Birds

Two wild turkeys stroll across the Park.

NPS Photo.

With its variety of habitats, Homestead National Historical Park is home to both grassland and woodland birds. This provides ample opportunities for bird watching, or to simply enjoy the many songs that can be heard while walking through the prairie.

Would you like to help us monitor our bird populations? Homestead National Historical Park is looking for birders to help us with our annual bird monitoring project.

In May and June, staff from the Heartland Network or volunteers at the park conduct a "point count" to record the kinds and numbers of birds on the prairie and in the woodlands at Homestead National Historical Park. Prairie bird species are on the decline and the "point count" helps Homestead management determine sound management practices. The count is taken at specific spots on the prairie and in the woodlands by standing in one spot for five minutes, listening and watching, and then recording the observations.

When visiting the park, ask a ranger for a bird list!

 

Bird Monitoring Reports

• Bird Monitoring at Homestead National Monument of America, Nebraska Status Report 2009-2017 by Peitz and others, 2019.
• 2016 Monitoring Summary for Homestead National Monument of America, Nebraska by Peitz, 2016.
• 2015 Monitoring Summary for Homestead National Monument of America, Nebraska by Peitz and Gross, 2015.
• 2014 Monitoring Summary for Homestead National Monument of America, Nebraska by Graham and Peitz, 2014.
• 2012 Breeding Bird Survey Results for Homestead National Monument of America, Nebraska by Peitz, 2012.
• Ecology, Stable Isotopes, and Management of Grassland Songbirds at National Park Service Properties on the Great Plains by Sarah E. Rehme, 2010. M.S. thesis from University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Grassland bird study news coverage