Date: 5/13/25 8:58 am From: Paul L. Pearson via groups.io <Propearson...> Subject: [NEBirds] *No Sighting* Help with nesting Wood Thrush locations for MOTUS project
Passing this along from Fontenelle Forest Director. If you have info, please pass it along to Michelle ASAP. Locations needed for nesting Wood Thrush locations near Missouri River….
Researchers from Iowa State are studying wood thrush populations along the Missouri River corridor and would like to include populations within Fontenelle Forest. They are looking to gather any information from local birders about where in Fontenelle they may be able to find a high enough density to include. Wood thrush have been known to nest here, so we are all hopeful local birders can help narrow the search.
Can you all ask around to staff/visitors (as appropriate!) and they can directly email me location information? This info gathering is only happening for the next week or so, as they are looking to start in the next couple of weeks.
For some context, we are one of four locations where females are to be tagged with radio tags which can be tracked by the MOTUS towers to help understand the wood thrush, which is in decline. The other near-by sites are Hitchcock Nature Center and Waubonsie State Park in Iowa, and Platte River State Park in Nebraska. Similar habitats, and similar woodland restoration work being done!
Any recent (prior 2-3 breeding seasons) locations are helpful. Our breeding bird surveys form 2015-2018 are too old, but I did offer that information!
