MORE From LOESS

    The Newsletter of the

    LOESS HILLS AUDUBON SOCIETY     Volume 38, No. 5, May - August 2012

______________________________________________________

 The Loess Hills Audubon Society meets on the first Thursday of the month at the

                 Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

                 4500 Sioux River Road (Highway 12 North)

                 Sioux City, IA 51109

                 Website http://lhas.tripod.com/

Mission Statement–The Loess Hills Audubon Society exists to educate individuals and the general public, to enjoy and promote birding, and to support ornithology, and to be an advocate for wild areas and environmental issues.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

by Bill Huser

Death of a Prairie

     It was 1872 and Civil War veteran Hezikiah Way had come to Nebraska to homestead in western Dakota County along Minnow Creek, southeast of present day Waterbury. His claim consisted of 160 acres of treeless loess hills covered with a mixed grass prairie and forbs characteristic of Loess Hill Prairie remnants one can see today at Sioux City Prairie,  Stone State Park and Broken Kettle Grasslands. As required by the Homestead Act, Hezikiah planted trees on his land, choosing Eastern Cottonwoods that still stand.

     Today this prairie is hemmed in by many species of trees growing along Minnow Creek on the north and corn, soy bean and CRP ground on the other three sides. Fences cross the ridges, cedars have colonized in spots and a walnut planting was added on the steep eastern slope. Today’s descendants of the Ways attest that the ground has never been plowed. An early spring walk over the tract showed evidence of recent overgrazing that hides what dormant species lie below. Even so, low lying blooms of Prairie Violet, Pasque Flowers and Prairie Dandelion added shades of yellow and violet to the dormant Big Blue Stem and Side Oats Gramma on the windswept ridges. Dormant forbs included asters, native thistles, pussytoes, Prairie Turnip and others that lay unidentified beneath our feet.

     However, the future of this prairie was being decided not here, but elsewhere, in an auction 18 miles away. The aging owner had auctioned off the 60 best acres at such a hurried timetable that most interested parties and a spirited auction were prohibited. After only six days of notice, the tract went at a price well below the market. Also excluded was the opportunity for a conservation group or prairie preservationist to bid or negotiate a conservation easement which may have netted the owner nearly as much money as the sale, without the transfer of title!

     With the sale to a nearby landowner, clearing the cedars, fencelines and plum thickets began immediately, preparing the site for crop production yet this spring.  So, gone is this artifact of a bygone time, a bygone generation and a bygone landscape.  The testimony of the wolf den on the ridge, reinforced by some curious depressions there, will likewise soon be lost.

Hopefully, in a similar situation, the opportunity to bring in an interested organization with the mission to preserve and a plan to accomplish as much will be possible. And we, as the Loess Hills Audubon Chapter, must be prepared to facilitate such before the big yellow caterpillars begin their slow crawl of extermination.

(I wish to thank Teri Dolezal, Diane and Bill Blankenship, descendant Wes Johnston and the Dakota County Star for their efforts for an alternate outcome for Wolf Den Prairie.)

                                                CALENDAR OF EVENTS

LOESS HILLS AUDUBON SOCIETY

Thursday, May 3—AMAZON RIVERBOAT EXPLORATION.  Join Chuck Johnson, Donna Popp, Bill & Dotty Zales on May 3 at the Loess Hills Audubon Society meeting held at Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center at 7:30 pm, as they enlighten you with pictures about their recent trip to the Peruvian Amazon.  Aboard  the restored historical steamship, the Ayapua, they undertook an Earthwatch expedition to the Samiria River of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve situated deep within one of the largest protected areas in Peru.  In this flooded forest ecosystem, they helped collect data on river dolphins, macaws, caimans, monkeys, & fish.  Earthwatch is a volunteer organization that assists scientists in their research.

Saturday, May 12-Our May Outing will be our annual birdathon. See details elsewhere in this newsletter or go to the Birdathon Page on our web site. May is one of the best birding months of the year so plan to join us.

May 19-21—Iowa Ornithologists Union Spring Meeting in Iowa City.  For more information contact Jerry VonEhwegen or Bob Nickolson.

Saturday, May 26-Warbler Walk 7:30 A.M.--This will be a special outing to visit one of our local parks to search for Warblers. Bacon Creek or Stone Park will be possible destinations. An email will be sent shortly before the 26^th to advise you of the probable destination. Our web site outings page will also be updated at that time.

June  22-June 24 2012-BBA Blockbusting Weekend—For our June outing we will be hosting a BBA Blockbusting Weekend.  (See related article in this newsletter). This is the fifth and final year of this project and several of our members have been involved from year one. It is a good way to get out with fellow birders, to enjoy birding in new areas, and to contribute to this important state-wide project. All levels of birders are welcome to participate and less experienced birders will be paired with more experienced observers if desired. You do not have to commit to the entire weekend, so if you can help for a day or half a day, all help will be appreciated! You may bird on your own or join a team member and there will be a sign-up sheet to divide up the targeted blocks so that we get the best coverage. Current plans are to have this information available at the Friday evening meeting at the DPNC. More details will be forthcoming as the BBA Coordinator makes them available. For more information about the BBA project please visit http://bba.iowabirds.org. It should be a fun weekend of birding so please join us! Contact Jerry Von Ehwegen at: jerryvon@pionet.net or 276-1546 for more information.

Saturday, July 14--BBA Outing--We will meet at the Northwest corner of the Super Walmart parking lot on Singing Hills Blvd. at 7:30 a.m. We plan to use this outing to gather data for the Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas Project that is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union and the Iowa DNR. An email will be sent shortly before the 14th to advise you of the probable destination and lunch plans. Our web site outings page will also be updated at that time. Contact Jerry Von Ehwegen at: jerryvon@pionet.net or 276-1546 for more information.

Saturday, August 18--SHOW AND GO OUTING---We will meet at the Northwest corner of the Super Walmart parking lot on Singing Hills Blvd. at 7:30 a.m. An email will be sent shortly before the 18th to advise you of the probable destination and lunch plans. Our web site outings page will also be updated at that time. Contact Jerry Von Ehwegen at: jerryvon@pionet.net or 276-1546 for more information.

DOROTHY PECAUT NATURE CENTER                                                                              

Exit 151 I-29, Take State Road 12 North for 4 miles to the Nature Center.  To register for events or for more information call 712-258-0838  Or check our website – www.woodburyparks.org

May 1: Woodbury County Parks and Campgrounds officially open for the season.

May 4-6: Camping Kickoff Weekend in any Woodbury County Conservation Board Campground.  Receive a coupon for a free future night of camping at any Woodbury County Park when you camp at one of our parks during Camping Kickoff Weekend. Eligible campgrounds: Snyder Bend Park, Little Sioux Park, Southwood Conservation Area. For more on our parks visit www.woodburyparks.com.

Iowa Wildflower Week: May 6-12

Sunday, May 6: Flowers at Fowler's Forest, 2:00 p.m., Fowler’s Forest, one-half mile west of Smithland. Join Jim Henning on this hike to search for spring wildflowers.

Thursday, May 10: Lunchtime for the Animals, 4:30 p.m., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Join us every second Thursday of the month at this time to view us feed the American Kestrel, snakes, turtles and salamanders. Learn more about these amazing animals and their adaptations.

Saturday, May 12: Birds & Bagels, 8:00 a.m., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Join Theresa Kruid and learn more about birds in our area. We will search for spring migrants and enjoy a tasty treat. Cost: $1 per person. Pre-registration is appreciated.

Saturday, May 19: Geocaching Workshop for Families, 10:00 a.m., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Local Geocacher Duane Kraayenbrink will lead this session. Sponsored by the Junior League of Sioux City. Pre-registration is appreciated at 712-258-0838.

Sunday, June 3:  Douglas Wood Concert, 2:00 p.m., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Douglas Wood is well-known environmental musician, storyteller, and author. He is a native Sioux City boy and now lives in northern Minnesota. Doug will delight the audience with his lyrics and vivid stories. Visit his website at http://www.douglaswood.com/. Co-sponsored by Loess Hills Audubon Society, Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club and Woodbury County Conservation Foundation.

Thursday, June 7: Lunchtime for the Animals, 4:30 p.m., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Join us to view us feed the American Kestrel, snakes, turtles and salamanders. Learn more about these amazing animals and their adaptations.

Friday, June 8: Campfire program, 7:00 p.m. Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Join the summer interns for a fun evening around the campfire, complete with S’Mores. Pre-register by calling 712-258-0838.

Tuesday, June 12: Nature Tales, 10:00 a.m., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Pre-schoolers, join us with an adult for this special story time about rainbows. We’ll hike too, weather permitting. Please pre-register by calling 712-258-0838 or email tkruid@sioux-city.org.

Saturday, June 16: Riverside Bluffs Prairie Hike, 10:00 a.m., Riverside Bluffs Prairie. Prairie plant enthusiasts from the Woodbury County Conservation Foundation will lead this hike at this little-known prairie preserve. Meet at Kirk Hansen Park, along West 19^th Street in Sioux City. When you enter the main parking lot of Kirk Hansen Park, travel north & meet at the parking lot found by going all the way north, then east and meet at the parking lot at the base of the hill.

Sunday, June 17: Take your Dad Fishing, 2:00 p.m., Bacon Creek Park. We’ll bring the rod & reels—you bring dad. All persons 16 years of age or older must have a valid Iowa Fishing License. You are welcome to bring your own bait and fishing tackle also. Meet at the first parking lot.

Wednesday, June 20: Nocturnal Animals, Wilbur Aalfs Public Library. 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Join us as part of the Summer Reading Program at the Library.

Tuesday, June 26: Meet the Animals, 2-4 p.m., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Get up close with snakes, the American Kestrel, turtles, salamanders and more! Free.

Saturday, June 30: Amazing Owls, 7:00 p.m., Brown’s Lake—Bigelow Park, near Salix. Meet at the open shelter to learn more about these creatures of the night. Free.

Saturday, June 30: Catching Croakers, 7:00 p.m., Southwood Conservation Area, near Smithland. Meet at the last parking lot by the ponds to learn more about our local amphibians. Then, go search for them along the lake shore.

Tuesday, July 3: Nature Tales, 10:00 a.m., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Pre-schoolers, join us with an adult for this special story time about fireflies. We’ll hike too, weather permitting. Please pre-register by calling 712-258-0838 or email tkruid@sioux-city.org.

Tuesday, July 3: Play in the Park, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Join us for an evening of fun at Little Sioux Park, near Correctionville.  There will be various activities set up throughout the park including: fishing, hiking and live animal programs. This event is open to the public and free of charge. 

Thursday, July 5: Play in the Park, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Join us for an evening of fun at Snyder Bend Park, near Salix.  There will be various activities set up throughout the park including: fishing, hiking and live animal programs. This event is open to the public and free of charge.

Tuesday, July 10: Star Party, 7:30—9:00 p.m., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. We will observe the night sky and view the moon and stars. Includes an indoor Star Lab adventure as well as some astronomical crafts. Free.

Thursday, July 12: Lunchtime for the Animals, 4:30 p.m., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Join us every second Thursday of the month at this time to view us feed the American Kestrel, snakes, turtles and salamanders. Learn more about these amazing animals and their adaptations.

Friday, July 20: Campfire program, 7:00 p.m. Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Join the summer interns for a fun evening around the campfire, complete with S’Mores. Pre-register by calling 712-258-0838.

Thursday, July 26: Night Hike, 8:00 p.m., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Let’s take a walk through our trails in the evening and learn more about animals of the night. Pre-registration is appreciated by calling 712-258-0838.

Saturday, July 28: Survival Bracelets Part 2, 10:00 a.m., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Come make your own survival bracelet and get a few tips on its many uses.  We will be making the second bracelet in our paracord series featuring the trilobite knot. Cost per person: $10. Pre-registration is required by calling 712-258-0838.

July 30-31: Monarch Mysteries Teacher’s Workshop. 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. For more information visit http://www.eirc.org/website/programs-services/global-connection/monarch-teacher-network/ or Brian Hayes at bhayes@eirc.org. Inquire about the Sioux City workshop.

August 1-5: Come and see us at the Woodbury County Fair!

Tuesday, August 9: Lunchtime for the Animals, 4:30 p.m., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Join us every second Thursday of the month at this time to view us feed the American Kestrel, snakes, turtles and salamanders. Learn more about these amazing animals and their adaptations.

Saturday, August 11: Meteor Showers and Hike, 9:00 p.m., Southwood Conservation Area, near Smithland. Come explore the trails and hopefully catch a glimpse of the Perseid meteor shower on this awesome night hike.  Feel free to bring something to sit on; we will stop on the prairie ridge to watch the meteor shower. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear good hiking shoes. Meet at the far parking lot near the pond.

Tuesday, August 14: Nature Tales, 10:00 a.m., Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Pre-schoolers, join us with an adult for this special story about Starry Skies. We’ll hike too, weather permitting. Please pre-register by calling 712-258-0838 or email tkruid@sioux-city.org.

Saturday, August 25: Monarch Tagging, 1:30 p.m., Little Sioux Park, near Correctionville. Help us catch and tag monarchs during their annual fall migration to Mexico. Meet at the country schoolhouse. Wear sturdy walking shoes & dress for the outdoors. Call 258-0838 for directions or for more information.

ADAMS HOMESTEAD AND NATURE PRESERVE

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve is located 1 mile west and ½ mile south of I-29,. Exit 4 in South Dakota.  For information and pre-registration, call (605) 232-0873 or e-mail Jody Moats @state.sd.

Little Naturalist Program:  Fridays, June 15, July 13, August 24

These programs are for children ages 2 to 4 years old and their parents or guardian.  Toddlers will learn about each theme through games, crafts, stories and songs.  Each class starts at 10:00 a.m.  Free fun for the little ones.  Please pre-register by calling (605) 232-0873.

Nature Craft Monday:  Mondays, June 4, July 9, August 13

All kids are welcome to come and make some nature crafts on these Monday mornings.  This is a come and go program.  Once you are done with your crafts you may leave or stick around and spend some time outside in nature with your family.  Each Nature Craft Monday runs from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  If you have questions, please call (605) 232-0873.

Adams Homestead Celebration:  Saturday, August 11, 2012  10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

     On August 14, 1997, Adams Homestead & Nature Preserve officially opened as a state park.  We mark this very special occasion by having an annual festival on or around this day.  This year Saturday, August 11, 2012 has been selected as our festival date. 

     There are many new and exciting activities that are scheduled throughout the day.  Some of the activities include threshing machine demo, corn shelling, candlemaking, tin punching, homestead tours, rope making, musicians, watermelon seed spitting contest, buffalo chip throwing contest, face painting, rope making, Dutch Oven Cooking Demo, Frying pan throwing contest, homemade pie contest and much, much more!

     Those interested in participating in the homemade pie judging contest need to bring their pies to Adams Homestead by 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 11.  The pie judging will start at 11:30 p.m.  Pies will be judged by their appearance, texture and taste.

     Plan to spend the entire day at Adams.  We will have food and refreshments that you may purchase while enjoying your day of FREE entertainment.  There will be activities, presentations, music, and crafts for the ENTIRE family to enjoy and take part in.   Get a sense of history, learn about your heritage and explore the outdoors!  Bring your walking shoes, bikes, strollers and your love for the great outdoors and we will do the rest!   We are located off Interstate 29 Exit 4, 1-mile west, and ½ mile south.  You can follow the brown nature area signs from the interstate.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (605) 232-0873!

PLYMOUTH COUNTY PARKS

Hillview Park is located west of Hinton, Iowa at 25601 C60.  For information and registration call Victoria at 712-947-4270 or e-mail vdevos@co.plymouth.ia.us or visit us on Facebook  at Plymouth County Conservation or our website at www.plymouthcountyparks.com.

Sunday, June 3—Kids Fishing Derby 1-4 at Hillview.  Get a line wet during Free Fishing Weekend.  The derby is for kids, but their adults are welcome to fish without a license as well this whole weekend.  This is a free event.  Registration will start at 1 pm by the pond.  Pre-registration is recommended by phone or e-mail.

Tuesday, June 5—Naturalist's Lunchbox 11-noon at Center for Outdoor Learning.  Bring your lunchbox or picnic basket to the park and enjoy a nature program while you have lunch.  This is a free program and registration is not necessary.  All ages are welcome.

Tues-Thurs, June 12-14—Caterpillars and Butterflies summer camp 9-noon at Hillview.  A summer camp for kids who have not gone to 1^st grade yet, and their adult.

Friday, June 15—Nature Night Out 6 pm-9 pm at Hillview.  Try something new for date night this month.  Enjoy an evening at Hillview with other adults and NO KIDS!!!  Couples will learn how to cook with a Dutch Oven and go on a geocaching adventure.  Cost is $20/couple.  Please pre-register as space is limited.

Tues-Thurs, June 19-21—Frogs summer camp 9 am – 4 pm at Hillview.  For kids who have completed 3^rd or 4^th grade.

Tues-Thurs, June 26-28—Tadpoles summer camp 9 am – noon at Hillview.  For kids that have completed 1^st or 2^nd grade.

June 30-July 6—Boundary Water Canoe Adventure.  Explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of Northern Minnesota for 5 days.  Participants must be in relatively good physical condition.  Canoe experience is required.  Space is limited so sign up now!!  Transportation, equipment, and most meals are included in the cost.

Tuesday, July 3—Naturalist's Lunchbox 11-noon.  (See June 5 program)

Tuesday, July 10—Breakfast with the Birds.  7 – 10 am at Center for Outdoor Learning.   Join the Plymouth County Naturalist for breakfast at the Center followed by a walk at Hillview Park in search of our feathered friends.  Cost is $5/person.  Please pre-register.

Weds-Thurs, July 11-12—Wild Iowa I—Racoon River Canoe.  For kids who have completed 5th-8^th grades.

Weds-Mon, July 18-23—Wild Iowa II—Porcupine Mountains Backpacking Trek.  For kids who have completed 8th-12^th grades.

Weds-Thurs, August 1-2—Hillview Overnights.  For kids who have completed 5th-6^th grade.

Sunday, August 5—Couples Canoe Float 1 – 7 pm.  Enjoy the scenery of an Iowa river with other couples and NO KIDS!!!  Dinner will be provided after we are off the river.  Cost is $50/couple.  Pre-registration is required as space is limited.

Tuesday, August 7—Naturalist's Lunchbox 11-noon.  (See June 5 program)

Weds-Thurs, August 8-9—Hunter Education Camp.  For kids 11-15 who want to get their Hunter Education class taken care of before hunting season begins.

September 22-25—Buffalo Roundup trip.  Taking reservations now.  Cost is $250/person.  This includes most meals, lodging, and transportation.

                                           Birdathon 2012

     May 12 ....Loess Hills Audubon Society Bird Count

     Time flies and so do all kinds of birds this time of the year.  We are lucky in Siouxland to have some of the winter birds still around. Warblers and shorebirds are migrating through with many other species. Many of our summer birds have arrived. Our year round birds make up the total.

     We see a total of 150 to 175 different species. The Loess Hills Audubon Society will form 6 to 8 teams that spend all day compiling lists of bird species. Some will only watch their bird feeders. Some of the club will be out before sunup and will still be out after sundown.

      This is a great time for beginners to join a team and learn from those who have been birding a long time and really like to teach.

      This is a fund raiser for local Audubon to get money to pay for Audubon Adventures, an educational newspaper for Siouxland 4th or 5th graders to learn about birds, wildlife, and habitat and to support other conservation education and activities.

      Please join us. If you are not able to go, be a team and watch your bird feeders.  Give us your species count for May 12, 2012

      Also signup to donate money per number of bird species the whole club sees or give a lump sum to help distribute Audubon Adventures to 4th or 5th grades. See how many family and friends you can get to pledge to you.

     Contact Chuck Johnson:  cajsail@aol.com  or 712-274-1979  for information about a team to go with. Give me your team member names. You can come any part of a day or all day.  He will take e-mail pledges too.

                                                LHAS Outings

                                            By Jerry Von Ehwegen

Saturday, 24 March 2012.  28 people traveled to the Gavin’s Point Dam area to participate in our March outing. Those participating included Brian and Yvonne H., Dawn S., Helen H., Jan N., Anne and Gary S., Maggie P., Roger D., Rex and Maria R., Bob and Bernice M., Chuck J., Donna P., Bob & Phyllis N., Jerry V., Janet and Phil H., Toni M., Donna M., and newcomers Bob Blenderman, Helen Greenhalgh, John and Sharon Polifka, and Bob and Pat Berry. Most of us got some birding in but we also had a fisherman, meal helpers, and mealtime visitors enjoying the day.

     It  was a beautiful, clear, calm morning with a temperature of 38 degrees which climbed rapidly throughout the day to a high of 80 degrees! Waterfowl on the lake above and below the dam were scarce so after a little searching and hiking the dam area we drove north of Yankton to the Lesterville area where the numerous wetlands there produced most of our duck species. After a good morning of birding we met at Chuck and Donna’s cabin for some great food and fellowship. With four kinds of soup and many other delicious goodies and drinks, everyone enjoyed a great meal.

     We recorded a total of 55 species for the day. Highlights included:  16 species of Ducks, Horned Grebe, a nesting Bald Eagle, Cooper’s Hawk, Eastern Bluebird, several singing Song Sparrows, Cedar Waxwing, Tree Swallow, Snow Goose, Greater Yellowlegs, and of course the delicious food at the cabin!! The entire species listing can be found on the Outings Highlights Page on our web site at: http://lhas.tripod.com/. Many thanks to Chuck and Donna for hosting us again this year! It was a great day!

Saturday, 14 April 2012.   Jerry P., Chuck J., Donna P., Pete V., Bob Bl., Gary H., Bill H., Jan N., Jerry V., and first time outing participants Carol Blair, and Rusty and Ozzy Dungan participated in our April outing to areas south and east of Sioux City. The temperature was 44 degrees with clear skies and calm winds when we started and warmed up to 68 degrees with cloudy skies and breezy conditions by noon. We made stops at Brower’s Lake, New Lake, Snyder’s Bend, Sandhill Lake, and other areas in between before ending the morning with a nice lunch at the Subway in Sloan.

     We recorded a total of 57 species for the day. Highlights included: MOTTLED DUCK, Belted Kingfisher feasting on a minnow, Wood Ducks, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, American White Pelican, Great Egret, Osprey on a nest, Wilson’s Snipe, and Long-billed Dowitcher. It was great to have Carol Blair, and Rusty and 9 year old Ozzy Dungan as 1^st time participants. The entire species listing can be found on the Outings Highlights Page on our web site at: http://lhas.tripod.com/.

                                      Blockbusting 2012

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union will be conducting three Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA) blockbusting weekends this summer (2012), beginning at the state’s western boundary in June and extending to the eastern border in July. (See below for details.) Each weekend will start with a presentation about the BBA on Friday evening. Volunteers will receive a refresher on how to participate, how to determine breeding-bird status, and how to turn in observations. On Saturday and Sunday, volunteers will be out in blocks (predetermined areas to inventory) searching for nesting birds. Atlas volunteers are encouraged to visit any blocks within a reasonable driving distance, and there will be a sign-up sheet to divide up the targeted blocks. Volunteers are responsible for making arrangements for their own accommodations and meals. If you plan to participate, please RSVP to the BBA coordinator on the Monday prior to the weekend of each event. For further details, please visit the Iowa BBA website at http://bba.iowabirds.org or contact the BBA volunteer coordinator at bbacoordinator@iowabirds.org.

June 22-24: The Loess Hills and the Big Sioux and Missouri River corridors (Sioux City area)

                                     NEST WATCH 

     Nestwatch is a nest-monitoring project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in which volunteers collect information to help ornithologists learn more about nesting birds.  Nature lovers of all ages are encouraged to take part.  You'll need to read the code of conduct and take a short quiz to get certified.  Being a nest monitor is easy, but it's a responsibility.  Once you're certified, find an active nest that you can monitor just by walking past.  Record what you see online and then return to the next 4-5 days later to see what's changed since your last visit.  You'll find everything you need to get started online at www.nestwatch.org.

                             THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT!!

     Smartphone apps give birders a digital edge.  Most iPhone apps can be used on iPods and iPads as well. Some of the app opportunities include:

     Audubon Birds with links to eBird for recent sightings nearby  iPhone $19.95

     iBird Explorer Pro.  Audio, drawings, & photos.  iPhone $19.95

     National Geographic Handheld Birds.  Audio & drawings. iPhone $9.99

     Sibley eGuide to the Birds of North America. Audio & drawings. iPhone $19.99

                                         ET CETERA

     Bob and Phyllis Nickolson were honored with the Woodbury County Conservation 'Friend Of Conservation' yearly award at an event at the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center.  Congratulations Bob & Phyllis!!