In the "believe it or not" category, a few weeks ago Mike Smith of Des Moines called to report an American Bittern in his Yew hedge outside his dining room window.
Mike lives in the Chatauqua Historic District just off Hickman Road and between 6th Avenue and MLK. This would be east of Broadlawns Hospital and not far from the Des Moines River. I believe John Wenck might have taken photos of it. Mike thinks the bittern left in the early evening but he was able to enjoy it for a few hours at least. Jane Clark From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Dan Dorrance Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 9:39 PM To: IA-BIRD Subject: [ia-bird] New Yard Bird Ava texted me at work today that some type of bird, maybe a "duck or a dove" was justing sitting in our backyard. When I arrived home we found a first fall American Coot. Upon approaching it got up and headed for the woods. Later when out working in the front yard I heard all this rustling and the coot appeared in a road ditch. I was thinking it could not get airborne without a good running start and maybe some water. As it walked across the yard a farm cat picked up the chase and the coot too picked up the pace. I threw my jacket at the cat and the coot got airborne and flew off. Believe it or not. Dan Dorrance Red Oak --- 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]
