Bird Watchers now have a new way to search for great birding hotspots in eastern Nebraska, www.nebraskametrobirding.com. The new web site targets one of the fastest growing recreational activities in the country. The site was created by the Nebraska Metro Group, a regional partnership between Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy, Saunders and Washington counties in Nebraska.

Birding is becoming an increasingly popular niche within the tourism industry.  In Nebraska there are over 400 species of birds and over 400 public and private birding sites.  These sites are tremendous tourism assets and the Nebraska Metro Group feels by reaching out to the birding community it also boosts the regional economy.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates over 20 million people spend an average of 14 days a year traveling to observe wild birds. The new Metro web site features information such as a regional bird calendar and must-see birding locations in each county.  Birders are also encouraged to re-visit the web site to share their Metro birding experiences through pictures and stories.   Lodging, attraction, and dining information is also available through a link to each county's web site.

The web site was made possible through a grant from the Nebraska State Tourism office.

Media Contact:

Harriet Waite
Blair Area Chamber of Commerce (Washington County)
1646 Washington Street
Blair, NE 68008
Phone: 402-533-4455

Linda Rieke
Cass County Visitor Promotion Committee
918 Washington Avenue
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
Phone: 402-296-5999
Toll Free: 1-800-965-8479

Leslie Carter
Fremont & Dodge County Convention & Visitors Bureau
605 N. Broad St.
Fremont, NE 68025
Phone: 402-753-6414
Toll Free: 1-800-727-8323

Jeff Maul
Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau (Lancaster County)
1135 M Street, Suite 300
Lincoln, NE 68501
Phone: 1-800-423-8212

Dana Markel
Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau (Douglas County)
1001 Farnam
Omaha, NE 68102
Phone: 402-444-4660
Toll Free: 1-866-937-6624

Linda Revis
Sarpy County Tourism
14333 S. Hwy 31, Suite C108
Gretna, NE 68028
Phone: 402-332-5771
Toll Free: 1-800-GOSARPY

Jennifer Woita
Wahoo Chamber and Economic Development (Saunders County)
640 N Broadway
Wahoo, NE 68066-0154
Phone: 402-443-4001