Hello NEBird people, I have not posted in literally years, but I thought a Swainson’w Warbler sighting is worth reporting. On April 18, 2026 I found a Swainson’w Warbler in our private property in Polk Co, Nebraska near Osceola, Nebraska.
I had a very long and fairly close view of this bird, as I did not recognize it I spent considerable time watching it. I have pictures and videos but only had my cell phone and tablet - so the pictures are not great. This bird was very active only on the ground, flipping leaves over in search of bugs. I observed that as it foraged it would “shimmy” its rear, it reminded me of the jerky tail wag of the waterthrushes. This bird had a very distinctive brown cap, white eyebrow line, brown eye line, strong heavy beak, the entire body was very plain,: brown back, buff lower body, no wingbars, or any sort of barring on any tail feathers. I realize that this bird is far from its normal range, and pretty early in the season. Maybe blown to nebraska on a strong wind! I did not find it today when I went back to see if it was still around..
Marsha Nyffeler
Lincoln, NE
