A sample of today's sightings:Spotted TowheeDark-eyed Junco (Oregon)Anna's Hummingbird Steller's JayBushtitNo. Flicker (red-shafted)
Whoops! Just realized that I'm in Portland. Guess this is a 2100MR list.
Bill Scheible Portland, and occasionally Cedar Rapids
Date: 2/20/19 5:39 pm From: Bob & Connie <crvanersvelde...> Subject: [ia-bird] Poweshiek co birds
This morning had 67 morning doves under feeders, have had 3 red-headed woodpeckers all at once so must be a family group. Had a report of 40-50 turkeys on neighbors land, I’ll have to check that out. Bob Van Ersvelde Grinnell
Date: 2/20/19 10:22 am From: donbrown34 <donbrown34...> Subject: [ia-bird] Carolina Wren by Browns Woods
The Carolina Wren that has shown up off and on this winter is back on my suet feeder this morning. Some have wondered if they were surviving, and it seems this one, at least, has.
Stepped out to look at the Super Snow moon a couple of nights ago and heard 2 Great Horned Owls softly "whooing" in the woods behind my yard here in West Des Moines. I assume this is their nesting time, right?
Still seeing the Red-breasted Nuthatches (2) and Pine Siskins (just 2 or 3 now) in the yard.
Date: 2/20/19 5:45 am From: Rita Goranson <ritag...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Nothing special
Yes, hopefully spring soon.
Sent from my Verizon Motorola Droid On Feb 20, 2019 7:29 AM, 'RICHARD SAYLES' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> wrote: > > Red Wing Blackbirds at feeders this Morning!!!! > I will take that as a sign of spring! > 5 Robins! > > Just finished shoveling > > Dick Sayles > Buffalo Iowa > > Sent from my iPhone > > -- > 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/<EC4A3B41-480E-4480-B5CB-8D74240EF014...> > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Date: 2/19/19 3:30 pm From: Linda Rudolph <lgrudolph...> Subject: [ia-bird] Pine Siskin and Purple Finch- Johnson County
I went to the bird blind at the McBride Nature Recreation Area, by the Raptor Center, and saw both Pine Siskins and Purple Finches. I tallied 14 species at the blind.
Date: 2/19/19 2:35 pm From: <tornataornata...> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: White-throated Sparrow in Cedar Rapids
We also had a white-throated sparrow at Project Feeder Watch on 19 Feb at Indian Creek Nature Center....Neil Bernstein, Cedar Rapids
On Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 8:30:30 PM UTC-6, Arlen Breiholz wrote: > > A White-throat turned up under our feeders this afternoon for the first > time this year. This was a nice addition to the Flicker, Red- and > White-breasted Nuthatches, and Pine Siskins. Never mind the gray squirrel > that ran in the front door past the dog when I went out to fill a suet > feeder > > Arlen Breiholz > Cedar Rapids >
Date: 2/19/19 10:29 am From: 'RICHARD SAYLES' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Prairie Falcon
Muscatine Cty near 2975 New Era Rd Very good look! No photos Life bird for Iowa! Flock of Bluebirds at WildCat Den New Era Rd Rough Legged Hawk Very good day Snowy Owl hunting Kit and Dick Sayles Buffalo Iowa
A male Varied Thrush has been coming to a feeder at the Scott and Kristi Cooley residence at 9 Winter Ridge Road in Waterloo off and on for at least three days. They sent a photo to Laura Walter of Cedar Falls who identified the bird and sent the info to me. Late this afternoon I traced down the residence, spoke to Kristi Cooley, saw the bird at 4:40 p.m. and received permission to make this post. They welcome others to have a try at seeing it. The feeder is on the west side of the house visible from the street. The bird is known to come from the wooded gulley behind the house. With all the snow there is not much room to park on the narrow street.
Also, a barred owl has taken up residence in a hollow section of a tall tree just north of the feeder. Several White-throated sparrows were coming to the feeder and Pine Siskins were heard ‘zipping” in the woods.
Hartman Reserve Nature Center is close by. A new, well stocked, system of bird feeders (17 in all) is now open for viewing from the library or exhibit room inside or outside as well. The usual array of 12-14 bird species have been coming to the feeders including several good looking N. Flickers.
A couple of Carolina Wrens made it through the Vortex. Last week one entered the building through an open window (to air out construction fumes) and lit in the display tree. The next day one got inside again and made it over to the kitchen. Both birds were safely captured and released.
Date: 2/18/19 8:39 am From: Jane Clark <jrclark...> Subject: [ia-bird] Doug Harr Program on Texas
Weather permitting, our Des Moines Audubon program will be presented tomorrow night, Tuesday, February 19 at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, February 19, 7 p.m.
Birding the Lower Rio Grande Valley & Texas Coast
By Doug Harr
In November 2017, Big Bluestem Audubon (Ames) led a week-long birding trip to south Texas, with 4 guides and 20 birding participants. Over 180 species of birds were recorded, adding new "lifers" for everyone's list, even including those who had birded there previously. This presentation features great photos of beautiful birds, butterflies and other creatures, plus views of diverse habitats visited along the Gulf Coast and Lower Rio Grande River--one of America's very best birding locations.
Des Moines Audubon meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. and are held in the lunchroom of the Northwest Community Center, which is located at 51st and Franklin Avenue in Des Moines. The Center is just west of Franklin Library. If you have questions about the meeting place or the program, please contact Jane Clark at 515-223-5047 or <jrclark...>
Date: 2/17/19 2:46 pm From: Cecille Thompson <cecillethompson...> Subject: [ia-bird] Keep Your Contact Info Current
IOU members - Is your contact information up to date? I've had a couple copies Iowa Bird Life returned to me as undeliverable because the address we have on file is either incorrect or out of date. If you've moved, changed your primary email address, or changed your phone number, it would be worth a quick trip to iowabirds.org to verify (and update) your information. Happy birding (after the snow?) -- Cecille Thompson IOU Membership Coordinator
Date: 2/17/19 11:18 am From: S.D. <sdjbwilson...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Pileated Woodpecker - How to attract pileateds to your feeder
We have a pileated woodpecker that will come into our back pond view and also in the walnut trees close by; but How do you get them to come to your suet feeders. I have several large suet feeders with "Nutsie suet" but after all these years, I still cannot get them to a feeder. Does someone at Iowa Bird have pileated at their feeders?? And what is your secret to getting them to come??? Like I said, I can see them out my front window and out my back windows; but still do not come to the feeder. Joy Wilson Henry County (S.E. Iowa)
----- Original Message -----
From: "Iowa bird" <ia-bird...>
To: "Iowa bird" <ia-bird...>
Sent: Sunday, February 17, 2019 9:12:42 AM
Subject: [ia-bird] Sunday Brunch
Good Morning
26 species at Sunday Brunch
Highlights
Pileated Woodpecker
6 Purple Finch
Fox and Song Sparrow
17 Cardinals
Lots of snowflakes ❄️
Date: 2/17/19 10:48 am From: Rachel Vanausdall <rvanausd...> Subject: [ia-bird] Birders Needed for the Multiple Species Inventory and Monitoring Program
Greetings to the Iowa birding community,
My name is Rachel Vanausdall and I am the biologist for the Iowa DNR's Multiple Species Inventory and Monitoring (MSIM) Program. We are currently hiring field technicians to conduct wildlife surveys this spring, summer, and fall, and we are in need of birders to complete point count surveys at our sites near Boone or Iowa City. These are timed surveys in the morning that involve some hiking and identifying all birds by sight and sound. We generally try to hire individuals who can do these surveys full time for 5-6 months, but we are having trouble finding qualified candidates. I'm writing to this group for two reasons:
1) If you have some experience with identifying birds and happen to be interested or know anyone who is interested in this seasonal position, please get in touch with me here or at <rvanausd...>
2) We would also be willing to hire anyone who may be interested in doing some part time work when they can until we can find a full time birder. Surveys at 1 property generally take 2 to 4 hours. We have 10-12 properties each surrounding these locations (Boone and Iowa City), so there would be some travel involved. This person could just do some of these surveys on days when he or she can. At the Boone location, we really only need help from about early April to mid-May.
Date: 2/17/19 6:58 am From: Jim Durbin <bugmugger187...> Subject: [ia-bird] Redpoll
Had a Common Redpoll for a couple of minutes along with several Pine Siskins. Hope the Redpoll comes back as I would like to photograph it. Not sure how many of you photograph insects but if you do , go to www.insectsofiowa.org/identify and the program might help to identify them. The program is trained on all the pictures that are on my website. If it does not get the identification to species, it may help to genus or family. Let me know if it helps.
Jim Durbin 1460 Douglas Court Marion Ia 52302 319-721-1593
Date: 2/16/19 6:08 pm From: Dennis Thompson <cndthomps...> Subject: [ia-bird] Madison County birds
Diane Dentlinger, Lynn Marsh and I made a visit to eastern Madison County this morning. We mostly focused on Summerhill Dr. and along the North River. It was a great day for raptors with four ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS and a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK (at the east end of Summerhill). We also had an all-too-brief view of a NORTHERN SHRIKE along that road. That bird has been seen off and on since mid-December. Another highlight was 90 WILD TURKEYS (along with 20 deer) in a field along the river. Ten more were on the other side of the river with five others across the road from them. Gobblers rule in eastern Madison County.
Not a bird that I see regularly here in Council Bluffs, this one stopped in the yard for about 5 minutes while we were Tallying for the Great Backyard Bird Count. A welcome visitor immediately attended by crows.
Date: 2/15/19 4:52 pm From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] No sighting: RBA for this week
I think this may be a first during my tenure as RBA compiler.
There will be no RBA this week because there were no rare birds seen. Considering the weather the past several days, I dont blame any bird for not wanting to be here, much less show itself!
A 40° day yesterday prompted a quick fishing trip to Trout River WMA located a few miles SE of Decorah. Wilson’s snipe were flushed repeatedly while fishing, but two were the most observed together. They were also present last winter so may be a regular wintering site. A belted kingfisher was my only competition.
Date: 2/15/19 6:55 am From: 'RICHARD SAYLES' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Breakfast with the birds
23 species.
Highlights
Carolina Wren, Purple Finch, Fox and Song Sparrows, 15 Cardinals....etc
15 below windchill....but yesterday’s 52 degrees did some work on the snow and ice!
Bald Eagle on the Nest when checked yesterday!
Spring is coming !!!
Date: 2/14/19 12:39 pm From: Billy Reiter-Marolf <wreiterm...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa Ornithologists' Union Projects Grants 2019
Hello All, The Iowa Ornithologists' Union is once again requesting applications for our Special Projects Grants for 2019. We have $5,000 of funds available for disbursement to projects that increase the conservation and education of Iowa's birds.
Date: 2/14/19 9:41 am From: Doug & Nina Harr <dnharr...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa Audubon small grant March 1 deadline
This is a final reminder that Iowa Audubon is accepting applications for 2019 small grants. *Grant application deadline is this coming March 1st.* Project proposals must relate to bird conservation, habitat conservation, bird-related education or research. Multiple grants of up to $800 and $1000 (depending upon grant funding source and project location) are available. For further detailed information and application forms, please visit the following webpage:
Date: 2/13/19 6:30 pm From: abreiholz <abreiholz...> Subject: [ia-bird] White-throated Sparrow in Cedar Rapids
A White-throat turned up under our feeders this afternoon for the first time this year. This was a nice addition to the Flicker, Red- and White-breasted Nuthatches, and Pine Siskins. Never mind the gray squirrel that ran in the front door past the dog when I went out to fill a suet feeder
Date: 2/13/19 4:34 pm From: Jane Clark <jrclark...> Subject: [ia-bird] Carolina Wren
A Carolina Wren visited our safflower log this morning-I don't know if it was successful but it was trying. I think it was 4 degrees early this a.m. in the Des Moines area.
Date: 2/12/19 3:31 am From: Robert Thorbrogger <rthorbrogger...> Subject: [ia-bird] waterfowl Big Spirit / East Lake Okoboji
spillway running open... mallards and Canada geese apparently toughing out winter here in Dickinson County with the rest of us...spillway between snowy banks resembles a mountain stream in winter..a pleasant sight
A CAROLINA WREN just showed up at my feeders for the first time this winter. The WHITE-THROATED SPARROW count jumped from two to six, so birds are moving around. The gang of 23 WILD TURKEYS just left. They stop by at least once a week. Along with two toms and another group of eight birds that visit periodically, the gobblers are doing well in the Country Ridge neighborhood.
I think our pair is still around in the Des Moines area, as of a few
seconds ago. I say "think" as within seconds of spotting one, a young
Cooper's shot through the yard scattering birds in all directions. Dont
think it was a successful attack.
Bery Engebretsen
On Sun, Feb 10, 2019, 11:16 AM Richard Hollis <xiboia...> wrote:
Date: 2/11/19 8:17 am From: Richard Hollis <xiboia...> Subject: [ia-bird] Fwd: [IOWA-NATIVE-PLANTS] FW: This week's EEOB seminar: Daniel Moen at Iowa State
ISU Seminar that might interest some folks.
>
> The Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
> is pleased to announce this week’s seminar speaker:
> Daniel Moen
> Oklahoma State University
> The evolution of diversity
> in morphology and species richness
> in frogs and toads of the world
>
> Thursday, Feb 14
> 3:45pm in 210 Bessey
> Refreshments served at 3:30pm in 248 (formerly 240) Bessey
> Please contact Bryan Juarez (<bryanhjuarez...> <mailto:<bryanhjuarez...>) if you are interested in meeting with Dr. Moen
> My research generally centers on studies of ecology and evolution using phylogenetic comparative biology. I conduct fieldwork, collect museum data, and use phylogenies as tools to address questions of diversification, phenotypic evolution, and community ecology, using amphibians and reptiles as study organisms. Three specific themes will be addressed in the lab: (1) the evolution of phenotypic and species diversity in communities of amphibians and reptiles (primarily frogs), using morphological, ecological, biogeographic, and phylogenetic data; (2) the evolution of the relationships among ecology, functional morphology, and performance (e.g. jumping, swimming) in frogs from around the world, based on data from museum specimens and fieldwork (both local and international); and (3) the development and use of phylogenetic, comparative, and statistical methods.
> EEOB/EEB Seminar Series is presented by the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
> and the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program
>
> Steven Hall
> Assistant Professor
> Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
> Iowa State University
> Office: 245 Bessey Hall
>
> Mailing address:
> 2200 Osborn Dr
> 251 Bessey Hall
> Ames,IA 50011
>
>
>
> Iowa Native Plants mailing list
> <Iowa-Native-Plants...> <mailto:<Iowa-Native-Plants...> > http://bio.cgrer.uiowa.edu/herbarium/MailingList.htm <http://bio.cgrer.uiowa.edu/herbarium/MailingList.htm> > The Iowa Native Plants Mailing List provides a forum for those interested in Iowa's natural
> vegetation and in general conservation issues. Another objective is to promote the Iowa
> Native Plant Society.
>
> This list is sponsored by the University of Iowa Department of Biology and managed by MJ Hatfield.
> For assistance, please contact:
> MJ Hatfield, <mjhatfield...> <mailto:<mjhatfield...>
I would first like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your informative posts regarding the birds of Iowa. I have recently moved back to Iowa and am looking forward to a season of successful birding based on your suggestions. I have a query for you all that I am hoping someone can answer. I would very much like to see a Barn Owl, however, I am aware that their locations are kept quiet to allow them the peace they need to live. I was hoping that someone would be able to point me in the right direction so that I could see one with the understanding that I would simply look, then leave the birds to their lives. Please feel free to e-mail me back at this address privately with any ideas. I am willing to travel in order to see them.
Date: 2/10/19 4:34 pm From: Chris Caster <cjcaster...> Subject: [ia-bird] Quad City birds
Three members of the Iowa City Bird Club birded the QC area today. There was not much waterfowl diversity, mostly Common Goldeneyes and Common Mergansers. Only one Lesser Scaup and two Ring-necked Ducks were seen and no Canvasbacks or Redheads. Best bird was a female Long-tailed Duck from Rapids City, IL. Lock and Dam 15 and Credit Island were a bust. Two Fox Sparrows were at the feeders above Fairmount Cemetery in Davenport along with Pine Siskin, Carolina Wren, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and many Eurasian Tree Sparrows.
We visited Lock and Dam 14 from the Illinois side around 4pm. There were hundreds of gulls either roosting on the ice near the river channel or flying below the dam. Most birds were Herring Gulls. Two adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls were present. A first year and an adult Kumlien’s Iceland Gulls were also found.
There is no gull roost on the Iowa side of Lock and Dam 14. If you visit L and D 14 from the Illinois side be warned—the drive down to the dam is very icy and we assisted stuck vehicles early in the day and watched others spinning in the parking lot through our scopes from the Iowa side. If you don’t have a four wheel drive I wouldn’t try it.
Date: 2/10/19 2:21 pm From: Jane Clark <jrclark...> Subject: RE: [ia-bird] Carolina Wrens
I have not seen a Carolina Wren recently but they tease me frequently while they sing right outside the sliding door.
Jane Clark Polk Countuy
-----Original Message----- From: 'Chris Edwards' via IA-BIRD [mailto:<ia-bird...>] Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2019 10:52 AM To: <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Carolina Wrens
For the past two years I've enjoyed a resident pair of Carolina Wrens in our yard and neighborhood. They were a welcome addition to our local avifauna, especially in the winter when they visited our suet feeder and I heard their trills and other vocalizations frequently. I haven't seen or heard them since the extreme cold weather last week and I suspect they may have perished. Has anyone else noticed a similar occurrence? Per the books 'Birds in Iowa' and 'The Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas,' populations in Iowa can abruptly disappear during winters with prolonged heavy snow cover and low temperatures.
Carolina Wren is regular visitor to the feeders. We returned from Texas on the 27th of January and resumed feeding the birds. Immediately had the Carolina Wrens at the feeders. Continues thru the Polar Express and as recently as 5 minutes ago. Dick Sayles Buffalo Iowa
Date: 2/10/19 11:36 am From: Jean Allgood <allgood.jean10...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Carolina Wrens
We still have our pair of Carolina wrens. They've been eating hulled sunflower seeds, peanut pieces, beef suet, and in especially cold weather I add frozen crickets/mealworms (left from when I rehabbed birds). We also keep the garage window cracked a couple inches year around (something we learned from Carol Thompson years ago). It's not messy as one might think.
Jean Allgood Iowa City
On Sun, Feb 10, 2019, 10:52 AM 'Chris Edwards' via IA-BIRD < <ia-bird...> wrote:
> For the past two years I've enjoyed a resident pair of Carolina Wrens in > our > yard and neighborhood. They were a welcome addition to our local avifauna, > especially in the winter when they visited our suet feeder and I heard > their > trills and other vocalizations frequently. I haven't seen or heard them > since the extreme cold weather last week and I suspect they may have > perished. Has anyone else noticed a similar occurrence? Per the books > 'Birds in Iowa' and 'The Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas,' populations in Iowa can > abruptly disappear during winters with prolonged heavy snow cover and low > temperatures. > > Chris Edwards > Solon, IA > > > -- > 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/003501d4c161%2401bd2af0%24053780d0%<24...> > . > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >
We have had a couple of Carolinas the last couple of days, along with 6 purple finches, a couple pairs of house finches, 20 cardinals, and the usuals. The gold finches (well over 100) filled the walnut trees this a.m. Steve fills the round patio table in the covered dog kennel with sunflower seed along with the shelves under the overhang and they all come to see us. They appreciate the sheltered feed during this past 2 weeks. Your Carolinas probably went a little farther south. Joy Wilson (S.E.Iowa Henry County)
----- Original Message -----
From: "EA" <eaubrey...>
To: "Iowa bird" <ia-bird...>
Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2019 11:26:57 AM
Subject: RE: [ia-bird] Carolina Wrens
I haven't seen mine since January 21, before the vortex but around the time of all the snow.
Elizabeth Aubrey
Iowa City
-----Original Message-----
From: 'Chris Edwards' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...>
Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2019 10:52
To: <ia-bird...>
Subject: [ia-bird] Carolina Wrens
For the past two years I've enjoyed a resident pair of Carolina Wrens in our yard and neighborhood. They were a welcome addition to our local avifauna, especially in the winter when they visited our suet feeder and I heard their trills and other vocalizations frequently. I haven't seen or heard them since the extreme cold weather last week and I suspect they may have perished. Has anyone else noticed a similar occurrence? Per the books 'Birds in Iowa' and 'The Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas,' populations in Iowa can abruptly disappear during winters with prolonged heavy snow cover and low temperatures.
Date: 2/10/19 9:27 am From: EA <eaubrey...> Subject: RE: [ia-bird] Carolina Wrens
I haven't seen mine since January 21, before the vortex but around the time of all the snow.
Elizabeth Aubrey
Iowa City
-----Original Message-----
From: 'Chris Edwards' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...>
Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2019 10:52
To: <ia-bird...>
Subject: [ia-bird] Carolina Wrens
For the past two years I've enjoyed a resident pair of Carolina Wrens in our yard and neighborhood. They were a welcome addition to our local avifauna, especially in the winter when they visited our suet feeder and I heard their trills and other vocalizations frequently. I haven't seen or heard them since the extreme cold weather last week and I suspect they may have perished. Has anyone else noticed a similar occurrence? Per the books 'Birds in Iowa' and 'The Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas,' populations in Iowa can abruptly disappear during winters with prolonged heavy snow cover and low temperatures.
Date: 2/10/19 9:16 am From: Richard Hollis <xiboia...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Carolina Wrens
Sometime in January, we started seeing a Carolina Wren, irregularly on the feeders.
The last day we saw it was the coldest day — it was sitting in the sun on a sheltered part of the porch.
I fear that that it has died.
Date: 2/10/19 8:52 am From: 'Chris Edwards' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Carolina Wrens
For the past two years I've enjoyed a resident pair of Carolina Wrens in our yard and neighborhood. They were a welcome addition to our local avifauna, especially in the winter when they visited our suet feeder and I heard their trills and other vocalizations frequently. I haven't seen or heard them since the extreme cold weather last week and I suspect they may have perished. Has anyone else noticed a similar occurrence? Per the books 'Birds in Iowa' and 'The Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas,' populations in Iowa can abruptly disappear during winters with prolonged heavy snow cover and low temperatures.
Date: 2/9/19 6:23 am From: <ritag...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] County Big Years
For the most part, I stay close to home (Cerro Gordo County) when watching or looking for birds. We have a lake (though shallow), several marshes, several grassland areas besides two rivers going through parts of the county. I did not keep a list specific to CG County in 2018 but in reconstructing a list from my notes for the year, I had well over 230 species for the county. Had we had a good shorebird year in the county I could have added more. Certainly had I been trying for a county only list, I could have added a few more.
The main thing to do when birding locally is to try and go to all of your birding areas and to go out often. Once a week won't do it. In warbler season I am out almost everyday, even if just for 20 minutes. A gal once told me that in 12 years of birding she had never seen a Mourning Warbler in Iowa; you can't miss them if you are going out often in warbler season and to the right habitat!
I am not for a five mile limit, but I am for getting to know your local birds and your local birding areas, as well as seeing birds in other parts of the country. I met a man in Texas one year who was from a northeastern state, who had chased birds all over the southwest on his vacations. He had quite an impressive list, but he did not have a list for his own state. He never even thought of trying to see how many birds he could see in his own state.
If your county doesn't have a lot of birding habitats, there are one or two that are mostly corn fields, pick a county next door that might offer more variety and bird that one.
Get to know your local birds but don't miss out on the rarities that end up in Iowa each year !
Rita Goranson
Mason City, Iowa
----- Original Message -----
From: "Lee Schoenewe" <lschoe...>
To: "Paul Roisen" <roisenp1950...>, "IOU Listserve" <ia-bird...>
Sent: Wednesday, February 6, 2019 7:58:02 PM
Subject: RE: [ia-bird] County Big Years
I had to go look up what occurred in 2006 when I did my Clay County Big Year. My total was 253 which was what I remembered. I started with a goal of 236 which was a level I reached in 1996 with my first county big year. My second goal was set at 244 as that number was 85% of my lifetime county list at that time. I added four new species to my Clay County life list that year and had great birds and great fun! I started with Long-eared Owls on New Year’s Day roosting in the pine tree by my driveway and ended with a Snowy Owl on December 23rd near Dan Green Slough. I had all seven of the Strigidae species that year and owl be darned if it has happened to me since. Play this bird game or one of your own making and rule number one is to have some fun! May the birds be with you in places and habitat you may not have known were there!
Lee A. Schoenewe
Spencer
From: <ia-bird...> [mailto:<ia-bird...>] On Behalf Of Paul Roisen
Sent: Wednesday, February 06, 2019 7:04 PM
To: IOU Listserve
Subject: [ia-bird] County Big Years
Greetings from Sioux City, IA.
Last year I did a Woodbury County Big Year since I needed to stay closer to home for a good portion of the year. First time I have done a county Big Year and it was a lot of fun. Set a hopeful goal of 220.
As anyone who attended the IOU Spring meeting in Sioux City knows, we had an incredible 185 species and both the spring and the very early summer were the best I have experienced since I started birding in December of 2004.
Surprisingly the 220 goal was reached fairly early and I kept upping possibilities--225, 230, 235 .... At this point I thought there ware about 7-9 more species that might show up so was hoping for 242 but....
Big missed: Loggerhead Shrike (use to be common), Red-Crossbill and White-winged Crossbill (have been regular for the last 5 years or so), Common Redpoll, American Woodcock--this had to me my fault as they have been annual for many years, and Spotted Towhee.
Unexpected birds: Northern Mockingbird and Connecticut Warlber (only 2 of each in 13 years).
New County Bird--Glossy Ibis (288)
TOTAL for 2018--240 which was way beyond expectations.
I know some other people did a County Big Year this year as well. Would like to see a posting from everyone who did do one this year. Encourage you all to try this at least once.
Thanks to Lee Schoenewe for the inspiration when I did a Big Year a number of years ago in Clay. His goal was 250 and he surpassed (256-257 sticks in my mind but...). Hope Lee will correct this if its wrong.
I would like to encourage you all to take a shot at a Big County Year either in your county or a county close to you. You will be surprised at the new places, habitat, people, and species you will encounter.
Date: 2/8/19 2:27 pm From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 2-8-19
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, February 2, through Friday, February 8, 2019:
-RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
-Additional Species Mentioned
Golden Eagle
Bohemian Waxwing
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. ************************
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.
*CENTRAL:*
*POLK COUNTY:*
*A SPOTTED TOWHEE was seen at Polk City WA on the 2nd.*
*A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen along Highway 5 near the Walnut Woods exit on the 3rd.*
*NORTHWEST:*
*OBRIEN COUNTY:*
*A BOHEMIAN WAXWING was seen in the Waterman Creek valley on the 3rd.*
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, February 15, 2019 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
After running an errand to Boone after lunch today, I birded gravel roads back from Boone & west past the little town of Beaver. Was hoping to find longspurs and snow buntings along the roads after yesterday's snow but didn't find any. However, it turned out to be a good day for raptors which except for one were all out in open farm country: *3 Bald Eagles* *2 Red-tailed Hawks* *4 Rough-legged Hawks* *2 Northern Harriers* *1 American Kestrel* *1 Short-eared Owl *(this one "fluttering" north along Beaver Creek, 2 mi. NNE of Beaver of Beaver)
An addition to my email is that my husband reminded me that one of our
farmer
neighbors has a lake with a windmill in it, so I suppose that has open water
and they stock it with fish!
Anne Sloth
Grundy County🐡
On Thu, Feb 7, 2019 at 11:09 AM Fawn Bowden <fawnda10...> wrote:
> Hi Anne,
> If there's some open water somewhere nearby, Kingfishers can stay
> through the winter in Iowa. Often rivers do not completely freeze over so
> they can fish along the edge or openings. Also dam overflows are a good
> place to fish in the winter. ~Fawn, Riverside, IA
>
> On Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 12:59:04 AM UTC-6, horticulturemama wrote:
>>
>> Hi All! Just a note to mention my first ever yard Pine Siskins and a
>> couple of
>> American Tree Sparrows. What caught my attention today driving home from
>> the vet was a Kingfisher on a wire about 1 mile away from home. Do
>> Kingfishers
>> hang out in North-Central Iowa in Winter? I was surprised!
>> We still have a pair, sometimes 3 Bald Eagles that hang out
>> in our grove/empty farm every winter.
>> Anne Sloth
>> Grundy County
>>
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Date: 2/7/19 2:20 pm From: Pat Schlarbaum <patschlarbaum...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Re: Great Horned Owl question
In 1985 there was an arctic phase gho at the Research Station that Bruce and Marlene had rehabbed and released at McFarland Park in Story Co. where it originated. It looked just like this owl.
On Wed, Feb 6, 2019, 8:54 PM Paul Brooks <paulbrooks27944...> wrote:
> From what I see, it almost for sure(95%) an arctic GHO. Markings are > identical, tint is dead on, and also the signature white only face. I > would say based on coloration(darker, slight brown tint to tail) that this > is a juvenile, or younger female. > > > > On Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 5:57:16 PM UTC-6, donpog wrote: >> >> Hi, >> I took this image this afternoon in the hardwood timber of >> Moorehead Park, Ida County, west of Ida Grove. The owl was very gray in >> color in front when I first saw it fly. When it landed I took this image >> and indeed the face >> and back very also gray. >> Does this look like an Arctic Race of the Great Horned Owl? >> >> >> Don >> >> Don Poggensee >> Ida Grove, Iowa 51445-8088 >> >> > > -- > 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/<cbb965e3-22d1-448a-8a83-bcebecbb1245...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/ia-bird/<cbb965e3-22d1-448a-8a83-bcebecbb1245...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >
Hi Anne, If there's some open water somewhere nearby, Kingfishers can stay through the winter in Iowa. Often rivers do not completely freeze over so they can fish along the edge or openings. Also dam overflows are a good place to fish in the winter. ~Fawn, Riverside, IA
On Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 12:59:04 AM UTC-6, horticulturemama wrote: > > Hi All! Just a note to mention my first ever yard Pine Siskins and a > couple of > American Tree Sparrows. What caught my attention today driving home from > the vet was a Kingfisher on a wire about 1 mile away from home. Do > Kingfishers > hang out in North-Central Iowa in Winter? I was surprised! > We still have a pair, sometimes 3 Bald Eagles that hang out > in our grove/empty farm every winter. > Anne Sloth > Grundy County >
Hi All! Just a note to mention my first ever yard Pine Siskins and a couple of American Tree Sparrows. What caught my attention today driving home from the vet was a Kingfisher on a wire about 1 mile away from home. Do Kingfishers hang out in North-Central Iowa in Winter? I was surprised! We still have a pair, sometimes 3 Bald Eagles that hang out in our grove/empty farm every winter. Anne Sloth Grundy County
Date: 2/6/19 6:54 pm From: Paul Brooks <paulbrooks27944...> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Great Horned Owl question
From what I see, it almost for sure(95%) an arctic GHO. Markings are identical, tint is dead on, and also the signature white only face. I would say based on coloration(darker, slight brown tint to tail) that this is a juvenile, or younger female.
On Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 5:57:16 PM UTC-6, donpog wrote: > > Hi, > I took this image this afternoon in the hardwood timber of > Moorehead Park, Ida County, west of Ida Grove. The owl was very gray in > color in front when I first saw it fly. When it landed I took this image > and indeed the face > and back very also gray. > Does this look like an Arctic Race of the Great Horned Owl? > > > Don > > Don Poggensee > Ida Grove, Iowa 51445-8088 > >
Date: 2/6/19 5:58 pm From: Lee Schoenewe <lschoe...> Subject: RE: [ia-bird] County Big Years
I had to go look up what occurred in 2006 when I did my Clay County Big Year. My total was 253 which was what I remembered. I started with a goal of 236 which was a level I reached in 1996 with my first county big year. My second goal was set at 244 as that number was 85% of my lifetime county list at that time. I added four new species to my Clay County life list that year and had great birds and great fun! I started with Long-eared Owls on New Year’s Day roosting in the pine tree by my driveway and ended with a Snowy Owl on December 23rd near Dan Green Slough. I had all seven of the Strigidae species that year and owl be darned if it has happened to me since. Play this bird game or one of your own making and rule number one is to have some fun! May the birds be with you in places and habitat you may not have known were there!
Lee A. Schoenewe
Spencer
From: <ia-bird...> [mailto:<ia-bird...>] On Behalf Of Paul Roisen
Sent: Wednesday, February 06, 2019 7:04 PM
To: IOU Listserve
Subject: [ia-bird] County Big Years
Greetings from Sioux City, IA.
Last year I did a Woodbury County Big Year since I needed to stay closer to home for a good portion of the year. First time I have done a county Big Year and it was a lot of fun. Set a hopeful goal of 220.
As anyone who attended the IOU Spring meeting in Sioux City knows, we had an incredible 185 species and both the spring and the very early summer were the best I have experienced since I started birding in December of 2004.
Surprisingly the 220 goal was reached fairly early and I kept upping possibilities--225, 230, 235 .... At this point I thought there ware about 7-9 more species that might show up so was hoping for 242 but....
Big missed: Loggerhead Shrike (use to be common), Red-Crossbill and White-winged Crossbill (have been regular for the last 5 years or so), Common Redpoll, American Woodcock--this had to me my fault as they have been annual for many years, and Spotted Towhee.
Unexpected birds: Northern Mockingbird and Connecticut Warlber (only 2 of each in 13 years).
New County Bird--Glossy Ibis (288)
TOTAL for 2018--240 which was way beyond expectations.
I know some other people did a County Big Year this year as well. Would like to see a posting from everyone who did do one this year. Encourage you all to try this at least once.
Thanks to Lee Schoenewe for the inspiration when I did a Big Year a number of years ago in Clay. His goal was 250 and he surpassed (256-257 sticks in my mind but...). Hope Lee will correct this if its wrong.
I would like to encourage you all to take a shot at a Big County Year either in your county or a county close to you. You will be surprised at the new places, habitat, people, and species you will encounter.
Date: 2/6/19 5:03 pm From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950...> Subject: [ia-bird] County Big Years
Greetings from Sioux City, IA.
Last year I did a Woodbury County Big Year since I needed to stay closer to home for a good portion of the year. First time I have done a county Big Year and it was a lot of fun. Set a hopeful goal of 220. As anyone who attended the IOU Spring meeting in Sioux City knows, we had an incredible 185 species and both the spring and the very early summer were the best I have experienced since I started birding in December of 2004. Surprisingly the 220 goal was reached fairly early and I kept upping possibilities--225, 230, 235 .... At this point I thought there ware about 7-9 more species that might show up so was hoping for 242 but.... Big missed: Loggerhead Shrike (use to be common), Red-Crossbill and White-winged Crossbill (have been regular for the last 5 years or so), Common Redpoll, American Woodcock--this had to me my fault as they have been annual for many years, and Spotted Towhee. Unexpected birds: Northern Mockingbird and Connecticut Warlber (only 2 of each in 13 years). *New County Bird--*Glossy Ibis (288)
TOTAL for 2018--240 which was way beyond expectations.
I know some other people did a County Big Year this year as well. Would like to see a posting from everyone who did do one this year. Encourage you all to try this at least once.
Thanks to Lee Schoenewe for the inspiration when I did a Big Year a number of years ago in Clay. His goal was 250 and he surpassed (256-257 sticks in my mind but...). Hope Lee will correct this if its wrong.
I would like to encourage you all to take a shot at a Big County Year either in your county or a county close to you. You will be surprised at the new places, habitat, people, and species you will encounter.
Species List: Snow Goose Common Tern Ruby-crowned Kinglet Ross's Goose Forster's Tern Eastern Bluebird Greater White-fronted Goose Common Loon Swainson's Thrush Cackling Goose Double-crested Cormorant Hermit Thrush Canada Goose American White Pelican Wood Thrush Trumpeter Swan American Bittern American Robin Wood Duck Least Bittern Gray Catbird Blue-winged Teal Great Blue Heron Brown Thrasher Cinnamon Teal Great Egret Northern Mockingbird Northern Shoveler Snowy Egret European Starling Gadwall Cattle Egret American Pipit American Wigeon Green Heron Cedar Waxwing Mallard Black-crowned Night-Heron House Finch Northern Pintail Glossy Ibis Purple Finch Green-winged Teal White-faced Ibis Pine Siskin Canvasback Turkey Vulture American Goldfinch Redhead Osprey Lapland Longspur Ring-necked Duck Golden Eagle Smith's Longspur Greater Scaup Northern Harrier Snow Bunting Lesser Scaup Sharp-shinned Hawk Grasshopper Sparrow Bufflehead Cooper's Hawk Chipping Sparrow Common Goldeneye Northern Goshawk Clay-colored Sparrow Hooded Merganser Bald Eagle Field Sparrow Common Merganser Broad-winged Hawk Lark Sparrow Red-breasted Merganser Swainson's Hawk American Tree Sparrow Ruddy Duck Red-tailed Hawk Fox Sparrow Northern Bobwhite Rough-legged Hawk Dark-eyed Junco Ring-necked Pheasant Eastern Screech-Owl White-crowned Sparrow Gray Partridge Great Horned Owl Harris's Sparrow Wild Turkey Snowy Owl White-throated Sparrow Pied-billed Grebe Barred Owl Vesper Sparrow Horned Grebe Short-eared Owl LeConte's Sparrow Eared Grebe Belted Kingfisher Savannah Sparrow Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Song Sparrow Eurasian Collared-Dove Red-headed Woodpecker Lincoln's Sparrow Mourning Dove Red-bellied Woodpecker Swamp Sparrow Yellow-billed Cuckoo Downy Woodpecker Eastern Towhee Black-billed Cuckoo Hairy Woodpecker Yellow-headed Blackbird Common Nighthawk Pileated Woodpecker Bobolink Eastern Whip-poor-will Northern Flicker Western Meadowlark Chimney Swift American Kestrel Eastern Meadowlark Ruby-throated Hummingbird Merlin Orchard Oriole Virginia Rail Peregrine Falcon Baltimore Oriole Sora Olive-sided Flycatcher Red-winged Blackbird American Coot Eastern Wood-Pewee Brown-headed Cowbird Sandhill Crane Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Rusty Blackbird American Avocet Willow Flycatcher Brewer's Blackbird Black-bellied Plover Least Flycatcher Common Grackle American Golden-Plover Eastern Phoebe Great-tailed Grackle Semipalmated Plover Great Crested Flycatcher Ovenbird Killdeer Western Kingbird Louisiana Waterthrush Upland Sandpiper Eastern Kingbird Northern Waterthrush Hudsonian Godwit Northern Shrike Black-and-white Warbler Marbled Godwit Bell's Vireo Tennessee Warbler Ruddy Turnstone Yellow-throated Vireo Orange-crowned Warbler Stilt Sandpiper Blue-headed Vireo Nashville Warbler Sanderling Philadelphia Vireo Connecticut Warbler Dunlin Warbling Vireo Mourning Warbler Baird's Sandpiper Red-eyed Vireo Common Yellowthroat Least Sandpiper Blue Jay American Redstart White-rumped Sandpiper American Crow Northern Parula Buff-breasted Sandpiper Horned Lark Magnolia Warbler Pectoral Sandpiper Northern Rough-winged Swallow Bay-breasted Warbler Semipalmated Sandpiper Purple Martin Blackburnian Warbler Short-billed Dowitcher Tree Swallow Yellow Warbler Long-billed Dowitcher Bank Swallow Chestnut-sided Warbler Wilson's Snipe Barn Swallow Blackpoll Warbler Wilson's Phalarope Cliff Swallow Palm Warbler Spotted Sandpiper Black-capped Chickadee Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) Solitary Sandpiper Tufted Titmouse Black-throated Green Warbler Greater Yellowlegs Red-breasted Nuthatch Canada Warbler Willet White-breasted Nuthatch Wilson's Warbler Lesser Yellowlegs Brown Creeper Summer Tanager Bonaparte's Gull House Wren Scarlet Tanager Franklin's Gull Winter Wren Northern Cardinal Ring-billed Gull Sedge Wren Rose-breasted Grosbeak Herring Gull Marsh Wren Blue Grosbeak Least Tern Carolina Wren Indigo Bunting Caspian Tern Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Dickcissel Black Tern Golden-crowned Kinglet House Sparrow
God Bless,
*Paul O. Roisen* *Woodbury County, IA* *Mobile 712-301-2817*
Date: 2/6/19 3:57 pm From: Don Poggensee <donpog...> Subject: [ia-bird] Great Horned Owl question
Hi, I took this image this afternoon in the hardwood timber of Moorehead Park, Ida County, west of Ida Grove. The owl was very gray in color in front when I first saw it fly. When it landed I took this image and indeed the face and back very also gray. Does this look like an Arctic Race of the Great Horned Owl?
Date: 2/6/19 6:06 am From: 'RICHARD SAYLES' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Ice Birds(before Oatmeal)
21 species without moving so far this morning. Highlights 6 Purple Finch Numerous Pine siskins 20 Goldfinch(one just slide down the deck rail) 14 Cardinals Red Breasted Nuthatches Stay safe
Date: 2/6/19 4:21 am From: 'Chris Edwards' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: RE: [ia-bird] 5 MR birding
This sounds like a fun idea, I think I’ll give it a try. I’m lucky to have a lot of great birding areas in my circle – the lower Coralville Reservoir and dam area, Squire Point, Waterworks Prairie Park, Sugar Bottom Recreation Area, Big Grove Preserve, Turkey Creek Preserve, and parts of Hickory Hill Park, Lake Macbride State Park, and Macbride Nature-Recreation Area – which leads me to ask, why am I not birding some of these areas more??
I’m not a Facebook user, but I found the website of the person who came up with the 5MR Challenge: http://www.iusedtohatebirds.com/.
And there’s a smartphone app called Count Circle which will tell you whether you’re in or out of your circle at any time, which will be useful when I’m wandering around Hickory Hill Park.
Chris Edwards
Solon, IA
From: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> On Behalf Of drbeel
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2019 8:54 AM
To: Iowabirds <ia-bird...>
Subject: [ia-bird] 5 MR birding
There is a craze sweeping the nation's birding community wherein one takes a year to count birds within a 5 mile radius
of home. It encourages us to explore our local "patch", perhaps areas that are seldom reported from.
My circle includes Cedar Lake, but favorite areas like Squaw Creek Park, Wickiup Hill, and Palisades Kepler lie just outside my territory. VanVecten Park, Faulkes Woods and Seminole Valley are in my area, yet I seldom visit them. Now I will.
In this era of global warming ( it's -28° ),
the 5 MR concept can help reduce our carbon footprint on our fragile and imperiled planet. I would encourage others to join this movement if you can.
Date: 2/5/19 6:43 pm From: Fawn Bowden <fawnda10...> Subject: [ia-bird] Not a sighting- Passing of Blossom Shaw
I received this email today from Jim Walters re: the sudden death of longtime SE Iowa Bluebird Nest monitor Blossom Shaw. I believe her and her husband monitored a trail via bicycle for many years in Iowa City. ~Fawn, Riverside, IA
Hi All -
I'm saddened to let you know of Blossom Shaw's death. She died of an apparent heart attack last Saturday. There are no immediate plans for a memorial - possibly in a few weeks.
If you'd like to send a word of condolence to her husband Jay, he can reached at: 887-2091 (home phone/answering machine), or by mail at: 309 Windsor Dr, Iowa City, IA 52245.
Blossom was a friend to everyone she met and to the wildlife who shared her yard and neighborhood. She was a meticulous trail monitor and made many improvements on the trails she and Jay took care of. She will be missed.
While conducting National Audubon's Climate Change bird survey in western Marshall Co. this morning I viewed a flock of at leat 7 *Purple Finches* in a grove of pasture trees 1.5 mi. south of the town of Rhodes. Before I could get my bins up for an positive ID of those 7, about 9 other similar birds disappeared into the grove. They also appeared to be finches of some sort, making it possibly a flock of 16 PUFIs.
Also viewed within a few miles of Rhodes today were 3 differently-plumaged *Rough-legged Hawks*.
Date: 2/4/19 1:07 pm From: Karen Fieg <karenlfieg...> Subject: [ia-bird] Golden Eagle in Polk County
Hi, this is the first time I have posted here. I was told this would be a good place to let people know that I viewed a Golden Eagle near the Walnut Woods State Park exit on the Highway 5 bypass south of West Des Moines, yesterday, midday. My apologies for it being such a huge photo!!!!! Thank you, Karen Fieg, Grimes, IA [image: Image may contain: bird]
This morning Joe and I started in the Sheldon cemetery which is always a winter habitat I visit at least once. Foggy warmth in the pines gave us nothing but crows and starlings so lonely their mimicry was of other starlings! I never remember that spot being a bust in winter.
In the Waterman Creek valley a flock of about 150 Cedar Waxwings had one Bohemian in with them. We did see lots of other smaller flocks of waxwings flying about and also found a group of eight bluebirds. Following the Little Sioux River we saw a female Merlin of the Prairie race perched just east of Linn Grove. A female Common Redpoll was mixed in with the goldfinches and siskins at our feeder in the yard on Thursday but has not been seen again since.
Sloppy, muddy gravel roads on the heels of this week's polar vortex was disconcerting. What goes down must come up on Mother Nature's new climate roller coaster. May the birds survive the ride.
A Hermit Thrush was observed in Willow Creek Park on the west side of Iowa City on Saturday, February 6th. It's behavior seemed a bit unusual suggesting that it may have been stressed as a result of the polar vortex. Peter Hansen
Date: 2/3/19 12:04 pm From: Rodger Miller <rmiller...> Subject: [ia-bird] Pair of trumpeter swans - Monona County
Today, Feb. 3rd at about 11:00 a.m. My husband and I were driving around the pasture on our farm on the south edge of Mapleton, and a pair of trumpeter swans flew past us, very near to our Ranger and low to the ground. Awesome and beautiful sight. They headed east over the corn field and towards the neighbor’s land, where there use to be a very nice pond. However we haven’t been to the pond for some years, and it may be silted in due to their farming practices?
Rodger & Linda Miller
Date: 2/2/19 4:59 pm From: Don Poggensee <donpog...> Subject: [ia-bird] Wintering Saw-whet Owl-Ida County
Hi,
Today in the pine trees in Moorehead Park, west of Ida Grove, I was again able to re-find our one wandering Winter Saw-whet Owl. Some days this Winter, it is 3 or more days, in-between when I can find it again. Today, it was down low and wide open. It had also stored another Deer mouse on a nearby limb, the same location, it had done the same thing, several week ago. It maybe, that the Deer mice are greater in numbers this year.
There is a very cooperative Spotted Towhee associating with Song Sparrows along the road down to Polk City Wildlife Area. Photos and exact location can be found here: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S52307041
Date: 2/2/19 7:34 am From: Timothy Barksdale <timothy.barksdale...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Re: Golden Eagle Still After Pheasants in Iowa Co.
Sharing takes on a slightly different context if you are an eagle, but none the less is it sharing.
For instance, both Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles over winter in Montana. In some cases, pairs will remain on or near breeding territory all year (mostly Bald Eagles). Any source of large amounts of meat- such as an Elk roadkill becomes a group feeding where the carcass is “shared”. This sharing goes beyond a single species too. The location of the roadkill - forested area, open prairie area, etc- also effects the composition as well as the number of birds attracted to these food sources.
In filming raptors, I’ve seen many instances of pair “affection” from Buteos to eagles and even (especially) those Parrots we call falcons…:)
I filmed the final chapter of a Canada Goose’s life due to a Bald Eagle female drowning it. Unfortunately, that 8-12 pound bird went to waste in that circumstance. But it had been severely injured a few days earlier when the pair of eagles engaged in cooperative hunting. While the female made the actual, final passes and eventual kill, the adult male was near by observing. He did not have the bulk to deal with that large of a goose, so he stayed safe, having played his role. After the female fed up, he would have eaten his fill too and she may have well been siting on the ice within a few feet of him with no reaction. This pair nests annually in the Teton River drainage, and hunt at Eureka Reservoir below my home nearly daily, at times.
The feeding scrums on fish near our Mississippi Dams are examples of non-pair bonded birds. So they resemble melees not cooperative feeding.
But the Golden Eagle in Iowa sounds like it was trying to land close, pretend it was just a big Pheasant and either walk in closer for a kill or wait until a naive Pheasant got too close where a single, deadly fast, "leap-flight” puts the eagle within talon grasp of a meal. I suspect it is a male GOEA and all is needs is one unsuspecting youngster who has never seen an eagle to make it work.
Birdman Adventures LLC
Mokane, MO 65059
Somewhere in Missouri :)
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> On Feb 1, 2019, at 10:43 PM, <timgarner...> wrote:
>
> Hi Tim,
> Thanks so much for the insight. It is remarkable to me that the eagles will hunt cooperatively and then share in the kill. Do other birds of prey exhibit this type of behavior?
> Tim Garner
> Ames, IA.
> 50010
>
> From: "timothy.barksdale" <timothy.barksdale...> <mailto:<timothy.barksdale...>> > To: "IA-BIRD" <ia-bird...> <mailto:<ia-bird...>> > Sent: Friday, February 1, 2019 7:42:10 PM
> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Golden Eagle Still After Pheasants in Iowa Co.
>
> I suspect this young eagle is trying a variation on "playing Possum". If it is land near by a flock I suspect it is attempting to get a No Response from them. It may have learned that in a direct flying assault, the Pheasants simply scatter and leave rapidly to all directions.
>
> Young Golden Eagles are very smart and very capable. I've watched them attempt to drive a doe and fawn off a short cliff and harass Bighorn Sheep too. They are swift and stealthy. If this eagle is alive today after the intense cold, It is doing fine and perhaps has found a "steadier"supply of food in another manner. This is likely a deadly game, and if one of the Pheasants falters, it is likely to find how quickly Golden Eagles can move on the ground. Failing to secure food in this manner may teach the eagle that Pheasants can take off very rapidly and move powerfully over short distances. Eagles often hunt prey like this in pairs. One goes in as the distraction the prey flushes while the other flies in from a totally different direction and makes the kill. then both share.
>
> Tim Barksdale
> Choteau, MT 59422
>
>
>
>
>
> On Friday, February 1, 2019 at 2:20:40 PM UTC-6, Jim Forde wrote:
> This morning I returned to the Iowa River Corridor to see if the juv. GOLDEN EAGLE was still around and it was. But I didn't expect it to be doing the very same thing again!
> The eagle altered between perching and short flights but eventually landed next to a flock of pheasants in the same sparse cover as previously. Again it bogged down and
> pheasants flew in every direction. But this time there were more roosters so maybe all were different pheasants. Odd to think such a formidable predator is so inept, unless it's just playing around. Anyway, the eagle was easily identifiable in the air but not so much when perched, unless well lit. I was at the top of the hill west of address 1816 on F15 and the eagle was at the distant tree line south.
>
> Again, I failed to find a Northern Shrike which are usually present at the Corridor. Eurasian Tree Sparrows were common at feeders, tho.
>
> Jim Forde
> Cedar Rapids
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
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I was surprised to see 3 flocks of wild turkeys while driving on 141 yesterday afternoon. One at mile marker 135, another about a mile west of Granger and a 3rd east of Granger.
Date: 2/1/19 5:42 pm From: timothy.barksdale <timothy.barksdale...> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Golden Eagle Still After Pheasants in Iowa Co.
I suspect this young eagle is trying a variation on "playing Possum". If it is land near by a flock I suspect it is attempting to get a No Response from them. It may have learned that in a direct flying assault, the Pheasants simply scatter and leave rapidly to all directions.
Young Golden Eagles are very smart and very capable. I've watched them attempt to drive a doe and fawn off a short cliff and harass Bighorn Sheep too. They are swift and stealthy. If this eagle is alive today after the intense cold, It is doing fine and perhaps has found a "steadier"supply of food in another manner. This is likely a deadly game, and if one of the Pheasants falters, it is likely to find how quickly Golden Eagles can move on the ground. Failing to secure food in this manner may teach the eagle that Pheasants can take off very rapidly and move powerfully over short distances. Eagles often hunt prey like this in pairs. One goes in as the distraction the prey flushes while the other flies in from a totally different direction and makes the kill. then both share.
Tim Barksdale Choteau, MT 59422
On Friday, February 1, 2019 at 2:20:40 PM UTC-6, Jim Forde wrote: > > This morning I returned to the Iowa River Corridor to see if the juv. > GOLDEN EAGLE was still around and it was. But I didn't expect it to be > doing the very same thing again! > The eagle altered between perching and short flights but eventually landed > next to a flock of pheasants in the same sparse cover as previously. Again > it bogged down and > pheasants flew in every direction. But this time there were more roosters > so maybe all were different pheasants. Odd to think such a formidable > predator is so inept, unless it's just playing around. Anyway, the eagle > was easily identifiable in the air but not so much when perched, unless > well lit. I was at the top of the hill west of address 1816 on F15 and the > eagle was at the distant tree line south. > > Again, I failed to find a Northern Shrike which are usually present at > the Corridor. Eurasian Tree Sparrows were common at feeders, tho. > > > > Jim Forde > > > Cedar Rapids > > > > > >
Date: 2/1/19 3:03 pm From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 2-1-19
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, January 26, through Friday, February 1, 2019:
-RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
-Additional Species Mentioned
Long-tailed Duck
Golden Eagle
***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*:
IOWA COUNTY:
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen along the Iowa River corridor on the 27th. It was seen again on the 1st.
*SOUTHEAST*:
LEE COUNTY:
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen under the BNSF bridge in Fort Madison on the 26 th.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, February 8, 2019 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
Date: 2/1/19 12:20 pm From: Jim Forde <jimforde...> Subject: [ia-bird] Golden Eagle Still After Pheasants in Iowa Co.
This morning I returned to the Iowa River Corridor to see if the juv. GOLDEN EAGLE was still around and it was. But I didn't expect it to be doing the very same thing again!
The eagle altered between perching and short flights but eventually landed next to a flock of pheasants in the same sparse cover as previously. Again it bogged down and
pheasants flew in every direction. But this time there were more roosters so maybe all were different pheasants. Odd to think such a formidable predator is so inept, unless it's just playing around. Anyway, the eagle was easily identifiable in the air but not so much when perched, unless well lit. I was at the top of the hill west of address 1816 on F15 and the eagle was at the distant tree line south.
Again, I failed to find a Northern Shrike which are usually present at the Corridor. Eurasian Tree Sparrows were common at feeders, tho.
Date: 1/31/19 4:06 pm From: Sharon Bauer <sharon.bauer519...> Subject: [ia-bird] Short-eared Owls, Madison County
After many failed attempts at locating Short-eared Owls in Madison County, today was the day! With a short day at work there was enough day light to take a quick trip out and scout a few more miles of roads, and there they were! Watched 3 SEO for about 40 minutes hunting over many acres of grass and fields. Wow and wow! Gorgeous birds.
Well this simply wouldn't work for me. Whilst yes I've had some neat stuff in town; it would ostensibly require me to 'grid search' agricultural fields. Plus all that riparian territory is technically private property. I wouldn't even be able to go to the Potholes....or Bradgate WMA...or anywhere but the barest of a sliver of the Humboldt CBC. And people who live in counties like mine; where conversion rates are nearly 99% really have no choice but to do road birding and honey-hole hunting.
Date: 1/31/19 10:01 am From: Don Poggensee <donpog...> Subject: [ia-bird] Trumpeter Swans-Black Hawk Lake Sac County
Hi, Late yesterday afternoon , we counted nearly 50 Trumpeter Swans near the outlet of Black Hawk Lake in Sac County near the city of Lake View, Iowa. One count was 48 and the second count was 50, mostly adults birds but also several first year young also.
With this weather my birding is indoors! I've had a young Coopers Hawk watching my feeder and today it waited patiently for two hours before taking and thoroughly devouring a starling. We both couldn't be happier as it now sits with a full crop in my backyard redbud. Ed Lins. Washington
Absolutely not, Tim et al. The goal of the 5 MR project is simply to document the species in your own neighborhood. It promotes exploration of potentially over-looked locations. To suggest that it purposely restricts your birding endeavors is silly.
Bill Scheible
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------From: Tim Gedler <avesrun...> Date: 1/30/19 12:53 PM (GMT-06:00) To: drbeel <drbeel...> Cc: Iowa Birds <ia-bird...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] 5 MR birding
Does the 5Mr program actually encourage participants/ birders to stop birding outside their 5MR area?I would hope that is not the "thrust" of the MR5 incentive.
On Wed, Jan 30, 2019, 8:54 AM drbeel <drbeel...> wrote:
There is a craze sweeping the nation's birding community wherein one takes a year to count birds within a 5 mile radiusof home. It encourages us to explore our local "patch", perhaps areas that are seldom reported from.
My circle includes Cedar Lake, but favorite areas like Squaw Creek Park, Wickiup Hill, and Palisades Kepler lie just outside my territory. VanVecten Park, Faulkes Woods and Seminole Valley are in my area, yet I seldom visit them. Now I will.
In this era of global warming ( it's -28° ),the 5 MR concept can help reduce our carbon footprint on our fragile and imperiled planet. I would encourage others to join this movement if you can.
Bill Scheible Cedar Rapids
"Land is the best art." .....Andy Warhol
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
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Date: 1/30/19 10:53 am From: Tim Gedler <avesrun...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] 5 MR birding
Does the 5Mr program actually encourage participants/ birders to stop
birding outside their 5MR area?
I would hope that is not the "thrust" of the MR5 incentive.
On Wed, Jan 30, 2019, 8:54 AM drbeel <drbeel...> wrote:
> There is a craze sweeping the nation's birding community wherein one takes
> a year to count birds within a 5 mile radius
> of home. It encourages us to explore our local "patch", perhaps areas
> that are seldom reported from.
>
> My circle includes Cedar Lake, but favorite areas like Squaw Creek Park,
> Wickiup Hill, and Palisades Kepler lie just outside my territory.
> VanVecten Park, Faulkes Woods and Seminole Valley are in my area, yet I
> seldom visit them. Now I will.
>
> In this era of global warming ( it's -28° ),
> the 5 MR concept can help reduce our carbon footprint on our fragile and
> imperiled planet. I would encourage others to join this movement if you
> can.
>
> Bill Scheible
> Cedar Rapids
>
> "Land is the best art."
> .....Andy Warhol
>
>
>
> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
>
> --
> 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/66c498056ce0ec66a4458a985ce6ad19%40njtocomv01 > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/ia-bird/66c498056ce0ec66a4458a985ce6ad19%40njtocomv01?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
>
Date: 1/30/19 8:39 am From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] 5 MR birding
Good morning all,
Great to hear such a varied discussion on the 5mile topic. I thought I
might weigh in before we get all hot and bothered about what is the best
way to bird.
Several years I have done a Big Iowa Year, this year I did a Woodbury
County Big year, one year I did a 25mile radius circle around a selected
point in Sioux City. Another year I worked on having seen as many species
as the number of days into the year I was (needed by 1st of Jan, 2 by 2nd
of January, 31 by end of January etc (you are done once your species
numbers fall fall under the number of days so far in the year--i.e. if it
is June15 you need to have 31+28+31+30+31+15 or 146 species). I made it to
some time in September that year). Of course, I also do county birding,
have chased birds, birded other states, and visited a number of countries.
Of course, carbon footprint should be part of the equation as well.
However, that is kind of up to each individual. Birding with more than one
person would be great (as we STRONGLY suggest for IOU field trips), driving
to a location and walking around, etc are all ways to reduce our carbon
footprint.
As to the IOU, there is no plan to limit field trips to 5 miles. I
think Bill was suggesting *an alternative* to the mad driving the I, and
others, sometimes do. I do not believe he was suggesting that all birding
be done within a 5 mile radius>
There are many ways to bird. Feeder watching, a city, a county, camping
and exploring a new area. etc etc.
I discovered many of the hidden treasures of Iowa when I began county
birding.
Bird on and enjoy yourselves.
God Bless,
*Paul O. Roisen*
*Woodbury County, IA*
*Mobile 712-301-2817*
On Wed, Jan 30, 2019 at 9:11 AM Eric Ollie <uphawkeye...> wrote:
Date: 1/30/19 7:33 am From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: 5 MR birding
Sounds like a ploy to get people to not bird at all. Just quit birding or
only watch out the window will be next. I can tell you with the excellent
birding spots of Brenton Slough,
Saylorville Dam, Chichaqua Bottoms and many field wetlands within 15 miles
I won't be joining this group. If you were to stick to this you wouldn't
travel to attend IOU meetings,
go on a birding bus trip and would miss out on the bird of a lifetime. And
I might add, as a birder you will get real bored. I live just a mile from
the high trestle/Des Moines River and bird close to home plenty but it's
not going to be
because someone came up with a fad. Good birding!
On Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at 8:54:24 AM UTC-6, drbeel wrote:
>
> There is a craze sweeping the nation's birding community wherein one takes
> a year to count birds within a 5 mile radius
> of home. It encourages us to explore our local "patch", perhaps areas
> that are seldom reported from.
>
> My circle includes Cedar Lake, but favorite areas like Squaw Creek Park,
> Wickiup Hill, and Palisades Kepler lie just outside my territory.
> VanVecten Park, Faulkes Woods and Seminole Valley are in my area, yet I
> seldom visit them. Now I will.
>
> In this era of global warming ( it's -28° ),
> the 5 MR concept can help reduce our carbon footprint on our fragile and
> imperiled planet. I would encourage others to join this movement if you
> can.
>
> Bill Scheible
> Cedar Rapids
>
> "Land is the best art."
> .....Andy Warhol
>
>
>
> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
>
Faulkes Heritage Woods is a hidden treasure! I did three years of summer
bird surveys there. Some super closed canopy areas. In the Spring it should
be good! It has some varied habitats as well. Luckily within my 5MR too.
Brandon Caswell
Marion
On Wed, Jan 30, 2019 at 09:11 Eric Ollie <uphawkeye...> wrote:
Date: 1/30/19 7:18 am From: Ken Wiggers <ken.wiggers...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] 5 MR birding
I agree regarding the "carbon footprint," I am pretty "tight" with my
driving and cannot imagine driving several hours and several 100 miles to
see a rare bird or for just "birding." The money spent and time spent could
be used locally, nationally, or internationally for better purposes, i.e.,
greater benefit to the wildlife we love and the earth we depend on for our
existence. We do a lot of things and are allowed to do many things simply
because we can, i.e., we have discretionary money to spend.
It is hard to achieve a balance of what our needs are and what we want to
do. We should probably more time helping educate people not only about
birds and joy of birds, but about our changing environment and our part in
such. The "5MR" idea sounds good for the additional reason that one spends
more time birding and less time (wasted, i.e., not enjoying the outdoors)
driving.
*Ken*
*"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we
understand; and we will understand only what we have been taught" ---**Baba
Dioum*
On Wed, Jan 30, 2019 at 8:54 AM drbeel <drbeel...> wrote:
> There is a craze sweeping the nation's birding community wherein one takes
> a year to count birds within a 5 mile radius
> of home. It encourages us to explore our local "patch", perhaps areas
> that are seldom reported from.
>
> My circle includes Cedar Lake, but favorite areas like Squaw Creek Park,
> Wickiup Hill, and Palisades Kepler lie just outside my territory.
> VanVecten Park, Faulkes Woods and Seminole Valley are in my area, yet I
> seldom visit them. Now I will.
>
> In this era of global warming ( it's -28° ),
> the 5 MR concept can help reduce our carbon footprint on our fragile and
> imperiled planet. I would encourage others to join this movement if you
> can.
>
> Bill Scheible
> Cedar Rapids
>
> "Land is the best art."
> .....Andy Warhol
>
>
>
> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
>
> --
> 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...>
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> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
>
Date: 1/30/19 7:11 am From: Eric Ollie <uphawkeye...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] 5 MR birding
There is a Facebook group dedicated to this: "5MR Birding."
Eric Ollie
Ames
On Wed, Jan 30, 2019, 8:54 AM drbeel <drbeel...> wrote:
> There is a craze sweeping the nation's birding community wherein one takes
> a year to count birds within a 5 mile radius
> of home. It encourages us to explore our local "patch", perhaps areas
> that are seldom reported from.
>
> My circle includes Cedar Lake, but favorite areas like Squaw Creek Park,
> Wickiup Hill, and Palisades Kepler lie just outside my territory.
> VanVecten Park, Faulkes Woods and Seminole Valley are in my area, yet I
> seldom visit them. Now I will.
>
> In this era of global warming ( it's -28° ),
> the 5 MR concept can help reduce our carbon footprint on our fragile and
> imperiled planet. I would encourage others to join this movement if you
> can.
>
> Bill Scheible
> Cedar Rapids
>
> "Land is the best art."
> .....Andy Warhol
>
>
>
> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
>
> --
> 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...>
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> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
>
Date: 1/30/19 7:02 am From: <jmjhrtgh...> <jmjhrtgh...> Subject: [ia-bird] Grey Partridges in the storm
Yesterday afternoon when it was blowing and drifting, a small flock of 7 grey partridges came along the fence line of the field just south of the lawn. Got a good look out of my kitchen window. Although there were plenty of bird seeds under the feeders they didn’t even look that direction.
Last season I did see them about twice on the road, the one that I've gone over many times, so I can’t guarantee anyone would ever be able to spot them again, assuming they will survive this extreme winter.
Keep warm if you go out birding.
Mary Jo Hartogh, Mitchell Co., 3480 Windfall Ave., Elma, IA
There is a craze sweeping the nation's birding community wherein one takes a year to count birds within a 5 mile radiusof home. It encourages us to explore our local "patch", perhaps areas that are seldom reported from.
My circle includes Cedar Lake, but favorite areas like Squaw Creek Park, Wickiup Hill, and Palisades Kepler lie just outside my territory. VanVecten Park, Faulkes Woods and Seminole Valley are in my area, yet I seldom visit them. Now I will.
In this era of global warming ( it's -28° ),the 5 MR concept can help reduce our carbon footprint on our fragile and imperiled planet. I would encourage others to join this movement if you can.
Bill Scheible Cedar Rapids
"Land is the best art." .....Andy Warhol
Date: 1/29/19 8:24 pm From: Fawn Bowden <fawnda10...> Subject: [ia-bird] Snow Buntings- Washington County
While driving between Riverside and Kalona today on highway 22, just before dusk, I flushed 3 Snow Buntings that had been feeding or eating dirt along the south shoulder of the road. Perhaps a gift of the polar vortex!
Date: 1/27/19 6:06 pm From: Tommy Stone <tomtazzstone...> Subject: [ia-bird] More Short-eared Owls - Tama Co.
This morning, I came across 2 SHORT-EARED OWLS , a couple of miles southeast of Dysart along 62nd st. One which was hiding behind a chunk of snow left by the plows along the road. Another was perched on a post by the road about a half a mile down the road from the first. Best looks I've ever had!
Date: 1/27/19 5:28 pm From: Bob & Connie <crvanersvelde...> Subject: [ia-bird] Poweshiek co birds
All regular feeder birds, plus 2 red-headed woodpeckers, and 2 white-throats, and once again 42 mourning doves. Last week had a rough-legged over our lane and today saw a group of 30-40 pheasants along highway 146 4 miles north of Grinnell. Bob Van Ersvelde Grinnell
Date: 1/27/19 4:32 pm From: Jim Forde <jimforde...> Subject: [ia-bird] Golden Eagle in Iowa Co.
Today while checking out the Iowa River Corridor I spotted a distant juv. GOLDEN EAGLE flushing a flock of pheasants. At first I thought it was just a Northern Harrier
until its white field marks became apparent. Its final assault was landing near the now hiding pheasants and pursuing them on foot! But the snow was too deep and the eagle got quickly bogged down while most of the pheasants flew in every direction. After that attempt it took to soaring and gave me a nice long look until out of sight. My location was near address 1816 on F15 and the eagle was along the timbered Iowa River.
Also today I found a HERMIT THRUSH on the north side of Amana Road just west of the DNR at the Hawkeye Wildlife Area. I saw one in the same area 2 weeks ago so it might be continuing.
Here in Mason City too. Have had two WT Sparrows daily, just checking &
there were three eating millet.
Six cold Mourning Doves & 10 Cardinals also.
This morning up in International Falls, Mn, the temp was -46 below.
Carolyn Fischer
Mason City
Cerro Gordo
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jan 27, 2019, at 10:16 AM, Ed <pfalcons...> wrote:
>
> Hello,
> I’ve had a white-throated sparrow hanging around in my yard the past few days - I know they have been more common this winter in Iowa, but I think this is my first January record for me in Dickinson county.
> It will be interesting to see if he hangs around after Wednesday when it’s suppose to get to -25!!
>
> Good Birdin’,
>
> Ed Thelen
> Spirit Lake, Iowa
>
> 712-320-2440
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> --
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Date: 1/27/19 8:16 am From: Ed <pfalcons...> Subject: [ia-bird] White-throated Sparrow
Hello,
I’ve had a white-throated sparrow hanging around in my yard the past few days - I know they have been more common this winter in Iowa, but I think this is my first January record for me in Dickinson county.
It will be interesting to see if he hangs around after Wednesday when it’s suppose to get to -25!!
Date: 1/26/19 3:40 pm From: Tommy Stone <tomtazzstone...> Subject: [ia-bird] Short-eared Owl - Blackhawk co.
Late this afternoon, I found a SHORT-EARED OWL about 2 miles north of Hickory Hills park. It was perched on a large hay bale, about 150 yards out. This was on the west side of co. hwy. v-37.
Date: 1/26/19 11:19 am From: Ryan Shackleton <shack357...> Subject: [ia-bird] Mason City horned larks
Saw several large flocks of horned larks this morning ob2 the south edge of Mason City just west of the State Patrol buildings_I think 240th St but not sure). Easily 200 birds. Lots of snow buntings as well. Ryan Shackleton Alta Vista,Ia. Chickasaw County
Date: 1/26/19 10:48 am From: Ellen Fuller <cfuller989...> Subject: [ia-bird] Long-tailed Duck
There was a Oldsquaw (I like that better than Long-tailed) under the Ft. Madison BNSF railroad bridge this AM. Best seen from the Willow Patch ramp on the north side of the bridge. just adjacent to the old prison. It appeared through the mist to be a winter female. A scope is needed. Chuck Fuller Burlington
21 species today with all our snow. First day this week with no E.Towhee but new was a Carolina Wren. An amazing 11 White-Throated Sparrows, Swamp Sparrow, all the woodpeckers except Pileated. What will tomorrow bring. Tom J Mystic, Ia.
Date: 1/25/19 2:55 pm From: lgdau9 <lgdau9...> Subject: [ia-bird] Boone County - Meadowlarks & more
Went out today and saw Meadowlark species in 3 separate locations. 13 total with 10 at Harrier Marsh east of I Ave on 230th. Rough-legged Hawk same location. Also 16 Bald Eagles.At my feeders, Mourning Doves now number 10, 2 Song Sparrows, 1 White-throated Sparrow, 6 Pine Siskins. RH Woodpecker and Fox Sparrow not seen last two days.Larry Dau-Boone Co
Date: 1/25/19 2:27 pm From: lgdau9 <lgdau9...> Subject: [ia-bird] Boone County - Meadowlarks & more
Went out today and saw Meadowlark species in 3 separate locations. 13 total with 10 at Harrier Marsh east of I Ave on 230th. Rough-legged Hawk same location. Also 16 Bald Eagles.At my feeders, Mourning Doves now number 10, 2 Song Sparrows, 1 White-throated Sparrow, 6 Pine Siskins. RH Woodpecker and Fox Sparrow not seen last two days.Larry Dau-Boone Co
Date: 1/25/19 2:14 pm From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 1-25-19
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, January 19, through Friday, January 25, 2019:
-RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
-Additional Species Mentioned
Long-tailed Duck
***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.
*SOUTH CENTRAL*:
MARION COUNTY:
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen below the dam at Red Rock on the 21st.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, February 1, 2019 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
Date: 1/25/19 12:29 pm From: Keith Carris <kcarris38...> Subject: [ia-bird] Snow Buntings - Linn County
This morning, there was a very large flock of mixed HORNED LARKS and LAPLAND LONGSPURS just East of Alburnette along the edge of Burnett Station Road. I was able to pick out three SNOW BUNTINGS in the group. It took a lot of patience to get close, as this is a heavily travelled road and each vehicle resulted in re-forming the flock, often behind my vehicle.. When moving very slowly, they seemed to tolerate my vehicle quite well.
Date: 1/25/19 10:47 am From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Longspur & Horned Larks - Dallas Co
Good Afternoon all,
Yesterday there were lots of Horned Lark and Dark-eyed Junco. Also, 1 Song Sparrow, 1 White-throated Sparrow, 3 Northern Cardinal, 1 Morning Dove, 6 Eurasian Collared Dove but no Lapland Longspur--though the visibility with the whipping snow yesterday made for difficulty making out much detail. The target bird, Northern Shrike, continued to elude me.
God Bless,
*Paul O. Roisen* *Woodbury County, IA* *Mobile 712-301-2817*
On Fri, Jan 25, 2019 at 12:34 PM Ulrike G <ulrikedg...> wrote:
Date: 1/25/19 10:34 am From: Ulrike G <ulrikedg...> Subject: [ia-bird] Longspur & Horned Larks - Dallas Co
I made a quick trip out to Brenton Feedlot this morning (10:30-ish). I found two Longspurs (one on X Ave, approaching 220nd {picture}, and one on Y Ave just past the feedlots). Am Tree Sparrows were abundant, as were Horned Larks. A flock of six Pheasants were feeding in a field near the 2nd Longspur. There were also quite a few Eurasian Collared Doves on the road, outnumbering the Mourning Doves.
Date: 1/23/19 4:22 pm From: Jim Forde <jimforde...> Subject: [ia-bird] Gray Partridge, Short-eared Owl at Cedar Rapids
Tonight I finally located GRAY PARTRIDGE near the Eastern Iowa Airport. At sunset a pair were along 76th Ave., 1/2 mile west of Edgewood Road. At the airport was one flying SHORT-EARED OWL at the west end and 15 Pheasants at the east end.
Pheasants are doing well in northern Johnson County and my high count was 40 in one field a week ago. The more snow we get the more Pheasants I see.
Date: 1/23/19 11:16 am From: Julie <jg441157j5x...> Subject: [ia-bird] possible Baltimore Oriole Mahaska County
Has anyone ever had an oriole at their feeder this time of year? A friend reported one to me this morning at their feeder in rural Mahaska County. She is to get a photo if possible, and if it hangs around I will try to get there to see for myself when I can get out of my driveway.
Julie Johnston, Packwood
Date: 1/23/19 10:49 am From: Dan Cohen <bccbdan...> Subject: [ia-bird] short-eared owls in Buchanan County
I kicked up five short-eared owls in the prairie at Fairbank Fen last Friday. Fairbank Fen is located in Northwest Buchanan County, 1050 Dillon Ave., Fairbank (https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Buchanan/Park/Fairbank-Fen.aspx). Be aware that the long lane to the prairie is not plowed.
- Enjoy!
Dan
Dan Cohen, Executive Director
Buchanan County Conservation Board
1883 125th St.
Hazleton, IA 50641
319-636-2617
"Improving quality of life through programs of conservation and education."
Date: 1/23/19 7:14 am From: mvw <mvw...> Subject: [ia-bird] Brown thrasher
Poor quality photo and I don't know where this crazy bird came from but had a brown thrasher under my feeders this morning. I hope, now that he knows there's feed here he will stick around.
Vicki Wilson
"Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light."
Date: 1/22/19 1:08 pm From: Larry Dau <lgdau9...> Subject: [ia-bird] Additional Boone County Birds
In addition to the list of birds that I reported at the feeders yesterday (listed bottom msg), I had the following additions today: 1 Red-headed Woodpecker below the feeders this morning. 7 Cedar Waxwings on a Crab Apple outside our window. Mourning Dove population swelled from 2 to 10. 2nd Song Sparrow showed up. 3rd Pheasant came in. Larry Dau - near Spark's Cemetery, Boone Co
Date: 1/22/19 7:14 am From: Ken Gregory <kggregory...> Subject: [ia-bird] Grammer Grove Hawk Watch on TV
John Cambell is going to run the extended version of the Grammer Grove hawk count on Feb 2nd at 12:00 noon on channel 9. I think that this will be part of a program that will include other topics. It will also be shown several times later on 9.2 at a later (unspecified) time. Ken
