Kevin Poague prepares birders for the bird walk.
Kevin Poague, operations manager at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, tells participants on the Third Tuesday Bird walk on Oct. 20, 2021, which birds to expect to see. Photo by Ethan Petrik/NNS.

Operations Manager Kevin Poague and Education Directer Jason St. Sauver, both of the Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center in Denton, offer guided bird walks on the third Tuesday of each month.

The aptly named Third Tuesday Bird Walks provide an opportunity for Nebraskans to learn about species native to the prairie of southeastern Nebraska.

However, these birds, along with birds across the country, face the threat of habitat loss due to agriculture and population growth.

With Plan Forward 2050 showing an expected population growth of over 100,000 people by 2050, methods exist to protect these birds while the population grows.

7 e1635801974586 - As Lincoln grows, bird friendly communities can protect native species
Bruce Mellburg uses his camera to photograph plants, birds and other objects of interest at the Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center. Photo by Ethan Petrik/NNS.
5 - As Lincoln grows, bird friendly communities can protect native species
The Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center in Denton provides free guided bird walks. The center is home to bird species unique to southeastern Nebraska. Photo by Ethan Petrik/NNS.
6 - As Lincoln grows, bird friendly communities can protect native species
Kevin Poague shows participants on the bird walk planned improvements for the center. Photo by Ethan Petrik/NNS.
4 - As Lincoln grows, bird friendly communities can protect native species
Bruce Mellburg uses binoculars to watch the birds. Photo by Ethan Petrik/NNS.
3 - As Lincoln grows, bird friendly communities can protect native species
A birder looks over pictures in the Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center. Photo by Ethan Petrik/NNS.
2 - As Lincoln grows, bird friendly communities can protect native species
Kevin Poague has worked at the Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center for over 20 years. Photo by Ethan Petrik/NNS.

Ethan Petrik | Senior | Sports Media & Communication, Broadcasting Ethan Petrik had worked in print journalism at the Sidney Herald in Sidney, MT and The Grand Island Independent in Grand Island, NE. Currently, Ethan works as an on-air host and board op at 93.7 The Ticket where he is known as Big Sky.