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3 Feb Iowa RBA: 2-3-12 [John and Anna Bissell ] 3 Feb Bald Eagles: south of Leon ["Zonya Gingrich" ] 3 Feb Ducks on Coralville Res, Spring is Coming [Rick Hollis ] 3 Feb Common Redpolls continue at F.W. Kent Park - Johnson County ["Jason McCurdy" ] 2 Feb Short-eared Owl at Eastern Iowa Airport [] 2 Feb Lesser Black-Backed Gull at Cedar Lake [Diana Pesek ] 2 Feb E. Ia. Airport Snowy Owl -- NO, Short-Eared Owl -- YES ["Michele Francis" ] 2 Feb Re: It's beginning to sound a lot like spring...Decatur Co. [] 2 Feb Quad-Cities [Robinson Donald G ] 2 Feb Saylorville birds [Danny Akers ] 2 Feb Ottumwa Courier article on Bullock's Oriole ["Hank Zaletel" ] 2 Feb It's beginning to sound a lot like spring...Decatur Co. ["Zonya Gingrich" ] 2 Feb Eurasian Tree Sparrows in Iowa City ["Julie Englander" ] 1 Feb looking for birding spots [David Starrett ] 1 Feb Johnson Co. redpolls ["Linda & Robert Scarth" ] 1 Feb Cackling Geese [Danny Akers ] 1 Feb QCA birding: Franklin's Gull ["Chuck Leib" ] 1 Feb Ankeny Snowy - No ["Ty Smedes" ] 1 Feb Redpolls and NE day trip [] 1 Feb Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines ["Leland Searles" ] 1 Feb Farragut Snowy Owl [Keith Dyche ] 31 Jan Coralville Rez, Long Eared Owls [RG/KW ] 31 Jan Lesser Black-backed Gull at Cedar Rapids [] 31 Jan SAC COUNTY SNOWY OWL ["Chad Lankford" ] 31 Jan Red-shouldered Hawk in Cedar Rapids [] 31 Jan bird guide in Jamaica ["Sue Yeakel" ] 31 Jan Common Redpolls Continue in Johnson Co. [] 31 Jan Co Redpolls, kent p [Rick Hollis ] 31 Jan Des Moines birds ["Denny Thompson" ] 30 Jan Quad Cities Scoters and Gulls [] 30 Jan SAC COUNTY SNOWY OWL ["Chad Lankford" ] 30 Jan Owls today [Don Poggensee ] 30 Jan Bluebird checking nestbox - Spring? ["Larry Dau" ] 30 Jan Redpolls still at Kent Park, Johnson Co. ["Kyle Belcher" ] 30 Jan Neal Smith Short-eared owl ["Kyle Belcher" ] 30 Jan Re: Ankeney Snowy brief sighting [] 30 Jan Short-eared Owl--Neal Smith NWR [] 30 Jan exciting event ["Beth Brown" ] 30 Jan Red-tailed Hawk nest ["Zenitsky, Gary D [B M S]" ] 30 Jan Bald Eagles - Clarke County [Steve Harvey ] 30 Jan Snowy Owl Story County ["Sue Yeakel" ] 29 Jan Continuing WW Crossbills and Redpolls in Webster Co. ["Mark Brown" ] 29 Jan White-winged Crossbills and Gulls - Davenport ["Jason McCurdy" ] 29 Jan Davenport ["rose dooley" ] 29 Jan Ankeney Snowy brief sighting ["Sandra Cook" ] 29 Jan Fayette County ["Corey Jeffrey Lange" ] 29 Jan Crossbills and finches with RB Grosbeaks thrown in! ["Lee Schoenewe" ] 30 Jan SE Iowa. ["Dinsmore, Stephen J [NREM]" ] 29 Jan Bullock's Oriole Update ["Chris Edwards" ] 29 Jan Maffitt Reservoir [] 29 Jan Common Crane twitch anyone? [Chris West ] 29 Jan Eurasian Tree Sparrow [Linda Rudolph ] 29 Jan SNOWY OWL SAC COUNTY ["Chad Lankford" ] 29 Jan Sunday morning yard birds [] 29 Jan Common Redpoll [Jim Fuller ] 29 Jan Linn County couple at Alleman Snowy Owl site ["chris jones" ] 28 Jan Monona County Snowy Relocated ["Tucker J. Lutter" ] 28 Jan WW Crossbills and Common Redpolls; Webster Co. ["Mark Brown" ] 28 Jan Re: Ankeny Snowy Owl ["chris jones" ] 28 Jan Saylorville/Des Moines birding. ["Dinsmore, Stephen J [NREM]" ] 28 Jan RE: Barrow's Goldeneye Continues -- Quad Cities ["Walt Zuurdeeg" ] 28 Jan Ankeny Snowy Owl ["Lynn Marsh" ] 28 Jan Harris Sparrow [Suzanne ] 27 Jan Common Crane - Hall County Nebraska [Keith Dyche ] 27 Jan Monona County Snowy Owl [Paul Roisen ] 27 Jan Northern Shrike, Atalissa [RG/KW ] 27 Jan Iowa RBA: 1-27-12 [John and Anna Bissell ] 27 Jan Cemetery Road Birds- Johnson Co. ["Ben West" ] 27 Jan Another good raptor day! [] 27 Jan Re: Urbandale Titmouse ["Chad Lankford" ] 27 Jan SNOWY OWL SAC COUNTY ["Chad Lankford" ] 27 Jan WW Crossbills still around [mkenne ] 27 Jan Correction of NSF-ISU request for volunteers interview study link-- ["Thomas Andre" ] 27 Jan Des Moines Waterworks Park today [John Bissell ] 27 Jan Ankeny Snowy ["Zonya Gingrich" ] 26 Jan Bullock's Oriole in Ottumwa, Wapello Co. [Danny Akers ] Subject: Iowa RBA: 2-3-12 From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 19:37:55 -0600 Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, January 28, through Friday, February 3, 2012: -RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required) ACCIDENTAL: **BULLOCKS ORIOLE** CASUAL: *GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL* *ICELAND GULL* -Additional Species Mentioned Tundra Swan (Central) Surf Scoter Long-tailed Duck Sandhill Crane Franklins Gull Bonapartes Gull Thayers Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Snowy Owl Short-eared Owl White-winged Crossbill Common Redpoll ***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*: SCOTT COUNTY: A GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL and 3 BONAPARTES GULLS were seen at Lock and Dam 14 on the 28th. 3 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were seen at Fairmount Cemetery on the 28th. 6 were there on the 29th. Highlights from Lock and Dam 14 on the 29th included GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL, 2 THAYERS GULLS, ICELAND GULL, LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, and 4 BONAPARTES GULLS. A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen at Lindsey Park on the 29th. A THAYERS GULL was seen at Lock and Dam 15 on the 30th. A GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL and 2 BONAPARTES GULLS were seen at Lock and Dam 14 on the 30th. JOHNSON COUNTY: A COMMON REDPOLL was seen at a feeder in Iowa City on the 29th. COMMON REDPOLLS were seen at the Kent Park conservation feeders on the 29th. They were last seen on the 3rd. LINN COUNTY: A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen at Cedar Lake on the 31st. This bird was last seen on the 2nd. A SHORT-EARED OWL was seen near the Eastern Iowa Airport on the 2nd. *SOUTHEAST*: WAPELLO COUNTY: A BULLOCKS ORIOLE was seen in Gail Masinda’s yard in Ottumwa on the 29th. It has been spending the winter attending her feeders. If you’d like to visit and see this bird, please email Gail at gail.masinda AT yahoo.com LEE COUNTY: Highlights from Pool 19 on the 29th included SURF SCOTER, 4 LONG-TAILED DUCKS, FRANKLINS GULL, BONAPARTES GULL, LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, and ICELAND GULL. *SOUTH CENTRAL*: MADISON COUNTY: A TUNDRA SWAN was seen at Maffitt Reservoir on the 29th. *CENTRAL:* * * *POLK COUNTY:* *A SNOWY OWL was seen just north of Ankeny off Irvinedale Dr. (also called NW 16th) on NW 134th Ave on the 28th. This bird was last seen on the 29th.* * * *JASPER COUNTY:* *A SHORT-EARED OWL was seen along 102nd Ave at Neal Smith NWR on the 30th.* * * * * * * * * *SOUTHWEST:* * * *FREMONT COUNTY:* *19 SANDHILL CRANES were seen southeast of the WMA field on the south side of 315th St on the 30th.* * * *A SNOWY OWL was seen just west of 370th Ave on 230th St near Farragut on the 1st.* * * * * * * * * *WEST:* * * *MONONA COUNTY:* *A SNOWY OWL was seen just south of the Whiting overpass on the east side of I-29 on the 27th. This bird was last seen on the 28th.* * * *POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY:* *4 COMMON REDPOLLS were seen at Graceland Cemetery in Avoca on the 1st.* * * * * * * * * *NORTHWEST:* * * *WEBSTER COUNTY:* *25 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS and 30 COMMON REDPOLLS were seen at John F Kennedy Park on the 28th. These birds were last seen on the 29th.* * * *O BRIEN COUNTY:* *75 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were seen at the cemetery in Hartley on the 28th .* * * *WOODBURY COUNTY:* *6 SHORT-EARED OWLS were seen at Owego on the 30th.* * * *SAC COUNTY:* *A SNOWY OWL was seen on 180th St between Ira St and Jackson St on the 30th. * * * *A SNOWY OWL was seen 250 yard SW of Ira Ave and Highway 20 on the 31st.* * * * * * * * * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, February 10, 2012 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Bald Eagles: south of Leon From: "Zonya Gingrich" <ZGingrich AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 18:00:48 -0500 Spotted two adult bald eagles in the tree across from my parent's house this morning. 5 miles south of Leon on Pleasanton Road. --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Ducks on Coralville Res, Spring is Coming From: Rick Hollis <xiboia AT earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 14:27:10 -0600 (GMT-06:00) Subject: Common Redpolls continue at F.W. Kent Park - Johnson County From: "Jason McCurdy" <jasondmccurdy AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 14:31:25 -0500 Over the lunch hour today I counted at least six Common Redpolls visiting the finch feeders at the Conservation Education Center at F.W. Kent Park. Also present was a single Eurasian Tree Sparrow mixed in with a flock of House Sparrows. Jason McCurdy 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Short-eared Owl at Eastern Iowa Airport From: jimforde AT q.com Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:51:58 -0500 (EST) Tonight I failed to relocate the Snowy Owl at the airport but also saw the SHORT-EARED OWL that has been posted. It flew across a stubble field (north side of Walford Rd. and east side of Cherry Valley Rd.) at 5 p.m. Then it perched on a fence post along the north side of the field until dark. I scoped it from the high spot of Walford Rd. just east of the intersection. Also present was a Great Horned Owl in the area. 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Lesser Black-Backed Gull at Cedar Lake From: Diana Pesek <keesiemom AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:53:15 -0800 (PST) Stopped by Cedar Lake (Cedar Rapids) after work around 5 p.m. and relocated the Lesser Black-backed Gull reported by Jim Forde a couple of days ago. Tonight it was on the private lake (lake with the lighthouse) with a small number of Ring-billeds and Herrings. Also present were Common Goldeneye and a Hooded Merganser pair. � Diana Pesek Cedar Rapids, 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: E. Ia. Airport Snowy Owl -- NO, Short-Eared Owl -- YES From: "Michele Francis" <michele_francis AT mchsi.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 18:51:05 -0500 Looking for snowy, spotted a large raptor hunting low to ground. With help of a good camera and field guides identified our first-ever short-eared owl! Beautiful! As others have noted, backyard birds seem to be singing springtime songs. Especially the titmice who are piping, piping, piping. Michele Francis Cedar Rapids/Marion --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Re: It's beginning to sound a lot like spring...Decatur Co. From: mp410wj AT q.com Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 17:45:03 -0500 (EST) Noticed the cardinals singing loudly yesterday in Ankeny. Maridel ----- Original Message ----- From: Zonya Gingrich To: IA-BIRD Sent: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:31:18 -0500 (EST) Subject: [ia-bird] It's beginning to sound a lot like spring...Decatur Co. This morning, there are flocks of robins hanging out in the trees and lawn behind our house. Had a yellow rumped warbler in our tree just off the deck. More bluebirds. I think the birds think it is spring! Yesterday, I saw what I am quite sure is the rough legged hawk that has been hanging around for a few weeks. Also, saw two other hawks on the gravel road back to our place. One, I think is a Harlan's Redtail, and the other a dark morph redtail. If anyone wants to confirm, check out my photo stream on flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/74024107 AT N02/ The first three pictures are the bird I think is the dark morph and the next three are the Harlan's. The dark morph flew from the tree to the pole. All pictures taken close to 10 am. --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: mp410wj AT q.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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Quad-Cities From: Robinson Donald G <RobinsonDonaldG AT JohnDeere.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 13:37:45 -0600 At noon today I re-checked the Hemlocks at the Hampton (IL) cemetery to see if the WW Crossbills had spread over from Davenport, as they did a few years back with the last invasion. A large flock of Pine Siskins remain, but still no crossbills. I was thinking about the crossbills: Why is it that so many of the "winter finches" are splashed with various shades of pink (WW Crossbills, Pine Grosbeaks, Purple Finches, Redpolls, Rosy Finches)??? It is easy to imagine how white birds and mammals have been selected in the snowy climates, but what possible advantage would the shades of pink/red/purple afford? On the River up from the I-80 bridge (Rapid City) there were large numbers of Canvasbacks right up by the shore . . . a surreal sight in the bright sunny/fog. The channel was beyond sight, where I presume the Goldeneye were, so I could not check for any Barrow's. Don Robinson, Bettendorf --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Saylorville birds From: Danny Akers <birdmandan1231 AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:53:03 -0600 Hi All, I stopped for a bit on the lower end of Saylorville Reservoir after class this morning. I watched the feeders at the Visitor Center for about 30 minutes, hoping for a Common Redpoll, but to no avail. That said, of note was a female Eastern Towhee and a Yellow-rumped Warbler. It was fun to see and hear up to 5 Tufted Titmice too. A few Mallards were below the spillway, as was a single American White Pelican, a Barred Owl, and a pair of Eastern Bluebirds. Danny AkersAnkenyBirdManDan1231 AT hotmail.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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Ottumwa Courier article on Bullock's Oriole From: "Hank Zaletel" <madowl AT midiowa.net> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:33:18 -0500 Go to: http://ottumwacourier.com/local/x1500479579/Rare-oriole-visit-in-odd-Iowa-winter Hank Zaletel Nevada --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: It's beginning to sound a lot like spring...Decatur Co. From: "Zonya Gingrich" <ZGingrich AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:31:18 -0500 This morning, there are flocks of robins hanging out in the trees and lawn behind our house. Had a yellow rumped warbler in our tree just off the deck. More bluebirds. I think the birds think it is spring! Yesterday, I saw what I am quite sure is the rough legged hawk that has been hanging around for a few weeks. Also, saw two other hawks on the gravel road back to our place. One, I think is a Harlan's Redtail, and the other a dark morph redtail. If anyone wants to confirm, check out my photo stream on flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/74024107 AT N02/ The first three pictures are the bird I think is the dark morph and the next three are the Harlan's. The dark morph flew from the tree to the pole. All pictures taken close to 10 am. --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Eurasian Tree Sparrows in Iowa City From: "Julie Englander" <englander.julie AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 10:37:42 -0500 This morning at about 9:30 I saw three Eurasian Tree Sparrows in my yard in 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: looking for birding spots From: David Starrett <starrettda AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 23:46:01 -0600 IA-Birders, I'm looking for advice on some good birding spots. I will be finishing some business in Fayette about noon on Friday and drving down to Iowa City that afternoon. Are there any snow owls tha I could look for roughly between those two locations? I know the locations chnage, hoping something would be seeable. Also, Snow Buntings and WW Crossbills are on my target list. Jim Fuller and Steve Dinsmere have given me some very detailed advice on birding Saturday when I will look for WW Crossbills in Fairmount cemetery and gulls et al along the river down to Keokuk. Would love to find some good birds Friday, particaulry given the nasty weather that may put a crimp on Saturday birindg. Thanks in advance for any advice, suggestions, etc., Dave ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ David Starrett Cape Girardeau, MO ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Johnson Co. redpolls From: "Linda & Robert Scarth" <scarth AT infionline.net> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 22:32:30 -0600 Thanks to Rick Hollis for his advice on the Redpolls at Kent Park. After a "long sit" this afternoon several came in. We just posted a blog entry with one image. We need to go back to get closer. Linda Linda & Robert Scarth 1630 Wildwood Dr. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 319-366-6817 scarth AT infionline.net www.scarthphoto.com blog: www.scarthphoto.com/wp/ --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Cackling Geese From: Danny Akers <birdmandan1231 AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 20:18:34 -0600 Hi All, While tearing around with the dog in the backyard this evening, I was surprised to hear some high pitched honking overhead. I looked up and behold a flock of 45 Cackling Geese was flying to the northwest with a handful of Canada mixed in. Three days of 60 F + temps, House Finches and Northern Cardinals singing, and the Magnolia tree in our front yard is budding out. Here and I thought it was spring until my phone reminded me it's only February 1st. Danny AkersAnkenyBirdManDan1231 AT hotmail.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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: QCA birding: Franklin's Gull From: "Chuck Leib" <cwleib AT aol.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 20:38:45 -0500 Greetings, After stopping to scope some gulls from Ben Butterworth Parkway (Moline, IL) during my lunch break today, I was surprised to see a Franklin's Gull among some Herring and Ring-billed Gulls resting near the middle of the Mississippi channel. Chuck Leib cwleib AT aol.com --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Ankeny Snowy - No From: "Ty Smedes" <ty.smedes AT smedesphoto.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:53:25 -0600 This afternoon I cruised the roads within the triangle between Ankeny, Alleman, and Polk City, but did NOT relocate the Snowy. 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Redpolls and NE day trip From: matt AT naturebymatt.com Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 23:24:35 +0000 Birders, On the return from a successful day trip to see the Common Crane in NE (as well as a sweet fly-by of my arch nemesis, prairie falcon), Shaun Chandler, Megan Cook, and I found 4 Common Redpolls in the Graceland Cemetery in Avoca. There are already several thousand Sandhill Cranes south of Grand Island. Bird on... Matt Sent from my U.S. Cellular BlackBerry� smartphone�y�r���&�쨺�"�b�-����+-�ج�yrj�(�֬��z�&jG���v)�r���ky�&���jب��+��R��b��>��j��zW��*'r���y�F����j׬zW��*'r���z�D�ɚ�X��X��+,��좷�o+ax�0h���h��"���*'1�z�!���j)ZnW��X�y�a��� 0��n*ݲ���*.����j�qb����.����\����&�v�"i��u�#�)^���v)�{azw� Subject: Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines From: "Leland Searles" <searleslr AT msn.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:09:08 -0500 During errands, I stopped at Glendale Cemetery (University and 56th) to see if a Merlin would show itself. This was my third or fourth visit, always at the wrong time of day (evenings are best). I found one in a tree at or near the same spot on the south edge of the Masonic Cemetery section. She sat as I turned a corner and even got out. Finally she flew away. I got photos from the back and from two positions in front. One in-flight photo is quite crisp. On the other side of the cemetery, many crows were gathered (a "murder," as a flock of crows is called). I had windows down and heard a very unusual sound from the crows in the trees. My first thought was, raven? I got photos of the bird, which was noticeably larger than the crows. The sound was not the classic raven croak. At home I checked the whatbird.com site for other vocalizations. The one I heard closely matched the third vocal sound for the Common Raven. I got one decent photo as the bird took flight, showing the tail. It was not wedge-shaped as one would expect, but I could see a lot of wear at the ends of the central tail feathers. So tail shape doesn't rule out a Common Raven in my thinking. My confidence, all factors included, is about 85-90% that it's a Common Raven. Lee Searles 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Farragut Snowy Owl From: Keith Dyche <kadd27 AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 07:26:31 -0600 The Snowy Owl was present yesterday at 5:00 P.M. just west of 370th Ave on 230th St. Keith dyche --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Coralville Rez, Long Eared Owls From: RG/KW <rocky AT avalon.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:25:25 -0600 More by chance than design, I found myself across the river from last week's long eared owls. Was standing on a deer path soaking up sun when here comes a young deer running flat out right at me. Not trusting his intentions, I whacked him with my hiking stick. He swerved around and continued down the trail like I wasn't there. A hundred yards further while standing in one spot I started seeing raptors; a flying male N. Harrier (my second of the day), a beautiful perched GH Owl, a few trees over sits a colorful RL Hawk, a RT Hawk flies over, then a female Kestrel, I hear a Barred Owl, then another GH Owl flies over. Do you think there may be some rodents about? I have a hunch the GH Owls are nesting in that large dead cottonwood V snag on the north river bank. I walked another hundred yards to directly across from last week's flukey sighting. Scoped the area and of course saw nothing. I turned and walked twenty yards into the willow thicket and bam, deja vu with better light. I tried to be a better observer this time. I would guess 10 not 8 in number. Marked the GPS and slowly walked after them. Had some fleeting glances but it was obvious that face time wasn't going to happen. Sat down to listen and heard those very soft pleasant "who who"s. I'm pretty sure I've heard that before. No more contact but some Blue Jays up ahead were agitated. Access is from Amana Road NW. If you're interested in a four mile bushwhack in the mud, here are the coordinates: N41^47.411 W91^47.429. Watch out for crazy deer. --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Lesser Black-backed Gull at Cedar Rapids From: jimforde AT q.com Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:41:57 -0500 (EST) A flock of gulls have returned to Cedar Lake after a month's absence. An adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, 24 Herring Gulls, and 2 Ring-billed Gulls were resting on the eastern portions of the lake this evening. 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: SAC COUNTY SNOWY OWL From: "Chad Lankford" <clanky AT frontiernet.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:17:03 -0500 This morning about 9 am I located a snowy 250 yard SW of Ira and 220th(HWY 20). I don't know if it is the same one as yesterday as I didn't have time to stop and investigate. Chad --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Red-shouldered Hawk in Cedar Rapids From: drbeel AT mchsi.com Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:12:39 +0000 Birders This afternoon I visited my mother, who's older than I am and lives at the Methwick retirement and assisted living facility in NW Cedar Rapids. From her front porch on this April-like day I spotted an adult Red-shouldered Hawk in a stately oak. This is only the 2nd RSHA I have found in Linn County. Bill Scheible Cedar Rapids Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: bird guide in Jamaica From: "Sue Yeakel" <syeakel AT iowatelecom.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:18:04 -0600 Does anyone know a birding group or guide in Jamaica? thanx, Sue --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Common Redpolls Continue in Johnson Co. From: jimforde AT q.com Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:57:32 -0500 (EST) After an hour's wait this morning the Common Redpolls finally showed up at the Conservation Education Center, located at the northeast section of Kent Park. They numbered a dozen or so and covered the small tree and thistle feeder at the front entrance. The Eurasian Tree Sparrow was at the feeders on the backside. 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Co Redpolls, kent p From: Rick Hollis <xiboia AT earthlink.net> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:05:11 -0600 3 of have been watching 15-20 redpolls at the front feeders at the CEC, Kent P, Johnaon Co. They were on and under the feeders and across the parkjng lot behind us as we watched. 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Des Moines birds From: "Denny Thompson" <cndthomps AT acm.org> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:59:52 -0500 I visited Glendale cemetery this morning looking for Crossbills, but no luck. I did have a couple of Red-breasted Nuthatches near the Masonic Cemetery sign. A walk down the Bill Riley trail in Ashworth Park yielded Pileated Woodpecker, Song Sparrow, and Harris's Sparrow. 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Quad Cities Scoters and Gulls From: jimforde AT q.com Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:57:24 -0500 (EST) Today whitecaps on the river made for poor waterfowl scoping but prior to the wind I managed to scope 4 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS along the opposite (Iowa) shore from Butterworth Parkway. Modest concentrations of gulls were found at these locations; L&D 15 (Iowa)--1 Juv. Thayer's Gull (frosty) L&D 14 (Iowa)--1 1W Great Black-backed Gull 2 Bonaparte's Gulls Hampton, Ill.--2 Juv. Thayer's/Iceland Gulls 1 Juv. Thayer's Gull (dark) 1 Adult Thayer's Gull Butterworth Parkway, Ill.--1 Juv. Glaucous Gull 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: SAC COUNTY SNOWY OWL From: "Chad Lankford" <clanky AT frontiernet.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:13:19 -0500 IT WAS LAST VIEWED ON 180TH BETWEEN IRA AND JACKSON ABOUT A QUATER OF A MILE NORTH OF THE ROAD. --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Owls today From: Don Poggensee <donpog AT netllc.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:07:24 -0600 Hi, I had a gentleman from Huron, S.D. down today, in hopes of seeing and photographing our Northern Saw-whet owls in Moorehead Park. We were able to find the same four that we have been seeing the past several months. Moorehead Park is just west of Ida Grove on the north side of Hwy 59 / 175, as you are heading west out of town. A trip to Woodbury County Owego Wetland, found 6 short-eared owls, two N. Harriers, and one N. Shrike this afternoon. The short- eared owls seem to like to come out about one hour before sunset. Don Poggensee Ida Grove, Iowa 51445-8088 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Bluebird checking nestbox - Spring? From: "Larry Dau" <lgdau AT netins.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:56:01 -0600 Bluebirds must think it is spring. Saw my first bluebird in the last couple of months and he was going in and out of nest boxes across the street from my house. Also, had a Rough-legged Hawk in the area. Larry Dau Boone Co --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Redpolls still at Kent Park, Johnson Co. From: "Kyle Belcher" <k-belcher AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:53:24 -0500 4 COMMON REDPOLLS were still at the feeders at the Kent Park Conservation Building, Johnson Co. at 3 PM on Monday. Kyle Belcher, Iowa 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Neal Smith Short-eared owl From: "Kyle Belcher" <k-belcher AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:51:30 -0500 When passing through Des Moines on Saturday, we stopped at Neal Smith NWR, and saw 1 hunting SHORT-EARED OWL at dusk. It was on the east side of Pacific St. before the first stop sign. Very neat! --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Re: Ankeney Snowy brief sighting From: mp410wj AT q.com Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:37:10 -0500 (EST) The story of my life is I HAVE NOT SEEN IT(?) YET!>) I guess the question I have is: "are there more than one in the area"? I know they move around as they hunt but we are talking a 5 mile area here. Just curious... Maridel Jackson Ankeny ----- Original Message ----- From: Sandra Cook To: IA-BIRD Sent: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:12:29 -0500 (EST) Subject: [ia-bird] Ankeney Snowy brief sighting Briefly saw the Ankeney snowy owl around 9:30 this morning off of 110th St. She flew in a residential area and we lost sight of her. Sandra Cook Iowa 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: mp410wj AT q.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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Short-eared Owl--Neal Smith NWR From: Karen_VisteSparkman AT fws.gov Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:14:16 -0600 This morning as I drove in while it was still dark I flushed a SHORT-EARED OWL off the road on 102nd Ave. near the maintenance building--same area I saw them last week. ******************************************** Karen Viste-Sparkman Refuge Biologist Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge PO Box 399 9981 Pacific Street Prairie City, IA 50228 515-994-3400 --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: exciting event From: "Beth Brown" <blbrown1 AT mchsi.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:28:29 -0600 I stepped down the lower steps to make a Barred Owl call to listen for a response from 2 owls I released yesterday. A Cooper's Hawk came swooping in from about 60 feet away and nearly took my head off. It was an exciting few seconds. Guess I was believable...to a Cooper's anyway. The barreds did not respond. Beth Brown, Clarke Co. --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Red-tailed Hawk nest From: "Zenitsky, Gary D [B M S]" <zenitsky AT iastate.edu> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:52:14 +0000 I observed RTHA on nest ~3.5 miles south of I-35/Hwy 30 interchange. It's on west side where I-35 intersects woodland corridor that's ~1 mile south of Skunk River. It's in tree bordering field, and absent of foliage, nest is easily seen even at hwy speeds. Gary Zenitsky Biomedical Sciences 2008 Vet Med Iowa State University Ames, IA 50011 515-294-7473 --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Bald Eagles - Clarke County From: Steve Harvey <saharvey AT lyrixl2s.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:25:53 -0600 There have been 2 bald eagles hanging around the same area SE of Osceola for several days. At 8 AM this morning they were south of Country Club Rd. on 240th Ave. 1 about 1/4 south in a cottonwood on the east side of the road, the other 1/4 further south in a bur oak on the west side. Steve Harvey Rural Clarke County --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Snowy Owl Story County From: "Sue Yeakel" <syeakel AT iowatelecom.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:39:11 -0600 I spotted a Snowy Owl 9:38 Sunday morning after worship on the west side of I-35, about 2 miles north of the E-29 exit. It was a life bird for me, but since I was on my way to work, my view happened at 70mph and I could not stop. I noticed a very white front and beautiful reddish-brown feathers on his back. He was quite obvious sitting on the branch of an evergreen tree. Rejoicing, Sue --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Continuing WW Crossbills and Redpolls in Webster Co. From: "Mark Brown" <markb249 AT excite.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:47:10 -0500 Birders, The White-winged Crossbills and Common Redpolls were seen again this morning at Kennedy Park just north of Fort Dodge. This time they were first seen in the spruce trees right along the park entrance road just before the turn off to the golf course. Later in the morning the flock moved to the spruces just west of the large shelter where there were seen yesterday. Mark Brown 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: White-winged Crossbills and Gulls - Davenport From: "Jason McCurdy" <jasondmccurdy AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:41:26 -0500 James Huntington, Gerald Denning, and I made a trip to Davenport in search of various species that had recently been sighted in the area. Our first stop, Fairmont Cemetery, turned up four White-winged Crossbills and at least seven Pine Siskins. From there we stopped at Lindsay Park hoping to locate the White-winged Scoter or Barrow's Goldeneye but had no luck. We ran into Tommy Stone at L&D 14 were we spotted the 1st winter Great Black-backed Gull, an adult Thayer's Gull, and several Bonaparte's Gulls, Herring Gulls, and Ring-billed Gulls. No go on the Lesser Black-backed Gull, though. All in all, a great day (in spite of the cold and wind). Jason McCurdy 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Davenport From: "rose dooley" <rosecedes AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:15:32 -0500 Went to L&D 14 to look for the G.B.B. gull and Barrows Goldeneye reported in earlier postings. After being there an hour the G.B.B. gull finally showed up. I was able to get some great photos. Pretty much all of the gulls that Jim Forde posted earlier showed up with the exception of the a. Lesser B.B gull and the Iceland gull. Did not locate the Barrows Goldeneye. Here's a list of the other gulls I seen on the duck pond adjacent to the dam: a. Thayers gulls 2 Iceland/Thayers gull 1 1w Lesser B.B gull 1-below the dam Bonaparte gulls 4 Also stopped at Lindsay Park and found a f.Long-tailed Duck and 2 Greater Scaup. Went to Fairmount Cemetary to look for the W.W.Crossbills that were also posted earlier and have been around for quite some time. I was able to find 6 remaining birds. Thank you Iowa City birders for the info. on where to look for the birds! It took me a while to locate them, had to llsten for dropping pine cones under the spruce trees. This was at the lower entrance. Thank you Jim Forde, Walt Z. and Jim Fuller for the updated postings on the Great Black-backed gull. This was a lifer for me. Good Birding, Tommy Stone --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Ankeney Snowy brief sighting From: "Sandra Cook" <rscook AT mediacombb.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:12:29 -0500 Briefly saw the Ankeney snowy owl around 9:30 this morning off of 110th St. She flew in a residential area and we lost sight of her. Sandra Cook Iowa 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Fayette County From: "Corey Jeffrey Lange" <cjlange AT iastate.edu> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:59:10 -0500 A Belted Kingfisher was seen near a trout stream on 118th Street just SE of Little Turkey. --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Crossbills and finches with RB Grosbeaks thrown in! From: "Lee Schoenewe" <lschoe AT smunet.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:58:41 -0600 I missed WW Crossbills in the Riverside Cemetery in Spencer this week but could tell they had been there after the snow a week ago. On Saturday I found a flock estimated at 75 in the cemetery in Hartley. They are one of my favorites! Now all I need to fill out the winter finch list is Purple Finch, but they have been elusive thus far in their normal haunts. Diligent searching in the cedar groves in Waterman township and the Little Sioux valley has not yielded either Townsend's Solitaire or waxwing flocks this year. I did get a second hand report of a pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks coming to a feeder in Emmetsburg monitored by a bird watcher who knows that species. I have asked for a direct report to include with my winter field report. They may make it through this winter! 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: SE Iowa. From: "Dinsmore, Stephen J [NREM]" <cootjr AT iastate.edu> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:24:53 +0000 I made a whirlwind trip to Lee County today to check out Pool 19. The pool is mostly ice-covered with scattered small open areas of water. I tallied 18 waterfowl species including all of the common Iowa diving ducks plus a juvenile Surf Scoter and 4 (3 adult males and 1 juv female) Long-tailed Ducks. I also saw 8 gull species including singles of Franklin's (alt adult), Bonaparte's (basic adult), Lesser Black-backed (adult), and Iceland (juv). I finished with about 65 species, not bad for late January. Steve ********** Stephen J. Dinsmore Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management Iowa State University 339 Science II Ames, IA 50011 Phone: 515-294-1348 E-mail: cootjr AT iastate.edu Web: http://www.public.iastate.edu/~cootjr/ --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Bullock's Oriole Update From: "Chris Edwards" <credwards AT aol.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:24:58 -0600 Chris Caster and I visited Gail Masinda's backyard in Ottumwa today from 11:50 to 12:30. During that time the adult male Bullock's Oriole appeared three times, including one lengthy visit to the feeders. It appears to have only one remaining tail feather. Thanks to Gail for sharing this very beautiful bird with us. There were no gulls at the dam in Ottumwa, but there were seven waterfowl species below the dam including Cackling Goose, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, and Ruddy Duck. Chris Edwards Solon, IA credwards AT aol.com --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Maffitt Reservoir From: JacobTee AT aol.com Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:55:01 -0500 (EST) I made a brief stop at Maffitt Reservoir in SW Des Moines today. There is a small hole of open water that held 11 waterfowl species (plus coots) that included one Tundra Swan, 16 Trumpeter swans, and one Greater Scaup. For the county listers in the area, these birds appeared to all be in Madison Co. Good birding... Jay Gilliam Norwalk, IA _jacobtee AT aol.com_ (mailto:jacobtee AT aol.com) _http://jayspix.smugmug.com/Bird%20Photos/176462_ (http://jayspix.smugmug.com/Bird%20Photos/176462) --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Common Crane twitch anyone? From: Chris West <swallowtailedkite AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:15:25 -0600 Hi everyone, I live in Southwestern WI and am thinking of chasing the Common Crane near Grand Island, NE this week. My route would take me south through Dubuque, IA to I-80 and I-80 west to Grand Island. If you live near/along or are able to join me when I leave on Tues night, and would like to go, please let me know. I can fit 3, maybe 4 others in my car. -- Happy Birding! --Chris W, Madison, WI Interpretive Naturalist Mississippi Explorer Cruises http://mississippiexplorer.com/ http://swallowtailedkite.blogspot.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/swallowtailphoto chris AT mississippiexplorer.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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Eurasian Tree Sparrow From: Linda Rudolph <lgrudolph AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:25:04 -0600 In addition to the Common Redpolls seen at the Conservation office at the front feeders, I saw a Eurasian Tree Sparrow at the back feeders at Kent Park. Linda RudolphCoralville --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: SNOWY OWL SAC COUNTY From: "Chad Lankford" <clanky AT frontiernet.net> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:56:06 -0500 I located the very mature male snowy yesterday just before sunset a mile south of were it was. Tried to find it this morning but no luck. Yesterday I couldn't get within a quarter of a mile of it in the pickup. Unlike the juvys this one wants nothing to do with anybody or thing. Chad --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Sunday morning yard birds From: TFischer2165 AT aol.com Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:54:13 -0500 (EST) While reading the Sunday paper this morning I heard the sound of horns tooting in our backyard. ( with the help of a outdoor bird monitor ) To my surprise five Trumpeter Swans were flying over the backyard. Carolyn Fischer Mason City, Iowa Cerro Gordo County --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Common Redpoll From: Jim Fuller <jnkfuller AT mchsi.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:52:09 -0600 Hi all, There was just one Common Redpoll at my sunflower hearts feeder along with Goldfinches. This is the firstb of the year. 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Linn County couple at Alleman Snowy Owl site From: "chris jones" <cjones AT iasoybeans.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:59:59 -0500 Could you email me your photos? cjones AT iasoybeans.com. Thanks. --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Monona County Snowy Relocated From: "Tucker J. Lutter" <lutter AT wiatel.net> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:01:01 -0500 Hello Birders, The Snowy Owl in Monona County was in the exact same location that Paul Roisen mentioned in a previous email (south of the Whiting Exit on I-29). It sticks out like a sore thumb and is easy to spot, even when driving 70 mph....I got a photo of it which can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/backpackingbirdwatcher/6778076845/in/photostream/ I was on the way back from a successful search for the Common Crane in Nebraska when I saw the owl. For anyone interested, a photo of the crane can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/backpackingbirdwatcher/6778103597/in/photostream Good Birding and God Bless, 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: WW Crossbills and Common Redpolls; Webster Co. From: "Mark Brown" <markb249 AT excite.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:10:11 -0500 Birders, Late this morning there was a flock of about 25 White-winged Crossbills and at least 30 Common Redpolls at John F. Kennedy Park in Webster county. This park is several miles north of Fort Dodge on Hwy P56. The entrance to the park is on the left side of the road. Once you turn in, go just past the golf course entrance (which is south of the park road) and enter the large parking area with a shelter. All the birds were in the spruces just west of this shelter and parking area. Mark Brown 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Re: Ankeny Snowy Owl From: "chris jones" <cjones AT iasoybeans.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:26:50 -0500 Still there as of 230 pm. on a fence post about 200 yard north of 134th. --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Saylorville/Des Moines birding. From: "Dinsmore, Stephen J [NREM]" <cootjr AT iastate.edu> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:25:22 +0000 Lena and I visited a number of locales this morning and tallied 16 species of waterfowl including a Wood Duck and an American Black Duck at the Johnston pits; the pits also held an American White Pelican. Steve ********** Stephen J. Dinsmore Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management Iowa State University 339 Science II Ames, IA 50011 Phone: 515-294-1348 E-mail: cootjr AT iastate.edu Web: http://www.public.iastate.edu/~cootjr/ --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: RE: Barrow's Goldeneye Continues -- Quad Cities From: "Walt Zuurdeeg" <kaisersosa AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:13:29 -0600 The 1W Great Black-backed Gull and 3 Bonaparte's Gulls were at L&D 14 today, on the mostly frozen duck pond. Didn't see the Juvenile Iceland or Lesser Black-backed Gull. Walt Zuurdeeg Davenport > [Original Message] > From: > To: IA-BIRD > Date: 1/26/2012 9:34:36 PM > Subject: [ia-bird] Barrow's Goldeneye Continues -- Quad Cities > > After an extensive search today I finally relocated the male > BARROW'S GOLDENEYE at Pool 14. My last stop was at the Illinois > side of L&D 14 and I was surprised to find the Barrow's there, > among C. Goldeneyes. It was upriver just a hundred yards or so. > > On the Iowa side of L&D 14 a flock of gulls had settled on the > frozen duck pond. The notables (continuing in the area) were: > > 1 1W Great Black-backed Gull > 1 Juv. Iceland Gull > 1 Adult Lesser Black-backed Gull > > Interesting today was a pair of Bonaparte's Gulls at L&D 15 and > later at L&D 14. Did they follow me up river or does each dam > have its own pair? All were in Iowa waters. > > Also, in the evening a surprising number of Tundra Swans (26) > were grouped at the upper end of Butterworth Parkway in Moline. > > 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/PayDues.aspx. > ----- > You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: kaisersosa AT earthlink.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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Ankeny Snowy Owl From: "Lynn Marsh" <wmarsh22 AT msn.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:46:13 -0500 Thanks to Eugene and Eloise Armstrong who spotted the bird, I was able to spend a great morning watching the owl. It spent most of its time sitting on a small drift of snow along an east-west fence line about mid field, but would occasionally fly up to sit on the fence posts too. A male Northern Harrier hawk flew within feet of the owl and a flock of 6-7 swans also flew low right over it but it never reacted to either beyond simply watching them. It was located just north of Ankeny off Irvindale Dr. (also called NW 16th) on NW 134th Ave. Very close to the Alleman towers. From NW 16th street you turn west on 134th Ave. and go approximately 1/4 mile. The bird was in the north facing field among the corn stubble. Tom Lyle was also there taking pictures. Lynn Marsh --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Harris Sparrow From: Suzanne <jsbrown562 AT q.com> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:51:53 -0500 (EST) Another Harris Sparrow joined the Harris Sparrow  that has been coming to our feeders this past week.  Nice to see two of them. -- Have a great day! Suzanne Brown Evansdale/Blackhawk Co.  --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Common Crane - Hall County Nebraska From: Keith Dyche <kadd27 AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:04:51 -0600 Hi, today I added Common Crane to my life list, if anyone wants to chase this bird here is its location. Keith Dyche Shenandoah Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:56:45 -0800 From: kadyche AT yahoo.com Subject: Fw: [NEBirds] Common Crane - Hall County To: kadd27 AT hotmail.com ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: "Jorgensen, Joel" To: "'NEBirds AT yahoogroups.com'" Sent: Friday, January 27, 2012 11:18 AM Subject: [NEBirds] Common Crane - Hall County Good morning: Paul Dunbar phoned me this morning to report he discovered a COMMON CRANE in Hall County with a group of about 2,000 Sandhill Cranes. The location is the west side of Alda Road between Rainforth and Rosedale Roads. An easy way to find this location is to paste the lat/long (40.721014,-98.487239) in Google Maps. Paul remarked he got some photos and video and he can provide follow-up details later, but he wanted to get the word out quickly. Obviously, this bird may be easier to relocate than Common Cranes that show up during peak Sandhill Crane migration and chances are reasonable this bird has been here for a while. Great find, great record!! - Joel Joel Jorgensen | Nongame Bird Program Manager Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2200 N. 33rd St. | Lincoln, NE 68503 joel.jorgensen AT nebraska.gov | 402.471.5440 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] __._,_.___ Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post | Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (1) Recent Activity: New Members 7 New Photos 23 Visit Your Group Switch to: Text-Only, Daily Digest � Unsubscribe � Terms of Use . __,_._,___ --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Monona County Snowy Owl From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:29:45 -0800 (PST) Anna and I were headed to Council Bluff to spend the night prior to boarding the plane to Phoenix then on to Mexico for some time with the Honorable Mr. and Mrs. Bob Cecil and the illustrious Ann Johnson. �As we travelleda I-29 I began thinking about the slowdown in�Snowy Owl�sightings over the last couple of weeks. �My mind wandered (it often does--fortunately someone usually recognizes it and brings it back) to the first Snowy Owl that Anna and I chased in Harrison County back in early 2006. �We took two trips and many miles but never did see. �I began to thing about the odds of finding one this year would be greatly improved. �Then, as if thoughts created reality there was one�at marker #120 on I-29. � The exact location was just south of the Whiting overpass on the east side of I-29. Look just south of some construction signage in place there on the NORTH bound side. �It appears to be of intermediate coloration with some bib to it--guessing it is an immature male but will leave that to the experts when I send them the photos. �We had to drive all the way to Onowa, IA before we could find a place to turn around and head back to verify the sighting. �Jumped out of my car--the wind the immediately blew my pants off--and made my way to find my binos and camera which I had so carefully packed for Mexico. Two things of interest: 1) �In the same field were ~15 Guinea fowl and 3 domesticate Mallards feeding towards the Snowy. �When we left they had approached to within 12-15 yards. �The Snowy Owl appears to have some blood on the face. �Hope it is from eating and not an injury. 2) �The reality of the Snowy was not complete as it was in Monona County and not Harrison. Nice way to add a Monona Co. bird and likely the last decent Iowa bird for awhile. Stay safe, stay warm, find lots and lots of birds. � 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Northern Shrike, Atalissa From: RG/KW <rocky AT avalon.net> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:56:30 -0600 Going east on Muscatine County X46 along Pike Run, saw a dirty brown shrike. I guess that makes him a Northern, a lifer for me. Also one very unhappy looking GB Heron standing in a little hole in the ice. --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Iowa RBA: 1-27-12 From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:05:51 -0600 Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, January 21, through Friday, January 27, 2012: -RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required) CASUAL: *GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL* *ICELAND GULL* -Additional Species Mentioned Tundra Swan (Central) White-winged Scoter Gray Partridge Thayers Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Bonapartes Gull Snowy Owl Short-eared Owl Northern Mockingbird Spotted Towhee Red Crossbill White-winged Crossbill Common Redpoll ***NEW!**************** For more up to date information on rarities in the state of Iowa, visit the Iowa Birds and Birding website at www.iowabirds.org. A list of rare birds is placed on the home page with the location of the rarity and most recent date of observation. This is updated several times per day. This is a handy tool for anyone making a birding trip or otherwise into the state of Iowa. ************************ Species in ALL CAPS can be classified into three categories in the state of Iowa: 1) UNRECORDED, ACCIDENTAL or Casual; 2) A RARE but regular species; or 3) record early or late date or unusual for time of year. Any species with three asterisks (***species***) would represent a first record for Iowa (UNRECORDED) and should be observed and documented very carefully. Species with two asterisks (**species**) are species that are either ACCIDENTAL, CASUAL, or a rare regular species, and should also be documented. Species with one asterisk (*species) should have some details of the observation provided. *NORTH CENTRAL:* * * HAMILTON COUNTY: 3 TUNDRA SWANS were seen at Beemers Pond on the 22nd. * * * * *EAST*: LINN COUNTY: A SNOWY OWL was seen at the intersection of 18th St and Walford on the 21st. This is near the eastern Iowa airport. SCOTT COUNTY: 2 RED CROSSBILLS and multiple flocks of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were seen at Fairmount Cemetery on the 21st. These birds were last seen on the 24th. CROSSBILLS were last seen on the 26th. A WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was seen from Lindsay Park on the 21st. A THAYERS GULL and a BONAPARTES GULL were seen at Lock and Dam 15 on the 23 rd. The BONAPARTES GULL was joined by a 2nd, and was last seen on the 26th. A BONAPARTES GULL was seen at the warm outflow at Concord and Wapello Streets on the 23rd. It was last seen on the 24th. Highlights from Lock and Dam 14 included a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL, an ICELAND GULL, and a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. MUSCATINE COUNTY: A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was seen at the intersection of F Avenue and Ripley St. south of Muscatine and east of Fruitland near the Louisa Generating Station on the 24th. JOHNSON COUNTY: A SNOWY OWL continues to be seen near the courthouse as recently as the 24th . *NORTHEAST:* * * WINNESHIEK COUNTY: A SPOTTED TOWHEE was seen north of Cardinal Marsh on the 20th. 30 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were seen on the west side of the NICC campus on the 23rd. * * *CENTRAL:*** * * *STORY COUNTY:* *3 GRAY PARTRIDGE were seen on Co Rd E29 just a mile North of Fernald on the 21st.* * * *A SNOWY OWL was seen about 150 yards west of 580th ave. 1.5 miles north of 13th street on the 22nd.* * * *POLK COUNTY:* *A SNOWY OWL was seen sitting on a ridge east of NW 26th Street, and 7-tenths of a mile north of the intersection of NW 26th Street and NW 110th Avenue on the 21st. This bird was last seen on the 26th.* * * *2 COMMON REDPOLLS and 2 TUNDRA SWANS were seen at the Johnston Pits on the 21st.* * * *A SNOWY OWL was seen along Interstate 35 near mile marker 100 on the 24th.* * * *BOONE COUNTY:* *A SNOWY OWL was seen 1/2 mile east of V Avenue on 280th St on the 21st.* * * *JASPER COUNTY:* *4 SHORT-EARED OWLS were seen at Neal Smith NWR on the 24th.* * * * * * * * * *SOUTHWEST:* * * *FREMONT COUNTY:* *A SNOWY OWL was seen at Forney Lake on the 25th.* * * *A SHORT-EARED OWL was seen on a power pole west of I-29 on 192nd Ave on the 25th.* * * *A SNOWY OWL continues to be seen on 230th Street near Farragut as recently as the 23rd.* * * * * * * * * *WEST:* * * *CARROLL COUNTY:* *2 COMMON REDPOLLS were seen at Swan Lake SP on the 21st. One was relocated on the 24th.* * * * * * * * * *NORTHWEST:* * * *KOSSUTH COUNTY:* *21 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were seen at Riverview Cemetery in Algona on the 21st. * * * *Approximately 30 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were seen in Algona on the 27th.* * * *DICKINSON COUNTY:* *7 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were seen in a cemetery in the southeast part of the county on the 21st.* * * *A SNOWY OWL was seen just east of the junction of 240th Street and 240th Avenue southeast of Milford on the 22nd.* * * *SIOUX COUNTY:* *10 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were seen in a fairly large stand of spruce and fir trees on the south side of the Dordt College campus on the 26th.* * * *SAC COUNTY:* *A SNOWY OWL was seen 3/4 of a mile west of highway 71 and D15 on the 26th.* * * * * * * * * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, February 3, 2012 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Cemetery Road Birds- Johnson Co. From: "Ben West" <benjwest AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:19:22 -0500 I yesterday and today I was out looking for the Long-eared Owls at the Coralville Reservoir with no luck. Yesterday I did find 2-3 rough-legged just north of Cemetery Road among bald eagles and red-tails. Today there was a pair of Northern Harriers in the fields and a Fox Sparrow in the woods by the reservoir. -- Ben West --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Another good raptor day! From: <dharr AT netins.net> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:26:29 -0600 I made a quick trip from Ogden to Belle Plaine today, to pick up the Iowa Ornithologists Union traveling display from Karen Disbrow. We also birded for a couple of hours between Belle Plaine and Marengo and got a good raptor list. I added several more to that on the return trip. Here are the day’s totals: Bald Eagle ~21 Red-tailed Hawk 32 Rough-legged Hawk 4 Northern Harrier 1 American Kestrel 6 DOUG HARR Ogden PS—If you are in the Des Moines Area Saturday, take in the Iowa Prairie Network’s annual winter meeting at DMACC’s Ankeny Campus. Stop and visit the Iowa Audubon and the Iowa Ornithologists Union displays in the DMACC Conference Center. 11 AM to 5 PM. --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Re: Urbandale Titmouse From: "Chad Lankford" <clanky AT frontiernet.net> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:10:54 -0500 The last to years here in Sac City I have had a Titmouse around but not this year. Instead I have a Merlin patrolling the feeders. Last year I had a Sharp-shinned Hawk patrolling the feeders. Started the year with four first year Harris sparrows but now down to two. I guess the Merlin has to eat. Chad --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: SNOWY OWL SAC COUNTY From: "Chad Lankford" <clanky AT frontiernet.net> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:58:50 -0500 Yesterday at 10am I found a very white snowy owl. It was a very nice looking male. It was 3/4 of a mile west of highway 71 and D15, south side of the road. I tried to find it after work with no luck. Chad --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: WW Crossbills still around From: mkenne <mkenne AT netamumail.com> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:35:22 -0600 While home for lunch and shoveling, I heard and then spotted a flock of WW Crossbills in a neighbors' spruce. When the flock took off, it was in the 24-30 count range. Maybe the same birds as last week, but I haven't seen them since last Fri. Matthew Kenne Algona, Iowa mkenne AT netamumail.com --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Correction of NSF-ISU request for volunteers interview study link-- From: "Thomas Andre" <tandre AT iastate.edu> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:05:39 -0500 Request for volunteers. Corrected survey link. Recently you received the message below requesting volunteer for an NSF sponsored study of birdwatching hobbyists. Due to a quirk in ISU�s email program, the wrong URL was attached to the link. I apologize for the error and any confusion it caused. The correct link is http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LGWKW7M If you would like to participate in the study, please click on the link above to indicate your willingness to do so. If for some reason, you still encounter a problem, you can copy the link directly to your Internet browser. Again, I apologize for the inconvenience. Thomas Andre Iowa State University Original Message WANTED: IOWA BIRDERS PLEASE CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING TO PARTICIPATE IN A STUDY OF BIRDWATCHING HOBBYISTS. We are seeking participants for an NSF supported study of individuals with science related hobbies. Science related hobbies like birding are an important form of informal science education and contribute to overall science literacy. The study is intended to learn about how and why people involve themselves in such hobbies. Participation is voluntary, and any information shared will be recorded anonymously. No names will be associated with interviews. To Volunteer If you are interested in volunteering, please go to this website http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LGWKW7M You will receive a more complete description of the study and will be asked to provide your contact information (name, address, phone and email). A researcher from the study will contact you and schedule a mutually convenient time for an interview. We anticipate that an interview will take 30-45 minutes. Only about 30 people in Iowa will be selected. Compensation Individuals participating in interviews will receive a $10 gift card (Target) as a thank you for contributing to this research. --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Des Moines Waterworks Park today From: John Bissell <John.N.Bissell AT EMCIns.com> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:02:48 -0600 Birders, I went to Waterworks Park over lunch today. The large pond is over 90% frozen solid, but a small hole in the ice contained 6 Mallards, 4 Hooded Mergansers, a Common Merganser, and a Ruddy Duck. Also observed in the vicinity of the waterfowl was a Pileated Woodpecker. At the crabapple trees near the Fleur Dr entrance to the park, I saw about 25 Cedar Waxwings, 20 American Robins, and a Merlin. Good birding, John Bissell Grimes -- *John Bissell AIC *| Subrogation Supervisor *EMC Insurance Companies *717 Mulberry St | Des Moines, IA 50309 P.O. Box 712 | Des Moines, IA 50306 Tel: 515.345.7554 | 800.247.4445 x7554 Fax: 866.504.6467 John.N.Bissell AT emcins.com | www.emcins.com Count On EMC NOTICE: This message (including any attachments) is intended for a specific individual and may contain information that is either confidential or legally protected. If you believe that it has been sent to you in error, please reply to the sender that you have received the message in error, then delete it. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any retention, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Thank you. EMC071856 --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Ankeny Snowy From: "Zonya Gingrich" <ZGingrich AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:07:43 -0500 Yesterday I was able to see the same Snowy mentioned by Ty Smedes. I don't know if we would have found it if he had not been parked watching it! Since we had driven from Leon, and spent 3-4 hours looking I was delighted to find it. I posted two pictures to flickr, quite distant, but they might be of help to someone who is trying to locate this bird. It was sitting pretty far out in a field, first at the base of the white post in the picture, and then flew to the top of the post, where it remained until we finally left. http://www.flickr.com/photos/74024107 AT N02/ --- 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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net Subject: Bullock's Oriole in Ottumwa, Wapello Co. From: Danny Akers <birdmandan1231 AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:15:01 -0600 Hi All, After following up on an eBird submission and communicating with the observer, Gail Masinda, I can safely pass along that there is an adult male BULLOCK'S ORIOLE frequenting her residence in Ottumwa, Wapello Co. It has been present since mid- December and has been seen most days, most consistently in the afternoon. Those interested in viewing the bird can contact Gail at gail.masinda AT yahoo.com She does request a couple of things: One, that no visits be made on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Two, to please contact her via email and include in the email how you were made aware of the sighting. She will provide directions to her residence and information on parking and how to view the bird. Thanks everyone and best of luck! Danny AkersAnkenyBirdManDan1231 AT hotmail.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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.net