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6 Nov Clear Lake-Cerro Gordo County- WWScoter [] 6 Nov Iowa RBA: 11-6-09 [John and Anna Bissell ] 6 Nov FW: Tenn. Warb. Dav. - ID help ["Walt Zuurdeeg" ] 6 Nov Eurasian Tree Sparrow at Princeton WMA ["Walt Zuurdeeg" ] 6 Nov BBAS Field Trip to Bjorkboda Marsh ["Larry Dau" ] 5 Nov Herring and Bonaparte's Gulls [Tim Franklin ] 5 Nov Monk Parakeet No Nov 4th, 5th [James Scheib ] 5 Nov Dark morph Red-tailed Hawk ["Don Brown" ] 5 Nov bald eagle ["robert thorbrogger" ] 5 Nov Re: Pine Siskin returns ["Les,Angie & Tucker Lutter" ] 05 Nov Pine Siskin returns [Matt Kenne ] 4 Nov Re: Squaw Creek NWR in Missouri ["Clem Klaphake" ] 4 Nov Dallas and Guthrie 11-4-2009 [Paul Roisen ] 04 Nov Des Moines Merlin [] 4 Nov Cattle Egret in Johnston ["Denny Thompson" ] 4 Nov Re: Squaw Creek NWR in Missouri ["Carolyn Sonderman" ] 4 Nov Re: Monk Parakeet Nov 3 IC [Rick Hollis ] 4 Nov Re: Monk Parakeet photo ["Gerald White" ] 4 Nov Re: Monk Parakeet Nov 3 IC [Diana Horton ] 4 Nov Re: sharpshinned hawk [Kevin Healy ] 4 Nov sharpshinned hawk [Sue Thelen ] 3 Nov American Tree Sparrows in Fairfield [Tim Franklin ] 3 Nov Tucker Fund [Paul Roisen ] 03 Nov Saylorville Today [Reid & Pam Allen ] 3 Nov Madison Co. and Dallas [Paul Roisen ] 3 Nov Monk Parakeet photo [James Scheib ] 3 Nov Monk Parakeet Nov 3 IC [James Scheib ] 3 Nov bufflehead ["robert thorbrogger" ] 3 Nov IOU Photo Contest 2010 ["tom.lawson" ] 2 Nov Common Tern--Lake Red Rock [Paul Roisen ] 2 Nov Lake Red Rock [Paul Roisen ] 02 Nov Northern Shrike [Reid & Pam Allen ] 2 Nov Iowa City Monk Parakeet [James Scheib ] 2 Nov Fw: Gull ID help requested - Cedar Lake November 1 ["Bill Scheible" ] 2 Nov Northern Goshawk @ Hitchcock 11/2 ["Tucker J. Lutter" ] 2 Nov Banded HY Northern Goshawk at Hitchcock [] 2 Nov Backyard - Roland ["Curtiss P. Fisher" ] 2 Nov Hitchcock Nature Center Hawkwatch Brief Intro [] 2 Nov Duck Migration Map ["Matthew Torres" ] 1 Nov Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo county [Cory Gregory ] 1 Nov 11/2 HNCH [] 1 Nov Gull ID help requested - Cedar Lake November 1 ["Bill Tollefson" ] 1 Nov Second breeding season for five migratory songbirds ["Karen Viste-Sparkman" ] 1 Nov Squaw Creek NWR in Missouri ["Stan Buman" ] 1 Nov HNCH 10/31-11/1 [] 1 Nov Ada-Hayden This evening ["Jacob Newton" ] 1 Nov Long-tailed Duck ["Lee Schoenewe" ] 1 Nov Crane fly-over ["Bruce and Georgeann Morrison" ] 1 Nov Nashville Warbler ["Nick Osness" ] 1 Nov Saylorville Loons this morning [Bery Engebretsen ] 1 Nov New Arrivals-Cedar Rapids ["Bob Stearns" ] 31 Oct Northern Saw Whet Owl [Don Poggensee ] 31 Oct Saylorville this morning [John and Anna Bissell ] 31 Oct canvasbacks, ruddy ducks ["robert thorbrogger" ] 31 Oct Scoters and more. ["Stephen J. Dinsmore" ] 31 Oct Saylorville [Aaron Brees ] 31 Oct Rusty Blackbirds ["tom.lawson" ] 30 Oct Tenn. Warb. Dav. ["Walt Zuurdeeg" ] 30 Oct third latest ["Les,Angie & Tucker Lutter" ] 30 Oct Iowa RBA: 10-30-09 [John and Anna Bissell ] 30 Oct Fwd: Tucker Lutter Car Accident [Don Poggensee ] 30 Oct Story County birds [] 29 Oct Rose Breasted Grosbeak ["Dick Bierman" ] 29 Oct here and there Tuesday, Oct 27 [Tim Franklin ] 28 Oct North Iowa Birds-Smith's, Shrike ["Rita Goranson" ] 28 Oct spotted towhee [Carol Berrier ] 28 Oct Forster's Terns [Danny Akers ] 28 Oct Western Grebe continues at Pleasant Creek 10/27 ["Bill Tollefson" ] 27 Oct Florida Scrub Jay ["james durbin" ] 26 Oct RE: CBC's ["Ann Johnson" ] 26 Oct Woodbury Co 10-26-09 [Paul Roisen ] 26 Oct CBC's ["Bill Scheible" ] 26 Oct Lessser Black-backed Gull [Karole Fuller ] 26 Oct Re: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher & 104 Smith's Longspurs [douglas chapman ] 26 Oct Saylorville. ["Stephen J. Dinsmore" ] 26 Oct Western Grebe-Pleasant Creek ["jmforde" ] Subject: Clear Lake-Cerro Gordo County- WWScoter From: TFischer2165 AT aol.com Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 23:14:24 EST Birders The White-winged Scoter that was found by Cory Gregory & Ashley Casey, on Clear Lake, 11-1-09, was relocated today. The scoter was visible from the beach area of Clear Lake State Park. Carolyn Fischer Mason City Cerro Gordo County --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Iowa RBA: 11-6-09 From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 21:09:37 -0600 Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, October 31, through Friday, November 6, 2009: -RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required) NONE -Additional Species Mentioned Rosss Goose Long-tailed Duck Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Eared Grebe Western Grebe Cattle Egret Northern Goshawk Golden Eagle Sandhill Crane American Avocet Lesser Black-backed Gull COMMON TERN (Record late) Tennessee Warbler (2nd latest) SPOTTED TOWHEE SMITHS LONGSPUR Brewers Blackbird ***NEW!**************** For more up to date information on rarities in the state of Iowa, visit the Iowa Birds and Birding website at www.iowabirds.org. A list of rare birds is placed on the home page with the location of the rarity and most recent date of observation. This is updated several times per day. This is a handy tool for anyone making a birding trip or otherwise into the state of Iowa. ************************ Species in ALL CAPS can be classified into three categories in the state of Iowa: 1) UNRECORDED, ACCIDENTAL or Casual; 2) A RARE but regular species; or 3) record early or late date or unusual for time of year. Any species with three asterisks (***species***) would represent a first record for Iowa (UNRECORDED) and should be observed and documented very carefully. Species with two asterisks (**species**) are species that are either ACCIDENTAL, CASUAL, or a rare regular species, and should also be documented. Species with one asterisk (*species) should have some details of the observation provided. NORTH CENTRAL: CERRO GORDO COUNTY: Highlights from Clear Lake on the 1st included a WESTERN/CLARKS GREBE, and a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER. EAST: SCOTT COUNTY: A late adult female TENNESSEE WARBLER was seen at Lindsay Park on the 30th. A 3W LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen at Cedar Lake on the 1st. SOUTH CENTRAL: MARION COUNTY: Highlights from Red Rock on the 31st included a record late COMMON TERN, 1 SURF SCOTER, 3 BLACK SCOTERS, and a WESTERN GREBE. 2 BLACK SCOTERS were seen again on the 2nd. CENTRAL: POLK COUNTY: 4 AMERICAN AVOCETS were seen on Cherry Glen on the 31st. 2 SURF SCOTERS were seen off the dam at Saylorville on the 31st. A SPOTTED TOWHEE continues to be seen in a hedgerow near Oak Grove on the 31st. Highlights from Saylorville on the 2nd included a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, a WESTERN GREBE, and 7 SMITHS LONGSPURS at Cherry Glen. A CATTLE EGRET was seen on the shoulder of Lower Beaver Dr south of 62nd Ave in Johnston on the 4th. DALLAS COUNTY: 4 BREWERS BLACKBIRDS were seen in a pasture on 250th St on the 4th. WEST: POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY: Highlights from the Hitchcock Hawkwatch on the 31st included an immature NORTHERN GOSHAWK, a GOLDEN EAGLE, and 2 ROSSS GEESE. A juvenile NORTHERN GOSHAWK was seen at the Hitchcock Hawkwatch on the 2nd. NORTHWEST: O’BRIEN COUNTY: 7 SANDHILL CRANES were seen flying over an acreage on the 1st. DICKINSON COUNTY: 4 EARED GREBES were seen on Spirit Lake on the 31st. 1 EARED GREBE was seen along the south shore of West Lake Okoboji on the 31st. A female/immature LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen at Trumbull Lake on the 1st. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, November 13, 2009 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted. John Bissell Grimes, Iowa john.annabissell AT gmail.com 515-986-9796 --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: FW: Tenn. Warb. Dav. - ID help From: "Walt Zuurdeeg" <kaisersosa AT earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 14:44:28 -0600 Last week I sent the post below. After talking to a couple of people about the identification, I'd like to get some other opinions on the bird. The first field mark I noticed was the white crescent, which was bright white and relatively wide. Other field marks: the back and rump were bright green, the wings mostly gray, the crown gray, the belly and chest white with a light yellow wash on part of the chest, a dark eye stripe, white supercilium, dark eyes, dark legs, and a thin pointed bill. I got as close as 4-5 feet. I thought it was unusual that I was able to get that close but it appeared to fly normally. The bird I saw did not match exactly any of the plumages shown for Orange-crowned or Tennessee in Sibley’s, National Geographic 5th edition, Peterson warbler guide or Warblers of the Americas by Curson et al. The white crescent appeared about twice as wide as any depicted in the field guides for Tennessee or Orange-crowned. Could it be another species? I looked at other similar warblers and vireos and didn't think it was anything else. Just based on time of year it would most likely be an Orange-crowned. It most closely resembled a breeding adult male Tennessee in all four field guides but obviously it can't be a breeding plumage. The small area of light yellow wash on the chest I saw most closely matched the Tennessee first fall (a) in the Peterson warbler guide, although it was smaller in area, and the Tennessee breeding female in the National Geographic guide. Could the bird I saw be in between plumages? Any thoughts/help would be appreciated. Walt Zuurdeeg ----- Original Message ----- From: Walt Zuurdeeg To: Bernadene Bowles;Bill LaFrenz;Bob Johanssen;Brent Langley;Brian Blevins;Carol Rogers;Cathleen Monson;Cathy Konrad;Dick Sayles;Iowa List Serve;Janelle Swanberg;Jason Monson;Jim Salsbury;JoAnn Whitmore;Karen Rotschafer;Lewis Marx;Marilyn Davis;Mary Lou Petersen;Pat Carlson;Tim Murphy Sent: 10/30/2009 5:11:06 PM Subject: Tenn. Warb. Dav. I found a Tennessee Warbler, an adult female I think, at Lindsay Park in Davenport this afternoon. It was browsing the scrubby weeds on the edge of Mississippi River levee wall next to Lindsay Park Yacht Club. Walt Zuurdeeg Davenport Scott County --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Eurasian Tree Sparrow at Princeton WMA From: "Walt Zuurdeeg" <kaisersosa AT earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 13:36:05 -0600 Dick Sayles and I birded Princeton WMA/Marsh in Scott County this morning. I saw an Eurasian Tree Sparrow. It was perched in the opening of a wood duck box. Not much else there. A gazillion coots and some duck hunters. Funny how the coots weren't bothered by the hunters. As a former hunter told me, the coots must know they taste bad. Walt Zuurdeeg Davenport Scott County --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: BBAS Field Trip to Bjorkboda Marsh From: "Larry Dau" <lgdau AT netins.net> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 07:15:26 -0600 Big Bluestem Audubon of Ames is sponsoring the following field trip tomorrow: November 7, 2009 Hamilton County = Bjorkboda Marsh, Bell's Mill Park and Gordon's Marsh (Hamilton County). All field trips are free and open to the public. They are fun and a great learning experience for both beginning and experienced birders. Field trip departs at 8:00 a.m. from the public parking lot west of (behind) the Ames Wild Birds Unlimited, located south of the railroad tracks at 213 Duff Ave. Please arrive before the departure time to arrange carpooling. Contact Jeff Nichols for more information at 515- 95-4176 or ozarksbirder AT hotmail.com. Posted by Larry Dau President Big Bluestem Audubon --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Herring and Bonaparte's Gulls From: Tim Franklin <tbird.franklin AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 21:27:27 -0600 From Scales Point on Coralville Lake we saw 45 Ring-billed, 2 Bonaparte's and one 1st winter Herring Gulll. Got pretty excited about the Herring for a minute because it was so big compared to the Ring-billeds--thought we had a great blacked-backed, but decided no way it was 30 inches and the bill was lighter towards the base. We are just breaking into the gulls. At Pleasant Creek Lake we saw 50 Bonaparte's Gulls, a imm Bald Eagle and an imm Cooper's Hawk. Saw lot's of gulls on Cedar Lake from the interstate but were late and couldn't stop. -- Tim Fairfield --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Monk Parakeet No Nov 4th, 5th From: James Scheib <jim AT tenlongview.net> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 16:01:01 -0600 The Monk Parakeet in Iowa City seen on the 2nd and 3rd was not found yesterday or today. -- James Scheib 10 Longview Knoll NE Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 337-5206 www.tenlongview.net www.riverheights.net www.icbirds.org --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Dark morph Red-tailed Hawk From: "Don Brown" <donbrown34 AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:41:16 -0600 Early this afternoon an adult dark morph Red-tailed Hawk was on the power lines north of West Des Moines' Grand Avenue about a half mile west of I-35. This is the same area in which I saw a similar bird a year ago. Don Brown --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: bald eagle From: "robert thorbrogger" <rwt51360 AT mchsi.com> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 13:24:17 -0500 mature eagle, Lyon County, Hwy 75 at Rock River --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Re: Pine Siskin returns From: "Les,Angie & Tucker Lutter" <lutter AT netins.net> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 08:00:13 -0600 I forgot to add that there were some flyover siskins at Hitchcock back on November 2nd. Tucker L. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Kenne"Subject: Pine Siskin returns From: Matt Kenne <mkenne AT netamumail.com> Date: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:34:11 -0600 After a five month absence, I saw my first Pine Siskin of the season this morning in the yard. Matthew Kenne Algona, Iowa mkenne AT netamumail.com --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Re: Squaw Creek NWR in Missouri From: "Clem Klaphake" <ckavian AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 21:03:59 -0600 Carolyn,
The Audubon Society of Omaha is making trip down to Squaw Creek this Saturday
(7th). Elliott Bedows is leading the group. He is leaving from Southraods
parking lot at 6:30am for car poolers.
Clem Klaphake
Bellevue, NE
----- Original Message -----
From: Carolyn Sonderman
To: IA-BIRD
Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 1:07 PM
Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Squaw Creek NWR in Missouri
I take some my grandchildren to Squaw Creek around Thanksgiving time most
years and the thousands of waterfowl and the numbers of eagles present is
always a great natural spectacle. Our bird club in Omaha usually makes a trip
around that time also. It is a great place for birdwatching at this time of
year. I have not really visited it that much in other seasons.
Carolyn Sonderman
Omaha, NE
----- Original Message -----
From: Stan Buman
To: IA-BIRD
Sent: Sunday, November 01, 2009 6:06 PM
Subject: [ia-bird] Squaw Creek NWR in Missouri
Ok, so this post is not about Iowa but I thought this might interest the
group. I spent all day Saturday at Squaw Creek by Mound City, MO . For about 1
˝ hours prior to sunset, long ribbons of Blackbirds filled the skies. Numbers
had to be in the 10s of thousands. I don't think I have seen that many
blackbirds if my lifetime.
I also watched and listened to a Carolina Wren singing its heart out.
Stan Buman
Fenceline Photos
543 Parkview Drive
Carroll, IA 51401
712-792-6248
stan AT fencelinephotos.com
www.fencelinephotos.com
---
Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members
make it!
---
Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use:
Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0
---
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available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp.
-----
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---
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
---
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available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp.
-----
You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: ckavian AT cox.net
---
Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members
make it!
---
Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use:
Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0
---
This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership
available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp.
-----
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Subject: Dallas and Guthrie 11-4-2009From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:27:15 -0800 (PST) Wife and I wandered through portions of Dallas and Guthrie on our way home to Sioux City from West Des Moines. The following were of interest to me. Dallas Co. Swamp Sparrow 1 (Brenton Arbor) Brewer's Blackbird 4 (~ 25924 250th) hanging out with the cows. Purple Finch 2 f. Minburn burn site in behind the sewage lagoons)Guthrie Co. Tufted Titmouse 1 (Lake Panorama) Red-headed Woodpecker 5 (4 adult 1 juv.) Springbrook State Park. The adults seem to be "squirreling" food in tree cavities. Possibly planning to overwinter? Belted Kingfishers 9 at 7 different locations. Waterfowl continue to be absolutely absent. Sum total of all waterfowl on all the bodies of water we checked today: Canada Goose 44 American Coot 7 NOT even one Pied-billed Grebe. God Bless, Paul Roisenr> Sioux City, IA Woodbury County 712-276-0371(H) 712-301-2817(C) --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Des Moines Merlin From: wewarb AT aol.com Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:36:26 -0500 At 5:00 PM tonight there was a single Merlin in the west-central part of Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines. It was backlit so I didn’t get any details and had taken off when I moved for another angle. The main entrance to Glendale Cemetery is off University Ave just west of 48th St. Bob Cecil DesMoines --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Cattle Egret in Johnston From: "Denny Thompson" <cndthomps AT acm.org> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:18:00 -0500 A cattle egret was standing on the shoulder of Lower Beaver Drive south of 62nd Avenue at 4:45. Just seemed to be watching the commuters heading home. Denny Thompson Johnston --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Re: Squaw Creek NWR in Missouri From: "Carolyn Sonderman" <sonderbird AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 13:07:51 -0600 I take some my grandchildren to Squaw Creek around Thanksgiving time most years and the thousands of waterfowl and the numbers of eagles present is always a great natural spectacle. Our bird club in Omaha usually makes a trip around that time also. It is a great place for birdwatching at this time of year. I have not really visited it that much in other seasons. Carolyn Sonderman Omaha, NE ----- Original Message ----- From: Stan Buman To: IA-BIRD Sent: Sunday, November 01, 2009 6:06 PM Subject: [ia-bird] Squaw Creek NWR in Missouri Ok, so this post is not about Iowa but I thought this might interest the group. I spent all day Saturday at Squaw Creek by Mound City, MO . For about 1 ˝ hours prior to sunset, long ribbons of Blackbirds filled the skies. Numbers had to be in the 10s of thousands. I don't think I have seen that many blackbirds if my lifetime. I also watched and listened to a Carolina Wren singing its heart out. Stan Buman Fenceline Photos 543 Parkview Drive Carroll, IA 51401 712-792-6248 stan AT fencelinephotos.com www.fencelinephotos.com --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: sonderbird AT cox.net --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Re: Monk Parakeet Nov 3 IC From: Rick Hollis <xiboia AT earthlink.net> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 11:17:15 -0500 (EST) I will answer Diane’s questions and pose one of my own. > Presuming that this bird either escaped or was released The answer here is Not Necessarily. There are numerous colonies of this species throughout North America >Surely there is little possibility that it can survive the winter. Again the answer is Not Necessarily. The most famous NA colony is in Chicago [See Gerry's message]. This is a hardy species that regularly gets pretty far south in South America. But, as to whether an individual could survive is a different question. This is the only Psittid that is not a cavity nester. It is a colonial species and builds large stick nests. And as to the origin of this bird, I wish some parrot raises would study some of the pictures. The right toe looks short and deformed. Granted, this could be the results of frostbite in a previous winter [in happens to Mourning Doves]. But captive Psittids are well known to chew on their toes. My wife’s family had a Budgie that had so badly chewed its toes down that it could not stay on its perch, once the lights went out and it fell asleep. Whenever Janet would hear the thump in cage, she would go out and prop poor Petey up in the corner of the cage. Hopefully Pessimistic or Pessimistically Hopeful, Rick Hollis North Liberty, IA --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Re: Monk Parakeet photo From: "Gerald White" <gdwhite AT machlink.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 08:41:28 -0600 I wonder if this bird has talked to anyone yet? :-) The following link may be of interest http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/life_sciences/039_chicago_parakeet_project_039_seeks_tracking_140184.html Gerald White ----- Original Message ----- From: "James Scheib"Subject: Re: Monk Parakeet Nov 3 IC From: Diana Horton <diana-horton AT uiowa.edu> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 08:37:16 -0600 I have to ask. Presuming that this bird either escaped or was released from captivity, could it not be captured? Surely there is little possibility that it can survive the winter. Diana Horton At 04:02 PM 11/3/2009, James Scheib wrote: >The Monk Parakeet first reported Nov 2 by Debby Goldstein & Marty >Surface at their platform feeders in their back yard at Abbey Lane >2319, I.C., between Mormon Trek and Kiwanis Park in Iowa City >appeared several times again today, Nov 3, beginning at 10 Am, again >at 11:45, and at 2:45. At around 2:00 it was photographed sleeping >in a tree along Mormon Trek by the creek just south of Abbey Lane. >At times after its 11:45 feeding it was seen in the trees and bushes >SW of the back yard of 2319 Abbey Lane along the creek to which it >came to drink. > >Debby says birders are welcome to look for the parakeet from the back >yard. It has used both platform feeders on the deck and it was quite >tolerant of me as I stood directly below it as it was snoozing in the >tree along Mormon Trek. >-- >James Scheib >10 Longview Knoll NE >Iowa City, IA 52240 >(319) 337-5206 > >www.tenlongview.net >www.riverheights.net >www.icbirds.org > >--- >Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as >members make it! >--- >Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: >Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 >--- >This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' >Union. Membership available on-line at >http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. >----- >You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: diana-horton AT uiowa.edu --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Re: sharpshinned hawk From: Kevin Healy <kevin.j.healy AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 05:24:15 -0600 Hawks=Yankees Go Phillies On Wed, Nov 4, 2009 at 4:11 AM, Sue ThelenSubject: sharpshinned hawk From: Sue Thelen <msthelen2000 AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 04:11:18 -0600 Hawks-1 House finch -0 Marty Thelen --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: American Tree Sparrows in Fairfield From: Tim Franklin <tbird.franklin AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 23:54:34 -0600 Several north of the FF Loop north of FF The sparrow field in that area had emptied out except for the AT Sparrow and a few Fox and White-throateds. Wore gaiters for the first time today and not one sticker on my socks! -- Tim Fairfield --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Tucker Fund From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 19:15:14 -0800 (PST) One of our great members informed my that you can deduct any contribution made out to Loess Hills Audubon for the Tucker Fund. Sorry I did not think about that earlier. Paul Roisen Sioux City, IA --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Saylorville Today From: Reid & Pam Allen <2birders AT hickorytech.net> Date: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:51:48 -0600 Among the many coots and Mallards on the lake, we found one Common Goldeneye near Sandpiper Beach. Reid & Pam Allen West Des Moines --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Madison Co. and Dallas From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 15:46:19 -0800 (PST) I view two of the bridges of Madison County. Unfortunately, TWO is also the total number of ducks I saw in Madison today. Apparently, if you have covered bridges you are not allowed many ducks on the water. 5 hours and a paltry 34 species. Bufflehead 2 Northern Shrike NOT seen at Badger Creek. Best birding of the day was west of Maffit Reservoir (the rich community) Dallas County: Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 God Bless, Paul Roisen Sioux City, IA Woodbury County 712-276-0371(H) 712-301-2817(C) --- On Tue, 11/3/09, robert thorbroggerSubject: Monk Parakeet photo From: James Scheib <jim AT tenlongview.net> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 17:02:08 -0600 I forgot to say that one of today's Monk Parakeet photos is at http://www.icbirds.org/photos/monkparakeet08713em.jpg -- James Scheib 10 Longview Knoll NE Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 337-5206 www.tenlongview.net www.riverheights.net www.icbirds.org --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Monk Parakeet Nov 3 IC From: James Scheib <jim AT tenlongview.net> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 16:02:48 -0600 The Monk Parakeet first reported Nov 2 by Debby Goldstein & Marty Surface at their platform feeders in their back yard at Abbey Lane 2319, I.C., between Mormon Trek and Kiwanis Park in Iowa City appeared several times again today, Nov 3, beginning at 10 Am, again at 11:45, and at 2:45. At around 2:00 it was photographed sleeping in a tree along Mormon Trek by the creek just south of Abbey Lane. At times after its 11:45 feeding it was seen in the trees and bushes SW of the back yard of 2319 Abbey Lane along the creek to which it came to drink. Debby says birders are welcome to look for the parakeet from the back yard. It has used both platform feeders on the deck and it was quite tolerant of me as I stood directly below it as it was snoozing in the tree along Mormon Trek. -- James Scheib 10 Longview Knoll NE Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 337-5206 www.tenlongview.net www.riverheights.net www.icbirds.org --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: bufflehead From: "robert thorbrogger" <rwt51360 AT mchsi.com> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 12:45:12 -0500 bufflehead Nov 3 barrow pit just south of Hale's slough Dickinson county --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: IOU Photo Contest 2010 From: "tom.lawson" <tom.lawson AT mchsi.com> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 09:52:17 -0600 IOU Members: The IOU Photo Contest will be held again in the spring of 2010. Rules and entry form will be included in your winter newsletter, or they can be accessed at: http://www.iowabirds.org/IOU/photo_contest.asp Reminder: The contest is open to IOU Members only, so please don't send in your pictures if you are not a member of this great organization. Not a IOU member, no problem, you may join the organization by following this link http://www.iowabirds.org/IOU/membership_dues.asp and we hope you will! The new year is coming and this is a great time to join and enjoy all the IOU has to offer in 2010! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me and I will be glad to help. Good birding and photography, Tom Lawson Adel, IA tom.lawson AT mchsi.com --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Common Tern--Lake Red Rock From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 21:11:33 -0800 (PST) Sorry, missed reporting a good bird. Robert's Creek (east side of the highway) a single Common Tern was watched for about 20 minutes going up and down the area from the highway to the NE and back again. Nice dark cap on the rear of the head. Nice longish fork. Looked like it had one be white spotlight between the crown and the bill when it was coming at you. Gray on underside of lower primaries. Top of wings: black on lower portion of primaries and first and wnd primaries all dark (the upper half of the primaries formed a kind of translucent on graying triangle on the wing tips). Not as quite as gray on the sides as most I have seen but then this is the latest I have seen one. Lighting could have had some effect. The dark cap would differentiate it from a Forster's now maybe... artic....Roseta..... OK I dream now. God Bless, Paul Roisen Sioux City, IA Woodbury County 712-276-0371(H) 712-301-2817(C) --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Lake Red Rock From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 18:04:45 -0800 (PST) Did a tour around Lake Red Rock today. Several large rafts of duck out towards the middle. Good numbers of gulls but mostly Ring-billed with a couple of Herring mixed in. Not much for passerines at all. 43 species for the day. Common Loon 13 Black Scoter 2 Canvasback 3 Less Scaup 320 Redhead 31 God Bless, Paul Roisen Sioux City, IA Woodbury County 712-276-0371(H) 712-301-2817(C) --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Northern Shrike From: Reid & Pam Allen <2birders AT hickorytech.net> Date: Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:58:09 -0600 A Northern Shrike was at Badger Creek S. P. (Madison County) this afternoon. Reid & Pam Allen West Des Moines --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Iowa City Monk Parakeet From: James Scheib <jim AT tenlongview.net> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 19:20:50 -0600 A Monk Parakeet was reported today by Debby Goldstein and Marty Surface of Iowa City. See below. >This monk parakeet was at our feeder today (Abbey Lane 2319, >I.C., between Mormon Trek and Kiwanis Park. We have a branch of the >Willow Creek running through our back yard. > This bird was seen today, Monday November 2 at around 2PM. He stayed for about 15 minutes, leaving and coming back once. He was quite content to munch on safflower seeds. I will add one of their photos to the website at www.icbirds.org. -- James Scheib 10 Longview Knoll NE Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 337-5206 www.tenlongview.net www.riverheights.net www.icbirds.org --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Fw: Gull ID help requested - Cedar Lake November 1 From: "Bill Scheible" <drbeel AT mchsi.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 17:56:32 -0600 This evening at about 5 PM I found Bill's bird on the island. Perhaps 20% larger than nearby Ring-billed Gulls. Mantle and wings quite dark, head and breast dirty white, bill pale at base and dark tipped. Light conditions in the setting sun were not ideal, and my approach to 4-year gulls is not ideal, but I'd say it's a 3rd year Lesser Black-backed Gull. Jim Forde came by and might have other thoughts, but when I left, we both agreed LBBG. Nice find, Bill T. Bill Scheible Cedar Rapids ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Tollefson"Subject: Northern Goshawk @ Hitchcock 11/2 From: "Tucker J. Lutter" <lutter AT netins.net> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 18:16:57 -0500 Ryan Evans and I saw 7 species of raptors today from the Hitchcock Hawkwatch tower. One juvenile Northern Goshawk in the afternoon was the highlight of the day. Also, I have a new webpage on Flickr, a photo sharing website. Here is the link: www.flickr.com/photos/backpackingbirdwatcher Photos of the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher and more are on there. Tucker J. Lutter Bronson, IA www.birdingwithtucker.blogspot.com --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Banded HY Northern Goshawk at Hitchcock From: <wordorsag AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 13:35:46 -0500 Jerry wanted me to add that it was Carla Alschwede who caught the male hatch year goshawk yesterday. One of the photos taken by Carla of Jerry holding the bird (which was screaming at the camera) against the backdrop of the Loess Hills looks like a surefire IBL cover to me, :)--but we'll let the editors of that esteemed publication make that call... Mark O --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Backyard - Roland From: "Curtiss P. Fisher" <cfisher AT winnelson.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 13:29:18 -0500 Had my first Pine Siskin and American Tree Sparrow this morning. Also had a return visit from a Red-breasted Nuthatch as well. Saw my first flock of Snow & Blue Geese fly over Goose Lake in Greene County saturday morning as well as a couple smallish flocks of Cackling Geese (20-30 birds). Curt Fisher Roland,Ia --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Hitchcock Nature Center Hawkwatch Brief Intro From: <wordorsag AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 13:25:42 -0500 Hi all, I have had a number of requests to re-post some basic information about Hitchcock Nature Center Hawkwatch and am happy to do so. For the majority on the list who know all this please delet and sorry for the bother! Where and When--Hitchcock Nature Center is located near the town of Crescent in the Loess Hills of western Iowa. It is about 10 miles north of Council Bluffs. Hawkcounting is part-time in August and daily and full-time between 9/1 and 12/20 each fall. The diurnal banding station is on private land and is "by permission only" access though this is generally isn't too hard to arrange. The Saw-whet owl banding area is near the Ranger Workshop. Banding for both hawks and owls starts in September and ends in November. History and What You'll See-- The Hawkwatch began in 1992 with Loren and Babs Padelford doeing pioneering wor under a grant that noted raptor experts Jon Stravers and Dean Roosha had obtained. The hawkwatch began slow steady progress toward full-time status when Mark Orsag revived it. The Nature Center began providing money for a full-time counter in 2003. Banding started on site two years ago with Jerry Toll leading the banding program. About 10,000 raptors of 18-20 (on average) are counted migrating south at the site annually. --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Duck Migration Map From: "Matthew Torres" <matthewt34 AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:55:27 -0500 Once again, Ducks Unlimited has their migration map up for waterfowl. http://www.ducks.org/migrationmap/?poe=migrationHQ Matthew Torres Leon, IA --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo county From: Cory Gregory <cgregory AT iastate.edu> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 21:52:41 -0600 Birders, Some sightings from Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo county this weekend included: Western/Clark's Grebe (1) White-winged Scoter (1) Horned Grebe (35+) Common Loon (15+) Some other species present included: Pie-billed Grebe Ruddy Duck Bufflehead Lesser Scaup Ring-necked Duck American Wigeon Mallard Gadwall Redhead (20+) Canvasback Hooded Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Bonaparte's and Franklin's Gulls were numerous. Lastly, we did NOT find any Smith's Longspurs in Kossuth County at the previously mentioned field. Instead we found a large and growing flock of Laplands, easily 1500+. Good Birding, Cory Gregory & Ashley Casey Ames, IA --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: 11/2 HNCH From: <wordorsag AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 21:33:40 -0500 Forecast for tomorrow looks strong! Mark O ---- wordorsag AT cox.net wrote: ============= Two more big days-- 236 total yeaterday (Halloween) with the highlights being a GOLDEN EAGLE and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK. Total of 22 SAW-WHET OWLS banded so far this year-- two with bands from elsewhere-- they were trying again tonight. We had some great visitors today from Wachiska (Lincoln) Audubon. Wild day today with birds mostly high on thermals: Turkey Vulture 1 Bald Eagle 3 Northern Harrier 17 Sharp-shinned Hawk 33 Cooper's Hawk 4 NORTHERN GOSHAWK 1 (immature trapped and banded at the banding station [1st ever caught at HNCH banding station]) RED-SHOULDERED HAWK 1 (immature-- 2nd of season) Red-tailed Hawk 97 (6 Harlan's DMs and 1 Krider's) Rough-legged Hawk 2 (first of season) Orange-shafted Flicker 1 Brown Creeper 1 Ross's Goose 2 Double-crested Cormorant 170 Greater White-fronted Goose 72 American Crow 236 Mark O --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: wordorsag AT cox.net --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Gull ID help requested - Cedar Lake November 1 From: "Bill Tollefson" <wgtollef AT rockwellcollins.com> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 20:52:30 -0500 Stopped by Cedar Lake this afternoon a bit before sunset. On the south side of the lighthouse island a darker-backed gull was in with the Ring-billed and a couple Franklin's Gulls. I took notes on the bird and shot some (very poor) video. It could be a 2nd or 3rd cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull - would appreciate a second opinion if someone gets the chance to get over to Cedar Lake on Monday to see if the bird is still there. Bill Tollefson Cedar Rapids --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Second breeding season for five migratory songbirds From: "Karen Viste-Sparkman" <k.vistesparkman AT mchsi.com> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 19:42:43 -0600 http://cs.birdersworld.com/brdcs/blogs/field_of_view/2009/10/26/researchers-discover-a-second-breeding-season-for-five-migratory-songbirds.aspx "Biologists studying songbirds that breed in North America and then migrate to Mexico have discovered something totally unheard of in the New World - a second breeding season. "Five species - Yellow-billed Cuckoo (right), Orchard Oriole, Hooded Oriole, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Cassin's Vireo - breed primarily in the United States and Canada. Then they squeeze in a second breeding season during a stopover in western Mexico on their southward migration. "It's pretty much unheard of to have a nocturnal migrant with a second breeding season. It's a pretty special observation," said Sievert Rohwer, lead author of a paper describing the discovery. "We saw these birds breeding, and we were completely surprised." Wow. Some of these are Iowa nesting birds. Karen Viste-Sparkman Des Moines --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Squaw Creek NWR in Missouri From: "Stan Buman" <stan AT fencelinephotos.com> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 18:06:03 -0600 Ok, so this post is not about Iowa but I thought this might interest the group. I spent all day Saturday at Squaw Creek by Mound City, MO . For about 1 ˝ hours prior to sunset, long ribbons of Blackbirds filled the skies. Numbers had to be in the 10s of thousands. I don’t think I have seen that many blackbirds if my lifetime. I also watched and listened to a Carolina Wren singing its heart out. Stan Buman Fenceline Photos 543 Parkview Drive Carroll, IA 51401 712-792-6248 stan AT fencelinephotos.com www.fencelinephotos.com --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: HNCH 10/31-11/1 From: <wordorsag AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 18:57:16 -0500 Two more big days-- 236 total yeaterday (Halloween) with the highlights being a GOLDEN EAGLE and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK. Total of 22 SAW-WHET OWLS banded so far this year-- two with bands from elsewhere-- they were trying again tonight. We had some great visitors today from Wachiska (Lincoln) Audubon. Wild day today with birds mostly high on thermals: Turkey Vulture 1 Bald Eagle 3 Northern Harrier 17 Sharp-shinned Hawk 33 Cooper's Hawk 4 NORTHERN GOSHAWK 1 (immature trapped and banded at the banding station [1st ever caught at HNCH banding station]) RED-SHOULDERED HAWK 1 (immature-- 2nd of season) Red-tailed Hawk 97 (6 Harlan's DMs and 1 Krider's) Rough-legged Hawk 2 (first of season) Orange-shafted Flicker 1 Brown Creeper 1 Ross's Goose 2 Double-crested Cormorant 170 Greater White-fronted Goose 72 American Crow 236 Mark O --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Ada-Hayden This evening From: "Jacob Newton" <superbufanda AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 18:59:22 -0500 Not much to say about this evening, the Canada Geese that have been on Ada-Hayden most of the week seem to persist there along with the resident teal, Mallards and Am. Coots, as well as a dozen or so Pied-billed Grebes. Of note this evening... A pair of Forster Terns flew over the Northern reservoir this evening a little before five. I think a flock of Cackling Geese (I know I at least heard some) was seen on the north side of the marsh adjacent to the Northern reservoir. I've never been the best at picking them out (by sight) from Canada Geese so I'm not entirely positive but the overall size the birds in the flock on the north side of the marsh was much smaller than the other geese there. I also went to Colo Bogs today, which by and large was vacated...(possibly due to extensive human disturbance this morning). I also swung passed Hendericks' Marsh only to find a substantial raft of coots. --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Long-tailed Duck From: "Lee Schoenewe" <lschoe AT smunet.net> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 17:07:57 -0600 Today at Trumbull Lake in Clay county, there was a female/immature Long-tailed Duck with a large flock of scaup and Ring-necked Ducks. As I watched, a flock of Cackling Geese announced their arrival and approximately 480 flew in to land on the lake. Earlier I counted 431 Ruddy Ducks on Lost Island Lake in Palo Alto county. Yesterday I circled Spirit Lake in Dickinson county without finding too much unusual. I did not find the Black-headed Gull at the north shore and in talking with Ed Thelen it has not been seen in over a week which probably means it has moved south. There were 4 Eared Grebes on Spirit Lake altogether and one at the south shore of West Lake Okoboji. Horned Grebes were more numerous than that and PBG's rounded out the grebe trio for the day. There were lots and lots of coots I had not been out locally in a month due to the California IOU trip and work obligations. With two nice days, some good vitamin D exposure and a decent list of birds, my soul has been refreshed! Lee A. Schoenewe Spencer --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Crane fly-over From: "Bruce and Georgeann Morrison" <crazcoot AT evertek.net> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 16:59:43 -0600 Had a small flock of 7 Sandhill Cranes fly over the acreage this morning. Heard them first or we may not have noticed as we were out on the hillside picking seed off the remnant here. They doubled back a couple times...almost flying in a circle, like they weren't sure of which direction they really wanted to head. A side note...although it flies, it of course isn't a bird :) We had a Bat actively hunting/catching bugs (Asian Lady Bird Beetles!) this afternoon around 3 p.m. It was hunting in the open for nearly 20 minutes! A little late for Halloween. I posted a photo on the blog but it wasn't the best of shots (hard to catch the furry bugger!). ...Bruce Morrison, S.E. O'Brien County http://www.morrisons-studio.com http://prairiepainter.blogspot.com --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Nashville Warbler From: "Nick Osness" <nosness AT mchsi.com> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 17:41:49 -0500 I saw a Nashville Warbler today, Nov. 1, 2009, near the bike path just below the Saylorville Dam. Nick Osness Ames --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Saylorville Loons this morning From: Bery Engebretsen <bengebretsen AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 15:31:11 -0600 A big movement of C. Loon with a total count of about 116, almost all on the big part of the lake. I could find no other loon species. At Jester, a roughly estimated 7,000 Coot. I could not find the S. Towhee, despite walking the fence row near Oak Grove. Ten Cackling Geese were in a grassy field in western Urbandale, and 2 Horned Grebe were on the small lake in Country Club in Clive. --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: New Arrivals-Cedar Rapids From: "Bob Stearns" <bojobirds01 AT peoplepc.com> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 15:40:11 -0500 Cedar Lake at 10:00,present were-- Buffleheads-3-F.O.S. Hooded Merganser-3-F.O.S. Ruddy Duck-6 Lesser Scaup-2 W.Pelican-1 A.Coot-20 P.B.Grebe-11 D.C.Cormorant-10 Mallards-Too many to mention, so I won't. Bob Stearns Walford --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Northern Saw Whet Owl From: Don Poggensee <donpog AT netllc.net> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:09:35 -0500 Hi, I found our first N.Saw Whet Owl in the pine grove in Moorehead Park just to the west of Ida Grove. Don Poggensee 174 Lakeview Drive Ida Grove, Iowa 51445-8088 Days 712-364-3491 Nights 712-364-3491 --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Saylorville this morning From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:38:38 -0500 Birders, The Spotted Towhee reported by Carol Berrier earlier this week was seen today in the same hedgerow on the road towards Oak Grove. The hedgerow is to your right as you head towards Oak Grove and its just before the bike sign. An Osprey was below the dam fishing with the Ring-billed Gulls. I'll try for the Surf Scoters tomorrow morning. Good birding, John Bissell Grimes --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: canvasbacks, ruddy ducks From: "robert thorbrogger" <rwt51360 AT mchsi.com> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:28:19 -0500 5 canvasbacks south end Big Spirit lake Oct 24 several hundred ruddy ducks south end Big Spirit Lake Oct 31 --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Scoters and more. From: "Stephen J. Dinsmore" <cootjr AT iastate.edu> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:47:18 -0500 (CDT) I birded Red Rock Reservoir this morning and then made a couple of quick stops at Saylorville on my way home. There was a big push of waterfowl into central Iowa with thousands of ducks on each lake and a total of 19 waterfowl species for the day. Highlights included: Red Rock: Surf (1) and Black (3) scoters off the dam, 1 Western Grebe, 1 Greater Yellowlegs, 1 Barn Swallow Saylorville: 2 Surf Scoters (off the dam), 22 Common Loons, 1 Greater Yellowlegs I neglected to mention in an earlier post that on 28 October I saw a flock of 71 American Golden-Plover along I-80 just east of Williamsburg in Iowa Co. I thought it was late for such a large flock. Steve Stephen J. Dinsmore Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management 339 Science II, Iowa State University Ames, IA 50014 515-294-1348 (office) cootjr AT iastate.edu --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Saylorville From: Aaron Brees <abrees AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:29:40 -0500 A very quick check of the lower lake this morning produced 2 Horned Grebes, 6000+ ducks half of which were Lesser Scaup, and 4 American Avocets on the shore at Cherry Glen. I did not have a chance to check areas upstream from Cherry Glen. Good birding, Aaron Brees Des Moines, IA http://www.angelfire.com/ab6/birdpics/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/abrees/sets/ _________________________________________________________________ Windows 7: I wanted more reliable, now it's more reliable. Wow! http://microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/default-ga.aspx?h=myidea?ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_myidea:102009 --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Rusty Blackbirds From: "tom.lawson" <tom.lawson AT mchsi.com> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:45:50 -0500 During my morning walk along the Raccoon River Trail, I found a flock of 25 Rusty Blackbirds perched facing the warming sunrise. This would be lat 41.615485 lon -94.009367 just east of Adel, IA. I could look up the township and range if anyone is interested. Tom Lawson Adel, IA --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Tenn. Warb. Dav. From: "Walt Zuurdeeg" <kaisersosa AT earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:11:12 -0500 I found a Tennessee Warbler, an adult female I think, at Lindsay Park in Davenport this afternoon. It was browsing the scrubby weeds on the edge of Mississippi River levee wall next to Lindsay Park Yacht Club. Walt Zuurdeeg Davenport Scott County --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: third latest From: "Les,Angie & Tucker Lutter" <lutter AT netins.net> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:02:02 -0500 The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher in Woodbury County on Oct. 26 was the third latest record for Iowa. Tucker Lutter ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tucker J. Lutter"Subject: Iowa RBA: 10-30-09 From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:46:18 -0500 Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, October 24, through Friday, October 30, 2009: -RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required) ACCIDENTAL: **CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR** CASUAL: *GYRFALCON* -Additional Species Mentioned Gray Partridge White-winged Scoter Eared Grebe Western Grebe RED-THROATED LOON Northern Goshawk PRAIRIE FALCON Golden Eagle American Avocet Sanderling Lesser Black-backed Gull SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER SPOTTED TOWHEE Nelsons Sparrow SMITHS LONGSPUR ***NEW!**************** For more up to date information on rarities in the state of Iowa, visit the Iowa Birds and Birding website at www.iowabirds.org. A list of rare birds is placed on the home page with the location of the rarity and most recent date of observation. This is updated several times per day. This is a handy tool for anyone making a birding trip or otherwise into the state of Iowa. ************************ Species in ALL CAPS can be classified into three categories in the state of Iowa: 1) UNRECORDED, ACCIDENTAL or Casual; 2) A RARE but regular species; or 3) record early or late date or unusual for time of year. Any species with three asterisks (***species***) would represent a first record for Iowa (UNRECORDED) and should be observed and documented very carefully. Species with two asterisks (**species**) are species that are either ACCIDENTAL, CASUAL, or a rare regular species, and should also be documented. Species with one asterisk (*species) should have some details of the observation provided. EAST: JOHNSON COUNTY: An EARED GREBE was seen at Coralville Lake from Scales Pointe on the 25th. An adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL continues to be seen below the Coralville Reservoir dam from the west overlook as recently as the 26th. LINN COUNTY: A WESTERN GREBE was seen at Pleasant Creek SP on the 25th. It was last seen on the 27th. SOUTHEAST: KEOKUK COUNTY: A NELSONS SPARROW was seen at Fuller Green Valley on the 24th. SOUTH CENTRAL: MARION COUNTY: 2 WESTERN GREBES and a RED-THROATED LOON were seen at Red Rock on the 24th. The RED-THROATED LOON was seen at the end of Inwood Drive, at the east side of Whitebreast's entrance. CENTRAL: POLK COUNTY: Highlights from Saylorville on the 24th included 4 AMERICAN AVOCETS, 3 SANDERLINGS and an EARED GREBE. 4 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were seen at Saylorville on the 26th. SMITHS LONGSPURS were seen at Oak Grove RA at Saylorville on the 26th. A SPOTTED TOWHEE was seen in a hedgerow along the road into Oak Grove access at Saylorville on the 28th. JASPER COUNTY: 12 SMITHS LONGSPUR and a PRAIRIE FALCON were seen at Neal Smith NWR on the 24th. For anyone wanting to relocate the SMITHS LONGSPURS, one of the fields is on 88th Ave. east of Pacific St. Going east from Pacific, it is on the right side after you cross a ditch and go up the hill. There is a parking area at the NE corner of the field. This is the edge of the refuge, so PLEASE BE CAREFUL NOT TO TRESPASS into the neighboring bean field on private land--this includes parking. If you don't want to pull into the small, muddy, parking area, please park on the shoulder adjacent to the refuge. The refuge field consists of mostly grasses and is mowed short. There is a waterway through the middle of the field. We saw the longspurs (both species, in separate flocks) near the east edge of the field. WEST: POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY: Highlights from the Hitchcock Hawkwatch on the 23rd included 4 NORTHERN GOSHAWKS and a GOLDEN EAGLE. A PRAIRIE FALCON was seen at the Hitchcock Hawkwatch on the 24th. An adult gray morph GYRFALCON was seen at the Hitchcock Hawkwatch on the 21st. A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at the Hitchcock Hawkwatch on the 25th. NORTHWEST: KOSSUTH COUNTY: 2 CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPURS were seen at the intersection of 270th St and 120th Ave on the 24th. Also present were 50 SMITHS LONGSPURS and 5 GRAY PARTRIDGE. 60 SMITHS LONGSPURS were seen near St Benedict WA on the 28th. WOODBURY COUNTY: An adult SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was seen in the town of Luton on the 25th. Directions are as follows: It was sitting on a power line on the east side of K42, a paved road heading south of town (the only paved road heading south of town). There is a small grass field to the east of the power lines and he was often seen in there. This bird was relocated in the same area on the 26th. 104 SMITHS LONGSPURS were seen in a mowed field on the south side of Luton WMA on the 25th. ~50 were still there on the 26th. A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was seen in the county on the 26th. It was in the same general area as the above mentioned SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, November 6, 2009 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted. John Bissell Grimes, Iowa john.annabissell AT gmail.com 515-986-9796 --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Fwd: Tucker Lutter Car Accident From: Don Poggensee <donpog AT netllc.net> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:09:25 -0500 > So of you know Tucker. > > Hi, > Some of us have asked about a fund drive to help replace what > Tucker lost in this accident; see the story below. > To help Tucker, send any donation to: The Tucker Fund % Paul > Roisen—4420 3Rd ave--- Sioux City, > Iowa 51106. Checks can be made out to the Tucker Fund –Loess Hills > Audubon or to the Tucker Fund to > Paul Roisen and will then be given to Tucker and his family. > > Don Poggensee > > > Fellow Birders & Sioux City Audubon > > Young IOU & Audubon member Tucker Lutter was involved in a serious > car accident on Monday October 26. Here is a summary of what happened. > > On Sunday, Tucker had located some Smith's Longspurs and a Scissor- > tailed Flycatcher a few miles from his home in Bronson. On Monday > some other local birders were successful in relocatiing the STFC and > then found a Northern Goshawk in the same area. Knowing that Tucker > would want to see it, Paul Rosien called Tucker and he soon arrived > to see the Goshawk. Tucker was scheduled to meet two other non-local > birders to guide them to the Longspurs etc. so he left and headed > for home to meet them. > > Not long after, Paul had a call from Tucker's mom that Tucker had an > accident on his way home. So we all headed out to find where he was, > not thinking it sounded very bad. Well when we got there it was a > very scary sight. He had gone around a short curve on the gravel > road and somehow went in to a very steep ditch pretty much straight > on and hit the bottom with the front of the car and the car flipped > lengthwise and ended up upside down and there was a ditch there with > water in it. He had his seat belt on and managed to get unbuckled > and he had to break out the back window to crawl out. > > When we got there his mom had already taken him to the hospital and > the sherrif was there. Someone had come along and found Tucker after > he had crawled out and called 911. The wrecker came and pulled the > car out and the inside was a total muddy wet mess with both air bags > deployed. His binocs, camera, books and everything else were still > in the car and covered with black muck. One of the wrecker guys took > a shovel and got some stuff out of the water in the ditch including > Tucker's scope. > > He had a cut on his head and they took MRI's etc. and thankfully > everything seemed to be ok. Bob Nickolson talked to Tucker's mom > later on and she said he used a window scraper to break out the back > window to get out. Paul went to the place in Sloan where they took > the car and salvaged everything he could and was going to try and > clean it up, but it looked pretty much destroyed to me along with > the car. I'm sure he will need to be replacing all his birding > equipment. Praise God that he is ok. > . > Jerry VonEhwegen > Paul Roisen > Don Poggensee --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Story County birds From: Grantridge AT aol.com Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:21:59 EDT Below is a list of birds seen by Mer Mietzelfeld last Sunday (10/25) on our land about a mile southeast of Ames, at the intersection of 250th Street and Sand Hill Trail. Red-Bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 2 Chipping Sparrow 4 Le Conte's Sparrow 5 Lincoln's Sparrow 1 Swamp Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 2 Savannah Sparrow 2 Harris's Sparrow 1 White-Throated Sparrow 2 Fox Sparrow 1 Northern Cardinal 2 Red-Winged Blackbird 6 Cindy Hildebrand grantridge AT aol.com Ames, IA 50010 "It is pleasant to walk over the beds of these fresh, crisp, and rustling leaves. How beautifully they go to their graves! -- how gently lay themselves down and turn to mould! -- painted of a thousand hues, and fit to make the beds of us living. So they troop to their last resting-place, light and frisky." (Henry David Thoreau) --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Rose Breasted Grosbeak From: "Dick Bierman" <dbierman AT mchsi.com> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:42:38 -0500 I was surprised to have a Rose Breasted Grosbeak at my sunflower feeder this afternoon. The bird looked and acted healthy! Dick Bierman Cherokee --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: here and there Tuesday, Oct 27 From: Tim Franklin <tbird.franklin AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:47:10 -0500 At Hawkeye, along the west field as you enter Babcock Access, we found an immature Le Conte's Sparrow, 90% sure it was a Le Conte's and not a Nelson's. In the same little stretch we found two more of the golden ones but could not determine whether they were Le Conte's or Nelson's. Four Red-Tailed Hawks were moving about together. At Scales Pointe on Coralville Lake we saw three Horned Grebes and many Ring-billed Gulls. Off the dam at Coralville Lake we saw maybe a hundred Ring-billed Gulls with one 1st year one--couldn't spot the Lesser Black-backed Gull. Curious why there would only be one immature among so many adults? Monday Oct 26 at Cedar Bottoms in Muscatine Co I found a boatload of sparrows , mostly Song and Swamp but Field, White-crowned, White-throated mixed in. And at Cone Marsh there were 30 Ruddy Ducks, Three Ring-billed Ducks, some Pied-billed Grebes, three Northern Harriers, and Coots. I think that was the first time I have been to Cone and not seen some Canadas. -- Tim Fairfield --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: North Iowa Birds-Smith's, Shrike From: "Rita Goranson" <ritag AT mchsi.com> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:18:03 -0500 Worth County: Horned Grebe at Silver Lake. Winnebago County: 100 Lapland Longspurs. Kossuth County: Near the slough a first winter N. Shrike, near St. Benedict a N. Harrier, and near St. Benedict at the WA where Matt had Smith's Longspurs last week, I first raised nine Smith's Longspurs that were quiet, which was unusual, until I saw the Merlin come zipping in behind them. They settled down and three more came up in another part. Then I could hear a number of Smith's but with the overcast skies, I couldn't see them. Finally at least 60 rose up and circled around before settling down in a further away area. There were probably more in the field, but I stopped searching at this point. Cerro Gordo County: Clear Lake at 5 pm had hundreds of Franklin's with some Ring-billed and Herring Gulls in the mix in the lake. Two Pelicans and an Egret remain in the area. Com. Merganser and Ruddies also in the water. Large flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds and Grackles were around. Rita Goranson Mason City, Iowa --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: spotted towhee From: Carol Berrier <parulawarb AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:00:23 -0700 (PDT) Carol Mefford and I spotted a Spotted Towhee in the hedge row along the road into Oak Grove Access at Saylorville this morning. There were also several Fox Sparrows and many White-throated Sparrows. Carol Berrier --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Forster's Terns From: Danny Akers <birdmandan1231 AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:37:05 -0500 Checked the lower end of Saylorville briefly after class this afternoon. Best birds were 2 late Forster's Terns flying along the shore at Cherry Glen. Also my first Horned Grebes and Common Loon of the season off the dam. A few Ruddy Ducks (125) were also present and about the only waterfowl I saw. Danny Akers Ankeny BirdManDan1231 AT hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ Windows 7: It helps you do more. Explore Windows 7. http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/windows-7/default.aspx?ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_evergreen3:102009 --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Western Grebe continues at Pleasant Creek 10/27 From: "Bill Tollefson" <wgtollef AT rockwellcollins.com> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:12:00 -0500 About 6 PM on Tuesday, the Western Grebe was still present at Pleasant Creek in Linn County. Also there: Horned Grebe - 1 Pied-billed Grebe - 3 Northern Shoveler - 5 Ruddy Duck - 9 American Coot - 13 Bill Tollefson Cedar Rapids --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Florida Scrub Jay From: "james durbin" <durbinjames AT imonmail.com> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:46:08 -0500 I have added a page to my website for the Florida Scrub Jay. While taking pictures of one of the jays, another landed on my head. My sister-in-law took a picture and I have included it. http://www.birdsofiowa.com/birds/42%20Corvidae/florida%20scrub%20jay/florida %20scrub%20jay.htm Jim Durbin 1460 Douglas Court Marion, Ia 52302 319-721-1593 durbinjames AT imonmail.com www.insectsofiowa.com www.birdsofiowa.com --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: RE: CBC's From: "Ann Johnson" <aj AT hologrambirds.com> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:01:18 -0500 As a follow-up to Bill's note, it looks like he has information on 7 counts that have not been entered on the web site so please, get them listed both places! People have come to depend on having this information available. Ann Johnson From: bounce-ia-bird-10984 AT lists.iowabirds.org [mailto:bounce-ia-bird-10984 AT lists.iowabirds.org] On Behalf Of Bill Scheible Sent: Monday, October 26, 2009 5:38 PM To: IA-BIRD Subject: [ia-bird] CBC's Birders Third and last reminder to get your 2009 - 2010 Christmas Bird Count info to me by Nov. 1st for inclusion in the winter issue of the Newsletter. Last year there were 50, count 'em, 50 CBC's but I've got details for only 20 so far, and only 13 are posted on the IOU website. No interest in Christmas counts this year? What's needed: 1) location 2) date 3) compiler 4) compiler's e-mail address Bill Scheible drbeel AT mchsi.com --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Woodbury Co 10-26-09 From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:15:58 -0700 (PDT) Check for the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Noon, 3:00PM, and 6:00PM but no sign of it.Highlights: Rough-legged Hawk 1 (stunning dark morph with one secondary missing on the right wing. I did get a distance ID photo at about 400 feet. Northern Goshawk 1 (Adult--I found it by chance when scanning the trees looking for the STFL--it was within 75 yards of STFL) I am guessing that the NOGO roosted there for the night. I last saw it about 11:30 and when I wrote something down and looked up it was gone for the perch and was not sighted again. First adult I have seen. Smith's Longspurs ~40 Lapland Longspurs~200 American Pipits 9 God Bless, Paul Roisen Sioux City, IA Woodbury County 712-276-0371(H) 712-301-2817(C) --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: CBC's From: "Bill Scheible" <drbeel AT mchsi.com> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:38:25 -0500 Birders Third and last reminder to get your 2009 - 2010 Christmas Bird Count info to me by Nov. 1st for inclusion in the winter issue of the Newsletter. Last year there were 50, count 'em, 50 CBC's but I've got details for only 20 so far, and only 13 are posted on the IOU website. No interest in Christmas counts this year? What's needed: 1) location 2) date 3) compiler 4) compiler's e-mail address Bill Scheible drbeel AT mchsi.com --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Lessser Black-backed Gull From: Karole Fuller <jnkfuller AT mchsi.com> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:48:26 -0500 Hi all, The adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was still present late this afternoon on the water just above the Coralville Reservoir Dam (West overlook area), in Johnson County. Jim Fuller, Iowa City --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Re: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher & 104 Smith's Longspurs From: douglas chapman <shannonfound AT sio.midco.net> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:16:28 -0500 Hello All, Thanks to Tucker L., Paul R. and Bill H. for all the guiding today. The South Dakota contingent got 40-50 Smith's Longspurs in Luton NWR and more Laplands than that. Also in the area--Northern Goshawk, American Pipit, Savannah Sparrows and a Wilson's Snipe. Smith's were a life bird for one SDOU member, so a good day for us. The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was seen 10 minutes before we arrived at ca. 10:45 AM and had not been since when we left at about 1 PM. Thanks again. (We saw 51 Red-tailed Hawks in SD/IA between Sioux Falls and Luton.) Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Saylorville. From: "Stephen J. Dinsmore" <cootjr AT iastate.edu> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:13:56 -0500 (CDT) This morning at Saylorville there were 4 White-winged Scoters off the dam. They took flight several times and were last seen headed north towards Cherry Glen. Steve Stephen J. Dinsmore Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management 339 Science II, Iowa State University Ames, IA 50014 515-294-1348 (office) cootjr AT iastate.edu --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: jsiler AT birdingonthe.netSubject: Western Grebe-Pleasant Creek From: "jmforde" <jmforde AT qwest.net> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:52:06 -0500 The Western Grebe remains at Pleasant Creek but I
didn't see any Horned Grebes.
Lewis Bottoms Rd. pasture had Dunlins, Dowitchers,
L. Yellowlegs, and a White-fronted Goose this morning.
Jim Forde
Cedar Rapids
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