Northern Mockingbird

This past weekend I was able to observe or Northern Mockingbird on the east side of Colesburg. This was a life bird for me, which means I had never seen it before. After several minuets of watching the bird and using my field guide I was able to i.d. it.  Northern Mockingbirds are not common in Northeast Iowa, their home range is further south and east. However, the birds are wanderer's and often can travel long distances looking for food. The bird may most be famous for its song, which can mimic dozens of other animals and human sounds. Mockingbirds are also known to sing at night. 

Cheers, to you finding a bird you've never seen!

Binoculars

Recently, through an Alpine Grant and various donations from residents and buisnesses in Elkader, we were able to purchase 20 pairs of Eagle Optics Binoculars to use for both school programs and public programs.  This has been a goal for over a year for me and I am very thankfull and excited to use them in the programs. We also purchased 10 Bird Field Guides so the children will be able to observe birds and identify them through use of field guides.  Introducing children to wildlife through up-close eyes is a great way to get them started on the life long path of observing and caring for the natural environment.  The best part is birds can be found anywhere outdoors, no matter if your watching through a bus window, a classroom window, or out on the playground, students can see something tangible  in nature and learn to identify/classify it.