5 days Ago
OUTDOORS Eagle viewing will pick up during the winter as these majestic birds follow the waterfowl migration and search for open water. The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District provides free facilities for the public to view eagles and other wildlife from. Ogallala's eagle-viewing facility is just below the south end of Kingsley Dam at Lake Ogallala.
The facility will be open on Dec. 28 and 29, then every Saturday and Sunday through Feb. 23 from 8 a.
m. to 1 p.m.
MT. There are several eagles and waterfowl for great bird viewing. There are many eagles in the area so if you like to watch or photograph these big birds, now is your chance.
Don't forget your binoculars when visiting. The Johnson No. 2 Hydro or J-2 near Lexington has bleachers situated in front of large windows which look over the Supply Canal.
Spotting scopes are provided, but you may want to bring you own binoculars — there are attendants available to answer questions. The J-2 hydroplant is located about seven miles south of Lexington near the intersection of county roads 749 and 750. Signs along area roads will help guide visitors to the plant.
The J2 viewing area is open on Dec. 28 and 29, then every Saturday and Sunday through Feb. 23 from 8 a.
m. to 1 p.m.
CT. Both facilities offer a great vantage point to watch eagles as they soar in the sky, catch fish, and sit on the ice and in nearby trees. Eagles will be following the waterfowl migration and can be found on water bodies that have some ice to perch on along with open water to hunt in.
Visitors are reminded to remain in the facilities while watching the eagles. More information and maps of the facilities can be found online at The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District web site cnppid.com .
Eagles can also be seen at Sutherland Reservoir, Lake Maloney, Johnson Lake, Red Willow, Swanson, Enders and other reservoirs across the state. Take a road trip with family and friends, enjoy a drive and all the wildlife at one of these areas. Keep in mind that eagles are easily disturbed and are cautious of humans.
Trying to approach the birds or loud noises could frighten the birds from the area. Give them the space they need especially when trying to photograph them. Bird viewers need to be aware of avian influenza that is affecting waterfowl and other bird species throughout Nebraska and adjacent states this winter.
Avian influenza Waterfowl die-offs and sick birds have been reported to Nebraska Game and Parks at water bodies from Niobrara to Alma recently. About 300 dead or dying snow geese have been collected at Harlan County Reservoir and additional ones at locations in northeast and southeast Nebraska. Highly pathogenic avian influenza or bird flu, has been confirmed in two cases.
Due to the widespread nature of the die-offs and that reservoirs attract waterfowl, gulls, bald eagles and other migrating birds, additional birds may be affected or found. Though the risk of infection to people is low, officials said the public should avoid all contact with sick or dead birds and report them to their local conservation officer or Game and Parks office. Find contact information at outdoornebraska.
gov. Waterfowl hunters or domestic bird owners should take the following precautions: ■ Do not harvest or handle birds that appear sick or are dead. ■Wear personal-protection equipment, such as disposable gloves, masks and eye protection, while cleaning your harvest or interacting with birds.
Always clean and process birds outdoors. ■Double bag the remaining carcass and dispose of it properly; do not leave the carcass behind for other animals to scavenge. ■Wash your hands immediately after cleaning or handling birds.
■Disinfect all equipment, including hunting gear. ■ Cook the meat thoroughly. ■Do not let your dog or other domesticated animals come into contact with sick or dead birds.
■If your animals become sick after interacting with sick or dead birds, contact your veterinarian immediately. Avian influenza is widespread in wild and domestic birds worldwide, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and has been detected in every state across the U.S.
Nebraska Game and Parks continues to monitor and test dead waterfowl as appropriate. Learn more about the disease or make a disease report at outdoornebraska.gov ; search for "avian influenza.
" Big game meetings Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game issues during the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission's public information meetings this winter. These 21⁄2-hour meetings are scheduled in each Game and Parks district. All in-person meetings, begin at 6:30 p.
m. local time. A meeting will be held in North Platte on Dec.
18 at the North Platte Community College, North Campus, 1101 Halligan Drive. Christmas at the Codys Bundle up and enjoy the Christmas spirit this Friday at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park. All the buildings and grounds are decorated to provide Christmas cheer.
Warming stations will be in place to keep park guests comfortable along with hot apple cider, roasted chestnuts, and cookies. Join us for an old time Christmas each Friday and Saturday evening Dec. 13-21 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.
m. Admission is $8 per person, $5 for kids 4-12, and kids 3 and younger are free. All military and first responders receive free entry on Friday, Dec.
13 for Military and First Responder Appreciation night. A $6 daily park permit is required and is available at the mansion. Get local news delivered to your inbox!.
