Spring Field Report, March–May 2009

• Main Author: Silcock, W. Ross
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln 2009
• Subjects: Ornithology; Poultry or Avian Science; Zoology; Sabine's Gull
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/nebbirdrev/1071; https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/nebbirdrev/article/2070/viewcontent/Nebraska_Bird_Review_77_2_Jun_2009_Spring_Field_Report.pdf

The most obvious pattern this spring was early arrivals, especially among the shorebirds. Dunlin arrived record early, and 5 other species were close to record early dates. However, warblers, sparrows, and buntings were pushing early dates and Brown-headed Cowbird was early in numbers. Winter finches were scarce except for Pine Siskin, which was present in good numbers, although breeding evidence was nonexistent. Glossy Ibis continued in numbers as did easterly Lazuli Buntings. Nesting was confirmed at a new location for Red-shouldered Hawk; this is currently the only known active site in the state. It was a great spring for genuine zooties: Common Crane, a spring Sabine's Gull, Ash-throated Flycatcher, yet another Lincoln Pygmy Nuthatch, first state records for Fish Crow, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and Baird's Sparrow singing on migration.