Big Bluestem Flyer
Newsletter of the Big Bluestem Audubon Society
Volume 45, Number 4
Programs
Meeting Place - Extension & 4-H Building, ISU, Ames
Currently Meetings Start at 7:00 P.M.
The building is located at the southwest corner of 13th St. and Stange
Road. Enter off of Stange Road on the first street south of 13th Street
(Wanda Daley Drive)
Important - starting with January 2010, start
time for the meetings will be 7:00 P.M.
April 15, 2010
Tom Rosburg - Prairie Ecology: Structure, function and
composition
Tom will provide a look at the some of the interesting ecology,
organisms and interactions in the prairie environment.
May 20, 2010
Doug Harr - Birds of Panama
Doug Harr, Iowa DNR Wildlife Diversity Program administrator,
will cover the “Birds of Panama”. Doug will have information
about birding Panama and photos of some of the exotics he
encountered from a recent trip.
Mortensen Mounds
Mortensen Mounds are located just south of the ISU Towers
Residence Halls parking lot along Mortensen Road in Ames.
The earth birms located at that location were seeded with
various native prairie plants. Jeanne Edwards worked very
hard maintaining this area for many years with occasional
help from other BBAS members and had success in
establishing a native prairie environment. For the past few
years, Jeanne has not been able to continue the project due
to health reasons. In that period of non-maintenance,
invasives have largely taken over. We have received an
evaluation of the site and have been told that a few natives
still exist in non-self sustaining populations. We are asking if
any BBAS members would have interest in continuing
Mortensen Mounds as their project. We would probably need
at least 2 or 3 individuals willing to put some continuing time
and effort into bringing the natives back. If we can get some
members with long term interest, we could schedule a
weekend work day or two for volunteers to kick off the project.
Please contact me if you have interest.
Thanks. Larry Dau
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 in which we live.
Visit us online at http://bigbluestemaudubon.org
Page 2 - Officers and Committees; President’s Corner; Membership Form
Page 3 - President’s Corner Continued; Newsletter Options; Other Events of Interest
Page 4 - It’s Time to Clean Your Bird Feeders; Coupons
Page 5 - Bird-A-Thon; Field Trip Reports
Page 6 - New Members of National Audubon Society
April-May-June 2010
Field Trips
All field trips are free and open to the public. They are fun
and a great learning experience for both beginning and
experienced birders, so attend and bring along a friend!
Unless otherwise indicated, field trips depart 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. Please arrive before the departure time to arrange
carpooling. Contact Jeff Nichols for more information at
515-795-4176 or ozarksbirder@hotmail.com.
April 10, 2010 Smith's Longspur Search/Survey
at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge (Jasper
County)
Much walking as we search for longspurs and other
migrants. Meet behind the Ames WBU at 7:30 A.M. to
carpool OR at the Prairie Learning Center (Refuge HQ)
at 9:00 A.M. Bring snacks, water and a picnic lunch.
May 8, 2010 Bird-A-Thon
June 5, 2010 Birders' Brunch at McFarland Park
(Story County)
Meet at 8:00 A.M. at the Park. From Ames, take 13th
Street to Dayton Avenue. Turn north onto Dayton,
traveling four miles to 180th Street. At 180th Street,
turn east and travel ½ mile. The center is on the
north side of the road. We'll bird the trails around the
park then enjoy a potluck brunch.
Future Field
Trips to be
announced in
proceeding
newsletters!
Cedar Waxwing taken on
the ISU Campus in Story
County February 2009
 Big Bluestem Audubon President’s Corner
Society of Central Iowa
As I write this column it is snowing and again cold, much like the last 2
Officers newsletters. However, I can sense that good weather and better bird watching
President: Larry Dau days are just ahead. I can see the grass in my front yard for the first time in 4
515-275-4963
months and waves of geese have been passing over the house for the past
lgdau@netins.net
Vice-President: Gary Erbes
week. Robins and Bluebirds are again frequenting the area, so all the other
gmerbes@gmail.com spring migrants can‘t be too far behind.
Secretary: Shane Patterson We have some big events coming. The annual Birdathon will be held May 8th
515- 232-4682 when the spring warblers and other migrant should be at a peak. So find some
shane7896@yahoo.com
Treasurer: Stu Huntington
friends to form a team and line up a few sponsors. It is a fun day when lots of
515-292-4542 bird species can be easily found. Also, our chapter makes very good use of the
huntin@iastate.edu sponsor donations in supporting our educational and wildlife habitat acquisition
efforts. Let’s continue the tradition.
Board Members
Mary Doud At our May meeting, we conduct the election of new officers and board
515-795-4176 members. At present time, all our officers are willing to serve another year. We
BorealBirders@hotmail.com have 2 board members whose terms have expired and desire not to serve
Kelly Barnett again. They are Kelly Barnett and Mary Doud . Both have been very active
319-231-6999 board members and have served BBAS well. They definitely earn a well
goinfishin@hotmail.com
deserved “thank you”. If you have interest in serving as a board member,
Hank Zaletel
515-382-5427
contact Gary Erbes. The job is not hard and requires very little time. As a
madowl@midiowa.net bonus, you get to actively participate in program and project choices.
Matt Wetrich
641-919-6061 Continued on page 3
matt@naturebymatt.com
Lloyd Crim Clip and Join
515-432-5026 Remember to give gift memberships!
lcrim@opencominc.com
Special Assignments Membership Application Form
Archivist
Hank Zaletel
515-382-5427 New member of the National Audubon Society. You will
madowl@midiowa.net receive the Audubon magazine, the Big Bluestem Flyer,
Bird-a-thon
Nick Osness
membership card. — $20
Conservation Please make your check payable to National Audubon
Bruce Ehresman Society and include “Chapter Code H-57” on the check
515-296-2995
Bruce.ehresman@dnr.iowa.gov OR
Field Trips
Jeff Nichols Subscribe to the Big Bluestem Flyer for one year and
515-795-4176 participate in some Big Bluestem Society Activities — $10
ozarksbirder@hotmail.com Restrictions are that you will not be a National Audubon Society member or
Publicity & Outreach have voting privileges, and you cannot be an officer or committee chair.
Gary Erbes
gmerbes@gmail.com Please make your check payable to Big Bluestem Audubon
Schools Liaison Society.
Amy Yoakum
515-232-2516 Send your check and this coupon to:
ayoakum@storycounty.com Big Bluestem Audubon Society
Newsletter Editor P.O. Box 543, Ames IA 50010 
Stefany Hulsebus
515-720-9322
stefany_h@yahoo.com Name
Audubon Membership Contact Address
Larry Dau
515-275-4963 City State ZIP
lgdau@netins.net Phone E-mail
Webmaster
David Edwards Please do not use this form for renewals For Official Use Only
515-292-3790 to the National Audubon Society. C9ZH570Z
dcejce@dandje.org

2 Big Bluestem Flyer April-May-June 2010

President’s Corner… Continued from page 2

Our program slate has been fantastic this year and we still have two great programs left. At this summer’s Board meeting
we will be picking programs for next year. If you have any program suggestions, please contact me or any other board
member. Your input is valuable.
On June 5th we will have our annual Birder’s Brunch at McFarland Park. We start off with a fun and generally very
productive field trip with many bird species usually seen. We end with a potluck lunch that serves as a great social
function for those who attend. So we hope to see you all there.
It has been a long, long winter with not much bird species diversity. Now is the time to enjoy some great Spring bird
watching and just get outside to enjoy our natural surroundings. So even if you don’t find that super rarity, enjoy and have
some fun outdoors.

Thanks, Larry Dau

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
We will be converting to a mostly online newsletter next year with printed copies only sent to members
requesting that form of delivery. We will assume anyone that does not respond with an option choice
desires the online delivery or notification. Even if you want online, please respond so we have your most
current email address, allowing us to easily notify you when the new issue is available. So please fill out
the coupon below or send me an e-mail telling your newsletter delivery choice. Thanks for your help as
we make this conversion. This change should free up some more funds for other worthwhile conserva-
tion and educational projects. And, even more, it is the green choice that helps our environment.

You can always find the latest BBAS Flyer by going online
to the link below for the BBAS home page and choosing
"Newsletter", then choosing "Current Newsletter" on the
Other events of
left side of the page: interest
http://www.bigbluestemaudubon.org/
BBAS Board Meeting Schedule
(tentative)
(Meeting begins at 6:30 PM, State Forest
Please Choose and Complete Nursery conference Rm)
April 14, 2010 (Wednesday)
BBAS Flyer Option Below... July 14, 2010 (Wednesday)

Option #1 IOU Annual Spring Meeting

I have internet/e-mail access and wish to receive an online notice and April 30 - May 2
delivery of the BBAS Flyer. Bettendorf
Please send an email message with "Desire Online BBAS
Flyer" in the subject to Larry Dau at LGDAU@netins.net.
Larry will return an e-mail verification once he receives your e-mail.

Option #2
I want to keep receiving a paper copy of the BBAS Flyer.
Complete the information below:
Name ______________________________________
Address_____________________________________
City/State ________________________ Zip ________
Once completed, please send the above information by mail to the
address listed below, by e-mail or bring the form to one of the
next two meetings.
Franklin's Gull taken at Jester Park in
Mail to: Larry Dau, 1644 Maple View Pl., Boone, IA 50036 Polk County May 2008
E-mail: LGDAU@netins.net

3 Big Bluestem Flyer April-May-June 2010

It’s Time to Clean Your Bird Feeders By Bruce Ehresman

Every year, during the transition from winter to spring, our cleaning away waste food and feces beneath feeders.
office receives numerous calls from the public reporting Also, clean and disinfect your bird feeder often. Liquid
dead and dying birds around their bird feeders. Just chlorine household bleach makes a good, cheap
today, I received a call from a distraught person who had disinfectant. Mix one part bleach with nine parts water,
(so far) found 8 cardinals, dead on the ground, close to the which gives a 10 % solution. After a good scrub, rinse your
bird feeder. bird feeder and let it dry thoroughly. Store food for birds in
a cool area, and place it in rodent-proof and water proof
With the recent increase in temperature and already high
containers. Discard any food that smells musty, is wet,
amount of moisture, conditions are ripe for the growth of
looks moldy, or has fungus growing on it. Contaminated
mold, fungus, and bacteria and the consequent spread of
storage containers and scoops that held spoiled food need
infectious diseases. This is especially true around feeders
to be cleaned, too. Be sure to wear rubber gloves while
where birds congregate and their feces and waste seed
cleaning the feeders, since humans can contract some
have been allowed to accumulate.
diseases, such as those caused by some Salmonella
The two most prevalent diseases that affect birds at bacteria, from
feeders are Salmonellosis and Aspergillosis. Of the two, affected feeders or
Salmonellosis is most prevalant, since it occurs in bird sick birds.
feces. Reports of as many as 30 dead birds at a time are
Maintaining a healthy
typically associated with salmonella outbreaks.
environment for your
Salmonellosis is primarily transmitted by fecal
backyard birds is the
contamination of food and water by sick birds, but it also
responsible thing to
can spread by bird-to-bird contact. Aspergillosis is a
do, and it will keep
fungal disease and mold infection that affects the
your birds fit and
respiratory system of birds (and humans). A bird becomes
hearty. Plus it can
infected by ingestion or inhalation of mold spores of
add to your viewing
contaminated foods, especially moldy peanuts or corn.
pleasure to observe
Nearly all species of birds may be affected.
the spunky behavior
Tufted Titmouse taken in Boone
To keep your birds healthy, keep their feeders and feeding of healthy birds in County March 2010
areas clean. Do this by regular removal of old food and by your own backyard.

Buying from the businesses listed on this page not only benefits the birds but also helps our local economy and provides funding for
Big Bluestem. Donations will fund our various habitat restoration and educational projects. Present the coupons here at the time of your
purchase and a donation will be given to BBAS.

Brekke's Town & Country Store, Inc.

1 1/2 miles east of I-35 on new U.S. 30 and 1/4 mile north

Hours: 8-6 M-F, 8-4 Sat. (515) 232-7906

Purchase Donation
Up tp $15 $1.50
$15 and over $3.00
$35 and over $5.00
Over $70 $7.50

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.

Offer good until June 30, 2010

Visit our website at http://bigbluestemaudubon.org

4 Big Bluestem Flyer April-May-June 2010

Bird-A-Thon is May 8, 2010
The 12th annual Birdathon is scheduled for May 8th. Birdathon is our main fund raising event and it has brought in many
thousands of dollars over the years. The donations raised from sponsors have helped our club fund many educational
and conservation related projects over the years. This past year was no exception with funds from this event helping
finance Ecology Education packets for local schools ($1187), cleaning up understory invasives at Robison’s Acres
($800), land purchases for the Indian Creek/Jennett track near Nevada and for the DNR Boone Forks addition in Web-
ster County ($2000). Participation in this event is simple and fun.

1. Find some bird watching friends to join you in forming a team. Think of a neat name for your team.
2. Recruit friends, neighbors, relatives or businesses willing to sponsor you with a monetary pledge.
3. Then have fun bird watching day on May 8th, finding as many bird species as possible and recording the birds
you find.

Teams usually find from 75 to well over a hundred species. Nick Osness will
serve as recorder/tabulator for this event. Please select a team coordinator and
have them email Nick your team name and team member list before April 30.
His email is nosness@mchsi.com. Nick will then email the coordinators the
instructions and information. The donations you
collect from sponsors should be given to our
treasurer, Stuart Huntington. There is a compete-
tion for the most species found and some prizes
will be awarded. As an added incentive, non-
member sponsors pledging $20 or more will be
given a complimentary Audubon membership.
So join in the fun and also help to raise
money for well deserving future projects.

White Crowned Sparrow taken in Yellow Headed Blackbird at Harrier

Boone County May 2008 Marsh in Boone County

Field Trip Reports By Jeff Nichols

30 January 2010, Boone City Parks and Cemeteries, feeders at Dau's, Saylorville Wildlife
Area:
We began our morning with a warming breakfast at the Dutch Oven Bakery in Boone. We then spent
most of the morning strolling through Linwood Park Cemetery and along the new bike/walking trail
south to McHose Park and the sewage treatment plant. Passerines were somewhat scarce, but a few
Tufted Titmouse in particular enlived our hike. We then visited the Dau's feeders, which were lively
with American Goldfinches and American Tree Sparrows, our only Mourning Dove of the day, and
many other species. A search through a grove of cedars failed to produce any roosting owls, but some
roadside birding turned up a few Gray Partridge. We found 27 species and finished around 2 p.m.
Eight participants.

27 February 2010, rural Story County and Nevada City Cemetery :

Winter still had us in its icy grip at the time of this field trip, so the six of us decided to scrap the
planned road trip to Red Rock and bird locally instead. We spent most of the morning driving rural
roads north of Nevada where we found many flocks of Horned Larks. One flock contained a few
Lapland Longspurs, but we never found any of the hoped for Snow Buntings. We found a covey of five
or so Gray Partridge and several large groups of Ring-necked Pheasants which provided a welcome
splash of color in an otherwise monochrome landscape. After a rest stop in Roland, we drove to the
Nevada City Cemetery where we were entertained by two Red-breasted Nuthatches and a handful of
other species. A Eurasian Collared-Dove was calling nearby, but we found no "winter finches." We
finished before noon after locating only 19 species.

5 Big Bluestem Flyer April-May-June 2010

New Members of National Audubon Society
Ames
Edna Ackerman Gary Boekhout Richard Engen Erin Kalkwarf G. R. Kline
John Lamont Judy Roe Deborah Williams

Boone
Nancy Chapman Shirley Donald

Madrid
Helen Boman Susan Souhrada

Nevada
Amelia Dehner Dale Sloan

Ogden
Alex Hanner Sr. Mary Frantum

Perry Rhodes
John Struyk Mike Alexander

Webster City American White Pelican at Don Williams Lake,

Boone County March 2010. Photo by Larry Dau
Dorothy Einspahr

Volume 45 No. 4 April-May-June 2010

unless you renew.

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

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

We welcome new members!

Ames, IA 50010-0543
PO Box 543
Ames, Iowa Big Bluestem Audubon Society
Permit No. 131 Larry Dau, President
U. S. Postage Paid Big Bluestem Flyer
Non-Profit Org.