*Image by Marla Kerr, used by permission*

Outing to Desoto National Wildlife Refuge

saturday, november 22, 2025

meet at 7:00 am at nw corner of the singing hills walmart parking lot

Desoto is locared along the Missouri River and borders both Iowa and Nebraska, approximately 78 miles from Sioux City (75 minute drive). Within its over 8,000 acres lies DeSoto Lake, an oxbow lake that used to be a bend in the river. The refuge contains bottomland forests, tall grass prairies and wetland habitat that benefits a diversity of migratory birds. The refuge contains a piece of history in the visitor center, the Bertrand Steamboat contents, consisting of 250,000 different artifacts.

We hope our timing will match that of the thousands of Snow Geese that pause at the refuge each Fall. Our auto tour will search for waterfowl throughout the refuge, but our highlight may be viewing this spectacle from the warmth and proximity of the Visitor Center which offers views of much of the lake.

Such vast numbers of geese often attract other species, from the closely related Ross’s Goose and other waterfowl to predatory Eagles, Hawks, Falcons and Coyotes. Spotting scopes may bring each into a close-up view for us.

There is the possibility of continued birding into the afternoon, so you may wish to bring sack lunches or snacks.

Also, please bring your litter pick-up gear (grabbers, plastic shopping bags, gloves) as the Chapter will conduct a brief litter pick-up as needed.

For more information contact Bill Huser at 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.

Westfield (IA) Christmas Bird Count

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Westfield CBC: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Join us for a fun day of birding at the northern terminus of the Loess Hills. The count circle is home to the largest remaining prairies in Iowa, including Broken Kettle Grasslands, which is home to wintering Golden Eagles, Red-shafted Northern Flickers, a herd of American Bison, and formerly Iowa's only breeding population of Black-billed Magpies.

We will meet at 7:30 AM at the Westfield Community Center (215 Linden St., Westfield, IA) before breaking out into birding groups.

We will meet back at the community center at 12:30 pm for a potluck lunch and again at 5 PM for the compilation.

The backup date for inclement weather is Thursday, December 18.

To sign up or if you have any questions, please contact Tucker Lutter at tucker.lutter@tnc.org or at (712) 560-6770. You can also sign up on Mobilize at https://www.mobilize.us/audubon-community.../event/856710/.

Note: Since we are having a potluck lunch, please plan to bring a main or side dish. Please let Tucker know what you plan on bringing so we can have a well-rounded selection of food.

Save the Dates for Christmas Bird Counts (CBC)

Participate individually or with others in the National Audubon Society’s CBC Citizen Science project. A fun way to be involved and work with other birders. Feeder Watchers and Birders in the field at area hotspots needed!

Contact the compilers if you would like to participate in any or all of these local CBCs!

sunday, december 14 - Ponca state park - bill huser 712-574-3107

sunday, december 14 - yankton, sd - roger dietrich 605-660-6247

tuesday, december 16 - westfield Ia - tucker lutter 712-560-6770 (see above schedule)

saturday, december 20 - Sioux city, ia - jerry probst 712-490-8256

sunday, december 21 - ida grove, ia - don poggensee - donpoggensee@gmail.com

Updates will be added when they are made available.

Upcoming Outings