Next IOU Meeting 

2010 IOU Fall Meeting
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, Jasper County
22 - 24 October 2010

The Iowa Ornithologists’ Union Fall Meeting will be held October 22 - 24, 2010 near Prairie City, Iowa. Our hosts for the meeting will be the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. All meeting activities will take place at the Prairie Learning Center on the refuge.  Be sure to plan some time to explore the exhibits and learn more about our state's natural heritage.  Lodging will be available a short drive to the west on four-lane highway 163 in Pleasant Hill.

Neal Smith NWR is comprised of several thousand acres of tallgrass prairie and oak savanna and provides a look at what Iowa was before settlers discovered the rich soil beneath.  Bison and Elk, both native to the area, have been reintroduced.  As some of the lands have been restored, birding has become more and more interesting.  Winter drives often find Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls cruising over the grasses.  The area has a remarkable population of Ring-necked Pheasants, never as evident as opening day of pheasant season when birding the area becomes a bit more difficult!  The oak savannas hold numerous woodland species and one never knows when a surprise may be lurking.   

In fall the grasslands harbor numerous sparrows and the area has become a regular stopover for Smith's Longspurs, a target for our weekend.  LeConte's Sparrow may be found as close as the Prairie Learning Center for those who prefer to stay near the action.

In addition to looking for the prairie species on the refuge, other field trips will be centered on Red Rock Reservoir.  October is the best time of year to find the rare Sabine's Gull on the reservoir and waterfowl numbers should begin to build.  One never knows what surprise is just around the corner at Red Rock in the fall.

Check back for more details as plans progress.

Lodging

Lodging options are 15 - 20 minutes from the refuge.  All offer a continental breakfast.  For those desiring a bigger breakfast, Hy-Vee and McDonald's are both located in Pleasant Hill just west of the Sleep Inn. For those planning a later birding excursion the Five & Diner (opens 7:00 am) is also just west of the motel on the north side of University.

Sleep Inn & Suites - $74.99 double or king until October 1st (mention you are with the Iowa Ornithologists' Union)
5850 Morning Star Court, Pleasant Hill
Highway 163 Exit of Hwy 65 Bypass
Phone: (515) 299-9922
http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-pleasant_hill-iowa-IA112

Comfort Inn
1402 N Walnut St, Colfax
Phone: (515) 674-4455
http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-colfax-iowa-IA095

Microtel Inn
11000 Federal Ave, Colfax
Phone: (515) 674-0600
http://www.microtelinn.com/MicrotelInn/control/home

Heartland Inn
300 34th Ave NW, Altoona
Phone: (515) 967-2400
http://www.heartlandinns.com/loc_Altoona.php