Hi All, I viewed the Snowy Owl northeast of Ames between 4 and 430 PM (give or take). The bird was sitting in the field to the northeast of the 570th/190th intersection when I first arrived and eventually flew up to one of the large poles along 570th closer to the intersection. I noted 5 vehicles viewing the owl during my time along the road. I was pleased to see everyone using good judgement and respecting the owl by giving it adequate distance. No one parked underneath the bird nor really attempted to remove themselves from their vehicles while the bird was on the power pole nor in the field. I was very pleased to see this and hope that others planning to view the bird show similar respect and keep an eye on other folks doing the same. In combination with what I mentioned above, I thought about the discussion on the listserv a few weeks back regarding feeding Snowy Owls. I felt that discussion was very civil and appropriately contained on both sides and it gives me a sense of pride that those of us here can communicate and/or debate without taking things personally. Had this discussion taken place on another listserv (I have seen similar discussions on neighboring listservs), I don't believe it would have progressed anywhere near as smoothly as it did here. To that, I tip my hat to the members here.
I also briefly searched for the Snowy Owl on the west side of Ankeny in Polk Co. but came up empty. I talked with Matt Wetrich earlier and we clarified the directions for the area. The Kidman Tree Farm sits just off the east side of Hwy 415 almost right between the accesses to Cherry Glen and Oak Grove. NW 8th St. (Ankeny City street) is the access road to the area. Proceeding east for a small stretch through the new development is a stop sign. To the north is a gravel road. This is NW 102nd Ave. There are two main curves in the gravel here, one right near the stop sign and another about 1/2 mi or a bit more farther to the north where the road curves back east. As the gravel goes back to the east, it becomes paved and turns into Ankeny city street NW 18th St. There's a lot to sort through in this area, so if the bird isn't hanging around a field or post, it's very possible it may be in someone's backyard or on their roof! Danny [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/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: [email protected]
