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Upcoming Field Trips
Regal Bald Eagles at Branched Oak and Pawnee Lakes
Sunday, February 26
1:30 p.m.
There's something about the sight of a live bald eagle that can make birders feel a little more patriotic. Our national bird is making a comeback and can sometimes be seen at area lakes in winter. After being listed under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1976, the bald eagle went on to become a poster child for successful conservation. Approximately 100,000 bald eagles formerly occupied the lower 48 states, but habitat loss, shooting, trapping, and pesticides such as DDT reduced the population to less than 1000 by the 1960s. After DDT was outlawed, the species began making a comeback in the late 1980s, was down-listed from endangered to threatened in 1996, and removed from the list completely in 2007. We'll drive to different vantage points at Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area to check for these majestic birds and end our afternoon at Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area with a short hike at dusk where we hope to hear owls calling
Meet Sunday, February 26 at 1:30 p.m. on the south side of the State Capitol in Lincoln across from the governor's mansion at 15th and H Streets to caravan or carpool to the lake. Bring binoculars and scope if you have them. The public is welcome. If you have questions call John at 402-475-7275.
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