Ospreys, Miles Maryott featured in the July NEBRASKAland

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NGPC news release, 6/17/08:

LINCOLN, Neb. – What the heck are a pair of ospreys doing in Nebraska? What’s all the fuss about catching a big flathead catfish? Who was Miles Maryott? You’ll find the answers to these and a number of other burning questions in the July issue of NEBRASKAland Magazine

The lead story in this issue, “Miles Maryott” by Senior Editor Jon Farrar, tells about the life and adventures of the Oshkosh hunter, guide artist, taxidermist and convict. Maryott was one of those bigger-than-life personalities from an era that was much more tolerant of eccentric behavior than we are today.

In “Asian Carp – Another Exotic Causing Trouble,” Regional Editor Eric Fowler looks at a fish species which is becoming known for its habit of jumping out of the water when a boat approaches them, sometimes actually landing in the boat. Other less amusing activities include devouring large amounts of plankton, the food source of native fish species, thereby disrupting the food chain and the health of some U.S. rivers.

Regional Editor Bob Grier says that digital technology has revolutionized many aspects of photography, but it is still the photographer that makes the choices necessary to create and give life to the photo. In “Outdoor Photography – Landscape and Wildlife,” Grier talks about how to capture good wildlife photographs without breaking the bank.

Associate Editor Jeff Kurrus’s article, “The Biggest, Baddest Fish of Nebraska,” gives readers a look at the flathead catfish and how anglers go about getting trophy-size flatheads into their boat.

If you’re looking for a pretty, quiet, laid-back spot to spend some time fishing, picnicking, soaking up some rays, or just laying in the shade relaxing, you should read Farrar’s piece “Fort Kearny State Recreation Area – A Place on the Platte for Outdoor People.” Farrar describe the area, the activities available there and how the area was created.

It once was a rare experience to see an osprey in Nebraska, but sightings have become more common in recent years and Grier was able to photograph the first confirmed osprey nest in the state atop a power pole near Scottsbluff. Enjoy the photos and Grier’s article, “Ospreys in Nebraska.”

“One Month at a Time,” by Kurrus is a look at The Cornhusker Fly Fishers, a group of anglers that has had a good time tying flies, fly fishing and promoting the sport since 1978.

There are also articles about the Niobrara River which is again listed as one of the top 10 most threatened rivers in the country; a review of the book “Interior Places” by Lisa Knopp, a glimpse at popular Whitney Lake in the northern Nebraska Panhandle, a selection of portraits from the past, outdoor news from across the state, and the usual letters to editor from NEBRASKAland readers.

This is a great time to subscribe to NEBRASKAland Magazine because you can take advantage of a special summer promotion that will allow you to receive two years of NEBRASKAland for just $24. Regular subscription rates are one year – $18; two years – $33; and three years – $44.

NEBRASKAland Magazine is published 10 times a year by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and is available at Commission offices and newsstands across the state or by subscription from the Commission. Subscribe by calling 1- 800-NEB-LAND (632-5263) or online at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission - NEBRASKAland Magazine.