Does anyone think that whoever is cutting down trees for the DNR at Cone Marsh is getting a bit overzealous? I have to wonder what else will be sawn down the next time we visit. I think there will be some disappointed song birds.
Saturday, we spotted several great blue herons, one passively observing us from the creek. Others were gracefully gliding over the water. We managed to disturb 10 to 12 snipe on the south side of 220th on a large exposed portion of bottom. Also we enjoyed listening to the banter of the ducks on the water on a quiet evening without having to filter out the rowdy geese. There were two great egrets to be seen from the west side as well as a small group of pelicans that drifted down and settled in for the night. Again there was a single sandhill crane feeding with the geese in the north cornfield. We were lucky to spot the owl's nest and saw an adult owl fly down from the nest to perch close by. It would swoop out for awhile, but come back quickly. It seemed to be keeping tabs on us. The most populous winged creatures were the mosquitoes! Of course, I keep watching our feeders waiting for something big to happen. We did have a brief visit from a handsome male yellow-bellied sapsucker today. I could hear some kinglets near ther yard, but couldn't spot them. I did see a mourning cloak butterfly that had come out of hibernation on this lovely day. Julie Horak Iowa City --- 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]
