Big Bluestem Flyer
Newsletter of the Big Bluestem Audubon Society
Volume 40, Number 2
Programs
November 18
Steve Jungst ISU Professor of Forestry
“Iowa’s Changing Natural Resources”
A tour through (relatively) recent time, looking at
the changes that have taken place in Iowa’s land
and biotic communities due to human activity.
Wetlands, prairie, and forest communities will be
discussed.
December 16
“BBAS Holiday for the Birds
and BBAS Member Picture Show”
(Note: 7 pm - Story County Conservation Building,
McFarland Park)
Bring:(1) bird feed for the park (cash accepted);
(2) a few slides or CD-ROM pictures to share of
your year’s activities, (3) party treats! Extra goodies
will be used at the dinner after the Ames Christmas
Bird Count, and (4)’ new this year, please bring one
non-perishable food item to be forwarded to the
MICA food panty for distribution to area residents
less fortunate than ourselves.
Program meetings are held monthly, September-May on
the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm, Room
2226 Veterinary Medicine Building, Iowa State
University, Ames, Iowa.
If you would like to meet and dine with the speaker and
the BBAS Board before the monthly meeting, please
contact Lynne Brookes to confirm space and location at
1-515-434-2028 rppsolar@yahoo.com
In This Issue
Page 2 Officers and Committees
President’s Column
Page 3 Field Trip Report
Boone County 4th Grade Classes
Christmas Bird Counts
Page 4 Prairie Winds - Mike & Linda Meetz
Rummage Sale Alert
November/December 2004
Field Trips
November 6
Lake Red Rock, Runnells Natural Area, and
Pinchey Bottoms
FYI November12-14
3rd Annual Rivers and Bluffs Fall Birding
Festival, Lansing, IA. Contact Ric Zarwell for more
information(Ric.Zarwell@mchsi.com).
December 18
Ames Christmas Bird Count. Contact Leader:
David Edwards: 292-3790. E-mail dcejce@dandje.org
December19
Saylorville Christmas Bird Count. Contact
Leader: Jim Dinsmore: 292-3152. E-mail:
oldcoot@iastate.edu.
January 1, 2005
Boone Christmas Bird Count. Contact Leader:
Mark Widrlechner: 233-1532. E-mail: mpwskd@aol.com
January 29
Ledges State Park in the Snow – Maybe!
February 26
Winter Birds of Ada Hayden Heritage Park and
Little Wall Lake.
Unless otherwise indicated, field trips leave promptly at
8:00 a.m. from the public parking lot west of (behind) the
Ames Wild Birds Unlimited, located south of the
railroad tracks at 213 Duff Ave. Trip destinations are
subject to change based on recent bird sightings and the
desires of the participants. Contact Jeff Nichols at 515-
795-4176, jnichols1961@hotmail.com for more information.
Page 5 New Members
Future BBAS Programs
Membership Form
Coupons
Page 6 Mortensen Mounds
 President’s Column

As I pulled into my driveway the other day and happened to look at one of my feeders in the backyard, I caught a
glimpse of my first red-breasted nuthatch of the season. Now, I have seen these “little bandits” before. But once
again, I was excited and delighted! I watched a little longer. But despite seeing several very busy chickadees and
white-breasted nuthatches, the “bandit” didn’t reappear. But I know he will be back.

Some of you might ask why all the excitement? You have seen lots of these birds. You
may have a long life list and a list of more you hope to add. Well, there are some
amongst us and many outside of the chapter who are just starting to enjoy birds and
nature. They may be excited to see their first cardinal or chickadee. So, as we approach
this holiday and giving season, I encourage all of you to not only enjoy your own excite-
ment, but also reach out to someone else to help them enjoy theirs, too. Give them a
priceless gift for life!

And, speaking of the holidays, mark your calendar for our annual holiday gathering on Thursday, December
16th. This will start at 7:00 PM (rather than 7:30 PM), and be held at the Story County Conservation Center at
McFarland park. This would be a great gathering to bring a friend or someone new to birding. And keeping with
the giving season, we encourage you to bring a donation (money or birdseed) for the center’s feeders, along with
holiday treats to share at the gathering. Plus, new this year, please bring one non-perishable food item to be for-
warded to the MICA food panty for distribution to area residents less fortunate than ourselves.

Also, don’t forget the Christmas Bird Counts. This is the 105th year of the nationwide Christmas Bird Counts,
and BBAS has a long tradition of local participation in the Ames, Boone, and Saylorville counts. However, we are
in need of a new Ames Count Coordinator. Dave Edwards is retiring after many years of doing a great job in this
role. Please consider helping to keep this tradition going. If interested, contact me or Dave directly.

Have a wonderful holiday season, safe travels, great birding, and hope to see you soon!
Linda Thomas

PS: Our next board meeting is at 6:30PM on Wednesday, December 1 at the State Forest Nursery.

Big Bluestem Audubon Society

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

2 Big Bluestem Flyer November/December 2004

 Field Trip to Ada Hayden Heritage Park
On 18 September, nine members visited Ames' newest park (which I consider to be part of my extended
backyard). Under a partly cloudy sky, we concentrated our birding efforts along the Upland Trail, in the western
part of the park. Although many of the wetlands had dried up we still managed to find Canada Geese, Mallards,
Blue-winged Teal, a Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Herons, many Killdeer, a Spotted Sandpiper, and a couple of
Least Sandpipers. There was a lot of avian activity around Jensen Pond north of the big lakes, including a fly-by
Cooper's Hawk, a pair of Belted Kingfishers, an Eastern Phoebe, and a few Eastern Kingbirds. The Osprey made
its appearance before the end of the trip. We ended up with 40 avian species.
Wolf Oesterreich

Boone County 4th Grade Outdoors Day at The Ledges

Big Bluestem members once again gave short sessions on birding to 4th grade classes from Boone County during
their annual Outdoors Field Day. Katy Patterson and I worked with seven classes on Tuesday and Jon Bahrenfus
and Ken Hunt met similar classes on Thursday. We first showed them what they already know about common
birds and presented what they might see in that part of the park. After an introduction to using binoculars, they
spent the remaining 10 to 15 minutes looking for birds (and whatever else reached their 10-year-old fancies). The
birds available are always limited, but some classes saw birds from among Eastern Bluebird, White-breasted
Nuthatch, Downy and Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-rumped Warbler, a pair of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, and
the always exciting (to them) Turkey Vulture. There was only 25 minutes to spend on birding in their schedule of
seven activities.
Note that the binoculars were a gift from BBAS, and do to the growth in size of the classes, they could really use
another five pair so that the children do not have to share the little time they have.
David Edwards

Katy Patterson showing the birds

Christmas Bird Count Invitation

More than 50,000 observers participate each year in this international, all-day census of early-winter bird
populations. The results of their efforts are compiled into the longest running database in ornithology,
representing over a century of unbroken data on trends of early-winter bird populations across the Americas.
Simply put, the Christmas Bird Count, or "CBC", is citizen science in action.
From beginning birder to seasoned ornithologist, all are welcome to participate on any Christmas Bird Count.
Participants must do their counting within a designated 15-mile CBC circle on the given count day. The inclusive
dates of the Official Count period are always December 14th through January 5th of each season. Historically, the
Ames count is held the first Saturday of the period, December 18th this year. The Saylorville count will be on
the following Sunday the 19th. The Boone count is scheduled for Saturday, January 1st.
Count circles are divided into specific areas in which a group of 4 or more birders plan their method of search.
Experienced leaders are responsible for each area, and this is a good place for those unsure of their skills to learn.
Most but not all participants spend the whole day. Feeder counts are also made on the same day in each count
circle. At day’s end, participants meet for supper and share stories and bird tallies.
You may sign-up for a count at the November BBAS meeting or call the respective count leaders indicated on the
first page of this newsletter. Past participants will likely be contacted directly by the count leaders.
Participants 18 years of age and under can participate for free. All others are asked to pay $5.00 to help
Audubon cover CBC program costs (such as database/web development costs, and the publication of the CBC
results summary).
David Edwards

November/December 2004 Big Bluestem Flyer 3

 Prairie Winds
September 13, 2004
After supper and errands in town, I’m finally home. Horses are fed and watered. I find the leash, and our
Golden “girl” knows we’re going to walk in the prairie. Her nose is busy reading the messages other creatures may
have left, apparently just for her. Then she’s off on a new mission, sometimes under trees, other times halting
suddenly, homed in on something in mid-trail.
Dusk is falling, but I can see the “turkey foot” tops of the Big Bluestem sway in the breeze as we walk. I reach
my hand up to greet the familiar plant and feel its soft touch. As if in reply, a subtle wind shift sends a brush of
“turkey feet” across my face. I smile, certain that the grass is returning my greeting. I notice the light is slowly
fading.
We pass a trail to one of the blinds near the pond. I try to persuade the dog that we are going a different
direction just now. She concedes and springs ahead down the trail. We hear ducks’ voices. In the deepening
darkness, I can see tiny white blooms swaying amid and against the taller darker plants. The breeze picks up.
The banks of grass on either side of the trail form a large V along the path until the wind teases them to close over
us as we walk, bumping against the thicker, heaver stems that lean into the path. No color left to see now; just
shades of dark and darker. The dog walks faster, smiling, and shows me she knows the way to the yard. She is
pleased! I realize that am not walking her and she is not dragging me; instead we are walking together, the leash
lightly linking us as we move beneath the dark sky.
It is good to be home.
Linda Meetz

Our View from Prairie Winds

October 7, 2004
There is a change in the air and with its arrival, new faces emerge daily as the old and familiar move on. The
Ruby-throated Hummers were seen sipping from the feeder the last Thursday of September. By the following
Sunday, White-throated Sparrows, Tree Sparrows and Junco’s were seen gleaning around the feeder station base.
All of one’s senses reawaken at this time. The waft of drying leaves and the maturing stem blends the warmth,
mustiness, and rich nutty aromas characteristic of this season.
After a warm gentle October rain the ground crawls with wandering salamanders and crayfish. They leave the
surrounding fields to cut across our yards and prairie soils, seeking the soft mud of the pothole and a secure refuge
from the approach of winter’s cold. They are lulled to sleep by a large mixed chorus of Red-winged Blackbirds,
Grackles, Starlings and the numerous waterfowl species that stop for a visit and rest.
The night of our first killing frost “did in” the tomato plants. But it provided us with “eye candy” by forcing a
mixed flock of American Redstarts, Yellow-rumped, and Tennessee Warblers, along with Ruby- and Gold-crowned
Kinglets to seek cover in our trees.
Many good reasons to look forward to the approaching crisp fall days.
Mike and Linda Meetz

Big Bluestem Audubon Society Rummage Sale in April 2005

Start sorting through items you would like to contribute to the spring 2005 BBAS Rummage Sale. This sale will
be a great opportunity to reduce clutter and recycle unwanted items, while also helping fund the conservation and
education activities of Big Bluestem. Watch for more information in the spring BBAS newsletters.
Jeff Nichols

Newsletter Material Deadlines

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

4 Big Bluestem Flyer November/December 2004

 Clip and Join
Don’t forget gift memberships!
New Members

Dean Peterson and MadeleineHenry Membership Application forms

Judy and John Garton
Karen Tegtmeyer New member of the National Audubon Society. You will
Larry Dau receive the Audubon magazine, the Big Bluestem Flyer,
Rebecca Sharp membership card. — $20
Please make your check payable to National Audubon
Society and include “Chapter Code H-57” on the check
OR
Subscribe to the Big Bluestem Flyer for one year and
participate in some Big Bluestem Society Activities — $10
Restrictions are that you will not be a National Audubon Society
member or have voting privileges, and you cannot be an officer or
Future BBAS Programs committee chair. Please make your check payable to Big Bluestem
Jan. 20, 2005 - Sue Fairbanks: Bighorn Audubon Society.
Sheep and their Environs
Feb.17, 2005 - Joe Colletti: The Bear Send your check and this coupon to
Creek Watershed Jon Bahrenfus, Membership Chair
Mar.17, 2005 - Mike Meetz: Loons 1050 J Ave, Ogden, IA 50212
Apr. 21, 2005 - Embere Hall and Tracy
Walker: Iowa Bird Studies Name _______________________________________________
May 19, 2005 - Fred Janzen: Turtles 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: 12/31/04
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 December 31, 2004
BIRDSEED • FEEDERS • BIRDBATHS • OPTICS • NATURE GIFTS

November/December 2004 Big Bluestem Flyer 5

 Mortensen Mounds Update
The past six months have been a time of contrast for the Mounds, all the way from negative challenge to positive
result.
Unfortunately, dumping (including 10” diameter burned tree limbs, rocks, concrete chunks, doggy- doo, and
discarded road construction materials) has increased in frequency. Lucky for us, Ames’ Building and Grounds is
willing to cart away this stuff if it is piled up. In addition to discarded construction materials, Mortensen Road
remodeling resulted in the Mounds losing five feet of grassy surround on the south to make room for a paved bike
path. This cut the park-like atmosphere in that area, since the “frame” around the Mounds now looks rather
stingy.
And the person who dug up our only compass plant (you can see the disturbed soil where it had been) – is this
the same one who last year dug up the only two butterfly milkweeds? This is not helping our project!
But the dozen or so goldfinch continue to use the area. They do a lot of chattering and chee-winks to keep us
company as we work. Plus at least seven monarch larvae were seen on the west-end milkweeds, with the
possibility of more in the interior areas. (However, removing most of the wild parsnip also removed the possibility
of food for black swallowtail larvae, which we saw on the parsnip last year.)
Regarding the forbs/flowers which we are working toward increasing in number, a few more monarda/bee balm
and oxeye showed up this summer, along with the first stiff goldenrod. Waiting for the forbs is hard. Lots of seed
was put down in the past four to five years, but there are few plants to show for it.
Lesson: Prairie plants teach us patience!
Jeanne Edwards

Vol 40 No. 2 Printed on Recycled paper November/December 2004

unless you renew.

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

We welcome new members!

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