The long-awaited "Birds of Nebraska," by Roger S. Sharpe, W. Ross Silcock, and Joel G. Jorgensen is out (University of Nebraska Press, June 2001, 800pp, cloth,  $69.95 until 12-31-01, $95 after 1-1-02).  A quick review shows that it was worth the wait.

    Following the lead of others of the genre, it opens with an introduction to the physical environment of Nebraska.  Sections cover the recent geological history, climate, biomes, and human-induced changes to the environment, and some effects of each on the avifauna.  Maps illustrate counties, regions of the state, pre-settlement vegetation, and current land use.  Twenty-one color photos show examples of major habitats across the state.

    A brief history of bird study in the state discusses the collections by the military and civilian explorations of the19th century and the activities of the University of Nebraska,  Nebraska Ornithologists' Union and its members during the 20th century.  Important taxonomic studies carried out within the state by a number of prominent researchers are mentioned in the pertinent species accounts.

    The bulk of the book consists of separate accounts of 452 species, plus 10 additional well-marked subspecies and forms.  Each account includes the species status in Nebraska, the supporting documentation available, taxonomy (with discussion of multiple taxons where appropriate), geographical, ecological and temporal distribution, comments on where and when concentrations occur, and specific instructions to observers interested in finding the species.  In some species of rare occurrence, virtually all available reports are discussed on a case-by-case basis, allowing the reader either to accept the opinion of the authors or make their own decision.

    Appendices include: 1) lists of abbreviations used in the text to identify places and observers, 2) a gazetteer of place names used, 3) appended species, and, 4) additional species.  The appended species list appears to consist of unsuccessfully introduced birds, escaped birds, species not accepted on the state list, apparently misidentified species that have been reported in the state, etc.  The cutoff date for data inclusion was 12-31-99, with the additional species list including several late reports received after that date.

    A bibliography of more than 800 entries provides good coverage to pertinent current and historical literature, and is a useful guide to further background information.

    Overall impression:  The book is well written and easy to use.  Terms used in the accounts are defined in the introduction.  The authors give reasonable explanations for their opinions, and in many cases include all available information so readers can form their own opinion.  The book contains a wealth of detailed information that has not previously been assembled in a single volume and will be an indispensable resource for many years to come.

    If your hobby, or work, or obsession with the birds of Nebraska requires a one-volume, detailed reference on the birds of the state, this book is a must.  It is expensive, and will get more expensive after New Year's.  But, if you need more information at your fingertips than is available in Dr. Paul Johnsgard's annotated checklist, this is about the only alternative.  Think of it when you're looking for a special gift for that special birder in your life (maybe yourself!).

    Our 2001 Fall Field Days will be held at the 4-H Camp in the National Forest at Halsey on September 28, 29 and 30.  Those of you who have been there before know the lodge, with its sheltered decks and lovely views, is the perfect place to relax, meet new friends and renew old friendships.   Diverse habitats, including park pinelands, Sandhills, the nearby Middle Loup River, lake country to the north and the Valentine Refuge provide ample opportunities for a great weekend of birding.  There are also lovely places nearby just to go walking (and birding) and forest trails for hiking (and birding).

    All meals are available at the 4-H Camp, and if memory serves, they are excellent.  Bunkhouse type cabins, most with bathroom facilities, are available for $11.50 per person per night.  We can usually accommodate couples privately and singles in men's and women's 'dorms'.   Linens are available for $10 per person.

    There are six rooms (each accommodating two persons) available in the Administration Building for $20 per person per night.  These will be assigned in the order the reservations are received.  They have private baths, and linens are provided.

    While we encourage all registrants to stay at the 4-H Camp, motels are available if you prefer.  The Keeney Motel in Halsey is 2 miles away (308-533-2240).  Motels are also available in Thedford, which is 15 miles to the west.  (Rodeway Inn: 308-645-2284 and Arrow Motel: 308-645-2246.)  For those of you wishing to camp, there is a very good nearby campground in the National Forest.

    For complete information, see the Registration Form in this issue.  The registration deadline is September 15.  Check-in will begin at 4:00 P.M. on Friday, the 28th, with dinner to follow at 6:00.

    On Friday evening, we'll return to our traditional "potluck" members' slide show.  We haven't done this for a few years, so no doubt you've been saving up some gems to show off.  Remember, they don't necessarily have to be of birds, and they don't have to be as good as Bub Blake's!  If you have nature photos, travel photos, dragonfly photos, or whatever, bring along a few (20 maximum, please) and tell us about them.  The Executive Board Meeting  will be held after the slide show on Friday evening at approximately 8:30.

    Field trips will be led on Saturday and also on Sunday morning.  You will have a chance to explore on your own or to participate in guided field trips.  Maps will be available to help you.

    Bub Blake is preparing a slide show for us and Jeff Huebschman will present a program on some other winged creatures: bats.

    We will need articles for door prizes, so if you have something to contribute, please bring it along.  We always have an interesting array of items!

    Young persons of junior high and high school age are invited to attend with a parent or guardian at the expense of the NOU Youth Scholarship Fund, with board and room plus a one-year membership provided.  Travel funds are not included.  Contact Mark Brogie, Box 316, Creighton, NE  68729 (402)358-5675 or mbrogie@mother.esu1.k12.ne.us) for more information.  Requests must be submitted by September 10.

     I know we promised this before, but this time you really can get your copy of Ross Silcock, Joel Jorgensen and Roger Sharpe's new book  Birds of Nebraska autographed at the meeting.  If you haven't yet purchased a copy, they are available online from Barnes and Noble at a 20% discount, which is quite a substantial savings.  They can also be found in bookstores around the state.

     Still no word on the availability of Wayne Mollhoff's Breeding Bird Atlas of Nebraska  for the Halsey meeting, but you might want to bring your checkbook just in case.

     A "Birds of Nebraska" interactive guide has been added to the Nebraska Game and Park Commission's website. The database-driven application allows users to search for 439 species of birds currently or historically present in the state.  Search options include order, common name and scientific name. The guide features photographs, sounds and descriptions of each species' appearance, habitat, range, call and more.  It can be found at:

 http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/wildlife/birds/

    Unfortunately, at this time the authors have photos for only about half of the birds in the database. They are actively seeking photographs of the birds not currently illustrated, so if you have some photos of Nebraska birds, you could help them out.  Instructions for submitting photos are included on the site, and, thanks to Robin Harding, we now have a link to this site from the NOU site.

 September 28, 29, 30                Halsey 4-H Camp                      Registration Deadline:  Sept. 15
 

 Please list special dietary needs here:______________________________________

 PLEASE REMEMBER TO INCLUDE THE REGISTRATION FEE!!

  Name(s)  ______________________________________________
  Address  ______________________________________________
  City, State, Zip  ______________________________________________
  Phone number  ______________________________________________

Make checks payable to NOU and mail with this form to:
Betty Grenon, Treasurer
1409 Childs Road East
Bellevue, NE  68005

 * Administration Building Rooms assigned first come, first served.
 ** Administration Building linens are furnished.  Linens are not furnished in the Cabins.
  They are available for a fixed fee of $10.00 total for the meeeting.  Linens include towel,
  wash cloth, 2 sheets, pillow, pillow case and two blankets.  There is no charge if you bring your own.

 Note to Parents:  Nebraska 4-H Camp policy allows children 5 years of age or younger to attend
 free.  All persons older than 5 years are required to pay full fees for meals and lodging.

President and Newsletter Editor:
    Janis Paseka, 1585 Co. Rd. 14 Blvd., Ames , NE  68621,  (402) 727-9229,   paseka@tvsonline.net

Vice-President:
    Alice Kenitz, 190648 Co. Rd. 22,  Gering,  NE  69341,  (308) 436-2959,   akenitz@prairieweb.com

Secretary:
    Mitzi Fox, Rt. 2, Box 36, Albion , NE 68620   (402) 395-2395,   mitzi@albion.net

Treasurer:
    Betty Grenon, 1409 Childs Road East, Bellevue, NE 68005,  (402) 731-2383,   grenon925@aol.com

Editor, Bird Review:
William Clemente, Box 10, Peru State College, Peru, NE 68421,   (402) 872-2233 Work,  clemente@bobcat.peru.edu
        (402) 872-3073 Home

Librarian:
Mary Lou Pritchard, 6325 O St., Lincoln, NE 68510,  (402) 472-3334 State Museum,  (402) 486-2428 Home

Past Presidents:
Clem Klaphake, 707 Garden Ave., Bellevue, NE 68005,  (402) 292-2276,  cnk@scholars.bellevue.edu

Betty Allen, 9628 Emmet St., Omaha, NE 68134,   (402) 571-9755,  lizprints@webtv.net

Directors:
Mark Brogie, Box 316, Creighton, NE 68729,  (402) 358-5675,  mbrogie@mother.esu1.k12.ne.us
Steve Lamphere, 3101 Washington St., Apt. 98,  Bellevue NE 68005,  (402) 291-9149
Jan Uttecht, Box 823, Stanton, NE 68779,   (402) 439-2114

Records Committee:
Joel Jorgensen, Chairman, 1218 Jackson, Blair, NE 68008,  (402) 426-5138,  zrtac@genesis.net

Breeding Bird Atlas Project & Nest Records Committee:
Wayne Mollhoff, 1817 Boyd St., Ashland, NE 68003,  (402) 944-2243,   wmollhoff@netscape.net

Occurrence Reports:
Ross Silcock, P.O. Box 57, Tabor,  IA  51653,   (712) 629-5865,  silcock@rosssilcock.com

Nebraska Birdline:
Loren and Babs Padelford, 1405 Little John Road, Bellevue,  NE  68005,  (402) 292-5325 Birdline
      (402) 292-5556  Home,    lpdlfrd@juno.com

NOU Website:          http://rip.physics.unk.edu/NOU/

Nebraska Ornithologists' Union
3745 Garfield
Lincoln,  NE  68506