Good evening birders, Paul Skrade and I took a trip to southeast Iowa today in hopes of seeing some spring migrants and, at the very least, to enjoy the beautiful weather. Highlights of our trip were:
Continuing Bullock's Oriole in Ottumwa (we got very nice looks at the bird at around 8 AM; it visited Gail's feeder twice in about 15 minutes) Eastern Phoebe - Van Buren County near Van Buren Wildlife Area 26 Turkey Vultures throughout southeast Iowa - an FOY for both of us 19 species of waterfowl including 4 species of geese (missed Cackling Goose) and an adult female Long-tailed Duck on Pool 19 in Keokuk 25 Wilson's Snipe at the wetland near Montrose Cemetery 1 American Gothic house in Eldon We also heard Western Chorus Frogs at a few locations and observed several Painted Turtles basking, a sure sign that spring is around the corner. Lastly, a rather neat observation. While scanning the gulls at the Fort Madison riverfront, we were walking back to the car and observed a large flock of American White Pelicans overhead with a single Snow Goose in the middle. Nothing too extraordinary, but about 2 hours and approximately 40 miles later, while stomping around near Port Louisa NWR in Louisa County, we looked up while walking back to the car and observed a large flock of American White Pelicans (same number as before) with one Snow Goose in the middle. We presumed this was the same group we saw at Fort Madison, which goes to show how closely these birds follow the river when migrating. Take care, Tyler Harms Ames, Story Co. --- 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]
