Iowa Young Birders News and Notes

Job announcement - Education Programs Intern

Tyler Harms — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:10:14 GMT

Iowa Young Birders is seeking applications for an Education Program Intern based in Ames, Iowa. This position will coordinate the organization’s at-home summer birding program, which will include distributing materials and prizes to program participants, developing educational materials for the program, and outreach about the program with potential participants. The position will also be an integral part of the IAYB staff, assisting with planning and leading field trips and other special events, contributing to our social media calendar, and developing other educational materials as needed.

Preferred qualifications for this internship include:

Work towards a Bachelor’s degree in outdoor education, recreation, natural resources interpretation, or other related field.
Excellent communication (both written and verbal) and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks.
Experience with Microsoft Office programs (e.g., Excel, Word) and Google Suite (e.g., Docs, Forms).
Knowledge of and experience with various social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
Passion for and ability to work with youth (ages 5-18).
Passion for the outdoors.
Knowledge of and ability to identify Iowa birds are preferred but not required.

A valid driver’s license and ability to to pass a State of Iowa background check are required for this position. This position will be remote but the preferred location is Ames, Iowa to facilitate coordination of the at-home summer birding program.

This position will be 20 hours per week starting as early as May 15, 2026 and finishing August 31, 2026. There may be a possibility to extend into the academic year depending on available funding. The hourly rate is $15.00 / hour.

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter outlining your experience and skills relevant to this position, and contact information for three references by email to Tyler Harms (tyler AT iowayoungbirders.org). The deadline to apply is April 24, 2026.

Anticipated Skill Development

Nature education and outreach, field trip leadership
Youth education and outreach
Scientific communication with a lay audience in person, by virtual presentation, and via social media
Nonprofit leadership and administration
Education programming development, coordination, and logistics
Team based planning and cooperation
Presentation skills (optional)

Iowa Young Birders Visits Pioneer Ridge Nature Area

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 19:03:03 GMT

On Saturday, March 28, 2026, Iowa Young Birders took a field trip to the Pioneer Ridge Nature Area, located about 15 minutes south of Ottumwa along Hwy. 63. The group met at the nature center and after introductions, headed out along the paved trail towards the shallow study pond. There, they spotted Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, and a foraging Muskrat.

Continuing along the paved trail, we found Eastern Phoebes and Chipping Sparrows. Both of these species are early spring migrants and bring the promise of warmer weather. Merlin Bird ID also picked up the calls of a Pine Warbler, but the group was unable to get a clear view of the suspected bird in the Eastern Red Cedars.

We then hopped in the car and moved down the park road to the end of the lane. There, in a small vernal pool, the group relocated a Sora that had been found earlier in the morning by Associate Director, Austin Roe. This was the first time seeing this species for most of the group. As the typically reclusive bird foraged along the shore of the pool, the group captured images through their binoculars.

Wapello County Naturalist, Sara Runyan, suggested that the group follow the loop around a prairie patch to look for a few more species before the end of our morning. Along the trail, we heard Eastern Towhee males singing and spotted our first of the year Ruby-crowned Kinglet!

We ended our morning with a total of 39 species seen. Many early migrants had returned and we expect to continue finding more as the season continues. Look for more spring field trips on our events page to join our search for migrants as they arrive.

Find our complete species lists below:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S313941071

https://ebird.org/checklist/S313971522

Meet an IAYB Leader - Therese Cummiskey

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 10:59:22 GMT

We're excited to welcome Therese Cummiskey to Iowa Young Birders as one of the newest members of our Board of Directors! Learn more about Therese below.

Current town: Fairfield Iowa

Home Town: Currie Minnesota

What sparked your interest in birds/nature?

I’ve loved nature all my life and worked as a naturalist as my career for 35 years, but I truly fell in love with birding in 2012. I had seen the movie The Big Year and I thought to myself “I wonder how many birds I could see in a year?” It was incredible! I was hooked! Added to that was Diane Porter who mentored me and helped hone my skills!

What is your favorite bird?

Ugh! So many. But I can tell you my two favorite groups of birds. first, the woodpeckers. So many awesome adaptations! And then the sparrows. I just love sparrows! Probably because these birds were the biggest surprise to me when I started to bird. Such an incredible variety of native sparrows and so many people don’t know they exist.

What is your favorite birding/outdoor space?

Pretty much anywhere, but I am especially fond of Prairie and open pasture land. I have a couple friends I go birding with and we really enjoy birding down back roads, especially dirt roads where there’s more undisturbed habitat.

How did you first learn about Iowa Young Birders?

I first heard about them when I was a naturalist with the Jefferson County Conservation board.

What motivated you to become an IAYB Board Member?

Austin Roe!

Why do you feel exposing kids to birds and nature is important?

Being outdoors is so good for a person: emotionally, spiritually, physically. It keeps me focused, joyful, at peace. The world is full of too much busyness, too much drama.

Also if you love something, you’ll protect it and the more you know about the outdoors and birds, the stronger your desire will be to protect it for the next generation.

A Waterfowl Weekend

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:53:57 GMT

Our Associate Director, Austin Roe, took a trip to Lake Wapello State Park this past Saturday and wrote about his birding adventure on his Substack, Bird Nerd Newsletter.

In this recent post, Austin highlights the waterfowl that he found during his outing and shares some of his photos as well. You can subscribe to the Bird Nerd Newsletter for free to receive more posts like this one directly to your email weekly, as well as a monthly installment of the Bird Nerd Podcast.

Find Austin's Lake Wapello Post here.

2025 Impact Report

Tyler Harms — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:28:57 GMT

We had a great year in 2025! Read all about it in our 2025 Impact Report.

Loess Hills Audubon Society deploys birding backpacks in western Iowa

Tyler Harms — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 19:30:41 GMT

The Loess Hills Audubon Society (LHAS) has built and deployed birding backpacks at a total of seven nature centers and public libraries in western Iowa. Iowa Young Birders partnered with LHAS to provide educational materials for the backpacks as well as binoculars at a discounted rate. Below is a recent summary of the project and some photos from LHAS member Tucker Lutter:

"Loess Hills Audubon Society is grateful to Iowa Young Birders for partnering with us to provide five birding backpacks to the residents of Sioux County, Iowa. We received a small grant from Iowa Audubon to cover the cost of the backpacks and Iowa Young Birders provided us with five discounted pairs of quality binoculars through NOCS Provisions. The backpacks can be checked out at four locations in the county including the Hawarden Public Library and through the Sioux County Conservation Board at Prairie Woods Nature Center/Oak Grove County Park, Big Sioux Recreation Area, and Sandy Hollow Recreation Area. We hope the backpacks will spark a love for birds among those who use them and inspire a future generation of Iowa Young Birders!"

Above: Loess Hills Audubon Society birding backpack. Below: Loess Hills Audubon Society member Tucker Lutter with Maddy Vlotho, Director of the Hawarden Public Library.

“We very much appreciate the efforts of LHAS to expand access to high-quality birding tools and resources across western Iowa and are excited to partner on this project,” said Tyler Harms, Iowa Young Birders Executive Director.

The locations of the nature centers and libraries with birding backpacks are listed on the Iowa Young Birders birding backpack map, along with other partner libraries in our Library Birding Backpack program.

Want to see a birding backpacks in your local public library or nature centers, contact us to learn more!

Austin Roe begins as Associate Director

Tyler Harms — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 20:20:15 GMT

Iowa Young Birders is excited to welcome Austin Roe as our new Associate Director! The Iowa Young Birders Board of Directors approved Austin's service on March 28, 2025.

A native of Eddyville, Iowa, Austin grew up hunting, fish, and enjoying the outdoors. After high school, he spent four years in the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton as a combat engineer. He then went to Kansas State University (Go Wildcats!) where he earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in wildlife ecology and management and studied ornithology in the Boyle Lab. Austin is currently the naturalist for Jefferson County Conservation in Fairfield.

"As I learned more about animals and natural systems, my love for the outdoors grew and I decided that I wanted share my knowledge with others so they can enjoy and appreciate nature in the same way," says Austin. "This has led me to a career in environmental education and what made me want to join the team at Iowa Young Birders. I hope to be able to share my passion for birds with future ornithologists through field trips and other outreach events with the organization."

Austin takes over for former Associate Director Jayden Bowen, who resigned earlier this year to begin his medical residency in Dallas, Texas. Jayden held the Associate Director role since early 2022.

"We're extremely grateful of Jayden's volunteer service to Iowa Young Birders for the past three years," said Tyler Harms, Iowa Young Birders Executive Director. "We grew our novel Summer Birding Program to record participation, hired our first summer interns, and started our new Library Backpack Program thanks in part to Jayden's leadership and passion for helping all kids experience the joy of birds. Austin embodies this same passion and we're excited to have him as part of our leadership team."

Austin has hit the ground running and is already planning field trips in southern Iowa this summer. He is hosting a trip to Jefferson County Park on July 12 and one to see Mississippi Kites at Memorial Park in Ottumwa on August 16.

Snyder Heritage Farm with Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

Tyler Harms — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 11:37:01 GMT

On Saturday, August 3, 2024, 13 young birders, parents, grandparents, and supporters joined the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) at Snyder Heritage Farm near Elkhart. A beautiful property consisting of a mix of prairie, oak savanna, pothole wetland, and woodland ecosystems, Snyder Heritage Farm has been stewarded by INHF since the early 1990’s. We were joined by Sydney Algreen-Hunter with INHF, who shared with us the farm’s special history and led us on a walking tour of the different ecosystems. Everyone was excited to explore!

We were welcomed to the farm by a very cooperative Eastern Gray Treefrog that was resting on a picnic table near the barn. The frog was very cooperative, allowing everyone to study it closely as we talked about how this native amphibian can change from bright green to mottled gray. Later, it disappeared briefly only to reappear crawling up the trunk of a nearby tree. We paused to watch it hop out onto a limb. As we continued introductions, we found another amphibian, a Boreal Chorus Frog, bounding through the grass. One of the young birders quickly snagged the small frog and we studied its characteristic black stripes in hand. We might be there for the birds, but we always take the opportunity to learn about other critters!

As we started to hike towards the prairie to search for grassland birds, we stopped to admire an Eastern Bluebird perched on a fencepost, beak full of insects likely destined for the hungry mouths of nestlings inside a nearby nest box. We were soon drawn to the prairie by a song consisting of sharp chirps coming from low in the vegetation. With some patience, a Sedge Wren emerged, perching high on a compass plant stalk for everyone to see. We continued our walk into the prairie, pausing occasionally to learn about the many flowering plants, watch a Red-headed Woodpecker fly overhead, or to admire the Common Green Darner dragonflies zipping through the air. We finished our walk through the prairie with great looks of both male and female Dickcissels, another of our grassland songbirds.

After taking a break in some shade to watch some Barn Swallows swoop back and forth through the yard, we started towards the oak savanna. Along the way, we stopped to watch various species of dragonflies patrolling the edge of one of the wetlands and to study a distant Turkey Vulture sitting atop a powerline pole. The savanna produced some new species for our list including a House Wren, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Northern Flicker, and a gorgeous male Indigo Bunting. We also heard a Common Yellowthroat singing and stopped to study an Eastern Kingbird, both near the wetland as we hiked back to the barn. We finished our morning with 20 species of birds on our list as well as several other fun critters!

Thanks very much to INHF for hosting us and especially to Sydney Algreen-Hunter for teaching us about the plants and animals of the property! You can view our bird list here and photos from our morning here.

Meet an IAYB Leader - Judy Levings

Tyler Harms — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:48:53 GMT

We're excited to welcome Judy Levings to Iowa Young Birders as the newest member of our Board of Directors! Learn more about Judy below.

Current town: Ames, Iowa

Home town: Perry, Missouri

What sparked your interest in birds/nature?

My family had a rustic cabin on the Salt River in Missouri where everyone - aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends would meet most weekends to fish and boat. Fishing bored me, so I would do other things: walk, make forts, explore caves, and hunt for insects and salamanders. In high school, I took an advanced biology where the most marvelous teacher, Mr. Gibbs, introduced us to a huge taxonomic key on the Plants of Missouri. I traversed the county, searching for any kind of plant to identify. Birding didn’t happen until I took Ornithology from Dr. Dinsmore. Something about getting to handle tiny colorful creatures caught in mist nets hooked me.

What is your favorite bird?

Maybe the Prothonotary Warbler- isn’t this one a stunner, it’s reclusive so you usually have to work hard to find one. When you do, your day is brighter.

What is your favorite birding/outdoor space?

Any place with undisturbed habitat - I travel a lot, so my favorite is the next Audubon site, National Wildlife Refuge, Yucatan ruin, or a friend's backyard where I get to share space with birds.

Do you have young birders in your family?

Yes, I do. My granddaughter is a birder extraordinaire. Coupled with her artistic and photographic abilities and easy-going mindset, she is a natural.

How did you first learn about Iowa Young Birders?

We belong to the American Birding Association and there was an article about the Young Birders Association. When I was at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt looking for a Prothonotary Warbler, I saw a group of youth and their families birding. I was told they were on an Iowa Young Birder’s field trip. Ah, ha!

What motivated you to become an IAYB Board Member?

I reached out to the organization to offer to volunteer. After a nice discussion, it was suggested that my talents might reside in serving as a Board member.

Why do you feel exposing kids to birds and nature is important?

Developing the next generation of environmentalists or conservationists who have a land ethic is essential for our future. Children can develop a land ethic in a myriad of ways, but exposure to the outdoors on a repeated basis with caring adults has the most chance of success. Birding is fun and can act as a hook. I think the beauty of the IAYB activities is that they are family-oriented, so our volunteer guides can provide tips and ideas for parents to feel more comfortable in the outdoors. If parents feel comfortable and know where to take their children outdoors, they will more likely repeat these field trips with their children - to parks and other outdoor spaces and programs.

Summer birding at Brenton Arboretum

Tyler Harms — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 15:44:28 GMT

On Saturday, July 20, 2024, 22 young birders, parents, and supporters gathered at the Brenton Arboretum in Dallas County for a morning summer birding. Penny Perkins, Education Director for the Arboretum, welcomed us and acquainted us with the goals of this 141-acre oasis in central Iowa. The Arboretum was created in 1997 thanks to a passion for trees by founder Buz Brenton and the collection has since grown to more than 2,500 trees and shrubs of 500 species in addition to several acres of native prairie. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Arboretum hosts a great diversity of birds and we were excited to explore the area!

We were greeted with rain that persisted for much of the morning. However, it didn’t dampen our enthusiasm! Our morning started with a life bird for many of the young birders - a male Northern Bobwhite whistling from a line of shrubs near the Visitor’s Center. We tried hard to get him in our binoculars with no luck, but it was still fun to hear his whistle and practice our own “bob-white” whistles for the remainder of the morning. The American Robins seemed extremely fond of the persistent rain, for we saw numerous individuals singing from treetops and flying around throughout the morning. While walking to Overlook Pond, we heard and saw an Eastern Meadowlark singing from a small tree near a hillside prairie. We paused to listen carefully to his melodious song.

A pair of Eastern Kingbirds was active around Overlook Pond, and we received several opportunities to study them. We also stopped to study a female Red-winged Blackbird, her brown streaks over a whitish-yellow body very different from the well-known red wing patch on a black body of her male counterpart. Also near the pond was a small flock of American Goldfinches, which provided us the opportunity to learn the plumage differences of males and females of that species.

We took a break above Overlook Pond to learn about vegetative structure in native prairies, the important role it plays for grassland bird nesting, and how it is maintained through grazing and prescribed fire. We then hiked back to the Visitor’s Center, stopping along the way to listen to a singing Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow, and to look for the pesky, secretive Northern Bobwhite again.

A huge thanks to Penny Perkins with the Brenton Arboretum for joining us and sharing her knowledge of trees and plants. Thanks also to all the participants for attending despite the somewhat unpleasant weather! You can view photos from our morning here and a complete species list here.

Bickett-Rate Memorial Preserve and the Althea Sherman Chimney Swift tower

Tyler Harms — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 15:40:05 GMT

On June 29, 2024, 12 young birders, parents, and supporters met at Bickett-Rate Memorial Preserve in Cedar County to visit and learn about the historic Althea Sherman Chimney Swift tower. Currently maintained by the Cedar County Historical Society (CCHS), this tower is the original structure designed, built, and used by amateur Iowa ornithologist Althea Sherman to observe the nesting behavior of Chimney Swifts at her home in northeastern Iowa in the mid-1900’s. Ms. Sherman’s detailed observations of the many Chimney Swift nests in her tower contributed immensely to the understanding of swift nesting behavior and today are still some of the only observations of this largely unseen portion of a swift’s life.

On this day, thanks to the CCHS and Ms. Sherman’s ingenuity, we had the unique opportunity to see a Chimney Swift nest! We were led into the tower by CCHS Treasurer Mike Boyle, who told us all about how Ms. Sherman used the tower to observe swift nests. He explained that she would often stay in the tower day and night to document when and how the adults would enter the tower to feed the young. The interior of the tower was fascinating! It consisted of a narrow staircase that wound around a 12-foot deep interior chimney, along which were several holes and windows providing a complete view of the chimney. At the top of the staircase was a door that could be opened for viewing and entering the chimney (if needed). Each participant was able to see the nest through this door, which was made of small sticks attached to the wooden wall of the chimney with the extra-sticky saliva produced by Chimney Swifts specifically for nest building. One young birder described the saliva as “honey-like”, which is very accurate! The nest contained 6 mostly featherless young, who made a very raspy, dinosaur-like call at any noise or movement. What an amazing experience it was to see a Chimney Swift nest up close!

After viewing the swift nest, we toured the farm with Mike, learning more about its history and the many species of birds, in addition to the Chimney Swifts, that call the farm home. We were endlessly entertained by the many Purple Martins zipping through the air with the Chimney Swifts, presumably capturing insects unseen to our eyes. The Purple Martins were happy to take up residence in the colony of nest boxes on the farm, and it was amusing to see young martins peaking their heads through the entrance holes of the nest boxes. Also on the farm were several Eastern Bluebird nest boxes, and we were treated with great views of an Eastern Bluebird near one of the boxes. It was the perfect morning for a leisurely hike with the birds!

Many thanks to Mike Boyle for teaching us about the history of the swift tower and the farm and to the Cedar County Historical Society for hosting us! You can view photos from our morning here and a complete species list here.

Cardinal Marsh Wildlife Area, March 23, 2024

Tyler Harms — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 14:01:49 GMT

On Saturday, March 23, 11 young birders, parents, and friends visited Cardinal Marsh Wildlife Area in Winneshiek County to search for migrating waterfowl and other early spring arrivals. The morning was cold but calm and the rising sun gradually warmed us during our hike.

The songbirds were alive with activity this morning. We were greeted by a single Fox Sparrow perched in a tree near the parking lot. As we started our hike, we quickly noticed several American Robins flying about, foraging on berries produced by the line of shrubs along the road to the marsh. We learned they were eating berries produced by nearby American Bittersweet shrubs and Eastern Red Cedars. Several Red-winged Blackbirds were in the area as well, loudly announcing their presence with their “konk-kra-lee” songs. A couple blackbirds perched in the open offering great looks through the spotting scope. We also saw a single Black-capped Chickadee flitting from shrub to shrub along the road.

After seeing many waterfowl in the air from the parking lot, we were anxious to reach the first of a series of wetland units at Cardinal Marsh. Once there, our first birds were 3 Ring-necked Pheasants flying across the road and out over the mostly-frozen water. The several hundred waterfowl on the wetland quickly attracted our attention, however. Immediately obvious were 5 swans, the largest of the waterfowl family in North America. After close examination, we determined that 3 were Trumpeter Swans and the 2 remaining were less-common Tundra Swans. An unexpected treat for the morning! Also present on the wetland were several Canada Geese and 11 species of ducks, including a pair of very cooperative Ruddy Ducks that young birders viewed through the spotting scope. We also flushed a Wilson’s Snipe from the wetland edge.

While viewing the waterfowl, we heard occasional distant calls of Sandhill Cranes in the marsh. As we continued on our hike, the cranes came into view. We watched a total of 7 birds throughout the morning, flying overhead, calling, and foraging in various areas of the marsh. We learned that at least 4 pairs of cranes nest at Cardinal Marsh each year. As we watched a group of 4 cranes walking along a dike, we noticed one bird was much more gray in color compared to its nearby rust-colored friends. We learned that the rusty-orange color is actually not the color of their feathers, but rather is color produced by the iron-rich soil in the marsh that the cranes “paint” on their feathers with their bills. They do this shortly after returning from their wintering grounds. Chances are the gray crane just arrived in Iowa from its winter home and had not yet donned the marsh mud. Very cool!

Other highlights from our hike included a trio of Greater White-fronted Geese, 6 Killdeer, 2 Bald Eagles soaring in the distance, and other songbirds typical of this time of year including American Tree Sparrows, Song Sparrows, a pair of Northern Cardinals, and a single Dark-eyed Junco.

We learned a ton on our hike thanks to the vast knowledge of naturalist and local expert Larry Reis with Winneshiek County Conservation. Thanks very much to Larry for joining us! You can view photos from our trip here as well as a full species list here.

Meet an IAYB Leader - Diane Crookham-Johnson

Tyler Harms — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 11:53:26 GMT

Diane Crookham-Johnson is one of the newest members of our Board of Directors and a huge supporter of our programs. Learn more about Diane below!

Photo courtesy of Diane Crookham-Johnson

Current town: Oskaloosa, Iowa

Home town: Charles City, Iowa

What sparked your interest in birds?

I came to birding later in life. Our kids had both left home after graduation. My husband frequently traveled for work. I was looking for a new photography subject. A friend suggested Bald Eagles at Red Rock Dam. One morning with the birds and I was hooked! My hobby has transitioned from photography to birding with a camera in hand.

What is your favorite bird?

Whichever one is in front of me. I really enjoy watching a birds and their habits. I’ve been known to sit for a few hours watching them go about their routine.

What is your favorite birding / outdoor space?

Close to home, Maskunky Marsh, Mahaska County, Iowa is my go-to location. I’ve observed 180 species of birds at that marsh. It is a great migration stopover.

Do you have young birders in your family?

I do not have young birders in my family, however I volunteer in a kindergarten room each week and I have finding young birders in that room every week!

What motivated you to become an IAYB Board Member?

I have always prioritized volunteer time with organizations and activities that work with kids. I love birds. IAYB is a perfect mix of both.

Why do you feel exposing kids to birds and nature is important?

In my professional career and in my volunteer experiences I frequently work with kids who have heavy life experiences. Birds and nature provide all of us a life-long way to find peace. I appreciate that it is a tool that doesn’t require kids to have an adult to take them somewhere, or to have insurance, or to leave home. House Sparrows in the corner of a parking can even provide that peace.

Seeking applications for an Education Programs Intern

Tyler Harms — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 12:37:25 GMT

Thanks to an Education Grant from Iowa's Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) fund, Iowa Young Birders is seeking applications for an Education Program Intern based in Ames, Iowa. This position will coordinate the organization’s at-home summer birding program, which will include distributing materials and prizes to program participants, developing educational materials for the program, and outreach about the program with potential participants. The position will also be an integral part of the IAYB staff, assisting with planning and leading field trips and other special events, contributing to our social media calendar, and developing other educational materials as needed.

Preferred qualifications for this internship include:

Work towards a Bachelor’s degree in outdoor education, recreation, natural resources interpretation, or other related field.
Excellent communication (both written and verbal) and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks.
Experience with Microsoft Office programs (e.g., Excel, Word) and Google Suite (e.g., Docs, Forms).
Knowledge of and experience with various social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
Passion for and ability to work with youth (ages 5-18).
Passion for the outdoors.
Knowledge of and ability to identify Iowa birds are preferred but not required.

This position will be 20 hours per week starting as early as May 15, 2024 and finishing August 31, 2024. The hourly rate is $15.00 / hour.

Anticipated Skill Development

Nature education and outreach, field trip leadership
Youth education and outreach
Scientific communication with a lay audience in person, by virtual presentation, and via social media
Nonprofit leadership and administration
Education programming development, coordination, and logistics
Team based planning and cooperation
Presentation skills (optional)

Hickory Hill Park, April 22, 2023

Tyler Harms — Thu, 04 May 2023 10:42:12 GMT

On Saturday, April 22, 2023, 19 young birders, parents, grandparents, and friends gathered at Hickory Hill Park in Iowa City to search for early spring migrants. The morning temperature of 35 degrees Fahrenheit and the occasional snow flurry made it challenging to think of spring, but the birds didn’t let the weather stop them and neither did we!

Our first spring migrant, an Eastern Phoebe, appeared before we even finished introductions. It perched low along the edge of the woods for a brief look before disappearing into the understory. We also enjoyed a pair of Eastern Bluebirds moving about among the trees and a brightly colored American Robin vocalizing in a tree right above our heads!

As we started down the first part of the trail, we stopped to appreciate the many singing birds we could hear including Black-capped Chickadees, Northern Cardinals, and White-throated Sparrows. A keen-eyed participant then spotted a group of warblers high in the trees, and we were able to identify some exciting early spring migrants: two Orange-Crowned Warblers amongst a flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers. Much to our delight, we were able to watch up to 12 Yellow-rumped Warblers foraging on the trail right in front of us. Unlike with many warbler species, we were able to get amazing looks at them through the scope as they picked at food among the gravel and leaves.

Hickory Hill Park is home to many breeding woodland birds, and we took a few minutes to examine the various nest holes we could see. We were amazed at how perfectly round many of the holes were and learned about the differences between primary cavity nesters (which build their own nest cavities) and secondary cavity nesters (which use holes and cavities they find, but don’t build themselves.) As we moved on from the nest cavities we were able to get fleeting glimpses of a crow-sized bird flying ahead of us along the trail; a Pileated Woodpecker, almost on cue for our discussion about nest cavities!

Shortly after, we saw a raptor soar through the trees. It was an adult Cooper’s Hawk, and we watched on while it paused for a moment in its nest before flying down and joining its mate in a nearby tree! The pair took a few moments to copulate and then sat side by side on the same limb, giving everyone an opportunity to see them close up in the scope before they relocated, providing even better looks!

As we began to head back to the parking area, we came across a flock of White-throated Sparrows that obligingly paused in the trees above us so we could admire their crisp patterns. We took this opportunity to practice our “pishing” and watched in delight as more and more sparrows emerged from the brush. Suddenly, a larger bird darted from bush to bush, pausing only briefly to reveal itself as a Hermit Thrush. As we wrapped up our trip we took some time to learn the “peter-peter-peter” and single note songs of the Tufted Titmouse. We were greeted in the parking area by the resident Eastern Bluebirds before taking a group photo and saying goodbye. Despite the not-so-spring-like conditions, we were able to see and hear many of the cornerstone species of Iowa forests and as always, enjoy the wonderful companionship of fellow birders.

We are grateful to volunteer leader Jim Kettlekamp for his keen eyes and local expertise on the trip. Thanks also to the young birders and their families who helped make this a fun morning! You can view photos from our morning here and our eBird checklist here.

Northern Minnesota 2023 Recap

Tyler Harms — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 11:28:35 GMT

On Friday, February 3, 2023, we returned to beautiful Northern Minnesota for a weekend of winter birding in the famous Sax-Zim Bog and other nearby areas. A total of 9 young birders, parents, and supporters joined us for what turned out to be a fantastic two days of learning, friendship, and great birds!

Our group at the Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center, February 4, 2023

We arrived in Duluth, Minnesota (our base camp) on Friday afternoon and, after a quick welcome and introductions, loaded our van to head north to Sax-Zim Bog. Our target - a Northern Hawk Owl that was being seen consistently along the eastern edge of the Bog. Approximately 45 minutes later, we were looking at a Northern Hawk Owl perched at the very top of a tree. Our spotting scopes provided great looks of this very cooperative bird. While admiring and photographing this bird, we learned that the Northern Hawk Owl is unique among other owls in the feather structure of their wings. Most owls, which hunt at night, have modified feathers on the front edge of their wings that alter the air flow over their wings and allow them to fly silently. The Northern Hawk Owl, however, does not have this modified feather structure because they hunt primarily during the day. After viewing the owl, we took a sunset drive through the Bog and found a Ruffed Grouse perched high in a tree eating buds at sunset. Two life birds for almost everyone in the van on the first day is not a bad start to our weekend!

Viewing the Northern Hawk Owl in Sax-Zim Bog, February 3, 2023

We had an ambitious agenda for Saturday with hopes of seeing many new species, so we arose early to head back to the Bog. We started our day shortly after sunrise at the feeders near Yellow-bellied Bog. Here, we were treated to fantastic views of several Evening Grosbeaks visiting the feeders, looking stunning in the morning sun. We also saw both Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, offering a nice opportunity to observe the size difference between these two visually-similar species. After watching for about 10 minutes, a small group of Pine Grosbeaks arrived, another target species for our day. Several American Goldfinches were also visiting the feeders, which are always a treat to see. Our next stop was the feeders along Arkola Road, where we added Canada Jay (our third target species of the day) and Black-capped Chickadee to our list along with Red Squirrel, a life mammal for most in the van.

Sunrise in Sax-Zim Bog at the Yellow-bellied Bog feeders, February 4, 2023

The Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center is usually a hub of bird activity, so we stopped there next. The highlights of this stop included a small group of Pine Siskins at the feeders behind the Welcome Center (a new species for our list) as well as a singing female Pine Grosbeak (female Pine Grosbeaks can and will sing occasionally, unlike many other songbirds). Also present at the feeders here were several Evening Grosbeaks, Canada Jays, American Goldfinches, Black-capped Chickadees, and Red Squirrels. Next, we took a leisurely drive through the Bog, searching for owls and other birds while en route to Mary Lou’s feeders. Common Ravens were present throughout the Bog and kept us interested on our drives from one stop to the next. We arrived at Mary Lou’s feeders to find a large flock of Wild Turkeys, an unexpected bird for our day. The turkeys were very entertaining as they hopped up to grab some seed from the hanging feeders and scoured the ground for any spilled waste seed. We also had a quick glimpse of a Pileated Woodpecker at a suet feeder before it retreated to the nearby woods. We departed Mary Lou’s feeders for lunch, but stopped along the way for not one but two Northern Shrikes, one of which was very cooperative and allowed everyone great looks through our spotting scopes.

Young birder photographing one of two Northern Shrikes, February 4, 2023

After lunch, we traveled back to the Welcome Center for the opportunity to purchase some souvenirs and to search for a Boreal Chickadee that was being consistently seen along the Gray Jay Way trail. While in the Welcome Center, we were treated to a great impromptu program on raptor wings and talons from naturalists Sarah and Jake. We were super grateful for their time and for sharing their knowledge with us! We then commenced our hike along the snowy Gray Jay Way back to the feeders where the Boreal Chickadee was last seen. Upon arriving, we waited only five minutes for the bird to arrive high in the tree, later flying down to eye level for a great view. We finished our day in search of another life mammal for most, the elusive Porcupine. Thanks to some hot intel from other young birder supporters in the Bog, we finally located snoozing Porcupine high in a tree near the Arkola Road feeders.

Naturalist Sarah Wood with Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory teaches us about raptor wings and talons at the Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center, February 4, 2023

Having had such a great day in the Bog on Saturday, we decided to try our luck searching for Bohemian Waxwings and Spruce Grouse along the north shore of Lake Superior first thing Sunday morning. We ventured north towards the town of Two Harbors. Once there, we chased several large waxwing-looking flocks with no luck on Bohemian Waxwings. We did, however, find an extremely cooperative Pileated Woodpecker. We then drove north to Superior National Forest hoping for a Spruce Grouse. Although we didn’t have luck with a grouse, we did enjoy some fabulous scenery in the snowy forest and stumbled into a small flock of Common Redpolls on the drive back to Two Harbors. Once back in Duluth, we decided to try for a Snowy Owl that was being seen consistently at the Duluth airport. We had great looks of the owl (an apparent young female) and a bonus Northern Shrike. What a great way to end a great weekend!

Young birders excited about Common Redpolls! February 5, 2023

Many thanks to the young birders, parents, and supporters who joined us on this weekend adventure, especially young birder supporters Francis Moore and Tom Schilke who were great mentors to our young birders throughout the weekend. Thanks also to Associate Director Jayden Bowen for his leadership and coordination throughout the weekend. And lastly, thanks to Sarah Wood and Jake Behrens with Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory for staying late at the Welcome Center to teach us about raptor wings!

Click here to view more photos from our trip.

Iowa Young Birders to hire an Education Programs Intern

Tyler Harms — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 02:57:42 GMT

Preferred qualifications for this internship include:

Work towards a Bachelor’s degree in outdoor education, recreation, natural resources interpretation, or other related field.
Excellent communication (both written and verbal) and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks.
Experience with Microsoft Office programs (e.g., Excel, Word) and Google Suite (e.g., Docs, Forms).
Knowledge of and experience with various social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
Passion for and ability to work with youth (ages 5-18).
Passion for the outdoors.
Knowledge of and ability to identify Iowa birds are preferred but not required.

This position will be 20 hours per week starting as early as May 15, 2023 and finishing August 31, 2023. The hourly rate is $15.00 / hour. There is a possibility of extending this position into the academic year with a smaller hourly commitment (5-10 hours per week) depending on performance and available funding.

Anticipated Skill Development

Nature education and outreach, field trip leadership
Youth education and outreach
Scientific communication with a lay audience in person, by virtual presentation, and via social media
Nonprofit leadership and administration
Education programming development, coordination, and logistics
Data collection and outcome analysis
Team based planning and cooperation
Presentation skills (optional)

F.W. Kent Park, June 4, 2022

Tyler Harms — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 14:19:33 GMT

Twenty-seven young birders, parents, grandparents, and friends joined us at Kent Park on June 4, 2022 for a morning searching for lingering migrants and summer residents among the diverse habitats at this premier birding location. Though the skies suggested earlier rain would continue, they held back long enough to allow for a pleasant hike and a flurry of bird activity.

Our morning started only a few steps from the parking lot, where we paused to view a Mourning Dove perched atop the Conservation Education Center and a male Indigo Bunting perched and singing in a nearby tree. Also singing in our midst was a male Common Yellowthroat, though his skulky behavior typical of this species prevented us from getting a good look. We continued down the trail but were quickly distracted by a dark bird flying low across the trail. Some brief searching in the underbrush produced a Gray Catbird, confirmed by its characteristic “mew” calls.

Further along the trail, we emerged from the woods into an opening near the pond. Here, we were treated to great views of a trio of Red-headed Woodpeckers chasing each other around a tall snag likely hosting a nest in one of the many cavities. We also saw a trio (two males and one female) of Baltimore Orioles foraging in a tall cottonwood tree. We searched the nearby pond for some loafing waterfowl or a sneaky Green Heron came up empty-handed. And we can’t forget the Question Mark butterfly captured by volunteer leader Jayden Bowen, offering an up-close inspection of the wing markings for which this pretty critter gets its name.

From the pond, we hiked up to a prairie area with hopes of seeing some grassland birds. We were quickly rewarded with a singing male Eastern Meadowlark and Dickcissel, both species that rely exclusively on prairies during the nesting season. Also singing from a nearby shrubby edge was a Field Sparrow, its song a series of short whistles resembling a bouncing metal ball. From within the nearby woods we heard a Rose-breasted Grosbeak singing but it, too, eluded the spotting scope. A short time later, young birder Zita spotted an Orchard Oriole perched in a small tree along a field edge.

Our search for grassland birds continued along the property boundary where prairie and lightly-grazed pasture met to produce a nice mix of grassland structure. It was along this boundary that we found a pair of male Bobolinks. They put on quite a show for us, perching in a tree long enough to allow everyone great looks through the spotting scope and later showing off their skills as aerial vocalists. We also heard a Grasshopper Sparrow singing in the pasture and saw an Eastern Kingbird overhead assessing the threat of our presence. What a great list of birds utilizing this unique area of the park!

We finished our hike looping back to the parking lot, observing more of the same birds as well as more butterflies and dragonflies along the way. We’re extremely grateful to volunteer leader Jayden Bowen for his enthusiasm and for planning a fun morning for us! Thanks also to Kristen Morrow with Johnson County Conservation for helping us spread the word about this trip and allowing us some time in the Conservation Education Center after our hike (we highly recommend a visit). And, as always, thanks to the young birders and their families for attending! You can view photos from our morning here as well as a list of birds we saw here.

Hartman Reserve Nature Center, April 30, 2022

Tyler Harms — Mon, 09 May 2022 01:52:18 GMT

Excited to welcome some spring migrants, 16 young birders, parents, and friends gathered at Hartman Reserve in Cedar Falls on April 30, 2022. After planning to spend the morning indoors due to forecasted thunderstorms, we were surprised to find fairly pleasant conditions at Hartman when we arrived, thus allowing us to spend the entire morning outdoors!

Our luck continued throughout the morning with some great birds. We hiked from the Nature Center down to the bottomlands near the Cedar River in search of migratory songbirds and waterbirds. Descending towards the river, we stopped briefly to listen to a singing White-breasted Nuthatch that eventually flew into the tree directly above us for a great look. While listening to the nuthatch, an Eastern Phoebe lit on a cable along the trail for a brief look before flying back into the woods. We continued down the trail, admiring the many spring ephemerals in bloom such as Anemone, Dutchman’s Breeches, and Bloodroot, and stopped at the bottom to observe three male Mallards loafing on a nearby pond.

It became obvious very quickly that the bottomlands was where the birds wanted to be. A bit further down the trail we briefly heard and saw an Ovenbird low in the bushes along with a couple Ruby-crowned Kinglets bouncing in the canopy. A bit later in the morning, a few young birders were lucky to see a Ruby-crowned Kinglet on the ground not more than 10 feet in front of them! Other birds along this section of the trail included a flyover Broad-winged Hawk, White-throated Sparrows, a singing House Wren, and singing Northern Cardinals.

Continuing down the trail, we stopped briefly at a woodland pond to watch a very cooperative Green Heron stroll along the water’s edge. A handful of Wood Ducks erupted from the water as we walked closer, and a Louisiana Waterthrush was singing from somewhere near the water (unfortunately, we never did see it). A non-bird highlight from near the pond and throughout the hike were the many land snails out and about, capitalizing on the moist ground. Before moving on from the pond, we noticed a Gray Catbird darting low in the forest understory and heard a distant Pileated Woodpecker calling.

We continued through the bottomlands, adding species such as Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Black-capped Chickadee, and Brown-headed Cowbird to our list. We paused for a few minutes near a stream, where many of the young birders saw two White-tailed Deer farther up the trail. We took a group photo near a small branch fort and met a Bernese Mountain Dog named Murphy.

The remainder of our 1.5-mile hike went rather quickly due to sporadic rain showers, but not before stopping at a pond to see a pair of Canada Geese and adding Northern Flicker, Eastern Bluebird, Swainson’s Thrush, and Yellow-rumped Warbler to our species list. A huge thanks to Katie Klus, Naturalist at Hartman Reserve Nature Center, for leading us on a super fun hike! And thanks to all the young birders, parents, and friends who joined us! You can view some photos from our morning here and our species list here.

Sweet Marsh Sandhill Crane Count, April 9, 2022

Tyler Harms — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 14:40:16 GMT

On April 9, 2022, 20 young birders, parents, and grandparents gathered at Sweet Marsh Wildlife Management Area to assist with the annual Sandhill Crane count organized by Bremer County Conservation Board. Our very knowledgeable local guide for the morning was Heather Gamm, Naturalist for Bremer County Conservation Board. Before heading out to the marsh, Heather first shared with us some information about the area and about Sandhill Cranes, whose populations have been increasing in and around Sweet Marsh for the past several years according to their count data. We were excited to contribute to this important effort!

Arriving at the marsh, we were greeted with a cacophony of bird sounds. After only a few minutes, we already heard Sandhill Cranes calling from a distance and had a flock of Greater White-fronted Geese fly over. While looking at Northern Shovelers, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Ducks, and American Coots at our first stop, 5 Trumpeter Swans stole the show by flying directly in front of us. Some even saw a single Ruddy Duck at this stop and a handful of Green-winged Teal, which ended up being our most numerous duck species of the morning.

Despite the fantastic waterfowl show, we were anxious to find those calling Sandhill Cranes. As we hiked farther into the marsh, it didn’t take long to find them. It’s amazing how well such a large bird can conceal itself in marsh vegetation! What started as 5 heads peeking above the cattails grew to approximately 12. After a short time, the birds decided to venture into the open allowing us some great views through the spotting scope. From this location, we also saw some Canada Geese, Blue-winged Teal, and American Coots as well as Red-winged Blackbirds perched on cattails throughout the marsh.

We continued into the marsh, stopping at locally-known Martin Lake to watch a large flock of American White Pelicans loafing at a distance. We talked briefly about the nuptial tubercle, an ornamental bump atop the pelican’s beak which is used for display during the breeding season. Also on Martin Lake were Lesser Scaup and more Trumpeter Swans as well as a Horned Grebe, a new species for many on the trip.

The remainder of our hike through the marsh yielded a single Great Egret, several migratory Lesser Yellowlegs, Killdeer, Wilson’s Snipe, and a pair of Northern Pintail. We finished the morning with a total of 30 Sandhill Cranes along with 25 additional species which included 13 species of waterfowl. Spring is obviously a great time to visit your local marsh!

Many thanks to Heather Gamm with Bremer County Conservation Board for leading us on an extremely fun hike and for sharing the local Sandhill Cranes with us! And as always, thanks to those who attended! You can view photos of our morning adventure here and a species list here.

Swan Lake State Park with SOAR, April 2, 2022

Tyler Harms — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 14:34:40 GMT

On a cool and breezy spring morning, twelve young birders, parents, and friends gathered at Swan Lake State Park near Carroll to look for migrating waterfowl. Many were already commenting about the many ducks seen on the lake within the park. We also had a visit planned from Savanna and a raptor companion from Saving Our Avian Resources (SOAR). Needless to say, we were excited for the morning!

We quickly noticed that American Robins were obviously migrating that morning. They were everywhere! We stopped to observe a few perched in a nearby tree along with a Red-bellied Woodpecker. As we walked down the road towards the lake, we stopped to look at an American Kestrel through the spotting scope, who found an Osprey nest platform to be a convenient location to survey the surrounding area for small-mammal snack. Farther down the road, we saw a White-breasted Nuthatch perched on a fencepost while listening to a Mourning Dove singing from a nearby tree. And, of course, more American Robins running around.

We finally arrived at the lake and quickly noticed a Common Loon gracefully floating on the surface. We were able to locate it in the spotting scope for a quality look before it started diving. This bird was likely en route to breeding lakes farther north but, lucky for us, stopped to take a break at Swan Lake. Also present on the lake were Canada Geese, Northern Shovelers, Blue-winged Teal, and Lesser Scaup. A pair of Common Mergansers also flew by while we watched the waterfowl and a mysterious songbird (later identified as a Fox Sparrow) was singing from the nearby shrubs.

Once finished at the lake, we ventured to the Bald Eagle enclosure to meet Savanna with SOAR. Savanna was accompanied by Ginger, a gorgeous female Red-tailed Hawk who helps educate about raptor rehabilitation and conservation. Savanna shared with us Ginger’s story and also talked with us about the important work that SOAR does to help advance raptor conservation. We learned a ton from Savanna and Ginger was a favorite of all attendees.

Once the presentation was finished, we paused briefly to look for another singing Fox Sparrow before completing our morning with one more stop at the lake. A trio of Red-breasted Mergansers swimming by was a new species for many and both a pair of Bufflehead and a single Great Blue Heron flew by. It was a great finish to an exciting morning!

We are extremely grateful to Savanna Judson and Ginger with SOAR for sharing their time and knowledge with us, and for the great work they do to conserve our raptors! Thanks also to Ms. Tina Newman for helping organize this fun field trip and to the young birders and friends for attending. You can view photos from our morning here as well as a species list here.

To learn more about SOAR, click here.

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, March 26, 2022

Tyler Harms — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 14:22:07 GMT

On Saturday, March 26, 2022, 23 young birders, parents, and grandparents gathered at Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center near Sioux City to kick off the spring migration season. At 28℉, it didn’t quite feel like spring! But the sun was shining beautifully through the forest and we were excited for our first field trip of 2022.

We were joined by Kari Sandage with Woodbury County Conservation who introduced us to the area. Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center is nestled in the heart of the Loess Hills landform region, a landform consisting of wind-blown soil deposits for which only one other example exists in the world (the Loess Plateau in China). After some fun facts from Kari, she led us first down to the bird feeders where we enjoyed views of some very cooperative Black-capped Chickadees and Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers. Later down the trail, we heard a White-breasted Nuthatch laughing at us from a nearby tree and stopped to admire a large cavity in a tree, a possible home for Pileated Woodpeckers which have been seen in the area.

We turned the corner on the trail to head up to an observation platform where we enjoyed gorgeous views overlooking the area. We heard a Wild Turkey gobble in the distance and saw a distant Red-tailed Hawk soaring overhead. After leaving the platform and heading back down the trail, we caught a quick glimpse of a pair of Cooper’s Hawks in a flighted courtship overhead. We continued our hike up to a hilltop prairie, but not before stopping to look for a calling Brown Creeper in the woods (unfortunately, its camouflage worked well) and watch a Barred Owl flushed from the treetops. Once at the hilltop prairie, Kari showed us Yucca, a native Iowa plant that is unique to the Loess Hills area of Iowa. It’s always fun to see other unique critters and plants!

We ventured back towards the Nature Center to finish our hike, enjoying the many American Robins along the way and stopping to see a Barred Owl and Red-tailed Hawk in the live raptor display. Our morning was not complete, however, without some time exploring the amazing Nature Center!

We are extremely grateful to Kari Sandage for leading us on a fun hike and to volunteer Jemmie Dyk for her leadership on the trip. And as always, thanks to the young birders and their families for joining us! You can view some photos from our trip here and our species list here.

Another Successful Summer of Birds!

Tyler Harms — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 20:51:03 GMT

During the summer of 2021, Iowa Young Birders hosted the second Summer of Birds summer birding program thanks to funding from the Warren B. and Juanita E. Reynolds Fund and Iowa Audubon, Wild Birds Unlimited in Ames, and our many members and supporters. Click the link below to read about the huge success of this program for the second year running!

Summer Birding Program report_2022.pdf

Great Western Park, October 9, 2021

Tyler Harms — Sat, 16 Oct 2021 01:37:50 GMT

On October 9, 2021, a lively group of young birders met at Great Western Park in Manning, Iowa to search for fall-migrating waterfowl and other birds. After brief introductions, sharing of our favorite birds (always one of the most fun aspects of the morning), and discussion of what we might see that morning, we started off down the trail with binoculars in hand. The crisp fall air was full of excitement and anticipation.

It wasn’t long before we encountered our first birds of the morning, flying circles above us and landing near the top of a nearby tree. American Goldfinches! We took a few minutes to learn about molt in American Goldfinches, as well as other birds, and learned a couple identification tricks for our state bird in flight: an undulating flight pattern and a flight call that sounds like “potato chip”. A bit further down the trail, a small group of American Robins flew over, a few of the more than 60 American Robins we would see throughout the morning.

While walking down the trail, we noticed a collection of nest boxes on fence posts. We took a few moments to learn about these boxes, built for Eastern Bluebirds and used by other species such as Tree Swallows, and admired the careful architecture of a nest in one of the boxes. Suddenly, young birder Noah spotted a Peregrine Falcon flying low and directly overhead, offering everyone great views of its long, pointed wings and falcon-like body shape. While definitely not on our list of expected birds, we were pleasantly surprised to see our fastest bird in North America!

We continued to add to our list of fall migrants along the far side of the pond. A Yellow-rumped Warbler, one of the last warbler species to migrate through Iowa, perched in a tree over the trail voicing its characteristic “chupp” all along, and we were able to patiently entice a duo of Marsh Wrens from the cattails and into view. A small flock of six Blue-winged Teal burst into flight from a shallow part of the wetland and a group of 13 Canada Geese decide to spend some time loafing on the pond. As we started back towards the parking lot, we paused several times for Northern Flickers, Blue Jays, and American Robins that were bopping among the treetops, and a Bald Eagle and Turkey Vulture soaring in tandem was a nice end to a great morning of fall birding in Iowa.

Many thanks to all those who attend and to Ms. Tina Newman for helping organize this trip. You can view our complete species list here and some photos from our morning here.

Emma McCarthy Lee Park, September 11, 2021

Tyler Harms — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 15:58:43 GMT

On September 11, 2021, 12 young birders and parents joined us for a visit to Emma McCarthy Lee Park in Ames to experience fall migration and search for some other nesting residents unique to this large, contiguous forest area in the middle of Ames. It was a great morning for birding, as demonstrated by the calling Red-breasted Nuthatch that sent us scrambling away from the parking lot even before our introductions. This Red-breasted Nuthatch was one of four we either saw or heard in the park throughout the morning. It was a fantastic start to a fantastic morning.

While hiking down the hill to the lower portion of the park, a Hairy Woodpecker perched on the top of a snag climbing above the canopy, a great opportunity to view this bird and learn about the subtle differences between it and its smaller cousin the Downy Woodpecker. White-breasted Nuthatches calling along the trail as well as we paused to admire a Paper Wasp hive and a couple of impressive puffball mushrooms in the woods. Once in the lower portion of the park, we heard and saw some American Goldfinches and American Robins overhead as well as a Red-bellied Woodpecker and Northern Flicker.

We started down a trail with hopes of finding some fall migrants and we were not disappointed. We found a great flurry of bird activity that started with great views of a Northern Parula, one of the few warbler species that nest in Iowa and in the park. We were then treated to great views of a very cooperative Blue-headed Vireo, who perched head-high on a branch approximately 15 feet in front of us. Young birder Noah spotted a Magnolia Warbler in fall plumage skulky through the shrubs, who was later joined by a Nashville Warbler, and at least three different Black-and-White Warblers were gleaning insects from various trees around us. A Brown Thrasher perched high in the canopy was a nice surprise and an unexpected location for this species, and a steady stream of migrating Common Nighthawks (42 birds total) were gliding south above the canopy.

Further along the trail we heard a Cooper’s Hawk laughing from the trees and flushed a Barred Owl, who perched up in a tree for all young birders to see before disappearing into the forest. We also paused to view an Ovenbird silently foraging on the forest floor thanks to the keen eyes of young birder parent Ulrike. We later heard an Eastern Wood-Pewee calling from deep in the forest. We were entertained by Northern Cardinals on our hike back to the car and closed the morning with a soaring Turkey Vulture overhead, our only raptor species for the morning.

Many thanks to the young birders and parents for joining us for this fun morning! And thanks to young birder parent Ulrike Grimaldi for keeping our species list.

View photos from our morning here and a species list here.

Greenwood - Ashworth Park, August 21, 2021

Tyler Harms — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 15:48:29 GMT

On a gorgeous late-summer morning, 17 young birders, parents, and supporters joined us for a hike through Greenwood-Ashworth Park, a premier central Iowa birding locale nested in the heart of Des Moines. After a one-year hiatus in our field trip schedule due to the global pandemic, we were all excited to be in the field and birding together again. Our target for the morning was the Mississippi Kite, a small raptor that forages mostly on flying insects and is known to nest in only two locations in Iowa: Des Moines (around Greenwood-Ashworth Park) and Ottumwa. Though the kite was our target, we were excited to see what other birds we could find!

Upon embarking up the road to the main portion of the park, we were quickly greeted by the scolding calls of a Tufted Titmouse, an uncommon bird in central Iowa, as well as the broken, burry song of a Yellow-throated Vireo. We paused briefly to search for these birds among the dense canopy of leaves but were unsuccessful. While waiting, however, we did take the opportunity to learn a bit about plants as there were several native Gray Dogwood shrubs along the woodland edge that were full of berries. These berries are an important food source for birds in winter as other food sources disappear. We continued up the road to be treated to great views and a comical performance from a family group of Eastern Bluebirds; the young birds were learning how to hawk for insects and were still a bit clumsy.

After a brief stop to view a pair of female Mallards on the pond, we continued along the trail. We saw a Mourning Dove on the trail as well as a few American Robins low in the trees. We even stopped to view an interesting gathering of wasp-like insects at the base of a tree, later identified as Bald-faced Hornets (thanks to our friend James Baggett for the ID assistance). A bit further along the trail we stopped to search for a singing Indigo Bunting high in the treetop and were excited to find a flurry of bird activity. Gray Catbirds were flitting around in a small shrub in front of us, an Eastern Wood-Pewee was singing in the distance, and we later saw a female Baltimore Oriole and male Northern Cardinal. Just before moving along, a young birder spotted an Osprey flying high over the park likely en route to somewhere with warmer temperatures in winter. We spent 45 minutes in this one spot!

We continued around the pond and back towards the vehicles. Though we did not find a Mississippi Kite, we were excited to close the morning with great views of a Broad-winged Hawk soaring over the park, another likely nesting resident.

Many thanks to the young birders, parents, and supporters who joined us for our first field trip in more than a year! We’re also grateful for the local knowledge of young birder Leo Gaukel and supporter James Baggett, both of whom spend a lot of time birding in the park.

Click here to view photos from our trip and see our species list here.

Participate in our Coloring Contest to celebrate Migratory Birds!

Tyler Harms — Mon, 03 May 2021 00:40:13 GMT

Celebrate migratory birds with us in May and show off your unique, artistic abilities by participating in our Coloring Contest! All kids ages 1-18 years old are eligible to participate. Below are guidelines for the contest:

Coloring pages will be provided. You can pick them up at Wild Birds Unlimited in Ames (213 Duff Avenue) or can download and print them below. You can also email us (tyler@iowayoungbirders.org) to request a coloring page by email or conventional mail

To download the coloring page for ages 1-10, click here

To download the coloring page for ages 11-18, click here

All artistic media are allowed (e.g., crayons, colored pencils, paints)
Each child is allowed to submit one entry
Each entry must include the child’s name, age, and contact information for a parent or guardian
Entries must be dropped off at or mailed to Wild Birds Unlimited in Ames (213 Duff Avenue) by May 31, 2021. All entries will be displayed at the WBU store.
Entries will be judged on neatness and creativity in the following age groups: 1-5 years old, 6-10 years old, 11-15 years old, and 16 years old or older

Prizes will be awarded to the best three pages in each age group, and those awarded a prize in each age group will be entered into a drawing for a brand new pair of Vortex Diamondback 8x28 binoculars!

Thanks to our friends at Wild Birds Unlimited in Ames for co-sponsoring this fun event!

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day!

Tyler Harms — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 01:34:03 GMT

World Migratory Bird Day is May 8, 2021 - save the date to join folks across Iowa and the world to celebrate our migratory marvels! Below is a list of local events happening across the state. Enjoy a spring day of birding with friends!

Big Bluestem Audubon Society Annual Bird-a-thon (Ames; contact Eric Ollie for details)
Bird hike at Crooked Bend with Story County Conservation (Ames; click here for details)
Loess Hills Audubon Society Annual Bird-a-thon (Sioux City; contact Bill Huser for details)
Building Better Birders and Citizen Science workshops at the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center (Sioux City; visit their events calendar for more information)
Iowa City Bird Club Annual Spring Migration Count (click here for details)
Birds and Brew - join Fayette County Conservation for a free cup of coffee and family-friendly bird hike at Echo Valley State Park (West Union; click here for details)
Saylorville Reservoir field trip with Des Moines Audubon (Des Moines; meet at the Saylorville Visitor Center at 8:00 AM)
World Migratory Bird Day celebration in Marion (Thomas Park from 12-3 PM)

Know about an event happening hear you? Contact us to add it to our list! Click here to learn more about World Migratory Bird Day.

Summer Birding Program a Huge Success!

Tyler Harms — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 00:21:35 GMT

From June - August 2020, 170 young birders participated in our first Summer Birding Program. View photos from last summer shared by young birders and their families here, and click the link below for a short report on the success of the program as measured through a follow-up survey.

Summer Birding Program Report_2021.pdf

Meet an IAYB Leader - Fawn Bowden

Tyler Harms — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 12:33:11 GMT

Meet Fawn Bowden, newly-elected Chair of our Board of Directors, long-time volunteer leader, and mother of two young birders!

Current town: Riverside, Iowa

Hometown: Wyoming, Minnesota

Fawn with her daughter, Mieka, viewing Sandhill Cranes from the blind at Rowe Audubon Sanctuary on our IAYB weekend trip to Kearney, Nebraska, March 2015.

What sparked your interest in birds/nature?

My father and grandmother were/are both bird and nature lovers. My grandmother always had bird feeders up and filled and knew all about each bird that came to them. I'll never forget the first time she showed me a Crossbill that was at her feeder (she lived in NW Wisconsin) and that its beak was crooked like that on purpose. I also thought it was amazing that she seemed to have conversations with the chickadees, as they would always answer her calls.

What is your favorite bird?

That's a hard question, there are so many! Probably the Common Loon for it's beautiful call and plumage and because it's the state bird of my home state of Minnesota. The babies are adorable too. Also any sort of owl. They're often hard to find, so it seems special when you do see or hear one.

What is your favorite birding/outdoor space?

I've been exploring a new place each week with the kids during the stay-at-home precautions during the Covid-19 pandemic, so I think I may have a few new favorite places now! Pike Run Wildlife Area in Muscatine is pretty neat with some lowland woods and wetlands. Clemmons Creek Wildlife and Recreation Area in Washington County has pristine woodlands, prairie and also wetlands. Maskunky Marsh in Mahaska County can be a really good spot for shorebirds, if the water levels are low enough. Of course Cone Marsh is great and we live about 25 minutes away, so I do go there quite a bit.

Do you have young birders in your family?

Yes, two, Mieka, 12 and Henry, 11. Their desire to learn about birds ebbs and flows as other interests and activities come into their lives, but I'm hoping that they'll keep coming back to it with fondness as time/life permits.

Do you remember your first Iowa Young Birders field trip?

Yes! Mieka and I both remember it very well. It was to George Wyth SP to see Saw Whet Owls and see them we did.

What has been your favorite Iowa Young Birders field trip thus far?

It's hard to pick one, but the Saw Whet Owl trip and the Sandhill crane trip to Nebraska were favorites.

What motivated you to become a Iowa Young Birders Board Member?

I think it's important to support the things you believe in.

Why do you feel exposing kids to birds and nature is important?

So they can come to know, hopefully enjoy and value the natural world. If they know it and love it, they will want to protect it and care for it. Plus, it's important for them to know that humans and nature are interconnected and interdependent.

Iowa Young Birders receives donation in memory of Don Sievers

Tyler Harms — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 14:00:00 GMT

Iowa Young Birders recently received a $4,000 donation in memory of the late Don Sievers, lifelong Iowa birder and outdoor educator for the Department of Natural Resources at the Springbrook Conservation Education Center. The award was presented to Iowa Young Birders by Don's children, Shelby VanNordstrand, Chris Sievers, and Ashley Sievers, to honor their dad by helping educate young Iowans about the beautiful birds our state has to offer.

"We are extremely humbled by and grateful for this generous gift", said Executive Director Tyler Harms. "We are honored to continue Don's legacy of outdoor education and respect for nature through our programs".

You can read more about Don below, including some of his favorite birding spots, in a note provided by his children, Shelby, Chris, and Ashley.

The children of Don Sievers are pleased to present this memorial gift of $4,000 to Iowa Young Birders. There is no better way to honor our Dad than by helping this organization educate young Iowans about the beautiful birds this state has to offer. Our wish is for these youth to grow up in Iowa with the same appreciation and respect for nature that our dad instilled in us. We cherish these lessons as we pass them on to our own children with help from the available programs and events that Iowa Young Birders offers.

Whether it was banding birds at Springbrook Conservation Education Center or driving around the Greene county countryside, our dad was at peace outdoors. He enjoyed the simple things in life; a cup of coffee and pair of binoculars always within reach. His passion for the outdoors was only matched by his desire to spread nature’s offerings to others.

Many donations from friends and family have made this gift possible. We trust that these gifts will provide great opportunities for Iowa’s youth and encourage all to spend more time outdoors with family.

Sincerely,

Shelby VanNordstrand

Chris Sievers

Ashley Sievers

Don lost his battle with pancreatic cancer over 3 years ago. He and his late wife, Suzanne, raised their family in Jefferson. He worked for the Iowa DNR for 34 years at Springbrook Conservation Education Center.

Please check out some of Don’s favorite birding spots in Greene and Guthrie counties: Goose Lake, Dunbar Slough, Finn Pond, Springbrook State Park, McMahon Access, Henderson Park

Using eBird to track spring migration!

Tyler Harms — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 20:56:44 GMT

Did you know you can use eBird to track the spring migration of your favorite migratory bird? Follow the simple steps below to see where different species are being seen in North America!

First, navigate to the eBird homepage by clicking here.

Next, click the "Explore" button as shown in the image below:

Then, click the "Species Map" link as shown below:

Once the map appears, type the name of your favorite species and select it from the drop-down box once it appears. Below, we use the Ruby-throated Hummingbird as an example:

When you select your species, purple boxes should appear on the map. This shows the entire range for which the species has been seen in all years. To see only where the species has been seen so far this spring, select the "Year-Round, All Years" box as shown below. Then, click the "Mar-May" button and the "Current Year" button illustrated below:

And you're done! Below is our map of where Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are currently being seen!

And here is another example map for Lesser Yellowlegs, a shorebird that migrates through Iowa each spring and fall (they're already here!):

You can repeat the above steps for any species and any time of year in which you are interested. You can even restrict your search to Iowa by specifying "Iowa" in the upper-right box in the above map.

Have fun exploring, and thanks to Team eBird for providing this great tool for us!

Northern Minnesota Weekend 2020

Tyler Harms — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 01:40:47 GMT

On February 7, 2020, 13 young birders, parents, and grandparents joined us in Duluth, Minnesota for our second Northern Minnesota Weekend trip. The mild weather resulted in much better travel conditions than last year, allowing us to arrive in Duluth on Friday afternoon with time for an evening visit to Sax-Zim Bog, our target location. Before heading north, we met for a brief welcome and introduction to our weekend. The excitement for Boreal birds was building, however, so we kept the welcome brief and loaded our van (the Snowshoe Hare), to head north!

Photo credit: Heidi Walz

After about 45 minutes, we entered the south side of the Bog, an interesting habitat consisting of spruce-tamarack bog areas intermixed with shrubby, wet meadow areas. We immediately commenced our search for owls and were quickly rewarded with one of our target birds, a Northern Hawk Owl, on the east side of the Bog perched high in a spruce tree. The bird was extremely cooperative, posing nicely for photos and close looks through spotting scopes. Saying goodbye to the Northern Hawk Owl, we headed towards the Admiral Road feeders to await the arrival of the Boreal Owl that had been consistently seen for the prior week. However, after only ten minutes, we received word of a Great Gray Owl at another area in the Bog. We quickly loaded the van and headed that way but were just too late. The disappointment of missing the Great Gray Owl didn’t last long, however, because we were diverted back to the Admiral Road feeders because the Boreal Owl had appeared. We arrived just as the sun was setting, but the Boreal Owl was still present and extremely cooperative! Everyone was able to see the owl through spotting scopes as the daylight rapidly disappeared. What a great end to our first day!

We arose bright and early Saturday morning for a quick breakfast at the hotel before loading the van for a 6:30 AM departure to the Bog. Our first stop - the Racek feeders to view Sharp-tailed Grouse that fly over from the nearby lek for their breakfast each morning. We arrived at first light but the grouse had not yet arrived. We waited excitedly in the van, spotting the occasional Black-capped Chickadee and Downy Woodpecker visiting the feeders and were treated to a Red-breasted Nuthatch that landed on the road ahead of the van. Our patience paid off, and after waiting just shy of an hour, three Sharp-tailed Grouse landed in the top of the tree immediately beside the van, so high that some of us were unable to see them. Soon after, however, one of the grouse flew down to ground under the feeders for his or her breakfast. Our first stop was a success!

After viewing the grouse, we stopped by the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog Visitor’s Center to see what was visiting the bird feeders. We added Canada Jay at this location as well as more Black-capped Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches. However, the most entertaining observation was the local Red Squirrels! These quick and feisty critters were constantly stealing from the bird feeders and it was fun to watch their acrobatics as they jumped from tree to feeder and back.

Next, we made our way to Mary Lou’s feeders, a regular location for Evening Grosbeaks. Upon our arrival, we immediately spotted a pair of Evening Grosbeaks at one of the feeders near the road. We exited the van and joined the many other birders enjoying these vibrant yellow finches (yes, although it has “grosbeak” in its name, the Evening Grosbeak actually belongs to the finch family). Also frequenting Mary Lou’s feeders were numerous Hairy Woodpeckers, the occasional Downy Woodpecker, and few Black-capped Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches.

After about 30 minutes at Mary Lou’s feeders, we loaded the vans to warm up and make our way south Winterberry Bog. A quick stop before lunch along County Road 7 on the east side of the Bog yielded our second Northern Hawk Owl for the trip as well as a distant group of both American Crows and Common Ravens, allowing for a nice comparison of these two similar species. We then arrived at Winterberry Bog to search for both Black-backed and American Three-toed Woodpeckers. We were greeted by several other birders with the same idea, who all stated both woodpeckers were present and actively foraging a short hike into the dense sprue bog. Excited, we started off down the narrow path in the snow. Listening intently for drumming as the snow crunched under our feet, we hiked for about five minutes before meeting other birders that were photographing a Black-backed Woodpecker high in a spruce tree. We waited patiently as the bird worked up and down different trees, voraciously removing bark with his beak in search for tree-burrowing insects. After a short time, the bird was nearly on top of us, showering us with spruce bark and allowing for fantastic views! We started our hike back to the van with hopes of encountering an American Three-toed Woodpecker. Lucky for us, young birder June spotted one hidden among the dense spruce branches. What a cool bird!

Lunch time! We stopped again at the Wilbert Cafe in Cotton for a delicious meal and our fill of coffee and hot chocolate, just the energy boost we needed to continue our search for owls in the afternoon. We started back down County Road 7 as this road seemed to be the place to see owls this year. Not far down the road, we stopped to look at a Northern Shrike. While doing so, volunteer leader Kevin found a distant Snowy Owl perched high in a tree, a new bird for our trip! Everyone had great looks through the spotting scopes before loading the vans and continuing our search for owls. Much of our afternoon was spent searching for a Great Gray Owl along the roads throughout the Bog. We did stop again at the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog Visitor’s Center for a visit to the gift shop and were greeted again by the feisty Red Squirrels and a few Canada Jays. Additionally, we had great views of an adult Northern Goshawk that flew over the road just in front of the van. Thanks to young birder dad Paul for spotting this gorgeous bird for us! Unfortunately, our day of birding ended without a Great Gray Owl, but we saw several other fantastic birds and made some great memories along the way.

On Sunday morning, we decided to visit Canal Park in Duluth to look for gulls and other waterbirds on the mighty Lake Superior. Once again, we were not disappointed by our decision. Among the many Ring-billed and Herring Gulls around the lake were at least five different Glaucous Gulls, all of which were close to shore and easily viewed through binoculars. Additionally, we spotted a distant Great Black-backed Gull on the lake, a life bird for nearly everyone on the trip. Finally, while exchanging farewells in the parking lot, we were treated to the show of two Peregrine Falcons chasing Rock Pigeons around the nearby buildings. An amazing finale to an amazing weekend!

This trip would not have been possible without our young birder parents, who chauffeured their young birders to Duluth to join us and who graciously helped with spotting birds and other trip logistics along the way. We are extremely grateful to volunteer leader Kevin Murphy, who once again provided fantastic leadership, expert navigation around the Bog, and a contagious passion for birds and birding. Many thanks to Annalise Skrade, Paul Skrade, Heidi Walz, and Kathy Solko for helping capture the many great memories on this trip and for sharing photos with us, all of which you can view here. And lastly, a huge thanks to Bobby Walz for diligently maintaining our eBird checklists throughout the weekend, which you can view below.

Sax-Zim Bog - Admiral Road Feeders (2/7/2020)

Sax-Zim Bog - Racek Feeders (2/8/2020)

Sax-Zim Bog - Visitor's Center (2/8/2020)

Sax-Zim Bog - Mary Lou's Feeders (2/8/2020)

Sax-Zim Bog - County Road 7 (2/8/2020)

Sax-Zim Bog - Winterberry Bog (2/8/2020)

Sax-Zim Bog - Kolu and McDavitt Roads (2/8/2020)

Duluth - Canal Park (2/9/2020)

Allamakee County, November 16, 2019

Tyler Harms — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 22:13:45 GMT

The staging of migrating Tundra Swans on Pool 9 of the Mississippi River is an Iowa birding spectacle that many travel to see each fall. On November 16, 2019, 10 young birders, parents, and grandparents traveled to Allamakee County to see these magnificent white birds along with other migrating waterbirds. Armed with an information sheet outlining differences in key characteristics of the three species of swans we see in Iowa (Trumpeter, Tundra, and Mute), we set off down Red Oak Road on a gorgeous fall morning with spotting scopes in hand.

Blue Jays and Black-capped Chickadees called to us as we strolled down the road in the warm morning sun, and Red-bellied, Hairy, and Downy Woodpeckers announced their presence while flying from tree to tree. We stopped occasionally along the road to view waterfowl that found some open water among the ice sheets on the river - flocks of Canada Geese and Mallards along with an occasional small group of Common Goldeneye and Buffleheads. We heard the swans before we saw them as we neared our vantage point, their high-pitched “hoo-hoo” echoing off the bluffs. The excitement was definitely building!

We crested a small hill at which there was a gap in the trees along the road, offering us the perfect view of the river below. From here, we enjoyed fantastic views of the nearly 300 Tundra Swans that were loafing and feeding on the river along with several Bald Eagles. Flocks of migrating ducks were consistently flying down river. The challenge of trying to identify them on the wing and at a distance was quite fun! We also had great looks at small groups of Common Goldeneyes and Buffleheads actively diving, and a duo of both American Wigeon and Canvasback were a treat. Enjoying the fabulous weather, we watched the waterfowl for nearly 2 hours, breaking away from the spotting scopes occasionally to catch glimpses of a Bald Eagle overhead or a Black-capped Chickadee flitting through the branches of a nearby tree.

As the sun went behind the clouds, we decided to head back to the cars and travel to the Driftless Area Education Center near Lansing to finish our morning. Managed by the Allamakee County Conservation Board, this fantastic resource combines nature with the history of the Mississippi River in northeast Iowa. The hour spent here definitely sparked curiosity among our group!

We’re grateful to Iowa birder Billy Reiter-Marolf from New Albin, who graciously scouted the area and provided us with valuable updates on access and local birds. You can view photos from our morning here and our species list here.

DeSoto NWR, October 26, 2019

Tyler Harms — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 12:34:07 GMT

On a brisk but sunny fall morning, three young birders joined us on our search for migrating waterfowl at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, a premier rest area for migrating waterbirds in western Iowa. Park Ranger Peter Rea and volunteer Brad with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were our local experts, and we were grateful they could join us to guide our exploration of this neat area.

Before venturing out from the Visitor’s Center, however, Peter shared with us some information about the Refuge and its importance to migratory birds and other wildlife. He also talked briefly about wetland management and how properly managed wetlands provide food for migrating waterbirds, not only those fall migrating birds we were about to see that morning but also those birds passing through in spring. We learned that migrating waterbirds need protein (e.g., insects) in the spring, especially females, for breeding but need an energy boost from carbohydrates (e.g., seeds from annual plants) in the fall to continue their migratory journey south. As Peter said, wetlands are like an “all-you-can-eat buffet” for waterbirds all year!

After his presentation, Peter, along with Brad, took us out on the auto-tour route. Having already scouted the area earlier that morning, they knew some great birds were around. Not a quarter-mile down the road, we stopped for great looks at what was likely the best birds of the morning – a group of 7 White-faced Ibis! The birds were extremely cooperative, allowing us to view them through the spotting scope and study their field characteristics. Also in the area was a lone Snow Goose among several Canada Geese. Thousands of Northern Pintail nearby made for an amazing sight in the morning sun. It was a great start to the morning.

Continuing down the auto-tour road, we stopped occasionally to view other waterbirds using the numerous wetlands on the Refuge including some Pied-billed Grebes, Double-crested Cormorants, and a large group of American Coots. Additionally, we encountered new waterfowl species including small, scattered groups of Wood Ducks, a large concentration of Mallards that flushed as we drove by, littering the air with birds, and a duo of male Ring-necked Ducks from a vantage point overlooking DeSoto Lake. To finish the morning, Peter and Brad took us into an area closed to the public to continue our search, finishing our morning with a group of Great Egrets foraging along a flooded roadway and a distant group of Wild Turkeys, the third group of this upland species we encountered that morning.

It was an enjoyable and education morning thanks to the assistance of Peter and Brad from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service! You can see what other species we found by viewing our trip list and see photos from our morning here.

Meet an IAYB Leader - Carl Bendorf

Tyler Harms — Sat, 12 Oct 2019 01:37:05 GMT

Our founder and past Executive Director Carl Bendorf is featured this month for our "Meet an IAYB Leader" series. Carl remains active in IAYB as our Board Treasurer. Learn more about him below!

Current town: Longmont, Colorado

Hometown: I grew up in Amana, Iowa and lived in Iowa City for 35 years.

What sparked your interest in birds/nature?

As early as I can remember, we had a number of books around home about animals, nature, and birds. I used to pore over those books for hours and wonder where these cool things could be found. Later on, a friend and I would ride our bicycles out in the country and at some point, we started looking at birds. When I was about 11 years old, I hooked a toy parabolic microphone up to a small Sony reel-to-reel tape recorder and my first recording was of an Eastern Bluebird.

What is your favorite bird?

Since moving to Colorado four years ago, I think my favorite bird has become the White-tailed Ptarmigan. They never leave the alpine tundra (above 11,000 ft. in Colorado) and change from pure white in the winter to looking like a lichen-covered stone in the summer. I’ve had a great time finding and showing these interesting birds to dozens of birders.

What is your favorite birding/outdoor space?

Being from flatland Iowa, the mountains have always been a mysterious place to me. Now I get to visit the mountains regularly but they are still mysterious (and host a lot of cool birds!)

Do you have young birders in your family?

Our children are grown and we don’t have any grand-children so, sadly, no.

How did you first learn about Iowa Young Birders?

I had the idea in 2010 to start an organization in Iowa that could provide the same type of support for young birders that is provided by, for example, a youth soccer league. I’m thrilled that IAYB continues to thrive under Tyler Harms' leadership and the great support from the IAYB Board and all the parents, grandparents, families and friends of the young birders.

Do you remember your first IAYB field trip?

I remember wondering if anyone would show up for our first IAYB field trip at Terra Park in July 2012. It was a thrill when perhaps a dozen kids plus parents/grandparents turned out and we had a great time.

What has been your favorite trip thus far?

Well, I could cheat and say it was the family birding adventure we organized out here in Colorado in the summer of 2016! I also remember being pushed around in a wheelchair during our woodcock evening after I’d broken my ankle following a slip on the ice (while carrying a bag of bird seed!) Actually, every trip was a wonderful experience.

What motivated you to become an IAYB Board member?

It’s been a bit of a challenge to be active on the IAYB Board from here in Colorado but Tyler has always arranged for me to be able to participate in meetings by conference call and we get great reports on the activities. It’s great to be able to stay involved.

Why do you feel exposing kids to birds and nature is important?

Of course, there is overwhelming evidence of the value of exposure to birds and nature. I’ll just reflect on my own experience as to what birding has meant in my own life in terms of unforgettable experiences, great friends, and being a wonderful window into the larger world around us.

Saylorville Reservoir, September 7, 2019

Tyler Harms — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 01:08:06 GMT

Our search for migrating shorebirds at Saylorville Reservoir on September 7 was a success! Ten young birders, parents, and grandparents got to see seven different species of shorebirds including a flock of 16 Red-necked Phalaropes, an uncommon shorebird in Iowa, and close looks at a Baird's Sandpiper! Along with the shorebirds, we found an additional 23 species including Caspian Tern, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and Cooper's Hawk to name a few. It was a great morning of fall birding in Iowa! You can view photos from our trip here and our complete species list here.

Wood Duck Banding, August 3, 2019

Tyler Harms — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 02:30:37 GMT

On a pleasant summer morning, 26 young birders, parents, and grand parents gathered at Hawkeye Wildlife Area near Iowa City for a unique and exciting opportunity to band Wood Ducks. Our knowledgeable and very experienced leaders were Tom Billerbeck, Dave Kutz, and Dave Nicholson with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Tom, Dave, and Dave assist with the Iowa DNR’s banding program each year, banding mostly Wood Ducks, Mourning Doves, and Canada Geese. Waiting for us, although not so patiently, were 12 Wood Ducks in a handmade transport cage that resembled a small pet carrier. The birds immediately caught our attention and sparked excitement among the group, so we wasted no time kicking off what would surely be a memorable morning for all!

We first learned all about banding birds, including the different types of bird bands used and the information we can gain from banding birds. While sharing this great information with us, Tom showed a map of locations where Wood Ducks that were banded at Hawkeye Wildlife Area and nearby Otter Creek Marsh have been found. Birds banded in Iowa were recovered as far north as Canada and as far south as the Gulf Coast! We were also taught how to properly and safely hold Wood Ducks for banding. Equipped with this information, we were ready to band some ducks! Tom, Dave, and Dave carefully and skillfully extracted the nervous ducks from the box, placing each in the hands of an eager young birder for holding prior to banding. Dave K. then placed a uniquely-numbered metal band on each bird, at least those that were not keen enough to escape, before they were released. It was 30 minutes of pure excitement!

We finished the morning with a hike around Hawkeye Wildlife Area, which included a stop at the trapping site where we observed and learned about the trapping methods used to capture Wood Ducks (which also includes setting separate traps to capture bait-thieving critters such as raccoons). Continuing on our hike, we observed several great birds including multiple singing Sedge Wrens, one of which provided us with great views perched high in the grassland. We also heard a singing Eastern Towhee and Bell’s Vireo and saw an Osprey soaring at a distance. Before heading back to the vehicles, Tom spoke with us about early-successional habitat management and the birds that benefit from such management including Northern Bobwhite and Field Sparrow. We’re always learn a ton when we have experts like Tom join us!

We’re extremely grateful to Tom, Dave, and Dave with the Iowa DNR for teaching us about bird banding and for keeping some cooperative Wood Ducks for us. Thanks also to Annalise Skrade and Kathy Solko for capturing some great photos of our fun morning. And as always, thanks to those who joined us! You can view photos from our morning here and our species list here.

Voas Nature Area, June 1, 2019

Tyler Harms — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 02:44:01 GMT

Despite rain and thunderstorms earlier in the morning, the clouds vacated and the sun appeared just as 10 young birders, parents, and grandparents gathered at Voas Nature Area with Dallas County Conservation Board (DCCB) for a morning of summer birding. Mike Havlik with DCCB was our leader and local expert. Mike has a wealth of knowledge about birds and a contagious enthusiasm for the outdoors. We were lucky to have him along on this fine morning!

Before embarking on our search for wetland birds, Mike shared briefly with us the history of this critical habitat area for grassland and wetland birds. It started as a crop field, but a donation from a conservation-minded individual sparked a series of wetland restorations through a mitigation program that resulted in this fantastic 700-acre area. “If you build it, they will come”, Mike continued to say as we experienced the many great birds of this area, and Mike’s statement was certainly true!

After listening carefully for a Yellow-billed Cuckoo in the parking lot, we loaded the van to head to the first stop. En route, we spotted an American Kestrel near a nest box and stopped to view Mallards, Blue-winged Teal, and Canada Geese on a sheetwater wetland. At the first stop, we heard and saw several Marsh Wrens as well as a few Yellow-headed Blackbirds and Great-tailed Grackles, three of our target species for the morning. We also had spectacular views of a pair of Ruddy Ducks as well as an American Coot and Pied-billed Grebe. On a distant wetland, we watched a flock of American White Pelicans lift off among foraging Forster’s and Black Terns.

We stopped at another wetland basin briefly where we had great looks at an Eastern Kingbird perched on a sign, heard an Eastern Meadowlark singing, and carefully studied a female Red-winged Blackbird, a bird often confused with other species. A couple stops along the east side of the area produced singing Alder and Willow Flycatchers, a Yellow Warbler, and a Song Sparrow.

Next, we returned to the parking lot to hike through a recently-restored savanna. Mike shared with us the importance of this unique habitat type to some birds and the great success story of this restoration effort as we hiked, listening to Red-headed Woodpeckers, Eastern Wood-Pewees, and watching an Eastern Bluebird flit from branch to branch. We also heard a Northern Cardinal and Indigo Bunting singing and stopped to admire a Barn Owl nest box. A Northern Leopard Frog and Eastern Garter Snake captured our attention on the return hike to the parking lot.

We had a ton of fun on this sunny morning! A huge thanks to Mike Havlik for his leadership and for sharing his knowledge and passion with us. Thanks also to young birder Noelle Wagner for keeping our trip list, which you can view here. You can view photos from our morning here.

Field Sketching Workshop, May 25, 2019

Tyler Harms — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 02:22:36 GMT

The desire to learn both a fun and valuable skill brought eight young birders and parents together on a fantastic morning at Loya’s Little House Bed and Breakfast near Ames for our Field Sketching Workshop. Guest artists Dean Biechler (also our host) and Michaela Henke of Wild Birds Unlimited in Ames kindly joined us to share their sketching tips and expertise. We were excited to get started!

An important first step in sketching birds is to learn the different field marks of a bird, otherwise known as the bird “topography”. Executive Director Tyler Harms spent a few minutes discussing with us various field marks that are important to notice and sketch to aid in identifying birds later. The black forehead of the American Goldfinch or the rusty orange undertail coverts (the feathers under the tail) of the Gray Catbird are a couple examples of field characteristics on common birds that often go unnoticed when birding but are important to note for field sketching.

One of the first sketching tips from Dean was to practice skills in “seeing”. Sketching is highly dependent on good observational skills, especially in a field setting, so Dean encouraged young birders to practice observing nature and its many components (e.g., shapes and colors). We continued learning about other aspects of field sketching such as incorporating movement or habitat features. We also discussed perspective and how it can change depending on where you are relative to the bird.

Armed with these great tips from Michaela and Dean, we ventured down to Dean’s lower apartment (a.k.a. the bird blind) to practice our skills. Dean and Michaela worked with young birders as hummingbirds, orioles, and other birds quickly appeared on paper. It certainly didn’t take these talented young birders long to perfect this valuable skill!

We are grateful for the patient and wonderful instruction of Dean and Michaela. Thanks also to Loya’s Little House Bed and Breakfast and Wild Birds Unlimited, both of Ames, for hosting us and assisting with this fun event! You can view photos from the workshop here.

Nightjar and Warbler Weekend, May 18-19, 2019

Tyler Harms — Sat, 25 May 2019 00:04:42 GMT

A rainy, windy, and cool forecast didn’t stop 7 young birders, parents, and grandparents from gathering at Stephens State Forest in southern Iowa on May 18, 2019 for a couple days of birding as part of our Nightjar and Warbler Weekend. The name of the field trip hints to our goals for the weekend – any migrating warblers we could find, a chance to hear both Eastern Whip-poor-will and Chuck-will’s-widow, two species of nightjars known to be regularly heard at the Forest, and other forest birds we could stumble upon in the process. Before heading out in our rain coats, we learned a bit about the history of the 15,000-acre forest in which we were parked (currently the largest of the state forests in Iowa), including how the Forest contributed to the re-introduction of Wild Turkeys to Iowa. The lesson was brief, however, because the skies were threatening rain and we wanted to get as much birding in as possible before the shower!

We started Saturday afternoon in the Lucas Unit of the Forest with our hopes for a Scarlet Tanager, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and warblers. We heard a Yellow-billed Cuckoo singing from a distance shortly after exiting the cars, but hoped to hear it better as we continued on our hike. We also heard an Eastern Wood-Pewee singing distant in the woods, a first of 2019 for many. A couple vociferous Ovenbirds were singing nearby and Indigo Buntings were vocal from the forest edges, somehow hiding their deep blue bodies among the green foliage. At the end of the trail, a couple American Redstarts were heard singing and later spotted and young birders observed an American Goldfinch in an opening that lead to a meadow. The darkening skies prompted us to head back towards the vehicles, but on the way we saw a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak, a migrating Wilson’s warbler, and heard a Yellow-throated Warbler singing from the treetops. Back at the cars and still no rain, we decided to continue our hike and it was a rewarding decision. We had great looks at a cooperative pair of Yellow-throated Vireos and heard a Wood Thrush singing its gorgeous song, but the “icing on the cake” was watching a female Scarlet Tanager build a nest concealed in the branches of a hickory tree. The rain ended our afternoon a bit early, but we were all very pleased with the short hike!

Despite an evening full of thunderstorms, our good fortune produced a perfect night to listen for nightjars. We returned to the Lucas Unit at dusk and were not disappointed. After listening for a short couple minutes at our first stop, we heard multiple Eastern Whip-poor-wills singing and even an American Woodcock displaying overhead. After a few more minutes, we heard our first Chuck-will’s-widow singing up the road. And as if this first stop couldn’t get any better, we all watched a nearby Eastern Whip-poor-will land on the side of the road not 20 feet in front of our vehicles! A couple more stops along the road produced at least 5 different Eastern Whip-poor-wills and 3 Chuck-will’s-widows as well as a bonus Barred Owl and an amazing chorus of Eastern Gray Treefrogs and Spring Peepers.

Expecting the rain to again change our plans on Sunday morning, the sun greeted us briefly as we gathered to travel towards the Whitebreast Unit of Stephens State Forest. The winds picked up once there, however, making the birding a bit challenging. We did add a few new species to our weekend list including Cedar Waxwing, Eastern Phoebe, Brown-headed Cowbird, and Swainson’s Thrush. We also had great looks at an Ovenbird (one of many we heard singing again this morning) and saw several Red-eyed Vireos. We completed the morning by clearing hearing another Yellow-billed Cuckoo “kooing” from the trees, a fine finish to a fun weekend.

Many thanks to the young birders, parents, and grandparents didn’t let some rain and sloppy gravel roads keep them from spending a great weekend with us in the Iowa outdoors! You can view photos from our trip here as well as our various species lists from the weekend below:

Saturday afternoon (May 18)

Saturday evening (May 18)

Sunday morning (May 19)

Hickory Hill Park 4/28/2019

Tyler Harms — Thu, 02 May 2019 15:56:08 GMT

On Sunday, April 28, 2019, 10 young birders, parents, and volunteers rendezvoused at Hickory Hill Park in Iowa City with hopes of capturing a small window of spring migration. After a cold, rainy, and windy Saturday forced us to postpone our trip to Sunday, everyone was anxious to take advantage of the fantastic weather and see which birds arrived after the recent weather system.

Before starting down the trail into the woods, we watched and listened for birds from the parking lot which was completely surrounded by trees. Several birds were foraging in shrubs along the edges including a pair of House Wrens, a Northern Cardinal, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-capped Chickadee, and Blue Jay. Binoculars were pointing in all directions as young birders and parents called out different birds in a moment of birding excitement! We then turned to head towards the trail, but paused briefly to watch a Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier, and Broad-winged Hawk soaring overhead and a Chipping Sparrow singing low in a nearby tree. We were even offered the great fortune of seeing a second Broad-winged Hawk perched in a tree, offering a great opportunity for all to study this bird from a short distance.

Once in the woods, we all looked and listened intently for birds high and low, hoping for views of a Hermit Thrush, Scarlet Tanager, or any other warbler species in the area. Shortly down the trail, we paused briefly at the sight of a Hairy Woodpecker working in a nearby tree. Not long after, a Downy Woodpecker landed in a different tree allowing us to learn about the subtle differences in these similar species. We also heard a Red-bellied Woodpecker calling from a distance and a Tufted Titmouse occasionally announcing his presence. A tip from a fellow birder resulted in our first migrant of the day - a Great Crested Flycatcher was foraging high in the canopy. Further down the trail, we watched a Barred Owl fly through the trees back to a small group of pine trees from which we watched some Blue Jays chase it off earlier. Owls are always a treat to see!

As the time passed, the birding slowed, but we still enjoyed time in the woods observing other woodland inhabitants including various woodland wildflowers and glimpses of a beautiful Red Fox working through the understory. We continued to see Black-capped Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, and finally were able to see a White-breasted Nuthatch and American Goldfinch, both species we had been hearing but had not yet seen. As we hiked back towards the parking lot, we stopped to view the Barred Owl again napping in the same pine trees and noticed it had a friend sharing the napping place. We also encountered a Hermit Thrush, Eastern Bluebird, and Eastern Phoebe before finishing up our 2-mile hike on this fantastic day.

As always, we’re grateful to all who joined us! You can view photos from our morning here and our species list here.

Meet an IAYB Leader - Jennifer Owens

Tyler Harms — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 01:34:18 GMT

On this installment of "Meet an IAYB Leader", we meet our Board Vice Chair Jennifer Owens. Thanks for your leadership Jennifer!

Current town: Ames, Iowa

Hometown: Monmouth, Illinois

Jennifer with her new puppy, winter 2018

What sparked your interest in birds/nature?

Growing up, my family was always interested in nature and the outdoors. We did a lot of camping and picnics. My interest in birding started with my grandmother who passed it along to my mother and then to me and now to my children. My grandmother kept a backyard bird list of numbers/types of birds seen at her backyard feeder for every month of every year for much of her adult life. When she died, my mom and her siblings found boxes of the little notebooks she used for this.

What is your favorite bird?

That is a tough one- so many to choose from! One of my favorites would have to be the Rose-breasted Grosbeak because it reminds me of my childhood- we usually saw them at our favorite camping park. I’m also fond of Great Horned Owls as I worked in a small raptor rehab facility as an undergraduate and used live owls to do educational programming for local schools.

What is your favorite birding/outdoor space?

I like to bird anywhere and everywhere! One of my go-to favorites is Brookside Park in Ames.

Do you have young birders in your family?

Both of my “young” birders are now young adults. While both of my kids enjoy birding, my daughter (who recently graduated from college) does so only casually. My son William is a graduated Iowa Young Birder and is a very active birder. William is currently a Biology and Math major at Iowa State.

How did you first learn about Iowa Young Birders?

I can’t remember how I heard of the opportunity, but I signed William up for an Iowa Young Birder event at Iowa State University when he was in middle school. The Ames Tribune ended up interviewing William before the event and writing a really nice article about him! After the Iowa State event (which I think featured Steve Dinsmore), I officially signed William up for IAYB and I believe our first official trip was to Ledges State Park.

What has been your favorite IAYB trip thus far?

Tough call. I would say I really enjoyed seeing Prairie Chickens in southern Iowa but both William and I enjoyed the Hawk watch trip to western Iowa a lot.

What motivated you to become an IAYB Board Member?

I have always tried to be involved in things my kids love. As William’s passion for birding developed, it was a natural step for me to be involved. As William aged out of the organization I have continued to be involved with the board. While my contribution in the last two years, has mainly been limited to board meetings, I enjoy helping the organization move forward.

Why do you feel exposing young people to birds and nature is important?

I truly believe this generation of young people will be responsible for saving the Earth as we know it. Discovering the beauty and wonder of nature is an important step to being willing to fight to preserve it. Birding is one of the most rewarding, yet simple way to enjoy nature. Birds are everywhere, from city rooftops to country fence lines. All you need is a pair of binoculars and your curiosity. I love to help people discover how easy it is to watch birds and how amazing they are when you watch!

Spring Birding and Photography Workshop 3/30/19

Tyler Harms — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 01:40:19 GMT

Cameras in hands and binoculars around necks, 5 young birders and their parents gathered on a brisk and breezy morning at Walnut Woods State Park for our Spring Birding and Photography Workshop. Our guest presenter was graduated young birder William Crow, now a student in Biology and Mathematics at Iowa State University and a talented nature photographer. William started our morning by presenting some tips and techniques for photographing nature and birds, including how to set up your camera and how to set up your shot. William shared with us the importance of lighting and composition and provided tips and tricks to be effective in both these areas, including using natural light to your advantage, positioning the subject of your photo in the frame using the rule of thirds, and altering the appearance of your subject using different shooting angles. These were all great tips that we were excited to master, so we set off on a photography scavenger hunt to practice our newly-acquired skills.

Cameras were hard at work during the scavenger hunt, snapping photos of leaves on the ground, mushrooms on a log, picnic tables, and even an acorn stuck in bark crevice on the trunk of a tree. One thing is certain, observation skills are just as important for finding a great photo as they are for finding birds! Once back together as a group, we took advantage of a cooperative American Robin for practicing our skills a bit more and tried to snap a few photos of a nearby Eastern Bluebird pair that was investigating one of the local bluebird houses. We then went to the bird blind to practice more on moving targets. The feeders were very active with Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Black-capped Chickadees and White-breasted Nuthatches as well as Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles. Dark-eyed Juncos and White-throated Sparrows occasionally appeared on the ground under the feeders as did Northern Cardinals. We were even treated with glimpses of a Fox Sparrow scratching about in the cover behind the feeders, a first of the season for many. We took a lot of photos in just 20 minutes!

After a quick warm up in the cars, we stopped at some wooded ponds near the east entrance of the park with hopes of viewing and photographing waterfowl using a technique called digiscoping, which involves taking photographs through your optics (usually a spotting scope, but digiscoping can also be accomplished through binoculars). We were lucky to find a nice flock of ducks composed of Blue-winged Teal, Mallards, Ring-necked Ducks, and Bufflehead, as well as Wood Ducks, Canada Geese, and a pair of Hooded Mergansers. While shooting some photos through our spotting scope, we observed an Eastern Phoebe foraging from tree to tree around the pond and heard a Song Sparrow singing nearby.

Young birders not only learned several photography tips and techniques on this fun morning, but also how patience and careful observation will make you both a successful photographer and birder. Many thanks to William Crow for sharing his expertise and to Phone Skope Birding for sharing one of their fantastic adapters with us to practice our digiscoping skills. You can view photos from our morning here and our bird list here.

Northern Minnesota Weekend 2019

Tyler Harms — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 04:03:36 GMT

On February 8, 2019, 13 young birders and their families met Executive Director Tyler Harms and volunteer leader Kevin Murphy for a weekend of winter birding in Duluth, Minnesota for our Northern Minnesota Weekend 2019. The plan was to visit Sax-Zim Bog, a world-famous winter birding location where one could delight in several boreal bird species including both Great Gray and Northern Hawk Owls, birds for which the area is known, as well as others like Boreal Chickadee, both Evening and Pine Grosbeak, and Canada Jay. Despite a somewhat stressful and treacherous drive for all on Friday the 8^th, spirits were still high and excitement was in the air when we met briefly Friday evening to welcome everyone and discuss logistics. We also started our trip list with a Common Raven that was seen earlier that afternoon by one of the young birders in the hotel parking lot. Then, it was off to prepare for an early morning with boreal birds on our minds!

After a quick breakfast on Saturday morning, we loaded our van, which was to be later named the “Snowy Owl” (I’ll let you guess the color), by 6:00 AM in order to arrive at Sax-Zim Bog before sunrise to search for Great Gray Owls. By the time we reached the Bog, the Snowy Owl was recording an ambient temperature of -26° F! Still somewhat sleepy from the early morning, we were quickly awakened by the sight of a large owl flying across the road upon entering the Bog. We scanned the treeline in the twilight with hopes high of locating our #1 target bird (Great Gray Owl) in the first 10 minutes of the trip, but it was a Great Horned Owl that elevated our hopes. Still a fun bird to see! Because of the extremely cold temperatures, much of the birding is done from the comfort of a heated vehicle. Therefore, we continued to search for owls along both McDavitt and Admiral Roads, two areas known to be frequented by Northern Hawk and Great Gray Owls. With no owl luck by sunrise, we stopped briefly at the Admiral Road bird feeders. Pine Grosbeaks and Common Redpolls were numerous at this location, both of which were life birds for many, along with some Black-capped Chickadees, Pine Siskins, and the occasional Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers and Red-breasted Nuthatch. This is also a known location for Boreal Chickadee and, while some had fleeting glimpses of a single individual, not all were able to see the chestnut-colored relative of our common Black-capped. We planned to stop by later.

After the feeders, we headed towards an area known for lekking Sharp-tailed Grouse. We searched this area for some time with no luck, so we continued to the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog Visitor’s Center for more feeder watching. Pine Grosbeaks were again numerous at this location, and all enjoyed close looks of this species along with more Common Redpolls, Black-capped Chickadees, and others. We also saw what was believed to be a Common Raven in the distance and added Red Squirrel to our mammal list. Back in the Snowy Owl, we then headed to the northwest corner of the Bog for a visit to Mary Lou’s feeders. It was here that we saw our first Evening Grosbeaks of the trip, another life bird for all. The vibrant colors of these birds made it worth standing for several minutes in the cold watching them come and go from the feeders. While there, we also heard and saw more Common Ravens in the distance. We then decided to look once more for Sharp-tailed Grouse and check for an actual Snow Owl (not our van) at a location on the south end of the Bog before lunch. Though we did not see either of these birds, we did stop en route to put the spotting scopes on two Canada Jays foraging along the roadway. Another target bird checked off the list, we headed for the Wilbert Café in the Cotton, Minnesota for a delicious lunch and time to warm up. Little did we know things were about to get very exciting that afternoon!

Near the end of our lunch, Kevin received information that a Northern Hawk Owl was just located in the Bog. We quickly loaded the Snowy Owl and headed for the location. We arrived, donned are warmest clothing, and started out for a hike on a narrow snow trail into the Bog in search of our #2 target bird. After hiking for about a half mile, we joined several other birders and photographers to view a gorgeous Northern Hawk Owl perched high a spruce tree. It was very cooperative, and all were able to get great views of the bird through the spotting scopes.

Excited from seeing one of our top target birds, we hiked back to the Snowy Owl to continue our afternoon. We received a tip from some fellow birders that a Great Gray Owl was seen not 10 to 15 minutes earlier just around the corner from where we were currently standing. We decided to become a bit more methodical in our search for Great Grays, so we carefully scanned the aspen and spruce trees along Admiral Road and turned down Kolu Road, an area where Great Grays hadn’t been seen yet but the habitat looked appropriate. As we slowly drove down Kolu Road, we were rewarded for our patience. About 15 yards off the road, we located a Great Gray Owl hunting in an aspen stand! All were plastered to the windows, staring in awe at this majestic bird. What an amazing experience to see the tallest of the North American owls! After the Great Gray, we quickly headed for the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog Visitor’s Center where we were treated to a fantastic program from Lead Naturalist Clinton about the history of the Bog and its many plants and animals. A huge thanks to Clinton for taking time to speak with us!

Based on a tip from Clinton, we left the Visitor’s Center for the Warren Nelson Memorial Bog to look for the elusive Black-backed Woodpecker. The scenery was spectacular as we quietly walked along the boardwalk listening intently for tapping among the many black spruce trees. We hiked to the end of the boardwalk, seeing Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers and Black-capped Chickadees along the way. We stood, dead quiet, at the end of the boardwalk for five or more minutes. Listening and watching intently, we finally saw a woodpecker fly overhead and land in a nearby spruce. There it was! A Black-backed Woodpecker was working up the tree before it flew away briefly only to land directly in front of us at the base of a tree, providing better looks than any of us could ask for!

We left the Bog to return to Duluth, but not without adding both Wild Turkey and Ruffed Grouse to our bird list and a quick stop to see a Porcupine high in a tree!

On Sunday morning, we headed back to the Bog to look for Sharp-tailed Grouse and Boreal Chickadee in order to complete our target list for the weekend. We went directly to the Racek Road feeders, a known feeding location for grouse, to wait and watch. We did so for about 30 minutes with no luck, so we decided to head to Admiral Road for the Boreal Chickadee. On the way there, we stopped to look at a Canada Jay and had brief looks at a Northern Shrike. Good thing we stopped, because it was then that Sharp-tailed Grouse were reported at the Racek Road feeders. We had just missed them! We headed back to the feeders along with several other birders (testament to how challenging these birds are to see in the Bog). We joined several others to see three grouse picking below the feeders. Only one target bird left! We headed back towards Admiral Road for the Boreal Chickadee. Not long after turning onto the road, a large raptorial bird flushed and flew across our path. We quickly put binoculars on the bird – a Northern Goshawk! The bird continued flying and landed in a distant tree, allowing us time to put the spotting scopes up and study the bird to confirm the identification. We then continued to the Admiral Road feeders and waited only a couple minutes for a Boreal Chickadee to show up on the peanut butter feeder. Our target list was complete! We headed back to Duluth, extremely pleased with the great end to a fun weekend.

This trip would not have been possible without the assistance of volunteer leader Kevin Murphy. Thanks also to the young birders and their families for braving the wintery weather and driving conditions to join us for a bird-filled fun weekend! You can view photos from our weekend here.

2018 Annual Report

Tyler Harms — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 02:27:47 GMT

Our sixth year of providing fun, educational, family-friendly programs on birds and the outdoors in Iowa, 2018 was one to remember for Iowa Young Birders. We hosted ten field trips across the state starting with our Junior Duck Stamp Day at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and ending with a brisk morning at Cedar Lake near in Cedar Rapids. From Dudgeon Lake in eastern Iowa to the wetlands of northwest Iowa and even over the border to Fontenelle Forest in Nebraska, we saw 128 species of birds that included many life birds and many great memories for young birders. And best of all, 147 young birders, friends, and families spent 30 hours of fun in the Iowa outdoors!

Pictured to the right (in the red shirt), young birder Bobby joined us at Fontenelle Forest for his first Iowa Young Birders field trip. Excited about his newly found passion for birds and bird illustration (he is a very talented artist), Bobby had Prothonotary Warbler on his target list for the day. Nearing the end of the morning, we ventured from the mature forest high about the Missouri River to the wetlands of the Missouri River floodplain near the Hitchcock Wetlands Learning Center. As we walked along the trail, listening intently for the loud, "Sweet sweet sweet sweet sweet" song of the male Prothonotary, we talked about Prothonotary Warbler habitat and ongoing conservation efforts for this vibrant yellow songbird. As we neared the viewing platform at the end of the trail, we heard it...a male Prothonotary was singing to the left along the wetland edge. We hurried along, listening and searching carefully for a quick glimpse. Then, as if wanting to show off, the male Prothonotary Warbler appeared at close range moving slowly in the shrubs near the water. Everyone on the trip, including Bobby, was locked on to this beautiful bird, fully immersed in that moment when you realize that nature is quite amazing. Not only was this a life bird for Bobby, but was also a memory that will last a lifetime. This is but one of the many amazing stories from our exciting year that are captured in the photos above.

Our amazing year of stories and memories could not have happened without the support of our many members, sponsors, and volunteer leaders. Each year, these folks make our programs possible through financial gifts, spreading the word about our events, showing a young birder a new life bird, and simply providing suggestions and encouragement to keep us going. We are extremely grateful for these dedicated individuals and organizations for supporting the future of birding and bird conservation in Iowa!

We can't wait for 2019!

Cedar Lake 11/10/2018

Tyler Harms — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 19:30:24 GMT

On November 10, 20 young birders, parents, grandparents, and volunteers ventured out on a brisk fall morning to Cedar Lake in Cedar Rapids in search of migrating waterbirds. We had some target birds including Snow and Greater White-fronted Goose, American White Pelican, and Dark-eyed Junco, but we were most excited to see what was visiting this birding hotspot!

Before starting down the trail on the north side of the lake, a flock of Canada Geese sounded their welcome while flying overhead, and an occasional Ring-billed Gull cruised by searching for a snack in the icy-cold water. As we started down the trail, we were drawn to the northwest corner of the lake where there was a large congregation of waterbirds. Before reaching our vantage point for viewing the waterbirds, however, we were excited to see one of our target species, Dark-eyed Junco, as well as other landbirds including Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, and White-breasted Nuthatch. With scopes set up, we then turned to the water on which both male and female Mallards were numerous, allowing us to carefully observe characteristics of this dimorphic species. Also present were numerous Ring-billed Gulls, some more Canada Geese, a single Pied-billed Grebe, and single Cackling Goose. And the best part? As if on cue, a single Snow Goose and single American White Pelican flew in to join the other waterbirds as if they both knew we wanted to see them!

Further up the trail, young birder Oliver scouted a pond near the trail where several Mallards were resting out of the brisk wind and very close to the trail. We were surprised to see a female Hooded Merganser among the Mallards, again allowing a nice comparison of characteristics between these two very different ducks. We were also surprised to see a Red-headed Woodpecker along the trail, and both Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers where in the area as well.

After a quick break to warm up at our vehicles, we headed off toward the south end of the lake to look for more waterbirds. Along the way, we found a Red-tailed Hawk perched upon a light pole who later was feasting on a recent catch. We added more waterbirds to our list on the south end of the lake including small groups of Double-crested Cormorants, Common Goldeneyes, Ruddy Ducks, and Buffleheads as well as a couple more Pied-billed Grebes. We finished the morning by summarizing the characteristics of all the waterbirds on our list – it was a diverse group!

A huge thanks to the young birders, parents, and grandparents who bundled up to join us on this cold morning. Thanks also to Coralee Bodeker and Fawn Bowden for helping lug a second spotting scope along to view the many waterbirds and for keeping our species list which you can view here. You can also view photos from our trip here.

Meet an IAYB Board Member - Kathy Solko-Manternach

Tyler Harms — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 01:54:23 GMT

Iowa Young Birders is grateful for the leadership of our Board Members, and we want you to meet them! In the coming months, we'll interview each of these amazing folks to learn more about them and their interests! Up first - Board Chair Kathy Solko-Manternach.

Name: Kathy Solko-Manternach

Position with Iowa Young Birders: Board Chair

Current town: I live in Nevada, Iowa with my spouse Steve

Home town: Mankato, Minnesota

Kathy with grandson Jonas

What sparked your interest in birds/nature?

While growing up in Mankato, Minnesota, I often went traipsing through the woods with my dad as he hunted or just to take a walk. I was also lucky enough to spend long hours on various Minnesota lakes while growing up. We took family vacations to northern Minnesota and I was Dad’s early-morning fishing partner. I remember seeing my first eagle on one of those lakes. The north woods were the perfect venue to fall in love with the out of doors and the birds that surrounded us. In addition, Dad was an avid backyard birder and I was his partner in keeping the feeders clean and filled. Even after I left for college the various seeds and suet would be waiting so that dad and I could spend time feeding the birds and catching up. I helped him shovel through many a large snow drift to replenish the feeders.

What is your favorite bird?

My favorite bird is the Common Loon. I love the wailing call, the stark black and white coloring and their antics as they dive. I suppose that is why my favorite birding and outdoor space is near or on the water, whether that be a lake, the ocean or a river.

Do you have young birders in your family?

Grandson Ravi (13 years old), granddaughters Indira (5 years old) and Anjali (3 years old).

How did you first learn about Iowa Young Birders and do you remember your first IAYB field trip?

I first learned of IAYB through our daughter who suggested this might be a fun activity to take our grandson to. Steve and I ended up getting grandson, Ravi a membership for Christmas when he was 9 years old and we went on our first birding adventure with him in January. Even though we were on the banks of the Mississippi in a snowstorm, we had a great time counting eagles and identifying gulls. That first trip was the start of many IAYB adventures with our grandson who is now 13.

What has been your favorite IAYB trip thus far?

It is difficult pick a favorite IAYB outing because each has its own special highlights and memories. Ravi helped me spot a Burrowing Owl through a scope in the grasslands of Colorado. Funny how I thought that little owl was a lump of dirt (insert eye roll from grandson)! We all loved the cacophony of sound as the Tundra Swans gathered near Harpers Ferry. We could barely see them through the snow but we could certainly hear them. There has been many an Iowa park that we would not have visited if not for our IAYB adventures.

What motivated you to become an IAYB Board Member?

With several years of involvement in IAYB it became important to me to support the Iowa Young Birders Program whether that is through being a board member or through monetary donations. Any organization needs active member involvement to remain viable. IAYB is a program that gets kids and families outside together; meeting other kids and families while having a fun learning experience. Kids can not only learn about birds through sight and sound but we all learn about habitat and conservation as we wander over Iowa’s beautiful country side.

Why do you feel exposing kids to birds and nature is important?

I believe that respect for nature is a life lesson that IAYB members begin learning at an early age. Respect for nature; respect for others in the group are life lessons that IAYB members will carry throughout their life.

Northwest Iowa Wetlands 10/6/2018

Tyler Harms — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 13:13:36 GMT

Light rain and a brisk wind didn’t stop 15 young birders, parents, grandparents, and volunteers from setting out on a search for migrating wetland birds in northwest Iowa on October 6. And it certainly didn’t stop the birds either, because we ended the morning with more than 40 species!

What better way to start a birding trip? With delicious donuts of course! Many thanks to Kaitlin Anderson and Mary Barrick with Palo Alto County Conservation Board for hosting us and providing a pre-birding snack for all attendees. After our treats, we left the Lost Island Nature Center en route to the first wetland but were immediately distracted by bird activity. Several Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Yellow-rumped Warblers were flitting about in the trees, and volunteer leaders Lee Schoenewe and Joe Jungers quickly spotted a Red-breasted Nuthatch in a nearby tree. As we worked to position ourselves for some great looks at the Red-breasted Nuthatches (yes, another appeared a short time later), we also noticed a couple Brown Creepers in the area. In the distance, we heard White-throated Sparrows calling and later were able to see one at close range. Both Orange-crowned and Palm Warblers made a quick appearance, and a cooperative Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was spotted high in nearby tree. Yes, we were supposed to be searching wetlands, but who could pass up these great birds?

Our first wetland stop was in Lost Island State Park near the beach, where 29 Great Egrets, 2 Great Blue Herons, and a single Belted Kingfisher were seeking refuge from the brisk wind. It was a quite a sight to see so many egrets in one small spot! We continued to Lost Island Lake Marsh where our hope was to locate both Le Conte’s and Nelson’s Sparrows. Hiking through the grass near the wetland, it didn’t take us long to flush a small, pale sparrow flying low and quickly diving into the grass. It was a Le Conte’s Sparrow, but unfortunately the wind discouraged this bird from remaining visible for all to see. However, we also flushed a Song Sparrow on the walk which allowed us to note the drastic differences in size, color, and flight behavior of the two species. Near the end of our walk, we heard Sandhill Cranes calling in the distance and were able to locate them in flight a short time later. We finished at this location with great looks at a couple Harris’s Sparrows and a young Northern Harrier hunting in the distance.

We made a couple quick stops at other wetlands to continue our search for the elusive Le Conte’s and Nelson’s Sparrows. Although we were unsuccessful in our search, we were not disappointed as young birders were able to see Blue-winged Teal and Pied-billed Grebe through the scope and a kettle of Turkey Vultures high above, obviously successful in their search for warm, rising air. By this time in the morning, we were all wishing they would share some warm air with us!

What a great fall birding trip this was! Many thanks to volunteer leaders Lee Schoenewe and Joe Jungers for finding us some great birds and, again, to Kaitlin Anderson and Mary Barrick with Palo Alto County Conservation Board for hosting us. And a huge thanks to our young birders and their families for braving the cold to join us for a morning of outdoor adventure! You can view photos from our trip here and our species lists below:

Lost Island Lake State Park

Lost Island Lake Marsh

Dewey's Pasture

Red Rock Reservoir 9/8/2018

Tyler Harms — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 10:49:19 GMT

Twenty-one young birders, parents, grandparents, and volunteers kicked off the fall birding season with an exciting morning of birding at Red Rock Reservoir on September 8, 2018. Our target bird list included everything from Ruby-throated Hummingbird to Pileated Woodpecker. When you start the morning off seeing warblers from the parking lot, it’s hard not to be excited!

We spent the morning below the main reservoir at both Ivan’s and South Tailwater Recreation Areas. Immediately from the parking lot at Ivan’s, we spotted a couple American Redstarts in a nearby tree hyperactively looking for insects. We quickly checked one species off our target list by spotting a Ruby-throated Hummingbird at a feeder in the campground. We slowly moved toward the river, carefully watching the treetops and enjoying the extremely pleasant fall weather. Once at the river, we noticed both Caspian Terns and Ring-billed Gulls foraging over the water as well as a large, mixed flock of migrating swallows overhead. We walked farther along the river and stopped to carefully examine an adult male Mallard in non-breeding plumage, making a list of characteristics that help us identify the bird such as the dull yellow bill, overall brown color, and purple speculum on the wing. The occasional Bald Eagle and Turkey Vulture cruised overhead, and several flocks of American White Pelicans were seen taking advantage of breeze throughout the morning.

Next, we started down the paved trail between Ivan’s and South Tailwater Recreation Areas. Although the birds were quiet initially, we enjoyed capturing and examining a Cricket Frog and watching what we all felt was the largest Snapping Turtle in Iowa crawl through the mud in a nearby off-channel wetland. A Great Blue Heron posed nicely in the water for us allowing young birders long, close looks through the spotting scope. As we continued along the trail, we were greeted by White-breasted Nuthatches, a Warbling Vireo, and Red-bellied Woodpecker. We were drawn off the trail for a bit to explore a nearby shale deposit with a stream running through it. What an interesting geological feature!

Once back on the trail, we found a little hotspot of bird activity in which we saw a Black-and-White, Magnolia, and Golden-winged Warbler while a Carolina Wren and Yellow-throated Vireo sang to us from nearby. We turned back towards the parking lot and, on the return trip, added Ovenbird, Swainson’s Thrush, and Red-eyed Vireo to our species list among others. A cooperative Belted Kingfisher perched on a limb near the wetland was an exciting bird for young birders. Back at the parking lot, the bird activity was even hotter than earlier and young birders spotted several Chestnut-sided Warblers, a Bay-breasted Warbler, and another Black-and-White Warbler low in the brush. What a great finish to the morning!

This trip could not be possible without the assistance of Marla Mertz with Marion County Conservation Board. We’re grateful to volunteers from the Red Rock Lake Association for their leadership on the trip and for providing snacks. And as always, many thanks to our young birders and families for attending! You can view photos of our trip here and our species list here.

Ottumwa field trip 8/18/2018

Tyler Harms — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 17:18:33 GMT

On August 18, 2018, eleven young birders, parents, grandparents, and volunteers met at Memorial Park in Ottumwa for a morning of birding in southern Iowa. The morning started off cool and overcast but quickly warmed up when the sun appeared. Lucky for us, the birds were hot all morning!

Our target bird at Memorial Park was the Mississippi Kite, a unique Iowa bird. Memorial Park is one of two regular nesting locations for this species in Iowa, and the nesting pair had returned for another southern Iowa summer. It didn’t take long for us to find the small family as one of the adults was perched in the top of a White Pine tree near the parking lot as young birders arrived! However, this was only the beginning of what continued to be an amazing spectacle as both adults actively hunted overhead, showing off their talent in aerial acrobatics. The two juvenile birds were also present, continuously calling to remind their parents of their hunger and expected receipt of any captures. After an hour of watching in awe, we decided it best to leave for our second destination despite the desire to watch these birds even longer. This was a life bird for all young birders present, and for the parents and grandparents as well!

Next, we traveled south of Ottumwa to Pioneer Ridge Nature Area. Owned and managed by Wapello County Conservation Board, Pioneer Ridge contains a variety of habitats that makes birding this location very exciting. Although the temperature was rising quickly, the birds were still quite active and we were immediately greeted by Gray Catbirds and American Goldfinches. Several Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were also putting on a great show, chasing each other along the edges of a nearby pond. We stopped along the trail to examine a Baltimore Oriole nest and spotted two young Great Crested Flycatchers in the distance. Later on our hike, we took a break in a nearby barn shelter to search for bats in the rafters (beneath the piles of guano) and enjoyed close-up views of a Black Swallowtail butterfly captured by one of our young birders!

We finished our hike at a nearby pond. A pair of Belted Kingfishers were hunting and chattering nearby as the young birders accumulated quite the collection of snail shells from the water. A great place to finish a great morning! I’m grateful to all who attended to make this morning a ton of fun and to Kornelia Robertson for sharing some great photos from our trip. You can view photos from our trip here as well as a species list from Memorial Park here and Pioneer Ridge Nature Area here.

Iowa City Bluebird Trail 7/7/2018

Tyler Harms — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 13:30:25 GMT

It was a mild sunny day as 13 young birders, parents, and grandparents gathered in Johnson County to learn about Eastern Bluebird nesting and to assist with checking boxes along an established nest box trail. We were lucky to have Jim Walters with the Johnson County Songbird Project join us, and he started us off on this fine morning by sharing his knowledge of Eastern Bluebird biology gained from many years of experience monitoring nest boxes. Jim was gracious enough to let us visit his farm, which has been in his family since he was young and contains many diverse habitats that host a variety of bird species. Anxious to see some baby bluebirds, we started off down the trail!

It wasn’t long before we encountered one of Jim’s nest boxes, strategically built with a hole large enough for bluebirds to enter but small enough to deter other birds from using the box and with a small screw on the side that released the front of the box for access. Jim tapped gently on the side of the box with his screwdriver, a subtle warning to an attending parent that we’re coming in. The young bluebirds were left unattended for the morning, likely so mom and dad could search for food. Jim slowly removed the front of the box to reveal a small nest constructed mostly of grasses from the nearby prairie. Inside the nest was a family of baby bluebirds, not older than a couple weeks, quietly resting and enjoying the pleasant weather. All young birders excitedly, but quietly peeked inside the nest box before leaving the baby bluebirds to their morning nap. The was a first for many young birders present!

We checked a few other boxes along the trail, including one that contained a House Wren nest and another that contained a white Eastern Bluebird egg, which is a rare occurrence in a species that lays light blue eggs. We continued along the trail into the woodland on Jim’s farm. Highlights included recently fledged Eastern Wood-Pewees showing off their newly-acquired flycatching skills, a singing Wood Thrush and Eastern Towhee, and later at least two singing Acadian Flycatchers.

We finished the morning with two additional stops, the first of which was to check a Purple Martin colony near the entrance to Jim’s farm. The colony was very active with adult Purple Martins flying and foraging about. Jim cranked down the martin house, which looks like an apartment building compared to the Eastern Bluebird nest boxes, and we carefully checked one of the dwellings. Inside was four baby Purple Martins, not more than one week old, enjoying a morning nap just like the baby bluebirds we saw earlier. Next, we stopped along Highway 1 to check an American Kestrel nest box. Jim removed a long extension ladder from his truck, a necessity for checking these boxes that are mounted on telephone poles at least 10 feet up. Young birders took turns carefully climbing the ladder to peek in at the five baby kestrels inside the box, who were nearly ready to leave the box. What an exciting way to finish off a fun and educational morning!

We’re extremely grateful to Jim Walters with the Johnson County Songbird Project for sharing his knowledge with us and for allowing us to visit his Johnson County farm. You can view photos from our trip here as well as our species list here.

Fontenelle Forest 6/2/2018

Tyler Harms — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 12:34:56 GMT

On June 2, 2018, 17 young birders, parents, and grandparents gathered at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in Bellevue, Nebraska for our joint Iowa Young Birders and Omaha Youth Birding Group field trip. A string of thunderstorms earlier that morning left behind cool air and sunshine and sparked some activity in the birds! We were excited to get started!

We started down the boardwalk into the forest with birds singing from all directions. We were immediately greeted by a singing Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and stopped a bit further down the trail to listen to singing House and Carolina Wrens. We chatted a bit about the preferred habitat of the House Wren compared to one of our target species, the Scarlet Tanager, and how we could use that knowledge to help us identify and locate these different birds. While learning about this, a Wood Thrush was serenading us from a distance. We were also lucky to see a pair of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds while stopped, one of which appeared to be carrying nesting material. All this excitement and we were only 10 minutes into our trip!

We continued down the boardwalk and quickly noticed that American Redstarts were numerous in the forest. We were offered many great looks at these hyperactive, colorful warblers as they flitted and foraged through the treetops. We learned how to distinguish between males and females of this species based on color and were even lucky enough to observe some territorial displays of two males in the presence of a female. Other great birds in the forest included Red-headed and Pileated Woodpeckers, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Tufted Titmouse, and Eastern Wood-pewee.

We finished the morning at the Fontenelle Forest wetlands below the Nature Center, a habitat quite different than that in which we birded earlier in the morning. And as no surprise, we quickly noticed the bird community was a bit different as well. We heard both a Common Yellowthroat and Song Sparrow singing along the trail, along with Tree Swallows foraging on the wing overhead. We were very lucky to hear both Willow and Alder Flycatchers singing nearby, allowing us to easily compare the songs of these nearly indistinguishable species. The “icing on the cake” for our visit to the wetlands, however, was a pair of Prothonotary Warblers. The male was frequently singing and offered great looks to all. This was a life bird for several young birders present, a fantastic way to end a fun morning with friends and family!

We’re grateful to Fontenelle Forest for hosting us and to Bob Wells and Tisha Johnson with the Omaha Youth Birding Group for their leadership. And as always, many thanks to the young birders and their families for joining us on another fun and educational trip! You can view photos from our trip here and species lists for both the Nature Center and wetlands below:

Fontenelle Forest Nature Center

Fontenelle Forest wetlands

Dudgeon Lake 5/19/2018

Tyler Harms — Mon, 21 May 2018 02:55:51 GMT

It was another pleasant spring day in Iowa as 12 young birders, parents, and friends embarked on a search for birds at Dudgeon Lake Wildlife Area near Vinton, Iowa. Dudgeon Lake is well known for hosting a variety of birds including Prothonotary Warbler, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Pileated Woodpecker, all of which prefer the vast expanse of flooded forests found on the area. It is also a favorite location of young birder Coralee Bodeker, who served as co-leader and local expert on our trip. As we gathered in the parking lot, a Yellow-billed Cuckoo sang from across an adjacent pond and several Great Crested Flycatchers were vocalizing in the nearby trees. These birds excited us all to search for more!

As we started down the road, we immediately heard a Gray Catbird singing in the shrubs and learned the call note of a nearby Rose-breasted Grosbeak (a quick squeeze of a squeaky toy). We stopped to watch a male American Redstart foraging low in a tree and listened to an Indigo Bunting singing along the edge of an open field, all the while numerous Turkey Vultures were soaring overhead and Tree Swallows cruising by. Further up the road we encountered both a Wilson’s Warbler and a Tennessee Warbler, our first two migrants of the trip. While hiking down the road, we also stopped to admire a baby Painted Turtle and baby Snapping Turtle found by young birder Andi, as well as several turtles basking on logs in the water.

Next, we started down a trail towards some ponds in search of waterbirds. We were greeted by a singing Common Yellowthroat and a pair of Red-winged Blackbirds. Further along, we spotted a Red-headed Woodpecker perched high on a snag and were able to get great views through the spotting scope. Approaching another pond, we spotted an American Coot and later a Spotted Sandpiper foraging along the shore. We started back towards the vehicles, hearing a singing Warbling Vireo and later seeing a Green Heron flying away over a pond. It was a great finish to a great morning!

Many thanks to Coralee Bodeker and her family for helping organize and lead this trip! We’re also grateful to volunteer leaders Linda Rudolph and Bill Scheible for joining us on this fine morning. You can view our species list here and some photos from our trip here.

Des Moines Water Works Park 5/14/2018

Tyler Harms — Tue, 15 May 2018 02:47:48 GMT

Twelve young birders, parents, grandparents, and friends spent a gorgeous Iowa spring morning searching for migrants and learning about birding basics at Des Moines Water Works Park near downtown Des Moines. We started the morning with a short exercise on using binoculars and practiced our skills on a distant sign. With several different habitat types yet to explore, we started off in search of birds all the while discussing what to look and listen for that can help with identifying birds. For example, observing different bird behaviors (e.g., tail bobbing) and the microhabitat within which the bird is (e.g., forest understory or forest canopy) can greatly help to pinpoint which species you see. We had the opportunity to practice these observation skills on a Yellow-throated Warbler singing high in the treetops. Luckily, the bird came down to mid-level in the tree for all to see! Not long before an adult Bald Eagle was seen soaring high overhead.

We continued through the park. American Robins and Chipping Sparrows were numerous, and we stopped to observe an occasional Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, or Chimney Swift overhead. A distant Mourning Dove had us all fooled into thinking it was a raptor until we approached, and a couple of Killdeer in an open grassy field were very cooperative. Now on to the wetlands!

We were quickly greeted by a couple Canada Goose families, the goslings dutifully following the parents into the water as we approached. Double-crested Cormorants were occasionally flying overhead and eventually landing gracefully in the water. Oliver spotted a Great Blue Heron in the distance, which sat tight as we approached to offer clear looks for all. A Red-tailed Hawk was also perched in a distant tree. A Mallard pair joined the Canada Goose families, and several Blue-winged Teal and Northern Shovelers were seen on a distant pond, the colorful males of both species clearly visible from a distance. We finished the morning hiking along a couple more wetlands near the parking lot. Although the birds were quiet, the Chorus and Northern Leopard Frogs were very vocal!

Many thanks to all those who attended our trip on this gorgeous morning! You can view our species list here and some photos from our trip here.

New Partner for Future in Focus Program

Tyler Harms — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 17:11:30 GMT

Iowa Young Birders is lucky to have a new partner in our Future in Focus program! Redstart Birding is committed to providing the best optics, gear, and expertise to ensure a quality and enjoyable birding experience for you. With their help, we will continue to offer high-quality optics to young birders for affordable, quarterly payments!

With this exciting change comes new options for optics! We now offer the Vortex Diamondback 8x42 binocular, the perfect binocular for birders of any age. We're also excited to offer the new and improved Vortex Viper 15-45x65mm spotting scope along with the Vortex ProGT tripod kit, a combination made for a lifetime of birding enjoyment!

You can check out these new optics by visiting our Future in Focus page or the Redstart Birding website, and be sure to contact us if you're interested in taking advantage of this unique program!

A Prairie Girl's Notebook: House Wren Odyssey

Tyler Harms — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 01:14:23 GMT

Iowa Young Birders member Coralee Bodeker authors and illustrates her regular column, "A Prairie Girl's Notebook" from her home near Vinton, Iowa. Coralee received Honorable Mention for her writing and art among young birders across the nation in the 2018 American Birding Association Young Birder of the Year contest.

Enjoy this recent issue about her observations of a House Wren pair near her home. Thanks Coralee, and congratulations!

Iowa DNR to host Prairie Chicken Day

Tyler Harms — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 01:04:53 GMT

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources invites all to attend the 15th Annual Prairie Chicken Day at the Kellerton Bird Conservation Area on Saturday, April 7, 2018 starting at sunrise. The event will take place at the viewing platform on 300th Avenue near 242nd Street southwest of Kellerton. Click here for a map of the location. Afterwards, the Kellerton Bird Conservation Area will be dedicated as a Globally Important Bird Area by Iowa Audubon!

Help celebrate this important area for Iowa birds and enjoy seeing Greater Prairie-Chickens during their annual lek display!

George Wyth State Park 2/10/2018

Tyler Harms — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 04:30:22 GMT

It was a brisk Iowa morning on February 10, 2018 when 10 young birders, parents, and friends embarked on a winter birding adventure at George Wyth State Park near Waterloo. Despite the cold, the sun was shining and the birds were active. We were excited to begin the search for our target birds, the Northern Saw-whet Owl, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Pileated Woodpecker!

We started the morning listening to some of the early singers such as Northern Cardinals, White-breasted Nuthatches, and Black-capped Chickadees near the park entrance. While listening to these birds, we noticed a large bird flush from a nearby pine tree. After a few more views of the bird, we surmised it was a Barred Owl. Shortly thereafter, volunteer leader Connor Langan spotted a flock of 25 Common Redpolls overhead. An exciting and unexpected sight only 30 minutes into the trip!

We then headed towards the bird blind to search for Northern Saw-whet Owls. We learned about Northern Saw-whet Owl winter habitat from volunteer leader Tom Schilke as we hiked back toward the owl location. We stopped off at the bird blind to watch the feeders for a few moments, and enjoyed close-up views of Red-bellied, Downy, and Hairy Woodpeckers, Black-capped Chickadees, Northern Cardinals, and other winter songbirds. We continued our hike, excitement building as we grew closer to a stand of Eastern Red Cedars known to host saw-whet owls in winter. After about 5 minutes of searching, volunteer leader Connor Langan located a single Northern Saw-whet Owl! We carefully snuck back to enjoy fantastic views of the tiny bird, conducting what we all termed the “saw-whet shuffle”. As we hiked back towards the parking lot, we heard and saw a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks overhead. Two of our target birds in in five minutes!

Our last stop was a series of bird feeders in the center of the park, near where we saw a flock of Wild Turkeys earlier in the morning. Most numerous at the bird feeders were House Finches and American Goldfinches, and we also spotted another Red-shouldered Hawk nearby. It was a fun end to a great morning!

We’re grateful for the leadership of volunteers Tom Schilke and Connor Langan. Their expertise and local knowledge made this trip a huge success. You can view photos from our trip here as well as a species list, compiled by Connor Langan, here.

2017 Year-End Report

Tyler Harms — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 16:43:55 GMT

What an exciting year 2017 was at Iowa Young Birders. We led young birders and their families on 10 trips across the state, released our unique optics rent-to-own program, and much more. You can read more about our exciting year in our 2017 Year-End Report here. Many thanks to YOU for supporting us along the way! We're looking forward to 2018!

Junior Duck Stamp Day 1/27/2018

Tyler Harms — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 07:17:04 GMT

On January 27, 2018, 18 young birders and parents kicked off the 2018 field trip year at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge for our Junior Duck Stamp Day. Brian Murillo, award-winning wildlife artist who has placed in both the Junior Duck Stamp Contest and the Federal Duck Stamp Contest, graciously joined us to share tips about sketching and painting waterfowl for the Junior Duck Stamp. Young birders were excited to get started!

Doreen Van RysWyk, coordinator of the Junior Duck Stamp Program in Iowa, started our exciting morning with a brief overview about the Program. Doreen shared with us the history of the Federal Duck Stamp Program, which has deep roots in Iowa. The first winner of the Federal Duck Stamp Contest was Iowa cartoonist Jay Norwood (“Ding”) Darling, and the only five-time contest winner is Iowa wildlife artist Maynard Reece. Young birders learned how art contributed to both the Junior and Federal Duck Stamp Programs has had a huge impact on habitat restoration and conservation education.

Next, Brian shared with us how his passion for wildlife art started, sketching and painting all sorts of birds and other wildlife as a kid in central Iowa. He provided valuable tips to young birders on creating a life-like painting or sketch of waterfowl and other birds. We learned the importance of contrast between the bird and background, about establishing a light source, and about scale of the creation. Young birders then put these tips to work by sketching birds of their choice while Brian provided advice and encouragement. An Eastern Bluebird, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Wood Duck, Piping Plover, and Redhead emerged on paper. What amazing talent our young birders have! Young birders then presented their artwork to the group and shared why they chose their bird of interest. We finished this activity with some “Duck Trivia”, learning about life history characteristics of waterfowl.

Taking advantage of the unseasonably warm day, we finished our morning with a brief hike around the Prairie Learning Center. Raptors provided the best show, with both Red-tailed Hawks and Bald Eagles soaring overhead. We were lucky to see the resident Bison on the Refuge and observed a recently-burned portion of the prairie and learned about the importance of prescribed fire for managing prairie habitats for birds.

We have many people to thank for this fun day. First, a huge thanks to Brian Murillo for taking the time to share with us his passion for wildlife art and some tips for becoming artists, as well as for the amazing Wood Duck prints! The day would not have been possible without the assistance of Doreen Van RysWyk, and we’re grateful to Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge for hosting us and for providing snacks. And, as always, many thanks to our young birders for their enthusiasm for birds and for art! You can view photos from our day here.

Saylorville Dam 11/18/2017

Tyler Harms — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 14:37:05 GMT

Nine young birders, parents, grandparents, and volunteers enjoyed a brisk fall morning birding below the Saylorville Dam near Polk City on November 18. The wind was howling, but we were still able to tally 27 species with the two best birds being raptors: Red-shouldered Hawk and Merlin! You can view a couple photos from our trip here and a complete species list here. Many thanks to Ulrike Grimaldi and Denny Thompson for their leadership and expertise!

Terry Trueblood Recreation Area 10/15/2017

Tyler Harms — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 01:17:15 GMT

Young birders, parents, and grandparents enjoyed a fun morning full of birds at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area in Iowa City on October 15! You can view photos from the trip here and a species list here. Many thanks to Board Member Fawn Bowden for leading the trip and for the photos!

Northwest Iowa Prairies and Marshes 9/9/2017

Tyler Harms — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 19:57:01 GMT

Fifteen young birders, parents, grandparents, and volunteers landed at Palo Alto County Conservation Board’s Lost Island Lake Nature Center in the heart of the Iowa Prairie Pothole Region for a morning exploring the many wetlands and prairies of this area. Although a bit breezy, it was a pleasant morning to be outdoors.

We started at Lost Island Lake, viewing the many Franklin’s Gulls that had yet to depart their overnight roost on the lake for a day of feeding and flying. Among the hundreds of Franklin’s Gulls was a single female Ruddy Duck, one of the smallest ducks we see in Iowa. Despite having a variety of prairie and wetland birds as targets for the trip, we couldn’t ignore the allure of the woods in the heart of fall migration! We hiked a short loop through Lost Island Lake Park and enjoyed several exciting birds including two Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers as well as a small flock of migratory songbirds that included a Tennessee Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, and Red-eyed Vireo.

Near the end of our hike through the woods, we received word of a Sanderling at the nearby beach. We quickly loaded the vehicles and headed there. We searched tirelessly for the small shorebird and were finally able to locate it just before giving up our effort! All participants quickly located the juvenile bird as it walked towards us. The bird continued to walk towards us until it was nearly three feet in front of us! Not only was this a life bird for most, but it was also the closest anyone in the group has ever been to this species! Also present along the beach was a Spotted Sandpiper, and the “icing on the cake” was a flyover Peregrine Falcon.

After the beach, we loaded the vehicles once more en route to a wetland area just north of the lake. As we arrived, we immediately spotted a cryptic Wilson’s Snipe among the cattails. We quickly assembled the spotting scopes for closer inspection by all. A Common Yellowthroat and Marsh Wren were voicing their presence as we viewed numerous Killdeer and a couple Pectoral Sandpipers in the drying area of the wetland. We then focused our efforts to some more secretive birds, Sora and Virginia Rails. Volunteer leader Lee Schoenewe had the right tools to entice these birds into view, an mP3 player and speaker to play their calls. It wasn’t long before both species were calling in response, and with some patience all were able to see both species as they darted among the cattails. A great end to an exciting morning!

Many thanks to Miriam Patton and Palo Alto County Conservation Board for organizing this trip, to volunteer Lee Schoenewe for his leadership and expertise, and to all those who attended the trip! You can view photos from our trip here as well as our species lists below:

Lost Island Lake Park

Wetland

Swan Lake State Park 8/26/2017

Tyler Harms — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 06:05:06 GMT

On August 26, 2017, 15 young birders, parents, grandparents, and volunteers were welcomed with a pleasant late summer morning at Swan Lake State Park near Carroll. Carroll County Conservation Naturalist Matt Wetrich, our guide and local expert, welcomed us to the park and provided quick tips on using binoculars and bird guides. We had an exciting morning planned with several different stops within the park, and we anxiously started off.

Our first stop involved a search for woodpeckers and various songbirds in an open forest area near the campground. We quickly heard Blue Jays, an Eastern Wood-Pewee, and White-breasted Nuthatch. We headed down to a fishing pier on the lake, and once there were greeted with a flock of Purple Martins. After receiving fleeting looks of a Red-headed Woodpecker, we were finally able to get great looks at one perched on dead limb low in a nearby tree. We also flushed a Common Nighthawk from the tree, a very exciting experience! A bit further down the trail, an Eastern Wood-Pewee and Eastern Kingbird were perched in the open allowing us to carefully study these two closely-related species. This was a great stop!

After a quick stop near the lake to view a Baltimore Oriole nest, we headed up to the Bald Eagle display and nearby trail. At this stop, Matt shared with us the story of the two resident eagles at Swan Lake State Park. Both eagles were injured and are now permanently housed at the park for educational purposes. We took this opportunity to learn a bit about bird conservation and about the important parts of responsible decisions, knowledge and caring. Afterwards, we headed down the trail to a large brush pile. Although quiet initially, the brush pile produced many good birds including Indigo Buntings, a House Wren, a Wilson’s Warbler, and both Blue and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. A Cooper’s Hawk and several Turkey Vultures were soaring overhead as we searched the brush for more birds.

We finished the morning visiting the swan pond, home of a captive pair of Trumpeter Swans, and then the new Thelen Bird Sanctuary and bird blind. A Hairy Woodpecker visited the feeders while in the blind, and a Belted Kingfisher flew low over the lake as we compiled our morning list. Both were great birds to finish a fun morning!

We are very appreciative of Matt’s leadership and expertise on the trip. You can view photos from our trip here and our species list here. Many thanks to all those who attended!

Seed Savers Exchange 7/8/2017

Tyler Harms — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 01:33:25 GMT

On July 8, 2017, sixteen young birders, parents, and grandparents gathered at Seed Savers Exchange near Decorah for a gorgeous morning of birding. Barn Swallows and a singing male House Wren greeted us as we started up the Oak Woods Trail. Before the trail head, we stopped near the barn to listen to a signing Chipping Sparrow and American Robin, two common Iowa birds but always fun to hear!

As we headed up the trail, we stopped at a clearing near the top to listen to and view a Mourning Dove in the distance. We also heard a singing Indigo Bunting at this location, who graced us with his melodious song but did not let us see him. A bird that did welcome us, however, was a stunning male American Goldfinch who landed approximately 10 feet from us in the opening for fantastic views. We continued along the trail to the overlook where we spent nearly 20 minutes viewing several exciting birds. From this location, we saw a small flock of Cedar Waxwings, a Brown Thrasher, a cooperative Eastern Wood-Pewee, and a Ruby-throated Hummingbird among others. Singing high in the treetops was a Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher.

We headed back down the trail to the main yard, stopping briefly in the gardens for a brief lesson about the importance of plants to birds. We discussed how birds use plants for food, shelter, and nesting, and about how different birds use different plants. We enjoyed the many colorful blooming plants while taking a water and snack break, then continued to the Orchard Trail for another hike.

After a short distance along the Orchard Trail, we heard an Eastern Towhee in the distance. It wasn’t long before we located the bird in the understory. Not too long after, we located a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak feeding a young bird on the forest floor. We also heard a Wood Thrush singing in the distance. We finished our hike along the creek where we saw and heard Song Sparrows, a Common Yellowthroat, and Downy Woodpecker. As we hiked through the parking lot back to our vehicles, the last bird of the day was a singing male Northern Cardinal.

We finished the day with 35 species, including many other highlights not listed above. You can view our trip list here as well as photos from our morning here. Many thanks to all those who attended and to Seed Savers Exchange for hosting us!

Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt 6/10/2017

Tyler Harms — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 02:14:40 GMT

On a warm and breezy summer morning, seven young birders and parents joined us on a morning exploration of Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, a prime birding location near Des Moines. Our target birds were the Prothonotary Warbler and Green Heron, both bottomland forest specialists and frequent residents of Chichaqua Bottoms. Excited to see both birds, we set off. However, before looking for birds we took the unique opportunity to observe a female Painted Turtle actively laying eggs in an excavated nest not far from the water. Later in the morning after she was finished and heading back to the water, Executive Director Tyler Harms captured the turtle and quickly showed young birders the beautiful markings (which give the Painted Turtle its name) on the underside of the turtle’s shell before safely placing her back on her journey to the water.

Tallying our species list in the shade. Photo credit: Ulrike Grimaldi

Next, we walked along the campground towards the Jack Pine Trail looking and listening for birds. American Redstarts, Eastern Phoebes, and Eastern Wood-Pewees graced us with their songs and Red-headed Woodpeckers flew overhead. High in one of the trees, a parent found a Cedar Waxwing nest and we all watched as both parents brought material back to the nest. An exciting sight for all of us!

Our hunt for Prothonotary Warblers and Green Herons continued along the Jack Pine Trail. Although we did not see any of our target birds along the trail, we did hear several House Wrens and our only Great Crested Flycatcher for the morning, had great looks at a stunning male Indigo Bunting, and saw and heard several Gray Catbirds.

We headed back to the trailhead and stopped for a quick snack and water break. Not long into our break, one of our parents spotted a Prothonotary Warbler across the water from where we were sitting. Soon, the bird flew into plain view and everyone watched the bright yellow beauty for several minutes before it flew out of sight. Finally, we could check off one of our target species!

We wrapped up the morning tallying our species, and some ventured out on canoes to search for our second target species, the elusive Green Heron. We saw not one Green Heron, but at least four Green Herons at different areas!

We grateful to Shelly and James with Polk County Conservation for allowing us to use their canoes. And thanks to the young birders and parents for joining us! You can view photos from our trip here and our species checklist here.

Birding in Lucas County 5/6/2017

Tyler Harms — Wed, 17 May 2017 03:13:59 GMT

We had a great time learning about Barn Owls and building Barn Owl boxes as part of the Lucas County Birding Festival on May 6, 2017. We are grateful for assistance from volunteers Adam Janke, Coady Lundy, Jacob Newton, and Dave Offenburger. We also thank Helga Offenburger for preparing the Barn Owl nest box kits, Beth Brown for sharing her knowledge of owls with us, and Nick Piekema with Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms for hosting us. You can see photos from our fun event here!

A Prairie Girl's Notebook - Issue 25

Tyler Harms — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 03:19:10 GMT

In this issue of "A Prairie Girl's Notebook", Iowa Young Birders member Coralee Bodeker shares the magnificence and importance of trees, even after they have fallen.

1958-2011.pdf

A Prairie Girl's Notebook - Issue 24

Tyler Harms — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 19:35:00 GMT

Another great essay and illustration by Iowa Young Birders member Coralee Bodeker!

A Mink in the January Thaw.pdf

Shorebird Identification Workshop March 4, 2017

Tyler Harms — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 12:08:43 GMT

On March 4, 2017, young birders, parents, and grandparents gathered in the Science Building on Iowa State University campus to learn tips for identifying Iowa shorebirds. Young birders were excited to peruse the various teaching specimens on the tables and were enthusiastic to master the skills to distinguish species within this challenging group of birds.

We started the morning by examining the various teaching specimens, taking time to observe and record the unique characteristics of each. It didn’t take us long to develop a list of characteristics for each species, and pick out those similar characteristics listed for all species (e.g., long legs, longer bill, etc.). Next, we learned how to lump the various species into different groups based on overall size and shape, the first step in helping us to identify a given species. We finished this exercise with an activity in which we placed shorebird silhouettes in the appropriate group based only on size and shape.

Next, we talked about how to group the various species based on their foraging methods, “pickers”, “probers”, and “waters”. We discussed these different methods of foraging and how they might affect the bird’s behavior and the location where they are foraging within a specific habitat. We finished with another activity, “Feeding Time”, in which young birders drew a species from a jar and had to forage for a candy bar in the appropriate habitat using the appropriate method. It was quite fun!

We finished the morning learning about colors of shorebirds. Not just color patterns in plumage, but colors of bills, legs, and other markings that are identifying characteristics of some species. For example, we compared leg and bill color of the Least Sandpiper (yellow legs and black bill) to that of the Semipalmated Sandpiper (black legs and black bill), characteristics that can help in identifying these very similar species. Our last activity of the day was to learn the colors of different shorebird species using coloring sheets. Each young birder could color a shorebird species of their choice, helping them observe and learn the different colors of that species.

It was a fun morning, and we’re grateful to the parents and grandparents for allowing their young birders to join us! You can view photos from the workshop here.

Credit Island Park February 18, 2017

Tyler Harms — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 12:02:10 GMT

Eagles and gulls were numerous at Credit Island Park on February 18, 2017 where 32 young birders, parents, and grandparents enjoyed a beautiful and unseasonably warm morning of birding. As flocks migrating geese (Snow Geese, Greater White-fronted Geese, and Canada Geese) streamed overhead, we set off to explore this unique park nestled in the Mississippi River. We were quickly greeted by numerous Ring-billed Gulls foraging on shore and over the water, all of which offered the opportunity to study characteristics of these birds at close range. Target bird number 1, check!

As we moved toward the other side of the island in search of more gulls and Bald Eagles, we were greeted by three species of songbirds singing. We heard both a Song Sparrow and Mourning Dove in the distance, and stopped to listen to the melodious song of the Eastern Bluebird. A bit more walking and searching turned up the singing male bluebird and everyone enjoyed close-range looks of this beautiful bird.

On the other side of the island, Ring-billed Gulls were again numerous foraging over the water and roosting on the ice. Also present were Bald Eagles, both adults and immatures, and young birders were able to compare plumage differences of eagles of different ages. We also observed an immature Ring-billed Gull among the adults, offering the chance to compare plumage differences in different ages of Ring-billed Gulls as well. To top things off, an immature Herring Gull joined the roosting Ring-billed Gulls on the ice.

We finished the morning looking for other birds on the interior of the island. We found a cooperative Red-tailed Hawk, a Cooper’s Hawk flying overhead, various woodpeckers, a Northern Cardinal, and several Dark-eyed Juncos. Lastly, we stopped and examine feathers of a Canada Goose, learning about the differences between primary, secondary, and down feathers.

We are grateful to Walt Wagner-Hecht for his leadership on this trip, to local guide Jim Nordquist for joining us, and to all the parents, grandparents, and young birders for enjoying a morning of birding with us! You can view photos from our trip here and a list of species here.

February Members and Friends Newsletter

Tyler Harms — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 01:46:13 GMT

Our February Members and Friends Newsletter is here for your reading enjoyment!

An Exciting Year!

Tyler Harms — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 02:35:22 GMT

We had an exciting year at Iowa Young Birders - several fun and educational field trips, an extended birding experience to Colorado, several partnerships, and much more! Our full impact can be seen in our year-end report below.

2016 Impact Iowa Young Birders.pdf

Young Birder Raises Funds for Raptor Conservation

Tyler Harms — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 03:05:58 GMT

Iowa Young Birders member Coralee Bodeker is using her artistic talents to raise funds for raptor conservation! Coralee recently composed an article to raise awareness about the decline of American Kestrel populations as part of her regular series, "A Prairie Girl's Notebook". She also sketched an American Kestrel on canvas that she is auctioning on Ebay to raise funds for raptor conservation. View the links below to read Coralee's article and bid on her one-and-only canvas print of the American Kestrel. Bid now to help Coralee contribute to raptor conservation!

Kestrels, An Iowa Legacy.pdf

You can also view Coralee's print for auction here.

Dale Maffitt Reservoir January 21, 2017

Tyler Harms — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 20:59:05 GMT

On January 21, 2017, 11 young birders, parents, and grandparents joined us for a visit to Dale Maffitt Reservoir, a popular waterfowl wintering location south of Des Moines. It was foggy, but temperatures hovered around 40 degrees making it a pleasant morning for birding.

Our target bird for the day was the Trumpeter Swan. Upwards of 200 swans had been reported at this location this winter and we were excited to see how many were around that morning. Upon arrival and a short hike, we quickly counted 81 swans on the water! We discussed the differences in appearance between adult and juvenile swans, and enjoyed close looks at these fabulous birds on the water and flying overhead.

After studying the swans, we continued hiking along a nature trail around the lake. We were unsuccessful in our search for roosting owls in the pines along the trail, but enjoyed the usual winter songbirds including Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, and various woodpecker species. We were even treated with a small flock of Eastern Bluebirds.

While observing the bluebirds, we were surprised to hear a Greater White-fronted Goose calling overhead. We moved quickly to the edge of the water to locate two Greater White-fronted Geese mingling among the Canada Geese and Trumpeter Swans. We also saw two drake Redheads and a female Ruddy Duck, and were treated with the opportunity carefully compare three Cackling Geese with the nearby Canada Geese while learning about the differences in these two species. It was certainly a fun and educational morning!

You can view photos from our trip here as well as our species list here. See you on our next trip!

November Member and Friends Newsletter

Tyler Harms — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 08:12:05 GMT

See what we've been up to this fall in our November Member and Friends Newsletter!

Waterfowl Migration and Conservation Day November 12, 2016

Tyler Harms — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 03:39:12 GMT

Twenty-seven young birders, parents, grandparents, and volunteers met at Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) on November 12, 2016 for our first Waterfowl Migration and Conservation Day. Although a bit chilly in the morning, the sun was shining and it looked to be a fabulous day for this unique opportunity to tour the Refuge during the peak of waterfowl migration. The latest report said 25,000 ducks on the Refuge! Needless to say, we were all excited and quickly loaded the vehicles to begin the tour.

The Louisa Division of Port Louisa NWR, the area we visited, is closed each year from September 15 – December 31 to minimize disturbance to migrating waterbirds as they rest on their southward journey. Therefore, we were very lucky to be visiting this area as part of their annual fall migration bus tours. Cathy Nigg (Refuge Manager) and Jessica Bolser (Refuge Biologist) of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were our tour leaders, providing a wealth of information about the unique habitats on the Refuge and their significance. The importance of this area to migrating waterbirds was quickly evident to us as hundreds of ducks were in view upon entering the Refuge. Among the many ducks, we identified Wood Ducks, Mallards, Northern Pintail, and Northern Shovelers. A group of eight Trumpeter Swans was also a nice surprise!

As we continued our tour of the Refuge, several Ring-billed Gulls and Double-crested Comorants were seen flying overhead. An extra special treat for one of the vehicles was an extremely cooperative American Bittern standing less than five feet from the road. We stopped briefly at the viewing platform overlooking Fox Pond, where we added Red-winged Blackbird, Swamp Sparrow, and American Goldfinch to our list. We also had great looks at a Bald Eagle nest on the east side of the Refuge. We finished our drive along the east side of the Refuge, where thousands of ducks were lifting off offering an amazing spectacle described as a “duck-nado” by our group.

Unfortunately, we were unable to plant trees due to high water levels. However, we had an enjoyable afternoon hiking trails around the Port Louisa Visitor’s Center. Exciting birds included a Tufted Titmouse, several White-throated Sparrows, and a small group of Cedar Waxwings.

We’re extremely grateful to Cathy Nigg, Jessica Bolser, and the staff and friends of Port Louisa NWR for hosting us. Many thanks also to volunteer Kevin Murphy for his leadership. And as always, we’re thankful to the parents and grandparents for providing the transportation means for the young birders to join us! You can view photos from our trip here and a list of species here.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park October 8, 2016

Tyler Harms — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 10:22:26 GMT

Seven young birders and parents joined us at Ada Hayden Heritage Park in central Iowa for a pleasant fall morning searching for sparrows and other fall migrants. Ada Hayden Heritage Park has a diversity of habitats and we were anxious to see what we could find on our walk!

Starting off on the paved trail around the north lake, we were quickly greeted by a large flock of Cedar Waxwings with a couple Eastern Bluebirds mixed in. It’s always enjoyable to see these two species (even though the Cedar Waxwings were looking a bit drab) and we took the opportunity to carefully study them at close range. We continued our walk along the paved trail, observing Red-winged Blackbirds overhead and a small group of American Coots on the main lake.

We next ventured onto the upland trail for hopes of spotting some fall sparrows. As if on cue, a Ring-necked Pheasant flushed started on the upland trail, one of several we would see on the trip. Then, one of the young birders spotted an Eastern Phoebe perched on a prairie plant in the distance, a bird that will not likely be sticking around Iowa for much longer. We continued along the upland trail, flushing a few unidentified sparrows before finally getting close looks at a cooperative Song Sparrow. We also learned the call note of the White-throated Sparrow, hearing several as we continued our venture. We arrived at Jensen Pond along the trail, where we quietly observed a group of Canada Geese and tried hard to get looks at a chattering Belted Kingfisher.

As we returned to the parking lot, the birding slowed a bit and we had a great time studying various caterpillars found by the young birders along the upland trail. While doing so, we heard more White-throated Sparrows and observed both a Red-tailed and Broad-winged Hawk soar overhead.

You can view photos of our adventure here and a full list of species observed here. Many thanks to the parents and young birders for joining us on this fine fall morning!

Hitchcock Hawk Watch September 24, 2016

Tyler Harms — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 03:49:13 GMT

September 24, a beautiful fall morning at Hitchcock Nature Area in the heart of the Loess Hills where 24 young birders, parents, grandparents, and friends enjoyed spending time in the hawk watch tower and raptor banding blind. Everyone was excited for this unique experience and anxious to get started.

Some of us started the morning with Bethany Thornton in the hawk watch tower. Bethany shared with us the importance of counting migrating raptors and some tips for identifying raptors in flight. The birds were slow to get started, but we soon spotted a distant Great Blue Heron, some Turkey Vultures starting to lift off, and an occasional Osprey riding the winds with their “m-shaped” wings. In between bouts of scanning the horizon, we were able to pick out some good birds in the trees below including a Wilson’s Warbler, Eastern Towhee, and we even heard a Red-breasted Nuthatch.

The rest of us started the morning in the raptor banding blind with experienced raptor bander Jerry Toll. Jerry shared with us his many experiences banding raptors. Although the nothing was caught in the first hour, we were lucky to get several close looks of different raptors including an Osprey. We also got up-close looks at and learned about the equipment needed to capture hawks. It was very exciting!

Young birders, parents, and friends rotated into the hawk watch tower and raptor banding blind for the remainder of the morning. We were treated with a Cooper’s Hawk captured at the banding blind, and several other good birds from the hawk watch tower and adjacent nature center including Cooper’s, Sharp-shinned, and Broad-winged Hawks, a Peregrine Falcon, and even an adult Sabine’s Gull! Even though a storm front rained out some of us in the banding blind, we still had a great morning on this unique experience!

We’re grateful to Bethany Thornton and Jerry Toll for sharing their knowledge and experience with us, and to volunteer Ross Silcock for his leadership. You can view photos from our field trip here and our complete species list here.

Camp Scholarships offered for third year

Tyler Harms — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 12:08:44 GMT

Iowa Young Birders is committed to encouraging the development of young birders, which is why we're excited to offer our Camp Scholarships for a third year.

Scholarships of up to $500 will be given to one or more young birders interested in attending one of the American Birding Association Young Birder Camps or any other approved young birder camp. Scholarships are open to any young birder who is an Iowa resident and 13-18 years of age.

"These camps are a great way for young birders to not only improve their skills, but also connect with other young birders from across the country and develop a lifetime of friendships," said Tyler Harms, Executive Director of Iowa Young Birders. "We're lucky to have the generous support of many donors who appreciate the importance of these opportunities for young birders."

The deadline for scholarship applications is February 1. For more information about these scholarships, to apply, or to make a donation to our scholarship fund, click here.

August Members and Friends Newsletter

Tyler Harms — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 18:50:29 GMT

Want to know what we've been doing all summer? Check out our August Member and Friends Newsletter here!

Colorado Weekend Trip July 7-10, 2016

Tyler Harms — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 12:20:39 GMT

On the afternoon of July 7, 2016, 28 young birders, parents, grandparents, friends, and volunteers embarked on a one-of-a-kind family birding adventure to Colorado. We’d been waiting for this moment since February, so excitement was in the air as we gathered in the breakfast room of the Quality Inn and Suites in Ft. Collins. The scouting reports said birds were active and the weather forecast looked perfect for the weekend.

After a brief introduction and distribution of new equipment to the young birders, which included a brand new copy of the Field Guide to the Birds of Colorado (personally signed by author Ted Floyd), a Rite-in-the-Rain Birder’s Journal, and an Iowa Young Birders Nalgene water bottle, we wasted no time and headed out to Gateway Natural Area near Ft. Collins for some foothills birding. Soon after we exited the vans, we spotted a Lazuli Bunting singing in a tree near the parking lot. We quickly set up the scopes for a closer look, and many of the young birders had their first life bird after only ten minutes of Colorado birding! Soon after, a Lesser Goldfinch was found perched on a power line near the parking lot. We continued walking down the trail and were not only greeted by gorgeous views of the foothills, but also found multiple Violet-Green Swallows, Western Tanagers, Spotted Towhees, and Bullock’s Orioles as well as a single Red-naped Sapsucker, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Rock Wren among the other birds. What a great start to our weekend! After dinner, many of us ventured out at dusk to Maxwell Natural Area on the edge of Ft. Collins to listen for Common Poorwills. Unfortunately, the birds were not cooperative and we were unable to add this species to our trip list.

On Friday morning, we loaded the vans at 6:30 to begin our trip into the mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park. We traveled to the park on Highway 34 which follows the scenic Big Thompson River. Along the way, we lucked into close-up views of Bighorn Sheep along the highway. Despite being a bird trip, we were just as excited about the mammals! Our plan was to travel up to the alpine tundra (approximately 12,000 feet elevation) for Brown-capped Rosy-Finch and White-tailed Ptarmigan. Our first stop was Lava Cliffs for the Brown-capped Rosy-Finch, and it wasn’t long before someone spotted one on the ground. After quick views in the scope, and a few minutes enjoying the entertaining Yellow-bellied Marmots, we continued up the mountain. Our next stop was Medicine Bow Curve, a regular location for White-tailed Ptarmigan. Despite searching for several minutes, we were unable to locate a ptarmigan. However, views of several White-throated Sparrows and American Pipits were a nice consolation. We headed back down the mountain en route to Endovalley for lunch, with a quick stop at Rainbow Curve to add Clark’s Nutcracker to our list. Upon arrival at Endovalley, we were treated to a fantastic lunch prepared by Linda Bendorf as well as great birds including several Broad-tailed Humminbirds, Stellar’s Jays, and Violet-Green Swallows as well as Hammond’s Flycatcher, Mountain Chickadee, and Western Wood-Pewee. We then moved to the Alluvial Fan area near Endovally on a quest for American Dipper, which was successful. On our return to Ft. Collins we stopped at the Wild Basin Area of Rocky Mountain NP. Although it wasn’t extremely “birdy”, we got fantastic looks at a cooperative Williamson’s Sapsucker and multiple Pygmy Nuthatches. Our last stop was Fawn Brook Inn in Allenspark, a location known to host several hummingbirds, and we were not disappointed. We saw several Broad-tailed and Black-chinned Hummingbirds as well as a single male Rufous Hummingbird. It was a long, but very successful day!

We started early again Saturday morning with the Pawnee National Grasslands and a short list of target grassland species on our agenda. We stopped at various locations with the Grasslands and were highly successful, adding Burrowing Owl (including fun views of owlets), Chestnut-collared and McCown’s Longspurs, Lark Bunting, Loggerhead Shrike, Mountain Plover (including a color-banded bird), and Ferruginous Hawk to our list. An exciting part of the day was another fantastic lunch (prepared again by Linda B.) and close-up views of several Common Nighthawks at Crow Valley Campground. On our return to Ft. Collins, we stopped at Fossil Creek Reservoir and were greeted by a cooperative juvenile Say’s Phoebe. We also added several waterbirds to our list including several Western Grebes and a single Clark’s Grebe, a nice opportunity for young birders to see the differences between these similar species. Another great day in the books!

Our first stop on Sunday morning was Union Reservoir near Longmont with hopes of adding more waterbirds to our trip list. A family group of Cinnamon Teal, several Yellow-headed Blackbirds, and singing a singing Common Yellowthroat and Savannah Sparrow were the highlights at this location. We then headed for Old South St. Vrain Road, a well-known location for foothills birding. Before arriving there, we made a quick detour to Heil Ranch along Red Gulch Road to see Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays. Not long after starting our walk down Old South St. Vrain Road, we were joined by Ted Floyd, Editor of the American Birding Association’s (ABA) Birding magazine, author of our new field guides, and Colorado birding expert. It was great fun to bird Ted at one of his favorite birding locations as well as see some of our target birds including Cordilleran Flycatcher and White-throated Swift. We finished our day at Hall Ranch for the last fantastic lunch and a brief presentation by Ted. We also thanked Iowa Young Birders Board Members Ross Silcock and Bill Scheible for their dedication to and support of Iowa Young Birders as the complete their terms on the Board.

We have several people to thank for this amazing experience. First and foremost, we thank Carl and Linda Bendorf, who put forth tireless effort to plan a memorable experience and feed us very well! Our volunteer leaders and chauffeurs Ross Silcock, John Rutenbeck, Bill Scheible, and Linda Rudolph made this trip possible and we appreciate their leadership. We are grateful to Ted Floyd for joining us on Sunday and for signing our new field guides. Lastly, we are extremely grateful to the parents and grandparents for allowing their young birders to join us for this weekend of fun with friends and great birding.

Click here to view photos from our trip. You can also view our bird lists from our various stops below:

Gateway Natural Area

Rocky Mountain NP - Rainbow Curve

Rocky Mountain NP - Lava Cliffs

Rocky Mountain NP - Medicine Bow Curve

Rocky Mountain NP - Endovalley

Rocky Mountain NP - Alluvial Fan area

Rocky Mountain NP - Wild Basin area

Fawn Brook Inn - Allenspark

Pawnee National Grasslands - Raptor Alley

Pawnee National Grasslands - County Road 45

Pawnee National Grasslands - Crow Valley Campground

Pawnee National Grasslands - County Road 99/100

Fossil Creek Reservoir

Union Reservoir

Heil Ranch - Red Gulch Road

Old South St. Vrain Road

Lost Island Lake and Marsh June 11, 2016

Tyler Harms — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 11:20:02 GMT

On June 11, 2016, 20 young birders, parents, and grandparents set out for a warm morning of birding around Lost Island Lake Huston Park and Trumbull Lake near Ruthven in northwest Iowa. Watching the many colorful birds at the feeders near the Lost Island Lake Nature Center including Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Baltimore Orioles, and Blue Jays had everyone excited to head out into the park.

We started the morning learning about birding with our ears from volunteer leader Lee Schoenewe. Lee explained to us that learning bird songs can be a very effective way to find and identify birds, especially during spring and summer months when birds can be more difficult to see. As we walked to a known location of a Baltimore Oriole nest, young birders got to hear the singing male oriole. After viewing not one, but two oriole nests, we continued walking around the new campground at Huston Park. We were treated with views of a stunning Yellow Warbler, a pair of Gray Catbirds, and even were able to see a pair of American Redstarts that may be breeding in the park again this year.

After a quick break at the Nature Center, we started down the wooded trail towards the lake. Several House Wrens were singing, and one young birder spotted a female Eastern Bluebird perched low in a tree that offered great looks for all. Two species of flycatchers, an Eastern Wood-Pewee and Great Crested Flycatcher, made a brief appearance and young birders learned about the “sallying” behavior exhibited by this group of birds. More birding by ear allowed us to find a Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher and Yellow-throated Vireo.

We finished the morning at Trumbull Lake, a premier shallow lake wetland in northwest Iowa about 3 miles from Huston Park. Young birders quickly realized the bird community was quite different as a result of the different habitat, something we learned earlier in the morning. Trumbull Lake is known for its uncommon wetland birds to Iowa, and young birders were treated with views of Ruddy Ducks, a Western Grebe, Eared Grebes, and a Red-necked Grebe. We also had a Black Tern fly over, and heard a Least Bittern calling from the wetland.

Many thanks to Miriam Patton with Palo Alto County Conservation Board and volunteer leader Lee Schoenewe for a great morning of birding in northwest Iowa! You can view our species list for Lost Island Lake Huston Park here and for Trumbull Lake here. You can also view additional photos of our trip by clicking the photo above or here.

Bird Handling Event May 14, 2016

Tyler Harms — Wed, 18 May 2016 02:11:08 GMT

We had an absolutely fantastic morning for our bird handling event in Ames on May 14, 2016, and 14 young birders and parents were excited to learn about bird handling and banding and about the possibility of holding a bird!

We started the morning learning about the techniques and importance of bird handling and banding from our host and volunteer leader Stephen Dinsmore. Dr. Dinsmore shared with us the use of mistnets, a large net made of fine mesh used to capture songbirds (the method we were using to capture birds during our event). He also taught us how to safely hold songbirds as well as take various measurements such as the length of their beak, their legs, and wing cord, demonstrating these techniques on a recently captured Common Grackle. Lastly, the young birders discussed with Dr. Dinsmore reasons why we want to capture and band songbirds and what we can learn from the information, such as tracking migration and other movements, estimating bird survival, and many others. Anxious to see if any birds were in the net, we headed towards the backyard.

Dr. Dinsmore had two long mistnets set up around his bird feeders in his backyard. We immediately noticed small songbirds moving about in the net and we quickly worked to extract the birds. Dr. Dinsmore demonstrated to young birders how to quickly and safely remove the birds, removing the feet first, then the wings and the head. In the nets were two Gray Catbirds, a pair of American Goldfinches, a young male Baltimore Oriole, and a stunning male Magnolia Warbler. Young birders were able to assist with removing birds from the net and conducted measurements on the birds once back in the garage. We were excited to hold the birds and view them up close, and safely released them once finished. A few more checks of the nets yielded three more Common Grackles and a Blue Jay. It was an exciting day for everyone!

We’re extremely grateful to Stephen Dinsmore for hosting and for sharing his knowledge and experience with bird handling! You can view more photos from our trip here.

Squaw Creek Park May 7, 2016

Tyler Harms — Thu, 12 May 2016 01:58:41 GMT

At the peak of spring migration, 13 young birders, parents, and volunteers spent the morning searching the diverse habitats of Squaw Creek Park near Marion on May 7, 2016. After a brief lesson on migration and a drawing for two lucky winners of a “Sibley Guide to Birds, Eastern Region” provided by the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union, we set off in search of new arrivals.

We started off the morning viewing shorebirds on a wetland area near the Red Cedar Lodge. We set up the spotting scope and were able to get great looks at five species of shorebirds including Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral, and Least Sandpipers. In addition, we saw Blue-winged Teal and a family of Mallards.

We then ventured down to a wooded area along a small stream. We were immediately greeted by views of White-crowned and Harris’s Sparrows in a mixed migrant flock, and we continued to chase this flock of birds around for the remainder of our hike. We also observed several other new arrivals including Gray Catbird, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, and Eastern Towhee among many others. The keen-eyed young birders were quick to pick out many of the birds as they quickly flitted among the trees. It was a great morning to be in the woods, and we tallied 50 species on the morning!

We’re grateful to volunteer Bill Scheible for his leadership and local expertise and to Walt Wagner-Hecht for keeping our trip list, which you can view here. You can also view more photos from our trip here.

Spring Migration at Clear Lake April 2, 2016

Tyler Harms — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 11:32:57 GMT

It was 31 degrees with a brisk 30-mph wind, but that didn’t stop 18 young birders, parents, grandparents, and volunteers from scanning the water and searching the woods at McIntosh Woods State Park near Clear Lake on April 2, 2016. A cold but fun morning it was!

We started off the morning braving the wind to scope diving ducks on Clear Lake. Despite the strong winds, there were several birds moving about, and we quickly noticed a group of Lesser Scaup close to shore. Among the Lesser Scaup were two Redheads and several Bufflehead and Ring-necked Ducks, offering the young birders great views of these common diving duck species. A bit of searching with keen eyes also yielded four Double-crested Comorants and a single Common Loon on the far side of the lake.

We then moved to a small pond located in the center of McIntosh Woods. There was a small dock and viewing blind on the pond, and all the young birders ventured onto the dock to look at the many dabbling ducks on the pond. Mallards, Wood Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, Blue-winged Teal, and Northern Shovelers were loafing and feeding on the pond at close range, their many colors stunning in the morning light. Here, we learned about the habitat and life history differences between dabbling and diving ducks and even got to look at some of what the dabbling ducks were eating.

Next, we focused our attention to the woods to search for migrant passerines. It wasn’t long before we located some migrating Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets flitting about near the trail. Walking a bit further, we saw an Eastern Phoebe foraging along a wooded edge, a first of the year for many adults and young birders alike. As we exited the woods, we were able to see and hear some migrating Fox Sparrows and a Barred Owl, a favorite on the trip. We finished the morning by scoping the lake once more, and were able to see several Common Loons at close range. A great way to finish the morning!

We are grateful to Todd Von Ehwegen and the Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board for co-sponsoring this trip and for providing Kaufman Field Guides for all young birder attendees. Many thanks also to our volunteers Carolyn Fischer, Linda Rudolph, and Bill Scheible for their leadership. You can view our bird list here and photos from our trip here.

Eagle Watching along the Mississippi February 27, 2016

Tyler Harms — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 20:04:43 GMT

On a gorgeous spring-like day, 12 young birders and nature explorers from Iowa Young Birders and the Junior Explorer’s League of Burlington joined together for a morning learning about hawk identification and watching Bald Eagles on the Mississippi River. We had a very fun morning!

We started the morning with a brief program about how to identify Iowa’s hawks and eagles. Young birders and nature explorers learned that in addition to the color of the feathers, size and shape are very important characteristics for identifying hawks and eagles. Thanks to hawk and eagle display boards from our friends with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Diversity Program, young birders and nature explorers could observe the life size and shape of Iowa’s hawks and eagles, seeing first-hand just how large a Bald Eagle is!

Anxious to get outside to enjoy the beautiful weather, we headed out along the Mississippi River to look for Bald Eagles and other birds. We were quickly treated by an adult Bald Eagle soaring overhead and all young birders and nature explorers enjoyed great looks. We took the opportunity to learn about the conservation success story involving the magnificent bird. Bald Eagles continued to fly overhead for the entire morning, a pleasing sight over the big river. We also observed several Ring-billed Gulls foraging over the river and learned how to identify the gulls as well as a bit about their life history. But most importantly, we were enjoying the outdoors on a spring-like day in February!

We’re grateful to Jessica Johnson and the Junior Explorer’s League of Burlington for allowing us to join them. Many thanks also to the Port of Burlington Welcome Center for allowing us to use their facilities. You can view our trip list here: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S27851886

A Prairie Girl's Notebook - Issue 18

Tyler Harms — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 02:58:26 GMT

Another great issue of "A Prairie Girl's Notebook", written and illustrated by one of our youth members, Coralee Bodeker. Thanks Coralee for letting us share this on our website!

Treasuring the Bald Eagle.pdf

Sketching Workshop January 16, 2016

Tyler Harms — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 16:24:41 GMT

With the high temperature reaching a chilly 3 degrees Fahrenheit, 14 young birders along with their parents and grandparents were excited to spend the morning indoors learning how to sketch birds as part of our first ever Sketching Workshop on January 16, 2016 in Iowa City! What’s even better? We were able to enjoy displays of birds from all over the world at the University Of Iowa Museum Of Natural History!

We started the morning exploring the fascinating displays at the Museum, including the one-of-a-kind cyclorama of Laysan Island. Laysan is a small island in a chain of islands north and west of the main Hawaiian Islands and is home to several neat birds, including the well-known Laysan Albatross. Excitement was high after seeing specimens of favorite birds from all over the world! Next, we gathered by a display of songbirds to learn about describing birds based on anatomy, such as a “rusty cap” or “spotted breast”. We also talked about differences in size and shape of many birds. After all, sketching is not only fun, but is also a very useful field tool for documenting birds and identifying them later.

We were very lucky to have guest artist and educator Kate Kostenbader join us to share some of her tips on sketching birds. Kate first talked about observing bird behavior and posture, such as what the bird is doing and how it is perched. For example, an American Crow perches on a branch much differently than a Downy Woodpecker perches on the side of the tree, and that will impact how you begin sketching the bird. Kate also shared that a good starting point for sketching birds is to draw an oval as the body, since most bird bodies are oval in shape. Then, you can start to add other parts such as the head, feet, and tail. After learning a few more tricks from Kate, young birders gathered their sketching kits provided by Iowa Young Birders and headed out to sketch some birds in the museum.

This was the fun part! The young birders spread out in the entire bird hall and started sketching. Great-horned Owl, Black-billed Magpie, Horned Puffin, Whooping Crane, Baltimore Oriole, Wood Duck, birds of all shapes, sizes, and colors coming to life on paper. Once young birders were finished sketching their birds of choice, we gathered together again and young birders shared with the group the different birds they sketched. Such artistic abilities displayed by all the young birders! We finished the morning by giving away copies of the “Sibley Guide to Birds, Eastern Region” to two lucky young birders, courtesy of a grant from the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union.

We are very grateful to Kate Kostenbader for her instruction, leadership, and enthusiasm. We are also grateful to the University of Iowa Pentacrest Museums, who co-sponsored this workshop. And as always, many thanks to the young birders for their keen interest in birds and to the parents for allowing the young birders to join us!

Red Rock Christmas Bird Count December 19, 2015

Tyler Harms — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 21:12:40 GMT

On one of the coldest mornings so far this winter, 13 young birders, parents, and volunteers gathered for our final field trip of 2015. Young birders had the opportunity to assist with the Red Rock Christmas Bird Count (CBC). The CBC is an annual event during which volunteers count all the birds they observe in a 15-mile-diameter circle in a particular area. CBC’s are conducted across the world each year by nearly 100,000 volunteers, and the information collected contributes to the knowledge of bird populations. After a brief explanation of the CBC program, the young birders were anxious to do some birding and contribute to bird conservation!

Group photo overlooking Lake Red Rock. Not pictured is Walt Wagner-Hecht.

Young birders were grouped with volunteer leaders and each group covered a different area of the count circle. As the air warmed, the birds became more active making the birding a bit more exciting. Young birders found many exciting birds including Rough-legged Hawk, Eastern Screech-Owl, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Harris's Sparrow, and some young birders even saw life birds such as Red-shouldered Hawk. What an exciting morning!

At noon, we met at the Red Rock Visitor’s Center to have lunch and compile our species list. After sharing some stories from the morning, we tallied a list of 66 species, which is about an average number of species for the Red Rock CBC. We finished the morning by snapping a group photo overlooking the lake. We were so excited to count birds that this was the only photo we took all morning!

Many thanks to Denny Thompson, Kevin Murphy, Steve Dinsmore, and Bill Scheible for helping with this fun and valuable experience for the young birders. We are also grateful to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Red Rock for opening the Visitor’s Center so we could gather for lunch and a mid-day compilation.

December Members and Friends Newsletter

Tyler Harms — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 11:51:00 GMT

We've had an exciting fall at Iowa Young Birders. Read about our recent happenings here.

A Prairie Girl's Notebook - Issue 17

Tyler Harms — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 15:51:28 GMT

Some interesting thoughts about sparrows and bird feeding from one of our young birder members, Coralee Bodeker. Enjoy her essay and illustrations below.

Prairie Harvest.pdf

Lake Manawa with the Omaha Youth Birding Group October 31, 2015

Tyler Harms — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 17:45:13 GMT

It was a cool and dreary morning, but that wasn’t going to stop six young birders and their parents and grandparents from birding Lake Manawa State Park near Council Bluffs as part of our joint field trip with the Omaha Youth Birding Group. The birding started off a bit slow but quickly picked up throughout the morning.

After meeting briefly at 8:45 AM to organize, we headed straight for the 772-acre lake that gives Lake Manawa State Park its name. There was a Red-throated Loon spotted at the lake the previous week and we were all anxious to see if the bird was still around (unfortunately, it wasn't). We first scoped the water from a vantage point on the southernmost tip of the lake and were unable to find much of any waterbirds. We did, however, have a handful of Ring-billed Gulls fly over. We knew there was a large raft (a tightly-packed group of ducks or gulls resembling a “raft” on the water) of ducks further up on the lake, so we decided to re-locate for a better look. But, before doing so, we had the unique opportunity to view and learn about American Kestrels up close thanks to Tad Leeper and Linda Dennis from Fontenelle Forest Nature Center and their captive American Kestrels. Both birds are injured and, as a result, are not suited to living in the wild, so they are used for educational purposes. What a neat experience to see these birds up close!

Once re-located, we exited our cars in the parking lot and walked toward the lake. A small raptor flew into view and landed in a tree approximately 75 yards from where we were standing. Our immediate reaction was perhaps a Cooper’s or a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Upon closer inspection, we realized it was a Merlin! We quickly set three spotting scopes on the bird and all young birders and their parents and grandparents received great looks of this cooperative bird, which just happened to be dining on a small, unidentified songbird. Even some of the more experienced trip leaders were enjoying the unique close-up of this neat little falcon. This was likely the best bird of the day, and a life bird for many of the young birders. From this point, we also observed Double-crested Cormorants roosting in a distant tree and were able to determine that most of the ducks in the large raft were Gadwall.

Next, we relocated to “Boy Scout Island”, a small peninsula on the northern tip of the lake in attempts of again getting a better look at the large group of ducks. Distant looks created a challenge once again, but we received nice looks through the spotting scope at a small group of Ruddy Ducks near the observation platform. Some of the trip leaders explained the identifying characteristics of a Ruddy Duck, including their small body size overall and their stiff tails pointing upward.

Our plan was to finish the day viewing the water from the beach near the campground, but we were intercepted by local birder Clem Klaphake who escorted us to a phenomenal spot for sparrows. Harris’s Sparrows were erupting from the brush in incredible numbers, and many of the young birders were able to get quality views of this species. We heard several White-throated Sparrows singing from the brush, and even an uncommon Spotted Towhee emerged for a quick glimpse before going into hiding. One of the young birders, Sam Manning, found a couple of Pine Siskins with a group of American Goldfinches. What an excellent end to a fun trip.

Many thanks to Bob Wells and our friends with the Omaha Youth Birding Group for showing us a great time in western Iowa. And as always, thanks to the parents and grandparents for chauffeuring the young birders to Lake Manawa for a Saturday morning of birding with friends.

Feathers, Friends, Food, and Future October 10, 2015

Tyler Harms — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 04:14:19 GMT

On October 10, 2015, 16 young birders and parents enjoyed a crisp fall morning at Harrier Marsh near Ogden, Iowa. In the midst of fall sparrow migration, our targets were two of the smallest sparrows inhabiting wet grasslands; the Le Conte’s Sparrow and the Nelson’s Sparrow. The wind was starting to pick up, which would make our search more difficult, but excitement filled the air as the young birders anticipated a couple new birds for the life list.

As we arrived at the Marsh, we immediately located three Pied-billed Grebes diving on a nearby wetland. We stopped for a quick look before beginning our sparrow hunt. We started down the gravel road that splits the marsh in half and were not seeing much for action, so we decided to venture off road and into the prairie. After about five minutes of walking through the prairie, we flushed a small, light-colored sparrow that immediately dove back into the grasses. Someone called out that they thought it was one of our target species. So, we recruited the help of the parents to help track down the illusive bird and flush it towards the young birders. After several attempts, we still were not able to get good looks at the bird but knew at this point it was a Le Conte’s Sparrow. On the last attempt, parents and young birders slowly crept to the location where the bird was last seen. As we closed in, hoping the bird would pop up, a friendly hunting dog surprised us and came to the assistance. The dog ran to the sparrow spot and flushed the bird. The dapper little orange-faced bird sat in the open for what seemed like an eternity, offering great looks for all the young birders. One of our young birders, Noelle Wagner, was even able to get a stunning photo of the bird (shown in the slideshow). After this experience, we decided it was necessary to recruit an official Iowa Young Birders dog!

We continued on our sparrow hunt into the marsh. If there’s one thing we were all reminded of on this trip, it was that looking for fall sparrows is challenging! However, persistence often pays off as in the case of the Le Conte’ Sparrow. Near the edge of one of the wetland basins, a young birder spotted a small bird perched on a blade of grass swaying in the wind. He immediately thought it was a wren, and after some observation and discussion of the characteristics, decided it was a Marsh Wren. This was an exciting find for many of the young birders.

We finished our morning walking the property boundary along a grassland and cropland edge. This proved to be an excellent spot for sparrows, and we continued to flush several Song and Swamp Sparrows as well as an occasional Savannah Sparrow. We also observed an American Kestrel hunting the adjacent crop field as well as a couple of Red-tailed Hawks and Turkey Vultures riding high on the wind.

After our morning of birding, we met for lunch and discussion of future field trips at the Ogden Public Library. Young birders were provided the opportunity not only to suggest ideas for future field trips, but also to aid in planning the trips they suggested by selecting a time of year and location. The young birders broke out in groups and were given two tasks. The first task was to think of 2-3 themes for future field trips, such as a hawk watch or an owl prowl. The second task was to dream big! In other words, if Iowa Young Birders was to take another long trip, where would you want to go? How fun it was to hear both the creative and important ideas from the young birders! Not only were they suggesting trips to target certain birds, but they were also suggesting trips to improve their identification skills (e.g., ID workshops) and to increase bird conservation and education (e.g., conservation work days). And the “dream big” ideas were very fun! Florida Everglades for Pink Flamingos, Sax Zim Bog for winter owls, and Arizona for hummingbirds and other southwest specialties. However will we choose?

A big thanks to the parents for chauffeuring the young birders to this event and to the young birders for their great ideas regarding field trips. The Ogden Public Library was gracious to let us stick around after hours. And lastly, thanks to Noelle Wagner for sharing her photo of the Le Conte’s Sparrow for our slideshow and to Walt Wagner-Hecht for keeping our trip list and notes during our afternoon discussion.

Iowa Young Birders featured in recent article

Tyler Harms — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 18:00:30 GMT

Iowa Young Birders was recently featured in an article in the Omaha World-Herald about getting kids interested in birding and bird conservation. You can read the article here.

A Prairie Girl's Notebook - Issue 16

Tyler Harms — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 13:36:05 GMT

A great essay and drawings by one of our young birder members, Coralee Bodeker, about her experience at her grandparent's cabin. Thanks for sharing Coralee!

On Their Own.pdf

September Members and Friends Newsletter

Tyler Harms — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 15:56:10 GMT

Hard to believe the fall season is already upon us! Click here to read our September Members and Friends Newsletter.

Fall Migration in Iowa City September 12, 2015

Tyler Harms — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 03:18:37 GMT

It was a gorgeous fall morning at F.W. Kent Park near Iowa City on September 12, 2015 as 20 young birders and parents joined us for fall migration birding. We started with a brief lesson about passerine migration and learned about the use of weather radar to track migrating birds. The winds were out of the north all night and the bird activity was high, but before hit the trail we had a few presentations to make. Iowa Young Birders partnered with the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union to purchase field guides to give to one young birder on each of our next 12 trips. Aries Bonnichsen was the lucky recipient of a brand new Sibley Guide to Birds, Eastern Region! Lastly, we were lucky to have founder and former Executive Director Carl Bendorf and his wife Linda join us before their move to Colorado, and Iowa Young Birders presented Carl and Linda with a photo book of memories to thank them for starting our great organization.

Next, we hit the trail around the Conservation Education Center at the park. We immediately found birds and were able to find a Philadelphia Vireo foraging in the canopy. American Goldfinches were abundant, and a discussion ensued over whether they say “Potato Chip” or “Oh where are the cows?”. Both are helpful in remembering the flight call of our state bird! We walked a bit further down the trail and got great looks at Northern Flickers through the spotting scope, foraging Red-eyed Vireos, and a distant soaring Sharp-shinned Hawk. We also saw and heard a Common Yellowthroat calling from the grasses, and we talked about the similarities in call notes between this species and the Sedge Wren.

The birding slowed, and the young birders quickly took advantage of the abundance of frogs at the pond. It’s always fun to see the young birders enjoying all of nature. After walking the trail, we headed toward the nearby bird blind. Here, we observed White-breasted Nuthatches, Northern Cardinals, and a single Eastern Towhee visiting the bird feeders.

We finished the morning birding an area near the parking lot that was recently cleared of trees. The area offered a nice edge, and we saw many birds utilizing this edge including a couple American Redstarts, a Gray Catbird, and a Scarlet Tanager.

Many thanks to volunteer leader and board member Bill Scheible for sharing his birding knowledge and to Walt Wagner-Hecht for keeping our trip list which can be seen here.

Fort Madison - Shimek State Forest August 29, 2015

Tyler Harms — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:47:07 GMT

On August 29, 2015, two young birders and their parents joined us for a morning of birding in a southeast Iowa migrant hotspot, Shimek State Forest. Shimek State Forest is named after Iowa botanist and conservationist Bohumil Shimek and is one of Iowa's largest state forests. After a brief history lesson, we noticed a relatively large, sparrow-like bird on the power line. We quickly reached for binoculars and noticed a distinct facial pattern - a Lark Sparrow! This was life bird for one of the young birders. Excitement abounding, we started down a logging road in the Donnellson Unit known as a good spot for migrant songbirds.

Despite the rather warm and balmy temperatures, we were quickly greeted with bird activity. The chickadees were announcing their presence, and with them was a small flock of migrant warblers. Young birders were able to get great looks at a Canada Warbler foraging low in the trees, a unique experience. Shortly after, we heard a sharp "chip" from the other side of the trail. The bird was low in the underbrush and no quicker than we could all wonder what it was, a vibrant yellow bird appeared close. "Kentucky Warber!", exclaimed Carl and Tyler, only to be corrected by the keen eyes and sharp skills of the young birders. The bird was actually a Hooded Warbler, the young birders quickly spotting the black "hood". This was a great experience not only because this was a life bird for both young birders, but because the young birders corrected the "old guys"! We continued down the road but bird activity quickly slowed. However, we were able to add Black-and-white Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, and American Redstart to our list as well as a Scarlet Tanager.

After about an hour of birding at Shimek State Forest, we were joined by Paul Skrade, a regular volunteer trip leader. Paul asked about the regular Bewick's Wren at the nearby Argyle junkyard, so we all decided to head over and attempt to locate the bird. Standing on the side of the road, we looked and listened carefully for the bird but could not find it. However, a flyover Red-shouldered Hawk was a nice consolation.

We finished the trip in the Croton Unit of Shimek State Forest, another known location for migrant songbirds and breeding White-eyed Vireos. At this point, the birding had slowed considerably but we did hear two singing Carolina Wrens in the distance. We encountered birders on a field trip as part of the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union Fall Meeting and exchanged sightings before calling it a day.

Many thanks to the two young birders (and their Moms) who made the trip to southeast Iowa, to Carl Bendorf and Paul Skrade for assisting with the trip, and to Walt Wagner-Hecht for compiling our trip list. Links to lists at each location are provided below:

Donnellson Unit, Shimek State Forest

Argyle Junkyard

Croton Unit, Shimek State Forest

Yellow River State Forest June 13, 2015

Tyler Harms — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 14:17:36 GMT

It was a cool and misty morning on June 13, 2015 as 11 young birders, parents, grandparents, and volunteers gathered at Yellow River Forest in Allamakee County for our Advanced Breeding Bird Workshop. Families drove up to 300 miles round trip for this exciting day. Dr. Paul Skrade, avian ecologist and our local guide, was tasked with showing our group a Cerulean Warbler, and he did not disappoint. In the words of one of our regular young birder attendees (who has attended 33 of our 41 trips), this was one of Iowa Young Birders' best trips!

Enjoy a photo slideshow from our trip. Click on the lower right "View original image" to see a larger version of the photo and caption.

We started the day with Dr. Skrade introducing us to the Cerulean Warbler, sharing with us information about its biology and habitat requirements. The Cerulean Warbler is a species of conservation concern in Iowa and he is currently working with other researchers to estimate breeding population numbers and habitat associations of this species in northeast Iowa. Attendees asked great questions of our local expert, and as if it was a signal to start birding, a Pileated Woodpecker called from a nearby stand of pines.

We started by hiking a wooded trail from the forest headquarters. The habitat was great, and we immediately heard singing Acadian Flycatchers and, after a bit of hiking, a singing Cerulean Warbler. Despite our efforts in searching and waiting for a good look of this little blue-and-white beauty, this Cerulean would not oblige. However, a few Eastern Towhees and a Wood Thrush provided good looks to many attendees, and a young Barred Owl posed on a snag near the trail to allow us to examine characteristics that suggested this bird was a young of the year. As we returned to the parking lot, we searched for (but never saw) a singing Scarlet Tanager.

Excitement abounding from hearing a Cerulean Warbler, we next headed up to the Cedar Ridge Overlook in hopes of getting a good view of a Cerulean Warbler. Almost immediately, a male Cerulean that was singing in the area appeared. This bird was pretty cooperative, and after about 20 minutes of waiting all attendees got great views of the bird. Often times, Cerulean Warblers stay high in the treetops. However, this particular spot had trees growing up from below the overlook and brought the Cerulean down to our level for some great views. Ovenbirds were also singing in the area, and the view from the overlook topped off this amazing experience.

After taking a break to eat our lunches, we started down a trail just down the road from the forest headquarters. We immediately paused to listen to a Cerulean singing from high in a cottonwood tree. Suddenly, Dr. Skrade was scanning the canopy when he observed a warbler-sized bird dive into a small nest. Everyone studied the nest trying to determine the proud owner. Was it a Cerulean Warbler? Maybe an American Redstart? Tyler returned to the vehicles to retrieve the scope, and after a few minutes of waiting all young birders were rewarded with a scope view of a male Cerulean Warbler returning with a caterpillar to feed the nest inhabitants. We found a Cerulean Warbler nest! Even the local researchers had yet to find a Cerulean nest, so needless to say we were all very excited.

An exciting atmosphere with great friends and great birds made this trip a memorable experience for all attendees. Many thanks to Dr. Paul Skrade for teaching us about and getting us great looks at Cerulean Warblers and to volunteer leader Bill Scheible for his knowledge and enthusiasm. Also thanks to Walt Wagner-Hecht for compiling our trip list which can be seen here: http://ebird.org/ebird/ybn/view/checklist?subID=S23903431

Iowa Young Birders featured by American Birding Association

Wed, 03 Jun 2015 16:14:15 GMT

We're very excited that Iowa Young Birders is featured in the latest issue of the American Birding Association's Birder's Guide to Conservation and Community. The ABA has been very supportive of young birder programs across the country. This article: Iowa Young Birders: Story of a Start-Up is a tribute to all the organizations, volunteers, parents, grandparents, and especially the enthusiastic young birders who have made it all possible.

We're on page 10--the entire magazine is free online right here: http://bg.aba.org/i/521079-may-2015/

Iowa Young Birders Camp Scholarship Winner - Walt Wagner-Hecht

Thu, 28 May 2015 15:07:13 GMT

This year Iowa Young Birders offered our first scholarships to attend one of the American Birding Association Young Birder Camps in either Delaware or Colorado. Applications were due April 1 and we are pleased to announce our second scholarship awardee for 2015, Walt Wagner-Hecht of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Walt, age 16, is a member of Iowa Young Birders and has taken part in more than 30 of our field trips. He also volunteers to track all of our field trip checklists in eBird. He is registered to attend the ABA’s Camp Avocet in Delaware this coming August. Iowa Young Birders will make a $500 award toward Walt's camp tuition. If a scholarship winner is not able to attend their camp of choice, Iowa Young Birders will award him or her with a three-year student membership in the American Birding Association.

Each scholarship applicant is required to submit an essay describing his or her most memorable Iowa birding experience and how it has changed their thoughts, ideas, or outlook on conservation.

Here is Walt’s essay:

Last week I went birding at our family’s cabin in Washington County. As soon as we arrived at the cabin, I put on my jacket, boots, and binoculars and began my search for woodcocks. It was still a bit early for them to be displaying, but that would give me time to find an area of good habitat. I decided that the best area to see woodcocks would probably be the large central prairie bordered on one side by the riverine forest of Long Creek and on the other by a forest of white pine. As I climbed a prairie hill towards the pine forest I disturbed a flock of pheasants and noticed savannah sparrows popping in and out of the grasses.

I arrived at the prairie in time to see a gigantic flock of robins gathering before flying over to the marsh to roost. As they arrived, my presence disturbed a pair of Canada geese, who began honking continually for half an hour. I sat down to calm the birds and looked out over the prairie. As the sky darkened, the frogs began to croak and a great horned owl in the pine forest hooted. It was almost time for the woodcocks to begin displaying.

I positioned myself in an area of burnt prairie between two large grassy areas. Suddenly a highpitched twittering sound echoed down from the sky. I knew that the woodcocks had begun their dance.

A minute later, a “peent” coming from the grass below preceded another flying leap into the air. This time I had my binoculars ready, and followed the woodcock as he spiraled into the air then fell back to the ground. Soon, there were multiple birds peenting at the same time. I sat in wonder for a while before realizing that my mom would probably want me back at the cabin soon. I walked back down the prairie hill trail towards the cabin as the woodcocks continued to fly and sing. I counted seven woodcocks in total before saying goodbye and taking off my binoculars on the cabin shelf.

Coming to one of the Wagner farms is always fun and there are plenty of opportunities for birding. Whenever I come, I remember that this was only here because my family worked to restore the forests, prairies, and wetlands that were once here. I think about what I could do to help protect birds and their habitats, and how when I’m older I can help keep places like these full of amazing wildlife.

For more information about the Iowa Young Birders Camp Scholarships including how your support can helps us encourage more young birders like Walt, click here.

Iowa Young Birders Camp Scholarship Winner - Devvin Schroeder

Tue, 26 May 2015 15:53:41 GMT

In 2015, Iowa Young Birders offered our first scholarships to attend one of the American Birding Association Young Birder Camps in either Delaware or Colorado. Applications were due April 1 and we are pleased to announce our first scholarship awardee, Devvin Schroeder of Decorah, Iowa.

Devvin is 18 and a member of Iowa Young Birders. She hopes to attend Camp Colorado. If there is space, Iowa Young Birders will make a $250 award toward Devvin's camp tuition. If a scholarship winner is not able to attend their camp of choice, Iowa Young Birders will award him or her with a three-year student membership in the American Birding Association. Congratulations to Devvin!

Each scholarship applicant is required to submit an essay describing his or her most memorable Iowa birding experience and how it has changed their thoughts, ideas, or outlook on conservation.

Here is Devvin’s essay:

Hi, my name is Devvin Schroeder, I have been very fortunate to grow up in a family of conservationist. Both of my parents have worked in conservation for many years, and they are teaching me how to help our birds and our other wildlife.

My most memorable Iowa birding experience is when I went birding with Larry Reis and Dennis Carter at Cardinal Marsh close to the Howard/Winneshiek county line. Both Larry and Dennis taught me how to identify different shore birds. Larry taught me to identify them with what color their legs and feathers were, and by what size of beak they had. Whereas Dennis taught me how to identify them by their size, the shape of their bodies, and their flight pattern. Larry also taught me how to identify some of the different dragonflies. Cardinal Marsh is where I actually saw my first Green Heron, Lesser and Greater Sandpipers, and some other really cool and beautiful shore birds. When I first saw these birds I was amazed at how small they were and how fast they could run. It was fascinating watching the sandpipers run along the shore looking for things to eat. Just watching them stick their beaks in the sand piping for food was amazing. Cardinal Marsh is also were I saw my first Sandhill Crane. Seeing the Sandhill Crane was really special to me because at the time I didn’t know if I would ever see another Sandhill Crane again.

I was actually really looking forward to going to Nebraska to see the Sandhill Crane migration with the Iowa Young Birders. Instead I’m going to southern Texas with my mom to pick up my grandparents. We took them to Texas over Thanksgiving and we were able to go birding for a week. I’m so excited to go back to Texas because we may be able to see some of the Whopping Cranes at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. That is if they haven’t migrated yet.

I find bird watching very relaxing, because all you really have to do is find a beautiful spot to find birds and hike because the birds are all around you. You just have to take the time to listen and to look at what’s around you. If you’re not careful you may miss them.

After being at Cardinal Marsh it showed me that we have to keep our water ways and our wetlands clean from pollution. Because if we don’t the future generations may not be able to see a Green Heron or a Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs. If it wasn’t for conservation and the effort of many wildlife groups like the DNR, the future generations would not be able to see a Prairie Chicken.

Many of our bird species are disappearing because of the habitat loss. With so many birds being threatened it pushes the birds that are on the brink even closer to being gone, for good. With people working hard on preserving these wild places many of our rare bird species could make a comeback. Unless we do something, like get more children, young adults or even older adults interested in birding that could make a big impact on the future of our birds.

By not cutting that dead tree down in your yard that your wife/husband really dislikes you are helping a bird. You may wonder how not cutting that awful tree down can help? Well it helps by providing a place for some birds to nest in, and many insect and different bugs will slowly start to decay the tree. Many of the insect and different bugs help feed a variety of birds, like woodpeckers and nuthatches.

When I graduate from high school, I’m going to go to college at Iowa State University and major in Natural Resource Ecology and Management. So that I can use my knowledge to help educate people on the growing need to protect our disappearing wildlife. We are not going to solve this problem in one day or in a year; but with so many more people starting to understand that we have to do something before birds and other wildlife go extinct.

If you would like to help us encourage young birders like Devvin, please consider making a contribution to Iowa Young Birders.

Iowa Young Birders in the Ames Tribune

Fri, 22 May 2015 14:15:45 GMT

We received very nice coverage in the Ames Tribune courtesy of Todd Burras. It was great to have Todd and his daughter, Elizabeth, join us on our field trip. http://amestrib.com/sports/outdoors/iowa-young-birders-explore-inspire-conserve

Ledges State Park May 16, 2015

Wed, 20 May 2015 16:02:08 GMT

Eight young birders took part in our field trip to Ledges State Park in Boone County on May 16th. We started with sharing how to properly adjust our binoculars and we started practicing on a nearby stop sign but a Baltimore Oriole perched right overhead and we studied him in our spotting scope. READ MORE BELOW...

Click below to start a slide show or on the thumbnails to view any image or click on this

As we walked, we talked about how to spot and describe the location of a bird and the basics of bird identification. A pair of Eastern Phoebes kept returning to the same perches along the creek which gave us a chance to talk about this distinctive behavior of flycatchers. We learned what "sallying" is as well as the difference between "canopy" and "understory."

After crossing the creek several times, we stopped to study the Cliff Swallows nesting in their mud nests built, appropriately, on the face of the cliff. A couple of Rough-winged Swallows were also feeding in the area.

Several Indigo Buntings perched for our spotting scope and we pursued and glimpsed a Common Yellowthroat.

After returning to the parking lot, we talked about birding etiquette and how we respect the birds and their environment AND also each other as we bird and learn as a team.

Every young birder received a copy of the new Iowa Ornithologists' Union Yellow Book which helps us to know about the seasonal occurences of Iowa's birds.

Overall, we found 23 species of birds and a complete checklist can be viewed at http://ebird.org/ebird/ybn/view/checklist?subID=S23487357

2016 American Birding Association Young Birder of the Year Contest

Tyler Harms — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 16:00:00 GMT

The 2016 American Birding Association's Young Birder of the Year contest is now open!. We encourage all young birders ages 10-18 to take a look and consider entering. It's a great experience for all those who enter. Young birders from Iowa, if we can be of any assistance, don't hesitate to ask us for help! Here are all the details (http://youngbirders.aba.org/young-birder-of-the-year-contest).

Field Trip to Kellerton Grasslands April 11, 2015

Tyler Harms — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 04:25:08 GMT

Sixteen young birders, parents, and grandparents enjoyed great looks of Greater Prairie-chickens through spotting scopes at the Kellerton Grasslands on April 11, 2015. We observed up to 28 prairie-chickens on the lek at one time! When we arrived, we were lucky to occasionally hear the males “booming”. This is the loud, low-pitched sound made by the males by inflating air sacs on the side of their necks while displaying. It was fun to see the males and females dancing with one another! Shortly after we arrived, we had a surprise visit by Bruce Ehresman, Non-game Avian Biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR). Bruce was just finishing up his lek survey for Greater Prairie-chickens and shared with us his vast knowledge on the Iowa DNR’s reintroduction of the Greater Prairie-chicken as well as current efforts to conserve this species and its habitat. Bruce also shared his knowledge and experience with other grassland birds such as Henslow’s Sparrows, Northern Harriers, and Short-eared Owls. After about 45 minutes viewing the prairie-chickens, we walked down the gravel road through the Kellerton Grasslands. The chorus of Eastern Meadowlarks was spectacular, and we observed Northern Harriers and other raptors soaring and hunting the grasslands. We even found a pair of Loggerhead Shrikes that were cooperative and offered many good looks through the spotting scope! When we returned to the viewing platform, we greeted a migratory flock of American Golden-plovers that landed in a harvest soybean field near the parking lot. These birds are often spring visitors to Iowa on their long trip from their wintering grounds in South America to their breeding grounds in the high Arctic. This was a life bird for many of the young birders! Many were disappointed that we were unable to locate an Upland Sandpiper, one of our targets for the day. However, as we were all leaving in our vehicles, we stopped on the gravel road to viewing two Upland Sandpipers right beside the road. Many thanks to Bruce Ehresman for taking some time to share with us his knowledge about Greater Prairie-chickens and other grassland birds. Overall, we observed 19 species. Thank you to Walt for keeping our eBird checklist that can be viewed here: http://ebird.org/ebird/ybn/view/checklist?subID=S22804755

Iowa's Tundra Tourist from A Prairie Girl's Notebook

Tyler Harms — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 04:19:39 GMT

Iowa Young Birders member and author of "A Prairie Girl's Notebook" Coralee Bodeker shares her experience with a winter visitor to Iowa, the Snowy Owl, in her essay entitled "Iowa's Tundra Tourist".

Crane Weekend Report

Tyler Harms — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 04:14:45 GMT

Thirteen young birders ranging in age from 8 to 16 along with 20 parents/grandparents/friends boarded our charter bus in Iowa City and Des Moines for the 430 mile trek west to central Nebraska. Near Grand Island we stopped to stretch our legs (but mainly to go birding!) at Mormon Island Recreation Area (http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/parks/guides/parksearch/showpark.asp?Area_No=123) . The warm sun and blue skies made this a very pleasant stop but even better were the 15 species of waterfowl including a single Eared Grebe. A flock of 30 Sandhill Cranes flew overhead--a tiny preview of tomorrow's adventures! Here is a link to our checklist for this location
(http://ebird.org/ebird/ybn/view/checklist?subID=S22562013) . We arrived in Kearney right on time and were greeted at our hotel by the Kearney Visitor and Convention Bureau. Everyone on our trip received a welcome bag filled with information and goodies including lens cleaning cloths to hang on our binocular straps. Dinner at Ruby Tuesday was excellent and one of our young birders celebrated his birthday with a pretty impressive ice cream dish! We arranged with the Microtel to put our breakfast at 4:30 a.m. and by 5:15 we were back on the bus for the short trip to Rowe Audubon Sanctuary. (http://rowe.audubon.org/) After an orientation and video, we were led out to our reserved viewing blinds by volunteer leaders. Since our blinds were right on the river above the nighttime crane roosts, we were completely silent, unlike the cranes! Even as we
walked to the blinds, we could hear seemingly thousands of cranes bugling and sounding off with their contact calls. As the morning slowly grew light, we could begin to seeing a mass of cranes resting on the sandbars. We spent the next two hours marveling at one of North America's last great migration spectacles! As the light grew, so did the number of cranes! Cranes as far as the eye could see. Even dense clouds of crane flocks on the horizon. It was truly spectacular! After returning to the headquarters, we managed to gather together for a group photo. And in with the blackbird and starling flock at the headquarters feeder, we enjoyed great looks at as many as four Yellow-headed Blackbirds. Here is our checklist for Rowe Sanctuary
(http://ebird.org/ebird/ybn/view/checklist?subID=S22585301). On our way back to Iowa, we spent several hours at Desoto National Wildlife Refuge (http://www.fws.gov/refuge/desoto/) north of Omaha/Council Bluffs. Tom Cox, project leader for the refuge, took time out of his busy day to narrate a very interesting bus tour of the refuge and we learned about the evolution of habitat and wildlife management at Desoto. While we were watching a new Bald Eagle nest that Tom pointed out, one of the adult eagles cruised in a went to the nest. Here are our checklists for the road tour around Desoto (http://ebird.org/ebird/ybn/view/checklist?subID=S22585300) and our time at the visitors center (http://ebird.org/ebird/ybn/view/checklist?subID=S22585299) . Lots of happy birders on the way home! And a big Iowa Young Birders thank you to:
* CIT Signature Transportation for their excellent bus service (our driver, Paul, was awesome)
* Ross Silcock and Bill Scheible for their great volunteer leadership
* All the parents, grandparents, and friends of young birders who made this trip possible
* Our 13 young birders whose energy and enthusiasm made this trip a lot of fun
* Walt Wagner-Hecht for coordinating our eBird checklists
* Rowe Audubon Sanctuary for their work in preserving this critical habitat and sharing it with visitors
* Tom Cox and Desoto National Wildlife Refuge for hosting our visit and their work with habitat restoration

And our trip sponsors: Gold Level: Eagle Optics, Sharon & Dick Stillwell, and Quad City Audubon Silver Level: Kearney Visitors Bureau, Loess Hills Audubon, Tallgrass Prairie Audubon

Iowa Young Birders profiled in Bur Oak Land Trust Environmental Journal

Tyler Harms — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 05:48:51 GMT

Iowa Young Birders was featured in the January 2015 issue of the Bur Oak Land Trust Environmental Journal (http://www.buroaklandtrust.org).

Iowa Young Birders Announces Camp Scholarships

Mon, 02 Mar 2015 15:50:03 GMT

With the generous support of many donors, Iowa Young Birders is announcing the creation of the Iowa Young Birder Camp Scholarship.

Each year, the American Birding Association offers two week-long young birder camps. Camp Avocet (Delaware in August) and Camp Colorado (Estes Park in July) are considered premier opportunities for young birders to increase their birding skills, learn about bird conservation, and about careers in ornithology. Above all, young birders have the opportunity to meet other young birders from around the country.

Iowa Young Birders is committed to encouraging the development of young birders and we are excited to offer a scholarship of up to $500 to one or more Iowa young birders interested in attending an ABA camp.

Scholarships are available to any young birder who is a resident of Iowa and is between the ages of 13 - 18 (the age range eligible for the ABA camps.) Young birders need not be a member of Iowa Young Birders nor do they need to show financial need.

As part of their application, young birders are asked to submit an essay written describing their most memorable Iowa birding experience and how it has changed their thoughts, ideas, or outlook on conservation. The deadline to apply for the Iowa Young Birder Camp Scholarship is April 1.

If you would like to contribute to the Iowa Young Birder Camp Scholarship, please click here.

Field Trip to Waterloo on February 21, 2015

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 19:54:11 GMT

Twenty-four hardy birders explored the wonders of a wintry George Wyth State Park near Waterloo on February 21, 2015. Our group included 12 young birders ages 8 to 16. Led by our local guide, Francis Moore, we braved an icy trail to an area that traditionally hosts one or more Northern Saw-Whet Owls. During our pre-walk orientation, we learned how this little winter visitor got its name by listening to a brief sample of its distinctive song and call. "Whet" means to sharpen something and even though none of us have ever actually heard the sound of someone sharpening or "whetting" a saw, at least we understand the concept!

: The owl trail

When we approached the cedar trees that were likely to have a roosting owl, we paused as a group and sent Francis on ahead to (hopefully) locate an owl. While we waited, we learned some of the techniques for finding roosting owls including looking for large amounts of "whitewash" (owl droppings) on the trunks of trees.

: Learning how to find owls

In a few minutes, Francis returned with the news that he had found at least one owl. We sent small groups back into the brush with Francis and all took turns quietly observing the owl.

: Francis points out the owl

: Our target bird. Photo by Tyler Harms

With this kind of view, it was a very happy group of young birders, parents, and volunteer leaders!

: Cheering for the owls

As we walked back to our cars, one of the resident Red-Shouldered Hawks flew right overhead.

Another field trip highlight was that we had two copies of the Sibley Guide to Birds donated to Iowa Young Birders. The name of each young birder was on a slip of paper and two names were drawn at random. And two young birders went home with a book!

: Field guide winners

Thank you to volunteer leaders Francis Moore and Bill Scheible for your help and to the parents who drove (and who, I'm quite sure) also enjoyed seeing the Northern Saw-whet Owl!

Overall, we observed 18 species. Many thanks to Connor, Coralee, and Walt for contributing to our eBird checklist which you can see right here: http://ebird.org/ebird/ybn/view/checklist?subID=S22004682