Date: 6/4/26 5:11 pm From: David Cunningham via groups.io <gopacgodc...> Subject: [NEBirds] Hay Springs BBS
On May 28, 2026 I completed the Hay Springs Nebraska USGS Breeding Bird Survey. I was very concerned that I would not get it done that week due to the high winds. I got through the first 25 stops with little or no wind. The wind picked up and increased through the remaining routes, going from almost no wind to 19 mph at the end. The wind did not seem to affect the counting. My accountant was adamant that I complete the BBS without a return trip due to the high fuel costs and other mandatory obligations.
The Burrowing Owls were missed this year. I just could not find them within the 3 minute stop limit. I went back after completing the BBS and took about 10 minutes to find them. I did not include them in the count.
The Sharp-tailed Grouse is missing this year. I don't know why overall, but at least one of the fields is now plowed. This was a disappointing miss.
I found wild turkey and Swainson's Hawk for the first time. Nice additions that I hope to see next year.
Numbers below are comparable to last year's. In 2025 there were 39 species and 999 individuals compared to 2026 with 42 and 880. The biggest change in BARS dropped from 130 to 6. I have noticed the large drop in BARS in my neighborhood as well. This year's BBS was done 10 days earlier than last year.
