Winter Field Report, December 2006 to February 2007

INTRODUCTION Although temperatures varied substantially during the winter, the winter average temperature was above normal. There were noticeably more individuals of half-hardy species reported, possibly as a consequence. These included Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Mourning Dove, Loggerhead Shrike, Hermit Thrush, and Yellow-rumped Warbler. Otherwise, the period was unremarkable ornithologically. … SPECIES ACCOUNTS Greater White-fronted Goose: Unexpectedly late were 2 at LO 28 Dec (SJD) and 5 at Desoto NWR 3 Jan (BB). First arrivals reported were in Gage and Lancaster Cos 26 Feb (WF); several hundred were between North Platte and York 27 Feb (AO). Snow Goose: Large numbers arrived overnight in cen. Nebraska 20 Feb (JEt), with 2000 at Fairmont SL 20 Feb (JR) and 7000 at Harvard Marsh two days later (PD). Ross\u27s Goose: Arrival was at the end of Feb. A dark morph bird photographed at Harvard Marsh 26 Feb (PD) was Nebraska\u27s 5th record (http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/NEBirds/photos/browse/88el?b=17&m=t&o=O). Cackling Goose: Wintering birds are most numerous in cen. and w. Nebraska; two in Sarpy Co l Jan (L&BP) and another (probably the resident bird) there l Feb (WF), one at GPD 5 Jan (BFH), and one in Lancaster Co 28 Jan (LE) were easterly. Best count was an excellent 400 at Johnson Res 27 Dec (SJD). Etc