Date: 1/20/25 5:17 pm From: Ryan Shackleton <shack357...> Subject: [ia-bird] Nora springs short eared owl
Heading east on Hwy 18 a bit after 5 pm there was a short eared owl working the ditch just off the highway by the Nora Springs offramp.
Ryan Shackleton
Alta Vista, IA
Chickasaw County
Date: 1/20/25 6:56 am From: Bery Engebretsen <beryeng...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Breeding Bird Atlas II
As an early purchaser of this book when first published, I want to say this
is an outstanding book, covering the status and changing status of all
breeding birds in Iowa! I return to it again and again, with questions
about specific species, and often just for enjoyment
Bery Engebretsen
If anyone is interested in purchasing a copy of the most recent Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas, we just received a notification that it is on sale for 20% off from Jan 20-21. Just go to https://iowabba2.org/Order.aspx and click on the cover type you want. Use code JANBS20 at checkout.
Date: 1/19/25 4:40 pm From: Michael Meetz <mcmeetz1...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] SNOW in Story County
About 2:30 the Snowy Owl was still on the ground along the fence row where Wolf Oesterreich and I last saw it. ( along the south corn stubble side) west of 580th Avenue north of 13th street (220th St).
Returned about 4:30 PM we could no longer locate the bird. Evan, Tracy, and Linda Miller were with me. After driving the surrounding area for about an hour we relocated the bird.
It was now on the East side of 580 th avenue about 1/2 a mile into the section. The bird started out on the ground making it difficult to see then it perched on a post along the fence line that ran east.
Would have missed it if we had not been used spotting scope.
Approximately 5:15 PM the bird flew about 75 yards south dropped onto the bean stubble and sat for a few minutes then lifted off, flew low to the southeast toward the Verbio stover storage area at which point we lost sight of it.
Date: 1/19/25 10:11 am From: Doug & Nina Harr <dnharr...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] SNOW in Story County
Still there at Noon.
Doug Harr
On Sun, Jan 19, 2025, 9:53 AM Wolfgang Oesterreich <wolfoest...>
wrote:
> Pat Schlarbaum discovered a Snowy Owl this morning along 580th Ave, about
> 0.5-mile north of 220th St. I met up with Mike Meetz and we spotted the
> owl, about 0.75-mile north of 220th St, in vegetation along the east side
> of the road. After a few minutes, the owl flew westward across the road
> and landed in a soybean field, near a grassy waterway. Soon the owl flew
> southward and landed on a fence post (fence line 0.5-mile north of 220th
> St). The owl would alternate between a fence post and the ground. The
> Snowy Owl was last observed on the south side of the fence line (corn
> stubble field), almost to the top of the slope.
> Wolf. Oesterreich
> Ames
>
> --
> Post by sending an email to <ia-bird...>
> To search for an unfamiliar location, go to
> https://iowabirds.org/Places/FindLocation.aspx > This list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union -
> https://iowabirds.org/ - with membership open to all people interested in
> the birds of Iowa. Join today at https://iowabirds.org/IOU/Membership.aspx.
>
> IOU Code of Birding Ethics - https://iowabirds.org/Pages.aspx?pg=6 > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "IA-BIRD" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to ia-bird+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
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>
Date: 1/19/25 7:53 am From: Wolfgang Oesterreich <wolfoest...> Subject: [ia-bird] SNOW in Story County
Pat Schlarbaum discovered a Snowy Owl this morning along 580th Ave, about 0.5-mile north of 220th St. I met up with Mike Meetz and we spotted the owl, about 0.75-mile north of 220th St, in vegetation along the east side of the road. After a few minutes, the owl flew westward across the road and landed in a soybean field, near a grassy waterway. Soon the owl flew southward and landed on a fence post (fence line 0.5-mile north of 220th St). The owl would alternate between a fence post and the ground. The Snowy Owl was last observed on the south side of the fence line (corn stubble field), almost to the top of the slope. Wolf. Oesterreich Ames
Date: 1/18/25 8:42 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Time to enter your 2024 lists
Birders,
If personal listing goals and friendly competition is your cup of tea, it’s
time to enter your 2024 birding lists! Please log in and use the following
link.
https://iowabirds.org/Members/Listing.aspx
Date: 1/17/25 6:41 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 1-17-25
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, December 11, to Friday, January 17, 2025:
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
Additional Species Mentioned
Long-tailed Duck
Glaucous Gull
Iceland Gull
Golden Eagle
Spotted Towhee
***NEW!**************** For more up to date information on rarities in the state of Iowa, visit the Iowa Birds and Birding website at www.Iowabirds.org <http://www.iowabirds.org>
***********************
Species in ALL CAPS can be classified into three categories in the state of Iowa: 1) UNRECORDED, ACCIDENTAL or Casual; 2) A RARE but regular species; or 3) record early or late date or unusual for time of year. Any species with three asterisks (***species***) would represent a first record for Iowa (UNRECORDED) and should be observed and documented very carefully. Species with two asterisks (**species**) are species that are either ACCIDENTAL, CASUAL, or a rare regular species, and should also be documented. Species with one asterisk (*species) should have some details of the observation provided.
Please note this is an UNOFFICIAL compilation of rare bird sightings from both eBird and the IOU listserve. Data for field reports and early/late dates should not be taken from this weekly email report.
EAST
SCOTT COUNTY
A GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Lock and Dam 15 on the 11th.
An ICELAND GULL was seen at Lock and Dam 15 on the 12th.
CENTRAL
POLK COUNTY
2 SPOTTED TOWHEES continue at Big Creek WMA NW on the 14th.
A SPOTTED TOWHEE was seen along 100th St at Big Creek WMA on the 15th.
2 SPOTTED TOWHEES were seen at Cherry Glen at Saylorville on the 16th.
SOUTH CENTRAL
APPANOOSE COUNTY
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen along Indigo Circle in Mystic on the 11th.
NORTHWEST
PLYMOUTH COUNTY
2 GOLDEN EAGLES were seen at Broken Kettle Grasslands on the 15th.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, January 24, 2025 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
Date: 1/16/25 12:44 pm From: Michael May <2y2m2u...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Inquiry re: Snowy Owls
I would be interested as well; my birthday (1-15) present for me this
weekend is a road trip to look for birds. A snowy owl sighting would be
exciting - for both of us!
- Kristy, Plymouth Co.
On Thu, Jan 16, 2025 at 11:43 AM Michael Meetz <mcmeetz1...> wrote:
I know Clayton is wrong because the Hoary Redpoll has been made Common
(insert smiley face).........and to think I felt bad about not getting one
at Sax Zim Bog last February.
I've been thinking of going NW where the Phalaropes are more common, so a
Red one!?
On Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 9:14:17 AM UTC-6 rons wrote:
> Boreal Chickadee? Pine Grosbeak?
>
> Ron Stakland
>
> Fairfield
>
>
>
> *From:* <ia-......> <ia-......> *On Behalf Of *Wendy
> VanDeWalle
> *Sent:* Sunday, January 12, 2025 2:49 PM
> *To:* IA-BIRD <ia-......>; Wendy VanDeWalle <
> <wtvand......>
> *Subject:* [ia-bird] Quiz time!
>
>
>
> What bird species is the map below representing for summer sightings the
> past two years? (June and July)
>
> Don’t forget to join or renew to IOU very soon to get the next edition of
> the Iowa Bird Life journal and see our new colored maps for the Summer
> report.
>
> Iowabirds.org
>
>
>
> Wendy VanDeWalle
>
> New Summer report editor
>
> --
>
> Post by sending an email to <ia-......>
> To search for an unfamiliar location, go to
> https://iowabirds.org/Places/FindLocation.aspx > This list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union -
> https://iowabirds.org/ - with membership open to all people interested in
> the birds of Iowa. Join today at https://iowabirds.org/IOU/Membership.aspx.
>
> IOU Code of Birding Ethics - https://iowabirds.org/Pages.aspx?pg=6 > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "IA-BIRD" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to ia-bird+<u......>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/ia-bird/<CAH1EOotoevnRZvL4xW5EWYRDNH8u2vOd_S16JCH27LYj6vqg_g...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/ia-bird/<CAH1EOotoevnRZvL4xW5EWYRDNH8u2vOd_S16JCH27LYj6vqg_g...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
I relocated the two Spotted Towhees at the North end Big Creek WMA, Polk County just now, 11:15ish. Scratching in the gravel along with other sparrows and juncos. I also saw the Brown Thrasher I saw yesterday near the disc golf at Big Creek State Park. And a here and gone in a flash Golden-crowned Kinglet at North end of Big Creek.
From: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> On Behalf Of Wendy VanDeWalle
Sent: Sunday, January 12, 2025 2:49 PM
To: IA-BIRD <ia-bird...>; Wendy VanDeWalle <wtvandewalle...>
Subject: [ia-bird] Quiz time!
What bird species is the map below representing for summer sightings the past two years? (June and July)
Don’t forget to join or renew to IOU very soon to get the next edition of the Iowa Bird Life journal and see our new colored maps for the Summer report.
I had a Brown Thrasher at Big Creek State Park this morning near the disc golf course. It was briefly feeding below a tree with several juncos, jays, cardinals and White-throated Sparrows.
Date: 1/12/25 5:16 pm From: Doug & Nina Harr <dnharr...> Subject: [ia-bird] (no bird observation) Iowa Audubon Small Grant applications
Iowa Audubon is now open to accept applications for 5 small grants of up to $1,000 each, anywhere in Iowa. Projects must apply to avian conservation, habitat protection, research, or education. Applications may be from individuals, conservation organizations, or conservation agencies. To find information and application forms, go to our website's grant page link at: *https://iowaaudubon.org/Pages/IowaAudubon.aspx?pg=9 <https://iowaaudubon.org/Pages/IowaAudubon.aspx?pg=9>*
Applications must be received by March 1, 2025, for the Iowa Audbon Board of Directors to review and select this year's grants at our mid-March meeting. Awards should be presented by about April 1.
Doug Harr President & C.O.O. [image: IowaAudubonLogoGIFlarge.jpg]
What bird species is the map below representing for summer sightings the
past two years? (June and July)
Don’t forget to join or renew to IOU very soon to get the next edition of
the Iowa Bird Life journal and see our new colored maps for the Summer
report.
Iowabirds.org
Date: 1/10/25 9:37 pm From: Roy Adolphson <roydjoy47...> Subject: [ia-bird] A 6-Merlin Day!
Today (Fri, 1/10) I went to Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines on a heavily overcast evening around sunset (ss 5:04). I started seeing several Merlins in different locations, and there was some moving around, but for a few minutes there were 6 showing: 1 in a tall spruce at the north edge of Block 24, 2 in separate locust trees in Blk. H, 1 in the scraggly spruce in Blk. J, 1 in the large English oak in Blk. 33D, and 1 in a tall English oak in the center of Blk. 37. Earlier one each had been in Blk. 20, Blk. 16, the old cottonwood in Blk. H, and the big oak in Blk. 33B.
Date: 1/10/25 6:52 pm From: Ryan Shackleton <shack357...> Subject: [ia-bird] Howard County
Took my daughter up by Saratoga after school to see what we could find, saw one big flock of snow buntings along Kent Avenue and a short eared owl hunting the northeast corner of Hayden Prairie. Ryan Shackleton Alta Vista, Ia Chickasaw County
Date: 1/10/25 12:14 pm From: Paul Brooks <paulbrooks27944...> Subject: [ia-bird] Snowy Owl, Louisa County 1-10-25
Was privileged enough to witness a immature female Snowy Owl hunt for over 30 minutes this morning between 8-9am. Successful hunts in 2 different fields for voles, but she consumed them well before I could get a camera on her. photo, Heavily cropped [image: DSC09328-Enhanced-NR.jpg]
Date: 1/10/25 11:25 am From: Don Poggensee <donpoggensee...> Subject: [ia-bird] White Pelican
Hello, I got a call from Pete Ernzen in Humboldt, Iowa asking If I could send in a report for him. He said he saw one white pelican in the river at Humboldt, Iowa.
Date: 1/10/25 6:15 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 1-10-25
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, December 4, to Friday, January 10, 2025:
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
Additional Species Mentioned
Iceland Gull
Glaucous Gull
Golden Eagle
Snowy Owl
Spotted Towhee
Red Crossbill
***NEW!**************** For more up to date information on rarities in the state of Iowa, visit the Iowa Birds and Birding website at www.Iowabirds.org <http://www.iowabirds.org>
***********************
Species in ALL CAPS can be classified into three categories in the state of Iowa: 1) UNRECORDED, ACCIDENTAL or Casual; 2) A RARE but regular species; or 3) record early or late date or unusual for time of year. Any species with three asterisks (***species***) would represent a first record for Iowa (UNRECORDED) and should be observed and documented very carefully. Species with two asterisks (**species**) are species that are either ACCIDENTAL, CASUAL, or a rare regular species, and should also be documented. Species with one asterisk (*species) should have some details of the observation provided.
Please note this is an UNOFFICIAL compilation of rare bird sightings from both eBird and the IOU listserve. Data for field reports and early/late dates should not be taken from this weekly email report.
NORTH CENTRAL
HAMILTON COUNTY
A SNOWY OWL continues near the exit off Interstate 35 to Highway 20 on the 4th.
CERRO GORDO COUNTY
A SNOWY OWL was seen along 210th St near Ventura on the 9th.
EAST
SCOTT COUNTY
2 ICELAND GULLS were seen at Lindsay Park on the 4th.
A GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Lindsay Park on the 4th.
SOUTHEAST
LOUISA COUNTY
A SNOWY OWL was seen at Cone Marsh on the 9th.
CENTRAL
POLK COUNTY
2 SPOTTED TOWHEES were seen at Big Creek WMA Northwest on the 8th.
A SPOTTED TOWHEE was seen along 100th St at Big Creek WMA on the 4th.
2 RED CROSSBILLS were seen at Jester Park on the 7th.
SOUTH CENTRAL
MARION COUNTY
2 ICELAND GULLS were seen at Red Rock on the 4th.
NORTHWEST
PLYMOUTH COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at Broken Kettle Grassland on the 9th.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, January 17, 2025 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
Date: 1/9/25 5:50 pm From: Tommy Stone <tomtazzstone...> Subject: [ia-bird] Short-eared Owls - Blackhawk co.
This evening, I saw 2 SHORT-EARED OWLS , along Miller Creek rd., just before the entrance to Cedar River Resource area. There was one each, on both sides of the road. This was at 4:45 pm, and they were actively hunting til about 5:00pm.
Last night (1/7) just before sunset (ss 5:01pm) between about 4:50 and 5:00pm there were five Merlins present in Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines. They were spread out around the grounds from a tall pin oak in Block K near the pond to the multi-trunked black cherry in Block 36. In between there was one each in the spruce with the forked top in Block 20, the storm-damaged locust in Block K, and the large English oak in Block 33D. The weather was cold and heavily overcast. Under similar conditions the day before, I only saw one Merlin at the same time of day.
Date: 1/7/25 2:22 pm From: Osness <ravenbuddhanow...> Subject: [ia-bird] woodpeckers in Ames, Story County
I saw 5 species of woodpeckers today in Ames including a Flicker in our backyard. The highlight of the day was a Pileated Woodpecker that provided me with great looks as I walked along Peggy's trail in west Ames. Nick Osness Ames
There are good numbers of eagles at Lake Red Rock at the moment, especially in the vicinity of the dam. You can find them both sitting on the ice of the lake and working the open water below the dam. I saw well over 100 on the Lake Red Rock bird count two weeks ago. Russ Benedict, Pella, Iowa.
Russ Benedict
Professor of Biology
Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
Department of Biology, Central College
812 University Street | Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
________________________________
From: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> on behalf of Rodger j Routh <rodgerrouth...>
Sent: Sunday, January 5, 2025 7:22 PM
To: IA-BIRD <ia-bird...>
Subject: [ia-bird] Eagles
You don't often get email from <rodgerrouth...> Learn why this is important<https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification> Caution: The e-mail below is from an external source to Central College. Please do not open attachments or click links from an unknown or suspicious origin. Report suspected phishing emails using the “Phishing Alert Report” button.
Any thoughts about a good place to find Eagles? Not much at saylorville.
How’s Redrock?
Rodger
Three or four days ago I would estimate we had between 40 and 50 eagles on the ice, along both sides of the Saylorville Mile Long bridge, at about 9:00am. When I came back across (around 11:00am) there was more open water, and they had dispersed.
Ty Smedes
From: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> On Behalf Of Rodger j Routh
Sent: Sunday, January 5, 2025 7:23 PM
To: IA-BIRD <ia-bird...>
Subject: [ia-bird] Eagles
Any thoughts about a good place to find Eagles? Not much at saylorville.
Date: 1/5/25 3:11 pm From: lgdau9 <lgdau9...> Subject: [ia-bird] Nice cold day birding Boone Co
Found some nice birds today. Attached some photos. Had a Sharp-shined Hawk at my house. Found Fox Sparrows, Harris Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows. Rusty Blackbird and Red-winged Blackbird near Arboretum. Also, a Cooper's Hawk looking out a barn door.Larry Dau Boone Co.Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Date: 1/4/25 4:26 pm From: jimforde via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Glaucous Gull at Davenport
Much river ice at the Quad Cities today. Lindsay Park was the best spot for notable gulls, topped by a juv. GLAUCOUS GULL. The others included 2 juv. THAYER'S GULLS and 3 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS.
Date: 1/4/25 11:30 am From: Tommy Stone <tomtazzstone...> Subject: [ia-bird] Snowy Owl- Hamilton co. YES!
The previous reported SNOWY OWL, is currently at the exact location, that Anna reported seeing it. There isn't much of a shoulder to pull over, but very little traffic, on Vale rd. The owl, is about 200 yards, out in field, on west side of road. This was my son, TJ's first Snowy Owl. Thanks for the updates, everyone!
Date: 1/4/25 9:01 am From: <iowatheou......> <iowatheoutdoorsman...> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Not a sighting-snowy owl question
We did locate the snowy. He is sitting in a cornfield just east of I 35 and
about a 3/4 of a mile south of highway 20. You can drive down Vail Ave to
just south of 240 st. see him.
On Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 10:07:32 AM UTC-6 <iowatheou......>
wrote:
> My wife and I were just here about 9:30 this morning and did not see him.
>
> On Friday, January 3, 2025 at 8:18:08 PM UTC-6 <chadv......> wrote:
>
>> Does anyone know if the snowy owl at the intersection of US 20 & I35 was
>> still there today? I live in north Missouri and am thinking about making
>> the 3 hour drive tomorrow to see it, but don't want to waste my time if it
>> has moved on.
>> Thank you for any information.
>> Happy birding,
>> Chad
>> Martinstown, MO
>>
>>
Date: 1/4/25 8:07 am From: <iowatheou......> <iowatheoutdoorsman...> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Not a sighting-snowy owl question
My wife and I were just here about 9:30 this morning and did not see him.
On Friday, January 3, 2025 at 8:18:08 PM UTC-6 <chadv......> wrote:
> Does anyone know if the snowy owl at the intersection of US 20 & I35 was
> still there today? I live in north Missouri and am thinking about making
> the 3 hour drive tomorrow to see it, but don't want to waste my time if it
> has moved on.
> Thank you for any information.
> Happy birding,
> Chad
> Martinstown, MO
>
>
From: Don Poggensee Sent: Friday, January 3, 2025 6:55 PM To: Iowa Bird List Subject: [ia-bird] Saw-whet and Snow
Hello, Today after our heavy winter snow, I re-found one of our wintering Saw-whet owl, trying to sleep on a snow cover pine branch. Yesterday was Short-eared Owl at Owego Wetland. Photo below.
Don
Don Poggensee 174 Lakeview Drive Ida Grove, Iowa 51445 Cell 712-369-3454
Date: 1/3/25 6:18 pm From: Chad Gatlin <chadvgatlin...> Subject: [ia-bird] Not a sighting-snowy owl question
Does anyone know if the snowy owl at the intersection of US 20 & I35 was still there today? I live in north Missouri and am thinking about making the 3 hour drive tomorrow to see it, but don't want to waste my time if it has moved on. Thank you for any information. Happy birding, Chad Martinstown, MO
For anyone wanting to go find the Snowy Owl, I went today and drove the entire clover leaf several times over the space of about an hour and did not find the Snowy Owl.
If anyone finds it again, can you let me know?
Thanks!
Wyman Borts
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Iowa Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Iowa. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35680 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) (20) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 01, 2025 15:30 by Mark Haindfield
- Blue Lake, Monona, Iowa
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-96.1610985&<ll...>,-96.1610985 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S207771337 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Sparsely mixed in with Canada Geese. Orange legs, white base of bill, brownish overall. Also speckled belly, some baring on sides, and white under tail. Conservative count."
Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (Larus glaucoides thayeri) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 02, 2025 11:30 by Steve Freed
- Mississippi River Lock & Dam 14 (Iowa), Scott, Iowa
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-90.401516&<ll...>,-90.401516 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S207728141 - Comments: "Adult bird flying below L&D, viewed from Illinois side over both Iowa and Illinois waters. Size of AHGU with reduced dark greyish-blackish on upper distal primaries and pale distal outer primaries below."
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 02, 2025 12:28 by Ben Baldwin
- 310th, Decatur, Iowa
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-93.847585&<ll...>,-93.847585 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S207774238 - Comments: "Known in the area. Wintering in a pine tree. Size of hairy woodpecker with mottled back, white wing patches, black and white face pattern with red on crown. Feeding at typical sapsucker wells in the pine tree."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 1/3/25 4:55 pm From: Don Poggensee <donpoggensee...> Subject: [ia-bird] Saw-whet and Snow
Hello, Today after our heavy winter snow, I re-found one of our wintering Saw-whet owl, trying to sleep on a snow cover pine branch. Yesterday was Short-eared Owl at Owego Wetland. Photo below.
Don
Don Poggensee 174 Lakeview Drive Ida Grove, Iowa 51445 Cell 712-369-3454
Date: 1/3/25 8:03 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 1-3-25
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, December 28, to Friday, January 3, 2025:
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
Additional Species Mentioned
Long-tailed Duck
Iceland Gull
Snowy Owl
Spotted Towhee
***NEW!**************** For more up to date information on rarities in the state of Iowa, visit the Iowa Birds and Birding website at www.Iowabirds.org <http://www.iowabirds.org>
***********************
Species in ALL CAPS can be classified into three categories in the state of Iowa: 1) UNRECORDED, ACCIDENTAL or Casual; 2) A RARE but regular species; or 3) record early or late date or unusual for time of year. Any species with three asterisks (***species***) would represent a first record for Iowa (UNRECORDED) and should be observed and documented very carefully. Species with two asterisks (**species**) are species that are either ACCIDENTAL, CASUAL, or a rare regular species, and should also be documented. Species with one asterisk (*species) should have some details of the observation provided.
Please note this is an UNOFFICIAL compilation of rare bird sightings from both eBird and the IOU listserve. Data for field reports and early/late dates should not be taken from this weekly email report.
NORTH CENTRAL
HAMILTON COUNTY
A SNOWY OWL continues near exit 142 off Interstate 35 near Williams on the 2nd.
EAST
SCOTT COUNTY
An ICELAND GULL was seen at Lock and Dam 14 on the 2nd.
CENTRAL
POLK COUNTY
A SPOTTED TOWHEE was seen in the NW Section of Big Creek WMA on the 28th.
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen at Saylorville on the 29th.
A SPOTTED TOWHEE was seen at Big Creek WMA along 126th Ave on the 29th.
An ICELAND GULL was seen at Saylorville on the 2nd.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, January 10, 2025 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
Date: 1/2/25 11:04 am From: Doug & Nina Harr <dnharr...> Subject: [ia-bird] Eurasian Tree Sparrow in Ogden
We finally had the first Eurasian Tree Sparrow appear at our feeders, after 4" of snow this morning. This is a new yard bird for us, and also the first for my Boone County life list.
Date: 1/2/25 8:02 am From: John Cecil <jcecil01...> Subject: [ia-bird] Des Moines CBC
The Des Moines Christmas Bird Count was held on 12/21. 19 birders in 13 field parties contributed to the count.
We tallied a total of 78 species which is the third highest count total in the history of the count. Waterfowl were abundant compared to many other years with a total of 25 species found. 25 species of waterfowl is a count high.
Birds of note: Ross's Goose Long-eared Owl Fox Sparrow a flock of 40 Meadowlark. Peregrine Falcon
Historical count highs: American Wigeon was recorded at a count history high with 16 total birds Pileated Woodpecker was also a count high with 16 There were 5 Winter Wren which ties the count high Northern Flicker were abundant for an all time high of 107
I was able to get some nice photos of a Red-shouldered Hawk near the Iowa Arboretum in Boone Co. The photos were taken a week ago. The Hawk was last seen this past Saturday on the CBC. Photos attached.Larry Dau- Boone Co.Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Ringgold County CBC was held today and despite the fog and muddy roads we managed to get 84 species, including 15 species waterfowl, 6 owl species, and a possible Indigo Bunting.
Date: 12/28/24 10:13 pm From: Roy Adolphson <roydjoy47...> Subject: [ia-bird] 4 Merlins at Glendale Cemetery
Saturday evening (12/28) I went to Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines at sunset (4:52 pm). There were four Merlins posted up in treetops between 4:52 and 5:02 pm. There was one each in the following blocks: Blk. 20 in the spruce with the forked top; Blk. 33D in the lone oak tree; Blk. 36 in the multi-stemmed black cherry; Blk. 50, Section 5 in one of the tall, skinny locust trees on the western edge of the grounds.
Date: 12/27/24 6:26 pm From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 12-27-24
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, December 21, to Friday, December 27, 2024:
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
ACCIDENTAL
**BARROWS GOLDENEYE**
Additional Species Mentioned
Surf Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Snowy Owl
Golden Eagle
Red Crossbill
White-winged Crossbill
***NEW!**************** For more up to date information on rarities in the state of Iowa, visit the Iowa Birds and Birding website at www.Iowabirds.org <http://www.iowabirds.org>
***********************
Species in ALL CAPS can be classified into three categories in the state of Iowa: 1) UNRECORDED, ACCIDENTAL or Casual; 2) A RARE but regular species; or 3) record early or late date or unusual for time of year. Any species with three asterisks (***species***) would represent a first record for Iowa (UNRECORDED) and should be observed and documented very carefully. Species with two asterisks (**species**) are species that are either ACCIDENTAL, CASUAL, or a rare regular species, and should also be documented. Species with one asterisk (*species) should have some details of the observation provided.
Please note this is an UNOFFICIAL compilation of rare bird sightings from both eBird and the IOU listserve. Data for field reports and early/late dates should not be taken from this weekly email report.
NORTH CENTRAL
HAMILTON COUNTY
A SNOWY OWL was seen along Highway 20 near Williams on the 27th.
EAST
JOHNSON COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at Frytown Conservation Area on the 21st.
NORTHEAST
ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen along Red Oak Road on the 22nd.
SOUTHEAST
LEE COUNTY
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen at the Ft Madison Riverfront on the 21st.
CENTRAL
POLK COUNTY
2 LONG-TAILED DUCKS were seen at Saylorville on the 26th.
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen at Maffitt Reservoir on the 22nd
A BARROWS GOLDENEYE was seen at Saylorville on the 26th.
SOUTH CENTRAL
DECATUR COUNTY
A SURF SCOTER was seen at Little River Lake on the 21st.
NORTHWEST
OBRIEN COUNTY
24 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were seen at Sheldon Cemetery on the 22nd.
2 RED CROSSBILLS were seen at Sheldon Cemetery on the 22nd.
BUENA VISTA COUNTY
2 LONG-TAILED DUCKS were seen at WWTP West Gravel on the 24th.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, January 3, 2024 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
The Snowy Owl was found on the roadside shoulder. Photos were taken, and the owl was studied. Though alert, able to hop and extend both wings, the bird did not seem capable of flight. A raptor rehabilitator was summoned, then met us at the site. After a short chase, the bird was collected for forwarding to a veterinarian and S.O.A.R. With the bird in hand, and in evidence in the 3rd photo, we could see ruffled feathers around the bird's left eye and some cloudiness on the cornea. Hopefully, a full recovery is ahead.
Jerry Probst, South Sioux City, NE Bill Huser, South Sioux City, NE
Date: 12/25/24 7:44 pm From: Roy Adolphson <roydjoy47...> Subject: [ia-bird] 4 Merlins tonight at Glendale Cemetery
Tonight (12/25) I went to Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines at 4:30 p.m. (sunset @ 4:50). From 4:30 to 4:40 there were 4 Merlins visible simultaneously----one each in Blocks 20, B, H, and 33D. Then there was a fly-by involving 3 Merlins in Block H, as all but the one in the big oak in 33D took to the air. Two came back to H and perched in the bur oak next to the big cottonwood and in the broken locust halfway up the hill. The one in 33D continued until about 4:50, while the ones in H remained until about 5:05. The sky was heavily overcast and a bit foggy, with temps in the mid-30s and a light northeasterly wind.
On Monday, Dec 16, the Keokuk CBC was held. It was the second time in 25 years I was not able to attend. So, I give an even greater thanks to the birders that participated. I have had the fortune of having a number of people who have contributed to this count for what seems to be going on 40+ years now.
88 species were observed which is slightly above the average of 86 over the last 33 years.
There were a number of notable observations.
24 Turkey Vulture (recorded by two parties) this bird has become more frequent. It has been seen 6 times in the last 10 years on the count.
There was also an observation of a single *Female Barrow's Goldeneye* viewed from Montrose. (photo taken)
Canvasback numbers were below average at 17,423 (recently at 30K+) 1049 Common Merganser 5131 Common Goldeneye 10 Red-breasted Merganser 338 Greater Scaup
We did well on puddle ducks 1 American Wigeon 1 Northern Shoveler 1 Northern Pintail 2 Green-winged Teal
Notable misses: Eastern Screech Owl has become very regular on this count. Greater White-fronted Goose Cackling Goose
I also have been noting every year the battle for supremacy between House Sparrow and Eurasian Tree-sparrow, the totals of which have been neck and neck for years now. This year the House Sparrow won out with 200 total birds vs 179 Eurasian Tree-sparrow.
Thanks again to all of the birders that were able to help.
A special thanks to Francis Moore, Steven Dinsmore, Chuck Fuller and Angella Moorehouse who have each been participating in this count for several decades now.
Humboldt Co. CBC was held on Sunday Dec. 22, 2024. We had three people help, two field people and a feederwatcher. We encountered 34 species on the count day, and additional 2 (for right now...will update if necessary) during the count week bringing us up to 36 (as of now). This shifted the mean number of species encountered yearly on the count by 0.17 from 32.3 to 32.47. We saw 2800 individual birds. Notable finds include Purple Finch, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, the largest number of Meadowlarks observed on the count, possibly the largest flock of Trumpeter Swans seen in Humboldt County since the 19th century coming in at 61 birds, a count week Red-shouldered Hawk (completely unexpected), and Red-headed Woodpecker, oh yes...and an Emu (I'm aware, this is in jest sort of). Sparrows had poor showings, only two native species and their numbers either slightly or significantly below norms. Waterfowl diversity and numbers were way down (outside the astonishing swan flock) just Canada Geese and Mallards this year, and numbers low (I suspect the river being increasingly open in inaccessible spots is contributing to this effect). Raptors did poorly throughout the day but rallied in the afternoon once the wind started to calm, but we saw no Rough-legged (but this seems on brand for this year). No thrushes, were seen which I felt was unexpected and owls had bad showing as we only logged Barred. Another notable miss, though this is a long time coming, is Eurasian Collared-doves which is ironic considering that when the count started; Rutland was the focal point of their activity in the county, but now they are very unreliably found almost anywhere in the circle and when found only in singles or pairs. A curious case study for someone interested in the mechanics of boom-bust exotic species demography I suppose.
I want to thank Russel Rice and Kevin Murphy, who assisted me on this count. I have done this count solo in the past, and it is...too much. Many may look at out count totals and see a count below their position to do, but Humboldt County holds secrets and surprises for those willing to dig for it, and I think this count and county is a testament to birding in places that are aggressively under-birded and undervalued by birders.
Jacob Newton Ottosen, Sec 3, Wacousta Township, Humboldt County, IA, 50570, USA
Date: 12/23/24 1:43 pm From: Amy Buckendahl <amy.buckendahl...> Subject: [ia-bird] Update Henry has been recovered: Request for help, Grundy county, Iowa area missing falconry bird.
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Date: 12/23/24 9:37 am From: Neil Bernstein <tornataornata...> Subject: [ia-bird] Bird photographers
Hi folks. If you want your photos or artwork included in the first issue of Iowa Bird Life in 2025, please upload them to the IBL website by 5 January.
Thanks for everyone who has submitted reflections, essays, and poems. Please keep the submissions coming.
