New to Birding?
Check out this great brochure on getting started in this wonderful activity.
Sat, May 9th Field Trip: Sweet Marsh
In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day
The Panther Lanes in Tripoli has once again agreed to open at noon so we can break for lunch. Good sweet potato fries! You can meet us there if you would rather bird in the afternoon only.
This coincides with World Migratory Bird Day as we will be joined by birders around the world adding their counts to the total tally. In the past PRAS birders have chosen to donate to PRAS by giving a specified amount per bird found on our big day. You are still welcome to do so if you choose.
We hope to see many of you there. Binoculars will be available.
Driving directions: From Tripoli, IA go east for 2.1 miles on 7th Ave SE (Co Rd 93) which will turn into 165th St. Turn north onto the gravel Sweet Marsh access road that is immediately after the road for the trailhead for the Sweetwater Creek bike trail. No restroom facilities are available.
Wednesday Morning Birding
Join the fun...
Beginners through experts are encouraged to participate. No binoculars? No problem. We will loan a pair to you. All outings begin at 8:30 AM unless otherwise noted. Any cancellations will be emailed or appear on Facebook by 6:30 a.m. the morning of the event.
May 6 at 8:30 AM - Greenbelt Lake (aka Martin Lake). Waterloo. Meet in the parking lot off Martin Rd, which is off Highway 63. Some paved trails. No restroom facilities. GPS point: https://goo.gl/maps/fmJddNHJy7RAgjnC6
May 13 at 8:30 AM - Hartman Reserve Lower Level. Cedar Falls. Drive to Lookout Park and access Park Drive. Continue to the lower level parking area. No restroom facilities at this location; go to Hartman's Nature Center. Here is the GPS point for the parking area: https://goo.gl/maps/ngamVSpBWuSTgvuh9
May 20 at 8:30 AM - Cedar Valley Nature Trail. Gilbertville. Meet at the depot west of Gilbertville off Washburn Road. Paved trails; restroom facilities at Gilbertville Depot, LaPorte City baseball park, & McFarlane Park. GPS point: https://goo.gl/maps/q9pSn2UEVw4zVAwP7
May 27 at 8:30 AM - Robertson Bird Sanctuary. Waterloo. Pull into the parking lot on the left, it is located on south side of the road. No restroom facilities. GPS point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zkvN5oaYzsTUVPg69
Irvine Prairie Walk - May 25th, 6 p.m.
See details here; join PRAS member, Candace Havely as she is the featured speaker for the prairie walk.
PRAS Field Trip Locations
If we don't have a specific field trip scheduled, feel free to go and explore on your own at these locations that we typically visit during our group field trips. If you want to lead a field trip, email Craig and Kris Rash and we will help get the word out. We are always looking for people to share their favorite spots.
Cedar Hills Sand Prairie. West of Cedar Falls. No restroom facilities .GPS point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nZyoYCtG6s9UGwU26
Cedar Valley Nature Trail. Gilbertville. Meet at the depot west of Gilbertville off Washburn Road. Paved trails; restroom facilities at Gilbertville Depot, LaPorte City baseball park, & McFarlane Park. GPS point: https://goo.gl/maps/q9pSn2UEVw4zVAwP7
Greenbelt Lake (aka Martin Lake). Waterloo. Meet in the parking lot off Martin Rd, which is off Highway 63. Some paved trails. No restroom facilities. GPS point: https://goo.gl/maps/fmJddNHJy7RAgjnC6
Hartman Reserve Lower Level. Cedar Falls. Drive to Lookout Park and access Park Drive. Continue to the lower level parking area. No restroom facilities at this location; go to Hartman's Nature Center. Here is the GPS point for the parking area: https://goo.gl/maps/ngamVSpBWuSTgvuh9
Hickory Hills. South of Waterloo on County Rd. V37 aka Dysart Road. Meet at the archery parking lot on the west side of Hickory Hills. Pit toilets by archery shelter. GPS point: https://goo.gl/maps/qTVUyG8sYhkkYJja6
Riverview Recreation Area - Harold Getty Lake. Waterloo. At the stoplight follow Mitchell Street about 0.25 miles east of Highway 218 to the parking lot. Some paved trails. GPS point: https://goo.gl/maps/wcFiqZj8LbpHYbCeA
Sweet Marsh. Bremer County. No restroom facilities. GPS Point: Sweet Marsh South Entrance Parking Lot From Tripoli, IA go east for 2.1 miles on 7th Ave SE (Co Rd 93) which will turn into 165th St. Turn north onto the gravel Sweet Marsh access road that is immediately after the road for the trailhead for the Sweetwater Creek bike trail.
Washington Union Access. North of Cedar Falls at Cedar-Wapsi Road (C-57). Parking lot is located on the south side of the road just before crossing the Cedar River Bridge. No restroom facilities. GPS point: https://goo.gl/maps/m1bfb7SbtSbvWEZT7
