Banner image copyright 2025 by Kevin Kerr, used with permission
bird hotline, friday 10 april 2026
bacon creek park, sioux city, ia
Kevin and I visited Bacon Creek Park today to empty the used fishing line receptacles. While we were there, we took the opportunity to do a little birding and decided to walk to the spillway. We saw Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a Brown Creeper, and Song Sparrows. 18 species in all. But our biggest surprise was seeing two Black-and-white Warblers!
Marla Kerr
Images copyright 2026 by Kevin J Kerr, used with permission
bird hotline, thursday 9 april 2026
crystal cove park, south sioux city, ne
Osprey, 1
owego wetlands, woodbury county, ia
American Bittern, 1
Jerry Probst and Bill Huser
bird hotline, wednesday 8 april 2026
bacon creek Park, sioux city, ia
Osprey, 1
Several locations
Fox, Chipping, Swamp, Savannah and White-throated Sparrows
Bill Huser and Jerry Probst
bird hotline, monday 6 april 2026
Deer Creek WMA (220th St pond, plymouth co, ia
White-winged Scoter, 1 immature male (first found by Caleb McIntyre on 4/4)
RARE migrant in the interior US.
Bill Huser and Jerry Probst
Below images copyright 2026 by Bill Huser, used with permission
bird hotline, sunday 5 april 2026
plymouth county, ia
Had a White-winged Scoter (first located by Caleb MacIntyre) and Eared Grebe this afternoon at Deer Creek WMA in Plymouth County. They were on the pond on the far north end of the WMA along 220th Street at this location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xTUL53EeN1GTAFx7A
I also had a group of about 60 Smith's Longspurs at the intersection of 220th Street and Concord Avenue just west of the pond.
Tucker Lutter
bird hotline, sunday 5 april 2026
owego area, dairy farm pond, the square - woobury county, ia
There were different albeit not numerous waterfowl at the dairy waste ponds on the way to The Square this past Sunday.
Northern Shovelers, Lesser Scaup (I think), Bufflehead, possibly some teal. As I was driving by and trying to get an angle to shoot from the road, then are headed to cover along the shoreline and out of visual contact. The little bums.
Didn't see any raptors flying about The Square, and didn't drive it as the roadway was still a little too greasy form the recent rain. There was standing water in a number of fields out that way. Saw some Canada Geese and ducks in the water on the backside of that one meadow from Fayette Rd. Did see a Kestral hanging about and looking for food. Also, I found 6-8 Northern Flickers perched in the same tree along 280 and flying about as a group. Couldn't get close enough to get an image, and the one looking for food along the gravel road didn't stay there very long. There were a lot of Redwing Blackbirds however, yes, not exotic, but still, good numbers.
And Merlin "told" me there were both Western and Eastern Meadowlarks in the field leading up to the old homestead area.
Jerry Mennenga
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ ORhttps://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/
Below images copyright 2026 by Jerry L Mennenga, used with permission
bird hotline, sunday 5 april 2026
On Sunday afternoon, I took this photo of a woodcock on our driveway in rural Mapleton. It was quite a surprise! Maybe attracted to the muddy creek which now has water in it due to the recent rain. Sharon Polifka.
Image copyright 2026 by Sharon Polifka, used with permission
bird hotline, sunday 5 april 2026
southwood conservation area & fowler forest - near smithland
owego wetland complex & dairy ponds at 280th st/eastland ave
woodbury county iowa
Easter Sunday was a beautiful day for outside activities, which for us means birding adventures! Sun was shining! Jacket weather with a slight breeze.
We started at Fowler Forest. We had the park to ourselves and found 13 species including Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Bluebird and Cedar Waxwings. Bloodroot was blooming on the forest floor.
Next we visited nearby Southwood Conservation Area where we compiled a list of 28 species. Only two other cars arrived. They were here to fish; a quiet day at the park. Highlights included a Belted Kingfisher, boisterous Red-headed Woodpeckers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a Golden-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper, Tree Swallow, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow and Yellow-rumped Warblers.
After we started our drive back to Sioux City, we decided to visit the Owego Wetland Complex. When we stopped by the old homestead area and stepped out of our cars for a better look at the birds in this area, we inadvertently flushed a covey of approximately six quail from the ditch. Surprise! They moved fast, so we didn’t get a good look - but I assume they were Bobwhite. We saw more Eastern Phoebe in this area and a very large and very loud group of Red-winged Blackbirds. We recorded ten species.
A trip to Owego is not complete without stopping by the Dairy Ponds at 280th and Eastland Ave (view from the road - private property) for a look. It did not disappoint! A variety of ducks, including Bufflehead, Northern Shovelers and Teal. There were a couple of large swirling flocks of mixed blackbirds, that included Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds and a few Common Grackles. A total of 16 species were recorded.
Marla Kerr
Images copyright 2026 by Kevin J and Marla Kerr, used with permission.
bird hotline, tuesday 31 march 2026
adams homestead and nature preserve, North Sioux City, SD
Jerry Mennenga
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/
Below images copyright 2026 by Jerry L Mennenga, used with permission
bird hotline, monday 30 march 2026
heendah hills wma, plymouth county, ia
Kevin and I took at early evening walk around the pond at Heendah Hills. The Eastern Meadowlarks and Mourning Doves were singing. There wasn’t a lot of action on the pond, although we did see a muskrat and a Belted Kingfisher loudly flew over to the pond from the west to hunt. Cedar Waxwings and American Robins were grouped together in the trees along the edge. I recorded a total of 13 species of birds this evening.
Marla
Below images copyright 2026 by Kevin and Marla Kerr, used with permission.
bird hotline, thursday 26 march 2026
great blue heron rookeries
plymouth county ia
The herons have returned to their rookery just north of Sioux City - Jerry Mennenga
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/
Below images copyright 2026 by Jerry L. Mennenga, used with permission
near moville, ia
A friend alerted me to a heron rookery on the outskirts of Moville. - Jerry Mennenga
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/
Below images copyright 2026 by Jerry L Mennenga, used with permission
bird hotline, saturday 21 march 2026
morningside sioux city neighborhood
This was first to have one perch in my backyard, or even see one fly over this area of Morningside, as opposed down by Graceland Cemetery and that area. Someone clued me in they had seen a vulture rookery in some area around East High School - Jerry Mennenga
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/
Below images copyright 2026 by Jerry L Mennenga, used with permission
bird hotline, saturday, 21 march 2026
snyder bend, woodbury county, ia
Kevin and I birded this unseasonably warm (95 degrees F) day. This broke a record from 1910 of 85 degrees F. Thirty species were seen, including a Wilson’s Snipe, a Great Blue Heron, a Greater Yellowlegs, Ring-billed Gull, and Harris’s Sparrow. Flocks of Greater White-fronted Goose were migrating in the skies, along with some Snow Goose.
Below images copyright 2026 by Kevin J Kerr, used with permission
bird hotline, monday, 16 march 2026
rural mapleton ia area
Two female Rose-breasted Grosbeaks seen at tray feeder. Two to three grosbeaks have been seen off and on at the feeder for the last few weeks, typically in the morning. Sharon Polifka
Image copyright 2026 by Sharon Polifka, used with permission.
bird hotline, saturday 14 march 2026
browns lake - bigelow park, woodbury county
Some hiking on a couple of the dirt paths on the back side of Browns Lake at Bigelow Park.
Jerry Mennenga
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/
Below images copyright 2026 by Jerry L Mennenga, used with permission
bird hotline, saturday 14 march 2026
rural monona county, ia
Some pics in rural Monona County recently, near what was formerly Badger Lake, which a lake it is definitely not, anymore.
Found an eagle couple not too happy with someone near their nest. So hopefully they will be raising a couple of youngsters this year. And a Robin, getting in a little bath time.
Jerry Mennenga
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/
Below images copyright 2026 by Jerry L Mennenga, used with permission
bird hotline, tuesday 10 march 2026
adams homestead and nature preserve, North sioux City, sd
A few pics taken at Adams Tuesday. I have identified all of the birds except the red headed looking duck in the sunlight. It was kind of hanging out with others in the marshy area near the third blind as one heads out on the trail toward the river loop or cotton wood trail.
Jerry Mennenga
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/
Below images copyright 2026 by Jerry L Mennenga, used with permission
bird hotline, friday 6 march 2026
sioux city backyard
Photos of the first Common Grackle to show up in our backyard. I know others have been seen in Woodbury County earlier this year, but this was the first at our feeders since last summer. Marla
Below images copyright 2026 by Kevin J Kerr, used with permission
bird hotline, thursday 5 march 2026
snyder bend park, woodbury county, ia
My excursion to Snyder Bend Park today. I had to crop a pretty good amount to focus on the birds. Most of these were taken off the observation deck and the birds were a ways out.
Jerry
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/
Below images copyright 2026 by Jerry L Mennenga, used with permission
bird hotline, tuesday 3 march 2026
home in sioux city, Ia
Kevin and I were visited by this interesting leucistic American Robin at our bird bath this week. Kevin was able to snap a few photos of him thoroughly enjoying a bath this afternoon. For more information on the genetic mutation of Leucism vs Albinism - see this National Audubon Society/Bird Note Article.
Marla Kerr
Above images copyright 2026 by Kevin J Kerr, used with permission
bird hotline, saturday 28 february 2026
home in sioux city - backyard birds
Have had to fill up the bird bath several times a day! The birds are thirsty! - Kevin
Below images copyright 2026 by Kevin J Kerr, used with permission
bird hotline, thursday 26 february 2026
owego wetland area & the square, woodbury county ia
A few pics from Thursday when I was out. Usual suspects, a Rough-legged Hawk and Northern Harrier at Owego and The Square, respectively.
I came across some waterfowl at one of the ponds by the dairy on Rd. 280. Canadian geese, a mallard, what I think is a Lesser Scaup, and some redheads, which Sibley's says are Redhead Ducks. Blue bills with a black tip. Don't know if they are unusual around here or normal visitors fall and spring.
Jerry Mennenga
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/
Below images copyright 2026 by Jerry L Mennenga, used with permission
bird hotline, friday 20 february 2026
kramper lake, Ne
Tundra Swan, 2 ad., Trumpeter Swan, 6, Greater White-fronted Goose, 500
Snow Goose, 3, Canada Goose, hundreds, Cackling Goose, 1
Mallard, hundreds, American Wigeon, 5, Northern Pintail, 30
Green-winged Teal, 4, Lesser Scaup, 4, Ring-necked Duck, 30
Canvasback, 15, Redhead, 12, Common Goldeneye, 2
Bufflehead, 3, Common Merganser, 28, Red-breasted Merganser, 5, Hooded Merganser, 3
Jerry Probst, S. Sioux City and Bill Huser, S. Sioux City
bird hotline, wednesday 18 february 2026
loess bluffs national wildlife refuge, missouri
On Feb. 10 the refuge posted a bird count of 51,000 +, and on the 16th or 17th the folk stated on the 18th when I was there the count was around 191,000 +.
A birder I met said more geese was coming in that afternoon and she estimated there were probably now between 300,00 and 400,000 snow and greater white-fronted along with other species. I am guessing spread out over the marshland area (which I couldn't get a photo of with one shot) there 400-500 Trumpeter Swans.
I believe I saw mallards, northern pintails, some buffle heads, scoters and other ducks.
In early January the staff at the refuge said there were 1,200 bald eagles. And the two nest I came across supposedly already has eggs in them that the eagles are sitting on.
The one nest had hundreds of Redwing Blackbirds swarming and perching on.
The birder I met said a few years ago the marshland with the viewing deck that there were geese "wall-to-wall" from shoreline to shoreline and estimates were 2 million geese passing through that year. This particular birder drove up from the Overland, KS area, about a 90 minute drive. Much closer than coming from Sioux City.
Unbelievable. Was amazed when the swans took flight one could hear a low "thump, thump, thumb" sound as their wings beat the air.
It was a good day for a drive though. Not much traffic on I-29 and temps in the 60's while there. Kind of hoping those temps would stick around for this weekend.
Jerry Mennenga
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/
Below images copyright 2026 by Jerry L Mennenga, used with permission
bird hotline, friday 13 february 2026
iowa - nne of jefferson and monona county ia
Purple Finch was on our T-pole with our feeders 4 miles NNE of Jefferson . Eagle was in a tree next to Blue Lake near Onawa. Permission granted to further disseminate.
Below images copyright 2026 by Jon Nylen, used with permission.
bird hotline, wednesday 11 february 2026
snyder bend lake, woodbury county, ia
Although most of our lakes and wetlands are still locked in ice, Snyder Bend Lake now has a sizable area free of ice due to warmer cooling water from the Port Neal generating station flowing into the lake. Most of the ice free area is behind the island across from the boat launch, so cannot be seen easily. However, now as the ice retreats, some of the open area can be glassed from the cabin area of the park.
Doing so, on Monday, Feb. 9, resulted in the following:
Canada Goose, 1000's
Greater White-fronted Goose, 100's
Cackling Goose, dozens
Snow Goose, 45
Ross's Goose, 1
Mallard, 100's
N. Pintail, dozens
Am. Wigeon, 5
Gadwall, 4
Lesser Scaup, 9
Ring-necked Duck, 3
Canvasback, 1
Common Goldeneye, dozens
Common Merganser, 30
Red-breasted Merganser, 1
Trumpeter Swan, 31
In all, 16 species.
On , Wednesday, Feb. 11, we returned and found 10 species, but could not find any of the above in bold type. We'll try again.
Jerry Probst, South Sioux City and Bill Huser, South Sioux City
bird hotline, tuesday 10 february 2026
snyder bend Park, woodbury county, ia
Against the conventional wisdom of birding, I went to Snyder Bend late afternoon Tuesday after a friend sent there were hundreds of geese there. While not disappointed, the wind direction and the geese coming and going didn't exactly fit the the circumstances of where the sun was setting and a chance to put some color behind them as they left for surrounding fields in the area.
Jerry Mennenga
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/
Below images copyright 2026 by Jerry L Mennenga, used with permission
bird hotline, sunday 8 february 2026
yankton, Sd - gavins point dam area
I didn't find as many eagles on my trip up Sunday. Only saw four. By mid morning they were all perched and just looking about. A lot of guys out fishing. The one juvenile was pretty intent on scanning the area. It flew off from its tree perch as I made my way towards the back of the park along the river on the Nebraska side.
Then it flew back towards me before landing in a tree just above me. I couldn't have had a more planned portrait, until it looked down then saw the paparazzi.
Jerry Mennenga
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/
Below images copyright 2026 by Jerry L Mennenga, used with permission
bird hotline, tuesday 3 february 2026
4 miles nne of jefferson, sd
Barred Owl was back today and sat on the t-post for about 5 minutes. Jon Nylen
Below images copyright 2026 by Jon Nylen, used with permission
bird hotline, saturday 31 january 2026
sioux city backyard
Have had a variety of backyard visitors lately, some usual suspects that most get, and one recurring visitor who never has any "friends" sticking around to chat.
Jerry Mennenga
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/
Below images copyright 2026 by Jerry L Mennenga, used with permission
brown’s lake, woodbury county
A couple of shy visitors seen at Brown's Lake recently.
I also went to Snyder Bend, but it is dead. After the tall grass and shrubs was removed from that walking path patch as one heads out to the observation deck, the little birds are just gone. I did see numerous Tree Swallows tough out and about at the observation deck, but they didn't cooperate for any photo ops.
Jerry Mennenga
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/
Below images copyright 2026 by Jerry L Mennenga, used with permission
bird hotline, friday 30 january 2026
loess hills - 4 mile nne of jefferson, sd
Was walking by my sliding glass door two days ago and saw a Rough-legged Hawk hunting over our prairie. By the time I grabbed my camera it was a long way out, near our garden. I watched it dive a couple of times and on one of those times I believe it caught a rodent. You can see it in its mouth on one of the photos. I swear in the top photo it turned its head 180 degrees to the rear of its body because you can see its eyes looking back at me. I’ll let the viewers of the photo be the judge. 4 mile NNE of Jefferson in the Loess Hills.
Jon Nylen
Below images copyright 2026 by Jon Nylen, used with permission
bird hotline, saturday 24 january 2026
Buckskin Hills WMA Dixon County NE
Northern Shrike, 1
Pine Siskin, 1
Purple Finch, several
I Avenue, NE
Short-eared Owl, 1 (photo by Richard Huser)
Reported by: Jerry Probst, South Sioux City; Robert Sopher, Sioux City; Kayla Sheehan, Sioux City; Richard Huser, South Sioux City ; Bill Huser, South Sioux City
Below images of a Short-eared Owl copyright 2026 by Richard Huser, used with permission.
bird hotline, monday-friday, 19-23 January
sioux city westside home
A heated bird bath is a great asset for the birds during winter months. It is a fantastic asset for anyone who wants to watch birds, and if you have a camera - so much the better! The only problem being - hard to get anything else done when you have Bluebirds coming regularly.
Kevin Kerr, Sioux City
(Visitors of mention photographed below include Winter visitors - Pine Siskin, Dark-eyed Junco and Red-breasted Nuthatch. Infrequent visitors - Eastern Bluebirds and Cedar Waxwings.)
Below images copyright 2026 by Kevin J Kerr, used with permission
bird hotline, friday, 16 january 2026
The Square, Owego Wetand Area, Woodbury County IA
More of the same. The record must be broken. But they are a delight.
Jerry Mennenga
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/
Below images copyright by Jerry L Mennenga, 2026, used with permission
bird hotline, thursday, 15 january 2026
200th st, dakota county, ne
Beautiful Fox Sparrow seen by Bill Huser
and Richard Huser.
Image copyright 2026 by Richard Huser,
used with permission
bird hotline, thursday, 8 january 2026
Ponca State Park riverfront, Dixon County, NE
Hermit Thrush,1; Northern Bobwhite, 9 ;Spotted Towhee, female; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1
Merlin, 1; Great Blue Heron, 1; Belted Kingfisher, male
Kayla Sheehan, Sioux City, IA; Robert Sophere, Sioux City, IA; Bill Huser, South Sioux City, NE
bird hotline, tuesday, 6 january 2026
Owego Wetland Area, Woodbury County, IA
I was lucky enough to go out (again) recently on a bit of a warmer day although it was still breezy. And found a couple Northern Harriers using the wind to hover before diving for a meal. Although I didn't see them come up with anything.
I felt kind of bad about that.
And as I was leaving I saw a raptor, guessing it was a Rough-legged Hawk as I noticed a few of those flying about enjoying the sunset like me, although I wasn't perched in a tree top.
Jerry Mennenga
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/
Below images copyright 2026 by Jerry L Mennenga, used with permission
bird hotline, thursday, 1 january 2026
owego wetland area, ia
Some pics from a recent Owego trip, when it was a tad warmer. Did see a couple, three owls after it got dark, too dark to photograph.
I think some of the birds shown are a Northern Harrier, juvenile Red-tailed Hawk and possible a Rough-legged Hawk (on the utility pole and the short scrub tree/bush and taking off flying from it.)
Also testing out some new photo editing software, so hope the images look good.
Jerry Mennenga
https://lostinsiouxland.wordpress.com/ OR https://www.jerrylmennengaphotographer.com/
Below images copyright 2026 by Jerry L Mennenga, used with permission
