Date: 7/13/25 6:33 pm From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Not at sighting: Jim and Patricia Dinsmore recognition plaques at Big Wall Lake, Wright Co.
[image: Wright County July 13 2025 127.JPG]
On Sun, Jul 13, 2025 at 8:32 PM Clayton Will <willcfish...> wrote:
> Some of you likely know this. I was very pleased to run across this in a
> very remote part of Wright County today. Jim and Patricia Dinsmore
> recognition plaques at Big Wall Lake Wetlands, Wright Co.. This is on the
> prairie of the 300th st. dead end cable parking lot off Page Avenue at the
> SW corner of the area. What a nice recognition for them and all those
> supporting. One of the nicest prairies I've seen.
> There must be 30 prairie potholes in corn and bean fields on the North end
> and for several miles West of Big Wall. Some of them are very large and
> full of water. There were a few Mallards, Hooded Mergansers and Sora. As
> the water recedes this area can only get better.
>
> Clayton Will
> Madrid
>
> [image: Wright County July 13 2025 126.JPG]
>
Date: 7/13/25 6:32 pm From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: [ia-bird] Not at sighting: Jim and Patricia Dinsmore recognition plaques at Big Wall Lake, Wright Co.
Some of you likely know this. I was very pleased to run across this in a very remote part of Wright County today. Jim and Patricia Dinsmore recognition plaques at Big Wall Lake Wetlands, Wright Co.. This is on the prairie of the 300th st. dead end cable parking lot off Page Avenue at the SW corner of the area. What a nice recognition for them and all those supporting. One of the nicest prairies I've seen. There must be 30 prairie potholes in corn and bean fields on the North end and for several miles West of Big Wall. Some of them are very large and full of water. There were a few Mallards, Hooded Mergansers and Sora. As the water recedes this area can only get better.
During a bird walk, at the Tall Grass Prairie (Neal Smith NWR) on Saturday 7/12, we heard one as well. I've walked the trail many times over the last 3 years, and this is only the second time I've heard a Bobwhite.
Date: 7/13/25 8:21 am From: Neil Bernstein <tornataornata...> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Iowa Bird LIfe -- not a sighting -- plus 2 local bird sightings
Thanks Diane. All of us involved in IBL appreciate the comments. For
everyone: please keep sending ideas, essays, poems, and photos. Neil
On Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 1:34:46 PM UTC-5 keesiemom wrote:
> Just want to take a moment to thank everyone involved with the publication
> of Iowa Bird Life, now and in years past. Having spent my entire adult
> career in the publishing industry (and extremely happy to now be retired
> from it), I KNOW it takes a lot of hard work to make the quarterly
> publications come together. Your time and efforts are greatly appreciated!
>
> One new feature from the past couple of issues that I am especially
> enjoying is the addition of maps to the field reports. Thanks for including
> those, they are quite helpful in presenting a visual overview of the
> sightings.
>
> For bird sightings, this morning at the Blue Grass sod farm on Deal Road
> in Linn County, there were 2 UPLAND SANDPIPERS out on the sod, and 3 adult
> and 12 juvenile GRAY PARTRIDGE along the west side fence line.
>
> Diana Pesek
> Cedar Rapids
>
Date: 7/13/25 6:15 am From: 'Art Check' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Bobwhite calling
Though maybe not super rare, a lot harder to come by than it used to be.
Just thought I’d throw in a brief recording of the Bobwhite calling from my woods.
Art Check
Nevada
Date: 7/13/25 5:50 am From: 'Art Check' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Bobwhite
Birders
I was awakened by an exciting sound this morning. A northern bobwhite is calling actively in the woods right next to my house!
First time in 23 years of living here I have heard one. It’s been calling regularly for about 1/2 hour!
Pretty exciting to hear!
Art Check
Nevada
Sent from my iPhone
Date: 7/12/25 11:34 am From: 'Diana Pesek' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa Bird LIfe -- not a sighting -- plus 2 local bird sightings
Just want to take a moment to thank everyone involved with the publication of Iowa Bird Life, now and in years past. Having spent my entire adult career in the publishing industry (and extremely happy to now be retired from it), I KNOW it takes a lot of hard work to make the quarterly publications come together. Your time and efforts are greatly appreciated!
One new feature from the past couple of issues that I am especially enjoying is the addition of maps to the field reports. Thanks for including those, they are quite helpful in presenting a visual overview of the sightings.
For bird sightings, this morning at the Blue Grass sod farm on Deal Road in Linn County, there were 2 UPLAND SANDPIPERS out on the sod, and 3 adult and 12 juvenile GRAY PARTRIDGE along the west side fence line.
Date: 7/12/25 11:31 am From: Doug & Nina Harr <dnharr...> Subject: [ia-bird] Shorebirds returning in Hamilton Co.
A mixed flock of shorebirds this morning was on the private wetland along the S side of 390th St. in Hamilton Co., just north of Bjorkboda Marsh. All were feeding in that shallow marsh, and this is the most I've seen there since May, so it's likely this is just a start of the southern migration for shorebirds (there was also a variety reported in the Mason City/Clear Lake area earlier this week).
At this morning's site in southern Hamilton Co. there was a total of about 31 (I might have missed a couple): 2 Pectoral Sandpipers, 10 Least Sandpipers, 2 Semipalmated Sandpipers, 6 Solitary Sandpipers, plus about 11 Killdeer.
Date: 7/11/25 6:41 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 7-11-25
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, July 5, to Friday, July 11, 2025:
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
Additional Species Mentioned
Red-necked Grebe
White-faced Ibis
Mississippi Kite
***NEW!**************** For more up to date information on rarities in the state of Iowa, visit the Iowa Birds and Birding website at www.Iowabirds.org <http://www.iowabirds.org>
***********************
Species in ALL CAPS can be classified into three categories in the state of Iowa: 1) UNRECORDED, ACCIDENTAL or Casual; 2) A RARE but regular species; or 3) record early or late date or unusual for time of year. Any species with three asterisks (***species***) would represent a first record for Iowa (UNRECORDED) and should be observed and documented very carefully. Species with two asterisks (**species**) are species that are either ACCIDENTAL, CASUAL, or a rare regular species, and should also be documented. Species with one asterisk (*species) should have some details of the observation provided.
Please note this is an UNOFFICIAL compilation of rare bird sightings from both eBird and the IOU listserve. Data for field reports and early/late dates should not be taken from this weekly report.
SOUTHEAST
DES MOINES COUNTY
A MISSISSIPPI KITE was seen at Aspen Grove Cemetery on the 5th.
NORTHWEST
CLAY COUNTY
A RED-NECKED GREBE was seen at Trumbull Lake on the 8th.
2 WHITE-FACED IBIS were seen at Trumbull Lake on the 8th.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, July 18, 2025 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
Following Tom Johnson's example I found some interesting birds on the BBS I completed on June 28 in Cedar County west of Tipton. It's 95% corn and bean fields but it amazes me that I find a few birds every year that you wouldn't expect to find in heavily cultivated, flat terrain. A Cooper's hawk flying over a bean field with few trees in sight, a bobolink flyover with no habitat in eyeshot, and a great horned owl perched in the loft of an old barn with no habitat to speak of in any direction. Among the less unexpected species, a family of kestrels at the same farmstead as other years, 5 pheasants, and 6 western meadowlark versus 12 eastern. The bean field where I had upland sandpiper last year is now planted with corn so no luck there. Many of the bean fields in past years were corn this year and this is the first year I didn't find horned lark.
Late report from 7/1 for BBS which is Lucas and Monroe counties. This is not as interesting as my Appanoose and Davis BBS with flatter ground and more farming. The unusual birds on this count were 3 Black Billed Cuckoos which I have not had on this count. I also had no turkeys but late in season to hear them, Pheasants were scarce with only 3 and Quail with 8. I did have a Mockingbird which is uncommon for me on this count. This count used to reliable for Upland Plover but the 2 areas I used to find them are now in corn fields instead of grass. As an added note I found a Yellow-crowned Night Heron early in the summer on 269 ave. marsh in Appanoose Count but have not found it or other my last 2 times in the area. Tom Johnson Mystic, Ia.
Date: 7/9/25 3:56 am From: <ritag...> Subject: [ia-bird] shorebirds Cerro Gordo County
As reported by Trey Weaver in ebird, there are shorebirds in the field ponds along Grouse Ave., north of Clear Lake. Eight species were seen including Stilt Sandpiper yesterday. Also, at the ponds were 250 Franklin's Gulls at one pond and 200 Franklin's Gulls at another. Didn't find a Laughing Gull among them.
Date: 7/7/25 7:48 am From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Upper Ledges birds
On Mon, Jul 7, 2025, 09:44 Clayton Will <willcfish...> wrote:
> Upper Ledges State Park, Boone Co. > > There is a male Scarlet Tanager singing in the Oak Savannah picnic/trail > parking area this morning. Wood Thrush calling in the ravine aling with > Tufted Titmouse and many other birds. Plus it's shady! > > Clayton Will > Madrid > > Clayton Will >
Date: 7/7/25 7:45 am From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: [ia-bird] Upper Ledges birds
Upper Ledges State Park, Boone Co.
There is a male Scarlet Tanager singing in the Oak Savannah picnic/trail parking area this morning. Wood Thrush calling in the ravine aling with Tufted Titmouse and many other birds. Plus it's shady!
Date: 7/4/25 6:05 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 7-4-25
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, June 28, to Friday, July 4, 2025:
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
Additional Species Mentioned
Black-bellied Whistling Duck
Common Gallinule
Marbled Godwit
Least Tern
***NEW!**************** For more up to date information on rarities in the state of Iowa, visit the Iowa Birds and Birding website at www.Iowabirds.org <http://www.iowabirds.org>
***********************
Species in ALL CAPS can be classified into three categories in the state of Iowa: 1) UNRECORDED, ACCIDENTAL or Casual; 2) A RARE but regular species; or 3) record early or late date or unusual for time of year. Any species with three asterisks (***species***) would represent a first record for Iowa (UNRECORDED) and should be observed and documented very carefully. Species with two asterisks (**species**) are species that are either ACCIDENTAL, CASUAL, or a rare regular species, and should also be documented. Species with one asterisk (*species) should have some details of the observation provided.
Please note this is an UNOFFICIAL compilation of rare bird sightings from both eBird and the IOU listserve. Data for field reports and early/late dates should not be taken from this weekly report.
SOUTHEAST
VAN BUREN COUNTY
A BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK was seen along Jasmine Rd near Keosaqua on the 30th.
CENTRAL
POLK COUNTY
A MARBLED GODWIT was seen at the Big Creek Spillway on the 30th.
NORTHWEST
WOODBURY COUNTY
A LEAST TERN was seen at the confluence of the Big Sioux and Missouri rivers on the 2nd.
SAC COUNTY
A COMMON GALLINULE was seen at Kiowa Marsh on the 3rd.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, July 11, 2025 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
Date: 7/1/25 4:29 am From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: [ia-bird] Boone County Eastern Whip-poor-will
I went to Luther Bridge, Boone County, last evening and there were at least 5 Eastern Whip-poor-will calling from both sides of the Des Moines river. Also North and South on the West side where I was parked. Plenty of shoulder to park on. Wouldn't you know a truck had to come by right when the close Whip was calling best but still good audio. They called about 5 times between 9:20 and 9:40 which is pretty typical. A Great-blue Heron must have been roosted close and gave me some harsh calls I recorded. Also a Green Heron. Every kind of swallow plus Chimney Swifts. A fun evening.
Date: 6/28/25 6:08 pm From: Weldon Bell <dubnellen...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Digest for - 1 update in 1 topic
Today we had a surprising yard bird. A male spotted towhee has visited
the sunflower seed tray several times.
This is a first summer visit. A number of years ago a spotted towhee
wintered at the edge of our yard here on the north side of Cardinal
Marsh in Winneshiek county.
Ellen Bell
>
>
--
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
www.avast.com
While road-birding around Boone County this morning, I happened to see a pair of Northern Bobwhites running down Magnolia Road (about 1 mi. NW of Co. Hwy. E57) ahead of me. The female dashed off into roadside grass and disappeared, but the male flew up into a tree about 25 ft. from me. After hiding behind some leaves he started strolling out onto an open brunch and then stopped there for about 3 minutes, allowing me to get a bunch of good telephoto portraits, including the one I'm attaching here (cropped somewhat, but not much).
Date: 6/27/25 12:41 pm From: Don Poggensee <donpoggensee...> Subject: [ia-bird] Red-Breasted nuthatch young
Hello, Some of you may not believe, but for many years I have had the great pleasure of having Red-breasted nuthatches at my feeders all year. Today the first two young Red-breasted nuthatches came to eat at my suet feeder. Yes, the new little ones, still did not have all their colors, but indeed they were hatched here.
Don
Don Poggensee 174 Lakeview Drive Ida Grove, Iowa 51445 Cell 712-369-3454
Date: 6/27/25 5:19 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 6-27-25
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, June 21, to Friday, June 27, 2025:
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
Additional Species Mentioned
Black-bellied Whistling Duck
Western Grebe
White-faced Ibis
Marbled Godwit
Laughing Gull
Mississippi Kite
Pine Warbler
***NEW!**************** For more up to date information on rarities in the state of Iowa, visit the Iowa Birds and Birding website at www.Iowabirds.org <http://www.iowabirds.org>
***********************
Species in ALL CAPS can be classified into three categories in the state of Iowa: 1) UNRECORDED, ACCIDENTAL or Casual; 2) A RARE but regular species; or 3) record early or late date or unusual for time of year. Any species with three asterisks (***species***) would represent a first record for Iowa (UNRECORDED) and should be observed and documented very carefully. Species with two asterisks (**species**) are species that are either ACCIDENTAL, CASUAL, or a rare regular species, and should also be documented. Species with one asterisk (*species) should have some details of the observation provided.
Please note this is an UNOFFICIAL compilation of rare bird sightings from both eBird and the IOU listserve. Data for field reports and early/late dates should not be taken from this weekly report.
NORTHEAST
DUBUQUE COUNTY
2 LAUGHING GULLS were seen at Lock and Dam 11 on the 24th.
EAST
JOHNSON COUNTY
2 MARBLED GODWITS were seen from James Ave at Hawkeye WA on the 23rd.
LINN COUNTY
A LAUGHING GULL was seen at Pleasant Creek SRA on the 24th.
SOUTHEAST
VAN BUREN COUNTY
A PINE WARBLER was seen at the Farmington Unit of Shimek SF on the 21st.
CENTRAL
POLK COUNTY
A MISSISSIPPI KITE was seen over Urbandale on the 22nd.
A WHITE-FACED IBIS was seen at the Big Creek Spillway on the 24th.
A WESTERN GREBE was seen at Big Creek SP on the 25th.
STORY COUNTY
3 BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCKS were seen along 600th Ave near Roland on the 25th.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, July 4, 2025 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
I just relocated the Northern Mockingbird found by Andrew Dettro this morning at Brenton Arboretum, Dallas Center, Dallas County. It was singing at the top of a pine tree near NW corner of arboretum on south side of road on slope.
Date: 6/25/25 12:57 pm From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: [ia-bird] Bank Swallows and Cliff Swallows at Ledges State Park, Boone Co.
This morning after the 2" rain the Cliff Swallows from the canyon wall at Ledges State Park Boone Co. must have been rebuilding nest entrances and were gathering clay from the West side of the Des Moines River NW of the Lower Ledges boat ramp. Mixed in were a few Bank Swallows resting on roots outside the nest holes or feeding young directly above the Cliff Swallows. Last week there wasn't any activity and bank swallows had made more nests. The creek where I've seen the Cliff Swallows gather nest material is a torrent of water. At the high water pole there was a Northern Parula, Yellow Throated Warbler, Redstarts, Yellow Warblers and a calling Pileated Woodpecker. Clayton Will, Madrid [image: iabird Swallows Ledges June 25, 2025 047 - frame at 0m13s.jpg] [image: Ledges June 25, 2025 036.JPG]
Date: 6/23/25 8:41 am From: jimforde via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Marbled Godwits at Hawkeye Wildlife Area
This morning, I scoped a distant pair of MARBLED GODWITS across from the James Ave. shoreline. They took to the air making their cinnamon underwings quite visible, so I was able to make a positive identification. Hawkeye's water levels were just high enough to cover all the mud flats, so the long-legged godwits were the only shorebirds around.
Date: 6/22/25 2:22 pm From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: [ia-bird] Not a sighting: Photos of birders at Brushy Creek Lake looking at the Yellow-billed Loon
Organizing some pictures on this hot day and I ran across these that I liked from Brushy Creek dam August 13, 2019. Enjoy, I'll send two more on a reply because of the size.
Clayton Will Madrid. [image: Yellow billed Loon viewing Brushy Creek Lake August 13 2019 DSCN1750 (2)_LI.jpg]
Date: 6/20/25 9:23 am From: Karen Fieg <karenlfieg...> Subject: [ia-bird] Blue Grosbeak
I just had a Blue Grosbeak at the far north end of Jester Park on the wood pile gravel road near North entrance. It popped out briefly, sang, then disappeared in the woodpile. This is the second BG I've seen at Jester. The other one is below the campground on south end. I saw both male and female at that location.
Date: 6/20/25 8:00 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 6-20-25
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, June 14, to Friday, June 20, 2025:
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
Additional Species Mentioned
Chuck-wills-Widow
Common Gallinule
White-faced Ibis
Least Tern
Mississippi Kite
***NEW!**************** For more up to date information on rarities in the state of Iowa, visit the Iowa Birds and Birding website at www.Iowabirds.org <http://www.iowabirds.org>
***********************
Species in ALL CAPS can be classified into three categories in the state of Iowa: 1) UNRECORDED, ACCIDENTAL or Casual; 2) A RARE but regular species; or 3) record early or late date or unusual for time of year. Any species with three asterisks (***species***) would represent a first record for Iowa (UNRECORDED) and should be observed and documented very carefully. Species with two asterisks (**species**) are species that are either ACCIDENTAL, CASUAL, or a rare regular species, and should also be documented. Species with one asterisk (*species) should have some details of the observation provided.
Please note this is an UNOFFICIAL compilation of rare bird sightings from both eBird and the IOU listserve. Data for field reports and early/late dates should not be taken from this weekly report.
NORTH CENTRAL
CERRO GORDO COUNTY
A COMMON GALLINULE was seen at Ventura Marsh on the 14th.
SOUTHEAST
WAPELLO
A CHUCK-WILLS-WIDOW was seen at Pioneer Ridge NA on the 16th.
MAHASKA COUNTY
2 WHITE-FACED IBIS were seen at Maskunky Marsh on the 19th.
CENTRAL
POLK COUNTY
2 LEAST TERNS were seen from Big Creek Spillway on the 17th.
NORTHWEST
KOSSUTH COUNTY
2 MISSISSIPPI KITES were seen over Algona on the 14th.
CLAY COUNTY
2 WHITE-FACED IBIS were seen at Trumbull Lake on the 18th.
A COMMON GALLINULE was seen at Trumbull Lake on the 18th.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, June 27, 2025 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
Date: 6/19/25 8:26 pm From: Merle and Marsha Hall <mghall...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Bohemian Waxwings...
Okay. The experts out there probably already knew these were Cedar
Waxwings. Oh, well. So much for our bird ID skills. 😳 I think they
just looked so dark compared to what we've seen before. Maybe it's the
time of year or the lighting.
They were still pretty fun to watch for a half hour or so.
I found two White-faced Ibis at Maskunky Marsh, Mahaska County, Iowa this
morning (6-19-2025). Both were feeding for about an hour. They flew off
to the north - northeast.
Sure be fun if they are nesting. It’s a long shot.
Date: 6/18/25 7:01 pm From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: [ia-bird] Quality birds at Bob Shetler below Saylorville Dam, Polk County today.
It was a great middle of the day after I had the oil changed on the SUV this morning. All in the same spot below Saylorville Dam, Polk County. I parked in the South pond pull off North of the boat ramp. Prothonotary Warbler Yellow-throated Vireo at least 6 Yellow-billed Cuckoos calling all around and across the river. 2 seen and possibly 3 Pileated Woodpeckers. One came right in and I took video of it feeding on insects about 20 yards away. Interesting to see it using its tongue to lick insects off the tree branch. Then it flew a short distance into a Mulberry and started eating fruit. I'd not seen that before. A juvenile Northern Parula I thought was going to come in the car with me ended up sitting on my mirror after using the call for 10 seconds. I had the same thing happen in the same spot (trailhead parking lot) 6-7 years ago. All in all a great day with many other (38) birds at that location. Earlier I had stopped by the Great Blue Heron rookery and videod an adult regurgitating fish to feed the two young in her nest. There are over 60 nests in this rookery that is on Camp Dodge, federal land but can be viewed from North 86th st.. Here's a link to my ebird checklist if you'd like to see the videos. https://ebird.org/checklist/S251786951
Date: 6/18/25 8:03 am From: Doug & Nina Harr <dnharr...> Subject: [ia-bird] Chats near Woodward
Two Yellow-breasted chats calling & seen along the low portion of 145th Lane, a few miles SE of Woodward, on Saylorville WMA in NE corner of Dallas Co.
Date: 6/18/25 7:40 am From: Ryan Shackleton <shack357...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Bobolink question
I saw one east of Colwell this season, that's it so far. They definitely seem to be down
-----Original Message-----
From: Russell <BenedictR...>
To: ia-bird <ia-bird...>
Date: Tuesday, 17 June 2025 10:11 AM CDT
Subject: [ia-bird] Bobolink question
Good morning,
I have not seen or heard a single Bobolink this year. Probably just a wrong place - wrong time thing. Have other people been seeing good numbers this spring? Russ between Pella and Knoxville.
Russ Benedict
Professor of Biology
Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
Department of Biology, Central College
812 University Street | Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
Office: 641-628-5173
From: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> on behalf of Russell Benedict <BenedictR...>
Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 10:06 AM
To: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...>
Subject: [ia-bird] Interesting oriole behavior
Caution: The e-mail below is from an external source to Central College. Please do not open attachments or click links from an unknown or suspicious origin. Report suspected phishing emails using the “Phishing Alert Report” button.
Iowa bird lovers,
Sitting on my porch this morning, I saw a female Baltimore Oriole fly across my yard carrying something large and dark in her bill. She dropped it on my sidewalk, reminding me of when birds drop fecal sacs from their young. I investigated and found that she had dropped a dead oriole nestling. I have always wondered what happens to young that die in the nest. Has anyone else seen similar behaviors? Russ between Pella and Knoxville.
Russ Benedict
Professor of Biology
Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
Department of Biology, Central College
812 University Street | Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
Date: 6/18/25 5:55 am From: Bruce Morrison <crazcoot...> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Bobolink question
We have nesting Bobolinks adjacent to our two small pastures this year…was
having a couple different males flying and calling yesterday afternoon,
just before a heavy rain. I’ve only seen two males at the same time - each
in different pastures.
We had three pairs last year here that were drowned out by our late June
flood…the pastures were under about 6 feet of water and flowing.
SE O’Brien County - Grant township
On Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 10:11:16 AM UTC-5 benedictr wrote:
> Good morning,
>
> I have not seen or heard a single Bobolink this year. Probably just
> a wrong place - wrong time thing. Have other people been seeing good
> numbers this spring? Russ between Pella and Knoxville.
>
>
>
> Russ Benedict
>
> Professor of Biology
>
> Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
>
> Department of Biology, Central College
>
> 812 University Street | Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
>
> Office: 641-628-5173 <(641)%20628-5173>
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* <ia-......> <ia-......> on behalf of
> Russell Benedict <Bene......>
> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 17, 2025 10:06 AM
> *To:* <ia-......> <ia-......>
> *Subject:* [ia-bird] Interesting oriole behavior
>
> Caution: The e-mail below is from an external source to Central College.
> Please do not open attachments or click links from an unknown or suspicious
> origin. Report suspected phishing emails using the “Phishing Alert Report”
> button.
>
> Iowa bird lovers,
>
> Sitting on my porch this morning, I saw a female Baltimore Oriole
> fly across my yard carrying something large and dark in her bill. She
> dropped it on my sidewalk, reminding me of when birds drop fecal sacs from
> their young. I investigated and found that she had dropped a dead oriole
> nestling. I have always wondered what happens to young that die in the
> nest. Has anyone else seen similar behaviors? Russ between Pella and
> Knoxville.
>
>
> Russ Benedict
>
> Professor of Biology
>
> Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
>
> Department of Biology, Central College
>
> 812 University Street | Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
>
> Office: 641-628-5173 <(641)%20628-5173>
>
> --
> Post by sending an email to <ia-......>
> To search for an unfamiliar location, go to
> https://iowabirds.org/Places/FindLocation.aspx > This list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union -
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> the birds of Iowa. Join today at https://iowabirds.org/IOU/Membership.aspx.
>
> IOU Code of Birding Ethics - https://iowabirds.org/Pages.aspx?pg=6 > ---
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>
Date: 6/18/25 3:52 am From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: [ia-bird] West side of Big Creek Lake, Polk Co.
There are a lot of good birds on the West side of Big Creek Lake, Polk Co.. I was very pleased with the 40+ birds I found at Big Creek State Park yesterday 6/17/2025. Close to a grand slam on Vireos having photographed three types: Bell's, Red-eyed, Warbling with visual/audio files of Yellow-throated Vireos. I tried for a Blue-headed but couldn't find one. On Jolly Boat Lane between "West Boat ln." and "Inland Cat ln". were many species. All viewed and heard from the roads. Highlights were: Yellow-breasted Chat calling from the South near the holding pond. I was able to take a couple of audio files. Many Wood Thrush calling from all directions. Probable nesting. Two Yellow-throated Vireo chasing and calling in the dip on Inland Cat. Likely relating to or nesting in the large cottonwoods West of the road. One Eastern Towhee, many Warbling and Red-eyed Vireo.
North on 100th st. boat ramp access the young Osprey on the communication tower are taking short flights while an adult still arranges the nest which I found interesting. A Northern Bobwhilte was calling from the West prairie. A Bell's Vireo was in the prairie grass just before the cable parking lot going to the boat ramp where the trees start. Also a Pileated Woodpecker calling at that location. It's been a few years since I've heard one there. Willow Flycatchers were just before the Y to the fishing Jetty. Another highlight was a healthy pair of Whitetail Deer fawns that followed Mom into the woods. [image: Deer fawns 01 BC June 17 2025 YBch YTvi 225 - frame at 0m5s.jpg] .
1. It doesn't seem to be real uncommon. These three were in Iowa in the
last month.
2. I wasn't as surprised to see the two on Spirit Lake as I was the
one at Big Creek.
Common Loon 24 May 2025 #2 Spirit Lake (Iowa) | US-IA
Common Loon 20 May 2025 #1 Big Creek SP Marina | US-IA
Last year there were one to three Common Loons on Storm Lake from July 2 to
July 22.
Clayton Will
Madrid
On Tue, Jun 17, 2025 at 8:02 PM Michael Meetz <mcmeetz1...> wrote:
Date: 6/17/25 7:30 pm From: Michael May <2y2m2u...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Bobolink question
Sightings seem to go like that for me, too - no visuals/audibles for 2 or
more years, then *a* sighting.
I have never seen so many bob-o-links in my life as I have this year!! -
both visual and audible 'sightings,' mostly in NW IA.
- 1 male, pasture 1 mile east of the intersection of IA 140 & C-38 (north
side of the road) - have seen them there occasionally over the last 11
years. Plymouth Co.
- 2 males, pasture (possible CRP) at the intersection of 320th St & Quorn
Road - this is west of Kingsley, just north of the west branch Little Sioux
River bridge.
- audibles @ the big marshy pasture, northeast corner of C-38 and Otter
Avenue (SE of Le Mars) last Sunday.
- audible @Grimes Farm, Marshall County today.
- And on May 11, I trolled my favorite piece of gravel-travel: Ridge Rd
southeast of C-38 (just east of Westfield IA). Omagosh, *at least 9 male
bob-o-links* - I had trouble keeping track of them as they flew all
around!! Never have I ever come across so many!
~ Kristy, SE Plymouth Co.
On Tue, Jun 17, 2025 at 10:11 AM Russell Benedict <BenedictR...>
wrote:
> Good morning,
>
> I have not seen or heard a single Bobolink this year. Probably just
> a wrong place - wrong time thing. Have other people been seeing good
> numbers this spring? Russ between Pella and Knoxville.
>
>
>
> Russ Benedict
>
> Professor of Biology
>
> Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
>
> Department of Biology, Central College
>
> 812 University Street | Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
>
> Office: 641-628-5173
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> on behalf of
> Russell Benedict <BenedictR...>
> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 17, 2025 10:06 AM
> *To:* <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...>
> *Subject:* [ia-bird] Interesting oriole behavior
>
> Caution: The e-mail below is from an external source to Central College.
> Please do not open attachments or click links from an unknown or suspicious
> origin. Report suspected phishing emails using the “Phishing Alert Report”
> button.
>
> Iowa bird lovers,
>
> Sitting on my porch this morning, I saw a female Baltimore Oriole
> fly across my yard carrying something large and dark in her bill. She
> dropped it on my sidewalk, reminding me of when birds drop fecal sacs from
> their young. I investigated and found that she had dropped a dead oriole
> nestling. I have always wondered what happens to young that die in the
> nest. Has anyone else seen similar behaviors? Russ between Pella and
> Knoxville.
>
>
> Russ Benedict
>
> Professor of Biology
>
> Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
>
> Department of Biology, Central College
>
> 812 University Street | Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
>
> Office: 641-628-5173
>
> --
> Post by sending an email to <ia-bird...>
> To search for an unfamiliar location, go to
> https://iowabirds.org/Places/FindLocation.aspx > This list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union -
> https://iowabirds.org/ - with membership open to all people interested in
> the birds of Iowa. Join today at https://iowabirds.org/IOU/Membership.aspx.
>
> IOU Code of Birding Ethics - https://iowabirds.org/Pages.aspx?pg=6 > ---
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>
> --
> Post by sending an email to <ia-bird...>
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> https://iowabirds.org/ - with membership open to all people interested in
> the birds of Iowa. Join today at https://iowabirds.org/IOU/Membership.aspx.
>
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>
I have not seen it but my hunch is that It may be a (non-breeding) juvenile 2-3 yr bird. Occasionally these return to the northern lakes to "hang out” sometimes with other non-breeders
Date: 6/17/25 4:05 pm From: Merle and Marsha Hall <mghall...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Bobolink question
We just checked the field south of Granger
<https://maps.app.goo.gl/s9Q1GStTw2KzMzDY7> where we usually see them
and saw several Bobolinks. So they are back there at least.
Also, saw Cedar Waxwings, Baltimore Orioles and Goldfinches at the
Beaver Creek bridge between Granger and that field.
Merle
On 6/17/25 2:04 PM, Doug & Nina Harr wrote:
>
> I have been seeing Bobolinks in several places in Boone County. They
> include Harrier Marsh WMA (just not as many as usual) near where I
> live at Ogden, at Bjorkboda Marsh and McHugh Marsh grasslands up on
> the Boone/Hamilton County nines, and actually several on a roughly
> 250-acre lightly grazed/rotational pasture area about 3 mi. south of
> the tiny town of Beaver. Bobolinks numbers certainly are known to be
> in serious decline, but at least we still seem to find quite a few up
> here.
>
> Doug Harr
> Ogden, IA
>
> On Tue, Jun 17, 2025 at 10:11 AM Russell Benedict
> <BenedictR...> wrote:
>
> Good morning,
>
> I have not seen or heard a single Bobolink this year.
> Probably just a wrong place - wrong time thing. Have other people
> been seeing good numbers this spring? Russ between Pella and
> Knoxville.
>
>
>
> Russ Benedict
>
> Professor of Biology
>
> Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
>
> Department of Biology, Central College
>
> 812 University Street | Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
>
> Office: 641-628-5173
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> *From:* <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> on
> behalf of Russell Benedict <BenedictR...>
> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 17, 2025 10:06 AM
> *To:* <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...>
> *Subject:* [ia-bird] Interesting oriole behavior
>
>
> Caution: The e-mail below is from an external source to Central
> College. Please do not open attachments or click links from an
> unknown or suspicious origin. Report suspected phishing emails
> using the “Phishing Alert Report” button.
>
>
> Iowa bird lovers,
>
> Sitting on my porch this morning, I saw a female Baltimore Oriole
> fly across my yard carrying something large and dark in her bill.
> She dropped it on my sidewalk, reminding me of when birds drop
> fecal sacs from their young. I investigated and found that she had
> dropped a dead oriole nestling. I have always wondered what
> happens to young that die in the nest. Has anyone else seen
> similar behaviors? Russ between Pella and Knoxville.
>
>
> Russ Benedict
>
> Professor of Biology
>
> Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
>
> Department of Biology, Central College
>
> 812 University Street | Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
>
> Office: 641-628-5173
>
> --
> Post by sending an email to <ia-bird...>
> To search for an unfamiliar location, go to
> https://iowabirds.org/Places/FindLocation.aspx > This list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union -
> https://iowabirds.org/ - with membership open to all people
> interested in the birds of Iowa. Join today at
> https://iowabirds.org/IOU/Membership.aspx.
> IOU Code of Birding Ethics - https://iowabirds.org/Pages.aspx?pg=6 > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "IA-BIRD" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it,
> send an email to ia-bird+<unsubscribe...>
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> --
> Post by sending an email to <ia-bird...>
> To search for an unfamiliar location, go to
> https://iowabirds.org/Places/FindLocation.aspx > This list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union -
> https://iowabirds.org/ - with membership open to all people
> interested in the birds of Iowa. Join today at
> https://iowabirds.org/IOU/Membership.aspx.
> IOU Code of Birding Ethics - https://iowabirds.org/Pages.aspx?pg=6 > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
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>
> --
> Post by sending an email to <ia-bird...>
> To search for an unfamiliar location, go to
> https://iowabirds.org/Places/FindLocation.aspx > This list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union -
> https://iowabirds.org/ - with membership open to all people interested
> in the birds of Iowa. Join today at
> https://iowabirds.org/IOU/Membership.aspx.
> IOU Code of Birding Ethics - https://iowabirds.org/Pages.aspx?pg=6 > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "IA-BIRD" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
> an email to ia-bird+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/ia-bird/CAO6%3DGQdLmE4RmRfhYu%<3DVeq1SQ8co0p05PsFpqrRybcqeAuHWpg...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/ia-bird/CAO6%3DGQdLmE4RmRfhYu%<3DVeq1SQ8co0p05PsFpqrRybcqeAuHWpg...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>.
I have not seen or heard a single Bobolink this year. Probably just a wrong place - wrong time thing. Have other people been seeing good numbers this spring? Russ between Pella and Knoxville.
Russ
Benedict
Professor of Biology
Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
Department of Biology, Central College
812 University Street | Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
Office: 641-628-5173
From: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> on behalf of Russell Benedict <BenedictR...>
Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 10:06 AM
To: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...>
Subject: [ia-bird] Interesting oriole behavior
Caution: The e-mail below is from an external source to Central College. Please do not open attachments or click links from an unknown or suspicious origin. Report
suspected phishing emails using the “Phishing Alert Report” button.
Iowa bird lovers,
Sitting on my porch this morning, I saw a female Baltimore Oriole fly across my yard carrying something large and dark in her bill. She dropped it on my sidewalk, reminding me of when birds drop fecal sacs
from their young. I investigated and found that she had dropped a dead oriole nestling. I have always wondered what happens to young that die in the nest. Has anyone else seen similar behaviors? Russ between Pella and Knoxville.
Russ
Benedict
Professor of Biology
Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
Department of Biology, Central College
812 University Street | Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
For the past 3 days (and maybe before that) I have what I think is a Common Loon on a borrow pit 1+ miles east of the junction of Cty 99 and H22, just south of Oakville in Louisa County. This is on Louisa County H22. It appears to be in somewhat basic plumage. It has a large blue-gray bill. This is the first Loon I have seen in June. Chuck Fuller Burlington
I have not seen or heard a single Bobolink this year. Probably just a wrong place - wrong time thing. Have other people been seeing good numbers this spring? Russ between Pella and Knoxville.
Russ
Benedict
Professor of Biology
Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
Department of Biology, Central College
812 University Street | Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
Office: 641-628-5173
From: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> on behalf of Russell Benedict <BenedictR...>
Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 10:06 AM
To: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...>
Subject: [ia-bird] Interesting oriole behavior
Caution: The e-mail below is from an external source to Central College. Please do not open attachments or click links from an unknown or suspicious origin. Report
suspected phishing emails using the “Phishing Alert Report” button.
Iowa bird lovers,
Sitting on my porch this morning, I saw a female Baltimore Oriole fly across my yard carrying something large and dark in her bill. She dropped it on my sidewalk, reminding me of when birds drop fecal sacs
from their young. I investigated and found that she had dropped a dead oriole nestling. I have always wondered what happens to young that die in the nest. Has anyone else seen similar behaviors? Russ between Pella and Knoxville.
Russ
Benedict
Professor of Biology
Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
Department of Biology, Central College
812 University Street | Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
I have been seeing Bobolinks in several places in Boone County. They
include Harrier Marsh WMA (just not as many as usual) near where I live at
Ogden, at Bjorkboda Marsh and McHugh Marsh grasslands up on the
Boone/Hamilton County nines, and actually several on a roughly 250-acre
lightly grazed/rotational pasture area about 3 mi. south of the tiny town
of Beaver. Bobolinks numbers certainly are known to be in serious decline,
but at least we still seem to find quite a few up here.
Doug Harr
Ogden, IA
On Tue, Jun 17, 2025 at 10:11 AM Russell Benedict <BenedictR...>
wrote:
> Good morning,
>
> I have not seen or heard a single Bobolink this year. Probably just
> a wrong place - wrong time thing. Have other people been seeing good
> numbers this spring? Russ between Pella and Knoxville.
>
>
>
> Russ Benedict
>
> Professor of Biology
>
> Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
>
> Department of Biology, Central College
>
> 812 University Street | Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
>
> Office: 641-628-5173
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> on behalf of
> Russell Benedict <BenedictR...>
> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 17, 2025 10:06 AM
> *To:* <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...>
> *Subject:* [ia-bird] Interesting oriole behavior
>
> Caution: The e-mail below is from an external source to Central College.
> Please do not open attachments or click links from an unknown or suspicious
> origin. Report suspected phishing emails using the “Phishing Alert Report”
> button.
>
> Iowa bird lovers,
>
> Sitting on my porch this morning, I saw a female Baltimore Oriole
> fly across my yard carrying something large and dark in her bill. She
> dropped it on my sidewalk, reminding me of when birds drop fecal sacs from
> their young. I investigated and found that she had dropped a dead oriole
> nestling. I have always wondered what happens to young that die in the
> nest. Has anyone else seen similar behaviors? Russ between Pella and
> Knoxville.
>
>
> Russ Benedict
>
> Professor of Biology
>
> Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
>
> Department of Biology, Central College
>
> 812 University Street | Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
>
> Office: 641-628-5173
>
> --
> Post by sending an email to <ia-bird...>
> To search for an unfamiliar location, go to
> https://iowabirds.org/Places/FindLocation.aspx > This list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union -
> https://iowabirds.org/ - with membership open to all people interested in
> the birds of Iowa. Join today at https://iowabirds.org/IOU/Membership.aspx.
>
> IOU Code of Birding Ethics - https://iowabirds.org/Pages.aspx?pg=6 > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "IA-BIRD" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to ia-bird+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
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>
> --
> Post by sending an email to <ia-bird...>
> To search for an unfamiliar location, go to
> https://iowabirds.org/Places/FindLocation.aspx > This list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union -
> https://iowabirds.org/ - with membership open to all people interested in
> the birds of Iowa. Join today at https://iowabirds.org/IOU/Membership.aspx.
>
> IOU Code of Birding Ethics - https://iowabirds.org/Pages.aspx?pg=6 > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
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>
Date: 6/17/25 11:29 am From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Bobolink question
1.
<https://ebird.org/checklist/S250253287> 2.
<https://ebird.org/checklist/S250253287> 3. Here are my entries for this year. Spread out over a large area of
the state from Keosaqua to Estherville. Not the large number of 400 I had
near Storm Lake last year. They get very secretive during nesting as do
many birds. I discussed the lack of Warblers in central Iowa the other day
and it's my thought many birds were killed by large hail in Missouri and
Arkansas after seeing a map of the damage. There was more red on those maps
than not. Just a theory. <https://ebird.org/species/boboli/>
Date: 6/17/25 11:15 am From: Steve Harvey <saharv23...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Bobolink question
Although normally rare here, their reduced number this year is notable.
I did see a pair yesterday on a fence along CRP ground
in south central Clarke county.
They were around last year but have not seen nor heard any this year...intensive land use is on the rise if that were even possible. Certainly around me. I suspect that is part of the reason why?
Date: 6/17/25 8:36 am From: Chad Gatlin <chadvgatlin...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Bobolink question
I saw one and few miles south of Centerville on Friday and a pair just
across the Missouri line this morning.
They are a rare sight anymore.
Chad
On Tue, Jun 17, 2025, 10:11 AM Russell Benedict <BenedictR...>
wrote:
> Good morning,
>
> I have not seen or heard a single Bobolink this year. Probably just
> a wrong place - wrong time thing. Have other people been seeing good
> numbers this spring? Russ between Pella and Knoxville.
>
>
>
> Russ Benedict
>
> Professor of Biology
>
> Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
>
> Department of Biology, Central College
>
> 812 University Street
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/812+University+Street?entry=gmail&source=g> |
> Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
>
> Office: 641-628-5173
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> on behalf of
> Russell Benedict <BenedictR...>
> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 17, 2025 10:06 AM
> *To:* <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...>
> *Subject:* [ia-bird] Interesting oriole behavior
>
> Caution: The e-mail below is from an external source to Central College.
> Please do not open attachments or click links from an unknown or suspicious
> origin. Report suspected phishing emails using the “Phishing Alert Report”
> button.
>
> Iowa bird lovers,
>
> Sitting on my porch this morning, I saw a female Baltimore Oriole
> fly across my yard carrying something large and dark in her bill. She
> dropped it on my sidewalk, reminding me of when birds drop fecal sacs from
> their young. I investigated and found that she had dropped a dead oriole
> nestling. I have always wondered what happens to young that die in the
> nest. Has anyone else seen similar behaviors? Russ between Pella and
> Knoxville.
>
>
> Russ Benedict
>
> Professor of Biology
>
> Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
>
> Department of Biology, Central College
>
> 812 University Street
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/812+University+Street?entry=gmail&source=g> |
> Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
>
> Office: 641-628-5173
>
> --
> Post by sending an email to <ia-bird...>
> To search for an unfamiliar location, go to
> https://iowabirds.org/Places/FindLocation.aspx > This list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union -
> https://iowabirds.org/ - with membership open to all people interested in
> the birds of Iowa. Join today at https://iowabirds.org/IOU/Membership.aspx.
>
> IOU Code of Birding Ethics - https://iowabirds.org/Pages.aspx?pg=6 > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "IA-BIRD" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to ia-bird+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/ia-bird/<CH3PR05MB102066F69B905E61B8AFBD012A773A...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/ia-bird/<CH3PR05MB102066F69B905E61B8AFBD012A773A...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
> --
> Post by sending an email to <ia-bird...>
> To search for an unfamiliar location, go to
> https://iowabirds.org/Places/FindLocation.aspx > This list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union -
> https://iowabirds.org/ - with membership open to all people interested in
> the birds of Iowa. Join today at https://iowabirds.org/IOU/Membership.aspx.
>
> IOU Code of Birding Ethics - https://iowabirds.org/Pages.aspx?pg=6 > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
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>
Date: 6/17/25 8:11 am From: Russell Benedict <BenedictR...> Subject: [ia-bird] Bobolink question
Good morning,
I have not seen or heard a single Bobolink this year. Probably just a wrong place - wrong time thing. Have other people been seeing good numbers this spring? Russ between Pella and Knoxville.
Russ Benedict
Professor of Biology
Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
Department of Biology, Central College
812 University Street | Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
Office: 641-628-5173
[http://departments.central.edu/centralcommunications/files/2012/09/centralCollegeEmailLogo.png]
________________________________
From: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> on behalf of Russell Benedict <BenedictR...>
Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 10:06 AM
To: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...>
Subject: [ia-bird] Interesting oriole behavior
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Iowa bird lovers,
Sitting on my porch this morning, I saw a female Baltimore Oriole fly across my yard carrying something large and dark in her bill. She dropped it on my sidewalk, reminding me of when birds drop fecal sacs from their young. I investigated and found that she had dropped a dead oriole nestling. I have always wondered what happens to young that die in the nest. Has anyone else seen similar behaviors? Russ between Pella and Knoxville.
Russ Benedict
Professor of Biology
Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
Department of Biology, Central College
812 University Street | Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
Date: 6/17/25 8:06 am From: Russell Benedict <BenedictR...> Subject: [ia-bird] Interesting oriole behavior
Iowa bird lovers,
Sitting on my porch this morning, I saw a female Baltimore Oriole fly across my yard carrying something large and dark in her bill. She dropped it on my sidewalk, reminding me of when birds drop fecal sacs from their young. I investigated and found that she had dropped a dead oriole nestling. I have always wondered what happens to young that die in the nest. Has anyone else seen similar behaviors? Russ between Pella and Knoxville.
