I also returned from Perry to Urbandale, following that great Raccoon River Watershed meeting, and saw the geese. Along with presentations about water quality along the Raccoon River watershed, were informative presentations on everything from minnows to mussels. And Kay Neumann treated us with a live bald eagle and red-tailed hawk.
I also drove by Beaver Bottoms wetland (just south of Granger) and observed our first returning Wood Ducks and Hooded Mergansers, along Xavier Road. There were also plenty of speckle-bellies (White-front geese) along the north side of Beaver Creek, along with Canadas and Mallards. Ty Smedes [email protected] Ty Smedes Nature Photography 4732 72nd Street Urbandale Iowa 50322-1148 phone: 515-270-9086 -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Leland Searles Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2012 8:51 PM To: IA-BIRD Subject: [ia-bird] Migrating Geese along Highway 141 Today, returning from the Raccoon River Watershed Meeting in Perry, there were many small to medium-sized groups of geese. The smallest groups were closer to the ground, probably moving from a daytime feeding spot to night water. Larger groups of around 40 to 200 were visible in skeins overhead, flying generally northwest and much higher. At least some of the groups were Canadas. Along 141 northwest of Granger a flock of 200-300 was feeding on the ground in a cornfield. After studying some photos, it appears that all were Greater White-Fronted Geese, with mixed adults and immatures. I could see the white facial area on some, bright orange feet on many, and the pale wing coverts on some in fight. Ty Smedes presented his slide show on Bald Eagles at the watershed meeting, and there were numerous other informative and interesting presentations. Lee Searles Des Moines --- 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] --- 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]
