Fall Field Report, August-November 1996

• Main Authors: Silcock, W. Ross, Jorgensen, Joel G.
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln 1996
• Subjects: Ornithology; Poultry or Avian Science; Zoology; Pacific; Sabine's Gull
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/nebbirdrev/536; https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/nebbirdrev/article/1536/viewcontent/Nebraska_Bird_Review_64_4_Dec_1996_Fall_Field_Report_REV.pdf

This fall we received numerous excellent reports from which to compile this summary. Most parts of the state are covered, except the southwest and north central, although many observers at least pass through those areas. A note about details on unusual observations. The new NOU Field Card, which can be ordered by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the NOU Librarian, Univ of Nebraska State Museum, Lincoln, NE 68588-0514, indicates species that need complete documentations, mostly casual and accidental species. However, we realize that information about early and late migration dates, and rarity in the west or east is not readily available, so in this summary we have indicated significant reports that were not accompanied by details on the sighting by using the phrase "no details provided" or something similar. We would very much appreciate it if observers of these reports could provide details of the sighting, including identification points and circumstances such as habitat, viewing conditions, etc. These reports are as important as those of rare birds, and it would be nice to have them substantiated. Of course sightings discussed in this report are always subject to acceptance by the NOU Records Committee; reports with asterisks denote those for which written documentation has been submitted to the NOU Records Committee. And now to the good stuff! This fall was interesting from many aspects. Several species of waterbirds, considered accidental or casual a few years ago, were well reported this year, including Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Black Scoter, and Sabine's Gull. A discussion is included about hummingbirds in w NE, several of which were noted early this fall (hummingbird mania?). Few Catharus thrushes were noted, no Veeries and only 2 Swainson's Thrushes. Unprecedented numbers of Sage Thrashers were noted in Kimball Co, and excellent numbers of Palm and Blackburnian Warblers showed up, including the 3rd fall record for the panhandle region for Blackburnian. Good ...