I hit this area a couple times this summer, as it lies within the Ankeny/Carney Marsh BBA block. I had some interesting finds, including breeding Hooded Merganser and Spotted Sandpiper, Grasshopper Sparrows were numerous and Lark Sparrows were the most common sparrow. Just for giggles, I swung through the northwestern area of the Prairie Trail development near the wetlands that Inger mentioned just a short while ago. Song, Savannah, and Swamp Sparrows were everywhere, and I was almost surprised I didn't kick up a Le Conte's. Likely lingering from summer, a Hooded Merganser was again on one of the ponds. Mourning Dove numbers were most impressive, topping 120+ individuals. Something to do with John Deere "next door"? Canada Geese have taken more of a liking to the ponds in the area as well, particularly across State St. and slightly closer to DMACC where some 300+ birds were loafing. Irregardless, I'll be curious to see how the birdlife changes over the next several years as the new development here takes hold. It would be very beneficial, I think, to monitor birds in the area and keep tabs on the changes as they develop. I seriously wonder if Grasshopper & Lark Sparrows will be here in 10 years, if not gone well before. For those interested on the plans of the new developments and their potential impacts, here are two links: www.districtankeny.com www.prairietrailankeny.com Of particular note is the "Master Plan" on the Prairie Trail website. Danny Akers Ankeny [email protected]
From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: [ia-bird] new birding area? Date: Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:00:35 -0500 All – The city of Ankeny has put in a series of stormwater-fed wetlands leading to a couple artificial lakes. A nice stand of native vegetation is starting to establish (seeded 2008) both in the open prairie areas and around the water. Lots of arrowhead, sedges, Canada wild rye etc. It would be nice to know more about the birds using the area – last weekend a savanna sparrow was flitting around along with several other species. If anyone has the time and interest, would be great to know what you find there. It’s off State Street, primarily on the NW corner of the first traffic light N of the Oralabor and State intersection. Cross street is SW Vintage Parkway. Sincerely, Inger Lamb 515.250.1693 cell/messages 515.963.7681 land line --- 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: [email protected] --- 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: [email protected]
