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NEBRASKAland Magazine

Published by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission since 1926, NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to an engaging mix of outstanding photography and informative writing, highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parks, wildlife, history and people.

December At-risk Species Spotlight – Trumpeter Swan

Trumpeter swans are one of North America’s greatest conservation success stories. By Olivia DaRugna, Wildlife Diversity Biologist Trumpeter swans are among the largest and heaviest of native waterfowl in North America, weighing about 25 pounds and standing close to 4 feet. Their large size makes getting airborne quite the achievement. Similar to an airplane, swans need a large, open space where they can gain enough speed, running to take flight using their long wings and shallow, rapid wingbeats to slowly …

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Frosty Wildlife Sanctuaries

The survival instincts of animals kick into high gear in the winter. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist As winter blankets the landscape with frost and snow, the survival instincts of wildlife kick into high gear. In this season of scarcity, the availability of quality habitats becomes crucial for the well-being and sustenance of various species. From birds and mammals to insects and aquatic life, each organism seeks refuge in habitats that provide warmth, food and protection from the elements. …

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Nebraska Nature in Color – A Reflection in Red

This December, look for the color red in nature. By Alie Mayes, Community Science Specialist This article is part of the Nebraska Nature in Color series. This limited series will run monthly December 2023- June 2024. When contemplating the colors of December in Nebraska, the hues that come to mind are the browns of a sleepy landscape and the blanket of white that, at times, covers this seemingly barren terrain. But soon after, the color red also comes to mind, …

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Wildlife Viewing in December

Watch for these signs of wildlife in winter. By Olivia DaRugna, Wildlife Diversity Biologist The cool, crisp air; the silent, still landscape; and fewer hours of daylight — winter offers a unique time to spend outdoors. While viewing wildlife can be difficult in winter, looking for signs of wildlife is not. Winter is a great time to look for clues – such as tracks, scat and old nests – and solve the mysteries of the animals that passed through the …

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Where Do Insects Go in Winter?

Explore the fascinating ways insects survive through Nebraska’s harsh winters. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist For humans, winter means thick, fuzzy blankets, space heaters and hot chocolate to keep ourselves warm during the short, cold days. For many animals, winter is a time of change and adaptability, as temperatures dip and the amount of daylight gets shorter. For example, some animals migrate, some hibernate and others stay active throughout the season. Insects, however, have a few more creative strategies …

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Hunting Mentorship – It’s Not About You

When we introduce newcomers to hunting, we must do so with the individual in mind. By Jeff Kurrus We’ve all messed up at one point here: When introducing a newcomer to hunting — whether it’s a kid or adult — we try to make them love exactly what we love. Some do, but many don’t. To effectively pass on hunting skills, what we need are smarter ways to welcome people to the sport. So, the next time you introduce someone …

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How to Age Quail In-Hand

Quail wing feathers can indicate a bird’s age, thus providing clues to maintaining high-quality habitat. By Kellie Hayden The features that make our favorite game birds so charismatic also provide details into the ages of these birds. When we read the clues that feathers hold, we can make smart decisions on maintaining high-quality habitat. Feathers take time and energy to grow — two things young birds don’t have much of when they need to quickly learn how to forage, fly …

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A Guide to the Garter Snakes of Nebraska

Read about the four garter snake species of Nebraska. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist Most people don’t think about snakes in November, but with the near record high temperatures this year, some snakes are still slinking through the grasses or moving through our backyards in certain areas of Nebraska. One common inhabitant that you may still see lurking about your yard, soaking up the last warm rays of the fall, is the garter snake. No, not “garden snake” or …

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Shot Down in World War II

A story of survival and luck during World War II in the South China Sea. By David L. Bristow, History Nebraska U.S. Navy Ensign John Doyle’s chances of surviving World War II seemed bleak on Nov. 25, 1944, as he struggled to hold his burning dive bomber on target over the South China Sea,” writes Samuel Van Pelt. “While attacking a Japanese heavy cruiser, anti-aircraft fire damaged his plane, but Doyle still managed to release his bomb and score a …

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At-Risk Species Spotlight – Whooping Crane

The recovery of whooping crane populations is an on-going, collaborative effort across multiple states, countries and conservation groups. By Olivia DaRugna, Wildlife Diversity Biologist Whooping Cranes are one of the rarest birds in the world. In the 1940s, whooping cranes declined to fewer than two dozen individuals due to unregulated shooting and loss of nesting habitat. This drastic decline led to whooping cranes being one of the first species to gain protection under the Endangered Species Act in 1973. Whopping …

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