NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

Conference in Pine Ridge Satisfies Many

By Janis Paseka

The Spring 2000 meeting of the NOU was held on May 19-21 in the Chadron area, with Camp Norwesca, immediately south of Chadron State Park, as our base. The area around Chadron is beautiful. It even smells good, as those of us from the tame, deciduous East discovered when we got out of our cars and inhaled the odor of the pines. The sound of the wind in the pines is pleasing too, although most birders would prefer that the sound came from distant’ pines, rather than the ones they are scanning for some unidentified bird. For many of us the fun began on Friday, long before we reached the Pine Ridge. The lakes and marshes along highway 2 in Grant, Garden and Sheridan Counties were full of water birds: Eared and Western Grebes, American Bitterns, Black-crowned Night-Herons, Black-necked Stilts, American Avocets, Long-billed Curlews, Wilson's Phalaropes and numerous duck species all positioned themselves conveniently close to the road for easy viewing.

On Friday night members checked in at Camp Norwesca, snacked, and socialized before bedding down at Camp Norwesca, Chadron State Park, or a motel in Chadron. After breakfast Saturday morning at Camp Norwesca, field trips left for Walgren Lake, Sue Amiotte's yard, Sowbelly Canyon, West Ash Canyon and Box Butte Reservoir at around 7:30. By the time we returned in late afternoon, we had accumulated a list of species including Burrowing Owl, Lewis' Woodpecker, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Say's Phoebe, Violet-green Swallow, Pygmy Nuthatch, Rock Wren, Marsh Wren, Plumbeous Vireo, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Indigo Bunting, Spotted Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Lark Bunting, McCown’s Longspur, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Bobolink, Brewer’s Blackbird, Red Crossbill, Pine Siskin, and Orchard, Baltimore, and Bullock's Orioles.

The weather was good all weekend, but it was especially beautiful on Saturday afternoon. I felt like I'd been dropped into a museum diorama. There were pine bluffs in the background, deer and antelope playing’ around the rock outcroppings in the middle distance, a couple of Meadowlarks and Lark Buntings on the barbed wire fence up close, and a muskrat swimming in a pond. And all of this was under an impossibly blue sky that seemed to go on forever, with huge white clouds of every description, the kind that look entirely too artistic to be real.

We met at 4:00 at the Student Center of Chadron State College to hear our afternoon speaker, Dr. Ron Weedon, a botany professor at Chadron State College. Dr. Weedon's presentation was a thought-provoking history of plant populations in the Panhandle, with questions about modern management practices, such as grazing, logging and prescribed burns. Although he isn't a gene-jockey, as he put it, Dr. Weedon's knowledge of the genetics of trees and grasses was impressive. For some of us, it took some getting used to the idea that there are places where trees just aren't natural, and we shouldn't necessarily regard losing them to fire or logging as a bad thing.

After Dr. Weedon's presentation we had a brief business meeting and gave away some great door prizes, including a number of hand-made bluebird houses.

Wayne Mollhoff, long-time NOU member, Father of the Records Committee’ and coordinator of the Breeding Bird Atlas project, was our after-dinner speaker. Wayne digressed from his assigned topic of oriental philosophy to give us an account of the research he is doing on several Pine Ridge species, including Pygmy Nuthatches, White-throated Swifts, Brewer's Blackbirds, Common Poor-Will, and Pinyon Jays. Wayne seems to enjoy climbing rotten pine trees and repelling off crumbling cliffs to get to the nests of these birds; it's a good thing he does, because that appears to be the only way nesting data on these birds can be obtained. Wayne's presentation was an often humorous account of his efforts to find nests, see into the nests with tiny mirrors and flashlights, record his findings and then return later to do it all over again. The following morning, after our 6:30 breakfast at Camp Norwesca, birders went out mostly on their own to explore new areas or find species they had missed the day before. We had an early lunch at 11:30, counted up species, and left for the long drive home. As of this writing we don't have an official total because reports are still coming in, but our total species count is expected to be around 165.

Many thanks to outgoing treasurer Sue Amiotte for handling, despite a computer with amnesia, all the detailed planning involved in hosting the meeting in addition to her usual treasurer's duties. Thanks also to outgoing Board member Alice Kenitz for her years of service on the Board, and for helping host the Chadron meeting. I'd also like to thank everyone else who put in time and effort to make the meeting the success that it was, but I wouldn't know where to begin. It is great to belong to an organization where so many people help out in so many ways.

Trek to see Lewis' Woodpecker

By Clem Klaphake

I would like to personally thank Wayne Mollhoff for not only being an entertaining and informative banquet speaker, but also for the extra effort he put forth in leading birding hikes both on Saturday and Sunday at the Spring 2000 Conference. A small group of us joined Wayne on Sunday morning to see if we could locate a Lewis' Woodpecker to add to our life lists. For some it was not a life bird, but one that is not always easy to find in Nebraska.

After a relatively rugged mile of hiking we came to an open area that had been burned some years earlier. This was a place that the Lewis' Woodpecker had been frequenting last spring and again this year. Almost on cue from Wayne 3 of the woodpeckers appeared shortly after our arrival. We all were able to get good close-up views as well as observe mating behavior and a territorial defense against an invading Red-headed Woodpecker.

On both the hike up and down the canyon Wayne again was very informative about pointing out nesting White-breasted Nuthatches, Violet-green Swallow nesting trees, and other habitat characteristics of nesting birds. Everyone in the group was very appreciative of Wayne for taking the time (second hike of his weekend) and sharing his expertise on nesting birds in the Pine Ridge area of northwest Nebraska.

Fall Field Days September 9-10 At Ogallala
Lake McConaughy Cedar Point

Mark your calendars for the upcoming NOU Fall Field days to be held in one of the better’ birding areas in the state of Nebraska. Steve Dinsmore has done much of the arranging for this event and more information on a schedule, lodging and registration will appear in the August Newsletter. There will be great opportunities for birding as well as hearing speakers on various topics related to birds.

Nebraska Ornithologist's Union
Executive Committee Meeting May 19, 2000
Camp Norwesca, Chadron, NE

Present at the meeting were: Clem Klaphake-President, Janis Paseka-Vice-President, Sue Amiotte-Treasurer, Mitzi Fox-Secretary, Mary Lou Pritchard-Librarian, Wayne Mollhoff- Chair of the Breeding Bird Atlas Project, Alice Kenitz-Director, Mark Brogie-Director, Neal Ratzlaff-Past-President, Ross Silcock-Occurrence Report.

The meeting was called to order at 8:00pm by President Clem Klaphake.

Among the issues discussed were:

Making the NOU membership list available to other organizations. It is stated in the by-laws that our membership list is to be circulated only to members (Article IV, Section 12), and the board members were in agreement that we have no interest in changing that policy.

A letter received from the Zoological records of the British Museum indicated that the organization had not received recent copies of The Nebraska Bird Review. Neal Ratzlaff noted that the museum had not renewed its membership and that was probably why they no longer were being sent the NOU publication.

Neal Ratzlaff pointed out that we have depleted our supply of NOU Field Cards of Nebraska Birds. He has sent a revised copy to members of the Records Committee and others for advice. The board authorized the printing of 10,000 new revised cards by the Game and Parks Commission for $374.00. It also was decided not to charge for these checklist cards; however, the board reserves the right to limit distribution to any single individual or organization.

Clem Klaphake was contacted by Marian Langdon, Education Director, Nebraska Audubon Society, with regard to International Migratory Bird Day on the 2nd Saturday of May. Marian wanted to know whether NOU wanted a booth or table to promote our organization at Audubon's Spring Creek Prairie celebration. The board suggested that in the future a NOU member from the Lincoln area might be interested in doing this.

Ross Silcock discussed the upcoming publication by the University of Nebraska Press of The Birds of Nebraska book and possible costs. Various options were discussed on how to keep the cost of the book at a reasonable level by using subvention’ funds. It was agreed that Ross would obtain additional information regarding methods of donation and bring them to the fall meeting in September. Ross also mentioned that he and the other two authors, Roger Sharp and Joel Jorgensen, planned to donate the bulk of their royalties to the NOU. (Also see page 3 of May 2000 Newsletter).

An error in the by-laws was noted in Article IX, Section 2, where it states “..any actions taken shall require approval by a majority of the eleven authorized members of the Board. Since the Board now (as of our general meeting on Saturday May 20, 2000) consists of twelve members, we need to correct this wording. We will plan to vote on the matter at our next general meeting in the spring of 2001.

The duties of the officers of the NOU were discussed with regard to which officers have heavy work-loads. The President's job, which includes issuing the Newsletter, and the Treasurer's job, which includes keeping the books for the organization, filing financial reports, keeping memberships up to date and receiving registrations for our meetings were mentioned in particular. However, rather than creating additional offices, the board decided to encourage the unofficial practice of delegating duties to other willing NOU members. At present Neal Ratzlaff is helping out with memberships, and in past years help with the Newsletter has been provided to the President. Clem asked for ideas on a location for the Spring 2001 Conference so that space could be reserved long enough in advance. Mark Brogie agreed to contact Camp Calvin Crest near Fremont about availability. Janis Paseka offered to assist Neal in coordinating the conference. Membership is down by about 44 members. Clem contacted a number of members who hadn't renewed their memberships this past year. Responses ranged from: “I forgot. to “We are moving out-of-state. to “I belong to too many organizations and don't want to renew. Any help with recruitment of new members would be appreciated.

Sue Amiotte presented the Treasurer's Report. Our current balance is $6759.00; down from the fall balance of $9,082. The primary reason for a decline in the balance is an increasing cost to publish The Nebraska Bird Review. Clem agreed to discuss this increased cost with Bill Clemente, editor of The Nebraska Bird Review. Mary Lou Pritchard presented the report of the Library Committee. The library received contributions including copies of the Bulletin of the Oklahoma Ornithological Society from 1968 to 1984 from Dr. Kenneth Geluso; Extinct and Vanishing Birds of the World from Everett and Mildred Gross; Ruddy Ducks and Other Stifftails from Dr. Paul Johnsgard and a framed print of a picture taken at the NOU 50th anniversary meeting in Lincoln on May 6, l949. Mark Brogie reported that information on availability of scholarships to students to attend NOU conferences was sent to the Nebraska Science Teachers Newsletter and the Junior Academy of Sciences Bulletin Board. No responses or applications were received. Wayne Mollhoff reported on the progress toward publishing the Breeding Bird Atlas.Wayne asked for and received permission from the board to use the George Miksch Sutton Burrowing Owl on the cover. The book will be approximately 250 pages, spiral bound, with a selling price of $20.00-$25.00. Game and Parks would like the NOU to handle distribution so that money received could be kept in a fund to be used for the next atlas project. Board members questioned just how much of the distribution we would handle (shipping, handling, sales tax, etc.). Wayne will check into this further. The atlas will be issued as NOU Occasional Paper #7 and approximately 20 copies will be sent to other organizations with whom we exchange publications. Clem reminded board members of the earlier date of the upcoming Fall Field Days meeting in the Lake McConaughy-Ogallala area September 9-10.

Respectfully submitted, Mitzi Fox, Secretary

101st Annual Meeting
NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGIST'S UNION
May 20, 2000 Chadron State College
Chadron, Nebraska

The 101st NOU Annual Meeting was called to order by President Clem Klaphake at 5:30pm at Chadron State College.

Clem relayed a message from Ruth Green expressing her thanks to all NOU members who sent e-mail messages and cards, or called during the time of her health concerns. Sue Amiotte distributed the Treasurer's report dated May 19, 2000. She noted that 4 issues of The Nebraska Bird Review were printed this year as opposed to none the previous year. Also noted were the 2 CDs; one in the amount of $4,356.49 held for the printing of The Breeding Bird Atlas and the other in the amount of $14,000 paid by the dues from Life memberships.

The proposed changes to the NOU By-laws as printed in the May 2000 NOU Newsletter were presented for discussion and a vote. For specific wording changes see the May 2000 Newsletter. The vote was unanimous in favor of the changes.

Neal Ratzlaff proposed that we establish an NOU Endowment Fund for potential donations to be held. Robin Harding moved that an Endowment Fund be established and Wayne Mollhoff seconded it. After some discussion the motion was voted on and passed unanimously.

The slate of candidates submitted by the Nominating Committee was presented by Robin Harding:

President and Newsletter Editor: Clem Klaphake, Bellevue, NE
Vice-President: Janis Paseka, Ames, NE
Treasurer: Jan Uttecht, Norfolk, NE
Secretary: Mitzi Fox, Albion, NE
Editor of The Nebraska Bird Review: Bill Clemente, Peru, NE
Librarian: Mary Lou Pritchard, Lincoln, NE
Director-at-Large: Steve Lamphere, Omaha, NE

The slate as presented was unanimously elected.

The President made note of two upcoming publications which are of interest to NOU members. One will be the Breeding Bird Atlas of Nebraska by Wayne Mollhoff to be published by the Nebraska Game and Parks. The second one moving toward publication is The Birds of Nebraska by Roger Sharp, Ross Silcock and Joel Jorgensen to be published by the University of Nebraska Press.

The President also announced that the Fall Field Days will be in the Ogallala-Lake McConaughy-Cedar Point area September 9-10. Steve Dinsmore is coordinating this event. It then was announced that the 2001 Spring Meeting is tentatively scheduled for Camp Calvin Crest near Fremont on May 19-20.

Special thanks were expressed for the great job outgoing Treasurer Sue Amiotte had done in organizing this NOU 2000 Spring Conference and for all the work she has done throughout her tenure as Treasurer.

The 101st Annual Meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Mitzi Fox, Secreatary

Nebraska County Life-Lists (1999)

Don't forget to check the Nebraska County Life- List included in this Newsletter. If you have any questions or corrections contact Mark Brogie. His address, phone and e-mail are listed on the last page as a Director on the NOU Board.

NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

By Clem Klaphake

If anyone has information you would like to have included in the Newsletter please let me know. Or if you have some interesting information or experiences related to birding in Nebraska write it up in an article and send it to me. If you aren’t sure about whether something should be included in the Newsletter contact me about it. My phone, address and e-mail is listed on the last page of this Newsletter. I am always looking for interesting experiences people have while birding.

The Two Lives of Warblers

By Clem Klaphake

In the April- May 2000 issue of National Wildlife is an interesting article (including great photos) on the wood warblers of the New World. Depending on what level your knowledge is of these colorful summer visitors, the article probably will enlighten you in some way because much of the research cited is quite recent. Knowing some of the specific facts from the research cited can be satisfying to anyone interested in birds and their behavior. But this kind of research can also have broad implications for conservation in terms of helping us understand the potential survival of specific species or entire families of birds. In reference to this last statement, Gary Graves of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, is quoted in this article as saying, “In this country we’re spending millions of dollars a year on migratory bird research. We’ve shown how birds are affected by forest fragmentation, cowbirds, pesticides, microwave towers, even pet cats. And we go to all the trouble to preserve breeding habitat for certain populations, but it’s not going to make one bit of difference to their ultimate survival if we don’t know where these birds are wintering.

How successful warblers are in reproducing while here is dependent on the quality of the habitat they winter in. New techniques of using isotope signatures of bird’s bodies is based on the old idea that we are what we eat. This technique appears to give us more accurate information about migrating birds than banding or radio tagging.

I hope I have whet your appetites for warbler knowledge enough for you to go find this article. If not, maybe these questions will. Are warblers as a group in trouble? Is there a counting method used on warbler wintering grounds that is comparable to our Breeding Bird Surveys? Are warbler diets different when they are in their breeding habitats compared to their wintering habitats? Which familiar colorful warbler is known as the latrine bird in its wintering grounds? Are early arriving warblers more successful reproducers as compared to late arriving ones of the same species?

The article is Exposed:Secret Lives of Warblers’ by Cynthia Berger, in National Wildlife, April-May 2000, pps. 46-53.

'Man feels himself an infinity above those creatures who stand, zoologically, only one step below him, but every human being looks up to the birds. They suit the fancy of us all. What they feel they can voice, as we try to; they court and nest, they battle with the elements, they are torn by two opposing impulses, a love of home and a passion for far places. Only with birds do we share so much emotion.' Donald C. Peattie, Singing in the Wilderness’ 1935

johnsllvn@juno.com

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