Since the “March 31” sign up period has passed, just let me know if you
might be coming.

Jane Clark

 

From: Iowa Discussion, Alerts and Announcements
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jane Clark
Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2014 2:58 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Prairie Chicken Outing April 12

 

For those of you who would prefer a later viewing opportunity the following
Saturday (dusk rather than dawn):

 

Central Iowa Sierra Group Outing

SATURDAY, APRIL 12

Prairie Chicken Watching at Kellerton Grasslands

The colorful mating dance and booming calls of prairie chickens were once
common throughout Iowa prairies in the springtime, but now they are isolated
to a few areas in Southwest Iowa.  Experience this rare phenomenon at sunset
with an outing to the Kellerton Grasslands Bird Conservation Area.  Meet at
4:30 p.m. in the southeast corner of the Super Target parking lot, I-35 &
Mills Civic Pkwy., in West Des Moines, to travel approximately 1 ½ hours to
the viewing area.  We will be able to watch for prairie chickens for about
90 minutes before sunset.  Binoculars, spotting scopes, and/or cameras with
telephoto lenses and snacks/beverages suggested.  Wear clothing appropriate
to being outside as it begins to cool down at dusk.  Difficulty level: Easy
(minimal walking).  Contact Jane at [log in to unmask] or 223-5047 to sign
up.

 

From: Iowa Discussion, Alerts and Announcements
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Neila Seaman
Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2014 8:46 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: FW: Prairie Chicken Day

Prairie Chicken Day 

KELLERTON, Iowa - Annual Prairie Chicken Festival will be held at Grand
River Grasslands Bird Conservation Area on April 5. The site provides a
wildlife viewing platform two miles west and one mile south of Kellerton.  

Viewers should plan to arrive early as the best viewing occurs at dawn.. The
event will proceed until the birds diminish their courtship dancing and
booming, which is around 9:30 a.m. 

Prairie chickens were reintroduced to the area and each spring their
courtship dances occur where their booming calls resonate across southern
Iowa hills and valleys.  

“It is really quite a show and something that was lost to the Iowa landscape
during the 1950s,” said Pat Schlarbaum, wildlife diversity technician with
the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.   

Spotting scopes, binoculars, and plenty of coffee and light breakfast foods
will be available. Ringgold County Conservation Board director Kate
Zimmerman will be on site with partners from the Iowa DNR to share the
excitement of the return of these birds to the grasslands of Ringgold
County..  

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