On Friday I set my alarm extra early so I could drive the 55 minute
journey from Ames to Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge to arrive just
before sunset. My main goal for the trip was to finally add Henslow's
Sparrows to my life list. It was but a few minutes after I arrived at
5:30AM that my main goal for the day was achieved. I only had to drive a
short time down the main road (Pacific St.) with my windows open to hear
multiple Henslow's Sparrows singing. I was able to view them and took a
few less than optimally lit pictures, as well.
I spent the morning at the refuge, also finding (amongst the usual
grassland suspects) Grasshopper Sparrows, Western Meadowlarks, Field
Sparrows, Indigo Buntings, a Yellow Warbler, a Bell's Vireo and Sedge
Wrens. I was unable to find the usual Loggerhead Shrike, on the west side
of the Buffalo enclosure.
The grasses are tall, butterflies were flitting around and the prairie
flowers are definitely starting to show their colors, but it seems like it
will still be a week or two before the full "show" will begin on the
prairie, when it should be quite spectacular. Its not too shabby, as it is
now. I would definitely recommend heading out to the Refuge!
Eric Ollie
Ames, IA
My bird pictures can be found at:
ericollie.smugmug.com
---
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]
