17 March 2013

Research Denotes Early Season Bird-Strike at Omaha

The earliest date in the year for deaths associated with birds striking windows in eastern Omaha occurred on March 15, 2013.

Two dead American Tree Sparrows were found on the west side of the CenturyLink Center, in the 08:00 hour. The date of occurrence for these two fatalities, was 22 days previous to any other know window strikes, as first recorded in 2008, and obviously expands the temporal period for these events. Previously, the first instances were during the latter days during the first week of April.

This is not the first record for this species being killed at this building. It happens every year and are among the more than 450 records documented along its west side.

Both carcasses were removed for suitable disposal elsewhere amongst a green space, rather than getting tossed into a nearby trash can!

This is the most dangerous building in the area, with more bird deaths having occurred here than at any other structure in eastern Omaha.

The building managers are apparently indifferent to the bird deaths, as they have done nothing suitable to reduce the fatalities, and despite a letter of concern sent to them a few weeks ago by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority manages this City of Omaha owned facility.