November-December 2007 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society

8/9/2019 November-December 2007 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society

1/8

Big Bluestem FlyerBig Bluestem Flyer

Volume 43, Number 2 November-December 2007

Programs November 15, 2007

Thursday, 7:30 pmExtension & 4-H Building, I S U, Ames

Twenty-five Years of Red-ShoulderedHawk Nesting Success

Along the M ississippi RiverJon Stravers

Jon will describe his observations of Red-shoulderedHawk nesting success and additional information on a

new population of Cerulean Warblers. Included will beupdates on Audubon's Mississippi River Initiative andbirds of interest that currently nest and migrate alongthe Mississippi River. (See a brief bio of Jon on page 5.)

Dinner: India Palace, 120 Hayward Avenue, Ames

December 13, 2007BBAS Ho liday for the Birds

and BBAS Member Picture Show (Note these changes from our usual meetings

Time: 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 modest number of slides orelectronic media pictures to share of youryears activities, (3) party treats! Extra goodies

will be used at the dinner after the Ames

Christmas Bird Count, and (4) please bring onenon-perishable food item to be forwarded tothe MICA food panty for distribution to area

residents less fortunate than ourselves.

Page 2Officers and CommitteesPresidents Corner

Page 3Have You Read?Teacher Treasure Collections

Page 4Christmas Bird CountsBoone County ClassesNature Magazines

Newsletter of the Big Bluestem Audubon Society

Page 5Two TowheesJon Stravers

Page 6Backyard Habitat TourBird Name Puzzles

Page 7New MembersMembership FormCoupons

Page 8Photo Quiz

Field TripsNovember 3, 2007

Bauer Slough and Gordons Marsh

(Hami lton Co.)Meet at 8:00 a.m. in the public parking lot west of(behind) the Ames Wild Birds Unlimited, located

south of the railroad tracks at 213 Duff Ave. Pleasearrive before the departure time to arrange

carpooling. Contact Jeff Nichols (515-795-4176,or [email protected]) for more

information.

Christmas Bird CountsMore information inside on page 3

December 15, 2006 SaturdayAmes Christmas Bird Count.

Contact Leader: Shane/Katy Patterson:232-4682.

E-mail: [email protected]

December 16, 2006 SundaySaylorville Christmas Bird Count.

Contact Leader: Steve Dinsmore: 233-2796.

E-mail: [email protected] 5, 2007 Saturday

Boone Christmas Bird Count.Note: Date is subject to change if Iowa

political caucuses are held that day.Contact Leader: Mark Widrlechner: 233-1532.

E-mail: [email protected]

Mark your calendars! The winter meeting of the

Iowa Prairie Network central region has beenscheduled for January 26, 2008 at the conference

center at DMACC. The program and other details

are in the works.


2/8

2 Big Bluestem Flyer November-December 2007

Big Bluestem Audubon SocietyOfficers and Committees

OfficersPresident: Lynne Brookes434-2028 [email protected]: Royce Bitzer233-6741 [email protected]: Shane Patterson232-4682 [email protected]: Michael Meetz382-2534, [email protected]

Board MembersMary Doud515-795-4176, [email protected] Weichers319-231-6999, [email protected]

Larry Dau- 515-275-4963, [email protected] Grotheer- 515-233-9873, [email protected] Crim- 515-5026, [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 Ehresman296-2995

[email protected] Chair: Amy Yoakum, 232-2516

[email protected] Trip Chair: Jeff Nichols 795-4176 [email protected] Chair: Katy Patterson 232-4682 [email protected] Chair: Royce Bitzer (See Officers)Publicity Chair: Mary Doud (See Board Members)Publications & Electronic Media Chair: David Edwards 292-3790

[email protected]

BBAS Web Site:http://BigBluestemAudubon.org

Presidents Corner

Leaves are falling so fast this autumn that it seems they are forgetting to color up! On the other hand,

its making it easier to spot all those birds moving around in preparation for the winter to come.

Each day I find it fascinating to see which groups of birds are on the move South and which are

coming down from the North to occupy the modified niches just vacated. Barn swallows and Eastern

Kingbirds have left and European Starlings, Blue Jays, and traveling Common Grackles are eating cold

ground bound insects. Chipping Sparrows are off to warmer climes and Dark-eyed Juncos are moving

into vacated haunts. Catbirds and Brown Thrashers have headed toward Margaritaville and berry

loving American Robins are seeking out maturing fall fruit to chase down rain soaked worms.

Winter seasonal movement makes me think too of a great time honored BBAS migrationover to the

Story County Conservation Center at McFarland Park to celebrate the annual Holiday for the

Birds and BBAS Member Picture Show.This feast-- both the edible treats and visual snacks for the

eyewill begin at 7 pm on the SECOND THURSDAY night, December 13th. Mark your calendar now

and join in the fun! Those bringing favorite electronic media images or slides must exhibit self-control

and limit your presentation to a few minutes. Dont forget seed/donation $$ for the SCCC birds and

maybe think more healthy and less sweet for the pot luck. Remember, all goodies remaining will go

to the Christmas bird counters, so, cook away!

On another note, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank both Jon and JoyceBahrenfus for the excellent jobs they have done as Membership Chair (Jon) and Publications and

Electronic Media Co-chair (Joyce). Together they helped keep us organized and in the know. As Jon

and Joyce retire from their important positions, I am pleased to announce that Katy Patterson has

volunteered to become our new Membership Chair. Thanks to the efforts of these three BBAS leaders we

will continue to welcome new members to our group and support membership locally and nationally as

Jon and Joyce pass the reins on into Katys capable hands.

Finally, little eyes peering at me from all around and Dave Edwards monthly Bird Quizzes have

inspired me to ask you a few questions-- for fun-- and a chance to win fabulous prizes from the top of my

credenza:

Continued on next page


3/8

November-December 2007 Big Bluestem Flyer 3

What zips all around branches and trunks yelling an unconcerned ack-ack, ack-ack at us land bound

two-legs? Does grey, white and a maybe a touch of black help?

What teeny little guy from up in the branches will boldly come down fairly close to stare, wondering,

what the heck you are? He may even flash his lovely little yellow pate.

What small brownish bird foraging for seeds may look up and show you a patchy reminder of the snow

to come?

Which is the bird that may remind you of a House Sparrow on steroids that fell face forward into some

black ink, wiping clean only its pinkish beak?Well! Come to our next BBAS meeting on Thursday, November 15th and find out the answers!

Lynne Brooke s

HAVE YOU READ?There are many good books, nature guides, videos, websites, natural history museums to visit, etc.

relating to birds and other wildlife. We look forward to you sharing YOUR favorites with other BBAS

members!

Americas Neighborhood Bats. Merlin D. Tuttle. 1988. ISBN 0-292-78148-2 University of Texas

Press, Austin, Texas.

For those who would like to do some follow-up reading related to Vera Blevens fall 2007 program on

bats, this is a great little paperback book packed with information and excellent color photography.

Included are chapters on the world of bats, misconceptions, living in harmony with batsincluding both

how to attract bats to your yard and bat safe eviction practices, and a description of Americas most

common bats. Also included is a handy key for bat identification.

Wild Neighbors: The Humane Approach to Living with Wildlife. Hadidian, John, Guy R.

Hodge, and John W. Grandy. 1997. ISBN 1-55591-309-1 (The Humane Society of the United States)

Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing.

When cold weather hits, critters start moving around looking for warm

housingmaybe yours! This illustrated very readable and handy paperback

book presents background information on various animal neighbors then

provides conflict resolution strategies to make living near or with them

tolerable to both. Topics such as health issues and relational tactics are

covered. (Humans are supposed to be smarter, right?) The critters coveredrange from woodpeckers to snakes and skunks to pocket gophers: 32 common

species in all. Enjoy and good luck!Lynne Brooke s

Teacher Treasure Collec tions

Our first load of teachers treasures was delivered to Sawyer Elementary (Ames) in September, and

what a load it was! Thank you all for thinking of the teachers and students, and collecting over the

summer months. Several teachers thanked me in the hallway as I made the delivery, and I was told that

much of it was put to use. We did, also, receive some feed back on items they no longer need at this time.

Unless new requests are made, please discontinue collection of: coffee cans, medicine/pill containers, egg

cartons, and paper board (like cereal boxes, etc.). Please limit your collection of plastic containers with

lids and paper tubing (both of these items must be clean, no milk containers, no paper on the tubingplease).

Items still much in demand are: paper (clean and unused; white, colored, prints and stationary), yarn,

felt, ribbon, fabric, wood cut-outs, cotton balls, wrapping and tissue paper, colored pencils and other art

supplies, calendars (any year, with appropriate pictures for re-use such as nature scenes, landscapes,

people, animals, plants, etc.), and other craft supplies. All must be clean and in good condition. I will

continue to pick items up at our monthly meetings. Thanks again!Ma ry Doud


4/8

November-December 20074 Big Bluestem Flyer

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 15th thisyear. The Saylorville count will be on the following Sunday the 16th. The Boone count is scheduled

for Saturday, January 5, unless Iowa political caucuses are held that day..

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).David Edw ards & National Aud ubo n Soc iety

Annua l Boone County 4th Grade 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. Though the five classes scheduled for Tuesday, October

2 were canceled due to rain, Jon Bahrenfus and I worked with eight classes on Thursday. Using

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. 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

BBAS MAGAZINES GET NEW HOMES

Thanks to the donation of over one hundred nature magazines by BBAS members last winter and

spring, the residents of four local nursing homes got to see more of the out-of-doors wonders than they

may have otherwise. Thanks to each of you who contributed your past magazines for their pleasure.

Everyone who wants to can bring more to the meetings and Ill be glad to distribute them where

theyll be appreciated-- again. Recycling at its best!Lynne Brooke s


5/8

5November-December 2007 Big Bluestem Flyer

C

Our Novembe r SpeakerJon Stravers

Jon Stravers has been tracking raptor migrations along the Upper Mississippi River 30 years and has

maintained nesting data on Red-shouldered hawks on the river for 25 consecutive years. Jon came to

Audubon in 1999 and has been instrumental in not only doing research on the river but providing

educational programs and field trips on the river aboard the Audubon Ark and by small boats in the

Upper Mississippi River states. His current research is concentrating on the Mississippi River and the

Effigy Mounds-Yellow River Important Bird Area in Northeast Iowa, near his home. He is Field Trip

and Research Coordinator of Audubons Mississippi River Initiative.

Prior to coming to Audubon, Jon was the Director of the Midwest Raptor Research beginning in 1990

and also served as the Principal Investigator on inventory and monitoring of Ferruginous Hawks andGolden Eagles in New Mexico as part of the Hawks Aloft program in 1998.

Jon received his B.A. in Science and Communications from Central College in Pella, Iowa in 1987 and

was an Adjunct instructor in Ornithology at William Penn College in Oskaloosa, Iowa from 1995-1997.

Jon is also a regular musician on the Mississippi River and has written and performed music about his

love for the river and for birds to thousands of people during his work for Audubon. He has released 4

CDs of original music with a variety of musicians using the name Big Blue Sky. Jon continues to

perform his music on regular cruises on board the Mississippi Explorer Excursion boats.

Two Towhee Spec ies in an Am es YardOn October 18th, 2006, a male Spotted Towhee visited our yard in northeast Ames. In addition to

consuming white millet seed, this colorful migrant scratched for supplementary food in natural mulch

along a row of shrubs. At least twice, a White-throated Sparrow raced in and tried to "steal" bits of food

that had been unearthed during the towhee's double-scratching bouts. These attempts were not

successful on the towhee's watch.

I initially was alone in my observations of this bird in the late morning. However, shortly after the

noon hour, the towhee returned to pose in a small apple tree near where he had foraged earlier. This

enabled my wife (Katy) to also get satisfactory views. After first making an appearance on the 18th, hethen returned two days later, briefly partaking in the same food and habitat. During his reappearance,

a female Eastern Towhee graced the yard for about 45 seconds, hopping through grassy habitat in front

of the feeders. Even though they were making use of the same surroundings, I noted no apparent

interaction between the two towhee representatives. For sure, seeing either of these towhees in our yard

would have been nice, but having extended looks at both within the same interval was especially

agreeable. To add to a photo log I had created for the Spotted Towhee, I quickly clicked a few

identifiable pictures of the Eastern Towhee before she headed out as well.

Attracting wildlife was a big part of why we landscaped and maintained our yard the way we did. A

combination of mature trees, dense shrubs, healthy ground layer (native grasses and mulched leaves),

plenty of millet, and no cats or dogs in the yard may have set the stage for sizeable gatherings of

migrant birds. For instance, on the second day the towhees stopped by, I counted 62 White-throated

Sparrows feeding at once in our backyard. This highlighted an eight-day stretch where we consistently

noted 30-60 white-throateds at a time during peak feeding hours. Moreover, because we distribute

millet directly on the ground and dont include any cracked corn we seem to have lessened the House

Sparrow scourge. Sure, these feisty little beasts are still present, but theyre rarely in the massive

groups that commercial seed mixes often attract. I presume that you could achieve this sort of result in

other local yards.

Finally, as of the writing of this article (10/15/07), White-throated Sparrow numbers were again

climbing back up into the 25-35 range in our backyard, possibly setting the stage for bigger

concentrations in the approaching days. Perhaps another Spotted Towhee (a rare but regular migrant

through central Iowa) will make an appearance some day. Likewise, stay on the lookout in your own

neighborhood. A Spotted Towhee would make for a welcome addition to any birders yard list.

Sha ne S. Pa tterson


6/8

6 November-December 2007Big Bluestem Flyer

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 issue

will be the 17th of December.

BBASs First Backyard Habita t Tour Held in Summer 2007

On June 24, Big Bluestem Audubon Society (BBAS) hosted its first Backyard Habitat Tour. Several

BBAS members opened their yards for public viewing to share ideas about landscaping for wildlife.

These seven sites ranged from small urban yards to larger, rural acreages with habitats including native

perennial plantings, berries, fruit trees, shrubs, trees, timber, wetlands, and prairie. Most of the yards

also featured bird-feeding stations with various feeders and water sources. One unique attraction was a

set-up for Purple Martin nesting boxes, designed and built by Tim Grotheer. Another highlight was the

Meetzs 40 acres wetland and prairie reconstruction. At the end of the day, participants shared a picnicsupper at the Lynne Brooks farm and enjoyed a tour of the barn and surrounding grounds. Reference

materials on landscaping for wildlife were available at the picnic.

We hope to hold future tours and would like to improve on the logistics and preparation of this event.

Please feel free to contact any board member with your comments and suggestions.

Thank you to the following members who offered their yards for the tour: Jon and Joyce Bahrenfus,

Royce Bitzer, Lynne Brooks and Derrick Grimmer, Mary Doud and Jeff Nichols, Dave and Jeanne

Edwards, Tim and Kris Grotheer, and Mike and Linda Meetz.

We would like to thank and recognize the following businesses and organizations for helping to

publicize this event and/or providing reference materials:

Ames Tribune, Nevada Journal, Ames Life & Times (Des Moines Register), Boone News Republican,Iowa Native Plant Society, Iowa Prairie Network, Practical Farmers of Iowa,

Ames365.com, Ames Public Library, Lowe Berry Garden Center, Wild Birds Unlimited (Ames), Holubs

Gardens and Green houses, Country Landscapes, Earl May Nursery and Garden Center (Ames and

Ankeny), Wheatsfield, Boone Public Library, HyVee (Boone and West Ames), Caf Diem, Stomping

Grounds, Brueggers Bagels, Borders Book Store (Ames), Brekkes Town and Country Store, Orscheln

Farm and Home Supply, Northwest Greenhouse and Floral Inc. (Boone), Central Iowa Lawn and

Landscape, Dutch Oven Bakery (Ames and Boone), Ames Greenhouse and Floral, Jax Outdoor Gear,

ISU Alumni Hall, Mary Greeley West Clinic, Ames Middle School, Collegiate Presbyterian Church,

Unitarian Universalist Church, Memorial Union ISU, Ames Nursery, Fareway (Boone), Story County

ConservationMa ry Doud

Bird Name PuzzlesEach of these short phrases describes the name of a bird. For example, the answer to Highway

sprinter would be Roadrunner.

Drunken angler Party Game

Pale Robert Lunch time

Extended sidetrack Woodcutters spin

Sorrowing distaff relative Robert playing golf

Has a glass jaw Slow mover

Traveling rube Sycamore stoop

Party on a prairie Chinese Boat, Inc.


7/8

Big Bluestem FlyerNovember-December 2007 7

Present the coupons below at the time of your purchase and a donationwill be given to 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, 2007

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 toKaty Patterson, Membership Chair201 E Oneil Dr, Ames, IA 50010

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

OR

Ames

Maurice Klatt Sheila LundtMiriam Stevenson

Dayton

Heather Berglund

BlairsburgBarb RandalBoone

Dorothea HendricksDavid Woodward

Webster City7-B Ranch

213 Duff Ave Ames, IA 50010(515) 956-3145 www.wbu.com/ames

Donate $5 of Your Next Purchase toBig Bluestem Audubon Society

BIRDSEED FEEDERS BIRDBATHS OPTICS NATURE GIFTS

November 2007Donate $5 from your

purchase of$25 or more

Specially-pricedmerchandise

excluded

Valid 9/1 - 9/30/07

$5BIRDBUCK

December 2007Donate $5 from your

purchase of$25 or more

Specially-pricedmerchandise

excluded

Valid 10/1 - 10/31/07

$5BIRDBUCK

Welcome New members


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 2007Vol 43 No.

ANOTHER BIRD IMAGE QUIZAnswers at the November BBAS Meeting, or look at our web site after the meeting.

November-December 2007 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society

Documents

Transcript of November-December 2007 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society