Three experiences every Nebraskan should have in April
Nebraska grasslands
April is one of my favorite months on the Chicken Dance Trail, with gradually increasing temperatures, greening vegetation and the constant changes in the birds present at any given site. Our winter feeder birds, waterfowl and raptors are becoming less common with each passing week. Other migrants are now moving through, or soon will be, and by the end of April, most of our local breeding bird species will be singing their hearts out as they claim their territories for the summer.
Here are three experiences every Nebraskan should try for during April.
A grassland morning.
If you have never experienced a morning in the grasslands of Nebraska in April, you are missing out. As the eastern sky just begins to light up, the prairie comes to life. A distant Great Horned Owl proclaims its presence; Horned Larks, meadowlarks and grassland sparrows chime in. Long-billed Curlews and Upland Sandpipers contribute to the symphony with their interesting calls and flight displays. And then there are the prairie grouse. Nebraska is loaded with Greater Prairie-chickens and their calls can be heard from at least two miles on a calm April morning. So a visit to a prairie area in April can allow you to hear several different “leks” or booming grounds from one spot. If you are lucky enough to be close to one, you can watch the males display and listen to all of their sounds, which is a show to behold. Once the sun comes up and temperatures start to rise other birds (like raptors) show up, and the show gets even better. When the prairie winds start to blow, the symphony dies down and it is time to head home. Get out and enjoy a prairie morning.
Down by the river.
Every Nebraskan should enjoy some time along the Platte River, North Platte River, Republican River or other rivers and streams during April. Ducks, geese, Sandhill Cranes, huge flocks of blackbirds and the possibility of a rarity like a Whooping Crane or migrating Trumpeter Swan provide plenty of excitement. Throw in gobbling and strutting Wild Turkeys and large numbers of deer and other wildlife, and this is a show you must see. People from all over the world travel to Nebraska to see it, so why haven’t you yet?
A walk in the woods.
Just about everyone is close to some wooded area, and starting about the middle of April, our “neotropical migrants” start to show up. By the early May, a morning in a good woodland in Nebraska can produce a lot of different songbirds including various warblers, vireos, orioles, sparrows and who knows what else. At times the birds produce so much sound, and so many different songs, that it is tough to figure out what is all in there. A walk through the woods in late April is worth your time and energy.
Get out and enjoy the spring...because before you know it the heat of summer will be upon us.
T.J. Walker
Wildlife Biologist
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
North Platte
About the Chicken Dance Trail
The Chicken Dance Trail is actually a collection of great bird watching locations in southwest and south central Nebraska, between the Platte and Republican Rivers. Because the area includes the narrowest section of the hourglass-shaped Central Flyway, the Chicken Dance Trail is uniquely situated for birders. Millions of different birds come through here during spring and fall migrations, making the Chicken Dance Trail one of the best places in the country to see a wide variety of species in a relatively small area.
Our bird watching sites were developed by local naturalists and birding experts and are collected into a series of bird watching “adventures” which are described in detail, along with interactive maps, on our Web site at www.chickendancetrail.com. Other resources include a birding chart, useful birding links, and guides to restaurants, lodging and activities in the area.
Our wildlife and bird watching sites were developed by local naturalists and are collected into a series of “adventures” which are described in detail, along with interactive maps, on our Web site at www.chickendancetrail.com. Other resources include a birding chart, useful links, and guides to restaurants, lodging and activities in the area.
Come and visit and learn why we say, “Birds love this part of Nebraska...and you will too!”
Special Thanks to:
Nebraska Game and Parks, Birds of Nebraska
www.ngpc.state.ne.us/wildlife/guides/birds/findbirds.asp