November-December 2004 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society

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Big Bluestem FlyerBig Bluestem Flyer

Volume 40, Number 2 November/December 2004

ProgramsNovember 18

Steve Jungst ISU Professor of Forestry

Iowas Changing Natural ResourcesA tour through (relatively) recent time, looking at

the changes that have taken place in Iowas land

and biotic communities due to human activity.

Wetlands, prairie, and forest communities will be

discussed.

December 16BBAS Holiday for the Birds

and BBAS Member Picture Show(Note: 7 pm - Story County Conservation Building,

McFarland Park)Bring:(1) bird feed for the park (cash accepted);

(2) a few slides or CD-ROM pictures to share of

your years activities, (3) party treats! Extra goodies

will be used at the dinner after the Ames Christmas

Bird Count, and (4) new this year, please bring one

non-perishable food item to be forwarded to the

MICA food panty for distribution to area residents

less fortunate than ourselves.

Field Trips

November 6Lake Red Rock, Runnells Natural Area, and

Pinchey Bottoms

FYI November12-143rd Annual Rivers and Bluffs Fall Birding

Festival, Lansing, IA. Contact Ric Zarwell for more

information([email protected]).

December 18Ames Christmas Bird Count. Contact Leader:

David Edwards: 292-3790. E-mail [email protected]

December19Saylorville Christmas Bird Count. Contact

Leader: Jim Dinsmore: 292-3152. E-mail:

[email protected].

January 1, 2005Boone Christmas Bird Count. Contact Leader:

Mark Widrlechner: 233-1532. E-mail: [email protected]

January 29Ledges State Park in the Snow Maybe!

February 26Winter Birds of Ada Hayden Heritage Park and

Little Wall Lake.

Page 2 Officers and CommitteesPresidents Column

Page 3 Field Trip ReportBoone County 4th Grade Classes

Christmas Bird CountsPage 4 Prairie Winds - Mike & Linda Meetz

Rummage Sale Alert

In This Issue

Newsletter of the Big Bluestem Audubon Society

Page 5 New MembersFuture BBAS ProgramsMembership FormCoupons

Page 6 Mortensen Mounds

Unless otherwise indicated, field trips leave promptly at

8:00 a.m. from the public parking lot west of (behind) the

Ames Wild Birds Unlimited, located south of the

railroad tracks at 213 Duff Ave. Trip destinations are

subject to change based on recent bird sightings and the

desires of the participants. Contact Jeff Nichols at 515-

795-4176,[email protected] more information.

Program meetings are held monthly, September-May on

the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm, Room

2226 Veterinary Medicine Building, Iowa State

University, Ames, Iowa.

If you would like to meet and dine with the speaker and

the BBAS Board before the monthly meeting, please

contact Lynne Brookes to confirm space and location at

1-515-434-2028 [email protected]


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2 Big Bluestem Flyer November/December 2004

Big Bluestem Audubon SocietyOfficers and Committees

OfficersPresident: Linda Thomas 292-7534 [email protected]: Lynne Brookes 434-2028 [email protected]: Bruce Ehresman 296-2995

[email protected]: Ed Carbrey 292-2404

Board MembersBreanne Marpe 432-1231 [email protected]: Nichols [email protected] Bitzer 233-6741 [email protected]

Wolfgang Oesterreich 232-3285 (h) [email protected] Grotheer 233-9873 [email protected]

The mission of the Big Bluestem Audubon Society is to

enjoy the observation and study of birds and natural

ecosystems, contribute to their conservation and

restoration, engage in educational activities to benefit

humanity, and gain a broader understanding and deeper

appreciation of the world we live in.

Committee ChairsArchivist: Hank Zaletel 382-427 [email protected] Co-chairs: Karl and Carmen Jungbluth, 432-5057

weatherbird.opencominc.comConservation Chair: Bruce Ehresman (See Officers)Education Chair: Amy Yoakum, 232-2516

[email protected] Trip Chair: Jeff Nichols (See Officers)

Membership Chair: Jon Bahrenfus [email protected] Chair: Lynne Brookes (See Officers)Publicity Chair: Linda Thomas (See Officers)Publications & Electronic Media Co-Chairs:

David Edwards 292-3790 [email protected] Bahrenfus [email protected]

BBAS Web Site:http://www.wyalusing.org/BBAS.htm

Presidents Column

As I pulled into my driveway the other day and happened to look at one of my feeders in the backyard, I caught a

glimpse of my first red-breasted nuthatch of the season. Now, I have seen these little bandits before. But once

again, I was excited and delighted! I watched a little longer. But despite seeing several very busy chickadees and

white-breasted nuthatches, the bandit didnt reappear. But I know he will be back.

Some of you might ask why all the excitement? You have seen lots of these birds. Youmay have a long life list and a list of more you hope to add. Well, there are some

amongst us and many outside of the chapter who are just starting to enjoy birds and

nature. They may be excited to see their first cardinal or chickadee. So, as we approach

this holiday and giving season, I encourage all of you to not only enjoy your own excite-

ment, but also reach out to someone else to help them enjoy theirs, too. Give them a

priceless gift for life!

And, speaking of the holidays, mark your calendar for our annual holiday gathering on Thursday, December

16th. This will start at 7:00 PM (rather than 7:30 PM), and be held at the Story County Conservation Center at

McFarland park. This would be a great gathering to bring a friend or someone new to birding. And keeping with

the giving season, we encourage you to bring a donation (money or birdseed) for the centers feeders, along with

holiday treats to share at the gathering. Plus, new this year, please bring one non-perishable food item to be for-

warded to the MICA food panty for distribution to area residents less fortunate than ourselves.

Also, dont forget the Christmas Bird Counts. This is the 105th year of the nationwide Christmas Bird Counts,

and BBAS has a long tradition of local participation in the Ames, Boone, and Saylorville counts. However, we are

in need of a new Ames Count Coordinator. Dave Edwards is retiring after many years of doing a great job in this

role. Please consider helping to keep this tradition going. If interested, contact me or Dave directly.

Have a wonderful holiday season, safe travels, great birding, and hope to see you soon!Linda Thomas

PS: Our next board meeting is at 6:30PM on Wednesday, December 1 at the State Forest Nursery.


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November/December 2004 Big Bluestem Flyer 3

Field Trip to Ada Hay den Heritage ParkOn 18 September, nine members visited Ames' newest park (which I consider to be part of my extended

backyard). Under a partly cloudy sky, we concentrated our birding efforts along the Upland Trail, in the western

part of the park. Although many of the wetlands had dried up we still managed to find Canada Geese, Mallards,

Blue-winged Teal, a Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Herons, many Killdeer, a Spotted Sandpiper, and a couple of

Least Sandpipers. There was a lot of avian activity around Jensen Pond north of the big lakes, including a fly-by

Cooper's Hawk, a pair of Belted Kingfishers, an Eastern Phoebe, and a few Eastern Kingbirds. The Osprey made

its appearance before the end of the trip. We ended up with 40 avian species.Wolf Oesterreich

Christmas Bird Count Invitation

More than 50,000 observers participate each year in this international, all-day census of early-winter bird

populations. The results of their efforts are compiled into the longest running database in ornithology,

representing over a century of unbroken data on trends of early-winter bird populations across the Americas.

Simply put, the Christmas Bird Count, or "CBC", is citizen science in action.

From beginning birder to seasoned ornithologist, all are welcome to participate on any Christmas Bird Count.

Participants must do their counting within a designated 15-mile CBC circle on the given count day. The inclusive

dates of the Official Count period are always December 14th through January 5th of each season. Historically, the

Ames count is held the first Saturday of the period, December 18th this year. The Saylorville count will be on

the following Sunday the 19th. The Boone count is scheduled for Saturday, January 1st.

Count circles are divided into specific areas in which a group of 4 or more birders plan their method of search.

Experienced leaders are responsible for each area, and this is a good place for those unsure of their skills to learn.

Most but not all participants spend the whole day. Feeder counts are also made on the same day in each countcircle. At days end, participants meet for supper and share stories and bird tallies.

You may sign-up for a count at the November BBAS meeting or call the respective count leaders indicated on the

first page of this newsletter. Past participants will likely be contacted directly by the count leaders.

Participants 18 years of age and under can participate for free. All others are asked to pay $5.00 to help

Audubon cover CBC program costs (such as database/web development costs, and the publication of the CBC

results summary).David Edw ards

Boone County 4th Grade Outdoo rs Day at The Led gesBig Bluestem members once again gave short sessions on birding to 4th grade classes from Boone County during

their annual Outdoors Field Day. Katy Patterson and I worked with seven classes on Tuesday and Jon Bahrenfus

and Ken Hunt met similar classes on Thursday. We first showed them what they already know about common

birds and presented what they might see in that part of the park. After an introduction to using binoculars, they

spent the remaining 10 to 15 minutes looking for birds (and whatever else reached their 10-year-old fancies). The

birds available are always limited, but some classes saw birds from among Eastern Bluebird, White-breasted

Nuthatch, Downy and Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-rumped Warbler, a pair of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, and

the always exciting (to them) Turkey Vulture. There was only 25 minutes to spend on birding in their schedule of

seven activities.

Note that the binoculars were a gift from BBAS, and do to the growth in size of the classes, they could really useanother five pair so that the children do not have to share the little time they have.

David Edw ards

Ka ty Patterson show ing the b irds


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Newsletter Material DeadlinesBecause we would like to have the newsletter to each member before the first day of its coverage, the editor

needs to have material at least two weeks before that. Hence the deadlines for the future will be the fifteenth

of December, February, and April.

Please be aware that editing your offering for length and style is sometimes necessary.

4 November/December 2004Big Bluestem Flyer

Prairie WindsSeptember 13, 2004

After supper and errands in town, Im finally home. Horses are fed and watered. I find the leash, and our

Golden girl knows were going to walk in the prairie. Her nose is busy reading the messages other creatures may

have left, apparently just for her. Then shes off on a new mission, sometimes under trees, other times halting

suddenly, homed in on something in mid-trail.

Dusk is falling, but I can see the turkey foot tops of the Big Bluestem sway in the breeze as we walk. I reach

my hand up to greet the familiar plant and feel its soft touch. As if in reply, a subtle wind shift sends a brush of

turkey feet across my face. I smile, certain that the grass is returning my greeting. I notice the light is slowlyfading.

We pass a trail to one of the blinds near the pond. I try to persuade the dog that we are going a different

direction just now. She concedes and springs ahead down the trail. We hear ducks voices. In the deepening

darkness, I can see tiny white blooms swaying amid and against the taller darker plants. The breeze picks up.

The banks of grass on either side of the trail form a large V along the path until the wind teases them to close over

us as we walk, bumping against the thicker, heaver stems that lean into the path. No color left to see now; just

shades of dark and darker. The dog walks faster, smiling, and shows me she knows the way to the yard. She is

pleased! I realize that am not walking her and she is not dragging me; instead we are walking together, the leash

lightly linking us as we move beneath the dark sky.

It is good to be home.Linda Mee tz

Our View from Prairie WindsOctober 7, 2004

There is a change in the air and with its arrival, new faces emerge daily as the old and familiar move on. The

Ruby-throated Hummers were seen sipping from the feeder the last Thursday of September. By the following

Sunday, White-throated Sparrows, Tree Sparrows and Juncos were seen gleaning around the feeder station base.

All of ones senses reawaken at this time. The waft of drying leaves and the maturing stem blends the warmth,

mustiness, and rich nutty aromas characteristic of this season.

After a warm gentle October rain the ground crawls with wandering salamanders and crayfish. They leave the

surrounding fields to cut across our yards and prairie soils, seeking the soft mud of the pothole and a secure refuge

from the approach of winters cold. They are lulled to sleep by a large mixed chorus of Red-winged Blackbirds,

Grackles, Starlings and the numerous waterfowl species that stop for a visit and rest.

The night of our first killing frost did in the tomato plants. But it provided us with eye candy by forcing amixed flock of American Redstarts, Yellow-rumped, and Tennessee Warblers, along with Ruby- and Gold-crowned

Kinglets to seek cover in our trees.

Many good reasons to look forward to the approaching crisp fall days.Mike a nd Linda Mee tz

Big Bluestem Aud ubon Soc iety Rumm age Sale in Ap ril 2005

Start sorting through items you would like to contribute to the spring 2005 BBAS Rummage Sale. This sale will

be a great opportunity to reduce clutter and recycle unwanted items, while also helping fund the conservation and

education activities of Big Bluestem. Watch for more information in the spring BBAS newsletters.

Jeff Nic hols


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Big Bluestem FlyerNovember/December 2004 5

Present the coupons below at the time of your purchase and a donation will be given to BBAS.Donations will fund the various habitat restoration and educational projects undertaken by BBAS.

Brekke's Town & Country Store, Inc.1 1/2 miles east of I-35 on new U.S. 30 and 1/4 mile north

Hours: 8-6 M-F, 8-4 Sat. (515) 232-7906

Purchase DonationUp tp $15 $1.50$15 and over $3.00$35 and over $5.00Over $70 $7.50

Brekkes offers Big Bluestem Audubon Society a donationwhen bird seed or other bird products are purchased.Present this coupon with your purchase and a donation will begiven to BBAS.

Offer good until December 31, 2004

Membership Application forms

Clip and JoinDont forget gift memberships!

New member of the National Audubon Society. You will

receive theAudubon magazine, theBig Bluestem Flyer,membership card. $20Please make your check payable to National AudubonSociety and include Chapter Code H-57 on the check

Subscribe to theBig Bluestem Flyer for one year andparticipate in some Big Bluestem Society Activities $10Restrictions are that you will not be a National Audubon Societymember or have voting privileges, and you cannot be an officer orcommittee chair. Please make your check payable toBig Bluestem

Audubon Society.

Send your check and this coupon toJon Bahrenfus, Membership Chair1050 J Ave, Ogden, IA 50212

Name _______________________________________________Address _____________________________________________City_____________________ State____ ZIP_______________Phone ________________ E-mail _______________________Please do not use this form for renewals to the National Audubon Soc.

OR

Donate 10%of Your NextPurchase to

Big Bluestem Audubon Society

BIRDSEED FEEDERS BIRDBATHS OPTICS NATURE GIFTS

213 Duff Ave. Ames, IA 50010 (515) 956-3145Mon-Wed 9:30-5:30 Thurs 9:30-8Fri 9:30-5:30 Sat 9-5 Sun 12-4

Coupon must be presented at time of purchaseMay not be combined with any other offerNot valid on specially-priced merchandise

Offer Expires: 12/31/04

New Members

Dean Peterson and MadeleineHenry

Judy and John Garton

Karen Tegtmeyer

Larry DauRebecca Sharp

Future BBAS ProgramsJan. 20, 2005 - Sue Fairbanks: Bighorn

Sheep and their EnvironsFeb.17, 2005 - Joe Colletti: The Bear

Creek Watershed

Mar.17, 2005 - Mike Meetz: Loons

Apr. 21, 2005 - Embere Hall and Tracy

Walker: Iowa Bird Studies

May 19, 2005 - Fred Janzen: Turtles


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IfyouhaveanXafteryournameonyourmailinglabel,thiswillbeyourlast

issueoftheFlyerunlessyourenew.

Non-ProfitOrg.U.S.PostagePaid

PermitNo.131Ames,Iowa

BigBluestemFlyerDavidC.Edwards,EditorBigBluestemAudubonSociety2308StateAveAmes,IA50014

Printed on Recycled paper

Wewelcomenewmembers!

November/December 2004Vol 40 No. 2

Mortensen Mounds UpdateThe past six months have been a time of contrast for the Mounds, all the way from negative challenge to positive

result.

Unfortunately, dumping (including 10 diameter burned tree limbs, rocks, concrete chunks, doggy- doo, and

discarded road construction materials) has increased in frequency. Lucky for us, Ames Building and Grounds is

willing to cart away this stuff if it is piled up. In addition to discarded construction materials, Mortensen Road

remodeling resulted in the Mounds losing five feet of grassy surround on the south to make room for a paved bike

path. This cut the park-like atmosphere in that area, since the frame around the Mounds now looks rather

stingy.And the person who dug up our only compass plant (you can see the disturbed soil where it had been) is this

the same one who last year dug up the only two butterfly milkweeds? This is not helping our project!

But the dozen or so goldfinch continue to use the area. They do a lot of chattering and chee-winks to keep us

company as we work. Plus at least seven monarch larvae were seen on the west-end milkweeds, with the

possibility of more in the interior areas. (However, removing most of the wild parsnip also removed the possibility

of food for black swallowtail larvae, which we saw on the parsnip last year.)

Regarding the forbs/flowers which we are working toward increasing in number, a few more monarda/bee balm

and oxeye showed up this summer, along with the first stiff goldenrod. Waiting for the forbs is hard. Lots of seed

was put down in the past four to five years, but there are few plants to show for it.

Lesson: Prairie plants teach us patience!Jeanne Edw ards

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November-December 2004 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society