Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Ledges State Park

After two miserable days of cold and rainy weather with flash flood warnings across Eastern Iowa, I decided to make a run for Ledges State Park on Memorial Day to meet up with some friends and family I hadn't seen in some time. I anticipated another rainy day, but instead we were greeted by a beautiful, sunny day in central Iowa. We enjoyed a picnic lunch and a nice hike down to the flooded roadway.
When we got back, folks had to head home, but it was such a nice day, my mom and I decided to stay and try to hike further into the park from the other side. We were able to access areas in between the flooding via hiking trails along the sandstone cliffs.
We did some birding and found several snakes along the way.
Northern Water Snake
Overall, a very enjoyable way to spend the holiday.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ledges State Park (5/27/2013): 24 Bird Species, 6 Herp Species
Indigo Bunting
Scarlet Tanager
American Crow
House Wren
Chipping Sparrow
Downy Woodpecker
Common Yellowthroat
Northern Cardinal
Eastern Wood Pewee
Red-eyed Vireo
Turkey Vulture
Willow Flycatcher
Gray Catbird
Thrush sp.
Eastern Meadowlark
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
American Toad (seen/heard)
Blanchard's Cricket Frog (seen)
Eastern Gray Treefrog (heard)
Boreal Chorus Frog (heard)