Adifferent point of view on development
Wildlife biologists and conservationists tend to dwell on the negatives of human development: fragmentation of habitat, conversion of habitat, loss of habitat — you name it. But not all wildlife species have been harmed by our efforts to develop and “improve” the landscape for mankind.
Introductions
One of the most obvious ways human development has helped species is by introducing them to new places. In the Chicken Dance Trail region of southwest and south central Nebraska, these would include the Ring-necked Pheasant, Rock Pigeon, European Starling, House Finch and House Sparrow.
Pheasants were introduced as a game bird in the late 1800s and have done very well. Pigeons, starlings and House Sparrows were all introduced well before that and, having adapted to “urban” development in Europe, found our towns and cities to their liking. House Finches were actually moved from the west coast to the east coast by man — a small number of them were released on Long Island after failed attempts to sell them as “Hollywood Finches”. They did very well and started to spread.
Reservoirs
Our necessity for flood control and stored water led to dams being constructed on many if not most rivers in the United States. We might focus on the fact that dams alter rivers and destroy good habitat, but if you could ask a loon, grebe, goose, duck, heron, gull or tern about it, they might tell you that they really like places like Lake McConaughy. They like the large expanse of open water and the fish, and while most of them don’t nest at reservoirs, large man-made lakes provide valuable resources during their migrations and even through the winter for some. The eroding banks around these reservoirs have also created excellent habitat for Barn Owls, Bank Swallows and Belted Kingfishers.
Buildings, bridges and dams
Here is a question for you….where did a Barn Swallow nest before there were barns? Truth be told, Barn Swallows used to nest in caves – which is a habitat type that is scarce in Nebraska. Now they nest almost exclusively in barns and on the sides of buildings or under bridges, so their range and population has expanded dramatically. Cliff Swallows used to nest on cliffs – which they still do – but again, rock cliff faces are not that abundant here, and now they nest under nearly every sizeable bridge across the state. Chimney Swifts nest in caves and hollowed-out trees, but prior to human development, there weren’t many places on the Great Plains where they existed and now they can be seen flying over many towns and farmsteads during the summer months.
Among other species that utilize our structures — especially abandoned ones — are Turkey Vultures, Rock Pigeons, Barn Owls, Eastern Phoebe, Say’s Phoebe, American Robins, European Starlings, House Finches and House Sparrows. There are others as well, but all have benefited from humans making themselves comfortable.
And, of course, bird houses
Purple Martins once nested in Saguaro Cactus and in natural cavities in trees around ponds and lakes. Native Americans used to hang up gourds for Purple Martins and it is estimated that in the Eastern U.S. Purple Martins have been nesting exclusively in man-made houses for over 100 years. So it is highly probable that man greatly increased the range and population of this beneficial insect-eater.
Other species that have benefited greatly from our bird houses include Wood Ducks; Great Horned, Barred, Barn and Eastern Screech-owls; Tree Swallows, Eastern, Mountain and Western Bluebirds; House Wrens, House Sparrows and many others.
Sometimes we tend to focus only on the negatives of human development, and for many species of birds civilization has been unkind. But once in awhile it’s good to remember that there are a lot of neat birds (and other wildlife) that have actually benefited from the changes we have made.
T. J. Walker
Wildlife Biologist
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
North Platte
About the Chicken Dance Trail
The Chicken Dance Trail is actually a collection of great bird watching locations in southwest and south central Nebraska, between the Platte and Republican Rivers. Because the area includes the narrowest section of the hourglass-shaped Central Flyway, the Chicken Dance Trail is uniquely situated for birders. Millions of different birds come through here during spring and fall migrations, making the Chicken Dance Trail one of the best places in the country to see a wide variety of species in a relatively small area.
Our bird watching sites were developed by local naturalists and birding experts and are collected into a series of bird watching “adventures” which are described in detail, along with interactive maps, on our Web site at www.chickendancetrail.com. Other resources include a birding chart, useful birding links, and guides to restaurants, lodging and activities in the area.
Our wildlife and bird watching sites were developed by local naturalists and are collected into a series of “adventures” which are described in detail, along with interactive maps, on our Web site at www.chickendancetrail.com. Other resources include a birding chart, useful links, and guides to restaurants, lodging and activities in the area.
Come and visit and learn why we say, “Birds love this part of Nebraska...and you will too!”
Special Thanks to:
Nebraska Game and Parks, Birds of Nebraska
www.ngpc.state.ne.us/wildlife/guides/birds/findbirds.asp