Now is the time to get outside and see the many different species of birds migrating through our area.
Shore birds are visible from many roadways and backroads near wet meadows and throughout the sandhills. Wetland areas will attract many birds like avocets, curlews, ibis, dowitchers and egrets in search of worms, grubs and other nutrient-rich food.
Small songbirds can be seen at city and state parks, state recreation areas, wildlife management areas and in your own backyard.
Nebraska is situated on a major bird migration route, and thousands of species pass through each spring and fall. This makes Nebraska a wonderful place for birdwatching.
To celebrate all the different species, May is International Migratory Bird Month. It is a chance for conservationists, natural resource agencies, families and individuals to celebrate birds and bird migration.
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Public awareness is crucial for migratory bird conservation. Citizens who are enthusiastic about birds and informed about happenings in the bird world can make a tremendous contribution to maintaining healthy bird populations.
Throughout Nebraska there are several birding events for the public to attend to become educated, inspired, and empowered to conserve and protect our bird populations.
For more information or to find a birding event visit outdoormebraska.gov and search for “bird month.”
Nebraska Birding Bowl
Join the fun and participate in the Nebraska Birding Bowl. This free, statewide birding competition will take place throughout May.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, along with partners Audubon Great Plains and the Wild Bird Habitat Store, are launching this event, which is an opportunity to get outside and contribute data toward bird conservation, for birders of all ages and experience levels.
Participation — as an individual or team — is easy. Read the event details and register online through May 31. Birders will choose one of the following categories in which to participate:
Fledgling Flock — for youth groups, introducing them to birding.
Backyard Birder — for households that enjoy watching birds from their home.
Dabbling Birder — for beginner-to-casual birders.
Competitive Birder — for those who like to observe the most bird species.
There are endless opportunities to observe birds in Nebraska during May, from viewing songbirds in parks, shorebirds in wetlands, observing common backyard birds, to attending one of the many guided Nebraska Bird Month Programs.
For this competition, eBird, a web-based, community science platform, will be used. It is designed for tracking bird observations while also contributing data for bird conservation. The Birding Bowl website features an eBird guide and tutorial webinar opportunities.
Participants have a chance to win prizes that include bird feeders, a pair of binoculars, or up to a $1,000 cash prize.
Register and learn more about the Nebraska Birding Bowl at birdtrail.outdoornebraska.gov/birdingbowl.
Nebraska birding website
Searching for places to find birds can be overwhelming and trying to decide where to go birding can be hard.
The Nebraska Birding Guide provides descriptions for 80 locations that offer great birding opportunities. Details are provided for each site, including habitat information, birds to observe, trails to explore, amenities, fees and more.
This guide showcases the unique ecological regions and habitats of the state, offering birders in Nebraska opportunities to learn about unique ecosystems as well as the birds that inhabit them.
There is no better time to go birding than right now, this enriching hobby will get everyone connected with nature. To learn more tips and resources for birding, creating bird-friendly yards, and ways to get involved with bird conservation visit birdtrail.OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Free park entry and fishing day
Free Fishing and Park Entry Day in Nebraska is May 18. Enjoy a Saturday of fishing or state park activities without the need to purchase a fishing or park entry permit for the day.
Free Fishing and Park Entry Day, means anyone can explore outdoor opportunities at any Nebraska state park, state recreation area or state historical park. Anglers must observe all fishing regulations.
Camping, lodging and all other user fees still apply at state park areas. Entrance fees for museums at state historical parks and the entrance fee at the Schramm Education Center remain in effect.
Red Willow BioBlitz
Mark your calendar for another summer BioBlitz. Red Willow State Recreation Area will be hosting a BioBlitz on May 25 for people of all ages.
Participants will help set reptile, amphibian, bat and mammal traps, along with the opportunity to learn more about the animals captured and released during the BioBlitz.
Professional biologists from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and more, will present on mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic species and pollinators — and pollinator planting.
Find the complete schedule in the events listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.
The event is free, but a Nebraska state park entry permit is required. Park permits can be purchased at the park the day of the event or online at outdoornebraska.gov.
