Sightings

 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.

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

September 18, 2024: Greenbelt Lake was a popular place on this warm end of summer morning as fisherman were taking advantage of the recently built dock courtesy of a REAP grant.  Others were also enjoying the new shelter to gather out of the sun.  Our 12 PRAS birders were off on a hike to search for fall migrants.  Six of us wielded some massive photo equipment looking for the perfect shot.  If anyone tries to tell you that birding is an inexpensive hobby don't listen to them.  We'd hate to hazard a guess at how much had been spent on binoculars, cameras and lenses within our group.  We would agree it is all worth it! Our species numbers were a bit lower today with a total of 32 seen or heard.  Four were new to our count with a total of 61 so far this fall.  We had a couple of highlights when first a group of at least 20 chimney swifts came swooping in low over Greenbelt Lake.  A little later we started seeing individual migrating broad-winged hawks heading south.  Suddenly a kettle of 20 or more appeared over the tree line.  It was a glorious sight! Hopefully that will tempt you to join us next week at 8:30 as we bird Riverview Recreation Area/Harold Getty Lake in Waterloo located 1/4 mile east of Hwy. 218 on Mitchell Ave. Kris and Craig Rash Greenbelt Lake, Black Hawk, Iowa, US Sep 18, 2024 8:34 AM - 11:01 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.279 mile(s) 32 species   Canada Goose  2 Mallard  8 Mourning Dove  1 Chimney Swift  20 Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2 Killdeer  4 Turkey Vulture  8 Cooper's Hawk  1 Broad-winged Hawk  24 Belted Kingfisher  1 Red-headed Woodpecker  2 Red-bellied Woodpecker  3 Downy Woodpecker  3 Hairy Woodpecker  1 Eastern Phoebe  1 Red-eyed Vireo  1 Blue Jay  5 American Crow  2 Black-capped Chickadee  3 White-breasted Nuthatch  3 House Wren  1 Gray Catbird  4 American Robin  20 Cedar Waxwing  4 American Goldfinch  4 Red-winged Blackbird  2 Tennessee Warbler  1 Nashville Warbler  2 Common Yellowthroat  1 Magnolia Warbler  1 Bay-breasted Warbler  1 Northern Cardinal  1 Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.  September 11, 2024: We have been fortunate to have wonderful weather to go birding for our first two outings of the fall migration.  Eleven PRAS birders met at Lower Hartman to search the leafy trails for various species, some of which we have not seen since they headed north last spring.  Many have molted into their drabber, winter plumage from their bright breeding feathers making our ID task a bit more difficult, but we welcome the challenge. On this day we saw a total of 46 species of which 17 were new to our list for the season bringing us to an overall count of 57 species so far for fall 2024. We will be out again next Wednesday at Greenbelt Lake (off Martin Road in Waterloo) at 8:30. We hope to see you there.  You don't need to be an expert.  Few of us are but we are constantly learning something new.  Kris and Craig Rash Hartman Reserve--Prairie Overlook, Black Hawk, Iowa, US Sept. 11, 2024, 8:19 AM - 11:50 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.045 mile(s) 46 species   Canada Goose  2 Wood Duck  4 Mallard  1 Wild Turkey  4 Common Nighthawk  1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2 Green Heron  1 Great Blue Heron  2 Turkey Vulture  1 Bald Eagle  1 Red-shouldered Hawk  1 Barred Owl  1 Red-headed Woodpecker  2 Red-bellied Woodpecker  3 Downy Woodpecker  3 Hairy Woodpecker  2 Northern Flicker  1 Eastern Wood-Pewee  1 Eastern Phoebe  1 Yellow-throated Vireo  1 Philadelphia Vireo  3    Seen by 10 people on an Audubon birding outing. Gray back, yellowish belly, dark eyeline. Small bird. Red-eyed Vireo  3 Blue Jay  5 American Crow  2 Black-capped Chickadee  4 Tree Swallow  1 White-breasted Nuthatch  6 House Wren  1 Gray Catbird  2 Brown Thrasher  1 Swainson's Thrush  2 American Robin  20 Cedar Waxwing  10 American Goldfinch  1 Ovenbird  1 Black-and-white Warbler  5 Tennessee Warbler  2 Common Yellowthroat  1 American Redstart  4 Magnolia Warbler  2 Bay-breasted Warbler  4 Blackburnian Warbler  2 Chestnut-sided Warbler  2 Yellow-rumped Warbler  1 Northern Cardinal  4 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1 Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.  September 4, 2024: The summer has gone by so quickly it seems we just finished spring birding but the migrants are already heading back to their wintering grounds after completing their breeding and nesting activities. Some of them have molted into not so flashy plumage making them harder to identify but our 9 eager PRAS birders were up to the task as they identified 40 species on a perfectly beautiful day at Big Woods Park.   Plan to join us next week at Lower Hartman Reserve.  Drive to Lookout Park in Cedar Falls and continue on Park Drive to the lower parking lot at 8:30. See you then. Kris and Craig Rash Big Woods Lake Recreation Area, Black Hawk, Iowa, US Sep 4, 2024 8:34 AM - 11:16 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.536 mile(s) 40 species   Canada Goose  3 Mallard  10 Wild Turkey  1 Mourning Dove  2 Killdeer  1 Solitary Sandpiper  4 Green Heron  2 Great Blue Heron  2 Turkey Vulture  3 Osprey  1 Bald Eagle  2 Belted Kingfisher  1 Red-bellied Woodpecker  2 Downy Woodpecker  2 Northern Flicker  1 Eastern Wood-Pewee  1 Eastern Phoebe  2 Eastern Kingbird  2 Warbling Vireo  2 Red-eyed Vireo  4 Blue Jay  5 American Crow  1 Black-capped Chickadee  1 Tree Swallow  10 Barn Swallow  1 White-breasted Nuthatch  2 European Starling  1 Gray Catbird  2 Eastern Bluebird  1 American Robin  3 American Goldfinch  2 Black-and-white Warbler  1 American Redstart  1 Blackburnian Warbler  1 Yellow Warbler  2 Yellow-rumped Warbler  1 Black-throated Green Warbler  1 Northern Cardinal  1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1 Blue Grosbeak  1    Male in molt. Blue and brown feathers. A male has been living at this lake all summer and has been seen by a number of birders. Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.  May 1, 2024: As with the birds we are searching for, the mix of birders that join our Wednesday Morning Birding varies from week to week.  Seventeen individuals were present for a May Day walk at Martin (Greenbelt) Lake on a sunny but very windy day.  Our group split up on the trail at one point which added to our final count of 46 species.  Our total so far this season is 69 species with 12 being new on our list.  Bring on the warblers! Next week we will meet at Lower Hartman for out fifth outing of the spring.  See you there. Kris and Craig Rash Martin Lake (Greenbelt Lake), Black Hawk, Iowa, US May 1, 2024  8:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. Protocol: Traveling 1.2 mile(s) 46 species   Canada Goose  3 Mallard  2 Mourning Dove  2 Killdeer  1 Spotted Sandpiper  1 Solitary Sandpiper  1 Lesser Yellowlegs  1 Green Heron  1 Turkey Vulture  4 Cooper's Hawk  1 Bald Eagle  1 Broad-winged Hawk  4 Red-tailed Hawk  2 Red-headed Woodpecker  1 Red-bellied Woodpecker  1 Downy Woodpecker  2 Hairy Woodpecker  2 Least Flycatcher  1    Small bird with gray upper parts and chest. Yellowish belly. Two white wing bars. White eye ring. Bill has yellow lower mandible and dark upper mandible.  Call is typical “chee-bek” of least. Blue Jay  3 American Crow  2 Black-capped Chickadee  2 Tree Swallow  2 Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet  5 White-breasted Nuthatch  2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  5 House Wren  4 Gray Catbird  2 Brown Thrasher  2 Eastern Bluebird  1 American Robin  2 House Finch  1 American Goldfinch  1 Chipping Sparrow  1 White-crowned Sparrow  1 White-throated Sparrow  12 Song Sparrow  1 Swamp Sparrow  1 Baltimore Oriole  2 Brown-headed Cowbird  2 Ovenbird  1 Orange-crowned Warbler  2 Common Yellowthroat  1 Yellow-rumped Warbler  2 Northern Cardinal  2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1 Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.  Wednesday Morning Birding: April 24, 2024 Much improved weather was enjoyed by the 13 birders at our April 24th outing at George Wyth State Park.  Long-time Audubon members, Wayne and Jan Anderson were also spotted out on the trail.  Our list of 43 birds for this morning included two black-necked stilts, a first recording for our WMB over the years!  (Charlene spotted an American Robin and a Red-winged Blackbird!) Our three field trips have totaled 57 species for the season so far with 11 being new to our list today.  Next week we will meet at Greenbelt (Martin) Lake.  See you then. Kris and Craig Rash George Wyth SP, Black Hawk, Iowa, US Apr 24, 2024 8:23 AM - 11:43 AM Protocol: Traveling 5.145 mile(s) 43 species   Canada Goose  1 Wood Duck  4 Blue-winged Teal  9 Northern Shoveler  2 Mallard  3 Pied-billed Grebe  1 Sandhill Crane  2 Black-necked Stilt  2    Black on back of head, neck and back. Black wings. White below. Very long red legs. Long black beak. Seen in shallow pond. Killdeer  1 Lesser Yellowlegs  4 Greater Yellowlegs  7 Forster's Tern  7 Double-crested Cormorant  1 American White Pelican  25 Turkey Vulture  2 Osprey  2 Cooper's Hawk  1 Bald Eagle  2 Broad-winged Hawk  1 Red-headed Woodpecker  1 Red-bellied Woodpecker  3 Downy Woodpecker  1 Hairy Woodpecker  1 Eastern Phoebe  1 Blue Jay  3 American Crow  1 Black-capped Chickadee  7 Tree Swallow  15 Ruby-crowned Kinglet  8 White-breasted Nuthatch  4 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1 House Wren  2 Eastern Bluebird  1 American Robin  3 American Goldfinch  1 White-throated Sparrow  6 Song Sparrow  1 Red-winged Blackbird  16 Brown-headed Cowbird  2 Common Grackle  1 Palm Warbler  1    Rusty crown, grayish back and wings, yellow breast with rusty streaks. Constantly pumps tail. Yellow-rumped Warbler  1 Northern Cardinal  4 Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.  April 17, 2024  Wednesday Morning Birding: A constant wind and a threat of rain that didn't materialize challenged the 12 birders that made the loop around Riverview Recreation Area this Wednesday.  Even though the sky was a dull gray we were fortunate to see and hear 37 species but were left wanting for shorebirds.  We added 13 birds to our spring list for a total of 46 so far this season.   Join us next week at George Wyth State Park at 8:30. We'll meet at the front kiosk.  Hopefully there will be spring ephemerals to see along with the birds.  They fade fast in the too warm weather. Riverview Recreation Area, Black Hawk, Iowa, US Apr 17, 2024 8:19 AM - 10:49 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.166 mile(s) 37 species   Canada Goose  3 Blue-winged Teal  13 Mallard  3 Wild Turkey  1 Pied-billed Grebe  2 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  7 Mourning Dove  1 Killdeer  2 Double-crested Cormorant  22 Turkey Vulture  2 Osprey  2 Cooper's Hawk  2 Bald Eagle  1 Broad-winged Hawk  1 Red-bellied Woodpecker  3 Downy Woodpecker  1 Hairy Woodpecker  1 Northern Flicker  5 Blue Jay  1 American Crow  1 Black-capped Chickadee  2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1 European Starling  5 Brown Thrasher  1 Eastern Bluebird  2 American Robin  6 Cedar Waxwing  5 House Sparrow  2 House Finch  1 Chipping Sparrow  4 White-throated Sparrow  2 Song Sparrow  1 Eastern Towhee  1 Red-winged Blackbird  8 Brown-headed Cowbird  4 Common Grackle  1 Northern Cardinal  2

Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.

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)

There are some phrases that are often repeated in our lives.  Among them we frequently hear, "Didn't we just begin this" or "I can't believe its time for this already" or words to that effect.  Then there's, "Is it over so soon".  Well, its hard to believe but we've come to the end of another Wednesday Morning Birding season with fall migration winding down and your leaders beginning to get weary.  Don't get us wrong.  We will still be out birding but we have other obligations so will go when we feel the tug.  If one of you would like to schedule a WMB be our guest.  We'd be glad to post the invitation for you. As for today's WMB the day turned out to be a pleasant autumn morning with the foliage turning golds and reds. Fifteen birders were able to identify a total of 27 species.  Three of those were new to our list bringing our 2023 fall total to 94 different species.  Sparrows were adept at hiding in the brush and ducking into the grasses before we could add a few more to the list but such is the challenge of birding.   Jessalyn was thrilled to find her very first garter snake and held the tiny, pencil-sized baby up for a photo.  Several people learned that birds are not harmed by poison ivy and love to eat the white berries. Its always an adventure and filled with wonderful conversation.  Join us in December for the Audubon Christmas Bird Count.  Watch the PRAS web site for dates. And Happy Birthday GM Francis Moore!!  We should have sung to you this morning.  Hope you had a great day! Kris and Craig Rash Washington Access Trail , Black Hawk, Iowa, US Oct 18, 2023 8:32 AM - 11:31 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.282 mile(s) 27 species   Canada Goose  5 Northern Pintail  8 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1 Mourning Dove  2 Killdeer  1 Turkey Vulture  5 Bald Eagle  1 Red-shouldered Hawk  1 Red-headed Woodpecker  1 Red-bellied Woodpecker  6 Blue Jay  3 American Crow  1 Black-capped Chickadee  1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2 Golden-crowned Kinglet  4 White-breasted Nuthatch  2 European Starling  1 Eastern Bluebird  12 Hermit Thrush  3 American Robin  27 American Goldfinch  1 Dark-eyed Junco  2 White-throated Sparrow  4 Song Sparrow  2 Red-winged Blackbird  40 Yellow-rumped Warbler  4 Northern Cardinal  3

Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.

October 11, 2023-Wednesday Morning Birding (WMB)

Tuesday night's weather forecast had most of us thinking that our Wednesday Morning Birding would be greeted with an overcast morning peppered with the possibility of scattered wetness.  Instead, our 18 birders enjoyed a mostly sunny day that began to warm the leaves of the trees and brushy trail sides that soon brought out migrants foraging for seeds and waking insects.  Some took to the treetops while others skimmed over the lake.  Still more species preferred picking through the short grasses along the trail.  Every bird in the 45 species we identified had their favorite feeding style.  Eleven birds were new to our fall WMB list bringing our total count to 91 species.  We have one more field trip planned for next week. Please join us as we travel outside the metro to Washington-Union Access north of Cedar Falls on Cedar Wapsi Road (C57) west of Hwy. 218.  The parking lot is just east of the Cedar River bridge on the south side of the road. Craig and Kris Rash Prairie Lakes Park, Black Hawk, Iowa, US Oct 11, 2023 8:29 AM - 12:05 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.521 mile(s) 45 species   Canada Goose  2 Northern Shoveler  3 Mallard  5 Ruddy Duck  1 Ring-necked Pheasant  1 Mourning Dove  2 American Coot  25 Killdeer  2 Great Blue Heron  2 Turkey Vulture  2 Sharp-shinned Hawk  1 Cooper's Hawk  1 Red-tailed Hawk  1 Belted Kingfisher  1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1 Hairy Woodpecker  1 Northern Flicker  1 Eastern Phoebe  1 Blue Jay  5 American Crow  6 Black-capped Chickadee  6 Tree Swallow  7 Barn Swallow  9 Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2 White-breasted Nuthatch  1 House Wren  1 Winter Wren  1 Marsh Wren  1 American Robin  40 Cedar Waxwing  2 House Sparrow  3 House Finch  3 American Goldfinch  9 Dark-eyed Junco  5 White-crowned Sparrow  2 White-throated Sparrow  5 Song Sparrow  5 Red-winged Blackbird  4 Brown-headed Cowbird  2 Rusty Blackbird  1 Tennessee Warbler  1    Greenish-gray back, gray head and underparts. Black eyeline. Small pointed bill. Seen by eight birders on Audubon field trip. Common Yellowthroat  1 Palm Warbler  2 Yellow-rumped Warbler  9 Northern Cardinal  2

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.

Only 4,400 birds were estimated to have crossed over the county, very low numbers for a migration overnight.  However, our 12 birders were determined as we birded Greenbelt (Martin) Lake and ultimately recorded 36 species.  Nine of those were new to our list for this month and brought our total for the fall season to 66 species.  

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

Using the figures from the Birdcast app from the previous evening for Black Hawk County our expectations were low for this overcast, misty morning.  Only 4,400 birds were estimated to have crossed over the county, very low numbers for a migration overnight.  However, our 12 birders were determined as we birded Greenbelt (Martin) Lake and ultimately recorded 36 species.  Nine of those were new to our list for this month and brought our total for the fall season to 66 species.   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 Martin Lake (Greenbelt Lake), Black Hawk, Iowa, US Sep 20, 2023 8:08 AM - 10:37 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.471 mile(s) 36 species   Canada Goose  29 Mallard  4 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1 Chimney Swift  1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1 Killdeer  6 Sharp-shinned Hawk  3 Red-tailed Hawk  1 Barred Owl  1 Belted Kingfisher  1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1 Red-bellied Woodpecker  4 Downy Woodpecker  1 Hairy Woodpecker  2 Northern Flicker  2 Blue Jay  12 American Crow  1 Black-capped Chickadee  2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1 White-breasted Nuthatch  2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1 House Wren  1 Winter Wren  1 Gray Catbird  5 Veery  1    Rusty upper parts. Cream colored belly. No distinct spots but smeary rusty throat and upper chest. Big dark eye. Swainson's Thrush  2 American Robin  6 Cedar Waxwing  20 House Sparrow  20 American Goldfinch  1 White-throated Sparrow  1 American Redstart  1 Northern Parula  1 Yellow-rumped Warbler  5 Northern Cardinal  2 Indigo Bunting  1

Wednesday Morning Birding

September 13, 2023

Cool, foggy weather gave way to a picture-perfect morning as our Wednesday Morning Birders were pulled deeper into the woods of Lower Hartman.  As the sun began to warm the lethargic insects hiding among the leaves the birds began to stir, as well, much to our delight.  With the  combined efforts of 21 birders, 45 species were spotted with 16 of those being new for the month. Our two- field trip total thus far is 57 avian species.    Join our friendly group at Greenbelt Lake on Martin Rd. in Waterloo next week, September 20 at 8:30.  Maybe we'll be able to put our newly acquired raptor ID skills to use. Kris and Craig Rash Hartman Reserve:Shirey way trail, Black Hawk, Iowa, US Sep 13, 2023 8:24 AM - 12:03 PM Protocol: Traveling 2.901 mile(s) 45 species   Canada Goose  15 Mallard  60 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1 Mourning Dove  1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3 Killdeer  1 Solitary Sandpiper  5 Double-crested Cormorant  4 Great Blue Heron  6 Turkey Vulture  2 Sharp-shinned Hawk  1 Bald Eagle  2 Barred Owl  1 Belted Kingfisher  2 Red-headed Woodpecker  5 Red-bellied Woodpecker  6 Downy Woodpecker  5 Hairy Woodpecker  3 Northern Flicker  6 Eastern Wood-Pewee  2 Least Flycatcher  2 Eastern Phoebe  2 Warbling Vireo  1 Blue Jay  8 American Crow  4 Black-capped Chickadee  5 Ruby-crowned Kinglet  3 White-breasted Nuthatch  6 House Wren  1 Winter Wren  1 European Starling  4 Gray Catbird  8 Brown Thrasher  1 Veery  1 Swainson's Thrush  8 American Robin  5 House Finch  2 American Goldfinch  8 Black-and-white Warbler  3 Tennessee Warbler  1 American Redstart  5 Magnolia Warbler  6 Palm Warbler  1 Northern Cardinal  4 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  12

Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.

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/S149136856

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 May 13, 2023: Bird Appreciation Week, May 7-13, ended with our big birding day at Sweet Marsh on World Migratory Bird Day last Saturday.  If you've been reading your Red Tail or the web site, you know there was a place to submit your personal findings for the week.  Many members contribute to Bird-A-Thon based on number of species seen during the week.  If you check the Species Observed listing and see a species missing and know you saw it in Iowa during the week, please let Craig Rash (ckrash105@aol.com) know so it can be included in the count. Every little bit helps.   On another note, if you care to join us for Wednesday Morning Birding tomorrow meet at Lower Hartman beginning at the parking lot on Park Drive below Lookout Park in Cedar Falls.  Birdcast predicts a white-hot migration mode overnight for Iowa and the warblers, thrushes and vireos have been making their presence known.  You gotta get out there.  Migration will be over before you know it.

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

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.

  October 12, 2022: 

Eight birders and their camera gear were decked out in rain apparel as we began today's slow walk in lower Hartman.  Birds were abundant in the canopy as well as on the trail directly in front of us bathing in the puddles and feeding at the edges.  We felt like bird herders as flocks of sparrows, warblers, robins, hermit thrushes and kinglets led the way and tried out their singing skills.  It wasn't long before the sun came out exposing the brilliant leaf colors and encouraging more bird activity. Our fall WMB count now totals 88 species with 7 new species added today.  On this day we observed 38 different birds.  Migration is beginning to slow but ducks should still be arriving as temperatures cool. An interesting and disturbing experience was observed by our group today as we saw two Am. Goldfinches hanging by their wings as they were caught in the clutches of the Virginia stickseed (Hackelia virginiana).  Tom Moon volunteered to slide down a muddy bank and rescue the little guys, pulling them from the weeds and cleaning them of the seeds.  We applauded as they were released.  Now it was Tom's turn for us to pick seeds off of him! Next week's WMB has not been determined.  The weather at this point looks very chilly with the possibility of rain once more.  We will wait to announce a location on Monday, October 17, if we intend to hold another event.  Watch your email and the web site. Kris and Craig Rash Hartman Reserve--Nature Center, Black Hawk, Iowa, US Oct 12, 2022 8:24 AM - 11:53 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.14 mile(s) 38 species   Canada Goose  3 Wood Duck  5 Mallard  3 Wild Turkey  2 Mourning Dove  2 Turkey Vulture  14 Bald Eagle  1 Red-shouldered Hawk  1 Barred Owl  1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  2 Red-bellied Woodpecker  5 Downy Woodpecker  14 Hairy Woodpecker  1 Northern Flicker  1 Blue Jay  13 American Crow  6 Black-capped Chickadee  29 Ruby-crowned Kinglet  8 Golden-crowned Kinglet  5 White-breasted Nuthatch  7 Brown Creeper  1 House Wren  1 Gray Catbird  1 Eastern Bluebird  4 Hermit Thrush  6 American Robin  75 Cedar Waxwing  3 American Goldfinch  41 Dark-eyed Junco  5 White-throated Sparrow  62 Song Sparrow  1 Eastern Towhee  6 Tennessee Warbler  3    Observed by numerous experienced birders. Thin pale eyebrow, pale wing bars. Orange-crowned Warbler  1 Nashville Warbler  2 Yellow-rumped Warbler  17 Black-throated Green Warbler  1    Yellow face with olive cheek snd black throat. Strong streaks on body. Northern Cardinal  8

Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.

October 5, 2022: 

The possibility of showers and thunderstorms in the forecast may have kept some of our regular participants away on this cloudy and cool morning as we birded part of the trail on Washington/Union Access in Black Hawk County.  Nine birders were treated to the changing colors of the fall landscape and a multitude of birds leading the way and practicing their songs.  We had occasional sprinkles but nothing to cause us to melt.  We sighted 33 species and added 12 new species to our fall WMB count for a total of 81 to date.  Although none of our birds were unusual for this area we did have a birder that was way off course as she came in from Alaska.  It was a pleasure to have you with us today, Lee. Our next WMB will take place Hartman Reserve lower level, Cedar Falls.  Drive to Lookout Park and access Park Drive.  Continue to the lower-level parking area. Craig and Kris Rash Washington/Union Access Trail , Black Hawk, Iowa, US Oct 5, 2022 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.7 mile(s) Checklist Comments:    Wednesday Morning PRAS  birding 33 species   Canada Goose  4 Wood Duck  1 Ring-necked Pheasant  1 Bald Eagle  2 Red-bellied Woodpecker  3 Downy Woodpecker  4 Hairy Woodpecker  1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  4 Blue Jay  1 American Crow  2 Black-capped Chickadee  5 Tree Sparrow  1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1 White-breasted Nuthatch  2 European Starling  8 American Robin  40 Cedar Waxwing  2 American Goldfinch  15 Field Sparrow  1 White-crowned Sparrow  1 White-throated Sparrow  25 Song Sparrow  4 Lincoln's Sparrow  3 Swamp Sparrow  2 Eastern Towhee  2 Red-winged Blackbird  1 Common Grackle  8 Tennessee Warbler  2 Orange-crowned Warbler  1 Yellow-rumped Warbler  9 Northern Cardinal  1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  2 Indigo Bunting  1

Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.

September 28, 2022

Nineteen birders dug out some of their winter wear as a clear but frosty morning greeted them at Riverview Recreation Area in Waterloo, our first Bird Friendly City.   No particular bird type was represented in large numbers but a great variety of species was seen.  The Harold Getty Lake has gotten quite low and few shorebirds were present.   Our species count for today's birding was 41.  The list of species for September totaled 69 birds with 8 new ones added today.   Our October 5th WMB will be at Washington/Union Access on Cedar Wapsie Road just east of the new Cedar River bridge.   Riverview RA, Black Hawk, Iowa, US Sep 28, 2022 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.8 mile(s) Checklist Comments:    PRAS Wednesday Morning Birding 41 species   Canada Goose  3 Mallard  20 Northern Pintail  1 Mourning Dove  6 Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1 Killdeer  8 Solitary Sandpiper  1 Great Blue Heron  1 Turkey Vulture  1 Osprey  1 Sharp-shinned Hawk  1 Bald Eagle  1 Belted Kingfisher  1 Red-headed Woodpecker  2 Red-bellied Woodpecker  4 Downy Woodpecker  5 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1 Red-eyed Vireo  1 Blue Jay  2 American Crow  3 Black-capped Chickadee  4 Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1 Golden-crowned Kinglet  2 Red-breasted Nuthatch  2 White-breasted Nuthatch  1 House Wren  4 European Starling  8 Gray Catbird  2 American Robin  65 Cedar Waxwing  1 House Sparrow  3 House Finch  1 American Goldfinch  5 Dark-eyed Junco  1 White-throated Sparrow  3 Song Sparrow  1 Nashville Warbler  2 Common Yellowthroat  1 Palm Warbler  1 Yellow-rumped Warbler  5 Northern Cardinal  1

Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.

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:

Hey, PRAS members, Here is a great summer opportunity offered by our friends fromTrees  Forever. These online webinars will help you become more familiar with   our native ecosystems in Iowa and why they are important to us. That   also means that they are important to the birds that we are so fond of.    Fields trips are included in the program so traveling to some cool places  in Bremer County is part of the learning process.  There is a $25 fee for the   entire course. Craig and I participated in this course several years ago and  thoroughly enjoyed it.  The first class is next week.  Don't delay. Kris Rash   Register for Stewards of the Beautiful Land courses

Tuesday Webinars - June 14, July 12, August 9, and September 13. 6:30 to 8:00pm   Register online by clicking this link   Join Trees Forever this summer for our popular Stewards of the Beautiful Land course! This four-part webinar series will teach you about native plant communities, the benefits and uses of local flora, species identification, establishment and planting practices, and resources available to you and your community

 

 

In-person field days are held each month throughout the summer in Audubon, Bremer, Palo Alto, and Scott Counties.

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 

We could be wrong.  It has certainly happened before, but the weather really looks to be a soggy one for tomorrow.  The area we have chosen has plenty of tall grass and a tick or two waiting for a warm body to pass by on a cool, breezy and damp day so with that in mind we have decided to cancel our last spring WMB field trip.  We were hoping to find the yellow-breasted chats again in the same location as last year, but you may have to go out and search for them yourself.  Migration is winding down for spring, 2022 but we have enjoyed spending time with all of you and look forward to our WMB when it begins again in the fall.  Keep watching for those resident nesters and become familiar with their habits as you all become better birders. Check the web site for additional birding opportunities throughout the summer.  gopras.org Kris and Craig Rash

WMB Hickory Hills Park May 18, 2022

Twelve birders did some debating in the parking lot of Hickory Hills Park as to how many layers of clothing were necessary on this cool cloudy morning as we set out to see which migrants were still around. It turned out to be one of our best counts as we spotted 66 species in the thickening canopy with 10 of them being new for our spring WMB list which now totals 108 avian species. We got to test our birding by ear as a number of them were singing in their finest voices. The song of the wood thrush was especially music to our ears. Join us next Wednesday at Washington-Union Access for our last scheduled Wednesday Morning Birding for spring, 2022.  See the gopras.org web site for details. Kris and Craig Rash Hickory Hills Park, Tama, Iowa, US May 18, 2022 8:32 AM - 12:11 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.769 mile(s) 66 species   Canada Goose  9 Wood Duck  4 Blue-winged Teal  6 Mallard  2 Wild Turkey  1 Ring-necked Pheasant  1 Chimney Swift  1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird  5 Spotted Sandpiper  2 Turkey Vulture  5 Sharp-shinned Hawk  1 Broad-winged Hawk  1 Barred Owl  1 Red-headed Woodpecker  3 Red-bellied Woodpecker  1 Downy Woodpecker  3 Eastern Wood-Pewee  1 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher  1 Least Flycatcher  3 Eastern Phoebe  1 Great Crested Flycatcher  1 Eastern Kingbird  5 Philadelphia Vireo  1 Warbling Vireo  1 Red-eyed Vireo  3 Blue Jay  8 American Crow  1 Black-capped Chickadee  2 Northern Rough-winged Swallow  4 Tree Swallow  4 Barn Swallow  2 White-breasted Nuthatch  5 House Wren  4 Gray Catbird  8 Brown Thrasher  1 Eastern Bluebird  2 Wood Thrush  2 American Robin  2 House Sparrow  1 American Goldfinch  4 Field Sparrow  1 Song Sparrow  1 Eastern Towhee  1 Eastern Meadowlark  2 Baltimore Oriole  2 Red-winged Blackbird  11 Brown-headed Cowbird  2 Black-and-white Warbler  3 Tennessee Warbler  6 Nashville Warbler  3 Mourning Warbler  1 Common Yellowthroat  3 American Redstart  5 Magnolia Warbler  9 Blackburnian Warbler  1 Yellow Warbler  6 Chestnut-sided Warbler  2 Blackpoll Warbler  4 Black-throated Green Warbler  1 Canada Warbler  5 Wilson's Warbler  2 Scarlet Tanager  2 Northern Cardinal  3 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  5 Indigo Bunting  1 Dickcissel  2

Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.

Black Hawk Mitigation Field Trip May 15, 2022

A pleasant Sunday afternoon greeted the 8 birders who met at the Black Hawk Mitigation area for our last Bird-a-thon field trip of 2022.  We've walked many miles and lifted our binoculars to our eyes numerous times in search of one more new species or just seeing something familiar once again during the week.  Warbler neck was suffered by a number of our participants.  Our Bird-a-thon grand total was one bird shy of 200 with no new species added today but we did see 53 different birds on our walk along with profuse sweet Williams (phlox) in bloom.   We hope you enjoyed the total lunar eclipse last night. Our view was accompanied by the sounds of northern leopard frogs and barred owls. Kris and Craig Rash Black Hawk Mitigation - Private - restricted access, Black Hawk, Iowa, US May 15, 2022 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM Protocol: Traveling 2.3 mile(s) 53 species   Canada Goose  13 Wood Duck  2 Blue-winged Teal  4 Mallard  3 Ring-necked Pheasant  1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo  2 Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1 Killdeer  1 Spotted Sandpiper  2 Turkey Vulture  4 Red-shouldered Hawk  1 Belted Kingfisher  1 Red-headed Woodpecker  1 Red-bellied Woodpecker  2 Downy Woodpecker  3 Great Crested Flycatcher  2 Eastern Kingbird  2 Yellow-throated Vireo  2 Blue-headed Vireo  1 Philadelphia Vireo  1 Warbling Vireo  1 Red-eyed Vireo  2 Blue Jay  1 American Crow  2 Black-capped Chickadee  2 Northern Rough-winged Swallow  2 Tree Swallow  4 Barn Swallow  5 Cliff Swallow  1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  2 House Wren  5 Gray Catbird  5 Eastern Bluebird  1 Swainson's Thrush  3 American Robin  3 American Goldfinch  2 Song Sparrow  3 Eastern Towhee  1 Orchard Oriole  1 Baltimore Oriole  7 Red-winged Blackbird  12 Brown-headed Cowbird  2 Common Grackle  2 Northern Waterthrush  3 Tennessee Warbler  3 Common Yellowthroat  8 American Redstart  5 Magnolia Warbler  1 Yellow Warbler  3 Chestnut-sided Warbler  2 Blackpoll Warbler  2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  12 Indigo Bunting  3

Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.

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”. Over 80% of North America’s migratory birds migrate at night, and artificial light can impact their journey. Migrating at night has many advantages for a bird. Night skies are calmer and cooler than daytime skies which makes their very long journeys easier and lowers their risk of overheating. Nocturnal migrants are also better able to avoid predators. Many birds navigate using the stars and moon as a compass, but light pollution can interrupt this navigation. Light pollution from homes, business, sports complexes, and industrial areas often disorients birds or attracts them to the light, slowing their migration and threatening their survival. Light pollution is especially dangerous because it causes many birds to collide with buildings during migration, resulting in hundreds of millions of bird fatalities in North America each year. Light pollution is increasing by 2% each year, but citizens and their communities can help reduce light pollution and in turn protect migrating birds. Here are a few actions you can take to reduce light pollution and protect migratory birds: Turn off non-essential nighttime lights and use timers or motion detectors on essential lights to keep the usage to a minimum. (This helps save energy and money too!) Changing the color of your lights from cool (green and blue) to warm (red and yellow) has been shown to reduce disturbances to migrating birds. (Tip: Light color is measured in kelvins- the lower the number, the warmer the light.) Diverting lights downwards using lighting shields can help stop excess light from leaking into the night sky. Talk with your local government officials and community organizations and businesses about light ordinances or ways to reduce light pollution as a community, especially during spring and fall migration times. Visit https://www.audubon.org/lights-out-program to learn more! 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  6

Indigo 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

Canada Goose  2 Wood Duck  1 Mallard  4 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1 Mourning Dove  4 Killdeer  2 Spotted Sandpiper  1 Green Heron  1 Turkey Vulture  1 Osprey  1 Cooper's Hawk  1 Barred Owl  3 Red-headed Woodpecker  2 Red-bellied Woodpecker  1 Downy Woodpecker  1 Hairy Woodpecker  1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1 Willow Flycatcher  1 Great Crested Flycatcher  1 Eastern Kingbird  2 Yellow-throated Vireo  2 Warbling Vireo  1 Red-eyed Vireo  4 American Crow  1 Black-capped Chickadee  4 Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1 Tree Swallow  5 Bank Swallow  1 Barn Swallow  1 White-breasted Nuthatch  1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1 House Wren  1 European Starling  6 Gray Catbird  1 Brown Thrasher  1 Swainson's Thrush  2 American Robin  2 Cedar Waxwing  1 House Sparrow  1 American Goldfinch  5 Song Sparrow  2 Baltimore Oriole  4 Red-winged Blackbird  3 Brown-headed Cowbird  1 Common Grackle  1 Tennessee Warbler  2 Common Yellowthroat  2 American Redstart  4 Blackburnian Warbler  4 Yellow Warbler  1 Blackpoll Warbler  2 Northern Cardinal  1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  3 Indigo Bunting  3

Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.

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

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/news/local-news/2022/01/06/owl-of-a-sudden-its-an-irruption/

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=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=42.466887,-91.908389&ll=42.466887,-91.908389
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S98759227
- 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. 

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: Traveling
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

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. 

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

May 8, 2021: GLOBAL BIG DAY 

Eleven rugged individuals braved cold winds blowing across Sweet Marsh on World Migratory Bird Day as we tallied 92 species for our Birdathon count.  The winds probably kept bird numbers down a bit compared to previous years but highlights included a Golden Eagle and excellent looks of a Sora and comparative views of a Lesser Yellowlegs and a Solitary Sandpiper.  Joining our fellow birders in person over an actual meal after this year of Covid was a welcome gathering for all of us. Today is the final day of Birdathon.  Check the master list on the gopras.org (currently our count stands at 176 species) web site to see if you have sighted anything to add.  Thank you to all who have participated. Sweet Marsh WMA, Bremer, Iowa, US May 8, 2021 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Protocol: Traveling 6.8 mile(s) Checklist Comments:    PRAS annual Sweet Marsh field trip for World Bird Migration Day led by Francis Moore 92 species Canada Goose  6 Trumpeter Swan  2 Wood Duck  6 Blue-winged Teal  20 Northern Shoveler  8 Gadwall  2 Mallard  6 Green-winged Teal  1 Ruddy Duck  1 Ring-necked Pheasant  6    all heard Pied-billed Grebe  6 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2 Eurasian Collared-Dove  1 Mourning Dove  1 Sora  3 American Coot  40 Sandhill Crane  1 Killdeer  5 Dunlin  4 Least Sandpiper  6 Pectoral Sandpiper  2 Spotted Sandpiper  6 Solitary Sandpiper  1 Greater Yellowlegs  5 Willet  1 Lesser Yellowlegs  8 Ring-billed Gull  11 American White Pelican  1 Least Bittern  1    heard  east side of lower lake Great Blue Heron  1 Great Egret  13 Green Heron  3 Turkey Vulture  2 Golden Eagle  1 Bald Eagle  1 Red-shouldered Hawk  1 Red-tailed Hawk  2 Barred Owl  1 Belted Kingfisher  1 Red-bellied Woodpecker  3 Downy Woodpecker  1 Hairy Woodpecker  1 Pileated Woodpecker  1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1 Least Flycatcher  2 Eastern Phoebe  1 Great Crested Flycatcher  2 Warbling Vireo  1 Blue Jay  2 American Crow  1 Black-capped Chickadee  2 Northern Rough-winged Swallow  1 Tree Swallow  8 Barn Swallow  6 Ruby-crowned Kinglet  8 White-breasted Nuthatch  2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1 House Wren  1 Sedge Wren  2 Marsh Wren  1 European Starling  1 Gray Catbird  1 Brown Thrasher  1 Swainson's Thrush  1 American Robin  5 House Sparrow  2 American Goldfinch  4 Chipping Sparrow  5 Clay-colored Sparrow  1 Lark Sparrow  1 Harris's Sparrow  1 White-throated Sparrow  12 Song Sparrow  4 Lincoln's Sparrow  2 Swamp Sparrow  8 Eastern Towhee  1 Baltimore Oriole  2 Red-winged Blackbird  30 Brown-headed Cowbird  8 Common Grackle  2 Northern Waterthrush  2 Golden-winged Warbler  1 Black-and-white Warbler  1 Tennessee Warbler  1 Common Yellowthroat  4 American Redstart  1 Yellow Warbler  2 Palm Warbler  12 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  20 Black-throated Green Warbler  1 Northern Cardinal  2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1

Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.

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

Osprey - Riverview Park - Photo by John McCormick

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.

*********************************************

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)

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 

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

Thanks to all who joined us for our field trip.

We resumed our PRAS Wednesday morning birding after a long delay for the Covid pandemic with 17 people in attendance at Big Woods Lake in Cedar Falls with rain showers threatening.  It was great to see so many of our friends and a few new faces, as well.  See you next  Wednesday at Martin Lake in Waterloo.  Check out future field trips on the web site. Apr 7, 2021 8:30 AM - 10:15 AM Protocol: Traveling 0.5 mile(s) Checklist Comments:    PRAS Wednesday morning birding with 17 attendees 25 species Canada Goose  6 Wood Duck  6 Blue-winged Teal  6 Mallard  4 Pied-billed Grebe  2 Double-crested Cormorant  18 American White Pelican  8 Turkey Vulture  1 Bald Eagle  1 Belted Kingfisher  1 Downy Woodpecker  4 Blue Jay  1 American Crow  3 Black-capped Chickadee  4 Tree Swallow  5 White-breasted Nuthatch  2 European Starling  1 American Robin  3 House Finch  1 Dark-eyed Junco  2 Song Sparrow  2 Red-winged Blackbird  6 Brown-headed Cowbird  3 Common Grackle  6 Northern Cardinal  4

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. 

Photo by Stephanie Kleiner

January 17, 2021: Swans and other waterfowl at Brinker Lake at George Wyth State Park.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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