Loess Hills Audubon Society

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 29 december 2021

I briefly had a single Rusty Blackbird foraging in the leaf litter in my flower bed this morning.

Jan J., Wakefield, NE

Bacon Creek Park

A Golden-crowned Kinglet was found along the west shore trail around the lake a little south of where the power lines cross the trail.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline monday, 27 december 2021

Two Bike & Bird trips around the trails at Adams Homestead had a couple of interesting observations.

• Thursday, 23 December was overcast. There was a very cooperative Bald Eagle along the River Loop. There was a large number of Canada Geese along the river along with two Trumpeter Swans.

• Saturday, 25 December had some very interesting light. The swans and the eagle could not be relocated but there were Common Goldeneye upriver, near the Wynstone development, and a very cooperative Red-tailed Hawk near the Adams parking area.

Randy W. Sioux City, IA

All below images copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission

LHAS bird hotline thursday, 23 december 2021

The Yankton Christmas Bird Count took place on Sunday, December 19, 2021. Thirty-two people, from teenagers to seniors, from Yankton, Vermillion, Armour, & Sioux Falls, South Dakota; South Sioux City & Wayne, Nebraska; and Sioux City, Iowa enjoyed a cool but sunny day to be out counting birds. A total of 112,056 birds of 78 different species of birds which is not quite as good as the 82 species seen last year which had tied the all-time species number high of 82 set in 2012.

• Highlights of the day: Golden Eagle, Bobwhite Quail, Glaucous Gull, and Western Grebe.

• Record high counts: Snow goose-100,000; Ross’s Goose-200; Hooded Merganser-12; Rock Pigeon-1,020; American White Pelican-3 (injured wings); Rough-legged Hawk-20; and Yellow-rumped Warbler-14

• Species missed this year that are frequently seen include: Northern Shoveler, Blue-winged Teal, lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Duck, Great Blue Heron, Brown-headed Cowbird, Lapland Longspur, and Snow Bunting.

Compiled and reported by Roger Dietrich

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 22 december 2021

Eighteen hearty birders drove, walked, or watched bird feeders on Thursday, December 16, 2021, the sixth Westfield Christmas Bird Count! Skies were cloudy, the wind blew from 10 to 15 mph, and temperatures ranged from 18 degrees to about 41 degrees by afternoon when the sunshine appeared.

Two of those 18 birders, drove 3 hours in the morning and watched their bird feeders in the afternoon for 2 hours. Two other participants watched their feeders in the morning and afternoon for 1 hour each.

Forty-two species were identified this year, the same low count as in 2018. Our highest count was in 2020 with 57 bird species!

5933 total birds were counted, our third highest total. We had 7211 in 2017 and 6841 in 2018.

A Golden Eagle, an unusual species for our area, was seen flying over Broken Kettle Grasslands. Details and documentation have already been written. Other birds of significance were Northern Shrike, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, and Common Goldeneye.

Lunch was served at 12:30 PM. Some birders had other afternoon commitments, while others continued birding until sunset.

It was a grand day!

Compiled and reported by Dotty Zales

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 21 december 2021

Loess Hills Audubon Society hosted the National Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count on December 18th 2021. Sioux City has participated in this activity since 1909, a 112 year history! In our 2021 edition we had 22 participants in 12 teams and 3 feeder watchers. We had cool breezy conditions (31 degree high) which helped us to find 54 species. Our highlight birds were Winter and Carolina Wrens, Hermit Thrush, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Common Redpoll, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. The best non bird was a moose. The count officially closed on Tuesday December 21. A full report will follow!

Compiler: Jerry Probst

LHAS bird hotline monday, 20 december 2021

Ponca State Park hosted its 18th official Christmas Bird Count on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. A record 20 participants in 8 teams were able to cover the count circle as never before. With such effort, 60 or more species were found making it the second most productive count to date. Although it was well behind the record shattering 70 species found in 2020, it surpassed the previous best of 59 species recorded in 2013. The final total is yet to be determined but will be somewhat north of 60.

The highlights included Townsend’s Solitaire (2), Pileated Woodpecker (2), Golden Eagle, the rare light phase of the Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk, Red-headed Woodpecker, Winter Wren, both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets and Spotted Towhee.

The final tally will follow shortly.

Compiler: Katie Leware, Ponca State Park     Reporter: Bill Huser, Loess Hills Audubon

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 18 december 2021

Finally, a saw-whet owl was found this morning, on my almost daily walk of the pine trees here in Moorehead Park, Ida Grove, Iowa. This late in the wintering season, I am trusting that it will stay with us until the migration begins in Mid March.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 15 december 2021

Stone State Park, Sioux City, IA

A pre-CBC Count Week walk to Pammel Valley and Turtle Lake revealed a Winter Wren in the wet meadow leading to the east end of Turtle Lake. The bird was small and dark, smaller than House Wren or Marsh Wren. My first thought was Marsh Wren but there was no distinct eyebrow and it was darker overall; wrong color and wrong size for House Wren. Very short tail was always up. Quick and secretive staying in the brush and grasses.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline monday, 13 december 2021

Stone State Park, Sioux City, IA

Time for some Christmas Bird Count practice! I walked along the Big Sioux River as it passes Stone Park and also ventured over to the Carolyn Benne Nature Trail. Largest variety of birds and mammals was along the Big Sioux, including a Bald Eagle, a Belted Kingfisher, a beaver (not pictured) swimming from South Dakota to Iowa, and two coyotes on the seemingly too-thin river ice.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

All below images copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.

Broken Kettle Grasslands, Plymouth County, IA

Golden Eagle, 1 first winter immature. Large, dark raptor with golden nape, white tail with broad black tip, white patch at base of primaries on underwing

Jerry P. and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Below images copyright 2021 by Williams F. Huser, used with permission

LHAS bird hotline sunday, 12 december 2021

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA

The snow covered trails around Bacon Creek provided a pleasant morning walk. Not a wide variety of species but the birding was better than I anticipated. Most notable was a pocket of birds on the west shore with Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-bellied Woodpecker and a Brown Creeper.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

All below images copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.

LHAS bird hotline thursday, 9 december 2021

Plymouth County, IA

I saw a Snowy Owl around 4:30 PM today (Thursday 12/09) on a utility pole on K22 about a mile north of Perry Creek Dairy in Plymouth County.

(Hotline Editor: Perry Creek Dairy is west of LeMars, 2 miles south of IA-Hwy 3 on Plymouth County Road K-22.)

Jeri W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline friday, 3 december 2021

We are surely in a snowy owl eruption year all over Iowa. With the lack of food in the arctic area, it forces the owls to move south. Just in the last two week we have up to 15 reports of sighting. Don’t try to walk close to any, as this may cause the owl to fly and they need their energy just to find food in a strange location.

Many can be found on the ground or on short poles, some have learn to sit on taller utilities poles or buildings. Remember, this is not the arctic and this is a strange world to them. They feed on mice and voles so many can be found in road ditches or larger grassy fields, like conservation set-a-side areas.

If you do see one, note the location and call your area Conservation Center (Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center: 712-258-0838). You may have seen a few of these image in the past, but you can see the different pattern on the birds. The more mature birds have more white, and can be almost all white.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

Below images copyright 2021 by Don Poggensee, used with permission.

LHAS bird hotline thursday, 2 december 2021

Near Owego Wetlands at Franklin Ave and 320th St.:

• SNOWY OWL, 1 adult, perched in fall tilled bean stubble, with completely white head and breast

Owego Wetlands:

• Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk, 1 dark phase adult, with infrequently seen black & white barred tail (See Sibley's 2nd edition)

At I-29 overpass over 310th St.:

• Red-tailed Hawk, 1 immature, dark phase, western form - B.j. calurus

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Below images copyright 2021 by William F. Huser, used with permission.

LHAS bird hotline Wednesday, 1 december 2021

I found a single Ross’s Goose with a flock of Canadas at Kramper Lake in Dakota Co. early this afternoon. He appeared healthy.

Jan J., Wakefield, NE

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 30 november 2021

Bacon Creek Park, 11/29 and 11/30:

• Hooded Merganser, 1

• Common Merganser, 1

On 11/29, both birds were sticking together. On 11/30, one could be found within the 300+ flock of Canada Geese in the lake, then the other would be found with geese but in a different area of the lake.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Key to below images:

1. Larger Common Merganser, back and to the left. Smaller Hooded Merganser in foreground on the right. This image from 29 Nov 2021.

2. Hooded Merganser, 11/30

3. Hooded Merganser, 11/30

4. Hooded Merganser, 11/30

5. Common Merganser, 11/30

6. Common Merganser, 11/30

All below images copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 27 november 2021

882 Road, west border of Dixon County:

• Common Redpoll, 5, foraging in Helioanthus and other tall weeds in roadside ditch

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

All below images copyright 2021 by William F. Huser, used with permission.

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 24 november 2021

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City:

• Common Merganser, 3

• Domestic fowl on walkabout, 1

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

All below images copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 23 november 2021

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE:
The first new arrivals in several days:

• Trumpeter Swan, 1 adult, 5 immature

• American White Pelican, 2

• Many Canada Geese, a few ducks.

Jerry P. and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Below images copyright 2021 by William F. Huser, used with permission

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 16 november 2021

Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa

Sometimes the birds come to you. Drove several miles to different spots and found a few birds but it was a little slow. About 4 P.M. looked out my back window and saw 2 White-breasted Nuthatches working a big tree. 2 Black-capped Chickadees showed up and one flew to the screen on my window and grabbed a bug while the other grabbed a bug from the side of the house. Other birds soon appeared.

• 2 White-breasted Nuthatches

• 2 Dark-eyed Juncos

• 2 Downy Woodpeckers

• 2 Hairy Woodpeckers

• 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers

• 2 Brown Creepers creeping up the trees

• 1 CAROLINA WREN at the base of the big tree!

It must have been supper time!

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline sunday, 14 november 2021

Ida Grove, IA

Here are a few from my Canon R-5 at 400mm this afternoon. Mr. Long-eared just sat and seem to really enjoy just watching us. It stayed put all day long and was still there when we left.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

All below images copyright 2021 by Don Poggensee, used with permission.

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 13 november 2021

Near Wakefield, NE

I had approximately 12 Rusty Blackbirds in the yard for about 5 minutes this morning in a small flock of Red-winged Blackbirds. Most I’ve seen in one flock in quite some time.

Jan J., near Wakefield, NE

Moorehead Park, Ida Grove, IA

Found our first wintering Northern Saw-whet Owl today in Moorehead Park. I am trusting that it will stay with us throughout this winter season.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA

Eastern Bluebirds at Bacon Creek

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Below images copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.

LHAS bird hotline monday, 8 november 2021

Powder Creek WMA, Dixon County, NE:

20 or more Common Redpolls were found feeding in a weedy grassland with sunflowers. Most of the time, the redpolls were feeding on the flower heads of the sunflowers (Helioanthus sp.)

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 3 november 2021

Woodbury County, Iowa:

• 2 Red-breasted Nuthatches (Graceland Cemetery)

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 2 november 2021

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE:

• Black Scoter, 1 female/immature

• Bonaparte's Gull, 2, in winter plumage

• Ring-billed Gull, 135

• Northern Shrike, 1

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline monday, 1 november 2021

Jackson, NE sewage lagoons:

• Mute Swan, 1 adult - Unknown whether it is one of the two swans there in August. Perhaps not, because this same day a pair of Mute Swans was reported in Lake Yankton, NE/SD.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline friday, 29 october 2021

Woodbury County, Iowa

• 1 Northern Shrike (270th and Fayette)

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City

• Green-winged Teal (left and center photos below)

• Pied-billed Grebe (right photo)

• Cooper’s Hawk (no photo)

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Below photos copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission

LHAS bird hotline saturday, 23 october 2021

Woodbury County Highlights

• Rough-legged Hawk - 3

• Greater Yellowlegs

• Wilson's Snipe

• Merlin

• LeConte's Sparrow

• Brewer's Blackbird

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 19 october 2021

Brown's Lake, Woodbury County, IA
Was driving past Brown's Lake about 4 P.M. and observed large flocks of geese so pulled in and enjoyed a migration spectacle for the next hour. The first flocks landed in the lily pads north of the dock and as more flocks arrived there was no more room in the lily's so the new arrivals had to land in the open water. Could see more flocks coming from the north for the next hour until we had to leave. They were making lots of noise with their distinctive high pitched yelps. My best estimate would be 20,000!
Jerry V. and Jan N., Sioux City, IA

All above photos copyright 2021 by Jan Null, used with permisson

Picture comments:

1. Flocks arriving at Brown's Lake

2. Flocks arriving at Brown's Lake

3. Hiding in the Lily Pads

4. Hiding in the Lily Pads

5. Up Close

6. Showing their colors

7. White-fronts with 5 Snows and 1 Blue Phase

8. 3 Pelicans joined in

9. Another distant flock arrives

10. Through the Fall trees

11. No more room in the Lily's

12. Crowded! 1 Canada out front

LHAS bird hotline monday, 18 october 2021

My last visit to Kramper Lake was at the end of May. I was intrigued by Bill H.’s recent sightings (see below) and I decided it was time to return. It was a very pleasant morning to bicycle around the lake. My most interesting observation was the large number of Western Meadowlarks still singing. I was also pleased to see a Bald Eagle, a Red-tailed Hawk, and had a nice photo-op with a Lincoln’s Sparrow. Bill, thanks for confirming my ID on the Lincoln’s!

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

All below photos copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission

• I panned the camera as the Great Blue Heron left the marshy area on the south end of Kramper Lake

• Four images of a Lincoln’s Sparrow from the same general area of the lake as the heron.

belted kingfisher, ida grove, ia

In between photos shoots, I have been trying to get images of a bobcat on one of my trail cameras. So far, lots of other animals have passed by, still no bobcats. They have been seen a lot of times by others, and I will leave the trail camera up longer.

I also, been recording a Belted Kingfisher working the Maple River, on the east edge of Moorehead Park as it tries diving for small fish in the river. One has to be quick as it dives, sometimes completely under water, to get a fish. If it does catch a fish, the bird comes out of the water wet then flies to a perch to consume its prey.

Here is a series I recorded over a few weeks time. The last images were made several years ago.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

All below images copyright 2021 by Don Poggensee, used with permission.

LHAS bird hotline tuesday, 12 october 2021

After not visiting Kramper Lake since last week, I did have a look yesterday, Tuesday, October 12. I found much had changed.

On the lake were approximately 100 ducks including about 80 Green-winged Teal, 5 Redheads, an American Wigeon, a Northern Shoveler and a Ring-necked Duck. Also present were 30 Double-crested Cormorants, a single American White Pelican, 2 Great Egrets, a Wilson's Snipe, 3 Bonaparte and 10 Ring-billed Gulls.

In the air were several large flocks of Greater White-fronted Geese, a flock of 140 American White Pelicans, dozens of Franklin Gulls and several flocks of cormorants.

The marsh grasses south of the road still have not produced the expected numbers of LeConte's and Nelson's Sparrows, but one LeConte's was recorded to add to the single Nelson's seen last week. Several species (Swamp, Song, Field and Savannah) were seen along with a Northern Harrier and a Palm Warbler.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline friday, 8 october 2021

Luton Wildlife Management Area, North Unit

The pond just south of the road (240thST) has really dried. It was tough to see the southern shoreline above the vegetation. There is a significant amount of drying mud from the waterline to the vegetation line on the south. I had my spotting scope with me but did not bother to set it up.

Sparrows! They were all along Delaware AV, Dallas AV and 240th ST. I did not get them all identified or even counted. The Dickcissels were a pleasant surprise along 240th ST.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Thanks to Bill H. for sparrow identification assistance!

“I am surprised how difficult these all are, even though the images seem to show everything.” — Bill H.

Image Key:

• Savannah Sparrow - hint of yellow in lores, bright white malar, finer more distinct breast streaking on a whiter background, no white area behind auricular.

• Savannah Sparrow

• Vesper Sparrow - Cream-colored belly (compared to Savannah’s clean white belly), complete white eyering, pale center of auriculars framed by dark. Not seen: white outer tail feathers.

• Vesper Sparrow

• Song Sparrow - Heavy streaking, central spot, buffy malar area, gray/brown face.

• Northern Harrier

• Dickcissel

• Dickcissel

All below images copyright 2021 Randall D. Williams, used with permission.

building better birders saturday, 2 october 2021

The Fall Warbler Walk, conducted by Kelly McKay of the BioEco Research and Monitoring Center, began at 7:30 AM at the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center and followed the trails around DPNC. The overcast/cloudy skies, with mist, damped the observations but not the enthusiasm of the participants.

We had a fairly good raptor watch with 13 participants observing from 1:30-3:30 PM in overcast/cloudy conditions. We stayed at Kestrel Point observation deck at DPNC.

In addition to the six raptor species (below, with bird numbers) we observed 19 other species from the deck and traveling to and from the deck. There were at least 120 blue jays in migratory shift and more than 200 robins.

Dawn Snyder, Education Programs Director, Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

LHAS bird hotline friday, 1 october 2021

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

• Nelson's Sparrow, 1-2

• Swamp Sparrow

• Lincoln’s Sparrow

• Field Sparrow

• Song Sparrow

• Sedge Wren - 3

• Marsh Wren - 1

• Common Yellowthroat - 4

• Peregrine Falcon - 1

• Greater Yellowlegs - 2
  

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 29 september 2021

Crystal Cove Park at noon:

• Philadelphia Vireo, 1 in dogwood thicket, getting late for all vireos.

Overflights at home before dusk:

• Common Nighthawks, 5, probable migrants foraging, getting late

• Franklin Gulls, 25, flying in 'V' formation high above.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Little Sioux Park and Union Bridge Trail

Double-crested Cormorant and Bald Eagle. The cormorant was in a pond along the trail and the eagle flew across the trail and perched downstream from the bridge.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Below images copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.

LHAS bird hotline monday, 20 september 2021

A noon walk around Bacon Creek became a pretty good birding day in between rain showers. In addition to the Black-and-White Warbler (below) there were Red-eyed Vireos, a Yellow-billed Cuckoo and a flock of about 25 various vireos moving along the boundary between sumac shrubs and the mature trees on the west side of the lake.

Randy, W., Sioux City, IA

All below images copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission

LHAS bird hotline wednesday, 15 september 2021

A Blue-headed Vireo stopped to checkout the feeders today but didn't stay to eat anything.

Carol B., Bronson, IA

LHAS bird hotline monday, 2 August 2021

Dakota County, Nebraska

Mute Swans - a pair of Mute Swans have been on private property since Monday, 8/2. Note: this is private property and is inherently risky. Permission to enter is required. Hiking is involved.

Mute Swan is an exotic species and is often kept in parks and waterfowl collections. Such birds are not considered wild and countable as wild birds. However, some swans are feral, free flying and considered wild (and countable).

The Dakota County birds are unprecedented in the county, are free flying and exhibit no leg bands or other signs of captivity.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Luton Wildlife Management Area - North Unit, Woodbury County, Iowa

Following the Building Better Birders outing to the North Unit of the Luton Wildlife Management Area, I decided to dust off my Celestron spotting scope and return for some more shorebirds. Images were recorded with a Canon SX740, hand-held.

The shorebirds are most likely Short-billed Dowitchers. Feedback obtained by Bill Huser from Steve Dinsmore indicates these birds are short-billed due mainly to timing. Long-billeds migrate in Sept-Oct. The rounded (humped) back is another indicator. Tertials are not clear enough to determine their pattern, however. Compare with Long-billed Dowitchers, here.

There are 4 dowitcher images and 2 Sedge Wren images.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

All below images copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.

building better birders, Thursday and friday, 29 and 30 July 2021

Classroom and field trips on water birds (7/29) and shorebirds (7/30) conducted by Kelly McKay and sponsored by the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center and other Iowa organizations. Thursday field trip to Owego Wetlands Complex and Friday field trip to Luton Wildlife Management Area - North Unit.

LHAS Bird hotline, Thursday, 29 july 2021

Owego Wetlands Complex

I attended the field trip to Owego Wetlands with Kelly McKay after his presentation on Thursday evening. The Sedge Wren was the star of show that night. Very adorable and interesting bird the way it flutters quickly, almost like a hummingbird. It was the first time I had seen one.

I have included some photos from that night.

Marla K., Sioux City, IA

All below images copyright 2021 by Marla Kerr, used with permission.

LHAS Bird hotline, Thursday, 22 july 2021

Owego Wetlands Complex

• Indigo Bunting

• Blue Grosbeak

• Blue Grosbeak and a family of Orchard Orioles

• Monarch butterfly

• Beautiful prairie bouquet

• Blazing Star

Luton Wildlife Management Area

• Great Blue Heron

Jerry V., and Jan N., Sioux City, IA

All images below copyright 2021 by Jan Null and Jerry Von Ehwegen, used with permission

LHAS Bird hotline, monday and Tuesday, 19 and 20 july 2021

On Monday I just returned from a bicycle ride and walked across the street to get our mail. Coming back I noticed a large bird sitting on our neighbor’s fence that separates our back yards. I scrambled inside for my camera and took the first 4 images below. I was not quite sure what I was seeing. We have had Cooper’s Hawks in the neighborhood but this did not look correct.

On Tuesday the identification issue was resolved. I just returned from some early errands and took out some trash. I heard some boisterous bird squabbling and looked up to see three accipters land the one of the trees in our neighbor’s front yard. Again, I scrambled inside for a camera. These were the birds I saw the previous day: Cooper’s Hawks. The remaining images are one of the three hawks. The other two were either moving around the far side of the tree or landed in foliage too dense for photography. Besides, I did not want to unduly disturb them.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

All below images copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.

LHAS Bird hotline, friday, 16 july 2021

New Lake Shorebirds

Over 500 individuals present. A scope is needed to view the distant remaining pool of water.

• Short-billed Dowitcher, 1 Note orangeish breeding plumage, long bill and probing foraging technique.

• Stilt Sandpiper, 4

Also many Killdeer, Pectoral Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs and Spotted Sandpiper.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Addendum:

I was down there earlier this week after supper after your first report (7/13/21, see below) and there were 2 coyotes sprinting north on the east shore. They came close to the road at north end and then turned around and retreated to the south. When I first saw them, I thought they were deer. They looked pretty healthy and were spying the birds and spooked a few along the shore but did not go after any.

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird hotline, wednesday, 14 july 2021

NE Hwy-35 near I Ave; wet spot due to tiled field drainage:

• Willet (Western) - 1

• Stilt Sandpiper, 7

• Pectoral Sandpiper, 2

• Least Sandpiper, 8

• Semi-palmated Sandpiper, 2

• Solitary Sandpiper, 2

• Spotted Sandpiper, 1

• Killdeer, 11

• Blue Grosbeak, 1 male.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird hotline, Tuesday, 13 july 2021

New Lake - North half dry and overgrown; South half, nearly dry with only one small pool of open water.

• Killdeer, 431

• Baird's Sandpiper, 2

• Least Sandpiper, 20

• Pectoral Sandpiper, 85

• Spotted Sandpiper, 3

• Solitary Sandpiper, 11

• Lesser Yellowlegs, 8

Snyder's Bend - water level similar to May, but much of lake bed overgrown. A handful of Solitary and Least Sandpipers.

Note: a large solar farm is going in at the NE corner of Port Neal Road and D-51. Also, much truck traffic and earth moving are in evidence SW of the same intersection and elsewhere.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird hotline, sunday, 11 july 2021

Eastern Kingbirds in our pear tree.

Bill & Dotty Z., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS Bird hotline, monday, 5 july 2021

Kramper Lake new arrivals, Dakota County, NE

• Forster's Tern - 1, breeding plumage

• Double-crested Cormorant - 1 adult

• Ring-billed Gull, 1

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Ida County, IA

I recorded this Great Blue Heron here in Ida County. Interesting color patterns on this bird.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

LHAS Bird hotline, monday, 28 june 2021

Yesterday (6/28) was again special, as I continues to see and be able to photograph a Scarlet Tanager here in Moorehead Park. We see a few every summer but they tend to be secretive in nature. This Tanager was in an ash tree and found a very large Hornworm that it took to the ground for more than a meal. The Hornworm, left alone, would later turn into a Sphinx Moth.

Here are three photos of the action of the Scarlet Tanager and the meal.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

Below images copyright 2021 by Don Poggensee, used with permission

LHAS Bird hotline, tuesday, 22 june 2021

Woodbury County, IA

Brower Lake

• Very low water, no sign of Common Gallinule. Water does not reach the cattails, perhaps the bird is altering its foraging and cover tactics.

The Square

• Also, very low water with water receded from cattails. No Gallinule or Coot seen.

On a side note, a limited amount of earth moving or ditching has been done at the north end of Brower Lake. Water in this oxbow drains to the south, so this has probably not caused the current low water level and hopefully will not have long term effects.

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird hotline, monday, 21 june 2021

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA

• Green Heron on the first full day of summer.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird hotline, saturday, 19 june 2021

Broken Kettle Grasslands, Plymouth County, IA

Birch Avenue:

• Loggerhead Shrike, 7 adults, interacting. Perhaps a 'Group Meeting' as described by Schon (1979): a pre-nesting behavior between neighboring shrikes made up of much calling and flight displays and thought to reduce hostilities through familiarity.

Butcher Road

• Black-billed Cuckoo, 1 seen and heard from ridge west of Joy Hollow G.S. Camp; 1 heard from road near Butcher Road ponds.

234 Ave

• Northern Bobwhite, 1 heard near end of public road.

Lippke Wetlands

• Willow Flycatcher, 1 seen

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird hotline, monday, 14 june 2021

Woodbury County, Iowa

The Common Gallinule (on right in first image) originally found on June 10 at the 'Square' was seen again on June 14 with an American Coot (on left in first image) in the same location. It was a life bird for Jan Null and she was able to get pictures and one is attached. There were also 3 White-faced Ibis there. 5 pictures attached of those 2 plus 3 neat pictures of a Willow Flycatcher, Red-winged Blackbird, and Great Blue Heron (images are in order, below).

• 1 Common Gallinule (1st big pond at the 'Square' on Fayette Ave.)

• 3 White-faced Ibis (1st big pond at the 'Square' on Fayette Ave.)

• 1 Willow Flycatcher at Owego

Jerry V. and Jan N., Sioux City, IA

All below images copyright 2021 by Jan Null, used with permission.

LHAS Bird hotline, thursday, 10 june 2021

The 'Square', Woodbury County, Iowa

• 1 Common Gallinule (at the 'Square' on Fayette Ave. 1st big water, edge of reeds with an American Coot on south side, about 1/4 of way to west)

• 2 Blue Grosbeaks (beautiful males in the sun)

• 2 Bobolinks (sparring males)

• several singing Common Yellowthroats

• several singing Grasshopper Sparrows

• 1 Wilson's Phalarope

• never out of range of a singing Dickcissel

• 1 Great Blue Heron feasting on a long snake

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird hotline, wednesday, 9 june 2021

Post-migration highlights:

• Black-chinned Hummingbird: Last week, eastern South Dakota's first was visiting a feeder at a private residence about 8 miles west of Yankton. This bird is rare even in Western SD and NE.

• Hooded Warbler and Blue-winged Warbler: The small population of Blue-winged Warblers has returned to South Dakota's Newton Hills State Park this summer for their eighth, or so, summer. A single singing male Hooded Warbler has returned for its second summer. Both species are inexplicably outside their ranges.

• Painted Bunting: A USD research team netted a female Painted Bunting near Nebraska's Brooky Bottoms Park on the Missouri River north of Obert, NE. It could not be relocated the following day. This occurrence is far north of its range.

• Common Gallinule: We await current reports of last week's single bird at Brower Lake. Does it remain? Does it have a mate?

Bill Huser, LHAS Bird Hotline editor

LHAS Bird hotline, monday, 7 june 2021

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA

• Black-crowned Night-Heron

• Yellow-billed Cuckoo

The BCNH was first seen at shoreline of the first parking lot in the park, near the canoe/kayak launch bay. Two more sightings of the bird in flight in the same vicinity. Sorry, no photos.

The YBCU was on the west shore at the north end of the lake where the stream from the spillway connects to the lake.

A snapping turtle was trying to dig into a retaining wall near the spillway.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Below images copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.

LHAS Bird hotline, wednesday, 2 june 2021

Yankton, SD

• 1 male Black-chinned Hummingbird at a private residence in Yankton. Roger Dietrich's excellent photos are posted on eBird.

Roger D., Yankton , SD and reported by Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Brower Lake, Woodbury County, IA

• Common Gallinule at Brower Lake at 7:30A on 6/2. (Still present morning of Thursday, 6/3. editor)

Rob T., Sioux City, IA and reported by Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird hotline, tuesday, 1 june 2021

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

• Acadian Flycatcher, 1 (ID by voice); not found on Wed., 6/2 [the link to the Audubon Bird Guide provides access to bird songs and bird calls]

• Willow Flycatcher, 5-6

• Sedge Wren, at least 2

• Marsh Wren, 2

• Northern Bobwhite, 1

Most of these birds were seen and heard at the Kayak-in campsites on the extreme south end. However, Bobwhite were heard near the easternmost pond, and one Willow Flycatcher sings from the settlement basin near the fish cleaning station.

Jerry P. and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird hotline, monday, 31 may 2021

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

• Eurasian Wigeon, 1 male (not seen since early that morning)

• Veery, 1 (also, probably gone)

• Willow Flycatcher, 5-6

• Sedge Wren, at least 2

• Marsh Wren, at least 2

• Northern Bobwhite, calling from 2 locations

• American Avocet, 1 (gone)

Most of these birds were seen and heard at the Kayak-in campsites on the extreme south end. However, Bobwhite were heard near the easternmost pond, and one Willow Flycatcher sings from the settlement basin near the fish cleaning station.

Jerry P. and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird hotline, saturday, 22 may 2021

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

• 3 Eastern Whip-poor-will

• 1 Eastern Meadowlark

• 2 Lark Sparrow

• 3 Bell’s Vireo

• 7 White-faced Ibis - an ibis-palooza!

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Image below all copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission

LHAS Bird hotline, thursday, 20 may 2021

Basswood Ridge Wildlife Management Area, Dakota County, NE

• Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 4-5

• Red-shouldered Hawk, 1 immature

• Blackpoll, 1

• Tennesse Warbler, 1

(These, the only 2 migrating warblers found.)

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Moorehead Park, Ida County, IA

This afternoon I saw and photographed a male Summer Tanager in Moorehead Park, Ida County west of Ida Grove.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

LHAS Bird hotline, tuesday, 18 may 2021

Stone State Park:

• Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 1

• Pileated Woodpecker, 1-2

• Chestnut-sided Warbler, 1 m.

• Kentucky Warbler, 1 m.

• Blackburnian Warbler, 1 m.

• Magnolia Warbler, 1 m.

• Louisiana Waterthrush, 2 m.

• Northern Parula, 1 f.

• Indigo Bunting, 5, FOY

New Lake:

• Dunlin, 10

• Sanderling, 1

• Short-billed Dowitcher, 1 FOY

Sandhill Lake:

• Sora, 1

• LeConte's Sparrow, 1, FOY

The Square:

• Upland Sandpiper, 2, FOY

Common Nighthawk - 1 in flight over SW part of South Sioux City and 1 in flight over SE part of Sioux City

Rob T., Sioux City, IA; Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird hotline, monday, 17 may 2021

New Lake:

• Hudsonian Godwit, 3

• Dunlin, 5

Sandhill Lake:

• Glossy Ibis, 1

• Virginia Rail, 1

Owego:

• Willow Flycatcher, 1-2, First of Year (FOY)

• Bell's Vireo, 1, FOY

The Square:

• Swainson's Hawk, 2 immatures

• Grasshopper Sparrow, 1 FOY

• Blue Grosbeak, 1 m., FOY

Rob T., Sioux City, IA; Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Brower’s Lake:

Helen and I were at Brower’s Lake last Monday (5/17) and very surprised how many birds we got, even without the warblers, vireos and other species that have not yet arrived from the south.

Attached are two photos of Canada Geese. One is the Giant Canada Goose standing next to a Canada Goose. I couldn't have set them up any better for the shot. It is a good look at the differences in size and the other differences between the geese, i.e. white area on the head and dark area on the neck. I have missed the Giant goose in previous trips so couldn't have asked for a better scene when I finally did find it.

The other photo is of a light colored goose. I'm not sure if this is a color thing or if this goose is a variant in the species from other parts of the country. Also, maybe someone can figure out what the small black bird is that is along the water line to the right.

Carol B., Sloan, IA and Helen ?

Below images copyright 2021 by Carol Blair used with permission

LHAS Birdathon Highlights, 7 may through 10 may 2021

Loess Hills Audubon members searched high and low for birds from May 7-10 as part of the Chapter's Birdathon Fundraiser for Chapter projects. Though the final numbers are not yet in, 131 species have been recorded from 6 teams thus far. Final numbers will follow.

Highlights include:

• Eared Grebe

• Swainson's Hawk

• Sora

• Piping Plover

• Sanderling

• Least Tern

• Ruby-throated Hummingbird

• Pileated Woodpecker

• Golden-winged Warbler

• Northern Parula

• Blackburnian Warbler

• Louisiana Waterthrush

• Summer Tanager

Many of these, and others recorded, were seen for the first time this year as teams searched in Woodbury, Plymouth, Monona, Dakota, Dixon and Union counties in our three state area.

Those with observations to report should send their species list to me.

Those wishing to donate to the Chapter or hear of our projects should contact me, as well.

Those of you that have pledged support or counted birds have earned the Chapter's gratitude. Thank you all so much.

Bill Huser, Birdathon Czar

LHAS Bird Hotline, thursday, 6 may 2021

White-winged Crossbill in Kingsley, IA. A very neat little bird that hung around my feeder setup during the last week of April and the first week of May. I was surprised that it could readily feed from the sunflower feeder with no problems and could also shell the sunflower seeds with no apparent difficulty.

Update, Monday 10 May: This bird surprised me again today — It still has not left Kingsley as it appeared at my sunflower feeders and bird bath this noon for perhaps 12 to 15 minutes .

Loren and Betty H., Kingley, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, wednesday, 5 may 2021

South Ravine Park, Sioux City, Woodbury County:

Black-headed Grosbeak, 1 male - found by Rob T. This western counterpart of our Rose-breasted Grosbeak is only rarely seen in our area. However, the bird could not be re-located only 30 minutes later.

Other birds seen:

• Yellow-throated Vireo, 1

• Orchard Oriole, 1 male First of Year (FOY)

• Northern Waterthrush, 2

Rob T., Sioux City

Stone State Park, Woodbury County 10:00 AM:

• Louisiana Waterthrush, 1 (returned to traditional territory in Pammel Valley). Note broad, white eyestripe behind eye. Bird's song was also diagnostic

• Broad-winged Hawk, 1

• Yellow-throated Vireo, 1

• Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, 2-3

• Osprey, 1

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Adams Homestead, McCook Lake, SD

Highlights of a bicycle ride around the figure 8 trail included American Avocet and White-faced Ibis, one of each. Both birds were in the reeds along the west shore of Mud Lake.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Images below copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.

LHAS Bird Hotline, monday, 3 may 2021

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City – 12:15 PM

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron found and photographed by Rob T. and also seen by Jerry P., Rex R., and Bill H.

It was foraging on the shore of the small pond by the primitive picnic area by the last parking lot. Last seen flying eastward (upstream) from that pond. This in and uncommon species in our area.

Below images copyright 2021 by Rob Towler, used with permission.

LHAS Bird Hotline, saturday, 1 may 2021

Brower Lake;

• Black-necked Stilt, 2

New Lake:

• Brewer's Blackbird, 2 males, 4 females First of Year (FOY)

• Dunlin, 1, basic plumage with just a few black breast feathers FOY

• White-rumped Sandpiper, 1 FOY

• Eastern Kingbird, 1 FOY

Snyder's Bend:

• Gray Catbird, 1 FOY

• Lark Sparrow, 3 FOY

Brown's Lake:

• Marbled Godwit, 1 FOY

• Palm Warbler, 2 FOY

• Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 3 m. FOY

Sandhill Lake:

• American Golden Plover, 2 basic plumage FOY

• Sora, 1 FOY

• Bobolink, 1 m. FOY

Rob T., Sioux City, IA; Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, friday, 30 april 2021

New Lake

• Glossy Ibis, 1 Greenish legs and bill, dark facial skin with thin blue border above and below, but not behind eye (left image, below)

• Long-billed Dowitcher, 19

• Wilson's Phalarope, 3

Snyder's Bend

• Sandhill Crane, 1 heard only

• American Avocet, 1

• Semi-palmated Plover, 9

• American Pipit, 13 (right image, below)

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Below images copyright 2021 by William F. Huser, used with permission

LHAS Bird Hotline, thursday, 29 april 2021

Ponca State Park:

• Sharp-shinned Hawk, 7, following river bluffs northward

• Swainson's Hawk, 1, following bluffs northward

• Broad-winged Hawk, 35, following bluffs northward

• Chimney Swift, 6 First Of Year (FOY)

• Pileated Woodpecker, 1

• Peregrine Falcon, 1, following bluffs northward FOY

• Blue-headed Vireo, 1 FOY

• Bank Swallow, 6 FOY

• Cliff Swallow, 1 FOY

• Winter Wren, 1

• Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher pr. FOY

• Wood Thrush, pr. FOY

• Brown Thrasher, 3

• Baltimore Oriole, 1 m. FOY

• Orange-crowned Warbler, 2 FOY

• Louisiana Waterthrush, 1 FOY

• Northern Waterthrush, heard only FOY

• Eastern Towhee, 1

• Spotted Towhee x Eastern Towhee hybrids, 4

Caleb S., Wayne B., Ed B., Wayne, NE; Mark B., Creighton, NE; Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Bacon Creek Park

• Blue-headed Vireo (FOY)

• Field Sparrow

Noticed large influx of White-throated and Field Sparrow. Many other common species present both days.

Rob T., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, wednesday, 28 april 2021

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

Stopped by Kramper on my way to SC this afternoon. Got Greater Scaup, Osprey and a White-faced Ibis. I stopped by on my way home to take pics after the sun was out but couldn’t find the Ibis again.

Jan J., Wakefield, NE http://www.flickr.com/photos/bird-brained-quilter/

• Ruddy Duck (left)

• White-faced Ibis with hen Mallard (center)

• White-faced Ibis with American Coot (right)

Below images copyright 2021 Jan Johnson, used with permission.

Moorhead Park, Ida County, IA
Yesterday (4/28) the annual arrival of Broad-wing Hawks arrived in Moorehead Park, Ida County. I counted 8 yesterday, around the lake mostly in smaller trees. Here are a few images I recorded. It is really good to see so many for their short stay.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

Below images copyright 2021 by Don Poggensee, used with permission.

Bacon Creek Park

• Orange-crowned Warbler First Of Year (FOY)

• Lincoln’s Sparrow (FOY)

• Eastern Meadowlark (FOY)

Rob T., Sioux City, IA

From the left:

• Osprey

• Forster’s Tern (2 images)

• Swainson’s thrush (2 images) - Our most common May thrush is the Swainson's Thrush, which has a dull grayish brown back and tail and buffy coloration from the eyering, down through the malar area and onto the upper breast. The Hermit Thrush (scroll down for Hermit Thrush photos), most common in April, has a warmer, reddish brown back and an even brighter rufus tail, which noticeably contrasts with the back. Another May thrush is the Gray-cheeked Thrush, much like the Swainson's, but lacking eyering and buffy malar and upper breast.

  This photo: Note the gray brown back with non-contrasting tail.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA (commentary by Bill Huser)

Below images copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission

LHAS Bird Hotline, tuesday, 27 april 2021

This house wren struck the nature center window this morning but thankfully recovered and flew away.

Dawn S., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, Woodbury County, IA

Images copyright 2021 by Dawn Snyder/Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, used with permission

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE - 5:00 PM:

• Common Loon, 1 in alternate plumage

• Horned Grebe, 1 in alternate plumage

• Forster's Tern, 13

• Greater Scaup, 1 female

• Osprey, 1

• Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 2

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Snyder Bend and Bacon Creek

I am sending photos from Snyder Bend and from Bacon Creek, all from Tuesday, April 27th.

• Northern Waterthrush (far left image, Bacon Creek)

• Palm Warbler (left, center image, Bacon Creek)

• Yellow-rumped Warbler (center image, Bacon Creek)

• Spotted Towhee (right, center image, Bacon Creek)

• American Golden-Plover (far right image, Snyder Bend)

Rex R., Sioux City, IA

All below images copyright 2021 by Rex Rundquist, used with permission

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, McCook Lake, SD

Images from the left:

• Marsh Wren

• Eastern Meadowlark (2 images) - although call note and song are the most reliable indicators, certain field marks may be useful in distinguishing these two species. These photos show two of these field marks:

  • Yellow limited to throat and not malar area.

  • White cheek contrasting with black eyeline.

  • Easterns also have more white in the tail.

  • These photos: Note the yellow limited to the throat and white cheek.

• White-throated Sparrows

• Clay-colored Sparrow - rather typical sparrow head pattern, but of pale buff, pale gray and white and lacking in the bright white of White-crowned and White-throated adults. A buffy auricular, bordered above and below by a soft white eyebrow and malar is diagnostic. This photo: Note the buffy auricular with soft white eyebrow above and soft white malar below and dark crown.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA (commentaries by Bill Huser)

All images copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.

LHAS Bird Hotline, monday, 26 april 2021

• Cattle Egret from Bacon Creek (2 images on left)

• Long-billed Dowitcher (2 images on right - location not specified). Note the spotted foreneck, rufus, rather than buffy, edges on back, belly more colorful than neck and breast, arched back.

Rob T., Sioux City, IA and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Images copyright 2021 by Rob Towler, used with permission.

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, Woodbury County, IA

• I spotted one male Baltimore Oriole at the nature center this morning.

Dawn S., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

New Lake, Woodbury County, IA - evening

• Black-necked Stilt, 1

However, two parties searched Tuesday morning at 7am and at 8am and saw no signs of the bird.

Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, sunday, 25 april 2021

Eastern Whip-poor-wills calling tonight by the creek!! Wow!

Dotty & Bill Z., rural Westfield, Plymouth County, IA

Above images copyright 2021 by Rob Towler, used with permission

Snyder Bend County Park, Woodbury County, IA

• Semiplamated Plover (2 images on left)

• American Avocet (middle image)

• Hudsonian Godwit (image on right)

LHAS Bird Hotline, saturday, 24 april 2021

Ponca State Park

• Piping Plover, 1 First of Year (FOY)

• Baird's Sandpiper, 2

• Semi-palmated Sandpiper, 1

• Pectoral Sandpiper, 2

• Willet, 1

• Black-crowned Night-Heron, 1

• Forster's Tern, 7

• Osprey, 1

• Broad-winged Hawk, 6 FOY

• Merlin, 1

• Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 2 FOY

Ed B. and Caleb S., Wayne, NE; Mark B., Creighton, NE; Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Brower Lake, Woodbury County, IA

• Greater Scaup, 1 - ID by white wing stripe extending onto primaries.

Rob T., Sioux City, IA

Moorehead Park, Ida County, IA

This morning about 11:00 A.M. there were 60 plus pelicans on the lake at Moorehead Park, Ida County. I didn’t have a wide angle lens on, so could not get them all in, with one image.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

All images below copyright 2021 by Don Poggensee, used with permission

LHAS Bird Hotline, thursday, 22 april 2021

Crystal Cove Park, South Sioux City, NE

• Black-crowned Night Heron, 3

• American Bittern, 1

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, McCook Lake, SD

• Cedar Waxwing (left image, below)

• Fox Sparrow (middle and Fox Sparrow is to the left in the right image, the others are Harris’s Sparrows)

• Eastern Meadowlark - 3, singing at different locations at the preserve

• Western Meadowlark - 1

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Below images copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.

LHAS Bird Hotline, wednesday, 21 april 2021

Crystal Cove Park, South Sioux City, NE

• Black-crowned Night Heron, 2

• Great Egret, 1

• Horned Grebe, 1 breeding plumage

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

• Snowy Egret, 2

• Great Egret, 10

• White-faced Ibis, 4

• Red-breasted Merganser, 5

• Bonaparte's Gull, 1

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA

• Horned Grebe

• Osprey

• Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

• Eastern Towhee

Rex R., Sioux City, IA

Below images copyright 2021 by Rex Rundquist, used with permission

LHAS Bird Hotline, tuesday, 20 april 2021

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA

• Horned Grebe (first photo below by Randy)

• Bald Eagle (second photo below by Randy)

• Snowy Egret (third and fourth photos below by Rex)

• Hermit Thrush (fifth photo below by Randy)

• Fox Sparrow (sixth photo below by Rex)

• Yellow-rumped Warbler (not pictured)

Rex R., and Randy W., Sioux City, IA - appropriately socially distanced

Below images copyright 2021 by the respective photographer, Rex Rundquist and Randall D. Williams, used with permission.

LHAS Bird Hotline, monday, 19 april 2021

On Moorehead Lake, Ida County we had three Great Egrets and two Great blue Herons, all fishing with out fishing license.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

All images below copyright 2021 by Don Poggensee, used with permission.

LHAS Bird Hotline, sunday, 18 april 2021

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, McCook Lake, SD

Two White-faced Ibis along the north crescent of Mud Lake. They were in the cattails on the south shore of the lake.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

All images copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.

LHAS Bird Hotline, saturday, 17 april 2021

Snyder Bend Shorebirds:

• American Avocet, 3-6 (first 4 photographs below)

• Willet, 1 (photograph #5, below)

• Hudsonian Godwit, 10 (photograph #6, below)

• Baird's Sandpiper, 100 (photograph #7, below)

• Least Sandpiper, 3

• Semi-palmated Sandpiper, 8

• Pectoral Sandpiper, 5 (photograph #8, below)

• Lesser Yellowlegs, 10

• Greater Yellowlegs, 2

Rob T., Sioux City, IA and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

All images below copyright 2021 by Rob Towler, used with permission

Crawford Creek, Ida County:

Today, I headed to Crawford Creek, Ida County to check on the 17 acre prairie burn we did several night ago. Was interested to see if we had any hawks hunting the area now that the grasses are burn. Not seeing any hawks, we did have 35 White American Pelicans, working the lake.

Don P., Ida Grove, Iowa

All below images copyright 2021 by Don Poggensee, used with permission.

LHAS Bird Hotline, friday, 16 april 2021

Bacon Creek:

• 1 bald eagle

• 3 osprey

• 1 horned grebe

• male and female  hooded mergansers (but no photos)

• 1 great blue heron looking for breakfast.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

All below images copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.

LHAS Bird Hotline, thursday, 15 april 2021

There were a number of burns visible going south through the valley south of Sioux City this afternoon. I drove out to Owego to find two fresh burns, one just west of Fayette (near the old town site) and the other just to the west of Garner Avenue. About a dozen Swainson’s Hawks were checking out the burn areas, the majority along Garner Ave. There were both light and dark morphs.

Rex R., Sioux City, IA

All images below copyright 2021 by Rex Rundquist, used with permission.

Kramper Lake, Dakota County:

• Barn Swallow, 1

• Purple Martin, 6 (3 left images below)

• Bonaparte's Gull, 2

CRP grassland burn near Dakota City:

• Swainson's Hawk, 7 perched on ground or soaring (image on right, below)

• Wilson's Snipe, 1

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

All below images copyright 2021 by William F. Huser, used with permission.

LHAS Bird Hotline, tuesday, 13 april 2021

Bacon Creek Park

Cool and windy morning at Bacon Creek but with some interesting sightings.

• 1 Osprey, fishing

• 1 male Redhead

• 1 male Horned Grebe

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

All images below copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission

LHAS Bird Hotline, monday, 12 april 2021

Graceland Cemetery, Woodbury County, Iowa
Stopped at Graceland to take a quick walk in the wind around 5 PM. Parked car and a Chipping Sparrow and Pine Siskin showed up in front of car. Chipping Sparrow left and 2 more Pine Siskins joined the other making 3.

Decided to walk little loop just north of Jewish Cemetery going west on the north part and then circling around to the east on the south part with sun to my back. All of a sudden a flock of about 12 Robins zoomed over me and dove into a pine tree out of site. I saw the shadow of a large bird on the street in front of me so I stopped and looked up but saw nothing. Then I noticed another Robin in the grass and all of a sudden a Cooper's Hawk came swirling straight down in the wind like a spiraling staircase and nailed the Robin with one foot and sat there looking around about 10 feet in front of me. I stood there watching in my binocs and it kept looking up and around not paying any attention to me. He then put his other foot on the Robin and had it pinned to the ground. It stayed there for over a minute before it took off with the Robin to the south with a strong tailwind. Not something you see every day and you never know what might show up when out in nature!
Jerry V., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, friday, 9 april 2021

Crystal Lake, viewed from old US-20:

• Great Blue Heron, 1 with aberrant coloration (melanism?)

• Great Egret, 2 First of Year (FOY)

Kramper Lake:

• Eared Grebe, 1 in transitional plumage (FOY)

• Cinnamon Teal, 1 male (our bird-of-the-month for April 2021!)

• American Avocet, 5 (FOY)

Bill & Thea H., South Sioux City, NE

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA

• Chipping Sparrow (FOY)

• Eastern Meadowlark

• 2 female Hooded Mergansers

• 1 Osprey making quite a few circles over the lake, of course I was never close enough for photos.

LHAS Bird Hotline, wednesday, 7 april 2021

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, IA - Male and female Red-breasted Mergansers in the center of the lake.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, monday, 5 april 2021

Cedar Waxwings in Southwest Plymouth County - near the intersection of K18 and K12.

Leesa M., Plymouth County, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, saturday, 3 april 2021

Tree Swallows having a conversation on a bluebird box at Heendah Hills State Preserve, north of Stone Park.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, friday, 2 april 2021

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE:

• Horned Grebe, 1 in alternate plumage

• Pied-billed Grebe, 4

• American White Pelican, 15

• 12 species of waterfowl

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, wednesday, 31 march 2021

Crystal Cove highlights, Dakota County, NE:

• Black Scoter, 1 female (first time recorded at Crystal Cove; top two photos)

• Red-breasted Merganser, 1 female (bottom photo)

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

All images copyright 2021 by William F. Huser, used with permission

LHAS Bird Hotline, monday, 29 march 2021

Kramper Lake, Dakota County, NE

• American x Eurasian Wigeon hybrid, 1 male

• Tree Swallow, 1-2 FOY

• Northern Bobwhite, 1 heard only

• Snow Goose, 1 blue phase

Bill & Thea H., South Sioux City, NE

Stone State Park, Sioux City, IA

I observed a Pileated Woodpecker this morning (Monday, March 29, approximately 8:10 AM) while driving on the main ridge road in Stone Park. I got a great view as it flew right in front of my car near Elk Point overlook and stayed in that area for awhile before flying down the valley over the lake and to the trees to the south.

During Kelly McKay’s Building Better Birding Workshop Bird Hike #2 on Saturday, March 20 we also saw one Pileated Woodpecker on the Hidden Valley trail by the Nature Center & heard another calling in the distance at the same time.

Dawn S., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

LHAS Bird Hotline, sunday, 28 march 2021

Hermit Thrush at Bacon Creek along with more typical birds.

Randy W. Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, saturday, 27 march 2021

Crawford Creek, Ida County

The lone greater Sandhill Crane is still just to the south east edge of the large handicap dock on the east edge of Crawford Creek. The graveled parking area when most all the fishermen park is to the east of the lake and the cane cane be seen from that point. It is hanging out with several Canada geese.

Don P., Ida Grove, IA

Woodbury County, IA

New Lake: Cinnamon Teal, 1 male, First of Year (FOY)

Brown's Lake: Osprey, 1 (FOY)

Snyder Bend:

• Franklin Gull, 3 (FOY)

• Ring-billed Gull, 7 adult

• Lesser Yellowlegs, 7

• Greater Yellowlegs, 1

• Baird's Sandpiper, 11 (FOY)

• Tree Swallow, 2 (FOY)

Sandhill Lake:

• Ross’s Goose, 5

• Herring Gull, 1 adult

• Ring-billed Gull, 1 adult

• Baird's Sandpiper, 2

A good selection of ducks was present at each location.

Rob T., Sioux City, IA and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Dakota Dunes, Union County, SD

Cedar Waxwings in my yard. Not sure I have seen these before.

Pam S., Dakota Dunes, SD

LHAS Bird Hotline, sunday, 21 march 2021

Good evening Bill -

I am not a member but thought if your members haven't seen a leucistic bird before they might want to know there is a leucistic grackle in whiting, iowa.

Sighted: 3/21/2021; Time: 10:00am; Location: near pleasant view care center see attached photo

Carol, Whiting, IA

Images copyright 2021 by Carol McB, used with permission

iowa Bird Hotline, friday, 19 march 2021

The last three days we had one adult Sandhill Crane staying at Crawford Creek south of Battle Creek, Iowa. It has been seen on the east side of the lake near the large handicap dock. This is the first time that I know of, to having a Sandhill crane in Ida County.

Don P., Ida County Conservation Board, Ida Grove, Iowa

Sandhill Crane images copyright 2021 by Don Poggensee, used with permission.

LHAS Bird Hotline, wednesday, 17 march 2021

Above is a photo from Sand Hill Lake. Just missed getting a pair of Canada Geese swimming by in front of the swans. Didn't get the camera out soon enough.

Carol B., Woodbury County, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, 14 march 2021

This bird was at our feeding platform yesterday, 3/14. Tried to find something that matched in the Sibley guide. It looked like a Dark-eyed Junco but I could not match the facial pattern. I sent the photos to Bill H. and this was his reply:

“Leucocistic Dark-eyed Junco. A mutation that affects pigment production on all, or part of, an animal. This variation can be seen in mammals and reptiles, as well.”

I usually think of “leucocistic” as more extensive, while this is very localized. As Bill stated, it can be partial and localized.

Photos were taken through a window and window screen. I was surprised the bird remained while I went to another room to get the camera.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Images copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.

LHAS Bird Hotline, bacon creek, 9 & 10 march 2021

Tuesday, 9 March

• Common Merganser - 1

Wednesday, 10 March

• Ring-necked Duck - 15

• Bufflehead - 5

• Northern Shoveler - 4

• Brown Creeper - 2 (no photos)

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

All images copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission.

LHAS Bird Hotline, Monday, 8 march 2021

Among many FOY waterfowl at New Lake/Snyder’s/Sandhill Lake this weekend, I came across a Wilson’s Snipe at Sandhill. Thankful the migration has started.....

Rob T., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, Monday, 8 march 2021

Snyder's Bend (with an immense fish kill):

• Herring Gull - 1 adult, First of Year (FOY)

• Ring-billed Gull - 78

• Greater Yellowlegs - 1 FOY

• American White Pelican - 100

New Lake;

• 2 possible Black Scoters

Kramper Lake:

• Red-breasted Merganser

Separate reports from Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE; Bob N., and Randy W., Sioux City, IA.

LHAS Bird Hotline, sunday, 7 march 2021

Had a first ever at my yard/feeders (Dakota Dunes) yesterday (3/7/) afternoon. Only saw the two males and they left just a few minutes after I spotted then at the nut and berry type seed feeder. They were not very concerned with Annie and I sitting on the deck for the first time this year. Soon after I noticed several Cedar Waxwings high in the cottonwoods and when they flew off the Crossbills joined the flight. I do on rare occations see Waxwings but never at my feeders.

Mike G., Dakota Dunes, SD

Crossbill images copyright 2021 by Michael P. Greiner, used with permission.

LHAS Bird Hotline, saturday, 6 march 2021

Owego Wetlands:

• Trumpeter Swans - 5 adult, 3 immature

• Tundra Swan - 2

• Greater White-fronted Goose - 2500

• Cackling Goose - 5

• Snow Goose - 500

• Ross's Goose - 10

• Northern Pintail - 300

• Great Horned Owl, pair, on nest

The Square:

• Mallard - 850

• Northern Pintail - 350

Snyder's Bend:

• American Coot - 10 First of Year (FOY)

• Pied-billed Grebe - 1 FOY

• Ring-billed Gull - 10 FOY

• American White Pelican - 6

• Wood Duck - 12 FOY

Sandhill Lake:

• Bufflehead - 1 male, FOY

New Lake:

• Trumpeter Swan - 1 immature

• Bufflehead - 1 male

• Northern Shoveler - 9 FOY

Plus many previously recorded duck species at several of the locations. Greater White-fronted Geese were present at all locations throughout the morning.

A couple photos showing swan field marks on the 10 swans at Owego

The top photo shows the difference in width of the facial skin contacting the eye. For the Trumpeter (right) it is very broad, but in the Tundra Swan (left) it is narrower than the diameter of the eye.
The bottom photo shows the 2 smaller bodied Tundra Swans on the left.

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

Swan images copyright 2021 by William H. Huser, used with permission.

LHAS Bird Hotline, saturday, 6 march 2021

Snyder Bend County Park, Woodbury County, IA

Bald Eagle - 125+ mainly to the south of the observation deck

Trumpeter Swan - 8

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

Swan images below copyright 2021 by Randall D. Williams, used with permission

LHAS Bird Hotline, friday, 5 march 2021

Snyder's Bend (Iowa & Nebraska portions)

• American White Pelican - 4

• Gadwall - 9

• Canvasback - 12

• Ring-necked Duck - 5 male/2 female

• Hooded Merganser - 1 female

• Killdeer - 5

• Hundreds of Greater White-fronted Geese in the air.

• And an astonishing 143 Bald Eagles.

• Green-winged Teal - 14

• Northern Pintail - 36

• Lesser Scaup - 10

• Redhead - 10,

• American Wigeon - 2

Sandhill Lake, Woodbury County, IA:
Many of the above plus:

• Ross's Goose - 3, with Snow Geese overhead

• Common Grackle - 3

• Hooded Merganser - 3 male/1 female

Jerry P., and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, thursday, 4 march 2021

Snyder Bend County Park

100+ Bald Eagles scattered along the oxbow

15 American White Pelicans on open water to the north end

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, tuesday, 2 march 2021

Sandhill Lake vicinity, Woodbury County, IA:

• Snow Goose, thousands heading southward

• Northern Pintail, airborne, flocks of 7 and another of 30

Snyders Bend, Woodbury County, IA:

• Greater White-fronted Goose, scattered small flocks airborne

• Snow Goose, 300

• Ross's Goose, 2, flying with Snows

• Cackling Goose, 1, with airborne Canada Geese

• Bald Eagle, a minimum of 60

• Common Merganser, 8

Dakota City, NE:

• Snow Goose, thousands flying NW

• Ross's Goose, 2

Near Jackson, NE:

• American Wigeon, 2

• Mallard, 1 male

• Green-winged Teal, 6, foraging in sheetwater.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE and Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE

iowa Bird Hotline, friday, 26 february 2021

124 Trumpeter Swans near the intersection of 305th st and Austin ave in Harrison county. This is north of DeSoto NWR and hwy 30 and south of Modale.

Doug Chafa

LHAS Bird Hotline, tuesday, 23 february 2021

Bluebirds this morning - there were three but could only catch two on camera

John & Sharon P., Mapleton, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, friday, 19 february 2021

Barred Owl at Bacon Creek Park.

Randy W., Sioux City, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, Thursday, 18 february 2021

Male and female White-winged Crossbill.

Rex R., and Maria R., Sioux City, IA

All images copyright 2021 by Rex and Maria Rundquist, used with permission.

LHAS Bird Hotline, Thursday, 18 february 2021

Thursday, 18 February 2021, 5:30 pm: Owego Wetlands, Woodbury County, IA:

• Short-eared Owl, 4

• Great Horned Owl, 1

• Ring-necked Pheasant, 37

• American Tree Sparrow, 12

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, wednesday, 17 february 2021

Male White-winged Crossbill.

Rex R., and Maria R., Sioux City, IA

All images copyright 2021 by Rex and Maria Rundquist, used with permission.

LHAS Bird Hotline, friday, 12 february 2021

The Great Backyard Bird Count is off to a good start with White-winged Crossbills!

Rex R., and Maria R., Sioux City, IA

All images copyright 2021 by Rex and Maria Rundquist, used with permission.

LHAS Bird Hotline, wednesday, 10 february 2021

Saw about 10 to 13 pheasants in field on Hwy 141 this morning by Smithland. I have never seen this many at one time - kind of interesting.

Sharon P., Woodbury County, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, Sunday, 24 January 2021

Chris Larson Park, trail along Big Sioux River:

• Spotted Towhee, 1

• Fox Sparrow, 1-2

• White-throated Sparrow, 2

• Harris's Sparrow, 5

• Song Sparrow, 30

• American Tree Sparrow, 25

• Dark-eyed Junco, 120

• Also, Common Goldeneyes and Common Mergansers.

Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, friday, 22 January 2021

Weedland Access:

• Common Goldeneye, 12

Brown's Lake:

• Long-eared Owl, 1

• Winter Wren, 1

• Eastern Bluebird, 12

The Square:

• Merlin, 1 (prairie)

Owego:

• Great Horned Owl, 1-2

• Ring-necked Pheasant, 20

• But missed Short-eared Owls.

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, Wednesday, 20 January 2021

Stone State Park Highlights:

• Pileated Woodpecker, 1, probable, but rare, resident

• Carolina Wren, 1 pair, perched side by side.

 Riverside Park vicinity:

• Cooper Hawk, 1

 Graceland Park Cemetery:

• Brown Creeper, 1

• Still no crossbills

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE, Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, monday, 18 January 2021

PM outing to look for Prairie Falcon in the vicinity of 235th St and 240th St (SW of airport a ways)--NOT FOUND. Numerous Western Meadowlarks and American Tree Sparrows

Luton WMA--4:30PM

• Short-eared Owl 1 (perched on post along 240th)

• Ring-necked Pheasant 58 some on Dallas Ave most on in the field nw of Delaware and 240th intersection

• Great Horned Owl -Delaware perched in a tree where the trailer is then flew between the two groves of trees.

• American Tree Sparrow (numerous)

        checklist   https://ebird.org/checklist/S79515380

Owego Wetlands

    Short-eared Owl 3 flying, interacting, and one perched

 Paul R., Woodbury County, IA

LHAS Bird Hotline, Monday, 18 January 2021

Ponca State Park, Dixon County, NE

Highlights included:

• Red-tailed Hawk, 2 dark phase, (B. j. calurus)

• Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1 female, an uncommon winter resident

• Winter Wren, 1, seemingly a continuing bird

• Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3, in 2 locations

• Purple Finch, 5, both sexes, in 2 locations

Ed B., Wayne, NE; Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE; Bill H., South Sioux City, NE

LHAS Bird Hotline, Sunday, 17 january 2021

Sioux City airport vicinity, 235th St and 240th St intersection:

Prairie Falcon, 1 first perched on roadside utility pole, then flew to top of grain bin on west side of 235th. ID by slender body; narrow, pointed wings; rapid, shallow wingbeats; and black axillaries.

Jerry P., South Sioux City, NE and Bill H., South Sioux City, NE