On February 25, an eager bunch of birders, both new and experienced, gathered at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge east of Blair, Nebraska, for some winter waterfowl watching. Ranger Rea shared a little history of the refuge, noted highlights from recent years and helped us spot birds among the masses in the open water on the lake from the great viewing area in the Visitor’s Center. We saw several species of geese and ducks as well as Trumpeter Swans, Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, a Northern Harrier, and a couple of coyotes. The Goldeneyes put on quite a show, perfecting their head-throw-kick courtship display!

Audubon Omaha members were invited to join a virtual sandhill crane program and tour, courtesy of our friends at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary on March 13. Beka Yates from the Sanctuary presented on Crane Behavior Basics. Participants learned about common behaviors cranes display along the Platte River, as well as conservation efforts by Rowe Sanctuary to help preserve the critical Platte River ecosystem. Participants then joined Sanctuary staff viewing the livestream of cranes coming in to land on the river for the evening.