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Big Bluestem Flyer Big Bluestem Flyer
Volume 39, Number 5 May/June 2004
Programs
May 20 Ann Johnson
By day: Management Analyst for
the Iowa Department of Human Services
Other times: Web Designer and Site Operator for
Iowa Birds and others (See P. 6)
“Dragonflies and Damselflies of Iowa” Ann, a birdwatcher turned bugwatcher, will share her
enthusiasm for this fast-growing natural history
hobby. Few people even know that Iowa has 106 species
of dragonflies and damselflies. She will take us through
some of their physiology, explain some identification
techniques, show us some photos of these beautiful
creatures, and explain how species diversity is critical to
identifying water quality in our ecosystems.
.
Field Trips
May 8Bird-a-thon See Page 3.
May 15Camp Dodge nature trails. Led by Harlan
Ratcliff. Meet at 8:00 behind the Ames Wild Birds
Unlimited or at the Iowa Audubon HQ at Saylorville
Lake at 8:30-8:45. Bring a photo ID.
May 29Birders’ Brunch. Meet at 8:00 in the upper
Ledges near the campground entrance. We’ll hike down
the hill and have brunch in the lower Ledges. Please
bring a food item to share.
Page 2 Officers and CommitteesPresident’s ColumnField Trip report
Page 3 Birdathon Announcement 2004-2005 Program Planing BBAS Officer Elections
Page 4 Iowa Audubon State Office UpdateVolunteer to Feed Ospreys
In This Issue
Newsletter of the Big Bluestem Audubon Society
Page 5 Photo Exhibit of Ada Hayden Heritage Park
Page 6 IOU Iowa Birds Web Site Overview Third Annual Pelican Gala
Page 7 New MembersMembership FormCoupons
Page 8 A Wise Owl
For details about regular field trips, contact Jeff Nichols
at 515-795-4176 or [email protected].
Unless otherwise indicated, regular field trips leave
promptly at 8:00 am from the public parking lot west of
(behind) the Ames Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU), located
south of the railroad tracks at 213 Duff Ave. Trip
destinations are subject to change based on recent rare
bird sightings and the desires of the participants.
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
confirm space and location with John Pohlman at
515-232-6816 or [email protected]
Rosemary Gilbert Bell
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2 Big Bluestem Flyer May/June 2004
Big Bluestem Audubon SocietyOfficers and Committees
OfficersPresident: John Pohlman 232-6816 [email protected] Vice-President: Linda Thomas 292-7534 [email protected] Secretary: Bruce Ehresman 296-2995 [email protected]: Ed Carbrey 292-2404
Board MembersBreanne Marpe, 289-1106 [email protected]
Jeff
:
Nichols 795-4176 [email protected] Brookes Wolfgang Oesterreich 515-232-3285 (h) [email protected] Matt Wetrich 956-4299 [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 in which we live.
Committee ChairsArchivist: Hank Zaletel 382-427 [email protected] Bird-a-thon Co-chairs: Karl and Carmen Jungbluth, 432-5057
weatherbird.opencominc.com Conservation Chair: Bruce Ehresman 296-2995
[email protected] Education Chair: Amy Yoakum, 232-2516
[email protected] Trip Chair: Jeff Nichols [email protected] Membership Chair: Al Johnson 233-4831 awindj@aol. comProgram Chair: vacant Publicity Chair: Linda Thomas 292-7534
[email protected] Publications & Electronic Media Co-Chairs:
David Edwards 292-3790 [email protected] Joyce Bahrenfus 275-3263 [email protected]
BBAS Web Site: http://www.wyalusing.org/BBAS.htmIowa Bird Sightings Hotline 319-338-9881 Wildlife Care Clinic 515-294-4900
President’s Column
The long anticipated grand opening of Ames newest
park is just around the corner. Ada Hayden Heritage
Park will soon be open for everyone to see. It will give us
all an opportunity to see, much more closely, the habitat
that has been attracting numerous migrating birds for
years. And that habitat has changed. As a part of future
water quality assurance, there were three wetland areas
added. As BBAS member Janet Jepeway observed at our
April meeting the other night, “Those new wetlands willundoubtedly serve as bird magnets.” I couldn’t agree
more. While those new wetlands will undoubtedly in-
crease the type and quantity of birds that visit the area,
so will the new tall grass prairie additions. The City of
Ames worked in partnership with the Story County Con-
servation Board to establish prairie, wetland and
meadow areas. They are only planting 30 acres of prairie
each year over the next couple years. They are doing it
that way to increase diversity, to reduce the chance of
bad weather impacting seeding, and to avoid depleting
central Iowa seed source.
The Park has 437 acres; 130 acres are the two lakes.
There will be paved trails, crushed rock trails, and picnic
areas surrounding the lakes. Only non-motorized boats
such as canoes, kayaks, and small sailboats will be al-
lowed on the lakes. There will be parking to the north
part of the park as well as public restrooms.
All of this restored prairie, wetlands and lake area
will be a haven for birds and other wildlife. It will also
create many environmental education opportunities for
all ages. Story County Conservation, ISU, and many
other area educators will be taking advantage of thiseasily accessible habitat. It will be a great attraction to
Central Iowa.
Big Bluestem Audubon will be involved getting a bird
blind built (details are not worked out yet). We will also
have many opportunities to sponsor field trips in the
area. I do not know how the initial influx of people, bicy-
cles and boats will effect wildlife, but I do believe there
are going to be never ending educational opportunities
with this restored habitat. The Grand Opening date is
not set yet, but is expected to be mid June. You can
check the City of Ames website for updates.
John Pohlman
Field trip report, Little Wall and Anderson Lakes, March 20, 2004
Twelve people enjoyed clear skies, mild temperatures,
and some intense winds while scrutinizing Ada Hayden
Heritage Park, Little Wall Lake and Anderson (Goose)
Lake for waterfowl and other birds. We saw 47 species
including 18 duck and 3 geese species. Both lakes had
good numbers of most waterfowl species, though there
were relatively few Northern Pintails. We also found American Tree, Fox, and Song Sparrows.Jeff Nichols
Daniel S Kilby
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3May/June 2004 Big Bluestem Flyer
There is still time to participate in Big Bluestem
Audubon’s Birdathon. Dozens of chapter members and
friends will be out counting birds and raising pledges to
support conservation and education projects.
Last year’s Birdathon raised $4400. Some of that
money went to help build a new flight cage at the ISU
Wildlife Care Clinic, sent three 5th graders to the Boone YMCA’s Young Naturalist’s Camp, provided Audubon
Adventures education materials to local elementary
schools, helped fund the Iowa Important Bird Areas con-
servation program, and sponsored an Osprey for reintro-
duction at Don Williams Lake in Boone County. Plus,
the chapter was able provide matching funds for a land
purchase at the Union Hills wetland complex in north-
ern Iowa, and the chapter is poised to support a similar
land purchase right here in Story or Boone counties
when the opportunity exists.
WOW! If you would like to join the Birdathon, please
contact Birdathon Coordinators Karl & Carmen
Jungbluth soon at [email protected] or 515-
432-5057. Those who are unable to go birding on May
8th are encouraged to send a donation marked “Big Blue-
stem Birdathon” to chapter Treasurer Ed Carbrey, 3313
Morningside St, Ames, IA 50014.
Thanks for your support!
Karl Jungbluth
Birdathon is May 8th!
Kirsten Munson
There will be a Planning Meeting for the 2004-2005 year Programs and Field Trips held on Wednesday,July 28,
2004 at the State Forest Nursery in Ames. The time is 6 p.m.
All officers and board members, plus any other members with ideas and interested in planning our programs for
next year, are invited to attend. Dinner will be provided. Please RSVP to Linda Thomas by Monday July 26, 2004.
If uou are unable to attend, forward any suggestions to Linda Thomas or any other officer or board member by
July 26th.
Linda Thomas
2004-2005 BBAS Planning Meeting
Election of BBAS Officers for 2004-2005 at May Meeting
Following is the Nominations Slate:
President: Linda Thomas
Vice President: Lynne Brookes
Secretary: Bruce EhresmanTreasurer: Ed Carbrey
Board Members (2 year term):
Matt Wetrich
Wolf Oesterreich
(Open)
Jeff Nichols & Breanne Marpe, current board members have 1 year remaining on their terms.
Nominations will be accepted from the floor at the May meeting.
If anyone is interested in the Open Board position please contact Linda Thomas or John Pohlman. (See page 2)
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May/June 20044 Big Bluestem Flyer
Newsletter Material DeadlineBecause 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 first of the 2004-2005 newsletters will be the 15th of August.
Please be aware that editing your offering for length and style is sometimes necessary.
On April 3rd, twenty-two Iowa Audubon members met
to discuss the future of the statewide Audubon program
in Iowa. It has been two and a half years since Paul
Zeph left as our energetic state director. Since that
time, (1) the Important Bird Areas (IBA) program has
grown under the direction of IBA Coordinator Ric Zar-
well, (2) we’ve been key participants in the wildly suc-
cessful Pelican Festival at Saylorville Reservoir, and (3)the Pelican Gala fundraising event has slowly gained
steam. But, the Board of Directors wanted to do more
for birds, habitat and conservation advocacy.
For the past 5 years, the state board has operated as a
“State Office” of the National Audubon Society. In all
honesty, there were some differences in direction and
philosophy, communication was difficult despite the best
of intentions, and some donors did not like the fact that
their checks went outside of the state before coming
back to go to work in Iowa. It has also become apparent
that National Audubon will not allow state office staff to
be rehired in Iowa until a substantial endowment is inplace to fund the positions. The state board thought
that we could make more progress in Iowa on a smaller
scale, by addressing Iowa issues from an Iowa perspec-
tive, building steadily on our record of success. Thus the
April 3rd meeting was held
Bottom line: By unanimous vote, the board decided to
build a modified, independent state organization called
"Iowa Audubon". Based upon input from members
around Iowa, the board will set it’s own objectives, set
budgets to meet those objectives, and all money raised
will stay in Iowa. There is a lot of work to be done!
Please note that the Big Bluestem chapter’s relation-
ship with National Audubon remains unchanged as a
result of this decision. It is my hope that Big Bluestem
will continue to support Iowa Audubon in a mutually
beneficial relationship, just like Iowa Audubon and NAS
hope to continue a working relationship. After all, we
are trying to accomplish the same big picture from dif-
ferent angles. Big Bluestem volunteers have been a bigpart of successes on the state level so far.
Of high importance to me, the Important Bird Areas
program will continue on, possibly as the highest prior-
ity of the new state organization. IBAs have great po-
tential for conservation success, at both a state and local
level. But, fundraising is a major issue that must be
addressed.
If this all sounds confusing, it is. I’d be happy to talk
with any of you, 1-on-1, at 515-432-5057 or via email
[email protected]. Another meeting to set
strategic objectives, a fundraising plan and organiza-tional structure will be held at 10 am on May 22nd at the
Oak Woods Learning Center (Audubon Office) at the
west end of the Saylorville Dam. Everyone is welcome.
We are looking for individuals with some time and tal-
ent, people who want to help build the state organiza-
tion. Could this be you, or someone you know? If so,
let’s talk about it.
Karl Jungbluth,
Big Bluestem representative on the
Iowa Board of Directors
Iowa Audubon State Office Update
Missy King at the Boone County Conservation Board is looking for help in caring for young Osprey this July.
The young Osprey will arrive at Don Williams Park north of Ogden in the first couple of
weeks in July. She would like to assemble a volunteer list now. If you would like to
volunteer to be a feeder or a monitor watcher, please contact Missy King at 515-795-2809.
She will have a short training session on how to care for the Osprey in June.
This a perfect opportunity to experience what Osprey parents go through, in all its glory
and dedication. Ask Jon or Joyce Bahrenfus for more information about their experiences.
Feed and Watch the Ospreys
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5May/June 2004 Big Bluestem Flyer
Ames photographer Janet Jepeway has arranged a series of three programs to accompany her photo exhibit,
“Ada Hayden Heritage Park: Water, Fish, Flora and Fauna”. The programs expand on the subject matter in the
exhibit by educating and informing the public about wildlife viewing and outdoor opportunities available at Ada
Hayden Heritage Park. Those attending will also have opportunities to view the photo exhibit.
Co-sponsors of the program series are Story County Conservation and the Ames Historical Society (founded in1980 as Ames Heritage Association). The programs are free, open to the public, and held at the Story County Con-
servation Center, McFarland Park, 180th St., Ames, Iowa 56461.
Refreshments for all programs provided by Wheatsfield Grocery
7:00 PM Thursday, April 29, 2004
“Fish and Fishing at Ada Hayden Heritage Park”by Ted Tedesco, Veteran Angler and Mayor, City of Ames
What types of fish currently inhabit the lakes? What is being done to improve the fishing potential of the lakes
and will other fish species be added? When can we start fishing? If you want to learn the answers to these ques-
tions, this program is a “must attend.”
1:30 – 4:00 PM Sunday, May 16, 2004
“Who Lives in Ada Hayden Heritage Park”by Janet Jepeway, Photographer
Janet will do a “Walk Thru” of her photo exhibit, “Ada Hayden Heritage Park: Water, Fish, Flora & Fauna”.
She will discuss the individual photos and share her observations of the inhabitants of the park made in over 2
years of photographing the site, including the playful river otter, eagle, osprey, and a “feeding frenzy”.
“Butterflies and Dragonflies of Ada Hayden Heritage Park”
by Royce J. Bitzer, Department of Entomology, Iowa State UniversityWildlife abounds at Ada Hayden Heritage Park. However, most of it will go unnoticed by the casual observer.
This program will highlight where and how to observe butterflies and dragonflies in the park, their curious behav-
ior and what species are present.
Since the City of Ames took ownership of Hallett’s Quarry over two years ago, Janet has taken 1,500 pictures
and slides, and spent 300 hours at the site for the purpose of creating an historical record of its restoration and
transition into Ada Hayden Heritage Park. She has photographed the new park every month of the year and dur-
ing all types of weather.
“ Ada Hayden Heritage Park: Water, Fish, Flora and Fauna”* is an interactive exhibit that allows children and
adults of all ages to “play detective” by looking at clues in the pictures to find “Who lives in Ada Hayden Heri-
tage Park?” It is Jepeway’s second photo exhibit of the site.
All photographs in the exhibit are for sale. Profits after expenses will be donated to the restoration of the former
quarry as a park and backup water supply for the City of Ames. Prints purchased will be signed and dated by the
photographer.
Framing Courtesy of Walden Photo
Funding Sponsors of the Exhibit are: Outdoor Lighting Associates Inc, Access Direct, Royce J. Bitzer, Story
County Conservation Partners, Wild Birds Unlimited Viewing of the exhibit is April 5, 2004 – May 31, 2004
Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday and Sunday 1:00 – 5:00pm
Story County Conservation Center, McFarland Park,
56461 180th St., Ames, Iowa
* Part of the “Hallett’s/Hayden Project” co-sponsored by Janet Jepeway and the Ames Historical Society (founded in 1980 asAmes Heritage Association).The purpose of the project is to create an historical record of Hallett’s Quarry and its restoration as Ada Hayden Heritage Park.
PHOTO EXHIBIT and ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK PROGRAM SERIES
“ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK: WATER, FISH, FLORA & FAUNA”
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6 May/June 2004Big Bluestem Flyer
IOU Website at www.iowabirds.org
One of the best web sites for nearly anything about birds in Iowa and nature resources in general is operated by
Ann Johnson for the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union (or IOU) at the web address above. If you haven’t visited it lately,
you will be pleasantly surprised. Let me list some of the information and services available.
An Iowa Checklist of birds
Links to Maps of all kinds in Iowa: state, county, state parks, topos, birding areas and more
An On-line store to purchase books and related nature-oriented materials A new Calendar page showing events of interest to Iowa birders in the state
A link to sign-up for the IA-BIRD litserv
Full information of the Important Bird Areas program of Iowa
In the IOU link is information about the organization and how to join
In the Birding Iowa link are
County bird checklists
Books aimed at birds in Iowa
Lists of Birders in specific areas of Iowa
Resources to identify birds in Iowa, including “flashcard” pictures and descriptions
Collections of bird art from Iowans
Links to show birding areas in regions of the state
Specific detailed guides to birding many state areas
Lists of and links to Birding clubs in Iowa including our BBASBird quizzes for testing yourself
Christmas Bird Count data from Iowa (many do not report to NAS)
Information about Bluebirds
Rare Bird link details the most recent sightings in Iowa
Links to nearby states
Public photo gallery
IOU Records Committee Activity
Documentation form for use on-line
A General Links page with many kinds of resources including
Iowa Dragonflies and Damselflies (A labor of love of the webmaster Ann Johnson)
Iowa Reptiles and Amphibians
Iowa ButterfliesLinks to Birding in general
Birding travel
Birding Equipment
A Site Map will help you find something interesting and Site Search to look for specifics
If there is something you can’t find here, send a message to the webmaster, or, even easier, talk to her at the
next BBAS meeting. She is our featured speaker.
David Edwards
Iowa Audubon will host its 3rd Annual Pelican Gala fundraising event at the Jester Park Lodge on Wednesday
evening, September 8th. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a wonderful evening, starting with refreshments on the
deck overlooking the shores of Saylorville Reservoir and flocks of American White Pelicans! After dinner, we'llhave a featured speaker (to be determined) and a silent auction showcasing bird and nature related items.
The Pelican Gala is Iowa Audubon's most important fundraising effort of the year. Tickets are $125 per couple,
or $75 individual. Also, if you would like to offer items for the silent auction, please contact Tom Reavely, Iowa
Audubon Board President at 515-981-9675 or [email protected].
Karl Jungbluth
3rd Annual Pelican Gala is September 8, 2004
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Big Bluestem Flyer May/June 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 Donation
Up tp $15 $1.50$15 and over $3.00$35 and over $5.00Over $70 $7.50
Brekke’s 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 June 30, 2004
Membership Application forms
Clip and JoinDon’t forget gift memberships!
New member of the National Audubon Society. You will
receive the Audubon magazine, the Big Bluestem Flyer ,membership card. — $20Please make your check payable to National Audubon
Society and include “Chapter Code H-57” on the check
Subscribe to the Big Bluestem Flyer for one year and participate 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 or committee chair. Please make your check payable to Big Bluestem
Audubon Society.
Send your check and this coupon toAl Johnson, Membership Chair 3912 Squaw Road, Ames, IA 50014
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 offer Not valid on specially-priced merchandise
Offer Expires: 6/30/2004
Mike Boeve
Harold - Rachel Crawford
Megan Crill
Marilyn Greene
Darlene Heckenbach
Harold Hulleman
Rodger - Margaret JunckLynn Klisch
Carol Koeneke
Mike Korf
Gary - Jenny Prochaska
Doris Richards
Daniel Rohden
Harold Schiel
Kyle Uhlenkamp
Rose Willson
Richard Manatt
New Members
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I f y o u h a v e a n “ X ” a f t e r y o u r n a m e o n y o u r m a i l i n g l a b e l , t h i s w i l l b e y o u r l a s t i s s u e o f t h e F l y e r u n l e s s y o u r e n e w .
N o n - P r o f i t O r g . U . S . P o s t a g e P a i d
P e r m i t N o . 1 3 1 A m e s , I o w a
B i g B l u e s t e m F l y e r D a v i d C . E d w a r d s , E d i t o r B i g B l u e s t e m A u d u b o n S o c i e t y 2 3 0 8 S t a t e A v e A m e s , I A 5 0 0 1 4
Printed on Recycled paper
W e w e l c o m e n e w m e m b e r s !
May/June 2004 Vol 39 No. 5
Waiting for the latest copy of the Big Bluestem Flyer!
A wise owl.