Children learn by creating artwork focused on a specific subject. That’s why Audubon Society of Omaha holds a Student Art Contest and Show each spring. Educating our community about birds and our unique ecosystem is part of our organization’s mission, so this event is a win-win for reaching new birders.

A huge thank you to Betty & John Fullerton and their bird seed committee. This year’s main sale was a huge success!

"So what do they eat in the winter?” That was a question I was asked about the small mammals that live on the prairie. Because there are several, I thought I would tell you about three small critters that live at Audubon Prairie.

Thanks to all of the 335 customers who made our 40th Fall Bird Seed Sale a success at our new office and warehouse location at 4339 S. 90th Street. We sold 52,300 pounds of bird seed, totaling $45,479, nearly doubling the average of the past six years.

As social distancing and masks continue to be part of our everyday routine, it’s a great time to be intentional about finding joy right where we are. Birds can be a true inspiration for this, and moments invested in nature provide many health benefits.

As we finish a year like no other, it is time to reflect and look to the future. Despite its chaos and isolation, 2020 was both busy and productive for the Audubon Society of Omaha.

I always enjoy birding in January and February because I get to start a new year bird list, and I’m anxious to see what I’m lucky enough to find! Suddenly, even birds I see in my backyard are exciting. I can set up a feeder and it won’t be long before Cardinals and Blue Jays are regular visitors.

Virtual Events
While bird-watching and bird-feeding are fabulous, socially-distant pandemic activities, in-person Audubon meetings are not! After several cancelled member meetings, we were able to arrange our first two virtual gatherings.

Depending on when you visit a prairie, you’ll see one of two seasonal sentinels that bookend the year — Pasqueflowers in the spring or Downy Gentians in the fall. Although they’re not related, Pasqueflowers and Downy Gentians share a few characteristics.

In the current era of our faltering pandemic-ravaged economy, one industry is thriving.  Backyard bird feeding and watching is booming.  During the second quarter of 2020 the national economy shrank an all-time record 9.5%.  The backyard bird feeding sector expanded by a reported 50-80%.