The Iowa Ornithologists' Union celebrated 100 years at the beautiful Stine Barn in West Des Moines the weekend of May 5-7, 2023. Over 130 people attended, including approximately 30 first time attendees. Special thanks for those that made this event possible: Dennis and Cecille Thompson, Ann Johnson, Paul Roisen, Ted Floyd, and all the membership.
Friday night’s registration and social gathering was well attended (actually had to ask people to leave so the venue could close for the evening). Old friends were greeted and new friends were made. Many had the chance to order their special edition anniversary t-shirt by using the QR code on each table. If you missed it, they are available through Raygun.
The field trips were well planned by John Bissell. Field trip leaders: Sharon Bauer, Ray Cummins, Dr. Stephen Dinsmore, Ted Floyd, Ulrike Grimaldi, Karen and Stuart Sparkman, Tyler Harms, Eric Ollie, and Dennis Thompson.
Saturday afternoon speakers were excellent!
Thanks to Todd Burris and Matthew Card on the talk “Creating a Bird Friendly Yard”. They provided examples of creating habitat and providing food, shelter, water, and nesting sites for different species. They also delved into human assistance in providing these things with some best practices and how to know what you’re purchasing and not waste your money on cheap bird seed.
“Introduction to Bird Topography” by Dr. Stephen Dinsmore was for some "a head scratcher" but also provided excellent motivation for more detailed observation. We learned that describing the details of head pattern and bill shape may be much more useful than even knowing the color of the bird.
Dr. James Dinsmore gave a very insightful talk on “100 Years of the IOU”. There were many changes over the first 100 years, but the rate of change since our 75th anniversary has been astounding. The electronic revolution has advanced things in so many ways. This was a theme that would be repeated later in the evening.
The business meeting concluded with the elections of new officers and board members: Welcome President Tyler Harms, Vice President Kevin Murphy, and board members Diane Crookham-Johnson and Eric Ollie.
The keynote program was by Ted Floyd on "Reflections on a century of field ornithology-and a glimpse at the next 100 years". Ted reflected on field ornithology in the 20th and 21st century and how field ornithology was forever changed with the publication of Roger Tory Peterson’s first “Field Guide to the Birds”. New identification techniques brought about the ability to do major projects like a Breeding Bird Atlas and seasonal reports. The invention of the iPhone may well rank in history with the invention of the printing press. Birders can now call up Birdcast from a computer in the palm of their hand and immediately adjust expectations for a day in the field. Mobile field guides and data and sound applications provide immediate feedback. And it’s not just birds – the same holds true for many different organisms which birders also find interesting. The following slides from Ted’s presentation illustrate the past and the present/future.
The weather was not the best for birders but the birds didn’t seem to mind. At the compilation and good-byes the group had tallied 160 species. Highlights: Snowy Plover, Blue Grosbeak, Little Blue Heron, Gray Partridge, White Faced Ibis, Scarlet and Summer Tanagers. Total of 20 species of Parulidae.
Thank you to Stine Barn for making this truly special 100th Anniversary.