very popular feed for Goldfinch when placed in a seed tube bird feeder.
Nyjer thistle seed is imported from places like India, Burma, and Ethiopia. It is sterilized when brought into North America to avoid noxious weed seeds from germinating creating a relatively short shelf life which Goldfinch will reject if the Nyjer is old.
Nutra safflower on the other hand is grown by American farmers, is less expensive, attracts not just Goldfinch but a large variety of birds, and best of all squirrels ignore it.
NOTE: I have never observed Goldfinch feeding on traditional
WHITE SAFFLOWER. However
NUTRA SAFFLOWER was hybridized from white safflower removing the hard white outer shell, raising the over-all fat content by 30% leaving a thin brown hull often referred to as safflower gold.
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Wild Bird Habitat Store's North Lincoln Store Has Migrated
Lincoln's Wild Bird Habitat Stores. Serving Nebraska birders since 1993
Wild Bird Habitat Store's North Lincoln
(New Location)
4900 Dudley Street
Wild Bird Habitat Store's South Lincoln
South Lincoln / Alamo Plaza / 56th & HWY 2
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Wild Bird Habitat Stores
recipients of the 2015
from
Gold Crest Distribution, Birding Business Magazine
& leaders in the Bird Feeding Industry
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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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SQUIRREL PROOF
BIRD FEEDERS
2 YEAR TO LIFETIME WARRANTIES
BROME
BIRD CARE
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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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Deter squirrels and blackbirds with Nutra Safflower & regular safflower
Everything you need to know - scroll down |
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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South Lincoln. NE |
Wild Bird Habitat Store
South Lincoln, NE location
5601 South 56th Street
In the Alamo Plaza
(402) 420-2553
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North Lincoln, NE
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North Lincoln, NE location
4900 Dudley Street
(402) 464-4055
Toll Free Phone: (800) 606-2553
In Omaha visit
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Omaha, NE |
Bing & Luann Behrens at
Wild Bird Habitat
Harrison Village Mall
168th & Harrison
(402) 504-4450
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