Big Bluestem Flyer

Newsletter of the Big Bluestem Audubon Society

Volume 39, Number 5 May/June 2004

Programs Field Trips

May 20 May 8
Ann Johnson Bird-a-thon See Page 3.
By day: Management Analyst for
the Iowa Department of Human Services
Other times: Web Designer and Site Operator for May 15
Iowa Birds and others (See P. 6)
Camp Dodge nature trails. Led by Harlan
Ratcliff. Meet at 8:00 behind the Ames Wild Birds
“Dragonflies and Damselflies of Iowa” Unlimited or at the Iowa Audubon HQ at Saylorville
Ann, a birdwatcher turned bugwatcher, will share her Lake at 8:30-8:45. Bring a photo ID.
enthusiasm for this fast-growing natural history
hobby. Few people even know that Iowa has 106 species
of dragonflies and damselflies. She will take us through
some of their physiology, explain some identification May 29
techniques, show us some photos of these beautiful Birders’ Brunch. Meet at 8:00 in the upper
creatures, and explain how species diversity is critical to Ledges near the campground entrance. We’ll hike down
identifying water quality in our ecosystems. the hill and have brunch in the lower Ledges. Please
bring a food item to share.
.

Rosemary Gilbert Bell

Program meetings are held monthly, September-May on For details about regular field trips, contact Jeff Nichols
the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm, Room at 515-795-4176 or jnichols1961@hotmail.com.
2226 Veterinary Medicine Building, Iowa State Unless otherwise indicated, regular field trips leave
University, Ames, Iowa. promptly at 8:00 am from the public parking lot west of
(behind) the Ames Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU), located
If you would like to meet and dine with the speaker and
south of the railroad tracks at 213 Duff Ave. Trip
the BBAS Board before the monthly meeting, please
destinations are subject to change based on recent rare
confirm space and location with John Pohlman at
bird sightings and the desires of the participants.
515-232-6816 or itsartjohn@isunet.net

In This Issue
Page 2 Officers and Committees Page 5 Photo Exhibit of Ada Hayden Heritage Park
President’s Column
Field Trip report Page 6 IOU Iowa Birds Web Site Overview
Page 3 Birdathon Announcement Third Annual Pelican Gala
2004-2005 Program Planing Page 7 New Members
BBAS Officer Elections Membership Form
Page 4 Iowa Audubon State Office Update Coupons
Volunteer to Feed Ospreys Page 8 A Wise Owl
 President’s Column
The long anticipated grand opening of Ames newest
park is just around the corner. Ada Hayden Heritage
Park will soon be open for everyone to see. It will give us
all an opportunity to see, much more closely, the habitat
that has been attracting numerous migrating birds for
years. And that habitat has changed. As a part of future
water quality assurance, there were three wetland areas
added. As BBAS member Janet Jepeway observed at our
April meeting the other night, “Those new wetlands will
undoubtedly serve as bird magnets.” I couldn’t agree
more. While those new wetlands will undoubtedly in-
crease the type and quantity of birds that visit the area,
so will the new tall grass prairie additions. The City of
Ames worked in partnership with the Story County Con-
servation Board to establish prairie, wetland and
meadow areas. They are only planting 30 acres of prairie
each year over the next couple years. They are doing it
that way to increase diversity, to reduce the chance of
bad weather impacting seeding, and to avoid depleting
central Iowa seed source.
The Park has 437 acres; 130 acres are the two lakes.
There will be paved trails, crushed rock trails, and picnic
areas surrounding the lakes. Only non-motorized boats
such as canoes, kayaks, and small sailboats will be al-
lowed on the lakes. There will be parking to the north
part of the park as well as public restrooms.
All of this restored prairie, wetlands and lake area
will be a haven for birds and other wildlife. It will also
create many environmental education opportunities for
all ages. Story County Conservation, ISU, and many
other area educators will be taking advantage of this
easily accessible habitat. It will be a great attraction to
Central Iowa.
Big Bluestem Audubon will be involved getting a bird
blind built (details are not worked out yet). We will also
have many opportunities to sponsor field trips in the
area. I do not know how the initial influx of people, bicy-
cles and boats will effect wildlife, but I do believe there
are going to be never ending educational opportunities
with this restored habitat. The Grand Opening date is
not set yet, but is expected to be mid June. You can
check the City of Ames website for updates.
John Pohlman

Field trip report, Little Wall and Anderson Lakes, March 20, 2004

Twelve people enjoyed clear skies, mild temperatures,

and some intense winds while scrutinizing Ada Hayden
Heritage Park, Little Wall Lake and Anderson (Goose)
Lake for waterfowl and other birds. We saw 47 species
including 18 duck and 3 geese species. Both lakes had
good numbers of most waterfowl species, though there
were relatively few Northern Pintails. We also found
American Tree, Fox, and Song Sparrows.
Jeff Nichols
Daniel S Kilby

Big Bluestem Audubon Society

Officers and Committees Committee Chairs
Officers Archivist: Hank Zaletel 382-427 madowl@midiowa.net
President: John Pohlman 232-6816 itsartjohn@isunet.net Bird-a-thon Co-chairs: Karl and Carmen Jungbluth, 432-5057
Vice-President: Linda Thomas 292-7534 wbuames@mcleodusa.net weatherbird.opencominc.com
Secretary: Bruce Ehresman 296-2995 behresma@opencominc.com Conservation Chair: Bruce Ehresman 296-2995
Treasurer: Ed Carbrey 292-2404 behresma@opencominc.com
Board Members Education Chair: Amy Yoakum, 232-2516
Breanne Marpe, 289-1106 breannehucka@yahoo.com ayoakum@storycounty.com
Jeff: Nichols 795-4176 jnichols1961@hotmail.com Field Trip Chair: Jeff Nichols jnichols1961@hotmail.com
Lynne Brookes Membership Chair: Al Johnson 233-4831 awindj@aol. com
Wolfgang Oesterreich 515-232-3285 (h) wolf@iastate.edu Program Chair: vacant
Matt Wetrich 956-4299 mwetrich@iastate.edu Publicity Chair: Linda Thomas 292-7534
The mission of the Big Bluestem Audubon Society is to wbuames@mcleodusa.net
Publications & Electronic Media Co-Chairs:
enjoy the observation and study of birds and natural David Edwards 292-3790 dcejce@dandje.org
ecosystems, contribute to their conservation and Joyce Bahrenfus 275-3263 jbahren@netins.net
restoration, engage in educational activities to benefit BBAS Web Site: http://www.wyalusing.org/BBAS.htm
humanity, and gain a broader understanding and deeper Iowa Bird Sightings Hotline 319-338-9881
appreciation of the world in which we live. Wildlife Care Clinic 515-294-4900
2 Big Bluestem Flyer May/June 2004
 Birdathon is May 8th!
There is still time to participate in Big Bluestem WOW! If you would like to join the Birdathon, please
Audubon’s Birdathon. Dozens of chapter members and contact Birdathon Coordinators Karl & Carmen
friends will be out counting birds and raising pledges to Jungbluth soon at weatherbird@opencominc.com or 515-
support conservation and education projects. 432-5057. Those who are unable to go birding on May
8th are encouraged to send a donation marked “Big Blue-
Last year’s Birdathon raised $4400. Some of that stem Birdathon” to chapter Treasurer Ed Carbrey, 3313
money went to help build a new flight cage at the ISU Morningside St, Ames, IA 50014.
Wildlife Care Clinic, sent three 5th graders to the Boone
YMCA’s Young Naturalist’s Camp, provided Audubon Thanks for your support!
Adventures education materials to local elementary Karl Jungbluth
schools, helped fund the Iowa Important Bird Areas con-
servation program, and sponsored an Osprey for reintro-
duction at Don Williams Lake in Boone County. Plus,
the chapter was able provide matching funds for a land
purchase at the Union Hills wetland complex in north-
ern Iowa, and the chapter is poised to support a similar
land purchase right here in Story or Boone counties
when the opportunity exists. Kirsten Munson

2004-2005 BBAS Planning Meeting

There will be a Planning Meeting for the 2004-2005 year Programs and Field Trips held on Wednesday, July 28,
2004 at the State Forest Nursery in Ames. The time is 6 p.m.
All officers and board members, plus any other members with ideas and interested in planning our programs for
next year, are invited to attend. Dinner will be provided. Please RSVP to Linda Thomas by Monday July 26, 2004.
If uou are unable to attend, forward any suggestions to Linda Thomas or any other officer or board member by
July 26th.
Linda Thomas

Election of BBAS Officers for 2004-2005 at May Meeting

Following is the Nominations Slate:
President: Linda Thomas
Vice President: Lynne Brookes
Secretary: Bruce Ehresman
Treasurer: Ed Carbrey
Board Members (2 year term):
Matt Wetrich
Wolf Oesterreich
(Open)

Jeff Nichols & Breanne Marpe, current board members have 1 year remaining on their terms.

Nominations will be accepted from the floor at the May meeting.

If anyone is interested in the Open Board position please contact Linda Thomas or John Pohlman. (See page 2)

May/June 2004 Big Bluestem Flyer 3

 Iowa Audubon State Office Update
On April 3rd, twenty-two Iowa Audubon members met Please note that the Big Bluestem chapter’s relation-
to discuss the future of the statewide Audubon program ship with National Audubon remains unchanged as a
in Iowa. It has been two and a half years since Paul result of this decision. It is my hope that Big Bluestem
Zeph left as our energetic state director. Since that will continue to support Iowa Audubon in a mutually
time, (1) the Important Bird Areas (IBA) program has beneficial relationship, just like Iowa Audubon and NAS
grown under the direction of IBA Coordinator Ric Zar- hope to continue a working relationship. After all, we
well, (2) we’ve been key participants in the wildly suc- are trying to accomplish the same big picture from dif-
cessful Pelican Festival at Saylorville Reservoir, and (3) ferent angles. Big Bluestem volunteers have been a big
the Pelican Gala fundraising event has slowly gained part of successes on the state level so far.
steam. But, the Board of Directors wanted to do more
for birds, habitat and conservation advocacy. Of high importance to me, the Important Bird Areas
program will continue on, possibly as the highest prior-
For the past 5 years, the state board has operated as a ity of the new state organization. IBAs have great po-
“State Office” of the National Audubon Society. In all tential for conservation success, at both a state and local
honesty, there were some differences in direction and level. But, fundraising is a major issue that must be
philosophy, communication was difficult despite the best addressed.
of intentions, and some donors did not like the fact that
their checks went outside of the state before coming If this all sounds confusing, it is. I’d be happy to talk
back to go to work in Iowa. It has also become apparent with any of you, 1-on-1, at 515-432-5057 or via email
that National Audubon will not allow state office staff to weatherbird@opencominc.com. Another meeting to set
be rehired in Iowa until a substantial endowment is in strategic objectives, a fundraising plan and organiza-
place to fund the positions. The state board thought tional structure will be held at 10 am on May 22nd at the
that we could make more progress in Iowa on a smaller Oak Woods Learning Center (Audubon Office) at the
scale, by addressing Iowa issues from an Iowa perspec- west end of the Saylorville Dam. Everyone is welcome.
tive, building steadily on our record of success. Thus the We are looking for individuals with some time and tal-
April 3rd meeting was held ent, people who want to help build the state organiza-
tion. Could this be you, or someone you know? If so,
Bottom line: By unanimous vote, the board decided to let’s talk about it.
build a modified, independent state organization called Karl Jungbluth,
"Iowa Audubon". Based upon input from members Big Bluestem representative on the
around Iowa, the board will set it’s own objectives, set Iowa Board of Directors
budgets to meet those objectives, and all money raised
will stay in Iowa. There is a lot of work to be done!

Feed and Watch the Ospreys

Missy King at the Boone County Conservation Board is looking for help in caring for young Osprey this July.

The young Osprey will arrive at Don Williams Park north of Ogden in the first couple of
weeks in July. She would like to assemble a volunteer list now. If you would like to
volunteer to be a feeder or a monitor watcher, please contact Missy King at 515-795-2809.
She will have a short training session on how to care for the Osprey in June.

This a perfect opportunity to experience what Osprey parents go through, in all its glory
and dedication. Ask Jon or Joyce Bahrenfus for more information about their experiences.

Newsletter Material Deadline

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 deadlines for the first of the 2004-2005 newsletters will be the 15th of August.
Please be aware that editing your offering for length and style is sometimes necessary.

4 Big Bluestem Flyer May/June 2004

 PHOTO EXHIBIT and ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK PROGRAM SERIES
“ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK: WATER, FISH, FLORA & FAUNA”
Ames photographer Janet Jepeway has arranged a series of three programs to accompany her photo exhibit,
“Ada Hayden Heritage Park: Water, Fish, Flora and Fauna”. The programs expand on the subject matter in the
exhibit by educating and informing the public about wildlife viewing and outdoor opportunities available at Ada
Hayden Heritage Park. Those attending will also have opportunities to view the photo exhibit.

Co-sponsors of the program series are Story County Conservation and the Ames Historical Society (founded in
1980 as Ames Heritage Association). The programs are free, open to the public, and held at the Story County Con-
servation Center, McFarland Park, 180th St., Ames, Iowa 56461.
Refreshments for all programs provided by Wheatsfield Grocery
7:00 PM Thursday, April 29, 2004
“Fish and Fishing at Ada Hayden Heritage Park”
by Ted Tedesco, Veteran Angler and Mayor, City of Ames
What types of fish currently inhabit the lakes? What is being done to improve the fishing potential of the lakes
and will other fish species be added? When can we start fishing? If you want to learn the answers to these ques-
tions, this program is a “must attend.”
1:30 – 4:00 PM Sunday, May 16, 2004
“Who Lives in Ada Hayden Heritage Park”
by Janet Jepeway, Photographer
Janet will do a “Walk Thru” of her photo exhibit, “Ada Hayden Heritage Park: Water, Fish, Flora & Fauna”.
She will discuss the individual photos and share her observations of the inhabitants of the park made in over 2
years of photographing the site, including the playful river otter, eagle, osprey, and a “feeding frenzy”.
“Butterflies and Dragonflies of Ada Hayden Heritage Park”
by Royce J. Bitzer, Department of Entomology, Iowa State University
Wildlife abounds at Ada Hayden Heritage Park. However, most of it will go unnoticed by the casual observer.
This program will highlight where and how to observe butterflies and dragonflies in the park, their curious behav-
ior and what species are present.

Since the City of Ames took ownership of Hallett’s Quarry over two years ago, Janet has taken 1,500 pictures
and slides, and spent 300 hours at the site for the purpose of creating an historical record of its restoration and
transition into Ada Hayden Heritage Park. She has photographed the new park every month of the year and dur-
ing all types of weather.
“Ada Hayden Heritage Park: Water, Fish, Flora and Fauna”* is an interactive exhibit that allows children and
adults of all ages to “play detective” by looking at clues in the pictures to find “Who lives in Ada Hayden Heri-
tage Park?” It is Jepeway’s second photo exhibit of the site.

All photographs in the exhibit are for sale. Profits after expenses will be donated to the restoration of the former
quarry as a park and backup water supply for the City of Ames. Prints purchased will be signed and dated by the
photographer.
Framing Courtesy of Walden Photo
Funding Sponsors of the Exhibit are: Outdoor Lighting Associates Inc, Access Direct, Royce J. Bitzer, Story
County Conservation Partners, Wild Birds Unlimited
Viewing of the exhibit is April 5, 2004 – May 31, 2004
Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday and Sunday 1:00 – 5:00pm
Story County Conservation Center, McFarland Park,
56461 180th St., Ames, Iowa
* Part of the “Hallett’s/Hayden Project” co-sponsored by Janet Jepeway and the Ames Historical Society (founded in 1980 as
Ames Heritage Association).
The purpose of the project is to create an historical record of Hallett’s Quarry and its restoration as Ada Hayden Heritage Park.

May/June 2004 Big Bluestem Flyer 5

 IOU Website at www.iowabirds.org

One of the best web sites for nearly anything about birds in Iowa and nature resources in general is operated by
Ann Johnson for the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union (or IOU) at the web address above. If you haven’t visited it lately,
you will be pleasantly surprised. Let me list some of the information and services available.
An Iowa Checklist of birds
Links to Maps of all kinds in Iowa: state, county, state parks, topos, birding areas and more
An On-line store to purchase books and related nature-oriented materials
A new Calendar page showing events of interest to Iowa birders in the state
A link to sign-up for the IA-BIRD litserv
Full information of the Important Bird Areas program of Iowa
In the IOU link is information about the organization and how to join
In the Birding Iowa link are
County bird checklists
Books aimed at birds in Iowa
Lists of Birders in specific areas of Iowa
Resources to identify birds in Iowa, including “flashcard” pictures and descriptions
Collections of bird art from Iowans
Links to show birding areas in regions of the state
Specific detailed guides to birding many state areas
Lists of and links to Birding clubs in Iowa including our BBAS
Bird quizzes for testing yourself
Christmas Bird Count data from Iowa (many do not report to NAS)
Information about Bluebirds
Rare Bird link details the most recent sightings in Iowa
Links to nearby states
Public photo gallery
IOU Records Committee Activity
Documentation form for use on-line
A General Links page with many kinds of resources including
Iowa Dragonflies and Damselflies (A labor of love of the webmaster Ann Johnson)
Iowa Reptiles and Amphibians
Iowa Butterflies
Links to Birding in general
Birding travel
Birding Equipment
A Site Map will help you find something interesting and Site Search to look for specifics

If there is something you can’t find here, send a message to the webmaster, or, even easier, talk to her at the
next BBAS meeting. She is our featured speaker.
David Edwards

3rd Annual Pelican Gala is September 8, 2004

Iowa Audubon will host its 3rd Annual Pelican Gala fundraising event at the Jester Park Lodge on Wednesday
evening, September 8th. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a wonderful evening, starting with refreshments on the
deck overlooking the shores of Saylorville Reservoir and flocks of American White Pelicans! After dinner, we'll
have a featured speaker (to be determined) and a silent auction showcasing bird and nature related items.

The Pelican Gala is Iowa Audubon's most important fundraising effort of the year. Tickets are $125 per couple,
or $75 individual. Also, if you would like to offer items for the silent auction, please contact Tom Reavely, Iowa
Audubon Board President at 515-981-9675 or reavely@whitfieldlaw.com.
Karl Jungbluth

6 Big Bluestem Flyer May/June 2004

 New Members
Clip and Join
Mike Boeve Don’t forget gift memberships!
Harold - Rachel Crawford
Megan Crill
Marilyn Greene Membership Application forms
Darlene Heckenbach
Harold Hulleman New member of the National Audubon Society. You will
Rodger - Margaret Junck receive the Audubon magazine, the Big Bluestem Flyer,
Lynn Klisch membership card. — $20
Carol Koeneke
Mike Korf
Please make your check payable to National Audubon
Gary - Jenny Prochaska Society and include “Chapter Code H-57” on the check
Doris Richards OR
Daniel Rohden
Harold Schiel Subscribe to the Big Bluestem Flyer for one year and
Kyle Uhlenkamp participate in some Big Bluestem Society Activities — $10
Rose Willson Restrictions are that you will not be a National Audubon Society
Richard Manatt 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

Al Johnson, Membership Chair
3912 Squaw Road, Ames, IA 50014

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

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: 6/30/2004
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 June 30, 2004
BIRDSEED • FEEDERS • BIRDBATHS • OPTICS • NATURE GIFTS

May/June 2004 Big Bluestem Flyer 7

 Non-Profit Org.
Big Bluestem Flyer U. S. Postage Paid
David C. Edwards, Editor Permit No. 131
Big Bluestem Audubon Society Ames, Iowa
2308 State Ave
Ames, IA 50014
We welcome new members!
If you have an “X” after your name on your mailing label,
this will be your last issue of the Flyer unless you renew.
May/June 2004 Printed on Recycled paper Vol 39 No. 5
Waiting for the latest copy of the Big Bluestem Flyer!
A wise owl.