Hi, Fellow Birders! While hiking along the Sauk Rail Trail in the southernmost tip of Swan Lake State Park last night, I saw a pair of Long-eared Owls and distinctly heard the male hooting. I was excited because this was the first time I had ever been privileged to hear this species vocalize. I saw this same pair hunting over the same stand of cedars 2 nights earlier, so my guess is that their roost is somewhere in the vicinity.
Other notable sightings from Swan Lake SP include Purple Finch (I saw a flock yesterday consisting of at least 10 individuals), Northern Harrier, Harris's Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Blue-winged Teal, and Wood Duck. I look forward to seeing what spring migration brings us in the next few days and weeks! Rachel Simmons, Ames --- 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]. Unsubscribe at http://iowabirds.org/Reporting/Listserv.aspx.
