Warm Weather Gives Opportunities To Enjoy Nature

This Cardinal was caught on camera when there was more white stuff on the ground.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – With the unusually warm weather, things usually reserved for spring and summer have worked their way back into Iowan’s lives for at least a few days.

Motorcycles, BBQ grills and walks along the many miles of Oskaloosa’s recreation trail have been highlights this month for residents.

As a person who loves to take pictures, it also presents an opportunity to observe nature and watch some birds, squirrels, and other animals not easily enjoyed at this time of the year.

Laura DeCook, Naturalist with Mahaska County Conservation, explained about the bird blind they have at Russell Wildlife and what types of birds you can observe there.

“The bird blind is located very close to the conservation center at Russell Wildlife Area. It is on the trail going south of the west parking lot. Take the first right and you will see a white building. There is seating inside the blind to view birds flying around and feeding at the feeders. Some birds we have seen at the blind include chickadees, nuthatches, cardinals, red-bellied woodpeckers, and more.”

“There will be a bird food giveaway on January 14 from 8-11 am. Every family can take up to 10 gallons of free cracked corn. I will also be taking people out to the blind on that day. Come on out!” DeCook said of the upcoming event at Russell Wildlife.

Something that most residents don’t know is that there is a large population of bald eagles in the county. Mahaska County is one of the most popular, in fact, in the state with the birds of prey, and their numbers are so strong that their current population in the county is greater than the number that remained when they went on the endangered species list.

“Across the state, the bald eagle population has increased over the years. The other day, while driving gravel roads along the Des Moines River, I easily saw a couple hundred eagles in trees, flying and sitting on ice on the river. What a site! Many birds have nested here and will stay. They should be around all winter as long as there is open water (and some carrion) to eat on. By the way, Bald Eagle Days at Red Rock are on January 21-22 this year. They have a lot of education seminars and eagle watching events.” DeCook said of the current population of eagles in the area.