Sunday, July 31, 2016

Saturday, July 30, 2016

July 29, 2016: Iowa's Conservationists


As part of the Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park Thursday night interpretive programs, Jim Pease led a walk to a few of the "Conservationist" rocks.  He discussed the contributions these individuals made to conservation in Iowa, United States, and the world.  (We are at the John Madson rock.) 7/28/16 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Thursday, July 28, 2016

July 28, 2016: Green Heron


An adult Green Heron has been present at the south lake's SW corner for several days, sometimes in the company of a Great Blue Heron.  This heron was once known as the Green-backed Heron (as evidenced by the green feathers on the back). 7/25/16 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

July 27, 2016: Widow Skimmer


Widow skimmer dragonfly along the upland trail. 7/18/16 (Paul Domoto)

July 26, 2016: Wild Bergamot


Right now, stands of Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) can be found along the lakes trails and elsewhere.  A member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), this species can flower from June through September. 7/17/16 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

July 25, 2016: 7/21 Prairie Plants Program


Deb Lewis, curator of the Ada Hayden Herbarium at ISU, gave a presentation on prairie plants and how some have adapted to hot conditions. 7/21/16 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

July 24, 2016: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar


This Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio gluacus) caterpillar is the first I have found of this species at the Park.  The adults have been present for a couple of months, but not in high numbers.  Actually, this year, I have found the fewest in many years. 7/17/16 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

July 23, 2016: Prairie Palette

7/16/16 (Kevin Kane)

July 22, 2016: Sunset on the Clouds


7/21/16 (Kelly Poole)

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

July 21, 2016: Gray-headed Coneflower


Another common plant at the Park is the Gray-headed Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata), a member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae). 7/17/16 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

July 20, 2016: Rays of Hope


While paddling my kayak on the Lake this evening, I got caught in the heavy rain during my swift paddle from the almost far end of the South Lake to the boat ramp in the North Lake, a long haul trying to keep ahead of the rain; and after take-out, I grabbed my camera and recorded these images of the storm clouds. Some rays of hope after the sudden and heavy downpour. 7/17/16 (R.J. Gardner)

July 19, 2016: Walking Along the Shore


7/3/16 (Kevin Kane)

Thursday, July 21, 2016

July 18, 2016: Canadian Milk Vetch


Clumps of Canadian Milk Vetch (Astragulus canadensis) are turning up in many areas of the Park.  This member of the legume family (Fabaceae) provides a nectar source to many bee species and is also a food source for some mammals (ie. White-tailed Deer & Eastern Cottontails). 7/18/16 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Summer 2016 Interpretive Program Schedule


Friends of Ada Hayden
Summer 2016 Interpretive Program Schedule
Programs start at 5:30p.m. at the North Shelter

 

Date
Presenter
Topic


07/14/16
Dr. Erv Klaas & Wolf Oesterreich
Odonate Walk (Dragonflies and Damselflies)

07/21/16
Deborah Lewis
Prairie Walk

07/28/16
Dr. Jim Pease
The People of the Stones at Ada Hayden

08/04/16
Dr. William Simpkins
(meet @southeast end at spillaway)
The Geological Story Behind Ames’ Water Supply

08/11/15
Dr. Allen Pattillo
The Problems with Invasive Carp Species

08/18/16
Jeff Kopaska
Ada Hayden Fishery

08/25/16
Dr. Donald Lewis
Insects and Pollinators’ of Ada Hayden and their Importance


09/01/16
Wolf Oesterreich
Bird Walk

09/08/16
Dr. Tim Stewart
Wetland Ecology

09/15/16
Deborah Lewis
Prairie Poetry (Prairie Heritage Week)

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

July 17, 2016: Dogbane Beetle


The Dogbane Beetle (Chrysochus auratus) is a small (8-11 mm), oblong beetle, that displays blue, gold, green, and coppery colors (iridescence).  This beetle feeds on milkweeds and dogbane (the plant this beetle is on).  7/6/16 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Monday, July 11, 2016

July 10, 2016: Robin in the Willows


This Robin perched itself on the willows on the south central sandbar on the south lake. 7/3/16 (Kevin Kane)

Saturday, July 9, 2016

July 7, 2016: Fishin' with Dad


Fishing and playing on the east shore of the north lake. 7/3/16 (Kevin Kane)

July 6, 2016: Red Milkweed Beetle


Red Milkweed Beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus) are host specific to milkweeds, especially the Common Milkweed.  Both the genus and species name mean "four eyes" and refer to the way the socket of the antenna divides each compound eye in two. 7/4/16 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

July 2, 2016: Sunset


This sunset photo comes from the Ada Hayden Park Facebook page, by Andrew Zalasky, 6/27/2016. Thanks for sharing Andrew!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ada-Hayden-Park/162929847065007
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10207663230553153&set=a.1600168838472.2082042.1063571511&type=3&theater

July 1, 2016: Wolf's June 2016 Wildlife Report


This Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis) was found on the outside wall of the SE restroom facility.  A member of the brushfoot family (Nymphalidae), this species feeds on sap, rotting fruit, carrion, and dung.  Various hackberries and sugarberries serve as caterpillar hosts. 6/22/16 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

A total of 70 avian species was recorded this month, ranking this month as the 9th lowest and also 10th highest June among 19 years of records.  June 2008, with 87 species, remains as the highest June, while June 2001, with 42 species, remains as the lowest.
Based on citations in the 3rd Edition of “The Birds of Story County, Iowa,” by Stephen J. Dinsmore and Hank Zaletel (2001), plus my personal updates to the records, the Least Flycatcher on the 6th may have set a new late Spring record (former set on 2 June 2008 at the Park) for Story County.

Listed below, following the species’ names, are the date(s) of sighting(s), plus the occasional miscellaneous information regarding numbers, gender (♂=male, ♀=female), age (im=immature, ju=juvenile, abp=adult breeding plumage, ad=adult, anb=adult non-breeding), color phase (b=blue, w=white), and location (BY=back yard).  The order follows the 55th Supplement (2014) to the American Ornithologists’ Union Check-list of North American Birds and the 14th Supplement to the 7th Edition (1998).

On the 7th, I wasn’t able to get out onto the trails as I spent all day working at one of Ames polling stations.  After completing just over 79 miles for the 3rd annual BACooN Ride (Raccoon River Valley Trail) on the 18th, I didn’t feel like riding anymore.  Plus, I had to get ready for the Repertory Theater of Iowa performance of “King Lear” at the Salisbury House in Des Moines.  A fantastic performance!  I rode down to Des Moines on the 25th to attend one of the art shows, so I didn’t ride the park trails.

AVIAN
     CANADA GOOSE: 1-17, 19-24, 26-30
     WOOD DUCK: 2-3 (2♂), 8 (4), 10 (3), 14 (5), 15 (8), 16-17 (3), 19 (2), 20 (5), 21 (2),
          22-24, 26-30
     MALLARD: 1-6, 8-17, 19-24, 26-30
     BLUE-WINGED TEAL: 15-16 (1♂)
     HOODED MERGANSER: 22-23 (1), 27 (1)
     RING-NECKED PHEASANT: 1-24, 26-30
     DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT: 6 (1), 8 (1), 17 (1)
     AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN: 5-6 (1)
     GREAT BLUE HERON: 1-2 (3), 3-4 (1), 5 (2), 6 (1), 8 (4), 9-10 (3), 11 (6), 12 (5),
          13 (4), 14 (2), 15 (4), 16 (6), 17 (4), 19-20 (2), 21 (4), 22-23 (5), 24 (2), 26 (2),
           27 (5), 28-29 (4), 30 (5)
     GREAT EGRET: 2 (1), 27-30 (1)
     GREEN HERON: 2 (1), 11 (1), 13 (1), 30 (1)
     TURKEY VULTURE: 1 (12), 2 (1), 3 (12), 4-5 (2), 6 (6), 8 (4), 9-10 (6), 11-12 (3),
           13 (5), 14 (4), 15 (3), 16 (1), 19 (4), 20 (3), 21 (6), 22-23 (3), 24-25 (2), 26 (1),
           29-30 (2)
     BALD EAGLE: 26 (1 ad)
     COOPER’S HAWK: 6 (1), 15 (1)
     RED-TAILED HAWK: 1 (2), 2-3 (1), 4-5, 6 (2), 8-9, 10-11 (1), 12 (2), 13 (1),
          14-16 (3), 17 (4), 20 (2), 21 (3), 22 (2), 23-24 (1), 26 (2), 27-28 (1), 29 (2)
     KILLDEER: 3 (1), 6 (1), 8 (1), 10 (2), 11 (1), 12 (3), 13 (2), 14 (9), 15 (17), 16 (23+),
          17 (31+), 19 (31+), 20 (65+), 21 (34+), 22 (30+), 23 (25+), 26 (53+), 27 (61+),
           28 (42+), 29 (35+), 30 (56+)
     SPOTTED SANDPIPER: 14-15 (1), 16 (2), 22 (1), 28 (2)
     FORSTER’S TERN: 11 (1)
     EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE: 1 (1), 4-5 (1), 6 (2), 8 (1), 13 (1), 15 (2), 16-19 (1),
          21-22 (1), 24 (1), 29 (1)
     MOURNING DOVE: 1-30
     YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO: 1 (1), 2 (2), 4 (2), 6 (1), 8-9 (1), 11-13 (1), 15-16 (1),
          20-24 (1), 26 (1), 29 (1)
     CHIMNEY SWIFT: 10 (1), 17 (1), 29 (1)
     RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD: 11 (1), 26 (1♀), 28 (1)
     BELTED KINGFISHER: 1-2 (1), 8 (1♀), 13-14 (1), 19 (1)
     RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER: 1-2, 6, 17, 22
     DOWNY WOODPECKER: 2, 4, 8-9, 13, 15, 22-24, 28-29
     NORTHERN FLICKER (Yellow-shafted): 3 (1), 11-13 (1), 15-17 (1), 19 (2), 24 (1),
          26 (1), 28-29 (2), 30 (1)
     EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE: 27 (1)
     LEAST FLYCATCHER: 6 (1)
     EASTERN PHOEBE: 11 (1), 15-16 (1)
     EASTERN KINGBIRD: 1 (3), 2-3 (1), 4 (3), 5-6 (1), 8 (2), 9 (4), 10 (2), 11 (3),
          12-13 (2), 14 (1), 15-16 (3), 17 (2), 19 (1), 20 (2), 21 (3), 22 (2), 23 (3), 24 (1),
          26 (2), 27 (1), 28 (3), 29 (4), 30 (5)
     BELL’S VIREO: 24 (1)
     YELLOW-THROATED VIREO: 12 (1)
     WARBLING VIREO: 1-6, 8-17, 19-24, 26-30
     RED-EYED VIREO: 11 (1)
     BLUE JAY: 2, 6, 11-13, 15, 19-20, 23-24
     AMERICAN CROW: 3-6, 8-22, 24, 28-30
     PURPLE MARTIN: 1-6, 8-17, 19-30
     TREE SWALLOW: 1-6, 8-17, 19-24, 26-30
     NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW: 11 (1), 16 (1), 19 (1), 26 (2)
     CLIFF SWALLOW: 22-23 (1), 26, 29
     BARN SWALLOW: 1-6, 8-17, 19-30
     BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE: 2-4, 6, 8-10, 13-14, 16, 18-24, 26-30
     WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH: 12-13, 17, 19, 24
     HOUSE WREN: 1-30
     SEDGE WREN: 28 (1)
     EASTERN BLUEBIRD: 1 (1♂), 6 (1♂), 8, 17 (1♂), 21 (1), 28 (2), 30 (1)
     AMERICAN ROBIN: 1-30
     GRAY CATBIRD: 1-2, 6, 8-17, 19-25, 27-30
     BROWN THRASHER: 11 (1)
     EUROPEAN STARLING: 1-3, 6, 10, 14, 23, 30
     CEDAR WAXWING: 3 (2), 5 (1), 10 (5), 11-12 (1), 17 (1), 19 (1), 29 (5)
     COMMON YELLOWTHROAT: 1-6, 8-17, 19-24, 26-30
     YELLOW WARBLER: 2 (1), 9 (1), 11 (1)
     CHIPPING SPARROW: 1-7, 10-13, 19-21, 26-30
     FIELD SPARROW: 9 (1), 11-12 (1), 16-17 (1), 23 (1), 28 (1), 30 (1)
     SONG SPARROW: 1-6, 8-17, 19-24, 26-30
     NORTHERN CARDINAL: 1-30
     ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK: 12, 19
     INDIGO BUNTING: 1-3, 5 (1♂ + 1♀), 8 (1♂), 10-15, 17, 19-22, 24, 26-27, 30
     DICKCISSEL: 1 (4), 2-6, 8-17, 19-24, 26-30
     RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD: 1-6, 8-17, 19-24, 26-30
     EASTERN MEADOWLARK: 27 (1)
     COMMON GRACKLE: 1-6, 8-24, 26-30
     BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD: 2, 6, 8-12, 14-17, 19, 22-24, 26-30
     ORCHARD ORIOLE: 19 (1♂)
     BALTIMORE ORIOLE: 1-6, 8-17, 19-24, 26-30
     HOUSE FINCH: 1-24, 26-30
     AMERICAN GOLDFINCH: 1-6, 8-17, 19-24, 26-30
     HOUSE SPARROW: 1-6, 8-24, 26-30
    
MAMMALIAN
     WHITE-TAILED DEER: 10-11 (1), 13 (1 + 1♀ w/2 fawns), 14 (1 fawn), 15 (1),
          22 (1 fawn), 24 (1), 27 (1 w/1 fawn), 28-29 (1)
     FOX SQUIRREL: 15, 21, 26
     THIRTEEN-LINED GROUND SQUIRREL: 21 (1)
     EASTERN CHIPMUNK: 12, 14, 18, 22
     MUSKRAT: 11 (1)
     EASTERN COTTONTAIL: 1-6, 8-17, 20-24, 26-29

REPTILIAN
     NORTHERN PAINTED TURTLE: 1-6, 8-17, 19-24, 26-30
     RED-EARED SLIDER: 10 (1), 12 (1), 19 (1)
     SPINY SOFTSHELL TURTLE: 9 (2), 10 (1), 14 (1), 19 (1), 29 (1)

AMPHIBIAN
     AMERICAN TOAD: 3, 13, 19, 23, 26
     BLANCHARD’S CRICKET FROG: 1-6, 8-9, 11-17, 19-23, 27, 29
     EASTERN GRAY TREE FROG: 8
     AMERICAN BULLFROG: 2-6, 8-17, 19-24, 26-30
     NORTHERN LEOPARD FROG: 6 (1), 12-13, 16, 23-24, 27-30

LEPIDOPTERA
     BLACK SWALLOWTAIL: 5 (1), 12-13 (1), 14 (2), 16 (3), 17, 19-24, 26-30
     CABBAGE WHITE: 1-6, 8-17, 19-24, 26-30
     ORANGE SULPHUR: 1, 3-5, 8-17, 19-24, 26-30
     GRAY COPPER: 20 (1♀), 22-23, 27-29
     EASTERN TAILED-BLUE: 12, 14, 16-24, 26
     SUMMER AZURE: 3-6, 8-11, 13-16
     GREAT SPANGLED FRITILLARY: 24 (2), 26 (1)
     QUESTION MARK: 13, 15
     EASTERN COMMA: 24 (1)
     SILVERY CHECKERSPOT: 21, 27
     PEARL CRESCENT: 19 (1), 20-24, 26-30
     MOURNING CLOAK: 1 (1), 6 (1), 9-10 (1)
     PAINTED LADY: 6, 12-13
     RED ADMIRAL: 2, 8-17, 19-22, 24, 29
     COMMON BUCKEYE: 4, 9-12, 14-17, 19-20, 22, 24, 26, 29-30
     RED-SPOTTED PURPLE: 5-6 (1), 10 (1), 24
     VICEROY: 2 (4), 3-5 (1), 8-9 (1), 10, 11 (1), 12 (2), 13-15, 17, 19, 21-22, 24, 26-29
     HACKBERRY EMPEROR: 22 (1)
Despite the numerous milkweeds, Monarchs have been few in numbers.
     MONARCH: 1 (2), 3 (1), 5 (1), 6 (3), 11-12 (1), 13 (3), 14 (2), 15 (1), 16 (3), 19 (1),
          21-22 (1), 27 (1)
     COMMON CHECKERED-SKIPPER: 17 (1)
     LEAST SKIPPER: 3, 5-6, 8-17, 19-21
     FIERY SKIPPER: 29 (1), 30
     GRAPE PLUME MOTH: 17 (1)
     REVERSED HAPLOA: 22 (1)

ODONATA
     EBONY JEWELWING: 12 (1), 17 (1)
     BLUE-FRONTED DANCER: 5-6, 8-17, 19-24, 26-30
     POWDERED DANCER: 11 (1), 12, 14-17, 19-23, 26-30
     RAINBOW BLUET: 9, 17, 19-23
     AZURE BLUET: 12-13, 16, 17 (1), 19 (4), 20 (6), 21-23 (3), 24 (1), 26 (5), 27 (1),
          28 (5)
     TULE BLUET: 8, 20-21
     FAMILIAR BLUET: 2, 6, 9, 12-17, 19-24, 26-30
     STREAM BLUET: 4-6, 9-17, 19-20, 23-24, 26, 28-30
     ORANGE BLUET: 10 (1), 14-15, 20, 23
     FRAGILE FORKTAIL: 17
     EASTERN FORKTAIL: 1-6, 8-17, 19-24, 26-30
     COMMON GREEN DARNER: 1-6, 8-17, 19-24, 26-29
     JADE CLUBTAIL: 16-17 (1), 19 (1), 20 (2), 21-22 (3), 23 (1), 24 (2), 26 (2)
     MIDLAND CLUBTAIL: 8
     Clubtail sp.: 8
     COMMON BASKETTAIL: 1-6, 8-9, 11, 14, 20-21, 23-24, 26
     PRINCE BASKETTAIL: 6, 12-14, 16-17, 20-22, 24, 26, 28-30
     HALLOWEEN PENNANT: 24, 27
     EASTERN PONDHAWK: 3 (1♀), 4-5 (2♀), 8-9 (1♀), 10 (2♀), 11-12, 14, 17, 19-21,
          23-24, 26-28, 30
     WIDOW SKIMMER: 11 (1♀), 12-17, 19-24, 26-30
     COMMON WHITETAIL: 1-6, 8-17, 19-24, 26-30
     TWELVE-SPOTTED SKIMMER: 1, 3-6, 8-17, 19-24, 26-29
     BLUE DASHER: 9-10, 12-17, 19-24, 26-30
     WANDERING GLIDER: 19, 24, 26-27, 30
     EASTERN AMBERWING: 8, 14-17, 19-24, 26-30
     Meadowhawk sp.: 27 (1)
     BLACK SADDLEBAGS: 1-6, 9-17, 19-24, 26-30
     RED SADDLEBAGS: 1, 11-12, 19-20, 22, 24, 28

ORTHOPTERA
     CAROLINA GRASSHOPPER: 29
Wolf. Oesterreich