November-December 2005 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society

8/9/2019 November-December 2005 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society

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Big Bluestem FlyerBig Bluestem Flyer

Volume 41, Number 2 November/December 2005

Programs

November 17 , 2005Bugs and P rairies

MJ HatfieldNative plant enthusiast and prairie re-

constructionist, MJ is also serving as an Americorpsvolunteer with the Iowa DNR. She will talk about

Iowa prairie insects and their habitat relationships.

You will also be seeing some great photography ofbugs up close and personal.

December 15, 2005 BBAS 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! Extragoodies will be used at the dinner after the Ames

Christmas Bird Count, and (4) please bring onenon-perishable food item to be forwarded to the

MICA food panty for distribution to area residents

less fortunate than ourselves.

Field Trips

November 19, 2005Waterfowl viewing at Lake Red Rock, RunnellsNatural Area, and Pinchey Bottoms.

Christmas Bird Counts

December 17, 2005Ames Christmas Bird Count.

Contact Leader: Shane/Katy Patterson: 232-4682.

E-mail: [email protected]

December 18, 2005Saylorville Christmas Bird Count.

Contact Leader: Jim Dinsmore: 292-3152.E-mail: [email protected].

January 1, 2006

Boone Christmas Bird Count.Contact Leader: Mark Widrlechner: 233-1532.

E-mail: [email protected]

Page 2 Officers and CommitteesPresidents Corner

Page 3 Christmas Bird Counts

Page 4 Iowa Audubon RepresentativeTeacher Treasures

In This Issue

Newsletter of the Big Bluestem Audubon Society

Page 5 Board of Directors Activities

Page 6 Upper Midwest Audubon Conference

Page 7 New MembersCoupons

Page 8 Field Trip Reports

Unless otherwise indicated, field trips leavepromptly 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 theparticipants. Contact Jeff Nichols (515-795-4176,

([email protected]) for 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,Iow a 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 515-434-2028 [email protected]


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2 Big Bluestem Flyer November/December 2005

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 MembersShane Patterson 232-4682 [email protected]: Nichols 795-4176 [email protected] Bitzer 233-6741 [email protected]

Wolfgang Oesterreich 232-3285 [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://BigBluestemAudubon.org

Presidents CornerHard to believe it is fall (especially after a recent 80 degree day) and soon the snow will be flying, the holidays

will be here and gone, and we will start another year all over again. Time marches on quickly, even more quickly I

think as we grow older. And one thing thats also inevitable is change. Change in the seasons, the birds around

us, the plants and trees, the temperatures, etc. We just need to react more quickly to change.

Speaking of change, we have a new coordinator for the Ames Christmas Bird Count. Shane Patterson, along

with his wife Katy, has accepted this role. Thanks to Dave and Jeanne Edwards for their many years of

coordinating this activity. Before we know it, it will be time for the Ames, Boone, and Saylorville Christmas Bird

Counts.

And, speaking of the holidays, our annual holiday gathering will be Thursday, December 15th, starting at 7PM(rather than 7:30PM), at the Story County Conservation Center at McFarland Park. You are encouraged to bring

money or birdseed for the centers feeders, treats to share at the party, and one non-perishable food item that will

be forwarded to the MICA food pantry.

On a final note, we recently received the following regarding Big Bluestems Audubon Adventures

contributions.

Amy, I don't know if you are the person I should write to or not, but I would

appreciate the Big Bluestem chapter of the Audubon Society knowing that our

Audubon Adventures box arrived today. I can hardly wait for us to use the

materials! At the present we are learning about science inquiry and becoming

familiar with tools, equipment, and investigative techniques. We will soon begin

our Animal Classification Unit of the district curriculum. The materials which

arrived today are such great resources. We will use them when we study spiders,turtles, etc. This year an added class of each grade level was organized at

Meeker. I teach three fifth grade classes each day. The materials which your

organization provides will be used by over 75 children. Thank you again for your

support of education. We appreciate it. (I have copied this note to our

principal, Dr. Susan Risius, and to our Curriculum Director, Dr. Mandy Ross, so

they both know of your support to our students.)

Sincerely, Suzanne Kelly, Fifth Grade Teacher, Meeker Elementary

Big Bluestem does make a difference. Thanks for being part of the Society!

Linda Thom as


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November/December 2005 Big Bluestem Flyer 3

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 17th this year. The Saylorville count will be onthe following Sunday the 18th. The Boone count is scheduled for Sunday, 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 count

circle. 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 (including database/web development costs, and the publication of the CBC

results summary).David Edw ards

Annual Boone County 4th Grade Outdoors Day at The Ledge sBig Bluestem members once again gave short sessions on birding to 4th grade classes from Boone County during

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

joined us for five 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 all classes on that hot Tuesday saw a group of resting White Pelicans on the river

shoreline. Other birds making brief appearances were American Robin, White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy and Red-

bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and the always exciting (to them) Turkey Vulture. Thursday classes

met very cold weather and there were even less birds. To fill their time and add a little interest, Jon placed paper

cut-outs on woods trees and asked the kids to spot them with their binoculars. There were only 25 minutes to

spend on birding in their schedule of seven activities.

Note that the binoculars were a gift from BBAS to Boone County Conservation, and a very-much-appreciated

component of the experience..David Edw ards


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November/December 20054 Big Bluestem Flyer

Wanted: New Iowa Audubon Board Representative

I have enjoyed working with others over the past 9 years in an effort to

build Iowa Audubon into an effective bird conservation organization, plus

more. It is now time to let someone else take wing in this effort, so Ill be

stepping aside as the Big Bluestem representative on the Iowa Audubon

Board of Directors at the end of 2005.

As a result, BBAS is looking for a new person to represent the chapter on the Iowa Audubon Board of Directors.

Every Audubon chapter in Iowa has a representative on the Iowa Audubon Board, and that board also includes fiveAt Large members. The chapters elect their representative in whatever way they choose.

The new BBAS board member will represent Big Bluestem at Iowa Audubon board meetings (3-4 per year), and

keep the chapter informed about goings on in Iowa Audubon and throughout the state. Chapter representatives

also develop ways for Iowa Audubon to help chapters be more successful, and vice versa. Very importantly, Big

Bluestems representative would also assist other Iowa Audubon Directors in supporting Iowa Audubons mission

and goals, including the Important Bird Areas program, by building and managing financial resources, furthering

Iowa Audubons public image and participating in committees.

The Mission of Iowa Audubon is to identify, protect and restore Iowas bird habitats, to educate Iowas citizens

and build a greater level of conservation awareness, and to promote enjoyment and greater pride in Iowas natural

ecosystems, birds, other wildlife. This includes: Build the Important Bird Areas program into a statewide force for bird conservation and habitat

protection, management and restoration. Employ advocacy, education and communication to formcommunity-based constituencies for the monitoring and stewardship of essential bird habitats.

Through festivals and education events, educate Iowans about the wonders of bird migration, theimportance of clean water and natural habitats, and the uniqueness of Iowas native birds, plants

and animals. The Pelican Festival at Saylorville Reservoir is one example of this action.

Host fundraisers across Iowa, building the financial capacity to support bird and habitat

conservation.

Identify issues concerning birds, habitats, the environment, and the quality of life in Iowa.

Interested candidates are invited to attend the October 29th Iowa Audubon Board meeting at 11 a.m. at the DNR

Wildlife Station near Ledges State Park. Iowa Audubon meetings are always open to BBAS members. If

interested in becoming the BBAS representative to the Iowa Audubon Board of Directors, also please contact KarlJungbluth ([email protected], 515-432-5057) or BBAS President Linda Thomas before October 29th.

The new BBAS representative will need to be elected before the January/February 2006 Iowa Audubon board

meeting.

Karl Jung bluth

A REMI NDER RE: TEACHER TREASURE COLLECTIONS

Lower elementary and art teachers are using our recyclable treasures. Here is a list of items that have been

useful:

Egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, cotton from pill bottles, lightweight cardboard, small pieces of wood (1 to 5),

wooden dowels, partially used typing paper and other such paper, yogurt cups with tops, other plastic containers

with tops, toweling tubes, bits and pieces of wood (untreated), yarn and string and ribbon, fabric pieces,

discontinued printouts and cards printed on one side, beads, holiday decorations, old calendar pictures, artwork,

wrapping paper, bows/ribbons, and left-over craft materials. In other words, just about anything you can think of!

Call your closest elementary school and talk to the art teacher or to the 1st, 2nd, or kindergarten teacher and ASK

for suggestions. It would be nice if you identified yourself as an Audubon member and explained this project!

You could deliver your collection directly to the teacher, or bring them to the BBAS meeting, or to the home of

Jeanne/David Edwards and we will deliver them (please call first 292-3790).

Jea nne Edw ards


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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 deadline for the next issues will be the

fifteenth of December, February, and April.

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

5November/December 2005 Big Bluestem Flyer

Notes From The BIG BLUESTEM AUDUBON SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGof Wednesda y, Oc tober 5, 2005

Treasurers ReportBirdathon income from 2005 was $3,339.45, and a First Federal Savings Bank balance of $9,353.72.

Birdathon ReportBirdathon income from 2005 was down somewhat this year. The 2006 Birdathon date will be May 6 (not on

Mothers Day weekend).

Iow a Audubon ReportThe Iowa Audubon 4th Annual Pelican Gala (fundraiser), held on Sept. 9, was successful. Sixty-four people

attended, and 68 people paid to attend. Funding for Important Bird Areas is a priority of this gathering.

Membership ReportOverall membership seems to be holding steady.

Conservation Report:The Kellerton Bird Conservation Area has been expanded from 10,000 acres to 51,000 acres. This larger area

encompasses The Nature Conservancys priority areas for protection and management. Also the Shimek Forest

Bird Conservation Area will soon be proposed for designation. As another funding mechanism for nongame

wildlife, two new Natural Resource License Plates, each featuring a bald eagle or a ring-necked pheasant, are now

available to buy from the Department of Transportation.

EducationReportAudubon Adventures packets are being paid for by BBAS to be distributed to 3rd-5th Grade classes, as well as

some home schooled children.

Archives/ Library ReportA Vision Statement was presented, indicating the importance of documenting the history of BBAS. All

significant documents (including the BBAS Board minutes and newsletters) that relate to BBAS history should be

sent to Hank Zaletel to be archived on the fourth floor of the Iowa State University library.

Old BusinessBBAS Brochure Revision

A new membership brochure is under development.

Upper Midwest Regional Audubon ConferenceShane and Katy Patterson attended this conference as BBAS representatives. They provided the Board with

some useful ideas for BBAS fundraising and increasing membership diversity. They plan do a short report of the

conference at the next general membership meeting. (Also, see the next page of this newsletter.)

Ada Hayden Signage UpdateContact was made with Ames Parks and Recreation about BBAS input into educational signage.

New BusinessMcCallsburg Habitat PurchaseIowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF)/Pheasants Forever are purchasing ~90 acres of land about 2 miles

south of McCallsburg in Story County that has excellent potential to be wildlife/bird habitat. It is bisected by East

Indian Creek and adjoins the west side of Union Pacific Railroad, where prairie habitat still exists. The goal of the

acquisition is to deed the property to Story County Conservation Board once it is paid for. It is hoped that $50,000

to $100,000 can be raised from local groups and individuals. A $2,000 donation by BBAS toward the areas

purchase was approved by the Board.


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6 November/December 2005Big Bluestem Flyer

Upper Midw est Regional Audubon ConferenceWe recently represented Big Bluestem Audubon at the Upper Midwest Regional Audubon Conference in Galena,

IL from September 30th to October 2nd.

Roundtable discussions, formal presentations, and field trips highlighted a rewarding weekend in northwestern

Illinois. For sure, this regions landscape of forested hills, dramatic bluffs, rocky streams, and idyllic dairylands

provided a nice backdrop to the conference. Forays to Mississippi Palisades SP, Apple River Canyon SP, and the

Lost Mound component of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge were among the many interesting

field trips offered.

The official theme of the weekend was Uniting for Conservation: Moving Forward, and a quick glance at

presentation titles definitely reveals a wide range of topics related to conservation. There were many sessions that

ran concurrently, and the following were talks that one or both of us attended.

-Audubon Upper Mississippi River Campaign and Important Bird Areas Update

-Avoiding Burnout in Volunteers,

-Help Neotropical Biologists and Migrants on the Wintering Grounds: Adopt a MoSI Bird Station in Central

America

-Crafting Successful Letters to the Editor

-The Heart of Alaskas Refuge: Protecting ANWAR

-Status and Trends of Grassland Birds in the Upper Midwest

-Partners in Flight, North American Landbird Restoration Plan

-Connecting Kids With Nature: Chapter Activities for Children and Youth

-Fundraising: What Works and What Doesnt

We were grateful to have represented BBAS during these various sessions. In that regard, wed like to take afew moments to share with you some of the specifics from the last presentation on the list, because it ties in

directly to a topic that applies to every Audubon club.

Fundraising: what works and what doesnt, was a roundtable discussion led by members of the Zumbro Valley

Audubon Society of southeastern Minnesota. This session generated many useful ideas that could work for our own

group. Perhaps the most intriguing idea a silent auction - is one that has already been implemented successfully

by Iowa Audubon at the annual Pelican Gala. As many of you know, this is the September event held right before

the Pelican Festival at Jester Park along Saylorville Reservoir.

People bid on such items as wildlife prints and photographs, birdhouses and birdseed, birding lessons for

beginners, guided birding tours, etc. For our own auction, Big Bluestem members, local businesses, and other

interested parties could contribute these aforementioned items. Additionally, it was noted that the inclusion of one

big item, such as multi-day trip to a popular wildlife-watching destination, could provide a built-in means of

boosting the auction. Speaking from personal experience, there are always a variety of interesting items and

plenty of willing bidders. The two of us have fun at silent auctions, even when we end up bidding on more thanwed planned!

Although these events do require considerable organizational effort, the rewards are often significant. Several

people at the conference mentioned making hundreds of dollars or often even thousands of dollars - for their

Audubon clubs at silent auctions.

A smaller-scale fundraiser idea that was presented was a story shoe, in which people put forth a small

donation before telling a story to the Audubon club. For example, if youd like to share a story about birds youve

seen recently, or maybe what the grandchildren have been up to (especially if theyve been birding!), then you

would just drop a quarter (or two) into the shoe to start the story. While this might seem like an unusual idea for

a fundraiser, the story shoe works effectively in a couple of ways. Not only does this storytelling help to cover

smaller operational costs, but it also serves as a great way to foster interaction among chapter members.

As for the what doesnt work part of the fundraising discussion, several people mentioned the ineffectiveness of

bird-a-thons. We found this fact to be rather interesting largely because of how successful our own clubs bird-a-

thons have been. So heres to the continued success of the event!Now, weve just summarized a few ideas from just one of the talks that we attended. Wed be happy to discuss

what we learned from the other presentations that we listed earlier as well. Feel free to ask!

Lastly, we are both glad that we took the chance to attend this conference. We gained much valuable

information, and we enjoyed exploring and learning about conservation areas of the region. We look forward to

attending forthcoming editions of this annual event (to be held in Wisconsin next year), and we encourage others to

join us.

Sha ne and Katy Patterson


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Big Bluestem FlyerNovember/December 2005 7

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, 2005

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 9:30-8

Fri 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: 12-31-05

Welcome

New Members

Shelva Boyd-AmesDonna Crosman-Boone

Sharon Drake-AmesEliot La Follette-Boone

Charlene Hulsebus-AmesMary Lewis-Pilot Mound

Mark Lincoln-Perry

Anita Nichols-AmesJerry Osier-Story City

Susie Petra-Ames

Judy Roseland- Webster CityHelen Schubert -Story City

D C Edwards


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IfyouhaveanXafteryournameonyourmailinglabel,thiswillbeyourlast

issueoftheFlyerunlessyourenew.

Non-ProfitOrg.U.S.PostagePaid

PermitNo.131Ames,Iowa

BigBluestemFlyerDavidC.Edwards,EditorBigBluestemAudubonSocietyPOBox543Ames,IA50010-0543

Printed on Recycled paper

Wewelcomenewmembers!

November/December 2005Vol 41 No. 2

Field Trip ReportsDoolittle Prairie (September 24)Despite (or perhaps because of) a cold blustery day with occasional rain showers, seven participants enjoyed a

real sparrow show on this field trip. Four Le Contes Sparrows and dozens of Lincolns Sparrows, as well as two

record early (for Story Co.) White-crowned Sparrows topped the list of interesting sparrows. Also seen were

Philadelphia Vireo (Jeff only) and Nashville, Yellow-rumped, Palm and Connecticut (Wolf only) Warblers and

American Redstart and Common Yellowthroat. 48 species.

Big Creek State Park, Saylorville Reservoir, and Polk City Wildlife Area (October 15)The weather was unusually nice for mid-October, and 12

participants enjoyed clear skies and pleasant temperatures

with little wind (YES!). We started with a short hike on the

bike trail at Big Creek SP. Sparrows were elusive, and we

struggled to get good looks at even some of the more common

species. Yellow-rumped Warblers were abundant and the

only warbler seen. We next headed to Cherry Glen to look for

a reported Surf Scoter, but the lighting was poor. Viewing

was much better at the dam and from the viewing platform

behind the Visitors Center. We never found the scoter but we

enjoyed satisfactory if distant looks at 10 duck species and

Eared, Horned and Pied-billed Grebes. After lunch (enough

said about that experience), we finished the trip with adetour through Luther to pad our list with Eurasian Collared-Dove. We finally found two birds after about ten

minutes of searching. 59 species.

Jeff Nic hols

Kirsten Munson

American Coots were the mostnumerous bird on the waters.

Documents

November-December 2005 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society