Peregrine falcons at the State Capitol March 25
Des Moines - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Dallas County Conservation will host a peregrine falcon program on the east side of the State Capitol, in Des Moines, from 9-11 a.m., on March 25. The event is open to the public.
For more information, contact Pat Schlarbaum, wildlife diversity technician, 515-432-2823 ext. 104.
14th Annual Prairie Chicken Festival April 8
Kellerton, Iowa - The Grand River Grasslands Bird Conservation Area will be at center stage on April 8 for the 14th Annual Prairie Chicken Festival, originating from the viewing platform on 300th Avenue, southwest 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.
Spotting scopes, binoculars, cameras and phones will be trained on capturing the images and sounds of the unique mating ritual that is part dance, part combat, and part haunting symphony.
Iowa’s prairie chickens are only found in Ringgold County.
Osprey fest picnic May 20 at Quarry Springs in Colfax
Colfax, Iowa - Volunteers from 12 osprey release sites, their families and key partners from Minnesota and Wisconsin will be recognized during a picnic celebrating the return of the fish hawks to Iowa’s landscape at Quarry Springs Park, in Colfax on May 20. The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Yankton chief Golden Eagle Elk will be the keynote speaker.
There were 24 nesting pairs of ospreys reported in Iowa last year. Since 2015 two nesting pairs of ospreys have fished from Quarry Spring’s waters.
Attendees may purchase a pulled pork or vegetarian catered box lunch for $10 or bring their own picnic. To order lunch, contact Pat Schlarbaum at 515-432-2823 ext. 104.