Nebraskaland

48 Nebraskaland • January-February 2023 MIXED BAG UNIQUE BIRDS OF WINTER By Olivia DaRugna, Watchable Wildlife Biologist Harris's Sparrow A Great Plains specialty, Harris's sparrows spend their winters in only a few states, and Nebraska is one of them. The southeastern third of the state is an especially good place to see this species. They often show up to bird feeders and in pathways foraging on the ground with other sparrows. They stand out for their large size, along with pink bills and variable black face and bib. Townsend's Solitaire While you may long for the musical melodies of birds singing nonstop in springtime, the Townsend's solitaire can off er some reprieve with their sweet song during the winter. This berry-loving bird will sing throughout winter as a way to defend their patch of fruit-bearing trees. In the western half of Nebraska, watch for an inconspicuous gray bird with a contrasting yellow bar extending down its wings as it fl utters to pick a ripe berry off a tree. Rough-legged Hawk When this Arctic breeding hawk shows up, you know winter is coming. On drives through the open country, watch for this hawk perched on fence and utility poles. Although variable, look for their dark belly when perched and dark wrist patches while in fl ight. Their feathered legs, small bill and feet help keep them less exposed to the cold. Common Redpoll While not always a reliable winter bird, when they are here, there are usually hundreds across the northern half of the state. This tiny fi nch adds a pop of color to snowy days with its yellow bill, red cap and pink chest. Look for this beautiful bird in sunfl ower fi elds and roadside patches. If you're lucky, one may even show up to your bird feeder. Pine Siskin Although they occur year-round, during some winters, fl ocks of hundreds of siskins can crowd bird feeders. The energy they gain from seeds helps them survive cold nights when they ramp up their metabolic rates. Visit parks with bird feeders, such as Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, where you may observe over a hundred pine siskins. Look for a heavily streaked, brown bird with yellow in the wings and tail. Listen for their rising "buzz zeeee" calls. There are many other winter birds to watch for, including gray-crowned rosy-fi nch and a variety of dark- eyed juncos. Keep your bird feeders stocked and don't be afraid to go out and explore. To learn more about winter birding opportunities, visit NEBirdingGuide.org. While not everyone is excited about the cold and snowy weather of winter, like any change in seasons, the arrival of a harsh weather also means the presence of new birds in the state. Some new species show up in winter after migrating from their breeding grounds in the boreal forests and vast tundra of northern Canada. No matter where you are in the state, you don't have to go far to appreciate the grit and beauty of winter birds. ROCKY HOFFMANN, NEBRASKALAND JOEL JORGENSEN JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND GETTY IMAGES GETTY IMAGES

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