Even when you’re anticipating their arrival, wood ducks have a way of sneaking up on a guy.  Of course, there are those happy occasions when the two-syllable, screeching call of an incoming hen will provide a two second warning that woodies are on their way.  More often than not, however, you’ll remain completely clueless to
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Following months of searing summer drought, water is at a premium across much of Iowa.  Resident wildlife – especially those species depending on wetlands – face a daily array of new challenges and new dangers.  As wildlife continues to adjust to their ever-changing habitats, human observers may have the surprise opportunity to view some unique
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For most folks, the words ‘Snipe Hunt’ will bring to mind one of the world’s most famous practical jokes.  The joke takes place when a naive newcomer is taken to a spooky, nighttime marshland where he is handed a lantern and empty gunny sack.  The victim is then instructed to hold the glowing lantern in
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Despite widespread drought and receding water levels, Iowa waterfowl enthusiasts fared surprisingly well during this year’s special 16-day teal-only hunting season.  The season kick off was somewhat dampened, however, as blue-winged teal staged a mass migratory exodus from the state on the very night preceding the September 1st opener.  Although disappointing, Opening Day turnout remained
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Iowa’s 16-day special teal season is one of the favorite events on my annual outdoor calendar.  For me, the September 1st teal opener marks the literal kickoff for the fall hunting seasons.  Some of the features that make teal season “special” is that, during most years, there is lots of water supporting lots of ducks
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The fall bird migrations are one of the Iowa outdoors most amazing miracles.  Feathered travelers come in all shapes and sizes, but for many Iowa birding enthusiasts, few events are more anticipated than the autumn passage of the bird grouping known as wood warblers.  The migratory flights begin arriving in Iowa during August and reach
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To say that I’m not much of a techie would be something of an understatement.  I grew up in a world that is now mostly vanished.  When I began writing, high tech meant a good ink pen and a clean sheet of paper.  Wildlife photography consisted of scrolling an expensive roll of film into the
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The results of this year’s recently completed August roadside game surveys have been finalized.  According to DNR Upland Game Research Biologist, Todd Bogenschutz, the prospects are bright, and Iowans can look forward to exciting fall and winter hunting seasons during 2023. “Statewide pheasant counts increased by 15 percent over 2022, while counts for gray [Hungarian] partridge
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Iowa’s fall waterfowl seasons are coming up fast.  The first segment of this year’s duck season begins September 1st with a statewide 16-day teal hunt.  The early segment of the [North Zone] goose season commences September 23.  For many species of migratory waterfowl, Iowa marks the halfway point between spring nesting and southern wintering grounds.  When,
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Like many of you, I maintain backyard bird feeders.  Winter, spring, summer, or fall; observing backyard birdlife provides year-round entertainment.  Supplying a healthy variety of foods attracts a wide variety of species and a maximum number of visitors.  When it comes to backyard birding; ‘The more the Merrier’ is my motto. But there are some notable
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Celebrating the birth of our nation, the Fourth of July represents one of our country’s most significant holidays.  But once the parades, picnics, and fireworks have ended, summer seems to go fast.  Sometimes, it almost goes too fast when, although I know they’re coming, the opening of the fall hunting seasons takes me by surprise. 
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Of all the songbirds that grace the Iowa landscape each year, perhaps no species adds richer color or brings a cheerier song than the Baltimore oriole.  The oriole’s elegant black and orange plumage is stunning; it’s rich warbling song the musical equivalent of purest crystal.  Little wonder the species is regarded as one of our
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