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

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

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

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