September-October 2004 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society

8/9/2019 September-October 2004 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society

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Big Bluestem FlyerBig Bluestem Flyer

Volume 40, Number 1 September/October 2004

Programs

September 16Jim Dinsmore

Birding New Zea landJim Dinsmore is retired from the Animal Ecology

Department at Iowa State. In November 2003 he spent

about 3 weeks on a bird tour of New Zealand and the

Chatham Islands. Besides its fabulous scenery, New

Zealand is famous for its kiwis, penguins and otherseabirds, and a number of unusual land birds, many of

which are now endangered. In his talk he will discuss

some of these birds along with some of the conservation

issues that those species face.

October 21Loren Lown (Polk Co. Conservation Board)

Chichaqua Bottom : A Work in Progress An overview of the restoration work being done at

Chichaqua to replicate as closely as possible pre-

settlement conditions. The comprehensive conservation

plan will be discussed as well as the focus on

neotropicals. To date there has been a marked increase

in the numbers of nesting waterfowl and other birds in

this area consisting of 7,000 acres in Polk Co. and 1,800

acres in Jasper Co. Results of an area survey done this

year will be presented.

Field TripsFYI September 12

Pelican Festival from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Camp

Area #2 in Jester Park. For more information, call 515-

323-5363 or visit the Polk County Conservation Board

website at www.conservationboard.org.

September 18Ada Hayden Heritage Park.

Trip Leader: Wolf Oesterreich (515-232-3285).

FYI September 24-26Fall IOU meeting at Wickiup Hill Natural Area

(www.iowabirds.org/iou/currentmeeting.asp for more

information).

FYI September 25-26Hawk Celebration at Effigy Mounds. 563-873-3491 or

www.nps.gov/efmo/HAWK_01.html or for more

information.

October 23Saylorville Lake and Polk City Wildlife Area.

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]).

Page 2 Officers and CommitteesPresidents Column

Page 3 Pelican FestivalAnnual Pelican Gala

Page 4 Turtle and Snake RoadkillState Wildlife Plan

Page 5 Eagle NestingOlav Smedal Award NominationsFall Birdfeeder Cleaning

In This Issue

Newsletter of the Big Bluestem Audubon Society

Page 6 Photo ContestPrairie Winds - Mike & Linda Meetz

Page 7 New MembersFuture BBAS ProgramsMembership FormCoupons

Page 8 Where is it?

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 September/October 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 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 ColumnAs we start a new Big Bluestem Audubon Society season, I would first like to thank all our recently retired offi-

cers, board members and committee chairs John Pohlman, President; Matt Wetrich, Board Member; and Al John-

son, Membership Chair for their past efforts and dedication. Secondly, welcome to the new members of the lead-

ership team Royce Bitzer and Tim Grotheer, Board Members; along with John Bahrenfus, Membership Chair.

Thanks also to those continuing as part of our leadership team Lynne Brookes, Vice President and Program

Chair; Ed Carbrey, Treasurer; Bruce Ehresman, Secretary & Conservation Chair; Amy Yoakum, Education Chair;

Jeff Nichols, Field Trip Chair and Board Member; Breanne Marpe, and Wolf Oesterreich, Board Members; and

Dave Edwards, Newsletter Editor. And finally, to all our members, thank you for the opportunity to serve as your

President for the upcoming year. I hope I can meet your expectations and continue the tradition of the great jobdone in past years.

Two goals I have for the Society are to increase both our membership and our visibility in the community. In

order to do this, I have two requests of each of you.

First, take a moment to reflect on why you are a member of Big Bluestem Audubon Society. Is it the field

trips, Christmas Bird Counts, or Birdathon? Is it our monthly meetings and programs? Is it the conservation ef-

forts we support? Is it the camaraderie with others with like interests?

Second, whatever your reason(s) and regardless of your level of participation, how might you share your inter-

est and enthusiasm with someone who is not a BBAS member? By helping someone else, i.e., friend, neighbor,

child, grandchild, co-worker, etc., to develop an interest and appreciation of nature, conservation, and the environ-

ment around us, you are giving a gift for life. And just maybe through your efforts, BBAS will gain a new member

and supporter. What a win-win situation!

So, lets all get started now by planning to attend, and inviting someone else, to our September 16th chapter

meeting where our own Jim Dinsmore will provide another of his outstanding presentations, this time on the

Birds of New Zealand. Wouldnt it be great to have a packed house at this meeting?

Or, prior to this September meeting, how about the 5th Annual Pelican Festival at Jester Park on September

12th? If the weather, pelicans, and programs are just half as good as last year it will be a success and you will be a

hit with your guest. Or take a friend on a walk sometime at Ames new, incredible Ada Hayden Heritage Park,

which thousands have already enjoyed since its opening in July.

Whatever or however you do it, start now to share your passion and enthusiasm for nature and give someone a

priceless gift for life!Linda Thomas


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September/October 2004 Big Bluestem Flyer 3

Pelican Festival

Sep tember 12Before we know it, the pelicans will be making their annual trip through Central Iowa and we will be celebrating

their arrival! We welcome your attendance at our festival! Let me know if you have further questions or need more

information.

The 5th Annual Pelican Festival will be held on Sunday, September 12, at Jester Park from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. This

festival has grown to become Iowa's largest one day birding festival. Thousands of American white pelicans gather

at Saylorville Lake during fall migration to their southern wintering grounds.

The festival is free to the public and offers activities for all ages. Educational speakers present interesting pro-

grams every half hour on topics such as migration, pelicans, osprey, and birdwatching. Live bird releases will fol-low two of the speaker presentations. Dozens of high-powered spotting scopes are on site and accompanied by a

knowledgeable birder. Younger guests can enjoy numerous crafts and games in a special tent just for them.

NEW this year will be a commemorative Lewis and Clark area in honor of their bicentennial celebration. Lewis

and Clark's journal entries speak of pelican encounters during their exploration. Hands-on activities and various

programs will taken place in this area from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Polk County Conservation Board, Des Moines Audubon, Iowa Audubon, the IA DNR Wildlife Diversity Program,

and the US Army Corps of Engineers-Saylorville Lake will be your hosts during this spectacular event. Come see

us on September 12th for a beautiful day at the park. Admission and parking is free. Refreshments and merchan-

dise will be available for purchase. Jester Park is located northeast of Granger, Iowa. A park map can be

downloaded at www.conservationboard.orgor by calling 515-323-5300.

Third Annual Pelic an Ga laIowa Audubon will host the Third Annual Pelican Gala on Wednesday, September 8, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at

the Jester Park Lodge. The Gala will celebrate the fall migration of up to 10,000 white pelicans. The Jester Park

Lodge has a beautiful lobby, a huge open area with a fire place and a viewing deck that overlooks SaylorvilleReservoir. Hors d'oeuvres, homemade deserts, and beverages including wine will be served. Music will also be

provided.

Dan McGuiness, Director of Audubon's Upper Mississippi River Campaign will be the feature speaker. Dan's

message will be "Building a Constituency for Birds and Their Habitats Across Upper Mississippi River States."

The price of the Gala is $75 per person or $125 per couple. For everyone interested in birds and habitat, this will

be a wonderful evening to enjoy the camaraderie of other birders, the

spectacular migration of Pelicans and the opportunity to support birds

and habitat in Iowa.

You can reserve your attendance at the Gala by contacting Mr.

Thomas S. Reavely of Iowa Audubon at 515-981-9675 or emailing at

[email protected].

**Reservations are due by September 3


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September/October 20044 Big Bluestem Flyer

The Effec ts of Roads on Turtles and Snake sAccording to Iowa DOT statistics, Iowa has 113,960 miles of public roads. There are more public road miles in

Iowa than interstate miles in the entire 50 states. That means Iowa is the leading or near-leading state in number

of roads per square mile of land surface. Couple this with the fact that 75% of Iowas land surface is cropped each

year, and creeping or crawling species, like turtles and snakes, are especially vulnerable to being run over.

Many of us who work in the conservation field have been concerned that road mortality has been taking a large

toll on reptiles. Now recent research is beginning to show the real negative effects that cars and trucks have on

these species. A particular study on turtles in upstate New York is finding that car traffic eliminates females.

Researchers have found that in areas of high road density, painted turtles populations are 73% male and

snapping turtle populations are 95% male. This suggests that more female turtles than males are killed on roads,especially during their spring-summer nesting migrations when females leave wetlands to find upland egg-laying

sites. Fewer female turtles can mean fewer baby turtles produced to maintain populations.

Snakes also are susceptible to becoming roadkills, or as herpetologists say DOR (Dead On Road). This is

especially true in fall when snakes are enroute to their winter hibernacula and in spring

when they are dispersing from their wintering quarters. One study documented 13,000

road-killed snakes, and several other studies have documented hundreds of snakes killed

on roads. Numerous studies have indicated that road mortality is having negative effects

on snake population levels.

So what can be done to prevent this unnecessary loss of life? Near wetlands, turtles can be protected from traffic

by installing culverts beneath roadways and adding short funnel fences that herd the turtles toward the under-

road crossing. In the Midwest, there already has been much success using this method for the State Threatened

Blandings turtle. Turtle Crossing signs also have been installed where turtles cross

roads to warn vehicle drivers of the presence of these slow moving creatures. These

same methods are being tried with snakes. At an especially busy snake crossing on a

Manitoba highway, a series of small tunnels were installed under the highway with

barrier fencing erected to guide migrating snakes into the tunnels. The result was a

reduction of turtle mortality of almost 75%. Although I am not aware that Iowa has yet

installed any turtle or snake crossing underpasses, I suspect that we will be doing so in

the future. As we gain knowledge of where significant numbers of these reptiles are dying on our roadways, it

appears that we now have access to methods to reduce that mortality.Bruce Ehresman

State Wildlife PlanBig Bluestem Audubon was well represented at a meeting held in Des Moines on 17 July to establish goals and

strategies for a state wildlife plan currently being developed. State Iowa Audubon Vice President Doug Harr is

chair of the steering committee developing the plan and BBS Audubon Secretary Bruce Ehresman chairs the

subcommittee working on issues related to birds. They were joined at the meeting by several other Big Bluestem

Audubon members. About 90 people from throughout Iowa attended the meeting.

The plan, the first ever for Iowa to include non game species as well as game species, covers birds, mammals,

reptiles, amphibians, fish, clams, butterflies, and dragonflies and damselflies. Ehresmans subcommittee has

identified 67 bird species in Iowa that it considers of conservation concern. In all, more than 300 species were

considered of conservation concern. The final plan will identify needs for all of Iowas wildlife and strategies to

meet those needs. The plan, which will be completed in 2005, is required by the state to continue to receive federal

money through the State Wildlife Grant Program. Already, Iowa has received more than $2.3 million and has used

those funds to help develop bird conservation areas, acquire critical habitat, fund research on grassland birds, and

help meet a host of other needs.

Jim DinsmoreFall Birdfeed er Cleaning Fund raiser for ISU Wildlife Ca re Clinic

The 4th annual Wild Birds Unlimited Fall Birdfeeder Cleaning will be held Saturday, October 16, 2004.

Volunteers from the ISU Wildlife Care Clinic, recipients of all proceeds from this fundraiser, will clean feeders at

Wild Birds Unlimited, 213 Duff Ave., Ames, from 10AM to 2PM. Donation of $3.00 per feeder will be collected.

Youll also be able to learn more about the Clinic and view some of their wildlife residents.

So mark your calendar now for a chance to find out more about and support this valuable local resource the

ISU Wildlife Care Clinic; take the mess out of an important, but necessary chore; and prepare for fall and winter

feeding by providing a healthy environment for your birds.


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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 October, December, February, and April.

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

5September/October 2004 Big Bluestem Flyer

Another Good Nesting Year for EaglesPerhaps some of you are growing weary of hearing that bald eagle numbers continue to grow. But to me, the

comeback of this species from total extirpation (in Iowa and many other states) to a now healthy thriving

population is a great example of how the Endangered Species Act has been used as an effective tool. This

successful recovery is also due, in large part, to an incredible nationwide Environmental Education campaign that

has changed the image of eagles and other raptors from villains to respected fellow citizens in the wildlife world.

Why else would 10,000 to 20,000 people turn out each year to learn more about eagles and raptors at the many

Bald Eagle Appreciation Days and Hawk Watch events held each year in Iowa?

Ten years ago, as I drove across Iowa during the summer months, it was still a rare event to see a bald eaglesoaring above the highway or perched in a tree (or on a nest) beside the highway. This year, if I am paying

attention, I usually see at least one eagle during a two or three hour drive within Iowa.

Although unable to monitor Iowas eagle nests to the extent we once did,

Iowas Wildlife Diversity Program continues to record all eagle nest locations

and production information on a fair proportion of these nests. This year, 27

new eagle nests have been reported. New counties with confirmed nests include

Henry, Adams, Ringgold, and Poweshiek (and probably Marshall). At least, 67

Iowa counties now have confirmed eagle nests, and there almost certainly are

over 70 counties with nests. Our conservative estimate of active eagle nests in

2004 is 175. Since many of Iowas prime eagle nest site trees are already taken,

eagles are now nesting closer and closer to human habitation (where many

gigantic cottonwood trees and potential nest sites occur). Of course with more

nests in close proximity to humans come more conflicts, but that is a story for

another time.

Recent correspondence from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service indicates that the bald eagle will soon come off the

Endangered/Threatened Species List. From a low of 417 nesting bald eagle pairs in 1963, in the lower 48 states, to

well over 7,000 bald eagle pairs today, the U.S. bald eagle population has been largely nursed back to health.

When the bald eagle does come off Federal and State Endangered Species Lists, we should celebrate this successful

restoration! I think it also is important for us to remember the lessons learned from the mistakes that we humans

made that jeopardized this species to begin with. We can use the information learned to help benefit many other

declining species. A unique opportunity now exists to make positive choices to affect the destiny of a large number

of our dwindling fellow habitants. If we truly care about the future of wildlife diversity on this planet, it is

extremely important that we make the right choices now!Bruce Ehresma n

Izaak Walton League Seeks Nominees for the Olav Smedal AwardThe Ames Chapter of the Izaac Walton League is seeking nominees for the 2004 Olav Smedal Conservation

Award. The award was initiated in 1988 by The Tribune to honor Olav Smedal, who spent 22 years as an outdoor

writer for the paper. The award seeks to honor those who, by their actions or communications, have done the most

to accurately present to the public in central Iowa excellence in the conservation of natural resources, and outdoor

pursuits representing the highest standards of ethics and sportsmanship. Preference will be given to candidates

who, as volunteers, exhibit excellence in providing public information, leadership and/or involvement.

Those making the nominations should send a letter indicating the nominees background; a description of a

successful program, project, or event for which the nominee was responsible; describe what measurable results

were achieved; and describe what impact the program or activity had on the general public of central Iowa.

Please submit the nomination to the Olav Smedal Conservation Award Committee, c/o Mike Meetz, 20267 580thAve., Nevada, IA, 50201.


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6 September/October 2004Big Bluestem Flyer

Photo Contest

Sponsored b y Story County Conserva tion Partners & Ames Camera C lubThe Story County Conservation (SCC) Partners and the Ames Camera Club are cosponsoring a contest for photos

taken in Story County, Iowa. Judging of the photos will take place in September 2004. Photos may be entered in

the following categories:

A. Nature (may include structures)

B. Specimen shot of native plant or animal

C. People and recreation

Each entrant may submit up to three entries, two copies of each.

One copy should be mounted, not matted, and may not exceed11x14. The mounted copy will be available for pick up after photos have been displayed. The other copy is to be an

unmounted 5x7 (5x5 square format accepted) which SCC will retain for its use. The photographer retains all rights

to the image except for use by SCC. The photographer will be credited whenever SCC uses a photo.

Contest photos may be submitted August 16, 2004 through September 10, 2004. Donations of additional un-

mounted photos are welcome, but only three may be entered in the contest.

Winners in all categories, along with selected others, will be displayed at the Conservation Center starting Octo-

ber 3, 2004 during the Partners Fall Festival. Winning photos may also be displayed at other locations in Story

County at a later date. A winning photo in category B may be used on a refrigerator magnet issued annually by

SCC Partners, with the original photo being displayed at the Story County Conservation Center for one year.

Sponsors will handle the photos carefully, however, they cannot be held responsible or liable for possible damage

or loss.

Each photo, including the 5x7, must have an entry form with the entrants name, address, phone number, loca-tion of photo, and title (optional) affixed to the back. Entry forms are available at the Story County Conservation

Center, 56461 180th St., Ames IA 50010, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM or by calling 515/232-2516. Forms are

also available at www.storycountyconservation.org.

For more information contact:

Jerry Keys or Carol Williams at Story County Conservation [email protected],

or Phyllis Miller of the Ames Camera Club [email protected]

Our View from Prairie WindsWith 63F, northwest winds gusting to 10mph, a thick heavy grey cumulus cloud layer blankets the sky as light

rain dances across the prairie pool. Not the usual description of a late Iowa afternoon in mid August but a

reminder lest we forget that the fall season is not far off.

Dickcissels sing out their territorial boundaries uninterrupted even as our Golden Retriever shuffles in the

nearby foliage. This is only her second off-leash foray through the prairie since early spring, so she is making thebest of her freedom. Hunting along a mouse trail that weaves between the clumps of Big Bluestem and the newly

blossoming goldenrod, she stops, paws at a grassy patch, sneezes, and then begins to roll across the loose pile of

vegetation . Her find; a vacated pheasant nest containing eggshell fragments and old bird droppings. A Sedge Wren

hangs precariously on a gone to seed Showy Tick Trefoil. The bounce of the plant drops a small shower of

ripening brown seed, as the small stub-tailed bird flits into the nearby cattails.

The prairie marsh waterfowl do not seem bothered by our wanderings. Mallards, Blue-winged Teal, Wood Ducks,

Coot, and Pied-billed Grebe, along with their inexperienced young, float quietly on the water, hanging close to the

reeds and rushes, their safe refuge if a threat approaches. The small mudflat at the ponds southwest corner

provides a resting and feeding area for a Greater Yellowlegs, 3 Semipalmated Sandpipers, a group of Killdeer,

another of Mourning Dove and a lone Spotted Sandpiper.

A new nester for us this year was the American Bittern, often heard but seldom seen. One early July afternoon

while I was pulling sweet clover near a thick patch of sedge I caused a clumsy brown fledgling to flush and seek

refuge deeper in the cattails. Tree and Barn Swallows along with a variety of Damsel and Dragonflies, the biggestbeing the Green Darner, fills the sky just above the waters surface. The diving chatter of the Barn Swallows is

soon joined by the sound of hundreds of Red-winged Blackbirds, Grackles, and Starlings. A kind of music much

different than produced earlier this summer by Yellow-headed Blackbirds, and hundreds of Chorus frogs and

American toads; sounds pleasant and loud enough to drown out the obnoxious omnipresent noise of the Interstate

traffic droning two miles to our west.

Now the only frog sound is the wet plop heard as another individual hops into the safety of the marsh escaping

the curious dog that plods her way chest deep in the waters that will provide a rest stop for the many migrants

starting to head our way. Mike and Linda Meetz

Special awards for youth (18 yrs. and under) andphotos taken in SCC managed areas will be chosenfrom all entries.Digitally manipulated photographs will be acceptedin any category.


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Big Bluestem FlyerSeptember/October 2004 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 October 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: 10/31/04

New Members

Kenneth JensenPhil Mescher

Gloria RademacherGregory Lee

Troy Pflughaupt

Mike LavioletteTodd HolcombAndrea BucheleRichard Miller

Future BBAS ProgramsNov. 18, 2004 - Steve Jungst: Iowas

Changing Natural ResourcesDec. 16, 2004 - Holiday Party

Jan. 20, 2005 - Sue Fairbanks: Bighorn

Sheep and their Environs

Feb.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!

September/October 2004Vol 40 No. 1

Where is it?In the familiar haunts of birders, there are curiosities and unique features that attract our eyes and some that

we dont notice. Where are these located? Both are in places we are sure you have passed, but noticing them is an-

other thing.

The left one should be fairly easy for most of us. The hippo on the right is much harder.

Keep looking at our common birding areas. We will have more quizzes as space permits.

Locations will be revealed in our next issue, or, if you cant wait, look on the society web page.

Documents

September-October 2004 Big Bluesterm Flyer Big Bluestem Audubon Society