date: Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:04:22 -0600 content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable content-location: file://C:\Users\Owner\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\7OLBBQ51\Nov 2011.htm x-mimeole: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.0.6002.18263 from: "Saved by Windows Internet Explorer 8" subject: February 2011 content-type: text/html; charset="Windows-1252" mime-version: 1.0 <= TITLE>February 2011 Audubon Society of Omaha Newsletter

The Meadowlark

ASO is a Chapter=20

of the National Audubon Society=20

Serving Eastern Nebraska
and Western Iowa =

February 2011=20

Volume 40 Issue 2

Testing the Waters

For some time we have heard
of gender changes taki= ng=20 place in frogs and other amphibians, leading to questions about the = source=20 of the problem and other effects on animals, including humans.=20

On Thursday, February 10, we will hear from two persons at the=20 University of Nebraska at Omaha Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory about = their=20 work on water quality.=20

Focal points of the research:=20

=A8 agricultural runoff, particularly runoff from rowcrop agricul= tural=20 fields and from beef cattle feedlot operations, and the interaction= =20 between contaminants and sediments=20

=A8 the relationship between toxins, genes, and reproduction=20

=A8 the relation between land use and water quality, and between = water=20 quality and human health outcomes.=20

In the research, caged fish serve as bioenvironmental organisms t= o=20 monitor the water environment.=20

Speaking at the general meeting is Dr. Alan Kolok, Director of th= e Lab=20 of Aquatic Toxicology and Professor of Biology at UNO as well as Pro= fessor=20 in UNMC's Department of Environmental, Agricultural & Occupation= al=20 Health.=20

Dr. Kolok holds a Ph.D in Environmental, Population and

Organismic Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, pl= us a=20 Master's Degree in Fisheries and Oceanic Sciences from the Universit= y of=20 Washington, Seattle.=20

Also speaking is Gwendolyn Ryskamp, Research Assistant at the Lab= , who=20 is currently pursuing a master's degree in civil engineering at UNO.= She=20 holds a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering from the Univ= ersity=20 of Florida.=20

On Page 3 of this issue, an item describes a research project to = be=20 conducted by the UNO Lab to test the Elkhorn River waters for the=20 pesticide atrazine. We are asked

to assist by performing simple tests. The date of t= he=20 test is Saturday, April 23. Complete information is included in the= =20 article. Ms. Ryskamp will answer questions about the process of cond= ucting=20 the tests.=20

Please join us for the program at 7:00 p.m., February 10, at the= =20 Hanscom Park Methodist Church, 4444 Frances Street (1 block south of= 45th=20 & Center).=20

A brief business meeting will follow the program. Cookies and a s= ocial=20 hour will conclude the evening. Visitors are welcome.

Field Trip February 19 to Local Cemeteries

By Justin Rink

Join Justin Rink on Saturday, February 19, in a search for winter= birds=20 at two local cemeteries.=20

We will start at Forest Lawn Cemetery, and if time permits, we wi= ll=20 travel to the Resurrection Cemetery on Center Street.=20

Possible species on our list include Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Pi= ne=20 Siskin, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creepers, and more.=20

We will meet at 8:00 a.m. in the parking lot at Forest Lawn Cemet= ery=20 (accessible from Mormon Bridge Road on the west side of the cemetery=

The weather could be quite cold, so be sure to dress with that in= mind.=20 Warm footwear, espe

cially, is essential.=20

You need not be a member of Audubon to join us on our field trips= .=20

All are welcome, regardless of the leavel of birding skills.

2

Postcard From the President

By Jer Toll

I am thinking deer. A few weeks ago I was walking here alone when= ,=20 quickly, I was surrounded by the rush of a herd of 75 or more deer=20 passing. Soon I heard a voice, and a man, his daughter and their hun= ting=20 dog emerged trailing the deer. The dog methodically working back and= =20 forth. That many deer could easily be overbrowsing the young sapling= s.=20

This part of the park is not manicured and intended for organized= use=20 as so many of our city parks are. It is neglected by the city and re= ceives=20 very little attention. And thus it is a place for nature's rhythms t= o=20 regain a foothold and a place for a person to contemplate the=20 surroundings, let the mind be expansive and live in the moment.=20

Hattie returns, having been gone only a few minutes. Her eyes are= =20 bright, her ears perked, she greatly enjoys chasing deer! However, s= he is=20 never gone long. She does not like being far from Carol or me. We ha= ve=20 never had a better dog. We wander along, my mind following suit, Hat= tie=20 following obediently behind until we stumble upon more deer.=20

Finally, worn from slogging through snow but mentally rejuvenated= , we=20 emerge from the woods. Time to return to the warmth of home and the= =20 responsibilities of modern life. Do I write this article now or answ= er the=20 draw of my body to rest? The article can wait a while longer.

A January Walk in the Woods=20

It is sunny but brisk with little wind, a perfect day to walk wit= h=20 Hattie at N. P. Dodge Park and look again for the Pileated Woodpecke= rs. We=20 start down the trail to the river but soon veer into the woods, tram= ping=20 through the snow to where the pileated are most often seen. I am ale= rt,=20 listening and watching the cottonwood canopy for them. =85=85=20

They are being elusive today, Hattie is occupied with the many de= er she=20 comes to see, my mind wanders in the moment. I ponder the woods. Why= are=20 there so many woodpeckers here? Though the pileated are not apparent= ,=20 there is the constant drumming of woodpeckers and nuthatches all abo= ut. It=20 is a mature riparian forest dominated by cottonwoods. There are nume= rous=20 cavities, dead limbs, snags and logs littering the forest. Ideal. Th= ere=20 are decomposers here, insects in profusion in warm weather, in hiber= nation=20 in winter, under bark, or to be drilled from the limb and trunk. And= that=20 is what I hear.=20

But there is something else going on, new to me. There is also vi= ning=20 poison ivy in profusion, climbing many of the trees, appearing more = like=20 strangler fig on some. I discover Flickers and Downy Woodpeckers eat= ing=20 the berries of the poison ivy, sometimes five or six on a single vin= e.=20 They are oblivious to Hattie and me far below and unconcerned with m= y=20 curiosity on the forest floor.=20

My mind follows the thread from woodpeckers to the ecology of the= =20 woods. The cottonwoods are old, shedding limbs and eventually themse= lves=20 on the understory mulberry, ash, and elm that have become bent and b= roken=20 below as a result. The ground too is littered with the remains of tr= ees,=20 forcing me to look down at my footfalls. I look for forest regenerat= ion.=20 There is no sign of young saplings. There are enough breaks in the c= anopy=20 for light to reach the seed bed. This area has flooded from the Miss= ouri=20 River twice or three times in the past ten years, a prerequisite for= =20 cottonwood seed germination.

Bird Songs Bible: The Complete, Illustrated Reference for Nort= h=20 American Birds

This package of illustrations and audio player of bird songs is a= =20 superb and beautiful aid to mastering bird songs and sightings.=20

Produced with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the publisher descr= ibes=20 this reference work as one of "lavish illustrations, scientifically= =20 accurate range maps, and detailed information on distribution, habit= at,=20 behavior and vocalizations. The digital player brings to life...the = birds'=20 songs and calls with the touch of a button." The hardcover 536-page = book=20 is 14 x 14.9" (10.5 lbs). $125.00.

3

What's In Our Water?

"What's In Our Water" is submitted by the University of=20 Nebraska-Omaha's Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, describing a test we= are=20 urged to be part of. To participate, you need to contact the Lab to = sign=20 up, receive brief instructions and a test kit. Their article explain= s the=20 project and the simple process.=20

"This being a largely agricultural state, Nebraska farmers apply= =20 thousands of tons of the herbicide atrazine each year to their field= s.=20 Although this chemical can increase crop yields, large amounts often= =20 escape through rainwater runoff and enter our waterways.=20

"Once in the water, atrazine is taken up by aquatic life and can = have a=20 negative effect on reproductive organs. This phenomenon is commonly = known=20 as endocrine disruption.=20

"The University of Nebraska - Omaha's Aquatic Toxicology Laborato= ry has=20 been researching endocrine disruption in the Elkhorn River for the p= ast=20 several years, and now we'd like your help to perform a large- scale= =20 inventory of atrazine in the basin.=20

"We are sponsoring a "What's in Your Water

shed?" day on April 23, 2011, during which citizen scientists lik= e you=20 will test for atrazine at sites across the Elkhorn River Basin. You = don't=20 need any experience with water testing or laboratory equipment to he= lp us=20 out, just a willing attitude!=20

"The test is very simple and can be completed in 10 minutes at an= y=20 river or stream-side site. Detailed instructions for performing the = test=20 can be found in a video demonstration on our website,=20 www.unomaha.edu/envirotox.=20

"We will provide test kits to all participants and help you to fi= nd a=20 test site if you are unsure of where to go. Upon reading your test=20 results, all we ask is that you enter your data along with the locat= ion of=20 your site into our website or phone it in to our researchers. From t= he=20 data we will generate a map of the atrazine found throughout the riv= er and=20 tributaries, and we will better be able to predict its movement in o= ur=20 local waterways.=20

"To join us in this exciting event, please contact Gwen Ryskamp a= t=20 (402) 554-3302 or email gryskamp@unomaha.edu."

Introductory Bird=20

Identification Class=20


Saturdays: March 12, April 9, and May 7=20

8:00 a.m. - Noon - Fontenelle Forest Nature Center=20

$20.00 fee includes all three sessions=20

For ages 12 and older=20

Registration required: Contact Clem Klaphake at 292-2276 or=20 ckavian@cox.net=20

The class is limited to 15 participants.=20

With over 50 million `birders' in the U.S., bird watching is the= =20 fastest growing outdoor activity today. This three-part class, led b= y=20 Audubon Society of Omaha members Clem Klaphake and Justin Rink, incl= udes=20 local field trips and instruction on how to identify birds. No prior= =20 knowledge of bird identification is needed.=20

Nature gives to every time and season=20

some beauties of its own.

Charles Dickens

2011 Audubon Greater Omaha Student Art Contest= =20

The 2011 Audubon Greater Omaha Student Art contest is underway.=20 Students from grades K -12 are asked to research one of the birds of= =20 Nebraska or one of an endangered species of birds and then draw the = bird=20 using an artistic technique such as watercolor, oil paint, chalk, pr= int,=20 etc.=20

The students are also asked to research what the particular bird = eats,=20 where it is likely to be found and at what time of the year it can b= e=20 found in the particular area.=20

Instructions for preparation of the entries and other information= can=20 be found on the Audubon website www.audubon-omaha.org. Deadli= ne for=20 submission of entries is Feb. 26.=20

All entries will be hung for display at the Bellevue

Continued on page 5

4

Bird Count Totals, Records, and Notables <= /H3>

The DeSoto/Boyer Chute Christmas Bird Count was held Sunday, J= anuary=20 2nd, under sunny but cold conditions. The species cou= nt is=20 65 with Pileated Woodpecker, Prairie Falcon, and Golden Eagle seen d= uring=20 Count Week. This number is tied for second place in the 14-year hist= ory of=20 the count, the high being 69 and the low being 51 species. There wer= e nine=20 species of waterfowl thanks mostly to open water at DeSoto NWR. Eigh= t=20 species of diurnal raptors including a Goshawk were seen at Hitchcoc= k.=20 Both Northern and Loggerhead Shrike were seen. Chickadees numbered 2= 65,=20 the third highest record. Loggerhead Shrike was new to the count. Pi= leated=20 Woodpecker is new to the count as well but was not seen count day. N= otable=20 misses were Eurasian Collared Dove, white geese, Carolina Wren, Lapl= and=20 Longspur and Red-winged Blackbird. We had 21 observers in 10 field=20 parties.

The Omaha CBC was held Saturday, December 18th, and a love= ly day=20 it was. The sun shone, the wind did NOT blow, the streets were dry a= nd the=20 temps were very livable. You can't ask for more, but we received it= =20 anyway.=20

The highest species ever for our count was 78, plus 3 count-week = birds=20 for a total 26,562 individuals. Maybe it was the highest number of=20 counters that managed to pull this off: 42. My thanks to tried, true= and=20 new.=20

We gained two new species: Blue-winged Teal and Clay-colored Spar= row.=20 We had high counts of Canada Geese 9,606; Cackling Geese 817, Red-ta= iled=20 Hawk 146; Eastern Bluebird 175; American Robin 1,533. Just enough op= en=20 water for 16 species of water-related birds, including 4 Pelicans, n= ine=20 species of raptors and seven species of sparrows.=20

Betty Grenon, Compiler

Species Account=20

White-fronted Goose-1=20

Canada Goose-5,168=20

Cackling Goose-4=20

Mallard-4,770=20

Northern Pintail-10=20

Lesser Scaup-12=20

Common Goldeneye-=20

161=20

Common Merganser-48=20

Ruddy Duck-3=20

Ring-necked Pheasant-=20

78=20

Wild Turkey-163=20

Bald Eagle-40=20

Northern Harrier-7=20

Sharp-shinned Hawk-7=20

Coopers Hawk-1=20

Goshawk-1=20

Red-tailed Hawk-95=20

Rough-legged Hawk-5=20

Golden Eagle-CW=20

American Kestrel-4=20

Prairie Falcon-CW=20

Hawk species-1=20

Rock Pigeon-208=20

Mourning Dove-36=20

Screech Owl-2=20

Great-horned Owl-8=20

Barred Owl-7

Northern Saw-whet Owl-1=20

Belted Kingfisher-2=20

Red-headed Wood-=20

pecker-4=20

Red-bellied Woodpecker=20

-78=20

Downy Woodpecker-91=20

Hairy Woodpecker-19=20

Northern Flicker-135=20

Northern Shrike-2=20

Loggerhead Shrike-1=20

Blue Jay-116=20

American Crow-198=20

Horned Lark-21=20

Black-capped Chickadee=20

265=20

Tufted Titmouse-17=20

Red-breasted Nuthatch-5

The Ames, Nebraska, Count was held on December 14. Thirtee= n=20 people helped count, and we found 60 species plus 4 count-week birds= . The=20 best ever for this relatively new count.=20

Notable species were Cackling Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Wood Duck, P= rairie=20 Falcon, Wilson's Snipe, Yellow-belled Sapsucker, Common Grackle,=20 Yellow-headed Blackbird.=20

Notable numbers were Canada Goose, 4,157; Cackling Goose 106; Mal= lard=20 10,828; Northern Harrier 8; Rough-legged Hawk 11.=20

Don and Janis Paseka , Compilers

Spotted Towhee-1=20

Eastern Towhee-1, American Tree Sparrow-571=20

Fox Sparrow-1, Song Sparrow-13=20

White-throated Sparrow-4=20

White-crowned Sparrow-1=20

Harris Sparrow-44, Dark-eyed Junco-986=20

Snow Bunting-18,=20

Northern Cardinal-186=20

Meadowlark Species-22,=20

Common Grackle-1=20

Purple Finch-10, House Finch-13=20

American Goldfinch-105, House Sparrow-353=20

Total Species-65; Total Individuals-16,478 Jer Toll, compiler= =20

White-breasted Nuthatch-94=20

Brown Creeper-11=20

Winter Wren-1=20

Golden-crowned Kinglet-3=20

Eastern Bluebird-63=20

American Robin-671=20

European Starling-1,428=20

Cedar Waxwing-80=20

Yellow-rumped Warbler-2

5

Great Backyard Bird Count=20

February 18 - 21.

The 2011 GBBC is a chance to join a nationwide citizen science pr= oject.=20 The Count is pretty easy, but people may still have a question or tw= o=20 about what exactly they need to do.=20

To make it even easier this year, a set of instructions can be pr= inted=20 and read ahead of time. These explain exactly how to make a checklis= t and=20 give step-by-step information about how to enter the count on-line. = The=20 instructions can be downloaded at citizenscience@audubon.org or=20 gbbc@cornell.edu. Also, the FAQ section has more in-depth answers to= =20 questions about how the GBBC works and what is done with the results= .=20
Briefly, participants are to count birds at any location for at = least=20 15 minutes or more. They are to record only the highest number of ea= ch=20 species seen together at any one time (to avoid counting the same bi= rds=20 more than once.) The results are to be recorded on line.=20

Data will be submitted on a separate list for each day of countin= g. The=20 same location is all right, but each new location requires a new che= cklist=20 (more than one on a given day is all right).

Rivers & Wildlife Celebration March 17-21<= /B>=20

To enjoy the sights and sounds of giant flocks of Sandhill Cranes= in=20 the skies, in the fields, roosting in the river, or taking off with = wild=20 cries at sunrise, come to the Rivers & Wildlife Celebration Marc= h=20 17-20 in Kearney. Enjoy field trips to the cranes, to Prairie Chicke= ns,=20 other waterfowl or passerines, plus fine indoor sessions with speake= rs and=20 other events.=20

Audubon Nebraska and the Nebraska Bird Partnership have signed on= =20 speakers of note, including National Audubon's new president and CEO= ,=20 David Yarnold, as well as activities for the entire family.=20

Early registration is recommended; lodging can be located through= =20 www.nebraska.audubon.org or 402-797-2301. For crane viewing and migr= ation:=20 308/468-5282 or rowesanctuary.org.


Assoc. of Field Ornithologi= sts,=20 Cooper

Ornithol. Soc. & Wilson Ornithol. Soc.

The above meetings will be held in Kearney March 9 - 13. at the Y= ounes=20 Conference Center in Kearney. The online address is=20 snr.unl.edu/kearney2011.

The Water Bird Society=20

The above organization will meet in Grand Island March 13=971= 6 at the=20 Holiday Inn Midtown jointly with the North Am. Crane Working Group.T= o=20 register contact waterbirds.org/annual_meeting and North Amer= ican=20 Crane Working Group: nacwg.org.

January 22 Armchair Field Trip

By Clem Klaphake=20

Audubon visited three locations to observe feeders: one at Fonten= elle=20 Forest, the other two in backyards. We also stopped on the way back = at a=20 sandpit. Birds seen: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker,=20 Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker=20

(1 in Cass County was a hybrid-salmon color), Hairy Woodpecker, H= ermit=20 Thrush, Carolina Wren (4 total), Pine Siskin (1), Dark-eyed Juncos,= =20 White-throated Sparrow, Tufted Titmouse, Brown Creeper, White-breast= ed=20 Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, Mourning Doves, Northern Cardinal,= =20 Robin, Blue Jay, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow, European Starlin= g,=20 Wild Turkey, Black Duck, Common Goldeneye, Canada Geese, Red-= tailed=20 Hawk, Rough-legged=20

Hawk (2), Bald Eagle.=20

Best Birds: Black Duck, Rough-legged Hawk (2 flew right over us),= =20 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Hermit Thrush.

Great Backyard Bird Count
February 18 - 21= .=20



The 2011 GBBC is a chance to join a nationwide citi= zen=20 science project. The Count is pretty easy, but people may still have= a=20 question or two about what exactly they need to do.
To make it e= ven=20 easier this year, a set of instructions can be printed and read ahea= d of=20 time. These explain exactly how to make a checklist and give step-by= -step=20 information about how to enter the count on-line. The instructions c= an be=20 downloaded at citizenscience@audubon.org or gbbc@cornell.edu. Also, = the=20 FAQ section has more in-depth answers to questions about how the GBB= C=20 works and what is done with the results.
Briefly, participants a= re to=20 count birds at any location for at least 15 minutes or more. They ar= e to=20 record only the highest number of each species seen together at any = one=20 time (to avoid counting the same birds more than once.) The results = are to=20 be recorded on line.
Data will be submitted on a separate list f= or=20 each day of counting. The same location is all right, but each new=20 location requires a new checklist (more than one on a given day is a= ll=20 right).=20

Great Backyard Bird Count
February 18 - 21= .=20



The 2011 GBBC is a chance to join a nationwide citi= zen=20 science project. The Count is pretty easy, but people may still have= a=20 question or two about what exactly they need to do.
To make it e= ven=20 easier this year, a set of instructions can be printed and read ahea= d of=20 time. These explain exactly how to make a checklist and give step-by= -step=20 information about how to enter the count on-line. The instructions c= an be=20 downloaded at citizenscience@audubon.org or gbbc@cornell.edu. Also, = the=20 FAQ section has more in-depth answers to questions about how the GBB= C=20 works and what is done with the results.
Briefly, participants a= re to=20 count birds at any location for at least 15 minutes or more. They ar= e to=20 record only the highest number of each species seen together at any = one=20 time (to avoid counting the same birds more than once.) The results = are to=20 be recorded on line.
Data will be submitted on a separate list f= or=20 each day of counting. The same location is all right, but each new=20 location requires a new checklist (more than one on a given day is a= ll=20 right).=20

Great Backyard Bird Count=20

February 18 - 21.

The 2011 GBBC is a chance to join a nationwide citizen science pr= oject.=20 The Count is pretty easy, but people may still have a question or tw= o=20 about what exactly they need to do.=20

To make it even easier this year, a set of instructions can be pr= inted=20 and read ahead of time. These explain exactly how to make a checklis= t and=20 give step-by-step information about how to enter the count on-line. = The=20 instructions can be downloaded at citizenscience@audubon.org or=20 gbbc@cornell.edu. Also, the FAQ section has more in-depth answers to= =20 questions about how the GBBC works and what is done with the results= .=20

Briefly, participants are to count birds at any location for at l= east=20 15 minutes or more. They are to record only the highest number of ea= ch=20 species seen together at any one time (to avoid counting the same bi= rds=20 more than once.) The results are to be recorded on line.=20

Data will be submitted on a separate list for each day of countin= g. The=20 same location is all right, but each new location requires a new che= cklist=20 (more than one on a given day is all right).

Student Art Contest,

Continued from page 3

University Gordon Lozier Center in Bellevue on Saturday, April 2.= =20 Awards will be distributed at 2:00pm on April 2. Entries must be bro= ught=20 to the Audubon Office at the Center Mall-lower level, 42nd=20 & Center Friday, February 25, 4:00-6:00 pm or Saturday, February= 26,=20 10:00am -3:00 pm.=20

Volunteers are needed to receive the artwork at the Audubon offic= e,=20 hang the entries on April 1, or to greet the public and help with th= e=20 awards program on Sat. February 26.=20

Please contact Jackie Scholar at 551-5045 or jbscholar@cox.net= =20 for more information or to volunteer.

6

Spotlight on Nature=97The Great Horned Owl

By Eric Scholar

While most Midwesterners are concerned with=20

keeping warm and how to drive on all the snow, several of the are= a's=20 owl species, including the Great Horned Owl, are concerned with rais= ing=20 their families. When winter arrives, some animals hibernate, some mi= grate=20 to warmer areas, and some simply live through it. By remaining in th= e area=20 and getting an early start on nesting, owls can supply their young w= ith an=20 abundance of food and increase the young owls' chances of survival.= =20

Owls are raptors with characteristic large talons and a large bea= k that=20 make them formidable hunters. Raptors also have very sensitive eyesi= ght=20 and hearing. Owls are mostly active at night, in comparison to other= =20 raptors. They also have the characteristics of silent flight due to = the=20 ragged edges of the flight feathers. In addition, owls can move thei= r=20 heads in almost any direction, although they can't move their eyes i= n the=20 sockets. The hearing of owls is acute, with the ears placed in diffe= rent=20 positions on each side of the head, allowing them the ability to pin= point=20 prey and strike by sound alone.=20

Nebraska is home to 12 species of owls, some of which are common,= and=20 some of which are only occasional visitors. Seven species of owls ar= e=20 known to breed in Nebraska, including the Great Horned, Barred, Barn= ,=20 Burrowing, Eastern Screech, Long-eared and Short-eared Owls. The Sno= wy and=20 Northern Saw-whet Owls occur here rarely in the winter. The Boreal O= wl,=20 the Northern Hawk-Owl, and the Great Grey Owl are here only on rare= =20 occasions.=20

The Great Horned Owl is the largest of our native owls and the fi= rst=20 owl to begin nesting. It is also the most widespread of our owls,=20 occurring throughout the state. It is most abundant in the eastern t= hird=20 of the state.=20

Great Horned Owls have wingspans of nearly 4.5 feet and weigh abo= ut 2=20 to 2.5 pounds. The call of the Great Horned Owl is a series of low h= oots,=20 usually one long followed by three short and two more long notes. Th= e=20 male's calls are distinctly deeper in tone than the female's. The ma= le's=20 deep, soft call is heard often during December and January. This cal= l=20 serves to attract a mate and to warn away other males. By keeping ot= her=20 owls away, the male can set up a territory for himself and his mate = which=20 provides the pair hunting grounds.

Both male and female Great Horned Owls have similar plumage. The = female=20 is larger than the male, but this is often difficult to tell unless = they=20 are lined up next to each other. The male voice is lower and does mo= re of=20 the hooting.=20

The maximum recorded life span of these owls is about 17 years. T= he=20 Great Horned Owl is found in practically all habitats of North Ameri= ca.=20 Males begin occupying breeding territories in November. Their territ= ories=20 may overlap with hawks but not other owls. These territories seem to= break=20 up around August when the young become independent.=20

The Great Horned Owl preys on large mammals and other birds. This= =20 includes rabbits, squirrels, skunks, and pheasants. These owls will = also=20 catch and eat unattended pets as well (cats, small dogs, pet rabbits= ,=20 guinea pigs, etc).=20

It hunts by watching from high perches, mostly at night using ext= remely=20 good hearing and eyesight adapted to low light conditions. It will c= atch=20 prey and if the prey freezes, it will defrost the food by incubating= it.=20 Great Horned Owls will use existing nests of hawks and eagles or use= =20 natural locations such as broken stubs of large trees, hollow rotted= -out=20 trees, ledges of cliffs, or small caves.
Courtship is believed t= o=20 occur most often in the early evening. The male may bring prey in a= =20 mate-feeding behavior. Once paired the 2 owls remain closely associa= ted,=20 often roosting together during the day. The first egg is laid as ear= ly as=20 February, with temperatures below freezing. The clutch is usually 1 = to 4=20 eggs.=20

Remember, if you wander out for a hike in late winter, keep your = eyes=20 and ears open for this owl.=20

The author wishes to thank Clem Klaphake for providing several= =20 helpful suggestions.

Photo by Phil Swanson

7

ASO is offering two choices of membership: one that includes memb= ership=20 in National Audubon as well as in our local chapter. It includes rec= eiving=20 the Audubon Magazine and our newsletter, The Meadowlark. <= /I>A=20 portion of your dues is returned to our local chapter.=20

The second option is local membership that includes receiving = The=20 Meadowlark and participation in all of our local activities. Due= s from=20 this membership are all applied to our chapter.

Addresses to Remember

President Barack Obama=20

The White House,1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW=20

Washington D.C. 20500-0001=20

Comments: 202 456-1111=20

Senator Ben Nelson=20

U.S. Senate, Washington DC 20510; 202-224-6551;=20

fax 202-228-0012; Lincoln phone #402-437-5246;=20

Omaha phone #391-3411;=20

Omaha address: 7602 Pacific St, #205, 68114=20

Senator Michael Johanns

U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 202 224-4224=20

Lincoln: 402 476-1400=20

100 Centennial Mall N Rm 294, Lincoln NE 68508-380= 3=20

Representative Lee Terry=20

U.S. House of Representatives,Washington, DC 20515= :=20 Phone: (202) 225-4155 ; Fax: (202) 226-5452=20

Omaha Address: 11717 Burt St, Omaha 68154=20

Omaha phone: (402) 397-9944=20

Representative Jeff Fortenberry

House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515Phon= e: (202)=20 225-4806=20

Lincoln phone: (402) 438-1598=20

Lincoln Address:=20

Governor Dave Heineman=20

Capitol Bldg, Box 94848 Lincoln, NE 68509=20

Phone: (402) 471-2244; Fax: 471-6031=20

Mayor Jim Suttle

Omaha/Douglas Civic Center=20

1819 Farnam St, Omaha NE 68183=20

Phone: 444-5000 Hot Line: 444-5555=20

Lincoln Capitol Switchboard: 402 471-2311=20

Washington Capitol Switchboard=20

Senate: 202 224-3121; House: 202 225-3121

Membership in the National Audubon Society

Name_______________________________________________=20

Street_______________________________________________=20

City________________________State____ Zip Code______=20

Phone__________E-mail_______________________

Introductory Membership (1st & 2nd Year $20)=20

Make check payable to National Audubon Society Mail to Aud= ubon=20 Society of Omaha=20

19612 Ridgeway Road=20

Plattsmouth NE 68048 COZCP030Z

Membership in Audubon Society of Omaha only=20

Name___________________________________________=20

Street___________________________________________=20

City________________State______ Zip_________=20


Phone____________ E-mail___________________

Make check for $20 payable to Audubon Society of O= maha.=20

Mail to: Audubon Society of Omaha=20

19612 Ridgeway Road=20

Plattsmouth NE 68048

If you find an injured bird of prey, please contact a Raptor Reco= very=20 Center volunteer at 402-731-9869.

Please send all changes of address to djschw@windstream.com=20

Memorials=20

The Audubon Society of Omaha greatly appreciates the memorials it= =20 receives.=20

When sending a gift, please identify the person you wish to memor= ialize=20 and the name and address of the person to the notified.=20

Mail to Audubon Society of Omaha,=20

P.O. Box 3542, Omaha NE 68103-0542.

Bequests

A bequest to Audubon is a gift to those who will succeed us; a gi= ft to=20 secure our natural heritage.

Audubon Society of Omaha, Mailing Address: P. O. Box 3542, Oma= ha=20 68103-0542=20

Phone: 451-3647 - http://audubon-omaha.org=20

Office: 1941 So. 42nd Street, Omaha NE 68105

Elected Officers:=20

President Jerry Toll.................. 453-9239 1st Vice Presiden= t=20 Jackie Scholar.......... 551-5045=20

2nd Vice President Linda Dennis............ 733-6548 Past Preside= nt=20 Clem Klaphake......... 292-2276=20

Treasurer Vacant=20

Recording Sec'y Laurine Blankenau.. 451-3647=20

Corres. Sec'y Kathleen Rose......... 292-8912=20

Elected Directors: Jamie Vann............. 733-1891=20

Nancy Williams....... 291-8580=20

Elliott Bedows......... 292-5017=20

Phil Swanson.......... 339-7928=20

Helen Bartee.......... 391-3386=20

Jason McMeen....... 445-8279=20

Standing Committee Chairpersons:=20

Conservation Bob Fuchs............... 553-8242 Education Clem=20 Klaphake....... 292-2276=20

Field Trip Justin Rink.........904-415-3282=20

Finance Nelli Falzgraf.......... 292-9687=20

Fund Raising Vacant=20

Membership Kathy Schwery....... 296-4788=20

Program Linda Dennis........... 733-6548=20

Nancy Williams...... 291-8580=20

Natural Areas Mgt Eric Scholar........... 551-5045=20

Publication Laurine Blankenau. 451-3647=20

Publicity Jackie Scholar........ 551-5045

Other Activities:=20

Bird Seed Sale Chairs=20

Kathleen Rose.........292-8912=20

Carol Rasmussen......731-3939=20

Speakers Bureau Eunice Levisay........393-0545=20

Historian Eric Scholar............551-4045=20

NAS Board Member Peter Cannon.. 608-251-1276

The Meadowlark is published monthly September through May,= plus=20 a summer issue. The newsletter may be accessed on our web site,=20 http://audubon-omaha.org=20

Send address changes to Kathy Schwery, 19612 Ridgeway Road, Platt= smouth=20 NE 68048.

Non-Proft Organization=20

U.S. Postage Paid=20

OMAHA, NEBRASKA=20

PERMIT NO. 79

Audubon Society of Omaha=20

P. O. Box 3542=20

Omaha NE 68103--0542