Eyes on the Sky
Most of the time, we try to find activities for Lincoln kids to do on the ground. But every once in a while, we think it’s good to look up and take in all the life that’s going on up there.
According to the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union, there are 469 species of birds living in our state, and while we don’t have room to list them all here, we picked some of our favorites that are easily identifiable in Lincoln. As the weather warms up, we challenge you to get out there and look to the skies!
If you see a bird you really like, try to take a photo or draw
a picture of it. We’d love to feature it here in the magazine!
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
This iconic symbol of the United States is known for its broad wingspan and white feathers atop its head, giving the false impression that it’s a “bald” eagle. Their wingspan typically stretches between five and seven and a half feet, and they can build nests that can weigh more than two tons! These carnivores are known to spend wintertime near bodies of water, where they can find fish and other wildlife to eat.
Holmes Lake on South 70th Street and Pioneers Boulevard is home to a family of bald eagles. Grab a friend and take a walk along the great trails surrounding the lake, and see if you can spot one with your eagle eyes!
Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias
The Great Blue Heron can be seen flying majestically near creeks,
lakes, ponds, and rivers, and is famous for its delicate landings
and the slow, graceful beating of its wings. They’re common across much of the continental United States, and depending on which part of the country, they will either migrate to follow warmer weather, or, on the Pacific Coast, they maintain permanent homes to take advantage of the temperate climate.
These birds love to eat fish as well as other small critters and insects they spot nearby. They tend to have large communities and lay pale blue eggs.
In Lincoln, we have a rookery (a place where wading birds make nests) of Great Blue Herons at Wilderness Park on the western edge of town, near Salt Creek. To find it, you’ll need to enter the park heading northwest from the trailhead on South 27th Street and Saltillo Road.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris
The Ruby-Throated is one of several hummingbirds that can be found
in our state, and is named for the vibrant, iridescent red feathers found along the necks of the males.
These tiny birds (just three and a half inches!) are known for their love of insects and nectar from flowers.
You can see these beauties at the Pioneers Park Nature Center or
you can make your own feeder for hummingbirds. Simply cut some holes in the lid of a small jar and fill it with a mixture of four parts water to one part sugar.