by Scott Bradley

    Many birders and bird watchers await the months of spring migration with great enthusiasm and anticipation. As southern winds kick up and the weather warms in March and April, waves of early spring migrants will journey to Eastern Nebraska. Spring migration peaks in May, and usually ends after Memorial Day weekend.                                                
     Spring migration begins with waterfowl, blackbirds and cranes. Look for waterfowl and blackbirds around area lakes, such as Wehrspann, Lake Cunningham, Lake Wanahoo, and Branched Oak. Sandhill Cranes gather near Grand Island and Kearney, growing to roughly 500,000 cranes in mid-to-late March.   
   In April, a variety of sparrow species are on the move, along with Eastern Phoebes, Brown Thrashers, Tree Swallows, Eastern Towhees, Thrushes and Kinglets. Look for sparrows near the water’s edge around area lakes, and roadsides with tall grasses. By mid-April some of the first neo-tropical warblers arrive, such as Northern Parula, Yellow-throated Warbler and Yellow-rumped Warbler. By the last week of April, we typically see an influx of a variety of Vireos, Warblers, Flycatchers, Wrens, Tanagers and others. Look for these migrants at Towl Park, Walnut Grove Park, and Fontenelle Forest.