-RBA
*Iowa
*Iowa Statewide
*4 September 2005
*IAST0509.04
-Transcript
-RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
UNRECORDED:
***ROYAL TERN***
ACCIDENTAL:
**MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD**
**VERMILION FLYCATCHER**
**LITTLE GULL**
**SNOWY PLOVER**
**BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK**
**BROWN PELICAN**
CASUAL:
**BLACK-HEADED GULL**
**LAUGHING GULL**
**RED KNOT**
-Additional Species Mentioned
Snow Goose
Least Bittern
Mississippi Kite (nest)
Sharp-shinned Hawk
*Merlin
Common Moorhen
SHOREBIRDS
Black-bellied Plover
American Golden-Plover
Piping Plover
American Avocet
Ruddy Turnstone
Sanderling
Baird's Sandpiper
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
*Short-billed Dowitcher
*Long-billed Dowitcher
Wilson's Phalarope
Red-necked Phalarope
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Blue-headed Vireo
WARBLERS
Golden-winged Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Cape May Warbler
*Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
*Blackpoll Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Coverage: Iowa Statewide
Date: 4 September 2005
Compiler and Transcriber: Danny Akers
Email: BirdManDan1231@hotmail.com
For more information on Iowa birds and birding, visit www.iowabirds.org/
Species in ALL CAPS can be classified into three categories in the state of
Iowa: 1) UNRECORDED, ACCIDENTAL or Casual; 2) A RARE but regular species;
or 3) record early or late date or unusual for time of year. Any species
with three asterisks (***species***) would represent a first record for Iowa
(UNRECORDED) and should be observed and documented very carefully. Species
with two asterisks (**species**) are species that are either ACCIDENTAL,
CASUAL, or a rare regular species, and should also be documented. Species
with one asterisk (*species) should have some details of the observation
provided. Occasionally, these asterisks may only apply to certain regularly
occuring species at certain times of the year.
-Weekly Summary for Sunday, September 4th, 2005:
Thirty-eight (38) species are mentioned in the report this week. An amazing
10 RARE BIRDS (6 of which are Accidental) have been reported over the past
two weeks, the most in my RBA career. The potential state first ROYAL TERN
is still hanging around Rathbun Reservoir in Appanoose County. Perhaps
rivaling the excitement of the Royal Tern, a sub adult female MAGNIFICENT
FRIGATEBIRD was seen at Lake Macbride in Johnson County on the 4th. If
accepted, this would be the 5th state record (1 in 1907, 3 in 1988 following
Hurricane Gilbert). The bird is said to be in poor shape. The 5th state
record VERMILION FLYCATCHER is still being seen at Whiterock Conservancy in
Guthrie County. A potential 8th state record LITTLE GULL was seen at Welch
Lake in Dickinson County. A potential 10th state record (and 1st fall
record) SNOWY PLOVER was seen at the same location as the Royal Tern. The
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK continues to be reported from Lake Anita in
Cass County as does the BROWN PELICAN off Jester Park in Polk County. Both
of the latter species have been reported in the state earlier this year. The
Casual BLACK-HEADED GULL continues to be seen in Dickinson County, a
juvenile LAUGHING GULL was seen off Jester Park in Polk county back on the
28th, and at least 3 RED KNOTS (Marion and Polk Counties) were reported over
the past two weeks. The Shorebird Migration tally is up to 30 species, with
SNOWY PLOVER, RED KNOT and WESTERN SANDPIPER being the best so far. The
Warbler Migration tally is up to 28 species already, with BLACK-THROATED
BLUE being the best so far. A MISSISSIPPI KITE nest was found in Des Moines
this past week as well, with a single young bird (about to fledge) in the
nest.
-Here is the Iowa Rare Bird Alert from Monday, August 22nd to Sunday,
September 4th, 2005:
SOUTHWEST:
POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY: A MISSISSIPPI KITE was seen on the hawkwatch at
Hitchcock Nature Center on the 25th.
CASS COUNTY: The BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK was seen at Lake Anita S.P. on
the 27th. It was seen as it flew briefly from the small bay to the left of
the boat dock (near the brush piles) and promptly turned around and flew
back out of sight.
The BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK was relocated on the 1st. It was resting
with other ducks at the southern tip of the southwestern most arm of the
lake. This is south of the park road.
The BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK was relocated on the 3rd at the same
location as on the 1st.
WEST CENTRAL:
GUTHRIE COUNTY: The VERMILION FLYCATCHER was seen at the Whiterock
Conservancy on the 27th and by the last pond on the 2nd.
A LEAST BITTERN and a COMMON MOORHEN were seen at Long Pond on the 28th.
GREENE COUNTY: Shorebirds at Dunbar Slough on the 28th included Dunbar
Slough 13 BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS, 4 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, and 3 SHORT-BILLED
DOWITCHERS. A SNOW GOOSE and a YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER were also seen.
At Dunbar Slough on the 3rd were 4 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS, 11 BUFF-BREASTED
SANDPIPERS, 6 WILSON'S and 7 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES.
NORTHWEST:
DICKINSON COUNTY: A basic adult LITTLE GULL was seen at Welch Lake on the
3rd. Welch Lake is a small lake northwest of the town of Spirit Lake. From
the walmart corner in spirit Lake( junction highway 71 and 9) go west about
3 miles until you come to a stop sign. This is highway 86. Take highway 86
north 2 miles and then turn east on 130th street. Welch lake is about a 1/4
mile on the north side of the road. There is a gravel boat ramp at the south
end of the lake. Looking north is where the bird was observed.
The LITTLE GULL was observed at Welch Lake at 9 AM on the 3rd. The
BLACK-HEADED GULL was also observed on the pier off the Grade.
NORTH CENTRAL:
KOSSUTH COUNTY: At Smith Wildlife Area on the 4th were 3 SWAINSON'S
THRUSHES, a female BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, and 3 MOURNING WARBLERS.
EAST CENTRAL:
IOWA COUNTY: Warblers along the Amana Woods Nature Trail on the 27th
included 2 GOLDEN-WINGED and 1 BLACK-THROATED GREEN. Two (2) SWAINSON'S
WARBLERS were also noted.
JOHNSON COUNTY: Shorebirds off Half-Moon Lake (Hawkeye W.A.) on the 28th
included a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, 11 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, 6 BAIRD'S
SANDPIPERS, a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, and 6 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES.
Directions: There's a parking lot on the north side of Swan Lake Road, just
east of its intersection with Half Moon Avenue. Walk north on a farm lane,
then north through a hay field, then northeast to the water. (This is a
long walk, even farther than Sand Point.) From there, you can continue
northeast along the shore to the tip of a peninsula, which is directly west
of Sand Point.
Probably the biggest news of the fall season (even this early!) was of a
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD at Lake Macbride on the 4th. The bird has been
determined to be a sub adult female. Directions: From North Liberty, go
north on the Mehaffey Bridge Road, pass over the Mehaffey Bridge across the
Coralville Reservoir, continue on over the causeway on Lake McBride, and
take the first left after leaving the causeway. Continue for about a half
mile to where this road forks, and take the right hand fork, continue on for
about two hundred yards to a small parking area on the right hand side of
the road. A walking trail begins here. Take the trail and bear left at the
first opportunity. This trail borders Lake McBride. The bird was perched
in a dead snag about 300-400 yards along the trail. The bird is said to be
in poor condition.
LINN COUNTY: Twelve (12) species of warblers were seen at Squaw Creek Park
near Marion on the 2nd. The best were 3 MOURNING WARBLERS.
SOUTH CENTRAL:
APPANOOSE COUNTY: The ROYAL TERN was relocated off 150th street at Rathbun
Reservoir, early on the 22nd. Later in the day, along with the ROYAL TERN, a
SNOWY PLOVER was located and well described off 150th St. PIPING PLOVER and
RUDDY TURNSTONE was also noted here.
The ROYAL TERN was seen on the afternoon of the 24th off 150th Street. The
SNOWY PLOVER was also present, as was a PIPING PLOVER.
The SNOWY PLOVER was located off 150th Street on the 25th. A PIPING PLOVER
was also present, as was a RUDDY TURNSTONE, 3 SANDERLINGS, and BUFF-BREASTED
SANDPIPERS.
The ROYAL TERN and the SNOWY PLOVER were both located off 150th Street on
the 26th.
The ROYAL TERN was a hit or miss bird on the 27th. In addition, 2 AMERICAN
AVOCETS, a SANDERLING, and 4 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were also seen off
150th St.
The ROYAL TERN and the SNOWY PLOVER were relocated off 150th St. on the
28th. An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER,4 AMERICAN AVOCETS, and 1 BUFF-BREASTED
SANDPIPER were also present.
The ROYAL TERN was present off 150th St. on the 31st and on the 3rd.
MARION COUNTY: Amongst other shorebirds at Pinchey Bottoms on the 22nd, 1
WILSON'S and 4 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were observed.
An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER was seen at Pinchey Bottoms on the 24th, along
with 1 WILSON'S and 3 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES.
Over 2000 shorebirds were estimated at Pinchey Bottoms on the 26th,
including a juvenile RED KNOT, 1 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, 3 BAIRD'S
SANDPIPERS, 6 WILSON'S and 3 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, 1 SHORT-BILLED and 3
LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS.
Again over 2000 shorebirds at Pinchey Bottoms on the 27th, highlights
included the juvenile RED KNOT, 1 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, a PIPING PLOVER, 3
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS and 7 WILSON'S and 3 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES.
At Pinchey Bottoms on the 28th, 2 RED KNOTS were seen. Four (4) WILSON'S and
3 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were also observed. An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER and at
least 15 WILSON'S PHALAROPES were seen here late in the day.
One each of BLACK-BELLIED and AMERICAN-GOLDEN PLOVERS were seen at Pinchey
Bottoms on the 31st.
Shorebirds at Pinchey Bottoms on the 1st included 5 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS,
a PIPING PLOVER, 3 SANDERLINGS, 3 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, and 3 WILSON'S
and 1 RED-NECKED PHALAROPE.
At the Boxcars area of Red Rock Reservoir on the 4th were 2 juvenile RED
KNOTS, single BLACK-BELLIED and AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS, 1 AMERICAN AVOCET,
2 WILSON'S and 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES. At Pinchey Bottoms, the conditions
were drying up fast, but 2 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS and 29 BUFF-BREASTED
SANDPIPERS were still around.
CENTRAL:
POLK COUNTY: The BROWN PELICAN was observed off Jester Park on the 22nd. Two
(2) MERLINS were seen in the north central part of Glendale Cemetary in Des
Moines at dusk. Glendale Cemetery is on University Avenue at about 48th St.
The BROWN PELICAN was again located off Jester Park on the 23rd, along with
a juvenile RED-NECKED PHALAROPE.
A MISSISSIPPI KITE nest was located on the 24th. The address is 2711 Payne
Rd., east of Beaverdale in Des Moines. The easiest way to get there is to
take 30th St, either north of Hickman or south of Douglas Ave. to Payne Rd.
then go back east a few blocks. There is no parking on Payne so park on 27th
St. and walk back towards the house on the south sidewalk (opposite side of
street). The nest is near the top center of the tree. There is a wide gap
between two areas of branches and leaves where the nest can be seen.
About 200 shorebirds were off Jester Park on the 26th, including a RUDDY
TURNSTONE, a SANDERLING, and one each of SHORT-BILLED and LONG-BILLED
DOWITCHERS.
Along with the BROWN PELICAN, an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, a SANDERLING, a
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER, and 2 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were off Jester Park on
the 27th.
Along with the BROWN PELICAN, a juvenile LAUGHING GULL and a SANDERLING were
observed off Jester Park on the 28th. Three (3) MISSISSIPPI KITES were seen
in the vicinity of the nest; the juvenile was still in the nest and the
adults were hunting overhead.
The BROWN PELICAN was still off Jester on the 29th and again on the 2nd.
Several birds were seen off Jester Park on the 3rd, and included the BROWN
PELICAN, a juvenile RED KNOT, an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, 8 SANDERLINGS, 1
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER, and a WILSON'S PHALAROPE. A BLACKPOLL WARBLER was
seen at Oak Grove. A juvenile MERLIN was seen at Bays Branch.
The BROWN PELICAN was seen off Jester Park on the 4th.
STORY COUNTY: Brookside Park in Ames was a warbler hotspot on the 23rd. Best
reported was a lone BLACKPOLL and 3 GOLDEN-WINGED.
At Brookside Park on the 30th was a BAY-BREASTED and a BLACKPOLL WARBLER. A
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was also observed.
At Brookside Park in Ames on the 2nd was a YELLOW WARBLER, as well as a CAPE
MAY and 2 BAY-BREASTED WARBLERS.
JASPER COUNTY: At Neal Smith N.W.R. on the 4th was a YELLOW-BELLIED
FLYCATCHER, a BLUE-HEADED VIREO, and a MOURNING WARBLER.
*Iowa
*Iowa Statewide
*4 September 2005
*IAST0509.04
-Transcript
-RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
UNRECORDED:
***ROYAL TERN***
ACCIDENTAL:
**MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD**
**VERMILION FLYCATCHER**
**LITTLE GULL**
**SNOWY PLOVER**
**BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK**
**BROWN PELICAN**
CASUAL:
**BLACK-HEADED GULL**
**LAUGHING GULL**
**RED KNOT**
-Additional Species Mentioned
Snow Goose
Least Bittern
Mississippi Kite (nest)
Sharp-shinned Hawk
*Merlin
Common Moorhen
SHOREBIRDS
Black-bellied Plover
American Golden-Plover
Piping Plover
American Avocet
Ruddy Turnstone
Sanderling
Baird's Sandpiper
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
*Short-billed Dowitcher
*Long-billed Dowitcher
Wilson's Phalarope
Red-necked Phalarope
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Blue-headed Vireo
WARBLERS
Golden-winged Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Cape May Warbler
*Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
*Blackpoll Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Coverage: Iowa Statewide
Date: 4 September 2005
Compiler and Transcriber: Danny Akers
Email: BirdManDan1231@hotmail.com
For more information on Iowa birds and birding, visit www.iowabirds.org/
Species in ALL CAPS can be classified into three categories in the state of
Iowa: 1) UNRECORDED, ACCIDENTAL or Casual; 2) A RARE but regular species;
or 3) record early or late date or unusual for time of year. Any species
with three asterisks (***species***) would represent a first record for Iowa
(UNRECORDED) and should be observed and documented very carefully. Species
with two asterisks (**species**) are species that are either ACCIDENTAL,
CASUAL, or a rare regular species, and should also be documented. Species
with one asterisk (*species) should have some details of the observation
provided. Occasionally, these asterisks may only apply to certain regularly
occuring species at certain times of the year.
-Weekly Summary for Sunday, September 4th, 2005:
Thirty-eight (38) species are mentioned in the report this week. An amazing
10 RARE BIRDS (6 of which are Accidental) have been reported over the past
two weeks, the most in my RBA career. The potential state first ROYAL TERN
is still hanging around Rathbun Reservoir in Appanoose County. Perhaps
rivaling the excitement of the Royal Tern, a sub adult female MAGNIFICENT
FRIGATEBIRD was seen at Lake Macbride in Johnson County on the 4th. If
accepted, this would be the 5th state record (1 in 1907, 3 in 1988 following
Hurricane Gilbert). The bird is said to be in poor shape. The 5th state
record VERMILION FLYCATCHER is still being seen at Whiterock Conservancy in
Guthrie County. A potential 8th state record LITTLE GULL was seen at Welch
Lake in Dickinson County. A potential 10th state record (and 1st fall
record) SNOWY PLOVER was seen at the same location as the Royal Tern. The
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK continues to be reported from Lake Anita in
Cass County as does the BROWN PELICAN off Jester Park in Polk County. Both
of the latter species have been reported in the state earlier this year. The
Casual BLACK-HEADED GULL continues to be seen in Dickinson County, a
juvenile LAUGHING GULL was seen off Jester Park in Polk county back on the
28th, and at least 3 RED KNOTS (Marion and Polk Counties) were reported over
the past two weeks. The Shorebird Migration tally is up to 30 species, with
SNOWY PLOVER, RED KNOT and WESTERN SANDPIPER being the best so far. The
Warbler Migration tally is up to 28 species already, with BLACK-THROATED
BLUE being the best so far. A MISSISSIPPI KITE nest was found in Des Moines
this past week as well, with a single young bird (about to fledge) in the
nest.
-Here is the Iowa Rare Bird Alert from Monday, August 22nd to Sunday,
September 4th, 2005:
SOUTHWEST:
POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY: A MISSISSIPPI KITE was seen on the hawkwatch at
Hitchcock Nature Center on the 25th.
CASS COUNTY: The BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK was seen at Lake Anita S.P. on
the 27th. It was seen as it flew briefly from the small bay to the left of
the boat dock (near the brush piles) and promptly turned around and flew
back out of sight.
The BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK was relocated on the 1st. It was resting
with other ducks at the southern tip of the southwestern most arm of the
lake. This is south of the park road.
The BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK was relocated on the 3rd at the same
location as on the 1st.
WEST CENTRAL:
GUTHRIE COUNTY: The VERMILION FLYCATCHER was seen at the Whiterock
Conservancy on the 27th and by the last pond on the 2nd.
A LEAST BITTERN and a COMMON MOORHEN were seen at Long Pond on the 28th.
GREENE COUNTY: Shorebirds at Dunbar Slough on the 28th included Dunbar
Slough 13 BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS, 4 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, and 3 SHORT-BILLED
DOWITCHERS. A SNOW GOOSE and a YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER were also seen.
At Dunbar Slough on the 3rd were 4 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS, 11 BUFF-BREASTED
SANDPIPERS, 6 WILSON'S and 7 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES.
NORTHWEST:
DICKINSON COUNTY: A basic adult LITTLE GULL was seen at Welch Lake on the
3rd. Welch Lake is a small lake northwest of the town of Spirit Lake. From
the walmart corner in spirit Lake( junction highway 71 and 9) go west about
3 miles until you come to a stop sign. This is highway 86. Take highway 86
north 2 miles and then turn east on 130th street. Welch lake is about a 1/4
mile on the north side of the road. There is a gravel boat ramp at the south
end of the lake. Looking north is where the bird was observed.
The LITTLE GULL was observed at Welch Lake at 9 AM on the 3rd. The
BLACK-HEADED GULL was also observed on the pier off the Grade.
NORTH CENTRAL:
KOSSUTH COUNTY: At Smith Wildlife Area on the 4th were 3 SWAINSON'S
THRUSHES, a female BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, and 3 MOURNING WARBLERS.
EAST CENTRAL:
IOWA COUNTY: Warblers along the Amana Woods Nature Trail on the 27th
included 2 GOLDEN-WINGED and 1 BLACK-THROATED GREEN. Two (2) SWAINSON'S
WARBLERS were also noted.
JOHNSON COUNTY: Shorebirds off Half-Moon Lake (Hawkeye W.A.) on the 28th
included a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, 11 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, 6 BAIRD'S
SANDPIPERS, a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, and 6 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES.
Directions: There's a parking lot on the north side of Swan Lake Road, just
east of its intersection with Half Moon Avenue. Walk north on a farm lane,
then north through a hay field, then northeast to the water. (This is a
long walk, even farther than Sand Point.) From there, you can continue
northeast along the shore to the tip of a peninsula, which is directly west
of Sand Point.
Probably the biggest news of the fall season (even this early!) was of a
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD at Lake Macbride on the 4th. The bird has been
determined to be a sub adult female. Directions: From North Liberty, go
north on the Mehaffey Bridge Road, pass over the Mehaffey Bridge across the
Coralville Reservoir, continue on over the causeway on Lake McBride, and
take the first left after leaving the causeway. Continue for about a half
mile to where this road forks, and take the right hand fork, continue on for
about two hundred yards to a small parking area on the right hand side of
the road. A walking trail begins here. Take the trail and bear left at the
first opportunity. This trail borders Lake McBride. The bird was perched
in a dead snag about 300-400 yards along the trail. The bird is said to be
in poor condition.
LINN COUNTY: Twelve (12) species of warblers were seen at Squaw Creek Park
near Marion on the 2nd. The best were 3 MOURNING WARBLERS.
SOUTH CENTRAL:
APPANOOSE COUNTY: The ROYAL TERN was relocated off 150th street at Rathbun
Reservoir, early on the 22nd. Later in the day, along with the ROYAL TERN, a
SNOWY PLOVER was located and well described off 150th St. PIPING PLOVER and
RUDDY TURNSTONE was also noted here.
The ROYAL TERN was seen on the afternoon of the 24th off 150th Street. The
SNOWY PLOVER was also present, as was a PIPING PLOVER.
The SNOWY PLOVER was located off 150th Street on the 25th. A PIPING PLOVER
was also present, as was a RUDDY TURNSTONE, 3 SANDERLINGS, and BUFF-BREASTED
SANDPIPERS.
The ROYAL TERN and the SNOWY PLOVER were both located off 150th Street on
the 26th.
The ROYAL TERN was a hit or miss bird on the 27th. In addition, 2 AMERICAN
AVOCETS, a SANDERLING, and 4 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were also seen off
150th St.
The ROYAL TERN and the SNOWY PLOVER were relocated off 150th St. on the
28th. An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER,4 AMERICAN AVOCETS, and 1 BUFF-BREASTED
SANDPIPER were also present.
The ROYAL TERN was present off 150th St. on the 31st and on the 3rd.
MARION COUNTY: Amongst other shorebirds at Pinchey Bottoms on the 22nd, 1
WILSON'S and 4 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were observed.
An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER was seen at Pinchey Bottoms on the 24th, along
with 1 WILSON'S and 3 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES.
Over 2000 shorebirds were estimated at Pinchey Bottoms on the 26th,
including a juvenile RED KNOT, 1 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, 3 BAIRD'S
SANDPIPERS, 6 WILSON'S and 3 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, 1 SHORT-BILLED and 3
LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS.
Again over 2000 shorebirds at Pinchey Bottoms on the 27th, highlights
included the juvenile RED KNOT, 1 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, a PIPING PLOVER, 3
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS and 7 WILSON'S and 3 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES.
At Pinchey Bottoms on the 28th, 2 RED KNOTS were seen. Four (4) WILSON'S and
3 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were also observed. An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER and at
least 15 WILSON'S PHALAROPES were seen here late in the day.
One each of BLACK-BELLIED and AMERICAN-GOLDEN PLOVERS were seen at Pinchey
Bottoms on the 31st.
Shorebirds at Pinchey Bottoms on the 1st included 5 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS,
a PIPING PLOVER, 3 SANDERLINGS, 3 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, and 3 WILSON'S
and 1 RED-NECKED PHALAROPE.
At the Boxcars area of Red Rock Reservoir on the 4th were 2 juvenile RED
KNOTS, single BLACK-BELLIED and AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS, 1 AMERICAN AVOCET,
2 WILSON'S and 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES. At Pinchey Bottoms, the conditions
were drying up fast, but 2 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS and 29 BUFF-BREASTED
SANDPIPERS were still around.
CENTRAL:
POLK COUNTY: The BROWN PELICAN was observed off Jester Park on the 22nd. Two
(2) MERLINS were seen in the north central part of Glendale Cemetary in Des
Moines at dusk. Glendale Cemetery is on University Avenue at about 48th St.
The BROWN PELICAN was again located off Jester Park on the 23rd, along with
a juvenile RED-NECKED PHALAROPE.
A MISSISSIPPI KITE nest was located on the 24th. The address is 2711 Payne
Rd., east of Beaverdale in Des Moines. The easiest way to get there is to
take 30th St, either north of Hickman or south of Douglas Ave. to Payne Rd.
then go back east a few blocks. There is no parking on Payne so park on 27th
St. and walk back towards the house on the south sidewalk (opposite side of
street). The nest is near the top center of the tree. There is a wide gap
between two areas of branches and leaves where the nest can be seen.
About 200 shorebirds were off Jester Park on the 26th, including a RUDDY
TURNSTONE, a SANDERLING, and one each of SHORT-BILLED and LONG-BILLED
DOWITCHERS.
Along with the BROWN PELICAN, an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, a SANDERLING, a
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER, and 2 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were off Jester Park on
the 27th.
Along with the BROWN PELICAN, a juvenile LAUGHING GULL and a SANDERLING were
observed off Jester Park on the 28th. Three (3) MISSISSIPPI KITES were seen
in the vicinity of the nest; the juvenile was still in the nest and the
adults were hunting overhead.
The BROWN PELICAN was still off Jester on the 29th and again on the 2nd.
Several birds were seen off Jester Park on the 3rd, and included the BROWN
PELICAN, a juvenile RED KNOT, an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, 8 SANDERLINGS, 1
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER, and a WILSON'S PHALAROPE. A BLACKPOLL WARBLER was
seen at Oak Grove. A juvenile MERLIN was seen at Bays Branch.
The BROWN PELICAN was seen off Jester Park on the 4th.
STORY COUNTY: Brookside Park in Ames was a warbler hotspot on the 23rd. Best
reported was a lone BLACKPOLL and 3 GOLDEN-WINGED.
At Brookside Park on the 30th was a BAY-BREASTED and a BLACKPOLL WARBLER. A
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was also observed.
At Brookside Park in Ames on the 2nd was a YELLOW WARBLER, as well as a CAPE
MAY and 2 BAY-BREASTED WARBLERS.
JASPER COUNTY: At Neal Smith N.W.R. on the 4th was a YELLOW-BELLIED
FLYCATCHER, a BLUE-HEADED VIREO, and a MOURNING WARBLER.