Our bird feeders are certainly a source of relaxation and enjoyment as we sit on our decks and patios with thoughts of snow well behind us, for now. But Wild Bird Habitat would like to encourage everyone to take the time and look beyond the bird feeders during the summer months. There are many birds that have arrived in our area that may visit our yards or soar over our towns and neighborhoods with little concern for the feeds we provide their avian cousins....read more of June's Bird Chatter

A Time to Fledge

Blue Jay Fledgling

This is the time of year when many young birds are beginning to fledge from the nest. On their first attempt they often times end-up on the ground, much like the first time we tried to walk and fell down. Although these birds may seem to flounder, you can bet the parents are nearby to protect, and encourage their offspring. Too many times people will pick these youngsters up with good intentions thinking they are in trouble. However it is best to leave them alone unless they are in immediate peril from a cat or other eminent danger. You may

Robin Fledgling

place them back in the nest if you can safely do so. Unlike mammals, handling young birds will not lead to their abandonment by the parents, a common misconception. If you must retrieve a young bird that is in danger, or if it becomes orphaned or injured, you can contact a licensed rehabilitator in your area who will care for them. Once the bird has been rehabilitated they will release them back into the wild.

Keep these phone numbers handy or contact Wild Bird Habitat Stores

Birds, Mammals, Reptiles

• · Wildlife Rescue, Inc. / Lincoln, NE area / (402) 473-1951
•  Wildlife Rehab, Inc. / Omaha, NE area / (402) 341-8619

 Raptors (Hawks, Owls, Falcons, etc.)

•  Raptor Recovery Nebraska / Statewide / (402) 994-2009

BEER, BRATS, & BEES

Join the Friends of Pioneers Park Nature Center for a lovely outdoor evening. There will be a social hour sponsored by Blue Blood Brewing, live music, fresh food and a presentation about bees followed by an evening stroll through the Nature Center. All funds raised will help provide food and habitat conservation for the pollinators at thePioneers Park Nature Center.

Date: June 13 / 6:30 pm

Pioneers Park Nature Center / 3201 S. Coddington Ave.

$25 Friends of PPNC/ $30 general public

For info: Email: - naturecenter@lincoln.ne.gov 

or  phone: (402) 441-7895 

 Pioneers Park Nature Center

Annual Father's Day Backyard Habitat Tour

25 Years of Showcasing Area Backyard Bird Habitats

Wachiska Audubon Society's 25th annual Backyard Habitat Tour will once again be held on Father's Day from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For a quarter century, the most diverse and interesting wildlife habitat gardens in the Lincoln area have been showcased for the public. Set aside June 15th to see the great gardens of Lincoln. Homeowners will be on hand to answer questions. Visitors can begin at any location. Maps and brochures will be available at each site. A donation of $7 is suggested and children under 12 are free. Get tour information online at Wachiska Audubon Backyard Habitat Tour or call (402) 486-4846 

Be a Friend of Wilderness Park:

One of Lincoln's jewels is Wilderness Park. With all its rich diversity which includes hundreds of native bird species and as many native plant species along with mammals, reptiles, amphibians

 and insects, this is an area that needs the ongoing support, protection, and conservation of all of us. The history of Wilderness Park dates back to the earliest Native Americans, the pioneers on the Oregon Trail cutoff, wagon routes , railroads, an amusement park, an auto camp, several forgotten towns, outposts and more. This 15 mile
long linear wilderness green space has over 20 miles of trails to explore by foot, on bike, or by horse. It follows Salt Creek where salt deposits can still be viewed on the west banks and is the primary reason Lincoln was established here in the first place. Salt from underground springs and wells was harvested to preserve meats for the settlers and those embarked on the continuing western movement. Pioneers Park is on the Haines Branch, a heavily wooded riparian saline tributary that joins Salt Creek near 1st and Park Street now Wilderness Park Day Camp, formerly a Cornhusker Boy Scout camp. The Haines Branch runs along the western boundary of the Pioneers Park Nature Center where bison skulls dating back 5000 years have been discovered. Hundreds of bison teeth and vertebrate have been recovered by children "creeking" at Nature Center events. Today Wilderness Park provides an easy escape from the city to a peaceful retreat among nature. Find out more about Wilderness Park and how you can help to preserve it at Friends of Wilderness Park