-RBA
*Iowa
*Iowa Statewide
*7 August 2005
*IAST0508.07
-Transcript
-Species Mentioned
**BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (ACCIDENTAL)
**BROWN PELICAN (ACCIDENTAL)
**BLACK VULTURE (ACCIDENTAL) *POSSIBLE* secondhand
**VERMILION FLYCATCHER (ACCIDENTAL)
**BLACK-HEADED GULL (Casual)
**WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Casual) 3 locations
Snow Goose
Least Bittern
*Little Blue Heron
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Semipalmated Plover
American Avocet
Willet
Ruddy Turnstone
Sanderling
Baird's Sandpiper
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Baird's Sandpiper
Wilson's Phalarope
Red-necked Phalarope
Caspian Tern
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Bell's Vireo
Summer Tanager
Coverage: Iowa Statewide
Date: 7 August 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. Species with
two asterisks (**) should be documented and species with one asterisk (*)
should have some details provided. Occasionally, these asterisks may only
apply to certain species during certain times of the year.
-Weekly Summary for Sunday, August 7th, 2005:
Twenty-four (24) species are mentioned in the report this week. It
certaintly was an active week for rare birds and shorebirds, but not much
otherwise. Four ACCIDENTALS were reported this week, the most in any one
week since I have started the RBA. The hit-or-miss BLACK-BELLIED
WHISTLING-DUCK was seen twice at Lake Anita S.P. in Cass Co. The 1st year
BROWN PELICAN was seen nearly everyday this past week off Jester Park at
Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County. A secondhand report of a possible
BLACK VULTURE was received from Allamakee County, but has not been
confirmed. The VERMILION FLYCATCHER was seen at least three times this past
week at the Whiterock Conservancy in Guthrie County. Two Casual species were
also reported this week. The BLACK-HEADED GULL was reported once in
Dickinson County. There were an incredible 3 reports of WHITE-WINGED DOVE in
Iowa this week: 1 each from Palo Alto, Pocahontas, and Warren Counties. The
shorebird migration count is up to 22 species. There was a bit of an
invasion of BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS into the state this week, with at least
56 birds being reported. Other good sightings this week included 4 LITTLE
BLUE HERONS between Johnson (1) and Wayne (3) counties and a SUMMER TANAGER
in Guthrie County.
-Here is the Iowa Rare Bird Alert from Monday, August 1st to Sunday, August
7th, 2005:
SOUTHWEST:
CASS COUNTY: The BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK, first seen last week, has
been a hit-or-miss bird at Lake Anita S.P. The bird was relocated on the 4th
in the general area of the sunken trees seen from the boat ramp. The bird
was relocated on the 6th: it flushed (squeaking) from a marshy area by the
boat ramp along the near shore. It landed in full view along a partially
submerged brushpile to the southeast (left of the boat ramp), where it
preened and rested.
ADAIR COUNTY: A EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE was seen in Greenfield on the 6th.
WEST CENTRAL:
GUTHRIE COUNTY: A male SUMMER TANAGER was observed calling at Springbrook
State Park on the 2nd. The bird was in the campground.
The VERMILION FLYCATCHER was seen on the 3rd between the 2nd and 3rd ponds,
and the river. The bird was seen on the 4th as well.
At a dry McCord's Pond on the 5th were 2 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS.
GREENE COUNTY: Shorebirds reported from Dunbar Slough on the 6th included 2
WILLETS, 4 BUFF-BREASTED and 2 BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS, and 2 WILSON'S
PHALAROPES.
NORTHWEST:
PALO ALTO COUNTY: A WHITE-WINGED DOVE was visiting a residence in
Graettinger over the weekend of the 30th and 31st.
EMMET COUNTY: A pair of BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were observed at Four Mile
Lake WPA on the 2nd. They were on the northern mud flat working a short
grassy area. This area is just west of the Estherville golf course along
County Rd N22.
DICKINSON COUNTY: The BLACK-HEADED GULL was observed on the 2nd. It was the
only gull at the fishing pier at the north end of Spirit Lake. First
observed on the rocks, the bird flew into Minnesota and back into Iowa to
rest on the fishing pier railing.
POCAHONTAS COUNTY: A WHITE-WINGED DOVE was seen in the town of Havelock,
early on the 2nd. The bird was seen in the Washington Cemetery on the west
side of town. The bird flew over the trees on the west side of the cemetery,
flying rapidly to the east. The observation lasted about 8 seconds, but the
bird was seen well. EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES have become established in this
town as well, at least 10 birds being observed on the 2nd.
NORTHEAST:
ALLAMAKEE COUNTY: A secondhand report of a possible BLACK VULTURE was
received. The bird in question was observed at Effigy Mounds N.M. On the
3rd, the bird was reportedly seen off the Fire Point overlook, and on the
5th, the bird was reportedly seen off a newly created clearing just north of
Fire Point. The sighting has not been confirmed.
EAST CENTRAL:
JOHNSON COUNTY: An immature LITTLE BLUE HERON was seen at the west end of
Hawkeye W.A. on the 4th. The bird was feeding with several Great Egrets in
the small pond on the north side of the road, opposite the much larger
Madsen Pond on the south side.
The LITTLE BLUE HERON was relocated on the 5th, but later flew a short
distance to the north. Despite good shorebird habitat, numbers are rather
low. Some good sightings nonetheless, included 2 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS
and a WILSON'S PHALAROPE off of Sand Point.
LINN COUNTY: Three (3) BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were seen on private
property near Palo on the 7th.
SOUTH CENTRAL:
WARREN COUNTY: Three (3) LEAST BITTERNS (1 adult and 2 juveniles) were
observed at the Cumming Wetland on the 6th.
A WHITE-WINGED DOVE was seen at a residence in Norwalk on the 7th. Enter
Norwalk from highway 28. Go past the grocery store and take a right on Holly
Drive (the first right after the lights). There is a quick left turn onto
Knoll Dr. then Meadow Drive is your first right. Look for the bird in this
area, but be respectful of peoples' yards in this area.
UNION COUNTY: An AMERICAN AVOCET was seen at Twelve Mile Lake on the 6th.
WAYNE COUNTY: Three (3) LITTLE BLUE HERONS were seen at Goodwater Marsh on
the 6th. At Browns Slough, an immature BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was also
seen.
MARION COUNTY: Pinchey Bottoms has become a shorebird hotspot again this
summer. Highlights included 68 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 2 BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS,
21 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, and 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES. Juveniles were
also noted, including 1 SEMIPALMATED, 2 LEAST, 7 BUFF-BREASTED, 48 STILT,
and 3 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES. These birds were seen after a long, muddy walk.
At the Boxcars area of Red Rock Reservoir, were 4 juvenile BUFF-BREASTED
SANDPIPERS, 1 WILSON'S PHALAROPE, and 1 BELL'S VIREO.
CENTRAL:
POLK COUNTY: The first year BROWN PELICAN was observed on Saylorville
Reservoir, off Jester Park, nearly everyday from the 1st through the 7th.
Among 12 species of shorebirds off Jester Park on the 5th were 11
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS. A SNOW GOOSE and 15 CASPIAN TERNS were also
present.
Off Jester Park on the 7th, was a WILLET, a RUDDY TURNSTONE, 2 SANDERLINGS,
and 18 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS (14 of which were juveniles).
DALLAS COUNTY: Two (2) EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES were seen at the west edge of
Minburn on the 5th.
*Iowa
*Iowa Statewide
*7 August 2005
*IAST0508.07
-Transcript
-Species Mentioned
**BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (ACCIDENTAL)
**BROWN PELICAN (ACCIDENTAL)
**BLACK VULTURE (ACCIDENTAL) *POSSIBLE* secondhand
**VERMILION FLYCATCHER (ACCIDENTAL)
**BLACK-HEADED GULL (Casual)
**WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Casual) 3 locations
Snow Goose
Least Bittern
*Little Blue Heron
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Semipalmated Plover
American Avocet
Willet
Ruddy Turnstone
Sanderling
Baird's Sandpiper
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Baird's Sandpiper
Wilson's Phalarope
Red-necked Phalarope
Caspian Tern
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Bell's Vireo
Summer Tanager
Coverage: Iowa Statewide
Date: 7 August 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. Species with
two asterisks (**) should be documented and species with one asterisk (*)
should have some details provided. Occasionally, these asterisks may only
apply to certain species during certain times of the year.
-Weekly Summary for Sunday, August 7th, 2005:
Twenty-four (24) species are mentioned in the report this week. It
certaintly was an active week for rare birds and shorebirds, but not much
otherwise. Four ACCIDENTALS were reported this week, the most in any one
week since I have started the RBA. The hit-or-miss BLACK-BELLIED
WHISTLING-DUCK was seen twice at Lake Anita S.P. in Cass Co. The 1st year
BROWN PELICAN was seen nearly everyday this past week off Jester Park at
Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County. A secondhand report of a possible
BLACK VULTURE was received from Allamakee County, but has not been
confirmed. The VERMILION FLYCATCHER was seen at least three times this past
week at the Whiterock Conservancy in Guthrie County. Two Casual species were
also reported this week. The BLACK-HEADED GULL was reported once in
Dickinson County. There were an incredible 3 reports of WHITE-WINGED DOVE in
Iowa this week: 1 each from Palo Alto, Pocahontas, and Warren Counties. The
shorebird migration count is up to 22 species. There was a bit of an
invasion of BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS into the state this week, with at least
56 birds being reported. Other good sightings this week included 4 LITTLE
BLUE HERONS between Johnson (1) and Wayne (3) counties and a SUMMER TANAGER
in Guthrie County.
-Here is the Iowa Rare Bird Alert from Monday, August 1st to Sunday, August
7th, 2005:
SOUTHWEST:
CASS COUNTY: The BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK, first seen last week, has
been a hit-or-miss bird at Lake Anita S.P. The bird was relocated on the 4th
in the general area of the sunken trees seen from the boat ramp. The bird
was relocated on the 6th: it flushed (squeaking) from a marshy area by the
boat ramp along the near shore. It landed in full view along a partially
submerged brushpile to the southeast (left of the boat ramp), where it
preened and rested.
ADAIR COUNTY: A EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE was seen in Greenfield on the 6th.
WEST CENTRAL:
GUTHRIE COUNTY: A male SUMMER TANAGER was observed calling at Springbrook
State Park on the 2nd. The bird was in the campground.
The VERMILION FLYCATCHER was seen on the 3rd between the 2nd and 3rd ponds,
and the river. The bird was seen on the 4th as well.
At a dry McCord's Pond on the 5th were 2 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS.
GREENE COUNTY: Shorebirds reported from Dunbar Slough on the 6th included 2
WILLETS, 4 BUFF-BREASTED and 2 BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS, and 2 WILSON'S
PHALAROPES.
NORTHWEST:
PALO ALTO COUNTY: A WHITE-WINGED DOVE was visiting a residence in
Graettinger over the weekend of the 30th and 31st.
EMMET COUNTY: A pair of BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were observed at Four Mile
Lake WPA on the 2nd. They were on the northern mud flat working a short
grassy area. This area is just west of the Estherville golf course along
County Rd N22.
DICKINSON COUNTY: The BLACK-HEADED GULL was observed on the 2nd. It was the
only gull at the fishing pier at the north end of Spirit Lake. First
observed on the rocks, the bird flew into Minnesota and back into Iowa to
rest on the fishing pier railing.
POCAHONTAS COUNTY: A WHITE-WINGED DOVE was seen in the town of Havelock,
early on the 2nd. The bird was seen in the Washington Cemetery on the west
side of town. The bird flew over the trees on the west side of the cemetery,
flying rapidly to the east. The observation lasted about 8 seconds, but the
bird was seen well. EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES have become established in this
town as well, at least 10 birds being observed on the 2nd.
NORTHEAST:
ALLAMAKEE COUNTY: A secondhand report of a possible BLACK VULTURE was
received. The bird in question was observed at Effigy Mounds N.M. On the
3rd, the bird was reportedly seen off the Fire Point overlook, and on the
5th, the bird was reportedly seen off a newly created clearing just north of
Fire Point. The sighting has not been confirmed.
EAST CENTRAL:
JOHNSON COUNTY: An immature LITTLE BLUE HERON was seen at the west end of
Hawkeye W.A. on the 4th. The bird was feeding with several Great Egrets in
the small pond on the north side of the road, opposite the much larger
Madsen Pond on the south side.
The LITTLE BLUE HERON was relocated on the 5th, but later flew a short
distance to the north. Despite good shorebird habitat, numbers are rather
low. Some good sightings nonetheless, included 2 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS
and a WILSON'S PHALAROPE off of Sand Point.
LINN COUNTY: Three (3) BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were seen on private
property near Palo on the 7th.
SOUTH CENTRAL:
WARREN COUNTY: Three (3) LEAST BITTERNS (1 adult and 2 juveniles) were
observed at the Cumming Wetland on the 6th.
A WHITE-WINGED DOVE was seen at a residence in Norwalk on the 7th. Enter
Norwalk from highway 28. Go past the grocery store and take a right on Holly
Drive (the first right after the lights). There is a quick left turn onto
Knoll Dr. then Meadow Drive is your first right. Look for the bird in this
area, but be respectful of peoples' yards in this area.
UNION COUNTY: An AMERICAN AVOCET was seen at Twelve Mile Lake on the 6th.
WAYNE COUNTY: Three (3) LITTLE BLUE HERONS were seen at Goodwater Marsh on
the 6th. At Browns Slough, an immature BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was also
seen.
MARION COUNTY: Pinchey Bottoms has become a shorebird hotspot again this
summer. Highlights included 68 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 2 BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS,
21 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, and 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES. Juveniles were
also noted, including 1 SEMIPALMATED, 2 LEAST, 7 BUFF-BREASTED, 48 STILT,
and 3 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES. These birds were seen after a long, muddy walk.
At the Boxcars area of Red Rock Reservoir, were 4 juvenile BUFF-BREASTED
SANDPIPERS, 1 WILSON'S PHALAROPE, and 1 BELL'S VIREO.
CENTRAL:
POLK COUNTY: The first year BROWN PELICAN was observed on Saylorville
Reservoir, off Jester Park, nearly everyday from the 1st through the 7th.
Among 12 species of shorebirds off Jester Park on the 5th were 11
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS. A SNOW GOOSE and 15 CASPIAN TERNS were also
present.
Off Jester Park on the 7th, was a WILLET, a RUDDY TURNSTONE, 2 SANDERLINGS,
and 18 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS (14 of which were juveniles).
DALLAS COUNTY: Two (2) EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES were seen at the west edge of
Minburn on the 5th.