November-December 2006 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society

8/9/2019 November-December 2006 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society

1/8

Big Bluestem FlyerBig Bluestem Flyer

Volume 42, Number 2 November/December 2006

Programs

November 16, 2006 Thursday, 7:30 pm,Extension & 4-H Building, I S U, Ames

I owa Bobcat Project

Todd Gossel ink is an Iowa DNR Wildlife

Research Biologist studying bobcat ecology inIowa with associates at ISU. Todd will describe

the behaviors of radio-tagged bobcats in south

central Iowa and the methods used for wildliferesearch for other species he will also display

the various equipment used. Come enjoyphotos of bobcats that have been part of thestudy in Iowa and learn about the remarkable

comeback of bobcats to Iowa's.

Todd will also talk about the mountain lionsightings in Iowa, separating fact from fiction.

December 14, 2006 ThursdayBBAS Ho liday for the Birds

and BBAS Member Picture Show

(Note these changes from our usual meetingsTime: 7 pm Second Tuesday of the month

Place: Story County Conservation Building,McFarland Park)

Bring:(1) bird feed for the park (cash

accepted); (2) a few slides or electronic mediapictures to share of your years activities, (3)

party treats! Extra goodies will be used at the

dinner after the Ames Christmas Bird Count,and (4) please bring one non-perishable fooditem to be forwarded to the MICA food panty

for distribution to area residents less fortunate

than ourselves.

Field Trips

November 18Lake Red Rock, Runnells Natural Area, and

Pinchey Bottoms for Waterfowl viewing

Christmas Bird CountsDecember 16, 2006 Saturday

Ames Christmas Bird Count.Contact Leader: Shane/Katy Patterson:

232-4682.E-mail: [email protected]

December 17, 2006 Sunday

Saylorville Christmas Bird Count.Contact Leader: Steve Dinsmore: 233-2796.E-mail: [email protected].

December 30, 2006 Saturday

Boone Christmas Bird Count.Contact Leader: Mark Widrlechner: 233-1532.E-mail: [email protected]

January 20, 2007George Wyth State Park (Blackhawk County)Well view the active feeders in the park and search forwintering owls, raptors, and waterfowl.

February 10, 2007Rathbun Reservoir area

Page 2Officers and CommitteesPresidents Corner

Page 3Christmas Bird CountsField Trip Reports

Page 4Iowa Endangered/Threatened SpeciesIowa REAP Spending

Page 5Audubon Adventures Classroom MaterialsBook Reviews

Newsletter of the Big Bluestem Audubon Society

Page 6Birding FestivalMortensen Mounds UpdateTeachers Treasures

Page 7New MembersMembership FormCoupons

Page 8Boone 4th Grade Birding Classes

Unless otherwise indicated, field trips leavepromptly 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.

Trip destinations are subject to change based on

recent bird sightings and the desires of theparticipants. Contact Jeff Nichols (515-795-4176,

([email protected]) for more information.


2/8

2 Big Bluestem Flyer November/December 2006

Big Bluestem Audubon SocietyOfficers and Committees

OfficersPresident: Lynne Brookes 434-2028 [email protected]: Royce Bitzer 233-6741 [email protected]: Bruce Ehresman 296-2995

[email protected]: Ed Carbrey 292-2404

Board MembersShane Patterson 232-4682 [email protected]: Nichols 795-4176 [email protected] Doud515-795-4176, [email protected]

Kelly Weichers319-231-6999, [email protected] Danaher641-919-3783,[email protected]

The mission of the Big Bluestem Audubon Society is to enjoy the

observation and study of birds and natural ecosystems, contribute

to their conservation and restoration, engage in educational

activities to benefit humanity, and gain a broader understanding

and deeper appreciation of the world we live in.

Committee ChairsArchivist: Hank Zaletel 382-427 [email protected] Co-chairs: Karl and Carmen Jungbluth, 432-5057

weatherbird.opencominc.comConservation Chair: Bruce Ehresman (See Officers)Education Chair: Amy Yoakum, 232-2516

[email protected] Trip Chair: Jeff Nichols (See Board Members)

Membership Chair: Jon Bahrenfus [email protected] Chair: Royce Bitzer (See Officers)Publicity Chair: Kelly Weichers (See Board Members)Publications & Electronic Media Co-Chairs:David Edwards 292-3790 [email protected] Bahrenfus [email protected]

BBAS Web Site:http://BigBluestemAudubon.org

Presidents Corner

Autumn, Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,.1 Time to say fare-thee-well to the jewel-toned

hummers and to prepare a smorgasbord for northern travelers passing through. Time to leave the

gardens be so tiny critters have somewhere to overwinter. Many a chilly insect or egg mass has

provided meals for winter foragers. The bugs that make it will emerge next spring to lead their lives

and feed small migrators heading back north once again. Attract the birds and theyll happily take care

of many of your insect pests.

Which brings me to an idea Ive shared with some and would like present to all. Many of us BBASersnot only observe and feed birds but have developed varying types and degrees of wildlife friendly

habitats in our backyards. Perhaps we could share what weve done and what weve learned about

attracting birds and other critters to our backyards. Ill bet we could learn a lot from each other and get

some neat ideas for our own places. Jeff Nichols leads great field trips from September thru May. Id

like to propose organizing a BBAS backyard habitat tour to be held next summer- in June or July.

For about ten years the Central Iowa Water Garden Association (an offshoot of the ISU Extension

Master Gardner Program) has offered a tour of selected of ponds and water features in the area. Rather

than reinvent the wheel, we could develop a tour of backyard habitats following their model.

Do you have a bird friendly yard that you would consider sharing with others? Clean water, food, and

shelter are the important basics- not size. Do you have a mini habitat in a corner of your city lot with a

bird bath, summer flowers, a shrub, tree or vines on a trellis? Have you planted native plants and/or

grasses in your yard? As a volunteer, have you helped set up a hummingbird/butterfly garden at a local

park or rest home? Have you put in a bird friendly water feature? Do you live in the country and

encourage birds with plantings for wildlife? Have you developed a prairie or wetland habitat? Would

you be willing to share what youve done with others? Please let me know.

Would you be interested in helping to organize or participate in such a BBAS activity? If so, please let

me know at (515) 434-2028 or [email protected] and give me your input. A small group of organizers,

volunteers with yards/places to share, and ideas regarding such an activity are all welcome.

See you at our next meeting and program, October 19th!1 Ode to Autumn by J. Keats

Lynne Brooke s


3/8

November/December 2006 Big Bluestem Flyer 3

Christma s Bird Count Overview and InvitationMore than 50,000 observers participate each year in this international, all-day census of early-winter

bird populations. The results of their efforts are compiled into the longest running database in

ornithology, representing over a century of unbroken data on trends of early-winter bird populations

across the Americas. Simply put, the Christmas Bird Count, or "CBC", is citizen science in action.

From beginning birder to seasoned ornithologist, all are welcome to participate on any Christmas Bird

Count. Participants must do their counting within a designated 15-mile CBC circle on the given count

day. The inclusive dates of the Official Count period are always December 14th through January 5th of

each season. Historically, theAmes count is held the first Saturday of the period, December 16th thisyear. The Saylorville count will be on the following Sunday the 17th. The Boone count is scheduled

for Saturday, December 30.

Count circles are divided into specific areas in which a group of 4 or more birders plan their method of

search. Experienced leaders are responsible for each area, and this is a good place for those unsure of

their skills to learn. Most but not all participants spend the whole day. Feeder counts are also made on

the same day in each count circle. At days end, participants meet for supper and share stories and bird

tallies.

You may sign-up for a count at the November BBAS meeting or call the respective count leaders

indicated on the first page of this newsletter. Past participants will likely be contacted directly by the

count leaders. Participants 18 years of age and under can participate for free. All others are asked to pay

$5.00 to help Audubon cover CBC program costs (including database/web development costs, and the

publication of the CBC results summary).

During last years count, about 62 million birds were counted by over 57,156 volunteers. Thanks in

part to Bird Studies Canada, the Canadian partner for the CBC, there were 2,060 individual counts a

record high. The information they collected revealed the effects of the historic 2005 hurricane season:

storms dramatically altered where birds were found on a continent-wide level, and the birds displaced by

the storms were then discovered in out of range places. Some western birds, most notably Franklin

Gulls, Townsends Solitaires, and western warblers and tanagers, displaced to Atlantic Canada by

hurricanes, were seen moving back southward through the eastern states. In other cases there were

unusually high numbers of a particular bird species counted in an area, such as the astounding number

of Gray Catbirds on many counts in northeastern North America.David Edw ards & National Aud ubo n Soc iety

Field Trip ReportsPolk City Wildlife Area, Saylorville Lake, and Pelican Festival, September 10, 2006

It was a dark and stormy field trip! The rain never let up throughout its 6-hours. Despite the

incessant rain and cold, the three of us managed to see 45 species, including large numbers of American

White Pelicans at the surprisingly well-attended (and very well-organized) Pelican Festival.

Fortunately, there were large tents at the festival where we could take refuge from the rain yet still see

the pelicans through the downpour and fog. At stops en route to the festival, we saw good numbers of

Blue-headed Vireos, an amazing 36 Eurasian Collared-Doves in Luther, and many Caspian Terns at

Saylorville.

Big Creek State Park, Saylorville Lake, and Big Creek Wildlife Area, October 15, 2006

Our trip began at Big Creek State Park where we encountered the first of hundreds of Yellow-rumped

Warblers we saw during this outing. No other warblers were seen except for the lone Nashville Warbler

which Wolf found in the parking lot (!) behind the WBU Store. There were fair numbers of waterfowl and

gulls on Saylorville, with the highlights being Surf Scoters, Horned Grebes, Bonapartes Gulls, and a

single adult Sabines Gull, which unfortunately was not seen by everyone. We also managed to see 12

sparrow species, American Pipit, Osprey, Sharp-shinned Hawk (which caught something practically at

our feet), and around a half-dozen Coopers Hawks, as well as a Merlin, and two Eurasian Collared-

Doves (the novelty is wearing off) in Kelley. 73 species, 6 participants.Jeff Nic hols


4/8

November/December 20064 Big Bluestem Flyer

Iowa REAP Spending

The Iowa DNR has a new page at www.iowareap.com that features a one-page poster, specific to each

county, showing the entire history ofResource Enhancement and Protection spending in that county.

Just click on 'County Posters' and select your county.

Posters on the site print at 8.5 x 11 inches. For the same poster 24 x36, email

[email protected], and your printer can get an electronic copy directly from her.

Ross Harrison , Outrea c h a nd REAP Coord inator Iowa DNR [email protected] te .ia.us

2006 Iowa Enda ngered / Threatened Spec ies Report

Peregrine Falcon: It appears that Iowa nesting peregrine numbers are holdingsteady. Like 2005, there were ten confirmed peregrine territories. From these there

were at least five successful nests that produced a total of at least 11 fledged young.

There was an active territory in each of the following locations: Des Moines (Polk Co.),

Cedar Rapids (Linn Co.), Lansing (Allamakee Co.), Waukon Jct. (Allamakee Co.),

Bettendorf (Scott Co.), the Louisa Generating Station (Louisa Co.), Burlington (Des

Moines Co.), and Chillicothe (Wapello Co.). Davenport (Scott Co.) had two activeterritories. Seven of the ten territories were along the Mississippi River (where most

historic nesting took place), with three of these territories focused on Mississippi River

bridges. Both Mississippi River bluff nests in Allamakee Co. were unsuccessful this

year, and there continues to be attention directed toward improving nest

success at these cliff-sites.

Bald Eagle: While the rate of increasing eagle nests in Iowa is slowing,eagle population expansion continues. Six additional counties (OBrien,

Wapello, Page, Boone, Franklin, and Dickinson) reported first time eagle

nesting this year bringing the total number of counties with eagle nests to 77

(out of 99 potentially). Since DNR staff no longer have resources to monitor all

bald eagle nesting, a conservative estimate (based on reports including at least

20 new nests) indicated that there were at least 200 active eagle nests in Iowa

in 2006. Just 10 years ago (in 1996) there were 54 active nests in only 20 Iowa

counties. If the current rate of nesting increase continues, Iowa could have a

bald eagle nest in each of the 99 counties within 5 nesting years.

Barn Owl: It appears that recent mild winters are increasing barn owlsurvival and proving beneficial to Iowa nesting barn owls. After a ten-year

high of seven confirmed nests in 2005, 2006 was an even better nesting year with eight

nesting barn owl pairs one nest each for the following eight counties: Sac, Woodbury,

Montgomery, Lucas, Clarke, Guthrie, Page, and Wayne. A total of at least 14 young were

produced at those nests. Surprisingly, nests were not reported for Taylor and Tama

counties, which have been very productive barn owl nesting counties during the last decade.

Because barn owls do not survive harsh winters well, this might be one of the few speciesfor which global warming proves beneficial especially here at the northern edge of its

range!Bruce Ehresma n, DNR Wild life Prog ram Biolog ist


5/8

Newsletter Material DeadlinesBecause we would like to have the newsletter to each member before the first day of its coverage, the

editor needs to have material at least two weeks before that. Hence the deadline for the next issues

will be the fifteenth of, December, February, and April.

5November/December 2006 Big Bluestem Flyer

Audubon AdventuresClassroom MaterialsTo: Amy J. Yoakum [BBAS Education Chair]

Subject: Audubon Adventures are here!

Dear Amy, Once again thank you for the materials for the classroom. As always, I appreciate the

generosity and support of the Big Bluestem Audubon group. The box arrived yesterday with an

excellent teacher resource and the four educational topics/magazines. Due to scheduling conflicts, I

haven't started my "animal classification" unit this year. Now I'm glad. I will have plenty of excellent

resources to use with my science classes. The kits have become a wonderful part of the fifth grade

curriculum that I use. Thank you again for contributing to the education of our students.Suzanne Kelly, Teacher, Meeker Elementary

HAVE YOU READ?There are so many good books (and other media) about birds and other wildlife that it is difficult to

know which to choose. Possibilities include identification guides, field research accounts, documentaries,

and personal experiences. I understand that the BBAS newsletter contained book reviews in the past. I

would like to renew that tradition by inviting members to submit descriptions of their favorites to our

newsletter editor, Dave Edwards, at [email protected]. Ill share below two books that Ive enjoyed and

look forward to reading your suggestions in future newsletters.

A Hummingb ird in My HouseArnette Heidcamp, 1990

ISBN 0-517-57729-1 Ames Inter-library loan; Firehouse Books-order used; Borders-on shelfThis beautiful little book is an informative, meticulous, and honest personal account of a hummingbird

overwintered by author and photographer Arnette Heidcamp. It contains numerous illustrations and 57

excellent full color photographs of a juvenile ruby-throat as it lived through a New York winter in her 12

by 15 flowering plant filled sunroom. Through stunning photos and descriptive narrative the reader

gains insight into how this little guy drinks nectar, catches insects, bathes, flirts, sleeps, plays, and gets

a feather off that was stuck on his tongue. The author, who seemed unaware that holding a migratory

bird without a permit is illegal, was familiar with hummingbirds. She was in contact with the Cornell

Lab of Ornithology and others to ensure that he received proper nutrition and was healthy and ready to

go for spring release. All hummingbird afficionados and those interested in bird behavior will appreciate

this touching and at times humorous account.

Mind of the RavenBernd Heinrich, 1999

ISBN 0-06-093063-2 Ames library: 598.864 hei; Firehouse Books-order used; Borders-on shelf

Familiar to many BBAS members, Bernd Heinrich, a professor of biology at the

University of Vermont, writes extremely well, knowledgeably, and with subtle humor.

His accounts of field work in the Maine woods observing ravens in the dead of winter

are extraordinary. This guy is hearty! Thanks to his arduous work we gain insight into

the fascinating complex behavior of these intelligent and highly social wolf- birds.

Great photos showing ravens at play, using tools, and interacting, illustrations and

maps illuminate the narrative. From observations of ravens he raised and cared for in

order to study behavior up-close-andpersonal to white knuckle accounts of climbing tall limbless trees

to check on nests and nestlings this book grips, entertains, and teaches. And, if you enjoy this award

winners bookhes written more!Lynne Brooke s


6/8

6 November/December 2006Big Bluestem Flyer

Birding FestivalThe 5th Annual Rivers & Bluffs Fall Birding Festival is a relaxing, family-oriented, 3-day

event headquartered in beautiful Lansing, Iowa. The festival has grown for 4 consecutive years. Last

year 281 persons attended. Visitors have come from 21 states (including states on all 3 coasts),

Washington D.C. and Canada. This year's very low-cost festival will be held Nov. 10, 11 & 12th.

The 15-18,000 Tundra Swans and 250,000 to 350,000 other waterfowl that visit our nearby section of

the Mississippi River at this time each year, and a variety of other birds are an attraction of national

importance. Excellent field trip leaders will help visitors see many other species as well. The cumulative

list of species observed on this November weekend over just 4 years is now 114 species.The festival includes interesting educational programs including two with live educational birds; boat

trips on the Mississippi in large, enclosed excursion boats to get close-up views of waterbirds; a half-

dozen vendors; drawings for door prizes; two special breakfasts; live music Saturday evening; silent and

live auctions; and other activities to match the magnificence of the area and our very special avian

visitors.

See the complete agenda and other details for our festival at: http://www.lansingiowa.com/

birdfest2006.html . If you would like a list of local accommodations, please contact me right away

and I will email a list to you. But please take action soon, rooms nearest to this event fill quickly. At this

writing we are just 31 days away from the festival. Many find that our festival is a great way

to celebrate the last and best days of autumn, before winter takes over. We hope to see you and

yours with us on November 10, 11 & 12th.Ric Za rwe ll, Co-Direc to r Rivers & Bluffs Fa ll Bird ing Festiva l P.O. Box 299 Lansing, Iow a 52151

Email: Ric .Zarwe ll@mc hsi.com

Teacher Treasure Collec tionsAn ongoing Audubon project is collecting recyclable items to contribute to the Ames Public School

teachers, who use these items as supplies in their classrooms. Teachers need this supplementation

because they find it necessary to spend their own money to cover their classroom supply needs, and they

have been very grateful for our collections. Especially, lower elementary and art teachers are using our

treasures. We will continue this project until further notice.

To help you out with some ideas, here is a list of items that have been useful: Calendars, egg cartons,

toilet paper rolls, cotton from pill bottles, lightweight cardboard, partially used typing paper and other

such paper, yogurt cups with tops, other plastic containers with tops, toweling tubes, bits and pieces of

wood (untreated), yarn and string and ribbon, fabric pieces, discontinued printouts and cards printed on

one side, beads, holiday decorations, artwork, wrapping paper and bows/ribbons. In other words, just

about anything you can think of! Containers must be clean, and please: no glass. Large plastic coffee

containers with hand grips built in (Folgers?) have been specifically requested.

Call your closest elementary school and talk to the art teacher or to the 1 st, 2nd grade or kindergarten

teacher and ASK for suggestions. It would be nice if you identified yourself as an Audubon member and

explained this project! Or, collect treasures to bring to the BBAS meeting or to the home of Jeanne/David

Edwards and we will deliver them (please call first 292-3790).

Do you like the idea of recycling? Of helping the little kids to get a good hands-on education? Of

putting a dent in teachers stress by producing some low cost supplies and showing them support? Here

is a project for you! Jea nne Edw ards

Mortensen Mounds UpdateMortensen Mounds has been robbed again! This is the third time someone a person who holds a

good understanding of Iowas native plants has removed some of the best ones.

What can we do?

Ive held back on publicizing it in the Ames Tribune because that seems to tell people come and get

em nobody will know!

Any ideas?Jeanne Edw ards


7/8

Big Bluestem FlyerNovember/December 2006 7

Present the coupons below at the time of your purchase and a donation will be given to BBAS.Donations will fund the various habitat restoration and educational projects undertaken by BBAS.

Brekke's Town & Country Store, Inc.1 1/2 miles east of I-35 on new U.S. 30 and 1/4 mile north

Hours: 8-6 M-F, 8-4 Sat. (515) 232-7906

Purchase DonationUp tp $15 $1.50$15 and over $3.00$35 and over $5.00Over $70 $7.50

Brekkes offers Big Bluestem Audubon Society a donationwhen bird seed or other bird products are purchased.Present this coupon with your purchase and a donation will begiven to BBAS.

Offer good until December 31, 2006

Membership Application forms

Clip and JoinDont forget gift memberships!

New member of the National Audubon Society. You will

receive theAudubon magazine, theBig Bluestem Flyer,membership card. $20Please make your check payable to National AudubonSociety and include Chapter Code H-57 on the check

Subscribe to theBig Bluestem Flyer for one year andparticipate in some Big Bluestem Society Activities $10Restrictions are that you will not be a National Audubon Societymember or have voting privileges, and you cannot be an officer orcommittee chair. Please make your check payable toBig Bluestem

Audubon Society.

Send your check and this coupon toJon Bahrenfus, Membership Chair1050 J Ave, Ogden, IA 50212

Name _______________________________________________Address _____________________________________________City_____________________ State____ ZIP_______________Phone ________________ E-mail _______________________Please do not use this form for renewals to the National Audubon Soc.

OR

Donate 10%of Your NextPurchase to

Big Bluestem Audubon Society

BIRDSEED FEEDERS BIRDBATHS OPTICS NATURE GIFTS

213 Duff Ave. Ames, IA 50010 (515) 956-3145Mon-Wed 9:30-5:30 Thurs 9:30-8Fri 9:30-5:30 Sat 9-5 Sun 12-4

Coupon must be presented at time of purchaseMay not be combined with any other offerNot valid on specially-priced merchandise

Offer Expires: 12-31-06

Welcome New members

AmesBill Black

Robert DarnerAmy DivineJodi Takes

WoodwardDixie Boyles

MadridJoyce Carlson

Charles White

Des MoinesDale Schroeder

Webster City

Donna Vandemark

Stephen DAmato


8/8

IfyouhaveanXafteryournameonyourmailinglabel,thiswillbeyourlast

issueoftheFlyerunlessyourenew.

Non-ProfitOrg.U.S.PostagePaid

PermitNo.131Ames,Iowa

BigBluestemFlyerDavidC.Edwards,EditorBigBluestemAudubonSocietyPOBox543Ames,IA50010-0543

Printed on Recycled paper

Wewelcomenewmembers!

November/December 2006Vol 42 No. 2

Annua l Boone County 4th Grad e Outdoors Day at The LedgesBig Bluestem members once again gave short sessions on birding to 4th grade classes from Boone

County during their annual Outdoors Field Day. Jon Bahrenfus and I worked with five classes on a hot

Tuesday and eight classes on Thursday. With questions we showed them what they already know about

many of 19 birds and then what they might see in that part of the park. After an introduction to using

binoculars, they spent the remaining 10 to 15 minutes looking for birds (and whatever else reached their

10-year-old fancies). The birds available are always limited, but many classes saw low flying Turkey

Vultures. Other birds making brief appearances were American Robin, White-breasted Nuthatch,

Downy and Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Thursdayclasses met with cooler weather but there a few more birds. To fill their time and add a little interest

during bird droughts, Jon positioned paper cut-outs on woods trees earlier and asked the kids to find

them with their binoculars. There were only 25 minutes to spend on birding in their schedule of seven

activities. Note that the binoculars were a gift from BBAS to Boone County Conservation, and a very-

much-appreciated component of the experience. David Edw ards

November-December 2006 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society

Documents

Transcript of November-December 2006 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society