Birds rule at annual historical society get-together

Jodi Ogden and master avian photographer Loren Burkhalter compare notes.

It may not seem like big news in the grand scheme of things, but there's been considerable excitement at Pin Oak Marsh this spring because the resident eagles finally produced an eaglet --- an annual challenge because this pair insists on starting to nest about a month too early and the Lucas County Conservation Board staff believe that's usually too cold for eggs to remain viable.

In another development, a Cinnamon Teal, rarely spotted this far east, was seen last week socializing with its blue-winged cousins on the lake at Red Haw. I was pleased to learn more about the heron rookery --- in the Chariton River Valley woods between the west marsh pond and Chariton Cemetery hill --- and to learn more about this winter's Iowa "irruption" of  snowy owls --- more frequently seen farther north.

Snowy owl (center)

These were just a couple of news items from the bird world --- with accompanying photography --- shared last evening by Jodi Ogden, county naturalist, during her program at Pin Oak Lodge during the annual meeting of the Lucas county Historical Society.

Lyle Asell

We had a great crowd, an interesting program and one of the most varied and best selection of pies ever --- served once the meeting was over in the Lodge dining room to all who came. So thanks to all who attended, to Jodi for the program (and to Lyle Asell, who provided some information on the upcoming September birding festival, this year "Birds, Bikes and Hikes"). And to all the historical society board members who baked and/or acquired pies for the occasion. And to Skylar Hobbs, conservation director, Jodi and Conservation Board members who do such a great job of conserving, sharing and promoting Lucas County's natural heritage.

If you're interested in keeping up with developments in the natural world that surrounds us, find and "like" the Lucas County Conservation Board's Facebook page, which is here.

And if your special interest is birding, remember that there now is a Lucas County Conservation Birders group that welcomes new participants. The next gathering will be at 7 a.m. this Saturday, April 21, on the Cinder Path to go in search of pileated woodpeckers. Meet at the point southwest of Chariton where the Cinder Path crosses 190th Avenue (take the Derby road west from Highway 14 to 190th, the turn north for about a mile).