lhas hotline, wednesday, 24 december 2025

yankton, sd

Recently went to Yankton to see if the eagles were still there. Got a late start and didn't get there until mid, late morning, so they were done flying for the most part for breakfast. My bird portraiture is good. Got to work on the moving birds more though. Found some Snow geese, pigeons, mergansers and ring-billed gulls along with the Canadian geese. They might be some other waterfowl among the geese but couldn't get a clear enough shot to feel confident in identifying them.

Was surprised to see about a dozen eagles hanging out on a tree just off Hwy 81 not to far down Hwy 121. The tree was on private property along the river. Saw more eagles perches here and there leading up the spillway and damn. Lake Yankton was pretty much iced over with some open water spots. The eagles were hanging out and watching from a number of places. And this time, didn't seem too spooked when I rolled up underneath them with my car to photograph. In the past they seemed a bit more reluctant to let anything get too close.

Jerry Mennenga

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

lhas hotline, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025

South Sioux City, NE - Home Feeder

Pine Siskin, 1 FOS

Red-breasted Nuthatch, 2

House Finch, 20

Am. Goldfinch, 1

plus more common visitors.

Bill Huser, South Sioux City, NE

lhas hotline, tuesday, december 9, 2025

nebraska

Though not local as our typical reports, this report is of two southwestern species that have found their way to Nebraka. Each of these two species have been reported in Nebraska only once before and were seen by very few people on those occasions. However, both a Crested Caracara and a Mexican Duck have cooperated with us and have been seen by many this past weekend. Both are good examples of the vagrancy that occurs within some species.

The Caracara seems to possess characters of both eagles and vultures and does feed primarily on carrion.

The Mexican Duck is a close relative of Mallard and strongly resembles the female of that species.

Jerry Probst, Paul Roisen, Ed Brogie & Bill Huser

lhas hotline, thursday, december 4, 2025

Woodbury County, IA

Birding following 7" snow 5 days previous, covering all ground

Sandhill Lake

White-crowned Sparrow, 1 adult, 5 juveniles, foraging on plowed gravel road

310th Road & Carroll Ave

Northern Shrike, 1 flushed from roadside, carrying a small rodent with its feet!

Owego Wetlands

Short-eared Owl, 1 on gravel road shoulder

Rough-legged Hawk, 4-5 Hovering hunting technique over grasslands

Northern Harrier, 1 male, 4 females, coursing the grasslands at low altitude

West of Luton along D-51 or 250th St.

Snow Bunting, 2 foraging alone on roadside

Note: many of these sightings have one thing in common: extensive snow cover forcing birds to forage near plowed roads where feed and gravel (for their crop) are more readily accessed. Other open ground species such as Horned Lark, Lapland Longspur, Ring-necked Pheasants, Am. Tree Sparrow, Red-winged and Rusty Blackbirds can be found by patrolling plowed gravel roads. Also, while doing this keep your eyes open for Snowy Owls which have been reported in IA, NE and SD already this winter. These owls avoid trees but can be seen perched on hay bales, irrigators, roof lines, utility poles and roadside signs in open areas.

Kayla Sheehan, Sioux City, IA, Jerry Probst, S. Sioux City, NE, & Bill Huser, S. Sioux City, NE

lhas hotline, sunday, november 30, 2025

Sioux City Westside Backyard

Local white-tailed deer who visit the base of our backyard were pleased to discover a few pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns broken in pieces, placed strategically for the wildlife to enjoy.

Marla Kerr

lhas hotline, saturday, november 22, 2025

Snyder Bend Park & Owego Wetlands, Woodbury County IA

On the way home from the Loess Hills Audubon Society bird outing to DeSoto Bend, Kevin and I stopped by Snyder Bend Park and saw a variety of birds at the North end of the park where there are a lot of trees and bushes. Dark-eyed Juncos, Harris’s Sparrows, Northern Cardinals, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, American Tree Sparrow, American Robin, Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Red-winged Blackbirds.

After leaving Snyder Bend Park, we drove to Owego as the sun was going down. We saw Ring-necked Pheasants and Northern Harrier, but then the real magic began - Short-eared Owls were spotted flying and another was sitting in the road!

lhas hotline, friday, november 21, 2025

Westside Sioux City Home, IA

We watched this young Cooper’s Hawk in a tree behind the house. He was successful on this occasion in securing a meal. The photos were taken when he had moved to a nearby branch after eating.

lhas hotline, friday, november 21, 2025

Near Canton SD exit, off I-29

This Snowy Owl made the local and national news! A rare sighting that drew a lot of attention. Loess Hills Audubon Society Board Member Phil Breed was lucky to see and photograph the bird.

*Snowy Owl visits SD. Image copyright 2025 by Phil Breed, used with permission.*

lhas hotline, thursday, november 13, 2025

Gavins Point Dam, Yankton, SD

My Yankton and Gavins Point Dam visit didn't let me find anything as sexy as the Ferruginous Hawk, but a few RIng-Billed Gulls, one juvie Bald Eagle, a couple of Dark-Eyed Juncos and now that I know what they are, American Tree Sparrows, which are everywhere.

Jerry Mennenga

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

Snyder Bend Park, Woodbury County, IA

I didn't expect to really see much the other day when I went to Snyder Bend, but was pleasantly surprised when I saw the interaction between the adult and juvenile bald eagles. Guess junior was keeping the branch warm for dad.

Did see a couple of pelicans flying overhead and landing back behind the lake area into the field, at least that is what it looked like, along with come Double-Crested Cormorants, Tree Sparrows and a Black-capped Chickadee.

Jerry Mennenga

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

Southwood Conservation Area, Woodbury County

One last outing was to Southwood Conservation area the same day I went to Snyder Bend. Just a few birds. An industrious Blue Jay that didn't seem to make any headway with the acorns, a couple of Dark-Eyed Junco, and a juvie Redheaded Woodpecker.

Jerry Mennenga

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

lhas hotline, wednesday, november 12, 2025

Sioux City Backyard

Kevin looked at the birds on the feeder and did a double take! Pine Siskins! Welcome winter visitors.

lhas hotline, tuesday, november 11, 2025

Sioux City, IA

Kevin spotted a Carolina Wren at the feeders yesterday. We had added some mealworms to some of our seed.

lhas hotline, saturday, november 8, 2025

Saturday’s storm birds

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

American Pipit, 30

Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1

Fox Sparrow, 1

American White Pelican, 2 (late)

Powder Creek WMA, Dixon County, NE

American Pipit, 40

Ponca State Park

Townsend's Solitaire, 1 (Tucker's find)

Tucker Lutter, Hawarden, IA

Jerry Probst, South Sioux City

Bill Huser, South Sioux City

lhas hotline, thursday, november 6, 2025

Owego Wetlands, Woodbury County, IA

Jerry took over 1000 photos to get these beautiful raptor images from the Wetlands.

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ AND https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

Owego and a story looking end of Day

Northern Harriers and Sunsets

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ AND https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

lhas hotline, tuesday, october 28, 2025

A backyard in Sioux City, IA

These guys visited my yard this morning. I never get turkeys but the word must be out about my feeders. Think it was four-five years ago I saw a turkey in my immediate neighborhood.

Not a good angle on these guys, but I didn't want to spook them and chase them off, so tried to photograph quietly from my deck.

Jerry Mennenga

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

lhas hotline, sunday, october 26, 2025

Owego Wetland area & the Square, Woodbury County, IA

I went back out to The Square the day after LHAS' outing there and at Owego. I came across a couple other sparrows that Bill H. identified for me. The little buggers stayed on the ground and in the grass. It was difficult seeing and separating them from the background. Nature's cami working well. (Identified as Red-winged Blackbirds, Savannah Sparrows, Song Sparrows and Swamp Sparrows).

And some other birds, too.

Jerry Mennenga

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ ORhttps://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

lhas hotline, saturday, October 25, 2025

Beaver pond east of Winnebago, NE

Bald Eagle, 1 adult

Red-tailed Hawk, 1 adult Harlan's (FOS)

Poor photo, but note the tail pattern of an adult Harlan's: whitish tail indistinctly transitioning to a dusky terminal band. The hawk was the dark form of Harlan's with a dark back and head (shown) and all dark underside (not shown here).

Jerry Probst, South Sioux City & Bill Huser, South Sioux City

2025.10.25 RTHa Harlans9208 NE Huser.JPG

lhas hotline, friday, october 24, 2025

Sioux City, IA

Kevin spotted a Red-breasted nuthatch visiting our westside back yard, a frequent visitor at the feeders and the bird bath.

lhas hotline, friday, october 17, 2025

Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek, IA in Pottawattamie County

Kevin and I attended a Northwest Iowa Group of Sierra Club outing to the Hitchcock Nature Center to observe the annual Hawk Watch in action and hear a short information session with a daily hawk watcher. We also did a little bird watching and hiking while at this beautiful location. We saw a few hawks overhead on this cloudy day, but the white-throated sparrows were numerous.

lhas hotline, sunday, october 5, 2025

Owego Wetland Complex, Woodbury County

On my recent return visits to Owego I have noticed that I am not seeing the Blue Grosbeaks or even Redwing Blackbirds anymore out there. I don't even hear the Redwings singing.

But I have been seeing more meadowlarks. Although the Dickcissels seem to also be missing.

This year there is a soybean field near one of the conservation meadows at Owego, and the Meadowlarks hide in plain sight. They also blend in pretty well in the grass edging the gravel roads

Jerry Mennenga

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ AND https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

Snyder Bend, Woodbury County

The same, or maybe it's family, heron has been hanging out a bit at Snyder Bend and sometimes it makes for interesting images. And recent sunsets have been nice as well.

Jerry Mennenga

Osprey looking for a meal and thankfully he passed on me….

I spooked an Osprey up in a tree situated along the path leading from the parking lot to the observation deck. It took off carrying a fish in its talons. Later on it, or another came back as I ventured down the cut grass path past the observation deck and it circled and circled some more and gave me the "dead eye".

Jerry Mennenga

lhas hotline, saturday, 27 september 2025

Snyder Bend Park, Woodbury County, IA

A fairly industrious Heron and a flock of pelicans. The heron did catch a fish, although with the backlight it might be tough to see.

Jerry M., Sioux City

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

Desoto National Wildlife Refuge, near Missouri Valley, IA

An Osprey, Yellow Warbler, a Red-headed Woodpecker and heron plus a far distant eagle at DeSoto a few weeks back.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ AND https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

lhas hotline, wednesday, 3 september 2025

Backyard Bird Photos in Sioux City, IA

I had a visitor early evening Wednesday. It came kind of crashing in and landed on a fence. At least this time this juvenile Coopers Hawk landed on a fence. The last one that visited a couple of years ago crashed onto the ground under my deck and took a few moments to gather its wits.

Jerry M., Sioux City

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ AND https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

lhas hotline, sunday, 31 august 2025

Bacon Creek City Park, Sioux City, IA

A recent Bacon Creek shoot. Not all are birds. This was on one of those really humid, muggy mornings. The light and shadow play was nice. Some reflections, and a few birdies.

Jerry M., Sioux City

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ AND https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

lhas hotline, monday, 25 august 2025

Backyard Bird Photos in Sioux City, IA

My backyard has been busy. Many Jays about stealing peanuts. The Starlings seem to have left and the sparrows and finches and white-breasted nuthatches along with some Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers have been reappearing.

Jerry M., Sioux City

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ AND https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

lhas hotline, monday, 25 august 2025

Saturday, August 23

Siouxland Sod, Hwy 35, Dakota County, NE

Buff-breasted Sandpiper, 23 (foraging in turf grass)
American Golden Plover, 3-5 (foraging in muddy areas where sod has been harvested

Sunday, August 24

Ponca State Park, NE - Backwater Trail

Black-billed Cuckoo, 1
Seen and heard by Robert Sopher and Kayla Sheehan

Monday, August 25

Private land on 338th St. Woodbury County, IA

Mute Swan, 1 appears not to be a wild bird, however. Very tame and missing primaries on right wing.
Found by Clayton Will, later by Paul Roisen, Jerry Probst & Bill Huser

Siouxland Sod Farm, NE

American Golden Plover, 7
Buff-breasted Sandpiper, several
Reported by Mark Brogie

Jerry Probst and Bill Huser reporting

lhas hotline, monday, 25 august 2025

Snyder Bend Park, Woodbury County, IA

Snyder Bend Park and a Hungy Goldfinch

Jerry M., Sioux City

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ Or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

lhas hotline, friday, 15 august 2025

Siouxland Sod Farm and Sandpipers, plus a Snipe!

Some photos of the Sandpipers at the sod farm taken a week or so ago. When I asked for help in identifying them, there was some discussion. Definitely a couple of yeses for the Wilson's Snipe and Pectoral Sandpipers. Also for the Least Sandpipers.

The one smaller bird that was running about and much smaller than the Least Sandpiper I believe might be a Semipalmated Sandpiper, but those in the know don't think so. Looking online and in Sibleys the images more correlated with the Semipalmated than the Least. The discussion continues.

Ain't America great!!!

Jerry M., Sioux City

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ Or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

lhas hotline, monday, 11 august 2025

280th St near Salix Dairy Farms, Woodbury County, IA

Roadside drainage ditch on North side of 280th, west of the dairy, currently dredged for culvert replacements, resulting in bare dirt with slowly flowing water:

9 species of shorebirds, including:

Short-billed Dowitcher, 1 juvenile
Wilson's Phalarope, 1 juvenile
Stilt Sandpiper, 8
Solitary Sandpiper, 1
Semipalmated Sandpiper, 1
The Square:
Sedge Wren, 4 singing males FOS
Marsh Wren, 2
Grasshopper Sparrow, 15
Kayla Sheehan, Sioux City, IA, Bill Huser, South Sioux City, NE

Short-billed Dowitcher, 2. Semipalmated Sandpiper, 3. Wilson’s Phalarope

lhas hotline sunday, 10 august 2025

Broken Kettle Grasslands, Plymouth County IA

I received a report of a Loggerhead Shrike at Broken Kettle Grasslands this morning. It was seen along the office entrance road around 10:30 am, August 10.

Tucker Lutter

lhas hotline saturday, 9 august 2025

Ponca State Park, NE

Missouri River sandbars viewable from the park's Riverfront Campground

10 species of shorebirds, including:

Piping Plover, lingering, late juvenile; most left 2 weeks ago
Semipalmated Plover, 9
Stilt Sandpipers
Baird's Sandpiper, 2
Least Sandpiper, many
Greater Yellowlegs, 2
Plus:
Least Tern, 2
Black Tern, 17
Broad-winged Hawk, 2

Shooters' Valley:

Pileated Woodpecker, 1 heard and seen in overflight

Rob Towler, SC, Jerry Probst, SSC, Bill Huser, SSC

lhas hotline saturday, 9 august 2025

Sioux City, IA

Robert Sopher and Kayla Sheehan located one or more Screech Owls in their Morningside backyard.

lhas hotline saturday, 9 august 2025

Westside - Sioux City

Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeding at a Trumpet Vine

Images copyright by Kevin J Kerr, used with permission

lhas hotline thursday, 7 august 2025

Owego Wetlands

Some pics from Owego taken earlier this week after a rainfall a day or two previous.

I was happy that I got to see both a Blue Grosbeak and an Indigo Bunting. Besides an Orchard Oriole, Goldfinch and Dickcissel. Plus what appears to be a "baby" that was hanging out near a parent.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

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lhas bird hotline thursday, 7 august 2025

Sod Farm Shorebirds

Siouxland Sod, NE-35 & G Ave, Dakota County, NE

Morning Visit sightings

Great Egret, 2

Killdeer

Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper (2), Semi-palmated Sandpiper (2), Baird's Sandpiper (1), Upland Sandpiper

Dowitcher sp., 3

Buff-breasted Sandpiper, 5

Evening visit (better light with sun in west):

Killdeer, 60

Upland Sandpiper, 1

Least Sandpiper, 2

Buff-breasted Sandpiper, 31

Jerry Probst, SSC

Bill Huser, SSC

lhas bird hotline thursday , 7 august 2025

The Motus tower we put up at Camp Joy Hollow/Broken Kettle Grasslands this spring detected several Least Terns in late July. They were fitted with a tracking device along the Missouri River just west of us and it appears they are already headed south, with one bird detected along the Gulf coast in Texas! Check out this page to see the tracks of the terns and to also check out the tracks of the Harris' Sparrows that were detected this spring. The website is best viewed on a desktop and is not mobile phone compatible.

https://motus.org/dashboard/#e=profile&d=stations&s=15343

Good birding,

Tucker J. Lutter

lhas bird hotline sunday, 20 july 2025

Adams Homestead & Nature Preserve, SD

Sunday was a bit hot and humid. Got started too late but still found a few birds in I would guess unexpected places.

I believe the bird eating the worm/insect/grub is an Eastern Kingbird. Two photos of a Great Crested Flycatcher perches in a tree, and a single photo of a House Wren. Am pretty certain about the Flycatcher. Heard one calling in my backyard this weekend and saw a hint of yellow on the belly before it flew away. It's one lone whistle call seems pretty distinct. And that's what I heard while walking the main trail down to the patch split going to the Cottonwoods.

The Red-headed Woodpecker took pity on me and perches near Mud Lake as I was getting ready to leave. Earlier I couldn't believe the Cedar Waxwing perches on that dead limb/log along the shore by the first bird blind. Then another did a flyby. And I got lucky.

At that same dead limb/long is where the Eastern Kingbird caught its meal as well as the Mourning Dove looking for a snack.

The Turkey was elusive and I tossed in some "flowers"/weeds and cloud pics.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

lhas bird hotline friday, 11 july 2025

Dakota Dunes, SD

Mourning Dove

I love listening to them coo every morning. I know I had some young ones this year, and these might be part of them.

Pam M.

lhas bird hotline wednesday, 2 july 2025

Rural Woodbury County, IA

A Common Yellowthroat on our water fountain - first close up picture I was ever able to take of one. Next, a corn snake on our patio wall. After I took the picture of the snake, I noticed a nest?? I thought the snake came out of it, however, I realized that the snake didn’t come out of the hole. Instead, there has been a bumblebee flying in and out of this structure.

Could this be a nest or a hole for a bumblebee nest?

Sharon P.

lhas bird hotline tuesday, 24 june 2025

Rural Thurston County, NE

Bald Eagle Family with a blue sky.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

Little Sioux Park Area, Correctionville, IA

Birds along the Union Bridge Trail in Correctionville. The House Wren was playing hide and seek and was upset with me, until it found the bug. As was the Rose-breasted Grosbeak that kept hiding behind some Mulberry leaves and berries.

Jerry M., Sioux City

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

Snyder Bend in early June

Jerry M., Sioux City

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 29 may 2025

Broken Kettle Grasslands

A Yellow-breasted Chat was present this morning at Broken Kettle Grasslands. It was in a brushy draw on the south side of 234th St. (to the east of the bison corral). The bird is in the bison pasture— BISON ARE DANGEROUS — so please DO NOT CROSS THE FENCE - the chat is visible/audible from the road.

Tucker L., Hawarden, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 27 may 2025

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

I didn't see any owlets when I went out Tuesday afternoon, although I didn't really expect to since that is not an ideal time for owls to be out hunting. I didn't want to stay later as I ran into rain heading back into Sioux City. I just missed getting rained on while walking out there.

But I did find a few other birds.

Top Row, from left: Gray Catbird, Baltimore Oriole, Eastern Kingbird, Wood Duck
Bottom Row, from left: Wood Duck, American Redstart, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Spotted Sandpiper

Nothing outstanding as far as species go. I did hear House Wrens and saw Red-headed Woodpeckers flying about. Neither would let me get close enough to find them and take photos.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 26 may 2025

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

*Great Horned Owlets image copyright 2025 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

An early morning bike ride around the preserve revealed 38 species. I wanted to check on the Eastern Whip-poor-wills but had an unfortunate delayed start. I believe the whip-poor-wills had shut down for the day.

But there was a consolation prize in finding three Great Horned Owlets. However, they were on the eastern shore of Mud Lake while I was on Lake Loop on the western shore. Image quality is not the best, the camera was zoomed to 160x (about 2000 mm) in overcast conditions.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 14 may 2025

Crystal Cove

Cold front with strong winds grounded many migrants that had previously been hard to find.

The highlights:

Black-throated Green Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Magnolia Warbler 1-2
Wilson's Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
American Redstart
Yellow Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Blue-headed Vireo
Least Flycatcher

Additionally, Paul R. reported similar activity at Brown's Lake (IA) including some of the above plus:

The cold front and strong winds that caused such an excellent fallout at Crystal Cove was also in evidence in a South Sioux yard on Thursday, 15 May.

Summer Tanager, 1 female perched in an elderberry bush near a honeybee hive.

Witnesses saw the bird catching honeybees exiting and returning to their hive. Meal obtained both by mid-air flycatching and by attacking the hive entrance.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Lunch time visitors in a Sioux City neighborhood.

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 12 may 2025

Had a singing Carolina Wren near the Casey's at 38th St. and Hamilton Ave. this morning, May 12.

Tucker L., Broken Kettle Grasslands

Rural Woodbury County

Some backyard feeder birds.

Ron N., Woodbury County

Frost Wildlife Area

I went to Vermillion to visit the Frost Wilderness Wildlife area to see if I could find eagles on the nests on along the river bank. No luck. However, I did see Goldfinches, a couple Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Gery Catbirds, Northern Cardinals, American Robins and a Brown-headed Cowbird. There were also Baltimore Orioles and Merlin Sound ID detected Yellow Warblers.

Did get lucky with photographing an eagle near its nest on Burbank Rd. as one enters into Vermillion. It took me a few minutes to locate the nest with my binoculars. A local stopped and said they named the eagle (dad), Jimmy. The bird has been around a couple of years and last year had three eaglets. The nest is pretty well covered with foliage but I could tell the nest contains a large bird with feathers. It appeared to be eating something.

The rest of the images are of the adult nearby and giving the photographer some stern looks. The wind was blowing pretty well, and the adult had a time staying balanced on the limb it was perched on. So there is plenty of dappled lighting. Morning is the best time to go and photograph.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 10 may 2025

Leesa and I made a trip to Sioux Falls yesterday (5/10/25)and along I-29, I made a positive ID of a mountain lion about 60 feet off of the interstate. This would be the fourth sighting I have made in the last 15 years, with three of them coming on our property in Plymouth County.

The traffic was too heavy to pull over and get a photo. Leesa was studying her DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) material and did not see it. The big cats never fail to excite!

Jon N., and Leesa M., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 9 may 2025

Adams Homestead

This is a recent trip to Adams. For going later in the day, I was surprised. I got lucky and saw a nice variety of birds, including, I believe, a Spotted Sandpiper.

It's been a busy spring, work-wise, just doesn't give much time to go out looking for birds, or when I do, to allow me time to work up some images to send for the LHAS website or the Adams Homestead Facebook page.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 8 may 2025

A few birds from a Morningside backyard. The Blue Jay seemed a little glutinous, and the House Wren, bless its heart, is just singing up a storm.

The Wren played a bit of hide and seek with me after landing in a nearby tree.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 6 may 2025

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

An early morning bicycle ride around the trails at Adams produced a list of 51 species. Eastern Whip-poor-wills were performing a duet on either side of Cottonwood Crossing. A Solitary Sandpiper was in Mud Lake. Least and Great Crested Flycatchers were calling. Several Swainson’s Thrush (third image from left, below) were along the River Loop. Chipping, Clay-colored, Field, Lark (second image from left, below), White-crowned, Harris’s, White-throated, and Lincoln’s Sparrows were found. Six Eastern Meadowlark were singing in the prairie areas while Tennessee, Yellow, and Yellow-rumped Warblers were in the shrubs.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 5 may 2025

Joy Hollow

While out walking late morning / early afternoon, Merlin Sound ID detected Scarlet Tanager, an Ovenbird, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and House Wrens in the area.

I am guessing the Kestrel is sitting watch on the nest.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tUesDAY, 29 APRIL 2025

*Baltimore Oriole image copyright 2025 by Leesa McNeil, used with permission.*

Plymouth County

FOY - same date as last year! SW Plymouth County April 29

Leesa M., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 27 APRIL 2025

A Cooper's Hawk spent about 20 minutes playing in the water in a Morningside neighborhood today.

Jan N., and Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

*Cooper’s Hawk image copyright 2025 by Jan Null, used with permission.*

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 23 APRIL 2025

Snyder Bend

Semipalmated Plover, 4 First of Year (FOY)
Dunlin, 3 FOY
Hudsonian Godwit, 12
Long-billed Dowitcher, 36
Least Sandpiper, 2 FOY
Bonaparte's Gull, 3
Franklin's Gull, 2 in pink breeding plumage
Ring-billed Gull, 11
Forster's Tern, 9
Great Egret, 1
Great Blue Heron, 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler, 10

Sandhill Lake

White-faced Ibis, 3
American Golden-Plover, 1 in winter (basic) plumage FOY
Swainson's Hawk, 1

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 22 APRIL 2025

Crystal Cove

American Avocets, 15

I Avenue (on burnt CRP grassland)

Brewer's Blackbird, 10 males (left image, below)
American Pipit, >100
Eastern Meadowlark, 2 (center image, below)

200th Street @ Jewel Ave.

House Wren, 1 First of Year (FOY)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 FOY
Eastern Towhee, 1
Sparrows: White-throated, Song, Lincoln, Chipping, Savannah, Vesper

Kramper Lake

Horned Grebe, 9 in brilliant breeding (alternate) plumage
Lark Sparrow, 1 FOY

K Ave north of NE-35

Loggerhead Shrike, 1 FOY (right image, below)

Jackson WTP

Wilson's Phalarope, 76
Marsh Wren, 2

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 21 APRIL 2025

Adams Homestead

Photo essay from Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 20 APRIL 2025

*Image copyright 2025 by Leesa McNeil, used with permission.*

Looks more like Thanksgiving than Easter at my house!

Leesa M., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 19 APRIL 2025

Adams Homestead

An early bike ride around Adams Homestead trails produced a list of 37 species. I hoped to find another American Woodcock or hear my first Eastern Whip-poor-will. Instead it was a sparrow-palooza: Field, Fox, Harris’s, Vesper, and Savannah. I also found Eastern Towhee, Eastern and Western Meadowlarks, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and a Merlin. No worthy photos but an excellent morning of birding.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Snyder Bend County Park

There was a nice selection of birds at Snyder Bend this day. Lesser Yellowlegs, godwits, avocets, pelicans and a beaver.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

Owego Wetlands Complex

A few more inhabitants of Owego Wetlands.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 18 APRIL 2025

HOur mission on 4/18/2025 was to search for the burrowing owl that was reported at Owego. But it was hard to leave the dairy ponds as there were a lot of birds to be seen. We were excited to see Yellow-headed Blackbirds as we had never observed this many in one place. They really stand out, you just can’t miss that yellow hood and they are somewhat larger than the Red-winged Blackbirds. The white wing patches are very striking and distinctive while in flight.

Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

Along Highway 12, Woodbury County, IA

Some more pics of the eagle's nest. These were taken from a different angle and direction. I was a tad bit closer without as much obstruction because of other trees.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

Owego Wetlands

Some of the usual suspects around sunset at Owego Wetlands. One of the birds appears to be an American Kestrel (top row, second from left), a Red-tailed Hawk (top row, left), the eagles and their nest (bottom row, second from right and right), a Killdeer (top row, right), Northern Harrier (top row, third from left), Red-winged Blackbird, an Eastern Meadowlark (bottom row, left and second from left) and some deer. No partridge and no pear tree.

It was interesting to get there and see a couple of the meadow areas burned. Didn't know if it was a controlled burn or grass fire. And finding the Killdeer and Meadowlark looking for food among the charred earth was challenging too.

Saw Curtis M. who also found a Barred Owl flying about before I left. But the sun was too far down for me to be able to acquire focus while it flew about looking for food. Kind of surprisingly it flew fairly close to where we were standing.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 17 APRIL 2025

This morning I caught this female Northern Flicker at my pond! There were dozens of grackles, robins and Mourning Doves, as well as 4 deer last night. My social spot! Fun! Many Cardinals and Cedar Waxwings in last few days too. Butterflies in the front yard.

Love my nature!

Pam, Dakota Dunes, SD

Broken Kettle Grassland Preserve

The Cinnamon Teal first found last week at Deer Creek WMA and later relocated at a pond along Broken Kettle Grassland's 234th Road was found once again by Tucker L. during his rounds on the Preserve but on a pond inaccessible to the public. Check out the Preserve's ponds along Butcher Road and 234th Road for this western vagrant.

This in addition to a Say's Phoebe that has been reported 3 times this past week near the Preserve headquarters.

Tucker L., Broken Kettle Grasslands

Snyder's Bend

Baird's Sandpiper, First of Year (FOY) 8 with Lesser Yellowlegs and Pectoral Sandpipers
Osprey, 1
American White Pelican, 100

Sandhill Lake

White-faced Ibis, 6
Godwit sp., 1 too distant in bad lighting to ID, FOY

Owego Wetlands (the western portion underwent a controlled burn recently)

Swainson's Hawk, 4, FOY
Brewer's Blackbird, 1 female
Savannah Sparrow, 3
Chipping Sparrow, 1
Note: a Burrowing Owl has been reported from the burned portion on two occasions by Chris M. of Sloan (see images, below).

Salix Farms Dairy @ 280th and Eastland Ave.

Western Cattle Egret, 2, FOY
Great-tailed Grackle, male & female, FOY

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Little Sioux Park

*Greater Yellowlegs image copyright 2025 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

A morning walk along the Union Bridge Trail to Correctionville and back produced a list of 23 species. Two adult Bald Eagles staunchly guarded their nest along the trail. I saw no evidence of any eaglets, however. My other notable observation was three Greater Yellowlegs in one of the ponds.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 16 APRIL 2025

Owego Wetlands Complex

A couple more burrowing owl photos from yesterday evening (4/16/25).

Curtis M., Sergeant Bluff, IA

https://www.flickr.com/photos/cmeyersphoto/ or https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=any&user_id=cmeyersia&verifiable=any

Stone State Park

Louisiana Waterthrush, 3 or more have been reported by several from the traditional sites in Pammal Valley and Black Bear Circle

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 15 APRIL 2025

Broken Kettle Grasslands

A Say's Phoebe is at Broken Kettle Grasslands, Plymouth County this afternoon. It is the third sighting of a Say's at the grasslands in the past year, with 1 or 2 birds in April 2024 and one in October 2024. Hopefully this is a trend that continues!

The bird is visible from Butcher Road, looking northwest from this pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/F8jtcKo6wPwQtmBX9

It is sitting on the bison fence that runs north-south across the first small dam you come across as you head up Butcher Road from Highway 12.

42 White-faced Ibis were also seen flying over the preserve today.

Tucker L., Broken Kettle Grasslands

*Louisiana Waterthrush image copyright 2025 by William F Huser, used with permission.*

Stone State Park

Louisiana Waterthrush, 3 EARLY! 1 singing on Black Bear Circle territory; pair on Pammel Valley territory
Spotted Towhee, 1

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Kramper Lake

Ventured there (Kramper Lake) this a.m. but no Ibis or Gull. Did find the Long-tailed Duck and he had a mate. Also found 19 Avocets there.

Jan J., Wakefield, NE

Bacon Creek Park

A morning walk around the trail at Bacon Creek revealed 24 bird species. Highlights included a domestic-type Graylag Goose, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, and a Spotted Towhee.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 14 APRIL 2025

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE HIGHLIGHTS

Long-tailed Duck, 1 First of Year (FOY) Molting from basic to alternate plumage. Top row, left and center images.
White-faced Ibis, 10 FOY
Glossy Ibis, 1 With White-faced Ibis (WFIB) for direct comparison, Dark facial skin and eye, blue-white line above facial skin not extending behind eye. FOY. See cropped images, bottom row center and right.
Forster's Tern, 1 FOY
California Gull, 1 2nd cycle FOY Gray back contrasting with gray/brown wing coverts and tertials, white head, light bill with dark tip, white tail with black terminal band, black primaries. Larger than adjacent Ring-billed Gull with larger

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 13 APRIL 2025

Owego Wetlands Complex

I visit the Owego wetlands to take photos and hike regularly since I live fairly close. When I went last Sunday, a good chunk of the area had been burned and I was interested to see what I could see that would normally be hidden by vegetation. While cruising slowly down the road, I noticed the Burrowing Owl’s head poking up from the edge of a ditch looking at me. It was a fairly cooperative photo subject, but decided it wanted to move a little further away from the road after hearing my camera’s shutter go off a few times.

Curtis M., Sergeant Bluff, IA

https://www.flickr.com/photos/cmeyersphoto/ or https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=any&user_id=cmeyersia&verifiable=any

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 11 APRIL 2025

Woodbury County, IA

I know. Maybe too many heron photos. Then I remembered the upcoming full moon and I had to give it a shot. I wished I could have gotten more definition on the moon but it was tough shooting with the sun already set. And I like the interaction of the two herons on their nest during sunset.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 10 april 2025

*Bald Eagle image copyright 2025 by Leesa McNeil, used with permission.*

Rural Plymouth County

Two juvenile Bald Eagles enjoying the blue sky.

Leesa M., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 9 april 2025

Woodbury County, IA

I received a phone call from Todd about an eagle and eaglet. Definitely a good call and good timing on Todd's part. The opportunity got better as the sky became more blue. I digitally cleaned up some branches around the eagle and eaglet just so they would stand out a bit more. Really like the image of the eaglet resting its "chin" on the branch (top row, middle image). Wish that branch was just a bit smaller. But, there you go.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 7 april 2025

Woodbury County, Iowa

What a difference a day and a little blue sky makes. I shot these about an hour or so before sunset and before the sun dropped behind a hill near the rookery. Wind was a little calmer making it a bit easier to acquire focus and the lens wasn't jumping about as much.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 6 april 2025

*Pelican image copyright 2025 by Bob Livermore, used with permission.*

McCook Lake, SD

American White Pelicans on McCook Lake.

Bob L., Dakota Dunes, SD

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 3 april 2025

Woodbury County, IA

Really need a "blue sky" morning to make the Great Blue Herons stand out.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 27 march 2025

Two photo essays

Rural Thurston County

Snyder Bend County Park

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 26 march 2025

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

A few pics from Adams today, Wednesday, at Mud Lake. Mostly ducks and some geese. I believe the images have Northern Shovelers, Ring-necked Ducks, maybe a Lesser Scaup, one Blue-winged Teal and the one duck in silhouette I believe to be a Gadwall (far right image).

They were having a bit of a feeding and "swarming" kind of like I had seen pelicans do at Snyder Lake. I went to the first blind there. Walked slowly, and while some ducks flew away from the edge, the others were too busy feeding and kind of ignored me and eventually made their way back over closer to the shoreline edge there. Easy enough reach for a telephoto lens. Thank goodness.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 22 march 2025

*Eastern Meadowlark image copyright 2025 by Jon Nyen, used with permission.*

Plymouth County, IA

First of Year (FOY) 2025 for me - Eastern Meadowlark looking for seeds that fell out of our bird feeders - SW Plymouth County. Also saw a Kestrel on power line about 1 mile from our home today as well.

Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 18 march 2025

Adams Homestead Preserve - Mud Lake

A new find:

Cinnamon Teal, 1 male seen from south blind (Randy W.)

Continuing:

White-winged Scoter, 1 female/immature (Bob L. and Bill H.)

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE; Bob L., North Sioux City, SD; Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 18 march 2025

Adams Homestead, Union County, SD

Continuing since its discovery last week by Kayla S. and Robert S.:

White-winged Scoter, 1 female/immature, molt causing ambiguous face pattern. Note feathering onto the bill, white on folded wing, mottled white patterns on face.

Bob L., North Sioux City, SD and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 17 march 2025

Owego Wetlands Complex

A collection of birds last week at Owego. Northern Harrier, Killdeer, Lesser Scaups and an assortment of other ducks, Eastern Meadowlark and Red-wing Blackbirds, a female Ring-necked Pheasant, and one very photogenic male Ring-necked Pheasant. I drove, albeit slowly, right up to him almost and he stood for photos a few yards away.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 15 march 2025

Oak Grove County Park

I had a male Mountain Bluebird at Oak Grove County Park north of Hawarden at 1:30 PM today. It is along the entrance road by the first kiosk.

Tucker L., Hawarden, IA

Union Bridge Trail, Little Sioux County Park

A few pics from my trip to the Union Bridge Trail this past week. The eagle nest shot is horrible. Had to photograph from a distance to be able to see its head barely over the ridge of the nest.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 12 march 2025

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

Kayla and I have been walking the River Loop trail at Adams Homestead lately. We really enjoy the walk because it has many different habitats throughout. It's been especially exciting with spring coming in. One of our favorite spots on the trail is on a bend with a bench and sign about a quarter of the way in. It never disappoints. We usually see a couple small raptors and many woodland birds. This last Wednesday we got incredibly lucky as a Barred Owl flew right over us and landed on a branch 25 ft away. We sat and watched each other for a few minutes before he flew off into the trees.

The river was unexpectedly uneventful. Only thing out there was a couple of Snow Geese. We did hear Killdeer in the grass behind us though. There was also a large flock of red-winged blackbirds with a couple grackles and 1 cowbird.

On the way back we always do one last check on mud lake. We snuck down to the farthest north hide to see what kind of ducks were wading. There were Mallards, Wood Ducks, scaups, Ring-necks, Green-winged Teals, Buffleheads, Gadwalls, a Hooded Merganser couple, and many American Wigeons. Which was a lifer for Kayla. We also managed to spot a female White-winged Scoter. We noticed her first because of the size and color. She was dark brown, and quite a bit larger than everybody else. As she got closer Kayla noticed on her dives how far back her feet were set on her body. Then we saw the triangle shaped head and white dots on the face. It did take us a little while to narrow it down. We'd never seen one! What an amazing day of birding.

Kayla S. & Robert S., Sioux City

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 3 march 2025

Three swans in the small pond on private property along Highway 141.

Sharon P., Monona County, IA

*Image copyright 2025 by Sharon Polifka, used with permission.*

Owego Wetlands Complex

*Bald Eagle image copyright 2025 by Jerry L. Mennenga, used with permission.*

I went over to Owego before the most recent storm blew in and didn't find any, or hardly any birds about. Saw one Eastern Meadowlark along the roadway and one or two raptors in the distance, but that was it. The saw one of the eagles in its nest.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 2 march 2025

Frost Wilderness Management Area

Took a trip again to the Frost Wilderness area this past Sunday and found numerous eagles around the Missouri River, mostly on the river on sandbars as the body of water is really, really low.

There must have been 4 adults and 6 juveniles. They were joined by some crows who at times seemed to be mocking the eagles' movements by replicating same movements a few steps away.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 27 february 2025

Stone Park

Somehow I am getting the feeling the otters are avoiding me. Each time (3) I have gone a little earlier than last time, and then, no otters. So I feel like I am chasing ghosts.

But did find some remnants and another individual who enjoyed the "spoils" of the leftovers. Am guessing the two large fish were hauled up on the ice by otters.

But a cardinal took pity on me and sang me a song while I was there and before I left.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

Buckskin Hills WMA

*Buckskin Hills composite image copyright 2025 by Jerry L. Mennenga, used with permission.*

I hoped to find that Golden Eagle that Bill and Jerry saw earlier, but alas, it was like chasing the otters. It was a nice walk and a pleasant day. I even worked up a sweat because I overdressed. But, ah well.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 26 february 2025

Otterly Fabulous

I made the trip to see the river otters this morning with Kim S. Got there about 8:00 AM and one was on the ice, quickly disappeared, but soon resurfaced with a friend. Back into the water and up with a carp bigger than he was. And he wouldn’t share his dinner. Two surprised me and bringing up such a big fish to eat even more so. It was a real treat! Wish I’d had my better camera for clearer pics but I didn’t.

Also saw a Pileated Woodpecker and Brown Creeper in Stone Park.

Kim S., Wayne, NE and Jan J., Wakefield, NE

Buckskin Hills WMA & vicinity, Dixon County, NE

Greater Prairie Chicken, 2, displaying on corn stubble.
Golden Eagle, 1, all dark, golden nape, but photo shows pale area at base of ventral primaries, perhaps indicating a 2nd winter bird.
Long-eared Owl, 1, perhaps 2, roosting in pines.
Purple Finch, 1 male
Belted Kingfisher, 2

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 25 february 2025

*Pileated Woodpecker nest cavity image copyright 2025 by Tucker Lutter, used with permission.*

I had another juvenile Golden Eagle sighting today (Feb 25), both at Joy Hollow and in the main bison pasture. I also found what I believe to be signs of the Pileated Woodpecker at Joy Hollow. I attached a photo of a fallen snag that had a couple of very large holes in it with an XL work glove for comparison.

I also found a dead Long-eared Owl just south of Akron along Highway 12 today. It was directly across from the large gravel pit where there are no trees and shows that Long-eared Owls fly over open terrain to hunt at night. I assume this bird was struck by a car. This is the same spot I had a Short-eared Owl a month or two ago, so there must be a lot of rodents in this particular ditch. Interestingly enough, I saw a Barred Owl a little before 8pm this evening along the posts heading into the Broken Kettle Grasslands Office, far from any dense stands of trees, similar to the setting where I found the Long-eared Owl. Owls that we associate with wooded habitats are often out roaming in the prairies at night!

Lastly, I am helping to install a new Motus station at Joy Hollow next week and I can't wait to see what birds are migrating by this spring! I'll keep you all in the loop if we find out anything interesting. For those who don't know about Motus, please visit https://motus.org/ for more details.

Tucker L., Broken Kettle Grasslands

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 23 february 2025

Bald Eagles on the Big Sioux! The one adult sitting on what I am guessing was a goose with the feathers flying about and sticking to its face and beak looks large. It must have been a sight to see it take the goose down. The redness indicates to me that it didn't happen too long before I arrived on scene.

Todd W. and I debated if the juvenile eagles were bald or golden. The bald eagle juveniles have blackish beaks when they are younger. But that one juvenile is pretty good size compared to the other two.

It was a nice morning out, and thankful I didn't freeze off any appendages while walking down to the area.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 22 february 2025

Adams Homestead

Some feeder birds around the visitor center at Adams Homestead. The nuthatch was just soooo cute, and kept posing for me as it hurriedly scurried about the tree.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 21 february 2025

Broken Kettle Grasslands

A few Golden Eagles have been frequenting Broken Kettle Grasslands this winter and there were two juveniles soaring in the high winds today. I was heading back to the office after checking the bison fence when several does flushed from the trees. One of the eagles swooped down and began following the deer. One deer got to the top of a hill and lost sight of the eagle. The eagle flew low to the ground and then popped up over the hill. The eagle then landed on top of the deer near the neck. The deer began to move and the eagle hopped up and hit the deer a couple more times before it gave up the pursuit! Golden Eagles only weigh 10-15 lbs but are sometimes able to take down deer. This was a first for me and one of the most exciting animal interactions I have ever seen.

Tucker L., Hawarden, IA

Owego Wetlands Complex

A few photos from Owego on Friday evening. The owls were out, but I only saw them after the sun set. I found a Horned Lark (far left image) looking for something to eat in a crop field and a female / immature Red-winged Blackbird (left of center). Two Ring-necked Pheasants are in silhouette (right of center).

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 20 february 2025

Owego Wetlands Complex

For some reason I was having issues with my Auto Focus function during my visit this morning and wasn't locking on to the birds while they were flying. I only got one decent image of the eagle, stationary, and none of a flying owl.

The Short-eared Owls were out flying earlier than normal. Maybe saw 3-4 of them. One sitting in the roadway and spooked it by driving up towards it. It blended in so well on the roadway.

The raptor sitting silhouetted in the tree with the setting sun and MidAmerican discharge plumes was kind of nice.

My owls photos are crappy. But they are still there. The Red-winged Blackbirds were impressive though.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 19 february 2025

Stone Park

I didn't find any otters (see 2025 GBBC report) hanging about when I went to Stone State Park this morning, about mid-morning. I did find a couple eagles flying about and geese on the Big Sioux. What did surprise me was finding a Robin eating berries from a tree and bushes near Stone State Park's entrance.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 18 february 2025

Broken Kettle Grasslands

I had a juvenile Golden Eagle this afternoon (2/18) at the intersection of C43 and Evergreen Avenue in Plymouth County. This is about 5 or 6 miles east of Broken Kettle Grasslands where I have been seeing them regularly this winter. I assume this is one of the birds that I have been seeing and I imagine their winter hunting territories span a large area. It seems probable that some of the birds seen over near Ponca and Newcastle, NE are the same birds that visit Broken Kettle. According to Birds of the World, some Golden Eagles return to the same wintering grounds year after year and I wish I could have tracking data on these birds - it would be fascinating!

Tucker L., Broken Kettle Grasslands

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 16 february 2025

Broken Kettle Grasslands Mid-February Update

The juvenile Golden Eagle continues to be seen on an off at Broken Kettle Grasslands, making appearances February 13 & 14. The bird is often seen soaring over the ridges visible looking northwest from Butcher Road. Harris', White-crowned, and Song Sparrows also continue to be seen in the interior of the preserve. I also have been seeing a "Red-shafted" Northern Flicker and an intergrade "Yellow-shafted x Red Shafted" Northern Flicker. This past week the Pileated Woodpecker has been seen at Joy Hollow and a very out of season Field Sparrow was last seen February 10 in a large brush pile between the cabins and the lodge. I saw this bird in December and did not see it again until this week. This species typically only winters as far north as central Missouri and Kansas making a sighting this far north quite unusual.

Tucker L., Broken Kettle Grasslands

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 13 february 2025

Plymouth County, Iowa

Jon: I was looking out our dining room window at 4:43 PM, today and saw a Red-headed Woodpecker on one of our bird feeders. He was there for a total of about 5 seconds. My camera was downstairs on a tripod set up for family portraits. The Red-head left the bird feeder and flew down to our trees in our valley where a Red-head had nested last spring/summer. This is the earliest we have observed a Red-headed woodpecker in 12 years. We enjoy having Hairy, Downy and Red bellies during the entire winter.

Leesa: I could not believe my eyes! A red-headed woodpecker at our feeder in mid-February (image on left, below)! This is the first winter we have seen one! I did not think they winter in Iowa. (Note: A Red-headed Woodpecker has occasionally been documented on past Sioux City Christmas Bird Counts).

Jon: The Red-headed woodpecker made a return trip for a feeding before nightfall. We are expecting it to take up residence in our valley (middle and right images, below).

Jon N., and Leesa M., SW Plymouth County.

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 12 february 2025

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

A few pics from Adams on Wednesday, 2/12. All the birds I could find were just around the feeders. I walked down to the two blinds, then further past the split going to the cottonwood grove onto where the new prairie is in progress. Then over to the grain bins and back.

Nothing.

I was surprised to find a Mourning Dove hanging out, figuring they would go to warmer climes. But guess not. Mud Lake was frozen over and I didn't even see any geese moving about.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 11 february 2025

*Sharp-shinned Hawk image copyright 2025 by Kevin Kerr, used with permission.*

I set up for a birdbath photo shoot, a fun one since Death was in the yard yesterday. A Cooper’s Hawk snagged a sparrow out of the barberry bush / sparrow staging-to-feeder area.

Wondered why it was taking so long for birds to come back. Looked at feeders and no one there. So looked for a new agent today, a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Still waiting for pool partying to resume at the bird bath.

Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 8 february 2025

*Above image copyright 2025 by Don Poggensee, used with permission.*

Yesterday, as I drove by the south edge of Storm Lake, about 80 trumpeter swans were in the corn field feeding. There was about 30 other trumpeter that were not with this group nearby.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 6 february 2025

These are the big boys of the neighborhood. Sometimes startling me when I am working in the yard as big, fast shadows accompanied by their classic call. They strafe me pretty low and often. A couple years ago I witnessed the pair and a third rise up one by one in a perfect ascent. No flapping or circling, just a slow steady rise showcasing the bluffs updraft and their use of it. It was majestic.

Today spied them incoming and ran to windows to maintain my view. It was a fast approach and hard glide to join the other bird. Took a few shots from inside but…gotta get outside. Walked down street to shoot over neighbors house and they noticed. If I was up to speed with my camera could have caught them both circling straight over my head.

Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

Gavin’s Point Dam

A Thursday trip for practice imaging birds in flight.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 4 february 2025

Sioux City, Iowa

Photos from a Sioux City neighborhood. Cooper’s Hawk and Pileated Woodpecker in the same yard but at different times.

Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 1 february 2025

I was standing on my patio with the long lens on looking for a red-tailed hawk that flew through the yard. I looked to the right and six feet away were extremely cute White-throated Sparrows hopping around and eating.

Unfortunately too close to get both in focus with the long lens.

Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 31 january 2025

An Omaha birder located an immature female Snowy Owl near the Sioux Jersey Dairy south of Luton on Friday. The bird was near 280th Street and Delaware Ave.

Saturday the finder returned to search for the bird without luck. Sunday morning others searched without success,

However, the bird could easily still be in the area.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 30 january 2025

*Eastern Bluebird image copyright 2025 by Bill Zales, used with permission.*

Plymouth County, IA

Eastern Bluebirds checking our boxes.

Bill & Dotty Z., Plymouth County, IA

Adams Homestead

A lovely morning for a bicycle ride around the trails at Adams Homestead. My eBird list was only nine species but there were some wonderful landscape and bird photo ops with interesting lighting. Sightings include an immature Bald Eagle (top row, right), two Sharp-shinned Hawks (bottom row, left and center), Common Mergansers, Common Goldeneye, and Cackling Geese (bottom row, right image, standing bird on left).

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 29 january 2025

Stone State Park

It was nice day for a beautiful afternoon walk. We entered the park from Hwy 12 and decided to go up the north road and circle back around through the playground. With the warm sun on our backs, we wondered where the birds were for a while. Soon enough the activity picked up. A few of the usual suspects: Downys, Nuthatches and such. But we were looking for Brown Creepers, and we had heard that they were to be found here.

Soon enough, we found Creepers, and then more Creepers. We enjoyed watching them work the deep bark crevasses. On the trip back we were treated to a Robin doing his post bath feather work, which is extensive if you watch Robins. Last to make an appearance as we approached our vehicle was a rummaging Opossum. A more impressive animal than people realize, suffering from their appearance. As some would say a “giant rat” while others say they are cute.

Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 28 january 2025

Tuesday was so nice I couldn't stay home and not enjoy a walk at Adams. Still very much the season of brown even with a bright blue sky. Now had a bald eagle or some other raptor perches somewhere for a quick portrait, I wouldn't be complaining.

The geese seemed very content soaking in the sunshine on Mud Lake which appeared very muddy in parts. Interesting too in that there are definite parts of the lake area where one can see how the water is disappearing. I like what reflections I could get though of the birds off of the ice.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 27 january 2025

Owego Wetlands Complex

Northern Harrier and perching birds around sunset.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 26 january 2025

Leesa and I went out birding on 01/26/2025.

First a juvenile Bald Eagle in Riverside (far left image).
Then a trip to Snyder Bend that produced nothing as all the water was frozen.
Then a trip to Blue Lake near Onawa where the lake was entirely frozen except for approximately 1000 Canada Geese that kept a small part open by swimming. Leesa counted 12 Trumpeter Swans in with the geese (see video). The picture attached (image left of center) has 8 swans in it. The other 4 could not be captured in the same frame.
On to Desoto Bend at Missouri Valley that produced nothing with the exception of an eagle that was a very long ways off out of camera range. On the way up I-29, about 1-mile south of Whiting, IA, we saw a Golden Eagle flying just to the east of I-29 and I was unable to capture a photo of it with the highway traffic.
Then we went to Owego and counted 8 Northern Harriers (image right of center) and 2 Red-tailed Hawks (far right image, below).

Jon N., and Leesa M., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 25 january 2025

Plymouth County, Iowa

We have to feed the predators, too. Accipiter species, Cooper’s or Sharp-shinned? Photographed with an iPad. Maybe we need to get a better camera?

Bill & Dotty Z., Plymouth County, Iowa

Frost Wilderness Management Area and Missouri National Recreational River area

I took a drive up to Vermillion Saturday as it was sunny and warmer than previous days and I just needed to get out and check an area I have not visited in a couple of years.

The first image of an eagle in its nest on the outskirts of Vermillion (far left, below). There wasn't a lot of safe areas to pull over on the roadway where this nest was and I only got off a few shots, not wanting to spook it. Also, trying to broaden my photographic vision I decided to take lenses other than my large zoom so was using a shorter zoom with a 2X so the images are not as pristine as I would like them. But I was happy to accidentally stumble across this nest.

I discovered more eagles' nests in the Frost Wildlife Management area off of Hwy 19 that leads into Nebraska. The next image (left of center, below) is kind of an overview of the Frost Wildlife area seen from the Mulberry Overlook on the Nebraska side of the Missouri River. If one looks down into the corner of this image where the water skirts the shoreline, the next images are of nests I found in the woods of Frost Wilderness in the area just mentioned.

Two of the nests are within proximity of each other and I saw an immature eagle maybe 2-4 years old as it had some white amongst its brown feathers. I only caught a glimpse as it left a tree near an open field where I am guessing the South Dakota DNR plants a small corn crop to feed the deer. I have walked this area before but always in summer and fall, when the leaves of the trees cover up everything high overhead. Although I think I found a vantage point to be able to see the one nest from a distance by the stand of trees where the two nests are located.

There is a cut grass path along this area that eventually becomes critter trails that loop through cedar trees that are dotting the area. I attempted a look, hoping I might get lucky and find a Northern Saw-whet Owl taking a siesta somewhere, but no luck.

The next couple images (right of center and far right, below) are of a nest across the river on the Nebraska side of the Missouri National Recreation River area and I didn't know until I got home and looked at the downloaded images, one can see a white head as an eagle stands on the edge of this particular nest.

I find it kind of exciting that there are more nests fairly close to Sioux City, relatively speaking, and am hoping to get back out there in early spring as long as it's not wet. The walking would be terrible then. There is quite an expanse of timber along the river in this area I want to go back and explore. There are a number of turnouts off of Highway 19 where one can park and then walk in. The areas are posted informing folk that hunting is allowed so wearing appropriate colors (read bright) so one can be identified would probably be a good thing. There are some meadow areas before one gets into the woods along the river so am hoping for a diverse population of birds.

Then again, I could be all wet.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 23 january 2025

3 separate sightings of Short-eared Owls between Primghar and Hospers around 5 pm on Jan 23rd

Bob L., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 21 january 2025

I got a couple of really bad photos of a Golden Eagle being half a mile away when I took them through our bedroom window. I first saw it probably a hundred feet away over our prairie at low altitude looking at a turkey feeding on the ground near our feeders. By the time I got to my camera, it was at a great distance.

I think these pics can at least be suitable (barely) for identification.

Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 20 january 2025

Sioux City Polar Plunge

A few pics for a very cold, cold day. The cardinal was all puffed up waiting for its turn at a feeder and the House Finch gave up trying to get a drink when the European Starlings showed up. Surprisingly, more than one splashed about in the heated bird bath spraying water everywhere. When I checked a weather app it displayed air temp of -5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ran an errand, and when I returned I had to add more water as the crazy birds had splashed it all out of the bath.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

Winter Reflections

A very cold day with lots of frost and some nice refections.

Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 17 january 2025

Quality Time with the Neighbors

Not getting out during the cold frigid days but did spend a little quality time Friday with some backyard neighbors. One was in a bush but curious about the visitor sitting there and staring at it. Another watched from a fence as wind gusts buffeted it while it tried to remain still. And yet another took offense at me watching it eat. I guess that might have been a bit too much. Who likes to find someone staring at them when dining?

Part of the challenge while photographing was timing the shots during the gusts of wind as different branches kept moving in front of the birds and they kept changing their stances so it was two moving objects in motion as I tried to capture them birds looking my direction.

And the junco eating was swaying in the feeder tray as it moved back and forth while the wind was blowing. Now if I could only get this close in the wild and have the same opportunity and luck.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 16 january 2025

Gavin’s Point Dam

Another visit to the dam with more eagle pictures, although there were fewer eagles seen today than previously. The eagles seemed a bit more skittish and it took me some doing to get so close for these images.

All the water is running well enough in the river with little frozen over, but the lake is still pretty frozen with just some open areas.

Saw some Snow Geese and Greater White-fronted Geese among the Canada Geese. Also, not certain about the waterfowl (Lesser Scaup, bottom row, left) with the red eye. They were a ways out on the open water that was there.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

I accompanied Jerry M. to Gavin’s Point. Here are two more Bald Eagle photos.

Ron N., Sioux City, IA

Luton Wildlife Area, North and Owego Wetlands

Top Row:

Rough-legged Hawk at LWA North.
American Tree Sparrow.
Great Horned Owls have nested here for years.The barn has collapsed but Owls are still here (LWA North)

Bottom Row:

Owego town site at dusk.
Birding includes scenes like this.
Two Short-eared Owls on the dark road escaped a picture!

Jerry V., and Jan N., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 14 january 2025

Owego Wetlands

Since Don and Marla and Kevin have seen owls out at Owego I again went out in hopes of getting lucky. And the late afternoon started off so nice until the cloud bank rolled in. Grrrrrrr. Sunlight is my friend. Especially late afternoon sunlight.

And I learned from last night's experience that I may have indeed been seeing owls at Owego I just didn't realize it. From a distance they look like Cooper's Hawks to this untrained eye. And a couple places which I have "regularly" (as regular as one might assume with predatory birds) seen birds perched out there looking for a meal may have indeed been owls.

I recently purchase a new binocular which is much better than my older one. And what a difference it makes from a distance when viewing perched birds, which is now why I think I have seen owls previously but didn't recognize them as such.

The eagle couple at their tree near Owego made me think of an older married couple, kids gone, sitting out on their homestead's back porch watching the sun go down. Yes, it might look good in B&W, but I liked the hint of yellow as the sun dropped below a cloud bank and I had to adjust my exposure to be able to make a recognizable photograph.

I used some Topoz DeNoising on the owl and other photos. Shooting somewhere in the 8000 ISO range after the sun had dropped to the horizon line and behind some clouds. From a distance it is hard to distinguish between flying hawks and owls for my inexperienced eyes. Those that know wing and body markings may be able to quickly access what the birds are.

Was hoping for just a bit more sunlight when photographing yesterday. So guess another trip is in order when it will be forecast as "clear" overnight.

I didn't realize that was an owl perched on that tree until I looked through the binoculars and it turned to face me. I was parked a way away as they seem very skittish even when a vehicle

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

From left: Bald Eagles; Rough-legged Hawk; Northern Harrier; Short-eared Owl (2 images)

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 13 january 2025

Sioux City, IA

I went to Riverside Park this morning and then took a drive up along Dorothy Pecaut and Stone State Park looking for eagles. While I found them, photographing them is nearly as good as going to Yankton. Clean shots are not possible and maybe one eagle will make a pass over the Big Sioux River, but didn't see any attempting to fish. There were quite a few geese however hanging out on the Big Sioux at Riverside Park.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE SaturDAY, 11 january 2025

Plymouth and Sioux County Sightings

Here are a few highlights of the sightings I've made recently:

Broken Kettle Grasslands, 9 January:

1 Golden Eagle, 2nd or 3rd year bird with banded tail and little white in the wings. Apparently molting some flight feathers. Photo and total checklist here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S208674004

Boyd's Bend (a couple miles north of Akron on Highway 12), 10 January:

Hawarden, 11 January:

1 Merlin, seen near Hawarden Regional Health Center. Also seen at Grace Hill Cemetery recently.

Tucker L., Hawarden, IA

Fort Randall Dam, SD

Barrow's Goldeneye, 2 males, 1 probable female. Continuing birds, one male above the dam in open water near power plant penstocks. Another male and female, probably of this species, were below the power plant sluice near the concrete wall. (Two images on left - see below).
Long-tailed Duck, 3 female/immatures, all above the dam near the penstocks.
Common Goldeneye x Hooded Merganser hybrid, 1 adult male with bright white breast, grayish flank, dark head with no white spot or crest, narrow, merganser shape bill.
Glaucous Gull, 1 first winter immature. Large gull with Herring Gulls loafing on lake ice, and later in flight. White plumage with pale beige mottling, white primaries and tail, large flat head with large pinkish bill with dark tip, pink legs. (Two images on right - see below).

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 10 january 2025

Bacon Creek Park

A morning walk around the lake at Bacon Creek produced a list of only 5 species. However, the walk also allowed for the best photos I’ve captured of a Golden-crowned Kinglet (left and center images, below; Red-bellied Woodpecker on right).

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Lewis and Clark State Park, Onawa

I went out Friday morning to see what I might be able to find while the sun was shining. Didn't see anything at Snyder Bend or Bigelow Park. Did see an eagle fly overhead while on my way to Snyder Bend. I continued to Lewis and Clark Park. Some swans, geese, a couple of snow geese, possibly a Cooper’s Hawk and a few Black-capped Chickadees and one Northern Cardinal.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wEdneSDAY, 8 january 2025

A few images from a trip up to Yankton and a visit to Gavins Point Dam. It was really cold in the morning. My fingers were somewhat numb doing the shoot and wearing thick gloves didn't help. I had many, too many close but not quite tack sharp, images of eagles fishing in the Missouri River.

Clear sky from sunrise through the afternoon. The drive up was on dry pavement, no indication of any moisture even on the overpasses on I-29. There were at least 10-12 eagles perched in trees along the river just below the spillway. The eagles were active and flying about most of the time. They even took turns soaring over and diving down to the river to get breakfast. Definitely photographing morning is the best time and the light as fine. It was a good day!

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wEdneSDAY, 1 january 2025

Stone State Park

Kevin and I saw 6 Golden-crowned kinglets on our afternoon on our hike. I wasn’t sure if others had seen them at this location.

Marla

Bacon Creek Park

An early morning walk around Bacon Creek produced a list of five species typical for this time of year in Siouxland, including the American Robin photo, below left.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

Brown Creeper at Adams Homestead, below right.

Phil B.,

Gavin’s Point Dam

Some pics from Yankton on New Year's Day.n Got to work on my skill set as they fly. Very close on some shots, but not sharp enough.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

*Bald Eagle image copyright 2025 by Todd Wheelock, used with permission.*

I went to Yankton with Jerry Mennenga on 01-01-25 and saw a lot of Eagles fishing near the Dam.

Todd W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 31 decEMBER 2024

Small flock of tundra swans off Highway 141 - Lennox Avenue.

John and Sharon P., Mapleton, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 29 decEMBER 2024

Carey and I went up to Yankton Sunday to visit Gavins Point Dam. I had done a search and saw a report on eBird that someone up there reported 11 eagles around Dec. 23 or so. The weather was supposed to be clear starting around 11:00 AM. Actually the fog that engulfed Sioux City, began to break up around Elk Point.

This particular eagle sat in a tree below the spillway and watched and called out a few times then descended and caught a small fish of which it then returned to a tree perch a ways away from where I was photographing it.

Another photographer/birder said it has been pretty active with the eagles. Mornings are good between 9-10 she said with them sitting in a tree just past the dam entrance on the Nebraska side, sometimes even diving past the fishermen (and there were a few) in their boats trying to catch fish for take out.

Carey and I found a few eagles in the park on Nebraska's side down along the river where the camping is located and where the fishermen put their boats into the Missouri River. They were sitting up in the trees along the way looking and sometimes returning with a meal. I watched one, guessing hungry, juvenile bald eagle landing on a branch near the adult and maybe hoping it was going to drop its fish. Both juveniles and adults were doing a bit of soaring and fishing along the river.

I saw just a few Ring-billed Gulls, a couple of goldeneyes and other small ducks too far away to identify easily, for me anyway. There were plenty of Canada Geese and what looked like Snow Geese as well.

While photographing the eagles from the Nebraska side of Missouri River, I saw the swans over in the Yankton Lake. Carey and I drove over there later. The photographer we met was excited about the swans as she hadn't seen any so far.

*“Mystery Swan” possible Trumpeter x Whooper Swan hybrid. Image copyright 2024 by Jerry L. Mennenga, used with permission.*

Now, we had this discussion last year when that Tundra Swan visited Mud Lake at Adams Homestead. Well, upon closer inspection after getting home and downloading and editing images, to me, it clearly looks like a yellow patch on the beak under the eyes of that one swan.

An indication that it might be a Tundra Swan. I have included several pics just so you wouldn't think me crazy, or Bill Huser for that matter. Early on the swans all congregate together laying the sunshine on the ice as the Canada Geese floated in the water in the morning. By early afternoon when Carey and I had finished photographing the eagles (way, way too many frames) the swans and geese were "intermingling".

Note from Bill H. regarding the “mystery swan”:

You have stumbled upon the much studied swan of Lake Yankton. The size of the bird, the shape of the facial skin and the amount of yellow all counter the Tundra Swan identification. It is thought to be a Trumpeter x Whooper Swan hybrid. Whooper Swans are the Asian counterpart of Trumpeter, but may be in some private waterfowl collections in North America.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 26 decEMBER 2024

K-42 & 270th Ave, south of Luton, IA:

Snowy Owl, 1
Red-tailed Hawk (Eastern), 1 Buteo jamaicensis calurus
Red-tailed Hawk (Western), 3 B.j. borealis
Merlin, 1
European Starling, thousands

The Snowy Owl was found on the roadside shoulder. Photos were taken, and the owl was studied. Though alert, able to hop and extend both wings, the bird did not seem capable of flight. A raptor rehabilitator was summoned, then met us at the site. After a short chase, the bird was collected for forwarding to a veterinarian and S.O.A.R. (Saving Our Avian Resources).

With the bird in hand, and in evidence in the 3rd photo, we could see ruffled feathers around the bird's left eye and some cloudiness on the cornea. Hopefully, a full recovery is ahead.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 21 decEMBER 2024

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

Not a Christmas bird count, although I have been seeing more Juncos at my place than previously.

Carey and I went to DeSoto Saturday because we heard there were swans down there. There were but one had to photograph them through the glass. The glass appeared recently cleaned but still not the best images.

Also saw Greater White-fronted geese and some various ducks. Saw a bald eagle in the distance. A number of sparrows and house finches around the feeders at the visitor's center and a Red-bellied Woodpecker. Was surprised by seeing a squirrel and possum feeding within proximity to one another. But any port in a storm I guess. They both left when the sparrows descended and decided it was their turn.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 18 decEMBER 2024

Moorhead Park, Ida Grove, IA

I am seeing two saw-whets most every day now. Here are some views from today’s walk. Saw-whet’s tend to eat the head first.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

North Platte, Nebraska

*Couch’s Kingbird image copyright 2024 by Paul O. Roisen, used with permission.*

First Nebraska sighting of Couch's Kingbird. Not sure what it is doing way up here. It is a Belize, Mexico, Texas bird. Found in North Platte back in November but originally misidentified as a Western Kingbird. Pretty cool and unexpected species for species #387 in Nebraska.

Paul R., Woodbury County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 16 decEMBER 2024

Snyder Bend County Park

It was a crappy light day when I went out, around 2:00 PM at Snyder Bend. But it was warmer, although very gusty to the point the wind almost knocked me over as I tried to photograph with my tele zoom. But after 6 intense days of being indoors photographing volleyball (good games) and then an editorial assignment, I needed to get outside and I didn't fall because of slick conditions or have problems driving.

Eagles, geese, various ducks that I could make out, sparrows, ring-billed gulls. Hundreds of geese and maybe a couple hundred ducks down past the observation deck. I saw eagles fly over there as well as up by the parking lot. They landed on the ice thought down by the geese. A couple ducks I am not certain about. Thought some might be those buffleheads, but not quite right (Common Merganser and Common Goldeneye). Maybe some mallards and blue winged teals amongst the geese on the ice.

I walked down the dirt trail and positioned myself behind a stand of trees near the edge overlooking the lake and hidden from the geese and ducks. The weeds are pretty tall along the trail there so one is partially hidden if not walking in a hurry I don't think they took notice of me.

There are no keepers among the pics, but fun still to capture them in flight and hanging out.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 10 decEMBER 2024

Broken Kettle Grasslands

Broken Kettle Grasslands has been quite active with birds this week. Here are some of the highlights.

Golden Eagles continue as of December 10. A first year bird has been present for a month with a second year bird showing up last week. An adult showed up in November but has not been seen recently.
Many other raptors have been regularly or semi-regularly present on the preserve in the last week including Bald Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Merlin, Cooper’s Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, American Kestrel, and Northern Harrier.
A Northern Shrike has taken up residence below the benches on Butcher Road and another has been hanging out on North Ridge Road near the intersection with Bluebird Road.
At least two Long-eared Owls are present this week, one yesterday and one today (12/10) in separate locations. They were both seen in the bison pasture which is inaccessible to the public. It should be noted, however, that many cedar stands (which is where I found both birds) exist south of Butcher Road at the Stevenson Preserve and Joy Hollow portions of Broken Kettle which are both open for hiking and there are almost certainly owls over there too.
Two "red-shafted" Northern Flickers were at the preserve this week as well, a female yesterday and a male today (12/10). Both Red-shafted and Yellow-shafted Flickers are the same species (Northern Flicker) but the Red-shafted are an uncommon winter visitor from the west. I saw some hybrid flickers earlier this fall but both individuals this week showed know signs of hybridization between the two morphs.
Purple Finches are also present in good numbers with up to 28 sighted today. They really gravitate toward red cedar and ash tree stands.
Other notable passerines on the past two week include White-throated Sparrows, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Eastern Bluebirds.

Good Birding,

Tucker L., Broken Kettle Grasslands

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 30 NOVEMBER 2024

Saturday Snowfall

There were 20-40 House Sparrows in this neighborhood backyard, until, whooooossshhhhhhh! They were gone. A Cooper's Hawk, hungry I am sure, and the birds were nervous as I saw those two house sparrows looking up in the direction of the hawk when I photographed them.

And finally, I haven't seen many juncos this year, and recently, one shows up. Although now the Blue Jays have begged off.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 29 NOVEMBER 2024

Moorehead Park, Ida Grove, IA

This morning started out with a cold temperature of 9 degrees. I started to check several hundred pine trees, in search of our little Saw-whet Owls. After nearly one hour, I found two Saw-whet owls. Both seemed un-afraid and allowed me to record them both on my camera from a safe distance.

If any of you are close to Moorehead Park, Ida Grove, I would still be able to take anyone that cares to come, and show them to you. The saw-whets will stay put until dark, when they start flying, looking for food.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA. Email: donpoggensee@gmail.com

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 26 NOVEMBER 2024

Adams Homestead

The bald eagle in the treetop was on the trail just up from the visitor center when I started out yesterday for my walk along the River Loop. I almost didn't see the pheasants flying across the field as they blended so well into their surroundings. Felt lucky I got the one image I did.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE SaturDAY, 24 NOVEMBER 2024

I went to Moorehead Park in Ida Grove Saturday 11-23-24. Sioux City Camera Club Members and I met with Don Poggensee to show us where the Saw-Whet Owl was hanging out!! Great experience!!!

Todd W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 21 november 2024

Gavin’s Point Dam - Lewis & Clark Dam (above dam):

Long-tailed Duck, 2 males, winter plumage with long tail! FOS
Western Grebe, 2
Greater Scaup, 8 (probably many more)

Gavin’s Point Dam - Below Dam

Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 second winter immature (see photos)
Herring Gull, 3
Bonaparte's Gull, 8
Ring-billed Gull, > 2000
Bald Eagle, 6

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE and Roger D., Yankton, SD

Broken Kettle Grasslands

I had a juvenile Golden Eagle off 234th St. today (11/21) at Broken Kettle Grasslands. I have also seen an adult and either the same or a different juvenile several times in the past two weeks.

A juvenile American Goshawk has also been seen on and off over the past month with the most recent sighting being earlier this week. It has been seen near the visitor center and along Butcher Road near Joy Hollow Scout Camp.

Tucker L., Broken Kettle Grasslands

Moorehead Park, Ida Grove, IA

I went back yesterday with Jerry M. and Carey A. to capture some more images. There were two there, one adult and one juvenile.

Ron N., Lawton, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 19 november 2024

Here are some shots I took this afternoon in Moorehead Park, Ida Grove.

Ron N., Lawton, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 17 november 2024

*Northern Saw-whet Owl image copyright 2024 by Don Poggensee, used with permission.*

For the past several week I have been checking on finding our first Northern Saw-whet Owl of this Fall-Winter season. Finally this afternoon I found the first one of this season. Often when I do find the first one, it may not stay since the migration is still on. If I can find it two or more day, there is a good chance it will stay for the winter months.

Here is a photo of the one I found this afternoon

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

Owego Wetlands

It was a "raptorous" day. Many hawks, a couple of eagles and a few song birds. Meadowlarks were racing my vehicle down the one gravel road. I didn't get any shots of them. I photographed the eagles in harsh light.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 14 november 2024

Owego Wetlands

Late afternoon at Owego. Saw one hunter with a dog in tall grass along one of the gravel roads, which were very greasy. Ugh. But seeing the rising almost full moon and then seeing the setting orb was kind of cool and it wasn't even past my bedtime. SMILE!!!!!

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 8 november 2024

Snyder Bend County Park

Maybe a preview to the next week's outing to local watering holes. Crappy day for light but the action was interesting. Maybe a couple hundred or more pelicans, a number of cormorants and more gulls than I had previously seen. Also a number of ducks that I don't believe were Blue-winged Teals.

Could hear some shooting in the distance but it didn't seem to deter the birds around the water. Many more ducks at the far end looking down from Observation Deck. Interesting that the gulls, cormorants and pelicans were all co-mingling and eating, but on some occasions the pelicans were upset with the cormorants who were coming up with food and so got chased, and the same with the gulls who got too close to an area with the cormorants. No one chased the pelicans.

There were a number of sparrows in and around the tall grass area as one walked toward the observation deck. Difficult to see and photograph as they didn't sit on the top of the grass as they do at Owego.

I walked down a path at the bend in the gravel to the observation deck because I heard a woodpecker that seemed louder than the downy or hairy's. Then I heard this whistle. One high loud long, whistle repeated over and and over again. I looked about trying to see it and finally looked up into a set of trees and it wasn't St. Nick I spied. The person, man, was really hard to see in his camouflage in his tree stand. He pointed at me. I gave him a thumbs up and pointed back toward the deck direction and walked away.

I had seen a pickup truck in the lot and thought maybe it was another birder. Guess not. No idea was hunting season it is.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 1 november 2024

Plymouth County Recent Sightings

November 1 — Broken Kettle Grasslands:

1 "Red-shafted" Northern Flicker, female

October 30 — Broken Kettle Grasslands, 54 species including the following highlights:

American Goshawk, immature
1 Rough-legged Hawk
2 Merlin
1 Great Egret
1 Great Blue Heron
1 Northern Shrike
1 Eastern Screech-Owl
10 species of sparrows including 130 Harris's and 1 Spotted Towhee
940 American Crows!
(Complete list is here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S200839777)

October 29 — Higman Pit south of Akron (PRIVATE, viewed from Hwy 12):

11 Western Cattle-Egret
Bonaparte's, Franklin's, Ring-billed Gulls

October 28 — Joy Hollow Scout Camp:

1 Pileated Woodpecker in valley west of lodge

Tucker L., Broken Kettle Grasslands

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 29 october 2024

A Sioux City Neighborhood

Some early Trick-or-Treaters in a Sioux City Neighborhood. Location withheld at the home owner’s request.

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 27 october 2024

Owego Wetlands

I was again in Owego Wetland Complex and just happened to see movement in a tree along one of the gravel roads. I stopped, and looked and looked, then saw the immature Red-tailed Hawk drop down to a place in the tall grass in one of the meadow areas which I couldn't see. After a few minutes, it lifted off and flew to another tree, where, once landed it "disappeared" again. Finally leaving that tree and heading over another meadow area.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 23 october 2024

A few photos from rural Thurston County, NE, most along the Missouri River, but some along a gravel road. There must have been a couple hundred American White Pelicans during what almost looked like their own murmuration above the Missouri River as they left one open field and traveled to another.

Also a flock of Rock Doves flying about, one Cooper's Hawk along a gravel road, a Bald Eagle near the Missouri River, European Starlings and Common Grackles along a gravel road eating spilt grain, and American Robins in a bush along the same gravel road eating white berries off some bushes.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 20 october 2024

Owego Wetlands Complex

So many birds, so little time. Will be glad when hunting season is done.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 17 october 2024

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

The Square
- LeConte's Sparrow, 2 (image on left, below)
- Also Marsh Wren, 2; Savannah, Swamp and Song Sparrows
Owego Wetlands
- Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1

Crystal Cove, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024

Hermit Thrush, 1 (image on right, below)
Fox Sparrow, 1 (both center images, below, front and back views)
Also Lincoln's, Song, Swamp, White-crowned, White-throated,and Harris's Sparrows and Daek-eyed Junco.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 15 october 2024

Tuesday, October 15, 2024; 320th St., from Indigo Road to Juniper Road, Plymouth County, IA

Winter Wren, 1, First of Season (FOS)
Also Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Harris's and Song Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos

Monday, October 14, 2024

The Square, Woodbury County, IA

LeConte's Sparrow, 5
American Bittern, 1
Also Savannah, Swamp, Song Sparrows

Owego Wetlands, Woodbury County, IA

Fox Sparrow, 2
Also Harris's, White-crowned, Swamp and Savannah Sparrows; Orange-crowned and Yellow-rumped Warblers

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 12 october 2024

Snyder Bend County Park

Some songbirds at Snyder Bend Lake in the treetops over the observation deck. It really gave one "warbler's neck" trying to follow as they flit about catching some of that fluff.

These are a young Cedar Waxwings along with a first-year female Yellow-rumped Warbler (far right image, below).

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 11 october 2024

Bacon Creek Park

Prairie Park

An exploratory trip to Prairie Park prior to Fall World Migratory Bird Day produced a list of 20 species. Notable sightings include: Nashville Warbler, Palm Warbler, Harris’s Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, and three Spotted Towhee (far right image, below).

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 8 october 2024

Snyder Bend County Park

So this collection of photos were the same day; pelicans in the morning, gull in the evening.

The one set of pics with blurring and some feeding was after the pelicans and cormorants had landed near the grasses or reeds up near the parking lot and were making their way along that little channel eating. A couple of the pelicans can be seen with fish in their mouths, although it was tough capturing and shooting them cleanly enough to really show it easily. And the sun was not yet high enough in the sky to add any color to the scene.

I slowly tried to get in front of them and the cormorants first, then the pelicans, rose up and left and went to the back of the lake area. So the pics of the pelicans with the pink sky and then flying into the sun show them realigning themselves on the lake and picking a new spot to land.

If you get there before the sun comes up, and sit on one of the benches along the shore, the birds won’t pay any attention to you. Just another “ bump on the log” so to speak.

The gull was photographed just as the sun was setting.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 30 september 2024

Snyder Bend County Park

Some photos taken on two different days, all around sunset. The first evening a number of pelicans were flying back to the lake and around it before settling down. The next night there was little activity. Could hear a number of herons across the water in the tall grasses and reeds but couldn't see them from where I was sitting on one of the benches. There were four juvenile bald eagles perching in trees just beyond the water.

A number of geese and pelicans were in the water behind the stand of grass and reeds facing the parking lot shore line. The lone heron sitting in the treetop forced the eagle to relocate. I enjoyed watching the eagle eyeball the pelicans fly by its perch. Guess all creatures just enjoy a moment or two in nature seeing what goes by.

The sun sets pretty fast which does not give me a lot of time to change positions if the birds move, which they did the second evening. Didn't quite get that richness of color.

But it was good to shoot something a little different and add a little natural color into the mix.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 28 september 2024

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

A photographer friend and I visited on Saturday and didn't find many birds. Heard a couple of Northern Flickers, saw just a few Canada geese. Merlin Sound ID picked up American Goldfinch.

However, we saw plenty of Great Blue Herons. Carey got a nice photo of a Great Blue eating a small fish in the pond where I have it standing in sunlight (below, right).

It was kind of strange not to see any birds, none, on the water around the visitor's center. Zero, zip, nada.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 27 september 2024

A trip to Kramper Lake near Hubbard, NE produced a list of 21 species. The morning was cool with a slight breeze. Notable sightings were a Lesser Yellowlegs, a Cooper’s Hawk (two images on far right, below) and four Great Blue Herons who seemingly divided the lake according to the four compass points, each staking claim on the corresponding North, South, East, and West sections of the lake.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 23 september 2024

Snyder Bend County Park

Lots of activity on Monday! Pelicans, herons, northern flicker, european starlings, juvenile bald eagle, american goldfinch, juvenile blue-winged teal, cormorants, a juvenile house finch and a robin.

The starlings kept going to the same tree as the robins and the robins kept leaving. Witnessed, but wasn't in position to photograph, some starling murmurations. Creating a ball in the sky then leaving for shore and the tree tops.

There were other small sparrows and songbirds but too hidden. I found that a "hiking trail" that is state land and open to hunting had a cut grass path and there were tons of songbirds flitting about the trees there, that sits back from the backend of the lake area.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 19 september 2024

I had a Say's Phoebe at Broken Kettle Grasslands in Plymouth County this afternoon (the third sighting this year!). The bird is hanging out in the bison corral on 234th St. It has mostly been flycatching from fence posts on the east side of the corral. The bird is easily visible from the road. Please do not attempt to enter the bison corral. I also saw a Swainson's Hawk at the corral today and an American Goshawk was there yesterday.

An immature Red-shouldered Hawk was at Joy Hollow Scout Camp today as well and is likely the same individual I have seen at Broken Kettle Grasslands over the past few weeks. Please note Joy Hollow is closed to the public from 4:00 PM this Saturday through Sunday. If you plan on birding at the scout camp you can call the Broken Kettle Grasslands office to check the schedule as the girl scouts still use the facilities.

Tucker L., Broken Kettle Grasslands

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 18 september 2024

Broken Kettle Grasslands

I have had a few good sightings in the past two days at Broken Kettle Grasslands. On September 18 I saw a juvenile American Goshawk (note recent name change from Northern Goshawk) and several Sharp-shinned Hawks flying by the bison corral on 234th St.

On September 17 I had a Bay-breasted Warbler, a Blue-headed Vireo, and several Nashville and Tennessee Warblers in the interior of the preserve. A couple of Merlins have also made their way through the preserve this week.

A few weeks ago I saw a juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk in the interior of the preserve so keep a look out if you are driving Butcher Road, particularly looking west from the benches at the Aalfs overlook.

Tucker L., Broken Kettle Grasslands

Sioux City Neighbors

Some photos from a Sioux City backyard.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 11 september 2024

First Merlin of the Fall was seen harassing migrating flocks of Blue Jays and Northern Flickers. Each of the migrating flocks was loafing in a large dead cottonwood and surrounding trees when my first Merlin of the season powered toward the flocks scattering them in all directions. It made several more unsuccessful passes, then perched in the same tree. This was the opportunity for the massed Jays and Flickers to counterattack and drive the falcon back into the air, where it usually had the upper hand, but was never seen to strike any of the Jays or Flickers.

Other highlights:

Turkey Vultures - 23 sunbathing on the swimming beach
Green Heron - 2
Great Blue Heron - 3
Belted Kingfisher - 1

The trip also showed how many of the native cattails have been replaced by the invasive Pfragmites grass. Has this reduced our native marsh bird species?

Bill H., (by kayak), South Sioux City, NE

Plymouth County

Photographed this Cooper’s through the window last evening (9/11/24).

Jon N., and Leesa M., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 10 september 2024

Bacon Creek

A walk around the trails at Bacon Creek after the morning thundershower revealed a list of 29 species. There was a significant amount of bird activity around the spillway from the pond on private property to the Bacon Creek property. Notable sightings included a Green Heron (image on left, below), Brown Thrasher, Swainson’s Thrush (with Merlin Sound ID assistance, see photos below), and a Palm Warbler.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Swift Watch - Vermillion, SD

The "swift" watch was interesting! Seven of us met to socialize, discuss what the future of a swift watch could look like in Vermillion, and to check out the roost on Main Street. By last night (9/10/24), the roost had plummeted to a mere 17 Chimney Swifts, down from at least 200 just a couple of weeks ago. We had fun observing other species and their evening commutes.

Turkey Vultures passed over first, around half an hour before sunset, cruising southeast, each one separated from the next by a few minutes, but following the same aerial path. One of them, possibly injured, held a leg rigid in the air below its body. After the TUVUs passed, Common Nighthawks began heading east in groups, not vocalizing as they would during their hunt - we figured they were going to an area of high insect concentration. Robins came next, right about sunset, also heading southeast. They came in small flocks, but one could imagine their roost would be a good size, judging by the large number of parties. Among them I spotted what appeared to be an American Goldfinch (that flight pattern is pretty distinct) - and finally, our first Chimney Swift of the night. Other swifts arrived in the company of nighthawks, and eventually, they each dropped into the chimney to find their spots in the roost.

From our watch/brainstorming session, I had a few key takeaways about future planning:

If we want to generate public excitement, the swift watch simply can't happen just one evening, or we might have a repeat of this year which would disappoint folks who were hoping for a dramatic show. A minimum of a weekly event would be better.
Whatever we plan needs to be self-perpetuating, with heavy involvement from long-term locals, not just University students such as myself.
It will be imperative to use social media for advertising.
Swift maps! This is a fun idea that's in my head now. Yankton has a significantly bigger roost than anywhere I now of in Vermillion, and one of the other buildings in Vermillion has a reportedly larger roost than the one on Main. From a conservation perspective, many roosts is better than one; a showcase of various local roosts would present an excellent public education opportunity. I'm imagining a "Got swifts in your chimney? Want them on our map?" outreach campaign to lead up to the events. This would also be a way to show off alternatives to chimneys, such as free-standing towers and home additions designed with swifts in mind.
Partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits will be an important way to spread the word and grow community enthusiasm.

If anyone has input/advice or wants to be involved in planning next year's swift watch, they can email me. We have all year to make it awesome!

Jillian M., Vermillion, SD

Snyder Bend County Park

Made a trip out to Snyder Bend Tuesday afternoon. Wanted to check out a lens I just received and just get outside.

After I drove into the parking lot I saw the heron down along the shoreline. It must be getting used to cars because this time it didn't fly away. Grabbed my camera and shot from the car. After making its way along the shore a bit, I got out and it still didn't fly away and so I took a few more pics of it looking for a meal at the water's edge.

Down toward the observation deck I spooked a heron that must have been in a tree near it, although it didn't take flight when some other ducks did moments earlier. Also saw some cormorants out on the water along with what I think were wood ducks.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 9 september 2024

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

A morning bicycle ride around the trails at Adams produced a list of 19 species. Notable sightings include an immature Bald Eagle, 4 Common Nighthawk, and a Merlin harassing and, in turn, being harassed by six Blue Jays.

Randy W. Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 7 september 2024

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

I took a walk late yesterday afternoon at DPNC. I was so distracted by the stunning grasses and wildflowers on the road to the Nature Center, that I almost forgot I was there to look up for birds! The highlights include watching a metallic green bee, a Great Spangled Fritillary Butterfly and a very cooperative Yellow-billed Cuckoo.

Marla K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 6 september 2024

Near the Big Sioux/Jefferson Bridge.

Jon N., and Leesa M., Plymouth County, IA

*Image copyright 2024 by Jon Nylen, used with permission.*

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 1 september 2024

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

A morning bicycle ride around the trails at Adams Homestead revealed 32 species. Most notable sightings include: Great Horned Owl, Great Crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, a garter snake taking a dust bath, and an estimated 100 American White Pelicans spiraling into a wet area just east of the River Trail.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Adams Homestead Pelicans, Day 3

Lighting was a little different today for this group of pelicans still in the backwater ares of the preserve.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

Lewis & Clark State Park

*Nashville Warbler copyright 2024 by Jerry L. Mennenga, used with permission.*

Couple of photos of a Nashville Warbler. One was taken in a sunflower field at the Lewis and Clark State Park near Onawa. The other walking along the trail just past where the one "road", track, goes down into the meadow area and connects with the walking trail headed to the Cottowood grove.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturday, 31 AUGUST 2024

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

Day 2 of photographing the pelicans and herons in that backwater area of the preserve. The light was different, a little challenging, but presents its own unique look.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE Friday, 30 AUGUST 2024

I made a 3-day visit to Adams after Jody M. told me about a backwater area that borders the park. I didn't realize that area back there was part of the park. Always thought it belonged to a farm, and of course it does, the Adams Homestead farm. DUH!!!

This is day one of my three visits. Am going to break up the photos I send so you see some progression. I made my way down to the area which actually has the water in a field just over the fence line to Adams proper, or so it looks. I went maybe mid-morning the first day. I stayed in the shade of a tree line that borders an open meadow area leading up to the fence line and backwater area where the birds were. Thought maybe being in the shade the birds wouldn't notice me as much.

There were also a number of ducks swimming about as well if one looks close at some of the pelican shots.

And then also a pic of a turkey vulture airing out its wings on a damp, dewy morning, as were some barn swallows on a power line.

In the one pic of the pelicans taking flight is when I first saw what I thought were snowy egrets in the background, only later did I realize they might be a white form of Great Blue Herons.

Jerry M., Sioux City, Iowa

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 25 AUGUST 2024

Monona County

I took these pictures from the window.

Sharon P., Monona County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 24 AUGUST 2024

Sux Sod Farm, Dakota County, NE

Buff-breasted Sandpipers, 14 foraging on cultivated sod, then took flight and probably did not return.

Stone State Park, Woodbury, IA Sat., Aug. 24, 2024

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 3
Eastern Wood-Pewee, many
Olive-sided Flycatcher, 1-2 First of Season (FOS)
Yellow-throated Vireo, 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 3
Nashville Warbler, 1
Blackburnian Warbler, 1 immature female
Wilson's Warbler, 1
Ovenbird, 1
American Redstart, 2
Yellow Warbler, 1 immature female

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Dakota Dunes, SD

On my roof top looking for prey likely. Just fed my fish in my pond.

Pam S., Dakota Dunes, SD.

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE ThursDAY, 22 august 2024

Union Grove S.P., Union County, SD Bird Highlights

Black-throated Green Warbler, 2, immature female and adult female
Bay-breasted Warbler, 1 immature female
Tennessee Warbler, 1 immature
Black & White Warbler, female
Nashville Warbler, 1
Blackburnian Warbler, 2 immature females
Scarlet Tanager, 1 female

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 21 august 2024

Snyder Bend County Park

The first of a few of the pics taken recently at Snyder Bend. This heron was way down the shoreline then making its way up to me, Carey, and Cathy, stopping for a snack and then proceeding in walking around behind us as we sat on a bench and captured images. The bird then continued down the shoreline still looking for a snack.

It was pretty awesome to see it come within 6-9 feet of us.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 5 august 2024

Bacon Creek

Roger D. of Yankton, SD paid a visit to Bacon Creek in the hopes of finding the previously reported River Otters. No luck with the otters but he produced a list of 32 species. Notable sightings were 3 Green Heron, 2 Great Blue Heron, and 3 Belted Kingfishers along with other typical summer birds.

Roger D., Yankton, SD as reported to Randy W.

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 2 august 2024

Spirit Mound Historic Prairie

This visit was in early August. Not much luck in the way of birds. Saw a heron do a fly by and a dickcissel singing from weed/plant stem. Otherwise the most abundant "wildlife" I saw were bees and butterflies. I was hopeful sometime I might find a songbird feedings on a cone flower or sunflower.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 1 august 2024

Bacon Creek

A morning walk around the lake produced 29 species. All were typical of the season. The big surprise was finding four River Otters. I had never seen wild otters before. I was on a small peninsula on the west side of the lake. I saw movement across the small inlet and first thought they were resident beaver. However, they swam towards me, not away from me, and then began to bob upright in the water. That’s when I realized they were otters. They swam across the inlet and got within about 10-yards of my position, then swam off towards the middle of the lake.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 31 JULY 2024

Owego Wetlands

I have been driving about Owego Wetland Complex and it's beginning to become a favorite haunt of mine. I never go looking for anything or bird in particular but know in some of the meadow areas I will find birds "posing" on grass or weed stems along the roadway.

I spent about an hour or so driving about shooting and was about to pack it in. There are some settings on my camera that I don't often use so thought I would see how they work. One being something Olympus calls "Pro Capture". The camera allows a photographer to press the shutter and it begins buffering so many "pre exposure" images until the shutter is completely depressed and then records those images as well as ones that follow. The user can set how many pre and after exposures or images that camera may take.

I had been watching a Tree Swallow flit about a particular area, landing on a weed stem then taking off again. I would photograph its perch while another flew by in the background. It flew to another stem and I set the camera program and waited for it to take off hoping to catch its wings in different positions. It lifted off and I was ready to follow focus when to my surprise it flew straight up. Then I noticed the Dickcissel coming up from below to sit on a stem below where the Swallow had perched. After the Swallow left, the Dickcessel perches itself onto the top weed stem.I guess it was calling dibs. The Swallow never came back but flew to another stem and the Dickcissel began singing. It seemed rather "operatic" to me.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 29 JULY 2024

Tucker Lutter has located a Little Blue Heron west of IA Hwy-12 south of Akron. The bird is an immature and all white.

Look west at the intersection of Hwy-12 and Birch Ave in flood water behind a small private campground and small, former gravel pit.

Paul Roisen provided these lat-long coordinates: 42.78803, -96.58896.

Tucker’s pin for the Little Blue Heron: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CDLxt1jaVeQMkUzK8

This area is south of the River's Bend Wildlife Area and campground.

Bill H., Hotline editor

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 27 JULY 2024

*Image copyright 2024 by Jerry L. Mennenga, used with permission.*

Went to the Winnebago Homecoming Celebration (pow wow) this weekend. And while in the stands shooting activity in the circle below, I noticed barn swallows flying about. A lot of them, all over the place.

There are US flags flying from most support posts for "stadium" seating for the circle at Veterans Park. All of the flags flying are from tribal member families who had a loved one that served in some armed service branch for the US.

A couple of barn swallows ended up perching on some of the tie ropes that holds the flags in place. And one little guy just stayed there, taking in the activity, drumming and singing.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA

https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 26 JULY 2024

Snyder Bend Lake, Woodbury County, IA; Thurston and Dakota Counties, NE:

Bird Highlights:

Pileated Woodpecker, 3 together in a dead cottonwood
Osprey, 1-2
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 1
Great Blue Heron, probably more than 50, ubiquitous
Great Egret, 1
Green Heron, 2

The June floods raised the Missouri River to a level where it flowed through this remnant oxbow lake and replenished the water that was in short supply during the drought years. It currently is four feet above 'typical' levels which allows one to kayak or canoe well beyond the typical shoreline and explore flooded marshes, brushlands and thickets. Water quality appears good and the water quite clear.

The boat launch has been closed since the flood and I may have been the first to explore this wonderland. From the dam on the lower end (east) to the upper end at the power plant (west), I encountered no other people. The power plant is still supplying water, so water levels may be high for some time.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 25 JULY 2024

*Image copyright 2024 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

On Thursday, July 25, I kayaked to the extreme west side of Brown's Lake (Woodbury County, IA) to look for marsh birds. Water levels were good (the power plant still supplying water), and I was able to progress to the west part of this nearly circular oxbow lake.

There I did flush one Least Bittern, but did not see or hear many other marsh residents, other than Great Blue Herons, Common Yellowthroats, Belted Kingfishers and Wood Ducks.

This portion of the lake has changed much over the years. I remember finding several Least Bitterns there in the 1970's and 1980's by canoe when the area was entirely cattails. Jerry Probst and I also found, on one occasion, a Common Moorhen/Gallinule there in those days. Since that time much of the area was overtaken by invasive water lillies, which probably greatly reduced the nesting species that make their nests of cattails.

More recently, the European invasive Phragmites sp. has crowded out both cattails and lillies in some areas. Presumably, this also limits native species of birds that have evolved with cattails and may not be able to use Phragmites in the same ways.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 23 JULY 2024

*Image copyright 2024 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

Adams Homestead

An early morning bike ride around the trails at Adams Homestead with some fog/smoke/haze revealed 32 species. Most notable was listening to a conversation among three Eastern Whip-poor-wills where the power lines intersect with Cottonwood Crossing.

On the west shore of Mud Lake, a little south of the new Mud Lake interpretive sign, I also unintentionally eavesdropped on a conversation between two Sora. Both were calling kerweee, one closer to my spot on the trail than the other. It was a good conversation where one responded as soon as the other finished.

I also heard a Vesper Sparrow singing on the southeast edge of the River Loop where the trail runs adjacent to private property.

No Bell’s Vireo today in spite of finding my first one of 2024 along the River Loop trail a little north of the structures on the bank of the Missouri River on Monday, 7/15/24. A Blue Grosbeak was also singing in that area.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Snyder Bend

An ambitious female oriole hunting for a meal on a dead tree limb.

A Great Blue Heron took off and headed for an area hidden by reeds.

Then evening and day shots of a Killdeer. I liked the fading light but it doesn't do much for the bird. The daylight reflections are decent though. Although it took a while for it to come back and look for food as I wasn't able to get too close with a long lens and tele converter in play.

Finally, a nice Canadian goose, who unlike its earlier counterparts, didn't land with its back to me but circled and landed facing me. A nice bird indeed.

And finally a couple of artsy shots from Snyder. The flood water isolated some plants along the edge near the sidewalk and creates a kind of high key look/reflection.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 10 JULY 2024

Owego Wetlands

The last time I checked on the eagles out at Owego at the nesting tree I didn't see any activity. I think that was late May or early June.

I ventured down a road I hadn't checked out before that dead ends on the backside of the eagle nesting tree in the field. To my surprise, these two adults were sitting and sharing a branch. The eagle on the right was out closer to the edge of the long branch then moved in closer to be nearer its mate. Maybe they saw me.

It was a hazy day and lousy light, although it was only around 8:30-9:00 AM. when I was out at the complex.

And a few more images of the usual suspects (Dickcissel and Eastern Kingbird). They pose so nicely and I can get a decent background to make them standout when photographing there, I just can't resist.

And I don't understand it, but towards the end of my driving about, I always find a goldfinch but see it too late to stop and get a photo without it taking off. Shining like a pot of gold in the sunlight against the green plants. They are such teasers.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE SunDAY, 7 JULY 2024

I made a trip to Adams Homestead Sunday around noon or thereafter. Too late for better bird watching although I did find some critters. And of course, walking further back on the River Loop trail pass the meadow area and where the corn field starts the mosquitoes found me. If I stopped to look for birds or shoot them, they swarmed. And I had sprayed bug repellent on me before walking.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ or https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE SaturDAY, 6 JULY 2024

Cone Park

Cone Park is not just for bicyclists! There are walking trails that go through the park. But mountain bikers and hikers need to be sure they are on the correct trails. The trails are marked.

I have made four visits to the cross-country mountain bike trails at Cone Park. Each time I’ve explored a little more where my skill level permits. Although I have not yet run an eBird list, I have seen or heard quite a few along my route. My list includes: Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Eastern Towhee, Red-eyed Vireo, Downy Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Western Kingbird, Eastern Kingbird, Red-tailed Hawk, Turkey Vulture, Wild Turkey, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Yellow Warbler, Warbling Vireo, White-breasted Nuthatch, Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, and more, I’m sure.

Below, are a few images from my rides along the cross-country mountain bike trails.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 2 JUly 2024

Bacon Creek

A morning walk around Bacon Creek revealed 34 species, all typical for this time of year. Highlights (to me) included Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and a stalking Great Blue Heron.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE SunDAY, 30 JUNE 2024

Here are pictures of a Cooper’s Hawk (top row images) seeking refuge in the treetops in my backyard. Four or five crows were chasing it and settled into the tree branches surrounding the hawk. The hawk kept jumping to different branches, in photo it is looking directly up, watching one of the aggressive crows. The hawk kept calling out and I could hear another hawk responding. The other hawk settled into a tree in a neighbor's yard, but eventually settled onto a branch in my backyard and finally they both left.

Safety in numbers I guess, but the crows followed them when they left and I could hear the crows up to 2-3 blocks away. Funny, it seemed the second hawk the crows were not so interested in as they were the first hawk that landed.

My friend, Carey, and I went to Snyder Bend last week and this little guy (Eastern Wood-Pewee, bottom row images) caught a bug and then flew about looking for more and landing nearby. We could not get out to the observation deck at Snyder Bend as brackish water covered the trail in a low lying area.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA http://www.lostinsiouxland.com and Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 25 june 2024

Cedar Waxwing (left) and Willow Flycatcher (right) - both taken at Snyder Bend Park

Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 17 june 2024

This bird was feeding on some birdseed scattered about on the ground in our backyard in southern Plymouth County. I believe it is a fledgling Western Meadowlark. Please feel free to correct me if I am in error.

Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 16 june 2024

Leesa and I went on a bike ride with our electric bike at Adam’s on Father's Day. About 9:30 am we were on the west side of Adam’s just adjacent to Wystone Development. I was ahead of Leesa by about 25 feet. I clearly saw a pileated woodpecker in flight no more than 30 feet flying underneath the cottonwoods. Leesa and I had microphones in our helmets for communication. I said to Leesa, “Did you just see that pileated fly by?” She replied that she did and we visited about that for the next 10 minutes. We discussed what she saw and compared with what I saw and we both had concurrence with what the two of us saw. This would be the first time for us that we had seen a pileated in Adam’s. Saw the red crest, black underneath with the exception of the white leading feathers of the wings that extended almost to the wing tips.

NOTE: Scroll down to 28 April 2024 for Pileated Woodpecker photos from Stone Park by Jon and Leesa.

In addition to the pileated we saw approximately 10-15 Red-headed woodpeckers, 12 Brown thrashers, over 20 American Robins and 1 Yellow Warbler.

Jon N., and Leesa M., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 12 june 2024

Little Sioux Park, Correctionville, IA

A morning walk along Union Bridge Trail from Little Sioux Park to Correctionville and back produced a list of 44 species, all typical for our location and time of year. Notables (to me) include: Spotted Sandpiper, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and Eastern Phoebe. The highlight was finding two eaglets at the Bald Eagle nest along the trail. One was perched to the side of the nest and exercising its wings in the breeze, the other was either in or on the nest as I walked past.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 10 june 2024

We also have had regular visits of Indigo Buntings to our place here on the Missouri River. Was able to get many shots of both the male and female to share if you would like to.

Mark H., along the wide Missouri

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 9 june 2024

Owego Wetlands Complex

I didn't get to Owego until 8:30 AM or so and I knew the lighting was going to suck a bit this time of year even "that early in the morning". But I photographed anyway. It was a bit harsh for some of the images.

I felt bad for the one meadowlark (top row, left) I came across as it looks like it's missing part of its top beak. Wondering how that affects its feeding.

Saw Mark H. who was driving about with his grandson, who will be doing a research project in that area comparing cut and uncut fields and how that relates to the bird population. I believe that is the gist of his project.

The dickcissels put on quite a show singing their hearts out (top row, middle and right) while other birds were "buried" (bottom row, left) back within some trees and shrubs making me work a bit to get a clear shot. Towards the end of my time which was around 10:00 AM the birds kind of stayed put along the roadway which is how I got most of the images shooting from inside the car.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA http://www.lostinsiouxland.com and Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 8 june 2024

Female Indigo Bunting in our garden gathering nesting material.

Jon N. and Leesa M., Southern Plymouth County

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 5 june 2024

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

A morning bicycle ride around the trails produced 43 species of birds all typical for this area. Notable highlights were 1 singing Eastern Whip-poor-will, 8 seen and heard Eastern Meadowlarks and 9 seen and heard Dickcissels.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 31 may 2024

A visual summary of May birding adventures with Jan N. and Jerry V.

Top Row Images:

Canada Goose — Going out on a limb!
Green Heron — My limb is smaller!!
American Goldfinch — State Bird of Iowa showing its Gold.
Brown Thrasher — Just resting.
Western Kingbird — Looking for lunch.

Bottom Row Images:

Western Kingbird — I think I see something!
Scarlet Tanager — Always great to see!
Black Tern — Searching the marsh.
Common Yellowthroat — I like to hide.
Eastern Bluebird — Come and join us!

Videos:

Kind of windy today! — Common Yellowthroat
Watch us swim mom! — Wood Duck Family

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 30 may 2024

*Mourning Dove (left) and Eurasian Collared-Dove (right) by Jon Nylen, copyright 2024, used with permission.*

Mourning Dove and Eurasian Collared-Dove taken in Southwestern Plymouth County, 4 miles ENE of Jefferson, SD

*Brown Thrasher image copyright 2024 by Jon Nylen, used with permission.*

Brown Thrasher (above) taken 4 miles ENE of Jefferson, SD, southern Plymouth County, Iowa

Killdeer photos (above) taken in Little Sioux Park, RR Correctionville, IA.

Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 29 may 2024

Carey A. and I went on a road trip Wednesday. Our original destination of Niobrara, NE kind of turned into a bust. We were hoping for more cloud play with lights and darks, which seemed to come later.

After driving highway 12 and stopping for a couple of scenics we headed to Yankton and swung by Gavins Point Dam and lucked out. Tons of American White Pelicans. Ran into Roger D. who estimated roughly 400 of them hanging around the spillway. They would ride the water out then take off and fly back in to repeat the action.

Sadly some fishermen kept encroaching on where the pelicans were, trying to hook the fish the pelicans were after and, whether intentional or not, would chase them away. Luckily the pelicans returned.

Roger, by the way, gives a shout out to Bill and Jerry. He was enjoying his new Canon lens, a 200-800 RF lens. He also acquired some new crazy fast CF cards and on one single shoot had captured 11,000 images. I hate editing the 1,300 images which I shot of the pelicans.

It was fun just watching the birds fly about, take off, land again and so close to the Nebraska side it made it easier to photograph them. At least the day didn't turn out to be a bust finding the pelicans as the landscape/scenic expectations did.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 27 may 2024

I went back to Correctionville Monday to photograph the community's Memorial Day parade which was at 10:00 AM. It was a nice parade and I will post on my blog later.

I got there a little after 8:00 AM so I went to check the eagle's nest. Got a few better photos of an adult watching over the nest. I encountered one jogger, a family of three riding bikes and a couple and their stroller while on the trail. It was not very busy around the parking area at all. The adult made "softer" alarm sounds about people walking by the nest than during previous visits. Didn't see the eaglet's head above the rim at any time. Maybe it was nap time after an early breakfast.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 25 may 2024

Adams Homestead

A morning bicycle ride around the trails revealed 36 species. I noted one Eastern Whip-poor-will. Winds, however, were from the south at 14 to 24 mph which affected by ability to detect birdsong as well as the capabilities of Merlin Sound ID. One Spotted Towhee continues singing on the preserve. I have not yet detected any Bell’s Vireos.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

From Left: Waning gibbous moon; sunrise; Bird On a Bat Box (Eastern Meadowlark)

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 23 may 2024

Owego Wetlands Complex

A series of portraits from my trip to Owego Thursday. The birds were somewhat cooperative. There is a series of the female Red-winged Blackbird. Wind was gusting out there Thursday and the small twig of the bush broke and the bird had to do some aerobatics to regain balance and land on another twig.

The Great Blue Heron was a bit bashful. When it heard me driving along the gravel road it bolted, but I had enough time to get off a few frames, which thankfully, a couple were in focus.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA, http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 22 may 2024

A friend and fellow photographer and I visited Correctionville this week and the eaglet was being quite shy and coy, staying behind some foliage and nest "twigs" so that his head was barely visible. However one of the parents flew overhead and made its presence and concern noted. We kept walking along the trail then turned and returned and the parent stopped making overhead passes.

The inquisitive Baltimore Oriole who was hanging out around the bridge. Then, the Eastern Kingbird was in a meadow area not far from the bridge also. Lastly, a Common Grackle posed so nicely within the beams of the bridge I thought it made for an interesting composition.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 19 may 2024

We’ve had a Tanager visit our feeder 6 days in a row. This photo was taken on the 5th day, May 19th.

Jon N. and Leesa M., Plymouth County, IA

*Baltimore Oriole (left) and Scarlet Tanager (right) image copyright 2024 by Jon Nylen, used with permission.*

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 16 may 2024

Deer Creek WMA, Plymouth County, IA

I had a singing Henslow's Sparrow at Deer Creek WMA around 11 am today. The approximate location is at this pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/We6vVtFeK4wihu1o9

NOTE: only the second Henslows record locally, to my knowledge. — Bill Huser, editor

Tucker L., Plymouth County, IA

K Ave, north of NE-35, Dakota County, NE

In a new wet area, possibly due to a tile system malfunction, near the roadside, 0.25 miles north of NE-35, many showy shorebirds:

Ruddy Turnstone, 4 in alternate plumage
Black-bellied Plover , 4 alternate
American Avocet, 29 alt.
Dunlin, 32 alt.
Hudsonian Godwit, 9
White-rumped Sandpiper, >10
Semi-palmated Sandpiper, >4
Franklin Gull, 30

Kathy P., Sioux City and Bill H., South Sioux City

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 14 may 2024

Plymouth County, IA

Scarlet Tanager at our bird feeder today and a late image of a Spotted Sandpiper photographed at Bacon Creek on 5/8/24.

Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

Sioux City Neighborhood

There is an active Yellow-bellied Sapsucker nest in our neighborhood.

Rex R., Sioux City, IA

Little Sioux Park

A morning walk along the Union Bridge Trail between Little Sioux Park and Correctionville revealed 44 species. There were no real surprises for species. It was nice to see and photograph a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and an Eastern Phoebe. Most notable was the presence of one eaglet within the nest. On my way to Correctionville I one adult flew over carrying something in its bill. I found the eaglet in the nest but no evidence of the adult birds. On my return to the park I found the two adults, one on the park-side of the nest, the other on the Correctionville-side, but no evidence of the eaglet.

Randy W. Sioux City, IA

Top Row, from left: Very high Little Sioux River from Union Bridge; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker; Eaglet

Bottom Row, from left: Adult Bald Eagle; Eastern Phoebe; Rose-breasted Grosbeak

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 13 may 2024

Building Better Birders

Hillview Recreation Area hosted Kelly McKay for Iowa’s Building Better Birders program. This session featured the warblers of Iowa and was attended by five birders wishing to improve their warbler skills. This included Marla and Kevin K., and Randy W. of Loess Hills Audubon.

The morning was spent following the walking trails at Hillview Park from about 6:15 AM to 11:45 AM. A total of 86 species were identified by the group. Notable sightings include: Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Great Egret, Broad-winged Hawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Veery, Wood Thrush, Worm-eating Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Wilson’s Warbler, Summer Tanager, and Scarlet Tanager.

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 11 may 2024

Ponca State Park

West of Shooters' Valley

Lazuli Bunting, 1 male

On sandbars out from the Park's Kayak launch

Sanderling, 3
Dunlin, 2
Piping Plover, 5
Least Tern, 1
other shorebirds

On Sandbars NE of the Backwater trailhead

Ruddy Turnstone, 1
Piping Plover, 3
Least Tern, 1
other shorebirds

Observers: Camo Birder (anonymous); Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 8 may 2024

Morningside neighborhood, Sioux City, IA

Some recent guests passing through the area that stopped by. I was really surprised at some of my visitors. My neck hurt a bit after trying to follow the little warblers flitting about the tree limbs up high. I was also surprised to see the Rose-breasted Grosbeak visit my backyard.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA.
http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

Top Row: All Black-and-white Warbler

Middle Row: Blue Jay (left and middle), Rose-breasted Grosbeak (right)

Bottom Row: Ruby-crowned Kinglet (left), Nashville Warbler (middle and right)

K Avenue grasslands

4 Sora
7 American Golden-Plover
5 Semipalmated Plover
55 Hudsonian Godwit -- Large group counted most showed white on tail and wing in flight
2 Marbled Godwit
22 Wilson's Phalarope
5 Spotted Sandpiper
1 Solitary Sandpiper
4 Lesser Yellowlegs
2 Willet
1 Greater Yellowlegs
2 Stilt Sandpiper
2 Buff-breasted Sandpiper -- Small head dark eye in grass dark thin bill
2 Dunlin
2 White-rumped Sandpiper
50 Least Sandpiper
6 Pectoral Sandpiper
4 Semipalmated Sandpiper
10 Western Cattle Egret
1 Bald Eagle
1 Grasshopper Sparrow

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE

Southwood Conservation Area

The light play the day my friend Carey and I visited the Southwood Conservation Area near Smithland was pretty sweet. Maybe as good as the few birds we found there as well. There were some warblers, but they made it difficult to photograph them, hiding amongst the tree branches and such.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 7 may 2024

Stone Park

While hiking through Stone Park today we captured the following photographs (below image gallery from left to right):

Red-eyed vireo
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Great Blue Heron
House Wren

We also captured audio via Merlin of the following:

Baltimore Oriole
American Robin
White-breasted Nuthatch
Osprey
American Goldfinch
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Indigo Bunting
Canada Goose
Red-winged Blackbird
Northern Cardinal
Common Yellowthroat
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Black-headed Grosbeak
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Eastern Towhee
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Hairy Woodpecker

Jon saw an Osprey fly overhead near Turtle Lake. While near Turtle Lake, Leesa picked up a Rose-breasted Grosbeak audio track on Merlin and within 10 seconds a "flock" of approximately 30 grosbeaks flew over us into the trees on the north side of Turtle Lake. We had never seen that many grosbeaks congregated together. A first.

Also, two good birds that were life birds for us from an audio perspective were the Black-headed Grosbeak and the Red-breasted Nuthatch.

Jon N., and Leesa M., Plymouth County, IA

A morning walk in Stone Park’s Pammel Valley revealed 32 species. Notable sightings include: Osprey; Olive-sided (second image from left, below) and Great Crested Flycatcher; Yellow-throated and Red-eyed Vireo; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (two images on right, below); and Louisiana Waterthrush.

Randy W. Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 6 may 2024

Bacon Creek

A morning walk around the trails at Bacon Creek Park revealed 35 species. Notable sightings include: Yellow-throated Vireo, Swainson’s Thrush, Tennessee Warbler, American Redstart, and a singing Wood Thrush.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 5 may 2024

Southern Plymouth County Bird feeders

14 Baltimore Orioles
8 Brown-headed Cowbirds
2 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
12 Bluejays
1 Scarlet Tanager
2 Red-headed Woodpeckers
4 Red-bellied Woodpeckers
1 Chipping Sparrow
7 House Sparrows
6 Wild Turkeys
5 Turkey Vultures
2 Eastern Kingbird

Snyder Bend Park

We walked approximately 2 miles south of the park. We saw the following and Merlin detected the remainder on sound alone.

24 Red-winged Blackbirds
8 Red-headed Woodpeckers
6 Brown-headed Cowbirds
4 American Robins
13 House Wrens
3 American Goldfinches
2 Brown Thrashers
2 Canadian Geese
2 Eastern Kingbird
1 Northern Harrier (top row, left)
Warbling Vireo (top row, middle)
Least Flycatcher (top row, right)
Palm Warbler (bottom row, left)
White-crowned Sparrow (bottom row, middle)
Belted Kingfisher (bottom row, right)

In addition, Merlin audio detected the following species

Yellow Warbler
American Redstart
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Tree Swallow
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Field Sparrow
Ring-necked Pheasant
House Sparrow
Northern Flicker
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Hairy Woodpecker
Ovenbird
Red-bellied Woodpecker
European Starling
Blue Jay
Nashville Warbler
Gray Catbird

Jon N., and Leesa M., Plymouth County, IA

Adams Homestead

An early morning bicycle ride around the figure 8 trails revealed 51 species. Notables include: singing Eastern Whip-poor-wills; a Great Horned Owl that flew across the trail in front of me; Least Flycatcher; Eastern and Western Kingbirds; Swainson’s Thrush; a sparrow-palooza of Chipping, Clay-colored, Field, White-crowned, Harris’s, White-throated, and Lincoln’s; a singing Spotted Towhee; Eastern and Western Meadolarks; and Yellow, Blackpoll, Palm, and Yellow-rumped Warblers.

Randy W. Sioux City, IA

Left to Right: A little fog, 3 Eastern Meadowlarks and a Red-winged Blackbird, Swainson’s Thrush, Lincoln’s Sparrow

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 4 may 2024

Woodbury County

*Wood Thrush image copyright 2024 by Rex Rundquist, used with permission.*

I went to the Wildflower Walk at Fowler Preserve this morning and ended up birding for most of the day. I heard and then saw a couple of Wood Thrush at Fowler.

The Square was productive again today with a dozen Long-billed Dowitchers mixed with many Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs and a few Stilt Sandpipers. I have included a few photos of those. The photo of three species together are Stilt Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher (LBDO) and Greater Yellowlegs, left to right (far left image, below). There’s a better photo of a Stilt by itself (second image from left, below), a photo of a few LBDO together (third image from left, below) , and a mixed group of Yellowlegs (far right image, below).

Rex R., Sioux City, IA

Fontanelle Forest

A friend and I went to Fontenelle Forest in Omaha to practice some bird photography. Here are a few images from our trip. Left to Right: House Wren, Indigo Bunting, Swainson’s Thrush, White-breasted Nuthatch.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA.
http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 3 may 2024

Plymouth County, IA

Red-headed Woodpecker returns -- one year to the day!!!

Jon N., and Leesa M., Southwest Plymouth County

Prairie Park

A morning walk around Prairie Park revealed 32 species. Interesting notables include the following songsters: Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Warbling Vireo, Baltimore Oriole, and Rose-breated Grosbeak. A Green Heron was seen and a Spotted Sandpiper (middle image, below) and several Least Sandpipers (right image, below) were cooperative photo subjects.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 1 may 2024

We just saw our first hummingbird of the season! Last year our first was May 9th! We did have the feeders out and ready!!!

Leesa M., Plymouth County, IA

Bacon Creek Park

Went to Bacon Creek yesterday (5/1/24). Spent maybe 3-4 hours sauntering, if one wants to call it that. I probably stood around searching brush and tree limbs the better part of that time.

Merlin told me that I heard roughly 20 different birds. I thought I had shut Merlin off after one recording but evidently not, and left the phone in a jacket breast pocket and it kept recording bird song. Geez, I am impressed the phone mic picked up the birds inside the jacket. Perhaps a little scary?

I was surprised how close I could get to the eastern towhees feeding on the ground. I just sat down and waited.

The majority of the birds were along the water, especially leading up to and away from the spillway.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA, http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

Top Row, from Left: Yellow-rumped Warbler, female, male and male; male Eastern Towhee; female Eastern Towhee

Bottom Row, from Left: Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Yellow Warbler; House Wren; Brown Thrasher; female Red-winged Blackbird

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 30 APRIL 2024

Bacon Creek

A walk around the lake this morning, before the thunderstorm, produced 31 species including my first Yellow Warblers and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. Other sightings of note: Gray Catbird; Spotted Sandpiper; Chipping, Field, White-throated, and Harris’s Sparrows; and a singing Eastern Meadowlark.

Rex R. was also birding before the inclement weather. He reported Clay-colored Sparrows which I did not see.

Randy W., and Rex R., Sioux City, IA

SE Wildwood Park (Plymouth County)

Before thundershowers moved through, TONs of blue jays (not surprising with all the white oak trees) and usual and customary spring birds - brown thrasher, and audibles (my own bad ears & Merlin) on eastern towhees & rose-breasted grosbeaks.

Best surprise was my second-ever sighting of a black-and-white warbler with their nuthatch-like foraging -

And once back at home, my FOY ruby-throated hummer.

Kristy M., Plymouth County, IA

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

Eastern Kingbird and Bank Swallow showed up this morning at Kramper Lake.

Bob L., Dakota Dunes, SD

Plymouth County, IA

Baltimore Oriole in the Loess Hills, Southern Plymouth County
Field Sparrow witting on my deck railing in the rain.

Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 29 APRIL 2024

I went out to Stone State Park Monday morning to look for the pileated woodpecker. Didn't see it so drove down to Turtle Lake. I found an opsrey flying about along with a couple of ducks and geese.

I went back out Monday afternoon with the sun shining to see if the woodpecker was back. Well, there was an osprey sitting on a branch with a fish above the woodpecker's entrance hole. Guessing the woodpeckers weren't returning until that guy was gone. The osprey sat for the longest time looking about before it even tried eating the fish it had.

I made my way up the hill at the entrance of the park where there are some wood steps like at Dorothy Pecaut and kept low behind a tree and some tall weeds. Got into a position where I could sit on a camping stool, draped a cami cover over me and the lens and shot photos for about an hour or so.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA, http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

Little Sioux Park, Correctionville, IA

A cool, windy morning at Little Sioux Park produced 39 species. Highlights for me were: two Willets, about 30 Franklin’s Gulls (far right image, below) , Forster’s Tern, Cooper’s Hawk, Bald Eagle, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (middle image, below), Warbling Vireos singing, and a Lark Sparrow (second image from left, below).

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

The Rock Place - PRIVATE PROPERTY

Can you see the Sora hiding in the marsh?
Sora came out of hiding!

Jerry V., and Jan N., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 28 APRIL 2024

Leesa and I were birding in Stone State Park this morning, Sunday, April 28, 2024, and were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of a Pileated Woodpecker. Apologies for bad focus.

We also had an Osprey came swooping into the park near Turtle Lake, circle a big dead tree and attempted to land on a branch and we heard the branch crack and it flew off. You can see the fresh break from the Osprey on the limb. It should be noted Merlin Sound ID picked up about 8 separate birds while we were driving up from Turtle Lake.

Jon N., and Leesa M, Plymouth County, IA

Plymouth and Woodbury Counties

Our first reports of returning Baltimore Orioles came in on Sunday, Apr. 28. Since then additional reports from other locations were received. Marla and Kevin also reported a Gray Catbird.

Get those feeders or oranges out!

Observers: Marla & Kevin Kerr and Leesa McNeil & Jon Nylen

Prairie Park, Sioux City, IA

A morning walk before the rain produced a surprising 30 species at Prairie Park. Highlights, to me, included: Spotted Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull, Forster’s Tern, my first Warbling Vireos for the year, and Savannah Sparrow. I also found a swallow roost with Northern Rough-winged, Tree, and Cliff Swallows sharing the same tree.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 27 APRIL 2024

The Rock Place, PRIVATE PROPERTY, view after business hours

Sora, 2 FOY
Plus 6 species of shorebirds

K Ave., Dakota County, NE

Cattle Egret, 2 FOY
American Golden-Plover, 62
Semi-Palmated Plover, 3 FOY
American Avocet, 72
Willet, 62
Hudsonian Godwit, 13
Marbled Godwit, 3
Long-billed Dowitcher, >40
White-faced Ibis, 5
Forster's Tern, 9
Northern Shrike, 1 Very Late
In all, 18 species of shorebirds

Kramper Lake

Black Tern, 1 FOY, early
Cliff Swallow, many FOY
Bank Swallow, 4 FOY
American Avocet, 103

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Top Row, from Left: Cattle Egret, Hudsonian Godwit, Long-billed Dowitcher

Bottom Row, from Left: Marbled Godwit, Willet, Sora

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 25 APRIL 2024

Summary

American Bittern, The Square (private, view from road)
Black-necked Stilt, 2, The Square (private)
American Golden-Plover, 6, K Ave, Dakota County (private, view from road)
Hudsonian Godwit, The Rock Place (private, view after business hours)
Willet, The Rock Place (private)
Forster's Tern, 3, Kramper Lake

Observers: Mark Haindfield, Tucker Lutter, Bob Livermore, Bob Nickolson, Rob Towler, Jerry Probst, Bill Huser

Sioux City, Woodbury County

We were excited to see a couple of Pine Siskins this month in our yard - the first since last May (2023). Kevin took these photos of a Pine Siskin and an American Goldfinch eating together on 4-25-2024. In addition, I observed a large bird in a tree in our area, which on further inspection was an adult Bald Eagle.

Marla and Kevin Kerr

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 24 APRIL 2024

Summary

Eastern Whip-poor-will, several locations near Broken Kettle FOY
Least Tern, Snyder's Bend FOY
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Stone Park
Pileated Woodpecker, Joy Hollow and Stone Park
Loggerhead Shrike, Broken Kettle Preserve FOY
Northern Parula, Stone Park FOY

Observers: Mark Haindfield, Tucker Lutter, Bob Livermore, Bob Nickolson, Rob Towler, Jerry Probst, Bill Huser

Stone Park

Northern Parula, 1 male FOY
Broad-winged Hawk, 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1
Pileated Woodpecker, 1 Nesting

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 23 APRIL 2024

Leesa and I went to Turtle Lake in Stone Park on Monday in hopes of seeing a Pileated Woodpecker. We heard several tree drummings that were inconclusive for being a compared to our Merlin app. While there we saw the following:

4 mallards - 2 hens, 2 drakes
14 blue-winged teal (left image, below)
8 Canada geese
1 Towhee - unknown whether spotted, Eastern or rufous-sided
1 house wren (second from left image, below)
1 Northern Flicker

We then went to Joy Hollow in hopes of seeing a Pileated. Ran into Tucker Lutter while there and he said he had heard a Pileated earlier in the morning.

2 American Kestrels (remaining 3 images, below)
2 Eastern Bluebirds - 1 male, 1 female

Jon N., and Leesa M., Plymouth County, IA

Broken Kettle Grassland

Had a Loggerhead Shrike at Broken Kettle Grasslands yesterday and today. It was along Highway 12 near the driveway to the office.

This morning a Peregrine Falcon was harassing a Swainson's Hawk and Turkey Vulture at the Broken Kettle Office. An Osprey has also been hanging around the ponds on 234th Street and Butcher Road.

A massive flight of Franklin's Gulls also took place yesterday at Broken Kettle with at least 4,000 over the course of the afternoon.

The Pileated Woodpecker was present at Joy Hollow again today just south of the cabins.

Tucker L., Broken Kettle Grassland Preserve

The Square

Black-bellied Plover, 1 FOY (right image, below)
Dunlin, 1 FOY
Swainson's Hawk, 3 (left image, below)

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 22 APRIL 2024

Dakota County Birds — K Ave Grasslands north of NE-35

*Northern Shrike image copyright 2024 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

Hudsonian Godwit, 18
Willet, 1 FOY
Dowitcher sp., 25 FOY
White-faced Ibis, 22 FOY
All these shorebirds were present for only a few minutes each. Many Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall and others also present.

Hamlin Ave

Northern Shrike, 1 LATE!

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

The 'Square', Woodbury County, IA

An adult Peregrine Falcon was observed in the prairie close up by the road with a bird in its clutches. With a south wind gusting up to 40 MPH it was having trouble getting off the ground. The unfortunate bird appeared to be a Killdeer.

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

Sioux City Northside

It was so cool to watch these guys/gals and to see heads popping up here and there as they adjusted themselves and dealing with the 30mph wind gusts Monday. I would get lined up and then, whoooooshhhhhhh. The wind blows me off my shot. Grrrrrrr.

So neat to see so many in one place. Although mostly hidden.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 21 APRIL 2024

These were taken at a Great Blue Heron rookery I found, it is just north of the former Mikes Saloon about a quarter-mile on K-22.

There is also a active rookery on the Southwest edge of Lemars just east of Hwy 75 across Hwy 75 from Loves Truck Stop.

Todd W., Sioux City, IA

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

A morning bicycle ride around the trail system revealed 36 species. Highlights include a Lesser Yellowlegs, immature Bald Eagle, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, several singing Brown Thrashers, Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Meadowlark, Eastern Towhee, and one singing Spotted Towhee.

I also stumbled upon a Red Admiral butterfly on a tree trunk tying to warm up after a 27F overnight.

I also noted a coyote running near the blind below the archery range. I was on the Lake Loop on the opposite side of Mud Lake when I saw it run along the bank, past the blind and up the trail and disappear.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Plymouth County, IA

Eastern Whip-poor-will calling tonight (4/21/2024)

Dotty Z., Plymouth County

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 20 APRIL 2024

Eastern Meadowlarks at Adams Homestead

I found the one on the tree top along the walking trail just as you leave the visitor's center, perched up high just singing its heart out. So much so that it gave me time to put my back down and put my lens and camera body together and then sit on the ground to take some photos.

I then hung out at one of the blinds just up the way for a while watching a "swirl" or whatever of blue-winged teal ducks circling an area while feeding (those pics to come later).

So then I went for a walk down the trail and veered to the left on the river loop. As I got closer to that trail that cuts across to the Cottowood trail into the trees that I heard more meadowlarks and saw then flitting about. I stepped off the trail into the trees right before that cutoff and stood for a bit and then a meadowlark dropped into the grass along that trail and began feeding.

It was like it was wearing its cloak of invisibility as everytime it bent down to eat something, "poof", it disappeared and walked along feeding. It's feathers on its back blending into the grasses. Then up it would pop and the yellow would show through, which is why I sent so many similar ones just to show that effect, plus then it would just start singing. Thought maybe I was at an Italian opera where people walk about a stage and then burst into song.

When it bent down to eat and I could kind of gauge where it was I tried creeping closer for better, tighter photos of its yellow chest showing through the grasses. Did miss the shot of this bird having a quick aerial conflict with another one. Image just isn't sharp.

It was fun to be able, finally, to get so up close and personal. Although a large zoom lens also helps. I believe I saw maybe 2-3, 3-4 pair flying about together. There were some meadowlarks also in that meadow area where the cut grass path and benches are that sits behind the farm lot (Sonny's Acres?) of the homestead.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

Eared Grebes on Storm Lake

I did a quick run up to Storm Lake after Dana Siefer left a message regarding Eared Grebes on the lake. Under poor lighting and lots of strong winds I recorded many of the about 70 grebe. Here are a few of what I recorded on the North West edge of the lake.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

Stone State Park

A morning outing to Pammel Valley and the trail head of the Carolyn Benne Nature Trail produced 25 species. Highlights were two Louisiana Waterthrush, one singing in Pammel Valley (two images on left, below) and the second around a dark pool just north of the trail head.

The area around Turtle Lake produced Eastern Towhee, Swamp, Song, and Lincoln’s Sparrow (two images on right, below), and a pair of Double-crested Cormorants fishing the lake.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Ponca State Park

Yesterday, Sunday, April 21, 2024, Leesa and I went out to Ponca to investigate information that someone saw a “hundred” eagles at PSP. We did not see a solitary eagle while at the park. While we were there, we renewed our yearly, out-of-state permit for $70.

We went on a short, mile hike both at the lookout and down at the water’s edge. I photographed a towhee which was very blurry and I was unable to get a good ID. Merlin Sound ID indicated it was a Spotted Towhee. We saw limited birds in the short amount of time we were there because of a trip to Sioux Falls later. Those birds included Eastern Bluebird, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow and some Canada Geese, about 20 (below images from Left to Right, respectively). We thought we saw an eagle sitting in what appeared to be an eagle nest. With my lens taxed to its maximum resolution ability, the eagle turned out to be a Canadian Goose in the ? nest. It appeared that there might be a gosling in the nest. Very hard to discern from the photo. The nest was approximately 50-60 feet off the ground. I was unaware this was part of their normal behavior.

Note: there was a small tree branch in front of the White-throated sparrow and a small repair job was required to be presentable. You have permission to further disseminate any photos as you see fit.

Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

Sioux City Prairie Park

Kevin and I visited Prairie Park on Sunday. We thought it would be a quick trip to empty the used fishing line receptacles, but 2 hours and 25 species later, we were still there. There were a few different species of duck on the lake, including 2 Hooded Mergansers, and a variety of sparrow species. There were two nestling groups of Canada Geese Goslings that were quite adorable. The star of the show was large flocks of Franklin's Gulls - who made quick passes on the lake and traveled onward.

Marla and Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

NOTE: It is great to see that fishermen, or the public, are using the fishing line receptacles. That much line is now out of the natural environment. Thanks, Marla & Kevin, for monitoring this!

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 19 APRIL 2024

Siouxland Highlights:

Trumpeter Swan, 4 Owego
Hudsonian Godwit, Sandhill Lake
Spotted Sandpiper, 2 Bacon Creek FOY
Willet, 1 The Square FOY
Least Sandpiper, 2 K Ave, Dakota County
Forster's Tern, 1 Snyder's Bend FOY
American Bittern, 1 Owego FOY
Great Egret, 1 Bacon Creek Park FOY
Louisiana Waterthrush, 1 Ponca State Park
Brewer's Blackbird, 50 K Ave, Dakota County

Observers: Rob Towler Randy Williams Jerry Probst Bill Huser

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 18 APRIL 2024

I had a Louisiana Waterthrush along Joy Creek directly west of the shelter at Joy Hollow Scout Camp in Plymouth County on April 18. There are some trails leading down into the ravine. The camp is open to the public now that it is owned by TNC.

The approximate location is at this pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TZ53vDbXpFP5SCc18

Tucker L., Broken Kettle Grasslands

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 17 APRIL 2024

Plymouth County, IA

First of Year (FOY) brown thrasher seen on the north side of Kingsley this morning.
FOY bank swallows seen at SE Wildwood Park, Plymouth Co (over the pond that's on pasture just west of the park's west fenceline.

Kristy M., Plymouth Co

Kramper Lake/ Danish Alps:

Common Loon, 1 continuing from yesterday
Rough-winged Swallow, 2 FOY
Lark Sparrow, 1 FOY

K Ave, north of NE-35:

American Golden-Plover, 44
Greater Yellowlegs, 9
Lesser Yellowlegs, 150
Hudsonian Godwit, 2 FOY
Marbled Godwit, 14 FOY
Wilson's Phalarope, 2 FOY
Franklin's Gull, 50
Brewer's Blackbird, 100

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE; Bob L., Dakota Dunes, SD

Plymouth County, IA

These American White Pelicans were photographed today off our deck in Southern Plymouth County during a flyby.

Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 16 APRIL 2024

Some of the reports I've gathered the past two days:

Black-necked Stilt — The Square
American Golden-Plover — K Ave, Dakota County, NE
Cattle Egret — Mud Lake, Adams Homestead
House Wren — Kramper Lake area
Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher — Stone State Park, Benne Trail
Savannah Sparrow — Kramper Lake
Grasshopper Sparrow — non-fatal window strike at Sue Bee Honey
Swamp Sparrow — multiple locations
Yellow-rumped Warbler — multiple locations
Louisiana Waterthrush — Stone State Park, Benne Trail

Observers: Randy Williams; Marla & Kevin Kerr; Tucker Lutter; Mark Haindfield; Jerry Probst; Bob Livermore; Rob Towler; and Bill Huser, LHAS Hotline coordinator.

K Avenue, north of NE-35

Franklin's Gull, 1000's

Kramper Lake/ Danish Alps:

Common Loon, 1, breeding (alternate) plumage, FOY
Sanderling, 6 FOY

Teri D., Homer, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 15 april 2024

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

I opted for an early morning ride at Adams to check for American Woodcock and Eastern Whip-poor-will. I did not see or hear either species. However, I discovered a total of 30 species during my ride around the trail system. Notable sightings for me were: Field, Vesper, and White-throated Sparrows; a singing Eastern Towhee and Eastern Phoebe; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; several disorganized “Vs” of Double-crested Cormorants flying over (second image from left); and a surprising 8 Eastern Meadowlarks (third image from left) at various locations along the trail system.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 13 april 2024

As far as I can tell the last sighting of the Say's Phoebe at Broken Kettle was April 11 at around 4:45 PM and it was absent on April 12. I hope it is around next week and I will send an update on Monday. There were likely two birds at the preserve as I had a second individual in the bison pasture toward the north end of the preserve on the 10th.

I had a visual sighting of the Pileated Woodpecker at Joy Hollow on April 12. It was at the far south end of the camp on the west side of Joy Creek. This area of the camp has no trails but it flew north along the creek toward an area with trails. There should be trail maps at the main entrance to the camp. TNC purchased this property last year so the public is free to explore the property.

The spring ephemeral flowers are starting to grow at Joy Hollow (some are blooming) including bloodroot, Dutchman's breeches, and white trout lily. Should be some beautiful blooms in the next week or so. If you are interested in plants I highly recommend the Iowa Wildflowers app - it is a great resource that has taught me a lot.

Last sighting of note - Scott Moats had calling Northern Bobwhites on the preserve yesterday morning. Good to see they are still hanging on in the northern hills.

There are new bison calves at the preserve that were born in the last week.

Stone State Park

Louisiana Waterthrush and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher have returned to Stone State Park today at the trailhead of the Carolyn Benne Nature Trail.

Tucker L., Broken Kettle Grasslands

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 11 april 2024

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

Several images from this morning at Adams Homestead.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 10 april 2024

Broken Kettle Grasslands

Say's Phoebe, 1 FOY and rare

Look along entrance road to office.

Tucker L., Broken Kettle Prairie, Plymouth County, IA

Found early this morning by Preserve staffer, Tucker Lutter and re-found on entrance road at 9:40 AM and photographed.

Say's Phoebe, 1 RARE!
Eastern Phoebe pair
Franklin Gull, 16 low altitude flyover
Barn Swallow, 3

Tucker L., Broken Kettle, Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 10 april 2024

Three photos and two videos by Jan Null of Pileated Woodpeckers at Stone Park on 4-10-24. The birds were found and reported to me by Bob and Phyllis Nickolson.

Jerry V. and Jan N., Sioux City, IA

Photo captions:

Pileated Woodpecker (female) Drilling a hole at Stone Park.
Pileated Woodpecker (Female)-Time for a break!
Pileated Woodpecker (Male)-My turn!

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 9 april 2024

A Pileated Woodpecker was calling at Joy Hollow Scout Camp today and was heard throughout the morning and afternoon. TNC purchased the property last year and it is open to the public for hiking. The bird was calling from the heavily wooded Joy Creek valley to the west of the main lodge at the scout camp. This species continues its expansion north and it seems likely to me that the dense riparian woods along the Big Sioux River will continue to draw them north.

In other news I have moved back to the area after a long absence! I am now employed with The Nature Conservancy as Western Iowa Assistant Land Steward and will be headquartered at Broken Kettle Prairie. I look forward to attending Audubon field trips and meetings again in the near future.

Good birding,

Tucker L., Plymouth County, IA

Snyder's Bend

Black-necked Stilt, 1 FOY and rare
Bonaparte's Gull, 21 FOY

Owego Wetlands

Swainson's Hawk, 1 FOY
Peregrine Falcon, 1 FOY
Brewer's Blackbird, 7 FOY (look on burned grass)

The Square

Yellow-headed Blackbird, 16

Stone State Park

Pileated Woodpecker, 2 (Bob N.)

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 5 april 2024

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

These are not stellar photos of birds but I was checking out a "new to me" used camera body I recently received and wanted to record some images in case there were issues. It was a bit of a cornucopia of waterfowl, though, with a number of species kind of intermingled about.

I heard a Cooper's hawk around one of the taller trees near the shelter at the Welcome Center. After having some Cooper’s visit my backyard looking for a meal, I recognize the bird's chirp now while it's sitting in a tree. Todd W. was there, too, said he thought he had seen a couple of them flying about.

The light kept changing with clouds and sunshine, and it was a bit different shooting more late morning to midday. I also had to spend some time setting up the camera with settings as well. But rather than go home, it was nicer sitting outside and then being ready to go once I had some settings programmed into the various buttons on the camera body.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA; http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 30 MARCH 2024

Buckskin Hills vicinity, Dixon County:

Greater Prairie-Chicken, 7 displaying males
American White Pelican, 5 2nd of year

Powder Creek WMA, Dixon County

Double-crested Cormorant, 1 First Of Year (FOY)
Tree Swallow, 3 FOY
Northern Shrike, 1 late

Ponca State Park Resource Center feeders

Purple Finch, 1 male FOY

Ponca State Park - north unit, Dixon County

Short-eared Owl, 1 FOY
Also noted approximately 7 migrating American Kestrels

Ed B., Wayne, NE and Bill H., South Sioux City

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 29 MARCH 2024

A trip to Union Bridge Trail and Little Sioux Park provided this Bald Eagle image.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

*Bald Eagle image copyright 2024 by Jerry L. Mennenga, used with permission.*

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 22 MARCH 2024

Crystal Cove Park, South Sioux City, NE

Great Blue Heron, 1 FOY

Bill H., South Sioux City

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA

Red-breasted Merganser, 2, with Common Mergansers
Among 10 species of ducks forced down by the bad weather.

Rob T., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 21 MARCH 2024

Kramper Lake

Turkey Vulture, 1 FOY (left and center images, below)
Red-tailed Hawk (calurus/abieticola), 1 (image on right, below)

Bill H., South Sioux City

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 20 MARCH 2024

Crystal Cove Park, South Sioux City, NE

Red-breasted Merganser, 2 females, First of Year (FOY) Left after 5 minutes.

Bill H., South Sioux City

Owego Wetlands

These are not stellar images, even running them through another program to "enhance" them a bit.

The wind was pretty stiff, so trying to get a lower resolution images without the lens bobbing, even on a tripod it was challenging. The slightest motion and everything was out of focus.

I also had an Eastern Meadowlark (according to a bird book image) teasing the heck out of me. Sit on a branch, preen for a moment until I was lined up and then "poof", it was gone.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA http://www.lostinsiouxland.com and Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 19 MARCH 2024

A morning walk along Union Bridge Trail between Little Sioux Park and Correctionville revealed 22 species including Bald Eagles and first of year (FOY) Killdeer (for me).

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 18 MARCH 2024

I have a white tailed (leucistic) adult grackle. It came to me last year and is back today March 18, 2024.

Michele I., Sioux City, IA

Private Pond near Newcastle, NE

8 species of ducks including American Wigeon, 53
One of which was a 'Storm Wigeon,' a male with extensive white on its head, both on the crown and on the cheek. This condition is thought to be a genetic variant and is not due to leucism, a pigment disorder. Estimates of the occurrence of this rare variant are 1 in every 500-1000 male American Wigeons. Note in one of the attached photos it is next to a slow to molt American Wigeon with hardly any white on its head.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 17 MARCH 2024

Buckskin Hills vicinity

Greater Prairie-Chicken, 6

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 16 MARCH 2024

This morning, it appeared one bird was at the heron rookery on the west edge of Moville (near the car wash & Sinclair station); upon closer look, there were five.

A couple private farm ponds on Humboldt Avenue have waterfowl. I think these are both in Plymouth Co. The one just north of D-12 and to the east has two large swans, probably trumpeter, & a handful of ducks. The pond is probably 1/4-1/3 mile off the gravel, & without a scope, hard to definitively id them.

The farm pond on the west side of the road a mile south of C-70 has quite a few white geese beached on the eastern shore, some with gray, and some larger white bodies that appear to be swans. Again this pond is over a 1/2 mile away, & w/o a scope, hard to id but guessing snowies.

The northern shrike continues to be in the vicinity of 320th St. & Pioneer Avenue (Plymouth Co) - usually east of that intersection on power lines, but he's also been south as well. I got the best looks yet today: it was hanging on for dear life on the power line in the wind, rather than worrying about someone stalking him in a big pickup!

Kristy M., Plymouth County

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 13 MARCH 2024

Yesterday afternoon (3/12/24) I was surprised by a shrike on a powerline, about 1 mile east of the intersection of Pioneer Avenue & 320th street, Kingsley (Plymouth Co). I couldn't get my binoculars up fast enough before s/he disappeared behind me to get a definitive on which kind of shrike; by the time I got turned around to search for it, it was gone.

Kristy M., Plymouth County, IA

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

A morning bicycle ride around the preserve revealed 28 species of birds. Most notable sightings include one blue-phase Snow Goose (left image, below) on the North end of Mud Lake; a pair of Bufflehead with Mallards and Gadwalls on the South end; a pair of American Kestrels on the Northwest corner of Lake Loop near the private bison pasture; a Great Horned Owl; and two singing Eastern Meadowlarks (middle and right images, below) in adjacent territories.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE SunDAY, 10 MARCH 2024

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

Yes, the juvenile eagles were over the river when they did their "dance" on Sunday, as one youngster tried to steal what looks like a snow goose from the other juvenile.

In one of the last images you can see an out of focus adult sitting in a tree. The very first image is tack sharp, but the rest are just ever so slightly unsharp. UGH!!!!

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wEdneSDAY, 6 MARCH 2024

A morning bicycle ride around Adams Homestead revealed 14 species of birds. Most notable sightings were a pair of American Kestrels (left image, below) on the Northwest corner of the Lake Loop and one Northern Shrike (middle and right images) adjacent to the Missouri River on the River Loop.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 5 march 2024

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

Lots of birds in the last 2 days around the building.

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Lots of Robins & Goldfinches this morning
Wild Turkeys
Bald Eagle flyover
Tufted Titmouse was heard

Monday, March 4, 2024

2 Brown Creepers
12-15 Robins
8-10 Goldfinches
House Finch
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpeckers
Black-capped Chickadees
White-breasted Nuthatches
Bald Eagle flew over (they are nesting along Big Sioux again)

Theresa D. Kruid, Education Director, Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

Sunday, March 3, 2024 — Buckskin Hills WMA (SW of Newcastle, NE)

Golden Eagle, 2
Greater Prairie-Chicken, 4 displaying males (11 reported on the lek earlier in the week)

Saturday, March 2, 2024 — Ponca State Park, north unit on the Missouri River:

Greater White-fronted Goose, estimated 6000
Snow Goose, estimated 1000
Canada, Cackling and Ross's Geese in smaller numbers 13 species of ducks

Ed B., Wayne, NE and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2024

We continue to see, most days, one and sometime two Northern Saw-whet Owls. They tend to leave the second and third week in March each year. Here is one I found this morning. It had a second mouse stuck in the branches below.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 26 FEBRUARY 2024

Private wetlands, Woodbury County, IA

Ducks and Geese and Swans, oh my! (left)
Waterfowl getting ready to head north (middle)
A Northern Harrier searching for prey (right)

Jerry V., and Jan N., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2024

Great Backyard Bird Count at Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) got off to a great start when 7 hearty individuals gathered at the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center (DPNC) to wander around their backyard. Ten species were identified, most very close to the feeders near the visitor center due to the chill temperatures and increasing wind speed.

The highlight was finding a pair of Barred Owls near the end of our foray around the trails.

Thank you to Kari and Mariah for being excellent hosts and guides

Top Row: Snowy trail images by Randall Williams (left); Marla Kerr (center); Randall Williams (right)

Bottom Row, all by Kevin Kerr: Deer (left); Barred Owl (center and right)

All images copyright by the respective photographer as listed above, used with permission.

LHAS Bird Hotline thursday, 15 February 2024

I went to Browns Lake where I saw an eagle circle overhead and land in a tree across the lake, but then vanished. A few geese, but nothing stellar.

So I headed out and stopped by the bushes that line the drive coming into Bigelow Park. I had noticed birds the other day in the bushes, but then scattering after I would stop to look.

Thursday I stopped to look and realized these birds were Cedar Waxwings. I parked, put down the window and finally had to open my driver's door for better positioning. And I waited. They came back to the bushes to eat the berries, Flitting here and there. and gulping those suckers right down. It was challenging to photograph them among the bush stems. Then they would fly off and sit atop the nearby trees. I estimate there were 2-3 dozen waxwings up in the trees, and maybe 3-4 would come down to eat. It was fun photographing them and I got a bit lucky.

I also ran into Jan and Jerry out at Browns Lake doing a little bird reconnaissance themselves. I had actually passed them when I pulled into Snyder Bend Park. Small world.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS Bird Hotline Wednesday, 14 February 2024

Building Better Birders Workshop, Hillview Park, Hinton, IA

Three members of Loess Hills Audubon Society (Randy, Marla, and Kevin) arrived at Hillview Recreation Center in Plymouth County to attend a knowledgeable presentation and discussion on Owl identification by Kelly McKay. Kelly’s enthusiasm for birding is infectious; it is a real treat to attend one of his Citizen Science workshops!

After the discussion inside the Hillview Recreation Center, Kevin and Marla went birding with Kelly and Victoria! Plymouth County Conservation Naturalist Victoria DeVos led the driving tour. Our first stop was at an access point to the Hillview Recreation Area, where we saw Blue Jays, nuthatches and woodpeckers. As we drove, Kelly pointed out potential owl habitat and discussed strategies for locating owls.

Our second stop was at an area along the road where Victoria had seen Barred Owls. We called for a Barred Owl and one responded to us. Cedar Waxwings, Dark-eyed Juncos, and a Rough-legged Hawk were seen along this stop.

Kelly set up his scope at a stop near the Broken Kettle Grasslands, where he spotted a Golden Eagle, several more Rough-legged Hawks, and a Red-tailed Hawk. On the last stop on Highway 12, through the scope, we saw many Bald Eagles and a large number of Common Grackles mixed with some blackbird species.

For a day that started out with some promise of sun, it quickly disappeared into a cold and windy day testing the hardy birders.

Do not miss Kelly’s next Building Better Birders workshop at the Hillview Recreation Area on May 13th! There will be an opportunity to participate in two bird hikes and learn about the Warblers of Iowa. Kelly’s workshops are designed to be entertaining and educational for all levels of birders from beginner to expert. Contact Victoria DeVos at vdevos@plymouthcountyiowa.org or 712-947-4270 to register.

Snyder Bend County Park

I went out to Snyder Bend on Wednesday afternoon and yes, the clouds had moved in and things looked ugly. But still a lot of Greater White-Fronted geese there hanging out until the sunset got closer.

I got some practice in with the geese flying and landing because of the wind direction. They looked like those harrier aircraft that hover in place before actually landing. But I still have some work to do on technique.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS Bird Hotline Tuesday, 13 February 2024

Carey and I went to Brown’s Lake Tuesday afternoon to see what we might find. It was pretty much iced over. However, we saw maybe 200-250 greater white-fronted geese as well as some Canada geese.

Met a couple guys there birding in the afternoon, as 2-3 vehicles came around, parked, and watched the birds on the water.

Bill S. was one of the guys that talked with me and Carey. He and his friend were pretty excited because they thought they saw a hybrid bird between a snow goose and greater white- fronted goose (Please see Identification Note, below, by Bill H.). They said there were four of them. I am including three pics, two kind of tight, as close as I could get from the shore and one looser one with greater white-fronted geese around it (bottom three images, below).

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

Identification Note by Bill H.:

Jerry P. and I saw this goose on 2/13/24. My conclusion was that it was a blue phase Snow Goose, molting from a dark immature to the white-headed adult plumage. My reasons for calling it a Snow Goose were:

Pink rather than orange legs,
A pink bill with a black 'grin patch.'
a size slightly larger than a White-fronted Goose,
the dark back characteristic of the adult blue phase Snow Geese.

Additionally, immature blue phase are a dusky gray color overall that transitions to an all white head, a bluish gray breast and back, and a variable amount of white on the breast and belly. This bird shows the transition of gray to white head and an unusual amount of white on the belly and breast. I do not see any White-fronted Goose characters in this goose.

LHAS Bird Hotline Sunday, 11 February 2024

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

A morning bike ride around the trails at Adams Homestead revealed 13 species. Most notable were the Canada, Cackling, and Greater White-fronted Geese in the small patches of open water on Mud Lake, on the lake ice, and in the air. A few Common Goldeneyes were noted along the Missouri River. There were also two immature and one adult Bald Eagle scattered about the preserve.

The majority of the figure “8” of trails were open with only a few snow drifts across the trail at various shaded spots. The largest section of snow drifts was on the northwest corner of the preserve’s Lake Loop adjacent to the private bison pasture.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline Thursday, 8 February 2024

Sending a few pictures from different places.

Blencoe and Little Sioux, Iowa, Tuesday, 6 February 2024

A better day was Tuesday when the sun came out a bit and found some eagles at the intersection of the Missouri River and Little Sioux River at Little Sioux. The one eagle pic at Little Sioux I didn't realize until I got home but there is a juvenile sitting on a pier post (EagleLittle Sioux 0049) in the lower left hand corner of the pic of the river. I might have tried to get tighter had I seen it when in the field.

This hawk was flying above a corn field outside of Little Sioux. These are the best pics I could get from the road. Wondering if it's a juvenile of some species like the red-tailed hawk, although its tail is nothing like the red-tail. Or maybe a young rough legged hawk, again.

Correctionville, Wednesday, 7 February 2024

Today in Correctionville I only heard a couple of song birds. Canada geese along the Union Bridge Trail in Correctionville as well as six eagles, saw six there, four adults and two juveniles.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA, http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS Bird Hotline Monday, 22 January 2024

Bald Eagle in Riverside along the Big Sioux River today.

Todd W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline Tuesday, 16 January 2024

Cooper’s Hawk photos were shot through an upstairs window. Did not want to try and shoot from the deck. Figured it needed its mealtime. The image quality is not the best, even using some AI software like Topaz.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS Bird Hotline Sunday, 14 January 2024

Osprey recently photographed from my brother’s home in Florida. The Ospreys are just thick down there. This was a life bird for me.

Jon N., and Leesa M., Plymouth County, IA

*Osprey image copyright 2024 by Jon Nylen, used with permission.*

LHAS Bird Hotline Tuesday, 9 January 2024

Snowbird Feeder Photos

They are not stellar photos, but the little guys are cute as they fend for themselves. And the cold hasn't even arrived yet.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA

http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS Bird Hotline Friday, 5 January 2024

*Rough-legged Hawk image copyright 2024 by Jerry L. Mennenga, used with permission.*

This is a crappy photo and it was a crappy day to shoot, but took a drive down to Badger "lake", which no longer has any water, and drove about and saw a juvenile bald eagle in a tree hanging out as well as some other hawks. Looked in the Peterson Field Guide to Birds and the book’s picture of a juvenile rough legged hawk was the closest I could find matching this bird.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS Bird Hotline Wednesday, 3 January 2024

On a foggy, frosty Wednesday morning:

Ponca S.P. - north unit grasslands

Merlin, 1 flushing flocks of blackbird species as it flew
Northern Harrier, 1

Newcastle

Northern Shrike, 1 flushed a flock of 60 American Tree Sparrows when it left perch

Jerry P. and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Adams Homestead

A foggy, frosty morning snow bike ride around the trails revealed 16 species, all typical for the date and location. One adult Bald Eagle was sighted along the Missouri, a Great Horned Owl was relocated, and Cedar Waxwings and Eastern Bluebirds added some color to the day. I also saw a raccoon hustle from corn stubble to a nearby line of trees along the River Loop.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline Monday, 1 January 2024

*Eastern Bluebird in Stone Park copyright 2024 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

A First Day Walk around Stone Park roads and trails produced 11 species. Most notable were two Golden-crowned Kinglets near the Calumet Shelter and rental cabins.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thurSDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2023

Ponca State Park Christmas Bird Count Highlights

Black-legged Kittiwake, 1 winter adult on the Missouri River
Pileated Woodpecker, 1 pair in river bluffs downstream from Park
Winter Wren, 1 on riverbank downstream from Park
Red Crossbill, 1 at Buckskin Hills, 1 at the Park's riverfront
Common Redpoll, 1 in river bluffs upstream from Park
Golden Eagle, 3 sighted by three teams in three areas.
Carolina Wren, 1 in the Park
Fox Sparrow, 2 Buckskin Hills
Brewer's Blackbird, 3
Rusty Blackbird, by 3 different teams

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE; Count organizer

Christmas Bird Count Results 2023

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wedneSDAY, 13 DECEMBER 2023

Made a run to Ida Grove (Moorehead Park) to shoot pictures of another Northern Saw-Whet Owl this morning. Note the dead mouse next to the owl.

Ron N., Lawton, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE TUeSDAY, 12 DECEMBER 2023

Bald Eagle at Riverside Park and a Sharp-shinned Hawk in a Sioux City neighborhood.

Todd W., Sioux City, IA

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE:

Snow Bunting, 2 First of Year (FOY)
White-winged Scoter, 1 continuing female/immature
Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1
Cooper's Hawk, 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1 (Krider's or Krider's intergrade)

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 11 DECEMBER 2023

A morning bicycle ride around Kramper Lake produced 19 species. My list would have been longer if I had brought a spotting scope with me. A good section of the lake near the dam is ice-free. The only other visitor to Kramper Lake was an angler launching a fishing boat to try their luck. Sunrise with a little mist from the lake was beautiful. Species highlights were: one White-winged Scoter, two adult Bald Eagles, a smattering of Snow Geese, and a Merlin.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 7 decEMBER 2023

Bald Eagle today near Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center along Big Sioux River. Not sure if I’m completely recovered from flu and do not want to expose the group. Merry Christmas to all!!

Todd W., Sioux City, IA

*Bald Eagle copyright 2023 by Todd Wheelock, used with permission.*

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE SaturDAY, 2 decEMBER 2023

Sioux City

Merlin in a Sioux City neighborhood.

Todd W., Sioux City, IA

Little Sioux Park, Correctionville, IA

A morning walk along the Union Bridge Trail from Little Sioux Park to Correctionville and back produced 13 species. Most notable sightings were two Bald Eagles, a Barred Owl, and a Belted Kingfisher. Neither of them were amenable to photography.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 29 NOVEMBER 2023

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

White-winged Scoter, 1 (left image, below) continuing female/immature
Red-tailed Hawk, 1 immature dark phase western (middle image, below) (B.j. calurus).

Note in the right photo the bird is interacting with another immature Red-tailed hawk, This one is a light phase that approached, perched upside down and displayed spread wings and tail. This pose was maintained for about 1 minute. It is reminiscent of Bald Eagle courtship when mates lock talons in freefall flight. If anyone knows of this behavior in Red-tailed Hawks, please reply by email to Bill Huser.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

2023.11.29 RTHa calurus7607 NE Huser.JPG

Bacon Creek Park

A morning walk along the trail at Bacon Creek produced a bird list of 16 species. The most notable sighting was at the entrance to the park at about 7:20 AM. A Barred Owl was perched on a power line above the entrance. It flew across the road to the wooded backyard of a private residence.

The lake is not completely iced over, there are open spots in the middle of the lake as well as some along the lakeshore. I found a Belted Kingfisher above one of these lakeshore open spots.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 25 NOVEMBER 2023

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

A morning snow bike ride around the trails at Adams Homestead produced a 13-species bird list. Mud Lake had a layer of ice as well as snow along the cattails. The most notable findings were one adult and one immature Bald Eagle, a Great Horned Owl, and a perched Merlin (second row, left and middle images).

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 24 NOVEMBER 2023

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE:

*Tundra Swan image copyright 2023 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

Tundra Swan, 2, with Trumpeter Swans
Trumpeter Swan, 12
White-winged Scoter, 1 f./im., continuing
Rusty Blackbird, 1 male
Red-breasted Merganser, 20 females
Common Merganser, 3 females, FOS

I Avenue, south of NE hwy35:

Prairie Falcon, 1

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

*Tundra Swan (left) and Trumpeter Swan (right) image copyright 2023 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 2023

Kramper Lake

White-winged Scoter, now 2! — (Paul R., Sioux City, IA)

South Ravine Park

Winter Wren, 1 — (Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE)

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 13 NOVEMBER 2023

*White-winged Scoter image copyright 2023 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

Kramper Lake/ Danish Alps, Dakota County Highlights

White-winged Scoter, 1 female/immature (on main lake)
Red-breasted Merganser, 6 females (on main lake)
Ibis species (presumed White-faced), 1 (on south pond)

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE SunDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 2023

*Eastern Screech-Owl image copyright 2023 by Don Poggensee, used with permission.*

Moorehead Park, Ida County, Ida Grove, IA

I had a red phase Eastern Screech-Owl in NE Ida County and this afternoon I found our first Northern Saw-whet Owl here in Moorehead Park.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

*Northern Saw-Whet Owl image copyright 2023 by Don Poggensee, used with permission.*

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 10 NOVEMBER 2023

Adams Homestead

Tundra Swan

Big Sioux River

Juvenile Bald Eagle along Big Sioux near Stone Park!!

Todd W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 9 novemBER 2023

Ida County, Iowa

A Golden Eagle was seen on the ground in a picked corn field about 3 miles to the north west of Holstein, Ida County, Iowa. Also today, a Northern Shrike was seen just to the south east of Ida Grove along a gravel road.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 6 novemBER 2023

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

An early morning bicycle ride around the preserve produced 30 species. Lighting was a little flat which works well for birding but not so well for photography. Notable sightings were 2 immature Bald Eagles; one Great Horned Owl trying it’s best to avoid me; the Tundra Swan was still present on Mud Lake; Rusty Blackbirds were calling (Merlin Sound ID assist) and sighted amongst a small group of Red-wing Blackbirds; and many sparrows were present, including: American Tree, many Dark-eyed Junco, Fox (Merlin Sound ID assist), Harris’s, Song, Swamp (Merlin Sound ID assist), and White-crowned.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

*Tundra Swan on Mud Lake, copyright 2023 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 5 novemBER 2023

Tundra Swan at Adams Homestead!!

Todd W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 4 novemBER 2023

Brown’s Lake - Bigelow Park, Woodbury County, IA

Kevin took these photos of a female Common Merganser with a "big fish”. She was fun to watch!

Kevin and Marla K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 1 novemBER 2023

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

Tundra Swan discovered at Adams Homestead while working on my technique for photographing geese in flight. The geese were performing some fun aerobatics.

Jerry Mennenga, Sioux City, IA
http://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com or Http://jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com/index

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunday, 29 October 2023

Leesa and I spotted a Golden Eagle off our deck. We watched it through 10 x 42 Nikon Monarch binoculars. I was unable to get to my camera in time to get a picture(s). We were able to identify it by the brown tipped tail feathers with a white band preceding it.

Jon N., and Leesa M., rural Plymouth County, Iowa

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE Tuesday, 24 October 2023

I Avenue, south of NE-35:

Smith's Longspur, approx. 63 — Several flocks of rattling, sparrow-sized birds were flushed from floodplain, mowed CRP grassland into stairstep flight. All flocks gave rattling call according to Probst (I can't hear them). A grounded bird exhibited orangish flanks, 2 longitudinal white stripes on dark back, breast streaking (JP), face pattern of female/immature Smith's, conical beak longer than that of sparrows. In flight, white edged dark tail. Same site as 2021.
Sandhill Crane, 1 overflight only.

Jerry P., Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE Thursday, 19 October 2023

Crystal Cove, South Sioux City, NE

Red-shouldered Hawk, 1 immature, highly unusual but continuing at site
Hermit Thrush, 2
Spotted Towhee, 1

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 14 ocToBER 2023

Bacon Creek Park

Osprey - 1
Spotted Sandpiper - 1

Prairie Park

Merlin - 1

Bacon Creek Park — 5:00 PM:

Limpkin - 1, Relocated for the first time since Sept. 23 by Marla & Kevin Kerr

Reported by members of Loess Hills Audubon Society, Sioux City, IA

*Limpkin at Crystal Cove image copyright 2023 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 7 ocToBER 2023

Crystal Cove Park, South Sioux City, Dakota County, NE

Limpkin, 1 Resting on edge of marsh on north side of entrance road (39th St.)
Spotted Towhee, 1 male, spots on scapulars and wing coverts, no white bar on primaries

Bill H., and Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE

*Crystal Cove Limpkin image copyright 2023 by Kevin Kerr, used with permission.*

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, McCook, SD

An early bike ride around the preserve — prior to the start of the collegiate cross-country competition — revealed 31 species of birds, including a Bald Eagle, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler (middle image, below), a singing Eastern Meadowlark, and a good variety of sparrows: Lark, White-throated, White-crowned (fourth image from left, below), Harris’s, and Lincoln’s (far right image, below). Merlin Sound ID also detected a Swamp Sparrow and a Spotted Towhee but these were not confirmed visually.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 4 ocToBER 2023

Kevin and I went to Stone Park (Pammel Valley area) last evening (10/4) and we saw Yellow-rumped (middle image, below) and Nashville Warblers (right image, below). I saw more Northern Flickers than usual. There may have been other species of warblers, they were really flitting around quickly (as usual)!

Marla and Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE moNDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2023

Brown’s Lake, Woodbury County

Bacon Creek, Sioux City

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2023

Bacon Creek, Sioux City, IA

Photo essay by Jerry Mennenga (all top row) and Todd Wheelock (all bottom row)

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2023

The Limpkin continues here in Moorehead Park Lake, Ida County. We needed the rain with light rain off and on but the weather did not limit the Limpkin activity.

Here are a few images from today.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 2023

Don Pogensee reported that the Moorhead Park Limpkin was present in the same location this morning.

Though the Bacon Creek Park Limpkin was reported near the concrete overflow structure on the dam last evening, It could not be relocated at any of its previous locations this morning by Bob L. and myself. Nor have I received any reports from others today but there are many overhanging trees on the shorelines and bays that may be hiding 'our' bird.

Bill H., Hotline editor

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE moNDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER 2023

Bacon Creek, Sioux City

Randy W. found the Limpkin in the southeast corner of the Bacon Creek lake on Monday, 18 September. It was on the shore opposite the kayak launch and fishing dock at the first parking area. The bird flew to the west and could not be relocated at that time. The Limpkin was found later by Marla K. and Kevin K. and other birders.

Todd W. visited Bacon Creek on Sunday, 17 September and recorded these images of the Limpkin and one Great Blue Heron.

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 15 september 2023

Limpkins at Large!

On Friday, September 15 Randy Williams discovered a Limpkin at Bacon Creek Park.

This large, sub-tropical wading bird was thought to be restricted to Florida and Georgia until the summer of 2022 when individuals were discovered in NE and IA the same day. Later that summer additional birds were discovered in IA and WI.

However, the summer of 2023 outdid the previous summer when several birds were located across Iowa. One of the later finds was at Moorehead Park near Ida Grove just last Thursday (see report below, 9/14/23).

Before most of us could react to that spectacular find, Randy Williams discovered another bird at Bacon Creek Park near the upper end of the reservoir. Many did react very quickly that day with at least 13 birders seeing it that afternoon and most taking excellent photos of the cooperative bird. Here are some select images from several photographers at Moorehead Park and Bacon Creek Park.

Bill Huser, LHAS Hotline Editor

Moorehead Park, Ida Grove, IA

Far left image: Paul Roisen; all other images: Don Poggensee

Bacon Creek, Sioux City, IA

Top Row: Marla and Kevin Kerr
Second Row: Jan Null
Third Row: Paul Roisen
Fourth Row: Rex Rundquist
Fifth Row: left, Rex Rundquist; middle, Rob Towler; right, Randall D. Williams
Bottom Row: Randall D. Williams

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE ThUrSDAY, 14 september 2023

I just talked to our Director at Moorehead Park. He took a smart phone photo of what he called a strange looking bird. He showed me the photo, and it was of a Limpkin. I checked the lake to no avail but it could be on the Maple River or other farm ponds in the close area nearby. It may, also, just be moving on migration.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE ThUrSDAY, 7 september 2023

I was reading in my backyard Thursday later morning, noonish, on my deck when this bird comes flying in for a landing alongside the deck on the ground near a fence.

I got up to look and it was a Cooper's Hawk, I believe, and it seemed a bit disoriented. I had two of my cats outside at the time, one who is 21, and the other, napping. I took a couple phone pics and talked a bit to the bird, watching my cats so they wouldn't become too interested.

I ran upstairs and grabbed my one camera backpack and came back down with a camera and didn't see the bird along the deck and then looked underneath the deck and it was still there. Kind of looking around and paying me no mind. I grabbed my cats and put them indoors then began shooting pics. Started with a short zoom, then went to a medium sized tele while the bird was under the deck. Then switched to my tele-zoom as the bird seemed to not be in any kind of hurry. I was at most 17-18 feet away, talking to it, and again, it paid me no mind. I actually had to step off the deck because some shots were going to be too tight with that zoom.

It looked around quite a bit. The birds that might normally be around my feeders were gone. Then it hopped down off the fence into the front yard and walked over to a neighbor's bush where it stayed a bit. I went around to the front of the house, shot some more pics. It walked over to an area, strained its neck looking at something then flew off across the street under another bush.

During all this time its feathers seemed a bit ruffled. I felt bad for the hawk as it kind of hopped a bit before flying across the street and still seemed to not be present of mind totally.

A few weeks ago one flew into my backyard while I was next to the garage. I was, maybe, 10 feet away from where that Cooper's Hawk landed, missing a mourning dover on the ground. Both the dove and its mate flew off. This Cooper’s also paid me no mind and hopped up on a short fence line, looked around then flew directly towards me and up and over my head into a tree next to my garage and then eventually away.

I like encounters, but these are a bit close.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
http://www.lostinsiouxland.com and Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 29 august 2023

Last evening there were many swallows (couldn't tell from a distance what they were) over the golf course at Kingsley, and at least four common nighthawks. Did my heart good... I've hardly seen any the last two years. They fly so artfully!

Kristy M., Kinglsey, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 22 august 2023

Crystal Cove Park, Dakota County, NE; 6:45 - 9:45 AM:

Blackburnian Warbler, 1 im. female
Chestnut-sided Warbler, 1 im. female
Mourning Warbler, 1 male
Wilson's Warbler, 1

Look for lone warblers to be loosely associated with mixed flocks of vireos, chickadees and Downy Woodpeckers.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 20 august 2023

Good morning, Birders!

The last three days Hubby & I have been watching a skittish ruby-throated female with a leucistic patch on her "forehead," right behind the base of the beak and between her eyes. Wasn't certain at first if it was pollen or something else, but it stays consistently in the same place on her body, and it seems to have a shimmer like her other feathers... When I can catch her out in the open, or when she isn't hiding on the back side of the feeder!

Kristy M., Kingsley, IA

Crystal Cove, Sunday, 20 August, 6:30 - 8:00 AM:

Caspian Tern, 2 flying above lake, caught fish, but moved on within 5 minutes
Empid species., 3 more migrants, probable Least Flycatchers
Wilson's Warbler, 2 males, in lakeside willows

Crystal Cove, Saturday, 19 August, 7:30 - 9:00 AM:

Red-shouldered Hawk, 1 a flyby only, could not re-locate
Empid species, 2 migrating empidonax flycatchers, silent, strong eyering, probably Least Flycatchers

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 18 august 2023

Sioux City, Iowa—Around 11:00 AM

A Peregrine Falcon was kiting into a strong south wind along the bluffs near the tower where one has been present previously this year. It was visible from the Farmers Market parking lot and was soaring and diving with very little effort. It did make one short dive at a Turkey Vulture which had been floating around nearby. Watched it for about 20 minutes and it appeared to be enjoying a breezy morning along the Big Mo.!

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 8 august 2023

Graceland Cemetery, Sioux City, Iowa:

Went to Graceland Cemetery for a little stroll around 7:30 PM. Several Crows were cawing and cavorting among the trees and headstones. Then a Cooper’s Hawk came zooming out of a tree after one of the Crows! The Crow managed to escape and other excited Crows were cawing and flying from tree to tree. Then saw a 2nd Cooper’s go after the 1st Cooper’s! They were zooming low below the trees and above the headstones and then both landed, one in a tree and one a headstone. One was an Immature for sure so maybe it was a training session??

So, I decided to park and watch the show! The sequence of a Cooper’s buzzing on the tails of a crow or one of the Cooper’s buzzing on the tail of the other Cooper’s occurred several times! Never saw a Crow get caught by a Hawk but it was very close once! Anyway it was so much fun watching, I forgot to take my walk!

Found the following on Crows vs Cooper’s including videos of encounters between Crows and Coopers.

Cooper's Hawks are very smart, they've been known to hide themselves in a nearby tree and wait. Instead of hunting down prey they'll wait for a chance to ambush them. Among the bird world’s most skillful fliers, Cooper’s Hawks are common woodland hawks that tear through cluttered tree canopies in high speed pursuit of other birds. In pursuit of prey their flight becomes powerful, quick, and very agile, allowing the bird to thread its way through tree branches at top speed. Dashing through vegetation to catch birds is a dangerous lifestyle. In a study of more than 300 Cooper’s skeletons, 23 percent showed old, healed-over fractures in the bones of the chest, especially of the furcula, or wishbone.

Crows hate hawks, so they will often mob up into a large group to drive away any hawk who makes the mistake of hanging around in their area. Crows recognize that hawks will prey on their eggs and chicks, so whole groups of them will harass the real predators until they leave.

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE SunDAY, 6 AUGUST 2023

Little Sioux County Park, Correctionville, IA

Kevin and I went to Little Sioux Park today; we had not been there since our LHAS Outing (October 2021). I was surprised that there was a lot of wild white indigo there. Saw a lot of Indigo Buntings (male, middle image, bottom row), Gray Catbirds, Red-headed Woodpecker (bottom row, right image), and Goldfinches.

Here are a few photos that Kevin took while we were there. I believe the brown bird (4 images, see below) is a female Indigo Bunting. She has a grasshopper in her mouth.

Marla and Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 1 august 2023

Owego Wetlands this morning:

We stopped by the bridge over the creek on 280th Street on the way there (by the trees). I was surprised to hear a Towhee, and then saw the bird. It was an Immature one (see photos, below). It was in "red" on eBird as unreported.

Marla & Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE SaturDAY, 29 JULY 2023

On my early morning walk I went by a recently mown alfalfa field. I know there has been at least one pair of Upland Sandpipers in that area all summer. This morning I was surprised to have ten take flight from the same area. Unmistakable with their quick chattering call as they took flight and their quick wingbeat. I’m assuming more than one family group formed this small flock.

Jan J., rural Wakefield, Dixon County, NE

Woodbury County, IA

Shorebird migration has begun. Eleven species have been noted at Salix Farms Dairy ponds — PRIVATE PROPERTY!

Dakota County, NE

Siouxland Sod — PRIVATE PROPERTY! Bring a scope!!!

Tuesday, July 26

Buff-breasted Sandpiper, 11-14 FOY
Upland Sandpiper, 8
Killdeer, 61

Friday, July 28

No Buff-breasted Sandpipers!

Saturday am, July 29 update

NO Buff-breasted Sandpipers
Upland Sandpiper, 16
Killdeer, 91
Horned Lark, 1

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 21 JULY 2023

Kramper Lake/Danish Alps, Dakota County, NE

Sedge Wren, 3 singing males (FOY)
Willow Flycatcher, 1
Marsh Wren, 1
Black Tern, 2 first fall migrants (FOS)

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 19 JULY 2023

Farmer's Market, Sioux City, Iowa:

Loaded up my scope and binocs on the way to Farmer's Market just in case the Peregrine Falcon might be at the tower nearby where it was seen last Saturday by LHAS birders from the nearby boat ramp.

I checked the tower when I arrived around 9:45 A.M. and could see the Peregrine perched on the 2nd platform from the top on the north side. Watched it for a while and it started to move around and stretch its wings and then it took flight. I grabbed my binocs to try to locate it and saw a large bird (Turkey Vulture) and the peregrine came out of nowhere and attacked the vulture 3 times before giving up and going back to its perch. The vulture maneuvered pretty well for a large bird and continued on! Was fun to watch!

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

*Cooper’s Hawk image copyright 2023 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE TUesDAY, 18 JULY 2023

The Morningside Cooper’s Hawks are fledged and exploring the neighborhood.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE TUesDAY, 11 JULY 2023

Tower on Prospect Hill, Sioux City

Peregrine Falcon, 1 adult (note black 'helmet', yellow cere). This is presumably the same bird captured on KTIV's weather cam, which is located very near the top of the tower. This morning, the bird was perched about half way up the tower and was visible with a scope from the Farmer's Market parking lot. This may be the first summer record of the species here.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Missouri River at Ponca State Park, North Unit

Sanderling, 1 adult in breeding plumage (early migrant?)
Least Tern, 22
Piping Plover, 16

Reported by one of the Piping Plover research teams on the Missouri River, Bill Huser, editor.

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 8 JUly 2023

Sage Thrasher Updates, Plymouth County, IA

Still coming to the same pile as of 3:30 this afternoon (7/8/23). It was about half an hour wait for it to show. We watched it feed but it didn’t vocalize while we were there.

Joe J., Plymouth County, IA

As of noon July 5th the Sage Thrasher of Plymouth County was still singing atop a dirt pile on Juniper Ave.

Doc. H.— Kingsley, Ia.

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 6 JUly 2023

Cooper’s Hawk nest update from a Morningside neighborhood.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 29 JUNE 2023

I was watching KTIV Channel 4 weather report on the Thursday, 29 June weather report at 6:00 PM by Ron Demers: He clicked on the weather cam showing Sioux City and was surprised to see a large bird perched on the weather cam tower! He talked about the bird being there and then the whole crew talked about it at the end of the show. They had no idea what it was but when I saw it, I realized wow! It's a Peregrine Falcon!

Jan recorded that report so she was able to watch the recording and stop it and get a picture of the bird. The background shows Sioux City buildings but I watched the Cam today and it shows the west side of the Tyson Center so I believe the cam is west of Tyson Center and possibly on those high bluffs. I haven't had a chance to visit the area to see if I can find the tower and see if the bird might be hanging out there.

They have more than 1 cam and this one is sponsored by Blackbird Bend Casino. I'm hoping to also contact Channel 4 and report that they had a fairly rare bird on their cam!
Jerry V.

*Cooper’s Hawks image copyright 2023 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 27 JUNE 2023

Cooper’s Hawk nest update from a Morningside neighborhood.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE SunDAY, 25 JUNE 2023

Sunday was a very nice day for eaglets in Correctionville. I left early to attend Don P.'s program in Ida Grove and detoured when I got to Correctionville. It was a bit overcast and cloudy off and on and that seemed to help. Used my smaller fixed telephoto with a 2X attached. The eaglets just sat and watched, letting the wind gusts buffet them a bit and fluff their feathers. The one in the nest was eating something off and on. It took a bit for me to see the one just sitting in the open on the branch and then to work my way around a bit to get a better, clearer angle to photograph the nest.

There was another eagle that left the nest next to the one in it, in addition to the one sitting on the branch. Couldn't tell if the one that left had any white on the tail, that is, if it was another juvenile or an adult.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or Http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 20 june 2023

After a bicycle ride along the Floyd River Trail I had a pleasant surprise on returning home. I have been watching a Cooper’s Hawk nest in our neighborhood. This was my first day to see any chicks in the nest. I could see one but I had to upload my photos to see the second chick. A third chick was discovered later in the day.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 18 june 2023

Three upland sandpipers in Plymouth Co - the most I've seen in one day in several years. 2 along Oyens Avenue (?K-64) about 5 miles north of C-60, & one on C-60 just east of the C-60/Oyens Avenue Intersection.

Yesterday, traveling between Plymouth & Marshall Counties, encountered a pileated woodpecker south of Marshalltown, on South 12th Avenue south of Old US Hwy 30 (about 1/2 a mile south of Isaak Walton League).

On the way home, ~5 miles west of Webster City on US Hwy 20, a common nighthawk flew over the four-lane in the midst of the thunderstorm.

Kristy, Plymouth County

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 12 june 2023

Went out Monday on a coolish morning. The two young ones were testing their wings riding a bit of a breeze and wind gusts on the nest as one adult was stationed on a branch nearby. Didn't see the other adult. Maybe hunting. The little ones are growing.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA
http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

Tamarack Ave & C44, Plymouth County, IA

SAGE THRASHER, 1 presumed singing male foraging upon and singing from a dirt pile rich in organic content. Seen and photographed by Rob T. on Sunday, 11 June. Per Rob, bird originally reported by ebirder Zachary Emery on 6/10. Located 1⁄4 mile south of Pleasant Hill Cemetery on Tamarack Ave NE of Kingsley, IA.....east side of road on large dirt pile.
Vesper Sparrow, 1, foraging on pile
House Sparrow, pr., foraging on pile

Reporters: Rob T., Sioux City, IA and Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Top Row: Left and middle images by Rob Towler. Right image by Bill Huser.

Middle Row: All images by Bill Huser.

Bottom Row: All images by Jan Null.

Kiowa Marsh, Sac County, IA

Nine pictures by Jan Null taken 6-12-23 at Kiowa Marsh in Sac County.

Jerry V. and Jan N., Sioux City, IA

Kiowa Marsh is a 55-acre Wetland in Sac County.
South view of Kiowa Marsh.
North view of Kiowa Marsh.
Colorful Plants.
Active Insects.
Female Hooded Merganser-(Flying Upper Right).
Great-tailed Grackle hiding in the reeds.
Red-winged Blackbird defending territory.
Yellow-headed Blackbird adds some color.

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

An early morning bike ride around the trail system of Adams Homestead produced an eBird list of 43 species. Dickcissels (13 singing) and Eastern Meadowlarks (8 singing) appear more abundant than in times past.

Only one singing Bell’s Vireo was noted. Single individuals were also noted for: Indigo Bunting, Field Sparrow, Western Kingbird, Western Meadowlark and Cooper’s Hawk.

I also had a raccoon run across the trail in front of me and from the observation platform I saw a beaver swimming on the Nebraska side of the Missouri River.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 10 june 2023

*Swamp Sparrow image copyright 2023 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

Least Bittern, 1 seen in flight at extreme south end (by kayak)
Willow Flycatcher, 5 singing males
Swamp Sparrow, 2 singing males

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 7 june 2023

K Ave & 170th St. grasslands, Dakota County, NE (south of US-20, north of NE-35, near Jackson, NE)

Upland Sandpiper, 1 pair
Bobolink, 4 or more singing males
Grasshopper Sparrow, 2 singing males and 1 female
Dickcissel, dozens
Western Meadowlark, 2 singing males

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 6 june 2023

*American Woodcock image copyright 2023 by Pam Miller, used with permission.*

Saw this American Woodcock off the cart path at the Dakota Dunes Country Club golf course and had to take a photo. Also saw Turkey and young ones on #8 hole.

Pam M., Dakota Dunes, SD

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 4 june 2023

Three Western Kingbirds working the field right behind (north side) of the Fazolii's on Singing Hills--across from Walmart.

Paul R., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 2 june 2023

I decided to bicycle the Lewis & Clark trail system from Adams Homestead visitor center to Chautauqua Park and back this morning. I did not start an eBird list and did not have binoculars with me. However, I noted two Common Nighthawks flying and “BEEErzh”-ing over the Dakota Valley schools as I started my ride.

I also noted Western Kingbirds at Riverside Park near the parking lot between the public bathrooms and the Rivercade Headquarters building. There were also some flying around the border between the “old” riverfront recreational area and the new construction area. I have seen them in this location previously. I also noted a pair at Chautauqua Park at the sidewalk that leads to the ball fields and concession area.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 28 MAY 2023

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

Was biking with Leesa yesterday and saw 1 Great Crested Flycatcher on the western side of the park (just off a heavily-used trail).

Leesa M., and Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 24 MAY 2023

Who knew Scarlet Tanagers like oranges and orioles?!?!!

Thursday, 25 May update: I just spotted the tanager again this morning on our Oriole feeder. It then flew down into our woods so I am going out on a limb (excuse the pun) and guessing it may be nesting down there.

Leesa M., and Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

*Baltimore Oriole (left) and Scarlet Tanager (right) image copyright 2023 by Jon Nylen, used with permission.*

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 18 MAY 2023

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, Iowa

A Common Nighthawk was perched lengthwise on a horizontal limb at the 3rd parking lot. Then as I turned onto Green Ave. on the way home, I was greeted by 2 Wild Turkeys in full strut in the middle of the street along with one female. I stopped to observe and looked to the right and there were 10 more males in full strut for an even dozen and more females enjoying the show!

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE moNDAY, 15 MAY 2023

Stone Park

Veery, 1 First of Year (FOY)
Wood Thrush, 2 FOY

Warblers - 18 species including:

Northern Parula, 1 male
Canada, 1 male FOY
Magnolia, 4
Blackburnian, 1 male
Blackpoll, 5
Chestnut-sided, 1 male
Northern Waterthrush, 1
Louisiana Waterthrush, 1

Marla K. reports 30 species at her home including a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Chestnut-sided Warbler, American Redstart, and Indigo Bunting.

Observers: Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE (Stone Park) and Marla K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 14 MAY 2023

*Lazuli Bunting image copyright 2023 by Rob Towler, used with permission.*

Lazuli Bunting at Raider’s Acres, adjacent to East High School, Sioux City, IA

Rob T., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 13 MAY 2023

Crystal Cove 6:30 AM - 11 warbler species!

Ovenbird 1
Golden-winged Warbler 1
Black & White Warbler 1
Tennessee Warbler 1
Orange-crowned Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 1
American Redstart 3
Magnolia Warbler 2
Yellow Warbler 11
Blackpoll Warbler 1
Wilson's Warbler 1
Plus Scarlet Tanager male

Crystal Lake 6:30 PM

Northern Waterthrush 1
Orange-crowned Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 1
Cape May Warbler 2
Yellow Warbler 4
Palm Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Wilson's Warbler 1

RobTowler reported from Brown's Lake, some of these plus: Chestnut-sided Warbler and Blackburnian Warbler. That's an exceptional 17 species!

Observers: Rob T., Sioux City, IA and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Dotty Zales’ Excellent Adventure in NV:

I birded Saturday of Birdathon South of Reno, NV with our daughter Amy & 17-year-old granddaughter, Millie. Ah youth, the better to see & the better to hear! Sent 3 eBird information to Bill H. Perfect weather! Great fun birding together!

Dotty Zales and family!

BIRD	BIRD	BIRD
Northern Pintail	White-headed Woodpecker	Mountain Chickadee
Western Grebe	Red-breasted Sapsucker	Spotted Towhee
California Quail	Western Kingbird	Brewer's Blackbird
Black-necked Stilt	Steller's Jay	Bullock's Oriole
Calliope Hummingbird	California Scrub-Jay	Western Tanager
Red-shouldered Hawk	Black-billed Magpie	Black-headed Grosbeak

See 2023 Birdathon Results

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 8 MAY 2023

Owego Wetlands, Woodbury County, Iowa

Had a great look at an immature Golden Eagle at Owego Wetlands. It was perched on a short electric pole on 290th street as I drove from east to west with the sun to my back. From a long distance I assumed it was a Turkey Vulture but as I got closer I saw its large size and Golden Nape. It then took off towards the south and circled several times and I was able to see its white patches at the base of primaries and at the base of the tail. Another beautiful bird!

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 7 MAY 2023

We saw our first Ruby-throated Hummingbird at our house today! Also an Orchard Oriole along with more Baltimore Orioles and female orioles.

Marla K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 6 MAY 2023

This morning while on a walk with 21 other prairie enthusiasts, I observed a very colorful male Scarlet Tanager at Fowler Forest Preserve, located approximately 1/2 mile west of Smithland, Iowa, on Hwy 141 near the Southwood Conservation Area.

Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 1 may 2023

*Barred Owl image copyright 2023 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

A visit to Little Sioux Park and an out-and-back walk along the Union Bridge Trail produced a list of 31 species. Two adult Bald Eagles are still guarding their nest along the trail. I saw them chase off a pair of Canada Geese. There were quite a few Yellow-rumped Warblers and several White-throated Sparrows along the trail. I saw but could not photograph two Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers near the campground entrance. They moved between the tree lines on either side of the campground. The other notable species was a Barred Owl.

Randy W. Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE SaturDAY, 29 APRIL 2023

Sandhill Lake, Woodbury County, IA

Had a great look at an adult Peregrine Falcon as it made 4 or 5 passes at shorebirds on the pond south of the house. I was approaching from the north and saw a flock of dowitchers take flight and a large bird flew north over my car. I parked and the falcon made 3 or 4 more strafes low over the water and went right above my car. It was unsuccessful and last seen zooming north! A beautiful bird looking for lunch!

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

Adams Homestead

Here are a few White-faced Ibis photos that Kevin took today at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve. They show more color. The American Avocets are still on Mud Lake. We saw a Lark Sparrow, White-throated Sparrows, a Field Sparrow, and a Lincoln's Sparrow today in addition to 30 Yellow-rumped Warblers!

Kevin & Marla K., Sioux City, IA

Bacon Creek Park

A morning walk around the trail at Bacon Creek produced 38 species including American Wigeon; a Hooded Merganser; Chipping, Field, White-throated, White-crowned, Song, and Lincoln’s Sparrows; a singing Eastern Meadowlark; and Palm and Yellow-rumped Warblers.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Top Row, from left: Great Blue Heron flying across the lake, Hooded Merganser, American Wigeon

Bottom Row, from left: Yellow-rumped Warbler and Palm Warbler (two images)

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 28 APRIL 2023

Crystal Cove

Osprey 1
Palm Warbler 1 First of Year (FOY)

Crystal Lake

American Pipit 2 FOY

Observers: Mark Haindfield, Jerry Probst, Bill Huser

Woodbury County, IA

Several birds have come to the feeders on their trip North so far. A few will stay here.

White-throated Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Lincoln Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Turkey Vulture
Eastern Towhee
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Red-winged Blackbird (They actually have been back for about a month.Unfortunately, sometimes the whole flock will land at the feeders at one time. Counted 40 one day. They can eat a lot of seed in an hour.)
American Robin (uses the bird bath daily)

A pair of vultures are casing out the corn crib as they have the last two years. They must think it would be a good place for a nest. This afternoon, one was on the corn crib and the other on the barn. They can't get into the corn crib so will move on in a day or two.

Still waiting for:

Orioles
House Wren
Swallows
Flycatchers
Red-headed Woodpecker
White-crowned Sparrow
Bluebirds (Nests in a bird house on the hill if the wrens will leave them alone.)
Brown Thrasher
Catbird
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (hear it calling down in the pasture.)
Common Yellow-throat (Nested across the road from the house last year. Usually is in the pasture.)
Hummingbird

Last year a pair of Ruby-crowned Kinglets hung around. Hope they return.

All but the W-C Sparrow will stay once they return. Am getting excited to see them again.

Carol B., rural Woodbury County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thurSDAY, 27 APRIL 2023

Owego Wetlands

Jerry M. sent these photos of the Bald Eagle nest on private property just outside of Owego.

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 26 APRIL 2023

Owego Wetlands

American Golden-Plover 6 in basic plumage, First of Year (FOY)
Golden Eagle, 1 immature, late record

The Square

American Bittern 1 FOY
Smith's Longspur 2, seen well and photographed on the ground; 80 probable Smith's seen in air above these two FOY
Wilson's Phalarope 6
Long-billed Dowitcher 16

Observers: Mark Haindfield, Jerry Probst, Bill Huser

Westfield, IA

Eastern Whip-poor-will. First Of Year (FOY). Same date as last year

Bill & Dotty Zales, rural Westfield, IA

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

Adams Homestead has been a hot spot of migration over the last few days. Here are some highlights:

Sunday, 23 April

Jerry M. wanted to try his new foldable fat tire bike and I suggested a trail ride at Adams. We brought bicycles and cameras but I did not start a bird list. We saw a variety of waterfowl in a feeding frenzy at several locations on Mud Lake (see below). The group mainly consisted of American Coot, Blue-winged Teal, Wood Duck, and Northern Shovelers. We also discovered two American Avocets.

Jerry M. planned to return with a larger telephoto lens for some better photos (8 of the 10 below images).

All below images copyright the respective photographers, used with permission. Top row, two images on left by Randall D. Williams. All other images by Jerry L. Mennenga.

Monday, 24 April

I returned to see if Eastern Whip-poor-wills were back. I did not hear them. But Eastern Meadowlarks were singing from three different locations around the preserve. A Vesper Sparrow was also singing (top, middle image). I only found one American Avocet. I was concentrating on the Avocets and almost missed a Marbled Godwit (top, left image and all three middle images).

In the afternoon Marla K. visited the preserve to see the Avocets. She also discovered a White-faced Ibis (three bottom images) and heard singing Eastern Meadowlarks.

Wednesday, 26 April

Another bike ride around the preserve. The godwit was gone but there were three American Avocets in Mud Lake. I also saw White-throated Sparrows, Lark Sparrows (left image), a singing Vesper Sparrow, and Yellow-rumped Warblers (middle and right images).

Observers: Marla K., Jerry M., and Randy W., Sioux City, IA

*Great Egret image copyright 2023 by Bill Zales, used with permission.*

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE SaturDAY, 22 APRIL 2023

Not great photos, but 5 Great Egrets that found their way to our small pond in SW Plymouth County, IA.

Bill & Dotty Zales Westfield, IA

Today we had two Great Egrets working the water edge on Moorehead Lake here in Ida Grove.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE TUESDAY, 18 APRIL 2023

Dakota Dunes, SD

Northern Flicker in my backyard. (See below, left)
American White Pelicans straddling the IA-SD border on the Big Sioux River. (See below, right)

Pamela S., Dakota Dunes, SD

Kramper Lake:

Eared Grebe, 2 one in breeding plumage, one in basic, First of Year (FOY)
Horned Grebe, 2 in breeding plumage
Snowy Egret, 1 FOY
Blue Gray Gnatcatcher, 1 FOY
Savannah Sparrow, 1 FOY

Jackson, NE:

Purple Martin, 1 pair
Savannah Sparrow, 4

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Little Sioux Park, Woodbury County, IA

A non-birding friend and I visited Little Sioux Park this morning. We could determine one eaglet was in the Bald Eagle nest. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was drumming near the start of the Union Bridge Trail at the park. There was also a cooperative Eastern Phoebe at Union Bridge.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 17 APRIL 2023

Stone State Park

Pileated Woodpecker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Rough-winged Swallows at Pammel Valley, Turtle Lake and near the east entrance to Stone Park. The Pileated was seen just inside the Talbot Road entrance.

Marla K., Sioux City, IA

Sandhill Lake, Woodbury County, IA

Low water level, re-watered since last Fall, good shorebird conditions only a few Baird's Sandpipers present

Salix Farms Dairy, Woodbury, County, IA

Also, re-watered since last fall
Dunlin, 11 First of Year (FOY)
Least Sandpiper, 1 FOY
Long-billed Dowitcher, 1 alternate plumage FOY
Lesser Yellowlegs, 1
Baird's Sandpiper, 2

Jersey Dairy Farm

Re-watered since last Fall, no exposed mudflats yet.

The Square

East side wetlands bordering Fayette Ave. have re-watered since last Fall
Lesser Yellowlegs, 6
Greater Yellowlegs, 1
Pectoral Sandpiper, 2
Wilson's Snipe, 4

All sites dried out last summer, but have re-watered to some degree with the limited winter precipitation. All are in danger of drying out completely again, however.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE SunDAY, 16 APRIL 2023

Stone State Park

While Kari, Dotty, Bill Z. and I were meeting with the Loess Hills Wild Ones this afternoon to discuss Bird Friendly Iowa efforts for the City of Sioux City, Kevin went birding at Stone Park around Pammel Valley and Turtle Lake. It was a very windy day, but he did see birds. The Dark-eyed Juncos have not been seen in our yard (we had lots) for about a week, but he did see one at Stone Park.

Images from left: Dark-eyed Junco, Osprey, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Red-headed Woodpecker.

Kevin & Marla K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE SaturDAY, 15 APRIL 2023

Adams Homestead

I joined Dave Swanson and his ornithology class from the University of South Dakota on a short walk along the trail at Adams Homestead. It was windy, cold, and overcast but we did not have any rain until we finished at the visitor center.

Twenty-seven species were seen by our group of 10. Highlights were Eastern Bluebirds, singing Eastern Meadowlarks (middle image, below), a variety of waterfowl on Mud Lake, a good look at a pair of Lincoln’s Sparrows (right image, below) at the VC, and three migrating Swainson’s Hawks who flew over the visitor center for us.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thurSDAY, 13 APRIL 2023

Winnebago WTP:

American Avocet, 1

Kramper Lake:

Greater Scaup, 2 females. Note round crown, larger bill, larger 'nail' at bill tip, wide head and large 'jowls' (see Sibley's Guide for his illustrations of scaup head width.) Also, note the extra white on face of one bird.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 12 APRIL 2023

I saw an Eastern Phoebe near Mud Lake at Adams Nature Center this evening. Here are a few pics. He has a flying insect in his bill in one of the pictures. You are welcome to use the photos, if you want to. He was fun to watch as he hunted.

Marla K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 10 APRIL 2023

Crystal Cove, South Sioux City

Brown Thrasher, 1 FOY
Horned Grebe, 1 in basic (winter) plumage

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

California Gull, 1 adult, uncommon here, with the Ring-billed Gulls (see image, below)
Ring-billed Gulls, 75
Bonaparte's Gull, 3 FOY
Franklin Gull, 1-2 FOY
Common Loon, 1 in basic (winter) plumage
Barn Swallow, 1 FOY

Also first of year (FOY):

13-lined Ground Squirrel scampering around at Kramper
Painted Turtles sunning themselves at Crystal Lake
Beaver sunbathing and grooming after a long winter under Kramper's ice (see below)

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City

Little Sioux Park and Union Bridge Trail

A beautiful morning to find 27 species at Little Sioux Park near Correctionville. The main purpose was to check the Bald Eagle nest. There are two eaglets within the nest. Other sightings of note: Fox Sparrow singing in the brush along Bacon Creek on the north side of the bridge and a coyote within the park loping away from me and towards the closed campground.

Woodbury County

A day with relatively little wind was too tempting to not go for a bicycle ride to Sergeant Bluff and back via Old 141 and D-38. Three Western Meadowlarks were singing along Old 141. Four Wild Turkeys were at the intersection of Old 141 and D-38 and the ditches along D-38 had calling leopard frogs, a couple of Canada Geese and a few Blue-winged Teal.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

More Woodbury County

A pair of Wood Ducks checked out the cottonwood across the road this morning. First saw them before the sun was up but it was up when they left. Female climbed into a couple holes in the tree checking things out. A pair has been in the trees each spring but haven't nested in them. They usually spend about 15 minutes. This year they were there a half hour before heading to another big tree in the pasture.

Carol B., Woodbury County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 9 APRIL 2023

Stone State Park

The roads at Stone Park are open now.

We saw 2 Eastern Phoebe at Stone State Park today - from the road over the trail tunnel. Also heard 2 Barred Owls calling to each other - Pammel Valley area.

Marla K. and Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

Bacon Creek

It was a slow start this morning. Most waterfowl are gone from the end of the lake near the dam. Better sightings in the backwaters. Eastern Towhee was near the spillway on the East shore of the lake. Belted Kingfisher was flying around the pond on private property that spills into Bacon Creek.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 8 APRIL 2023

Adams Homestead

An early morning bicycle ride around the trails produced 31 species. Still, a good collection of waterfowl on Mud Lake, including a lone Snow Goose with Gadwall and Green-winged Teal. Two Eastern Meadowlarks were singing, one on the northwest corner of the Lake Loop, near the private bison pasture, the other was singing near the entrance to the archery range.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 7 APRIL 2023

Owego Wetlands

Jerry M. and I drove to Owego to check on the Bald Eagle nest on private property just outside of the complex. Two adults were around the nest and we saw two eaglets within the nest.

Jerry M., and Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Top Row, from left: Nest tree on private property (RW); Jerry setting up (RW); Adult on the nest (JM)

Middle Row, from left: Change of the guard (JM); Waiting (JM); Grub hub delivery (RW)

Bottom Row, from left: Making final approach (RW); Drop off (JM); On deck (JM)

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thurSDAY, 6 APRIL 2023

Cloud of migrating blackbirds - SW Plymouth County

Leesa M., Plymouth County, IA

*Blackbird Cloud image copyright 2023 by Leesa McNeil, used with permission.*

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wEdneSDAY, 5 APRIL 2023

Crystal Cove City Park, South Sioux City, NE

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 4 april 2023

Kevin and I went to Crystal Cove, South Siuoux City, NE, when he got off work today, around 4:30 PM. We saw a Common Loon, and a variety of other ducks including the Red-breasted Mergansers, plus a Great Blue Heron. Thank you for letting me know that there were Loons on the lake today!

Marla K., Sioux City

Crystal Cove City Park, South Sioux City, NE

Snyder's Bend, Woodbury County, IA

Horned Grebe, 1 First of Year (FOY)
American White Pelican, 250
Double-breasted Cormorant, 400
Great Egret, 1
Belted Kingfisher, 1 male

Sandhill Lake, Woodbury County, IA — There is water again!

Wilson's Snipe, 2-4 FOY
Pectoral Sandpiper, 1 FOY
Green-winged Teal, >1000
plus all other puddle ducks

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 3 april 2023

Dakota Dunes Tyson Ponds

Top Row, from left: Double-crested Cormorants (2 images), immature male Red-breasted Mergansers molting to breeding plumage, female Lesser Scaup

Bottom Row, from left: female Ruddy Duck, Great Blue Heron (2 images), Cedar Waxwing

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 2 april 2023

Adams Homestead

Top Row, from left: Lesser Scaup, Pied-billed Grebe, Pied-billed Grebe

Bottom Row, from left: Red-breasted Merganser, Bufflehead, Canada Geese

Pelicans at Snyder’s Bend and Brown’s Lake, April 1st and 2nd.

After two days of shooting and almost 5,000 (maybe 4,700) images taken, these are what I consider the best of my take. By far the light later morning on Sunday at Brown's Lake was better than Snyder's Bend earlier on Sunday, and both were better than my afternoon jaunt to Snyder's on Saturday.

I like some because they contain different species of birds (swan, pelicans and maybe coots or cormorants) such as the pelicans flying with a cormorant tagging along. By far the predominant birds I photographed were the pelicans.

Haven't looked at my video yet, but am hopeful it is like the stills. A bit more forgiving since the objects are moving, and me too.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA; http://www.lostinsiouxland.com or http://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.photoshelter.com

Sioux City Prairie Park

A beautiful morning for a quick visit revealed 22 species with a very good selection of waterfowl in the pond. There were all three species of mergansers, a Pied-billed Grebe, Ruddy Duck, Canvasback, numerous Northern Shoveler and Lesser Scaup. A Turkey Vulture and a Bald Eagle had separate flyovers.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Top row, from left: Canvasback, Ruddy Ducks and Canvasback, Red-breasted Mergansers

Bottom row, from left: Red-breasted Merganser, Bufflehead (left) and Hooded Merganser (right) and Common Merganser.

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 31 MARCH 2023

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA

A foggy early morning walk around Bacon Creek revealed an impressive number of individual waterfowl as well as species of waterfowl. Thirty-three species of birds were identified.

Blue-winged Teal - 12
American Wigeon - 4
Green-winged Teal - 38
Hooded Merganser - 8
Ruddy Duck - 6
Pied-billed Grebe - 5
American Coot - 20
Great Blue Heron - 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1
Belted Kingfisher - 1
Fox Sparrow - 6
Song Sparrow - 8
Common Grackle - 4

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 30 MARCH 2023

Crystal Cove, Dakota County, NE

Red-breasted Merganser, 13
Common Merganser >100
Hooded Merganser 10
Pied-billed Grebe 3 FOY
Fox Sparrow 3 FOY
Ring-billed Gull 10
Plus many ducks

Snyder's Bend, both Woodbury, IA & Dakota County, NE

American White Pelican 33
Ross's Goose 2
Blue-winged Teal 3 males
many, many ducks

Brown's Lake, Woodbury, IA

Red-breasted Merganser 1
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Ring-billed Gull 10
Common Merganser >50

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Sioux City Prairie Park

A very good selection of waterfowl at Prairie Park this late morning (Randy) and afternoon (Marla).

Blue-winged Teal - 2
Northern Shoveler - 75
Canvasback - 10
Redhead - 4
Hooded Merganser - 8
Ruddy Duck - 2
Killdeer - 1
Ring-billed Gull - 2
Turkey Vulture - 9
Belted Kingfisher - 1
And many other ducks than the highlights listed here.

Randy W. (AM), and Marla K. (PM), Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 24 MARCH 2023

Little Sioux Park

I visited Little Sioux Park twice last week, Wednesday, 22 March and Friday 24 March. I went by myself on Wednesday and returned with two Sioux City Camera Club members, Carey A. and Jerry M., on Friday. There were eagles and waterfowl along the Little Sioux River and in the ponds adjacent to the Union Bridge Trail. Highlights include: Trumpeter Swans, Common Goldeneye, Common Mergansers, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Green-winged Teal, and Bald Eagles, adults and immatures. Snow Geese and Greater White-fronted Geese were flyovers. Friday also had a surprising number of crows in the area.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

D8546314-A489-4542-9C9F-7E1904D2B73F_1_201_a-standard-scale-2_00x-gigapixel.png

82BA4195-001E-4143-9E32-91D7AFB343A7_1_201_a-standard-scale-2_00x-gigapixel-SharpenAI-Focus.jpeg

Carey Anderson

Immature Bald Eagle along the Little Sioux
Avoiding the Photographers
Morning Walk

Jerry Mennenga

Goose Overhead!
Red-winged Blackbird
European Starlings
Waterfowl Variety
Audience
Immature Bald Eagle
Trumpeter Swans

Randall D. Williams

Snow Along the Trail
Lesser Scaup Flotilla
Ring-necked Ducks and Lesser Scaup
Confluence of Bacon Creek with the Little Sioux River

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 22 MARCH 2023

The Northwest Iowa Group of Sierra Club visited DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. Twenty-one bird species were identified on the drives to and from DeSoto as well as on the roads within the refuge and around the visitor center. I was excited to see the Northern Pintail, one of my favorites!

Marla K., Sioux City, IA

Top Row, from left: Refuge sign; Visitor Center; Ring-necked Duck

Bottom Row, from left: Northern Pintail; Ring-necked, Northern Shoveler and Green-winged Teal; Missouri River bend

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 18 march 2023

Hubby and I chanced to see this immature Golden Eagle flying over our prairie and dive-bombing some wild turkeys this afternoon!

Leesa M., and Jon N., SW Plymouth County in the Loess Hills

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 14 march 2023

Waterfowl at Snyder’s Bend.

Here are four pictures and two videos of waterfowl taken by Jan at Snyder's Bend on 3-14-23.

Jerry V. and Jan N., Sioux City, IA

Ducks-Swans-Geese.
Red-winged Blackbirds have returned!
Mass of Snow Geese (Behind Tree Line!).
Trumpeter Swan and Friends.

Near Mapleton, IA

*Cedar Waxwing image copyright 2023 by John & Sharon Polifka, used with permission.*

There were approximately 30+ cedar waxwings in our trees early this Tuesday morning (and a robin or two in the group). A close up picture of some of the waxwings.

John & Sharon P., Mapleton, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 9 march 2023

Plymouth County, IA

Leesa and I saw in excess of 200 robins in our woods that are about 185 yards away from the house when we went down to retrieve our game cameras. This was a week ago. We had not seen any robins in 2023 prior to this. We typically do not see any around our house up on the hill. There is a lack of trees at the top with the exception of three large Eastern Red Cedars that serve a plethora of other bird species.

Jon N., SW Plymouth County, IA

Snyder Bend Birds

Thousands of waterfowl were present this morning, though the lake remains mostly frozen. The good news is that the open water is easily viewable from the parking lot. However, today's snow made visibility poor and the more distant birds impossible to identify.

Trumpeter Swan, 64
Snow Geese, a few with others flying over
Greater White-fronted Goose, > 2000
Canada Goose, >100
Mallard, hundreds
Northern Pintail, hundreds
Redhead, 100
Ring-necked Ducks, 100
Canvasback, 12
Lesser Scaup, 12
Green-winged Teal, 3
Common Goldeneye, 2
Gadwall, 2

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 8 march 2023

This morning, a very large flock of geese in a field with standing water across from the frozen ponds of Midway Park (IA 140, midway between Moville & Kingsley) - 100's of greater white fronted; several dozen snowies, including blue phase; and some ducks, including a northern shoveler pair & a redhead. There were also 17 trumpeter swans.

West of Kingsley, along the open waters of the West Fork Little Sioux River, geese were in the waters, on the mud bars, & in the fields on the edges of the banks: primarily Canadas, but some cackling geese. A mile west of that, a raucous flock of red-wing blackbirds filled the trees along a small creek.

- Kristy M., Kingsley

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 7 march 2023

Kramper Lake

Although the large lake is still frozen, the three sediment basins on the south of the road are melting around their edges and are teaming with waterfowl

Trumpeter Swan, 6
Greater White-fronted Goose, 2200
Snow Geese, 1000's in the sky
Ross's Goose, 1 with the White-fronts
Cackling Goose, 10
Canada Goose, hundreds scattered around
Green-winged Teal, 50
Wood Duck, 4
Northern Shoveler, 1 First of Year (FOY)
Gadwall, 20
American Wigeon, 4
Northern Pintail, 250
Mallard, maybe 1000
Lesser Scaup, 25
Ring-necked Duck, 100
Redhead, 50
Canvasback, 14 males FOY
Bufflehead, 1
Common Goldeneye, 3
Hooded Merganser, 3
Ring-billed Gull, 11 FOY
Killdeer, 1 FOY

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 6 march 2023

Kevin saw the Kestrel that hunts regularly near the shop where he works. It appears to be eating a mouse.

Kevin & Marla K., Sioux City, IA

More Photos of the Day

Picture of eagle taken along the Big Sioux River 2 miles north of Jefferson bridge.
Picture of Canada geese taken in Ponca State Park.

Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 3 march 2023

Thousands of Snow & Greater White-fronted Geese at Snyder Bend!

On the afternoon of 3-3-23, there was a huge flock of Snow Geese resting in the middle of Snyder’s Bend. Half were out of sight behind the grassland. They were spooked and all took flight and filled the skies in all directions. There were also flocks of Greater White-front’s flying in all directions. The sights and sounds were awesome!

Jerry V. and Jan N., Sioux City, IA

Slide show key:

Resting after a long flight.
A little closer view
Snows and Blues
Probably some Ross’s too.
A mass of geese!
They filled the sky!
So pretty above!
A closer sky view.
There were geese all around!
And they made a loud sound!
Which way should we go??

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 2 march 2023

At dusk last night, a flock of 8 swans was flying low over the corn stubble north and west of the intersection of IA-140 & County Rd C-70 in Plymouth Co. They were flying away from me, so unable to tell which flavor of swan.

Lots of strings of geese (mostly Canada) flying high overhead yesterday morning in southern Plymouth/northern Woodbury Co's, with an occasionally "white dot" visible along those line. Gotta remember to carry my binoculars with me in this exciting time of the year!

Kristy M., Kingsley, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 1 march 2023

Photos of the day!

Bald Eagle nest just south of Sioux City near Snyder’s Bend
Greater White-fronted Geese near Oswego
Canvasback and Redhead in same frame at the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (two images)

Leesa M., and Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

Three images of a Sharp-shinned Hawk on 2/27/23 (left and middle) and 3/1/23 (right image).

Todd W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 2023

Day 4 of the Great Backyard Bird Count and I returned to Turtle Lake and Pammel Valley in Stone Park. I keep trying for another Pileated Woodpecker sighting at Turtle Lake. Did not happened today. I saw and heard Red-headed Woodpeckers and a Carolina Wren called for several minutes from the same location along the shore of the lake. On the way down to Pammel Valley I found one large tree with about 50 Cedar Waxwings flitting about and there were two Eastern Bluebirds in some lower branches. An adjacent tree had 6 American Robins.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 2023

Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge

This is a video of Snow Geese at the Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge on Feb 19th. The NWR is near Mound City, NE. It was estimated that about one million geese were here on their stopover on the way to Canada. It was an unbelievable sight.

Sharon & John P., Mapleton, IA

Stone Park

We saw a Carolina Wren by Turtle Lake on Sunday - we hiked down to the lake after we left Sioux City Prairie.

Marla and Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

Sioux City Prairie Preserve

This is Day 3 of the Great Backyard Bird Count and I decided to visit a location I had not visited in a very long time, Sioux City Prairie Preserve. The morning was cool and there was a northwest wind. I walked the southern section of the prairie and did not see or hear a lot of bird activity until I started back to the Talbot Road gate. I heard and eventually found a singing Eastern Bluebird at a stand of cottonwood trees and sumac. It was quite vocal as it moved from tall tree stump to sumac tops. I lost the bird for a short time as it moved about. I thought I relocated the bluebird but discovered this new sighting was a Northern Shrike. It, too, moved from sumac top to small tree and eventually out of sight. See images below.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE, SATURDAY, 18 FEBRUARY 2023

The Loess Hills Audubon Society participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) on Saturday, February 18th. Twenty members and guests surveyed local hotspots such as the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center; Sioux City’s Bacon Creek and Riverside Parks; Snyder Bend and Little Sioux County Parks; Ponca State Park (NE), Blue Lake and Stone State Parks (IA) and the exotic locations of St. Louis County, MN and Castle Pines, CO.

Please click on the button below to see the full report and species identified for the full count period of Friday, 17 February through Monday, 20 February 2023.

Bill Huser, LHAS Vice-President & Outings Coordinator; 712-574-3107 or billfhuser@gmail.com

LHAS 2023 GBBC Results

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 17 FEBRUARY 2023

This is the first day of the Great Backyard Bird Count and I decided to visit Snyder Bend County Park because I had not visited the park in quite a while. I understood more water had been pumped into the oxbow but I was still surprised by the amount of ice. There was one small patch of open water towards the far shore of the oxbow. That small patch of open water, visible from the rental cabin parking area, had about 50 Trumpeter Swans and an equivalent number of Canada geese. There were also some other, smaller waterfowl. I did not have a spotting scope with me, to my regret. I could tell there were Common Mergansers, Common Goldeneye and I discovered a few Redhead in my images after I uploaded them. I only saw one immature Bald Eagle. The trail to the observation deck was about 90% ice covered.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2023

Woodbury County, IA

Eurasian Tree Sparrow 1 male (first county record for this SE Iowa specialty)
Harris's Sparrow, 1
Song Sparrow, 1
American Tree Sparrow, 60
House Sparrow 4 males

This rarity was in the company of 4 House Sparrows and foraging on the same ground as the other sparrows listed. Identification is by the black spot on light gray face, reddish-brown crown and pale gray collar. Note that this species is not sexually dimorphic, so adults of each sex appear the same. This poor photo (below) was obtained by shooting through standing weeds using manual focus.

NOTE: this bird was on private property but seen from the public road. It was just east of an outbuilding at the private residence across from the main farm buildings. The bird was seen most often on the ground next to a dark green SUV parked on the east side of the eastern most outbuilding. This residence is inhabited and you're viewing the area may arouse the suspicions of the residents. Be prepared to explain yourselves.

Jerry P. and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

*Eurasian Tree Sparrow image copyright 2023 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 13 febrUARY 2023

With the warm weather there are lots of flooded fields right now. A mile from home I found 16 Northern Pintails in a shallow flooded field. Migration has begun!

Jan J., near Wakefield, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 10 febrUARY 2023

Little Sioux River, State Highway 31

About 50 eagles seen this AM (Friday) in trees along the Little Sioux River between Oto and Anthon on State Highway 31.

Sharon P., Mapleton, IA

Perry Creek Trail, Sioux City, IA

If you haven’t seen a Belted Kingfisher this year, I saw one on Friday while walking the Perry Creek Trail. It was flying low by the creek which has flowing water. I saw it in the area behind the hardware store/old Shopko. The trail is on the west side of the creek, if you haven’t been there before (first street past creek). A friend of mine saw it there on Thursday as well.

Marla K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 6 febrUARY 2023

We were excited to find Snow Buntings, Horned Larks, and a Merlin east of Sergeant Bluff.

Jerry V., and Jan N., Sioux City, IA

Merlin Perched Up High (top, left)
Snow Bunting Wading In Water (top, middle)
Snow Bunting Ice Skating (top, right)
Horned Lark King of the Hill (bottom, left)
Horned Lark with Cold Feet (bottom, middle)
An Elegant Snow Bunting (bottom, right)

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 3 febrUARY 2023

A Sharp-shinned Hawk keeping the birds on their toes this morning at our feeders. In one photo the hawk started to dive after one.

Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednESDAY, 1 febrUARY 2023

*American Goldfinch image copyright 2023 by Sharon Polifka, used with permission.*

American Goldfinch in flight captured on game cam.

Sharon P., Mapleton, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 31 JANUARY 2023

I’ve had a Merlin patrolling the yard the past couple weeks. I happened to glance out this afternoon to see him swoop in and catch one of the at-present-too-many Red-winged Blackbirds. He took it to a power pole in the yard and proceeded to pluck and devour the entire bird.

Jan J., Wakefield, NE photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bird-brained-quilter/

Ida County, IA

There were huge number of pheasant out, late afternoon, all looking for food in the deep snow here in Ida County. These three images are of a strange color looking pheasant rooster. Have you seen any that look like this miss-colored rooster?

Don P., Ida Grove, Iowa; Cell 712-369-3454

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 30 JANUARY 2023

I was out yesterday and also this morning trying to record the wintering Snow Bunting that are now being seen in our area, They come down from Central and Northern Canada and some from as far away as Alaska. The usually are mixed in with flocks of Horned Larks and Longspurs.

Here is what I recorded of a small beautiful bird.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

Salix Farms Dairy, 280th St, Woodbury County, IA

Snow Bunting, 130
Song Sparrow, 2 - feeding on 280th St gravel
Ring-necked Pheasants, 44

Owego Wetlands

Short-eared Owl, 2 - seen 30 min. after sunset
Great-horned Owl, 1
Merlin, 2 - interacting and flying together
Northern Harrier, 4
Rough-legged Hawk, 2 or more
Bald Eagle, pair on nest.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE sunDAY, 29 JANUARY 2023

1 Northern Cardinal
2 Downy woodpeckers
1 Bluejay
4 Pheasants (3 roosters, 1 hen)
7 or 8 Dark-eyed juncos
4 unintended invitees

Jon N., SW Plymouth County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saturDAY, 28 JANUARY 2023

Here are a few photos from the Snowy Day on January 28. We had a visit from a Carolina Wren (center images, below) that day. I am also including a Junco photo (left image) and a snowy squirrel (right image).

Marla K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE friDAY, 27 JANUARY 2023

A few photos of Bald Eagles seen a couple days ago on the Big Sioux River which is the border between Iowa and SD. It was a frosty and pretty morning.

Jerry V., and Jan N., Sioux City, IA

Photo key, starting on the left:

Big Sioux River—Iowa on right and S.D. on left
Adult Bald Eagle on a Frosty Morning!
Adults and Immatures.
Close-up.
2 Immatures take flight

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE thursDAY, 26 JANUARY 2023

Hundreds of pheasants seen in fields between old Highway 141 and Luton at 8:46 this AM. Mostly females with a few males.

Sharon P., Monona County, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE wednesDAY, 25 JANUARY 2023

Big Sioux River - Woodbury County, IA & Union County, SD

Golden Eagle, 1 immature; all dark eagle with white tail base and distinct white patch on ventral inner primaries. Found early morning by Tyler Flammang. Seen and photographed later as it kited in the strong winds along the river bluffs (IA) and dove down to Big Sioux River channel and river banks (IA & SD). Very agile and active and interacted with airbourne Bald Eagles present.
Bald Eagle, 13 several age group/plumages present

Jerry P., Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE tuesDAY, 24 JANUARY 2023

Some photos from Plymouth County courtesy of Jon Nylen.

Top row: Sharp-shinned Hawk
Bottom row: Bald Eagle

US -20 west of Jackson, Dakota County, NE

Merlin (Taiga) 1

Buckskin Hills WMA vicinity, Dixon County, NE

Greater Prairie-Chicken 18
Golden Eagle, 1 adult; seen perched and in flight, entirely dark colored with no white on tail or wings. Golden nape and crown.
Red-tailed Hawk, 1 B.j. abieticola; whitish chin heavily streaked with dark, tawny upper breast, red-brown streaks from malar to breast band, heavier breast band than resident B.j. borealis.
Merlin (Taiga) 1
Northern Shrike, 2

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE monDAY, 23 JANUARY 2023

Woodbury County, IA

100 Snow Buntings (On 220th Street East of Carroll Ave.--Had several good looks as they worked the gravel road and did not see any other species with them.)
2 Song Sparrows (Intersection of 220th St. and Dallas Ave.)

Jerry V. and Jan N., Sioux City, IA

LHAS BIRD HOTLINE saTURDAY, 21 JANUARY 2023

Monona County, IA

*Female Northern Cardinal image copyright 2023 John & Sharon Polifka, used with permission.*

This picture of a female Northern Cardinal in flight was taken by our game cam on 1-19-23.

Sharon P., Mapleton, IA

Riverside Park, Sioux City, IA

A morning visit and an afternoon visit to Riverside Park and the Lewis & Clark Hike/Bike Trail along the Big Sioux River were rewarded with excellent views of 22 Trumpeter Swans and at least 35 adult and immature Bald Eagles. The eagles were aligned in the trees along the open water of the Big Sioux keeping close eyes on the swans and the numerous Canada Geese. Common Goldeneye and Common Mergansers were also observed in the open water.

Randy W. (AM) and Marla and Kevin K., (PM), Sioux City, IA

Woodbury County Birds

1 - Short-eared Owl (A surprise bird at 9:55 A.M. about 1/4 mile East of Carroll Ave.on 220th Street. It flew up out of the ditch and landed in the snow covered field to the south. Then took off towards the west.).
4 - Rough-legged Hawks
1 - Sharp-shinned Hawk
3 - Northern Harriers
16 - Ring-necked Pheasants
200 - American Tree Sparrows
Several small flocks of Horned Larks

Lots of fog and frosty trees.

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

lhas bird hotline thursday, 19 january 2023

*Image copyright 2023, Bill & Dotty Zales, used with permission.*

Plymouth County, IA

After the storm: Haven’t seen bobwhite here for years.

Bill and Dotty Z., Plymouth County, IA

Dixon County, NE

Not only did I have huge numbers but a great variety at the feeders today.

Black-capped Chickadee - rarely do I have them since West Nile. Last was 4 years ago and this one has been here for 5 days now
Northern Cardinal - male and female
Dark-eyed Junco - 1 Oregon variant
American Tree Sparrow
Blue Jay
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
Red-bellied Woodpecker - male and female
Northern Flicker - yellow shafted
European Starling
Downy Woodpecker
Red-winged Blackbird
Hairy Woodpecker
Harris’s Sparrow - only one has stuck around this winter
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Finch - male and female
Eastern Towhee - male. He’s been here since November 25th
Eastern Screech-Owl - not at the feeders but in the nest box close by
Jan J., Wakefield, NE

lhas bird hotline wednesday, 18 january 2023

Dakota County Birds:

I Ave.

Trumpeter Swan, 2 adults, 2 immatures

200th St @ Rohde Farm

Brown Creeper, 1

137th St., Jackson

Ferruginous Hawk, 1 immature (see below)

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

lhas bird hotline saturday, 14 january 2023

We decided to drive along the Missouri River today to search for some birds. We did and the sightings were few. We did find a flock of approximately 20 Cedar Waxwings in the area Bill Huser found Bohemians on the Ponca CBC, but none in this flock. Also spotted two different Northern Shrikes, but the best bird of the day was a Golden Eagle about 1.5 miles north of highway 12 on 585 Ave. I barely had enough time to stop the car on the icy road, roll down the window and grab the camera so the light settings are not the best. My photo editing software isn’t the best.

Jan J., Wakefield, NE http://www.flickr.com/photos/bird-brained-quilter/

lhas bird hotline thursday, 12 january 2023

Tuesday, Jan. 10, Riverfront Drive, South Sioux City, NE

Merlin, 1

Wednesday, Jan. 11, Riverfront Drive, South Sioux City, NE

Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk, 1

Thursday, Jan. 12, Big Sioux River @ Riverside Park, Sioux City, IA & 2-Rivers Golf Course, Union County, SD

Trumpeter Swan, 14, including 2 immatures
Bald Eagle, 4

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

lhas bird hotline wednesday, 11 january 2023

*American Kestrel image copyright 2023 by Kevin Kerr, used with permission.*

This morning when Kevin was leaving the Utilities garage on 18th Street (west of the Floyd River) he saw an American Kestrel on a wire. When I picked him up after work around 3:30, there was a Kestrel on the fence in that same area eating a bird. We didn’t have our camera with us, but Kevin took a few photos with his cell phone.

Marla and Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

lhas bird hotline monday, 9 january 2023

*Osprey image copyright 2022 by Don Poggensee, used with permission.*

On Sunday, 25 September 2022 Don Poggensee first saw the above osprey on Moorehead Lake. He recorded this view along the Maple River. Don reported the green band number 65P to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

On Monday, 9 January 2023 Don was contacted by Iowa DNR avian ecologist Anna Buckardt Thomas. In September she had reported Don’s observation to the USGS Bird Banding Lab (BBL) and BBL subsequently contacted the bander, Marco Restani, Professor Emmeritus of Wildlife Ecology, St. Cloud State University.

Dr. Restani replied to Anna on Sunday, 8 January 2023. He had banded 65/P (green band on the right leg, silver band on the left leg) as a nestling on 18 July 2022 in Billings, MT. The bird was about 35 days old at banding and had two siblings.

Dr. Restani also noted that he collaborates with 40+ volunteers from the Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society and five power companies. The volunteers monitor about 100 osprey nests along the Yellowstone River from Gardiner to Miles City. The vast majority of the nests exist on pole nest platforms erected by power companies to get the birds away from live wires. The project began in 2009 and since 2012 his group has banded 780 nestlings.

We have had banded ospreys from our project winter along the Atlantic Coast in South Carolina and Florida, and across the entire Gulf Coast from Florida through to the Yucatan. We have also had a few winter as far south as Costa Rica and as far east as Puerto Rico. Birds on migration have been encountered in Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Arkansas, and Indiana. Yours is the first observation from Iowa.

--Marco Restani

Dr. Restani then provided the following link to more information about the project:

The Osprey Project: With the use of volunteer nest monitors, Marco Restani helps osprey populations soar - Big Sky Journal

Reported by Don Poggensee, Wind Rider Images, 174 Lakeview Drive, Ida Grove, Iowa 51445-8088; Cell 712-369-3454

lhas bird hotline sunday, 8 january 2023

*Bluebird image copyright 2023 by Sharon Polifka, used with permission.*

I was finally able to take a picture of the bluebirds visiting our bird bath on Sunday morning. They have been visiting the bath off and on all morning.

Sharon P., Mapleton, IA

lhas bird hotline saturday, 7 january 2023

Union County State Park, SD

Purple Finch, 10 including both sexes
Cedar Waxwing, 120 or more
American Robin, 80 or more
Brown Creeper, 1

Near Spink, SD

Snow Bunting, 14

South of Elk Point, SD

Trumpeter Swan, 3 adults, 2 immatures (in snow swept soybean stubble 1-2 miles from the Missouri River)
Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk, 1

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Stone Park

An early morning walk from Stone Park’s west entrance and the Big Sioux River through Black Bear Circle, past the cabins and over to the snow-covered road, up and along the ridge and back to the west entrance produced a list of 13 species. Highlights were 4 Bald Eagles, 2 adult and 2 immature, and 2 Common Mergansers along the Big Sioux. A Cooper’s Hawk was seen near the intersection to Dakota Point. A Red-headed Woodpecker was in the Black Bear Circle area and Northern Flickers all long the route.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

lhas bird hotline saturday, 31 december 2022

What a great day to count birds. We had our count today with 19 great viewers. Our count might change a bit but at this time 44 species of birds and total bird numbers are 2,125 birds. With ponds mostly all frozen over, duck numbers were low.

Some good finds include: 15 bald eagles, two screech owls, three Great Horned Owls, one Barred Owl (photo, below), eight Long-eared Owls, two Belted Kingfishers, six Kestrel, 450 Lapland Longspur, and three Red Crossbills. Count Week birds were quail and two Barred Owl pair.

Biggest miss today no Saw-whet Owls.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

see results

*Blue Jay and Barred Owl image copyright 2022 Jerry L. Mennenga, used with permission.*

Dixon County, NE

I am listing some of my sightings recently:

Eastern Towhee, male - he’s been coming to my feeders since November 25th
Harris’s Sparrow - a single bird coming to the feeders the past two weeks
Northern Flicker, red-shafted male- not seen every day but comes to feed on black oil and suet
Snow Bunting - a flock of about 50 birds on December 31st at the intersection of 581 Ave and 860 Rd. Distinctive with their black and white wings when in flight. A non-mixed flock

Jan J., Dixon County

lhas bird hotline thursday, 22 december 2022

The Yankton Christmas Bird Count (CBC) took place on Sunday, December 18, 2022. Thirty-two people, from teenagers to seniors, from Yankton, Vermillion, & Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and South Sioux City, Norfolk, & Wayne, Nebraska enjoyed a cold but sunny day to be out counting birds. A total of 16,351 birds of 79 different species of birds which is better than the 78 species seen last year but not quite as high as the 82 species record set in 2012 and recorded again in 2020.

Highlights of the day: Yellow-headed Blackbirds were observed for the first time ever on the Yankton CBC. Tundra Swan observed for just the second time ever. Record high counts: Tundra Swan-2; Northern Shoveler-11; Lesser Scaup-500; Greater Prairie-Chicken-12; Sharp Shinned Hawk-7; Eastern Screech-Owl-13; Long-eared Owl-2; Northern Saw-whet Owl-2; Red-breasted Nuthatch-20; Red-winged Blackbird-6,302; and Yellow-headed Blackbird-100.

Two additional species that we did not find on Sunday but were observed for “Count Week” (three days before and three days after our Sunday count day): Wood Duck & Harris's Sparrow. Species expected to be found that were missed this year include Cooper’s Hawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Hermit Thrush, Great Blue Heron, Lapland Longspur, and Snow Bunting.

Note: a full list will be available on this website (use button below).

Roger Dietrich, compiler, Yankton, SD, email: 1947rogerd@gmail.com

Image web site: https://www.flickr.com/photos/yanktonbirds/

see results

lhas bird hotline wednesday, 21 december 2022

In my backyard yesterday, constant ravenous eating by birds.

A Northern Harrier - 1 - flew through my backyard and headed west. It was a male, white underwing with black wing tips.
Carolina Wren -1
Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon variant- 1

Marla K., Sioux City, IA

The bluebirds were scarce during the CBC but, we did see three bluebirds at our place today (Highway 141). Five Eastern Bluebirds eventually visited our bird bath.

Sharon P., rural Smithland, IA

lhas bird hotline saturday, 17 december 2022

Sioux City Christmas Bird Count highlights:

Hermit Thrush, 1
Merlin, 3, in 3 locations
Northern Shrike, 1
Red-headed Woodpecker, 14, at Stone Park's Pammel Valley
Brewer's Blackbird, 1, within a flock of 500 Red-winged Blackbirds
Brown-headed Cowbird, 7, in two locations
White-crowned Sparrow, 5, in 3 locations
Barred Owl, 1
Harris's Sparrow, 1
14 species of waterfowl lingering at Snyder's Bend.

Thanks to the many participants finding these birds and the more common ones.

Bill Huser, LHAS Hotline editor.

Christmas Bird Count at Stone Park

We hiked down to Turtle Lake in Stone Park. The road was icy, and the trails were worse. We took the road. We saw a Barred Owl and the Hermit Thrush (photos below) partway down the road. I didn’t see or even hear the Pileated Woodpecker. That was a bummer. Maybe next time!

Marla & Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

lhas bird hotline thursday, 15 december 2022

Westfield Christmas Bird Count Highlights:

Snow Bunting, 9, (left and middle images) with Lapland Longspurs
Lapland Longspurs, (right image) hundreds, in different locations
15 Waterfowl species in Everist gravel pits.

Bob L., North Sioux City, SD Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

lhas bird hotline wednesday, 14 december 2022

Ponca State Park Christmas Bird Count Circle:

Bohemian Waxwing, 4, with over 100 Cedar Waxwings
Northern Shrike, 5
Golden Eagle, 1 juv.
Ross's Goose, 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Lapland Longspur

Tentative total: 55 species

Jeff Fields, Scott Oligmuller, Brady, Keith, Kent, Bob Hanson, Jim Arends, Jerry Probst, Warren Dunkel, Jerry VonEhwegen, Jan Null, Marla & Kevin Kerr, Bill Huser and Tucker Lutter

lhas bird hotline sunday, 4 december 2022

Stone State Park

I decided to walk to Pammel Valley and Turtle Lake this morning. I was on the road and a little above the T-intersection that branches left to Wahkaw Shelter and right to Pammel Valley. I stopped because I heard a Flicker and ... something that sounded like a chuckling noise. I started Merlin Sound ID and Northern Flicker, Hairy Woodpecker, and Pileated Woodpecker all came up and all alternated in flashing yellow.

I shut down Merlin and moved to eBird to document this. The flicker and the Hairy stopped but I could still hear the chuckling to the south of my position. I re-fired Merlin Sound ID and Pileated Woodpecker was the only thing to pop up and the application was flickering yellow in time to the calls I was hearing. I could not tell if more than one bird was present or not.

Red-headed Woodpeckers remained near Turtle Lake and I saw and heard several more along the road as I came up out of the valley and back to the parking lot to return home.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

lhas bird hotline saturday, 3 december 2022

Early this morning, I was awakened by the calling of 2 Great Horned Owls. Went outside, saw one in a tree. Shortly after that, took a walk to the end of West 4th, and heard them down in the forest area where they traveled West.

Marla K., Sioux City, IA

lhas bird hotline friday, 2 december 2022

I had a Carolina Wren briefly at my feeders today. When I submitted to eBird, it showed as “unreported.” The last time I documented this species at my house on eBird was August 26 (per last sighting of species in eBird species list). I was very surprised to see it today, and it moved away before I could get my camera.

Marla K., Sioux City, IA

*Long-tailed Duck image copyright 2022 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

lhas bird hotline wednesday, 30 november 2022

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

Long-tailed Duck, 1 winter female. Seen in the company of other ducks present, Redheads, Canvasbacks, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneyes. The lake is partly frozen, limiting the remaining ducks' movements.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

lhas bird hotline sunday, 27 november 2022

Stone Park--West Entrance:

1 Winter Wren
Several Red-headed Woodpeckers

Roads are closed for winter so it was a nice walk on the quiet road with just the sounds of the birds and good views through the leafless trees on a calm afternoon.

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

lhas bird hotline saturday, 26 november 2022

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE:

American Black Duck, 1 with hundreds of Mallards

Found Friday by Sam Manning of Omaha. It could not be located later in the day but was found Saturday morning and seen by 4 observers. This mallard relative, usually found east of the Mississippi River, has become an increasingly rare vagrant here. It is identified by dark brown plumage, a greenish, unmarked bill, a violet speculum and lack of white on tail and wing.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

lhas bird hotline friday, 25 november 2022

Chris Larsen Park

A Black Friday bicycle ride along the Riverfront Trail had quite a few geese along the Missouri and Big Sioux Rivers. Most interesting sightings were this Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel on different light poles near the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Randy W. Sioux City, IA

lhas bird hotline tuesday, 22 november 2022

Bacon Creek, Sioux City, IA:

Mid afternoon at Bacon Creek Park below the 3rd parking lot. Saw a bird fly across the lake from east to west and land on the shoreline. It worked its way along the shoreline from north to south in bright sunlight and it was a Wilson's Snipe. I continued my walk and when I returned there was an Opossum foraging along the trail in the grass so I detoured up the steep hill. The last time I tried to scare a Possum away from my house it ended up in my garage so I decided not to mess with this one!

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

lhas bird hotline monday, 21 november 2022

Spent the morning in Ida Grove. It was fun and nice to have a cooperative subject. Saw a bald eagle near the Little Sioux River at Correctionville but it flew off and wasn't cooperative. Saw an immature eagle along the Maple River at Moorehead Park, but it left too as I was bringing the lens up. The bums! But the barred owl (top row, left and middle) stayed put as did the little Northern Saw-whet Owl (all other images).

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA.

See more of Jerry’s work at:

Note: The Sioux City Camera Club participatged in a bird photography workshop with Don Poggensee on Saturday, 19 November. Have a look at their gallery of images from this workshop at: https://www.siouxcitycameraclub.com/p654603384

Yes, it was a Three Owl Day today in Moorehead Park, Ida County. From left: Barred, Long-eared, Long-eared, Northern Saw-whet.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

lhas bird hotline sunday, 20 november 2022

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center:

Tufted Titmouse
Northern Shrike

Todd W., Sioux City, IA

Plymouth County, IA:

Northern Shrike

Jon N., and Leesa M., Plymouth County

*Northern Shrike image copyright 2022 by Jon Nylen, used with permission.*

lhas bird hotline friday, 18 november 2022

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center:

Tufted Titmouse at Dorothy Pecaut bird feeders about 11AM.

Todd W., Sioux City, IA

*Tufted Titmouse image copyright 2022 by Todd Wheelock, used with permission.*

lhas bird hotline sunday, 13 november 2022

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE:

Barrow's Goldeneye, 1 male

Teri Dolezal located this rare western migrant.

lhas bird hotline saturday, 12 november 2022

I had an entertaining afternoon. I was watching birds at my feeders, as part of Project Feederwatch, around noon today when a small Sharp-shinned Hawk (top and bottom row, right and middle images) landed in a tree near the feeders. The birds disappeared except for a chickadee who was frozen in place like a statue. The smaller hawk was immediately followed by a Red-tailed Hawk (top row, right). They were aware of each other's presence - each flew over the other hawk at one point. After a few minutes, the Red-tailed flew into the wooded area and onto the ground, out of sight. The Sharp-shinned Hawk flew to another tree in the backyard, and was harassed by a Blue Jay (bottom row, right) who sounded the alarm in the same tree and then flew over and grabbed a peanut from a feeder while sounding the alarm again. Since the Blue Jay was eating a peanut, a few Downy Woodpeckers decided to go back to eating. After a bit, I needed to leave the room to check on what I was cooking, and when I came back to check on the situation, the hawk had left the area where he had been perched. I am not sure if anyone was lunch.

Marla K., Sioux City, IA

lhas bird hotline wednesday, 9 november 2022

Today we had an American Woodcock flush in medium high grass in the north area of Moorhead Park, and on my return we had another one flush in the south area of the park.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

I saw 3 Trumpeter Swans in a stubble field about a mile east of Smithland between 2:30 and 3:00 today.

John P., Woodbury County, IA

lhas bird hotline tuesday, 8 november 2022

On 11-8, I had the first American Tree Sparrow in the yard.

Jan J., near Wakefield, Dixon County, NE

On 11-8, a Red-breasted Nuthatch appeared at our feeder.

John P., Woodbury County, IA

lhas bird hotline monday, 7 november 2022

Brown's Lake, Woodbury County, IA:

Long-tailed Duck, 1 winter plumage female/immature.

Mark Haindfield photographed this bird with a flock of Redheads and Lesser Scaup and only saw and identified the bird later when viewing his images.

lhas bird hotline sunday, 6 november 2022

While Bill was walking along the creek behind our barn this morning, an American Woodcock flew up out of the thick grass above the creek!

Bill & Dotty Z., Westfield, IA

On 11-6 I had a single Pine Siskin come to the feeder. He didn’t stick around.

Jan J., near Wakefield, Dixon County, NE

lhas bird hotline friday, 4 november 2022

Crystal Cove Park, South Sioux City, NE

Great Egret, 2 late migrants

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

*Great Egret image copyright 2022 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 2 november 2022

Stone State Park

Morning and evening sightings of a Pileated Woodpecker at Turtle Lake (morning) and in Pammel Valley (evening).

Randy W. (AM) and Marla & Kevin K. (PM), Sioux City, IA

*Pileated Woodpecker image copyright 2022 by Kevin Kerr, used with permission.*

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

Tufted Titmouse first seen near the west end of the pollinator garden. Bird flew north across the parking lot and behind the garage and could not be relocated.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

House Finch Color Variant

I had read that some male House Finch can have a yellow color (two photos on left, below) instead of the red coloration. I had not noticed one until today when I saw one at my feeder.

I found this information: https://feederwatch.org/color_variant/yellow-house-finches/

I added a few photos of the bird I saw. In addition, I have a few Harris's Sparrows (two photos on right, below) in my yard. They seem to enjoy a bath almost as much as a Robin.

Comment by Bill H.: I have only had one real yellow House Finch come to my feeders, but have had more yellowish-reddish ones. Plumage color in House, Purple and Cassin's Finches is caused by 13 different carotenoid pigments which vary in proportion from bird to bird and from region to region. In varies also by speed of growth of the individual feathers.

Marla and Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 1 november 2022

Luton, IA

Northern Goshawk, 1 immature; chasing and catching a male Ring-necked Pheasant. First of Season (FOS) and First of Year (FOY).

*Northern Goshawk image copyright 2022 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

The Square

Smith's Longspur, a minimum of 15; FOS & FOY. Three small flocks of sparrow-sized birds flushed from short grass with exposed bare soil. They rose into the air in stair-step, ascending flight, typical of Longspurs, while giving the characteristic monotone dry rattle of Smith's Longspurs. (Confirmed in the field by audio recordings.). Plumage characters included boldly contrasting white outer tail feathers, buffy underparts, and white wing flash on the dorsal wing (seen on one bird).

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline sunday, 30 october 2022

A Pileated Woodpecker captured at Dorothy Pecaut at the lower parking lot at 11:00 am Sunday!!

Todd W., Sioux City, IA

*Pileated Woodpecker image copyright 2022 by Todd Wheelock, used with permission.*

A photo shot through our great room window of what appears to be a leucistic House Finch taken on 10/30/2022 underneath our feeders.

Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

*Leucistic House Finch image copyright 2022 by Jon Nylen, used with permission.*

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 29 october 2022

Lewis & Clark Lake, Knox County, NE

Highlights:

Surf Scoter, 10 female/immature
White-winged Scoter, 1 adult, 1 female/immature (left image, below)
Black Scoter, 2 female/immature
Red-necked Grebe, 1 basic plumage (middle image, below)
Horned Grebe, 12 basic
Western Grebe, 2
Common Loon, 3 basic (right image, below)

Heard only: Lapland Longspur, American Pipit

Mark B., Creighton, NE; Ed B., Wayne, NE; Jerry P., & Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline thursday, 27 october 2022

South Sioux City, Dakota County, NE

Cooper's Hawk, 1 adult male
Spotted Towhee, 1 male (Note that there are small white spots at base of primaries, perhaps enough to indicate some Eastern Towhee genes.)

Rich H., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 26 october 2022

Stone State Park:

Fox Sparrow,1

Todd W., Sioux City, IA

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

Surf Scoter, 1 immature male, 1 immature female; First Of Season (FOS)
Long-billed Dowitcher, 1 basic
Blue-winged Teal, 2, late
plus a smattering of puddle ducks and shorebirds.

Paul R., Sioux City, IA, Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

William F. Huser - top row images
Paul Roisen - middle and bottom row images

*Fox Sparrow image copyright 2022 by Todd Wheelock, used with permission.*

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 25 october 2022

Stone State Park:

Tufted Titmouse, 1 (Rare this far north, but perhaps same bird as seen here last Spring. - Bill H., hotline editor)

Todd W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 18 october 2022

Kramper Lake Highlights:

Long-billed Dowitcher, 1 in basic plumage (photo on left)
Least Sandpiper, 1
Wilson's Snipe, 6
American Pipit, 73 counted, probably many more (middle photo)
Le Conte's Sparrow, 3 (photo on right)

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline sunday, 16 october 2022

A morning walk from Pammel Valley to Turtle Lake revealed numerous birds, particularly American Robins and Yellow-rumped Warblers! Highlights of the walk include: Pileated Woodpecker, 1, calling and in flight over the trail; Swamp Sparrow; Eastern Bluebird; Eastern Towhee (no spots, white patch at base of primaries, see report from the Marla and Kevin, below); and many Red-headed Woodpeckers.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline friday, 14 october 2022

This White-throated Sparrow was photographed at Hitchcock (near Honey Creek) while on the Fox Run Ridge trail.

My husband Lawrence and I had decided to spend 2 days at Hitchcock for our 39th wedding anniversary. We had only been in the Loess Hills one other time (last year). We hiked a majority of the trails at Hitchcock. Within those two days, we saw Chickadee, Blue Jays, one male Cardinal, White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker, Turkey Vultures, Eastern Phoebe...and others. I make bird calendars and am certain regarding the identity of them. I post a lot of nature photos (birds, animals, or scenery) on Facebook at Nature Photography & Scripture for those that like the combination.

If you publish this, please let people know there is a copyright for further copying, but I don't mind you publishing this on your website.

Note: This image and background story was graciously offered to Loess Hills Audubon by Ella and Lawrence Hall.

Ella H., Granger, IA

*White-throated Sparrow image copyright 2022 by Ella Hall, used with permission.*

LHAS bird hotline monday, 10 october 2022

Towards evening on October 10, Kevin and I went birding in the area around Turtle Lake and Pammel Valley at Stone State Park. We saw a Pileated Woodpecker briefly fly across the area to the other side of the trail and disappear from sight. When it was no longer in sight, it called loudly several times.

We also saw a Towhee in the brambles in the swampy area. The bird was briefly in the path and then on a dead branch, so we were able to photograph clearly. After reviewing the photographs and comparing with the descriptions in a Sibley guide (pages 508 and 509), I thought that the bird was a Spotted Towhee. Bill Huser studied the Towhee photos and agreed with the ID of Spotted Towhee. I received good advice from Bill, who reminded me to also check for the absence of a primary bar, because there are hybrid Eastern x Spotted Towhees in the area to be considered in determining the ID.

Marla and Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline sunday, 9 october 2022

An early morning bike ride around the trails at Adams Homestead revealed 28 species. Personal highlights included: Bald Eagle, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, an acrobatic Le Conte’s Sparrow (three images, below), and a Lincoln’s Sparrow (image on right, below).

Randy W., Sioux City , IA

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 4 october 2022

Jackson Wastewater Treatment Lagoons:

Mute Swan, 1 (Same individual returning for the 3rd Fall?) FOS
Eared Grebe, 1 winter plumage FOS
Ring-necked Duck, 1 immature FOS
Sora, 1 immature
Blue-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal
American Wigeon
Northern Pintail
Northern Shoveler, 1
Mallard
Wood Duck
Savannah Sparrow

Kramper Lake:

Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow, 1 FOS
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Harris's Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Nashville Warbler, 1
Common Yellowthroat
Marsh Wren, 1
House Wren

Jerry P. and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE:

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 28 september 2022

Kramper Lake

American Golden Plover, 1 in winter plumage, above images copyright 2022 by Williams F. Huser, used with permission.
Ibis species, 1
American Pipit, 4, First Of Season (FOS)
Dowitcher species, 6
LeConte's Sparrow, 1 (FOS)
American White Pelican, 22
Pectoral Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Swamp Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrows
Blue-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal
American Wigeon
Northern Pintail
Mallard.

Note: Almost all of these were seen by walking the shoreline of the southernmost pond, across 200th Street from the main lake.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Bacon Creek, Sioux City, IA

A morning walk around Bacon Creek proved to be a good day of birding. Personal highlights include: Blue-winged Teal, Chimney Swift (6), American Coot (1), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (8), American Robin (100+), Harris’s Sparrow (10), White-throated Sparrow (11), Eastern Towhee (2), Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline monday, 26 september 2022

Crystal Cove, South Sioux City, NE

Many of our common migrants were present at Crystal Cove. Most were in dogwood thickets and the nearby weedy rock fishing jetty at the north end. They included:

Nashville Warbler, 10
Orange-crowned Warbler, 4
Yellow-rumped Warbler, approximately 30
Lincoln's Sparrow, at least 12
White-throated Sparrow, 3
Clay-colored Sparrow, 2
Northern Flicker, at least 10, including one red-shafted individual
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1
Double-crested Cormorant, 1
Amerocam Robins, approx. 100
Brown Thrasher, 1
House Wren, 2
Song Sparrow, 1

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Riverfront Trail, Sioux City IA

On Monday, 9/26 I bicycled from Chatauqua Park to the Adams Homestead VC and back. Did not start an eBird list; most of what I saw and heard was typical with these two exceptions.

I had my break at the Adams VC and was starting my return trip when I noticed a large white bird against the sky and clouds over Mud Lake. The bird turned and almost flew over me. A Great Egret.

On the return I stopped on the hike/bike bridge across the channelized Floyd River and spotted a Green Heron. I have seen them as well as Great Blue Herons in this area.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline sunday, 25 september 2022

On 9/25 I saw my first Harris’s Sparrow here at home. This morning there were at least a half dozen. Also, two days ago 3 White-throated Sparrows. This morning 2 immature White-crowned Sparrows. There are at least two dozen Lincoln’s Sparrows around.

9-25: A single Barn Swallow
9-26: Screech Owl -first I’ve seen him since the young fledged the end of June
9-27:
- Yellow-rumped Warblers
- Clay-colored Sparrows
- Blue Jay -17 flew over when I was outside
- Ruby-crowned Kinglet -2
- Downy Woodpecker
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- House Wren - 2

Jan J., rural Wakefield, NE

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 24 september 2022

An early morning walk around Bacon Creek provided some good birding. My highlights include: Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron, a couple of Empidonax flycatchers, Blue-headed Vireo, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Lincoln’s Sparrow.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

*Green Heron image copyright 2022 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 3 september 2022

I saw a Red-breasted Nuthatch in the tree in my front yard today. I wasn’t sure if anyone had seen one recently, so I thought I’d let you know. We have a few that arrive and stay the Winter in the neighborhood.

Marla K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline friday, 2 september 2022

Stone State Park

Here are a few photos from my birding walk in Stone Park this morning, Pammel Valley area and around Turtle Lake. I had the place to myself for most of the time except for a lone fisherman on a fishing boat.

Top row, from left: Gray Catbird, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, House Wren
Bottom row, from left: Great Blue Heron and Turtle Lake (two images).

Marla K., Sioux City, IA

Riverfront Trail System, Sioux City

A bicycle ride from Chatauqua Park to North Sioux City and back provided some interesting birds.

Top row, from left: Adult and immature Bald Eagles (2 images), immature Bald Eagle, Turkey Vulture
Bottom row, from left: Second immature Bald Eagle with 4 Turkey Vultures, Great Blue Heron, two Green Herons in the channelized Floyd River

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 31 august 2022

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

Ibis species, 2 juveniles, unidentifiable to species.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 30 august 2022

Crystal Cove Park, South Sioux City, NE

Blue-headed Vireo, 1
Wilson's Warbler, 1 male

Private Pond near Sandhill Lake

Piping Plover, 1

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE, Hotline moderator

LHAS bird hotline friday, 26 august 2022

Luton Wildlife Management Area.

Northern Bobwhite calling at 4 second and 16 second time points

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 24 august 2022

Siouxland Sod Farm, Dakota County, NE

Buff-breasted Sandpiper, 7

First time birding this new sod farm. A welcome addition to Dakota County birding sites since the only other known local sod farm (in Iowa) has been converted to corn.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA

Apparently I overlapped visits to Bacon Creek on two consecutive days with other LHAS members. On Tuesday, 8/23 I overlapped with Rex R. and on Wednesday, 8/24 I overlapped with Bill H. and Jerry P. I discovered the overlaps when I posted photos to eBird.

Tuesday highlights included: Spotted Sandpiper (far left photo), Green Heron, Cooper’s Hawk, Yellow-throated Vireo, Field Sparrow, Cedar Waxwing, American Redstart.
Wednesday highlights included: Spotted Sandpiper, Green Heron (second from left), Great Crested Flycatcher, Gray Catbird (third from left), Brown Thrasher (far right photo), Common Nighthawk.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 23 august 2022

Surprise for some Nodland Kindergartners! Mrs. Stephens class had a Barn Swallow nest outside their window and they fledged on the first day of school!

Barn Swallows on nest

Flight school

Two point landing

LHAS bird hotline monday, 22 august 2022

Stone State Park, Woodbury County, IA

Golden-winged Warbler, 1 male
Chestnut-sided Warbler, 1
Palm Warbler, 1
Nashville Warbler, approx. 10
American Redstart, 4
Yellow Warbler, 1
plus two unidentified warbler species
Red-shouldered Hawk, 1 Soaring with 2 Broad-winged Hawks
Broad-winged Hawk, 3

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 20 august 2022

Did some birding along eastern Woodbury & Plymouth Co gravel roads late this morning: saw 18 red-headed woodpeckers (adults & juvies), including 9 along a one-mile stretch of gravel (Emmett Avenue, north of D-12).

On C-70, one mile west of Iowa 140, one blindingly white bird was on the powerline. As I slowly drove by I thought it was a mourning dove. Uie-ing back around, binoculars clarified that it was a Eurasian collared dove, with the black bar on the back of its neck. It's really hard to "sneak" up on birds in our big Silverado, & even hard to focus my cell-phone for a picture. By the time I was all set, the dove had flown the coop to the west. I'll keep trying...

- Kristy M., Kingsley IA

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 17 august 2022

I got to record a Rufous Hummingbird on the east side of Big Spirit Lake yesterday. This hummer is usually found in Arizona west to California and up the west coast into Canada. Now and then, one shows up here in Iowa.

This is a male and one of the most colorful of the various hummers.

Don P., Wind Rider Image, Images for Publications since 1979, Ida Grove, Iowa

LHAS bird hotline friday, 5 august 2022

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City

A morning walk around Bacon Creek today revealed 27 species. Highlights include singing Red-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireos, a Belted Kingfisher, and the three species photographted below: Green Heron, Great Blue Heron, and Solitary Sandpiper. I was pushing the zoom on my Canon SX740 to 160x causing the solitary sandpiper images to pixelate more than what I wanted.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline monday, 1 august 2022

Cooper's Hawk Family Of 4 at Graceland Cemetery, Sioux City, IA.

Was leaving Graceland Cemetery at the south end (around 6:30 P.M.) and spotted 4 Cooper's Hawks interacting together on the ground. Appeared to be 2 adults and 2 juveniles. They were running in and out of the bushes and then flew up into the trees and were hopping around. Then 2 of them flew into trees above our cars and they were making high whistling sounds. Did some checking on the internet and found that juvenile Cooper's make high whistling sounds described as: a whistling 'eee-eew-eee-eew' sound. The Cornell Lab has a recorded juvenile call that sounds exactly like what we heard. Jan arrived too late to get a picture of the 4 together but did manage to get a picture of one on the ground and one in the tree above us.

Jerry V. and Jan N., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 30 july 2022

Found on our prairie- SW Plymouth County last week!!

Leesa M., Plymouth County, IA

*Dickcissel image copyright 2022 by Leesa McNeil, used with permission.*

LHAS bird hotline thursday, 28 july 2022

Salix Farms Dairy, 280th St., Woodbury County, IA

Black-bellied Plover, 1

Mark H.

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 27 july 2022

A lovely day to go out "bird-stalking," which is what my hubby says I do. Mulberry trees are great attractors for birds, too--including redheaded woodpeckers (both adults & juvies).

Along with some of the 'usual & customary' birds of summer, some of my finds that made me happier are

blue grosbeak males (2, 2 different places)
cedar waxwing
warbling vireo
furtive rose-breasted grosbeaks.

I thought orchard orioles were vamoose, but one adult male was dining in a mulberry, & that made my day. But not as much as the eastern towhee--singing behind the pickup so I couldn't see him. I had reception in SE Wildwood Park, so tried playing songs & calls. The bird sound shifted to in front of me, actually 10 ft straight above the pickup, a very intrigued male towhee trying to figure out whom his competition was. I felt kinda mean taunting him, so quit playing the calls & still got some very good looks.

Happy birding, all you all!

-Kristy, Plymouth Co

*Limpkin image copyright 2022 by Don Poggensee, used with permission.*

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 23 july 2022

I got up early and drove to Storm Lake to record the rare Limpkin that was across the road to the west of Storm Lake. The Limpkin can be found in Florida and most of South America all the way down to Argentina. There has been only a few records here in Iowa. I took a series of images of the Limpkin about 6:45 AM this morning.

This bird has been feeding near the overflow that is just to the west of Storm Lake. A short walk along the dike take to get close to the feeding area, on little Storm Lake.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 20 july 2022

Jan N. was working on her photos from the LHAS outing on Saturday, 16 July when she found this visitor on her deck.

*Great Blue Heron image copyright 2022 by Jan Null, used with permission.*

LHAS bird hotline thursday, 7 july 2022

Two Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks (see below for image of this duck from the Yankton area) were seen by Jane and me on our 8:00 PM walk (July 7) at Prairie Ponds Park. Pink bills, brown backs, thin white stripe along the sides dividing the black belly from the brown back, and pink legs were definitive.

Ed & Jane S., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 6 july 2022

Northern Bobwhite continue calling south of Sioux City according to a July 3 report from Randy W. during a bicycle ride along Old Highway 141 and a July 6 report from Carol B. in the Bronson area.

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 28 june 2022

On my birding walk this morning on the trails behind the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center I heard the Yellow-billed Cuckoo several times. It sounded really close at one point and I looked up and saw him in the trees! A real treat - the 2nd time that I have observed a Cuckoo at DPNC this summer. I managed to take a couple of photos. I am also including a photo of a mama deer that was surprised to see me (I decided to take a different path). She had twins - another fawn was to the left of the trail.

Marla K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline friday, 24 june 2022

Swung through Snyder's Bend and was surprised and glad to see quite a bit of water in a formerly dry lake bed.

Was also surprised to see a Western Kingbird hawking insects from a small tree at the end of the boat ramp.

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 22 june 2022

Kevin and I saw this Hairy Woodpecker at our Feeders at the end of May. He had a lot of brown where there are normally white feathers. I had not seen one with this coloring before. We do have a red-bellied woodpecker who has visited us for a few years who is quite gray (instead of bright white). I wondered what your thoughts were on why this Hairy Woodpecker has this brown colorization? I wondered if his feathers were somehow stained by something or were just brown?

Further research by Marla found: https://web.colby.edu/mainebirds/2012/10/21/albinism-and-other-feather-oddities/ and https://feederwatch.org/unusual-bird/brown-hairy-woodpecker/. Although the latter link better illustrates why the back of their bird is brown and not why the front of the Sioux City bird is brown. Marla also notes: Kaufman guide says some Hairy “have darker chest or less spotting on wings.”

Marla & Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

Reply by Bill H.: Interesting bird. I have never noticed such coloration in Hairy or Downy Woodpeckers. The attached (https://web.colby.edu/mainebirds/2012/10/21/albinism-and-other-feather-oddities/) is a good read, but it stops well short of explaining your bird or his pictured bird. It does better on explaining albinism but fails to even mention the far more common leucocistic plumages.

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 18 june 2022

West of Yankton at small marsh NW of intersection of SD-50 & SD-52.

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, 1 - Found by other birders.

Bill H. and Regie B., South Sioux City, NE

*Black-bellied Whistling-Duck photo copyright 2022 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, McCook Lake, SD

American Woodcock discovered on the Cottonwood Crossing trail section during an early morning bike ride.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline thursday, 9 june 2022

Badger Lake WMA, east of I-29:

Cattle Egret, 1 foraging amongst cattle
Semipalmated Sandpipers, 10
White-rumped Sandpiper, 15
Pectoral Sandpiper, 1
American White Pelicans, 15 overflight only

Buckeye Ave Tower:

Osprey, pair on nest atop tower.

Badger Lake WMA, west of I-29:

Black Tern, 20
Northern Bobwhite, 2 singing males
Blue Grosbeak, 1

Note: water levels at all locations at historic lows. Many additional Semi-palmated and White-rumped Sandpipers

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 8 june 2022

Saw a pair of Bobwhite Quail saunter past the feeders to the side of the house today. Haven't seen any since winter before last so really glad there are still a couple in the area. Hadn't heard them call either until yesterday.

Carol B., near Bronson, IA

LHAS bird hotline monday, 6 june 2022

Thursday, June 2; Floyd River Floodway:

Friday, June 3; Sylvan Runkel State Preserve, Monona County, IA:

Pileated Woodpecker

Friday, June 3; Owego Wetlands:

Saturday/Sunday, June 4-5; Sylvan Runkel State Preserve:

American Bittern
Pileated Woodpecker
Blue-winged Warbler
Louisiana Waterthrush

Sunday, June 5; Logan Park Cemetery, Sioux City, IA:

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Monday, June 6; Owego Wetlands:

Great Egret, 2
Upland Sandpiper
Willow Flycatcher, 5
Sedge Wren, 2
Marsh Wren
Blue Grosbeak

Friday, May 29, Friday, June 3 and Sunday June 6:

Northern Bobwhite calling along the roadside of highway Old 141 a little south of the Shrine White Horse Patrol stables. There is a new dirt road going east and up over a small ridge. The bird(s) is/are calling to the north of the new road.

Observers: Rex Rundquist, Marla Kerr, Jerry VonEhwegen, Jan Null, Jerry Probst, Ed Brogie, Mark Haindfield, Bill Huser, Randy Williams

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 11 may 2022

A morning bike ride around the trails at Adams Homestead produced a list of 61 species. Highlights include:

Northern Bobwhite
Blue-headed Vireo
Eastern Meadowlark (far left image, below)
Black-and-white Warbler
Common Yellowthroat (second from left, below)
American Redstart
Magnolia Warbler (third from left, below)
Blackpoll Warbler (far right image, below)
Wilson’s Warbler

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline sunday, 8 may 2022

Quite the birding day throughout Siouxland! Highlights include:

Key: SP = Stone Park, BC = Bacon Creek, Crystal Cove = CC

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (BC)
Green Heron (BC)
Yellow-throated Vireo (SP, BC, CC)
Warbling Vireo (CC)
Red-eyed Vireo (CC)
Blue-gray Gnatchatcher (SP, BC)
Wood Thrush (SP)
Gray-cheeked Thrush (CC)
Swainson’s Thrush (BC; far left image, below)
Clay-colored Sparrow (CC)
Swamp Sparrow (SP)
Orchard Oriole (CC)
Ovenbird (SP)
Louisiana Waterthrush (SP)
Northern Waterthrush (BC)
Black-and-white Warbler (SP, BC, CC; center left image below)
Nashville Warbler (SP)
Blackburnian Warbler (CC)
Chestnut-sided Warbler (CC)
Blackpoll Warbler (BC, CC; two images on right, below)
Palm Warbler (BC)
Indigo Bunting (SP)

Orioles are back at our feeders. After I took this picture, I noticed two orchard orioles in the tree next to feeder but was unable to get a picture of them. Sharon

*Orioles and Goldfinch copyright 2022 by Sharon Polifka, used with permission.*

This was a great Sunday morning for an early walk on the Mapleton Walking Trail. Sightings included one indigo bunting, one yellow-throated warbler, and an egret behind the sewage plant. The small birds were too quick for me to take a picture and the picture of the egret was too far away to get a good picture with my phone, although I tried. Sharon P

*Egret image copyright 2022 by Sharon Polifka, used with permission.*

Reporters: Jerry P., Randy W., Sharon P.

Got home from church Sunday morning May 8th and found lots of bird activity out my back yard window in Sioux City, IA. There had been thunder and rain overnight which was likely a factor. I was amazed by what I could see out my window while relaxing in a comfortable chair.

Swainson's Thrush (There were several and were First of Year [FOY])
American Redstart (FOY)
Ovenbird (May have been 2 and it kept foraging in the row of Lilac Bushes; Left and second-from-left images, below)
Veery (Perched in a bush a long time--thought it was a Swainson's Thrush and then realized it was different! Had never seen one up close before!-FOY of course!)
Gray Catbird (Were several and were FOY's)
Lincoln's Sparrow
Black-and-white Warbler (middle image, below)
Blue-headed Vireo (FOY)
House Wren
Northern Cardinal (second-from-right image, below)
Brown Thrasher
Common Yellowthroat
Downy Woodpecker
American Robin
Northern Waterthrush (far right image, below)
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-headed Woodpecker
Cedar Waxwing
Orchard Oriole

Jerry V., and Jan N., Sioux City , IA

LHAS bird hotline friday, 6 may 2022

A slide show of recent photos from Jon Nylen and Leesa McNeil.

Top row (left to right): American Goldfinch, House Finch, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Eastern Towhee

Bottom row (left to right): Lincoln’s Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, yard trifecta, Wood Duck 1 and Wood Duck 2

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 3 may 2022

Several observers have reported the following species over the last few days. I apologize for the delay in distribution, as I was out of town at the South Dakota Ornithologists’ Union meeting in Northwestern South Dakota.

*Ovenbird copyright 2022 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

Gray Catbird
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Yellow Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Ovenbird
Black-and-White Warbler
Baltimore Oriole
Swainson's Thrush

Less common migrants have included:

Bacon Creek: Yellow-crowned Night Heron, 1; 4/27
Salix Farms Dairy (280th & Eastland):
- Sanderling, 1; 5/2
- Willet, 8; 5/2
- Forster’s Tern, 8; 5/2
Sioux Jersey Dairy:
- Long-billed Dowitcher, 75; 5/2
- Marbled Godwit, 2; 5/2
- Willet, 9; 5/2
The Square: White-faced Ibis, 7; 5/2

Observers: Jon Nylen, Randy Williams, Mark Haindfield, Julie Huser, Jerry Probst, Bill Huser

Kramper Lake:

We stopped by Kramper Lake on our way home this afternoon. Below are what we saw along with photos posted to my Flickr account.

White-faced Ibis
Bald Eagle - 1st year
Black Tern - 3
Semipalmated Plover - 1
Least Sandpiper - 3
Lesser Yellowlegs - 8
Wilson’s Phalarope - 1
Killdeer
Canada Goose
Snow Goose (the injured bird that’s been there for a few months)
Ring-billed Gull - 2
Bufflehead - 2
Ring-necked Duck - many
Blue-winged Teal - many
Northern Shoveler - several
American Coot
Savannah Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Clay-colored Sparrow
Pied-billed Grebe - 2
Eared Grebe - 1
Eastern bluebird - 1
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Turkey Vulture
Merlin (coming into Hubbard it flew down and nabbed a Robin on the road in front of the car and then flew beneath a spruce tree on the edge of the road)

Jan J.: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bird-brained-quilter/

LHAS bird hotline sunday, 24 april 2022

A very windy early morning walk around Siouxland Prairie Park produced 28 species. Highlights included: Horned Grebe, Solitary Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, numerous swallows of various species (Tree, Barn, Cliff, Northern Rough-winged) above the pond, and numerous Savannah Sparrows throughout the park.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Left to right: Lesser Yellowlegs, Double-crested Cormorants, female Red-winged Blackbirds, Savannah Sparrow.

LHAS bird hotline friday, 22 april 2022

Sandhill Lake:

American Avocet, 4
Hudsonian Godwit, 4

Jersey Dairy Farm:

Piping Plover, 1
Semipalmated Plover, 9
Marbled Godwit, 2
Hudsonian Godwit, 134
Dunlin, 73
Willet, 2
Dowitcher sp, 21 (distant)
Wilson's Phalarope, 3
Semi-palmated Sandpiper, 10
Also, Killdeer, Baird's and Pectoral Sandpipers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs

Reporters: Jason Newton, Aurora, IL; Jerry Probst and Bill Huser, South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline thursday, 21 april 2022

*Louisiana Waterthrush image copyright 2022 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

Crystal Cove, Dakota County, NE

Horned Grebe, 2

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

American Avocet, 16
Bonaparte's Gull, > 15

Winnebago Waste Water Plant, Thurston County, NE

Marbled Godwit, 1
Semipalmated Sandpiper, 1 First of Year (FOY)

Owego Wetland, Woodbury County, IA

Great Egret, 1 FOY

Stone State Park, Woodbury, IA

Louisiana Waterthrush, 1

Lake Yankton, Cedar County, NE/ Yankton County, SD

Eared Grebe
Horned Grebe
Common Loon, 2

South Sioux City, Dakota County, NE

Hermit Thrush, 1 FOY

Reporters: Roger Dietrich, Bob Nickolson, Bob Livermore, Jerry Probst, Bill Huser

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 19 april 2022

Woodbury County Highlights

Sandhill Lake:

American Avocet, 15 First of Year (FOY)
Hudsonian Godwit (HuGo), 110
American White Pelican, 100

Lakeport WMA:

Hudsonian Godwit, 20
Greater Yellowlegs, 30

Owego Wetlands:

Greater White-fronted Geese, 20

The Square:

Wilson's Phalarope, 2
Swainson's Hawk, 1

Dairy Ponds:

Snow Goose, 35
Ross's Goose, 1
Hudsonian Godwit, 102
Marbled Godwit, 3
Dunlin, 82

Brown's Lake area:

Swainson's Hawk, 25 on chiseled plowed ag ground

Note: 232 HuGo in three locations!

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline monday, 18 april 2022

Shorebirds continue to increase in numbers at local wetlands. The following were reported at one or more locations this past weekend. Look for these species at your local wetlands.

American Golden-Plover - First of Year (FOY)
Willet - FOY
Wilson's Phalarope - FOY
Hudsonian Godwit
Marbled Godwit
Dunlin
Baird's Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Greater Yellowlegs
Killdeer

Note: This is an exceptionally dry spring with no 'sheetwater' in ag fields or grasslands. This eliminates most of our shorebird hotspots. Also, water levels in our oxbow wetlands are at extreme lows. In some cases this leaves muddy shorelines that are not normally exposed and may attract shorebirds.

In short, though habitat is in short supply, our migrant shorebirds may actually concentrate in the few wetlands available, providing good viewing for us birders, but also increasing the risk of influenza spread, perhaps.

Reporters: Mark Haindfield, Jerry Probst, Bill Huser

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 16 april 2022

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE:

Northern Shoveler (left image)
Eared Grebe, 1 alternate plumage First of Year (FOY)
Horned Grebe, 4 alternate plumage
Marbled Godwit, 2 (middle image)
Bonaparte's Gull, 7 FOY (right image)
American White Pelican, 95

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA

An early morning walk around the park trail revealed 30 species. Highlights (from left) include: Common Loon, Great Egret, Osprey (showing the shore-based anglers how it’s done), Golden-crowned Kinglet (not pictured), and Swamp Sparrow.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline thursday, 14 april 2022

Crystal Cove Park:

Osprey, 1 First of Year (FOY)

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE:

Semipalmated Plover, 1
Marbled Godwit, 3 FOY
Baird's Sandpiper, 19
Brewer's Blackbird, 2 males

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 12 april 2022

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE:

Red-breasted Merganser, 1 male
Eared Grebe, 1, alternate (breeding) plumage First of Year (FOY)
Semipalmated Plover, 1 FOY
Baird's Sandpiper, 2
Dunlin, 1, in basic plumage FOY
Franklin’s Gull, 23
Barn Swallow, 1 FOY
Eastern Meadowlark, 2 singing

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline monday, 11 april 2022

Sandhill Lake - even lower water levels - no open water west of Buchanon.

Lakeport WMA:

Ross's Goose, 1 adult
Wilson's Snipe, 6

Owego - surprisingly good water levels

Wilson's Snipe, 16
Marsh Wren, 1 First of Year (FOY)
Swamp Sparrow, 2
Field Sparrow, 1

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

*Harris’s Sparrow copyright 2022 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

An early morning bike ride around the trails caused several “infrequent” messages on my eBird list this morning. My personal favorite this morning was the Eastern Towhee. Unfortunately, I did not get any photos as it phased out of and back into the plum thicket just west of the low concrete wall and bench on the River Loop. No spots. I did not hear any song or calls.

“Infrequent” also popped with Harris’s Sparrow, Greater White-fronted Geese, and Eastern Meadowlark.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

*Greater White-fronted Geese copyright 2022 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

LHAS bird hotline thursday, 7 april 2022

*Bald Eagle image copyright 2022 by Jon Nylen, used with permission.*

Bald Eagle along Highway 12.

Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 5 april 2022

Crystal Cove Park, South Sioux City, NE

Horned Grebe, 1, in bright alternate plumage
Fox Sparrow (red - P.i. iliaca), 3

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline monday, 4 april 2022

Jerry Mennenga has his own blog: Lost in Siouxland. Jerry is an excellent photographer and storyteller. He just posted a link regarding a Cooper’s Hawk finding a meal in the back yard of a Sioux City residence. It is Jerry’s story so please check the link and have a look.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

*Black squirrel copyright 2022 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission*

LHAS bird hotline sunday, 3 april 2022

A morning walk along Union Bridge Trail between Little Sioux Park and Correctionville revealed 31 species. Waterfowl were in the ponds and along the river. Many Song Sparrows were in fine voice. Mud along the south pond should provide a nice spot for some shorebirds. Highlights were the Song Sparrows, a Bald Eagle, a semi-cooperative Belted Kingfisher and my first photos of a black squirrel.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

*Belted Kingfisher copyright 2022 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission*

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 2 april 2022

Lakeport WMA (Cass Ave west of old US-75 south of Salix)

Greater Yellowlegs, 1
No Cinnamon Teal at this time — Bill H.
- ADDENDUM 1: I saw the Cinnamon Teal at Lakeport WMA on Saturday afternoon 4/2 around 1:45 so maybe there are 2 of them?? — Jerry V.
- ADDENDUM 2: Cinnamon Teal, 1 male at Lakeport WMA. Although this bird did not appear to be at this site at dawn, Jerry VonEhwegen re-located this bird, originally found the day before at this site by Mark Haindfield, in the afternoon. This bird, or another, was found Saturday morning near Sandhill Lake. Though Sandhill Lake is on the other side of the I-29, it is only about a mile away as a teal flies. — Bill H.

Sandhill Lake

Cinnamon Teal, 1 male in drainage ditch just east of Sandhill Lake on 310th Ave. Probably same bird found the previous day at Lakeport WMA by Mark Haindfield

Brown's Lake

American White Pelican, 1 on lake, 75 in the air

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City

A morning walk around the trail produced 30 species for Rex R. and Randy W. Highlights were Hooded Merganser, Belted Kingfisher, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Brown Creeper.

*Hooded Merganser pair copyright 2022 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve:

Was at Adams on 02 Apr 2022. Had a 15-year-old dog with us so we didn’t journey far from the central bldg. Saw mostly Canada geese (not pictured) estimated to be about slightly less than 100. Ducks were predominantly Northern Shovelers (about 75) and American Widgeon (about 40). I did see one male Lesser Scaup in a brownish plumage. Saw three Turkey Vultures. At high altitude a flock of 12 American White Pelicans flew overhead (listed birds are in order from left to right in below images).

Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS bird hotline Friday, 1 April 2022

*Eastern Meadowlark copyright 2022 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

An early morning bicycle ride around the “figure 8” of Adams Homestead produced 31 species thanks to accumulating waterfowl on Mud Lake. Wood Ducks are in the trees as well as on the lake. Highlights were: Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, American Kestrel, Eastern Phoebe, and a singing Eastern Meadowlark.

Randy W. Sioux City, IA

*Eastern Phoebe image copyright 2022 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

LHAS bird hotline WEDNEsday, 30 march 2022

Monday, March 28:

Kramper Lake: Northern Shrike (scarce this winter)

Tuesday, March 29:

Badger Lake: Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs
Sandhill Lake: Dowitcher species First of Year (FOY)
Kramper Lake: Tree Swallow FOY
Bacon Creek Park: Savannah Sparrow FOY
Snyder Bend: Rusty Blackbird

And Turkey Vultures have been reported from 5 locations around town since Sunday, March 27.

Reporters: Dawn S., Anne S., Mark H., Theresa K., Randy W., Bill H.

*Savannah Sparrow image copyright 2022 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 29 march 2022

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City

A few highlights from a walk around Bacon Creek:

*Great Blue Heron image copyright 2022 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

Blue-winged Teal (4)
Bufflehead (2)
Hooded Merganser (1)
Great Blue Heron (1)
Turkey Vulture (1)
Cooper’s Hawk (1)
Golden-crowned Kinglet (1)
Brown Creeper (1)
Fox Sparrow (3)
Savannah Sparrow (6)
Song Sparrow (4)

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Sunday, March 27, Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE:

Red-breasted Merganser, 1 male
Blue-winged Teal, 9
Pectoral Sandpiper, 1 FOY

Sunday, March 27, Norway Avenue, Dakota County, NE:

Franklin Gull, 3 FOY
Ring-billed Gull, 600

Monday, March 28, Crystal Cove Park, South Sioux City, NE:

Turkey Vulture, 1 FOY

Tuesday, March 29, Crystal Cove Park:

Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1
Brown Creeper, 1
Fox Sparrow, 2
Lincoln's Sparrow, 1

All migrants, not wintering there.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 19 march 2022

Red-tailed Hawk (photo below) 2 miles north of Jefferson, SD on hard surface road

Snyder Bend County Park

Approximately 300 Canada geese (photo below)
1 Snow goose or River Pelican - too far off to make positive identification
Approximately 50 Killdeer (photo below)
Approximately 100 Green-winged Teal
2 eagles in the distance over the Island looking west from the Park - unable to determine bald or golden

Little pothole off Hwy 12 about 2 miles south of Jefferson bridge

Approximately 200-250 Canada geese. It appears as there is at least one nesting pair of Canadians on the “island”.
Approximately 30 Lesser Scaup (photo below)
Much more diversified group of ducks there when I drove by 1 hour earlier than when I stopped later 1 juvenile eagle 1/4 north of Jefferson bridge on Hwy 12

Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS bird hotline thursday, 17 march 2022

Crystal Cove Park, South Sioux City, NE

Red-breasted Merganser, 3 males, First of Year (FOY)
Common Grackle, 1 FOY
Hooded Merganser (4)
Northern Shoveler (2 males)
Green-winged Teal (1 male)
Lesser Scaup (3 female)
Common Goldeneye (4, in flight)

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 16 march 2022

Saturday, March 12: Ponca State Park - north unit, Dixon County, NE:

Golden Eagle, 1 adult

Monday, March 14: Crystal Cove Park, South Sioux City, NE:

Double-crested Cormorant, 2 adults
5 species of geese

Tuesday, March 15: Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE:

Herring Gull, 1 adult
American Coot, 13
many Snow Geese and ducks

Wednesday, March 16: Kramper Lake:

Blue-winged Teal, 2 males
Ring-billed Gull, 3 adults
5 species of geese
16 species of ducks

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Wednesday, March 16: Sioux City, IA

This has been an interesting bird day even though I did not start a list and I did not get any photos.

Last summer I photographed several Cooper’s Hawks in our front and back yards. They’re back and a nest is being refurbished. The nest is in the shelterbelt between our neighbor’s back yard and Memorial Park Cemetery. I watched a female Cooper’s (did not see the male) fly up to the nest, futz with something, then fly off. Repeat several times.

While I was watching the Cooper’s activity there were several “Vs” of Canada geese fly over as well as a Great Blue Heron. The heron was a little closer to treetop level than the geese.

My fun activity today was a bicycle ride along the riverfront trail from Chataqua Park to just over the new bridge and into North Sioux City and return. 24 miles. A couple of Red-tail Hawks engaged in — I think — a territorial dispute as I pedaled along in the new playground construction zone. I thought I heard a Chipping Sparrow trill from one of the evergreens near one of the current playgrounds.

While I was pedaling to North Sioux along the trail on the top of the Big Sioux dike in Riverside I saw a meadowlark fly off the trail and into the grasses between the trail and the river. Did not hear it sing and could not tell if it was Eastern or Western since I did not have binoculars with me. Most likely a Western.

On my return I had an adult Bald Eagle fly over me and the Riverside Pool. Could not get the camera out and fired up for any photos.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline sunday, 6 march 2022

*Sandhill Crane image copyright 2022 by Jerry L. Menninga, used with permission.*

Sandhill Cranes flying over Bigelow Park, Brown’s Lake during a photo outing.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline friday, 4 march 2022

Brown's Lake: (Found Bob and Phyllis N. enjoying the Birds!)

50 Bald Eagles (On the ice, kettling & cavorting in the air enjoying the wind)
2000 Snow Geese (overhead flock)
20 Hooded Mergansers (near the dock out of the wind)
20 Canvasbacks
Several other species of Ducks

Snyder's Bend:

Large numbers of Greater White-fronted Geese
1 Trumpeter Swan
Green-winged Teal and several other Duck species
Several Killdeer

Later at home out my back window:

The LHAS website March Bird of the Month Sharp-shinned Hawk came by to say thanks and was perched low in a tree close to my back window for a long time!

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, Union County, SD (reported on Bird Hotline on 3/4/22)

Sunday, 27 February - total of 19 species

Common Goldeneye - upper left, species observed on both days
Northern Harrier - not pictured
Red-tailed Hawk - upper middle, species observed on both days
Rough-legged Hawk - upper right and middle left images, carpal patches observed when bird flew
Red-winged Blackbird - central image

Wednesday, 2 March - total of 22 species

Sunrise with fog - middle right image
Snow Goose - bottom left, in flight and on the Nebraska side of the river, opposite the Wynstone development
Cackling Goose - bottom middle, mixed with the Canada geese on Mud Lake
Canada Goose - bottom middle, many Canada geese in the air, on Mud Lake and along the Missouri
American Wigeon - not pictured
Common Merganser - not pictured
Bald Eagle - bottom right image overlooking Mud Lake

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline thursday, 3 march 2022

Lots of waterfowl moving in and around the Yankton area this morning. The Trumpeter Swans are still in the area also. eBird Checklist Summary for: Mar 3, 2022. Number of Checklists: 4; Number of Taxa: 20.

Checklists included in this summary:

Lake Yankton (South Dakota) Date: Mar 3, 2022 at 8:42 AM
US-SD-Yankton-Crest Rd - 42.8557x-97.4837 Date: Mar 3, 2022 at 9:35 AM
US-SD-Yankton - 42.8715x-97.4822 Date: Mar 3, 2022 at 10:10 AM
Lake Yankton boat launch Date: Mar 3, 2022 at 10:36 AM

50 Snow Goose -- (1),(3),(4)
2 Ross's Goose -- (4)
76 Greater White-fronted Goose -- (1),(3),(4)
6 Cackling Goose -- (4)
550 Canada Goose -- (1),(4)
9 Trumpeter Swan -- (3)
70 Gadwall -- (1),(2)
460 Mallard -- (1),(2)
60 Northern Pintail -- (1),(2)
50 Canvasback -- (1),(2)
36 Redhead -- (1),(2)
40 Ring-necked Duck -- (1)
33 Lesser Scaup -- (1),(2)
6 Bufflehead -- (1)
1760 Common Goldeneye -- (1),(2)
5 Hooded Merganser -- (1)
95 Common Merganser -- (1),(2)
1 Northern Harrier -- (2)
1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) -- (1)
4 American Robin -- (1)

Roger D., Yankton, SD

Image web site: https://www.flickr.com/photos/yanktonbirds/

LHAS bird hotline friday, 25 february 2022

We were driving back into the neighborhood a couple days ago when hubby Jon spotted this barred owl. We rushed home to get his camera and we're lucky to get a photo! First owl we've photographed in our neighborhood!

Jon N. and Leesa M., Plymouth County, IA

*Barred Owl image copyright 2022 by Jon Nylen, used with permission.*

LHAS bird hotline thursday, 24 february 2022

A mink we saw in our yard (I know it’s not a bird but anyway) and a photo I took today while the snow was falling. The house finches went crazy after John filled our tray feeder with safflower seed.

John and Sharon P., near Smithland, IA

*Cooper’s Hawk image copyright 2022 by Jerry L. Mennenga, used with permission.*

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 23 february 2022

I went downstairs and noticed one of my cats staring into the backyard. That's when I noticed the raptor (Cooper’s Hawk) sitting on the crossbar of a clothesline in the backyard. All I had was my 300 (lens) with a 1.4 (adapter) on it. Two squirrels were in a small tree to the hawk's right, left side of the frame, and would glance at them, and they clattered a bit because they wanted to eat all the bird seed on the ground, as there were no songbirds around.

I've noticed the hawk flying about and it sat in a neighbor's tree behind me last summer/spring. A little too close. Glad my cats were indoors, depending on how hungry the hawk was. After I stepped forward toward the bird on my deck to get a bit tighter still, it took off. One of my out of focus pics was a squirrel leaping in the background while the hawk looked around.

Jerry M., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 22 february 2022

While Loess Hills Audubon’s official outing for the 2022 Great Backyard Bird Count was Saturday, 19 February (see results here), here are photos and video from the days surrounding our count day.

Jerry V. and Jan N., Sioux City, IA

Bald Eagle 2.18.22 Near Sgt.B JN 01 DSCN6217.jpg

GBBC Trumpeter Swans 2.18. 2022 JN 01 DSCN6248.jpg

GBBC Canada Geese 2.18 JN 01 DSCN6259.jpg

GBBC N. Harrier Owego 2.18. 2022 JN. 03 DSCN6241.jpg

GBBC Red-tail Hawk Screeching 2.18.22 JN 01 DSCN6237.jpg

Greater White Front Geese Blue Lake 2.18.22 JN 02 DSCN6266.jpg

Oak Ridge GBBC E Bluebird 2.20.22 JN 01 DSCN6333 - Copy (1).JPG

Oak Ridge GBBC E Bluebird 2.20.22 JN 01 DSCN6333 - Copy (2).JPG

February 18, 2022

Bald Eagle
Trumpeter Swans
Canada Geese
Greater White-fronted Geese
Northern Harrier (Owego)
Red-tailed Hawk (screeching)
Greater White-fronted Geese (Blue Lake)

February 20, 2022

Eastern Bluebird (Oak Ridge)
Northern Cardinal (Oak Ridge)

*Red-headed Woodpecker image copyright 2022 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

LHAS bird hotline sunday, 20 february 2022

A morning walk around Bacon Creek as part of the four-day Great Backyard Bird Count produced a Cooper’s Hawk, five Brown Creepers and a Red-headed Woodpecker. American Robins and Northern Cardinals were singing and there was quite a bit of drumming by various woodpecker species.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline thursday, 10 february 2022

Walking the dog just now, a neighbor's birch tree was bustling with tiny, busy birds. I didn't have my binoculars on me, but one conveniently landed in their driveway closer to me: a common redpoll! There were at least 2 dozen-plus feeding there. We scared them into the top of another neighbor's spruce, and then they vanished. On our return, a few less redpolls were in that birch, and as they flew off, they were accompanied by a handful of cedar waxwings.

Though no visual, I also clearly heard the xylophone chuckle of a robin.

Happy morning!

Kristy M., Kingsley IA

LHAS bird hotline thursday, 3 february 2022

Riverview Drive, South Sioux City, NE:

Red-tailed Hawk (Northern), B.j. abieticola, 1 adult. ID by extensive, dark, blotchy breast band; dark head with little white on chin, rufous and brown streaking from chin to breast band, wing linings marked with rufous and brown spotting; white upper tail coverts contrasting with red tail; dark sub-terminal tail band.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

*Both Red-tailed Hawk images copyright 2022 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

LHAS bird hotline monday, 31 january 2022

Ponca State Park

Purple Finch, 1 male (left image, below)
Common Redpoll, 1 male (right image, below)

Bill H., and Regie B., South Sioux City, NE

Lewis and Clark Trail, Sioux City Riverfront

I took advantage of the warmer temps and lower wind speeds to bicycle the Riverfront Trail from Chris Larsen Park to Chataqua Park and back and then continued up the trail to Riverside Park and back to Chris Larsen. Here are a few highlights.

Snow Goose - 1 (top left)
Common Goldeneye - 10 (top middle)
Common Merganser - 4 (top right)
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) - 50 (bottom left)
Bald Eagle - 3 (not pictured)
Red-tailed Hawk - 4 (bottom middle)
Harris's Sparrow - 4 (not pictured, but found at this watering hole in the ice, bottom right)

Randy W. Sioux City, IA

Blue Lake, Monona County, IA

On January 31, Jerry V and I were birding at Blue Lake near Onawa. There were 50 Trumpeter Swans among the Canada Geese, Snow Geese, Cackling Geese, Greater White-fronted Geese and a Common Merganser.

Jerry V., and Jan N., Sioux City, IA

C.Merganser Blue Lake 1.31.22 JN 01 DSCN6126.jpg

Swans & Geese Blue Lake 1.31.22 JN 02 DSCN6127.jpg

Swans & Geese Blue Lake 1.31.22 JN 03 DSCN6128.jpg

Swans & Geese Blue Lake 1.31.22 JN 04 DSCN6130.jpg

Swans & Geese Blue Lake 1.31.22 JN 05 DSCN6134.jpg

Swans & Geese Blue Lake 1.31.22 JN 06 RSCN6135.jpg

LHAS bird hotline sunday, 30 january 2022

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City

One Winter Wren along the west shore of the lake this morning.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

*Winter Wren image copyright 2022 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

Sioux City Private Residence

Sharp-shinned Hawk looking for House Sparrow dinner on Sunday afternoon at our house.

Rob T., Sioux City, IA

Big Sioux River

I wasn’t sure if anyone had seen Trumpeter Swans in Woodbury County, so I thought I’d let you know that Kevin and I saw Trumpeter Swans land on the Big Sioux River while we were there yesterday around 4:20 and today at the same time. There are 6 of them. If you walk under I29 toward the River walk on the south side of the Interstate and then walk along the River on the beach, they landed in the same area. Dakota Dunes houses on other side of River.

I am almost positive that I also saw a Short-eared Owl fly from the trees (IA) across the River to Dakota Dunes both evenings around 4:40 pm. Basically right over my head the first evening. I have actually never seen one before, didn’t have any evidence, and was too stunned and mesmerized to raise my camera to photograph it as it looked right at me flight.

Here are photos of the swans.

Marla and Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 29 january 2022

Ida County, Iowa

I did a couple of miles run on Keystone Ave. North of Ida Grove, Iowa this morning. We had five Bald Eagles, one Golden Eagle, one Belted Kingfisher diving for fish and one Northern Shrike. Great Birding in Ida County,

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

Ida County Supplement:

I had a request to send out a few Bald Eagle images I took yesterday. Their population continues to expand. In winter, many find road-kill deer providing needed food for for their survival. I took these yesterday, in northwest Ida County.

O’Brien County, Iowa

Townsend's solitaire at Watermans by Sutherland, IA. West side of road in evergreens. So briefly and lost. Played a call and it flew in and hung out by my truck for a half an hour. Still there when I left.

Dana Siefer

Ponca State Park

Bill H., and Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline friday, 28 january 2022

Brown's Lake, Woodbury County, IA

Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1
Swamp Sparrow, 1
Pileated Woodpecker, 1 (first recorded at this site). Previously recorded at Stone State Park, Winnebago Bend, Snyders Bend in Woodbury County

Jerry P. and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Whispering Creek, Sioux City, IA

Last week someone hit and killed a deer on our Whispering Creek street. To my delight, a Bald Eagle would come every day around 5 pm to have a great feast. It was between the sidewalk and the street- so very close to cars driving by. When I photographed the Eagle, he was in a tree a few yards away. Unusual to have a daily visit from a Bald Eagle to our street!

Jan N., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline sunday, 16 january 2022

Kevin and I observed a fox squirrel chasing a Cooper’s Hawk away from the trees behind our yard. This went on for several minutes, as the hawk moved to another tree and then another location, only to be challenged by the squirrel again. The bird puffed up his feathers at one point and put his wings out to look bigger, perhaps, but in the end the squirrel won that round. The hawk ended up on a log on the ground, and then left from view. Maybe the woodpeckers and juncos were cheering the squirrel on?

Here are a few photos from their encounter on January 9. I thought this was a Cooper’s Hawk, but it could be a Sharp-Shinned. We have been going back and forth on deciding.

Per Bill H.: I believe you are right with Cooper's. Great photos show the gray cap, rounded tail with white tips. Adult male, perhaps.

Marla and Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 15 january 2022

Here are a few photos of that leucistic (lighter or more pale than usual) American Goldfinch that Kevin was talking about at the LHAS January program. I took these photos this morning. The bird didn’t sit still long. I was thinking that he is a goldfinch, but his colorization is odd.

Marla and Kevin K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline friday, 14 january 2022

After Ed Brogie found a Common Redpoll in my yard on the 11th I was able to relocate him on Wednesday. Yesterday I spent way too much time searching for him but never found him. This morning I found him briefly feeding with the Goldfinches on the ground under the feeders.

Jan J., Wakefield, Dixon Co., NE

LHAS bird hotline monday, 3 january 2022

Click the button below to see the Ida Grove Christmas Bird Count results from 2 January 2022.

Ida Grove CBC Results

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 1 january 2022

It was below zero this morning, but I found this saw-whet keeping its feet warm, with its feathers. In 34 years I have not seen a Saw-whet do this. The weather service reported a wind chill of minus 30 below, when I was recording this image.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

*Northern Saw-whet Owl image copyright 2022 by Don Poggensee, used with permission.*

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 29 december 2021

*Rusty Blackbird image copyright 2021 by Jan Johnson, used with permission.*

I briefly had a single Rusty Blackbird foraging in the leaf litter in my flower bed this morning.

Jan J., Wakefield, NE

Bacon Creek Park

*Golden-crowned Kinglet image copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

A Golden-crowned Kinglet was found along the west shore trail around the lake a little south of where the power lines cross the trail.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline monday, 27 december 2021

Two Bike & Bird trips around the trails at Adams Homestead had a couple of interesting observations.

Thursday, 23 December was overcast. There was a very cooperative Bald Eagle along the River Loop. There was a large number of Canada Geese along the river along with two Trumpeter Swans.
Saturday, 25 December had some very interesting light. The swans and the eagle could not be relocated but there were Common Goldeneye upriver, near the Wynstone development, and a very cooperative Red-tailed Hawk near the Adams parking area.

Randy W. Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline thursday, 23 december 2021

The Yankton Christmas Bird Count took place on Sunday, December 19, 2021. Thirty-two people, from teenagers to seniors, from Yankton, Vermillion, Armour, & Sioux Falls, South Dakota; South Sioux City & Wayne, Nebraska; and Sioux City, Iowa enjoyed a cool but sunny day to be out counting birds. A total of 112,056 birds of 78 different species of birds which is not quite as good as the 82 species seen last year which had tied the all-time species number high of 82 set in 2012.

Highlights of the day: Golden Eagle, Bobwhite Quail, Glaucous Gull, and Western Grebe.
Record high counts: Snow goose-100,000; Ross’s Goose-200; Hooded Merganser-12; Rock Pigeon-1,020; American White Pelican-3 (injured wings); Rough-legged Hawk-20; and Yellow-rumped Warbler-14
Species missed this year that are frequently seen include: Northern Shoveler, Blue-winged Teal, lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Duck, Great Blue Heron, Brown-headed Cowbird, Lapland Longspur, and Snow Bunting.

Compiled and reported by Roger Dietrich

Yankton CBC Results

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 22 december 2021

Eighteen hearty birders drove, walked, or watched bird feeders on Thursday, December 16, 2021, the sixth Westfield Christmas Bird Count! Skies were cloudy, the wind blew from 10 to 15 mph, and temperatures ranged from 18 degrees to about 41 degrees by afternoon when the sunshine appeared.

Two of those 18 birders, drove 3 hours in the morning and watched their bird feeders in the afternoon for 2 hours. Two other participants watched their feeders in the morning and afternoon for 1 hour each.

Forty-two species were identified this year, the same low count as in 2018. Our highest count was in 2020 with 57 bird species!

5933 total birds were counted, our third highest total. We had 7211 in 2017 and 6841 in 2018.

A Golden Eagle, an unusual species for our area, was seen flying over Broken Kettle Grasslands. Details and documentation have already been written. Other birds of significance were Northern Shrike, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, and Common Goldeneye.

Lunch was served at 12:30 PM. Some birders had other afternoon commitments, while others continued birding until sunset.

It was a grand day!

Compiled and reported by Dotty Zales

Westfield CBC Report

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 21 december 2021

Loess Hills Audubon Society hosted the National Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count on December 18th 2021. Sioux City has participated in this activity since 1909, a 112 year history! In our 2021 edition we had 22 participants in 12 teams and 3 feeder watchers. We had cool breezy conditions (31 degree high) which helped us to find 54 species. Our highlight birds were Winter and Carolina Wrens, Hermit Thrush, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Common Redpoll, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. The best non bird was a moose. The count officially closed on Tuesday December 21. A full report will follow!

Compiler: Jerry Probst

Sioux city CBC Report

LHAS bird hotline monday, 20 december 2021

Ponca State Park hosted its 18th official Christmas Bird Count on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. A record 20 participants in 8 teams were able to cover the count circle as never before. With such effort, 60 or more species were found making it the second most productive count to date. Although it was well behind the record shattering 70 species found in 2020, it surpassed the previous best of 59 species recorded in 2013. The final total is yet to be determined but will be somewhat north of 60.

The highlights included Townsend’s Solitaire (2), Pileated Woodpecker (2), Golden Eagle, the rare light phase of the Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk, Red-headed Woodpecker, Winter Wren, both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets and Spotted Towhee.

The final tally will follow shortly.

Compiler: Katie Leware, Ponca State Park Reporter: Bill Huser, Loess Hills Audubon

Ponca CBC Report

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 18 december 2021

Finally, a saw-whet owl was found this morning, on my almost daily walk of the pine trees here in Moorehead Park, Ida Grove, Iowa. This late in the wintering season, I am trusting that it will stay with us until the migration begins in Mid March.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

*Northern Saw-whet Owl image copyright 2021 by Don Poggensee, used with permission*

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 15 december 2021

Stone State Park, Sioux City, IA

A pre-CBC Count Week walk to Pammel Valley and Turtle Lake revealed a Winter Wren in the wet meadow leading to the east end of Turtle Lake. The bird was small and dark, smaller than House Wren or Marsh Wren. My first thought was Marsh Wren but there was no distinct eyebrow and it was darker overall; wrong color and wrong size for House Wren. Very short tail was always up. Quick and secretive staying in the brush and grasses.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline monday, 13 december 2021

Stone State Park, Sioux City, IA

Time for some Christmas Bird Count practice! I walked along the Big Sioux River as it passes Stone Park and also ventured over to the Carolyn Benne Nature Trail. Largest variety of birds and mammals was along the Big Sioux, including a Bald Eagle, a Belted Kingfisher, a beaver (not pictured) swimming from South Dakota to Iowa, and two coyotes on the seemingly too-thin river ice.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Broken Kettle Grasslands, Plymouth County, IA

Golden Eagle, 1 first winter immature. Large, dark raptor with golden nape, white tail with broad black tip, white patch at base of primaries on underwing

Jerry P. and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline sunday, 12 december 2021

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA

The snow covered trails around Bacon Creek provided a pleasant morning walk. Not a wide variety of species but the birding was better than I anticipated. Most notable was a pocket of birds on the west shore with Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-bellied Woodpecker and a Brown Creeper.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline thursday, 9 december 2021

Plymouth County, IA

I saw a Snowy Owl around 4:30 PM today (Thursday 12/09) on a utility pole on K22 about a mile north of Perry Creek Dairy in Plymouth County.

(Hotline Editor: Perry Creek Dairy is west of LeMars, 2 miles south of IA-Hwy 3 on Plymouth County Road K-22.)

Jeri W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline friday, 3 december 2021

We are surely in a snowy owl eruption year all over Iowa. With the lack of food in the arctic area, it forces the owls to move south. Just in the last two week we have up to 15 reports of sighting. Don’t try to walk close to any, as this may cause the owl to fly and they need their energy just to find food in a strange location.

Many can be found on the ground or on short poles, some have learn to sit on taller utilities poles or buildings. Remember, this is not the arctic and this is a strange world to them. They feed on mice and voles so many can be found in road ditches or larger grassy fields, like conservation set-a-side areas.

If you do see one, note the location and call your area Conservation Center (Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center: 712-258-0838). You may have seen a few of these image in the past, but you can see the different pattern on the birds. The more mature birds have more white, and can be almost all white.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

LHAS bird hotline thursday, 2 december 2021

Near Owego Wetlands at Franklin Ave and 320th St.:

SNOWY OWL, 1 adult, perched in fall tilled bean stubble, with completely white head and breast

Owego Wetlands:

Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk, 1 dark phase adult, with infrequently seen black & white barred tail (See Sibley's 2nd edition)

At I-29 overpass over 310th St.:

Red-tailed Hawk, 1 immature, dark phase, western form - B.j. calurus

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline Wednesday, 1 december 2021

I found a single Ross’s Goose with a flock of Canadas at Kramper Lake in Dakota Co. early this afternoon. He appeared healthy.

Jan J., Wakefield, NE

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 30 november 2021

Bacon Creek Park, 11/29 and 11/30:

On 11/29, both birds were sticking together. On 11/30, one could be found within the 300+ flock of Canada Geese in the lake, then the other would be found with geese but in a different area of the lake.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Key to below images:

Larger Common Merganser, back and to the left. Smaller Hooded Merganser in foreground on the right. This image from 29 Nov 2021.
Hooded Merganser, 11/30
Hooded Merganser, 11/30
Hooded Merganser, 11/30
Common Merganser, 11/30
Common Merganser, 11/30

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 27 november 2021

882 Road, west border of Dixon County:

Common Redpoll, 5, foraging in Helioanthus and other tall weeds in roadside ditch

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 24 november 2021

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City:

Common Merganser, 3
Domestic fowl on walkabout, 1

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 23 november 2021

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE:
The first new arrivals in several days:

Trumpeter Swan, 1 adult, 5 immature
American White Pelican, 2
Many Canada Geese, a few ducks.

Jerry P. and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 16 november 2021

Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa

Sometimes the birds come to you. Drove several miles to different spots and found a few birds but it was a little slow. About 4 P.M. looked out my back window and saw 2 White-breasted Nuthatches working a big tree. 2 Black-capped Chickadees showed up and one flew to the screen on my window and grabbed a bug while the other grabbed a bug from the side of the house. Other birds soon appeared.

2 White-breasted Nuthatches
2 Dark-eyed Juncos
2 Downy Woodpeckers
2 Hairy Woodpeckers
2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers
2 Brown Creepers creeping up the trees
1 CAROLINA WREN at the base of the big tree!

It must have been supper time!

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline sunday, 14 november 2021

Ida Grove, IA

Here are a few from my Canon R-5 at 400mm this afternoon. Mr. Long-eared just sat and seem to really enjoy just watching us. It stayed put all day long and was still there when we left.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 13 november 2021

Near Wakefield, NE

I had approximately 12 Rusty Blackbirds in the yard for about 5 minutes this morning in a small flock of Red-winged Blackbirds. Most I’ve seen in one flock in quite some time.

Jan J., near Wakefield, NE

Moorehead Park, Ida Grove, IA

Found our first wintering Northern Saw-whet Owl today in Moorehead Park. I am trusting that it will stay with us throughout this winter season.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA

Eastern Bluebirds at Bacon Creek

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline monday, 8 november 2021

Powder Creek WMA, Dixon County, NE:

20 or more Common Redpolls were found feeding in a weedy grassland with sunflowers. Most of the time, the redpolls were feeding on the flower heads of the sunflowers (Helioanthus sp.)

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 3 november 2021

Woodbury County, Iowa:

2 Red-breasted Nuthatches (Graceland Cemetery)

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 2 november 2021

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE:

Black Scoter, 1 female/immature
Bonaparte's Gull, 2, in winter plumage
Ring-billed Gull, 135
Northern Shrike, 1

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline monday, 1 november 2021

Jackson, NE sewage lagoons:

Mute Swan, 1 adult - Unknown whether it is one of the two swans there in August. Perhaps not, because this same day a pair of Mute Swans was reported in Lake Yankton, NE/SD.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline friday, 29 october 2021

Woodbury County, Iowa

1 Northern Shrike (270th and Fayette)

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City

Green-winged Teal (left and center photos below)
Pied-billed Grebe (right photo)
Cooper’s Hawk (no photo)

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 23 october 2021

Woodbury County Highlights

Rough-legged Hawk - 3
Greater Yellowlegs
Wilson's Snipe
Merlin
LeConte's Sparrow
Brewer's Blackbird

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 19 october 2021

Brown's Lake, Woodbury County, IA
Was driving past Brown's Lake about 4 P.M. and observed large flocks of geese so pulled in and enjoyed a migration spectacle for the next hour. The first flocks landed in the lily pads north of the dock and as more flocks arrived there was no more room in the lily's so the new arrivals had to land in the open water. Could see more flocks coming from the north for the next hour until we had to leave. They were making lots of noise with their distinctive high pitched yelps. My best estimate would be 20,000!
Jerry V. and Jan N., Sioux City, IA

Picture comments:

Flocks arriving at Brown's Lake
Flocks arriving at Brown's Lake
Hiding in the Lily Pads
Hiding in the Lily Pads
Up Close
Showing their colors
White-fronts with 5 Snows and 1 Blue Phase
3 Pelicans joined in
Another distant flock arrives
Through the Fall trees
No more room in the Lily's
Crowded! 1 Canada out front

LHAS bird hotline monday, 18 october 2021

My last visit to Kramper Lake was at the end of May. I was intrigued by Bill H.’s recent sightings (see below) and I decided it was time to return. It was a very pleasant morning to bicycle around the lake. My most interesting observation was the large number of Western Meadowlarks still singing. I was also pleased to see a Bald Eagle, a Red-tailed Hawk, and had a nice photo-op with a Lincoln’s Sparrow. Bill, thanks for confirming my ID on the Lincoln’s!

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

I panned the camera as the Great Blue Heron left the marshy area on the south end of Kramper Lake
Four images of a Lincoln’s Sparrow from the same general area of the lake as the heron.

belted kingfisher, ida grove, ia

In between photos shoots, I have been trying to get images of a bobcat on one of my trail cameras. So far, lots of other animals have passed by, still no bobcats. They have been seen a lot of times by others, and I will leave the trail camera up longer.

I also, been recording a Belted Kingfisher working the Maple River, on the east edge of Moorehead Park as it tries diving for small fish in the river. One has to be quick as it dives, sometimes completely under water, to get a fish. If it does catch a fish, the bird comes out of the water wet then flies to a perch to consume its prey.

Here is a series I recorded over a few weeks time. The last images were made several years ago.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

5-Kingfisher Seeing a Minnow Below-1406L.jpeg

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 12 october 2021

After not visiting Kramper Lake since last week, I did have a look yesterday, Tuesday, October 12. I found much had changed.

On the lake were approximately 100 ducks including about 80 Green-winged Teal, 5 Redheads, an American Wigeon, a Northern Shoveler and a Ring-necked Duck. Also present were 30 Double-crested Cormorants, a single American White Pelican, 2 Great Egrets, a Wilson's Snipe, 3 Bonaparte and 10 Ring-billed Gulls.

In the air were several large flocks of Greater White-fronted Geese, a flock of 140 American White Pelicans, dozens of Franklin Gulls and several flocks of cormorants.

The marsh grasses south of the road still have not produced the expected numbers of LeConte's and Nelson's Sparrows, but one LeConte's was recorded to add to the single Nelson's seen last week. Several species (Swamp, Song, Field and Savannah) were seen along with a Northern Harrier and a Palm Warbler.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline friday, 8 october 2021

Luton Wildlife Management Area, North Unit

The pond just south of the road (240thST) has really dried. It was tough to see the southern shoreline above the vegetation. There is a significant amount of drying mud from the waterline to the vegetation line on the south. I had my spotting scope with me but did not bother to set it up.

Sparrows! They were all along Delaware AV, Dallas AV and 240th ST. I did not get them all identified or even counted. The Dickcissels were a pleasant surprise along 240th ST.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Thanks to Bill H. for sparrow identification assistance!

“I am surprised how difficult these all are, even though the images seem to show everything.” — Bill H.

Image Key:

Savannah Sparrow - hint of yellow in lores, bright white malar, finer more distinct breast streaking on a whiter background, no white area behind auricular.
Savannah Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow - Cream-colored belly (compared to Savannah’s clean white belly), complete white eyering, pale center of auriculars framed by dark. Not seen: white outer tail feathers.
Vesper Sparrow
Song Sparrow - Heavy streaking, central spot, buffy malar area, gray/brown face.
Northern Harrier
Dickcissel
Dickcissel

building better birders saturday, 2 october 2021

The Fall Warbler Walk, conducted by Kelly McKay of the BioEco Research and Monitoring Center, began at 7:30 AM at the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center and followed the trails around DPNC. The overcast/cloudy skies, with mist, damped the observations but not the enthusiasm of the participants.

We had a fairly good raptor watch with 13 participants observing from 1:30-3:30 PM in overcast/cloudy conditions. We stayed at Kestrel Point observation deck at DPNC.

In addition to the six raptor species (below, with bird numbers) we observed 19 other species from the deck and traveling to and from the deck. There were at least 120 blue jays in migratory shift and more than 200 robins.

Dawn Snyder, Education Programs Director, Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

WARBLER WALK	BIRD	RAPTOR WATCH
.	Canada Goose	R
.	Wild Turkey	R
.	Double-crested Cormorant	R
.	Turkey Vulture	6
.	Northern Harrier	2
.	Sharp-shinned Hawk	2
.	Bald Eagle	1
.	Red-tailed Hawk	1
W	Red-bellied Woodpecker	R
W	Downy Woodpecker	R
.	Hairy Woodpecker	R
.	Peregrine Falcon	5
W	Blue Jay	R
W	American Crow	R
.	Barn Swallow	R
W	Black-capped Chickadee	R
W	White-breasted Nuthatch	R
W	Golden-crowned Kinglet	.
W	Ruby-crowned Kinglet	.
W	American Robin	R
W	Cedar Waxwing	R
.	American Goldfinch	R
W	White-throated Sparrow	R
.	Eastern Towhee	R
.	Common Grackle	R
W	Tennessee Warbler	.
W	Orange-crowned Warbler	.
.	Yellow-rumped Warbler	R
W	Northern Cardinal	R
14	Total Species	25

LHAS bird hotline friday, 1 october 2021

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

Nelson's Sparrow, 1-2
Swamp Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Sedge Wren - 3
Marsh Wren - 1
Common Yellowthroat - 4
Peregrine Falcon - 1
Greater Yellowlegs - 2

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 29 september 2021

Crystal Cove Park at noon:

Philadelphia Vireo, 1 in dogwood thicket, getting late for all vireos.

Overflights at home before dusk:

Common Nighthawks, 5, probable migrants foraging, getting late
Franklin Gulls, 25, flying in 'V' formation high above.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Little Sioux Park and Union Bridge Trail

Double-crested Cormorant and Bald Eagle. The cormorant was in a pond along the trail and the eagle flew across the trail and perched downstream from the bridge.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline monday, 20 september 2021

A noon walk around Bacon Creek became a pretty good birding day in between rain showers. In addition to the Black-and-White Warbler (below) there were Red-eyed Vireos, a Yellow-billed Cuckoo and a flock of about 25 various vireos moving along the boundary between sumac shrubs and the mature trees on the west side of the lake.

Randy, W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 15 september 2021

A Blue-headed Vireo stopped to checkout the feeders today but didn't stay to eat anything.

Carol B., Bronson, IA

*Blue-headed Vireo image copyright 2021 by Carol Blair, used with permission*

LHAS bird hotline monday, 2 August 2021

Dakota County, Nebraska

Mute Swans - a pair of Mute Swans have been on private property since Monday, 8/2. Note: this is private property and is inherently risky. Permission to enter is required. Hiking is involved.

Mute Swan is an exotic species and is often kept in parks and waterfowl collections. Such birds are not considered wild and countable as wild birds. However, some swans are feral, free flying and considered wild (and countable).

The Dakota County birds are unprecedented in the county, are free flying and exhibit no leg bands or other signs of captivity.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Luton Wildlife Management Area - North Unit, Woodbury County, Iowa

Following the Building Better Birders outing to the North Unit of the Luton Wildlife Management Area, I decided to dust off my Celestron spotting scope and return for some more shorebirds. Images were recorded with a Canon SX740, hand-held.

The shorebirds are most likely Short-billed Dowitchers. Feedback obtained by Bill Huser from Steve Dinsmore indicates these birds are short-billed due mainly to timing. Long-billeds migrate in Sept-Oct. The rounded (humped) back is another indicator. Tertials are not clear enough to determine their pattern, however. Compare with Long-billed Dowitchers, here.

There are 4 dowitcher images and 2 Sedge Wren images.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

building better birders, Thursday and friday, 29 and 30 July 2021

Classroom and field trips on water birds (7/29) and shorebirds (7/30) conducted by Kelly McKay and sponsored by the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center and other Iowa organizations. Thursday field trip to Owego Wetlands Complex and Friday field trip to Luton Wildlife Management Area - North Unit.

Owego - 7/29	Bird	Luton - 7/31
O	Canada Goose	L
O	Wood Duck	.
O	Mallard	.
O	Northern Bobwhite	L
O	Ring-necked Pheasant	L
.	Wild Turkey	L
O	Rock Pigeon	L
O	Eurasian Collared-Dove	L
O	Mourning Dove	L
O	Ruby-throated Hummingbird	L
O	Killdeer	L
O	Upland Sandpiper	.
.	Least Sandpiper	L
.	Pectoral Sandpiper	L
.	Semipalmated Sandpiper	L
.	Spotted Sandpiper	L
O	Solitary Sandpiper	.
.	Wilson's Phalarope	L
O	Great Blue Heron	L
O	Turkey Vulture	L
O	Bald Eagle	.
O	Red-tailed Hawk	L
O	Red-headed Woodpecker	L
.	Downy Woodpecker	L
.	American Kestrel	L
O	Western Kingbird	.
O	Eastern Kingbird	.
O	Willow Flycatcher	L
.	Blue Jay	L
O	Bank Swallow	L
O	Tree Swallow	L
.	Purple Martin	L
O	Barn Swallow	L
O	cliff Swallow	L
O	House Wren	L
O	Sedge Wren	L
O	American Robin	L
O	European Starling	L
O	Cedar Waxwing	.
O	House Sparrow	L
O	American Goldfinch	L
O	Grasshopper Sparrow	.
O	Lark Sparrow	L
O	Chipping Sparrow	.
O	Vesper Sparrow	.
O	Orchard Oriole	L
O	Red-winged Blackbird	L
O	Brown-headed Cowbird	.
O	Common Grackle	L
O	Common Yellowthroat	L
O	Yellow Warbler	.
O	Northern Cardinal	.
O	Blue Grosbeak	L
O	Indigo Bunting	L
O	Dickcissel	L

LHAS Bird hotline, Thursday, 29 july 2021

Owego Wetlands Complex

I attended the field trip to Owego Wetlands with Kelly McKay after his presentation on Thursday evening. The Sedge Wren was the star of show that night. Very adorable and interesting bird the way it flutters quickly, almost like a hummingbird. It was the first time I had seen one.

I have included some photos from that night.

Marla K., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird hotline, Thursday, 22 july 2021

Owego Wetlands Complex

Indigo Bunting
Blue Grosbeak
Blue Grosbeak and a family of Orchard Orioles
Monarch butterfly
Beautiful prairie bouquet
Blazing Star

Luton Wildlife Management Area

Great Blue Heron

Jerry V., and Jan N., Sioux City, IA

Indigo Bunting Owego 7.22.21 JN 01 RSCN4446.jpg

Blue Grosbeak .Orchard Oriole. a youngOrchO.Owego 7.22.21.jpg

LHAS Bird hotline, monday and Tuesday, 19 and 20 july 2021

On Monday I just returned from a bicycle ride and walked across the street to get our mail. Coming back I noticed a large bird sitting on our neighbor’s fence that separates our back yards. I scrambled inside for my camera and took the first 4 images below. I was not quite sure what I was seeing. We have had Cooper’s Hawks in the neighborhood but this did not look correct.

On Tuesday the identification issue was resolved. I just returned from some early errands and took out some trash. I heard some boisterous bird squabbling and looked up to see three accipters land the one of the trees in our neighbor’s front yard. Again, I scrambled inside for a camera. These were the birds I saw the previous day: Cooper’s Hawks. The remaining images are one of the three hawks. The other two were either moving around the far side of the tree or landed in foliage too dense for photography. Besides, I did not want to unduly disturb them.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird hotline, friday, 16 july 2021

New Lake Shorebirds

Over 500 individuals present. A scope is needed to view the distant remaining pool of water.

Short-billed Dowitcher, 1 Note orangeish breeding plumage, long bill and probing foraging technique.
Stilt Sandpiper, 4

Also many Killdeer, Pectoral Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs and Spotted Sandpiper.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Addendum:

I was down there earlier this week after supper after your first report (7/13/21, see below) and there were 2 coyotes sprinting north on the east shore. They came close to the road at north end and then turned around and retreated to the south. When I first saw them, I thought they were deer. They looked pretty healthy and were spying the birds and spooked a few along the shore but did not go after any.

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird hotline, wednesday, 14 july 2021

NE Hwy-35 near I Ave; wet spot due to tiled field drainage:

Willet (Western) - 1
Stilt Sandpiper, 7
Pectoral Sandpiper, 2
Least Sandpiper, 8
Semi-palmated Sandpiper, 2
Solitary Sandpiper, 2
Spotted Sandpiper, 1
Killdeer, 11
Blue Grosbeak, 1 male.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird hotline, Tuesday, 13 july 2021

New Lake - North half dry and overgrown; South half, nearly dry with only one small pool of open water.

Killdeer, 431
Baird's Sandpiper, 2
Least Sandpiper, 20
Pectoral Sandpiper, 85
Spotted Sandpiper, 3
Solitary Sandpiper, 11
Lesser Yellowlegs, 8

Snyder's Bend - water level similar to May, but much of lake bed overgrown. A handful of Solitary and Least Sandpipers.

Note: a large solar farm is going in at the NE corner of Port Neal Road and D-51. Also, much truck traffic and earth moving are in evidence SW of the same intersection and elsewhere.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird hotline, sunday, 11 july 2021

Eastern Kingbirds in our pear tree.

Bill & Dotty Z., Plymouth County, IA

*Eastern Kingbird image copyright 2021 by Bill Zales, used with permission.*

LHAS Bird hotline, monday, 5 july 2021

Kramper Lake new arrivals, Dakota County, NE

Forster's Tern - 1, breeding plumage
Double-crested Cormorant - 1 adult
Ring-billed Gull, 1

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Ida County, IA

I recorded this Great Blue Heron here in Ida County. Interesting color patterns on this bird.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

*Great Blue Heron color variant image copyright 2021 by Don Poggensee, used with permission.*

LHAS Bird hotline, monday, 28 june 2021

Yesterday (6/28) was again special, as I continues to see and be able to photograph a Scarlet Tanager here in Moorehead Park. We see a few every summer but they tend to be secretive in nature. This Tanager was in an ash tree and found a very large Hornworm that it took to the ground for more than a meal. The Hornworm, left alone, would later turn into a Sphinx Moth.

Here are three photos of the action of the Scarlet Tanager and the meal.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

LHAS Bird hotline, tuesday, 22 june 2021

Woodbury County, IA

Brower Lake

Very low water, no sign of Common Gallinule. Water does not reach the cattails, perhaps the bird is altering its foraging and cover tactics.

The Square

Also, very low water with water receded from cattails. No Gallinule or Coot seen.

On a side note, a limited amount of earth moving or ditching has been done at the north end of Brower Lake. Water in this oxbow drains to the south, so this has probably not caused the current low water level and hopefully will not have long term effects.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird hotline, monday, 21 june 2021

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA

Green Heron on the first full day of summer.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

*Green Heron image copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission*

LHAS Bird hotline, saturday, 19 june 2021

Broken Kettle Grasslands, Plymouth County, IA

Birch Avenue:

Loggerhead Shrike, 7 adults, interacting. Perhaps a 'Group Meeting' as described by Schon (1979): a pre-nesting behavior between neighboring shrikes made up of much calling and flight displays and thought to reduce hostilities through familiarity.

Butcher Road

Black-billed Cuckoo, 1 seen and heard from ridge west of Joy Hollow G.S. Camp; 1 heard from road near Butcher Road ponds.

234 Ave

Northern Bobwhite, 1 heard near end of public road.

Lippke Wetlands

Willow Flycatcher, 1 seen

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird hotline, monday, 14 june 2021

Woodbury County, Iowa

The Common Gallinule (on right in first image) originally found on June 10 at the 'Square' was seen again on June 14 with an American Coot (on left in first image) in the same location. It was a life bird for Jan Null and she was able to get pictures and one is attached. There were also 3 White-faced Ibis there. 5 pictures attached of those 2 plus 3 neat pictures of a Willow Flycatcher, Red-winged Blackbird, and Great Blue Heron (images are in order, below).

1 Common Gallinule (1st big pond at the 'Square' on Fayette Ave.)
3 White-faced Ibis (1st big pond at the 'Square' on Fayette Ave.)
1 Willow Flycatcher at Owego

Jerry V. and Jan N., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird hotline, thursday, 10 june 2021

The 'Square', Woodbury County, Iowa

1 Common Gallinule (at the 'Square' on Fayette Ave. 1st big water, edge of reeds with an American Coot on south side, about 1/4 of way to west)
2 Blue Grosbeaks (beautiful males in the sun)
2 Bobolinks (sparring males)
several singing Common Yellowthroats
several singing Grasshopper Sparrows
1 Wilson's Phalarope
never out of range of a singing Dickcissel
1 Great Blue Heron feasting on a long snake

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird hotline, wednesday, 9 june 2021

Post-migration highlights:

Black-chinned Hummingbird: Last week, eastern South Dakota's first was visiting a feeder at a private residence about 8 miles west of Yankton. This bird is rare even in Western SD and NE.
Hooded Warbler and Blue-winged Warbler: The small population of Blue-winged Warblers has returned to South Dakota's Newton Hills State Park this summer for their eighth, or so, summer. A single singing male Hooded Warbler has returned for its second summer. Both species are inexplicably outside their ranges.
Painted Bunting: A USD research team netted a female Painted Bunting near Nebraska's Brooky Bottoms Park on the Missouri River north of Obert, NE. It could not be relocated the following day. This occurrence is far north of its range.
Common Gallinule: We await current reports of last week's single bird at Brower Lake. Does it remain? Does it have a mate?

Bill Huser, LHAS Bird Hotline editor

LHAS Bird hotline, monday, 7 june 2021

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA

The BCNH was first seen at shoreline of the first parking lot in the park, near the canoe/kayak launch bay. Two more sightings of the bird in flight in the same vicinity. Sorry, no photos.

The YBCU was on the west shore at the north end of the lake where the stream from the spillway connects to the lake.

A snapping turtle was trying to dig into a retaining wall near the spillway.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird hotline, wednesday, 2 june 2021

Yankton, SD

1 male Black-chinned Hummingbird at a private residence in Yankton. Roger Dietrich's excellent photos are posted on eBird.

Roger D., Yankton , SD and reported by Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Brower Lake, Woodbury County, IA

Common Gallinule at Brower Lake at 7:30A on 6/2. (Still present morning of Thursday, 6/3. editor)

Rob T., Sioux City, IA and reported by Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

*Common Gallinule image copyright 2021 by Rob Towler, used with permission*

LHAS Bird hotline, tuesday, 1 june 2021

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

Acadian Flycatcher, 1 (ID by voice); not found on Wed., 6/2 [the link to the Audubon Bird Guide provides access to bird songs and bird calls]
Willow Flycatcher, 5-6
Sedge Wren, at least 2
Marsh Wren, 2
Northern Bobwhite, 1

Most of these birds were seen and heard at the Kayak-in campsites on the extreme south end. However, Bobwhite were heard near the easternmost pond, and one Willow Flycatcher sings from the settlement basin near the fish cleaning station.

Jerry P. and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird hotline, monday, 31 may 2021

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

Eurasian Wigeon, 1 male (not seen since early that morning)
Veery, 1 (also, probably gone)
Willow Flycatcher, 5-6
Sedge Wren, at least 2
Marsh Wren, at least 2
Northern Bobwhite, calling from 2 locations
American Avocet, 1 (gone)

Jerry P. and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird hotline, saturday, 22 may 2021

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

3 Eastern Whip-poor-will
1 Eastern Meadowlark
2 Lark Sparrow
3 Bell’s Vireo
7 White-faced Ibis - an ibis-palooza!

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird hotline, thursday, 20 may 2021

Basswood Ridge Wildlife Management Area, Dakota County, NE

Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 4-5
Red-shouldered Hawk, 1 immature
Blackpoll, 1
Tennesse Warbler, 1

(These, the only 2 migrating warblers found.)

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Moorehead Park, Ida County, IA

This afternoon I saw and photographed a male Summer Tanager in Moorehead Park, Ida County west of Ida Grove.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

*Summer Tanager image copyright 2021 by Don Poggensee, used with permission.*

LHAS Bird hotline, tuesday, 18 may 2021

Stone State Park:

Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 1
Pileated Woodpecker, 1-2
Chestnut-sided Warbler, 1 m.
Kentucky Warbler, 1 m.
Blackburnian Warbler, 1 m.
Magnolia Warbler, 1 m.
Louisiana Waterthrush, 2 m.
Northern Parula, 1 f.
Indigo Bunting, 5, FOY

New Lake:

Dunlin, 10
Sanderling, 1
Short-billed Dowitcher, 1 FOY

Sandhill Lake:

Sora, 1
LeConte's Sparrow, 1, FOY

The Square:

Upland Sandpiper, 2, FOY

Common Nighthawk - 1 in flight over SW part of South Sioux City and 1 in flight over SE part of Sioux City

Rob T., Sioux City, IA; Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird hotline, monday, 17 may 2021

New Lake:

Hudsonian Godwit, 3
Dunlin, 5

Sandhill Lake:

Glossy Ibis, 1
Virginia Rail, 1

Owego:

Willow Flycatcher, 1-2, First of Year (FOY)
Bell's Vireo, 1, FOY

The Square:

Swainson's Hawk, 2 immatures
Grasshopper Sparrow, 1 FOY
Blue Grosbeak, 1 m., FOY

Rob T., Sioux City, IA; Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Brower’s Lake:

Helen and I were at Brower’s Lake last Monday (5/17) and very surprised how many birds we got, even without the warblers, vireos and other species that have not yet arrived from the south.

Attached are two photos of Canada Geese. One is the Giant Canada Goose standing next to a Canada Goose. I couldn't have set them up any better for the shot. It is a good look at the differences in size and the other differences between the geese, i.e. white area on the head and dark area on the neck. I have missed the Giant goose in previous trips so couldn't have asked for a better scene when I finally did find it.

The other photo is of a light colored goose. I'm not sure if this is a color thing or if this goose is a variant in the species from other parts of the country. Also, maybe someone can figure out what the small black bird is that is along the water line to the right.

Carol B., Sloan, IA and Helen ?

LHAS Birdathon Highlights, 7 may through 10 may 2021

Loess Hills Audubon members searched high and low for birds from May 7-10 as part of the Chapter's Birdathon Fundraiser for Chapter projects. Though the final numbers are not yet in, 131 species have been recorded from 6 teams thus far. Final numbers will follow.

Highlights include:

Eared Grebe
Swainson's Hawk
Sora
Piping Plover
Sanderling
Least Tern
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Pileated Woodpecker
Golden-winged Warbler
Northern Parula
Blackburnian Warbler
Louisiana Waterthrush
Summer Tanager

Many of these, and others recorded, were seen for the first time this year as teams searched in Woodbury, Plymouth, Monona, Dakota, Dixon and Union counties in our three state area.

Those with observations to report should send their species list to me.

Those wishing to donate to the Chapter or hear of our projects should contact me, as well.

Those of you that have pledged support or counted birds have earned the Chapter's gratitude. Thank you all so much.

Bill Huser, Birdathon Czar

LHAS Bird Hotline, thursday, 6 may 2021

White-winged Crossbill in Kingsley, IA. A very neat little bird that hung around my feeder setup during the last week of April and the first week of May. I was surprised that it could readily feed from the sunflower feeder with no problems and could also shell the sunflower seeds with no apparent difficulty.

Update, Monday 10 May: This bird surprised me again today — It still has not left Kingsley as it appeared at my sunflower feeders and bird bath this noon for perhaps 12 to 15 minutes .

Loren and Betty H., Kingley, IA

*White-winged Crossbill image copyright 2021 by Loren Hansen, used with permission.*

*Black-headed Grosbeak image copyright 2021 by Rob Towler, used with permission.*

LHAS Bird Hotline, wednesday, 5 may 2021

South Ravine Park, Sioux City, Woodbury County:

Black-headed Grosbeak, 1 male - found by Rob T. This western counterpart of our Rose-breasted Grosbeak is only rarely seen in our area. However, the bird could not be re-located only 30 minutes later.

Other birds seen:

Yellow-throated Vireo, 1
Orchard Oriole, 1 male First of Year (FOY)
Northern Waterthrush, 2

Rob T., Sioux City

Stone State Park, Woodbury County 10:00 AM:

Louisiana Waterthrush, 1 (returned to traditional territory in Pammel Valley). Note broad, white eyestripe behind eye. Bird's song was also diagnostic
Broad-winged Hawk, 1
Yellow-throated Vireo, 1
Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, 2-3
Osprey, 1

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

*Louisiana Waterthrush image copyright 2021 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

Adams Homestead, McCook Lake, SD

Highlights of a bicycle ride around the figure 8 trail included American Avocet and White-faced Ibis, one of each. Both birds were in the reeds along the west shore of Mud Lake.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, monday, 3 may 2021

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City – 12:15 PM

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron found and photographed by Rob T. and also seen by Jerry P., Rex R., and Bill H.

It was foraging on the shore of the small pond by the primitive picnic area by the last parking lot. Last seen flying eastward (upstream) from that pond. This in and uncommon species in our area.

LHAS Bird Hotline, saturday, 1 may 2021

Brower Lake;

Black-necked Stilt, 2

New Lake:

Brewer's Blackbird, 2 males, 4 females First of Year (FOY)
Dunlin, 1, basic plumage with just a few black breast feathers FOY
White-rumped Sandpiper, 1 FOY
Eastern Kingbird, 1 FOY

Snyder's Bend:

Gray Catbird, 1 FOY
Lark Sparrow, 3 FOY

Brown's Lake:

Marbled Godwit, 1 FOY
Palm Warbler, 2 FOY
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 3 m. FOY

Sandhill Lake:

American Golden Plover, 2 basic plumage FOY
Sora, 1 FOY
Bobolink, 1 m. FOY

Rob T., Sioux City, IA; Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, friday, 30 april 2021

New Lake

Glossy Ibis, 1 Greenish legs and bill, dark facial skin with thin blue border above and below, but not behind eye (left image, below)
Long-billed Dowitcher, 19
Wilson's Phalarope, 3

Snyder's Bend

Sandhill Crane, 1 heard only
American Avocet, 1
Semi-palmated Plover, 9
American Pipit, 13 (right image, below)

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, thursday, 29 april 2021

Ponca State Park:

Sharp-shinned Hawk, 7, following river bluffs northward
Swainson's Hawk, 1, following bluffs northward
Broad-winged Hawk, 35, following bluffs northward
Chimney Swift, 6 First Of Year (FOY)
Pileated Woodpecker, 1
Peregrine Falcon, 1, following bluffs northward FOY
Blue-headed Vireo, 1 FOY
Bank Swallow, 6 FOY
Cliff Swallow, 1 FOY
Winter Wren, 1
Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher pr. FOY
Wood Thrush, pr. FOY
Brown Thrasher, 3
Baltimore Oriole, 1 m. FOY
Orange-crowned Warbler, 2 FOY
Louisiana Waterthrush, 1 FOY
Northern Waterthrush, heard only FOY
Eastern Towhee, 1
Spotted Towhee x Eastern Towhee hybrids, 4

Caleb S., Wayne B., Ed B., Wayne, NE; Mark B., Creighton, NE; Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Bacon Creek Park

*Field Sparrow image copyright 2021 by Rob Towler, used with permission.*

Blue-headed Vireo (FOY)
Field Sparrow

Noticed large influx of White-throated and Field Sparrow. Many other common species present both days.

Rob T., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, wednesday, 28 april 2021

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

Stopped by Kramper on my way to SC this afternoon. Got Greater Scaup, Osprey and a White-faced Ibis. I stopped by on my way home to take pics after the sun was out but couldn’t find the Ibis again.

Jan J., Wakefield, NE http://www.flickr.com/photos/bird-brained-quilter/

Ruddy Duck (left)
White-faced Ibis with hen Mallard (center)
White-faced Ibis with American Coot (right)

Moorhead Park, Ida County, IA
Yesterday (4/28) the annual arrival of Broad-wing Hawks arrived in Moorehead Park, Ida County. I counted 8 yesterday, around the lake mostly in smaller trees. Here are a few images I recorded. It is really good to see so many for their short stay.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

Bacon Creek Park

Orange-crowned Warbler First Of Year (FOY)
Lincoln’s Sparrow (FOY)
Eastern Meadowlark (FOY)

Rob T., Sioux City, IA

From the left:

Osprey
Forster’s Tern (2 images)
Swainson’s thrush (2 images) - Our most common May thrush is the Swainson's Thrush, which has a dull grayish brown back and tail and buffy coloration from the eyering, down through the malar area and onto the upper breast. The Hermit Thrush (scroll down for Hermit Thrush photos), most common in April, has a warmer, reddish brown back and an even brighter rufus tail, which noticeably contrasts with the back. Another May thrush is the Gray-cheeked Thrush, much like the Swainson's, but lacking eyering and buffy malar and upper breast.
This photo: Note the gray brown back with non-contrasting tail.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA (commentary by Bill Huser)

LHAS Bird Hotline, tuesday, 27 april 2021

This house wren struck the nature center window this morning but thankfully recovered and flew away.

Dawn S., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, Woodbury County, IA

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE - 5:00 PM:

Common Loon, 1 in alternate plumage
Horned Grebe, 1 in alternate plumage
Forster's Tern, 13
Greater Scaup, 1 female
Osprey, 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 2

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Snyder Bend and Bacon Creek

I am sending photos from Snyder Bend and from Bacon Creek, all from Tuesday, April 27th.

Northern Waterthrush (far left image, Bacon Creek)
Palm Warbler (left, center image, Bacon Creek)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (center image, Bacon Creek)
Spotted Towhee (right, center image, Bacon Creek)
American Golden-Plover (far right image, Snyder Bend)

Rex R., Sioux City, IA

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, McCook Lake, SD

Images from the left:

Marsh Wren
Eastern Meadowlark (2 images) - although call note and song are the most reliable indicators, certain field marks may be useful in distinguishing these two species. These photos show two of these field marks:
- Yellow limited to throat and not malar area.
- White cheek contrasting with black eyeline.
- Easterns also have more white in the tail.
- These photos: Note the yellow limited to the throat and white cheek.
White-throated Sparrows
Clay-colored Sparrow - rather typical sparrow head pattern, but of pale buff, pale gray and white and lacking in the bright white of White-crowned and White-throated adults. A buffy auricular, bordered above and below by a soft white eyebrow and malar is diagnostic. This photo: Note the buffy auricular with soft white eyebrow above and soft white malar below and dark crown.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA (commentaries by Bill Huser)

LHAS Bird Hotline, monday, 26 april 2021

Cattle Egret from Bacon Creek (2 images on left)
Long-billed Dowitcher (2 images on right - location not specified). Note the spotted foreneck, rufus, rather than buffy, edges on back, belly more colorful than neck and breast, arched back.

Rob T., Sioux City, IA and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, Woodbury County, IA

I spotted one male Baltimore Oriole at the nature center this morning.

Dawn S., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

New Lake, Woodbury County, IA - evening

Black-necked Stilt, 1

However, two parties searched Tuesday morning at 7am and at 8am and saw no signs of the bird.

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, sunday, 25 april 2021

Eastern Whip-poor-wills calling tonight by the creek!! Wow!

Dotty & Bill Z., rural Westfield, Plymouth County, IA

Snyder Bend County Park, Woodbury County, IA

Semiplamated Plover (2 images on left)
American Avocet (middle image)
Hudsonian Godwit (image on right)

LHAS Bird Hotline, saturday, 24 april 2021

Ponca State Park

Piping Plover, 1 First of Year (FOY)
Baird's Sandpiper, 2
Semi-palmated Sandpiper, 1
Pectoral Sandpiper, 2
Willet, 1
Black-crowned Night-Heron, 1
Forster's Tern, 7
Osprey, 1
Broad-winged Hawk, 6 FOY
Merlin, 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 2 FOY

Ed B. and Caleb S., Wayne, NE; Mark B., Creighton, NE; Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Brower Lake, Woodbury County, IA

Greater Scaup, 1 - ID by white wing stripe extending onto primaries.

Rob T., Sioux City, IA

Moorehead Park, Ida County, IA

This morning about 11:00 A.M. there were 60 plus pelicans on the lake at Moorehead Park, Ida County. I didn’t have a wide angle lens on, so could not get them all in, with one image.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, thursday, 22 april 2021

Crystal Cove Park, South Sioux City, NE

Black-crowned Night Heron, 3
American Bittern, 1

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, McCook Lake, SD

Cedar Waxwing (left image, below)
Fox Sparrow (middle and Fox Sparrow is to the left in the right image, the others are Harris’s Sparrows)
Eastern Meadowlark - 3, singing at different locations at the preserve
Western Meadowlark - 1

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, wednesday, 21 april 2021

Crystal Cove Park, South Sioux City, NE

Black-crowned Night Heron, 2
Great Egret, 1
Horned Grebe, 1 breeding plumage

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

Snowy Egret, 2
Great Egret, 10
White-faced Ibis, 4
Red-breasted Merganser, 5
Bonaparte's Gull, 1

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA

Horned Grebe
Osprey
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Eastern Towhee

Rex R., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, tuesday, 20 april 2021

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA

Horned Grebe (first photo below by Randy)
Bald Eagle (second photo below by Randy)
Snowy Egret (third and fourth photos below by Rex)
Hermit Thrush (fifth photo below by Randy)
Fox Sparrow (sixth photo below by Rex)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (not pictured)

Rex R., and Randy W., Sioux City, IA - appropriately socially distanced

LHAS Bird Hotline, monday, 19 april 2021

On Moorehead Lake, Ida County we had three Great Egrets and two Great blue Herons, all fishing with out fishing license.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, sunday, 18 april 2021

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, McCook Lake, SD

Two White-faced Ibis along the north crescent of Mud Lake. They were in the cattails on the south shore of the lake.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, saturday, 17 april 2021

Snyder Bend Shorebirds:

American Avocet, 3-6 (first 4 photographs below)
Willet, 1 (photograph #5, below)
Hudsonian Godwit, 10 (photograph #6, below)
Baird's Sandpiper, 100 (photograph #7, below)
Least Sandpiper, 3
Semi-palmated Sandpiper, 8
Pectoral Sandpiper, 5 (photograph #8, below)
Lesser Yellowlegs, 10
Greater Yellowlegs, 2

Rob T., Sioux City, IA and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Crawford Creek, Ida County:

Today, I headed to Crawford Creek, Ida County to check on the 17 acre prairie burn we did several night ago. Was interested to see if we had any hawks hunting the area now that the grasses are burn. Not seeing any hawks, we did have 35 White American Pelicans, working the lake.

Don P., Ida Grove, Iowa

LHAS Bird Hotline, friday, 16 april 2021

Bacon Creek:

1 bald eagle
3 osprey
1 horned grebe
male and female hooded mergansers (but no photos)
1 great blue heron looking for breakfast.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, thursday, 15 april 2021

There were a number of burns visible going south through the valley south of Sioux City this afternoon. I drove out to Owego to find two fresh burns, one just west of Fayette (near the old town site) and the other just to the west of Garner Avenue. About a dozen Swainson’s Hawks were checking out the burn areas, the majority along Garner Ave. There were both light and dark morphs.

Rex R., Sioux City, IA

Kramper Lake, Dakota County:

Barn Swallow, 1
Purple Martin, 6 (3 left images below)
Bonaparte's Gull, 2

CRP grassland burn near Dakota City:

Swainson's Hawk, 7 perched on ground or soaring (image on right, below)
Wilson's Snipe, 1

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, tuesday, 13 april 2021

Bacon Creek Park

Cool and windy morning at Bacon Creek but with some interesting sightings.

1 Osprey, fishing
1 male Redhead
1 male Horned Grebe

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, monday, 12 april 2021

Graceland Cemetery, Woodbury County, Iowa
Stopped at Graceland to take a quick walk in the wind around 5 PM. Parked car and a Chipping Sparrow and Pine Siskin showed up in front of car. Chipping Sparrow left and 2 more Pine Siskins joined the other making 3.

Decided to walk little loop just north of Jewish Cemetery going west on the north part and then circling around to the east on the south part with sun to my back. All of a sudden a flock of about 12 Robins zoomed over me and dove into a pine tree out of site. I saw the shadow of a large bird on the street in front of me so I stopped and looked up but saw nothing. Then I noticed another Robin in the grass and all of a sudden a Cooper's Hawk came swirling straight down in the wind like a spiraling staircase and nailed the Robin with one foot and sat there looking around about 10 feet in front of me. I stood there watching in my binocs and it kept looking up and around not paying any attention to me. He then put his other foot on the Robin and had it pinned to the ground. It stayed there for over a minute before it took off with the Robin to the south with a strong tailwind. Not something you see every day and you never know what might show up when out in nature!
Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

*Great Blue Heron image copyright 2021 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

LHAS Bird Hotline, friday, 9 april 2021

Crystal Lake, viewed from old US-20:

Great Blue Heron, 1 with aberrant coloration (melanism?)

Great Egret, 2 First of Year (FOY)

*Cinnamon Teal image copyright 2021 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

Kramper Lake:

Eared Grebe, 1 in transitional plumage (FOY)
Cinnamon Teal, 1 male (our bird-of-the-month for April 2021!)
American Avocet, 5 (FOY)

Bill & Thea H., South Sioux City, NE

*American Avocet image copyright 2021 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA

Chipping Sparrow (FOY)
Eastern Meadowlark
2 female Hooded Mergansers
1 Osprey making quite a few circles over the lake, of course I was never close enough for photos.

*Hooded Merganser image copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

LHAS Bird Hotline, wednesday, 7 april 2021

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA - Male and female Red-breasted Mergansers in the center of the lake.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

*Red-breasted Merganser image copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

*Cedar Waxwing image copyright 2021 by Leesa McNeil, used with permission.*

LHAS Bird Hotline, monday, 5 april 2021

Cedar Waxwings in Southwest Plymouth County - near the intersection of K18 and K12.

Leesa M., Plymouth County, IA

Had an orange variant House Finch visit our feeder yesterday while we were sitting on the deck. I was lucky and had the camera close at hand. Did not stay long and I have not viewed him today.

Mike, G., Dakota Dunes, SD

*House Finch variant image copyright 2021 by Michael P. Greiner, used with permission.*

*Tree Swallow image copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

LHAS Bird Hotline, saturday, 3 april 2021

Tree Swallows having a conversation on a bluebird box at Heendah Hills State Preserve, north of Stone Park.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

*Horned Grebe image copyright 2021 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

LHAS Bird Hotline, friday, 2 april 2021

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE:

Horned Grebe, 1 in alternate plumage
Pied-billed Grebe, 4
American White Pelican, 15
12 species of waterfowl

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, wednesday, 31 march 2021

Crystal Cove highlights, Dakota County, NE:

Black Scoter, 1 female (first time recorded at Crystal Cove; top two photos)
Red-breasted Merganser, 1 female (bottom photo)

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, monday, 29 march 2021

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

American x Eurasian Wigeon hybrid, 1 male
Tree Swallow, 1-2 FOY
Northern Bobwhite, 1 heard only
Snow Goose, 1 blue phase

Bill & Thea H., South Sioux City, NE

Stone State Park, Sioux City, IA

I observed a Pileated Woodpecker this morning (Monday, March 29, approximately 8:10 AM) while driving on the main ridge road in Stone Park. I got a great view as it flew right in front of my car near Elk Point overlook and stayed in that area for awhile before flying down the valley over the lake and to the trees to the south.

During Kelly McKay’s Building Better Birding Workshop Bird Hike #2 on Saturday, March 20 we also saw one Pileated Woodpecker on the Hidden Valley trail by the Nature Center & heard another calling in the distance at the same time.

Dawn S., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

LHAS Bird Hotline, sunday, 28 march 2021

Hermit Thrush at Bacon Creek along with more typical birds.

Randy W. Sioux City, IA

*Hermit Thrush image copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

LHAS Bird Hotline, saturday, 27 march 2021

Crawford Creek, Ida County

The lone greater Sandhill Crane is still just to the south east edge of the large handicap dock on the east edge of Crawford Creek. The graveled parking area when most all the fishermen park is to the east of the lake and the cane cane be seen from that point. It is hanging out with several Canada geese.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

Woodbury County, IA

New Lake: Cinnamon Teal, 1 male, First of Year (FOY)

Brown's Lake: Osprey, 1 (FOY)

Snyder Bend:

Franklin Gull, 3 (FOY)
Ring-billed Gull, 7 adult
Lesser Yellowlegs, 7
Greater Yellowlegs, 1
Baird's Sandpiper, 11 (FOY)
Tree Swallow, 2 (FOY)

Sandhill Lake:

Ross’s Goose, 5
Herring Gull, 1 adult
Ring-billed Gull, 1 adult
Baird's Sandpiper, 2

A good selection of ducks was present at each location.

Rob T., Sioux City, IA and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Dakota Dunes, Union County, SD

Cedar Waxwings in my yard. Not sure I have seen these before.

Pam S., Dakota Dunes, SD

*Cedar Waxwing image copyright 2021 by Pam Smith, used with permission*

LHAS Bird Hotline, sunday, 21 march 2021

Good evening Bill -

I am not a member but thought if your members haven't seen a leucistic bird before they might want to know there is a leucistic grackle in whiting, iowa.

Sighted: 3/21/2021; Time: 10:00am; Location: near pleasant view care center see attached photo

Carol, Whiting, IA

iowa Bird Hotline, friday, 19 march 2021

The last three days we had one adult Sandhill Crane staying at Crawford Creek south of Battle Creek, Iowa. It has been seen on the east side of the lake near the large handicap dock. This is the first time that I know of, to having a Sandhill crane in Ida County.

Don P., Ida County Conservation Board, Ida Grove, Iowa

LHAS Bird Hotline, wednesday, 17 march 2021

*Eagles, gulls, and swans at Sand Hill Lake, image copyright 2021 by Carol Blair, used with permission.*

Above is a photo from Sand Hill Lake. Just missed getting a pair of Canada Geese swimming by in front of the swans. Didn't get the camera out soon enough.

Carol B., Woodbury County, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, 14 march 2021

This bird was at our feeding platform yesterday, 3/14. Tried to find something that matched in the Sibley guide. It looked like a Dark-eyed Junco but I could not match the facial pattern. I sent the photos to Bill H. and this was his reply:

“Leucocistic Dark-eyed Junco. A mutation that affects pigment production on all, or part of, an animal. This variation can be seen in mammals and reptiles, as well.”

I usually think of “leucocistic” as more extensive, while this is very localized. As Bill stated, it can be partial and localized.

Photos were taken through a window and window screen. I was surprised the bird remained while I went to another room to get the camera.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, bacon creek, 9 & 10 march 2021

Tuesday, 9 March

Common Merganser - 1

Wednesday, 10 March

Ring-necked Duck - 15
Bufflehead - 5
Northern Shoveler - 4
Brown Creeper - 2 (no photos)

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, Monday, 8 march 2021

*Wilson’s Snipe image copyright 2021 by Rob Towler, used with permission.*

Among many FOY waterfowl at New Lake/Snyder’s/Sandhill Lake this weekend, I came across a Wilson’s Snipe at Sandhill. Thankful the migration has started.....

Rob T., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, Monday, 8 march 2021

Snyder's Bend (with an immense fish kill):

Herring Gull - 1 adult, First of Year (FOY)
Ring-billed Gull - 78
Greater Yellowlegs - 1 FOY
American White Pelican - 100

New Lake;

2 possible Black Scoters

Kramper Lake:

Red-breasted Merganser

Separate reports from Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE; Bob N., and Randy W., Sioux City, IA.

*Snyder Bend Pelicans, 8 March 2021 image copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

LHAS Bird Hotline, sunday, 7 march 2021

Had a first ever at my yard/feeders (Dakota Dunes) yesterday (3/7/) afternoon. Only saw the two males and they left just a few minutes after I spotted then at the nut and berry type seed feeder. They were not very concerned with Annie and I sitting on the deck for the first time this year. Soon after I noticed several Cedar Waxwings high in the cottonwoods and when they flew off the Crossbills joined the flight. I do on rare occations see Waxwings but never at my feeders.

Mike G., Dakota Dunes, SD

White-winged Crossbill Loxia leucoptera ll-.jpg

White-winged Crossbill Loxia leucoptera-.jpg

LHAS Bird Hotline, saturday, 6 march 2021

Owego Wetlands:

Trumpeter Swans - 5 adult, 3 immature
Tundra Swan - 2
Greater White-fronted Goose - 2500
Cackling Goose - 5
Snow Goose - 500
Ross's Goose - 10
Northern Pintail - 300
Great Horned Owl, pair, on nest

The Square:

Mallard - 850
Northern Pintail - 350

Snyder's Bend:

American Coot - 10 First of Year (FOY)
Pied-billed Grebe - 1 FOY
Ring-billed Gull - 10 FOY
American White Pelican - 6
Wood Duck - 12 FOY

Sandhill Lake:

Bufflehead - 1 male, FOY

New Lake:

Trumpeter Swan - 1 immature
Bufflehead - 1 male
Northern Shoveler - 9 FOY

Plus many previously recorded duck species at several of the locations. Greater White-fronted Geese were present at all locations throughout the morning.

A couple photos showing swan field marks on the 10 swans at Owego

The top photo shows the difference in width of the facial skin contacting the eye. For the Trumpeter (right) it is very broad, but in the Tundra Swan (left) it is narrower than the diameter of the eye.
The bottom photo shows the 2 smaller bodied Tundra Swans on the left.

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, saturday, 6 march 2021

Snyder Bend County Park, Woodbury County, IA

Bald Eagle - 125+ mainly to the south of the observation deck

Trumpeter Swan - 8

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, friday, 5 march 2021

Snyder's Bend (Iowa & Nebraska portions)

American White Pelican - 4
Gadwall - 9
Canvasback - 12
Ring-necked Duck - 5 male/2 female
Hooded Merganser - 1 female
Killdeer - 5
Hundreds of Greater White-fronted Geese in the air.
And an astonishing 143 Bald Eagles.
Green-winged Teal - 14
Northern Pintail - 36
Lesser Scaup - 10
Redhead - 10,
American Wigeon - 2

Sandhill Lake, Woodbury County, IA:
Many of the above plus:

Ross's Goose - 3, with Snow Geese overhead
Common Grackle - 3
Hooded Merganser - 3 male/1 female

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

*Image copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

LHAS Bird Hotline, thursday, 4 march 2021

Snyder Bend County Park

100+ Bald Eagles scattered along the oxbow

15 American White Pelicans on open water to the north end

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, tuesday, 2 march 2021

Sandhill Lake vicinity, Woodbury County, IA:

Snow Goose, thousands heading southward
Northern Pintail, airborne, flocks of 7 and another of 30

Snyders Bend, Woodbury County, IA:

Greater White-fronted Goose, scattered small flocks airborne
Snow Goose, 300
Ross's Goose, 2, flying with Snows
Cackling Goose, 1, with airborne Canada Geese
Bald Eagle, a minimum of 60
Common Merganser, 8

Dakota City, NE:

Snow Goose, thousands flying NW
Ross's Goose, 2

Near Jackson, NE:

American Wigeon, 2
Mallard, 1 male
Green-winged Teal, 6, foraging in sheetwater.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE and Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE

iowa Bird Hotline, friday, 26 february 2021

124 Trumpeter Swans near the intersection of 305th st and Austin ave in Harrison county. This is north of DeSoto NWR and hwy 30 and south of Modale.

Doug Chafa

*Bluebird image copyright 2021 John & Sharon Polifka, used with permission.*

LHAS Bird Hotline, tuesday, 23 february 2021

Bluebirds this morning - there were three but could only catch two on camera

John & Sharon P., Mapleton, IA

*Barred Owl, image copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.*

LHAS Bird Hotline, friday, 19 february 2021

Barred Owl at Bacon Creek Park.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, Thursday, 18 february 2021

Male and female White-winged Crossbill.

Rex R., and Maria R., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, Thursday, 18 february 2021

Thursday, 18 February 2021, 5:30 pm: Owego Wetlands, Woodbury County, IA:

*Short-eared Owl image copyright 2021 by William Huser, used with permission*

Short-eared Owl, 4
Great Horned Owl, 1
Ring-necked Pheasant, 37
American Tree Sparrow, 12

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, wednesday, 17 february 2021

Male White-winged Crossbill.

Rex R., and Maria R., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, friday, 12 february 2021

The Great Backyard Bird Count is off to a good start with White-winged Crossbills!

Rex R., and Maria R., Sioux City, IA

*Image copyright 2021 by Sharon Polifka, used with permission.*

LHAS Bird Hotline, wednesday, 10 february 2021

Saw about 10 to 13 pheasants in field on Hwy 141 this morning by Smithland. I have never seen this many at one time - kind of interesting.

Sharon P., Woodbury County, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, Sunday, 24 January 2021

Chris Larson Park, trail along Big Sioux River:

Spotted Towhee, 1
Fox Sparrow, 1-2
White-throated Sparrow, 2
Harris's Sparrow, 5
Song Sparrow, 30
American Tree Sparrow, 25
Dark-eyed Junco, 120
Also, Common Goldeneyes and Common Mergansers.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, friday, 22 January 2021

Weedland Access:

Common Goldeneye, 12

Brown's Lake:

Long-eared Owl, 1
Winter Wren, 1
Eastern Bluebird, 12

The Square:

Merlin, 1 (prairie)

Owego:

Great Horned Owl, 1-2
Ring-necked Pheasant, 20
But missed Short-eared Owls.

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, Wednesday, 20 January 2021

Stone State Park Highlights:

Pileated Woodpecker, 1, probable, but rare, resident
Carolina Wren, 1 pair, perched side by side.

Riverside Park vicinity:

Cooper Hawk, 1

Graceland Park Cemetery:

Brown Creeper, 1
Still no crossbills

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE, Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, monday, 18 January 2021

PM outing to look for Prairie Falcon in the vicinity of 235th St and 240th St (SW of airport a ways)--NOT FOUND. Numerous Western Meadowlarks and American Tree Sparrows

Luton WMA--4:30PM

Short-eared Owl 1 (perched on post along 240th)
Ring-necked Pheasant 58 some on Dallas Ave most on in the field nw of Delaware and 240th intersection
Great Horned Owl -Delaware perched in a tree where the trailer is then flew between the two groves of trees.
American Tree Sparrow (numerous)

checklist https://ebird.org/checklist/S79515380

Owego Wetlands

Short-eared Owl 3 flying, interacting, and one perched

Paul R., Woodbury County, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, Monday, 18 January 2021

Ponca State Park, Dixon County, NE

Highlights included:

Red-tailed Hawk, 2 dark phase, (B. j. calurus)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1 female, an uncommon winter resident
Winter Wren, 1, seemingly a continuing bird
Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3, in 2 locations
Purple Finch, 5, both sexes, in 2 locations

Ed B., Wayne, NE; Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE; Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, Sunday, 17 january 2021

Sioux City airport vicinity, 235th St and 240th St intersection:

Prairie Falcon, 1 first perched on roadside utility pole, then flew to top of grain bin on west side of 235th. ID by slender body; narrow, pointed wings; rapid, shallow wingbeats; and black axillaries.

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

bird sightings in our area:

LHAS Bird Hotline, Saturday, 30 December 2020

*Bobwhite image copyright 2020 by Carol Blair, used with permission*

I haven't had quail at the feeders for a couple of decades so what a surprise to see these. There were 7 total. I'm hoping that they will return now that they have found the feeders. I was hearing Bobwhites calling most of the summer so glad to see they are still around.

Carol B., Bronson, Iowa

LHAS Bird Hotline, Saturday, 30 December 2020

Yesterday I had a visitor. I watched him for probably 10 minutes and shockingly he never tried to get a snack, got a few pictures but through the window, the clarity isn’t the greatest. Rob thought Coopers over Sharp shinned. All images copyright 2020 by Dustin Livermore, used with permission.

Dustin L., Sioux City

Image copyright 2020 by Dustin Livermore, used with permission

LHAS Bird Hotline, Sunday, 27 December 2020

5-Ridge Prairie, Plymouth County

Townsend's Solitaire, 1 (first found on 12/16 by J. Probst, but not seen since) Very few other birds

Iowa Highway-12, Plymouth County

Mourning Dove, 2

Stone State Park, Woodbury County

Pileated Woodpecker, 1 (thought to be residents, but seldom seen.)

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, wednesday, 16 december 2020

*Woodpecker image copyright 2020 by Maria Rundquist, used with permission.*

Hairy (left) and Downy (right) Woodpecker at the feeder.

Maria R., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, tuesday, 15 december 2020

Crystal Cove

The lake is 100% frozen except the extreme north end that is being kept open by approximately 400 Canada Geese. Today, they were joined by approximately 135 Snow Geese roosting on the ice. At least 3 Cackling Geese associated with the Canada Geese.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, friday, 11 december 2020

South Ravine Park, Sioux City, IA

Winter Wren, 2; one near west end; other, near east end.

Carolina Wren, 2

Cedar Waxwings, 9 at group home on north side of Lincoln Way, eating crab apples.

American Robin, 9, also in crab apples.

Brown Creeper, 1

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, thursday, 10 december 2020

County Road L12 between Smithland and Rodney, IA

Approximately 25 trumpeter swans seen in field today.

Sharon P., Monona County, IA

Blue Lake, Onawa, IA

20 swans on the northwest part of Blue Lake, west of Onawa, IA.

Doug C., Onawa, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, Saturday, 5 december 2020

Barred Owl spotted in a dead tree on our property this morning (12/05/2020) approximately 25-30 yards from our house.

1 mile Northeast of Jefferson, SD / Hwy 12 bridge - (2) immature bald eagles spotted from our deck.

Sitting on our woodpile 15 feet from our 6 bird feeders - (1) Cooper’s Hawk

Jon N., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, friday and Saturday, 4 and 5 dec 2020

Union Grove State Park, Union County, SD, Saturday Dec 5, 2020

Red-shafted Flicker, 1 Red shafted wing linings, red moustache

Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1

Brown Creeper, 3-4

Dark -eyed Junco, 1 cismontanus, with Slate-colored.

Jerry P., South Sioux City and Bill H., South Sioux City

4 December, 2020, South Ravine, Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa

1 Winter Wren (FOY) (west end of South Ravine)

1 Carolina Wren (west end of South Ravine)

4 December, 2020, Owego Wetlands, Woodbury County, Iowa

1 Short-eared Owl (a probable 2nd one on a sign in the dark flew away)

2 Great Horned Owls (perched on small trees in the prairie--could be scaring Short-eareds away?)

2 Northern Harriers

24 Ring-necked Pheasants

(Appeared to be a large Falcon on the big dead tree by big water but too far to ID)

3 December 2020

1 Brown Creeper in back yard

Jerry V., Sioux City, Woodbury County, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, monday, 30 nov 2020

On Mon, Nov 30, 2020 at 11:23 AM: out my backyard window

1 Carolina Wren

Jerry V., Sioux City, Woodbury County, IA

Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, 11 am: Kramper Lake highlights:

Trumpeter Swan, 8 adults

Eared Grebe, 1 basic

Long-eared Owl, 7

Northern Flicker, 1 hybrid female with salmon-colored wing linings, brown face and pale crescent on nape.

Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1

Pine Siskin, 1

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, 4:40-5:20pm: Owego Wetland Complex highlights:

Short-eared Owl, 1

Great Horned Owl, 1

Rough-legged Hawk, 1

Northern Harrier, 2

Bill H. and Regie B., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, wednesday, 25 nov 2020

Walking out to my deer stand tonight I thought some smartass put an old owl decoy on my seat. It moved! I walked right under it. A very pale West Taiga great horned owl! If it wasn’t for the ear tufts I might have thought it was a snowy. Western GH owls are much more tolerant of people also. It flew about 20 yds and sat there for almost all of the time I was there. Not a speck of brown on it. Wish I brought a camera.

Bill Z., Plymouth County, IA

Saturday, 21 November 2020, Ponca State Park, Dixon County, NE

Highlights at the following sites:

Feeders at the Resource Center:

Pine Siskin, approximately 6

Creekside Picnic Area with pedestrian bridge:

Winter Wren, 1

Highland Road:

Northern Shrike, 1

Northern Saw-whet Owl, 1 heard previous night by Brogies

Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1

North unit of park:

White-crowned Sparrow, 1 adult, 2 juvenile

Mark & Ed B., Jerry P. & Bill H.

LHAS Bird Hotline, 14 nov 2020

Hi,
Friday a friend and I headed to Yankton, S.D. to record the Mandarin Duck that has been there for about 10 days now. This is an Asian species, and rarely seen in the United States. We were able to find the small city park near the Avera Hospital and record images of the out-of-this-world multi-colored duck.

Don P., Ida County, IA

*Mandarin Duck and Wood Duck image copyright 2020 by Don Poggensee, used with permission*

*Bald Eagle discussion image copyright 2020 by Paul O. Roisen, used with permission.*

LHAS Bird Hotline, 12 nov 2020

Headed over to Kramper Lake in Dakota County after seeing Bill H. and Jerry P. post (below).

Did not arrive until 4:26 PM, bad timing as I had spaced off how quickly it gets dark now. Missed Long-tailed Duck but picked up 14 species of waterfowl, 4 year birds (Brewer's Blackbird, Cooper's Hawk, Bufflehead, and Eared Grebe-which really shows the sad state of my year list), and a Dakota County bird (Brewer's Blackbird) so it was a really nice 31 minutes of birding: https://ebird.org/checklist/S76177004.

Photos of only things in the sunlight today. Distant less than optimal photos but what a size comparison between male and the considerably larger bulkier female. Things looked pretty good when I arrived but a spat broke out. They were discussing something pretty intensely at times. I think the male may have lost this discussion.

God Bless, Paul R., Woodbury County, IA

*Long-tailed Duck image copyright 2020 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

LHAS Bird Hotline, 12 nov 2020

Wednesday, Nov 11, 2020
I Ave. south of NE-35:

Lapland Longspur, flocks of 25 and 50
Horned Lark, 4 or 5 mixed in with each flock of longspurs

Thursday, Nov 12, 2020 at 8:26 AM

Kramper Lake:
Long-tailed Duck, 1 adult female

Red-breasted Merganser, 5 females

Eared Grebe, 4 in basic plumage

Plus over 12 species of waterfowl.

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

*Surf Scoter image copyright 2020 by Rob Towler, used with permission*

LHAS Bird Hotline, 2 nov 2020, bacon creek park, sioux city, iowa

There was a Surf Scoter hanging around 2 Ruddy Ducks at Bacon Creek on Monday 11/2.

Rob T.

Nebraska Bird Hotline Report, 29 oct 2020

Yesterday my yard provided twenty species, including the junk birds. Not bad for this time of year. I finally had my first fall Tree Sparrow.

Harris’s Sparrow - 5
Northern Cardinal
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 1 female
Hairy Woodpecker - 2 (pair)
Downy Woodpecker - 1 make
Northern Flicker - pure red-shafted
White-breasted Nuthatch
Dark-eyed Junco -7
American Tree Sparrow - 1
Clay-colored Sparrow - 5
American Goldfinch - 1 (they’re slow coming in to the feeders this fall)

Mourning Dove
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Common Grackle -1
Killdeer - 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Bluejay - 8

Jan J., Wakefield, NE

lhas Bird Hotline, 28 October 2020, Kramper Lake, Dakota County, Nebraska

During a brief visit to Kramper Lake:

Trumpeter Swans, 2

Ring-billed Gull, 3

additional Scoter species, perhaps

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE

lhas bird hotline, 28 october, moorhead park, ida county, iowa

While checking for Saw-whet Owls this morning I got to see two Long-eared Owls in Moorhead Park. No sighting of Saw-whets the last three days.

Don P., Ida County, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, 25 oct 2020, snow fun!

Crystal Cove: Osprey, 1

Kramper Lake:
Surf Scoter, 1 im.

Eared Grebe, 1 basic plumage

Wilson's Snipe, 3

200th at Rohde farm:
Black-billed Magpie, 2; overflight only, ID by size, strong flight and long tails.

I Ave:
Merlin, 1, F. c. richardsonii

Northern Harrier, 4

American Pipit, 60; attracted to plowed highway for foraging

Rusty Blackbird, 2 males, possibly more females

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, 24 oct 2020, morningside residence, sioux city, iowa

Just had a Carolina Wren in the shrubberies in the front of our house. One of our (safely indoor) cats spotted the movement before I did. It had a very distinct white eyebrow and was larger than a House Wren. Cream-ish color to the breast and sides with reddish-brown on the back.

Randy W.

Nebraska Bird Hotline Report, 23 October 2020, Kramper Lake (Danish Alps SRA) Dakota County, Nebraska

Headed over to look for Western Grebe (NOT seen), Ross's Goose (NOT seen) but did pick up late Clay-colored Sparrow, 3 Red-breasted Nuthatch, Common Loon, Horned Grebe. Greater White-fronted Geese and 114 American White Pelicans were flyovers. 43 species for the 2 hours I was there. Some nice cooperative birds for photos even with poor lighting and wind. The ebird list is below:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S75259949

Paul R., Woodbury County, IA

Nebraska Bird Hotline Report, 20 oct 2020

For the past two days I’ve had a pure Red-shafted Northern Flicker on my feeders. He was still here at dusk so I’m assuming he’ll be here in the morning.

On Monday during the snow I went to town for groceries and came upon a flock of 200+ Brown-headed Cowbirds. Largest flock I’ve ever seen this late in the season and the first since late August. Then, just south of the house there was a flock of approximately 100 Killdeer.

We went to Sioux Falls this morning and as always go across country the first half of the drive. Along the road by Powder Creek there was a mixed sparrow flock: Harris’s - 20+, White-crowned -2, White-throated - 1, Song - 1, Lincoln’s - 1.

Jan J., Wakefield, NE

lhas bird hotline, 20 and 24 october, moorhead park, ida county, iowa

*Saw-whet Owl image copyright 2020 by Don Poggensee, used with permission.*

This morning (10/20) the first Northern Saw-whet Owl was found and photographed here in Moorhead Park, Ida County. In the past we have found several in October, but most were here only the day they were found. With the migration on now, this one also, may be flying south after dark tonight.

Today (10/24) we had four, as the migration is on.

Don P., Ida County, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, 19 and 20 oct 2020, kramper lake, dakota county, nebraska

Monday, Oct. 19, 2020:

12 species of waterfowl
Western Grebe, 1

Horned Grebe, 3

Common Loon, 2; one in recognizable alternate plumage, 1, in basic

Barn Swallow, 4

American White Pelican, 13

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020:

14 species of waterfowl, the highlight being: Surf Scoter, 1 female or immature

First of Season (FOS) waterfowl included Bufflehead and Canvasback.

Plus notables Common Loon, 2; Western Grebe, 1

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Nebraska bird hotline, 19 october, Arctic and Common Terns and Lesser Black-backed Gull

These three birds we’re all seen at the Gavins point dam at one point in South Dakota also in the Knox County Nebraska all are continuing birds

Paul R.

*Arctic Tern image copyright 2020 by William F. Huser, used with permission.*

LHAS Bird Hotline, 15 and 16 oct 2020, gavin’s point dam, yankton, south dakota

On Thursday, 10/15, Mark Brogie found an Arctic Tern near the marina of Lewis & Clark Lake at the SD end of Gavin's Point Dam. The bird is transitioning from juvenile to first winter plumage and closely resembles a Common Tern of that age. Distinguishing field marks include very short legs which are easily seen when the bird roosts on the marina's jetty (which is drivable) and white secondaries in flight.

If looking for this bird, drive onto the marina's jetty to its end and look for the bird either roosting on the jetty or hunting over the eastern portion of the marina.

The bird was seen by several birders today, Friday, the 16th.

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE; Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

october visitors, from a private residence near Bronson, iowa

All birds except the nuthatch arrived within 3 days. Most are still here at least for now. Most of them drink from the bird bath but don't show much interest in the seed. The pasture area has a lot of food for them so I expect they are there most of the time. There are also a crab apple tree and a larger apple tree near the cedar tree that they feed on.

Yellow-rumped Warbler - Have seen others in the shrubs and trees.

White-crowned Sparrow.

Red-breasted Nuthatch - I saw one earlier but it or another has been present on two more occasions.

Pine Siskin - A small flock that showed up

American Robin - Many, many all over the hill. They are busy in a large cedar tree that is loaded with berries.

Cedar Waxwing - Not sure of numbers but active at the above mentioned cedar tree.

Harris’s Sparrow - Two are steady customers

Lincoln’s Sparrow - Only seen once so far. It was busy looking for something to eat but seemed nervous about all the bigger birds flying back and forth.

Dark-eyed Juncos are also present but they were scared off before I got the camera set up!

Nebraska Bird Hotline Report, 4 and 6 oct 2020, dakota county, Nebraska

Kramper Lake, Dakota County (Sunday, 4 Oct):

Nelson's Sparrow, 5, perhaps many more

LeConte's Sparrow, > 4.

White-crowned Sparrow, 1 ad. Gambles, 1 im.

Swamp Sparrow

Lincoln's Sparrow

Savannah Sparrow

I Avenue, Dakota County (Tuesday, 6 Oct):
Krider's Red-tailed Hawk, 1 im.; whitish head, pale barred tail, large square white panel on dorsal primaries.

Bill H., South Sioux City

Nebraska Bird Hotline Report, 2 oct 2020, from a Private Residence near Wakefield, Nebraska

Finally no wind so I took a walk around the buildings this morning and ended with 21 species. Two First of Season (FOS) were nice.

BIRD	BIRD	BIRD
Blue Jay	Clay-colored Sparrow	Yellow-rumped Warbler
American Robin	Lincoln's Sparrow	Field Sparrow
House Wren	Ring-necked Pheasant	Spotted Towhee (female)
Harris's Sparrow	White-throated Sparrow (FOS)	Dark-eyed Junco (FOS)
White-breasted Nuthatch	Hairy Woodpecker	House Finch
Red-tailed Hawk	Eurasian Collared-Dove	European Starling
Rock Pigeon	Common Grackle	House Sparrow

LHAS Bird Hotline, 30 Sep 2020, South ravine park, sioux city, iowa

Too windy for much success at noon on Thursday 9/30. This guy sang a tune as I was getting in my vehicle to leave...even posed for a couple shots.

Rob T.

LHAS Bird Hotline, 28 Sep 2020, from a private residence near Bronson, iowa

A Red-breasted Nuthatch visited here today. It got a drink and left again. Also a pair of Chipping Sparrows have been feeding for the last couple of days. Saw a pair last spring but not since then so don't know if this is the same pair or a migrating pair.

Carol B.

Nebraska Bird Hotline Report, 28 sep 2020, from a Private Residence near Wakefield, Nebraska

I had a small mixed flock working over the apple trees this morning. Included were:

Chipping Sparrows

Clay-colored Sparrow - 1

Orange-crowned Warbler - 3

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Nashville Warbler

No wrens today but there were two Lincoln’s Sparrow and one Song Sparrow. When I first went out I flushed a Cooper’s Hawk so the wrens may just have been under cover still.

18 species thus far today.

Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, 7:15 am:

The Square, Woodbury County, IA:

Yellow-crowned Night Heron (YCNH), 1 juvenile (First found the previous day by the Loess Hills Audubon outing participants

Owego Wetlands, Woodbury County, IA:

Swainson's Hawk, 4 juv.

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

YCNH image copyright 2020 by Willam F Huser used with permission

LHAS Bird Hotline, 18 Sep 2020, Woodbury County, Iowa

South Ravine 9/18 - Noon

8 – Nashville Warblers

2 – Flickers (Yellow-shafted)

2 – Carolina Wrens (Extremely cooperative)

Rob T.

Owego Wetlands

Swainson's Hawk, 1 im

Sora, 2

Sedge Wren, 1

Marsh Wren, 1.

Dairy Pond on 280th

American Golden Plover, 1 basic

Sandhill Lake

Red-necked Phalarope, 1 juv.

New Lake

Stilt Sandpiper, 93

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Nebraska Bird Hotline Report, 17 sep 2020, from a Private Residence near Wakefield, Nebraska

This morning I had my first fall Red-breasted Nuthatch in the yard. He didn’t stay around long. Yesterday morning early I had two Hummingbirds. We’d been gone so I mixed some nectar and when cooled replaced the nectar. Never saw them again, but late afternoon I briefly had one at a feeder. I also found two Lincoln’s Sparrows, one Brown Thrasher and one House Wren.

LHAS Bird Hotline, 4 Sep 2020, Stone Park, Woodbury County, Iowa

Mid-morning at the first little round-about area (Dakota Valley) after entering west entrance: Pileated Woodpecker. I first heard loud calling and then saw it fly a couple times and land high in a tree. It continued to work the area and I heard the raucous calls many times and had brief views of it a few more times. It was working a wide area and went towards the west entrance of the park. It was huge. When I 1st saw it fly, I said, “Hallelujah!”--I'm sure. There were two of them because when it was calling, I could hear a second one from a different area.

Other birds of note:
2 Carolina Wrens
1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo
1 Scarlet Tanager
1 Wilson's Warbler
1 Nashville Warbler
1 Great-crested Flycatcher

Jerry V.

Nebraska Bird Hotline Report, 2 sep 2020, from a Private Residence near Wakefield, Nebraska

Not a bad day for early September. Thus far I’ve recorded 25 species for today’s yard bird total. Some of the more interesting:

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 2 females and 1 male

Yellow, Nashville, Magnolia, and Wilson’s Warblers

Grey Catbird

Brown Thrasher

Baltimore Oriole - 2 males

Ruby-crowned Kinglet - FOS

Warbling Vireo

Several Barn Swallows discussing when best to leave here

Yesterday I had a Rose-breasted Grosbeak And an empidonax Flycatcher

Several Monarch butterflies and two female deer

Warbler Report, 1 Sep 2020, Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City

Although a few warblers, including Wilson's, Canada and Black and White, were in evidence last week, primarily at Bacon Creek Park, the best report of the season thus far was from Bacon Creek Park on Tuesday, Sept. 1, all in 40 minutes:

Blackburnian Warbler, 1 f.

Canada Warbler, 1 m.

Wilson's Warbler, 1 m.

Nashville Warbler, 3 im.

Black & White, 1 m., 1 f.

Am. Redstart, 1 m., 1 im.

Bill H. and Rob T.

from a private residence in Morningside

Just had an interesting combination of Red-breasted Nuthatch and Ruby-throated Hummingbird at the feeders, 7:45 PM, 8/16. We also had our usual suspects: House Finch, American Goldfinch, and Eurasian Collared-Dove.

Randy W.

Nebraska Bird Hotline Report, 28 Jul 2020, from a Private Residence near Wakefield, Nebraska

I had a nice surprise this morning. The first cuckoo of the year in the yard. The past several years I’ve had a Black-billed but today it was a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. He was singing for over an hour as I walked around, flying over me a couple times. Richard just said he heard him now north of the barn.

Bacon Creek Park in Sioux City, Woodbury County Iowa.

Surf Scoter (female in early morning darkness) - Bacon Creek Park by Rob Towler

On 11-1-2017, 2 local birders found a Surf Scoter at Bacon Creek Park in Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa and it was present for a couple days. The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America lists the Range of this bird as: nests on Tundra and in wooded areas near water—rare inland migrant—a few winter on Southern Great Lakes—most in Coastal waters. The Iowa Ornithologists Union lists this bird as a regular visitor to Iowa and it is most often seen during the months of October and November.

The Surf Scoter is a Sea Duck common on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts in winter. It migrates in flocks. When migrating overland to coastal wintering areas, usually flies high. Stopovers on lakes inland apparently are mostly for resting, not for feeding. This duck was a female which is not as colorful as the male but still a rare find in our area.

Owego Wetlands in Woodbury County Iowa.

Eurasian Wigeon - One of these was found at Owego Wetlands 4-17-2017

On 4-17-2017, 2 local birders found a Eurasian Wigeon at Owego Wetlands in Woodbury County, Iowa and it was present through 4-21-2017. The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America lists the Range of this bird as: Rare but regular winter visitor along both coasts, more common in the West, rare in interior of North America. Regular migrant in western AK, a few winter in the Aleutians. The Iowa Ornithologists Union lists this bird as an accidental visitor to Iowa. Several local birders were able to view this rare visitor to our area and it was a life bird for some and a first in Iowa bird for others. A few birders from other areas of the state also came to see this bird.

The Cornell Lab Of Ornithology states: Common and widespread in the Old World, the Eurasian Wigeon is a sporadic visitor to North America. Regular in very small numbers along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, single individuals have turned up in nearly all states and provinces. This was an exciting bird to see for local birders and shows again that you never know what you might find while out birding!

Farm fields in Monona County, Iowa.

Burrowing Owl in Monona County, Iowa - By Paul Roisen

On 5-4-2016, local birders found a Burrowing Owl in a farm field Southwest of Sloan in Monona County, Iowa and it was present through 5-14-2016. It was using an abandoned Badger hole near a gravel road so was easy to see. Per the Cornell Lab Of Ornithology, Owls are unmistakable birds, and that goes double for a long-legged owl that hunts on the ground during the day. Burrowing Owls are small, sandy colored owls with bright-yellow eyes. They live underground in burrows they’ve dug themselves or taken over from a prairie dog, ground squirrel, or tortoise. They live in grasslands, deserts, and other open habitats, where they hunt mainly insects and rodents. Their numbers have declined sharply with human alteration of their habitat and the decline of prairie dogs and ground squirrels. The Iowa Ornithologists Union lists this bird as a casual visitor to Iowa.

Cemetery in Sheldon, IA.

Pine Grosbeak - Sheldon Cemetery by Paul Roisen

Red Crossbill and White-winged Crossbill - Sheldon Cemetery by Jan Null

During the winter of 2015-2016, Pine Grosbeaks, Red Crossbills, and White-winged Crossbills were found at a cemetery in Sheldon, IA. They were present for several weeks. Those 2 species of Crossbills were also found at Graceland Cemetery in Sioux City, IA. and were also present for several weeks.

Many local birders and out of town birders were able to see and enjoy these uncommon visitors to Iowa. Per the Cornell Lab Of Ornithology, the Pine Grosbeak is a bird of the boreal forests, found across northern Eurasia and North America, and south into the mountains of western Canada and the United States. A large, unwary finch, it makes periodic winter irruptions into southern Canada and northern United States. It is the largest and rarest of the "winter finches." The Iowa Ornithologists Union lists this bird as an accidental visitor to Iowa.

The Red Crossbill is described as a stocky finch of mature coniferous forests and is dependent on the seed cones that are its main food. Its peculiar bill allows it access to the seeds, and it will breed whenever it finds areas with an abundance of cones. It may wander widely between years to find a good cone crop. The White-winged Crossbill is described as a medium-sized finch of the boreal forest and is adapted for extracting seeds from the cones of coniferous trees. It moves large distances between years tracking the cone crop from place to place. The Iowa Ornithologists Union lists both of these Crossbills as regular visitors to Iowa, but it is always a treat to find them in our area extracting the seeds from the pine cones and then dropping the cones under the tree!

A flooded farm field in Woodbury County, Iowa.

Black-bellied Whistling-ducks by Jan Null

On 6-28-2014, local birders found 2 Black-bellied Whistling-ducks in a flooded farm field in Woodbury County, Iowa (about 2 miles west of Owego Wetlands) and they were present through 6-29-2014. Per the Cornell Lab Of Ornithology, these ducks are common south of the U.S. and occur in several southern states and are expanding northward. It is a boisterous duck with a brilliant pink bill and an unusual, long-legged silhouette. They roam edges of shallow ponds, frequent agricultural fields and really do have a whistle for their call. The Iowa Ornithologists Union lists this bird as a casual visitor to Iowa.

Badger Lake in Monona County, Iowa.

Cinnamon Teal with Blue-winged Teal - Badger Lake, Monona County 4-21-2014 by Jan Null

On 4-21-2014, local birders found a Cinnamon Teal at Badger Lake in Monona County, Iowa. Per the National Geographic Field Guide this bird is a westerly species and a casual visitor to our area. The beautiful Cinnamon Coloration of this duck certainly stands out when in the company of the abundant Blue-winged Teal that migrate through our area. Males have red-orange eyes and give a chattering call.

Stone State Park.

On 5-13-2013, a local birder found a Worm-eating Warbler in the Pammel Valley area of Stone State Park. The park is located just northwest of Sioux City, Iowa. Per the National Geographic Field Guide the range of this bird is the southeastern United States and up to the Mississippi River area of eastern Iowa. It is found chiefly in dense undergrowth on wooded slopes and often feeds in clusters of dead leaves. It is a casual vagrant in California and the southwest. It has bold, dark stripes on a rich buffy head, upperparts brownish-olive; underparts buffy; long, spikelike bill. Song is a series of sharp, dry chip notes like Chipping Sparrows but faster. The bird was in the area for a few hours and viewed by several local birders but was not found in the next few days. This is thought to be only the 2nd sighting of this bird in Woodbury County.

2011 - 2013 REcords

WINTER 2012/2013 COMMON REDPOLLS IRRUPTION.

Common Redpolls have invaded Siouxland and the state of Iowa. Numerous flocks of various sizes have been seen locally during CBC’s (Christmas Bird Counts) and by individual birders at conservation areas such as the Owego Wetlands. People with niger and sunflower type feeders have also enjoyed finding this pretty little visitor with a red cap and black chin at their feeders. The male usually has a bright rosy breast and sides. Per the National Geographic field guide this bird breeds in subartic forests and tundra scrub. It forms large winter flocks and frequents brushy, weedy areas, also catkin-bearing trees like alder and birch. Its song combines trills and twittering.

FALL/WINTER 2011 SNOWY OWLS IRRUPTION!!

Snowy Owls have invaded Iowa and surrounding states! A few were sighted in November and the sightings have increased greatly in December. The Iowa Ornithologists’ Union (IOU) has been tracking the sightings reported by birders across the state of Iowa and attempting to the best of its ability to not count the same birds twice. As of Christmas day 2011, 61 Snowy Owls have been reported in Iowa. Sadly, there have also been some mortalities with 9 being reported through that same date. (Including one on old hwy 75 just north of Salix). The IOU Home Page at htttp://www.iowabirds.org/ contains a map of where the Owls have been reported in Iowa and where the mortalities have occurred.

This is a very unusual occurrence and birders across the state have been out taking advantage of the opportunity to see this magnificent visitor from the far north. There are years when none are seen this far south, and years when small irruptions of a few occur but this year has seen a large number in Iowa. Irruptions occur when the food supply is not sufficient for their survival, so they move south to look for food. It was reported that due to a recent good food supply there was a very good reproduction of the Owls and then the food supply crashed and now they have been forced to move south.

According to the National Geographic Field Guide, Snowy Owls are an Owl of open tundra; nests on the ground; preys chiefly on lemmings, hunting by day as well as at night. It is a large white Owl with yellow eyes. Dark bars and spots are heavier on females, heaviest on immatures. Old males may be pure white. A bird of the Artic Tundra, it retreats from northernmost part of range in winter. In years when the lemming population plummets, Snowy Owls may wander in winter as far south as northern Alabama, Oklahoma and central California. These irruptives, usually heavily barred younger birds, often perch conspicuously on the ground or on low stumps, fence posts and buildings. (In Iowa they seem to also like hi-line poles and round grain bins).

Several have been seen locally in Woodbury County with up to 5 seen in a small area and perhaps at least a dozen or more overall in Woodbury. Local birders have been out taking advantage of this rare opportunity and other birders from across the state have come to our area also. Most of those seen have been immatures but a couple have shown the almost white coloring of an adult. This is indeed a good time to enjoy this beautiful bird from the far north! Who knows when it will return again??

July/August 2011--BLACK-NECKED STILTS.

On 21 July, Black-necked Stilts were spotted in a flooded corn stubble field along Nebraska Highway 35 east of Hubbard, Dixon County, NE. Several local birders were able to see their first local stilts and to eventually locate up to 9 adult birds, two incubating pairs, one nest with 4 eggs and a lingering pair with a juvenile on 6 August, which was later found to be 2, and then 3 juveniles by 27 Aug.

These precocial young leave the nest immediately upon hatching and feed themselves under the watchful eyes of the vigilant parents, who were observed driving away Killdeer, Lesser Yellowlegs and Red-winged Blackbirds. Expected to fledge at 28-32 days, the young, when they were about 25 days old, were under the watch of one adult, the other suspected of beginning migration as did the other 7 adults in mid August, typical for the species.

These stilts were found in an area that would normally be covered with corn and beans, but due to The Great Missouri River Flood of 2011 the corn and bean fields had been obliterated and another habitat seldom seen in the Missouri River floodplain in late summer was created, that being the flooded row crop and pasture ground in the lower elevations of the floodplain. These flooded, playa type wetlands provided an enticement for an unprecedented breeding attempt by Black-necked Stilts, usually spending their summers in distant western alkali playas or coastal locations.

Per the National Geographic Field Guide, the Black-necked Stilt is a more westerly and southern species. The male’s glossy black back and bill contrast sharply with white underparts and long red or pink legs. It breeds and winters in a wide variety of wet habitats. Its breeding range is spreading north and it is casual north to Great Lakes.

2011 OSPREY NEST ACTIVITIES

A pair of Osprey have returned to both nests south of Sioux City.

The nest near Brown’s Lake in Woodbury County hatched 2 young but 1 seems to have disappeared. The 1 remaining young is good sized and has been seen exercising its wings and appears to be close to flying. This is the 4th year for this nest and it has produced a total of 8 young over the last 3 years.

The nest south of Sloan in Monona County hatched 3 young and all 3 are still present and accounted for. They are also good sized and one of them was seen standing in the nest and exercising its wings and appears to be close to flying. This is the 2nd year (as far as we know since it was discovered late last year) for this nest and it produced 2 young last year.

The nest near Brown’s Lake in Woodbury County has fledged 1 young and the nest south of Sloan in Monona County has fledged 3 young.

2010 and prior

12-07-2010

A Ross’s Gull was found at Gavin’s Point Dam in Yankton S.D. on November 26, 2010 and was still present as of 12-07-2010. This bird is very rare in our area. The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America states that the Ross’s Gull is an East Siberian Artic species. It is a common fall migrant along the northern coast of Alaska, presumably winters at sea, and is casual south to the northern U.S. Several birders from wide ranging areas of the U.S. have come to see this bird from the far north!

8-21-2010

3 Yellow-crowned Night-herons were found at Sandhill Lake in Woodbury County SW of Salix. Per the National Geographic Field Guide, this bird is a more southerly species and is a casual visitor to our area. These birds were juveniles and displayed striking red eyes.

An amazing number of 11 juvenile Yellow-crowned Night-herons were observed at this same sight on the evenings of 8-23-2010 and 8-24-2010!!

8-20-2010

A Second Osprey Nest Found In Our Area!

An Osprey nest was found south of Sloan in Monona County. There were 2 young and an adult at the nest. This nest is about 10 miles SE of the other Osprey nest near Brown’s Lake that has produced a total of 8 young over the last 3 years. This is most likely the 1st confirmed nesting of Osprey in Monona County since European settlement!

2010 Osprey Nest Activities

Due to safety concerns, the Osprey nest on the communications tower north of Brown’s Lake that fledged 3 young in 2008 and 3 young in 2009 was removed in the fall of 2009. The question was: will the Osprey pair return and nest in 2010? The answer is yes and their return and nesting activities are summarized below.

4-3-2010=A single Osprey was seen on the tower.

4-4&5-2010=An Osprey pair was observed at the site rebuilding the nest.

4-16-2010=Pair on nest--one flew and returned with a stick--the nest is looking better!!

5-4-2010=Was raining--could see head of one on nest--2nd one flew in with a small fish and was tearing it apart and eating it.

5-20-2010=Both adults on the nest--they appear to be sitting on eggs?

6-11-2010=Both adults on nest and 1 appeared to be feeding young.

6-22-2010=One adult on nest and one on tower--saw the dark heads of 2 good sized young!

7-14-2010=Both adults on tower--2 large young in nest preening.

7-20-2010=Both adults on tower and the 2 young are standing tall in the nest.

7-23-2010=Both adults on tower and 2 young on nest exercising their wings.

8-3-2010=The 2 young have fledged!

4 and 5 - 2010

On 5-11-2010, a beautiful Ruddy Turnstone in breeding plumage was found at a dairy pond north of Luton in Woodbury County. Per the National Geographic Field Guide, this bird nests on coastal tundra and is a rare inland migrant except in the Great Lakes region. Striking black-and-white head and bib , black-and-chestnut back, and orange legs mark this stout bird in breeding plumage. Turnstones use their slender bills to flip aside shells and pebbles in search of food.

A CINNAMON TEAL was found on 4-21-10. Per the National Geographic Field Guide, the Cinnamon Teal is a more westerly species. It is common in marshes, ponds, lakes, regular from eastern great plains south to east Texas, casual to eastern Midwest and east. This bird was a handsome adult male in cinnamon color with a red eye.

A BLACK-NECKED STILT was found on 5-8-10. Per the National Geographic Field Guide, the Black-necked Stilt is a more westerly and southern species. The male’s glossy black back and bill contrast sharply with white underparts and long red or pink legs. It breeds and winters in a wide variety of wet habitats. Its breeding range is spreading north and it is casual north to Great Lakes.

A LITTLE BLUE HERON was found on 5-11-10. It was an adult in breeding plumage. Per the National Geographic Field Guide, the Little Blue Heron is a more southerly species. In high breeding plumage head and neck become reddish-purple, legs and feet black. They are slow methodical feeders and disperse north in spring and during post-breeding dispersal.

January 2010

For the 2nd year in a row, a PRAIRIE FALCON was found near the dairy farm just south of Luton, IA., in Woodbury County. It was 1st seen on January 27th. Then on January 30th, Two Were Found in that area. One captured a starling and landed in a nearby field to feed and was joined by a 2nd one on the ground. They were still present into early March. The one found last year was 1st seen on February 12, 2009.

This bird is another welcome winter visitor to our area! Per the National Geographic Field Guide, it preys chiefly on birds and small mammals. It inhabits dry, open country, prairies and is a more westerly species. It is a rare migrant and winter visitor to the ‘western’ midwest. Falcons are powerful hunters and are distinguished from hawks by their long wings which are bent back at the wrist and narrow and pointed.

2009

On 11-17-2009 a Tufted Titmouse was found at a feeder in Bronson, IA. It was present at least until 11-23-2009. The National Geographic Field Guide states that this bird is active and noisy and its typical song is a loud whistled peter-peter-peter. This bird was certainly living up to its reputation. In its range it is common in deciduous woodlands, mesquite, parks, suburbs and feeders. Although commonly found in southern and eastern Iowa, it is a rare visitor to northwest Iowa and it was a life bird for Woodbury County for several of the birders who were fortunate to see it.

A beautiful, adult Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher was found in the town of Luton, IA on 10-25-2009 and was present through 10-26-2009. The National Geographic Field Guide states that this bird is found in semi-open country and is a rare to casual wanderer in much of North America. Its usual range is further to the southwest in the states of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. This bird had colorful, salmon pink sides and was foraging in a grassy area near the road and put on quite a show flying and perching at times on the hi-line or hay bales or weed stalks. The last known STFC in Woodbury County was a juvenile found at the Owego Wetlands on October 2, 2006.

While viewing the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher on 10-26-2009 in Luton, IA., a beautiful, adult, Northern Goshawk was also found in the area perched in a nearby tree. The National Geographic Field Guide states that the NOGO inhabits deep conifer-dominated, mixed, woodlands and preys on birds and mammals as large as hares. Its normal range includes Canada and some western states. It is an uncommon, winter, visitor to our area.

On 10-25-2009 a large flock of Smith’s Longspurs were found at Luton Wildlife Area North. Up to 104 were counted at one time. The National Geographic Field Guide states that this Longspur nests on open tundra and damp tussocky meadows in the far north. It is generally uncommon and secretive, especially in migration and winter. It winters in open, grassy areas and this is the habitat it was found in at L.W.A. North. You can almost step on them before they fly and disappear again in the grass. They make a sharp, dry, ticking, rattle when flushed and their outer tail feathers are visibly white when flying.

May 2009, Woodbury County, IA

An OSPREY pair has returned to the nest near Brown's Lake where they nested and fledged 3 young last year. The pair was observed in early April adding nesting materials to last year's nest. In early May they appeared to be sitting on eggs, so we will watch and see if they are successfull in fledging more young again this year!

July 2009--3 young Osprey were confirmed in the nest!

Both adults were on the tower and the 3 young were in the nest! One of the young flew around the tower a few times and landed on the tower about 5 rungs below the nest. (It seemed to be having a hard time getting back up to the nest). A second young was exercising its wings and flying up above the nest just a short distance and coming back down into the nest. The 3rd young was hunkered down low in the nest most of the time but did come up higher in the nest later on. It is most likely the youngest of the 3.

August 9, 2009

All 3 young were present at the nest area. All 3 have been seen flying. It appears to be a successfull nesting with 3 young fledged for the 2nd straight year!

May 2009 Ida Co., IA

A SURF SCOTER was found in early May at Crawford Creek Recreation Area in Ida county. This rare inland migrant is rare in our area.

April 2009 Woodbury Co., IA

A SANDHILL CRANE was found in late April 2009, at Sandhill Lake which is an old oxbow southwest of Salix, IA. This bird is not commonly seen in our area.

April 2009 Woodbury Co., IA

A SNOWY PLOVER was found in late April 2009 at a dairy pond southeast of Luton, IA . This bird is rare in Iowa, but a second one was also seen about the same time in central Iowa. The National Geographic Field Guide shows the range of this bird further to the southwest and west when it migrates north during the summer.

March 2009, Sioux City, IA

A Carolina Wren has been a regular visitor to the feeders of a Sioux City residence for several weeks. It was first seen on November 11, 2008 and was still present on March 15, 2009. The National Geographic Field Guide states that the Carolina Wren is found in the concealing underbrush of moist woodlands and swamps and in wooded suburbs. It is non-migratory, but after mild winters, resident populations expand north of their normal range. After harsh winters, range limits retract. The range map shows it residing in the southeastern portion of the United States and up to the southern half of Iowa. It sings a loud vivacious, melodious song at any time of day or year.

Other local sightings of Carolina Wrens include Stone Park, South Ravine, and Ponca State Park, but it is unusual to have one at a feeder on a regular basis for such a long period of time. On March 5th, it was also heard singing its song several times. It is a little larger than the more common House Wren that migrates here to nest in the summer.

February 2009 Woodbury Co.,IA

A Prairie Falcon was found near the dairy farm just south of Luton, IA., in Woodbury County on February 12, 2009. It was 1st seen dive bombing and aggressively interacting with a Red-tailed Hawk. It later flew to the field to the west and perched on the ground. It then took off and flew to the dairy barns to the east and ‘strafed’ the thousands of starlings around the barns. It did not appear to be hungry as it seemed more like it was just ‘playing’ with them. This bird was still present on February 14 and may hang around awhile since it has a good food supply available.

January 2009 Woodbury Co.,IA

Woodbury County has been blessed with some uncommon winter visitors the last half of January. A SNOWY OWL was first discovered on January 26th near the Owego Wetlands Complex and a 2nd SNOWY OWL was found the next day a few miles to the north at the Luton Wildlife Area north of Luton. It’s unusual to have one, but to find two made it even more exciting! The Snowy near Owego was still present on February 14th, but the one north of Luton has not been seen recently.

Up to 9 Short-eared Owls have been at Owego plus a flock of Common Redpolls, several Rough-legged Hawks, and Northern Shrikes. Roads in the area have also had some Lapland Longspurs and good numbers of Snow Buntings. These nice sightings by area birders makes this long winter a little easier to bear!