Did a loop to Humboldt and back today. Heavy Canada Geese movement today, 1,000+ birds were seen flying in large flocks and in the fields foraging. A flock of 40+ Snow Buntings and Horned Larks were seen south of Ottosen, and a small group of 6 Lapland Longspurs were East of Bradgate. It may be of note that the males looked like they were either transitioning or had fully transitioned to their alternate plumage one in particular was had a full black bib. On the way back to Bode today I had the honor of finding a beautiful male Northern Harrier flying along the ditch. It allowed me to coast along side of it in my car for the majority of a mile, with it gliding at eye level with me, staring straight ahead almost totally oblivious to me unless I accelerated a little to stay with it, at which point it would bob and weave and look over to me. This is a first of the year for me for this species.
Jacob Newton Ottosen, Humboldt Co., 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: [email protected]
