There's no bad time for birding in the Sandhills

There's really no bad time to go birding in Nebraska. However, in terms of pleasant weather and diversity of bird life it is hard to beat Nebraska birding in spring and early summer.

And there's really not a bad place in the state for birding-a huge variety of birds can even be observed within cities like Grand Island, Lincoln and Omaha or even in your backyard.

But for me-the ultimate birding in Nebraska is experienced in the 20,000 square miles of native prairie, wetlands, lakes and grass covered dunes of the Nebraska Sandhills.

With that said, some areas ARE better than others. One of the best places in the entire state for birdwatchers to visit is Calamus Outfitters near Burwell. The full service operation caters to birders in every aspect.

Ask a birder and he'll tell you that the most important thing for a birding trip is access to a place with a large variety of common and lesser seen bird species.

 I've had the privilege of spending several weekends at Calamus Outfitters this spring. I've witnessed prairie chickens performing their intricate mating dance.

I've seen the synchronized display of the sharp tailed grouse too. The birds display each year in the same place, called a lek. A lek is a hilltop where generations of the birds have danced for decades. Bruce Switzer says "God only knows how long these birds have been dancing in this exact spot."

He adds that although he has always known the prairie chickens and grouse were here, he only took an interest a few years ago.

Trips to see these birds involve getting up early and taking a short walk to a bus parked near a lek. The bus is positioned there in late winter and the birds are oblivious to it.

The bus makes a great blind from which to view the birds and it keeps visitors out of the often bitter wind of early spring. The price of the trip also includes coffee beforehand and a huge ranch style breakfast after.

On a recent visit -- all within a few minutes -- I saw 10 species of ducks, burrowing owls, a long eared owl and a new bird for me-a long billed curlew.

 All of it was made possible because Switzer, owner of Calamus Outfitters, has developed a detailed connection to his large ranch and the wildlife that shares the place with him and his family.

In a nearby nest my friends and I watched a mother bald eagle tend to a youngster. We observed at least forty other species of birds and a multitude of other animals.

Another important aspect to a weekend birding trip is finding a comfortable and reasonably priced place to stay. The ranch has two large lodges with individual rooms as well as several cabins available to visitors. The ranch's close proximity to Calamus Reservoir makes it an ideal place to stay when fishing Nebraska's second longest lake.

The accommodations are great for individuals, larger groups of friends, family reunions or corporate gatherings and meetings. There is a general store at the ranch stocked with supplies, snacks, park entry permits, licenses, fishing tackle and souvenirs.

The rustic, western feel of the place makes for a relaxing stay and the low prices make it even better.

Authentic sandhills hospitality is the norm at Calamus Outfitters and the Switzer family will work hard to meet your needs during your stay.

Whether it is birding, canoeing, tanking, fishing, hunting, taking a trail ride or just relaxing for a day, or a week-adventure awaits you at Calamus Outfitters.



For more information about Calamus Outfitters, their birding trips or any of their other activities contact them at:

www.calamusoutfitters.com

308-346-4697

83720 Valleyview Avenue

Burwell, NE



Alan J. Bartels writes an outdoor column for The Independent.