On 11-17-2009 a Tufted Titmouse was found at a feeder in Bronson, IA. It was present at least until 11-23-2009. The National Geographic Field Guide states that this bird is active and noisy and its typical song is a loud whistled peter-peter-peter. This bird was certainly living up to its reputation. In its range it is common in deciduous woodlands, mesquite, parks, suburbs and feeders. Although commonly found in southern and eastern Iowa, it is a rare visitor to northwest Iowa and it was a life bird for Woodbury County for several of the birders who were fortunate to see it.

10-26-2009=Northern Goshawk at Luton, IA.

While viewing the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher on 10-26-2009 in Luton, IA., a beautiful, adult, Northern Goshawk was also found in the area perched in a nearby tree. The National Geographic Field Guide states that the NOGO inhabits deep conifer-dominated, mixed, woodlands and preys on birds and mammals as large as hares. Its normal range includes Canada and some western states. It is an uncommon, winter, visitor to our area.

10-25-2009=Smith’s Longspurs at Luton Wildlife Area North.

On 10-25-2009 a large flock of Smith’s Longspurs were found at Luton Wildlife Area North. Up to 104 were counted at one time. The National Geographic Field Guide states that this Longspur nests on open tundra and damp tussocky meadows in the far north. It is generally uncommon and secretive, especially in migration and winter. It winters in open, grassy areas and this is the habitat it was found in at L.W.A. North. You can almost step on them before they fly and disappear again in the grass. They make a sharp, dry, ticking, rattle when flushed and their outer tail feathers are visibly white when flying.

March 2009, Sioux City, IA

A Carolina Wren has been a regular visitor to the feeders of a Sioux City residence for several weeks. It was first seen on November 11, 2008 and was still present on March 15, 2009. The National Geographic Field Guide states that the Carolina Wren is found in the concealing underbrush of moist woodlands and swamps and in wooded suburbs. It is non-migratory, but after mild winters, resident populations expand north of their normal range. After harsh winters, range limits retract. The range map shows it residing in the southeastern portion of the United States and up to the southern half of Iowa. It sings a loud vivacious, melodious song at any time of day or year.

Other local sightings of Carolina Wrens include Stone Park, South Ravine, and Ponca State Park, but it is unusual to have one at a feeder on a regular basis for such a long period of time. On March 5^th, it was also heard singing its song several times. It is a little larger than the more common House Wren that migrates here to nest in the summer.

February 2009 Woodbury Co.,IA

A Prairie Falcon was found near the dairy farm just south of Luton, IA., in Woodbury County on February 12, 2009. It was 1^st seen dive bombing and aggressively interacting with a Red-tailed Hawk. It later flew to the field to the west and perched on the ground. It then took off and flew to the dairy barns to the east and ‘strafed’ the thousands of starlings around the barns. It did not appear to be hungry as it seemed more like it was just ‘playing’ with them. This bird was still present on February 14 and may hang around awhile since it has a good food supply available.

This bird is another welcome winter visitor to our area! Per the National Geographic Field Guide, it preys chiefly on birds and small mammals. It inhabits dry, open country, prairies and is a more westerly species. It is a rare migrant and winter visitor to the ‘western’ midwest. Falcons are powerful hunters and are distinguished from hawks by their long wings which are bent back at the wrist and narrow and pointed.

January 2009 Woodbury Co.,IA

Woodbury County has been blessed with some uncommon winter visitors the last half of January. A SNOWY OWL was first discovered on January 26^th near the Owego Wetlands Complex and a 2^nd SNOWY OWL was found the next day a few miles to the north at the Luton Wildlife Area north of Luton. It’s unusual to have one, but to find two made it even more exciting! The Snowy near Owego was still present on February 14th, but the one north of Luton has not been seen recently.

Up to 9 Short-eared Owls have been at Owego plus a flock of Common Redpolls, several Rough-legged Hawks, and Northern Shrikes. Roads in the area have also had some Lapland Longspurs and good numbers of Snow Buntings. These nice sightings by area birders makes this long winter a little easier to bear!