September-October 2005 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society

8/9/2019 September-October 2005 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/september-october-2005-big-bluesterm-flyer-big-bluestem-audubon-society 1/8

Big Bluestem FlyerBig Bluestem Flyer

Volume 41, Number 1 September/October 2005

Programs

Sept. 15, 2005

Iow a's Living Roadways

Steve HollandSteve Holland is the Coordinator of the IDOT's

Living Roadway Trust Fund and an enthusiasticsupporter of prairies in Iowa. An engaging

speaker, he will provide an overview of the DOT

roadways native planting program and answerquestions people may have about this novel

approach to providing habitat along roadways.Dinner: 5:45 Olde Main- 316 Main St., Ames

Oct. 20, 2005

Sylvan Runkel: Citizen of the Natural World

Larry Stone, writer/photographer formerly with

the Des Moines Register (1972-1997), will talkabout well known Iowa naturalist, Sylvan Runkel

and his many contributions. Larry Stone has writtentwo books for the IDNR and in 1999 published his

book, Listen to the Land. With coauthor, JonStrathers, he wrote and published Sylvan Runkle's

biography in 2003. The author's books and

photographs will be made available at the talk.Dinner: 5:45 The Mandarin- 415 Lincolnway, Ames

Field Trips

FYI September 11 (Sunday)

Pelican Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at

Camp Area #2 in Jester Park on the west side of Saylorville Lake. American White Pelican,

Osprey, and waterfowl viewing, and activitiesfor all ages. Sponsored by Polk Co.

Conservation Board, Des Moines Audubon, Iowa

Audubon, and the Wildlife Diversity Program of the Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources.

September 24.Doolittle Prairie (Story Co.). Come preparedto hike through tall and wet grass as we search

for sparrows, rails, and other fall migrants.

October 15Saylorville Lake and Polk City Wildlife Area forgulls, waterfowl, and lingering shorebirds.

November 19Waterfowl viewing at Lake Red Rock, RunnellsNatural Area, and Pinchey Bottoms.

DecemberChristmas Bird Counts.

Page 2 Officers and Committees Chichaqua-Neal Smith BCA

Page 3 Crim’s’ Hagie Award Page 4 Endangered Species Reports

Vermillion Flycatcher

In This Issue

Newsletter of the Big Bluestem Audubon Society

Page 5 Missouri River Level Mortensen Mound Update

Page 6 Pelican Festival Teachers’ Treasures

Page 7 Membership Form Coupons

Page 8 Crims Pictures

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.

Program meetings are held monthly, September-May on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30

pm, Room 2226 Veterinary Medicine Building,Iow a State University, Ames, Iowa.

If you would like to meet and dine with the speaker

and the BBAS Board before the monthly meeting,please contact Lynne Brookes to confirm space and

location at 515-434-2028 or [email protected]



2 Big Bluestem Flyer September/October 2005

Big Bluestem Audubon SocietyOfficers and Committees

Officers President: Linda Thomas 292-7534 [email protected] Vice-President: Lynne Brookes 434-2028 [email protected] Secretary: Bruce Ehresman 296-2995

[email protected] Treasurer: Ed Carbrey 292-2404

Board Members Shane Patterson 232-4682 [email protected] Jeff: Nichols 795-4176 [email protected] Royce Bitzer 233-6741 [email protected]

Wolfgang Oesterreich 232-3285 [email protected] Tim Grotheer 233-9873 [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 Chairs Archivist: Hank Zaletel 382-427 [email protected] Bird-a-thon Co-chairs: Karl and Carmen Jungbluth, 432-5057

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

[email protected] Field Trip Chair: Jeff Nichols (See Officers)

Membership Chair: Jon Bahrenfus 275-3263 [email protected] Program Chair: Lynne Brookes (See Officers) Publicity Chair: Linda Thomas (See Officers) Publications & Electronic Media Co-Chairs:

David Edwards 292-3790 [email protected] Joyce Bahrenfus 275-3263 [email protected]

BBAS Web Site: http://BigBluestemAudubon.org

New Addition to Iowa Bird Conservation Area Program

Just a few short weeks ago, about 100 people attended the dedication ceremony of the Chichaqua-Neal

Smith Grasslands Bird Conservation Area. The event was hosted by the Polk County Conservation

Board, and there was general excitement amongst participants for the potential that this area holds for

grassland birds. This area becomes Iowa's seventh BCA, and like all other BCAs, it contains its own

special characteristics that contribute to its uniqueness. The two other major partners in this venture

include the Polk County Conservation Board and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Each of these

agencies own and manage large areas of public land situated at the north and south ends of this BCA,respectively. All told, there are more than 15,000 acres in permanent habitat protection within this

~76,500 acre BCA. Another important aspect of this BCA is that over 31% of this entire BCA already

exists in some type of grassland cover, already surpassing the Model BCA minimum requirement for

25% of this area to be in grassland landcover. This grassland habitat provides important nesting and

foraging habitat for declining birds like short-eared owls, northern harriers, Henslow's sparrows,

bobolinks and eastern meadowlarks.

For interested landowners and land managers, guidelines for how to manage birds in various habitats

are available upon request from Iowa DNR Wildlife Diversity Program. The BCA designation opens

possibilities for some landowners (who live within the BCA) to get special habitat planning assistance

from DNR's Private Lands Program staff. BCA status also can give landowners extra points when

competitively applying for certain USDA Farm Program practices. BCA partners already are exploring

what might be done to encourage more birders and other wildlife watchers to utilize this area. Future

plans are aimed at developing a birding trail guide, which will include a BCA bird list and a map

featuring some of the BCA's best birding areas. One of the long-term goals for the Chichaqua-Neal

Smith Grasslands BCA is to restore prairie-chickens to their landscape; a worthy goal indeed!Bruce Ehresma n, DNR Wildlife Dive rsity Prog ram Biologist



September/October 2005 Big Bluestem Flyer 3

BBAS Members Lloyd and Gaylan Crim receive Hagie Heritage Award

For Lloyd and Gaylan Crim, the subtle delights of the natural world—a singing bird, a prairie plant in

bloom—have been reward enough for more than 30 years of conservation work.

The Crims who live in rural Boone County, are the recipients of the 2005 Lawrence and Eula Hagie Heritage

Award. One of the largest awards recognizing Iowa conservationists, the Hagie Award is sponsored annually by

the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), a nonprofit conservation group.

INHF will presented the Crims with a $1,000 check and a hand-carved acorn statue during a public open house

at the Story County nature center in McFarland Park.“Conservation is a lifestyle, not just one or two extraordinary events,” said Gaylan. “We have a general belief

that every person has a responsibility to help maintain the health of the land.”

Since they were students in fisheries and wildlife biology together at Iowa State University, conservation and

the Crims have gone hand-in-hand. They have supported Iowa conservation in many ways, from water quality

issues to prairie preservation. This diversity is the key to maintaining interest and overcoming the pitfalls and

frustrations of the field, according to the couple.

“We pursue what interests us,” said Gaylan. “A lot of what we do is for our own enjoyment and awareness.”

“We enjoy seeing things change over the years—not necessarily for good or bad, just different,” added Lloyd.

“Doing things repeatedly over the years has really brought that home.”

Whatever their method to maintain interest—it’s worked. Many of their conservation projects have spanned well

over a decade, including Lloyd’s leading of walks through Story County’s Doolittle Prairie and Gaylan’s dedication

to caring for a pair of trumpeter swans at the Mabaska Ponds site for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’

Trumpeter Swan Restoration Project. Although frequently pursuing projects with separate missions—Lloyd’s interests frequently draw him to prairie

and plant conservation and Gaylan’s more to wildlife—the couple relies upon each other for support and guidance.

They consider the approach a “divide and conquer” method for promoting conservation.

But for all they do separately, the couple also comes together on numerous projects. That partnership began as

Lloyd and Gaylan completed pioneering research on wild turkeys for their ISU master’s degrees, which is credited

with facilitating a successful reintroduction of the birds throughout the state.

In recent years, Lloyd and Gaylan have donned their waders, venturing together into creeks at four sites near

their home to sample water quality for the DNR’s IOWATER program. Of hundreds of sites across the state, the

four monitored by the Crims are among a total of six sites that have data reported for every statewide sampling

snapshot. They also try to sample every month, winter weather permitting.

“I’m just thankful to have the knowledge to be able to appreciate what I’m seeing,” said Lloyd. “When we are in a

group and we are the only people looking up into the sky when geese call, it seems as if we notice things that other

people don’t notice.”It is subtle pleasures like these from time spent outdoors that have motivated the Crims to participate in

organizations like Iowa State’s Trumpeter Swan Restoration Committee, the Central Iowa Prairie Network and

the Squaw Creek Watershed Coalition. While working to preserve the many facets that contribute to a healthy

environment, living alongside less conservation-minded individuals can be frustrating for the two.

“I just wish everyone could see the interconnectedness of it all, how what a person does on their land affects all

of their neighbors,” said Gaylan. “I feel like the ‘web of life’ concept is often lost.”

Meanwhile, Lloyd and Gaylan continue to fight for victories on a smaller scale. The couple enjoys educating

others at the grassroots level, fostering a love of conservation in people just beginning to take an interest.

“There are important conservation events that draw a great turnout of 200 people or so, when really we should

need to rent a football stadium to hold them,” said Lloyd. “But the small victories are what keep you going.”

Another joy of their work is the close friends Lloyd and Gaylan have made through their involvement. The

Crims’ three nominations for the Hagie Award came from Jon and Joyce Bahrenfus, Erv Klaas and Carl Kurtz—allof whom became close friends through conservation activities.

The Crims’ attitude toward conservation is especially evident at their rural home north of Boone. Over the past

18 years, they’ve planted prairie and created other wildlife habitat, as well choosing outdoor lighting that reduces

light pollution. Lloyd and Gaylan are also avid recyclers.

“We just do it because it’s the right thing to do,” said Gaylan.

The Hagie Heritage Award was created in honor of Lawrence and Eula Hagie by their daughters, Jan and Ila

Jeanne, to memorialize their parents’ commitment to environmental protection. The Crims were among three 2005

nominees. INHF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization that has protected and restored over 80,000 acres

of Iowa’s wild places. This article was written and posted on INHF's website in August 2005.



September/October 20054 Big Bluestem Flyer

2005 Iow a Endangered/ Threatened Species Report

Peregr ine Falcon Thanks to restoration efforts spearheaded by the Iowa

DNR Wildlife Diversity Program, the peregrine is approaching recovery. As a

result of the hacking of 162 peregrines (since 1989), Iowa had in 2005 ten

confirmed peregrine territories, with seven successful nestings that

produced a total of 21 banded young. There were two territories in Des

Moines (Polk Co.), and one territory each in Cedar Rapids (Linn Co.), Lansing(Allamakee Co.), Waukon Jct. (Allamakee Co.), Davenport (Scott Co.),

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

(Des Moines Co.), and Chillicothe (Wapello Co.). Six of the ten territories are

along the Mississippi River, which is good when we consider that the

Mississippi River bluffs held most of Iowa’s nesting peregrines historically.

Bald Eagle Extirpated as a nester from the state about 1905, the

first nest noted in over 70 years was located in extreme northeastern

Iowa on the Mississippi River floodplain in 1977. The exponential

growth of Iowa’s nesting eagle population during the 1990s has now

leveled off. There still were at least 20 new active bald eagle nestsreported in 2005, with approximately 190 total active eagle

nests in the state. Eagles now have nested in, at least, 71 of

Iowa’s 99 counties. This year, two new counties reported active eagle

nests, one each in Kossuth and Story. The Story County nest, situated

in Ames, received much attention from local eagle-watchers. Careful

watching and good record keeping by the eagle-watchers indicated that

the two young eagles first fledged from that nest on July 7 and July 10,

respectively.

B ar n O w l Four confirmed nests have been reported for barn owls in 2005 - one nest

in each of the following counties: Adair, Jones, Lucas, and Tama. A total of 19 young

were produced at those nests. A fifth nest, reported in Madison County, has yet to be

confirmed. This seems to be a good nesting year for barn owls, since during some

years there are no nests reported for this rare species.Bruce Ehresma n

Vermillion Flycatcher in Central I owaMost of the summer there has been a steady stream of birders at the Whiterock Conservancy

near Coon Rapids. They could not have bought the kind of positive publicity and number of

naturalist visitors that one little red flycatcher has accomplished just be

getting lost and staying for the summer in the same location. Its vivid

color and relatively tame demeanor has allowed a large number of

birders to see this southwestern native. Our sympathies to those who

spent time at the site when it chose to rest elsewhere. We too were not

able to see it the first time.David Edw ards



Newsletter Material Deadlines

Because 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 October, December, February, and April.

Please be aware that editing your offering for length and style is sometimes necessary.

5September/October 2005 Big Bluestem Flyer

Missouri River Spring Rise

A long-time environmental issue in the Midwest has been the management of our nation’s longest river, the

Missouri. For decades, the river has been managed for multiple uses but prime attention has been given to

navigation, flood control, power production, and agriculture. Recreation and fish and wildlife have received far less

attention. Some of this changed with the advent of the Endangered Species Act. Three species on the Federal T and

E list, Pallid Sturgeon, Least Tern, and Piping Plover, depend heavily on the Missouri River for the habitat they

need to survive. For many years, management of the river’s flow (by the Army Corps of Engineers-COE) has had

detrimental effects on those species. A few years ago, water flows were changed somewhat to provide nesting

habitat for the tern and plover. However, the Pallid Sturgeon has had very poor reproductive success in recentyears, apparently in part because of altered flow patterns. Historically, the water level in the Missouri River rose

dramatically twice, once in early spring with the runoff from snow in the river basin and again in late spring/early

summer when snowmelt from the mountains reached the river. These pulses of water both stimulated the sturgeon

to spawn and also provided the shallow water habitat needed by their eggs and young. Without the spring rise, the

sturgeon had much lower spawning success.

For a number of years, environmental groups have been trying to change the flow pattern of the Missouri River

so that sturgeon will have a better chance for survival. Because of the endangered species status of the sturgeon,

recent court rulings have forced the COE to provide a spring rise. This summer, some 60-80 people representing a

broad range of users of the Missouri River have been meeting to try to find some compromise whereby the needs of

all groups can be met. I have been representing Iowa Audubon at these meetings. To say the least, the meetings

have been trying as there are so many interest groups represented. Native Americans, who were excluded from

many earlier discussions, have been well represented at these meetings. Our original deadline was 31 July but

despite numerous meetings by that date, no satisfactory compromise had been found. A final meeting is planned

for 19 August as a last attempt to come up with a plan. If that fails, it will be up to the COE, working together with

the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to come up with a plan for a spring rise to begin in 2006. This issue is a

complicated one with many different groups using the river. Clearly those that have controlled the river’s use in

the past are reluctant to make any real changes in the future.

Jim Dinsmore

MORTENSEN MOUNDS UPDATE

More purples, yellows, and whites are showing up this spring and summer. This increase in color is probably a

result of the forbes having less light and root competition from fewer maximillian sunflowers and crown vetch

(resulting from ongoing control measures). Meanwhile, newly appearing forbes include stiff goldenrod, cinquefoil,and an as yet unidentified large white vetch. Plans to create more color include seeding this fall with cup plant,

butterfly milkweed, prairie coriopsis, and liatris.

The goldfinch flock is still hanging around, and chipping sparrows (new) were seen several times. Goldfinch

were seen eating seeds from grey coneflower heads. However, since the wild parsnip was controlled, the black

swallowtail larvae found on them are no longer present. As occurred last year, Monarch larvae will probably be

showing up, since adults have been seen several times around the many milkweed plants concentrated on the west

end of the Mounds.

Even though Mortensen Mounds was just outside the blockades for the implosion of the two Towers dorms,

luckily they received no dusty fall out. However, “positive fall out” from the dorms’ closure has resulted in about a

90 percent reduction of trash here. Monthly trash collection is down from 2 to 4 large plastic bags tightly stuffed

full, to less than a grocery sack full. Along with the increase in colorful blooms, the neighbors are sure to

appreciate this improvement!

Jea nne Edw ards



6 September/October 2005Big Bluestem Flyer

Paul Baicich Highlights 2005 Pelican Gala and You Are Invited

Iowa Audubon will host the 4th Annual Pelican Gala on Friday evening, September 9, 2005.

Paul Baicich, of Swarovski Birding and the National Wildlife Refuge Association, will speak on "21st

Century Birding and Bird Conservation -- Where we've come from; where we're going." According to

Paul, birding and bird conservation in the United States are just 100 years young. America's birding

experience spans the bird-preservation movement at the turn of the last century, and their use of opera/

field-glasses to observe birds, to the bird conservation plans and Internet birding communications of

today. How did we get here? What have we learned? What have we forgotten? How can we take ourexperiences into tomorrow? To hear the answers, be sure to attend the 2005 Pelican Gala!

Iowa Audubon's Pelican Gala celebrates the fall migration of thousands of American White Pelicans.

It is hosted at the beautiful Jester Park Lodge, with a huge viewing deck that overlooks Saylorville

Reservoir and the pelicans, all just north of Des Moines. The evening will begin outdoors with the

camaraderie of other birders, spotting scopes for viewing the pelicans, and an

expanded spread of Hors d'oeuvres with beverages. We'll then move indoors to

enjoy homemade desserts and the inspirational talk by Paul Baicich.

The Pelican Gala is more than a wonderful evening with birds and friends. It

is also Iowa Audubon's most important fundraiser of the year. Your attendance,

and participation in the Silent Auction, will allow Iowa Audubon to continue its

bird conservation work. The price of the Gala is $60 per person, $100 per

couple, or $25 per student, and this includes an Iowa Audubon membership

through 2006.

The Pelican Gala begins at 6:30 p.m. on September 9th. To reserve your

attendance, contact Jim Dinsmore at [email protected] or 515-292-3152.Karl Jung b luth

TEACHER “TREASURE’ COLLECTIONS

Last Spring, we started a new Audubon “project” by collecting recyclable items to contribute to the Ames PublicSchool 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:

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!

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



Big Bluestem Flyer September/October 2005 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 Donation

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

Brekke’s 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 October 31, 2005

Membership Application forms

Clip and JoinDon’t forget gift memberships!

New member of the National Audubon Society. You will

receive the Audubon magazine, the Big Bluestem Flyer,membership card. — $20Please make your check payable to National Audubon

Society and include “Chapter Code H-57” on the check

Subscribe to the Big 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 to Big 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 9:30-8

Fri 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: 10-31-05

Warblers w ill be here soon



I f y o u h a v e a n “ X ” a f t e r y o u r n a m e o n y o u r m a i l i n g l a b e l , t h i s w i l l b e y o u r l a s t

i s s u e o f t h e F l y e r u n l e s s y o u r e n e w .

N o n - P r o f i t O r g . U . S . P o s t a g e P a i d

P e r m i t N o . 1 3 1 A m e s , I o w a

B i g B l u e s t e m F l y e r D a v i d C . E d w a r d s , E d i t o r B i g B l u e s t e m A u d u b o n S o c i e t y P O B o x 5 4 3 A m e s , I A 5 0 0 1 0 - 0 5 4 3

Printed on Recycled paper

W e w e l c o m e n e w m e m b e r s !

September/October 2005Vol 41 No. 1

Lloyd and Galan Crim receiving Iow a Natural Heritage Foundation

See story on Page 3

September-October 2005 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society

Documents

Transcript of September-October 2005 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society