Big Bluestem Flyer
Newsletter of the Big Bluestem Audubon Society
Volume 40, Number 4
Programs
March 17
Mike Meetz
“A Superior Experience: The Loons of Isle
Royale”
Mike has been making trips for many years to
Isle Royale to count the young loons in the many
inland lakes. This work, a volunteer project for the
Michigan DNR, involves more than a week of
canoeing and camping off the trails with another
volunteer.
April 21
Dr. Fred Janzen
“Turtles of Iowa”
Fred Janzen will present insights into the natural
history of turtles in the Midwest with an emphasis June 4
on the turtles of Iowa. Dr. Janzen has carried out
research on Midwestern turtles for eighteen
years. After this talk we will probably all look
down more often when we are out in the field!
Program meetings are held monthly, September-May on
the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm, Room
2226 Veterinary Medicine Building, Iowa State
University, Ames, Iowa.
If you would like to meet and dine with the speaker and
the BBAS Board before the monthly meeting, please
contact Lynne Brookes to confirm space and location at
515-434-2028 rppsolar@yahoo.com
In This Issue
Page 2 Officers and Committees
President’s Column
Page 3 Boone County Christmas Count
Page 4 Iowa Audubon
Wild About Birds Weekend
Field Trip Report
March/April 2005
Field Trips
March 26
Hendrickson Marsh and Colo Ponds
April 29 – May 1
Field trips in conjunction with Iowa
Audubon’s “Wild About Birds Weekend.”
Field trips and other activities will be
based out of Camp Hantesa, near the
Des Moines River and Ledges State Park.
Visit www.IowaAudubon.org for updates,
registration, and more details. (See P. 4.)
May 7
Bird-a-thon (see P. 6)
Birder’s Brunch at Ledges State Park
Unless otherwise indicated, field trips leave promptly at
8:00 a.m. from the public parking lot west of (behind)
the Ames Wild Birds Unlimited, located south of the
railroad tracks at 213 Duff Ave. Trip destinations are
subject to change based on recent bird sightings and the
desires of the participants. Contact Jeff Nichols at 515-
795-4176, jnichols1961@hotmail.com for more information.
Page 5 BBAS Rummage Sale
Prairie Winds
Page 6 Birdathon
Young Naturalists Program
Page 7 Membership Form
Coupons
Page 8 Frog and Toad Surveyors
 President’s Column
Have you noticed the transition going on in the environment around us?
This is the time of year when Mother Nature often plays tricks on us. We start to yearn for spring and think it’s
here when:
• The days are gradually growing longer.
• The daytime temperatures sometimes warm to 40 or 50, or maybe even 60 degrees.
• The birds are singing more, often in their spring time songs.
• We may soon catch a glimpse of our first bluebird or robin.
Then, Mother Nature lets us know it’s not spring yet, when:
• Temperatures fall below freezing.
• The wind blows so we still have a wind chill.
• Snow blankets the ground once again.
But soon, if we are patient, spring will be here to stay. Plants will peak their heads out of the soil. Our winter
time feathered friends will depart until next year. We will anticipate the arrival of our warm weather feathered
friends for another season. And so the transition always continues.
Whatever the time of year and whichever transition we are in, we can enjoy the environment around us and help
and encourage others to do likewise. Here are some ideas of upcoming activities and event during the next several
months:

March 19-20 Polk County Conservation Sandhill Crane Trip to Kearney, NE

April 9 Big Bluestem Rummage Sale Fundraiser
April 16 WBU Spring Birdfeeder Cleaning Fundraiser for ISU Wildlife Care Clinic
April 22 Earth Day
April 29 Arbor Day
April 29- May 1 Iowa Audubon “Wild About Birds” Conference

Where ever you are and whatever you do, enjoy the on-going transition around us. Time goes quickly. As each
milestone passes, remember we’ll have to wait another year before it happens again. Take time to enjoy the world
around you today. Tomorrow will be another day. And who knows what tomorrow may bring!
Linda Thomas

Big Bluestem Audubon Society

Officers and Committees
Officers
President: Linda Thomas 292-7534 wbuames@msn.com
Vice-President: Lynne Brookes 434-2028 rppsolar@yahoo.com
Secretary: Bruce Ehresman 296-2995
Bruce.Ehresman@dnr.state.ia.us
Treasurer: Ed Carbrey 292-2404
Board Members
Breanne Marpe 432-1231 breannehucka@yahoo.com
Jeff: Nichols 795-4176 jnichols1961@hotmail.com
Royce Bitzer 233-6741 mariposa@iastate.edu
Wolfgang Oesterreich 232-3285 (h) wolf@iastate.edu
Tim Grotheer 233-9873 TKGrotheer@aol.com
The mission of the Big Bluestem Audubon Society is to
enjoy the observation and study of birds and natural
ecosystems, contribute to their conservation and
restoration, engage in educational activities to benefit
humanity, and gain a broader understanding and deeper
appreciation of the world we live in.
Committee Chairs
Archivist: Hank Zaletel 382-427 madowl@midiowa.net
Bird-a-thon Co-chairs: Karl and Carmen Jungbluth, 432-5057
weatherbird.opencominc.com
Conservation Chair: Bruce Ehresman (See Officers)
Education Chair: Amy Yoakum, 232-2516
ayoakum@storycounty.com
Field Trip Chair: Jeff Nichols (See Officers)
Membership Chair: Jon Bahrenfus 275-3263 jbahren@netins.net
Program Chair: Lynne Brookes (See Officers)
Publicity Chair: Linda Thomas (See Officers)
Publications & Electronic Media Co-Chairs:
David Edwards 292-3790 dcejce@dandje.org
Joyce Bahrenfus 275-3263 jbahren@netins.net
BBAS Web Site: http://www.wyalusing.org/BBAS.htm

2 Big Bluestem Flyer March/April 2005

 Boone County Christmas Bird Count SPECIES NUMBER COMMENTS
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT1 New to count
CANADA GOOSE 32
Thanks again for all your help on the 19th SWAN SPECIES 2 New to count
Boone County Christmas Bird Count. I'm really MALLARD 1
glad that so many of you were able to rearrange BALD EAGLE 47 (24 a, 23 i)Second highest count
your personal schedules on such short notice, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK 3
making our rescheduled count a success. While COOPER'S HAWK 2
the total number of birds seen was somewhat ACCIPITER SPECIES 3
RED-TAILED HAWK 65
below average, the total number of species found GOLDEN EAGLE 1 (subadult) Second time count day
(58) was actually higher than usual. AMERICAN KESTREL 15
MERLIN (Taiga race) 1 Second time count day
Based on the results of our poll at the count RING-NECKED PHEASANT 15
dinner and assuming that we can find a good WILD TURKEY 108
place to dine on that evening, our next Boone ROCK PIGEON 189
MOURNING DOVE 19
County CBC will be scheduled for Saturday, 31 EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE 8 Highest count
December 2005. EASTERN SCREECH OWL 5
Mark Widrlechner, Compiler GREAT-HORNED OWL 1
BARRED OWL 5
OWL SPECIES 3
BELTED KINGFISHER 4
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER 1
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER 101
DOWNY WOODPECKER 156
HAIRY WOODPECKER 65
NORTHERN FLICKER 9
PILEATED WOODPECKER 3 Tied highest count
HORNED LARK 3
BLUE JAY 62
AMERICAN CROW 514
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE 390
TUFTED TITMOUSE 38
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH 17
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH 223
BROWN CREEPER 7
CAROLINA WREN 1
WINTER WREN 2
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET 2
EASTERN BLUEBIRD 2
AMERICAN ROBIN 5
CEDAR WAXWING 37
NORTHERN SHRIKE 2
SHRIKE SPECIES 1
EUROPEAN STARLING 1406
NORTHERN CARDINAL 246
AMERICAN TREE SPARROW 368
SONG SPARROW 30
SWAMP SPARROW 4
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW 3
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW 1
HARRIS'S SPARROW 3
DARK-EYED JUNCO 913
OREGON JUNCO 2 Tied highest count
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD 2
COMMON GRACKLE 4
BLACKBIRD SPECIES 9
PURPLE FINCH 9
HOUSE FINCH 46
COMMON REDPOLL 2
PINE SISKIN 21
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH 209
HOUSE SPARROW 1257
# OF BIRDS 6706
# OF SPECIES (COUNT DAY) 58

March/April 2005 Big Bluestem Flyer 3

 1st Annual Spring
Wild About Birds Weekend
April 29-May 1, 2005
Join Iowa Audubon now to support birds, Join Iowa’s Bird & Habitat Specialists, Expert
habitats and action in Iowa. Iowa Audubon is Naturalists, plus Nationally Known Speakers as we
striving to become the bird conservation and bird Celebrate Iowa’s Beautiful Birds and Natural Habitats.
education people in Iowa. With our Important Bird Learn to Support Iowa’s Rarest Birds through the
Areas program, and the help of chapters and Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program.
volunteers like you, we will identify areas essential Central Location: Camp Hantesa, near the Des
to birds, monitor bird populations and conserve Moines River and Ledges State Park, Boone, Iowa
those areas for birds and for biodiversity. Choose from the Following Array of Activities:
• Learn about 200+ Habitats for Birds in 86 Iowa
Counties (Iowa’s Important Bird Areas, or IBAs)
Please send $10 (family $15) to:
Francis Moore, Treasurer • Participate in Expert led Field Trips
P.O. Box 682 • Learn How to Becoming a Better Birder and What You
Waterloo, IA 50704-0682 Can Do to Help Birds in Your Area
Make checks to: Iowa Audubon • See How to Use a Computer to Record Your Bird
Sightings on Maps of Iowa
• Enjoy Naturalist-led Programs- Live Birds of Prey
The Mission of Iowa Audubon is to identify, protect • Explore Relevant Bird & Habitat Topics through
and restore Iowa’s bird habitats, to educate Iowa’s Interactive Panel Discussions and Workshops
citizens toward a greater level of conservation Win Nature-oriented Auction Items and Door Prizes
awareness, and to promote enjoyment and greater pride
in Iowa’s natural ecosystems, birds, and other wildlife. Check www.IowaAudubon.org for updates,
registration and full details.

Field Trip Report

Ledges in the Snow (January 29, 2005)
The first field trip of the year, also sometimes called the “Field Trip of Futility,” resulted in a nice
list of 34 species. We first checked the Science II Building on the ISU campus, but failed
to locate the apparently resident Peregrine Falcon. We did see a nice
flock of Cedar Waxwings. A pass through Luther turned up six
Eurasian Collared-Doves. We next hiked around the Lost Lake Trail,
finding Tufted Titmouse and several Golden-crowned Kinglets. We
also hiked up the canyon and located a few more passerines before Kirsten Munson

taking a lunch break in Boone. We returned to the Ledges and explored the pine
plantation on the northeastern edge of the park, where we had nice looks at Purple Finches, Pine
Siskins, and dozens of Red-breasted Nuthatches.
Jeff Nichols

Bird’s View of BBAS birders

4 Big Bluestem Flyer March/April 2005

 Big Bluestem Audubon Society Rummage Sale on April 9, 2005

Time to get serious about setting aside items for the Spring 2005 BBAS Rummage Sale! This sale will
be a great opportunity to reduce clutter and recycle unwanted items, while also helping fund the
conservation and education activities of Big Bluestem.

The sale will begin at 8:00 am on Saturday, April 9th at the State Forest Nursery Headquarters,
located on the east side of Duff Ave, across the street from Lowe’s. Please bring items you wish to donate
to the sale location on FRIDAY evening, April 8th between 5:00 and 9:00 pm, and please also price your
own items. If you are unable to bring donations Friday evening, please contact me in advance to work
out other arrangements. I can be contacted at 515-795-4176 or jnichols1961@hotmail.com.
Jeff Nichols

Our View from Prairie Winds

(Mike and Linda’s prairie is a few miles north east of Ames)

A fresh blanket of snow covers the pathway that meanders through the prairie. The once tall stems and stalks
are losing their battle against the winter elements. Our Golden, her nose down, runs across a fresh deposit of
pheasant droppings left in last night’s roost site. A lone set of tracks led away from this temporary refuge but is
soon crossed and joined by more pheasant tracks, all headed north toward the open corn stubble field.

As we approach the loose tangle of barbed wire delineating the fence line, a light puff of snow betrays the
location of a small mixed flock of Tree Sparrows and Juncos. In the lead are three Harris Sparrows that flit from
post to stem and then down to the drift-covered grasses. Ahead of them sits a lone White-Throated Sparrow that is
quickly surrounded by the other busy gleaners. They move on as the dog closes in on their feeding area.

The pup’s attention to all this activity is diverted to the lone set of fox tracks that cross in front of her. The fox
meandered past clumps of vegetation, stopped at a few and then continued on toward the west prairie marsh
across the ice and past one of the two muskrat huts. I thought about continuing on but decided to keep my feet dry
as I watched the pup break through the rotting ice along the shoreline.

Looking beyond the pothole shoreline I notice what appears to be dirt clots move and huddle near the top of a
high point in the adjacent field to the west. My raised binoculars reveal to me nine Gray Partridge hunting for
morsels in the protruding bean stubble.

Postscript:
We pull into our drive Sunday night about 7:30 returning from a quick 3 day trip to north Arkansas. Hey
everyone: spring is slowly making its way north as evidenced by the bird life, ice-free water, buds, and crocus
blooms seen further south.

I stand outside in the rain, watch the dog stretch, relieve herself, and then perk up as a coyote group sings in the
prairie. There is still more winter to experience but it is beginning to lose its grip around here.
Feb 13, 2005 Mike and Linda Meetz

Newsletter Material Deadlines

Because we would like to have the newsletter to each member before the first day of its coverage, the editor
needs to have material at least two weeks before that. Hence the deadline for the next issue will be the
fifteenth of April.
Please be aware that editing your offering for length and style is sometimes necessary.

March/April 2005 Big Bluestem Flyer 5

 Audubon Birdathon
May 7, 2005
The annual Birdathon is Big Bluestem Audubon’s main fundraising event. It’s like a walkathon,
except we count birds to raise funds for birds.
Even if you can’t tell a Bittern from a Bobolink, you can learn. It’s all for a worthy cause. Birdathon
participants spend all day, or just a few hours. Try it!

LOOKING TO JOIN UP WITH

OTHERS OR FORM A TEAM?
CONTACT BIRDATHON
COORDINATORS
KARL & CARMEN JUNGBLUTH,
515-432-5057
We need ALL chapter members
to support this effort!
• Collect at least $20 in pledges, and join
us on May 10th. Use the form on the
reverse side.
• If you can’t join the Birdathon, support
us by sponsoring the chapter effort.
Send your donation, payable to Big
Bluestem Audubon to Ed Carbrey,
Treasurer, 3313 Morningside St, Ames,
IA 50014
Birdathon! TM is a Trademark of the
National Audubon Society
How Does it Work?
1. Audubon Birdathon is a national team
event.
2. Birders collect pledges from donors to
support Audubon efforts. Ask relatives,
friends, neighbors, co-workers to pledge a
fixed amount of $10, 20, or $50, or ask them
to pledge an amount per species identified.
We usually see 50 to 100+ species.
3. Sign up by contacting the Birdathon
Coordinators.
4. Prizes and incentives: Non-members who
pledge $20 or more get a complimentary
Audubon membership. Everyone is eligible to
win prizes– bird feeders, bird books, T-shirts,
binoculars– good stuff from local businesses
and national sponsors.
5. On May 8th, head to your favorite birding
spot. Count as many species as you can.
Have fun!

Young Naturalist Workshop Scholarships

Big Bluestem Audubon Society is pleased to announce it is are offering three scholarships for $275.00
to the Young Naturalist Workshop at the Des Moines YMCA Camp. This week long camp is targeted to
students leaving 5th or 6th grades who love science and nature. Participants will be immersed in
nature experiences taught by naturalists and conservation professionals. The camp will be August 7-13
at the Y-Camp north of Boone. Campers will be responsible for a small registration fee that the
scholarship does not cover. For more information please contact:
Amy Yoakum
Big Bluestem Education Committee
56461 180th Street
Ames, Iowa 50010-9451.
Amy Yoakum

6 Big Bluestem Flyer March/April 2005

 Clip and Join
Don’t forget gift memberships!

Membership Application forms

New member of the National Audubon Society. You will
receive the Audubon magazine, the Big Bluestem Flyer,
membership card. — $20
Please make your check payable to National Audubon
Society and include “Chapter Code H-57” on the check
OR
Subscribe to the Big Bluestem Flyer for one year and
participate in some Big Bluestem Society Activities — $10
Restrictions are that you will not be a National Audubon Society
member or have voting privileges, and you cannot be an officer or
committee chair. Please make your check payable to Big Bluestem
Audubon Society.

Send your check and this coupon to

Jon Bahrenfus, Membership Chair
1050 J Ave, Ogden, IA 50212

Name _______________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________
City_____________________ State____ ZIP_______________
Phone ________________ E-mail _______________________
Please do not use this form for renewals to the National Audubon Soc.

Present the coupons below at the time of your purchase and a donation will be given to BBAS.
Donations will fund the various habitat restoration and educational projects undertaken by BBAS.

Brekke's Town & Country Store, Inc.

Donate 10% 1 1/2 miles east of I-35 on new U.S. 30 and 1/4 mile north
of Your Next Hours: 8-6 M-F, 8-4 Sat. (515) 232-7906
Purchase to
Purchase Donation
Big Bluestem Audubon Society Up tp $15 $1.50
Coupon must be presented at time of purchase $15 and over $3.00
May not be combined with any other offer
Not valid on specially-priced merchandise
$35 and over $5.00
Over $70 $7.50
Offer Expires: 04-30-05
Brekke’s offers Big Bluestem Audubon Society a donation
when bird seed or other bird products are purchased.
Present this coupon with your purchase and a donation will be
given to BBAS.
213 Duff Ave. Ames, IA 50010 (515) 956-3145
Mon-Wed 9:30-5:30 Thurs 9:30-8
Fri 9:30-5:30 Sat 9-5 Sun 12-4 Offer good until April 30, 2005
BIRDSEED • FEEDERS • BIRDBATHS • OPTICS • NATURE GIFTS

March/April 2005 Big Bluestem Flyer 7

 FROG AND TOAD SURVEYORS RECEIVE DNR RECOGNITION

The Iowa Frog and Toad Call Survey has been all-volunteer since 1991. Since inception, nearly 100 different vol-
unteers have submitted observations from all around the state. Given operational restrictions within the Wildlife
Diversity Program (WDP), these volunteers continue to provide data vital to conservation in Iowa. With wildlife
management staff time being stretched on our public lands, and the WDP program budget being so little, it is truly
critical to coordinate a survey such as this through volunteers. The WDP is indebted to their diligent, loyal, and
professional support.

While this survey has been conducted for 13 straight years, it is particularly noteworthy that volunteers, several
from BBAS, have been involved the last 10 years. It is this perennial and loyal group that were acknowledged by
the DNR- Keepers of the Land as the Outstanding Volunteer Group and the Director’s Choice award for 2004.

Why are F&T Survey volunteers are so important to the state of Iowa? With at least 50 surveys submitted each
year, multiplied by an average of 4 hours per submitted survey, times 13 years, equals some 2600 hours of total
time spent conducting this survey by volunteers since inception. This is equivalent of one full-time staff for one and
a half years. Calculating value for time, mileage, and equipment provided by volunteers, their efforts provide about
$6000 worth of services annually.

The 1990’s discovered several declining species of frogs and toads as well as unexplained malformations. Surveys
such as this were created to get a better idea of this group of wildlife. As with most research efforts, the last decade
has discovered some answers and uncovered newer questions. More recently, several species of frogs and toads are
of special concern in Iowa as well as the upper Midwest region. The data compiled from this survey aids many
agencies and researchers in monitoring population trends and creating management plans.
Mark McInroy, WDP Natural Resource Technician

Vol 40 No. 4 Printed on Recycled paper March/April 2005

unless you renew.

issue of the Flyer
this will be your last
your mailing label,
after your name on
If you have an “X”

We welcome new members!

Ames, IA 50014
2308 State Ave
Ames, Iowa Big Bluestem Audubon Society
Permit No. 131 David C. Edwards, Editor
U. S. Postage Paid Big Bluestem Flyer
Non-Profit Org.