I toured around western Humboldt county today. Saw lots of raptors. Many paired up Red-tailed Hawks. I saw four Rough-legged Hawks, one at Rutland Marsh, and then three along Arizona Ave N. of Bradgate (all three were within two miles of each other). Multiple Am. Kestrels were sitting on power-lines across the county. I saw at least twenty imm. Bald Eagles along the Des Moines River, though I did not see any at the Gotch Park eagle nest (though I did notice a new nest west of Gotch Park along the river.
Other birds I saw were a flock of ~14 Common Redpolls at South Indian Hills cemetery which is between Humboldt and Gotch State Park (the second more heavily treed cemetery, there are two on the Gotch Park blacktop, S Indian hills is the southernmost). Also saw a Pine Siskin at this location. South of main street in Humboldt I saw four Hooded Mergansers on the Des Moines River. Though did not relocate the Carolina Wren, I think my timing was off for that, will either have to try again later in the day or earlier in the morning. Definitely some spring activity as I saw that Canada Geese are already paired up and engaging in territorial activities along the river, as well as the large amount of territorial singing and drumming that is going on. I saw a single Red-winged Blackbird male, sitting in some edge habitat south of McKnight's Point. As well as an American Robin. I also had a single Common Redpoll at my feeders this morning. Jacob Ottosen, Humboldt Co., IA --- 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]
