Iowa Birding

Birdingonthe.Net

Recent Postings from
Iowa Birding

Updated on Wednesday, November 4 at 09:05 PM ET
The most recently received Mail is at the top.

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 []
4 Nov Cattle Egret in Johnston ["Denny Thompson" ]
4 Nov Re: Squaw Creek NWR in Missouri ["Carolyn Sonderman" ]
4 Nov Re: Monk Parakeet Nov 3 IC [Rick Hollis ]
4 Nov Re: Monk Parakeet photo ["Gerald White" ]
4 Nov Re: Monk Parakeet Nov 3 IC [Diana Horton ]
4 Nov Re: sharpshinned hawk [Kevin Healy ]
4 Nov sharpshinned hawk [Sue Thelen ]
3 Nov American Tree Sparrows in Fairfield [Tim Franklin ]
3 Nov Tucker Fund [Paul Roisen ]
03 Nov Saylorville Today [Reid & Pam Allen ]
3 Nov Madison Co. and Dallas [Paul Roisen ]
3 Nov Monk Parakeet photo [James Scheib ]
3 Nov Monk Parakeet Nov 3 IC [James Scheib ]
3 Nov bufflehead ["robert thorbrogger" ]
3 Nov IOU Photo Contest 2010 ["tom.lawson" ]
2 Nov Common Tern--Lake Red Rock [Paul Roisen ]
2 Nov Lake Red Rock [Paul Roisen ]
02 Nov Northern Shrike [Reid & Pam Allen ]
2 Nov Iowa City Monk Parakeet [James Scheib ]
2 Nov Fw: Gull ID help requested - Cedar Lake November 1 ["Bill Scheible" ]
2 Nov Northern Goshawk @ Hitchcock 11/2 ["Tucker J. Lutter" ]
2 Nov Banded HY Northern Goshawk at Hitchcock []
2 Nov Backyard - Roland ["Curtiss P. Fisher" ]
2 Nov Hitchcock Nature Center Hawkwatch Brief Intro []
2 Nov Duck Migration Map ["Matthew Torres" ]
1 Nov Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo county [Cory Gregory ]
1 Nov 11/2 HNCH []
1 Nov Gull ID help requested - Cedar Lake November 1 ["Bill Tollefson" ]
1 Nov Second breeding season for five migratory songbirds ["Karen Viste-Sparkman" ]
1 Nov Squaw Creek NWR in Missouri ["Stan Buman" ]
1 Nov HNCH 10/31-11/1 []
1 Nov Ada-Hayden This evening ["Jacob Newton" ]
1 Nov Long-tailed Duck ["Lee Schoenewe" ]
1 Nov Crane fly-over ["Bruce and Georgeann Morrison" ]
1 Nov Nashville Warbler ["Nick Osness" ]
1 Nov Saylorville Loons this morning [Bery Engebretsen ]
1 Nov New Arrivals-Cedar Rapids ["Bob Stearns" ]
31 Oct Northern Saw Whet Owl [Don Poggensee ]
31 Oct Saylorville this morning [John and Anna Bissell ]
31 Oct canvasbacks, ruddy ducks ["robert thorbrogger" ]
31 Oct Scoters and more. ["Stephen J. Dinsmore" ]
31 Oct Saylorville [Aaron Brees ]
31 Oct Rusty Blackbirds ["tom.lawson" ]
30 Oct Tenn. Warb. Dav. ["Walt Zuurdeeg" ]
30 Oct third latest ["Les,Angie & Tucker Lutter" ]
30 Oct Iowa RBA: 10-30-09 [John and Anna Bissell ]
30 Oct Fwd: Tucker Lutter Car Accident [Don Poggensee ]
30 Oct Story County birds []
29 Oct Rose Breasted Grosbeak ["Dick Bierman" ]
29 Oct here and there Tuesday, Oct 27 [Tim Franklin ]
28 Oct North Iowa Birds-Smith's, Shrike ["Rita Goranson" ]
28 Oct spotted towhee [Carol Berrier ]
28 Oct Forster's Terns [Danny Akers ]
28 Oct Western Grebe continues at Pleasant Creek 10/27 ["Bill Tollefson" ]
27 Oct Florida Scrub Jay ["james durbin" ]
26 Oct RE: CBC's ["Ann Johnson" ]
26 Oct Woodbury Co 10-26-09 [Paul Roisen ]
26 Oct CBC's ["Bill Scheible" ]
26 Oct Lessser Black-backed Gull [Karole Fuller ]
26 Oct Re: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher & 104 Smith's Longspurs [douglas chapman ]
26 Oct Saylorville. ["Stephen J. Dinsmore" ]
26 Oct Western Grebe-Pleasant Creek ["jmforde" ]
26 Oct BBA Update and New Coordinator ["Nichole Nagl" ]
26 Oct Today at HNCH-- Good flight probable []
25 Oct HNCH 10/25 and Big Rarity from 10/21 []
25 Oct birds from trip to Florida ["james durbin" ]
25 Oct Re: [ia-bird]Scissor-tailed Flycatcher & 104 Smith's Longspurs [Paul Roisen ]
25 Oct Re: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher & 104 Smith's Longspurs ["Les,Angie & Tucker Lutter" ]
25 Oct Western Grebe at Pleasant Creek ["Christopher Caster" ]
25 Oct Pool Nine Waterfowl ["Ty Smedes" ]
25 Oct Brookside Park Ames [ANDREW H WILLIAMS ]
25 Oct Viewing the Longspurs ["Tucker J. Lutter" ]
25 Oct Scissor-tailed Flycatcher & 104 Smith's Longspurs ["Tucker J. Lutter" ]

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 ½ 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 didnā€™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
Subject: Cattle Egret in Johnston
From: "Denny Thompson" <cndthomps AT acm.org>
Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:18:00 -0500

A cattle egret was standing on the shoulder of Lower Beaver Drive south of 62nd Avenue at 4:45. Just seemed to be watching the commuters heading home. Denny Thompson Johnston --- 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: "Carolyn Sonderman" <sonderbird AT cox.net>
Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 13:07:51 -0600

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 ½ 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: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net
Subject: Re: Monk Parakeet Nov 3 IC
From: Rick Hollis <xiboia AT earthlink.net>
Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 11:17:15 -0500 (EST)

I will answer Dianeā€™s questions and pose one of my own. > Presuming that this bird either escaped or was released The answer here is Not Necessarily. There are numerous colonies of this species throughout North America >Surely there is little possibility that it can survive the winter. Again the answer is Not Necessarily. The most famous NA colony is in Chicago [See Gerry's message]. This is a hardy species that regularly gets pretty far south in South America. But, as to whether an individual could survive is a different question. This is the only Psittid that is not a cavity nester. It is a colonial species and builds large stick nests. And as to the origin of this bird, I wish some parrot raises would study some of the pictures. The right toe looks short and deformed. Granted, this could be the results of frostbite in a previous winter [in happens to Mourning Doves]. But captive Psittids are well known to chew on their toes. My wifeā€™s family had a Budgie that had so badly chewed its toes down that it could not stay on its perch, once the lights went out and it fell asleep. Whenever Janet would hear the thump in cage, she would go out and prop poor Petey up in the corner of the cage. Hopefully Pessimistic or Pessimistically Hopeful, Rick Hollis North Liberty, 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: Re: Monk Parakeet photo
From: "Gerald White" <gdwhite AT machlink.com>
Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 08:41:28 -0600

I wonder if this bird has talked to anyone yet? :-) The following link may be of interest http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/life_sciences/039_chicago_parakeet_project_039_seeks_tracking_140184.html Gerald White ----- Original Message ----- From: "James Scheib" To: "IA-BIRD" Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 5:02 PM Subject: [ia-bird] Monk Parakeet photo >I forgot to say that one of today's Monk Parakeet photos is at > http://www.icbirds.org/photos/monkparakeet08713em.jpg --- 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: Monk Parakeet Nov 3 IC
From: Diana Horton <diana-horton AT uiowa.edu>
Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 08:37:16 -0600

I have to ask. Presuming that this bird either escaped or was released from captivity, could it not be captured? Surely there is little possibility that it can survive the winter. Diana Horton At 04:02 PM 11/3/2009, James Scheib wrote: >The Monk Parakeet first reported Nov 2 by Debby Goldstein & Marty >Surface at their platform feeders in their back yard at Abbey Lane >2319, I.C., between Mormon Trek and Kiwanis Park in Iowa City >appeared several times again today, Nov 3, beginning at 10 Am, again >at 11:45, and at 2:45. At around 2:00 it was photographed sleeping >in a tree along Mormon Trek by the creek just south of Abbey Lane. >At times after its 11:45 feeding it was seen in the trees and bushes >SW of the back yard of 2319 Abbey Lane along the creek to which it >came to drink. > >Debby says birders are welcome to look for the parakeet from the back >yard. It has used both platform feeders on the deck and it was quite >tolerant of me as I stood directly below it as it was snoozing in the >tree along Mormon Trek. >-- >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: diana-horton AT uiowa.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: Re: sharpshinned hawk
From: Kevin Healy <kevin.j.healy AT gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 05:24:15 -0600

Hawks=Yankees Go Phillies On Wed, Nov 4, 2009 at 4:11 AM, Sue Thelen wrote: > Hawks-1 House finch -0 Marty Thelen --- > 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: kevin.j.healy AT gmail.com > -- Kevin Healy 2427 Waterford Drive Ames IA 50010-9661 M: 515-231-2479 O: 515-239-2151 --- 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: sharpshinned hawk
From: Sue Thelen <msthelen2000 AT hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 04:11:18 -0600

Hawks-1 House finch -0 Marty Thelen --- 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: American Tree Sparrows in Fairfield
From: Tim Franklin <tbird.franklin AT gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 23:54:34 -0600

Several north of the FF Loop north of FF The sparrow field in that area had emptied out except for the AT Sparrow and a few Fox and White-throateds. Wore gaiters for the first time today and not one sticker on my socks! -- 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: Tucker Fund
From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 19:15:14 -0800 (PST)

One of our great members informed my that you can deduct any contribution made out to Loess Hills Audubon for the Tucker Fund. Sorry I did not think about that earlier. Paul Roisen Sioux City, 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: Saylorville Today
From: Reid & Pam Allen <2birders AT hickorytech.net>
Date: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:51:48 -0600

Among the many coots and Mallards on the lake, we found one Common Goldeneye near Sandpiper Beach. Reid & Pam Allen West 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: Madison Co. and Dallas
From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 15:46:19 -0800 (PST)

I view two of the bridges of Madison County. Unfortunately, TWO is also the total number of ducks I saw in Madison today. Apparently, if you have covered bridges you are not allowed many ducks on the water. 5 hours and a paltry 34 species. Bufflehead 2 Northern Shrike NOT seen at Badger Creek. Best birding of the day was west of Maffit Reservoir (the rich community) Dallas County: Red-breasted Nuthatch 2   Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 God Bless, Paul Roisen Sioux City, IA Woodbury County 712-276-0371(H) 712-301-2817(C) --- On Tue, 11/3/09, robert thorbrogger wrote: From: robert thorbrogger Subject: [ia-bird] bufflehead To: "IA-BIRD" Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 11:45 AM bufflehead Nov 3 barrow pit just south of Hale's slough 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: roisenp1950 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: Monk Parakeet photo
From: James Scheib <jim AT tenlongview.net>
Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 17:02:08 -0600

I forgot to say that one of today's Monk Parakeet photos is at http://www.icbirds.org/photos/monkparakeet08713em.jpg -- 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: Monk Parakeet Nov 3 IC
From: James Scheib <jim AT tenlongview.net>
Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 16:02:48 -0600

The Monk Parakeet first reported Nov 2 by Debby Goldstein & Marty Surface at their platform feeders in their back yard at Abbey Lane 2319, I.C., between Mormon Trek and Kiwanis Park in Iowa City appeared several times again today, Nov 3, beginning at 10 Am, again at 11:45, and at 2:45. At around 2:00 it was photographed sleeping in a tree along Mormon Trek by the creek just south of Abbey Lane. At times after its 11:45 feeding it was seen in the trees and bushes SW of the back yard of 2319 Abbey Lane along the creek to which it came to drink. Debby says birders are welcome to look for the parakeet from the back yard. It has used both platform feeders on the deck and it was quite tolerant of me as I stood directly below it as it was snoozing in the tree along Mormon Trek. -- 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: bufflehead
From: "robert thorbrogger" <rwt51360 AT mchsi.com>
Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 12:45:12 -0500

bufflehead Nov 3 barrow pit just south of Hale's slough 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: IOU Photo Contest 2010
From: "tom.lawson" <tom.lawson AT mchsi.com>
Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 09:52:17 -0600

IOU Members: The IOU Photo Contest will be held again in the spring of 2010. Rules and entry form will be included in your winter newsletter, or they can be accessed at: http://www.iowabirds.org/IOU/photo_contest.asp Reminder: The contest is open to IOU Members only, so please don't send in your pictures if you are not a member of this great organization. Not a IOU member, no problem, you may join the organization by following this link http://www.iowabirds.org/IOU/membership_dues.asp and we hope you will! The new year is coming and this is a great time to join and enjoy all the IOU has to offer in 2010! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me and I will be glad to help. Good birding and photography, Tom Lawson Adel, IA tom.lawson AT mchsi.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: Common Tern--Lake Red Rock
From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 21:11:33 -0800 (PST)

Sorry, missed reporting a good bird. Robert's Creek (east side of the highway) a single Common Tern was watched for about 20 minutes going up and down the area from the highway to the NE and back again. Nice dark cap on the rear of the head. Nice longish fork. Looked like it had one be white spotlight between the crown and the bill when it was coming at you. Gray on underside of lower primaries. Top of wings: black on lower portion of primaries and first and wnd primaries all dark (the upper half of the primaries formed a kind of translucent on graying triangle on the wing tips). Not as quite as gray on the sides as most I have seen but then this is the latest I have seen one. Lighting could have had some effect.  The dark cap would differentiate it from a Forster's now maybe... artic....Roseta..... OK I dream now. 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: Lake Red Rock
From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 18:04:45 -0800 (PST)

Did a tour around Lake Red Rock today. Several large rafts of duck out towards the middle. Good numbers of gulls but mostly Ring-billed with a couple of Herring mixed in. Not much for passerines at all. 43 species for the day.  Common Loon 13  Black Scoter 2   Canvasback 3  Less Scaup 320  Redhead 31   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: Northern Shrike
From: Reid & Pam Allen <2birders AT hickorytech.net>
Date: Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:58:09 -0600

A Northern Shrike was at Badger Creek S. P. (Madison County) this afternoon. Reid & Pam Allen West 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: Iowa City Monk Parakeet
From: James Scheib <jim AT tenlongview.net>
Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 19:20:50 -0600

A Monk Parakeet was reported today by Debby Goldstein and Marty Surface of Iowa City. See below. >This monk parakeet was at our feeder today (Abbey Lane 2319, >I.C., between Mormon Trek and Kiwanis Park. We have a branch of the >Willow Creek running through our back yard. > This bird was seen today, Monday November 2 at around 2PM. He stayed for about 15 minutes, leaving and coming back once. He was quite content to munch on safflower seeds. I will add one of their photos to the website at www.icbirds.org. -- 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: Fw: Gull ID help requested - Cedar Lake November 1
From: "Bill Scheible" <drbeel AT mchsi.com>
Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 17:56:32 -0600

This evening at about 5 PM I found Bill's bird on the island. Perhaps 20% larger than nearby Ring-billed Gulls. Mantle and wings quite dark, head and breast dirty white, bill pale at base and dark tipped. Light conditions in the setting sun were not ideal, and my approach to 4-year gulls is not ideal, but I'd say it's a 3rd year Lesser Black-backed Gull. Jim Forde came by and might have other thoughts, but when I left, we both agreed LBBG. Nice find, Bill T. Bill Scheible Cedar Rapids ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Tollefson" To: "IA-BIRD" Sent: Sunday, November 01, 2009 7:52 PM Subject: [ia-bird] Gull ID help requested - Cedar Lake November 1 > Stopped by Cedar Lake this afternoon a bit before sunset. > > On the south side of the lighthouse island a darker-backed gull was in > with the Ring-billed and a couple Franklin's Gulls. > > I took notes on the bird and shot some (very poor) video. It could be a > 2nd or 3rd cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull - would appreciate a second > opinion if someone gets the chance to get over to Cedar Lake on Monday to > see if the bird is still there. > > Bill Tollefson > 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: drbeel AT mchsi.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: Northern Goshawk @ Hitchcock 11/2
From: "Tucker J. Lutter" <lutter AT netins.net>
Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 18:16:57 -0500

Ryan Evans and I saw 7 species of raptors today from the Hitchcock Hawkwatch tower. One juvenile Northern Goshawk in the afternoon was the highlight of the day. Also, I have a new webpage on Flickr, a photo sharing website. Here is the link: www.flickr.com/photos/backpackingbirdwatcher Photos of the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher and more are on there. 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: Banded HY Northern Goshawk at Hitchcock
From: <wordorsag AT cox.net>
Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 13:35:46 -0500

Jerry wanted me to add that it was Carla Alschwede who caught the male hatch year goshawk yesterday. One of the photos taken by Carla of Jerry holding the bird (which was screaming at the camera) against the backdrop of the Loess Hills looks like a surefire IBL cover to me, :)--but we'll let the editors of that esteemed publication make that call... 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: Backyard - Roland
From: "Curtiss P. Fisher" <cfisher AT winnelson.com>
Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 13:29:18 -0500

Had my first Pine Siskin and American Tree Sparrow this morning. Also had a return visit from a Red-breasted Nuthatch as well. Saw my first flock of Snow & Blue Geese fly over Goose Lake in Greene County saturday morning as well as a couple smallish flocks of Cackling Geese (20-30 birds). Curt Fisher Roland,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: Hitchcock Nature Center Hawkwatch Brief Intro
From: <wordorsag AT cox.net>
Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 13:25:42 -0500

Hi all, I have had a number of requests to re-post some basic information about Hitchcock Nature Center Hawkwatch and am happy to do so. For the majority on the list who know all this please delet and sorry for the bother! Where and When--Hitchcock Nature Center is located near the town of Crescent in the Loess Hills of western Iowa. It is about 10 miles north of Council Bluffs. Hawkcounting is part-time in August and daily and full-time between 9/1 and 12/20 each fall. The diurnal banding station is on private land and is "by permission only" access though this is generally isn't too hard to arrange. The Saw-whet owl banding area is near the Ranger Workshop. Banding for both hawks and owls starts in September and ends in November. History and What You'll See-- The Hawkwatch began in 1992 with Loren and Babs Padelford doeing pioneering wor under a grant that noted raptor experts Jon Stravers and Dean Roosha had obtained. The hawkwatch began slow steady progress toward full-time status when Mark Orsag revived it. The Nature Center began providing money for a full-time counter in 2003. Banding started on site two years ago with Jerry Toll leading the banding program. About 10,000 raptors of 18-20 (on average) are counted migrating south at the site annually. --- 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: Duck Migration Map
From: "Matthew Torres" <matthewt34 AT hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:55:27 -0500

Once again, Ducks Unlimited has their migration map up for waterfowl. http://www.ducks.org/migrationmap/?poe=migrationHQ 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: Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo county
From: Cory Gregory <cgregory AT iastate.edu>
Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 21:52:41 -0600

Birders, Some sightings from Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo county this weekend included: Western/Clark's Grebe (1) White-winged Scoter (1) Horned Grebe (35+) Common Loon (15+) Some other species present included: Pie-billed Grebe Ruddy Duck Bufflehead Lesser Scaup Ring-necked Duck American Wigeon Mallard Gadwall Redhead (20+) Canvasback Hooded Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Bonaparte's and Franklin's Gulls were numerous. Lastly, we did NOT find any Smith's Longspurs in Kossuth County at the previously mentioned field. Instead we found a large and growing flock of Laplands, easily 1500+. 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: 11/2 HNCH
From: <wordorsag AT cox.net>
Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 21:33:40 -0500

Forecast for tomorrow looks strong! Mark O ---- wordorsag AT cox.net wrote: ============= Two more big days-- 236 total yeaterday (Halloween) with the highlights being a GOLDEN EAGLE and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK. Total of 22 SAW-WHET OWLS banded so far this year-- two with bands from elsewhere-- they were trying again tonight. We had some great visitors today from Wachiska (Lincoln) Audubon. Wild day today with birds mostly high on thermals: Turkey Vulture 1 Bald Eagle 3 Northern Harrier 17 Sharp-shinned Hawk 33 Cooper's Hawk 4 NORTHERN GOSHAWK 1 (immature trapped and banded at the banding station [1st ever caught at HNCH banding station]) RED-SHOULDERED HAWK 1 (immature-- 2nd of season) Red-tailed Hawk 97 (6 Harlan's DMs and 1 Krider's) Rough-legged Hawk 2 (first of season) Orange-shafted Flicker 1 Brown Creeper 1 Ross's Goose 2 Double-crested Cormorant 170 Greater White-fronted Goose 72 American Crow 236 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: Gull ID help requested - Cedar Lake November 1
From: "Bill Tollefson" <wgtollef AT rockwellcollins.com>
Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 20:52:30 -0500

Stopped by Cedar Lake this afternoon a bit before sunset. On the south side of the lighthouse island a darker-backed gull was in with the Ring-billed and a couple Franklin's Gulls. I took notes on the bird and shot some (very poor) video. It could be a 2nd or 3rd cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull - would appreciate a second opinion if someone gets the chance to get over to Cedar Lake on Monday to see if the bird is still there. Bill Tollefson 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: Second breeding season for five migratory songbirds
From: "Karen Viste-Sparkman" <k.vistesparkman AT mchsi.com>
Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 19:42:43 -0600

http://cs.birdersworld.com/brdcs/blogs/field_of_view/2009/10/26/researchers-discover-a-second-breeding-season-for-five-migratory-songbirds.aspx "Biologists studying songbirds that breed in North America and then migrate to Mexico have discovered something totally unheard of in the New World - a second breeding season. "Five species - Yellow-billed Cuckoo (right), Orchard Oriole, Hooded Oriole, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Cassin's Vireo - breed primarily in the United States and Canada. Then they squeeze in a second breeding season during a stopover in western Mexico on their southward migration. "It's pretty much unheard of to have a nocturnal migrant with a second breeding season. It's a pretty special observation," said Sievert Rohwer, lead author of a paper describing the discovery. "We saw these birds breeding, and we were completely surprised." Wow. Some of these are Iowa nesting birds. 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: Squaw Creek NWR in Missouri
From: "Stan Buman" <stan AT fencelinephotos.com>
Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 18:06:03 -0600

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 ½ 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: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net
Subject: HNCH 10/31-11/1
From: <wordorsag AT cox.net>
Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 18:57:16 -0500

Two more big days-- 236 total yeaterday (Halloween) with the highlights being a GOLDEN EAGLE and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK. Total of 22 SAW-WHET OWLS banded so far this year-- two with bands from elsewhere-- they were trying again tonight. We had some great visitors today from Wachiska (Lincoln) Audubon. Wild day today with birds mostly high on thermals: Turkey Vulture 1 Bald Eagle 3 Northern Harrier 17 Sharp-shinned Hawk 33 Cooper's Hawk 4 NORTHERN GOSHAWK 1 (immature trapped and banded at the banding station [1st ever caught at HNCH banding station]) RED-SHOULDERED HAWK 1 (immature-- 2nd of season) Red-tailed Hawk 97 (6 Harlan's DMs and 1 Krider's) Rough-legged Hawk 2 (first of season) Orange-shafted Flicker 1 Brown Creeper 1 Ross's Goose 2 Double-crested Cormorant 170 Greater White-fronted Goose 72 American Crow 236 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: Ada-Hayden This evening
From: "Jacob Newton" <superbufanda AT hotmail.com>
Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 18:59:22 -0500

Not much to say about this evening, the Canada Geese that have been on Ada-Hayden most of the week seem to persist there along with the resident teal, Mallards and Am. Coots, as well as a dozen or so Pied-billed Grebes. Of note this evening... A pair of Forster Terns flew over the Northern reservoir this evening a little before five. I think a flock of Cackling Geese (I know I at least heard some) was seen on the north side of the marsh adjacent to the Northern reservoir. I've never been the best at picking them out (by sight) from Canada Geese so I'm not entirely positive but the overall size the birds in the flock on the north side of the marsh was much smaller than the other geese there. I also went to Colo Bogs today, which by and large was vacated...(possibly due to extensive human disturbance this morning). I also swung passed Hendericks' Marsh only to find a substantial raft of coots. --- 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: Long-tailed Duck
From: "Lee Schoenewe" <lschoe AT smunet.net>
Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 17:07:57 -0600

Today at Trumbull Lake in Clay county, there was a female/immature Long-tailed Duck with a large flock of scaup and Ring-necked Ducks. As I watched, a flock of Cackling Geese announced their arrival and approximately 480 flew in to land on the lake. Earlier I counted 431 Ruddy Ducks on Lost Island Lake in Palo Alto county. Yesterday I circled Spirit Lake in Dickinson county without finding too much unusual. I did not find the Black-headed Gull at the north shore and in talking with Ed Thelen it has not been seen in over a week which probably means it has moved south. There were 4 Eared Grebes on Spirit Lake altogether and one at the south shore of West Lake Okoboji. Horned Grebes were more numerous than that and PBG's rounded out the grebe trio for the day. There were lots and lots of coots I had not been out locally in a month due to the California IOU trip and work obligations. With two nice days, some good vitamin D exposure and a decent list of birds, my soul has been refreshed! 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: Crane fly-over
From: "Bruce and Georgeann Morrison" <crazcoot AT evertek.net>
Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 16:59:43 -0600

Had a small flock of 7 Sandhill Cranes fly over the acreage this morning. Heard them first or we may not have noticed as we were out on the hillside picking seed off the remnant here. They doubled back a couple times...almost flying in a circle, like they weren't sure of which direction they really wanted to head. A side note...although it flies, it of course isn't a bird :) We had a Bat actively hunting/catching bugs (Asian Lady Bird Beetles!) this afternoon around 3 p.m. It was hunting in the open for nearly 20 minutes! A little late for Halloween. I posted a photo on the blog but it wasn't the best of shots (hard to catch the furry bugger!). ...Bruce Morrison, S.E. O'Brien County http://www.morrisons-studio.com http://prairiepainter.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: Nashville Warbler
From: "Nick Osness" <nosness AT mchsi.com>
Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 17:41:49 -0500

I saw a Nashville Warbler today, Nov. 1, 2009, near the bike path just below the Saylorville Dam. Nick Osness Ames --- 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 Loons this morning
From: Bery Engebretsen <bengebretsen AT hotmail.com>
Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 15:31:11 -0600

A big movement of C. Loon with a total count of about 116, almost all on the big part of the lake. I could find no other loon species. At Jester, a roughly estimated 7,000 Coot. I could not find the S. Towhee, despite walking the fence row near Oak Grove. Ten Cackling Geese were in a grassy field in western Urbandale, and 2 Horned Grebe were on the small lake in Country Club in Clive. --- 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: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 15:40:11 -0500

Cedar Lake at 10:00,present were-- Buffleheads-3-F.O.S. Hooded Merganser-3-F.O.S. Ruddy Duck-6 Lesser Scaup-2 W.Pelican-1 A.Coot-20 P.B.Grebe-11 D.C.Cormorant-10 Mallards-Too many to mention, so I won't. 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: Northern Saw Whet Owl
From: Don Poggensee <donpog AT netllc.net>
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:09:35 -0500

Hi, I found our first N.Saw Whet Owl in the pine grove in Moorehead Park just to the west of Ida Grove. Don Poggensee 174 Lakeview Drive Ida Grove, Iowa 51445-8088 Days 712-364-3491 Nights 712-364-3491 --- 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: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell AT gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:38:38 -0500

Birders, The Spotted Towhee reported by Carol Berrier earlier this week was seen today in the same hedgerow on the road towards Oak Grove. The hedgerow is to your right as you head towards Oak Grove and its just before the bike sign. An Osprey was below the dam fishing with the Ring-billed Gulls. I'll try for the Surf Scoters tomorrow morning. 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: canvasbacks, ruddy ducks
From: "robert thorbrogger" <rwt51360 AT mchsi.com>
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:28:19 -0500

5 canvasbacks south end Big Spirit lake Oct 24 several hundred ruddy ducks south end Big Spirit Lake Oct 31 --- 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: Scoters and more.
From: "Stephen J. Dinsmore" <cootjr AT iastate.edu>
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:47:18 -0500 (CDT)

I birded Red Rock Reservoir this morning and then made a couple of quick stops at Saylorville on my way home. There was a big push of waterfowl into central Iowa with thousands of ducks on each lake and a total of 19 waterfowl species for the day. Highlights included: Red Rock: Surf (1) and Black (3) scoters off the dam, 1 Western Grebe, 1 Greater Yellowlegs, 1 Barn Swallow Saylorville: 2 Surf Scoters (off the dam), 22 Common Loons, 1 Greater Yellowlegs I neglected to mention in an earlier post that on 28 October I saw a flock of 71 American Golden-Plover along I-80 just east of Williamsburg in Iowa Co. I thought it was late for such a large flock. 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: Aaron Brees <abrees AT hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:29:40 -0500

A very quick check of the lower lake this morning produced 2 Horned Grebes, 6000+ ducks half of which were Lesser Scaup, and 4 American Avocets on the shore at Cherry Glen. I did not have a chance to check areas upstream from Cherry Glen. Good birding, Aaron Brees Des Moines, IA http://www.angelfire.com/ab6/birdpics/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/abrees/sets/ _________________________________________________________________ Windows 7: I wanted more reliable, now it's more reliable. Wow! http://microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/default-ga.aspx?h=myidea?ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_myidea:102009 --- 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: Rusty Blackbirds
From: "tom.lawson" <tom.lawson AT mchsi.com>
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:45:50 -0500

During my morning walk along the Raccoon River Trail, I found a flock of 25 Rusty Blackbirds perched facing the warming sunrise. This would be lat 41.615485 lon -94.009367 just east of Adel, IA. I could look up the township and range if anyone is interested. Tom Lawson Adel, 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: Tenn. Warb. Dav.
From: "Walt Zuurdeeg" <kaisersosa AT earthlink.net>
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:11:12 -0500

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: third latest
From: "Les,Angie & Tucker Lutter" <lutter AT netins.net>
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:02:02 -0500

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher in Woodbury County on Oct. 26 was the third latest record for Iowa. Tucker Lutter ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tucker J. Lutter" To: "IA-BIRD" Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 2:28 PM Subject: [ia-bird] Scissor-tailed Flycatcher & 104 Smith's Longspurs > Hello Birders, I found a beautiful adult Scissor-tailed Flycatcher in the > town of Luton in Woodbury County today at about 11:00 am. It was sitting > on a power line on the east side of K42, a paved road heading south of > town (the only paved road heading south of town). There is a small grass > field to the east of the power lines and he was often seen in there. For > more information call me at (712)-948-3696. You can approach the bird with > your car but do not walk up to it because that does scare him. It was > still around at about 2pm when I left. > > Also, 104 Smith's Longspurs were in a mowed field on the south side of > Luton WMA N. Lapland Longspur were also there as well as American Pipit, > Hooded Merganser and Wilson's Snipe. If you want directions to the > longspurs give me a call on the number above because it is hard to explain > on an email. > > There was a FOS Northern Shrike at Owego as well. > > Paul Roisen and Jerry von Ehwegen also saw both the flycatcher and > longspurs and I have pictures of both, so reply if you would like to see > them. > > Tucker J. Lutter > Bronson, 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: 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: Iowa RBA: 10-30-09
From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell AT gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:46:18 -0500

Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, October 24, through Friday, October 30, 2009: -RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required) ACCIDENTAL: **CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR** CASUAL: *GYRFALCON* -Additional Species Mentioned Gray Partridge White-winged Scoter Eared Grebe Western Grebe RED-THROATED LOON Northern Goshawk PRAIRIE FALCON Golden Eagle American Avocet Sanderling Lesser Black-backed Gull SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER SPOTTED TOWHEE Nelsons Sparrow SMITHS LONGSPUR ***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. EAST: JOHNSON COUNTY: An EARED GREBE was seen at Coralville Lake from Scales Pointe on the 25th. An adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL continues to be seen below the Coralville Reservoir dam from the west overlook as recently as the 26th. LINN COUNTY: A WESTERN GREBE was seen at Pleasant Creek SP on the 25th. It was last seen on the 27th. SOUTHEAST: KEOKUK COUNTY: A NELSONS SPARROW was seen at Fuller Green Valley on the 24th. SOUTH CENTRAL: MARION COUNTY: 2 WESTERN GREBES and a RED-THROATED LOON were seen at Red Rock on the 24th. The RED-THROATED LOON was seen at the end of Inwood Drive, at the east side of Whitebreast's entrance. CENTRAL: POLK COUNTY: Highlights from Saylorville on the 24th included 4 AMERICAN AVOCETS, 3 SANDERLINGS and an EARED GREBE. 4 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were seen at Saylorville on the 26th. SMITHS LONGSPURS were seen at Oak Grove RA at Saylorville on the 26th. A SPOTTED TOWHEE was seen in a hedgerow along the road into Oak Grove access at Saylorville on the 28th. JASPER COUNTY: 12 SMITHS LONGSPUR and a PRAIRIE FALCON were seen at Neal Smith NWR on the 24th. For anyone wanting to relocate the SMITHS LONGSPURS, one of the fields is on 88th Ave. east of Pacific St. Going east from Pacific, it is on the right side after you cross a ditch and go up the hill. There is a parking area at the NE corner of the field. This is the edge of the refuge, so PLEASE BE CAREFUL NOT TO TRESPASS into the neighboring bean field on private land--this includes parking. If you don't want to pull into the small, muddy, parking area, please park on the shoulder adjacent to the refuge. The refuge field consists of mostly grasses and is mowed short. There is a waterway through the middle of the field. We saw the longspurs (both species, in separate flocks) near the east edge of the field. WEST: POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY: Highlights from the Hitchcock Hawkwatch on the 23rd included 4 NORTHERN GOSHAWKS and a GOLDEN EAGLE. A PRAIRIE FALCON was seen at the Hitchcock Hawkwatch on the 24th. An adult gray morph GYRFALCON was seen at the Hitchcock Hawkwatch on the 21st. A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at the Hitchcock Hawkwatch on the 25th. NORTHWEST: KOSSUTH COUNTY: 2 CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPURS were seen at the intersection of 270th St and 120th Ave on the 24th. Also present were 50 SMITHS LONGSPURS and 5 GRAY PARTRIDGE. 60 SMITHS LONGSPURS were seen near St Benedict WA on the 28th. WOODBURY COUNTY: An adult SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was seen in the town of Luton on the 25th. Directions are as follows: It was sitting on a power line on the east side of K42, a paved road heading south of town (the only paved road heading south of town). There is a small grass field to the east of the power lines and he was often seen in there. This bird was relocated in the same area on the 26th. 104 SMITHS LONGSPURS were seen in a mowed field on the south side of Luton WMA on the 25th. ~50 were still there on the 26th. A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was seen in the county on the 26th. It was in the same general area as the above mentioned SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, November 6, 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: Fwd: Tucker Lutter Car Accident
From: Don Poggensee <donpog AT netllc.net>
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:09:25 -0500

> So of you know Tucker. > > Hi, > Some of us have asked about a fund drive to help replace what > Tucker lost in this accident; see the story below. > To help Tucker, send any donation to: The Tucker Fund % Paul > Roisen—4420 3Rd ave--- Sioux City, > Iowa 51106. Checks can be made out to the Tucker Fund –Loess Hills > Audubon or to the Tucker Fund to > Paul Roisen and will then be given to Tucker and his family. > > Don Poggensee > > > Fellow Birders & Sioux City Audubon > > Young IOU & Audubon member Tucker Lutter was involved in a serious > car accident on Monday October 26. Here is a summary of what happened. > > On Sunday, Tucker had located some Smith's Longspurs and a Scissor- > tailed Flycatcher a few miles from his home in Bronson. On Monday > some other local birders were successful in relocatiing the STFC and > then found a Northern Goshawk in the same area. Knowing that Tucker > would want to see it, Paul Rosien called Tucker and he soon arrived > to see the Goshawk. Tucker was scheduled to meet two other non-local > birders to guide them to the Longspurs etc. so he left and headed > for home to meet them. > > Not long after, Paul had a call from Tucker's mom that Tucker had an > accident on his way home. So we all headed out to find where he was, > not thinking it sounded very bad. Well when we got there it was a > very scary sight. He had gone around a short curve on the gravel > road and somehow went in to a very steep ditch pretty much straight > on and hit the bottom with the front of the car and the car flipped > lengthwise and ended up upside down and there was a ditch there with > water in it. He had his seat belt on and managed to get unbuckled > and he had to break out the back window to crawl out. > > When we got there his mom had already taken him to the hospital and > the sherrif was there. Someone had come along and found Tucker after > he had crawled out and called 911. The wrecker came and pulled the > car out and the inside was a total muddy wet mess with both air bags > deployed. His binocs, camera, books and everything else were still > in the car and covered with black muck. One of the wrecker guys took > a shovel and got some stuff out of the water in the ditch including > Tucker's scope. > > He had a cut on his head and they took MRI's etc. and thankfully > everything seemed to be ok. Bob Nickolson talked to Tucker's mom > later on and she said he used a window scraper to break out the back > window to get out. Paul went to the place in Sloan where they took > the car and salvaged everything he could and was going to try and > clean it up, but it looked pretty much destroyed to me along with > the car. I'm sure he will need to be replacing all his birding > equipment. Praise God that he is ok. > . > Jerry VonEhwegen > Paul Roisen > Don Poggensee --- 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: Story County birds
From: Grantridge AT aol.com
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:21:59 EDT

Below is a list of birds seen by Mer Mietzelfeld last Sunday (10/25) on our land about a mile southeast of Ames, at the intersection of 250th Street and Sand Hill Trail. Red-Bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 2 Chipping Sparrow 4 Le Conte's Sparrow 5 Lincoln's Sparrow 1 Swamp Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 2 Savannah Sparrow 2 Harris's Sparrow 1 White-Throated Sparrow 2 Fox Sparrow 1 Northern Cardinal 2 Red-Winged Blackbird 6 Cindy Hildebrand grantridge AT aol.com Ames, IA 50010 "It is pleasant to walk over the beds of these fresh, crisp, and rustling leaves. How beautifully they go to their graves! -- how gently lay themselves down and turn to mould! -- painted of a thousand hues, and fit to make the beds of us living. So they troop to their last resting-place, light and frisky." (Henry David Thoreau) --- 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: Rose Breasted Grosbeak
From: "Dick Bierman" <dbierman AT mchsi.com>
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:42:38 -0500

I was surprised to have a Rose Breasted Grosbeak at my sunflower feeder this afternoon. The bird looked and acted healthy! Dick Bierman Cherokee --- 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: here and there Tuesday, Oct 27
From: Tim Franklin <tbird.franklin AT gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:47:10 -0500

At Hawkeye, along the west field as you enter Babcock Access, we found an immature Le Conte's Sparrow, 90% sure it was a Le Conte's and not a Nelson's. In the same little stretch we found two more of the golden ones but could not determine whether they were Le Conte's or Nelson's. Four Red-Tailed Hawks were moving about together. At Scales Pointe on Coralville Lake we saw three Horned Grebes and many Ring-billed Gulls. Off the dam at Coralville Lake we saw maybe a hundred Ring-billed Gulls with one 1st year one--couldn't spot the Lesser Black-backed Gull. Curious why there would only be one immature among so many adults? Monday Oct 26 at Cedar Bottoms in Muscatine Co I found a boatload of sparrows , mostly Song and Swamp but Field, White-crowned, White-throated mixed in. And at Cone Marsh there were 30 Ruddy Ducks, Three Ring-billed Ducks, some Pied-billed Grebes, three Northern Harriers, and Coots. I think that was the first time I have been to Cone and not seen some Canadas. -- 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: North Iowa Birds-Smith's, Shrike
From: "Rita Goranson" <ritag AT mchsi.com>
Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:18:03 -0500

Worth County: Horned Grebe at Silver Lake. Winnebago County: 100 Lapland Longspurs. Kossuth County: Near the slough a first winter N. Shrike, near St. Benedict a N. Harrier, and near St. Benedict at the WA where Matt had Smith's Longspurs last week, I first raised nine Smith's Longspurs that were quiet, which was unusual, until I saw the Merlin come zipping in behind them. They settled down and three more came up in another part. Then I could hear a number of Smith's but with the overcast skies, I couldn't see them. Finally at least 60 rose up and circled around before settling down in a further away area. There were probably more in the field, but I stopped searching at this point. Cerro Gordo County: Clear Lake at 5 pm had hundreds of Franklin's with some Ring-billed and Herring Gulls in the mix in the lake. Two Pelicans and an Egret remain in the area. Com. Merganser and Ruddies also in the water. Large flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds and Grackles were around. 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: spotted towhee
From: Carol Berrier <parulawarb AT yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:00:23 -0700 (PDT)

Carol Mefford and I spotted a Spotted Towhee in the hedge row along the road into Oak Grove Access at Saylorville this morning. There were also several Fox Sparrows and many White-throated Sparrows.   Carol Berrier --- 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: Forster's Terns
From: Danny Akers <birdmandan1231 AT hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:37:05 -0500

Checked the lower end of Saylorville briefly after class this afternoon. Best birds were 2 late Forster's Terns flying along the shore at Cherry Glen. Also my first Horned Grebes and Common Loon of the season off the dam. A few Ruddy Ducks (125) were also present and about the only waterfowl I saw. Danny Akers Ankeny BirdManDan1231 AT hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ Windows 7: It helps you do more. Explore Windows 7. http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/windows-7/default.aspx?ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_evergreen3:102009 --- 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: Western Grebe continues at Pleasant Creek 10/27
From: "Bill Tollefson" <wgtollef AT rockwellcollins.com>
Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:12:00 -0500

About 6 PM on Tuesday, the Western Grebe was still present at Pleasant Creek in Linn County. Also there: Horned Grebe - 1 Pied-billed Grebe - 3 Northern Shoveler - 5 Ruddy Duck - 9 American Coot - 13 Bill Tollefson 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: Florida Scrub Jay
From: "james durbin" <durbinjames AT imonmail.com>
Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:46:08 -0500

I have added a page to my website for the Florida Scrub Jay. While taking pictures of one of the jays, another landed on my head. My sister-in-law took a picture and I have included it. http://www.birdsofiowa.com/birds/42%20Corvidae/florida%20scrub%20jay/florida %20scrub%20jay.htm Jim Durbin 1460 Douglas Court Marion, Ia 52302 319-721-1593 durbinjames AT imonmail.com www.insectsofiowa.com www.birdsofiowa.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: CBC's
From: "Ann Johnson" <aj AT hologrambirds.com>
Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:01:18 -0500

As a follow-up to Bill's note, it looks like he has information on 7 counts that have not been entered on the web site so please, get them listed both places! People have come to depend on having this information available. Ann Johnson From: bounce-ia-bird-10984 AT lists.iowabirds.org [mailto:bounce-ia-bird-10984 AT lists.iowabirds.org] On Behalf Of Bill Scheible Sent: Monday, October 26, 2009 5:38 PM To: IA-BIRD Subject: [ia-bird] CBC's Birders Third and last reminder to get your 2009 - 2010 Christmas Bird Count info to me by Nov. 1st for inclusion in the winter issue of the Newsletter. Last year there were 50, count 'em, 50 CBC's but I've got details for only 20 so far, and only 13 are posted on the IOU website. No interest in Christmas counts this year? What's needed: 1) location 2) date 3) compiler 4) compiler's e-mail address Bill Scheible drbeel AT mchsi.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: Woodbury Co 10-26-09
From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:15:58 -0700 (PDT)

Check for the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Noon, 3:00PM, and 6:00PM but no sign of it.Highlights:  Rough-legged Hawk 1 (stunning dark morph with one secondary missing on the right wing. I did get a distance ID photo at about 400 feet.  Northern Goshawk 1 (Adult--I found it by chance when scanning the trees looking for the STFL--it was within 75 yards of STFL) I am guessing that the NOGO roosted there for the night. I last saw it about 11:30 and when I wrote something down and looked up it was gone for the perch and was not sighted again. First adult I have seen.  Smith's Longspurs ~40  Lapland Longspurs~200  American Pipits 9 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: CBC's
From: "Bill Scheible" <drbeel AT mchsi.com>
Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:38:25 -0500

Birders Third and last reminder to get your 2009 - 2010 Christmas Bird Count info to me by Nov. 1st for inclusion in the winter issue of the Newsletter. Last year there were 50, count 'em, 50 CBC's but I've got details for only 20 so far, and only 13 are posted on the IOU website. No interest in Christmas counts this year? What's needed: 1) location 2) date 3) compiler 4) compiler's e-mail address Bill Scheible drbeel AT mchsi.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: Lessser Black-backed Gull
From: Karole Fuller <jnkfuller AT mchsi.com>
Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:48:26 -0500

Hi all, The adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was still present late this afternoon on the water just above the Coralville Reservoir Dam (West overlook area), in Johnson County. 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: Re: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher & 104 Smith's Longspurs
From: douglas chapman <shannonfound AT sio.midco.net>
Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:16:28 -0500

Hello All, Thanks to Tucker L., Paul R. and Bill H. for all the guiding today. The South Dakota contingent got 40-50 Smith's Longspurs in Luton NWR and more Laplands than that. Also in the area--Northern Goshawk, American Pipit, Savannah Sparrows and a Wilson's Snipe. Smith's were a life bird for one SDOU member, so a good day for us. The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was seen 10 minutes before we arrived at ca. 10:45 AM and had not been since when we left at about 1 PM. Thanks again. (We saw 51 Red-tailed Hawks in SD/IA between Sioux Falls and Luton.) Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD --- 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: "Stephen J. Dinsmore" <cootjr AT iastate.edu>
Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:13:56 -0500 (CDT)

This morning at Saylorville there were 4 White-winged Scoters off the dam. They took flight several times and were last seen headed north towards Cherry Glen. 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: Western Grebe-Pleasant Creek
From: "jmforde" <jmforde AT qwest.net>
Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:52:06 -0500

The Western Grebe remains at Pleasant Creek but I didn't see any Horned Grebes. Lewis Bottoms Rd. pasture had Dunlins, Dowitchers, L. Yellowlegs, and a White-fronted Goose this morning. 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: BBA Update and New Coordinator
From: "Nichole Nagl" <nichole.nagl AT gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:43:48 -0500

Greetings Birders! What a year we have had! We are winding down on our second year of the Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas II, and we have a lot of data to show from it. Thank you to all of you who participated this year. Whether you went out by yourself, with friends or to the blockbusting weekends, I can tell that Iowans care about their birds. Your continued enthusiasm and dedication will surely make this exciting project a success! After two years, the website shows that 645 out of 791 blocks have had some work in them so far. This is a great accomplishment! Our next goal should be working in ALL of the blocks, and spending more time getting probable and confirmed statuses of species. It’s going to be a lot of work, but hopefully a lot of fun, too! Another reminder to those who still might have data out there – please enter it as soon as you can or send your data to this office where it will be entered for you. This helps us measure progress during the project. I have great confidence in birders throughout our wonderful state to get out there in the next three years and get some excellent results. We can do this! Finally, I would like to tell everyone THANK YOU for allowing me to spread the word about the Breeding Bird Atlas these past two years. I’ve enjoyed interacting with all who have crossed my path, whether through email, over the phone or during a presentation. As an AmeriCorps member, I am only able to serve two years, so it is time for me to move on and pass the torch of BBA Volunteer Coordinator onto someone else. I am very excited to announce that we have found someone who will be able to come right in where I left off. The new BBA Coordinator will be Mr. Billy Reiter-Marolf. Billy is originally from Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and has a great enthusiasm about Iowa and its birdlife. He has traveled throughout the U.S. participating in various wildlife projects. He is genuinely excited to get started as he transitions into the position beginning the last week of October. If you have questions about the BBA, you can reach Billy using the same contact information as before - same email and phone numbers. Please help me in welcoming Billy to the position! Thank you all once again for providing me with such a wonderful experience. I’m excited for what lies ahead for me and for the future of the Breeding Bird Atlas project. I hope to see you again, and please keep up your great work!! Sincerely, Nicki Nagl --- 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: Today at HNCH-- Good flight probable
From: <wordorsag AT cox.net>
Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 7:12:35 -0400

Should be another strong flight today with partly cloudy conditions and moderate N winds! 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: HNCH 10/25 and Big Rarity from 10/21
From: <wordorsag AT cox.net>
Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:33:53 -0400

Strong day again today as our remarkable late October roll continues. Very cold and blustery for Mark, Ryan, Sandy, Veronca, and Judy on the tower and Jerry and Carla in the banding station: Turkey Vulture 4 Bald Eagle 7 Northern Harrier 31 Sharp-shinned Hawk 63 Cooper's Hawk 20 Red-tailed Hawk 250 Golden Eagle 1 Merlin 1 Total 8/377 Additionally, after several days of internal review. We can now move forward with full support on the sighting of an ADULT GRAY MORPH GYRFALCON seen by our hawkcounter Ryan Evans on 10/21 details on this sighting will be forwarded on to the Records Committee and, as always, we willl abide by their judgment on the record (which would be a first for the hawkwatch. 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: birds from trip to Florida
From: "james durbin" <durbinjames AT imonmail.com>
Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:05:27 -0500

I have put a page on my website with bird photos from Joyce and my trip to Florida. We visited South Carolina and Georgia on the way down. Hope you enjoy the pictures. We added Magnificent Frigatebird to our life list. http://birdsofiowa.com/october%202009%20trip%20south.htm Jim Durbin 1460 Douglas Court Marion, Ia 52302 319-721-1593 durbinjames AT imonmail.com www.insectsofiowa.com www.birdsofiowa.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: [ia-bird]Scissor-tailed Flycatcher & 104 Smith's Longspurs
From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:03:35 -0700 (PDT)

Additonal birds for Woodbury of possible interest:  Rough-legged Hawk 1 (first found by Jerry VonEhwegen Owego) FOS me  Northern Shrike 1 (first found by Tucker Lutter Owego) FOS me  American Tree Sparrow 9 (first found by Stan Buman Owego) FOS me  Bald Eagle 4 (fly over the Loess Hills east of Owego)  Blue-Winged Teal 3 Table Marsh  Harris's Sparrow 17 Owego  Greater Yellowlegs 4  Lesser Yellowlegs 1 (both species at Luton North WMA)  Merlin 1 (between Delaware and Dallas on 250th--1/2 east of Luton) Remarkable lack of waterfowl continues despite all the fields being pretty much waterlogged with up to 7 inches of water)  God Bless, Paul Roisen Sioux City, IA Woodbury County 712-276-0371(H) 712-301-2817(C) --- On Sun, 10/25/09, Les,Angie & Tucker Lutter wrote: From: Les,Angie & Tucker Lutter Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher & 104 Smith's Longspurs To: "IA-BIRD" Date: Sunday, October 25, 2009, 5:15 PM Paul Roisen said the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was still there as of 5:11pm. Tucker ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tucker J. Lutter" To: "IA-BIRD" Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 2:28 PM Subject: [ia-bird] Scissor-tailed Flycatcher & 104 Smith's Longspurs > Hello Birders, I found a beautiful adult Scissor-tailed Flycatcher in the > town of Luton in Woodbury County today at about 11:00 am. It was sitting > on a power line on the east side of K42, a paved road heading south of > town (the only paved road heading south of town). There is a small grass > field to the east of the power lines and he was often seen in there. For > more information call me at (712)-948-3696. You can approach the bird with > your car but do not walk up to it because that does scare him. It was > still around at about 2pm when I left. > > Also, 104 Smith's Longspurs were in a mowed field on the south side of > Luton WMA N. Lapland Longspur were also there as well as American Pipit, > Hooded Merganser and Wilson's Snipe. If you want directions to the > longspurs give me a call on the number above because it is hard to explain > on an email. > > There was a FOS Northern Shrike at Owego as well. > > Paul Roisen and Jerry von Ehwegen also saw both the flycatcher and > longspurs and I have pictures of both, so reply if you would like to see > them. > > Tucker J. Lutter > Bronson, 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: 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: roisenp1950 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: Re: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher & 104 Smith's Longspurs
From: "Les,Angie & Tucker Lutter" <lutter AT netins.net>
Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:15:40 -0500

Paul Roisen said the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was still there as of 5:11pm. Tucker ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tucker J. Lutter" To: "IA-BIRD" Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 2:28 PM Subject: [ia-bird] Scissor-tailed Flycatcher & 104 Smith's Longspurs > Hello Birders, I found a beautiful adult Scissor-tailed Flycatcher in the > town of Luton in Woodbury County today at about 11:00 am. It was sitting > on a power line on the east side of K42, a paved road heading south of > town (the only paved road heading south of town). There is a small grass > field to the east of the power lines and he was often seen in there. For > more information call me at (712)-948-3696. You can approach the bird with > your car but do not walk up to it because that does scare him. It was > still around at about 2pm when I left. > > Also, 104 Smith's Longspurs were in a mowed field on the south side of > Luton WMA N. Lapland Longspur were also there as well as American Pipit, > Hooded Merganser and Wilson's Snipe. If you want directions to the > longspurs give me a call on the number above because it is hard to explain > on an email. > > There was a FOS Northern Shrike at Owego as well. > > Paul Roisen and Jerry von Ehwegen also saw both the flycatcher and > longspurs and I have pictures of both, so reply if you would like to see > them. > > Tucker J. Lutter > Bronson, 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: 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: Western Grebe at Pleasant Creek
From: "Christopher Caster" <libertydental AT southslope.net>
Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:50:11 -0500

These are the highlights of an outing of the Iowa City Bird Club today. At Pleasant Creek State Park in Linn County north of Palo: There was a Western Grebe in the middle of the lake this afternoon. Five Horned Grebes were present at the east end of the lake. There were also lone Forster's Tern and Lesser Scaup, numerous Pied-billed Grebes and about a dozen Ruddy Ducks. A Harris Sparrow and two Palm Warblers were to the west of the swim beach. At Lewis Bottoms wetland just south of Pleasant Creek: All these were seen on the east side of Lewis Bottoms Rd.---- Longbilled Dowitcher, Green-winged Teal, Shovelors, and Ring-necked Ducks. A possible three Brewer's Blackbirds were also seen briefly by one member of our group Little was doing at Cedar Lake in Cedar Rapids, but we got our Mallards for the day. Chris Caster Coralville --- 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: Pool Nine Waterfowl
From: "Ty Smedes" <ty.smedes AT smedesphoto.com>
Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:40:45 -0500

On Saturday, Pool Nine held thousands of ducks...of various species...and about 50-100 T. Swans had accumulated... Ty Smedes ty.smedes AT smedesphoto.com Ty Smedes Nature Photography 4732 72nd Street Urbandale Iowa 50322-1148 phone: 515-270-9086 --- 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: Brookside Park Ames
From: ANDREW H WILLIAMS <awilliam AT facstaff.wisc.edu>
Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:25:54 -0600

Just in from a nice afternoon walk in Brookside Park in Ames. Scores of buteos streaming south high in the sky, including 1 ad. redtail, also 1 imm. bald eagle, but most were simply too high for my 7x35's, let alone my old eyes. Very exciting to be "standing in the stream" of migration! Also 2 gc kinglets. Andrew Williams --- 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: Viewing the Longspurs
From: "Tucker J. Lutter" <lutter AT netins.net>
Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:40:19 -0500

If anyone is interested in viewing the 104 Smith's Longspur in Woodbury County I am more than willing to meet somewhere and take people out to see them. I have a flexible schedule (because I am homeschooled) and do not have much going on this next week, so almost anytime of the day on almost all days would work fine for me. However, it will require some walking through moist fields and in some places rubber boots are needed. Give me a call at (712)-948-3696 if you are interested. 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: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher & 104 Smith's Longspurs
From: "Tucker J. Lutter" <lutter AT netins.net>
Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:28:18 -0500

Hello Birders, I found a beautiful adult Scissor-tailed Flycatcher in the town of Luton in Woodbury County today at about 11:00 am. It was sitting on a power line on the east side of K42, a paved road heading south of town (the only paved road heading south of town). There is a small grass field to the east of the power lines and he was often seen in there. For more information call me at (712)-948-3696. You can approach the bird with your car but do not walk up to it because that does scare him. It was still around at about 2pm when I left. Also, 104 Smith's Longspurs were in a mowed field on the south side of Luton WMA N. Lapland Longspur were also there as well as American Pipit, Hooded Merganser and Wilson's Snipe. If you want directions to the longspurs give me a call on the number above because it is hard to explain on an email. There was a FOS Northern Shrike at Owego as well. Paul Roisen and Jerry von Ehwegen also saw both the flycatcher and longspurs and I have pictures of both, so reply if you would like to see them. Tucker J. Lutter Bronson, 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

Birdingonthe.Net

Recent Postings from Iowa Birding

Recent Postings from
Iowa Birding