Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Iowa Birding > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Friday, November 20 at 02:51 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Loggerhead Kingbird,©Barry Kent Mackay

20 Nov Neotropic Comorant - Decatur County ["Matthew Torres" ] 20 Nov QCA birding: Common Loons and Monk Parakeets ["Chuck Leib" ] 20 Nov Tufted Titmice ["Karen Viste-Sparkman" ] 20 Nov Common Loon/George Wyth SP ["David Eastman" ] 19 Nov Rathbun and Red Rock Highlights ["jmforde" ] 19 Nov Tufted Titmouse 11/19 ["Tucker J. Lutter" ] 19 Nov Bald Eagle - Clarke County [Steve Harvey ] 19 Nov Red-throated Loon continues [Danny Akers ] 19 Nov ISU Wren ["Jacob Newton" ] 18 Nov Saylorville this afternoon [John and Anna Bissell ] 18 Nov White-winged Scoters, Brewers Blackbirds ["Rita Goranson" ] 18 Nov Saylorville this morning. ["Stephen J. Dinsmore" ] 18 Nov Saylorville [John Rutenbeck ] 18 Nov Re: Short-eared Owl [] 17 Nov Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Presentation ["Larry Dau" ] 17 Nov Short-eared Owl ["Karen Viste-Sparkman" ] 17 Nov Clear Lake- Cerro Gordo County [] 17 Nov RE: Red-throated Loon @ Coralville Res. present Tuesday a.m. ["Chris Edwards" ] 17 Nov Saylorville this evening. ["Stephen J. Dinsmore" ] 17 Nov Another Red-throated Loon + a lot more wildlife [Ric Zarwell ] 17 Nov Tufted Titmouse Update and Photo ["Les,Angie & Tucker Lutter" ] 17 Nov Red-throated Loon @ Coralville Res. present Tuesday a.m. [Diana Pesek ] 17 Nov Tufted Titmouse in Woodbury County ["Tucker J. Lutter" ] 16 Nov Richard Lynch Memorial [Karen Disbrow ] 16 Nov Red-throated Loon @ Coralville Res. [Karole Fuller ] 16 Nov Saylorville update [Aaron Brees ] 16 Nov New Arrivals-Cedar Rapids ["Bob Stearns" ] 16 Nov Saylorville this morning. ["Stephen J. Dinsmore" ] 16 Nov Sandhill Cranes, Allamakee County ["Rita Goranson" ] 15 Nov Red Rock, Saylorville, etc. [Cory Gregory ] 14 Nov (Minnesota) Sax-Zim Bog Winter Bird Festival [Michael Hendrickson ] 14 Nov Red Rock and Saylorville. ["Stephen J. Dinsmore" ] 14 Nov better understanding of bird migration ["Linda & Robert Scarth" ] 14 Nov Swan story ["Linda & Robert Scarth" ] 14 Nov Lesser Black-backed Gull Johnson County [James Scheib ] 13 Nov Iowa RBA: 11-13-09 [John and Anna Bissell ] 13 Nov Des Moines Audubon Events ["Jim H Clark" ] 12 Nov White-winged Scoters ["Rita Goranson" ] 11 Nov short-eared owls ["Bill Ohde" ] 11 Nov Need Owl Stuff ["Don Brown" ] 11 Nov Northeast Iowa: huge concentrations of birds and other wildlife now [Ric Zarwell ] 11 Nov Red-throated Loon in Johnson Co. ["jmforde" ] 11 Nov Saylorville [Aaron Brees ] 10 Nov Lapland Longspurs at Neal Smith NWR ["Karen Viste-Sparkman" ] 10 Nov Red-throated Loon photo. ["Stephen J. Dinsmore" ] 10 Nov New BBA Coordinator Introduction ["William Reiter-Marolf" ] 10 Nov Saylorville - scoter and loon trifectas. ["Stephen J. Dinsmore" ] 10 Nov lead poisoning in birds ["Stan Buman" ] 10 Nov 11/9 at HNCH-- Excellent Day [] 09 Nov Monterey IOU Trip Photos ["Mark Brown" ] 9 Nov Fwd: NE Iowa birds. ["Stephen J. Dinsmore" ] 8 Nov HNCH Next Two days [] 8 Nov Surf Scoter but too nice ["Lee Schoenewe" ] 8 Nov 11/7-11/8 HNCH [] 8 Nov White-winged Scoters, Cerro Gordo Co ["Rita Goranson" ] 8 Nov Pacific Loon -- Saylorville [Aaron Brees ] 8 Nov egrets ["robert thorbrogger" ] 7 Nov Woodbury 11-7-09 [Paul Roisen ] 7 Nov NW/NC Iowa. ["Stephen J. Dinsmore" ] 7 Nov Tucker Fund [Paul Roisen ] 7 Nov Quad Cities [Robinson Donald G ] 7 Nov Red Rock, 7 Nov. 09 [Cory Gregory ] 6 Nov Clear Lake-Cerro Gordo County- WWScoter [] 6 Nov Iowa RBA: 11-6-09 [John and Anna Bissell ] 6 Nov FW: Tenn. Warb. Dav. - ID help ["Walt Zuurdeeg" ] 6 Nov Eurasian Tree Sparrow at Princeton WMA ["Walt Zuurdeeg" ] 6 Nov BBAS Field Trip to Bjorkboda Marsh ["Larry Dau" ] 5 Nov Herring and Bonaparte's Gulls [Tim Franklin ] 5 Nov Monk Parakeet No Nov 4th, 5th [James Scheib ] 5 Nov Dark morph Red-tailed Hawk ["Don Brown" ] 5 Nov bald eagle ["robert thorbrogger" ] 5 Nov Re: Pine Siskin returns ["Les,Angie & Tucker Lutter" ] 05 Nov Pine Siskin returns [Matt Kenne ] 4 Nov Re: Squaw Creek NWR in Missouri ["Clem Klaphake" ] 4 Nov Dallas and Guthrie 11-4-2009 [Paul Roisen ] 04 Nov Des Moines Merlin [] Subject: Neotropic Comorant - Decatur County From: "Matthew Torres" <matthewt34 AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:38:25 -0500 I just saw a Neotropic Comorant on Little River Lake(Leon). Matthew Torres Leon, IA --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: QCA birding: Common Loons and Monk Parakeets From: "Chuck Leib" <cwleib AT aol.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:19:51 -0500 Greetings, I have been seeing a number of Common Loons in the Mississippi (observed from the IL side at Ben Butterworth Parkway in Moline) but was unable to find them again today. There were six present on Wednesday along with two pair of Bufflehead, a pair of sunning White Pelicans, Lesser Scaup and a Horned Grebe. I was surprised to see a pair of Monk Parakeets fly by the west end of the Parkway today around noon(near the easternmost riverboat). A gentleman who had been biking in the area reported that the pair have been around since the summer and some of the locals have been putting food out for them. Chuck Leib cwleib AT aol.com --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Tufted Titmice From: "Karen Viste-Sparkman" <k.vistesparkman AT mchsi.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:06:32 -0600 We had a TUFTED TITMOUSE visit our feeder briefly a couple weeks ago. Apparently it was a scout, because this morning I have been seeing three of them coming to the feeder all morning, sometimes at the same time. We haven't seen one at our feeder for over two years; before that we had them regularly for about a year. Then we let the feeder go empty when we went on a 3-week vacation and they must have held a grudge for a while. Karen Viste-Sparkman Des Moines --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Common Loon/George Wyth SP From: "David Eastman" <daveeastman AT cfu.net> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:20:30 -0500 Being somewhat jealous of all the Loon sightings in large bodies of water, I took a trip yesterday to Clear Lake and found 3 Common Loons (also Hooded Merganser and Bufflehead {FOS}). This morning about 7 AM I saw one Common Loon at Brinker (now East) Lake at George Wyth State Park. I was viewing from the south shore (on the bike trail) toward the quarry on the opposite shore. Guess I just needed to be in the right place at the right time. Dave Eastman Cedar Falls --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Rathbun and Red Rock Highlights From: "jmforde" <jmforde AT qwest.net> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:39:09 -0600 Ratbun Lake (Island View), 11/18 1 Red-necked Grebe 1 White-winged Scoter 1 Surf Scoter 30 Horned Grebes 18 Common Loons Lake Red Rock, 11/19 1 Red-necked Grebe 2 Western Grebes 18 Horned Grebes 35 Common Loons 3 Am. Black Ducks 3 Swans (flying) Jim Forde Cedar Rapids --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Tufted Titmouse 11/19 From: "Tucker J. Lutter" <lutter AT netins.net> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:55:58 -0500 After a one day absence the Tufted Timouse was seen throughout the day at my home in Bronson through 3:30pm today. Bill Huser and Paul Roisen were both able to see it today. If you would like to try to see the bird you can join the Loess Hills Audubon Society on a birding trip coming up this Saturday. They will be meeting at 8:00am at the NW corner of the Singing Hills Super Wal-Mart. The group will be looking for the titmouse and other birds. For more information call Jerry V at (712)-276-1546. I will not be there because I will be instead attending the SDOU meeting. The titmouse may not be such a special bird in SE Iowa but in the NW it is very rare. Good Birding, Tucker J. Lutter --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Bald Eagle - Clarke County From: Steve Harvey <saharvey AT lyrixl2s.net> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:58:42 -0600 While driving on US 69 south of Osceola I saw a Bald Eagle perched in a tree in the middle of a picked corn field. It was at least a mile as the eagle flies from any named water, although who know what pond lies o'er yonder hill? Steve Harvey Clarke County --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Red-throated Loon continues From: Danny Akers <birdmandan1231 AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:28:27 -0600 The Red-throated Loon is currently active straight off the lower boat ramp at Cherry Glen. Also, 2 flyover American Pipits. -Danny Akers _________________________________________________________________ Windows 7: I wanted simpler, now it's simpler. I'm a rock star. http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/windows-7/default.aspx?h=myidea?ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_myidea:112009 --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: ISU Wren From: "Jacob Newton" <superbufanda AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:27:39 -0500 On my way home (~9AM) from class this morning I cut through a parcel of tall grass between Science I and Science II on the ISU campus, where I was suprised by a small wren flitting across the sidewalk. I could easily bring it to two possible species, a House or Winter Wren, due to the size (I was most definitely not a Carolina's which also has distinctive coloration which can't be mistaken for either, and the Bewick's Wren which is also not easily mistaken for either and both are large). When I got home I quickly checked my guide to verify my suspicion of it being a Winter Wren, and just now checked the late dates for the House Wren (Nov. 7th being the latest I've seen) and while it is not impossible (it's only just over a week after the late date) that this is a late House Wren; I think it may be a Winter Wren as the tail seemed quite short compared to House Wren's that I've seen before. The wren's size was also small for a House Wren, but size perception isn't always the most accurate measure. Unfortunately, I didn't get a good look at its head to determine the eye stripe above the eye to confirm a Winter Wren. I couldn't find any late/early dates for Winter Wren, and I'm more or less unfamiliar with this species, so any help in whether this is early for it to be here would be nice. --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Saylorville this afternoon From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:03:36 -0600 Birders, I took the afternoon off and went up to Saylorville in hopes of seeing the Red-throated Loon and perhaps a Black Scoter. I easily found the Red-throated Loon from the Upper Cherry Glen parking lot hanging around with a Common Loon. I was unable to find any Black Scoters however. 100 Franklin's Gulls were present in the same general area. Good birding, John Bissell Grimes --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: White-winged Scoters, Brewers Blackbirds From: "Rita Goranson" <ritag AT mchsi.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:00:03 -0600 This morning at Clear Lake I observed three White-winged Scoters off of State Beach and two White-winged Scoters off of City Beach, a mile and a half away. A flock of 40 some Brewer's Blackbirds were in the area just south of the entrance to the park at Eagle Lake, Hancock County. Yesterday a Ross's Goose was with the geese in the flock off of Pierce Avenue here in Mason City. Rita Goranson Mason City, Iowa --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Saylorville this morning. From: "Stephen J. Dinsmore" <cootjr AT iastate.edu> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:12:03 -0600 (CST) Torre Hovick and I briefly checked the lower end of the Saylorville and found far fewer birds than last night. Notable sightings included: 1 juvenile Red-throated Loon 21 Horned Grebes 58 American White Pelicans (headed north...) 1 American Pipit 2 Savannah Sparrows Steve Stephen J. Dinsmore Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management 339 Science II, Iowa State University Ames, IA 50014 515-294-1348 (office) cootjr AT iastate.edu --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Saylorville From: John Rutenbeck <jrutenbeck AT mchsi.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:50:08 -0600 The Red-throated loon and Black scoters previously reported from the Cherry Glen Access were still being seen this morning at Saylorville Lake. John Rutenbeck Burlington --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Re: Short-eared Owl From: <wordorsag AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 7:50:35 -0500 I had forgotten to mention that a Short-eared Owl was observed at HNCH from the hawkwatch tower on Saturday. Mark O --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Presentation From: "Larry Dau" <lgdau AT netins.net> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:18:22 -0600 Ames Big Bluestem Audubon will have its November meeting this Thursday, November 19th. Meeting time is 7:30PM. The meeting place is the 4H Building on the ISU campus. Visitors are welcome! Speaker- Phyllis Mains The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other Alaska wilderness has some of the world's most valuable waterfowl and wildlife habitat. It is being threatened by oil and gas exploration on the North Slope. Phyllis will provide information and updates about refuge and its future. Directions to the 4H Building - http://bigbluestemaudubon.org/2008meet.htm Thanks Larry Dau President BBAS --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Short-eared Owl From: "Karen Viste-Sparkman" <k.vistesparkman AT mchsi.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:21:27 -0600 This afternoon as I left Neal Smith NWR around 5:00 I saw a SHORT-EARED OWL fly right over the road on 102nd St. (I think that's the number...it's the gravel road just south of the Prairie Learning Center. Closer to Hwy. 163 I saw a GREAT HORNED OWL perched in a tree. Karen Viste-Sparkman Des Moines --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Clear Lake- Cerro Gordo County From: TFischer2165 AT aol.com Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:07:06 EST There were still three White-winged Scoters at Clear Lake late afternoon, they were visible from the east side of the lake. With the wind out of the north, most of the waterfowl had moved out today. 19 Lesser Scaup, Mallards, Canada Geese, Coots, DC Cormorant and hundreds of Ring-billed Gulls still remained. One 2nd year Bald Eagle cruising the lake looking for Coots! Carolyn Fischer Mason City Cerro Gordo County --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: RE: Red-throated Loon @ Coralville Res. present Tuesday a.m. From: "Chris Edwards" <credwards AT aol.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:29:56 -0600 Thanks to Jim Forde and Jim Fuller for their reports, and Diana Pesek for her phone call this morning, I was able to add the juvenile Red-throated Loon as #300 to my Johnson County list today (after being stuck at #299 for two years)! Chris Edwards Solon, IA credwards AT aol.com -----Original Message----- From: bounce-ia-bird-7820 AT lists.iowabirds.org [mailto:bounce-ia-bird-7820 AT lists.iowabirds.org] On Behalf Of Diana Pesek Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 9:51 AM To: IA-BIRD Subject: [ia-bird] Red-throated Loon AT Coralville Res. present Tuesday a.m. The Red-throated Loon was present this morning (Tuesday 11-17-09) at 9 a.m. It was alert but resting so was easily found and observed today. Location same as when seen by Jim Forde last week and Jim Fuller yesterday: Johnson County, Coralville reservoir, north of the Mehaffey Bridge along Johnson Co. Road # G-28 between North Liberty and Solon. Diana Pesek Cedar Rapids, Iowa keesiemom AT yahoo.com --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: CREdwards AT AOL.COM No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.707 / Virus Database: 270.14.69/2508 - Release Date: 11/17/09 13:26:00 --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Saylorville this evening. From: "Stephen J. Dinsmore" <cootjr AT iastate.edu> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:27:41 -0600 (CST) I took daughter Lena on her first birding trip to Saylorville this evening. She must be good luck as we saw the following from Cherry Glen and the dam in less than an hour: 1 adult Tundra Swan 1 juvenile Black Scoter 1 juvenile Red-throated Loon (off Cherry Glen) 11 Horned Grebes 400+ Franklin's Gulls 1 Paul Skrade Steve Stephen J. Dinsmore Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management 339 Science II, Iowa State University Ames, IA 50014 515-294-1348 (office) cootjr AT iastate.edu --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Another Red-throated Loon + a lot more wildlife From: Ric Zarwell <ric.zarwell AT mchsi.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:39:20 -0600 A Red-throated Loon was observed on Sunday, Nov. 15, in Allamakee Co. on Pool 9 of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Also seen and heard were several thousand Tundra Swans; and at least a hundred thousand other waterfowl of perhaps 15-18 species were also seen. The loon conveniently crossed the river in front of our boat as we straddled the center of navigation channel (the state border), and entered Crawford Co. Wisconsin. This represented 4 checklist ticks all within 10-minutes: two counties, one state, and one birding festival. Approximately 200 Bald Eagles (and about two dozen of their nests) were also seen. Juvenile and adult eagles put on a great show, repeatedly hunting low over the water for injured or ill coots and ducks, jockeying for perches near our large boat, circling high above, or resting next to and defending nests, etc. A very large and rather tame male Mink hunted over rocks and logs near our boat for 15-minutes, and it was definitely not the same large buck Mink that provided a similarly lengthy show for our boat load of passengers on Saturday near the same location. Sundays boat trip ended three weekends of Fall Migration Cruises for the 8th Annual Rivers & Bluffs Fall Birding Festival. Thanks to everyone who attended. Good birding to one and all. Ric <") ( \ / |`` SHOW UP.... SPEAK UP.... ANTE UP.... for Birds, for Natural Habitats, for All Biodiversity --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Tufted Titmouse Update and Photo From: "Les,Angie & Tucker Lutter" <lutter AT netins.net> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:58:13 -0600 The Tufted Titmouse was still around at 10:30 but I haven't gotten out to look for it. Jerry von Ehwegen came and saw it, his first for Woodbury County. During his visit it buzzed us flying just a foot over our heads. To see a photo of this bird clock on the link below http://www.flickr.com/photos/backpackingbirdwatcher/4112746498/ Tucker Lutter ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tucker J. Lutter" To: "IA-BIRD" Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 8:49 AM Subject: [ia-bird] Tufted Titmouse in Woodbury County >I had a very unexpected visitor to my birdfeeders this morning-a Tufted > Titmouse. I saw the bird around 8:35 and have not seen him since. For > those of you who don't know this, this bird is very rare in Woodbury > County with only one or two other records of this species. I live in the > town of Bronson which seems to have a way of bringing in rare deep > woodland species as was evidenced by Woodbury County's first Pileated > Woodpecker in 2007. > > Good Birding, > > Tucker J. Lutter > Bronson, IA > www.birdingwithtucker.blogspot.com > > --- > Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as > members make it! > --- > Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: > Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 > --- > This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. > Membership available on-line at > http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. > ----- > You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: lutter AT netins.net --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Red-throated Loon @ Coralville Res. present Tuesday a.m. From: Diana Pesek <keesiemom AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:50:30 -0800 (PST) The Red-throated Loon was present this morning (Tuesday 11-17-09) at 9 a.m. It was alert but resting so was easily found and observed today. Location same as when seen by Jim Forde last week and Jim Fuller yesterday: Johnson County, Coralville reservoir, north of the Mehaffey Bridge along Johnson Co. Road # G-28 between North Liberty and Solon. Diana Pesek Cedar Rapids, Iowa keesiemom AT yahoo.com --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Tufted Titmouse in Woodbury County From: "Tucker J. Lutter" <lutter AT netins.net> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:49:28 -0500 I had a very unexpected visitor to my birdfeeders this morning-a Tufted Titmouse. I saw the bird around 8:35 and have not seen him since. For those of you who don't know this, this bird is very rare in Woodbury County with only one or two other records of this species. I live in the town of Bronson which seems to have a way of bringing in rare deep woodland species as was evidenced by Woodbury County's first Pileated Woodpecker in 2007. Good Birding, Tucker J. Lutter Bronson, IA www.birdingwithtucker.blogspot.com --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Richard Lynch Memorial From: Karen Disbrow <k_disbrow AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:01:26 -0800 (PST) It has come to my attention that some members of the IOU may not be aware that the Iowa City Bird Club as well as the Iowa Ornithologist's Union has lost a valued member.   Richard "Dick" Lynch lost his battle with a rare liver cancer early in the morning of Oct 12, 2009. Memorial Services for Dick G. Lynch of Solon, IA will be held November 22, 2009 in the Auditorium of McBride Hall starting at 3:30 pm.  A reception will follow from 5-7 pm in the Hall of Birds, The Museum Of Natural History, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA.   Should anyone need any further information, please contact me off the bird list:  k_disbrow AT yahoo.com   Karen Disbrow ICBC Pres 319-339-1017 319-430-0315 cell --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Red-throated Loon @ Coralville Res. From: Karole Fuller <jnkfuller AT mchsi.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:20:43 -0600 Hi all, Late in the afternoon, a juvenile Red-throated loon was seen on the Coralville reservoir, north of the Mehaffey Bridge along Jophnson Co. Road # G-28 between N.Liberty and Solon. This bird was very difficult to see as it was constantly diving, and it was the only bird on the water at this location. This is possibly the same bird Jim Forde reported at this spot last week. Jim Fuller, Iowa City --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Saylorville update From: Aaron Brees <abrees AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:47:02 -0600 This following birds were off Cherry Glen this evening: 1 Red-throated Loon -- toward Lakeview, joining a flock of Commons near dusk to roost 1 Pacific Loon -- toward Oak Grove, joining a different flock of Commons near dusk to roost 22 Common Loons 8 Horned Grebes 2 Black Scoters -- with Red-breasted Mergansers toward the radar ball Aaron Brees Des Moines, IA http://www.angelfire.com/ab6/birdpics/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/abrees/sets/ _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141665/direct/01/ --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: New Arrivals-Cedar Rapids From: "Bob Stearns" <bojobirds01 AT peoplepc.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:12:49 -0500 At Cedar Lake this am.,there were- Buffleheads=10 Hooded Mergansers=7 fem.R.B.Merganser=1 the usual Pelican and Cormorant on a tree branch in the lake and a Bald Eagle,contiplating the scene. Bob Stearns Walford --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Saylorville this morning. From: "Stephen J. Dinsmore" <cootjr AT iastate.edu> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:12:43 -0600 (CST) I checked Saylorville quickly this morning and, as I expected, the loons have departed. I counted 10 Common Loons on the lake, and watched 7 of them depart high to the south at sunrise. Highlights: 4 Black Scoters and 2 Common Goldeneye among 18 waterfowl species 1 juvenile Red-throated Loon (off Cherry Glen - appears different than the bird last week) 1 American White Pelican 1 Greater Yellowlegs Steve Stephen J. Dinsmore Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management 339 Science II, Iowa State University Ames, IA 50014 515-294-1348 (office) cootjr AT iastate.edu --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Sandhill Cranes, Allamakee County From: "Rita Goranson" <ritag AT mchsi.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:02:14 -0600 At Pool Slough, east of New Albin, a pair of Sandhill Cranes were seen yesterday, Sunday, foraging in the marsh. At Pool 9 at least one American Black Duck was in with the thousands of ducks seen. Rita Goranson Mason City, Iowa --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Red Rock, Saylorville, etc. From: Cory Gregory <cgregory AT iastate.edu> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:47:44 -0600 Birders, Highlights from Lake Red Rock this morning included: Western Grebe (1) Greater Yellowlegs (1) Snow Bunting (8) Common Loon (80+) Horned Grebe (10+) American White Pelican (200+) At Saylorville this afternoon: 283 (!) COMMON LOONS (all from Cherry Glen!) 1 Pacific Loon The Pacific was all by itself, between Oak Grove and Sandpiper Beach. Sorry Matthew, I drove back to find you but couldn't! You can see a photo of the WESTERN GREBE from Red Rock on my blog: http://arcticory.blogspot.com/ Good birding, Cory Gregory & Ashley Casey Ames, IA --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: (Minnesota) Sax-Zim Bog Winter Bird Festival From: Michael Hendrickson <mlhendrickson AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:43:26 -0800 (PST) Hello Well its that time of the year to think about winter and one of the great things about winter is winter birding!! Sax-Zim Bog is always on the radar for birders from all over North America and Europe who come and search the bog to see the following birds: Sharp-tailed Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, Rough-legged Hawks, occasionally a Snowy Owl, Northern Hawk Owls, Great Gray Owls, American Three-toed and Black-backed Woodpeckers, Northern Shrikes, Boreal Chickadees, Gray Jays, Pine Grosbeaks, Purple Finches, Red & White-winged Crossbills, Common and Hoary Redpolls and Evening Grosbeaks. Down in Duluth birders can search for Bohemian Waxwings or possibly a Varied Thrush or a Townsend Solitaire. In the Duluth Harbor in the early dawn hours or at dusk Snowy Owls during most winters can be found hunting or roosting out on the bay ice. If there is open water in the canal park area birders can search among the hundreds of Common Goldeneyes for a Long-tailed Duck or Harlequin Duck. Also gull species like Thayer's Gull, Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gulls can be found at times sitting out among the Herring Gulls on the break walls in the Canal Park area but most birders head over to the WI Landfill where hundred and at times 1000s of gulls will congregate at the land fill. Of course Gyrfalcons will be on the radar for most birders and occasionally Duluth and Superior harbors will attract a Gyrfalcon that feed on the pigeons around the grain elevators during the winter season. Out in Aitkin County the main highlight is watching 30 or so Sharp-tailed Grouse do some early courting and dancing in mid February! Aitkin County also offers better odds than Sax Zim Bog in finding a Snowy Owl or possibly a Great Gray Owl north of Palisade along CR 18. If you want to see some great winter birds, be led by some of the best birders in the state, eat some of the best food around and listen to some great speakers than head up to Meadowlands, Minnesota for our third season!! February 12-14th 2010 will be the third annual Sax-Zim Bog Winter Bird Festival. All the festival activities will be held at the Meadowlands community center in Meadowlands, MN. This years festival speakers will be Kim Risen and Al Batt. Kim Risen will presenting a talk on Friday Feb. 12 called Mexico" Birding Wonderland and Al Batt will be speaking on Saturday Feb. 13. We brought Al Batt back because he was a such a huge hit with the locals last year that those that missed his presentation asked if we bring him back! The field trip destinations include Sax-Zim Bog, Aitkin County and Duluth & WI Landfill. This year we will be offering our first workshop led by Sparky Stensaas and Shawn Zierman called "Winter Pixels: Bird and Nature Photography in the White Season" . I added some new field trip leaders this year and hopefully will have 3 leaders per trip to help get everyone on birds. There will also be local craftsmen and area bird clubs for birders to purchase one of their products or learn about some of our local bird clubs like Duluth Audubon and Hawk Ridge. So far the season is looking good with several sightings of Northern Hawk Owls (16-18 owls so far) and I am sure more will be found as winter moves in and more importantly when deer hunting season finishes up. Lots of finches are moving around especially White-winged and Red Crossbills and Pine Grosbeaks and redpolls are beginning to move down into northern Minnesota in fair numbers. Last year we saw lots of good birds and the main highlights were the Northern Hawk Owls and a Boreal Owl plus all the winter bird specialties coming to the many feeders in the bog. Speaking of feeders there will be once again 3 main feeding stations in the Sax-Zim Bog area. These birding stations will be located at Paul Mueller's farm, Helen & Dave Abramson's residence and the Morse's residence. All these feeding stations can be found on the Sax-Zim Bog website under feeding stations. I am also sure there will be a few deer rib stations found on the Admiral Rd, Arkola Rd and Owl Avenue just like last year that attracted Boreal Chickadees and other goodies! The two main locations to link up to the Sax-Zim Bog Festival website and register for the festival are the following locations. 1. MOU website: Look in "Birding Minnesota" and click on Sax-Zim Bog Festival: http://moumn.org/sax-zim/index.html 2. My Blog: http://colderbythelakebirding.blogspot.com/ ( Look on the left hand side column ) If you have not attended this festival you are missing out on home town flavor festival that is small in some ways but HUGE on the birds we see! Thanks Mike Mike Hendrickson Duluth, Minnesota Website: http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ Blog: http://colderbythelakebirding.blogspot.com/ --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Red Rock and Saylorville. From: "Stephen J. Dinsmore" <cootjr AT iastate.edu> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:19:26 -0600 (CST) I made quick laps around both lakes this morning and was largely disappointed with the birding. Waterfowl numbers were way down and in contrast to a week ago most of the birds were Mallards. But the good news is that I still haven't seen a goldeneye or Common Merganser yet! Red Rock/Runnells W.A. ---------------------- 3 American Black Ducks 14 Common Loons 2 adult Bald Eagles cozied up at the nest at Runnells 2 Greater Yellowlegs 1 Northern Shrike 9 Tree Swallows Saylorville ----------- 1 juvenile Pacific Loon 15 Common Loons Steve Stephen J. Dinsmore Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management 339 Science II, Iowa State University Ames, IA 50014 515-294-1348 (office) cootjr AT iastate.edu --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: better understanding of bird migration From: "Linda & Robert Scarth" <scarth AT infionline.net> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:25:51 -0600 http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2009/1112/2 Linda Scarth Cedar Rapids --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Swan story From: "Linda & Robert Scarth" <scarth AT infionline.net> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:23:17 -0600 http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/?cat_id=16539&ew_0_a_i d=351942 Linda Scarth Cedar Rapids --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Lesser Black-backed Gull Johnson County From: James Scheib <jim AT tenlongview.net> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:37:33 -0600 The adult Lesser Black-backed Gull in Johnson County was relocated this morning by Karen Disbrow at the east end of the south arm of Lake Macbride near the dock for the campground. Nearby were 8 American White Pelicans. -- James Scheib 10 Longview Knoll NE Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 337-5206 www.tenlongview.net www.riverheights.net www.icbirds.org --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Iowa RBA: 11-13-09 From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:14:11 -0600 Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, November 7, through Friday, November 13, 2009: -RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required) NONE -Additional Species Mentioned Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Long-tailed Duck PACIFIC LOON RED-THROATED LOON Western Grebe Northern Goshawk Golden Eagle Lesser Black-backed Gull Short-eared Owl ***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. A list of rare birds is placed on the home page with the location of the rarity and most recent date of observation. This is updated several times per day. This is a handy tool for anyone making a birding trip or otherwise into the state of Iowa. ************************ 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: CERRO GORDO COUNTY: A WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was seen at Clear Lake on the 6th. 2 were present on the 8th. 3 were present on the 11th around the state beach. WRIGHT COUNTY: A juvenile PACIFIC LOON was seen at Lake Cornelia on the 7th. HANCOCK COUNTY: A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was seen along a fencerow on the 11th. EAST: JOHNSON COUNTY: A RED-THROATED LOON was seen on Coralville Lake on the 11th. Specifically, it was seen along the north side of Mahaffey Bridge, along the shoreline of the pines. The adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL continues at Scales Pointe at the Hawkeye WA, and was last seen on the 11th. NORTHEAST: ALLAMAKEE COUNTY: 3 GOLDEN EAGLES were seen along Army Rd near New Albin on the 8th. A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen from the levee on the south end of pool 9 (the pool north of Harpers Ferry) on the 8th. SOUTHEAST: LOUISA COUNTY: 16 SHORT-EARED OWLS were seen in a large grassy field on the Turtle Bend Wildlife Area 2 miles east of Wapello on the 11th. They were in the middle of a field dominated by Virginia wild rye and foxtail on the east side of 114th Avenue. SOUTH CENTRAL: MARION COUNTY: 2 WESTERN GREBES were seen at Red Rock on the 7th. CENTRAL: POLK COUNTY: A PACIFIC LOON was seen at Saylorville near marina cove on the 8th. This bird was last seen on the 11th. Highlights from Saylorville on the 10th included 1 SURF SCOTER, 1 WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, 3 BLACK SCOTERS, a juvenile RED-THROATED LOON, and a juvenile PACIFIC LOON. A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen at Saylorville on the 11th. WEST: POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY: An immature GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at the Hitchcock Hawkwatch on the 7th. 2 GOLDEN EAGLES and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK were seen at the Hitchcock Hawkwatch on the 9th. NORTHWEST: DICKINSON COUNTY: 2 juvenile BLACK SCOTERS were seen at Spirit Lake on the 7th. A female SURF SCOTER was seen off Marble Beach at Spirit Lake on the 8th. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, November 20, 2009 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted. John Bissell Grimes, Iowa john.annabissell AT gmail.com 515-986-9796 --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Des Moines Audubon Events From: "Jim H Clark" <jrclark AT radiks.net> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:59:38 -0600 Des Moines Audubon Field Trip Saturday, November 14, 8 a.m. Meet in the parking lot of the Saylorville Lake Visitors' Center at 8 a.m. Bring binoculars, a snack and beverage, and dress for the conditions. All levels of bird watchers are encouraged to attend! Contact field trip leader, Dennis Thompson at 515-254-0837 for more information. Des Moines Audubon Program Tuesday, November 17, 7 p.m. Rattlesnakes of Iowa--Jeff Parmelee, Ph.D., will present a program on the three species of rattlesnakes in Iowa, their distribution in Iowa, ecology and behavior, and their conservation. Meetings of Des Moines Audubon Society begin at 7 p.m. and are held in the lower level of Westminster Presbyterian Church, which is located at the corner of Beaver and Franklin Avenues in Des Moines. For information about this program, please contact Jane Clark at jrclark AT radiks.net or 515-223-5047. Posted by Jane Clark --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: White-winged Scoters From: "Rita Goranson" <ritag AT mchsi.com> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:57:30 -0600 Three White-winged Scoters were hanging out at the State Beach in the southeast part of Clear Lake yesterday. Two Horned Grebes were there in the morning and a handful of C. Loons. Hundreds of gulls were there in the late afternoon. Ducks were coming into the lake in the pm but had been scarce in the am. I did see a Com. Goldeneye and Scaup. Rusty Blackbirds were seen. There was one White-fronted Goose in with all the geese at Crystal Lake. There were a few Redheads and Canvasback with the few ducks there. In Hancock County I saw a female N. Goshawk on a post in between two cornfields. Rita Goranson Cerro Gordo County. --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: short-eared owls From: "Bill Ohde" <bill.ohde AT dnr.iowa.gov> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:32:02 -0500 Flushed 16 short-eared owls today in rapid succession from a large grassy field on the Turtle Bend Wildlife Area 2 miles east of Wapello in Louisa County. They were in the middle of a field dominated by Virginia wild rye and foxtail on the east side of 114th Avenue. --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Need Owl Stuff From: "Don Brown" <donbrown34 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:52:07 -0600 Central Iowa Birders I am talking about owls to a couple of groups of Des Moines 2nd graders next Monday morning. If any of you has any physical owl items that second graders would enjoy seeing (I will not invite touching) and are willing to lend them to me, I would be happy to pick them up on Sunday and return them on Monday. Thanks. Don Brown --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Northeast Iowa: huge concentrations of birds and other wildlife now From: Ric Zarwell <ric.zarwell AT mchsi.com> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:35:46 -0600 Last Weekend Coming Up for Popular Rivers & Bluffs Fall Birding Festival in 2009 The weekly aerial survey of waterfowl conducted on November 2nd by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found 335,060 swans, ducks and geese on Pool 9 in northeast Iowa - - - this is 4 times the number found on the pool with the next highest number. We know that the numbers of Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Tundra Swans, and fifteen to twenty other waterfowl species have been steadily increasing since that survey was taken. With the good weather predicted, and the final weekend of scheduled boat trips to get close-up views of this wildlife spectacle, this coming weekend is the time to visit. Special "Fall Migration Cruises" will take place twice on Saturdays and twice on Sundays Nov. 14-15. Each day the times will be 9 AM to Noon, and from 1 PM to 4 PM. All cruises leave from the waterfront in downtown Lansing, Iowa - just 30 miles north of Marquette, IA; or, 35 miles east of Decorah, IA. Mississippi Explorer Cruises use large, enclosed and heated boats with windows on all sides, where passengers will enjoy a cozy ride on the most comfortable tour boats on "The Father of Waters," and the closest views of Tundra Swan concentrations available anywhere. Free hot apple cider will further sweeten the experience for one and all. The upcoming "Fall Migration Cruises" will take place when wildlife numbers will be at their peak for the entire year. Festival organizer, Ric Zarwell, and at least one expert birder will be on each of the cruises to help individuals and groups observe, understand, and appreciate the enormously abundant waterfowl, other wildlife, and various biologically-rich river habitats. This is definitely the time for passengers to use their cameras and binoculars!! Pre-registration is required for "Fall Migration Cruises," as well as for all other tours with Mississippi Explorer Cruises. You can do this by free phone call to 877-647-7397. Additional information can be found online at www.MississippiExplorer.com. All birdwatchers / nature lovers and their families and friends are invited to experience this nationally recognized wildlife spectacle. I will be birding the gorgeous tri-state region on a regular basis during weekdays for the remainder of the fall, and will be available to join visitors who are willing to drive their own vehicles. I can spend from a few hours to a full-day helping visitors experience, understand, and enjoy the Driftless Area, the Mississippi River, and our extraordinary concentrations of wildlife. Happy birding and safe travels. Ric <") ( \ / |`` Ric Zarwell P.O. Box 299 210 North 3rd Street Lansing, Iowa 52151-0299 Email: Ric.Zarwell AT mchsi.com Home/Office: 563-538-4991 SHOW UP.... SPEAK UP.... ANTE UP.... for Birds, for Natural Habitats, for All Biodiversity --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Red-throated Loon in Johnson Co. From: "jmforde" <jmforde AT qwest.net> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:43:59 -0600 I found a juvenile Red-throated Loon on the very high Coralville Lake this morning. The spot was the north side of Mahaffey Bridge, along the shoreline of the pines. The loon can be frustrating to find when diving. Oddly, I didn't see any Common Loons on the lake, which had a substantial 22 on Monday. The adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was still present today, sleeping at Scales Pointe. HWA has thousands of ducks but scoping them is difficult. I had some limited viewing with the sun behind me at Half Moon Ave. and the Sand Point parking lot ( now on the shoreline). Access to the other areas is blocked by water over the roads. Jim Forde Cedar Rapids --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Saylorville From: Aaron Brees <abrees AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:08:09 -0600 I checked Saylorville this morning and there has been substantial turnover since yesterday. The only loon on the lower lake was the Pacific. While I was watching it from Cherry Glen it took flight and flew a big low circle toward the dam where I lost sight of it. I suspect that it continued on and is gone. I did not find the Red-throated Loon or any scoters. At Oak Grove, there were 5 Snow Buntings on the point. Also at Oak Grove, a Long-tailed Duck flew in and landed with a small flock of Ruddy Ducks. Aaron Brees Des Moines, IA http://www.angelfire.com/ab6/birdpics/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/abrees/sets/ _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141665/direct/01/ --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Lapland Longspurs at Neal Smith NWR From: "Karen Viste-Sparkman" <k.vistesparkman AT mchsi.com> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:26:28 -0600 Yesterday I saw a flock of at least 1,500 LAPLAND LONGSPURS at Neal Smith NWR. They were in one of the same fields that we saw the Smith's Longspurs a few weeks ago--south of 88th Ave., east of the paved Pacific St. I was unable to identify any other species with them. Karen Viste-Sparkman Des Moines --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Red-throated Loon photo. From: "Stephen J. Dinsmore" <cootjr AT iastate.edu> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:14:16 -0600 (CST) Ann Johnson kindly uploaded a photo of today's Red-throated Loon to the Photos of Iowa Rarities link on the IOU web page (http://www.iowabirds.org/). Enjoy! Steve Stephen J. Dinsmore Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management 339 Science II, Iowa State University Ames, IA 50014 515-294-1348 (office) cootjr AT iastate.edu --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: New BBA Coordinator Introduction From: "William Reiter-Marolf" <wreiterm AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:43:04 -0500 Greetings BBA Volunteers! I hope you all have been enjoying fall colors and the migrating birds. My name is Billy Reiter-Marolf and I would like to introduce myself as Iowa's new Breeding Bird Atlas Coordinator. Growing up, I spent my early years in and around Casper, Wyoming. When I was thirteen, my family moved to Mount Vernon, Iowa, where I attended high school. I enjoyed eastern Iowa's camping and fishing opportunities and I also became interested in art. My creative interests eventually led me to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where I studied painting, drawing, and design. However, living in the city and being surrounded by concrete for four years really had an impact on me. I discovered a new appreciation for natural habitats and the wild creatures that inhabit them. When I arrived in Chicago I thought art was my career path, but I left Chicago determined to somehow get a job working with wildlife. In 2003, I moved back to Iowa City, married my high school sweetheart Tara, and began volunteering with Iowa Nature Mapping and the Macbride Raptor Project. In 2006, we moved to Laramie, Wyoming so I could pursue a wildlife degree at the University of Wyoming. I also worked and volunteered for many state and federal agencies in Laramie, doing a wide variety of wildlife work including: bird banding, amphibian husbandry, captive breeding and reintroduction of an endangered species, as well as population surveys for herps, birds, and mammals. Now I find myself back in Iowa as Breeding Bird Atlas Coordinator & I must say, I am so thrilled to be in the Iowa once again, working with Iowa birds and Iowa birders! Whether I was watching my backyard feeder or surveying as a Nature Mapper, most of my best birding memories have occurred in Iowa. It seems that any Iowa birding trip offers the possibility for interesting, unusual or rare sightings. One of my favorite examples of this occurred when I was living in Iowa City during the winter of 2005. It was dusk, snow was lightly falling, and I was walking up to my house when I noticed a huge bird sitting on a branch at the edge of the forest. At first I thought, is it a big Barred Owl? But its eyes were yellow and it was much too big. I checked my bird guide and realized... it was a Great Gray Owl! After about five minutes of watching it silently flew off into the forest. I had no way to confirm it, but the event captivated me. I tromped through those woods for weeks hoping for another glimpse. I'm sure many of you have had similar encounters while actively bird watching or maybe just by accident. In any case, Iowa is a wonderful birding state and I am so happy to be back working on such a wonderful project. I look forward to meeting many of you while atlassing, at BBA presentations and at Blockbusting events. As always, feel free to call or email anytime with questions, concerns or to schedule a presentation about the Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas II. I'm happy to help in anyway I can. Sincerely, Billy Reiter-Marolf bbacoordintor AT iowabirds.org --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Saylorville - scoter and loon trifectas. From: "Stephen J. Dinsmore" <cootjr AT iastate.edu> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:58:44 -0600 (CST) Saylorville was quite productive early this morning, before the nice weather attracted several boats. Highlights included: 1 Surf, 1 White-winged, and 3 Black scoters among 19 species of waterfowl 1 juvenile Red-throated Loon 1 juvenile Pacific Loon (with above bird off Cherry Glen) 4 Greater Yellowlegs 6 American Pipits 1 late Savannah Sparrow 3 Snow Buntings (Oak Grove Beach) For the last several days I have had one or more each of Red-breasted Nuthatch, Purple Finch, and Pine Siskin in my Ames yard. Steve Stephen J. Dinsmore Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management 339 Science II, Iowa State University Ames, IA 50014 515-294-1348 (office) cootjr AT iastate.edu --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: lead poisoning in birds From: "Stan Buman" <Stan AT agren-inc.com> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:23:53 -0600 See the attached document for more information on lead poisoning of birds. I am in no way advocating a ban on hunting/fishing. I strongly encourage both and do not want to start a hunting/anti-hunting debate. However, I do encourage all hunting and fishing people to adopt non-lead alternatives. Kay Neumann's research on lead slugs breaking into pieces and being ingested by Bald Eagles (when eating deer carcasses) ought to make people contemplate their choices. http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/fact_sheets/pdfs/lead_poisoning_wi ld_birds_2009.pdf Stan Buman Agren, Inc. 1238 Heires Ave Carroll, IA 51401 (712) 792-6248 stan AT agren-inc.com www.agren-inc.com Subject: 11/9 at HNCH-- Excellent Day From: <wordorsag AT cox.net> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 7:26:50 -0500 I'm forwarding on Ryan's report of an entertaining raptor flight yesterday that included some very good birds: Bald Eagle 25 Northern Harrier 2 Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 Cooper's Hawk 1 Northern Goshawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 79 Rough-legged Hawk 3 Golden Eagle 2 Merlin 1 9/120 --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Monterey IOU Trip Photos From: "Mark Brown" <markb249 AT excite.com> Date: Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:04:06 -0500 Birders, I've put together a gallery of wildlife photos taken during the October IOU trip to Monterey, California. Here's the link: http://www.pbase.com/markb249/monterey Thanks to Ann Johnson and Jim Bangma for leading a hugely successful trip!! Mark Brown Iowa City ------------------------------------------------------------ Earn your MBA from Post University. Free textbooks for new students! One Up the Competition http://tagline.excite.com/c?cp=0bcf_ttyx9tn5t1WQdxmOwAAKZRVoIx_jUkNu5J1p-_ZIV_dAAQAAAAFAAAAAAS5yz8AAAMlAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABIhWQAAAAA= --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Fwd: NE Iowa birds. From: "Stephen J. Dinsmore" <cootjr AT iastate.edu> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 10:02:56 -0600 (CST) I am forwarding this message from Nick Anich of Ashland, WI. Steve ********** Ryan Brady, Andy Paulios, myself, and a bunch of birders from the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative went on a field trip along the Mississippi into Iowa yesterday. Highlights were 3 Golden Eagles on Army Rd. near New Albin, and a Long-tailed Duck (among many thousands of waterfowl) viewed from the levee on the south end of Pool 9 (the pool north of Harper's Ferry). Nick Anich Ashland, WI Stephen J. Dinsmore Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management 339 Science II, Iowa State University Ames, IA 50014 515-294-1348 (office) cootjr AT iastate.edu --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: HNCH Next Two days From: <wordorsag AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 22:41:15 -0500 Monday and Tuesday look promising in contrast to the dismal hawk week that was last week-- best day was 94 raptors. Mark O ---- wordorsag AT cox.net wrote: ============= Very slow weekend after an extremely slow week. 51 raptors yesterday and only 28 today. Weekend highlight was an immature Golden Eagle on Saturday. Mark O ---- wordorsag AT cox.net wrote: ============= Really fun day yesterday at Hitchcock for Ryan, Kent Skaggs and myself-- most of the flight was high on thermals (thank goodness for those puffy cumulus clouds) and over the ridges and valleys on either side of the tower. Huge day for accipters. Two nice rarities. The banding station had an ok day-- catching a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk and an adult female Cooper's Hawk. They had caught and banded (4 total) Saw -whet Owls for three consecutive nights before yesterday and planned to band again last night. Turkey Vulture-17 Osprey-1 Bald Eagle-3 Northern Harrier-10 Sharp-shinned Hawk-115 Cooper's Hawk-20 RED-SHOULDERED HAWK-1 (ad.) Red-tailed Hawk-87 (2 Harlan's, 2 dark morph indeterminate) American Kestrel-2 Merlin-2 unidentified raptor-1 10/259 Non-raptors BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE-1 (trailing a flock of robins) American White Pelican-1 Ring-billed Gull-4 Great Blue Heron-2 Northern Pintail 25 Double-crested Cormorant 106 Blue Jay-22 American Crow-289 Mark O --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: wordorsag AT cox.net --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Surf Scoter but too nice From: "Lee Schoenewe" <lschoe AT smunet.net> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 18:55:36 -0600 I made a quick tour around Spirit Lake in Dickinson county this afternoon. It was a beautiful day and the lake was very calm giving good views far out. A female Surf Scoter was off Marble Beach on the west side hanging out with a PBG and a raft of gulls. Otherwise, the diversity and numbers were unremarkable. I think it was too nice! Lee A. Schoenewe Spencer --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: 11/7-11/8 HNCH From: <wordorsag AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 19:37:15 -0500 Very slow weekend after an extremely slow week. 51 raptors yesterday and only 28 today. Weekend highlight was an immature Golden Eagle on Saturday. Mark O ---- wordorsag AT cox.net wrote: ============= Really fun day yesterday at Hitchcock for Ryan, Kent Skaggs and myself-- most of the flight was high on thermals (thank goodness for those puffy cumulus clouds) and over the ridges and valleys on either side of the tower. Huge day for accipters. Two nice rarities. The banding station had an ok day-- catching a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk and an adult female Cooper's Hawk. They had caught and banded (4 total) Saw -whet Owls for three consecutive nights before yesterday and planned to band again last night. Turkey Vulture-17 Osprey-1 Bald Eagle-3 Northern Harrier-10 Sharp-shinned Hawk-115 Cooper's Hawk-20 RED-SHOULDERED HAWK-1 (ad.) Red-tailed Hawk-87 (2 Harlan's, 2 dark morph indeterminate) American Kestrel-2 Merlin-2 unidentified raptor-1 10/259 Non-raptors BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE-1 (trailing a flock of robins) American White Pelican-1 Ring-billed Gull-4 Great Blue Heron-2 Northern Pintail 25 Double-crested Cormorant 106 Blue Jay-22 American Crow-289 Mark O --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: wordorsag AT cox.net --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: White-winged Scoters, Cerro Gordo Co From: "Rita Goranson" <ritag AT mchsi.com> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 16:27:01 -0600 In the southeast corner of Clear Lake, near State Park, there were 2 White-winged Scoters. Further to the north, there were several rafts of ducks plus 6 Horned Grebes (at least). Also seen were 16 C. Loons in one area. Bonaparte Gulls were around with Ring-billed and Franklin Gulls, plus a couple of Herring Gulls. A Meadowlark crossed my path on the way over to the lake. Rita Goranson Mason City, Iowa --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Pacific Loon -- Saylorville From: Aaron Brees <abrees AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 12:28:01 -0600 This morning there was a Pacific Loon in the marina cove at Saylorville. There were approximately 35 Common Loons in the area as well. Cory Gregory and I had excellent views of it by walking to the north from Oak Grove along the shore to the point, but others appeared to be successfully viewing it from Sandpiper Beach point as well. The loons seem to be feeding up in the cove, then swimming out to the mouth of the bay to more open water to loaf. The Pacific had stopped feeding by the time I left and was swimming out onto the lake in the direction of a group of Commons. There were also 18 Horned Grebes on the lake. Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/abrees/sets/72157615910338014/ Good birding, Aaron Brees Des Moines, IA _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft's powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141664/direct/01/ http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141664/direct/01/ --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: egrets From: "robert thorbrogger" <rwt51360 AT mchsi.com> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 07:33:51 -0500 2 egrets, public area 1.2 mi N of Hwy 9 on Hwy 71 Dickinson county --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Woodbury 11-7-09 From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 19:56:40 -0800 (PST) First decent relatively wind free day in a long time.  Unfortunately, nothing really great from the 45 species seen. Waterfowl numbers up but number os species only 11   Greater Yellowlegs 2  (only shorebirds around)  MidAmerican  Fox Sparrow 3 (all in the same brush area)  Had three yesterday (different location but all three in same brushy area). God Bless, Paul Roisen Sioux City, IA Woodbury County 712-276-0371(H) 712-301-2817(C) --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: NW/NC Iowa. From: "Stephen J. Dinsmore" <cootjr AT iastate.edu> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 20:46:11 -0600 (CST) I took a wetland tour today hoping to find some waterbirds. The weather was outstanding, but the birding was disappointing. Some notable totals included 21 species of waterfowl, zero shorebirds, no meadowlarks, and more Am. Tree Sparrows than all other sparrows combined. Winter must be near. Highlights included: several small flocks of Snow Geese with a few Ross's Geese mixed in 2 juvenile Black Scoters at Spirit L. (Mini-Wakan) 1 juvenile Pacific Loon at Lake Cornelia 23 Common Loons for the day a surprising 3350 Franklin's Gulls at Black Hawk L. Steve Stephen J. Dinsmore Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management 339 Science II, Iowa State University Ames, IA 50014 515-294-1348 (office) cootjr AT iastate.edu --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Tucker Fund From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 17:06:14 -0800 (PST) First of all I need to give credit for organizing this fund to Don Poggensee.  Jerry VonEhwegen wrote the short explanation and I am just a collection point. I have received a number of letters thanking me for setting up the "Tucker Fund" but the truth is I am only a contact person for those who have sent gifts and correspondence to Tucker.  The real thanks belongs to Don and Jerry. I do wish to thank all of you who have contacted me.  It is appreciated by Tucker and his family. First purchase was a replacement stand for his scope as he realized that it must still be in the canal someplace.  We plan a rescue party for it when the ground dries up.  That should be fun--OK that was a joke.  Really, I don't believe it will ever be seen again. God Bless, Paul Roisen Sioux City, IA Woodbury County 712-276-0371(H) 712-301-2817(C) --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Quad Cities From: Robinson Donald G <RobinsonDonaldG AT JohnDeere.com> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 19:02:56 -0600 On Friday evening there was a White-winged Scoter off Butterworth Pkwy, Moline On Saturday Morning there wer many A. Pipits at 7 Cities Sod Don Robinson, Silvis IL --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Red Rock, 7 Nov. 09 From: Cory Gregory <cgregory AT iastate.edu> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 16:14:23 -0600 Birders, At Red Rock this morning: 2 WESTERN GREBES (from the south overlook at the dam. Same scope view even!) 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER (flyby at Whitebreast) 10+ Common Loons 4 Horned Grebes 200 American White Pelicans There was a healthy variety of waterfowl including: Mallard (thousands) Northern Pintail Gadwall American Wigeon Northern Shoveler Green-winged Teal Lesser Scaup Ring-necked Duck Canvasback (8) Redhead Red-breasted Merganser Hooded Merganser (10) Ruddy Duck (2) Four gull species were also found (Bonaparte's, Franklins, Ring-billed, and Herring). Good birding, Cory Gregory & Ashley Casey Ames, IA --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Clear Lake-Cerro Gordo County- WWScoter From: TFischer2165 AT aol.com Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 23:14:24 EST Birders The White-winged Scoter that was found by Cory Gregory & Ashley Casey, on Clear Lake, 11-1-09, was relocated today. The scoter was visible from the beach area of Clear Lake State Park. Carolyn Fischer Mason City Cerro Gordo County --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Iowa RBA: 11-6-09 From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 21:09:37 -0600 Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, October 31, through Friday, November 6, 2009: -RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required) NONE -Additional Species Mentioned Rosss Goose Long-tailed Duck Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Eared Grebe Western Grebe Cattle Egret Northern Goshawk Golden Eagle Sandhill Crane American Avocet Lesser Black-backed Gull COMMON TERN (Record late) Tennessee Warbler (2nd latest) SPOTTED TOWHEE SMITHS LONGSPUR Brewers Blackbird ***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. A list of rare birds is placed on the home page with the location of the rarity and most recent date of observation. This is updated several times per day. This is a handy tool for anyone making a birding trip or otherwise into the state of Iowa. ************************ 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: CERRO GORDO COUNTY: Highlights from Clear Lake on the 1st included a WESTERN/CLARKS GREBE, and a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER. EAST: SCOTT COUNTY: A late adult female TENNESSEE WARBLER was seen at Lindsay Park on the 30th. A 3W LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen at Cedar Lake on the 1st. SOUTH CENTRAL: MARION COUNTY: Highlights from Red Rock on the 31st included a record late COMMON TERN, 1 SURF SCOTER, 3 BLACK SCOTERS, and a WESTERN GREBE. 2 BLACK SCOTERS were seen again on the 2nd. CENTRAL: POLK COUNTY: 4 AMERICAN AVOCETS were seen on Cherry Glen on the 31st. 2 SURF SCOTERS were seen off the dam at Saylorville on the 31st. A SPOTTED TOWHEE continues to be seen in a hedgerow near Oak Grove on the 31st. Highlights from Saylorville on the 2nd included a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, a WESTERN GREBE, and 7 SMITHS LONGSPURS at Cherry Glen. A CATTLE EGRET was seen on the shoulder of Lower Beaver Dr south of 62nd Ave in Johnston on the 4th. DALLAS COUNTY: 4 BREWERS BLACKBIRDS were seen in a pasture on 250th St on the 4th. WEST: POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY: Highlights from the Hitchcock Hawkwatch on the 31st included an immature NORTHERN GOSHAWK, a GOLDEN EAGLE, and 2 ROSSS GEESE. A juvenile NORTHERN GOSHAWK was seen at the Hitchcock Hawkwatch on the 2nd. NORTHWEST: O’BRIEN COUNTY: 7 SANDHILL CRANES were seen flying over an acreage on the 1st. DICKINSON COUNTY: 4 EARED GREBES were seen on Spirit Lake on the 31st. 1 EARED GREBE was seen along the south shore of West Lake Okoboji on the 31st. A female/immature LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen at Trumbull Lake on the 1st. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, November 13, 2009 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted. John Bissell Grimes, Iowa john.annabissell AT gmail.com 515-986-9796 --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: FW: Tenn. Warb. Dav. - ID help From: "Walt Zuurdeeg" <kaisersosa AT earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 14:44:28 -0600 Last week I sent the post below. After talking to a couple of people about the identification, I'd like to get some other opinions on the bird. The first field mark I noticed was the white crescent, which was bright white and relatively wide. Other field marks: the back and rump were bright green, the wings mostly gray, the crown gray, the belly and chest white with a light yellow wash on part of the chest, a dark eye stripe, white supercilium, dark eyes, dark legs, and a thin pointed bill. I got as close as 4-5 feet. I thought it was unusual that I was able to get that close but it appeared to fly normally. The bird I saw did not match exactly any of the plumages shown for Orange-crowned or Tennessee in Sibley’s, National Geographic 5th edition, Peterson warbler guide or Warblers of the Americas by Curson et al. The white crescent appeared about twice as wide as any depicted in the field guides for Tennessee or Orange-crowned. Could it be another species? I looked at other similar warblers and vireos and didn't think it was anything else. Just based on time of year it would most likely be an Orange-crowned. It most closely resembled a breeding adult male Tennessee in all four field guides but obviously it can't be a breeding plumage. The small area of light yellow wash on the chest I saw most closely matched the Tennessee first fall (a) in the Peterson warbler guide, although it was smaller in area, and the Tennessee breeding female in the National Geographic guide. Could the bird I saw be in between plumages? Any thoughts/help would be appreciated. Walt Zuurdeeg ----- Original Message ----- From: Walt Zuurdeeg To: Bernadene Bowles;Bill LaFrenz;Bob Johanssen;Brent Langley;Brian Blevins;Carol Rogers;Cathleen Monson;Cathy Konrad;Dick Sayles;Iowa List Serve;Janelle Swanberg;Jason Monson;Jim Salsbury;JoAnn Whitmore;Karen Rotschafer;Lewis Marx;Marilyn Davis;Mary Lou Petersen;Pat Carlson;Tim Murphy Sent: 10/30/2009 5:11:06 PM Subject: Tenn. Warb. Dav. I found a Tennessee Warbler, an adult female I think, at Lindsay Park in Davenport this afternoon. It was browsing the scrubby weeds on the edge of Mississippi River levee wall next to Lindsay Park Yacht Club. Walt Zuurdeeg Davenport Scott County --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Eurasian Tree Sparrow at Princeton WMA From: "Walt Zuurdeeg" <kaisersosa AT earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 13:36:05 -0600 Dick Sayles and I birded Princeton WMA/Marsh in Scott County this morning. I saw an Eurasian Tree Sparrow. It was perched in the opening of a wood duck box. Not much else there. A gazillion coots and some duck hunters. Funny how the coots weren't bothered by the hunters. As a former hunter told me, the coots must know they taste bad. Walt Zuurdeeg Davenport Scott County --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: BBAS Field Trip to Bjorkboda Marsh From: "Larry Dau" <lgdau AT netins.net> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 07:15:26 -0600 Big Bluestem Audubon of Ames is sponsoring the following field trip tomorrow: November 7, 2009 Hamilton County = Bjorkboda Marsh, Bell's Mill Park and Gordon's Marsh (Hamilton County). All field trips are free and open to the public. They are fun and a great learning experience for both beginning and experienced birders. Field trip departs at 8:00 a.m. from the public parking lot west of (behind) the Ames Wild Birds Unlimited, located south of the railroad tracks at 213 Duff Ave. Please arrive before the departure time to arrange carpooling. Contact Jeff Nichols for more information at 515- 95-4176 or ozarksbirder AT hotmail.com. Posted by Larry Dau President Big Bluestem Audubon --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Herring and Bonaparte's Gulls From: Tim Franklin <tbird.franklin AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 21:27:27 -0600 From Scales Point on Coralville Lake we saw 45 Ring-billed, 2 Bonaparte's and one 1st winter Herring Gulll. Got pretty excited about the Herring for a minute because it was so big compared to the Ring-billeds--thought we had a great blacked-backed, but decided no way it was 30 inches and the bill was lighter towards the base. We are just breaking into the gulls. At Pleasant Creek Lake we saw 50 Bonaparte's Gulls, a imm Bald Eagle and an imm Cooper's Hawk. Saw lot's of gulls on Cedar Lake from the interstate but were late and couldn't stop. -- Tim Fairfield --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Monk Parakeet No Nov 4th, 5th From: James Scheib <jim AT tenlongview.net> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 16:01:01 -0600 The Monk Parakeet in Iowa City seen on the 2nd and 3rd was not found yesterday or today. -- James Scheib 10 Longview Knoll NE Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 337-5206 www.tenlongview.net www.riverheights.net www.icbirds.org --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Dark morph Red-tailed Hawk From: "Don Brown" <donbrown34 AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:41:16 -0600 Early this afternoon an adult dark morph Red-tailed Hawk was on the power lines north of West Des Moines' Grand Avenue about a half mile west of I-35. This is the same area in which I saw a similar bird a year ago. Don Brown --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: bald eagle From: "robert thorbrogger" <rwt51360 AT mchsi.com> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 13:24:17 -0500 mature eagle, Lyon County, Hwy 75 at Rock River --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Re: Pine Siskin returns From: "Les,Angie & Tucker Lutter" <lutter AT netins.net> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 08:00:13 -0600 I forgot to add that there were some flyover siskins at Hitchcock back on November 2nd. Tucker L. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Kenne" To: "IA-BIRD" Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2009 7:34 AM Subject: [ia-bird] Pine Siskin returns > After a five month absence, I saw my first Pine Siskin of the season this > morning in the yard. > > Matthew Kenne > Algona, Iowa > mkenne AT netamumail.com > > --- > Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as > members make it! > --- > Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: > Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 > --- > This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. > Membership available on-line at > http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. > ----- > You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: lutter AT netins.net --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Pine Siskin returns From: Matt Kenne <mkenne AT netamumail.com> Date: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:34:11 -0600 After a five month absence, I saw my first Pine Siskin of the season this morning in the yard. Matthew Kenne Algona, Iowa mkenne AT netamumail.com --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Re: Squaw Creek NWR in Missouri From: "Clem Klaphake" <ckavian AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 21:03:59 -0600 Carolyn, The Audubon Society of Omaha is making trip down to Squaw Creek this Saturday (7th). Elliott Bedows is leading the group. He is leaving from Southraods parking lot at 6:30am for car poolers. Clem Klaphake Bellevue, NE ----- Original Message ----- From: Carolyn Sonderman To: IA-BIRD Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 1:07 PM Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Squaw Creek NWR in Missouri I take some my grandchildren to Squaw Creek around Thanksgiving time most years and the thousands of waterfowl and the numbers of eagles present is always a great natural spectacle. Our bird club in Omaha usually makes a trip around that time also. It is a great place for birdwatching at this time of year. I have not really visited it that much in other seasons. Carolyn Sonderman Omaha, NE ----- Original Message ----- From: Stan Buman To: IA-BIRD Sent: Sunday, November 01, 2009 6:06 PM Subject: [ia-bird] Squaw Creek NWR in Missouri Ok, so this post is not about Iowa but I thought this might interest the group. I spent all day Saturday at Squaw Creek by Mound City, MO . For about 1 ˝ hours prior to sunset, long ribbons of Blackbirds filled the skies. Numbers had to be in the 10s of thousands. I don't think I have seen that many blackbirds if my lifetime. I also watched and listened to a Carolina Wren singing its heart out. Stan Buman Fenceline Photos 543 Parkview Drive Carroll, IA 51401 712-792-6248 stan AT fencelinephotos.com www.fencelinephotos.com --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: sonderbird AT cox.net --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: ckavian AT cox.net --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Dallas and Guthrie 11-4-2009 From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:27:15 -0800 (PST) Wife and I wandered through portions of Dallas and Guthrie on our way home to Sioux City from West Des Moines.  The following were of interest to me. Dallas Co.  Swamp Sparrow 1 (Brenton Arbor)  Brewer's Blackbird 4 (~ 25924 250th) hanging out with the cows.  Purple Finch 2 f.  Minburn burn site in behind the sewage lagoons)Guthrie Co.  Tufted Titmouse 1 (Lake Panorama)  Red-headed Woodpecker 5 (4 adult 1 juv.)  Springbrook State Park.  The adults seem to be "squirreling" food in tree cavities.  Possibly planning to overwinter? Belted Kingfishers 9 at 7 different locations. Waterfowl continue to be absolutely absent.  Sum total of all waterfowl on all the bodies of water we checked today:  Canada Goose  44   American Coot 7  NOT even one Pied-billed Grebe. God Bless, Paul Roisenr> Sioux City, IA Woodbury County 712-276-0371(H) 712-301-2817(C) --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Des Moines Merlin From: wewarb AT aol.com Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:36:26 -0500 At 5:00 PM tonight there was a single Merlin in the west-central part of Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines. It was backlit so I didn’t get any details and had taken off when I moved for another angle. The main entrance to Glendale Cemetery is off University Ave just west of 48th St. Bob Cecil DesMoines --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net