Banner image by Kevin Kerr, copyright 2025, used with permission.

Sandhill Crane Trip

Friday, March 27 - Sunday, March 29, 2026

Our second installment of Springtime Sandhill Crane migration is now in the books. Learning from last year’s trip and benefiting from a friendlier calendar, 13 members and guests journeyed to the central Platte River near Grand Island, NE a week earlier than in 2025. Though our day was buffeted by 40mph south winds, our timing was exceptional with 400,000 Sandhill Cranes present, plus reports of Common Crane, Cinnamon Teal, Burrowing Owl and Ferruginous Hawk being present the previous week.

Saturday, an early morning start got us to the river as the roosting cranes were lifting off for their morning foraging in the nearby pastures and fields. The sight was astonishing and the sound haunting and unforgettable. We traveled west, paralleling the Platte on the south and encountering increasing numbers of cranes as we went. At one stop, while most of us sorted through the Sandhill Cranes on the left, looking for a Common Crane, Kayla spotted two large white objects on the right. Closer exam revealed them to be two endangered Whooping Cranes, two of the approximately 560 that nest in NW Canada. Members with cameras were busy trying to get good shots through or under the roadside thickets.

Sorting through additional Cranes farther west yielded no Common Crane, so we travelled to a Prairie Dog town with hopes of Burrowing Owls or Ferruginous Hawk. We saw no owls and only one distant hawk, but had another dog town to search later, so moved on to Audubon’s Lillian Annette Rowe Sanctuary. This site has several blinds for viewing Sandhills leaving or returning to the Platte’s sandbars. Few were present midday, but our lunches were gobbled down, and we invaded the visitors’ center and gift shop. Down a riverside trail, a male Cinnamon Teal had been present for several days in river backwater. Though we found Blue-winged Teal, their vagrant western cousin wasn’t to be found. So, onward to the Prairie Dog Waterfowl Production Area, where a very large dog town was certain to contain Burrowing Owls and a circling Ferruginous Hawk.

With sustained 40mph winds and even stronger, car-rocking gusts, the drive towards the WPA was long and dusty. Once there we found prairie dogs scampering about but with none of the reported owls in sight, we deduced they were smarter than us and secure in their burrows. The winds probably discouraged the hawks from soaring above, as well.

After that, most participants were hungry and tired, so they headed for our motel with visions of a fancy dinner together dancing in their heads. And they were eventually successful! However, one party continued their quest for the elusive Common Crane, an Asian species breeding in Siberia, that sometimes join their neighboring Sandhill Cranes when they cross the Bering Strait and migrate southward through Canada and the U.S. After wintering in the SW U.S. and Mexico, they migrate back north with the Sandhills, passing through Nebraska, on their way back to Siberia. And patient birders waiting in Nebraska can sometimes find them within the massive Sandhill flocks, often described as searching for a needle in a haystack, … except there is more than one haystack, … and the haystacks move! Anyway, while searching through a flock of 3000 or more Sandhills, a single Common Crane was spotted by the group as it lifted its black and white head and neck amongst the numerous gray necks. With that, our group had not only seen all three possible Crane species but had found our own with no help or information from the outside.

Outings Report by Bill Huser, Vice-President and Outings Coordinator

 13 Participants: Marla & Kevin Kerr, Kayla Sheehan, Robert Sophere, Jerry & Carol Probst, Bill & Dotty Zales, Kari Sandage, Mitchell Leuer, Regie Banks, Bill & Rich Huser.

Species:  46 species Total + Shrike species

Below images of Whooping Cranes copyright 2026 by Richard Huser, used with permission.

Below images copyright 2026 by Kevin and Marla Kerr, used with permission.

retention pond near the parking lot at the fairfield inn

grand island, ne

While not officially part of our birding adventures to see the Sandhill Cranes in Grand Island, the retention pond caught the eye of more than one birder who drove past it. This pond, in need of a clean-up, was filled with wildlife. Kevin and I took a few photos after checking out from the hotel. I recorded 11 species of birds as well as a busy muskrat.

Marla Kerr

Below images by Marla and Kevin Kerr 2026, used with permission

Desoto Bend & Henry Doorly Zoo Trip

saturday, february 21, 2026

Contradicting the very meaning of the term, our February outing was to the indoor venues of Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha on Saturday, February 21. There, we intended to study the birds of the Leid Jungle, Desert Dome, Scott Aquarium and Grewcock Butterfly Pavillion.

The Zoo’s avian collection includes species from all seven continents that were mostly unknown to Chapter members making the trip. We all willingly enlisted in this experiment knowing that we had no experience with these species and that we did not have the proper field guides. We would have to rely on the zoo’s signs and online sleuthing to identify nearly all the species found. We would also try to photograph many and identify them later.

Once on site, we found the birds in enclosures easy to study and well-marked with identifying signs. However, the uncaged mysteries were hard to study and wandered far from ‘their signs’ in the large, open spaces of the Desert and Jungle. The free flying flew, the grounded hid and we struggled.

All in all, we found and identified 32 species using techniques such as photographing the signs, searching with binoculars, photographing all we could see and then matching up birds with signs or online sleuthing results. Fortunately, we were accompanied by full-time photographer Jerry Menninga who waited and crawled for the best possible shots, all greatly helping our identification efforts.

13 Participants: Sharon & John Polifka, Jerry Probst, Marla & Kevin Kerr, Rex & Maria Rundquist, Kayla Sheehan, Robert Sophere, Jerry Mennenga, Tim & Vikki Jacobs and Bill Huser.

Species:

Cape Teal  (Africa)                                               Common Murre  (North America)

Yellow-billed Duck  (Africa)                                 Tufted Puffin  (North America/ Pacific)

Baer’s Pochard  (E. Asia)                                       Atlantic Puffin  (North America/ Atlantic)

Victoria Crowned Pigeon  (New Guinea)            Gentoo Penguin  (Antarctica)                                             

Nicobar Pigeon  (SE Asia)                                   Rockhopper Penguin  (Antarctica)

Luzon Bleeding Heart Dove  (Philippines)          King Penguin  (Antarctica)

White-winged Dove  (N. America)                     White-cheeked Turaco  (Africa)

Argus Pheasant (SE Asia)                                     Honey Creeper  (Hawaii)

Sun Bittern  (C., S. America)                               Azure-winged Magpie  (E. Asia)

Hadada Ibis  (Africa)                                           Speckled Mousebird  (Africa)

Masked lapwing  (Australia, N.Z.)                      White-headed Buffalo Weaver  (E. Africa)

Roadrunner  (N. America)                                  Chestnut Weaver  (Africa)

Kookaburra  (Australia)                                      Blue-gray Tanager  (C., S. America)

Turkey Vulture  (N. America)                            Yellow-rumped Cacique  (C., S. America)

Tawny Frogmouth  (Australia)                            Red-billed Hornbill (Africa)

Eagle Owl  (Eurasia)                                          Burrrowing Owl (North America)

Outing Report by William F Huser, Vice-president and Outing Coordinator

Below Zoo images copyright 2026 by Jerry L Mennenga, used with permission

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

Below images copyright 2026 by Kevin and Marla Kerr, used with permission.

On the way down to the Zoo, we stopped at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge for a quick view from the observation windows. 22 species of birds were observed. A variety of sparrows under the feeders provided us with an opportunity to test our sparrow ID skills. Bufflehead and Merganser entertained us with their swimming and diving skills.

Marla Kerr

Below images copyright 2026 by Kevin and Marla Kerr, used with permission

Show & Go Outing

saturday, january 10, 2026

owego wetland area & broken kettle grasslands area

Knowing that birds are hard to find in midwinter, we had previously decided that the January outing would be a ‘Show & Go,’ where we would decide that morning what would be the most interesting destination. Reports of Trumpeter Swans at Blue Lake, Trumpeter Swans and a Long-tailed Duck at Gavin’s Point Dam, Short-eared Owls at Owego and a Townsend’s Solitaire at Broken Kettle Grasslands were all considered, but the intrigue of raptors won out; Short-eared Owls at Owego and Golden Eagle and the Solitaire at Broken Kettle was our plan.

The eight members assembled hustled southward to try to see the Owls before they retired for the day. We apparently were too late despite the heavy cloud cover that darkened the morning. However, Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks were busy starting their day, as were Northern Harriers. Several light phase Rough-legged Hawks exhibited their standard field marks: heavy, dark belly band, dark patches at the bend of the wing, light-colored head, a white tail with a distinct dark terminal band and their hovering hunting technique. Another individual was an interesting dark phase Rough-legged Hawk with the previous marks obscured save for the tail pattern and hunting technique.

After the trip northward to Broken Kettle Grasslands we converged on the site of the Townsend’s Solitaire found earlier in the week by Tucker Lutter. We used a recording of the Solitaire’s winter call note to coax the bird from the dense stand of cedars and deciduous trees where the bird has been feeding and using for cover. Almost immediately, we noted a solitary bird at the very top of a cottonwood across the road. A quick look with binocs revealed a slender, gray bird with a relatively long tail. The bird cooperated and stayed on this perch while we set up a spotting scope for a better view that confirmed the gray color and revealed a small head and bill, eye ring and long tail. Though we did not see the salmon wing stripes on the extended wing, one of Jerry Mennenga’s photos captured that definitive field mark. The Solitaire was a life bird for 5 of the 8 participants.

While all this transpired an immature Golden Eagle soared overhead. This large dark raptor showed a smaller head and bill, relative to a Bald Eagle, and more distinct white on the base of the tail and primaries. Again, Jerry got a definitive photo!

For a complete list and Jerry’s photos of the Golden Eagle and Townsend’s Solitaire see

https://ebird.org/tripreport/462966

Participants: Sharon & John Polifka, Marla & Kevin Kerr, Kayla Sheehan, Robert Sophere, Jerry Mennenga and Bill Huser.

Twelve Species (and Meadowlarks): Rock Pigeon, Golden Eagle, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Merlin, American Crow, Townsend’s Solitaire, American Tree Sparrow.

Narrative Report by Bill Huser, Outing Coordinator and Vice-President

• Jerry Mennenga: “Some photos from the LHAS outing this weekend. I brought a shorter lens with me for the trip so didn't have the reach for the Golden Eagle and the Solitaire birds. As well as for rhe Rough-legged hawks perched around The Square.

• Did find some Bald Eagles along the Big Sioux River as I made my way back for lunch and upon a return, only found one willing to cooperate for a moment of two to get a couple pics of it.”

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

Below images copyright 2026 by Jerry L Mennenga, used with permission

Below images copyright 2026 by Kevin J Kerr and Marla Kerr, used with permission

After leaving the Broken Kettle Grasslands area, we all headed to Harvey’s Restaurant in Riverside for lunch. Hot Beef Sandwiches and plate sized pancakes were popular lunch choices. After lunch, six birders headed to Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center to participate in the Loess Hills Wild Ones Winter Sowing Seeds Workshop (starting cold-hardy native seeds outdoors in recycled plastic containers during winter). The other two birders headed back to Highway 12 and the Big Sioux River area in search of Bald Eagles to photograph.

by Marla Kerr, Loess Hills Audubon Society President

Outing to Desoto National Wildlife Refuge

saturday, november 22, 2025

Twelve Birders left Sioux City around 7:00 am for the 78 mile drive to Desoto National Wildlife Refuge (bordering both Iowa and Nebraska) on a cold brisk morning, temperatures in the mid 30s. On the arrival to Desoto, a few birders were greeted by the sound of singing Eastern Bluebirds at the first stop. Numerous waterfowl, including Northern Pintail, were sharing this first wetland area we visited with a few Western Meadowlarks, European Starlings, and Red-winged Blackbirds. One of the highlights of the day was discovered with the use of a birding scope - a Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk.

Next stop was the Wildlife Overlook Blind (in the NE section of the Refuge) where Snow Geese, Greater White-fronted Geese, and a group of active Hooded Mergansers stole the show. Some in the group were lucky enough to see Pileated Woodpeckers; some of us missed out.

Back at the Welcome Center, birds were viewed through the windows and along the trail. At the feeders were White-throated Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows, and numerous Dark-eyed Juncos. A few Trumpeter Swans could be seen in the distance as well as Canada Geese and Greater White-fronted Geese. Closer two Pied-billed Grebe put on a show ducking under the water and surfacing in another location.

Along the way, birders ate their lunches and snacks in between birding. Others had plans to eat their lunch at a stop on the way back home.

A total of 33 species were seen at the Refuge. A later addition to the list below - Rough-legged Hawk!

Outing participants: Lori Brinkman, Kevin & Marla Kerr, Jerry Mennenga, Jan Null, John & Sharon Polifka, Jerry Probst (leader), Kayla Sheehan & Robert Sopher, Steve Varych and Jerry VonEhwegen.

Narrative Outing Report by Marla Kerr

Bird List and Participant List compiled by Jerry Von Ehwegen

Below images copyright 2025 by Jan Null, used with permission.

• We visited Desoto National Wildlife Refuge.

• Viewing birds on our first stop

• A Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk was a special find.

• Birds and Birders at the Overlook.

• Geese over the trees.

• White-fronts, Snows & a Blue Phase.

• Greater White-fronts at rest.

• Greater White-fronts on the move!

• Two Hooded Mergansers.

• Happy Birders!

• Checking out the woods.

• A Great Blue Heron showed up.

• Looks like a White-crowned Sparrow.

• Checking where the Bertrand sunk!

• Recording the birds we saw!

Below Images copyright 2025 by Marla and Kevin Kerr, used with permission

Below images copyright by Jerry L Mennenga 2025, used with permission.

Jerry photographed a Rough-legged Hawk & a Red-tailed Hawk on the same tree branch!

Jerry - And one photo, which made me curious even when I took it, it looks like a Rough-legged Hawk and Red-tailed Hawk sharing the same tree branch. The Rough-legged was by it self but the Red-tailed left its perch which I was photographing then flew over to the Rough-legged, landed nearby then moved closer. Then the two looked at one another and did nothing but then scan the horizon.

Below videos copyright 2025 by Jan Null, used with permission.

Outing to Owego Wetland Complex & Snyder Bend Park in Woodbury County

saturday, october 11, 2025

The Fall Migratory Bird Day Adventure began with a group of 11, heading out at sunrise to the Owego Wetlands, and the nearby area known as “the Square” for roadside car birding. The search began for the elusive Nelson’s Sparrow, but none were to be found. Numerous LeConte’s Sparrows were found, along with Sedge Wrens and Marsh Wrens. A variety of sparrows were present in the Owego area, including Savannah Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Lincoln’s Sparrows, Grasshopper Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows and Swamp Sparrows. The group was excited to see an American Bittern that Bill Huser spotted flying over the area while the search was actively on to flush one up from the tall grasses.

After birding the Owego area, a group of 10 headed over to Snyder Bend Park. The wind was more fierce off the water, and a few drops of rain fell briefly. After a quick bite of sack lunches, a group of five headed down the trail to the dock to look for migrating waterfowl. Along the way, the sound of an Eastern Screech-Owl could be heard in the woods off the trail. A few American White Pelicans, Great Egrets, American Coots, Wood Ducks, Double-cresting Cormorants and a lone Pied-billed Grebe were seen through the scope from the dock. The group split up after returning to the parking lot. Two birders remained at the site, and birded the area further south, locating Dark-eyed Juncos, American Goldfinches and a flock of White-throated Sparrows.

Narrative Outing Report by Marla Kerr

Link to see our complete eBird trip report of 7 checklist with the 38 species seen.

Compiled by Trip Leader, Bill Huser:

eBird Trip Report - Owego & Snyder Bend

Above Images copyright 2025 by Jerry L Mennenga, used with permission.

Below images copyright 2025 by Jan Null, used with permission.

·       What’s hiding in the prairie?

·       Looking and Listening.

·       The search crew.

·       We found a Sedge Wren!

·       We found LeConte’s Sparrows.

·       Birders at Owego.

·       An American Bittern was flushed in this area!

Below images copyright by Marla & Kevin Kerr, used with permission.

Videos below copyright 2025 by Jan Null, used with permission.

Outing to Fowler Forest Preserve & Southwood Conservation Area

saturday, september 27, 2025

A group of 8 enthusiastic birders gathered at 7:00 am at NW Corner of the Walmart parking lot on Singing Hills Boulevard. Jerry V. told the group that he had started his list at home, having seen a Common Nighthawk fly over his house as he was leaving. As the caravan left the Walmart parking lot, a Great Blue Heron flew over, perhaps blessing the caravan for a good day of fellowship and birding. The group traveled along the Loess Hills Scenic Byway to Fowler Forest Preserve (near Smithland), taking note of birds and fauna along the way. John Polifka joined the group at Fowler Forest. The group walked the gentle incline walk back to the where the large boulder with the Stagecoach Trail plaque sits (Sioux City – Smithland, 1856-1876). The group worked collaboratively to identify the sounds of the birds calling in the canopies on both sides of the mowed area. One sound had us perplexed, it sounded somewhat like a clicking Yellow-billed Cuckoo sound, but not exactly. As it filled the area around us on all sides and was not identified as a bird sound by several birders using Cornell’s Merlin sound ID App, it was finally determined to be clicking ground squirrels filling the air on all sides of us. As we gathered in the parking lot to plot our course to our next stop, we observed several hawks in the windy skies. Photos were taken and field guides were consulted. A Peregrine Falcon! A red-tailed Hawk! And an unidentified hawk that got away.

Our next stop was Southwood Conservation Area. We started at the lookout at the top area of the park and at once saw an Osprey overhead. A few turkeys were spotted in the rolling hills. We traveled to the ponds area, and walked along the trails, hoping to see the Belted Kingfishers, known to frequent these ponds. Alas, they were not to be seen today. We saw a lot of Yellow-shafted Flickers at all locations, and noisy Blue Jays.

 After leaving Southwood, we headed to the Polifkas for a delicious spread prepared by Sharon. Enjoying the Polifkas’ hospitality, we enjoyed the flowers and insect pollinators in the grasslands and flowers and took a delightful walk on a wood mulched trail that John had created through their forest. Along the way, we visited their mini cabin on a platform on the side of the hill in the wooded area – with a tremendous view across the valley. Fellowship and tales of birding, talents, adventures, bird protection tips, and artwork filled the lunch time conversations.

Outing report by Kevin and Marla Kerr

Total number of species seen: 27

 Outing Participants: 10 people. Brian Davis, Brian Hazlett, Kevin and Marla Kerr, Micah Larson, Thora Larson, Jan Null, John and Sharon Polifka, and Jerry Von Ehwegen

 Species List:

Below Images Copyright by Jan Null, used with Permission.

1.      Headed East on outing day!

2. We travelled the Loess Hills scenic byway.

3.       Site of 1840-1870 Stagecoach route at Fowler Preserve!

4.      Kevin found a Katydid!

5.      Birders find other creatures too!

6.      Good view of Fowler Preserve.

7.      Turkey Vulture warming up for the day!

8.       A north breeze brought Vultures and Raptors!

9.      Wild Turkey at Southwood Conservation Area.

10.   Checking out a Prairie plant

11.  Pond 1 at Southwood.

12.  Pond 2 at Southwood.

13.  Red-headed Woodpecker found a meal!

14.  There’s a Great Blue Heron way down there!

15.  Headed for Polifka’s cabin.

16.  Lots of good prairie at Polifka’s.

17.  Bush full of blue!

18.   Bush full of red!

19.  Happy birders!

20.   Time for lunch!

Broken Kettle Grasslands, Joy Hollow & Zales Prairie

saturday, august 2, 2025

Under extremely hazy skies due to smoke from the Canadian wildfires, an enthusiastic group of twenty-three (23) birders met at the Nature Conservancy Headquarters off Hwy 12 to begin their day of birding. Along with the usual suspects, we welcomed several new faces to the group!

Tucker Lutter, from the Nature Conservancy of Iowa and a Loess Hills Audubon Society Board Member, was our leader. Before birding began, Tucker brought out a palm sized native ring-necked snake. He commented that the way it wound through his fingers and the duller than normal color indicated that it needed to shed, hence the rubbing.

We then began searching the grounds for species found around this first stop – swallows, dickcissels, a lark sparrow, sedge wren, grasshopper sparrows and a blue grosbeak. Tucker made frequent use of a spotting scope along our journey – for good views of birds found. The group traveled by car along Butcher Road into the Broken Kettle Grasslands, stopping at several locations along the way, listening to, and looking for birds in the various habitats. Native plants and insects were also seen and discussed. A solo impressive bison bull was seen along the beginning of the drive, and at the top of the ridge a large herd was seen in a valley. The last stop was a short walk along a very birdy trail at the Joy Hollow Scout Camp (owned by the Nature Conservancy of Iowa). The hike through Joy Hollow was cut short by a sudden rain storm.

Birders headed back to their cars to head to the Zales Prairie Homestead nearby to enjoy a delicious lunch and fellowship, where they were joined by seven more Audubon members for a total of 30 people enjoying the Zales hospitality – an all-time record! After lunch, Jerry Von Ehwegen was honored for his years of service commitment to Loess Hills Audubon with a certificate and a cake. Jerry honored us with a nice speech. After the rains, several took advantage of the day and hiked the woods around the Zales homestead. Jerry Von Ehwegen spotted a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers, one of the day’s surprises. The Zales Prairie events are a highlight of the summer, and this was no exception!

Outings Participants: Ernesto Arceo, Donna & Phil Breed, Sarah Hubert, Tim & Vicki Jacobs, Kevin & Marla Kerr, Micah Larson, Thora Larson, Corinne, Henry and Josh Lowe, Tucker Lutter, Caleb McIntire, Cathy McKnight, Jillian Murphy, Jan Null, John & Sharon Polifka, Donna Popp, Maria & Rex Rundquist, Rosie Sanford, Anne Shaner, Kayla Sheehan, Dawn Snyder, Jerry Von Ehwegen, Bill & Dotty Zales

Total=30 participants

In total, 55 species of birds were sighted. Highlights included American Kestrel, Loggerhead Shrike, Sedge Wren, Blue Grosbeak & Pileated Woodpecker.

For a Complete list of species and number of species found:

https://ebird.org/tripreport/399634

Outing report by Marla & Kevin Kerr

Below images copyright by Jan Null 2025, used with permission

• Birding is for all ages!

• Birders on Butcher Road.

• Red-tailed Hawk up high on a tower

• An Eastern Towhee in this tree is hard to find!

• Which way did it go?

• There’s a Cuckoo in there someplace!

• Happy birders at Broken Kettle Grasslands!

• Two Pileated Woodpeckers were spotted in this area!

• Little House on the Prairie.

• The biggest surprise of the day!!

Below images copyright 2025 by Jillian Murphy - Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and Tucker Lutter - birding at Broken Kettle Grasslands, used with permission.

Below images copyright by Kevin & Marla Kerr, 2025, used with permission

AboveVideo copyright by Jan Null 2025, used with permission

Oak Grove & Big Sioux Park

saturday, july 19, 2025

15 members and guests travelled northward on Saturday, July 19, to Sioux County’s Oak Grove & Big Sioux Park and the embedded Prairie Woods Nature Center. This park is a combination of state and county lands totaling 573 acres and includes upland woods and grasslands, a pond and the Big Sioux River riparian corridor. The Chapter had been invited to the park by Sunday Ford, the Assistant Director & Environmental Education Coordinator to see the park’s features, trail system and nature center.

Though the birds of July are generally quiet following the fledging of their broods and well obscured by the dense foliage, we hoped to record the presence and breeding status of several species of birds. Our group gathered at the nature center and viewed the excellent displays there before Sunday led us westward through the campground and along the ridge where we heard elusive Yellow-throated Vireos, Great-crested Flycatcher and Red-eyed Vireos before seeing a cooperative Barred Owl. On arriving at the pond, we witnessed Eastern Kingbirds feeding their begging fledglings lined up on a limb, heard a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, spied an unexpected Willow Flycatcher and were surprised by a Field Sparrow sitting on a nest in the grass no more than ten feet from the trail.  We ascended this drainage back to the nature center, where we travelled by car to the park’s western boundary, the Big Sioux River. We hiked this riparian,, corridor and saw Eastern Bluebirds and Lark Sparrows, but the most unusual sight was the dozens of RAGBRAI riders dipping their tires in the Big Sioux before pedaling off to Orange City for the ride’s official start.

Returning to the Prairie Woods Nature Center, we dove into our sack lunches on the center’s patio. Half way through our lunch, Sunday reappeared with the Center’s captive, educational Barred Owl. She proceeded with many details of the biology of this large predator and the feeding and care of the owl. This owl afforded a close-up view of the species we had seen earlier.

We wish to thank Sunday for her hospitality and leadership.

41 species of birds were recorded with Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush, Cedar Waxwing, Eastern Towhee and Indigo Bunting adding to the highlights mentioned above. For a complete list, see https://ebird.org/tripreport/399658

Participants:  Sharon & John Polifka, Marla & Kevin Kerr, Rex & Maria Rundquist, Kayla Sheehan, Robert Sophere, Phil Breed, Tucker Lutter and his 3 daughters, Steve Zarych, Bill Huser and Sunday Ford.

Outing Report submitted by Bill Huser, Vice-President & Outings Coordinator

Below images copyright 2025 by Kevin & Marla Kerr, used with permission

Pipestone National Monument, MN

Saturday, June 21, 2025

With temperatures forecast in the triple digits, Chapter members pondered whether our scheduled trip to the historic Pipestone National Monument was such a good idea. Some bowed out, but eight showed up for the adventure with an optimistic enthusiasm.

After two hours of driving and stimulating conversations, we arrived at this geologic anomaly where pipestone (a.k.a. catlinite or Sioux argillite) formed in conjunction with the more familiar Sioux quartzite. The very hard quartzite formed from sand and overlays the much softer pipestone which formed from clay. Since prehistoric times Native Americans have valued pipestone for its soft composition and red coloration which allowed for carving and polishing to a smooth, glossy red finish. This was perfect for such ceremonial objects as pipes and ornaments. The obstacle was that ancient quarriers had to often break through several feet of the hard quartzite to get to the underlying pipestone. The Iowa, Omaha and Yankton Dakota peoples have lived in the area over the centuries but pipestone was so valued that the area was considered neutral so that people of many nations had access to the quarries. Native Americans still quarry the precious stone using only traditional hand tools to obtain material for their artistic or ceremonial endeavors. Among the first European descendants to visit the site was artist George Catlin in 1836 who painted the scene of the red quartzite wall protruding from the vast prairie, hence the name catlinite became attached to the valuable pipestone below. Two years later an exploration party of six led by cartographer Joseph Nicolas Nicollet and including John C. Fremont explored and mapped the area. Since those times bison are gone and the prairie vastly reduced as settlement and agriculture prevailed. Pipestone Creek still tumbles over the quartzite wall, and in the absence of large grazers and prairie fires, has created an oasis of burr oak, boxelder, willow and ash along its course.

After learning much of the above at the visitors’ center, our party of eight took to the trails to see the sights along the creek, quartzite wall and surrounding prairie. A brisk southerly wind made the upper eighty degree temperatures quite pleasant, and the group was surprised by the amount of bird activity and the comfort of the shady recesses along the creek. Birds highlighting this casual walk included Yellow Warblers, Indigo Bunting, American Redstart, Baltimore Orioles and a cooperative, singing Willow Flycatcher, a life bird for some.

By afternoon with temps in the mid-90’s, our numbers reduced by those leaving for lunch or other endeavors, the three remaining walked the rest of the trail system, seeing the active quarries, Common Yellowthroats, Clay-colored Sparrows and Common Nighthawks swooping over the prairies. Though the southerly wind persisted and made even these temps bearable, the shade of the rock wall and burr oaks and the rush of water over Winnewissa Falls completed our day in perfect fashion.

Outing Report by Bill Huser, Vice-President & Outings Coordinator

For a complete list of birds and numbers found, see https://ebird.org/tripreport/387584

Pipestone hikers:

Marla & Kevin Kerr, Sharon & John Polifka, Jerry Menninga, Denis Hirschman, Tim Garner (Ames, IA) and Bill Huser

Above images copyright 2025 by Jerry Mennenga, used with permission.

Shared Spaces and Birdathon!

Saturday, 10 May 2025

Shared Spaces at Prairie Park

A beautiful, warm and sunny morning at Prairie Park was enjoyed by 15 birders and several anglers around the lagoon. Waterfowl and shorebirds were scarce but there was a good variety of other birds to produce a list of 35 species. Most notable: Solitary Sandpiper, Osprey, Least Flycatcher, Savannah Sparrow, and Tennessee Warbler. Welcome to new friends and thank you to everyone who assisted in enjoying this shared space.

Above images copyright 2025 by respective photographers as listed below, used with permission.

Jeanne Bockholt — 5 images

Kevin Kerr — 3 images

Marla Kerr — 4 images

Maria Rundquist — 1 image

Randy Williams — 7 images

2025 Birdathon Results

Loess Hills Audubon Society’s BIRDATHON! is our annual fundraiser for Chapter projects. Much like other “-athons,” donations are pledged based on the ability of chapter members to find as many species of birds as they are able.

In addition to this local project, all data collected by the Chapter was submitted through eBird for the World Migratory Bird Day, a count of birds worldwide by citizen-scientists.

The results of each of the teams who were in the field for the Chapter’s 2025 Birdathon have been submitted and compiled. All in all, 10 teams with 29 participants turned in their findings from four Iowa counties, totaling 117 species. Thank to all participants for their time and effort. Prairie Park participants and birds sighted at Prairie Park are included in the BIRDATHON! tallies.

 Highlights:

• Common Nighthawk

• Sora

• American Avocet

• Hudsonian Godwit

• Dunlin

• American Bittern

• Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

• Peregrine Falcon

• Blue-headed Vireo

• LeConte’s Sparrow

• Northern Parula

• Palm Warbler

For a complete eBird list shared with Loess Hills Audubon, see https://ebird.org/tripreport/374541. However, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Parula and Dickcissel sightings were submitted via paper lists and are not included in the eBird trip report.

Now, the critical portion of the project:

• Each participant/team is requested to collect all their pledged donations and send them to me.

• Each donor who pledged a donation is requested to forward it to your team or directly to me.  

• Each additional person who would like to donate to the Chapter’s projects is asked to send an amount based on the number of species found or a flat amount of your choosing. Be sure to designate it as ‘Birdathon’.

Most importantly, the Chapter thanks all of you who have donated to Chapter projects and to those of you who considered such.

Bill Huser, LHAS Vice-President

Please contact Bill via email at: billfhuser@gmail.com, he will then provide instruction on how to submit your donation.

Above images copyright 2025 by Jan Null, used with permission.

Top row:

• Brown Thrasher Looking for Breakfast

• Clay-colored Sparrow High in the Tree

• Upland Sandpipers A Surprise on the Road!

• Ring-necked Pheasant Beautiful Colors!

Bottom row:

• Mallard Pair and a Blue-winged Teal.

• Wood Duck A Colorful Bird!

• Red-headed Woodpecker at rest

• Red-headed Woodpecker at full speed!

Below video copyright 2025 by Jan Null, used with permission.

CRANES, CRANES, CRANES!

Friday through Sunday, 4/4/25 through 4/6/25

Twelve members and friends, coming from 3 different directions, converged on Kearney, NE to see the last of the 700,000 Sandhill Cranes that have been in the area during March. Though numbers were reduced as many had left for their northern breeding grounds, the cranes were still present in uncountable numbers as they foraged in corn fields, roosted on the Platte River and flew to and fro at all times.

Adding to this visual spectacle was the auditory treat as hundreds of cranes could be heard bugling their primordial songs nearly continuously. With Sunday’s bright sunshine and warming air, hundreds could be seen circling ever higher on thermal currents as they gained altitude for their northward flight.

Five members of our party were seeing Sandhill Cranes for the first time as part of this grand spectacle. Sadly, however, neither Whooping nor Common Cranes were found by our group, nor did we hear any reports as the number of reporting birders was greatly reduced from previous weeks. Our half-mile hikes to the Fort Kearney Hike/bike Trail Bridge provided us with beautiful sunset and sunrise views, clouds of cranes, the primordial chorus. Deer crossing the golden waters and warmed our blood, especially in Sunday morning’s 21-degree chill.

Other birds seen included our First of Year (FOY) Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, Least, Baird’s and Pectoral Sandpipers, Osprey, Franklin Gulls and Yellow-headed Blackbirds. Waterfowl, American Kestrels and the dark western form of the Red-tailed Hawk were also recorded.

Findings: 42 species. For a complete list of birds and number found, see https://ebird.org/tripreport/351004

Bill Huser, reporting.

42-species observed plus 2 taxa.

Above images copyright 2025 by the respective photographers, as listed below, used with permission.

Kayla Sheehan - 2 images

Marla Kerr - 9 images

Maria Rundquist - 7 images

Rex Rundquist - 18 images

Below video copyright 2025 by Rex Rundquist, used with permission.

Broken Kettle Grassland and More!

saturday 22 March 2025

Fourteen birders met at the lower parking lot of Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center for a morning of birding in the northern Loess Hills led by Tucker Lutter of the Nature Conservancy in Iowa. The woodland birds like Black-capped Chickadees, Northern Cardinals, and White-breasted Nuthatches surrounded us as we discussed our plans for the day.

We drove north on Highway 12 and saw many Bald Eagles along the Big Sioux River and Red-tailed Hawks along the roadside. Our first stop was River's Bend Wildlife Area south of Akron. We were greeted by 11 species of waterfowl, including a beautiful male Canvasback, Ruddy Ducks, and many Bufflehead. A pair of Greater Scaup provided a nice opportunity to compare them with the more common Lesser Scaup nearby. Greater Scaup are more common on the coasts or larger bodies of water, so seeing them was a treat.

After viewing waterfowl, we headed to Broken Kettle Grasslands for a hike into the ranch formerly owned by the Clint Lineberry family, now part of The Nature Conservancy. We hiked up to a pond and found a Great Horned Owl being mobbed by American Crows. The owl was flushed out into the open which provided great viewing opportunities. The morning sunlight made the red and yellow epaulettes of displaying male Red-winged Blackbirds stunning and we were able to watch them showing off for the females up close. Other highlights were watching a male and female Wood Duck fly into the tops of cottonwood trees; hearing both Eastern and Western Meadowlarks singing; and the first singing Song Sparrows of the spring.

We then proceeded to the Broken Kettle Grasslands office in search of the Harris's Sparrow which spent the winter there, however, they were nowhere to be found. A consolation prize was finding a Lincoln's Sparrow, the second earliest date one has ever been recorded in the state. There were also many raptors soaring above the Loess Hills ridgetops including wonderful views of Bald Eagles and a passing glance at a speedy Merlin.

Next, we wound our way up Butcher Road where we saw the bison herd. The bison were reintroduced to Broken Kettle Grasslands in 2008. The bison originated from the Wind Cave National Park herd, one of the most genetically pure bison herds in the nation (free from cattle genes). A Belted Kingfisher was heard but not seem at the ponds long the road.

We had lunch at Camp Joy Hollow and were treated to up close views of Eastern Bluebirds and a very close flyover Pileated Woodpecker while we ate! The Pileated Woodpecker has been expanding its range north, following the encroachment of hardwood forests into what was once predominantly prairie. The crow-sized woodpecker was first discovered at the camp in 2024.

After lunch we called it a day. While the watching the birds was fun, the company we kept was even better and we hope you can join us on the next outing.

Tucker J. Lutter

3-22-2025 Birds—TNC HQ, River’s Bend Wildlife Area, 234th Street, Butcher Road, Joy Hollow, and related areas—60 species.

Above images copyright 2025 by Jan Null, used with permission.

• Ducks at Rivers Bend Wildlife Area.

• Bald Eagle hiding in tree on 234th St.

• Wood Duck on 234thSt.

• Birders on 234thSt.

• On the dam.

• The old and the new!

• TNC Headquarters.

• A horse in the hills.

• Bison in the prairie.

• Lunch at Joy Hollow.

• Happy Birders!

• An Eastern Bluebird showed up for lunch.

• Bison having lunch also!

• Colorful female Wood Duck.

• Birders at work!

BelowVideos copyright 2025 by Jan Null, used with permission.

Great Backyard Bird Count

Friday-Monday, 2/14/25 - 2/17/25

Click the button below to see the LHAS 2025 Great Backyard Bird Count results!

 January 18th Show & Go – canceled due to inclement weather.

Local Lakes

Saturday, November 16, 2024

While visiting our area lakes formerly was an all-day task, we currently only have a few with enough water to attract migrating waterfowl, so our plan was to go to Brown’s Lake, Snyder Bend and Kramper Lake. Perhaps the most interesting, and controversial, of our finds was not waterfowl at all but a pair of hawks found before we got to our first stop.

In a field of corn stubble north of Brown’s Lake, a pair of hawks squabbled over prey caught by a very dark Buteo. This dark bird spread its wings and tail, a behavior called mantling, over the small rodent it had caught to keep the immature Red-tailed Hawk from stealing it. The feeding bird had very dark wings, back and tail and after repositioning also showed an all-dark head, breast and belly. Matching both the dark phases of Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawk, this raptor was presenting a difficult ID challenge. Of our group, three cameras recorded the bird to aid in a later identification.

 A brief stop at Brown’s Lake on this cool windy morning found only a few Ring-necked Ducks. At nearby Snyder Bend, we detected enough gulls, cormorants and pelicans to warrant a hike into the strong SE wind to the observation deck with our spotting scope. The walk produced American Tree Sparrows and from the deck we saw additional Double-crested Cormorants, American White Pelicans, Pied-billed Grebe and Ring-billed Gulls, but the expected waterfowl were largely absent save for a few Canada Geese, Mallards, three Snow Geese and two Woodducks.

A trip to Kramper Lake near Hubbard, NE, was next on our agenda with expectations that this deeper reservoir would host more diving ducks and grebes. However, upon arrival, we could immediately see that the divers that had been present the previous day were absent. Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Gadwall and Great Blue Heron were found in the shallower waters but the open water of the reservoir was empty. A hike to the nearby woods and Red Cedars found no significant birds but an interesting DeKay’s Brown Snake. These snakes are about the size of a nightcrawler and seem to be most evident in late Fall.

On our return home, eleven of us stopped at the Old Dane Golf Course clubhouse, just west of Dakota City, for lunch. In all, 19 members attended our outing with a few leaving before our enjoyable lunch.

Getting back to our unidentified hawk: Photos showed a few field marks too difficult to see in the field: a light-colored iris, indicating an immature, a few white feathers on the dark head and body and likely bright yellow tarsi (lower leg). Such legs would exclude Rough-legged Hawk and suggest the bird was either a Harlan’s or Western subspecies of Red-tailed Hawk. These two subspecies breed far to the west or north and only appear here in the winter, as they escape the colder climes of the Rocky Mountains or Far North.

For a complete list of the 35 species seen at our stops, see https://ebird.org/tripreport/293618. Additionally, roadside Mourning Dove, Horned Lark and Northern Harrier were seen by some while enroute for a grand total of 37 species.

 Bill Huser, Outing Coordinator; 712-574-3107 or billfhuser@gmail.com

All above images copyright 2024 by the respective photographers, images used with permission.

Marla & Kevin Kerr

• Snyder Bend Sky

• Exploring around Kramper Lake (3 images)

• DeKay’s Brown Snake (2 images)

Jerry Mennenga

• Dark morph Red-tailed Hawk (3 images)

• Red-tailed Hawk at Brown’s Lake (2 images)

• Immature Bald Eagle at Snyder Bend (2 images)

• Pied-billed Grebe at Snyder Bend

Jan Null

• Bald Eagle soaring over Snyder’s Bend.

• Red Berries for the Birds.

• Good Cover for the Birds.

• Northern Flicker.

• Dark-eyed Junco.

• American White Pelican.

• Great Egret above the Grass.

• Great Egret close up.

Randall Williams

• Dark morph Red-tailed Hawk with yellow lower leg

• Getting the shot

• Brown’s Lake sky

• Immature Bald Eagle at Snyder Bend (2 images)

• To the observation deck! (2 images)

• Observing at the observation deck (2 images)

• Snyder Bend sky

• Waves at Kramper Lake

• The Game is Afoot! (2 images)

• Kramper Lake scenery

Below video copyright 2024 by Jan Null, used with permission.

Union Grove State Park

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Fourteen members and guests explored South Dakota's Union Grove S.P. under the expert guidance of Phil and Donna Breed. For many it was their first visit to this hidden gem, and all were impressed with the Park and its migratory birds.

Highlights included 2 Hermit Thrush seen by many, Winter and Carolina Wrens seen by the few, a Northern Shrike seen by the quick and an American Goshawk seen by the lucky. Other more common migrants, including Harris's, Song and White-throated Sparrows, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a late Blue-headed Vireo and Orange-crowned and Yellow-rumped Warblers, were also found.

Three participants also visited Spirit Mound before returning to Sioux City, and there sightings are included in this list.

41-species; 14-participants!

All above images copyright 2024 by the respective photographers as listed below.

Brian Hazlett

• Warbler Watching

• Vireo Viewing

J Murphy

• American Robin

• Blue-headed Vireo

• Carolina Wren

• Hermit Thrush

Jerry Mennenga

• Golden-crowned Kinglet (3 images)

• American Robin (2 images)

• Fall Foliage (2 images)

• Walking the Park (2 images)

• Birding Break (2 images)

Kevin and Marla Kerr

• White-crowned Sparrow (in-transit to Spirit Mound)

• Union Grove Bird Trails (6 images)

Randall Williams

• Along Brule Creek (4 images)

• Photography Break at Horse Camp

• Birding the Trail at Union Grove

• White-throated Sparrow

• Spirit Mound

• Bald Eagle Aerobatics at Spirit Mound (2 images)

Fall Migratory Bird Day

Saturday, 12 October 2024

Prairie Park, Sioux City, IA

A beautiful day in Siouxland with sunshine, a few scattered clouds, and little wind. Twenty participants found 34 bird species during our time at the park to support the designation of Sioux City as a Bird Friendly Community (and have some fun birding!).The lagoon was quiet with most species found along the trails at the borders, the transitional areas between the tree lines and the prairie restoration spots.

Notable sightings include: Eastern Phoebe; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Marsh Wren; White-crowned, White-throated, Savannah, Lincoln’s, and Swamp Sparrows; Western Meadowlark; and Tennessee Warbler.

Randy Williams

34-species; 20-participants!

Top Row: Red-winged Blackbirds, left and center; Great Blue Heron, right

Bottom Row: Lagoon trail, left and center; Red-tailed Hawk, right

Below images copyright 2024 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.

Stone Park Fall Warbler Watch

Saturday, 14 September 2024

Patience and many sharp eyes paid off for the 22 participants of LHAS’s September outing. Spending the entire morning in the Pammel Valley portion of Stone Park in the hopes of locating migrating flycatchers, vireos and warblers, the group found little activity for the first hour but eventually located a mixed flock of songbirds high in the canopy. This flock moved slowly through the canopy as they foraged for insects but the group kept pace with them and periodically got goods looks at some of them.

Joining the expected Red-eyed, Yellow-throated and Warbling Vireos were southbound Philadelphia and Blue-headed Vireos. Flycatchers included Eastern Wood-Pewees and Great Crested Flycatcher, both summer residents here, but did not include any migrants.

Warblers highlighted the morning with Magnolia, Wilson’s, Bay-breasted, Black-and-White, Nashville and American Redstarts being seen by some of us. But, alas, none of us saw all six species of these small, flighty birds hiding among the leaves.

Other unexpected migrants included Common Nighthawk, Double-crested Cormorant, Sharp-shinned Hawk and Broad-winged Hawk.

Other species will be migrating during our next outing planned for Saturday, October 19th at Union Grove State Park. Join us as we search for them.

Bill Huser, Outing Coordinator, 712-574-3107 or billfhuser@gmail.com

All LHAS outings are open to the public and offer an inviting way to begin birding and meet others with similar interests.

42-species; 22-participants!

Above images copyright 2024 by the photographers listed below, used with permission.

Kevin Kerr

• Along the road

• Park overlook

Marla Kerr

• Birders at Turtle Lake 1

• Birders at Turtle Lake 2

• Nashville Warbler 1

• Nashville Warbler 2

• Elusive Philadelphia Vireo

• Woodland Brown butterfly

Jan Null

• Lots of Birds in there!

• Maybe it’s over here?

• Turkey vultures are easier to find!

• White Snakeroot.

• Watching for migrating raptors.

• You can see a long way up here!

Randall D. Williams

• Gathering of the flock

• On the way to “Warbler Neck”

• Phishing expedition

• Road birding 1

• Road birding 2

• Elusive Philadelphia Vireo 1, 2, and 3

• More risk of “warbler neck”

• There is bird activity over there

• Cleaning the used fishing line

• Shelf fungus at Turtle Lake

Broken Kettle Grasslands

Saturday, august 3, 2024

66-species; 27 participants

Above images copyright by the respective photographers as listed below, used with permission.

Kevin Kerr

• Along Lineberry Lane

• Prairie Hills (2 images)

Marla Kerr

• Road toad

• Prairie explorers

• Prairie parasols

• Modern rustic

• Let’s eat!

• Prairie Hills guides

Tucker Lutter

• Posing on the prairie

• Along Butcher Road

• Prairie Hills

• Prairie rest stop

Jan Null

• Welcome to Broken Kettle’s Loess Hills.

• Big Bluestem overlooking the Hills.

• Grazing Bison. LHASOuting

• Looks like a dead branch.

• There’s a Red-tailed Hawk on that log!

• Gateway to the Prairie.

• Partridge Pea along the road.

• A Grasshopper Sparrow enjoying the view.

• Birders ready for lunch!

• Posing after lunch.

• Can you see the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker?

• Homemade Ice cream!

Randall D. Williams

• Looking for the Little Blue Heron

• E C Lippke Wetlands

• Flood aftermath (2 images)

• Lineberry Lane

• Where are the cuckoos?

• Yellow-billed Cuckoo

• Dragonfly

• Broken Kettle Bird Conservation Area

• Bison

Jerry Mennenga (7 images)

Below video copyright 2024 by Jan Null, used with permission.

Birds of Summer Double-Header

Saturday, July 13, 2024

Adams Homestead

The original LHAS July outing was intended to visit the Nebraska Sandhills in and around Valentine, NE. Plans did not work the way we wished but that allowed today’s double-header of summer activities.

At Adams Homestead, seven intrepid birders and one late-arriving participant braved the insects, heat and humidity for a walk around the Homestead area, the Donkey Run trail, an overview of Mud Lake, and the water fountain oasis at the visitor center. We found 29-species, all typical summer residents of the Homestead and Preserve.

Randy Williams

Above images copyright 2024 by the respective photographers as listed below, used with permission.

Kevin & Marla Kerr

• Donkey Run Trial

• Trailside attraction

• Looking for birds (2 images)

Randall D. Williams

• Eastern Bluebird

• Turkey near the Homestead

Jerry L. Mennenga

• Fawn

• Eastern Meadowlark

• Northern Flicker

• Mourning Dove

• Heat relief (2 images)

Zales’ Prairie

Due to heat, humidity and temperatures in the mid-90s, the walk at Five Ridge Prairie was moved to the Zales Guest House. In the wonderfully air conditioned Guest House, Bill Zales gave an entertaining presentation to a captivated audience of 21 people, focusing on history.

Because it was Bill Zales, it was the history leading to the current situation and where we are now with our remaining native prairies. He started at the beginning with the original continent and the break up. Then he discussed major impacts in the earth's history. Along the way, there was a pop quiz, answered by Maria Rundquist, on the location of the asteroid hit that wiped out the dinosaurs: the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, at a location known as the Chicxulub crater.

He discussed the prairies and the climate that formed them in broad terms, and then lamented on the intrusion of humans and the ruining of this landscape. We lamented this loss together. But there was inspiration there as well; there is Zales’ Prairie and awareness is being raised.

Among the attendees were four DNR Surveyors who were very involved from beginning to end. After the talk, there was a walk — in spite of the heat — for the hardy souls who choose to do it. Bill discussed what has happened with the property on which we walked, how it has changed and why. As usual he was a thoroughly entertaining guide to the plants.

Good Company, Good Prairie and Good Education was had by all.

Kevin and Marla Kerr

Above images copyright 2024 by the respective photographers as listed below, used with permission.

Dawn Snyder

• Guest House

Marla & Kevin Kerr

• Bill Zales

• Field trip

• Compass Plant

• Out in the field

• Wildflower group

• Prairie progress

• More wildflowers

• Quick stop

• Common Whitetail

• Barn craft

• Cooling on the porch

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

Monday, June 10, 2024

After a series of scheduling conflicts, the LHAS June outing was moved from the traditional second Saturday of the month to the following Monday to join a bird walk at Adams Homestead led by Jody M., Maddi K., Grace, and Randy W. at 9:30 AM. Migrating birds have passed through, so this walk’s participants found summer resident species and noted evidence of their breeding activities.

In all, 39 species were recorded, including both Eastern and Western Meadowlarks, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Wood Pewee and many Baltimore Orioles, Red-headed Woodpeckers and four species of swallows. Nesting of Wood Ducks, Eastern Kingbirds, Tree Swallows and Common Grackles was confirmed. Three broods of downy, fledgling Wood Ducks totaled an amazing 26 cuties, while both the kingbird and grackle were seen carrying food to their young. Several other species were noted as probable nesters with paired male and female present. These included Baltimore Oriole, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird and Barn Swallow.

Participants: Jody Moats, Randy Williams, Marla & Kevin Kerr, Jon Nylen & Leesa McNeil,  Phil Breed, Jerry Mennenga, Kyle Schmidt & kids, Kathy Pfautch, park naturalists Grace and Maddi, and members of the public, totaling 16 adults and 7 children, in all.

Bill Huser, Outing Coordinator

Species:  39 total

See below or go to eBird: https://ebird.org/tripreport/251315 for a complete list of species.

All above images copyright 2024 by the respective photographers listed below, used with permission.

Jerry L. Mennenga - 10 images

• Leading the charge!

• House Finch

• White-breasted Nuthatch

• eBird documentation

• Eastern Meadowlark

• Eastern Meadowlark (left) and Cedar Waxwing (right)

• On the move

• Swallowtail

• Getting the photo

• Consultation

Randall D. Williams - 7 images

• Looking for a Cooper’s Hawk nest

• Swallowtail

• Donkey Run Trail

• Edge of the lake

• Bird finding

• Eastern Meadowlark (2 images)

2024 BIRDATHON! and World Migratory Bird Day

Saturday, May 11, 2024

The Loess Hills Audubon Society recently held its annual Birdathon to raise funds for Chapter projects. Much like other “-athons,” donations are pledged based on chapter members’ ability to find as many species of birds as they can on Saturday, May 11.

All in all, 9 teams, representing 15 Chapter members, turned in their findings. The 8 teams searching 5 local counties, and 3 states, found a total of 143 species, while an additional team birding in Nevada found an additional 14 species for a grand total of 157 species. These two totals compare with results of the past few years.

This year one team invited new members and the public to join them at Prairie Park as part of a Chapter outreach and Bird Friendly City event. A total of 14 people visited during the 9:00 AM to Noon event. Three children and five accompanying adults participated in a Bug Hunt led by Kari S. from Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center.

For a complete species list see: https://ebird.org/tripreport/238829

Now, the critical portion of the project:

Each participant/team is requested to collect all their pledged donations and send them to me.

Each donor who pledged a donation is requested to forward it to your team or directly to me.  

Each additional person who would like to donate to the Chapter’s projects is asked to send an amount based on the number of species found or a flat amount of your choosing.

Note: Please make checks payable to ‘Loess Hills Audubon Society’ and designate the check as ‘Birdathon.’

Most importantly, THANK YOU to everyone who has donated to Chapter projects and to those of you who considered such.

Bill Huser, LHAS Outings Coordinator & Birdathon Czar, 140 Oakmont Drive, South Sioux City, NE  68776; 712-574-3107 or billfhuser@gmail.com

Above images copyright 2024 by the respective photographers as listed below, used with permission.

Marla & Kevin Kerr

• Welcome Station

• Self-professed “Bird Nerd”

• Observation List

• Shelter activities

• Observations 1

• Observations 2

• Shelter list

• Insect preparation

Randall D. Williams

• Edge of the park

• Pond 1

• Pond 2

• Large-mouth Bass

• Prairie Park Parking

• Pollinator Prairie

• Eastern Kingbird

• Ruddy Duck

• Robin family

• Red-tailed Hawk

Storm Lake

Saturday, April 13, 2024

A relatively short drive to the east transported our group to a quite different world, hydrology speaking. The Des Moines lobe of the Wisconsin Glacier covered central Iowa and points north 10,000 years ago. As this huge glacier melted and retreated northward, it left countless pothole lakes and marshes across Minnesota, Wisconsin, much of the Dakotas and North Central Iowa. Storm Lake and Kiowa Marsh, a mere 65 miles away, are such ‘potholes.’ In addition to this geologic difference, the area has not experienced the extended drought as most of us have. These potholes are brimming with water.

Our first stop was to meet up with our local guide, Dana Siefer of Storm Lake, in Early, IA. Two miles to the east, lying between the old US-20 and the new, lies Kiowa Marsh. We have all driven right by this gem, but few of us have stopped. Our time spent here showed what a mistake that has been. The parking lot for this state WMA is surrounded on all sides by water and was teaming with all the common species of waterfowl we could expect. Close views, in excellent light, of Northern Shovelers, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeons, Wood Ducks, Redheads, Lesser Scaup, Ruddy Ducks and others were easy to obtain. Some other species, such as Trumpeter Swans, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Great Egrets and Great-tailed Grackles were evidence of the value of these pothole marshes. In the coming weeks the marsh will see the influx of much more: herons and egrets, Soras and Virginia Rails, Swamp Sparrows and Marsh Wrens and many others. At other access points we saw Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawks and a Bald Eagle.

Later stops at Burrow’s Pond and a gravel pit showed us more waterfowl and Ring-billed Gulls, Belted Kingfisher and Hooded Mergansers. Our next stop at Storm Lake’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) was to view gulls and shorebirds through their chain link fence. However, an understanding employee opened the gate for us so we could more closely study Ring-billed, Franklin’s and probable Bonaparte’s Gulls, Greater White-fronted Geese, more ducks and 25 unexpected American Golden-Plovers. Afterwards, empty stomachs prevailed in some, and the party split to go to lunch or Little Storm Lake. I cannot attest to the lunch, but many more ducks, including Canvasbacks, Cormorants and Bonaparte’s Gulls awaited us at LSL.  On the big lake Dana re-found some Greater Scaup for us as we relaxed in 79 degree sunshine. The remaining stomachs were beckoning by then, so the holdouts checked in with the lunch crowd and found our own lunch to end this beautiful day.

Participants: John and Sharon Polifka, Rex and Maria Rundquist, Jerry Probst, Bill Huser and Dana Siefer.

Bill Huser, Outing Coordinator

Below images and video copyright 2024 by Maria Rundquist, used with permission.

Marsh Madness

Sunday, March 17, 2024

A traditional waterfowler’s experience – a trip to a blind for up close views and photo opportunities of migrating swans, geese, ducks and others- at Ponca State Park was planned.

At our 3:30 PM Sunday meeting time, the temperature was only 34 degrees and NW winds howled at 35mph. No participants braved the conditions, so leaders Ed Brogie and Bill Huser cancelled the outing.

Bill Huser, Outing Coordinator

2024 Great Backyard Bird Count

FEBRUARY 17, 2024

 Waterman Creek Area

Saturday, 27 January 2024

The participants of our January outing had to endure most of the challenges of winter birding: one postponement, a foggy drive, light snow, low bird activity and closed facilities.

But in spite of the above, ten LHAS members met up with Dana Siefer of Storm Lake, our guide for the day, to start our tour of the Waterman Creek Area of O’Brien County, Iowa. This area includes the flowing waters of the Little Sioux River, and the Waterman and Mill Creeks, large Eastern Red-Cedar woods and open expanses and is known to attract wintering birds from the surrounding areas but also from the Rocky Mountains and Northern Boreal Forests.

Dana first took us to an uninhabited farmhouse with well-stocked feeders. There we found most of the common feeder visitors plus a wintering Mourning Dove and a flock of a dozen or so Pine Siskins. The Siskins are a species that irrupts from its usual winter range in the North and spreads more widely and appears here some winters. Continuing down this same road, we next located Red-tailed Hawks and a lone Northern Shrike. The Shrike, also known as the Butcher Bird, is our smallest full-time predatory bird and specializes in taking small rodents and song birds to survive the winter.

After these finds we moved closer to the large Eastern Red-Cedar woodlands which both shelter and feed large numbers of birds. Though we could find very few American Robins and Eastern Bluebirds feeding on the small blue Cedar berries, we could not locate any Cedar Waxwings or Purple Finches. We did, however, find an even more elusive berry eater, a Townsend’s Solitaire, which may have come from as far away as the Rocky Mountains.

Covering more area northward, we found several Bald Eagles but could not find the Golden Eagle that had been in the area. A Rough-legged Hawk was located nearby after we started for home.

Altogether, we recorded 25 species of birds as we searched for these more unexpected species. We also introduced several people to the Waterman Creek Area where they may someday return during winter or other seasons. For a complete list of the birds recorded, see: https://ebird.org/tripreport/198463.

Participants: Bill & Dotty Zales, John & Sharon Polifka, Marla & Kevin Kerr, Randy Williams, Bob Livermore, James Bailey, Bill Huser and Dana Siefer.

All above images copyright 2024 by the respective photographers as listed below.

Marla & Kevin Kerr

• Mammoth in the mist

• Waterman Creek

• Tree frosting

• Walkway

• Birders of the day! (Photo by Marla)

• Group selfie!

Dana Siefer

• Stopping for siskins!

• Shrike patrol!

• Townsend’s Solitaire

• Birders of the day! (Photo by Dana)

Randy Williams

• Gathering at the Prairie Heritage Center

• Pine Siskin

• Plenty of winter finches

• Looking for the solitaire (3 images)

• Waterman Creek snowscapes (3 images)

• Bald Eagle

• Wittrock Indian Village State Preserve

Kramper Lake / Danish Alps

Saturday, 18 november 2023

Waterfowl leave their breeding grounds on northern lakes and prairie potholes when temperatures drop and these wetlands begin to freeze. That usually means that local birders look for swans, geese and ducks on cold November days with chilling northerly winds. However, on Saturday, November 18, fourteen LHAS members and guests enjoyed bright sunlight and mild temperatures while finding 16 species of migrating waterfowl. Additional species brought our daily count to 34.

The least expected finding was a single White-winged Scoter. These large, black ducks breed on tundra lakes in the High Arctic and typically migrate along the seacoasts. They are most often found in the interior on large reservoirs or deeper natural lakes. Our sighting was at close range in good light that allowed us to identify it by its characteristic white wing patches and white spots on the face.

Another bird new to many of the participants was a Swan Goose (domesticated). This Eurasian species has been domesticated and the Kramper Lake individual is undoubtedly an escapee or release from a local collector. In fact, two individuals, a mated pair, were first found at the lake July 13 and were present together till October 6. On October 10 only the presumed male was present and then in the company of a Canada Goose. These birds may well be incapable of flight and were doomed when ‘released’ there.

Other birds of special interest were a female Red-breasted Merganser, a single Horned Grebe and a late Wilson’s Snipe.

11-18-2023 Birds — Kramper Lake and related areas outing --34 species:

All above images copyright 2023 by the respective photographers as listed below, used with permission.

Marla and Kevin Kerr

• Birders on patrol!

• Observation blind

• Mallards

• Northern Pintail

• Wilson’s Snipe

Jan Null

• Headed for Kramper Lake.

• Sign at Kramper Lake.

• Red-breasted Merganser at attention!

• Good view from here.

• Hunters in their blind.

• Calm waters for Fishermen and Bald Eagle.

• Close up view of the Bald Eagle.

• A Wilson’s Snipe on far side of lake.

• Huge Bald Eagle nest!

• Twin trees in calm waters.

• Pair of Common Goldeneyes.

• A Regal Eagle in a Regal Tree!

• Canada Geese flying above.

• Bird of the Day: White-winged Scoter!

• Birders enjoying the day at Kramper Lake!

Randall D. Williams

• First appearance of a female Red-breasted Merganser

• Zoom in to the merganser

• Waterfowl collection

• Northern Pintail with Canada Geese

• Immature Bald Eagle eyeing the waterfowl

• Eagle nest on the left, adult Bald Eagle on right

• Only a few clouds today.

• Calm waters for fishing

• Waterfowl hunters and decoys

• Still waters (2 images)

• Reflections

• Black-and-white reflections

• Observation deck

• Another female Red-breasted Merganser

• Zoom in on the merganser

• White-winged Scoter (2 images)

• Birders enjoying the day (3 images)

Below videos copyright 2023 by Jan Null, used with permission.

Bacon Creek and Prairie Parks

Saturday, 14 October 2023

With temperature in the 40’s, heavy cloud cover, light rain and northerly winds, the Chapter’s plans for a productive Fall Migratory Bird Day were severely diminished. Plans to first look for Red Crossbills in Graceland Cemetery were thwarted by locked gates, so the party proceeded to Bacon Creek Park. There we saw an Osprey looking for fish and a late Spotted Sandpiper. A quick look for the Limpkin came up empty as did our brief search for Passerines.

Our next stop was Prairie Park where members Marla and Kevin Kerr and Randy Williams were hosting a public outreach event as part of our effort to gain Bird Friendly status for Sioux City. Waterfowl was limited to Canada Geese and a single Pied-billed Grebe. Searching the weedy borders and restored prairie produced many Savannah Sparrows along with a few Song and Vesper Sparrows and five meadowlarks, but failed to find other common migratory sparrows. Overhead, Double-crested Cormorants and single Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle, Cooper’s Hawk and Merlin graced the cloudy skies. A single Orange-crowned Warbler was the only lingering warbler.

However, the best find of the day was back at Bacon Creek Park, where Marla and Kevin re-found “our” Limpkin for the first time since September 23. This wayward visitor is apparently doing quite well on the lake’s snails and mussels but must soon return to Florida to avoid an ice-locked lake. Help us monitor this rarity’s stay.

10-14-2023 Birds-Prairie Park, Bacon Creek, and related areas etc.—31 species.

Above images copyright 2023 by the respective photographers as listed below, used with permission.

Jan Null

• Birders at Bacon Creek.

• Prairie Park Prairie.

• Trail to the Lake.

• Loess Hills Audubon information area.

• Goldenrod in the Prairie.

• Birders at work.

• What are you two fighting about?

• Time for a picture!

• A Cooper’s Hawk showed up!

• Hey, there’s a bird up there!

• Thanks for the cookies!

• Red-winged Blackbirds.

• Birds on the wing!

Marla & Kevin Kerr

• Birders

• Trash clean up crew

• LHAS information

• Used fishing line recycling station

• Enjoying the day!

• Pied-billed Grebe

• Species list for Prairie Park

• Orange-crowned Warbler (2 images)

Randall D. Williams

• Meeting some of the locals

• Looking for migrating sparrows

• Back to the shelter

• Too overcast for the annular eclipse

• 4 images of squabbling Canada geese

• Pied-billed Grebe

Bacon Creek - Kevin Kerr

• Limpkin on the lake shore (3 images)

Limpkin video copyright 2023 by Kevin Kerr, used with permission.

Canada goose video copyright 2023 by Jan Null, used with permission.

Birding In the Rain

SATURDAY, 23 september 2023

Bacon Creek, Graceland Cemetery, and related areas etc. — 32 species.

Above images copyright 2023 by the respective photographers listed below. Used with permission.

Kevin and Marla Kerr

• Cow, not-a-cowbird!

• Bill H. looking for a limpkin

• Kevin K. looking for a limpkin

• Randy W. and Jerry P. looking for a limpkin

• 3 limpkin images

Jan Null

• Red-tailed Hawk looking for breakfast.

• He has a squirrel in those talons!

• Birders have arrived at Bacon Creek.

• A Great Blue Heron ready for breakfast too!

• The calm before the storm.

• Birders across the lake.

• Where’s the Limpkin??

Randall D. Williams

• What’s up, dock?

• Beginning of fall color

• Collecting limpkin prey

• 4 limpkin photos

Below video copyright 2023 by Jan Null, used with permission.

Stone Park and Related Areas

SATURDAY, 26 august 2023  

Birding in the month of August has its own unique set of challenges. There are days when oppressive heat or pesky insects are just too much for us birders to bear. And even under the best conditions, our summer resident birds have become very difficult to find. First of all, dense foliage exists high and low, obscuring their every move, Secondly, they have completed their breeding activities and relinquished their nesting territories, removing the need for song or other vocalizations to protect their territory or attract mates. Being both hard to see and hard to hear, birds such as Warbling Vireos, House Wrens and Baltimore Orioles which were hard to miss in June, now go largely undetected. More secretive species are nearly impossible

However, relief comes late in the month when southbound migrants such as flycatchers, vireos and warblers begin to arrive. They, too, are mostly silent and remain hidden amongst the foliage as they forage for berries and bugs, but can be located with certain techniques. Often occurring in loose flocks made up of a number of species, we can listen for the more vociferous of species, such as Black-capped Chickadees, to locate a flock’s presence and then search patiently and thoroughly for the other species in the flock. Another technique, usable on quiet, still mornings, is to watch for the twitchy movements of foliage indicating foraging birds. Vireos hopping from twig to twig, flycatchers leaving or returning to their perch and warblers flitting amongst the leaves, though weighing a mere ounce, move such leaves, twigs and ‘weeds.’ Another challenge, especially evident in warblers, is the presence immature birds and their varied appearances lacking the color and patterns of the adults. Study them ahead of time!

Accepting such challenges, 21 LHAS members and guests, convened on Stone Park early on this August morning to search out such elusive prey. The stand-in-one-spot-and-stare-at-the-foliage technique yielded several Eastern Wood-Pewees before revealing an ambiguous immature male Mourning Warbler and 3 Blackburnian Warblers. Glimpses of a Wilson’s Warbler, American Redstarts and Red-eyed Vireos followed and a second Mourning Warbler, an adult male this time, was found. Others heard single calls of Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Summer Tanager.

Later in the morning, in Pammel Valley, while searching the trees for songbirds, five Broad-winged Hawks, one Red-shouldered Hawk and a Bald Eagle were seen soaring above the valley, all also on their way south. But the greatest sighting was a soaring Mississippi Kite, unfortunately witnessed by but a few. This raptor is only rarely seen in our area and was identified by its buoyant flight, pointed wings and uniformly gray head and breast. With such sightings, some of us moved to the ridgetop to hawk watch after our lunches but were limited to Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures and single Common Nighthawk and Peregrine Falcon flyovers.

Bill Huser, LHAS Outings Coordinator

54 species, including sightings reported by birders in transit to and from their homes.

Names in italics are first time participants to a Loess Hills Audubon Society outing! Welcome! Altogether there were 21 participants for a great day in and around Stone Park.

All above images copyright 2023 by the respective photographers listed below, used with permission.

Marla Kerr - 7 images of warbler watchers

Jan Null

• Birders have arrived at Stone Park!

• Pam (From Vancouver WA.!) birded with us!

• Red-eyed Vireos were singing everywhere!

• Warblers were keeping us busy!

• A Red-headed Woodpecker was easier to see.

• Taking a break.

• Time for a group picture!

• Back to work!

Maria Rundquist - 5 images

Rex Rundquist - 15 images

• 7 wildflowers

• 3 butterflies

• 5 birds

Dotty Zales - Hear no birds; See no birds; Call no birds!

Below video copyright 2023 by Jan Null, used with permission.

Big Sioux River Parks and Zales’ Prairie Hills

Saturday, 15 July 2023  

A large group of local Audubon members converged on Bill & Dotty Zales’ Prairie Hills for brats, salads, desserts, ice cream and fellowship as part of our July outing. I believe I can speak for all in thanking the Zales for their hospitality and culinary delights. The gathering allowed us to again visit with Bob & Phyllis Nickolson and to celebrate Chuck Johnson’s 93rd birthday.

Earlier in the day 15 members and guests met at Plymouth County’s Big Sioux Park to explore its features and look for birds. The park’s riverbank and riparian woodland provided us with views of over 30 species including Eastern Wood Pewee, American Redstart, Wood Thrush, Bald Eagle and the haunting call of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo.

Access to the adjacent Boyd’s Bend WMA was found to be too limited for our group and required a high clearance vehicle to cross the railroad tracks. However, the site featured a large managed grassland that would have added several species to the day’s list. The nearby Doorenbos-Ford Wetlands required a quarter mile drive through a corn field on a dirt track that appeared to be only partially drained from recent rains, so we passed on exploring this site.

We were able to access the River’s Bend WMA and Ron Wilmot River Access, where found both grassland and riparian woodland habitats. The brushy edge of the woods was home to a Bell’s Vireo and a probable Willow Flycatcher and the larger area hosted many of our more common summer resident, breeding birds.

Next we drove Birch Avenue and North Ridge Road through the Broken Kettle Grasslands to search for grassland birds and found many Grasshopper Sparrows, Red-headed Woodpeckers and Western Meadowlarks. We were disappointed in missing the resident Bobolinks and were unable to find the Loggerhead Shrikes present the past few summers. ‘The Grasslands’ are also accessed from Butcher Road and drive there showcased Great Crested Flycatcher, Brown Thrasher and Lark, Field and Vesper Sparrows.

From there our empty tummies dictated we go over the hill to the Zales for the much-anticipated lunch. There we found a few more species like Eastern Meadowlark and Eastern Bluebird, bringing our daily total to 64 species.

All below photos copyright 2023 by the respective photographers.

Marla Kerr

• Big Sioux Park 1

• Big Sioux Park 2

• Big Sioux Park 3

• Ron Wilmot River Access

• Best Birding Spot!

• River views

• Prairie Hills

• Table setting

• Ready for lunch

• The prairie is my garden

• Barn decor 1

• Barn decor 2

• Prairie Pond

Jerry L. Mennenga

• Big Sioux Park

  • River access

  • Taking stock of the situation

  • River’s edge observations

  • Looking for the perfect view

  • Closer observation

  • River habitat

  • Bald Eagle flyover

• Dunham Prairie Nuthatch

• Plymouth County vultures (3 images)

Randall D. Williams

• Starting point - Chris Larsen Park

• Paparazzi at Big Sioux Park

• River habitat

• Bird finding

• Ron Wilmot River Access

• Rural Plymouth County

• Grasshopper Sparrow

• Declaring territory

• Tools

• Wheels

Jan Null

• Entering Big Sioux Park.

• Birders along the Big Sioux River.

• Heading down the trail.

• Eastern Kingbird.

• What did Bill find?

• Butcher Road flowers.

• Butterfly Milkweed.

• Bison Family.

• Eastern Bluebird.

• Relaxing after lunch at Zales!

• Happy Birthday Chuck!

All below videos copyright 2023 by Jan Null, used with permission.

Nebraska Sandhills

Friday, June 16 – Sunday, June 18, 2023

The Sandhills landform was created out of the sediments eroded from the Rocky Mountains by Pleistocene glaciers (2.8M – 12,000 years ago), deposited and shaped by winds to heights over 300 feet and stabilized by an extremely diverse group of grassland plants. What can be seen today is a mixed grass prairie covering more than 19,000 square miles or 25% of the state. These Sandhills also overlie the immense Ogallala aquifer which appears as many wetlands and shallow lakes. The region was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1984 that provides nesting habitat for declining prairie bird species, as well as wetland species from waterfowl to Marsh Wrens. It is now also home to over half a million cattle and very few people making it an excellent destination for naturalists.

Five members of the LHAS journeyed the 225 miles to Valentine, NE on Friday, June 16 to experience this vast prairie and search for the prairie and western species breeding there each summer. Excellent overnight accommodations were secured at the Harmony Inn in Valentine so that we could spend the entire Saturday and even Sunday morning chasing our quarry.

Our day began driving westward on West Wood Lake Road from US-20 to US-83, where we searched for Long-billed Curlews but found similar Marbled Godwit, as well as, Willets, Wilson’s Snipe, Wilson’s Phalaropes, Grasshopper Sparrows, Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks and countless Upland Sandpipers, Western Meadowlarks and Dickcissels. Stopping at Big Alkali and Hackberry Lakes on the Valentine NWR turned up fewer waterfowl than expected but did show us Green-winged Teal and Hooded Mergansers in addition to Blue-winged Teal, Gadwalls and Mallards. Also found here were interesting daytime flying Common Nighthawks and a very pale Great Horned Owl. Westward on Kennedy Road we saw Swainson’s Hawk, Burrowing Owl, Loggerhead Shrike and more Common Nighthawks, this time perching on fence posts in open prairie. A mid-afternoon stop at the large Merritt Reservoir produced little but 17 Western Grebes, which we studied for Clark’s Grebe or such hybrids.

After an hour siesta, we went northward to the Fort Niobrara NWR where we found the prairie dog village gone, but located several more roosting Nighthawks. A short hike to Fort Falls, which tumble northward through a deep, shaded canyon to the Niobrara River, took us through an isolated remnant of an ice-age ecosystem, including both birch and aspen trees not seen elsewhere for hundreds of miles. Birds there included Eastern Phoebe and American Redstart, but we could not locate a previously reported Louisiana Waterthrush.

After a well-earned supper at the Bunkhouse Restaurant and Saloon in Valentine, Rex Rundquist and I headed to the Valentine Fish Hatchery grounds, where we hiked up Government Canyon, a very interesting mix of eastern deciduous wooded creek and western brushy, rocky cliffs. As dusk approached, we located Great-crested Flycatchers, Eastern Wood Pewees, Spotted Towhees and Indigo Buntings. At the upper end of the canyon we waited for darkness to descend, so that we could hear Common Poor-Wills sing their haunting songs from the brushy cliffsides on our descent. This western relative of Whip-Poor-Will was a life bird for Rex and my primary target for Cherry County.

Sunday morning after breakfast at the Harmony Inn, Rex and I extended our weekend adventure by hiking a section of Nebraska’s Cowboy Trail east of Valentine where it crosses the Niobrara River on a high, re-purposed railway trestle. From a rather dizzying height we saw deer cross the river and heard Bell’s Vireos, Ovenbirds and a Yellow-Breasted Chat singing from below.

As leader, I would like to thank participants, John & Sharon Polifka and Rex & Maria Rundquist who added their enthusiasm, knowledge and verve to this summer adventure which yielded 75 species of prairie and western birds. A special ‘Hats off’ to the participant (Maria) who hobbled and contorted her new knee in ways that were quite laudable.

Bill Huser, LHAS Vice-President & Outings Coordinator; 712-574-3107 or billfhuser@gmail.com

Remember: all LHAS outings are open to the public and offer an inviting way to begin birding and meet others with similar interests.

All above images copyright 2023 by the respective photographers as listed below, used with permission.

William F. Huser

• Marbled Godwit in a field

• Marbled Godwit in flight

• Upland Sandpiper 1

• Upland Sandpiper 2

• Wilson’s Snipe

• Swainson’s Hawk

• Common Nighthawk

• Box Turtle

• Sandhills and barbed wire

• Dirt roads

Maria Rundquist

• Welcome to Valentine, NE

• Upland Sandpiper

• Swainson’s Hawk

• Great Blue Heron

• American White Pelicans

• Setting the spotting scope

• Sandhills explorers

• Maria and Rex

Sharon Polifka

• Welcome to Valentine

• Bee on flower

• Bobolink

• Burrowing Owl

• Common Nighthawk

• Pale Great Horned Owl

• Swainson’s Hawk

• Wilson’s Snipe

• Upland Sandpiper

• Upland Sandpiper in flight

• Windmill and sandhills

• Trestle bridge along the Cowboy Trail

• The Fearless Five

Rex Rundquist - 35 images.

Little Sioux Scout Ranch

Saturday, 13 May 2023

As part of our May outing, LHAS had permission to access the newly acquired Little Sioux Scout Ranch (LSSR) to perform a bird survey and obtain some baseline bird occurrence for the site. LSSR was recently purchased by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) and LHAS is one of the contributors to this important acquisition to help preserve the Loess Hills. This property is located within the Loess Hills Bird Conservation Area (BCA) and is adjacent to different tracts of the Loess Hills State Forest (LHSF). At almost 1800 acres, LSSR offers opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, birdwatching, wilderness camping, and fishing. The property has 25 miles of trails and a 20-acre lake. It is located in southern Monona County near Preparation Canyon State Park.

Plans include: Open the property to the public, maintain the memorial to four boys who died in a 2008 tornado on the property, and share the history of LSSR as a scout camp.

Eleven birders departed early morning to participate in this bird survey. Heavy thunderstorms and rain had occurred in the area the prior evening so farm fields were flooded and the roads and trails in the park were a little slippery. Boy scouts were also there with parents pitching tents, hiking and enjoying the day. We covered several areas of the park and totaled 46 species. Most of our birding was along the edges of the woods and walks into the interior may have produced additional species. When the park becomes open to the public, future birding trips by groups or individuals will likely increase the number of species found there. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Gray Catbirds, and Eastern Towhees were among the most numerous species. Most birders departed LSSR shortly after noon and some birded additional areas to find other species to add to the days Birdathon species total.

Participants were:

• Jerry Probst

• John Polifka

• Sharon Polifka

• Bill Zales

• Anne Shaner

• Rex Rundquist

• Marla Kerr

• Kevin Kerr

• Pam Miller Smith

• Jan Null

• Jerry Von Ehwegen

Reported by: Jerry V.

All above images copyright 2023 by the respective photographers as listed below.

Pam Miller-Smith

• Birders at Little Sioux Scout Ranch - two images

Jan Null

• Loess Hills overlooking flooded fields on the way to Little Sioux Scout Ranch.

• Heavy rains the night before flooded the fields.

• Entrance to Little Sioux Scout Ranch.

• Campers at Little Sioux Scout Ranch.

• Baltimore Oriole at LSSR

• Birders at Chapel/Scout Memorial at LSSR

• Searching for birds at LSSR!

• Enjoying the scenery at LSSR.

• An Eastern Towhee at LSSR.

• Good habitat for pollinators like Bumblebees at LSSR

• Chapel/Scout memorial at LSSR.

• Climbing the hills could be a challenge at LSSR.

• Old Glory overlooking LSSR.

• Scenic lake at LSSR.

• Red-headed Woodpeckers were affected by the Loess Hills State Forest fire.

• White-fronted Goose at Blue Lake.

Marla & Kevin Kerr

• “Killer Whale Carp” in the pond

• Gray Catbird

• Furtive Eastern Towhee

• Jelly Ear Fungi, found by Bill Z.

• Wildlife watchers and photographers

• Little Sioux directional sign to various cities

• Structure cover in the Memorial Picnic Area

• Activity Off Limits Sign - inapplicable to this group due to supervision by Jerry P.

• Wet frog

• Juvenile Baltimore Oriole

• Dry toad

• Western Meadowlark

• Yellow Warbler

Below video copyright 2023 by Jan Null, used with permission.

Migratory Birds at Sioux City Prairie Park

Saturday, 6 May 2023

Rain and wind gave way to blue skies and puffy white clouds as the wind diminished. That did not last. The wind picked up and shifted and clouds returned before we ended our time at the park. Four observers found 39 species as part of our first joint venture with Sioux City Parks and Recreation. Marla K., Kevin K., Randy W. from LHAS and Linda from Sierra Club shared the area with about 10 anglers.

Highlights were:  Eared Grebe, Green Heron, Nashville Warbler, Palm Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Clay-colored Sparrow, Least Sandpiper and a flock of 25 very large gulls flying overhead. None of us got a really good look at the gulls during their flyby but they were very large, possibly Herring?

It was an enjoyable day to be outside. Thank you to Sioux City Parks and Recreation for this opportunity and use of the shelter.

Reported by Randy Williams

Above images copyright 2023 by Randall D. Williams (RW) and Marl and Kevin Kerr (MKK), used with permission.

Top row: Marla setting up at the shelter (RW), Information table (MKK), Testing the spotting scope (MKK), Paved trail (MKK), Grass trail (MKK)

Middle row: Eared Grebe - two images (RW), Double-crested Cormorant (MKK), Goose family (RW), Green Heron (RW)

Bottom row: Spotted Sandpiper (MKK), Northern Rough-winged Swallows (RW), Lincoln’s Sparrow (MKK), Palm Warbler (MKK), Savannah Sparrow (MKK)

Nebraska Prairie Chickens

Saturday, 22 April 2023

Saturday, April 22, was an exceptionally frigid April morning, one where the wind speed approached the temperature. In this case, this meant 34F, NW winds gusting to 30mph, overcast skies and a dusting of snow. Though this did not prevent us from finding our main objective, displaying Greater Prairie-Chickens, it did prevent us from lingering and fully enjoying the sights and sounds of the birds’ courtship ritual. Seven males displayed, danced and sparred on the ridge 200 yards distant. More birds, including females, were apparently present but not seen well. Though we could not watch for long, these birds were life birds for 5 of our participants. Nearby, on burned CRP ground, Brewer’s Blackbirds were part of a large flock of Brown-headed Cowbirds, which also included two Yellow-headed Blackbirds.

Afterwards, we entered the nearby Buckskin Hills Wildlife Management Area (WMA), where we found waterfowl, a few shorebirds and other aquatic species on the wetlands and reservoir. Searching the thickets and tree plantings on foot proved fruitless as any migrating songbirds present remained under cover.  Perhaps many have delayed their arrival, waiting for the weather-delayed botanical growth and insect hatches that feed them. Our next stop was the Powder Creek WMA where an active Bald Eagle nest, 10 Great Egrets and many White pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants were the highlights. Another nearby lake on private property provided more of the same waterfowl species.

Our next stop was at Ponca State Park where we found our second active Bald Eagle nest (an incubating adult present). Another nearby abandoned eagle nest hosted a pair of Canada Geese, whose young will have quite a death defying drop when they fledge. Near the footbridge, we found a single, early, singing Louisiana Waterthrush, which was heard by a few and seen by even fewer.

Our last stop was for the hot food and warm interior of Ponca’s Cedar Hills Café, a new stop for each of us. Here, the warmth, food and birding stories brought the outing to a satisfying conclusion.

(Note: this was the first time our car caravan used walkie-talkies to quickly communicate bird sightings to each car in the procession. Each of us thought they worked well and were worth including in all such outings.)

List of participants (8): Marla & Kevin Kerr, Sharon & John Prolifka, Dotty Zales, Jerry Probst, James Bailey, Bill Huser.

Respectfully submitted,

Bill Huser, LHAS Vice-President & Outings Coordinator; 712-574-3107 or billfhuser@gmail.com

All above images copyright 2023 by Marla & Kevin Kerr, used with permission.

• First three images: Where’s Waldo? - Can you find the Wilson’s Snipe in the three photos?

• Next three images: Buckskin Hills Double-crested Cormorant and American White Pelicans

• Great Egrets at Powder Creek

• Hard core birder Jerry P.

• Two images of Louisiana Waterthrush at Ponca State Park

• Hard core birders one and all!

Woodbury County Wanderings

Saturday, 25 March 2023

Morning sprinkles turned into clear skies for eleven birders participating in our March outing. The ongoing waterfowl migration was our main goal and our first stop was Snyder’s Bend where we found 20 species of waterfowl which included around 100 Trumpeter Swans which were entertaining us with courtship displays consisting of head bobbing and small flocks flying and trumpeting together. Their bright white plumage made a pretty sight in the blue sky. American White Pelicans were found by the few that braved the stroll to the overlook. A Northern Harrier was continually cruising over the grassland searching for prey.

A stop at Brown’s Lake added Northern Pintail and Red-breasted Mergansers to our list and a Cackling Goose at the Dairy Ponds on the way to Owego Wetlands gave us a total of 23 Waterfowl species for the day. It was nice to see good amounts of water at Owego which also contained good numbers of waterfowl.

Group consensus was to have lunch at ‘Uncommon Grounds’, a coffee shop in Sloan which also features antiques, gifts, fresh baked treats, and so much more. We had called ahead and they had a table reserved for us and their special of the day was ‘Chicken Salad Croissants’. After good service and good food we called it a day.

We recorded a total of 48 species for the day. Highlights included: 23 species of waterfowl, Trumpeter Swan, Ross’s Goose, American White Pelican, Red-breasted Merganser, Wood Duck, Northern Pintail, Blue-winged Teal, American Kestrel, Northern Harrier, and two rooster Ring-necked Pheasants dueling on the road at Owego.

Birders were: Randy Williams, Brian Hazlett, Marla Kerr, Donna Popp, Chuck Johnson, Bill and Dotty Zales, John and Sharon Polifka, Jan Null, and Jerry Von Ehwegen. Thanks to all who participated.

Reported by Jerry Von Ehwegen

3-25-2023 Birds — Snyder Bend, Brown’s Lake, Owego Wetlands Comples, and related areas — 48 species.