Big Bluestem Flyer
Newsletter of the Big Bluestem Audubon Society
Volume 38, Number 1
Programs
September
19 - Jim Dinsmore, "Costa Rica: A Paradise for
Birders" Jim will describe his experiences in several
regions of Costa Rica, including the people, the country's
natural areas, and the opportunities for Iowans to have a
great travel experience in the tropics.
October
17 - Mike Freiberg, "Flora and Fauna of the
Oregon Sagebrush Steppe" The endangered
Sagebrush Steppe has much more to offer than what may
be seen at the surface. Mike will discuss his research on
the breeding birds of the Sage, conducted while working
for Point Reyes Bird Observatory. He will also discuss the
habitat of that region.
November
21 - Diane Debinski, "Butterflies of Iowa: The
Winged Jewels of the Prairie"
December
12 - BBAS Holiday for the Birds and BBAS
Member slideshow, Story County Conservation
Building, McFarland Park
__________________________________________________
Program meetings are held monthly, September-May
(except December) 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 John Snyder, 515-232-8824 or jesnyder@ix.
netcom.com, to confirm space and location.
In This Issue
Page 2 - President’s Greetings
Page 3 - Birds Around the Area
View From Wolf’s Den
Karl’s Backyard
Page 4 - Conservation Corner
September/October 2002
Field Trips
September
13-15 FYI Iowa Ornithologists’ Union
meeting at Boone Y Camp. Field trips Saturday
and Sunday mornings leaving from the Y camp.
15 Pelican Festival at Jester Park – meet
at 9:00 am behind WBU to carpool.
21 Peterson Pits. Confusing Fall Warbler
Fest
October
5 Rare Bird Alert Weekend – We’ll go where
the birds are.
19 Snyder Farms/Errington Marsh. Meet at
WBU at 7:30 to carpool to the area.
November
2 Ames Quarry, Doolittle Prairie, Little Wall Lake,
and other birding hotspots of Story and Hamilton
Counties.
16 Saylorville Lake, Jester Park, Big Creek State
Park, Big Creek Wildlife Area for migrating waterfowl
and shorebirds.
December
14 Ames Christmas Bird Count.
15 Saylorville Christmas Bird Count.
January 2003
1 Boone Christmas Bird Count.
_________________________________________________
Unless otherwise indicated, all field trips leave
promptly at 8:00 am from the public parking lot west
of (behind) the Ames Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU),
located south of the railroad tracks at 213 Duff Ave.
Trip destinations are subject to change based on recent
rare bird sightings and the desires of the participants.
Contact Jeff Nichols (515-795-4176 or
jnichols1961@hotmail.com) for more information.
Page 5 - Mid Month Birding Events
Page 5 - Spring Field Trip Reports
Page - BBAS Annual Report for 2001-2002
Page 7 - New Members
Page 8 - Years Ago In Ames Audubon
 Big Bluestem Audubon Society
Officers and Committees
Officers
President: John Pohlman 232-6816 pohlman@city.ames.ia.us
Vice-President: Linda Thomas 292-7534 wbuames@mcleodusa.net
Secretary: [vacant]
Treasurer: Donna Flanagan 268-0458 ddflana@iastate.edu
Board Members
Bruce Ehresman 296-2995 behresma@opencominc.com
Jeff: Nichols 795-4176 jnichols1961@hotmail.comt
Maridel Jackson 515-964-0140 mpwj410@covad.net
Wolfgang Oesterreich 515-232-3285 (h) wolf@iastate.edu
Matt Wetrich 956-4299 mwetrich@iastate.edu
Committee Chairs
Archivist: Hank Zaletel 382-427 madowl@midiowa.net
Bird-a-thon Co-chairs: Karl and Carmen Jungbluth, 432-5057 weather-
bird.opencominc.com
Conservation Chair: Bruce Ehresman
Education Chair: Ida Johnson 233-4831 iwindj@aoLcom
Field Trip Chair: Jeff Nichols
Membership Chair: Al Johnson 233-4831 awindj@aol. com
Program Chair: John Snyder 232-8824 jesnyder@ix.netcom.com
Publicity Chair: Linda Thomas 292-7534 wbuames@mcleodusa.net
Publications & Electronic Media Co-Chairs: David Edwards 292-3790
dcejce@qwest.net and Joyce Bahrenfus 432-3396
BBAS Web Site: http://www.wyalusing.org/BBAS.htm
Iowa Bird Sightings Hotline 319-338-9881
Wildlife Care Clinic 515-294-4900
The mission of the Big Bluestem Audubon Society 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.
Redhead Artist Daniel S. Kilby
2 Big Bluestem Flyer
President’s Greetings
I knew last spring that the time to write this column
would be here too quickly. And it most certainly is. Where did
the summer go? Please let me introduce myself. I am John
Pohlman, your new president of Big Bluestem Audubon Soci-
ety. My day job is superintendent at the City of Ames Re-
source Recovery System. My wife, Lynette, is director of Un i-
versity Museums at ISU, and our daughter, Jessica, is a senior
at Rochester Institute of Technology, New York, majoring in
fine arts photography. We all enjoy art and outdoor activities
to varying degrees. I am a person who likes to get involved.
Here is a list of some of the groups in which I am active; Story
County Conservation, IOWATER, REAP, Story County De-
mocrats, and Big Bluestem Audubon. So here I am, being in-
volved.
One of the first things I need to do is say thanks to Karl
Jungbluth for all of the work and leadership he has given to
Big Bluestem these past two years. One of the many things he
has done is help get us all involved through his implementing
and promoting of the annual Birdathon event. That raised
money for environmental education and habitat that are im-
portant to us all. He has also represented us very well through
his involvement with Audubon Iowa. THANKS KARL for
those and everything else that you have done to keep Big
Bluestem moving forward. I only hope that I can do as well,
and I look forward to working with you as we transition into
the next year.
I also need to thank to Mary Doud who has been Secre-
tary for the Big Bluestem Audubon Society board for many
years and has done a great job. We are still looking for some -
one to take over those duties. Meanwhile we will rotate that
duty among the board members. Thanks also goes to Al
Ravenscroft for his time and involvement on the board. Wel-
come to our new board members: Wolf Oesterreich, Matt
Wettrich and Maridel Jackson.
Another thanks goes to Rebecca Shivvers for doing such
a great job with the "Big Bluestem Flyer" as our newsletter
editor. In fact she did such a great job that she made it an
award winning newsletter. She is turning over the newsletter
responsibilities to David Edwards. Dave has had experience as
our editor previously and is ready to do it again. Please con-
tact Dave if you have any news or articles for the newsletter.
John Snyder, our Program Chair, helped us put together
some great diverse programs again this year. Jeff Nichols, our
Field Trip Chair, is planning some great field trips for Big
Bluestem Audubon as well.
The board has some challenges to look forward to this
year. One of them will be how to adjust our budget plan ac-
cording to reduced membership revenues and reduced income
from Birdathon. It looks like we will have things to do; it
should be an interesting year for us all. I hope everyone was
able to do some great birding this summer, and I hope to see
you all in September.
John Pohlman
September/October 2002
 View From Wolf’s Den
South of Hayden Heritage Park (nee Hallett's Quarry)
In May, the city diverted flow of the small creek along the
southwestern boundary into a soybean/planned wetland.
Shorebirds arrived: fourteen species including Semipalmated
Plover, Killdeer, Greater & Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary, Spotted,
Semipalmated, Least, White-rumped, Stilt, and Pectoral
Sandpipers, Dunlin, Common Snipe, and Wilson's Phalarope. I
ended up recording 102 avian species in May, the highest monthly
total in the 5 years I've lived at this location, including 2 grebe nestlings.
species, 3 heron species, 8 waterfowl species, 4 woodpecker
species, 5 flycatcher species (including the Alder Flycatcher, a Life
species for me), 4 vireo species, 6 swallow species, 10 warbler
species, and 8 sparrow species. The 9 Eared Grebes found on the
25th, the female Red-breasted Merganser on the 17th, and the
Solitary Sandpipers on the 29th may all break the current Story
County late Spring records. June and July only had 55 and 47
species, respectively. A Western Grebe, found by Jim Dinsmore on
29 June, may represent only the 6th record for Story County. The
8 Pied-billed Grebes found on 22 July may represent early Fall
migrants. Two Great Egrets (14 July) are only the 7th Summer
record for Story County. A female Great-tailed Grackle visited my
feeders on 4 July.
Wolfgang Oesterreich called as I headed out the door for work. Phoebes and
Mortensen Mounds Update
South of ISU’s Tower Dorms
More than 10 years ago, Big Bluestem Audubon accepted
management of a neglected half-acre of Ames land, located on the
corner of Mortensen Rd. and Ash Ave, in SW Ames. The Mounds
are a rich chance to help sensitize the public to native plants and
birds. A sign helps explain the area: Mortensen Mounds, Native
Flowers & Grasses, Big Bluestem Audubon. A flock of goldfinch
visits frequently, and the yellow prairie coneflower, purple
monarda, and blue Pitcher’s sage blossoms are bringing
butterflies.. Come and see!
Jeanne Edwards
Meetz Prairie Winds
Northeast of Ames a few miles
Prairie Winds is that portion of our “back forty” Linda and I
will be sharing with you in future newsletters. Since settlement,
this parcel has been farmed or used as open pasture for cattle and third(?) fledges of Robins and Cardinals just now
swine. A three-acre parcel along the south border has escaped the
cut of the plow and survived as an un-drained prairie pothole for
at least the last 50 years, according to a neighboring farmer. Some Chickadees, Titmice, Nuthatches, Downy, Hairy, and Red-
years the pothole is dry by midsummer but usually holds water
through fall.
After two preparation years this 36-acre prairie reconstruction
is in its third growing season. It has attracted a variety of water- Peewees, House Finches, and House Sparrows. Regular
fowl, shorebird, and grassland species. A rare treat included a
White-Faced Ibis that stopped for five days earlier this summer.
We will let you know what stops by for a visit or decides to
make it a home.
Mike Meetz mower.
Karl’s Backyard
North edge of Ledges SP—Boone County
At times our backyard looks like Iowa’s busiest “bird
airport”, but things typically slow down a bit in August.
Most of the fledgling birds can fend for themselves now,
but they still make frequent attempts at begging for food.
The young Hairy Woodpecker is making quite a racket
right now. The parent woodpeckers carried off many a
peanut this summer, all lined up in their beaks for the
As I write, the Wren and Catbird are still feeding their
young at the nest, or close by. An island of native shrubs
that we planted several years ago has become the
Catbird’s favorite haunt. Cardinals and juvenile Rufous-
sided Towhees have been seen there as well. Colorful
Goldfinches, and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in all
plumages, are daily visitors to the feeders and yard.
The weeds, poison ivy, and yes the humidity, have kept
me from exploring the woods behind the house in recent
days. The beaver pond on the creek nearby was washed
out on Birdathon day in May, and hasn’t been rebuilt. We
hear the Barred Owls and Great-crested Flycatcher
frequently, and just last week a Pileated Woodpecker
Peewees stop by the yard to catch insects, and
infrequently I’ve heard the Scarlet Tanager singing.
The Bluebirds and Tree Swallows have had a good
nesting year in the boxes I maintain. Bluebirds fledged
from one box, then Tree Swallows, and now it hosts 4
more Bluebird eggs. Have you ever noticed how long it
takes for Tree Swallows to fledge? The babies were in the
box for about 3 weeks, and some of their first flights were
in our back yard.
Summer highlights include 2 successful Baltimore
Oriole nests in the yard, one right over the front steps.
And, in mid-July, I watched a baby Bluebird take its first
flight from the box just outside our front window.
Karl Jungbluth
Oak Forest Feeders
Southwest edge of Ames
Like Karl’s yard, our feeder stations and surrounds
have had very heavy use this summer from waves of
young birds being introduced to the “fast food” and
pesticide-free environment. From the earliest Starlings in
their traditional holes in high oak limbs to the second and
appearing, the show has progressed without let-up.
Included have been all the usuals: Blue Jays, Grosbeaks,
bellied Woodpeckers, Wrens, Mourning Doves, Swifts,
Flickers, Bluebirds (our first), Great-crested Flycatchers,
Indigo Buntings, Catbirds, Thrashers, Hummingbirds,
fly-bys included Canada Geese, Great Blue Herons, Wood
Ducks, Turkey Vultures, Red-tails, and Crows.
One of the summer highlights was spying a Woodcock
waddle down the gully near the house; I nearly fell off the
Dave and Jeanne Edwards

September/October 2002 Big Bluestem Flyer 3

 Conservation Corner
Iowans Vow to Fight for Resource Programs
Iowans who value their natural and historic resources have promised to work to re- Feeling the cuts
verse spending cuts that have gutted the state's award-winning Resources Enhancement Iowa's Resource En-
and Protection (REAP) program. More than 150 people meeting in Des Moines at the hancement and Pro-
2002 REAP Congress voted to call for full funding of the program, which began in 1989. tection (REAP) fund-
The program, which has received national recognition, earmarks money for conserva- ing was cut from $10
tion education, soil and water conservation, city and county parks, state land acquisition million to $2 million
and management, historic preservation and roadside vegetation management. The origi- in FY-03. Here's just
nal legislation authorized up to $30 million per year for 10 years, with a formula allocat- a sampling of the ef-
ing funds to each of the programs. The REAP legislation later was extended to allow $20 fects of those cuts:
million annually, but the Legislature has never appropriated the full amount. Watershed Protec-
"Less than one penny of our state tax dollar now goes to natural and cultural resource tion Programs pr o-
protection," said Mark Ackelson, president of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and tected Iowa's drink -
co-coordinator of the 30-member REAP Alliance. "We are robbing from ourselves and fu- ing water, beaches
ture generations" when money is diverted from resource programs, Ackelson said. and fisheries. Ten
The Big Bluestem Audubon, along with about 30 other organizations in the REAP Alli- lakes and streams
ance, helped draft the REAP law and secure its passage in the Iowa Legislature, and has must wait for pollu-
helped monitor the program since 1989. Alliance members were shocked this year when tion control projects.
the Iowa legislature cut 80 per cent from the $10 million originally requested for the July Environmental
2002 to June 2003 budget. Lawmakers already had cut $2.8 million from last year's ap- Education Grants
propriations. funded 99% of the
"This program is in trouble," warned Jeff Vonk, director of the Iowa Department of professionally ac-
Natural Resources. In addition to the budget cuts, the legislature restricted use of the credited conserva-
remaining $2 million to paying property taxes, contractual obligations, and maintenance tion education
of state lands. "REAP as we've known it, is non -existent this year," Vonk conceded. courses for Iowa's
He called on REAP Congress delegates and other Iowans to speak out in support of re- teachers. Now zero.
sources protection, and to lobby their legislators to remind them of the benefits of REAP County Conserva-
in their own communities. tion Boards re-
Ackelson agreed that REAP cuts will have far-reaching effects: "Regardless of what ceived $2 million in
your conservation concern is--soil, water, historical sites, agricultural land, wildlife, REAP funding and
parks, trails, trees, prairies, or streams-you have lost important tools to do your work grants for environ-
and protect these resources." mental education,
Ackelson added that REAP cuts reflect a larger trend of reduced state funding for con- equipment and park
servation. "REAP was cut 80% from last year and is only at 10% of its authorized level. operations. Grants
But this is not the only conservation cut. Lawmakers cut Iowa conservation by one third- help fund 4-8 county
one third! parks per year.
Less than one penny of our state tax dollar now goes to natural and cultural resource Gone. Meanwhile,
protection," Ackelson noted. "Do not accept as fact that this is the result of state budget cities won't get fund-
problems. Support for conservation has eroded over the last 5-6 years. Dedicated funds ing for 17-20 parks.
have been diverted at the same time there has been deliberate actions to weaken pro- Historical Re-
gram effectiveness." source Programs
After some discussion, participants voted near unanimously in support of the following lost funding to pro-
resolution: "REAP funding be restored to $20 million for FY 04 and subsequent years." tect and conserve 46
The small group discussions reaffirmed strong support of REAP and identified important projects, such as sta-
strategies to better communicate within the REAP Alliance, with the public and with our bilization and resto-
elected officials. ration of the country
"REAP was created with nearly unanimous bi-partisan support of the legislators. Polls schoolhouse at-
indicate that a strong majority of Republican and Democrat voters support conservation tended by Iowa na-
and environmental protection," said Ackelson. "We must ask ourselves, "Why has sup- tive and Nobel Peace
port eroded?" We must not allow ourselves to fight over the scraps of conservation fund- Prize winner, Norm
ing, but we must find ways to determine what needs to be done to rebuild support."
Borlaug.
REAP. Invest in Iowa. Our Outdoors. Our Heritage. Our People.
Bruce Ehresman

4 Big Bluestem Flyer September/October 2002

 Mid-Month Birding Events
You should have received a letter from Iowa Audubon in mid August detailing these events.
Sept. 13-15, 2002 Fall Birding Conference — Iowa Ornithologists’s Union
Theme: Bringing People to Birding, Moving Birders to Conservation Action
Two Outstanding, Nationally Known Speakers plus four Speakers from Iowa
Two Half-day Field Trips to Excellent Birding Locations
Conference headquarters is the newly refurbished Des Moines YMCA Camp 1192 166th Dr., Boone.
September 15, 2002 Pelican Festival
At the third annual Pelican Festival we will watch the incredible gathering of the American White Pelicans at
Jester Park at the north end of Saylorville Reservoir. The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at
Camp Area #4 in Jester Park, which is just east of Granger, Iowa, and easily accessed from HWY 141.
September 16, 2002 Pelican Gala
The First Annual Pelican Gala will be at the Jester Park Lodge overlooking Saylorville Reservoir. The price of
the Gala is $75 per person or $125 per couple. Gala attendees will be able to use the viewing deck to see the won-
derful display of pelicans. Mr. Kenn Kaufman will be the featured speaker. For everyone interested in birds and
habitat, this will be a wonderful evening to enjoy the camaraderie of other birders, the spectacular migration of
Pelicans and the opportunity to support birds and habitat in Iowa.
The Gala will be Audubon Iowa’s biggest fundraising event this year.

Spring Field Trip Reports

Mothers’ Day Warbler Walk, disappointed. Using Francis Moore’s before finally dropping out of sight.
Peterson Pits, 12 May 2002 excellent “Birding Sweet Marsh” The species total for the day was
Several Cerulean Warblers were article as our guide, we walked 115. One of the best field trips of the
the first birds we found upon our slowly along the road just west of the year!
arrival at the east trailhead. The marsh and along the old railroad bed
birds were browsing low (!) in the to the south. Warblers and other Birders’ Brunch, 1 June 2002
trees along the banks of the Skunk songbirds were swarming through The ever-popular combination of
River, permitting all six trip the trees like bees. We saw 22 birds and food brought out 22
participants to get nice long looks. warbler species, 5 flycatcher species participants for this year’s Birders’
Though we knew the birding would (including Olive-sided Flycatcher), 5 Brunch. The food was good and so
be downhill from there, we swallow species, and 6 woodpecker was the birding. We tallied 63
persevered nevertheless, and within species. We also saw lots of kinglets species for the morning. Only seven
two hours had located 60 species, and thrushes, Bobolinks, and 7 warbler species were seen, but these
including Chestnut-sided and 9 other species of waterfowl. We also heard included a Prothonotary Warbler in
warbler species; nine species of and then finally found a small group the willows and a nesting Yellow-
sparrows; and Yellow-throated, Blue- of Sandhill Cranes. Best of all, we throated Warbler (found earlier by
headed, and Red-eyed Vireos. didn’t see ANY House Sparrows or Karl Jungbluth) high in the tree
European Starlings. After an overhanging the stone entrance gate.
Sweet Marsh, Bremer County, enjoyable picnic lunch at the city Four vireo species were also
park in Tripoli (where we reluctantly observed, including a very
18 May 2002 added the sparrows and starlings to
Eight BBAS members arrived at cooperative Philadelphia Vireo (a life
our trip list), we headed back to the bird for many participants), which
the marsh early on a clear cool day
marsh. The last bird of the day was a explored the trees at close range and
hoping to find the spring migration
soaring Peregrine Falcon, which flew just a bit above eye level.
in full swing. We weren’t
high overhead for several minutes Jeff Nichols

Newsletter Material Deadlines

Because we would like to have the newsletter to each member before the first day of its scope, the editor needs
to have material at least two weeks before that. Hence the deadline will be the fifteenth of those months:
October, December, February, and April.
David Edwards, Editor

September/October 2002 Big Bluestem Flyer 5

 Big Bluestem Audubon Society
Report on Accomplishments towards the 2001-2002 Annual Plan
June 2002
Long Term Goals
Continue the tradition of field trips, monthly programs, Christmas Bird Counts and the newsletter.
Possibly expand variety of activities: field trips beyond birding, offer shorter trips, walking tours, work days,
workshops, etc.
See 1, 2, 3,4 below. Assisted the Wild Birds Unlimited store with a backyard birds program, in conjunction
with the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), a small step toward expanding the variety of activities.
Conduct yearly Chapter Birdathon.
See 5 below.
Increase the visibility of both Big Bluestem and National Audubon.
Promote our presence and activities.
See 6 below.
Accomplish projects that make a difference for birds, other wildlife and their habitats.
See 7 below. Chapter is providing monetary support for the shorebird addition to the DNR’s Harrier Marsh in
Boone County. Chapter donated $1000 outright, solicited its members for additional donations, and will con-
tribute one quarter of Birdathon proceeds to the project, which will be managed to attract shorebirds and will
focus on bird and wildlife viewing, rather than hunting.
Be an advocate for birds and the environment at a local, state and national level through grassroots efforts.
See 11 below.
Partner with the Audubon State Program.
See 12 below.
Annual Plan
1. Provide a full slate of field trips in the spring and fall.
Hosted 17 field trips with over 180 total participants. Maximum 22 participants, minimum 5.
2. Provide 8 educational programs a year (monthly meetings) that are science-based, foster an appreciation and
understanding of the natural world, and promote a conservation ethic.
Eight programs- average attendance 35-40.
3. Produce 5 newsletters a year to keep our members and communities informed of chapter activities and pro-
vide the knowledge and means to be effective environmental advocates.
Five newsletters published, usually 8 or 12 pages. Newsletters also posted on the chapter website. Cost of
printing and mailing $1927.71
4. Coordinate and participate in the Ames, Boone and Saylorville Christmas Bird Counts.
Counts were held on December 15, 2001, January 1, 2002, and December 16, 2001, respectively. Organizers
were Dave Edwards, Jim Dinsmore and Mark Widrlechner.
5. Conduct a chapter Birdathon on May 11, 2002.
161 species, 25 Birdathoners, over 180 sponsors and at least $4200 raised. Funds will go toward the DNR’s
Harrier Marsh shorebird addition (25%), Audubon Iowa’s Important Bird Areas program (25%), 2 or 3 schol-
arships to Young Naturalists Camp, and Audubon Adventures.
6. Publicize our activities and accomplishments within the local media and other publications.
With the help of others, Linda Thomas will explore ideas to publicize Big Bluestem Audubon and increase
our visibility.
A work in progress. Partnered with the Ames Wild Birds Unlimited store to promote the Great Backyard
Bird Count and provide information on backyard birds. Press releases were sent out for the GBBC, and sev-
eral for Birdathon as well. Meeting and field trip announcements go to several newspapers.
7. Select at least one “Audubon signature” project.
a. First idea to be explored would be prairie plantings at scenic overlook close to I-35 or ISU College of Vet-
erinary Medicine.
b. Other ideas regarding habitat as noted in the board meeting minutes of August 14, 2001.
Still under discussion. Did not go through with I-35 prairie planting idea due to the fact that visibility is
low (despite being along I-35), and another group was working on it.
Voted to “Adopt a Park”, part of a new Story County program. BBAS will leading cleanup of one or

6 Big Bluestem Flyer September/October 2002

 two county conservation areas.
Birdathon is really our chapter’s signature project, with wide participation. The dollars raised allow
us to make significant contributions to a number of projects.
8. Partner and volunteer with other like-minded organizations when there are opportunities.
See Adopt a Park above.
BBAS is helping to raise money for the DNR’s Harrier Marsh addition.
BBAS members helped out with Boone County Conservation’s outdoor classroom in April, introducing 200
children to birds and birding.
9. Support the Saylorville Osprey Introduction Project, both financially and with volunteers.
$1000 was donated to the project, and several volunteers from the chapter helped with spotting.
10. Continue to fund Audubon Adventures classroom materials at a level deemed appropriate by the board (up
to 30 classrooms approved at the August 14, 2001 board meeting).
Sponsored 24 classrooms. Our Education Chair also made contact with teachers twice during the year, and
“Help a Habitat” CDs and education packets (from Audubon Iowa) were distributed to all Audubon Adven-
tures classrooms.
11. Be an advocate for birds and the environment at a local, state and national level through the Conservation
Committee, announcements at meetings and field trips, the newsletter and email lists.
Chapter members spoke out in support of CARA, against increased barge traffic on the Mississippi River, and
for the designation of Hallet’s Quarry as an Ames city park and natural area. Every newsletter contains the
“Conservation Corner” to keep members up to date on issues.
12. Partner with the State Audubon Program by providing volunteer and financial support.
Half of Birdathon proceeds went to the state office in 2001. Chapter members volunteered at the Saylorville
Pelican Watch, and represented Audubon Iowa at the Des Moines Flower, Lawn and Garden show in March.
13. File the yearly Recertification Report with National Audubon. Done!

New Members Judy Overbeck Wierson Furniture Inc.

Yvette Benton Mark Peterson D. Brookes
Lou Corones Jerry Poling Peter Pattee
James Dahlke John Shierholz Mr. And Mrs. Steiner Silence
Iva Johnson Dennie Webb Murali Subramanian
Catherine Kling Archie Wierson Lewis Berg

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.

213 DUFF AVE. 1 1/2 miles east of I-35 on new U.S. 30 and 1/4 mile north
AMES, IA 50010
(515) 956-3145 Hours: 8-6 M-F, 8-4 Sat. (515) 232-7906
Your Backyard Birdfeeding Specialist ® Purchase Donation
Donate 10%
of your Next Purchase Up tp $15 $1.50
To Big Bluestem Audubon Society $15 and over $3.00
& Receive 2 lbs. FREE of our Deluxe Blend $35 and over $5.00
Over $70 $7.50
Coupon must be presented at time of purchase
May not be combined with any other offer
Not valid on specially -priced merchandise Brekke’s offers Big Bluestem Audubon Society a donation
when bird seed or other bird products are purchased.
Monday – Friday 9:30am – 5:30pm Present this coupon with your purchase and a donation will be
Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday Noon – 4pm Offer Expires: 10/31/02
given to BBAS.

We Bring People and Nature Together ®

Offer good until December 31, 2002

September/October 2002 Big Bluestem Flyer 7

 Years Ago In Ames Audubon
From materials Lotus Miller put into my care some years ago, I have gleaned some interesting tidbits about our
past. The first newsletter was published 35 years ago in June of 1968 as the “Ames Audubon Newsletter.” (How
this year’s newsletters got to be volume 38 — I haven’t a clue.) The three-page ditto copy included a notice of the
June meeting in which a formal organization and constitution was to be settled. Included also was notice that the
Ames City Council had banned DDT from the city upon receiving a resolution from the Ames Audubon.
Newsletters from 30 years ago are missing in my files, but these were times of fighting two “water fronts”: the
Saylorville Reservoir which was expected to periodically flood the Ledges State Park; and the proposed Ames Res-
ervoir that would have flooded much of the Skunk River greenbelt. The Ames dam would have been just north of
Peterson Pits.
Twenty years ago Ames Audubon was in the throes of negotiating an affiliation with National Audubon Society.
That involved implementing a specific committee structure and attracting 35 new members for the national asso-
ciation. The September 1982 meeting was on Soil Conservation in Story County. The October newsletter marked
the first use of “Bluestem Flyer.” (We weren’t “Big” yet!) Members were cooperating with the Non -game DNR pro-
gram to re-establish Barn owls in Iowa.
Ten years ago Maridel Jackson had just begun as BBAS President, and Sherry Dragula began sharing the
newsletter duties with me. The September meeting was by Eugene and Eloise Armstrong, “Birding the Four Cor-
ners of Iowa”. October was “Accidents Happen” by Bob Myers on accidental bird species in Iowa.
David Edwards

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Ames, IA 50014

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