THE MONTH OF MAY IS NEBRASKA BIRD MONTH
May is Nebraska Bird Month, a unique opportunity for NRDs and the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) to encourage state residents to explore the diverse bird species that call Nebraska home or are passing through. Nebraska offers a rare chance to view over 400 species of birds, with a record of over 454 different kinds of birds setting foot or taking flight in Nebraska, according to the Nebraska Ornithologists Union. Positioned on the southern edge of nesting grounds for northern species and on the northern edge for southern breeding species, Nebraska is a birding paradise.
Interested in birding? Don't worry, it's easy to start! Visit NGPC’s Nebraska Birding Guide website https://birdtrail.outdoornebraska.gov/resources/ to learn the basics and find the best birding spots. Whether you're planning a short excursion or a multi-day outing, Nebraska Birding Guide’s interactive map and bird species guide will help you make the most of your birding experience. All you need to get started is a pair of binoculars, a spotting scope, and field guides, all of which are available on the website.
There are hundreds of different species of birds, and they can be hard to identify. Start by observing size, shape, and coloration. Then, once you have identified the species of bird by its physical characteristics, you can observe the bird’s song or call, which will help you locate the bird while birding. As you are birding, if you find a bird that you don’t recognize, refer to your birding field guide to identify the species.
Lastly, remember to be respectful, don’t stress the birds, leave nests alone, respect other birders, and respect property boundaries. Most importantly, pack out what you packed in.
During Nebraska Bird Month, NGPC is hosting the statewide birding competition - The Nebraska Birding Bowl. This exciting and FREE event is open to all, from beginners to backyard birders to competitive birders. Register, go birding, and stand a chance to win prizes, including a shot at a $200 cash prize! It's a great way to celebrate Nebraska Bird Month and test your birding skills. More details can be found on the Nebraska Birding Guide’s website.