Spring Field Report, March 2011 to May 2011

• Main Author: Silcock, W. Ross
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln 2011
• Subjects: Ornithology; Poultry or Avian Science; Zoology; Cape May; Red Phalarope
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/nebbirdrev/1168; https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/nebbirdrev/article/2169/viewcontent/Nebraska_Bird_Review_79_2_Jun_2011_Spring_Field_Report.pdf

There was a nice mix of interesting phenomena this spring, notably a big influx of migrant warblers. Species that are normally uncommon were reported in good numbers, 30 or more each: Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Blackburnian, Palm, and Northern Waterthrush, and species that normally occur in very low numbers approached double digits: Blue-winged, Golden-winged, Cape May, and Baybreasted. Southeastern species continue to expand in se. Nebraska, notably Cerulean and Kentucky Warblers and Summer Tanager. A few rarities showed up, most spectacular an alternate-plumaged female Red Phalarope, the first such record for Nebraska, which was captured on video by Nebraska Non-Game TV. Other rarities included Brant, Red-throated Loon, Common Crane, Laughing Gull, and Great Black-backed Gull. There were some interesting comments on Tufted Titmouse in Lancaster County related to a previously unnoticed decline in numbers and its virtual absence. Biggest surprise was probably a Hooded Crane in Hall County; evidence suggests it was not a wild bird, but the Records Committee will deliberate the question.