What are you observing? Send your reports to praudubon@gmail.com
Sightings in Iowa- a lot of PRAS birders post their observations on this listserv and it is automatically updated. Curious about a bird that someone has seen? Consult the "Links" page for links to birding identification sites.
This page is primarily updated with the results of our field trips which explains why the results may not be as timely.
May 28, 2025: Our last Wednesday Morning Birding for spring 2025 was greeted by cool, damp weather which we were well prepared, but the onslaught of biting insects was almost more than we could tolerate. It's hard to be waving one's hands and holding binoculars up at the same time. Insects will one day rule the world, if they don't already.
Our efforts were rewarded as our 12 birders sighted 42 species. Three of them were new to our spring list bringing our grand total to 131 for our 7 outings. We surpassed the last three years by far.
A real treat was seeing a fawn just off the tall grass path. Well hidden by its mother, we almost missed it. The baby had learned one of its first lessons well and didn't appear to move in the least.
Thanks to all participants. We hope you learned something new and will come and join us as the migrants return in the fall. If you added to your life list, congratulations. In the meantime, brush up on your fall warbler plumage. It gets much tougher.
Kris and Craig
Washington Access Trail , Black Hawk, Iowa, US
May 28, 2025 8:32 AM - 11:07 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.404 mile(s)
42 species
Wood Duck 2
Wild Turkey 3
Ring-necked Pheasant 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Bald Eagle 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Barred Owl 1
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 2
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 1
Willow Flycatcher 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 3
Yellow-throated Vireo 2
Warbling Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Tree Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
Northern House Wren 3
Gray Catbird 2
Eastern Bluebird 2
American Robin 1
House Sparrow 1
American Goldfinch 4
Field Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 1
Baltimore Oriole 3
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
Common Yellowthroat 2
Yellow Warbler 2
Scarlet Tanager 1
Northern Cardinal 3
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 6
Indigo Bunting 2
Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.
May 21, 2025: The month of May is playing tricks on us as we encountered very cool weather for our sixth Wednesday Morning Birding of the spring season. The rain did hold off and the winds were light so our 11 birders were fortunate to locate 51 species on their slow walk down the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. Our total thus far is 128 species with 12 being new to our count.
Next week is your last chance to take part in WMB this spring. We plan to see what Washington Union Access has to offer.
Check out the Red Tail for another birding opportunity this Saturday, May 24th at Black Hawk mitigation led by Tom Schilke. This is private property with great habitat that we have special permission to access.
Kris and Craig Rash
Cedar Valley Nature Trail off Washburn, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Check out the Red Tail for another birding opportunity this Saturday, May 24th at Black Hawk mitigation led by Tom Schilke. This is private property with great habitat that we have special permission to access.
Kris and Craig Rash
Cedar Valley Nature Trail off Washburn, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
May 21, 2025 8:39 AM - 11:43 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.174 mile(s)
51 species
Canada Goose 4
Mallard 1
Ring-necked Pheasant 2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 1
Mourning Dove 5
Chimney Swift 1
Killdeer 2
Turkey Vulture 2
Bald Eagle 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Willow Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Eastern Kingbird 9
Bell's Vireo 2
Warbling Vireo 3
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Bank Swallow 2
Tree Swallow 60
Barn Swallow 2
Cliff Swallow 13
Northern House Wren 3
Sedge Wren 3
European Starling 2
Gray Catbird 5
Brown Thrasher 1
Eastern Bluebird 3
American Robin 4
House Sparrow 5
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 3
Chipping Sparrow 2
Field Sparrow 3
White-crowned Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 1 White throat, yellow lores, white siperciliam, brown streaked back. Song “Oh sweet Canada, Canada, Canada”
Song Sparrow 3
Eastern Meadowlark 3
Orchard Oriole 3
Baltimore Oriole 4
Red-winged Blackbird 6
Brown-headed Cowbird 8
Tennessee Warbler 1
Nashville Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 4
Blackburnian Warbler 1
Yellow Warbler 4
Northern Cardinal 3
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 5
Indigo Bunting 4
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/
May 14, 2025: The weather turned out to be extremely cooperative yet again for our fifth Wednesday Morning Birding outing of the spring season. If there was one regret it would be that we don't have super powers to fend off all biting insects that come anywhere near us. The birds probably have similar thoughts.
Twenty-two PRAS members and friends sauntered through Lower Hartman and spotted or heard 60 species with 15 of them being new to our WMB list. Our total now stands at 115 with two field trips remaining.
Join us next week at the Gilbertville depot as we bird the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. No pressure but migration will begin to wind down and so will our WMB field trips. Enjoy some great birds and even greater people!
Kris and Craig Rash
Hartman Reserve--Prairie Overlook, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Join us next week at the Gilbertville depot as we bird the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. No pressure but migration will begin to wind down and so will our WMB field trips. Enjoy some great birds and even greater people!
Kris and Craig Rash
Hartman Reserve--Prairie Overlook, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
May 14, 2025 8:36 AM - 11:16 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.898 mile(s)
60 species
Canada Goose 6
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 1
Wild Turkey 1
Mourning Dove 1
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Bald Eagle 1
Red-headed Woodpecker 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 3
Eastern Kingbird 1
Yellow-throated Vireo 2
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Warbling Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 3
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 4
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tree Swallow 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Northern House Wren 3
European Starling 2
Gray Catbird 3
Eastern Bluebird 2
Swainson's Thrush 11
American Robin 3
Cedar Waxwing 7
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 3
Savannah Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 1
Orchard Oriole 1
Baltimore Oriole 4
Red-winged Blackbird 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Common Grackle 1
Ovenbird 1
Northern Waterthrush 1
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Tennessee Warbler 1
Nashville Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 1
American Redstart 3
Northern Parula 1
Magnolia Warbler 1
Bay-breasted Warbler 1
Yellow Warbler 2
Chestnut-sided Warbler 1
Blackpoll Warbler 1
Wilson's Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 4
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 3
Indigo Bunting 2
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/
May 10, 2025: Bird-A-Thon Event - World Migratory Bird Day
April 30, 2025: Our last Wednesday Morning Birding for April was greeted by pleasant spring weather which beckoned both birds and birders to come out. Nineteen PRAS members and visitors gathered at George Wyth State Park to enjoy the blooming wildflowers as we sighted 55 avian species for the morning. Twenty-one birds were new to our list this spring season contributing to our total thus far of 84 species. Join us next week as we look high and low at Greenbelt (Martin) Lake in Waterloo. Thanks to all of you who have attended our WMB field trips. You are what makes them successful and fun. Craig and Kris Rash
P.S. If you're looking for something to do this Sunday, May 4th, take a road trip to Protivin, Iowa to see Darrin Siefkin's program, "Birds of Costa Rica. It is sponsored by Upper Iowa Audubon and will take place at The Place at 116 S. Main St. at 1:30.
George Wyth SP, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Apr 30, 2025 8:27 AM - 12:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
4.931 mile(s)
55 species
Canada Goose 1
Wood Duck 2
Blue-winged Teal 3
Mallard 1
Wild Turkey 3
Spotted Sandpiper 2
Ring-billed Gull 1
Forster's Tern 5
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Green Heron 1
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 1
Osprey 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Bald Eagle 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
Eastern Kingbird 2
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Warbling Vireo 1
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Tree Swallow 2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Northern House Wren 1
European Starling 1
Gray Catbird 3
Eastern Bluebird 2
American Robin 1
House Sparrow 2
American Goldfinch 2
Chipping Sparrow 1
Harris's Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 1
Baltimore Oriole 1
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Common Grackle 1
Northern Waterthrush 1
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Orange-crowned Warbler 1
Nashville Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 2
April 16, 2025:
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Christmas Bird Counts 2024: See spreadsheet to see species observed.
October 23, 2024: The morning was cool but perfect to be out on the trails bird watching. Thirteen Birders participated in the October 23rd PRAS Wednesday Morning Field Trip at the Cedar Falls Prairie Lake Visitor's Center. The group identified 34 species of birds.
Prairie Lakes Park, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Oct 23, 2024 8:39 AM - 10:50 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.84 mile(s)
34 species
Canada Goose 100
Northern Shoveler 2
Gadwall 4
Mallard 35
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2
American Coot 13
Killdeer 1
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay 7
American Crow 6
Black-capped Chickadee 8
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
European Starling 20
Eastern Bluebird 1
American Robin 1
Cedar Waxwing 4
House Sparrow 6
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 10
Chipping Sparrow 1
Fox Sparrow 3
Dark-eyed Junco 4
White-crowned Sparrow 6
White-throated Sparrow 10
Song Sparrow 5
Swamp Sparrow 1
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Northern Cardinal 3
October 16, 2024: Our Wednesday Morning Birding outings have been extremely spoiled with good weather and no need for cancellations although we would all welcome a long soaking rain for our parched soil. Today we could definitely feel the chill in the air as the temperature fell for the first time below freezing. Our birders were adequately dressed as they pulled on coats, stocking caps, gloves and (gasp!) long underwear or flannel lined jeans! Thankfully the winds were calm.
The sparrows were especially plentiful though they kept us guessing as to their identity as they continued to drop into the tall prairie grass. At the end of the morning our 10 birders had identified 32 species with 4 being new for our fall WMB bringing our season total to 81. Your last chance to join us this fall will be next week at Prairie Lakes in Cedar Falls. Meet us at the CF Visitors Center at 8:30. Sparrows should remain plentiful giving you a chance to brush up on your little brown job (lbj) ID skills.
Kris and Craig Rash
Washington Access Trail , Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Oct 16, 2024 8:45 AM - 11:11 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.319 mile(s)
32 species
Canada Goose 3
Wood Duck 4
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Cooper's Hawk 2
Bald Eagle 6
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 1
American Kestrel 2
Blue Jay 7
American Crow 5
Black-capped Chickadee 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 5
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Brown Creeper 2
European Starling 13
Eastern Bluebird 1
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 14
American Goldfinch 9
Field Sparrow 1
American Tree Sparrow 1
Fox Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 2
White-throated Sparrow 26
Song Sparrow 4
Lincoln's Sparrow 1
Swamp Sparrow 1
Common Grackle 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Northern Cardinal 1
Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.
October 9, 2024: The autumn weather continues to be conducive to both the migrants and the birders who want to pursue them. Six PRAS members met at George Wyth State Park on this Wednesday and tallied a total of 34 species. Four of those birds were new to our fall list bringing our total so far to 81.
We want to thank Tom Moon for leading this WMB while we were away at the Iowa Nature Summit. He had some wonderful shots of a pileated woodpecker that you can check out on the Prairie Rapids Audubon Society Facebook page. While you're there scroll through some of the other PRAS happenings.
Join us next week at Washington-Union Access north of Cedar Falls on Hwy. 57 just east of the bridge and west of old Hwy. 218 (Waverly Rd.).
Kris and Craig Rash
George Wyth SP, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Oct 9, 2024 8:16 AM - 11:51 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.3 mile(s)
34 species
Canada Goose 28
Mallard 11
Wild Turkey 3
Killdeer 2
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Great Blue Heron 3
Turkey Vulture 9
Bald Eagle 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 4
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
Downy Woodpecker 4
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 7
Eastern Phoebe 2
Blue Jay 8
American Crow 5
Black-capped Chickadee 10
Golden-crowned Kinglet 4
White-breasted Nuthatch 8
European Starling 13
Eastern Bluebird 1
American Robin 31
Cedar Waxwing 26
American Goldfinch 3
Dark-eyed Junco 39
White-crowned Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 6
Song Sparrow 1
Red-winged Blackbird 22
Yellow-rumped Warbler 12
Northern Cardinal 6
October 2, 2024: As we turned the calendar over to the month of October a cool wind was part of our birding experience on this sunny day as we made our way along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail from the Gilbertville depot. It may have helped usher in some species that we hadn't seen for awhile such as a kettle of 40 (or was it 41?) white pelicans and a peregrine falcon. Our 12 PRAS birders were excited to see both of these and all of the 28 species on our list today. Seven new birds were added to our fall list for a total of 77 so far this season.
Join our guest field trip leader, Tom Moon, next week at George Wyth State Park at the bird blind parking lot. Keep in mind that he likes to wander off into the brush in his quest to locate birds but he will return so report any species you see to him. Thank you for your cooperation.
Kris and Craig Rash
Cedar Valley Nature Trail off Washburn, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Oct 2, 2024 8:45 AM - 10:53 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.032 mile(s)
28 species
Canada Goose 3
Eurasian Collared-Dove 1
Killdeer 20
Greater Yellowlegs 1
American White Pelican 41
Turkey Vulture 14
Osprey 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Bald Eagle 1
Broad-winged Hawk 4 Brown streaked breast. Dark line on trailing edge of wings. Dark wing tips. Smaller buteo (smaller than red-tail hawk).
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 3
Peregrine Falcon 1
Blue Jay 9
American Crow 12
European Starling 20
Gray Catbird 1
Eastern Bluebird 7
American Robin 2
American Goldfinch 6
Field Sparrow 1
White-crowned Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 9
Lincoln's Sparrow 1
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 3
September 25, 2024: Our birding began slowly at Riverview Recreation Area on a perfect fall day as the birds were remaining quiet and sitting motionless. However, as the morning warmed our 19 PRAS birders were able to identify 43 species. We especially enjoyed watching a female belted kingfisher diving into the lake for a meal. Our total count for this fall's birding is now 68 species with 7 being new on today's list. Join us next week, October 2nd, at the Cedar Valley Nature Trail beginning at the Gilbertville depot. Check the gopras.org website for more field trip opportunities this week.
Kris and Craig Rash
Riverview Recreation Area, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Sep 25, 2024 8:37 AM - 11:31 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.215 mile(s)
43 species
Canada Goose 13
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 1
Wild Turkey 1
Mourning Dove 4
Killdeer 3
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Green Heron 1
Great Blue Heron 4
Turkey Vulture 3
Osprey 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Broad-winged Hawk 2
Belted Kingfisher 2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 13
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 4
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
European Starling 5
Gray Catbird 2
Swainson's Thrush 1
American Robin 3
Cedar Waxwing 20
House Sparrow 6
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 3
Tennessee Warbler 2
Nashville Warbler 1
Magnolia Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 6
Northern Cardinal 2
Wednesday Morning Birding:April 24, 2024
April 17, 2024Wednesday Morning Birding:
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April 10, 2024: 1st Wednesday Morning Birding - Big Woods Lake was our first of the year Wednesday Morning Birding location on a fabulous day for weather. Sunny skies, calm water and pleasant temperatures were just what our birders ordered. Warblers will be showing up soon as we spotted our first Yellow-rumped Warbler, a sure sign of other species to follow.
Thirteen birders joined our group and sighted the 33 species listed below. Join us next week when meet at Riverview Recreation Area (Mitchell Ave. sandpits) in Waterloo.
Kris and Craig Rash
Big Woods Lake Recreation Area, Cedar Falls US-IA 42.54939, -92.43659, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Apr 10, 2024 8:33 AM - 10:24 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.757 mile(s)
33 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 5
Wood Duck 4
Blue-winged Teal 2
Mallard 3
Wild Turkey 1
Mourning Dove 1
Killdeer 3
Ring-billed Gull 2
Double-crested Cormorant 30
American White Pelican 8
Turkey Vulture 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
European Starling 1
Eastern Bluebird 1
American Robin 5
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 1
American Tree Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 1
Swamp Sparrow 1
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 6
April 10, 2024: Linda F. found a Red-necked Grebe at Greenbelt Lake. This is a rare bird, usually found in Alaska. We usually have a few migrants that arrive in the Cedar Valley, often being seen at Big Woods Lake. This bird was also seen on April 11th by many others following Linda's report.
March 15, 2024: Our first field trip of the year was led by PRAS President Tom Schilke at Sweet Marsh in Bremer County. A cool, sunny morning with the usual breezy conditions we expect at the marsh greeted both human and creature. Fortunately, there is still water on some sections of this wildlife refuge in spite of ongoing maintenance. A total of 44 species were tallied for our efforts. The number of each species may not be accurate but only an indication that it was seen. Thanks, Tom for leading this trip. If anyone else has an idea for a place you'd like to visit feel free to set it up. We will come.
Sweet Marsh WMA, Bremer, Iowa, US
Mar 15, 2024 8:30 AM - 12:37 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.5 mile(s)
44 species
Greater White-fronted Goose 35
Canada Goose 1
Trumpeter Swan 2
Wood Duck 2
Blue-winged Teal 2
Northern Shoveler 10
Gadwall 1
American Wigeon 1
Mallard 1
Northern Pintail 1
Green-winged Teal 1
Ring-necked Duck 6
Bufflehead 5
Hooded Merganser 7
Ring-necked Pheasant 2
Mourning Dove 1
American Coot 1
Sandhill Crane 1
Killdeer 3
Ring-billed Gull 1
American White Pelican 73
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Northern Harrier 2
Bald Eagle 6
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Rough-legged Hawk 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 1
European Starling 1
Eastern Bluebird 2
American Robin 1
Eurasian Tree Sparrow 1
American Goldfinch 6
American Tree Sparrow 3
Dark-eyed Junco 5
Song Sparrow 3
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Common Grackle 1
Northern Cardinal 4
October 18, 2023-Wednesday Morning Birding (WMB)
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October 11, 2023-Wednesday Morning Birding (WMB)
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October 4, 2023-Wednesday Morning Birding (WMB)
Twelve birders came together for a breezy walk along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail beginning at the Gilbertville depot. A cloudy day gave way to sunshine as the birds became more active for our fifth Wednesday Morning Birding of the fall season. Of the 41 species we sighted many of them were fond of hiding in the brushy edges along the trail making it extra challenging to identify them as they flitted among the vegetation. Eight birds were new to our fall list bringing our total to 80 species. We got to practice our raptor ID skills as several species were winging their way south on good thermals. Show up next week at Prairie Lakes as we hope to find sparrows in the tall grass. Park at the Cedar Falls Visitors Center off of Hudson Rd. at 8:30. Craig and Kris Rash Cedar Valley Nature Trail off Washburn, Black Hawk, Iowa, US Oct 4, 2023 8:31 AM - 11:28 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.147 mile(s) 41 species Canada Goose 2 Blue-winged Teal 60 Mallard 5 Northern Pintail 50 Mourning Dove 6 Sandhill Crane 2 Killdeer 1 Ring-billed Gull 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Great Egret 2 Turkey Vulture 8 Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 Cooper's Hawk 3 Bald Eagle 1 Broad-winged Hawk 1 Red-headed Woodpecker 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Downy Woodpecker 6 Northern Flicker 1 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Blue Jay 18 American Crow 12 Black-capped Chickadee 7 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 House Wren 1 European Starling 12 Gray Catbird 5 Eastern Bluebird 3 American Robin 1 House Sparrow 5 House Finch 1 American Goldfinch 9 Field Sparrow 2 White-throated Sparrow 5 Song Sparrow 2 Orange-crowned Warbler 1 Nashville Warbler 2 Magnolia Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler 6 Northern Cardinal 7 |
| September 27, 2023 (WMB): Using their figures from the Birdcast app from the previous evening for Black Hawk County our expectations were low for this overcast, misty morning. |
We are always grateful for our photographers who are quick to catch any diagnostic shots to help us sort out field marks on a particular bird so that we can eventually come up with an ID. Our last PRAS meeting was helpful in identifying the sharp-shinned hawk as we watched its flap, flap, flap, glide fight and body shape.
We are happy to welcome new or out of practice birders to our field trips. Next week we'll meet at Riverview Recreation Area (Mitchell Ave. sandpits) east of Hwy. 218 on Mitchell Ave. to the parking lot at 8:30.
Kris and Craig Rash
Wednesday Morning Birding-September 27, 2023
As September closed the door on our Wednesday Morning Birding 17 PRAS birders met at Riverview Recreation Area in the midst of a light fog. This presented a challenge to our being able to identify the avian species we spotted against the gray, drab sky but eventually the sun had its way and we counted 44 species for the morning. Six of those were new for the month and brought our autumn birding total to 72 thus far. Come with us next week as we walk part of the Cedar Valley Nature Trail beginning at the depot west of Gilbertville off of Washburn Road at 8:30. Riverview Recreation Area, Black Hawk, Iowa, US Sep 27, 2023 8:13 AM - 11:13 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) 44 species (+1 other taxa) Canada Goose 34 Mallard 1 Wild Turkey 16 Mourning Dove 5 Killdeer 1 Double-crested Cormorant 2 Great Blue Heron 1 Turkey Vulture 2 Osprey 1 Bald Eagle 2 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Belted Kingfisher 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 1 Empidonax sp. 1 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Blue Jay 9 American Crow 2 Black-capped Chickadee 1 House Wren 1 European Starling 15 Gray Catbird 3 Swainson's Thrush 1 American Robin 8 Cedar Waxwing 2 House Sparrow 2 House Finch 9 American Goldfinch 1 Chipping Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 1 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Northern Waterthrush 1 Black-and-white Warbler 2 Tennessee Warbler 1 Orange-crowned Warbler 1 Nashville Warbler 2 American Redstart 1 Magnolia Warbler 2 Palm Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler 8 Northern Cardinal 5 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1 Indigo Bunting 1 |
Wednesday Morning Birding (WMB)
September 20, 2023
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September 13, 2023
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September 6, 2023: 1st Wed Morning Birding
Big Woods Lake, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Sep 6, 2023 8:24 AM - 12:37 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.989 mile(s)
41 species
Canada Goose 36
Mallard 30
Pied-billed Grebe 2
Mourning Dove 6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 3
Killdeer 4
Forster's Tern 2
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 5
Green Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 2
Osprey 1
Bald Eagle 2
Belted Kingfisher 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 2
Least Flycatcher 2
Warbling Vireo 3
Blue Jay 9
American Crow 8
Black-capped Chickadee 7
Tree Swallow 6
Cliff Swallow 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
House Wren 3
Gray Catbird 1
American Robin 30
Cedar Waxwing 4
American Goldfinch 8
Song Sparrow 1
Red-winged Blackbird 18
Tennessee Warbler 1
American Redstart 3
Magnolia Warbler 1
Yellow Warbler 1
Wilson's Warbler 2
Northern Cardinal 4
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 7
Dickcissel 1
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/
May 31, 2023: The warblers have flown, the leaves have grown and we have completed 8 Wednesday Morning Birding field trips for the spring of 2023. Our last WMB took place at Washington Union Access in Black Hawk County with 16 birders sighting 44 species. Two of them were new for our list bringing our total for our count to 114 birds. We were fortunate to complete all of our scheduled trips with no washouts, but it may mean that we are entering a drought period and rain will soon become a priority.
We averaged 16.5 birders and 43.5 birds per outing. We're still trying to identify the half birder and bird. Look for other opportunities on the gopras.org website to participate in this summer. We look forward to seeing you all this fall as we continue our 2023-2024 meetings and begin WMB again. Thanks to all who participated.
Kris and Craig Rash
Washington Access Trail , Black Hawk, Iowa, US
May 31, 2023 8:33 AM - 11:10 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.333 mile(s)
44 species
Ring-necked Pheasant 3
Mourning Dove 1
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1
Black-billed Cuckoo 1
Killdeer 1
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 3
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 2
Warbling Vireo 2
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
House Wren 1
Gray Catbird 1
Eastern Bluebird 1
American Robin 3
Cedar Waxwing 1
American Goldfinch 1
Field Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 1
Eastern Towhee 1
Baltimore Oriole 1
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Common Grackle 1
Ovenbird 1
Common Yellowthroat 1
Yellow Warbler 1
Scarlet Tanager 1
Northern Cardinal 1
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Indigo Bunting 1
Dickcissel 1
Photos by John McCormick
May 24, 2023: We may set a record this spring for wonderful weather and not having to cancel a single WMB event. The seventh week of our field trips found us at Hickory Hills Park with 10 birders putting their efforts together to see and hear 52 species with 13 new to our spring list. That brings our 2023 total for migration birding to 112 birds. One highlight was a juvenile, black-crowned night-heron. The photographers in our group had a very cooperative bird.
We'll trek out for one more WMB next week at Washington-Union Access on Highway 57 (West Cedar-Wapsie Rd.) just east of the bridge (parking lot on south side) with hopes for one final good weather day and more additions to our species list.
Kris and Craig Rash
Hickory Hills Park, Tama, Iowa, US
May 24, 2023 8:34 AM - 11:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.544 mile(s)
52 species
Canada Goose 10
Wood Duck 8
Green-winged Teal 1
Ring-necked Pheasant 1
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 2
Black-billed Cuckoo 1
Killdeer 1
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Green Heron 1
Black-crowned Night-Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Willow Flycatcher 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 2
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Philadelphia Vireo 1
Warbling Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Tree Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
House Wren 2
Sedge Wren 1
Gray Catbird 1
Brown Thrasher 1
Eastern Bluebird 1
American Robin 2
Cedar Waxwing 1
American Goldfinch 3
Field Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 1
Eastern Towhee 2
Eastern Meadowlark 1
Baltimore Oriole 1
Red-winged Blackbird 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Common Yellowthroat 2
American Redstart 1
Yellow Warbler 2
Canada Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 4
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Indigo Bunting 1
Dickcissel 3
May 20, 2023: Black Hawk Mitigation will be open to PRAS for a field trip this Saturday May 20th. This is a private access place that we have been monitoring for birds and such. We will be looking for the elusive Connecticut and Mourning warblers that were seen in good numbers last spring about this time. The weather looks good and a good mix of birds should be present in this diverse area. A rest room can be available and easy hiking trails wind through the area. Plan on up to two miles of hiking. We will meet at the BP gas station on Hwy 218 on the edge of Washburn at 8:30 a.m. and and bird until about 11:00 a.m. or longer if people wish. Let me know if you plan to join the trip. Tom Schilke 319-232-8199, or cell 319-252-8639 or Tom.Schilke@gmail.com. Thanks to the owners for allowing us to explore the property. May 17, 2023: A flush of new green leaves in the trees and shrubs made us work a little harder to find the 41 species seen on this day's trek through lower Hartman Reserve. Sixteen birders found 17 new migrants to add to our spring total of 99 species with several more field trips still planned. Join next week at Hickory Hills County Park. Drive south on Hwy. V37 (Dysart Rd.) to the park entrance and meet at the archery parking lot by the lake. Kris and Craig Rash Hartman Reserve:Shirey Way trail, Black Hawk, Iowa, US May 17, 2023 8:31 AM - 11:31 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.766 mile(s) 41 species Canada Goose 5 Mallard 3 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2 Turkey Vulture 1 Red-headed Woodpecker 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 Downy Woodpecker 2 Hairy Woodpecker 2 Least Flycatcher 1 Eastern Phoebe 2 Great Crested Flycatcher 2 Red-eyed Vireo 4 Blue Jay 3 American Crow 5 Black-capped Chickadee 4 White-breasted Nuthatch 3 House Wren 4 Gray Catbird 2 Swainson's Thrush 1 American Robin 2 American Goldfinch 1 White-crowned Sparrow 1 Baltimore Oriole 3 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 Golden-winged Warbler 1 Black-and-white Warbler 1 Tennessee Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 1 American Redstart 4 Magnolia Warbler 3 Blackburnian Warbler 2 Yellow Warbler 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler 3 Blackpoll Warbler 2 Black-throated Green Warbler 1 Canada Warbler 3 Wilson's Warbler 2 Scarlet Tanager 1 Northern Cardinal 5 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1 Indigo Bunting 4 Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip. May 16, 2023: Birding with Tom Schilke on Monday May15th at Riverview Recreation Center in Waterloo we observed a Yellow-breasted Chat. We located the bird around 11:15 a.m. on the North side of Harold Getty Lake. Chuck Becker
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May 10, 2023: The dawn song carried well into the morning as 13 PRAS birders were greeted with the chorus from many avian species on a nearly perfect spring day. The bright breeding colors from male Baltimore orioles, rose-breasted grosbeaks and yellow warblers caught our attention all along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail beginning at the Gilbertville depot. Fifty-five species were counted bringing our total so far this spring to 82 with 16 of those being new to our count.
Join us next week for our WMB at Lower Hartman Reserve at 8:30. Hopefully we will see more warblers, but they will not be any slower! In Cedar Falls drive to Lookout Park, then access Park Drive on the east side of the park. Continue down the hill to the parking lot where you should see eager birders waiting.
Don't forget our World Migratory Bird Day birding at Sweet Marsh this Saturday. Check out gopras.org for details.
Check the sightings list on the website for this week's total Birdathon count. Let Craig know if you have anything to add.
Kris and Craig Rash
Cedar Valley Nature Trail off Washburn, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
May 10, 2023 8:28 AM - 11:08 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.8 mile(s)
55 species
Canada Goose 5
Ring-necked Pheasant 3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2
Mourning Dove 4
Sandhill Crane 2
Killdeer 1
Turkey Vulture 4
Cooper's Hawk 1
Bald Eagle 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Least Flycatcher 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 1
Bell's Vireo 1
Warbling Vireo 2
Blue Jay 8
American Crow 5
Black-capped Chickadee 5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Tree Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
House Wren 3
European Starling 9
Gray Catbird 6
Brown Thrasher 3
Eastern Bluebird 1
American Robin 3
House Sparrow 3
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 4
Chipping Sparrow 2
Field Sparrow 4
White-crowned Sparrow 4
White-throated Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 4
Eastern Meadowlark 6
Orchard Oriole 1
Baltimore Oriole 11
Red-winged Blackbird 8
Brown-headed Cowbird 5
Common Grackle 2
Northern Waterthrush 1
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Nashville Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 4
American Redstart 2
Yellow Warbler 5
Palm Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Northern Cardinal 10
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 9
Indigo Bunting 1
May 3, 2023: The month of May brought in a glorious spring day with wonderful temperatures and gentle breezes that didn't threaten to blow our avian friends back to the county they had just come from. Nineteen birders spotted 37 species bringing our WMB total to 66 individual species for spring migration. Three of them were new for this day. Our birding finds should be increasing astronomically this next week as the winds blow from the south. I know I was talking to some of you about the Birdcast App from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Check it out. It is a good predictor of the number of birds crossing your county on any given night. For example, on the overnight of May 3rd an estimated 4,000 birds crossed Black Hawk County heading into the north wind. Fortunately, those winds finally let up by morning letting us enjoy WMB. Last night Birdcast estimated 1,052,400 birds crossing Black Hawk. What a difference a warn south breeze makes. We'll be seeing our favorite migrants very soon! Learn to use Birdcast! It's a great tool. I've attached a link to a webinar presented last Monday about Birdcast that will give you some great tips. I hope it works. Next week's WMB will be at the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. We'll meet at the depot at Gilbertville off Washburn Rd. at 8:30 and hike north. Hope to see you then. Kris and Craig Rash
Martin Lake (Greenbelt Lake), Black Hawk, Iowa, US
May 3, 2023 8:44 AM - 10:42 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.195 mile(s)
37 species
Canada Goose 4
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 4
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Mourning Dove 4
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Cooper's Hawk 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 7
Downy Woodpecker 6
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 2
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 10
Tree Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 5
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
House Wren 5
European Starling 8
American Robin 9
House Sparrow 1
House Finch 3
American Goldfinch 3
Chipping Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 20
Eastern Towhee 1
Red-winged Blackbird 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
Common Grackle 1
Palm Warbler 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 7
Northern Cardinal 7
October 12, 2022:
Join us next week as we continue our adventure at Riverview Recreation Area/Harold Getty Lake in Waterloo.
Martin Lake (Greenbelt Lake), Black Hawk, Iowa, US
WMB Hickory Hills Park May 18, 2022
It was a life bird for my walking companion Chuck and bird number 206 for the park. Only 9 other birds seen during our cold but pleasant easy walk on the dry and quiet roads.
Also 3 young bald eagles at a carcass in the yard of the first house (blue) north of the park entrance.
Eye cups on Binoculars work well to catch snot when you don’t have a hanky. (Murphy’s law when you are looking at crossbills during the winter).
Tom Schilke - Waterloo
- 1207 First St W, Independence US-IA 42.46689, -91.90839, Buchanan, Iowa
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S9
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Large white owl with black marks on top of building. First seen by Dan Cohen"
The 3 a.m. November 19, 2021 nearly full lunar eclipse was pretty cool to see. The reddish hue of the moon and the slight brightness was viewable with the naked eye, but it was pretty spectacular viewed through binoculars and the spotting scope! It was cold, but clear and worth setting the alarm clock for! The Pleiades was just to the upper right of the moon and beautiful to witness via optics as well. - CH
It can be viewed from the nature center building looking from windows facing west. It has been seen on the ground at the bird feeding area.
The building is open 8 to 4 daily. The grounds are open sunrise to sunset. A number of years ago the IOU held one of our meetings there. Since that time a major addition and other improvements have been added. The center houses extensive Native American and fossil exhibits, a clam display, large aquarium, and plenty of interpretation. Trails wind through prairie and woodlands down to the Iowa River. It is a nice place to visit. A snowy Owl has just been added to the live animal area. -- Tom Schilke - Waterloo
2.1 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesday Morning birding
46 species
Canada Goose 2
Wood Duck 1
Blue-winged Teal 2
Wild Turkey 1
Mourning Dove 6
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Killdeer 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 4
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
Merlin 1
Olive-sided Flycatcher 3
Eastern Wood-Pewee 8
Least Flycatcher 4
Eastern Phoebe 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Red-eyed Vireo 2
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
House Wren 1
European Starling 200
Gray Catbird 6
Eastern Bluebird 1
Swainson's Thrush 1
American Robin 6
Cedar Waxwing 2
American Goldfinch 5
Song Sparrow 1
Baltimore Oriole 1
Ovenbird 2
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Nashville Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 2
American Redstart 2
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2
Fields trips will begin again in September with the fall migration. Thanks to everyone that attended.
Craig and Kris Rash
Cedar Valley Nature Trail off Washburn, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Jun 2, 2021 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Join us next week at the Cedar Valley Nature Trail in Gilbertville at the Depot (E. Washburn Rd.) for our last spring birding field trip. Note the change of location!
Washington Access Trail , Black Hawk, Iowa, US
May 26, 2021 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.3 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesday Morning Birding at Washington Union Access
50 species
Canada Goose 4
Ring-necked Pheasant 1
Wild Turkey 1
Mourning Dove 1
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Barred Owl 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 2
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 1
Alder Flycatcher 4
Willow Flycatcher 2
Least Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Eastern Kingbird 2
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 2
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 6
Black-capped Chickadee 3
Cliff Swallow 5
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
House Wren 1
European Starling 1
Gray Catbird 1
American Robin 1
Cedar Waxwing 1
American Goldfinch 3
Field Sparrow 2
Lark Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 2
Yellow-breasted Chat 2
Baltimore Oriole 3
Red-winged Blackbird 3
Brown-headed Cowbird 3
Common Grackle 2
Common Yellowthroat 7
Yellow Warbler 1
Chestnut-sided Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 1
Indigo Bunting 2
Dickcissel 1
Robertson Bird Sanctuary, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
May 12, 2021 8:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.2 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesday Morning birding
31 species
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Bald Eagle 1
Red-headed Woodpecker 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 4
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Blue Jay 2
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 heard and seen
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
House Wren 4
Gray-cheeked Thrush 1
Swainson's Thrush 2
American Robin 3
House Sparrow 1
American Goldfinch 1
White-throated Sparrow 1
Baltimore Oriole 1
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Tennessee Warbler 1
Nashville Warbler 1
American Redstart 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 2
Scarlet Tanager 1 in parking lot
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 4
Indigo Bunting 4
Martin Lake (Greenbelt Lake), Black Hawk, Iowa, US
May 3, 2023 8:44 AM - 10:42 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.195 mile(s)
37 species
Canada Goose 4
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 4
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Mourning Dove 4
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Cooper's Hawk 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 7
Downy Woodpecker 6
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 2
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 10
Tree Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 5
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
House Wren 5
European Starling 8
American Robin 9
House Sparrow 1
House Finch 3
American Goldfinch 3
Chipping Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 20
Eastern Towhee 1
Red-winged Blackbird 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
Common Grackle 1
Palm Warbler 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 7
Northern Cardinal 7
April 26, 2023: The weather was much more cooperative on this day as we enjoyed a pleasant spring morning at Riverview Recreation Area in Waterloo. Seventeen birders soaked in a bit of vitamin D under sunny skies as they identified 42 species on our third outing. This included 10 new species for a total of 63 for the spring of 2023.
Come join us next week at Greenbelt (Martin) Lake in Waterloo for our first field trip in May.
Wed, Apr 26 at 1:44 PM
Riverview RA, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Apr 26, 2023 8:25 AM - 10:55 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.92 mile(s)
42 species
Canada Goose 5
Wood Duck 2
Blue-winged Teal 2
Mallard 1
Pied-billed Grebe 3
Mourning Dove 1
Killdeer 2
Lesser Yellowlegs 1
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 2
Osprey 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Barred Owl 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Tree Swallow 5
Barn Swallow 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
House Wren 1
European Starling 15
Brown Thrasher 1
American Robin 8
House Sparrow 1
American Goldfinch 5
Field Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 6
Song Sparrow 4
Red-winged Blackbird 6
Brown-headed Cowbird 8
Common Grackle 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 3
Northern Cardinal 4
Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.
April 19, 2023: I'm not sure if the conclusion could be drawn that our birders are fair weather participants or simply had more important things to do, but 7 PRAS members ventured out on this cold morning in George Wyth Park to search for spring migrants. Gray skies made identification difficult but eventually we found 42 species. Two tom turkeys were strutting there stuff under the feeders at the PRAS bird blind. We even had out own two Toms but they weren't nearly as colorful.
Join us next week at Riverview Recreation Area (Harold Getty Lake parking lot) in Waterloo 8:30 a.m. April 26
Kris Rash
George Wyth SP, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Apr 19, 2023 8:34 AM - 11:34 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.4 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesday Morning birding
42 species
Canada Goose 30
Wood Duck 13
Blue-winged Teal 27
Northern Shoveler 8
Mallard 3
Lesser Scaup 1
Hooded Merganser 4
Red-breasted Merganser 7
Ruddy Duck 7
Wild Turkey 2
Pied-billed Grebe 4
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Double-crested Cormorant 41
Great Egret 1
Turkey Vulture 4
Bald Eagle 1
Belted Kingfisher 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Downy Woodpecker 2
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 10
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Tree Swallow 100
Barn Swallow 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4
White-breasted Nuthatch 5
Brown Creeper 1
European Starling 10
Brown Thrasher 3
Hermit Thrush 6
American Robin 4
House Sparrow 2
Chipping Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 7
Song Sparrow 2
Eastern Towhee 2
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
Common Grackle 6
Yellow-rumped Warbler 10
Northern Cardinal 20
Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.
April 12, 2023: Often our first birding trip of the spring is greeted with cold, wintery weather but this day was more like summer with temperatures in the 80's and winds threatening to steal our hats. The birds were hunkering down but 21 birders were eager to get out and do the best they could to see what they could find at Big Woods Lake. We walked the west trail and identified 25 species before returning to the parking lot where many of our group left for other activities. Several of us continued around the lake and added 11 more birds to our count for a total of 36 including eastern bluebird, yellow-bellied sapsucker, and field sparrow.
Join us next Wednesday at George Wyth State Park. Meet at the kiosk at 8:30.
Big Woods Lake, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Apr 12, 2023 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
3.5 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesday Morning Birding field trip: temperature range 64- 84 degrees F- sunny
36 species
Canada Goose 3
Wood Duck 2
Blue-winged Teal 8
Mallard 3
Green-winged Teal 4
Mourning Dove 1
Killdeer 1
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Bald Eagle 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 5
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 5
Tree Swallow 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 1
European Starling 5
Eastern Bluebird 2
American Robin 5
House Sparrow 1
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 1
Field Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 1
Song Sparrow 2
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Common Grackle 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1
Northern Cardinal 1
Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.
December 17, 2022: A large flock of Snow Buntings was the sighting of the day for the Bremer County Christmas Bird Count.
December 11, 2022: This afternoon there were well over 100 Trumpeter Swans on the Basic Materials portion of Brinker Lake near the airport in Waterloo. We saw 4 different flocks land among the ducks and geese on the lake about 3:00. Mike and Sandy J.
December 10, 2022: A female/immature White-winged Scoter was among the waterfowl at Big Woods Lake.
November 7, 2022: A single male American Wigeon was seen at Martin Lake, Waterloo.
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October 5, 2022:
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September 28, 2022
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Sept. 21, 2022: Our PRAS Wednesday Morning Birders were gifted with another lovely day with cool temperatures and bright sunny skies. Eighteen binocular clad individuals scanned the trees, bushes and sky above for migrants briefly wandering through the neighborhood of Greenbelt Lake. Our many photographers were of great help in confirming ID's. Forty-seven species were listed during our 2 1/2 hour outing.
Join us next week as we continue our adventure at Riverview Recreation Area/Harold Getty Lake in Waterloo.
Martin Lake (Greenbelt Lake), Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Sep 21, 2022 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.1 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesday Morning Birding
47 species++
Canada Goose 7 in flight over lake
Mallard 8
Pied-billed Grebe 6
Horned Grebe 1 Francis Moore confirmed
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 6
American Coot 3
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Osprey 1 south side of birding path Tom Moon
Bald Eagle 2
Broad-winged Hawk 8 migration flight
Red-tailed Hawk 1 on post leading into parking lot (Tom Moon)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 2
Eastern Phoebe 1 driving out of parking lot--Wendy Van Der Walle
Blue-headed Vireo 2
Philadelphia Vireo 1
Warbling Vireo 1 Kris
Red-eyed Vireo 6
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 4
Tree Swallow 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
House Wren 1
Gray Catbird 6
Brown Thrasher 2
Hermit Thrush 2
Purple Finch 1 Ken Heiar has picture
Dark-eyed Junco 3 early 8-8;30 sighted at west side of parking lot by photographer group
White-throated Sparrow 2
Ovenbird 1 Wendy Van Der Walle
Tennessee Warbler 1
Nashville Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 1
American Redstart 4
Magnolia Warbler 1
Bay-breasted Warbler 1
Blackburnian Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Black-throated Green Warbler 1 tom Moon
Northern Cardinal 1
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 3
Take a look at the gathering of birders in the Greenbelt Lake parking lot! Photo by the Rashs.
September 14, 2022: What a beautiful day to go birding at Big Woods Lake. Eighteen individuals joined our hike as we looked for resident birds and migrants for the first Wednesday Morning Birding of the fall season. We welcomed two new people to our group and hope that we were able to enhance their birding experience rather than overwhelm them with too much information. Our photographers were able to get some great shots of some of the species we sighted.
Join us next week at Greenbelt (Martin) Lake on Sept. 21 at 8:30 for our next WMB.
Craig and Kris Rash
Big Woods Lake, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Sep 14, 2022 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.5 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesday Morning Birding
34 species
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 1
Mourning Dove 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 2
Green Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Eastern Phoebe 1
Eastern Kingbird 3
Philadelphia Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 4
Tree Swallow 20
Barn Swallow 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
European Starling 2
Gray Catbird 2
Swainson's Thrush 1
American Robin 1
Cedar Waxwing 12
House Sparrow 2
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 1
Nashville Warbler 1
Magnolia Warbler 4
Bay-breasted Warbler 1
Wilson's Warbler 1
Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.
June 30, 2022: The robins and Mourning Doves along the Cedar Valley Bike Trail witnessed me logging my final 110th mile for the Trevor Project 51 mile challenge. While we were on vacation in MN, I hiked new and familiar sections of the Superior Hiking Trail and had exceptional looks at singing Canada and Mourning Warblers--I didn't log a lot of miles for the Trevor Project with my hikes (only about 6.5 miles), but I loved the cool air, the uncrowded trails and the great wildflowers-19 new species on my lifelist...and I finally found Blue-eyed Grass! The best thing was, my sister said that my $110 donation to the Trevor Project ($1 per mile I logged) was tripled by an anonymous donor. That made me feel great and made me wish I had biked/hiked twice the distance! Participating in the Trevor Project challenge while birding, hiking and enjoying nature was a great way to spend June. - C. Havely
June 22, 2022: I have been enjoying hearing the Bell's Vireos singing along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail as I have been biking to rack up miles for the Trevor Project's 51 Mile Challenge held during Pride Month. I have rode 101 miles so far this month and hope to finish the month by birding and hiking along the Superior Hiking Trail and seeing how many more miles I can add to my total. It will be slower going as birding and hiking will not tally a lot more miles, but I am donating $1 for every mile I complete. I think it is a very worthy cause and I am participating on my twin sister Crystal's, Trevor Project Team. - Candace Havely
Note from Kris Rash:
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Grundy County Report:
A Grundy County resident reported watching for the last two days, a pair of Catbirds working on a nest. The two would take turns bringing in the sticks, grass and leaves, then disappear into the raspberry brambles. Once in awhile, each bird would get a snack from the nearest ant hill and return to their work. The resident is waiting at the window with camera to watch the babies grow up!
Wednesday Morning Birding May 25, 2022 CANCELED
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Black Hawk Mitigation Field Trip May 15, 2022
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May 15, 2022: Digiscoped w/cellphone. CH
May 14th 2022 is World Migratory Bird Day!Since 1993, World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) has been educating the public about the importance of migratory bird conservation. Over 100 species of birds that nest in the Midwest, and many more that fly through during migration, are considered Neotropical migrants, meaning they breed in North America and spend the winter in Mexico, Central America, or South America. WMBD is a chance to celebrate our shared migratory birds across countries and continents. Each year WMBD focuses on a single theme of migratory bird conservation and in 2022 the theme is “Dim the Lights for Birds at Night”.
Here are a few actions you can take to reduce light pollution and protect migratory birds:
This year (2022), World Migratory Bird Day takes place in the U.S. and Canada on May 14th during the peak of spring migration and is celebrated in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean on October 8th during fall migration. To learn more about World Migratory Bird Day and associated events visit www.migratorybirdday.org  |
Bird-a-Thon Field Trip May 14, 2022
Fifteen birders representing Prairie Rapids Audubon Society participated in World Migratory Bird Day as we set out for our day long birding at Sweet Marsh in Bremer County. Nearly perfect weather provided us with a great experience as we saw and heard a total of 106 species.
Sweet Marsh WMA, Bremer, Iowa, US
May 14, 2022 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
5.0 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS birding for World Migration Day: Francis Moore leader
106 species (+2 other taxa)
Canada Goose 6
Trumpeter Swan 3
Wood Duck 1
Blue-winged Teal 4
Northern Shoveler 1
Gadwall 1
Mallard 8
Green-winged Teal 2
Hooded Merganser 1
Wild Turkey 3
Ring-necked Pheasant 4 heard
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 4
Eurasian Collared-Dove 1
Mourning Dove 2
Chimney Swift 6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Sora 6 saw 2
American Coot 25
Sandhill Crane 7
Semipalmated Plover 1
Killdeer 6
Hudsonian Godwit 2
Dunlin 2
Least Sandpiper 1
White-rumped Sandpiper 10 in flight
Pectoral Sandpiper 1
Semipalmated Sandpiper 1
Spotted Sandpiper 8
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Lesser Yellowlegs 6
Forster's Tern 2
Double-crested Cormorant 1
American White Pelican 20
Great Blue Heron 3
Green Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 5
Northern Harrier 1
Bald Eagle 2
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Barred Owl 1
Red-headed Woodpecker 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
American Kestrel 2
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Willow Flycatcher 1
Alder/Willow Flycatcher (Traill's Flycatcher) 2
Least Flycatcher 3
Empidonax sp. 6
Eastern Phoebe 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 4
Eastern Kingbird 2
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Warbling Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 5
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 4
Black-capped Chickadee 3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 5
Tree Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 1
Cliff Swallow 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
House Wren 6
Sedge Wren 1
Marsh Wren 1
European Starling 3
Gray Catbird 5
Brown Thrasher 2
Veery 1 at Diane Newman's home
Swainson's Thrush 1
American Robin 3
Cedar Waxwing 1
House Sparrow 3
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 4
Chipping Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 1
Savannah Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 3
Lincoln's Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 2
Bobolink 4
Eastern Meadowlark 1
Orchard Oriole 1
Baltimore Oriole 6
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Common Grackle 1
Northern Waterthrush 2
Tennessee Warbler 3
Common Yellowthroat 4
American Redstart 6
Cape May Warbler 1
Bay-breasted Warbler 2
Blackburnian Warbler 4
Yellow Warbler 8
Chestnut-sided Warbler 3
Blackpoll Warbler 10
Wilson's Warbler 1
Scarlet Tanager 2
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 6Indigo Bunting 4
Friday afternoon May 13, 2002 field trip at Riverview Park, Waterloo
An afternoon field trip for Bird-a-Thon week took place at Riverview Park in Waterloo with eight birders in attendance. A highlight was spotting an adult Barred Owl and then locating her two fledglings perched in separate trees. They seemed to enjoy watching us as much as we did them.
Riverview RA, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
May 13, 2022 4:00-6:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.5 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Bird-A-Thon Field Trip
54 Species
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Wednesday Morning Birding, May 11 8:30 AM Lower Hartman Reserve, Waterloo
The weather decided to take an abrupt turn and head directly into summer as 14 birders braved heat and humidity for our May 11th birding of Lower Hartman Reserve. Fortunately, the birds were out foraging for breakfast in large numbers as we counted 53 species along the trails. Our spring total has reached 98 species with 29 new birds to our checklist on this day. Several birders added new birds to their life lists with migrants being prominent on our count. Check the gopras.org website for more field trip opportunities for the remainder of the week.
Hartman Reserve Shirey Way trail, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
May 11, 2022, 8:30-11:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.5 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesday Morning Field Trip Birding
53 species
Canada Goose 6
Mallard 2
Wild Turkey 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 8
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Red-headed Woodpecker 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downey Woodpecker 4
Peregrine Falcon 1
Least Flycatcher 2
Great-crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 1
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Blue-headed Vireo 3
Red-eyed Vireo 2
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
House Wren 4
Gray Catbird 2
Eastern Bluebird 2
Gray-cheeked Thrush 1
Swainson's Thrush 1
White-crowned Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 3
Lincoln's Sparrow 1
Baltimore Oriole 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Common Grackle 1
Ovenbird 2
Northern Waterthrush 1
Golden-winged Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Tennessee Warbler 1
Nashville Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 1
American Redstart 3
Northern Parula 1
Magnolia Warbler 1
Yellow Warbler 1
Chestnut-sided Warbler 3
Blackpoll Warbler 1
Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Canada Warbler 1
Wilson's Warbler 1
Scarlet Tanager 1
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 3
Indigo Bunting 3
Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.
PRAS Participation in Bremer County Field Day, Tuesday May 10, 2022
Alcock County Park, Bremer, Iowa, US
May 10, 2022 9:00 AM-2:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Bremer County 5th Grade Field Day: PRAS Supported
42 Species
Mallard 1
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1
Common Nighthawk 1
Chimney Swift 2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Sandhill Crane 1
American White Pelican 120 Flying overhead: 4 groups
Turkey Vulture 5
Cooper's Hawk 1
Bald Eagle 2
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
House Wren 4
Gray Catbird 2
Brown Thrasher 1
Swainson's Thrush 1
American Robin 2
American Goldfinch 12
Chipping Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 2
Baltimore Oriole 2
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Nashville Warbler 4
Common Yellowthroat 1
American Redstart 2
Magnolia Warbler 1
Yellow Warbler 1
Chestnut-sided Warbler 2
Blackpoll Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Northern Cardinal 1
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 3
Monday, May 9: 4:00 PM. PRAS birding at Greenbelt Lake, Waterloo.
Fifteen birders came out for this Monday afternoon field trip to support our Bird-a-Thon week at Martin Lake in Waterloo. Our group sighted 49 species of which 9 were new to our checklist for the week:
Martin Lake (Greenbelt Lake), Black Hawk, Iowa, US
May 9, 2022 4:00-6:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Bird-a-Thon
Field Trip
49 species
Canada Goose 3
Wood Duck 2
Mallard 2
Ring-necked Pheasant 1
American Coot 1
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Solitary Sandpiper 3
Green Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Great Horned Owl 3
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-headed Woodpecker 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downey Woodpecker 5
Willow Flycatcher 1
Least Flycatcher 1
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Blue-headed Vireo 3
Warbling Vireo 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 5
Tree Swallow 10
Barn Swallow 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 12
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
House Wren 1
Gray Catbird 2
Brown Thrasher 3
American Robin 5
House Sparrow 1
American Goldfinch 1
Chipping Sparrow 6
White-throated Sparrow 1
Lincoln's Sparrow 1
Baltimore Oriole 1
Red-winged Blackbird 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 3
Black-and-white Warbler 5
Common Yellowthroat 1
American Redstart 2
Cape May Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 1
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip!
April 27, 2022: Wednesday Morning Birding: Fourteen birders were eager to bird Martin Lake today after two weeks of cancelled field trips. While the wind was still bringing in cool temperatures the sun helped brighten our moods. We sighted 44 species today bringing our total spring count to 53 birds. We added 23 new birds to that count on today's hike with a young great horned owl in its nest being a highlight. An unusual sighting was a flock of migrating pelicans flying overhead with a lone sandhill crane tagging along. Join us next Wednesday on the Cedar Valley Nature Trail at the Gilbertville Depot. Check the web site for details. -- Kris and Craig Rash
Martin Lake (Greenbelt Lake), Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Apr 27, 2022 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.5 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesday Morning Birding
44 species
Canada Goose 6
Wood Duck 2
Blue-winged Teal 12
Mallard 4
Wild Turkey 3
Mourning Dove 2
American Coot 1
Sandhill Crane 1
Solitary Sandpiper 2
Lesser Yellowlegs 3
American White Pelican 36
Turkey Vulture 2
Osprey 2
Bald Eagle 2
Great Horned Owl 1
Belted Kingfisher 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 2
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 5
Black-capped Chickadee 5
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 10
Tree Swallow 50
Barn Swallow 10
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 5
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
House Wren 1
Gray Catbird 1
Brown Thrasher 1
American Robin 9
Purple Finch 8
White-throated Sparrow 15
Song Sparrow 4
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
Common Grackle 1
Northern Waterthrush 2
Orange-crowned Warbler 3
Palm Warbler 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 8
Northern Cardinal 2
Soaring American White Pelicans - Greenbelt Lake Photo by John McCormick
April 6, 2022: Wednesday Morning Birding: Our first outing of Spring 2022 attracted 13 people to Big Woods Lake in Cedar Falls. We stayed on wooded trails to get some protection from the ever-present April winds. Many of the birds we saw were year-round residents but others were making their presence known as they make their way North after spending the Winter in warmer climates.
Join us next week, April 13, at Riverview Recreation Area (Mitchell Ave. sand pits) and Harold Getty Lake on East Mitchell Ave. in Waterloo. Kris and Craig Rash
Big Woods Lake, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
April 6, 2022 8:30-10:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.9 miles
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesday morning birding field trip
30 species
Canada Goose 6
Wood Duck 7
Mallard 4
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Wild Turkey 2
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Mourning Dove 1
Double-crested Cormorant 27
American White Pelican 16
Turkey Vulture 2
Osprey 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Bald Eagle 2
Barred Owl 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 5
Black-capped Chickadee 4
Tree Swallow 8
Golden-crowned Kinglet 6
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Brown Creeper 1
European Starling 8
American Robin 10
House Finch 1
Dark-eyed Junco 1
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Common Grackle 4
Northern Cardinal 1
Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.
March 1, 2022: A Long-eared Owl was seen at a private residence in Cedar Falls. Chip Schmidt is graciously willing to have folks come by to get a glimpse of the owl, but please call if you would like to see this bird. Mr. Schmidt may be reached at 319-four04-five60seven. As always, please be respectful of private property when visiting a location.
February 23, 2022: At 11:00 this morning a flock of about 15 White-winged Crossbills were working over cones in Norway Spruce trees a short way NE of the Bison parking lot at Hickory Hills Park in Tama Co. (managed by Black Hawk Co. Conservation).
It was a life bird for my walking companion Chuck and bird number 206 for the park. Only 9 other birds seen during our cold but pleasant easy walk on the dry and quiet roads.
Also 3 young bald eagles at a carcass in the yard of the first house (blue) north of the park entrance.
Eye cups on Binoculars work well to catch snot when you don’t have a hanky. (Murphy’s law when you are looking at crossbills during the winter).
Tom Schilke - Waterloo
January 30, 2022: A Short-eared Owl being mobbed by a small group of crows was the bird of the day on our winter raptor survey route east of Gilbertville. The owl was seen in the area just 1/2 mile or so south of Brandon Road on Garling Rd. We saw the bird around 12:30 p.m. We did three winter raptor surveys over the weekend and the Bald Eagle was the species most recorded. A Rough-legged Hawk, Red-tails that look to be pairing up and kestrels were also observed. Plus, we saw 19 Ring-necked Pheasants in the field adjacent to Irvine Prairie. If you have not visited Irvine Prairie it is on 55th St, accessed off 11th or 13th Avenue in Benton County. It is managed by the Tallgrass Prairie Center and has this beautiful silo that is on the farmstead across the road from the prairie. - CH
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| Silo at farmstead across from Irvine Prairie. Photo by C. Havely |
January 24, 2022: Yesterday I observed a HOARY REDPOLL feeling in a white birch tree , with 3 REDPOLLS. It was a very pale frosty individual. Key field marks were, clean undertail coverts and rump. It really stood out like a sore thumb! This is in Laporte City on right side of 2nd St, between highway 218 and Locust St. - Tommy S.
Common Redpolls are also being seen in the Cedar Valley, so check out all the birds at your feeder and maybe you'll discover you have a visitor from the north to!
Mid-January, 2022: Common Redpolls are being seen at local feeders, so be on the lookout for these great little birds.
Also a single Yellow Rumped Warbler (yes, you read that correctly!) is being seen foraging in the cedar trees that are near the ski hill at Hickory Hills in Tama County. (Hint: Park at the archery shelter parking lot and walk north following the trail and you will come to the very evident ski hill.)
January 19, 2022: A first-year White Crowned Sparrow was an unfortunate window strike victim today. A good samaritan colleague tried to rescue the bird and called me; however, unfortunately the bird succumbed to its injuries. I did get to examine this bird up close and was able to see the striping on the bird's back and the buffy stripe on the crown, field marks that are not always easy to see. CH
January 18, 2022: Four males and 1 female Eastern Bluebirds were seen during our members semi-annual Climate Watch bird surveys. The Climate Watch survey protocol has one do a 5 minute stationary survey at 12 different points/locations on your route. All birds are recorded, but target species are bluebirds, goldfinch and nuthatches. Citizen scientists survey the same 12 points twice per year (in Jan/Feb and May/June). Photos by Tom Moon.
January 9, 2022: A Snowy Owl was seen by Becky Manship today in Grundy County North of Beaman. One or two Snowy Owls have been in this area for around two weeks. From L Ave. and 290th which is north of Beaman, go South about 1/2 mile. The Snowy Owl was along the South side of a fenceline to the East.
January 8, 2022: A few Snow Buntings were spotted in rural Benton County (south of 56th Ave on 13th Ave (V40) during a Winter Raptor Survey. Raptors were few and far between, but the buntings were cool. - CH
December 26, 2021: A Snowy Owl was seen again today by PRAS member Lyle Neher on a fence post on the same highway as earlier this week at 26505 K Ave. in Grundy County. It has been seen only twice this week. Plenty of bag birds, too. Tom Schilke - Waterloo
Here is a newspaper article printed about Lyle's sighting: https://www.sun-courier.com/
Snowy Owls have been sighted in Buchanan County in the last couple weeks as well; see information below. Click on the "Sightings in Iowa" link above to see postings throughout the state for Snowy Owls; several have been seen in Story, Tama, Marshall, & Allamakee counties. Other bird sightings of possible interest can also been seen on this link; these are observations that are submitted to the Iowa Ornithologists' Union listserv.
December 11, 2021: Snowy Owl - Buchanan County - From e-bird: (Links may not work).
Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) (1)
- Reported Dec 11, 2021 11:55 by Wendy VanDeWalle 🦩- 1207 First St W, Independence US-IA 42.46689, -91.90839, Buchanan, Iowa
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S9
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Large white owl with black marks on top of building. First seen by Dan Cohen"
November 27, 2021: Those of you with binoculars can see the Pleiades in the eastern sky and often you can see Jupiter and its 4 Galilean moons pretty well via binoculars. Through your spotting scope you get great looks at these, plus see Venus which is in a crescent stage right now--beautiful! Saturn is also still visible via the spotting scope. You can also just enjoy the night sky sans optics; let your eyes adjust to the dark and you may also spy some lingering Leonid meteors. - C.H.
November 26, 2021: This afternoon, my son and I located a SAW-WHET OWL about 25 feet up in a pine tree, at Cedar River Natural Resource area, near Washburn. The agitated Chickadees, Cardinals and Blue Jay's, alerted us to the location. Yesterday I saw a GOLDEN EAGLE at George Wyth SP. And I had a GRAY CATBIRD in my crab apple tree. T. S., Waterloo
November 19, 2021: My walk around Big Woods Lake was delayed this afternoon when I saw 12 Trumpeter Swans in the lake. Certainly a beautiful sight on a cold November day! - S.G.
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| Trumpeter Swans - Big Woods Lake Photo by Scott Garrett |
The 3 a.m. November 19, 2021 nearly full lunar eclipse was pretty cool to see. The reddish hue of the moon and the slight brightness was viewable with the naked eye, but it was pretty spectacular viewed through binoculars and the spotting scope! It was cold, but clear and worth setting the alarm clock for! The Pleiades was just to the upper right of the moon and beautiful to witness via optics as well. - CH
November 7, 2021: This is not a sighting in our service area, nor even Iowa, but yet is apropos if you have already read PRAS President, Tom Schilke's column in the RedTail newsletter, titled, "The Most Ever". I was in Wyoming for the last week and I had a "most ever" experience yesterday when I was driving home to Iowa. I stayed in Kearney, Nebraska Saturday night and my sister sent me an Instagram post saying to be on the watch for Whooping Cranes traveling through Nebraska for fall migration. So Sunday morning I decided to stop at a sight west of Grand Island where we have seen a Whooping Crane who regularly hangs out with the Sandhills, but there was not one Whooping Crane....there were 40-45 Whooping Cranes on the sandbar in the river. I counted 39-43 in the video I digiscoped; I had seen 2 WHCR fly to the field behind the river, so they are not visible in the video. It was unbelievable!! There was a family on the bridge who said a DNR person was there earlier in the morning and had counted 45 WHCR as well. Seeing this many (5 were juveniles!!) is about equivalent to me witnessing 9% of the wild flock which now numbers around 504. The total population of Whooping Cranes on the earth is roughly 800 (including the wild, reintroduced and non-migratory flocks as well as captive birds). Experiencing this brought me to tears actually...I will never likely witness such a sight again! It made me appreciate the conservation of this species, as in 1941 there were just 15 Whooping Cranes on this planet. I didn't get great photos/video as the light was not in my favor and the birds were quite a distance away, but the video is good enough to show the spectacle. As the birds started to disperse to the surrounding fields, they started calling...best morning of birding ever! I just had to share...it is not every day you get to see an endangered species, let alone such a significant number of these magnificent birds. - CH
November 3, 2021: Not a bird sighting per se, but like birding, you can enjoy stargazing no matter where you are in the world. My Mom and I found a dark corner in the wide open space of SE Wyoming and I got the Pleiades in the spotting scope and my Mom said, "Oh wow!"... Wow indeed! David's In the Sky columns have been a perennial favorite of PRAS members, but for me and my sister, sharing the sights of the night sky with our Mom has become a special routine for us and we look forward to David's column each month. - CH
October 6, 2021: A cloudy but pleasant morning was enjoyed by 10 PRAS birders along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail beginning at the Gilbertville Depot. A variety of species were sited with migrant and resident birds among the mix. We also observed several interesting plants and fungi currently in their prime. Since future WMB have not been planned, the group decided that we would bird George Wyth State Park next Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 8:30. Meet at the kiosk at the park entrance.
Cedar Valley Nature Trail off Washburn, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Oct 6, 2021 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesday Morning birding
33 species
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2
Mourning Dove 2
Killdeer 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 11
Downy Woodpecker 9
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted) 5
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 3
Tree Swallow 31
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 5
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
House Wren 1
Gray Catbird 2
American Robin 16
House Sparrow 5
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 19
Lark Sparrow 1
American Tree Sparrow 2
Dark-eyed Junco 1
Song Sparrow 1
White-crowned Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 11
Orange-crowned Warbler 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Northern Cardinal 7
Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.
September 26, 2021: I received information about a Varied Thrush - female, that showed up today at Calkins Nature Area on 135th Street about three miles west of Iowa Falls in Hardin County. A photo and record of it has been recorded on e-bird.
It can be viewed from the nature center building looking from windows facing west. It has been seen on the ground at the bird feeding area.
The building is open 8 to 4 daily. The grounds are open sunrise to sunset. A number of years ago the IOU held one of our meetings there. Since that time a major addition and other improvements have been added. The center houses extensive Native American and fossil exhibits, a clam display, large aquarium, and plenty of interpretation. Trails wind through prairie and woodlands down to the Iowa River. It is a nice place to visit. A snowy Owl has just been added to the live animal area. -- Tom Schilke - Waterloo
September 15, 2021: Wednesday Morning Birding - 34 species seen at lower Hartman Reserve.
September 11, 2021: All the Chimney Swifts seem to be at this site in Waterloo! Park in the lot at the Boys & Girls Club and look at the chimney across the street at Walnut Court Apartments, off E. 3rd street. At least 1000+ swifts started entering the chimney about 7:15 p.m.
September 8, 2021: Wednesday Morning Birding
Sep 8, 2021 8:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Protocol: Traveling2.1 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesday Morning birding
46 species
Canada Goose 2
Wood Duck 1
Blue-winged Teal 2
Wild Turkey 1
Mourning Dove 6
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Killdeer 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 4
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
Merlin 1
Olive-sided Flycatcher 3
Eastern Wood-Pewee 8
Least Flycatcher 4
Eastern Phoebe 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Red-eyed Vireo 2
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
House Wren 1
European Starling 200
Gray Catbird 6
Eastern Bluebird 1
Swainson's Thrush 1
American Robin 6
Cedar Waxwing 2
American Goldfinch 5
Song Sparrow 1
Baltimore Oriole 1
Ovenbird 2
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Nashville Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 2
American Redstart 2
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2
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| PRAS Birders Photo by Charlene Heiar |
September 3, 2021: At 7:20 p.m. Sep. 3rd in the misty rain, chimney swifts were already pouring into a large chimney at Walnut court Apartments in downtown Waterloo off E. 3rd street a block or so from Two Scoops Ice Cream shop. I counted about 460 in less than a half hour. There could be twice that many. A good view can be had from the parking lot at the Boys and Girls Club across the street. -Tom Schilke
September 1, 2021: Wednesday Morning Birding Returns! 51 species seen plus a Red-eyed Vireo, see photo below by John McCormick, plus bonus photo of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, also by John McCormick.
August 31, 2021: A Philadelphia Vireo, Osprey and 2 Green Herons were the notable birds at Hickory Hills, Tama County.
August 30, 2021: This evening just before sunset I found 2 buff-breasted sandpipers at Oleson Sod Farm just west of Cedar Falls along Hearst Rd. just north of Ridgeway. Although I have checked this location often in July and August for many years, this is only the second time that I have found this species at this location. -A.B.
The best find on a hike tonight was this small group of Orange Mycena. The Indian Pipes are also out in force. - CH
August 29, 2021: My best bird of the day was a Veery, which I ID'd by its "Veer" call note. The Merlin Sound ID corroborated my identification. The other great sightings of the day were not avian in nature. Being out in nature makes me happy...there is so much to learn and observe! - CH
White-banded Crab Spider sitting on Common Sneezeweed just waiting for a pollinator to come by.
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| Super cool fungi are out because of the recent rain- Coral-pink Merulius. |
August 21, 2021: A juvenile Great Horned Howl was doing its begging call while I was out star gazing. The night air was cool and you could clearly see all 4 moons of Jupiter's moons and the stripes on Jupiter through a spotting scope. The full moon was lovely and bright as well. I also found Saturn through the scope and you could see its rings--so cool! (I used trees on the horizon to guide me to locate it). These planets should continue to be visible for a while longer. Look low in the eastern sky about 45 minutes after sunset--Jupiter will be the brightest object in the sky. Saturn is usually to the right of Jupiter - I look for a star that looks a bit elongated to find Saturn. - C.H.
August 18, 2021: We are in Cedar County near the cedar River and I80. We frequently have geese, heron, egrets, blue winged teal, and wood ducks on our pond. However this week we have had two cormorants visiting! - L.G.
August 4, 2021: A Blue Grosbeak was seen at Geo. Wyth SP; east of the playground by the brush piles. It was very cooperative.
August 1, 2021: An early morning bike ride on the Cedar Valley Trail yielded a Barred Owl sighting. Plus, there are beautiful Indigo Buntings that often fly alongside you over the trail. One bunting had a noticeable patch of white on its back; it reminds me of the leucistic Indigo Bunting that was sighted along the trail a number of years ago.
July 21, 2021: Butler County Rare Bird: Western Grebe seen on the Allison sewer ponds (private property). Bird is visible from the cemetery side. Bird was also seen on the morning of July 24th, so it has been sticking around.
July 20, 2021: Summer Tanager observed on private property in the vicinity near the Cedar Valley Nature Trail between Gilbertville and LaPorte City.
June 2, 2021: Our spring birding ended on a great note with a spectacular day on the Cedar Valley Nature Trail at Gilbertville. Fifteen birders identified 46 species. Two of these, the Sandhill Crane and the Bell's Vireo, were new to our Wednesday birding list bringing our total to 119 species for our nine field trips. Migration has been completed for our area and summer resident birds are now busy nesting.
Craig and Kris Rash
Cedar Valley Nature Trail off Washburn, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Jun 2, 2021 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Our spring birding ended on a great note with a spectacular day on the Cedar Valley Nature Trail at Gilbertville. Fifteen birders identified 46 species. Two of these, the Sandhill Crane and the Bell's Vireo, were new to our Wednesday birding list bringing our total to 119 species for our nine field trips. Migration has been completed for our area and summer resident birds are now busy nesting.
Fields trips will begin again in September with the fall migration. Thanks to everyone that attended.
Craig and Kris Rash
Cedar Valley Nature Trail off Washburn, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Jun 2, 2021 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesdaymorning birding
46 species
Mallard 1
Mourning Dove 2
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 6
Black-billed Cuckoo 2
Sandhill Crane 2 heard
Killdeer 2
Turkey Vulture 4
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Fields trips will begin again in September with the fall migration. Thanks to everyone that attended.
Craig and Kris Rash
Cedar Valley Nature Trail off Washburn, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Jun 2, 2021 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesdaymorning birding
46 species
Mallard 1
Mourning Dove 2
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 6
Black-billed Cuckoo 2
Sandhill Crane 2 heard
Killdeer 2
Turkey Vulture 4
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Eastern Kingbird 2
Bell's Vireo 5 3 at Gazebo 2 along trail
Warbling Vireo 2
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Tree Swallow 8
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Eastern Kingbird 2
Bell's Vireo 5 3 at Gazebo 2 along trail
Warbling Vireo 2
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Tree Swallow 8
Barn Swallow 2
Cliff Swallow 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
House Wren 3
Gray Catbird 5
Brown Thrasher 1
American Robin 1
Cedar Waxwing 5
House Sparrow 1
American Goldfinch 1
Cliff Swallow 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
House Wren 3
Gray Catbird 5
Brown Thrasher 1
American Robin 1
Cedar Waxwing 5
House Sparrow 1
American Goldfinch 1
Chipping Sparrow 1
Field Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 1
Eastern Meadowlark 1
Orchard Oriole 2
Baltimore Oriole 3
Red-winged Blackbird 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
Common Grackle 1
Common Yellowthroat 6
American Redstart 1
Yellow Warbler 2
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Indigo Bunting 3
Field Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 1
Eastern Meadowlark 1
Orchard Oriole 2
Baltimore Oriole 3
Red-winged Blackbird 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
Common Grackle 1
Common Yellowthroat 6
American Redstart 1
Yellow Warbler 2
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Indigo Bunting 3
Dickcissel 5
May 31, 2021: Singing Bell's Vireo just about 1/2 mile south of Gilbertville Depot on the right side of the trail. Look for the area on the east side of the trail with the little metal huts for the cows are and then there is a freshly planted cornfield...in the area where the cornfield ends as you go south is where the Bell's Vireo was seen and heard in the shrubs along west side of the trail. Time was about 7:00 p.m. last night. - CH
May 26, 2021: A beautiful morning for birding greeted 16 PRAS members at Washington Union Access in Black Hawk County. We added 6 new species to our Wednesday count for a running total of 117 species. A couple of yellow-breasted chats really made our hike worthwhile.
Join us next week at the Cedar Valley Nature Trail in Gilbertville at the Depot (E. Washburn Rd.) for our last spring birding field trip. Note the change of location!
Washington Access Trail , Black Hawk, Iowa, US
May 26, 2021 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.3 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesday Morning Birding at Washington Union Access
50 species
Canada Goose 4
Ring-necked Pheasant 1
Wild Turkey 1
Mourning Dove 1
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Barred Owl 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 2
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 1
Alder Flycatcher 4
Willow Flycatcher 2
Least Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Eastern Kingbird 2
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 2
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 6
Black-capped Chickadee 3
Cliff Swallow 5
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
House Wren 1
European Starling 1
Gray Catbird 1
American Robin 1
Cedar Waxwing 1
American Goldfinch 3
Field Sparrow 2
Lark Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 2
Yellow-breasted Chat 2
Baltimore Oriole 3
Red-winged Blackbird 3
Brown-headed Cowbird 3
Common Grackle 2
Common Yellowthroat 7
Yellow Warbler 1
Chestnut-sided Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 1
Indigo Bunting 2
Dickcissel 1
May 19, 2021: Although rain was in the forecast we were fortunate to avoid the showers for our entire event but the weather may have played a part in bringing good birding to our group of 14 birders. We sighted 70 species on this day. Twenty-four of those birds were new to our list of Wednesday morning birds bringing our total thus far to 111 species in our first seven weeks. Great job, birders!
We'll see you next week at Washington/Union Access on Cedar Wapsi Rd. Check the website for directions: gopras.org
Hickory Hills Park Tama County, Tama, Iowa, US
May 19, 2021 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.75 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesday Morning birding of Hickory Hills Park
70 species
Canada Goose 4
Blue-winged Teal 1
Mallard 2
Pied-billed Grebe 1 heard
Mourning Dove 1
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 2
Black-billed Cuckoo 2 heard
Common Nighthawk 1
Chimney Swift 4
Killdeer 1
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Green Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 6
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Barred Owl 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 6
Alder Flycatcher 1
Willow Flycatcher 1
Least Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 3
Eastern Kingbird 2
Warbling Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 2
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Tree Swallow 3
Barn Swallow 2
Cliff Swallow 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
House Wren 3
Sedge Wren 1
Gray Catbird 2
Brown Thrasher 2
Swainson's Thrush 2
Wood Thrush 1
American Robin 1
House Sparrow 1
American Goldfinch 1
Song Sparrow 1
Eastern Meadowlark 2
Orchard Oriole 1
Baltimore Oriole 4
Red-winged Blackbird 6
Common Grackle 6
Ovenbird 1
Northern Waterthrush 2
Golden-winged Warbler 2
Tennessee Warbler 2
Mourning Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 4
American Redstart 14
Northern Parula 2
Magnolia Warbler 1
Bay-breasted Warbler 2
Blackburnian Warbler 1
Yellow Warbler 3
Chestnut-sided Warbler 3
Canada Warbler 2
Wilson's Warbler 1
Scarlet Tanager 1
Northern Cardinal 3
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 4
Indigo Bunting 1
Dickcissel 1
May 12, 2021: Three new species were added to our total count of 90 birds for our Wednesday morning birding as 22 birders enjoyed a beautiful day at Robertson Bird Sanctuary in Waterloo. We'll see you next week at Hickory Hills Park in Tama County.
May 12, 2021 8:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.2 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesday Morning birding
31 species
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Bald Eagle 1
Red-headed Woodpecker 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 4
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Blue Jay 2
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 heard and seen
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
House Wren 4
Gray-cheeked Thrush 1
Swainson's Thrush 2
American Robin 3
House Sparrow 1
American Goldfinch 1
White-throated Sparrow 1
Baltimore Oriole 1
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Tennessee Warbler 1
Nashville Warbler 1
American Redstart 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 2
Scarlet Tanager 1 in parking lot
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 4
Indigo Bunting 4
May 8, 2021: GLOBAL BIG DAY
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May 7, 2021: In support of Birdathon week we scheduled a field trip to the North Cedar Resource Project in Cedar Falls, one of three Bird Friendly Communities in our service area, at 4:00 p.m. Five birders sighted 24 species on this cool, windy afternoon. Our next event will be tomorrow morning at Sweet Marsh beginning at 7:30 in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day. Hope to see you there.
North Cedar Natural Resource Project, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
May 7, 2021 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS field supporting Bird-A-Thon
24 species
Canada Goose 2
Wood Duck 1
Mourning Dove 2
Turkey Vulture 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Least Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
Black-capped Chickadee 6
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
European Starling 5
Gray Catbird 1
American Robin 2
House Sparrow 1
House Finch 1
White-throated Sparrow 1
Baltimore Oriole 1
Red-winged Blackbird 6
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Palm Warbler 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler 4
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 5
House Wren 1
May 5, 2021: It was beautiful weather for the 19 birders that joined our group this day as we identified 47 species by sight and song. As this event occurs during our annual Birdathon fundraising event which began on May 3rd, three of these birds will be added to our ongoing tally bringing our total to date of 127 species. Please join us Friday at North Cedar Resource Project at 4:00 in Cedar Falls and Saturday at 7:30 at Sweet Marsh, Tripoli, for more great birding during Birdathon! See the web site for details. gopras.org
Next Wednesday we'll see you at Robinson(Robertson?) Bird Sanctuary in Waterloo.
Hartman Reserve:Shirey way trail, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
May 5, 2021 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.8 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesday Morning Birding for May 5
47 species
Canada Goose 4
Wood Duck 2
Blue-winged Teal 6
Mallard 4
Wild Turkey 2
Spotted Sandpiper 2
Turkey Vulture 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 4
Least Flycatcher 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 6
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Blue-headed Vireo 2
Warbling Vireo 4
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 4
House Wren 2
European Starling 4
Gray Catbird 2
Gray-cheeked Thrush 1
Swainson's Thrush 2
American Robin 1
White-throated Sparrow 9
Song Sparrow 2
Baltimore Oriole 4
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Ovenbird 2
Golden-winged Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 6
Tennessee Warbler 1
Nashville Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 1
American Redstart 4
Northern Parula 4
Palm Warbler 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 16
Northern Cardinal 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Indigo Bunting 1
May 1, 2021: Black Hawk County: At Waterloo's Riverview Recreation Area Lake an Avocet was seen May 3rd along with a pair of nesting Ospreys, Caspian Tern, Warbling Vireos and Yellow Warblers. Forty species were seen.
A Waterloo resident has had the privilege to have a Crow named "Pork Chop" soak its dinner in his birdbath and then eat it.
April 28, 2021: Wednesday Morning Birding: Twenty-three birders joined our PRAS Wednesday Morning Birding at Riverview Recreation Area in Waterloo. We continue to welcome new faces each week to our growing group. Today we observed 41 species as we circled Harold Getty Lake with many being first-of-year sightings. See you next week at Lower Hartman Reserve.
Riverview RA, Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Apr 28, 2021 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.1 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Wednesday Morning PRAS birding
41 species
Canada Goose 2
Blue-winged Teal 5
Mallard 2
Mourning Dove 2
Killdeer 1
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Green Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Osprey 2
Bald Eagle 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue-headed Vireo 1
American Crow 4
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Tree Swallow 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 18
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 8
House Wren 2
European Starling 15
Eastern Bluebird 6
Swainson's Thrush 4
American Robin 6
House Sparrow 2
American Goldfinch 5
Field Sparrow 1
Fox Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 5
Song Sparrow 2
Eastern Towhee 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 9
Common Grackle 15
Palm Warbler 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird 3
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| Osprey - Riverview Park - Photo by John McCormick |
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| Palm Warbler-notice yellow on vent and eye stripe. Bobs its tail while foraging. Photo by John McCormick |
On April 21, Tom Schilke saw an adult Brant at Pintail Wetlands in Hardin County on R Ave., South of D15.
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Here is an Eagle we spotted in Butler County after eating on a deer carcass on the 19th.
Stephanie and Ed Kleiner
eBird Alert Iowa Rare Bird Alert:
Greater Scaup (1 Black Hawk)
Eurasian Tree Sparrow (1 Buchanan)
Lapland Longspur (1 Hardin)
American Tree Sparrow (1 Hardin)
Fox Sparrow (1 Black Hawk)
Eurasian Tree Sparrow (1 Buchanan)
Lapland Longspur (1 Hardin)
American Tree Sparrow (1 Hardin)
Fox Sparrow (1 Black Hawk)
April 21, 2021: Wednesday Morning Birding: On this record cold morning 17 faithful birders reported to the bird blind at George Wyth State Park in search of spring migrants and year round inhabitants. Forty-one species were eventually sighted with Yellow-rumped Warblers and Ruby-crowned Kinglets being the dominant birds for the morning. We wondered how they must feel after having flown so far expecting to find 60 degree weather only to be greeted by temps in the 20's this AM. They looked to be very energetic as our photographers will attest to. Hope to see you next week at Riverview Recreation Area in Waterloo.
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesday morning field trip
41 species
Canada Goose 10
Trumpeter Swan 3
Wood Duck 6
Blue-winged Teal 8
Mallard 1
Lesser Scaup 5
Wild Turkey 1
Pied-billed Grebe 5
American Coot 4
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Double-crested Cormorant 12
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Bald Eagle 3
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Great Horned Owl 1
Belted Kingfisher 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 5
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 4
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 4
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3
Tree Swallow 30
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 15
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 1
European Starling 1
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 5
Fox Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 5
Song Sparrow 3
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Common Grackle 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 30
Northern Cardinal 4
April 14, 2021: Wednesday Morning Birding: Twenty PRAS members were bundled up to face the breezy winds blowing across Martin Lake as they searched for spring migrants. Forty species were seen and heard by the sharp eyes and ears of the group in their two and one half hour trek. Join us next week as we wander through George Wyth State Park. Meet at the kiosk at 8:30 on the 21st. See you then. All are welcome. And bring warmer weather!
Martin Lake (Greenbelt Lake), Black Hawk, Iowa, US
Apr 14, 2021 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.5 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: PRAS Wednesday Morning birding
44 species
Canada Goose 2
Wood Duck 4
Blue-winged Teal 6
Northern Shoveler 2
Mallard 2
Green-winged Teal 3
Lesser Scaup 1
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Mourning Dove 1
American Coot 4
Killdeer 1
Lesser Yellowlegs 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Osprey 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tree Swallow 40
Barn Swallow 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 8
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper 1
Brown Thrasher 2
Hermit Thrush 2
American Robin 2
Pine Siskin 12
American Goldfinch 2
Chipping Sparrow 1
American Tree Sparrow 2
Fox Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 2
White-throated Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 1
Red-winged Blackbird 3
Brown-headed Cowbird 7
Common Grackle 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 3
Northern Cardinal 2
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| Barn Swallow-Greenbelt Lake Photo by John McCormick |
April 10, 2021: A Green Heron was an early arrival at Prairie Lakes Park.
April 7, 2021: The Osprey are back at their nest behind the Cattle Congress! We watched one bring in a small stick, then enjoyed watching the pair perched or on the nest or flying. Woohoo! -J.H.
I am excited that colleagues at my workplace seem to be noticing birds more...one aptly described the field marks for a Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted, of course) that they observed while walking across campus. She even mentioned its call that resembled a laugh, kind of like Woody Woodpecker. Makes me pleased that others have been inspired to take a closer look at the birds they encounter. - C.H.
April 7, 2021: Our first Wednesday Morning Birding Field Trip
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April 5, 2021: A hybrid duck, thought to be perhaps a Cinnamon teal x shoveler has been seen at the wetlands at Dunkerton and Wagner Road in Black Hawk County. The bird is hanging with a small flock of shovelers.
April 4, 2021: I just listened to the podcast of Talk of Iowa with Dr. Jim Pease (one of PRAS's favorite speakers!) about all of the wildlife and birds starting to appear now that it is spring and Dr. Pease said that now is a great time to put wren houses out. I bought a lovely ceramic wren house at one of our PRAS silent auctions and put it out yesterday. And...you know the saying, "build it and they will come", well, I noticed, for the first time a House Wren in my backyard this a.m. I am hoping that it will discover my wren house and take up residence! C. Havely
Great Egrets were seen at Sweet Marsh today.
April 3, 2021: First of the year (FOY) Song Sparrows, Ruby-Crowned Kinglet and Fox Sparrow were seen at Hickory Hills. A bike ride later on the Cedar Valley Trail south towards LaPorte City yielded a Sandhill Crane sighting in a location that this species has not been seen. Plus, on the way to the Gilbertville Depot, on the backwaters at the first bridge east of Washburn were approximately a gathering of 200 American White Pelicans. Pretty cool...
The photo below is merely to illustrate part of the flock that was visible from the road.
A circuitous route between some of our PRAS counties yielded an abundance of wildflowers and birds, including Snow Trilliums at Eagle City Park and Pasque Flowers at Blackmun Prairie in Butler County. Photos by Kris Rash. Check out the Iowa Prairie Network's webpage or Instagram account to see events, such as the Spring Prairie & Pasque Flower Walk, April 25, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.
March 31, 2021: A pinkish Snow Trillium was spotted at Hickory Hills Park in Tama County. Photo by Candace Havely
February 24, 2021: The Eurasian Tree Sparrow continues in Buchanan County.
Pine Siskins are back at my feeders in the backyard. C.H.
February 23, 2021: 5 Bald Eagles (4 mature, 1 juvenile) were seen in a tree along Dysart Road. Flushed 5 different Ring-necked Pheasants at Hickory Hills. Found this lovely pheasant feather perfectly nestled in a track in the snow.
February 14, 2021: Over this weekend I have seen one blue jay and a pair of juncos. One squirrel and one rabbit have dashed across the backyard. Last month … My snow crab tree has been picked clean by the robins and the cedar waxwings, none of whom are around anymore. - S.F.
February 11, 2021: A Rusty Blackbird appeared at a Waterloo feeder along with a continuing Spotted Towhee (a western species), a Carolina Wren and Red-breasted Nuthatches.
February 9, 2021: Northern Shrike was seen around 2300 Timber Ave, north of Aldo Leopold WMA in Bremer Co. Flocks of Horned Larks seemed particularly plentiful. No longspurs or snow buntings were seen. A. B.
February 8, 2021: Gray Partridge have been observed in various locations in Black Hawk County.
Continuing Eurasian Tree Sparrow is being seen at a feeder in Buchanan County.
February 6, 2021: Eurasian Tree Sparrow seen in Buchanan County.
January 30, 2021: Spotted Towhee was seen at a Waterloo feeder. Bird has been observed throughout the fall and winter.
January 25, 2021: Barred Owl at George Wyth S.P.
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| Photo by Stephanie Kleiner |
January 17, 2021: Swans and other waterfowl at Brinker Lake at George Wyth State Park.
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| Swans at Brinker Lake, George Wyth State Park. Photo by Stephanie Kleiner |
January 16, 2021: There are Currently 4 Tundra Swans among about a 100 or so Trumpeter S. at Brinker Lake. Tommy Stone
January 2, 2021: It was a good day for raptors here. At home I had 3 different Cooper's
Hawks and a Sharp-shinned H. hoping for an easy meal at the feeders. In the afternoon, I did some road birding and saw and photographed 3 Merlins at different locations. I also saw a RLHA, 5 RTHA, 1 AMKE, and 2 Bald E. all within an hour and 10 miles from our house. Tommy Stone, Waterloo
Hawks and a Sharp-shinned H. hoping for an easy meal at the feeders. In the afternoon, I did some road birding and saw and photographed 3 Merlins at different locations. I also saw a RLHA, 5 RTHA, 1 AMKE, and 2 Bald E. all within an hour and 10 miles from our house. Tommy Stone, Waterloo
American Robin - Buchanan County: I know, I know, some can overwinter. I had one show up late this afternoon in the crabapple, loudly announcing his presence and saying it was spring. Wendy VanDeWalle
What was your first bird seen in the new year?
Dec 4, 2020: Two Bald Eagles must be pair bonding as they are sitting so close together on the same branch. Wonderful to see! Thanks for sharing your observation.
November 29, 2020: Sandhill Cranes were seen at Big Woods Lake, 2 adults marked with red crowns and 2 juvenile birds. Rarely do a pair raise both crane colts, so this is a great sighting! - D.E.
November 26, 2020: A Northern Saw-whet Owl was found at Greenbelt Lake at the north end of the the conifer stand. Take the main path by the lake till you see an "x" that was marked in the path. Then take a left and walk on the small path about 30 ft. Then take a riht and look for the white wash under the Red Pine. The owl was perched about 3-4 feet above the ground. T. Stone
I tried to relocate the Saw-whet early this afternoon, but did not see it. A couple of other PRAS birders came along and we found the spot where the white wash was, but we couldn't spy the owl. That is often how my luck goes! I looked in neighboring trees and in the other "usual" spots at Greenbelt, but no owl for me. I did enjoy the blue sky, a nice walk and saw two Red-breasted Nuthatches who were foraging together, so all was not lost. C. Havely
November 25, 2020: A Spotted Towhee has been seen at a local feeder in Waterloo. TS
November 19, 2020: An Evening Grosbeak fly over and a mature Golden Eagle soaring near Greenbelt Lake were the observations from Waterloo today.
November 18, 2020: No less than 5 different Brown Creepers were foraging in the woods around Casey Lake at Hickory Hills. Lots of Canada Geese, but no other special waterfowl were present. A calling Barred Owl was heard and on the drive back to Waterloo, a Great Horned Owl was seen perched on the top of a telephone pole.
November 12 & 13, 2020: The beautiful crescent moon with Venus, Spica and the not often seen Mercury in the pre-dawn eastern sky (about 5:45 a.m.). Gorgeous! Thank you David Voigts for your "In the Sky" column that teaches us about astronomy. I have so enjoyed the skies this year. From the comet visible this summer to the glorious showing of our planets, it has been one positive thing about 2020! Hope I get a peek at some of the Leonid meteor showers. C Havely
November 8, 2020: A Greater Yellowlegs was observed at Bonser's Wildlife Refuge. D. E.
November 12 & 13, 2020: The beautiful crescent moon with Venus, Spica and the not often seen Mercury in the pre-dawn eastern sky (about 5:45 a.m.). Gorgeous! Thank you David Voigts for your "In the Sky" column that teaches us about astronomy. I have so enjoyed the skies this year. From the comet visible this summer to the glorious showing of our planets, it has been one positive thing about 2020! Hope I get a peek at some of the Leonid meteor showers. C Havely
November 8, 2020: A Greater Yellowlegs was observed at Bonser's Wildlife Refuge. D. E.
November 7, 2020: A Spotted Towhee was observed at a feeder in Waterloo. T. S.
November 5, 2020: Male Evening Grosbeak observed at feeder in Bremer County. The grosbeak dwarfed the House Finch that was feeding alongside it. M.W.
November 1, 2020: A Swainson's Thrush was seen at Greenbelt Lake. Alan Orr. and a female Evening Grosbeak was seen at a feeder near Hartman Reserve. B.R.
November 1, 2020: A Swainson's Thrush was seen at Greenbelt Lake. Alan Orr. and a female Evening Grosbeak was seen at a feeder near Hartman Reserve. B.R.
October 30 & 31, 2020: Evening Grosbeaks made an appearance at the feeders of a family in Dike, Iowa! Thanks Mark & Amy for sharing your sighting and for joining our presentation at our November program.
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| Male & two female Evening Grosbeaks. Photo by Mark Dutton |
October 30, 2020: A pair of Common Redpolls were also foraging in the parking lot at Greenbelt Lake. Scott Garrett
This morning I found two Common Redpolls at one of my favorite places to bird- only a couple miles from my house! They were in the parking lot of the Mt Auburn Bridge access to the Cedar River on Benton/Buchanan Ave.This is the corner of Buchanan, Benton & Black Hawk counties. They were next to the boat ramp and hung out for quite some time feeding. Iowa bird #300! - Wendy VanDeWalle
October 29, 2020: Red-bellied, Downy & Hairy Woodpeckers, a pair of Purple Finch, Am. Goldfinch, House Finch, WB Nuthatch, chickadees, starlings, juncos and White-throated and House Sparrows are among the yard birds coming to my feeders and heated bird bath. C.H.
October 28, 2020: A Horned Grebe can be viewed on the east end of Brinker Lake at George Wyth State Park. Observable from the bike path. A.O.
October 23, 2020: When leaving my favorite new bookstore (Soul Book Nook) in downtown Waterloo, I saw a Cooper's Hawk dive into the hedge across the street in pursuit of Rock Pigeons. It wasn't successful, but I got a good look at this handsome bird when it flew up and perched in a nearby tree. - CH
October 17, 2020: I participated in the eBird October Big Day today. (At this moment 6,298 species of birds have been seen across the world by 22,797 participants.) As part of my effort I visited the Black Hawk Creek Wildlife Center in Grundy County. It has been greatly affected by the Derecho and the trails have not been cleared, so I had to bushwhack quite a bit. I saw a Black-throated Green Warbler at eye level. This is a small place, so I went back to my car to get my camera and returned to the area where I had seen the warbler. I never saw warbler again, but waiting around quietly I added Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin and Red-breasted Nuthatch. That's a lot of neat birds for such a small place.
October 23, 2020: When leaving my favorite new bookstore (Soul Book Nook) in downtown Waterloo, I saw a Cooper's Hawk dive into the hedge across the street in pursuit of Rock Pigeons. It wasn't successful, but I got a good look at this handsome bird when it flew up and perched in a nearby tree. - CH
October 17, 2020: I participated in the eBird October Big Day today. (At this moment 6,298 species of birds have been seen across the world by 22,797 participants.) As part of my effort I visited the Black Hawk Creek Wildlife Center in Grundy County. It has been greatly affected by the Derecho and the trails have not been cleared, so I had to bushwhack quite a bit. I saw a Black-throated Green Warbler at eye level. This is a small place, so I went back to my car to get my camera and returned to the area where I had seen the warbler. I never saw warbler again, but waiting around quietly I added Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin and Red-breasted Nuthatch. That's a lot of neat birds for such a small place.
Linda Rudolph
Coralville
October 8, 2020: A small flock of Rusty Blackbirds were seen at Diagonal Street Marsh. J.M.
October 7, 2020: An adult light morph Ferruginous Hawk was seen in Black Hawk County today. A cell phone photo was shared with Tommy Stone who confirmed the identification.
October 1, 2020: I still have hummingbird at my feeder and four juncos below it. Had a palm and orange crowned during my daily walk at Riverview this morning. - T.S.
A rather unfortunate bird sighting happened today at work; a Sharp-shinned Hawk and American Robin were victims of a window collision. At home the feeder is busy with seemingly every House Sparrow and House Finch in the neighborhood. An occasional N. Cardinal and White-throated Sparrow, Chickadee and Downy Woodpecker joins the mix. So far, no juncos at my feeder yet. - C.H.
September 18, 2020: A flight of Broad-winged Hawks were seen flying over Waterloo.
A Red-breasted Nuthatch, a White-throated Sparrow and three Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were visitors to backyard feeders in Waterloo.
September 15, 2020: Migrating warblers, Red-breasted Nuthatches and Scarlet Tanagers were visitors to the backyard near Denver. Nearby, a group of four Red-shouldered Hawks were observed.
September 14, 2020: A Female Black-throated Blue Warbler was seen at Riverview Park (old Mitchell Sandpits).
September 13, 2020: Red-breasted Nuthatches have been moving into all parts of Iowa, including Cedar Falls. Click on the "Photos" link to take a look at the PRAS Flickr account to see some great photos of this bird.
September 12, 2020: Numerous Broad-winged Hawks and groups of Northern Flickers were seen along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail.
September 8, 2020: The previous couple of nights, birders in Denver, IA, Iowa's 3rd Bird Friendly City, were witness to the amazing spectacle of 200+ Chimney Swifts swooping into roost in chimneys in the downtown area. Every year there is a citizen science project titled, Swift Night Out, that asks citizens to record the number of swifts they see and share the data.
Sept 8, 2020: A Mourning Warbler found it's way to our PRAS President's backyard! Other birds seen at Riverview Park in Waterloo (old Mitchell Sand Pits) included: Philadelphia Vireo, Blackpoll Warbler, Osprey, Nashville, Tennessee Warblers, etc.
Hummingbirds were at seen at a backyard bird feeder in Waterloo.
Sept 5, 2020: Purple Finch seen at feed in Buchanan County.
Sept 2, 2020: I just refilled our hummingbird feeders! It is like Grand Central Station. We also have had red-breasted nuthatches. They are one of my favorites. We didn’t have any in the 2029/2020 fall/ winter season. The year before they were here from September-May. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather! -S.L.
Sept 1, 2020: Three American Avocets were seen at Riverview Park (old Mitchell Sand Pits) right across from the boat ramp on the beach. An Osprey feeding young was also observed.
Sept 1, 2020: Three American Avocets were seen at Riverview Park (old Mitchell Sand Pits) right across from the boat ramp on the beach. An Osprey feeding young was also observed.
A Barred Owl was seen along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail.
August 23, 2020: An Osprey was seen over the Cedar River in Waverly and a Blue-grey gnatcatcher was also seen among a small flock of birds. - J. Q.
August 22, 2020: A Least Tern was seen by two PRAS members in the morning at the Wagner Rd wetlands outside of Waterloo. Later in the afternoon, Sandhill Cranes, several Great Blue Heron, lots of Killdeer, Lesser Yellowlegs,Blue-winged Teal, Red-winged Blackbirds and a couple of Yellow-headed Blackbirds, a lone Cormorant, a Ring-necked Pheasant, and an immature eagle were observed.
At the nearby private wetlands, a Sora and three chicks were observed. Virginia Rail, Pectoral Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, Eastern Kingbird, American Goldfinch, were among the birds seen. The highlight being the Sora chicks!
August 16, 2020: Pileated Woodpecker at Babcock Woods.- J. Q.
August 7, 2020: Northern Waterthrush Greenbelt Lake Photo by Scott Garrett
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August 5, 2020: I saw a Gray Partridge with several chicks and I had a Bluebird nest with 8 eggs. It was lost to predation. - David V.
The merlins left the nest on Liberty Ave.on July 30th and have been flying around the neighborhood ever since, and chasing each other at times. All 5, the adults and 3 young exploded from the trees to chase a crow this morning. Bird carnage (house sparrows) is much more evident now with whole birds, half eaten ones, and pieces strewn on lawns. My neighbor had what we think was a gizzard fall on his shoulder. His baby daughter had a feather land on her. They have been active throughout the day calling, flying, and practicing being merlins - mostly hanging out near the sycamore nest tree. This has been a rare opportunity to watch merlin behaviors in a way we we usually don’t see.
The birds seen on Kimball in Waterloo are from a different nest. At least four have been seen over there. Not sure where the nest had been over there - maybe in the ponderosa pines next to the Subway.
Tom Schilke - Waterloo
The birds seen on Kimball in Waterloo are from a different nest. At least four have been seen over there. Not sure where the nest had been over there - maybe in the ponderosa pines next to the Subway.
Tom Schilke - Waterloo
July 22, 2020: Big Woods Lake - Male Blue Grosbeak singing from treetop observed from approx 50' away for several minutes. He was still singing when I left. Location on NW side of lake near bench marked as Bob & Kathy Braun bench.
July 19, 2020: The merlin nest across the street from my house at 1432 Liberty Ave. has three mostly downy young as best that I can tell. The parents have been on guard and are quite vocal when feeding time is near or crows, vultures, etc. come too close. Viewers that have come to see the nest have been rewarded with views of the birds in usually short order, often seeing them on open favored branches plucking apart prey (house sparrows ) or standing watch.
Francis Moore reports the likelihood of another merlin nest on south Kimball in Waterloo by or in large ponderosa pines next to the Subway parking lot. Merlins have been seen in that spot multiple times and carrying food. Haven’t spotted the nest yet.
The merlins that nested in Waterloo in 2016 were fledged and flying about by July 12th. Here we are on July 19 and the young are just now beginning to get some feathers. Also in 2016 the merlins decapitated their prey. I have yet to find heads or see them rip a head off while feeding. From about 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. has been a pretty consistent time to watch them in good light.
Merlins have been spotted during the summer months each year since 2016, I think it is safe to assume that we have a continual breeding population, one that is perhaps expanding through the metro area.
Tom Schilke - Waterloo
July 18, 2020: Multiple Wood Thrushes were singing at McFarlane Park Saturday morning. It was quite lovely.
July 15, 2020: An Upland Sandpiper was heard flying overhead while observing the Neowise comet.
July 14, 2020: An early morning bike ride on the Cedar Valley Trail can present various wildlife encounters. Luckily the Striped Skunk did not feel threatened when I rode passed it.
June 29, 2020: The merlins that have occupied a nest across the street north from my house for the last two months in Waterloo have begun to actively feed nestlings. During the first month they came to and from the nest, straightened it up, mated, stashed food, etc. The next month she, and occasionally he, incubated eggs. There has been on occasion a second male. I still have a clear view of the nest in the tall sycamore which is now beginning to leave out after a bout with anthracnose. The neighbors are cool with visitors watching the merlins. I usually have a scope on the nest by my garage door at 1432 Liberty Ave. Visitors are welcome. Evening light is best from my angle.
It will be about another month before the young fledge during which time the male could bring up to nine birds a day to the nest - mostly house sparrows. Vocalizations have been interesting - more to it than a simple call. I haven’t seen little heads yet. The nest survived 50 mph straight line winds and torrential rain. They defend the nest from any raptor that gets anywhere near calling at length during the attack. Soft little chinks mixed in with the calls generally seem to mean some kind of interaction between the merlins - either food is here or it is time to switch places for a while.
Also of interest near by are nesting black billed cuckoo, flicker, bells vireos and maybe red-headed woodpecker on the bike trail at Gilbertville. Go north from the depot towards Evansdale until you get almost get to the Schaefer Natural area bench, almost a half mile walk.
Bank Swallows are nesting in the private quarry south of the road to the water treatment plant which is along the south border of of Riverview Park in Waterloo 1.5 miles from my house. Stand by the gate and watch - also YB cuckoo hanging out there.
Best Wishes, Tom Schilke - Waterloo
July 19, 2020: The merlin nest across the street from my house at 1432 Liberty Ave. has three mostly downy young as best that I can tell. The parents have been on guard and are quite vocal when feeding time is near or crows, vultures, etc. come too close. Viewers that have come to see the nest have been rewarded with views of the birds in usually short order, often seeing them on open favored branches plucking apart prey (house sparrows ) or standing watch.
Francis Moore reports the likelihood of another merlin nest on south Kimball in Waterloo by or in large ponderosa pines next to the Subway parking lot. Merlins have been seen in that spot multiple times and carrying food. Haven’t spotted the nest yet.
The merlins that nested in Waterloo in 2016 were fledged and flying about by July 12th. Here we are on July 19 and the young are just now beginning to get some feathers. Also in 2016 the merlins decapitated their prey. I have yet to find heads or see them rip a head off while feeding. From about 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. has been a pretty consistent time to watch them in good light.
Merlins have been spotted during the summer months each year since 2016, I think it is safe to assume that we have a continual breeding population, one that is perhaps expanding through the metro area.
Tom Schilke - Waterloo
July 18, 2020: Multiple Wood Thrushes were singing at McFarlane Park Saturday morning. It was quite lovely.
July 15, 2020: An Upland Sandpiper was heard flying overhead while observing the Neowise comet.
July 14, 2020: An early morning bike ride on the Cedar Valley Trail can present various wildlife encounters. Luckily the Striped Skunk did not feel threatened when I rode passed it.
June 29, 2020: The merlins that have occupied a nest across the street north from my house for the last two months in Waterloo have begun to actively feed nestlings. During the first month they came to and from the nest, straightened it up, mated, stashed food, etc. The next month she, and occasionally he, incubated eggs. There has been on occasion a second male. I still have a clear view of the nest in the tall sycamore which is now beginning to leave out after a bout with anthracnose. The neighbors are cool with visitors watching the merlins. I usually have a scope on the nest by my garage door at 1432 Liberty Ave. Visitors are welcome. Evening light is best from my angle.
It will be about another month before the young fledge during which time the male could bring up to nine birds a day to the nest - mostly house sparrows. Vocalizations have been interesting - more to it than a simple call. I haven’t seen little heads yet. The nest survived 50 mph straight line winds and torrential rain. They defend the nest from any raptor that gets anywhere near calling at length during the attack. Soft little chinks mixed in with the calls generally seem to mean some kind of interaction between the merlins - either food is here or it is time to switch places for a while.
Also of interest near by are nesting black billed cuckoo, flicker, bells vireos and maybe red-headed woodpecker on the bike trail at Gilbertville. Go north from the depot towards Evansdale until you get almost get to the Schaefer Natural area bench, almost a half mile walk.
Bank Swallows are nesting in the private quarry south of the road to the water treatment plant which is along the south border of of Riverview Park in Waterloo 1.5 miles from my house. Stand by the gate and watch - also YB cuckoo hanging out there.
Best Wishes, Tom Schilke - Waterloo