Date: 7/17/18 5:48 pm From: Pam Allen <2birders...> Subject: [ia-bird] Polk Co. - Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - NO
Hi all, Reid and I struck out again on the YCNH this morning. We were joined by Tony Moline and Craig Kruze who helped us in our search as well. The mosquitos are still horrible -- so take lots and lots and lots of bug spray if you try for this bird. Pam Allen West Des Moines, IA
Date: 7/17/18 5:03 pm From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950...> Subject: [ia-bird] Cuba with Noah Stryker
Dear IOU members,
As many of you know the Fall IOU meeting Keynote Speaker with be
Noah Strycker. Noah compiled 6,042 species of birds while visiting 41
countries and all seven continents in 2015. Not only are we pleased and
blessed to have him as our speaker some of you may have the opportunity to
travel with him to Cuba (if you have any interest). Tom Schilke and I had
discussed this some time ago and today we committed to this opportunity.
More good news! Gary Markowski-Executive Director of the Caribbean
Conservation Trust-made contact with us and offered to donate $50 *to
the Projects Committee of the IOU* for each person who joins the trip from
this posting. There are only 4 spots left max 12).
I just found out that this will be Noah's first trip to Cuba! So the 23
endemics we are likely to see will be just as exciting for him as for us.
Just image if you would being able to possibly say "I saw the bird before
Noah did! 😁
*See Information Below*
In partnership with BirdWatching Magazine and Caribbean Conservation Trust
(CCT), I.O.U. members have a unique opportunity to accompany Noah and our
excellent team of Cuban naturalists on this exciting program. Since 1996, I
have managed more than 250 birding groups in Cuba, all under U.S Department
of Treasury authorization. We currently have limited space remaining for
our December 9 - 18, 2018 birding trip, which is described here:
https://www.cubirds.org/2018/02/cuba-bird-survey-with-noah-strycker/ Enrollment is available online, and requires a $ 700 per person deposit.
Direct, round trip flights between Fort Lauderdale and Cuba are easily
available for around $ 250 per person. Cuban visas are also easily
available with our assistance. CCT will make a contribution to I.O.U. for
each current member who enrolls in this trip!
Questions or concerns, please contact Gary Markowski, Executive Director,
Caribbean Conservation Trust for more information about this trip.
Date: 7/17/18 11:40 am From: Joe Jungers <lotusjungers...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Trumbull Lake- not a sighting
Hi Seth and all,
I will try to give you a few pointers for birding Trumbull Lake. There are two main entrances for viewing the lake, one from the east off 330th Avenue (a paved entrance) and one from the west off of 310th Avenue (a dead end gravel road leading to a gravel path, keep to right).
When you enter from the east stop along the road on the hill which I labeled #1 to scope the lake, then follow the road to the point which I labeled #2 for scoping.
There is also a small parking lot on the south side of the path that gives access to a small wooded area to try for passerines. There are no maintained paths in the wooded area.
Note:(There is also a gravel path going to the lake from the east side off of 330th further north but it has been flooded and with the cattails this area provides no good viewing of the lake)
From the west side, take the gravel road in and keep to the right until you get to the boat launch labeled #3 and scope from this area.
If you follow this gravel path further to the south you will reach the spillway which may be worth checking but doesn’t provide any good scoping areas.
Note: (at the end of the gravel road coming in, the gravel path does go to the north,(to the left) but it is partially washed out by the heavy rains and at this time not recommended for vehicles. You can hike to the north end but bring mosquito protection. The path goes through a wooded edge of the lake good for passerines and gives a view of the north end of the lake which is a good spot for ducks and depending on water level, other birds loafing or feeding at the edges.)
There is an access on the south end of the lake with a small parking lot but it doesn’t provide any good scoping opportunities.
Joe Jungers
Sioux County
> On Jul 16, 2018, at 4:07 PM, Seth Dudley <sethdudley84...> wrote:
>
> Hello all. I have been meaning to make the drive up to Clay County to see the Western Grebes and Laughing Gull. I have never been up to this area before and was hoping that someone could point me in the right direction as to where I should look for the birds, park, enter the park etc. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you,
>
>
> Seth Dudley
> Iowa City.
> --
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Date: 7/16/18 2:07 pm From: Seth Dudley <sethdudley84...> Subject: [ia-bird] Trumbull Lake- not a sighting
Hello all. I have been meaning to make the drive up to Clay County to see the Western Grebes and Laughing Gull. I have never been up to this area before and was hoping that someone could point me in the right direction as to where I should look for the birds, park, enter the park etc. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you,
Date: 7/16/18 1:00 pm From: Seth Dudley <sethdudley84...> Subject: [ia-bird] chuck wills widows- not a sighting
I was wondering if anyone knew if the Chuck-Wills-Widows were still down by Stephens State Forrest. I was thinking about driving down that way tomorrow and was hoping to perhaps hear one calling out.
The Laughing Gull was relocated after lunch and back at Trumbull Lake in Clay county loafing on a muskrat house toward the north end. Apparently it had only gone to the landfill in Dickinson county last week for the fine dining that humans also associate with the great lakes area in summer.
Seven Red-necked Grebes and nine Western Grebes were seen at Trumbull with all judged to be adults. The Westerns were vocalizing and there were some courtship maneuvers.
Broods of four types of ducks were on Mud Lake in Palo Alto county with Redhead being notable. A pair of Canvasbacks were at Pickerel Lake in Buena Vista county but without young although a pair of Trumpeter Swans there did have one cygnet. Flooded fields yielded an early returning shorebird list of seven with a fly away Willet only Joe saw at a place with water over the gravel road ahead and me being the driver.
Date: 7/14/18 12:24 pm From: msmac38 <msmac38...> Subject: [ia-bird] Bob White Quail
I saw a female BW with one chick cross the road as I was leaving home this morning. I have never seen one around here. I am hoping there is more than one chick.Virginia McKenzieTama Co.
Date: 7/13/18 7:00 pm From: Tom Dougherty <tom.dougherty.sr...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Yellow-crowned Night Heron’s - 118th St Woodlands Polk Co
On Friday, July 13, 2018 at 8:37:08 PM UTC-5, jg441157j5x wrote:
>
> Where is this?
>
>
>
> Sent from my U.S. Cellular® Smartphone
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Tom Dougherty <tom.doug......> <javascript:>>
> Date: 7/13/18 9:27 AM (GMT-06:00)
> To: IA-BIRD <ia-......> <javascript:>>
> Subject: [ia-bird] Yellow-crowned Night Heron’s - 118th St Woodlands Polk
> Co
>
> I relocated one adult YCNH this morning. I saw it about 50-100 yds past
> where the trail turns South in the standing pools of water on the left
> side. Bring lots of bug spray!
>
> Tom Dougherty
> Urbandale, IA
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "IA-BIRD" group.
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> To view this discussion on the web visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/ia-bird/<9fd49693-5a2d-498c-97a7-777a56014db3...> > .
> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
>
Date: 7/13/18 6:37 pm From: jg441157j5x <jg441157j5x...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Yellow-crowned Night Heron’s - 118th St Woodlands Polk Co
Where is this?
Sent from my U.S. Cellular® Smartphone
-------- Original message --------From: Tom Dougherty <tom.dougherty.sr...> Date: 7/13/18 9:27 AM (GMT-06:00) To: IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Yellow-crowned Night Heron’s - 118th St Woodlands Polk Co
I relocated one adult YCNH this morning. I saw it about 50-100 yds past where the trail turns South in the standing pools of water on the left side. Bring lots of bug spray!
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, July 7, through Friday, July 13, 2018:
-RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
CASUAL:
*LAZULI BUNTING*
-Additional Species Mentioned
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
Laughing Gull
Least Tern
Hooded Warbler
***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. ************************
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.
*NORTHEAST:*
BLACK HAWK COUNTY:
2 LEAST TERNS were seen at Brinker Lake at George Wyth SP on the 8th.
*SOUTHEAST*:
VAN BUREN COUNTY:
A HOODED WARBLER continues off the snowmobile trail at Lacey Keosaqua SP on the 7th.
*CENTRAL:*
*POLK COUNTY:*
*A LAZULI BUNTING was photographed at Prairie Flower campground at Saylorville on the 6th.*
*2 YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS were seen from the NE 118th Ave Woodlands Trail at Chichaqua Bottoms WA on the 7th. 1 was seen again on the 8th. One was still present on the 13th.*
*NORTHWEST:*
*DICKINSON COUNTY:*
*A LAUGHING GULL was relocated and was now seen at the Dickinson County landfill on the 7th.*
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, July 20, 2018 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
Date: 7/13/18 7:28 am From: Tom Dougherty <tom.dougherty.sr...> Subject: [ia-bird] Yellow-crowned Night Heron’s - 118th St Woodlands Polk Co
I relocated one adult YCNH this morning. I saw it about 50-100 yds past where the trail turns South in the standing pools of water on the left side. Bring lots of bug spray!
Date: 7/13/18 5:33 am From: 'Dick Sayles' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Chorus
July 13 Friday
Song of the morning...”Drink Your Tea”
Dickcissels, Baltimore Orioles, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, Common Yellowthroats, Indigo Buntings....so much more in the Sayles Garden
5 young Carolina Wrens very close to fledging. Have enjoyed the process. Mom and dad have chased Cats and chipmunks
Time for Oatmeal
Date: 7/12/18 10:07 am From: Reid I. Allen <2birders...> Subject: [ia-bird] Polk Yellow-crowned Night-Herons
Pam and I walked the trail at Chichaqua early this morning. We walked
to where the trail turns south on bad knees and 1 new knee. Saw no
herons, but with no water remaining along the south side of the path,
that's to be expected. They were probably "just around the corner".
Date: 7/9/18 8:25 pm From: Ray Cummins <raymond.madeline...> Subject: [ia-bird] Yellow-crowned Night Herons
The YCNHs were present this morning arond 8:30 AM along the NE 118th Ave. Chichaqua bottoms trial. About 500 yds down the trial there is standing water on the south side, this is where they were this morning. I had 2 Adults and 1 immature. Ray Cummins/Ankeny IA.
Date: 7/9/18 7:41 pm From: Lee Schoenewe <lschoe...> Subject: [ia-bird] No laughing at Franklin's Gulls
Over my lunch hour I checked the wetland near the landfill in Dickinson County. Two big machine operators were moving trash around and 843 Franklin's Gulls were displaced into the adjacent wetland along with a handful of Ring-billed Gulls to clean their bills and palates of only God knows what they had been eating. The Laughing Gull was not seen during twenty minutes of observation. It doesn't mean the bird is not still around, only that it was having lunch somewhere else. Maybe Gull Point or some flooded bean field. If it were me I'd go back to Trumbull Lake if only to let me add it to my Clay County list. One can only hope!
Date: 7/8/18 1:31 pm From: Jason Paulios <jasonpaulios...> Subject: [ia-bird] Muscatine and Johnson Counties - Breeding Bird Survey
I ran my Breeding Bird Survey route on July 4th, much later than I normally do. The 25 mile route runs from the west side of West Liberty, through Hills, and ends north of Kalona. Since I ran it so late there were much lower numbers of the early singers (Pheasants, Meadowlarks, RW Blackbirds) but I did see and hear some good county birds. Ended with 63 species and 782 individuals.
*Northern Bobwhite - 6 adults at 3 stops. This species, as well as Pheasant, are doing very well over the last 4-5 years locally. The best locations are at the open grassy areas along 500th St SE west of Johnson-Muscatine Ave and on 540th St SW east of Naples Ave SW. The latter stop had two adults in the grass near the roadside, when they flushed a dozen puffball babies followed them south into the grass. *Eurasian Collared Dove - 3 *Upland Sandpiper - 2 *Willow Flycatcher - 4 *Bell's Vireo - 1 (at 540th St Bobwhite stop listed above) *Purple Martin - 28 (these are common from the Hills Casey's on 218 to the west as many homeowners keep Martin houses along 540th Street. County big day people might want to note the Casey's location but I suppose they're also a gimmee at Lake Macbride) *Eastern Towhee - 3 *Vesper Sparrow - 3 *Grasshopper Sparrow - 1 (at the 540th St Bobwhite stop, usually Henslow's here too but it was late and very hot) *Bobolink - 1 *Northern Mockingbird - 1 (at the bridge at Big Slough on 500th St SE east of White Oak Ave) *Eurasian Tree Sparrow - 1 (at bridge on 500th St SE just west of Johnson-Muscatine Ave)
Date: 7/8/18 12:16 pm From: Connor Langan <clangan16...> Subject: [ia-bird] George Wyth Least Terns
While boating on Brinker Lake at George Wyth State Park, I came across a pair of Least Terns that were flying around the lake. Eventually, they both landed on the floating barrier. I didn’t have my camera with me but I got close enough to the floating barrier with the boat that I was able to get diagnostic pictures. Still present as of 2:10.
Date: 7/8/18 10:33 am From: Richard Hollis <xiboia...> Subject: [ia-bird] Hummingbird Behavior
A non birding friend sent me the following observation.
"I have been observing an interesting bird behavior and was curious if you knew of it. A hummingbird frequents spider webs under my porch eaves and plucks out little insects that have been caught in the webs. It does this with precision—the webs are left I disturbed. Obviously it’s eating the bugs, and it’s fun to watch. It has done this a couple times when I’ve been on the porch so I have seen it close up."
Date: 7/8/18 8:39 am From: Dennis Thompson <cndthomps...> Subject: RE: [ia-bird] Polk County - Yellow-crowned Night-Herons
I flushed an adult YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON from the same trail this morning, however this bird was much closer to the parking lot. It was about 200 yards in, still on the east-west portion of the trail.
Denny Thompson
Johnston
From: <ia-bird...> [mailto:<ia-bird...>] On Behalf Of Eric Ollie
Sent: Saturday, July 7, 2018 1:52 PM
To: Iowabirds <ia-bird...>
Subject: [ia-bird] Polk County - Yellow-crowned Night-Herons
Birders,
I am currently birding the NE 118th Ave Woodlands trail at Chichaqua Bottoms in Polk County where I have just flushed 2 Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, at least one was definitely an adult. I had a quick, but good look at it and clearly saw the yellow crown.
I found them about .45 of a mile down the trail from the parking lot. Exact coordinates are: 41.77384, - 93. 40352
Date: 7/8/18 8:03 am From: Candace H <candace69001...> Subject: [ia-bird] Bell's Vireo & Chats, Van Buren County
In the typical spot that Chuck Fuller showed me, there were several Bell's Vieros and YB Chats who were singing when I got out of the car.
I saw two different chats, and two different Bell's Vieros. A No. Bobwhite was calling and there were Indigo Buntings, Common Yellowthroats, House Wren, Dickcissel, Am. Goldfinch.
This spot is at 18974 235th. There's a gravel service road, just walk south and you'll see and hear plenty.
Candace Havely Black Hawk/Van Buren Waterloo/Bentonsport
Date: 7/8/18 7:26 am From: John Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Lazuli Bunting - MAYBE
This morning, I went over to the Prairie Flower South campground to see if the previously reported Lazuli Bunting was around. I went over to site #138, and I pulled my vehicle into a parking spot near the dumpsters. I immediately heard a Bunting calling from some edge habitat near the dumpsters. The bird sang for about 5 minutes, and I tried matching it up to the Lazuli Bunting song on my phone, and it actually seemed kind of close. I never got a visual on it, and it stopped singing, so I left. On the way out of the campground, I heard what I was sure was an Indigo Bunting. It sounded different enough from the Bunting song I heard at site #138, that I decided this was worth posting to the list as a possible observation. I think its probably worth a shot for someone with more experience with Lazuli Buntings to see if they can find it.
No sighting after about 2:30 PM stayed until 430 when many of the girls weekend flying south east kind of towards the Trumbull lake in the small lakes out in Dewey‘s pasture just wondering if it heads out there for the evening just a thought
God bless
Paul Roisen Woodbury county
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jul 7, 2018, at 1:52 PM, Eric Ollie <uphawkeye...> wrote:
>
> Birders,
>
> I am currently birding the NE 118th Ave Woodlands trail at Chichaqua Bottoms in Polk County where I have just flushed 2 Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, at least one was definitely an adult. I had a quick, but good look at it and clearly saw the yellow crown.
>
> I found them about .45 of a mile down the trail from the parking lot. Exact coordinates are: 41.77384, - 93. 40352
>
> Eric Ollie
> Ames
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "IA-BIRD" group.
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Date: 7/7/18 11:59 am From: <ritag...> Subject: [ia-bird] shorebirds
Unfortunately our ponds are drying up, and now the shorebirds are trickling in. A few each of eight common species, a dowitcher and a Golden-plover were in the ponds that are left on A39 in Worth County.
Date: 7/7/18 11:52 am From: Eric Ollie <uphawkeye...> Subject: [ia-bird] Polk County - Yellow-crowned Night-Herons
Birders,
I am currently birding the NE 118th Ave Woodlands trail at Chichaqua Bottoms in Polk County where I have just flushed 2 Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, at least one was definitely an adult. I had a quick, but good look at it and clearly saw the yellow crown.
I found them about .45 of a mile down the trail from the parking lot. Exact coordinates are: 41.77384, - 93. 40352
Date: 7/7/18 6:50 am From: Joe Jungers <lotusjungers...> Subject: [ia-bird] Laughing Gull
We just relocated the Laughing Gull that Brandon Caswell found earlier this week. It is now at the landfill in Dickinson County around the pond on the east side of the landfill.
Date: 7/7/18 5:47 am From: Candace Havely <kansas592...> Subject: [ia-bird] Singing Hooded Warbler in Lacey-Keo SP
The Hooded Warbler is vocalizing right now off the Snowmobile trail in Lacey. Kentucky Warbler, Wood Thrush, towhees, Ovenbirds, YB Cuckoo also singing.
Beautiful, still, cool morning. Perfect for birding.
40.7181046, -92.0076532
Candace Havely Waterloo/Bentonsport Black Hawk/Van Buren County
Date: 7/7/18 2:45 am From: Brandon Caswell <brandon.caswell83...> Subject: [ia-bird] LAZULI BUNTING at Saylorville
Birders,
Reported via Facebook group ‘Iowa Birding’ with photo: “I was able to get a
more specific location. Prairie Flower Campground. Good luck tomorrow!”.
-Jon Swanson
Photo was posted from location from Jon’s friend who found/photographed it.
Date: 7/6/18 7:24 pm From: Douglas Harr <dnharr...> Subject: [ia-bird] Ringgold Co. Birds
I made a solo birding trip to Ringgold Co. today, to try getting some species I don't yet have on my 2018 Iowa list. Only picked up a couple, but overall it was a very good day of birding in some finally decent weather.
Best finds of the day were a *Northern Mockingbird* flying along US 169 north of Mt. Ayr; 2 *Yellow-breasted Chats* singing near roadsides on state wildlife areas--one seen right along dirt road on south side of Mt. Ayr WMA (photo attached) and another heard along a dirt road on the east side of the Ringgold WMA; and a pair of *Upland Sandpipers* running ahead of my car on the gravel road just north of the Kellerton Prairie Chicken viewing platform. Also saw or heard at least 16 *Northern Bobwhites*, including a pair walking along the side of Co. Hwy J55 at the north end of the Ringgold WMA (photo of male attached).
The only disappointments were not finding either a Loggerhead Shrike or Grasshopper Sparrow, both of which I still need for this year's list.
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, June 30 through Friday, July 6, 2018:
-RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
-Additional Species Mentioned
Western Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
Common Gallinule
Laughing Gull
Blue Grosbeak (East)
***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. ************************
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.
*NORTH CENTRAL:*
WRIGHT COUNTY:
A COMMON GALLINULE was seen at Big Wall Lake on the 1st.
CERRO GORDO COUNTY:
A RED-NECKED GREBE was seen at Ventura Marsh on the 3rd.
*SOUTHEAST*:
DES MOINES COUNTY:
A YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was seen along Sullivan Slough Rd south of Burlington on the 3rd. It was last seen on the 4th.
LOUISA COUNTY:
A BLUE GROSBEAK was seen at Cone Marsh along T Ave on the 4th.
*NORTHWEST:*
*CLAY COUNTY:*
*A LAUGHING GULL was seen at Trumbull Lake on the 3rd.*
*WESTERN AND RED-NECKED GREBES continue at Trumbull Lake on the 4th.*
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, July 13, 2018 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
Date: 7/6/18 1:58 pm From: Stuart Sparkman <jacamar29...> Subject: [ia-bird] Bobwhite at Red Feather Prairie
Hey I-Birders,
Harney and I were at Red Feather (Saylorville Lake, Polk Co.) this morning around 6 AM and I was surprised to clearly hear a NORTHERN BOBWHITE calling five or six times. First time I've ever heard that species at this location.
Date: 7/6/18 11:55 am From: Gerald White <apuffin...> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Eurasian Tree Sparrow x House Sparrow hybrid - Polk Co
I have been watching for evidence of this happening in E. Iowa but have not
seen it yet
On Friday, July 6, 2018 at 10:49:05 AM UTC-5, Tom Dougherty wrote:
>
> I came across one, possibly two, hybrid sparrows near Chichaqua Bottoms in
> NE Polk Co. A Eurasian Tree Sparrow has been in this area for quite some
> time. It’s easy to park on SE side of this intersection.
>
> https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S46975506 >
> Tom Dougherty
> Urbandale, IA
>
Date: 7/6/18 8:49 am From: Tom Dougherty <tom.dougherty.sr...> Subject: [ia-bird] Eurasian Tree Sparrow x House Sparrow hybrid - Polk Co
I came across one, possibly two, hybrid sparrows near Chichaqua Bottoms in NE Polk Co. A Eurasian Tree Sparrow has been in this area for quite some time. It’s easy to park on SE side of this intersection.
Date: 7/5/18 5:11 pm From: Richard Hollis <xiboia...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] The Seven Pleasures of Birding---(not an obserevation)
I would add number 8 The pleasure of helping a new birder see a bird for the first time. Seeing their eyes open wide and the smile that fills their face helps you relive when you saw birds for the first time.
Date: 7/5/18 2:39 pm From: Douglas Harr <dnharr...> Subject: [ia-bird] The Seven Pleasures of Birding---(not an obserevation)
On an emailed bird newsletter received recently from some organization (can't recall which one right now), I clicked on a link that took me to a piece called "The Seven Pleasures of Birding". Back in 2006 it was sent to a birder named Marie who did blogs about birding in Central Park, NY. The author is a NY birder named Chris Cooper, and I liked his thoughts so much that I pasted the text into a document for keeping in my files. Reading it again a few minutes ago, I thought it would be work passing along thru our list serve. It's attached here as a pdf file.
Two chicks are now visible in the nest atop the cellphone tower at Wenig Ave./J Ave. in NE Cedar Rapids. I'm not tall enough to peer into the nest, so it's entirely possible that another young'un exists. Last year 3 chicks fledged from this nest.
Bill Scheible Cedar Rapids
"There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country". ...Theodore Roosevelt
On my way back from Des Moines County to see the Yellow Crowned Night Heron I stopped by Cone Marsh in Louisa Co. Among the usual suspects was a Blue Grosbeak located on T Ave. between the farm houses and the intersection with 220th St. A pleasant surprise to end my day of birding SE Iowa and a great way to spend the 4th.
Two chicks are now visible in the nest atop the cellphone tower at Wenig Ave./J Ave.in NE Cedar Rapids. I'm not tall enough to peer into the nest, so it's entirely possible that another young'un exists. Last year 3 chicks fledged from this nest.
Bill Scheible Cedar Rapids
"There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country". ...Theodore Roosevelt
Date: 7/4/18 6:06 pm From: Lee Schoenewe <lschoe...> Subject: [ia-bird] Breeding grebes & night-heron but no gull
Nancy, Joe and I ran to Trumbull Lake this evening to check out the Laughing Gull sighting but saw not a single gull. Resident Forster's Terns were active and an adult Black-crowned Night-heron was joined in the air by a juvenile as it circled over the cattails. A juvenile Western Grebe was seen with an adult and four other adults were about on the lake. Six adult Red-necked Grebes were seen or heard and an independent juvenile was diving between a pair of the adults. Sandhill Cranes were calling in the distance and juvenile Yellow-headed Blackbirds were vocalizing about their breeding success. There were no Fourth of July fireworks until we encountered a gaggle of juvenile humans with punks on a gravel road!
Date: 7/4/18 4:50 pm From: James Mccoy <mccoyfam...> Subject: [ia-bird] Northern Bobwhite at Lake Iowa Recreation Area
I checked out Lake Iowa in the Iowa County Recreation Area this morning partly because I couldn’t see any record on E-bird of anyone ever birding there. On a very hot morning I encountered 39 species with very good looks at two Northern Bobwhite on a dense woodland trail next to the lake. Photos attached.
Date: 7/4/18 2:16 pm From: Brandon Caswell <brandon.caswell83...> Subject: [ia-bird] LAUGHING GULL (belated) at Trumbull Lake (Clay Co.)
Birders,
I was reviewing some photos of a distant gull from a trip to Trumbull Lake
yesterday. Wish I would have studied them better, but was too concerned
about finding a WEGR. :/
It was an adult Laughing Gull. I’ve notified some of the locals up that
way, so hopefully it sticks for anyone who might want to track it down.
Date: 7/4/18 1:51 pm From: Seth Dudley <sethdudley84...> Subject: [ia-bird] Yes! Yellow crowned night heron des Moines co
I just made the trip down to see the yellow crowned night Heron that was previously reported. It was still the as if 3:45pm. It was located in the exact spot that MB posted earlier. Looking south from where the road is flooded the bird is wading in front of the first dry area where a pickup and trailer are parked. It's a good 100 yards away so a scope is useful.
Seth Dudley
Iowa City
Happy Connecting. Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S® 5 Sport
Date: 7/4/18 7:15 am From: Mark Brown <markb249...> Subject: [ia-bird] Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - Des Moines county
Ted Francis and I just saw the continuing juvenile Yellow-crowned Night-Heron on Sullivan Slough Rd. Look south from the spot on the road where the flooding begins. The bird is present at the first dry spot on the road next to the telephone pole. Thanks to Chuck Fuller for the report!
Date: 7/3/18 6:21 pm From: Kathy Gretter <quilterkag...> Subject: [ia-bird] Help with I’d, Kansas City, KS
I have attached two pictures of a Hawk seen in metro Kansa City, I believe it to be a red tailed hawk however, the feathers appear to run the length of the legs, making me question the Id.
These two photos are the only pics, I apologize for the poor quality and realize the siting was not in Iowa. But the knowledge of this group list is amazing and I know you may forgive my indiscretion. Thank you Kathy Gretter Cedar Rapids, IA
> On Jul 2, 2018, at 10:40 PM, <keenanpa...> wrote: > > Ventura Marsh. > Spotted from a kayak at 7:30 pm. One third of a mile west of Balsam Ave. > > -- > 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 post to this group, send email to <ia-bird...> > Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/ia-bird. > To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/ia-bird/<a792c62c-f75d-471e-8593-7f7a95378ca1...> > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
A Yellow-crowned Night-heron was seen along the flooded Sullivan Slough Rd. south of Burlington in Des Moines County. The bird was a juvenile. Chuck Fuller Burlington
Date: 7/3/18 5:42 am From: Stuart Sparkman <jacamar29...> Subject: [ia-bird] Red Feather Prairie
Hi I-Birders,
Harney and I saw the sun rise today at Red Feather Prairie (Saylorville Lake, Polk Co.) and had a delightful walk. The YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT I described last week is still conspicuously present. I've heard and seen him the last three mornings. Today he was at the very top of the taller tree, proclaiming his magnificence like the golden god he is. I presume he has no mate, but would be happy to be wrong. The notion of chatlets hopping around in the brush is appealing. Last week I mentioned a flyover GREEN HERON here. Notable today was a group of three adult GREEN HERONS overheard flying south, in the direction of the visitor center.
This site and time of year are excellent for encountering BELL'S VIREO, ORCHARD ORIOLE, HENSLOW'S SPARROW, and other more common prairie birds at Red Feather. We communed with all of these in the cool morning with very little effort.
On the home front, the EASTERN PHOEBES who fledged a brood under our eaves seem to be making an effort on a second brood. The female has been sitting on the nest intermittently the last couple of days. Also, the lonely male HOUSE WREN who earned our pity by singing incessantly on the birdhouse in our front yard.for well over a month seems to have had his efforts rewarded. A companion has at last appeared, and domestic activities seem to have commenced.
Date: 7/2/18 8:59 am From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950...> Subject: [ia-bird] Plymouth
Heard about a Loggerhead Shrike seen on North Ridge Road (Plymouth County) late last week. Since I did not have one for the year I thought I would try for it. Found a family of 5 (2A and 3J) and was able to get a photo of one of the adults plus the three juveniles (all were able to fly) in a bush that I suspect was the nest tree/bush.
5 Red-headed Woodpeckers and at least 6 species with fledged young. Really quite a nice birding outing from 5:58 to 9:00AM
God Bless,
*Paul O. Roisen* *Woodbury County, IA* *Mobile 712-301-2817*
Date: 7/1/18 10:00 pm From: Brandon Caswell <brandon.caswell83...> Subject: [ia-bird] New tick for Iowa County
Birders,
I stopped at Indiangrass Hills this lovely evening, but the highlight was heading back to I-80 on the way home. Along J Avenue and 230th Street I was able to get some photos of a GRAY PARTRIDGE. It appears the partridge was the first for Iowa County, according to the IOU website and on eBird. Also along 230th was an abundance of WESTERN MEADOWLARKS. I had only heard Easterns up until this last stretch of road, which I thought was interesting.
At the intersection of 240th and J Avenue I had a female NORTHERN BOBWHITE scurry across the road while I could hear another calling.
At J Avenue and 250th I saw a LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. Surprisingly, this is not where others have recently seen them in the area.
I had ZERO Northern Mockingbirds, which was unexpected considering there have been ~5 birds seen in the area. GRASSHOPPER and HENSLOW'S SPARROWS were in abundance along 250th and in Indiangrass Hills IBA proper. The BELL'S VIREO was still hanging out just north of the parking lot, at the dip in the road between the parking lot and the farm to the north.
It was really nice to see a rainbow over the hills to the east of the property when I started walking the trail. Iowa grassland birding among its best! I've only picked off four insect ticks so far!
Thank you for the note about chimmney swifts. I am trying to convince my Boy Scout son that a chimmney swift tower at our nature center would be an excellent Eagle Scout project. Perhaps some other positive stories would motivate him.
Katie Byerly Mason City
On Fri, Jun 29, 2018, 9:32 PM carl nollen <nollenca...> wrote:
> In 2004 a structure with a chimney was built especially for chimney swifts > in Pleasantville, located in the Cora Shadle Park. It was designed by > Leland Vander Linden. I talked to Sally Vander Linden tonight. They live > very close to this special chimney and enjoy watching the swifts from their > back yard. She said they notice only three this year, which is less than > other years. This structure also has nice displays about Gladys Black, > one of Iowa's most famous birders, who lived in Pleasantville. Since I > never hear about this place on the list-serv, I want to bring it to your > attention. > > > I also wonder about the swifts in the tower in Cedar County that Linda & > Robert Scarth recorded so well in 2015. > > > I formerly had chimney swifts in my house, and kept the chimney open just > for them, but they haven't come back in several years. > > > Is the population declining? > > Carl Nollen, s.e. Polk County > > -- > 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 post to this group, send email to <ia-bird...> > Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/ia-bird. > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/ia-bird/<DM5PR18MB22474696A16118AFF80E274DC74D0...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/ia-bird/<DM5PR18MB22474696A16118AFF80E274DC74D0...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >
Date: 7/1/18 3:21 pm From: <ritag...> Subject: [ia-bird] Wright county and Ventura Marsh
At Big Wall Lake today there were three Pelicans, an American Bittern, Com. Gallinule, two Caspian Terns, Upland Sandpiper, a Great-tailed Grackle and I am pretty sure I was hearing the squawk of a Black-crowned Night-heron.
At Ventura Marsh, Cerro Gordo County, there were Black Terns and a Least Bittern.
On the way home five Ring=billed Gulls and five Franklin's Gulls were sitting by one of our many many ponds of water here. If the shorebirds come back this way, we are ready for them!
I was astonished this horrible hot and humid afternoon to encounter a YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER in our NW Des Moines neighborhood about half a mile from our house. A post-migration YTWA is rare around here outside of a few fairly reliable sites, so it stunned me to hear one sing overhead repeatedly as it bounced around between four different trees, sounding off every 30-45 seconds. Harney and I lingered around 10 minutes, enjoying its song and glimpsing it several times. We haven't detected this species in our neighborhood in 12 years of living here. Isn't it great how birding offers us the unexpected?
Birders
The 2018-2019 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp ("Duck Stamp") goes on sale next week. This is one of the easiest ways I know of to contribute to preservation of wildlife habitat, and 98% ($24.50) of the $25.00 purchase price goes to that purpose.
This year's stamp features a flying pair of Mallards. I've always thought that if this were an uncommon species, we would marvel at it's stunning features and it would be reported on many a listserve.
National Wildlife Refuges across America thank you for your contribution.
Bill Scheible Cedar Rapids
Date: 6/30/18 11:25 am From: Eric Ollie <uphawkeye...> Subject: [ia-bird] Story County - White-eyed Vireo
Birders,
I just found a White-eyed Vireo in Story County, about 2 miles north of Anderson Access on the Skunk River Greenbelt trail. The exact coordinates are: 42.15745, - 93. 57463. Anderson Access is a Skunk River canoe access where the river and 150th St intersect. Just head north up the trail for ~2 miles and there will be a little thicket before the trail comes out into an open area. If he is present, you should easily be able to hear him. He was singing vociferously and was right on the trail.
Date: 6/30/18 9:25 am From: Bret Lang <langbret...> Subject: .Re: [ia-bird] Digest for. ' v oo' 6m;) b - 3 updates.v.c in 2. topics. The. j. Z . Y''
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On Fri, Jun 29, 2018, 7:40 PM <ia-bird...> wrote:
> <ia-bird...>
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email#!forum/ia-bird/topics> Google
> Groups
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email/#!overview> > <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email/#!overview> > Topic digest
> View all topics
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email#!forum/ia-bird/topics> >
> - Iowa RBA: 6-29-18 <#m_1128580091174132010_group_thread_0> - 1 Update
> - Appanoose & Davis birds <#m_1128580091174132010_group_thread_1> - 2
> Updates
>
> Iowa RBA: 6-29-18
> <http://groups.google.com/group/ia-bird/t/a9f262bad6495d7c?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email> > John Bissell <john.annabissell...>: Jun 29 04:43PM -0500
>
> Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, June 23, through Friday, June 29,
> 2018:
>
>
>
> -RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
>
>
>
> NONE
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -Additional Species Mentioned
>
> Red-necked Grebe
>
> Western Grebe
>
> Common Tern
>
> Blue Grosbeak (East)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ***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.
> ************************
>
>
>
> 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.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *EAST*:
>
>
>
> JOHNSON COUNTY:
>
> BLUE GROSBEAKS were seen at Hawkeye WMA on the 27th. Specifically, they
> were seen at the following locations:
>
> “ A brownish 1st summer male was singing along the south boundary of the
> refuge just west of James Ave.”
>
> “An adult male was just on the west side of the powerlines that cross Swan
> Lake Road but 1/4 mile south. I walked the Mallard Pond access
> road south then walked east at the first line of bushes until reaching the
> powerline cut.”
>
>
>
> “Farther west on Swan Lake Road, halfway between Round Pond and the road's
> north turn, is a large parking area on the south side. There
> was a 1st summer male (blue in color) singing and working its way west
> along this stretch of road.”
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *NORTHEAST:*
>
>
>
> BLACK HAWK COUNTY:
>
> A BLUE GROSBEAK was seen at the Cedar Hills Sand Prairie on the 24th.
>
>
>
>
>
> *NORTHWEST:*
>
>
>
> *CLAY COUNTY:*
>
> *A COMMON TERN was seen at Trumbull Lake on the 23rd. Also seen were 4
> RED-NECKED GREBES and a WESTERN GREBE.*
>
>
>
> *3 WESTERN GREBES were seen at Lost Island Lake on the 23rd.*
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>
>
>
>
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>
>
>
> The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday,
> July 6, 2018 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL
> species be reported, an update will be posted.
>
>
>
>
>
> John Bissell
>
> Grimes, Iowa
>
> <john.annabissell...> <jabissell...>
>
> 515-423-6108
> Back to top <#m_1128580091174132010_digest_top>
> Appanoose & Davis birds
> <http://groups.google.com/group/ia-bird/t/4bfa3f1e6efb1af0?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email> > Randall Scheiner <randall.scheiner...>: Jun 28 10:02PM -0600
>
> Appanoose:
>
> East of Coal City at the intersection of 610th St. and 300th Ave.
> a Prothonotary Warbler was seen from the bridge flying from a cavity in a
> silver maple.
>
> A Kentucky Warbler was along 269th Ave. about .2 miles north of 595th St.
> It flew up from the deep, steep slope on the right.
>
> Red-shouldered Hawks were seen at 2 locations. One was broadcasting and
> diving a mile south of Dean on 300th Ave. The other flew in front of me on
> 264th Ave. north of 591st St. A Willow Flycatcher was calling from the
> former location.
>
> Also crossed paths with a scolding Bell's Vireo and a pair of Northern
> Mockingbirds on 598th St., east of 328th Ave.
>
> Davis:
>
> Grasshopper Sparrows are so common in the area of sw Davis Co. east of Hwy.
> 63 and south of J51 they outnumber field and vesper sparrows
> combined. They're easily found at just about any under-stocked permanent
> pasture or hayfield that missed the 1st clip.
>
> A Loggerhead Shrike flushed from a bush at the corner of Dewberry and 262nd
> St. It held a large insect and did not flee as I idled watching it.
>
>
> Randall Scheiner
> Ely, IA
> "randall.scheiner" <randall.scheiner...>: Jun 28 09:06PM -0700
>
> Regarding the Grasshopper Sparrows, I meant to say west of Hwy 63.
>
> On Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 10:02:16 PM UTC-6, randall.scheiner wrote:
> Back to top <#m_1128580091174132010_digest_top>
> You received this digest because you're subscribed to updates for this
> group. You can change your settings on the group membership page
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email#!forum/ia-bird/join> > .
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it send an
> email to ia-bird+<unsubscribe...>
>
In 2004 a structure with a chimney was built especially for chimney swifts in Pleasantville, located in the Cora Shadle Park. It was designed by Leland Vander Linden. I talked to Sally Vander Linden tonight. They live very close to this special chimney and enjoy watching the swifts from their back yard. She said they notice only three this year, which is less than other years. This structure also has nice displays about Gladys Black, one of Iowa's most famous birders, who lived in Pleasantville. Since I never hear about this place on the list-serv, I want to bring it to your attention.
I also wonder about the swifts in the tower in Cedar County that Linda & Robert Scarth recorded so well in 2015.
I formerly had chimney swifts in my house, and kept the chimney open just for them, but they haven't come back in several years.
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, June 23, through Friday, June 29,
2018:
-RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
-Additional Species Mentioned
Red-necked Grebe
Western Grebe
Common Tern
Blue Grosbeak (East)
***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.
************************
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.
*EAST*:
JOHNSON COUNTY:
BLUE GROSBEAKS were seen at Hawkeye WMA on the 27th. Specifically, they
were seen at the following locations:
“ A brownish 1st summer male was singing along the south boundary of the
refuge just west of James Ave.”
“An adult male was just on the west side of the powerlines that cross Swan
Lake Road but 1/4 mile south. I walked the Mallard Pond access
road south then walked east at the first line of bushes until reaching the
powerline cut.”
“Farther west on Swan Lake Road, halfway between Round Pond and the road's
north turn, is a large parking area on the south side. There
was a 1st summer male (blue in color) singing and working its way west
along this stretch of road.”
*NORTHEAST:*
BLACK HAWK COUNTY:
A BLUE GROSBEAK was seen at the Cedar Hills Sand Prairie on the 24th.
*NORTHWEST:*
*CLAY COUNTY:*
*A COMMON TERN was seen at Trumbull Lake on the 23rd. Also seen were 4
RED-NECKED GREBES and a WESTERN GREBE.*
*3 WESTERN GREBES were seen at Lost Island Lake on the 23rd.*
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday,
July 6, 2018 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL
species be reported, an update will be posted.
Regarding the Grasshopper Sparrows, I meant to say west of Hwy 63.
On Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 10:02:16 PM UTC-6, randall.scheiner wrote: > > Appanoose: > > East of Coal City at the intersection of 610th St. and 300th Ave. > a Prothonotary Warbler was seen from the bridge flying from a cavity in a > silver maple. > > A Kentucky Warbler was along 269th Ave. about .2 miles north of 595th St. > It flew up from the deep, steep slope on the right. > > Red-shouldered Hawks were seen at 2 locations. One was broadcasting and > diving a mile south of Dean on 300th Ave. The other flew in front of me on > 264th Ave. north of 591st St. A Willow Flycatcher was calling from the > former location. > > Also crossed paths with a scolding Bell's Vireo and a pair of Northern > Mockingbirds on 598th St., east of 328th Ave. > > Davis: > > Grasshopper Sparrows are so common in the area of sw Davis Co. east of > Hwy. 63 and south of J51 they outnumber field and vesper sparrows > combined. They're easily found at just about any under-stocked permanent > pasture or hayfield that missed the 1st clip. > > A Loggerhead Shrike flushed from a bush at the corner of Dewberry and > 262nd St. It held a large insect and did not flee as I idled watching it. > > > Randall Scheiner > Ely, IA > >
East of Coal City at the intersection of 610th St. and 300th Ave. a Prothonotary Warbler was seen from the bridge flying from a cavity in a silver maple.
A Kentucky Warbler was along 269th Ave. about .2 miles north of 595th St. It flew up from the deep, steep slope on the right.
Red-shouldered Hawks were seen at 2 locations. One was broadcasting and diving a mile south of Dean on 300th Ave. The other flew in front of me on 264th Ave. north of 591st St. A Willow Flycatcher was calling from the former location.
Also crossed paths with a scolding Bell's Vireo and a pair of Northern Mockingbirds on 598th St., east of 328th Ave.
Davis:
Grasshopper Sparrows are so common in the area of sw Davis Co. east of Hwy. 63 and south of J51 they outnumber field and vesper sparrows combined. They're easily found at just about any under-stocked permanent pasture or hayfield that missed the 1st clip.
A Loggerhead Shrike flushed from a bush at the corner of Dewberry and 262nd St. It held a large insect and did not flee as I idled watching it.
Date: 6/27/18 1:36 pm From: Jim Forde <jimforde...> Subject: [ia-bird] Blue Grosbeaks at Hawkeye WMA-Johnson Co.
Blue Grosbeak numbers seem to be on an uptick at Hawkeye this summer. Today I saw three at these locations;
A brownish 1st summer male was singing along the south boundary of the refuge just west of James Ave.
An adult male was just on the west side of the powerlines that cross Swan Lake Road but 1/4 mile south. I walked the Mallard Pond access road south then walked east at the first line of bushes until reaching the powerline cut. Tom Billerbeck informed me of this bird and a female, which I didn't see. It looks like there's nesting at Hawkeye.
Farther west on Swan Lake Road, halfway between Round Pond and the road's north turn, is a large parking area on the south side. There was a 1st summer male (blue in color) singing and working its way west along this stretch of road.
Date: 6/27/18 7:55 am From: Ann Johnson <aj...> Subject: RE: [ia-bird] Re: Fall Meeting in Ventura
I fixed the problem before I went to bed last night so all should be good now.
Ann Johnson
From: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> On Behalf Of Julie
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2018 8:11 AM
To: Douglas Harr <dnharr...>
Cc: <ia-bird...>
Subject: RE: [ia-bird] Re: Fall Meeting in Ventura
I also got the same error message, but they do have phones. My reservations are made.
I had the same 404 error for making reservations that Fawn reported.
Doug Harr
On Tue, Jun 26, 2018 at 10:35 PM, Fawn Bowden <fawnda10...> <mailto:<fawnda10...> > wrote:
Ann-
I get a 404 error when I click on the hotel/park links from the IOU site, just an fyi........
Fawn
Riverside, IA
On Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at 6:15:29 PM UTC-5, Ann Johnson wrote:
The last weekend in September we will gather in the Clear Lake area for a super fall meeting where Noah Stryker of world big year fame (among other things) will be our keynote. Although there are still a number of details to be fleshed out, I went ahead and published the next meeting page so that people can reserve their rooms. There are limited rooms available at the various lodging locations and some have pretty early deadlines so take a look.
Hotel rooms are going to become a real issue as there is another event going on that weekend in the Mason/City Clear Lake area—We have managed to block out some rooms, at discounted rates. However, the deadline dates are quite early so if you wish to get a hotel please book NOW. You can always cancel later or let us know so we can pass the rooms off to someone else who needs one.
From: Douglas Harr
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2018 7:44 AM
To: Fawn Bowden
Cc: IA-BIRD
Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Re: Fall Meeting in Ventura
I had the same 404 error for making reservations that Fawn reported.
Doug Harr
On Tue, Jun 26, 2018 at 10:35 PM, Fawn Bowden <fawnda10...> wrote:
Ann-
I get a 404 error when I click on the hotel/park links from the IOU site, just an fyi........
Fawn
Riverside, IA
On Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at 6:15:29 PM UTC-5, Ann Johnson wrote:
The last weekend in September we will gather in the Clear Lake area for a super fall meeting where Noah Stryker of world big year fame (among other things) will be our keynote. Although there are still a number of details to be fleshed out, I went ahead and published the next meeting page so that people can reserve their rooms. There are limited rooms available at the various lodging locations and some have pretty early deadlines so take a look.
Hotel rooms are going to become a real issue as there is another event going on that weekend in the Mason/City Clear Lake area—We have managed to block out some rooms, at discounted rates. However, the deadline dates are quite early so if you wish to get a hotel please book NOW. You can always cancel later or let us know so we can pass the rooms off to someone else who needs one.
Date: 6/27/18 5:44 am From: Douglas Harr <dnharr...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Re: Fall Meeting in Ventura
I had the same 404 error for making reservations that Fawn reported.
Doug Harr
On Tue, Jun 26, 2018 at 10:35 PM, Fawn Bowden <fawnda10...> wrote:
> Ann-
> I get a 404 error when I click on the hotel/park links from the IOU
> site, just an fyi........
>
> Fawn
> Riverside, IA
>
> On Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at 6:15:29 PM UTC-5, Ann Johnson wrote:
>>
>> The last weekend in September we will gather in the Clear Lake area for a
>> super fall meeting where Noah Stryker of world big year fame (among other
>> things) will be our keynote. Although there are still a number of details
>> to be fleshed out, I went ahead and published the next meeting page so that
>> people can reserve their rooms. There are limited rooms available at the
>> various lodging locations and some have pretty early deadlines so take a
>> look.
>>
>> Hotel rooms are going to become a real issue as there is another event
>> going on that weekend in the Mason/City Clear Lake area—We have managed to
>> block out some rooms, at discounted rates. However, the deadline dates are
>> quite early so if you wish to get a hotel please book NOW. You can always
>> cancel later or let us know so we can pass the rooms off to someone else
>> who needs one.
>>
>>
>>
>> Ann Johnson
>>
>> Norwalk (Warren County)
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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Date: 6/26/18 8:35 pm From: Fawn Bowden <fawnda10...> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Fall Meeting in Ventura
Ann-
I get a 404 error when I click on the hotel/park links from the IOU site,
just an fyi........
Fawn
Riverside, IA
On Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at 6:15:29 PM UTC-5, Ann Johnson wrote:
>
> The last weekend in September we will gather in the Clear Lake area for a
> super fall meeting where Noah Stryker of world big year fame (among other
> things) will be our keynote. Although there are still a number of details
> to be fleshed out, I went ahead and published the next meeting page so that
> people can reserve their rooms. There are limited rooms available at the
> various lodging locations and some have pretty early deadlines so take a
> look.
>
> Hotel rooms are going to become a real issue as there is another event
> going on that weekend in the Mason/City Clear Lake area—We have managed to
> block out some rooms, at discounted rates. However, the deadline dates are
> quite early so if you wish to get a hotel please book NOW. You can always
> cancel later or let us know so we can pass the rooms off to someone else
> who needs one.
>
>
>
> Ann Johnson
>
> Norwalk (Warren County)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 6/26/18 4:15 pm From: Ann Johnson <aj...> Subject: [ia-bird] Fall Meeting in Ventura
The last weekend in September we will gather in the Clear Lake area for a super fall meeting where Noah Stryker of world big year fame (among other things) will be our keynote. Although there are still a number of details to be fleshed out, I went ahead and published the next meeting page so that people can reserve their rooms. There are limited rooms available at the various lodging locations and some have pretty early deadlines so take a look.
Hotel rooms are going to become a real issue as there is another event going on that weekend in the Mason/City Clear Lake area-We have managed to block out some rooms, at discounted rates. However, the deadline dates are quite early so if you wish to get a hotel please book NOW. You can always cancel later or let us know so we can pass the rooms off to someone else who needs one.
Date: 6/24/18 5:46 pm From: Ryan Shackleton <shack357...> Subject: [ia-bird] Chimney swift question
Most of the summer I've been watching a bunch of chimney swifts in my neighborhood. Lately I've realized I can't remember ever seeing them in any numbers, but this year they seem to be almost as common as I remember nighthawks being when I was a kid. Have chimney swifts become more common, or did I just luck into having a couple colonies around me this year? Definitely fun little birds to watch.
Ryan Shackleton
Alta Vista, IA
Chickasaw County
I've been doing bird survey around Neal Smith NWR, and here are some of the more noteworthy observations from the past week: NORTHERN BOBWHITE--I heard three different birds on 6/20 from the area along the entry road near where the power lines cross. Later I heard one from the visitor center. Today I flushed a family with at least 5 or 6 young about 1/2 mile south of the visitor center, and heard another from west of the bison enclosure. YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO--I heard two this morning--they are scarce on the refuge this year. BELL'S VIREO--heard in scattered locations on the refuge, mostly in the southern half. On 6/21 I heard one along Walnut Creek north of the bison enclosure. WOOD THRUSH--One heard in southern part of the refuge on 6/20 HENSLOW'S SPARROW--they are common on the refuge and heard in most prairie areas that were not burned this year (only about 1/4 of the prairie was burned). GRASSHOPPER SPARROW--I heard one on 6/21 outside the bison enclosure, where there are good numbers of them. Other than in the bison enclosure, I haven't heard many this year on the refuge. See above note about burning. SCARLET TANAGER--singing along Basswood Trail on 6/20. WESTERN MEADOWLARK--male singing along 129th St. at the west end (naturally) of the bison enclosure. This is traditionally the only spot on the refuge where I hear them. BOBOLINKS--On 6/21 there were two males and two females scolding me while I did a point count, so presumably they had fledglings nearby. Also plenty of SEDGE WRENS, COMMON YELLOWTHROATS, EASTERN MEADOWLARKS, and DICKCISSELS throughout the refuge.
The prairie is in peak bloom now (check out the pale purple coneflower at the intersection of 102nd Ave. and 129th St.), butterflies are active, and there are cute bison calves, so come out to the refuge and enjoy!
Stuart and I, along with Harney, headed down to Page County Friday evening (June 22) to run the College Springs BBS route on Saturday morning. At Ross Park at dusk Friday we heard a singing WOOD THRUSH. No nightjars were heard, but our consolation prize was a pair of EASTERN SCREECH-OWLS calling to each other after dark, heard over the din of cricket frogs and bullfrogs in the pond.
On the BBS route, which starts in College Springs and runs west into Fremont County and ends south of Riverton, highlights were 52 NORTHERN BOBWHITE, 2 UPLAND SANDPIPERS (both perched on telephone poles at the same stop), 2 CAROLINA WRENS, 1 BLUE GROSBEAK, and 1 BOBOLINK.
On the down side, no Loggerhead Shrikes, Northern Mockingbirds, Grasshopper Sparrows, or Sedge Wrens. Usually I get one or two of each of those species. Most of the pasture land disappeared from this route a few years ago. Last year a hog confinement was built at one of the stops, and this year it was occupied, bringing with it HOUSE SPARROWS and EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES at that stop, which was previously just crop field. The doves were new to the route not many years ago, and are not found at many stops. A spray rig at one of the stops made it difficult to hear much and we didn't have time to wait it out.
Anyone attempting to go to Ross Park should be aware that there are several closed roads north and west of the park, so getting there is a challenge.
I had a Pileated Woodprcker stop by and check out out security light pole. This is the first one I have seen Iowa since I moved here 16 years ago!
Virginia McKenzie
Date: 6/24/18 11:15 am From: Tom Schilke <tom.schilke...> Subject: [ia-bird] Cedar Hills Sand Prairie Chat, B. Grosbeak , etc.
Later this morning I walked The Cedar Hills Sand Prairie on Butler Road in Black Hawk Co. NW of Cedar Falls for bugs and blooms. Those were lacking, but the birds were a surprise. 30 species - some highlights:
Yellow breasted Chat - in the aspens and brush in the SE corner
Blue Grosbeak - mostly near the gate - taunting me. flushed from the prairie, sang from the tall tree, flew over my car, posed with a cardinal that had a partial crest that looked like a fan, finally got a pic.
Henslow’s sparrow - 2 north of the gate
Bell’s Vireos - 3 getting to be lots of brush - shall we call this spot “Cedar Hills Brush Prairie?”
Orchard Oriole - agitated - north of gate in brush along the sensitive ferns
Sandhill Crane - may be nesting east of the prairie (fitting name)
Willow Flycatcher - 2
Tick - 1 I killed it - sorry tick enthusiasts
Date: 6/23/18 6:01 pm From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950...> Subject: [ia-bird] NW Iowa Field Trip
A huge thanks for Denny Thompson for organizing the IOU Special Event Field Trip to NW Iowa hotspots in Clay and Palo Alto counties. Outstanding. Thank to Lee Schoenewe as Leader and to faithful sidekick and spotter Joe Jungers for great day. Special thanks for ordering such wonderful weather for us as well. Very successful day for me with three new year birds-Least Bittern, Red-necked Grebe, and Western Grebe. Two new county birds in Palo Alto-Western Grebe and Least Bittern and one new county bird in Clay-Green Heron. I am sure that today was a record day for most of us with seeing and/or hearing Least Bitterns in four different locations. Looking forward to the next field trip and especially for the Fall IOU meeting to be held in Ventura (Clear Lake/Mason City area) September 28-30.
God Bless,
*Paul O. Roisen* *Woodbury County, IA* *Mobile 712-301-2817*
Nineteen of us joined Lee Schoenewe for a fun trip out of Spencer this morning. We hit Dan Green Slough/Kirchner Prairie, Dewey's Pasture, Trumbull Lake and Lost Island Lake. We had a respectable 79 species even without visiting any woodland habitat. The weather was perfect (finally!), but like most of the state there is a LOT of water in the area. We were able to navigate around that, but high water levels at Trumbull Lake cost us Eared Grebe as that colony was probably lost due to high water. There were a lot of highlights that made up for that. The two biggest surprises were a COMMON LOON at Lost Island and a COMMON TERN at Trumbull that some folks had a good look at. Nine species of waterfowl included SNOW GOOSE, REDHEAD and several RUDDY DUCKS. The other two target grebes came through with four RED-NECKED GREBES and a WESTERN GREBE at Trumbull, while three more of the latter were a bonus at Lost Island. A winnowing WILSON'S SNIPE at Kirchner Prairie was a good find. FORSTER'S TERNS (including a pair feeding young) and BLACK TERNS put on a good show at Trumbull. LEAST BITTERN was seen at three locations and several more were heard. VIRGINIA RAIL also vocalized at several spots. It's nice to be in an area where you just expect to find those species. BLUE GROSBEAK was heard at a farmstead, but wouldn't show itself. Many other open country/wetland birds such as MARSH WREN and BOBOLINK were common. Trumbull Lake must be the world epicenter for YELLOW WARBLERS. They were everywhere. Likewise with YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS in the marshes. A non-avian bummer was a road-kill BLANDING'S TURTLE at Dewey's Pasture.
Four others joined Lee for an extension to his backyard and Rutter Prairie Farm in the afternoon. They added thirteen species including NORTHERN SHOVELER, UPLAND SANDPIPER, CLAY-COLORED SPARROW and GRASSHOPER SPARROW. Believe it or not, we finished the day without a Blue Jay.
Thanks to Lee for leading us around a great birding area in Iowa. I enjoyed reconnecting with some seasoned birders as well as meeting some new ones.
Date: 6/23/18 2:00 pm From: Ulrike G <ulrikedg...> Subject: [ia-bird] Red Feather Chat - YES
The YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT at Saylorville's Red Feather Prairie was in the same area described by Stuart when I went looking this morning. While I was unable to see it, it did call and sing briefly from a clump of bushes along the NW side of the pond around 11:20 am, apparently disturbed by a group of four BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS.
While I was waiting for it to make an appearance, I watched a male ORCHARD ORIOLE carry a grasshopper to a hidden nest, got buzzed by a RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, and noticed quite a few YELLOW WARBLERS, including a very territorial male who chased a rival much longer than I expected. I was also startled by a White-tailed fawn who crossed the trail about 30 feet away then bounded off into the weeds toward the pond.
Other birds along the trail and near the pond: Blue Jays Eastern Meadowlarks Dickcissels Field Sparrows Rose-breasted Grossbeaks Common Yellowthroats White-breasted Nuthatches Red-winged Blackbird Grey Catbirds Northern Cardinal
Sitting on the deck watching incredible bird activity! Families of Baltimore Oriole flirting the edge of the woods.....first Orchard Orioles in weeks. Blue Gray Gnatcatchers, Yellow-Billed Cuckoos, Carolina Wrens....front step Carolina on 5 eggs.....numerous (7) Ruby Throated Hummingbirds......and the assorted orchestra of other birds!
Great afternoon on the deck!
Did I mention the Pileated Woodpecker?
Also assorted bouquet of garden flowers
First Saturday of Summer
Date: 6/23/18 6:36 am From: Dean Hester <dhester1994...> Subject: [ia-bird] Least Bitterns- Cone Marsh
At least 3 Least Bitterns continue at Cone Marsh Louisa Co. They were calling from the main dike at 8:30am, and I waited for about 20 minutes hoping to catch a glimpse. Wham! 2 flew right at me and one landed 8 feet from me on the dike itself. Will post pictures later, life bird for me!
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, June 16, through Friday, June 22,
2018:
-RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
-Additional Species Mentioned
Hooded Warbler
***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.
************************
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.
*SOUTHEAST*:
VAN BUREN COUNTY:
2 HOODED WARBLERS were seen at Lacey Keosaqua SP on the 15th. Specifically,
they were located 1.6-1.7 miles back on the “Snowmobile Trail”, which is
located south from parking area about .22 miles till you get to T
intersection. Turn right (west) and you'll cross a little creek 3x.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday,
June 29, 2018 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL
species be reported, an update will be posted.
Date: 6/22/18 12:49 pm From: Richard Hollis <xiboia...> Subject: [ia-bird] no Sighting. RFI Gray Partridge
I birder is traveling through Iowa in mid-July and would like to see a Gray P. If any one has a pretty good location or hints I would like to put you in touch with him
Jim Fuller called and said he had seen a loon at the small man-made lake north of the MidAmerican Energy power plant south of Council Bluffs. We went over to check it out and found a Common Loon, apparently a non-breeder. That was the only life on the lake. Photos below.
Date: 6/22/18 11:56 am From: Ulrike G <ulrikedg...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Re: Updated Audubon Bird app (not an observation)
I have experienced this problem with the app. It usually only occurs if I
am playing a bunch of calls in a row (e.g., when I think I should recognize
a call, but can't remember exactly what it is). The solution is to close
the app and then restart it. It's a little annoying, but not
insurmountable.
--
Ulrike via mobile
On Fri, Jun 22, 2018, 12:57 PM Douglas Harr <dnharr...> wrote:
> I'm now withdrawing my recommendation from earlier today about the updated
> Audubon bird ID app. After trying it out for a while again in the past
> hour, the songs/calls no suddenly no longer played when clicking on one. I
> went back to the app download site and read reviews from several users who
> said the same thing happended with their new app shortly after downloading
> and using it. The bulk of reviews suggest the old app is much better, and
> at least for playing calls or songs and I absolutely agree.
>
> Doug Harr
> Ogden
>
> On Fri, Jun 22, 2018 at 8:36 AM, Douglas Harr <dnharr...> wrote:
>
>> National Audubon Society has recently upgraded its free bird ID app. I
>> just downloaded it onto a new cell phone, and it has several more features
>> than the version on my old phone. There are some ties to eBird because NAS
>> and the Cornell Lab work together on many bird-related items, including
>> eBird links to sighting, keeping records of your own sightings and a
>> keeping life list. This app may also eventually be available to use for
>> easier observation records by volunteers conducting the Audubon Climate
>> Change point-count surveys (bluebirds & nuthatches). Here's some info from
>> NAS received when you get the new app.--Doug Harr
>>
>> *1. It's easier than ever to identify birds using Bird ID.*
>> Enter all you were able to observe about the bird—what color was it? how
>> big? what did its tail look like?—and Bird ID will narrow down the list of
>> possible matches in real time.
>>
>> *2. Keep track of all the birds you see. *
>> With our Sightings feature, you can keep a record of every bird you
>> encounter, whether you're hiking, sitting on the porch, or simply catching
>> a glimpse of birds out the window. The app will even keep an updated life
>> list for you.
>>
>> *3. Learn about the birds you love. *
>> Audubon’s app is a full-featured field guide with information on 830
>> North American species, complete with thousands of photos, audio clips of
>> songs and calls, range maps, and in-depth text by leading North American
>> bird expert Kenn Kaufman.
>>
>> *4. Explore the birds around you. *
>> See where the birds are with nearby birding hotspots and real-time
>> sightings from eBird.
>>
>> *5. Get Involved with Audubon. *
>> Keep up with the latest news from the world of birds, science, and
>> conservation, right on the home screen. Find an Audubon location near you
>> to go birding. Or see where your voice is needed and take action to protect
>> birds and the places they need, right from your app.
>>
>
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Date: 6/22/18 10:57 am From: Douglas Harr <dnharr...> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Updated Audubon Bird app (not an observation)
I'm now withdrawing my recommendation from earlier today about the updated
Audubon bird ID app. After trying it out for a while again in the past
hour, the songs/calls no suddenly no longer played when clicking on one. I
went back to the app download site and read reviews from several users who
said the same thing happended with their new app shortly after downloading
and using it. The bulk of reviews suggest the old app is much better, and
at least for playing calls or songs and I absolutely agree.
Doug Harr
Ogden
On Fri, Jun 22, 2018 at 8:36 AM, Douglas Harr <dnharr...> wrote:
> National Audubon Society has recently upgraded its free bird ID app. I
> just downloaded it onto a new cell phone, and it has several more features
> than the version on my old phone. There are some ties to eBird because NAS
> and the Cornell Lab work together on many bird-related items, including
> eBird links to sighting, keeping records of your own sightings and a
> keeping life list. This app may also eventually be available to use for
> easier observation records by volunteers conducting the Audubon Climate
> Change point-count surveys (bluebirds & nuthatches). Here's some info from
> NAS received when you get the new app.--Doug Harr
>
> *1. It's easier than ever to identify birds using Bird ID.*
> Enter all you were able to observe about the bird—what color was it? how
> big? what did its tail look like?—and Bird ID will narrow down the list of
> possible matches in real time.
>
> *2. Keep track of all the birds you see. *
> With our Sightings feature, you can keep a record of every bird you
> encounter, whether you're hiking, sitting on the porch, or simply catching
> a glimpse of birds out the window. The app will even keep an updated life
> list for you.
>
> *3. Learn about the birds you love. *
> Audubon’s app is a full-featured field guide with information on 830 North
> American species, complete with thousands of photos, audio clips of songs
> and calls, range maps, and in-depth text by leading North American bird
> expert Kenn Kaufman.
>
> *4. Explore the birds around you. *
> See where the birds are with nearby birding hotspots and real-time
> sightings from eBird.
>
> *5. Get Involved with Audubon. *
> Keep up with the latest news from the world of birds, science, and
> conservation, right on the home screen. Find an Audubon location near you
> to go birding. Or see where your voice is needed and take action to protect
> birds and the places they need, right from your app.
>
Date: 6/22/18 6:37 am From: Douglas Harr <dnharr...> Subject: [ia-bird] Updated Audubon Bird app (not an observation)
National Audubon Society has recently upgraded its free bird ID app. I
just downloaded it onto a new cell phone, and it has several more features
than the version on my old phone. There are some ties to eBird because NAS
and the Cornell Lab work together on many bird-related items, including
eBird links to sighting, keeping records of your own sightings and a
keeping life list. This app may also eventually be available to use for
easier observation records by volunteers conducting the Audubon Climate
Change point-count surveys (bluebirds & nuthatches). Here's some info from
NAS received when you get the new app.--Doug Harr
*1. It's easier than ever to identify birds using Bird ID.*
Enter all you were able to observe about the bird—what color was it? how
big? what did its tail look like?—and Bird ID will narrow down the list of
possible matches in real time.
*2. Keep track of all the birds you see. *
With our Sightings feature, you can keep a record of every bird you
encounter, whether you're hiking, sitting on the porch, or simply catching
a glimpse of birds out the window. The app will even keep an updated life
list for you.
*3. Learn about the birds you love. *
Audubon’s app is a full-featured field guide with information on 830 North
American species, complete with thousands of photos, audio clips of songs
and calls, range maps, and in-depth text by leading North American bird
expert Kenn Kaufman.
*4. Explore the birds around you. *
See where the birds are with nearby birding hotspots and real-time
sightings from eBird.
*5. Get Involved with Audubon. *
Keep up with the latest news from the world of birds, science, and
conservation, right on the home screen. Find an Audubon location near you
to go birding. Or see where your voice is needed and take action to protect
birds and the places they need, right from your app.
They were right in front of the main boat ramp off of V Ave. in amongst the pickerel weed. They seemed to be kind of chasing each other around, with the juvenile following the female wherever she went. The female tried to do the "beak in the air" thing to look like brown reeds, not seeming to realize she was in broad leaved, dark green pickerel weed, so she was pretty obvious. :-) They're pretty amazingly clumsy fliers, too.
Jeanne
On Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at 4:16:02 PM UTC-5, Dean Hester wrote: > > Were the bitterns at the main dike in Cone Marsh? > > On Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at 9:56:40 PM UTC-5, <onesp......> wrote: >> >> Went out with my birding partner Chris today and wandered around >> Muscatine Cty. Got soaked at Port Louisa so moved on to Cone Marsh >> thinking we would pass under the rain and it did finally quit but very glad >> we went that way. At the beginning of the trip found two very crabby, >> soaked great horned owls that even the other birds were pretty much leaving >> alone. Then at the end of the trip found a family of least bitterns, Mom, >> Dad and one baby. First for me. And then on our way out just before T Ave >> in a bean field found a family of sandhill cranes, Mom, Dad and TWO >> babies. Pretty. Darn. Cool. >> >> Jeanne >> Buffalo, IA >> >>
Date: 6/20/18 2:16 pm From: Dean Hester <dhester1994...> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Fantastic Muscatine Cty day
Were the bitterns at the main dike in Cone Marsh?
On Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at 9:56:40 PM UTC-5, <onesp......> wrote: > > Went out with my birding partner Chris today and wandered around Muscatine > Cty. Got soaked at Port Louisa so moved on to Cone Marsh thinking we would > pass under the rain and it did finally quit but very glad we went that > way. At the beginning of the trip found two very crabby, soaked great > horned owls that even the other birds were pretty much leaving alone. Then > at the end of the trip found a family of least bitterns, Mom, Dad and one > baby. First for me. And then on our way out just before T Ave in a bean > field found a family of sandhill cranes, Mom, Dad and TWO babies. Pretty. > Darn. Cool. > > Jeanne > Buffalo, IA > >
Went out with my birding partner Chris today and wandered around Muscatine Cty. Got soaked at Port Louisa so moved on to Cone Marsh thinking we would pass under the rain and it did finally quit but very glad we went that way. At the beginning of the trip found two very crabby, soaked great horned owls that even the other birds were pretty much leaving alone. Then at the end of the trip found a family of least bitterns, Mom, Dad and one baby. First for me. And then on our way out just before T Ave in a bean field found a family of sandhill cranes, Mom, Dad and TWO babies. Pretty. Darn. Cool.
Went out for an hour or so this morning to Indiangrass Hills with Henslow's Sparrow in mind. The rain held off, and multiple Bobwhite were calling along the road south of the restored area. I turned up plenty of Henslow's along with around a dozen Grasshopper Sparrows and many Field Sparrows and Dickcissels. A male Eastern Towhee was singing on territory and allowed me to approach within feet. Bobolinks were sparse but vocal. The real treat was as I was leaving for home south on I Ave. I spotted 3 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS, 2 of which seemed to be nesting, carrying food into a tree. This was quickly followed by 3 LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES, one of which appeared to be a juvenile, though distance and the fact that it was soaked hindered observation.
Date: 6/18/18 8:34 am From: Dennis Thompson <cndthomps...> Subject: [ia-bird] IOU field trip reminder
Just a reminder to get signed up for the IOU field trip out of Spencer next Saturday, 6/23. Lee Schoenewe will be leading the great grebe hunt (Red-necked, Eared and Western) and there are sure to be other wetland specialties around. Even the weather forecast looks good! The trip is free and open to all, but registration will help us in planning. Here's a link to the registration site - https://iowabirds.org/Connections/SpecialEvents.aspx.
Travel tip - Highway 71 is closed at Sioux Rapids and the detour is a nuisance. Lee recommends taking Highway 4 north to 18 to get to Spencer.
Date: 6/18/18 6:01 am From: Stuart Sparkman <jacamar29...> Subject: [ia-bird] Chat continues at Red Feather Prairie
Hey I-Birders,
Harney and I walked Red Feather Prairie (E. side of Saylorville Res., Polk Co.) this morning. I reported a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT at this location about a week ago, an unexpected species at this site despite favorable habitat. I am pleased to report that the sassy fellow is still present. I heard his noisy honks and scoldings from a distance, as he lustily announced his presence. Last week I was not able to see him despite my patient waiting. Now I've called out a chat or two in my time, so I decided I really wanted a glance at this guy. It took about 10 seconds and four whistles and he popped up high in a tree for a nice view. For anyone who wants to try for this bird, from the lower parking lot the trail leads south, then west, then south again. If he is sounding off you will already have heard him. Maybe 150 meters past this second bend is a pond on the left. Before you reach the pond there is a tall leafy tree on the left with a shorter but leafier tree seemingly invading the first tree's personal space. These are the nearest tall trees to the path on the left side. The bird frequents both of these trees, and if he's singing it's pretty obvious where he is. ProTip: The best birding window at this site in the summer is 6 - 7:30 AM.
HENSLOW'S SPARROWS were also present. One was heard and easily seen about 30 meters off the path at the aforementioned second bend of the trail. Another was heard well downslope from the far shelter on the hill. Several excellent encounters with beautiful singing ORCHARD ORIOLES were had as well.
Finally, I was at Beaver Creek Greenbelt in Johnston a couple of times this weekend. There are SEDGE WRENS by the power line cut on the east side of the loop, and in the woods I heard ACADIAN FLYCATCHER, just where I have seen and heard this species for the last two or three year. Sadly, I have not had Yellow-throated Warbler along Beaver Creek here this year. Every other year this has been a very reliable place for that species.
